“Do you want to talk before or after food?”

  “While not before, during and after?” Kean grinned.

  Andrew huffed a laugh. “Okay.”

  “First, though, how are you feeling?” Kendal asked.

  Andrew rolled his shoulder and flexed his hand. “Surprisingly fine. A bit of an ache in my joints, but I can’t say that’s not more about my age than what happened.” He chuckled, and then his smile dimmed. “I’m scared for you.”

  “We know you are,” Kean said. “But you need to let us make up our own minds about what we’re willing to risk. Once you’ve finished explaining things, we might decide it’s too much. But until you do, we don’t know.” Kean glanced at Kendal. “I don’t mean to speak for you. You probably have your own concerns.”

  “I do, but what you said is right.” They glanced at Andrew. “Will you explain so we can decide together?”

  Andrew nodded and sipped his bourbon. “The media is unforgiving, as you probably know. When I made that speech about my family and came out as bisexual, I didn’t expect it to become anything big. It was a statement. That’s all. It was the truth, but I hadn’t planned on having another relationship, especially at my age.” He rubbed a hand over his beard, scratching it. “Even though, at the time, it was just words, the media went into a frenzy. They brought up every meeting or event where I’d been photographed with men who were known to be bisexual or gay. They joked about whether any of them had been my side pieces. They dragged everything right and honourable about those times through the mud just to make headlines.”

  Andrew swallowed the rest of his drink, then rose for some more. Kendal’s heart broke for him.

  “I know to ignore them. I’ve lived with it all my life. But it still hurt that the country I have given so much to could honestly believe I could be like that while my wife was standing not two feet away.”

  “It was so the papers could make money,” Kean said.

  “I know, but I’m human. It still hurt. Still hurts every time it happens.” Andrew settled beside Kendal once more, reaching an arm across the back of the sofa. “If we go public with a relationship, the same will happen to you. They will bring your past to light. It will be twisted and moulded into something it’s not to make money. To entertain. Your past, Kendal, will be there for all to see, and I guarantee they will show you in an unfavourable light instead of Talon. Because that is what they do.”

  Kendal’s throat narrowed, and they closed their eyes. Andrew’s hand rested on their nape, and Kean took their hand. They hadn’t thought about the incident being brought up again. Could they survive it again?

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to upset you, but you have to understand,” Andrew continued. “Every choice I’ve ever made will be taken and revisited and misunderstood until it fits what they want it to. I don’t want anyone to hurt because of me.”

  “What else?” Kean said.

  Andrew snorted. “Is that not enough?”

  “Not for me.”

  “Well, how about what’s happening with Charlotte, John and Ernest?” Andrew said, sitting forward. “How about the fact that they want us all dead?” He stood, pacing the floor. “They’ve already taken Louisa, Simon, Selena and Jared, not to mention all the other guards. And I’ll include Miranda and Elizabeth here because, even though they were on the wrong side, they’re still victims.” Andrew raised his hand towards the window, though he kept his gaze on them. “Every time we step outside, there’s the chance we won’t come back again. I don’t know if I can live with that fear for you.”

  “As I said last week and last night, we could die at any point. Something that has nothing to do with our relationship. If we lived in fear of death, we would never live,” Kendal said. “What else?” They repeated Kean’s earlier question.

  Andrew shook his head. “My family might not like it.”

  Kean chuckled and shook his head. “They’re fine about it. You know that. Freddie told us none too quietly that they were okay with us. What else?”

  They were prodding Andrew to get all his worries loose, but Kendal could see he was scared. Even if they brushed aside all his worries, there was no guarantee he would be willing to try.

  “What would it take for you to give our relationship a chance?” Kendal asked before Andrew could answer.

  Andrew swallowed and stared out of the window, though it was too far away to see much. “Something I don’t think you could give me.”

  “Try us.”

  “Secrecy,” Andrew said, glancing back at them. “No one outside of my family can know. But that’s not fair of me to ask. It’s not that I want to hide you, but I don’t want you in danger.”

  Kendal understood. They peered at Kean, who frowned. “I’m fine with secrecy. It’s not much different from what we have now.”

  Kean studied Kendal, and his mouth firmed. “I would prefer to tell the world so we didn’t have to hide, but if that’s what it takes.” He stared at Andrew. “I’m in.”

  Andrew raised his eyebrows. “You’re serious?” Kean and Kendal nodded. “You’d keep everything quiet just to be with me?” he murmured.

  “We would do anything to be with you,” Kendal said. “But we’re not keeping quiet where it matters, which is with your family. We can be together at Windsor, then when we’re not here, we’re friends.” They wrung their hands and glanced at Kean. “Although, are you okay with Kean and I still being together outside of here?”

  Andrew smiled and sat beside them again. He covered their hands, squeezing, and held out his other hand for Kean. “I would be more than happy with that. I wouldn’t want you alone when you’re not here.”

  “We’re doing this?” Kean asked. “For real?”

  Andrew sighed. “I still have my reservations, but yes. I promised you we could try if we could find a way to work, and we did. I’m just sorry it has to be this way.”

  “You don’t need to be sorry. We can do this,” Kendal said, leaning in to rest their head on Andrew’s shoulder. “I’m so happy.” And they were. They could have both the men they wanted, and to be honest, they were content not to announce it to the world. It would give them the opportunity to find their way through the relationship with three people and figure out how they work. They couldn’t wait.

  ****

  Chapter 11

  Andrew

  Andrew couldn’t believe they were willing to hide everything just to be with him. He hadn’t thought himself that much of a catch, but as long as they were happy, then so was he. He couldn’t deny that the idea of them in danger made him itch with the need to shield them, but he’d get through that. He hoped. Would they really want him to touch them and be intimate with them when he was so much older than them? He wasn’t a spring chicken any longer. He had wrinkles upon his wrinkles.

  He swallowed the rest of his bourbon and shoved the thoughts down. They wanted him; otherwise, they wouldn’t be there. They wouldn’t be willing to pretend they didn’t have a relationship if they weren’t serious. Anyone who was after his money or his fame wouldn’t be willing to do that. Besides, Louisa had always thought highly of the pair of them, which went a long way to soothing his paranoia.

  “Andrew?” Kendal said.

  “Hmm?” he replied, turning his head and pressing his lips to Kendal’s head.

  “Can we get some sleep? I didn’t sleep well last night. Even though my cuddle bear was very helpful.” Kean grinned at them. “I kept waking him whenever I moved. I think we could both do with a nap.”

  “We can definitely sleep once we’ve eaten. I must feed you first,” Andrew said just as someone knocked at the door. Kendal lifted their head and scooted closer to Kean. “Come in!”

  Darcy, one of the household staff, entered with a trolley. She pushed it to the small dining table and placed the plates and cutlery in place before bowing her head and removing the trolley.

  “Thank you, Darcy,” he said before she disappeared completely.

  “You’re welcome, Your Majesty.”

  Andrew sighed. “Why can no one call me Andrew?” he said when the door closed behind her once more.

  “Because you’re a shining star in the dull world, and people want to worship you?” Kean said, and from his tone, he was only half joking.

  “Come on. Let’s eat before you get too snarky,” Andrew said.

  Kean stood, leaning down to peck Andrew’s cheek before tugging Kendal to stand. “Food!”

  Kean and Kendal settled at the table, tucking into the food without waiting for him. Whether that was a conscious effort on their part to make Andrew feel more relaxed or whether they were just that hungry, he didn’t care. Seeing those two people happy and eating filled a part of Andrew he hadn’t known was empty. He was taking care of them in the few ways he could.

  “Are you eating with us?” Kean asked.

  “Yes.”

  Andrew rose and joined them. The conversation stayed light, with them telling him about the shenanigans from the get-together the previous evening. At least until they’d been interrupted. Which reminded Andrew of his need to speak to Brett about bringing them along. But that could wait.

  When they had soothed their hunger, Andrew broached the next phase of their relationship. “This is a bit of a sensitive subject, but I need to ask so I know where your heads are at.” He swallowed. “You mentioned sleeping, which I assumed meant you would like to sleep here. I have no problems with this, but I want to make sure you’re okay with knowing this was also the bed I shared with Louisa. I understand completely if this is not something you want to do.”

  Kendal covered Andrew’s hand with their own. “I can’t speak for Kean, but for me, I have no problem with it. Queen Louisa will always be a part of our relationship because she will forever be a part of you. I don’t ever want you to think you can’t talk about her when I’m around. You loved—no, love her, and she is a big part of this world.”

  Andrew’s throat closed up with Kendal’s words.

  “I second that. Louisa was a big part of my life, too. Not as much as yours, obviously, but I understand how irreplaceable she is. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to take her place. I’m not. I’d love to have a place beside her, though.”

  Andrew closed his eyes and swallowed thickly. “Thank you,” he croaked. He stood and held out both hands. “Come with me.”

  Kean and Kendal settled on either side of him, and he led them to a room few people had access to. His sons were allowed in, and so were some household staff, Randall and his security guards, but that was about it. As he crossed the threshold of his bedroom, he inhaled and held his breath as if waiting for lightning to spear him on the spot. When nothing happened, he exhaled.

  “Are you okay?” Kean asked.

  Andrew smiled. “I am.” He pulled on them both until they stood in front of him, and he dragged them into a hug. He pressed his lips to each forehead in turn. “I care about you so much. Don’t let anyone or anything tell you otherwise.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Kendal said, a smile curving their lips.

  “Wouldn’t dream of it, Sir,” Kean replied, smirking.

  “I’ve never attempted a three-way kiss before. Shall we see if we can do it justice?” Andrew grinned to hide his nervousness. He was sixty-seven years old and felt as trembly as a teenager having his first foray into Club Royal.

  Kean was only an inch shorter than he was, but Kendal was five inches shorter, making it necessary for him and Kean to lean down., but once their lips met, it didn’t matter. Noses bumped, and chins clashed, but their first official kiss was something to remember. Andrew pulled back, and Kean leaned in to kiss Kendal. Andrew kept hold of their hands, but Kean’s free hand slid into Kendal’s hair, holding them in place. It was a sight to behold. Kendal lifted Andrew’s hand to their hair, and Andrew released their hand and raked his fingers through their hair until they covered Kean’s hand. Kean moaned, and Andrew slid their other joined hands around Kean’s back, holding him close. He was content to watch, but Kendal drew back, panting for air, eyes locking onto Andrew’s.

  “Your turn while I breathe for a minute.”

  Andrew chuckled. “I’ve been told many times that breathing is overrated. However, I do appreciate oxygen.”

  Kean removed his hand from behind his back, though Andrew kept his there, and cupped Andrew’s cheek. “Kiss me, my king.” Andrew shook his head, locking gazes with Kean and waiting. The crease between Kean’s eyes deepened for a second before he smiled. “Kiss me, please, Sir.”

  “As you wish.”

  Andrew joined their mouths, keeping things soft and gentle, but Kean nipped at his lower lip. Tightening his hold on Kean’s back, he deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue deep into the warm cavern. His hand rose to grip Kean’s nape as he plundered his mouth in a way he hadn’t kissed anyone for a long time. Kean pulled back, gasping, and Andrew turned to Kendal. They smiled at him.

  “I won’t break,” they said.

  Andrew kissed them the same way he kissed Kean. Slow to begin with, then harder and deeper. This time, he pulled away, resting his forehead against Kendal’s.

  “Sorry,” he murmured.

  “Gosh, don’t be sorry about that,” Kendal said. “That was hot.”

  “You don’t need to tell me,” Kean agreed. “Shall we get a little more comfortable?”

  Kean led them closer to the bed and stepped behind Kendal, facing Andrew. Kean pressed his lips to Kendal’s nape, and Kendal’s eyelids fluttered closed while Kean’s hands busied with unbuttoning Kendal’s shirt. They were an arresting sight, and Andrew’s hands itched to join, but it seemed they were in a teasing mood.

  When he exposed Kendal’s chest, the itch grew stronger. Kean drew the shirt down Kendal’s arms and flung it to the floor, his hands returning to skim across Kendal’s pale, slender body. His fingers slid around the edge of Kendal’s trousers but didn’t go any further.

  “Kean,” Andrew said. “Undo their trousers.”

  Kean’s gaze met his, and he smirked. “Yes, Sir.”

  Andrew’s blood heated, and he stepped closer. Kean’s fingers deftly unfastened Kendal’s trousers, sliding them down their legs to pool at their feet and leaving them in their briefs. Their tight briefs left little to anyone’s imagination.

  “Gorgeous,” he murmured, his cock lengthening behind his zip. “Kendal, be a dear and return the favour.”

  Kendal opened their eyes, and Andrew barely kept himself in check. Kendal’s pupils were blown wide, and their lips bruised from being bitten. But Kendal nodded, kicked their shoes and trousers away and turned to Kean. With every inch of skin exposed on Kean’s body, Kendal followed it with a kiss. Soon, Kean’s shirt joined Kendal’s clothes, and Kendal unfastened his trousers. Kean’s boxers barely contained his erection, and Andrew licked his lips.

  When they were both left in their underwear, Andrew moved closer, skimming his hands over their backs and arms, enjoying the warmth of their skin.

  “Now me,” he told them.

  Neither hesitated. Kendal reached for the buttons on his shirt, and Kean dropped to his knees to unfasten his trousers. It was a heady experience and one he would never forget. Even if they didn’t plan on consummating their relationship at that moment, he remembered how it felt to be happy with his partner, or in this case, partners. Kendal’s hands smoothed across Andrew’s chest and up his shoulders to push the fabric away. It bunched at his wrists, and Kendal took one wrist, then the other, and unfastened the cufflinks. Kean tapped each of his calves for him to lift his foot so he could remove Andrew’s shoes and trousers.

  Once they were in similar states of undress, Andrew slid his arms around them, drawing them close again.

  “Let’s get some rest,” he murmured, leading them over to the bed.

  He let go of them to pull the covers back, waving at Kendal to climb in, then Kean. Andrew tucked them in and rounded the bed before climbing in on the other side of Kendal. He lay on his back, and Kendal snuggled against his chest, with Kean tucking himself at Kendal’s back and reaching an arm across to rest on Andrew’s stomach. Andrew slid his arm around them both—which wasn’t as easy as he thought it might be—and exhaled.

  “Sleep,” he commanded. Kendal relaxed almost immediately, but Kean stared at Andrew. “What’s the matter?” Andrew whispered.

  Kean gave a small smile. “I can’t believe we’re here,” he whispered back. Andrew frowned in question, and Kean continued. “After you left us at the club, we’d decided to make a go of it as a couple, but we’d kept hoping and fighting to become a triad with you. We never believed you’d agree to it.”

  Andrew sighed, and Kendal snuffled and snuggled closer. He paused before saying, “I will be honest with you. I don’t know if you’ll be happy with what I can give you, but I will do my best, to be honest with you at all times. It’s not as easy as saying, ‘yes,’ and that’s it. I wish it was. But I won’t go back on my word.”

  “We won’t let you,” Kendal murmured, nuzzling Andrew’s chest. “Too comfy now.”

  Andrew chuckled and pressed a kiss to Kendal’s hair. “Sleep, precious.” He rubbed Kean’s back. “Sleep, sweetheart.”

  Kean closed his eyes, and Andrew felt their bodies relax in slumber. He stayed fully awake and alert while they slept, not wanting to miss a moment of this first taste of what they could be together.

  “Remember what I told you, Andrew.” Louisa’s voice sounded in his head, and he returned to the conversation they’d had several months before her death. The conversation he never wanted to have. “When I’m no longer with you, you need to allow some people access to your heart. You can’t spend the rest of your time alone. You’re not built that way. And if you find someone, don’t shut them out with excuses. People will surprise you if you let them. In a good way. Allow those close to you to help. And for the love of god, let them love you.”

  Andrew swallowed hard, blinking back the tears. At the time, he had thought she meant for him to sleep with several people, but had she meant for him to have two people in his life? Using “them” hadn’t registered as strange at the time, but now, when he thought about their conversations, she had mentioned Kean and Kendal many times during the months before her death. Had she seen something he hadn’t? It wouldn’t have surprised him in the least. He swore, even now, that she was psychic. Having predicted too many of their families’ relationships before they happened, she had been on a winning streak. Even with the prediction for him, though he hadn’t wanted to acknowledge it before now. He focused on the words he’d read so many times he could recite word for word.