by Ella Frank
“Bien,” Julien said, and tipped his head back to look at Robbie. “I love my number one fan.”
Robbie held Julien’s chin, and then lowered his head for a kiss. As their mouths met, Priest saw Robbie’s tongue trace Julien’s lower lip, and when it slipped inside, Priest sucked the head of Julien’s cock into his mouth.
A low grunt of pleasure left Julien’s throat, and he pushed up against Robbie’s legs as he tried to get deeper inside Priest’s mouth—and Priest was done resisting.
The salty taste of Julien’s pre-cum was addictive, and with a final glance up, Priest lowered his head and took Julien all the way to the back of his throat.
“Putain,” Julien said, and tore his mouth off Robbie’s and arched forward, straining against the legs holding him captive. “Jesus… Fuck, Joel.”
Priest didn’t look up, nor did he stop what he was doing. He closed his eyes and let the sound of Julien’s ragged groans penetrate his lust-fevered state, as he continued to destroy his control.
Over and over, Priest sucked up and down Julien’s length, and when a hand came down to stroke Priest’s hair back off his face, he raised his eyes to see Robbie watching him hungrily.
Their princess had one arm banded across Julien’s collarbone and one threaded through Priest’s hair, as he kissed and nuzzled under Julien’s ear and rubbed himself off along his back.
Priest raised his head and let Julien’s cock slip free for a second, and then turned to lightly scrape his teeth along the inside of Robbie’s calf.
The sound that left Robbie was blissed-out torture, as though Priest was running his mouth along his dick. But considering the visual feast Robbie was witnessing, Priest had no doubt he was only seconds away from coming.
“Use your beard,” Robbie said, and Priest chuckled but moved to rub his cheek along Robbie’s smooth skin, and when he did, Robbie’s eyes slammed shut and he thrust forward, making Julien reach for his own cock and madly begin to stroke.
Without another word, Priest moved up to between Julien’s spread legs, spat in his palm, grabbed hold of his own aching dick, and, with his eyes fastened on the men in front of him, he began to work himself.
“Oh, God,” Robbie said as his eyes drank in every inch of skin Priest had on display for them. He clamped his hand across Julien’s collarbone and dug his fingers into his shoulder.
As Robbie really began to roll his hips behind Julien, Priest let his gaze travel down to see Julien’s pupils were blown and lips were parted, as he grunted with every pull he made to his cock. He was close, as was Robbie—Priest could tell by the sounds, the movements, and the eyes locked on him. Priest then bent down to take Julien back in his mouth.
The sound that Priest pulled from Julien made his climax race down to his balls, and as he continued to suck Julien off, he let the intoxicating pleasure of it envelop him.
These men moved Priest in ways he had never imagined possible, and as all three of them lost themselves in that moment, they managed to take their minds off anything other than the sheer pleasure they got from one another’s presence.
AROUND THIRTY MINUTES later, Robbie stood with Priest in the kitchen, dressed and ready for the day as they both sipped coffee and Priest ate his bagel.
They’d left Julien to finish getting ready for the day on his own, but Priest had told him in no uncertain terms if he didn’t emerge from the bathroom in fifteen minutes max, he would go in there and physically remove Julien. He’d also taken Julien’s cell phone, turned it off, and placed it on the kitchen island.
Priest was right, though. Ever since Thursday’s opening, Julien had been totally distracted, checking to see if any word about his restaurant had hit the street. It had—the entertainment networks, which Robbie had been told was good, but not the crème de la crème.
Julien was waiting for the food critics, the culinary magazines, and the food bloggers to weigh in and tell him what they thought, and that wouldn’t happen until today—Monday.
“He has to know how amazing his place is, right?” Robbie said.
Priest shrugged. “You’d think. But it’s one of those things one should never become complacent over. If he wasn’t this anxious, this excited and nervous about putting something new out there for public consumption, he might as well quit while he’s ahead, because there’d be no passion behind the project. This is his baby.”
That made sense. “Well, anyone who doesn’t think that what they ate and drank on Thursday night is brilliant is a moron. He’s Julien Thornton—he’s renowned for being a picky bastard.”
Priest chuckled and took another bite of his bagel. “That he is. Would you like one?”
Robbie shook his head. “No, I’m actually going to go in early to The Popped Cherry. It’s inventory day, and I thought I’d pick up breakfast for me and Tate on the way.”
“That’s nice of you.”
“Yeah, well, I know his order by heart, since he used to come into the coffee shop I worked at all the time back in the day.”
“That’s right,” Priest said, as he leaned his hip up against the counter and angled his body toward Robbie’s.
Robbie couldn’t help but take a good, long look at him. Priest was totally relaxed this morning for probably the first time in a good week. They’d had an awesome weekend together, watching movies, hanging out in bed, eating Julien’s delicious food—among other things—and this really was the first time Priest looked…at ease.
“What were they like back then?” Priest asked.
“Logan and Tate?” Robbie snorted, and Priest arched an eyebrow. “Ah, exactly the same as they are now: stupidly in love. All googly-eyed over each other. It was kind of nauseating, really. I mean, we get it, you’re in love. But really, do you always have to be—” Robbie’s words came to an abrupt halt as he ran into the kitchen counter behind him, and Priest braced his hands on either side, boxing Robbie in.
“Do you always have to be…what?”
“Huh?” Robbie said, as his eyes fell to Priest’s mouth.
“You’re in love, but really, do you always have to be what? You didn’t finish your sentence.”
“Oh.” Robbie licked his lip. “That’s because something more interesting distracted me.”
Priest grinned and cocked his head to the side. “But now I’m curious.”
Of course he was. “Um…do you always have to be touching? That’s what I was going to say.”
Priest ran his eyes down to where Robbie’s cock was making it very clear that it wouldn’t mind a little touching of its own.
“If I recall correctly,” Priest said, and brushed a hand over Robbie’s eager erection, “you like to be touched.”
“Ah…” Robbie sighed, and pushed himself up against that hand. “I do. But back then I had no one touching me, so I was—”
“Jealous?”
Robbie narrowed his eyes. Priest was playing with him, and Robbie loved it, because this man didn’t play with anyone. “You’re never going to let me live down the fact that I called you jealous, are you?”
Priest curled his fingers around the bulge between Robbie’s legs, making him suck in a breath, then Priest put his lips to Robbie’s cheek and said, “No, I’m not. But mainly because you’re right. The thought of you wanting anyone but me or Julien touching you makes me fucking crazy.”
“Oh shit,” Robbie said, as his eyes fluttered shut and he rolled his hips forward. “That’s really hot. Ah…stop, you have to go to work.”
“So do you.”
“Then stop teasing me…”
Priest raised his head and winked, and Robbie just about collapsed on the floor.
“I’m just reminding you how hard it is to keep your hands off someone you love.”
Robbie’s stomach flipped at the bold declaration. These past few days? They hadn’t all been some amazing dream. Julien and Priest really did love him—me, Robert Bianchi.
“Are you okay?” Priest asked, when Robbie didn’t say anyt
hing.
Robbie looked at him and felt a smile form. That was Priest, always worried about his men. Even if he was the reason Robbie had just lost the ability to function. “Mhmm. I’m perfect.”
“Agreed,” Priest said. “But stop looking at me like that. You weren’t wrong. I have to go to work.”
“You started it,” Robbie pointed out. “So why don’t you butter another bagel and keep your hands to yourself?”
“I just might do that,” Priest said, and Robbie was happy to note it was with a grin. The bedroom door opened and Julien walked out, freshly showered and ready for the day.
“Bonjour, Jules,” Robbie said, as Julien came around the island and planted a kiss on Robbie’s cheek.
“Bonjour, princesse.” Julien moved over to do the same to Priest. “Bonjour, Joel.”
At the last second, Priest turned his head and caught Julien’s lips with his own. “Mmm, bonjour, mon cœur. Feeling more relaxed?”
“Not really,” Julien said. “But I appreciate both of your efforts this morning. Maybe tonight you can help me relax all over again.”
“I think Robert will be in need of a little of that himself.”
Robbie rolled his eyes. “Only because you decided to feel me up and then stop. Sadist.”
Julien laughed and then reached for the coffee pot.
“Wait,” Robbie said. “No green juice today? No…fruit? Who are you?”
Julien shook his head. “No. If I have any hope of getting through today, my first hit has to be caffeine.”
“I knew you liked it,” Robbie said. “You just guzzle that green gunk to look the way you do.”
“Excusez-moi. I do it to stay healthy, not for vanity’s sake.”
“That’s a side benefit for us,” Priest said, and winked at Robbie.
“I’m not complaining,” Robbie said. “But it sure is nice to know you have vices just like us.”
Julien brought the mug up under his nose and inhaled.
“Please tell me you’re going to drink that and not just smell it,” Robbie said, making Julien laugh.
“I’m going to drink it. I’m just savoring it first. Taking my time…”
Robbie pursed his lips. “I’m seeing a pattern with you two. This whole prolonged gratification thing. Yep, I see it now. You with your food and coffee. Priest whenever he gets us both naked. Maybe I need to start making you both wait for something.” Robbie tapped a finger against his lips, mulling that over.
“No, I don’t think so,” Priest said.
“One of the reasons we love you is your impulsive nature. Don’t deny us that, princesse,” Julien said. “It keeps us on our toes.”
“Yes, but I can’t always give you what you want,” Robbie said, and then looked between the two of them. “Oh, who am I kidding. But just know that if I could, I would make you both wait for it.”
“Duly noted,” Priest said, unable to contain his laughter. “Okay, are you almost ready, Robert?”
“Yep, just let me grab my bag and we can head out.”
As Robbie walked around the island, he stopped by Julien and said, “You are going to have an amazing day. Your reviews will be nothing short of spectacular, and when you get home, Priest and I are going to spoil you rotten like the superstar you are. Okay? Okay.”
“Okay,” Julien said, and kissed Robbie’s lips lightly. “Now go and get your bag.”
“Oh, I like it when you get bossy,” Robbie said. “We’ll have to explore that…later.”
Priest chuckled, and Julien shook his head and pointed to their room. “And you think you don’t make us wait for anything. Go.”
Robbie winked and then spun on his toes as he practically skipped back to their room. He’d never been this damn happy in his life.
JULIEN GLANCED AT the clock a final time as he picked up his phone and keys and headed out the door. Per Priest’s instruction, he’d kept the cell off when they left a little earlier, so he wouldn’t spend the next half hour or so scouring the Internet. He’d found that had helped with some of the nerves he was feeling this morning.
He’d caught a glimpse of some of the gossip columns over the weekend with reports the opening had been a huge success. But today’s write-ups were what he was truly waiting for, and something he wouldn’t read until he was at the restaurant with Lise and the crew and a bottle of wine.
That was his way, his tradition and superstition when it came to openings. He shared the good, or bad, with those who had helped him create the magic, and he hoped today would bring them all the great news they so richly deserved.
As he headed down to the parking lot and his phone came online, he saw a text from Lise: Bonjour, Julien. Don’t you dare read a thing until we’re together. You know the rules, and I’ve behaved, even though it’s just about killed me.
Julien smiled and shot back a quick response. Bonjour, Lise. I haven’t checked, you have my word. Priest confiscated my phone. As soon as the message was received, he got one back.
Lise: I knew I liked that man for a reason.
Julien: thought you’d appreciate that. I’m on my way. Have that champagne ready. I have a good feeling about this.
Lise: You got it, boss. See you soon.
Julien was about to pocket his phone as the elevator reached the parking lot, but as he stepped out, another text popped up, this one from Robbie in the group thread. Julien laughed as he walked to the Range Rover.
Robbie: Sending positive vibes and kissy faces for when you finally turn your phone on.
He’d added several emojis and then obviously decided that wasn’t good enough, because he’d attached a selfie in full pucker mode, those juicy lips and twinkling eyes making Julien automatically think back to the sensual wake-up call he’d received that morning.
Dieu, his men sure knew how to distract a person. Between the two of them, Julien had been so preoccupied that he could honestly say he’d barely had time to think about anything other than them since Priest had rolled him to his back between Robbie’s thighs and obliterated any other thought than the three of them.
But now that they were gone, the day ahead was back in full force, and Julien knew the sooner he got to the restaurant, the sooner everyone there—including himself—could breathe a sigh of relief.
As he unlocked the SUV, Julien was about to open the door when a man behind him said, “Excuse me?”
Julien startled slightly, so caught up in what he was thinking about that he hadn’t even noticed anyone around. But as he turned to see who was there, he heard a loud swoosh cut through the air, and after that—everything went black.
Chapter Eighteen
CONFESSION
I have never liked Mondays.
And now? Now I fucking hate them.
ROBBIE STOOD IN line at The Daily Grind and opened up the browser on his phone to do a little research now that he was on his own. It had been killing him not to be able to check out the reviews this morning, so he could only imagine what Julien must be feeling if he was this impatient about it.
As the line he was in moved forward, Robbie typed into the search bar, Reviews for JULIEN Chicago location, and when he hit enter, it brought up several writes-ups, all of which had been posted today.
Robbie’s heart thudded as he clicked open the first one, from the Tribune. He couldn’t wait to see what other people thought of his man, and the headline alone said it all: Serving Up a Feast for All the Senses.
He quickly read through the food critic’s experience and thoughts regarding the ambience of the place, but it was the food Robbie knew Julien would be most interested in. A couple of paragraphs in, he saw it.
Once again, I am stunned by the sheer magnificence of Mr. Thornton’s ingredients and his talent for discovering all they have to offer. I have never tasted a more flavorful veal tenderloin, or delicately handled swordfish, nor a more expertly roasted breast of guinea hen. The man is a genius – anything prepared in one of his restaurants is a feast for the sens
es and takes you on a new adventure with each and every bite.
“Can I help you?”
The loudly issued request had Robbie’s head snapping up from the phone and focusing on the young girl behind the register.
Stuffing his cell into the back pocket of his jeans, he beamed at her as he walked up to the counter. “Yes, so sorry. Can I have a Dreamweaver, please? I’m so glad you guys made that a regular. It’s to die for. Also, an extra-nutty hazelnut latte. Both to go, please.”
“You got it. Anything to eat?”
“Hmm.” Robbie looked at the pastries, and all he could think of was how he would kill to have one of Julien’s soufflés right about now. “How about two ham and cheese croissants and two choc-chip muffins?”
“Perfect,” she said, and punched in the order on the register. “That’ll be eighteen thirty-five.”
Robbie fished out his debit card, and once he paid, he moved over to the side to wait for his order. As he did, he opened up his phone again to keep reading more of the article, and when phrases like best in the city, supreme attentiveness to detail, surprising warmth and friendliness from the staff came up throughout the piece, Robbie knew Julien would be nothing but pleased by this write-up.
When Robbie got to the end, he saw that JULIEN had gotten a five-star rating and was named the critic’s top pick for the year so far. Robbie was just about to send a gushing text to Julien when his name was called out and one of the baristas pushed a drink tray and a paper bag over to him.
“I hope you have a good day,” she said, and Robbie decided he’d send the text once he got to The Popped Cherry.
“Thanks. So far it’s been awesome.”
“You’re awfully upbeat for a Monday,” she said, and then laughed. “What’s your secret?”
It was on the tip of Robbie’s tongue to say, The love of two extraordinary men. One of whom was just raved about in the morning paper. But that was bragging, and he didn’t want to jinx his good luck or mood. “The sun’s out and I’ve got my coffee and breakfast. It’s just going to get better from here.”