Page 59 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

Maddie woke up and realised she was alone. That Cole wasn’t there in her room even though she knew he had slept there, had held her to him as if forcing her submission even in sleep. She frowned looking around and realised that the curtains were drawn and the whole space was dark but she could hear noises, someone moving around downstairs.

She got up, grabbing a T-shirt dress and yanking it on because it felt in that moment it might be a safer option than the tank top she’d opted for the night before. She walked down the stairs, and she could smell something cooking.

In the kitchen he was there, in just his boxers, cooking up what looked like pancakes of all things. His back muscles were rippling and she could see the tight toned outline of his arse. Damn him for being so hot, she thought.

“What are you doing?” She asked after ogling him for a few minutes and realising that he must by now know she was there. He turned looking at her obviously not surprised by her presence.

“You’re awake.” He said.

“Evidently. Why did you draw the curtains?” She asked.

“It was too bright.” He stated.

“It’s never too bright and besides I like the view.” She replied.

He rolled his eyes before focussing back on the pancakes again.

“Why did you stay?” She asked him.

“Why do you think?” He replied.

She narrowed her eyes watching him. “What is this? What am I to you?”

He turned looking her up and down like he was assessing her. “I already told you Maddie. You belong to me now.”

“What does that even mean?” She asked.

He smirked walking up to her. “Want me to show you again?”

She swallowed, but didn’t reply because she was afraid of what words would come out of her mouth.

“What’s the matter, you’re usually so vocal…” He quipped.

She gritted her teeth and he grinned pulling her to him then. “I told you Maddie how it was going to be and you agreed.”

“I did not.” She said.

“Yes you did. Do you not remember, when I had you bent over that island, just before I made you come again, you said it. You said you were mine.” He stated.

She shook her head. “That doesn’t…”

“What? Count? Remember what else I said Maddie, if you disobey me then I’ll punish you. Do you want that Maddie? To have me punish you?” He asked with a smirk.

“I’m not your plaything.” She snapped.

“Yes you are.” He said grabbing her face. Not too hard but not too gentle either. “That is exactly what you are.” He stated and then he kissed her, his tongue delving into her mouth and she groaned, kissing him back, tasting him, feeling as he explored her.

Of course he had to be a great kisser too, she thought.

She wanted him again she realised. She wanted him to rip her clothes off again and fuck her. Damn it Maddie, she thought, because she was already giving in with barely even a fight.

He broke away walking back to the oven and plating up the food.

“Eat your pancakes.” He said putting the plate in front of her.

“I don’t like pancakes.” She said, not because it was true but just because she wanted to defy him, to push his buttons more.

“I don’t care. Eat them anyway.” He replied.

She scowled before picking one up and biting a chunk off it.

“You’re like a wild animal Maddie, beautiful but wild, and I’m going to enjoy taming you.” He stated.

She stared back at him. Half tempted to lunge at him, to rip his clothes off and devour him but just as tempted to kick him out and claim back the safety of her solitude.

“What are you thinking?” He asked her and she shrugged.

“Does it matter? You seem to have this all planned out.” She replied.

He grinned. “Good girl, now you’re starting to understand.”

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