Reckless: Triple Threat Book 1

By Bella Jeanisse

A Rockstar Romance of a different kind.

Chad McLoughlin is the lead guitarist for Reckless. He wants his best friend in his band as well as in his bed. Achieving this is no easy task, but he's determined to succeed.

Crystal Atkinson is ecstatic when the band welcomes her as more than just a groupie. It brings her closer to Chad, who doesn’t hide his feelings. She cannot see him as a potential boyfriend or lover, no matter what he says or does.

An unforeseen betrayal strikes both Chad and Crystal. They continue on alone until Paulie walks into their lives. He is exactly what Crystal and Reckless need. He takes the band and Crystal's heart for a ride none of them will ever forget.

Reckless, the band that started it all.

Warning: For those 18+. May not suitable for all readers. Prepare for a dose of reality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bella Jeanisse
• Release date: Apr 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370644148

Bella Jeanisse

Server tech by day, author by night, mom and grandma all the time. I'm always striving for something more.

Book preview

PREFACE

Things have changed. I am now a full indie author. I thought I’d re-released my books in chronological order this time. That was why I started with Triple Threat’s first prequel, Reckless. Next will be Tragic Soul (prequel 2) then Triple Threat and so on. Each will have some additional editing done, but the story lines have not changed. I’m happy to say there are bonus scenes, chapters or just info in each re-worked book. There is also a surprise at the end. I look forward to hearing what you think!

I try to get as close to actual geographical aspects of an area within my books, but I’m sure this one is not as close as some others. Although I wrote the Triple Threat series with a specific New Jersey town in mind, I had not named it then. That was because it wasn’t exactly what I envisioned, but the geographical location was perfect. Please keep that in mind. I apologize if anything seems way off, but this is just fantasy.

While I wrote Reckless, it brought back many memories. As per Triple Threat's timeline, it takes place in 2007. (I started the series some years ago and decided Triple Threat needed more than just a backstory.) In my research, I was surprised at what songs were released after this book’s timeline. Some I had thought were around much longer. I also found many of my favorite bands have come a long way since then. Of course, some have disappeared as well. It’s interesting how a few years makes so much of a difference.

It naturally also made me think of high school. I myself learned to play bass in my senior year of high school. They needed a bass player, so I switched from guitar. I spent many hours in the music department of our school, even when I was supposed to be in class. Don’t tell. ;) Back then, there were few female musicians. Most in my school knew each other, but like Crystal, I got along better with the guys. She lives out some of my dreams in this series.

In Reckless, you get to see some things that made Chad and Crystal who they are in adulthood. You’ll get to know them a bit more and possibly understand why they react as they do in the main Triple Threat series. It starts while they are still in high school. You’ll notice they use heavier slang, since they are still quite young. Please do remember that this is four years into the past from the start of the original series. So, expect some immaturity and self-doubt.

DEDICATION

I’d like to thank all those who helped make this re-release possible. There is no way I can name you all but I’ll try. Know I appreciate everyone who helped me in the slightest way. This took much work, stress and determination. Although I have parted ways with my publisher, Nick and Russ did a lot for me over the years. Without Nick, I know I wouldn’t be the writer I am today.

My influences while I wrote this book varied greatly. I am slightly versatile in my tastes, although all the music in my collection is in the general rock or metal genre. My main influence was, obviously … Avenged Sevenfold. (If you’ve seen my Facebook author page then you know just how much I’m into them. The last two concerts left me wanting more!) There was also: Puddle of Mud, Sum 41, The Offspring, Papa Roach, Unearth, Rise Against, FFDP, old school Metallica, Sick Puppies, Slipknot, Lamb of God, Hellyeah, Mudvayne, Pop Evil and Three Days Grace.

I have gained some new beta readers lately and am very grateful to you all! Patricia, Traci, Kathy, Anita, Donna, Sonia, Kathy and Liz. You guys are my rock when it comes to anything writing related! I can always count on your honesty, even when I don’t wanna hear it.  Geri, Christa, Margo, Melissa, Stephanie, Sarah, Naiana, Lisa, Jayne, Donna, Stephanie (yep, two of them) and Courtney… Your opinions and comments are more than appreciated and help a great deal. Hope I didn’t forget anyone!

None of this would be possible without two special teachers who made high school bearable. The most important one is the one we called The Rockin’ Rabbi. He was a guitar teacher from high school who encouraged us to live music. He was the reason I learned to play bass which is what inspired me to create Crystal. Wherever you are, thank you!

MEET THE BAND

Chad McLoughlin - Lead Guitar

Andy Peirce - Vocals

Daniel Brandt - Drums

Jay Morris - Bass

Crystal Atkinson - Rhythm Guitar

Phil Ferris - Sound Engineer

CHAPTER ONE

Crystal, I got an idea. My best friend, Chad McLoughlin, picked up my hand. It looked so tiny in his. You should join Reckless. We need you.

I laughed, glad he wasn’t thinking about college which loomed over our heads. Join your band? You’re kidding? His blue eyes were serious, though.

I’m not. You’re so much better than Phil, and you know all our songs, too.

That was true. He and I played them all the time. We also did a lot of Gasoline’s music as well. Gasoline was our favorite band. They came from our southwest New Jersey town, Lindenwold.

With a shrug, I answered, They’d never let me play. His bandmates saw me as a groupie most of the time.

You just have to prove it to them.

I turned my body on his bed to face him and smiled. His look of desire made me bite my lip. My body reacted to him being so close. It was somewhat frightening. I was deeply attracted to him. Between his long blond, curly hair, strong manly features, well-defined 6’4" body and slight aggressiveness, I found him irresistible.

He was quite opposite of me. I had blue eyes as well, but mine were darker, like some sapphires. His were light, which went well with his very fair skin. My skin had a tiny bit of an olive tone to it, but I still burned after too long in the sun without sunblock. I glanced down at my long dark brown hair that fell over my chest. He loved to run his fingers through it.

My mind drifted to our first kiss. Before I started something I’d later regret, I pushed the thought away. You really think I can do it?

His fingers traced my jaw. Of course I do. You’re beautiful and talented, the perfect combination. A finger slowly slid down my neck and into my cleavage. And showing these babies off wouldn’t hurt. When’re you gonna let me-

I grabbed his hand and placed it on his hip. I don’t know, Chad. Stop pushing. The thought of his hands on my body turned me on so much that it felt wrong.

I’m not pushing, just asking. He leaned forward and kissed my lips. You turn me on so much. He wove his fingers into my hair as he kissed me stronger. Let me be your first. Please, baby girl. I’ll be as gentle as possible. He knew I loved it when he called me that.

With shaky hands, I pushed his chest. I’m scared, and I’m not ready. I had held off on sexual intercourse because of many reasons. Fear of pain was one of them.

I had also held off on going further with Chad. We often kissed, and sometimes we almost got carried away. More than once, he had asked to fondle me. I always refused, although my body yearned for it. His hormones seemed to rage out of control anytime I was near as well. I just hoped it wasn’t a recipe for disaster. Maybe there was something to what they said about men and women being just friends… It was impossible.

He hugged me tightly. I’m sorry.

I felt how hard his cock was against my thigh. My mind reeled with confusion. I wished I were ready to lose my virginity. He would probably be the best lover. He cared so much. He’d make sure I was all right. However, the thought of losing his friendship put the brakes on that idea very quickly.

Baby. He ran his fingers through my hair again and brushed his lips over mine. Are you mad? Affection was his answer to many problems.

I took a deep breath and put a hand on his waist. No. Chad, you know I care about you, but… I just can’t lose you. I was sure if he and I took a chance on a romantic relationship, we could never get back what we had.

You won’t, I-

Suddenly, I blurted out, What about Dana? It bothered me that he came onto me even when he had a girlfriend. Although I knew he held back with them, it confused me. Does she mean anything to you?

Not as much as you do. He took my face in his hands. If you agreed to be with me… I’d never need anyone else. He brushed his lips over mine yet again.

I closed my eyes, since I understood a little bit. He loved me but was lonely. I guess it was better than never leaving my side. He needed to have a life, too. I was between boyfriends, so I knew the loneliness. The last one had dumped me because I had refused sex.

Chad! We’re here!

Fuck, man! Chad groaned and reached into his pants. They’re gonna tease the hell outta me for this. His aroused state was mostly due to his own mind. Our make out session minutes prior was quite tame compared to some.

I jumped off the bed and turned away from him. I’m sorry.

Hey, it’s not your fault. He placed his hands on my shoulders. I gotta learn how to control my dick.

We quietly walked downstairs and through the house to the garage. I heard Daniel Brandt messing around with his drums. Chad’s mom, Valerie, let them go in through the house when it was cold. Since it was a Sunday in mid-January, it was below freezing outside. She didn’t usually mind the noise from practices. However, she wasn’t thrilled that Chad spent his free time on music instead of his planned major in college, Computer Science. I was sure he could handle both. He was the smartest person I knew.

I sat on a folding chair as Chad pulled his guitar out of its case. Reckless was quite a diverse group, in age and background. That made them unique. Their style was mostly Nu Metal crossed with Metalcore. I usually enjoyed that type of music, but they were definitely missing something.

Chad turned to Andy Peirce, the singer. I found the perfect rhythm guitarist. He glanced at me and winked.

I wrung my hands, terrified they wouldn’t accept me. There were all-girl bands in our high school, but that was not the same. If I joined them, it would change things, hopefully for the better.

Eyes closed, I imagined playing for a crowd like Gasoline attracted. Suddenly, Tommy Fischer, their bassist, came into my vision. He played right next to me. Then he leaned forward and kissed me.

Wait! I play rhythm, Phil Ferris countered which jolted me out of my fantasy. He was two years behind us in school.

Andy scowled. Why the fuck d’ ya keep making decisions for all of us? He was several years older, so he usually balked at anyone else making decisions. It seemed to be a touch of Napoleon complex.

Chad ignored Andy and laughed at Phil. Sorry man but you suck. We need a roadie anyway.

Fuck that, man! Phil put his guitar on a stand. You can’t just bring some guy in here after we been working all these months. He paused a few seconds. Hey! What d’ you mean I suck?

Daniel twirled a stick as he sat behind his kit. Well you do, dude. None of us wanted to tell you. Guess Chad finally got the balls.

If we wanna play gigs, we gotta sound good, Jay Morris, the bassist, added.

Phil sat down and pouted for a minute then asked, So, where is he?

Arms folded over his chest, Andy glared at Chad. Yeah, where is he? Phil’s replacement could at least be on time.

Chad grinned. "She’s here."

Crystal? Andy laughed loudly. You gotta be shitting me! He was quickly doubled over and couldn’t stop.

Daniel sighed. We can’t have a girl in the band. No one’d take us seriously. He tapped a cymbal. Unless she’s gonna play naked. His eyebrows rose.

Chad glared at Daniel for a few seconds then turned to me. Baby. He handed me his guitar. Blow them away.

I smiled widely and got in position to play. I took a deep breath and started Gasoline’s Devil’s Boy, assuming the lead role.

When I was done, the garage was completely silent. Everyone stared at me with their mouth open. That included Andy from the floor, where he had fallen. I grinned, more proud of myself than I had ever been.

How the hell did you do that? Daniel broke the silence.

Chad beamed. She’s amazing. Ain’t she? He kissed my cheek. See, baby girl. Told ya. He had never been so excited.

I know. I looked up at him as he towered over me. You taught me well.

Phil jumped up. So, what’re you guys waiting for? She kicks ass! Tell her she can play!

Andy stood up and came over to Chad and I. I’m sorry I laughed at you. He held his hand out. Welcome to the band. Obviously, he had let go of the fact that Chad had pushed me on them.

I shook his hand as excitement filled me. Cool, thanks.

Now let’s play ‘Fuck ’Em All.’ Daniel hit a snare drum. Phil, give her your guitar.

Phil stood up. "Get the hell outta here! I get kicked out, and she plays my Gibson? No way!"

I got mine right here. I walked to the back of the garage and opened a case against the back wall. When I had it plugged in, I asked, Ready?

Daniel immediately started his intro. Soon after, Chad came in and I did as well, but I played a piece I had written weeks ago for the song. With Chad’s encouragement, I had written a rhythm part for every one of their songs. Phil and I didn’t have the same style. At that moment, I realized that Chad had planned to get me into the band all along.

Damn! Jay shouted when I finished. That was ten times better. He cringed and looked toward Phil who pouted again. Sorry, man but she can wail.

Phil exhaled loudly. Yeah, I know, but you don’t gotta be so happy about it.

We played several more songs, and they had the same reaction to all of them. I smiled when I realized they weren’t going to change their minds. I was really in a band. Finally!

So… Andy glanced at me then turned to Chad. How’re we gonna work this out? He looked my way again. She’s a chick.

Daniel tapped a stick on his thigh. You finally noticed her big tits? He chuckled as his eyes raked over my body. They’re hard to miss.

I blushed. I was used to guys fawning over me like Chad, Will and Phil did. Andy and Jay never treated me like most men. Then it dawned on me. Andy may have changed his mind.

I promise I’ll be a team player, I assured him.

Andy sighed. It’s not exactly that. He seemed nervous. Well, you’re a chick… That means… Uh, well… He was obviously uncomfortable. After a deep breath, he blurted out, Are you gonna be a bitch when you’re on the rag?

What the fuck, man? Chad shouted.

Daniel stood. Well, will she?

That’s pretty personal. Chad moved toward me and put an arm around my shoulders. How could you ask something like that?

Jay put his bass on its stand. I think we all have the right to know if it’ll be an issue. He hesitated, as if he walked on eggshells. Don’t get pissed, Chad. We just need a heads up.

Chad growled, She’s not gonna be a bitch!

Relax. I placed a hand on his chest. They don’t mean it like that.

He glared at Andy and Jay alternately. Yes they do.

I moved in front of him to prevent him from going after our bandmates. Some girls get crazy. I turned my head to see Andy. I don’t get like that.

Daniel tossed a stick up and caught it. So if she starts bitching, Phil can play again. He winked at me.

Deal. I knew it wouldn’t be an issue. Music meant too much to me.

CHAPTER TWO

Chad, enough’s enough, his mom said as she appeared in the doorway to the house. Then she was gone just as quickly.

He looked around. Sorry, guys. We gotta wrap it up. My grandma’s coming tonight, and you know how my mom is.

Yeah, we know, Andy replied as he grabbed his backpack. Practice tomorrow. Right after school? Our schedules were similar, so that worked out.

Chad put a hand on my lower back. Yep, maybe now we can get a gig better than birthday parties.

I excitedly helped pack away the equipment. It was like a dream come true. I had never imagined that Chad’s bandmates would accept me. Wait. They’re my bandmates too now! My heart pounded.

Chad had played in a few bands already. So far, he had not blown it with the members of Reckless. His last band had forced him out after his impulsive nature had driven them crazy. The boys of Reckless were a bit more understanding.

As I looked into the future, I saw us playing in famous clubs. Since we lived in Southwest New Jersey, it gave us an advantage when it came to venues to play at. Philadelphia was about half an hour away. Wilmington, Trenton and Levittown were about an hour north and south. Even New York City was only a two-hour trip, with traffic.

When everyone was gone, I looked up at Chad. You remember about my appointment tomorrow, right? I wrapped cable around my arm, in an attempt to make it neat.

I had a follow-up appointment with my Gynecologist. The series of appointments were to find out what they could do to control my extremely erratic menstrual cycle. It had been haunting me for the past five years.

My mother had taken me to see many doctors. Most said, She’ll grow out of it in a few years. Once I hit seventeen, my mother had put her foot down. It hadn’t gotten better, in fact, it had gotten much worse. We had finally found a doctor who took the problem seriously. I had scans, blood tests and even one biopsy, just in case.

I did not ovulate every month, unlike most women. Truthfully, there was no rhyme or reason to when I would. The biggest issue was that my symptoms didn’t fit with most syndromes. The part that bothered me most was the overbearing pain that sometimes came with a period. Chad had held me as I cried for hours, overwhelmed by cramps. Thankfully, those were rare episodes.

Chad glanced up. Yeah. I’ll cut practice short if we have to. His voice was steady, but I knew he was nervous. He rarely talked about it, worried they would find something serious. You sure you don’t want me to go?

I don’t need you to, but if you want to… It’s fine. Deep down, I did want him there because I was worried, too. What I didn’t want was to start a fight between him and his girlfriend, since they had a date after practice.

He sighed as he stacked the guitar cases. Maybe Dana will get it this time. You’re my priority.

Yeah, maybe. I knew better. She’ll be pissed. When I had gone for a sonogram, she had balked at him taking me. My mom couldn’t get the time off work, and my father never had time.

When everything was back in place, Chad pulled me into his arms. He leaned down and whispered, You know I love you, right? It was the first time he had admitted it aloud.

Yeah, Chad. I do. I had known for more than a year that he was in love with me, but I kept it to myself because I did not return his feelings.

He ran his fingers through my hair. Is that why you let me kiss you? He leaned down and planted a soft kiss on my lips.

No. You’re just a great kisser. It was too hard to explain why I allowed so much intimacy between us. I reached up and toyed with the gold hoops in his ears. He had both ears pierced when we were fifteen.

Good. He took a breath. Then he covered my mouth with his and eased his tongue past my lips.

He turned us around and backed me into the wall, where the ground was a bit higher. The kiss became much more passionate, and I closed my eyes. Desire came to the surface as I ran my hands up his back. That happened every time, and I did not understand why. He was my best friend. The feelings he stirred were ones I had for no one else.

Chad suddenly slid a hand over my right breast then gently grasped it. I was shocked and not sure what to do. He rubbed his thumb over my nipple until it stiffened. Then he moaned and leaned against me more while he squeezed my breast harder.

I felt his cock stiffen against my belly. Then I gasped when he pinched my nipple and toyed with it. His other hand traveled down until he held my ass. I sighed when he pulled me closer to him. I wanted him more than I ever had. If he lifted me and fucked me without asking, I was sure I’d be relieved rather than upset.

God, baby, he uttered softly as he broke the kiss and pressed his body against mine. His hands stayed in place. I want you so bad. He took deep breaths, obviously trying to control himself.

I looked up at him. Chad, you’re playing with my tit.

He pulled away. I’m sorry. I just… Well I…

Got caught up in it?

Yeah, you know how much you turn me on.

I can see that. I smiled and looked at his jeans, which tried to tear open from the wood he sported.

He blushed slightly. Well, you got into it, too.

I know. I blushed even more and looked away. But…

He sighed. Don’t say it, please. Not today. He lifted my chin. Baby, you can’t say you feel nothing for me.

Chad, please stop.

He kissed me softly again. Fine. We’ll both drop it… For now. Come help me make dessert. Then he looked down. Um, maybe I need to hide this somehow.

I couldn’t help but giggle. "I can’t think of anything that will hide that." It seemed huge and that scared me, too. Would something like that actually fit into a girl? It was a silly thought, because I knew Chad was not a virgin, unlike me.

Chad, now! his mom shouted from somewhere. Stop fooling around. As if she knew what we had been doing.

He soon sighed with relief. That did it.

I glanced down and saw that his bulge was less noticeable. She’s gonna yell again. I picked up his hand and pulled him a bit.

Hang on. I gotta shut everything down.

Within minutes, Chad and I were at the kitchen table mixing ingredients. It was something we occasionally did when one of our moms needed help. It was fun to cook with him. We usually made a game of everything. Chad was somewhat immature at times and made jokes out of even serious things.

Suddenly, Chad touched my nose with his flour-covered finger. Now you look like you’re working hard.

Really? I put some on my hand and smeared it on his cheek.

He laughed. Payback’s a bitch you know. Then he slapped my ass, which left a white handprint on my jeans.

You brat! I pushed his chest and deposited flour and brownie dough on his shirt.

He smirked and pulled his shirt off. Now what? I ran after him, but he grabbed me before I could touch him. Then he lifted me. I win. I’m bigger.

I reached down, grabbed his crotch and squeezed slightly. Chad instantly let me go. I had hit the floor before I saw the startled look on his face. Never had I done anything like that to him, ever.

As I looked up at him, I felt guilty. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I did that.

It’s OK. You just shocked me. Sorry I dropped you.

How’d you guys get so messy? Will, Chad’s 19-year-old brother, asked as I got to my feet. He stood a few inches under Chad but had the same curly blonde hair that he kept somewhat short. Flour on your jeans, Chad? He winked at me. You guys’re into kinky, huh?

I walked away from him and went back to the brownie dough. None of your business.

Hands were suddenly on my waist. Want some help? Will breathed in my ear as he pressed his body against mine. Or how about you come with me to The Loft Friday night? I’ll show you a better time than my loser brother. He wanted me, more because I refused him than anything else. My elbow to his midsection made him gasp, but he didn’t move.

Fuck off, Will. Chad pulled him away from me. He could only control his temper when I upset him. With others, he