Chapter 8
Richard
Despite the concern I still felt over what the media may do to Spike and Kalin, a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders now that I’d finally come out about my relationship with them.
Now, I could be seen out in public with them, loving them both the way they deserved.
I’d kept them hidden for long enough—too fucking long, really.
I’d appreciated Spike’s endless patience with me, letting me do this on my own time, but Kalin had been right.
They deserved more. They deserved better.
But I was too selfish to let either of them go when I knew what the three of us had together was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love.
I wasn’t letting that slip through my fingers.
So, I was determined to be the better they deserved. I was going to give them more than the bare minimum I had been.
My phone rang as soon as I was off the stage, and I slipped it from my pocket, honestly expecting it to be from Darwin to discuss our next steps in keeping this situation managed since he was usually so on top of things, but it was Kalin.
My chest tightened at the mere sight of his name, warmth sliding through my veins.
With a small smile tilting my lips, I lifted the phone to my ear.
“Good morning,” I greeted.
“Don’t you good morning me,” Kalin snapped. I frowned, wondering what the hell I’d done now. Had he not watched the show? Spike said he would make sure he watched it. Or was he too irate about me leaving—like I always tended to do before he woke up—that he didn’t care?
Couldn’t blame if he was. I’d done too much to hurt him. I couldn’t expect all our issues to suddenly be resolved just because I’d opened up to the world about how much I loved both him and Spike.
“Little one…” I murmured at the same time I could hear Spike in the background saying, “Baby.”
“Why did you do that?” Kalin demanded. “You weren’t ready. And what about your career? The company? Why—”
“Breathe,” I commanded, my voice firm but gentle.
He was spiraling and would end up having a panic attack, and fuck knew that didn’t need to happen.
He was already at his wits’ end. “Breathe for me, little one. It’s all going to be okay.
I promise. This was set up by the publicity team—specifically Darwin.
We’re handling this as a company. I’m okay. ”
“You’re so stupid,” he whispered, but there was no heat behind his words.
I chuckled as I pushed out the back door of the studio where my driver was waiting for me. He tipped his chin down at me respectfully before opening the back passenger door of the car for me. I patted his arm in thanks before I slid onto the seat, the door shutting behind me with a soft click.
“Well, will you take pity on this stupid fool and come spend the day with me?” I asked hopefully.
“I’m not going into the office today. I took the week off to be with you two.
” It was something I’d never done before, but I was changing things.
They were my priorities now, and nothing came before them.
“You… did?” Kalin’s swallow was audible over the line. “You don’t do things like that, Richard.”
I sighed. “I know, little one. But you were right. I wasn’t giving you two enough.
In fact, I was giving you two the bare minimum while hoping you’d stick around, and that’s not okay.
It’s not fair. I love you boys—” he sucked in a sharp breath— “and I want to start doing things right. Start putting you two first. So, will you come spend time with me?”
Kalin sniffled. “Yes,” he whispered, his voice cracking.
“Can you give us a bit though?” I heard someone knocking on their room door, and a moment later, I could vaguely make out who I thought was Salem demanding they ‘get their asses up and come have a family meeting’. “I think the guys have found out.”
If last night hadn’t made them aware of our relationship, coming out on The Wellston Show certainly had.
“Take your time, little one,” I soothed. “I’ll be at home waiting for you.”
The call ended. Sighing, I leaned my head back against the headrest and shut my eyes for a moment.
“Congratulations, Mr. Nightwork,” my driver, Harlow, said. My eyes opened to meet his in the rearview mirror. He’d been one of the few to know of my relationship with Kalin and Spike. “I know you’ve wanted this for a while. I’m glad to see it finally happening.”
I smiled a little. “Me, too, Harlow.”
I knew I still had a ways to go before everything was settled between the three of us—specifically with Kalin. But I’d never stop fighting for them. Never give up on them. They had become the center of my universe, and I couldn’t live without them.
Lifting my phone from my lap, I shot off a quick text to Spike.
Me
How is he, really?
Little Tiger
Confused, I think. He cried a lot. And he’s worried about you. I know he wanted this, but I think he’s panicking now that it’s happening.
Me
I know what I’m doing. I should have done this from the beginning.
Little Tiger
I know you do. He’s just a messy ball of too many emotions, and he’s overly tired from the tour, which doesn’t help him sort through what he needs and wants. He’s always felt things deeply.
Little Tiger
Let us deal with the fam, and then, you and I will take care of him.
Me
And you, little tiger? Your wants and needs matter too.
Little Tiger
I already have everything I want and need, babe.