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, though. You're still mine. I'll do

stole everything from me, so now

her go, pulled himself

gone, she glanced at the cabinet full of "tools" and couldn't stop

maids entered, carrying a dress. "Mr. Warren is hosting a dinner tonight. We're here to

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

slowly downstairs. The laughter of the men in

predatory, locked on Sylvia like a

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

grasping what Warren meant by "taking everything back." The bodyguards pushed her

sat, feeling the

glass to Warren. "I

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

have Sylvia

to your rooms."

five men exchanged knowing grins. No one

Warren from across the table. Shockingly, she felt

through this scene

pressed her lips together, then suddenly slammed her hands on

The bodyguards forced her back

man at the head of

his