Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 224

Sylvia followed Rupert into the room, her nerves jangling like a loose screen door in a windstorm. She swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure as Rupert gave her a sidelong glance, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

"Need any help?" he teased, his voice smooth as Tennessee whiskey.

Sylvia snapped back to reality, trying to sound nonchalant. "No, you're the patient, and I'm supposed to take care of you."

"Didn't ask for an explanation," Rupert said, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if he was just asking the time.

She bit her lip, quickly undoing the buttons on his shirt. Underneath the crisp fabric lay a body that was anything but modest. His muscles were firm, his abs defined but not overly so. The belt sat just right on his hips, hinting at the lines of his physique.

Sylvia took a deep breath and looked away, but Rupert leaned in closer.

"You unbutton shirts that quickly for anyone else?" he asked, his voice flat, like he was asking about the weather.

She felt her heart skip a beat. "No one."

He acted like he hadn't heard her. "Warren?"

"No! Besides..." you.

She clamped her mouth shut, but Rupert wasn't about to let it slide.

"Besides who?"

"…"

Sylvia kept her lips sealed, but then she noticed the blood trickling down his shoulder and chest.

"Blood! You need to sit down!"

Ignoring her own confusion, she tugged Rupert back onto the couch, moving behind him to help him out of the shirt. As she did, a gasp escaped her lips, her eyes widening in horror at the sight of his back.