Diana gave Jacob a small smile before sliding into the car.
As she settled in, Jacob moved to shut the door but she suddenly turned back to him.
-"Jacob? You're not coming with us?"
_"I am, blue eyes," he smiled.
_"In a different car."
She mumbled under her breath.
-"Great. Just perfect."
Matthew gave Jacob a subtle nod, signaling they were ready to go. The car pulled out of the dead-end street.
Diana stole a glance at Matthew, only to find him scowling and staring at her with a mix of irritation and curiosity.
+"Do you always cry over everything?" he asked bluntly.
She turned to him wide-eyed.
-"What do you mean by everything?
Do you honestly think the things I've been through are normal?"
+"Always got something to say, huh? Try keeping that mouth shut for once."
-"Well, when you talk, you should expect a reply. That's how humans function
they talk, they respond. Simple as that!"
Matthew narrowed his eyes at her.
God, he wanted to shut her up, literally. That mouth never stopped.
He suddenly nodded toward the window behind her.
+"Aren't you getting out? Or should we just go straight back to the mansion?"
-"Wait, what?"
She turned and looked out the window.
Her eyes lit up.
-"Oh wow... we actually came!"
She smiled brightly.
-"Thank you... really."
Just as she reached for the door handle, something clicked in her mind. She paused.
-"Hey... can the bodyguards stay here? Please. I don't want to attract attention."
Matthew stared at her for a few seconds, visibly annoyed, before sighing and giving in.
+"Fine. But you've already asked for more than your daily allowance today. You better make it up to me."
Diana clapped her hands together eagerly.
-"I will! Totally! I'll be super quick."
Matthew gestured to Enzo in the passenger seat, and he quickly made arrangements through his phone.
Diana rushed out, trying to keep things brief.
Thankfully, her stuff was still there. her favorite backpack and her headphones, untouched.
From inside the car, Matthew watched her emerge from the restaurant, chatting quickly with one of the girls.
She gave the girl a quick hug and started walking backward, waving as she left, forgetting entirely that she was stepping into the street.
A loud honk rang out.
A car screeched to a halt just inches in front of her.
She froze, breath caught in her throat.
The driver flung open the door and stormed toward her, yelling.
Before she could react, he shoved her hard.
Still in shock, Diana hit the ground.
Matthew growled under his breath.
+"Idiot."
Jacob immediately sprang from his car, shouting,
_"Stay in the car! Don't risk it!"
He dashed across the street toward her, ignoring everything else.
One of the bodyguards rushed to help Diana up, while Jacob shoved the man away, grappling with him for a moment.
Diana was more important.
The guards restrained the driver, who, judging by his expression, had just realized he'd seriously messed up.
Jacob knelt beside Diana, cupping her face with both hands.
_"Diana, look at me. Are you in pain?"
He took the glass of water from the restaurant girl and gently pressed it to Diana's lips, coaxing her to drink. She did, and slowly began to breathe more evenly.
Jacob helped her to her feet she leaned all her weight on him without meaning to.
The girl called out her name and handed over Diana's backpack.
Jacob muttered a soft "Thanks," then helped Diana back to the car. Once she was seated and Jacob confirmed she wasn't physically injured, he turned to Matthew.
_"You go ahead and return to the mansion. I'll handle things here."
Matthew gave him a nod and signaled for the driver to go. Diana leaned back against the seat, placing a hand over her chest.
-"Why won't my heart calm down...?"
Matthew looked over.
+"You got scared. Try to breathe with me."
He started inhaling and exhaling slowly, guiding her rhythm.
A few minutes later, her breathing evened out. She took the bottle of water from him and drank a little.
+"Are you hurt anywhere? In pain?" he asked again.
She shook her head.
-"No... the car didn't hit me at all. I was just... shocked, I guess."
Matthew narrowed his eyes.
+"I'm still trying to figure out if you're actually stupid or just have a death wish. Who the hell walks backward into the street?"
She groaned.
-"I forgot for one second it was a road, okay? You don't have to insult me over it."
+"Don't give me reasons to insult you then."
She mumbled,
-"Why didn't Jacob come back with us?"
+"He's behind us. Just keeping some distance."
A pause.
-"So... will you let me go out again sometime?"
Matthew raised an eyebrow.
+"If you act right sure, why not?"
-"What does act right mean exactly?"
He smirked.
+"You'll figure it out."
When they reached the estate, the entire property was blanketed in white.
Snow had fallen heavier here than in the city. Diana guessed it was because they were further out.
Matthew opened the door and looked back at her.
+"What are you waiting for?"
Diana beamed, eyes wide with excitement.
-"I want to stay out here a little longer. Play in the snow."
Matthew leaned close, his voice dropping to a dark murmur against her ear.
+"You just got better.
If you catch a cold again, I swear I won't go easy on you.
I'll fuck you up so bad you won't be able to get out of bed for days.
Got that, princess?"