Page 24 of Madden

To:Madden Cole

Subject:Re: A Rebels Havoc article

It’s good to hear from you, Mr. Cole. I want to thank you again for your warm hospitality.

My deadline to send it off to press is the end of this month, but I’ll be sure to send you a preview next week.

Brielle Silvers, Limelight Magazine

My lip curls at the mention of my warm hospitality. I debate asking her to elaborate further on what she liked most.

Was it how turned on she looked when I caught her listening to me with Hanna? Or maybe it was the kiss in the parking lot after our show at Whiskey Barrel?

Or was she trying to be overly professional with me to make it clear she’s not interested?

My eyes zero in on her signature, specifically the phone number at the bottom.

From:Madden Cole

Date:March 17th, 2022

To:Brielle Silvers

Subject:Warm hospitality

The pleasure was truly all mine, Ms. Silvers. I’m speaking candidly when I tell you I wasn’t ready for you to leave.

I apologize again for the way we first met and hope we’ll have an opportunity to see each other again soon.

Madden Cole

From our first meeting, I could sense she didn’t give a shit about who I was or my career. She didn’t seem the least bit impressed or interested in meeting me.

When she fired off about how this was an assignment for her, and she intended on doing a damn good job at it, something about her sass drew me to her.

From:Brielle Silvers

Date:March 17th, 2022

To:Madden Cole

Subject:Warm goodbyes

You don’t have to keep apologizing to me, Madden. I don’t intend to blindside you with a splash in the headlines, so you can stop sucking up to me now.

Brielle Silvers, Limelight Magazine

I suck in a sharp breath when her response comes through. This time, I don’t hesitate when my finger hovers over her phone number. The call rings twice before the line connects and she answers.

“Brielle Silvers, Limelight Magazine.”

“Brielle,” I breathed, and I could’ve sworn I heard her gasp when she realized it was me.

“I’m sorry, who is this?”

“It’s Madden.”

The line goes silent. “Yes, hello, Madden. How can I help you?”