Page 24 of Julien (Confessions 2)

“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 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.”

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.”

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