Page 2 of The Count

Beside him was another man in a tailored suit coat. He was sipping a glass of bourbon. He met my gaze with a confidence I didn’t expect from a man like him. Most people were afraid to look me directly in the eye.

I took a seat beside them, cocking my head and appraising them both.

“Interesting location,” I said, raising my eyebrow and sitting back in the upholstered chair along with them. At the very least, the chair was comfortable. I’d give them that.

“Hyde likes the ambiance.” Dorian gestured between us. “The Count, meet Mr. Edward Hyde. Hyde, meet The Count.”

I nodded in Hyde’s direction. He returned the gesture, lifting his drink in greeting. An attendant came by, offering a drink and I waved him away. I didn’t have time for this. I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees.

“I have other meetings this evening, gentlemen. Shall we get straight to business?” I asked impatiently.

Dorian smirked and rose beside me. “Introductions having been made, I hope you will both excuse me. I have a morepressingengagement.” Dorian bowed his head politely, but I knew enough about him to see that familiar spark in his eye. He had a reputation here in the city. Some would call it a disreputable one, but not me. He just knew how to use his money and use it well.

Dorian leaned against my chair.

“Can I trust him?” I asked, keeping my voice under my breath so that Hyde could not hear.

“Maybe, but where would be the fun in that?” Dorian grinned.

“Perhaps. Thank you for the introduction. Enjoy your ratherpressingengagement,” I smirked.

“I plan on it,” he smiled. I watched him leave the room, wondering what sort of trouble he’d gotten himself into this time. Finally, I turned my gaze back to Hyde.

“You have what I came for?” I asked pointedly.

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a vial full of thick dark crimson liquid and a single piece of paper. I glanced at them both longingly before meeting his gaze once more.

“Business before pleasure,” he grinned.

A man after his wallet. I could respect that. I had barely raised my hand before my bodyguard scurried to my side and presented the briefcase, opening it slowly and showcasing the stacks of pound notes neatly wrapped inside it.

My staff was well trained.

“One million, as agreed,” I offered.

“And now to the pleasure,” he beamed, passing the vial and paper to me. I took them both eagerly. I angled the sheet of paper into the light, scanning over the detailed formula with interest.

Yes. This was exactly what I was looking for.

“What is it called?” I asked.

“Bl88dX.”

With a name that unique, there was no doubt in my mind that he was a scientist after all. On the open market, I might simply call it ‘Blood.’ The rich would take to it well.

“Fitting. And the results?” I questioned.

He drained his glass of bourbon and stood up. His chest rose and fell and for just a moment, I was left with the distinct impression of a monster trying to break free of his cage, but then he buttoned his suit jacket and took the handle of the briefcase into his fist. He gripped the handle a bit too tightly, and I saw the whites of his knuckles in the process.

I knew instinctually that he wasn’t used to that kind of money. He met my gaze and he smiled, his entire expression going dark.

“Let’s just say anyone who takes it will feel like a different person.”

I closed my fist around the vial.

Very good.

CHAPTER1

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