Page 58 of Villainous Rise

I closed my eyes briefly, savoring the moment of solitude.

When I opened my eyes, I jumped. Cipher sat across from me, his hands folded neatly on the table.

“Until next time,” Cipher mimicked, his voice pitched in a perfect imitation of Valor’s self-important tone. He lifted an imaginary hand to his mask. “Allow me to kiss your delicate fingers, my sweet. The city needs its Hero, but my heart shall remain with you.”

“What are you doing?” I hissed, leaning forward. “I’m here as Valor’s date. I can’t be seen with⁠—“

“Relax, Bishop.” Cipher’s mouth curved into that infuriating smirk. “I’m running interference tech. Makes photographing us together impossible. Scrambles facial recognition algorithms, distorts digital images. Even works on security cameras as long as you stay within five feet of me.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

“Developed it after our first encounter.” The way he said it made it clear he was referring to when he’d saved me from plummeting to my death off that building. When a civilian drone had captured footage of Chroma Bay’s most notorious Villain rescuing me, launching the whole charade that eventually led to my heart being broken into a thousand pieces.

Good times.

I drained my wine glass in one gulp. “Congratulations on not murdering Valor in the middle of Elysium. Your restraint is truly inspirational.”

“Restraint had nothing to do with it. Blood would ruin the ambiance.” He cocked his head. “The index and middle fingers of his left hand. Those were the ones he pressed into your thigh under the tablecloth correct?”

“Why would you need to know that?”

“I want to make sure I break the correct fingers the next time I encounter him. Then I’ll crush the thumb he used to trace your skin.”

“He’s a Super,” I pointed out, trying to keep my voice steady. “His genetics will knit the bone back together in minutes.”

“I am aware,” Cipher replied smoothly. “The pain registers exactly the same, regardless of how fast he heals.”

I sighed. Valor was currently my charge, and my entire job revolved around protecting Alliance assets and enforcing the rules. I was supposed to be horrified by this blatant threat of violence, but I just felt a bone-deep exhaustion.

“You cannot maim my assignments,” I told him, rubbing my temple. “The paperwork alone would take me weeks.”

“Consider it a learning opportunity for him,” Cipher stated, unapologetic.

“Thank god for that emergency summons,” I muttered, setting my empty glass down. “Another five minutes and I might have stabbed him with my fork myself.”

Cipher’s lips curved into a slow, satisfied smile beneath his mask. The kind of smile that said he knew something I didn’t.

My brain caught up with remarkable speed considering how much wine I’d consumed. “You didn’t.”

His smile widened. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You hacked his communicator. You sent the emergency alert.”

“Would I do something so underhanded?” Cipher asked, his tone dripping with mock innocence. “Interfere with the Alliance’s communications system?”

“You know I’m going to have to report this,” I said, not meaning a word of it.

“Are you? Before or after you thank me for saving you from having to endure another hour of Valor’s wandering hands?”

I pressed my lips together. “I had the situation under control.”

“Of course you did.” He tilted his head slightly. “That’s why you looked like you were contemplating homicide with every appetizer fork in reach.”

The waiter approached with a discreet cough.

“Sir, madam, would you care for more wine?” If he had questions as to why a League member was now at the table, he kept them to himself.

“Another glass,” I said.