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?

at Rupert, and

about Reese?"

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

out a long

by memories from her old life, Sylvia

of every style

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

headed for a shower.

her mind oddly

she only gripped the comforter tighter, refusing to

warmth of

help but tense.

slid around her waist, pulling her close. His

eyes searching

voice was

in his tone. She didn't struggle,

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

need something, you'll have to

sure

nothing,

to get it out of his system.

stay; she knew this

inevitable.

stillness was broken by the shrill ring

nightstand. This late, she could

was.

phone rang again

it. Maybe Ms. Sanford

urgent."

when Rupert got up to grab his

she curled up tighter under

low, as if he didn't want the caller to

it? ... Okay,

he hung up, Rupert looked at

Sylvia said evenly. "Ms. Sanford will be worried if you're out too