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.

first place? Isn't it a little late to

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

your business," Sylvia shot

the cigarette in two. Shreds of tobacco fluttered

he was closing the distance, step by

his breath was warm against her face, his presence overwhelming, like he could block

his chest, hard,

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 glared at him. "You're

back, his eyes stormy. "What exactly is between you

meeting his gaze head-on. "Friends. Just

will tell me

Rupert? Care to explain?"

belongs to s

got kicked out by the Garcia family.

my Uncle Rupert anymore."

would've

don't now and you

the future. So tell me what right do

the stairwell, each word carving out the

his expression dark and

voice was rough when he finally spoke. "I never wanted to be