Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia.

Her again.

She let out a sharp, cold laugh, her voice low so only Rupert could hear. "If I can't

have her, then no one can. And you don't even think about it."

Right then, a motorcycle roared straight into the ballroom, sending guests scrambling and ducking behind tables and chairs.

The bike screeched to a halt right in front of Bridget. The rider stretched out a hand. “Bridget, come on! Let's get out of here!"

Without hesitating, Bridget grabbed their hand and swung onto the back of the bike. In a split second, they were gone, tearing out of the wedding and leaving chaos behind.

As they sped past, Bridget shot Sylvia a venomous look-a look that promised this wasn't over.

Up on the dais, Rupert's cool voice cut through the stunned silence.

"The bride's taken off-wedding's over. Folks, help yourselves to some food before you go."

Like this had nothing to do with him at all.

The event staff jumped into action, switching the wedding music to some mellow

the evening as if nothing

reality,

was a message from

"Come to the lounge."

"Okay," Sylvia texted back.

around. Rupert and the

second, Sylvia hurried toward the

barely stepped inside when a glass flew right at

her, didn't even flinch. The glass hit him in the temple. Shards skittered to the floor, and a trickle of blood slid down his face, making him

went dead silent,

even know where we are right now? Why'd you have

handkerchief. "If I don't show people what happens when they try to fool me, next time someone else

was no need to make a circus out

knows how many people are waiting to pounce? If we just let this slide, everyone will think

pulling out a cigarette, surveying the room

his thumb. "What, you think I went too far? Maybe. After all... murder's not really

mention of murder, Tristan's expression

stiffly, fists clenched on his knees, eyes

dark and intense you couldn't

whipped around

you know about

at?"