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?

then at Rupert,

about Reese?"

as ever.

a long sigh and turned to

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

clothes of every style filled the

bitter laugh. She grabbed a random set

headed for a shower.

her mind

the comforter

felt the warmth of another body settle beside

help but tense.

arm slid around her waist, pulling her close. His

dark eyes searching her

voice

tone. She didn't struggle, only replied coldly,

not exactly up for

have to

gaze darkened. "You sure do know

nothing, just

it out of

she knew this

inevitable.

by the shrill ring

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

was.

rang again and

"Just answer it. Maybe Ms.

urgent."

hadn't finished speaking when Rupert got up to grab his

his warmth left the bed, she curled up tighter

he didn't want the caller to hear

is it? ... Okay, I got

he hung up, Rupert looked at

Sylvia said evenly. "Ms. Sanford will