Avery’s POV

“We will be careful, daddy. Don’t worry,” I said as Brian met my gaze. He watched me with a small smirk and narrow eyes, causing me to shift uncomfortably and swallow thickly. I didn’t like that look in his eyes and I didn’t even want to know what was going on in that head of his. He heard my dad. There was no way we could do anything now, though I still craved his lips against mine. I shook my head, knowing I shouldn’t have those thoughts, but that didn’t stop my mind from wandering.

“That’s my girl,” Dad said and placed a kiss on the top of my head. He shot one more warning look between the guys before he released us from his embrace.

I felt so disgusted with myself for lying to him and even thinking about Brian in his presence. Dad had been clear—we were off limits so that meant they were off limits to us too. I had to keep my distance and make sure I didn’t give into what I assumed to be a schoolgirl crush. Why did he have to be so damn attractive? I mean that look he was giving me right now made it hard to concentrate on whatever my dad was rambling about. No, Avery, get your shit together. You are not that kind of girl. Plus, dad would totally kill you.

“Yeah, I can do that, Larry…”

I shook my head and tried to pull myself out of my Synyster Gates reverie and back into the conversation. When I came back into the land of the sane, I found my gaze still locked on those oh-so kissable lips. Shit, move your eyes before he notices—to fucking late. Damn it!

“I’ve got the paper work and I’m sure Pete has his number,” the one with dark hair and green eyes said, throwing me a small smile when I averted my gaze to him. At least his eyes were friendly and not undressing me. What was his name? Zacky? “I can grab it for you. I’m sure Anthony would drop off a few new Schechter’s at our next stop.”

“Perfect,” Dad said, walking toward the guys. “How about we go grab that and then I can make the call. We want to make sure you have what you need before we are in a crunch on the road. No repeats of the first leg. I know Za and Pete hate retuning in the middle of the show.”

What were they even talking about? I looked to my right to see Maya watching me with a small smile on her lips. She looked just as pleased with herself as Brian. Were they scheming something? Hell, I didn’t even think they had exchanged a word today, so why did they both have the same look in their eyes?

“Alright guys, lets get ready for that sound check,” Dad announced, motioning for the guys to follow him. “And we will see you after the show, girls. Be careful and remember to have fun.” He waved before turning and heading back toward the backstage area with the guy with the red mohawk and Zacky.

“See you later,” I waved, only to feel something hit my leg. I looked down to the ground to see a pack of Marlboro cigarettes in front of my black converse. Oh god, I could really use a smoke right now, specially after that scene. Although, I’d have to wait until dad was nowhere in sight because that was one little habit I didn’t want him to know about.

“Shit, sorry about that. The bastards got away from me,” Brian said, bending down at the same time as me to grab the pack. Our hands touched and I recoiled, afraid of the shock that I felt. When I looked up, his gorgeous brown eyes were watching me with an amused smirk. This was no accident—he threw them at me on purpose. “So Daddy’s Girl is off limits?” he whispered, snatching up his pack but not moving. “We’ll see about that because I think we both know we have some things to talk about.”

I gapped at him and slowly stood up, our stare not breaking. “What are you talking about?” I hissed, feeling my heart start to race. I could smell his sweet cologne from here and it was sending my senses into a frenzy. This might be harder than I thought. “You heard my dad... I-I can’t talk to you”

“Daddy doesn’t have to know everything and I think you should come to our after party to find out exactly what I’m talking about, sweetheart.” Oh that smirk was killing me right now. I had to lick my lips and swallow thickly to keep my wits about me. He raised a brow and pulled out a cigarette, putting it between those very nice lips of his. “Who knows, you might actually like breaking the rules.”

What did he mean breaking the rules? I wasn’t going to the after party, no matter how much I wanted to. I’d be damned if I let Maya go either. Daddy had made it clear and we were to follow his rules. I mean, he was the one paying us for doing this job after all, wasn’t he? Okay, fine maybe it was the Avenged guys but that made it even worse. Daddy doesn’t have to know everything. Yeah, well smoking and hooking up with one of his artists were two very different things. I couldn’t disobey his wishes like that, especially if I ever wanted to look him in the eye again. Besides, I wasn’t that type of girl. I had my standards and expectations to uphold.

“Yo, Gates, let’s go!” the muscular guy with the dimples called, dragging Jimmy by the belt. He must be Matt since I knew the names of the others.

Brian looked over his shoulder and then turned back around to face me, smiling even wider when he saw me nervously chewing on my bottom lip. What kind of effect did he have over me? My dad say no, so I would have to listen. This couldn’t happen.

“See you around, beautiful,” he threw a wink at me before turning around and following the group. I took in a shaky breath as I watched him leave, my dad putting his arm around his shoulder and both of them laughing.

“So?” Maya gushed, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. She was watching the gang leave too, only she looked much more mischievous. I knew that look in her eyes and there was no doubt in my mind that she would be sneaking out to see Jimmy later. “What did brown eyes have to say?”

I turned around and headed back to the booth, grabbing a handful of shirt and setting them out. “Nothing. He just causally threw his cigarettes at me…speaking of which. I really need one,” I sighed, watching both Jason and Matt in front of the tent.

Maya raced over to my purse and grabbed my pack of cigarettes, holding them out of my reach above my head. “Not until you tell me what he said! I want all the dirty details because I know he didn’t accidently drop them.”

“This is cruel and unusual punishment!” I whined, jumping up and trying to get them back from my amazon of a best friend. I swear she was like six feet tall compared to me. “He didn’t say anything except for that he’d see us at the after party!” I jumped again and missed, letting out a long sigh. I was starting to get pissed. “Which we are not going to by the way. Now give them back!”

“Wait, you told him we’re not going?” A deep frown fell over Maya’s features just as Jason grabbed my cigarettes from her. “Are you fucking serious, Ave?”

“You’d be smart to avoid that party,” Jason chuckled, handing me the carton as his brother joined us too. “There are always lots of groupies, booze, drugs, and it’s kind of a shit show. No place for the bosses daughters.”

“Well, technically, I’m not his daughter, so I can do whatever I want,” Maya announced and I threw her a pointed look. “What? I promised Jimmy that I would meet him later, so if you want to sit on the bus all by yourself, that’s on you. I’m going to have fun…though it would be better if you’d join me.”

I rolled my eyes and lit up, feeling the nicotine hit me with the first drag. Oh, this is what I needed right now. I let the coffin nail hang between my lips and looked over between the Berry brothers. “Are you guys going?”

“Are you fucking crazy? That’s where we get our free booze and ladies,” Jason threw his head back with a laugh just as I heard a familiar voice come over his walkie-talkie.

“JB Diz, you’re needed on the poop deck, repeat, you’re needed to set up my shit instead of trying to get pussy.” A laugh escaped my lips as I looked between the brothers. That had to be Jimmy, remembering that Jason said that he was his drum tech. They really were part of this little messed up family and it was nice to see that everyone had their own place. Would I eventually have my own place here?

“Also, we’d like to order a side of Matt fries to put up the risers. Repeat, get your asses here before we withhold the alcohol.” That voice caused me to take a sharp breath, instantly recognizing it. Damn they were fast getting to the stage. “Come on big boy…I need you to butter my biscuit.”

“And that’s only because he couldn’t close the deal himself,” another voice laughed in the background, causing me to blush. Something told me they were talking about me.

“You make me so horny, need you now!” Brian’s voice sounded again, only this time it was high pitched. “But seriously, get your asses up here.”

“Better be ready for me big boy,” Jason laughed as he answered. “Get out the lube.” He put the walkie back in his pocket and turned to Maya and I. “That’s our cue. Let us know if you need anything. Matt and I just a walkie away,” Jason assured, motioning to the little black device on the table. “Good luck and see you around. You’re in for one hell of a night.”

And he wasn’t kidding. The next five hours were total madness as the fans flooded the booth. At one point, we had a line all the way down the row of tents, just waiting to buy a shirt. I couldn’t believe how passionate and obsessive these fans were. I mean, I don’t know how many times Maya and I were asked if we could introduce some groupie to the band. We found it better to just say no and that we didn’t know the them—we just sold their stuff. What, it was mostly truthful! How much did we actually know about them? Hell, I’m sure the fans knew more about them then I did and my dad managed them. It was kind of sad to be honest.

By the time the rush died down and the concert started, I was exhausted. “Maya…how are we going to do this for two weeks?” I moaned, laying on the now empty table and looking up towards top of the tent. I had a headache from all the commotion and explosions coming from the stage weren’t helping. “That was crazy.”

“Hey, it’s better than making someone coffee or serving food,” she pointed out, folding the t-shirt rack. I shrugged and sat back up because I knew she was right. “So let’s get this shit picked up so we can go get ready.”

“Ready for what?” I already knew what she was talking about but maybe if I played dumb she would change her mind. I moved over and started to load the totes back onto the truck. All things considered, this job was pretty easy, especially the pick up, considering we sold almost all of the merchandise we put out.

Maya stopped and threw me a pointed look, and even though it was dark outside, I could still see it. “We are going to that after party. We are going to dress up and look hot. The goal tonight is to have fun and make them drool. I’ve decided that’s your assignment.”

I scoffed as I took a sip of water. “Please, it’s summer vacation. I don’t have homework. Plus you heard my dad. He said don’t do anything stupid and I think going to that party with him watching our every move would be pretty stupid,” I admitted, hearing the crowd scream in the background.

“I doubt your dad will even show up. He’s go so much paper work to do he’ll probably pass out at nine like he normally does.” I hated when Maya was right. “Plus, I know you wont let me go alone and there is no way I’m not going.”

“Maya…” I whined, dropping the folded table on the truck. “I-I cant…I don’t know if I can…” I groaned and sat down on the side of the loading ramp. I hated that I didn’t think I could control myself around a man that I hardly knew. Distance would be the easiest solution, so if Maya was going to drag me to this party, I was going to avoid Brian at all costs. I couldn’t and I wouldn’t give into his charm because not only would it disappoint my dad but it would also get us both into big trouble.

“All the more reason to go then,” she sang. “You are only twenty-two once in your life, so why don’t you live a little, huh? Have a drink. Take a hit of pot. Make out with strangers. Who is ever going to know or remember?”

“Maya…love. I’m. Not. That. Girl.” I sighed. I didn’t know how many times I had to tell her that. “I want to have fun but I don’t want to disappoint my dad or get in trouble and this party seems like real trouble.”

Maya moved to take my hands and lightly kissed my knuckles. “Babe, I’m not asking you to break all the rules tonight. Why don’t we just go have a drink and say hello and then we’ll go back to the bus? Could you do that for me?” Oh fuck, and there were those big brown puppy-dog eyes.

I sighed and ran my hands over my face. “Fine, only one drink but I’m going incognito and keeping my distance from Brian.” Yeah, like it would be that easy.

Matt’s POV

“That was a great first show, Shadz,” one of our roadies, Dan or “the body” said as he clapped me on the back. “It’s going to be a good second leg, that’s for sure.”

I followed Dan’s gaze over to the corner of the room where Maya and Larry’s daughter sat. They both looked gorgeous but there was something about Maya that really caught my eye. Maybe it was her low cut teal top, her long legs in combination with that skirt, or even those eyes that just briefly met mine. I didn’t know but I wanted her, even though I knew she was off limits.

“Thanks, man,” I said before grabbing three beers and heading across the room towards the girls.

I wanted to properly introduce myself to the tattooed beauty and show her what she was missing. I loved Jimmy and he was my brother, but I couldn’t let him have this one. There was just something about that drew me towards her and I had to at least give it a try. Jimmy would understand, right?

I made my way through the crowded room only to see Jimmy reach the girls first. Clenching the beers, I pushed faster through the groupies and other bands. I had to get there before he tried to sneak Maya away but by the time I go there he was already trying to move her onto his lap. Oh, he was a quick fucker that was for sure.

“Hey, would you like a beer?” I asked, stepping in front of Jimmy just in time to block her from sitting on his lap.

“Sure, thanks,” those dark eyes met mine for brief moment and I couldn’t help but flash her a smile. I passed a beer to Maya and her friend before I pushed myself on the couch between Jimmy and Maya.

“Dude, what the fuck?” Jimmy hissed, shooting me a glare but I just shrugged.

“I just wanted to properly introduce myself to the new employees,” I stressed while I looked between Jimmy and the girls. “And thank them for stepping in on such short notice.” I flashed them a dimpled grin before I offered my hand to each girl. “Welcome to our dysfunctional little family, I’m Matt.”

“Nice to meet you, Matt,” Larry’s daughter said with a small smile, but my eyes were still on Maya. She looked slightly irritated but amused at the same time. “I’m Avery and this is Maya.”

“There, there, you’ve said hello,” Jimmy said impatiently, his leg jump next to me. “Now get lost I’ve got some important business to discuss with Maya.”

I leaned back and put my hands behind my head. It honestly felt good to sit after standing for the past few hours. “Actually I’m pretty comfortable right here. So ladies, how was the booth today?”

Maya smirked and shook her head, glancing at Jimmy over my shoulder. “It was good, busy, but good. Lots of crazy fans…made me glad that I’m not famous.”

“Oh, I could make you feel famous,” Jimmy chuckled next to me, shooting me glare before winking at Maya. “Why don’t we go check and make sure you have enough stock for the next show.”

“I think that would be—“ Maya started, standing up. No, she can’t go with him. They heard Larry’s rule.

“I think they have everything they need,” I was now standing in between them. “Besides you heard the rules.” I warned as my eyes met Jimmy’s. “These ladies are off limits.” Speaking of which, where did Larry’s daughter run off to? Oh, well, she wasn’t my problem right now.

“I already told you, I. don’t. fucking. Care.” Jimmy hissed, looking the most pissed I had seen him in a long time. “Maya and I have unfinished business.”

“Thanks for you concern, Matt,” Maya continued for Jimmy. She placed he small hand on my arm and flashed me a smile. “But I’m sure daddy Jacobson wont be looking for me when I’m sure he sleeping right now. Besides, I’m a big girl and can take care of myself. Come on, Jimmy.” She reached out and took his hand and that move alone sparked something inside of me that I didn’t like.

“Isn’t that Larry over there by the Jonathan?” I said, rubbing my chin as I looked at our manager standing and talking with the lead singer of Korn. “Look, I just don’t want you guys to get in trouble, that’s all.”

“Eh, it’s a risk I’m willing to take. Besides, he won’t even notice we’re gone,” Jimmy looked like a kid in the candy shop as he wrapped his arms around the beauty. “So let’s go check that stock, babe.”

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose as he started to drag her threw the crowd. Fuck, I was losing her and I failing miserably at the task. I had to do something and where was the best friend when you needed her?

And as if on cue, Avery came storming through the back door looking pale and flustered at the same time. She quickly grabbed Maya by the arm and dragged her in the opposite direction just as Gates came flying in the door after her. I watched as Jimmy joined in the pursuit of the girls and headed out the door towards the buses. What the hell was going on?

At that moment, my eyes met Vengeance across the room. Zack obviously noticed the same thing because he nodded and followed along. We both quickly made our way through the crowd and followed the girls, Gates, and Jimmy out the door. Oh, something told me this was going to be good.

Notes

So what happened with Avery and Brian? Why is she grabbing Maya and dragging her away? What will Jimmy say to Matt about cock blocking him again? What will Matt and Zacky find when they follow along?

Comments please! :)