Chapter Four #2
Jennifer stiffened. She leaned away from him so she could see his expression, and her eyebrows puckered. “Are you asking me?”
He looked confused. “I thought I was?”
“It just sounded more like an order.”
“I’m sorry. I’m used to being a boss, I guess. I like being in charge.”
“What do you do, Grant?”
Grant tensed. A lot of people didn’t understand his need for success and the challenge of taking a business ready to close and either tearing it apart and selling the parts or bringing it back to life. People were sensitive to the fact that demolishing a family business didn’t bother him.
“I’m what you would call an entrepreneur, I guess.”
Jennifer looked a little apprehensive. “So, what exactly does that mean?”
“I mainly buy and sell businesses but also play with stocks.”
“Why does Tessa not trust you?”
Grant looked over the dance floor at Devon and Tessa. “I’ve been told I’m not an easy man to be around.”
“Why?”
Grant snorted and looked down into her upturned, curious face.
“Because I’m a hard man, I suppose.”
“Why?”
Grant smiled, surprised. Few people questioned him like this. He liked that she didn’t seem intimidated by him. She was just curious.
“How about I take you to dinner tomorrow night and answer all your questions then?”
Jennifer looked down at his chest. “Can I think about it?”
Grant tightened his arms and narrowed his eyes. “Are you worried about Tessa and what she will think?”
“A little. You terrify her.”
He grimaced and shook his head. “I certainly don’t mean to. What about you? Do I scare you?”
Jennifer bit her lip. “No. I don’t think you do.”
“I would never, ever hurt you. And I would never hurt Tessa. She’s a part of Devon, so she will always have my protection and support.”
“But why is she afraid of you? You don’t do anything illegal, do you?”
His eyes hardened, and his arms tightened even more around her. What could he tell her, that being a part of the Good Knight Society made it impossible not to break the law sometimes, but it was always for a good reason?
“I think we’ve talked enough about me. I’d like to hear about you.” His voice was silky smooth but had an undertone of steely control and displeasure.
Jennifer stiffened as she stared into his dark eyes.
“It’s getting late, and I have to wake up early.” She pulled away from him and looked slightly surprised that he let her, when at first, he’d constricted his arms before he released her.
He stared down at the hand she held out for a long moment and then back up to her eyes. No way was this over. His hand engulfed hers, the calluses rasping over her soft skin.
“It was nice meeting you, Grant, and maybe we’ll see each other around sometime.”
“Oh, I can guarantee it, Jennifer. Drive safe.”
She lifted her chin and gave him a frosty smile before turning away.
He watched her go with a predatory look.
He knew it would scare her if she saw his expression at that moment and make her run.
It took immense strength to keep from yanking her back into his arms and carrying her out of there.
Did she think this was over? Oh, hell, no.
She’d learn soon enough that when he wanted something, he usually got it.
He knew he was an arrogant, selfish bastard and already thought he’d be going to hell for some of the things he’d had to do to survive, so what was one more strike? He was willing to take it to have her.
He watched until she was out of sight. The edgy, sexually charged feelings she drove through him unsettled, but it certainly wouldn’t keep him away from her.
If there were signs she wasn’t attracted to or afraid of him, he would have backed off, but he saw the wonder and the same heat in her eyes that he knew were reflected in his.
****
Madlyn
Madlyn smiled in glee. She was delighted when Jennifer and Grant broke apart on the dance floor.
Both looked a little pissed. She thought it would be the perfect time to make her move since it looked like they weren’t getting along.
Madlyn unbuttoned another button from the top of her dress to show more of her cleavage and bra lace.
He turned to walk off the dance floor and collided with her.
“Excuse me,” he murmured as he moved to go around her.
Madlyn clutched his arm and smiled. “No, I’m sorry, Grant. Would you like to dance with me?” She lowered her voice to sound sexy.
Grant lifted his arm away from her and tried not to show his distaste for her cloying perfume.
“No, I’m sorry. I was just headed out. Maybe another time,” he said smoothly and walked off.
She watched his broad shoulders as he walked out. “Goddammit,” she said softly under her breath. Jennifer must have ruined his night, or he wouldn’t have left. Her dislike for that woman rapidly deepened into a hatred she had never felt before.
From what she’d heard, he was gorgeous and extremely rich. The perfect man in her book. Why would he choose Jen over her? It didn’t make sense. She knew she looked good, and most men would have jumped to dance with her. Jennifer must have spoiled his night.
Madlyn took a deep breath. She had more chances. The club had this cocktail party every Friday night, allowing professional people to unwind and gather contacts. She’d guessed he’d be there since it was a good way to meet potential clients.
Madlyn shook her head, dumbfounded. She couldn’t understand why men would go for Jennifer over her.
Jen was cute in her own frumpy way, but she didn’t take care of herself or try to make herself look appealing.
Her outfits were usually atrocious, and Madlyn wouldn’t be caught dead in them.
Jen was several inches shorter than her and a little plump, while she was tall and slender, and she always made sure she was perfectly put together.
Jen didn’t even wear makeup or try to fix her hair.
Madlyn admitted Jen’s one good allure was that she had long, beautiful hair.
The deep red tones reflected the light and brought out the other colors, like light mahogany and a chestnut brown mixed in.
But Madlyn liked her own light-colored hair.
Men seemed to go for blondes, so she paid a lot of money for her brilliant platinum shade.
Madlyn walked off the dance floor toward Devon and Tessa, who sat at the table. “Where’d Jen go?” she asked curiously.
“She has an early morning and decided to head out.”
Madlyn leaned over the table, lifted her wineglass, and sipped before a smirk played over her features. “Or maybe it was the fact Grant ditched her.”
Devon looked more confused than irritated. “I don’t think so. I think Jen walked away from him for some reason.”
Madlyn looked shocked. “Why the hell would she do that? He’s like richer than God.”
“Madlyn,” both Tessa and Devon sputtered out in disgust.
“That’s insulting,” Tessa burst out. “What about the man? He could be wealthy but beat his children and wife. Would you still think he was a catch?”
Madlyn stood tall. “Hell, yeah. Because I’d divorce his ass and take him for everything he has.”
“Oh, for God’s sake. You’re going to end up alone with that attitude. Men can usually smell a gold digger a mile away,” Devon spat out.
Madlyn smirked. “We’ll just see about that. Grant told me he wants to dance with me.”
Devon turned to Tessa, disgust shading his tone. “I’m ready to go. How about you?”
Tessa still looked at Madlyn with disapproval but nodded to Devon.
“Yes. I’m ready.” Tessa picked up her purse and turned back to Madlyn. “You and I have to talk sometime. I really don’t know what’s gotten into you.”
“Of course, you don’t. You’re married to Mr. Wonderful there. You have no idea what it’s like to be alone,” Madlyn hissed before she turned and stomped off.