Page 65 of Death and Desire

“Did you see that?” Violet asked, sipping her drink. Citrus tickled her tongue, but gin warmed her through.

“See what?” Dina tasted her beverage.

“The dancer.”

“Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you about Iris. She’s a famous belly dancer and frequents Club Cairo.” Dina smiled. “She’s delightful. Makes me wish I had taken belly dancing lessons, but my father forbade it.”

“Did he view it as too revealing?”

“I guess.” Dina shrugged. “It can be quite erotic, but it takes such control and concentration over one’s body. Done well, it’s as challenging and rewarding as any other dance.”

“It’s lovely.” Violet took another sip. “I find it fascinating. Will she dance again this evening?”

“Probably.” Dina searched the crowd as they spoke. “You should take to the dance floor. There are dozens of handsome, single men here.” She winked.

“I’m not sure I want that kind of attention. Not after—”

“I’m not saying you have tomarryone of them.” Dina elbowed her playfully. “But you should let your hair down, enjoy this moment of freedom.”

“I don’t know. What if he ends up being a scoundrel?”

“It’s a dance, darling.” Dina laughed. “You can cast him aside if he misbehaves.”

“What if—?”

“What about that one?” Dina asked, pointing to a handsome gentleman with dark blond hair, wearing a navy blue suit and standing near the bar.

Violet cringed at the sight of him. He resembled James far too much for her comfort. She shook her head.

“I forgot, you prefer dark and brooding.” Dina drew her lip between her teeth and scanned the crowd. “Him.” She pointed to a tall man with dark hair.

Frowning, Violet strained to see his face. He turned, casting his gaze in their direction. His green eyes fixed on hers. A smile curved the corner of his lip, and he raised his glass in acknowledgment.

Her face warmed as she returned the smile. He was handsome, to be sure, with sharp cheekbones and kind eyes. He resembled Khalid in build and height, and there was an ease about him as he strode toward her, a confidence that built with each step.

“Good evening, ladies.” He inclined his head. The tenor of his voice soothed her.

“Good evening,” Dina said. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to fetch something. I’ll return in a moment.”

Violet stared in horror as her friend abandoned her to the company of this handsome stranger. Once Dina disappeared into the crowd, Violet turned back to the gentleman.

“Would you care to dance?” he asked, setting his empty glass aside and offering his hand.

She finished her drink and placed her glass on the table. “I’d be delighted.”

When she placed her hand in his, her stomach twisted with butterflies. He led her to the dance floor, the crowd parting to accommodate them. He placed one hand on her waist, and she placed hers on his shoulder. Then he moved, easing her into the dance.

The slow song lulled her as his gentle sway pulled her into the moment. Violet tipped her head back to meet his gaze.

His resemblance to Khalid stunned her. Yet he was not Khalid. No one was.

“Is this your first time in Cairo?” he asked, drawing her closer.

“Yes.” She licked her lips, wondering if the liquor had been too strong. Her head spun, light and dizzy. Perhaps it was his presence, his similarity to Khalid...

No, she would not think of him tonight. Or any night.

“English?” He drawled, searching her face as he moved her gracefully in a turn.

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