Page 47 of Protecting his Secrets

Felix paused by a door and faced him. “You don’t have to explain yourself to us. We understand. So do the Sutcliffes.”

Malachi briefly wondered if Nick had told them about the real reason he did what he did, but he didn’t think the man would break a confidence like that unless he had to.

They entered the room he had never been allowed in before. Nick had probably been concerned he’d use it against them, and his mouth twitched at the thought. He’d have to ask him later.

“Nick is currently guarding the king, so you’ll have a different guard for now. Me.” Felix grinned.

Malachi chuckled. “Good to know. I’d hate to have to break in a new one already,” he joked, and chuckles resounded around the room.

Felix snapped his fingers. “Nick will never live that down.”

He wondered if he’d said the wrong thing, but the humour in Felix’s gaze was contagious, and he couldn’t find it in himself to worry. He doubted Nick would be upset, maybe just embarrassed.

“Brett would like to talk to you about what we’ve found out so far.”

He nodded. “Okay, great. Not sure if I’ll be much help, but I’d love to know what the heck’s going on.”

“You’re not the only one,” Brett said, heading their way. “We’d love to know, too.”

Malachi’s stomach churned at being so useless. He had seen nothing, and if he had, he didn’t remember it.

“What can I do to help?”

“Tell us about Tarrant Milton, to begin with.”

They settled into seats, and Malachi gave them everything he knew about the guy, which wasn’t much. He’d hardly researched him because he hadn’t thought it was necessary. He had been all talk.

“Well, we’ve found out he’s attending the event at the end of the month. If you’re in agreement, we’d like you to contact him.”

“Why?”

Brett leaned back, crossing his hands over his stomach. “He’s fairly benign in his messages, but there is a chance he could escalate and become a problem, if he hasn’t already. We’d like to stop that from happening, so we want you to approach him, or let him approach you, and then Nick can get an opinion of him.”

“So, I’ll just debrief Nick when I’m done?”

Felix chuckled. “Nick will be right beside you as your date.”

Malachi’s jaw dropped. “He what?” He shook his head. “I don’t want to push him to do that. He might not be ready.”

Brett chuckled this time. “He’s met your family. I think he’s all in.”

“How did you…?” Malachi grimaced. “The guard.”

Brett smiled. “Not much we can keep from one another unless we try really hard. And besides, Nick’s been obsessed with you for a long time. It wasn’t a case of if he would fall, but when.”

Brett moved on to other questions, but Malachi’s head stuttered over his words. He’d implied Nick was in love with him. How did Malachi feel about him? Can people fall in love that quickly? He wasn’t sure. All he knew was that he enjoyed being with the man, and he yearned for him whenever he wasn’t with him. Was that love?

Eventually, they finished with the questioning, and Malachi slumped in his chair. “That was harder than my Spanish GCSE exam.”

Felix snorted. “Brett’s inquisitions usually are.” He stood. “Come on. I’ll take you to your man.”

“He’s not…” He paused at the expressions on both men’s faces and swallowed. “Okay, thank you,” he finished, nearly tripping over his bag as he stood. He was tired.

“Would you prefer I take you to the suite? I can tell Nick where you are?”

“Is that okay? I don’t want to mess with your plans, but I’m so tired.” Lethargy dragged at him.

“Of course it’s okay. I’ll get you settled and then find Nick. I’m sure he’ll be there soon enough.”

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