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.

she felt the bed dip behind her. Before she could react, Rupert pulled her over, turning her to face

lifted her eyes, meeting his. Her lashes were damp, her gaze

say a word, but her hurt and resentment were

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

and left the

of water, her throat tight and raw, like there was a

room couch, the ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts

...

was woken by a text from

much too, right?

her phone onto the bed. Her head felt like

caught a whiff of a scent-sharp and

around and realized she was in Rupert's

it was close to the Garcia

from the

crossing the corridor. She paused by the tall windows in the

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

I

stomach interrupted her with a loud, traitorous

noticed and chuckled, "Mr. Rupert's already gone to the office. I'm just

around, Sylvia finally sat down and took a bite. Orson poured her a glass of