Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Get... get away from me!"

Sylvia's voice shook so badly, it didn't scare anyone-least of all Warren, whose eyes were bloodshot and blazing. Even his neck flushed an ugly red as he yanked a belt from the dresser and tied her hands.

One hand jerked at Sylvia's clothes while the other roamed over her, rough and desperate.

Just as Sylvia was about to give in to despair, she noticed something strange.

Warren wasn't reacting. Not in the way men usually did.

Not even a little.

Her heart skipped. She stared at him in shock.

He noticed, glaring down at her, veins bulging in his neck like he was furious- and powerless to do anything about it.

Her first thought was-he'd taken something. Some kind of pill.

And it hadn't worked.

Warren rolled off her and sat on the edge of the bed, laughing coldly. "Think you're too good for me? This is all Rupert's fault! When my dad crashed the car, I was in it. I jumped out and survived, but I got hurt. My granddad found out and cut me out of the will-just like that!"

He turned, pinning her with a twisted look.

but he grabbed her arm anyway, his smile dark and cruel. "Took two extra pills tonight, but it's still no use. Doesn't matter,

like this place? I had it made just for you. Rupert stole everything from me, so

her go, pulled himself together, and left

for air. All pretense of composure gone, she glanced at the

was still trembling when two stone-faced maids entered, carrying a dress. "Mr. Warren is hosting a dinner tonight. We're here to help you get ready." "I'm not going!" Sylvia blurted

together they forced her into a tight, red evening gown-something straight out of a

eyes of Warren's bodyguards, Sylvia made her way slowly downstairs. The laughter of the men in the dining room

gaze was predatory, locked on Sylvia like

from the stairs, his voice warm and inviting: "Sylvia, come meet our guests from the Chamber

Warren meant by "taking everything back." The bodyguards

feeling the scrutiny of

whiskey glass to Warren. "I

almost gentle. "Of course. Gentlemen, make yourselves at home. If you have a bit

Sylvia walk

to your rooms."

five men exchanged knowing grins. No one needed to

glared at Warren from across the table. Shockingly,

lived through this

lips together, then suddenly slammed her hands

stand. The bodyguards forced her

head of

his