Matt’s POV

“I can’t believe you guys missed the most epic part of the party!” Zack called as he walked over to us, looking a little worse for wear. His face was pale and he had dark circles under his eyes but he was still smiling. When he reached us, he clapped Gates and I on the back. “Such a fucking blast! I still can’t believe you both ditched, it was seriously the Rev’s best work yet.”

“Oh yeah? What’d we miss?” I asked, leaning back in my chair just as Jimmy came screaming through the door.

“Where are the girls!?!” he screeched, his eyes scanning the room. “You took them away right from under my nose last night and then no one is in their fucking room this morning! Where the hell are you?!” Jimmy looked around the buffet until he saw us and flew over. I swear his feet didn’t touch the fucking ground. “Knife Girl! Little One, our secret mission awaits!”

When he reached the table I noticed that he looked tired and off his rocker, but how was that any different than other mornings? The Rev didn’t have any evidence of a hangover, besides the fact that he was wearing his aviators, even though we all knew he out drank everyone. I swear that son of a bitch was immortal and never showed any other affects of drugs or alcohol. The lucky bastard. Maybe that was from him drinking blood as he claimed. I never knew if that was actually true or not, hell I didn’t know if Gates even knew.

“Where have you been all my life?” He cried, putting his arms around both Maya and Avery. I picked up my cup of coffee and watched them over the rim with a small smile. “I’ve been literally dying!”

“It’s only been a couple of hours, love, relax,” Maya said, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. Jimmy leaned forward whispered in the girl’s ears, making Maya laugh and Avery cover her mouth with her hands. Now what was that about? I didn’t like that little smirk playing on Jimmy’s lips or the way he kept glancing at me. He was definitely planning something or spilling embarrassing secrets. Either way, I didn’t like it.

“What didn’t you miss!” Zack said drawing my attention back over to him and Gates. “Fuck there was so much!” He threw his head back and laughed at a memory, grabbing Gates’ cup of coffee and the muffin off his place. I chuckled and shook my head—these assholes were something else but they were the best friends a guy could ask for.

“Dude, what the hell?” Gates protested but Zack just shrugged and took a seat next to him. “Get your own damn breakfast.”

“Oh, that party…fuck, I don’t even know how to explain it,” Zacky continued with his mouth full, blatantly ignoring Gates. “Too bad you assholes couldn’t hold on getting your dicks waxed because you missed the fucking strippers AND the—“

“Don’t you dare tell those party poopers the rest!” Jimmy yelled from across the table, pointing between Gates and I. “They decided to leave so they don’t get to know our secrets!” Bitter much Jimbo? Maya told me that we were okay to skip the rest of the party so in my book we were off the hook.

“Oh, come on Jimmy, don’t be like that. I promise we will be the last ones to leave the next time,” Gates said, his eyes on Avery who smiled back at him. “We just needed some private time to talk about things.” Brian shot a wink at Avery and her smile only grew. Well, at least they finally figured it out. Now all we had to do was get Larry to understand and everything would work out. I was a little nervous about our upcoming meeting but it had to happen. Maya and Avery should be shut out because of their feelings; that was fucking wrong.

“But you had them all day AND all night. You have to share!” Jimmy pointed between us with narrow eyes. “Both of you better be my own personal slaves next party. Swear on your life!” he shouted, drawing the attention of people around us. “Swear on it or I will cause a fucking scene right here!” He yelled and I knew the other patrons were staring at us. I didn’t give a fuck. Let them stare.

“He’s already causing a scene,” Johnny groaned, massaging his temples and I fought the urge to laugh. “Just agree so he’ll shut up.”

“We promise. I’ll even sign it in fucking blood if you want,” I chuckled, knowing that he would eat that up.

Brian nodded his head and sat up in his seat. “You know I’m in, Jimbo.”

“You’re souls are mine!” he shrieked before he took both Maya and Avery under his arms and dragged them over towards the buffet. As they walked away, I could see them laughing and glancing back this way. Avery kept watching us with a nervous look while they filled their plates. What the hell were they talking about? Jimmy had his scheming face on and I was afraid to ask what he was planning.

With my eyes on the trio, I leaned over toward Gates, toning out the story that Zack and Johnny where telling to the rest of the table. Call me an ass to my friends but I was more worried about Jimmy and the girls. “What the hell is the Rev planning now?”

Brain leaned back and chuckled, his eyes never leaving Avery. “I have no idea. I gave up trying to figure out the way his mind worked in high school. You just go with whatever he comes up with. You should know that by now, Shads,” he laughed. Why wasn’t he more concerned with the look on Avery’s face? Was it just me or did she look a little scared? “But I’m sure it’s harmless. You know how he is, big ideas and never really follows through.”

“Except for last night,” Zacky corrected and I just shot him a look. He put his hands up and went back to drinking Gates’ coffee.

“I don’t like the look in his eyes,” I muttered, cracking my knuckles nervously. It wasn’t that I was jealous or didn’t trust Jimmy, I just didn’t want him to get the girls into trouble.

“Relax, Shads,” Gates clapped my shoulder. “We both know Ave wont do anything too outlandish, and if Avery backs out so will Maya. Just let Jimmy be Jimmy and get his master plan out of his system. How bad could actually be if the girls are involved? They are probably planning a trip to Taco Bell.”

I sighed and ran my hands over my face. He was right. Maybe my lack of sleep was making me paranoid today but I needed to get over it for the show to night. Speaking of which… “Fuck, what time do we have to be at the venue?” My eyes wandered away from Maya and towards Matt Berry. I still wanted some more time with Maya before we had to leave, maybe a repeat of our night together.

“We’ve got about an hour before we have to head over and set the stage,” Matt said and Gates and I both sighed. “You guys don’t have sound check until one, but the girls and stage crew needs to set up at eleven. So you can do whatever it is you do while we work,” he teased and we all just laughed and flipped him off. “Just remember us mere peasants when you’re taking all the glory.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! We walk away for five minutes and you’re already flinging the finger!” Jimmy said, flopping down in Avery’s chair. “Put those guns away boys…there are ladies present!”

“What’s going on?” Maya’s eyes were on me and I couldn’t help but smile and pull her back down into my lap.

I wrapped my arms around her waist and held her close. “Nothing, we were just trying to figure out how long we had before we had to pack up.” I moved to kiss her bare shoulder, feeling her shiver under my lips. “I was hoping that we had a little bit of time before we left but we need to head out when we are done…but tonight, you’re mine.”

Maya turned on my lap and put her arms around my neck. Damn she felt good on my lap and I wished that she could stay there all the time. Why did she have such an affect on me? When she wasn’t around I craved her touch and when she was near, I needed to be touching her. She was all that I ever thought about. Did Maya feel this way too? God she was worse than a fucking drug.

Maya had an unreadable expression on her face, but it quickly changed after I placed a kiss on her lips. Was she hiding something?

“Well, I bet we could squeeze something in, if you know what I mean,” she finally purred in my ear, instantly making my cock harden. Damn. “But we’d have to make it quick because Ave and I need to meet the new girl and show her the ropes.”

“Wait, did you just say new girl?” I looked around Maya to see both Jimmy and Zack leaning in and listening to our conversation. Fuck, I could never get a moment of privacy.

Maya sighed but turned around with a smile. She was always a good sport when it came to the guys, and that was one of the things that I loved about her. “Yeah, Larry got us a new merch girl and before you say anything—“ Maya continued as they both opened her mouth. “He said she is off limits.”

“Just like you and Ave?” Johnny chuckled, motioning to Avery and Brian who were in a heated discussion between kisses. “Yeah, like that rule worked out so well.”

“Well just let her get used to everything before you jump her bones, okay?” Maya laughed, knowing that Johnny was right.

“We will be perfect gentlemen!” Jimmy said, putting his hand up in salute.

“Like you were when you first met Maya?” I raised my brow and looked at him, shaking my head. I remembered him being all over her at Brian’s party and I hated it. I shook my head, trying to erase that memory. She was mine now and that’s what mattered.

Jimmy rolled his eyes and shoved a doughnut into his mouth. “Don’t be dramatic, Shads. I am nothing but an upstanding citizen!” An upstanding citizen my ass! We all burst out laughing because that was a joke. Only two months ago he got arrested for killing a pigeon with his fist in Europe.

“Look, you guys are just a lot to handle at first. Just let her ease into this and Ave and I will bring her to the after party.” I smiled at Maya as she laid down the law for the guys. I loved when she took control and maybe I would let her do just that later. God, it was such a fucking turn on for her to tell me what to do.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go get ready and pack up,” she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the lobby with a mischievous smirk. What was she planning? Whatever it was, I knew already that I would like it.

“Hey Shads,” Matt Berry called from the table and I turned my head to look at him. “Fifteen minutes!”

I flipped him off as I followed Maya into the elevator. “Hope you’re ready, big guy. It’s my turn and we’re playing by my rules.”


Avery’s POV

I moaned lightly as Brian pinned me to the door in the back room of the bus. His lips were hungrily ravaged mine, making my head spin with a wild rush. I couldn’t get enough of this man and his demanding tongue was making it difficult to want anything but him. I eagerly kissed him back as his had moved down my sides and played with the waistline of my cut off shorts. If he kept this up, there was no way that I was going to make it to the booth or him to his show later. We’d be in this bed all day.

“Mmm…I’ve got to get going, babe,” I murmured against his lips as I tired to pull away. Brian was making it difficult with his strong grip around waist and his very persuasive lips. “I’m already…mmm…late.” Why did he taste so good? It had to be a crime to taste this good!

“Let…Maya and the new girl…take care of it,” Brian rasped between kisses as he grabbed the hem of my tank top and tried to pull it over my head. Stopping his was much hard than I ever would have imagined, especially when I wanted him just as badly.

I grabbed his hands and pulled away from his kiss, forcing him to look at me. Damn those amazing eyes made my heart race, and this time wasn’t any different. There was no denying the love in them now that he had finally admitted his feelings to me. “Don’t you think Matt said that same thing to Maya today? Besides I’ve got to pull my weight and earn my keep here someone where, especially when I had a week off.”

“Oh you definitely earn your keep, love.” Brian’s fingers slowly trailed down the side of my face, making me shiver with delight. I felt a new wave of arousal come over me with that motion but I quickly tried to push it away. Focus Avery, you’ve got a job to do! “Besides, my girlfriend doesn’t have to do anything that she doesn’t want to. I know you’d rather watch me play then sell t-shirts…” there were those magic fingers working their wonder again.

“That’s not fair to Maya. Babe, I really have to go but I promise I will give you all of my attention as soon as I’m done,” I vowed, taking a step forward and looking up at him threw my lashes. “I think I could even arrange a little something special for you…”

“Oh, yeah? And what’s that?” Good now I had him right where I wanted him.

“You’ll just have to wait and see,” I teased before standing on my tiptoes and kissing his lips. “But I have to go,” and right then Maya rapped on the door.

“Put your pants on and let’s go!” Maya called. “The truck is here and I’m sure our new girl is waiting. Let her go Gates or I’ll come in there and rip her away.”

I giggled as Brian sighed and put his head on my shoulder, undoubtedly looking at my cleavage. “You better be ready as soon as I walk off that stage. You’re killing me here, babe.”

“It’ll go quickly and I’ll see you at the after party,” I promised before kissing him one last time and heading for the door. However before I could leave he grabbed my hand and pulled me back.

“Are you sure you don’t want help setting up the booth?” His brown eyes looked so determined and focused that I melted a little inside. He was adorable. I placed my hand on his cheek and smiled.

“We’ve got it covered,” Maya said, now leaning in the open doorway with Matt over her shoulder. “Besides, if we let you come, then Matt’s going to want to come…and it will turn into this big thing that scares away the new girl.”

“And I thought you were on my side, M,” Brian muttered and I just smiled and shook my head. He was funny when he pouted and didn’t get his way.

“I am but we have a job to do, and if you guys come…we’ll you’re a distraction and then the fans freak out. Remember back in Tampa?” Oh, I almost forgot about that. The guys came by to check on us when we first started and it ended up turning into a surprise signing. They ended up having to sneak away and ended up being late for their show.

“Fine…” Brian said, looking at Matt out the door before coming back to me. “Be careful….and Ave?” Brian pulled me close to him and whispered in my ear. “You better be ready because tonight I’m going to make you scream in a whole new way…” My eyes grew wide and I blushed at the thought.

“Enough of the sex talk,” Maya said, grabbing my hand and pulling me away. “We’ve got to go,” and with that we were off. “You boys later,” she smiled and kissed Matt as we passed.

“Have a good show, I love you!” I called to Brian before the door shut behind us. Maya just looked at me and shook her head.

“So he finally came clean, huh?” She looked at me with a small smile. “Or did you both finally remember the other night?”

“No he told me last night,” I blushed, feeling on cloud nine all over again. It felt so good to hear him say those words over and over again, not to mention feel it whenever he touched me. “It…it was amazing, M. God…everything feels different now…almost like a drug.” I closed my eyes, trying to relive the feeling I had all night. I was really something and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. “It was so good…so, so, so…good.”

“Are you talking about sex, Avery Marie Jacobson?” Maya watched me out of the corner of her eye as I gapped. I guess I was. What was happening to me? “What has Gates done with my best friend?” she teased.

I blushed deeply and covered my face with my hands as we drew closer to the merchandise truck. “I wont talk about it if you keep that up!” I myself couldn’t believe it. “But really, M. It was something fucking magical and I cant wait until you feel it. Speaking of, how are things going with Matt?”

Maya smiled and a little light entered her eyes. Now that was something different but I wasn’t going to mention it. She had to realize that she was changing on her own and I knew that if I pointed it out that she would freak out. “Perfect really…he’s perfect,” Maya practically gushed and I couldn’t help but smile. “He just makes me really happy and well…horny but I’m sure you can understand that, cant you, little gnome?”

“I honestly never thought I’d be in love with a rock star and Synyster Gates nonetheless,” I admitted, seeing a tall girl with bright red hair waiting by the truck.

“Tell me about it,” Maya giggled and then motioned towards the truck. “And this must be our new girl,” she said with a smile. “Hey! Are you the new Avenged merch girl?”

The red head turned and looked at us with a nervous smile on her face. “Yeah, that’s me,” she said in a shy tone, but I could tell that she was excited just by the way her foot was tapping. “I’m Jess Hamilton, nice to meet you.”

“I’m Avery Jacobson and his is Maya Brandon,” I said, moving to shake her hand. However, when I reached her she just pulled me into a hug.

“You are just adorable and both of you so gorgeous…” she gushed with a beautiful smile. “Sorry,” her hands were suddenly in front of her mouth like she said something she should have. “I’m just really excited about this job. I’ve always wanted to travel.”

“Well you’ve come to the right place,” Maya assured her, taking her by the arm and leading her back towards the truck. “Welcome to the family.”

Jess nervously tucked her red locks behind her hair. “Thanks.”

“Oh, and I hope you like to party because tonight we are taking you to the after party to meet your employers. They are five of the best guys you will ever meet,” Maya continued and I nodded in agreement. “Are you familiar with Avenged Sevenfold?”

“I’ve heard their music before but beyond that…not really,” she admitted and I nodded in agreement.

“Don’t feel bad, my dad is their manager and I hadn’t really paid them much attention until I went on the road with them this summer. They are a rowdy bunch, but lots of fun,” I assured her.

“How many of them are there?” Jess asked as we started to pull the totes out of truck. Thank god Matt and Dan put up the tent before we got here. They were always looking out for us and they truly were the best.

“Five,” Maya and I said at the same time. “There is Synyster Gates, M. Shadows, Zacky Vengeance, The Rev, and Johnny Christ and they are all the sweetest and funniest guys you will ever meet. I promise you’ll love them…I know we do,” I said with a smile.

“I can’t wait to meet them,” Jess smiled nervously between Maya and I and I knew how she felt. I had that exact same look on my first day but I could tell that I liked her already. Jess seemed really nice and like she would fit in.

The evening in the booth went smoothly and Jess picked up everything extremely fast. I was actually surprised at how natural she was at selling things and just talking to people. Hell she made it look easy and cleared one of our highest profits yet from this show.

“So is it like this every night?” Jess asked, helping us load up the last few boxes into the truck. “But that was a lot of fun. I don’t think I’ve laughed this much in a long time.”

“Well, Ave and I do like to have a good time,” Maya tossed the last t-shirt into the tote and put her hands on her hips. “The fans are great and you never get bored answering their questions. But now it’s time for the party.”

“It was freaking awesome…so what happens at these parties?” Jess suddenly looked extremely excited and was practically jumping up and down. “I love to party…and dancing…and drinking…and dancing…”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place,” I gigged, linking arms with her. “Come on, let’s go get changed and meet up with the guys.”

The three of us laughed and exchanged stories all the way back to the bus, though I couldn’t fight the feeling that we were being followed. The hair on the back of my neck was sticking up. And just before we could get on the bus, a tall gangly figure in a black hooded sweatshirt came and grabbed Maya and I by the arm.

“What the fuck?” Maya snapped turning around and pulling away.

“It’s time to fulfill our secret destiny!” a familiar voice called out and I instantly relaxed. Jimmy. “Let’s go Knife Girl and Little One…it’s time for our secret mission.”

“But what about Jess?” Jimmy’s blue eyes snapped up to look at the new girl threw his dark hoodie. When they made eye contact he just blinked at her with an open mouth. Wow, was this a first? Was he actually speechless?

“Jimmy?” Maya asked, taking a step towards him and taking his hands in hers.

“Did I do something wrong?” Jess whispered, swallowing thickly and looking down at her feet.

I vehemently shook my head. “No, it’s not you. I’m not sure what it is…but it’s not you,” I tried to assure her but Jimmy just kept staring.

“Jimmy?”

He suddenly shook his head and swallowed thickly. The next thing I knew he was on his knee in front of Jess, bowing down to her and kissing her hand. “My queen,” he muttered and I looked at Maya in confusion. “It is an honor to meet a creature as breathtaking as yourself. My name is Jimmy….and what is yours?”

“Jess,” she said blushing deeply. “I’m Jess.” She curtsied lightly and I couldn’t help but giggle. They seemed to be more similar than I thought.

“Jess,” Jimmy said over and over a few times before he stood up. “I will see you again soon…but for now…I have a secret mission,” he told her quietly. It was honestly the quietest I had ever heard him and I didn’t know what to think. “Go to the after parter in the main building but tell no one that you saw us…no one…” With that Jimmy grabbed mine and Maya’s hand and dragged us into the darkness, leaving Jess standing outside of the bus.

Notes

Where is Jimmy taking Maya and Avery? What are they up to? Comments please!