Page 58 of Mayhem and Minnie

“Leave us.”

He mutters something but does as told.

Turning to the sales assistant who is still by our side, albeit just as shocked as everyone else, I say, “Pack those shoes too.” I point to the ones I’d picked out earlier. “She’ll keep these platform sneakers on.”

She stares at me.

“Hurry!” I bark out.

Nodding, she takes the shoes from my hand and runs to the back.

Minnie squeezes my hand.

“I wasn’t joking earlier,” she whispers, gazing up at me with those soulful eyes of hers. “Men see me and…”

“I got it,” I answer tightly.

I’m still perplexed as to why this happens. She’s pretty, yes, and her eyes have an otherworldly quality to them. But she’s hardly the type to make men go mad with desire.

One person could have been a fluke. But three men at once trying to get close to her and telling her she’s the most beautiful woman they’ve ever seen? Coupled with the two assaults I saved her from?

Something is odd.

And I don’t like it. Not one fucking bit.

“Please don’t be mad at me,” she whispers, pulling on my hand.

“I’m not mad at you, pet. I’m mad at those fucking losers.”

“It always happens,” she says with a sigh. “I think we should go back home. I’ll just get you into more trouble.”

“No.” I’m surprised at the firmness of my tone. “We came here to get what you like. And we’re going to do exactly that. If someone tries to get close to you, they’ll have to get through me first.”

She bites her lip as she regards me wide-eyed.

“I don’t think you realize it, pet. But I’m not an easy guy to get past.”

“You’re strong,” she murmurs. “You can protect me.”

“Damn right.” I nod.

Smart girl. Perhaps my initial assessment of her was not entirely accurate. She might be ignorant about many things, but at least she can recognize that I’m the only one who can protect her.

Because I’m the only one who can claim her life, too.

“I knew you could protect me, Marlowe,” she says before she wraps her arms around my midriff in a tight hug. “You’re the bestest ever.”

“Best,” I correct, though my tone is nowhere as harsh as before. “It’s already superlative.”

She shakes her head against my chest.

“Superlative will never be enough.”

Odd little creature.

I sigh.

For all the trouble she creates in her wake, she’s proving to be quite the entertaining little thing. Perhaps I could put off killing her for a while—only as long as I derive entertainment from her.

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