Page 80 of Temptation and Tyranny

“I’m fine,” I muttered, though we both knew it was a lie.

Colton’s expression hardened. “No, you’re not. And we need to talk about Viktor Petrov.”

I sat up straighter, ignoring the pain that shot through my chest at the sudden movement. “What’s wrong?”

“He’s not taking your cancellation of the deal well. At all.” Colton chewed on his bottom lip—a nervous habit from childhood he’d never outgrown. “But that’s not what I really came to discuss.”

I knew that tone. “Colton—”

“No, listen to me,” he cut in, leaning forward. “You almost died, Cooper. Do you understand that? I almost had to bury my twin brother because of this business.” His voice cracked slightly. “When I got that call...Christ, I thought—” He broke off, collecting himself. “You need to get out. While you still can.”

I closed my eyes briefly, remembering the call I’d made to Viktor. I’d ended our arrangement to keep Allegra safe. At the time, it had seemed worth any consequence.

“How bad is it with Viktor?” I asked, deflecting.

Colton’s grimace told me everything. “He’s making threats. Big ones. Says if you think you can disrespect him like this, you’ve forgotten who he is. His exact words were that he’d ‘teach you the cost of choosing a woman over business.’ And he...” Colton hesitated, his expression growing more troubled.

“What?”

“He mentioned knowing about Allegra. Said he’d done his research, knows exactly who she is. Who her father is. Said maybe he and Rousseau should have a chat about their mutual...interests.” Colton stood up, pacing. “This is exactly what I’m talking about, Coop. This life—it’s going to keep taking and taking until there’s nothing left.”

For a moment, fear gripped me. Then I forced myself to relax. I’d pushed Allegra away—made it clear there was nothing between us. Viktor would have his spies watching. They’d see that Allegra meant nothing to me now. She’d be safer this way.

“Let him try,” I said coldly. “She’s nothing to meanymore. He’ll figure that out soon enough. And her father?” I laughed darkly. “Viktor’s welcome to him.”

“Don’t do that,” Colton said quietly. “Don’t pretend you don’t care. I know you better than anyone, remember? This isn’t you, Cooper. This whole world—it’s changing you, hardening you. And for what? Money? Power? Is it worth your life? Your soul?”

I stared up at the ceiling, trying to ignore how much his words hit home. “I’ll increase security,” I said finally.

Colton sighed, defeat heavy in his voice. “Yeah. Yeah, okay.” He headed for the door but paused. “Just...think about what I said. Please. I can’t lose you to this life, Cooper. Once Dad’s gone…you’re all I’ve got left.”

As the door closed behind him, I kept staring at the ceiling, clinging to my conviction. I’d done the right thing. Pushing Allegra away meant Viktor would have no reason to target her. Besides, let her father protect her.

I tried to ignore the voice in my head that sounded suspiciously like Steele, telling me I was being a coward. This wasn’t about courage—it was about survival. In our world, love was a luxury that got you killed. I’d learned that lesson the hard way, with a bullet in my chest.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Allegra

I was helping Mr. Rodriguez through his post-knee replacement exercises when Joanna poked her head into the treatment room. “Allegra, you’ve got a visitor in the waiting area when you have a moment.”

“Thanks, I’ll be right there.” My heart did a flip-flop, and I hoped it was Cooper, even though I had vehemently told him to stay away from my work. I turned back to my patient. “Three more reps, Mr. Rodriguez, then we’ll ice that knee.”

The routine of patient care had been my anchor these past two weeks since Cooper pushed me away. I’d thrown myself into work at the clinic with single-minded determination. The familiar rhythm was comforting—measuring progress, adjusting treatment plans, celebrating small victories with my patients. At least at work, I could pretend my heart wasn’t shattered into a million pieces.

When I stepped into the waiting room, I found Ashlynn sitting in one of the chairs, scrolling through her phone. She looked up with a kind smile.

“Ashlynn,” I managed a small smile in return, trying to hide my disappointment. “What brings you here?”

“You do,” she said directly, her sharp eyes studying me. “Steele told me what happened with Cooper. I thought you might need a…friend.”

I fiddled with my ID badge, trying to keep my hands steady. “That’s kind of you, but I’m fine.”

“Hmm,” Ashlynn hummed skeptically. “When’s your lunch break?”

I glanced at the clock. “Twenty minutes.”

“Perfect. There’s a little bistro around the corner that makes amazing salads. My treat.” Her tone made it clear this wasn’t really a request.

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