Francis turned to Malcom. Yuri saw something in Francis’ hand flash with a glare of light on metal. “Leave. This is none of your concern. Unless you’re another lover of his come to challenge me. I didn’t come unarmed this time.”
“I’ll take care of this, your highness,” Malcom faced Francis head on. “You’ve been told before. Stay away from the prince. He isn’t for the likes of you.”
Yuri took advantage of Francis’ distraction and he ran. He didn’t stop until he got to his door and then was safely behind it. He dropped his bag by the door then flung himself into his favorite chair.
“Is your highness all right?” Philippe asked, coming out of the kitchen. “Where’s Mr. Malcom?”
“With Francis,” Yuri panted. “He said he had a weapon. Malcom said he’d take care of the situation.” He crossed his arms over his chest and hugged his body. All the adrenaline flooding his system made him feel like he might fly apart into tiny pieces.
“Oh,” Philippe said. “Well, Mr. Malcom is more than capable of handling Lord Francis.” His words sounded encouraging but his tone was worried.
“Philippe, Francis said he had pictures. Of me. Private ones.”
“Oh,” Philippe said again. He pursed his lips and Yuri was sure Philippe was not pleased with him. That was fine. Yuri wasn’t happy with himself at the moment, either.
“I should’ve told him to fuck off,” Yuri said glumly, burying his head in his hands. “Instead I ran. I’m such an idiot. Now he knows he’s got me.”
“Running was the correct course of action in this instance. Your safety is paramount, your highness. What does he want?” Philippe asked.
Yuri sighed. “I don’t know. He implied he wants me, but I have no idea why. Maybe he just needs to feel like he didn’t lose. Maybe if I, I don’t know, give him some closure or—”
“Absolutely not.” Philippe’s voice was crisp and decisive. “You’re my charge, your highness. And I know you’re well past being of age, but I can’t let you do something so foolish. Don’t go near that man.”
“Philippe, I don’t know what to do.”
“You should call the police, and also their majesties,” said Malcom.
Yuri looked up and saw Malcom enter the house. He seemed unharmed. “What happened?”
“I threatened to call the authorities. He threatened to sue me. I pulled out my mobile. He walked off in a snit.”
“He said he was armed.”
Malcom shrugged. “If he had a weapon, I didn’t see it. Nevertheless, I think we should increase your detail from one guard with you to two.”
“Good,” Philippe agreed.
Yuri groaned but didn’t protest. “Fine.”
Malcom nodded. “With your leave, I’ll go discuss this latest development with the rest of the security team.” When Yuri didn’t protest, he turned on his heel and went to the adjacent house, where the security detail resided.
“Would your highness like something to eat?” Philippe asked.
Yuri shrugged. He found himself being herded into the kitchen, sat down at the table, and given a mug of cocoa, which he drank gratefully.
“I hate this,” he whispered. “I hate that he won’t just go away. I want…”
“Yes, sir?”
“Never mind.”
Philippe consulted his mobile. “There is a train that leaves Oxford for London in just over half an hour. That gives you enough time to pack an overnight bag if you don’t dawdle. I’ll speak to security and ring for a car.”
Yuri stared at Philippe. “You know I’m supposed to stay away from Angelo. No drama. Keep out of sight and out of the papers. Blah blah blah. It’s bad enough he was here last night.”
“You’re also supposed to stay away from Lord Blackheath. Prince Angelo is by far the lesser evil.”
“High praise, indeed. I’ll have to tell him what you said.”
Philippe’s lips quirked. “Do that. And also tell him that with him, I know you’ll be safe.”
“Hm.” Yuri studied Philippe. “Where exactly do your loyalties lie, anyway?”
“As always, your highness, my loyalty belongs to the one I serve.” He made the slightest of bows then left the kitchen.
Yuri stared after him for a few seconds, then flew up the stairs to pack a bag as quickly as possible.
When at last Yuri stood in front of Angelo’s door, he was indecisive. He raised his fist to knock, then lowered it. Feeling like an idiot, he rested his forehead against it and banged it a few times.
The door being forcibly opened startled him. He fell forward into Angelo’s strong embrace. Weak creature that he was, Yuri snuggled closer into Angelo’s firmly muscled body.
“Yuri? What on earth?” Angelo squawked. He pulled Yuri inside the flat then closed and bolted the door.
Yuri looked up into Angelo’s tired and confused eyes. He couldn’t tell him about Francis. Not now. Not yet. Instead he said, “I didn’t want to come but I need to know.”
“Know what?” Angelo’s breath feathered across Yuri’s face.
Kiss me, he thought, but Angelo just stood there.
Yuri dropped his bag then draped one arm around Angelo’s neck while his other cupped Angelo’s gorgeous cock. Angelo startled for a second, then leaned into Yuri’s touch.
“I had to know if this was real or just a fluke,” Yuri said, and that wasn’t a lie. Yes, Angelo made him feel safe. He always had. But he needed to know if that was all there was between them. Safety and comfort were wonderful things, but Yuri was a greedy prince, as Angelo had often said, and wanted more. He wanted everything. Yuri’s hand gripped Angelo’s cock and squeezed, enjoying both Angelo’s girth and the moan that fell from his lips. Angelo’s cock further firmed under Yuri’s touch.
“What do you think?” Angelo asked in return, his voice gone husky with what had to be desire, and it was all for Yuri. It seemed impossible, but yet appeared to be true.
Yuri licked his lips. “I think you should take me to your bed so we can figure it out.”
Angelo pulled Yuri further into the flat. “Have you eaten?”
“I’m not hungry. Not
