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

didn't answer, but

lips twisted into a cold, bitter smile. There was something almost unhinged in his gaze now, his usual cool demeanor sending a

could react, he had

gripped her chin, and suddenly, his mouth was

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

wanted you," he said, breathless against her lips, "would it really need to

raised her hand to slap

ahead. In my state, two punches and I'm down for the count. Do it.

I won't?"

me until you're

and he just stood there, letting her

fists,

unable to

but at the

Gontent belongs to s

her trembling hand, and

your mind forgot me, but

tried to sound

ached,

what if her body remembered? What difference did it

forcing logic and pride to take

She shoved Rupert away-hard.