“No.” He blew out a long breath. “I’d love nothing more were we in private at the club. But since we are in public and I cannot do all I want to your naked body then we should get you home.”

“Are you certain?”

“Very.” Setting her on her feet, he stood. “Besides, I wanted to spoil you on your birthday.”

“Then I will return the favor on your birthday.”

A strange look passed over his face, one she couldn’t decipher. He lowered his head and pressed a quick kiss to her mouth. “I look forward to it. Now, let’s get you back uptown.”

Clay helped Florence to the exit. She was adorably disheveled, lips swollen from his kisses and her hair slipping out of its pins. Never had she appeared more beautiful to him. If he could keep her, have her remain at his side for all eternity, he would.

And no man deserved her less. He’d skated the edges of the city’s criminal class for most his life. Had done many things he wasn’t proud of in the name of survival. He presided over an empire of greed and corruption, one that hundreds depended on for their livelihoods.

Someday, once he had his revenge against her father, perhaps then he could leave the enterprise and casinos behind. Forget the policy shops and card games, the cheaters and the bookkeeping. Find a normal way of life where he wasn’t looking over his shoulder all the time.

Florence would be long gone by then.

He ignored the tightness in his chest and led her to the door. Before he could open it, however, she tugged him to a halt. Her hand caressed his cheek and they stared at one another for a long moment. He’d never felt more at peace, more understood, than with this woman. A bizarre urge was mounting inside him to bundle her up, hop on the next train west and escape the life he’d created for himself.

She licked her lips, her voice rougher than before. “Clay, thank you. This was . . . It was absolutely perfect.”

“I wanted you to have something unique and memorable. I hope you never forget it.” I hope you never forget me.

Rising on her toes, she kissed him quickly on the mouth. “Impossible. I’ll always remember it. You have made this the best birthday of my life.”

His chest expanded at the praise, his skin growing hot. He had to get her out of here quickly—or else he’d rent them a suite and they’d never leave. Reaching for the door, he held it open and she passed through. When he moved to follow, he found her blocking the door. “Florence—”

And then he saw why she’d paused.