Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 401

"Ms. Ward, he never touches the pickles. Hand them over."

But before she could reach for the plate, Rupert Garcia snagged it first.

"Who says I don't like pickles?"

"..."

Sylvia Lloyd stared at Rupert in surprise as he dipped his fork in the tangy brine.

He was acting a little strange today.

But she shrugged it off, poking at a couple of pierogis on her plate just to be polite.

As soon as Ms. Ward finished her meal, Sylvia got up to help clear the table, hoping to nudge her toward the door. But after a brief lull, Ms. Ward’s favorite pastime kicked back in—gossip.

"So, it's really over?" she asked, wiping down the table with a paper towel.

"Yeah." Sylvia glanced unconsciously at Rupert and nodded.

Not that there was ever really anything to end, anyway.

Ms. Ward’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Well, I’ll set you up with someone!"

"What?"

Sylvia almost dropped her mug.

Ms. Ward shot a quick look at Rupert and reassured him, "Mr. Rupert, as your aunt, I promise I'll thoroughly vet anyone I introduce to your niece. No way I’d let her end up with a bad egg."

Rupert’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Sylvia, his tone chilly, "What do you say, kid?"

A chill ran down Sylvia’s spine. She shook her head quickly, "No, really, I’m good."

Ms. Ward was easy to handle—just a little small talk and she’d drop it soon enough.

She nodded, "Fair enough, you’re still young. But just don’t go crawling back to your ex, okay?"

Sylvia stiffened, forcing a smile. "Not going back... Oh! I almost forgot—I got you a little gift."

She hurried to grab a small gift box and handed it over. "Open it when you get home."

Ms. Ward looked a bit embarrassed, "Thank you, hun. I’ll get going, then."

She couldn’t see his face, but she could feel his chest heaving. Her wrists ached from his grip.

Then, just as suddenly, he let her go.

Sylvia rubbed her sore wrist, eyes blazing. "Get out! I don’t want to see you!"

She turned to march deeper into the house, but before she could take a step, Rupert grabbed her by the nape and hauled her back.

He gripped her firmly, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"He lied to you, and you still had dinner with him? Sylvia, that makes no sense!"

They were so close she could feel his breath, hot and ragged.

"You... jerk."

He smirked against her lips. "I can be worse. See him again, and I’ll show you just how bad I can get. Try me."