Checking gmail without giving account access to handset?

I have a need to read and reply to a poorly secured shared gmail account.

If I add it in the gmail app it seems to add my device to the account in a way that anyone can locate me, erase the phone, add apps to it etc.

I just want to check the email and reply to it.

Is this possible without resorting to a 3rd party mail client and imap/smtp settings?