Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 141

The heavy thud of one colleague hitting the ground made Sylvia's heart leap into her throat. Her eyes shot up, locking with the teasing gaze of the man advancing towards her. His cold presence made it hard to breathe. "Quite the catch?" The mocking undertone in his deep voice was hard to miss.

It was Rupert.

Sylvia wriggled her wrists, knowing she stood no chance of overpowering him. This time, she decided to be smart about it - instead of using her hands, she went for a kick.

But Rupert anticipated her move, capturing her raised leg with ease and pulling her close to him.

Her body brushed against his belt buckle, separated only by a thin layer of fabric. The proximity, combined with the overwhelming sense of powerlessness, sent a wave of humiliation through her. "Let go!"

"You're heartless," Rupert remarked, his voice husky.

"I don't need you to handle my problems. I can take care of myself!"

Just then, Freya and the others caught up.

Sylvia glanced at the dark, enclosed alley and listened to the approaching footsteps, her heart pounding like thunder.

As Freya and the group drew near, Rupert kicked the man on the ground into the shadows, grabbed Sylvia's chin, and kissed her.

"Mmph!" Sylvia's eyes widened.

Rupert, supporting her head, turned his body to shield hers.

area, known for its winding paths, was more famously a romantic spot for college couples to stroll and date. The soft glow of warm yellow streetlights, walls

and her group passed by, mistaking them for just another

gone, Sylvia pushed the man in front of her with all

streetlight flickered to life,

him. His gaze tightened as it met hers, his lashes casting shadows

her next breath, Sylvia elbowed the man in the chest. Although it numbed her arm, the move clearly

through his silhouette. His body, imposing and stern under the glow, contrasted with his face, now obscured by

voice cold and low, "And how do you plan to handle

spine, her teeth

still hassle Warren? He was just helping me! What did he do

you treating him like

at the shadowed

ket

in mid-air as if he might drop the burning ember onto Sylvia's

he took a

"Worried about him?"

QUMS

the generosity to let

"Us?"

crushing the cigarette with force, almost in sync with

wrapping them

his fingertips brushing her face, his tobacco-tinged breath warm and heavy against her

spoke gravely, "Say