Death and Desire (Love in Cairo #1)

Chapter Seventeen

A s Violet stepped out of the car, Club Cairo loomed before her. The shimmering lights flickered above the entrance, enticing those who passed to pause and admire the allure of music pulsing through the stone and drifting out into the night.

Violet lingered by the car as Dina paid the driver. Once the fare was taken care of, her friend linked their arms.

“Do you think this is wise?” Violet murmured as they approached the club.

“You mustn’t worry. I know this place.” Dina’s dark eyes shimmered with confidence. “The owner is a good friend of mine.”

“But what if...” Violet couldn’t bring herself to voice the concern nagging her conscience. She hadn’t told Dina about the confrontation in the underground chamber. Of James’s betrayal. The heated clash between Anubis and Seth. The truth of Khalid’s identity.

“The beauty of this place is its hidden security,” Dina said, her voice low. “Guards are positioned throughout the club. The only outward sign is a small crimson flower on their lapels.”

Violet nodded, her fears soothed for the moment. There was nothing to do for the small voice in the back of her mind telling her she should return to the hotel. Nothing about this trip had gone to plan. Disappointment ran rampant at every disastrous turn.

“Would you rather I’d invited your brother and David?” Dina asked, flashing a smile at the doorman.

Do I want my brother and his best friend seeing me in such a state? Absolutely not. She shook her head.

“Come then, let’s enjoy ourselves tonight.”

Clinging tight to her friend, Violet stepped into the club. If anything, this would prove a worthy distraction, a way to redirect the ache in her chest at the betrayal she’d suffered. This was her chance to break free, to live uninhibited, to enjoy the city and her friend’s company. A reprieve from the disappointing reality surrounding her. The soothing beat of music encompassed her, and the chaos inside her mind slowly faded into the background.

Dim lights cast a soft glow around the room. When her eyes adjusted, she gasped at the wonderland before her. A large wooden bar ran the length of the room with mirrors and glasses of varying sizes and shapes lining the wall behind the bustling bartenders.

Matching tables and chairs littered the large room, some tucked into shadowed corners, with booths hidden beside gilded walls covered with velvet and silk. The mix of modern and old world blended in a unique visual exploration.

Dina led her deeper into the throng of revelers. The enticing tarab beat emanating from the band on a raised platform at the far end of the room made her body sway. They wove around dancing and drinking patrons until they reached the oversized dance floor. The crush of dancers moved like a living beast, undulating and spinning in flashes of color and vibrancy.

Violet smoothed a hand over her black gown, wondering if she’d been hasty in selecting such a revealing garment. The drape of the fabric dipped low on her spine, teasing with every brush of silk against skin. A slit stopped midthigh, revealing glimpses of leg as she moved. The curves she once detested were on display, earning her approving glances from the men she passed.

Perhaps this was what she needed. A night out, away from her father and brother. Away from Khalid. At first, Dina’s suggestion left her anxious, but she deserved to enjoy Cairo’s nightlife. Every other adventure on this trip had been a complete disaster. She could only hope tonight would be the exception.

Dina leaned close. “Let’s get a drink first and find a table.”

Violet nodded and followed close behind her friend as she scanned the crowd around them. There were patrons of all ages and ethnicities in the club, their bodies moving in sync with the steady thrum of music.

The dulcet voice of a woman drifted from the speakers, her song weaving a spell as the tempo shifted. A sultry, seductive drumbeat filled the room.

Curious, Violet turned to see the dancers had parted to make room for a belly dancer. Finding a nearby platform with an empty table, Violet stepped up to get a better view of the dance floor. From this vantage, she watched the dancer move, clad in gold and silk, her bare midriff painted, her face half-covered with a gilded veil.

Mesmerized, Violet appreciated every sinuous movement, every sway of her hips, perfectly aligned to the song. Heat flooded her cheeks. Her heart pounded in tandem with the drum.

It was sinfully elegant without being ostentatious. Erotic and tasteful in its artistry. Violet stood captivated by the dancer’s performance, her eyes fixed on the woman. When the song reached its conclusion, the dancer bowed to the crowd before vanishing behind a velvet curtain.

A lively song picked up, dispersing the spell she’d cast. The crowd filled the space once more.

“Here. Drink this.” Dina nudged her, offering a frosted glass with an opaque liquid.

“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 to marry one 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.

“Is it that obvious?” She laughed, feeling lighter than she had in ages.

He joined her with a small chuckle. “Not really, but your accent gave it away.”

“Are you from Cairo?” Violet asked, her curiosity burning.

“No. I’m from a small province in the south.”

“Oh, what brings you to Cairo?”

“Visiting a friend,” he replied simply. “And you?”

“My father is here on business. I convinced him to let me join him.”

“How delightful.” His fingers tightened on her waist as they moved across the dance floor. “And how are you finding your visit?”

“Lovely,” Violet lied, averting her gaze to the band beyond his shoulder. She blinked before meeting his eyes with a forced smile. “What do you do? If I may ask?”

“I specialize in antiquities.” His attention dropped to her mouth before he smiled again. “I’m a curator for a private museum.”

“How fascinating.” Violet smoothed her hand over his shoulder. “What type of antiquities are your specialty?”

“Ancient Egyptian artifacts, mostly, but I dabble in Roman and Greek art.”

“Do you study the ancient cultures of these regions?” Her interest was piqued with every response.

“I do. Quite extensively. I have studied ancient civilizations my whole life.” He spun her before the music came to an end.

As they came to a stop, Violet pressed a hand over her heart and fanned her face. Handsome and well-educated, he was a fine specimen. Perhaps this could be more than a dance.

“You look quite flushed. Shall we get some air?” He offered his arm. “I know a quiet spot.”

She placed her hand on his arm and nodded. “That sounds lovely.”

Violet wasn’t a woman prone to carelessness or impulsivity when it came to men, but this trip seemed to prove evidence to the contrary. She followed where he led. Only then did she realize she didn’t catch his name.

“I’m Violet,” she offered, by way of introduction.

He paused at the edge of the crowd and took her hand. “Aziz.”

When he pressed his lips to the back of her hand, she nearly combusted. The warmth of his lips burned her, igniting a flame in the pit of her stomach. She met his brown...no, green eyes. With a laugh, she shook her head and turned away, feigning embarrassment.

He is not Khalid, she reprimanded herself before clearing her throat.

Aziz studied her curiously for a moment. “Come. There is a small garden just through here.” He gestured to a thick, velvet curtain.

When he drew back the fabric, Violet gasped. A garden, much like the one at the hotel, lay beyond it. The terrace spilled into wandering pathways of green, flowering hedges, and tall palm trees. Moonlight cast a glow across the setting, enhancing the lamplit paths.

She breathed deeply, enjoying the fresh night air.

He took her by the elbow and led her to a small, secluded cove at the side of the terrace. In the distance, she saw the Nile glittering beneath the moonlight.

“It’s lovely.” Violet sighed, leaning on the marble balustrade.

“Yes, you are.”

Violet turned to face him, noting the way the dim light cast his face in shadow. If she didn’t know better, she could have believed it was Khalid standing with her in the moonlight. Her heart sank at the thought. He betrayed her with his lies. If only he’d told her the truth from the beginning.

Would you have believed him?

Shaking away the thought, she offered a shy smile to Aziz. “You flatter me, sir.”

“I speak the truth.” He reached out, caressing her cheek with soft fingertips. “You are a woman of rare beauty.”

“Do you attempt to seduce all the Englishwomen you meet?” Violet teased, slowly leaning into his touch, ignoring the persistent ache in her chest.

He’s not Khalid , her mind raged.

But Khalid hadn’t chosen her. He chose his heart. He didn’t even try . She cursed him and turned her attention to the man before her.

Aziz closed the gap between them. His fingers traced the contours of her face, down her jaw. She shivered as he followed the path of the gold chain around her neck and brushed the sensitive skin along her collar bone.

“Seduction is not a game I indulge in often, sweet Violet.” His fingertips slid into the mass of curls at the base of her neck.

A moan slipped from her lips at the welcome pressure.

“Is that what you desire?” He drew closer, his breath caressing her lips. “To be seduced?”

“I...” A brief thought of Khalid made her pause, but she shut him out. “Yes, please,” she murmured, “make me forget.”

His mouth covered hers. A second hand joined the first, and cradling her head between his hands, he teased the seam of her mouth, begging her to open for him.

The scent of him was wrong. The press of his body unfamiliar.

Panic infused her.

Violet wrenched herself back, breaking the kiss, her breaths heavy and gasping.

“I–I’m sorry.” She broke away, putting space between them. “It’s not you...I just...I’m sorry. I can’t.”

Aziz straightened, clasping his hands behind his back. “I understand.” He bowed. “My apologies. I shall give you a few moments alone.”

Violet watched him leave with his hands in his pockets, as though he hadn’t just turned her world upside down.

She turned back to the view overlooking the gardens and took several deep breaths to steady her racing heart. What is wrong with me?

Violet pressed her hand to her throat, seeking reassurance and comfort from her mother’s locket.

But there was nothing there.

Both hands flew to her throat.

No chain. No locket.

It was gone.

“Oh no!” Violet spun, dropping to her knees, searching the ground. Did it break? It was there just a moment ago.

She searched everywhere, but darkness and space hindered her search. Where had it gone?

The memory of Aziz’s hands on her, toying with her hair at the base of her neck. Had he stolen it? But why...how? Surely, she would have known...she would have felt it.

Despair filled her. She turned to the club behind her. Chasing him felt like a monumental task. There were hundreds of people in the club. If he had stolen her locket, he was surely gone by now.

“Not my locket too.” Tears filled her eyes. First the jewel and now the locket. Whatever remnants of her mother that had remained were now gone. Stolen.

But why? Why steal the locket? It was worth nothing to the world but everything to her. A locket with a photograph and sentimental memories. Nothing of importance to anyone. Except her.

My pendant is gone . My mother’s photograph. My last connection to her. Lost forever.

Violet slumped against the balustrade and hung her head in her hands. Whatever remained of her heart was shattered.

As she wept, she wished herself far from Egypt, from this cursed place. From the man who haunted her. Despite the broken bond, she cursed him, praying he somehow heard it. Heartless or not, he would know what he’d done to her.