Read Online The Bed and the Bachelor by The Bed, the Bachelor - Free Book Online

bottles stood on a shelf filled with liquids of various colors and potency, their level of hazard unclear. Not far from his desk stood a large, modern-looking globe of the world and a huge slate set into a moveable wooden frame. Advanced mathematical calculations were written across the black slate in broad strokes of white chalk—calculations that had nothing whatsoever to do with the code, she saw, but which were fascinating nonetheless. She did her best not to study them too closely but to concentrate instead on finding a place to set the tray.
    There wasn’t one.
    Apparently realizing her dilemma, Lord Drake stood and crossed to a nearby table. Gathering up two stacks of newspapers and a pair of heavy leather-bound books, he shifted them aside. “There,” he stated. “Put the tray here.”
    Gratefully, she did as he suggested. Straightening, she took another moment to glance around the room, linking her hands at her waist as she did. Then she remembered that, in her role as housekeeper, she ought to be pouring his tea.
    In a rush, she reached out.
    He chose that instant to do the same, their hands accidentally brushing together in midair over the teapot.
    A charge like a spark of electricity ran through her, tingling as it traveled across her skin and through her body as though she were a human lightning rod. From the hum radiating along her nerves, she wondered if that might actually be the case.
    Their gazes locked, his eyes a pure, translucent green that shone with the vibrancy of a new spring forest. In them burned a wealth of emotions that sent her heart pounding and her lungs searching desperately for air.
    Then he blinked, and the look was gone.
    So was his hand as he pulled away.
    She did the same, withdrawing as quickly as he. Glancing down, she stared at her sturdy black leather boots and fought to steady her emotions. The entire episode had lasted no more than a few seconds, perhaps he hadn’t even noticed.
    Drawing breath, she forced her gaze upward again. “Shall I—that is would you like me to pour?”
    His eyebrows drew tight. “No. Leave the tea. I’ll see to it myself.”
    She nodded. “As you wish, my lord.”
    Dipping a quick curtsey, she took a step back to leave. As she did though, she remembered her real purpose for wanting inside this room—the cipher she’d made no progress so far in retrieving. This brief visit today had revealed nothing of use, not even a hint as to which of the many papers might hold the information she sought. She needed to be able to come in and out of the room at will without anyone questioning her presence—most especially Lord Drake!
    But how?
    In a sudden flash of insight, she had the answer—assuming she could convince Lord Drake that is. Drawing herself up, she met his gaze. “Your lordship, there is one more thing before I depart.”
    His brows arched this time. “Oh?”
    “I couldn’t help but notice the state of the room.”
    His scowl returned.
    “That is to say you must be aware it could do with a good cleaning and polishing.”
    He crossed his arms over his chest. “Perhaps, but I like it the way it is. As I’m sure you’ve heard already, I don’t allow anyone to touch the things in my workspace.”
    “Of course not, and I would treat your possessions with the utmost respect and the care they deserve. But even you must admit that every room requires a deep cleaning every now and again, even this one.”
    “I let Parker sweep and run a cloth over the bare spots on occasion,” he grumbled, shifting his stance from one foot to the other. “That’s sufficient.”
    “I beg pardon, but I must disagree, my lord, given the dust I can see on the books and many of the shelves as well. And from the smudges on the windows, they look as if they haven’t been washed in several months.”
    His jaw tightened. “Be that as it may, I can’t have the maids in here buzzing around disturbing me, not to mention disturbing my things.”
    “Then I shall