Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia knew there was no way she could overpower him. Besides, out in the hallway by the restroom, someone could walk by at any moment.

She didn't want anyone to see.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to appear calm and nodded. "Fine. I'll go

with you."

The man led her into the stairwell.

A cold draft blasted through the wide open window, making Sylvia shiver instinctively.

Rupert, unfazed, shut the window and leaned against the sill, fishing a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

He always did this when he wanted to smoke.

So Sylvia wasn't naïve enough to think he closed the window for her sake.

But the next second, Rupert didn't light up. He just rolled the cigarette between his fingers, eyes dark and unreadable as he stared at her.

"I warned you not to get involved in this," he said, his voice low and sharp.

Sylvia's jaw clenched. Stubbornly, she looked away, refusing to meet his gaze.

late to say that now? Am I supposed to just sit around and wait to be

so your big move is sneaking around, taking pictures? Do

of your business,"

the cigarette in two. Shreds of tobacco fluttered down

could react, he was closing the distance, step by step, backing her right

face, his presence overwhelming, like he could block out

pushed at his chest, hard, but he didn't

business? Then whose is it? Lester's? He knows your mom's in the hospital. You trust him that much?" Sylvia froze, her anger flaring as she

back, his eyes stormy. "What exactly

gaze head-on. "Friends. Just friends

no one one will tell me what we were. Why

Rupert? Care to explain?"

belongs to s

don't forget-I got kicked out by the Garcia

my Uncle Rupert anymore."

never would've admitted

you don't now

the future. So tell me what right do you have to interfere in

echoed through the stairwell,

narrowed, his expression dark and

when he finally spoke. "I