Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 13

She vomited all over Rupert's brand-new suit, and his brow furrowed instantly. Eventually, when nothing but bile was left, she leaned weakly against the car. Orson hurried over, extending his hand, "Mr. Garcia, let me assist Ms. Lloyd."

Rupert simply shrugged off his jacket, "No need."

Despite his clear disgust at Sylvia, he still picked her up and carried her into the house.

Sylvia was taken straight to the bathroom, and as soon as she was perched on the countertop, he began to remove her vomit-stained clothes. "Stop! No!"

Sylvia tried to push him away, but her weak state was no match for him.

Rupert expressionlessly stripped off her clothes, revealing the marks from the previous night under the harsh light.

Ashamed, Sylvia tried to fend him off, but he caught her wrist. Rupert's palm was unnervingly hot.

As Sylvia looked up, she met his increasingly intense gaze. He didn't give her a chance to resist, opening her knees and moving closer to her body. Instinctively, she shuddered, her whole body rejecting Rupert.

Rupert frowned, grabbing a towel from the stack on the sink to dry his hands, casually saying, "I'm not interested in a woman who's just thrown up." Hearing this, Sylvia almost breathed a sigh of relief, but then she collapsed into Rupert's arms, as if all her strength had drained away.

her pale face, her forehead beading with cold sweat, utterly

"Still feeling sick?"

barely able to muster the energy to

was deep,

speak, only feeling dizzy

had no illusions about

she was so

on her cheeks; a warm towel brushed her cheek,

Above her, a dangerous voice said, "I'll let you

felt lighter, as Rupert carried her

had a bowl of broth prepared by the

eyes downcast, his gaze inscrutable. Though his actions seemed tender, they were tinged with a dominating aggressiveness. Sylvia knew Rupert didn't really care about her; she was just not allowed to

regained her strength, a spoonful of broth came to her lips. She hesitated, then opened her mouth, but before she could taste it, Rupert's phone

Bridget. The call connected and

last night, calling me...shameless, promiscuous. What should I do? I feel like I'm being stalked, I'm so scared." Rupert listened to Bridget, his icy gaze falling on Sylvia. His slightly furrowed brow showed

it. He believed Sylvia

"I'll be there."

did Rupert's tone