Rubbed Raw: Triple Threat Book 5

PREFACE

This book was driven by music and men, which are my two favorite things. Although I wrote most of this book several years ago, this revamp brought all the feelings back. It was hard to split the original book in two, but if I didn’t, I couldn’t add all the goodies you will find inside!

We start off six days after Triple Time ended. Crystal is still dealing with the fan attack, as is the rest of her band. Have patience with her, she’s been through a lot. Chad and Giovanni stay close to keep her safe. Of course this causes jealousy, but what else is new?

Can you guess what characters from the previous books will show up in this one? You also get to meet others who will be in a spin off series. Read on and find out.

DEDICATION

My ever-growing list of people to thank is getting out of control, but that is a good thing. Liz, Casey, Christine, Chase, Rob, Rash and Ray, thanks for the opinions and encouragement. Brian and Robert, thanks for the true-life musician/roadie aspect while I wrote the original Rubbed Raw. From the very first version of Triple Threat, Mike, you were my rock. You pulled me back from the depths, when I didn't know I'd fallen too far. I miss your input.

My current crew is as amazing as ever! Kathy, Patricia, Donna, Anita, Traci, Christa, Stephanie, Jena, Sonia, Lisa, the Donna and Stephanie duo, Jayne, LaDonna, Coralee, Paula and Michelle, you all help in different ways, but I couldn’t do this without you.

Dave, you are my biggest cheerleader and inspiration for many scenes. I’m in your corner as much as you are in mine. I’ll always smile when I think of all you’ve given me. Just wait until the readers get a load of your character in Silverblade!

I must also as usual, thank my favorite musicians. Without you, I could not write a word. Daily, you inspire me. Thankfully, I find new music all the time, expanding my rock horizons. My greatest inspirations this time around include Avenged Sevenfold, (as always,) Five Finger Death Punch, Killed the Fixtion, Adelitas Way, Papa Roach, Pop Evil, Nickelback, Puddle of Mudd, Stone Sour, 311, Hellyeah, Lustra, My Darkest Days, Saving Abel, New Skin, Sick Puppies and a bit of Chevelle.

My last mention is a sad one. In high school, I was turned on to the Beastie Boys, who had successfully mixed rock music with rap. That allowed some of us rockers to branch out in the 80s. Except for Aerosmith and Anthrax, that had never been done before. They changed so much. Even my kids love their music. Thanks for the memories!

REST IN PEACE

Adam Yauch (MCA)

1964 - 2012

MEET THE BAND

Chad McLoughlin - Lead Guitar

Chris Bradley - Vocals

Giovanni Saracino - Drums

Crystal Atkinson - Bass

Phil Ferris - Sound Engineer

Mark Steward - Crewmember

CHAPTER ONE

It was Thursday night, and the first gig of the week for our band, Triple Threat. We had just arrived at The MetalLands. It was a place we had played time and time again. We knew to stick to our heavier music because of the clientele.

What’s the matter, Crystal? My boyfriend and our drummer, Giovanni Saracino, stood in front of me as I leaned on his van.

I looked up and faked a smile. Nothing. I’m fine.

You’re not. He caressed my cheek. I know what you’re thinking. Chad checked the site. No crazy messages. No one who sounds insane. Tonight’s gonna go smooth. Don’t worry.

Chad McLoughlin appeared behind him. He was our lead guitarist and my best friend. Still scared?

As I met his eyes, I bit my quivering bottom lip. What if-

We’re all gonna be close, Chad assured me. No one’s gonna get to you. I promise.

I nodded, half-believing it. Then I made myself relax and sat in the front seat again while they went back to unload the vans. My mind wandered as I waited.

It had been almost two weeks since an intruder tried to rape me. When I had realized who he was and how many times we had met prior, it terrified me. Chad had found messages that the perpetrator had posted on the band’s website that he had not seen before. Since he had been so busy, he had not had time to reply for a few weeks. The man had blatantly threatened to find out where I lived and had promised he would attack me.

My change in style had made me more comfortable on stage. The black skinny jeans I wore that night were new. The lattice down the sides showed only a little skin.

We had already seen four die-hard fans in the parking lot. I expected to have to face them close up that night. It was something I had only done a few times since the attack. I had also had an extremely hard time feeling safe around strange men. Normally, it wasn’t a big issue. Giovanni and Chad kept me shielded well enough that no one had access to me unless they allowed it.

MetalLands did not have a back entrance or any rooms to store equipment. They had expanded the club to use every inch of space upstairs. The bathrooms and offices were all in the basement. That meant there would be times we would walk through the crowd.

Ready? Chris Bradley, our vocalist, smiled at me and put his hand out. Chad and Giovanni have their hands full.

After a deep breath, I looked up. I have a weird feeling, like something’s not right.

I heard my name and turned toward the voice. It was one of my old neighbors who was on the band’s email list. He was home the night of my attack and had called the police. I waved, but then a sinking feeling came over me.

We got to the stage without one incident, courtesy of venue security. Chad lifted me up and onto the platform.

The strange feeling hadn’t left me. I looked around for my neighbor. Eventually, I spotted him close to the bar, with a group of people around him. I didn’t remember him being very social, just nosy.

Crystal... Crystal… Come ’ere! Crystal, just for a minute.

There were a few guys near the corner of the stage, waving at me. I looked back at Giovanni, who was behind his drum set already. Anxiety gripped me.

He was quickly at my side. I can make an excuse for you.

Unsure, but unable to disappoint fans, I shook my head. He led me to the edge of the stage then crouched behind me as I sat down.

Hi, I meekly said while I leaned back on Giovanni for strength. His hands on my arms made me calm a bit. "Do you want a picture or something?

The blonde one smiled. No, just wanted to talk. Is this your boyfriend?

Giovanni stiffened. If I need to be.

No worries. We just wanted to make sure she was OK, the young man with long brown hair replied.

I smiled. I’m fine.

That’s good. The third one, who had deep red hair styled into a Mohawk, lowered his eyes. So then it’s not true?

Giovanni slid his hands down my arms a little. What’re you talking about?

We heard… the blonde started. That you were raped a few days ago, by that creep who comes to all your shows. I haven’t seen him in a while. So it made sense.

My entire body froze, but my lips trembled.

Oh God, it’s true. Mohawk guy looked upset. I’m sorry, Crystal.

I started to fall backward and freaked out until I realized Giovanni had sat down. Before I knew it, I flashed back in my living room, screaming for Chad. I felt his hands, heard his voice and smelled his stench.

Please, no. It was only a murmur.

Giovanni wrapped his arms around me, tightly. It’s OK, he whispered in my ear. Don’t go back there, please. Stay with me.

I clutched his forearms tightly, to try to push away the memories.

I didn’t mean to bring it back, the blonde fan said. I’m so sorry.

Giovanni took in a shaky breath. Who told you she was raped?

Um, some guy who said he heard her screaming, someone replied.

What else did he say? Giovanni’s voice portrayed his anger.

Haltingly one of them answered, Uh… that… he… he saw her naked under him and called the police.

Fucking dick, Giovanni growled. He could’ve stopped him. He nuzzled my neck as I still trembled. I’m right here, my love. Just take a few deep breaths. He’s not here.

I felt out of control. The memories faded in and out, but the terror was constant. It was a struggle just to breath at that point. My nails dug into Giovanni’s skin while I fought like hell to find the real me.

Is she gonna be OK?

She’s got me, Giovanni softly replied, while he stroked my hair. I’m keeping her safe. I know you didn’t mean it, but you really upset her. He kissed my temple. I’m here. I won’t let go.

The noise level had gone up, and it was obvious that I was the subject of several conversations. I tried hard not to cry, but it didn’t work. Tears fell. I wanted the memories to go away, and I wished no one knew what he had done to me.

Chad, Giovanni called out which made me jump.

Within seconds, Chad sat next to us and wiped at my tears. What’s the matter?

Some guy is telling people she was raped. He saw it and didn’t stop it.

I looked up at Chad and wished he could make it all go away.

He glanced around. It has to be someone from her building. I thought I saw someone familiar earlier.

Chad, she’s a mess. What do we do?

I’ll get her a drink, Chad suggested. Then he was gone.

Giovanni held me tighter. No one’s gonna hurt you again. I’m right here.

I turned and bawled into his chest. Everyone’s gonna know what happened. I don’t want ’em to.

Very quickly, Chad was below the stage with a glass. Crystal, just drink it fast and wait for it to work. I’ll back in a few.

I did as he told me. It hurt going down. I had no idea what Chad gave me, but I trusted him. I leaned my body against Giovanni again, until I felt the alcohol take effect.

It didn’t take long. My head swam slightly, and my thoughts began to wane. That was soon replaced by a happy buzz.

I don’t like you drinking to take away the anxiety. Giovanni cradled me. It’s not a solution. We need to find something else.

I didn’t care how I got through it. It’s the only one I got. Then I lifted my head and took a deep breath. Let’s go.

Giovanni stood up and pulled me to my feet. I turned around and kissed him. He pulled me close and followed my lead. I closed my eyes and pretended everything was fine again.

His tongue tentatively touched mine, so I grabbed the back of his head and yanked him down. The aggression was from the alcohol, but Giovanni didn’t seem to mind.

He suddenly pulled back. You sure you’re all right?

She doing better? Chad’s fingers grazed my arm.

Giovanni hugged me again. I guess.

I’m fine. I wriggled away from them and picked up my bass. Let’s play.

When Giovanni went back to his drum set, Chad tapped Chris’ shoulder, Ready now.

How’re you doing tonight metal fans? Chris shouted into the mic. He got cheers and screams in reply. You’re gonna get to hear some of our new music tonight. What do you say about that? The crowd got louder. That’s what I like to hear. He turned around. Crystal, you ready?

I smiled and settled my fingers in place. Fear had been replaced by adrenaline.

How about some ‘Leatherneck?’ Chris asked, loudly.

Chad and I began the intro. We turned the distortion up more than the last time we had played it. I liked it a whole lot more.

When Giovanni entered the song seconds later, I glanced at him. He was lost in the music, the beat fast and rough. His hands and feet moved non-stop.

Chris screamed the opening vocals and startled me, but it passed fast. The reaction all around us made the effort to perfect that song worth it.

The next song in the set list was Primal Instinct. It was perfect for the heavy metal aura of the club. Chris had changed the chorus, so he sang instead of screamed that part. Our previous vocalist, Giovanni’s brother Rosario, did not have as wide of a rage.

I had relaxed by then which allowed me to get into the song more. I banged my head along with the audience. That sent my hair flying all over. I slapped my strings wildly, as my entire body moved to the beat. It was freeing.

You want another new one? Chris put a hand to his ear while shouts of Yes came to him. Are you sure? He nodded at the rise in volume. OK then. How about Where I Wanna Be? I don’t know about the rest of you. He swept a hand across the stage. But I wanna be at the top, everybody knowing my name.

I nodded, since I wanted the same at that moment. I looked to Chad, whose expression had filled with concern. With a forced smile, I was able to ease his worry.

By the fourth song, panic rose again. The alcohol had worn off. It started to get to me that the whole room knew what had happened to me. Although, the story was quite skewed. While Chris talked, I waved at Phil.

He came to me with a grin. You ready? Wanna go in the van with me? He put an arm around my shoulders. I’m all set to shock the hell outta ya with my skills.

Not happening. I almost laughed. Does that line work on any girl? Can you get me a shot of JD? Wait. Make it a double.

His eyebrows rose. You sure about that? Then he smirked, and his eyes went wide. Getting you drunk may be a good thing. He quickly left me.

When Phil returned, we had just finished Sex Addict. He stood by a speaker. I nonchalantly walked to him and took the drink from him.

With my back to everyone else, I put the glass to my lips. Phil used a finger to tip it up more. That forced me to swallow the liquid quickly, so I didn’t choke. I gasped, and my eyes watered.

He put a hand on my back when he took the glass away. You OK? When I didn’t answer, he moved his hand to my ass. Are we fuckin’ or what?

As I rolled my eyes, I shook my head slowly. Give it up.

Never. He winked and squeezed. I pushed him with the end of my guitar, until he got the hint and jumped off the stage.

*** ♫♪♫♪ ***

After our set, I stood against the wall, not quite drunk but numb. That was what I had wanted. I watched Mark and Giovanni take apart the drum set. Phil put guitars in cases while Chad and Chris talked to a few girls who stood to the right of the platform we were on.

How you doin’? Giovanni called to me from a few feet away.

I nodded and laughed at nothing. My eyes closed as I rested my head on the speaker next to me. A hand on my back made me jump.

So sorry. Chad had his lips close to my ear. Are you smashed? You can’t even stand up.