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. “I discharged 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?”
“I know, I know,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “It’s crazy. But there’s something about him, Jo. When I’m with him, it’s like...like his dark sides don’t matter. All that matters is how I feel when I’m kissing him…”
Joanna’s expression softened, a mix of concern and understanding crossing her face. “Oh, honey. You’ve got it bad, don’t you? ”
I nodded, feeling a strange mix of elation and fear. “I think I do. But I’m scared, Jo. His world...it’s…I’m not willing to be a part of it. I’ve seen that life, and it’s not for me.”
Joanna reached across the table, squeezing my hand. “Does this have to do with your father?”
I sighed, knowing that the subject would come up at some point. “Yes. My father—he’s in a similar…world as Cooper. It’s his fault my mother died. It’s why I don’t talk to him, why I don’t use his name and instead, my mother’s name. I spent the school year with my father at his estate up until the age of ten, and then…I ran away to my grandparents’ vineyard. They took me in permanently. He didn’t fight it.”
“Listen to me, Al. You’re one of the strongest people I know. Just...be careful, okay? And remember, I’m here if you need me. Always.”
I smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude for my friend. “Thanks, Jo. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
We spent the next half hour chatting, Joanna peppering me with questions about Cooper that I did my best to answer without revealing too much. As we were finishing up our dinner, Joanna glanced at her watch and let out a small gasp.
“Oh shoot, I completely forgot! I have to go to the pharmacy before they close.” She stood up, gathering her things. “You okay to head back on your own?”
I nodded, waving off her concern. Tomas was apprehended, after all. And I’d received an email from my lawyer, letting me know that his case was pretty much closed. He’d be spending the next ten to fifteen years in jail. “Of course. It’s just a few blocks. I’ll see you at the clinic tomorrow.”
Joanna hurried off, leaving me to settle the bill, which was fine. We usually took turns paying. As I stepped out of the warmth of the restaurant, I inhaled deeply, enjoying the soft glow of the setting sun. The street was busy with dinner crowds, the air filled with the sounds of traffic and snippets of conversation.
I set off in the direction of my apartment, my mind drifting back to Cooper. It had been five days since I’d last seen him. The memory of our kisses, the passion in his expression, the electricity of his touch—it all haunted me, mixing with a growing sense of unease that I couldn’t quite shake. I thought about the way Cooper had looked at me, like I was the most beautiful woman in the world. I’d never experienced that before. Tomas told me I was hot, but I’d never felt…cherished. Adored. How was it that a criminal could make me feel better about myself than anyone ever had before?
Lost in memories of Cooper’s touch, I barely registered my surroundings. It wasn’t until I nearly missed my turn that I realized how distracted I’d become. I rounded the corner onto Rue des Rosiers , and that’s when reality came crashing back—a prickle ran down my spine, the unsettling sensation of being watched.
I glanced over my shoulder, my heart rate quickening. The street behind me was empty, save for a few tourists window shopping at the boutiques that lined the road. A couple stood hand in hand, peering into a patisserie window. An elderly man walked his tiny dog, the animal’s nails clicking on the pavement. Nothing out of the ordinary.
But as I continued down the street, the feeling persisted. It was as if eyes were boring into the back of my head, watching my every move. I tried to rationalize it—I was just on edge because of what happened with Cooper, or it was the effect of being too near my father and his dangerous world. But a nagging voice in the back of my mind whispered that this was something more.
I passed a small café, the line at the register stretching onto the street. On an impulse, I stopped, pretending to study the menu posted outside. In reality, I was using the reflection in the window to scan the street behind me.
That’s when I saw him. A man in a dark suit, leaning against a lamppost across the street, his gaze fixed firmly on me. He was unremarkable in appearance—average height, brown hair, forgettable features. But there was something in his stare, the deliberate casualness of his pose, that sent alarm bells ringing in my head.
As our gaze met in the reflection, he straightened, reaching into his jacket. My heart leapt into my throat. Was he going for a weapon? I didn’t stay to find out.
Without thinking, I plunged into the crowded café, pushing past the startled patrons getting their after-dinner coffee, to the back of the room. The kitchen door swung open as a waiter emerged with a tray of fresh croissants. I slipped past him into the steamy kitchen, ignoring the shouts of protest that followed me.
“ Pardon ! Excusez-moi !” I called out, weaving between surprised kitchen staff. Pots clattered, someone yelled in French, and the overwhelming smell of chocolate and yeast filled my nostrils. I spotted a back door and made a beeline for it, bursting out into a narrow alley.
The evening air hit me like a hard punch, carrying the pungent scent of garbage and rancid cooking oil. I looked left and right, trying to get my bearings. To my right was a dead-end. To my left, the alley curved out of sight, promising either escape or a dead end.
The sound of the café’s back door opening spurred me into action. I turned left, running down the alley as fast as my heels would allow. The cobblestones were treacherous, threatening to twist my ankle with every step. The walls seemed to close in around me, graffiti-covered stone blurring past my vision as I ran.
I emerged onto another street, this one quieter than Rue des Rosiers . Without pausing, I kicked off my heels, leaving them behind as I ran barefoot across the road. Why had I changed to meet Jo for dinner? I should have kept on the practical clothes I wore during my sessions.
The pavement was rough against my stockinged feet, but the adrenaline pumping through my veins dulled any pain.
I ducked into another alley, this one leading to the Seine. As I ran, my mind raced. Who was that man? Why was he following me? Was it because of Cooper? The image of his face flashed in my mind—his easy smile, the warmth in his eyes when he looked at me. How could someone who made me feel so safe also bring such danger into my life?
Or could it be...no. I pushed the thought away. My father couldn’t be involved in this. He might be a criminal, but surely he wouldn’t...The memory of our tense encounter at the gala surfaced. The veiled threats, the hint of something darker beneath his polished exterior. For the first time, I allowed myself to consider the possibility that my father’s world and Cooper’s might be more closely linked than I’d even realized.
The sound of rapid footsteps behind me cut off my train of thought. I chanced a glance over my shoulder and saw the man in the suit, his face a mask of determination as he gained on me. He was closer now, close enough that I could see the glint of something metallic in his hand. A gun? A knife? I didn’t want to find out.
Panic surged through me, my heart racing hard enough to explode. I put on a burst of speed, ignoring the pain as my bare feet were scuffed against the rough pavement. Up ahead, I could see the river, the Pont Marie stretching across its dark waters. The sight of it sparked an idea.
I veered right, towards a set of stone steps leading down to the riverbank. As I descended, I could hear my pursuer’s footsteps echoing off the stone walls, getting closer with each passing second. At the bottom of the steps, I didn’t hesitate.
I plunged into the icy waters of the Seine.
The cold hit me like a physical blow, pulling the air from my lungs. For a moment, I floundered, the weight of my coat dragging me down. Then my survival instincts kicked in. I shed the coat, letting it sink into the murky depths, and began to swim, staying close to the bank where the shadows were deepest.
I heard a splash behind me and knew my pursuer had followed me into the water. But the darkness was on my side. I swam silently, using all the skills I’d learned during summers at my grandparents’ villa in Italy. The memory of those carefree days seemed a lifetime away now, as I fought against the current, my clothes and purse heavy and cumbersome in the water.
After what felt like an eternity, I reached a set of steps leading back up to the street level. I hauled myself out of the water, my clothes clinging to me like a second skin. I shivered violently in the cool night air. Every muscle in my body ached, and my lungs burned from the heavy exertion.
I crouched at the top of the steps, listening intently. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of the river and the distant hum of traffic. My pursuer was gone, at least for now.
Relief washed over me, quickly followed by a wave of fear and confusion. What had just happened? Why was I being chased? And what was I going to do now?
I looked down at myself, taking in my bedraggled appearance. My favorite outfit was ruined, dripping river water onto the pavement. My feet were bare and scraped, my nylons torn. I must have looked like a madwoman to anyone passing by. Thankfully, this section of the riverbank was deserted.
As I made my way to the nearest main road, my mind whirled with questions. Who was after me, and why? What wasn’t Cooper telling me? And how had my life spiraled so far out of control in such a short time?
Thank god I managed to somehow keep my purse. I flagged down a taxi, ignoring the driver’s concerned look at my appearance. As I gave him my address, I caught sight of my reflection in the rearview mirror. My hair was plastered to my head, mascara streaked down my cheeks, and a wild look in my eyes that I barely recognized.
“Rough night, mademoiselle ?” the driver asked, his tone a mixture of concern and amusement.
I tried to give him a weak smile. “You have no idea.”
As the taxi wound its way through the Paris streets, I made a vow to myself. No more running. No more hiding from the truth. Whatever game Cooper or my father was involved in, whatever danger he had brought into my life, I was going to face it head-on.
Because one thing was clear: my life would never be the same again. The Allegra who had stepped out of the clinic earlier this evening—the one who worried about patient schedules and whether she’d remembered to water her plants—seemed like a stranger now. In her place was someone harder, someone who had tasted fear and had come out stronger for it.
I climbed out of the taxi, my bare feet on the cold pavement a stark reminder of everything I’d been through. With one last glance over my shoulder to ensure I wasn’t followed, I entered my building. My feet sloshed on the tile and in the elevator, and I actually collapsed against my door the second it shut. I picked up my cell phone to contemplate calling the police, but it was absolutely soaked and useless after my dive into the Seine. And in my heart, I knew this was out of their league. Instead, I quickly shucked my wet clothes and took a shower, trying to warm my aching muscles. Bianca tried to get my attention, but I was too focused. I dressed and left my apartment, hailing down another cab rather than walking the eight blocks to the clinic .
I had the cab driver wait for me, because I knew it would only take me a few minutes to get what I needed. My stomach twisted a bit, knowing that I was about to break so many rules and laws, but I ignored it and instead passed Joanna’s desk at reception and went into my office and pulled the discharge file I’d been working on. It only took me seconds to find Cooper’s address. I hoped it was a real one, and not some kind of business address. I scribbled it down on a piece of scrap paper.
I’d wait outside his residence all night if I had to.
I got back into the cab, thrusting the address at the driver.
“This address is an abandoned building.” He looked at me, confusion etched on his face.
I doubted it was abandoned. I had a feeling that Cooper operated just like my father. Reinforced bunkers, bullet proof glass. Hiding in plain sight. “Take me there.”
He grunted, but pulled away from the curb. As he drove farther into downtown, I tried to calm my erratic breathing. The more I thought about it, the more certain I was that this situation was the direct result of being close to Cooper, rather than my father. My father had been doing what he did all of my life, and I was never threatened or followed. I figured part of that was because I took my mother’s maiden name, and because I never went anywhere near my father.
This definitely had to be because of Cooper.
I didn’t regret our moment of passion in my kitchen, but I had been foolish to get involved with him. At first, it was my ethics that was the issue, but now it was my very safety. But instead of enforcing my resolve, the memories of us in the kitchen resurfaced, and I felt my face redden as I recalled the passion we’d shared.
I was somewhat sexually experienced, and I’d been with men. But I struggled from a pelvic floor dysfunction, and it made intercourse difficult. I’d often tense up during sex, and usually that was enough to turn away most men, or they’d demand that I please them in other ways. But unlike my previous partners, Cooper noticed how my body responded and instantly stopped, sensing the tension coursing through me and helping to alleviate it.
I’d undergone counseling for my condition, and even treatment, but then Tomas had put me practically back at square one. Yet with Cooper—there was something about Cooper that made me feel safe. It made no sense. I couldn’t figure out why I was able to be intimate with him, when it hadn’t happened so easily with other men.
I’d also never orgasmed from intercourse before, and it made me that much more drawn to Cooper. It was a selfish reason to want him, but it was the most fulfilling sexual experience I’d ever had. Yet, I had to push that away. It didn’t matter, because I was now in danger because of Cooper.
The cab pulled up in front of the building, and it did look abandoned. I was instantly worried that he used a bogus address on his intake forms like I had first thought. But just as I was about to tell the driver to take me home, a tall and menacing figure started walking towards the cab.
It was Cooper.
“ Merci ,” I said to the driver, and he looked at me with shock.
“You really want to get out here? ”
“I do,” I replied, handing him thirty euros. He shrugged as I got out of the car, and then sped away.
“What are you doing here, Allegra?” Cooper sounded slightly annoyed, but when he reached the iron gate set into the brick wall, his expression held a trace of intrigue.
I swallowed hard, suddenly doubting my decision to come here. “I...I needed to talk to you,” I managed, my voice sounding small in the quiet of the deserted street.
Cooper sighed, then nodded. “Come on in then,” he said, punching a code into a hidden keypad. The gate swung open silently, revealing a courtyard overgrown with weeds pushing through cracked concrete.
As we approached the building, its true scale became apparent. The building soared before us, a behemoth of corrugated metal and peeling paint stretching three stories high. Graffiti covered the lower walls in a chaotic mural of urban decay. Several windows were boarded up, while others appeared to be broken. The roof sagged ominously in places, completing the illusion of abandonment.
“Watch your step,” Cooper warned as we neared the entrance. I noticed several inconspicuous cameras tucked under the eaves, their lenses following our movement. A barely visible laser grid crisscrossed the path, likely tied to some silent alarm.
Cooper placed his hand on what looked like a rusted metal panel. A soft blue light scanned his palm, and I heard the click of multiple locks disengaging. The heavy door swung open, revealing a stark contrast to the exterior.
I gasped as I stepped inside. Gone was the decay and decrepitude. Instead, I found myself in a sleek, modern entryway. Polished marble floors stretched out before me, and soft, recessed lighting illuminated the space.
“Welcome to my home,” Cooper said, a hint of pride in his voice. He gestured towards a state-of-the-art security panel near the door. “The place is fully wired. Motion sensors, heat detection, the works. No one gets in or out without my knowledge.”
My attention was caught by a gleaming elevator door set into the far wall. Cooper noticed my gaze and smirked. “Let’s head up, shall we?”
As we approached, he pressed his thumb to a biometric scanner. The elevator dinged softly, and the doors slid open to reveal a posh interior that wouldn’t have looked out of place in a luxury hotel.
“The elevator is another security checkpoint,” Cooper explained as we stepped inside. “It won’t move without the right combination of biometrics and passcode.” He tapped a complex sequence into a hidden panel, and we began to ascend.
The doors opened onto the second floor, and I found myself speechless. The open-plan living area boasted soaring ceilings with exposed steel beams, softened by warm wood accents and plush furnishings. A gourmet kitchen gleamed with stainless steel appliances and sleek marble countertops. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Paris, the city lights twinkling in the dark of the night.
“This floor is mainly for entertaining and day-to-day living,” Cooper said. He pointed out the window at one of the tallest skyscrapers in the skyline. “That’s Steele’s building.” I looked out, impressed by the view. Cooper nodded, and then led me towards a floating staircase of glass and steel. “My private quarters are on the third floor.”
We ascended to the top level, which was, if possible, even more impressive. A main suite took up half the floor, with a spa-like bathroom visible through an open door. The other half seemed to be divided between a home office and a high-tech security room, its walls lined with monitors showing feeds from around the building and surrounding area.
“This is...not what I expected,” I admitted, taking it all in. The juxtaposition of the gritty exterior and this hidden luxury was jarring.
Cooper’s lips quirked in a half-smile. “That’s the point. The best security is the kind no one suspects exists.” He gestured to a comfortable seating area near another set of windows. “Now, why don’t you tell me why you’re really here?”
I took a large breath, suddenly remembering the urgency that had driven me to this hidden oasis in the first place. As I sank into a buttery leather armchair, the plush comfort felt at odds with the tension coiling in my stomach. I crossed my arms, trying to stay firm and ignoring the way his tee-shirt strained over his biceps, or how his low-hanging lounge pants left no room for the imagination on what he was sporting. “Cooper, I was followed home tonight. Or rather, chased. I ended up jumping in the Seine to get away. I can’t help but think it has something to do with you and your line of work.”
For a few seconds, he said nothing. Then, the man before me seemed to morph into someone else entirely .
I’d never seen Cooper angry before. Even in the alley with Tomas, he’d been menacing, but not mad. I realized right then and there I never wanted to be on the receiving end of his anger.
“You were followed? Tell me everything!” he boomed, leaping to his feet and pacing the room. He already had his phone out and was texting frantically. His face was red and the cords on his neck seemed to bulge. As I described what had happened, he only got more and more agitated, wringing his hands and grinding his teeth.
“Cooper, you’re going to give yourself a heart attack. And stop pacing. You’ll re-injure your leg if you’re not careful.”
He looked at me, his eyes wild and unseeing. “I don’t give a fuck about my leg! I care about you—and all I want to do is to kill the motherfucker who dared to even look at you!”
I sat there for a few seconds, speechless. His instant possessiveness was unexpected, especially since we had only known each other for a couple of months, maybe slightly more. We’d only been intimate once, and it had been less than a week since then. There was no time for him to form this kind of attachment. My only thought was that perhaps he felt this way about everything in his life—like a tyrant, he ruled everyone around him.
Cooper finally stopped pacing, fixing me with a dark, penetrating stare. “I mean it, Allegra. You’re under my protection now.”
It was my turn to become agitated. “What do you mean, your protection?”
“You’re not allowed to leave this building. You’re not going to work anymore. You’re not going to leave my side. If I have to chain you to a bed or lock you in a room I will.”
I launched to my feet, my blood boiling throughout my body. I could feel my face turn red, and I felt a thunderous pounding in my ears. “Excuse me? I don’t think so! Just because you’re some kind of ridiculous criminal doesn’t mean that you can control my life! I’m my own person, and my job is my life! There’s no way I’m staying with you!” I made a motion to move towards the elevator, but suddenly, Cooper was in front of it.
“Let me pass, Cooper,” I said, my voice rising.
He didn’t budge. “I’m not kidding, Allegra. I’ve witnessed kidnapping firsthand, seen it done successfully, and I will keep you here whether you agree or not.”
I tried to move around him, but he was too quick and too big to dart around. He stretched his arms out to grab me, but I did the only thing I could think of—I kicked him in his leg. The bad leg.
His Achilles heel.
He crumpled to the ground, groaning a bit while trying to get back on his feet. I took the opportunity to race towards the stairs, flying down them two at a time. I left my purse, but it didn’t matter. I could replace everything in it.
“Allegra!” Cooper’s voice rang through the large space, and it made me run faster. I slipped on the last step, catching myself quickly. Pushing the button to the elevator, I slipped inside. As the doors shut, I could see Cooper, halfway down the stairs, his leg trailing slightly behind him .
My heart was racing as I looked at the elevator panel, horrified when I remembered that it only responded to Cooper’s biometric signature.
Fuck.
A second later, the elevator doors opened.
Cooper stood there, looking directly at me.
Like he was going to murder me.