Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 225

"

Why won't he speak up?

Sylvia's mind was a whirlwind of confusion. First, there was Warren's sudden change, and now Rupert's silent retreat as if he had vanished into thin air.

What was real? What was just a facade?

She looked at the crisscross of scars and tentatively asked, "Does Tristan often give you the 'family treatment"?"

"I'm not stupid," Rupert replied dismissively.

"Then when do you end up getting the 'treatment'?"

"When others don't use their brains."

Others, meaning Sylvia.

So, this sly old fox, Rupert, surely knew how to protect himself.

Then why was he...

Lost in thought, Rupert turned his head slightly. "Sylvia."

"Hmm?"

"Have you touched enough?"

Sylvia snapped back to reality, realizing her hand had been tracing the marks on Rupert's back all along.

rummaged through

I'll put some ointment on it, but I

my coat pocket," Rupert said

up his jacket from the couch, and

teeth, realizing he had been prepared all along. He must have let her fuss

going to disinfect it. It might sting a little, so feel

but instead of the reaction she

her in his arms, he murmured, "Is

looked up, meeting his intense gaze, which seemed to want to consume

in a past life, and her back heated up

tried to move away, his hand rested on her leg, holding her

his warm breath fanning her neck, both dominating

his voice was thick

no," Sylvia shook her head, pulling her neck

his hand behind her

she tried to raise her hand, he caught it. "Still

voice dropped a few notches, yet

to cah." As she defiantly began to respond, he

on

back,

resolve melted

kneaded gently,

whispered, biting her lip to keep

answer, try again."

bathe

the fire in his