He wouldn’t regret it, but he would bet anything she would. Other people’s regrets weren’t his problem, however. Someone wished to bet their fortune on the turn of a card? Go ahead. Someone offered up their home as collateral only to then lose it? Hand over the deed. In the end, he was a selfish man who looked after his own interests. So the consequences of Florence Greene’s actions were hers alone to bear.

Though there was something else he should mention. “You should know a few things before we finalize any apprenticeship.”

She leaned in, all eagerness and devotion, hanging on his every word. A sudden fantasy crossed his mind, one where he tutored her in more than card games and ledgers. Dark, passionate games with punishments and rewards. Where he would bend her over his desk when she was bad and pleasure her within an inch of her—

Fuck. He dropped his gaze and dragged air into his lungs. “I’ll put my cards on the table. I’m attracted to you.”

Her brows shot high on her forehead, her face slackening. “W-what?”

“I find you attractive, Miss Greene. Surely a woman as beautiful as you understands what that means.”

“I understand what it means but why would you tell me?”

Simple. Because he had nothing to hide.

Because he hated liars and cheaters.

Because she was dangerous to his peace of mind.

God knew it would be better for both of them if she reconsidered and tutored elsewhere. “Complete honesty,” he said. “Understand that my motives are never pure. I’m as selfish as they come, and if there’s an opportunity to get you in my bed I won’t hesitate to take it.”

“I . . . cannot believe you are telling me this. Are you planning to force me to—?”

“Absolutely not,” he said with deep conviction. “I would never hurt you or force you to do anything against your will. However, I often have goals that don’t line up with society’s standards of propriety. If you expect me to play the gentleman here, you’ll be sorely disappointed.”

She studied him, her hazel gaze contemplative. “I’m more than competent with a pistol. If you hurt me, I will come here and put a bullet in your chest.”

“Fair enough, but I won’t hurt you. Neither will anyone else in this city while you are under my protection.”

“Was there anything else?”

“Yes, actually. I plan to bring about your father’s ruin.”

“My father’s ruin? Duncan Greene?” Her mouth worked, then she said, “You must be joking.”

He folded his hands behind his head and watched her absorb this news. “I’m quite serious. I won’t bore you with the details but you should know I’m agreeing to this scheme of yours because your father would absolutely hate it. Anything that causes him the least bit of aggravation entices me.”

“You don’t like him.”