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.

you're here, you might as well take the dress back. I don't

was expensive, and she didn't want to owe Rupert anything. But as soon as she spoke, Rupert's

gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You'll accept his gifts, but not mine? Has he eaten

"I..."

parted to explain, but Rupert silenced her with a fierce, urgent

her lips that always seemed to defy

"Ow!"

free herself, but his fingers laced tightly with hers,

heat from their hands left a series of ambiguous prints on

Rupert released her lips, his jaw tense, his eyes stormy now?

it hurt

right, I deserve all of this! To you all, I'm just someone to be

her, and tears welled up,

over.

paused, brushing a

eye, his furrowing. "Can't say a

belongs to .net

lump forming

kindness were