Page 20 of Temptation and Tyranny

Across the room stood a vision in emerald-green, her dress clinging to curves I’d never allowed myself to fully appreciate before. Gone was the professional therapist in practical clothing; in her place stood a goddess. Her chestnut hair, usually pulled back in a sensible ponytail, now cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders. The low light of the ballroom caught the highlights in her hair, creating a halo effect that made my breath catch in my throat. Her olive skin seemed to glow, and the dark jade of her dress made her eyes shine like rare jewels. The gown hugged her curves in a way that instantly made me think of tangled limbs andsweaty sheets, of stolen kisses and languid lovemaking.

The second I recognized her, the world seemed to stop spinning.

As if sensing my penetrating gaze, Allegra turned, and our eyes locked. The noise of the gala faded away, replaced by the thundering pulse of my own heart. There was something in her gaze—surprise? Longing?—that sent a jolt of electricity through my body. I found myself wanting to cross the room, to be near her, to—

“Cooper, are you even listening to me?” Ashlynn’s voice snapped me back to reality, sounding as if it came from hundreds of metres away.

I blinked, trying to regain my composure. “Sorry, what?”

She followed the path of my gaze, her face lighting up. “Ohhh! Cooper has a crush!” Her sing-song voice echoed in my ear, instantly annoying me.

“She’s just my physical therapist,” I managed to croak out, my voice caught in the hollow of my throat.

Ashlynn grinned even wider. “Ah, the one and only one you didn’t manage to scare off? Come on, let’s say hello! I have to meet the only woman in Paris who can stomach you.”

Before I could protest, Ashlynn was dragging me across the room. With each step, the tension grew. Allegra’s gaze widened as we approached, and I noticed a slight flush creeping up her cheeks, adding a rosy glow to her already stunning appearance. For a split second I imagined that blush trailing down between her breasts, and I felt my body respond before quickly pushing the image away.

“Hi! I’m Ashlynn,” my companion chirped,extending her hand. “Cooper’s told me so much about you. Your therapy sessions have been really helping him. We were so excited to see him ditch the ugly cane.”

Allegra shook Ashlynn’s hand, her smile not quite reaching her face. “He should still use it when he’s tired. But…it’s nice to meet you. I’m glad to hear Mr. Moreau’s keeping you informed of his progress during our—his—sessions.”

An awkward silence fell. I cleared my throat, trying to find words that wouldn’t betray the effect Allegra was having on me. If Ashlynn suspected anything, she’d run her mouth about it to Steele. “You look lovely tonight, Miss Prescott.”

“Thank you,” she murmured, her eyes flicking between Ashlynn and me. “You both look...very nice together.”

Before I could correct what I sensed was a rather unfortunate misunderstanding, a deep voice cut through the tension.

“There you are,” Steele said, appearing at Ashlynn’s side. “I swear, finding a parking spot in the garage is a bloody nightmare. I should have just used the valet.”

Ashlynn laughed. “You? Let a stranger drive your precious car? I’d sooner expect the sun to rise in the west.”

I noticed Allegra’s eyes widen slightly, her gaze darting between Steele and Ashlynn.

I cleared my throat. “This is Allegra Prescott, my physical therapist.”

“Miss Prescott,” Steele nodded politely. “Cooper’s told me about the excellent care you’ve been providing.” Steele gave me a meaningful look, which I triedto ignore. But I knew Steele well, and I could see him working out the puzzle right in front of him. Understanding crossed his face, and I knew at that exact moment he figured out Allegra was the reason I had Tomas arrested; the reason I turned down the girl in the bar. I didn’t know how his mind seemed to piece together the situation so quickly, but the sly smile that replaced his look told me that he had.

“Thank you,” Allegra replied, seeming to regain her composure. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

“Well,” Ashlynn said, stifling a yawn, “I think I need to sit down for a bit. This little one makes me tired. And hungry.” She laughed and then patted her belly affectionately.

As Steele led Ashlynn away, I turned back to Allegra. The tension between us had shifted, but it was still there, crackling like fire.

“Would you like to dance?” I found myself asking, surprising even myself with my boldness.

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”

I led her onto the dance floor, my hand resting lightly on the small of her back. Her dress had a cutout right along her lower back, and my palm grazed her bare skin. I could feel the small shudder that went through her, goosebumps pricking her skin. I suppressed a moan, biting my lip so she wouldn’t see just how much she turned me on. As we began to move to the music, I couldn’t help but notice how perfectly she fit in my arms. The scent of her perfume—something light and floral—surrounded me, making my head swim with desire.

“So,” Allegra said, her voice low, “Ashlynn seemslovely.”

“She is,” I agreed. “Steele’s a lucky man.” I took Allegra’s hand in mine, my other hand firm against her back, pulling her hips slightly into mine. I could see red creep into her cheeks, and I realized she was just as turned on as I was at this moment.

“Steele?” she echoed, confusion evident in her voice.

“Yes, Steele. My old business partner. Ashlynn’s his fiancée.”

“Oh,” she breathed, and I felt her relax slightly in my arms. “I see.”

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