+So… you did hear a little something, huh?
She didn't even have the strength to answer.
At last, the man's hands emerged from his pockets.
His left arm extended—toward someone behind her.
He took a step.
Just enough to close the remaining gap between them.
Only inches now.
Her heart was slamming against her chest.
What was he going to do?
Tears kept spilling from her eyes without a blink.
It was strange—she could still cry.
His right hand lifted—reaching for her delicate neck.
He brushed her long black hair to one side.
His fingers were hot.
How could they be that warm in this freezing cold?
Diana kept her gaze low.
Her eyes fixed on the fourth button of his shirt.
She didn't dare look up.
Then—
A slight movement of his left hand.
And a sting—sharp and sudden—against her neck.
It was over.
The last thing she heard was his deep voice:
+We're going to the mansion. Take her.....
Her body rocked gently.
Her ears rang.
It felt like she was submerged underwater.
/Where should we put her, sir?
A pause.
+On the bed—over there.
Now, the surface beneath her was soft.
Her eyelids were heavy with sleep. She couldn't fully open them, but—
She could see him again.
He was still there.
Both men were watching her.
Jacob pov:
I was bent over her.
Her skin was pale and flawless..yeah..maybe more than that
She seemed semi-conscious.
Her gaze moved weakly between the three of us.
Then I heard Matthew's voice behind me, speaking to the guard.
+"You're dismissed."
The man gave a short bow and walked out.
Matthew stepped into the doorway.
Spoke to the others behind him.
+"No need for anyone else in the mansion tonight. Keep your eyes on the perimeter."
Then the door closed.
He crossed the room—sat slowly on the edge of the bed.
His eyes studied her face.
Then his hand reached out—
Gripped her long hair and brushed it roughly back.
_"What are you going to do with her, Matthew?"
He smirked.
+"She's too pretty to kill."
+"I'll keep her. Tie her up—somewhere she can't run. I want her right here until I figure out exactly what to do with her."