Lancelot (The Theriot Family 3)

Julian glared at me as Tony leaned over and tried to extract another mango chip from my pocket. “What duties does he perform?”

Tony succeeded in pulling out a piece of fruit. “He fetches snacks.”

Julian reached for the mango. “No food is allowed in the library.”

Tony took exception to the uptight man’s attempt to take his treat. He screeched loudly and jumped down onto the counter as they played tug of war with the mango piece.

“He’s going to win. You should just give up now.”

“No food. It’s completely against the rules and so are monkeys.” Julian was screeching nearly as loudly as Tony now, and everyone was looking at us. This was probably the most exciting thing that had happened in this place in years, maybe ever.

Tony had reached his limit. He leaned in to bite, and I grabbed him up before he could sink his sharp little teeth into Julian’s hand.

“Get out!” Julian ordered. His hair was even more out of place now. If only the rest of him was as untamed, then I’d know exactly how to handle him.

Tony wagged a finger at Julian and squealed.

“Yelling at Tony only makes him more upset,” I explained. “Think how you’d feel if someone took your treat then yelled at you.”

Julian’s mouth fell open. He stared at me like I might be an alien. “If I… If you… This is a library for serious researchers. I’m not sure how you even got through the door with that… that creature, but if you don’t leave, I’m calling the police.”

Fortunately, my family had more than one high-ranking officer on our payroll, but if I got arrested, Remington would find out, and I’d have to listen to him bitch about how I fucked this all up.

I lifted Tony from my shoulder and tucked him into my coat, being careful not to let it open enough to reveal my shoulder holster. I had no doubt guns were also forbidden in this hallowed space. “Look. I am here to do research. If you could show me to—”

“No. You will not be handling any of the materials in this library. Putting the monkey in your coat does not make the situation any better. You have been disrespectful and—”

“Hey. That’s not true. I came in here, greeted you, and—”

“You brought a monkey into the library.”

“I told you he’s my—”

“I don’t want to hear any more of that—” He snapped his mouth closed with a horrified look.

“Bullshit.” I drew out each syllable. “I think that’s the word you were looking for.”

“Please do not use language like that in the library, though it’s nice of you to admit it.”

What was it about this infuriating man? I wanted to despise him and the way he was speaking to me. Instead, I was more determined than ever to get him to use every foul word I could think of as he urged me on and begged me to take him.

Shit, now I was starting to get hard. Remington hadn’t said I couldn’t seduce Julian to get what we needed.

“I was simply trying to help you when you seemed at a loss for words. Tony is my emotional support animal, and I need to look through some issues of The People’s Sentinel. So”—I lowered my eyes then moved them slowly back up his body—“why don’t you show me back there.” I gestured toward the room behind him where Remington said the newspapers were held. “And help me get on with my work.”

For a second, I thought my plan might work. Julian’s eyes widened, and he raked his teeth over his bottom lip. Sadly, his severe expression returned.

“I would be happy to add harassment to the charges when the police arrive.”

“Aw, cher. You really want me to go?”

Julian picked up the phone on his desk, and I held up my hands. “Fine. I’m leaving, but I’ll be back.”

Julian scowled at me. “You most certainly will not. You are no longer welcome here. I will see that the guard at the door is aware.”

There hadn’t been a guard when I’d walked in. That meant I’d either arrived at a shift change—unlikely considering the time—or the guy didn’t take his job seriously. I’d have to take care of that problem after I got what I wanted. Fussy Julian needed to be well protected from any dangerous criminals who might enter, my relatives excluded.

I straighten to my full height and brushed imaginary crumbs from my lapels. “I’m leaving, but I don’t care for threats.”

“Do not return to this building.”

“Bye now. Take care.” I turned and sauntered away as Tony scrambled back up to my shoulder.

I studied the other library employees. There was an older, balding man in a bow tie at a desk to my left, and close to the door outside a room marked South Louisiana Historical Archives, there was an ancient woman in a glaringly orange blouse. I was tempted to move closer just to verify she was still breathing.