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.

clamped her mouth shut, but Rupert wasn't about

"Besides who?"

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

You need

she tugged Rupert back onto the couch, moving behind him to help him out of the shirt. As she did, a gasp escaped her lips, her eyes widening in horror at

being an outsider, she was never allowed into the

and her daughter were barred from the family's annual memorial services. They were seen

the chapel, seeking

who married Edwin properly, was only allowed a

thought

really hurt Rupert there. Maybe he'd scold him, sure, but nothing too serious. After all, what father would truly harm

Rupert would be so

back was a mess of crisscrossing scars, some so

patches, they'd surely be a grisly

whirlwind of emotions

was slightly

couldn't see his face,