Page 74 of Temptation and Tyranny

I looked around, trying to orient myself in the city. My legs trembled with exhaustion as I forced myself to keep moving, staying in the shadows when possible. Every car that passed made me flinch, expecting my father’s men to appear at any moment. But I kept the glittering spire of Steele’s building in my sights, using it as my beacon through the darkened streets of Paris.

When I finally reached the imposing structure, I was disheveled and breathless, my lungs burning. The lobby was vast and elegant, with marble floors and a massive reception desk. Despite the late hour, there was still a receptionist on duty.

I approached her, trying to look more put-together than I felt. “Good evening. I need to see Mr. Steele immediately. It’s an emergency.”

The receptionist looked me up and down, taking in my disheveled appearance with barely concealed disdain. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Steele isn’t available for walk-ins. Do you have an appointment?”

“No, but—”

“Then I’m afraid I can’t help you. Mr. Steele is a very busy man and—”

“Please,” I interrupted, desperation creeping into my voice. “It’s about Cooper Moreau. He’s in danger. I need to speak with Mr. Steele now.”

At the mention of Cooper’s name, thereceptionist’s demeanor changed. She glanced around furtively before leaning in. “Wait here,” she said in a low voice, then picked up her phone.

I stood there, my heart pounding, as she spoke quietly into the receiver. After what felt like an eternity, she hung up and looked at me. “Take the elevator to the top floor. Mr. Steele will see you.”

Relief flooded through me. “Thank you,” I breathed, hurrying towards the elevators, riding to the top floor. When the elevator doors opened, I found myself in a sleek, modern office space. A tall, imposing man I recognized as Steele stood waiting, his face a mask of concern.

“Miss Prescott,” he said, his voice deep and authoritative. “What’s happened to Cooper?”

The words tumbled out of me in a rush. “He’s been shot. My father...Laurent Rousseau...he has him. I don’t know if he’s alive or...we have to save him, Steele. Please.”

Steele’s expression darkened at the mention of my father’s name. He ushered me into his office, closing the door behind us. “Start from the beginning,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Tell me everything.”

So I did. I told him about my father’s scheme, the set-up, about the gunshot that might have ended it all. As I spoke, Steele’s face remained impassive, but I could see the wheels turning behind his eyes.

When I finished, he was silent for a long moment. Then he shook his head. “I’m sorry, Miss Prescott, but I can’t help you.”

I felt like I’d been slapped. “What? But Cooper...he’s your friend, isn’t he? Your partner?”

“Was,” Steele corrected. “I left that life behind. I have a family now, responsibilities. I can’t go charging back into that world, not even for Cooper.”

Tears of frustration welled in my eyes. “So, you’re just going to let him die? After everything you’ve been through together?”

Steele’s jaw tightened. “You don’t understand the risks. Laurent Rousseau is not a man to be trifled with. Even if we could get to Cooper, if he’s still alive, the repercussions would be—”

“I don’t care about the repercussions!” I shouted, my composure finally breaking. “Cooper is dying! He needs our help!”

“Allegra’s right,” a soft voice said. We both turned to see Ashlynn standing in the doorway.

Steele’s expression softened as he looked at her. “Ashlynn, what are you doing here? You need to rest.”

“I was going to surprise you and take you out to dinner.” She ignored his look, moving into the room to stand beside me. “But plans have changed. Cooper is family,” she said firmly. “We don’t abandon family.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Steele argued, but I could see his resolve wavering.

Ashlynn took his hand, her eyes never leaving his face. “Remember when my father had Cooper? When he risked everything to keep me safe? We owe him. And more than that, it’s the right thing to do. Besides…she loves him, Daniel.” At this, Ashlynn gave Steele a meaningful look, and I could see the raw emotion pass between the two of them before she continued: “And Cooper loves her too.”

For a long moment, nobody spoke. Then Steele sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “You’reright,” he said softly. “Both of you. I won’t abandon Cooper.”

Relief washed over me, a wave so intense I felt my knees go weak. “Thank you,” I whispered.

Steele’s expression hardened, the vulnerability of a moment ago replaced by grim determination. “Don’t thank me yet. This isn’t going to be easy. Laurent Rousseau is one of the most dangerous men in Europe. We’re going to need a plan.”

He moved to his desk, pressing a button on his phone. “Mario, I need you to come to my office in the city. Now. And bring the team. We have a situation.”

“You need to call his brother, too,” Ashlynn said, and I kicked myself for not thinking about Colton. “Cooper won’t want him involved for the sake of his father, but he needs to know. He could have additional information for us as well.”

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