Page 27 of Villainous Rise

His eyebrows shot up. “Have we? Surely I’d remember someone as lovely as you.”

“I’m Havoc’s Senior Keeper. We’ve discussed Alliance funding several times in his office.”

The senator’s smile faltered for a second before recovering. “Of course! Forgive me. You look different tonight.”

Translation: I wasn’t wearing my Keeper uniform, so I’d suddenly become visible.

Valor and the senator launched into a conversation about media coverage that made my temples throb and I settled in for the long haul.

Over the next hour, Valor dragged me through the crowd like I was a shiny accessory he’d purchased specifically for this event. His hand kept migrating from my waist to my hip, occasionally dipping lower until I’d subtly shift away.

I spotted Cipher, deep in conversation with the League’s Finance Director. Then by the terrace doors, seemingly fascinated by whatever Commissioner Wallace was saying. Later, lounging against a column while a prominent League member laughed at something he’d said.

But I wasn’t fooled. Not even a little bit.

Each time I caught sight of him, his head was angled just slightly in my direction. I felt him tracking us, tracking Valor’s wandering hands specifically.

“You’re tense,” Valor murmured, stroking my back. “Let me get you another drink.”

“I’m fine,” I said, stepping away from his touch. “And you should probably keep your hands where everyone can see them. You’re a Hero, remember? The Alliance likes the squeaky clean look.”

Valor laughed, a perfect sound engineered for maximum charm. “You’re overthinking this, Annie. It’s just a little harmless flirting.”

“Harmless?” I hissed through my smile. “Your hand was practically on my ass in front of the Commissioner.”

“The public loves a romance.” His fingers brushed my bare shoulder, lingering just a second too long. “Besides, you should be flattered. Most women would kill to be in your position.”

“Most women haven’t seen your performance reviews,” I whispered sweetly, maintaining my smile while rage bubbled inside me.

His face hardened for a split second before relaxing back into something charming. “Careful, Keeper. You’re just staff. Replaceable staff.”

“And you’re just another pretty face with powers,” I countered. “The Alliance has a dozen more like you waiting in the wings.”

His fingers tightened around my wrist, hidden between our bodies. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

I leaned closer, my smile never wavering. “Neither do you.”

“Oh my god, you’re Valor!” A young woman in a shimmering yellow dress materialized at our side, her eyes wide with the unmistakable gleam of Hero worship. “I’ve followed your career since your first appearance!”

Valor released my wrist instantly. His threatening intensity vanished, replaced by humble charm.

“That’s incredibly kind of you to say.” He ducked his head while simultaneously straightening to his full height. “I’m just doing my best to protect our city.”

The fan clutched her chest and started gushing over him. She looked ready to melt into a puddle at his feet when he turned his full smile on her. Meanwhile, I was fighting the urge to gag as Valor placed his hand over his heart, his expression a masterclass in sincerity as he thanked her for her praise.

“You know,” I said when the woman finally walked away, “humility is actually an attractive quality in a Hero.”

Valor laughed like I’d told a particularly amusing joke. “Annie, people don’t want humility. They want something to aspire to. Someone to believe in.” He gestured to himself. “I’m giving them what they need.”

His ego was somehow even larger than Cipher’s, which I wouldn’t have thought possible. At least Cipher had the decency to acknowledge he was being an ass. Valor genuinely believed everyone should be grateful for his presence.

I pushed thoughts of Cipher away. Comparing the two men wasn’t helping my mood and the constant barrage of egos and power was starting to wear on me.

“We should head to the lounge,” I suggested. “It’s less crowded.”

Valor’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m not done mingling. Congressman Williams just arrived, and I need to discuss the Metahuman Protection Act with him.” He nodded toward an elderly man surrounded by aides.

“I’m getting a small headache. I just need somewhere quieter for a few minutes.”