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.

shrank back 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

you like this place? I had it made just for you. Rupert stole everything from me, so now you're going to help me take it all

himself together,

for air. All pretense of composure gone, she glanced at the cabinet full of "tools" and couldn't stop

carrying a dress. "Mr. Warren is hosting a dinner tonight. We're here

her upright, and together they forced her into a

Sylvia made her way slowly downstairs. The

predatory, locked on Sylvia like a wolf on a

and inviting: "Sylvia, come meet our guests from the Chamber of

by "taking

feeling the scrutiny of five

"I read through your

course. Gentlemen, make yourselves at home. If

have Sylvia walk

to your rooms."

grins. No

at Warren from across the table. Shockingly,

through this scene

her lips together, then suddenly slammed her hands on the table

stand. The bodyguards

at the head of

his