Someone with an agenda

She grinned at him, her teeth brilliantly white.

"I am exactly what you think. And we have much to discuss. May I sit down?" It was a question but she didn't wait for an answer, sitting down beside him silken grace.

"You are Henry Dunnigan's heir," she said. "I am Lucinda Hart. Perhaps he mentioned me? No? I'm not really surprised. We didn't exactly see eye to eye."

"He mentioned another...one like him. He didn't mention a name."

"I thought not. A very odd man, our Mr. Dunnigan. Very wise, but also very foolish. We could have been great friends, but he would not have it so. Perhaps we can be friends Mr.....Collins, is it not?"

Hunter nodded, unwilling to commit too much to this enigmatic woman.

"There are great possibilities before you Mr. Collins, very great. You have only to reach out and seize them, claim them, take them." She grinned at him again, her teeth sparkling. "What did he tell you, our oh so proper Mr. Dunnigan?"

"A lot. Enough."

"And you have been enjoying the benefits, I detect. The human bitches who cannot resist you, the strength and power. Those were yours in the park last night I assume? I thought as much." She grinned again. "Savour them as you will. Enjoy them. Pray on them. But you can have so much more, Mr. Collins. So very much more. Henry Dunnigan told you only a fraction. No, don't deny it, I know it because I know him and his foolish beliefs. There can be so much more Mr. Collins."

She grinned at him, her eyes wild and wicked.

"Together we can rule. Rule through all eternity."