Page 83 of Death and Desire

“It is not as complicated as you think.” He nodded. “So long as we remain in Egypt, I can protect you, but my power does not extend beyond the ancient borders.”

“I can never return to England...” Violet’s heart seized. “Once Seth realizes the truth of the jewel, he will retaliate.”

Khalid snarled, baring his teeth, and a growl rolled deep in his throat. “If he dares touch you, I will tear him into a hundred pieces, then scatter them to the corners of the earth.”

Violet shivered at the violent image, but his promise of retribution gave her an odd sort of comfort. She touched his cheek, and his hard expression softened.

“Should he return, I will bring the council upon him. Once they understand your place by my side, he will have no recourse but to surrender.” Khalid kissed the top of her head. “You will be safe. That is my vow.”

Wrapping her arms around his waist, she clung to him and his promise.

“You will always be free to visit your family in England, my flower, but I will not be able to join you.”

Tears pricked her eyes. She longed to show him the wildflower fields outside her childhood home, and the estate where she grew up. Violet wished to show him the wonders that lay beyond the boundaries of Egypt, the world beyond.

A lump formed in her throat as he held her.

“Come, your father and brother await our presence. I have no wish to prolong the inevitable.” He stepped back, but his grip remained firmly on her arms. “I cannot say whether your father will be pleased by this outcome.”

“You did save my life on multiple occasions. That endears you to him.” Violet grinned, tapping her jaw with a finger. “But it was your fault I was even in those positions in the first place.”

“I doubt you need to revealeverything,” Khalid grumbled.

“Are you asking me tolieto my father?” Violet feigned shock, pressing a hand to her chest and gasping.

“I would never ask you to do something that went against your nature.”

He smirked when she nudged him playfully.

“Cheeky.” Violet beamed at him and took his hand. “Now come with me.”

She had no idea what her father would say to her whirlwind romance with a handsome Egyptian, but she knew he would never believe her if she revealed she had, in fact, fallen in love with Anubis, god of the dead, and intended to remain by his side in Egypt for all eternity.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Khalid lifted her handand pressed his lips to her knuckles, his grip strong and warm. “As you desire, my lovely flower.”

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