Page 123 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

“Just like always, just like every time I go to fuck you.” He stated.

“Cole seriously.” She gasped.

“I wish I’d made you wear those knickers again tonight. I’d enjoy watching as you silently tried not to scream.” He said and she thought she might actually blushing then.

“Cole…” She began.

“Admit it Maddie.” He said.

“Admit what?” She asked.

“How turned on you are right now. How much you want me just to rip that dress off you and fuck you right here and now.”

She gasped hoping that no one nearby could hear their conversation and he grinned even more as if her reaction had told him everything he needed to know.

“When we get back tonight I have something extra special planned.” He said.

“What?” She asked not even hiding the excitement from her voice.

“You’ll have to wait and see but trust me Maddie, you’re not going to be able to walk for a week.” He said running his eyes over her.

“I’m meant to be riding with your sister at the weekend.” She said trying to get some control over herself or at least the pretense of it.

“Cancel it.” He said.

“I can’t. Charlotte wouldn’t let me anyway.” She replied.

“Then you’d better pray I’m merciful enough to remember that later.” He said and she groaned.

“Sorry to break this little tete-a-tete but your presence is needed with the French Ambassador. ” Brandon said to Cole and Maddie hoped to god he hadn’t heard any of their conversation.

Cole narrowed his eyes letting her go and followed Brandon without glancing back. Maddie watched him go half relieved, half disappointed before she turned and went to find Douglas and Becky.

“Maddie.” Charlotte called out and she turned to see her sat at the bar with a man she didn’t recognise. She glanced round checking to see if her arsehole dad was still in the vicinity but she couldn’t see him anywhere and wondered if he’d actually scarpered.

“How’s your evening going?” Maddie asked her as the man tried to get the barman’s attention.

“Fun as always.” Charlotte said grinning. “This is Thomas Archer, he heads up Black Tech.”

“Oh wow.” Maddie said looking to the man now smiling politely at her.

“Thomas, this is Maddie Cooper, she works with Brandon at BlackWater.”

“Ahh so you’re one of them are you?” He said.

“One of what?” She asked.

“The spies.” He said grinning and she laughed.

“I absolutely am not.” She replied.

Thomas ordered champagne and the bar man poured out three glasses for them.

“So how long have you been head of Black Tech?” Maddie asked after they chinked glasses.

“Eight years. I used to work for Black Industries but transferred across when the GM role came up,”

“And no regrets?” Maddie replied.

“Only when the U.S. Defence Department makes demands they know we can’t possibly meet.” He replied and they all laughed.

“Do you have much to do with them?” Maddie asked Charlotte curiously.

She shrugged. “They have their own legal department, we only really get involved if things go haywire. Cole likes each subsidiary to be self-sufficient as much as possible.”

“That makes sense.” Maddie replied.

“I’ll leave you two ladies to it. I think my presence is needed elsewhere.” Thomas said glancing across to where someone was beckoning him.

“You’re ditching us?” Charlotte said half outraged.

“The French Ambassador is on the warpath about some new defence system we delivered last month.” He said.

“Oh how come?”

“That would be telling.” He replied with a wink.

Charlotte watched him go and Maddie sipped her champagne.

“Where’s Cole?” Charlotte asked after a moment. “I’m surprised he’s let you out of his sight this evening.”

“He’s with the French Ambassador too.” Maddie said and Charlotte burst out laughing.

“Why is that funny?” Maddie asked.

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