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.

his smile dark and cruel. "Took two extra pills tonight, but it's still no use. Doesn't matter, though. You're still mine. I'll do whatever I

place? I had it made just for you. Rupert stole

go, pulled himself

glanced at the cabinet full of "tools" and couldn't stop the tears from welling

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

didn't care. One of them yanked her upright, and together they forced her into a tight, red evening gown-something straight out of a Hollywood

way slowly downstairs. The laughter of the men in the dining

gaze was predatory, locked on Sylvia

to her from the stairs, his voice warm and inviting:

shivered, finally grasping what Warren meant by "taking everything back." The

and she sat, feeling the scrutiny

raised his whiskey glass to Warren. "I read through

Gentlemen, make yourselves at home. If you

I'll have Sylvia

to your rooms."

grins. No one needed to

at Warren from across the table. Shockingly, she felt

lived through

suddenly slammed

bodyguards forced her

head

his