Alec had learned much about Madame Noir over the last several hours, but nothing that confirmed any of Rafe’s claims. She did briefly mention her attachment to the military contractor, but it seemed that neither one was anything close to a practicing monogamist. It seemed highly unlikely that she was here to secure an arms deal on his behalf. Just another one of Signore Cardinelli’s teases. And Alec certainly wasn’t going to bed her over it. If that part was so damned important to Rafe, he could bloody well do it himself. Alec had another idea.

He plucked Madame Noir’s wandering hand from his knee and clasped it between his. Then he leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “You know I’d like nothing more than to spend time with you this evening, but I have my cousin to consider. How long are you in Venice?”

A meaningless question. He already knew her plans.

The great lady pouted. “This is my last night. Then I return to Paris.” She began to stroke his palm with her index finger. Well, she was certainly persistent.

“I see,” Alec said slowly, as if he were considering a rendezvous. “My cousin will return to England shortly. But perhaps once she is gone…” He deliberately left the sentence unfinished. Let her think whatever she wanted.

The pout disappeared and she leaned in even closer. “That is a delicious idea, Professor,” she purred. “Have you been to Paris?”

“Yes. I confess, I did not care for it.”

Her smile deepened. “Then give me the chance to change your mind. I do so love a challenge.”

Movement on the balcony caught Alec’s eye, distracting him for only a moment, but it was more than enough time for Madame Noir to wrap her hand around his neck and press her pillowy mouth to his own. Before he had a chance to react, she pulled his bottom lip between her teeth and gave it a saucy bite. Alec let out a startled grunt and gripped her by the shoulders in order to push her away, but she misinterpreted his reaction and pressed even closer.

It was then, of course, that Lottie returned from the balcony.

And, thanks to Alec’s prime position, she had a perfect view of the two of them. He managed to wrench his mouth away from Madame Noir’s in time to see the expression on Lottie’s face before she darted from the room. Any lingering doubt about her feelings for him vanished in the face of such crushing disappointment.

“Lottie!” Alec stood up so quickly that Madame Noir slipped from her chair and fell right on her bottom. He blew out a frustrated breath and began to help her up, but she batted his hand away.

“Enough. I am not interested in a man who so is preoccupied with his own cousin,” she hissed as she resumed her seat.

“Madame, let me explain—”