Page 85 of Death and Desire

Her father’s cheeks pinkened at his final statement. “Well...then,” he said, clearing his throat. “Isaac, what do you have to say about this?”

Violet’s brother nearly choked on his tea. “Me?” he sputtered. “I...”

A familiar black cat leapt into his lap. He absently stroked the animal’s silky fur and admired her for a distracted moment. “I believe I may also remain in Egypt a while, see what opportunities await.”

Khalid and Violet shared a lingering look of amusement. Poor Isaac had no idea the cat in his lap was really Bast, an ancient Egyptian goddess. She would certainly use him to her advantage if the situation called for it. But why had she chosen him, of all people, to lavish with her attention?

“It seems both my children are deserting me.” Their father harrumphed, leaning back in his chair, but a smile lingered on his lips. He looked almost pleased, positively glowing with pride. “Very well. If that is your desire, I shall not stand in your way.”

“Really?” Isaac asked, his eyes wide as he continued to pet the cat in his lap.

“Do not give me reason to regret this.” Templeton rubbed the furrowed crease between his brows. “Where the devil is David?”

Violet shook her head, uncertain. Isaac however, blushed, and hid his face by turning to the goddess in his lap, disguised as an innocuous feline.

Before she could voice the question lingering on her tongue, a commotion rustled behind her. David, followed by Dina, burst through the door, weaving around tables, each completely ignoring the other.

“Did I miss anything?” David asked, breathless, as he reached the table.

Templeton wiped his mouth with the edge of a napkin but said nothing.

Isaac grinned. “Vi and Khalid are a couple, and she’s staying in Egypt. Oh, and I’m staying too.”

David came to a halt, blinking at the deluge of information. “You’re what?”

“We’re staying here.” Isaac gestured to himself and Violet.

Dina peered around David. “You’re what?”

“We’re staying in Cairo,” Violet supplied, smiling at her friend, who returned the gesture.

“That’s fantastic!” Dina bounced with joy at the announcement. “It will be lovely to have you here.”

“Khalid and I...” Violet squeezed his hand, and he reciprocated the action. “Well, we’re together.”

“Together?” Dina’s eyes widened at the implication. “Oh! Well, that is wonderful! I’m so happy for both of you.”

“Thank you,” Violet said as David pointedly ignored Dina.

Violet paused at Dina’s hesitant glance at David. Was there something between them? Something she’d missed? Surely not.

“Well, if you two are staying, I will too.” David crossed his arms.

Dina blushed, biting her lip and dropping her gaze.

Therewassomething between them. Violet opened her mouth, only to snap it closed when Khalid spoke.

She made a mental note to ask David about Dina later, when they were alone. They’d been friends for so long, surely he wouldn’t keep this secret from her or Isaac. Instead of pressing her luck, Violet basked in the moment.

“Then it’s settled. I guess I’ll have to find a residence in Cairo.” Templeton stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some business to attend. We can discuss this further at dinner.” He took his leave without another word.

David and Dina stood closer than propriety dictated, still purposefully ignoring each other. She nudged him with her elbow as the waiter brought two chairs to the table. He grumbled as he held it out for her to sit before commandeering the chair beside hers. Violet would uncover their story if it killed her.

Isaac continued to pet the dignified cat sitting in his lap.

Violet stifled a laugh at the scene before her. There was nothingcommonabout any of this, and yet, she adored the complex setting and interwoven stories. Questions racked her mind, but she pushed them aside, knowing she would have answers in the future.

Bast is enjoying your brother’s attention,Khalid murmured inside her mind.

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