Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 469

Tristan's face was stormy with anger, his jaw clenched tight.

The butler bowed his head respectfully and asked, "So, what would you like me to do next, sir?"

Tristan closed his eyes, thinking for a moment before opening them again. "How's Naomi coming along with the arrangements?"

"She's been thorough and enthusiastic, sir."

"Good."

Tristan shot the butler a long look.

...

Naomi stepped out of the kitchen, rubbing her aching back.

Sylvia helped her across the porch, just as Rupert came down the hallway toward them.

Naomi grinned. "Rupert, you're back!"

"Yeah." Rupert gave a short nod, his eyes flickering past Naomi and settling on Sylvia.

Sylvia dropped her gaze, her voice flat. "Uncle Rupert."

Rupert didn't reply.

Sylvia had no wish to make small talk with him. She grabbed Naomi's arm and started to leave.

But as they passed, Rupert suddenly reached out and caught Sylvia's hand.

She froze, startled, his long fingers intertwining with hers as if trying to say something without words.

hoping,

just so

pulled her hand away, refusing to look at him, and

voice was cold as steel, stopping them both in their tracks.

I picked up some gifts, but they're still in the car. Would you

up. "Oh, we're all family-it was

the least I can

that case, I'll go

happily with Orson, humming

Sylvia called after her, but it was too

moment Sylvia realized Rupert was coming closer, she turned and walked away, ignoring

made it a few steps before

are you

refusing to look at

it was

she do, with him always pushing her into

can't stand

Sylvia spat out

felt

Well, too bad. You're going to

icy, laced with anger.

chin, f , not

face him, and

caring who might

crashed over her, swallowing her

trembled, her eyes wide with fury as she bit down on his lip,

he just frowned, then deepened the kiss, rough

taste of blood filled her mouth, and suddenly she remembered

thought of Reese's hopeful, trusting