Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia froze for a second, then started struggling with all her strength.

But Rupert had her pinned down with just one hand. With the other, he calmly took a drag from his cigarette, like he had all the time in the world.

Sylvia was furious. "Are you insane or something?"

Rupert ignored her, his gaze icy as he turned to look at Pretty Boy by the door.

"Get out."

Pretty Boy scoffed, crossing his arms. "On what grounds? I was invited here by the lady herself—she hasn't even said anything yet. Ever heard of fair competition?"

Sylvia nodded, acting like she was about to get up, but the moment she stood, Rupert pulled her right back into his arms.

His hand pressed firmly against her waist, the heat from his palm burning through her clothes. She tried to wriggle free, but Rupert's dark eyes locked on hers, and his long fingers traced the hem of her shirt, brushing her bare skin-whether by accident or on purpose, she couldn't tell.

A shiver ran down Sylvia's spine.

Rupert leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "I don't mind a little competition."

lip, determined not to

up at Orson, who was standing near

his most serious face, and strode in,

let's go for

still managed to nod. "Fine,

with Orson, Sylvia glanced at her phone-98%

bit more and

Rupert's grip, she gritted her teeth

Sylvia glared at Rupert, her voice trembling with

to do, and

shadows made his features even sharper, his hair catching the light as his eyes grew darker, emotions churning just below

moved toward her, Sylvia instinctively backed away, clutching her

slow-Rupert grabbed her arm and yanked her

hit the floor with a loud smack. The screen lit

across his face. He fumbled

look and jabbed at his screen. "You

progress bar faded and

white. She'd