by Desiree Holt, Lisabet Sarai, Lily Harlem, Elizabeth Coldwell, Wendi Zwaduk, Imari Jade
“Why didn’t you?” Jacoby replied.
“I don’t know. Maybe because the day I came to you guys, that’s the day you walked out.” Parkur dropped his hands. “I need your music to complement my lyrics and your voice, Ju, to convey my feelings. Giving either of you up wasn’t an option. We were always meant to be three.”
Juniper curled tighter against Jacoby. “Is that why you inked our names on your back?”
“It was part of the surprise. We share the three collars—three interwoven chains—but I wanted a permanent reminder. The pain, the pleasure, the laughs and tears…all equal our three.” He snorted. “Hank saw it and went fucking ballistic.”
“Then why sleep with Rhiannon?” Juniper whispered.
“I didn’t!” Parkur slapped his thighs and turned around. “God! I got drunk to forget our fight at that club in Detroit. Numb the pain and all that shit. I drank so damned much I puked all over myself. She was there when I woke up. The scene apparently worked to her advantage. You left and she got the helm.”
Jacoby released Juniper and propelled himself into the kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator to buy time to think. Things began to make sense—more than it ever had. He grabbed two more bottles and headed back into the living room. “Where’s your heart now?”
“With the both of you.”
The words came out sure, not a wobble or catch. Jacoby toyed with his wedding band as he faced his lovers. “You didn’t happen to grab the lyrics you wanted to show us?”
“In my coat.” Parkur’s brows knotted and crimson infused his cheeks. “Why? We argue and now suddenly you want to work? I never did understand you.”
“There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to surrender.” Jacoby grabbed his guitar. Time to just let go of the past and do what came naturally.
The fury drained from Parkur’s face. He cocked his head the slightest bit. “You should record that.”
Jacoby’s heart sped and the blood rushed through his veins. “Then put it to music.” His fingers flicked the bass strings. “Ju will follow. Sing it.”
Little by little, they worked through the notebook full of words, turning them into full-bodied, haunting tunes. The colour returned to Juniper’s face and happiness glittered in her eyes. Her voice got stronger with each line.
The smile broadened on Parkur’s lips. His drum riffs became more intense the longer they worked. “God, I forgot how much this fucking rocks.”
Jacoby packed his enthusiasm behind a wall of uncertainty. Things were working out way too well. Time for the other shoe to drop.
* * * *
“We have fifteen good songs for an album, but my guess is it’ll run long.” Parkur tapped the notebook with both pencils, punctuating his words. “But with what we’ve got, long is a good thing.”
“What about an EP? Or a bonus album? Bands do that all the time.” Juniper sat on her hands and leant forwards on the piano bench. Her heart thundered. Making music soothed her soul and completed her. Better than a stiff drink and more important than the air she breathed. Now how to get the music out to the ones who mattered most—the fans. “We could do an extended version that has bonus features, like three acoustic songs—old favourites or something. How about as a present to the fans for sticking with us?”
“Good thinking.” Jacoby resumed tuning his bass. “We could release something on the site as a member-only track.”
“Good thing I have you two around. I hated making these decisions on my own. Rhiannon was no help at all.”
Juniper shifted in her seat. Again with Rhiannon. The woman was the bane of her existence. She shot Jacoby a look, hoping he’d smile or nod…something to bolster her confidence. As per usual, he hid behind a stony expression. Damn it.
“Why’d you hook up with Rhiannon?” There. She’d asked the question. Did she truly want the answer? Not really. Where was the rewind button when she needed it?
“Blunt.” Parkur leaned towards her and placed a kiss on her lips. “I love you blunt.”
“Always,” Jacoby added. “How about you answer? She’s waiting.”
Why didn’t Jacoby’s addition settle the unease in the pit of Juniper’s stomach? Because she’d been replaced by him, originally. Parkur had started Razrs Edge to make the music in his soul. She’d come along for the ride. When Jacoby had at first auditioned for lead guitar and then taken his place on the bass guitar… Yes, things found a balance, but only after a tense period. She’d hated being the one left out when they made love. Sure, she got used to watching and playing the voyeur. She loved her role once she found her groove. But what if they did it again? What if they wanted her to warm the bench while they ran the bases?
“Juniper?”
She grabbed a can of soda and downed a large draw. “I’m paying attention.”
“You’re over-thinking.” Jacoby tugged her tight against his side.
“You’ve always been the smart one. Not me.” Parkur grimaced and continued. “It boils down to this. Rhiannon is Hank’s protégé. He’s grooming her for stardom because he didn’t feel he got enough of a cut of RE’s revenue. I thought she’d sing some backup and move on. I had no idea he’d put her in front of the band. Next thing I know, the contracts were rewritten to give her top billing.”
“Razrs Edge never had a dedicated front man.” Juniper sat up a little straighter. “Always equal.”
“Honey, there’s only so much room in RE.” Parkur rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. “She was never a true part of the equation.”
Juniper chewed the inside of her cheek. If the contracts had been changed without their knowledge…
Who could they call for proper legal representation? A thought came to mind. “Jac? Why don’t we call your cousin down in Crestline?”
“Nate? He’s in estate planning.”
Parkur’s eyes lit and he nodded. “It’s still legal shit.”
“Maybe he could help us out.” Juniper met Jacoby’s confused stare. “We need someone in our corner who really gets all that fine print.”
Parkur clasped both Juniper’s and Jacoby’s hands in his. “Worth a shot.”
Jacoby scratched the patch of hairs on his chin with his free hand. “I haven’t talked to Nate in…God, five, maybe six months.”
“He’d help.” Parkur scooted to the edge of his seat. “He’s your family and as I recall, he never liked Hank.”
Juniper squeezed Jacoby’s thigh. “Whatever it takes, Jac. I want—I want things the way they were.” Her heart clenched. If she had her way, she’d rewind time to the day before things fell apart and start there fresh.
“I’ll call him.” His whole body moved as Jacoby nodded and grabbed his phone from the side table. “Right now.”
Parkur slapped his thighs. “Ya know, after a recording session, the next best thing is making love. I think once Jacoby gets done yakking with Nate, it’s time for a little bow-chicka-wow-wow.”
Chapter Six
Parkur sank down a bit in his chair and held his breath. Had he taken things too far? He loved saying exactly what he thought.
Until it came back and bit him in the ass.
Jacoby leaned into Juniper and whispered something into her ear. Her gaze flicked to Parkur as she nodded. A faint smile curled the corner of her mouth. The more Jacoby whispered, the more the grin widened. Tearing her attention from Parkur, Juniper squeezed Jacoby’s arm as she slipped off his lap. Giggling, she strode from the room.
“What was that all about?” Parkur rubbed his clammy hands on his pant legs. “Want to clue me in?”
Jacoby placed his hands on his hips. “Shower.”
“With me? I’d be honoured.” Parkur batted his lashes. Never let it be said he didn’t at least try to work his assets. “What about Miss Juniper?”
“She got hold of Nate and he’s going to be here later today. Don’t worry about her. Right now is about you and me.” Jacoby twiddled his thick finger. “Strip.”
“Like that?”
Unzipping his jeans, Parkur bit out a reply. “Yeah.” He worked the constricting denim over his erection and let the fabric drop to pool at his feet. His dick bobbed between his legs. Blood rushed from his head to his groin.
“Nice.” Jacoby slid his hands down along Parkur’s stomach to the thatch of curls at the base of his penis. He gave Parkur a squeeze and his balls tightened.
If he pleaded, maybe Jacoby would give him relief. Maybe.
“It’s ready,” Juniper called from somewhere behind Parkur. He swallowed hard. Would she be involved? He wanted her, sandwiched between him and Jacoby.
“Shower.” Again, Jacoby wriggled his finger.
Bowing his head, Parkur made his way to the bathroom. Steam billowed in the surprisingly cavernous room. Whatever they paid in rent was worth it, if for nothing more than the bathroom. Wall to wall granite tile, the blue grey shades of a winter Cleveland sky. Glass blocks separated the shower stall from the rest of the room. A claw foot tub, perfect for at least two people, lined the far wall.
“Here’s where she sees the water.”
Parkur jerked as Jacoby eased up behind him. Jacoby’s thick cock nestled between Parkur’s ass cheeks. “It’s gorgeous.”
“She fell in love with the bathroom.” Jacoby slapped Parkur’s ass and the crack bounced off the tiles. “Forward.”
With a soft moan, Parkur stepped into the shower stall. Jets of water fell like rain from the ceiling. He tipped his head back to sluice the water over his body. Another moan escaped his throat. “Heaven.”
“I haven’t done anything—yet.” Jacoby reached around and pinched Parkur’s nipples. His breath tickled Parkur’s earlobe. “I want to talk, then fuck.”
Speechless, Parkur stared over his shoulder at Jacoby. The moment had come. The moment Jacoby planned to let him have it. He inched towards the chilly tiles and clasped his hands behind his back to keep from reaching for Jacoby.
“She’s scared.” Jacoby grabbed a washcloth and added some creamy pink soap before working it into a lather. He pressed the cloth against Parkur’s chest and smoothed the suds along his skin. Just like things had been before the split.
“But what? I know there’s a ‘but’ in there.” Parkur’s throat clogged with more than tears. He didn’t want the relationship to end. God. After the crap they’d been through… He couldn’t blame Jacoby or Juniper for wanting closure. First he needed to shut down the negative thoughts. Think positive. And hope like hell.
Slapping Parkur’s ass once again, Jacoby grinned. “There’s the butt. Nice and firm.” When Parkur didn’t grin in return, Jacoby commenced washing him. His expression faded to blankness. “She hasn’t come right out and said anything, but she’s scared you’re gonna bail.”
Moving at Jacoby’s command, Parkur turned his back on his lover. “I’m lost.”
“Parkur.” Jacoby’s voice sounded tired, even above the splash of the water. “Look at me.”
Parkur faced Jacoby. Something stung his eyes. Soap? Tears? Fuck. He hated to cry. Hated himself for the past.
Bracing one hand on the tile behind Parkur’s head, Jacoby leant forwards. He sighed and shook his head. “There are some serious trust issues here. Neither one of us is sure when the other shoe’s gonna go, taking you with it.” With his free hand, Jacoby rubbed his thumb over Parkur’s chin. “I’m hoping that the third time’s the charm. Yeah, she married me. We lean on each other more than most people think. But it’s not the same. The only time she makes music is when she does guest spots. I haven’t picked up the bass in I don’t know how long. We can’t go on in this limbo. Either stay or go. Don’t drag it out.”
Thoughts swarmed through Parkur’s brain. At least they’d suffered. Not that the knowledge helped much. They’d all hurt bad. All because things had got out of hand. No wonder Juniper felt abandoned. He’d done it not once, but fucking twice. What an asshole. Rubbing his hands over his eyes to wipe away the water, Parkur forced himself to look Jacoby in the eye.
Jacoby stood upright and resumed soaping Parkur’s body. He took his time, massaging every ripple and swell on Parkur’s body. Heat surged through Parkur’s veins. He swayed on his feet as Jacoby caressed his cock. His balls constricted. Too much more action on his junk and he’d come like a teenager.
“Rinse.”
Parkur snapped his eyes open and stepped under the spray. His breath caught fast in his chest. Jacoby stroked Parkur’s cock, bringing him close to orgasm once more. He peered up at Jacoby. Sexual torture? Kinky, but he rather liked it. Jacoby bridged the gap between them and gave Parkur’s dick a squeeze. Tingles shot from Parkur’s toes up to his brain then to his cock. He shuddered as Jacoby brought his mouth down hard onto Parkur’s mouth. His tongue pierced between Parkur’s lips and twined with his.
Almost as fast as the duel began, Jacoby retreated. He stood nose to nose with Parkur. “This has been a fun little trip down memory lane, but if that’s it—a jaunt through the past and nothing more—then just fucking go. Her heart can’t stand shattering again. I’ll pick up the pieces with her, but I won’t guarantee she’ll ever stand to see you again. And I won’t. Ever.”
Nodding, Parkur backed Jacoby against the wall. Time to take charge and show them exactly who he wanted. “I want our three. I want the magic on stage, in bed, in love. This is the charm.” Parkur pointed to his collar. “This is our link. The constant.” He sucked Jacoby’s bottom lip between his teeth. “I want your pain, your torture, but I want your pleasure. You and her. Forever.”
“Good.” Jacoby turned the water off. He gave Parkur’s cock another stroke. “Do you want to play?”
“Yes, Sir.” Parkur stood still as Jacoby rubbed the downy soft towel over his body. Every nerve ending came to life. He couldn’t gulp enough air into his lungs.
Jacoby offered his hand. Entwining their fingers, Parkur followed Jacoby into the bedroom. The sight before him wrenched the breath from his body.
Juniper lay on her side, one leg bent, with what had to be an eight-inch—if he had to guess—strap-on jutting from her body. She wrapped her fingers around the flesh-coloured sex toy. “Ever been fucked by a girl?”
“There was this one…” His mouth watered and his cock hardened to the point of pain. He dug his fingernails into his hips to keep from coming at the sight of her.
“On your back.” Jacoby swatted Parkur, nudging him forwards.
With his gaze locked on Juniper, Parkur crawled onto the bed. “You look gorgeous.” He ran the pads of his fingers down her cheek then neck to the swell of her breast. “Always.” He’d come this far—no way he’d just assume the position without sampling her. The blue of her eyes disappeared in the black pools of her pupils. Dipping down, he sampled her lips and groaned. She tasted of cherry lip gloss and minty toothpaste. When the hell had she brushed her teeth? And why did he care?
Juniper broke the kiss. “Lay down,” she murmured.
Nodding, Parkur eased down the bed and spread out on his back. A rush of cool air licked his body. His nipples beaded. What did they have planned?
Jacoby stood over him, blocking the light. “I like a clean toy when I play.” He yanked Parkur to the edge of the bed. “Spread ‘em.”
Parkur bent his knees and grasped his ankles. A shiver darted up his spine as Jacoby knelt between his legs. His tongue swirled around the tight bud of nerves. Parkur gasped. He loved a good rim job. The feel of Jacoby’s mouth on him turned his brain to mush. His eyelids fluttered shut.
Another sensation added to the mix. “Holy fuck.” Parkur wriggled as Juniper took his cock in her mouth. She smiled at him around his d
ick. He wasn’t going to last. With each pull, each draw, she sucked him towards orgasm. His muscles went taut as Jacoby eased his middle finger into Parkur’s ass.
“Nice and tight,” Jacoby rumbled.
“I’m—I’m…” The rest of his words faded as his balls constricted. He thrust into Juniper’s mouth, emptying his seed down her throat. Fuck. The room span a little as he slipped back onto the bed. Closing his eyes, he sucked air. His limbs felt like Jell-O. Just a few moments and he’d be ready to go…just needed to snooze a moment.
“Flip over.”
The words registered somewhere in his consciousness, but Parkur didn’t react. He couldn’t. Was it possible to die from an orgasm?
“No sleepy time. Sorry, pal.” Juniper bit down on his nipple. She sat straddling his hips, and the dildo flopped onto his stomach. “Wakey, wakey.”
“I’m alive.” Parkur opened his eyes. “Give me a moment. I swear I’m on the edge of dying. Everything’s numb.”
Juniper shrugged. “Part of our evil plan. You’ll get used to it.” She groaned and inched forwards. Her breasts jiggled and bounced in his face. “Oh!”
Words of encouragement. He liked that, but he loved the feel of the dildo rubbing and sliding against his erection. Parkur moaned and wrapped his fingers around both cocks. For a man who’d sworn only moments earlier he’d died of pleasure, his desire renewed. Jacoby fucking Juniper while he lay beneath them sparked his libido. Parkur darted his tongue out to tease the tender buds in time with Jacoby’s thrusts.
“Oh my God.” Juniper wriggled. Her hair tickled Parkur’s chest in time with Jacoby’s pushes. Her arms quaked and her eyelids drooped.
As quickly as they’d started, Jacoby stilled. Juniper’s eyes widened as she met Parkur’s gaze. Jacoby backed away from their tangled bodies and he folded his arms.
“Flip over.”