Page 77 of Protecting his Secrets

They went down a narrow corridor, barely two people side by side, and entered a much larger room filled with people and equipment, all talking amongst themselves or into microphones.

“This is our base of communications. It should have eight people working at all times on a shift rota, but due to lower numbers of sign-ups, we struggle to man all stations on all shifts. Obviously, we do our best, but with illnesses, holidays, etc, we don’t always make it. It’s not impossible to make it work with six, but any lower and we’d struggle.”

“What do you need help with?” Andrew asked.

“Getting people in. We have a variety of specialisms, but even then, people just don’t want what they believe the military is.” She chuckled. “Lots of people shouting and giving orders are what they think, but we’re so much more.”

They continued the conversation, throwing out ideas about how they could make it appear to be a good career path, but Nickwasn’t convinced. He never had been, which was why he went into protection instead of the Army.

The visit continued, and they got a tour of the “nice” part of the base, stopping and watching the exercise session where they had to crawl under nets and climb huge wooden structures. It was more work than Nick ever wanted to do, but he couldn’t argue with the need. He exercised enough to keep his job and energy levels, but if he didn’t have to, he wouldn’t.

“Maybe we should have a competition one day,” Andrew remarked. “My protection detail against your soldiers.”

Venus chuckled. “One day maybe. When things have settled down for you. Is there anywhere else you’d like to view?” She led them towards where the car waited, almost as if she wanted them gone. He could understand why. Having a royal on the base made them a target, and if something happened while they were there, it would cause chaos.

“I think I’ve seen plenty. You’re doing a wonderful job, Venus. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to show us around.”

“You’re always welcome, Your Majesty.”

Nick glanced at her, her tone seeming different, but she had an open and smiling expression. She shook hands with the king, and as he entered the car, she met Nick’s gaze.

“Thank you for protecting him. He needs the best, and I’m told you’re it.” She paused. “Your team, I mean.”

“We do our best, which is all anyone could hope for,” Nick replied.

He didn’t quite understand the undercurrent of the conversation, but he smiled and nodded her way before climbing into the car. She watched them leave, standing almost to attention the entire time. What had happened between her and Brett? Were they estranged? If so, why? He doubted he would get any information from Brett, but he wished he could offersome sort of support to him. Brett wouldn’t take it. He’d brush it off.

After they got back to Windsor and the king settled back into his office, Nick went through the details of Prince George’s birthday party with Randall. The king’s personal assistant was a little overwhelmed with the ideas he kept throwing at him, but he rallied. By the end, Nick would even say he seemed giddy at the prospect.

“I love the idea, and I know George will, but will everyone else?” Randall asked.

“It doesn’t matter about everyone else. It’s George’s birthday, so it should be all about him and what he likes. He’ll love it.”

Randall nodded. “He truly will.”

Nick gave a thumbs up just as the door opened and Landon came in to relieve him of his duty. “On that note, I’m going home.”

“You might want to nip to your suite first. I put some boxes in there that are for you.”

“Thanks! See you later!”

“Not if I see you first,” Landon remarked.

Nick chuckled and strode down the corridor. Despite he and Malachi having not been in there since that morning, he swore he could still smell their joint scents in the air when he entered. It probably wasn’t true, but he liked the idea of it. The boxes were hard to miss. They must be the supplies he’d ordered for the party, so he picked them up, balancing the three on top of each other, and headed for the door.

But he paused when he saw a piece of paper on the coffee table. He put the boxes on the sofa and picked it up.

I can’t do this anymore, Nick. What I want from you isn’t something I can have, so I need to stop this before I hurt you more. We’re from different worlds. Why I ever thought wecould fit was beyond me. I was deluding myself. But now you’re free to love who you want. I wish you all the best.

Malachi

Nick read the words again, and then one more time before he flew out of the room to Sec HQ.

“Where’s Kai?”

“I haven’t seen him. Why?” Felix asked.

“Can we locate him?”

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