Page 34 of Protecting his Secrets

Kean grinned. “Thank you, Nick.”

“And a happy birthday from me, too,” Malachi added. “I hope you’ve had a wonderful day.”

“I have, thank you. Far too many gifts from everyone, and I feel decidedly spoilt, but it was fantastic.Isfantastic.” He shared a smile with Andrew and Kendal, who squeezed his hand across the table.

Nick would’ve liked to be able to do the same to Malachi, but they hadn’t covered the subject of whether Malachi wanted theirrelationship to be known, especially if he was keeping Malachi Sanders and Kai Ruffers separate. If he started a relationship with someone so close to the crown, would it affect his job?

A plate was put in front of him, and his stomach growled at the scents tantalising him. If he wasn’t mistaken, it was chicken cacciatore, one of his mother’s favourite recipes.

“Dig in, everyone,” Andrew said.

The chicken melted in his mouth, and the tomatoes, peppers and mushrooms gave it a hearty flavour. It rivalled his mother’s, but he would always choose hers over anyone else’s, even if he had a gun to his head.

The surrounding conversation had the same feel as the dinners he had at his parents’ when everyone was there. The muted individual ones as well as a larger one that everyone dipped in and out of. It was hard for him to describe it to someone who didn’t know what he meant, but he could see it happening there. It was wonderful to see all of them include Malachi in it—though he’d expected no less. Malachi still seemed a little wide-eyed and starstruck, but at least he got his words out.

“If you look at him like that much longer, there will be no chance of denying your feelings for him,” Eddie murmured.

Nick glanced at him and then away, focusing on his plate. “I don’t know what you mean, Your Highness.”

Eddie chuckled. “You won’t get away with it. George has already figured it out if the glances he keeps sending you are any indication. Freddie seems to know, which means Damon knows. Andrew keeps checking on you with a small smile on his face. You’re not as sneaky as you usually are, Nick.”

Butterflies filled his stomach, but he couldn’t deny Eddie’s observations. “It’s early days, Your Highness. We have yet to figure anything out other than we would like the chance to explore what it could be. I don’t have more of an answer for you.”

Eddie faced him. “You don’t need to have an answer for me. You don’t need to have an answer for anyone. The only ones who matter are you and Malachi. I’m sorry if my words came across as out of order. I was merely warning you in case you hadn’t wanted to expose your thoughts.”

Nick wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Not at all, Your Highness. You weren’t out of order. Thank you for telling me. As I said, it’s early days, and I’ve yet to confirm with him what his preference is for telling people.”

“I have to admit, I’m a little surprised, though. I thought you hated him.”

Nick wasn’t sure how much Malachi wanted to tell anyone, so he hedged his words. “I didn’t like that my attraction was to someone who could write what he did. But he’s not what he writes. Those are just words. He’s…” Nick glanced at Malachi, finding the man looking back at him. “Different.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I wish you both the best.” Eddie smirked. “You might want to bring him to the club,” he whispered. “That would blow his mind.”

Nick choked on the drink he’d just sipped at. He banged against his chest to clear it, waving away any help. “I don’t think that’s a good idea at the moment, Your Highness.”

Eddie chuckled. “Maybe not. But if things go the way they seem to be headed, you might want to make time in your schedule to take him there. You might be surprised what he’s into.”

Nick studied Eddie. “Do you know something I don’t?”

Eddie’s mouth twitched. “Not at all. It’s just what I can see from his body language. I’ve become adept at reading people.”

When Eddie didn’t continue, Nick sighed. “I’ll consider it, okay?”

“Good for you.” Eddie sipped his wine. “At least it should be.”

Nick didn’t try to get any more information from him because he knew a closed book when he saw one. If Malachi had any interest in BDSM or kink, it would need to be kept as far from Club Royal as possible until he finished his contract with the Windsor Chronicle.

“Nick,” Freddie called. “I was just discussing a possible change in plans for tomorrow. A visit to Frogmore is still on the cards, but then we’re heading to RAF Northolt to speak with some people there. Would it be okay for you and Malachi to join us?”

Nick took a breath. Changing plans was not ideal, but it was something that always happened. He’d been to Northolt several times and could see no reason to deny the visit.

“I’ll double-check with Brett, but I don’t see it being a problem.”

Malachi’s bright grin made his decision worthwhile, and he sent an answering one back. When Malachi turned back to Freddie, Nick met George’s gaze, the prince grinning at him, much like Malachi had. Nick sighed and refocused on his food. He would never hear the end of this. He needed to warn Malachi as soon as possible that the princes had ulterior motives. What those motives were, though, was anyone’s idea.

When the dinner ended, Malachi was full of chatter and smiles, making it hard to keep Nick’s smile in check. As they headed to the door, following Princes Douglas and Mav, Andrew called to him.

Nick glanced at Malachi, who said, “I’ll wait outside.”

---