Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 44

With a click of the door lock, Sylvia didn't need to turn around to know who was approaching. The jar she was holding tumbled out of her grasp and rolled across the floor.

It came to a stop at a pair of men's leather shoes.

Sylvia scrambled to pick it up, but a pair of hands slid around her waist from behind, cold and constricting like a serpent, tightening its grip.

Eventually, she was trapped in front of the kitchen counter, feeling the heat of breath cascading from the top of her head down to her ears, her own breaths turning erratic in response.

His lips were at her ear, his voice low and teasing.

"Do you always enjoy being led around?"

His breath tickled Sylvia's ear, making her squirm. She wanted to escape, but any movement only brought a more intimidating presence from behind, forcefully pressing down on her.

The air around Sylvia seemed to encircle her, and through her blouse, she could feel how hot his chest was against her back.

Despite herself, her ears flushed red. The man behind her, observing her restrained and shy demeanor, had pupils as dense as the night, quietly watching her, his hand gently caressing her waist.

Sylvia's body trembled, her voice low and struggling, "Uncle, this is the Garcia family’s house!"

"So?"

"Let me go, what if someone sees?" Sylvia grabbed his wandering hand.

The man behind her stilled. Just when Sylvia thought he might release her, she was suddenly lifted and placed on the kitchen counter.

She barely managed to suppress a scream. Now facing each other, Sylvia clenched her jaw at the sight before her.

Rupert's face was a picture of aloof danger, his eyes like cold stars in a winter night, his gaze always so merciless, so detached.

Being watched by him, Sylvia felt a surge of resentment and...grievance. She had been avoiding him, so why wouldn't he leave her alone?