Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 475

Sylvia held her breath, stubbornly refusing to say a word.

Rupert's eyes darkened, storm clouds swirling in his gaze, as he didn't give her a chance to speak. He kissed her, aggressively, like a force of nature-his anger poured into the contact, fierce and unrestrained.

Sylvia struggled desperately, but she couldn't break free. She fought until her strength faded and her eyes filled with tears of pain.

Then, suddenly, Rupert's hand closed tightly around her neck.

His grip tightened. His sharp, cold features now looked even more menacing, his expression dark and brooding.

"All this just for him?"

"No!" Sylvia choked out, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm not anyone's possession. I don't need to do this for anyone. I just don't want to be here, tangled up with you. Is that enough for you, Uncle Rupert?"

Rupert closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the storm had passed, though something unreadable flickered in their depths.

He brushed his thumb over her lips, still smudged with lipstick and raw where she'd bitten herself.

His voice was rough. "Sylvia, nobody's taking you away from here. Not even Lester."

The suffocating tension pressed in on her. Sylvia felt herself unraveling but forced herself to breathe, to stay in control.

Finally, she found the strength to say what she had to.

go with you. I'll move into the lake house.

a flash of something in Rupert's eyes, but it vanished as quickly

came.

icy and distant, like a fogged-up

let her go, stepping back so that the light from

he said quietly.

moment, Rupert's phone rang. Reese's name lit up

furrow. "I'll be right there," he replied,

out without

watching his shadow disappear down

truth had always been there, right in front of her. She'd thought she'd be okay, but when she looked down, her tears

didn't know how

drive. Sylvia quickly turned away, wiping

Naomi asked if you'd help

coming," Sylvia replied, drawing a deep breath as she headed toward

and baskets-homemade jams, jars of honey, and little bags of caramel popcorn for

stepped up. "Mom, did you double-check the

security here is tighter

a lot of stuff.

care how