Page 4 of A Kiss of Deception

“Why help me?” he stammers. “I’m just a thief.”

“My reasons are my own. Just know I’ll safeguard you,” I say, calculating.

His eyes glint with greed. “You could come with me.”

“Your home?” I probe.

“Yeah. It’s a dump, but it’s mine.”

“Your family?” I ask.

“Useless. I wish I’d never had ‘em.”

His disdain surprises me. “You don’t care for their safety?”

“Safety? Fuck ‘em. You’re my ticket now,” he grins harshly. “More items you might help with.”

“Lead the way,” I reply, my mind racing with the ring’s promise of power.

As we walk, his excitement spills over. “With you, I’ll be unstoppable. No more scraping by.”

“Of course.” A cold smile spreads across my face. “I’m here to serve.”

3

MEETHA

The stench of rotting vegetables assaults my nostrils as I weave through the crowded market stalls, the air heavy with sweat, spices, and spilled wine. Merchants bark their wares—a sharp-tongued woman hawks overripe tomatoes, while a burly man shouts about his honeyed figs. The vibrant colors of pomegranates, honeycombs, and lush herbs vie for attention.

Ahead, a vendor haggles with a customer over wrinkled citrus, their voices rising in frustration. Despite my hunger, I can't help but smile at their antics.

My stomach growls, reminding me of the meager coins jingling in my pocket. A child nearby clutches a twisted caramel stick, evoking bittersweet memories of when Korrine surprised me with similar treats. Those days feel like a lifetime ago.

"Fresh bread! Get your fresh bread here!"

I pause, eyeing the golden loaves longingly. "How about I get a half loaf, huh? What's it gonna take?"

"For you, pretty one, a special price."

"How special?" I ask, arching an eyebrow.

He leans in close, his breath hot on my ear. "Perhaps we can… negotiate."

I step back, my skin crawling. "I'll pass."

As I turn away, I catch sight of my reflection in a polished copper pot. My hair's a mess, and there's a smudge of dirt on my cheek. Some 'pretty one' I am. The thought makes me chuckle despite myself.

An unattended fruit stand catches my eye. My fingers twitch. It would be so easy…

You're better than this, a voice whispers.

Am I?

The memory of my Jarvil’s sly grin flashes through my mind: "It's not theft if they don't catch you, Meetha."

I step closer, heart racing. The fruit beckons. My hand trembles.

No. I jerk back, clenching my fist.I'm not a thief. I won't be.

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