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, done driving herself crazy with

just

her hand away, refusing to look at him,

on," Rupert's voice was cold as steel, stopping them both in their tracks. Naomi turned back. "What

Sylvia's stiff back. "Thank you for everything. I picked up some gifts, but they're still

all family-it was no trouble

least I can

that case, I'll go with

left happily with Orson, humming to

after her, but

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

few steps before Rupert grabbed her arm and pulled her

you running

refusing to look

it

do, with him always pushing her into a

stand

spat

face, but she felt his gaze

Well, too bad.

voice was icy, laced with

chin, f

to face

caring

crashed over her,

with fury as she bit down on

let go, but he just frowned, then deepened the kiss,

filled her mouth, and suddenly

thought of Reese's hopeful, trusting