Page 59 of Dark Horse

“Is he single?” I tease. I don’t really mean it, but I love the little flare of jealousy in his eyes as he looks me over.

“He is not, and he’s absolutely obsessed with her. So obsessed he’s willing to share if it means keeping her.”

“Willing to share?” I raise a brow. That didn’t look like a man who needed or wanted to share.

“She has him and two others.”

“Two? A man like that and two more? I need to meet this woman.” My jaw drops as I stare at the door. Maybe she can teach me a thing ortwo.

“I’ve met Charlotte, and trust me, she needs all three.” He smirks, and I sit up straighter.

“Does she now? Is she that pretty?” I ask, trying not to let the inquiry sound as jealous as it feels.

“She’s gorgeous, incredibly smart, and dangerous as fuck.” His tone has reverence to it I don’t miss.

Envy flares in my chest with the way he describes her. She sounds like exactly the kind of woman Grant would fall for if such a thing was even possible.

“Does she give lessons?” I run my fingers over the crown on the queen’s head.

Grant laughs as he sits back in the chair, studying the chessboard in front of him.

“I wish. We could all learn a thing or two from her.”

“You still have more to learn, even at your advanced age?” I run my teeth over my lower lip as I grab one of the chess pieces and move it forward on the board.

“Always.” He makes the next move.

“You and Hudson play chess together?” I follow suit.

“I like to play chess with people I’m in business with.” He tilts his head and makes another move.

“I would’ve thought you’d do something more in line with your hobbies. Playing cards or riding.” Seeing him the other day confirmed my suspicions. Hazel mentioned in passing while we were out riding that Grant has horses on the ranch again, now that she and Ramsey are back together.

“Most of these guys wouldn’t know what to do with a horse, and playing cards usually makes them want to put money on the table to sate their ego. You don’t want any more money or pride on the line than you already have when you’re doing business. Besides, how someone plays chess tells you a whole lot about how their mind works. Who they are as a person.” Grant’s brow furrows as he studies what’s left of the board.

“What kind of business do you do with him?” I ask absently, studying the board and finally picking a piece. It’s been a long time—too long—since I learned to play, and I forget nearly all the rules. I’m just waiting for him to call me out on it.

“The most important kind.” He moves again on the board but dodges my question.

“What does he do for a living?”

“He exists.”

“What does that mean?”

“He’s rich—filthy fucking rich.”

“Richer than you?”

“Richer than me.” He looks up at me, studying my face for a moment before his eyes return to the board. “And getting richer by the day.”

“Not satisfied with beingfilthyrich?”

“It’s not the money he’s after. It’s the power. Being a prince isn’t enough. He wants to be king if it means he can crush the people who hurt his family,” Grant says absently as he watches me make the next move.

“But you don’t?”

“No. I don’t. All that stuff they say is true—heavy is the head that wears the crown. Not to mention all that pomp and circumstance. I’d much rather be lurking in the shadows where no one expects me.” He holds up the knight. “A dark horse.”

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