Page 28 of Cinder's Trial
“Because I am not an animal, or arachnid, kind of guy.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You’re obviously being targeted, princess, which means you need protection. Since we’re both working the same mission with the prince, it makes the most sense that you stick close to me.”
I blinked. Digested his words then gasped, “You expect me to stay with you?”
“I’ve got a suite at the hotel, one floor below the prince. It’s got two queen beds so no worrying about your virtue.”
“Why can’t I get my own room?”
“Because I can’t spare an extra guard.”
“Killian has an extra bedroom in his penthouse suite.” I couldn’t have said why I mentioned it.
Levi’s expression went several unhealthy shades of red and purple before he growled, “No.”
“Excuse me? Why not? It would make sense to have us both in the same place, seeing as how we both need protection.”
“It might make the curse harder to manage. Unless you want to marry the prince?” For some reason he sounded angry saying it.
“No, I don’t want to marry him. Add to that, if there was concern about the curse, then why would anyone put him with me as our liaison in the first place?”
“It wasn’t my idea,” he snarled. “I argued against it, but the director overruled me.”
“I’ll bet that made your bossy butt happy.” My tart reply.
“Why must you be so difficult?”
“Because spending time with you is a trial,” I grumbled. “Do you think I enjoy arguing? I’m a happy person. A simple person. Not a person who deals with monster spiders and rat armies in elevators or black birds baked in a pie.”
“Well, get used to it for the next little bit because I have a feeling it’s only going to get worse.”
“You really need to start playing ominous music when you make those kinds of dark declarations.”
He glowered.
“Actually, that expression works too.”
“Pack a bag while I call for a crew to dissect the crime scene.”
“Can’t I shower first?” Yes, I whined.
“No. We don’t want to disturb any of the pipes in case the spider used one to squeeze its way in.”
“You saw the size of it. No way it came up through my tub.”
“Seeing as how spiders that size don’t exist, I wouldn’t rule it out. Especially since your windows and door were shut. Now, no more arguing. Pack.”
“Grumpy butt,” I muttered as I went into my room. Despite what he said, I did change clothes, dropping my slimy nightgown to the floor and then using a towel to mop my face and hair as best I could. The mice were already at work, packing my suitcase, not just with clothes for me, but with supplies for them and Izzy too.
Apparently, Charlotte would be staying, tucked up in the rafters. Levi’s murder of the other arachnid freaked her out. Understandable.
I emerged from my bedroom with my suitcase in hand, mice perched on my shoulders and in my pockets. By the door stood Izzy, who flicked his tongue at me.
“Yes, you’re coming too,” I assured him.
Levi stood in the kitchen area with his phone to his ear, but he put it away upon seeing me.