Violet Connoly's obsession with Egypt began when she was a little girl. She treasures the precious gem her mother purchased from a street vendor while visiting Cairo and one day hopes to visit the country that haunts her dreams. When her father schedules a business trip, she convinces him to let her come along, but his concession comes with strings. Her brother must accompany her on every outing.

Her dream of seeing Cairo in all its splendor is dashed when her brother and his best friend fail to uphold their agreement. Her father hires Khalid, a local bodyguard, to protect her. Determined to enjoy Egypt on her terms without a stoic stranger following her—no matter how handsome he is—Violet abandons all caution only to find herself in mortal danger.

Violet quickly discovers her new protector is far more than a hired goon. He's Anubis, god of the dead...and he's set his sights on the one thing Violet treasures more than life itself. The jewel she wears in memory of her late mother. But it seems Anubis is not the only one enticed by such a treasure.