Page 66 of Death and Desire

“Is it that obvious?” She laughed, feeling lighter than she had in ages.

He joined her with a small chuckle. “Not really, but your accent gave it away.”

“Are you from Cairo?” Violet asked, her curiosity burning.

“No. I’m from a small province in the south.”

“Oh, what brings you to Cairo?”

“Visiting a friend,” he replied simply. “And you?”

“My father is here on business. I convinced him to let me join him.”

“How delightful.” His fingers tightened on her waist as they moved across the dance floor. “And how are you finding your visit?”

“Lovely,” Violet lied, averting her gaze to the band beyond his shoulder. She blinked before meeting his eyes with a forced smile. “What do you do? If I may ask?”

“I specialize in antiquities.” His attention dropped to her mouth before he smiled again. “I’m a curator for a private museum.”

“How fascinating.” Violet smoothed her hand over his shoulder. “What type of antiquities are your specialty?”

“Ancient Egyptian artifacts, mostly, but I dabble in Roman and Greek art.”

“Do you study the ancient cultures of these regions?” Her interest was piqued with every response.

“I do. Quite extensively. I have studied ancient civilizations my whole life.” He spun her before the music came to an end.

As they came to a stop, Violet pressed a hand over her heart and fanned her face. Handsome and well-educated, he was a fine specimen. Perhaps thiscouldbe more than a dance.

“You look quite flushed. Shall we get some air?” He offered his arm. “I know a quiet spot.”

She placed her hand on his arm and nodded. “That sounds lovely.”

Violet wasn’t a woman prone to carelessness or impulsivity when it came to men, but this trip seemed to prove evidence to the contrary. She followed where he led. Only then did she realize she didn’t catch his name.

“I’m Violet,” she offered, by way of introduction.

He paused at the edge of the crowd and took her hand. “Aziz.”

When he pressed his lips to the back of her hand, she nearly combusted. The warmth of his lips burned her, igniting a flame in the pit of her stomach. She met his brown...no,greeneyes. With a laugh, she shook her head and turned away, feigning embarrassment.

He is not Khalid,she reprimanded herself before clearing her throat.

Aziz studied her curiously for a moment. “Come. There is a small garden just through here.” He gestured to a thick, velvet curtain.

When he drew back the fabric, Violet gasped. A garden, much like the one at the hotel, lay beyond it. The terrace spilled into wandering pathways of green, flowering hedges, and tall palm trees. Moonlight cast a glow across the setting, enhancing the lamplit paths.

She breathed deeply, enjoying the fresh night air.

He took her by the elbow and led her to a small, secluded cove at the side of the terrace. In the distance, she saw the Nile glittering beneath the moonlight.

“It’s lovely.” Violet sighed, leaning on the marble balustrade.

“Yes, you are.”

Violet turned to face him, noting the way the dim light cast his face in shadow. If she didn’t know better, she could have believed it was Khalid standing with her in the moonlight. Her heart sank at the thought. He betrayed her with his lies. If only he’d told her the truth from the beginning.

Would you have believed him?

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