Page 40 of Temptation and Tyranny

The weight of his words settled over me like a shroud. I knew I was in too deep, and I’d never be able to walk away from the dark path I was on.

We sat in silence for a while, each lost in our own thoughts. The bar around us continued its nightly dance of drunken revelry and animated conversations, oblivious to the life-altering decisions being contemplated in our little corner.

Finally, Colton spoke again, almost as if he sensed that I wasn’t going to abandon the business. His voice was soft, but in the quiet between us, it might as well have been a shout. “Whatever you decide, I’ve got your back. You know that, right?”

I managed a small smile, the expression feeling foreign on my face. “I know. Thanks, brother.”

As we left the bar, I felt like I was at some kind of dead end road. The future was mocking me, filled with uncertainty and potential danger. But there was also the possibility of something real, something meaningful with Allegra.

I sighed deeply. I couldn’t afford to think like that. Allegra was better off without me, without the dangers my world would bring to her doorstep.It was better this way, I told myself. Safer for her.

As we stepped out into the cool night air, Coltongrabbed my arm. His grip was firm, insistent. “Be careful, Cooper. And remember what I said. You need to make a choice.”

I nodded, my mind already racing ahead to the dangerous game I was playing. The night air was cool, clearing some of the alcohol-induced fog from my brain. “I know. But right now, I need to focus on getting out of this mess with Viktor.”

“And Allegra?” Colton pressed. Her name sounded wrong on his lips, as if I was the only one who should ever be allowed to utter it.

I hesitated, then shook my head. “She’s better off without me, Colton. The farther away from my world she stays, the safer she’ll be.”

Colton looked like he wanted to argue, but instead, he just sighed. The sound was heavy with resignation and worry. “Just...don’t do anything stupid, okay?”

I gave him a wry smile as I walked to my car. “When have you ever known me to be stupid?”

Colton’s answering groan was cut off by the closing door. As I pulled away, I leaned back in the seat, my mind whirling. I had no idea how much trouble I was getting into with Viktor, what kind of danger lay ahead. But I knew one thing for certain. Bringing Allegra into this, allowing myself to care for her the way I wanted to...it wasn’t an option. No matter how much it hurt to admit it.

As the familiar skyline of Paris slipped by outside, I allowed myself one last thought of Allegra—her smile, her kindness, the way she made me want to be better. Then I locked those feelings away, burying them deep.

Chapter Fourteen

Allegra

The bustling restaurant was a welcome relief from the quiet environment of the clinic. The warm glow of pendant lights illuminated the rustic wooden tables and bohemian art adorning the walls, while the last rays of sunset filtered through the large windows. I inhaled deeply, savoring the rich aroma of garlic that floated through the air.

Across from me, Joanna leaned forward, her eyes dancing with curiosity. “Okay, spill it. What’s got you so distracted today? And don’t tell me it’s nothing—I’ve known you too long for that.”

I felt heat rise to my cheeks as memories of my night—and morning—with Cooper flooded my mind. His tender kiss, the fierce devotion in his expression, the rush of feeling that overtook me in that intimate moment when he was inside of me...

“It’s...complicated,” I said, fidgeting with my napkin.

Joanna’s eyebrows shot up. “Complicated? Oh, this I have to hear. Does it have anything to do with a certain handsome patient of yours?”

I sighed, knowing there was no point in trying to hide anything from Joanna. “Ex-patient,” I corrected. “Idischarged Cooper last week, remember?”

A triumphant grin spread across Joanna’s face. “Aha! So, it is about Cooper. Come on, Al, give me the details. What happened?”

I took a sip of my wine, using the moment to gather my thoughts. How much could I tell her without putting her—or Cooper—at risk?

“He...he came to see me a few nights ago,” I said carefully. “He was in some kind of trouble. I helped him out.”

Joanna’s eyes widened. “Trouble? What kind of trouble? Is he okay?”

I nodded, remembering the sight of Cooper’s blood-soaked shirt, the pain in his eyes as I extracted the bullet. “He is now. But Jo, he’s…I just don’t think his lifestyle would work with mine.”

Joanna leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “What do you mean?”

I glanced around, making sure no one was within earshot. “His business...it’s not exactly legal. He’s involved in some deep shit, Jo. Smuggling, and even worse, I think.”

Joanna’s gasp was audible even over the ambient noise of the surrounding tables. “Smuggling? Allegra, what have you gotten yourself into?”

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