Page 46 of Villainous Rise

“Fine,” I conceded, if only to get him to back up. “But you have to remember to eat too.”

“Deal.” He smiled. “Though I’d rather eat you.”

Heat flooded my cheeks. “Get out.”

He straightened, eyes still locked on mine. “As you wish.”

I followed him to the door, arms crossed tightly over my chest like they could shield me from him. He paused in the doorway, turning back to face me.

“Sweet dreams, Bishop,” he murmured. “Try not to miss me too much.”

The door closed behind him with a soft click, and suddenly my apartment felt cavernous. Empty in a way it hadn’t been before he arrived.

I leaned against the door, exhaling. My skin still tingled where his gaze had lingered, like he’d left invisible fingerprints all over me.

This was ridiculous. He’d brought me food, not seduced me. Yet my body buzzed with awareness, with the memory of how his eyes had darkened when he leaned close, how his voice had dropped to the tone that seemed designed specifically to make my knees weak.

I pushed away from the door, annoyed at my own reaction. This was Cipher. The man who’d betrayed me, who’d lied to me, who’d broken my heart and my trust in one spectacular implosion.

And yet…

And yet I couldn’t forget the hollow look in his eyes when I’d asked who was checking on him. Couldn’t ignore the careful way he’d packed my leftovers, ensuring I’d have food tomorrow.

Couldn’t pretend I hadn’t noticed how his fingers had lingered on the countertop when he went to leave, how his eyes had traced my face like he was memorizing it.

Like he was starving for something food couldn’t satisfy.

CHAPTER 9

ANNIE

The elevator doors opened with their usual cheerful ding, and I stepped out wondering what fresh hell awaited me today.

I’d spent most of the night staring at my bedroom ceiling, alternating between replaying my impromptu meal with Cipher and questioning my own sanity. Because apparently my brain and body were coming to an agreement. They thought maybe round two of emotional devastation at Cipher’s hands sounded like a good idea.

“Annie! Perfect timing.”

I looked up to find Valor leaning against the reception desk, looking like he’d stepped off the cover of Hero Weekly. The man probably woke up camera-ready.

“Valor,” I managed. “What can I do for you?”

Please let it be something simple. Please don’t let it involve actual thinking.

He flashed that million-dollar smile. “I wanted to discuss our public appearances schedule.”

I checked my watch. “I’ve got about ten minutes until my first meeting.”

That was technically true. My meeting was with the coffee maker in the break room, but Valor didn’t need those specifics. I still hadn’t recovered from his stupid photoshoot last night.

“Perfect, I’ll be quick.” His smile somehow managed to get even brighter. “Alliance PR sent you the details about tonight’s interview. I’ll need you there, of course.”

I wanted to say of course you will, because you can’t be freaking trusted alone with the media, but also, another goddamn interview? He did more interviews than Havoc and he was the top rated Hero in the Alliance. Hell, he was the current top rated Super, period.

Alliance PR really was pulling out all the stops to push Valor.

I sighed. “I’ll check my schedule.”

“Annie.” His voice took on that earnest quality that melted hearts. It just put me on edge. “This interview is really important to me. I’ve hired an Alliance stylist for you for the evening. I’d really appreciate it if you’d listen to their suggestions.”