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"While we're all here, we need to talk," I said, motioning for Az to also sit at the island. "I know you're probably feeling like hell right now, Princess, and not in the mood to talk, but I'm positive you'll want to stay for this conversation. We need to reevaluate the ground rules for keeping you safe."

"Great. More decisions about what I can and can't do without me having any say." She sassed.

"No, Princess." I shook my head, frowning at her sass and her conclusion. "Not this time. I made you a promise, even if you don't remember it from the bottom of the bottle you downed last night. We're… going to do better about that."

She stared at me wide-eyed as she processed, and I had to make myself look at the counter to avoid the way her pretty brown eyes were twisting me up inside.

"...Okay." Her response was slow, cautiously accepting the olive branch I was offering her. "So talk, just keep it down. And can we shut the blinds, please?"

I pulled the cord on the blinds over the window, and it slid closed but did little to diminish the amount of light in the room.

"I still think the manor is the safest place. We can watch the grounds and have defenses here to keep you safe." She opened her mouth, and I held up a hand. "Let me finish, Princess. It is the safest place, but it's not a prison. If you want to go somewhere, you're free to do so as long as we're doing so safely until we can figure out what's going on. Talk to us when you want to go out; let us make sure it's safe for you to go. Take one of us with you because whoever is behind these events doesn't have any lines they won't cross, it seems."

She tilted her head slightly, considering my words as I spoke. It was making it very difficult to keep my tired mind focused.

"That's… surprisingly fair. Despite what it might have seemed to you guys, I'm not unaware of the concerns about me wandering around the city without consideration. I can agree with those terms."

"I think we also need to address the issue of frequent company. Before you jump to conclusions, I'm not saying it can't happen. If you could give us a list of people, you'd considerwelcome guests to the manor, I'd like to make sure there are no potentially dangerous connections to the people around you. That way, we can start ruling out people as potentials for how information about your movements is getting out." I chose my words carefully, not wanting her to see it as an invasion of privacy for the people in her life. There were still too many question marks to rule out almost anyone.

"I can run the checks personally, Bunny. And I'll let you know whatever I find, good or bad. We won't let strangers dig around in people's lives that are important to you." Craig offered on the heels of my request. His arm slid around her waist, and he squeezed close to him for a second.

The small smile she gave him and the easy way she relaxed into his touch had a similar blast of hot jealousy flaring in my brain as the night before. I clenched my jaw and mentally stomped out the flame.

"And you know I'll take you anywhere you need to go, Sweetheart. We can keep you safe…" Joey said softly, reaching to take her free hand in his. I turned toward the sink to rinse my cup as an excuse to take a steadying breath, reminding myself that the twisting in my stomach was a road to nowhere. I needed to sort my shit out almost as much as Az did at this point.

"And if Joey isn't available, I can be your escort if you need to go somewhere." Az's voice was oddly reserved as he finally spoke up. "Listen, I know we haven't done a good job proving that's what we're really here to do. And I…" he trailed off momentarily, "yeah, me especially. But I'm– we'll try to do better if you'll let us. Trust us to do what we're here to do."

"Thank God, I don't have to murder you now, ya big softie." Leighton laughed.

"Fuck off, psycho," Az retorted, and I could hear the grin in his voice.

I felt the relief roll through my shoulders as I turned around to face the group again. I was proud of Az for owning up to his part and a little surprised at how quickly he seemed to pull himself together. Victoria looked like he'd just grown a second head, and she wasn't sure how to process what she saw.

I couldn't stop the amused smirk that crossed my face watching her reaction. The air felt clearer for the first time in weeks. "It looks like we're finally finding level ground here. Unless you have anything you'd like to add, Princess, go rest your hangover. One of us will come to get you after Craig's made breakfast."

She slid off the stool, turned to exit, paused, and turned back. She met my gaze with a genuine smile that nearly leveled me. "Thank you, Daddy." Then she was gone.

My spine stiffened, and I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep my features schooled. The road to nowhere was looking increasingly tempting.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Victoria

After our discussion about the new ground rules for my safety, the guys and I fell into a comfortable routine. Though they hadn't said it, I was sure my not wanting to leave in the wake of the destruction of my office at the center had caused them to relax a little. I tried to convince myself that I wasn't hiding in fear. I was only waiting for the repairs to be made. Mags was the only one who knew enough to call me on the lies I was telling myself.

She had given me her number at some point while I was drowning my feelings in booze, and I'd spent the last several days since visiting the Spotted Cobra texting her. I'd told her everything during my drunken rambling, including the texts from my stalker and the sense of betrayal I'd felt when Tiffany had added her voice to the arguments about what I should be allowed to do. The red-headed bartender had only offered words of support, so stark in contrast to how everyone else treated me that I couldn't help wanting to befriend her even after the alcohol wore off.

You should tell them about the texts. I know they're pigheaded ‘Az-holes,’ as you call ‘em, but they can help. You shouldn't let some sicko scare you away from doing the work you love.Her latest response read.

I worried my bottom lip with my teeth as I tapped out a response.

They just stopped trying to control everything I do. If I tell them about this, they will lock me up somewhere and throw away the key.

I can't say I blame you for feeling that way after what you told me the other night. You should tell somebody close to you, even if it ain't them. I know you're still upset with your friend Tiffany, but you should consider talking to her.

As I considered Mags' last text, I pursed my lips together in a thin line. Iwasangry with Tiff, but I did miss her. She was my best friend. Even with her misguided actions at the dinner party, part of me knew she was only trying to look out for me. If I told her about the creepy texts and asked her to stay quiet, I was confident she would. Before I could remind myself of all the reasons I should let Tiffany sit with what she did, I navigated away from my texts with Mags and tapped call on Tiff's number.

"Tory? Oh my god, I'm so sorry. I've been calling and texting you since the other night. I was such a bitch." Tiff rattled off the second she answered the phone. "Can you ever forgive me?"