Page 111 of A Deal with her Forbidden Duke
Felix folded himself assuredly into a chair as if he owned it. “I noticed you at my ball only a couple of weeks ago. I meant to speak with you then but I did not get a chance. I do have the feeling that you and your wife left early.”
Alexander swallowed, recalling the Kingswell ball where he had believed that he had seen one of Donald’s old associates that had often shadowed him at the Raven’s Den. He had been rattled. That, plus the gambling hell’s employee who had burst into the office, claiming to see Donald… it had all started to make sense.
“Yes. My—my wife was not feeling well.”
The words didn’t quite leave him easily.
Felix nodded. “I see. Alexander, I understand that we have known each other a while—since Cambridge, in fact—but we do not run in the same circles. However, I would like to.”
His indulgent smile was broad, assured. Alexander sat up straighter in his own chair.
“I am listening. What are you proposing?”
“A business agreement.”
Alexander’s interest was immediately piqued. “Then in case, I will have refreshments prepared.”
“Of course.”
Alexander gestured for a servant to fetch them a bottle of wine and two glasses. Once that was brought, Felix took his glass without being offered and took a sip. He hummed, nodding.
“Not what I would have chosen but rich nonetheless. It’s sharp, has a good bite to it.”
“It is the best, in my eyes,” Alexander answered coolly. He was glad for the distraction of speaking with a refined duke of the same status as him. For once, he was not dealing with desperate lords.
“I have an excellent partnership with a vineyard in France,” Felix said. “I would like to discuss supplying one of your many lucrative businesses with the wine I have imported. We share profits, directly in half, and we do not leave the other out in the lurch.”
Alexander cocked his head, sipping his rum. He knew that his secret of owning the Raven’s Den was safe but, for a second, he envisioned telling Felix of his ownership.
He imagined the Raven’s Den building its reputation and securing yet another deal to supply only the best.
He turned his attention back to the other business ventures that he had across London. “What would you be suggesting?”
“Once a month, I will have a crate imported with enough wine to last the entire month. Any surplus would be yours to keep for your personal use. If you sell any further bottles beyond the businesses we agree then those profits are yours to keep.”
Alexander rose a brow. “And what is in it for you?”
“I get a partnership involved with your name. You have great influence. You are a very good businessman, Alexander. I would like to be part of that influence.”
“You do not need my influence. Yours is incredibly great and far-reaching.”
“I did not say I need it.” Felix flashed a grin. “I merelywantit. Do you agree?”
“And if the wine does not sell?”
Felix spread his hands. “Then we reconvene and plan. I will not leave you in the lurch. I wish for my name to be on the wine that you supply to your patrons. They will further seek my businesses out, as my own customers will for you. We benefit one another, no?”
“Indeed, we can,” Alexander agreed. “I shall have my solicitor write up a contract and have it posted.”
“No need.” Felix pulled out a sheaf of papers from a briefcase he had rested by the armchair. “I came prepared.”
Alexander laughed quietly. “You knew I would agree.”
“I had an idea, yes.” He passed the papers over for Alexander to sign.
“In that case, let us reconvene to my study so I may sign without further delay.”
The two men stood up and Alexander led Felix to his study. He had not been in there since he had stood in the window, watching Madeleine leave. There had been a moment, when the carriage door had closed, that he had wanted to run after her.
