Page 19 of Protecting his Secrets

“I know, but it’s sometimes hard to see that with what is in the media.” He knew he’d said the wrong thing the minute he finished and wasn’t at all surprised when Nick crossed his arms over his chest and huffed.

“You can’t trust the media, though. They spread lies like wildfire. Even the most mundane word, action or behaviour gets misconstrued into something not even remotely like it was intended.”

“That’s true.” It was all he could say. No one would believe he was doing the best he could with what options he had, so there wasn’t any point in trying to change their minds.

After a brief, strained silence, Nick said, “You’ll be joining them for dinner this evening. Not here, but at the opening of a new restaurant in Slough.”

“Is a suit okay to wear? That’s really all I brought.”

Nick nodded. “It will be fine. If you need anything you don’t have, we can arrange for it.”

“No, please don’t go to any trouble. If I don’t have something at home I can collect, I just won’t attend to make it easier on everyone.”

Nick stepped closer. “But that won’t make it easier. People know you’re here, and if you don’t attend certain things, it will look poorly on the royal family. Like they were keeping you from seeing everything. I won’t allow you to make them look worse than you already do.”

Malachi’s breath left him, and he stared at Nick, seeing the protective air around him almost visibly shimmer. It wasn’t possible, of course, but that was what it looked like. Nick’s shoulders were broad enough to take over much of his vision, but he couldn’t tear his eyes away from his face. All rigid lines and harsh features. Even his lips were strong and full. He’d probably be able to crack a bone with those lips. When he realised he’d been staring at Nick’s lips for too long, he blinked and met his gaze again. Something sparked in those depths, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to know what it was. Recalling Nick’s last words, Malachi nodded, accepting the truth in them.

“Okay then. Let’s visit the private kitchen.”

Malachi followed Nick like a lost puppy, trying hard to ignore the attraction he had just realised he had. It explained a lot about why he sought Nick out when he covered events and visits. But why did he have to have a crush on one of the most out of hisleague, no way in hell people on the planet? Nick wouldn’t touch him with a stick if he was the last person on the planet, so what did it matter?

The kitchen was already bustling, and the scents of the food together created an unusual mix. He received a few smiles from the household staff and a few glares, but he’d needed to get used to that quickly in his job. Soon, though. Soon, he could tell everyone that he was Kai Ruffers. Soon.

“Do you have any questions, or are you ready to move on?” Nick asked.

“Moving on is good.”

He did have some questions, but they were more for the staff, and he wasn’t sure he was allowed to talk to them. He’d ask later and then request another visit if he was.

In the meantime, he had to get through a couple more hours of hostility before he could escape to his room to get ready.

****

Chapter 7

Nick

Nick was being an asshole. He couldn’t help it, though. Malachi just rubbed him up the wrong way. How the hell was he supposed to babysit him for the weekend without killing him? He steadied his breathing as they continued towards the receiving room. As far as Nick knew, no one was supposed to be there at that time but that didn’t mean someone wasn’t going to surprise him. Only time would tell. If he was a betting man, Prince George might make an appearance.

Knocking before entering any room had become standard procedure since the princes had found their partners. After walking in on personal moments too many times, he had made it mandatory, even if he knew there was no one in the room. And it was what he did when they reached the receiving room. No one answered, so he entered and held the door for Malachi, his inbuilt manners not able to defy him, no matter who the recipient was.

“Oh, wow. This room is huge. You said this was the receiving room, so you mean for meeting heads of state and such?” Malachi asked, meandering around the area.

Nick leaned his ass against a sofa and rested his hands on the back. “Yeah, sometimes. Initially, that was all it was used for, but since the family expanded, it’s used more for family get-togethers than anything else now.”

“I’m assuming that’s mainly for birthdays and anniversaries and such.”

Nick had been told what information he could and couldn’t share with the reporter, but he baulked at that one because he wanted to keep it quiet. “It’s—”

“We use it regularly. Nothing beats spending time with family in any capacity possible.”

Nick stood, stepping closer to Prince Frederick and trying to hide his surprise and displeasure, especially when he didn’t appear to have his guards. “Your Highness,” he said, bowing his head.

“Oh!” Malachi’s face flushed, and he bowed low. “Your Highness. Thank you for allowing me to visit your home.”

Freddie smiled. “You’re welcome. I have read many of your articles, Mr Sanders. Your writing skills are incredible.”

Malachi lowered his eyes. “I…um, thank you, Your Highness. I wish…” He didn’t finish his sentence, but Nick would’ve loved to see what excuse he came up with for writing such crap.

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