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"Let her go," Rich ordered as Leighton moved to follow her. "It's not like she's going anywhere. First thing tomorrow, she's on lockdown until we figure out what she's up to. Nobody in, and she definitely doesn't go out."

"Fine by me," I said through gritted teeth. I needed to work this shit out of my system, and looking back at the table, I wasn't in the mood for the game anymore. "I'm gonna wrap for the night, boys. I need to hit the gym for a bit. Leighton, it's your turn to clear the minis." I jotted down everyone's initiative scores. "We'll re-do the save rolls next time."

"I want to check out the cameras, anyway." Craig said. "Daddy-O wasn't exactly forthcoming with their locations and I wanna make sure we're covered from all angles."

When I finished wrapping up my stuff for the session, I left everything at the table and headed for the gym. We'd explored the house just enough to familiarize ourselves with the layout and pick our rooms when we arrived. I hadn't had a chance to take in the gym setup before we settled into our game.

The space was filled with calisthenic equipment and not much else. It was apparent it had been fitted out for someone who preferred running and yoga over weights, and I couldn't help but snicker at the thought of Daddy-O in some hippy pose.Still chuckling to myself, I made a beeline for the treadmill. It was state-of-the-art and had clearly been upgraded shortly before the house was abandoned. I preferred a punching bag, but a run would have to do until I could have my equipment installed.

Stripping down to my boxers, I hopped onto the treadmill and started it up. My room was on the second floor, and I didn't see any reason to change into workout gear when there wouldn't be anyone else using the space. I kicked up the speed and incline until it required my complete focus.

"Oh, that looks like fun!" Leighton called out from behind me, nearly causing me to stumble.

He jogged past me, tearing his clothes off as he sped toward the elliptical.

"What the fuck, man?" I demanded, lowering the speed on the treadmill.

"I don't have my workout gear." He shrugged as he shucked off his boxers and climbed on the machine, completely nude.

"Watching your dick swing around wasn't on my agenda for the night." I groaned. "Your pasty ass isn't exactly motivational."

"I bet I can think of someone's who is." He snickered. "All those pictures didn't do the princess any justice." He turned to the side, the elliptical posing no issues as he kept his pace and faced me. "And judging by the way that vein in your head is about to explode, I'm not the only one who noticed."

I slowed the treadmill to a stop before turning it off and turned to him. When I didn't come up with a denial fast enough, he started laughing, causing the muscles in my jaw to twitch. I stalked the few feet over to him, and my fist connected with his chin. He stumbled backward off the machine.

"Is that right? Oh, you got it bad, my man." He laughed, his hand going to his face.

"Put your fucking boxers back on. I need to hit something." I said, anger boiling through my veins. He smirked at me, the excited glint lighting up his face at the prospect of fighting.

"You just did."

"Repeatedly. Now, get up so I can kick your ass."

"Your funeral, bro." He was on his feet, faster than most people would expect him to move. I tried to move, and his fist caught me in the side. He smirked as we moved to a more open space and ran through the paces. Tomorrow, this room was getting a proper outfitting, so we didn't end up killing each other.

CHAPTER FIVE

Victoria

The early morning light danced across me as I lay in the bed. It was unsettling being back here. My father had moved out almost overnight after my mother's death, shutting the house up tight as if that would save us from grieving her loss.

The bed was new, my father had the room outfitted with new furniture, all of which I hated. I assumed it was meant to ease the pain of being not only back in the house but also staying in the room that had been theirs. Whatever his reasons, it wasn't working. If I didn't get out of the house for a while, my grief would consume me.

Climbing out of bed, I padded to the en suite bathroom and flicked the knob to start the shower. My father hadn't wasted any time the day before. All my products lined the shelves, just as I was sure I'd find my clothing hanging in the closet.

I showered quickly and dressed in high-waisted jeans, an old band t-shirt, and sneakers before heading to the kitchen with my phone in hand. Tiffany hadn't texted me last night after I left. I assumed she was likely still sleeping off the alcohol I knew she'd have consumed. She'd be bitchy about it, but I intended to wake her after breakfast. I needed to get the hell out of the manor.

The kitchen was quiet, making it obvious that while my father had changed and updated the furniture, he hadn't felt itnecessary to provide staff. The thought of the five men I'd met the night before struggling to make their own meals lightened my mood just a little as I got to work, grabbing the things I'd need to make oatmeal with fresh fruit for myself. My mother had ensured I'd always know how to care for myself, and making even the simple breakfast in my childhood home loosened the knot that had settled in my stomach from being back.

Slicing strawberries while the oatmeal cooked on the stove, I almost forgot that I wasn't alone in the house. The men had cleared away all evidence of their game the night before. It was like I'd dreamed the whole thing. At least until one of them strolled into the kitchen, black basketball shorts slung low on his hips.

"Morning." He smiled. "We didn't properly introduce ourselves last night. I'm Craig."

"Victoria."

"I know." He chuckled, moving toward the cupboard and pulling out a frying pan.

My mouth fell open slightly as I watched him move around, more at ease in a kitchen than I would have expected. My eyes were drawn to the intricate tattoos that covered every inch of his skin, except around his eyes and mouth, and I found myself tracing the lines of the designs with my eyes.