Page 101 of Protecting his Secrets

“You will,” Malachi replied. “Because it can’t just be on me any longer. It’s not fair.”

“We thought you didn’t mind!” Christine said.

Malachi snorted. “Of course I don’t mind. They’re family. But I shouldn’t have to carry the weight of itallby myself. You’re more than capable of helping out. Especially at Christmas.”

Zara cleared her throat. “I will make sure I’m there this year. We can’t have you cooking and doing everything on your birthday now, can we?”

“Why? I’ve done it for the past four years.”

Nick tightened his hold and pressed his lips to his temple again, murmuring, “Back off a little, sweetheart. They’re trying.”

Malachi sighed. “Thank you. That would be great. Mum and Grandma would love you to be there.”

The sisters smiled, though it didn’t quite reach their eyes, and then they headed to their mother, who was surrounded by Andrew, Kean and Kendal. They appeared mesmerised by whatever she was talking about.

“I should’ve taken it easier on them.”

“No. You did right. But they know they did wrong, so it doesn’t need to keep going. See if they do actually change their behaviour, and if not, broach it again.”

“Who made you so wise?”

“Your grandmother,” Nick deadpanned.

They laughed, receiving a far few stares in the process, but nothing held his attention more than the man he loved with his head thrown back and happiness on his face. It made everything worthwhile.

****

Malachi

One year later

Malachi inhaled deeply as he waited in the changing room at Club Royal. It had been a long year, one filled with grief, happiness, sadness, humour and…training. A few weeks after he’d had the initial conversation with Kieren, he’d sat down with Nick and talked through everything. He’d been surprised to find out that Nick had some news for him. He’d arranged for the princes to train him in impact play and whipping so he couldbe the one to do it, instead of being apart from it. It wouldn’t be something he would be able to do straight away, but then Malachi wasn’t ready to do it right away, either. So, after a long discussion over several days, they decided to wait until Nick was fully trained before Malachi experienced whipping. It made things easier on Malachi, too. As much as he trusted the princes, he didn’t think he would be able to relax enough to enjoy it.

Their sex life was nothing to be ashamed of, though, especially with his new favourite thing—phone sex! Nick had persuaded him to try one night, and after the initial uncomfortable feeling, it had been…orgasmic.

But tonight was the night. Nick had been trained fully, and Malachi had been present when he’d whipped several people over the past few weeks. Nerves abounded, but he wanted this. For himself and for Nick. Nick was excited about being able to do this for him, and he refused to let him down. He could cancel. No one would care, but he wanted this.

Kieren entered the changing room and smiled. “He’s ready whenever you are.”

Malachi inhaled again, letting it out through his nose. “I’m ready. I’m a lot nervous, but I’m ready.”

“It’s scary the first time, but you can take it as slow as you need to, and if it doesn’t feel right, you can try again another day. There’s no right or wrong here.”

“I know. I suppose I don’t want to letmyselfdown. I’ve wanted this for so long, but to be here now, it’s a big thing.” Malachi wrung his hands.

“It is. It really is.”

He liked that Kieren wasn’t giving him false platitudes. Everything he said was correct, and even though he knew it already, it helped that someone else was saying it.

“Thanks. I’m ready.” His voice was stronger this time.

Kieren grinned. “Okay, then.”

They wandered through the club, both smiling and greeting people they knew, something Malachi never believed he’d get to, and came to a stop in front of the door Nick was behind.

“You good?” Kieren asked.

Malachi smiled, actually feeling it. “Yes, I am.”

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