Thief at Heart [On Hold.]

Chapter 3

"Can I help you?" I asked the kid that was staring at me, through a mouthful of breakfast.

"Leave my little brother alone," defended Landon, entering the dining room.

I scowled and set down my fork. "You have a little brother? I didn't know that was part of the deal."

"You didn't ask," he told me with a shrug, stealing an olive off my plate.

"Get up off my food," I said crossly. I turned to the boy. "How old are you?"

"Fifteen."

"Not true," Landon informed me. "He's turning fifteen. As of now, he's only fourteen."

"Shutup," the boy snapped at his brother, scowling. "I'm fifteen."

"You're cute," I commented.

The boy raised his eyebrows and scoffed. "You're a little too young for me, little girl."

I gasped and dropped my fork. "Excuse me! I'm much older than you, thank you! Fourteen-year-old," I added spitefully.

His scowl deepened, he looked me up and down and cast me a scathing look, leaving the room.

"He wants me," I said thoughtfully, staring at where the boy had left. I turned back to my plate, just in time to see Landon stealing another olive off plate, and popping it into his mouth. At my words, he choked on it.

I jumped out of my seat and immediately began pounding his back, hard. Eventually, I stopped, realizing that he was laughing, not choking.

"I thought you were choking," I told him, irritated.

Landon raised his eyebrows. "What am I supposed to say to that? 'Sorry I'm not dead?'"

"For starters," I retorted.

"Well, sorry I find it amusing that you're trying to impress my little brother. I mean, you guys would be a cute couple. Although he's a bit too tall for you."

I gagged. "He's a little kid! Didn't you just hear me say I was older than him?"

Landon looked me up and down. "You look...twelve...ish?"

"I'm almost eighteen!" I said, outraged.

Landon snorted. "Wow. Midget," he coughed.

I punched him in the shoulder.

"Midget who punches hard," he gasped out.

Damn straight.

***

"Can I help you?" Landon asked, raising his eyebrows and looking at me. I was standing in the entrance of his study, staring at him through the half-open door.

"Yes. I'm bored. Nice glasses, by the way," I added, staring at him with one head tilted to the side. He did look good with his glasses on, the thin wire frame making his green eyes pop.

Said eyes widened, as if he just remembered he had them on. I knew my guess was dead-on as he pulled them off and dropped them on the desk with a clutter. Landon cleared his throat and asked, again, "Is there something you need from me?"

I stepped lazily into the room, holding myself back from staring at the spot that concealed his safe. "Didn't I already say I was bored? Your house is surprisingly dull. And," I added with a lilt, "as my host, it's your responsibility to entertain me."

Landon sighed and rubbed his eyes. I noticed that he had dark circles under his eyes. I wondered how I hadn't seen them at breakfast. "Okay," he said wearily, "I'll entertain you. Would you like me to dance around in circles for you?"