By the time I left the bathroom, I only had ten minutes before I had to hop on a video call for work. Dressing up quickly, I got in front of my computer just in time, only to realize I’d been in such a rush I’d failed to do anything to cover the hickeys on my neck.

I spent the entirety of my meeting with my shoulders scrunched up like a turtle, hoping the marks weren’t obvious. If anyone noticed, at least they didn’t say anything. Thank God it was almost Friday. Hopefully they would fade over the weekend.

A text from Lucas was waiting for me when I finally closed my laptop. Send us a photo. I want to see our handiwork.

I stripped down to get a good photo for them. I wasn’t ashamed that I loved being a tease; who wouldn’t want to feel desired, to flex your own power to seduce? I sent the photo I took to the group chat and wasn’t disappointed by their response.

Fuck, you look sexy covered in bruises, Manson said.

Damn it, one sec, I dropped my jaw on the floor, Vincent wrote. Shit, I knew should have called out of work and gone with you fucks.

Jason’s text came next. God, Jess, how am I supposed to work with a hard-on?

I hope you know I’ll be getting the locks and security system replaced, I responded. I did need to do something about that, unless I wanted to feign ignorance to my parents about why the system had stopped working. So good luck catching me again. I’m a faster runner on open ground.

Are you? Manson said. We’ll have to test that out.

Lucas was far less subtle. A goddamn lock won’t stop me, fucktoy. I’ll have you whenever I want.

Maybe we should let her run, was Jason’s suggestion. I think it would be fun to go for a hunt. We could use our paintball guns and bag ourselves a fucktoy.

Thank God they couldn’t see my face. I was red as hell as I imagined being hunted like an animal, shot down and gutted. What the hell was wrong with me? This was hopelessly perverted.

The group chat didn’t stop their teasing, but when another text came through from Lucas, it didn’t come through the group.

I’ve got a task for you. What’s your work schedule like during the week?

I lounged on my bed, feet up as I replied. A task? How exciting. Better make the instructions clear so I can’t fuck it up.

I couldn’t resist pushing their buttons; it was too fun to see them getting worked up. I gave him my schedule; I worked only until noon during the week, except on Mondays when I had a full day.