“I get it,” Salem said. “It’s not the norm and it’s a lot to wrap your head around. But think about what your life would look like with just you and her. What about when you’re given an undercover job? Would you be happy leaving her for months on her own?”

Alexei’s jaw clenched.

“I actually think harems could become more of a normal thing,” Roman said. “Since Escana has come into the public’s eyes with their reverse harem relationships it’s become more popular. More mainstream. There are a lot of reasons to think about forming a relationship like this. Financial, emotional, sometimes even physical reasons. But the reason I came to the conclusion that I wanted this is because I know Tamsyn wants all of us and I want to give her whatever she desires. And because I don’t want to lose the two of you. You’re my family.”

Alexei stared off into the distance for a long moment.

“If you need some time—” Salem started to say.

“I’m all right with seeing dick, even some accidental touching, but I don’t swing that way.”

Roman’s eyes grew wide as Salem gave a relieved sigh. This was Alexei’s unique way of saying he was in.

Although Salem thought he should probably take some more time to think about it, that wasn’t really who Alexei was. He was used to making snap decisions and sticking to them.

“I don’t believe anyone mentioned anything about a sexual relationship between the three of us,” Roman said. “Am I wrong?”

“You’re not wrong,” Salem told him. “That’s just Alexei’s way of saying he’s in. Do you not want to think about it?”

“What’s to think about?” Alexei replied. “If I don’t do this, then I lose you two or her. If I do this, I get to keep the three of you. That’s a no-brainer, then, right? You all belong to me. I will keep all of you safe.”

“I don’t believe that I belong to you,” Roman said, sounding slightly alarmed.

Salem shook his head at the younger man. “He doesn’t mean it like that.”

“Uh, yes, I do,” Alexei said.

Be calm. Be patient.

“Alexei. You don’t own anyone. That’s not the way a relationship works,” Salem lectured.

“Uh-huh, sure Mr. Dom. Or do you prefer Master?”

“I’m not looking for a master-slave relationship. And I prefer Daddy,” Salem said.

“Do you think she’ll call you Daddy?” Alexei asked.

“I am certain that she will,” Roman said, surprising them both. “Or perhaps she might like Papa. Or Tata or Baba. I’m not entirely sure of her background, are any of you?” Roman glanced at them both, seemingly only just seeing their surprise. “What?”

“Has she mentioned being a Little to you?” Salem asked. He’d seen signs. But he was a Daddy Dom. Even if he hadn’t been with a Little in years, he didn’t believe that was something you just forgot or that disappeared. However, he couldn’t see Roman picking up on those cues. He didn’t always pick up on social cues from others.

“She hasn’t come out and said as much,” Roman said. “But I’ve seen signs.”

“You have?” Alexei asked.

“Yes, I believe so. Times when she’s let her Little side slip. It’s not hugely obvious. And she enjoys reading Daddy books with me. Not that that is a sign of being a Little. After all, I read them.”

“And you’re not a Little,” Salem said just to be sure. He didn’t think Roman was a Little. But he also hadn’t been aware that he was interested in age play.

“No, I’m not a Little. I’m not sure if I’m anything. Not all Daddy Doms come in one shape and form. I could be a Dom and be softer, you know. But my aversion to touch complicates things.”

“But you’d be open to being her Daddy?” Salem asked. “If that’s what she wants? I know she’s a sub since I met her at Club Slade, but she hasn’t said anything about being a Little.”

“I’m not certain. I’d need to think about it. Do you want to be her Daddy?” Roman asked him.

“Yes, but I would want rules and boundaries. And I would enforce them. For her health and safety, but also in the bedroom. I can be nurturing too.” He wasn’t all rules and punishments.

Roman nodded. “I think she needs some rules and boundaries. And someone who will enforce them. I don’t want to say I would be a pushover, but I do think that if I am a Daddy Dom I would enjoy the more nurturing side.”