Matt’s POV

“Who’s grand fucking idea was it to go down to the merch booth in the middle of the festival?” I panted as we bolted back towards the backstage area. The fans were fucking insane on the way back through. It was like once they saw us at the booth all hell broke loose. “Next time we bring the fucking body guard Larry insisted we have.”

We quickly tucked behind a corner of a food stand to catch our breath as we heard the fan’s excited banter as they tried to spot where we had gone. “That would be Gates thinking with his dick again,” Zack chuckled, pulling a bandana out of his back pocket. He carefully tied it around his head and tucked his hair up inside, pulling his aviators over his eyes. “Gates give me your jacket.”

“What the fuck are you talking about? I’m not giving you my jacket, besides its hot as balls out here,” Gates wiped a bead of sweat from his head and looked between us.

“Well we need to disguise ourselves so we can get back because obviously the fans know we’re out here. If we trade clothes we don’t look quiet the same, plus if we split up they wont even second guess what we’re doing,” Vengeance explained as I quickly traded shirts with Gates and put on Zack’s VU hat.

“You are a fucking genius,” Johnny chuckled, also changing articles of clothing with Jimmy. By the time we had all switched clothing, I was wearing Syn’s black V-cut t-shirt, aviators and Zack’s VU hat backwards; Gates had on my ripped off flannel shit and, beanie, and sunglasses; Jimmy wore Gates’ fedora and Johnny’s jacket; Johnny had on my beanie and Jimmy’s shirt; and Zack rocked Gates’ leather jacket, sunglasses, and bandana. We didn’t look like ourselves, which was hard to believe.

“Okay, so we will split up to make sure this goes over smoothly,” Zack continued. “How about Syn and short shit go first, then Shadz and Rev, and I’ll bring up the rear.”

I shook my head, hearing a group of girls talking about us on the other side of the food truck. “I’m down for whatever gets us the hell out of here without having to stop fifteen million times,” I admitted, looking over at Jimmy.

“We’ve got to be backstage to get ready in about fifteen minutes,” Syn pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a sigh. “It’s six-thirty now and we don’t go on until eight, but we have a meet and greet right after, well at least the Rev, Johnny, and I do. How did we get roped into that again?”

“Stop your bitching, it’s your turn,” I chuckled; knowing that he usually took home his prize for the night from those events. Gates always said that groupies were god’s gift to the world. But something was off about him today, maybe he was still stuck on Larry’s daughter, and after seeing her in that outfit, I couldn’t blame him. “Zack and I did last nights.”

“Come on man, can’t you cover for us again?” Was Syn begging right now? I couldn’t tell because his eyes were hidden behind his aviators. Either way that would be a first and I couldn’t help the smirk from pulling on my lips.

“What’s the matter, afraid someone is going to steal your hot little piece of ass?” Johnny laughed, earning a punch in the arm.

“Dude, that’s the manager’s daughter, not a piece of meat,” Zack scoffed, shaking his head though a sly smirk played at his lips too. We were all thinking the same thing—those girls were fucking hot.

Gates and Jimmy both rolled their eyes and glanced at each other. I know, they weren’t going to follow the rules because they were too much of a challenge. That didn’t mean we couldn’t give them a hard time about it. All in good humor of course because we would never rat each other out.

“No one better touch her, she’s fucking mine,” Gates warned, pointing his finger around the group.

“Someone is possessive,” I snorted. “I guess she must have done a number on you, Gates. Dare I say that you may actually like the girl.” The guys erupted in laughter as he narrowed his eyes at me.

“Avery and Brian sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” Jimmy sang a little too loudly, earning us a look from the merchant whose stand we were hind behind. Brian pulled Jimmy into a headlock and gave him a nuggy.

“I just want a piece of that fine ass,” he snapped and released Jimmy who stumbled into my side. “And I mean it, keep your grimy paws off her until I’m done.” And with that he grabbed Johnny’s arm and dragged him back out into the crowd.

I chuckled and looked between Jimmy and Zack. “Must have touched a nerve, the touchy bastard. All right, Jimbo, let’s get this show on the road,” I said and followed Gates and Christ’s lead. “So what’s your plan for the night?” I asked him once we were walking through the crowd unnoticed in our disguises.

He turned to look at me with a wicked smirk on his face. “Wouldn’t you like to know, Matty-boy.”

I shrugged, pretending to me nonchalant about the whole thing. While in reality I couldn’t get Maya and our kiss out of my head. Part of me wanted to see her again while the other part knew that I would be playing with fire. I had seen Larry pissed off at an artist first hand and I didn’t want to be on his bad side—he was a good friend of ours.

“Fuck.” Jimmy suddenly sucked in a large noise breath before looking back at me. He looked like he was about to burst at the seams with excitement if he didn’t tell someone. We weren’t as close as him and Gates but I was definitely next in line as far as best friends go. “Well, if you must know, fucking pulling my leg here,” he gushed. “We’re not going to the after party. That hot little number is going to meet me on the roadie bus in the back room after the show. I’ve got it all fucking planned and I will sneak on before the meet and greet to set it up…Oh, you should have seen this sexy lady the last time…she tasted so fucking good.”

I bit the inside of my cheek as he told me the rest of his plan, trying not to get angry. I knew that I didn’t have any right to be upset or jealous, but hell, I was. The little green monster inside me was coming out to play and I didn’t want them to be together. Selfishly I wanted her by my side even though I saw how happy Jimmy was around her.

“I swear to fucking god if her friend ruins it this time, I will tie her up in the bathroom and make her wait until I’m done,” Jimmy concluded. In all honesty I toned out all his details and rambling so that I didn’t say something I would regret. He was one of my best friends after all and bros come before hoes.

“Gates would probably appreciate that,” I chuckled as we flashed the security guard our badges and made it back safely in the compound.

“Or I could lock her out of the bus…that would work too,” Jimmy mused with a thoughtful look on his face. “Fuck it, I’m just going to put you guys on guard duty and make sure that if she runs away from Gates that she doesn’t come bother me or Maya. Can you do that, Shadz.”

“Sure thing, buddy,” I sighed, clapping his shoulder as we climbed back on the bus.

Jimmy ran his hands together as that wicked smirk appeared. “Perfect…fucking perfect. Gatesy-poo!” The next thing I knew he launched himself across the bus and onto Syn’s back, his arms locked around his neck. “I’m getting fucking laid tonight and if you screw it up again, I’m going to fuck you instead!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa…it’s too soon for all that shit!” Vengeance groaned, appearing behind me on the bus as he took off his layers.

“Then keep the short one away!” Jimmy screamed as Brian flipped him over his shoulder and he landed on the floor with a thud.

“Oh, I will keep her busy all night if I have my fucking way,” Gates chuckled as he stood back up, Jimmy grabbing his ankle and being dragged towards his bunk with him.

“We’re in for one hell of a night,” I chuckled and man was I right.

Before I knew it, we were walking off stage and all I could think of was Maya in that little cut off dress. She had been on my mind through more than half of the set and I knew that I had to see her before she went with Jimmy. But how? I didn’t have a reason to see or spend time with her. And that’s when it hit me—those sexy fucking dresses she made. Maybe she could help me adjust my wardrobe, especially since I need to do it anyway.

“Great show, Shadz,” Dan The body, said as walked past him with a towel and a bottle of water. “See you at the after party?”

“Yeah, and you better be fucking ready for rematch on the shot challenge,” I laughed, pointing at him as I made it down the back stairs.

“You fucking got it man!” he laughed but I wasn’t about to turn around and continue our conversation. I was a man on a mission and I wouldn’t stop until I found Maya.

To my surprise, she was very easy to find. She was leaning against the back of the merchandise truck while Avery smoked a cigarette. They looked beat but oh-so fucking mouth watering at the same time. I had no idea how she made those dresses, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Maya or the beautiful artwork that was accentuated by the dress.

“Hey, Matt, what’s up?” Maya asked, standing up as soon as she me with a smile. “You guys sounded great from what we could hear.”

“Thanks,” I smiled in returned, running my hand over the back of my head. She made me feel nervous for some reason but I couldn’t put my finger on it. “Can you help me with something for a little bit?”

Maya glanced over at Avery who reluctantly gave her a sad nod. “Yeah sure, what do you need?”

I grabbed her hand and lead her towards my wardrobe box by the dressing room trailers. “Well, I saw what you did with those shirts and I was hoping that you could help me. You see, I wanna change things up because it is so fucking hot this time of year,” I rambled like an idiot but Maya didn’t seem to notice. She just smiled and followed me.

“So you want me to help with you stage attire?” She raised a brow at me as we reached the now dark area behind the dressing trailers. It was dark and difficult to see my wardrobe but we worked with what we had.

“Yeah, I guess that’s what I’m asking,” I chuckled, watching her pull out a few of my shirts, pants, and belts. “I just want something that breaths a little bit more.”

“Well I think you’re in luck, Shadz,” she teased, using the nickname my friends gave me. “I happen to study fashion at UCLA so I could turn some of these into lighter fare.”

I crossed my arms and leaned against the open trunk next to me. My eyes raked over her gorgeous body as she bent over and I had to suppress the urge to moan when she bent over. Though her eyes didn’t leave me the whole time. Was she playing me right now?

“Perfect,” I nodded, watching her work as she pulled out a few different things. “What do you recommend for tomorrow when it’s supposed to be over 100 degrees in Texas?”

“Well,” A sexy smirk suddenly pulled over Maya’s face as she set down the shirts and walked towards me. “I know something that would probably drive the girls crazy…”

I swallowed thickly, trying to keep my eyes from looking at her stunning cleavage but it was useless. I licked my lips as Maya stopped right in front of me with a smirk. “Oh yeah?” I rasped, trying to keep my rising arousal in check.

“I think that you…” she put her hand on my chest, her gorgeous brown eyes meeting mine. “Should go simple. Kaki shorts and maybe a wife beater…or if you were really hot…” Her little fingers went to the hem of my t-shirt and started to pull it over my head. “Don’t wear a shirt at all…and let me just say…you should go shirtless more often…”

I took in a shaky breath, realizing that her lips were an inch from mine. Maya smelled so good and her hands felt amazing as they traced the deathbat on my stomach. An explosion of goosebumps took over my body with her touch, causing her to smirk before she crashed her lips into mine.

Before I could stop myself, I grabbed her hips and pulled her into me, letting her feel the excitement she had been causing in me all day. Our tongues danced together and I couldn’t get over how good she tasted. Part of me wanted to take off all her clothes right here and have my way with her, tasting every inch of her perfect body. I mean, just from touching her soft skin and smelling her citrus shampoo I was going insane. I wanted her—all of her.

Maya pushed me back on top of the wardrobe box and climbed on top of me. Oh, god this was so hot but wasn’t this against my promise to Larry and my friendship with Jimmy? Her lips hungrily moved against mine as she ground her tight light core against the raging boner in my pants. I moaned, and pulled her hair to bring her closer.

“Do you wanna play?” Maya practically growled against my lips, giving me a moment to breath and regain the necessary oxygen. As soon as I could think clearly, I felt guilty. Jimmy had been so excited about seeing her and here I was stealing his moment. I couldn’t do that to my best friend. Bros before hoes.

“Maya…wait…” I rasped, gently pushing her back and sitting up. A deep and confused frown fell over her beautiful features and I mentally kicked myself. Fuck, why did I always have to follow the rules and be a good friend? I guess that’s just who I was. I didn’t so much mind breaking the rules, hell my name was Shadows for a reason, but I couldn’t hurt a friend like this. She was his first and I was being selfish—really fucking selfish and I hated myself for that. “We cant to do this…”

“You’re kidding me right?” Maya gapped, shaking her head before scoffing when I sighed.

“You’re a beautiful girl and it’s not that I don’t want to…it’s just…”

“If you say the fucking rules, I swear—“ she raged, still looking down at me with a frustrated frown.

“Jimmy…” I sighed and she nodded, scoffed, and climbed off me.

“I get it now…” Maya looked angry. “Your loss.” She stormed away and I mentally kicked myself again, not believing that I was letting her walk away from this.

“Maya!” I called after her but she just flipped me off and kept walking back towards the bus. “Shit…” I groaned and ran my hands over my face. What the hell did I just do? Now I really wouldn’t be able to get her out of my head.

Avery’s POV

I sighed as I walked around the after party looking for Maya. Where the hell had Matt taken her? I had looked everywhere and still that girl was nowhere to be found. I mean, where could he have taken her? Hell, I even check their bus and that was empty and she wasn’t answering her phone. I wonder if that sly dog was hooking up with Matt and then going to see Jimmy later? I wouldn’t put it past her and I had to give her props for her determination—I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t even get myself to have a one-night stand with the very handsome Brian. Dad said no, I had to remember that.

Speak of the devil; there is Brian now with Jimmy and Johnny. “Shit,” I hissed and ducked behind a group of tall men with long hair. I think they were Korn…I wasn’t really sure. I didn’t want Brian to see me because I knew what he would do and I didn’t think I could stop myself this time. It was frustrating. I just couldn’t control myself around him and that scared me.

Once he was out of sight I moved over to the drink table and quickly threw back two shots of Patron. “Yuck…” I moaned, feeling it burn all the way down my throat. Well, at least maybe it would help me relax a little bit. Maybe Zack and Maya were right and it was time to live a little bit. I could have fun and avoid Brian at the same time, right?

“Not your cup of tea? Tequila is a little easier to go down.” I turned around to see those piercing green eyes staring down at me with a smirk. I couldn’t help but smile when I met his gaze because I knew he was catching me following his advice.

“But there is a worm in that,” I cringed, looking at the bottle and then back at Zacky. He just laughed and shook his head.

“That’s the best part and gives you the biggest buzz,” He picked up a shot and threw it back before grabbing a lime slice off the table. “Come on, just try it. We don’t serve those girl drinks here. It’s hard liquor or beer and I don’t see you as a beer girl.” And he was right, I thought it tasted like piss water.

I took the plastic shot glass from him and a slice of lime with an apprehensive look. “Bottoms up, sweetheart,” he laughed and tapped his glass to mine before we both threw them back.

“Not bad,” I admitted and chewed on my lime piece.

“All right, you’re ready for step two then,” Was he serious? There was more than one step to doing these shots? Hell at the bar with Maya we did our Jolly Rancher shots and moved on to Cosmos. “Don’t look so surprised, you’ll make me think you’ve never drank before,” great and now he was teasing me. Sorry I wasn’t a famous rock star.

“So what is next oh great master,” I giggled, feeling the three shots making me feel warm.

“Now we do a line of them and go hang out on the couch,” that was it? Sounded easy and kind of boring but right now I was feeling up for anything. I nodded and watched him pour a line of five shots each and set a lime on the end. “You ready, Ave?”

I sighed and looked at him with a nervous look. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Here we go, on the count of three…one…two…three.” As soon as Zacky said three I started throwing back the shots just like he did. The more I did, the less I tasted, that is until I got to the last one. I had to swallow thickly to get that one down but the lime at the end saved me. Thank god for Zacky’s thinking there because I wasn’t thinking right now—I was going fuzzy and numb. Oh, but I felt wonderful!

“Are you sure you’ve never done that before? You just drink those like a pro,” Zacky chuckled leading me to the couch. Man that alcohol was hitting me fast, I guess that’s what I get for not really eating anything today. Then again we didn’t really have time.

“Only girly shots…like a dirty girl scout…”I giggled, leaning into his side as the world spun around me on the couch.

“A dirty girl scout? Wow…I should drink with you and Maya to see what that is about. I wouldn’t mind drinking one of those.” Why did I get the feeling that he was being a dirty boy right there? I didn’t know. Hell, I didn’t know anything right now.

The next thing I knew, I was laying on Zacky’s lap, looking up at the ceiling as he was smoking something that looked like a fat cigarette. His eyes were puffy and red and he kept laughing but I didn’t understand why. I just wanted a smoke and he had one.

“Hey, give me a hit of that,” I slurred, taking it out of his hand.

“Ave…that’s not a…” Zacky laughed but I put my finger on his lips to stop him.

“Shhh…I got this…just don’t tell dad…” I took a hit from what I assumed to be a cigarette only it tasted completely different. If my eyes weren’t blurry before, they certainly were now. “Whoa…this is one great cigarette…” I laughed, taking a few more drags. I should get this kind next time. “Where do you get these?”

“Special friends, love, special friends,” Zacky laughed as I cuddled up into his side. Oh, I felt good.

“I have a special friend…there he is right there…” I said, pointing at a very angry looking Brian that was storming over towards us. “He’s got a really nice looking bum bum….and so handsome…”

“What the fuck is going on here?” he yelled and I waved my hand at him as he pulled me up into his arms. My hand move to stroke his face and I giggled, thinking his skin felt really weird under my fingers. “Vengeance what did you do to her?”

“We’re just having fun…” he chuckled and I couldn’t help but laugh too.

“I swear, Vee…I’m gonna—“

“Yeah…fun…I like having fun and I bet you would be a lot of fun…if you know what I mean…Mr. Synyster Gates,” I giggled, walking my fingers up his muscular chest. The next think I knew I felt like I was flying.

“You make me feel like I’m flying…” My eyes were so heavy and I couldn’t keep them open anymore. I rested my head on his shoulder and twisted my fingers through his soft hair. “Mmm…you smell amazing.”

Notes

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