On the first Thursday of every second week, she came here to exchange information. They’d started this because leaving the house late at night was not easy for Mary. So far, it was working well.
Mary rifled in her small bag for the note she’d put back in the book.
“What the hell are you doing up there?”
Shrieking, she pulled her fingers free of her reticule and grabbed the ladder to stop from falling. The book was not so lucky and fell, hitting the wooden floor with a loud thump.
“Just as well I wasn’t standing under that,” Zach said. “I’d think you threw it at me.”
Her heart was thudding so hard it hurt. Mary dared to look down. She wasn’t ready to see him.Surely, he wouldn’t recognize her.
“It is never wise to speak to someone when they are in a precarious position and unaware of your presence, sir!”
Zachariel Deville stood below her with a scowl on his handsome face.
I’m not ready to see him.
“I thought you had eyes in the back of your head, considering your other abilities, forgive me.”
“Other abilities?”Had he seen her taking that note out?
“The broom flying.”
Her teeth snapped together, but she did not respond. No. She’d had her body shielding what she was doing. Checking her reticule, she saw it was closed, and thankfully the information was tucked securely inside.
“Come down, Mary. I will replace the book for you if you have no wish to purchase it.”
“I will do it.” She climbed down and made a squeaking sound as large hands lifted her when she neared the bottom. “Do not touch me!” She sounded like the heroine in an extremely bad play.
“I was helping you.”
“I don’t need or want your help.” She bent to retrieve the book, eager that he not touch it. If he opened the back, he’d see the page folded. But if he did, then what? He could not know what it was for, surely?
How would she get her note in there?Drat,she would need to come back again.
“What are you about?”
Her eyes shot to his and away.Stay calm, Mary, he cannot know. Indeed, why would he? You are a woman, after all.
“Go away. I’m sure reading is not something you do regularly, sir, so good day to you.”
“I read.” He glared at her.
“You do surprise me.” Mary returned the glare.
“If you think I’m letting you climb back up there when I’m here, think again,” Zach said.
She clutched the book to her chest and returned to the ladder.
“Stop!” He reached for her, but Mary evaded him. She was faster than people gave her credit for when required. In fact, people were always underestimating what she was capable of.
His growl had her scampering up before he could stop her.
“Get down here at once!”
She ignored him and replaced the book. Would she be able to give the note to Monty when next they saw if no one was watching?
Looking below, she saw that Zach was holding the ladder now. Slapping her skirts down, she descended. Hands gripped her waist again. This time, she managed to swallow the shriek.
