Page 53 of Protecting his Heart

Oscar pointed to his bandage. “That says otherwise.”

Evan slipped his arm around Owen’s shoulder. “It’s just to keep it clean. He’s doing a lot better. Cleared for basic duty.”

Oscar put his hand on his chest and exhaled. “I’m so glad. Anyway, come on in. Whatever you want is on the house today.”

“No, it’s—”

“It’s not up for debate. I know.” Oscar grinned. “What can I get you?”

Knowing there was no dissuading him, Owen ordered a coffee and a panini, and Evan ordered a coffee. They settled at a tablenear a window, and Owen leant back, sighing. It was good to be out and about again, even if he had noticed Malachi hanging around outside the cafe.

“You need to call Brett and tell him,” Evan reminded him.

“I’ll do that after this.” Then he had a thought. “Actually, let’s grab some coffees to go after this and take them over. I can speak to him in person instead. He’s more likely to believe I’m okay if he sees me.”

Evan chuckled. “True.”

All Owen needed to say to Oscar was that they wanted drinks for Brett, and he filled several to-go cups with drinks and put them in a large takeaway tray. He waved away payment again, and Owen vowed to return the favour one day. They wandered across the road to the castle, ignoring Malachi’s questions. The guards waving them in, and headed to Sec HQ. As they passed Randall’s office, they popped their heads in.

“Hey, stranger,” Randall said, rounding the desk and hugging him. “How are you doing?”

“A lot better, thanks. We brought drinks.”

Randall groaned and held out his hand. “Gimme!”

Owen laughed and handed the one with Randall’s name on it. “I’m assuming it’s correct because Oscar made them.”

Randall sipped it and closed his eyes. “Oh, god, yes.”

Evan chuckled. “He makes the best coffee.”

“Nope. That boy is a tea god.” Randall sipped again, humming. “What brings you here, anyway?”

“Just thought we’d pop in as we got drinks. I’m heading to speak to Brett about starting back.”

“That’s good. Don’t push it, though, yeah?”

Owen smiled. “I promise.”

“Good. Dominic would have everyone’s hides if you got hurt again.”

They spoke for a few more minutes, and then they continued down the corridor. At Sec HQ, he knocked and entered. The room had several guards working, heads down or staring at screens, but they all looked up when the door opened. Second nature and all that.

“I’m back!” Owen shouted, and everyone cheered.

Brett glanced at him and held out his hand—not to shake his hand, but as if he held a cup, and Owen took that to mean he wanted his drink.

“Here you go, boss.” Evan handed out the rest of the drinks.

“Thanks.” He sipped. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“The doctor has given me the all clear to return to work.” Brett raised his eyebrows, and Owen sighed. “Fine, limited duty work.”

“Glad to hear it. You can start back tomorrow. Duties around Windsor only. Understood?”

“Yes, boss.”

“While I have you both, though…” Brett nodded at Felix, who came over. “We’ve had an interesting development from the gifts you’ve received.”

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