Page 79 of Protecting his Secrets

Malachi tilted his head. “Check your email.”

As much as he’d hated it, he’d written the three articles Tucker had mentioned because he had said he would do them. He hadn’t liked it, but it was the only argument Tucker had, and Malachi didn’t want any chance of making things worse. So, he’d caved and written them. And he’d only thrown up once instead of three times.

“Good luck.”

He turned and walked out, enjoying the approving smile and nod from Darius—not that he needed it, but it felt good anyway.

“Don’t think your name is going on these!” Tucker shouted.

He didn’t reply. Stopping at his desk, he grabbed what few belongings he had dared leave in the place full of Rottweilers and headed out. When he got to the street, he exhaled.

“You don’t need to hear it, I’m sure, but well done. That was nicely played.”

“I’ve spent far too long in his clutches to not know how he works. As much as I hate the idea of writing those final articles—well, all of them really—it was the only way he would’ve left me alone.”

They climbed back into the car and aimed for Malachi’s grandma’s house. “You remind me of Jason.”

Malachi frowned, not recalling the name. “Who’s Jason?”

Darius smiled. “My boyfriend. He had a tough time with it, but recently, he was able to cut himself free from his awful family. It’s how we met, actually.” He shook his head and grinned. “I’ll never forget the sight of him when he faced his father the final time. But more so when he got custody of his siblings. I’ve never seen him happier.”

Malachi gasped. “Prince George’s best friend! I heard about that. I promise I didn’t write about that, though.”

Darius waved him off. “It happened, but we came out the other side, and you will, too. Maybe I can introduce you at the party.”

“I’d like that.”

When they arrived at his grandma’s house, Malachi was eager to tell them his news. He knocked and entered straightaway. “Mum! Grandma!”

“In the kitchen, dear,” his grandma said.

Malachi strode into the room, coming to a stop beside where she was making herself a cup of tea. “I did it, Grandma. I don’t work there anymore.”

Sally peered at him, her gaze roaming across his face until a smile grew across hers. “Really?” He nodded, and she hugged him. “I’m so glad. That job was killing you. Ich liebe dich, Kai.”

“I love you, too, Abuela.” He pulled back. “Where’s Mum?”

“She’s at the supermarket with that bodyguard. I can’t remember his name. They all look the same.”

A chuckle from behind them reminded him that Darius was still with him. “Speaking of… Grandma, this is Darius. Darius, my grandmother, Sally.”

“Very nice to meet you, ma’am.” He put his hand on his chest and bowed his head to her.

Sally looked him up and down. “He’s almost as nice as your Nick.”

Malachi and Darius laughed. “He’s also taken, so no getting ideas, Grandma.”

“Where is your bodyguard, ma’am?” Darius asked. “Aren’t you supposed to have someone staying here and accompanying your daughter?”

Sally waved towards the front of the house. “He needed the bathroom.”

Darius frowned. “Okay. I’ll check in with him while you chat.” He glanced at Malachi and mouthed, “Stay in here.”

Malachi’s stomach twisted. Why was Darius worried? Bodyguards had to go to the bathroom during a shift, didn’t they? Trying not to worry, he carried Sally’s cup to the table and helped her into the chair, even though she didn’t need it; he liked helping her, and she liked letting him. Half of his brain was on his conversation with his grandma, but the other half was on Darius.

When Darius returned, he appeared calm. “Jacobs is back outside again now.”

Malachi frowned. “I didn’t know there was a guard called Jacobs. Is he new?” Malachi asked.

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