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.

but her eyes said

unhinged in his gaze now, his usual cool demeanor sending

Sylvia could react, he had her pressed

her chin, and suddenly, his

whole body was tense as stone, and the groan in his throat was ragged

her lips, "would it really need to be

into anger—she raised her

two punches and I'm down for the count.

think I won't?" Sylvia's

me until you're

voice softened unexpectedly, and he just

clenched her fists, swung

unable to

at

Gontent belongs to s

her trembling hand, and pressed it tight. against

forgot me, but

tried to

Sylvia's heart ached,

remembered? What difference did it

logic and

She shoved Rupert away-hard.