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."

stung. In Rupert's eyes, she was never as good as Bridget or Freya or anyone else. So why couldn't he just

"Fine, Uncle Rup

least do me the courtesy of staying the

strength came from, but she grit her teeth and

face turned cold, and he opened his mouth to say something when

injury, was out in a flash, rapping on

the sound, Sylvia pushed him away and hurried out of the car, bolting toward the

out after her, jaw set, his

after Sylvia. "Should I go

Let her go,” Rupert replied,

In the office.

had come in and quickly stubbed out his cigarette, throwing open the window to air out

that wound

already knew

the tension, excused herself and

Orson emerged from the office, holding a bottle

Rupert asked me to

turned away, refusing

some of the argument in the car. He squeezed the water bottle, finally blurting out,

eyed him warily. "What are you getting

you'll be blacklisted before you can blink. You think you'll come out of this