Page 71 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

She rolled her eyes.

“Am I not?” He asked quietly stepping nearer to her and she bit her lip glancing at the door but knowing neither Douglas nor Brandon would be coming to get a coffee anytime soon.

“You try to dominate me Cole, to control me.” She said feeling the heat already rising in her.

“I do control you Maddie. And you enjoy every moment of it.” He said and she swallowed. He ran his fingers across the side of her face and then across her lips slowly, teasing and she stared at him.

He could see her pupils dilating, her heart rate increasing and he grinned before stepping back and taking a sip of his coffee.

She scowled at him, picking up her mug and walking out as he snickered behind her. Fucking Cole, she thought, once again she was doing exactly what he wanted, just like he was pulling all her strings.

When she got home Kelsey was so distraught from all the coverage and subsequent fall out that Maddie didn’t bother saying anything. She’d ruined her career, ruined her entire future so what was the point, Maddie thought. To say or do anything other than comfort the stupid girl would be cruel.

She ordered pizza and they sat eating and watching crap on Netflix while Maddie secretly hoped this might be the kick up the arse Kelsey needed to sort her life out.

Kelsey’s phone went off and she picked it up and saw the name flashing with a face of horror.

“Who is it?” Maddie asked looking from her to her screen.

“Dad.” She said and Maddie frowned then. She hadn’t realised they were back in touch, that Kelsey had any relationship with him anymore.

Kelsey picked it up and walked off to talk and Maddie gritted her teeth at the sound of his voice.

When she came back she looked different, calmer, but in some ways more on edge.

“What did he say?” Maddie asked.

“He wants to talk.” Kelsey replied.

“Of course he does. You’ve damaged his reputation. This all about his image, his public persona.” Maddie said before taking a sip of her drink.

“He wants me to meet him on Friday. He’s sorting a private jet for me.”

“Why not sooner?” Maddie asked.

“He’s busy in America this week.” Kelsey stated.

Maddie snorted.

“He’s not that bad Maddie honestly.” Kelsey said.

“Don’t Kelsey, don’t mistake your relationship with him as being anything like mine.” She said hearing the edge to her voice.

“He knows I’m staying here, with you.” Kelsey said.

“You told him?” Maddie asked feeling suddenly furious.

“He asked. I didn’t see the need to hide it.” Kelsey shrugged.

Maddie scowled. She didn’t want him to know anything about her, he didn’t have a right too. He didn’t have a right to even know she existed.

“He’s pulling the videos, pulling the articles, getting an embargo as we speak.” Kelsey said.

“Daddy to the rescue.” Maddie muttered and Kelsey nodded not understanding the sarcasm.

“Can I stay until Friday?” Kelsey asked.

“Fine but he’s not sending a car here to collect you. I don’t want him knowing where I live, I don’t want him knowing anything about me Kelsey.” Maddie stated.

She nodded and then picked her phone up and started writing a message and Maddie knew exactly who it was too.

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