Page 149 of Villainous Rise

“You look beautiful tonight,” he murmured, leaning close.

“Thank you.” I smiled up at him, the expression perfectly calibrated. Not too wide, not too small. Just right. Just perfect.

Perfect Annie. Professional Annie. Keeper Annie. The Annie everyone wants.

We moved through the crowd, stopping to chat with donors and Alliance officials. I laughed at the right moments. Nodded at the appropriate times. Said all the correct things.

It was easy now. So easy to be exactly what everyone wanted when I felt absolutely nothing.

Valor’s arm around my waist. Nothing.

The weight of the ridiculous ring. Nothing.

The approving smiles of the Alliance PR reps watching us. Nothing.

I caught glimpses of Cipher as we circulated. By the bar, the woman’s hand on his chest. Near the entrance of the bioluminescent garden, her lips close to his ear. Each time, I registered the sight with detachment.

We had never defined what we were. Never said we were exclusive.

The thought floated through my mind like debris on still water. No ripples. No disturbance.

“Annie?” Valor’s voice pulled me back. “Charles asked if you’re excited about the wedding plans.”

I turned to Charles with a radiant smile. “We’re taking things slowly. Enjoying the engagement.”

“Smart girl,” Charles nodded. “Though with a catch like Valor, I wouldn’t wait too long!”

Everyone laughed. I joined them, the sound perfectly pitched.

Across the room, Cipher led the woman to a darkened corner, his hand resting on her hip.

He’s going to fuck her tonight.

I could picture it—his hands in her dark hair, his mouth on her throat, her back arched beneath him.

That’s fine. I’m fine. So fucking fine.

Valor squeezed my waist. “Another drink, darling?”

“Please.” My smile never faltered.

I was perfect now. Perfectly hollow. Perfectly numb.

I didn’t look for Cipher again. I didn’t need to. The image of him with her was already burned into my mind, one more scar to add to my collection.

We were even now. His betrayal. My betrayal. His revenge. My emptiness.

I accepted another glass of champagne, raising it in a toast to whatever Valor was saying. The bubbles sparkled under the shifting colors of the glass dome. Beautiful. Meaningless.

Just like everything else.

CHAPTER 26

CIPHER

What the fuck is wrong with me?

The thought hammered in my skull with each beat of my pulse. My fingers tightened around the champagne flute, and for a brief, satisfying moment, I imagined it shattering in my grip, glass shards embedding in my palm. Pain would be better than my hollow performance.