Rico balanced the tray in his hands, weaving through the crowd as the music pounded against his ears. He was used to the noise, used to the flashing lights and the endless requests from impatient customers. But tonight, his mind wasn't here.
It was with Kieran.
He thought of the Alpha's face when the truth had been revealed, the devastation, the fury barely restrained behind clenched teeth. Rico knew exactly how deep Kieran's love for Noah ran. He had watched it for years, from the sidelines. First in high school, where Kieran had shielded Noah from every cruel word, every shove in the hallway. Then later, when Kieran had worked himself half to death just to give Noah more. Rico had seen it all.
And maybe that's why his chest ached now, because he also knew what it meant to be saved. Kieran had once stood up for him too, when he was a scrawny, trembling omega cornered by Alphas who thought he was an easy target. Kieran had pulled them off like they were nothing and told Rico he didn't have to be afraid anymore. Since then, Rico's devotion had never wavered.
He shook the thought away, only to freeze when the club doors opened.
Noah walked in.
Two delicate omegas flanked him, their pheromones sweet, drawing glances immediately. Behind them came Dante Perez and two other alphas, their dominance rolling through the air, heavy enough that even the crowd seemed to part without realizing it. The group didn't hesitate, they went straight to the VIP section, like they owned the place.
Rico's stomach dropped. He wanted to disappear, to turn invisible, but his supervisor's hand landed on his shoulder. "VIP wants service. That's you."
He couldn't refuse.
With steady hands, he carried the tray over. His eyes stayed fixed on the glasses, anywhere but Noah. But out of the corner of his vision he saw him, draped across Dante's lap, laughing softly, his body pressed close, rubbing against the Alpha like he belonged there. Dante didn't even glance at Rico. Why would he? An insignificant omega wasn't worth a CEO's notice.
Rico set down the drinks and left quickly, his chest tight.
He was halfway back to the bar when a hand caught his wrist.
Noah.
He dragged him to the corner, his voice low so no one else could hear. "How's Kieran?"
Rico glared at him, his silence sharp enough to cut.
"You don't get it," Noah whispered, eyes darting away. "Kieran is good, but I need more. More than he can ever give me."
Rico's jaw clenched. Still, he said nothing.
Noah leaned closer, his words soft, almost cruel. "Take care of him, Rico. Maybe now he'll finally notice how you feel."
Then he was gone, slipping back into Dante's arms like he hadn't just twisted a knife into Rico's chest.
Rico stood frozen, fists tight at his sides. His heart pounded with rage, shame, and a truth he could no longer deny.
Noah was a liar. A selfish liar.
But he was right about one thing.
Rico was in love with Kieran.
....
Rico waited outside the small house, arms wrapped around himself as the night air chilled his skin. Hours ticked by until finally, he saw Kieran stumbling down the street, reeking of alcohol. Rico rushed to him, slipping his arm under Kieran's to keep him steady.
"Come on, let's get you inside," Rico whispered, guiding him toward the bed.
Kieran slumped heavily onto the mattress, muttering through slurred lips, "I will make them regret it, I will get Noah back. I will show Dante who the real Alpha is."
Rico's chest tightened. Even drunk, even broken, all Kieran could think about was Noah. Carefully, he wiped Kieran's face with a damp cloth, cleaning away the sweat and smell of liquor. His heart ached at the sight, Kieran had always been strong, dominant, the one protecting others, and now he looked so vulnerable.
Rico sat beside him, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. It was softer than he'd imagined.
He had never been able to touch Kieran this way, he had always kept his boundaries with Rico.
His fingers lingered, and for a dangerous moment, he let himself wonder, what would it feel like if Kieran touched him this way? If Kieran's strength wasn't spent on fighting for Noah but spent on claiming him instead?
The thought made Rico shiver. He bit his lip, shame flooding through him as heat curled in his stomach. He shouldn't be thinking like this, not while Kieran was asleep and hurting. But his body betrayed him, he was already hard. With a strangled sound, Rico bolted into the bathroom, where he slid down against the door and let the fantasy overtake him. In his mind, Kieran's hands gripped his hips, Kieran's voice commanded him to submit, Kieran's teeth left marks on his skin. He came undone with a muffled moan, his guilt and longing twisting together to make him feel worse.
By morning, the house felt different. Kieran rose early, his eyes clearer, his jaw set with new resolve. He even ate the breakfast Rico had prepared, which startled him.
"I got fired," Kieran said simply between bites. "I Need a new job. Do you think your club is hiring?"
Rico froze. "Kieran… Dante and Noah go there all the time. It's not a good idea."
Kieran smirked, a shadow of his old dominance flashing across his face. "I don't care. I'm past them now. Let them rot in hell for all I care. I won't even look their way."
Rico hesitated, searching his friend's hard eyes. Against his better judgment, he nodded. "They need a new bodyguard. I'll tell the manager."
"Good." Kieran clapped his shoulder, the touch firm and warm. "Thanks, Rico. I won't cause trouble."
Later that day, Rico introduced him at the club. The manager took one look at Kieran's build, his presence, and hired him instantly. Watching Kieran shake the manager's hand with steady confidence, Rico felt a strange mix of pride and dread.
He wanted to believe Kieran was healing, moving on… but deep down, he knew the storm between the two Alphas was only just beginning.