Page 59 of Protecting his Secrets

“You can’t tell them what’s happening. I know that’s hard, but we need to keep it between us for now. Can you do that?”

Malachi inhaled again and nodded.

“Owen and Colt are almost at their house,” Brett said. “Once you’ve spoken to her, ask her to let them in so they can check the house. We’ll have people guarding them all day from now on.” Brett growled. “We’ll find them, Malachi. I promise you.”

Malachi exhaled and dialled. The longer it rang, the more he trembled, and Nick grabbed his hand between his. When it went to voicemail, Malachi’s tears overflowed.

“Try again. She might need a minute to wake and answer,” Randall said.

Malachi licked his lips and dialled, closing his eyes while it rang.

“Malachi? What’s wrong? What’s happened?” his mother said, and there was a collective sigh.

“Hey, Mum. I’m sorry for waking you. I-I know this is stupid, but I had a nightmare that something had happened to you both. I’m going to sound overprotective here, but there are two guards at the house. Could you let them check everything is okay?”

Emily exhaled softly. “Oh, Malachi. You are a worrier. Okay, yes. Let me just get something a bit more decent to wear in company, and I’ll let them in.”

“Thank you. Their names are Owen and Colt.” He bit his lip. “Can I stay on the line until you open the door?”

Emily chuckled. “Okay.”

They listened to the rustles of clothing, and Nick hoped no one was in for a nasty surprise.

Brett gave him the thumbs up to say the guards had arrived and nothing seemed amiss from the outside. Nick would withhold judgement until the interior had been checked, too.

Finally, Emily came back on. “I can see two people at the door. Who is it?” she called. There was a murmur and a click before Emily came back louder again. “They’re here. Are you feeling better now, Malachi?”

“Yes. I’m so sorry, Mum. Is Grandma okay?”

“She’s fine. And you don’t need to be sorry. I would be more upset if you lost sleep over a worry that one phone call could alleviate.”

Malachi gave a watery chuckle. “I’m sorry, anyway.”

“What are you doing worrying about me when you have a man to distract you now?”

Malachi’s cheeks flamed in the light of the car, and Nick chuckled. “I’m not even…going there with you.”

Emily’s chuckle came across loud and clear. “But at least now you’re not worrying. You’re thinking of your man. A much better use of your time.”

Nick rose, leaving Malachi to speak with his mother, and headed to Brett, anger building like a furnace in his stomach. “I don’t like that this fucker knows where we all were. He has to be either following us or someone is telling him. Could he have a tracker or something?”

“I agree. I should be grateful that they’re not targeting the royal family, but I’m not. They’re now going after my family,” Brett growled.

Nick raised his eyebrows. Angry Brett was a sight to behold on any day of the week, but pissed-off Brett rarely happened. When it did, everyone needed to beware, especially if the aim was them. But this was next level. He practically vibrated while standing in front of Nick, and as much as he agreed with him, Brett needed to calm down.

Before he could say or do anything, Felix came up and put his hand on Brett’s shoulder, leaning to whisper something in hisear. Brett shuddered and closed his eyes, visibly reigning himself in.

Now Nick knew to watch them, their interactions were as clear as a windowpane, but were they already together or just pining for each other?

“Nick!”

Malachi’s voice dragged him away from his musings, and he jogged back to the car. The phone was in his lap, and tears streaked his cheeks.

“Are they okay?” He knew they were, but he asked so Malachi could say the answer aloud.

“Yeah, both are fine. Mum checked on Grandma, and she was sleeping.” He sighed shakily. “What the heck is going on, Nick?”

“I don’t know, sweetheart, but we’ll figure it out. I promise we will.” He clasped Malachi’s hands, squeezing and hoping it helped. When they got back to Windsor, he’d hold him as much as he needed for him to calm down and remember his family was safe.

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