Page 51 of Protecting his Secrets

Malachi flushed, and Nick watched it reach his ears. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Nick shook his head. “Your chariot awaits, Mr Sanders.”

Malachi’s smile lit up the small hallway, and Nick’s stomach swirled. How he wished they didn’t need to attend that night. He held out his elbow, and Malachi took it, locking the door behind him before letting Nick lead him to the black town car waiting to speed them to the event in the centre of London.

Despite there being around an hour of a journey to the event, Nick promised to be on his best behaviour. Well, he promised himself. No point in making the task harder than it needed to be by announcing it to anyone. Then, if he caved and sought out Malachi’s lips or cheek…or body, he only disappointed himself.

“Is Tarrant definitely going to be there?” Malachi asked, his voice strained.

“He has an invitation and he RSVP’d, so we’re assuming that means he’s coming.” Nick wouldn’t object to the man cancelling his plans, even though he knew they needed to scope him out. He hated the idea of Malachi being so close to a potential suspect. Luckily, he was allowed to wear his gun, which was safely tucked into his holster beneath his jacket.

“I’ve been searching through the hate mail I get, but other than words showing their displeasure, there wasn’t anyone who appeared to be wanting to take those words and turn them into actions.”

“Thank you for looking. That must’ve been hard for you.”

Malachi scrunched his face. “It certainly didn’t make me like what I do any more.”

Nick squeezed his hand. “Not long to go.” And if Nick had his way, he’d be out of the job quicker than the contract end date. It was something Felix was working on. “How is your mum and grandma doing?”

Malachi smiled. “They’re complaining because they haven’t seen you.” He waved a hand. “I’ve explained, but, you know. Family being family.”

“It’s on my agenda to come back, I promise. I think I’m off next weekend. Maybe we can arrange to have dinner? I could treat them to a nice dinner out?”

“I’m sure they would love that, but you don’t have to. They’d be just as happy spending time with you at home.”

“I know, but why not treat them like the princesses they are?”

Malachi chuckled. “I’ll check to make sure they’re free. Thank you.”

“Invite the rest of your family, too. If you want, I could invite mine as well. Everyone could meet?” Nick had no clue what Malachi’s answer would be, but he relaxed a lot when he received a smile.

“I’d love to meet your family, and I know Mum would, too.”

“Great. Check with them, and I’ll arrange it.”

They talked about some of the things they’d done during the time they’d been apart, even though they’d spoken on the phone nearly every day. There was something different about doing it face to face, watching the play of emotions wash over Malachi’s face. But far too soon, they arrived, and Nick exhaled.

“Show time.”

Malachi gave a small smile. “At least we’re together.”

Nick’s heart soared. “Nowhere else I’d rather be.”

They climbed from the car and entered the building, giving their names to the guards on the door before being let through. The opulence was slightly overdone, but then, that was the point. Rich people were happy to bleed money when they weresurrounded by wealth. Something about the environment lent an air of superiority to them. It changed nothing, though. There were still people who needed the money these people gave, and if holding fancy, expensive events was the way to get that money—and more—from their pockets, then so be it.

He kept his hand on Malachi’s, which he’d slipped around his arm again as they’d entered, and smiled at people as he passed. They weren’t there to schmooze, a good thing in his book. All they needed to do was talk to Tarrant Milton and get a feel for him. Was he the one messing with Malachi? Only time would tell.

Prince Christian waved to them, and Nick steered Malachi in his direction. Nick shook the royal’s hand when they were close enough.

“How are you feeling, Malachi?” Christian asked.

“In myself, as if nothing happened. About being here, nervous.” He gave a small chuckle, eyes darting around.

“I can understand that. Just remember, there are enough of us here if there’s a problem, okay? Just shout and we’ll be there.” Christian tilted his head behind him, and Nick followed his direction to where Brett and Felix stood not too far away.

Felix smiled, and Brett nodded once, tapping four fingers against his arm to let Nick know there were four other of their guards around the room. Despite knowing his own abilities, he was grateful for the support. They didn’t usually take six guards to cover two royals.

“If nothing else, the dinner should be lovely,” Oscar said, his hand clasped in Christian’s.

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