Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 222

Sylvia cursed Rupert in her heart, calling him shameless. Yet, when she noticed the bloodstains on his palm, she hesitated for a split second.

In those brief moments of distraction, the man before her seized the opportunity to lean into her.

Instinctively, she reached out to steady him, catching a strong whiff of whiskey. "Rupert, are you out of your mind? You're hurt and you've been drinking?" "Yeah. Wasn't feeling too great, needed a little pick-me-up," he murmured, his chin resting heavily on her forehead, voice low and tinged with weariness. Sylvia felt the heat radiating from his forehead and hesitated, but her sense of reason overpowered any sympathy. She pushed gently against his chest. "Rupert, you've had too much. Let me call Orson to take you home."

"He's gone."

"Then I'll call Bridget. She'll take good care of you."

She didn't look at him as she stepped back, putting some space between them.

Rupert leaned against the doorframe, gazing down at her with an unreadable expression. "Aren't you considerate."

Sylvia caught the sarcasm, biting her lip. "Thanks for the compliment. I'll make the call."

She pulled out her phone, but before she could dial, Rupert snatched it from her hand and tossed it onto the entryway console. It landed with a thud on the lower shelf, knocking over a box.

Their eyes were drawn to it—a luxury boutique box meant for a dress.

Seeing the box reminded Sylvia of how she'd been duped by Warren. Things that don't belong to you are never worth coveting.

gestured to it. "Since you're here, you might as well take the dress back. I don't

the right thing to do. The dress was expensive, and she didn't want to owe Rupert

meet his gaze. "You'll accept his

"I..."

eyes widened, her lips parted to explain, but Rupert silenced

her lips that always seemed to defy

"Ow!"

herself, but his fingers laced

rising heat from their hands left a series of ambiguous prints

released her lips, his jaw tense, his eyes stormy now? I told you to stay away

"Does it hurt

all of this! To you all,

and tears

over.

paused, brushing a

his furrowing. "Can't say a word to

belongs to .net

breath hitched, a lump forming in

course, his patience and kindness were reserved for Bridget.