Before I could think about it, I paused to look over my shoulder at him. “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
I turned to face him fully, crossing my arms just like him, although admittedly a lot more defensive. “Don’t be interested in me,” I said, raising my chin and keeping my tone cool and self-assured, though I didn’t feel it. I’d never called a man out like this before. It felt good, so I added, “You’re just like every other man, admiring my body and my face.”
“Yeah,” he surprised me by agreeing immediately, a slow smile spreading across his face. “I definitely am.”
Despite my frustration, I blushed.
“A man can like more than one thing, you know,” he added, still wearing that smirk. “I was also admiring your way with animals and how you’re a bit prickly in the mornings.”
“Well,” I faltered. “Don’t.”
He just stared at me, one side of his mouth twisting up in that crooked smile. He took a step closer until he was nearly toe to toe with me.
I tried to swallow but my mouth was dry.
“Don’t tell me what to do,” he said with a smile. And this time, he stepped aroundmeto climb up into the wagon.
The rest of the crew approached as I stood in the street, confused.
I hid my red face in the horse’s neck. “What just happened?” I whispered to the beast, but he was too busy falling asleep to pay me any attention.
Now I sat across from this enigma in the carriage, and I couldn’t help but admire him. Not only was he handsome and intelligent, but he seemed kind. Was it a façade or was it real? I couldn’t tell.
“The Lady Dusa and I are grateful to you both for rescuing us,” Kadin said, pulling me out of my thoughts. Had he picked that specific name intentionally? Dusa was a common name, so maybe it meant nothing... but it also meant ‘sweetheart.’
“We’ve been looking forward to this event for ages.” Kadin switched to the next subject, without even a glance in my direction. Maybe I’d imagined it. “When was the last time you visited the Aziz castle?”
The conversation continued on around me, but my ears had caught on that one word and stayed there.
We.
I’d officially become a thief, just like the rest of them. I wasn’t ready to admit it to Kadin yet, but it sent a tingle down my spine. I was playing an important role in the heist. I was valuable. As the carriage rolled up toward the grand castle, I admired it with them, murmuring my delight for the coming celebration, slowly coming into playing my part.
I rather liked it.
