Lancelot (The Theriot Family 3)

Thank goodness no one had let him see any materials. The thought of what that monkey might do to some of our rare books or the letters we’d carefully preserved made me shudder. The little creature was kind of cute, though.

No! No, he was not. He was loud and rude and as irritating as his owner.

I wanted to believe I’d seen the last of them, but the man seemed stubborn as hell and absolutely unconcerned about consequences. He’d attempt to return, and my threat to have our security guard block his entry was an empty one. Jacques was no more than the barest deterrent. He slacked off any chance he got, and I was sure he’d come to work stoned numerous times. He wouldn’t stand a chance against a man like—he hadn’t ever told me his name, had he?

What was he doing in here anyway? He couldn’t actually be doing serious research. If he was, he would know better than to bring in animals or food. He’d have more respect for our collections than that.

I could go ask Gwen what he’d said to her, but I was supposed to stay at my post until I had a break. I looked around at the empty library. Would it really matter? Was I even going to have a job for much longer?

I really did want to know what that man was up to. He was insanely arrogant, but he didn’t seem truly dangerous, simply used to getting his way, much like Remington Theriot, another man who’d recently been asked to leave the library and not return. At least Mr. Theriot seemed to respect our facility and to have a clear interest in the history of the city. He took exception to our policy about checking materials out or remaining open after our regular hours to accommodate his schedule. He was arrogant but refined. This man on the other hand was…

Exciting. Entertaining. Unusual. A lot of things you aren’t.

Why did my conscience enjoy mocking me?

He was obnoxious and disrespectful and… hot as hell. All right. I could admit that. The man was attractive, but his physical attributes meant nothing. Plenty of beautiful people were horrible inside, not that I thought he was horrible exactly, just…

Fine. I wasn’t going to be able to stop thinking about him until I figured out what he’d said to Gwen. Once she told me, I’d focus on the new box of letters that had just come in. I needed to catalog them, and that would make a great distraction.

I glanced around before leaving my desk, making sure I hadn’t failed to notice a patron entering while I was focused on the hot man. Sadly, the employees were now the only people here. Monkey Man had livened things up, but I didn’t want them lively. I wanted them serious. I wanted them quiet yet alive with inspiring work. I wanted people here doing research, using these carefully preserved materials. I sighed as I checked the door to the archive room behind me, making certain it was locked. Then I crossed the open area filled with revolving racks that housed pamphlets and newer books, things that didn’t need to be protected as carefully.

Gwen’s knowing smile almost made me turn back, but if I wanted to settle my curiosity so I could focus on cataloging the new arrivals, I’d have to put up with her mocking. “I thought you’d want to know about my talk with Mr. Alluring.”

I sniffed. “The man was obnoxious, and he obviously has no concern for the sanctity of our collections.”

Gwen rolled her eyes. “All that man needs to do is walk into a room to get everyone’s attention.”

“And yet he goes around with a pet monkey.”

“Trust me. He’s not compensating for anything.”

I pretended to look shocked, but I’d made the same assessment. He’d been right there, and he was so tall and muscular. I’d studied him like I would a work of art. It didn’t mean I liked him or had any intention of ever letting him into the library again.

“What did he want with you?”

“Not as much as I’d hoped.”

I huffed. “Tell me you weren’t trying to hook up with him.”

“Who wouldn’t?” She looked at me and gave her head a sad shake. “You, I suppose.”

“I appreciate how attractive he is, but I don’t like his attitude. I told him to leave.”

“Yes, he said so.”

And of course, she’d ignored it. “Did he say why he was here? What he wanted?”

“He claimed he needed to see something in your archive for ‘an assignment.’ He’ll be back, you know.”

“What did you say to him?”

“Not much. I flirted with him a little.”

“And gave the monkey a snack.”

She grinned. “He’s cute.”

“And as rude as his owner. You know we can’t have wild animals in here.”

“Lighten up. I know you’re worried about the library, but I don’t think he meant any harm. Besides, this is New Orleans. People expect eccentrics.”