Page 49 of Death and Desire

“I merely speak the truth.”

Violet sipped her wine, unable to find a suitable response. Her gaze fell on Khalid, who watched the exchange between them without pretense. He inclined his head a fraction before taking a drink of wine.

A soft wave of peace drifted over her, as gentle as a caress of silk over bare skin. It warmed her, soothing her unease. She sighed when it retreated, leaving her bereft. What in the devil?

Her eyes narrowed on Khalid, but his stoic expression betrayed nothing.

Anubis,she whispered his true name deep in her thoughts, inviting him in once more.

The gentle caress returned, offering the respite she often felt with the strange invasion.

What are you doing?she asked him through the bond.

You seemed distraught. I merely sought to ease the tension.His fathomless eyes glittered in the dim light.

So you seek to manipulate my emotions as well as my thoughts?She scoffed, earning a curious glance from James.

You requested I remain out of your mind.

Which includes trying to soothe me with some sort of mystical power without my consent.

His soft laugh echoed in her mind.Would you rather be uncomfortable through the entirety of the meal?

Violet couldn’t deny the welcome reprieve his strange power gave her. She sighed before taking a bite of decadent cake. It wasn’t as though he were bringing her harm by using them. Although she imagined with such an ability, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume he could harm with little effort.

Such a curious mind you have.Anubis’s observation derailed her thoughts.

Out of my head, Anubis.

But you invited me.

She glowered at him across the table.And again, I’m rescinding the invitation.

With a solemn nod, Khalid broke contact, his gaze slipping to her father, who remained engaged in a discussion with the other guests.

Deep in Violet’s soul, the tether between them loosened and the bond went silent.

She frowned as disappointment filled her. The invasive action should have left her bristling with indignation, and yet...she missed it. When he’d first used the ability, it left her disoriented, as though her mind had been ripped open and laid bare, spilling her secrets and desires for the world to see.

A slow realization came over her—it was bared to no one but him. Anubis, god of the dead, who could probably read her like a book without stepping into her thoughts. But with all his power, his abilities, he respected her enough to obey her command.

The rest of the dinner passed in a blur. When Violet finally found the opportunity to excuse herself, the men were all too distracted with their animated discussion to notice her departure.

She slipped away from the table as her father asked James his opinion on the recently repealed prohibition law in the United States. James’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he relented and turned back to his conversation with an articulate response. One she paid little attention to as she found the exit to the gardens.

The stifling warmth of the room where they’d dined had been thick with the scent of aftershave and cigars, and stepping into the moonlit garden, she inhaled deeply to cleanse her lungs. Violet was accustomed to spending extended periods of time in the company of men. Her father. Her brother. David. The vast circles of business associates who visited their estate and dined with them on a regular basis. Their tastes were predictable...and quite dull.

Violet followed the path, a string of lights illuminating it with a golden glow in the darkness. She passed several people in the quiet areas. Most of the hotel guests were out on the town, taking in the sights and visiting clubs. Cairo boasted a vivacious night life, one Violet wished to see, but she knew her father’s wishes. Defying them in moderation proved easy enough. If she truly longed to indulge, all she had to do was convince her brother to join her. Or Khalid.

As she rounded a corner, she glimpsed Khalid over her shoulder, her ever-present shadow. Heat rose to her cheeks at the memory of earlier, the three thieves in the marketplace. How quickly he’d come to her aid with a single thought. There was no reason for him to follow her so closely, for him to remain in her presence. Not when she knew who...whathe was.

Anubis, is it necessary for you to follow me?

No.

Pleasure filled her at the sound of his voice. Why was it such comfort? She pushed the nagging feeling aside before stopping in the center of the path and turning to him. He came to a halt before her.

She angled her head to meet his eyes. “Yet you persist?”

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