Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 49

She patted down her newly donned suit jacket, applying a bit of pressure only to squeeze out water.

How could it be this wet just by wearing it? Sylvia turned to glance at Rupert. His left side was completely soaked, the shirt clinging to his body, outlining a physique many would envy. What happened?

On the drive, Rupert had the driver crank up the heating, tapping on the rear screen twice with his fingertips.

Initially chilled to the bone, Sylvia felt warmth envelop her from all directions; even beneath her felt comforting. She lowered her head, puzzled by Rupert's intentions. Eventually, after a roundabout journey, Rupert brought her back to his apartment.

"Go take a shower."

Rupert fetched a pair of women's slippers from the closet for Sylvia.

At a glance, Sylvia immediately remembered the personal items in Rupert's apartment that belonged to Bridget. These had to be Bridget's slippers.

"I'm not wearing those."

Barefoot, Sylvia stepped inside, the cold floor making her wish she could tiptoe around. Rupert watched her tiptoeing, his eyebrows slightly raised, but he said nothing.

bathroom, sneezing twice before calming down. With a competition ahead, she couldn't afford to fall ill at a crucial moment,

to wear - no towel, bathrobe, or clothes. Standing naked,

would undo

reluctantly called

No one answered.

she raised

no response. She suspected Rupert was doing this on purpose! Catching sight of a cellphone on the sink, she

all?" His voice

mumbled, "There's...I

"What?" Rupert teased.

"There's...no towel."

""Couldn't hear."

Sylvia answered

Outside.

shirtless, lounged on the couch smoking, his gaze briefly flicking to the pile

haze of smoke, a barely noticeable smile formed on his lips.

knew well what lines not to cross. Even with Bridget by his side for so many years, he refrained from intimacy until marriage. The only time he got