Page 204 of Eternal Craving

Despite my hatred of London, I’d continued to reside within Belshazzar’s. Our business affairs had taken off and kept me distracted. Commerce had been the reason Marcus had entered my private chamber tonight.

He crossed his legs. “We own every piece of land within a mile.”

“But not that one,” I said. “And you’ve done everything in your power to persuade Mr. Lewis to sell?”

“Offered triple.”

I shrugged. “Then we have no choice.”

Marcus looked crestfallen. “You want me to…?”

“Yes.” I closed the book.

“Why kill him?” he asked. “He’ll probably die of old age soon anyway.”

“From this little performance, you’d never know you were vampires.” I pushed the book across the desk. “His children will sell the property to the government, or worse, the Church.”

“There must be some other way.”

“And risk having some religious monument erected?” I said.

Sunaria moved closer to Marcus’ chair. “Then we buy the land from them.”

“Do I have to take care of it myself?” I asked, shaking my head.

Marcus leaned back and stared up at Sunaria.

Recently, I’d noticed that I blinked less, the subtle response that broke the intensity of one’s stare. With my gaze locked on Sunaria now, I saw the reaction evoked by such a stare. “Darling, how about you? Fancy a trip out?”

Sunaria turned away and Marcus studied his fingernails.

“Turns out being seduced by three whoresisconsidered an affair.” I found myself smiling.

It was a cruel lie, and she knew it. Depression and despair had turned me into a morbid villain.

All remnants of joy had fled from my life.

“You need some fresh air.” Her gaze flitted from me to Marcus.

“What do you think, Marcus?” I smiled.

He reached for the book, but I grabbed it and pushed it past the edge of the desk. It landed with a thud.

“Perhaps we should discuss this another time,” Marcus suggested.

“Why not invite Mr. Lewis here?” I asked. “Sunaria can be very persuasive.”

Marcus rose. “I should be going.”

“Sit down,” I snapped.

Marcus did so, rubbing his hands together. “I don’t like seeing you like this.”

My glare forced him to look away.

“Sunaria, pay the old man a visit.”

She scowled at me. My expression blank, I replied with silence, and she headed for the door.