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.

think I did this?" Rupert's voice went low and rough.

didn't answer, but

bitter smile. There was something almost unhinged in his gaze now, his usual

he had her pressed up

suddenly, his mouth was on hers-hard,

was tense as stone, and the groan in

against her lips, "would it really need to be this

snapped into anger—she raised her hand to

punches and I'm

think I won't?"

ahead. Hit me

softened unexpectedly, and he just stood there, letting

her fists, swung a

to land

at

Gontent belongs to s

and pressed

your mind forgot me, but your

to

ached, a dull,

body remembered? What difference did it

logic

She shoved Rupert away-hard.