Page 67 of Temptation and Tyranny

As clothing began to hit the floor and hands explored newly exposed skin, I knew we were crossing a line. I’d told her how I felt, and I knew she felt the same way. We couldn’t stay apart from each other. After this, there would be no going back to the careful dance we’d been doing. But with Allegra in my arms, her body moving against mine, I couldn’t bring myself to care.

As her legs wrapped around my waist and her lips never left mine, I knew one thing for certain: I was in deep, deeper than I’d ever been before. And I had no intention of letting Allegra go, no matter what obstacles might stand in our way.

I carried Allegra to her bedroom, and a part of my mind marveled at how light she felt in my arms, how perfectly she fit against me. Her lips trailed fire along my neck, and I had to focus to keep my footing. The last thing I needed was to stumble and ruin this moment.

I gently laid her on the bed, taking a second to drink in the sight of her. Her hair had come loose from her ponytail, spilling across the pillow like a dark halo. Her eyes were bright with desire, her chest rising and falling rapidly with each breath. She reached for me, and I willingly let her pull me down beside her.

“Cooper,” she whispered, her fingers tracing the lines of my face. “Are we crazy for thinking this can work?”

I caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “Maybe. But if this is crazy, I don’t want to be sane.”

She laughed softly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. “Always so sure of yourself. How do you do it?”

I propped myself up on one elbow, looking down at her. “Do what?”

“Live like this,” she said, her expression turning serious. “Always on the edge, never knowing what’s coming next. Doesn’t it terrify you?”

I considered her question, wanting to give her an honest answer. “Sometimes,” I admitted. “But the thrill...it’s addictive. And lately, the scariest thing in my life has been the thought of losing you.”

A subtle look of surprise crossed Allegra’s features at my words. “Cooper...”

I leaned in, silencing her with a gentle kiss. “I mean it, Allegra. I know I’ve put you in an impossible situation. I know my life is dangerous and complicated.But being with you...it makes me want to be better. To be worthy of you.”

She reached up, her fingers threading through my hair. “You don’t have to change for me, Cooper. I...I care about you, just as you are. That’s what scares me. I’m afraid of how much I feel for you, how easily you’ve gotten under my skin.”

Her vulnerability in that moment touched something deep inside me. I’d always prided myself on my independence, on not needing anyone. But Allegra had awakened something in me, a longing for connection I’d never allowed myself to feel before.

“I’m scared too,” I confessed, the words feeling heavy and thick on my tongue. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. It’s...unsettling.”

Allegra smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “The great Cooper Moreau, unsettled by his physical therapist? I’m flattered.”

I growled playfully, nipping at her earlobe. “You should be. Do you have any idea what you do to me, Allegra Prescott?”

She arched against me, her body a silent invitation. “Why don’t you show me?”

I didn’t need to be asked twice. I captured her lips in a searing kiss, pouring all my pent-up desire and emotion into it. Allegra responded with equal fervor, her hands roaming over my back, pulling me closer.

Some part of my mind forced my hands to stop tearing at her clothing. “Allegra—do you feel up to this? I know last time was intense, and I didn’t ever expect for us to go so far so fast—”

Her eyes misted. “Cooper…”

“Angel, what is it?” I turned on my side, lookingat her face.

“I just…the fact that you care, the fact that you ask…”

“Of course I’m going to care,” I said, stroking her cheek. “I don’t want to hurt you or make you uncomfortable.”

Allegra leaned into my touch, her gaze never leaving mine. “I trust you, Cooper. Just...be gentle with me?”

Her words sent a surge of emotion through me, so intense it was almost painful. “Always,” I promised, sealing it with a tender kiss.

I took things slow, exploring Allegra with a reverence I’d never experienced before. Every gasp, every shiver, every whispered word of encouragement was savored. I was hyper-aware of her reactions, constantly checking in with her, making sure she was comfortable and enjoying herself.

As we moved together, lost in the sensations and emotions swirling between us, I felt something shift inside me. This wasn’t just sex, it wasn’t just about physical release. This was something more, something deeper. Something that both thrilled and terrified me.

As soon as I had us both naked, I hovered over her, watching her face. I knew she was ready for me, knew that her mind and body wanted me as much as I wanted her. But still, I paused, concerned about hurting her.

“It’s okay, Cooper,” she whispered, running her nails up and down my chest. “Make love to me.”

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