Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 223

The memory of their recent kiss lingered in Rupert's mind, adding a new depth to his gaze.

Sylvia felt a shiver down her spine under his intense stare, instinctively looking up at him.

Rupert's eyes traced her face before settling on her lips, still warm from their encounter. He swallowed hard, his throat moving with the effort.

"There's only one way to keep that mouth of yours quiet," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. The implication was crystal clear, and Sylvia couldn't help but understand.

But then, realization dawned on her, and anger flashed in her eyes. "You tricked me! You didn't drink at all. There's no smell of alcohol on you."

"Smart girl, but… a bit too late," Rupert replied, glancing down to where he stood.

It hit Sylvia then—he had slipped into the house unnoticed during the commotion, and before she could react, he had calmly shut the door.

"Jerk!" she exclaimed, grabbing the keys from the table and hurling them at him. To her surprise, they hit his shoulder dead on.

Rupert winced, his shoulder instinctively hunching as if to protect itself. Sylvia's anger gave way to concern, and she quickly stepped up to him, pulling at his jacket to check his shoulder.

As her fingers brushed the fabric of his shirt, she felt something unusual. Her hand recoiled, revealing a crimson stain on her fingertips.

Blood.

She had thought Rupert had just scraped himself, but who stands around bleeding while bantering?