Page 64 of Temptation and Tyranny

Thinking of you, angel. Dinner tonight?

I stared at the message, feeling a familiar mix of excitement and trepidation. Part of me wanted nothing more than to see him, to lose myself in his arms and forget about all the complications. But another part, the sensible, professional part that had built this career I loved, urged caution.

Before I could respond, there was a knock at my office door. I quickly locked my phone screen, calling out, “Come in.”

The door opened to reveal Dr. Lefèvre once again. My stomach clenched, wondering if he had more to say about my unprofessional relationship with Cooper.

“Allegra,” he said, his tone warmer than it had been this morning. “Do you have a moment?”

I nodded, gesturing for him to come in. He took a seat across from my desk, his expression thoughtful.

“I’ve been thinking about our conversation this morning,” he began. “And I want you to know that I didn’t mean to come across as harsh or judgmental. Your work here has always been exemplary, andone...indiscretion doesn’t change that.”

I felt a mix of relief and lingering frustration. “I appreciate that, Dr. Lefèvre. And I want to assure you again that there was no impropriety with Mr. Moreau. He was no longer my patient, and—”

He held up a hand, cutting me off gently. “I understand, Allegra. And I believe you. But as I said, perception is important in our line of work. Which is why I have a proposition for you.”

I leaned forward, curious despite myself. “What kind of proposition?”

“The European Congress of Physical Therapy is being held in Barcelona next month,” he said. “I’d like you to attend as our clinic’s representative.”

My eyes widened in surprise. This was a prestigious event, one that usually only the most senior therapists were chosen to attend. “Are you sure? I mean, I’d be honored, but...”

Dr. Lefèvre smiled. “You’re more than qualified, Allegra. Your work with post-operative patients has been particularly noteworthy. I think you’d benefit greatly from the conference, and it would be an excellent opportunity for you to network and potentially present some of your research.”

I felt a surge of pride and excitement at his words. This was exactly the kind of opportunity I’d been working towards, a chance to further my career and make a real impact in my field. But then I thought of Cooper, of the dangerous world I’d been pulled into, and felt a pang of uncertainty.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity,” I said slowly. “But...how long would I be gone?”

“The conference itself is five days,” Dr. Lefèvrereplied. “Plus, travel time. So probably a full week.”

A week away from Paris, away from Cooper. Part of me felt a sense of relief at the thought, a chance to clear my head and refocus on my career. But another part ached at the idea of being away from him.

“I...I don’t know what to say,” I stammered. “It’s an incredible opportunity.”

Dr. Lefèvre’s expression turned serious. “Allegra, I’ll be frank with you. I think this could be good for you, both professionally and personally. A chance to step back, refocus on your career, and...perhaps gain some perspective on other aspects of your life.”

I met his gaze, understanding the implication in his words. He was offering me a lifeline, a way to distance myself from the situation with Cooper without directly reprimanding me further.

“When would I leave?” I asked, my mind already racing with the logistics.

“In three weeks,” he replied. “That should give you enough time to prepare your patients and hand off any ongoing cases.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. “Thank you, Dr. Lefèvre. I...I accept. I won’t let you down.”

He smiled, standing up. “I know you won’t, Allegra. You’re one of our brightest stars here. I look forward to seeing what you bring back from the conference.”

As he left my office, I sat back in my chair, my mind spinning. A week in Barcelona, immersed in the latest developments in my field, surrounded by like-minded professionals. It was an incredible opportunity, one that could significantly advance my career.

But as I looked down at my phone, Cooper’s unanswered text still lighting up the screen, I felt a pang of doubt. How would he react to me leaving? And more importantly, how would I handle being away from him for so long?

Perhaps it was best, maybe a cold break was exactly what I needed.

I picked up my phone, my finger hovering over the reply button. Finally, I took a deep breath and typed out a response.

Can’t tonight. Something’s come up at work. Rain check?

I hit send before I could second-guess myself, then quickly put my phone in my desk drawer. I had patients to focus on, a conference to prepare for. I couldn’t let my personal life interfere any more than it already had.

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