His Dark Hunger (The Desperate Binds #2)

Prologue

The Murky Past

William Kyle

Years before Amy

“Big pharma!” Paul Duffield slammed his fist onto the glass table. “That’s where the future is.”

“You’re offering me professional advice?” Sarcasm radiated from Kyle’s tone as he watched Duffield signal to the server.

The idea of a stooge like him giving Kyle business insight was a bad joke. He’d spent his entire life living off Daddy’s trust fund and actually knew nothing about either trade or money, but he always thought his guidance was golden. He might be right about pharmaceuticals, but Kyle had no interest in investing in drugs.

“Hey, gorgeous.” Duffield smiled, revealing his yellowing teeth as the young woman wandered over. “We need more drinks.”

“I’m fine, thank you.” Kyle raised his palm. Two glasses of fizz were enough for one night. He’d had enough of Duffield’s rambling.

“Oh, come on!” Duffield scoffed, waving the empty bottle of champagne in the air. “Join me for another.”

“Not for me, thanks.” Ignoring him, Kyle offered the waitress a sympathetic smile.

He knew Duffield well enough to know he’d make a play for her, and he dreaded to think about the consequences. She seemed like a decent young woman. She didn’t deserve a man who refused to take no for an answer.

“Loser.” Duffield tutted. “Another bottle, please, beautiful.”

“Very good, sir.” Darting away from his roaming hand, she collected the empty glasses and rushed away.

“She seems keen.” Kyle couldn’t resist his disdain.

“Doesn’t she?” Completely oblivious, Duffield grinned. “She’ll be getting it tonight.”

“Lucky girl.” Kyle glanced toward the door, wondering how long he’d need to wait for a taxi. It was time he invested in a driver of his own. He was making far too much money to be waiting around for an Uber.

“I have a new financial opportunity for you, Kyle.” Duffield leaned closer.

“In pharma?” Kyle rolled his eyes. “Why would I be interested in an opening from you?”

“You think I’m a complete idiot, don’t you?” Duffield laughed.

The thought has occurred…

“Have I hurt your ego, Duffield?” Kyle’s tone was patronizing.

“Do you want the opportunity or not?” Duffield snapped.

Not especially…

“Go on.” Kyle reached for his phone and ordered his Uber. Checking the driver’s arrival time, he glanced up at the rotund little man sitting opposite. “You have ten minutes.”

“Housing.” A conceited smirk decorated Duffield’s chubby face.

“Yes…” Kyle didn’t deny that home ownership could turn a profit. The forty-five houses he owned in Wimbledon were a testament to that, but he hadn’t expected Duffield to be offering any tips. “And?”

“I know someone with a street of semi-detached houses for sale.” Duffield reached into the ice bucket and collected one of the rounded cubes. Holding it between his finger and thumb, he went on. “I don’t have the kind of money required to make it work, but you might.”

“Where are these houses?”

Kyle wasn’t on the market for more property, but he was a businessman. If there was a deal to be done, then—with seven minutes to go—Duffield might finally have grasped his attention.

“Local.” Duffield’s lips stretched wider. “They all have existing tenancies, too, so you’ll start making money back right away. You’re interested, aren’t you?”

It pained Kyle to admit he might be.

“Maybe.” Checking his driver’s progress, he realized he was only a couple of streets away from the gentleman’s club. “But I’m shooting off now. Send me the details, and I’ll take a look.”

Location was everything as far as ‘buy-to-lease’ was concerned. If the houses were in a prime spot, Kyle could increase the rent for existing tenants, but if he chose to invest, he’d take the time to knock on a few doors and meet some of the residents first. That way, he’d reassure them there’d be an improved service for their extra money.

“Good man.” Duffield clapped his hands together. “Naturally, I’ll be looking for a small finder’s fee.”

“Naturally.” No one did anything for free. “I’ll look over the details, but I’m not promising anything more.”

“Got it.” Duffield’s piggy eyes lit up as the waitress reappeared with his bottle. Easing out the cork, she tried and failed to dodge his hand as it skimmed over her backside. “I’ll send the details tomorrow.”

“You do that.” A pang of guilt resonated in Kyle’s chest as he witnessed the server’s discomfort.

If he was a better man, he’d deal with Duffield. Or he’d at least stay and offer a barrier between him and the young woman, but he wasn’t a good man.

Far from it.

Stalking toward the exit, that thought was no surprise to him.