Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Drink up."

It wasn't until the mug was pressed into his hands that Sylvia realized what she

was doing.

She swallowed her emotions and hurried to explain, "I just... didn't want you to make any noise and alert the people outside."

Rupert studied her face for a moment, then took the mug and replied in a low voice, "Did I ask for your help?"

Biting her lip, Sylvia stood up, ready to leave.

But Rupert reached out, grabbing her hand in his large, unsteady grip. His eyes were dark, unreadable. "Sit with me. Just a cup of tea. That's all."

"Let go," Sylvia snapped, yanking her hand free, her voice chilly. "Better not. If someone sees us, it could ruin Mr. Rupert's precious reputation."

Rupert looked at her, a tight, humorless smile flickering across his lips before he let his hand drop.

Sylvia strode to the door, yanked at the handle-but it didn't budge. She tried again, harder, but it was jammed.

A cold realization hit her. She spun around, anger flaring. "What do you want from me, Rupert? Are you really going to stand there and watch me get humiliated again and again, just so you can feel satisfied?"

Rupert narrowed his eyes and forced himself upright, his body swaying slightly. He stumbled over to her, reached past, and tugged at the door.

"We're locked in."

"I noticed," Sylvia shot back, her tone icy.

and rough. "You really don't trust me at all,

but

almost unhinged in his gaze

could react, he had her pressed up against

suddenly, his mouth was

and the groan in

he said, breathless against her lips, "would

raised her hand

two punches and I'm down for the count. Do

won't?" Sylvia's

Hit me until

he just stood there, letting her

her fists,

to land

at the

Gontent belongs to s

caught her trembling hand, and

maybe your mind forgot me, but

tried to sound

ached, a dull, throbbing

what if her body remembered? What difference did

her eyes, forcing logic and pride to take

She shoved Rupert away-hard.