He shoved the words back down. This was not the time for sentiment. “That is not what I meant. Why would you encourage an association between your granddaughter and me?”

She lifted the crystal to her mouth for a drink, her arresting eyes never leaving his face. “I don’t like you, that’s true. But I love Florence and I’d like to see her happy. Let me tell you a story.” Then she stared into the glass as she gently swirled the brown liquor. “When I came to New York City as a girl from Ohio, my family was shunned by society. We were wealthy, yes, but not the right kind of wealthy. The Greenes were low on money, however, and a betrothal was arranged with Florence’s grandfather. After a time we fell in love and he fought for me—against his family, society, anything that stood in our way. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for me. In the end, I triumphed over society, rising to its pinnacle.”

She paused, looking a bit lost, as if trapped in a poignant memory, then continued. “He was a fearsome man, my husband, but loyal. Determined. Lived by his own set of rules. From what I am told you share these similar traits. We already know you’ll fight tooth and nail for what you want.” She waved her hand to indicate the room, the house in which they sat. “So are you planning to fight for my granddaughter?”

He blew out a breath, uncertain how to respectfully respond. Would he fight for Florence if winning her was possible? Fuck yes, he would. But this story differed wildly from the one Mrs. Greene told of her husband. More separated Clay and Florence than a pedigree. “No.”

“Why not?”

“I’m a criminal, not a blue blood.”

“Gambling is not a crime. Rape, murder, theft . . . those are crimes.”

“Not according to the state of New York. Florence deserves better than being a criminal’s wife.”

“Even when she longs to own a casino herself?”

Clay rubbed his eyes with his fingers. While it appeared similar on the surface, there was a difference. “Longing to own something is not owning something.”

“You think she won’t follow through.”

“I didn’t say that. But I do believe there are factors she might not have considered yet. For example, her family will not approve of her operating a casino.”

“Her family loves her without fail. They will support whatever endeavors she embarks upon.”

“Even when society snubs her?”

“Oh, she hates society. She won’t mind a bit if her invitations dry up, and the Greenes are too powerful to be snubbed.” She paused and studied him. “Besides, wouldn’t that work to your advantage? You do not move in society and you’re not fond of her family. Her being outcast from both would only make it easier for you.”