She rolled over on the bed, bored out of her mind, and stared blankly at the walls.
An idea sparked in her head.
She called for Eric, and a second later, there was a soft knock on the door.
/"May I come in?"
She muttered under her breath,
-"Well, I called you, didn't I? That's a yes."
Then said aloud,
-"Sure, come in."
/"How can I help you, ma'am?"
-"Oh... in more ways than one."
She smirked.
-"First, could you ask the kitchen to prepare me something? I want to take it upstairs."
/"Of course, ma'am. Right away."
-"Thanks. Also, can you get in touch with your boss for me? I need to talk to him. And please, don't drag it out. You know he won't mind."
Eric touched the small earpods in his ear and started speaking quietly, probably checking in with his superior first.
/"Yes, I'll let her know."
/"He'll call you in a few minutes."
Three minutes later, her phone rang.
Eric handed it over.
/"Here you go."
-"Hello?"
+"Yeah? What's up?"
He sounded tired.
-"Hi."
She heard him take a deep breath.
+"Hey. Yeah?"
-"Are you busy? Can't talk? Or just don't want to?"
The way she asked was unintentionally sweet.
+"God… if I picked up, clearly I can talk. What's going on?"
-"Oh… okay then. Just listen, alright? And don't say anything yet!"
Matthew let out another deep breath but stayed quiet.
-"Can I go pick up my stuff? I swear it's real this time. I won't run away or anything, I mean, I could go in just a bikini if it makes you feel better!"
"I really need my things, please. I promise."
His voice sounded puzzled.
+"Why in a bikini?"
-"Well… so you know I'm not hiding anything, like a taser or something. Not that I even have anything left to hide but still."
It felt like Matthew's mood lightened a bit.
+"No need for the bikini."
-"Oh… okay."
Then she realized what he just said.
-"Wait..so I can go?"
+"I'll talk to Eric. Just don't take too long."
-"I promise. I promise, promise, promise!"
+"Good girl."
She paused for a second, then added,
-"And… um, is Jacob okay? You think you could let him visit?"
+"He can. No problem there."
-"But… you're the one who told him not to."
+"Diana, I hate repeating myself. If I say he can come, then there's no issue."
She grumbled.
-"Then why hasn't he shown up?"
+"You'll have to ask him. He's in the bathroom right now. when he's out, I'll tell him to explain it to you."
She froze.
-"Wait..Jacob's with you?!
+"You okay? Jacob works for me. Why wouldn't he be with me?"
-"Well... I mean..."
She trailed off.
-"Nothing. You're right."
+"If you've got nothing to say, I'm hanging up. Go get ready. I'll let Eric know."
-"Fine. Take care of yourself."
She'd said it out of habit, Take care of yourself.
The silence on the other end told her Matthew had noticed it too.
He didn't say a word. Just hung up.
She froze for a moment, then groaned and slammed her head into her pillow a few times.
"Ugh, stupid girl… what the hell was that?! God!"
She let out a small scream into the pillow.
She was pissed at herself—but there was nothing she could do now.
She opened the door and handed the phone back to Eric.
-"I'm gonna get ready."
For the first time in days, she walked upstairs.
Took a quick shower, dried her hair, and changed clothes.
Her hair had grown longer, down to the middle of her back.
She made a mental note:
-"I really should get it trimmed."
She slipped on her shoes and headed downstairs.
Eric was talking to one of the other bodyguards.
As soon as they saw her, they exchanged a glance and followed her out the door.
The moment she stepped outside, she took a deep breath, relishing the fresh air.
-"Not like I've had much chance to enjoy this... always stuck in bed."
The car was waiting. She slid into the back seat, while Eric sat up front beside the driver.
Apparently, they already knew the address.
That gave her some peace of mind. She leaned back, letting her gaze wander to the street outside.
This time, she wasn't planning to run, so there was no anxiety.
Light snowflakes drifted down through the air.
She looked at the buildings as they passed.
She wished she could just hop out and walk for a while.
Traffic was heavy, which made them a bit late.
From the window, she noticed another car parked out front. That surprised her.
She thanked Eric quietly as he opened the door.
Another car pulled up behind them.
She turned toward the house. just in time to see Jacob step out of one of the cars, followed by Matthew.
-"Jacob!"
She called his name, surprised and caught a small grin from him in return.
Now it all made sense.
They hadn't known each other that long, but they'd definitely grown close.
Attached. Comfortable.
She nearly ran toward him and wrapped him in a tight hug.
Jacob's arms closed protectively around her.
_"Little blue-eyed girl."
She reluctantly pulled away and looked up at him.
She hadn't expected it, but her throat felt tight.
-"Well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence, Mr. Coldman!"
_"Oh madam,"
he said dramatically, "the pleasure has been all mine. Seeing you is always an honor."
Diana laughed from the heart.
-"I'm just glad you're okay."
Jacob gave her a long, warm blink.Jacob gave her a long, warm blink.
Her gaze now turned to Matthew.Her gaze now turned to Matthew.
Without realizing it, her cheeks and nose flushed red.
She quickly looked away.
-"Hi."
She didn't wait for a reply.
She avoided his eyes and opened the door.
-"Come on up."
Then, with a mischievous grin, she added,
-"I promise I won't hurt you this time."
Matthew stepped inside first, brushing past her as he did.
+"Oh please. I'd love to see you try, little one."
She made a frustrated noise under her breath and waited at the door
while Jacob finished talking to one of the guards before following them in.