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...

looked up and froze. "Mr. Sanford? What

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

safety's sake, they each kept a spare

embarrassingly awkward. So the person from earlier was really

if expecting to find someone else, but it was just Lester. The

her glance.

nodded. "Much

something to eat. You'll feel stronger." Lester gestured to

looked over and was surprised to see a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup,

and

now," he said.

"Okay."

guided her to the table and

her spoon. The soup was

homemade-definitely not takeout.

must have been simmering it

while. So, it really was

who'd cared for her.

tightly, a mix

almost

hungry?" Lester asked, watching

Sorry you had to

managed to eat half her soup and a couple bites of muffin,

handed her a glass of water and

these with food, or your