Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 450

The warmth of the tea slid down Sylvia's throat, easing the scratchiness and calming her nerves.

Gradually, she started to relax. The person beside her gently grazed her lips with his thumb, as if he was handling something precious.

He leaned in closer, his breath hot against her cheek.

Sylvia instinctively held her breath. Even though her vision was blurry, she could tell he was inches away-close enough that the slightest movement would close the gap between their lips.

Just then, the meds fully kicked in, and Sylvia's limbs went limp. She slumped onto the couch.

Almost immediately, a strong arm wrapped around her, pulling her close. The steady beat of his heart thudded in her ear-a strange comfort.

Half-conscious, she felt a soft kiss land on her forehead.

"Get some rest."

His deep, gentle voice seemed almost magical, lulling Sylvia into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.

When she opened her eyes again, she was staring at a white ceiling. She touched her forehead-no more fever, thankfully. But she still felt as weak as a kitten.

She reached for the glass of water on the coffee table, but her arm just wouldn't cooperate.

A hand appeared, putting the glass gently into her grasp.

"You're awake?"

That voice...

froze. "Mr. Sanford? What are you doing in my

a design, but your coworker said you were sick. I got your address and came to check on you. Tried calling and knocking, but you didn't answer. Your neighbor happened to come home-she had your spare key, so

and Ms. Ward were both single women, and for safety's sake, they each kept a spare key to the other's

embarrassingly

glanced around the room as if expecting to find someone else, but it was just Lester. The realization made her feel

her glance. "Feeling any

nodded. "Much

something to eat. You'll feel

was surprised to see a steaming bowl of chicken

shaky she was, and the room spun. Lester caught her before she could

he said. "Let me help

"Okay."

guided her to the

spoon.

homemade-definitely not takeout.

have been simmering

So, it

who'd cared for her.

gripped her spoon tightly, a mix of gratitude and

her almost without

Lester asked,

Sorry you had to go through all

soup and a couple

her spoon down, Lester handed her a

or your stomach will