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?"

like a cornered animal, and spun

she barely got two steps before Rupert caught up and wrapped his arms around her from

go! This has nothing to do with

her wrists, but Rupert just pinned her arms with one hand, pressing them tightly against her chest so

her?" he said, voice low but firm. "Don't forget, you're about to start your

dropped something onto her

the scarf he'd

Untouched, still perfectly fine.

hadn't used it

drifted to Rupert's hand, which was

were red and swollen, some spots even

battered hand, suddenly speechless, her eyes stinging with a rush of

was he always like

it impossible to be angry

Sylvia stopped struggling.

of her, and his gaze

home," he said

to her chest and walked

a thud behind her, followed by

and Chris By the time she really heard what was

finally let out a breath. "Good thing he was wearing the back brace Another hit ike that after the surgery, and it could've all come undone."

looked up at Rupert, unconscious on

a strong chest that seemed almost

around his waist looked harsh and out of

brace had pressed too tightly, as if someone