Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 312

The nurse quickly hooked Sylvia up to a fresh IV, working with swift efficiency.

Once everything was in place, Rupert glanced over at Chris.

"You can wait outside."

Chris clutched his stomach with one hand and rubbed his arm where Rupert had yanked him earlier. "Does this count as a workplace injury or what?"

The hospital room door closed quietly behind him, leaving Sylvia and Rupert alone.

Sylvia came back to her senses, instantly trying to wriggle out of Rupert’s arms.

But he held her tight from behind, his broad chest warm and unyielding, a strong and possessive presence wrapping around her.

His voice was low and cold. "You knew she'd come after you, didn’t you?"

"I didn’t know. Didn’t you say I’m not clever enough, Uncle Rupert? How could I possibly read people’s minds?" Sylvia murmured, half-defiant.

"Still arguing?"

Rupert sat behind her, his face unreadable, his tone giving nothing away.

He pulled the blanket over the two of them, tucking her in almost brusquely.

His body heat filled the chilly space beneath the covers, turning it instantly cozy.

Sylvia felt awkward, pinned in place, unable to move even if she wanted to.

The room fell quiet except for the faint rustle of the blanket, an intimate sort of silence lingering in the air.

After a moment, Sylvia clutched the blanket tightly. "It was Bridget."

"Enough. Get some rest," Rupert’s voice turned icy, shutting her down.

Sylvia felt her body go cold all over again.

He’d seen the state she was in—he knew everything—and he was still covering for Bridget.

She took a shaky breath, her throat raw, her nose stinging, her whole chest aching with frustration.

She yanked the blanket from him, wrapping herself up tightly.

"I’m calling the police. Unless you kill me, you can’t stop me," she spat out.

Aaron had just been promoted, barely stable in his new role, and people were already circling for his spot. She refused to believe the entire police department belonged to the Lance family.

Even if she was doomed to lose, she’d at least stir the pot.

"Kill you?"