Page 86 of Temptation and Tyranny

“That was business. This…” A pause. “Is absolutely not acceptable. You’re threatening to sell my daughter to traffickers.” The temperature in my father’s voice dropped another ten degrees. “That’s not business, Viktor. That’s professional…suicide.”

“Are you threatening me, old friend?”

“Consider it a professional courtesy. A warning. Release her, and we can discuss alternate arrangements.”

“She’s too valuable as leverage. Unless...” Viktor’s voice turned calculating.

“Perhaps we could come to some arrangement? A partnership?”

“No.” My father’s voice was final. “You’ve made your choice, Viktor. Remember that in the days to come.”

Footsteps echoed away, leaving me to wonder if I’d imagined the entire exchange.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Cooper

I stood at the altar beside Steele, trying to ignore the twinge in my leg as I shifted my weight. The cane at my side was a constant reminder of how close I’d come to losing everything. After all my careful therapy, Allegra’s father sent me back to where I started.

Ironic.

As I watched Martha and Henry, the flower girl and ring bearer, make their way down the aisle, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. Not for the wedding itself—god knows I learned my lesson about love—but for the happiness that seemed to radiate from Steele.

The garden was transformed, barely recognizable as the same place where we’d spent countless evenings planning heists and discussing business deals. Now it was a vision of white and pink, flower-laden arches creating a fairy tale setting for Steele and Ashlynn’s big day.

As the music changed and everyone stood, I saw her. Ashlynn, resplendent in her mother’s ivory dress, began her walk down the aisle. She was beautiful, of course, but it was the look on Steele’s face that caught my attention. I’d known him for years, had seen him inevery conceivable situation, but I’d never seen him look at anyone the way he was looking at Ashlynn in that moment.

It was a look of pure, unadulterated love. Of promise and devotion. Of a man who had found his other half and couldn’t quite believe his luck.

And in that moment, as I watched my best friend prepare to bind his life to the woman he loved, I felt the full weight of my own loneliness crash down upon me.

Allegra.

Her name echoed in my mind, bringing with it a flood of memories. The way her eyes lit up when she laughed. The determined set of her jaw when she was focusing on my physical therapy. The softness of her skin under my fingertips.

I’d pushed her away, convinced that it was the right thing to do. That I was protecting both of us from the inevitable pain that came with my lifestyle. But standing here, watching Steele and Ashlynn pledge their lives to each other, I knew I’d made the biggest mistake of my life.

The ceremony proceeded, but I barely heard the words. My mind was a whirlwind of regret and what-ifs. Could we have had this—not a wedding, perhaps, but a partnership? A connection that went beyond the physical, beyond the superficial?

I knew we could. We already had.

As Steele and Ashlynn exchanged rings, I found myself thinking of the last time I’d seen Allegra. The hurt in her eyes, the tremor in her voice as she’d tried one last time to make me understand. I’d been so caught up in my own pain, my own fear, that I’d refused to listen.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant’s voice broke through my remorseful thoughts. “You may kiss the bride.”

The small gathering erupted in applause as Steele pulled Ashlynn close, sealing their union with a kiss that spoke volumes about the depth of their connection. I clapped along with everyone else, genuinely happy for my friend despite the ache in my own chest.

As the newlyweds made their way back down the aisle, showered with rose petals and well-wishes, I found myself scanning the small crowd. A part of me, the part I’d been trying so hard to ignore, hoped to see a familiar face. But of course, Allegra wasn’t there. She was in Spain. I’d sent a security team over to protect her, but I felt a pang in my chest. I should be there, looking after her. But right now, I had to be there for Steele.

The reception was a small, intimate affair, held in the grand dining room of the estate. I’d always thought the room was too large, too ornate for just Steele, but today it was perfect. Filled with laughter and music, it felt warm and inviting in a way it never had before.

I nursed a glass of champagne, making small talk with the handful of guests I recognized. There were a few of Ashlynn’s friends, and a few of our men who had become close to Steele. No one else from the business. It was safer that way, I knew, but it also served as a stark reminder of how separate our lives had become since Steele had left the business.

“Cooper,” Steele’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. He was at my elbow, Ashlynn by his side, both of them practically glowing with happiness. “Thankyou for being here. It means a lot.”

I managed a smile, clasping his hand in a firm shake. “Wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Congratulations to you both.”

Ashlynn beamed up at me, her bouquet covering her bump. She’d been trying to hide it all day. She normally cradled her belly non-stop, so I figured it must be for the photographs. “Thank you, Cooper. And thank you for everything you did to help make this day possible.”

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