Everyone imagines the end of the world, whether it be due to a fiery doom or a global flood. Most of the time, it's never due to man. Some may say it's punishment from God, or global warming, or anything of that matter. But the blame is always shifted away from Earth's inhabitants. Well, that was definitely not the case on January 1st, 2013.

The cure for cancer had always been an endless one, a final treatment to be rid of the disease always out of reach. Scientists had long since started their mission to find the end of the fatal disease, though it always seemed just beyond the grasp of their fingers. Finally, they believed they had stumbled upon the answer. However, the so called cure turned deadly amid the top secret and confidential laboratory. It was released thought the lab and soon broke out into the outside world, becoming a global pandemic quicker than one could say "zombie". But that's exactly what happened. The viral, man made disease spread like wild fire, turning all its victims into mindless, flesh eating cannibal commonly referred to as zombies. The infection became known as Virus 6-14, seeing as it was the sixth test subject and fourteenth strand.

Soon after the zombie apocalypse swept over the globe and almost all of Earth's creatures had died or turned into the undead, an intellectual man started a government to try and get the world, or at least his part of it, back on track. Many survivors disagreed with the new President's ways of life, and one day a group of these rebels spotted the President's daughter just outside her Colony. Upon kidnapping her, they decided to hold her as hostage to try and persuade the President to listen to them and either change as they saw fit or step down from his reign.

Maddox's visage was set in determination, slamming the new mag into his pistol. None of the men in the SUV gave him a glance at the sound, for it was one they were all well used to by now. Nobody expected an attack, but as the leader Maddox had to prepare for each possile scenario. If someone were to attack, he would feel prepared thanks to the cold piece of metal that rest on his thigh. Some would feel frightened at what could accidentally happen from the gun, but he felt calm with it. That, and various other weapons hidden on his person.

Gray eyes focused through the tinted window, he scanned each street as they came up to it, passed it, and drove away from it. The surroundings played through his mind like a game, opening up opportunities and scenarios he ran through with expertise. Though, there was no use, because the plan was set. They would most likely not have a need to switch routes, but if they did he had multiple ones already etched into his mind. Perhaps-

His seat jerked as the President's daughter slammed her foot into the back of his seat, pulling him from his musings.

"Would you control that thing?" The words came out a gutteral growl.

Peyton frowned in the backseat, "It's not as easy as you make it sound. She's not a child-" the words were followed by a huff as he got smacked in the face.

Sighing in frustration and impatience, Maddox clicked his gun into safety and put it on the dash. Swinging in his seat, he threw a leg over the arm rest between him and the driver. The woman had a cloth bag tied over head head, strands of wild locks falling out from the bottom. Arms tied behind her back, she was utilizing the only limbs she had untied. In other words, her feet were thrashing about violently, making contact with anything that she could.

"Well, why didn't you tie her feet you idiot!" The car screeched into a right turn, Maddox pressed into the drivers seat as he fumed.

His hands snatched at her ankles, digging into her skin as he slammed her legs together. Biceps tense with the effort to calm her bucking legs. Paris was holding down her upper body, his arms locked over her chest. Peyton attempted to aid Maddox, his hands pushing down her thighs.

"I swear to whatever God there is girl, if you don't quit it you will be punished. Do you hear me?" He let go with one hand to dig up a rope from his bag, gray eyes remaining on the frantic woman.

[imgleft]http://i56.tinypic.com/2n8tnit.png[/imgleft] Violet Prentice could feel the van going over each bump, bouncing her from her spot on the floor of the car. Her arms, tied behind her back, wildly grasped at the rope, trying to undo it any way she possibly could. One of her pet peeves was being taken advantage of and this definitely was the case.

Though her head was masked by a rather uncomfortable cloth bag, her mouth wasn't taped or restricted. "You fucking idiot, let me go right this instant or I promise you I will-" She was cut short as she felt hands push her down. A pair of strong arms wrapped around her upper chest, another pushing down her feet, and another pinning down her thighs. Thrashing as wildly as humanly possibly, Violet made sure to put up a fight.

Listening to the man in the passenger seat, Violet contemplated her next move. As he released one hand to get a rope, she kicked up with her left leg, feeling it connect with his jaw. Yanking her torso up, she was partially freed. Whipping her head, the bag slipped off and her red locks fell across her face, blocking her large hazel. Moving her hair with the tilt of her head, the daughter of the New Government President put all her determination into getting free.

Violet had always been like her mother. A fighter, persistent, and stubborn as hell. These characteristics were easily visible as she fought against the three men trying to restrain and subdue her. She quickly glanced over each man and took in her surroundings. "Damn it," she muttered to herself, realizing she was entrapped in the SUV. Shrugging, she figured she'd still fight. Pulling her arms under her legs so that they were in front of her, the redhead used her joined hands to smack one of the males in the back upside the head, watching him stumble. Her sun kissed skin shown with perspiration from her efforts.

Due to long years of combat training, as well as agility training and her personal passion, dancing, Violet was fit and toned, enough to at least momentarily take on the men kidnapping her. Huffing, she fought with all her might, escape routes racing in her head.

Obscenities escaped his lips as her left leg came into contact with his jaw, popping it painfully and causing his teeth to tear into his bottom lip. Spitting the blood onto the SUV's floor, he grit his teeth together and snatched the girl by her wavy hair. The tendrils slithered through his fingers as he pulled them, the girls head coming with it. Her face came level to his, the only thing keeping her from butting his head was his fist at the nape of her neck.

"I swear to fucking god if you don't settle down like a good little girl, I'll cut off each of your pretty little toes. Don't think I won't hurt you just because you're a woman," his gray eyes bore into her deep hazel irises, his own guarded by long dark eyelashes.

With his fist remaining in her hair, his other hand wrapped around one of her small arms. Yanking her over the arm rest, her pressed her into it, his elbow jamming into her chest. Maddox slammed into the window as the driver veered left, pulling her head with him, "God damnit you imbecile! Can you warn us first! Piece of shit!"

The two men in the back had her ankles tied by the time he sat up from his seat, one of her shoes missing from the struggle. She really did have pretty toes...Polished a shade of red similar to her hair, it matched her ferocious personality. He didn't have time to linger on them long however, because her hands slammed into his groin, arousing a strained choking sound from. Doubled over, his hand that was once in her chest now cupped his groin in protection and agony. Seizing the moment, she went to strike the back of his head with her hands, but this time he was prepared. Grabbing her hands, he twisted quickly until herose a shriek from her. Once he got his shriek, his fist slammed into her temple, finally getting silence as her eyes rolled into the back of her head.

"What the fuck, man?" Demitri, the driver, pulled into their building's parking lot, "Why the hell did you do that? We're here!"

As Maddox reached down to rearrange his wounded crotch, he glared at Demitri. Demitri's hands were smooth as he lifted her eyelids to check something, then dipping his head down against her breast to listen to her heartbeat. Deciding the female was still alive, he glared up at Maddox, "You knew the orders. Get her here healthy and safe, no matter-"

"I make the orders, Demitri," Maddox was scowling as he opened his door, stepping into the cool night air, "Besides, she would have screamed when we transported her into the building anyways. It's better this way."

Paris frowned as he too exited the vehicle, "Still, dude, you're going to be in trouble."

"Who's going to tell? They wanted the job done, and we got it done. Now, quite whining like a bunch of bitches and get her into the secure room," tucking his gun into the back of his jeans. He watched the still figure that hung partway in his seat and partway in the back. Her pink lips were parted ever-so-slightly, her eyelashes fluttering softly, her shirt strained against her breasts. If she wasn't such a violent creature, she might even appeal to him. Too, bad. Soon, she would be in the room downstairs, airlocked and soundproofed for him to do as necessary. He knew it would be up to him, because not only was he the leader, but he was the only male half willing to hit a woman to get things done. He wasn't raised to have such weakness. They were merely vulnerabilities to do so.

Gasping in sheer pain, Violet was yanked up from her hair by the man. Her scalp screamed from the pain brought by him, and she willingly pushed her head up more so there wasn't as much pressure and he wasn't pulling as near as hard. Her chest rose and fell quickly as she gaped for air. Biting her lip as she was yanked over the arm rest, Violet tried not to appear too weak. She knew the old technique, never let your enemy know how much distress they're causing you. She didn't want to see that self satisfaction float across his face. "Ahhh fuck," she cursed quietly to herself, the words making her pain subside just a tad bit.

In her position, she finally got a good look at her attacker, well at least the leader of the group of attackers. He had light gray eyes and obviously muscled arms, messy dark brown hair and a gruff look on his face. Not that bad looking, she thought to herself. Quickly after letting the thought roam over her mind, she discarded it. She didn't need to be thinking about that, especially considering he was kidnapping her.

Taking a deep breath to ready herself, she slammed her fists into his baby makers, watching him double over in pain. Rising her fists once again to hopefully knock him unconscious by punching into the back of his neck, she was caught off guard as he grabbed her. "Shit! Jesus Chri-" Violet began to yell in fury and agony, being cut off when the man's fist connected with her temple.

Her body slouching as she traveled into unconsciousness, Violet's features relaxed and her lips parted, eye lashes fluttering just so. Beginning to awaken, but not enough to move around or fight for that matter, Violet felt soft hands on her face, checking if she was OK. Noises slowly began to become audible, and she heard what must have been the driver arguing with the man who had knocked her out. He checked her heart beat, his gentle manner a nice change from the roughness and violence she had just experienced.

The car stopped and doors opened, her surroundings barely registering to her mind, which was floating in limbo between unconscious and consciousness. She groaned, her first noise that signaled her awakening, as she was lifted from the van by the driver. He was careful with her as he slung her arms around his neck so he could lift her better.

Her head falling back, Violet slowly opened her eyes. The light made her cringe as it affected her growing migraine. "My head," she muttered, still not fully aware of where she was. "Damn." She tucked her head into the man's chest, blocking out the sun. Not finding it in her to scream, or much use considering she'd probably just got knocked upside the head once again, Violet licked her parched lips and tried to calm herself.

Attempting to stretch her legs, the man carrying her was thrown off, thinking she trying to escape, and dropped her onto the hard ground. "Aghhhhh!" Violet moaned, pain shooting throughout her spine and butt upon impact. Ignoring the man's apologies, she pushed her torso up using her conjoined hands and glanced at the four men surrounding her. "Dear God," she whispered, not praying but simply to get some words out. Shaking her head, she coughed as sand floated into her mouth.

"How stupid are you?" Maddox growled at Demitri, shoving him in the chest. The large hulk of a man stumbled back, dark eyes widened with shock that he was being punished. Tentative gaze veered between the woman he just dropped and his infuriated leader, lips moving but failing to conjure any words. Obvious to Maddox why the man was faltering, he continued, "You were just chastising me for being rough with her and you just dropped her on her ass!" When Demitri parted his lips to defend himself, Maddox put a finger up in silence, "I don't care why you did it. Don't let it happen again, understand?" A brisk nod from Demitri, muttering weak apologies.

Reaching in his backpack, Maddox's fingers grabbed onto some pink duct tape, pulling a piece out and tearing with white teeth, "You don't have to thank us for getting pink. But, your welcome," stalking towards her with a scowl painted on his face, he kneeled in front of the shocked woman, pushing the tape over her plump lips before she could react, and smoothing it down with his thumbs. A moment passed with hesitation as his gaze locked on the lips he had just covered. Some of the men even thought it looked like he wanted to tear the tape off and cover her lips with his own. However, he merely reached his hand out palm up to Paris, "Get me the red sharpie out of the side zipper pocket, please."

Upon getting what he wanted, one of his hands once again reached into the silky tendrils of fire, holding her head still at the nape of her neck. His teeth bore down on the cap, allowing him to unsheathe the marker one handed. All three of the other men closed in around him, their necks elongating as they watched over his shoulder. Shrugging off the annoyance, he finished drawing the plump red lips on the marker, topping it off with a proud smile and a, "There."

The men all laughed, slapping him on the back in friendship, giving their appreciation and murmuring witty things. Peyton laughed, "She looks even more kissable now. Almost attractive even," his hands rubbed together in front of him as if he were begging for a turn with her.

"The day you kiss her is the day I'll cut off your dick in your sleep. She is not to fornicate with, she is to use for information and bait. Cross that line and I swear to the skies you will regret laying a single ounce of skin on her. Don't think I'm kidding; you know I've done worse," with that he pulled the woman's hands over his head, his arm swooping underneath her knees and pulling her to his chest.

His eyelids fluttered slightly at the harsh contrast between hard and soft, strong and delicate. Well, almost delicate. How long it had been since he'd been with a woman...He couldn't even remember the last time, thinking so just as he stepped through the garage door, and into the inner garage door. Not wanted her to see where he was taking her, he yanked her head against her chest, demanding her to close her eyes, "If you peek, or do not behave, I will strip you naked and leave you in the entertainment room, legs spread by force for the amusement of the others." He would follow through if need be, and he knew it.

After walking through the fortress, he made his way downstairs, nodding at one of the guards as he opened the secured vault-like door. Stepping through, the door closed behind him, a loud shudder, the floor vibrating as the guard locked it; a security measure in case she managed to kill him. They would not open the door unless he requested so, and she was safely obedient. The room was bare; it had a bed with one cotton sheet, a toilet in the corner, a sink next to that, and the door. Nothing else.

Eager to break all contact, he leaned down and released her on the bed, "You may look now."

Violet watched the interaction between the two men, sliding back just a tad bit. She shook her head, the red tendrils surrounding her face like a halo. She squeezed her eyes shut against the bright sunlight. She rolled her eyes as the man pulled out the duct tape. She didn't like the grotesque, Pepto Bismal pink of it. "Typical," she muttered to herself, letting a sigh escape her pink lips.

Willingly, she let her mouth be covered. She was in too much pain, her head still throbbing and her spine and butt sore from the fall, to fight back. She closed her eyes as her head was bent back. For a second the hazel eyes fluttered open, locking with the man's. She gazed at his face curiously, watching his eyes lock onto her lips. With a smirk in her eyes, she watched as he awkwardly broke away. Rolling her eyes, she let the lips be drawn on the tape. She wasn't amazed by the amusement the drawing brought to the men. Imbeciles.

Glaring at the man rubbing his hands together who had made the remark, Violet channeled all her fury into her eyes as she stared at him threateningly. A sly look of satisfaction crossed her face as he was threatened by the other man, the one she hadn't identified. The driver was Demitri, one was Paris, and the other she didn't know. But he was the one that had made the kissable remark.

Shocks of pain shot through the redhead's arms as they were yanked above her. Letting herself be scooped up, as if she didn't have much choice, Violet got her last view of the outside. It was a barren place, desolate and secluded. Tumble weeds rolled in the distance as if they were in an old cowboy movie.

Violet's body un-tensed a bit as she was carried in. She knew he wouldn't drop her, and like said before, she didn't find the use in struggling. At least not yet. "Sadist," Violet mumbled at the man's threat. Her words were just audible, her having a tiny bit of her room under the tape due to her working at it with her lips and tongue. She closed her eyes anyway, making mental notes of the turns they took.

As she was dumped on the bed, Violet opened her eyes. Blinking so that her vision slowly became clear, she glanced around the small room. At the very least, she had the bare necessities. She stretched her legs as best she could with the rope around her ankle, flexing her calf muscles. Rolling her shoulders, she tried to ease some of the knots in her muscles.

Raising a perfect eyebrow at him, Violet glanced at the tape, hoping he'd get the hint to take it off.

This time it was Maddox who rolled his eyes, knowing perfectly well what she wanted. But would it be a good choice to remove the tape. She was a feisty one, and he knew she would most likely spit or say something vulgar. God knows, her mouth wasn't exactly the cleanest thing in the world. All kinds of dirty words left the perfectly shaped lips. Any man would be shocked to hear such things from such a beautiful creature, but he had been raised in a family where such things should be expected and well prepared for. To be honest, he would be perfectly fine leaving the tape on her mouth, but he knew that by doing such a thing he would never win her help.

Sighing in inward defeat, his fingers dug underneath the material, yanking it by the edge off of her mouth. The loud rip sound arose a fierce dominance in his gut, fighting back a grin as he wadded the material up. Walking backwards until he reached the wall, Maddox crossed his muscled arms over his chest, the shirt pulled tight over the ropes of his stomach and shoulders. Dark hair trickled over his forehead in the slightest, his dark eyelashes casting long shadows over his cheeks, leading her eyes into his stubble. Did she like stubble? Or was she the type of woman who got irritated from it scratching at her soft skin when they kissed? Did it matter? No, it didn't.


Her fiery locks of hair cascaded down her chest, leading his gaze easily to her breasts, rising and falling under her shirt visibly with each breath. Tearing his gaze from her, he narrowed his eyes at the far wall, just over her shoulder. This was ridiculous; he would need to get a woman tonight, whether he wanted to or not. The sooner he could get his release, the sooner he could focus on the task at hand. Absentmindedly, his left pointer finger rubbed at his bottom lip, his eyes unfocused, "You know why we took you, don't you? Sass me and I'll bite off your tongue." Or lick it, but-God Damnit. Focus, idiot. Perhaps it'd be better to have one of the other men come in and question her. They'd focus more. Either that or they'd succumb to their desire and take her anyways. Either way, it'd be off his shoulders, no longer his responsibility.

The first thing to leave Violet's mouth when the tape was ripped off was a scream in pain. The tape had teared at her skin in an agonizing way, leaving her lips red and dry. Her tongue flicked over them, hoping to moisturize them. She hated the feel of chapped lips, and the wetness on her lips helped to quell the stinging pain. Escape routes ran through her head over and over. She knew to even have a slight chance she'd have to earn at least a few of the men's trust.

She waited a moment before answering his question, popping her jaw as she moved it side to side. She looked over his face, admiring his long eye lashes and strong jaw. The hint of stubble was interesting, not too much to bother her. Hoisting herself off the bed, her feet hit the ground and she stood. She watched as he began to make a move. "Calm down, I'm not trying to escape. I'm not stupid," she said, her light soprano voice traveling to him. She half shuffled and half walked to the sink, turning on the water with her tied hands. Cupping her hands like a small bowl, she gathered some of the clear, cold water, and splashed it on her face. Repeating the motion, she took a swig of water from her hands and pushed back the faucet, shaking the drops of aqua off of her hands.

Returning to the bed, Violet swung her long legs up and over, letting them stretch half bent across the thin mattress. "It's kind of obvious," she answered his question, shrugging her shoulders. Glancing back up at him, she felt the silver heart locket she always wore fall between her breasts. "You want information, I have it. But I'm not giving it to you without something in return," she offered, idly twiddling with her locket. "What's your name," she asked, intently watching his gaze.

Maddox's shaded eyes didn't fail to notice the piece of metal hanging around her neck, dipping seductively between her breasts. Come to think of it...in the pictures the men had taken when following her and learning her routine, she'd had that same piece of jewelry on. He'd seen women do that..His own mother wore an anklet Maddox had made for her for his 12th Christmas each day. It was possibly the only sign of having affections to another that she allowed. For the most part, they had a rule in the "family", if that's what you want to call it, to not get attached. Following that rule, they didn't keep sentimental things. Ever. It was dangerous and gave people something to use against you. In all of her training, why hadn't she been taught not to wear such a thing? Mistake number one on her father's part. He'd be sure to let the President know he played a part in her demise.

She wanted his name, fine. But another rule he was taught: never give them what they want until they give you what you want. So, before she could get his name, she would give him some information. After all, it sounded like that was the trade she wanted. You could never know with women though, they were famous for tricking men. He'd heard all kinds of horror stories of the gender, which is perhaps why he avoided affection with them so fiercely. They only let to a man's downfall. Soon, the woman would be al the man could think about, keeping him from the tasks at hand. She became a responsibility and a weakness, something his enemies could use. Which is exactly what Maddox was doing, using the Presidents weakness. Another weakness would definitely have been easier to manipulate and use, but this was perhaps the greatest weakness of all; a father's love.

"I see how this going to go...You want something from me to give me what I want. That's fine, I'll play your game," a muscle ticked under his eye, "but you will give me what I want to hear first. No exception. Until I get my information, you won't get what you want," his piercing gaze fell to her chest for the slightest moment, a glint to the gray eyes. "I want to know the importance of that necklace. Answer honestly, or not only will you not get the information you wish for, but I will do much worse things than just bite off that pretty little tongue of yours," and yes it was a pretty little tongue. He'd watch it lick her lips, "After you give me that, you will get my name. You have my word," he watched her expectantly, clearing his throat.

The two watched each other for a long moment, debating their next moves. It seemed like a simple game of back and forth, but it could turn deadly in an instant. For a brief second she wondered about him; about his past, his career, what his life had gone like. She had always been intrigued by people's pasts, especially because they often kept them so secret. Then again, she wasn't big on sharing every little detail of her personal life.

Another thought followed her first one; would her father even bother to save her? He'd been a cold man ever since her mother... Well, since she was a little girl. A lot of the time it seemed like she was more a business partner than his child. She actually had a lot of say so in what happened as far as their Colony and the New Government. He cared about his precious government seemingly more than he did about her. She was used to it though, she'd developed a thick skin.

Glancing back at her kidnapper, her hand shot up to her necklace. She popped open the locket, staring at the picture of the beautiful woman on the inside, cradling a small baby girl. Her small thumb lightly grazed over it, a tiny smile lighting up Violet's features.

With a sigh, Violet looked back up at the man. "Fair enough," she said, shrugging. Standing, she twisted her arms in a stretching manner. "There's no window in here. What a shame," she stated quietly. She ran a hand over the cracked concrete wall. "I figure you know a lot about my father, yes?" She asked, not waiting for an answer as she cracked her knuckles. "He wasn't the full on leader of the government, at least in the beginning. Sure, he was known as the President, but he was a very... non presidential one. He acted as a care giver, not an authoritarian leader."

With her long fingers playing over the necklace, Violet's eyes glazed over as the memories came to light. "He's pretty cold now I guess. You get used to it though. But when my mother was alive he wasn't," sighing, she continued with her story. "I think I was eight when it happened. Yeah, about eight. Well, the zombie apocalypse was just coming on. The Colony was established already. We were picking apples in a little orchard just outside the fence line. God I loved the smell of that orchard," her voiced trailed off as she could nearly taste the sweetness of the apples. "We didn't see the zombies coming. It was a stupid mistake. They got my mother before we could do anything. My father grabbed me and ran. He had given this necklace to her when I was two. She never took it off. Neither do I."

Turning around so that the man wouldn't see her clouded, tear filled eyes, Violet harshly wiped away the tears. "Son of a bitch," she mumbled, trying to keep her shoulders from shaking.

{{I decided to bold the quotes too, since it's been helping me when going back to your post while I'm posting. (: }}

He was fully aware of why she'd turned away, and gave no response in encouragement to her. It was his responsibility to keep her happy. It was his responsibility to get information. If doing so made her sad, well he'd get her kleenex. It wasn't a smart idea to let her emotions show like that. Now he knew one of her weaknesses, and an important memory for that family. Making a mental note to share the new information, he watched her with a blank face. His dark eyebrows furrowed slightly. They knew of her mother's death from their research, but not of her involvement. Nowhere in the government files did it mention her being there when the murder occurred, yet alone that she saw it. Why would the President hide that? Was it just to shelter his child, or was there a strategic purpose to it? Perhaps it would uncover some deeper motives of his...reasons for his experiments. He could actually get quite a bit from this woman.

Usually crying women demanded attention, someone to wrap their arms around her and whisper sweet words in her ear, but this one stayed where she was. She became even more detached, the polar opposite of what was expected. God, women irritated him. Useless musings would get him nowhere, he had to be more advantageous. He was in front of her in two long strides, removing her hands from the locket. He leaned down, his breath hot on her shoulder as he studied the picture. A woman, an angelic woman at that, held a small light haired infant. The infant was held close to the woman's bossom, staring down at the infant with an adoring gaze, love consuming her features. It could only be her mother. The story would link to this picture only if it was important to her, because her mother had worn it. Her mother had worn it, because it was a prized picture of her and her daughter, a daughter she bore. Seemed honest enough, and it matched up with the information he already had. She passed so far.

Releasing the small heart locket from his grip, he stood back a full height, towering over the small woman, "Your answer pleases me, and you will get the information you wish." As much as he hatted to give away any information about himself, he knew it would be beneficial this time. It was his only choice, wasn't it? He'd given her his word, and he was a man of his word. Ask anyone; he followed through with what he said. It was the only option. He may be a monster in the eyes of some, but he was an honest monster.

His lips had just parted to giver her his name, such a silly piece of information, when a loud growl sounded from her stomach. Oh, he'd forgotten to feed her, an obvious part of keeping her. He usually didn't forget such important things, but he knew he wasn't perfect. Lips closing once more, he studied her. She made no acknowledgement that she heard or felt her stomach growl. Her head was still turned from him, her pulse stubbornly throbbing in her neck, her breathing controlled. Food was the perfect excuse to leave. He didn't know how much longer he could go without food either, and was surprised his own stomach hadn't growled. Spinning on his heels, he banged on the metal door. The slit in the door at head level slid open. Upon seeing it was Maddox, the guard unbolted the large door, swinging it open.


Pausing in the doorway, he looked back at her, "My name is Maddox." With that, the door was slammed shut again, leaving her completely alone.

((Haha that's fine :) It helps when you're replying to a post.))

Scuffing at his simple reply, Violet shook her head. Not turning around as he examined the lock it, her body tensed, ready to attack if he dared to take it. As he towered over, she turned to face him, finally making note of what was going on. She hadn't heard stomach growl, much less acknowledged the hunger coming over her. She realized how much taller than she that he was, a surprising fact considering that she was a tall 5 foot 9. However her height didn't take away from her small appearance, being thin and toned made her seem more fragile than she really was.

She smirked, still twirling the necklace. "Maddox," she whispered. It seemed fitting to his appearance. After he left, she mentally smacked herself. She shouldn't have revealed so much, let alone anything. But she had to let it out some time. Falling onto the bed, she closed her eyes. Her legs tucked under her and she pulled herself into a tight ball, facing the rest of the room.

"Every little thing, is gonna be alright," she sang softly to herself. She had a clear, light, beautiful singing voice. The words calmed her and in her mind's eye she assessed the possibilities of the night; when she could escape, what she could do. She made it her goal to find out more about this Maddox. He seemed tough, surrounded by a thick outer shell. Since she was a young teen she'd been able to assess people, reading them as one reads a book. She figured he'd had a distant family, one that didn't show much emotion. It was a strong possibility and she would keep it in mind.

Her eyes closed, her eye balls moved slightly in their sockets as floated off in sleep. She was tired, having been up since the crack of dawn. She had gone walking, her regular morning activity. And that's when she had been taken. It wasn't too surprising actually, she had a habit of venturing off, and was almost always in the wrong place at the wrong time.

With her mind slowing to an almost stand still, Violet's hand loosened on the necklace she had gripped tightly. Her eyes stopped moving and she settled into a light sleep, letting herself be pulled into unconscious by gentle waves of exhaustion.

Maddox stalked up the stone stairs, it footsteps stealthy, and he made his way into the kitchen. The men were all chowing down, and upon seeing him instantly surrounded him, swarming around the new toy. "What happened?" "What'd you get?" "Did you have to use force?" They were all zoning in on him, their eyes wide in curiosity, hands on his shoulders. Shrugging the hands off, he went straight for the fridge, suddenly starving at seeing everyone eating. Now, his stomach grumbled at him. Useless organ...He grabbed leftover spaghetti and put the whole Tupper ware in the microwave, well intending to eat the rest. God knows he could eat more. Pressing the time buttons, he turned to the men, smiling as he leaned against the stove, "She's cracking."

Peyton was the first to speak after the long pause while they all processed what he said, "Cracked? She already told you everything? What'd you do? You couldn't have seduced her in such a short time!"

"No, I didn't seduce her you imbecile, and I don't plan to. She traded information for my name. In return-"

"You gave her your name?" Paris fumed, panic and anger absorbing his eyes.

"Relax. She can't do much with it. She only has my first name," he impatiently checked the microwave's time left.

"Do you really think there are that many Maddox's out there? It's kind of a unique name," Paris again.

"Well, either way it was worth it." He walked to the island in the middle of the kitchen, filing through the papers they had been studying before the kidnapping. Finding what he wanted with an 'aha', he slapped it on top of everything. The men glanced at it.

"The government papers on the first lady's death. So what. We've studied it a million times, and know it by heart. What's the point?" Peyton this time.

"I was getting to that, Peyton. Where on that does it mention Violet?" He swiveled the paper so they could view it easier, but quickly deserted that when the microwave beeped, grabbing the spaghetti and pouring parmesan in it.

None of them even looked at it, but all gave a "Nowhere" in unison.

"Exactly. The government lied. Violet was there, in the orchard. Her and her parents were all there, zombies got the mother, and the President ran with the daughter," He had decided to leave the locket out, deeming it unnecessary information as he shoveled the delicious meal into his mouth.

"Why would they do that?" Demitri this time.

"That's what we need to figure out," Maddox dumped the now empty dish into the sink, slightly upset that there wasn't more, and began to hastily make a sandwich. Not sure what females liked, he decided simpler was better. So, she would get a ham and cheese sandwich. Also on her plate, he had a fresh apple, just to butter her up a little bit to tell him more. Didn't she say something about liking apples?

"Let me take it to her. We all know I seduce women much quicker. I can get what we need in no time. Just give me two hours with her and I'll have it all. You can even leave the hatch open and listen," Paris wiggled his eyebrows.

"Not happening. I'm cock blocking you. No touching the woman, or no woman will ever want to touch you again when I'm done with you," with that he disappeared back down the hallway with every intention of making her eat.

Nightmares began to take over Violet's once peaceful dreams. It started with clowns. Why did it have to be clowns? She always had a phobia of them. She could remember waking up from nightmares like this, screaming in terror, and having her father come rushing in. Of course, he didn't do that any more. There was no room for childish nightmares and fears in her father's world, and so she dealt with them her own way. Usually by constant combat training, but that wasn't an option here.

Knowing the room was sound proof, Violet rolled out of the bed and pushed up the mattress, her ankles still tied. She went to work at them next, fiddling with the knots and twists. At last it was undone and lay forgotten on the flower. Feeling the sharp iron point of the edge of the bed frame, Violet smirked triumphantly. Entwining her fingers together, she began to violently saw at the rope using the point of the bed frame, a slight sweat breaking out on her forehead.

Frustration followed the redhead's determination in a burst of anger she kicked at the mattress, supporting her weight on her right leg and roundhouse kicking with her left. It felt good to get out her tension and she began to viciously and expertly kick the mattress to a pulp. Plus, it would make it softer to sleep on. Then again, she didn't plan on spending too much time here.

Hearing foot steps on the stairs, barely audible, Violet frantically glanced around. Lowering the mattress back to its regular state, she loosely tied the rope around her ankles, but not so she couldn't easily get out of it. She reclined herself on the mattress, lazily throwing the cotton sheet over her bare legs, just touching the edge of her denim shorts. She returned to her curled position.

Counting the foot steps nearing her, Violet shut her eyes. "One... two..." as the door opened, Violet stopped talking and let her mouth and other facial features go slack as if she was still peacefully dreaming.

Violet was curled up on the mattress, a peaceful expression painting her small face. The blanket hung loosely over her legs, but was tight enough around them that he could see the muscled outline of each leg underneath it. Her denim shorts had pulled up from the struggles of the night, and he would bet his life that if he took three steps to the right he could see right up those shorts. Was she wearing underwear, or did she prefer the freedom of going without it? Her tank top had scrunched up as well, revealing inches of her delicate sun kissed skin. Did it feel as soft as it looked? Or taste as delicious? Damn, he needs a woman tonight...He wouldn't be able to get information out of her if he couldn't focus. And, as far as he has noticed so far, focusing was not something his stubborn body was willing to do.

Forcing himself to remain calm, his breath even, he took a bite out of the sandwich and apple to prove it's purity, and placed it on the floor beside her bed. Hesitating on the floor by the bedframe, his eyes closed half mast, listening to the sounds of her slow breaths. A feminine sigh intruded his mind, and he physically jerked away from her, afraid of what he might do if he heard it again. The sigh had sounded so sultry to him, like one a woman would make after her man gave her sweet release, and she was overcome with peace and contentment. Did she make that sound, too? Did her face flush, her lips swollen and red from passionate kissing? Was she the kind of woman to get dressed after making love, or did she bask in the beauty of the human body, baring all?

Only when the slit in the door slammed open could he force himself to pull away from his musings. His body had been poised to take her, begging for contact. Any contact. Torn between being glad for the distraction, and wanting to slam his fist in the man's face for disrupting him, Maddox stood from beside the bed, swiveling to face door. Paris's crystalline eyes were peering through, curiosity glazing them over. His pupils darted between Maddox and the sleeping woman, "Did you knock her out again, man?"

A muscle ticked under the man's eye, "No, I did not. She is sleeping for your information. Why are you here?"

"Well…" the man hesitated, gaze flickering back at the woman, "I wanted to help out. You know I'm better with women than you are. You have no experience with them. I swear dude just give me a few minutes with her. I'll wake her, and her eventually she'll be begging to give me whatever information she has. I swear it." There was almost a pleading tone with the words.


"I told you; you aren't seducing her," Maddox's fingers twitched unnoticeably, prepared to reach for one of his daggers, "She will sleep, and we will continue questioning in the morning. I have gotten information without forcing anything, and I can continue to do so. Leave. I'll be out in a second," only when the metal slammed shut did he head for the door.

With her heart beating faster as Maddox leaned closer, Violet tried to keep a calm demeanor and not give away that she was awake. Through a small slit in her eyes, invisible to others due to her long and full eyelashes, Violet could just the shape of Maddox, only inches in front of her. Refraining from laughing as he took a bite of the food he brought, the redhead inhaled his smell. It was a strong, but not unbearably so, scent of almost what smelled like apples.

Violet's pulse began to quicken as she wondered what it would be like to kiss him. He was only inches, if that, away from her. It would take little to no effort to reach up and place her lips on his. Would he be tender, gentle, the complete opposite of how he acted, or would he be strong and take control? For a moment, they took each other in, not knowing the other was doing the same thing.

The sudden opening of the slit in the door made Violet jump. Thankfully Maddox had turned around and didn't see. Listening intently, she inwardly scoffed at Paris's proposal. God he was a horny bastard. A small smile flitted over her face as Maddox harshly refused Paris.

As Maddox began to walk away, Violet slowly sat up, pushing herself to the corner of the bed so she could lean against the joining of the two walls. As she breathed in, she felt a raspy feeling, a sure sign of a cough. Trying to swallow and push down the urge, Violet watched Maddox closely. A small cough followed by three, light sneezes in a row escaped her. Cursing under her breath, Violet glanced back up.

Glancing at her left wrist to check the time, the female realized her watch was no longer there. She scowled, knowing one of the men had probably removed it from her petite wrist. "Leaving so soon," she teased in a slightly cocky manner. She reached down, picking up the apple and throwing it in the air. She adjusted her tank top with her other hand, continuing to throw the apple up and catch it as it came back down.

Turning, his intent gaze followed the movement of the hand that was rearranging her tank top, watching the slender fingers hide the sliver of hip that had been showing through. A pang hit him in the lower stomach, forcing back a frown. Was that disappointment or gladness? Gladness, most definitely. He would not be disappointed that his nemesis' daughter was covering herself up. He'd be disappointed if she didn't, on the contrary. A man like him would never want to see..such delicious peeks, right? Good God, he could not stay in here long...

Prying his eyes from her waist, he looked up at her taunting gaze; was she teasing him? Why would she tease her captor? A predatorial growl sounded in him at the realization; she was no longer afraid of him. Why wasn't she afraid anymore? Because he hadn't hit her again? He could change that...did he want her to be afraid, though? He hadn't hit her in questioning, and she had willingly given him information. Perhaps it would be best to permit her to think she was winning this game, and to follow along with what she wanted. He opened his mouth to give her a teasing reply when realization kicked in once more. He'd seen her tossing the apple, but how had his instincts and training overlooked the fact that that meant she had made her way out of the bonds? That was why she was tossing the apple, and had a teasing voice, she wasn't playing a game. She was showing him she had released herself. Fine; game on.


"There was no need for me to stay. You have your food. It's time for you to eat and sleep. I will return in the morning," his gaze bore into her eyes, almost challenging her, his hands in his pockets tracing the outline of one of the daggers strapped against his thigh hidden by his jeans, his feet spread dominantly. "I see that you have released yourself. Congratulations. Are you trying to rise something out of me? Do you intend for me to react violently, strapping you down again? Or for me to be hurt, and not do anything, just so you can assure your dominance? Or do you intend me to throw you over my leg and spank you like the naughty girl we both know you've been? Hm?" His gray gaze was a harsh contrast to the teasing words. At the last question he couldn't help but envision it in his mind, and a twinge of disappointment did pang through him this time. She would fit wonderfully on his lap, red curls bouncing-NO. No, she wouldn't. He'd be a traitor. A lowly human being..

A satisfied smile lit up Violet's face. She continued tossing the apple with her left hand, smug that it had taken him that long to realize she out of her bonds. "I should congratulate you. Took you a bit to catch on to that one," she said, not caring that she was getting cocky and testing her boundaries. Her eyes wondered to where he fiddled with something on his leg, hidden from her view. Most likely a knife, she thought. Her gaze watched his hand for a moment, then slowly and tauntingly traveled back up to his eyes.

She could almost see the lust playing through his eyes. It both frightened and intrigued her at the same time. The farthest she had gone with a guy was letting him fondle her boobs, and even then she wasn't that satisfied. Then again, she was scared to go all the way, much less any farther than fondling with anyone.

"Hmm, seems like you'd enjoy that last one a bit too much," she toyed, raising her left eyebrow perfectly. She took a bite of the apple, letting it play over her taste buds. She dropped it onto the floor, hearing it hit the plate and roll towards him. Swallowing the delicious chunk, she narrowed her eyes at Maddox. "You know, I don't think our last conversation was that fair. You already knew my name, it was a given I should know yours. I feel like you're holding out on me Maddox," the words rolled off of her tongue, laced with trickery and deception. She was simply playing a game, and she would do what she would have to.

Standing up, she took one step towards him, still leaving a yard in between them. She crossed her arms, challenging him in return with her eyes. The hem of her shirt was just short enough to reveal a red, ink tattoo on her right hip bone. Licking her lips teasingly a coyness shone through her eyes. The most he would was hit her, and that was far from frightening her. She knew she could put a fair, decent fight, if needed, and possibly win it too.

{{Sorry it's so short!}}

Maddox literally had to force himself from taking a step back. Her scent invaded his nose, burning as it overtook his senses, daunting and feminine. The apple was wedged between his foot and the floor, and he pushed down on it more to ease some tension, juice spurting onto the floor. The single step she took towards him was sultry, her hips swaying just so. Was that a tattoo peeking out at him? Oh, she was more naughty than the world knew. Her pink tongue darting out at her lips again, his eyes couldn't help but follow, a lump forming in his throat. Did she taste as feminine as she looked? Would that tongue fight for dominance, or permit him lead. No use wondering, because he would not permit himself to test it. Ever. He would find a woman tonight, and everything would be better.

Although, there was a faltering in her movements, a glint in her eyes. He could tell when a woman was excited, could smell the desire on her. This woman..was not excited. Therefore, this was just another step in her game. Oh ho ho he would win this game...Now, he too took a step forward, placing himself mere inches from her, the apple rolling away on the floor, deserting the puddle of it's juice. Perhaps she would taste just as sweet as that apple? His gray eyes looked into hers, studying as he reached up. Slowly, so slowly, his fingers swept the locks of fire from her shoulder, baring the elegant slope of her neck. Hesitating while he fought to control his breath, keeping his hips away from hers, he leaned in towards her face. When just a breath away from their lips-Gods this game might just kill him-he veered off, his own barely brushing along her jawline, a feather light kiss. His lips stopped against her ear, breath hot against her, his fingers stubbornly remaining in his pockets. If they came out from his pockets, he couldn't trust what he might do. Lips brushing against her soft-oh so soft-ear, his voice was a husky whisper, "What more do you wish from me? I gave you what you wanted, a mere name."

Her breath became more audible, enticing a dominant need in his gut. A need he was forcing back as best he could, but right now it was an animal instinct fighting for release, fighting for the passionate woman in front of her.

((Haha it was not short! Twas perfect!))

Their back and forth banter was like a game of cat and mouse, but the roles constantly switched. One moment it seemed he called the shots, the next she was in control. Violet could tell she was pressuring him, pressuring his inner instincts. She was pushing her own as well. Half expecting him to walk out the door, Violet fluttered her long, dark eyelashes just so. Their game was becoming more lust filled, more testing of their situation as moment by moment passed. She paid no attention to the apple rolling away, the smell of its juice filling the small room and invading her nostrils.

Her breath quickened as suddenly he was in front of her. It took every ounce of her being not to melt right there on the spot. Her neck broke out in tiny goosebumps from where he swept away her red locks. His lips were gentle on her jaw, making her tilt her head back in ecstasy. It was hard for her to keep her composure, especially because of her heart racing at a thousand miles a minute. The smell of him, enticingly musky but with a hint of lemons, invaded her nostrils. Her left hand snaked up, gently touching the side of his face. Standing on her tip toes, she pulled herself closer to him, closing his eyes as her own lips hovered near his ear. "Just something as juicy as I gave you," she whispered, her words were hot velvet.

Ever so gently, her lips brushed his ear lobe, teasing him. She could sense his passion, his desire, and persistently hoped he couldn't sense hers. Though they were in the heat of the moment, trying each other and pushing each other's buttons, she had to keep the mind set of her game, of her goals. However that was the last thing she wanted to be speaking of. She let out a soft, taunting sigh right near his neck, her left slowly sliding down the side of his face. She kept the rest of her body just inches from his, but not touching, at least for now.

Mentally warring with himself now, his fingers fisted in his pockets, his nails digging into his thighs. Yes, pain. Think of the pain. Focus on that pain, that's right. Good God, her lips were devishly soft, teasing at his ear. She was making this a game, right? She wasn't doing this because she enjoyed it? No, she couldn't enjoy it. They were enemies, and he wasn't exactly the most pleasant man. Women didn't normally run into his arms like this, their feminine pout so close to his ear. Her breath snaking against his skin, enveloping him in her. Besides...goosebumps had painted her tanned skin when he'd been whispering in her ear...you can't fake goosebumps. That doesn't mean it meant anything though. It just meant that his warm breath was a harsh contrast to the coolness of her skin.. Focus...focus on that pain. His fingers wrapped around the hilt of one of his daggers, grabbing, pushing. Then the sweet pain of a cut, yes, that's right. Focus on that Maddox. He could feel the warm blood droplets leaking down his thigh, luckily not staining his jeans. Pain, keep the pain on your mind. Oh dear god...those were her slender fingers tracing down his chest, tickling over his pec. The pain wasn't nearly as strong as the pleasure that was stemming from that heavenly hand. The waves of tingling white fire that seared every nerve ending in his body. His hips jerked slightly, and before she could react his hands were gripping her hips, fingers digging in to delicate skin.

If he didn't stop he would lose in a much worse way...Males weren't exactly the best at denying desire, and right now he could feel the tightness in his groin, the pressure building. He was well aware his body could not hide the pleasure. If he, a normally expertly composed man, was succumbing to such little actions on her part that he had enticed, then his body would not hold off too long. The desire would be too great, knowing her sleek core was mere inches from him, mere inches and he would have heaven around him. Dear god...fingers digging deeper, smashing into her hips now, he jerked away. Despite not wanting to admit it, Maddox wanted to scream in the anger of losing such close contact, but he knew it was for the best. He had decided not to seduce, and he would stick to that. It wasn't needed. Wanted, maybe, but hormones didn't know what was best.

"You will be told what I wish to tell you. I am not going to give away any more information only because you are disappointed that you didn't ask for more or didn't think of the circumstances. That is not a problem I have guilt for; it is your own. Now sleep," his fingers unwillingly pried off of her hips, nearly arousing yet another yell of anger from him, but they did release all the same. Stepping backward towards the door, he banged on it. The slit opened, revealing the sensuously blushed Violet, and the nearly glistening Maddox.

"She is going to sleep now, and I am going to leave," he barked to the guard, almost tyring to convince himself rather than update the man.

The door bolted open, and Maddox was gone seconds later, the door bolted locked, loud clicks sounding as the other locks were also put in place.

One hand gently ran up and down the male's chest, teasing gently as her finger tips danced over him. She could feel his toned abdominals through his shirt, making her smile a little. Her other hand continued to caress the side of his face, lightly tickling over his slight stubble. The want in her body was building up, her desire mounting. In a split second his hands were on her hips, arising a gasp from her. He pulled her closer, her breasts lightly grazing his chest. She moaned involuntarily, his finger tips hot on her smooth and slightly cold skin. She felt his thumb play over her heart tattoo on her hip bone.

Throwing her head back slightly, Violet craned up and left small trail of sweet, delicate kissed on his jaw line. She could feel the war in his body, the way he gripped her hips needfully but how he was fighting himself off. A similar battle was raging in her. She had to keep playing the game, she could tell she was getting to him, but a part of her wasn't thinking about that, and was just thinking about the moment they were in. Their bodies pulled closer, his hands on her and her hands on him.

A rose colored blush spread over Violet as he stepped away and banged on the door. She saw the guard's eyes look her over and she sent him a playful wink, figuring it best to play him as well. He'd probably be easy to get through. Even though Maddox said he would give her nothing else, she knew she was getting to him. If anything he'd come back and interrogate her later, then she could get more of what she wanted. But what did she want more, him, or answers? She didn't know, and decided to come to a conclusion on that later. "Aw, bye Maddox," she cooed gently, letting her voice linger on his name.

As he left the room haughtily, Violet glanced down at her hips, seeing the slight but visible marks he had left on her hips. Smiling in satisfaction, but frowning in disappoint right after, she laid on the small bed. Her long legs fell lightly over the tip of it, the bed being too small in length for her frame. Staring at the ceiling, she contemplated her next move. Before she had too long to think, she was pulled into a heavy sleep, the exhaustion and complications of the day finally taking a toll on her mind and body.

The way she'd allowed her tongue to linger on his name, drawing it out in a sultry tone, his very knees had weakened. The guard had teased Maddox upon leaving the safe room, but the taunts went almost unheard. The men had attempted to bombard him with questions, but Maddox shrugged them off and headed straight for his room, determination and stress lining his face. To them, it most likely looked like he had had trouble cracking her. In his mind, his thoughts were torturous. It was a lethal game he was playing. She knew she chiseled at his pride, playing the part of his temptation. What he knew, though, was such a thing was a man's downfall. The woman locked only fifty yards or so away from him was by definition a dangerous, if not lethal, creature. Women like her could bring down the most powerful of men, dropping them to their knees. Once a man caved for a taste of his sweet temptation, he becomes slave to the carnal instincts. She becomes his weakness; a distraction...

As his bedroom door closed behind him, Maddox had found himself cursing under his breath. She had been his temptation...his one and only temptation. He did not succumb to such things, but he found himself slipping. His body could not resist her, and did not want to. Never had he allowed a woman so much power over him. So much control and influence on his desires. Yes, he'd been with women, but never had he needed to see what they had to reveal, to taste their honey desire, or to feel the softness of their skin. And oh, was her skin soft. His fingers still thrummed from the touch, aching at the loss of her under the fingertips, craving to feel more. His lips still ached at the sensation of that skin against them, his tongue dying to sneak out for just a small taste. Hands on her hips, he'd needed to clutch desperately so as to keep them tame. So much did he crave to allow those fingers to meander...to wander into those heavenly curls. Were they as fiercely red as the untamable waves that fell from her head?

He'd thought taking another woman that night would make everything better. That perhaps he simply needed some good sex in order to be able to move past the desires he had. However, just as he had picked up the phone a thought had stuck him. Did he really need a woman to settle it for him? It could lead to worse thoughts. For all he knew, with the mystery woman on top of him, he might allow his mind to picture violet moving on him. His ears might pretend it was her feminine sighs of content and unbearable pleasure. He could trick himself into pretending it was her skin brushing along his fingertips, taunting him. No, no, no. That would lead to nothing good at all. Nothing good, right?

With a heavy sigh, the phone had been replaced on his bedside table, and he had slipped into the silk sheets of his bed. Teeth freshly brushed, hair in a wild array from running his fingers through it, he'd worked at falling asleep. There were so many things to think about, how could he possibly want sleep? Eventually, though, the cunning pull of exhaustion had crept into the corners of his mind, pushing his heavy eyelids closed, and pulling Maddox into the calm ripples of sleep.

Violet Prentice was pulled into troubling dreams which constantly switched and turned into new ones. First, there was one of her and Maddox, which annoyed her that he was even in her dreams. The dream seemed to be smoky and candle light, and she caught glimpses of his hands on her, her hands on him, exploring each other. By the end of it she wasn't sure if she wanted it to continue or to end. The fact that he was getting under her skin pestered her without ending.

In a flash the dream switched to one of zombies. For a girl having dealt with zombies almost every day since the virus broke out, she still resented the damn things. Evil, vile creatures, and in a way she almost felt pity for them, their lives meaningless save for, of course, brains, and their bodies rotting until they were no more. Almost, was the key word here.

The dream stayed on track for a while, minor shifts such as the zombies taking form of her worst phobia; clowns. Dream turned to nightmare as she was entrapped in a never ending abyss, running from the clown zombies. Just as one jumped and landed on her, Violet awoke, realizing her own, terrified scream had brought her out of her nightmare.

With the slit in the door opening, Violet jumped up and put her head in her hands, breathing heavy from the fright of the dream. She had broke out into a cold sweat, and her hazel eyes roamed up to the guard at the door. "Are you OK?" He asked timidly, nervousness in his eyes. "What's it to you," she barked harshly, anger simmering in her eyes and her voice laced with venom. "Yeah, sorry. Bad dream," she said softer, watching him relax, her more gentle words easing him down from when she had verbally attacked him. He nodded and gave her a light smile and closed the opening, once again sealing her off in the damned room.

Laying back down, Violet's eyes stared blankly at the plain, gray ceiling. For a brief moment she wondered about Maddox. Was he thinking of her, dreaming of her? The thought made her smile, but she shook off the feeling. Standing up, she stretched and did a few yoga poses, a habit she did every morning and every night. It kept her body flexible and either prepared her for the day or wound her down from the stress of the day.

At the Colony, Violet would have ate, exercised, met with the Council, roam the small safe haven, exercised, and done other mindless things to kept her busy. Having no interest in the sandwich laying forgotten on the floor, Violet pulled up her tank top so it overlapped her breasts, revealing her toned abs. Tucking her feet under the low iron bed frame, Violet began contracting her abs to pull herself up, twisting from side to side in modified sit ups. She increased her pace, feeling the burning in her stomach as she worked herself.

Keeping a strict, even count in a low voice, the redhead realized her locks were getting in the way. Grabbing a discarded piece of rope, she worked at it until she got a thin piece of it. Gathering her hair in a high pony, she used the piece of rope almost like a rubber band, wrapping it around and knotting it so the pony tail stayed.

Back on track, Violet finished at least 150 of the sit ups, then set to push ups. When she had first started her intense work outs and training, she had resented push ups. Now that she had more arm and upper body strength, she actually found them fun to do, often doing different versions so it wouldn't get too bland. Vaguely thinking she heard footsteps down the stairs, the young woman stopped and listened, but picked right back up. The constant up and down motion, occasionally only using one hand, kept Violet from thinking of Maddox.

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((I may not be able to post for a few days. I'm going to my friend's, but at the latest I'll be back on Thursday and able to post! I can try posting while I'm at her house, but I don't know yet!))