Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

He pressed a hand to his chest, grimacing. "I get the feeling Ms. Winslet's got it

out for Sylvia and her mom. You should probably keep your guard up."

It was the kind of comment that sounded like it said a lot, but actually said nothing.

This, at least, wasn't breaking his promise to Sylvia.

"Yeah."

Rupert lowered his gaze, staring at his cigarette with something left unsaid.

Chris caught on immediately, grinning as he stepped closer. "You sure you don't wanna get checked out at the ER?"

"Nope."

Chris snorted. "Serves you right, honestly."

He slung his med kit over his shoulder and strode out.

As the last ember of his cigarette dimmed, the room slipped into silence, and Rupert was left alone with his thoughts.

A few minutes later, Reese knocked gently and entered, carrying a fresh mug of tea.

"Dr. Chris already left?"

Rupert stubbed out his smoke and took the tea from her. "Yeah."

Reese's eyes flicked over his back, and her heart squeezed. She fidgeted with her fingers, trying to steady herself.

"Mr. Rupert, why'd you take those nine lashes for Sylvia?"

"She's Edwin's stepdaughter." Rupert's face was blank, as if taking a beating was just another Tuesday.

"Oh, I see."

Reese smiled, letting out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.

She glanced at the clock. "Since we missed dinner at the Bluebird Bistro, I had

up something simple. Come eat

"Sure."

reached out, ready to help

slipped on his jacket, dodging

bit her lip, but still followed him down the

dining table, the staff brought

curiosity. "Is

up on them and never touched them, so they figured tonight was the night,"

got it, thanks. You all can

nodded and slipped

pie in front of him and didn't make a

really good," Reese said, after her first bite, genuinely

table as if he'd seen a

someone

two

pot pie

the dish

sometimes

Sometimes even guarding with

a dog

s

and let out

stared, a little star-struck. So this ice-cold man could smile and look

But...what was so funny?

wiped her mouth. "Am

vanished

his features cool

He

stood. "I've

of. Make sure you take

SWI

still hurt-do you really have to

"I'll be back."

tone was distant, almost

go, her expression

...