Page 60 of Death and Desire

“Your father would have had our hides if we lost you again.” David shoved his hands deeper in his pockets, looking browbeaten and exhausted.

“I turned around, and you were gone.” Dina’s eyes shone with unshed tears. “We searched everywhere for you.”

“It—it’s a long story.” Violet swayed in her brother’s hold, slowly backing from his embrace.

Disappointment filled her, but the thought of venturing away from the safety of the hotel and her family left her trembling. Khalid stood behind her, a pillar of strength. She needed to return to the hotel, to a familiar place. Only then could she organize her thoughts and find answers to her questions.

Violet grasped her brother’s hand. “Promise you won’t tell Father.”

“Vi, you—”

“Promise me.” She held his gaze until he blinked and sighed in defeat.

“Fine.”

“Come then.” Dina took her hand. “Let’s have a lovely tea with decadent almond and apricot cakes.”

“Or a gin cocktail,” Violet said, still feeling unsteady as Dina led her from the shop.

Only when they climbed into the car and it roared to life did Violet realize Khalid was not with them. She frowned, staring out the window. Thoughts of the encounter in the dusty chamber resurfaced.

James claimed she held something valuable, something Seth wanted. But she had nothing. No treasure. No power.

Seth didn’t appear until Anubis came to her defense. What did he mean when he saidThe bond between you is stronger than I anticipated? How could he possibly know about it? No one knew of it. Hell, evenshedidn’t understand it.

But she craved it. Cravedhim.

Seth’s statement burrowed into her thoughts, uprooting everything into chaos. She would not rest until she knew the meaning.You cannot protect your heart indefinitely.Was he talking abouther?

Anubis, she whispered in her mind.We need to talk.

Chapter Sixteen

After they returnedto the hotel, Violet refused to be left alone in her room. She craved connection with her companions as well as their distraction. But after the four of them found a quiet table on the patio and indulged in several drinks, they were plunged into tense silence. Isaac scowled into his cup. David’s curious gaze continually passed over her, but he spoke not a word. Dina attempted to fill the void, drawing Violet into conversation about music and dancing.

Dina told them of a club not far from the hotel, where they played the best music with a dance floor to rival the grand ballroom at Buckingham Palace. Violet longed to lose herself in music and dancing. Anything to purge the events of the afternoon from her mind.

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