Chapter 10

That was the deep uncanny mine of souls.

Like veins of silver ore, they silently

Moved through its massive darkness. Blood welled up among the roots, on its way to the world of men, and in the dark it looked as hard as stone.

Nothing else was red.

Rainer Maria Rilke

Barty Winston seethed as Piper Linwood walked away from him.

Little American bitch thinks she's something special. Too good to talk to methat much is obvious.

But not for long. He'd made a deal with the devil tonight, and soon he'd be rich enough to take whatever he wanted, including her.

"Is that the woman?" a deep voice asked behind him. Barty jumped, startling a passing footman who barely avoided dropping his tray of empty champagne flutes before continuing on his way. Barty gave a short nod, afraid to look over his shoulder at the man lurking behind him.

Conrad Sinclair was a tall, imposing man of six foot three, with jet-black hair and eyes just as dark. But Barty never liked to look at him directly; there was something almost serpentine in the way Conrad never blinked, not even once. And there was something unnerving about a man in his thirties who behaved in such an old-fashioned way, yet he didn't seem to be posing or pretending to be something he wasn't. That was part of the reason why Barty was afraid of him. Nothing about him made sense.

It didn't help that he was also one of the most powerful men in the country by virtue of his office as a member of the British Parliament. And if the rumors were true, soon he'd be the most powerful when he became the prime minister during the next election.

Ever since the jewels had been uncovered, Conrad had been keeping discreet tabs on their location and condition. He had donated a hefty sum to the museum to obtain a donor's opportunity to see the exhibit privately and attend the auction and presale party.

"You did not tell me she was so beautiful." Conrad stood beside him and placed a hand on Barty's shoulder, forcing Barty to turn sideways to look at him.

After a panicked gulp, Barty nodded. "Y-yes, Ms. Linwood is very pretty. If you enjoy that sort of dumpy look." Which he did, although he would've preferred her tall, leggy brunette friend instead. But she was clearly out of his league. Piper seemed more like an achievable conquest, which made her rejection sting all the more.

Conrad inhaled deeply, and his eyes seemed to redden in color, like blood mixed in oil.

"She's pure" The word escaped his lips in a low growl that sent shivers stabbing down Barty's spine.

"Pure?" Barty's gaze darted to Piper, who stood next to Mr. Thorne, the owner of the auction house, and a couple who were admiring a display of toadstones.

Conrad inhaled again and closed his eyes. "Yes. Untouched."

"What? You mean you think she's a"

"A virgin." Conrad's eyes opened, and his smile was cold and almost vicious as he flashed white teeth. "And I do not think. I know."

"Really?" Barty's mouth fell open. Untouched. The thought made his cock harden in his slacks.

"I will take her, in addition to the jewels," Conrad announced.

"What?" Barty sputtered. "But I"

"She will be mine if you wish to receive the money I promised you." Conrad continued to watch Piper, who was smiling and then laughing at something the couple she was with had said. The sound was light and sweet. Barty scowled. He'd wanted her far longer than Conrad. But there was no way he could go against the man's wishes. His very tone conveyed a steadfast certainty of this being his right.

"The auction takes place in three days. I suggest we move up our date to tomorrow evening," Barty said. "Both Piper and her colleague will have access to the jewels while they are here in the auction house. They plan to do some last-minute examinations."

Conrad twisted a thick gold-banded signet ring on his pinky finger as he gazed hungrily at Piper.

"Tomorrow is acceptable. I will send men to collect the jewels and the girl. Once I have them, you will receive payment." Conrad grabbed a champagne glass from a young footman who'd paused beside them. The moment Conrad had his glass, the young man darted away.

"What do you plan to do with Ms. Linwoodafter?" Barty held his breath.

Conrad's dark chuckle made Barty's skin crawl. "After? I suppose if there is anything left, I could give her to you."

Barty wasn't interested in taking a man's seconds, but Piper was attractive enough that he would take what he could get. Conrad shot him a quick imperious glance.

"Have everything ready by tomorrow night. Do not disappoint me."

Barty nodded. "Consider it done, Mr. Sinclair."

Without another glance, Conrad stalked from the room. People scrambled out of his way instinctively. Barty snatched a champagne glass of his own and hastily downed the fizzy liquid. He knew how they felt.

There was something scary as hell about Conrad Sinclair. Maybe he wouldn't worry about getting Piper afterward. Whatever Conrad wanted to do with her was his business. With a sigh, he smoothed his shirt and tie with shaky hands and headed toward the table of appetizers, putting as much distance between himself and Piper Linwood as possible.