“That wasn’t what I meant by you not being like them.” He leaned forward, his eyes earnest. “I meant you’re interesting, and useful, and you value yourself based on your actions, not your looks. Perhaps I’m judging Amara too harshly, though. I’ve only just met her. Still, she reminds me of a lot of people I used to have to pretend to like.” He cleared his throat. “So, no chessboard. What else can we do?”
She sat on the bed across from him. “How long do you think they’ll be gone?”
“As long as they can get away with.” Pulling out his pocket watch, he flicked it open. “They’ll be serving lunch in about an hour. I hope they have the common sense to stay away from that. Too many chances to be seen when we need to lie low.” He tucked the silver time-piece back into his vest, only about half-way down. The crown still stuck above his pocket lining.
A smile crept over Nyssa’s mouth. “Maybe I can teach you something.” She dusted off his shoulder with her handkerchief in her left hand while sneaking her right hand into his pocket. She withdrew with his watch, slipped it up her sleeve, and sat down.
His brow furrowed. “Okay … did I have some crumbs on me?”
She pulled out his watch, and his eyes widened.
“That’s … how …” He glanced back down into his empty pocket. “I didn’t feel a thing. How did you do that?”
“One of the first things my uncle taught me.” She handed him the watch. “He had me lifting wallets for my keep within a week of my parents’ deaths, miserable man. Still, once you learn something like that, you don’t forget it. It’s a fun trick. I used to mess with Mr. Calloway or the other girls at my school. I always returned their trinkets, but it kept people on their toes.”
“Think you could teach me?” Ellis’s eyes glinted.
“Might as well.” She took his hand. His slender fingers felt warm against hers. Resisting the urge to stroke his skin, she cleared her throat. “You need to be quick and sure, but it doesn’t hurt to have a distraction.”
“For instance?”
“The most common is to bump or jostle someone.” She sat beside him. The mattress gave beneath her, and she tipped into his shoulder. “In a crowd, especially. It’s expected to get nudged a bit, so no one gives it a second thought.” She leaned into him, then withdrew, her hand again grasping the watch.
“Clever.” He chuckled. “That thing you did with your handkerchief, is that a similar method?”
“Yes. If there isn’t a crowd handy, you need another excuse to touch someone. Imaginary dust on their shirt works well. You can also make a pretense of asking for directions or you can drop something and strike when the mark stoops to help you pick it up. Until we get your chair back, though, we should concentrate on close-quarters methods. Dusting, bumping, flirting …”
“Flirting?” He raised an eyebrow.
She shrugged. “Well, that might not work so well for you, but for lady pickpockets, it’s the surest method. It’s similar to what I did with the handkerchief, but maybe instead of brushing off your vest, I’d stroke your cheek or play with your hair.”
“Show me?” His hand circled her wrist. He placed the watch back in his pocket. “Whenever you’re ready, but this time, I’ve got my eye on you.” He winked.
For a moment Nyssa stared into his eyes.It’s all good fun. Just a game between friends.
Her fingers strayed to his cheek. Leaning closer, she whispered in his ear, “This would be easier if you didn’t know what I was trying to do.”
“Consider it an extra challenge,” he whispered in turn.
His warm breath tickled her face. Heat raged beneath her skin. She placed one hand on his chest while her other fingers worked into his hair. Their eyes locked. Something within her trembled like a spring wound too tight. She slipped her hand towards his pocket, but as she did, he moved forward. His lips pressed against hers.
Nyssa’s breath escaped her. Though her sense of propriety urged her to pull away, the warmth of him drew her in. Her fingers tightened into the cloth of his shirt. They parted for a heartbeat, but her lips returned to his a moment later. They kissed again, deeper. His arms surrounded her. She closed her eyes, and her world melted into a sigh.
“I still have my watch.” He chuckled.
She forced her eyes open. “Sorry, I got distracted.”
“Oh, I know you did.” He held up her lockpick set, which had been in her back pocket. “I’m a quick study.”
She snatched the leather case. “How …” Her eyes narrowed. “You’ve done this before?”
Have I really gotten so out of practice that a rich boy can hustle me? Sparks and shocks, he’s lucky he’s pretty.
“No, I swear.” He raised his hands. “Honestly, if you hadn’t been otherwise occupied, I doubt I could’ve pulled that off.”
She clicked her tongue, stood, and pocketed the set. “I’m watching you, mister. Those big, innocent brown eyes will only get you so far.”
His shoulders shook with silent laughter. Nyssa smiled in spite of herself.Shock me, it’s impossible to stay mad at him.
Nyssa turned away from him and exhaled a long breath. Her lips still felt warm from his touch. That had felt good. Too good, considering the close quarters they were going to be in for the next few days.
What would Mr. C say if he could see me now? Sharing a room with a handsome young man without so much as a proper engagement?
She glanced back at him. He reclined on the bed, fiddling with his watch. Mr. C, Nyssa’s late mentor, would’ve liked Ellis, with his technical aptitude and optimistic approach to life. They could’ve sat and discussed electronics and machinery for hours.
She shook her head.
