Lancelot (The Theriot Family 3)

Of course, if the asshole hadn’t insisted on hiding it in the library, I wouldn’t have met Julian, and Julian would still be living his boring day-to-day existence. He needed something to brighten up his life. I couldn’t wait to properly introduce him to Tony. I was sure he would like my little friend once he got to know him. Everyone did, even Remington, though he’d never admit it.

“I need to check the second floor,” I whispered.

Julian nodded.

He wrapped a hand around my arm to lead me toward the stairs. I needed to focus on our surroundings, to listen for any hints that someone else was in the building, the sound of movement, something they might have dropped or moved, but all I could think about was the heat of Julian’s hand and the way his fingers gripped me more firmly than I would have expected.

He pulled a keyring from his pocket and reached for the doorknob. I grabbed his wrist, nearly hissing at the electricity that shot through me as my skin pressed against his. I wanted to pull his hands to my mouth and kiss the fast pulse that thrummed against my fingers. Had anyone ever distracted me this thoroughly? It was a damn good thing Julian wasn’t working for the enemy.

Before he touched the door, I examined it to see if there was evidence of someone opening it recently, like obvious fingerprints. Once I verified there was nothing there, I motioned for him to go ahead and unlock it. I kept him behind me as I climbed the stairs. If someone was up there, we were poorly positioned. They’d have the advantage of the high ground and the ease of pushing us down the stairs. I wanted to send Julian back to the car, but I didn’t think he’d go. My cardigan-wearing little librarian was braver than he seemed. I liked that about him. I didn’t want someone who would just roll over for me. I liked a challenge.

I didn’t see or hear anything as I moved quickly to the landing, hoping to level the playing field if someone came at us. I swept the area before letting Julian ascend to the top of the stairs. We were in a large, utilitarian room with a tile floor, a drop ceiling, and dingy white walls. There were rows of bookcases, which meant a lot of hiding places.

Julian stepped up behind me, and I held onto his arm, keeping him still while I listened and looked more carefully. I didn’t hear anything at first, but then there was the barest sound, a slight rustle of paper and the hint of movement, maybe a hand moving across a shelf.

I looked back at Julian and put a finger over my lips. His eyes widened, and I nodded, hoping he understood that I’d heard someone. I pointed to a shelf, wanting him to hide behind it. I thought he would protest, but finally, he stepped away from me. I hated seeing fear in his eyes. Whoever was in here was going to pay for putting it there.

I moved slowly, not making a sound. My best guess was that the sound I’d heard had come from two or three rows away.

I looked down one row and found it empty.

When I made it to the second, I saw a figure dressed all in black and wearing a ski mask. He was attempting to edge around the end of the shelf.

“Don’t move,” I yelled.

He took off, and I followed. As I rounded the corner, I saw him shove up a window sash and jump. I ran for the window and looked down. It wasn’t that far of a drop, but not one I’d have taken so recklessly. He was already on his feet and running. I could have taken a shot, but in this neighborhood, I had no doubt the police would be called, and I was supposed to be keeping a low profile.

Even if I was willing to risk the drop, I couldn’t go after him and leave Julian here since I wasn’t positive we were alone in the building.

I heard movement and spun around, gun aimed and ready. Julian stood a few feet from me, white as a sheet.

He pointed toward the window. “Did he… Is he…

I realized he expected there to be a body down there on the sidewalk. I shook my head. “He recovered and took off running.”

“Wow. That’s… How did he do that?

I didn’t like the admiration in his voice. “I could survive that. No problem.”

He raised his brows.

“Seriously. I could.”

“Okay.” I wanted to be offended, but he actually grinned at me, looking happier than he had all evening. I could take a hit to my ego for that.

“Come on. I need to check out the rest of the building.” He stayed with me as I checked the other rows of books upstairs. I didn’t find anyone there. Once we were back downstairs, Julian pointed out materials that had been moved around on his desk and books that were askew on shelves. This time his persnicketiness came in handy since he noticed every detail about the place.