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...

up and froze. "Mr. Sanford? What are you

help her sit up and take a sip of water. "Don't worry, it's not what you think. I was passing by your studio to ask about 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.

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

a thank you, feeling embarrassingly awkward. So the person from

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

noticed her glance. "Feeling

"Much better,

feel stronger."

see a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup, with a plate of warm blueberry muffins-her

and the room spun. Lester

now," he said. "Let me help

"Okay."

the table and they sat

spoon. The

homemade-definitely not takeout.

must have been

So, it

who'd cared for her.

mix of gratitude

almost without an

hungry?" Lester asked, watching

you had to

a couple bites of muffin, but

spoon down, Lester handed her a glass of water and

these with food, or your