The Lord’s Inconvenient Vow. Lara Temple

now looked a deep forest-green. She could almost see shadows moving between the trees.

      ‘Rafe and I assumed most of our childhoods that we were each the one being punished—me by being sent away, he by remaining. Life is rarely what one thinks. In any case he came to hate the idea of Egypt so whatever brought him here must be serious. If he is in trouble, I must find him.’

      His hand was still on hers, warm and large and rough against her skin. The gesture and the admission were both so unlike Edge she did not know what to do. She thought of her brothers—she would cross deserts for them and not think twice.

      ‘I’m glad you care for him so much, Edge.’

      He took his hand away and went to the door.

      ‘I owe him a great deal. More than I can repay. I must speak with Poppy now.’