Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 488

Hearing Rupert’s answer, Chris sucked in a sharp breath.

He tossed the damp napkin in his hand onto the table, frustration clear in his voice. “If all you want is a woman, you could have any girl who’s willing! But her—”

“She agreed,” Rupert interrupted, his tone calm and detached.

Chris was momentarily speechless. His thoughts flashed to Naomi’s recent hospital stay.

He didn’t need to ask how Sylvia had “agreed.” He already knew.

“Are you out of your mind? Does it really have to be her?”

“It has to be her.”

“Rupert! Don’t do this! I know the only reason you won’t tell Sylvia the truth is because you’re afraid she’ll go after Tristan and drag herself down with him, right?”

Rupert just took a drag from his cigarette, saying nothing.

“Do you have any idea—”

Chris almost blurted out what he knew about Sylvia’s situation, but then he remembered his friend’s warning:

“With someone like her, unless she wants to speak up herself, airing her story for her is like handing her a knife. All you can do is give her space—let her decide for herself.”

Space? Choice?

Chris glanced around the room, then at Rupert, and changed the subject. “What about Reese?”

Rupert’s face was as composed as ever. “I’ll take care of both of them.”

Chris let out a long sigh and turned to leave.

——

Guided by memories from her old life, Sylvia found her way back to the room. She opened the wardrobe—inside, women’s clothes of every style filled the shelves.

She couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. She grabbed a random set and headed for a shower.

After, she lay on the bed, her mind oddly calm. Even as the door opened behind her, she only gripped the comforter tighter, refusing to look back.

But when she felt the warmth of another body settle beside her, Sylvia couldn’t help but tense.

A man’s arm slid around her waist, pulling her close. His head rested gently on her shoulder, dark eyes searching her face.

“Asleep?” Rupert’s voice was husky.

Sylvia caught the want in his tone. She didn’t struggle, only replied coldly, “I just got out of the hospital. I’m not exactly up for that kind of thing right now. If you really need something, you’ll have to find another way.”

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