Page 156 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“You think I don’t know that?” She snapped.

“I meant about the peerage, about children, about my marrying you too.”

“I know.” She said feeling suddenly awkward.

“I love you Maddie, I don’t give a fuck what anyone else says or thinks about it. I’m going to make you my wife and you will be the Honourable Lady Black.”

She gulped at the seriousness of his tone and the look on his face too. “I can’t have children Cole.”

“I don’t give a fuck. I don’t want children either.” He stated.

“Fine.” She said. “But you know you actually have to ask me if you want to marry me.”

He laughed.

“And you’re assuming I’d say yes.” She added.

“Of course you will Maddie. I already achieved what no other man has….” He said.

“And what’s that?” She asked.

“I made you fall in love with me. Getting you to marry me won’t be hard after that.”

She shook her head half laughing in shock.

“I think I need to make you work harder. I’ve been letting you have it too easy.” She stated. “It’s been going to your head.”

He smirked. “Brandon won’t be back for hours. If you want me to work harder then I suggest we get going.”

They walkedinto Brandon’s house and it felt so strangely quiet Maddie frowned. She glanced at Cole but he didn’t seem concerned and she guessed this was just how Brandon’s house was.

Cole walked through to the sitting room of all places and she followed him before pausing.

“What are you waiting for Maddie?” Cole asked watching her.

She raised an eyebrow at him.

“If you want me to work harder for it you have to get your clothes off…” He stated.

“You know that’s a shit chat up line right?” She laughed.

“Do you want me to seduce you? To undress you Maddie?” He asked stepping up to her and placing his hands on her hips.

She ignored the instant thrill it sent through her and smirked. “Do your best Cole.” She murmured.

He brushed his lips against hers, pecking them lightly before tugging her hair out of her usual high ponytail and running his hands through it as it cascaded down her back. And then slowly he started kissing her neck, nibbling at it, tracing a line of kisses down her skin.

She gasped, tilting her head, giving him more access. He pulled her top up over her head and tossed it, his eyes focused on her breasts.

“You’re so fucking perfect Maddie, you know that?” He groaned grabbing her breasts, squeezing them within the bra.

“Cole.” She gasped.

He looked back up at her eyes dropping his hands down to her jeans and slowly unbuttoned them. She helped as he tugged them from her and then stood letting him take her body in.

He ran his hands along her skin, staring at the old scar on her stomach for a moment.

“How am I the only one being undressed?” She asked putting her hands on his shirt. He stood letting her undo it and then she undid his trousers too, just as he’d done hers.

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