Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 87

She couldn't blame Fiona.

"Warren, the weather's been all over the place lately, and Mrs. Fiona hasn't been feeling well. You should go check on her."

Sylvia had even thought of an excuse.

Warren looked at her, a bittersweet smile on his face. "Then, I'll be off."

"Goodbye."

After seeing Warren off, Sylvia was suddenly hit by a wave of flavors in her mouth. The remnants of last night's wine mixed with the taste of chicken pot pie nearly did her in.

Even though she had changed into hospital garb, the lingering smell of bland soup and overcooked vegetables from last night was hard to ignore.

Luckily, she had been to this hospital before and knew its layout well.

Slowly getting out of bed, Sylvia took a few steps forward, reached for the closet door, and found the clothes Naomi had brought for her. Then, she made her way to the bathroom.

Turning on the shower, she ran her fingers through her hair, bending over to wash it first.

But it proved to be a challenge. As she reached for the showerhead, an arm suddenly encircled her from behind, taking it down for her.

Sylvia tensed, her head accidentally hitting the sink in her panic, but it landed softly against a warm palm instead.

The man's voice was cold. "Why didn't you call for help?"

Sylvia's lips were sealed.

Rupert looked at her defiant face, his gaze deepening.

"Let me."

He reached out to steady Sylvia.

"Don't!" Sylvia jerked his hand away, trying to appear calm. "You better hurry back to Bridget."

But in the next second, Rupert's presence closed in, his large hand supporting her waist, his voice deep. "You think you can avoid this?"

Sylvia instinctively tugged at his arm, but he only held her tighter, pressing her firmly against his chest.

The hand on her lower back began to wander, easily gliding up her spine.

Sylvia’s anger flared—how dare he torment her, even in her state! Was this amusing to him?

However, just as she was about to break down, she felt a sudden numbness on her scalp. A comb gently worked through her hair, starting from the top and slowly working its way down. His fingers carefully separated the knots before continuing.

Caught in her thoughts, the water stopped, and hands lathered with shampoo touched her head. The sensation of his fingertips against her scalp was tingling.

Suddenly, his hands brushed a spot where her hair had been roughly pulled.

"Ouch... that hurts..."

Rupert parted her hair, seeing the red and swollen scalp. His expression hardened, displeased. "Now you know it hurts?"

Sylvia immediately bit her lip, staying silent.

Rupert leaned closer, noticing her flaring nostrils. Why hadn’t he realized how stubborn she was before?

Suddenly, the bathroom was filled with nothing but the sound of running water.

After washing her hair, Sylvia couldn’t stand the eerie silence anymore, her hair still dripping as she issued an eviction notice.

"I need to take a shower now. Please leave."

"I have no interest in..."

Rupert's words trailed off, his gaze turning impenetrably deep.