Confessions: Julien (Confessions Series Book 2)

by Ella Frank

  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 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.

  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 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 sl
eep.”

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

  Robbie Bianchi was finally home.

  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.”

  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?”

  “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 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 yo
u 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 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.”