Andrew huffed a laugh. “I’m sure that will be embarrassing as hell, but sure. Take care, Kendal.”

  “You, too, Andrew.”

  Andrew ended the call and sighed. His stomach fluttered, and his heart pounded. He kept his eyes closed and tried to calm himself. He knew exactly what he was feeling, but he couldn’t act on anything. What would the country think if he took not one but two people as his partners? It was enough of a problem that he’d admitted he was bisexual. If he showed up with anyone who wasn’t female on his arm, the media would destroy them, and he couldn’t let anyone go through that.

  Kean and Kendal were better off without him. But maybe he could see them getting together.

  He sat up straighter. That would work. They were perfect for each other. Kean had the dominant streak, though he didn’t let it out often, and Kendal was submissive. But more than that, they had both been through something traumatic and were working through it to find themselves at the other end. They could help each other.

  And Andrew could help them get there.

  He lifted his phone and sent a message to Freddie, letting him know he would make an appearance at the club that night. It wouldn’t be for the reason Freddie thought it was, but it wouldn’t matter. He’d clue his sons in on his idea at the right time. Whatever they thought in the meantime could wait.

  His desk phone rang, and he answered. “The Foreign Secretary is on the phone, Your Majesty.”

  “Thank you, Randall. Please put them through.”

  The rest of the afternoon was spent putting out fires, working through legislation, giving opinions he knew would be ignored and signing paperwork. And everyone thought being a royal was glamorous.

  For once, he left his office at six o’clock and had an earlier dinner than usual in his suite. It was quiet, but he didn’t mind because he worked through his plan. When a thought occurred to him, he paused in chewing. What if his being there would stop them from being together? Would they feel more comfortable without him there? He brushed the thought aside. If he saw anything that made him think that, he could leave, citing tiredness. No one would doubt him because he was tired. He’d been tired for years.

  After showering and changing into fresh trousers and a black shirt, he advised Simon he was ready to leave. Four guards joined him as he climbed into the car; two guards in the front seat and two in a car behind them.

  It had been far too long since he’d visited the club. It would be nice to see the place again, even if he never intended to use all the facilities. He was too old to join in any of the scenes, and besides, most members would feel uncomfortable having him around while they played. He intended to stay for a short conversation, then head home again.

  Simon climbed out with him once they arrived, and they both headed up in the lift. When he stepped into the foyer, Clarice stood and curtsied.

  “It’s lovely to see you, Your Majesty,” she said,

  “Thank you, Clarice. How are things here?” He pressed his thumb to the sensor, confirming his attendance, and Simon did the same.

  “No problems to report so far tonight. I’m hoping it stays that way.”

  Andrew smiled. “Me, too. Are my children here yet?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty. Princes Frederick, Douglas, George, Patrick, Henry and Christian are all here with their partners, though Prince Patrick will be working.”

  “Thank you, Clarice. Have a good evening. I promise not to cause any problems.” He chuckled.

  “That would be appreciated, Your Majesty.”

  They headed for the main doors, not bothering to put anything in the lockers because they didn’t have anything with them to lock away. The bar area was half full, mainly with his family, and he smiled when laughter rang through the air. It was louder than the subtle music they piped into the room.

  “Good evening, everyone. Happy birthday, Mav. Are you all having a good time?” he said as he reached the group.

  Freddie stood and embraced him. “I’m glad to see you.”

  Andrew smiled and glanced around the group, seeing some stunned expressions, including those on Kean’s and Kendal’s faces. Hopefully, it was a pleasant surprise.

  ****

  Chapter 5

  Kean

  Kean’s jaw dropped when Andrew appeared at the club. From what he knew, Andrew had not visited for months. Years, even. The shock would wear off, but Kean could admit he was glad to see him. A smile crept across his face when Andrew glanced at him, and Kean took a side look at Kendal to see the same surprise on their face.

  “I don’t need to introduce Simon, do I?” Andrew joked and settled into the seat beside Kean. Simon, however, nodded and moved away from them to the wall.

  Kean’s smile dimmed a little, not because he didn’t like Simon, but because he had the same name as Kean’s brother, and it was difficult not to react when someone said the name. Instead, he focused on the conversation.

  “Hello, Xan. How are Oliver and Griffin treating you?”

  Kendal’s friend, Xan, had recently begun a relationship with Club Royal’s bartender, Oliver, and Oliver’s husband, Griffin. The triad’s relationship was something Kean secretly wanted for himself. Everything would fit together beautifully—if only they felt the same way he did.

  Xan flushed. “They’re treating me very well, Your Majesty.”

  “And I expect you to tell someone if it was any other way,” a voice said. Kean glanced over Andrew’s shoulder to see Oliver handing Andrew a drink.

  “I would,” Xan stared at Oliver, his bottom lip caught between his teeth.

  Kean’s heart thumped at the pure love he could see and feel in the exchange. That was what he wanted. He took a sip of his drink, lowering his gaze to his lap and trying to push down his feelings.

  “And Quinn, how are you?” Andrew asked.

  “Very good, Your Majesty. Master is in the club teaching at the moment,” Quinn replied. He had always been more at ease in the presence of royalty than others were. “I thought I would spend some time with my friends.”

  “Sounds wonderful. Kendal,” Andrew said. “How are you faring?”

  Kean heard Kendal’s shaky breath, but they answered sure and steady. “Well, Your—Andrew. Thank you. It’s getting easier.”

  “I’m glad. You know we’re all here to help you. You just need to ask,” Andrew said.

  Kendal nodded. “I appreciate it…” They rubbed one hand over the knuckles of the other, which was holding their drink. “Actually…” They glanced around the circle of friends, making Kean do the same. Most people weren’t looking at them. “I do have something to ask you and Kean.” Kendal glanced at Quinn, who nodded and squeezed their forearm.

  What was going on?

  “Whatever you need, Kendal. You know that,” Andrew said.

  Kendal rolled their lips inwards, staring at the drink in their hands. “I…would very much like…to get closer to who I was…before. The club was a large part of my life, and I want it back.” They glanced up at Kean. “I need someone I can trust to help me, and I wondered if you would.”

  Kean’s mouth gaped. “Me?” He glanced at Andrew. “But wouldn’t someone else be better at it?”

  He ignored the way his brain kicked his ass for trying to stop what Kean so desperately wanted. It needed to be what was best for Kendal, not what Kean desired.

  “I think he’s a worthy choice,” Andrew said, resting his hand on Kean’s shoulder.

  Kean’s heart skipped at Andrew’s compliment. “I—”

  “I trust you, Kean. That’s what I need.” Kendal paused. “But…I also need someone else who can be there, just in case.” They glanced at Andrew.

  Andrew leaned forward, scooting to the edge of his seat and putting his drink down. “I meant what I said, Kendal. Whatever you need. But I need you to be clear so we all know what’s what.”

  Kendal licked their lips and glanced at Quinn again, who nodded. They must’ve discussed this with their friends first. Understandably.

  “I would like Kean to flog me, but I need you to be there in case something happens.” Kendal flicked their gaze to Kean. “I trust you, Kean. I truly do, but where I am at the moment, I can’t trust that I trust correctly. Does that make sense?”

  Kean held out his hand, palm upwards, and waited until Kendal rested their hand in his. He squeezed gently. “It makes complete sense, Kendal. I understand where you’re coming from. Are you sure I’m the right choice? There are better people than me.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with you, Kean,” Andrew said.

  “I need someone I trust, and I trust you. I can’t imagine anyone else helping me,” Kendal said.

  Kean exhaled, locking gazes with Kendal. “Then, if you are truly certain, I would be honoured.” And extremely aroused. He locked that thought behind the cage he would ensure all his feelings stayed in during the event. “Whenever you’re ready.”

  Kendal swallowed. “Tonight?”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to think about this some more first?” Andrew asked.

  Kendal shook their head. “I think this might be as courageous as I will ever be. My only concern is what people will say when the three of us go into a room.”

  Andrew smiled and stood. “I’ll sort that. Don’t worry. I’ll be back.” He stepped towards Simon, and they both disappeared back into the foyer.

  Kean realised he still held Kendal’s hand, and he rubbed his thumb over their knuckles, meeting their gaze. “You’re so bloody brave,” he murmured.

  Kendal’s cheeks flushed, and their bright green eyes filled a little. The first time it happened, Kean had apologised because he thought he’d upset them, but Kendal had quickly explained that their eyes watered when they were embarrassed, something they wished wouldn’t happen.

  He couldn’t believe Kendal had been strong enough to ask for what they wanted. Kean wished he could be that strong, but there was no way he had the courage to ask Kendal and Andrew for what he wanted. It would be too easy to lose what he already had with them, so that would have to be enough for him.

  The sound from the main area of the club rose as the door opened, and Patrick stepped through. He wandered over to them, leaning down to kiss Kieren and whisper something in his ear before heading over to Kean and Kendal.

  Patrick crouched between them, lowering his voice. “You can make your way to the teaching room whenever you’re ready. Are you okay going through the main club, or would you prefer not to?” he asked Kendal.

  Kendal inhaled, tightening their hold on Kean’s hand. “I think I can manage the club.”

  Kean leaned forward. “Don’t force yourself. Only if you can.”

  “It’s the first step in the right direction, right?” Kendal straightened their back. “I’ll be fine. I’ll have Kean with me.”

  Pleasure swept through Kean at the sheer trust Kendal placed in him. “I won’t let anything happen.”

  “Kieren and I will escort you to the door. No one will touch you, Kendal. I promise,” Patrick said.

  “Thank you.”

  “Take your time,” Patrick said. “Let me know when you’re ready.”

  He rose and stepped back to where Kieren stood, waiting for him. They wrapped their arms around each other, smiling.

  “They’re an amazing match,” Kendal said, breaking Kean’s attention.

  “They are. They all are,” Kean said, glancing around the group.

  Kendal blew out a breath. “Are you ready?”

  Kean squeezed their hand. “I should be asking you that.”

  They shared a laugh, and Kendal murmured something to Quinn before standing. Kean followed suit and rearranged their hands, linking their fingers as they wandered towards Patrick and Kieren. Kendal didn’t complain about the handholding, so Kean didn’t mention anything either. He’d let go if Kendal wanted him to, but until they asked…

  “Ready?” Patrick asked. Kendal nodded. “I’ll go first, and Kieren will be behind. If at any point it’s too much, reach a hand back for Kieren, and we’ll get you out of there.”

  Kendal nodded again. Kean tightened his hold for a second, and then Patrick opened the door to the club, the noise rising once more. It wasn’t loud enough to miss the hitch of Kendal’s breath, and Kean hoped they would be okay. The sounds of skin slapping, moans and groans grew louder as they weaved through the club members. Kendal kept their head down, and Kean followed Patrick, leading Kendal along the way. Kendal’s free hand crept to Kean’s biceps, tucking themselves into his side, and they rested their head against his shoulder.

  Once again, Kean wanted to have five minutes alone with Talon. That asshole had hurt Kendal, and they were suffering for far longer than Talon had been. Despite the man—and Kean used that word in its loosest possible meaning—being in prison, he deserved so much more shit for what he did.

  They stepped through an arch and headed right, doubling back on themselves until they reached a teaching room. It wasn’t the only one in the building, but it had a lot more space than other rooms. Patrick glanced behind them, then knocked, and the door opened a second later, revealing Andrew’s bodyguard. Simon opened the door further when he saw who it was, and Patrick ushered Kean and Kendal through.

  “Radio us when you’re ready,” Patrick said.

  “We’ll take them out the other way, so don’t worry about it,” Simon said.

  “Okay. Tell Clarice to let me know when the room is free.”

  Simon nodded and closed the door, leaving the four of them in the room together. Kean frowned.

  “How did you get in here?”

  Andrew chuckled. “Secret entrance.” He winked.

  “Seriously?” Kean shook his head. “Why am I surprised?” he asked Kendal.

  “You s-shouldn’t be.” Kendal’s voice wobbled a little, but they stayed strong.

  “I’ll be right outside the door, Your Majesty,” Simon said.

  “Thank you, Simon.”

  Kean’s eye twitched, but he shoved it aside. Simon left, closing the door behind him, and Andrew locked the door and faced them.

  “Right, Kendal. Are you sure about this?”

  “Yes.”

  Kean was glad to hear no hesitation in their voice, even though their hand was shaking in his.

  “Okay, then.” Andrew stepped in front of Kendal, lifting their chin to look into their eyes. “I’m going to sit over here, out of the way. If you need anything at all, tell me.” Kendal nodded. “What’s your safe word?”

  “Hairspray.” Kendal’s cheeks darkened, and they sniffed.

  Andrew smiled and wiped at their eyes. “Perfect. Thank you.” He leaned down, and for a second, Kean thought he would kiss Kendal, as did Kendal if the widening of their eyes was any indication. But Andrew only whispered in their ear. “Enjoy yourselves.” It was loud enough for Kean to hear as well, and Andrew met his gaze with a smile, reaching to Kean’s nape. “You’re going to be fine.”

  Kean swallowed hard and nodded. He was out of his depth. Not because of the flogging—that he’d done before—but with having such a role in helping Kendal get through their first scene since what happened with that asshole. Kean was glad Andrew was there, not only because he got to share this with the two people he loved but because if Kean made an error in judgement, Andrew would be there to stop him from hurting Kendal.

  Andrew moved to the corner of the room, where a chair rested, and settled in, reaching for something from the shelf. A book. Kendal snorted beside him, making him jump.

  “Are you going to read while we get into it, Your Majesty?” Kendal asked, a smirk on their face.

  “Yes,” Andrew said, winking. “I’m only here as backup. You don’t need to worry about me.”

  Kean chuckled, glad for the lightening of the atmosphere. He stepped in front of Kendal, squeezing the hand he still held. “Are you ready?” He wasn’t sure he was.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Warmth gathered in Kean’s stomach, but he ignored the arousal those words sparked. “Is there anything I should know before we do this?”

  Kendal exhaled shakily. “I have scars,” they whispered.

  Kean brushed his knuckles against Kendal’s cheek. “They show how strong you are. And anyway, so do I.” He waited to see if Kendal would say anything else, but they stared at Kean, need darkening their usually bright green eyes to an emerald colour. “Undress for me, then lean over the bed. I won’t be restraining you for this.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Kendal stepped back, the cool air replacing the heat from their body against Kean’s. Kean couldn’t watch them undress because it would make him far too aroused, and this wasn’t about him. Moving to the cupboard that held the equipment, he stared at the floggers, trying to decide which would be the best one to use. The rabbit flogger was softer and caused less pain, but it was more for sensation play than impact. The deer leather was a slightly higher pain level, but not too harsh. He grabbed that one, hoping he’d chosen correctly.

  Turning around, he swallowed his moan when he saw a naked Kendal leaning over the end of the bed. He inhaled, then exhaled and moved closer. “Is the deer leather okay to use, Kendal?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Kean sucked in a breath and reached a shaky hand forward to rub against Kendal’s back. Kendal startled, but Kean ran his hand over their back, ignoring the silvery lines crossing the skin and getting closer and closer to his ass cheeks. “I’m going to warm your skin first.”

  When he received no denial, Kean rubbed his palms over Kendal’s ass, squeezing gently to begin the warming process. Kendal had not been flogged or spanked at all since the incident, so Kean was going to go easy on them. He gave a sharp smack to the fleshy part of Kendal’s ass on both sides, eliciting a hitch of breath from Kendal. It sent a shiver of need through Kean, but he pushed it down yet again. This wasn’t about him. He was glad he’d kept his jeans on when he’d arrived, so they held down his erection more than the trousers he sometimes wore.

  He spanked them again, then rubbed over the skin, soothing it. He lifted the flogger, clenching it in his hand. The strips of leather caressed Kendal as Kean ran it over their skin, getting them used to the sensation. Across their back, over the ass, down their thighs and in reverse, over and over, until Kendal’s breathing increased further.