She turned the handle and opened the balcony door. Stepping out slowly, a grin spread across her face.
The view was breathtaking.
She could clearly see three other mansions in the distance.
The massive pool down below was practically right under her feet.
Compared to the back balconies, including her own, this one was larger and jutted out further.
There were potted plants, chairs, couches, even a small firepit in the center of the seating area.
She pouted.
-Of course, he kept the best room for himself.
Then laughed at herself.
-It's his mansion. Who else would he give it to?
She lingered there for a few minutes, soaking it in, until the chill urged her back inside.
She was careful not to touch anything, scanning the room to make sure she hadn't disturbed a thing.
Back in her own room, she threw herself into her routine.
Worked on her laptop.
Exercised.
Ate lunch.
Checked in with the bodyguards, trying to memorize a few of their names.
She teased Eric a bit, roamed the mansion, played violin, baked a cheesecake.
Then wrestled with her hair until she managed to braid it, danced a little, and changed clothes.
She slipped into a loose red turtleneck sweater and swapped her pants for shorts. Pulled on her favorite knitted socks.
One glance in the mirror made her grin, she looked cute.
She loved pairing shorts with oversized tops, and those socks were her absolute favorite.
When she checked the time, it was already six. The sun had set.
She grabbed a bowl of strawberries from the fridge and headed downstairs.
-What a good day.
She flashed a smile at the guards and stepped out the main door. The cold wind nipped at her skin.
The guards nodded respectfully, quickly lowering their gazes.
She stifled a laugh.
Whatever they'd been told, it had them acting overly cautious around her.
Her eyes found Enzo, the guard who seemed to be in charge of part of the team.
His face was far more serious than the others'. Before noticing her, he'd been on his phone.
Hesitant, she approached.
Enzo dipped his head.
/Is there a problem, ma'am?"
She shook her head.
-No, nothing. Just… seems like your boss is running late. Shouldn't they be back by now? How long can a trial even take?
/Don't worry, ma'am. No problems reported. They should be back very soon.
She nodded, popped a strawberry into her mouth, and glanced across the grounds.
Snow had started to fall.
Shifting from foot to foot, she asked:
-Enzo? Why didn't you go with them? Shouldn't you be there? What if something happens?
He answered politely, voice calm.
/There are plenty of other guards with them. The boss ordered me to stay here. My presence is likely more useful here, ma'am.
She didn't argue, just ate her strawberries in silence.
Barely two minutes passed before he spoke again.
/Ma'am, would you like to go inside? It's cold. You might catch a chill."
But she was too enchanted by the falling snow.
-No, I'm fine. My clothes are warm enough.
/Shall I fetch you a coat?"
-No, really, I'm good. I'll wait here until they're back. But thank you.
Luckily, she didn't have to wait long. Within five minutes, headlights appeared.
Several cars were pulling up the drive.
They were finally home!
Excitement bubbled in her chest, she even bounced a few times on her toes. She was still nervous, but seeing them safe was all she needed.
The car doors opened.
First the guards' car, then Jacob's, with Matthew behind him, and another guard car in the rear.
Doors were held open.
Jacob stepped out first, pausing for Matthew to follow.
Once they were out, the cars pulled away toward the east parking lot.
Snowflakes dusted their hair.
Their long coats made them look impossibly sharp, and Diana found herself admiring them yet again.
They walked up the stairs side by side, talking.
Matthew looked tense.
Or maybe just tired.
His brows were furrowed, and Jacob was speaking quickly, almost urgently.
Her hands turned icy.
What if it all went wrong?
Jacob suddenly lifted his head and caught sight of her. His words trailed off.
He nudged Matthew, who also turned his gaze on her.
And the instant he saw her, his frown deepened.
Her heart sank.
-What now?
By the time they reached the top of the stairs, Diana was rattled. She shoved the bowl of strawberries into Enzo's hands and stepped forward.
Her voice trembled.
-H-hi.
_Hey, little one.
Jacob's answer was soft.
Her lip quivered, she was close to crying.
Her fingers twisted together, eyes darting between them.
-It… it didn't go well, did it? Everything fell apart?
Both men just stared at her in silence.
She gave a nervous laugh.
-It's okay… we can try again, right?
Hesitating, she added:
-Not even the verdict was in your favor? Maybe they bribed the judge again… I could...
_Diana.
Jacob stepped closer.
His gaze locked on her wide, worried blue eyes.
_We wooooon!
He shouted it, throwing his hands into the air.
She froze in shock, swallowing hard.
-Wh… what?
Jacob swept her into his arms, spinning her.
_We won, blue eyes. Don't worry!
He laughed, beaming.
Matthew gave a subtle nod to the guards, dismissing them.
Her throat tightened; the lump of worry she'd carried all day rose to the surface.
-Y-you…
Her fist thudded against Jacob's chest.
-How could you leave me worrying like that? Huh? Don't you see how I'm shaking from the stress?
Jacob only hugged her tighter, still laughing.
_Okay, okay..I admit it. Sorry. But what matters is everything worked out in our favor. Right, little one?
Her arms wrapped around him as she smiled softly.
-Yeah… you're right.
Her eyes flicked to Matthew, who was watching her intently.