Maddie’s protective instincts flared at his dismissive tone, and she held the Kneazle kitten a little closer to her chest. Its soft fur brushed against her chin, grounding her even as irritation prickled beneath her skin. She’d dealt with all kinds of customers before, including the condescending sort, and she wasn’t about to let this 'gentleman' get under her skin.

“I don’t let them roam the streets,” she replied sharply. “It slipped out while I was tending to my shop, and I came after it the moment I realized it was gone. ” Her gaze flicked to the kitten, who was now purring as if it hadn’t just caused her heart to skip several beats. She smoothed its fur absently before turning her sharp blue eyes back to him.

“And no, it doesn’t have a death wish, its only a baby” Maddie continued, her voice steady but firm. “But perhaps it’s lucky that it ran into me before it crossed paths with someone who couldn’t be bothered to look where they were going.” She arched an eyebrow, her meaning clear and if looks could kill he'd be dead and buried.