Page 28 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

Maddie opened the door, holding it for Cole but not actually looking at him and then she walked on in, putting her bag down and going to put some fresh coffee on because god knows she needed some serious caffeine now.

“How do you take it?” She asked as he walked in, his eyes scanning the place like it was some kind of mystery opening up to him.

Sure he’d seen it from the cameras his agents had placed but he hadn’t realised how big the place was in reality. He’d assumed from outside that it was one of the small, pokey ones at the lower level and probably a flat share not this, not one of the best apartments in the block bar the penthouse itself.

“White no sugar.” He said moving to look further around and she turned frowning as she watched him.

“This is your apartment?” He asked and she smirked slightly at the look on his face.

“Why? You want to see the deeds?” She said.

He took in the size, the floor to ceiling glass that curved round and spanned almost a third of the space and the view below. He looked up, seeing the split level and then back at the large open plan kitchen, living space and tv area round the corner.

“How can you afford this? This place must be worth a fortune.” He said. He knew there wasn’t a mortgage on it because he’d done a financial check on her and nothing of significance had come back.

“£1.4 mill to be exact. I just had it revalued for insurance.” She said and he shook his head.

“Who the fuck are you?”

“Excuse me?” She said.

“On the salary you’re on you’d be lucky to be in a two up two down.” He stated.

“Wow, did you imagine I lived in some dingy bedsit in Brixton, is that it?”

He scowled then walked right up to her and she stepped back against the fridge.

“Are you on the take?” He growled.

“Are you fucking mad?” She snapped back.

He grabbed her arms, tightening his grip and she flinched only slightly despite the pain.

“Then tell me how the fuck a junior Team Lead affords something like this.” He demanded.

“Why because the great Cole Black likes to think that everyone else lives in a dingy shit hole while he lives it up with his millions in a mansion?” She replied and he squeezed her arms tighter then and she gritted her teeth.

“Answer the fucking question.”

“My dad is Alfred Lee.” She said.

“What?”

“You heard.” She stated.

“As in…?” He began to question but she cut across him.

“Yeah, the arsehole hedge fund manager.”

“That’s not in your file.” He replied.

“Sorry to disappoint you but I’d wager there’s a lot not in that file. Now are you gonna let go of me or do I have to make you?” She said.

He narrowed his eyes releasing his grip and walking back round the island before pulling one of the bar stools out and sitting down like he was on a god dam throne.

“Why do you do this then? Why do you work for Homewell?” He asked her.

“What, you think because I have a little money that I want to just sit around all day painting my nails?” She snapped before going to make the coffee again and then passing him a mug.

“White, no sugar.” She said with a sarcastic smile.

“So you’re a trust fund baby. A rich little girl huh.” He said before taking a sip and she scowled.

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