MJ’s POV

“MJ? MJ? Come on, sweetheart…”

“What the hell did you do to her?”

“Dice told me to kidnap her so I did! I put her in the trunk and when I opened it and she was like this!” Was that my brother’s voice?

“You put her in the trunk?!” a deep melodic voice hissed. “Are you fucking insane?!”

“Gates, relax. She’s fine. Come on, MJ. Open your eyes.”

My eyes fluttered as I heard someone call my name but I couldn’t leave the darkness that surrounded me. It was peaceful here. There were no anxiety triggers, no one grabbing you from outside of Johnny’s and throwing you in a trunk. It was just nice. Nope, I spoke too soon. Oh, god, what’s that smell? Don’t tell me, I already know the answer—It’s that dirty bitch Tequila! The smell was getting closer and closer and I had to get away from it before it engulfed me. I shot straight up, my eyelids flying open just as my head collided with someone else.

“Oww,” I muttered, holding the throbbing spot on my head as my eyes focused on my surrounding. Where was I? Oh, I know this couch and these tan walls—I’m home. Well, that’s just great but why are all these people staring at me? I blinked again, seeing Dice shaking he head at me and all the Avenged guys wearing looks of concern. What are they doing here? And Corey? How did you get here, let alone know where I live?

“Welcome back, love,” Dice said, wrapping her arm around my shoulders as she gestured at the room full of people. Was I missing something? The last thing I remembered was Rachel telling me that she was taking over my shift and then being thrown in the trunk of a car. How on earth did I end up back at home?I had thought I was dead for sure, but it turns out that my kidnapper was Corey? But why did he put me in the trunk?

“Are-are we having a party?” I gaped around the room as I tried to process everything. Why were there decorations up that said ‘Happy Birthday’? I raised my brow at Dice and she gave me a pointed look. “What are we celebrating?”

“Really, MJ? Really?” There was the groan and familiar eye roll. Yeah, like that’s going to help me remember or think of the answer to my question. Jesus. Come up with a more useful way to belittle me. “It’s your birthday,” she said slowly, chastising me with each syllable.A deep blush took over my face as I considered Lucy’s words.

Wait a minute, it’s my birthday? I must have completely spaced with the drama of the past few days. But really, how does someone forget their own birthday? I’m such an idiot! Well, I guess I proved that point since I had no idea until this very moment that it was my birthday. And how stupid of me to think that Corey just showed up at work today because he missed me? Pff, like the golden child of the Johnson family would ever do that. I really am a dumb blonde. I must have lost track of the time, not to mention that my mind had been a little bit preoccupied. It was true, ever since I woke up this morning my mind has been clouded with thoughts of Brian, especially after I saw him half naked. I couldn’t get those monster tattoos or that sexy smirk out of my head. I chewed my bottom lip at the thought as my eyes locked with his. How did he always find my gaze?

“Honestly, how do you forget your own birthday?” Dice laughed and then shoved the bottle of tequila in my hands. “ Must be losing your damned mind in your old age, not that it was all there to begin with. Here, this will help,” she popped the top and forced me to take a swig out of the bottle. Damn, there was no getting over that this stuff tasted like ass. “And…you need to drink a third of it before you can get off the couch, so you better get drinking, Blondie. Happy Birthday,” she pecked my cheek before moving over to whisper something to Jimmy and Matt.
“But why tequila?” I called after her.

“Just drink it, and you’ll thank me later!”

I pouted as I pulled the nearly full bottle to my lips again and gagged down another large sip. This stuff had better start going down easier or else I was going to pee on the couch and make Dice clean it up. Okay, maybe I wasn’t mean enough to do that, but I would come up with something. She knows how Tequila and I get along! However, I didn’t have time to contemplate ways to escape my new task because Corey took this opportunity to sit next to me. Oh, I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say this time. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my brother to death, but there has always been a divide between us. You see, he was the star child that I was always forced to live up to and he took pride in that, pissing me off with each and every cocky syllable he uttered. Not to mention that Corey was an insufferable know-it-all.

“Look, Mia, I’m sorry.” My brother’s blue eyes stared back at me as he took my small hands into his and gently laid a kiss on each one. “I never meant to freak you out and send you off into one of your…attacks.” I sighed and looked down at the bottle between my legs, wanting to dive inside instead of having this conversation. “Is everything going okay?”

“Everything was great until you threw me in the damn trunk, Corey.” I snapped back and pull my hands away from him. I took another long swig from the bottle, catching Brian and Zacky watching me out of the corner of my eye. Was there something wrong with my outfit? Did they not like a girl in black skinny jeans, combat boots, and a purple low cut v-neck top? Seems like I cant do anything right here today, including remembering that it was my own damn birthday. I took another swig just as Corey leaned in closer to me.

He patted my hand for a moment, looking around to make sure no one was in ear shot for what he was about to say. Oh, I couldn’t wait for this one. “You know what I mean…” he hissed. “How are you handling your…disorder? You know, the one that makes you flip out and lose all control.”I gaped at him for a minute, stunned by his words. Was he referring to my anxiety disorder that was left untreated for so many years because my parents refused to listen to me? “Mom and dad are worried about you.” Speak of the devils.

I scoffed and shook my head, squeezing the neck of the bottle after taking another sip. The burn felt better than having to endure this crap. “Look, Corey, you cant just come into my life once a year and pretend to be concerned with my well-being. I’m fine. I have been fine for years and I know the only reason you came down tonight was to get a look at Dice. Well, she’s in the kitchen and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” Wow, did I really just say that to my brother? This tequila must have helped me to grow some nerve because I had never been able to say that before. I had thought it so many times but always kept it locked inside. “If you want to have a say in my life, show up or call more than once a year!”

“You cant be serious right now,” Corey hissed, grabbing my face and forcing me to look at him. “You need help, Mia. That attack you had in the car just didn’t come out of nowhere! Don’t act like I don’t understand you because I fucking grew up with you. I can help you!” So what if he was a practicing doctor? I had medication for my anxiety and I didn’t need him lingering around. I knew he was just here to try and hook up Dice anyway. It was the same thing every year.

I ripped my face away from my brother and pulled the bottle to my lips as I stood. “Just leave me alone, Core. Please.” I went to turn around but he grabbed my wrist, his blue eyes burning a hole in my own. Corey had never been one that like to be told off or told what to do, so hearing it from his normally quiet little sister must have pissed him off.

“Is there are problem, MJ?” Oh, thank god. I was done with this conversation, and look, I was a third in the bottle! Nice! I hadn’t even realized how much I had drank in the last five minute. Dice will be so proud.

“No,” I said, moving over next to Brian. “Corey was just leaving…or going to talk to Dice. One of the two,” I shook my head at him and turned toward the kitchen, leaving both Brian and Corey gaping at me.

I moved over to the counter and grabbed a handful of chips, not really feeling in the mood to celebrate after that discussion with Corey. Sure when I was little, my anxiety attacks sent me into cardiac arrest on more than one occasion but I hadn’t had one like that since I moved out of my parents house. I had come close once or twice in Miami, but it wasn’t something that I couldn’t handle. I was pretty sure my family was the main trigger of my anxiety which was why I avoided them like the plague. I didn’t need them anyway, I could take care of myself.

“Who was that?” Brian asked from behind me. I scoffed and looked at him over my shoulder, his eyes glued to the lower half of my body. However, once I turned around to face him, his chocolate orbs met mine with a look of concern.

A small smile ghosted my lips as I pursed them. “Are you trying to play twenty questions again?” I asked, his brow shooting up surprise. Okay, so maybe he wasn’t as patient with me today. “Look, he’s just my know-it-all brother. I’m-I’m not some slut that is trying to play games…” Brian’s body language changed slightly as he took a small step towards me and put his calloused fingers on my exposed shoulders. “I-I just…”

“You don’t have to explain,” was that a frown on his face? Did he actually feel bad for me? Great, because just what I needed was another person to pity my pathetic existence. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” My jaw dropped slightly as I looked at him, a small blush falling over my face. He was worried about me? Does that mean he cared?

“Y-yeah, I’m fine,” I said, picking up the bottle again. “You’re just talking to the girl who forgot her own birthday,” I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. It sounded so stupid, but Brian wasn’t laughing. I offered him the bottle but he just grimaced and grabbed for the bottle of Jack behind me.

He took a sip and shrugged, his eyes meeting mine again. “Seems like you’ve got a lot on your plate. Though, if you would have told me it was your birthday—“ I raised a brow at him with a small smirk.

“What you would have got the girl you’ve know for three days a present?” Who was this girl talking right now? It must have been the tequila talking because Mia Johnson didn’t have enough balls to say things like this. Maybe I did own Dice a thank you.

There was that sexy smirk I’ve been thinking about. “Yeah, I guess,” he chuckled, shaking his head. “Hey, come with me to get a smoke, and then I want to show you something,” he said, putting his arm around my shoulder and leading me into the backyard.

The night sky was beautiful tonight and I couldn’t help but glance up and admire it. I smiled as I looked at the garden lights and the small groups of people all over the yard. This was nice and I would have to thank Dice and I’m sure the Avenged guys for this later, because god knows Dice was too lazy to do this all on her own. Speak of which, where was the little redhead? My eyes scanned the lawn to find her lounging by the pool with a burger in her hand and Corey sitting next to her. Now, consider me surprised. Not.

Over by the fence, I spotted Matt glaring daggers at my brothers back with Jimmy and Johnny, both of whom looked like they had had one too many drinks. I just hoped that the night wouldn’t end in a fight between the two meat heads, that would be the last thing my anxiety needed today. Though I had to admit, this tequila was making my body really warm and numb right now. I was in a really good place.

“Hey, can I have a smoke?” I asked Brain as he exhaled his first drag. He smiled lightly at me and put another cigarette between his lips before lighting it up and handing it to me.

“Happy Birthday.” His laugh sent small shivers down my spine as his free hand snaked around my waist and pulled me into his side. “You know, I’ve never really been one for birthday parties, but this one has got me thinking.” Thinking? What the hell has it got him thinking about? It was just a party that Dice has been wanting to throw for weeks and she used my birthday as an excuse to throw it.

I scoffed and blew out a slow cloud of smoke, the nicotine flavor lingering on my red lips. “Oh? What’s that?”

“That any party is a good party.” Was his thumb tracing circles on my hip? It took every ounce of my being to focus on something else because that motion alone was turning me on. I didn’t know what it was about his man, but he made me want to break every rule that I had ever put in place. “So how many spankings do I owe you tonight?”

I blushed wildly as I chewed my bottom lip. “Wh-what?” I slurred out, my vision getting blurry as I took another swig of tequila and chased it with a drag.

“For your birthday? How many birthday spankings do you need?” Now he was laughing and throwing his head back. Well, I didn’t think that I was that funny, but who was I to chance his opinion of me. “Jimmy wanted to know…”

I cocked my brow at him and blew out another death cloud. I didn’t buy that line for a second. “If that is your way of asking how old I’m turning, it’s twenty-four.”Though, if Gates wanted to spank me right now, I don’t think I would stop him.

Brian whistled low before shaking his head. “You’re a baby,” he said, his brown orbs meeting mine as I spun around and put my arms around his neck, the tequila bottle and my cigarette both in one hand. “So much to teach you…” His lips were inches mine and I could smell that familiar sent of spearmint toothpaste, alcohol, and smoke. Being this close to him made me weak in the knees, but I had to keep my wits about me. Come on, MJ, don’t do something stupid and break your rules. You cant love this man.

“What are you talking about?” I laughed, pursing my lips and raising my brow. “What could you teach me?” Oh, I’m sure he could teach me a lot, and most of it would be in the bedroom. Okay, maybe I needed to slow down on the alcohol, but the feeling that enveloped my body right now was the most at peace I had felt in months. Now I really was going to have to thank Dice. “Not, that I don’t want to learn new things,” I added, chewing my bottom lip nervously. What was going on with me? I didn’t know what I wanted.

“Oh, MJ,” Brian sighed and shook his head, pulling away and taking one more drag before throwing the ash in the yard. “You are something else.”

“Well, so are you,” well that sounded corny as hell. Maybe another sip of this sly bitch will do me good. You know what, the more of the bottle that comes up clean, the better it tastes.And now he’s laughing at me, well, at least I amuse someone.

Brian nodded his head toward the door and grabbed my hand, leading me back inside and up the stairs. He set me down on my bed and shut the door and I crossed my legs, watching him with interest. “What are you doing?” I slurred at him with a smile playing on my lips. “I don’t think it’s time for one of those lessons yet,” I giggled, leaning back on my bed as he pulled a beautiful black pinstriped guitar from my closet. “Oh, you really shouldn’t have, Brian,” I sat back up and frantically waved my hands at him. “I don’t know how to play the guitar and I don’t honestly think I have the patience to learn…” Why was I blurting out all of my secrets and why was it so hot in here?

“It’s not for you to keep, silly,” he laughed, sitting down on the edge of the bed and turning on the amp. “This is your birthday present…”

The next thing I knew, I was watching Brian’s magical fingers fly up and down the neck of that beautiful guitar. I raised my brow when I immediate recognized the song as Aqua’s Barbie Girl though I had to admit that I liked his arrangement better than the original. What would those finger feel like moving along my body and touching my bare flesh? I couldn’t help but blush with the thought and bite my lip.

As Brian played, his dark eyes watched me, taking in my every motion and reaction. And let me tell you, it was pretty damn powerful to have one of the sexiest men you’ve ever met playing a private concert for you. I definitely was wet when he finished and I could have swore he licked his bottom lip. Could he tell that he had this kind of effect on me? I was in pure shock and oh so horny. No one had ever made me feel like this before.

“So what did you think?” Brian’s voice was suddenly husky and I had to swallow thickly a few times before I could even concentrate on the question. I decided that nodding furiously would be the best way to go. “So you liked it? Do you want to learn a little bit? I promise the basics aren’t as hard as you think.”

I nodded again and felt Brian’s strong arms physically move me over next to him and set his guitar in my lap. A shiver ran up and down my spine as he wiggled the guitar in just the right place before moving to sit behind me. Oh, god, come on MJ. Breathe. He is just teaching you how to play guitar and isn’t trying to get in your pants. But would really be such a bad thing if he did? He seemed to like me and care about me, right? No guy would go through the trouble of learning Barbie Girl if he didn’t like her. It wasn’t my favorite song but it was still sweet.

“You put your hand like this,” his breath was hot in my ear as he leaned forward to make sure my technique was correct. “And you just strum like this.” Brian’s hand moved over mine, my body exploding with goosebumpsand I could swear he could make me cum just like this. “Wanna give it a try?”

I crane my head back to look up into Brian’s eyes and that’s when I lose it. I hungrily push myself up in his arms and press my lips to his, hoping he will reciprocate my kiss.

Notes

Thank you for the great comments! We both love reading them and seeing what you think of our fun little story! Do you think MJ will give into the Synyster Gates charm or will he be the one to say no?