Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"What do you think?" Rupert Garcia caught her hand, his gaze darkening. "Keep your hands to yourself."

"Oh, come on. Who's watching?" Sylvia Lloyd rose up on her toes, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Almost at the same time, Rupert gently gripped her chin, pulling her closer. His laughter rumbled low in his throat.

"Sylvia, your acting's finally improving, but do you really think I care if anyone sees?"

Before she could reply, he kissed her.

Sylvia froze, then blurted out, "Ms. Sanford."

Rupert stopped, letting her go.

Sylvia was caught between laughing and crying. She brushed his lapel, smoothing it out. "Mr. Rupert, you've got hair on your jacket."

She looked up at him with a smile, her tone light but edged. "Mr. Rupert, if you can't give someone everything, maybe don't get involved at all. Otherwise... well, you never know what people might do when they're pushed to the edge."

She took advantage of Rupert's momentary surprise, pushed past him, and slipped out of the stairwell.

Just as she reached the door to the VIP lounge, Lester Sanford and Reese Sanford were stepping out.

Reese paused, eyebrows raised. "Sylvia, are you okay? You look awful."

Sylvia wanted to say she was fine, but her composure was crumbling. She stood there awkwardly, twisting her hands together.

Reese seemed to notice, glancing down-and caught sight of something on Sylvia's sleeve, her expression flickering.

anything, Lester reached out and covered Sylvia's arm

get you some fresh

nodded, stepping aside. "You two go ahead.

to hold back her discomfort as she

noticed some

flustered. "This is just

I'm not here to interrogate you. I just don't think

"And what about Ms. Winslet? Don't you find her a

she's way too invested in your wedding?" Lester replied, hitting the nail on

could tell Kay Winslet had it

except Rupert, who insisted on

Why bother?

face to gauge his reaction before

tingered, his

mom died when I was old enough to understand. And, you Dad always

a gyarm's

my aunt

she's been there for Reese,

they made his

Grateful, but not family.

cared

she said quietly, "I don't

know. You can trust

hand as if to touch her cheek, but in the end, just

of her