Page 21 of Temptation and Tyranny

We continued to dance, the silence between us charged with unspoken words. I was acutely aware of every point where our bodies touched—my hand on her waist, her hand on my shoulder, our clasped hands. The sexual tension that had started during our therapy sessions threatened to explode, and I felt myself wishing I could dance with her all night. Despite the ache in my leg, I never wanted the song to end.

“How’s your leg holding up?” Allegra asked, almost as if sensing my thoughts. Her professional concern broke through the tension, and I felt myself relax slightly.

I smiled, tightening my hold on her possessively. “Better than expected, thanks to you. Though I might regret this tomorrow.”

“We can stop if it’s too much,” she offered, but I shook my head.

“No, I’m fine. More than fine, actually.”

Our eyes met again, and I saw a flicker of something in her gaze that made my heart race. I knew I wasn’t imagining the intense connection I felt, and Iwas relieved to see that she felt it, too. We were standing even closer now, our bodies almost flush against each other. I could feel the warmth of her breath on my neck, and it took every ounce of self-control not to press my lips to hers.

“Allegra,” I started, not sure what I was going to say but knowing I needed to say something, needed to acknowledge this strange sensation boiling within me.

Just then, a colleague of Allegra’s appeared at her elbow, breaking the spell.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt,” the woman said, “but Dr. Lefèvre is asking for you. It’s time for the presentation.”

Allegra nodded, stepping back from the circle of my arms. “Of course. I’ll be right there.” She turned to me, a hint of soft regret in her eyes. “I’m sorry, I have to go. Thank you for the dance, Mr. Moreau.”

As I watched her walk away, I felt a presence at my side. I turned to find Laurent Rousseau studying me intently. I recognized him immediately—not from personal encounters, but from whispered conversations and warnings in the shadowy world I inhabited. He was a major player in some seriously seedy underground dealings, the type of crimes that Steele and I stayed away from. We didn’t get involved in blood feuds or territory disputes—but old families like the Rousseau’s did.

“Cooper Moreau,” he said, his deep voice cutting through the soft music. “I was wondering when our paths would cross.”

I nodded, instantly on guard. “Laurent Rousseau. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

His expression turned predatory as he smiled. “When I saw Steele’s name on the list of attendees, I couldn’t resist stopping by, hoping he’d bring you. I make it a point to keep tabs on...emerging talents in our line of work. I must say, you’ve been making quite a name for yourself lately.”

I kept my face neutral, but inside, my mind was racing. How much did he know? “I’m not sure what you mean,” I said carefully.

Rousseau chuckled. “Come now, Mr. Moreau. Let’s not play games. Your recent forays into more...shall we say, explosive merchandise haven’t gone unnoticed. It’s quite a leap from art theft to arms dealing, isn’t it?”

I felt a chill run down my spine. If Rousseau knew about the weapons, who else did? “I prefer to think of it as diversifying my portfolio,” I said, trying to maintain a calm I didn’t feel.

“Ah, yes. Diversification. A wise strategy...when executed properly.” Rousseau’s tone was light, but there was a clear warning in his words. “But one must be careful not to bite off more than one can chew. The peak you’re setting out to climb, Mr. Moreau—it may look like a gentle slope from here, but there are crevasses hidden beneath the snow.”

I kept my expression neutral, but inside, my heart was racing. “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Rousseau, but I assure you, I can handle myself.”

Rousseau’s lips curved upward while his eyes remained hard and flat, like painted glass. “Can you? I wonder. You see, this isn’t just about handling yourself. It’s about understanding the intricate web of alliances and enemies that govern our world. One wrong move, one misplaced shipment, and...well, let’s just say theconsequences can be quite severe.”

He paused, his gaze drifting to where Allegra stood across the room. “That was quite a dance you shared with the lovely little therapist. She’s quite beautiful, isn’t she? I’m surprised you would be involved with anyone, given your line of work. It would be a shame if something…complicated happened.”

The thinly veiled threat made my blood run cold. I fought to keep my voice steady. “Miss Prescott is simply my physical therapist. She has nothing to do with my business dealings.”

Rousseau raised an eyebrow. “How fascinating. Well, Mr. Moreau, I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening. But do remember our little chat. In our world, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know...and who knows you.”

With a final, knowing smile, Rousseau melted into the crowd, leaving me with a growing sense of unease.

As I watched Allegra prepare for her presentation across the room, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just stepped into something far more dangerous than I’d anticipated. And somehow, whether I liked it or not, Allegra Prescott was now caught in the crossfire.

Chapter Eight

Allegra

I sat at my desk, staring at the discharge paperwork in Cooper’s file, my stomach fluttering with a mix of anticipation and dread. In five minutes, he would arrive for what would be our final session, though he didn’t know that yet. After weeks of remarkable progress, it was time. I should have felt proud, accomplished. Instead, I felt an inexplicable sense of loss.

The door opened, and Cooper strode in, his limp now barely noticeable. He flashed me that charming smile that always made my heart skip a beat.

“Miss Prescott,” he greeted me, his voice warm. “The receptionist said to head on back. Ready to put me through my paces?”

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