Page 111 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

“It’s always the men.” Charlotte muttered and Maddie bit her lip trying not to grin too much.

“Seriously, our dad and our grandad were the same. They literally couldn’t keep it in their pants. No idea why my mother stayed but I reckon she just couldn’t be bothered with leaving. So did your parent’s divorce then?” Charlotte asked.

“It’s complicated.”

“Isn’t it always?” Charlotte smiled before taking a huge sip of her own wine and waiting for the waitress to clear the plates.

“So you and Cole, is it serious? Should I be picking out a wedding outfit?” She asked and Maddie half choked then and didn’t dare look at Cole.

“I’ll take that as a no.” Charlotte said grinning.

“I don’t know what you’ve heard but…” Maddie began.

“I’ve heard nothing which means he likes you.”

“What?” Maddie asked confused because in her head that made no logical sense.

“Seriously, he normally isn’t bothered about keeping quiet when he’s shacked up with someone. But with you, he’s radio silence.” Charlotte stated.

“I don’t want to be blunt but it’s just sex.”

“You sure about that?” Charlotte said grinning again.

Maddie frowned even more. She was sure wasn’t she? That’s what they were, that’s what this was, Cole essentially using her for sex until he got bored and found someone else, not that she minded but that was the situation. She was his plaything, his toy, until he decided otherwise.

She glanced at Cole then. He was deep in conversation with Brandon. She swallowed looking back at Charlotte again.

“It’s just sex.” She stated again.

“I like you Maddie. You might just be the first girl to actually match him.”

“What do you mean?” Maddie asked.

“I mean take him on, show him that he’s not always top dog.” Charlotte said.

“I don’t know about that.” Maddie replied.

“Yeah you do. I can see it. You’re not someone to be messed with. That’s a good thing and an especially good thing for Cole to learn because let’s face it he can be an absolute arse when he wants to be.” Charlotte stated.

Maddie laughed. “Yeah he can.” She replied and Charlotte raised her glass in toast then.

The waitress laid out the mains and Maddie glanced down seeing the pork belly looking as delicious as it smelt.

“So tell me, what are you wearing to the Black Ball?” Charlotte asked picking up her fork to dig in.

“I don’t think I’m invited.” Maddie said. The Black Ball was the social event of the year. All the top people from Black Industries, Black Tech, BlackWater and the other Black subsidiaries attended alongside shareholders, government officials and various other esteemed members of society. It was one of the most talked about events of the year but part of that was the mystery because no photographs were allowed inside. Paparazzi were always scrambling at the doors but because it was always masked, they never got any good photos beyond the odd celebrity willing to pose.

“Oh you will be. Trust me.” Charlotte replied.

“Will be what?” Cole asked looking across to them.

“Invited to the Black Ball.” Charlotte said and Maddie glanced from one to the other feeling like she was caught between them.

“Of course you’re coming. All my team is invited.” Brandon said and Cole looked at him raising an eyebrow before he could stop himself.

Charlotte grinned like she’d scored some sort of point and Maddie made sure she didn’t glance at Cole.

“How about we take a walk before dessert?” Cole said and everyone nodded.

Cole got up to open the doors and Brandon shot a look at his cousin who acted like she hadn’t seen it.

Maddie fought the urge not to laugh then.

“Where abouts do you live Charlotte?”

“Notting Hill. I have a townhouse just up from the tube. It’s beautiful but I’m really tempted to move somewhere quieter.”

“Really? I thought you loved that house.” Brandon said.

“I did but the carnival ruins it.” She said. “Honestly all those people, every year. I don’t know what I was thinking getting that place.”

“So where would you go?” Maddie asked.

Charlotte shrugged. “Maybe Mayfair or Belgravia.”

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