Diana pov:
The moment I closed the door behind me, I collapsed onto the floor.
Sex with him was like a storm.
when you were in the middle of it, you couldn't think. Your brain just shut down.
All you cared about was more.
More of that feeling.
But afterward…
You're left so drained, it's like you regret ever wanting it in the first place.
I doubted that other people had sex like this.
I hated to admit it, but he was incredible in bed.
I tugged at my hair.
-"Stupid girl. Have some shame..."
I tried crawling to the bathroom. Even my arms were trembling. God, I was shaking.
After a long shower, I felt a bit better.
I stood in front of the mirror and took a look at myself.
This time, at least my lips weren't swollen.
But my neck and breasts were marked up all over.
I let out a bitter laugh.
There wasn't a single kiss.
He had gone at me like a wild animal.
I took my pills and collapsed onto the bed.
Maybe I should grab a book before falling asleep.
I didn't want my brain running in circles again.
I left my room and headed right, just like Jacob had told me.
I opened the door quietly.
Oh my God… he was right.
It was beautiful. Whoever designed this room had amazing taste.
I didn't have the energy to explore the whole library, so I just grabbed a novel off the nearest shelf.
Note to self: bring the other book from the downstairs library.
I closed the door behind me, went back to my room, and curled up with the book.
Eventually, the pills kicked in, my eyes grew heavy and I didn't even notice when I fell asleep.
Four days had passed since I last saw Matthew.
Not once had he shown up.
I didn't even know if he was in the house or not.
The thought of being alone in this massive place both made me anxious
and, in some ways, relieved.
At least he wasn't bothering me anymore.
My wound had healed now.
Eric told me the stitches would dissolve on their own, and he gave me a cream to use.
So I guess Matthew didn't want me to be left with a scar.
I missed Jacob.
No one had heard from him.
and I had no idea if he was okay.
No one would answer my questions.
All the guards treated me like I was talking to robots.
I turned to Eric.
-"Hey. You said there's a pool here, right?"
/"Yes, ma'am! This mansion actually has three."
-"Can you show me?"
/"There's one indoors, on the ground floor.
Another one outside, behind the house, that one's bigger and uncovered.
And if I'm not mistaken, the third one is on the same floor you're staying on. That one should also be indoors."
I thought for a moment.
-"Where exactly is the one upstairs?"
/"…Unfortunately, I don't know."
I raised an eyebrow.
-"You could just ask your boss."
/"I could… but…"
I rolled my eyes.
-"Come on, Eric. You're my guard. you're supposed to help me."
He hesitated, then nodded.
/"You're right, ma'am."
He stepped aside and spoke into the small earpod in his ear.
He spent a few minutes talking.
/"Yes, I understand. Thank you."
Then Eric pulled out his phone and tapped around for a bit.
/"Here you go."
he said, holding the phone out to me.
I glanced at it, puzzled.
-"What should I do with this?"
/"The boss wants to speak with you."
I blinked in surprise.
-"So… who were you talking to just now?"
I took the phone from him and stepped away, uncertain.
-"Hello?" I said hesitantly.
+"Why do you want to go to the pool?"
His voice.
it sounded even more intoxicating over the phone.
Or maybe I was just losing my mind.
-"I don't know… I'm bored. Just wanted something to do."
+Do you even have a swimsuit?
Unless… you're planning to go in naked?
My cheeks burned instantly.
-"I don't need a swimsuit.
I'll just go in… in my underwear. They're fine."
He muttered something I couldn't catch.
+"Your face is red, isn't it?"
-"No, it's not!"
But he wasn't buying it.
+"Mmm. Come on.
I'd bet anything your face is burning…
and you're clutching the bottom of your T-shirt right now."
I looked down and sure enough, my fingers were twisting the hem of my shirt.
I let go quickly.
-"You know that's… completely inappropriate, right?"
+"Which part? I've done plenty of inappropriate things to you.
And you've got some history yourself..."
His voice dropped, teasing.
+"Did you forget how you looked into my eyes
and begged me to fuck you harder?"
My breath hitched.
-"Stop..."
+"Or how you moaned for me?
The way your body shook when..."
I smacked the screen and ended the call.
-"Here, Eric. Thanks."
He stared at me for a moment.
Yeah, I was definitely red.
Without another word, I turned and headed upstairs.