Page 40 of Protecting his Heart

Nick

Organising nights out was something Nick loved doing. Pleasing his friends and family with heartfelt, well thought out events made him happy. Why he hadn’t gone into party planning instead of bodyguarding, he didn’t know. Maybe he’d missed his calling.

What he hadn’t expected was to have to do both things at the same time—nights outandbodyguarding—because Prince Freddie and Prince Damon were having far too much fun at Owen’s party, and as Owen was usually Freddie’s bodyguard, it fell to some of the others present to keep an eye on them. He had no idea how the prince had persuaded whoever it was to bring them there. If Malachi Sanders got wind of the event, he’d be here before anyone could stop him.

And Nick couldn’t let that happen.

Video evidence of their friends in compromisingkaraokepositions was the most he wanted anyone to get hold of. Anything else was off limits. As much as Malachi loved the royal family, he wanted to grab a scoop before anyone else, and that way lay problems for some reporters to remember where the line actually was before they crossed it.

Brushing aside thoughts of the wayward reporter, Nick looked towards the birthday boy. Evan and he were best friends, but from the small touches and gentle smiles, Nick would be surprised if they weren’t in a relationship before long, if theyweren’t already. He frowned. Had they told him they were together? God, he was so bad at remembering stuff like that. Give him stats and figures and he was in his element, but if he didn’t write other things down to remind him, he would be afloat without a raft.

Surveying the room, his gaze focused on those who were not part of their birthday party. He couldn’t have had the place closed down for them only because it had been too short notice, which meant they needed to be vigilant. Any one of these customers could be someone who would take a shot at the princes, or even the bodyguards who protected them if they wanted to make a name for themselves.

Especially someone like that guy. The way he kept shooting glares and clenching his jaw was a good indication that he could be a problem.

Nick headed to Locke, Freddie’s bodyguard. He leaned into her ear so she could hear him. “There’s a guy here not looking too happy. I think we need to get them out.”

Locke nodded and spoke into her comms. “Edinburgh and Delta are going to be leaving. Places, please.”

“See you tomorrow,” Locke said before heading towards the princes. He watched as she spoke to Freddie, who nodded, linked hands with Damon and followed Locke to the entrance, but not before he hugged Owen goodbye.

When they were finally out of the building, Nick relaxed a little more. “A round of drinks on me!” he called, keeping an eye on the guy. But he never moved from his spot. Hopefully, that meant he was just having a bad day. Nick’s phone vibrated against his leg, and he pulled it out and let out a breath.

LOCKE: We’re clear. Thanks for the heads up. Here’s your own… Malachi is hanging around outside. Just so you know.

Nick groaned. Just what they needed.

****

Chapter 13

Evan

A lot of things happened that night, and Evan had plenty of them documented on his phone. Not only photos but videos, too. And he couldn’t wait until he could share them with Owen when he was sober.

Evan covered his mouth, hiding his laughter as Owen took to the stage with Matteo, the pair having become firm friends since he’d introduced them several hours prior. The introductory notes ofI Will Surviverang through the speakers, and Matteo slid his arm around Owen’s back as they belted out the words—or at least, what he thought the words were in Owen’s case.

Nick had gone above and beyond for the party, organising a karaoke competition, a best drag queen competition, and arranging for Owen to have a song sung directly to him by the local drag queen title holder themselves. The guests had overdone themselves with food and drink, most of them far beyond their alcohol limits, but Evan wasn’t the only designated driver that night.

The song finished to raucous applause, and Owen bowed, Matteo catching him before he tumbled off the stage. His friend aided in manoeuvring Owen back to their table, and both finally dropped into their chairs with matching grins.

“Weren’t we great?” Owen said, sipping his beer.

“Smashed it,” Matteo added.

“Absolutely amazing,” Evan agreed. “But it’s time to go home now.”

Owen gave him puppy dog eyes, which were extremely glassy, and shook his head. “No! We have more to sing.”

Evan gave a sad smile. “The place is closing, unfortunately.”

“Oh, no! Can we give them some money and help them stay open? I want to come back!”

Evan palmed his nape, getting his attention. “We can come back another day, yeah?”

“Yeah!” Owen said. He had always been a funny drunk, and that night was no different.

“Come on, then.” He glanced at Matteo. “We can drop you off on the way if that’s good for you?”

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