The bandit says, “It’s getting late, and I interrupted your sleep last night. I’ll let you rest.”
“I slept well,” I say boldly. “Better than I have since I left home.”
He pauses, looking back.
“Stay a little longer,” I whisper.
Glancing toward the window, he says reluctantly, “I can’t, Alice. It’s already past dark, and I haven’t done my rounds.”
“Do you do them every night?”
Slowly, he nods. “Most.”
“You’re a good man. You know that, don’t you?”
He smiles as he slips through the balcony door. “Goodnight, Alice.”
I follow him out, wishing he would stay. He sits on the rail and swings a leg over the side, about to climb down.
“Wait,” I say before he goes.
He looks over, and the moonlight catches on his face as he turns.
“For protection.” I lean forward and place a quick kiss to his cheek.
“For protection?” he asks, sounding bemused.
It’s an old tradition, usually implemented by grandmothers. Sadly, there is no actual magic in it or my parents wouldn’t be dead.
“It’s just an old wives’ tale,” I explain, feeling a little ridiculous. “A kiss on the cheek for protection and luck. Haven’t you ever heard it?”
He shakes his head as he crooks his finger, telling me to come close. My breath catches as I do as he asks.
The bandit takes my chin in his fingers and brushes his lips over my cheek. “For protection and luck,” he whispers. “Sleep well, Alice.”
He then swings from the balcony and onto the lattice, once more disappearing into the night.
I go inside, feeling dazed. When I reach my bed, I sit and let my fingers drift over my cheek.
It wasn’t a real kiss, but it was something.