She had no idea how long she'd been asleep, but when she woke, the room was dark. She felt oddly refreshed, like new energy had flooded her. She couldn't believe she'd worked straight for that many hours. Sure, she'd pulled long sessions before, but usually four hours max. Today she'd started around 10 or 11 a.m. and hadn't stopped until nearly 8 p.m.
She stretched and laughed softly.
-Good job, Diana. Still strong after all.
She sat up, reaching for her nightstand to check her phone when a thin blister pack caught her eye. She picked it up.
Birth control pills. She read the label and smirked. Three more packs were there too. That meant she was set for weeks. She just had to be careful not to screw it up.
She tossed the pack onto the nightstand and finally grabbed her phone.
12:10. She sighed.
-And how exactly am I supposed to fall asleep now?
Groaning, she flopped back onto the bed. She rolled around, faking a sob. She hated this kind of insomnia. She knew she was doomed until morning.
Then she thought:
-Better take a shower. That always works best.
She soaked in the tub for an hour, reading a book. Then she half-dried her hair, moisturized her skin, and slipped into a robe.
The softness made her sigh. No wonder that selfish jerk always wore one. The only difference was he left it hanging open halfway down his chest. She chuckled, thinking if it weren't for him and Jacob, he probably wouldn't wear even that piece of cloth.
She laughed at herself.
-Idiot. You've already seen all of it. And Jacob's a guy by now they've probably seen each other naked a hundred times.
-But seriously, what kind of guy strips naked in front of another guy and a girl?
She answered her own question.
-The perverted kind.
Before tying the robe's belt, she glanced at her underwear drawer. Since she'd gone this far, she might as well finish the look. She grabbed a black thong, slipped it on, and admired herself in the mirror. She looked good. She winked.
-Hey, sexy lady.
She tied her robe and headed out. The mansion was silent. She padded down the stairs and went straight to her favorite destination. She opened the fridge.
Strawberries.
-Oh, God… why is everything going so perfectly?
From the cabinet she pulled out a jar of Nutella.
Even the thought of the combo made her dizzy with pleasure. Tonight, she was going to indulge.
She carried her snacks upstairs, planning to grab her phone and then head to the TV room. She glanced at the big, red strawberries in her hand.
-Wish I could marry them.
+Marry who?
She gasped, startled, lifting her head. Matthew was leaning against the doorway, wearing only a pair of pants and a small towel draped around his neck. His hair was wet, he'd just showered too. He took a slow breath, like the memory of what had happened between them had just struck him again. She tried to frown, to look stern.
-Nothing… I was talking to myself. Good night.
With a few long strides, Matthew reached her.
+Where are you going with those strawberries?
His gaze fixed on them or was it on the pale skin of her breasts, just slightly more revealed now?
-I was going to watch a movie. But now that I think about it, I'm sleepy. I should just go. Good night.
She tried to slip past him, but his hand shot out, blocking her. He gently pushed her back.
+You know… now that I think of it, I can't sleep either. We should watch a movie together.
His sly grin and bold eyes pinned her in place. The old Matthew was back.
-I… I just want to sleep. I'm tired.
Her voice trembled.
+You'll sleep, little one… but with me.
He guided her toward the room.
She wasn't sure how it happened one moment they were walking, the next she was sitting on the couch, and Matthew was choosing a film. She glanced at the title and her eyes went wide. Was he joking? Out of all the movies, this one?
365 Days.
+Hmm… have you seen this? First time for me.
-N-no… I haven't.
+Good.
A few minutes in, Diana squeezed her thighs together tightly. Damn him. This was basically porn. Under Matthew's heavy stare, she felt like she was melting. She knew, she knew he was watching her.
She tried to get up, but his right hand landed on her thigh, pressing down firmly. Heat radiated from his touch. He smirked at her reaction, his veins standing out against his skin. He pulled her closer until she had no choice but to lean into him.
Moans from the actors filled the room. Diana didn't dare raise her head. Her eyes stayed locked on her own legs.
Matthew's hand moved slowly upward, untying the loose knot of her robe.
His fingers slipped beneath the band of her panties. Feeling the wetness there, he gave a wicked grin. Diana's weak hands clutched at his arm.
-S… stop. I don't want this.
She should've run the moment he brought her here. Because once Matthew had her in his room, escape was no longer an option.