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."

her lip, determined not

at Orson, who was standing near the

on his most serious face, and strode in, grabbing

for a

in pain, but still

he shuffled out with Orson, Sylvia

a little bit more and she'd have

teeth and

leave!" Sylvia glared at Rupert, her voice trembling with

do, and looked at Rupert

of Sylvia, his tall frame blocking out the glow above. The shadows made his features even sharper, his hair catching the light as his eyes grew darker, emotions churning just below the surface.

instinctively backed away, clutching her phone behind

too slow-Rupert grabbed her arm and yanked her

and hit the floor with a loud smack. The screen lit up, showing the progress bar frozen

suddenly caught on, panic flashing across his face. He fumbled for his own phone, ignoring the

venomous look and jabbed at his screen. "You sneaky witch! You

he cursed, the progress bar

white. She'd been so