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 to

glanced up at Orson, who was standing

serious face, and strode in, grabbing Pretty Boy

for

still managed to nod. "Fine,

shuffled out with Orson, Sylvia glanced at her phone-98%

a little bit more and

gritted her teeth and tried

at Rupert, her voice trembling with

to do, and looked

his tall frame blocking out the glow above. The shadows made his features even sharper, his hair catching the light

Sylvia instinctively backed

too slow-Rupert grabbed her arm and yanked her

and hit the floor with a loud smack. The

flashing across his face. He fumbled for his own phone,

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

he cursed, the progress

went white. She'd