Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 323

As soon as the words left his mouth, the man grabbed the back of her head and crushed his mouth to hers in a rough, almost desperate kiss.

“Ow—hey!” Sylvia gasped, pain shooting through her lips.

Instinctively, she parted her lips to protest, which only invited him in.

His gaze locked onto hers—those dark eyes burning with heat and wild desire, almost a little unhinged.

Sylvia pounded his chest a few times in protest, but he barely seemed to notice, letting her vent her frustration however she wanted.

Then he pressed her back onto the bed, his tall frame looming over her, radiating an intensity that left her completely powerless.

After a tense moment, Rupert finally let her go, burying his face in the crook of her neck. His breath was ragged, stirring her hair, the heat of him lingering against her ear.

His voice was hoarse. “I’m away on business for a while. Stay away from the Garcias’ place, okay?”

Sylvia’s heart jumped. She couldn’t tell if this was a warning or just concern, but she nodded.

“Your mom’s waiting for you downstairs. Go on,” he said, pulling away and straightening his clothes.

Sylvia scrambled off the bed, bolting for the door without looking back.

Just as she disappeared, Orson poked his head into the hospital room.

“Mr. Rupert, she ran off again?”

“Mind your own business,” Rupert replied, all icy composure once more.

“You know, this isn’t the way to do it. Just look at Dr. Chris—everyone loves him… well, never mind, clearly you outrank him, sir.”

Orson’s words tumbled out as Rupert fixed him with a dangerous glare, and he hastily backtracked.

“If Dr. Chris is so great, why don’t you go bother him?” Rupert snapped, stalking off.

Orson scratched his head. “What did I even say? Why would I go find Dr. Chris?”

“Wait up, Mr. Rupert!”

Eloise gave her a look but didn’t object.

Of course Bridget wanted to play hostess—probably hoping to cozy up to some industry heavyweights at the expo.

After the meeting, Sylvia dove into prepping for the show, researching the designers and their new collections.

Meanwhile, Bridget’s phone rang, her face tightening as she stepped out of the office. She let it ring five or six times before answering.

“Freya! Seriously, give it a rest!”

“I just gave you a hundred thousand yesterday!”

“Well, if you’re not willing, I guess I’ll have to talk to Sylvia. I’m sure she’d be very interested in what I’ve got,” Freya threatened.

Bridget’s jaw clenched, her knuckles whitening around her phone.