Page 11 of Viper’s Reign

“This is clearly a message,” Vanya sneers. “Cole’s trying to keep his distance from us.”

“He’s already chosen his side,” Aleksei mutters.

He’s not wrong. Sure, Cole has been Daniel’s staunch ally from the start, but it’s been a silent partnership of sorts. His absence tonight changes that. It’s practically a public announcement. By tomorrow morning, everyone will know exactly where he stands.

It’s a good thing Cole wasn’t the only card I had up my sleeve.

“We don’t really need Cole anyway. Having him here would have been a bonus, nothing more.”

“What else do you have?”

“Nothing concrete yet.” I meet Aleksei’s eyes. “But I’m closing in.” My eyes drift back to Laura as I speak. She’s still standing off to the side, that same champagne flute in her hand. From what I’ve observed, she’s barely had a single sip since I started paying attention.

Interesting.

“I didn’t know you were into redheads.”

I glance at Aleksei sharply, and he lifts one shoulder in a casual shrug. “I’ve caught you looking at her at least six times since she asked her questions.”

“I’m just curious about who she is. I don’t remember meeting her before,” I say dismissively.

“You don’t know everyone here, do you?” Vanya asks with a smirk. The bastard.

That’s enough mingling. It’s time to eat. I move away from them, tapping my spoon against the side of my champagne flute to get everybody’s attention. As the guests begin taking their seats, I make my way to my table on its slightly raised platform and sink down. From here, I watch Noah approach Laura and speak to her. She glances over at me with an unreadable expression, then gives Noah a slow nod and follows him.

I stand back up and pull out the chair across from mine as they near, and she gives a thank you as she settles into it. Noah catches my eye and shakes his head slightly. I ignore him.

Taking my seat again, I take a good look at her up close. Based on what I pulled up earlier, she’s a blogger who requested an invitation through my social media manager. “So, Laura⁠—”

“First thing you should know,” she says, setting the glass down, “is that I only came over here because you’re nice to look at.” She gives a casual little wave in the direction of my face. “Totally my type.”

“Is that so?” My lips curl up. Women have been bold with me before, but this is the first time in a long time I’ve found myself immediately amused by the idea of it. “That’s a relief, because you’re my type as well.”

“You’re into redheads?” The question carries a trace of skepticism.

“I’m into intelligent women, Laura. Hair color is incidental.”

“Could have fooled me.” She smirks, and I raise a brow. “Every photo of you online is with a dark-haired woman. That seemed more your type.”

I can’t help it—I chuckle. “Are you admitting to stalking me?”

She hesitates. “I wouldn’t call it stalking. More like light research. Besides, there isn’t all that much about you online.”

“Because I like my privacy. And you of all people should know better than to take what you find online at face value, Laura. The narrative there is easy to control. You’re a blogger—you know how that works.”

Amusement flickers in her eyes—hazel, I notice, with striking flecks of gold.

“Very true.” She smiles, leaning forward slightly. “So how about we tell each other something we wouldn’t find online?”

I bite my tongue, holding back my own grin. “I’m intrigued.” I nod at her. “Ladies first.”

She leans back, a new, strange look filling her eyes. “Nobody calls me Laura.”

I tilt my head. “No? What do they call you?”

She pauses.

“Ace.”