Page 35 of Mayhem and Minnie

She’s in my house—my sanctuary. An unwashed little heathen.

We must rectify this right away.

“Come,” I command, bypassing her to head up the stairs.

I go up exactly five steps before I realize she’s not following behind.

I half-turn and pin her with my gaze.

She’s standing behind the railing, her teeth raking over her lips as she hugs herself with her arms.

“Did you change your mind?” she asks as she slowly looks at me.

I raise a brow in question.

“About having your way with me,” she murmurs softly.

“No,” I snap.

Her eyes widen at my tone.

“First off, I’ve already told you that I have no designs on you. And second…” I pause, pursing my lips. I’m usually direct without having to mince my words. But that’s because I don’t care about people’s feelings. I don’t care whether I offend them or not. But with her… The way she’s holding herself as if seeking some defense from the world makes me hesitate.

I scowl at myself and continue, “Even if I were, I would not touch you within an inch of my life considering you don’t even know when the last time you bathed is.”

Her lips part. “Oh.”

“Yes, oh,” I repeat in a dry voice. “Come. I’ll show you to your room.”

“My… My room?” Her lashes flutter in confusion.

“Yes. You will not sleep with rats anymore. You can thank me,” I say with a nod.

Her steps drum across the polished floor as she chases up the stairs after me. Her mouth is wide open in an exuberant smile.

But then she suddenly stops when she’s a step behind me and frowns.

“But there are no rats at this time of the year,” she mumbles, almost as if disappointed. “All the ones I’ve seen were frozen to death.”

“Thank God for small miracles,” I grumble under my breath.

“Hey, that’s not fair!” She punches me lightly in the arm. “Rats have their uses, too.”

I tilt my head and watch her with an amused smirk.

“Really? Do tell me what use they have aside from being disease-infested vermin.”

New-York-sized rats in particular. They can reach the size of a fucking raccoon. Don’t tell me those things aren’t disgusting or unhygienic. They have a loose bladder, for God’s sake! If a rat makes its home somewhere, there isn’t a place it won’t urinate on.

I rake my gaze over Minnie.

No, I cannot think of rats peeing on her. That will make me physically ill.

“Well,” she starts. Her chin juts forward as she straightens her shoulders—a sign she’s about to say something that’s important to her. “They’re food for other predators. Everything has its use in nature.”

She has a point. But although I like animals, I will draw the line at those who live in their own filth.

“I may be able to appreciate their use, but that doesn’t mean I want them anywhere near me or my house.”

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