In a Chord

By Beth D. Carter

Keaton Gates and Ashland Lance are lovers and musicians in a band called Endymion. Keaton believes there is something missing, not only from the sound of their music, but also in their lives. When he hears Momo Willows singing Endymion’s signature song, he knows she’s the muse he’s been waiting for.

At first, Ash Lance is jealous of the new girl in Keaton’s life until he meets her. Momo is unlike anyone he’s ever met and they soon discover that they connect on many levels. But he’s reluctant to take her away from Keaton just as Momo refuses to come between them.

Keaton is quick to assure them he wants all three of them to learn to be in a ménage relationship, but as they learn how to live and love together, another threat is moving between them, threatening to take Momo away....forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Apr 10, 2018
• ISBN: 9781773396378

Beth D. Carter

I like writing about the very ordinary girl thrust into extrordinary circumstances, so my heroines will probably never be lawyers, doctors or corporate highrollers. I try to write characters who aren't cookie cutters and push myself to write complicated situations that I have no idea how to resolve, forcing me to think outside the box. I love to hear from readers so I’ve made it really easy to find me on Facebook or Twitter. To subscribe to my newsletter, please visit my website: www.writtenbutterfly.com

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Published by EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2018 Beth D. Carter

ISBN: 978-1-77339-637-8

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Stephanie Balistreri

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

Big thanks to Stacey at Evernight for giving the okay on this book. I am very honored to be a part of the Evernight family. Thanks to Stephanie, my editor, for making this fun. And again, a big hug to my dear friend, CR Moss, for always being there.

IN A CHORD

Beth D. Carter

Copyright © 2018

Prologue

Keaton gave a moan as Ash slid into him.

The music from the band currently on stage vibrated through the walls, washing over him with an electric beat that matched the possessive thrust of Ash’s hips. In and out the large cock pounded him, giving him what he needed, what he craved, and he pushed back as much as he could to meet the demand. His hands flattened against the wall, giving him leverage, and Ash’s answering groan gave voice to the exquisite pleasure each found in the other.

The small closet that Ash had pulled him into a few minutes ago enclosed them in darkness, amplifying the precious few seconds they had left before they were called onto the stage. They’d had one brief moment to kiss before Ash had spun him around, unzipped his pants and tugged on his cock. Before the pleasure had even registered, the cool drip of lubrication hit his crack and the next second the blunt head of Ash’s dick probed for entrance.

Yet the franticness of their fucking did not, in any way, diminish the ecstasy Keaton felt. In fact, it was always like this between them. Ash had only to look at him, say one word, and Keaton’s blood heated to near boiling. It had been this way ever since they had been kids stealing nudie magazines and ogling over the girls. Breasts had turned them both on, and when they discovered masturbation one thing led to another until Ash suggested they try it on each other. Their sex had nothing to do with being gay and Keaton liked to think they had no labels because even though they loved each other they still fucked women when they wanted to.

Although, lately he didn’t find the thrill of bed-hopping as entertaining as it once was. He and Ash had been playing music since the seventh grade when they’d decided rock and roll was their destiny, and even then girls hung around them although their music sounded like shit. He and Ash had never lacked for female companionship, but lately Keaton felt as if something was missing, something vital. In the music, in himself…hell, even in Ash. Just what it was he didn’t know. He only hoped he found it soon,

Faster, Ash, Keaton ground out, sweat starting to bead on his forehead. The closet may be small and intimate but there was no ventilation. The band on stage is almost done. Fuck me faster.

Keaton…God! Ash’s rhythm faltered, stuttered.

Keaton felt him swell and then the hot splash of Ash’s cum as he lost control. He reached down to tug his cock but Ash beat him, fisting him and milking him in time with his own squirts of passion. It was too much, too raw and powerful. Just as the music rose to a roaring climax, so did Keaton. He cried out as he succumbed to Ash’s warm hand and the hot breath on the back of his neck.

The two slumped over, Keaton with his forehead against the wall and Ash against his back. Their breathing was harsh, labored, as their hearts raced.

I want you to go on stage and perform with some of me inside of you, Ash murmured into his ear. As it runs down your legs only you and I will know it’s there.

Then he pushed off Keaton and the sound of a zipper could be heard in the darkness. Ash placed a small, quick kiss on Keaton’s cheek and opened the door, peeking outside to make sure the coast was clear.

He left Keaton alone to gather himself and follow after a minute, keeping up appearances that they hadn’t been together. Because no one, absolutely no one, realized that they had been conducting an affair in the back of every bar and venue for years.

Chapter One

The crush of people as they tried to rush the stage, the beat of the drums as they tried to overpower the bass guitar, the smoky hue that lingered heavily in the air, all of it made Keaton's heart thump with excitement. He sang into the mike, grabbing the stand as he purred his way through the melody. The set he and his band, Endymion, was performing was the last for this night, and for the hour or so that he had command of the stage, he was a god. Heaven couldn't be any better than right here, right now.

The song came to a crescendo and Keaton growled the last note. Amid the noise of applause, the screaming for more, Keaton gave one last wave before heading off stage. Byron George, Endymion's manager, clapped enthusiastically from his position backstage. Byron was not the typical person normally seen at a heavy-rock-with-punk undertones concert. He tried hard to blend, with kohl-ringed eyes and leather clothing, but with his brother a cop and his mother a judge, no matter how hard Byron tried fitting in there was this air about him that screamed arm of the law.

Awesome! Byron enthused. The four members of the band gave Byron a high five as they passed, leaving the tiny backstage area for the changing room provided for them.

Another great night! Mike Zahn, the keyboardist, enthused as he flopped down onto a chair. He sprawled out his long legs, forcing the others to step over them. Mike certainly was different than all the rest, even Byron. He stood out like a sore thumb in his standard dress of button-up shirt, vest and khaki pants. He wore thick glasses that caught the lights, reflecting back the odd colors like a smooth mirror.

The drummer, Taylor Thomas, twirled his sticks around his fingers. Sure could use a brewsky to wet my whistle. Anyone wanna come along?

I’ll come with you, Mike said. Wouldn’t mind finding the fine looking legs I was looking at earlier.

They’ll take one look at you and start running the other way, Keaton said.

Now, now, don’t mess with my boy here, Taylor warned teasingly. I can assure you he’s a lady killer.

Mike pushed his glasses more up his nose. Kill ‘em with kindness, my momma always said.

Kindness ain’t what they’re looking for, Ash murmured, and he held his hands out like he was holding a body before thrusting his hips back and forth.

The men laughed and Mike good-naturedly took the ribbing.

I got another fan letter for you, Keaton, Byron said, holding out an envelope. She told me to personally hand deliver or she’d squeeze my balls off. Since I rather like having my balls, here you go.

Keaton took the envelope, opening and reading it quickly before tossing it toward the trashcan.

Your girlfriend? Ash smirked.

Keaton rolled his eyes. George handed him back his phone and he held it up to his ear and listened for a bit.

What’re you listening to? Taylor asked.

I asked Byron to record us tonight, Keaton explained. I want to listen to our performance, see where we can improve.

Man, you're gonna worry yourself sick! Taylor said, his voice sharp. We’re the best band on the Strip.

And how long can we last with the same beat as the next up and coming group? Keaton retorted. I’ve been saying for months, there’s something missing in our sound.

You’ve got a fabulous voice, Ash protested in a subdued voice, flipping a guitar pick in between and over his knuckles. It was an old habit he did with what he considered his lucky pick, the first one he had ever bought when he decided to learn how to play many years ago.

That heartfelt compliment soothed Keaton. He threw a small, thankful smile at him. I just wanna listen to our playback.

Dude, let it rest, Taylor moaned, as if in pain. We’ll get signed, we’ll get rich. We’ll have girls. Sex, drugs and rock-n-roll!

There was an excited cry from Mike as he high-fived Taylor.

Really? That’s all you care about? Having money and a piece of ass?

Taylor shrugged. Or two or three. I’m not choosy.

Keaton’s mouth twisted, though he wondered why he should be surprised at Taylor’s words. He pulled some earbuds out of his pocket and plugged them into his phone.

I’ll catch up with you guys later, he muttered.

Ash rose and met him at the door. You want me to go along? he asked