Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 224

Sylvia followed Rupert into the room, her nerves jangling like a loose screen door in a windstorm. She swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure as Rupert gave her a sidelong glance, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

"Need any help?" he teased, his voice smooth as Tennessee whiskey.

Sylvia snapped back to reality, trying to sound nonchalant. "No, you're the patient, and I'm supposed to take care of you."

"Didn't ask for an explanation," Rupert said, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if he was just asking the time.

She bit her lip, quickly undoing the buttons on his shirt. Underneath the crisp fabric lay a body that was anything but modest. His muscles were firm, his abs defined but not overly so. The belt sat just right on his hips, hinting at the lines of his physique.

Sylvia took a deep breath and looked away, but Rupert leaned in closer.

"You unbutton shirts that quickly for anyone else?" he asked, his voice flat, like he was asking about the weather.

She felt her heart skip a beat. "No one."

He acted like he hadn't heard her. "Warren?"

"No! Besides..." you.

Rupert

"Besides who?"

her lips sealed, but then she noticed the blood trickling down his shoulder and

need to

him out of the shirt. As she did, a gasp escaped her lips, her eyes widening in horror at the sight

but being an outsider, she was never allowed into the family's private chapel. The

daughter were barred from the family's annual memorial services. They were seen as interlopers,

them into the chapel, seeking the ancestors' blessing. At that

only allowed

thought Tristan

there. Maybe he'd scold him, sure, but nothing too serious. After all, what father

imagined Rupert would be so

mess of crisscrossing

patches, they'd surely be a grisly

of emotions

was slightly raised, and she felt

him, she couldn't see his face, but