Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

His hand was pale and elegant, fingers long and smooth as marble. They slid from Sylvia's wrist into her palm, lacing through her fingers and holding tight.

He gave a gentle tug, pulling her into his arms.

Sylvia froze, then slowly looked up. He was right there—-so close she could feel his breath. Rupert.

His eyes were deep and dark, like a midnight sky scattered with stars-endless, mysterious. There was something both intimidating and magnetic about his gaze.

Under its weight, her heart clenched tight. But just then, her daughter's sweet, piping voice echoed in her mind.

"Mommy, why did you name me Stella?"

"Because your eyes are as beautiful as the night sky."

Just like your father's.

The moment stretched, quiet and endless, until her vision blurred with unshed tears. She didn't want him to see her so vulnerable, so she quickly looked away, lowering her gaze.

A second later, a man's jacket landed on her head, covering most of her face.

His scent wrapped around her, warm and steady, grounding her. Tears threatened

to spill over, and she instinctively squeezed his hand even tighter.

Her nails pressed into the back of his hand, but he didn't let go.

"Let's go."

Rupert led her forward.

As they walked down the hall, someone passing by nodded respectfully.

"Mr. Rupert."

Sylvia, startled, tried to pull her hand away, but Rupert only held it tighter.

He gave a cool, polite nod. "Yeah."

Tears prickled at Sylvia's eyes. She couldn't figure out why he made no attempt to hide their closeness.

Rupert kept hold of her all the way into the empty stairwell. He stopped at a window, finally breaking the silence.

"His name is Caleb Lennon. He's Chris's younger brother. After Benjamin Lennon died, their mother and the two brothers ran the Lennon family. Chris took on the role of the father figure. He doesn't know."

Sylvia tugged at the jacket on her head, looking up at him, confused.

"Why are you telling me this?"

He looked down at her, his voice casual but his eyes saying more than words ever could.

Maybe he thought she wasn't clever enough, that she might mess things up.

Sylvia bit her lip and tried to pull her hand free, twisting her wrist.

But Rupert just tightened his grip, drawing her even closer.

He caught both sides of the jacket, trapping her face so she couldn't turn away, forcing her to look up at him.

Moonlight streamed in, cool and

soft, bathing Sylvia's face in a pate glow. Her damp lashes fluttered, her eyes shimmering with emotion. Her lips, usually rosy, looked pale and delicate.

Rupert brushed his thumb across the corner of her eye. "Why are you crying?"

His voice was calm, almost distant, like a gentle stream.

Sylvia parted her lips, almost whispering Stella's name. But-who would believe her? Him?

"What if I told you Bridget ordered him to kill me?"

As soon as she spoke, she curled her fingers tight, her heart pounding like thunder as she waited for the

fallout. o

Rupert said nothing, just lifted her

She caught a flicket

one finger-bringing

even She caught a fnoveldrama

in his eyes.

Sylvia's face went pale. Of course he didn't believe her.

She turned her face away. "If you don't believe me, then-"

Her words died as he leaned in, his breath mingling with hers.

of

His kiss came out of nowhere, leaving her stunned and breathless. For a moment, her mind went blank.

She barely heard the soft, desperate sound that slipped from her lips.

Rupert took the lead completely, not letting her escape. Only when her phone rang did he finally let her go.

Sylvia stared at the unfamiliar number, took a shaky breath, and answered the call.