Page 42 of The Kingpin's Omega Lover
“Yeah.” They sat together for a while, holding each other. “Want me to burn you a copy before I send the DVD to Ziggy?” Even though he knew the results would be the same, he had to try. To make sure he was taking every possible step, exhausting every option and investigative opportunity.
“Yes, thanks. Today?”
“I’ll do it right now.”
After King burned the copy for Malori, he left it on the desk for him. Kissed Malori gently on the mouth, then excused himself to hand off the original DVD to a courier. He didn’t mind leaving Malori alone in his office; Malori had been spending a lot of time there the past few days. He’d studied the first DVD for hours on end, and even printed a few screenshots of his son to create a small collage of his precious, newborn face.
King had created a log-in profile for Malori on his computer, so Malori could access the internet and have privacy—and to protect King’s own business files. As curious as King was about Malori’s time spent in his office, he’d never breach Malori’s privacy by logging onto his account.
He trusted Malori.
Kensley approached him in the hallway, his big eyes sad. “Was that one as bad as the first? The DVD?
King wasn’t sure how to reply. “It was similar but different.” Before Kens could get huffy over the non-answer, he added, “If Malori wants you to know the details, he’ll tell you. It’s not my place.”
“I know, but I had to ask.” Kensley glanced down the hall to the closed office door. “Do you think he wants company?”
“I’m not sure, but it won’t hurt to ask. It wasn’t such a shock to see his son this time.”
“Okay.” Kensley took a step to the side then paused. “Do you need a hug?”
King smiled. “I’m fine, but thank you. Go, check on your friend.”
Kensley gave his wrist a squeeze as they passed each other. King appreciated the gesture, and he adored Kens for respecting his boundaries. The only person whose casual touches didn’t startle King was Malori.
Unfortunately, he didn’t see Malori or Kensley again for the rest of the day. Business took King out of the penthouse and kept him busy until long past dinner. Ziggy confirmed he received the new DVD. He sifted through reports from three different private investigators working on tracking down associates of the Farm—no good leads.
King was exhausted by the time he slid into bed beside a snoring Malori, sometime around midnight. He woke with Malori plastered against his side and already awake, watching him with an intent expression. King hoped that intent meant body parts were going to get involved.
Malori startled him by asking, “Can we go to the pool today?”
The building had an indoor pool, sauna and spa on the fifth floor, which was available to residents twenty-four-seven. Outside visitors were only permitted on the weekend, during certain hours, and since it was Friday, the risk was much smaller, especially with their bodyguards.
This was the first time Malori had ever asked about going to the pool. Malori rarely wanted to leave the penthouse for any reason—and not just because he understood King had a lot of enemies. He also feared being recognized by any of the hundreds of people he’d “entertained” at the Farm. They could be anyone and live anywhere.
King completely understood, and he’d never pressured Malori to go anyplace. His therapist was a tele-call. Dr. Melish came here for the occasional check-up. Food and clothes were delivered. Malori only really left for medical appointments that required specialized tests, which were infrequent. Malori read, studied, exercised, and shopped from home. King loved that Malori wanted to do something so out of his normal routine.
“We can absolutely go to the pool today,” King replied. “Just us?”
“Oh, no, we can invite Kensley, too. And Bishop, if he isn’t busy.”
“We both have appointments this morning, but we should be home by noon. How about a light lunch, and then we’ll head down to the pool? I can’t imagine they’ll say no.”
“Great.” Malori’s smile was brighter and more genuine than since before that first damned DVD showed up. He leaned over for a long, leisurely good-morning kiss.
King’s phone alarm went off before things could get frisky, and he reluctantly rose to start his day. Before he managed to grab a bagel and coffee on his way through the kitchen, Malori texted him that Kensley was all-in on the pool, and he’d convince Bishop it would be fun. Perfect.
The morning meeting was long but productive, and he arrived home around eleven. Bishop was due back from his assignment by noon. Hartford was in the lobby, looking a bit awkward in white linen pool pants and an island-style shirt that covered his concealed weapon. The bodyguards had to at least attempt to blend in.
“Nice shirt,” King said with an amused wink as he passed.
“Bought it on my last vacation, boss,” Hartford replied. “Don’t get much call to use it.”
King kept any further snark to himself, because his guards didn’t receive much time off. But taking a vacation wasn’t exactly safe for them, either, and wouldn’t be until they no longer worked for King. He’d help his most loyal people start over somewhere safe, once all was said and done. Especially Hartford and Garvey, who’d been with him for years.
He found Kensley in the kitchen, already putting together cold-cut sandwiches for lunch, plus a board of cut veggies and dip. Something light, so they wouldn’t have to wait long before swimming, if they so desired. King had never been fond of open water, like the ocean or even a lake. Pools, he could deal with, ifhe could see the bottom. He liked knowing exactly what he was dealing with.
“Schedule cleared for the rest of the day?” Kensley asked then popped a slice of cucumber into his mouth.
