Zacky’s POV

Well, this fucking sucks. I ran my hands over my face in frustration, setting my guitar down against the wall. I just couldn’t get this stupid riff to this new song Matt and Jimmy had given us this morning. It just wasn’t coming across the way that I envisioned it and it was pissing me off. Though, when Matt handed us the lyrics this morning I chocked on my coffee. Talk about writing about our personal lives. Come on, this song was most definitely about Sander’s most memorable fuck. And with all of bared for from Johnny’s, with the exception of Jimmy and Dip Shit, there was no question in my mind that it was about Dice. I still couldn’t fucking believe that Johnny ratted us out after I specifically told him not to say anything.

Okay, so maybe betting on who could bone Dice’s best friend wasn’t my best idea, but I was still fucking pissed that she chose Gates over me. I did everything fucking right too! I smooth talked her, I asked her questions about herself, hell I think I even started to get to know the girl and she still went for the arrogant dick. I ran my fingers through my hair and pitched the bridge of my nose at the thought. I guess I owed her an apology, and what I could remember from our long chat the other night, she was a sweetheart. I crossed a line and I wanted to make it up to her.

“Fuck I’m starving,” I hissed, standing up and heading towards the recording room lounge. Was that Jimmy with a chick? What a second, I know that voice. Is that MJ? What the hell was MJ doing here with Jimmy of all people? I thought we were banned from seeing her from what Shads and Gates said on the way home from the party.

I stepped around the corner and leaned against the doorframe, my eyes falling on the little blonde and her exposed shoulders. Damn, she was covered in ink that I hadn’t really noticed before and I had to admit that made her even hotter. I played with the back of my snakebites as I watched her lean forward and talk quietly with Jimmy who was stuffing his face. What dude, none for the rest of us? You traipse in here with food and that delicious blonde and have no intentions of sharing? How fucking rude.

“So, tell me how this recording process works?” Her voice was even cuter than I remembered. Damn, why did I decide to be an asshole to her? I hoped she would accept my apology so that we could start over. Maybe she was someone I could hang onto for more than I night if I played my cards right. Was I saying I liked her? I wasn’t sure yet but I was definitely leaning that way.

“Well, you get your shit together, you go in the sound booth, and do your thing a million times,” I chuckled, answering for Jimmy while he chewed the most delicious burger I had ever seen. Oh, there better be one for me in that bag! I was tired of eating oatmeal and egg whites. I guess that’s what I got for going and getting fat on the off time. Fuck me.

As soon as MJ turned around to look at me, she furred her brow and nodded curtly. Well, I guess I deserved that after the bet. But hell, couldn’t I at least get a second chance? I mean, I could show her how charming I actually was. A frown pulled over my face as I watched her nibble at a fry with a distant and angry look in her beautiful blues.

“You okay, MJ?” Jimmy asked with a mouth full, noticing her sudden change in body language. I would give him credit, he was good at reading people when he wanted to be. Was it because I came in the room? I fucking hoped not and I guess this moment was bound to come sooner or later. I would be the bigger man and apologize on all of our behalf’s. She had to forgive us, right?

“Look, MJ, I’m sorry—“ I started but Blondie wasn’t having any of it.

She simply narrowed her eyes at me as she stood, leaving me drooling over her little hot body in that dress. Damn, I fucking messed up. I could feel a boner start to rise in my pants from jus the little teases of her body that the dress offered. “Where’s the ladies room?”

My eyebrows furred in shock as Jimmy gave her directions and she disappeared. “Fuck she hates me,” I sighed, running my hands over my face. What was I going to have to do to get her to at least talk to me again? I found it hard to believe that she could hate me forever. She didn’t seem like the type to hold a grudge. Now Dice on the other hand, one-hundred present. But MJ? Not a chance.

“Nah, she’s just not your biggest fan,” Jimmy said with his mouth full. Damn, if you’re not going to share at least close your mouth when you chew, asshole. “Give her time. Blondie’s a horse of a different color.”

“You can say that again,” I scoffed, picking at my nail. “Why do you suppose she’s so close with Dice? I mean, they’re polar opposites. Don’t you think Dice would rip the innocence out of that girl? She is a fucking beast and MJ is just so….quiet.”

Jimmy raised his brow at me and shrugged. “I don’t question the mighty Dicey,” and it was as simple as that. I guess there was a reason they were friends and I wasn’t going to waste all my energy trying to figure it out. “Blondie’s her lackey and that’s that. Want a burger?” Oh thank fucking god! I thought he was going to hog that whole back of deliciousness. “Unless you’re still on your lady diet.”

“Fuck you, Rev,” I laughed before I took a bite. Oh, this was better than sex right now. Okay, so maybe I was exaggerating, but it was the best tasting thing I’d eaten in weeks.

I wasn’t more than three bites into my burger when Dice came flying through the back door followed by Matt. What was she even doing here? Last I heard, she didn’t want anything to do with any of us. And what the fuck is she wearing? Are those boxers? Her eyes narrowed as she surveyed the room, obviously looking for something or someone. “Where is she?”

Excuse me? What? “Don’t play dumb, Vengeance. I know she’s here! She fucking stole my car!” I looked to my left to see Jimmy smiling sheepishly at her. So that’s how he got here with burgers. He fucking convinced Blondie to do his dirty bidding. That sly dog. “Don’t fucking me that look,” he finger was suddenly right in my face. What look? I’m just sitting here minding my own business and enjoying this delicious burger like a fatty. “You’re numero dos on my shit list right after Gates. MJ’s now fucking number three because took my baby and you—” he finger disappeared from in front of me and wound up in Matt’s chest. “Don’t you even fucking look at me.” Wow, someone was definitely holding a grudge. That or she was on her rag. I’d stay as far away from that as I could, Shads. Yuck.

“Oh, come on, Dicey,” Jimmy said as she made her way over and pulled a burger out of the bag. “Don’t be mad at Blondie, it was all my idea. I told you we were leaving and didn’t get the message I sent with the pizza?” What the? You know, I’m not even going to ask.

“That’s all fine and dandy,” Dice continued on her rant between bites. “But that still doesn’t answer my question. Where the fuck is MJ? And I swear if she is with fucking Gates, you’re all going to have to find a new guitarist.”

“She went to the bathroom,” Jimmy said looking excitedly at the situation at hand. I never understood why he got all revved up Dice was pissed, but he always turned into a kid at the fucking candy story. I would never understand the way his mind worked. “Though that was a good ten minutes ago.”

“Did she get lost?” I asked, slowly standing and praying for an opportunity to go talk to MJ. “Maybe I should go look for her?” Both Dice and Jimmy shot me a warning look and I put my hands up in defense. What was it with these two?

“Sit your ass down, nobody can get lost in here!” Jimmy yelled, food flying out of his mouth. I cringed and turned my attention to Dice who was now smiling at Matt? What the fuck was this chick’s deal? It seemed like one minute she was hot and next she was as cold as ice.

“So not true! Do you even remember how you left me here for the whole night, when it was my first time here?” I chuckled at the memory because I was the one that found her roaming the halls deliriously in the morning. She jumped up in my arms and kissed me right then because she had been so excited to see life. I had never seen her so excited. “Oh, don’t you fucking smirk at me, Vengeance. Don’t you have shit to do because just looking at you is pissing me off.” Wow, someone really is touchy today and I was about ready to punch this bitch.

However, Matt set me over the edge. “Yeah, did you finish those tracks? We need those before I can record my vocals.” That was it, I’d had it and needed a smoke. I had been working my ass off all morning and I didn’t need these assholes to come in here and berate me for doing my job. They should really go after Gates since he was the slack off king today. He hadn’t laid down one track.

“Fuck you guys, I’m going for a smoke,” I hissed, standing and walking out the door.

“That’s right, turn around and run like the pussy you are,” Dice yelled after me and it took everything in my power not to turn around and give it to her right there. Hell, I wasn’t the one that shagged her best friend and lived to tell the tail. Her fucking beef was with Gates, not me. Fuck, Shads just needed to get on that and give that girl a good lay to shut her up.

As soon as I was outside, I put a cigarette between my lips and lit up. Ah, there is that sweet bitch that calmed my nerves. Why couldn’t women be like smokes? There when you want them with a lingering sweet affect that left you feeling happy? However, as I exhaled a cloud of smoke, I saw Gates putting MJ in his car. What the hell is he up to now? Does he want his balls ripped off? Better him than me.

“What the hell, Gates?” I asked and he just threw me a pointed look. “You haven’t done shit!”

“I broke my guitar. I’ll be back tomorrow,” he said with a grin on his lips. What the hell was he playing at? “Oh, and give these to Dice.” The next thing I knew, a set of car keys landed at my feet with a soft thud on the pavement. “See you tomorrow, V.” Did he seriously just wink at me? I just didn’t understand how he could get the girl after screwing her over. It just didn’t make sense to me. Oh, well, at least I get to see Dice’s face when I tell her about these little shenanigans. At least seeing her pissed at someone else would bring me some joy.
MJ’s POV

Come on MJ pull yourself together. Dice isn’t going to kill you for taking her car. I mean, I didn’t scratch it at all, right? No harm not foul. I just couldn’t bring myself to go into the room and face her. Okay, so maybe I was scared shitless that she was going murder me on the spot. I did steal her most prized possession after all. I should have never listened to Jimmy! When was I going to learn?

The door slammed behind me and I turned to find Brian staring back at me with a huge grin on his face. What the hell has gotten into him? He was acting really bizarre and even though I told myself not to give into that handsome face, I couldn’t help but feel weak in the knees every time I looked at him. I couldn’t deny that I still wanted him and that I still really liked him. No, MJ, don’t fall for this nonsense. You deserve better than someone who used you to win a bet. It hurt to know that Brian used me like that, but I still had a hard time believing it. How could someone act the way he did and not care about me?

Brian grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the door. “You’re coming with me,” he said as he dragged me to his BMW. I gaped at him a moment before I found my words.

“Brain, I don’t think this is a good idea!” I tried to pull my hand away from him but he wouldn’t budge. “Brian!” I hissed, finally breaking free. “We cant do this!” I crossed my arms in front my chest as we stood in front of his car. In all honesty, I was petrified of what Dice was going to do to me, to us if she found us sneaking away. Though, I had to admit that I didn’t want to go back in there and part of me was thankful that Brian was trying to save me. For someone only interested in me for a bet, he sure as sugar had a knack for always being there when I needed him.

“Do you really want to go back in there?” he asked simply, his eyes begging me to go with him. I chewed my bottom lip and looked back at him, my eyes lingering over the bruises on his face. I knew I owed him even though he’d hurt me.

“N-no…” I sighed as he took my hand again.

“Then just get in the car.” Brian’s chocolate eyes stared back at me, making me weak in the knees and I knew that I couldn’t say no. Oh hell, what was I getting myself into now? God knows I was still mad at him but I couldn’t deny an escape with the most attractive man I knew. I was an idiot and I knew I would regret it later. “Oh, and give me Dice’s keys.”

“W-What?” I asked, raising a brow as I sat down on the most comfortable leather seat that had ever graced my ass. This car must be worth a fortune and it smelled just like his delicious cologne. I suddenly felt more self-conscious than I did in Dice’s Mustang. If I moved wrong, I ruin the whole thing! Slow deep breaths MJ, I told myself as I pulled the keys out of my purse and handed them to Brian.

I chewed my bottom lip as I looked out the tinted window, watching as Brian walked over to Zacky and handed him the keys. Is he making another bet? I can’t believe it! My chest started to rise and fall quickly as I thought of an escape. I would rather be eaten alive by Dice than to be used again. My shaking hands quickly turned to work on the seatbelt just as Brian climbed in the driver seat, a question look on his face. “MJ, what are—“

“What are the terms this time?” I snapped, giving up on the seatbelt. I was convinced he used a child lock on this thing so I couldn’t get out. I was such an idiot to get in the car in the first place. “First one to fuck me this time gets to walk on the moon?”

“What?” Oh, don’t look so confused! I saw what you were doing with Zacky! I’m on to you, brown eyes! “MJ I was just—“

“Making another bet? Yeah, I saw,” I huffed, crossing my arms over my cleavage. “What do you want anyway? Didn’t you already get what you wanted? Just a nice warm place to crawl up into? Well, guess what, hotel MJ is closed for business!”

Brian leaned back in his seat and pinched the bridge of his nose, not looking at me until I finished my rant. When I was done, he graced me with his browns and he looked hurt? Pissed? Maybe a little bit of both? “Look, I called off the bet before I slept with you,” he said softly, his eyes gazing into mine. “It was stupid to do in the first place and that’s why I called it off. And I didn’t make another bet with Zacky, I told him to give Dice the keys.”

I dropped my gaze to my lap as I gnawed my bottom lip again. So he wasn’t using me? Did he really call off the bet before my birthday? So he must actually care then and it was all some big misunderstanding. I suddenly felt very small in the seat next to him.

“And if it makes you feel any better, I’ve felt like shit about ruining your birthday all week.” Brian’s voice was soft as he looked at me, his calloused fingers reaching out and brushing a strand of blonde hair behind my ear. “I’m sorry, MJ. Please, let me make it up to you.”

I looked back at him as he cupped my cheek. He looked so sincere in that moment that it made my heart melt. “Fine, but let’s get out of here before Dice comes looking for us. You know we are both dead meat, right?” Brian chuckled and leaned over to peck my lips before pulling away from the studio. I wasn’t sure what had just happened but it felt like everything was okay again. So maybe I couldn’t hold a grudge like Dice, at least not against Brian.

“So where are you taking me?” I asked nervously, earning a sideways glance as he drove. I couldn’t help but notice that sexy grin fall over his lips after he ran his tongue over his bottom lip in the most attractive way I’ve ever seen. Brian reached over and grabbed my hand, interlacing our fingers on my exposed leg. I blushed as a wave of warmth went over my body with just that one touch. Oh, god, what is he doing to me? I wanted him.

“You’ll see,” was all he said. “Just sit back and enjoy the ride, Blondie.” In any other circumstance, I would have been freaking about being alone in a car with a guy without an inkling of our destination. There was just something about Brain that relaxed me. Maybe it was his touch? His smell? His relaxed ‘I don’t give a damn’ persona? I wasn’t sure but I knew that I would start to crave it, much like how I needed Dice’s support in my life. I gave him a small smile before completely relaxing into my seat. “So did you get anything good for your birthday?”

I raised a brow at him with a small frown. “No,” and it was the gods honest truth. We’ll that is unless you count the dildo Dice bought me but I wasn’t even going to mention that. “It kind of sucked to be honest. All except for…“ I blushed madly, not able to bring myself to say the words. “You know…” Was that an actually smile on Brain’s lips? Well tickle me surprised.

“Well, I’ve got something for you,” I raised a questioning brow at him as we pulled into at BMW dealer. What are we doing here? Did Brian need to get something serviced that he forgot to mention? I was so involved with trying to figure out why were at a car dealer that I didn’t notice Brian slip out of the car.

“A-are you getting a new car?” I questioned as he opened my door. He smiled at me and took my hand again, and I couldn’t deny that I loved the feeling. He walked me down the line of cars, watching me the entire time. What? Do I have something on my face? I was starting to feel a little nervous with that smirk and his eyes looking me up and down. What were we doing here?

Brian chuckled and pulled out a cigarette. “You could say that,” he blew out a cloud of smoke, igniting my nicotine craving that I had been working so hard to curb. God knows I cant afford those coffin nails. “See anything you like?”

Me? Anything I like? Sure, I see lots that I like, but if I couldn’t afford a pack of cigarettes, I sure as hell couldn’t afford a car, let alone insurance. I shrugged and licked my lips, trying to get my mind off the sweet nicotine taste and the idea of having Brian between my legs. Damn it was hot out here!

“MJ?” I shook my head and looked back up at Brian only to see him holding out a cigarette for me. Was he a fucking mind reader because he had just become my favorite person on the planet? “Really, which one do you like?”

I exhaled that sweet smoke and gaped at Brian. “I don’t know, that blue one over there is nice I guess,” I shrugged. Why was he asking me what car I liked? Shouldn’t he find one he liked if he was buying a new car? I didn’t understand why my opinion mattered. “Why don’t you just pick on you like?”

Suddenly Brain’s calloused hands cupped my face and he looked down at me with a small smile. He was inches away from lips and I wanted nothing more than for him kiss me right in that moment. I bit my lip as a blush took my cheeks again with the thought. Damn, I couldn’t get away with anything! “Because I want you to like it,” he breathed, his warm breath sending chills down my spine.

“I-I like the blue one,” I stammered moments later after he pulled away, looking like he was having some internal battle with himself. I was still disappointed that he didn’t kiss me. “The convertible…it would be nice in Huntington Beach on a day like today…but pick what you like. It’s your car.”

“Then that’s what we’ll get,” he said, suddenly grabbing my hand again and pulling me toward the guy in a suit. What was his deal with dragging me around today? Were we in a hurry? I was just so confused over this whole situation.

Once we were inside the dealership, Brian sat me down in the cool waiting room and went to talk to the sales representative. Shit it’s cold in here. I wish I could wear a bra with this dress and I hope that no one notices my little nipple problem. I crossed my arms over my chest and my legs, pulling my dress down to cover my thighs. It was no use, I was just going to freeze.

After about twenty minutes of daydreaming about all the things I wanted Brain to do to me, he appeared with some paperwork and set of car keys in his hand. “Here you go,” he said, dropping them in my hand as we headed back out to his car.

“W-what?” I asked, gapping at him again.

“Happy Birthday,” he said simply. “I’ll bring you by tomorrow to pick it up after it’s been serviced but these are your spare keys.” My chest contracted and I couldn’t breathe. I frantically tried to push the keys back into his hands as we reached the car.

“No! I can’t take this!”I squeaked, looking up into his brown orbs with tears swimming in my eyes. “That’s like forty thousand way to much! I can’t accept a car.” I hissed, feeling the panic rising higher and high. “Hell, I cant even afford an apartment of my own!”

Brian took a step toward me, pushing me lightly into the side of his car so that I couldn’t flee. Did he know me so well already? “I already took care of all that. Don’t worry about,” he breathed, his lips only again inches from mine. I looked up at him, trying to figure out how to get him to take this car back but I could tell just by the look in his eyes that he wasn’t going to budge. As if sensing that I was going to argue, his lips hungrily crashed down into mine, taking away any all thoughts from my mind that didn’t involve his dick. Oh, he was good, I’d give him that.

“Let’s go,” he said, pulling away after a few moments. “We’ve got places to be.” Brian opened the door and gave my ass a firm swat as I climbed in, my body still in shock from the kiss.

“Wait, what?”

Notes