Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 341

Warm water cascaded over the man's broad shoulders, splashing everywhere, leaving his body veiled in a misty haze.

His hair was tousled and dripping, long lashes beaded with water. He simply narrowed his eyes, that midnight gaze growing darker, more dangerous.

Water ran in winding streams down his sharply cut abs, tracing every line until it vanished beneath the towel barely hanging on his hips.

Sylvia instinctively took a step back, but there was nowhere left to go.

A cool hand, slightly trembling, slipped through the water and pressed against his chest.

Her palm felt like it had touched a hot stove. She tried to pull away, but he caught her hand in his.

"Why are you so cold?" he asked, his voice low.

"The AC's busted, I guess," Sylvia answered, trying to sound casual.

The room was one Bridget had booked for them. Sylvia had noticed something was off the moment she walked in earlier that day.

It faced the alley, the air conditioning worked whenever it felt like it, and when she'd called the front desk, they'd told her there were no other rooms-just handed her a $20 meal voucher for room service. Big help.

Mountain City in the winter was even chillier than Kingstoria. Without heat, she'd be sleeping in her parka.

Who would believe Bridget hadn't done this on purpose? Certainly not Sylvia. Not that she cared to argue-Rupert would never believe her anyway.

She tried to pull her hand away, but Rupert just gripped it tighter, guiding her fingers under the stream of warm water.

better?" he

Sylvia tried to curl her fingers but couldn't break free from his

fine. You can let go now,"

little hotter, his dark lashes

face flushed. Wasn't

the bathroom, and his gaze was heavy, unreadable. He brushed a wet fingertip along her cheek, catching a stray drop. His voice was a whisper, rough and teasing: "You really think you

hide the confusion and vulnerability

noise echoed from outside the

she started, but before she could finish,

narrowed down to the heat between them, their silhouettes

Someone peeked in, scanned the room, listened to the sounds drifting from the bathroom, and

the room. She's with another

"Understood."

bathroom, a

was

to her skin, and she felt like she might turn into an ice cube

Rupert caught her arm and tugged her

hair before you freeze. I'll grab you

of me, you jerk!" Sylvia snapped,

at three scratches," Rupert replied, pointing to

cheeks burned hot

essment, but she c

Instead, she spun