The skin on the back of Sylvia's hand stung from the heat, making her jerk away instinctively—but the man's grip only tightened, like he was trying to crush her fingers.

She frowned and tried to pull free, about to snap at him, when she caught sight of the bandage wrapped around the base of his thumb.

She hesitated, glancing up-and met Rupert's pitch-black eyes dead-on.

The warm glow from the chandelier spilled across his face, but it didn't soften his gaze, not even a little.

Sylvia stared straight at him. "Mr. Rupert, is there something else you want? If the Garcia family insists I take the rest of those nine lashes, I'll go back right now. As long as it gets me away from them."

"Do you have to talk to me like that?"

Rupert's voice was cool, but there was something raw and unsteady beneath it. Sylvia gave a sharp, bitter laugh. "Are we even close, Mr. Rupert?"

She looked away, cold and distant, determined to keep as much space between them as possible.

Rupert watched her retreat, and for a moment, his carefully controlled expression fractured. He forgot the promise he'd made to Lester, forgot the composure he always kept.

Anyone else could treat him like this-he didn't care. But not her. With her, he just couldn't take it.

As Sylvia tried to step back, his arm shot out and pulled her against him. Her waist was pinned tight, his face buried in her hair, breath hot against her ear. The sensation sent a shiver straight through her.

her face away,

brushing her chin, still tinged with the scent of cigarettes. His presence seemed

he squeezed her chin. "Your ears are


to cover her ears before she could

a smirk—he'd said it just to tease her, and

my memory. Please stop doing things that'll give people the

held her wrist tight, pulling her up onto her toes,

imagination,

memory or no

getting away from me

want you

most stubborn mule in Kentucky and I'd

You're the mule! You're shameless!

things I'm doing. You really

"You-!"

glared at him, furious, but at


she winced, her face

exactly do you think

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255