Page 86 of Death and Desire

Violet chuckled in response.And he has no idea.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Violet looked at thestalwart presence beside her. Khalid remained impassive as he listened to David and Isaac’s chatter. Dina excused herself shortly after David announced his plans to remain in Egypt. There was certainly something between the two of them, but Violet’s questions would have to wait. They had time.

Come, little flower. There is someone who wishes to meet you.Khalid’s deep voice echoed in her mind with seductive promise.

When Violet stood, both David and Isaac went silent and stared at her.

“You truly love him?” Isaac asked, rising to his feet.

“I do.” Violet took Khalid’s hand.

“I don’t mean anything by it, but it’s all so sudden.” He glanced at his friend for support.

David rubbed the stubble on his jaw. “Let her decide what she wants for once.”

“Thank you, David.” She rested a hand on his arm. “I shall return later.”

Isaac reached down and scooped the cat into his arms. “Did you hear that? She no longer needs us.”

Violet stifled a laugh when the cat looked between them and sneezed.

Khalid tugged her hand, pulling her close to him, then whispered for her alone, “Come along before she makes a scene.”

She followed willingly. When they reached the small garden alcove, he drew her into his embrace. His spicy scent made her sway deeper into his heat. A curl of black smoke entwined them, drawing them together until she saw nothing but the brilliant gold of his eyes shining in the darkness.

Violet clung to him, and his grip on her hips tightened. In the darkness, she felt his shift from human to god. The lengthening of his limbs, his expanding height, the widening width of his shoulders. Gold armor formed over the linen he wore. Long, clawed fingers pressed the small of her back. A low growl wrapped around them.

When the smoke cleared, she beheld him in his true form, and an ember of adoration flared to life inside her.

“You prefer the other form?”

“I preferyou.” Violet traced the soft skin of his muzzle. His eyes drifted closed at her gentle caress.

She nearly drowned in the emotions rushing through her. Pride, love, need...she gasped when he growled low in his throat. Not a threat, a rumble of contentment. How could she live knowing he existed, that helovedher and not return the sentiment tenfold?

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