Jacob sighed and said nothing. He could never beat her sharp tongue.
When they reached the mansion, Diana asked if they could go to his place instead so he could show her around.
Jacob hesitated.
-What's wrong? Got someone hidden there? Hm? Or maybe you're scared of your boss's reaction? Don't worry, he won't mess with you. I'll take the hit for you, buddy! My skin's pretty thick by now.
She flexed her arms dramatically, but her slim frame didn't exactly back up the claim.
Jacob shook his head. The girl had just been through so much, yet acted like nothing had happened. He just hoped it wasn't depression creeping in. Sometimes people who were really depressed put on bursts of fake cheer.
He leaned forward and told the driver to head to his own mansion. The driver obeyed without question.
- Hey Jacob do you have a girlfriend?
He burst out laughing. Of course she'd ask that. She was a girl, and curious by nature.
He shook his head no, then opened the door for her and placed a hand on her back.
_Welcome, little one.
His place was smaller than the main house, but still big by any standard. No guards lingered outside. Inside, the décor was elegant, with two staircases leading up to a mezzanine.
Diana flopped onto the couch.
- Serve me something nice, maybe I'll forgive you and stop being mad.
Jacob raised an eyebrow.
_Wait you're still mad?
She nodded firmly.
He sighed. He should've known it wouldn't blow over so fast.
_ Alright then, Lady Whitelock. Do you like fruit?
- I love it.
_ Strawberries?
Her voice shook.
- I really, really love them.
_ Okay, I think I've figured out your favorite.
He rinsed some strawberries, a thought sparking in his head.
_Hey Diana, wanna play some games?
- Yeah, why not!
_Then follow me.
He led her down the hall on the first floor and opened one of the rooms.
Diana sat down on a couch.
- Oh my God, this is amazing!
_Once you sit on those, you'll never wanna get up again.
- We'll see about that!
They played straight through until three in the morning. Their eyes could barely stay open. Jacob kept sneaking glances at Diana. It was almost funny the way her eyes kept shutting, then snapping open again like she was determined to keep going.
_That's enough. You need to sleep. Rest, or you'll get sick again.
With her eyes half-closed, she mumbled in protest.
- Just one more round!
_Fine. One more, if you can actually keep your eyes open while you play. How's that sound?
But Diana was already nodding off for real. The couch was comfortable, and Jacob didn't want to disturb her. He brought a blanket, helped her lie down, and draped it over her.
Tomorrow was Sunday. He could afford to let her rest.
"Yes, sir. Mr. Coldman ordered us to bring them to his own place, so we obeyed. They should be at his mansion right now, along with Miss Whitelock."
That had been Eric, around midnight. Now it was four a.m. and clearly, nobody was coming back. Matthew leaned against the balcony railing, fingers gripping tight. He drew deeply on his cigarette, staring across at Jacob's house.
The memory of that night replayed in his head in high-definition. Diana's desperate voice swearing she didn't know anything, her face streaked with blood from her forehead. The guilt burned in his chest.
He couldn't believe he'd pulled the trigger. What if the shot had landed just a little to the side?
The thoughts gnawed at him like termites. He took one last drag, exhaled hard, then turned his back on the view and went inside. He didn't even understand the way he was feeling. He just knew he'd been thinking about Diana way too much.
At seven he woke, mind instantly buzzing. He got up and crossed through the shared door into her room. The bed was neatly made. Right after Diana and Jacob had left, he'd ordered the mattress, nightstand, and lamp all replaced.
His jaw tightened. He changed into workout shorts and headed out for a run.
Half an hour later, warmed up and restless, he couldn't help himself. his path veered toward Jacob's mansion. His pace picked up. He pushed open the door. The main hall was empty.
He headed upstairs and knocked on Jacob's door, then stepped inside. The faint sound of running water. he was in the shower.
Diana wasn't there. He checked room after room until finally, in the game room, he found her curled up, bundled in a blanket.
He approached slowly. Leaned over her, brushed a strand of hair from her face. She looked so fragile it scared him, like even the slightest touch might break her. A small bandage sat on her forehead.
She didn't look too bad. Just the tip of her nose a little pink. Was she cold? From the way she was curled up, probably.
Before leaving, he nudged the thermostat higher, then shut the door quietly. He was on his way out when….
_Not staying?
Jacob's voice snapped him out of it. He turned. Jacob stood there, towel in hand, drying his hair.
Seeing Matthew hesitate, Jacob added:
_ Stay. I'll make coffee.
Matthew let out a long breath and walked into the kitchen. He pulled out a chair and sat down.