Page 75 of Protecting his Secrets

“Will do.”

He headed for the exit, dropping by the weapons store to make sure he had everything he needed for his shift, and then strode down the corridor to the king’s office. Grinning when he saw Dominic sitting outside, he threw his hands wide.

“What did you do?”

Dominic sighed. “He’s mad because I accidentally threw away the meal he made for us.”

Nick frowned. “How can you accidentally throw away a meal?”

“It was in a tub in the fridge, but it didn’t have a date on it or anything. When I opened it, it looked green! I thought it had gone off. So I threw it out.” He winced. “Apparently, it was supposed to be that colour.”

Nick rolled his lips, containing his laughter, but only just. “Okay. Understandable mistake.”

“Yes! Exactly. Maybe you can tell him that so I can come back in? He won’t even get me coffee.”

At that, Nick did laugh. “Oh, you poor baby. I’ll save you.”

He patted Dominic’s shoulder and headed inside to Randall’s office. He nodded at Emmy, who sat outside the king’s office door. Randall lifted his gaze to him, his frown lifting into a smilewhen he saw him. He rounded the desk and hugged him. “Hey, Nick. How are you doing? How’s Malachi? How’sRye?”

“We’re all doing okay. I’m going to see Rye this afternoon after my shift.”

“Well, send him our love, okay? We’ll get everyone together once he’s on the mend.”

“He’ll like that.” Nick thumbed over his shoulder. “He in the doghouse?”

Randall’s mouth twisted. “I spent ages on that meal.” He sighed. “But I did forget to label it. I suppose I should forgive him, but he should’ve asked.”

Nick nodded. “He should’ve and you should’ve, but it’s just food. Maybe you can make him make it next time. Or even better, make him make it for everyone.”

Randall brightened. “That’s an idea.”

He quietly said sorry to Dominic, but he wasn’t concerned about them. “I’m going to grab him a coffee.”

Randall waved him away. “I’ll do it. You get on with what you’re doing.”

“I’ll swap with him and send him in then.”

“I’ll bring you a drink, too.”

“You’re an angel.”

“I thought I heard you,” the king said, exiting his office. He hugged Nick, catching him off guard. “Thank you for the painting. It’s perfect.”

Nick’s cheeks heated, but inside he was ecstatic that he hadn’t made a mistake. “I’m glad. I wasn’t sure if it was too much.”

“Not even a little.” Andrew smiled and headed back to his office, brushing against his cheek.

“Good job,” Randall said, and Nick refocused on him and Dominic’s problem.

Whenever Dominic was on shift, he would sit outside Andrew’s door so he could spend time with Randall, and anyoneelse would sit outside in the corridor. No one minded, for the most part. It was only when they were in need of social interaction that it was a struggle, but they knew to speak up at those points, and Dominic never minded swapping.

He exited the office again and clapped Dominic on the back. “You better get in there. He’s making you coffee.”

Dominic’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

Nick nodded and grinned. “Go on. Just remember me in your will.”

Dominic hugged him and then entered the office to Nick’s laughter. He settled into the comfortable chair they’d added to the corridor. It couldn’t be too comfortable because it would be too easy to fall asleep, but it was enough to stop them having numb asses at the end of it. Unlike the king’s office chairs. He was truly grateful to not need to use those.

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