What the River Knows (Secrets of the Nile #1)

by Isabel Ibañez

Everyone deserved a living wage. No human ought to be treated as if their work didn’t matter, or their choices, or their dreams.

I waited a beat, heart fluttering in my chest like a wayward butterfly. “You think I look pretty?” Mr. Hayes regarded me lazily, his eyes hooded. “You know you do, Señorita Olivera.”

“Did we just agree on something?” “An anomaly, I’m sure,” I said with a little laugh.

“Good girl,” he murmured, releasing me.

SAY IT AGAIN HAYES!

Hurt pinched my heart and I tried not to think about how we might have laughed harder if she had behaved more like herself around me.

My uncle killed my parents. I had to get off the Elephantine.

Girl you’re being stupid

I would see this through. Come what may.

Thank god

“Have I told you how much I live in terror of your ideas?”

Art should outlive its creator.

So … so possessive.”

Smash

“I need to know what they’ve done to you.”

Smash

“If it is, this is where I want to be.”

Double smash

“You can’t marry him.” He lifted his hand and rubbed his eyes. They were bloodshot, tired, and red-rimmed. But when he focused on me again, his blue gaze seared. “Why not?” “Because,” he said in a husky whisper, “he won’t kiss you the way I will.”