Jacob slid slices of bread into the toaster, waiting for them to crisp.
Matthew sat deep in thought, looking restless, agitated even.
Jacob laid out a few things for breakfast, leaned on the counter, and just watched him. Matthew was so lost in his head, he didn't even notice Jacob's stare or the steaming mug of coffee placed right in front of him.
Only when the toaster popped did Matthew blink back to reality. He reached for the cup, took a sip, then cleared his throat, fiddling with the rim.
+ So… what's new?
Jacob glanced at him briefly while spreading butter on toast, then shrugged.
_ Nothing for now. We need to figure out how Stone managed to win that contract. Unless, of course, you plan on randomly shooting someone else first.
He smirked as he swallowed his bite.
+ Don't start, Jacob. Maybe next time I'll put a bullet in your thick skull instead.
_Wouldn't be too out of character for you, boss.
Matthew ignored the jab and kept eating. Jacob noticed how he kept running his hand through his hair and darting glances toward the hall.
_ She went to bed late. She's exhausted. Don't think she'll be waking up anytime soon.
+ I didn't ask.
Jacob smirked.
_ Sure, right… Anyway, the head injury wasn't that serious. You know, Eric really made a fool of himself asking the doctor all those questions. I'm sure you knew already. You didn't have to go through all that trouble forcing Eric to get the report. You could've just asked me. I'd have given you the full rundown.
Matthew shoved his chair back noisily and stood.
+ You're still annoying as hell, kid… still.
He started for the door.
_Hey, I just told you she's asleep. why make so much noise?
+ Shut up.
- Careful out there, boss. Try not to shoot anyone this time.
Matthew didn't bother with words. He just raised his middle finger as he walked off and slammed the door behind him.
Jacob shook his head, muttering into his toast.
- They're both idiots in their own ways.
It was ten o'clock when she woke up to the sound of a voice. She blinked at the walls around her it seemed the place wasn't soundproof at all.
Stretching, she groaned. Her neck ached from sleeping in a bad position. Slowly, she dragged herself up and shuffled toward the door, when she heard Jacob's voice.
He was shouting.
_"I don't give a damn what kind of sh.it your bastard brain is cooking up! Tell your boss up there that I'll figure out exactly what goes on in that sh.tty head of his, and when I do, I'll tie his balls and yours together so tight no one will ever be able to tear you apart!"
Her hand froze on the doorknob.
_"You can shove your rules straight up your a.ss, maybe your boss will like that! Hm? Sounds like he's wide enough, it might make up for your tiny d.ick."
Diana's eyes couldn't get any wider. This… was Jacob?
Even from here, she could see the veins popping on his neck and forehead. His face flushed red as he paced, phone pressed to his ear.
Diana didn't dare say a word. Instead, she tried to quietly slip past him to find the bathroom.
Jacob ended the call, running his hand roughly through his hair before exhaling sharply.
_"Bastard…"
Then he turned his eyes landing on Diana. And suddenly, it was as if none of that fury had ever happened. His face broke into a wide, toothy grin.
_"Hey, sweetie… sleep well?"
All Diana could do was nod. Jacob pointed toward a hallway.
_"Second door on the right. That's the bathroom. I'll get breakfast ready for you."
She nodded again. Was there a single sane person in this place?
Splashing water on her face, she didn't bother drying it before heading to the kitchen.
Jacob was seated at the table, scrolling on his phone. Diana quietly pulled out a chair and sat down.
_"Oh, you're here? …Wait, why didn't you dry your face? You'll catch a cold!"
He grabbed a few tissues, caught her chin gently in his hand, and dabbed her cheeks dry.
Diana batted his hand away.
-Okay, papa… you're scraping my skin off.
Jacob laughed at the nickname. She wasn't wrong, he really did act like a dad sometimes.
_"Eat up, little one."
Diana picked at her food for a while, chewing slowly. Finally, after some hesitation, she asked:
-Aren't you going to explain what just happened? Why you blew up like that? Maybe… maybe I can help.
Jacob hesitated. It wasn't something he couldn't share—but was it really a good idea to tell her?
He paused, gathering his thoughts, trying to decide how much to say.
What was going to happen next?