Page 45 of Death and Desire

“You saved me. Again.”

Khalid’s dark eyes met hers, flashing gold in a narrow shaft of sunlight. “Did you think I would abandon you?”

“Well...no...I mean, I hoped...but after...” She sighed, unable to form words into a coherent explanation. She remembered how she’d treated him, her anger at his invasion of her mind, her personal sphere. And yet, somehow, she’d known he wouldn’t be far out of reach should she need him. How could she show gratitude without looking foolish? Thankfully, he saved her the effort.

“Come then.” He extended his hand toward the mouth of the alley. “Let us return to your friends.”

She stepped over the defeated thieves and past Khalid. His scent, warm and inviting, threaded with spice, wafted around her. He wore the dark suit he favored in this form. Anyone passing him on the street would see a protector, a man not to be trifled with. But now, in the light of day, after everything he’ revealed, it was difficult not to see the powerful immortal beneath the human facade.

Violet quickened her pace as he fell into step behind her. Her skin prickled with awareness of his presence. Every breath caught in her chest as they wove through the maze of buildings.

Finally, she stopped.

He came alongside her. “Is something wrong?”

She studied his face, searching for a trace of condescension for her reckless behavior, but he remained neutral, as if carved from stone.

Violet frowned.

“Perhaps you should lead the way,” she said, pushing aside her nagging questions. “I lose all sense of direction here.”

Khalid inclined his head and took the lead.

Speak your mind.The soothing cadence of his voice filled the overflowing cavern of her mind.

Violet huffed.I told you not to read my thoughts.

I do not have to read your thoughts to know what plagues them.

With a scoff, she crossed her arms and scowled at his broad back. He turned to the left, leading her down a vaguely familiar street. The lively sounds of conversation and laughter drifted through the air, growing louder with each step. The bazaar was just ahead.

Before they reached the market, Khalid stopped, blocking her path. Slowly, he turned.

Biting her lip, she stifled the words rising to her lips, his intimidating gaze pinning her in place.

“While you are in Egypt, you are under my protection. No harm will come to you. This is my vow.” His eyes darkened. “But from this point forward, I will not allow you to place yourself in danger.”

Fury replaced the conflicting emotions curling in her chest. Part of her wanted to push back, tell him she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but it was obviously a lie considering the events of the past thirty minutes. She snapped her mouth closed and glared at him, carefully choosing a defense. Nothing came.

Hewas her defense. Her protector. As much as it pained her to admit it, she could embrace his aid or she could fight it. Both would prove a struggle, but which would grant her the most freedom?

“Must everything be a demand from you?” she asked, shifting the topic from her behavior to his.

“Must you fight me every step of the way?”

Toe to toe, each held their ground, locked in thick tension, a battle of wills.

Inhaling a deep breath, Violet wrangled her composure. “If we are to continue in this manner, I propose an accord.”

Khalid straightened, folding his arms across his chest. “Your terms?”

“Askme. Do not demand. I’m not a disobedient child to be chided or a dog to be led on a leash.”

The corner of his mouth twitched. “Very well.”

“I will allow your companyifyou promise not to enter my mind without permission.”

“A reasonable request.” He nodded. “If you wish to converse in that manner, say my name...my true name.”

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