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

she grit her teeth and shoved him away, finally putting some

mouth to say something when the car jerked to

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

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

after her, jaw

after Sylvia. "Should I go after her,

Rupert replied, voice like

In the office.

who had come in and quickly stubbed out his cigarette, throwing

take care of that wound for you," he

knew

sensing the tension, excused herself

from the office, holding

Lloyd, Mr. Rupert asked

thanks." Sylvia turned away, refusing to take

bottle, finally blurting out, "Ms. Lloyd, do yo@really think your so-called

eyed him warily. "What

with what you've got, and you'll be blacklisted before