Page 145 of Villainous Rise

My fingers twisted the gaudy ring, wishing I could take it off so he didn’t have to see it on me. Breathe, I reminded myself. Just breathe.

Cipher reached us, his expression perfectly controlled as he extended his hand to Charles. “Mr. Winthrop, good to see you again.” His eyes never left mine, even as he shook the man’s hand.

“Mr. Smith!” Charles boomed with excitement. “I was just telling Valor about the pediatric wing. Your contribution to the research department has been nothing short of revolutionary.”

The board member transformed smoothly into a fawning sycophant. “Valor, have you met Thomas Smith? Owner of Smith Industries and our largest private donor. Practically owns the hospital at this point!”

Valor’s grip on my waist tightened. “Can’t say I’ve had the pleasure.”

“And who is this lovely woman?” Cipher asked, his Scottish accent rolling through the words like thunder.

Charles blinked, as if just remembering I existed. “Oh, that’s Valor’s fiancée.”

“Do you not have a name?” he asked softly.

“Annie,” I supplied, realizing that Charles had already forgotten it from the blank look on his face.

Cipher’s eyes darkened. “Annie Bishop, is it not? Havoc’s Keeper. Your reputation precedes you.” He took my free hand, his thumb brushing over the gaudy engagement ring before lifting my fingers to his lips. “A pleasure to meet the woman who keeps the most powerful Super in line.”

Heat bloomed where his lips touched my skin.

“You’re too kind, Mr. Smith,” I managed.

“Thomas, please.” His smile was all predator. “I’ve always admired those who work behind the scenes. The ones who make everything possible while others take the spotlight.”

Valor shifted. “Annie’s quite happy with her supporting role.”

“Is she now?” Cipher’s accent thickened.

“Mr. Smith invests in many worthy causes,” Charles interjected, oblivious to the undercurrents and clearly wanting to kiss Thomas Smith’s ass.

“I’m very selective about where I put my resources,” Cipher said. “I only commit to things I truly want.” In his mouth, even the word “commit” sounded like a promise whispered against bare skin in the dark.

“Charles, I’ve been reviewing the blueprints for the new pediatric surgical theater.” His Scottish burr dropped an octave. “I want to fully fund it. Consider it a celebratory gift in honor of Chroma Bay’s newest, happiest couple.”

Charles looked dumbstruck. “Mr. Smith that is⁠—”

“There is a single condition,” Cipher cut him off.

“Anything,” Charles said quickly without realizing Cipher was someone you should never give a blank check to. “Anything at all.”

Cipher finally broke eye contact with me, shifting his cold, silver gaze to Valor. “I want the first dance of the evening with the bride-to-be.”

Charles whipped around to face Valor, his eyes wide. The cameras surrounding the donor terrace were already flashing, capturing the exact moment the trap snapped shut.

My stomach twisted. Cipher had cornered Valor using nothing but a checkbook. A Hero could never reject what was probably a multi-million dollar donation for sick children without becoming tomorrow’s front-page monster. He was trapped.

Valor’s jaw tightened, the muscle twitching beneath his perfect skin. I could almost see him weighing his jealousy against potential damage to his image if he caused a scene with a prominent donor.

Please don’t do anything stupid. For once in your narcissistic life, just play nice.

Valor’s smile tightened into something that didn’t reach his eyes.

“We would be honored, Mr. Smith,” Valor said.

Then Valor turned to me. His hand moved from my waist, fingers clamping around my jaw and I froze. The grip was tight enough to grind my teeth together as he pulled me forward, crushing his mouth against mine.

The cameras exploded in a blinding strobe of white light, capturing the assault from every angle. I just stood there and took the violation because I was on camera and I was bound to maintain the charade.