Page 78 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“How much land do you have?” Maddie asked.

“Just over 1,500 acres but a lot of it is leased as farmland and managed through a trust.” He replied.

“Oh.”

“My parents live on site. They have the old farmhouse and a few acres with it.”

“How come they don’t live in the main house?” Maddie asked.

“They used too but they found it too big. They wanted something a bit smaller for their retirement.”

Maddie bit back her reply because she could absolutely see why the place felt too big. It was big enough to house an entire village and some. No wonder they wanted somewhere a bit more intimate.

“So they gave it to you?” She asked and he nodded.

“It was mine to inherit and this way we avoid a lot of tax issues.” Cole stated.

“How often do you come here?”

“As little as possible. Mainly Christmas because it can’t be avoided and Easter if work doesn’t keep me away.”

“Do they mind? That you have this huge house but you don’t live here?” She asked.

He shrugged. “My father understands. My grandfather started BlackWater, he took over after he died so he knows what it needs to succeed but my mother doesn’t quite get it.”

“I didn’t realise it was your grandfather who founded BlackWater.” Maddie said before taking a big swig of her coffee.

“He was what Churchill referred to as one of his ‘corkscrew men’. He got them together during the war. Most of them went on to establish MI5 but my father decided to try his luck making a more private security firm.”

“Well it definitely worked.” Maddie said and he laughed.

“It did although it’s needed a lot of my focus to grow it and the other companies into what they are.”

“You said that before. You said you made it what it is and if you don’t keep pushing it will fail.” She stated and he narrowed his eyes at her. They were in the woods now, amongst the trees and she could smell the dampness in the air, and an earthy, soil smell from the ground which was almost comforting.

“I remember.” He said.

“Why do you bother with me then?” She asked before she could stop herself.

“What?” He asked.

“Your time is precious Cole. You have so little downtime so why do you spend what little you have with me of all people?”

He smirked. “Do you not enjoy the time I spend with you?” He asked and she felt her god damn panties moisten at the seductive way he said it. Jesus Maddie, she thought, because the man had already fucked her once when they woke up and just now back in the house, so why did she suddenly want him so badly again?

“That’s not what I’m saying.” She replied trying to keep her face passive, to not show what effect he was having on her.

“Then what it is Maddie?” He asked stepping nearer and she felt her heart racing again.

“I just don’t understand it. You picked me, you singled me out because I fought against you but now, now you’ve had me, why are you still bothering?” She asked and his eyes flicked to something dangerous.

“What do you think it is Maddie?” He said.

She shrugged. “I think I’m your plaything. Your stress relief if you will. I think I help you shut off, disconnect.” She replied and he smirked.

“Oh you certainly do that.” He said brushing her hair from where the slight breeze had blown it across her face. “Do you remember what I said back at your apartment, after you got out of the hospital?” He asked.

She frowned, thinking back, to when he’d let himself back into her place, forced himself back in, not taking no for an answer. She shook her head.

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