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

long sigh and turned

Sylvia found her way back to

clothes of every style filled

bitter

headed for a shower.

her mind oddly calm.

the comforter tighter, refusing

the warmth of another body settle beside her,

help but tense.

around her waist, pulling her close. His head rested gently

shoulder, dark eyes searching

voice was

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

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

need something, you'll have to find another

darkened. "You sure do

said nothing, just waited

it out of his

stay; she knew this

inevitable.

broken by the shrill

nightstand. This late, she could guess who

was.

phone rang again

"Just answer it. Maybe Ms. Sanford

urgent."

Rupert got

warmth left the bed, she curled up

didn't

...

up, Rupert looked at

"Ms. Sanford will be worried if you're