Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 488

Hearing Rupert's answer, Chris sucked in a sharp breath.

He tossed the damp napkin in his hand onto the table, frustration clear in his

"voice. "If all you want is a woman, you could have any girl who's willing! But her"

"She agreed," Rupert interrupted, his tone calm and detached.

Chris was momentarily speechless. His thoughts flashed to Naomi's recent

hospital stay.

He didn't need to ask how Sylvia had "agreed." He already knew.

"Are you out of your mind? Does it really have to be her?"

"It has to be her."

"Rupert! Don't do this! I know the only reason you won't tell Sylvia the truth is

because you're afraid she'll go after Tristan and drag herself down with him,

right?"

Rupert just took a drag from his cigarette, saying nothing.

"Do you have any idea-"

Chris almost blurted out what he knew about Sylvia's situation, but then he

remembered his friend's warning:

"With someone like her, unless she wants to speak up herself, airing her story for

her is like handing her a knife. All you can do is give her space-let her decide for

herself."

Space? Choice?

room, then at Rupert, and changed the subject.

about Reese?"

was as composed as ever. "I'll take care of both of

a long

by memories from her old life, Sylvia found her way back to the room.

of every style

but let out a bitter laugh. She grabbed a random set

headed for a shower.

mind oddly calm. Even as the door opened

only gripped the comforter tighter, refusing

the warmth of another

help but tense.

man's arm slid around her waist, pulling her close. His

dark eyes searching

Rupert's voice

She didn't struggle, only

hospital. I'm not exactly up for that kind of thing right

something, you'll have to find

gaze darkened. "You sure do know a

nothing, just

to get it out

she knew this

inevitable.

broken by the shrill ring

at the clock on the nightstand. This late, she could

was.

rang

answer it. Maybe Ms.

urgent."

speaking when Rupert got up

the bed, she curled up tighter under

as if he didn't

it? ... Okay,

Rupert

"Ms. Sanford will be