Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 457

When Lester heard her still call him "Mr. Sanford," he understood-she wanted to keep her distance. Yet he couldn't help but be curious about her.

He leaned in just a bit, noticing the subtle scent of earl grey clinging to her. It was faint, but somehow comforting.

Sylvia, realizing he hadn't answered for a while, finally turned her head-only to find they were much closer than she'd thought.

She quickly pulled back, reminding him, "Mr. Sanford?"

Snapping out of it, Lester glanced over her profile, his gaze a little too intense before he forced himself to relax. "Sure," he said quietly.

Sylvia gave a soft "Okay," and purposefully put more space between them.

Just as they neared the restaurant, Lester's phone buzzed. Reese's name flashed on the screen.

"What's up? You always forget something," Lester said, pausing and glancing at Sylvia. "I'm a bit busy right now."

Maybe it was just too quiet in the car, but Sylvia could hear Reese's voice on the other end, crystal clear.

"Hey, bro, you're not out with Sylvia, are you?"

"I am," Lester admitted without hesitation.

twisted her

nerves.

years of bad luck, years treading carefully in the Garcia family, and Tristan constantly

and gave her a

voice came through the speaker: "I made a killer lasagna tonight! Bring Sylvia over and let's

want to interrupt your cozy evening with

still have my stuff in your trunk-my treasures! If I don't

"Fine...

Reese chirped, cutting him off and

his head at his phone, grinning despite himself. Then he turned

in with Rupert. She left a suitcase in my car and

in?" Sylvia

She invited us both for

parting as if to say

stuck in her throat re moment,

was agreement, Lester told his driver to

parked outside.

up

put on

poker face and followed him