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CONFESSIONS: JULIEN

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ELLA FRANK

El a Frank, LLC

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CONTENTS

Synopsis

Also by Ella Frank

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Coming Soon

Thank You

Special Thanks

About the Author

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Copyright © 2018 by Ella Frank

www.ellafrank.com

Cover Design: Hang Le

Cover Photographer: Jules Godfrey Photography

Cover Model: Jack Sutton

The author acknowledges the copyright and trademarked status and trademark owners of the following:

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Coke - The Coca-Cola Company

Sandy - Grease Paramount Pictures

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means,

including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except

for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

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SYNOPSIS

People are complex.

Love a double-edged sword.

And when it comes to a broken heart, there are no rules, only time…

For the past eight years, Julien Thornton has been living with a secret. One

that only a handful of people know about.

To the outside world, he has it all.

A thriving career. A loving husband. And a face that the American public fell

for by the millions, on a reality show that inadvertently saved his life.

But behind the shine of celebrity, behind the easygoing nature, a

crippling truth fills Julien with pain and self-loathing. It’s a truth that he

fights to overcome daily with the help of his husband, Joel Priestley, and now

their boyfriend, Robbie Bianchi.

But unlike Priest, Robbie doesn’t know what he’s helping Julien to fight. He

doesn’t know what Julien did all those years ago. And with the anniversary of

his sister’s death fast approaching, the time for explanations is running out.

And thus the question: will the princess be able to forgive the prick as the

priest once did?

Only time will tell.

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ALSO BY ELLA FRANK

The Exquisite Series

Exquisite

Entice

Edible

The Temptation Series

Try

Take

Trust

Tease

Tate

True

Confessions Series

Confessions: Robbie

Sunset Cove Series

Finley

Devil’s Kiss

Masters Among Monsters Series

Alasdair

Isadora

Thanos

Standalones

Blind Obsession

Veiled Innocence

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Co-Authored with Brooke Blaine

Sex Addict

Shiver

Wrapped Up in You

PresLocke Series

Co-Authored with Brooke Blaine

ACED

LOCKED

WEDLOCKED

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DEDICATION

For ma petite poulette,

You were the gull, Jacquelyn,

strong and wild, fond of the storm

and the wind, flying far out to sea...

You were my little woman,

and you will always be a part of me.

Your frère,

Julien

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CHAPTER ONE

CONFESSION

Those who are meant to be yours

will always find you.

“WE MEET again, Mr. Thornton.”

A shiver of awareness raced up Julien Thornton’s spine as he stood in the

jail cell of a downtown L.A. police station where he’d been thrown around an

hour ago for public intoxication.

He didn’t need to turn to know who was on the opposite side of those steel

bars. That voice was the one he’d been hoping to hear when he’d made his

“one call” and left a message after a generic voicemail. That voice? It had

been on his mind since the last time he’d heard it, nearly two weeks earlier

when he’d met—and attempted to steal the car of—a man who called himself

Priest.

Julien pivoted on his heels, and when he did, he realized that he’d grossly

underestimated the impact that Joel Priestley had had on him the first time

around.

Oui , he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him, that was true, and

oui , he might’ve purposely provoked the police officer tonight hoping he’d

end up needing a lawyer. But Dieu , he’d forgotten the way Priest made his

body respond. Like an inferno was licking through his veins.

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With auburn hair, stormy eyes, and a presence that Julien gravitated

toward like a magnetic force, he didn’t think anything could prepare a person

for the powerful energy Priest exuded. Not to mention that cool, judgmental

stare of his.

But Julien had no one to blame for that judgment but himself. Maybe if

they didn’t always meet at the end of one of his week-long benders, he could

have the upper hand with this man for once. And wouldn’t that be délicieux,

he thought, as he looked at the lawyer who’d dropped him home two weeks

before, instead of at the police station like he’d originally threatened.

Priest was as put together now, at three in the morning, as he had been

that afternoon in the alley. Suited up in a tailored navy number that framed

his broad shoulders and emphasized the rich color of his hair, he looked

sharp, controlled, and dangerous to Julien’s already unstable state of mind

as he stood there sizing him up with an unreadable expression.

“I’m curious,” Priest finally said, as he clasped his hands behind his

back and took a step closer to the cell where Julien had spent most of the

night sobering up. “Did you not understand me the last time we spoke?”

Julien clenched his jaw and wondered if Priest realized how

condescending he sounded when he spoke—or just how much it turned Julien

on. “ Non . I understood just fine.”

“Then what part of ‘I won’t be so lenient next time’ made you think that

calling me to bail you out of here was a good idea?”

Julien was still trying to work that out himself, but thought it might have

something to do with the fact that he was drawn to this man. There was

something about Priest that made him feel alive, when all he’d felt for months

now was dead inside.

When Julien didn’t respond, Priest cocked his head, studying him closely,

the disapproval rolling off him in waves. “Are you that hard up for a date

that this was the only way you could think to get one?”

Putain , the man was arrogant. But for reasons Julien couldn’t explain,

that seemed to make him all the more appealing. “You’re the one who gave

me your card the last time we met. Perhaps it’s you who are hard up for a

date, monsieur . Giving your number out to—”

“Criminals?” Priest frowned. “No. That’s called smart business acumen,

considering I’m a criminal attorney.”

Julien scoffed. “I’m hardly a criminal.”

“Really?” Priest said, and took his time examining the six-by-eight space

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Julien currently stood in. He then leaned forward and said in a lowered

voice, “Your current situation tells a different kind of story.”

Despite his “current situation,” and the reason he’d gotten himself into

it, Julien felt his lips curve, and he realized exactly why he was drawn to

Priest. He possessed the one thing that Julien had been looking for—the

ability to take his mind off the black hole his life had become. “Maybe it’s le

destin .”

“And what does that mean? Destiny?” Priest straightened and brought

his arm around to check the time. “I doubt destiny has anything to do with it.

A more likely scenario is that I was your only option.”

“Even if that’s true,” Julien said as he wrapped his fingers around the

bars, “you came anyway.”

“As I said before, it’s my job.”

“At three in the morning?”

“At any hour of the morning,” Priest said, and then looked down the

hallway that was devoid of anything other than dreary off-white tiles and

horribly bright fluorescent lighting. “I’m going to go and see if I can get you

out, and then you and I are going to have a talk.”

Something about the way Priest said you and I made Julien’s pulse race,

and as Priest went to walk away, Julien whispered, “ J’ai vraiment hâte ,” and

the ever-so-serious lawyer stopped in his tracks and looked back.

This time when those eyes roamed over Julien, his breath caught. There

was nothing cool about that stare now. There was heat, interest, and an

intensity that made Julien’s fingers tighten around the bars before Priest cut

the connection and walked away.

Julien watched him go until he disappeared around the end of the hall,

and then he released his breath on a rush. Merde . He’d never been so

attracted to someone in all his life, and as he stood there waiting for Priest to

save him yet again, Julien knew he needed to stop what he was thinking.

There was no way in hell he deserved someone like that. Non, no way at

all . That didn’t, however, stop him from counting down the minutes until

Priest returned to him…

AS THE MATTRESS dipped down under him, Julien’s eyes slowly opened

and the man from his dreams took form in front of him.

He was gloriously naked, and the glow of the city lights cast an intimate

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silhouette of Priest as he pulled back the covers and slipped between the

sheets for the second time that night. The room was silent as Julien placed a

hand against Priest’s chest and studied his face, wanting to see for himself if

the strain from tonight’s unexpected caller had eased any.

“I thought you’d fallen back asleep,” Priest said, as he covered Julien’s

hand with his own, and that was when Julien saw it: the slight narrowing of

Priest’s eyes, as though he was still troubled over what had happened earlier.

He ran his fingers down Julien’s cheek.

“Non. Not yet. I was drifting in and out. But it’s never a bad thing to open

my eyes and see you, mon amour.” Julien turned his head and brushed his

lips over Priest’s fingers. “I was actually thinking about you. So one might

say you appeared right out of my dreams.”

“One might also say that you are tired and slightly delusional.”

“Peut-être,” Julien said, and then a soft hum left his throat as Priest kissed

his jaw, and then started to make his way down Julien’s neck. “That’s one of

the reasons you love me, is it not?”

Priest’s lips drifted over Julien’s collarbone, then he raised his head and

said, “It is.”

Julien cradled Priest’s face between his hands, and this close he could see

that Priest’s eyes were focused on him, waiting for whatever it was Julien

wanted to say, and there was plenty.

It was sometime early Thursday morning, and less than an hour had

passed since their boyfriend, Robbie Bianchi, had arrived at their front door

ready to take them up on their offer that he move in. But unbeknownst to

their princesse, he had walked into a situation none of them could’ve seen

coming.

So oui, Julien had plenty to say about tonight’s turn of events. But he also

knew that now wasn’t the time. Instead, he looked over to the slip of light

visible through the cracked door of the bathroom and asked, “Is Robbie

coming?”

“He already came. He’s showering now, winding down,” Priest said, as

he rolled Julien to his back and maneuvered himself over the top of him. He

wasn’t fooled at all by Julien’s diversion tactics. “I thought you would’ve

joined us in there.”

“I know,” Julien said, and originally he’d thought so too after he’d sent

Robbie in to find Priest. But once he’d brought Robbie’s bags inside and

locked up, Julien had been unable to push aside the call regarding Priest’s

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father, and had known that following Robbie into the bathroom wouldn’t be

about giving Priest what he needed right then, but more about what he

himself did—and that was answers.

“I had too many questions for you,” Julien said. “I still do.”

Priest sighed and lowered his forehead to rest it against Julien’s. “It’s late.

Can’t we wait until tomorrow to drag my past out into the light of day?”

Julien opened his legs so Priest could settle in between them, and then ran

his fingers over the scruff of his beard. “Oui, we can wait.”

Priest rested his forearms by Julien’s head and shut his eyes. It was clear

he was more in control than he had been an hour ago, but there was still an

air of agitation about him. “How about you tell me about this dream of yours

instead?”

Julien let his eyes flutter shut and, for the moment, allowed Priest to

distract them both. “Well, it was about you.”

“Yes… You already said that.” Priest pressed a kiss to Julien’s lips.

“What about me?”

Julien’s eyes opened and he grinned against Priest’s mouth. “I was

thinking about the night you bailed me out of jail. And how— Ahh…” One of

Priest’s hands had slipped down to wrap around Julien’s stiffening cock,

giving him a long, slow pull. “Refais-le, Joel.”

“What were you thinking?”

“I can’t think about anything when you’re doing that. Putain.” Julien

arched his head back into the pillow, as he thrust his hips off the bed.

“Do you want me to stop?”

“Jamais,” Julien said, panting.

Priest began to move his hand up and down Julien’s erection, and then he

sucked on Julien’s lower lip. “Why were you thinking about that night?

Surely we have more memorable ones.”

“We have many,” Julien said, as his eyes found Priest’s. “But I was

thinking about how glad I was that I kicked that police officer in the shins.”

Priest’s hand stopped its movement, his eyes narrowing a fraction. “I

didn’t know that,” he said, and Julien craned his head up to kiss Priest’s

serious mouth.

“Oui. He was going to let me go that night with a warning. But I… Dieu

que c’est bon.”

“But you?”

“I wanted to see you again.”

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“Even if it meant jail?”

“Even if it meant jail,” Julien said. “I wanted you to come for me.”

“Jesus. I always forget what a reprobate you were when we first met. So

much fucking trouble.”

Julien wound his arms around Priest’s neck. “Like you’re a saint. Tell me,

did you make Robbie wait until after you came before you sucked his cock

tonight, or—”

“How can you be sure I sucked his cock?”

“Because, mon amour,” Julien said, as he flicked his tongue over Priest’s

lower lip, “I can taste him on you.”

Priest tossed back the sheet and moved his way down Julien’s body.

“I find that I’m in the mood to focus on things other than myself tonight.

Sucking Robert off was a great distraction, and from my experience, our

princess mixes very well with something French.”

Once Priest was on his stomach between Julien’s thighs, he ran his tongue

up the underside of Julien’s shaft, well on his way to blocking out his

problems with something more pleasurable. “Let’s see if that’s still accurate.”

And all Julien managed as Priest lowered his mouth down over him was

“Oui… Let’s.”

ROBBIE BIANCHI STOOD in the steamy shower stall with his eyes shut

and his head tipped down, as warm water sluiced over his tired muscles. It

felt ah- mazing against his stiff neck and shoulders, and after the week he’d

had, he was enjoying the few solitary minutes he had to himself.

Not that he wanted to be alone. Oh, hell no. Not when the alternative was

to belong to the two men in the room next door. But when he’d made the

spur-of-the-moment decision tonight to accept Julien and Priest’s invitation

to live with them, Robbie had expected to knock on their door and then crawl

in bed between them. Instead, he’d walked into a situation he hadn’t expected

or understood—and, quite frankly, he still didn’t. All he knew was that

whatever it was, it had left Priest broodier than usual and Julien visibly

stressed.

Robbie wiped the water away from his eyes and then reached for one of

the bottles of body wash and flicked open the lid. As he brought it up under

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his nose, he took in a deep breath, and the scent that enveloped him was all

Julien.

Mmm mm mmm. Robbie remembered that scent well. But considering the

visual that accompanied it, that was hardly surprising. Julien’s leg… Over his

shoulder… His nose burrowed in the short curls surrounding his French

boyfriend’s cock. Not to mention the way Priest had deliciously laid claim to

his husband at the same time Robbie had been giving Julien head.

It was, hands down, one of the hottest moments of Robbie’s life, and one

he’d memorized and relived about a hundred times since—in private, of

course.

He grinned at the memory and felt a little giddy over the fact that he

could now think of Julien and Priest as his, then he poured some of the gel

into his palm and began to rub it all over his body.

As he soaped up, Robbie realized for the first time since he’d arrived that

he was completely and utterly relaxed. He knew a lot of that had to do with

the orgasm Priest had just given him before heading back to bed. But he was

also aware it had to do with this new sense of purpose he was feeling.

These two men— his two men—had invited Robbie deeper into their

world tonight. It was clear that Priest had gotten some troubling news this

evening. But instead of telling Robbie that now wasn’t the time to discuss

moving in, Julien had opened their door and told him, with an honesty

Robbie was coming to admire and respect, that Priest had needed him —him,

Robbie Bianchi—and then sent him off to go and help their man…

ROBBIE WALKED INTO Julien and Priest’s— and wow, my —bedroom, and

heard the faint sound of water lapping up against the bathtub. He stared for a

moment at the crumpled sheets on the massive bed and wondered what

exactly had been so upsetting that it had pulled both of these men from their

sleep, since he now knew it hadn’t been him.

Knowing he wouldn’t get any answers by just standing there, he

continued in the direction of the bathroom where he knew Priest would be.

When he reached the doorway and stepped inside, the large aquarium that

had once captured his attention now played second fiddle to the man who

was lounging in the porcelain tub with his back to him.

Priest’s thick hair was darker than usual, as though he’d run his wet

hands through it, and his arms were up on the rim, where he was tapping out

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a steady beat that didn’t falter, didn’t once waver, as Robbie walked further

into the room.

When he reached the side of the tub and stopped, Priest angled his head

and let his gaze wander up Robbie’s jeans to his plain white Henley, and

when their eyes collided, Robbie could instantly see what Julien had been

speaking of.

Troubled. That was the word Julien had used. Priest had received

“troubling news,” and it was right there in his eyes that were usually so

focused, as they drifted off over Robbie’s shoulder to look at nothing in

particular.

It was apparent that no talk was wanted for the moment, and when Priest

turned to look up at his fish, Robbie wondered if that was his cue to leave. He

stood there staring down at the silent man he had started to believe he knew,

and realized that perhaps he’d been wrong. Maybe he’d rushed into all of

this without thinking, because he suddenly had no idea what he was supposed

to do next.

Robbie swallowed around the lump that had lodged in his throat, and as

he looked over his shoulder, ready to go back out and find Julien, he felt the

light touch of fingers against his own. He glanced down to see that Priest had

reached out to him, and this time when their eyes connected, there was an

unspoken request: stay.

Robbie looked around the bathroom, trying to decide what to do next,

then his eyes landed on the towels that were neatly folded over a silver bar

attached to the tiled wall and he had an idea.

Both Priest and Julien had said that the one thing that grounded Priest

most in his life was control. Control of his surroundings so he wouldn’t think

about everything else swirling out of his grasp. So maybe if Robbie gave him

something to focus on…maybe if he gave Priest complete control over him

right here and now, Robbie could somehow calm whatever was wreaking

havoc behind that inscrutable expression.

Robbie took one of the towels from the bar and folded it over, then he

dropped it down on the floor by the tub.

Priest’s eyes narrowed slightly at the move, but then he finally spoke.

“Strip.”

Robbie’s heart soared at the order. Knowing that he’d just read the

situation and man right filled him with a sense of accomplishment he’d never

experienced before, and, without another word, he stripped.

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Not a minute later, Robbie stood as naked as the man lying beneath the

water, and finally Priest ran his eyes over him.

The last time they’d been in this situation, Robbie remembered how hard

his heart had been beating, not to mention how hard other parts of him had

been. He’d been aroused and nervous, on edge about how he’d been feeling

and what was going to happen later that night. But this time around, as he

stood there for Priest, along with the arousal, he felt something different:

compassion.

He wanted to help Priest, to heal him, as silly as that may sound. But

right then, Robbie knew he could offer Priest something that no one else

could—total acquiescence.

“Kneel by me,” Priest said, and Robbie went to his knees.

When he was on eye level with Priest, he reached for Robbie and ran his

finger down his jaw line. “Are you here to stay, Robert?”

Robbie knew without a doubt what Priest was asking. Was he moving in?

And Robbie licked his lower lip and said without reservation, “Yes.”

Priest slowly nodded. “And right here, right now with me… Are you

comfortable where you are?”

Robbie had never been more so—and wasn’t that eye-opening for

someone who prided himself of being fabulously independent and strong-

willed? “Yes.”

“Good. I like seeing you there. More than I probably should.”

A flush of pleasure swept over him, and when he went to respond, Priest

touched his fingers to Robbie’s lips.

“Shh,” Priest said. “No more for now. Just be here. That is enough. You

being here with us, it’s as it should be.”

AFTER THAT, ROBBIE had willingly washed Priest from head to toe and

had been completely shocked when Priest then climbed out of the tub and

went down on his knees.

What was probably more shocking, though, Robbie thought, as he turned

the faucet off and stepped out of the shower, was the fact that during that

moment, he’d been just as consumed with what his heart was feeling as his

body—and when it came to these two men, there were a whole lot of “never

befores” going on.

Because whether he was in a room with them or not, Robbie’s memories

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of Julien and Priest were so vivid that he sometimes imagined he could hear

their voices when they weren’t there.

It would’ve been embarrassing if they could read his mind to see just how

hard he was—what? Falling for them? Yeah, that’s totally what’s going on

here. I’m falling all over myself for them. God…

Robbie finished toweling off, and then pulled open the bedroom door, and

the image that greeted him made him more than aware that he had to be

careful of how fast he allowed himself to move here, because every second

he spent with them, Robbie got in deeper.

The light from the en suite spilled into the room and surrounded Julien

and Priest where they lay on the mattress. The covers had been kicked off the

end of the bed, and Julien was stretched out naked with his legs spread wide.

His hands were gently stroking Priest’s hair as he lay between Julien’s thighs

with his cheek resting on Julien’s hip and his eyes shut.

They looked relaxed and peaceful. A far cry from what they’d been when

Robbie had arrived earlier, and when Julien spotted him and offered an

inviting smile, Robbie walked toward the bed.

As Robbie climbed onto the mattress, Priest shifted slightly but didn’t

open his eyes as Julien continued to stroke his hair.

Robbie carefully scooted in close until he was lying on his side with only

inches separating them, and then he whispered, “He sleeps. I think this is the

first time I’ve ever seen proof.”

Julien’s eyes softened as he looked down to Priest. “It’s rare, but oui, he

does sleep.”

“That’s good, right?”

“That’s very good. I wasn’t sure he would anymore tonight.”

Robbie yawned as he slipped his hands under his cheek on the pillow.

“He hardly said anything to me in there. I wasn’t even sure what to do,

but…”

“Whatever you did was parfait. You, as yourself, are exactly who he

needed tonight. He’ll talk when he’s ready. He always does.” Julien brought

his hand up to touch Robbie’s chin. “Now it’s time for you to get some

sleep.”

Robbie nodded and heard Julien whisper, “Close your eyes, princesse.

Everything’s going to be all right.”

Yes, Robbie thought, as his mind began to drift off.

Tonight he’d come to these men— his men—and as he fell asleep beside

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them, he knew he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

Robbie Bianchi was finally home.

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CHAPTER TWO

CONFESSION

A relationship is more likely to work

if all involved are on the same page

and speak the same language.

“BONJOUR, PRINCESSE,” JULIEN said when Robbie emerged from their

bedroom dressed in a grey robe, squinting against the sunlight that was

filtering through the balcony doors. It was still early, and judging by the

yawn and the adorable way Robbie was rubbing at his eyes, it was way too

early for him to be up and about.

“Morning,” Robbie said, as he walked across the living room and took a

seat on the opposite side of the kitchen counter. “Coffee. Please tell me you

have coffee and not just that green stuff.”

Julien smirked as he took a mug from one of the cabinets, and then

walked over to their coffee machine. “Oui, I have coffee. How do you take

it?”

“In an IV?”

Julien glanced over his shoulder to see Robbie grin at him.

“Black this morning, please. I need the hit.” Robbie ran a hand over his

mussed-up hair. “How are you so awake? You were up as late as we were last

night.”

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Julien came around the counter, kissed Robbie’s cheek, and put the

steaming mug down in front of him. “That green stuff.” Robbie screwed his

nose up, and Julien shook his head. “Ahh, I see Priest now has an ally in his

boycotting of my juice?”

Robbie brought the cup up to his lips and blew on the hot brew. “The

jury’s still out on that. But after what I saw you put in it? Yeah… I think I’ll

stick to caffeine this morning, especially if you want me functioning.”

“Well, I definitely want that,” Julien said, as he ran his eyes down over

Robbie. “By the way, you look good in Priest’s robe.”

A shocked expression crossed Robbie’s face as he looked down his body,

and then he returned those wide eyes to Julien. “I thought this was yours.”

“Non. I prefer as little clothing as possible,” Julien said, unable to stop the

laugh that left his throat when Robbie looked guiltily over his shoulder. “Stop

fretting, princesse. He won’t care. In fact, I have a feeling it will please him

very much to see you dressed in his clothes.”

Robbie twisted his lips at that and then sighed. “I don’t know why I worry

so much about him.”

“Yes, you do,” Julien said. “You want to please him.”

“Ugh, that’s just…just…” Robbie sputtered a little, but instead of making

something up, he changed course. “Well, I want to please you too.”

“Et tu le fais mon cher petit, ” Julien said. “Vraiment beaucoup. ”

“What does that mean?”

“Which part?” Julien said, as he opened the fridge and got out his green

juice.

“All of it. But mainly that last part. Sometimes you call me princess and

sometimes that… mon cher petit? What does that mean?”

Julien put a glass on the counter and filled it to the rim. “It means: my

dear boy.”

Robbie’s cheeks flushed, and the smile that lit his face told Julien he liked

that very much. “What about the rest?”

“Hmm? Oh, you said you wanted to please me. I responded: And you do,

my dear boy. Very much.”

“Oh shit,” Robbie said, and squirmed on his seat. “That’s really hot.

Damn it, I need to learn French.”

Julien picked up his glass and took a long swallow of his juice.

“Especially if you two are going to be speaking it around the house. Do

you think I could learn? Would you teach me?”

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“Oui,” Julien said, enjoying the eager expression on Robbie’s face. “I

would love to.”

“Really?”

“Vraiment. Really.”

“Vraiment,” Robbie repeated perfectly, and then he clapped his hands

together, the caffeine having revitalized him. “This is going to be so much

fun.”

“What is?” Priest’s voice carried across the room before he even set foot

in it, and when it reached the two of them, Robbie turned on his stool as

Julien raised his eyes to meet his husband’s.

“My French lessons,” Robbie said, as Priest walked over to stop in front

of him. “Jules said he’d teach me.”

“Did he?” Priest said, as he ran a finger down one side of the robe Robbie

was wearing. “That’s nice of him.”

“Oui, it is. Isn’t it?” Robbie gave a cheeky laugh when Priest arched an

eyebrow. “Did I say that right?”

Priest inclined his head. “You did.”

“Good,” Robbie said, and aimed a pleased grin over his shoulder at

Julien. “Ah, I’m so excited.”

“I can tell,” Julien said, laughing at Robbie’s exuberance.

“You won’t find a better teacher than Julien,” Priest said as he curled his

fingers around the lapel he was touching, and then leaned down to say against

Robbie’s mouth, “Tu as l’air délicieux dans mon peignoir, mon cœur.

Presque autant que lorsque tu ne le portes pas. ”

Robbie’s lips parted and he quickly turned to Julien for a clue as to what

had just been said to him, but when Julien remained silent, Priest brushed a

kiss across Robbie’s cheek and added, “I look forward to the day you can tell

me what I just said to you.”

Robbie swallowed, and Julien loved the blush that now extended from his

cheeks down his neck. Their princesse looked beautiful in whatever shade of

pink he wore, and right now was no different.

As Priest headed around the counter, Julien frowned as he noted the

impeccable suit and black and silver paisley tie.

“I didn’t think you’d be going in today,” Julien said, and considering

what had happened last night, Julien had thought that Priest would take the

day off so they could all discuss things. Apparently, he’d thought wrong.

“It’s Logan’s first day back,” Priest said, as though that should explain

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everything. But when he noticed Julien’s less-than-pleased expression, he

added, “I need to hand off his cases.”

Julien crossed his arms but otherwise remained silent as he stared Priest

down. He wasn’t stupid. That wasn’t the only reason Priest was heading into

the office today, and he wanted to make it crystal clear that what had

happened last night was not a shelved topic between them.

“Uh- oh,” Robbie said, and grimaced as he looked between the two of

them. “I think that look means you’re in trouble, Joel.”

Priest nodded. “I think you might be right.” He then reached for Julien

and smoothed his hands down his arms. “I’m not avoiding what happened.

You have my word. I just need to find out more before we all talk about it.”

Julien eyed Priest, knowing that was all he really needed to do to get his

message through, and then he uncrossed his arms and took Priest’s hands.

“Okay,” he said. “But soon, Joel. I don’t want you dealing with it on your

own. Tu comprends? ”

“Yes. You have my word.”

Julien gave a clipped nod, and then they both turned to Robbie, who was

silently watching the two of them.

“Sorry,” Robbie said, when he realized he’d been caught staring, then he

gave a little laugh. “I was just reminding myself that I’m included in the ‘we

all’ because I live here now.”

“You’re included because you agreed to be in a relationship with us.

Whether you live here or not is beside the point,” Priest said, and then he

kissed Julien quickly on the lips and walked around the counter to do the

same to Robbie. “Now, I’m going to grab something to eat at the office. I’m

already running late. Do you work tonight, Robert?”

Robbie shook his head, seeming at a loss for words as he stared up at

Priest.

“Good. Then I’ll see you both at dinner.” Priest gave Julien a final look.

“That you will, mon amour. Have a good day.”

“It’ll be better once I’m home,” Priest said, and then picked up his keys

and briefcase and headed off to work.

AS THE DOOR shut behind Priest, Robbie finished the rest of his coffee and

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watched Julien move around the kitchen. Wow, that had been some kind of

showdown he’d just witnessed. With no more than two sentences, Julien had

demanded what he wanted from Priest, and, true to the relationship Robbie

was coming to recognize between them, Priest had given it to him. They were

open and honest—in a word, incredible.

There was so much more to Julien than the way he looked. With his short,

dark hair, olive skin, and those green eyes of his, it was often difficult to see

beyond his gorgeous face. But Robbie was discovering that Julien was quite

the enigma.

Unlike Priest, who hid his secrets behind a vaultlike door, Julien hid his

behind a sensual smile and that easygoing nature. That was until there was

cause to shed that skin and let his other side slip free—the side that had just

silently stared Priest down and demanded answers before he walked out the

door this morning, and you couldn’t help but respect that.

Oh yeah, Julien Thornton was quite the mystery. One that Robbie was

enjoying getting to know much, much better.

“Do you have any plans today, princesse?” Julien asked, as he came back

to the center island and took another sip of his juice.

“Um, I was going to go and get a few last things from my nonna’s, and

then see where you want me to put all my stuff. But other than that,” Robbie

said, as he got to his feet and took his mug to the sink to rinse it off, “I’m all

yours.”

When he was done, and back to facing Julien, Robbie drank in the sight

of him leaning up against the counter with his legs crossed at the ankles.

Dressed in a white tank and a pair of those sexy black yoga pants that sat low

on his waist and flared wide at the ankle, Julien’s body made Robbie’s

fingers itch to touch.

“How would you like to come and spend the day at the restaurant with

me?” Julien asked, and Robbie’s eyes flew up to find Julien’s twinkling at

him.

“Are you kidding right now?”

“Non. With the opening coming up, I’m going to be there all day, and I

thought you might like to see the kitchen this time around—and maybe learn

a little cooking from a professional.” Julien added a wink, and Robbie close

to swooned at his feet.

“That would literally be one of my biggest fantasies come to life.”

Julien put his glass down on the counter, and then walked Robbie back

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until he hit the sink. “Do you know what one of my biggest fantasies is?”

Robbie swallowed as Julien slipped a finger into the knot at the waist of

his robe and tugged on it, loosening the tie. “No, but I really hope you’re

going to tell me.”

Julien’s full lips curved into a smile that made the dimple on his right

cheek appear, and it was so damn sexy that Robbie’s cock stiffened in an

instant.

“I’m going to do better than that,” Julien said as he parted the robe so it

was now hanging off Robbie’s shoulders, revealing his very naked and

aroused body. “I’m going to show you.”

Robbie’s breath came out in a shaky rush as Julien maneuvered one of his

legs between Robbie’s thighs, and Robbie reached for his arms to steady

himself. “Fuck.”

Julien shifted his leg slightly and pressed it up against Robbie’s aching

balls. “Putain.”

“Huh?” was all Robbie managed, as he told his body to slow the hell

down and enjoy this—enjoy Julien.

“One of my biggest fantasies is to hear the language I love roll off your

sweet tongue,” Julien said, and then he leaned in to brush his lips over

Robbie’s jaw. “And one of my favorite things to do and say in any language

is…fuck— putain.”

“Putain,” Robbie said, as Julien nipped at his ear. “I’m not going to

survive this, am I?”

Julien chuckled and took a step back, then he ran his eyes down to

Robbie’s erection. “I’m sure you will. But if not, Priest and I will make sure

you enjoy your final moments. After all, the French don’t call an orgasm la

petite mort— the little death — for nothing. Do they?”

Robbie sighed, thinking about all the things he wanted Julien and Priest to

do to him, and that had him reaching for his cock. As he stroked himself right

there in the kitchen, Julien groaned.

“Dieu, tu es beau.”

Robbie scraped his teeth over his bottom lip as he continued to work

himself, unashamed of his nudity or his actions. “What did you just say?”

“Hmm?” Julien said, but his attention was now focused on what Robbie

was doing, not saying.

“What did you just say?” Robbie repeated. “You’re supposed to be

teaching me.”

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Julien raised those green eyes back to his then, and when they collided

with Robbie’s, his breath caught.

Julien’s eyes were dark now, like glittering gems, as he said, “God,

you’re beautiful.”

The awe in Julien’s voice was as evident in English as it had been in

French, and when he moved back up to Robbie and took his face between his

hands, he whispered, “So beautiful. I’m not sure that I deserve you.”

As Julien leaned in to take Robbie’s mouth, Robbie halted him with a

palm on his chest, confused by that last sentence.

What does he mean by that? Those words were so sad, so unexpected

given what they were doing, and as Robbie ran his eyes over Julien’s face, he

said, “Why would you think that?”

This close, it was easy to spot the torment that flashed into Julien’s eyes

before he plastered a smile on his mouth and shook his head. “It was just a

comment, that’s all. I should’ve phrased it differently, perhaps.”

Robbie studied Julien closely, not believing that for a second. But when

Julien moved away and held a hand out to him, Robbie knew the subject was

over for now, and he needed to let it go.

“Why don’t we go and get ready, d’accord?”

Robbie retied his—well, Priest’s—robe, and then slipped his hand into

Julien’s. “All right. But Jules?” Robbie said, the nickname he’d started to use

now rolling off his tongue easily. “When you’re ready, I’d like to know what

just happened here. I know there’s more to it than the wrong choice of words.

You speak English as well as I do.”

Julien brought Robbie’s hand up to his lips, and as he kissed the back of

it, he nodded.

“Okay, then,” Robbie said. “I don’t know about you, but I need to go and

shower. Because hello, I am not setting foot in your restaurant—open or not

—looking like a hot mess.”

PRIEST HELD HIS hand out as the doors to one of the elevators up to

Mitchell & Madison began to slide shut, and as it stopped midway and

reopened, the dozen or so people inside glared out at him, no doubt pissed

that he’d held their morning up by less than a minute.

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Unaffected by their obvious annoyance, Priest walked inside and up the

middle of the crowd to the back, where he spotted Logan Mitchell, standing

with a briefcase in his hand and a coffee in the other.

Great. Logan was the last person Priest wanted to deal with this morning,

even though he’d used him as an excuse to leave the house today.

The main reason he’d decided to come into work was because he wanted

to get upstairs and see if he could find out any more information on Jimmy’s

rumored release. He also wanted to call Henri back, and he’d wanted to do

that in private to not alarm Julien with whatever he found out. Julien was

already dealing with enough with Jacquelyn’s anniversary approaching, and

Priest’s screwed-up family was the last thing he needed to be thinking about.

Really, this was all such horrid fucking timing.

“Mitchell,” Priest said, as he took the spot beside Logan and the doors

began to shut.

“Priest.” Logan inclined his head, and then took a sip of his coffee.

As the elevator began its ascent, the tension between the two of them was

palpable and frustrating. Even after Robbie had tried to smooth things over

the day before, things still felt awkward, and Priest told himself yet again,

This is why I keep my private life private.

“Look,” Logan finally said, as the elevator stopped at one of the floors

and someone got off. “About yesterday.”

Kill me now, Priest thought, but turned to look at Logan. “Forget it. You

apologized. It’s done. I’ve forgotten about it.”

Logan’s brilliant blue eyes studied him from behind his dark hipster

frames. “That’s not what I was going to say.”

“Okay,” Priest said, deciding that if Logan wanted to elaborate, then he

would.

“I know we agreed to put everything behind us and be civil,” Logan said,

as the elevator started up again.

“We did,” Priest agreed as he silently willed the ride up to their office to

be over already.

“And I plan to hold true to that,” Logan said at the next stop, as everyone

except them and a lady up ahead got out.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Priest then stood there offering no more

conversation until the elevator finally reached their destination. He stepped

out on the management floor of Mitchell & Madison and said, “Well, if that’s

all?” and was close to running to his office when he felt a hand on his arm

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and turned to see a frown now on Logan’s handsome face.

“I wasn’t finished.”

When Priest merely stared at him, Logan let go of his arm and continued.

“I’ll hold true to my apology. I was out of line and handled things with much

less decorum than I should have. But one thing I won’t apologize for is

looking out for Robbie.”

Priest cocked his head to the side, studying Logan’s features as they faced

off. His stare was direct, his resolve set, and Priest couldn’t fault him for

feeling protective over Robbie, but it was time something was cleared up—

Robbie was now his to protect. Not Logan’s.

“I’m going to say this once, and only because I respect you as both a

colleague and a friend,” Priest said, and took the step he needed so that he

was close enough to Logan to be able to lower his voice and still be heard.

“Julien and I are dating Robert, and he is more than aware of what it is we

want from him. Just as we are aware of what he wants from us. I don’t plan to

explain our relationship to you beyond that. But just so there’s no mistake in

how I feel, I will tell you this. That bright, beautiful boy you once knew?

He’s grown into a man that I find utterly captivating, and he is ours to protect

now. Mine and Julien’s. You need to stand down, Logan. Be his friend—be

our friend. But stop making assumptions about something you know nothing

about.”

Logan sized him up, but then his lips twitched and he said, “You know, I

think that’s the most you’ve ever said at one time. Robbie is clearly rubbing

off on you.” Logan paused for a second, and when he realized what he’d said,

he added, “I meant talking-wise, not—”

“I know,” Priest said, and shook his head. He gestured to the hallway that

led to their offices at the back of the floor. “I’m going to go and get to work.

Let me know when you have some free time today and I’ll bring you up to

speed.”

“Okay. Will do,” Logan said as Priest started to walk off. “And Priest?”

Priest stopped and looked over his shoulder to where Logan remained in

the center of the lobby staring at him.

“Message received. Friends?”

Friends? Priest didn’t do friends, but he knew Robbie would want this, so

he inclined his head and then turned and walked off to his office. He’d deal

with Logan later. Right now, he had a phone call to make.

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CHAPTER THREE

CONFESSION

Sometimes the best way to forget

the past is to lose yourself in the present.

But even then, the past often has a

way of finding you.

THE SECOND TIME Robbie stepped through the revolving door of JULIEN

was a much different experience than the first.

For one, it was daylight, and with the shutters open and the sunlight

pouring inside, the main dining room had a much different ambience than it

had that first night. With greenery now nestled into the alcoves of the interior

columns, and the beautiful scrolling artwork on the walls, the place had a

very European café feel to it, and Robbie thought it was just divine.

The next reason was less about the restaurant and more about, well,

himself. Because come on, Robbie thought, the sexy-as-sin owner is my

boyfriend. Mine . That’s right, bitches. Julien Thornton somehow belongs to

me. Not even he could’ve made that shit up. But it was real, all right, and that

was made crystal clear when Julien took his hand and said, “Viens avec moi.

Come with me.”

Anytime or anyplace, handsome—just say the words, Robbie thought,

pleased that for the moment Julien seemed happy once again. Whatever had

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been troubling him this morning at the condo was now forgotten as he

prepared to show off his pride and joy.

“Viens avec moi, ” Robbie repeated, and Julien smiled and nodded before

he headed off through the empty tables, tugging Robbie along behind him.

“Where is everyone?” Robbie asked. He’d expected to see the staff, or at

least the contractors, since Julien was closing in on the restaurant’s opening

in a few weeks.

“They’re coming in at ten today,” Julien said as they came to a stop in

front of the stainless-steel doors that led to the kitchen, and then he pulled

Robbie in close to nip at his lower lip. “But I thought you and I could heat

things up until then.”

Heat things up? Robbie was pretty sure if things got any hotter, he might

melt on the spot. Julien looked hot as hell in his cream cowl-neck sweater and

pair of blue-grey pants, as he maneuvered their clasped hands behind

Robbie’s back and brought their bodies in flush against one another.

“Embrasse-moi, princesse. ”

Okay, that sounded super sexy, Robbie thought, as his breathing came a

little faster. “What’s that mean?”

“Kiss me, princess,” Julien whispered.

“Ohhh.” Robbie grinned. “I see what’s happening here. You’re teaching

me all the naughty things first. I like your style.”

Julien chuckled. “Of course you do, troublemaker. But non, I’m just

starting with the things I want to hear you say the most.”

“If you think for a second I’m going to complain about that, or the way

you’re restraining me, you’re about to be disappointed. I happen to like

both…very much.”

Julien tightened his grip around Robbie’s wrist. “Is that so?”

“Uh-huh. But let me see if I’ve got this right,” Robbie said. “Embrasse-

moi…Jules.”

The sound that left Julien’s throat was one Robbie felt as much as he

heard. It was a rumbling groan of pure pleasure, and then Julien was walking

him back to the opposite wall, where he pinned their hands on either side of

Robbie’s head.

Julien then lowered his mouth down over the top of Robbie’s, and sweet

mother of God, it was heaven. Julien kissed with, like, his entire body. At

least, that was how it felt. It started with his hands holding Robbie exactly

where he wanted him, whether it was cradling his face, gripping his hair— or

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like now, Robbie thought, as Julien’s thumbs grazed over the pulse points at

his wrists.

Then that sensual mouth joined in on the action. Biting, licking, and

sucking until, oh shit, Julien took Robbie’s face between his hands and held

him steady as he slipped his tongue between Robbie’s lips and devoured him.

Robbie wrapped his arms around Julien’s waist and smoothed his palms

down to his ass to haul him even closer. He’d already been stopped once this

morning when it came to getting off with his sexy Frenchman, and he’d be

damned if he let Julien out of his grasp again today—not until he got what he

wanted.

Grinding all over the muscled body pressing him up against the wall,

Robbie moaned as Julien’s lips left his and started to kiss a path along his jaw

and down his neck.

“If we don’t stop soon…” Julien said, but didn’t finish his thought.

Instead, he raised his head and once again took Robbie’s lips in a smoldering

kiss.

Robbie wound a leg up around Julien’s thigh and thrust his erection

against the rock-hard one he could feel pressing against him. “Oh God. Don’t

stop. Please don’t stop this time, Jules.”

“Non? ” Julien whispered against Robbie’s mouth, and Robbie shook his

head. “Then tell me what you want, princesse.”

Robbie flexed his fingers, digging them into the round curves of Julien’s

ass, and when Julien rocked his hips forward, Robbie knew exactly what he

wanted—he wanted to come—and he wanted it right now with the man

licking a wicked-hot path up his neck.

“I— Ahh, ” Robbie said, but got distracted as he continued to rub himself

off against Julien. God, he feels amazing. Like. Holy shit amazing. Then

Julien raised his head and Robbie got a look at those full, swollen lips he’d

been fantasizing about for years, and he remembered a phrase that Julien had

taught him long ago, unbeknownst to himself. “I want you to suces ma

queue.”

Julien stilled against him, but then those lips of his slanted into a roguish

grin that was so hot, Robbie thought he might lose his ability to function.

Julien shifted slightly and lowered his hands down to the button of

Robbie’s jeans. As he unfastened them, Julien kept his eyes locked with

Robbie’s and said, “And where did you learn that phrase?”

Robbie let out an excited gasp when Julien yanked his jeans open and

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cool air hit his fevered skin. “From you. You said it once on the show and I,

well, Googled it.”

A provocative chuckle left Julien’s throat, and the sound raced down

Robbie’s spine to his balls. “I’m glad you did, because I’m about to reward

you for being so…studious.” Julien then slipped his hand inside Robbie’s

tiny thong. “Stand still, princesse, and let me suck your cock.”

JULIEN TOOK ROBBIE’S mouth in a blistering kiss as he wrapped his

fingers around the erect shaft he found inside Robbie’s jeans. A needy moan

left Robbie as he thrust forward, shoving his dick through Julien’s fist, and

Dieu, Julien wanted to see what he was holding—he wanted to taste it, too.

He removed his mouth from Robbie’s oh-so-tempting one, and when

Robbie whimpered, Julien brought a hand up and traced his thumb over

Robbie’s slick lips. “You asked me for something. Don’t you want me to give

it to you?”

Robbie sucked in a breath and nodded as Julien went down to his knees

and took Robbie’s jeans with him. When he was eye level with Robbie’s

cock, Julien raised his gaze to find Robbie leaning back against the wall with

wild eyes aimed down.

Robbie should’ve looked ridiculous, all things considered. But with his

slim hips jutting forward in nothing more than a flimsy scrap of material, and

his puffy jacket open but still on over his tight blue shirt, he looked like some

kind of fashion model with his perfectly styled hair, smoky kohl eyes, and

that glossy, tempting mouth.

The only thing that gives him away as the greedy sex kitten he is, Julien

thought, is this.

Julien reached out and slipped his fingers into the elastic of Robbie’s

black thong, and then tugged it down until Robbie’s cock sprang free,

dripping in eager anticipation. Julien leaned forward and flicked his tongue

over the swollen head, and Robbie reached out to grab at his hair.

“Fuck, Jules.”

Julien aimed his eyes up at Robbie and shook his head. “Uh-uh, that’s not

what I taught you.”

Robbie’s body trembled as Julien circled the base of his cock, and then he

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said, “Putain, Jules.”

“Very good.” Julien tickled the underside of Robbie’s shaft with the tip of

his tongue.

“Merci beaucoup.”

“Show-off,” Julien said, but as a reward he sucked the head of Robbie’s

cock between his lips, making the man above him moan. Robbie’s hands then

slid around to the back of his head, and as Julien lowered his mouth further

down his length to the back of his throat, Robbie cursed.

Julien dragged his mouth back up to the tip, and when he got there, he

tongued the slit before he did it again, and this time really began to suck on

Robbie.

Julien could hear Robbie’s breathing escalating with every thrust and

pump of his hips, and as he fucked into Julien’s mouth over and over, Julien

shut his eyes and reveled in the feel and taste that was uniquely Robbie.

“I’m close, Jules. So, so close,” Robbie said as his hips pistoned faster

and his dick slid inside along Julien’s tongue. “Jesus, you’re good at this. It’s

those lips. I always knew those lips would be… Shit.”

Julien looked up at Robbie, and with their eyes locked, Robbie gave a

final shove and got in as deep and far as he could go, and then he slammed

his eyes shut as his orgasm finally took hold of him. With a loud cry, Robbie

came, and Julien swallowed him down, the flavor exploding on his tongue.

And as he memorized the salty essence that was all Robbie, Julien sat back

on his heels and swiped his thumb over his lower lip. “Tu as un goût divin,

princesse. Je pourrais te dévorer toute la journée. ”

“Shit,” Robbie said, as Julien sucked his thumb clean and then got to his

feet. “My brain isn’t really working right now. What did you just say?”

Julien kissed Robbie’s lips, and when the deviant dipped his tongue

inside to taste himself, Julien groaned. “That you taste like heaven, and I

could eat you all day.”

Robbie winked, his brain now obviously well and truly functioning once

again. “I do, don’t I?”

Julien shut his eyes and gritted his teeth as he tried to rein in the urge he

had to fuck Robbie where he stood. Flirty little minx.

“Wow,” Robbie said, and started to chuckle. “You look a little on edge

there, Jules. I need to channel my Sandy more often. She’s clearly

irresistible.”

Julien opened his eyes and pinned them on the rascal who was taking

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much delight in his obvious frustration, as he tried to work out what Robbie

was talking about.

“Tell me about it… stud,” Robbie said in the same tone he’d demanded

his kiss in earlier, and as soon as the Grease reference clicked, Julien started

to laugh.

He shook his head and stepped back from Robbie pointing his finger at

him. “See? You are a troublemaker.”

“I am?” Robbie’s eyes widened, and then he reached down and pulled his

skimpy thong back into place. “You’re the one who just gave me head in the

hallway of your restaurant.”

Julien ran his eyes down Robbie where he still stood propped up against

the wall with his jeans around his ankles. “Oui, that’s true. But it’s your fault

for looking so edible.”

Robbie groaned and squeezed himself. “That’s not helping me want to

behave myself, just so you know.”

“You’re one to talk. Put your jeans back on. I’m already hard, and you’re

making things harder by the second.”

Robbie bent down and pulled his jeans back into place as Julien walked

backward and pushed open one of the stainless-steel doors. When Robbie

was once again fully dressed, Julien beckoned for him. “Viens. Come.”

Robbie shoved off the wall and walked over to where Julien now stood.

“I just did. But for the sake of my learning here today, I think you should

come.”

Julien tapped a finger against Robbie’s chest. “You are a very dedicated

student. I like that.”

“Good. So what else do you plan to teach me today?”

“How to cook, so you can make us all dinner tonight,” Julien said, and

then pointed inside, finding himself delighted and fully under Robbie’s

captivating spell. “Get your tempting little ass in there. You can torture me

later, if you manage not to poison the three of us first.”

“Huh, well, I suppose I can agree to that,” Robbie said, before he turned

to look at the pristine kitchen. Then he put a hand over his heart and said,

“But watching you cook is going to be pure torture for me. Remember that

when it’s my turn later.”

Julien let go of the door, and as it swung shut behind them, he smacked

Robbie on the ass. “J’ai hâte.”

And all Julien heard as he walked off was Robbie calling out, “Wait…

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what does that mean?”

IN THE OFFICES of Mitchell & Madison, Priest walked inside his office

and headed toward his desk, where he put his briefcase down and took a seat.

He shut his eyes for a moment and let Henri’s phone call from last night

replay in his mind for the millionth time. It had been a long while since he’d

heard from that elusive fucker, and honestly, Priest hadn’t ever expected to

again. Not with the way they had left things.

Henri was one of those people he’d labeled as the past, and he’d put him

in the same place he kept the rest of his baggage—far, far away from the

world he now inhabited.

Priest rubbed a hand along the scruff covering his chin and eyed the

phone on his desk that was mocking him. Just pick it up and call, the voice in

his head told him. You’re not going to find out anything avoiding it. The

problem was that Priest wasn’t sure he wanted to know more. What Henri

had said last night had already caused a major shift in his universe. It had

knocked the wind right out of his sails, and Priest wasn’t sure he could

sustain another blow without some real damage appearing.

He shut his eyes, trying to calm the chaos that was swirling in his mind.

But images, flashes, and distorted memories of a life no one should have to

live flickered across his eyelids as they invaded his consciousness. Fuck.

He brought the heels of his palms up to his eyes and pressed them there,

trying to rid himself of what he was seeing, but it was no use. For years he’d

been trying to free himself of his past. Had been trying to outrun his family

and all those connected to them. He’d done everything in his power to leave

behind a legacy of pain, suffering, and blood he was somehow connected to,

and replace it with something good, something…righteous. But it appeared

that no matter how far he ran, no matter how well he hid, in the end, family

would always catch up to you, whether you wanted them to or not.

Priest sat up in his chair and reached for the phone, and then he pulled out

his cell and found the number Henri had called him from. He dialed, and as

he sat back, he told himself this was just a phone call. But when the line

connected and Henri said, “I wasn’t sure I’d hear back from you,” Priest

recognized his lie for what it was.

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“You almost didn’t. But after that message you left, it’s not like I had

much choice, did I?”

“We all have a choice,” Henri said, and Priest steeled himself against the

barrage of emotions that came along with the familiar voice. “I’d think you of

all people would know that… Priest.”

Priest tried to bite back the urge he had to slam the phone down in its

cradle. Fuck, Henri. He didn’t need this shit. He didn’t have to explain his

decisions to anyone but those they concerned, and they sure as fuck didn’t

involve the man at the other end of the phone anymore.

He and Henri had parted ways over a decade ago when it had become

clear that their relationship would never be more than a toxic wasteland. One

he visited when he was angry, depressed, or one step from homicidal. This

wasn’t a hey, how you doing call, to catch up with a past fling. He was calling

for one reason and one reason only. “Is it true?”

“About Big Jimmy?”

“No, about fucking Santa Claus,” Priest said. “Of course about Jimmy.”

“It’s true,” Henri said. “The feds are keeping it on the down-low for now,

since news like this wouldn’t end so well for ol’ Jim, would it? Considering

there’d only be one way he’d ever get a chance of freedom. But our firm was

contacted the second the talk of a deal was put on the table.”

Priest scoffed. “As if he isn’t enough of a fucking disappointment as a

human. Why not add turning rat to his list?” There was silence at the other

end of the phone, and then Priest said, “What makes you think I won’t tell

anyone?”

It was a legitimate question. The quickest way to be rid of the monster

who had once terrorized him would be to go to the press, leak this news, and

let someone who liked Jimmy even less than Priest finish him off.

“Because I know you, even though you like to pretend that I don’t. You

picked your new name for a reason,” Henri said. “And no matter who

fathered you, you are nothing like him, Joel. If you go to the news, you know

he’ll wind up dead.”

“So? That’s what he deserves.”

“Maybe so, but you’ve spent your whole life trying to atone and remove

yourself from his sins. From what I remember, you punished yourself daily. I

doubt that’s changed. So unless you want his death on your conscience—”

“Fuck you, Henri. What do you know about my conscience?” But even as

Priest squeezed his eyes shut, he knew that Henri understood him almost as

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well as Julien did, which only served to piss him off more. “Why tell me any

of this at all?”

“Because you deserve to know. Because you would’ve told me if things

were reversed. I thought you’d want a heads-up.”

Priest shook his head. What a fucking nightmare this was turning out to

be. “I hope you’re not expecting a thank you.”

“From you?” Henri scoffed. “Never. But Priest?”

“What?” Priest said, as his fingers tightened around the phone.

“This number you called from today, it’s private. That’s good. But

change your cell. I hate pain as much as the next man, and who knows who’s

listening.”

Priest didn’t have anything to say in response to that. He knew exactly

what Henri was telling him: Change your number in case someone discovers

we’ve talked and they try and get it out of me.

“Consider it changed.”

“Call me next week, that’s when I’ll know more. See you around…

Priest,” Henri said, and as Priest hung up, all he could think was: I sure as

fuck hope not.

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CHAPTER FOUR

CONFESSION

It’s true what they say:

Love makes you do stupid, crazy things.

Or, in my case, break a few laws.

JULIEN WALKED INSIDE the space that had become a second home to

him since moving to Chicago, and took in the familiar and comforting

atmosphere of the kitchen that greeted him.

Along three of the outer walls ran stainless-steel food-prep stations in the

shape of a horseshoe, and at the far end was the hand- and dish-washing area.

In the center of the kitchen, where the true magic happened, there were four

industrial-sized gas ranges with ovens facing one another, and overhead were

the enormous exhaust hoods to funnel out the steam and heat produced over

the course of hours spent on prep and cooking.

Under the counters were the pots, pans, mixers, and food processors—

anything and everything one would need to make it through a night of

cooking in a five-star restaurant. But Julien led Robbie past all of that to the

walk-in refrigeration unit where they could decide what they were going to

cook today.

“Have you ever been in a restaurant’s kitchen, princesse?”

“Only in my dreams,” Robbie said, and when Julien looked at him over

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his shoulder, Robbie grinned. “Okay, that would be a no. But I feel like I

practically lived in one for months because I watched this show where a

super-hot French-American chef won. You might’ve heard of it.”

Julien rolled his eyes and continued over to the fridge. “You might want

to retie that coat of yours. It’s a little chilly in here,” he said, and then

unlocked and opened the locker door to walk inside.

“Wow,” Robbie said, and knotted the belt at his waist as he stepped in

behind Julien and looked at the rows of food in front of them.

“Right now we only have the bare minimum of everything, so the crew

can familiarize themselves with the menu we’ll be serving. But if you have an

idea of something you’d like to cook, let me know and I can see if I have

what we need.”

Robbie scanned the shelves in front of him, and as he walked deeper into

the unit, Julien watched him go, curious what he would pick out for them.

“Did you always want to be a chef?” Robbie asked, as he walked past a

shelf full of colorful fruits and vegetables.

“Always,” Julien said, as Robbie picked up a cantaloupe and brought it to

his nose.

“Really?”

“Mhmm . Almost every memory I have as a child somehow involves food.

Whether it be cooking it or eating it. My dad worked a lot and my mom loved

to cook. So she and our chef, Aurélien, would teach Jacquelyn and me their

favorite recipes. It seemed like a natural choice in the end.”

“They must be very proud of you, then,” Robbie said, as he put the fruit

back on the shelf.

Not even a little bit, Julien thought, but said nothing as Robbie continued

to pick up different pieces of produce to examine. He wasn’t about to lay all

of that history at Robbie’s feet today—not now. He wanted to share his

passion for cooking and creating, give Robbie a chance to breathe after the

heaviness he’d walked into last night with Priest. But as Julien stood there, he

was finding it difficult to push aside the memories now invading his personal

space.

“They live in L.A., right? Your parents?” Robbie continued, unaware of

the emotions his questions were bringing to the surface, and Julien could tell

he wasn’t asking to be pushy or nosey but because he truly wanted to know

more.

“That’s right,” Julien said, and knew this would be the perfect time to ask

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Robbie if he wanted to come with them next week when they flew out there.

But again, if he did that, then he’d have to get into why they were going. And

he wasn’t quite ready to go there just yet. “What about your parents?”

“They live in Oshkosh. It’s a couple of hours out of Chicago.”

“Ah, so not far, then.”

Robbie shook his head. “Nope, not far at all. My sisters live there too,

which makes me kind of sad, because I don’t get to see them as much as I’d

like. But as they always point out, I’m the one who moved away, not them.”

“Why?” Julien asked, as Robbie picked up a bunch of spinach and headed

back toward him.

“Why did I move?”

“Oui. You seem to have a wonderful relationship with your family, so

I’m curious. If you don’t mind me asking.”

Robbie stopped and tapped the spinach against Julien’s chest. “Why, the

men of course, Mr. Thornton. The selection of hot gay males in Oshkosh is

minimal, to say the least, but Chicago? That’s a whole other ball game.”

Robbie laughed when he realized what he’d said. “And yes, that pun is most

certainly intended.”

“I’m going to try and rein in the impulse I have to be jealous right now,”

Julien said as he took the greens from Robbie.

“Why? I don’t mind,” Robbie said with a cheeky grin. “I love knowing

that you wish I was only yours.”

Julien leaned in and kissed Robbie’s lips. “You’re only mine now. I

suppose that will have to do, won’t it?”

“Well, yours and Priest’s.”

“What’s his is mine,” Julien said without pause. “It’s one of the things I

love best about our relationship.”

Robbie smiled against Julien’s mouth. “It’s one of the things that I love

best too.”

“Bien.”

“That means good, right?”

“Right.”

“Bien.” Robbie pulled back so he could look into Julien’s smiling eyes,

and then pursed his lips. “You two, you’re so…unlikely.”

“I suppose we are. But we had an unlikely beginning, if you’ll recall.”

“Oh, I remember. Stealing Priest’s car? I’m never going to forget that. I

bet he was so pissed off.”

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“He definitely wasn’t pleased,” Julien said. “But I guess he had good

reason. I was a bit of a delinquent.”

Robbie started to laugh. “Umm, you think? I mean, how did you even end

up together after that? It’s not like you could just call and be like, ‘Hey,

remember me? I’m the guy who tried to steal your car.’”

“Not true. I did call him.”

“You did? Tell me,” Robbie said, and tugged on Julien’s sweater. “I love

hearing about how you two met.”

Julien grinned at Robbie’s pout and wondered if he’d ever be able to

resist that face. “Do you?”

“I do. It helps me understand the both of you so much more. Plus, I love

imagining Priest all pissy and you charming your way into his pants.”

Robbie’s eyes widened. “Ooh, you are going to tell me about that, right?

Your first kiss? Your first…getting naked together.”

“I’m sure it will come up eventually.”

“Oh, I’m positive that I’ll be up if you’re telling that story. But just to be

certain, can you be sure to use several descriptive French words when you

do? You know, to further my education.”

Julien chuckled at Robbie’s audaciousness. “I promise. But to answer

your question about why I called him again, I got myself arrested.”

“What? Like, on purpose?”

Julien nodded. “Uh-huh. I wanted to see him again.”

“And that was the only way?”

Julien started to really laugh. “The only way I could think of at the time.

Looking back now, it probably wasn’t the smartest move I could’ve made,

because after that, Priest was convinced I was a criminal. He loathed me.”

“No,” Robbie said, shaking his head. “There’s no way he ever looked at

you other than the way he does now.”

“And how does Priest look at me, princesse?”

“Like you’re everything he needs to survive another day.”

Julien placed the spinach on the shelf beside him, and then reached for

Robbie’s cool hands. “Not everything,” he said, as he bent his head and blew

a warm breath over their joined hands. “I’m not you.”

Robbie took in a shaky breath, and Julien raised his eyes to see that

Robbie’s had glazed over.

“That’s a different conversation altogether, though. I believe we all need

each other to survive. That’s why fate put us in one another’s path.” Robbie

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swayed a little toward him, and Julien brought their hands up to kiss his

knuckles. “Priest bailed me out of jail the second time we met. Then he drove

me home and told me to never call him again.”

“Are you serious?”

“I am.”

Robbie scoffed. “Clearly you ignored him. Let me guess, you asked him

out on a date instead?”

Julien gave Robbie a stunned look. How on earth did he know that? It

was as if Robbie was so well attuned to Julien that he already knew who he

was without further explanation. Julien had only ever met one other who’d

known him that well that fast—the man he’d ended up marrying.

“I did,” Julien finally answered. “Don’t ask me why. It was clear that

Priest wanted nothing to do with me. But I’d been taking stupid risks for

months leading up to then, and it seemed no worse than getting drunk and

arrested. What was the worst he could do? Say no? Doubtful. I knew he was

interested in me.”

A smile slowly curved Robbie’s lips. “So cocky. I love it.”

“Priest might be good at denying himself what he wants. But his body

language told a whole other story.”

“Oh my God. I know, right? Whenever he used to argue with me, he was

always staring at my mouth. I totally knew he wanted to kiss it or fuck it. He

wasn’t fooling anyone,” Robbie said, and then laughed with devious glee.

“Sooo, what did he say when you asked him out? I bet it was something

totally jackassy, wasn’t it?”

“Oui,” Julien said, floored again by just how intuitive Robbie was when

it came to them. “It most certainly was. But then, we wouldn’t want Priest

any other way, would we, princesse?”

“THIS ISN’T WHERE I dropped you last time.”

Julien looked over at his driver, Priest, who sat behind the wheel of his

flashy import with a scowl on his face as he navigated the streets leading

them up to Bel Air Road. He’d had the same dour expression for the past

thirty minutes, ever since the police officer had opened Julien’s jail cell and

set him free, and he reminded Julien of a statue—a silent, scowling statue.

“I know,” Julien said, and then pointed to the next street. “Take a left

here.”

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Priest turned where he was told and continued along the road that

bisected the mansions up on this particular stretch, and Julien knew it was

now or never to work out a way to see Priest again, or he was going to be

tossed out on his ass before he knew it, and that would be the end of that.

“Have you ever been up here before?” Julien asked, as they passed by

several gated driveways.

“No.”

Julien smirked at the one-word response. “Impressed?”

Priest slid a look his way and said, “Less and less with every passing

second.”

Julien laughed and wasn’t really sure why he found this man so

amusing…or intriguing. It was obvious Priest didn’t like him, not even a little

bit, but… “I like you, Mr. Priest.”

“It’s Mr. Priest- ley . And the feeling is not mutual, I assure you.”

Julien ran his eyes down Priest’s profile and lingered on his stern lips

before he murmured, “Ça le sera.”

“What was that?”

“What?”

“What you just said?”

Julien pointed out the windshield at a driveway with iron gates and lights

flanking either side of it. “You can pull in just here.”

Priest brought the car to a halt in the drive, the headlights illuminating

the winding road that led up to a mansion on the hill. Julien went to open the

door, but before he could, Priest reached out and took hold of his arm,

halting him.

“I asked you what you said back there. You have a nasty habit of

switching to French when you’re being a smartass.”

Julien lowered his eyes to the hand on his arm. Jesus, it felt as though he

was connected to an electrical socket with the energy coursing through him

at Priest’s touch. “I also switch to French when I’m turned on. Ce que je suis

en ce moment précis.”

Priest arched a cool eyebrow and removed his hand, then he looked out

the windshield to the gates up ahead.

“Whose place is this?” he asked, ignoring Julien’s words and the obvious

sexual tension that crackled and sparked between the two of them like a live

wire.

Julien shook his head, more disappointed than he realized he would be at

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the dismissal, and then pushed open the door and climbed out. As he shut it

behind himself and headed toward the gates, he heard a second car door

open but didn’t stop.

“Mr. Thornton, I asked you a question,” Priest called out, as Julien

reached the iron fence, grabbed a hold of the bars, and then scaled it before

jumping down and landing on the other side.

The crunch of gravel underfoot had Julien turning to see Priest storming

toward the gate, and when he reached it, Julien came up to the other side

opposite him.

“Are you out of your mind?” Priest said. “I just bailed you out of jail. I

don’t relish the idea of getting another phone call in an hour because you’ve

been picked up for breaking and entering someone’s home.”

Julien laughed and found it surprising that out of all the people, it was

this man who had made him do so again. How was it that around Priest he

remembered how to breathe? How to stop being so…sad all the time?

“Watch out, monsieur . You almost sound worried about me.”

“Hardly,” Priest said, and wrapped his hands around the bars of the

gate. “I’m just sick of looking at you through iron bars.”

Julien stepped in close until the only thing that prevented them from

being toe to toe was the gate. “Then maybe next time we meet, we’ll have to

do it with nothing between us.”

Priest’s jaw ticked as he scanned Julien’s face, the headlights of his car

lighting the two of them up as though they were actors on a stage.

“You’re trying my patience, Mr. Thornton. Whose house is this?”

Julien wanted to ask what happened when Priest’s patience ran out, but

instead said, “If I tell you that, my mystique will vanish and the likelihood

you’ll want to see me again will vastly drop.”

“Trust me,” Priest said, “that isn’t dependent on the answer to this

question.”

Julien let his eyes move to Priest’s mouth, and he wondered how it would

feel to have it dominating his own. He imagined Priest would kiss the way he

talked—arrogantly. That he would take what he wanted. Would shove his

tongue deep inside Julien’s mouth and demand a response.

In fact, Julien would lay bets that Priest would demand a lot from anyone

he fucked, and while that had never appealed to him in the past, the thought

of being taken by this man made Julien’s cock hard as a rock. It also

explained why he did what he did next. “If I tell you whose house this is, will

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you have lunch with me tomorrow?”

Priest released his hold on the bars and took a step back, slipping his

hands into his pockets as though he didn’t trust them out in the open.

“Excuse me?”

“Lunch? As in food? Will you eat with me tomorrow?”

“Why?”

Julien now wrapped his hands around the bars where Priest had been

holding and leaned in to say, “Because it’s either that or I break another law

to see you again.”

Priest’s eyes narrowed to slits, and then he walked back to the gate and

covered Julien’s hands with his own.

Putain, Julien thought as he sucked in a breath. What is it about this

man? He wanted him in ways Julien had never experienced before.

“I don’t know what’s going through your head right now, Mr. Thornton,”

Priest said, and his voice was low and direct and made Julien’s cock ache.

“But I don’t date criminals. So if that’s what you want, a date, then you need

to turn your life around. Find something you love, or at least like better than

yourself right now, and get your shit together. Once you do that, then come

see me, and I’ll give you exactly what you’re asking for.”

Julien’s breathing was coming fast now, and he wasn’t sure if it was from

arousal or irritation. Likely a bit of both. “And what is that?”

Priest ran his gaze over Julien’s face and then said, “A fucking that will

make you forget whatever it is you’re running from. A night that will remind

you that you’re alive. That’s what you want, isn’t it? That’s why you do all of

this? To feel alive again?”

Julien stared into Priest’s eyes and suddenly found it difficult to swallow.

How had he turned the tables on him so fast? How could Priest know exactly

what he was thinking by this one short conversation?

“You’re incredibly arrogant, monsieur . Has anyone ever told you that?”

“ Oui ,” Priest said, completely throwing Julien off. “And you’re

incredibly reckless—lost and reckless. That’s a dangerous combination. One

that usually winds a person up dead.”

Julien went to pull his hands back, but Priest tightened his over the top,

holding him captive.

“Whose place is this?”

This time, Julien didn’t hesitate to answer. “My parents’.”

Priest’s eyes went beyond Julien’s shoulder to the house, and then he

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removed his hands and said, “Stay out of trouble, Mr. Thornton.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then don’t call me.” Priest turned and walked back to his car. “You

know my deal. You want me, then make an effort, and you just might get

me…”

“GOD,” ROBBIE SAID, his mouth hanging open. “I have never met anyone

with balls as big as Priest’s. He’s so…so…”

“Everything you’re thinking, oui,” Julien agreed. “But you like it as much

as I do. Don’t you?”

“Well, yeah,” Robbie said, and rolled his eyes. “But it’s so infuriating at

times.”

“Oh, I agree with that. After he said that to me I remember thinking, One

day I’m going to make that man beg to go on a date with me.”

“And did you?”

“Remember when I told you that Priest has only ever worked hard for one

other’s attention before you?”

“Yes.”

“Believe me, he eventually begged for a date. But we’ll talk about that

some other time.”

“Oh, I like the sound of that.”

Julien grinned at Robbie’s cheeky tone. “Maybe you should ask Priest

about it sometime.”

“Maybe I will.”

“Make sure I’m there when you do,” Julien said as he brushed his lips

over Robbie’s, sealing their devious little plan with a kiss. Then he pointed to

the spinach on the shelf and said, “I’m surprised you picked this, considering

your recent aversion to greens.”

Robbie examined the leafy vegetable he’d clearly forgotten about, and

then, as though a light bulb went off in his head, he raised his hand and said,

“No. Wait a minute. I know what I want to make.”

“And what’s that? Tell me.”

Robbie walked off down the aisle where all the cheeses were, and when

he came back holding a block of Gruyere, he said, “I want to cook your most

‘meaningful’ meal.”

At Robbie’s words, Julien froze, and like a freight train running right over

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the top of him, the memory of what Robbie was talking about hit Julien out

of nowhere, draining all joy from him.

“Julien?”

Robbie’s voice sounded miles away as Julien reached out and gripped one

of the shelves in the fridge, and suddenly the voice of Graham Boyd, the host

from Chef Master, was in his ears…

“Tonight on Chef Master you’re going to cook a dish that reminds you of the

person you love the most. I want to see you pour your heart and soul into

whatever you make, and I want to taste the love. You have sixty minutes to

make your most ‘meaningful’ meal and wow me, and your time starts now…”

“JULIEN?” ROBBIE SAID, and a gentle hand on Julien’s arm shook him

back to reality. “Julien.”

Robbie’s voice was sharper now, and Julien squeezed his eyes tight,

trying to erase the image in his head before he refocused on the man in front

of him. “Pardon? Sorry. You caught me off guard.”

Robbie’s worried eyes searched Julien’s face. “Don’t apologize,” he said.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked for—”

“Non,” Julien interrupted. “There’s nothing you can’t ask of me. I’m

fine.”

Robbie bit into his lip as Julien tried to banish the anxiety threatening to

squash him like one would a bug, but still he felt it twitch inside him as

though it wasn’t quite dead. Then he forced a smile on his face, hoping it

looked more convincing than it felt.

“Okay,” Julien said. “My most meaningful meal, huh? And you

remember what that was?”

The smile that tugged at Robbie’s lips was almost shy as he gave a little

laugh and said, “Hello, when are you going to understand that you should

probably be scared that you’re standing in a lockable room with me right

now?”

Julien’s lips twitched. Robbie’s dramatics were exactly what he needed to

get his mind off the thoughts trying to swallow him whole. “I think I’ll take

my chances.”

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“Brave, brave man,” Robbie said, but then he grew serious. “Of course I

remember this meal. It was the cheese soufflé. It earned you your first win.

You made yours with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and Gruyere, and they

looked mouthwatering. That’s what I’d like to learn to cook with you today.

If you’ll teach me.”

Julien had known that Robbie was a fan of Chef Master, but was more

than a little impressed that he remembered the meals he’d cooked right down

to the fine details.

“Of course I’ll teach you,” Julien said, even though he hadn’t cooked this

particular meal since the very day Robbie was referring to.

“Thank you,” Robbie said, and his eyes softened with an understanding

that Julien wasn’t quite ready to acknowledge. One, he knew, he just might

drown in if he let himself.

“Right. Let’s find the rest of the ingredients and get to work on teaching

you how to make my famous cheese soufflé, shall we?”

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CHAPTER FIVE

CONFESSION

There’s no better feeling than

knowing you belong, and trusting that

one hundred percent.

“JULIEN? JULIEN? WAKE up.”

The soft voice had Julien’s eyes popping open to see his sister kneeling on

the floor by the side of his bed.

There was barely any light in his room as Julien shifted to his side so he

could peer out his open balcony doors. The sun had not yet risen. Dieu , what

time was it? “What are you doing up so early, ma petite poulette ?”

A grin bright enough to light up his entire bedroom curved Jacquelyn’s

lips. “Cooking.”

Cooking? Julien yawned and sat up, and when his feet hit the cold floor

beside her, he cursed and looked at the clock over on his dresser—five thirty.

Merde, she was mad.

“Why are you cooking so early?” he asked, his tone clearly expressing

just how pained he was about being woken. “And why are you waking me?”

“Because, silly…it’s your fourteenth birthday.”

Julien reached out to tug on the thick braid that hung over her right

shoulder. “Yours too, petite sœur . Still doesn’t explain why you’ve suddenly

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gone crazy and are running around before the crack of dawn.”

Jacquelyn got to her feet, her sundress swishing around her knees as she

walked back toward his bedroom door and said over her shoulder, “ Oui , it

does. Because I finally did it.”

Julien cocked his head to the side and she laughed in pure delight, that

smile of hers turning smug.

“I finally cooked the parfait cheese soufflé.” Jacquelyn grinned like a

loon. “And you, mom, and Aurélien said I’d never get it. Psh! Just you wait,

Julien Thornton. You’ll never taste another like it. Not even yours are this

good—”

THE SOUND OF keys in the front door of the condo had Jacquelyn’s smile

vanishing from Julien’s mind, and he found himself back in the kitchen

staring at the bowls of cheese he’d been getting together for Robbie, who was

currently sorting through the clothes they’d picked up from his nonna’s house

on the way home tonight.

Julien’s hands were braced on the counter, and his knuckles were white

with how tight he was holding on to the granite, and as the door opened and

shut, announcing Priest’s arrival, Julien tried to shake himself out of the

memory that had just snuck up on him.

He focused on the smooth sound of Sinatra filling the room as he stared

into the white ceramic bowl of pepper jack, and reminded himself: It was

only a memory. She’s not really here. She never will be again. But even as he

told himself that, Julien could see Jacquelyn’s smile, could hear her laughter,

and he could feel the soft strands of her hair as if it had all happened

yesterday—instead of sixteen years ago.

As the sound of Priest’s shoes got closer on the hardwood, Julien reached

for the Gruyere and a knife, and concentrated on chopping it up into cubes in

an effort to try and appear normal when his husband finally got to him.

Dieu, as if Priest didn’t have enough to deal with on his own right now,

he hardly needed Julien to have one of his infamous breakdowns. So snap out

of it, Julien ordered himself.

But when he heard Priest put his briefcase and keys down, Julien

remained as he was, with his back to the man who could always see straight

through him, and decided to give himself a few seconds more to try and get

himself under control.

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WHEN PRIEST OPENED the door to the condo, he wasn’t exactly sure what

to expect. When he’d left this morning, there had been an air of expectation

that whatever had happened last night would be further discussed when he

returned, but he still didn’t know any more about the situation than he had

when he’d left.

No, to find that out, he was going to have to do some digging of his own.

Some very careful digging . And until then, he didn’t see much point in

dragging them all through this mess, not when they had something much

more immediate going on in their lives, and it was fast approaching: their trip

back to L.A., the one they still had to ask Robbie about.

Priest shut the door behind him, and as he walked up the hall, he heard

the sound of Sinatra filling the living room. Julien. Always making sure

everyone around him is okay, Priest thought, but forgets to look after himself.

He put his belongings down and stepped into the living room to seek his

husband out, and wasn’t surprised in the slightest to find him standing over in

the kitchen in front of a chopping board. Priest then scanned the rest of the

space but didn’t spot Robbie anywhere as he walked across the hardwood to

the kitchen, and as he stood there, he took a moment to enjoy the sight of

Julien doing what he loved most in the world.

Julien’s broad shoulders filled out the white button-up he wore untucked

over a pair of blue-grey pants, and as Priest walked around the center island,

he noticed Julien’s bare feet and smiled.

“Good evening,” Priest said, and Julien looked at him with a smile that

didn’t quite reach his eyes. Immediately Priest’s alarm bells went off.

Something wasn’t quite right there.

“Bonsoir, mon amour, ” Julien said as he put down the knife he’d been

using, and then came over to greet Priest with a kiss to his lips.

As he moved away, Priest let his eyes shift beyond Julien’s shoulder to

the food preparation going on behind him, the ingredients instantly grabbing

his attention. “What’s on the menu tonight?”

Julien picked his knife back up and pointed toward the bedroom door.

“You’re going to have to ask your chef for the evening if you want details.

And tonight, that is not me.”

Priest walked up behind Julien and trailed his fingers across the small of

his back. “Is that right?”

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“Oui, ” was all Julien said, before he went back to chopping and filling the

bowls with cheese, quite obviously avoiding any other conversation.

Once he was done, and had put the knife down, Priest said, “Is everything

okay?”

Julien didn’t turn to face him, didn’t look over his shoulder, merely

lowered his head, and Priest placed his palm on his back. No. By the looks of

it, everything was far from okay.

“Julien?” he said softly, and smoothed his hand up to where Julien’s

shoulder met his neck and began to massage it. “What’s going on?”

“It’s nothing. I’m fine.” Julien reached back to pat Priest’s hand, and

Priest turned his over so he could interlace their fingers.

“Turn around,” Priest said, and Julien turned to face him. “Robert’s

making us cheese soufflés for dinner?”

Julien opened his mouth to reply, but Priest beat him to it.

“Was that your idea or his? I know you don’t make this dish anymore.

You haven’t since—”

“I know,” Julien said, and then shrugged. “But it’s what Robbie wanted to

learn to cook today. I couldn’t say no.”

Ah, okay. Now things are starting to make a little more sense. Priest

slowly nodded as he studied the lines on Julien’s strained face. My beautiful,

troubled man, you don’t even know what he’s doing, Priest thought. But

Robert sure does.

“What?” Julien said, when Priest remained silent.

“I was just thinking that Robert is a very smart man.”

The look of confusion that came into Julien’s eyes wasn’t one born out of

disagreement but from the shift in the conversation, so Priest enlightened

him.

“He knows what this dish means to you, Julien. This meal. It wasn’t an

accident that he asked you to make it with him.”

Julien shook his head. “No. I don’t think so. He said he wanted to learn

the meal that won me my first challenge. He never said anything other than

that. Plus, I never mentioned why I picked it on the show. In fact, I was very

vocal about not saying anything. That’s how I got my nickname.”

Priest brought their joined hands up to his lips and pressed a kiss to

Julien’s palm. “I know. And so does Robert. He’s not stupid. He’s waiting for

you. Don’t forget , he watched every episode. Saw you lose your shit on

television over being questioned about this very meal. And now that he

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knows about Jacquelyn… He’s waiting for you to open up to him, Julien.

He’s letting you know he’s ready when you are.”

Julien’s eyes blurred, and as he looked beyond Priest’s shoulder to the

bedroom, Priest took Julien’s face between his hands.

“If he’s to come to L.A. with us next week, you need to talk to him.”

“I know,” Julien said, his eyes coming back and locking with Priest’s. “I

almost did this morning after you left, but there was a lot going on and I

changed my mind.”

“I understand, but what’s happening with me isn’t going to change

anytime soon. This is,” Priest said. “And I think tonight might be a good time

to talk about it, don’t you?”

“Oui, I do.”

“Good,” Priest said, and was relieved to find that, as usual, he and Julien

were on the same page. “Now, where is our chef for the night?”

Julien indicated their bedroom with a lift of his chin. “He went in there to

take a shower and organize space for his clothes.”

Priest looked over to the soft glow coming from their bedroom. “Should I

be worried?”

“Probably,” Julien said, and a smile finally curved his lips. “He hasn’t

come out for nearly an hour.”

“Lord help us all,” Priest said as he let go of Julien and headed across the

living room. “How about I see if I can speed him up? Don’t go anywhere.”

“Promis,” Julien said, and Priest stopped and looked back to see Julien

watching him with a serious expression. “Ma place est juste là, auprès de

toi. ”

My place is right here with you. Julien’s words touched Priest more than

he could’ve known, especially with the reminder last night that Julien

deserved so much more than a man associated with those who had given him

life.

Priest inclined his head and said softly, “Bien. Je t’aime, Julien.”

“Je t’aime aussi, ” Julien said without pause. “ Now go find our chef,

oui?”

ROBBIE HUNG HIS favorite plum-colored peacoat alongside the other

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jackets he’d carefully organized in the space Julien had shown him, and when

he was content it wouldn’t fall off the hanger or be crumpled in some horrid

way, he stepped back to admire his handiwork.

There, almost done, he thought, as he looked at the neatly folded pants

ranging from jeans to leather, and the bright array of shirts, Henleys, and

folded sweaters up on the shelves running around the top of the walk-in

closet. Not to mention his fabulous shoe collection lining the perimeter of the

floor.

As he let his eyes move to Julien and Priest’s sections of the closet,

Robbie grinned to himself. He really had added a splash of color to their

lives, hadn’t he? He still thought it would’ve been funny if his wardrobe had

been in the middle. All his color in the middle of the blacks, creams, greys,

and whites.

Oh, and these suits… Robbie ran his fingers along the expensive wool of

what he knew had to be Priest’s perfectly pressed suits. Then he picked up

one of the sleeves and rubbed his cheek against it. Mmm, there’s something

about a man in a suit that is just so damn sexy.

“Should I be worried that you’re standing in the closet feeling up one of

my jackets? Or should I just chalk this up to normal behavior and expect it

from you on a daily basis?”

Robbie startled at Priest’s voice, guiltily dropped the material, and spun

around on his toes. Priest was standing at the door of the closet with his

shoulder up against the jamb and his ankles crossed, as he ran his eyes down

over Robbie.

“I…I was just becoming better acquainted with—” Robbie stopped

talking when he caught the side of Priest’s lips tug up into a grin. “You’re

messing with me, aren’t you?”

Priest pushed off the doorjamb and walked forward until he was standing

directly in front of Robbie, and then he leaned in and said against his lips,

“I’m messing with you. But if you’d like one of my suits to roll around on

naked, I’d happily give you one. As long as I can watch.”

Robbie opened his mouth to answer, but before he could, Priest wrapped

an arm around his waist and took Robbie’s lips in a kiss that had him clinging

to Priest’s arms, so he wouldn’t faint at his feet.

Robbie’s entire body responded to the way Priest just took what he

wanted, and he most definitely took this kiss. He slid his tongue between

Robbie’s lips and tangled it with his, and Robbie moaned as he plastered

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himself against Priest’s front and let him have his way.

Strong hands stroked down Robbie’s back, and when Priest grabbed his

ass and pulled him even closer, Robbie ground his hips against the thick cock

he could feel poking up against him, and then yanked his mouth away.

“God,” Robbie managed, as Priest continued to knead his ass. “Did you

miss me today or something?”

Yes, it was a shameless question, but Robbie didn’t care. He wanted

Priest to miss him. He wanted Julien to also. Hell, he missed them when they

weren’t there. So it was only fair, right?

“What makes you think that?” Priest asked, but the light in his eyes was a

clear indicator to Robbie that his serious lawyer was playing with him.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Robbie said, as he ran one of his hands down Priest’s

lapels and picked away some imaginary lint. “Maybe the fact you can’t keep

your hands off me. Or that lovely, big cock that’s testing the resolve of the

zipper of your pants.”

“And here I thought I hid my feelings so well.”

“Your feelings, yes,” Robbie said, and then rocked his hips forward,

making Priest’s fingers clench against his ass. “Your cock? Not so much. Not

that I’m complaining. I happen to like this feeling of yours, very much.”

“I can see that,” Priest said as he released his hold on Robbie, and then

swatted him on the ass. “I also see that you managed to fit all of your clothes

in here. I have to say, I had my doubts.”

Robbie turned so he was once again facing the clothing he’d spent the last

hour or so arranging. “I did too. But it seems I fit in just perfectly with you

two.”

Priest put his lips down beside Robbie’s ear and said, “I couldn’t agree

more.”

Robbie shivered as Priest stepped around him and loosened his tie, and as

he shrugged out of his jacket, Robbie couldn’t think of anything to say. He

just wanted to stand there and watch as Priest undressed for the day, as he

relaxed. Well, as much as Priest ever relaxed.

“Did you enjoy yourself with Julien at the restaurant today?”

“I did,” Robbie said, and took an empty hanger off the rack and handed it

to Priest. “He taught me the meal I’m going to cook for you tonight.”

“So he said.”

Robbie nodded, as Priest put back the hanger that now held his jacket.

Then he reached for his belt buckle, and Robbie took a step forward, unable,

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and unwilling, to quell the sudden urge he had to help Priest undress.

When Priest’s hands stilled, Robbie looked up at him and said, “May I?”

“You may.” Priest kept their eyes locked, as Robbie pulled the leather

tongue of the belt through the metal clasp, then unfastened it and pulled it

free of Priest’s pants.

When the strip of leather was in Robbie’s hand, Priest said, “In here,” and

pulled open the top drawer of one of the dressers, where several other belts

were neatly coiled and sitting flat on the top shelf.

Once Robbie placed it down in the empty spot, Priest shut the drawer and

lowered his arm down by his side. “Now the rest, princess.”

And as though Robbie had done this a million times before instead of,

well, never, he went about undressing Priest. He crouched down and untied

Priest’s shoes, and after he removed them, Robbie stood and reached for the

button on Priest’s pants.

“Is this okay?” Robbie asked, but he could tell by the fervent way Priest

was watching him that he was most certainly doing something right.

“It is much more than okay.”

Robbie’s cheeks heated from the pleasure he heard in Priest’s voice, and

he couldn’t believe how much satisfaction he got from knowing he was the

one responsible for it.

He unzipped Priest’s pants, and when he pushed them off his hips and

knelt to help him step out of them, Robbie found himself face to face with

Priest’s very obvious erection.

He glanced up at Priest, who indicated the large wicker basket in the

corner, and after Robbie tossed the trousers inside, he licked his lips and went

up on his knees. He knew they were about to get ready to go and make

dinner, but before they went, he needed to…

Robbie leaned forward and rubbed his cheek over the soft cotton molding

to Priest’s thick length. The low rumble that came from above had him doing

it again, and the hands in his hair had Robbie’s mouth parting so he could

lightly mouth his way up the cock he’d been grinding against earlier.

“Christ, Robert.” Priest tightened his hands in Robbie’s hair and tilted his

face up. “Be careful. I could get used to this.”

Robbie got to his feet and he began to unbutton Priest’s shirt. “Which

part?”

“All of it,” Priest said without pause. “You waiting in here for me fresh

and showered. You greeting me. You undressing me. All of it.”

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Robbie nodded, loving the sound of that, more than he ever knew he

would. “Yes.”

“Yes?” Priest said, as Robbie reached the final button and slipped his

hands under the shirt to push it off Priest’s shoulders.

As it fell down Priest’s arms, Robbie bent his head and put his lips over

Priest’s left nipple and said, “Yes.”

Once Priest’s shirt was free and he was left standing in only his boxer

briefs, he took Robbie’s wrists and tugged him forward to say against his

mouth, “You like the idea of that? Of undressing me?”

“Yes. I…” Robbie licked his lips, nervous about what he was feeling and

saying. “I like to do things for you. For Julien. It makes me feel…”

As Robbie trailed off, Priest said, “It makes you feel what, Robert?”

“Needed,” Robbie confessed. “Wanted. I like knowing that I please the

both of you.”

“You do, very much so. With or without doing this.”

“I know,” Robbie said, and gnawed on his lip. “But I never knew how

good it would make me feel to do this for someone. How vital it makes me

feel. How special…”

When Priest put a finger beneath Robbie’s chin and tipped his face up,

Robbie’s entire body trembled at the touch.

This was powerful. What was happening right here? What he was

feeling? It was on a level Robbie had never experienced before, one he’d

never explored, and never had he been more terrified than he was right now

in giving up this truth to Priest.

“You are very special. We all are. And each day we’re discovering

another reason why. So from now on, if you are home when I get here, it

would please me very much to find you waiting to undress me, without me

having to ask. Do you understand?”

“Fuck,” Robbie said.

“That’s not an answer, Robert.”

“Yes.” Robbie nodded eagerly. “I’ll be waiting.”

“Good,” Priest said, and lowered his hand. “Now, I believe Julien

mentioned that you’re cooking us dinner tonight?”

Robbie tried to remember how to string a sentence together as Priest took

a pair of grey sweats and a black t-shirt from a drawer, and when he slipped

them on, Robbie finally managed, “Yes. That’s right.”

“And what are you cooking?”

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“His famous cheese soufflés.”

“Is that right?” Priest said as he picked up his shirt and tossed it in the

laundry basket, and then headed out of the closet with Robbie by his side.

“It is. He said I could pick anything, and since I’m a total stalker, I

wanted to learn the dish that won him his first challenge and—”

“Earned him the nickname ‘the Prick’?”

“Yes. Exactly.”

“Hmm. That might’ve been part of it. But I think you asked him for

another reason,” Priest said, and when Robbie went to deny it, Priest arched

an eyebrow.

“Okay…yes,” Robbie said, and looked down at his hands, which he

twisted together, wondering if Priest would be mad that he’d pushed Julien

today. “This morning when you left, we were fooling around in the kitchen,

and…” As those words left his mouth, Robbie’s eyes flew up to Priest’s. He

suddenly felt shy about admitting that.

“Go on,” Priest said, his expression hinting at nothing other than concern

and curiosity over what Robbie was telling him. There was no anger or

jealousy anywhere in sight.

“Well, he said something to me that…” Robbie paused and then

shrugged. “It struck a chord. He tried to brush it off, but it was so sad, and I

know I don’t know what happened with his sister and I don’t want to push

him or anything. But today, when he asked me to pick something to cook, it

hit me that this meal that he made on the show? It has some kind of

connection to her, doesn’t it? ‘Most meaningful.’ It has to. And the fact that

he hulked out when they pushed for information about who he made it for?

Anyway, I thought if we made it together, he might want to share it with me.

Get things off his chest.”

Priest cradled Robbie’s cheek and looked him directly in the eye. “You’re

very smart, Robert Bianchi. And very sweet.”

Robbie put his hands on Priest’s chest and whispered, “He was hurting,

Joel. I wanted to help him. I thought this might.”

The kiss Priest pressed against Robbie’s lips then was chaste compared to

the one they’d just shared in the closet, and when he raised his head, he said,

“I think you could be right. So, how about you go and find our Prick and

cook us all a cheese soufflé?”

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CHAPTER SIX

CONFESSION

Sometimes the best memories made

are the ones you don’t even realize you’re making.

“UHH…SOMEHOW, I don’t think I would’ve gotten past round one of Chef

Master with this effort,” Robbie said, and pouted as he looked at the deflated

soufflé sitting in front of him.

For the past forty minutes, Julien had been watching over his young

protégé and walking him through one of the most difficult recipes a chef

could attempt. Back in his kitchen at JULIEN, he’d demonstrated the process

to Robbie and had him help out along the way. But tonight, Julien had

stepped back and let Robbie take the lead.

Julien bit down on the inside of his cheek as he examined the other two

ramekins on the counter and said, “These two came out…better.” And it

wasn’t a lie. They had risen slightly higher than the sad-looking one Robbie

was staring at. But when Robbie glanced over at the two in front of Julien,

they collapsed in on themselves on cue, as if they’d been waiting for his

attention.

“Oh my God,” Robbie said, and then he quickly looked over at Priest,

who had just taken a seat at the table. “I can’t serve him that.”

The horrified look on Robbie’s face had a sudden image of Jacquelyn’s

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the first time they’d made this dish with their mom flashing through Julien’s

mind—Julien’s soufflé had risen and hers had spectacularly fallen.

“Yes, you can, princesse. He’s not going to care how it looks. It still

tastes good.”

Robbie put a hand on his hip and angled his head at Julien as if he

couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.

“Excuse me? You, the Prick, did not just say that to me. You’re one of

the pickiest bastards around when it comes to food. It has to look and taste

good. That’s your motto in the kitchen and mine for life—in general. There’s

no way I’m going to let him put this in his mouth.”

Julien gestured to the ceramic ramekin in front of Robbie. “Let’s get this

on a plate with some pretty side dressings, oui? And then it will look good.

Don’t be so hard on yourself, mon cher petit. A soufflé, while basic in its

ingredients, is incredibly hard to master. There are chefs all around the world

who are top in their field who can’t make one. In fact, one of my idols,

Jacques Pepin, once said, ‘Simplicity is the hardest thing to achieve.’ That’s

never more apparent than it is with the soufflé.”

Robbie sighed, and then looked back at the three dishes on the counter.

“Did you get it the first time you made one?”

“Oui, I did.”

“Of course you did.”

“Of course,” Julien said. “But my sister? Hers was a disaster. Much worse

than yours.”

“Gee, thanks.” Robbie frowned, making Julien chuckle, and suddenly he

found himself wanting to share this with Robbie.

“One of hers exploded all over our mom’s oven.”

“Seriously?” Robbie said, as he put a couple of washed lettuce leaves on

the plate.

“Oh yes. It was a mess.” Julien laughed, and allowed himself to enjoy the

memory when Robbie’s lips tilted up into a smile.

“Let me guess: you never let her hear the end of it.”

Julien grinned as he added some cut tomato on top of the lettuce. “I may

have been vocal in my superiority, oui.”

Robbie rolled his eyes and followed Julien’s plating to a tee. “Why am I

not surprised?”

Julien wiped his hands on the dishtowel he’d stuffed in the side of his

pants. “Because you’re my number one stalker?”

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Robbie’s face flushed, but then he gave a flirty lift of his shoulder,

unashamed. “It’s not my fault you’re super sexy. Be a little less…well,

everything, and people might stop becoming obsessed with you.”

Oh, princesse , I’d never want that, Julien thought, as the sadness he’d

been feeling earlier lifted, and he pressed a kiss to Robbie’s cheek. “I don’t

want you to ever stop obsessing over me.”

Robbie turned his head and winked. “No sign of that happening.”

“Bien. You’re one of a kind, and now that we’ve found you, we’re not

letting you go.” Robbie’s eyes sparkled and Julien tapped a finger to his nose.

“Something you should also know? Jacquelyn’s soufflé may have exploded

the first time around. But she practiced it for weeks after that, and on our

fourteenth birthday, she perfected it and…”

Julien drifted off, and when he didn’t continue right away, Robbie said

softly, “And what?”

Julien smiled. “It was, and still is to this day, the best cheese soufflé I’ve

ever tasted.”

“Even better than yours?”

“Even better than mine. Now, take that over to Priest.” When Robbie

went to protest, Julien said, “You have nothing to worry about. He will enjoy

anything you’ve spent the time to make for him, whether it be the best soufflé

ever made or—”

“The worst?”

Julien picked up one of the plates and handed it to Robbie. “I was going

to say yours.”

Robbie scoffed. “I think they might be one and the same.”

“And I think it just means we get to practice making them together over

and over until you get it right.”

Robbie blew out a breath but took the plate. “Okay, that makes it a little

bit better.”

“I’m so glad to hear it,” Julien said, and found that he really was. “Now

go. I’ll bring the wine.”

JULIEN WAS RIGHT. Priest didn’t complain about his meal once. In fact,

with each bite he took, he complimented something new about the dish. The

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flavor, the texture, the choice of cheese, for crying out loud, and finally

Robbie said, “It’s okay, you can stop,” as he placed his napkin on the table. “I

know it was terrible.”

Priest took a final sip of his wine and shook his head. “No. It wasn’t.”

Robbie gave him a yeah, right look. “How can you say that? Jules is one

of the best cooks in the world.”

“He is,” Priest said, and aimed a proud smile in Julien’s direction before

he turned his attention back to Robbie. “Which is why this tastes as good as it

does the first time around.”

Julien finished his meal and sat back in the chair as Priest pushed away

from the table and got to his feet.

“Was it a little flat? Yes,” Priest said, as he came around to Robbie’s side

and collected his empty plate. “But you tried, and I appreciate that.” He

pressed a kiss to Robbie’s cheek. “Thank you for dinner, sweetheart. I

thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Robbie squirmed under the praise he knew he didn’t deserve and felt his

heart thud a little bit faster.

“I believe it’s my job to clean up the kitchen,” Priest said, as he took the

plate Julien was holding out to him.

As Priest walked them over to the sink, Robbie got to his feet and

collected the wine glasses to follow, as Julien headed to the couch.

Once he was in the kitchen, Robbie came around to where Priest was

rinsing off the dishes, and placed the glasses on the counter beside him. “So,

do you two always eat at the dinner table?”

Priest placed one of the dishes in the opposite sink, getting them ready for

the dishwasher, and then glanced at Robbie. “Most of the time, yes. Why do

you ask?”

Robbie leaned a hip up against the counter and looked over at Julien, who

was sitting facing them, listening to the conversation. “Just trying to learn

your habits, I suppose. My ma always insisted on dinner being eaten at the

table, and so did my nonna. It was family time, a.k.a. gossip time, in the

Bianchi household. I like that you two also make time to eat together.”

When Priest was done rinsing the final plate, he turned the faucet off and

opened the dishwasher to begin stacking it. “I never had a dinner table or the

kind of family who would sit around one when I was a boy. But when I met

Julien, and we began to date, he would always set the table and eat there, and

I found myself wanting his company, so I joined him.”

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Robbie wanted to melt into a puddle at the obvious love in Priest’s voice,

and when he looked over at Julien to see him watching his husband, Priest

added, “And now we want yours.”

When Robbie looked back at him, Priest straightened and reached for the

utensils in the sink.

“I like the table,” Priest said. “The idea of it. That at the end of the day

you come together with those you care about to share a meal and share your

successes or failures. It’s the time you connect and either enjoy one another’s

good fortune or help one another through the bad. It’s a safe place. And if

we’re in the same house at the same time for a meal, we will always make an

effort to sit down together without interruption.”

A grin hit Robbie’s lips as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Is that

your subtle way of saying cell phones are prohibited?”

Priest finally shut the door to the dishwasher and hit start, then he washed

his hands and dried them off. “No. There’s nothing subtle about it. In this

house, there are two rules regarding cell phones.”

“Rules?” Robbie said, and laughed.

That came to an abrupt halt when Priest took his chin in his hand and

said, “Yes. Rules. The first is that they are off during dinner. If you are eating

a meal in this house with Julien and me, please make sure that you show us

the courtesy of wanting to be here. It’s really very simple.”

When Priest let him go and walked by him, the scent of his cologne

wafted up into Robbie’s nose and he shut his eyes for a second to enjoy it.

Damn, the man smelled unbelievable.

“And the second?” Robbie asked, as he made his way over to the living

room.

“Sex,” Julien said, and when Robbie’s feet came to a halt, Julien laughed.

“The second rule, princesse, is that your phone better be off during sex.”

Robbie turned his eyes to Priest, who was now standing beside the couch.

“I shouldn’t have to explain that,” Priest said. “But if I have you

undressed, or I’m about to put my cock inside you and your phone rings? I

am not going to be very pleased.”

“Uh, newsflash,” Robbie said, “neither would I.”

“Good,” Priest said. “Then we all understand one another.”

Robbie walked around to the empty couch as Priest took a seat beside

Julien, and when he went to sit opposite them, Priest crooked a finger.

Robbie glanced at Julien, who gave him a crooked smile, and then he

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walked around the coffee table to the two of them.

Priest crossed one of his legs over the other, and when Julien did the

same, Priest said, “How would you feel about sitting down here tonight?

Between us on the rug?”

Robbie looked at the soft mohair beneath his feet and wriggled his toes in

it, and then he raised his eyes to Priest’s.

“I’d feel like I was home,” Robbie whispered.

“Then you should sit, princesse, ” Julien said, capturing Robbie’s

attention, and when he looked over at Julien, Robbie saw a possessive light in

his eyes that he’d never seen before. “Because that’s exactly where you are.”

AS ROBBIE SLOWLY lowered to his knees, Priest reached for Julien’s hand

before fully giving his attention to the man now watching them with a

tranquil expression on his face.

“Robert, we would like to talk to you about next weekend.”

A frown appeared between Robbie’s brows, and Priest automatically

reached out and smoothed his fingertips over the crease.

“No need to look so worried. It’s nothing bad. But Julien and I have to

leave for a couple of days.”

“Both of you?” Robbie said, and Priest couldn’t stop the twitch of his lips

at the sound of disappointment in Robbie’s voice. It was extremely satisfying

to know that Robbie wanted the both of them around.

“Oui, the both of us,” Julien said, and then traced his fingers along

Robbie’s jaw line to soften the blow.

“Where are you going?” Robbie asked. “When? Is it for one night or

two?”

Priest couldn’t help the smile that hit his lips. “We’re flying back to L.A.

on Friday and will stay until Sunday.”

“So, two nights?”

“Yes. We’d be gone two nights.”

Robbie’s lips pulled tight in an unhappy line, but then he shrugged as

though he was trying to convince himself that he was fine with it all. “Okay.”

“Okay?” Priest said, and shook his head.

“What? It’s fine. I’ll be okay for a weekend. I am a grownup, you know.”

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Priest let go of Julien’s hand and uncrossed his legs so he could sit

forward, his arms now resting on his thighs. “I know you’re a grownup, trust

me. But I also know that you’re lying through your teeth right now. And what

did I say about that?”

Robbie rolled his eyes but squirmed around on his knees a little. “You

said not to.”

“Correct. So why are you lying?”

“I’m not.”

“Yes. You are. And do you know how I know that?”

“How?”

Priest reached out and ran a finger over Robbie’s pouty lip. “Because the

idea of leaving you behind makes us feel anything but okay.”

Robbie’s breath caught, and his eyes flicked to Julien. “Vraiment?”

A pleased light flashed into Julien’s eyes at Robbie’s use of French—but

then it faded. “Vraiment. I have to go back to L.A. for my sister’s

anniversary. It’s a horrible time. I won’t lie about that. But having Priest there

always helps, and I—” Julien stopped talking, and as he swallowed a gulp of

air, Priest let go of Robbie and smoothed a hand over his husband’s thigh,

offering his silent support. “I’d really like you to be there with us. I know it’s

a lot to ask, but—”

“I’ll be there,” Robbie said, as he reached for Julien’s hand and laced

their fingers together. “I want to come with you. Just tell me what time you

fly out and I’ll buy myself a ticket.”

“Robert,” Priest said, and Robbie turned in his direction. “We already

have a ticket for you.”

“You do?”

“We do,” Julien said. “But honestly, I wasn’t sure you’d want to come

with us. Like I said, it’s a lot to ask of someone at the beginning of a new

relationship, and the circumstances surrounding what happened? They’re not

very…favorable toward me.”

“Julien,” Priest said, hating when Julien placed such a heavy burden of

blame on himself.

Julien turned to him, and his eyes held that haunted air they always got

when talking about his sister. “You know it’s true, mon amour. He needs to

know too.”

“I need to know what?” Robbie said.

“Everything.” Julien faced Robbie again. “The good and the bad,

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princesse. You deserve to know it all if you’re going to open up your life to

us. Even if it means that by the end of it you stop looking at me the way you

are right now.”

Robbie shook his head as he moved up on his knees. “That won’t change.

But I want to understand. I want to know what happened with your sister.

Whenever you’re ready to tell me.”

Priest’s chest tightened at the honesty behind both men’s words, and

when Julien took Robbie’s mouth in a tender kiss, sliding his fingers through

that hair that was soft as silk, Priest watched the two men he now considered

his become one.

Robbie moved closer to Julien, angling his head up to allow a deeper

slide of that French tongue inside his mouth, and the rumble that bubbled out

of Julien had Priest’s cock stiffening in his pants.

His men? They were beautiful together.

“Robbie…” Julien sighed, and then went to move away.

“No. Don’t get scared,” Robbie said. “Don’t back away from me like you

did this morning. Let me know you. Let me know the real you. Trust me with

that.”

“I do,” Julien said, and then he looked at Priest. “We both do.”

When Robbie also looked his way, Priest inclined his head, and the smile

that shaped Robbie’s lips was sweet, the blush that hit his cheeks so

endearing, that Priest caught his breath.

Robert Bianchi was getting under his skin in ways he hadn’t quite

expected, and that was never more apparent than it was right then. He loved

the way Robbie treated Julien with kindness and patience. How he touched

Julien, how he cared for him, the same way that he himself did. And perhaps,

more than anything else, Priest loved the unassuming way with which Robbie

had maneuvered himself into their well-guarded fortress tonight. It’d been

subtle, and sweet, and he’d not only broken down Julien’s walls, he’d

effectively started to chip away at Priest’s.

“Viens ici,” Julien said, and Robbie turned around and rested his back to

the couch so he could lay his head against Priest’s thigh and tilt his face up

toward Julien. “Let's start with the good tonight, oui? Let me tell you a little

bit more about my Jacquelyn, because she would’ve loved you, princesse,

very much…”

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CHAPTER SEVEN

CONFESSION

Half my heart and half my soul

will always be you,

ma petite poulette.

“JACQUELYN?” JULIEN CALLED out, as he walked up the stairs to where

their bedrooms were located. It was Friday afternoon and school had just

broken up for spring break, and if he knew his sister, she was already on the

phone planning out their next two weeks of socializing.

“Jacquelyn? Jacquelyn? Where are you…?”

Jacquelyn was always the life of the party. He, on the other hand, was

more private than outgoing. He preferred to keep to himself, which was

difficult when your sister was one of the most well-known people in school,

and after what had happened this past week? Julien wished she was more like

the… least well known.

Over the past few months, things had become rather intense for him at

school. In the blink of an eye, his life had completely changed, and all

because of one thing—he’d finally come out as gay.

His family and friends had been amazing—nothing but supportive—but in

turn, he’d gained the freedom to explore all that came with “being out.”

Things he’d thought he always wanted. Such as dates, and boyfriends, and, of

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course— ugh —Timothée Martin.

Timothée Martin, who’d broken his heart for all of their high school to

see, and if it hadn’t been for Jacquelyn telling anyone and everyone to “back

off and mind your own damn business, or you’re going to have to deal with

me,” he’d likely feel much worse about it than he currently did.

“OKAY, JUST FOR the record, I already love her,” Robbie said as he aimed

a pointed look up at Julien. “She was going to kick everyone’s ass because

they were talking shit about you. That’s what you call a badass bitch. My

sisters are like that too.”

Priest chuckled from behind Robbie on the couch, and Robbie quickly

turned his head to look up at him.

“And why does that make you laugh?”

Priest’s lips curved at one side, his scruff giving him a roguish appeal.

“Because I can’t imagine you needing anyone to stand up for you.”

Losing some of his attitude, Robbie said, “Oh, well, I wasn’t always this

fabulous, you know. I’ve had my fair share of heartbreaks. I had one just last

year.”

“Nathan, wasn’t it?” Julien said, and Robbie looked back to him and

nodded.

“Yes. But we aren’t talking about him right now. In fact, it’s probably

best we don’t ever talk about him.”

“I disagree,” Priest said, and then looked over at Julien.

“As do I. Our past shapes us, princesse. Whether we want it to or not.

Especially this imbécile de Nathan.”

Robbie snorted at that and began to twist the hem of his shirt between his

fingers. “Okay, I’ll tell you about him—one day. But not tonight. Tonight,

we’re talking about Jacquelyn, and I want to hear more. If that’s okay?”

Priest reached out and took Julien’s free hand, and as they all sat there,

somehow or other connected, Julien nodded.

“Of course it’s okay. Now, where was I?”

“You were trying to find her,” Robbie said with a grin. “It was spring

break.”

“Oh, oui, you’re right…”

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WHEN JULIEN REACHED Jacquelyn’s door, he knocked and called out,

“Are you up here, ma petite poulette ? Mom and Dad want to talk to us—”

“WAIT A SECOND,” Robbie said, and then grimaced. “I’m sorry to

interrupt.”

“Yes, we can tell by the way you keep doing it,” Priest said, but Robbie

just rolled his eyes.

“I am sorry. But that sounded like something important, and I don’t want

to miss anything. I’m learning, remember? What’s ma petite poulette mean?”

Julien nodded. “’ Ma petite poulette is what I call Jac— pardon. It’s what I

used to call Jacquelyn. It means ‘my little chick.’”

Robbie reached out to squeeze Julien’s knee and whispered, “I’m sorry, I

didn’t mean to—”

“Non, it’s okay. I’ll use English from now on, so you don’t miss anything

else important.”

Julien then rested his hand over the top of Robbie’s and continued.

HE PUSHED OPEN Jacquelyn’s door and spotted her sitting on her

window’s bench seat with a window cracked, the phone pressed to her ear,

and a long, thin cigarette between her lips.

She glanced guiltily over her shoulder, her long, dark hair waving down

to the middle of her back, and when she saw it was just him, she motioned for

him to hurry up and come inside.

Julien shook his head but stepped into her room and shut the door behind

him.

“I’ve got to go, Léa, Julien’s here.” Jacquelyn paused, and then laughed

at something her friend had said. “You wish. But you aren’t his type.”

Julien rolled his eyes and picked up the book lying open on the wicker

reading chair in the corner of her room— Little Women by Louisa May

Alcott. He’d given her that for her birthday years ago.

“Now that he’s single, though,” Jacquelyn said with a giggle, “your

brother Clément might stand a chance.”

Julien picked up the cushion, also on the chair, and threw it at her head,

and Jacquelyn poked her tongue out at him.

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“Yes, yes, I know. Bye.” She ended the call, then stubbed out the long

cigarette and reached for an old candle. She dropped the stub in and put the

lid back on.

“You’re reading Little Women again?” Julien said as he walked across

the room. “What’s this? The millionth time?”

“Probably, but you know how much I love it,” Jacquelyn said and then

quoted. “’Some books are so familiar, reading them is like being home

again.’”

“I know.” Julien couldn’t count how many times he’d had to listen to

their mother read that book over and over to Jacquelyn as a child. He

inspected the frayed spine and worn edges of the hardback. “This copy is

almost worn out.”

“This copy ,” she said, as she took it off him, “is my favorite, and I won’t

let you speak badly of it.”

“I wouldn’t dare. Although I do question the fact that your favorite book

is about having sisters…”

Jacquelyn laughed. “Of course you do. But you shouldn’t. Whenever I

read it, I always think about how each of them is somehow like us in a way.

And yet there are four of them and only two of us. How lucky are we?”

“I’ve always said the luckiest.”

“Exactly. This book just proves that. Plus, I kind of see myself as Jo and

you as Meg, so don’t worry, I manage to put you in there, even as a sister.”

“Meg? Wasn’t she the—” As Jacquelyn hopped down from the window,

Julien spotted the packet of cigarettes on the sill and picked them up. “When

did you start smoking these?”

“Ugh… Meg was the beautiful but forever responsible one,” she said,

and then shook her head. “You sound just like Dad. Not my brother who I

worship and adore.”

“Uh-huh,” he said, but eyed her closely, letting her know that she wasn’t

off the hook just because, in this particular instance, she was right. He was

the responsible one, whereas she was the impulsive and reckless one of the

two. “You can stop kissing my ass. I’m not going to rat you out.”

“Oh, good,” she said with a grin, and then kissed his cheek. “I just

wanted to try one, that’s all.”

“One?” Julien said, and looked at the rectangular packet in her hand.

“Yes. One…packet.” She headed over to her dresser, where she picked up

a bottle of perfume and sprayed it all around the place and then walked

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through it.

Julien coughed and waved his hand in front of his face.

“Shit, spray a bit more next time,” he said, and when she turned toward

him and held it up with a devious glint in her eye, Julien glared at her.

“Don’t even think about it or I’ll tell Mom where she can find evidence of

this new little fad you’re going through.”

“It’s not a fad. It’s…sophisticated. Chic.”

“Sure it is,” Julien said as he walked over to her bedroom door. “Until

you get cancer. You might want to spray a little more of that stuff. Mom and

Dad want to talk to us. Sounded important.”

“Really?”

Julien nodded. “I hope they haven’t changed their minds about Nice. I

really want to get away for a couple of weeks.”

“Because of Timothée?” As the two of them headed down the hall to the

stairs, Jacquelyn slipped her hand through the crook of his arm and rested

her head on his shoulder. “Stop worrying about him. If they do decide to stay

here for break, I’ll introduce you to Clément. He really is your type, much

more than Timothée. Clément is tall, sporty…kind of an ass sometimes. But I

think you’d get along great.”

“I think I’ll pass. He doesn’t sound anything like my type,” Julien said,

shaking his head.

“He’s everyone’s type. And anyway, it might do you good to date

someone with more confidence, instead of some quiet little thing like

Timothée. You’re so smart and hot.”

Julien screwed his nose up at her.

“As if I wasn’t going to add that,” Jacquelyn said. “We’re twins.”

Julien sighed. “Look, I like…quiet people. I’m quiet.”

“No, you’re not. You just think you are.”

“Well, don’t you at least think it might help me to date someone who is

gay? ”

“Oh, did I forget to mention that Clément is one hundred percent about

the cock? Well, he is. Surprise.” She winked at him.

“You are not setting me up on a date, Jacquelyn. Please tell me you

haven’t already.”

“Oh, come on. It’s Léa’s seventeenth birthday next week and Clément is

nineteen. Again, perfect. There’s nothing sexier than an older guy. They know

what to do—or so I’m told.”

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As they walked toward the kitchen, where their parents waited, Julien

rubbed a hand over his face, the idea of a blind date making him feel

nauseated. “Remind me again why I love you?”

“Because…” she said, and kissed his cheek. “We’re twins. Duh, you have

to. Or it’s like not loving half of yourself.”

Julien laughed and shoved her in the arm. “Fine, I’ll come to the party.

But that’s it. I’m not promising anything else.”

“Okay, okay ,” Jacquelyn said, and then they both walked over to the

small island in the kitchen where a plate of freshly made macarons sat. No

doubt from Aurélien earlier that morning.

“There you both are,” their mom said as she, and their dad, came into

the kitchen. She walked over to Julien and wrapped an arm around his

shoulders. “We need to talk to you.”

“Yes,” their dad said, and nodded. “We do. It’s concerning my job. You

see, at the beginning of the month, I received an offer for partnership at

Bartlett & Latham.”

Julien looked at their dad, shocked by what he’d just heard. Isn’t that…

“The firm in America?”

“Yes. The one I worked for when you were both little, and have continued

working for by correspondence over the past few years. I’ve thought about it

and discussed it at length with your mother—”

“But…” Jacquelyn interrupted, and then stopped as though her brain

were trying to catch up with what he was saying. “But what does it mean if

you take a partnership there? We live here.”

Julien didn’t need their dad to explain, though. He already knew the

answer. They were going to move—to America. That was what they wanted to

talk about. And all he could think was how everything in his life was about to

change…again.

“That’s what we need to talk to you about,” their mom said as if on cue,

and squeezed Julien’s arm. “Instead of going to Nice for spring break, how

would you feel about Los Angeles instead?”

“AND THAT’S HOW I ended up here,” Julien said into the otherwise silent

room.

Priest was regarding him with an attentive but cautious expression, and

Robbie looked as though he were waiting for him to say more. That,

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however, was all Julien found he could talk about right then, because

everything that came after that led him to an ending he’d rather not get into

detail about tonight.

“You two sounded like me and my sisters,” Robbie said, a wistful

expression crossing his face. “And believe it or not, I’ve had to sit through

Little Women too. I think it’s a rite of passage for mothers to read it to their

daughters. We were just the unfortunate bystanders.”

“I think you might be right,” Julien said, and then heard himself add, “I’d

like to meet them one day. Your sisters.”

Robbie screwed his nose up and then started to laugh. “Uh, full

disclosure. They’re kind of crazy, just like Jacquelyn was.”

As soon as he said it, Robbie froze. The use of past tense was a destroyer

of all things light and playful, as the reality of why Julien had been talking

about Jacquelyn in the first place crept back in.

“Nooo…” Priest drawled, making both men snap out of their moment and

turn to look at him. “I don’t believe that’s possible. You have crazy siblings?

But you’re so levelheaded and reserved.”

The tension in the room leaked out then, like the air from a pinprick in a

balloon, as Robbie moved up to his knees and shoved Priest in the arm.

“You’re just so funny tonight.”

Priest caught Robbie’s wrist and tugged on it until he was crawling up on

the couch between them.

“That’s me,” Priest deadpanned. “An absolute riot.”

Julien caught the seriousness in his husband’s eyes as he pulled Robbie

onto his lap, and knew that Priest was casually steering them away from a

topic that was starting to make Julien’s anxiety spike.

Robbie burrowed into the crook of Priest’s arm, and Julien pulled his legs

up over his thighs and ran a hand up and down the material covering them.

This is nice, being here like this, Julien thought, as Robbie reached for his

hand and entwined their fingers.

“Thank you,” Robbie said, when Julien looked his way.

“For?”

“For sharing a little bit of her with me tonight.”

Julien leaned over as Robbie sat up, and then took his face between his

hands and kissed his lips. “Thank you for listening.”

“Anytime,” Robbie whispered, and as Julien went to pull away, Robbie

added, “I mean that. Anytime, Jules. I’m not going anywhere.”

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As Julien nodded and sat back, he felt Priest’s eyes on him and looked up

to see him placing a kiss to Robbie’s head. He’d lost that cautious expression

he’d had before and now wore one full of adoration and wonder, and Julien

knew it was for both himself and the man now covering a yawn.

“That’s actually a lie,” Priest finally said, and Robbie pulled away to look

up at him. “You are going to bed. We all are. Last night was rough. Today

was long. And I think we all need a good night’s sleep.”

Robbie snorted. “Says the man who doesn’t sleep.”

“You know what I mean. Don’t be mouthy.”

“Or?”

“Or,” Priest said as he shifted forward on the couch, “I’ll turn you over

my lap and it will be just as difficult for you to sleep tonight as it will be for

me. But for very different reasons.”

“Fine. I am a little tired. So I’ll behave,” Robbie said, and then looked at

Julien. “When is he going to understand that a spanking is so not a threat?”

But before Julien could answer, a delighted squeal left Robbie, as Priest

surged to his feet with him in his arms.

“Why, Mr. Priestley,” Robbie said, and placed the back of his hand on his

forehead, imitating a swoon, “first the threat of a spanking and now this high-

handed behavior. I demand you put me down right this instant, you brutish

man.”

One of Priest’s eyebrows rose as he stared down at Robbie. “Brutish?”

As Robbie began to laugh, Julien stood beside them.

“Yes, you know? Savage, beastly, roguish. Ohhh,” Robbie said, and

looked at Julien. “With this beard, he totally looks like some rugged Scottish

Highlander who throws logs in his spare time. Doesn’t he?”

Julien walked up to stand opposite Priest, so Robbie was being held

between them, studied Priest’s handsome face, and nodded. “I was just

thinking earlier that he looked very roguish tonight in this lighting.”

Robbie plastered an I told you so smile on his lips and aimed it up at the

man they were discussing.

“You’re supposed to dis courage him, Julien,” Priest said. “Not

en courage.”

Julien ran his eyes over the bold angles and strong features that made up

the face he loved, and then he leaned across Robbie to brush a kiss over

Priest’s lips. “When he’s right, he’s right.” Julien kissed Robbie and

squeezed Priest’s bulging bicep. “I’m going to grab a quick shower before

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bed. I’ll see you two in there.”

Priest gave a clipped nod, and Robbie did also, both men understanding

that Julien needed a moment to collect himself after today’s events. And as

he headed off to the shower, Julien heard Robbie whisper, “Will he be all

right?”

And Priest, honest as always, replied, “Eventually.”

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CHAPTER EIGHT

CONFESSION

Hold on to me, s’il te plaît.

I’m falling.

AROUND FORTY MINUTES later, Julien jolted in his sleep and reached for

the sheets to catch himself on the spiral down.

Sleep had claimed the three who were now showered and entwined under

the covers. But as two drifted off into mindless slumber, Julien’s thoughts

had wandered away from him. Away from the room, and men, who’d

distracted him tonight, and into the darkness, where old ghosts had once

again found him.

“That was a nice picture you painted tonight, Julien. But not a very

accurate one. Did you really think I’d gone away?”

Julien shook his head on the pillow and squeezed his eyes shut, trying to

banish her voice from his mind, but it was no use. As his pulse sped up, his

body shook, and sweat popped out on his brow.

You’re not real, he thought, and curled his fingers around the sheet like it

was a lifeline. You’re not real.

“Aren’t I?” the familiar voice taunted. “Then why am I still here?”

At the familial term, Julien’s eyes shot open and he brought a hand up to

his chest. He couldn’t breathe. Fuck. He was losing his mind.

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He blinked several times, trying to focus on the room he knew he was in,

but all he saw were shadows dancing across the ceiling. Shadows taking form

in the shape of the one who now haunted him.

“You will never be free of me. Tu comprends? I’m the crime that you

committed. This face, not the bright-eyed girl, but this . The one you want to

forget. I will always be here. Always…”

Julien’s brow was drenched now, his heart thumping a mile a second. But

other than the blood rushing around his head, the only other sound in the

room was that of the two beside him, breathing evenly in their sleep.

Oui , focus on them, he told himself, and shut his eyes again. This is just a

nightmare. She’s not real. She’s not here. But as he rolled to his side,

Jacquelyn’s pale face and lifeless eyes were right there staring back at him.

“But I am, aren’t I? I am the guilt inside your head.”

Julien’s mind screamed out in denial, and he brought his knees up to his

chest and covered his face with his hands. “You’re dead.”

“And whose fault is that?”

A shudder racked his body, and as tears escaped Julien’s eyes and rolled

down his cheeks, he whispered, “Mine…” and then prayed that guilt, sleep,

or whatever it was he deserved would finally come and claim him.

ROBBIE WOKE WHEN Julien shouted out and flinched on the mattress

beside him. He opened his eyes and blinked until he could make out Julien’s

form, and saw that he was lying on his side facing away. He was further than

he’d ever been before, and from the look of the sheet, Julien was curled in on

himself, as though protecting his body from someone or something.

A bad dream? Robbie thought. Or maybe…Jacquelyn? That was the

name he’d called out. Usually, Julien slept so well compared to Priest, and

Robbie wasn’t sure what he should do next. Leave or wake him?

He watched closely, looking for any more signs of distress. But when the

room remained silent, Robbie figured that whatever had startled Julien had

since passed, and he stretched a hand out across the space that was between

them.

When his fingers didn’t quite reach the sleeping man, Robbie’s heart

ached. He’d never felt more helpless than he did right then. Julien was

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suffering. Robbie could see that more and more with every hour that passed,

and he wished there was something he could do to help, to somehow ease his

pain. But all he could do was watch as Julien fought off whatever chased him

in his sleep, and that hurt more than Robbie knew it should. Realizing that he

didn’t know everything about Julien. That Robbie was unable to give Julien

what he really needed because he wasn’t aware of all of his secrets—yet.

Robbie sighed and turned to seek out the one he knew could help, but, of

course, Priest’s side of the bed was empty. He looked over to the bedroom

door where it was cracked, saw a sliver of light peeking through it, and gently

pushed the covers back.

As he swung his legs over the bed, Robbie reached for Priest’s robe and

shrugged into it. He then tiptoed across the room, and when he reached the

door, he glanced back one last time to check on Julien to see that his legs

were now stretched out and he appeared more relaxed than he had minutes

ago.

Satisfied that Julien seemed peaceful for now, Robbie opened the door

and walked through, closing it to a crack, just as Priest had done.

As he walked across the living room, Robbie spotted Priest in the kitchen

with his hands braced on the counter and his head angled down. He’d pulled

on his lounge pants but nothing more, and when Robbie walked around the

island and got close enough to touch, he placed a hand on Priest’s naked

back.

Robbie didn’t speak, but when Priest turned his head and they locked

eyes with one another, the worry in those steely depths was evident. Priest’s

concern for Julien was written all over his face, and Robbie had to wonder if

it matched his own.

“Hey.”

“Hello.” Priest ran his eyes down the robe, and his lips curved an inch.

“Are you okay?”

Robbie nodded and gestured over his shoulder to their bedroom. “Julien,

he…”

“I know. He’s restless tonight.”

“Yes,” Robbie said. “He, uh…he called out her name but then went back

to sleep.”

Priest slowly nodded and sighed before he reached up into a cabinet and

pulled a bottle of whiskey from it. Robbie leaned back against the counter

and watched as he poured two glasses, and then held one out.

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Robbie took it and downed it in one gulp. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Priest said, and did the same. After he placed the

glass on the counter, he frowned. “Things are going to get rough around here

over the next week or so.”

Robbie nodded and rubbed at his arms. “I figured. I hate this for him.

Hate seeing him suffer. Tonight he seemed happy to talk about her. You

don’t think I pushed him too hard, do you?”

“No.” Priest's voice was more solemn than ever, which told Robbie just

how serious this was. “He enjoyed talking about her with you, I could tell.

But it’s stirred up some of the more painful memories too. I know it’s hard to

see him like this, and it’s only going to get worse, but it’s his process.”

“Process?”

“Yes. It’s how he’s able to function the rest of the time.” Priest rubbed a

hand over his forehead, and then walked around the island to go and look out

the balcony doors. “This is the one time of the year that he really allows

himself to feel what happened. To remember and acknowledge it. The rest of

the time, he is very good at compartmentalizing. Locking it away.”

Robbie wanted to ask Priest what exactly had happened to Jacquelyn, but

knew that, like Julien had once said about Priest, Julien’s story was for him to

tell, and Robbie just had to be there when he was ready to tell it.

“I’m worried about him,” Robbie said, and walked over to stand beside

Priest. The twinkling lights of the city were beautiful, and while you could

see the cars below, not a sound could be heard, making the night a peaceful

one. “I wish there was something I could do to help him.”

Priest turned and put his hands on Robbie’s shoulders. “There is. He’s

going to drive himself into the ground this week to drown out everything

else. He has that interview with the Culinary Institute, and the restaurant to

organize for opening night. He will use all of that to get him through to next

weekend, and we just have to let him go. Let him do it his way and be there

when he stops, when he finally looks for someone to lean on. Trust me,

you’re doing something by just being here. By being willing to come with us

and help me get him through next week.”

Robbie bit down on his lip. “I guess.”

“It’s true. Now go back to bed and sleep. That’s the other way you help

him. You give him someone to hold on to when he needs it.”

“So do you.”

Priest dropped his hands by his sides. “Do you forget where you found

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me tonight?”

“No, but… Okay, then. What do you give him?” Robbie asked,

wondering if Priest would respond. But he should’ve known better.

Transparency was the key to Julien and Priest, and to the relationship being

nurtured between the three of them.

You want to know something, ask. Robbie couldn’t remember how many

times they’d both told him that.

“I give him someone who understands that life is anything but fair, and

someone who loves him regardless of his past. Perhaps even because of it.

Because that is what made him the man he is today.”

Priest brushed a kiss across Robbie’s forehead, and the move was so

sweet, and so unlike him, that it made a shiver race up Robbie’s spine.

“We all have a role here, Robert. No one’s is greater or more important

than the other. It’s just different. That’s why we work, and will continue to

work, if we’re honest with one another. Now go and sleep.”

“And what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to sit in there and watch over the two of you.”

Robbie’s heart practically skipped a beat at that response, as he walked

toward the bedroom with Priest by his side. “You know, Julien told me

something today that I don’t believe. Not for a second.”

“And what’s that?”

“That you hated him the second time you met. The night he asked you out

on a date. But that’s not true, is it?”

Priest came to a halt in the bedroom doorway. “No, it’s not.”

Robbie nodded and looked over at the bed, where Julien now lay on his

side with the sheets pulled up around him.

“I wanted him from the second he turned around and told me that he was

stealing my car. Much like I wanted you that day in the elevator.”

Robbie’s head whipped around, and he saw the serious expression on

Priest’s face. Priest meant exactly what he’d said.

“It was instant, and powerful. And that’s how I knew it was right.”

“I…uh,” Robbie said, and then forced a gulp of air down his throat. “I

never know what to say when you talk to me like that.”

“I know,” Priest said. “Get in bed, princess. Get some sleep. And when

you do think of something you want to say, feel free to tell me—anytime. I

promise you, I’ll always want to hear it.”

Robbie’s cheeks flushed as he brushed by Priest to go and climb in the

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side of the bed where he wouldn’t disturb Julien. As he scooted in closer,

Robbie wound an arm around Julien’s waist, and Julien immediately took

hold of his hand.

Robbie then raised his eyes to find Priest exactly where he said he’d be—

sitting in a chair watching over the two of them—and as he drifted off again,

Robbie wondered if he’d ever be brave enough to tell both of these men just

how hard he was falling for them.

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CHAPTER NINE

CONFESSION

Knowing when to let someone go

is one of the hardest things to do.

Ask anyone who’s had to.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Priest was up and ready for work by seven

thirty, and was surprised to find Julien dressed and heading out the door for a

run. He assured Priest that he was fine, but Julien wasn’t fooling anyone.

Something or some one was chasing him this morning, and if Priest had to

guess, it was a ghost with long, dark hair.

With time now getting away from him, Priest headed into the bedroom to

check on Robbie before he left for the day. Last night had been a lot to take

in, and if Robbie was uncomfortable in any way, then Priest wanted to know

about it.

As he pushed open the door, he found Robbie naked and sprawled across

the middle of their mattress with the sheet kicked off and his face nestled into

the pillows.

He was quite the sight, their princess. One that Priest took a moment to

admire as he walked closer and said, “Robert?” before gently shaking

Robbie’s shoulder.

The sound of his voice must’ve slipped into Robbie’s subconscious,

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because those longs legs shifted and made Priest want to crawl between them

and kiss his way up Robbie’s spine.

As Robbie’s eyes opened and focused on him, the picture he made had

Priest’s cock throbbing. His hair was mussed, his eyes still sleepy, and when

Robbie ran them down Priest’s suit, a beautiful morning blush bloomed on

his cheeks.

“Good morning,” Priest said. “You seem to have slept well once you got

back into bed last night.”

Robbie rolled to his back, no longer self-conscious about his nudity as he

stretched under Priest’s admiring gaze. “I did. I think it was the nightcap. I

feel ah-mazing.”

Priest let his eyes sweep over Robbie to where his morning erection was

proclaiming his words to be true. “You look amazing, too. You’re making it

difficult to want to leave this morning.”

“Then don’t,” Robbie said, his shyness from the night before having

faded as he wrapped a hand around his stiffening length. “Take off that suit

and get back in bed with me. Surely a few more minutes couldn’t hurt? You

know you want to…”

Priest’s nostrils flared at the arousal he could smell coming from the flirt

doing everything in his power to seduce him. “I do want to. But if I get back

in that bed with you I’m going to be hours late, not minutes, and I have court

today. I actually woke you for a reason. To make sure you’re okay this

morning.”

“Don’t I look okay?” Robbie asked, batting his lashes.

“Robert, you look—”

“Too hard to resist?” Robbie suggested, as he widened his legs and

offered up an adorable pout. “I sure hope so.”

Priest rubbed his fingers over his chin and tried to squash the lust now

clawing at him like a beast—not an easy feat when Robbie seemed

determined to drive him out of his mind.

“Julien went for a run this morning and wasn’t sure if you were heading

out anywhere before work. He wanted me to let you know that for opening

night he has two tables set aside for you.”

“Oh, that’s nice,” Robbie said. “I get to invite some people to show off

for. I can do that. I’m really very good at it. In fact, I’m showing off right

now. Come back to bed, Joel.”

Priest shook his head. “No. And you better not ever show off like this for

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anyone other than the two people who share this bed with you. Now, I have

to go. So you can stop looking at me like that. I don’t have time for what you

want.”

“What about what you want?” Robbie then lowered his eyes to the

erection Priest had no hope of hiding. “You didn’t sleep much last night. Let

me relax you before you go to work. You’ll concentrate better.”

“What you have in mind is hardly relaxing.”

“It will be, if I do all the work. All you have to do is stand there and

watch,” Robbie said. “Actually, that’s a lie. First, you have to take off that

jacket and give it to me, then unzip your pants, and then you just have to

stand there and watch. It’ll only take a few minutes after that. Promise.”

Intrigued, and intensely aroused at this stage, Priest lowered his gaze to

the hand Robbie was using to leisurely stroke his erection, and then started to

unbutton his suit jacket.

“Yesss,” Robbie said as soon as he realized he’d won. “Shit. You’re so

hot in that suit.”

Priest smirked, and once his jacket was undone, he shrugged out of it and

tossed it over to Robbie, whose hips arched up off the bed as he brought it up

to his nose, inhaled, and began to pump his dick harder.

“Oh God. It smells just like you.”

Priest’s cock throbbed as Robbie’s hand moved faster and he rolled to his

side. He buried his nose in the stiff collar and shifted onto his stomach, and

his ass cheeks clenched as he rubbed himself against the sheets. Robbie then

dragged the jacket down his body, and his hips began to move as he started to

fuck the expensive material and the mattress underneath him.

“Jesus Christ, you’re a naughty fucking thing.” Priest growled and

reached down to unbuckle his belt and unzip his pants, their conversation

from yesterday rushing back to him in full force.

Shoving his clothing off his hips, Priest wrapped his fingers around his

aching dick as Robbie’s tight little ass thrust up and down on the bed and he

continued to get himself off.

A moan left Robbie as he writhed around in their bed, and when Priest

put a knee on the mattress and it dipped, making Robbie’s body shift in his

direction, that only seemed to spur him on.

Robbie nuzzled his face into the pillow, biting down on it as he brought

his knees up slightly and angled his ass toward Priest, and it was one of the

sexiest things Priest had ever seen.

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Robbie’s body was flawless, his skin creamy and smooth. And it made

Priest want to bend down and lick him all over, but fuck, he didn’t have time.

And as Robbie’s soft whimpers turned to groans of ecstasy, Priest spat in his

palm and stroked himself harder, wishing he could get inside that hot body

and give Robbie exactly what he was asking for.

“Fucking hell, princess,” Priest said, and Robbie turned his head on the

pillow to face him, moved up on his hands and knees, and then did a slow,

sensual body roll, dragging his dick across Priest’s jacket.

“Wishing you were in the bed with me now, aren’t you?” the cocky little

minx teased as he began to hump the surface beneath him, and Priest

clenched his teeth.

“No,” Priest said, and then he shifted to plant a hand by Robbie’s head

and whisper in his ear, “But I sure as fuck wish I was in that pretty pink hole

you keep flashing my way.”

“Oh shit,” Robbie said when Priest then bit his ear, and a sound of total

fucking satisfaction ripped from his throat.

It was one of the most erotic sounds Priest had ever heard, and when

Robbie’s body tensed and jerked up close to where Priest was feverishly

stroking his cock, that was it—Priest came all over Robbie’s smooth skin

with a thunderous roar, and he’d be damned if he didn’t like seeing his cum

all over that tight ass.

A few seconds later, Priest muttered, “Troublemaker,” and as Robbie

rolled to his back with his eyes closed and a relaxed expression on his face, it

was more than obvious that he’d just come all over Priest’s jacket.

“Happy now?” Priest asked the rascal who had a blissful expression on

his face.

Robbie’s eyes opened and he nodded. “Mhmm. I feel like I’m floating on

a big, fluffy cloud. What about you?”

“I feel…relaxed,” Priest deadpanned.

Robbie chuckled, sounding one hundred percent pleased. “Told you so.”

Priest leaned down to kiss Robbie’s smiling lips, and then he picked up

his jacket, which lay crumpled across Robbie’s lap.

Robbie turned his head on the pillow and winked. “Sorry about your

jacket,” he said, looking anything but. “You did say I could roll around naked

on one if I asked. And I did ask.”

“So you did, and I’m not sorry at all. You just made this jacket the only

thing I’ll be able to think about today,” Priest said, as he raised it to his nose

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and inhaled. “Even if I can’t wear it.”

Priest then walked into the closet, hung it on a hanger, and placed it

beside all of Robbie’s other coats.

When he turned and found Robbie’s eyes focused on him, Priest said,

“This now belongs to you. After you wash it, let me know and I’ll be sure to

wear it again so it smells like me. Then you can fuck it at your leisure.”

Robbie’s lips parted in shock, and Priest wondered if he was more

scandalized or turned on by the thought as he squirmed around in their bed.

“And what about you?” Robbie asked, his voice breathless and sexy. “Do

you want something of mine?”

Priest took a clean jacket from the closet and then walked out and stopped

at the foot of the bed. He ran his eyes up Robbie’s naked legs to his spent

cock and balls and gave him an arrogant look.

“No. I already have you to fuck at my leisure. Seems like a good trade-off

to me.” Robbie licked his swollen lips, and Priest made himself walk to the

bedroom door. It was either that or end up in that bed, inside that man, and

now he really didn’t have time. “One last thing: I don’t know how long

Julien’s going to be out, but tread carefully there. He’s dealing this morning.

He’s all up in his head.”

Robbie nodded, and Priest couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt at

leaving him and Julien today, but with a final look over his shoulder, he said,

“Have a good day, Robert,” and walked out the door.

AFTER PRIEST LEFT, Robbie spent a little extra time in the shower

replaying what had just happened, and when he feared the hot water might

run out, he decided it would probably be a good idea to get out and get

dressed.

He quickly made the bed and wondered whether Julien was home yet, and

when he stepped out of their room in search of breakfast and coffee, he was

greeted by the sun now spilling in through the open curtains and a sight that

brought him to a dead stop with his mouth hanging open.

There, in the center of the room where the coffee table usually sat, was

Julien. He was standing, Robbie supposed, but he was bent completely in half

so that his nose was touching his shins, his arms were wrapped around his

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ankles, and his eyes were closed.

Shit. I can barely touch my toes, Robbie thought. At least, he thought he’d

thought it, until Julien’s head turned his way and their eyes collided.

“Oh, sorry,” Robbie muttered, as Julien moved back up to a proper

standing position. “I didn’t mean for you to stop. I didn’t mean for you to

hear me at all.”

“It’s okay, princesse. I was done anyway.”

Robbie walked over to him, his eyes moving up and down Julien’s fit

form, and then he blurted out the first thing that came to mind: “Just how

flexible are you? You were practically kissing the floor just then.”

Julien grabbed the gym towel that was hanging over the back of one of

the barstools and ran it over his face. “Well, it’s probably easier to show you

than to tell you.”

Robbie’s eyes widened and he nodded eagerly, remembering what Priest

had said about Julien and yoga: “It’s very…erotic to watch. I recommend it.”

Then he took a seat on the couch, crossing his legs under himself as Julien

moved back to the center of the mat.

Without a word, Julien bent back in half to the position he’d been in a

minute ago, but then he slowly raised his left leg to a 180-degree angle, his

toes pointing up to the ceiling.

“Holy fucking shit,” Robbie said, his eyes widening as Julien’s pants

stretched over his perfect ass. He then uncrossed his legs and got to his feet,

walking closer to Julien, unbelieving of what he was seeing. “That pose is…”

Julien turned his head and aimed his eyes up at Robbie, who opened his

mouth to speak, but instead angled his head to get a better look, his words

escaping him.

Julien then brought his leg back down and straightened. “It’s a standing

split,” he explained.

“It’s fucking fantasy inspiring, is what it is. I feel as though I’m suddenly

going to become a morning person if I get to watch that.”

Julien nodded but said nothing as he crouched down to roll up the yoga

mat and then took it over to a basket that sat in the far corner of the room. He

was quieter than usual this morning, just as Priest had warned, and for the

first time since he’d met Julien, Robbie could feel the tension rolling off him.

“So…” Robbie said, thinking that if he talked, maybe he could help clear

Julien’s mind a little. “Priest told me about the opening and maybe inviting

some friends along. Are you sure about that? I don’t need two tables. One

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would be fine.”

“Non. I allocated two,” Julien said, and then headed to the kitchen.

“Unless you think you can only fill the one?”

“Are you kidding?” Robbie said, and took a spot on one of the barstools.

“Everyone I know is going to be fighting for these spots.”

“Bien. Then two it is.” Julien went about filling a glass of water and

gulping it down, and then he got himself a second.

“And they each seat four, yes?”

“Oui.”

“Okay,” Robbie said, and tapped his fingers on the counter. He wanted to

keep Julien talking for a bit to see if he was in the mood to share about the

dream he’d had last night. But at the same time, Robbie didn’t want to push

too hard and too fast and seem nosey.

Luckily, Julien decided to speak up first. “I also want to talk to you about

next weekend. If that’s okay?”

“Of course,” Robbie said.

“Would you like a coffee first?” Julien asked. “Priest left some in the

pot.”

“Oh, sure, let me grab one.” Robbie jumped down off his stool and came

around to the cabinet he’d seen Priest get his mugs out of. Once he’d filled

one, he went to walk back to his seat, but Julien stopped him with a hand on

his arm.

“You take cream and sugar in yours, right?”

“Oui, merci,” Robbie said automatically, and Julien’s eyes crinkled at the

sides, a smile tipping the corners of his lips for the first time that morning.

“You’re good at picking up languages. Not everyone has an ear for it.”

“Well, you say certain things all the time, so they’re easy enough to

remember. The phrases? They’re a little harder.”

“Still, some people never feel comfortable with a new language rolling

off their tongue.”

Robbie pressed a kiss to Julien’s cheek and said, “I told you, I like French

things in my mouth.”

Julien chuckled softly and nodded. “So you did.”

“Yep. So, okay,” Robbie said, and got serious as he walked back to take

his seat. “What do we need to talk about?”

“Right. You work tonight, don’t you?” Julien took an apple from the fruit

basket by the coffee machine, washed it, and then came back over to the

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island.

“Oui, I do,” Robbie said with a grin.

“Okay, I just wanted to let you know the dates and times for next week so

you could talk to your boss and make sure it’s not going to be a problem.”

Robbie reached across the counter for Julien’s hand and squeezed it. “It’ll

be fine. Tate’s an awesome boss, and as long as I can get someone to cover

for me, or move things around, he won’t care.”

“Tate is…Logan’s husband?”

“Yeah,” Robbie said, and laughed a little. “That sounds so strange. But

yes, he is. And I haven’t seen him since they got back from their

honeymoon.”

Julien frowned, and Robbie cocked his head to the side. “Jules? Is

something wrong?”

“Non. Non. I was just thinking it would be better if I wasn’t the reason

you had to change your schedule on his first day back.”

“Trust me, Tate won’t care. He’s…how do I say this? He’s a good guy.”

Robbie shook his head. “That sounds really simple and kind of lame. But I

mean it in a much broader sense than it sounds. He cares. He’s all about

family and looking after those he loves. It’s what makes him impossible to

hate. Ugh, trust me, I tried.”

“You talk highly of him,” Julien said. “You respect him.”

“I do,” Robbie said, a little stunned by the admission. “I gave him a lot of

shit when we first met, and he had every reason to be an asshole when I ran

into them years later. But he wasn’t. He was really nice. I mean, he gave me a

job, for God’s sake, trusted me to run The Popped Cherry, and he’s just a

really cool guy.”

Julien nodded. “As long as you’re sure you won’t get in trouble. I don’t

want that.”

“I won’t. I promise. As soon as I tell him it’s important, he’ll let me go.”

“No questions asked?” Julien said, clearly not thrilled at the idea of his

personal life being discussed with someone he didn’t know. But he had

nothing to worry about. Robbie would never do that.

“No questions asked.”

Julien stared down at their hands and then widened his fingers so

Robbie’s slipped between his, then he sighed. “Okay. The flight to L.A. is

booked for Friday night. We should arrive around nine thirty, then we’ll head

to my parents’ house.”

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“Wait,” Robbie said. “Your parents’ house? Will they be there?”

“Unfortunately,” Julien said as he rubbed a hand over his brow as though

his head were aching, which it probably was.

“But…how are you going to explain— I mean, you’re married. I assume

they know Priest?”

“Oui, they know Priest,” Julien said, and his lips twisted into a grimace.

“Then aren’t they going to wonder who I am?”

Julien took a deep breath and let go of Robbie’s hand. He started pacing

back and forth, his anxiety starting to fester to a point where he could no

longer hide it. Then, finally, he stopped and looked back at Robbie, who was

watching him closely.

“Non,” Julien said, his voice colder than Robbie had ever heard it before.

“My parents stopped caring about my life the day that Jacquelyn died. They

don’t care that I’m married. They don’t care that I’m one of the top chefs in

the world. And they wouldn’t care if I brought home ten men and had sex

with them out in the cabana by the pool, because to them, I don’t exist. And

that’s the way they like it.”

Julien’s chest rose and fell with his agitation, and Robbie felt bad for

having asked his question.

“I’m sorry,” Robbie whispered.

“Don’t be.” Julien locked eyes with Robbie’s then, and they were flat—

devoid of any emotion. And that look? It both frightened and saddened

Robbie. “I deserve it.”

Robbie shook his head, wanting to say more, but had no idea what. Not

that it mattered anyway, since Julien seemed done with the conversation.

As he walked off to the bedroom, his apple now forgotten on the counter,

Robbie resisted the urge to call out to him. He wanted Julien to stop, to

explain what had happened all those years ago so he could help him through

it now. But his frustration, it was a selfish one, and Robbie remembered

Priest’s words from the night before and repeated them on a loop in his head:

Let him go. Let him do it his way and be there when he stops, when he finally

looks for someone to lean on.

So that was what Robbie did. He let Julien go. He sat there at that counter

and ate his breakfast in silence, and it was one of the most difficult things

he’d ever done in his life.

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CHAPTER TEN

CONFESSION

Familiar faces and familiar places

can be both a blessing and a curse at times.

MOST DAYS, PRIEST loved his job. It kept him busy enough that he had no

time to think of anything else unless he ordered himself to. But today, he

resented it. He hated that it had dragged him away from his men, when all

he’d wanted was to spend it close by and make sure they were okay.

He was working off the assumption right now that they were, since he

hadn’t heard from either one of them. But that still didn’t make him feel any

better, because while Robbie had been in a good mood when he’d left, Priest

knew what he would’ve encountered with Julien afterward, and that was

going to be a new one for Mr. Bianchi. Julien was hard enough for Priest to

recognize when he got like this, but for Robbie? It was going to be eye-

opening over the next two weeks, that was for sure.

We did warn him, Priest told himself, as he entered his office and headed

straight to his desk. But that still didn’t take away the niggling feeling he’d

had all day that they’d somehow misled Robbie by not disclosing how fucked

up they were before he’d become involved with them—but it was too late

now.

All day he’d been tied up in court, and each time he’d emerged, Priest

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had expected to see a text saying that this new relationship of theirs was over

and that Robbie was moving out.

But again, there were no missed calls and no texts. So maybe he’d

underestimated Robbie. It wouldn’t be the first time. Robert Bianchi was

surprising him at every turn. Including his little impromptu performance this

morning. That, and the entire exchange yesterday in the closet after work, had

been on Priest’s mind today.

Who would’ve thought it? Their princess loved to serve.

And seeing Robbie so at home in the kitchen with Julien last night, and

then having Robbie undress him at Robbie’s own request? It was more than

either of them could’ve ever hoped for, and Priest was becoming more and

more beguiled by Robbie the more he was around.

Priest glanced at the clock to see it was just closing in on four, and

realized all he’d managed to grab today was a quick cup of coffee down at

the courthouse—he was starving.

Placing his briefcase down, he pulled out his chair and took a seat. On his

desk was a pile of envelopes and a small, rectangular box waiting to be

opened, and Priest knew exactly what it was without even picking it up—his

new cell phone.

He removed his old one from his pocket and quickly scrolled through

several missed calls, emails, and texts—none of which were from Julien or

Robbie—and once he’d decided they were issues that could wait an hour or

so, he reached for the box and began opening the packaging.

Fucking Jimmy, Priest thought, as he tore into the plastic to get to the box

beneath. He’s the gift that just keeps on fucking giving.

Once he had the box open and the new phone in hand, he grabbed the

cord and plugged it all in. He’d have to call for the new number when he was

ready to switch, but that shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

He placed the phone on his desk to let it charge, and then powered up his

laptop, and once it was up and online, he typed in a search he hadn’t allowed

himself to look at in years. As the results appeared, Priest scanned the titles

flooding his page and felt sick to his stomach. God, this was the last thing

they needed to be dealing with right now.

He stared at page after page of Jimmy’s transgressions as though he were

looking down the barrel of a gun, and he couldn’t help but wonder who, and

what, was going to be responsible for pulling the trigger.

He scrolled down the first page, past the articles detailing Jimmy’s arrest,

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trial, and incarceration, until he reached the reasons why all that had

happened. It was four stories down on the first page: Notorious underboss

and killer of 19 confesses his crimes.

What a lovely way to phrase it, Priest thought, as he shut his eyes and

brought his hands up to his face to press his fingers to his forehead. It was

times like this—the quiet times—that he loathed more than anything else

because that was when his mind went there. To the places no man should

ever go.

New Orleans.

The heat. The humidity.

The broken-down shack by the bayou.

And the blood.

All. That. Blood.

Stop, Priest ordered himself as he opened his eyes and hit print on the

article. Fucking stop. But even as he tried to shove the memories back into

the cracks they’d crawled out of like roaches, he could hear his father’s voice

in his head as though he was standing right in front of him: “Boy, there’s

only two things in life that you should fear—me and God. And no matter how

far you run or how well you hide, we’ll always find you, and when we do, you

better hope one of us is in a forgivin’ kind of mood.”

“Priest?” Logan’s voice, and knock on his door, was like a whip cracking

with the way it made Priest jerk in his chair. “You in here?”

Priest looked over to where Logan now filled the doorway and didn’t

miss the flash of confusion that crossed his face.

“Hey?” Logan said as he wandered in. “You okay?”

Priest sat forward in his chair and clasped his hands on the desk to keep

from balling them into fists. Keep it cool, he told himself. Don’t act fucking

weird. Mitchell is too smart not to notice.

“Yes,” Priest said, as Logan came to a stop opposite him and looked

down at the new phone charging on his desk. “Everything’s fine. Is there

something I can help you with?”

Logan brought his eyes back up to meet Priest’s. “No. I was actually

coming to let you know that Judge Walsh cancelled his docket for tomorrow.

Something about food poisoning? You’ll be emailed your new date and time

for the Bateman hearing.”

“Okay,” Priest said, and when Logan just stood there, he added, “Was

there something else?”

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“New phone?”

Priest looked down at the packaging on his desk. “Yes. I’ll get you my

new number as soon as I have it.”

“Okay.” Logan’s eyes then shifted to the article now sitting on the printer,

and he walked over and picked it up to hand to Priest. “This is an interesting

case to be reading about. Are you taking on a crime boss that I don’t know

about?”

Priest reached for the paper and placed it on the desk facedown. “No. I

just find it…fascinating.”

“That it is,” Logan said as he unbuttoned his jacket and took a seat, and

Priest had to fight every instinct he had not to ask him to get the hell out. “I

remember going over his trial in law school.”

Shit. That was the last thing Priest wanted to hear, and most definitely the

last thing he wanted to talk about. After all, it wasn’t like he could say, I

remember living it.

When Priest remained tight-lipped and offered up nothing in way of a

verbal or physical response, Logan frowned and said the one thing that Priest

had hoped he wouldn’t.

“Didn’t he have kids? Hell, I can’t remember all the details now, but I’m

positive he had kids. What a waste of a human being. To go out and do his

hits, and then come home for fucking dinner like everything was normal.”

Logan shook his head. “I swear, some people shouldn’t be locked up, they

should just be put down. He’s one of those people.”

“Agreed,” Priest finally said, his eyes pinned firmly on Logan, searching

for any lights going off or any kind of recognition happening, but all he saw

was agreement as Logan nodded. Because the one thing that the entire world

and Priest agreed on was that his father was a monster.

“So why are you reading about the gruesome underworld of New

Orleans? Bored? Robbie not enough to keep you busy?”

“Not bored, no,” Priest said, and racked his brain for a feasible reason to

be checking out Jimmy’s old files. Then, picking up on Logan’s original

inquiry, he said, “This case was what made me want to go into criminal law. I

saw a documentary on it recently and wanted to take another look at it.” That

wasn’t a complete lie. Jimmy was the reason he’d dedicated his life to putting

the bad guys away, just not for the reasons Logan thought.

To be sure he steered them away from that particular topic, though, Priest

also picked up Logan’s other comment and ran with it. “As for Robert, he’s

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keeping Julien and me extremely busy. Especially now that he’s moved in.”

And it worked like a charm.

“Moved in?” Logan said, his eyebrows practically hitting his hairline, and

then he caught himself. “I, ah, didn’t know things were that serious.”

“They are,” Priest said, and he could tell by the tic in Logan’s jaw that his

two-word answer irritated the shit out of the other lawyer. But it wasn’t like

his avoidance of anything personal was something new, and his personal life

now involving Robbie didn’t mean that would change.

“That’s…” When Logan didn’t continue, Priest steepled his hands over

his chest and waited, letting Logan’s brain catch up on what he’d just found

out. “That’s great.”

Priest inclined his head. “It is. He’s settling in very well.”

“I’ve got to say, you have shocked the shit out of me twice now. And

that’s not easy.”

“I know,” Priest said.

“Proud of yourself?”

“I am, yes. Some might say it’s just as shocking that you, the confirmed

bachelor, wound up married.”

“Touché,” Logan said, and then chuckled. “Fate has it all worked out, I

suppose.”

“Maybe so.”

“And as long as Robbie’s happy—”

“He is.”

Logan snorted. “Awfully confident.”

“I am.”

“Right,” Logan said, and glanced at the papers on Priest’s desk. “Then I’ll

let you get back to your reading.”

“Appreciate it,” Priest said, but what he appreciated more than anything

else was Logan leaving and shutting the door behind him.

When he was certain he was alone, Priest picked up the article on his desk

and once again read the title. But his eyes kept coming back to: Killer of 19…

Killer of 19… And his heart started to race. As sweat broke out on his brow,

he crumpled the paper up into a ball and tossed it in the trash can behind him.

Fuck you, Jimmy, he thought, as he squeezed his eyes shut, more

determined than ever to banish his father from his mind.

Logan was right—some people should be put down, and the monster that

was Priest’s father was one of them. If he were smart, he’d go to the news

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and tell them what he knew and let someone else take care of it.

After all, Jimmy had never had any qualms about ending one’s life or

using Priest to do it in the past. How would him being the middle man now be

any different?

LATER THAT AFTERNOON, Robbie unlocked the back door of The

Popped Cherry and stepped inside the small foyer that connected the bar with

Logan and Tate’s loft above.

He glanced up the stairs and wondered if Logan would be heading there

tonight after his day at work, and couldn’t help but smile at the idea that he

was about to spend the afternoon working with Logan’s significant other,

while Logan was across town working with his—well, one of his, anyway.

Julien was downtown at his restaurant.

Robbie hadn’t done much of anything today after he’d made sure that

Julien was all right. But he had gotten in touch with his ma to see how his

nonna was doing. From everything she’d told him, it sounded as though

Nonna Cheryl was in high spirits but somewhat frustrated by her current

condition.

That sounded just like her. She’d always been such an independent,

strong-willed lady. It was one of the reasons Robbie had ended up the way he

was. All that feisty Italian blood running through their family’s veins, Robbie

knew, would help her hip’s recovery.

He’d also gone and done something that he was kind of—okay, really—

starting to regret. He’d invited his mother and sisters to the opening of

JULIEN. He wasn’t sure how exactly it had come up. But five minutes into

the conversation and he’d been talking about how much he missed Nonna’s

cooking, and then the words just started flying out of his mouth.

My new roommate is an amazing cook.

You might’ve heard of him, Julien Thornton? He’s famous.

He’s opening a new restaurant next month.

Would you like to come?

Kill. Me. Now, Robbie thought. On the plus side, he hadn’t blurted out the

fact that he was falling head over heels for Julien—and his husband.

With a sigh, he pushed open the door to The Popped Cherry and stepped

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inside. He scanned the empty high tops and booths, searching out his boss,

and when he didn’t immediately see him, Robbie turned in the direction of

the bar.

A full-on smile hit his lips when he spotted the familiar head of curls in

The Popped Cherry uniform, as Tate Morrison wrote something down on the

clipboard in front of him.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Mr. Morr—I’m sorry, Mr. Mitchell, ” Robbie

said, as he came up to the counter opposite Tate, who had now straightened

to his full height. “Oh, that’s weird. Right?”

Tate chuckled as leaned up against the bar and twirled the pen around his

fingers. “It’s weird, that’s for sure. But in a good way.”

“Duh,” Robbie said, and rolled his eyes. “Of course it’s in a good way.

You married Logan. How could that be bad?”

“True,” Tate said, and grinned, his teeth nice and bright against the extra-

tanned complexion he was currently sporting.

He had the same olive tone that Julien had, and that suddenly got Robbie

wondering if this was the same shade Julien’s skin would turn if they spent a

week or two on an island.

“But let’s not tell him that. His head’s big enough as it is.”

“Don’t I know it,” Robbie said, and unbuckled his coat. “Did he tell you

that I saw him the other day?” Tate was about to answer when Robbie paused

in shrugging out of one of his sleeves and said, “What am I talking about? Of

course he told you. But did he also tell you what a gigantic douche he was?”

Tate rubbed a hand over the dark stubble covering his chin and laughed.

“He didn’t quite put it like that. But he did mention you two had an

interesting chat.”

“Interesting my ass. He was a jerk.” Robbie shook his head and laid his

coat over the bar top as he took a seat on one of the stools. “I’ve never seen

him lose his brain quite that spectacularly.”

Tate shrugged. “Maybe you should take it as a compliment? Logan only

loses his brain if he cares.”

“Yeah, well, I worked that out afterward. But wow, I thought he was

going to punch Priest in the face.”

Tate crossed his arms over his chest and eyed Robbie with a look that

wasn’t judgmental in any way, more curious, and before he could speak,

Robbie said, “I know what you’re thinking.”

“I bet you don’t,” Tate said. “But before we get into that, do you want

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anything to drink?”

“I assume you mean something without alcohol in it?”

“Very funny.”

“Okay. A Coke? Oh, and while we’re chatting, do you think I’d be able to

swap my shift next weekend? I have to go out of town for something

important and I’m scheduled,” Robbie said, and kept his eye on Tate as he

moved around behind the bar, grabbed a glass with ice, and filled it with one

of the soda guns.

After he slid it across the counter, Robbie popped a straw in the fizzing

drink and took a sip. The sweet flavor hit his tongue and he swallowed it

down, and then he pushed the glass aside to look at Tate, who was now

standing silently, watching him.

“Yeah, we can switch your shifts. Maybe Bianca can pick it up, or Alex.

Is everything all right?”

“Yes. I mean, no. I’m all right, but someone I know isn’t, and, uh, I want

to be with them next weekend.”

Tate’s eyes narrowed on the word them, and Robbie wanted to kick

himself in the ass. Way to go, Bianchi, on shoving your foot in your mouth.

First asking about one person and then saying them. Ugh, I have to get better

at this. But just as Robbie suspected, Tate didn’t push for details.

Robbie twirled the straw around in his glass, making the ice clink against

the sides, and then let out an exasperated sigh. “Oh, whatever you’re

thinking, just say it. The silence is almost worse than Logan’s rant.”

Tate picked up the pen that he’d put down on the clipboard and clicked

the end of it. Once. Then twice. And then he said something that had Robbie

close to falling off his stool.

“I’m happy for you.”

Robbie was convinced his jaw must’ve hit the counter, because holy shit,

that was the last thing he’d expected to come out of Tate’s mouth.

Like, the very last.

“Wait…what?”

“I’m happy for you,” Tate said again, and this time his lips pulled into a

smug smile and he added, “I’m also happy for me. You’re finally obsessed

with someone other than Logan.”

Robbie poked his tongue out and automatically flipped Tate off, making

him laugh, and the booming sound reverberated off the walls as Tate’s grin lit

up the room.

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“Seriously, though,” Tate said, once he got himself under control, “I’m

really happy for you. Everyone knew that you had it bad for Priest and Julien,

and while I’m not into the whole…you know…”

“Three-way?” Robbie said drolly. “Yeah, I know.”

“Right,” Tate said. “I know you aren’t bothered by it. So, I’m happy for

you. It’s obvious you really care about them.”

Well, would you look at that, Robbie thought, as he sat there completely

and utterly dumbstruck. Who would’ve ever thought that Tate would be the

one to understand and offer a nonjudgmental point of view? Certainly not me.

“ Um, thanks?”

“Shocked?”

“‘Fucking floored’ is a more accurate term,” Robbie admitted. “Aren’t

you going to give me a lecture about how they’re married and blah blah

blah?”

“No.”

“That’s it?” Robbie said. “Just no?”

Tate shrugged and then slipped his hands into his pockets. “Do you want

me to give you a lecture?”

“Hell no.”

“Then I’m not going to. Look,” Tate said as he ran a hand through his

hair. “When I started dating Logan, everyone I knew had an opinion. And not

very nice ones. They all tried to convince me that what I was feeling was

wrong. Except for you.”

“That’s a little bit different,” Robbie pointed out, and Tate nodded.

“It is in some ways, but in others, not so much. Being gay was just as

horrifying to the people I knew as an open relationship or marriage might be

to others. But I soon learned that it doesn’t matter what others think. It

matters what you and the person—or people, in this case—that you’re

involved with think. Are you happy?”

Wow, Robbie thought, as he stared up at Tate and realized his face was

starting to blur. “Yes. I’m very happy.”

“And there’s no weird jealousy? Logan said you seemed pretty adamant

about that.”

Of course he did, Robbie thought, but nodded, finding it difficult to

speak.

“Then I’m happy for you. Simple as that. You deserve to be happy,

Robbie.”

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Well, shit. There was no way Robbie was going to be able to stop the

tears now, and as one escaped and fell down his cheek, he wiped it away and

fanned his face. “Oh my God. You are totally making me ruin my eyeliner.”

Tate reached for one of the napkins on the bar and handed it over, and as

Robbie dabbed at his cheeks, he said, “You know, it might’ve taken me a

while, but I can so see why Logan loves you.”

“Gee, thanks. But for the record, I don’t tend to make him cry.”

“No,” Robbie said, shaking his head. “Not that. You’re a good man, Tate

Mitchell. He told me that once.”

“Did he?”

Robbie took a sip of his drink and nodded. “The night you were training

me here, he said, ‘Tate’s a good guy. The best I’ve ever met. He’s fair and

honest, and if you ever fuck him over, you’ll have me to answer to.’” Tate’s

eyes widened, and Robbie chuckled. “Hey, you’re right. He does lose his

brain when he cares.”

“I guess he does.”

“But he’s right,” Robbie said as he hopped down off the stool. “I said the

same thing to Julien just this morning. You’re one of the good ones.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you missed me,” Tate said as Robbie

picked his coat up off the bar.

“Nah.” Robbie winked. “I’m just happy you gave me next weekend off.”

“Sure. But get your ass out the back and clock in. You don’t have tonight

off. Logan’s going to be in later, and I want to leave a little early.”

“Fine, fine,” Robbie said, and headed in under the bar pass. “Give me

five.”

“I’ll give you ten.”

“It’s good to have you back, boss,” Robbie said as he pushed through the

back door and heard Tate call out behind him, “It’s good to be back.”

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CHAPTER ELEVEN

CONFESSION

Keeping secrets is the only

way I’ve been able to stay free and…alive.

JULIEN PACED THE lobby of his restaurant as he waited for Gail Knight,

the reporter from the Culinary Institute, to arrive. He’d been running around

nonstop since he’d gotten there this morning, making sure the restaurant

looked its best for the photographers he knew would accompany Gail, and as

he took yet another look at his watch, he felt his blood pressure rise.

Five more minutes. Five more minutes and she’d be there, they’d do the

interview, and that would be the end of that. Then everything could go back

to normal. Well, as normal as things were right now.

Julien let out a deep breath, trying to center himself, and hoped like hell

his usual breathing exercises would help. But as he shut his eyes and

inhaled…then exhaled, he knew the likelihood that it would was slim to

none.

He was struggling right now, trying to keep his shit together for what was

about to happen. But that was easier said than done when your mind was

elsewhere, and his most certainly was.

All day, he had been on his staff. Barking orders, complaining about

everything he saw and tasted, and being more temperamental than usual, all

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under the guise of preparing for this afternoon’s spotlight. But he knew

better, and so, he suspected, did Lise.

He was running. Or, at least, he was trying to outrun the memories that

seemed to be inundating him whenever he stopped. Whenever he shut his

eyes. Whenever there was a second of silence. And he knew why—he’d let

her back in.

Julien swallowed around the lump in his throat and put a shaky hand up

on the wall. Breathe, he told himself. In and out. Breathe…

This right here was exactly what Julien had been worried would happen

when Robbie started asking questions about Jacquelyn. This crippling, soul-

crushing metamorphosis that overtook his body without any fucking say from

him.

He’d thought that maybe, just maybe, things would be different this time

around if he opened up about her in a positive light. That if he started out

with the good with Robbie, it would make things easier on them both when

he got to the bad—but no. Last night was proof of that, and if he had to work

himself to the bone to keep Jacquelyn’s lifeless image out of his head, then he

would grind that bone to dust.

Julien checked the time again, and saw it was right on five. Gail should

be there at any moment. Oui , think about that. Think about what you’re going

to say to her and what questions she might ask.

This was the part he’d thought would eventually get easier when he first

shot to stardom on Chef Master. The celebrity side of being on television, of

winning a competition that went on to launch his career. He’d thought that

the more he did interviews, the easier they would get, but non.

No matter how many he agreed to, written or televised, it never got any

easier to talk about himself and yet keep silent about one of the biggest parts

—his family. They were, and had always been, off-limits from the very

beginning. He’d made sure of it after the first win he had on Chef Master

with the infamous cheese soufflé.

That was the day he’d made sure his secrets would stay just that—a

secret.

“JULIEN.”

AS HIS name registered with him, Julien looked up from the white

ramekin sitting on the stainless-steel counter and stared over the heads of the

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other contestants to where Graham Boyd, the host of Chef Master , stood.

“If you could please bring your dish down to the front, I’d like to take a

closer look at it.”

Julien’s heart skipped a beat, and then it kicked into gear and made his

pulse race as he picked up the plate he’d displayed his meal on and carefully

walked with it up to the front of the stage.

His workspace was third from the back, and as he walked past the one in

front of him, he heard a fellow contestant—Brady Johnson—mutter

something.

Julien stopped and glanced over at the blond quarterback from Crosby,

Texas, who’d been nothing but a loudmouthed asshole from day one, and

wanted to tell him that if he had something to say then he should speak the

hell up.

But then Julien remembered why he was there, and the words a certain

lawyer had said to him a couple of months ago: “Find something you love, or

at least like better than yourself right now, and get your shit together. Once

you do that, then come see me, and I’ll give you exactly what you’re asking

for.” And Julien decided that Brady Johnson wasn’t worth him missing out on

the sinful promise that Priest had made.

When Julien got to the front of the stage, the cameramen moved all

around him and Graham, making sure they were in prime position for exactly

the right shot, and Julien put his plate down on the black tablecloth and took

a step back.

“Very nice, Julien,” Graham said as he reached out and turned it first to

the left and then the right. “You’ve kept it simple but stylish. I’m impressed.”

“ Je vous remercie ,” Julien said, his French automatically slipping off his

tongue, and Graham glanced up at him and smirked.

“Right, let’s see if it tastes as good as it looks.” Graham picked up a fork,

but before he sank it into the fluffy top of the soufflé, he paused, all dramatic,

and asked the question that would inadvertently land Julien—a quiet

contender on the show so far—on the radar of everyone in America. “And

who did you make your most ‘meaningful’ meal for tonight?”

As the words registered with him, Julien processed them and told himself

to just lie.

Just open your mouth and lie that it’s for your mom or some other bullshit

like that . But, of course, he wasn’t about making his life easier these days. In

fact, he didn’t care much about his life at all.

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“I’d rather not say.”

Graham raised his eyes from the golden top of what Julien knew was the

best soufflé this man had ever eaten, and pinned him with a disbelieving look.

“Excuse me?”

Julien clasped his hands behind his back and repeated, “I’d rather not

say.”

A loud snort came from behind him where the other eighteen chefs

waited, and Julien didn’t need to turn to know who it was—Brady, the

attention whore.

Graham straightened and lowered his arm, the soufflé still untouched.

“And what is your reasoning for that?”

Julien cleared his throat as one of the cameramen shifted to the left of

him, and he knew that asshole was now zooming in.

Breathe , he said to himself as he felt his chest tighten. You are not going

to pass out on fucking television .

And then, keeping his eyes on Graham, Julien said, “I’d rather not say.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Brady said from behind, and Julien curled his

hands into tight fists. “Of course the French guy is a pain in the ass.”

Let it go, Julien ordered himself, as he concentrated on staying upright.

Ignore him.

Graham narrowed his eyes on Julien, and then crossed his arms over his

burly chest. His bald head looked spit-polished shiny, and his chef’s jacket

barely made it across his impressive barrel chest as he stared Julien down.

Julien figured that Graham thought the intimidating stance would work,

but he was wrong. Julien didn’t give a fuck what happened to him. He was

doing this for one reason and one reason only, and he had fiery hair and a

much more intimidating scowl than this guy.

“Thornton,” Graham said, “I need something more than that.”

“Why?” Julien said. “The competition called for me to cook my most

meaningful meal, not share my whole sob story with a bunch of people I don’t

know. Here is my meal: cheese soufflé. The best fucking cheese soufflé you

will ever taste, when you decide to try it. If that’s not enough, then send me

the hell home.”

Julien knew the editing room would be going nuts with the bleeping out of

his words, but he wasn’t about to talk about shit he didn’t want to because it

would be good for ratings. No way. Fuck that.

“Can anyone say drama queen?” Brady said, and Julien finally turned

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his head to glare at the asshole mouthing off behind him.

Brady was a tool of epic proportions and threatened by anyone who knew

how to boil an egg. He’d been gunning for Julien since the auditions, and

Julien would be damned if he let the fucker provoke him into doing something

he didn’t want to—and talking about Jacquelyn was one of those things.

“Thinks he’s better than everyone else. Has since he got here,” Brady

said to their fellow contestants before looking back to him, and Julien cocked

his head to the side and ran his eyes up and down the jock—minus a cock.

“Better than you, that’s for sure.”

“Just say who the meal’s for already, Thornton. Quit all the dramatics.”

“How about none of your fucking business? That’s who it’s for.”

“Hey,” Graham shouted from opposite Julien, recapturing his attention.

“Last I recall, this is my show and you are here because you want to win

Chef Master . So is that still the case, or do you want to leave, Thornton?”

Julien’s jaw ticked as he glared across at the host—and one of the most

well-respected chefs in the world—and when he saw a flicker of compassion

in Graham’s eyes, Julien’s temper bubbled to the surface in full force.

Fuck that. There was no way he was going to be known as the charity

case on this show. That was not why he was there. He was there to prove

himself and get a goddamn date with Priest—to better hisfuckingself.

“That’s up to you, isn’t it?” Julien said. “But I’m not telling you shit

other than that soufflé will be the best thing you taste in here tonight. So take

it or leave it.” And without another word, Julien turned on his heel and

stormed away from Graham.

He needed to get out of there. He needed some fucking air. He didn’t give

a shit that Graham was calling out his name, and just before he shoved open

the doors to the exit, he heard Brady say, “Jesus. His name really does suit

him. Thorn ton. What a prick.”

Five seconds after that, Graham Boyd picked up his fork, sank it into the

fluffy soufflé, and Julien had been crowned the winner of that night’s

challenge by proxy.

After that, he was forever dubbed “the Prick,” a name much less sad and

pathetic than the man hidden inside the prickly exterior, and a name he found

he had no trouble living up to at all…

MERDE, THAT HADN’T been one of his most shining moments, that was

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for sure—kind of like this morning, when he went all pissy and standoffish

with Robbie. But it was the moment that had landed him on viewers’ radars

—and, more importantly, Priest’s. After that episode, he’d sought out his

surly lawyer, and in a rather spectacular moment of stupidity, thought it

would be a great idea to beg him for help.

Julien shook his head, remembering the night well. He had been a mess.

But Priest did help him. He wrote up a privacy clause that to this day was

ironclad, and still used, with any person Julien came into contact with.

No matter the interviewer, the topic, or the reason for it, it was

understood that he was never to be asked about his personal or private life.

His family, which now included Priest and Robbie, were off-limits.

The revolving door alerted Julien of Gail and her crew’s arrival, and as

the team from the magazine piled into his restaurant, Julien’s palms began to

sweat.

Dieu. Okay, I can do this. I’ve just got to keep it together a little longer.

Then it will be over and I can go home to my men.

A tall woman, made taller by a pair of cherry-red heels, came through the

door first. She wore a black pencil skirt and a blouse the same color as her

heels tucked in at a trim waist, and Julien smiled at Gail Knight.

She walked over to him with a sure stride that came from years in heels

that high, and the swing she added to her hips spoke volumes of her self-

confidence and knowledge of just how well her skirt showed off her

voluptuous curves. Her ebony hair was perfectly straight and sat an inch

above her shoulders, and her almond-shaped eyes added an exotic quality to

her stunning features. Gail Knight was gorgeous.

“Julien Thornton,” she said, and held her hand out to him.

Julien took it and lowered his mouth to brush a kiss to her knuckles.

“Bonjour Miss Knight.”

“Oh, that accent never gets old. It’s just divine,” she said with a little

laugh as Julien released her hand.

“Merci. I appreciate you coming out to JULIEN this afternoon.”

“Are you kidding? It’s our pleasure. We haven’t had such a high-profile

restaurant opening here in Chicago for years.”

Julien ushered Gail into the lounge area and toward one of the more

private booths where he thought they could do the interview, and then he’d

take the crew around for photos of the place afterward.

“I’m thrilled to be here. I love Chicago,” Julien said, as he waited for her

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to take a seat and then sat down opposite her. “Although, I must confess, I’m

excited for the warmer temperatures to arrive.”

Gail laughed, and the sound was almost musical as she let her eyes roam

around the space. “I understand that. Our winters can be harsh, and for

someone used to L.A. temperatures, it must be extra rough.”

“It’s been a learning curve, that’s for sure. But someone very wise told

me it’s all about layers, layers, and more layers.” Julien smiled at the thought

of Robbie that first night after CRUSH.

Oui, if he could just focus on things like that, things that made him happy,

then he just might be able to get through this without hyperventilating.

“This place is exquisite,” Gail said as her eyes finally came back to his. “I

understand all of your restaurants are different? So they aren’t themed in any

way.”

“The only theme, really, is the European feel to them, but beyond that,

non. Each restaurant is distinct and created to fit whatever vibe the building

it’s in makes me feel.”

Gail put her purse on the seat and pulled out a slim recorder to place on

the table. Julien’s eyes dropped to it, the ease he’d felt a few seconds ago

slipping through his fingers at the thought of anything he said, even by

accident, being on record in some form forever.

“Is this okay?” Gail said, gesturing to the recorder, and Julien licked his

lips and brought his eyes back to hers. He was worrying over nothing. Of

course it was okay. He’d done a hundred interviews and never once slipped

up. Now would be no different.

“It’s fine,” Julien said, and made himself smile as she slid it to the middle

of the table.

“Great. I find it helpful. My memory isn’t always accurate, and writing it

down I find I miss some of the best comments or pieces of information.”

“That makes sense,” Julien said, and as he sat back in his seat, Lise came

out with a carafe of chilled water. “Would you like something to drink?”

Gail looked at his manager and nodded. “Yes, thank you.”

Lise turned over Gail’s glass and filled it, and then did the same to him,

and before she walked off, she mouthed, You okay? To which Julien inclined

his head and said thank you, letting her know that, right now, he was.

“Are you ready to get started?” Gail asked. “I thought we could get the

interview out of the way and then I’ll take a look around.”

“Oui, that’s what I’d thought too.”

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“Fantastic. Then let’s begin.”

For the next thirty or so minutes, Gail asked him all the standard

questions.

What made him pick Chicago as the third JULIEN location? This was

easily answered simply but vaguely: “I wanted a change and decided to move

out here. It was a no-brainer to open a new JULIEN location when I realized I

would be staying.”

Was he now going to be permanently based out of Chicago as opposed to

L.A., where his career took off?

Again, simple enough.

“Yes. I don’t really enjoy flying, so for the time being, I have an

extremely talented gentleman, Louis, as my executive chef, who is more than

capable of running the show for me back in L.A.”

Did he attribute his restaurants’ successes to his fame or the quality of the

meals served there? Okay, this one took every PR lesson he’d ever been

given back in the day to bite his tongue because…how insulting.

Nonetheless, he wasn’t the same man he’d been years ago when he blurted

out whatever he wanted, and he wouldn’t do that tonight.

“I believe the restaurants each speak for themselves. The food is superb

and our chefs cook nothing but the absolute best in refined European cuisine.

We have a world-class cellar in each of our locations, and you won’t find

more gracious hospitality than that of the staff at any of the JULIEN

locations.”

“If they’re anything like the owner, I believe you,” Gail said, sending a

winning smile his way.

Flirting wasn’t going to work with him, though, not when she’d just

implied his restaurants were mainly popular due to his celebrity status. Julien

ground his teeth together. “Merci.”

“I have to confess,” Gail went on, “that French accent makes it very

difficult to concentrate whenever it slips through. I know I’m not the only

one who thinks so, either. It would be remiss of me not to talk to you about

your run on Chef Master, where you gained a rather large following. And if

I’m not mistaken, ninety percent of those were females, were they not?”

“I’m not exactly sure,” Julien said, and made sure to add a smile, even

though he really couldn’t have cared less, considering he would’ve preferred

his following to be one hundred percent male.

“Well, if I’m honest, I can certainly see why. Not only are you a world-

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class chef who has trained all around the globe with some of the greats,

you’re also handsome, smart, and have a delicious accent.”

Julien shifted on his seat a little, feeling more uncomfortable with this

line of questioning than he had the ones regarding the restaurant. Whenever

reporters started in on his time on Chef Master, and consequently his status as

a sex symbol, things usually turned personal. They wanted to know things

like: was he single? Or they inevitably brought up—

“Your family. Let’s talk about them for a minute,” Gail said, and Julien

felt his stomach drop to his feet. What was she doing? She’d been sent the

privacy agreement. She knew the rules. Why was she bringing this up? But

even as he sat there mute, Gail just kept right on talking. “They must be very

proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished since that first episode, which

aired, what is it, nearly eight years ago?”

Julien looked across the table at Gail and swore he could’ve counted each

of her eyelashes, he was staring at her so hard, and when he still didn’t

answer, she tried a different tactic.

“What about siblings?” Gail asked when it became clear he wasn’t going

to answer, or was incapable of answering her—because right now, Julien felt

as though his throat was closing in on itself. “Are you an only child? Or do

you have brothers and sisters you show off to or compete with? I’m notorious

for rubbing my accomplishments in my brother’s face.”

And that was it. That was all Julien could take.

“Stop talking,” he said in a voice that was barely audible, but Gail? She

must’ve sensed she’d crossed a line or trodden on a landmine, because she

zipped her lips quick. “This interview, it’s over.”

“Excuse me?” Gail said, but Julien was already sliding out of his seat and

gripping the edge of the table as he got to his feet.

Once he was upright, he made sure to hold on to the back of the booth

because his knees felt as though they were about to give out on him at any

moment. “The interview. I’m canceling it. You can leave now.”

Julien knew he was being unbearably rude, but he didn’t give a fuck. He

needed her to get out before he totally lost it and passed out at her feet, which

he was in real danger of doing.

“But,” she said as she slid out of the booth and stood, “we’re not

finished.”

“Oui,” Julien said. “We are. You can leave the way you came. If you

have any further questions, you can contact Lise via our email. Goodbye.”

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Before Gail could think of anything else to say, Julien turned and walked

out of the lounge and down the hall to the kitchen, where he shoved through

the stainless-steel doors and braced his hands on the counter in front of him.

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

That was not how that was supposed to go today. Bad press was the last

thing he needed weeks out from an opening, but as he stood there in the

kitchen, Julien felt his legs give out and stumbled back to the wall.

As he slid down it, his ass hit the cold tile, and he raised his knees and

lowered his head down between them.

Broken. He was so fucking broken. His entire body was shaking

uncontrollably, and as he sat there in the silence of the kitchen, all he could

hear in his head was Gail’s words: They must be very proud of you. What

about siblings?

Julien shut his eyes and tried to concentrate on his breathing, and by the

time he got himself under control, he had no clue how much time had passed.

It could’ve been minutes. It could’ve been hours. And with an unsteady hand,

he reached in his pocket for his cell phone and called the one person he knew

would take him away from all of this. Who would help him escape his own

damn self.

“Julien?” Priest said by way of greeting, and since Julien couldn’t seem to

find his voice to speak he just sat there. “Julien? Where are you? The

restaurant?”

Julien shut his eyes and focused on Priest’s voice. Focused on an image

of his face and then…Robbie’s. If he could just get out of there, be

somewhere else for a while, somewhere where he could stop thinking about

every fucked-up thing for just one damn minute and maybe focus on the

good, then maybe, just maybe, he could get through the night without having

another attack. “Oui.”

“I’m coming for you. Don’t move.”

“Non, mon a—”

“Don’t. Move. That’s a fucking order, Julien. I’ll be there in…shit, in ten

minutes.”

Then the line went dead. Julien placed the phone down on the tile beside

him and waited for Priest to come find him and put him back together again.

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CHAPTER TWELVE

CONFESSION

I don’t want to go home. I want to forget.

PRIEST LOOKED ACROSS the center console of their Range Rover to

where Julien was sitting staring out at the traffic passing by. He hadn’t said

two words since Priest had arrived at the restaurant, made their apologies to

Lise, and then ushered Julien out to the car. And now as they sat there in the

dark confines of the SUV, Priest reached over to take Julien’s hand in his.

Julien started slightly, and when he turned his head in Priest’s direction,

he said, “Je suis désolé.”

Priest shook his head as he slipped his fingers through Julien’s and

squeezed them. “Don’t apologize to me. You know I don’t need it.”

Julien looked down to their hands and then nodded.

“Are you going to tell me what happened in there this afternoon, mon

cœur?”

Julien leaned his head back against the seat. His lips were pulled tight,

and the side of his jaw ticked, his face a mask of torment as he thought about

whatever had happened earlier.

“Julien?”

“Oui. It was…Gail, that was the reporter’s name. She started out nice

enough. It felt good, comfortable. We ran through the usual Q&As, but then

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she started to ask questions I didn’t want to answer. Questions she knew she

wasn’t supposed to ask. I’ll never understand why reporters think they can

get away with that shit when it’s clearly stated in the contract I sign that I will

not discuss my private life.”

“So you told her to get the fuck out.”

Julien’s head whipped around so that he was facing Priest, and when he

saw the crooked grin on Priest’s lips, Julien shook his head.

“I did,” he admitted, and then brought his hands up to cover his face. “I

lost it, Joel. I…”

“Julien?”

“She just kept pushing and pushing, and asking all these questions about

my parents and Jacquelyn, and after last night, I—”

“Julien,” Priest said, his voice firm now, wanting to cut through the

rambling words and panic he could see forming behind Julien’s eyes. “What

did happen last night?”

Julien went to turn away, but before he could, Priest reached out and took

hold of his chin, keeping his face angled toward him. He pinned Julien with a

look that demanded he tell the truth, and finally Julien said, “Nothing. It was

just—”

“Really?” Priest interrupted.

Julien opened his mouth, and Priest leaned over the middle of the car

until only inches separated them.

“Don’t lie to me,” Priest said. “What happened last night?”

Julien brought a hand up to circle Priest’s wrist, and then he stroked his

thumb over the pulse point, closed his eyes, and whispered, “She found me.”

No other words needed to be spoken. Those three told the entire story and

confirmed what Priest had suspected. “The nightmares started again.”

Julien didn’t open his eyes, merely nodded, and Priest released his face so

he could slip his fingers around to the back of Julien’s neck and tug him

across the console, resting their foreheads against one another.

“I’m here,” Priest said, as a shiver racked Julien’s body. “I’ve got you.”

One of Julien’s hands came up to curl around the lapel of Priest’s jacket,

and as he held on, Priest shifted and put his lips to his cheek.

“Let’s get out of here,” he said, wanting to get Julien somewhere they

could talk a little more. “You need some rest, and—”

“Non. I—” Julien paused, and when Priest went to move away, he

tightened his grip on his jacket. “I don’t want to sleep. I don’t want to see her.

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Not again. Not yet. I want to forget…”

“Okay,” Priest said, and reached for the death grip Julien had on him,

gently prying his fingers free. “That’s okay. We won’t go home. We’ll go

somewhere else.”

Priest reached across Julien for his belt and buckled him in, and once he

was back on his side of the car, he said, “In fact, I have the perfect place we

can go.”

“THE POPPED CHERRY?” Julien said around fifteen minutes later, as he

and Priest walked up a narrow side street where they’d managed to find a

parking spot. The wind was whipping up a storm tonight, and as the clouds

hurried across the sky, they picked up their pace heading toward the main

door.

Priest held his hand out, and Julien automatically took it, moving into his

side. “Yes. I realized we haven’t actually been here before— together.”

Julien nodded as they reached the entrance, and noticed the busy Friday

night crowd inside. “You’re right.”

Priest pulled open the door and stood to the side as the muffled sound of

music and chatter drifted out onto the sidewalk. “And what better way to

forget than to distract yourself watching our princess in action?”

“You know,” Julien said, as he stopped in front of Priest, and then he

leaned in and kissed him, “I can’t think of one. Merci. This is parfait. Exactly

what I needed. You, him, and a drink.”

Priest let go of the door and kissed Julien back a little harder. “I told you.

Now let’s go and find him.”

When Priest added a wink, Julien felt his knees weaken at the flirtatious

move. It was rare that Priest got like that, but when he did, he was—if it were

possible—even harder to ignore.

The heavy door to the bar swung shut behind them, blocking the cold air,

and as they stood in the entryway, Julien scanned the busy floor below.

There were people everywhere. Standing at tables, sitting in booths, and

crowded around the bar. The music was a nice, steady beat distorting one

conversation from the next, and as Julien unbuttoned his coat, Priest helped

him out of it and then leaned down to say in his ear, “He’s over behind the

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bar.”

Julien’s eyes drifted past the people perched on barstools, and those

standing in between to order, and when they zeroed in on the sexy bartender

shaking a cocktail mixer, Julien took a moment to enjoy the man they’d come

to see.

Robbie had on a burgundy button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a

fitted vest that showed off his trim waist, and he was all neatly tucked in and

professional looking. But when you paired that with his kohl-rimmed eyes,

slicked-up lips, and the leather band that was wound around his right wrist a

couple of times? He looked mouthwatering, and Julien decided that Robbie

was the perfect distraction for any night of the week—but especially tonight.

He would happily lose himself in his men and alcohol—the serious and

suited one beside him and the sexed-up little minx behind that bar.

“Take me to him,” Julien said, as he took his coat from Priest.

As Priest walked them through the crowd, Julien kept his eyes on Robbie

as he moved from customer to customer. His blue eyes were sparkling, his

lips smiling, and his pure joy for life radiated out of him.

With the ease of one who knew he was charismatic, Robbie flirted his

way down the bar with both the women and the men, and that grin he aimed

at all of them made Julien want to grab Robbie and kiss him until he was

moaning.

Priest maneuvered them toward the end of the bar away from Robbie so

as to not distract him, and then he turned to Julien and said, “Let me see if I

can get us a couple of seats.”

Julien nodded, and Priest held up a finger, indicating that he give him a

minute, so Julien went back to watching their guy, finding himself utterly

fascinated and his mind now a million miles away from his troubles.

Robbie was laughing at something a woman had just said to him as he put

a wine glass on the counter and filled it with a red, and once he was done and

sliding it across to her, he put a haughty hand on his hip and rolled his eyes,

making her laugh merrily at whatever he’d just said.

Cheeky boy, Julien thought, wondering what exactly that had been. But

whatever it was, Robbie had certainly made the lady’s night, and that was

what was so special about Robert Bianchi. That brilliant smile and vibrant

energy he possessed. He merely had to flash it in a person’s direction and

they would feel infinitely better for having been near him.

“Julien?”

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His name had Julien turning to see Priest standing at the far end of the bar

in the corner where two stools were now free, and the man on the opposite

side of the counter from him was someone Julien had seen twice now but

only ever met once, at Priest’s Christmas party this past year—Tate

Morrison, Robbie’s boss.

With a head full of curls, smiling eyes, and a grin that was as inviting as it

was smug, Julien could see why the bar was so popular. Its owner was

charismatic as hell.

He walked over to where Priest was now taking a seat, and as Julien

moved in to take his, Tate braced his hands on the counter and said,

“Welcome back to The Popped Cherry, you two.”

“Thanks,” Priest said, as Julien laid his coat over the counter beside him.

“Busy tonight.”

Tate looked out at the crowd and nodded. “Yeah. Always is Thursday

through Sunday.” Then he redirected his gaze back to Priest. “Not a bad thing

to be.”

“Not at all,” Priest said, and then turned to Julien. “You remember my

husband, Julien?”

“I do,” Tate said, and Julien wondered if there would be any

awkwardness between them. Not only because the guy had dragged Robbie

away from them the second time they’d all met, but also because Julien

wasn’t sure whether Robbie had spoken to Tate about next weekend yet. But

when Tate held his hand out for Julien to shake, he took it.

“It’s nice to meet you again. I’ve heard a lot about you,” Tate said as he

aimed a look over his shoulder to where Robbie was standing, still oblivious

to their presence. “I have to say, this is the second time in my life I’ve had

people I know be obsessed with you.”

Stunned, Julien looked over at Priest, who shrugged, and Tate started to

chuckle.

“Not him,” Tate said. “My ex-wife watched Chef Master religiously. I

would say she was your number one fan, but I think we all know a certain

someone who would take issue with that.”

As if Robbie had some inner radar alerting him that people were

discussing him, he finally turned his head in their direction, and when his

eyes latched on to Julien and Priest, they practically sparkled with pleasure.

“I think you might be right,” Priest said, and Tate nodded as Robbie went

back to his customer and slid a pink cocktail across the bar to a young woman

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who blew him a kiss. “Congratulations, by the way. How’s married life

treating you?”

“Pretty damn good so far,” Tate said. “Actually, Logan was supposed to

stop by tonight, but he got held up.”

“Now that’s a shame,” Priest said, tongue in cheek, but it was clear to

Julien he was happy the other man wasn’t there tonight for some reason or

other.

“Well, maybe next time,” Tate said. “I think it’d be nice if we could all

catch up. Maybe you could come to dinner at the new house, since the condo

is a little smaller.”

Priest aimed his eyes at Robbie, who was saying something to the man up

that end of the bar serving with him, and then said, “If you can get your

husband to behave himself when we’re around, then I think Robert would

like that. What do you think, Julien?”

What did he think? Julien couldn’t believe how nice Tate was. He’d

expected him to be judgmental and standoffish. Yet the vibe he was getting

from Tate was anything but that. He was genuinely interested in them all

becoming…friends.

“I think that’d be really nice, and I know Robbie would love it. Actually,”

Julien said, thinking back to this morning and how highly Robbie had spoken

of this man, “we can definitely plan a dinner for sure, but how would you and

Logan feel about coming to the opening of my restaurant next month?”

Tate’s eyes widened a fraction. He clearly hadn’t expected that, and when

Priest turned to look in his direction, Julien smiled and nodded.

“It’s perfect. Robbie has two tables to fill, and I know he’d love to have

you there.”

Tate glanced at Priest, clearly making sure he was okay with it, and then

chuckled. “Okay. We’d love to.”

“Fantastic,” Julien said. “It’s on Valentine’s Day.”

“Oh, even better,” Tate said. “I’ll just tell Logan I’m taking him

somewhere special.”

“And he won’t mind that it’s Julien’s place?” Priest asked, and Tate

looked at him and shook his head.

“After the lovely…chat you two had on his first day back, he’s had some

time to come around. He’s happy for Robbie, he was just being—”

“Logan?” Priest said. “Yes, well, his mind may have changed since he

found out today that Robbie has moved in with us.”

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Julien watched Tate’s face closely at that piece of information, waiting

for some kind of shock to cross his face. But instead, he grinned at the two of

them and said, “I don’t know whether to congratulate the two of you or wish

you luck. Robbie’s a handful.”

“That he is,” Priest agreed.

Julien let his eyes wander to the beautiful man now heading in their

direction and said, “Lucky for us, we have four hands between the two of us.”

Which had Tate laughing.

“We won’t hold him up tonight, you have our word,” Priest said, as

Robbie got closer. “We just realized we hadn’t been here together and

decided to come and check it out.”

“Sure thing,” Tate said. “And I’m sure the bar is the last thing you’re here

to check out. Trust me, I have no problem with you being here. Logan used to

come into the bar I worked at every night. As long as he paid, I didn’t care.

The same goes here. As long as you’re paying, you can sit here and flirt with

him as long as you like.”

“Good to know,” Priest said. “We just might do that.”

“You just might do what?” Robbie said, as he finally saddled up beside

Tate and let his eyes move from Julien to Priest.

“Sit here and flirt with you all night,” Priest said with his eyes locked on

Robbie’s, and when Tate turned to look at him, Robbie’s face flushed pink.

“Are you blushing?” Tate said.

“No.” Robbie glared at Priest, who had a smug expression on his face,

making the color spread further down his neck. “Quit looking at me like that.

I’m at work, Mr. Priestley.”

“Like that’s bothered you in the past,” Tate said, and then looked at

Priest. “I’m impressed. You made him shy. That has to be a first.”

“I…” Robbie said, and then got hold of himself and propped his hands on

his hips. “I am not shy.”

“Looks like it to me,” Tate said with a shit-eating grin. “I don’t think I’ve

ever seen you blush.”

Robbie then went from rosy-cheeked to full-on scarlet, and suddenly

Julien wanted that face turned in his direction.

“Now that’s a shame. He’s so pretty when he does. Don’t you think?”

Julien said, and just as he’d hoped, Robbie angled his head in his direction.

“Mignon comme une, princesse. Pretty as a princess.”

A stunning smile curved Robbie’s lips, and as Julien ran his eyes down

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over him, Robbie forgot his moment of embarrassment and preened under the

attention.

“Keep going…” Robbie said.

Instead, Julien tapped his lips and said, “Embrasse-moi, ” and was

delighted when Robbie didn’t think twice about it. He leaned across the bar

and kissed him, right there in front of Priest, Tate, and anyone else who

wanted to see, and that made Julien’s possessive side sit up and take

immediate attention.

When Robbie pulled back, he looked to Tate, who shook his head.

“He does have a certain shine about him tonight beyond the usual glitter

and lip gloss,” Tate said, and when Robbie poked his tongue out, Tate

chuckled. “Okay. Okay. I’m going to leave you three to it. I hope you have a

good night. Let me know if you need anything.”

With a final wave, Tate walked off and Robbie moved to stand between

the two men and put his hands on the counter. He then aimed one of the

sultriest looks Julien had seen in Priest’s direction and said, “Well, don’t you

want to kiss me too?”

Priest opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Robbie raised his

hand and put a finger to Priest’s lips—much the same way Priest would

usually do.

“There’s only one right answer here,” Robbie said, sucking on that shiny

lip of his. “And I should warn you, if I don’t hear it, I will pout.”

Priest took Robbie’s wrist, pushed up on his stool, and then tugged him

forward until they met halfway across the bar. Then he said against Robbie’s

mouth, “Can’t have that now, can we?” and pressed a rough kiss to Robbie’s

lips.

Robbie let out a dreamy sigh as Priest let him go, and then fanned his face

with his hand. “No, we certainly can’t.” As he straightened, Robbie looked

between the two of them and said, “You know, a boy sure could get used to

this. Two sexy men showing up at his work to—what did you say—flirt with

me?”

“I did,” Priest said. “We wanted to see you.”

“Well,” Robbie said, and batted his lashes, “feel free to look.”

Priest’s lips quirked at the sides as he reached for the thin menu on the

counter and began studying it. “You are incorrigible.”

“Which you like, if I recall.”

“You would be right,” Priest said, looking at him over the menu. “So,

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keep up this sassy attitude of yours. It makes us hard as hell.”

“Hmm,” Robbie said, and touched the tip of his tongue to his top lip. “I

like that.”

Julien licked his own lips, wanting Robbie’s tongue in his mouth. “Sassy,

cheeky, flirty. You’re exactly what was missing to our night, princesse.

You’re parfait.”

“So you weren’t kidding? You really are going to sit here and flirt with

me all night?”

Robbie’s eyes were alight with excitement at the prospect, and Julien

didn’t think he’d ever seen him look so beautiful.

“That’s the plan,” Priest said. “At least until we can take you home and

get you naked.”

“Jes us,” Robbie said. “You can’t say shit like that to me when I still have

hours left. Now that’s all I’m going to be able to think about.”

“It’s all we’re going to be thinking about too,” Julien said, and shifted on

his seat, his dick stiffening at the arousal swirling in Robbie’s eyes. “Where,

when, who first…”

Robbie gulped in a breath of air and then looked all around to make sure

no one was listening, and luckily for them, they were fairly secluded in the

corner at the end of the bar. “Umm…that’s super hot.”

“So are you,” Priest said. “Now let me read this menu and order us some

food. I doubt Julien’s eaten all day, and we need to feed him so he doesn’t

fall off his stool with his first drink.”

As if a light bulb went off, Robbie’s eyes widened and he turned Julien’s

way. “Oh my God. I can’t believe I didn’t ask as soon as I saw you. How did

the interview go?” Julien winced, and Robbie screwed up his nose. “That

good, huh? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, princesse.” Julien winked, trying to reassure Robbie that he

was telling the truth. “I’m fine.”

Robbie pursed his lips, his eyes narrowing on Julien. He wasn’t buying

that for a second. “Are you lying to me?”

Julien chuckled, and Priest said, “Yes, he is. That’s why we’re out

drinking.” Priest then placed a hand on Julien’s thigh and squeezed. “But

tonight he wants to pretend he’s okay, so you and I? We’re are going to let

him.”

“That’s right. The only thing I want to think about doing tonight,” Julien

said to Robbie, “is you.”

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Robbie’s lips parted, and a soft “oh” left his lips.

“Want to help me out with that?”

Robbie didn’t speak, merely nodded—slowly.

“Bien. Then I think I’d like a drink,” Julien said, finding this detour a

very effective one, because right now all he wanted was to rip Robbie’s

clothes off and sink his cock deep inside the willing body he knew he would

find under that uniform.

“Um,” Robbie said, and when Priest laughed, Robbie cleared his throat.

“Stop laughing at me. I’m… Shit. Give me a minute. I can’t think when he’s

being all French and looking at me like I’m naked.”

“Would you like me to stop?” Julien asked.

“Hell no. Do I look stupid?” Robbie said, taking a step back and

indicating his body.

“No,” Priest said, and ran his eyes over Robbie. “You look like you’re”—

Priest cleared his throat—“at work and therefore off-limits.”

Robbie let out a deep sigh, and as he rolled his eyes, he said in his most

professional tone, “O kay, spoilsport, fine. Good evening, Mr. Priestley and

Mr. Thornton, welcome to The Popped Cherry. What can I get for you both

tonight, until, of course, you’re able to have me?”

And it was in that moment that Julien found he went from smitten to one

hundred percent falling for the man behind the bar with the twinkling eyes

and charming disposition.

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CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CONFESSION

There is nothing more tempting than a ballsy princesse asking for what he

wants.

A FEW HOURS later, the bar was no less crowded, but the floor and booths

had begun to thin out as people who wanted to spend the entire night out on

the town moved on, and those who were done went home.

Robbie glanced at the clock to see it was around thirty minutes away from

closing, and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d watched the time so

hard. But then his eyes searched out the two responsible for his sudden

obsession with wishing his night away, and when he spotted Julien and Priest

now seated in one of the booths across the bar, Robbie took a moment to

study the men he now considered his.

He couldn’t believe his eyes when they’d shown up tonight. One minute

it had been a normal Friday night at work, and the next he’d been face to face

with the two men that occupied what felt like every thought in his mind at

every hour of the day.

Shit. He was in so deep here. Like…deeper than deep. He was down at

the bottom of the damn ocean when it came to how far he’d gone under for

these two. But as he stood there watching them with one another, Robbie felt

as though he’d found a hidden treasure at the bottom of that ocean.

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First there was Priest, with his serious “take charge and care of all those

around him” disposition, who made Robbie feel safe whenever he was

around. He made Robbie feel as though he could let go and finally be himself

—his real self—and Priest could help him discover exactly who that was.

Robbie trusted him to lead him in the right direction. It was freeing that

feeling, to let someone else take control. It was…liberating. And the pleasure

he felt when he did something that pleased Priest made Robbie feel more

accepted and complete than he ever knew was possible.

Then there was Julien—a man full of contradictions. A man who Robbie

found himself falling harder for every time he opened his mouth or looked in

Robbie’s direction. At times Julien was so in control, much the way Priest

was. He was arrogant, gorgeous, and entirely capable of making one believe

he had everything in the world he would ever need. But under that successful

façade, behind that famous smile, there was a tortured soul. And that part of

him called to Robbie in ways he’d never known it would. He wanted to help

Julien. He wanted to understand what made this complex man tick. And he

wanted Julien to trust him with his secrets.

As if the man he was thinking about could feel Robbie watching him,

Julien glanced in his direction, and a lazy smile—courtesy of Tate’s alcohol

—curved that sinful mouth of his.

Sweet mother of all that was holy, Julien was damn easy on the eyes. He

was wearing a forest-green V-neck sweater tonight, and it made his eyes

vivid, like gemstones—or maybe that was the alcohol adding an extra gleam?

Robbie wasn’t sure, but he was more than aware of how many drinks he’d

made for Julien, and with each one, that smile became looser and his

expression more devilish.

Julien was clearly in the mood to forget his problems this evening, and it

appeared that Priest was going to watch over him as he did, because he had

switched to club soda after his first Old Fashioned.

“So…you going to tell me what’s going on there?” Bianca said, as she

came up beside Robbie and wiped down the bar. “Or are you going to leave

me hanging?”

Robbie tore his eyes away from Julien’s hypnotic stare and faced Bianca,

who was giving him her best spill look.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Bianca rolled her eyes. “Don’t even try to tell me there’s nothing going

on there, mister. I’m not stupid,” Bianca said, and slid her eyes back to the

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booth, where Julien was now eyeing Priest like he was something particularly

tasty, and Robbie would agree—he wouldn’t mind eating Priest either.

Fuck, is it time to leave yet?

“What I’m trying to work out,” Bianca continued, “is which one you’re

into, and why you keep doing this to yourself.”

Which… one ? Robbie thought, as he studied Bianca’s sympathetic

expression. Hang on, she thinks… Well, duh, of course she thinks this is just

like Logan and Tate. Hello, Bianchi, that’s exactly how it looks. But no—

“Wait a second,” Robbie said, and grabbed her arm, turning her away

from the customers mingling around the bar. “I’m not into one of them.”

Robbie laughed when a frown marred Bianca’s forehead. “I’m with both of

them.”

As his words seemed to compute, her eyes widened, and her mouth

parted, the scandalized look making Robbie laugh even harder.

“But…” Bianca turned her head to look back at the two in the booth, and

when Robbie did also, it was to see that Julien had now moved around to

Priest’s side and was sitting very close to his husband.

Day-um. He really wanted to go over there and participate in whatever

the hell was going on, but no—the clock hadn’t ticked by any faster.

“They’re… You’re…” Bianca said, and Robbie nodded.

“Exactly.”

“But all three?” she said, her final word ending on a high note. “Isn’t that

complicated?”

“No,” Robbie said, and wondered why everyone automatically assumed

that was the case. He’d never actually been in a relationship that felt as easy

or natural as this one. “It’s not complicated at all. Right now it’s frustrating

because I really want to go over there, but…”

Bianca looked back to the two men, and saw Julien kissing his way up

Priest’s neck. Robbie wondered what she would think about all that. But

when she said, “Hell, I wouldn’t mind going over there either right now,”

Robbie couldn’t hold back his loud, slightly tense, burst of laughter, making

those at the bar and the two causing his reaction to stop what they were doing

and aim their attention in his direction.

When Julien’s heavy-lidded eyes found his, Robbie’s heart thumped and

the smug expression on Priest’s face told him what Robbie already suspected

—they knew exactly what they were doing to him.

“Oh shit,” Bianca whispered. “That’s a lot of man staring at you right

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now.”

Hell yes it is, Robbie thought as his dick reacted to the attention as though

it had just been sucked.

“Why don’t you clock out and go home?” Bianca said. “I can handle

closing.”

Oh God, Robbie would’ve kissed her if he’d had it in him to look away

from the men still watching him. As it was, he wasn’t that strong, and instead

watched as Priest leaned forward to nip at Julien’s ear. “You…uh, you sure?”

“Positive,” Bianca said. “Alex and I have got this.”

Robbie took another look over his shoulder, caught Priest’s eye, and then

indicated the back room with a tilt of his head. Then he said to Bianca, “I

owe you.”

“Yes, you do. Not only for offering to let you go early but because you

have two men when I can’t even find one. That’s just greedy.”

Robbie grinned, unable to hold back the pleasure he felt at those words,

because hell if it wasn’t true. He did have two men.

Two amazing men who were waiting to take him home and do all kinds

of naughty things to him, judging by the promises in their eyes, and he wasn’t

about to wait another minute to get out of there.

PRIEST WATCHED ROBBIE disappear out the back door of the bar, and

his cock throbbed at the thought of finally getting him home and out of that

uniform. Julien was good and tipsy, his troubles long gone, and in their place

was a desire to get naked and distracted, and tonight Priest would let him get

away with that.

Priest put his lips to Julien’s ear much as he had a second ago and said,

“You ready?”

“Oui,” Julien said, and Priest looked into his relaxed eyes and smirked.

“What, mon amour?”

“I was just wondering if you’re going to be able to stand.”

“I’m not drunk,” Julien said, as he slid out of the booth. “I just feel…” As

his words drifted off, Priest got to his feet and wrapped an arm around

Julien’s shoulders.

“Mmm. I feel you…” Julien said as he put a hand on Priest’s chest and

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nuzzled into his neck. “You smell délicieusement bon.”

“Julien…let’s get out of the bar before things get embarrassing,” Priest

said, his dick threatening to announce just how good Julien felt in his arms.

The throaty chuckle that left Julien didn’t help issues, and neither did the

tongue that flicked over Priest’s earlobe. “Aww, am I making it hard for you

to walk?”

“You’re certainly not making it easy,” Priest said as he grabbed Julien’s

coat and helped him into it. “Come on, let’s go and find Robert.”

“Oui. Let’s find him and get him naked. I want to get inside our

princesse…”

Priest grunted in response, took Julien’s hand, and led him through the

bar, and once they were out on the sidewalk, he tugged Julien in close.

Priest had been keeping an eye on him all night to make sure Julien

wasn’t spiraling off in the wrong direction, but it seemed as though this was

exactly what he needed. A few drinks and the distraction of their sexy

boyfriend, who they were now on the hunt for, and judging by that final look

Robbie had aimed their way before his disappearing act, he knew exactly

what he was in for tonight—and was eager for it to begin.

As Priest led them around to where the back entrance of the bar was, they

were just in time to see Robbie step outside in his black puffy coat with his

messenger bag slung across his body. As the door shut behind him, Robbie

turned in their direction, and when he spotted them, he raked his teeth over

his lip. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and started toward them, and the

floodlight that lit up the small parking lot highlighted him in all the right

places.

The light strands in his hair. The sharp angles of his wicked-high

cheekbones. And when Robbie was close enough that Priest could see his

eyes, he noticed they were darker than usual. Their princess was aroused, and

fuck if they weren’t going to take him home and do something about that.

“Hey,” Robbie said as they all came to a stop opposite one another, and

his eyes moved from Priest to Julien, and then back to Priest. “Is everything

okay? I figured I would just meet you both at—”

Robbie’s words came to an abrupt halt as Julien walked forward, backing

Robbie up to the wall behind him and out of the floodlight that spilled over

the small parking lot. When he had him where he wanted him, Julien took

Robbie’s lips in a fierce kiss, making Robbie moan.

Priest kept his eyes on the two of them, enjoying the greeting they were

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sharing as a starving man might a meal, and when Robbie’s hands

automatically came around to grab at Julien’s ass, Priest had to reach down

and readjust the erection he was now sporting.

“Damn, Jules,” Robbie said as Julien ground his hips up against him, and

Priest watched Robbie’s long fingers flex against Julien’s ass. “That feels …

Ah.”

Julien crushed their lips together again, cutting off any other words

Robbie might say, and Priest knew if they lingered in this parking lot much

longer, Robbie was about to be bare-assed and fucked—twice.

“Julien,” Priest said, his voice a gruff bark of an order even to his own

ears, and Julien raised his head and looked over to Priest, who crooked a

finger. “Viens ici.”

Julien was inebriated enough to be compliant, but well aware of why

Priest had stopped him, if the smirk on his face was any indication. He let go

of Robbie, but said, “Soon, princesse… I’m going to get inside you and lose

myself very soon. And I can’t wait.”

Julien stepped away from Robbie, making him whimper and reach down

to palm himself.

“Yes. Oh, hell yes, I want that. I really, really want that.” Robbie bit at

his top lip, his eyes full of lust and arousal, and in that moment, he looked

like a tempting sex nymph sent there to make them lose their minds, because

all Priest wanted was to strip him down and take him right there where he

stood.

However, if he knew Logan and Tate, they would’ve put cameras up out

here for the safety of their employees, and as much as Priest wanted Robbie,

he wasn’t about to get caught on fucking camera—or on camera fucking, as it

would be.

“We’re parked up and around the corner,” Priest said, pointing up the

street. “Why don’t you go and get in your car and we’ll watch you head out

and then follow you home.”

Robbie nodded but didn’t move. Instead, he kept looking between them

and rubbing himself harder.

“Robert,” Priest said in warning, and took a step forward until he could

take Robbie’s chin between his fingers. “Go and get in your car and get

yourself safely home. When you arrive, you may take this coat off, but that’s

it. I want to see you standing in our living room waiting for us when we get

there. Do you understand?”

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Robbie’s eyes shifted over Priest’s shoulder to where Julien stood, and

then came back to Priest. “Yes. I understand.”

Priest ghosted his lips over the top of Robbie’s and said, “Good. I

promise you, it’s going to be worth the wait. We’ve thought about nothing

other than getting inside you since we entered the bar, and that’s where we

plan to spend the rest of the night. Inside. You.”

Robbie took in a trembling breath, and as Priest went to move away,

Robbie reached out and took hold of his arm, making Priest stop.

“Together?” Robbie asked, his eyes alight with eager anticipation. “At the

same time?”

The implication behind Robbie’s words was so carnal and so fucking

erotic, that a growl escaped Priest’s throat and he took hold of Robbie’s

jacket and hauled him up against his body. “Do you want that?”

Robbie’s lips curved, nice and slow against Priest’s lips, and it was

obvious he knew he’d just stumbled onto a gold mine. “Oui. I do.”

Priest’s nostrils flared and he let go of Robbie as though he were on fire,

no longer able to control himself with the images that were flashing through

his mind. “Go and get in your car. And for fuck’s sake, be careful driving

home.”

It was Robbie’s turn to smirk, making Priest want to throw him over his

shoulder like a caveman. Instead, he balled his fists by his sides and made

himself turn away. But Julien was no better option to be faced with in Priest’s

current state. His sex-glazed eyes and pillowy lips had Priest clenching his

jaw so tight he was close to cracking a molar, and he knew if the three of

them didn’t get somewhere private ASAP, this would all be a wasted effort,

and he’d be damned if he came in a fucking parking lot.

“Car. Now,” Priest said, and pointed over Julien’s shoulder, and he

could’ve sworn he heard Robbie’s laugh from somewhere behind him. Priest

promised himself he would make their princess pay for that…later.

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CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CONFESSION

What I want to do to our princesse

will definitely require a priest.

ROBBIE DID REACH the condo before Julien and Priest, mainly because he

floored it most of the way home. But could anyone blame him? Between

Julien feeling him up in the parking lot and Priest telling him to go home and

wait for them so they could spend the rest of the night inside him , Robbie

was surprised he’d been able to drive home at all.

He needed to calm down. He’d been telling himself that the entire way

back to the condo. He needed to calm down and chill out, if he was going to

have any hope of lasting through what was bound to be a night of

unimaginable, well, everything.

When the elevator dinged on their floor, he practically ran down the hall

and let himself inside. He tossed his bag on the ground, immediately untied

his coat, and shrugged out of it.

There, he’d done what Priest had asked, and as he moved the coffee table

out of the way so he could stand on the rug and wait, Robbie made a quick

decision and dashed into the bathroom.

Several minutes later, he was back in the bedroom after having freshened

up, tucking his shirt in and refastening his pants. That was when he heard

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keys in the door and hurried back into the living room to take up his position.

As the front door opened and then shut, he heard footsteps coming down

the hall and glanced over his shoulder to watch his men enter their condo. He

felt like the luckiest guy in the world.

Julien was in front of Priest and walking with a relaxed kind of swagger

that let Robbie know the alcohol was definitely still swirling through his

system, and when he stepped into the living room and spotted him, Julien’s

lips curved and that sexy dimple appeared.

Oh shit, Robbie thought, as Julien walked around the couch toward him. I

really want to kiss him there and maybe mmm…lick it.

Priest’s eyes latched on to him the second Julien was out of touching

range, and Robbie watched him as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and walked

over to the kitchen island to toss his keys down on it.

No words had been spoken yet, and Robbie got the sense he wasn’t to talk

until he was told to. So he stood still and let this silent dance continue.

Next, Julien came around to stand in front of him, and as he got closer, he

stripped out of his sweater and tossed it down on the couch. Robbie’s cock

jerked in response to the tight olive skin and tattoos covering Julien’s

shoulder, and he couldn’t stop himself from reaching down to palm his

erection.

God, Julien was sexy, and so was his ink. The patterns were all so

intricate as they curled over his arm and down his bicep, and the Amorè on

his chest? Damn… Robbie’s eyes couldn’t help but go there, which only led

to what was further below.

Ever so slowly, Robbie’s gaze wandered down the rippling muscles that

were toned to perfection courtesy of Julien’s dedication to his yoga. And

Robbie recalled, with stunning clarity, the standing split Julien had done for

him right there earlier this morning, and let out a sigh as he worked his dick a

little harder.

The only sound in the room other than that was the blood rushing from

his head directly south. Then Julien took a step back and sat down on the

couch, spreading his legs nice and wide in open invitation.

Robbie’s eyes automatically zeroed in on the erection he could see

outlined in Julien’s pants, and just as he was about to say something like

Please, let me see it, he heard—

“Robert?”

Robbie’s head whipped around as though he’d been caught with his hand

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in the cookie jar, as he glanced over his shoulder at Priest.

“Yes?” he said, his voice much more breathy than usual.

Priest walked over to him, hooked his finger under Robbie’s chin, and

gently angled his face up. When their eyes collided, Robbie almost

whimpered at the hunger he saw there. Priest looked as though he wanted to

devour him, and Robbie hadn’t even taken his clothes off yet.

“Do you know what I’ve been thinking about all day?”

Robbie licked his lips and shook his head, finding it difficult to speak.

“I’ve been thinking about the way you fucked my jacket this morning,

and that you”—Priest ran his thumb over Robbie’s lip—“owe me.”

Robbie’s mouth parted, and he sucked on that thumb until Priest pulled it

free with a grin that bordered on savage.

“I’m going to take your clothes off now so Julien and I can look at you.”

Robbie nodded, mute for probably the first time in his life. “But before I do.”

Priest took Robbie’s mouth in a hard, fierce kiss that had him gripping

Priest’s shirt as he wound an arm around Robbie’s waist and hauled him

close, making him moan.

Robbie thrust his hips forward, grinding his erection against Priest, trying

to relieve some of the ache, some of the frustration he was feeling, but it was

no use. Priest wasn’t going to grant him relief until he was good and ready.

“Very nice,” Priest said once he’d raised his head, and then he ran his

fingers down the middle seam of Robbie’s pants, tormenting the crack of his

ass. “But let’s get you naked and full so you have a good reason to squirm

around like this. Turn around and face Julien. He wants to look at you.”

Without another word, Robbie pivoted toward Julien, who was still seated

on the couch with his legs sprawled open and his eyes fixated on the two of

them, and then Priest moved into position behind Robbie and began

undressing him for his husband.

JULIEN WAS TRANSFIXED on the scene unfolding as Robbie stood

opposite him, and Priest moved in behind him.

Robbie’s lips were swollen and puffy where Priest had just kissed him,

and his blue eyes had darkened with his desire. His cheeks were scarlet, his

breathing was coming faster, and the long, stiff cock visible beneath Robbie’s

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work pants made it more than obvious that he was excited about whatever

was going to happen here tonight.

“Hands up above your head, Robert.” Priest’s voice was rough as he

issued the order, and Julien’s dick pulsed at the familiar timbre. His husband

was highly aroused, as were he and Robbie, and Julien couldn’t wait to see

where Priest would take them all tonight.

Robbie raised his hands over his head, and as he did, the hem of his snug

vest crept up, pulling his shirt free of his pants and exposing a strip of pale

skin. Priest ran the pads of his fingers over the creamy expanse he’d revealed,

and when Robbie shivered, he lowered his mouth to his ear and kissed it.

“You smell delicious, princess.” Priest nuzzled in behind Robbie’s ear.

“Like…our soap.”

“Oh God.” Robbie sighed and angled his head, offering more of his neck

to Priest. But he wasn’t about to go where Robbie led him. Non, Julien

thought as he reached for the button on his pants, his mind relaxed for the

moment but his body on full alert . Priest went where he wanted to. When he

wanted to . And it was clear he wasn’t about to be rushed tonight.

Priest began to unbutton Robbie’s vest, and once it was free and on the

floor, he moved right onto the shirt. Robbie sucked in a breath as that was

then removed and discarded, and Julien couldn’t wait to get his mouth on all

of that smooth, silky skin.

“Robert? Did you shower when you got home?” Priest looked over

Robbie’s shoulder at Julien with an expression that was incendiary as he

reached around Robbie’s waist and popped open the button of his work pants.

“Or did you cheat, and just do the important places? Maybe I should find

out, and kiss you from head to toe and all the places in between.”

Robbie was leaning back against Priest’s chest now, and when he parted

Robbie’s work pants and reached inside to find his cock, a breathless gasp

left their man.

Putain, they were stunning together like this.

“Mon Dieu, princesse. You look like an invitation to sin,” Julien said, as

he mirrored Priest’s move and slid a hand down inside his pants to wrap his

fingers around his aching shaft.

“Shit… Oh shit,” Robbie said on a moan as Priest moved his hand up and

down, and not a second later, Robbie began to roll his hips in time with the

rhythm Priest set, pumping his shaft in and out of what Julien knew was a

viselike fist.

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Priest growled, and the raspy sound vibrated around the room and had

Julien’s hips thrusting up in response.

“I think Julien should take those pants off and show us what he’s working

with over there. Don’t you, Robert?”

Julien’s mind was spiraling at the wild glint in his husband’s eyes. He

wanted Priest like this tonight so he could let go and lose himself. He wanted

to escape. And he wanted to watch as Robbie let go and came with him.

“Yes,” Robbie said, and then nodded for added emphasis. “Yes, I want to

see.”

The chuckle that left Priest was full of dark promises, as he licked a path

along Robbie’s cheek and then rubbed the scruff of his beard over the same

spot.

“Ah… Priest . ” Robbie squeezed his eyes shut. “That… That feels…”

Apparently too good for words, since Robbie lost his, and then Julien

decided he was done with clothes and shoved his pants and briefs off his hips

until they were down around his ankles.

Priest then said in Robbie’s ear, “Open your eyes.” And when Robbie’s

eyelids fluttered open and he focused on the thick cock Julien was stroking,

their princesse licked his lips.

“Do you want that?” Priest asked as he continued working Robbie, and

Julien widened his legs to give their man a better look.

When Robbie nodded but said nothing, Priest halted his hand and said, “I

asked you a question, Robert.”

Robbie’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and then his eyes fastened on Julien’s,

and the expression in them was one of tortured ecstasy. Oui, he wanted it, all

right.

“Do you want Julien’s cock up this tight little ass of yours?”

“Yes,” Robbie said, as he fucked Priest’s fist and brazenly eye-fucked

Julien. “I want to climb on his lap and ride it until I come.”

Those words out of Robbie’s mouth had Julien tightening his fist at the

base of his dick.

“I thought you might,” Priest said. “But before you do that, I think we

should get rid of these.” And with a quick move, Priest had Robbie’s pants

and tiny briefs down his legs, and was helping him step out of them.

Once all clothing was removed, and Robbie stood between them naked

and hard, Julien crooked a finger, more than ready to touch every inch of

Robbie that he could see.

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“Viens ici.”

Robbie didn’t hesitate, not for a second. He stepped toward Julien and

climbed up onto his lap until he was straddled over his thighs and their cocks

were both upright and rubbing against one another.

Julien reached for Robbie’s waist, tugging him closer, and as Robbie’s

knees flanked either side of him, Julien jacked his hips forward.

“Mmm,” Robbie purred, and looped his arms around Julien’s neck.

Julien grunted in response, and as he smoothed his hands over the round

curves of Robbie’s ass, he saw Priest turn and leave the room. Knowing he

would be back soon enough, Julien began to rock Robbie, grinding their

erections together until the sexy man on his lap took over.

Robbie lowered his head and kissed him in a way that told Julien he was

ready and willing for the cock he could feel to be inside him, and Julien

trailed one of his hands up Robbie’s spine until he was gripping the back of

his neck. Then Julien changed the tempo of the kiss they were sharing.

He arched up off the couch and speared his tongue deep inside the interior

of Robbie’s mouth, and it went from sweet to savage in the blink of an eye—

and the longer it went on, the faster and harder Robbie began to writhe.

“Oh God. God. God…” Robbie panted, and the sounds that followed

were nothing short of sinful. He was cursing, gasping, and moaning, and

every now and then this sexy little whimper escaped his lips, and then his

entire body shuddered at the release of the sound.

It was all Julien could do in his alcohol-and lust-addled state not to lay

Robbie out flat on the couch and pound into him. But no, he would wait for

Priest to return, because he knew just how explosive the three of them would

be tonight, and he wanted that— needed it.

He didn’t think Robbie was even aware that Priest had left, but when his

husband strode back into the living room, Julien’s balls tightened and

threatened to explode, as though someone had just found, and hit, his sweet

spot.

Priest had stripped down to absolutely nothing, and his cock was hard,

proclaiming its desire to fuck, and sweet Jesus, Julien wanted to watch him

when he did.

As Priest came up behind Robbie—who was clearly oblivious to anything

other than how good he felt writhing all over Julien’s lap—he smirked. Julien

let go of Robbie’s neck and used both hands to grip Robbie’s ass and spread

him open, and Priest made a low sound of approval in the back of his throat.

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The noise must’ve finally registered with Robbie, because he glanced

over his shoulder just in time to see Priest drop a bottle of lube and condoms

on the couch and then lower down to his knees.

Putain de merde, Julien thought—Priest on his knees was a rare fucking

event. So to see him down there made Julien’s cock drip with added

excitement, and when his large palms then covered Julien’s on Robbie’s ass

to spread him wider? Julien knew he was in real danger of coming before he

even got inside Robbie’s tight hole.

“Oh, princesse. Priest is about to devour you,” Julien said, as Priest gave

him a final look, and then lowered his head to lick a warm, wet path up

Robbie’s narrow channel, and the shout of pleasure that left Robbie’s lips

made it crystal clear that he couldn’t wait.

AT THE TOUCH of Priest’s tongue to his sensitive flesh, Robbie bucked

backward and his fingers dug into Julien’s shoulder, as an intense wave of

pleasure swept over his body.

He moaned and slammed his eyes shut as four large hands held his ass

open, and Priest— oh God—began to flick his tongue back and forth over

Robbie’s pucker.

Julien groaned at what he was witnessing, and Robbie opened his eyes

and found those jade ones full of carnal desire.

“You look so good, princesse. So fucking good.”

Robbie gritted his teeth and rocked forward, rubbing his entire front

against Julien’s, and when he cursed in French, Robbie did it again. He then

lowered his mouth to Julien’s full lips and flicked his tongue along the top

one, and Priest decided in that moment to tease Robbie’s hole by pushing his

tongue inside him.

“Priest,” Robbie gasped, and tore his mouth free to look down. “I’m

going to die if you keep doing that.”

Priest’s eyes climbed up to lock on his, and when they did, the arrogance

swirling in them made Robbie’s ass clench. Oh hell, talk about provoking the

beast. Because Priest merely lowered his head and…did it again.

Fuck, Robbie thought. I want—no, need —someone to take me. He wanted

someone inside him, filling him, stretching him, and when Priest reached for

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the lube and uncapped it, Robbie began to squirm on Julien’s lap.

“Dieu,” Julien said, regaining Robbie’s attention. “Get up on your knees

for Priest. Let him get you ready for us.”

Us? Robbie’s heart thundered at the request, but he quickly moved onto

his knees. Does he mean what I think he means? Are they really going to take

me… at the same time?

The thought had Robbie clutching at Julien’s shoulders so he wouldn’t

faint before he got to experience that, because if there was even a remote

chance of it happening, he wanted it.

Julien angled his head so he was looking up at Robbie, and he trailed his

fingers down his back to his ass and pulled Robbie’s cheeks open.

Priest made a low, feral sound that had Robbie rubbing his cock against

Julien’s rock-solid chest, and when a slick finger dragged down his cleft,

Robbie thrust back, trying to get it in him.

“Priest,” Robbie said through gritted teeth, and this time Priest’s name

was a cross between a whisper and a prayer. “Please. I…I want…”

“What do you want?” Priest said in a tone that made Robbie’s entire body

feel as though it had been stroked.

“I want something in me.”

Priest shifted behind him until Robbie felt warm lips on his tailbone and a

finger pressing against the hot, puckered skin of his entrance.

“Lucky for you,” Priest said as he pushed a little harder, and Robbie

clutched at Julien’s shoulders as he lost his balance for a moment. “You’re

going to get two somethings in you tonight. At the same time.”

“Oh God,” Robbie cried out, as Priest finally slipped his finger inside and

Julien sat forward to flick his tongue over Robbie’s nipple.

Robbie speared his fingers through Julien’s hair and hung on as he let his

head fall back and closed his eyes. He felt needy, desperate, and so fucking

turned on right then that he knew he was only about two seconds away from

exploding all over Julien’s chest.

“La chambre, ” Julien said, and then scraped his teeth along Robbie’s

collarbone. “I want to take you to our bedroom, lie down, and watch you ride

my cock, princesse.”

“Yes. Oh, fuck yes. Anything you want,” Robbie said as he rubbed

himself against Julien harder, leaving a mess all over his chest.

But he didn’t say anything else after that, because Priest chose that

moment to slip a second, then a third, finger inside him, and began to move

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them in and out as he kissed and sucked one of Robbie’s ass cheeks,

preparing him for what they had just promised—and Robbie couldn’t wait.

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CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CONFESSION

Two is always better than one.

And three? Three is even better.

JULIEN’S COCK THROBBED as Robbie’s wet lips parted on a moan.

Priest was working him over something fierce from behind as Julien held him

open, and with the way Robbie was rubbing his dick up and down the center

of his pecs, it was clear he was enjoying every single second of it.

Totally uninhibited in his pleasure, Robbie knew exactly what he liked

and wanted, and as he moved back on the fingers Priest had lodged inside

him, it was clear that Robbie wanted more.

“Jules… Priest… Please,” Robbie said. “Take me to the bedroom.”

Julien nipped at Robbie’s chin as Priest removed his hand and stood, and

then Julien surged up to his feet and cupped Robbie’s ass, hiking him up his

body until his long legs were wrapped around Julien’s waist.

“That’s it, princesse. Hold on.”

Julien followed Priest into their room and watched as his husband pulled

a chair up alongside the bed and took a seat. With his legs spread out in front

of him, Priest wrapped his hand around his thick length and then gestured to

their bed with a tilt of his head.

Mon Dieu, nothing made Julien hotter than performing under Priest’s

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gaze. With his hands on Robbie’s ass, Julien turned toward the bed and then

placed a knee on the mattress and lowered him down on it. As Robbie’s back

met the soft duvet, he took a shuddering breath and moved up the bed until

his head was on one of the pillows and his legs were stretched out, showing

off his stunning form.

“Tu es magnifique,” Julien said as he moved up the mattress between

Robbie’s legs, and as he got closer, Robbie wrapped a hand around his cock

and thrust his hips off the bed.

“Robert?” Priest said, and when Robbie turned his head, Julien placed a

kiss on the inside of his knee and felt Robbie tremble. “Put your feet flat and

show Julien how nice and stretched you are, sweetheart.”

Julien silently thanked Priest as Robbie moved into the position he’d

suggested, and when Robbie’s tight balls, erect cock, and nicely stretched

hole came into view, Julien couldn’t help himself from grinding his erection

down into the mattress.

“It’s parfait, princesse,” Julien managed as he took one of Robbie’s

ankles, draping it over his shoulder. “Just waiting for me to fill it,” he said as

he got closer and took hold of Robbie’s other leg, moving it up and over his

opposite shoulder.

“Shit,” Robbie said as he pressed his head back into the pillow and bowed

his body up, offering himself to Julien like a feast. “Touch me, Jules.

Please… God. Put your mouth on me. Or your finger in me. Just do

something.”

Julien kissed the inside of Robbie’s thigh, and as his lips met the smooth

skin there, a whimper left Robbie and a growl came from Priest. Julien’s eyes

rose over the creamy expanse of Robbie’s thigh to find Priest’s, and when

Priest’s nostrils flared and he pumped his cock, Julien moved to suck one of

Robbie’s balls between his lips.

“Oh fuck, yes,” Robbie said, and reached out to fist his hands in Julien’s

hair as he shoved up into his face.

Julien licked, sucked, and teased the sensitive skin scrunched up against

Robbie’s body, and then blew a warm breath over his balls. Then he moved

his mouth further up Robbie’s body so he could run his tongue along the

length of his cock, making Robbie tighten his thighs around Julien’s ears.

“That’s it,” Priest said, as Julien sucked the head of Robbie’s shaft. “I

want to watch you fuck Julien’s mouth.” And judging by the way Robbie’s

fingers twisted in Julien’s hair, he wanted that too.

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Julien swirled his tongue around the salty tip in his mouth, and when he

widened his lips, Robbie punched forward and slid along Julien’s tongue with

a groan.

“Fucking hell,” Priest said, and Julien saw him get to his feet out of the

corner of his eye and come closer. “That’s it, sweetheart. Get in nice and

deep.”

Robbie crossed his ankles between Julien’s shoulder blades, and as his

heels dug into Julien’s back and he arched up again, he pushed inside to the

back of Julien’s throat.

“Ahh,” Robbie moaned, as Julien grabbed a handful of each ass cheek

holding him in place. “God. It feels like I’m halfway down your fucking

throat.”

Julien opened his eyes and drew his mouth off Robbie’s engorged length,

and when he lowered Robbie back down to the mattress, he raised his eyes to

see Priest ripping open a condom with his teeth.

“Come here,” Priest said to Julien, and his tone was gruff.

Julien got to his knees, where he was situated between Robbie’s spread

legs, and when he was facing Priest, he reached for Julien’s cock.

“Your mouth looks well used,” Priest said, his hungry eyes zooming in on

Julien’s parted lips. “I think Robbie should fuck it more often.”

Priest then rolled the condom on Julien’s aching cock, giving him a good,

solid hand job as he went.

Julien grunted and looked down at Robbie, who was watching them with

a hand moving against his own flesh, and a wicked smile curled Priest’s lips.

“Are you ready, Robert?”

Robbie nodded eagerly as he looked between them, and when Priest

leaned in and bit at Julien’s ear, he said, “Make it last. I want to watch our

princess fall apart.”

Julien’s eyes fluttered shut as Priest gave him a final stroke and moved up

the bed so he could lean down and brush a kiss under Robbie’s ear.

“And you… Try not to come. You wouldn’t want to miss out on double

the pleasure, would you?”

“Double the— No,” Robbie quickly decided, as Priest straightened, and

Julien moved to lie down beside him.

“Good. Now why don’t you fill this empty little hole of yours. Julien’s

waiting.”

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ROBBIE’S ASS CLENCHED at Priest’s words and the image they conjured

as he moved away from the bed and took up his spot in the chair again, and

Robbie licked his lips and turned his head to look at the sexy-as-sin man

beside him.

Julien had a hand wrapped around his cock and was stroking it as he

watched Robbie get up onto his knees and move to straddle his thighs. When

he was in place, Robbie noticed Julien’s clenched jaw, and the slight tic to it,

making it more than obvious he was trying his hardest to keep himself under

control—but Robbie didn’t want that.

He wanted these two feeling as out of control as he did. He wanted them

to shake with how badly they wanted him, and with that thought in mind,

Robbie began to play with one of his nipples as he took hold of his cock and

started to stroke.

He shut his eyes and began to roll his hips as though he were doing it to

the beat of some throbbing club hit. He shoved his dick through his fist and

let his head fall back, and as he continued to get himself off, his lips parted

and a soft moan left him.

It didn’t take long until a firm hand was on his thigh, and Robbie’s eyes

opened to focus on the one under him. Julien then angled his cock upright

and said, “Fuck. Tu me fais trop bander. Sit. I want to feel your ass wrapped

around me.”

Damn. Robbie didn’t understand the first half of that, but there was no

way he could refuse the second part. So Robbie reached down and directed

Julien’s cock where he needed him. Ever so slowly, Robbie teased himself

with the tip, and when Julien cursed and gritted his teeth, Robbie grinned and

did it again.

“Cheeky boy,” Julien said, and Robbie touched his tongue to his top lip as

he felt the head of Julien’s cock slip inside him.

“Mhmm,” Robbie said, and then rocked his hips back and forth, taking

that cock further inside. “Your cheeky boy.”

At his words, Julien grabbed hold of Robbie’s ass and shoved deep

inside, making him cry out. Shit, Julien felt…he felt unreal stretching him

wide, filling him up. Robbie had known when he got involved with these two

that sex was going to be way up there on the Richter scale. But every time? It

just got better and better.

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As Julien began to move under him, Robbie placed his hands on his chest

and started to grind down, shifting his body until he was hitting all the right

spots, and then he heard Priest moving off to the side and turned his head to

see him with his legs spread and that monster cock of his in hand.

Robbie focused on it and felt his ass tighten in response. That cock is

mine, he thought, and then returned his attention to Julien as he bucked up

and penetrated Robbie nice and deep— and so is his.

The possessiveness he felt over both men had Robbie slicking his tongue

over his lips, and when Julien ran his hands up his back and urged him down

so he could kiss him, gooseflesh broke out over Robbie’s skin.

He wound his arms around Julien’s neck and opened for his tongue, and

when Julien slid it inside along his, they teased and tormented one another

until Robbie was writhing over the top of him.

As his erection dripped all over Julien’s stomach, Robbie tore his mouth

free and said, “Deeper,” and Julien arched up off the bed and pulled Robbie

even tighter to him, if it were possible.

“Dieu.”

Julien’s body vibrated against his, and Robbie kissed his way to his ear

and whispered, “Embrasse-moi, Jules . ” And Julien groaned as Robbie took

his mouth in a fierce kiss and sucked on that full lower lip he dreamed about.

Robbie then put his hands on Julien’s chest and moved up to a seated

position so he could enjoy the feel of that thick cock pulsating inside him,

because—“That feels amazing…”

Julien’s breathing was coming fast as he smoothed his hands around to

cup Robbie’s ass, and Robbie wrapped a hand around his cock and started to

masturbate.

“Bordel, c’est trop bon. Fuck, it’s so good. ”

“Yes,” Robbie agreed, and aimed a sultry look down at him, and Julien

must’ve liked that, because he punched his hips up, making Robbie cry out

and squeeze his eyes shut.

“You were made for this,” Julien said. “Made for me and made for

Priest.”

Robbie couldn’t agree more as Julien tunneled inside him, and he had to

let go of his cock to brace himself. As he did, Robbie turned his head to see

Priest’s eyes locked on the both of them where they were intimately fused,

and then that gaze flicked up to lock with his, and Robbie shivered at the

untamed look of lust in those grey eyes.

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“Shit,” Robbie said, and slammed his eyes shut.

That look and Julien’s cock? It was all too much if he wanted to hold off.

So he nuzzled his lips into Julien’s neck as he kissed and sucked his way up

to his ear, and Robbie shifted against him, the cock in him filling him in the

most delicious way imaginable.

“So deep,” Robbie said, panting now. “You’re so deep, Jules.”

He then wound his arms around Julien’s neck, and when he braved

another glance in Priest’s direction, he saw him on his feet rolling a condom

down his length, and Robbie’s lips parted.

Oh fuck… Fuck.

It appeared that Priest was done with watching for the night, and that was

fine with Robbie, because he was more than ready to double his pleasure.

PRIEST WASN’T SURE how he’d managed to wait as long as he had, but

after seeing Robbie ride Julien like he was born to, there was no way he

could wait any longer.

He walked around to the end of the bed so he could get a good look at

Julien moving in and out of their man, and when he got there, Priest took a

second to watch Robbie’s pretty hole swallow Julien’s cock—and what a

sight it was.

He’d made sure to get Robbie nice and stretched before they’d moved in

here tonight, but he had a feeling Robbie was going to enjoy the burn that

would accompany what they were about to do to him next.

It had never been clearer than it was right now that Robbie was a true

bottom in every sense of the word, and wasn’t that fitting, since he had such a

spectacular ass. It was smooth, creamy, and right now spread open by

Julien’s hands and cock, begging for Priest to come play with it.

He put his knee on the mattress, and when it shifted, Robbie glanced over

his shoulder and Priest smirked.

Yes, he thought, as Robbie licked his lips with a nervous but excited edge

in his eyes. You know what’s about to happen here, don’t you, princess?

Priest moved up the bed until he was close enough to touch, and then

trailed his finger over Julien’s cock as it disappeared inside Robbie and then

up over Robbie’s stretched rim.

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“Ahh,” Robbie said, and his entire body jerked in response.

“Fucking hell,” Priest said as he uncapped the lube and poured some

down the crack of Robbie’s ass and over Julien’s dick, which continued to

work him, continued to fuck him. “You two together, you make me want to

lock the door and never let you out of this bed.”

Julien groaned, and Priest watched his fingers dig into Robbie’s pale skin

and spread him a little wider.

“That’s it, Julien, show him off for me. Show me how pretty he is. How

tight. How full…”

Robbie whimpered and shoved back, taking Julien as deep as he could get

him, and never had Priest been more convinced that Robbie was made for

them.

“So needy. So eager,” Priest said, and then stood on the mattress and put

a foot on either side of Julien’s legs, so he was hovering over the back of

Robbie.

Robbie glanced up at him, his eyes wild and dilated with how far gone he

was with his own pleasure, and when Priest took his cock in hand and

crouched down to tease Robbie’s full hole with the head of his dick, Robbie

dropped his head forward and moaned.

“That’s what you want, isn’t it? All the cock. Greedy for it, aren’t you,

sweetheart?”

Priest found Julien’s eyes then, as he slowly nudged the head of his dick

against Julien where he was moving in and out of Robbie in shallow digs.

Julien gripped Robbie’s cheeks and gently spread him, and as Priest bore

down a little, Robbie cried out.

Priest froze, waiting for Robbie to either tell them to stop or continue, and

when he turned that beautiful face up to him and nodded, Priest moved again,

getting in a little deeper.

“Oh Jesus… Fuck,” Robbie said as he buried his face in Julien’s neck,

and Julien ran a hand up into his hair, soothing him.

“That’s it, princesse, let him in,” Julien said. “His cock feels incroyable

rubbing up against mine inside you. Let him take us over.”

Priest bore down over Robbie and eased his cock inside along the

underside of Julien’s, making Julien groan.

“Ahh. God. I love it,” Robbie said. “I love having you both there…both

inside me…taking me…together.” Robbie’s breath left him in bursts as Priest

added a slight roll to his hips, the momentum helping him get into such a

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tight fit. “We’re so close…”

Priest squeezed his eyes shut, the pleasure he got from Robbie’s words

filling his balls and making his legs tremble. Then he placed his lips to

Robbie’s back, kissed him there, and said, “If that changes, you let us know.”

And then Priest began to move.

With his hands on Robbie’s waist, Priest slid his cock out a little and then

pushed it back in, sliding along Julien’s, making both men curse. He did it

again, slow to start with as Robbie got used to the intrusion, and with every

thrust, Robbie became more and more active between the two of them.

His hips started to move, and then that sweet, eager bottom began to

swallow the two cocks like it was made for that and that alone. The sounds

from all three of them then were a cacophony of groans, grunts, and growls,

as they moved against each other, chasing that certain pleasure point. Then

Robbie braced his hands on either side of Julien’s head and took his mouth in

a bruising kiss as he steadily began to fuck back on the two of them.

Priest stilled above him, mesmerized by what he was seeing and feeling,

and let Robbie use them in his desperate race to the finish line. His fingers

were gripping the pillow, his mouth was destroying Julien’s, and that

phenomenal ass was strangling their dicks like it wanted to kill the both of

them.

It was the most erotic thing Priest had ever been a part of, and when

Robbie finally tore his mouth off Julien’s and shouted, Julien slammed into

that well-used hole and Priest tunneled home, both of them getting their

cocks as deep inside Robbie as they could.

“You’re ours now, princess,” Priest said. “Every. Damn. Inch. Of. You.”

Robbie cried out as Priest punctuated each word with a thrust of his hips,

and when Julien threaded his fingers through Robbie’s hair, Priest stroked a

hand up Robbie’s spine and covered Julien’s there.

As their eyes met, Priest rolled his hips, grinding his cock over Julien’s

and hitting that sweet spot inside Robbie that had him going out of his mind.

“Ah, ah, ah…” Robbie cried out. “It’s so good. Both of you…soo

good…”

“Like heaven, princesse,” Julien said, and Priest added, “Like fucking

heaven.”

Robbie’s body stiffened between them then, and as a shout of pure

fulfillment ripped free of him, he came all over Julien.

Priest then dug his fingers into Robbie’s hips as Julien’s cock pulsed

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against his own, triggering Priest’s orgasm, and only seconds later, the both

of them came in a rush, deep inside the only man who’d ever felt as though

he belonged where he currently was.

Between them. Joining them. Completing them.

And that was exactly who, and what, Robert Bianchi had just done.

He’d become theirs, and they—Priest kissed the back of Robbie’s neck as

Julien kissed his cheek—had become his.

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CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CONFESSION

There is strength in numbers.

Those on the outside protecting the one within.

That is us.

One. Two. Three.

ONE WEEK LATER

“OKAY, GUYS, THIS is our new street. Memorize the address. 2405 Bel Air

Road, Los Angeles, California.”

Julien stared out the back window of his mom’s sleek Mercedes-Benz, as

she wound them up a twisty road that took them higher and higher with every

turn. On each side of the road, houses seemed to sprout out of the ground

into towers that overlooked the side of the mountain they were climbing, and

Julien had never seen anything like it.

Up in the front passenger seat, his sister peered out the windshield at the

mansions sprawling out ahead of her, and when they turned up one road in

particular and got a view of a massive white house with a terra cotta roof,

she glanced back at Julien with eyes wide as saucers.

This sure wasn’t anything like their home back in France. This was…eye-

opening. Everything was so new, so expensive looking, and more than a little

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intimidating. Julien had known his father made good money due to their

circumstances back home—well, France—but when he looked at the homes

and cars parked in the driveways here, he suddenly realized why his parents

hadn’t minded uprooting their kids and moving across an ocean. This

partnership his dad had taken had obviously been very lucrative.

“These houses are incredible,” Jacquelyn said, the awe in her voice

matching what Julien felt as he stared at the shiny cars—he counted five—

that sat in the driveway they’d just passed. “I can’t believe we’re going to

live here.”

“Believe it, baby girl,” their mother said, as she looked over to Jacquelyn

and ran a hand down her shiny hair. “Because this right here is ours.”

Their mother turned the car into a drive that had two heavy iron gates

blocking a gravel entryway to the—

“ Mon Dieu ,” Julien said as he sat forward in the middle seat between his

mom and sister, looking up at the huge white house they’d seen from one of

the bends in the road. A house that overlooked—

“That’s the Stone Canyon Reservoir,” their mom said.

“It’s gorgeous,” Jacquelyn whispered, and then looked at Julien, their

faces close enough that she grabbed his cheeks between her hands and

squealed. “Eeek! Can you believe we’re going to live here? It’s like…like a

castle.” Then she lowered her voice and whispered, “Can you imagine the

parties we could have here?”

As their mom punched in a code on the small box by the gate, the iron

bars slowly opened and she said, “ Excuse-moi ? Parties?”

Jacquelyn rolled her eyes as she flopped back in her seat. “Come on,

Mom. This place is parfaite for parties. It will totally help with first

impressions, since we’re the newbies this year.”

She wasn’t wrong, Julien thought as their mom drove them slowly up the

drive. He wasn’t exactly looking forward to the idea of starting their senior

year in a brand-new school and country. It was hard enough to get through

high school without being the newbies with the accents, the twins, and also

gay. So yeah, he was starting to like Jacquelyn’s idea of throwing a party to

win over the natives more and more.

“We’ll talk about all of that later,” their mom said as she pulled the car

to a stop in a huge circular courtyard made out of— merde —marble. “But for

now, how about we head inside and each find a bedroom?”

“Find one?” Jacquelyn said, and then laughed. “How many are there?”

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“Eight.”

“Eight?”

“Oui,” their mom said, and waggled her perfectly shaped eyebrows as she

shoved open the car door. “So don’t run off or we might lose you.”

They all got out of the car and Julien raced his sister up to the huge

double glass doors of the back entrance, and they both peered inside.

“Wow,” she whispered, and then giggled. “Have you ever seen anything

like this?”

“ Non ,” Julien said, and bumped shoulders with her. “I bet they have a

library here.”

“Oh oui …” Jacquelyn said with a wistful tone to her voice. “And imagine

what the kitchen is going to look like.”

“At least until you get your hands on it.”

“Uh-huh,” she said, and when their mom came up between them and

inserted the key, she said to them both, “Your dad is meeting us here at six.

But until then, let’s go and find you two a room.”

She didn’t have to tell them twice. Not a second after the words left her

mouth, he and Jacquelyn shot off into the enormous home in search of their

new rooms…

“JULIEN?” THE DISTANT sound of his name had Julien stirring where he

sat, his mind clearing from the past as a hand on his arm shook him back into

the present.

“Jules? We’re about to make our descent. You’ve got to put your chair

up.”

Julien’s eyes opened fully then and found Robbie’s lovely face where he

sat by the window.

“We’re already here?” Julien asked as he began to move his stiff body,

and when Robbie nodded, Julien brought a hand up to scrub it over his face.

“Dieu, I slept the entire way?”

“You were tired,” Robbie said, concern marring his usually carefree

voice.

“I guess I was,” Julien said, and touched his fingers to Robbie’s cheek.

“Remind me not to work so hard ever again, princesse.”

“As if that would help,” Priest said from across the aisle, and Julien

turned his head on the headrest to look over at him. “You haven’t stopped all

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week, using the restaurant as an excuse. Don’t try and deny it.”

Julien opened his mouth to do just that, but then sighed instead. “You’re

right, mon amour. You’re absolutely right.”

“Uh…don’t tell him that,” Robbie said, as he looked to Priest, who raised

a copper-colored eyebrow. “He already thinks he knows everything. There’s

no need to give him any more ammunition.”

Julien pursed his lips and nodded. “This is true.”

“Of course it is,” Robbie said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “That’s

why he’s sitting over there with a spare seat. One for him and one for his

giant…ego.”

“Robert?” Priest said in a voice that never failed to capture Julien and

Robbie’s attention.

“Yes, Joel?”

Priest’s eyes narrowed on their boyfriend, but the twitch of his lips made

it clear he was amused. “Behave yourself.”

“And if I don’t?” Robbie said, as he crossed one of his denim-clad legs

over the other. “What are you going to do about it? We’re on a plane

surrounded by a hundred or so upstanding citizens.”

“We might be. But we won’t be on a plane in fifteen minutes, will we?”

Robbie shifted in his seat and Julien wondered if it was the dark promise

of sex in Priest’s voice or the underlying threat of a well-deserved spanking

that turned Robbie on more—knowing their princesse, it was likely both.

“How about you use this time to make sure the two of you are all buckled

in,” Priest suggested, and then lowered his eyes to the blanket draped across

Julien’s lap. “I’d like you both to arrive safely. Think you can handle that?”

Julien followed the pink tip of Robbie’s tongue as he slid it along his

glossed-up lower lip, and then he aimed his baby blues at Julien and winked.

“Oh, I would love to handle that.”

ROBBIE WAS PRETTY sure that safety was the last thing on Priest’s mind

as he stared across at him and Julien. But there was no way in hell Robbie

was about to debate the issue when he’d just been told to “handle” Julien.

Not in this lifetime. No siree.

Over the past four hours or so, Priest had been working on his laptop

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while Robbie had been listening to his music and trying to ignore the fact that

Julien had slept with his head resting on his shoulder the entire trip.

Not exactly an easy feat when the man’s lips were soft and plump and

made Robbie want to suck on them until those stunning jade eyes found his

and begged for more, but… that was beside the point.

The point was that the flight from Chicago to L.A. had been a fairly

uneventful one. No turbulence of any kind. Until five minutes ago when

Julien had finally woken up and Priest had shut down work, and they were

once again aware of the fact that they were in close confines and unable to

touch one another—at least not in any way that they wanted to.

Priest’s eyes were fastened on the two of them with that serious

expression Robbie had come to crave, and as he slipped his hand under the

blanket on Julien’s lap, Robbie pressed his lips to Julien’s cheek and said,

“You all buckled in, Jules?”

Julien smiled, but it quickly turned to a hum in the back of his throat

when Robbie may—or may not have—accidently brushed his hand over his

groin. “I better check. Just in case,” he said, as Julien’s eyes fluttered shut.

“Hmm, I don’t think this is your seatbelt…”

As Robbie massaged Julien’s growing erection, Julien pumped his hips

up off the seat. “I don’t think it is either.”

“No?” Robbie asked, feigning wide-eyed innocence.

“Non.” Julien moved a hand to clamp it down over Robbie’s and let out a

rush of air. “Ahh, princesse. You’re testing my restraint. ”

“I’m just being thorough. Priest wants me to make sure you’re safe. I’m

following a direct order.”

“I see,” Julien said, and brushed his lips over Robbie’s. “So it’s Priest’s

fault that I’m now sitting here with an erection?”

“Oui. So embrasse-moi. Let’s tease him a little. It’s only fair , ” Robbie

whispered, and Julien groaned.

“You’re getting good at that.”

Robbie increased the pressure of his hand and grinned against Julien’s

lips. “Then reward me.”

And when Julien did just that, and slid his tongue inside Robbie’s mouth,

Robbie made sure to aim his eyes across the aisle to Priest.

Damn. The man’s stare was like a tangible thing. Robbie swore he could

feel it at all times, and knew that Julien did too. Priest didn’t have to speak.

He didn’t have to move. He just had to be in the same vicinity as them and

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they were instantly aware of his presence.

When the corner of Priest’s lips tugged into an arrogant grin, Robbie

wished they were all somewhere they could get naked. It had been a long

week, and with the way Julien had been working overtime, they’d barely had

a moment where they’d all been in the same room at the same time. And now

that they were, they were on a flight that Robbie knew was going to bring

Julien to a place of eventual pain.

“Arrêtez,” Julien said, and nipped at Robbie’s lower lip. “You need to

stop or this is going to get out of hand.”

Robbie pouted. “Can we finish later?”

Julien took hold of his face and kissed him quickly. “I’d be disappointed

if we didn’t.”

“Okay… I suppose I can wait, then,” Robbie said, and ran his tongue

across his top lip, taking a final taste of Julien before looking over at Priest.

“He’s all buckled in. Nice and safe.”

Priest arched an eyebrow. “From turbulence or you?”

Robbie poked his tongue out at the dry remark, and when Julien laughed,

Robbie found himself settling back into his seat with a smile on his face.

For a moment there, he’d taken Julien’s mind off what was ahead this

weekend, and that was what mattered the most—that he and Priest got Julien

through the next two days in one piece, because from what Robbie

understood, that wasn’t as easy as it sounded.

PRIEST STUDIED Julien’s profile as he sat across from the two men he now

considered his. A slight smile remained after the burst of laughter that had

just escaped his husband, and Priest wondered just how long that would last.

This weekend was never an easy one. The anniversary of Jacquelyn’s

death, and the circumstances behind her passing, usually culminated in a total

clusterfuck that had Julien unraveling in ways he fought so hard to avoid on a

daily basis. It was the one time of the year that Priest watched Julien extra

closely, and this time around would be no different.

As the flight attendant announced the time and weather at their final

destination, Priest checked once again on the two across from him. Julien’s

eyes were now shut, but Robbie’s were locked on his, worry having replaced

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the light that had been there a couple of minutes ago.

Priest had said it before and he’d say it again: Robert Bianchi was a smart

one. Smarter than he gave himself credit for, Priest thought. It was in the

deep understanding that filled those blue eyes of his right now. In the ability

Robbie had to playfully take Julien’s mind off what was ahead, yet at the

same time keep his concerns to himself until a moment like this where they

shared the burden—and Priest had to admit, he was thankful to have Robbie

with them this time around.

What they were about to walk into was something that no one could

imagine. It was like heading off to war. No matter how prepared you thought

you were, until you got there, you never quite knew what you were up

against.

Where they were going was a place where years of guilt, years of pain,

had manifested into something ugly, and eight years ago, Priest had realized

that not all demons were the same.

They weren’t always obvious and didn’t always hide away in the dark

like his did. Sometimes, they were out in the light for everyone to see. In a

face, in a photograph, in the way a mother and father looked at their son with

disdain in their eyes. But the one thing about demons that never differed was

that they never missed an opportunity to drag a person into the darkness,

whenever they found a weakness.

They watched and waited. They searched for the right moment. And

when they spotted a break in the line of defense that they could slip through,

all one could pray for was some flicker of light, some flicker of hope, to pull

them back through to the other side. Luckily for them, there was strength in

numbers.

This weekend, Priest was Julien’s line of defense and Robbie was his

light and hope, and it had never been more apparent that the connection they

had forged was one they’d all been searching for, and one they desperately

needed.

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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CONFESSION

You never get anywhere standing still.

But then, you don’t get much further on the 405 either.

“IS HE OKAY?” Robbie said, as he and Priest stood by baggage claim

around thirty minutes later.

Like him, Priest wasn’t paying any attention to the bags that were rotating

on the black conveyor belt. Instead, they were focused on Julien, who was

standing over by one of the exits, staring out at the buses, cars, and taxis

driving by.

Julien hadn’t said a word since they’d arrived, and the smile from earlier

on the plane had vanished the moment they’d set foot in the L.A. terminal,

making Robbie start to worry.

“No,” Priest said, his mouth set in a grim line, his focus locked on his

husband. “He’s not.”

Shit, Robbie thought, but knew there was little to nothing he could do.

There was no quick fix to all of this. No fix at all…really.

When Robbie sighed, Priest turned to him. “Are you sure you want to be

here for this? It’s not too late for us to book you a return—”

“No,” Robbie said, and shook his head. There were many things he

wanted to do right then, from comforting Julien to being there if Priest

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needed him. But leaving? That wasn’t one of them. “I’m not going anywhere

but with the both of you. So if you’re trying to get rid of me, you’re going to

have to do better than that.”

Priest ran his fingers over the frown on Robbie’s brow, and as he looked

into those grey eyes, Robbie wished he could read Priest’s mind.

“That’s the last thing I’m trying to do,” Priest said. “I just want to be

aware of how you’re coping with all of this. How you’re feeling is just as

important here.”

Robbie looked over at Julien and knew only one thing. He wanted to be

there if, and when, Julien needed him. He wanted to be available to listen

when Julien was ready to share. And that couldn’t happen if he was back in

Chicago.

“Robert?” Priest said, and took Robbie’s chin in hand. “You can leave.

We won’t think any less—”

Robbie reached for Priest’s wrist and drew it away. “I’m not leaving. Not

him. Not you. He asked me to be here and you didn’t nix the idea, so let me

be here. Let me help you take care of him this weekend.”

Priest ran the pad of his thumb over Robbie’s lips, then he leaned in and

kissed him softly, making Robbie giggle when Priest’s short scruff tickled

him.

Priest raised his head, his eyes serious as he slicked his tongue over his

lower lip and said, “What’s today’s flavor?”

Robbie’s mouth curved into a wide smile. Ever since he’d moved in, he’d

delighted in introducing Julien and Priest to his wide array of flavored lip

glosses, his favorite addiction.

“Sugar Plum. But I like to call it Sugar Plum Fairy.” Robbie added an

impish wink that drew out that elusive grin of Priest’s. “You like?”

“Very much,” Priest said. “You and your sweet lips.”

“Are you trying to take my mind off things by appealing to my vanity?”

“I am.”

“Well… it’s working,” Robbie said, and held up his thumb and forefinger

a few inches apart. “A teensy bit.”

“Good. Then let’s grab our bags and get over to Julien and see if we can

distract him.”

Robbie nodded and turned back to the suitcases circling them on the belt,

but couldn’t stop himself from taking one more look at Julien, who remained

staring out the window like a caged animal. One who desperately wanted to

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be anywhere but where he was.

BY THE TIME they collected their bags and came to a standstill behind

Julien, his hands were jammed into his pockets and his shoulders were rigid.

Priest glanced at Robbie and held a finger up, as he stepped around his

suitcase and walked over to stop beside his husband. Julien didn’t turn to

look, but when Priest touched his fingers to his arm, Julien automatically

brought a hand out from his pocket to cover the one now resting on his loose,

cream-colored cardigan.

“I’m all right, mon amour,” Julien said in a quiet voice, and it didn’t

surprise Priest that Julien knew what he was thinking without him having to

speak. That was always the way with them.

“I’m just thinking,” Julien continued. “Wondering why I put myself

through this every year.”

“You put yourself through it because this is where she is, and they’re

your family. Because you are theirs,” Priest said.

“They’ve made it abundantly clear they wished that wasn’t the case. But

it is what it is,” Julien said. “I guess I should just be thankful they don’t lock

the gates on me.”

I fucking dare them to try, Priest thought, and shook his head in disgust.

But the truth was that he was also surprised they hadn’t resorted to locking

their only living child from his home. Then again, Priest got the impression

they enjoyed having someone to blame for their misery. Someone to hold

responsible for all of their anger and sorrow.

“Haven’t you been punished enough?” Priest whispered, as he moved his

hand up to cup the back of Julien’s neck.

Julien turned his head, and his sad eyes told Priest there would never be

enough punishment for what had happened all those years ago, then he said,

“Non.”

Priest wanted to argue, to vehemently disagree, and while the baggage

area seemed an appropriate setting for them to talk about all of this, he knew

it wasn’t the right time or place to delve into details.

After several silent seconds passed, the two of them looked over to where

Robbie stood watching them with a pensive expression, and Priest decided it

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was time to head out. They were getting nowhere standing still.

“Well, Mr. Bianchi, are you ready to see L.A.?” Priest said.

“Why yes, Mr. Priestley, I think I am.” And the smile that crossed

Robbie’s face was enough to pull Julien out of his headspace.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Julien said, and stretched a hand out to

Robbie. “Let’s go, princesse.”

“IS THE TRAFFIC always like this?” Robbie asked, as they moved half a car

length up the 405 and again came to a stop.

“Oui. It is, always. It’s even worse during rush hour,” Julien said from

where he sat behind the wheel of their black SUV rental, with Robbie seated

beside him and Priest in the back.

They were crawling up the 405 freeway and Julien was tapping his finger

along to the music softly playing through the speakers, trying not to think

about what was going to go down in the next forty-eight hours.

“Robert?” Priest said, as Robbie stared out ahead at the sea of brake

lights, in what now felt more like a parking lot than a freeway.

“Hmm?”

Priest had been going out of his way to make small talk and keep

everyone occupied since they’d left the airport, and if it had been any other

time or place, it would’ve been highly amusing to see him so chatty. As it

was, Julien was nothing but grateful for the distraction.

“How is it that someone as flashy as yourself has never been to L.A.? I

would’ve assumed this was your kind of town.”

“Right?” Robbie said, his attention now redirected as he shifted in his seat

so he was angled toward the middle of the vehicle. “It really does feel like my

kind of place, doesn’t it? All the glitter and glam? Hmm, maybe I should

think about relocating. My ma always said I should never hide my light under

a bushel.”

“No one could ever accuse you of doing that,” Priest said, as he ran his

eyes over Robbie’s grey V-neck shirt that had black Eiffel Towers and bright

red kisses all over it. He’d told them he’d had to have it when he spotted it

last week because it made him think of kissing Julien.

“I mean, who wouldn’t want to live here? I bet there are thousands of

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sexy single men waiting to be discovered, aren’t there?” Robbie let out a

dreamy sigh and then shrugged. “Not that I care about that now, of course.

But that would’ve been a huge draw before.”

“Before?” Priest said.

“Yeah. Before this. Before us. Now, I’m one hundred percent content.”

“How reassuring.”

“Oh, please.” Robbie rolled his eyes. “Don’t even try to act like you don’t

know I’m totally stupid over the two of you.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Julien saw Priest lean forward between the

seats to say, “There’s nothing stupid about you, sweetheart. Don’t say that,

ever.”

“You know what I mean,” Robbie said.

“Do I?”

“Um, yeah. When you two are in a room, I can barely find my tongue to

speak. A.k.a: stupid for the both of you.”

Julien reached over the console and placed a hand on Robbie’s thigh,

deciding this conversation was just the kind of diversion he could do with.

“Don’t worry yourself, princesse. When you’re in a room with us, we’ll

always be happy to help you locate your tongue.”

Robbie chuckled and put a hand over Julien’s to slide it higher up his leg.

“Promise?”

“Promis.”

“Robert,” Priest said, and Robbie shivered at the sound of his name.

“Give Julien his hand back. He needs to concentrate on driving, not your hot

little body.”

“Ugh, you’re such a spoilsport,” Robbie said. “In here, on the plane, but I

am thrilled that you think I have a hot little body. That’s practically a

declaration of love coming from you.”

As the word love left his lips, Robbie’s eyes widened and he clapped a

hand over his mouth in mortification, and Julien started to laugh—loudly.

When Priest joined in and sat back in his seat, Robbie ran a hand through

his hair and then blew out a breath. “Okay, you two,” he said. “If you’re both

done laughing at me and my loose lips, can we please move along? And since

you took my fun away, Joel, tell me—have you ever met anyone famous?”

“Depends,” Priest said. “What level of fame are we talking here? Because

if you’ll recall, I’m married to, and you’re involved with, someone quite

famous.”

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Julien shook his head as he aimed his eyes in the mirror at Priest.

“Oh, I never forget that,” Robbie said, and waggled his eyebrows. “But

okay, let’s say movie star. Have you ever met a real-life movie star?”

“I have, actually. One of the biggest in the business.” When Priest didn’t

elaborate, Robbie spun on him, his embarrassment from a minute ago clearly

a thing of the past.

“Who? Who have you met? You can’t leave it at that. Do I know them?

Have I heard of them? Male or female?”

“Are you going to take a breath anytime soon or should I just wait until

you run out of steam?”

Robbie clamped his lips shut but glared at Priest to let him know he

wasn’t happy about it.

“Ace Locke.”

The name didn’t require any further explanation. Ace Locke was one of

Hollywood’s biggest movie stars.

Julien cut a quick glance in Robbie’s direction, and saw him looking

completely and utterly flummoxed. “Are you okay, princesse?”

Robbie blinked a couple of times, and then managed, “Did he just say

Ace Locke?”

“Oui, he did.”

Robbie seemed to regain control over his brain function then, as his eyes

flew back to Priest. “Shut your face.”

“Impressed?” Priest said.

“Im…im pressed? Ace Locke is, like…” While Robbie sputtered trying to

find his words, Priest provided him with a few.

“One of the biggest movie stars of our generation? Not to mention openly

gay and married to—”

“Dylan Prescott,” Robbie cut in. “Hello. Smoking-hot male model

marries Hollywood superstar. Do you really think I don’t know who these

two are? Come on, don’t you know me at all? I followed their wedding plans

from the announcement to the ‘I dos.’ Holy fuck. My mind is totally blown

right now. Totally. Blown. How do you even know him?” Robbie paused,

and then looked between them. “Oh my God, you two didn’t sleep with Ace

Locke, did you?” When Priest didn’t immediately answer, Robbie demanded

in a much higher octave, “Did you?”

“No,” Priest said, and couldn’t hold back his chuckle. “He’s not exactly

our type.”

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Robbie seemed to think that over. “Okay, yeah, that makes sense, but…

but how, then? This is insanity.”

Priest shrugged, but the smirk on his lips told Julien that he was enjoying

this detour from the more serious topics just as much as he was.

“I know him through Logan.”

“Wait…Logan knows Ace fucking Locke and never told me?”

“I have to say,” Priest said drolly, “I’m not overly disappointed about

that, considering your reaction right now.”

As Priest’s words penetrated Robbie’s excitement, a mischievous smile

slid over his lips and he preened a little. “We-he- ell, would you look at that.

If I didn’t know better, I might think you were jealous, Mr. Priestley.”

Julien took the exit they needed and said, “I’d say you know him very

well, princesse. He’s jealous.”

“Really?” Robbie said, and ran his eyes over the jeans and black button-

up Priest was wearing. “That’s super hot.”

“Why do I feel like that pleases you a little too much?” Priest said.

“Because it does. You’re totally jealous,” Robbie said, then grinned like

the devil himself. “Is it the thought of Ace throwing me up against a wall that

annoys you, or—”

“Robert,” Priest growled, and Robbie let out a pleased laugh.

“Okay, okay. Sorry, I got a little off track. Where was I? Oh, I remember,

how does Logan know Ace Locke? Not that I’m surprised. I swear to God he

slept with everyone before he settled down with Tate.”

“Through school, I believe,” Priest said. “Or college? I can’t remember,

and right now I really don’t care.”

“Geez, a little testy, aren’t we?” Robbie said, and slumped back in his

seat. “Well, either way, I’m officially impressed.”

“Good, because I’m officially ending this conversation. Your excitement

is making me feel—”

“Inadequate?” Robbie said.

“‘Irritated’ was more the word I had in mind,” Priest said, as Julien

finally turned up his parents’ street and drove past several of the mansions

that sat along Bel Air Road. “Now why don’t you turn around and enjoy your

current view.”

Robbie rolled his eyes, and then turned just as Julien pulled the SUV into

his parents’ driveway.

“We’re here,” Julien said, as he wound down his window and punched in

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the code to the iron gates. As they yawned open, Julien felt like a chasm as

wide as the Grand Canyon had appeared before him, as he inched the car

forward into the courtyard.

Robbie peered out the windshield at the enormous house that was lit up in

front of them, and then he muttered, “Holy shit.”

Julien drew the car to a stop and stared at the stone steps that led up to the

double glass doors that were the back entrance, and his stomach tightened

just as his hands did around the steering wheel.

For a few minutes on the way out there, he’d forgotten why they were all

back in L.A. But as he sat there now, with the engine cut, and silence the only

thing in the car, it all came roaring back.

Priest’s hand on his shoulder made Julien jolt in his seat.

“You ready?”

Julien looked at him in the rearview mirror and said, “No.” Then he felt

Robbie’s fingers wrap around his and squeeze. “But I want it over with.”

Priest gave a clipped nod. “Princess?”

“Yes?” Robbie answered, his face now a mask of seriousness, his

understanding of the mood in the car a testament to their burgeoning

relationship.

“No matter what happens tonight with his parents, no matter what is said,

remember that you’re here because Julien asked you to come. He wants you

here. He wants you to understand this part of him. Okay?”

Julien knew what Priest was doing. He was warning Robbie. He was

trying to prepare him for what was about to come. It was something Julien

should’ve been doing himself, but he couldn’t seem to find his voice.

“Okay,” Robbie said. “I understand.”

Julien swallowed, wishing that were true. But really, there was no way to

prepare someone for the disgust one’s parents had for a son who had killed

their only daughter.

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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CONFESSION

You’re everywhere.

But nowhere at all.

“COME ON. LET’S go,” Jacquelyn said as she pushed through the back

doors of the house and headed inside.

“You better go with her,” their mom said to Julien, as Jacquelyn charged

off ahead. “Make sure she stays out of trouble.”

“As if that’s possible.”

“You’re right,” she said with a laugh. “But at least with you I know she’s

safe, mon cher petit . And in a new country, that will ease me and your dad.”

Julien grinned and headed off after Jacquelyn, who had just disappeared

down a corridor to the left, her dark hair the only thing he caught as she ran

off in search of her new bedroom.

As he followed behind, Julien’s eyes swept over the huge room directly off

to his right, which appeared to be a living room of sorts, but then he

continued on, figuring he’d come back to that after he claimed a room of his

own.

He rounded the corner he’d seen Jacquelyn run down, and when all he

saw was an empty corridor, he called out, “Jacquelyn? Where’d you run off

to, petite poulette ?”

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When all he got in response was silence, Julien sighed and headed down

the hall. He looked into several empty rooms on either side, and when he

finally reached the end of the long walkway, he spotted her inside the final

room up on the right.

She’d pushed open a set of French doors and was standing outside on a

large balcony that overlooked a pool and the reservoir their mom had told

them about. The afternoon sun was just now beginning to set, and as Julien

stepped outside onto the balcony, Jacquelyn turned to face him with a

brilliant smile.

“Whatever fantasies you’re having about Romeo and Romeo, Julien

Thornton, you stop right now. I saw this room first.”

Julien rolled his eyes and walked over to where she stood, and as they

leaned down and rested their arms on the stone handrail, he said, “Do you

think you’ll like it here?”

“In this house? Umm, have you seen it?”

“ Non , not the house. America? Abruti . L.A.?”

Jacquelyn looked out ahead of them and shrugged. “I guess. I mean, it’s

totally different to France.”

“ Oui , it is,” Julien said. “It’s very…I don’t know, loud? I didn’t think I’d

miss the old house as much as I do.”

“Well, you always liked it there—the villa too, since it was more secluded

and you could hide away. I keep telling you, you need to get out more, stop

being so shy. Live a little.” Jacquelyn bumped her arm up against his, and

then said in a soft voice, “This is L.A., Jules, not some backward-thinking

town out in the country. No one is going to care that you like boys as much as

I do. In fact, I’ll probably be fighting you for them.”

Julien gave her a shut up look and shook his head, making her laugh. But

then she sobered and slipped her hand through the crook of his arm.

“I’m serious,” she said, and laid her head on his shoulder. “Loosen up a

little. Stop worrying about me and have fun your senior year. They’re all

going to love you as much as I do. Je te le promets.”

But worrying was part of his DNA. Jacquelyn was born the wild child.

She was easygoing and carefree, the life of every party she went to. She had

zero inhibitions and was always up for a good time. Whereas their mom

always joked that Julien was the nurturer, the protector, because he came out

of the womb first. Quieter in nature but always ready to fight against the

world to protect himself and all those around him.

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The downside to that, though, was the stress that came with the worry.

“I mean it, Jules,” Jacquelyn said as she straightened up. “We’re going

to have the best senior year ever, and then we’re going to kick college’s ass.

You’ll become a famous chef and I’ll become”—she pursed her lips as

though thinking it over, and then grinned like the devil himself—“a world-

class, famous chef.”

That finally got Julien to laugh. “Oh, so you think you’ll be better than

me, do you?”

“There’s no thinking about it,” she said as she walked backward toward

the French doors. “You know it and so do I. You just don’t want to admit it.”

Julien scoffed and followed her inside. “Careful, petite poulette . It’s

going to hurt sooo much more when I turn out better than you.”

“Whatever,” she said with a shrug. “But neither of us are going to turn

out any way if we don’t find the kitchen in this place. Want to go look?”

“What about your library? I thought you’d be dying to find that next.”

“We’ll find that after. I mean, we’ve all got to eat, right?”

Julien nodded, and as they set off to find the kitchen, he decided he would

make a conscious effort to do exactly what she had said. He would enjoy his

senior year and not worry as much. He would adapt to this new lifestyle and

embrace the culture surrounding him.

And embrace it he did. So did she over the next few years.

A little too well, some would say…

JULIEN STOOD IN the hallway he’d once walked down in search of his

sister and stared at the empty tunnel that now greeted him. Not a sound could

be heard inside the house, and as he made himself move, he found that was

all he could do.

He supposed he should probably call out, announce his unwelcome

presence to those he knew would be somewhere inside. But as he got further

down the hall, all he could manage was putting one foot in front of the other.

Not much had changed over the years up there in the mansion. The walls

were the same color, a cream that complemented the Tuscan villa feel, even if

the house itself resembled nothing of the quaint homes that populated the

Italian countryside.

The furniture was exactly as he remembered it. A long table ran down the

hallway and held several mementos that his parents had collected over the

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years in their travels, and then off to the right, a gorgeous Louis XV-style

settee and sofa sat facing the picturesque view of the Stone Canyon

Reservoir, which right now had lights from other homes twinkling all around

it.

It was so quiet up there tonight, and as Julien continued down to the

kitchen, he realized it was… too quiet.

He headed through the maze of hallways in the direction of the place he

was always drawn to, and when he reached it and stepped inside, the first

thing he noticed was how immaculate it was, as though no one had set foot in

it for days.

Non, Julien thought, as he went over to the fridge and opened it to find it

empty. Not days, months. No one had been there in… months.

Julien’s hand tightened around the handle and he slowly shut the door and

stared at the stainless steel that was so clean he could see a blurred reflection

of himself in it.

They aren’t here, he thought, as he let go of the door and stumbled back

into the island behind him. They aren’t fucking here.

As the cold, hard reality of that slammed into him, Julien brought a hand

up and pressed the heel of it to his chest as it tightened.

Fuck. How could they do this? How could his parents not be there?

Without a word? Without warning?

They’d known he would be coming back. He always came back, even

when they told him not to. Oui , and this time they made sure they wouldn’t

have to see you.

As that thought echoed around his skull, Julien pressed his fingers to his

forehead as though he could reach inside it and rip it free. But it was no use,

it was in there on a loop that was determined to drum the truth—no matter

how ugly it was—into his head.

They wouldn’t have to see you…

Wouldn’t have to acknowledge that you exist.

Julien brought his hand down to his mouth and covered it as he ran to the

sink, nausea twisting at his gut, the pain inside him now wanting to expel

itself from his body the fastest route possible. But with the way he’d been

feeling lately, Julien had thought it best not to eat before he got on the plane,

so there was nothing in there to get rid of.

Well, it was time to rectify that, wasn’t it?

His parents might’ve cleaned out the fridge, but he knew one place they

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would’ve left as is, a place they never stepped inside of anymore, and on

wobbly legs Julien managed to leave what was once his favorite room and go

in search of the one he hated the most, the room that had the only cure to this

kind of pain—a lot of fucking alcohol.

“UMM, PRIEST?” ROBBIE said, as he came around the back of the car, and

when Priest looked over at him, he noticed Robbie’s eyes fixated on the

looming home in front of them.

“Yes?”

“I, ah… I don’t know how to act in a house like that.”

Priest popped the trunk and reached for Robbie’s bag, and once he’d

handed it to him, he lifted his and Julien’s out and shut it. “Neither do the

people who live in it, so you’ll be in good company.”

“I’m serious,” Robbie said, as he aimed his eyes back to the doors Julien

had just disappeared inside of. “I know this might come as a shock to you,

considering how exceptionally put together I am, but I come from very

humble beginnings.”

Priest hadn’t thought it was possible for him to feel anything other than

stressed about what they were about to do. But he found himself grinning at

the earnest expression on Robbie’s face. “Is that right?”

“Yes,” Robbie said, and then smacked Priest on the arm. “Stop laughing

at me.”

Priest stepped forward until he had Robbie backed up against the SUV.

“I’m not laughing at you.”

“You were so. I saw your mouth actually curve.”

“Watching my mouth, were you?”

“Maybe?”

Priest leaned in and said by Robbie’s ear, “You have nothing to worry

about in there. But if you keep looking at my mouth, you might have

something to worry about out here.”

As Priest straightened, Robbie reached down and pressed the heel of his

hand over the zipper of his tight jeans. “That was mean.”

“No, that was a way to stop you from having a meltdown.”

Robbie’s hand halted in place, and one of his perfectly shaped eyebrows

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rose. “I don’t have meltdowns.”

“Yes, you do,” Priest said as he picked up the bags. “Spectacular ones. As

for how to behave in there? Just be yourself. Trust me, I’ve known Julien’s

parents for years, and not once have they ever shown that they are aware of

what good manners are. In fact, most of the time, you’ll barely know they’re

there.”

Robbie shrugged his bag up his shoulder and frowned. “What do you

mean? It’s their house.”

“Yes, it is,” Priest said as they started across the drive to the doors.

“That’s the only reason I show them any respect, especially with how they

treat Julien. But what I mean is they’re virtual ghosts. They hardly talk. At

least not to Julien, and certainly not to me, and they won’t talk to you either.

He insists on coming back each year to check in with them. But the main

reason he comes back here is to punish himself.”

“Why would he do that?” Robbie said, his feet coming to a halt halfway

across the drive.

“Because he feels he deserves it.” Priest looked up to the open door ahead

of them. “It’s his story to tell, and it’s not an easy one. But something you

should know? Julien loved his sister and parents very much. Their family was

as perfect as one could be until the night she died. And that night, Julien lost

all of them. It took him a long time to decide that his life was worth living

again after that. A long time and some really bad decisions.”

“Like stealing a car?” Robbie whispered, and when Priest looked over at

him, he noticed Robbie’s eyes were a little glassy.

“Like stealing a car…”

Robbie gnawed on his lower lip. “I can’t imagine him like that.”

“I know. And seeing him like this is going to be hard too. But this is part

of him. A really big part of him.”

Robbie nodded, and Priest gestured to the door with a tilt of his head.

“You ready?”

“Yes. Let’s go and find him,” Robbie said, and Priest led the two of them

inside to go and find their man.

JULIEN CRACKED THE seal on the lid of the Grey Goose he’d just taken

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from his dad’s bar and went about unscrewing it as he stared over at the

locked door of the game room.

The bar was located a little ways from the kitchen, but just as he’d

suspected, he’d managed to locate something to dull the ache that had now

spread from his heart to encompass his entire body.

As he got the blue cap off the vodka and went to put it down on the

counter, his hand knocked one of the glasses on the shiny surface and it fell

off, bounced on the hardwood, cracked, and then landed on the thousand-

dollar rug.

Julien stared at it.

He knew he should pick it up—he’d always been taught to respect other

people’s belongings, and this house, that glass, and that rug were certainly

not his. But since no one was actually there to give a fuck, he left it exactly

where it was.

He raised the bottle to his lips and took a long swig, and as he swallowed

back the clear liquid, he held on to the bar for support. Not because he was

drunk—this was his first drink since last Friday at The Popped Cherry. He

held on because his legs felt like rubber, as if a light breeze might knock

them out from under him.

That had everything to do with the lack of oxygen to his muscles right

now, and that had everything to do with the fact he was back in this room,

staring at that door, and he was finding it difficult to fucking breathe.

He needed to get out of there. He needed to take the bottle and get the

fuck out of that room…now.

As he snagged it in his fist, he walked around the counter, his anger

festering inside him like an ugly disease as he headed out the door and down

toward the end of the house that his room was in.

He still couldn’t believe his parents weren’t there. There was no note, no

message as to where the hell they’d gone. Just an empty mansion on the top

of an overpriced hill. Fucking brilliant, he thought, and took another swig.

Did they actually think he liked coming there? To a house where he could

hear and see her everywhere? It was bad enough just being himself most

days, let alone visiting this place, and that room, and they couldn’t even be

bothered to show up for her. Must be nice.

As he went, he took another swig of the fiery liquid and enjoyed the burn

as it slid down and heated his gut, and as he walked past one of the many

guest rooms, he came to the wall that had once showcased nothing but family

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photos.

From bad haircuts to worse, and everything in between, he and Jacquelyn

had always hated taking their friends past this particular wall because it was

what they referred to as “the wall of shame.” That, however, had changed.

Not the photo wall, but the photos that now hung there.

Julien stepped in front of the images that were displayed in a variety of

different frames at all different levels, and as he stared at the beautiful face

smiling and laughing out of all of them, he raised the bottle of vodka to his

lips and took another long gulp.

Jacquelyn.

Every photograph that now hung upon that wall was of Jacquelyn. It, like

the house itself, had become a shrine to the one who could no longer set foot

inside it.

Julien ran his fingers over the one closest to him. It was of Jacquelyn

standing by their old Christmas tree back in France, and she was wearing a

bright red coat with a hood that matched. There was snow all over it from

when they’d been running around outside, and she was laughing, her eyes

sparkling with joy.

She was thirteen years old in that picture. He knew that because he had

been standing right beside her when it had been taken—even though he was

now nowhere to be found now.

As his eyes began to blur, Julien touched the long strands of her hair

which fell down over her coat.

“You’re everywhere, ma petite poulette. Everywhere, but nowhere at

all…” Julien shut his eyes as a tear escaped and rolled down his cheek, his

body no longer able to contain his grief.

She was trapped here. Forever enshrined in a castle that now felt more

like a tomb—an empty, sad tomb.

He brought the bottle up to his lips and took another sip, and when he

lowered it by his side, a soft, lilting laugh filled his mind and he whirled

around, half expecting to see her there, in the place where her laughter had

once filled the halls. But non, now it merely haunted them.

He walked by the rest of the images without another glance. Unable to

look her in the eye. Unable to see himself cut from her life. Cut from theirs.

Then he made his way further along the corridor until he reached a door he

knew well.

This was her place. A room she’d made her own. And when he pushed

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open the door, Julien stared inside to see the heavy curtains drawn, making

the mahogany walls and bookshelves appear more like a coffin than the

traditional Victorian library their mom had modeled it after.

He walked inside and ran his fingers over the books in the shelves. Most

were fiction. Some romances, some thrillers, some paranormal, and when he

got to the spot he was looking for, Julien pulled an old hardback free and

stared down at the worn cover.

Little Women.

It was the copy he’d given to her all those years ago, and inside was a

bookmark of where she’d been up to on her reread. He’d never been able to

bring himself to see where she’d been at, and tonight was no different.

He didn’t bother opening the curtains, didn’t bother switching on a light.

Instead, Julien sat down on the floor with his back against the shelf, shut his

eyes, and hugged the book tightly to his chest.

Every year he fought against this. He fought against coming back to this

house where he knew she was. He fought it, and at the same time knew he

would never stop coming. Not as long as he was physically able to get there.

He laid his head down on his knees, and as he wound his arms around his

legs, he felt her sitting right there beside him.

“ I’m so sorry, ma petite poulette,” he whispered, and let every piece of

his heart shatter all over again. “I wish I could tell you how sorry.”

And though he knew it was likely the alcohol, Julien could’ve sworn he

heard, “I know, Jules. But it’s too late…”

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CHAPTER NINETEEN

CONFESSION

It was everything a first kiss shouldn’t be.

Yet it shocked me straight to my heart

and reminded me that I’m alive.

“HE’S BEEN GONE awhile,” Robbie said from his spot on the plush settee

where he’d taken up residence around twenty minutes ago.

After they’d brought their bags inside and locked up, they’d quickly

realized that they were the only ones there, and Julien’s parents must be out.

So Priest had directed them into an enormous living space that was home to

some of the most spectacular views Robbie had ever seen.

The Stone Canyon Reservoir, Priest had told him, and Robbie couldn’t

help but wonder how much a place like this would run a person. It was, in a

word, mind-blowing.

Not only did Robbie feel as though he were on top of the world up there.

But they also got to look down on everyone from what looked like a French

parlor from the old days, which had one of the most gorgeous baby grands

he’d ever seen sitting off in the corner.

“You’re right, he has,” Priest finally said as he got to his feet and started

to pace back and forth in front of the wall of windows. It was obvious he had

been trying to give Julien some space when they’d arrived, maybe to deal

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with his parents on his own? But since they weren’t there, Robbie could tell

Priest was getting anxious over letting Julien out of his sight for so long. “I’m

going to go and check the kitchen. That’s usually where he winds up.”

As Priest crossed the living room, Robbie stood to follow, and Priest

came to a stop and looked back.

“I won’t be more than a few minutes. You can wait here if you like.”

“What I’d like,” Robbie said, and slipped his hand into Priest’s, sensing

his need for comfort of some sort, even if he wouldn’t say it out loud, “is to

come with you to find Julien.”

Priest looked down to their joined hands, and then he raised his eyes back

to Robbie, who gave him a pointed look, daring him to tell him he couldn’t.

“Very well. Let’s go.”

Priest weaved the two of them down several halls and through too many

doors to count, and as they went, Robbie tried to resist the urge to gape at

everything.

The place was like a museum with trinkets and mementos all over the

walls, from expensive artwork to stunning furnishings in each room, and

when they finally stepped into the kitchen and found it empty, Priest braced

his hands on the island and shook his head.

“Hey,” Robbie said, and came up by his side. “I’m sure he’s close by.” In

relative terms, because honestly, he had no idea how big this house was.

A fierce frown pulled between Priest’s brows as he scanned the gourmet

kitchen. “Something doesn’t feel right.”

Robbie put his hand over Priest’s where it rested on the granite counter.

“Well, you’re the one who said this weekend was a hard one. So it’s probably

just—”

“No. It’s not that,” Priest said, as he continued to look around. “It’s too

quiet. It feels…empty.”

Robbie scrunched his nose up as he looked around, and couldn’t deny

that. He’d just compared it to a museum. It was quiet and empty. It felt—

“Unlived in,” Priest said, then he walked around the counter and headed

over to the double-wide stainless-steel fridge, which he opened, revealing—

absolutely nothing.

“Fuck.” Priest’s curse echoed off the slate floors and tiled walls, as he

stood staring at the cleaned-out fridge. “They’re not here,” he said under his

breath, and then louder, “Those fucking assholes aren’t here.”

Oh shit, Robbie thought, as Priest slammed the door shut. He’d never

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seen him so furious. The anger was rolling off Priest in waves as he came

back to the center island and planted his hands there.

Robbie assumed Priest meant Julien’s parents, and considering the reason

they were there, the fact that Julien’s parents had bailed was really fucking

shitty.

“We’ve got to find him,” Priest said, with a determined set to his jaw and

a grim line on his lips. “If we split up we have a better chance.”

Right. Robbie agreed. But then he remembered how big this place was

and wondered if finding Julien would be as easy as just deciding to go and do

so. Who knows how many nooks and crannies this place has? “Umm,” he

said, and fidgeted with his hands. “I…I might get lost here. How many rooms

are there exactly?”

Priest came over to Robbie and put a hand on his shoulder. “A lot. There

are three levels.”

“What?” Robbie said, his eyes close to bugging out of his head. “Three?”

“Yes. The stairs and elevator connect them all. I’m going to check the

other two. You stay on this one. That way, you won’t get lost.”

“Okay,” Robbie said, and wasn’t sure that made him feel better. There

was a high possibility he might go missing on this level alone. Who lived like

this?

Priest gave a clipped nod, and as he went to walk by him, Robbie reached

out and took hold of his arm.

“What…” Robbie paused and thought over his next words carefully.

“What do I say if I find him?”

Priest pivoted until they were practically standing toe to toe and took

Robbie’s face between his hands. “You’ll know. The one thing we’re both in

awe of is how perceptive you are when it comes to us. As if you instinctively

know what we need from each other. What we need from you.” Priest pressed

a gentle kiss to Robbie’s lips and said, “Trust yourself. It hasn’t led you

wrong yet, has it?”

Robbie shook his head. “I just don’t want to make anything worse.”

“That’s not possible. Text me if you find him or—”

“I get lost and need food?”

“Or that,” Priest said, and he turned on his heel and left, and the both of

them set out to find the man who was the most lost out of all three of them.

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PRIEST HEADED BACK in the direction of the living room to where he

knew the elevator was, and with each step he took, his anger rose.

Where the fuck were Julien’s parents? Priest had no idea, but they were

lucky they weren’t anywhere he could get his hands on them, because he felt

murderous.

God, he couldn’t even imagine what Julien must be feeling. It was bad

enough when he was there and they acted like he didn’t exist. But to vanish

without letting your son know you were going? That was some bullshit.

As Priest stormed down the hall, he walked past Julien’s father’s study

and came to a stop. He glanced inside and scanned the bookcase and desk,

the lamp in the corner, and the oversized chair by the window.

The place was spotless, as though the house were a display home. There

was no laptop or desktop computer, no papers or pens. There was nothing—

anywhere. No personal belongings in sight, and the air had a stale feel to it.

No one had been there in months, and that was becoming more and more

obvious with every step he took.

Julien didn’t deserve this. No one deserved this. What had happened all

those years ago had been tragic. It had been a moment of stupidity by siblings

that had ended horribly. Julien dealt with the consequences of that night

every day of his life, and though Priest hated the need Julien had to come

back here each year, he understood it.

He understood that this was where Julien felt her the most, that this was

where the connection was the strongest for him, and any time he’d tried to

avoid it, Julien’s mental state slowly deteriorated until he reverted to what he

knew numbed the pain the best—copious amounts of alcohol and weeks of

self-loathing. It was a cycle Priest never grew used to witnessing and one he

was at a loss to help fix, because how could you fix what had happened in the

past?

The answer was simple—you couldn’t.

Priest stabbed the up button, and when the elevator door opened and he

stepped inside, he hit the button for the third floor and then leaned against the

wall.

Where are you, mon cœur? he thought, as the elevator began to move,

and then he closed his eyes, remembering the first time Julien had broken

down in front of him, and only hoped that he or Robbie got to him before that

happened.

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IT WAS NEARING the end of a grueling workweek as Priest sat back in his

chair and cracked his neck from side to side. He was in the middle of adding

his final notes to the Miller case he’d finally wrapped up after months in

court, when there was a knock on his office door.

“Come in,” he called out, and glanced up from his computer.

Helena, his PA, opened the door a crack and stuck her head inside. “I’m

sorry to bother you. I know you’re getting ready to head out for the week.”

“That’s fine. Is there a problem?”

“Uh, well, there’s someone out here asking for you but…”

As her words trailed off, and she started to look uncomfortable, Priest sat

back in his chair and said, “But what, Helena?”

She slipped inside the office, shut the door behind her, and said softly, “I

think he’s drunk.”

“Drunk?” Priest got to his feet. “Who is it?”

“Umm, he said he was your friendly neighborhood car thief?”

That damn Frenchman. “Right,” Priest said, and walked around his desk.

“You can send him in.”

Helena’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you sure? I can have security escort

—”

“Helena?” Priest said.

“Yes?”

“You can send him in. I know him.”

“Oh. Okay,” she said, and turned to walk back to the door. When she got

there and opened it, she stopped and looked back. “If I misspoke, I’m—”

“You didn’t. I wasn’t expecting him, but it seems he’s already had a

rough day, so I best see what he needs. You can head on home, though.”

“Are…are you sure? I can wait for you,” she said, sounding less than

convinced that leaving was a good idea.

“Yes. Go ahead. I’ll head out after I take care of this.”

“Very good. I’ll send him in.”

Priest gave her a clipped nod and watched her go, and as the door shut

behind her, he buttoned his jacket and took a moment to wonder how Julien

had found him, and why he was plastered by five on a Friday.

A knock came first, and when Priest raised his head and Julien stepped—

or rather, stumbled—into the office, Priest drew up short. Julien looked

terrible.

His eyes were bloodshot, his clothes were crumpled to shit as though he’d

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slept in them all week, and as Priest brought his eyes back to the glazed ones

fastened on him, he said, “Hello.”

“ Bonjour , Mr. Priest,” Julien said as he walked further inside the office,

and Priest thought it telling that even shit-faced drunk, this man made his

body react in ways he’d never experienced before.

It had been a couple of months since he’d last seen the gorgeous Mr.

Thornton, but that by no means lessened his impact. Drunk or not, Julien was

undeniably sexy and made Priest’s cock achingly aware it hadn’t seen any

action in exactly…a couple of months.

“It’s Mr. Priest- ley . But I believe you already know that. Don’t you, Mr.

Thornton?” Priest walked around his desk and took his seat, determined to

keep something between him and the man now falling down into the chair

opposite him.

“ Oui , I do,” Julien said, and though he smiled at Priest, the expression

didn’t quite reach his eyes. Julien had been nothing but mouthy both of the

times they’d previously met, but right now, he seemed…off.

“Are you okay, Mr. Thornton? You haven’t broken any more laws, have

you?”

“ Non . No laws, but…” As Julien trailed off and looked around his office,

Priest leaned back in his chair and studied his profile. Julien had a perfect

Roman nose, a classic, strong jaw line, and, Priest remembered from when

he smiled, a dimple on his right cheek.

“I need your help, monsieur .”

Priest told himself to say no as he sat there staring across his desk at the

man he hadn’t been able to get off his mind since they’d met. He couldn’t be

someone’s knight in shining armor. The go-to whenever Julien broke a law.

But instead of doing that, Priest heard himself say, “Why? What did you

do?”

“ Merde . Of course you assume it’s my fault,” Julien said, his tone

relaying how impressed he was by that assumption. “ Je suis vraiment trop

con d’être venu ici.”

Christ . Whenever Julien spoke French—even to insult him—Priest wanted

to grab him and kiss him until he groaned it against his lips, and that

reaction bothered the hell out of him.

He didn’t know this guy. Other than his penchant for petty crimes. Yet,

from the very first moment, Priest had wanted Julien with a single-minded

hunger that had not only turned him celibate but also, apparently, insane.

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He shut his eyes and reminded himself that getting involved with Julien

would be a monumental mistake. Ethically, morally, and mentally, since

Julien was clearly unstable. But then again, there was nothing all that

balanced about Priest, either.

“What did you just say?” Priest said, and when Julien merely stared at

him blankly, he shook his head. Jesus , this was getting them nowhere. “Fine,

don’t answer that. Why don’t we try something else? How did you get here?”

“I took a taxi. Pourquoi ?” Julien said, belligerence dripping off him at

being questioned.

“I assume you just asked me why? And here’s your answer. You smell

like you spent the day in a bar.”

“I did,” Julien said, unashamed.

Priest narrowed his eyes, searching for some hint as to what was going

on, but came up with nothing. Maybe this was Julien’s usual behavior. It

wouldn’t be that big a stretch of the imagination, considering what Priest

knew of him. He’d seen this kind of destructive behavior the first time they’d

met, and had it confirmed the night he’d bailed Julien out of jail.

As Julien rubbed his fingers over his forehead and squeezed his eyes shut,

Priest thought he looked like someone trying to banish something from his

mind, and couldn’t help but wonder if that were the case or if he was just

getting an alcohol-induced headache.

“Mr. Thornton?” Priest said, and waited for Julien to open his eyes. “As

delighted as I am to see you here this afternoon, do you want to perhaps tell

me what’s wrong?”

“Wrong?”

“Yes,” Priest said, his voice softening now as his irritation and

impatience drained from him. “Clearly there’s something going on with you.

Why are you here?”

Julien’s glassy eyes tried to focus, but when it was obvious he was

struggling, Priest found himself getting to his feet and coming around to

where Julien sat. He crouched down in front of the man who had once boldly

told him he was stealing his car, and looked into the pale face of a stranger,

who right now looked scared of his own shadow.

“Julien?” Priest said, and reached up to cup either side of Julien’s face.

“Why are you here?”

Julien brought his hands up to cover Priest’s, and then leaned forward on

his seat until they were practically nose to nose. “Because I deserve to suffer,

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monsieur . That’s why I’m still here.” Priest didn’t dare move, that answer

not at all what he’d expected. As Julien’s eyes slid shut, he whispered, “But I

won’t let them have her.”

“Who?” Priest said in a voice he barely recognized. “I don’t

understand…”

“Jacquelyn,” Julien said, and then blinked. A tear slipped free of his eye

and ran down to where Priest’s hand was resting. “They want to know…but I

won’t tell… You can help. You can make it so they can’t have her.”

“All right,” Priest said, agreeing without understanding the first thing

about what he was agreeing to. All he knew was that he would’ve said or

done anything to stop the pain Julien was so obviously feeling. “I’ll help you.

Whatever you need.”

“ Merci , Mr. Priest,” Julien whispered, and when his lips curved into a

half smile, that dimple appeared on his cheek, and Priest couldn’t help but

stroke it. “I like the color of your hair.”

The comment was so far removed from what they’d been discussing that it

made Priest chuckle, and then Julien leaned forward and skimmed his lips

over the top of Priest’s in one of the sweetest, yet saddest, kisses he had ever

received.

“I did it,” Julien said when he raised his head, and Priest was close

enough to see the darker ring of jade around Julien’s irises—they were

extraordinary, but then again, so was his entire face.

“You did what?”

“I found something I liked better than me right now,” he said, reminding

Priest of the last conversation they’d had.

“And what’s that?” Priest said, and felt his heart almost stop when Julien

touched his fingers to his lips and said, “You.”

PRIEST STEPPED OUT of the elevator on the third floor and placed a hand

on the wall to steady himself. He hadn’t thought about that day in years.

Julien had been a mess—both physically and emotionally. It had been the day

after he’d stormed off the set of Chef Master, having refused to talk about his

sister, and it had also been their first kiss.

Priest still remembered the way his heart had just about stopped at that

simple touch. It had been sad and short, and everything a first kiss shouldn’t

be. But for him, it had been magic.

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A shock straight to his heart. A flash of recognition that he was staring

into the face of fate, and from that day on, nothing could’ve stopped him

from hunting down Julien Thornton with the single-minded focus of a dog

with a bone—just as he was now.

AFTER PRIEST LEFT, Robbie made his way out of the kitchen and decided

to head in the opposite direction to which they’d come. The house was, as

Priest had said, way too quiet as he walked down the hall, and Robbie

couldn’t begin to imagine what it must’ve been like to grow up in a place like

this.

There was one room after another, and each one was picture perfect.

Robbie was positive that the furnishings in one room alone likely cost more

than all of the furniture in his ma’s house. It was insane.

As he rounded a corner, he noticed some photographs hanging up on the

wall. There, that’s more like it, he thought, moving closer, wanting to see

what Julien had looked like as a little boy. But as he neared the collage of

frames and images, it became clear that this wasn’t a display from proud

parents, nor was it a display of a family over the years, like his ma had.

No, this was a memorial. It was a wall full of a little girl, then a teenage

girl, and finally a young woman. All of whom, Robbie knew, were Jacquelyn.

With his heart in his throat, Robbie took a step forward to examine the

face staring out at him and was shocked by the eyes looking back at him.

“I had a sister. A twin sister. Her name was Jacquelyn. She died eight

years ago.”

Julien’s words came back to him as Robbie stood there studying the

beautiful face in each image. But what Julien hadn’t told him was the

uncanny resemblance they shared even as twins.

From the smile—those full lips—to the stunning green eyes, Jacquelyn’s

features were a close to exact replica of Julien’s. Her skin was the same tone,

her hair the same color, and she even had that dimple on the right side of her

cheek.

It was surreal, and Robbie couldn’t imagine how it was for Julien to see

her so clearly whenever he looked in a mirror. He’d never be able to escape.

Never be able to not see her. Not unless he shut his mind down. Not unless he

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slept or meditated.

Oh shit, now it makes more sense, Robbie thought. Most nightmares,

most demons or ghosts, haunted people at night in their sleep. But Julien’s?

His usually came during the day, when he was awake and could see.

Robbie’s eyes shifted from photo to photo, and as he looked closer, he

realized that most of them were…torn?

No. No, he had to be wrong. There was no way his parents would be that

cruel.

But as Robbie reached out and trailed his fingers down one of the images

—Jacquelyn laughing, as she stood by a Christmas tree, wrapped up in a red

coat—he spotted it. The bottom of a black coat brushing up against hers, as

though someone else had been in the image. Someone who had made her

laugh that way, someone she was angled toward, and someone who had been

cut out and forever erased from that memory.

Robbie jerked his hand away as though he’d been burned. God, how

could they do that? But as Robbie’s eyes moved from image to image, he

knew what he was seeing was true.

Julien had been removed from each and every one of these photos, and as

if that wasn’t heartbreaking enough, in every image, Jacquelyn was so clearly

smiling at the one she loved most—the one who was no longer there.

Robbie brought his fingers up to his mouth and wasn’t sure if he was

holding back a sob or a scream. But then he wiped away a tear from his cheek

and found he was more determined than ever to find Julien.

He wanted to find his Julien, and reassure him that he had a place, that he

belonged somewhere. And that place was with Robbie and Priest.

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CHAPTER TWENTY

CONFESSION

All you are now, ma petite poulette ,

is the love I have for you.

ROBBIE WALKED DOWN several more halls, and when he came to a door

that was pulled nearly all the way shut, he stopped in his tracks. All of the

other rooms had been wide open, but not this one, which had him reaching

for the handle.

As he wrapped his fingers around it and slowly pushed it open, the first

thing he noticed was how dark it was inside. In all the other rooms there had

been windows from wall to wall, and the lights from outside had spilled in

through them. But this room was swallowed up by the shadows.

Robbie took a careful step inside, barely able to see, and as he scanned

the space, he spotted a shard of light coming through the top of a heavy set of

curtains, and followed it to a wall of…books.

It’s a library, Robbie thought, and took another step forward, his eyes

trailing down the shelves until he saw the silhouette of someone sitting on the

floor in the corner.

“Jules?” he said on a rush, as he hurried in that direction, not caring now

if he ran into anything along the way. “Jules…”

Without hesitation, Robbie went down to his knees beside Julien, who

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was sitting on the ground with his back up against the bookshelf, his legs

pulled up against his chest, and his arms wrapped around them tight. He was

staring off into nothing, and beside him sat a bottle of alcohol.

Robbie sent off a quick text to Priest and then reached out and placed a

hand on Julien’s arm.

“Julien,” he said again, and this time Julien startled at the touch, as

though he hadn’t even realized someone had sat down beside him. But when

he turned his face, Robbie saw his cheeks were streaked with tears.

“Oh, Julien,” Robbie said, as he scooted in close to his side and wrapped

his hands around Julien’s arm.

“She’s here,” Julien whispered, and Robbie nodded.

“I know.” He paused for a moment. “I saw her. Your Jacquelyn.”

Julien blinked once, those green eyes of his shiny with tears and glazed

from the alcohol, before he slowly looked away from Robbie.

“She was beautiful,” Robbie said. “You both are beautiful.”

Julien remained silent as he sat there staring at nothing in particular. But

Robbie got the distinct impression that Julien was seeing something that he

couldn’t. “This was her favorite room in the house.”

Robbie looked around, wishing he could see more of it to comment. But

before he could ask anything, Julien was already talking again.

“Her library. Mine was the kitchen, and hers was right here with her

books.” Julien picked up the bottle beside him and took a long swallow.

Robbie grimaced, knowing if Julien had been drinking like that since he’d

left him and Priest, he had to be close to plastered.

“They left,” Julien said, as he put the bottle back on the floor, the

remaining contents sloshing about inside of it. “They knew I was coming…

and they left.”

Robbie tightened his hold around Julien’s bicep. “I’m sorry. You don’t

deserve that—”

“Oui. I do,” Julien said, angling his face toward Robbie. “I deserve to be

forgotten for what I did.”

Robbie shook his head and brought his other hand up to cradle Julien’s

cheek. “I don’t believe that. Not for a second. No one deserves to be

forgotten, not ever.”

Julien pulled his face out of Robbie’s grasp. “You don’t understand.”

“Then help me,” Robbie said, because Julien was right—he didn’t

understand. Not all of the pieces, and he knew the only way he ever would

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was if Julien trusted him with this part of himself. “Help me understand…”

“WHO PUT YOUR name on this list again?” Julien asked, as Jacquelyn—

and her boyfriend, Ezra—led them through the long line of people waiting

outside of a nondescript building for entry into the hottest gay club opening

in L.A.

Jacquelyn looked over her shoulder at him, her curls bouncing on her

bare shoulders as she rolled her glittered-up eyes. “I already told you, a

friend of Ezra’s. He said to let the guy at the door know who we were and

they’d let us in.”

Julien turned his hand over in hers and pulled Jacquelyn to a halt, and

Ezra stopped along with her, knowing better than to try and get between them

when they were talking.

Smart man, that Ezra—for the most part. His father was one of the top

plastic surgeons in L.A., so to say he was well informed about the comings

and goings around town would be the understatement of the century. But

Ezra was also straight.

“Are you sure? I mean, not that I don’t want to spend the night with my

sister and her boyfriend,” Julien said, and aimed a wink her way. “But I had

plans to hit a club that was a sure thing, and…”

Jacquelyn glanced at Ezra, who nodded and said, “Yeah, it’s legit, man.

This client of my father’s knows the DJ here tonight, and apparently he was

at Avalon last week talking about it.”

Julien let his eyes climb up the side of the building again, still skeptical.

But knowing Ezra, he wouldn’t steer them wrong. “What’s it called,

anyway?”

“Shh…” Jacquelyn said, and Julien turned to look at her.

“I was just asking what it—”

Jacquelyn started to laugh at him, and said, “ Non, non . Catch up, Jules.

That’s what it’s called. Club Shh… It’s exclusive. Members only.”

Julien did another sweep of the long line. “And Ezra’s a member?”

“ Non , you are. As of tonight.”

“What? Are you crazy?”

“According to you, oui , I am. But after your breakup with Brian, you

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were so sad. I thought this might cheer you up.”

Jacquelyn ran a hand through her hair as a group of men—all beautiful,

all in their mid-twenties, and all rich as Midas, judging by their attire—

walked by them and stopped in front of the bouncer.

As a couple of them talked with the burly behemoth, a blond guy in tight

jeans and an even tighter red shirt, looked over at the three of them. He gave

Julien a thorough once-over, and when his eyes came back up to lock on his,

Julien’s cock hardened. Suddenly, Jacquelyn’s little gift was looking better

and better.

“See?” Jacquelyn said, as the bouncer reached for the rope, unhooked it,

and let the group inside. “He’s sexy and was totally checking you out.”

Julien tore his eyes away from the hottie up ahead and eyed her

suspiciously. “Did you plan that?”

“What? A sexy guy to walk by and eye you like he’s starving and you’re a

piece of prime rib?” She shook her head and couldn’t stop the bubble of

laughter that spilled out when she realized victory was right there within her

grasp. “ Non . But it totally worked in my favor, didn’t it?”

Julien looked at Ezra. “I hate that I’m so weak. But he was pretty.”

“Hey, I’m sucker for a pretty face too,” Ezra said. “I’m not going to win

anything with her in that dress tonight.”

As Jacquelyn led the way toward the bouncer, she laughed merrily and

said, “Nope, you won’t.” Then she turned that smile up at Mr. Big and Burly,

and Julien wasn’t surprised at all when he lost his stern expression and

smiled right back at her—Jacquelyn had that effect on people. “Ezra Hamon

and Jacquelyn and Julien Thornton.”

As the bouncer checked his clipboard, Julien reached out and flicked one

of her curls over her shoulders. “Thank you for the gift, petite poulette. Now

are you going to let me get drunk enough to chase that blond guy down?”

Jacquelyn nodded and drew a cross over the top of her heart. “Yes, yes.

I’ll behave myself. Promis .”

“You’re good to go,” the bouncer said.

Jacquelyn held her hand out to be stamped and Ezra did the same, and

once Julien was through and they were let past the rope, the doors opened

and Julien glanced down at his hand.

Shh… was written on a finger that covered a set of lips, and he had to

wonder just what kinds of secrets were hidden behind that door.

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JULIEN SHOOK HIS head, and as the room started to spin, he put a hand on

the ground to steady himself.

“Jules?”

Robbie… Julien thought, recognizing his voice in an instant, and then the

curtain was opened up a little and he turned to seek him out. But when he

focused on the face beside him, all he saw was Jacquelyn staring back at him.

“Do you remember the song that was playing that night, Jules? The last

song I heard before you made me leave? I do.”

Julien blinked, trying to clear his head, trying to focus on Robbie.

But it was no use. He was far away now.

In another time. Another place.

And nothing was going to set him free.

Not the alcohol. Not sleep.

And certainly not himself.

TWO HOURS AND way too many drinks later, Julien was on the dance floor

with the music and alcohol buzzing through him.

Adam— wait , no, Aaron? Oh, he couldn’t remember —wrapped his arms

around Julien’s waist and grabbed hold of his ass, and Julien was happy to

discover that the body under that tight red shirt he’d checked out earlier was

even better up close.

Jacquelyn and Ezra were somewhere close by, making sure to keep an

eye on him as he tossed back yet another shot, and as the alcohol burned a

nice, warm path down his throat, Julien tipped his head back and ground his

cock up against Aaron—oui, it’s definitely Aaron .

“You’re so fucking hot,” Aaron said as the song switched, and when he

flicked Julien’s earlobe with the tip of his tongue, Julien shut his eyes and

groaned.

Merde , it’d been a while since he’d gotten laid. Well, two weeks, at least.

His last boyfriend—Brian—had ended things, deciding that he didn’t want to

date someone who still lived at home and worked late nights every weekend.

But that was the life of an apprentice chef, especially one fresh out of

culinary school hoping to make a name for himself—so Julien had decided to

hell with relationships; it was time to check out the single life.

Julien put his lips against Aaron’s neck, and as he kissed his way up it,

Aaron angled his head to the side and Julien used his tongue to taste the light

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sheen of sweat on his skin.

“Mmm,” Aaron hummed, as Julien pulled him even closer, rolling his

hips against him.

“ Dieu, you feel fucking good.”

“Shit,” Aaron said as he pulled back and looked at Julien’s face, his lips

wet and swollen. “Was that French?”

“ Oui ,” Julien said, and went to pull him back against him. But Aaron put

a hand on his chest and ran it down his front until he was massaging Julien’s

cock. “ Putain .”

Aaron moved in close until his hand was trapped between their bodies,

and then placed his lips on Julien’s cheek. “Will you take me home?”

Home…? Julien blinked, the alcohol fogging his mind. He supposed he

could take Aaron back to their place. Their parents were in France at the

moment for vacation, but…

“Take me back to your place,” Aaron said in his ear. “I want to feel this

inside me.”

And fuck, Julien wanted to put it inside him.

He looked around, searching out Jacquelyn, and when he spotted her off

to the side of the dance floor, he looked back at Aaron and took his hand in

his. “Okay, let’s go.”

“SHE DIDN’T WANT to leave.”

Julien’s voice was flat as he looked Robbie directly in the eye, and even

though there were only inches separating them, Robbie knew in that moment

they were years apart.

He’d barely taken a breath as Julien had been speaking, caught up in a

story that was clearly one he rarely spoke of, and as Robbie sat there wanting

to take his hand or hug him, he got the distinct impression if he were to do

that, it would have the same effect as a crack in a pane of glass. One tiny

fracture and the entire thing could shatter into a million pieces.

“I could tell by the look on her face. She didn’t want to leave. She was

having fun. So was Ezra.” Julien’s eyes shifted until he was looking off over

Robbie’s shoulder, and a small smile curved his lips. “She wasn’t drunk, but

she was having fun…”

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Robbie swallowed, his throat suddenly feeling as though it had a lump

lodged in the back of it. He had no idea what was going on behind the glazed

expression now entering Julien’s eyes, but it was devoid of all emotion as his

face went blank—like an Etch A Sketch that had been shaken.

“But I convinced her,” Julien said, his voice cracking. “I told her this was

what she’d wanted for me. Right?”

Robbie reached for Julien and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, and

as he slid down on his side and put his head in Robbie’s lap, Julien

whispered, “She didn’t want to leave. But she did…for me.”

“I TOLD you he was sexy,” Jacquelyn whispered, and bumped into Julien’s

side as the two of them stood with Ezra outside Shh…and waited for Aaron to

hail a cab.

“ Oui , you did.”

“And that’s the only reason I’m agreeing to leave right now. For your

poor, pathetic sex life.”

“Sure. So it has nothing to do with the way you were climbing Ezra on

the dance floor?”

“Well…maybe a little.”

Julien laughed, the alcohol making him feel nice and relaxed. “You’re so

charitable, petite poulette. Merci .”

“Je t’en prie ,” she said, and winked at him just as Aaron held his hand up

and a bright yellow cab pulled up to the curb.

He looked over at the three of them and gestured that they join him, and

Jacquelyn aimed a sultry look at Ezra, who wrapped an arm around her

shoulders and directed her to the van, and Julien followed.

When they reached Aaron, he slid open the door of the cab and said,

“After you,” and Jacquelyn looked back at Julien and mouthed, Manners…

He’s a keeper, before turning back to Aaron. “ Merci beaucoup .”

He aimed a heart-stopping smile her way as she slipped into the first seat

and Ezra moved in beside her, his hand landing somewhere that made her

giggle. Julien then moved into the back, where Aaron sat down beside him.

“Oo-la-la. Pretend we’re not here, boys,” Jacquelyn said, subtle as a

sledgehammer. “Snuggle all you like.”

“ Ferme-la ,” Julien said, but chuckled, which only made her laugh

harder.

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“Come on, you two,” Aaron said, as Ezra slid the door shut. “No

speaking French around the ignorant Americans.”

“Promise,” Julien said as the interior light dimmed and Jacquelyn gave

their address to the driver. Aaron then leaned over and kissed Julien’s ear,

and as the cab headed off, Julien sat back and let the alcohol and arousal

swirl through his veins until they were pulling into the driveway of their home

and Jacquelyn was unlocking the back doors of the house.

“Shit, this place is crazy big,” Aaron said, as his eyes travelled around

the rooms they led him by.

“Totally our thoughts the first time we saw it,” Jacquelyn said, leading

them all down to the bar area.

“Your parents?”

“Of course,” Julien said, laughing at the idea that any of them could own

something like this at their age.

“Right,” Aaron said. “I’m over off Stone Canyon Road. Still with my

parents too.”

Ahh, a neighbor… Julien probably should’ve guessed that by the

designer clothes Aaron was wearing.

“Oh, would you look at that. You’re so close,” Jacquelyn said when they

finally reached the bar, and Ezra handed her a bottle of water from the

fridge. “That’s nice. Isn’t that nice, Jules?”

For once, Julien agreed. It was nice, and he wouldn’t mind seeing more

of Aaron—like, now, preferably with his clothes off. “It is,” he said, and

walked over to Aaron, who was standing in the middle of the room. “Do you

want something else to drink, or…”

Aaron gave a flirty smile that made Julien want to take him straight to his

bedroom and get inside him. But as Julien tugged him close, Aaron pulled a

small plastic Ziploc out of his pocket and said, “What about one of these

instead?”

Julien looked at the small pills in the clear bag, and he was about to ask

what they were when Ezra said, “Is that E?”

Aaron nodded. “Some of the best money can buy,” he said, and then

leaned in to nip at Julien’s lower lip. “It makes sex fucking unreal.”

As far as Julien was concerned, sex was always fucking unreal.

Over the past few years he’d embraced their new “American life,” and

the situation his father’s money afforded them, and he and Jacquelyn had

become regulars at most of the clubs. That meant he hadn’t lacked a

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boyfriend or partner if he’d wanted one—or two—and sex had never been a

problem.

One thing he’d always avoided in the past, though, was the drug scene.

It’d never been something he was into. But Aaron was making a compelling

case, as he slid an arm around Julien’s waist and palmed his ass.

“Oh… I want to try that,” Jacquelyn said in a tone Julien was positive

Ezra could not refuse. “What do you think, chéri ? We’ve never done it

together. And it’s just this once.”

Julien didn’t hear Ezra’s response; he was too busy studying Aaron’s

gorgeous face, and when he licked his lips, Julien told his brain to shut the

fuck up and just go with it. What could it hurt if it was only once?

“I’m in,” Ezra said. Then he wrapped an arm around Jacquelyn and

kissed her on the head adding, “We’ll be fine,” obviously sensing Julien’s

hesitation.

Jacquelyn nodded, a grin on her face, as Julien shrugged and held his

hand out to Aaron.

Aaron took three pills out of the bag and handed them over, and then

popped one in his mouth and swallowed, but before Julien did the same, he

said, “You want another drink?”

Aaron shook his head and pointed to the game room. “I’m gonna head in

there and wait for you. But don’t be long. This’ll kick in quick, and I want

you close…real close to me when it does.”

As Aaron walked off, Julien kept his eyes on the tight ass he planned to

get in very soon, and then he turned and headed to Jacquelyn and Ezra. He

gave Ezra his, and then Jacquelyn held her hand out and said, “Come on.

Hand it over.”

Julien dropped the tiny pill into her hand, and when she brought it up to

her mouth and washed it down with a swallow of water, she said, “Now

yours. Don’t back out now.”

“I think I’m going to stick to bourbon. I want to remember everything I

do to him tomorrow.”

“Okayyy. TMI,” she said as she took Ezra’s hand, and as she dragged

him off, Julien laughed and waved them away.

He ended up having to track down a new bottle from the storage room,

and as Julien poured himself a glass, he could hear the throbbing bass of the

music Jacquelyn had switched on.

Julien picked up the glass of alcohol, and just as he was about to head in

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to find the others, Ezra shouted, “Julien? Fuck . Get in here, man! It’s Jacquelyn.”

The glass Julien was holding slipped free of his hand, smashing all over

the bar floor. But none of that registered as he bolted around the end of the

counter and rushed into the game room to find Jacquelyn holding her head

and rocking back and forth, mumbling to herself.

“What happened?” Julien asked no one in particular. “What’s the matter

with her?”

“So hot…” she said as she tugged at her dress, which was barely any

material at all, and Julien took hold of her shoulders and stopped her. “I’m

so hot.”

“Jacquelyn? Jacquelyn ?” he said with more force, warning signs

flashing in his head. “Look at me.”

“I feel…strange, Jules,” she said as she swayed on her feet, and then her

breathing began to come faster until it was erratic and choppy, and she

shook her head again as if trying to shake something free.

This was not normal. Something was wrong. He’d been around people

high on E and they usually got super energetic, extremely alert, and

sometimes overly sexual—but not this. Never this.

Julien whirled around to glare at Aaron and Ezra, who were standing

behind him with wide, manic eyes—both high as fucking kites.

“Call an ambulance,” Julien shouted at Ezra, and when he just stood

there, Julien let go of Jacquelyn, grabbed hold of Ezra’s shirt, and yanked

him in so close their noses touched. “Call a fucking ambulance. She’s having

some kind of reaction.”

As Julien’s words finally seemed to get through, Ezra shoved a hand into

his pocket and fished out his phone. Julien made sure to watch him hit 911,

and then he looked to Aaron and said, “Stay the fuck with him and tell them

whatever they need to know. You tell them what she took.”

Julien turned back to see Jacquelyn now sitting on one of the couches in

the room, clutching at her head. He rushed over to her and crouched down,

his alcohol buzz somehow shoved aside as he stared up into her flushed face.

Fuck , he didn’t know what to do. He didn’t know how to help her.

“Jacquelyn?”

“So hot,” she said again, as she tried to focus. She blinked erratically

and reached for him, and when she missed and fell forward, Julien grabbed

her. “I’m so hot, Jules.”

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Julien put a hand to her forehead, and she was right—she was burning

up.

He leaned her back in the chair, about to go and get some ice. But when

he went to stand, her hand clamped around his wrist and her confused eyes

found his.

“Don’t,” she said, shaking her head, and Julien turned his hand around

so he could take hold of hers. “Don’t go.”

Julien looked over his shoulder, conflicted. Ezra was pacing the floor

with the phone to his ear, and Aaron—Aaron was nowhere to be fucking

found.

Julien turned back to Jacquelyn, and a tear ran down her cheek. “I’m

scared, Jules…don’t leave me.”

Julien fell to his knees in front of her and peered into the face that was so

much like his own. Jesus, how could he have given her that fucking pill?

“Don’t be scared,” he said, and Julien wasn’t sure if he was trying to

convince her or himself as he stroked a hand over her hair, pushing it behind

her ear. “Ezra called an ambulance. They’re going to be here in just a—”

He never got to finish his words, though, because Jacquelyn’s head

jerked to the left, and then her entire body torqued and froze at an unnatural

angle. Not a second later, she pitched forward.

“Jacquelyn…? Jacquelyn!” he shouted, and barely managed to catch her

as she began to seize. Her body started to twitch and convulse

uncontrollably, and all Julien could do was watch in horror, helpless, as he

laid her out on the floor and turned her on her side.

Tears streamed down his face as he moved down to lie beside her, taking

one of her hands in his, and that was when he started to pray.

In English.

In French.

In a combination of both.

He tried everything he could, from apologizing for Aaron and the E, to

offering himself up instead, and he did it over and over, determined that

someone would hear him. Someone would help him.

He wasn’t exactly sure how long it took the ambulance to get there.

He wasn’t sure how he got from his parents’ house to the hospital.

But the next thing Julien remembered after lying down beside Jacquelyn

and bartering his soul with God was coming to in a hospital room and

realizing that God had listened.

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Because Jacquelyn was gone. In a better place, they kept telling him.

And him? He was left there to suffer in a hell of his own making.

ROBBIE’S TEETH DUG into his lower lip as he tried to fight against the

overwhelming emotions he was experiencing. Julien’s body shook against his

where he’d curled in on himself and buried his face at Robbie’s hip, and the

agony in his voice as he’d spoken of Jacquelyn’s final moments was heart-

wrenching.

After the wave crashed down over him, Julien turned those haunted eyes

up toward Robbie, and that was when he finally lost the battle. Robbie let his

tears fall free as he brought a trembling hand up to stroke it down the line of

Julien’s jaw. He was so incredibly beautiful, this man lying in his arms.

So incredibly beautiful and so unbelievably broken.

“Julien,” Robbie whispered into the heavy silence that now surrounded

them, and he wanted to tell Julien that what had happened that night wasn’t

his fault. That Jacquelyn was the one who wanted to take the drug. That

Aaron was the one who’d given it to her. But Robbie knew Julien would

never look at it that way. He would look at it that he was her big brother. He

was the protector. And he had ultimately been the one to put that drug in her

hand.

That line of thinking was so very Julien. Wasn’t Robbie always the one

that thought of him as the nurturer? The one looking after all those around

him?

A tragedy like this wasn’t something Julien would ever forgive himself

for. But maybe he could look at things differently one day— maybe, Robbie

thought, and lowered his head to press his lips to Julien’s.

As Julien’s dazed and tired eyes fluttered shut, a sigh left him, and

Robbie wondered if he would feel better in the morning for having

unburdened himself tonight.

That was a question he’d have to wait to get an answer for, though,

because Julien’s breathing was now even and steady as he lay there on the

floor in the protective child pose.

Robbie then noticed Julien was holding on to something, and he angled

his head to the side to see a book in Julien’s hands: Little Women by Louisa

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May Alcott.

God, Robbie thought, as he stroked his fingers through Julien’s hair. The

sadness you must feel…

He shut his eyes, and as he thought of the loss Julien lived with daily, he

fully opened his heart to the man asleep in his lap.

“‘I will be homesick for you, even in heaven,’” Robbie said, quoting from

the book Julien had clutched to his chest.

He wasn’t sure why, but Robbie remembered that from when his ma had

read it to his sisters, and as he stared into the silent room, he felt as though he

really understood Jacquelyn then and why she was so adamant about staying

behind—because who wouldn’t miss Julien, even when they were in heaven?

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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CONFESSION

Even at my worst, you love me.

But can he?

PRIEST WALKED DOWN the hallway that led to the library and wondered

what he would find when he stepped inside. After receiving Robbie’s text

saying he’d found Julien, Priest had decided to give the two of them a

moment to connect, to see if Julien would open up to Robbie. So he’d moved

their bags into one of the guest rooms and taken his time heading to the

library.

When he came up to the door, Priest hesitated for a moment before he

slowly pushed it open, and nothing could’ve prepared him for what he saw

next or how his heart would react.

Across the room, by the window, Robbie sat on the floor with his back

against the bookshelves. His legs were stretched out in front of him, and on

the ground, curled up with his head on Robbie’s lap, was Julien. There was a

close-to-empty bottle of Grey Goose beside them, and Robbie was gently

running his fingers through Julien’s hair.

Priest slowly nudged the door open to not wake his husband, and the

movement must’ve caught Robbie’s attention, because he angled his head in

Priest’s direction.

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There was no smile, no greeting, just a forlorn expression that

immediately gave Priest a snapshot of what had taken place while he’d been

searching the rest of the house. Robbie looked exhausted. He also looked

devastated. But as he stared into Priest’s eyes, it was clear that he now

understood.

Priest stepped inside the room and walked to the wingback recliner in the

corner opposite them. The curtain was open enough that it cast a dim light

across the room as he reached the chair and took a seat, and the entire time,

Robbie kept his eyes fastened on him.

Somewhere during this trip—or maybe it had been back in Chicago—

Robbie had gotten under Priest’s skin, and seemed determined to get inside

his heart. He was compassionate, intelligent, and understanding, and Priest

wondered if Robbie knew just how much both he and Julien were coming to

care for him.

“You’re so good with him,” Priest said in a hushed tone, finally breaking

the silence.

Robbie glanced down at the fingers he was running through Julien’s hair.

“It’s not hard. He’s easy to lo—”

Robbie bit off his words, but Priest knew what he was going to say. “To

love?”

Robbie raised guilty eyes to Priest. He looked conflicted by his response,

worried that he was about to be told to get out and leave. But that was the last

thing Priest was feeling, and it was time Robbie understood that.

“I agree with you. He is easy to love,” Priest said, as he looked over the

man they were discussing, and then raised his eyes back to Robbie’s. “He

told you about Jacquelyn?”

“He did.” Robbie bit his lip as he smoothed his hand down Julien’s arm.

“The heartache he lives with…it’s too much for one person. I don’t know

how he does it.”

“Neither do I. A broken heart of gold, that’s what our Julien has.”

Robbie’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, and then he whispered,

“Our Julien. I like that.”

Priest kept his eyes fastened on Robbie and said, “He is ours. You know

that, don’t you?”

Robbie looked almost shy at those words as he nodded. “Yes. Can I be

honest?”

“Always.”

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“I always dreamed he’d be mine. Ever since I saw him on TV. But now?

Now I know he feels the same. He trusts me.”

“He does. I can see it whenever the two of you are together. He needs

you. Your warmth, your sweetness—”

“And your strength,” Robbie interrupted, and when Priest didn’t

immediately respond, he added, “You’re his rock. Julien worships the ground

you walk on.”

“I know. As I do him.” Priest paused, and then heard himself say, “I just

don’t know that I can give him what he needs right now.”

The room fell silent as his words lingered in the air, and Priest couldn’t

believe they’d just come out of his mouth. But ever since Jimmy had

resurfaced, Priest had felt off his game. Unstable. Distracted. And he hated

not feeling as in control as he usually did.

“Joel?”

Priest refocused, and the frown marring Robbie’s usually smooth

forehead was at direct odds with the soft expression in his eyes.

“You don’t always have to be the strong one, you know. I’m tougher than

I look.”

Priest didn’t doubt that for a second. If there was one thing he knew about

Robbie, it was that he had no problem fighting for what he believed in. He’d

been on the receiving end of his wrath several times, and Priest could only

imagine how spectacular he would be in full-on protective mode.

“Plus,” Robbie said, “whether you’re strong or not? There’s no one Julien

loves more.”

“You’re right,” Priest said, as he got to his feet and crossed over to his

men. When he crouched down in front of them, he trailed his fingers along

Robbie’s jaw and then cradled his cheek in his palm. “But there’s someone

he’s starting to love just as much. Someone we both are.”

Robbie’s lips parted on a soft gasp, shock entering his eyes as they stared

at one another and Priest said, “I’m not sure you understand just how much

you mean to us, Robert. How much having you here this weekend means to

him. I don’t think I’ve told you that before, but I love how you are with him.

You understand what he needs when he needs it, and every time you give it, I

find myself trying to work out exactly what we need to do to make this—to

make you—permanent in our lives.”

Priest traced his thumb over Robbie’s lips, memorizing their shape and

texture, and then he leaned in and kissed them. “Somewhere in these past few

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months, I lost my mind over you, Robert Bianchi. It’s only now that my

heart’s beginning to catch up.”

ROBBIE WASN’T SURE how much more his heart could take tonight.

Never could he have imagined Priest saying what he had just said, but as

he sat there with Julien’s head in his lap and Priest’s mouth inches from his

own, Robbie found himself moving forward to run his fingers over the scruff

he loved.

A rumbling purr left Priest’s throat, as Robbie returned the kiss, and then

he traced his lower lip with the tip of his tongue.

“Sweetheart…” Priest said, but Robbie just shut his eyes and reveled in

the feelings coursing through him as Priest took his face in both hands and

angled his head to deepen the connection.

Robbie sighed and let him in. God, was it possible to feel so much in one

night and have your heart not fly apart? But as he sank into the kiss, Robbie

let himself go. He let himself fly all the way up into the damn clouds. He’d

already lost the battle with Julien, and when Priest raised his head, Robbie

knew he’d just lost it there too. His heart no longer belonged to him. Each of

these men now held a piece of it.

“If we’re being honest…” Robbie said, and gnawed on the inside of his

cheek.

“Yes?”

“I kind of lost my mind the first time you called me sweetheart in

Logan’s office.”

A roguish grin tipped the corner of Priest’s lips, making Robbie’s heart

thump a little harder. “You hated me.”

“Well, yeah,” Robbie said. “But I couldn’t stop thinking about you either.

Apparently you have that effect on people.”

“Only the ones who count,” Priest said, as his eyes shifted to Julien and

he ran the back of his fingers down his cheek. “This might seem like an odd

question with everything that happened today, but are you happy, Robert?”

“Happy?” Robbie said, and when Priest raised his head, it was clear he

was serious. This question and answer was important to him, and Robbie

replied the same way Priest once had to a question of his: “Be more specific.”

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“Are you happy with us? With this relationship of ours.”

Robbie was floored by the vulnerability in that question, by the doubt

behind those words. He’d always assumed that he was the one constantly

freaking out that he wasn’t what they were looking for. But as Priest

remained crouched opposite him, his eyes glued to Robbie’s, it was clear this

was something that weighed heavily on his mind.

Robbie licked at his suddenly dry lips. “Yes, I’m happy with us.

Actually,” Robbie said, and felt a silly grin hit his lips, “I kind of love us.”

“Oh?”

Robbie nodded and felt the devil on his shoulder as he said, “What’s not

to love? Julien cooks, you worry about the important stuff, and I make

everything sparkle.” That elusive smile of Priest’s lit his face, and Robbie

added, “I also love that I can do that.”

“What?”

“Make you smile. It’s so rare that it feels like a major accomplishment

when it happens.”

Robbie watched as the smile immediately left Priest’s face and his usual

stoic expression returned.

“I suppose you’re right,” Priest said, as he straightened to his full height.

“It’s not something I’ve done much of until the past eight years.”

Robbie craned his head up and watched as Priest slipped his hands into

his pockets, removing himself from any kind of comfort, from any more

moments of weakness. “Why?”

Priest looked toward the heavy curtains that flanked the large window and

said, “I had a difficult childhood.”

Robbie waited for Priest to continue, but when he didn’t, Robbie decided

that maybe tonight wasn’t the right time. They were already dealing with

enough with Julien, and it was clear that Priest wasn’t in the divulging kind

of mood. So Robbie took Priest’s advice from last week and let it go.

Priest would talk when he was ready—hadn’t he proved that tonight?

Robbie could never have imagined he’d hear half of the words Priest had said

to him earlier—so he would wait. He would wait for Priest, just like he’d

waited for Julien, because he knew both men were worth it.

“Do you think we should try and get him to a bed?” Robbie said.

“Yes. He’s already going to have a terrible hangover. The least we can do

is make sure he doesn’t have any other aches and pains to go with it.”

Robbie nodded, as Priest crouched back down and gently shook Julien’s

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shoulder. “Julien? Julien…let’s get you to bed.”

When Julien didn’t budge or make a sound, Robbie said, “Got any other

ideas?”

“Prop his upper body up so I can get an arm in under his shoulders.”

Robbie shifted and got his hands under Julien, and on a soft count of

three, they hoisted him up so Priest could put Julien’s left arm over his

shoulder and slide his right around Julien’s torso.

Once he had a firm grip on him, Priest grimaced and hauled Julien up to

his feet with more strength than Robbie had any hope of ever possessing.

Robbie moved into Julien’s right side and got an arm around his waist,

and when Julien’s head lolled onto Priest’s shoulders and his bleary eyes

opened, a sad, defeated smile morphed his lips.

“Je suis désolé, mon amour,” he whispered. “So sorry.”

Priest frowned at him as they all hobbled along. “You know there’s no

need for that.”

“But you…” Julien paused, as he stumbled over his feet and into Priest’s

side. “You don’t like me like this. So how can he?”

Priest placed a kiss to Julien’s forehead and said, “You’re right. I love

you, no matter what. And I have a feeling he will too.”

Robbie sucked in a breath, as Julien sighed and his eyes fell shut, and

when he slumped fully into Priest’s side, Robbie let it out in a rush. Had he

really just heard what he thought he had?

But before he could ask, Priest gestured to the door with his chin.

“There’s a bedroom a couple of doors down. I already put our bags in there.

It’s a guest room with a king and an en suite. We’ll all fit in there.”

Robbie’s heart swelled at the automatic inclusion, which was silly, but he

couldn’t help the butterflies he got whenever he thought of himself as

belonging with the two of these men. And he did belong with them—after

tonight, there was no question in his mind. His body had become theirs that

first night back in Chicago. But tonight? Tonight, he’d given his heart away.

As they reached the bedroom and lowered Julien on the mattress, Priest

said, “Why don’t you go and shower? Get ready for bed. You must be

exhausted.”

He was, but then Robbie looked at Julien, worry causing him to hesitate.

“It’s okay,” Priest said, and touched Robbie’s arm. “I’ve got him. Go and

unwind.”

Robbie gave Priest a soft smile, and then headed over to the door he

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assumed led to the bathroom. When he spotted their bags all lined up side by

side, he opened his to grab his toiletry bag and pajama shorts set, and as he

did, Priest flicked on the bedroom lamp and then walked over to switch off

the main light.

Robbie straightened and watched as Priest went about removing Julien’s

shoes and socks and then draped a blanket over him, and when he sat down

by the bed and ran a hand through Julien’s hair, Robbie backed away into the

bathroom, giving them some privacy.

As he shut the door, Robbie stripped out of his clothes and walked to the

massive shower on the far side of the room. It ran alongside a wall of

windows, and while there was nothing directly outside opposite the clear

panes, it was somewhat disconcerting to be looking outside while standing

stark naked in a bathroom.

Robbie soon got over that, though, the shower beckoning to his tense

muscles. He grabbed his favorite exfoliating sponge and body wash, walked

to the enormous stall, and looked at the fancy faucets and jets on either end of

it, and what looked like a computer panel.

He located the power button easily enough, but as soon as he hit it, the

controls lit up and freezing-cold water shot out at him from all sides, making

him shriek and reach for the red plus button—which he hoped to God was for

the hot water.

He pressed it several times, and as the temperature went from frigid to

toasty warm, Robbie sighed and moved into the middle of the massive stall.

He raised his arms until they were stretched out on either side of himself so

the water could blast his entire body, and then he shut his eyes and relaxed.

Ahh… I could stand here all night, Robbie thought as he enjoyed the

water sluicing over his body from every possible angle. Now this is how the

other half lives—or, you know, with a fish tank in their bathroom.

At that thought, Robbie imagined Priest and the way he had so patiently

taken care of Julien just now, and Robbie realized he didn’t want to linger in

there alone—no matter how tired he was or how good these faucets and

massage sprays felt. He wanted to be in there with them, and from everything

Priest had said tonight, that was also where he would want Robbie.

So with that thought in mind, Robbie reached for the soap and began to

lather up, knowing the sooner he got done, the sooner he’d be able to be with

his men, because that was exactly where he was supposed to be.

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CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CONFESSION

Blowing off steam helps clear the mind

and cleanse the soul.

PRIEST PLACED A glass of water on the nightstand beside Julien, and then

straightened so he could look over the sleeping man.

For the first time in weeks, Julien looked peaceful, and Priest wasn’t sure

if it was because of the alcohol or whatever had happened with Robbie before

he had tracked them down in the library. All he knew was that the mental

exhaustion written all over Robbie’s face was a clear indicator that the dam

of emotions Julien had been standing behind had broken tonight, and he’d

finally let himself and Robbie be swept under.

“It’s time to come back now,” Priest said, as he pressed his lips to

Julien’s cheek. “Sleep, and then come back to us, mon beau voleur de cœurs,

because tonight, I believe you stole another heart.”

Satisfied that Julien was safely tucked away, Priest walked to the

bathroom door, wanting to check and make sure Robbie hadn’t fallen asleep

on his feet, and as he pushed open the door and stepped inside, the sight that

greeted him had Priest coming to a stop.

Robbie stood in the middle of a massive shower and was facing away

from the door. He was staring out the window at the dark blanket of space

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ahead, and he had his arms held out on either side of himself, letting the jets

of water hit him from all sides.

Priest’s cock responded immediately. Robbie was breathtaking.

He hadn’t heard Priest’s entry yet, and when he lowered his arms to his

side and bent to pick up his bottle of body wash, Priest walked to the vanity

that ran along the opposite wall and leaned against the sink to watch the

show.

Robbie reached for a bright purple sponge, and Priest couldn’t stop the

smirk that hit his lips, because of course Robbie had brought a purple sponge

with him . He poured some of the soap onto the surface and began lathering

up his arms, chest, stomach, and groin. He was quick and efficient in his

moves, not lingering at all before he bent at the waist and began the sensual

task of running that sponge up and down his legs.

Priest rubbed the heel of his palm over his now-aching dick, and then

spotted Robbie’s unzipped toiletry bag on the counter beside him, and the

several condoms sitting inside.

He hadn’t gone in there with the intention of getting naked. But the

longer he stood there watching Robbie run that loofah up and down his

calves, the more Priest wanted to switch his brain off and lose himself inside

Robbie’s spectacular body.

He unfastened his jeans and shoved his hand inside to wrap it around his

cock and stroke, and then waited for the moment when Robbie realized he

wasn’t alone and someone else was enjoying the show. Luckily for Priest, he

didn’t have to wait too long.

Once Robbie was done with his right leg, he went to start on the left, and

as he shifted out of the way of the water so it wouldn’t wash all the soap off

his sponge, his eyes must’ve caught something in the reflection, or his sixth

sense must’ve kicked into gear. His hand froze on his thigh, and as he turned

his head in Priest’s direction and their eyes met through the steamy glass,

Robbie’s lips parted.

Priest had now shoved his briefs and jeans down under his ass so his stiff

dick was on full display in his fist, and as he slowly ran his gaze over

Robbie’s nude body, he stroked himself a little faster.

Robbie’s legs seemingly went on for days. He wasn’t taller than Priest or

Julien, but it was the lean line of them that made them feel and look longer.

The smooth creaminess of them that made Priest want to lick Robbie from his

ankle all the way up to the inside of his thigh.

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As Priest dragged his eyes back to Robbie’s exquisite face, Robbie licked

his lips and straightened to fully display himself for Priest. He dropped the

sponge, and then, without any shyness whatsoever, wrapped a hand around

what was now a very impressive erection.

Like Priest, Robbie didn’t speak, instead letting his eyes go on a tour of

what was now in front of him. Priest shifted from his resting place against the

vanity so he was now standing, and when Robbie sucked in a breath, Priest

began to unbutton his shirt.

Robbie gnawed on his lower lip, his attention locked on Priest’s fingers as

they pushed each button free until he reached the top, and when Priest

shrugged out of the material and tossed it on the vanity, a soft sound—a sexy

little moan—left Robbie’s lips.

Priest smoothed his palm back down his stomach to his aching erection,

and once he got there, he wrapped his fingers around his dick and gave it a

squeeze.

Robbie took a step closer to the glass, his eyes lowering to Priest’s hand,

and when Priest began to pump his cock, Robbie swallowed. Greedy, Priest

thought. Always greedy was their princess, and nothing pleased him and

Julien more than giving Robbie what he wanted.

Done with wasting time, Priest let go of himself and stripped down to

nothing, and as he kicked his clothes aside, Robbie put a hand flat on the

glass wall of the shower and widened his legs.

Priest cursed, wishing like hell he was behind Robbie to see his tight,

round ass, but told himself to be patient. He’d get there eventually, but for

now he needed to concentrate on not coming before he got in the shower with

that delectable man.

Priest reached inside Robbie’s toiletry bag and removed one of the

condoms. As he rolled it in place, he pulled out the small bottle of lube that

was also inside, and then turned his attention back to Robbie.

As he began to walk across the bathroom, Robbie fucked his fist a little

harder. Priest tossed the bottle in the air, and when it came down and landed

in his palm, he was standing directly opposite Robbie with only the glass

separating them. He put a hand up to where Robbie’s was still planted on the

wall, and then ran his eyes down to Robbie feverishly pumping his hard-on.

As Priest watched Robbie pleasure himself, he gritted his teeth and raised

his eyes back to Robbie’s, which were dark with desire, and then he trailed

his fingertips across the pane of glass as he walked to the opening of the

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shower.

As he stepped inside, Priest made a promise to himself. The next thing he

was going to kiss, touch, or stroke was going to be the beautiful man now

turning to face him in the shower stall.

ROBBIE WAS TRYING to remember how to breathe as Priest stepped into

the shower and placed the bottle of lube on the ledge attached to the wall.

As naked and hard as he was, Priest exuded sex and strength from every

fiber of his being as he turned all of his attention on Robbie and began to

stalk him across the steamy stall—and that was exactly what he was doing,

stalking him.

Robbie’s eyes ate up the muscular thighs, engorged cock, and powerful

body now moving his way, and when Priest finally made contact with him, it

was like being hit by a Mack truck.

He took Robbie’s chin in hand and, without one word, slammed their

mouths together. Robbie moaned under the force of the kiss, opening to the

tongue demanding entry—but Priest didn’t stop there. He backed Robbie up

until his ass was against the tiled wall of the shower and his arms were over

his head.

Priest pinned them in place as he molded his body along the entire length

of Robbie’s, and when their cocks bumped up against one another, Robbie

moaned and bucked forward.

Priest traced his tongue along Robbie’s swollen lips, then began to bite

and suck at them as he rolled his hips over and over, hell-bent, it seemed, on

driving Robbie out of his mind.

Robbie tried to kiss him, wanting Priest’s tongue inside his mouth

tangling with his own. But Priest pulled back and smirked at him, and damn,

that flirty move from Priest was so sexy that it had Robbie wrestling against

the hands restraining him, just so he could nip at the lower lip surrounded by

the dark auburn scruff.

Instead of resisting him this time, Priest grunted and rubbed his cock up

against Robbie’s, and Robbie wound one of his legs around his thigh and

started to writhe.

Shit. This was hot as fuck, and so unexpected that it didn’t occur to

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Robbie until Priest wrapped an arm around his waist, and trailed his fingers

across his tailbone, that this was the first time they’d been together like this—

alone.

As the thought entered Robbie’s mind, Priest bent his head and put his

lips on Robbie’s neck. He slipped his fingertips down the crack of Robbie’s

ass, and when they grazed over his back entrance, Robbie finally spoke up.

“Ah, shit. Priest? Priest. Stop. You need to stop for a minute.”

Priest immediately halted, and Robbie put his palms on Priest’s muscular

chest. When he raised his head, confusion and arousal darkened Priest’s eyes

and all Robbie could think was: Why did I make him stop, again?

“Is something wrong?” Priest asked, his voice gravelly and so fucking

sexy. “Did I hurt—”

“No,” Robbie said, tightening his slippery leg around Priest’s thigh as he

shook his head. “No. But—” Shit, how do I even ask this?

Priest removed his hands from Robbie’s ass and placed them on the wall,

and Robbie wanted to cry.

Okay, just ask or you’re never going to know, and he might leave and that

would suck…or not suck, as it were.

“Can I… Can I ask you something?” Great. Now I sound like a nervous

idiot, Robbie thought. Way to kill a mood, Bianchi.

“Of course,” Priest said, as he eyed Robbie closely, probably wondering

when he’d lost his damn mind.

But this was important, and Priest and Julien always told him if he had

questions, he should ask them . They probably didn’t mean midway through

really hot sex, though.

“It’s just… Are we…? Can we…?” Robbie sighed, frustrated with

himself, and then he blurted out, “Are we allowed to have sex while Julien’s

not here?”

Robbie waited for Priest to start laughing, or to tell him he was right and

they should wait. But instead, he took one of the hands Robbie had resting on

his chest and slowly drew it back up to the wall, and then did the same with

the other, and once he had them there, he rolled his hips forward and brushed

their lips together.

Robbie whimpered and thought he just might die if they couldn’t

continue, and then Priest said, “We are allowed to do whatever we like to

whom ever we like with in the three of us. There’s no room or cause for

jealousy. There has to be trust, honesty, and total transparency. There’s

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nothing more miserable than second-guessing each move you make. And that

has to be clear and acceptable to all involved, or this kind of relationship

won’t work.”

Oh, thank God. Robbie quickly nodded and bit down on his lip as Priest

trailed the back of his fingers down the side of one of his arms.

“Is that acceptable to you, Robert? Are you—”

“Yes,” Robbie said, not needing any more clarification. “I’m not jealous.

It’s just, up until now, actual sex has only happened with all three of us.”

“Yes,” Priest said, and reached down and hooked a hand behind Robbie’s

knee, hiking his leg up around his waist. He then leaned his full body weight

into Robbie and said by his ear, “There’s a reason for that.”

Robbie’s chest rose and fell with how heavy he was breathing, and his

cock throbbed where it was trapped between their bodies. Fuck, he was so

turned on, and when he angled his head so they were nose to nose, he said,

“Why? What’s the reason?”

“I wasn’t sure you were ready for just me, and neither was Julien.”

Robbie let out a gasp as Priest scraped his teeth over his jaw line, making

Robbie’s cock drip all over Priest’s.

“So? Are you ready, Robert?”

“Yes,” Robbie said. “Yes, I’m ready. For whoever. Whenever.”

“I certainly hope not,” Priest said against his mouth.

“You know what I mean. For you, for Julien, for you and Julien. I want

you both. I want it all,” Robbie said, not caring how desperate he sounded

now as he arched his hips, needing more, wanting the friction, and when

Priest’s covered length rubbed along his, Robbie added, “I also want to feel it

all. Whenever you think we’re ready.”

Robbie’s meaning was not lost on Priest, judging by the fire that lit his

eyes. But before Robbie could say anything else, his mouth was taken in a

molten kiss that had him clutching at Priest’s shoulders, as Priest wound his

arms around Robbie’s waist and stroked his fingers back down to the crack of

his ass.

“Ah,” Robbie moaned. “In me,” he said against Priest’s lips. “Put them in

me, Priest.”

As Priest bit down on Robbie’s lip, he did as requested and pushed first

one, and then two, fingers into Robbie’s body. Robbie squeezed his eyes shut

at the sensation and just about went crazy as Priest licked and sucked his way

up Robbie’s jaw, all the while stretching him with a good and thorough finger

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fucking.

Robbie tensed and then his entire body vibrated, as Priest found and

massaged the tight bundle of nerves inside him, and then Robbie tore his

mouth off Priest’s and said, “More. I need more of you in me.”

Priest gave him a bruising kiss and said, “Good, because you’re about to

get all of me.” He pulled his mouth and fingers free, took a step back, and

turned Robbie around to face the wall.

AS PRIEST MOVED behind Robbie, he stepped under the warm water for a

moment and let it fall down over him. He wrapped his hand around his dick,

and as he let his eyes wander down the lovely length of Robbie’s back to his

high, round ass, Priest started to masturbate.

Fuck. Robbie had planted that vision of them coming all over, and in him,

and as Priest stood there stroking his covered cock, he couldn’t for the life of

him get it out of his head.

He wanted that. For him and Julien to come while they were deep inside

the man who currently stood with his hands braced on the wall and his legs

spread wide waiting for him. To mark Robbie and make him belong to them

in the most primal of ways.

He wanted it so badly that he was having to take a second to calm himself

down, because Priest knew if his cock got anywhere near Robbie’s tight hole

right now, he was going to go off like a fucking horny teenager.

Once he got himself somewhat under control, Priest slicked his wet hair

back and took the bottle of lube off the shower ledge. He walked out of the

spray and to where Robbie remained braced and ready, and then went down

on his knees behind him.

Priest put the bottle on the tiled floor, and then reached up to grab a firm

ass cheek in each hand and massage him. Robbie moaned, and as that pretty

hole of his came into view, Priest dragged his thumb over it and Robbie

flexed, tightening the pucker in invitation and causing Priest to groan and

lean forward to kiss what he’d just stroked.

A cry came from Robbie as he shoved back, and Priest moved closer,

spread him wider, and did it again. He kissed, sucked, and ran his tongue

along Robbie’s sensitive skin, and then he let go of his ass with one hand to

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reach up between Robbie’s legs to take hold of his cock.

Priest stroked him as he continued to kiss and suck at Robbie’s heated

flesh, and the noises coming from him were tortured and erotic as he chased

after the pleasure Priest was determined to give him.

“Priest, oh fuck,” Robbie said as he peered down, and when Priest sat

back on his heels and looked at Robbie’s stretched rim, he reached for the

lube and, with his eyes on Robbie’s, poured a healthy amount into his hand

and slicked it over his dick.

This moment between them had been a long time coming, and when

Priest got to his feet and Robbie reached back with a hand and spread himself

apart, Priest groaned and tipped the bottle up, letting the cool liquid hit his

crack and slide down into his hole.

Robbie’s entire body trembled. Nerves or arousal? Priest wondered, but

then Robbie aimed his eyes back at him and Priest had his answer— arousal.

Robbie was on edge and Priest was just about to push him over it.

He dropped the bottle to the floor, not caring where it went, and then he

stepped up to Robbie, put one hand on his waist, and used the other to direct

his cock along the slippery channel of his ass, making Robbie shudder.

As Priest pushed forward, the plump head of his dick breached Robbie’s

entrance with ease, and once he was past that tight threshold, he slid a palm

around Robbie’s waist, flattened his hand on his abs, and pulled him back on

his body, tunneling his entire length inside Robbie in one solid thrust.

Robbie cried out and put a hand over Priest’s, and as their fingers

entwined, Priest drew their arms up and over Robbie’s head until he pinned

them on the shower wall and he was crowded in behind Robbie, where he

was now lodged nice and deep.

Priest nuzzled against the crook of Robbie’s neck as Robbie used his

other hand to feverishly stroke his cock, and then Priest planted a hand on

Robbie’s waist and began to move.

He pulled out and then slid back inside, nice and slow to begin with, a

rhythm that had Robbie moaning with every single thrust, and as the pleasure

increased, Priest dug his fingers into Robbie’s hip.

“Oh God,” Robbie said, as Priest sucked on his neck. “So long. I’ve

wanted you like this for so fucking long.”

Priest rocked his hips forward and up, quickening his pace as Robbie

began moving back on him, and the tempo was fucking perfection.

“Me too, sweetheart,” Priest said in Robbie’s ear, and then kissed his

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temple. “Now show me how this tight little body of yours can move.”

Robbie whimpered but then thrust back on Priest over and over, his ass

swallowing the full length now with ease as he used Priest to chase after his

orgasm.

Priest gritted his teeth as his own climax threatened, and then he tugged

on Robbie’s shoulder until he was leaning back against Priest’s chest and

frantically working his length.

Priest released the hand he had trapped on the wall and wound his arm

across Robbie’s collarbone, and as he slid in and out of Robbie harder and

faster, Robbie cried out and bit down on Priest’s arm as his cum shot out and

hit the shower wall.

Robbie gasped, trying to catch his breath, as Priest walked him forward

until he was up against the tiles. He then pulled out and stripped the condom

off, wedged himself between Robbie’s ass cheeks, and began to rub himself

off. Robbie whimpered and writhed under him as though he were getting

aroused all over again, and Priest grabbed hold of his waist, dug his fingers

in, and, not a second later, came all over Robbie’s smooth ass and back, and

then crowded in until his entire front was pressed against Robbie’s cum-

covered skin.

As Robbie’s body heaved against his, he turned his head so their eyes

met, and the arousal from earlier had now been banked and was replaced with

something reflective, something open and honest, that made Priest’s heart

thump.

He wanted to know what Robbie was thinking right then, wanted to

demand that he tell him, but as he stood there staring into Robbie’s guileless

eyes, he found himself backing away.

Today had been a whirlwind of emotions, and Priest didn’t want Robbie

to say anything he might regret later, so he took a step back and let their

connection be severed.

“Come on. Let me clean you up,” Priest said, and kissed Robbie’s cheek.

“It’s been a long week for all of us and we could do with the sleep.”

Robbie’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t protest, nor did he say anything

else. He merely did as he was told, all the while watching Priest in a way that

made him feel as though Robert Bianchi could see inside his soul—and who

knew? Maybe he could.

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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CONFESSION

Sometimes all it takes is a new perspective

to see light where darkness once lived.

A SET OF warm lips on his temple woke Julien the following morning, and

as his eyes opened and a shard of sunlight found him where his head rested

on a pillow, a steady thumping began in his head.

“Bonjour, sleepyhead.” Priest’s low voice sounded like it was playing

through a megaphone as Julien brought a hand up to his forehead and

squinted at the face hovering over his.

“Bonjour,” Julien managed as he sat up, and as he did, the room spun a

little and he shut his eyes.

“Easy,” Priest said, as he sat down on the side of the mattress and reached

out a steadying hand to Julien’s arm. “You had a rough night. Go slow.”

“Oui,” Julien mumbled, trying to remember it. But everything after

arriving at the house was a blur.

Priest gestured to the nightstand and ran a hand down Julien’s arm.

“There’s a couple of aspirin there. They’ll help with your head.”

Julien nodded and reached for them and the glass of water. As he

swallowed them down, he looked around the guest room he and Priest had

stayed in several times before, and when he didn’t spot Robbie, Julien started

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to panic.

“He’s organizing breakfast,” Priest said. “I couldn’t sleep and ran out

early this morning to get us a few things.”

Ah, oui. That sounded like Priest. And just as Julien was about to say that,

the pounding in his skull had him shutting his eyes instead. Dieu, how much

had he had to drink last night?

“ Joel?”

“Yes?” Priest said as he took Julien’s hand in his. “What is it? Are you

okay?”

Julien put the glass down on the side table and rubbed at his temple. He

hated having to ask this, but since he couldn’t remember, it was the only way.

“Oui, I’m fine. I have a horrible headache but I’m assuming that’s self-

inflicted and well deserved.”

When Priest didn’t say anything to disagree with that, Julien grimaced.

God only knew what he’d said and done last night, but as he sat there and the

fog began to lift from his brain, he remembered what had set him off. His

parents had bailed on him, and then—then the Grey Goose.

Knowing how he was when he got like this, Julien rubbed a hand over the

back of his neck and said, “Did I do anything stupid last night? I can’t

remember, and I— Is Robbie okay? Did I ruin this for us?”

Priest shook his head and moved closer on the bed. “First off, you are

never stupid.”

Julien arched an eyebrow. “You know what I mean, Joel. This house plus

alcohol—it never usually ends well for me.”

“I know. But you’re never stupid, Julien. You were just a little less

perfect than you usually are.”

Julien shook his head but realized too late that that was the wrong thing to

do and winced. “I’m far from perfect, mon amour.”

“Perfect for me, and perfect for the man out there waiting to come and see

how you are this morning.”

Mon Dieu. Julien wasn’t sure he could face Robbie right now. He

couldn’t remember half of last night, and that was starting to freak him out.

“Would you stop worrying?” Priest said, and drew his fingers down

Julien’s cheek.

“I would if I could remember what happened. The last thing I do

remember is—” Julien stopped talking then, the bitter memory of his parents’

desertion not something he wanted to really think about.

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“Julien…”

“I can’t believe they’re not here.”

“I know.”

“Fuck,” Julien said, his anger once again bubbling up.

“I assume you don’t know where they went?”

“Non. That would mean they would actually have to talk to me.” Julien

rubbed a hand over his face. “I can’t believe they did this. Why? Am I so—”

Priest put a finger to Julien’s lips. “Stop. Do not finish that sentence. And

do not blame yourself for their shortsightedness. Do you hear me?” Julien

shut his eyes, and when Priest removed his finger, he leaned in and said

against Julien’s lips, “It takes strength to forgive. To walk away and forget is

the easy way. The coward’s way.”

Julien wrapped his hands around Priest’s and shut his eyes, holding on to

the man who’d always been there. Holding on to the man who’d rescued him

when his own parents decided he wasn’t worth saving.

“But Robbie. What must he think?”

“He’s fine.”

“Merde,” Julien said, surprised that Robbie hadn’t called a cab and

headed to the airport. “Tell me what happened last night.”

“You were upset,” Priest said. “But nothing you did or said was anything

he didn’t need to hear. He knew something troubled you. That you have

ghosts that you deal with.”

“Joel,” Julien said, and stared into eyes full of compassion. As always, he

tried to understand what it was that Joel Priestley saw in him. “Je suis

désolé.”

“You need to stop saying you’re sorry. If anything came of last night, it’s

that now he understands.”

Julien slowly pulled his hands free and looked away from Priest, unable

to accept the forgiveness he saw there, especially when he knew he didn’t

deserve it.

“Julien—”

“Non.” Julien didn’t want to hear the excuses Priest would make for him.

He’d heard them a million times before. “Don’t try and tell me I shouldn’t

feel like this, that it’s not my fault. I need to feel this.”

“I wasn’t going to tell you that,” Priest said. “I was going to tell you that

as long as I’ve known you, you have never taken the easy way out. You come

up here, to the place where the worst night of your life happened, and you

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punish yourself for something that was no more your fault than it was hers,

and Julien?” Priest took his chin and made Julien face him. “It’s time that you

forgave yourself.”

As Priest’s words lingered between them, Julien realized his face was

becoming a blur. “I don’t know how.”

“I might.” Robbie’s voice from the bedroom door had both Julien and

Priest looking over. “Can I come in?”

“Of course, princesse,” Julien said, as Priest released him and Robbie

walked over. Julien wiped away a tear that had just rolled down his cheek,

and when his eyes cleared, he was stunned to see a bone-deep understanding

in Robbie’s blue depths.

“I wanted to ask you something,” Robbie said, his voice soft and slightly

hesitant. But when Priest took his hand and nodded, urging him to continue,

he went on, “It’s about Jacquelyn.”

Julien was stunned to his core by the nonjudgmental tone in Robbie’s

voice—in his entire demeanor, really—and found himself at a loss for words.

How could Robbie still be there with them after everything he now knew?

How could he not be disgusted with Julien? Not hate him for what he’d

allowed to happen to his own sister?

But non, all he saw in Robbie’s eyes was acceptance, and a light shining

through after the darkest of nights, showing Julien the way through to the

other side of his despair.

Robbie held his other hand out, and when Julien took it, Robbie entwined

their fingers, and just like that, all three of them were connected.

“How do you think she’d want to be remembered?” Robbie asked, and

Julien was speechless. He had no idea what to say. No one had ever asked

him that, and as he stared blankly at Robbie, he gave Julien a small, hesitant

smile.

“It’s just…” Robbie paused as though choosing his words carefully. “This

destroys you. Walking back into this house. It’s as if you see her—”

“Die over and over again,” Julien whispered.

When Robbie nodded, Julien shut his eyes and allowed last night to find

him. The moment when he’d finally told Robbie what had happened. It all

flooded back, painful and real, and as Julien let it back in, he remembered

Robbie’s arm around his shoulder. Robbie pulling him into his side. Him

laying his head on Robbie’s lap. And Robbie’s fingers in his hair.

Listening. Soothing. Healing him as he lay there—completely and utterly

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destroyed. Robbie was right, and so was Priest—this cycle needed to end.

“Happy,” Julien finally said, and when his voice cracked, he cleared it

and tried again. “She’d want to be remembered as being happy. That’s what

she was, all the time. Smiling. Laughing. Heureuse.”

Robbie grinned, and it was so bright, so contagious, that Julien felt

himself smile right back.

“What made her the happiest?” Robbie asked, and when Julien shook his

head, Robbie nodded. “Please, tell me. If she was here and could spend the

day with you, what do you think she would want to do? What would make

her smile?”

“Cooking,” Julien said, the word rolling off his tongue automatically.

“And reading, of course. She was halfway through a reread.”

“Of Little Women?” Robbie scrunched his nose up as he looked at Priest,

and then turned back to Julien. “Umm. Maybe not that. Can you imagine

Priest reciting Little Women?” When Julien laughed, Robbie’s eyes filled

with mischief and he let go of Julien’s hand to tap a finger to his chin.

“Actually…”

“Watch it,” Priest said, and tugged on Robbie’s hand until he tumbled

down onto Priest’s lap.

“Non. Non,” Julien said, shaking his head. “No reciting of Little Women.”

“Oh, fine. But that could’ve been fun.” Robbie gave an exaggerated pout,

and then leaned toward Julien and cradled his face between his hands, his

expression now a mask of seriousness. “You said this weekend is one you

dread. That remembering her is too painful, too sad. But what if it’s not?

What if it could be something beautiful?”

As Julien looked at Robbie’s earnest face, his eyes blurred all over again.

“You loved your sister,” Robbie said. “You should celebrate that.

Celebrate her. Remember what made her happy and the sound of her laugh.

And let yourself see her when you look in the mirror, because Julien? She’s

there. And she’s beautiful.”

As Robbie settled back in Priest’s arms, Julien couldn’t help but think

how lucky he was that these two men were his.

Priest: so steady, so patient and controlled, protecting him at all turns.

And Robbie: the light at the end of a very long tunnel, offering a perspective

neither Julien nor Priest had seen because they didn’t possess the illumination

that radiated from Robbie.

“If you ask me, your parents did you a favor this weekend,” Robbie said,

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recapturing Julien’s attention. “Because now you get to remember her your

way. You get to cook for her.”

Julien fought back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm him

and nodded. “She’d like that.”

“Of course she would. She’s a smart girl.” Robbie hopped up to his feet,

placed his lips to Julien’s temple, and whispered, “Merci beaucoup.”

Julien turned his face until the two of them were so close that their noses

touched. “What for? Dragging you into my mess? I can’t even begin to

imagine what you must think of—”

Robbie touched a finger to Julien’s lips, silencing him, just as Priest had

done, then placed a gentle kiss there. “For trusting me. With her and with

you.”

Julien wanted to tell Robbie that he was welcome, that there was no need

to thank him—really, it should be the other way around. But before he could

get the words out, Robbie turned to Priest and said, “Your coffee and bagel is

ready. And Jules? Sorry, you’re gonna have to skip the green stuff today and

swallow some carbs and caffeine.”

Julien couldn’t believe it, but as he sat there, his lips curved and a laugh

slipped free, and he wondered if Robbie knew what kind of magic he

possessed, because in a matter of minutes, he and Priest had picked up

Julien’s broken pieces and put him back together, enough that he knew he

would survive another day.

“Now,” Robbie said, “go shower and change. We have some grocery

shopping to do.”

THE BACK DOOR being opened, and Robbie’s laugh echoing up the halls

over the soft strands of the music Priest had on, alerted him that Julien and

Robbie had returned from their trip out.

He’d opted to hang back and finish up some last-minute work he needed

to get done. There’d been no word on the Jimmy situation, which he was

going to take as no news equaling good news, and he didn’t have time to deal

with it anyway, even if there had been. He’d done as Henri had instructed and

changed his phone out last week, only giving his number to those who

needed it. As far as he was concerned, that issue was now on the back burner,

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which was still giving it more importance than he felt it deserved.

He shoved that thought from his mind, just as Robbie came around the

corner with an armful of groceries, Julien following behind. Priest got up

from his chair at the kitchen table and came around the island to help them

out.

As he took a couple of the reusable bags, he looked inside and then over

to Robbie, who’d just walked around to the main counter. “You two were

gone a while. What did you do, buy the entire grocery store?”

“No,” Robbie said as he hefted his remaining bags up onto the counter.

Julien did the same, and then brushed off his hands. “We were trying to

decide what to make for Jacquelyn and your royal highness.”

Priest walked over to where Julien was now unpacking one of the bags. “I

believe you are the one in this trio with the title, princess,” he said, but then

took Julien’s chin in hand, turned his face to meet his, and looked him dead

in the eye. “Comment vas-tu?”

Julien looked better than he had in days. His eyes had lost most of the

sadness that had been plaguing him, and when he smiled back at Priest, it

actually reached his eyes.

“Je vais bien, mon amour. ” Priest eyed him until Julien chuckled and put

a hand on his chest. “Je promets.”

“Ooh, I understood that,” Robbie said, a grin curving his shiny lips, and

when both of them turned in his direction, he pouted and added, “I think.”

Happy to be diverted, Julien said, “Oui?”

Robbie nodded. “Mhmm. You answered Priest, ‘I’m good, my love. I

promise.’ Which can only mean he asked how you were.”

Robbie’s quick study shouldn’t have surprised Priest, but it did, and when

Julien nodded, Robbie gave a little whoop and repeated to Priest, “Comment

vas-tu?”

Priest chuckled. “C’est bon de savoir que mes hommes sont à la maison,

sains et saufs. ”

Robbie frowned at him and said, “What did that mean?”

Julien kissed Priest on the cheek, then looked at Robbie and said, “He’s

good now that his men are home safe and sound.”

“Aww,” Robbie said, as Julien wrapped an arm around Priest’s waist and

burrowed into his side. “You’re kind of a softie, you know that?”

“Am I?” Priest said, his lips twitching as Robbie resumed his unpacking.

“Yep. You act all tough, but deep down you’re all soft and— Oh! I totally

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forgot we got these.” Robbie’s excitement and Julien’s laughter instantly

worried Priest, and when Robbie rustled around at the bottom of one of his

bags and pulled out some colored fabric, Priest frowned.

“And what exactly are those?”

Robbie looked at him as though he were a total moron, and then held the

hot-pink number up against his chest. “Aprons. Hello, we can’t spend the day

in the kitchen without aprons.”

Priest walked over to Robbie to see a black crown on the neck of the

apron he was holding up, and under it in fancy script it read, Queen of the

Kitchen.

Priest raised his eyes to the rascal. “Do they all say that?”

“No way. This one’s mine. Yours is…” Robbie moved around him to

look in his bag, and then pursed his lips. “I don’t see the other two. Jules, are

they in yours?”

Julien looked in the bag he’d yet to unpack and nodded, reaching inside.

“Oui, I have them.”

Priest would never admit it, but when a black and white apron emerged,

he was a little disappointed. He’d thought Robbie would’ve been more

comfortable joking and playing with him now, but—

Julien held up the black apron and turned it around to face Priest, and as

the words came into view, he squashed his disappointment like a bug.

“That one’s yours,” Robbie said from beside him. Across the top of the

apron in white script was: While I have this apron on. And directly under it: I

AM THE BOSS. That was followed by one of Priest’s favorite things to ask:

Do you understand?

“Appropriate, wouldn’t you say?” Robbie teased.

He would indeed, Priest thought, as he took it from Julien, who was

smirking.

As Priest put it on and tied it at his back, Robbie did the same with his,

and then he took either side of it and executed a flirty twirl, laughing. “Ah ha

ha. I love it.”

Robbie’s enthusiasm was infectious, and had Priest grinning as he looked

at Julien and said, “And where is yours, Mr. Thornton?”

Julien picked up the other apron, and when he slipped it on over his head,

Priest read what was printed across his chest and laughed.

“Suits him, don’t you think?” Robbie said as they both looked at Julien,

and Priest nodded.

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Julien’s apron read, How do you think you can help me ? GET THE HELL

OUT OF MY KITCHEN!

“I’m not that bad,” Julien said, and proving just how far he’d come since

yesterday, he joked, “Anymore.”

“Mhmm. Whatever, Mr. Prick. We’ll see,” Robbie said, and winked at

Julien before he looked at all the ingredients on the counter and clapped his

hands together. “Right, where to start.”

As the talking stopped for the first time since they’d arrived home,

Robbie screwed his nose up and looked at Priest. “What is this music?”

“It’s Miles Davis,” Priest said. “I find it relaxes me while I work.”

“Relaxes you? I’m surprised you’re not catatonic.”

Priest shook his head. “I’ll have you know, he was an extremely talented

composer and trumpeter. Perhaps you should expand your horizons.”

Robbie placed a hand on his hip and said, “Perhaps I will the next time

it’s cold and rainy and I have a bottle of brandy handy. But since I’m not

currently in Chicago, and we’re all here and to have a day of celebration, can

we at least put on something a little more…mmm I don’t know, upbeat?”

“Such as?” Priest said, and when Robbie rolled his eyes, Julien came over

to Priest and laid a hand on his arm.

“Give me your phone, mon amour. I’ll make us a playlist that will suit all

of us.”

Priest walked to the table, shut his laptop, and when he came back, he

held his phone out to Julien. When he reached for it, Priest kept a hold of it,

pulled him in close, and said, “Embrasse-moi,” and Julien did.

“Je t’aime.”

“Je t’aime aussi. ”

As they pulled apart, Priest looked over Julien’s shoulder to see Robbie

watching the two of them with an expression in his eyes that matched their

words, and he suspected Robbie knew exactly what it was they’d just said to

one another—but this time, he chose to remain silent.

Then, as though he sensed Priest’s gaze upon him, Robbie put his hand to

his heart before picking up several items off the counter and turning away.

The three of them then began to move around the kitchen after that, and

Priest realized that love was in that room as they worked side by side. With

every touch, every look, and every smile they shared, as they helped Julien

celebrate a woman he loved with all his heart, the bond the three of them

were carefully forging became that much stronger.

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AROUND THIRTY MINUTES later, Robbie lifted the lid off the top of the

pot on the stove and stirred the contents simmering inside.

Mm, smells delicious, he thought, as he scooped up a little bit of his

nonna’s sauce and brought it to his lips to taste his handiwork. Hot damn,

Nonna would be proud. It tasted as good as it smelled.

When he’d been at the store earlier with Julien and they’d been talking

about what he’d like to cook, Julien asked Robbie if he would share a meal

that his family had loved cooking together, something that made Robbie

think of home. While this was probably one of the most common meals

found in an Italian household—and likely nothing impressive to a world-

renowned chef—Robbie had decided on his nonna’s spaghetti.

He remembered spending weekends with his sisters and cousins in their

nonna’s kitchen mixing and kneading the pasta dough, and then arguing over

who got to use the machine to roll it out into thin strips.

Today, however, Robbie had left the pasta making to the professional,

and watching Julien move around the kitchen was something else. He was

totally in his element. It was as if all of his worries left him the second he put

his apron on and switched on that part of his brain. It was wonderful to see.

He’d poured flour onto a large cutting board, dug out a well, and cracked

the eggs into the center of it with the ease of someone who did it every day.

Then he’d added some olive oil and salt and mixed it altogether. After that,

he’d pummeled the hell out of it.

Robbie remembered Julien saying that crushing things helped clear his

head, and Robbie figured strangling dough would be a good replacement for

his parents if he wanted to keep Julien out of jail.

Robbie placed the wooden spoon on the ceramic holder by the stove and

turned to see Priest at the sink finishing off rinsing the cutting boards, pans,

and cooking utensils as he stacked them into the dishwasher.

Julien was now sitting at the island with a glass of wine, waiting for the

go-ahead from Robbie to start cooking the pasta, and just as Robbie was

about to tell him he could start, the music switched songs and Priest’s man,

Sinatra, floated around the room.

“Hey, it’s your guy,” Robbie said as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”

began to play.

“So it is,” Priest said, as he tossed the dishtowel on the bench, and walked

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over to Robbie. “Would you like to dance?”

“To this?” Robbie said, and Priest nodded. “Uh, I don’t know how.”

“Really?”

Robbie chuckled. “Yes, really.”

Priest’s lips crooked up at the side, and then he walked over to Julien,

took a sip of his wine, and, gallant as ever, held his hand out to his husband.

“Julien?”

Julien took Priest’s hand and slipped off his stool as though they’d done

this a hundred times before, and as Robbie watched in wonder, Julien smiled

and said, “I’d love to.”

Priest pulled Julien into his arms, and Robbie felt his breath catch as the

two of them then began a gentle waltz in the kitchen.

It was beautiful, and such a tender, intimate moment, as they made their

way over to Robbie, and then Priest looked at him and said, “Would you like

us to teach you?”

Robbie’s heart thumped at the thought, and suddenly he understood the

appeal of the music, the magic of the mood it created, and found that he

wanted nothing more than to be danced around the kitchen with one—or two

—of these men.

He nodded, and as Priest released Julien, Priest held a hand out to Robbie.

He slid his palm along the top of Priest’s, and when Priest wound his other

arm around Robbie’s waist and drew him in close, Robbie reminded himself

to breathe.

You were closer to him last night, Robbie told himself, feeling slightly

foolish for how off balance this was making him feel . But somehow, here in

the kitchen with the homey smells, laughter, and memories being created, this

moment felt just as intimate.

“We’ll start easy,” Priest said, as he began swaying with Robbie from

side to side. “Get familiar with us holding you.”

Oh, Jesus, is he serious? This charming side of Priest was a killer.

Robbie glanced over his shoulder at Julien as if he was going to somehow

help keep him on his feet. But he was no help, because Priest turned Robbie

slightly, and then released his hold around his waist and spun him toward the

handsome chef.

Robbie took hold of Julien, who brought him in close and continued the

gentle rocking from side to side, one hand around Robbie’s waist. The slow,

sensual smile Robbie loved curved Julien’s lips, making his dimple appear,

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and it was so relaxed and so far removed from the pained man he’d seen last

night that Robbie couldn’t help but reach out and trace his fingers over it.

Julien turned his head and kissed Robbie’s fingertips. “Back to Priest for

you.”

He spun Robbie out, and this time when Priest caught him, he pulled

Robbie flush up against him and moved his left leg forward, making Robbie

step back.

“Very good. Now to the side. Simple box step,” Priest said in a low voice

that sent a shiver up Robbie’s spine, and Robbie concentrated on his moves

and matched them. Only once did he mess up and step on Priest’s toes,

making him chuckle, and Robbie grimaced.

“I don’t think I’m very good at this.”

“You’re doing great,” Priest said, and then kissed Robbie’s temple. “And

this song fits you like a dream.”

Robbie listened to the lyrics, loving each and every word, hoping he was

deep in the heart of both these men, and then he tipped his face up to Priest,

who kissed his nose and said, “It’s Julien’s turn.”

He handed Robbie off, and as Julien took hold of him, Robbie stumbled

over his own feet and giggled. “Sorry. Geez. I’m kind of ridiculous.”

“Non,” Julien said, and as the song drew to an end, he brought their

joined hands up to cover his heart and placed his cheek by Robbie’s. “You’re

absolutely perfect, and so is today,” he whispered. “Merci beaucoup, mon

cher petit.”

Robbie found it difficult to respond with all that he was feeling, and

instead rested his chin on Julien’s shoulder. When his eyes found Priest, who

was now leaning back against the counter, he too mouthed thank you, and

Robbie nodded and smiled, finding his heart was as full as it had ever been,

right there in that kitchen with two men who had most certainly gotten under

his skin.

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CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CONFESSION

Home is where your heart is.

Up until now, part of mine has been missing.

Now it is full once more.

BY THE TIME they arrived back in Chicago Sunday night, they were

exhausted. Exhausted but better for having gone.

Julien had finally been able to gain some semblance of peace. But he

would likely never forgive himself in full for what happened that night, even

if he did vow to make Jacquelyn’s anniversary one he celebrated instead of

mourned.

Robbie now understood what exactly it was their man dealt with, and

Priest? He felt more content than he had in years as he stared at the two men

sitting at their breakfast bar talking about their days ahead.

“I have to work tonight,” Robbie said. “And I thought I’d ask Tate if he

and, um, Logan would like to come to the opening of JULIEN. If that’s all

right with you two.”

“Actually…” Priest said as he turned his eyes on Julien, waiting for him

to respond.

“I already asked Tate if he wanted to come,” Julien finished.

Robbie cocked his head to the side. “You did?”

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Julien nodded as he picked up his usual glass of vegetables and took a sip.

“I did. I figured you’d like them there. But I thought you might hesitate

because of your run-in with Logan. I know how important they are to you.”

Robbie grinned and threw his arms around Julien’s neck, kissing him on

the cheek. “You’re the sweetest. You know that, right?”

Julien ran a hand down Robbie’s back and then tickled his side, making

him laugh and squirm away. “I’m fairly certain the sweetest person in this

room is the one with the pinkest cheeks, princesse.”

Robbie brought his hands up to cover each side of his face, and then

rolled his eyes. “It’s my ma’s fault. She blushes like this too.”

“I think it’s quite lovely,” Priest said from across the counter as he raised

his coffee cup to his lips.

“It’s embarrassing. I can never hide my feelings around you two.”

“Good,” Priest said, and Julien added, “We never want you to hide from

us.”

“Oh, I’m not hiding. But, like, Priest? I could tell him that he has the

biggest cock I’ve ever had inside me and he wouldn’t blush, he’d just say—”

“Thank you,” Priest deadpanned.

“See,” Robbie whined. “It’s seriously annoying how arrogant you are, but

it totally works. And you,” Robbie said, looking at Julien. “You’re all sexy

and sensual and French. I mean, shit, how am I not supposed to blush every

time you say something to me? This is going to be seriously bad when you

meet my family.”

Priest’s hand froze with his coffee cup at his lips, and he replayed

Robbie’s words over in his head. “Will that be sometime soon?”

Robbie frowned at him and said, “Huh?”

“You just said, ‘This is going to be seriously bad when you meet my

family.’ I was just wondering if that was going to be sometime soon.”

Robbie’s lips parted on a soft oh. Obviously not realizing what he’d said,

he looked at Julien. “Um, well…” He grimaced and looked back to Priest. “I

might’ve accidently invited them to the opening too.”

“Accidently?” Julien asked as Robbie hopped off the stool and started to

pace, running a hand through his hair.

“Yeah. It was back when you first told me about it. I was talking to my

ma about my nonna, and then she mentioned her cooking, and the next thing I

knew, I was inviting her and my sisters. Shit. I don’t know what happened.”

Robbie stopped and whirled around to face the two of them, his eyes looking

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slightly crazed. “What am I going to do? They can’t come. One look at me

with the both of you and they’ll know what’s going on here.”

Priest didn’t mean to, but a chuckle slipped free, and Robbie pinned him

with a fierce stare. “Are you laughing?”

Priest was about to deny it, but Robbie’s horrified expression made the

chuckle turn to a full-on laugh.

“You are laughing. Have you lost your mind? This is not funny.”

Priest shrugged, finding this turn of events highly amusing—as did

Julien, judging by the grin on his face. “You’re the one who invited them.”

“And I just admitted that I didn’t know what the hell I was thinking.”

Priest finished his coffee. “I think you did.”

“What?” Robbie said, his eyes almost bugging out of his head. “You

think I did it on purpose? You have lost your mind.”

Priest went and rinsed his mug out and put it in the sink, then walked

around the island, stopped in front of Robbie, and said, “I think you’re proud

as hell of Julien—just like I am. And you wanted to show him off.”

Robbie opened his mouth as if to argue, but then he pursed his lips.

“That’s beside the point. This is not good. They’re going to know,” he said,

and looked to Julien. “One look at me with the both of you and they’re going

to know. I can’t hide it.”

Priest leaned in to kiss his cheek and said, “When did we ask you to?”

“Oh…um.” Robbie floundered a little, and then twisted his hands

together. “So you’re not upset that I invited them?”

Julien got to his feet and came over. “I’m glad you invited them,

princesse. It’ll be nice to meet the people who helped mold you into the man

you are today.”

“And then, see, if you say something like that…” Robbie touched his

fingers to his cheeks.

“You’ll turn pink and we’ll want to eat you.” Robbie shook his head and

turned to Priest, who kissed him hard and said, “Stop worrying. Unless you

confirm anything, all your family can do is speculate.”

Robbie sighed. “I suppose. And it’s not like it would be that huge of a

shock. I’m not exactly the most conventional person in the world.”

“Just the way we like you,” Priest said, and then stepped around him to

pick up his briefcase. Once he had that and his keys in hand, he turned back

to Julien. “Are you still planning to call Gail back today?”

Julien winced but nodded. “Yes. I’m going to see if she’ll reschedule.

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With any luck, she won’t hold a grudge.”

Priest frowned. “If she’s smart, she’ll realize she’s lucky you’re asking

her back even though she broke your contract.”

Julien placed a hand on Priest’s chest and kissed him. “Right.”

“Right,” Priest said. “She was in the wrong, Julien. Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t. Now go. Or you’ll be late.”

Priest narrowed his eyes, but when Julien smiled, he felt himself relax.

This was the Julien he’d been hoping to see. The Julien he recognized. “I’ll

see you both later.”

Robbie walked up beside Julien and took his hand in his, and with a final

look at the both of them, Priest turned and left for the day, knowing in his

heart that the two of them would be okay.

IT WAS AMAZING WHAT a difference a few days made, Julien thought, as

he stepped through the doors of the restaurant and took in his surroundings.

When he’d left on Friday it’d been with a heavy heart, knowing exactly

where he’d been heading, and today… Today he was walking in with a

newfound vision of what he wanted for this place.

It also didn’t hurt that he had Robbie standing beside him chattering away

about anything and everything, trying to distract him, and Julien knew that

was what Robbie was doing—not that he needed to.

For the first time ever, Julien had been able to feel a sense of happiness

this weekend for Jacquelyn’s anniversary, and it was amazing how much of a

difference it made to celebrate her life as opposed to punish himself for it.

“So what exactly am I supposed to wear to the opening?” Robbie asked as

they wandered down the corridor that led to the elevator up to the skybox.

The rest of the staff hadn’t arrived yet, but would at any moment. “Is it a

fancy black-tie shindig? Or is it more a smart businessy-suit shindig?”

Julien pushed the button on the elevator, and when the door opened he

ushered Robbie inside. “More fancy black tie. There will be reporters and

photographers, so you’ll—”

“Want to look my best, of course. I mean, I always want to look that, but

if it is going to be captured on film, I definitely need to go shopping and find

something suitable.”

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As they reached the skybox and headed inside, something Robbie just

said had Julien reaching for his arm. “Suitable?”

“Well, yeah,” Robbie said as he turned to look at him. “I don’t want to

embarrass you and Priest, and most of my clothes are—”

“Gorgeous,” Julien finished for him, as he looked Robbie directly in the

eye. “You can wear whatever you like. You could never embarrass us.”

“You don’t have to say that, Jules,” Robbie said, and then shook his head.

“I know I’m a little loud. Bright colors—”

“Suit you. You’re one of the brightest, happiest people I’ve ever met,

princesse. And whether you are in a black suit or a bright pink one, you will

be the shiniest, loveliest person in attendance.”

An extraordinary smile curved Robbie’s lips, and Julien put a hand on

either side of his face and said, “I don’t know where you got the idea that

Priest and I would ever be embarrassed by you, but you need to crush it. If it

weren’t for our unusual relationship, and how it might make you feel telling

people, we would have no problem announcing to the world that you were

ours.”

Robbie kissed the center of one of Julien’s hands, and then reached up to

circle his wrist. “Yeah?”

“Oui. We are quite…enchanted by our princesse.”

“I’m quite enchanted by the both of you too,” Robbie said, and Julien

chuckled and took his hand, leading him over to the table.

When they got there, Robbie looked at the photos that lined the shelves.

There was one of Julien from Chef Master and with Priest in Paris, and

another with his idol Jacques Pepin , and Julien put a hand on Robbie’s back

and said in his ear, “There’s a couple of photos missing from up there.”

Julien opened the top flap of his messenger bag and pulled out a small

black frame. Inside was the image of Jacquelyn standing by the Christmas

tree, and as he set it on the shelf by Jacques, Julien trailed his fingers over it

and whispered, “Now you’re back with me, ma petite poulette.”

When Julien straightened, he said, “She should’ve always been here with

me. That’s where she belongs. Not stuck back there where it’s cold and sad.

But where I’m the happiest, because that’s what she used to make me, and

that’s what all of these people have done. They have shaped my life and

made me happy, and now there’s only one person missing.”

Robbie wiped his cheek where a tear had escaped, and Julien pressed

their lips together in a soft kiss. “I need one of you.”

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“Me?” Robbie said, and blinked a couple of times.

“Oui. You,” Julien said, and then winked. “Just maybe not the ones of

you in that red onesie. I’m going to keep those for Priest and me to enjoy

alone.”

“Oh yeah?” Robbie said as he sat down.

“Mhmm. So if you like, maybe we can convince Priest to shuffle some

things around in his schedule this week and we can all go shopping for

something to wear.”

Robbie’s eyes widened and his face lit up with joy. “Are you serious?

Please say you’re serious right now.”

Julien chuckled as he took his laptop and phone from his bag. “I’m quite

serious. I’m a celebrity, remember? I’ve got to look hot on opening night.”

Robbie ran his eyes up and down Julien’s body. “Uh, newsflash. You

would look hot in a paper sack. But”—Robbie licked his lips—“there is no

way I’m going to pass up the opportunity to go black-tie shopping with you

and Priest.”

“Oui… I heard about your claiming of a certain item of clothing

belonging to our lawyer.”

Robbie’s grin was full of mischief as he said, “Well, can you blame me?

Material that expensive feels divine against the naked skin.”

“I don’t blame you at all. I only wish I hadn’t missed it.”

“You know,” Robbie said as he too brought out his phone, “he did give it

to me to keep for the next time I felt…inspired.”

Julien started to laugh. “Make your calls, princesse. I have some serious

groveling to do. But once you’re done, let’s talk more about this. Especially

since I’ll already be down on my knees.”

Robbie leaned over, placed his lips by Julien’s ear, and said, “Oui s’il te

plaît.”

Julien smiled and couldn’t help himself from taking that sweet French-

talking mouth with his one more time before he called up Gail Knight to see

if he could save his restaurant opening from being dragged through the mud.

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CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CONFESSION

I used to be scared of storms.

Until I realized with a storm you have warning.

Now it’s the calm I fear.

“OKAY, I WANT you to both be honest.” Robbie’s voice filtered out from

behind the dressing room door where he’d been locked away for the past five

minutes changing into what had to be his hundredth suit of the day.

Priest and Julien had both found theirs fairly quickly and then taken up a

seat to discuss where they should go for lunch while they waited for Robbie,

and when Priest heard the lock disengage, they turned to see the door slowly

open.

As Robbie came into view, Priest stopped talking and found all his words

left his mind. Robbie was wearing a navy-blue suit that molded to every line

of his body, and as if that wasn’t eye-catching enough, when the lights hit the

material a certain way, tiny silver glints shone out of it, making the material

sparkle.

It was dazzling and so blatantly Robbie that it had Priest’s cock reacting

as though he’d walked out of that dressing room naked.

Robbie ran a hand over his lapel and looked down at his jacket, and Priest

couldn’t have imagined an outfit that would suit him more or make him look

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more radiant.

Julien seemed to be having a similar problem too, judging by the way

he’d also stopped talking to look at Robbie. But he recovered first, uncrossed

his legs, and got to his feet. “Mon Dieu. You look beautiful , princesse. ”

Robbie raised his head to look at them, and when he caught their

expressions, he seemed to realize the impact he’d just made. “You like?”

Julien nodded as he walked closer, and Robbie took a step forward so he

could wander around behind him.

“Mmm, I definitely do.”

Priest got to his feet, and as he walked over and stopped in front of

Robbie, he slipped his fingers under the lapel and stroked them down it.

“This is the one.”

Robbie frowned. “But I have three more—”

“Robert?”

“Yes?”

“This is the first one that has Julien behind you, and me in front of you,

wishing we had you somewhere private so we could really enjoy this suit of

yours. I now see your fascination with them.”

Robbie opened his mouth to say something in response. But then Julien

moved in, slid his hands around Robbie’s waist, and said, “This suit… It

makes me want to rub myself all over you, princesse. I can barely keep my

hands off you.”

Robbie bit down on his lip and leaned back into Julien, a dreamy smile

curving his mouth. “Umm,” he said, and turned his head to face Julien. “I

hate to break it to you, but your hands are on me.”

Julien kissed him on the nose, and then slipped his palm over the erection

Priest was now eyeing in Robbie’s pants. “Non, they’re on the suit, not you.”

Robbie sucked in a shaky breath. “I don’t think that’s how that works.”

Priest laughed, bringing Robbie’s attention back to him. “This suit brings

out your eyes,” Priest said, and then traced a finger over Robbie’s lower lip.

“Let us buy it for you.”

“Wh…what? No. You don’t have to do that. I can—”

“We’d like to,” Julien said in his ear.

“So let us.”

Robbie swallowed and arched a brow at Priest. “You know it’s not fair to

double-team me like this.”

The image those words brought to mind was exactly the one Robbie

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wanted, judging by the devilish grin that curved his lips. Rascal.

“And here we thought you liked it when we did that.” Priest and Julien

released him, both knowing if they continued down this path they were going

to end up doing something that would likely get them thrown out of the store,

and possibly into jail.

“I do,” Robbie said as he sashayed back to the dressing room, and as he

slipped inside and the door closed behind him, he called out over his

shoulder, “But I much prefer wearing nothing at all for those occasions.”

Julien chuckled as he walked over to where Priest stood staring at the

dressing room, and then he asked, “How’s your heart doing there, Mr.

Priestley?”

Priest wrapped his arm around Julien’s waist, and as they headed back to

their seats, he said, “About the same as yours, I’d hazard to guess.”

“Completely and utterly sunk, then?”

Priest took hold of Julien’s chin and kissed him nice and deep until finally

he raised his head and replied, “Oui, like an anchor in the deepest ocean, Mr.

Thornton. Completely and utterly sunk.”

“ONE ORDER OF mozzarella sticks and one loaded potato skins?” the

waitress said, as she came to a stop at the edge of the table and all three men

seated in it turned to stare up at her.

Julien frowned, not at all excited by what she held in her hands, but

Robbie, who was seated beside him, nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, that’s

us.”

She slid them down onto the tabletop, smiled, and said, “Your mains will

be out soon. Enjoy.”

As she walked away, Julien picked up one of the small fried cheese sticks

and held it up for inspection, then lowered it to the plate and said, “Why are

we eating here, again?”

Robbie took two potato skins from the main plate and scooped a dollop of

some sour cream on top of them. “Because it was my pick and I like it here.”

Julien looked around the restaurant—or brewhouse, as they called it—and

took in the bar at the center with sports on the television behind it, and the

booths that lined the walls and angled its patrons to the televisions in each

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corner.

It wasn’t overly crowded for a weekday, and Julien couldn’t help but ask,

“Why?”

Robbie had just finished swallowing a mouthful of food when he looked

over at him and grinned. “Because the food is great and the atmosphere is

relaxed. Well, most of the time. You are a snob, Mr. Thornton.”

Priest smirked, reached for one of the cheese sticks, and dunked it in the

marinara sauce. “You’re only now working that out?”

Robbie shook his head. “No, I guess not. But I’ve never seen someone so

offended by a mozzarella stick.”

“Pardon,” Julien said, as he sat back in his seat and aimed a haughty look

at the two laughing at him. “I just asked why you liked this place, that’s all.”

Robbie made a show of licking his fingers. “Because it’s full of greasy,

yummy goodness.” When Julien screwed his nose up, Robbie laughed even

harder. “You should try some.”

“I think I’ll wait for my main meal.”

“Wow,” Robbie said. “If you lift that French nose of yours much higher,

you’re gonna give yourself a nosebleed.”

“Just because I care about what I put in my mouth—”

“Which we are both extremely thankful for,” Priest said, and winked at

Robbie, who looked like he might melt under that unexpected and flirty move

from him.

“Doesn’t mean that I’m a snob.”

“You’re right,” Priest said, as he picked up another mozzarella stick,

clearly enjoying himself. “The fact that you picked the cheese stick up and

inspected it like a surgeon, and then put it down and refused to taste it? That

makes you a snob, mon cœur.”

Robbie laughed, as he picked up his glass of Coke to take a sip. “Priest’s

right.”

“I drink a green juice every morning for breakfast. I don’t do that because

I like it,” Julien said, and glared at Priest, who was smirking— smug bastard.

“I do it because it’s healthy. I’m not putting that in me.”

Priest bit down on one of the cheese sticks and bared his teeth in a wicked

grin, before making a show out of chewing and swallowing it. “As long as

you consider me healthy and keep putting me in you, I find I really don’t care

if you like the cheese sticks or—”

Priest’s words came to an abrupt halt, and as his eyes left Julien’s and

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rose over his and Robbie’s heads, he lowered his half-eaten cheese stick to

the plate in front of him.

“Priest?” Robbie said, as all humor and color drained from Priest’s face.

“Priest? Are you—”

Priest held up a finger, and Julien swiveled on his seat to see what had

caught Priest’s attention. As soon as he spotted the news story up on one of

the televisions, he knew.

Julien turned back around in time to see Priest sliding out from his side of

the booth to stand, and Robbie was looking up at him with confusion all over

his face.

“Priest?” Robbie said, and reached for his hand. When he got his fingers

around it, Priest finally looked down at them, and Julien could see that same

fear from a few weeks ago creeping back into his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Robbie asked, and looked over his shoulder at the

television, and that was when he saw what they both had. The top news story

of the day: Jimmy Donovan, one of New Orleans’ most notorious crime

bosses, was up for parole after agreeing to co-operate with the feds.

Julien cursed under his breath and then looked at his husband, and all he

could think was: Not now, not when we were finally having a moment of

normalcy. When we were finding our way back to happiness. Don’t do this to

him. Then he said, “Joel?”

Priest’s eyes shifted over to him, and Julien could see his brain was

already elsewhere. He was already thinking about what this all meant for him,

for them, for one of the most well-known criminals in America, who was

currently being talked about on the television.

“Do you need to go home? To the office? Talk to me Joel,” Julien said,

knowing Priest would likely need to call Henri, and when Priest didn’t

answer, Robbie spoke up.

“What’s going on?” When he turned to Julien for answers he wasn’t

getting from Priest, Julien looked to his husband for some kind of direction.

This was it, their final piece of baggage—and it was heavy. It seemed

fitting that it came on the heels of his own. But there was no more hiding it

from Robbie. Not when this had the potential to blow Priest’s world—and

theirs—the fuck apart. This was about to become one of the biggest news

stories in the nation, and it would leave an indelible impact on all three of

them .

“Priest?” Robbie asked again, and then looked back at the screen. “Jimmy

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Donovan. I’ve seen documentaries on him, I think. That’s crazy they’re going

to let him out. He killed a bunch of people, right?”

Priest’s jaw ticked, but finally he nodded. “Nineteen.”

Robbie frowned, but then, as if he’d worked it all out, he said, “Oh, shit.

Is is he a client of yours?”

“No,” Priest replied, but didn’t elaborate.

Julien reached across the back of the booth and put a hand on Robbie’s

shoulder. He squeezed it, trying to offer some sort of comfort to Robbie as

well as himself, because seeing Priest like this, so paralyzed, so affected, was

jarring.

When the news story ended, Priest finally tore his eyes off the screen and

looked at the two staring at him. “Julien? Can you please take Robert home?

When you get there, call me.”

Julien nodded. “Of course. Joel—”

“I need to go to the office, but I won’t be long. Promise me you’ll go

straight home.”

“We will,” Julien said, his heart beating overtime.

Priest was scared. Not only for himself but for Julien and Robbie, and that

made Julien want to comfort the little boy he could see in Priest’s eyes. The

little boy Jimmy had terrorized and left behind. But Priest’s no-nonsense

voice relayed just how serious this was, and the direct stare he had fixated on

Julien, as if to make sure he understood and did not deviate from what he was

telling him, was terrifying.

Robbie shook Priest’s hand. “Would you please tell me what the hell is

going on?”

Priest turned his impenetrable stare on Robbie and said, “Jimmy Donovan

isn’t a client of mine, Robert. He’s my father.”

Just as the words left Priest’s mouth, the waitress arrived with their meals

on a tray and an over-the-top smile on her face.

“Okay, folks. I have a portabella mushroom and Swiss burger, a—”

“We won’t be needing those,” Julien said as he watched all color drain

from Robbie’s face.

“Uh…okay. Would you like me to box them for—”

“No,” Julien said. “You can give it to someone else. I’ll pay for it at the

front. We need to leave.”

As the waitress went to say something else, Priest glanced over his

shoulder, and one look at his face had her shutting her mouth and hurrying

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away.

Robbie still hadn’t said anything in response to Priest’s reveal. It was as

though he were frozen to his seat, unable to move a single muscle, so Julien

glanced up at his husband and said softly, “Go. I’ll look after him.”

Priest aimed his eyes at Robbie and gave a clipped nod. “Remember.

Straight home, Julien.”

“Got it,” Julien said, and as Priest left, Julien looked over at Robbie to see

him staring off in the exact same direction he had since Priest had stood. His

expression was one of confusion and fear and…betrayal, Julien thought, as

his heart ached for the man who had just left them.

Whatever trust, whatever headway, Priest had made with Robbie, it

appeared it had all just gone up in smoke, as Robbie realized the man he

thought he knew was someone else entirely.

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CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CONFESSION

I don’t know what this means for him or us.

And I’m too afraid to ask…

PRIEST STEPPED OFF the elevator at Mitchell & Madison and went

straight to his office. Luckily, Cole and Logan were both out right now, and

Priest was unlikely to be disturbed. Considering what he had to do, that was a

good fucking thing.

He shut the door and headed straight to his filing cabinet, where he

unlocked the bottom drawer and grabbed the piece of paper he’d scrawled

Henri’s number on.

As he slammed the drawer shut, Priest shut his eyes and immediately saw

an image of Robbie’s face as it had been just before he’d left him and Julien

back at the restaurant. In startling detail, he recalled rosy cheeks that had

turned ashen and blue eyes, usually so full of joy, filled with uncertainty

and…betrayal.

Lies. They were the one thing Priest couldn’t abide, and he had been

adamant from the beginning that Robbie be honest with them and they would

do the same—and the look in Robbie’s eyes today, as the truth about Priest’s

parentage came to light, made it clear that Robbie felt Priest had not lived up

to his end of the bargain.

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As Priest sat there, he told himself for the hundredth time he hadn’t lied

about Jimmy—he just hadn’t told Robbie about it yet due to the

circumstances surrounding the fucker.

If Jimmy was merely rotting in a cell for the rest of his life the way he

was supposed to be, Priest would’ve told Robbie all about his miserable

childhood back at the beginning of all of this. But with the news of Jimmy’s

possible parole, and the weekend in L.A., the time to talk about this hadn’t

exactly presented itself. Not in any suitable way.

Priest cursed and reached for the phone, doing as Henri had instructed

and calling him on a private line. He needed to find out how the fuck

Jimmy’s hearing had been leaked to the press. He’d certainly thought about

it, but in the end decided against it, knowing that would make him no better

than the man behind bars, because this would most certainly put a target on

Jimmy’s back—not that Priest cared about that. He was more concerned with

the fact his whole fucking life from birth to age seven was about to be up for

public consumption all over again.

Just as that thought entered his mind, the phone connected, and before

Henri could get more than his name out, Priest said, “What the fuck is going

on down there, Henri?”

“So nice to hear from you too, Priest.”

Priest refused to feel shitty about his greeting as he turned his chair

around and stared out the window. “I was just thinking the exact opposite

about you.”

Henri sighed, and Priest could imagine him running a hand over his

shaved head. “I assume you heard or—”

“I saw it on the afternoon fucking news.”

“Yeah, my offices are currently working on finding out who leaked the

information— Wait, you didn’t…”

“Fuck you,” Priest said through clenched teeth.

“Hey, I wouldn’t blame you if you did. I’d be surprised, since you and I

both know how this will likely end now. But I wouldn’t blame you. I’m

thinking someone who doesn’t like Jimmy all that well got the scoop. Let’s

face it, he’s not lacking for enemies. But you can bet Jimmy’s not resting too

comfortably tonight.”

Good, Priest thought, and shook his head. “This is totally fucked. You

know that, don’t you?”

“I do,” Henri said. “Are you okay?”

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Priest ran a hand around to the back of his neck and squeezed it until it

hurt. He didn’t want this man asking him that. “I’m fine.”

“Is Julien there?”

“No. He’s at home. But you told me to call from here. So here I am.”

“Nice to know you can at least follow an order if it’s to keep those you

love safe.”

Those he loved… Priest shut his eyes and let Julien’s face come to mind.

His worried expression, the concern that had been written all over his

handsome face. And then an image of Robbie replaced it, sitting in the library

back in L.A., cradling Julien in his arms.

“Don’t fucking start with me, Henri. I’m not in the mood.”

“Then go home,” Henri said. “Go home and let Julien know the deal. Be

careful, keep an eye out, and all of that. And let me see what I can find on my

end.”

“You aren’t finding shit.”

“And you are being a dick. Just remember, I’m the one who stayed here

and dealt with this shit. You left, Joel.”

And because he was right, and Priest didn’t want to hear it, he hung up

and glared at the phone. The last thing he wanted to think about was Jimmy

being free and walking around amongst the general population again. The

fact that that was even an option was ludicrous. But apparently someone high

up had a career to make, and getting the new head of the New Orleans’s

crime ring behind bars was more important than keeping an old killer off the

streets.

Must be nice not to worry about that at night, Priest thought. To be able

to go to sleep and not see rooms with blood on the floor, to hear the screams

of men you’d never imagine screaming as they pleaded for their lives. That

must be nice to be able to rest easy.

Not that he would know. He hadn’t slept easy for years. Not since he was

seven. That was when his childhood had ended, when his innocence had been

taken away from him, and even with Jimmy behind bars, Priest had never

been able to escape him. Now Jimmy was about to be set free.

The monster who truly was evil incarnate was about to walk out into the

light of day, and Priest couldn’t help but remember his words, remember the

look of anger and betrayal on his face the day they’d dragged him away.

Maybe this leak was for the best after all, because if Jimmy really was

dead and buried, Priest could finally shut the door on his wretched past once

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and for all.

ROBBIE STARED OUT the window of the Range Rover as Julien drove

them home in silence, and as he watched the cars passing them by, he tried to

focus on them and not the twisted knot in his stomach, which made him feel

as though he wanted to vomit.

His mind was still reeling from the bomb Priest had just dropped at the

brewhouse, and Robbie still hadn’t worked out how to speak to ask anything

of importance.

Jimmy Donovan is Priest’s… dad ? How is that even possible?

It made no sense at all. The man was a murderer. Not only a murderer,

but one of the most infamous in the nation. As that thought hit him, Robbie

clutched at his stomach and heard Julien say, “Do you need me to pull over,

princesse?”

God, this felt like déjà vu. Hadn’t Julien said the exact same thing when

he’d driven Robbie home after his nonna’s fall? Yeah, he had, and then he’d

taken Robbie home to Priest, and the two of them had made Robbie feel safe,

made him feel special, and now it turned out one of those men was the son of

a— Oh my God. Priest is the son of Jimmy Donovan.

As the documentaries he’d seen scattered on cable over the years flashed

through his mind, one very important and devastating fact glared out at him

in all its red-haired glory.

The little boy who had witnessed— shit, it was too horrifying to even

think—that had been…Priest? But not Priest, because that wasn’t his name,

was it?

“Robbie?” Julien’s voice cut through Robbie’s jumbled thoughts. “Do

you need me to pull over?”

But Robbie remembered Priest’s words— Go straight home—and shook

his head.

“Did you…” Robbie said, and then licked his suddenly dry lips. “Have

you… I mean, have you always known about…”

“His father?”

“Yes,” Robbie said, even as his entire body rebelled at the idea that

someone like Priest had come from such a monster.

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“Oui, he told me when things got serious between us.”

The comment was an innocent one, all things considered, but it cut deeper

than Robbie expected, and the sting of it had him turning away. He didn’t

want Julien to see how much it hurt him that Priest didn’t consider him

— them—serious.

“Princesse?” Julien said, but Robbie shook his head. He didn’t want to

show his hand just yet, or feel any more vulnerable or stupid than he already

did.

But then Julien said, “Robert,” and the serious tone was so unlike him

that Robbie found himself responding despite himself.

He looked over to see Julien turning into their parking garage, and said,

“What?”

“He was going to tell you.”

Robbie ground his teeth together but remained silent as Julien wove them

down to their spot and parked. The air in the car was tense, and Robbie hated

that. He wanted to be understanding about this, and knew he probably should

be, but this revelation was too much. It was…unfathomable.

“Priest found out about Jimmy’s parole the night you moved in.”

Robbie’s mind backtracked to that night. To the worry on Julien’s face

when he opened the door, and the distracted light in Priest’s eyes when

Robbie had gone to him in the bathroom. But never could he have imagined

that this had been that chaos roiling through him.

“He was waiting to hear more details before he told you. If the situation

had been different, he would’ve already talked to you about it.”

Robbie swallowed, trying to make sense of everything he was hearing,

and then Julien said, “He’s still the same man he’s always been, princesse.”

Robbie knew that. In his mind, he knew that Priest was exactly the same

person he’d come to know and trust implicitly over these past few weeks,

but… “I feel like I know nothing about him. And everything I thought I knew

feels like a lie. Even his last name. The name I call him. That’s a lie.”

“Non, it’s not. He chose that name for a very particular reason, and as for

Jimmy? He’s been out of Priest’s life for a very long time. Since he was a

little boy.”

“But he’s not, is he? Not really,” Robbie said, as he stared across the car

into Julien’s questioning eyes. “He’s the reason Priest doesn’t sleep. He’s the

reason he never slows down, never stops, never has peace. Jimmy ruined that

little boy.”

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Julien brought their hands up to his lips and kissed Robbie’s knuckles.

“Or he made him fight to be the man he is now,” Julien said. “This is a shock,

I understand that.”

Robbie shook his head as Priest’s words from that intimate moment the

two of them had shared back in L.A. came rushing back to him: There has to

be trust, honesty, and total transparency…or this kind of relationship won’t

work.

“I need to,” Robbie drew his hand away and shoved open the door to the

SUV. “I need to think about this. It’s not a conversation I can have right

now.”

Julien nodded and climbed out also, and as he walked around the front of

the vehicle, Robbie noticed he was looking around them, and he felt his pulse

spike. What is he checking for?

“Let’s go upstairs,” Julien said, and held out his hand. “Priest should be

home soon, and you can ask him anything you like.”

Robbie crossed his arms over his chest and followed Julien as they

walked over and got in the elevator, and as he watched the doors shut, he

couldn’t help but wonder what other secrets the two men he’d fallen in love

with were keeping from him—and was he ready to hear them?

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COMING SOON

The third book in Robbie, Julien & Priest’s

Confessions Series.

CONFESSIONS: PRIEST

Are you ready?

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THANK YOU

Thank you for reading

CONFESSIONS: JULIEN

I hope you enjoyed the next chapter of Robbie, Julien & Priest’s journey. If

you did, please consider leaving a review on the site you purchased the book

from. The men would be MOST grateful.

If you would like to talk with other readers who love this series, you can find

them HERE at

Ella Frank’s Temptation Series Facebook Group.

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SPECIAL THANKS

I have to start this “Special Thanks” by thanking each and every person who

picked up Robbie’s book and took a chance on his unconventional love story.

I’m sure many of you had your doubts. But you trusted me and dove headfirst

into his adventure, and consequently took a journey with him and the two

men he is falling in love with.

This book was written with the help of many people, as all my books are. But

it was also written in two different countries this time! I started it when I was

at a signing over in Australia, and it was wonderful to talk with readers Down

Under and let them know my men were on my mind and being thought about

even while I was right there with them. I have to give a special shout-out to

one reader in particular, Helena Rose, and thank you for our conversation

about Scottish Highlanders and throwing logs LOL ;)

I told you I was going to put it in there somewhere! Remember, any

conversation you have with a writer…it just might show up in a book.

To my FTF, Brooke Blaine, thank you as always for dealing with me and

every beginning I throw your way, even though I ALWAYS go back to the

first one. This book was a bit of a puzzle for me with past and present all

mixing together, and you sat and listened to me piece and map it all out and

never once told me to shut up. I’m thinking the fact we were in really good

seats on a plane and drinking wine helped with that, right?

Thank you for always being there with open ears and suggestions when I

need them.

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You are irreplaceable! And I hope I did your man justice.

To Zaza Zoo, who I literally could not have written this book without—thank

you for being the French side of Julien. I swear you are teaching me how to

speak the language slowly, but surely. I was so excited when I heard it on TV

the other night and understood some of it! Thank you for your patience, your

understanding when I was slower than I expected, and for wanting to work

with me. I hope to one day be able to meet you and hug you in person!

To Arran. I’m still jealous you got to see Denzel… And am now equally

jealous you saw U2. But I suppose I’ll get over it because I know deep down

you’re jealous I saw Taylor. Don’t even try to deny it.

Thank you for always fitting me and my books in, even with your super-

popular friends always calling you up.

Miss Judy! Thank you for reading through my guys even during a MOVE! I

know how crazy that gets, since I’m currently moving too, and I appreciate

you making the time for me! I love your dedication and eyes, lady. MUAH.

To the wonder women at Social Butterfly PR —ladies, you never cease to

amaze me with your positive attitudes and dedication to the indie community.

Thank you for working with me, and always being there with an answer to

my questions. You’re amazing, and I love being part of the Butterfly Team.

And finally, to all the readers who took the next step in this journey with me

and my men… Next up is Priest. I’m not sure I’m even ready for him—are

you???

Until then,

MUAH

Xx Ella

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

If you’d like to get to know Ella better, you can find her getting up to all kinds of shenanigans at:

The Naughty Umbrella

And if you would like to talk with other readers who love Robbie, Julien & Priest, you can find them

HERE at

Ella Frank’s Temptation Series Facebook Group.

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite contemporary romance, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series

has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde,

Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

Want to stay up to date with all things Ella?

You can sign up here to join her newsletter For more information

www.ellafrank.com

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Document Outline

Title Page

Contents

Copyright

Synopsis

Also by Ella Frank

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Coming Soon

Thank You

Special Thanks

About the Author