She slept until nine. For a while, she lay curled in the sheets, giggling quietly at the comfort. She loved winter's cold and didn't mind its bite at all.
Thinking of last night, she whispered,
-God, that dive was amazing.
Maybe she should make swimming a routine, three or four days a week. It would keep her body tired, her mind distracted, and even build some muscle.
-And I should hit the gym, too.
She hadn't fully explored the mansion yet. The first floor seemed smaller and simpler, but beyond those glass doors the real expanse began, hallways and endless rooms. Today could be the day she explored it.
With a groan, she rolled out of bed, freshened up, and dressed.
-God knows how I'll convince him to let me get a haircut.
She made herself breakfast, savoring the coffee until the front door opened and Matthew's voice thundered in.
+Get your ears open! Tomorrow, I'm guaranteed the win, no doubt. But I want more than that. Do you hear me? More than that!
She shrank in her chair at his volume. Tomorrow was the trial. Best to stay out of his sight until then.
He entered the kitchen, giving her a sharp look.
+Pour me a coffee.
Without a word, she obeyed. Today, he was the boss.
She set the cup in front of him and hesitated before asking,
-Is everything going well?
He scrolled on his phone, not meeting her gaze.
+I'll answer that tomorrow.
She bit her lip.
-If… if I can help, just let me know
At that, he locked his phone and looked at her. She could see the storm of thoughts behind his eyes.
+What about your friend? Luca?
She sighed.
-Nothing. No news. And nothing I can do. They're probably lying in wait, ready to trace any new IP that pops up.
He nodded, ending the topic.
Jacob had eaten separately, not joining them even for lunch. The tension in Diana only grew. Tomorrow would decide everything.
That evening, she cooked dinner. Unsure if Matthew would come, she set aside a plate anyway.
Five minutes later, he arrived, drawn by the smell. In silence, he served himself and sat opposite her.
She promised herself this would be the last question. Clearing her throat, she asked,
-Um… what exactly did you mean by 'advantage'? You mentioned it a few times.
Matthew gave her a flat look.
+It means when tomorrow the court declares Eston guilty, my team presents itself so damn well that the moment I walk out of that courthouse, I've got at least five offers waiting emails, calls, projects handed to me. That's advantage. Got it?
Her eyes widened.
-So that's why you were furious at the thought of losing it. That project is huge. Pulling it off would mean real victory.
+Exactly. Now eat, don't faint on me halfway.
She narrowed her eyes.
-Halfway through what? I'm not coming to cour...
Her cheeks burned, and she dropped her gaze.
-Tonight? she muttered.
She heard his smirk in his voice.
+Tonight especially.
Diana said nothing, just let out a quiet breath.
What was she supposed to say, anyway?
Yes, master. At your service right away?!
Matthew finished his meal, opened his mouth to say something then his phone rang. He answered it and walked out of the kitchen.
Diana glared at the dishes left on the table.
Did he seriously not know, or was he just messing with her?
-Even the rudest people know they should at least say thank you… and put their damn dishes in the sink or dishwasher!
She muttered under her breath.
-One day I'll teach you, Mr. Grey.
After cleaning up the kitchen, she went back to her room and practiced a bit.
She couldn't slack off! She had talent in programming, and she was good at it she just needed practice to sharpen her skills. She didn't want to disappoint her father.
At first it was hard to focus, but once she sank into it, she got so absorbed that she lost track of time. She started working on some tough problems. Two hours later, there was a knock at the door. Before she could answer, it opened…
It was Matthew.
Diana glanced at the clock. Nearly midnight time had flown. She quickly shut her laptop and stood up.
Matthew silently undid the buttons of his shirt as he stared at her.
She let out a nervous laugh.
-I'll just take a quick shower and come to your room!
Matthew stepped closer.
She twisted her fingers nervously.
-It'll only take fifteen minutes, okay?
Now he was only two steps away.
-What? you planning to do it here? Forget it… please.
He grabbed her waist, lifted her up, and tossed her onto the bed.
Diana brushed her hair from her face, about to speak, but Matthew's mouth crashed onto hers. He bit her lips roughly.
She whimpered inside.
-Not again… more bruises.
Her delicate hands rose, trying to wrap around his neck and face, but her wrists were caught in Matthew's right hand and pinned tight.
With one hand locking both of her wrists, his free hand clawed at her ass while he bit harder at her lips. She whimpered into his mouth, and that gave him the chance to slip his tongue inside. He kept going until the taste of her blood spread across his tongue.
Then one of his fingers slid into her.
She let out a sharp cry.
Why couldn't she ever get used to it?
Matthew growled against her ear.
+Relax. I don't have the patience to prep you tonight.
He shoved a second finger inside, curling them hard.
Her slim waist arched, her stomach jerked up, then slammed back against the bed.
A third finger followed the burn deep in her core twisted into pain.
He thrust his fingers until her belly tensed and trembled. Then, smirking, he pulled them out.
Diana whimpered. Tonight, it seemed she wasn't going to get what she wanted.
Panting, desperate, she looked up at him.
-Ah… mmm… yourself… that's enough…