Page 37 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“Maddie, all you have to do is hear him out and then you can forget him forever.” Cole stated.

“I wish I could forget him forever.” She muttered.

He opened his mouth to argue but she rolled quickly on top of him, facing him full on.

“Please don’t Cole.” She said and he nodded, stroking her hair again.

“It’s your decision.”

She felt her eyes widen at his reply, wondering for a second who this man was because Cole Black never said that, never let her do what she wanted if he thought his plan was better.

He smirked. “I don’t always want my way.” He stated and she laughed.

“Is this the same Cole Black we’re talking about?” She said and he narrowed his eyes.

“I let you win when I choose.” He said and she nodded.

“When you choose.” She repeated before kissing him.

“I’m in charge Maddie and that’s the way you like it.” He said.

“You are always so sure of yourself aren’t you?”

“I know what you want, what you need too.” He said as his hand ran down the back of her and she felt a thrill as her body responded instantly.

“Why are you like this? So possessive? So controlling? What made you like this? Why did you react the way you did yesterday?” She asked and for a second something flickered across his face before he narrowed his eyes.

“Are you trying to find out my secrets?” He asked with a smirk.

“So you do have secrets…” Maddie replied.

“Maybe.” He said.

“Tell me. I want to understand what makes you tick.”

“Now you want to know?” He asked and she heard the edge to his voice then and it made her suddenly nervous. “Now you’re asking?”

“I should have asked before I guess.” She half mumbled.

“This is how you want me Maddie. You said it yourself remember? You want me to dominate you, to control you. What does it matter why I am what I am? What does it matter?” He half snapped and she bit her lip realising that she’d touched something sensitive. Something deep inside Cole. A real secret he had.

“I didn’t mean…” She began and he shook his head even as his eyes flashed.

“Don’t ask questions if you don’t like the answers.” He stated.

“It’s not that.” She said sitting up and pulling back from him. “I’m just trying to understand you better. Hell I just moved in with you. I literally have just….” She shook her head getting up and needing the moment to think.

“Just what?” He asked watching her.

“I have never been in a proper relationship Cole. Never wanted to be. Never cared to be. It’s always been just sex and I was fine with that, happy with that. And now you’ve come along and you’re messing with my head.” She said staring at him. “I’ve let down walls, fucking high walls that I have built over the entirety of my life and all I’m asking is that maybe you let me in a bit too.” She half snapped.

“Fuck me.” Cole muttered and she frowned. “Maddie Cooper actually has a heart.” He said and she gasped.

“I’m not saying that. I’m not saying…” She said quickly. She didn’t want him to think she was feeling that, that she was even close to feeling that about him.

“I know but look at you Maddie. You’re all riled up, you’re all on edge. You’re vulnerable.” He said smirking.

“Fuck off.” She snapped and he laughed. He actually laughed.

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