The Thief Read Online Free

beside her. “I’ll come with you. We need to spend it all before Abba comes home.”
    Nissa hooked a basket over her arm and pulled open the creaking door. “Don’t worry, we will. And when he comes home—”
    “I know. I won’t tell him about the silver.”
    “We won’t have it long enough for him to find out.” She took Cedron’s hand and hurried through the front gate and out into the street. Gilad would come for the rent tomorrow, and she’d be ready. She’d go to Siloam early and wash. She’d wear her other tunic, the one that almost fit her. She’d offer him warm bread—with honey, if she could get it cheap.
    Maybe Gilad will see that a good wife is more than a pretty face.
    At twenty years, her parents had given up hope of passing her off to another family. She’d never been pretty, not even close. Her hair was frizzy instead of flowing, her face was pointed,and her eyes, although fringed with thick lashes, were small and almost black. Not only was she plain, her body wasn’t made for bearing children. Most men took one look at her tiny stature and narrow hips and shook their heads.
    That was before she opened her mouth. She’d heard the reproaches from her would-be suitors to her disappointed father.
    Nissa has a sharp tongue.
    She’s disrespectful.
    Your daughter would do well to soften her words if she wants a husband.
    Nissa lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. But not with Gilad. She would be respectful, modest, hardworking. She’d show him she was exactly what he needed in a wife.
    They reached the lower market as the dusk crept over the city. The streets were emptying, the merchants starting to pack up their wares. They had just enough time.
    Cedron sniffed the air. “How about some figs?” He faced the booth selling dried figs, apricots, and raisins. “I heard the caravan from Damascus come in today.”
    Nissa left him at the fruit seller and hurried toward the grain merchant. Her mouth watered at thoughts of a good dinner. She filled her basket with barley for Amit, wheat, and oil. Just a few coins left, but enough for some dried fish and a miniscule jar of honey. She turned the corner and ran into a solid chest covered in fine linen. Smooth hands closed over her bare arms.
    “Nissa. I’ve been looking for you.”
    Gilad. His hands warmed her skin and the scent of sandalwood embraced her. Her heart faltered a beat as she gazed up at his handsome face. Dark hair, dark skin, captivating dark eyes. The same eyes she thought of as she drifted to sleep at night. If only she’d taken the time to wash.
    Gilad released her arms and wiped his hands down his pristine tunic. “Your father is behind on his rent.”
    Good Jewish women didn’t speak to men in the street, but everyone in the lower city knew Nissa took care of the householdof Noach, including paying the rent. She lowered her chin and glanced up at him like she’d seen other, prettier women do. “Have you asked my father about it?”
    “I did, my sweet. But he just lost at dice. Again.”
    My sweet. Her heart galloped. Maybe there was hope. If he could just see her when she wasn’t so filthy. “I don’t have it tonight, but if you come to the house tomorrow?”
    Gilad stepped closer and ducked his head close to hers. “Your father has used up all his chances with me.” His voice flowed like honey. “Have it tomorrow, my dove, or I’ll have to ask your father for another form of payment.”
    Nissa’s cheeks heated, and her lips curved into a smile. He didn’t mean it, but it was a start. He’d come tomorrow, and she’d be ready. He’d see what a good wife she could be.
    Pounding hooves, louder than her heart, pulled her gaze from Gilad’s brilliant eyes toward the center of the market. Shoppers and merchants scattered and shouted. A Roman horse rounded the corner and thundered toward them.
    She searched the emptying street. Where is Cedron?
    There he stood, across the marketplace. The horse bore down on