Page 49 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

“I can handle it thanks.” She replied.

“I’m not saying you can’t I’m just saying…” He stated and she scowled.

“What? This is why you wanted me here right, to help you crack your case. So why not let me at least try?”

He narrowed his eyes and she pulled her arm free of him. Stepping back slightly.

“I can handle myself, I don’t need you to defend me and I don’t need you to decide what is and isn’t safe for me either.” She stated.

“For fucks sake Maddie, not everything is about proving how tough you are.” He said.

“I’m not proving anything.”

“I thought you’d finally got it after the last incident but you’re just the same.” He stated.

“The same what?” She asked.

“Stubborn, hot headed idiot.” He stated.

“I’m not hot headed, and I’m not an idiot.” She snapped.

“You’re sure as hell doing a good impression of it right now.”

“Fuck off Cole. Stop acting like…” She bit her tongue, knowing she was angry and not wanting to run her mouth, to say what she was thinking.

“Acting like what?” He asked.

“Like you’re trying to control me. Like you’re trying to control my decisions.” She stated.

“Is that what you think?” He said.

“Isn’t it?” She glared at him.

He smirked. “Oh Maddie, if I was trying to control you, you’d know all about it.” His voice sounded different, almost seductive and it sent a thrill through her that she desperately tried to ignore.

“What does that mean?” She asked.

He stepped closer to her and it felt like suddenly that intensity, the electricity between them was back. She felt like her breath catching, her heart was suddenly racing and she mentally cursed herself for being so god damn ridiculous. He wasn’t even that hot, she thought, but she knew that was a lie.

“You’re a smart girl, why don’t you think on it, but don’t take too long.” He replied.

“Urgh.” She said going to push past him and he grabbed her pushing her back. He stared at her and she swallowed, staring right at him. She saw his eyes glance down at her lips and something about it, something told her that he was thinking of kissing her, that he was going to kiss her.

“Don’t you dare.” She said quietly and he smirked ever so slightly before meeting her gaze once more. She pushed past him again, pushed harder, and walked out the door.

He watched her go, narrowing his eyes. The things I’m going to do to you Maddie Cooper, he thought.

Maddie aimed her fist and swung hard against the bag and then aimed another. She was fuming, raging and she needed to work it out.

“I would not wanna be that bag.” Becky said smirking and making her jump.

“Jesus Becky.” She said and Becky laughed.

“When are you all gonna teach me that?”

“Teach you what?” Becky asked.

“How to sneak up on people. Everyone here seems to be able to do it.”

Becky laughed. “You get that after you pass probation. They inject you with kryptonite but it does mean you glow in the dark.”

“Haha.” Maddie replied rolling her eyes.

“So what’s the bag done huh?”

“Oh nothing, just trying to work out some frustration that’s all.” Maddie said aiming another hard punch.

“Looks like you’re well on your way there.” Becky stated.

---