Chapter 16

Nick

Nick swallowed hard when he said the words. There was a distinct difference between fucking and making love, and he hoped he hadn't messed up. He hoped they were on the same page.

Malachi's smile lit up the room, and Nick's heart pounded. "Gladly."

Malachi joined their lips, sliding his arms beneath Nick's back and holding him tightly. Nick draped his arms around Malachi's neck and took everything he gave. He was more a bottom than a top, but he'd happily do either. From Malachi's demeanour when they first decided to try when Nick had found out about Kai Ruffers, he'd assumed he was a bottom, and Nick had been happy to top him, but that person was nowhere to be seen, and Nick loved it. For some people, it was difficult letting someone have that sense of control over them, but for Nick, he loved seeing what someone would do to him. Expecting the unexpected was something he enjoyed. Like what Malachi had done with his nipples. He'd known they were sensitive but had never expected that spark of pain to flood his veins with pleasure.

Malachi's hips ground into him, and he wrapped his legs around him, keeping him close. His calf twinged, but not enough to stop. His head spun as they kissed, air becoming an afterthought rather than a necessity…until it was. He pulled away, panting, and gripped Malachi's hair, going back for more even though he needed more oxygen. As their lips sipped and nipped, Malachi's hands roamed, and every touch was like a wave of electricity flowing through him. He needed…

"More," he gasped, and Malachi's lips and tongue led a path down his neck. Pulling away, Malachi peered down at him, eyes glazed, lips ruby red and swollen. He'd never looked more beautiful, but Nick panicked when he left the bed. "Kai…?" He rose to his hands, bereft of his warmth, but Malachi smiled at him as he stopped at his suitcase.

He unzipped it, rummaged through and pulled several items from it. Then he held them up, and Nick laughed, dropping back to the bed and covering his eyes with his hands.

"Shit. I thought you were leaving."

The words left his mouth before he thought how vulnerable it would make him sound. But it was Malachi, and he didn't care. He would be as vulnerable and truthful as he could.

He opened his eyes again when Malachi crawled from the bottom of the bed until he knelt in the same position he'd left. He dropped condoms and lube onto the bed, and Nick chuckled.

"I thought we might need these at some point, so I brought some with me," Malachi said, resuming his previous mouthwatering path across his skin. "I need to make sure you're ready." He hovered over Nick's mouth. "I refuse to hurt you."

Nick lifted his head, joining their lips. "I trust you."

Malachi took his mouth again, and Nick lost himself in the sensations bombarding him. It wasn't until Malachi's fingers rubbed over his pucker that his attention zeroed in on the area. He inhaled through his nose and pressed his head back into the pillow when Malachi slipped a finger past his rim, the lube making it easier. Nick was expecting a little pain because it had been a while since he'd last bottomed, but he was there for it. He wanted it. Wanted him.

"Nick, look at me."

Nick met Malachi's gaze, his eyelids fluttering in the battle to keep them from falling into the ecstasy. Especially when Malachi slipped another finger into him.

"Watch me," Malachi ordered.

Nick did, and the sensations of what he was feeling and watching became a loop of overwhelming need. Malachi nipped, pulled and tugged at his nipples, sending arrows of fire towards his groin and wrapping around Malachi's fingers in his ass.

"Fuck, Kai. More, please."

He was sure Malachi dragged it out as long as he could because, by the time Malachi pulled his fingers free, it felt like several hours had passed.

"Ready for me?" Malachi asked as he rolled a condom down his length.

Nick pouted at not having the chance to taste him but nodded. "Yes."

"Ask me again," Malachi said, and Nick frowned. Ask him what? Then he smiled and slid his hands up Malachi's stomach to his face, caressing his cheeks.

"Make love to me, Kai," he whispered.

"With pleasure." Malachi grinned.

Malachi kissed him at the same time he pushed against his hole, and Nick couldn't help closing his teeth around Malachi's lip. They both groaned as Malachi broke through the muscles and slid inside. Having done such a good job of stretching him, there was barely any burn, and Nick was able to concentrate on how it felt to have Malachi's cock in his ass. Fabulous was what it felt like.

"Fuck, please." He groaned, spreading his legs further and gripping Malachi's ass cheeks, trying to get him inside quicker.

"Patience…is a virtue…you don't seem…to have sometimes," Malachi panted.

With a final thrust, he bottomed out, and Nick wrapped his legs around his waist and his arms around his neck, wanting the connection. He buried his face in Malachi's neck, inhaling his scent while Malachi held still, probably waiting for Nick's go-ahead. Nick kissed up his neck to his mouth and murmured, "Go."

Malachi kissed him again and withdrew before sliding deep again. That electricity expanded, encompassing his entire body until he was nothing but a live wire with every movement and touch flickering with fire.

"Oh, fuck," he breathed. "More. More, more, more."

Malachi chuckled on an exhale. "Impatient fucker."

But he listened and increased his speed and strength, lifting to brace himself on his hands. Nick gripped his shoulders, holding on as Malachi reamed him. His cock bobbed between them, leaking precome in a long string of need that pooled on his stomach. He wrapped one hand around his shaft, hissing at its sensitivity.

"That's it. Stroke it for me," Malachi growled. "Show me how much you want it."

"You. How much I want you."

Malachi's eyes darkened further, and he pounded into him. Arousal turned into fire, which evolved into a ball of power set to burn him to a crisp, but still, Malachi took him higher until his breath left his lungs and his entire being clenched and jerked and came apart beneath the man he loved. His eyelids fell shut, his ears ringing loudly enough to block any other noise than the rushing of his blood, and his lungs ached for oxygen.

Finally, he slumped to the bed, his legs and arms falling to the mattress with a thump. His chest heaved, and he pulled his eyes open with effort, meeting Malachi's pained gaze. Nick frowned and opened his mouth, but Malachi beat him to it.

"Hold tight," was all the warning Nick got, and his lover began another series of thrusts, sending sparks through Nick once more, but he couldn't come again. Instead, he focused on helping Malachi to fall over the edge, and when he finally did, Nick was glad he'd come earlier because it gave him the chance to experience the sounds, sights, feel, scents and taste of him as he orgasmed—a sight he was unlikely to forget anytime soon.

When Malachi pulled free, Nick winced but pulled him closer, needing that connection before they cleaned up.

"Was that okay?" Malachi asked, a rasp to his voice, advertising the strain he'd put on it.

"More than. I hope you have more of that in you." Nick snorted. "For another day, I mean."

"You feeling your age, Mr Tennant?" Malachi teased, running his fingers up Nick's stomach and chest.

Nick laughed, catching his wandering hand and tangling their fingers. "Definitely. Though I'm sure I can go again soon if you need to be reminded of how good it was."

Malachi leaned over him and dropped a kiss on his lips. "I'll remember how good it was every day," he whispered.

They shared a grin, but then Nick broke the ensuing silence with common sense. "Come on. We need to clean up."

Once they had, they snuggled back into bed, Nick as the big spoon, and turned off the light.

"I'm glad you're back," Nick murmured against Malachi's neck.

"Me, too."

"I promise I'll keep you safe."

Malachi tightened the hold he had on Nick's arm. "I have no doubt."

The warmth that spread through him at the words was nothing short of love. There was no denying it. He didn't even want to. He never would. Loving Malachi was the easiest thing he'd ever done. He just hoped he could keep the promise he'd just made. Because it seemed like someone was out to get him, and they needed to figure out who it was, and quickly.

****

The rest of Malachi's visit was uneventful. Which was good and bad. Good because it meant Malachi wasn't in danger, but bad because it meant they were not much closer to an answer than they had been.

Malachi had thanked Andrew repeatedly for the opportunity, and though they knew some bad articles would come from the experience, they also understood the good would outweigh those dreaded words.

Nick had gone back to his usual duties, sleeping at home instead of at the castle, and it was strange. He still saw Malachi, but they had a few weeks of busy schedules ahead of them, including another royal wedding and Dominic's birthday party, and it meant their one and only night of passion had to keep them going for the next two weeks. It was only on the night of the charity event Brett had asked Malachi and him to attend that he saw his boyfriend in person for more than a passing few minutes or a shared night of exhaustion where they'd both fallen asleep immediately. It hadn't been the best start to their relationship, but they'd learnt how to communicate through the phone, that was for sure.

Nick had joked about phone sex, but Malachi had pulled a face, so he'd not brought it up again. Maybe they could talk about it face to face before he tried because he wasn't sure he could go so long without needing to share something with him again. Nick was desperate to touch him, hold him, taste him.

Which was why, when he knocked on Malachi's door to pick him up for the event, he almost swallowed his tongue at the sight of the freshly pressed tuxedo caressing his lover's body.

"Holy…" He blew out a breath and swallowed hard. "Yeah, we need to get this evening over with quickly."

Malachi flushed, and Nick watched it reach his ears. "You don't look so bad yourself."

Nick shook his head. "Your chariot awaits, Mr Sanders."

Malachi's smile lit up the small hallway, and Nick's stomach swirled. How he wished they didn't need to attend that night. He held out his elbow, and Malachi took it, locking the door behind him before letting Nick lead him to the black town car waiting to speed them to the event in the centre of London.

Despite there being around an hour of a journey to the event, Nick promised to be on his best behaviour. Well, he promised himself. No point in making the task harder than it needed to be by announcing it to anyone. Then, if he caved and sought out Malachi's lips or cheek…or body, he only disappointed himself.

"Is Tarrant definitely going to be there?" Malachi asked, his voice strained.

"He has an invitation and he RSVP'd, so we're assuming that means he's coming." Nick wouldn't object to the man cancelling his plans, even though he knew they needed to scope him out. He hated the idea of Malachi being so close to a potential suspect. Luckily, he was allowed to wear his gun, which was safely tucked into his holster beneath his jacket.

"I've been searching through the hate mail I get, but other than words showing their displeasure, there wasn't anyone who appeared to be wanting to take those words and turn them into actions."

"Thank you for looking. That must've been hard for you."

Malachi scrunched his face. "It certainly didn't make me like what I do any more."

Nick squeezed his hand. "Not long to go." And if Nick had his way, he'd be out of the job quicker than the contract end date. It was something Felix was working on. "How is your mum and grandma doing?"

Malachi smiled. "They're complaining because they haven't seen you." He waved a hand. "I've explained, but, you know. Family being family."

"It's on my agenda to come back, I promise. I think I'm off next weekend. Maybe we can arrange to have dinner? I could treat them to a nice dinner out?"

"I'm sure they would love that, but you don't have to. They'd be just as happy spending time with you at home."

"I know, but why not treat them like the princesses they are?"

Malachi chuckled. "I'll check to make sure they're free. Thank you."

"Invite the rest of your family, too. If you want, I could invite mine as well. Everyone could meet?" Nick had no clue what Malachi's answer would be, but he relaxed a lot when he received a smile.

"I'd love to meet your family, and I know Mum would, too."

"Great. Check with them, and I'll arrange it."

They talked about some of the things they'd done during the time they'd been apart, even though they'd spoken on the phone nearly every day. There was something different about doing it face to face, watching the play of emotions wash over Malachi's face. But far too soon, they arrived, and Nick exhaled.

"Show time."

Malachi gave a small smile. "At least we're together."

Nick's heart soared. "Nowhere else I'd rather be."

They climbed from the car and entered the building, giving their names to the guards on the door before being let through. The opulence was slightly overdone, but then, that was the point. Rich people were happy to bleed money when they were surrounded by wealth. Something about the environment lent an air of superiority to them. It changed nothing, though. There were still people who needed the money these people gave, and if holding fancy, expensive events was the way to get that money—and more—from their pockets, then so be it.

He kept his hand on Malachi's, which he'd slipped around his arm again as they'd entered, and smiled at people as he passed. They weren't there to schmooze, a good thing in his book. All they needed to do was talk to Tarrant Milton and get a feel for him. Was he the one messing with Malachi? Only time would tell.

Prince Christian waved to them, and Nick steered Malachi in his direction. Nick shook the royal's hand when they were close enough.

"How are you feeling, Malachi?" Christian asked.

"In myself, as if nothing happened. About being here, nervous." He gave a small chuckle, eyes darting around.

"I can understand that. Just remember, there are enough of us here if there's a problem, okay? Just shout and we'll be there." Christian tilted his head behind him, and Nick followed his direction to where Brett and Felix stood not too far away.

Felix smiled, and Brett nodded once, tapping four fingers against his arm to let Nick know there were four other of their guards around the room. Despite knowing his own abilities, he was grateful for the support. They didn't usually take six guards to cover two royals.

"If nothing else, the dinner should be lovely," Oscar said, his hand clasped in Christian's.

Malachi laughed a little easier this time. "Not sure I'll be able to eat, but that's good to know."

Nick cleared his throat. "We'll wander around and see if we can make contact."

Christian nodded. "Don't forget to use that money." He smirked, and Nick groaned.

King Andrew had insisted on providing Nick with a not-too-insignificant amount of money to donate to the cause that night. Nick had argued that Christian was there to do that, but Andrew had insisted that Nick also do something similar. He had no idea what he was doing, but he wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible.

They wandered around the room, picking up a glass of juice, and made conversation between themselves.

"What did he mean about the money?" Malachi asked.

Nick rolled his eyes. "They wanted to make sure I was seen as someone rather than a…lackey for want of a better word. The king thought it would be a good way to bring Tarrant to us, thinking he'd get the inside scoop of what we put our money towards. I hate spending other people's money," he mumbled, his stomach churning at potentially making the wrong choice.

The event was holding a gallery as well as a dinner, and anyone could buy the art. But as Nick had said, he hated spending other people's money when he hadn't been given clear instructions on what to buy.

"Let's check out the art, then," Malachi said.

Nick sighed. "Okay."

The artwork was held in a side room, and as they studied the paintings, Nick paused in front of one particular landscape. Instinctively, he knew this would've been one the late Queen Louisa would've chosen as she loved landscapes, but was it the right choice for the money? The more he studied it, the more he liked it, but he wasn't sure if the reminder was a good option.

"You know they'd love it," Malachi whispered in his ear. "They love the reminders of her."

Nick closed his eyes and sighed, loving that Malachi already knew where his thoughts had gone without him having to try to explain. After another breath, he filled out the form, enclosed it in an envelope and handed it to the person in charge of the art. When they exited, Nick didn't feel like he could breathe any easier—and he wouldn't until he knew if the Sutcliffes liked the painting or not.

They wandered around the outskirts of the room, and Malachi tensed. Nick followed his gaze and stopped, tightening his grip on Malachi's hand.

"You've nothing to worry about," he murmured. "I've got you."

As he watched Tarrant Milton move through the guests towards them, he took stock of him. And, in all honesty, there wasn't much to say. He was short, slender and had shocking blue hair. But the tuxedo he wore was far too big for him.

"Malachi, nice to see you again. Mr Tennant, nice to meet you finally." Tarrant's gaze locked on Malachi. "You've gone up in the world. Surprising, to say the least."

Nick didn't care for his tone and tensed, but Malachi shocked him with a laugh.

"Yeah, surprised me, too."

****