Page 27 of Soul of Discretion

Thirty minutes later they were on their way to Nick’s house to pick up clothing and uniforms for his stay at the Hilton. Nick and Simon had been discussing the case often throughout the drive. He felt so much better about sharing information now that his inspector had sanctioned it.

Nick turned onto his street. His anxiety rose; it had been a long time since he’d had anyone at his house. He was the first to admit it wasn’t much to look at, considering it had sat empty while he was deployed overseas. It was the address that cost him so much. So instead of more repairs to the house, he saved all the extra money he had to pay the yearly taxes.

He pulled into the driveway and turned off his cruiser. “Here we are.” He opened the driver’s door and stepped out. “You stay in the car, I’ll pop in, get my stuff. Won’t be long.”

He was halfway to the front door before Simon caught up to him. “Have you got a boyfriend in there you don’t want me meeting?” Simon murmured as he eyed Nick’s house up and down. “And besides, I thought you were supposed to be my bodyguard? Bodyguards don’t leave their charges in the car, surely?”

Simon’s voice was teasing but behind it, Nick sensed the question. He didn’t really want to have to explain his lack of desire to have Simon see the house he lived in. After all, Simon probably lived in a damn castle with a moat.

“I’m sure you can take care of yourself for two minutes. The inside of the house is a bit untidy now, what with all the repairs I’ve been doing. I’d hate you to trip and break a nail, milord.” He forced a smile and Simon’s eyes narrowed.

“I say, you’re not worried about me seeing your place, are you? Because if you are, you’re a bloody fool. You’ve nothing to be ashamed of.” He waved a hand at Nick’s house. “I’ve lived in places like this, you know. I don’t have a damned castle, or a palace. In university I lived in digs you wouldn’t put your dog in.” He cut off and gave a slow smile. “My, that blush is telling, Northernsalute. You honestly didn’t think I lived in a fucking castle or something, did you?” He chuckled and Nick’s insides fluttered at the sexy sound. “Oh my God, you did. You think your place is beneath me, is that it?”

He pulled Nick close in a manly hug, kissed his cheek and then released him. “You are something.” Simon seemed to suddenly realize he’d hugged Nick in full view of the street. He glanced at Nick anxiously. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to out you or anything, but you’re pretty adorable when you get all insecure. Believe me, you’ve got nothing to worry about.” He winked. “Now can we go inside and get your stuff? The sooner we do that, the sooner I can get you back to the hotel room and have my way with you.”

Nick smiled sheepishly. “I’m not fucking adorable,” he muttered but couldn’t stop the warm feeling from flooding his body at the thought Simon found him so. “And no, you won’t out me here. Everyone knows I prefer men. I’ve even gone out with my neighbour Marcie’s nephew.”

Simon’s lips thinned. “Didn’t it work out?”

Nick smiled to himself as he walked up the path and put the key in the door. Was that jealousy he heard in Simon’s voice? “No. Billy was nice enough but there was no spark. We had one date, and that was it.”

The door swung open with a squeak and Nick stepped inside. Simon followed him close behind.

“Hmm, nice scent,” Simon said as he sniffed the air. “Like Christmas.”

Nick smiled. “It’s a mulled wine scent diffuser. I kind of like the fragrance. Reminds me of family.” He walked down the hall and into the bedroom, leaving Simon in the hallway. Reaching up to the top of his cupboard, he took down a large duffle bag and packed his stuff into it.

I’ll only need to take enough for a few days. I can always come back if it takes longer.

Simon called out to him. “This is an amazing old place. Sixties build, is it? I like the layout of the house and what you’ve done with the kitchen.”

“I like to cook,” Nick yelled as he stuffed condoms and lube in his bag. It didn’t hurt to be prepared, right? “It made sense to make sure the kitchen was the first place I started renovating. I tend to spend a lot of time there.” He zipped his bag shut and slung it over his shoulder. As he walked out of the bedroom, Simon stood there.

“You can tell a lot about a man by his bedroom,” he said with a grin. “Come on, Northernsalute, let me take a gander.” He pushed past Nick into the bedroom.

“There’s nothing much to see.” Nick sighed. “It’s somewhere to sleep, that’s all. I haven’t got around to doing anything with it yet.”

Simon nodded as he observed the room. “It’s…homely.” His diplomatic words made Nick laugh.

“Boring, you mean. Come on, let’s get going. I seem to remember you have plans for me. I’d hate to waste time.”

Nick was a man on a mission as he drove back to the Hilton. He hadn’t been alone with Simon in days and he’d missed him. Keeping that to myself. Simon’s response to his home had not been what he’d expected, and Nick was happily surprised. The man was revealing another layer of himself, and it made Nick feel special to see it.

He parked the cruiser in the underground parking, checking every corner and person as he drove by. He didn’t know if the Baronnes intended to go ahead with their threat or simply attempt to secure Simon’s cooperation with their smuggling operation.

Once Nick found a spot, he grabbed his bag and walked quickly to the elevators with Simon close by.

“In a hurry, Nick?” Simon asked.

“There are two reasons for that. First, I won’t allow you to be an open target for the Baronnes, and two, you have a promise to keep,” Nick responded as Simon looked around for hidden dangers as well. They had to stay on their toes; the Baronne family could be waiting anywhere.

“Damn, didn’t think of that.”

“It’s my job, not yours. I want you to be aware of your surroundings, but we must continue with this investigation. So we can’t barricade ourselves in the suite. Between your work and following up on leads we will be busy, but first and foremost your safety is paramount to everything else.”

A few moments later the elevator opened, leaving them at their floor. “I’d like to check the suites before you go in, make sure nothing’s out of place. You wait out here.”

“This is your area of expertise. Who am I to argue?” Simon stated matter-of-factly, and Nick was relieved he understood that.