“No, you’ve done enough.” Clay waited for Jack to leave before glancing at Florence. “Do you still plan to open a casino in the city?”

“Of course.” Her brows drew together. “I’ll not change my mind.”

Time would tell on that. “Then you’ll need to learn the most important lesson, one that isn’t taught in any book.”

“Oh? And what lesson would that be?”

“How to successfully bribe the police. Come along. You’re about to get a demonstration right now.”

Chapter Five

Florence shifted on the uncomfortable stool then looked up in Clay’s general direction. She couldn’t see him, but she knew he was there. She could feel the heat of him, smell the cigar on his clothing. He was large and intimidating, and they were all alone in this tiny dark closet. A shiver went through her.

But not from fear. Oh, far from it.

Stop. Lord, her imagination was getting away from her around this man. She needed to focus. Her increasing lust would need to wait until she was back home, undressed and under the covers. Right now she had to learn about the inner workings of a casino.

Though she definitely looked forward to that under-the-covers time.

Clearing her throat, she folded her hands in her lap. Look the part. She could do whatever was required, even pose as a respectable uptown lady when necessary.

Without making a sound, Clay shifted something on the wall and a tiny sliver of light was revealed. The eyehole, he’d called it. She leaned forward and pressed her eye to the opening. Goodness, it was Clay’s office. She could see his desk and the chairs quite plainly. A large man in a brown suit occupied one of the chairs. Bushy red sideburns covered most of his face, a matching mustache drooping over his lip. Big Bill, Jack had said. She tilted her head toward Clay. “But who—”

A large hand covered her mouth, his skin rough against hers. These were not the hands of an uptown swell used to yachting and horse racing. These were a man’s hands, thick and toughened from hard work. Capable hands. Her heart pounded, and a rush of excitement caused her nipples to stiffen inside her underclothes. As if he sensed her reaction, his fingers tightened on her skin, the tips pressing slightly deeper into her flesh before easing off. A huff of breath gusted over her temple, the sound remotely like frustration. Was he annoyed with her?

She suddenly longed to see him wild and unbuttoned, his cool demeanor ruffled for once. What did it take to rattle this enigmatic man?