Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 225

Why won’t he speak up?

Sylvia’s mind was a whirlwind of confusion. First, there was Warren's sudden change, and now Rupert's silent retreat as if he had vanished into thin air.

What was real? What was just a facade?

She looked at the crisscross of scars and tentatively asked, “Does Tristan often give you the 'family treatment'?”

“I’m not stupid,” Rupert replied dismissively.

“Then when do you end up getting the 'treatment'?”

“When others don’t use their brains.”

“…”

Others, meaning Sylvia.

So, this sly old fox, Rupert, surely knew how to protect himself.

Then why was he...

Lost in thought, Rupert turned his head slightly. “Sylvia.”

“Hmm?”

“Have you touched enough?”

Sylvia snapped back to reality, realizing her hand had been tracing the marks on Rupert’s back all along.

She quickly withdrew her hand and awkwardly rummaged through the first aid kit for some ointment.

“Well... although it’s bleeding, it’s just a minor cut. I’ll put some ointment on it, but I don’t have any professional healing strips.”

“In my coat pocket,” Rupert said nonchalantly.

Sylvia paused, picked up his jacket from the couch, and found a few healing strips inside.

She gritted her teeth, realizing he had been prepared all along. He must have let her fuss on purpose.

Determined, she pulled out the alcohol and warned, “Rupert, I’m going to disinfect it. It might sting a little, so feel free to shout if you can’t take it.”

She pressed the alcohol swab onto the bleeding spot, but instead of the reaction she expected, Rupert smoothly shifted, pulling her onto his lap.

Enclosing her in his arms, he murmured, “Is this fun?”