Triple Time: Triple Threat Book 4

By Bella Jeanisse

A Rockstar Romance of a different kind.

While Crystal Atkinson, Triple Threat’s bassist, is still in love with Giovanni, her trysts with Chad only leave her more confused. The new vocalist they hire sees the sexual attraction between her and Giovanni. He assumes they are a couple. That gives her hope and renews her drive to make Giovanni hers.

Giovanni Saracino, drummer of Triple Threat, sees the looks between Chad and Crystal. He takes a step back to let them be happy. It works, until he can’t resist any longer. Then all hell breaks loose.

With the band heading in the right direction, Crystal and Giovanni have decisions to make. What’s best for all? Can Chad let her go, or will he step in the middle and stop things before they go too far? What do they do if she can’t choose?

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: 9781370955367

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

If you have not read this series before, you may not know that most of this book was once the second half of Triple Threat. Since I added so many new chapters into this and the next few books, they had to be broken up into manageable parts.

I actually had a great time doing all that work. It felt good to give you all the characters had been telling me over the years. They have a habit of speaking to me when it’s too late!

Chad, Crystal and Giovanni continue a few weeks after the last chapter of Triple Threat. The love triangle we have going on here is about to get more complicated, but I’m not telling you why. You’ll have to read on to find out.

I hope you understand why Rosario had to move on. You haven’t seen the last of him, though. He’s Giovanni’s brother after all. In this book, you will meet another band that will have spin off series. Look for them in the coming months.

Just about every band that they encounter more than once will at least get a novella. Of course, there will be exceptions, but I have so many more bands to introduce you to.

DEDICATION

To my awesome team of beta readers, proofreaders… etc, without you, this giant project would not have gotten as far as it did. You guys ROCK! Kathy, Patricia, Donna, Anita, Traci, Christa, Stephanie, Jena, Sonia, Lisa, the Donna and Stephanie duo, Jayne, LaDonna, Coralee, Paula and Michelle, please don’t ever leave me. 

I’m sure by now, you know that music is my biggest inspiration. This book was written at the same time as Triple Threat, so the bands are the same: Adelitas Way, Sixx A.M, Slipknot, Daughtry, Five Finger Death Punch, Seether, Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman, 311, Art of Dying, NIN, Papa Roach, Sick Puppies, Shinedown and Avenged Sevenfold (saved the best for last.)

Since the original version came out, I have seen most of the bands above live at least once. They left amazing impressions on me.

Slipknot puts on an incredible, complicated show. It’s quite hard to top it. Only Avenged Sevenfold has. Those boys always blow me away. (They come my way in July with Metallica, so let’s see who brings the house down.)

Shinedown may not always be hardcore, but Brett has some set of vocals. They also know how to entertain an audience. I have never been disappointed by them. Sick Puppies has a female bassist. She gave me some ideas the last time they were here. Even FFDP inspired something that will be in a Velocity book. I wonder what the next concert will give me

I need to give props to the rock DJs of today. It’s not easy. Too many think rock is dead. I don’t know what world they live in, but it sure ain’t mine. Here in the Tampa Bay area we have 98Rock who put on the best shows every year.

If your area doesn’t have a rock radio station, look them up and stream them. You won’t be disappointed. They play more Avenged Sevenfold than any radio station I’ve heard. If you like what you hear, come on down at the end of April and check out 98Rockfest. I’m always there!

MEET THE BAND

Chad McLoughlin - Lead Guitar

Chris Bradley - Vocals

Giovanni Saracino - Drums

Crystal Atkinson - Bass

Phil Ferris - Sound Engineer

Mark Steward - Crewmember

CHAPTER ONE

Two weeks after Rosario Saracino, our previous singer, had shipped out to boot camp, the remaining members of Triple Threat had decided how to go about finding a new singer. The consensus was to hold auditions.

Between an ad in the online classifieds and a post on our website, we received about thirty candidates. That was more than I had expected, but they were from as far away as New York City. I hoped the one we chose lived close by, or it could make things difficult.

I sat on Chad McLoughlin’s couch early that Saturday afternoon and sorted through the pictures they were required to provide on my laptop. Hey, I like this one, I shouted to Giovanni Saracino, our drummer, and Chad, our lead guitarist. I held the screen up from across the room, in the hope they could see. With a first name like Tristan, he had better be hot. That name always reminded me of Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall.

Chad shook his head. Crystal, we’re not choosing him just because you think he’s hot. He was my best friend and lover. Sometimes he made his jealousy obvious. He had been in love with me since we were 16.

But he is. I bit my lip. His looks alone could bring girls to our gigs. I’d like some eye candy too, I mumbled. Since I played bass, I had plenty of time to ogle a hot singer.

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 arm’s length too 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 core clenched, and my breath caught. How does he affect me so deeply? The urge to say I love you, grew with each second I stared. Please, I croaked. My voice gave away my desire.

He met my gaze and laid his hand over mine. 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. Also, a hint of decent biceps peeked out from his short sleeve dress shirt. It had to be a professional picture. 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 at the hottest man in the set on his screen. No one’ll take him seriously.

Give him a chance. I frowned, unhappy that 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 Giovanni’s 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.

As I still held him, 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, the three possibles stood in Chad’s garage, and our instruments were set up. The garage door was closed to keep out the January cold. Phil Ferris, half of our band’s crew, had shown up to lend a hand and stayed to see who we hired. Of course, he stood right next to me. He made sure my arm rubbed with his.

So. Phil 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 cheek, and I elbowed him. Oomph! Damn, girl.

He paused as he caught his breath. Then he came back for more abuse.

You’re so tense. I can ease it, fast. He squeezed my shoulder.

Without a look his way, 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 backward. What the fuck, man?

I glanced back, and my mouth dropped.

Giovanni had him by the throat. What’d I tell you? he growled. Hands… the fuck… off. He held on tight, until Phil gasped and pulled at his arm. Then he let Phil fall. If she says no, it’s 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 who waited to audition stared 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 A.M.

We all looked at each other. It 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 caught on easily.

Giovanni, can you play that? Chad shouted at Giovanni who paced.

As he walked 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 isn’t far.

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 obviously missed playing with us. It had been years since I replaced him as rhythm guitarist.

After we played it a second time at Giovanni’s request, we were ready. Chris closed his eyes and soon belted out the song. My mouth dropped. He was on par with Sixx A.M.’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 gaped at him. He smiled. How was that?

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

My mind was practically blown. Did he not hear Chris sing?

Anthony stood up. How about ‘Bat Country’ by Avenged Sevenfold?

Chad glanced 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 to play. It was a very fast paced song. Within seconds, my foot tapped and my head nodded to the quick beat. Phil moved 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 to play something complicated. The Rev had written some intricate beats.

By the end of the song, Chad smiled widely. That was cool. Your voice was perfect for that song.

I didn’t agree. He did have a good scream and growled well. However, when he just sang, it was subpar, 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 to play louder notes, we all braced for the change. Then Nicholas half-screamed half-growled the opening lyric.

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. Besides that, I was impressed with Phil. He had lost the mechanical playing style.

Maybe we can use him on rhythm again sometimes. Then I realized why that wouldn’t work. He and Mark Steward worked as a great team at gigs. With a better singer, we would need both of them on our crew.

OK. You guys wait out here, Chad announced. We’re gonna talk it over. Giovanni, Phil and I followed Chad to the kitchen, with 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’d 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.

Chris seemed to think for a few seconds. 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 pounded his bass drums. Chris shouted the first line, and I was glad I was right. As I continued to play, I was sure Chris would change it all for us.

Damn, Chris! I cried out after I set my bass in its stand. Why the hell’d you leave your last band?

Chris looked away with a slight blush. It’s a really long, boring, shitty story. Let’s just say I needed a change.

I turned to Chad and Giovanni who most likely discussed 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, as I waited 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 piqued 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.

Another magic word. Versatile was 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 in 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. He stopped before he went inside. Uh, where you from? He was obviously concerned about the distance as I had been.

Chris grinned. Philly, but I live in Cherry Hill now.

Perfect. I laughed softly. I thought you’d say Baltimore. That might make practices complicated.

With a nod, Chris agreed, True. I’m not far away at all.

CHAPTER TWO

Our first gig since we had found Chris was on a Friday in mid-February. Although he was an incredible singer, we were all nervous. We had no idea how it would turn out.

For weeks, we had practiced old and new songs. Chris learned our song catalog quickly. The new songs were a mix of hard rock and metal with a punk edge. We had chosen the songs for our planned set carefully. Is it enough?

I was sure the girls would drool over Chris. Besides his looks, he was quite charming and a gentleman most of the time. Unlike most of the men in my life, he had never made a comment about my looks, clothes or any crude remarks.

From what I could tell, he wasn’t interested in me at all. I was glad for the change. He was already an influence on Chad. Giovanni didn’t need any help in the gentleman department.

The thing that really got me about Chris was that he owned a silver Shelby Mustang Cobra GT500, with black racing stripes. That was the car I had always wanted but in blue.

We gathered in the back room to talk about how the night would go. You do what feels natural, Chad advised Chris. Rosario used to jump all over and hang on Crystal sometimes.

Hang on me?