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Chapter One

Hunter Blackwell focused on his target andheads of several woh he seldom asked old friends for favors, he lance If the rumors were true, half of his problems could be solved in a few short days

Without any concern for the discussion he , Hunter moved behind his old friend, made sure those that could see him did, and lifted his chin

The conversation died as the man in front of him turned and tilted his head

A smile spread over Blake Harrison’s face “Blackwell”

“Your Grace”

Blake shot a laugh in the air and extended his hand

Hunter accepted theand let a shiver of satisfaction wash over hiized to his audience for the interruption, and then offered Hunter his complete attention

“My God, ht years, nine?”

“Texas,” Hunter re your wife for the third time”

Blake stared beyond him for a moment and let ato date” The notion ofthe same woman, repeatedly, was ludicrous The fact that Blake and his wife never divorced yet proceeded to re theory was Blake’s player ways had never changed, and he needed to reaffirm his vows annually to keep his wife happy

Those who knew the duke, however, knew nothing could be further froe irls would pine over it, and happy bachelors would run

“Married life is agreeing with you” Hunterconversation, but his old friend did indeed appear to have a glow around his eyes and a few extra healthy-looking pounds a ht acquire from a settled life

“I will let Sam know you approve”

He laughed Chances were Sa, where she had been busy renewing her vows—again

Hunter nodded toward the back of thethe retirement of a fellow entrepreneur turned philanthropist thinned “Do you have a minute?”

Blake narrowed his dark brows and lifted a hand for Hunter to lead the way

They wound around a dozen colleagues, old friends, and even older enemies before they found a quiet corner where it would be obvious they were having a private conversation With any luck, they wouldn’t be interrupted

“You’re a ment

“Aren’t I always?” Hunter had spent that last decade of his life with one goal in , what business venture he’d taken onwhat investoal was to win

“I’ve already given you the investment advice I have to offer”

“This isn’t about an invest around the issues”

Blake grinned “Then don’t You don’t have to put on airs with me”

One of the qualities Hunter liked most about his old friend “Certain circles tell me that your wife has her own business”