Rubbed Raw - Omitted Scene 1 – End of the Line

This takes place between Triple Threat and Rubbed Raw

It had been about ten days since an intruder tried to rape me. Realizing who he was and how many times we had met prior, terrified me. I sometimes looked at male fans, expecting them to stalk me also. Chad had found messages he posted on the band’s website that he had not seen before. Being so busy, he had not had time to reply in a few weeks. The man had blatantly threatened to find out where I lived and promised he would fuck me. Chad had shown it to the police right away.

I was still dealing with it by sleeping more and staying away from men I did not know. This was not easy, since I was in the limelight nightly. At least my change in style had made me more comfortable. The black skinny jeans I wore that night were new. The lattice down the sides showed only a little skin.

It was Thursday night and we had just arrived at The MetalLands. It was a place we played time and time again. We knew to stick to our harder songs, because of the clientele.

Nervously, I leaned against Giovanni’s van. We had already seen four die-hard fans in the parking lot. I was expecting to have to face them close up that night. It was something I had only done a few times since the attack. 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.

“What’s the matter?” Giovanni stood in front of me.

I looked up, faking 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 appeared behind him, “Still scared?”

Meeting his eyes, I bit my quivering bottom lip, “What if…“

“We’re all gonna be close,” Chad assure 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 got back to unloading.

“Ready?” Chris smiled at me and put his hand out. “Chad and Giovanni have their hands full.” He waited as I hesitated. “Crystal, you used to trust me. What’s wrong?”

After taking a deep breath, I looked up. “I do. I just have a weird feeling, like something’s not right.” I heard my name and turned towards 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, getting a sinking feeling within.

Once at the front door, Chris pulled me close and nodded to the bouncer. There was a huge crowd that night. When my hands started shaking, Chris shifted so he walked with me, almost holding me. In seconds, Chad joined us and walked on the other side of me.

We got to the stage without one incident. Chad lifted me up and onto the platform. Still having a strange feeling, 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 the drum set already. He stood and quickly was at my side.

“I can make an excuse for you.”

Unsure, but not wanting 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 leaning 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 bodyguard?”

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 again. “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, its true,” Mohawk guy looked upset. “I’m sorry, Crystal.”

I started to fall backward and freaked out until I realized Giovanni was sitting down. Before I knew it, I was back in my living room, screaming for Chad. I could feel his hands, hear his voice and smell his stench. “Please, no.” It was only a murmur.

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

I clutched his forearms tightly trying to push away the memories.

“I didn’t mean to bring it back,” One of the men 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 were fading 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 okay?”

“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 I was the subject of several conversations. I tried hard not to cry, but it wasn’t working. Tears were falling. I wanted the memories to go away, and I didn’t want anyone to know what he did to me.

“Chad,” Giovanni called, making me jump.

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, wishing 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 again,” 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.”

“I know you don’t, but maybe it will make the guys stop hitting on you for a while. If they know you can’t deal with it now.”

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

I did as he told me and 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 affect. 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.”

Not caring how I got through it, I told him, “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, opening his mouth. 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 did not seem to mind.

Then he pulled back. “You sure you’re alright?”

“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 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 played it. I liked it a whole lot more. When Giovanni entered the song, seconds later, I glanced at him. He was lost to the music, the beat fast and rough. His hands and feet moving non-stop. Chris’ screaming vocals almost startled me. 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 to singing, so it was not all screaming. I had relaxed by then, which allowed me to get into the song more. I banged my head along with the audience, sending my hair flying all over.

“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, wanting the same at the moment. I looked to Chad, whose expression was concern. With a smile, I was able to ease his worry. By the fourth song, I felt the panic rising again. Thinking the whole room knew what happened, was getting to me. While Chris talked, I waved at Phil.

He came to me grinning. “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.”

I almost laughed. Did that line work on any girl? It wouldn’t on me. “Can you get me a shot of JD? Wait, make it a double.” I pulled a twenty out of my jeans pocket.

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 made his way to the bar.

When he returned, we were already playing “Sex Addict.” Chad and Chris gave him odd looks as he walked behind me. When neither was looking, he held the glass to my lips and forced me to take it all in one gulp. 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?”

Rolling 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, which was what I had wanted. I watched Mark and Giovanni take apart the drum set. Phil was putting 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, baby,” Chad had his lips close to my ear. “Are you smashed? You can’t even stand up.”

“What’s wrong?” Giovanni sounded close.

Chad’s hand was going in a circle. “Sorry. I guess I gave her something too strong. I think she’s drunk.”

“She had a double JD after that,” Phil announced.

A sigh came from Chad. “Why’d you do that? You can never hold your liquor.” He helped me stand straight and hugged me. “Baby, did it upset you that much?” I sagged in his arms not able to hold myself up. “Shit! Giovanni!”

For a few minutes, I think I passed out. When I opened my eyes, Giovanni was lifting me into the van. He laid me down and kissed my hand. “We’ll leave in a few minutes. Just go back to sleep.”

The next thing I knew, Giovanni was carrying me in the door of our apartment. When he put me in bed, my eyes closed again. I fought asleep as Giovanni undressed me.

“We have to talk about this.” His tone was of genuine concern. “You can’t handle this on your own anymore. You’re barely sleeping and that’s making it worse. Please, let me take you…”

I heard his words, but they were fading. My hand reached out and his lips brushed it. I regretted the last drink, but how else was I supposed to cope? Maybe I should take a few weeks off from performing… but that wouldn’t stop the nightmares.

“Get off me!” I screamed as I felt his body on top of me again. We were both naked this time. Every dream was different. I clawed at his skin, trying to make him stop. Then my cheek stung. Did he hit me again? My hands were suddenly pinned.

Everything was blurry and I felt like I wasn’t really there, yet I felt him so clearly. Then I felt his dick rubbing my thigh, getting closer and closer. “Please, no, please,” I begged, knowing he only had inches. His hips moved and I felt it pressing against my entrance.

“Told you I’d fuck you,” He pushed in roughly.

“No!” I shouted and sat up. I was drenched in sweat and awake, trembling.

A hand touched my arm and I screamed again. “It’s me. Don’t be scared.”

I turned to Giovanni sitting next to me and clutched him. “He won’t go away. Please, I can’t stand it anymore. Giovanni, make him stop.”

He held my face to his neck and hugged me tight. “Only you can make it stop, my love. I’m sorry.” He caressed my back. “You need help. Drinking doesn’t solve it.”

“I’m so scared,” I admitted, tears beginning to fall.

With a soft sigh, he pulled me into his lap. “I’ll be with you every step of the way. This is killing me. I hate what he did to you, but you’re letting it consume you. Let me find a doctor to help you, please.”

“I’m not ready.”

“Yes you are.” He kissed my temple and squeezed me. “That’s your fear talking. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. I started asking you to help me and you have no idea how hard that was for me. If it was this bad for me, I’d expect you to push me too. I love you.”

I shook my head and tried not to cry, but the dream was so fresh, the fear so raw. Exhausted, I closed my eyes. It was too much for me, but going to a psychiatrist meant I was crazy. Didn’t it?

After exhaling loudly, Giovanni laid down with me in his arms. “We’ll talk about it more in the morning.”

Hours later, I was up for the fifth time, screaming. My entire body shook and my breathing was ragged. Even Giovanni holding me close, did not stop the dream from replaying repeatedly. He didn’t say a word as he soothed me. I started to realize the alcohol made my dreams worse. Every night I had a drink to calm me the nightmares came more often.

When I sagged against him, completely drained, he looked into my eyes. “After the night we just had, you need therapy or medication. Your nightmares are getting worse. You have to see a doctor. I’ll go in with you if you want or I can wait outside the office for you. Please, Crystal, you need to be able to sleep through the night. I’m only saying this because I love you.”

“Okay,” I agreed knowing he was right. “I’ll go. I do need help.”

He kissed my lips softly. “I’ll find you someone after I finish the job I got today.”

Fear built up quickly. “Don’t leave me alone! He’s gonna find me again.” I couldn’t hold back the tears, although I was sick of crying.

He held me close again. “No, you won’t be alone. Chris is coming over. I won’t leave until he gets here. I promise.” Then he kissed my nose and pulled back. “I have to get dressed.” He ran a finger down my cheek. “If you get scared again, call for me.”

I had no idea what time it was, but it had to be morning already. Watching him slowly take out clothes then drag his weary body to the bedroom door told me just how little sleep he had gotten. Neither of us had a full night sleep since I moved in, since…

“Don’t let him do this to you,” Giovanni softly told me as he opened the door. His loving gaze was laced with heartache. “Close your eyes and imagine a beautiful place where there’s no pain.”

When he left the room, I did as told, turning to my side. My happy place was the beach. I imagined Giovanni and I walking hand in hand along the edge of the surf. It was one thing I knew would never happen. Still I yearned for him to share my love of the sand and the ocean.

“Better?” A hand touched my face and my body jolted. “Shh, it’s me.”

My lids lifted and I felt bad for fearing Giovanni’s touch. “I’m sorry.”

“No sorrys.” He smiled and held my face in both hands. “Just promise you’ll be honest to a therapist when we find one.” His dirty work clothes were on, yet he smelled clean.

I nodded, sleepily.

He kissed my lips, gently. “You need to sleep, my love. You’re totally worn out… still gorgeous though.”

That got him a half smile.

He leaned over me and rubbed my back. “I’ll stay here ‘til you crash again.”

I closed my eyes and concentrated on his hand. It was a soothing feeling. I wanted him to hold me but I was so tired, I couldn’t even ask.

Seconds later, I let out a shrill scream. He was back, again.

“I didn’t leave.” Giovanni’s voice made me search for him. I found him rushing towards the bed. Then his arms were around me. “I’m finding you someone today.”

I clutched his arms so tight I left nail marks in his skin. Never had I had so many nightmares. It was getting quite out of hand. He was right. I needed help. My body trembled so much; I eventually exhausted myself back to sleep.

“This can’t be happening again!” I shouted while I tried to wake myself up.

It had to be a dream. He was on stage with me. There was no Chad, no Giovanni. It was just him and I, a large crowd, all around the stage, cheering him on. He laughed as he tore off my clothes. I cried, unable to move. I saw flashes and phones were held up to film it. No way was this real, right? Then his hand was sliding up my thigh.

“Oh God, no!”

I woke up alone. “Giovanni!” I clutched the blanket, hoping it would protect me from his awful touch. Then I saw a blur of movement and shrieked. “Get out!” Suddenly there were arms around me. I pushed and cried, trying to break free.

“I’m here. You’re not alone.”

Not recognizing the voice, I fought harder. “Get off. Stop. Please.”

“It’s Chris. Crystal, look at me.” His tone was soft, caring, as I struggled to catch my breath. He slowly caressed my back. “Sssh, it’s OK.

I clung to the back of Chris’ T-shirt, wishing he were Giovanni. “I can still feel him touching me. Make him stop, please. I don’t want his fingers in there, please.”

“Crystal, he’s not here,” Chris said calmly. “He’s in jail. I promise you, he’s not touching you. It’s gonna be okay.”

He held me tightly until we heard, “Crystal, I’m home.” Giovanni was soon in the doorway. “What happened?”

“You didn’t tell me it was this bad.” Chris sounded disturbed by it.

Giovanni sat next to us. I sat up and grabbed Giovanni, clinging to his shirt. He was filthy but I didn’t care. He put a hand on my back. “Everything’s okay. Chris would never hurt you.”

“It was a dream, man.” Chris stood up. “She relives this shit every time she goes to sleep?” He didn’t get an answer, so continued. “Chad’d be furious. He blames himself for the whole thing you know.”

Holding me close, Giovanni kissed my forehead. “So do I.” His voice was almost a whisper. “I should’ve been there.” He sighed. “I found someone this morning. You have an appointment in three hours.”

I looked up, meeting his sad gaze. “Thank you.”

“I love you,” he softly said as he brushed his lips down the side of my face. One hand moved then he presented me with three red roses.

Instantly, I smiled. He knew me so well. When he held them close to me, I inhaled their heavenly scent. “How do you do that?”

“Do what?” He looked truly confused.

Laying my head on his shoulder, I replied, “Calm me. You give me strength.”

He cradled my body and took a deep breath. “I can’t always calm you.”

“I should go.” Chris said from next to the bed. “You have a plan to help her, right?”

I felt Giovanni nod. “I got it. Don’t worry.” Taking the roses from me, he asked. “Chris, can you put these in the new vase on the table?”

Chris’ hand came into view. “Sure. I’ll see you tonight.” Chris then sounded several feet away. “Let me know if we have to cancel.”

“I will.” Giovanni leaned us back, until we were lying down, on our sides. “You still look exhausted.”

Several hours later, Giovanni and I sat in a waiting room. I gripped his hand tightly. When I heard, “Miss Atkinson,” I turned to him, unsure.

“Do this for me, please,” he pled, eyes full of concern. “Tell her everything, even if you think it doesn’t matter.”

I nodded and walked to the matronly looking woman holding a door open. She put out a hand when I came close. “I’m Dr. Leon. You must be Crystal.” She looked beyond me as she held my hand in hers. “Is that Giovanni?”

“Yes.”

She gave me a warm smile. “He told me a lot about you. I’m glad to meet you.” She opened the door wider. “How about we talk in private for a while?” She hesitated, “Unless you want him with you.”

I took a deep breath, knowing I had to do it on my own. I needed to take control. “No, in private is fine.”

After relaying the gist of my disturbing dreams and the source of them, she frowned, “I’m sorry this has been so hard for you. From what you told me and the other symptoms Giovanni described, it sounds like you need a bit of help getting through this.” She paused. “How about we meet once a week and I put you on sleeping pills and anti-depressants?”

“But-“

She put up a hand. “There’s nothing wrong with needing medication if that’s what you’re worried about. We all need help sometimes.” She patted my hand. “And from the look in your boyfriend’s eyes, neither of you is sleeping much. They will help you heal in your own time.”

Walking back into the reception area, eyes red and sniffling, Giovanni pulled me into his arms. He put a hand on the back of my neck. “You talked didn’t you?”

I nodded and held back another sob. Giving her details of my attack and my fear of him returning had brought back more than I expected.

“It’ll get easier,” he assured me. “Did she give you sleeping pills like I asked her to?”

I pulled the prescriptions slips out of my pocket and gave them to him. “Can we go home, please?”

He ushered me outside and down the block. “We need to pick up those pills first.”

When Giovanni and I got home from our gig that night, he took out the sleeping pill bottle. “This says to take it an hour before you want to fall asleep. You should take it now so you could get a good night’s sleep.”

I took both pills, without protest. “I’m gonna take a shower.”

“Wait.” He took my face in his hands. “Thank you for going today.”

Not ready to accept medicine was what was best for me, I replied, “If it makes me feel funny, I’m stopping it.”

“Talk to Dr. Leon before you do that.” He kissed my forehead. “I’ll be in the bedroom.”

I took a long shower, savoring every minute. When I had just finished washing, I started to feel odd. Then I lost my balance and had to grab the ledge. My legs suddenly buckled and I was slipping.

“Giovanni!” I screamed and quickly the door opened.

“Oh my God,” he cried out.

My vision fading, his arms wrapped around my wet, naked body. When he lifted me up, everything went black.

“Hey, sleepyhead, when you getting up?”

The voice had to be Giovanni, but it was so soft.

“It’s past three.” Giovanni raked his fingers through my hair. “You OK?” His lips brushed mine and traveled down. My throat was next, then breasts, belly. “Open your eyes for me, my love.”

I didn’t remember having a nightmare. Actually, I don’t think I woke up at all. Did he say it was past three in the afternoon? How did I sleep so late? My head was cloudy, heavy feeling. I forced my lids open, but couldn’t focus.

“There you are.” His voice was sweet, yet laced with worry. “Can you open them a bit more? Maybe drink some water?”

My eyes closed involuntarily and my head lolled to the side. I felt like I was almost floating, frozen in air. Then his mouth moved lower. I wanted to react to his touch, but nothing responded to my commands. His tongue dragged over my folds slowly.

“Cumming always wakes you.” He gently sucked on my clit before pushing two wet fingers into my pussy. After several wonderful feeling strokes and more tongue action, he commented, “Those are some powerful sleeping pills.” There was silence for a while. “She’s been out about twelve hours. Is this normal?”

I tried to find him, but couldn’t see. He had to be on the bed because it moved. I felt high or drunk. It was a bit scary. I tried to speak, but my mouth didn’t move.

“She can’t even keep her eyes open.” Giovanni spoke softly. “And she fell asleep like minutes after I gave it to her.” More silence. “Half of one? OK, we’ll try that.” Seconds later an arm draped over me. “She doesn’t know when it’ll wear off.” Then he pulled me to lie on his chest, moving my heavy-feeling limbs over him. I quickly drifted off again.

Triple Threat Omitted Scene 4.5 – Singer Auditions

It had taken us two weeks to decide how to go about finding a new singer, once Rosario had shipped out. The consensus was to hold auditions. Between an ad in the online classifieds and a post on our website, we received about thirty candidates.

I sat on Chad’s couch early that Saturday afternoon, sorting through the pictures they were required to provide on my laptop. “Hey, I like this one,” I shouted to Giovanni and Chad across the room as I held the screen up, hoping they could see. With a first name like Tristan, he had better be hot. That name always reminded me of Brad Pitt.

Chad shook his head. “We’re not choosing him just because you think he’s hot.”

“But he is,” I relayed, biting my lip. His looks alone could bring girls to our gigs. “I’d like some eye candy too,” I mumbled.

Giovanni sat next to me. “If he can sing, we’ll invite him to audition.”

“Cool.” I scanned the stats he had put in his entry, 23, 6’2”, 180lbs, plays guitar and drums, likes beautiful women and romantic evenings. He sounded like what I wished I could have in my life. “Hope he’s not married,” I quietly commented. Although I still pined for Giovanni, he kept me at arms length so often.

“I’d hate it if you dated him,” Giovanni suddenly whispered.

Startled, I almost dropped my laptop.

“Sorry.” His mouth was next to my ear and his breath tickled my neck. “We need to talk about something. It’s pretty important.”

I put a hand on his knee, dying to hear what he had to say. “Tell me.” I turned, and his lips almost met mine in the process. My pussy clenched, and my breath caught. How did he affect me so deeply? The urge to say I love you, grew with each second I stared. “Please,” I croaked, my voice giving away my desire.

“I don’t want you to date…”

Chad interrupted with, “Baby, you gotta hear this one!” He unplugged his headphones. “I hope this ain’t digitally enhanced.”

I sunk into the couch and listened. The voice was clear, strong… and incredible. “How is this guy not in a band already?”

“Look him up,” Chad suggested. “His name is Christopher Bradley.”

First, I searched for his picture among the ones I had. A sly smile passed my lips. “He’s cute. Love the hair.”

His shoulder length, wavy, light brown hair and hazel eyes added to his appeal. The picture was a full profile, so I could see he had a slight build, but was not too thin. There was also a hint of decent biceps peeking out from his short sleeve dress shirt. It was a professional looking picture. Then I scrolled down to the information he gave about himself, 25, 5’10”, 165lbs, formerly of Mass Attack. Never heard of that band. He played guitar as well.

Next I googled his name. I came up with two bands and a few videos. “He’s played in a band before. I wonder what happened.”

“I got my picks,” Chad announced. “You guys have a few?”

Giovanni turned to the kitchen. “I got three I like.”

“I got four,” I shouted.

Chad moved the chair he was on. “Come here and let’s compare.” He looked at my list first. “Hell no!” He shook his head with the hottest man in the set on his screen. “No one’ll take him seriously.”

“Give him a chance.” I frowned; unhappy he just axed him. “At least listen to him.”

With a scowl, Chad did as I asked. He played the mp3 Tristan had sent. Half of it, he was off key. “Uh-uh,” Chad shook his head. “He sucks.”

Giovanni looked over Chad’s shoulder. “We picked the same guys.” I leaned over and noticed so had I, minus Tristan, “Looks like we got three to contact.

“OK, I’ll make the calls.” Chad pulled out his phone. “You two make some lunch or something.”

While Chad walked away, Giovanni stared at him and mumbled, “Since when is he in charge of everything?”

I ran a hand down his arm. “He doesn’t mean to be a dick. He’s anxious to get the band playing again.” A pained expression crossed his face and I regretted my words. “Hey,” I threw my arms around him. “It’s not like we fired your brother. He decided to leave.”

“I know,” he sighed. “Sometimes, I really wish he didn’t.”

Not letting him go, I added, “I feel the same way.” Rosario might have been a pain in the ass, but his excitement and energy were contagious at times. Minutes later, I heard heavy footsteps and jumped back.

“OK. I gave them three hours to get here,” Chad relayed. “If they’re serious, they’ll find a way to be here and prepared to bring the house down.”

Several hours later, we had three possibles standing in Chad’s garage, our instruments set up. The garage door closed to keep out the cold. Phil had shown up to lend a hand and stayed to see who we hired. Of course, he stood right next to me, rubbing my arm with his.

“So,” he leaned down and whispered in my ear, “After this, you wanna come back to my place? My roommate’s away for the weekend.” He slid a hand down my back and over my ass. “I wanna help you relax.” He grabbed my ass and I elbowed him. “Oomph! Damn, girl.” He paused; breathing hard then came back for more abuse. “You’re so tense. I can ease it, fast.” He squeezed my shoulder.

Without turning, I mumbled, “With your dick?”

“That too of course, you’re too sexy not to fuck.” Phil put an arm around my waist. Suddenly he went backwards. “What the fuck, man?”

I glanced back and Giovanni had him by the throat. “What’d I tell you?” He growled, “Hands… the fuck… off.” He held on tight, until Phil was gasping and pulling at his arm. Then he let him fall. “If she says no, its no, got it?”

“OK, OK. I got it. You need to relax,” Phil rambled as he got back on his feet. “Sorry, Crystal.”

Giovanni walked away, fuming mad. It seemed he was angry with himself as well as Phil. He needed to learn not to flip out when something pissed him off.

The three men waiting to audition were sort of staring at us. I walked over to them. “Who wants to go first?”

“I will.”

Chad checked his laptop, which was on a table nearby, “Christopher, right?”

“Just Chris, OK?” Chris gave me a wide smile. “Only my family calls me Christopher.”

I lifted my bass strap over my shoulder. “What song’re you singing?”

“Um, I’d like to do, “Life is Beautiful” by Sixx AM.”

We all looked at each other. That was a great song, although mild, but it had a wide vocal range. Chad admired Nikki Sixx, so he knew the song. I didn’t know the baseline, but I was good at catching on.

“Giovanni, can you play that?” Chad shouted at Giovanni who was pacing.

Walking back, Giovanni replied, “No, but if you got it on your laptop, I’ll figure it out.”

That made it easier for me also. Chad got it queued up and waited for quiet. We all listened intently as the song played. It was a mix of amazing vocals and great guitar riffs along with soft and hard rock. It was a unique song. One I could not imagine many doing well. Chris looked confident though.

“Um, did anyone else notice the rhythm guitar is really prominent?” Giovanni pointed out. “It’s gonna sound weird with just Chad.”

Chris turned around. “I didn’t bring my guitar, ‘cause I sing better without it, but if you need me to, I could go home get it. My place is like a mile away.”

“Nah, don’t worry. We always find a way.” Chad glanced at Phil. “You wanna step in?”

Phil grabbed Chad’s backup guitar and grinned from ear to ear. “I know that song.” He missed playing with us.

After playing it a second time at Giovanni’s request, we were ready. Chris closed his eyes and soon was belting out the song. Then my mouth dropped. He was on par with Sixx AM’s singer, possibly even better. I stared as I played, astounded. He was the real deal.

When the garage was silent, and I mean silent, everyone gaping at him, he smiled. “How was that?”

“Fine,” Chad glanced at the other two singers. Without making another comment about Chris, he checked the list. “OK, Anthony, you’re up next. What’re you singing?”

All I could think was, did he not hear Chris sing?

Anthony stood up. “How about “Bat Country” by Avenged Sevenfold?”

Chad looked at Giovanni and I. We both nodded, as did Phil. It was an older song that most people knew, even if not by name. “OK then, “Bat Country” it is.”

Anthony growled the opening lyrics then the rest of us started playing. It was a very fast paced song. Within seconds, my foot was tapping and my head nodding to the quick beat. Phil was moving around as well, in sync with the rest of us. When I turned to Giovanni, he was so into it, he had his eyes closed. He loved playing something complicated.

By the end of the song, Chad was smiling widely. “That was cool,” He told Anthony. “You’re voice was perfect for that song.”

I didn’t agree. He did have a good scream and growled well, but when he just sang, it was sub par, although better than Rosario. I didn’t complain, just waited patiently.

“Do you guys know “Dying Breed” by Five Finger Death Punch?” Nicholas, the last vocalist asked.

“No.” Giovanni stood up. “How about ‘The Bleeding?’”

“Yeah,” Nicholas grinned. “That’s a good one too.”

Chad tossed his hair, “Baby, do you remember that one?”

“Sure do.” We had played it when we were doing covers in the beginning.

Phil stepped forward. “I do too.”

Chad and Phil began the soft notes of the intro. Then Giovanni came in, the beat slow. Phil suddenly switched to cords, while the tempo sped up. Once Chad started playing louder notes, we all braced for the change. Then Nicholas half-screamed half-growled the opening word.

The beat slowed again while Nicholas sang. When Nicholas shouted the chorus, I realized he was a better fit than Anthony. At the end of the song, it looked like we all agreed.

“OK. You guys wait out here,” Chad announced. “We’re gonna talk it over.” Giovanni, Phil and I followed Chad to the kitchen, leaving the garage door open. He leaned against the refrigerator. “I say we pick Nicholas.”

Phil chimed in, “Me too. That guy can scream.”

“But he can’t sing so great,” I offered. “I like Chris. He could help us move in another direction. Imagine his vocals on “Where Is She.” It would be amazing.”

Giovanni countered, “But, most of our songs are metal. You can’t just sing metal. You gotta have grit and scream sometimes.”

Frustrated by their resistance, I folded my arms over my chest. “I say we let him try a song like ours.”

Chad shook his head. “I told them one song, that’s it.”

“But what if she’s right?” Phil waited for a response, but got none. “If we let him try something different and he sucks, we take Nicholas. If he nails it, we go with Chris.”

Giovanni’s eyebrows rose, “Sounds fair. Chad, come on. Bend a little.”

“Fine, one more song,” Chad looked anything but happy. He stomped back to the garage. “Do you know any harder songs, Chris? We play heavy metal, you know.”

Chris seemed to be thinking. “Do you know ‘Devil’s Boy?’”

“Holy shit,” Phil muttered under his breath. “He just said the magic words.”

Chad slowly smiled. “Fuck yeah we do.”

Before my guitar was even on, Giovanni was pounding his bass drums. Chris shouted the first line and I was glad I was right. As I continued to play, I was sure Chris was going to change it all for us.

“Damn, Chris!” I cried out after laying my bass on its stand. “Why the hell did you leave your last band?”

Chris looked away, blushing slightly. “It’s a really long, boring, shitty story. Let’s just say I needed a change.”

I turned to Chad and Giovanni who were most likely discussing who to choose. “So?” I moved so I was next to them. “You like him now, don’t you?”

Chad whispered, “Yeah, but Nicholas is better at our style of music.”

“But both of you bitched about Rosario’s voice holding us back,” I reminded them. “With Chris, there’s no stopping us. We can play whatever we want.”

Giovanni tilted his head. “True.” He glanced over my shoulder. “He would bring in more ladies too, unless he fucks ‘em all like my brother.”

“Chad?” I stared at him, waiting for an answer.

He shrugged, “Fine, baby.” He took a deep breath and strode over to three anxious contenders. “OK, it wasn’t easy, but we made a decision.” He paused. “Anthony and Nicholas, thanks, but we’re going with Chris.” He waited until the others left then addressed Chris. “I hope you have a lot of free time, because we need to get back to clubs, pronto.”

Chris’ smile was almost wider than his face. “I’ll make time. I brought some lyrics and music if you’d like to see them.”

That peeked Chad’s interest. “Really? Soft stuff?”

“Nope,” Chris assured him. “Mostly punk or alternative in a way though. We can change them. Add distortion or just speed them up. I’m versatile.” He jumped up. “I’ll grab my portfolio out of the car.”

More magic words. Versatile is what we needed. “Phil, give up the guitar so we can hear Chris.” I put my hands on my hips until Phil reluctantly set it on its stand.

As soon as Chris had guitar in hand, he started to play. His first song was excellent. The next needed work. The third, Chris stopped halfway through it. “I don’t like this one too much. Maybe we can take the lyrics and write new music for it.”

“That works.” Chad headed to the door to the house. “I’m gonna get the songs we’ve been working on so we can see how they work with your voice.”

Triple Threat Omitted Scene 7 – Dinner with Giovanni’s Mom & Subterranean

Sunday early evening, I was very nervous. Meeting Giovanni’s mother was a big step. Although he hadn’t asked me out, taking me home to dinner was major.

I took extra time choosing my clothes. Then I fixed my hair and makeup, as conservative as I could. Staring in the mirror on my bedroom wall, I wondered what she was going to think of me. A knock on the front door made me jump. I laughed at myself.

Giovanni stood in the hallway, looking as nervous as me, but he was still in his work clothes. “Sorry, I was working on a bike and lost track of time. I’m filthy.” That he was, grease all over his jeans and all. “I have to stop by my place so I can shower and change. Do you mind?”

I smiled. “It’s fine.” I wondered whose motorcycle needed repair. As far as I knew, the shop he worked for was closed Sundays, “Special job?”

His eyes twinkled. “Yeah kinda, you’ll see soon enough. It’s almost done.” Then he frowned. “I’d kiss you, but I’m kind of a mess.”

Not caring, I kissed his lips softly. “I don’t mind.”

A shy smile formed, “You ready?”

“Yep,” I grabbed my purse. “Let’s go.”

Giovanni let me enter his apartment first. I sat on the couch, while he headed to the bathroom. After hearing the water turn on, I grabbed the TV remote. I was sure it was going to take him some time to get the grime out from under his nails and such.

While a sitcom played, I closed my eyes, seeing Giovanni washing his body. Then that morning played back in my mind. Waking up to him and Chad was slightly awkward, but a dream come true for me. I just hope I didn’t think of the night before at his mom’s house. If she knew what we had done, she would freak out.

“Hey, did you fall asleep?”

I opened my eyes to Giovanni standing over me in a towel. My face heated up, “Um, no just thinking.”

“Looks more like remembering.” He winked then leaned over me, hands on the back of the couch. “Thinking about my cock deep inside you, huh? If we had more time, I’d give you another memory to add to the one from this morning.” He growled. “Love how you feel raw, gotta feel that again.”

My breathing came quicker as I felt him driving into me on the hotel bed. “You do too.” I gasped as my pussy clenched.

“Are you busy afterwards?” His lips were almost against my ear.

I took in a shaky breath and gripped the couch. “We… we have a… gig.”

He shrugged. “We can find a way, can’t we?”

I smiled, liking how his mind worked. “Maybe we can.”

He winked again and left me to go to his bedroom. I tried to concentrate on the television, but I kept hearing drawers closing. Without another thought, I jumped up and snuck a peek in his room. He stood in front of his dresser naked.

I bit my lip, as I looked him over. It had been only hours since I had seen his body, but it was too long. His tattoos made the view even better. Then I fixated on his half-hard cock. I wanted to drop to my knees and suck him until he threw me down and fucked the hell out of me.

My imagination got the best of me. My eyes drifted closed while I leaned on the doorframe. He grabbed me by the hands and shoved me onto his bed, unable to wait. “I gotta have you.”

He thrust into me and I moaned, clutching his arms.

“I like looking at your body too,” Giovanni whispered in my ear.

I opened my eyes and found him standing in front of me in a pair of boxers. My cheeks heated up. “I…uh…” Being immersed in the fantasy, I had not heard him walking.

“It’s okay,” he assured me. Then he put his fingers through my hair. “I don’t mind. I kinda like it.” He gently kissed my lips, “Tells me you’re still interested.”

That made me smile and relax. He had no idea how interested. I stood there and watched him dress in awe. He had just made me determined to make him see I was the girl for him.

The first stop we made was an Italian bakery. “It’s an Italian custom to always bring something with you when you visit someone, even your mom.” He smiled as he paid for the bread and cookies.

Once at the front door of his childhood home, I found my hands shaking. What if she doesn’t like me? Would he stop seeing me? That would be awful.

“Relax.” Giovanni put a hand on my lower back. “She’s cool. Maybe a bit overzealous since Rosario left, but you’ll like her.”

I nervously nodded. He led me inside and I looked around. The home was immaculate. If she saw my place, she would flip out.

“You’re here!” His mother excitedly exclaimed as she walked to us from the kitchen. She kissed me on the cheek. “You smell so good. What kind of perfume are you wearing?”

“Um, I’m not sure.” I couldn’t even think.

Giovanni chimed in, “It’s Bella Fiore. I like too.”

“How do you know that?” I was shocked.

He glanced at me and smiled. “I can read. The bottle’s on the counter in your bathroom.”

We all laughed. Then his mom clapped hands together. “Can I offer you kids something to drink? I just bought a bottle of raspberry ice tea. I’ll get you both a glass.” She didn’t give either of us a chance to answer, just walked back to the kitchen. She seemed a bit nervous also.

“I think my mom likes you,” Giovanni softly told me.
I was a bit relieved. “I like her too.”

His mom came back to us with two glasses. “Here you go, kids.”

“Thanks, mom,” he took them from her and handed me one.

“Thanks, uh, I don’t know what to call you. I feel funny calling you Maria.”

She winked at me. “Just call me Mom if you like.” Then she smiled. “I hope you’re hungry, I cooked my specialty, baked ziti. It’s my mother’s recipe. Giovanni tells me your family doesn’t cook Italian food.”

“I’m starving,” Giovanni said at bit too quickly, as if he wanted his mom to stop talking. Then he left us alone and went to the kitchen.

“Giovanni looks handsome today, doesn’t he?” His mom shot me an almost mischievous grin.

I assumed she wanted me to date her son and it made my heart skip a beat. “Yeah, he’s a very handsome guy.”

“Yes, he is. He has his father’s eyes.” She sighed. “He needs a girlfriend.”

That caught me off guard. I looked towards Giovanni, hoping he would hurry. He was busy checking out the food.

“You’re very pretty too,” Maria commented. Then she started walking away, quietly saying, “Your kids will be beautiful.”

My face turned bright red. I pretended I didn’t hear, but it made me imagine having children with Giovanni. When I looked up, he was coming back from the kitchen, with slices of cucumber in his hand. He came to me and put one in my mouth, as if I asked for it. That was my favorite vegetable. How did he know that?

He gave me a concerned look. “What happened? You look like Mom said something she shouldn’t have.”

“She told me I was very pretty,” I whispered
“You are.”

“You think so?”

His mouth opened in surprise. “Of course I do. You think I’m blind?” He grinned widely, his eyes twinkling. “You’re the most beautiful friend I ever had.” Then his mom called him from the kitchen. He kissed my cheek. “I’ll be back. I have to see what bills she needs help with this month.”

I watched as he sorted through a pile of envelopes she handed him. Then he pulled a checkbook out of his back pocket and sat at the kitchen table. I had no idea he had so much responsibility. He never talked about things like that.

During dinner, Maria asked. “Crystal, what did you do before the band?”

“I was a waitress at…”

Giovanni cut me off, sounding panicked. “She worked at that diner at the end of town.”

“What diner at the end of town?” His mom seemed puzzled.

“It’s by the highway, you know.” His eyes had opened wide. He obviously did not want her to know where I had worked. The skimpy outfits may have changed her opinion about me.

“Oh, okay.”

When dinner was over, Rosario called, as he did every Sunday. Giovanni and his mother both talked to him for a while then Giovanni reluctantly gave me the phone.

“Mom says you stayed for dinner.” Rosario laughed. “Did that pussy fuck you yet? He stayed at your house the night he disappeared, didn’t he?”

I bit my lip, nervously. “Why would you think that?”

“The shit eating grin on his fucking face when he got to Mom’s.” Rosario groaned softly. “He probably fucked you all night long, huh? No fucking fair.”

Unsure what to say, I changed the subject. “He misses you, you know.”

“Yeah, I bet. What’re you wearing? You got a short skirt on that I can lift up?” He breathed into the phone. “When I get back, I’m gonna fuck your brains out with my brother. You’ll never know what hit you.”

A deep blush crept up my neck, “Not gonna happen.”

“Is he hitting on you?” Giovanni touched my face. “You’re turning red.”

I nervously handed him the phone. I couldn’t even think of repeating anything Rosario said.

“What’s your problem, man?” Giovanni growled, scowling. “Leave her alone.” He listened for a few seconds then rolled his eyes. “If I did, I ain’t gonna tell you.”

Rosario hooted loudly. He voice was so loud; I could hear him say, “Shit, you did fuck her. Finally! Bet that pussy felt so good. Hope you…” Giovanni walked away from me, his face starting to heat up as well. When he came back, he couldn’t look me in the eye.

“Are you guys ready for some desert?” Maria called to us.

Giovanni sighed and gave me a shy smile, “In a minute, Mom.” He took a step forward, so our bodies touched ever so slightly. Then he bent down and whispered. “He’s right. You feel so good, I can’t get enough. If my mom wasn’t here, I’d have you bent over the kitchen table, fucking you hard.”

I shuddered with excitement. “I’d like that.”

He looked around then kissed my lips, quickly. “You’ll get it later.” With a sultry look in his eyes, he ran a hand down my side to my hip, “Can’t wait to get you alone.” He winked and led me back into the kitchen.

Before we left, Maria hugged me and whispered. “Please take good care of my baby. He needs a good woman like you.” Then she embraced her son. “Don’t let this one go.”

Hours later, I carefully walked down the stairs to the entrance of Subterranean. It was a popular bar/club combo in the East Village of New York City. Every Sunday night, they had several bands play in the large back room. It was the first time we were invited to the normally sold out event.

“Hey,” I called to the bartender once I entered the place. “Where do we check in?”

He smirked and looked me over. “Right through there.” He pointed to a set of double doors.

I nodded and went in that direction. When I had passed through to the next room, I smiled. I had been there with Chad a few times to see our favorite local bands, including Hell Hounds, who was headlining that night.

“Triple Threat’s here.” I told a woman holding a clipboard while I looked around the already crowded room.

She smiled. “Good. How many of yous are there, including roadies?”

“Six.”

She handed me six orange armbands. “Everybody gotta wear one.”

I agreed and went out the side door where other bands were entering with their instruments. “Who’d you come here with?” A man carrying a bass drum asked. “I like that little outfit you’re almost not wearing.”

With a smirk, I replied, “I’m in a band, dipshit.”

“Mmm, you can play me any day, baby.”

I kept going, not stopping until I reached the vans. “You guys gotta wear these.” I strapped them on everyone’s wrists, doing Giovanni’s last.

He looked up from his crouched position. “You know that outfit’s giving me a hard-on.” He leered at me, licking his lips.

“Ooo, you two gonna start fucking again?” Phil asked as he peeked out the van’s side door. “I wanna watch the whole thing this time. When I walked in, you were pounding her pussy like crazy. Damn I shoulda kept quiet so you’d keep going.”

Giovanni waved at him. “Go the hell away.”

Phil grabbed several cymbals and stands. “When I come back I wanna see her ass again, so sweet.” He ducked as Giovanni swung at him. “It’s not my fault Chad asked me to get his wallet.”

I blushed as that morning filled my mind. Phil walking in had actually made me want Giovanni even more. “Forget him and think about what we’re gonna do later.”

He grinned and slid his hand up my skirt. “You’re gonna have to lose these.” He pulled my panties down a few inches.

“Wait. No.” I stepped back and pulled them back up. “My skirt’s too short to walk around like that.”

He grabbed my hand and forced me back to him. “Soon you will lose them.” His hand traveled up my thigh and over my ass. “Love when you wear black underwear.” Using me as leverage, he stood and opened another button on my blouse, exposing my black bra just a bit more. “The guys are gonna go nuts for this top.” He ran his hands down and over my exposed midriff. “You’re not wearing much.”

“I know.” I looked up at him, “Less for you to take off tonight.”

Chad’s voice made me jump back. “Are we playing third tonight?” He appeared from behind the van. “Mark wants to make sure we set up in the right order.” He looked from me to Giovanni a few times. “Did I miss something?”

“No,” I quickly assured him and moved towards him. “We were just talking.” I nervously glanced up at Chad who shrugged. “We are third, right before Hell Hounds.”

Chad grinned, “God, this so cool. I never thought we’d play with them again.” It had been years since we opened for them when we played as Reckless.

After setting up our equipment in front of Hell Hounds’ equipment, Chad and Chris sat by the bar to have a beer. Phil and Mark had gone back outside, talking with another band’s road crew. Giovanni and I walked behind the large stage. The hallway that circled it, cluttered with excess speakers and stands. It was quiet and secluded though.

“I can’t wait much longer.” Giovanni breathed in my ear while pressing me against the wall. His stiff shaft rubbed my belly. “I need to be inside you.” He leaned down and kissed my lips, “Now’s the perfect time.” He quickly lifted me up and pulled my legs around his hips.

I moaned as he ground his erection against my panties. Our eyes met just before I reached out for him. “God, I want you.” I planted my lips firmly on his.

He groaned into my mouth. “I always wanted to fuck you like this.” The fingers of his right hand wandered under my panties. “My brother’s so jealous.” He thrust two fingers into me. “Mmm, you’re wet.”

Clinging to his shoulders, I moaned. He was grazing my sweet spot, just the way I liked. “Giovanni… Giovanni…” I chanted his name until my pussy clenched with orgasm. “Uh, yes!”

Footsteps made us both turn our head. Mark stood feet from us, his mouth opened wide. “Oh, shit, I’m sorry.” He turned around and was gone fast.

With a sigh, Giovanni put me down. “We gotta wait until everyone’s distracted.”

Trying to keep our hands off each other was difficult for the next two hours. While the second band was playing, we sat in one of the booths that lined the wall to the right side of the stage. Giovanni had turned sideways and pulled me between his legs. The dark obscured his hand under my skirt and mine in his pants.

Moaning in my ear, Giovanni lifted his hips. I was stroking his erection slowly, his pants open. “Back up a bit more so I can have your pussy.” He tugged my panties down as I slid towards him. Then he lifted me and shifted me until the head of his cock slipped into my folds. “Fuck…” He groaned while he eased me down. When he was completely buried, he wrapped his arms around me. “Damnit, you feel so good raw.”

“Don’t cum in me,” I begged him.

He nuzzled my neck. “I won’t. I just wanna be inside you.” His breath came quickly over my neck. The longer we sat there, the tighter he held me. “Ride me, please.” He gasped as I squeezed my pelvic muscles. “Please, baby, fuck me.”

I put one hand on the table and the other on the back of the booth seat. With his hands on my bare hips, I lifted and fell on him, slowly. I didn’t want to attract attention, but I too wanted to feel pleasure.

His hands moved up to my waist and helped me move. “If I’m gonna cum, I’ll warn you. I promise.”

I nodded and held in a moan. Between the music, the boldness of fucking practically in the open and his perfectly curved cock, I was in heaven. I swiveled my hips and grinded against him. He pushed up, forcing his erection further inside me. I gasped, not able to handle the pressure any longer. A muted cry passed my lips while I trembled within.

“That’s it, cum, Crystal,” he breathed in my ear then grabbed my breast. “God, you’re so amazing.”

I took in a shaky breath, trying to come down from the high, but it had been so powerful. My hands balled into fists as wave after wave came over me. The moaning and gasping behind me fueled it even more. Several people passed our table while my back arched.

Giovanni held me to him and caressed my thigh. “You get so into it. I’ve never had sex with someone like you.”

He held me until my body relaxed. Before I could start to move again, his hand slid down, barely touching my inner thigh. Then he grazed my clit with a fingertip. Without a sound, he massaged that hardened nub, making me gasp. My mouth opened wide, I quickly came. Suddenly his fingers sunk into my pussy adding to his erection’s girth. His breathing sped up as he reached deep within.

My nails dug into my palms when he pressed my sweet spot. Then he started fucking me slowly while continuing to finger me. I had never felt anything like it before. Where he got the idea was beyond me. He rubbed and rubbed, making me almost delirious with ecstasy. After my pussy gripped him a fourth time, he withdrew his fingers and held me close.

“Like that?” He asked in my ear. Then he let out a moan when I tensed within again. “Damn.”

I could only nod in response.

“Want me to do that again, tonight?”

Gulping air, I halting replied, “Yes… oh… God… yes.”

I took a few deep breaths, getting my bearings. I knew we had to hurry before we were discovered. That could end up causing a rift, if it was Chad. Finally able to think, I rose up until just the head of his cock remained. Then I slammed my hips down, my pussy clenching yet again. With loud gasps, I rose and fell again and again, keeping up the aggressive rhythm.

“Fuck…” Giovanni’s fingers dug into my thigh, while the other hand held my waist firmly.

Smirking, I tilted forward a bit and shuddered. I had no clue it would feel that way. Then Giovanni started thrusting up quickly. A soft cry passed my lips as he grazed my sweet spot repeatedly. He didn’t stop, just drove in and out as fast as he could. My entire body was awash in bliss. Every thrust timed just right. Whenever my orgasm abated, his rhythm increased, making it build even more.

When I swore I could take no more, he shouted over the music, “I’m gonna cum. Get on your knees.”

He grabbed a bunch of napkins from the table as I hopped off him. Then I felt his legs shaking and turned around. He was jerking his cock. Seconds later, his eyes rolled back while I caught a glimpse of white fluid, which he caught with the napkins.

Just as Giovanni deposited the wad of napkins on the table, Chad slid in the booth beside us. Giovanni grabbed me and sat me on his lap. I could feel his dick softening against my bare skin.

“Why’re you guys just sitting here?” Chad asked. The band on stage was talking to the crowd.

I couldn’t make out his expression, but he seemed to have no clue. “My feet were hurting.” I pulled my skirt down to hide my lowered panties.

“I told you those heels are too high.” Chad laughed. “You just don’t wanna feel like a shrimp.”

Lifting my foot, I looked at the black sandals with five-inch heels and satin straps that went up past my ankle. “I thought you liked them.”

Chad leaned forward. “I do. They’re sexy as hell.” Then his face came into the light and he licked his lips. “They’d look real good on my shoulders.” Then he glanced at Giovanni. “Come on, let’s go take a walk.” He stood and held out his hand.

“If you get up, he’ll know I fucked you,” Giovanni quietly reminded me. Then he suddenly blurted out, “She’s helping me hide from this crazy chick.”

Putting his hand on the back of the booth, Chad replied, “Just tell her to fuck off.”

“I did.” Giovanni’s hand was shaking next to my thigh. “I told her Crystal was my girlfriend. Then she finally left me alone.” He sighed softly.

Chad punched the booth wall. Then the band started playing again. I knew it meant his plan to fuck me was ruined. He stepped back and shouted, “Let me know when you got time for me, baby.”

“I’m sorry,” Giovanni whispered. “I couldn’t think of anything else.”

I lay back on him, relaxing as much as possible. “It’s all good. He’ll get over it.”

“Lift your ass up. I gotta close my pants.” I did as asked and waited. Then he pulled my panties up. “So glad Chad didn’t see your underwear so far down. He’d kick my ass.” He put pressure on my hips until I lay on him again. We stayed just like that listening to the band on stage.

Chris suddenly appeared in front of us. “Whatcha you guys doing? It’s time to get up there.” He tilted his head towards the empty stage.

Neither of us had noticed the music stopped. I looked back at Giovanni, “You good?” When he nodded, I climbed out of the booth. Chris led the way while Giovanni followed close behind me.

“You drive me crazy,” Giovanni softly said in my ear while I walked up the stairs to the platform. “We staying at your place or mine tonight?”

“Mine,” I grinned widely and grabbed my bass. After I put the strap over my head, Chad came close to me. “Can you stay over tonight, baby?”

“Uh, I, um…” I wasn’t sure how to say no without hurting him. What excuse will sound real? Will he believe me? “Chad, I gotta… I’m still sore. I’m sorry.” I watched his face intently.

He cupped my cheek. “It’s OK. We should’ve gotten some lube. Sorry we hurt you.” He kissed my forehead. “It’ll feel even sweeter when you’re healed up, maybe tomorrow.”

I exhaled with relief, “Yeah, maybe.” I was glad I wasn’t still sore from the threesome. That would put a huge damper in our plans. Giovanni would never screw me if I were in pain, that I was sure of.

“Hit it!” Chris shouted.

Giovanni began a slow, intensifying drum progression. The song, “You'll Never Have Her,” was about me and written by Chris. He told me it came to him as he watched me reject all the young men that asked me out one night. He commented that even Phil and Rosario hit on me when they were around.

I added notes that matched Giovanni’s beat. It deepened the sound instantly. Chris had the microphone in his hand, standing close to me. When Chad had begun to play as well, Chris winked at me before beginning.

“She’s practically untouchable.” Chris sang, “Nearly unpredictable and absolutely lovable. Don’t you wish she was available?”

I shook my head at the cheesy lyrics. It had to rhyme, didn’t it? Then I thought, am I available? I smiled. At that point, I was only available to Giovanni. Looking back at him, I promised myself to hold out for him. My love for him was so strong, I was sure it could keep me going.

Chris sang the last line, “Catch her if you can.”

I was close to the drum set at that moment. Chancing a look at Giovanni, he mouthed, “I caught her.”

My breath caught. Did he mean we were together? Was I reading too much into it? I had to know, but was terrified of the answer. What if he just meant he nailed me?

Chris jostled me. “Hey, wake up.”

I had missed my cue for the next song. Chad continued to play the opening to “Dirty Little Girl.” Quickly I found my place and joined him. My fingers plucked the strings while I tried to calm my nerves. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, allowing my mind to feel the song. Music always changed my mood, and it worked fast.

While Chris worked the crowd, he walked back and forth. He drew the girls in with his voice, while making the guys believe he had a girl who did anything he wanted, like in the song. They all fell for it. A girl close to the stage flashed him her breasts. He leaned down and gave her a kiss, while sliding his hand under her top and coping a feel. A few of the men urged them on, so she climbed up to him.

“You gonna be my dirty little girl tonight?” He asked into the microphone, holding her to his side. “Grinding and sucking…” He sang the next line. “Kissing and fucking…” He looked into her eyes. “Be my dirty little girl.” Then he leaned down and grabbed the back of her neck. When their lips met, the audience cheered.

She stayed at his side for the rest of the set. As soon as the last note played, he pulled her offstage. “I’ll find my own way home,” he shouted as they headed for the exit. We all knew they were going to fuck.

“Come with me,” Giovanni whispered when all of our things were packed in the vans.

We had planned to watch Hell Hounds, but when Chad wasn’t looking, I followed Giovanni backstage again, this time, much further down the hall. He stopped just behind a large cabinet. It was big enough to stand behind, but there was little light.

“How do you do this to me?” He asked and got me against the wall again. “I was never insatiable before you.” He grabbed my ass. “I lo…“ He closed his eyes then lifted my chin. “I love how you make me feel, but I can’t get enough.” His belt opened. “You’re probably gonna wake up with my dick in your pussy again tomorrow.”

I heard him tear a condom wrapper, but the light was too dim to see what he was doing. When he suddenly lifted me up, I scratched his arm as I clutched it.

“Relax. I got you.” He spread my legs and moved his hips forward.

My eyes closed, so I would ignore the dark, which I feared. Feeling unsteady, I wrapped my legs around him. He breathed in my ear while he tugged at the crotch of my panties. The music had begun again. I listened to the beginning of “Satan’s Call.” Then I gasped when Giovanni thrust into me, giving me his entire length at once.

“I couldn’t take a chance again,” Giovanni grunted as he drove into me even harder. “Phil was pissed when I asked him for a condom. Uh!” He slammed his hips into mine.

Clinging to his neck, I was glad he wore a condom. A baby was not on my to do list. My nails dug into his shirt while his rough pace continued. His pelvis crushed against mine at the end of each stroke. The grinding combined with him rubbing my G-spot was pushing me to the edge, fast.

“Oh, God!” I cried out, the quivering out of control.

“That’s it. I fucking love that.” He growled and pumped even harder. “Come on, cum again.” He squeezed my thighs. “I wanna feel it.” He voice deeper and even sexier.

My body didn’t disappoint him. With each strong stroke, pleasure filled me. Seconds later, I lay my head on his shoulder and cried out his name. My entire body shook with the release. Unable to tell him I was overwhelmed, I whimpered while he started ramming into me intensely. He was growling and groaning with each hit, obviously close to orgasm himself. I hung on tight, my body smacking against the wall every few seconds.

Just as I felt another ripple of pleasure beginning, he started moaning my name, “Crystal… Crystal… God, Crystal… Fuck, I’m gonna cum.” He gave me several powerful thrusts then pressed his hips into mine, “Feels so good.”

I closed my eyes, feeling his cock pulsating and loving it. A sudden flurry of contractions caught me by surprise and my pussy tensed around his still spurting dick.

He moaned loudly. “That makes it so much better.” He gasped and griped me tightly. “Fuck, how do you make me cum so hard?” His body finally relaxed and he put his weight on my upper body. “I can’t move. My fucking legs are shaking.” His head rested on my shoulder.

I giggled. “Mine are too.”

“Yeah, but I’m standing. This could get bad.”

I caressed his cheek. “I trust you.” It was a hard thing to admit, but I did trust him.

His body shuddered and he held me closer. “Good. I trust you too.” He took a deep breath. “I… Crystal, I’d like more.”

“More sex? Where? On the floor?” I laughed. “You just said you couldn’t move.”

He sighed and shrugged, “When we get to your place.” His tone relayed defeat, but that didn’t make sense.

“You OK?” I kissed his temple. “Did I say something wrong?”

He nuzzled my neck. “No. I did, just forget it.”

“Whoa, sorry, dude. Don’t mind us.”

I looked up and could make out another couple nearby. They passed us quickly and kept walking. Giovanni had lifted his head. I turned him to face me and kissed his lips.

“You can talk to me about anything, you know.” I hoped he opened up to me, so we could be closer. I love you, I said in my head, wanting badly to say it aloud. For encouragement, I squeezed him. “I’m always here for you.”

He smiled and tilted his head, “Maybe someday.” He slowly withdrew his slackening cock. “For now we have this.” His lips met mine in a passionate kiss. “This has to be good enough.”

More confused, I searched his eyes for what he meant. All I saw was pain. I ran the back of my fingers down the side of his face. “This is amazing. Don’t let me go.” It was as close as I could come to admitting my feelings.

“Never, Crystal, I wanna hold you forever.”

He had said those words once before. Could he have deeper feelings for me? Was it possible? If he did, why didn’t he just tell me? His muffled voice broke my thoughts.

“What’d you say?”

Giovanni shook his head. “It was nothing, just stupid crap. We should go inside before Chad comes looking for you.” He gently placed me on my feet and looked into my eyes. “I never wanna stop making love to you.” His choice of words startled me and he knew it. “I meant fuck… sorry, just a bit lightheaded from that incredible orgasm. I can’t think straight.”

“Nothing wrong with making love,” I winked at him, wanting him to continue the conversation, but instead, he closed his pants and led me back to the crowded bar.