Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 367

Eloise gripped her phone tight and absentmindedly rubbed her stomach. "You know, I've been pregnant before, too," she said quietly.

Sylvia felt a sharp, stabbing ache in her chest. No wonder Eloise was falling apart.

"Hey, Sylvia, I'm not even drunk yet. Come on, have a couple drinks with me."

"Sure," Sylvia agreed. She knew Eloise needed to let off some steam-honestly, so did she.

A sleek black car cruised down the wide avenue. The window was rolled down a crack, letting wisps of cigarette smoke curl around the driver's shadowed face.

Orson, at the wheel, suddenly pulled to the curb. He nodded toward the sidewalk. "Mr. Rupert, that's Ms. Lloyd. Who's the guy with her?"

Rupert looked up just in time to see another man carrying her purse and laughing as he followed her into an underground bar.

His cigarette snapped in two between his fingers. The burning tip fell onto the back of his hand, but he didn't even flinch.

"Pull over," Rupert said coldly.

"Yes, sir."

Inside the bar, Sylvia was already feeling a little lightheaded after two shots of bourbon.

She grabbed Eloise's hand across the table. "Eloise, I figured it out. He never loved you. That's it! It's not your fault!"

Eloise, usually all business and steel, burst out laughing. "You're damn right! Screw him! Cheers!"

They clinked glasses, but after the next round, Eloise slumped over, completely out.

her aching forehead and let her cheek fall

man at another table noticed and

could touch her, a hand twisted his

saw Rupert's ice-cold stare. His bravado crumbled

"Mr. Rupert-sir, I—"

"Get lost," Rupert growled.

bolted, clutching his

the drunk,

someone to take Ms. Eloise home," he

"Yes, sir."

another word, Rupert scooped Sylvia up into his arms and carried her

bartender, who froze, dropping two glasses in terror and watching in stunned silence as Rupert

the drive home, Sylvia suddenly sat bolt upright and started

I'm

pulled over, and

out, barely making

she

over

watering, until a bottle

appeared under her nose.

at midnight like everyone else?" Rupert's dry, mocking voice cut through the chill

wind stung her eyes as she

seemed both close and impossibly far away-an outline blurred by the city lights, looming and

lowered his hand, frowning deeply. "Why didn't you come that

The last night in