"I promise," he grumbled.
Eric elbowed his buddy. "Tell me what happened with Kellan."
Tate watched them with narrowed eyes. "Do we need to punch him, too?"
She softened against him, resting her head on his chest, seeking support and affection. "No. I told Kellan the truth about his future as I see it and explained how this was going to work from now on. I believe he's weighing his options, but you should know he's probably going to leave." She lifted her head, her expression filled with regret. "Maybe I shouldn't have pushed him."
Risking her heart only to have it stomped on was exactly what she'd been afraid of all this time. Eric hated to see Belle facing one of her worst nightmares, especially when one of their own had tossed it in her face.
He stroked her hair, trying to soothe her. "I'll talk to him."
"Don't. I knew I was taking a risk and that there was every possibility he would walk away, but I couldn't keep going the way we were. I need to move forward. We all need resolution. The decision has to be his, but he needed to know that I'm going to do everything I can to make sure my husbands are happy, and that means I'll only sleep with him when you two say it's all right."
Eric's heart nearly stopped. Had she said what he thought he'd heard?
"Belle?" As he moved to stand beside Eric, Tate fastened his incredulous stare on her. "You just said husbands."
She pulled back just enough to meet their gazes. "I love you. I was afraid for a long time, but I've learned that I can't live like that. What we share isn't just sex. We make love, and I want to honor that. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I told Kellan I want him, too, but I'm going to move forward with you even if he refuses me."
No wonder he'd run out of the house like he was on fire. Belle had upended Kellan's whole world. Eric had no illusions about Kellan's feelings. The current arrangement suited him. Kell didn't have to make a commitment or even think about the future. He just had to watch over her and fuck her every night. Belle had changed the game.
Kellan's loss … but Eric celebrated his victory. This woman belonged to him and to Tate. It was about time she recognized that. He'd only known her for a year, but he felt as if he'd waited his entire life for her.
"You told Kellan you were going to marry us." He spoke the words slowly, savoring each and every one.
"Yes. If you'll still have me." The tremor in her voice told Eric that she was nervous.
He hauled her close again, pure joy in his heart. "Oh, I'm going to have you, baby. I'm going to have you over and over and over again, for the rest of our lives."
He felt her sigh in his arms and wondered how she could possibly have thought they would reject her. She was their whole world. He kissed her firmly, then allowed Tate to sweep her up in a bear hug. The big guy wore a huge grin as he whirled her around and finally planted his mouth on hers.
Their girl. Finally. Forever.
"We're getting married," Tate said, holding her close.
"You better marry me," she teased. "Because you've ruined me for all other men."
There would be no other men for Annabelle Wright. If Kellan was a stubborn idiot, then Belle would have to be satisfied with him and Tate. He vowed they'd make it worth her while.
Belle turned to them with a coquette's grin when Tate set her down. "We still have a little time, you know."
Heat darkened her eyes, and his cock was immediately engaged. "How long?"
She swayed to the door and lingered at the bottom of the stairs, giving them a sultry smile. "Long enough."
He chased her up the stairs, laughing with Tate all the way.
* * * *
Tate stared down at his fiancée. His almost-wife. God, Annabelle Wright was going to be his wife. How far he'd come. He'd grown up in a house utterly devoid of anything but intellect and duty, and somehow he'd found the one woman who could make up for everything he'd been denied before. He almost couldn't believe it, but the proof was lying there in his arms. Belle's eyes had closed after he and Eric had both taken her. She'd curled up next to him, and he watched her breathing turn slow and even. She slept, pressed against him trustingly. Afternoon light streamed in, caressing her mocha skin, making every inch of her gleam. She was so fucking beautiful. Even though he'd just made love to her, his cock was already straining to have her again. He would never take for granted that she was his. Every day, he intended to make sure Belle felt valued and loved.
He cuddled her close, loving the feel of her nipples against his chest. He wanted nothing more than to slide inside her again. Leaving the damn bed was the last thing he wanted to do, but work called. If they were going to renovate this big old house and make it a family home again, that was going to take money-lots of it.