It was one reason they’d played with others in the past. From the moment they met ten years ago, sporadically inviting a beta into their bed had been a part of their relationship.
Teal enjoyed topping now and then, and since Ronan's hard line was that he didn't want to be fucked, adding in the occasional third had been a natural solution. They’d long since established therules—open communication, finding discreet partners, and for Teal’s heats, it was always just the two of them.
Ronan thought about how Niall’s ass had turned him on earlier. He and Teal hadn’t brought someone else into their bed since the nanny had ended their arrangement, and there hadn’t been anyone other than Niall since he’d first slept with the couple four years ago.
Judging by how aggressive Teal had been tonight, maybe it was time?
Ronan kissed the back of his husband’s head as they spooned. “Baby, I was just thinking about Niall.”
Teal huffed good-naturedly. “Your knot is literally in my ass right now and you were thinking about Niall?”
Chuckling, Ronan clarified. “I meant, I was wondering if it might be time to think about whether we want to pick up a third again. Even for a onetime thing.” Teal tensed and Ronansmoothed his hand down the omega’s arm. “I’m not mentioning it because I feel like something’s missing between us. You’re always more than enough for me.” He sucked at Teal’s neck. “You just seemed a little…toppy…earlier, so I thought I’d ask.”
Teal let out a long breath. He pressed back into Ronan. “To be honest, I think a part of me has been hoping Niall would change his mind. It was good between the three of us for so long.” He shifted, attempting to get comfortable as Ronan’s knot reached its full girth. “And physically, I do crave it—fucking someone—but it’s hard to imagine being with anyone other than Niall. I know there were others before him, but that was a long time ago. It feels different now.”
“You miss him?”
“Truthfully…yes.” Teal looked back over his shoulder.
“I miss him too.” Ronan wrapped his arm tighter around Teal’s chest and kissed his pert nose. “He about killed me today with all the bending over and being perfect with the boys.”
“Ugh, I know. He’s still distractingly gorgeous. Not to mention funny and charming and kind. I’m so glad he’s still here as the nanny, but sometimes I think we made a mistake not offering him more than a good time before.”
Teal didn’t need to elaborate. Ronan also thought what they’d shared with Niall could easily have been more than casual if they’d allowed it.
But the opportunity had passed. Niall was happy with his boyfriend.
“Baby, we don’t need to decide anything tonight,” Ronan said. “I was only starting the conversation. Open communication. That’s the deal, right? Niall’s not an option anymore, so I’m just putting it out there that you can tell me.Ifyou ever want it.”
“And what do you want, my love?”
Ronan thought for a moment. “I enjoyed it when we had someone else in our bed. But I also could go the rest of mylife with my cock in your ass, or your cock in my mouth, and be perfectly happy. Maybe we could just think about it for now. There’s no rush.”
“Sounds good.” Teal rested his head on his arm, drifting into sleep as Ronan’s knot deflated.
Ronan tried to settle but couldn't. Teal’s question stuck in his brain. What did he want? He rarely thought about it because the most truthful answer was that he wanted Teal to be happy. Beyond that, it was difficult to say. He was a thirty-year-old alpha with a healthy sexual appetite. It was natural he’d be aroused by Niall’s curved backside. Or by Sorcha’s blueberry jasmine scent.
But he meant what he’d said. If Teal never wanted to play with anyone ever again, Ronan would still be happy and satisfied with their life together. It wasn’t as though Niall had plugged a hole in his and Teal’s relationship. More like he’d been the cherry on top of an already delicious sundae.
There wasn’t anything missing. He loved Teal, and they were happier than any couple he knew. They had three amazing sons. They had rewarding, fulfilling careers.
Ronan had just always liked cherries.
Chapter Three
Teal
Teal came downstairs the next morning to find Niall bustling around the kitchen making breakfast.
“You’re here early,” he said to the beta.
“Hope that’s okay. I slept over at Jax’s last night and he’s a little farther out. I didn’t want to risk being late since I’m still not sure of the commute from there.” Niall ran a friendly hand over Teal’s arm. “You look tired.”
Teal blew out a breath. “I am. Ronan and I have both been putting in crazy hours this week.”
Niall gestured for him to sit. “That’s another reason I didn’t want to be late. I know you rely on me to be here so you can work.” He put a plate of eggs and a bowl of oatmeal on the table.
Before Niall could walk away, Teal grabbed him by the wrist. “You know how much we appreciate you, right? And not just because you’re reliable.” He kept his grasp light, but didn’t let go, looking up into the beta’s face. “We’d love you even if youwere late every day. You make our life…the boys’ lives…so much better.”
