Saucy, beautiful man. Even though months had passed since Niall last shared Ronan and Teal’s bed, he still flirted like he always had.
Good habits were tough to break.
“Little gents—” Niall held up an imaginary trumpet and made ada-da-da-duhsound to get Garin, Kino, and Zayne’s attention. “The time has come to clear the kitchen table and go wash up for dinner.”
“Yes, Niall.” The boys jumped up and made exaggerated saluting motions before dissolving into giggles and disappearing down the hall.
“Teal called and said he’d be home late tonight,” Niall told Ronan once they were alone.
“The Bannon case?”
“Yep.” Niall popped the p.
Ronan sighed. “At least it won’t be much longer.”
“And in the end, it’ll be worth it." The beta began wiping down the counters. "It’s pretty amazing he's arguing in High Court again.”
“True. Although not surprising considering how hard he's worked."
Niall nodded. “Teal is changing people’s minds about omegas. If my daddies were still alive, they’d be proud to tell everyone I work for him.”
“It’s daunting, though. All these long nights. Not to mention the press.”
Niall paused his movements. “That's why it's a good thing he has you. I doubt Teal would have gotten this far without such a supportive husband. Not many alphas could handle it.”
Ronan barked out a self-deprecating laugh. “I suppose.”
Niall walked over and reached for Ronan’s hair, tucking a dark brown curl behind one ear. “Never doubt it. Teal is very lucky to have you.”
Ronan’s breath caught as they locked eyes. Niall’s thumb lingered briefly against Ronan’s neck before he pulled away.
Stepping back, Niall clapped his hands in front of his waist. “Let me get this casserole out of the oven and we’ll be eating in a jiffy.”
Ronan nodded, sitting down at the table.
Six months ago, Niall told Ronan and Teal that he and his new boyfriend had decided to be exclusive. Niall had continued as the household’s nanny, a position he’d held since the twins were born, but his occasional guest starring role in the husbands’ bed had ended.
But stopping their trysts hadn’t taken away Ronan’s desire for the beta. His fingers itched when he remembered the way it felt to grip Niall’s hips and sink into him, or to feed Teal his cock as Niall pumped in and out of his husband’s slick hole.
He suspected Niall also missed their fun times, based on the flirting and little touches he couldn’t seem to give up. But Ronan knew Niall would stay true to the word he’d given his boyfriend. Although decidedly playful, the beta was neither a liar nor a cheater.
Niall bent over to pull the mac ‘n cheese from the oven. Ronan found himself transfixed by the sight of the beta's round backside as he recalled running his hands over that smooth, taut skin.
He shook the thought away. They were fantastic memories, for him and for Teal. He’d hold on to them always. But his body needed to get the memo that those days were over.
***
The moon had risen highin the night sky by the time Teal’s car pulled into the driveway. Ronan sat up in bed and put the book he’d been reading on the nightstand, waiting in eager anticipation for his husband.
Niall had gone home hours ago, and the boys were asleep. Ronan heard thesnickof their bedroom door as Teal went in to kiss them goodnight.
Finally, Teal walked into the bedroom, loosening his tie and making a beeline for the bed. Slightly encumbered by his well-tailored suit, he kneeled on the plush carpet next to Ronan before claiming his lips.
“I’m glad you waited up. I know you need to be at the job site early tomorrow and I wouldn’t have blamed you if you’d gone to sleep.”
Ronan touched his husband’s cheek. “I don’t mind waiting. It’s not like I sleep very well when you’re gone anyway.”
“I’m sorry, my love.”
