Page 143 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

“Yeah. For my sins.” Richard said with a smirk.

“What do you do now?” Cole asked, he’d looked the guy up, knew exactly what he did but it felt inappropriate to admit that, especially with Maddie right there.

“Orthopaedics. Private practice mostly. Got a clinic up on Harley Street but most of my work is Hampshire based.”

“And you don’t miss it? The military?” Cole asked.

“I got what I wanted out of it but I was ready to leave when I did.” He replied. “It also helped that our dad was so vehemently opposed to my going in.”

Maddie narrowed her eyes but kept her focus on laying the cheese out.

“What did he say about you joining then?” Cole asked looking at her and she met his eyes with a hard look.

“I don’t have anything to do with him. I’d never even met him until the Black Ball.” She stated.

“Seriously?” Cole said.

“Does he not know?” Richard asked Maddie and she sighed sliding the tray of bread in the grill.

“No.” She replied almost defiantly.

Cole raised an eyebrow. He didn’t much like being discussed like he was there especially in his own house.

“Maddie…” Richard started.

She huffed. “What?”

“You know you have to take those walls down sometime.” Richard said.

She rolled her eyes.

“It’s fine. She’ll tell me when she’s ready.” Cole said and Maddie felt her jaw drop at the arrogant, self-assured way that he said it.

Richard laughed seeing her reaction.

“Men.” She muttered, turning her back on them and staring at the grill as if willing it to cook quicker.

“There you go. Enjoy.” She said putting the slices out in front of them.

“Thank you.” Cole said.

“Looks delicious.” Richard said with a smirk before tucking in. “You’re becoming quite domesticated.” He added and she threw him a look that made both him and Cole laugh.

Richard left soon after and Maddie sat down feeling like she needed to do something, needed to actually burn some energy, burn some frustration too.

“You okay?” Cole asked watching her.

“I need to run, or exercise, or just do something. I’m getting cabin fever just sat here all day, no offence.”

“Why aren’t you using the gym then?” He asked her.

“What gym?” She said.

He smirked getting up and taking her hand. “Let me show you.” He said leading her past the kitchen and utility room and to where an inconspicuous looking door was that she’d previously assumed was to a cupboard. He opened it and they walked down the stairs together.

“Seriously? This place has a basement?” Maddie gasped.

“It’s more of a underground complex than a basement. There’s a gym, pool, and cinema room.”

“You know your house isn’t normal right?” She said looking around and seeing the size of the place. There was a wine cellar too, in a great glass box with rows and rows of bottles all organised by vintage and country of origin. It was a mega basement spanning the entire floor plan of the house above.

He laughed. “I’m not normal, why would my house be?” He replied and she rolled her eyes.

“Why do you use the work gym if you have your own one?” Maddie asked.

He shrugged. “They both have their benefits.”

---