Chapter Nine
Cooper
The hum of the warehouse’s climate control system matched my rapid breathing as I waited for Viktor. With as much product as we moved, I’d procured this second warehouse a couple of months ago. I didn’t trust Viktor enough to give up the location of the primary warehouse—where the real treasures were. My eyes scanned the rows of crates and shelves, each holding high-end electronics—a front for my real business. The smell of metal and packing materials hung in the air, a familiar scent that usually calmed my nerves. But not tonight.
I ran my hand along a nearby crate, feeling the rough wood beneath my fingertips. Inside was a collection of rare Ming dynasty vases, each worth more than most people made in a year. It was almost funny how these priceless artifacts were just window dressing for the real valuables—just hidden forty kilometers away in a twin warehouse.
I checked my watch: 9:38 p.m. Viktor was late, and in our line of work, tardiness often spelled trouble.
The concrete floor echoed my footsteps as I paced the length of the warehouse. Each step sent a small jolt up my leg, a reminder that I wasn’t invincible. My leg felt the best it had since Topher had taken me—but it wasn’t fully back to normal. Part of me wondered if Allegra discharged me to get rid of me. I could read the temptation in her features as she considered my invitation. But she resisted, so I played it off cool.
It was the first time I had ever been turned down by a woman.
It was surprising, to say the least.
But to be honest, it was probably a good thing. She wasn’t a whore, and she seemed too sweet and pure for a one-night stand…and that was all I had to offer. I wasn’t even sure why I asked her out—she wasn’t my type. I didn’t have dates or girlfriends. I had prostitutes and hookers.
The familiar weight of my gun pressed against my lower back, the cold metal a small reminder of the growing tension. My phone buzzed in my pocket, the vibration feeling unnaturally loud in the silence. I pulled it out, hoping to see Viktor’s name. Instead, it was a message from Colton.
Everything okay? You’ve been radio silent for hours.
I typed out a quick response, the glow of the screen casting eerie shadows against my hands.
All good. Just waiting on Viktor. I’ll call when it’s done.
As I hit send, the screech of tires outside made me tense. The sound cut through the night like a knife, setting my nerves on edge. I walked to the large front door, watching as a sleek black Audi R8 pulled up, its engine purring before falling silent. The sudden quiet was almost deafening. Viktor Petrov stepped out, his long coat billowing in the night breeze. The soft whisper of expensive fabric couldn’t mask the menace in his approach. Two burly men flanked him, their heavy footsteps and the subtle creak of leather betraying the presence of concealed weapons.
“Cooper Moreau,” Viktor called out, his thick Russian accent filling the space between us. The words seemed to hang in the air, laden with unspoken danger. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long.”
I forced a smile, stepping forward to shake his hand. The scent of his expensive cologne mixed with the underlying odor of cigar smoke made my stomach churn. “Not at all, Viktor. I appreciate you making the time.”
Viktor’s grip was firm, bordering on painful. His eyes, cold and calculating, searched mine for any sign of weakness. “Time is money, as they say. And speaking of money, I hope you’ve brought what we discussed.”
I gestured behind me, welcoming him into the warehouse. As soon as the doors were closed, I reached into my jacket to pull out a USB drive. The small device felt disproportionately heavy in my hand, weighted with the dangerous information it contained. “All the specs are here. Shipping routes, security details, everything you need to deliver.”
Viktor took the drive, turning it over in his hands. The soft click of the plastic seemed unnaturally loud in the tense atmosphere. “Excellent.”
“And the weapons?” I asked.
“Already en route to the agreed location,” he responded. “Just as we planned. From there, I’ll have them delivered directly to your clients.” A smile spread across Viktor’s face, but it didn’t reach his eyes. The expression was more predatory than pleasure. “You’ve already started to make a name for yourself, Cooper. I must admit, when I heard Steele had stepped back from the business, I had my doubts about you. But it seems you’re every bit as capable as your former partner.”
I felt a flicker of pride at his words, quickly followed by a wave of unease. Praise from a man like Viktor Petrov was a double-edged sword.
“I appreciate that, Viktor—”
Viktor held up a hand, cutting me off. The sudden movement made me flinch involuntarily. “We need to discuss payment. There’s been a slight...complication.”
My heart sank, a cold dread settling in the pit of my stomach. “Complication?”
“I’m afraid I’ll need to change our fee structure.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I growled, my hand instinctively moving closer to my concealed weapon. The cold metal against my skin was reassuring, even as I hoped I wouldn’t need to use it. “That wasn’t part of our deal, Viktor.”
Viktor’s smile turned cold, his eyes hardening like pools of ice. “Plans change, my friend. You see, your little operation hasn’t gone as unnoticed as you might have hoped. There are...interested parties who have taken note of your activities.”
I felt a chill run down my spine, goosebumps rising on my arms despite the warm night. “Cut the bullshit—what the fu—”
“Laurent Rousseau,” Viktor said, watching my reaction closely. The name hung in the air between us, heavy with implied threat. “He’s been asking questions about you, Cooper. Very specific questions about your recent business ventures. I’m going to need ten percent more than we discussed.”
“You double-crossing asshole—”
“Now, let’s not say anything we regret. You still have people in your life you care about, Cooper. A fragile father…your twin brother…and if rumors are to be true, you’ve even been seen with a very attractive woman.”
My head pounded as I ground my teeth in anger. I wasn’t surprised that he knew about Colton and my father; we shared a name, it was a simple fact. But the knowledge that he had connected me to Allegra…it sent a chill down my spine, and I realized the threat to her was just as intense a fear as the threat to my dad and brother. Before I could respond with the slew of profanity ready to release off my tongue, Viktor held up his hand.
“One more thing, Cooper. I have a...personal request.”
Personal requests in our line of work were rarely good news. “What kind of request?” I snapped.
A dangerous light played across Viktor’s features, stirring my unease. He moved closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “I seem to recall that your old partner, Steele, has quite the talent for acquiring certain...artistic treasures.”
Steele. For a moment, I wished he was here beside me, dealing with Viktor. Just hearing his name brought back a flood of memories—late nights planning heists, the thrill of a job well done, the easy camaraderie we’d shared. The tales of our sexual conquests. But those days were long gone. “Steele’s out of the game,” I said flatly. “Has been for a while now.”
“Yes, yes, I know. Family man now, isn’t he?” Viktor’s tone was dismissive, but his eyes were sharp. “But surely he could be persuaded to come out of retirement for one last job? There’s a particular painting I’ve had my eye on. In a private collection, very heavily guarded. The kind of job that requires a...special touch.”
I shook my head firmly, stamping down the small part of me that missed those days. The adrenaline rush, the challenge, the artistry of a perfect heist. “Not happening, Viktor. Steele’s done, and I’m not about to drag him back in.”
Viktor’s expression hardened, all pretense of friendliness vanishing. “Come now, Cooper. Surely you understand the value of maintaining good relationships in our line of work. This could be very lucrative for all involved.”
For a moment, I was tempted. Not by the money—god knows I had enough of that—but by the chance to work with Steele again. To feel that old sync, that perfect partnership. But then I thought of Ashlynn, of their baby on the way. Of the promise I’d made to keep Steele out of this life.
I stood my ground, meeting Viktor’s gaze. “I appreciate the offer, Viktor, but my answer stands. Steele’s out, and that’s final. If you need an art acquisition, I can put you in touch with other contacts. Devereux Bank, perhaps. But leave Steele out of it.”
“Well, I’ll have to take some kind of payment to ensure we get Laurent Rousseau off your back and mine.”
“I haven’t done anything to piss off Rousseau,” I said cautiously, my mouth dry. “And I don’t see how that’s my problem, or how it justifies you renegotiating our agreed payment.”
Viktor laughed, a harsh sound that echoed off the warehouse walls, gnawing at my nerves. “Oh, but it is your problem, Cooper. You see, Rousseau is not a man to be trifled with. He has connections that make even me...cautious. Consider my increase in the cut as a protection fee. Insurance, if you will, against Rousseau’s interest in your affairs.”
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as anger bubbled up inside me. The pain helped me focus, pushing back against the rage threatening to overwhelm me. “That’s bullshit, Viktor, and you know it. We had a deal.”
Viktor’s expression hardened. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. “Careful, Cooper. You’re new to this level of the game. There are rules you don’t yet understand. Steele knew this. It’s why he was so respected. You’d do well to learn from his example.”
The continued mention of Steele stung more than I cared to admit, a reminder of all I had to prove. I took a deep breath, the musty air of the warehouse filling my lungs as I tried to calm myself. “Fine. Let’s say I accept your new deal. What assurances do I have that this ends here? That Rousseau won’t come after me directly?”
Viktor spread his hands in a gesture of mock helplessness. “Assurances? In our world? Come now, Cooper. You know better than that. But I can offer you some advice. Watch your back. And perhaps consider finding a new line of work. Arms dealing...it may not be for you after all.”
Rage boiled inside me, hot and sudden. The taste of iron filled my mouth as I bit the inside of my cheek. Before I could stop myself, I stepped forward, getting right in Viktor’s face. The scent of his cologne was overpowering at this distance, making my nostrils flare.
“Listen here, you arrogant prick. I’ve worked too hard to get where I am. I’m not about to let you or Rousseau or anyone else push me out of this business. You want to play games? Fine. But remember, I learned from the best. And I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that even Steele doesn’t know about.”
For a moment, surprise flashed across Viktor’s face, quickly replaced by amusement. “Ah, there’s that famous Moreau fire. I was wondering when I’d see it.” He glanced at his men, who had tensed at my outburst. The subtle sound of weapons being readied made my heart race. “Stand down, boys. Mr. Moreau is just having a moment here.”
I stepped back, my adrenaline fading as quickly as it had come, leaving me feeling drained. Viktor’s men relaxed slightly, but their hands remained close to their weapons. The air was thick with tension, making it hard to focus.
Viktor let out an eerie laugh that seemed to echo in the cavernous space. “Now, Cooper, let’s not end this partnership on a sour note. Take the new deal. Consider my warnings. And we’ll see how things stand in a few weeks, yes?”
I wanted to argue further, to demand he stick to the original payment structure, but I knew it would be futile. And dangerous. I’d refused Colton’s offer of backing me up, and I didn’t want our men to know I’d messed up the arms deal, so I left them out of it. Even I knew when I was outnumbered.
I nodded stiffly, turning to open the door to the warehouse, trying to get Viktor off my property as soon as I could.
As my hand closed around the handle, a gunshot rang out, shattering the tense silence. The sound reverberated through the warehouse, deafening in its suddenness. Pain exploded in my shoulder, white-hot and searing. The metallic scent of blood filled my nostrils as I stumbled backwards, my leg giving out beneath me. As I fell, my head cracked against something hard, and stars burst behind my eyes. The taste of more blood filled my mouth, coppery and warm.
Through the haze of pain, I heard shouting, more gunshots. The chaos was overwhelming, each sound feeling like a physical blow to my already throbbing head. I rolled to my side, fumbling for my weapon with my good arm. Blood soaked my shirt, making my grip slippery. The fabric clung to my skin, wet and sticky.
“Cooper!” Viktor’s voice cut through the chaos, strained and urgent. “We’re under attack. Get out of here!”
I managed to get to my feet, swaying unsteadily. The warehouse had erupted into a war zone. Viktor and his men were exchanging fire with shadowy figures at the far end of the building. The muzzle flashes lit up the darkness in strobing bursts, momentarily blinding me. I had no idea who they were or why they were here, but I knew I couldn’t stay.
Clutching my wounded shoulder, I staggered towards the side exit. My head throbbed with each step, and I could feel blood trickling down my face, warm and sticky. I burst out into the cool night air, gulping it down in ragged breaths. The sudden change in temperature made me shiver, a stark contrast to the heated interior of the warehouse.
I needed to get somewhere safe, somewhere I could tend to my wounds without raising suspicion. The hospital was out—too many questions, too much risk of exposure. Steele was out of town with Ashlynn; he’d taken her to some renowned obstetrician in Germany. I couldn’t go home; if this was Rousseau’s doing, that’d be the first place they’d look for me. I had tons of security there, but I didn’t think I’d make it that far without them catching me. I couldn’t call Colton—I knew they’d be tracking cell data and I didn’t have a secure phone on me. My car was parked inside the bay of the warehouse—also not an option.
I was fucked.
As I stumbled down the dark street, trying to put as much distance between myself and the warehouse as possible, a name floated through my pain-addled mind.
Allegra.
Her apartment wasn’t far from here. I’d tucked away the information about where she lived in my head. Why, I wasn’t sure, but I had.
She was a physical therapist; she might have some medical training and know how to help me without asking too many questions. And something about her...I knew she would open her door to me. She would feel like she owed me for saving her from Tomas, even though she didn’t. But she was the kind of woman who wouldn’t let my heroic actions slip from her mind.
I pushed off the rough brick wall, wincing as pain shot through my shoulder. The night air was crisp against my feverish skin, carrying the scents of the city—exhaust fumes, distant cooking smells, the ever-present hint of the Seine.
I had to keep moving. Using the buildings for cover, I made my way through the darkened streets of Paris, sticking to shadows and alleyways .
Every sound made me flinch—the distant wail of a siren, the clatter of a stray cat knocking over a trash can, the muffled laughter from a late-night café. My footsteps seemed too loud on the cobblestones, each impact sending jolts of pain through my body. Every passing car was a potential threat, headlights cutting through the darkness and forcing me to press myself against the buildings of Paris.
My vision swam, dark spots dancing at the edges. I blinked hard, trying to stay focused. The loss of blood was making me dizzy, and the throbbing in my head intensified with each step. The taste of iron still lingered in my mouth, and my breath came in ragged gasps. But I couldn’t stop. Not until I reached safety. I knew that whoever orchestrated the hit on my warehouse meant business—especially if they were willing to incite the wrath of Viktor as well.
I staggered between the streets, retracing my steps a few times in case I was followed. After what felt like hours but was probably only twenty minutes, I finally turned onto Allegra’s street. The familiar sight of her building suddenly appeared before me, a beacon of hope in the night, like a lighthouse on the rough sea. My legs trembled with exhaustion as I approached the entrance, the world tilting dangerously around me. I’d been shot before but had never been alone. Steele, or one of his men, were always around whenever anything dangerous went down.
I was in lonely territory.
Leaning heavily against the intercom panel, my finger left a smear of blood as I pressed the button next to the name plate for Allegra’s apartment. The buzz seemed to echo in the quiet street, unnaturally loud. I held my breath, praying she was home. She had looked out of place that evening at the club, and I didn’t think she was social enough to go out every night.
At least I hoped.
After what seemed like an eternity, a sleepy voice crackled through the speaker. “Hello? Who is it?”
“Allegra,” I managed to croak out, my voice rough and unfamiliar to my own ears. “It’s Cooper. Cooper Moreau…I...I need help. Please.”
There was a long pause, and for a moment I feared she wouldn’t answer me back. Then her voice came again, tight with concern. “Cooper Moreau? What’s wrong? You sound terrible.”
“I can’t...explain now,” I said, each word an effort. “Please, Allegra. I don’t know where else to go.”
Another pause, shorter this time. Then the door buzzed, the sound like music to my ears. “Come up,” Allegra said, her voice softer now. “I’ll meet you at my door. I’m on the third floor. Number twenty-two.”
I stumbled into the building, the sudden warmth making me dizzy. The elevator was out of order, so I managed to drag myself up the stairs, each step a monumental effort. By the time I reached Allegra’s floor, black spots were encroaching on my vision, and I could barely stand.
Her door opened just as I reached it, and there she was, her pretty jade eyes wide with shock and concern. The soft light from her apartment haloed her figure, making her look like an angel in the dimly lit hallway.
“Oh my god, what happened to you?”
I tried to smile, but it came out as more of a grimace. The world was starting to tilt alarmingly. “Got into a bit of trouble. Couldn’t go to the hospital. You were...closest.”
I saw the conflict in her features—concern laced with caution. But then her professional instincts seemed to kick in. She reached out, supporting me as I stumbled into her apartment. The scent of her home—a mix of lavender and something else floral—washed over me, providing an odd sense of comfort. Her apartment smelled exactly like she did.
“Okay,” she said, her voice steady despite the worry in her eyes. “Let’s get you patched up. Then you’ve got some explaining to do.”
As she helped me to her couch, I felt a wave of relief roll over me. The soft cushions seemed to embrace me as I sank down, my body finally giving in to exhaustion. For the moment, at least, I was safe.
But as the adrenaline began to fade and the full weight of the night’s events settled on me, I realized that my troubles were far from over. And now, I’d dragged Allegra into the middle of it all. The gravity of the situation hit me harder than the bullet in my shoulder had.
What the hell had I done?
I was safe, but at what cost? And what dangers had I just brought to Allegra’s door, all because I was a conceited hothead?