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.

instinctively, 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, though. You're

for you. Rupert stole everything from me, so now you're going to help me take

go, pulled himself

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

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

yanked her upright, and together they forced her into a tight, red

Warren's bodyguards, Sylvia made her way slowly downstairs. The laughter of the

on Sylvia like a wolf on a

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

by "taking

sat, feeling the

"I read through

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

have Sylvia walk

to your rooms."

men exchanged knowing grins. No one

from across the table. Shockingly, she felt numb,

through this

together, then suddenly slammed her hands

bodyguards forced her back

head of the table

his