Page 33 of Protecting his Secrets

Malachi watched as Nick flew through his routine, throwing suds all over, but he was mesmerised by the need to lick every inch of his body.

“Don’t look at me like that, or we’ll miss dinner completely,” Nick growled.

Malachi swallowed and slipped from the shower before Nick could grab him. Someone needed the sense in that relationship, and it would rarely be him. It was difficult when he had someone like Nick in his life. Who wouldn’t want to spend a stupid amount of time around someone intelligent, gorgeous, funny and talented?

Wet arms came around his waist, and a wet, fully erect cock pressed against his spine. “You’re not the only one who can’t believe this person wants to spend time with him,” Nick mumbled in his ear. “You are exquisite, and I’m sorry for thinking badly of you.”

Malachi spun in his arms. “You don’t need to be. I just wish I’d explained sooner.”

Nick swooped down and feasted on Malachi’s lips. When his knees threatened to buckle in an embarrassingly short time, he tore his mouth free.

“The king.”

Nick groaned and buried his face in his neck. “Tell me again why we agreed to this?”

Malachi laughed, lighthearted and happy.

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Chapter 11

Nick

It was hard to keep his hands to himself on their walk to the dining room the Sutcliffes usually used for dinner. Originally, Nick had been pissed beyond measure to hear that they intended to let Malachi into their space, but since their chat earlier—and subsequent kisses and fondling—he didn’t mind at all. Did that make him two-faced? Maybe. Regardless, a smile crossed his face when Malachi gasped at the room they entered. He’d seen it the day before, but he was so happy to be there.

They were, perhaps, a few minutes later than planned, and the entire royal family was waiting for them.

“I apologise for being late, Your Majesty,” he said to the king.

“You don’t need to apologise, Nick. Things happen, and we’ve not been waiting long.” Andrew smiled at them. “Malachi, would you like to join us here?” He waved at the seat between Kendal and Douglas—the seat usually reserved for Douglas himself. “That way, you should be able to see and speak to all of us more easily.”

“I don’t want to get in the way, Your Majesty. I’m happy sitting at the end.”

“Nonsense. One day of moving around won’t harm anyone. Please, sit.”

Malachi glanced at Nick, and he sent him a smile and a nod before taking his post against the wall. As Malachi took his seat,Nick met Freddie’s gaze, and a barely concealed smirk. Nick rolled his eyes and shook his head, even as his cheeks heated.

“Did you get the chance to visit the kitchen this afternoon, Malachi? The staff make a wonderful afternoon tea,” Kendal said.

Malachi cleared his throat. “We—I got a little distracted, so I didn’t get the opportunity.”

“Have you not eaten since you woke?” Andrew asked, frowning.

Nick’s stomach grumbled at the reminder of his lack of food. He’d been too busy reading Malachi’s file to think about eating, and then afterwards… Well, who wanted to think about food?

“I had a nap, but it’s okay.”

Andrew pierced Nick with his gaze. “Have you eaten?”

“I’m fine, Your Majesty.”

Andrew sighed. “Sit your ass down, Nick.”

Nick straightened at the king’s almost curse, even as a chuckle wound through the room. “Honestly, Your—”

“Sit. Down.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Nick settled into the chair on the other side of Eddie, unwilling to disobey a direct order, and met Malachi’s gaze. Malachi dipped his head but not before Nick saw his smile. “And happy birthday, Your Highness,” he said to Kean.

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