"Faking an injury, huh? So what exactly do you expectto pay for?"
Rupert stared Sylvia down, his face cold as ever, but there was a storm brewing behind his eyes.
Sylvia ignored his glare and answered coolly, "How much was your cane? Just sendthe bill. I'll cover it. I've
got somewhere to be, so I'll head out."
With that, she pushed his arm aside and made to leave.
Rupert didn't stop her, just let out a low grunt.
He gripped a nearby column, his knuckles white. His tall frhunched over, as if he was in serious pain.
Sylvia shot him a quick glance, her hands twitching as if she wanted to help-but she stopped herself.
She forced herself to turn away, her expression icy.
But she'd barely taken a step when Rupert grabbed her wrist.
He loomed behind her, his breath hot against her ear, each inhale growing tighter.
"Don't go."
Sylvia froze, swallowing hard, and tried to pry his hand off.
The moment she touched his skin, she felt a clammy sweat, his fingers trembling slightly.
Something was off. Sylvia gripped his hand, turned back and asked, “What's wrong with you?"
Rupert didn't answer-just stared at her, silent.
His gaze lingered on her face, the darkness in his eyes fading, replaced by a wild, desperate emotion.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSuddenly, he cupped the back of her neck, pulling her closer, his lips hovering just above hers.
"So, are you worried about me? Or just scared I'll pull a fast one on you?" His voice was low and rumbled right
into her ear, each word slow and clear. Snapping back to herself, Sylvia met his eyes.
She thought, maybe it was just her imagination, but Rupert really did look awful.
But after everything they'd been through, she figured she didn't have the right to ask too much.
She tilted her head back, putting sspace between them.
"If you don't want to talk, fine. I'll have someone from the staff help you get srest."
"Have who help me?" Rupert shot her a look.
Sylvia glanced around, only to realize the server who'd been with her earlier was nowhere to be found.
Rupert must've sent them away.
She glared at him, fuming.
Just as she was about to call for someone else, footsteps echoed from the private dining room nearby.
Rupert shifted, murmuring, “I can't let anyone seelike this. Helpto the wine cellar."
l.ne
Given Rupert's current status, every little thing he did could affect business deals. The last thing ke needed was
for anyone to see him sovulnerable. s
Sylvia glanced at the wine cellar, her mind racing with all sorts of images.
No matter how hard she tried to stay composed, her ears burned red.
Rupert eyed her, his expression unreadable. "What's got you so nervous? What are you thinking?"
"Nothing!" Sylvia shot back, exasperated, steadying him. "Let's go."
Rupert glanced at her burning ears, but said nothing as he let her lead him into the wine cellar.
Inside, the air was thick with the
scent of vintage % er geldenlight
Rng the place ddly intimate
vibe. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Sylvia helped him to the tasting lounge's couch, then retreated to stand by the door.
Rupert sprawled on the sofa, looking both relaxed and exhausted.
He pressed his fingers to his
forehead, eyes Pedopgec oe
os stendingever ére? I'm hardly in
any shape to eat Xou alive" The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
s
Sylvia stayed put, wanting nothing more than to keep her distance.
Seeing she wouldn't even talk to him,
Rupert's expression darkened fe)
stiuggled tq ROT hi¥edelfa glass of
wats} but his hand shook so badly
the cup glattered loudly to the table. s
Sylvia rushed over on instinct, quietly pouring him stea instead.