Raw Reunion: Triple Threat Book 6

PREFACE

The story continues a day after Rubbed Raw ended. Giovanni and Crystal are back together. However, Chad is heartbroken again. Since he is my favorite, it kills me to see him that way. If any of you feel like I do, you’ll be happy to know the next in the series is a brand new short story from his point of view.

Expect to meet another new band in this one and the mention of another. Both will have a spin off series. I love writing those, especially since they are third person which is more flexible. If you’d like a taste of some of the spin offs, check out the Sneak Peeks at the end of this book.

As you know, Tommy opened Crystal’s eyes to a whole new world. This is not lost on Giovanni. He knows he needs to find a way to incorporate Crystal’s new desires with their relationship, while still keeping his jealousy in check. How do you think that will work out? Can he do it?

DEDICATION

I feel like a broken record, but that is because I am re-releasing this entire series at once. Since I couldn’t have done it without some very special people, I need to show them my appreciation.

Kathy, Patricia, Donna, Anita, Traci, Christa, Stephanie, Jena, Sonia, Lisa, the Donna and Stephanie duo, Jayne, LaDonna, Coralee, Paula and Michelle, you all helped in different ways to get this revised series off the ground. I can’t thank you enough for your love, support and encouragement!

Liz, Casey, Christine, Chase, Rob, Rash, Ray, Brian, Robert, Mike, and Dave got me through the first publication of this story. Thanks for all you have done and what some of you continue to do. Brian and Dave in particular seem to inspire me even when they are not trying.

Music is something I can’t live without. I can’t go a day without listening to music or hearing it in my head. Is it any wonder that it inspires stories and scenes?

Since this is technically part 2 of Rubbed Raw, my musical inspirations are the same: Avenged Sevenfold, (of course) 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.

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

I clung to my boyfriend, Giovanni Saracino, as he pulled into the parking lot of Demonfire Records. Our band, Triple Treat, was signed to that label. I played bass, and Giovanni played drums.

He parked his 883 Harley Sportster next to what I was almost sure was Dominic Spinelli’s metallic grey Jaguar XKR-S. I already knew what type of cars Jon Harris, Tommy Fischer and Dean Johnson had. We were quite close to the boys of Gasoline at that point.

After we had set our helmets on the seats, Giovanni took my hand, and we both checked out the car. When we had circled it, he looked at me. Crystal, do you know you gotta custom order these? I want one but in black.

Of course. I laughed and looked him over in his completely black outfit. That was his style. I had a bit more color in my wardrobe.

He kissed my hand. Hey, black goes with everything. We walked inside the studio building smiling. Dominic and Jon were in the hallway. Hey, Dom, love your car.

Wanna check it out? Dominic grinned. I’ll put the top down.

Giovanni pulled me into his arms. Do you mind?

It’s fine. I smiled at him.

Dom put a hand on Giovanni’s shoulder. Come on. I’ll let you drive.

Sweet! Giovanni shouted just after he had let me go.

Chris Bradley, our singer, came into the hallway on the phone. I’ll be right back.

I looked up at Jon who seemed happy. I thought we were late.

You’re not. He gently laid a hand on my shoulder. It’s nice to see you both smiling again.

I tried not to react to the comment. Yeah.

Despite the effort, my mind began to wander. Giovanni and I had only been back together for less than 48 hours. Before that, we had spent a month apart.

He and Chad McLoughlin had made my life a living hell with jealousy and arguments. Chad was my best friend and our lead guitarist. Nevertheless, I had to get away from it all, so I had moved in with Tommy Fischer, the bassist for Gasoline.

It had been difficult without the two most important men in my life, to say the least. Tommy had assumed the role of my lover, but he hadn’t given me love. Chad and Giovanni both loved me, and it showed when we were together. I had missed that feeling most of all.

The sound of an acoustic guitar distracted me from thoughts of the wild reunion Giovanni and I had. I followed the sound and found Chad alone on a chair.

The piece he played was incredible. I stopped far enough away that he wouldn’t notice me. Jon stood behind me as we listened.

Chad’s hair was up, his head down and his eyes closed. The song was a ballad but not one I had heard before. He sang so softly, I could barely hear him, but the words were full of pain.

"I’m nothing without you.

I’m empty inside.

I don’t know what to do.

My love hasn’t died.

My body is aching.

I’m falling apart.

Please someone help me…

Fix my broken heart…"

Dude, did you write that? Jon went over to Chad while he played it a second time.

Chad looked up. It’s nothing. He set his guitar on the floor. Forget about it.

No, man. Jon put a hand on his shoulder. It was incredible. We should put that on the album.

Giovanni’d be so pissed. We can’t. Chad quickly wiped tears from his eyes.

I sat down, feeling guilty. Obviously, the song was about him losing me again. My body shuddered. I hated that my heart was torn between them again.

That was what had started the mess we had been in weeks ago. A voice made me look up at him again. Jon still wanted to record the song.

Jon frowned. Why?

It’s about Crystal.

So, why would he be mad? Jon was able to look at it from the outside, unlike the three of us.

It’s called, ‘I’m Nothing Without You.’ Chad’s eyes met mine.

Oh… but you guys need a good ballad on the album.

It’s too personal. I don’t want them all knowing how I feel.

Too late. Jon frowned. All the shit that went down brought it out in the open, and those videos put it all over the net. What’s the difference now?

I dunno. Chad looked my way for a few seconds.

It’s cool if you wanna sing it. Jon seemed like he would prefer that.

Chad scowled. I can’t sing.

I just heard you sing. Jon let out a short laugh. Sounded good to me.

I ain’t doing it.

Jon sighed. Fine. Let Chris hear it. He could do wonders with that song.

I know, but what if Giovanni gets upset?

I watched them debate the issue for a while. Chad glanced at me several times with so much pain in his eyes, I wanted to hold him and tell him he would be fine. There was no guarantee of that.

Actually, I had no idea how he would deal with losing me again. The last time he had almost quit the band.

What’re they talking about? Giovanni asked quietly as he suddenly stood in front of me.

I looked up at him. A song. My voice broke while I tried to hold back tears.

It’s about you, huh?

I sighed. Yeah. Jon wants to record it, but Chad doesn’t wanna hurt your feelings.

Giovanni walked over to Chad. It’s fine. I’m not gonna get mad. I know you still love her. I know you miss her, and I know it hurts, but maybe getting it out’ll help. If Jon thinks it’s that’s good, let’s go for it.

Chad looked up at him with tears on his cheeks. I don’t wanna ruin all the progress we made. You’re like my brother again, and I can’t do this to you.

I promise I won’t get upset or jealous over a fucking song. OK? Let me see the lyrics. Please.

Chad grudgingly handed the sheet over then stared at the floor.

Jon, did you read this? Giovanni was excited. It’s amazing. He handed it to Jon.

Chad looked up. You like it, really?

If you had to sing it, maybe not, Giovanni admitted. But Chris’ll make it his and you know it. No one’ll ever know who it’s about. Chad, it’s too good to just put away and forget about it.

Jon smiled widely. You should hear it. It’s incredible. Chad, we’re doing this.

Doing what? Chris asked as he walked in. What’d I miss? I was only gone for like fifteen minutes. He sat down next to Chad.

Jon touched Chad’s shoulder again. Play it for him. He handed the lyric sheet to Chris. See what you can do with this.

Chad played the entire song again. He didn’t sing it, though. Chris read as he nodded his head slightly. I loved it even more. It was obviously right from his heart.

Nice, Chris remarked. But how do you want the vocals to sound?

Jon crossed his arms over his chest. Chad, sing it for him. I don’t care what you think you sound like. You have a great voice.

Fine. Chad scowled then sang it.

Play it again, and I’ll sing it, Chris insisted with a huge smile on his face. It’s really good, Chad.

Chad looked up at him. Thanks. Start after the fourth C, OK?

Sure. Chris watched Chad’s hands and waited.

"I’m alone in this world, since I lost you for good.

I miss you so bad, and I’m so misunderstood.

All I can see is… him holding you tight.

I wish I was him. Can’t you make this right?"

I closed my eyes and tried to feel a bassline, but the words got to me. Tears slowly rolled down my cheeks. I had hurt him more than I ever thought was possible. When I felt an arm around my shoulders, I jumped.

You hate that you broke his heart. Don’t you? Giovanni whispered.

I leaned on him. I never meant for it to happen.

I kinda get how he feels. It was hard just being friends with you, he softly explained then held me close. The first time we had sex I was scared I’d let it slip that I loved you. I was trying so hard not to; I didn’t think I’d cum. He kissed me. I finally let it slip as a whisper when I came.

I didn’t hear you.

I said it at my brother’s party, too.

So did I, I admitted. And the next morning, too.

Giovanni hugged me. Now I can say it whenever I want. I love you. I love you. I love you. He softly laughed as he squeezed me tight.

I love you, too. Then I realized Chris was still singing and leaned on Giovanni a bit more as I just listened.

When Chris and Chad were both silent, Jon smiled wider than ever. Hey, Dom. Can you come up with a piano piece for this?

Sure. Dominic walked to the back of the studio.

Jon shouted, Vince, come down here. When he did, Jon added, He used to play violin with the symphony until Sam convinced him this paid better. I need you to do your thing for this song. It’s gonna be a fucking hit!