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?

the room, then at

about Reese?"

as composed as ever.

a long sigh and

life, Sylvia found her way back

clothes of every style filled

bitter laugh. She grabbed a random

headed for a shower.

the bed, her mind oddly calm. Even as the

only gripped the comforter tighter,

felt the warmth of

help but tense.

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

eyes searching her

Rupert's voice

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

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

have

gaze darkened. "You sure do

said nothing, just waited

to get it out of his

stay; she knew this

inevitable.

by the shrill ring

the nightstand. This

was.

phone rang again and

answer it. Maybe

urgent."

when Rupert got

warmth left the bed, she curled up tighter under

he didn't want the caller to

... Okay, I

he hung up, Rupert looked at Sylvia's

home," Sylvia said evenly. "Ms. Sanford will be worried