Page 91 of Protecting his Secrets

“Is it over?” he asked.

“I hope so,” Nick said. “This seemed like the last point in their plan for us. After all, we were supposed to die. What else could’ve happened to us after that?”

Malachi grimaced. “That thought is for if I ever turn to writing horror fiction or fantasy.” He shivered. “Which I doubt I will.”

Nick chuckled and wrapped his arms around him again. “Let’s go.”

The journey was a blur, but when they finally closed the door to Malachi’s home, his knees gave out, and he sank to the floor. Nick picked him up as if he weighed nothing and carried him to the bedroom, setting him on the bed. When he went to pull back, Malachi grabbed him.

“No.”

Nick seemed to understand what Malachi was trying to say, which was a good thing because his brain couldn’t find the words. A funny thing, as words were his life.

“It’s okay. We’re safe now.”

Nick kept mumbling to him, who knew for how long, but eventually, Malachi came back to himself, stiff and aching, but not in the pleasant way he wished it was.

“Ah, there he is,” Nick mumbled as Malachi moved his head to look at him. They were lying on the bed with Malachi almost on top of Nick. “My amazing, gorgeous boyfriend.”

“I don’t feel so amazing. A man lost his life because of me.”

Nick cupped his jaw. “No. A man lost his life because ofhim.He chose that life. He chose to kill.”

“But should he have died for it?”

Nick sighed. “I know what you’re saying, Kai. As much as it pains me to say, some people are more dangerous alive and incarcerated. That doesn’t mean we should be judge, jury and executioner. It just means that, as horrible as it is, sometimes we don’t have a choice.”

“I know. I really do. It’s just a little close to home right now.”

Nick tightened his hold. “I know.”

Malachi soaked in the warmth of Nick’s body, trying to keep it for himself. “How long was I out?”

“About an hour.”

Malachi reared back. “Oh god! Sorry. You must need to move by now.”

Nick pulled him back down again. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than wrapped around you.” His stomach chose that moment to growl, and he chuckled. “We probably should eat, though.”

Malachi huffed a laugh. “I should probably feed the beast before he eats me.”

“That idea has merit.”

It took Malachi a moment to catch on, and then he swiped at Nick’s hands, laughing as he tried to get away. “Food first!”

Nick paused. “Fine.”

Malachi climbed off him. “I’ll make us some soup and toasties to tide us over.”

“I can order takeaway.”

“No!” Malachi froze, having not expected such a vehement response. He stared at Nick, who patiently gazed back. “It might take a while before I can do that again.”

Nick nodded. “Whatever you want.”

“I forgot to ask, did they find Carlos?”

“Yeah. He’s fine. He was knocked out but alive. A few bumps and bruises, but he’s good.”

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