Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

They plated up the food and carried each dish to the dining table.

A few minutes later, the four of them sat down together.

Reese, smiling playfully, picked up a piece of honey-glazed ham with her fork and held it up to Rupert's lips.

"Mr. Rupert, try this-tell me if it's any good?"

Rupert's eyes flicked down, and without missing a beat, he gently turned Reese's fork back toward her.

"You've been on your feet all day-eat something first."

Reese's cheeks flushed pink as she grinned, "Alright, if you say so."

Sylvia, watching them, lowered her gaze and quietly scooped up some green beans onto her plate-the kind of thing she'd gotten used to at the Garcia household.

There was always plenty of food at the Garcias', but only those with real standing got to spin the Lazy Susan and pick what they wanted.

Someone like her? Even reaching for one extra bite was considered stepping out of line.

As she reached for another forkful of veggies, the Lazy Susan spun, and suddenly the honey-glazed ham was right in front of her.

Startled, she glanced up to see Lester giving the Lazy Susan another turn, this time bringing the buttered shrimp around to her side.

"Thought I remembered you liking these last time," he said. "Don't be shy-dig in." "Thank you," Sylvia replied, surprised that Lester remembered such a small detail. Still... she would have preferred if the ham had stayed put for a second longer. She liked meat best, after all.

Not wanting to seem ungrateful, she added two shrimp to her plate.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Rupert reaching for something, but realized he was just grabbing a napkin.

"Bro, are you seriously ditching your sister for your date?" Reese teased.

"Alright, alright. I'll peel your shrimp for you," Lester replied, already wiping his hands and getting to work.noveldrama

Reese raised her eyebrows. "No need, I've got someone else who can do it for me. Why don't you help someone else?"

She nudged her plate of shrimp in front of Rupert. "Mr. Rupert, would you peel these for me?"

Rupert held up his hand. "Got a cut today-not the best idea. Let your brother handle it."

Reese pouted, but nodded with a crooked smile.

Lester glanced at Rupert, then promptly dropped the peeled shrimp into Sylvia's bowl instead.

"Too late-guess tonight's Sylvia's lucky night."

Reese burst out laughing, making Sylvia blush so hard her ears burned.

But when Sylvia picked up her shrimp, she caught a dark glare from across the table. Rupert's expression had turned cold as ice.

Finally, dinner wound down. Sylvia stood to help Reese clear dishes. Together in the kitchen, they chatted and washed up, the mood light and easy.

Reese nudged Sylvia with her elbow. "So, what do you think of my brother?" "He's nice," Sylvia replied politely, not reading into the question at all.

"He="

Before Reese could finish her thought, Lester's voice echoed from the next room.

"Reese, want me to put your suitcase in the master bedroom?"

"Don't just barge into our room! I'm not a little kid anymore!" Reese

back cheeks red, and hurried bet

the kitchen Content belangs

of

ět

Hearing the laughter fade, Sylvia's shoulders drooped. She let out a breath she'd been holding and gazed out at the night sky, the moon bright and cold against her face.

Suddenly, a shadow appeared in the window's reflection.

Her heart skipped a beat, and before she could step away, strong arms wrapped around her from behind. One and arcted her waist, the other gripped her chin, forcing her to face Kim.

His face was grim, eyes burning with a wild mix of emotions.

"Why are you with him?"

"It's none of your business! Let me go!" Sylvia hissed, her voice low.

"Not a chance. Sylvia, even if it kills me, I'm not letting you go."

His lips crashed down on hers, fierce and desperate.