Jacob waited for her to step out first.
Diana swallowed hard and, as she walked past him, muttered under her breath,
-"It's not my fault, seriously. That guy is terrifying… like an actual monster…"
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Matthew standing with his arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe, eyes narrowed at her.
She let out a startled squeak and darted behind Jacob.
-"Sorry! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"
Jacob sighed,
_"Oh, come on. Are you two children?"
Matthew cut in sharply.
+"Lunch's getting cold. Move it."
He walked ahead. Lunch was already served on the table.
Jacob pulled out a chair for her.
-"Thanks,"
she whispered.
He gave her a warm smile.
_"If you need anything, just let me know. I'll serve it for you."
Matthew scoffed.
+"She's got hands. Let her serve herself. Why are you treating her like a toddler?"
-"he's not acting like a parents"
Diana answered, trying to keep her voice steady.
-"He's a gentleman. And he's learned how to treat a woman with respect. That's all."
She tried to stay calm. She wasn't nearly brave enough to provoke Matthew...especially not after the last night. The memory of it still made her stomach tighten.
Matthew took a sip of his drink, then said coldly,
+"Mm… good. Take advantage of the moment. Talk all you want while Jacob's around. But tonight? It's me who'll be the gentleman, sweetheart. Don't forget that."
Her whole body tensed, a chill running up her spine. Her face flushed with heat. She just wanted to finish her food and get out of there as quickly as possible.
Sensing the tension, Jacob quickly jumped in to change the subject.
_"By the way, Diana..."
He waited until she looked at him.
_"There's another library here. You don't have to go all the way downstairs. You can use the one upstairs instead."
-"Really? Is it just as good?"
_"Well, it's a bit more private,"
he replied, pointing toward the staircase.
_"I think you'll like it. No harm in giving it a try."
-"Where is it?"
_"The second door on the right from your room. That's the library."
-"Thanks, I'll definitely check it out."
_"Have fun."
Diana took a few more bites of her food, thanked them, and stood up.
She could feel both their gazes on her.
_"Diana? Where are you going? Sit down and finish your food,"
Jacob said gently.
_"You need to take care of yourself. you know your body's weak."
-"I'm really full, Jacob. I can't eat any more,"
she replied softly.
Matthew shot her a sharp look.
+"Sit down and finish your food,"
he said firmly, eyes locked onto hers.
Diana's heart sank. She whispered, distressed,
-"But I really..."
+"I don't like repeating myself,"
he cut her off.
+"And I sure as hell don't like you passing out again. So do what I say."
Her throat tightened as a lump formed. Reluctantly, she sat down and tried to force down more food. Her lips trembled, and holding back the tears made her throat ache. it was hard to breathe.
Jacob couldn't take it anymore.
He shoved his chair back loudly and stood up, walking out of the kitchen.
+"Where the hell are you going?"
Matthew snapped.
_"Does it even concern you?" Jacob shot back.
_ "What? you gonna force me to sit down and eat too?"
Now Matthew left the kitchen as well, following him out.
+"What the fuck is your problem?"
he growled.
_"My problem is you and your damn behavior!"
Jacob exploded.
_"What the hell did that girl ever do to deserve this treatment from you, Matthew?"
+"I'm not a child," Matthew replied coldly.
+"I don't owe you an explanation about how I treat people. And you'd better shut your mouth and stay out of it. Watch your tone, Jacob."
Jacob didn't respond. he just stared at him with fury in his eyes.
Then Matthew narrowed his eyes.
+"Oh, wait… you said you weren't in love with her, but..."
He sneered.
+"Could it be… you just want her body, huh? Is that why you're playing knight in shining armor?"