Page 22 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

“For better or for worse. Those were the vows.” He said and they both laughed.

“I’m not sure that’s what they meant.” Maddie stated.

“Maybe. Have you spoken to our dear sister recently?”

“Urgh yes, she’s being insufferable as always. She snuck in my apartment, drank half a magnum of Bollinger and then dragged me to some god awful nightclub.” Maddie told him.

“Sounds awful.” He said sarcastically. “Oh to be young and to be out living your life.”

“Fuck off. Kelsey doesn’t live like normal people, she parties, all the time, like she’s on acid or something.” Maddie snapped.

“She gets that from her mother. But at least she’s back to her old self though.”

“True. You heard she got a new contract. Agent Provocateur no less.” Maddie said watching his reaction then.

“Not sure I wanna see those pics if I’m honest.” He stated pulling a face.

She laughed. “Not sure you do but they are very creative, artistic almost.”

“It’s fitting though don’t you think, almost ironic after what happened.” He grinned.

“Don’t be harsh.” She replied.

“I’m not but the girl did bring it on herself.”

“And she paid the price. She lost all her work from that.” Maddie said not exactly sure why she was defending her but deciding she’d already committed to it so she couldn’t back down now.

“Well I’m sure she’ll find a nice footballer soon enough and then she can stop getting her tits out all day.” Richard stated crossing his arms.

Maddie gasped half laughing and covered her hand with her mouth. She forgot how much her brother and sister did not get along and how brutal he was too.

“How long you staying? There’s always a room for you if you want it?” Richard said looking back at the graze on her face.

“Thanks but I’m good. I just wanted a catch up, get some brotherly love and all that.” She shrugged.

“Seriously Maddie. You look like shit and I’ve seen you look like shit a lot of times. If you need anything…” Richard said.

“It’s nothing I can’t handle.” She stated and he heard from her voice that the discussion was over.

“Fine. Well I should probably be heading back, think the wife might be on the warpath by now. I was only meant to be popping out for some eggs.”

“And you came here?” She laughed.

“You know me. I always come here on Saturdays.” He said with a smirk.

“How did you think I found you?” Maddie quipped.

He got up grinning. “Well take care of yourself Maddison.”

She nodded and watched as he went letting out a deep breath like suddenly she felt back in control, suddenly, she felt like she could focus. Suddenly she was back in the game.

She clenched her hands, now on top of the metal table.

“I’m gonna buy a phone next, want to come watch me do that too?” She asked before turning to look right at the man right next to her. His eyes widened in shock and it was all she could do not to laugh right in his god damn face. She knew exactly who he was, who he was working for. How long had they been following her, she wondered and realised it must have been the whole way down, every mile, every turn, every stop.

“Tell Cole Black I hope he enjoys rifling through my clothes again only this time he gets to keep them.” She said before downing the last of her drink and walking off not caring if he followed her. Let them follow, she thought, maybe then they’d get the hint that she wasn’t behind any of it.

Back in the room Cole scowled looking at Brandon. That fucking girl. She knew. The whole fucking time. He clenched his fists remembering what it had felt like when his fingers had been wrapped around her neck, remembering the feel of her skin against his, and wanting dearly to do it again.

“Get Curtis on the line.” Brandon yelled. The file they had made no mention of a brother. No mention of a sister either but she clearly existed too.

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