Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 369

At that moment, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Sylvia snapped out of her

thoughts, quickly lay back, and shut her eyes tight.

A few seconds later, she felt a heavy gaze fall on her.

He stood there for a while, just watching. Sylvia kept still, pretending to sleep, until something warm and damp pressed gently against her cheek-a washcloth. She flinched, startled to realize he was cleaning her face.

When he finished, he took her hand, opening her palm. As the cloth ran over her fingers, her hand trembled.

Rupert looked down at Sylvia's reddened palm. He let out a sharp sigh, half frustrated, half amused.

He flicked his gaze toward her, still lying there, pretending to be asleep. His voice was low and gruff. "You didn't make a peep when you got hurt, but you sure know how to act like it stings now."

Busted, Sylvia yanked her hand back and rolled over, squeezing her eyes shut again.

Rupert tossed the washcloth onto the headboard and settled onto the edge of the bed.

"When did you get so hard to please, huh?"

"Playing deaf now?"

Sylvia's head was pounding-she just didn't have the energy to argue.

her. Before she could react, Rupert pulled her over, turning her to face

eyes, meeting his. Her lashes were damp, her gaze shimmering with tears she stubbornly refused to

a word, but her hurt

expression darkened. He lingered a moment, then said coolly, "There's water on the

stood up and

tight and raw, like there was a stone

couch, the ashtray overflowing with cigarette

...

by a text from Eloise,

had a little too much too, right? Get some rest this morning, okay? See you

Sylvia replied, dropping her phone onto the bed. Her head felt

whiff of a scent-sharp and

and realized she was in Rupert's

it was close to the Garcia

the hallway jolted

spun until she steadied herself, then she hurried out, crossing the corridor. She paused by the tall windows

looked up and grinned when he saw her. "Ms. Lloyd! You're up.

thanks. I

interrupted her with a loud, traitorous

chuckled, "Mr. Rupert's already gone to the office.

sure Rupert wasn't around, Sylvia finally sat down and took a bite. Orson poured her a glass of water