Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 23

As Sylvia felt herself being dragged backward by Julian, her consciousness blurring, she clenched her fists until her fingernails bit into her palms, the pain snapping her back to reality. She had to save herself!

Sylvia grabbed the door handle to stabilize herself, her eyes darting around, seeking something, anything, that could be her salvation.

The crystal ornament on the dashboard seemed like her chance. But every time she stretched for it, it was just beyond her reach.

Gritting her teeth against Julian's force, she inched her fingertips closer to the crystal.

The moment she wrenched it from its non-slip mat, she hurled it backward with all her might. With a thud, Julian grunted and released Sylvia. Seizing the moment, she hit the door unlock button and tumbled out of the car.

The autumn night was crisp, the moonlight bright, the wind, sharp as a knife, cutting into Sylvia ruthlessly as she struggled to her feet and ran.

She hadn't made it far when the hand from behind closed around her neck. She bit back a cry of defiance, but he slammed her head against the car door.

to the ground, and Julian shoved her into the back seat. Standing at the door, Julian caught his breath, carelessly wiping the blood from his forehead. Gone was the tenderness

said through gritted teeth, "If it weren't for your looks, I wouldn't waste my time. Dinner and a movie mean it's understood what comes next! Trying to leave

keep Julian at bay. Julian, however, caught her by the ankles, slipping off her high heels and slowly caressing up. Sylvia's skin crawled as if snakes slithered over her, making her feel coldly nauseous. She kicked a few times, trying to retract her legs, but

wedged himself between Sylvia's thighs, pressing down on her as his hand roamed under her

inhaled deeply, savoring the scent and

from the

have been driven to madness at the sight

even more delicate and tender beneath him than he had imagined. He chuckled, "Don't blame me. Your mom practically delivered you to my doorstep. Edwin wants to do business with my family, and there you were, bundled with the deal. Play nice, and it could work out for your family. Or else, don't

he forced Sylvia's knees apart, caressing her face before ripping

eyes gleamed with desire as he

the dizzy haze, Sylvia's gaze fell

given her that studded leather clutch to match her outfit - small and square-shaped, merely able to contain a

crept under her skirt, Sylvia's eyes flashed with fierce.