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.

withdrew her hand and awkwardly rummaged through the first aid

I'll put some ointment on it, but I don't

my coat pocket,"

picked up his jacket from the couch, and

her teeth, realizing he had been prepared all along. He

alcohol and warned, "Rupert, I'm going to disinfect it. It might sting a little, so feel free to shout if you can't

spot, but instead of the reaction she expected, Rupert smoothly shifted, pulling her

her in his arms, he murmured, "Is this

up, meeting his intense gaze, which seemed

a past life, and

move away, his hand rested on her leg, holding her in place with just the

brushed against her, his warm breath

his voice

shook her

his hand behind her

to raise her hand, he caught it.

voice dropped a few notches, yet

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

on

back,

resolve melted instantly.

kneaded gently, his voice

me go," she whispered, biting her lip to keep from making

try

bathe

the fire