Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

They really were in this together.

If she actually ended up killed in that crash, at most it would be ruled an accident.

Maybe the guy behind the wheel would even get off easier, since technically, she'd darted into traffic where she shouldn't have been.

She'd die, and no one would ever know the truth.

As these thoughts spun in her head, the sound of two men hitting the ground and begging for mercy echoed from the alley.

It was over. Sylvia rushed toward the dark passage-she had to see who wanted her dead.

But just as she reached the mouth of the alley, Chris and Orson showed up with backup.

Rupert didn't even give Sylvia a chance to speak. He stared down at the men sprawled on the ground. "Take care of it."

Orson instantly motioned for his guys to gag the two men and drag them away.

Seeing this, Sylvia finally understood Rupert's intentions-even she couldn't miss it now.

"Why gag them? What, there's something I'm not allowed to know? They tried to kill me! Why am I the only one left in the dark?"

"You don't need to know." Rupert's voice was cool, almost distant, as he stood half-hidden in the shadows.

Sylvia froze for a second, but she already knew the answer.

"Kay? Was it her? Why are you covering for her? Who gave you the right to decide for me?"

and spun

caught

has nothing to do with

her arms with one hand, pressing them tightly against her chest

"Don't forget, you're about to start your fellowship. Are you just going to throw away your dream? And... how are you going to explain

he finished, Rupert dropped something onto her

glanced down-it was the scarf

Untouched, still perfectly fine.

used

to Rupert's hand, which was still clamped

were red and swollen, some spots even

stared at his battered hand, suddenly speechless, her

was he always

made it impossible to be angry at him, even

Sylvia stopped struggling.

let go of her, and his gaze

home," he said

clutched the scarf to her chest and walked out

a thud behind her, followed by Orson's panicked shout. "Mr.

next few minutes in a daze, trailing behind Orson and Chris By the time she really heard what was happening again, she

he was wearing the back brace Another hit ike

up at Rupert,

a strong chest that seemed almost

his waist looked harsh and

the brace had pressed too tightly, as if someone had tried to tear