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Chapter Four
Jason
Should I be upset with the way they took over by not only ordering dinner but handling the kids? It was like they’d been around forever and were likely the only humans Gabriel would ever listen to. The weekly calls from his teacher and his disruptive behavior had grown old and Mom and I were out of ideas. Sikes and Snipe may be just what the entire family needed.
Discipline.
His teacher preached that, but it wasn’t a strong suit for Mom or me.
The twins were a breeze compared to Gabe but could quickly go south if they continued to watch him get away with everything.
“Hey, Jase,” Reagan hugged me as we entered the bar.
“Wow, packed house I see.” Even the hotel lobby was full. Sikes and Snipe bulldozed us through the sea of bodies.
“Yes, and Joey and Stoli walking in forced us to close the gate to the bar and post one of their guards there. No complaints here, though, the bar is turning a great profit thanks to the Masterson bands.”
“Thanks to you and all your hard work,” Josh praised his man.
“Let’s call it a group effort.” Reagan glanced behind me. “New guards?”
“Something like that. They’re also my boyfriends.” Reagan’s eyes widened.
“All right then. Good luck with that. Hell, I can barely handle the one I’ve got.”
“Hey, I heard that.” Josh slung his arm around Reagan’s neck and pouted. “The love is gone. The honeymoon phase is over.”
“The love will never be gone,” Reagan leaned in and kissed him. “But two plus a full-time job? Yeah, not happening.”
Easton, Diamond, and their guards wound their way through the crowd toward us.
“Jason, Sikes, Snipe. Just the men we’ve been hoping to run into.” Easton’s words would’ve held more surprise had he not bee-lined it straight for us. “May we have a moment of your time?”
“Absolutely, lead the way.”
“Reagan said we could use an empty meeting room. It’s just down the hall.” Did Easton ever wing anything or was it always planned?
As soon as we were behind closed doors, Easton dove right in. “Gentlemen, have a seat.” Diamond pulled a chair out for him while we sat. “Why so grim? This isn’t a bad meeting but more a clarification of intent and duties.” Easton had a way with words for sure. “We understand a change in principals has been requested due to a budding new relationship?”
“Yes,” Sikes replied. “We wish to oversee Chaotic now and are willing to relocate on our own dime if approved.”
“No need for that but we do appreciate the offer. Dating or not,” Easton made eye contact with each of us. “Guarding Chaotic is just that, the entire band. While I understand your main interest lies with Jason, you must remember if Josh, Marley, or Nigel were in need you’d be required to attend events with them. Understood?”
“Yes,” the three of us said, though I wasn’t sure I was supposed to respond. Oh well, now they knew I was all in.
“Though Deuce is on vacation, we were able to speak with him and he’s agreed to make the change. Until all three guards can be relocated Fizzbo has agreed to add another to the Embrace team which we’d been discussing already. For now, Chaotic still flies under the radar fan wise but once the new CD drops that will change. Honestly, it may not be a bad idea to add a third guard to both bands.” Easton made a note in his phone. That man was on it and never missed a single thing. If he said he was doing something consider it done.
“Accommodations. I know you share an apartment in Las Vegas, will your search be for the same in Seattle?”
“We’d like to look at houses to rent if that’s okay.” Easton cocked a brow at Snipe’s request. “Is there an agent you could possibly hook us up with? We might be in the market to buy if the price and location are right.”
Wow, that was news to me. Not that we’d had much time to talk about anything.
“Agreed,” Sikes chimed in. “We’re hoping to put roots down here.”
Did they love the rain or was this because of me? What if this didn’t work out? Then they’d be stuck here. Shit, we should’ve discussed this beforehand.
“We do have an agent we work with, and we also have rental properties that may suit your needs.” Diamond’s words surprised me, though they shouldn’t have. Business was in their blood, and they likely had more ventures going on than anyone knew. It wasn’t often Diamond spoke but when he did everyone listened. For the most part he struck the same pose the guards did, right down to grunting out replies. Had he missed his calling in life? I cracked myself up. Diamond was a killer drummer. He obviously didn’t miss his calling but hey, if the need arose he’d make an awesome guard.
“Excellent point, love. Yes, I’ll get in touch with our portfolio manager, Pressley. Do I have your permission to give her your phone numbers?”
“Absolutely. Either or both,” Sikes said.
“Can I get in on that? I’d like to look for a better place for my family.”
“Absolutely, Jason.” Easton rose. “Thank you, gentlemen. Ensure our band’s safety and we’ll have no issues. Expect Pressley’s call tomorrow. Jason, do you have anything to add to the conversation? You’ve been fairly quiet. I hope we haven’t ignored your needs. I can assure you that wasn’t our intention.”
“Not at all. I’m good and go with the flow. I’m just glad this hasn’t caused a rift with Masterson.”
“Never. You see, or you will in time, that family comes first with us and working in close proximity, it’s hard to avoid internal relationships from forming. We want our bands to be happy and we’re very pleased with Chaotic’s performance thus far. You’re a great leader and frontman, and I look forward to watching your band’s growth.”
“Way to put the proverbial weight on a guy’s shoulders.” Easton smiled. “Seriously, Masterson has been a blessing, and I know I can speak for my bandmates when I say you’ll get nothing but our best from us.”
“I don’t doubt that. Now, let’s see what you and Josh threw together for tonight.”
As we walked out, Sikes and Snipe placed a hand on my back as we followed them out. I had to admit I was a bit down leaving the house tonight but this change in tides was the next step for my family and excitement replaced the downs.
I mic’d up, gotta love the wireless age and the simplicity of it. There wasn’t much to set up since it was an acoustic gig. Josh had his mic and both chairs in place and was ready to roll by the time I hopped on stage.
“For luck,” Sikes said then he and Snipe kissed me. My face heated to a dangerous level, but my grin said it all. I freaking loved their attention.
“Good evening, Seattle!” A round of applause and whistles rumbled through the room. “Thanks for coming and hanging with us tonight for this impromptu show. We’ve got a handful of songs in the lineup but thought we’d kick it off with one that belongs to a couple of our band brothers who are wandering around tonight.” I put a hand over my eyes and pretended to scan the crowd. “I hope you enjoy our rendition of ‘Blood Brothers’ from Social Sinners!”
Above all I heard Stoli shout out, “Fuck yeah!”
“Gotta love Stoli, don’t ya?” The fans laughed as we led into it their infamous song.
We took a vow
We signed a pact
To ride it out
‘til the end
Each one of us
We chose to fight
To fight as one
To fight for what we believe in
We’ll rise and fall, but we’re standing tall
We take no shit, won’t ever quit
We’ll take our last breath
Fighting
Fighting
Fighting
For what’s…right
Chorus:
Blood for blood
Life for life
Our common goal
To fight for what’s right
You’ll never beat
Blood Brothers
Don’t even try
You’ll never win
You can’t defeat
Blood Brothers
Your petty shit
Won’t let you in
You’ll never win
We won’t give in
So wipe away…that fucking grin
Or you will meet the bitter end
You think we’re weak?
Ha-ha-ha
Your outlook’s bleak
Let me introduce you to my men
One, two, three, four, five
Chorus:
Blood for blood
Life for life
Our common goal
To fight for what’s right
You’ll never beat
Blood Brothers
Don’t even try
You’ll never win
You can’t defeat
Blood Brothers
We’ll be together…‘til the very end
The very end
The very end
‘Til the very fucking end
My voice was nowhere near Joey’s timbre, but I held my own and he and Stoli were front and center cheering just as loud as everyone else when the song came to an end.
“Thank you, and thank you to our brothers for allowing us to butcher their song.”
“Butcher my ass, you rocked it!”
“The amazing one and only Stoli, everyone.”
“Thank fuck for that,” Joey teased. “The world couldn’t handle another one.” Double birds were flipped as those two rough-housed.
“Ah, true love. All right, let’s roll into some Chaotic lyrics.”
This was my life now. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks playing music with multi-millionaires whom he was lucky enough to call family. Parallel universe, anyone? Mom always said good deeds brought about great rewards, and I’d prided myself on being honest and treating others with respect.
Looked like karma wasn’t always a bitch ‘cause she’d been damn good to me.
We ended the set with Josh singing “Lone Wolf,” the song he wrote for his man, Reagan, and I sang backup vocals on it. I loved how happy those two made each other. Josh came into the rehearsal that fateful day with his head hung low, kicked a hole in our amp, then walked out as our new guitarist and accidentally renamed the band, too. It was a rough beginning for him dealing with the haters, but he didn’t give into them or his demons and it’d more than paid off.
Josh, Stoli, Joey, Diamond, and I signed whatever the fans thrust at us and posed for pictures. It was awesome and local crowds were always wild. This was the shit we lived for, and I hoped like hell our social media was flooded with smiling faces and videos they took of us playing.
Every time I glanced up, Sikes and Snipe’s eyes were on me. Never had I felt more seen than I did with them. How long had they had been interested in me? Which of them started the conversation? Had it been heated? I couldn’t see that, they appeared to be of the same cloth and very in tune with one another. I only hoped adding me didn’t screw up what they already had.
Mickey. How did I forget he was a throple? I’d definitely pick his brain about the dynamics.
“Ready to head home?” Sikes stepped up behind me. His voice was like…whoa. Literal chills ran down my spine.
His voice dropped low. “Hmm, not sure that was an answer. At least not to the question I asked.”
“Someone’s got a whole lot of cocky going on.” All right, I could play this game. Maybe that’s the ticket with these two, a game of cat and mouse.
“Room for one more?” Snipe boxed us in. Well, boxed me between them. I had a feeling I’d be the meat in their sandwich. Wait, not what I meant. The peanut butter to their jelly? Equally as much a hard no. Meh, I’d figure it out and hopefully with a non-food related metaphor.
“Guys, great show. Thanks for filling in last minute.” Reagan saved my overworking brain that was now overrun with more questions than answers. Most of which weren’t meant for prying ears.
“Anytime, happy to help out.” We bro hugged then Josh and I did the same. “Gentlemen, enjoy your evening.”
“I’d say the same to you but given those two sets of eyes haven’t left your ass, I think you’re in for one hell of a ride.” Fucking Stoli.
“Who said I rode?”
“Boo yah!” Smartass Josh cheered. “Game on!”
Sikes and Snipe groaned.
“Enjoy your evening,” I winked at Stoli. “I know I will.”
As we exited the bar, their laughter followed us into the lobby. I was pretty damn proud of myself for holding my own. I was witty on a good day, but tonight I impressed myself.
“Your place or ours?” Sikes asked as soon as the car doors shut.
I pulled my phone out and checked it. Mom had texted she was home, so I was good to go but I let her know that I wouldn’t be. I may be twenty-seven, but common courtesy wasn’t something I’d bend on, especially not with Mom and the kids. “Let’s go to your hotel. We really need to hash some shit out.”
“Did we overstep or do something wrong?” Snipe asked.
“What? No, not at all. Sorry if I made you feel that way. I’m just not sure what the ground rules are or where I fit in. You guys have been together a long time and worked out all the kinks.” It was easier to be strong and sure while in front of others and alone with your partners but internally my anxiety was off the chart. Sex, I could do. Maneuvering feelings and boundaries was a foreign concept.
No more was said during the drive as we absorbed the depth of my words. Had they already thought this far ahead? Did they have the answers I sought? I sure as hell hoped so. My nerves were all over the place and my leg bounced like mad.
“Wow, so much for Motel 666.” We pulled into the parking garage of what was clearly a five-star hotel.
“Yes, Masterson doesn’t allow that. Not that Fizzbo would risk our safety, either, but five-star hotels aren’t where other teams stay.” Sikes hopped out and opened my door before I got the chance.
“Why thank you, sir.” Jokes I got but past that I had nada . Buckle up, Jason, life is about to become a never-ending rollercoaster ride.
Silence descended once again as we rode the elevator up to their room. Neither one left my side and the only thing calming me the slightest bit was their hands at the small of my back.
I felt…owned.
Did I like that?
I must considering my heart rate slowed down.
Sikes stepped inside the room first then held the door open for me while Snipe came in last. Always the protectors.
“Nice room. That is one giant bed.” And the only one. Why in the world was I surprised?
Snipe picked up the room service menu. “You guys want anything?”
“Water would be great.” I forgot to grab a drink at the bar before we left.
“Here,” Sikes tossed me one from the mini fridge. “Snipe, you want anything?”
“Nah, I’m good.” They took a seat on the couch while I chose the chair. “All right, Jase, fire away.”
“Where to start?” I knew, I just had to find the correct words to explain how I felt. “I guess first off, what made you guys decide to add another to your relationship and what made you choose me? I mean everyone can see you’re a cohesive unit and in sync. Like, the perfect relationship.”
“If what we had was perfect you wouldn’t be here with us. Now, it is.”
Sikes had a point I hadn’t considered.
“Why me?”
“Why not you? We’ve been drawn to you since the first time we heard you sing. Your smile is magnetic and your personality lights us up. You wear your heart on your sleeve and you’re one of the truest men we know. You come from humble beginnings, yet you ask for nothing and always give a hundred and ten percent of yourself.”
“Wow, Snipe. That’s the most I’ve ever heard you say.” He shrugged. “But seriously, that’s probably the nicest assessment anyone has ever made of me. But I can’t deny the fear I have of stepping into a long-term relationship and risking tearing it apart or being nothing more than a third wheel.”
It amazed me how the two of them communicated without words, but it was Sikes who spoke first.
“We’ve never considered adding another nor have we brought anyone else into our bedroom. But for a while now things have been a bit…”
“Mundane,” Snipe answered. “Neither of us knew what to do and just kind of went with the flow. We love each other. Always have and always will, but from the moment we met you everything changed, and we both feel with you we’ll be complete.”
For two men that rarely spoke, the complexity and depth of their words hit me right in the solar plexus. They had discussed it, and both felt the same way and weren’t just throwing a dart at a board and seeing where it stuck. They wanted me.
“I won’t deny the draw I have to both of you, but I can’t have you guys clamming up or sweeping issues under the rug as they arise. For this to work the three of us must commit to constant communication. What one feels will affect all three of us and if we don’t speak up we will never know there’s a disconnect until it’s too late.”
“For being the youngest one here, you’re definitely the smartest.” Sikes smiled. “But you have my word, my promise that I will not keep anything, no matter how minor, from either of you.”
Snipe gripped Sikes’ hand and an in random show of love, kissed his knuckles. “You have my word as well.”
“Now that you brought age up, exactly how old are you guys?”
Their deep laughter filled the room and had us all smiling again. Snipe was the first to regain control. “We’re both forty-two.”
“Right on. Well, now I guess we date. Any clue how to do that?”
“Nope, guess we’ll have to wing it,” Sikes winked.