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?

around the room, then at

about Reese?"

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

let out a long sigh

memories from her old life, Sylvia found her way back to

the wardrobe-inside, women's clothes of every style filled the

but let out a bitter laugh. She

headed for a shower.

the bed, her mind oddly calm. Even as the

only gripped the comforter tighter,

she felt the warmth of another body settle

help but tense.

arm slid around her waist, pulling her close. His head

eyes

Rupert's voice

the want in his tone. She didn't struggle, only replied coldly, "I

up for that kind of thing right now. If

you'll have to find

"You sure do know a

said nothing, just waited

to get it out of

she knew this

inevitable.

stillness was broken by the shrill ring of a

on the nightstand. This late, she could

was.

rang again

"Just answer it. Maybe Ms. Sanford

urgent."

hadn't finished speaking when Rupert got

the bed, she curled up

voice was low, as if he didn't want the caller to hear too

it? ... Okay, I

up, Rupert looked

will be worried if