Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 115

At some point, Rupert had managed to slip off her shoes and socks.

"Hey, what are you doing? This is really uncomfortable!"

Sylvia instinctively pulled her foot away, but to her surprise, he didn't hesitate to grab her bare foot. The warmth of his palm was almost overwhelming, searing against her skin. Despite her reluctance to admit it, her body betrayed her, responding to the unexpected comfort. The sensation was so soothing that her toes curled involuntarily.

Rupert held her foot, his fingertips rubbing against the top of her foot with a firmness that was both painful and ticklish.

He teased, "Uncomfortable?"

Sylvia bit her lip, silent.

Rupert fetched a spray from the first-aid kit and sprayed it a few times on her slightly reddened ankle, then applied a bandage. Sylvia watched him silently, puzzled by his actions.

Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in her head.

had promised Bridget he'd stop the recording from

as soon as she made the connection, the man in front of her spoke up. His voice was deep, devoid

holding onto that recording won't do you any

the warmth that had just enveloped her faded into cold. She looked down at the man kneeling before her- strikingly handsome, yet utterly impassive. It felt as though they were negotiating a business deal,

skin or something else, the pain in her

inner lip, saying softly,

his lower position. Even so, his daunting presence made it hard for Sylvia to breathe. His eyes,

question, it

a disinfectant wipe to clean his hands, as if

dares to act this way today, what's to stop her tomorrow? If I don't protect myself..." "She won't." Rupert frowned, cutting

breath hitched, realizing there was no point in continuing. She tried to control her emotions, her voice soft, "I can't

jet

slipped on her shoes and socks. As she stood, the flower pinned in her hair almost fell out. She reached up to adjust it. It was such aminor gesture, yet it seemed to

Slap!

swatted his hand away, the sound echoing through the living room. She tried to dart past him, but Rupert moved faster. He caught her from behind, his arm wrapping around her like steel. His hand