Death and Desire (Love in Cairo #1)

Chapter Two

V iolet abhorred flying , much preferring train travel to the uncertainty of being foisted into the air and hurtled around in a tin can like a sardine. Twice she was sick and vowed she would rather walk back to England than board the horrid monstrosity again. She could taste lingering bitterness in the back of her throat. Flying was not for a weak constitution.

Her father assured her she would grow accustomed to it. While their flights from Paris to Cairo over the past two days left both her and her brother shaken, David and her father seemed unbothered. The moment she set foot on the ground in Cairo, her legs nearly gave out beneath her. Catching herself against Isaac, she inhaled to find her bearings after being airborne for what felt like weeks.

A warm breeze drifted across her skin—quite different from the cool autumn days at their estate outside of Birmingham and a drastic shift from London. She wiped sweat from her brow as she shielded her eyes from the sun.

“Is it always this warm?” she asked the young man standing beside their waiting car.

He nodded with a smile. “You’ll get used to it.”

She climbed into the vehicle and settled into the seat. There was no top on the car, which allowed a breeze to cool her overheated skin and ruffle her hair beneath a wide-brimmed hat.

Violet ignored the chatter of her brother and his friend as they drove, instead admiring the architecture, marveling at the differences between this city and London. Some styles she recognized as modern Italian or French designs, but there were hints of older designs hidden in the winding streets of Cairo. Here in the heart of Egypt lay a vibrant community full of new adventures.

She struggled to constrain her excitement at finally being in Egypt.

A familiar tug in her mind pulled her attention to a towering mosque as they passed. Beyond it, she glimpsed a synagogue, and several streets later, a Coptic Orthodox Church rose into view. Her eyes grew wider with every passing moment, and she tried to take in as much as possible.

Her mother had told her stories of her trip to Egypt. Of the spice markets and bazaars. The mingling cultures in the heart of Cairo. What little Violet knew had given her the distinct impression she’d find all the comforts of home upon their arrival.

But she didn’t long for the comforts of England, or even the continent. She craved what lay beyond the fancy trappings. Why else would one come to Egypt but to uncover mysteries? To experience something new and exotic?

A wandering curiosity unfolded before her as they turned onto a wide street. Ahead, she could see a cultivated garden in the square, complete with a fountain and lush greenery. Across from it stood the stalwart Continental-Savoy, nearly encompassing the entire block. Her heart beat faster with each breath.

As the car turned, Violet tipped her head back to take in the massive structure of the hotel. White concrete and marble glinted in the afternoon sunlight, almost blinding in its brilliance. Above, rippling in the gentle breeze, three regional flags stood at attention on the rooftop.

To the right lay another garden with dining patrons and milling staff in white coats. People sipped tea and conversed beneath umbrella-shaded tables with a quartet playing in the background. Violet’s stomach growled at the thought of food. The troubles of her flight had shifted to the back of her mind, allowing hunger to return.

“Violet.” Her father’s voice echoed behind her.

She turned to see him waiting outside the car, his hand outstretched. “Oh!”

Taking his hand, she stepped from the vehicle, careful not to get the hem of her skirt dirty. She would have to take care in choosing garments here. Between the heat and the dust, the city could certainly prove hazardous to her wardrobe. It wasn’t that she couldn’t replace the items, but she disliked being careless with her things. Violet always took great care not to ruin something if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.

“Shall we?”

Her father offered his arm and she took it, biting back excitement racing through her before she bolted in a wide-eyed spectacle to explore the hotel. He led her through the doors, and she turned to capture one last look of the outside gardens before disappearing into the hotel.

Her gaze caught a flash of black as it moved into the shaded bushes near the fountain across the street. The familiar caress in her mind drew her to the flickering image. She squinted against the light, but there was nothing there. Perhaps it had been the shadow of a passing car or a cloud overhead.

With a shrug, she followed her father into the lobby.

The flurry of activity stunned her. Guests crisscrossing ornate tile floors. Hotel employees bustling to and fro, carrying luggage and drink-laden trays. She blinked, and just like when they were surrounded by commotion in the busy streets, she found herself unable to focus on everything at once.

In the back of her mind, she felt a tug to return to the street outside, where the chaos felt more natural than the cacophony of the hotel lobby. The vaulted ceilings and arched doorways captured sound, amplifying it, much like a museum or a church. She shrugged off the urge and remained by her father’s side as he checked in at the front desk. At least for now. There would be plenty of time to explore once he was distracted by other things.

David and Isaac stood near the entrance, whispering to each other as guests passed them. Their gazes lingered on a small group of lovely women wearing gauzy dresses in light pastels. Violet shook her head. Her father was concerned about her safety? She scoffed as she watched the two scoundrels.

“Ibrahim should already be here with his daughter.”

Violet jumped at her father’s voice, then turned with a smile. “Oh, I wasn’t expecting to meet them today. How delightful.”

“I shall have them take our bags to our rooms.” He regarded her for a moment. “Would you like to freshen up?”

Running a hand over her rumpled dress, Violet frowned. It wouldn’t make for the best first meeting if she showed up like this, especially if she wished to gain the trust and confidence of a possible new ally.

“Perhaps that would be for the best. I want to make a good impression.”

“Come then.” He fell into step behind a bellhop who led them through a winding maze of hotel halls. Their rooms were on the main floor and overlooked a small, charming garden.

David and Issac shared a room and her father took another for himself. Violet occupied the room between.

She gasped at its size and the ostentatious furnishings. Vibrant colors and rich woods reminded her of her childhood home. The bed dominated the room, its four towering posts strewn with fine, white mesh that lay drawn back and secured with gold rope. Against the opposite wall stood a carved armoire. Near the window sat a desk and chair, and a cream-colored chaise longue was at the foot of the bed.

With a smile, the bellhop instructed servants to deposit her bags before leaving the room. Alone at last, Violet collapsed on the chaise and inhaled deeply. Travel was always exhausting, but anticipation of what lay beyond her room invigorated her.

Behind an ornate door, she found a washroom with a large clawfoot bathtub, a toilet, and a sink with a gilded mirror above it. With swift efficiency, Violet washed, dressed, and arranged her hair in some semblance of order.

A knock sounded at the door just as she finished fastening the buckle on her shoe. She opened it to reveal the smiling face of her brother.

“Father went down already. He asked that I escort you.” Isaac grinned.

Violet wrinkled her nose. “I don’t need an escort to the lobby .”

“I know this. You know this. It seems Father missed the fact entirely.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

“Fine.” She took it reluctantly. As they strode toward the lobby, she noted David’s absence. “Where’s your meddling friend?”

“Sleeping.” He chuckled. “It seems the flight affected him more than he let on.”

With a laugh, Violet softened. “Well, I can’t say the flights were easy.”

“No, it was not.” Isaac blinked, as if trying to shed a memory, his lips pressing in a thin line. “Do you think we can take a different route home?”

“I doubt it. Father will want to return to England quickly. He hates to dawdle.”

“ Dawdling is half the fun in any trip.” Isaac sighed as they rounded a corner and ventured into the ornate lobby.

“While I tend to agree, the expediency of flying may prove to be something people appreciate more than a leisurely, winding train through mountains and a week at sea.”

Across the room, Violet spied her father sitting with a man around his same age. A young woman occupied the space beside them.

“Try not to be a nuisance.” Violet jabbed her brother in the ribs.

“Try not to cause an international incident,” he replied with a snort.

With great restraint, she managed not to stick her tongue out in childish retaliation. Her father rose, as did his guests, when they approached.

“Ibrahim, I would like you to meet my children—my daughter, Violet, and my son, Isaac.” He gestured to them individually. “Children, allow me to introduce Ibrahim el-Gendy and his daughter, Dina.”

“Good day,” Ibrahim said, his Arabic accent soothing and friendly. He leaned forward to take both of Violet’s hands and pressed an air kiss to each cheek. With dark hair and watchful eyes, he bore the look of a distinguished and well-established gentleman. He greeted Isaac in the same manner. “It is so wonderful to finally meet you both.”

“A pleasure, truly.” Violet’s smile widened. She offered a hand to Dina. “So lovely to meet you, Dina.”

“Likewise,” Dina said, her voice sweet and melodic.

Violet admired the other woman’s shoulder-length hair and her lovely pale pink gown. She didn’t look much older than Violet.

“Papa has told me this is your first time in Cairo?”

Violet and Dina settled into their seats at a little distance from their fathers. Isaac winked at Violet in reassurance before joining the older gentlemen’s conversation.

“Yes, it is.” Violet warmed at the ease that settled around her in Dina’s company. “I confess, though, I have dreamed of Egypt since I was a girl.”

“It can be a magical place.” Dina’s dark eyes sparkled.

Violet envied the sleek, fashionable cut of her companion’s dark hair. It framed her face, enhancing her beauty. She ran her fingers over the thick coil of her own auburn locks and sighed. What a relief it must be to have short hair in such heat.

“How long have you lived here?” Violet asked, pushing aside her wistful thoughts. A friendly conversation should be enough to ascertain whether her newfound companion would be amenable to her plans to tour Cairo without constraint.

“Ten years.” Dina waved to a passing waiter. “Two gimlets, please.” She turned back to Violet, her eyes wide. “Forgive me, that was presumptuous. Would you like something else?”

“No, what you ordered sounds delightful.” Violet leaned in conspiratorially. “I can tell we will be fast friends, Dina.”

“I feel the same.” Her companion laughed, humor highlighting her lovely complexion. “Do you have plans for tomorrow?”

“None yet.” Violet kept her voice low. “I hope to see some of the sights of Cairo, learn some of Egypt’s history.”

“Don’t worry.” Dina winked. “While you’re here, you are my guest. I will show you all of my favorite places in Cairo.”

“That sounds wonderful. Thank you.”

“I should be thanking you. Papa rarely allows me to go out without a chaperone dogging my every step.” She motioned to Isaac and kept her voice low. “With such a handsome and capable escort, we’ll be free to tour the city.”

“My brother’s friend, David, will be joining us as well.” Violet rolled her eyes. “They’re both capable enough, I suppose.”

Dina’s gaze landed on the bracelet around Violet’s wrist. “Oh, this”—she touched a fingertip to the jewel—“is exquisite . ”

“My mother gave it to me when I was a girl. She bought it during a trip here. It’s one of the reasons I became fascinated with Egypt. I’ve wanted to visit for years.” Violet lifted the bracelet to show her new friend. “I hope to learn more about it while I’m here. I’ve never been able to identify it.”

“It’s like no gem I’ve ever seen.” Dina shook her head, eyes wide with awe. “It must be rare indeed.”

“Those are my thoughts exactly.”

Dina’s brows drew together. “Keep it close. There are some who would steal such a treasure, if given the chance.”

Violet covered the jewel with her palm, allowing its persistent warmth to radiate through her. She’d forgotten how vulnerable she was now that she wasn’t in England...even with her father’s constant reminders. A pickpocket would gladly swipe such treasure, but she knew how to deter them.

“I would like to see them try.”

With a laugh, Dina shook her head. “I like your fire.”

A waiter appeared, bearing two delicate glasses with pale green liquid. They selected their drinks and raised them.

“To new friendships and new adventures,” Violet toasted.

Dina tipped her glass to Violet’s.

They drank, and Violet savored the rich liquor as it coated her tongue. “Delicious.”

“You must join me for tea tomorrow. We can discuss our plans for your stay.” Dina set her glass down.

“I don’t wish to impose...” Violet cradled her own drink in her hand.

“Nonsense. I relish the opportunity to show you around.”

“Very well. I shall be happy to join you for tea.”

“And don’t forget the welcome gala tomorrow evening.”

“Gala?” Violet gaped at her. “Where?”

“Here at the hotel.” Dina waved a hand. “They host one every week for the guests.”

“How wonderful. I love dancing.”

“Then you will love Cairo.”

“I can’t wait to hear all about it. Tell me, what’s it like? Living here?” Violet leaned forward, hungry for information.

Dina told her about her life in Egypt, her family who had lived here for centuries, and many fascinating details of her culture.

Violet absorbed every word with unabashed glee. Vivid storytelling drew her deeper into her friend’s tale. They were more alike than she’d realized. Whatever reservations Violet had about Dina vanished with the ease of their newfound friendship.

Later, her mind still raced with all that awaited her. Even though her body protested the idea of continuing, Violet enjoyed dinner with her father, David, and Isaac.

When she returned to her room late, she collapsed onto her bed, exhausted.

A dream of Egypt came again, but this time it was different. Tonight, she pictured herself in Cairo, wandering through the narrow streets. At the end of one street, she found an arched doorway leading to a garden overlooking the Nile. Moonlight shone overhead, reflected in the water.

Shadows shifted, materializing out of darkness, taking on shape. A familiar form. Tall, broad, strong...most certainly a man.

Not merely a man.

You have come at last.

His voice, deep and mesmerizing, wove through her, ensnaring her, holding her fast. Power radiated from his words, and her heart beat faster. Warmth fizzed through her, like champagne bubbles in a fluted glass. Although his face was hidden and she’d never actually seen it, she knew this man as well as her own reflection.

Welcome to my home, little thief.