Jacob turned on the speaker he'd brought, connected it, and scrolled through his playlist until a bright, upbeat track filled the cold night air.
Diana stepped out from under the roof, onto the grass now dusted with snow.
Her cheeks glowed pink from the alcohol and the dancing.
She started moving gently at first, shaking off the chill.
Her jacket felt too heavy, she slipped it off and tossed it onto the couch.
The two men watched her.
As the beat picked up, she jumped, laughing softly to herself.
Jacob burst out laughing too and joined her, standing close.
They started dancing together, bouncing in sync.
Diana looped her arms around his neck and they jumped together like kids.
When she turned toward Matthew, he was smiling, really smiling.
Even through her haze, she could tell it was genuine.
No mockery, no restraint. Just warmth.
For the first time, she thought, he's actually beautiful when he smiles.
She tugged off her boots, fingers trembling, then ran barefoot back into the snow.
Her chest and hips swayed to the rhythm; she tossed her hair back, laughing breathlessly.
Matthew stood up, refilled his glass, and pulled off his jacket.
Warmth spread through him. He started tapping his foot to the beat.
Jacob made sure not to touch her too closely, just dancing nearby, keeping it light, friendly.
Then Matthew walked toward them, barefoot.
+Jake… buddy, your dancing's awful.
He laughed.
_Oh yeah? Then teach me.
Matthew peeled off his hoodie, feeling her gaze trailing over him.
He stepped behind Diana, placed his hands on her narrow waist, and pulled her close.
His movements were slow, deliberate, predatory yet tender.
He was so tall compared to her, she had to tilt her head up to meet his eyes.
Without realizing it, her hands slid up and locked behind his neck.
It was the first time she'd seen his eyes this close.
They caught the firelight, cold, magnetic, unguarded.
Her gaze dropped to his lips.
They were red. Sharp. Perfect.
"Kiss him."
"Kiss him."
"Kiss him…"
The voice in her head whispered.
You're so hypnotizing
Could you be the devil?
Could you be an angel?
Your touch magnetizing…
Matthew's hands never made her flinch.
Despite everything, his cruelty, his control and his touch never scared her.
If anything, it addicted her.
He stared at her mouth now.
Those lips looked painted, delicate and dangerous.
Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me
Infect me with your love
And fill me with your poison…
Both of them were thinking the same thing:
Later, they could always blame it on the alcohol.
But in that moment, something magnetic, inevitable, pulled them together.
Her chest rose and fell fast, breath shaking.
Their faces inched closer, his hands cupping her face, hers trembling on his neck.
They were a breath away when Jacob suddenly pulled her back by the waist.
It was like being ripped out of a trance.
They both stumbled, blinking, dazed.
Jacob shook her shoulders, laughing.
_Hey! Wake up, tiny!
Matthew could've sworn he'd done that on purpose.
Diana blinked, laughing breathlessly.
-I'm fine, Jacob! Stop shaking me..I'll throw up!
They wandered closer to the pool, laughing.
Matthew reached out a hand.
+Diana? Come here. He's just messing with you.
His tone, soft, low, and full of something unfamiliar made her shiver.
It wasn't the first time he said her name, but it had never sounded like that.
Like he was hypnotizing her.
Unconsciously, she stepped forward, but Jacob grabbed her wrist again.
Matthew's jaw tightened.
+Let her go. Let her come to me.
Jacob shook his head, defiant.
Matthew's patience snapped. He stormed forward and shoved Jacob straight into the pool.
The splash was loud, followed by Diana's burst of laughter.
It was almost in slow motion, Jacob flailing midair before hitting the water.
Jacob surfaced, sputtering.
_Ah, fuck you! It went in my mouth! I'll get you for that!
Matthew smirked.
+Oh yeah? Come up here and try me.