Matt’s POV

Ever since Maya left me to go get ready for the party, I couldn’t knock the small smile off my face. Yes she was still with that asshat Bruce, but based on what I heard and saw, there was trouble in paradise. Not to mention that she lied to him about spending the night with me. That was something, right? And that look on her face at the end of call was enough to tell me that she wasn’t really happy.

At the end of the call I swear I heard him say those three little words to her and my heart stopped in my chest. I held my breath, waiting and praying that she wouldn’t say them back. I had never been more relived to see her look so uncomfortable, which honestly was a first. I never wanted to Maya to feel stressed or cornered. But if it got her to see reason and come back to me, I would gladly take it and make up for her distress later. But the most important thing was that she didn’t love him—she didn’t say those sacred words to him. The look in her eyes told me that she didn’t love him.

“Come on, Sanders don’t screw this up,” I told my reflection in the mirror as I shaved. I knew I had to continue with the friend charade for now even though it was so damn hard. Maya had to trust me again before she could realize what we had together. But where did I draw the line between our friendship and a potential relationship? I loved her so damn much and it was excruciatingly hard to stay away from her and not touch her. So could I do this? Could I pretend to only be friend until she came around? Did I have any other choice?

By the time seven rolled around, I was pacing the door outside of Maya and Avery’s room, trying to get my head in the games. I was going over the rules I had set up even though I knew it was going to be extremely hard to follow them. The truth was that I didn’t want to share her attention with any of my friends tonight but that wasn’t an option. I had to let her mingle and dance with my friends, let them talk privately, and laugh. Fuck I didn’t know if I could stand by and watch other men dance closely with her. Would she let them?

“All right,” I sighed, taking a deep breath as I recalled my rules one more time. Rule number 1: keep cool and stay at least a foot away; rule number 2: keep my hands to myself unless she initiates it or we are dancing; rule number 3: let her dance with my friends without getting upset; rule number 4: don’t hover; and finally rule number 5: no kissing. God this was going to be a hard job, but I was determined to stick to it if it got her to come back to me.

With a deep breath, I knocked on the door just as Avery’s laugh sounded. Well that was a drastic change from yesterday. Maybe a night with Gates had done her some good and I would have to ask him about it later. “Hey, come on in,” Maya said as she opened the door.

My jaw instantly dropped as I looked at her in a stunning little black dress. It hugged all of her curves in the right places, showed off her cleavage and tattoos, and had an open back. She looked absolutely breathtaking and it took me a few minutes to regain myself.

“You look fabulous, babe” I said, shaking my head and feeling my dick stir to life in my pants. No, you can’t come out to play so just stand down. We’ve got to work up tot that.

“Thanks,” Maya said just as I noticed Brian and Avery standing over by the window. He had his hands on her hips and they both looked happy, which was a relief. That was a good sign.

My eyes wandered between the two of them, noticing for the first time just how small she was in comparison to Brian. Had she lost weight? Though I had to admit she looked stunning with that blonde hair. “And you too, Ave,” I said, taking a step away from Maya to follow rule number one. “Have to say it again, blonde suits you, oh and what’s so funny? I heard you laughing outside?!”

Brian and Avery looked at each other with a panicked expression. Now what was that about? I just asked a simple question. “Brian was just being silly,” Maya answered for them. “We are ready, if you are?”

I smiled down at her and without even thinking, I laid my arm around her waist. It was old habit I mentally kicked myself when she pulled away. Damn it! I was already breaking the rules and I wasn’t even at the fucking party yet! What the hell! I clenched my fists in frustration before I quickly regained my cool. Come on, Sanders you can do this. Just get your head in the game.

Before I knew it, we were all taking shots and making toasts to the girls and their returned. I just hoped that for both Brian and my sake that they would stay until we went back to Huntington Beach. We only had two more weeks left and five more countries before we went home and I couldn’t wait. The beach and the warm California weather were calling my name now.

“So you owe me the first dance,” Matt Berry said, stepping up to Maya and handing her a shot. I instantly felt a spark of jealousy and I tried to push it away.

“Actually she already promised that to me so get in line,” I almost growled after downing my fifth shot of the evening. I kept hoping alcohol would make this easier but it got harder with each passing second. It had been so long since she had been with us that I just didn’t want to share. So much for following my rules…

“I-I—“ Maya started to say to MB, but I quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her to the dance floor before she could respond. I wanted the first dance and I was going to have it.

Maya sighed as she shot me a pointed looked, reluctantly putting her arms around my neck as we moved. Her proximity was driving me crazy because not only could I see down her cleavage at this close angle, but also because I got to hold onto her hips as she sway them to the fast beat. I smiled down at her as I breathed in her intoxicating aroma and trying to fight the urge to kiss her.

“Matt…I need to spend time with the others too. I’ve been with you all day and it’s not fair for me to--” she said after a moment, her eyes locking with mine. Shit I was breaking my rules again but damn she felt good here in my arms. Not to mention the raging boner that had sprung to live in my pants.

“I know, I sorry but I couldn’t pass up the first dance with you,” I sighed, knowing I was in trouble and breaking the friend code. “I’ll apologize to MB later.”

Maya frowned lightly and I quickly spun her around to distract her. When I pulled her back to me she had a small smile on her face and I knew that I had succeeded. But when the song ended, I didn’t let her go. I wanted more time with her and to my surprise, she didn’t try to pull away. “This is just like old times, huh?” chuckling as Jimmy dramatically dipped Jess next to us.

“Yeah, it’s nice,” Maya said and I couldn’t stop the smile from coming over my face. She just agreed that she liked spending time with me! That was definitely a good sigh and judging by the look on her face she realized what she just said too. “I mean it’s nice being back with everyone,” she clarified but I knew what she meant.

“Another round of shots!” Jason called from the table and I sighed, knowing our time alone was over. It was time to share her again, as much as I didn’t want to. Maybe I could have one more dance after the shots?

“Come on, Knife Girl!” Jimmy suddenly screamed, grabbing Maya’s arm and pulling her away from me. Well so much for that idea. I slowly walked behind the group and took my shot. The alcohol had a sweet burn all the way down my throat, which was calming.

For the next half and hour I followed Maya around as she talked and mingled with my friends, not wanting to let her out of my sight. I didn’t want to lose track of her because I was terrified that she would run away and leave me again and I wouldn’t let her do it. “Come on, Knife Girl come dance with me!” Jimmy yelled, jumping up and down in front of her. “You fucking owe me and there is no way Shads is coming with us this time,” he said, both he and Maya shooting me a pointed look. “Come on! Come on! Come on!”

Reluctantly I let Jimmy drag Maya away from me to the dance floor. God this fucking sucked! I knew I had to share her even when we were in a relationship but this was different. I was trying to remind her of what we had together so that I could win her back but it wasn’t working. I was just coming across as the clingy boyfriend again and I knew I was pushing her away. I had to take a step back and clear my head.

I stood on the edge of dance floor and crossed my arms in front of my chest, watching all of my friends have fun and dance. Both Avery and Maya seemed to bring out the best of my friends and crew because it had been ages since I had seen them like this. Not to mention how good Maya made me when she was around. But what would happen if they decided to leave again? What would happen if Maya chose Bruce over me in the end? Was it even possible for them to have a love like what we had? I shook the thought away, knowing that it wasn’t possible. It only made me want to fight for her harder. We belonged together.

After a few minutes of pacing the sideline, decided to get Maya and I another drink. I was going to continue to play the roll of the friend even if it killed me inside. I had to win her back and this was the only way I could think of. I knew that if I pushed her too hard she would run so maybe the side door approach would work. Or at least that’s what I hoped.

My eyes wandered back to the dance floor one last time before I started toward the drink table. Jimmy was aggressively swinging Maya and Jess around as they both laughed widely. She looked so beautiful and happy, but also a little tired. Jimmy couldn’t dance with her all night, could he? Never mind, I take that back. We all knew that he could and would if the opportunity arose. The man had no boundaries or an off switch, which was one of the reasons we loved him, but he needed to be reminded of other’s needs from time-to-time. So, I would just bring her a drink to offer her a break from Jimmy. That’s something friends did, right? Damn this sucked. If I had it my way, I would throw her over my shoulder and take her back to my room, but we all knew that wasn’t an option right now. I was in the friend zone…

With a sigh, I made my way over toward the refreshment table. As I approached, I noticed Gates standing there glaring over the rim of what I assumed to be scotch. He glowered at Zack as he and Johnny danced with Avery. Must be he wasn’t ready to share her yet but was forced into it?

“So you and Ave, huh?” I asked Gates, nudging him in the side as I made some drinks.

He had been glued to the little gnome all night and by the way they were acting there was no way they weren’t back together. So his ‘talk’ with her last night must have gone over well. The lucky bastard! I wished getting Maya back was that easy but at least we were taking baby steps. Though I wasn’t to fond of the friendship idea but if that’s what she wanted to call it, I would take it. Now all’s I had to do was get her to flush that turd, Bruce and things would start moving in the right direction.


Gates turned to look at me with wide and panicked. “What about Ave and I?” he practically snapped and I raised a brow at him. What was that about? “What did you hear? I swear to fucking god I’ll kill Baker…”

“What are you talking about?” I was really confused now. There was definitely something going on here and I was going to find out. “No one said anything…I just noticed that you two were back together.”

“Just forget it,” he said letting out a slow breath and taking a long sip of his drink.

“So you’re not back together?” I asked, trying to follow his odd behavior.

“We are…at least I think we are…” What did that mean? How could he not know with the way they were acting around each other? I would kill for the opportunity to behave that way with Maya. “It’s complicated.” He sighed, sensing my confusion.

“What do you mean it’s complicated? I doesn’t look complicated,” I gapped incredulously. “You’ve been up her ass all day. What’s going on, Gates?” I wasn’t buying these mood swings and come to think of it, he had been acting odd all night. There was definitely something strange going on here.

Brian groaned and ran his hands over his face. “Nothing is going on, okay? I’m trying to make up for what I did and get her freaking trust me again. So just mind your own business,” he said but I couldn’t help but feel like he wasn’t being completely truthful. “What about you and Maya?” He quickly changed the subject and now it was my turn to groan.

“She’s still with that dick Bruce and I’m fucking stuck in the friend zone,” I grumbled, running my hands over my face. It sucked even more to say it out loud to my best friend. “Shit, it’s fucking killing me…I cant just stand by and watch her do whatever and not care.”

“Damn, that’s rough, man sorry,” Gates said, shaking his head and taking another sip of his drink. “What does she see in that asshat anyway?”

“Be damned if I know but this ‘friend’ thing is harder than it looks,” I sighed, swirling my drink before taking a long sip. The alcohol seemed to numb my confusion a little bit. “I cant fucking touch her. I cant sleep beside her, though that didn’t stop me last night,” I added, wagging my eyebrows and causing Gates to laugh. His eyes were still scanning the dance floor. “And I have you to thank for that. Thanks for kicking her out of her room to have your way with little gnome.”

Gates looked at me with a frown and opened and closed his mouth like he was going to argue with me but then thought better of it. “Yeah…sure…” he said his eyes growing distant like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. What was up with him? How could he look so damn had and distressed at the same time?

“Gates what’s going on with—“

“No!” Gates’ eyes suddenly widened and his face paled slightly just as Ave’s laugh sounded over the music. “Jimmy put me down!” she cried and Gates quickly pushed his glass into my hands.

“Are you fucking kidding me! He better not hurt her!” Gates raged and took off in their direction. I quickly turned around to see Jimmy swinging Avery around in the air as she laughed. Well, that is until Gates crashed their party. “Goddamn it, Rev, put her down!”

I watched as Gates pulled Avery into his arms, looking her up and down before arguing with Jimmy. Those two rarely had an argument so something really wasn’t right here. And why was he so concerned with little gnome’s well being tonight? It was almost like he was afraid that she was going to crumble in front of his eyes. Was she sick?

“What’s up with Gates tonight?” I asked Zack as he arrived at the bar, shaking his head with a laugh. Maybe Gates had talk to him about it? Either way, I wanted to know the truth.

“What do you mean?” Was he serious right now? He didn’t notice the drastic mood swings, his extreme hovering over Avery, or way they were acting around each other.

“You’re kidding, right? You have noticed him acting a little odd?” I continued with a raised brow as Zack took a sip of his drink. “Is something wrong with Avery?”

Zack suddenly spit out his drink and looked at me as he sputtered. “What-what? Why would there be something with Ave? Did he say something?” Now that wasn’t normal for Baker either. He knew something and I could see the guilt in his eyes.

“Spill it, Baker, what the hell is going on?” I took a step closer to him as my heart started to beat faster in my chest. My eyes wandered over his shoulder to see Gates hugging the little blonde close and Maya was dancing with Jimmy. Is what ever was going on there the reason why the girls came?

Zack sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, teetering slightly from his consumption of vast amounts of alcohol. “Look its not really my secret to share,” he mumbled but I could tell that he was itching to talk to someone about whatever it was. He was the gossiper of the group if you asked me.

“Stop being a dick and just fucking tell me,” I groaned, tired of his little game. “Or at least give me a hint so I can figure it out,” but was that really the best idea with how much alcohol I’d drank?

“Lets just say that Ave…” Zacky paused and considered how to continue. “…has a little problem…one that stems from her night with Haner in the UK. Something that doesn’t allow her to drink and would freak both of them out…” his green eyes were staring into mine, almost like he was waiting for me to connect the dots. “Something that she had to fly all the way out here to tell him because you cant do it over the phone…”

My brow furred as I tried to put all the pieces together. It started with her night with Gates? The one where they hooked up and she left him? Okay…and they are both freaked out and she can’t drink? My eyes grew wide when the realization of Zack’s words hit and he just nodded his head with as small smile. No fucking way! Ave was pregnant with Gates’ kid?! That couldn’t be right could it?! I had to ask Maya!

I quickly pushed my way through the crowd, seeing Gates leading Avery out the door. It all made sense but I had to make sure. And where the hell was Maya? I stopped and looked around to see Jimmy dancing with Jess again and my tattoo girl nowhere in sight. “Where’s Maya?” I asked Jimmy over the music.

“She went to get some air? Why what’s up?” Was the shock on my face that readable? I just shook my head and bolted out the back door only to find some guy had corned Maya on the stairs.

“Come on beautiful, what do you say you and I get out of here?” I heard the guy say and my blood instantly started to boil. All thoughts of Gates and Avery vanished and all I could think about was ripping out this dudes throat. No one talked to her like that except for me!

“No…I don’t think so. My boyfriend will be looking for me any minute,” she said and I could hear irritation and fear in her tone.

“Come on, you know I can make you feel so much better then he ever could,” and when his had started to roam down her curves I fucking lost it.

“Back the fuck off!” I yelled, grabbing the guy by the collar and throwing him back on the pavement. “She said no!”

“Who the hell are you?” The guy shot back, stepping towards me. I stood up to my full height and got right in the guys face.

“I’m her fucking boyfriend now get lost before I beat your ass back to next year,” I growled and the guy scampered away. Once the door shut, I turned back around to check on Maya. “Shit, M. are you okay?” I carefully looked her up and down to make sure that creep hadn’t hurt her before I cupped her face in my hands. It was at that moment that I realized how close we actually were. My face was inches from hers and I could smell her sweet aroma. She was intoxicating and I slowly leaned in to close the gap between us, but not before meeting her eyes.

Maya gaped up at me with confusion in her eyes. Shit… I knew that I had over stepped my bounds and quickly dropped my hands off her and took a step back, running my hands over my head. I just couldn’t stop myself and I wasn’t about to let that guy get away with treating her like that. And then she was so close…my body just took over. Shit, she was going to leave again if I kept this up. I couldn’t lose her…not again.

“Sorry…” I muttered, slowly backing up. “I-I…just couldn’t let him do that…” I shook my head and mentally kicked myself. I had to put some distance between us for a few minutes before I ruined everything. “It-it wont happen again…”

“Matt…”

I quickly turned around and headed back into the party, leaving Maya gapping after me. What the hell was I doing?

Avery’s POV

God it seemed liked forever since I had attended a party with people I actually knew and cared about. Everywhere I looked there was a smiling face or someone saying hello and I knew that this is where I belonged. The Avenged crew was my family and I was so stupid to think that they weren’t. I really missed this crazy bunch and I relived to see that they welcomed me back with open arms.

“Are you enjoying yourself, love?” Brian said as he held me close as we danced. He had been by my side all night and I had to admit that it felt good to have him there. He was even looking out for me and making sure that I was okay and directing attention away from the fact that I couldn’t drink. I just hoped no one questioned our behavior too much. The last thing I wanted was for everyone to find out about our secret.

I rested my head on his shoulder, taking in his delicious smell. I loved the smell of his cologne and I could happily stay in his arms all night. But did he feel the same way? I still didn’t know where Brian and I stood as a couple or if he was only acting this way because of the potential child. I quickly pushed that thought to the back of my mind, not wanting to even go there.

“Yes,” I hummed in his ear, twisting a strand of his hair between my slender fingers. I felt his grip tight a little bit when my breath hit his neck. “It’s nice to be back. I really missed everybody,” I sighed, still feeling guilty about that.

“Well, you weren’t the only one, babe,” Brian sighed. I looked up to see his eyes shifting around in panic and I put a hand on his cheek.

“What is it?” I asked him as a group of people pushed past us, making me stumble forward into him.

“Ave, babe… we should leave… you need some rest,” He said and I smiled a little bit. It was really sweet of him to care for me like this, but I really wasn’t tired. I still wanted to dance and catch up with some of the guys.

“Bri I—“

“Gates! What do you think you are doing?!” MB called as he grabbed my hand and started towards the door. “You aint planning to leave already? You’ve only been here for an hour or something… We have some more plans ahead of us! And I barely saw Ave drinking anything?! What’s up with that?” He questioned and my breath caught in my throat. Shit, they did notice that I wasn’t drinking. I felt the panic starting to rise inside of me and all of a sudden leaving didn’t sound like such a bad idea.

“Ave had a real bad hangover, a couple of days ago, MB… Let her be, she swore off alcohol for a few days… She will come around again, you know how stubborn she can be” Maya cut in, while she was being swirled around by Jimmy. Thank goodness for her or I would be screwed.

But I didn’t have time to think about that because a second later, Johnny grabbed my hand and pulled me to the dance floor. “About time you got your beautiful ass back here, Ave,” Johnny said as he twirled me around.

“What happy to have someone your height to dance with?” I teased and stuck my tongue out at him. He just threw his head back with a laugh before he pulled me to the left.

“Very funny, Ave…but yes,” Johnny slurred, obviously the booze hitting him faster than his friends, but that wasn’t anything new. “So are you staying with us?”

“I think so,” I admitted, liking the sounds of that more and more. Not only were things with Brian going as well but I also felt like I was home where I belonged.

Suddenly I felt someone grab my arm spin around, causing me to crash into a muscular chest. I looked up to see Brian’s angry expression as he glared at Johnny. What was that about?

“What the fuck, Gates?!” Johnny demanded and Brian narrowed his eyes at him.

“I just got her back… I am not willing to share yet,” he snarled and I felt my heart rate speed up. So did that mean we were back together? I was still confused about that with all our blurred lines.

As Brian lead me away from the dance floor, I looked up at him with a small smile. He looked down at me but just as I opened my mouth to ask him what he was thinking Jason stepped in front of me with a round of shots. Brian quickly shooed him away and lead me over toward the couch.

Hey babe, you wanna sit down maybe?” he asked with concern, earning some raised brows from our friends. They knew that I loved to dance and it was rare to find me just hanging out on the couch, except for the few times Brian and I had made out at a party. Were our friends starting to catch on?

“Brian, I’m feeling good,” I said with a smile, stopping him before we could get to the couch. “You don’t have to… have to be so overprotective, or everyone will know what’s up. I promise I’m good… really,” I assured him with a small pat to the cheek. I just wanted to have some more fun and didn’t need a baby sitter. We didn’t even know for sure if I was pregnant so I didn’t understand why he was acting like I was going to pop at any minute.

“Ave, did you save a dance for me?” Zack interrupted just as Brian opened his mouth to say something.

“Of course I did,” I took his hand with a smile as Brian stepped up and grabbed my hand. “I promise I’m okay,” I told him, meeting his eyes before looking at Zack. He immediately caught on and put a hand on Brian’s shoulder.

“I’ll be careful with her, I promise. She’s safe with me,” Zack assured him and he reluctantly let go of me. “So he’s on board now, huh?” Zack chuckled as he lead me away. I looked over my shoulder to see him watching after us with a frown. “I have to admit that you two look good together.”

I let out a small laugh. “Yeah, he moved me into his room and everything,” I replied with a smile. “But I don’t know if it’s just because of…you know what…or if he actually wants to get back together,” I sighed.

Zack threw his head back with a laugh. “Don’t be silly, Ave. Just look at him now,” he whispered in my ear. I looked back toward the bar to see him standing there with Matt watching my every move. “Does that look like the face of a man who doesn’t love you?”

I sighed and rolled my eyes, “No…okay fine. Maybe your right,” I admitted, my heart swelling in my chest.

“You and I both know how stubborn he is and if he has moved you into his room and has been up your ass all night, you know that things are back to normal with you,” Zack explained and I nodded. He was right.

But I didn’t have time to think about it because right at that second, Jimmy grabbed me around the waist and spun me through the air. “At last the little one has returned!” he screamed as I laughed. “Jimmy! Put me down!” I cried but he just spun around faster and faster. That is until Brian grabbed me and pulled me back into his arms.

I was so dizzy that I wasn’t sure what was going on, as he looked me up and down. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you? Did he hurt the….” Brian trailed off and my eyes grew wide as she I shook my head. I loved that he cared but this was just a little over the top. I wasn’t a porcelain doll for crying out loud! I was very capable of dancing and having a good time without a bubble.

“What the hell were you thinking, Rev?” Brian raged, stepping in front of me. “You could have hurt her!” Jimmy just raised a brow at him and shook his head.

“Relax, Brian. I was just having fun. Ave’s fine!” Jimmy shrugged, puling Jess into his side. “Besides she loved it! Didn’t you hear here!”

“Just don’t fucking do it again,” he snapped before he grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the room and down the hall.

“Brian stop!” I said, finally breaking free of his strong grip. “What the hell is wrong with you tonight?” I gapped at him, not understanding this possessive person that was coming out. At first it was sweet but not it had gone too far.

“What’s with me tonight? You really have to ask that, Ave?” Brian hissed, looking at me incredulously. “You could be carrying my fucking kid and I want you to be safe!” he whispered, his eyes full of confusion and fear. His eyes softened when they met mine and he took a step towards me. “I want to take care of you and make sure you have everything you need.”

“I really appreciate that, Brian but I’m not a porcelain doll. I’m not going to crumble into a million pieces if someone bumps into me and I’m sure as hell not helpless!” I said, trying to get him to understand. “Maybe when I’m eight months along you can act like that, but not now. Not when we don’t even know for sure,” I took as step forward and put my hands on his cheeks, making him look at me. “Your friends aren’t going to break me.”

“Have you met, Jimmy?” Brian chuckled, but he still looked uncertain.

“Yes, and I am really glad you are here for me but I don’t need a babysitter, love. I need support and comfort…and love,” Brian’s eyes snapped down to mine and I smiled a little bit when he pulled me into his embrace. “I promise I am alright and that you will be the first to know if I need something, okay?” I asked, looking into those mesmerizing brown eyes.

Brian nodded and I stood up on my tiptoes and placed a light kiss on his lip. He wrapped his arms around my waist and scooped me into his arms, carrying me bridal style all the way back to our room. Within an hour, I was cuddled on Brian’s muscular chest, tracing his tattoos on his arms as I drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

Notes

So Zacky let it slip that Ave is pregnant to Matt AND he almost kissed Maya?! What?! Seems like Mr. Sanders is having a hard time keeping it together. And Brian is being over protective...which is kind of cute right?

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