Page 17 of Temptation and Tyranny

“I just don’t wanna sleep with anyone until my leg gets better, it’s fucking embarrassing.”

“Sure.” Again, the look of condescension hung on his face as if he knew my mind better than I did.

That was my cue to leave. I took one more drink, and then stood up. “I gotta get back to the warehouse.”

“I’ll call you with the details of the wedding,” he responded. I nodded, and then left.

But as I stepped out into the sweet air of the Parisian night, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Steele’s warnings about Viktor echoed in my mind, mingling with thoughts of Allegra—her soft voice, the way she’d looked at me with a mix of fear and gratitude.

I’d told Steele there was no ‘she,’ but even as I’d said it, I knew it wasn’t entirely true. There was something about Allegra Prescott that had gotten under my skin, something that made me want to be...different, somehow. It was a foreign feeling,unsettling in its intensity.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I had bigger things to worry about—the weapons deal, Viktor, my father’s health, keeping my business afloat. I couldn’t afford to be distracted by a sexy physical therapist with amazing curves and a caring touch. I tried to convince myself that I just hadn’t been with a woman in a while and it was messing with me. Since I wasn’t on my A-game in the bar since my accident, I’d have to call one of my regular girls.

But as I climbed into my car, I found myself counting down the days until my next appointment with Allegra, and I knew I wouldn’t call anyone when I got home. And despite my best efforts, I couldn’t quite suppress the small thrill of anticipation at the thought of seeing her again.

“Forget about her,” I muttered to myself as I started the engine. But even as I pulled away from the curb, I knew it was already too late. Whether I liked it or not, Allegra Prescott had become a complication in my already complicated life.

Chapter Six

Allegra

The clinic’s small conference room buzzed with conversations as we gathered for our weekly staff meeting. I squeezed into a spot next to Joanna, who was practically vibrating with excitement. She’d been like this ever since Dr. Lefèvre, our clinic director, had announced our participation in the upcoming hospital fundraiser.

It was clear, to me at least, that Joanna was a talented event planner. I’d mentioned to her multiple times that she could easily run a side-business if she wanted, but she said she loved working at the clinic and didn’t have enough free time. But this project was perfect for her.

“Alright, everyone, settle down,” Dr. Lefèvre called out, his authoritative tone cutting through the casual chatter. “Let’s get started. Joanna, I believe you have an update on the fundraiser?”

Joanna jumped to her feet, her enthusiasm infectious. “Yes, thank you, Dr. Lefèvre. As you all know, the Saint-Antoine Hospital Annual Gala is just two weeks away. This year’s theme is ‘Healing Hands,’ and it’s going to be spectacular!”

I couldn’t help but smile at her exuberance. Joanna had a way of making even the most mundane tasks sound fun.

“Our clinic has been asked to set up an information booth and provide mini-consultations during the cocktail hour,” she continued. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase our services and potentially attract new clients. Plus, all proceeds go towards improving the hospital’s rehabilitation wing.”

Dr. Lefèvre nodded approvingly. “Excellent. Who would like to volunteer for the booth?”

My hand shot up almost involuntarily. I’d been looking for ways to become more involved in the community, and this seemed perfect. Plus, if I was being honest with myself, the idea of getting out for an evening was slightly appealing. Ever since my altercation with Tomas, I’d been pretty much a couch potato. Even with him behind bars, I was still shaken at how easily I could have been hurt or abducted. Especially if Cooper hadn’t been there. Unbidden, an image of him flashed in my mind, covered in sweat and laying on the mat in the gym, his sweatpants dangerously low on his hips. I quickly fought to clear the impropriety in my head and brought myself back to the meeting.

“Wonderful, Allegra,” Dr. Lefèvre said. “Anyone else?”

A few more hands went up, and soon we had a small team assembled. As the meeting wrapped up, Joanna pulled me aside, practically bubbling over with excitement.

“This event is going to be amazing, Al! And just wait until you see the guest list—it’s a who’s who of Paris society. I even heard the mayor might make an appearance!”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Jo, you know I don’tcare about all that. I’m just excited to help out and maybe enjoy a glass or two of champagne.”

“Oh, come on,” she teased. “You can’t tell me you’re not even a little curious about who might show up. I bet there’ll be plenty of eligible bachelors there.”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “You know I’m not looking for anyone right now. After Tomas...”

Joanna’s expression softened. “I know, sweetie. But not all men are like him. And who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone who’ll change your mind.”

As we walked back to the reception area, Joanna’s comments made my thoughts drift back to Cooper Moreau. Despite my best efforts, he’d become implanted in my head, like the king of my daydreams. It wasn’t fair that someone that good-looking was allowed to walk around on the streets.

The next few weeks flew by in a flurry of preparation. Between our regular patient load and getting ready for the booth at the gala, I barely had time to breathe. Even my sessions with Cooper were strictly business.

But finally, the day of the event arrived.

Joanna had freed up my late afternoon, so I didn’t have any patients past 3:00 p.m. After I finished up with Mr. Harrison, a sweet sixty-year-old man recovering from a stroke, I headed home.

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