She curtsied. “Sir Bandit.”
“Although I’m not much of a dancer, would you care to join me for the next dance?” He offered his elbow.
She nodded, and the beads in her hair jangled. She slid her hand around his arm, and he took her to the middle of the barn where the other couples had gathered for the dance. When the fiddles began another tune, it was slower this time. Although he didn’t know much about dancing, he did know how to waltz. He slipped one arm around her waist and held her other hand in his. They stepped in time with the fiddles.
His mind scrambled with topics that they could discuss, but for some reason, no words seemed to form in his mouth. The only thing he could think to say right now was,you smell heavenly.And she did. She smelled like wildflowers.
Colt cleared his throat. “So... what business is your family doing?”
“Well, as Pharaoh’s daughter, I took over the Roman Empire after the death of my father. Unfortunately, my younger brother thought he should be ruler, and he started a civil war.” She shook her head. “Brothers! They just can’t handle an older sister getting everything.”
As she spoke in an accent he wasn’t familiar with – probably Greek – he couldn’t stop from grinning. Her cute sense of humor surprised him, but at least that made him a little more interested in getting to know her better. “Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about younger siblings.”
“Tell me, Sir Bandit,” she continued speaking with the accent, “is your only love stealing from unsuspecting people, or are there other things you enjoy doing?”
Colt’s grin stretched wider. He liked playing this pretend game. “As you can see, I enjoy hiding my identity, but mostly, I thrive on stealing... kisses from shy women.”
Cleopatra laughed. “Forgive me, Sir Bandit, but wouldn’t it be easier to woo a woman before kissing her? That way, you wouldn’t have to steal anything.”
He nodded, trying to appear heartbroken. “You are correct. However, where is the fun in that?”
She laughed again, and his heart tripped. It surprised him that hearing her laugh would make him feel giddy. And yet, Blaze’s face still wouldn’t leave his mind. Perhaps the only way to move on with his life – since he couldn’t court his friend – would be to find another woman. His father would be happy to know that Colt had decided on Susan.
