Page 94 of Protecting his Secrets

“Where are we, Nick?” But the knowledge was in his eyes.

Nick smiled. “You know where we are, Kai.”

Malachi’s breath caught as the doors opened to the tastefully decorated foyer of Club Royal. Malachi gripped him tighter.

“Should I be here?” he squeaked, belying his excitement.

Nick nodded. “You have clearance. You already signed the NDA, that included this place.”

“Oh, my god. I can’t believe this is real. I can’t believe I was right. That so many people are right, but can find no one to corroborate it.” He glanced at Nick. “Not that I would now, but wow.”

Nick chuckled. “You definitely can’t write about it. But you may find what you’re looking for here.” And that was the main reason he wanted to bring him. Malachi still hadn’t broached the subject again with him, and if this made it easier for him to figure out what he needed, then Nick would bring him back as often as he had to.

Malachi tightened his hold again as they headed for the reception desk.

“Good evening, Clarice.”

The fabulous receptionist and all-round amazing person who could do and get anything and everything they could possibly need smiled at them. “Good evening, Nick. I’m glad to see you. I was wondering when I would meet your beau.”

Chuckling, Nick gestured to Malachi. “This is Kai. Kai, this is Clarice. If you are ever in any need, Clarice is the person to go to. She’s fantastic.”

Clarice waved him away, though he saw the praise pleased her. “Would you like to put your thumb on the sensor, Kai? I need to add your print to our database so it can open the doors for you.” He did. “Thank you. I see you’ve already signed the NDA, that’s great. Now, we just need a lock of hair and a drop of blood, and we’ll be done.” Malachi gaped at her, and she chuckled. “I’m kidding, Kai. You’re all done.”

Malachi huffed a laugh, some of the tension leaving him. “I wouldn’t have put it past this place to need those things.”

“It’s something I keep campaigning for,” Clarice said with a wink. “Go on through whenever you’re ready.”

“Who is on duty tonight?” Nick asked.

“Princes Christian, Patrick and Albert, and Princex Alice.”

Nick chuckled at Malachi’s expression. “Thank you, Clarice. Have a wonderful evening.”

“You, too.”

He led Malachi to the double doors behind the reception desk but paused. “Are you ready?”

“Yes. No. Yes. Maybe.”

Nick cupped his cheeks, something that seemed to calm Malachi. “Breathe.”

Malachi did and then nodded. “I’m ready.”

“Press your thumb to the sensor to make sure it works.” Malachi did, and the door clicked. “Let’s go.”

He pushed through the door and into the main bar. Leading Malachi over to the bar, he explained a few things about drinking and how, if someone had any amount of alcohol, they weren’t allowed to play. He also introduced him to Oliver, the resident bartender who spent most of his hours here or in the club with his husband, Griffin, and their partner, Xan.

“Are you ready for reveal number two? The club itself?” Nick asked.

Malachi inhaled and let it out slowly. “Yes.”

Nick led him to the door. “It’s louder in here.”

He wasn’t underestimating the noise volume either. The music blared through the speakers, but even that wasn’t enough to stop the sounds of pleasure from ricocheting around the room.

“Holy crap,” Malachi muttered, and the only reason he heard it was because of how close they were standing.

“This is just the beginning.”

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