Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 212

Sylvia's eyes lingered for a moment, realizing she had just let slip something from her past life.

She tried to pull her hand back, but he held it even tighter.

"Explain."

"It's just... before, whenever you had that cough, I could always smell the scent of eucalyptus leaves on you." Sylvia winced slightly, "It hurts."

Rupert didn't release her, though his grip eased a bit.

He leaned in closer, intrigued. "Every time? Really?"

Sylvia bit her lip, realizing she had talked herself into a corner.

She turned her head away, determined not to say another word.

Rupert's gaze grew more intense, his already feverish body now taut with tension. The heat between them was palpable, and Sylvia could feel it pressing down on her. She turned her head, and his face was suddenly very close to hers.

He glanced down at her rosy, slightly damp lips, his dark eyelashes casting shadows over the emotions in his eyes. There was a dangerous allure about him.

Sylvia instinctively gripped the sheets tighter, telling herself to stay calm, absolutely calm...

Yet to her surprise, Rupert didn't kiss her like he used to. Instead, he pulled back a little.

"I'm sick," he rasped.

""

Sylvia paused, gripping the sheets even tighter.

down, she noticed the IV in his

adjust his hand. "It's backing up.

condition was worse than she'd thought-his

for a

help you feel a bit

"Okay," Rupert murmured.

the backing and gently applied it to his forehead, only to

size by mistake. Seeing

phone, and used it to check his reflection. "Is it that

cleared her throat,

sight laughter, when Set

a document peeking out

from under the covers.

was the Bailey

exposed it while searching

that's where

"I'll get a cloth

bathroom, Rupert's voice followed her.

Sylvia

slightly but steadied

sicking calmly, "You c

me; there's no

in

old issues."

Rupert said nothing.

what

forced Sylvia to