Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

With Orson's apology still hanging in the air, the glass partition in the car slid upward, giving them privacy.

Sylvia's eyes went wide, her cheeks burning hot.

Rupert stared at her, noticing how her skin glowed in the sunlight, soft and pink like a ripe Georgia peach. Just looking at her, he felt a tug deep in his chest, as if someone had hooked his heart.

Sylvia tried to sit up, but Rupert's hand pressed gently against the back of her head, pulling her into a deeper kiss.

She pushed against his chest, but he just held her tighter, flipping her so she was pinned against the back seat.

The more she struggled, the closer their bodies pressed together.

Maybe it was her imagination, but his kiss felt different today-less restrained, more desperate, rough even.

Sylvia's attempts to fight back grew weaker by the second, until finally, she jabbed at his injured side.

He sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes narrowing. "Sylvia, when are you ever going to stop being so damn stubborn? You're either fighting me or throwing a punch."

"And I'm never going to be as sweet or agreeable as Bridget, am I?" Sylvia shot back, breathless.

Rupert let out a low laugh, looking down at her. "Sarcastic much?"

His words hit a nerve. Sylvia averted her gaze, her embarrassment written all over her face.

Rupert's hand found her hair, his fingers gently tugging her earlobe. "Honestly, you're not even as sharp as Freya."

she was never as good as Bridget or Freya or anyone else. So why couldn't

"Fine, Uncle Rup

humiliatin me. But could you at least do me

even know where the strength came from, but she grit her teeth and shoved him away, finally putting some

he opened his mouth to say

worried about Rupert's injury, was out in a flash, rapping on the window.

the sound, Sylvia pushed him away and hurried out of

out after her,

gestured after Sylvia. "Should I go after

Rupert replied,

In the office.

out his cigarette, throwing open the window to air out

I'll take care of that wound for you,"

Chris already knew

tension, excused herself and

few minutes later, Orson emerged from

Rupert asked me to

turned away, refusing to take anything from

He squeezed the water bottle, finally blurting out, "Ms. Lloyd, do yo@really think your so-called evidence is enough

"What are you

about it. You go public with what you've got, and you'll be blacklisted before