“That happened once,” she whispered, staring at his collar stud as her skin went up in flames. “And you shouldn’t say such things aloud. Someone might overhear you.”

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Will you let me do it again? It’s all I can think about.”

It’s all I can think about, as well.

“Kit . . .” Her heart pounded in a frantic rhythm as blood rushed to her lower half. “We shouldn’t.”

“And when has that ever stopped you, my star pupil?” He dragged a fingertip over her shirtwaist, along her collarbone, over the edge of her corset, her sternum, until he reached her stomach. “I need to taste you again.”

She was panting, boneless against the wood at her back. “I have to go.”

“Think about it. Tomorrow night, after the dinner.”

“Won’t you be celebrating with Preston and your staff?”

“I want to celebrate with you. In here. Just you and me.”

“You know I cannot stay out all night. My maid—”

“Will be told that you are ill and do not wish to be bothered until Saturday morning.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Please, Alice.” He bent and kissed her throat, then put his lips by her ear. “I want to thank you properly after everyone leaves.”

She shivered, sensation nearly overwhelming her. “What if tomorrow night is a failure?”

“Then we’ll commiserate together.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips and walked to the desk. “Now, I have a meeting with Preston and the club’s manager. So unless you plan to be found here, blushing like a schoolgirl—”

Alice lunged for the latch and hurried out the door. Patting her cheeks, she tried to regain her composure before returning to the kitchen. No need for everyone to know she’d nearly allowed herself to be ravished in Kit’s office.

You should not stay late tomorrow. Kit will break your heart if you let him.

Logically, she knew this. But the desire coursing through her veins was telling a different story, one that spoke of limited opportunity and lifelong memories. Her mother returned on Saturday. Another chance like this would not present itself again.

One more time with Kit wouldn’t hurt. Would it?

She could have fun with him tomorrow night and keep her heart intact.

Yes, she definitely could.

Chapter Nineteen

In his office, Kit went over the plan for tomorrow night’s event once more. “To summarize, cocktails begin at seven. We have two attendants taking hats and canes as the gentlemen arrive, then four waiters for drinks. Everyone will sit at eight, when the dinner service starts. Madame Durham will begin performing while the men are eating, around half past eight. No plates will be cleared until Madame Durham finishes. Then dessert is served.”

“Understood,” said Louis, the club’s manager. “I’ll ensure the waiters are prepared.”