Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

She nudged the man beside her, not even noticing that her oversized robe had

fallen open.

The neckline slipped low, revealing a pale bra.

She'd worn her bridesmaid dress today, and to make sure her underwear didn't peek out, she'd just grabbed a cheap strapless bra off the sale rack. Predictably, cheap meant trouble-the size was all wrong, way too tight.

She figured, "It's only for one day," and couldn't be bothered to return it.

Now, it only made things look even more suggestive.

By the time Sylvia realized she was exposed, it was already too late.

Rupert narrowed his eyes, a cold bead of sweat running down his temple, burning hot against his flushed skin.

His voice dropped an octave. "Sylvia."

Rupert had never said her name so many times in a row. She froze, answering softly, "Yeah, Uncle Rupert, you—"

Before Sylvia could finish, he leaned in, sweat dripping, and kissed her-right on her cherry-red lips.

The soft touch made everything feel painfully real.

Even as she struggled, he didn't let go. Instead, his hand slid up and down her waist, gentle and reassuring.

Thank God-it was all just a dream.

After a moment, Sylvia's resistance faded, her body trembling like she'd been dropped into a scorching hot bath, fighting off Rupert's embrace.

Rupert's hand, which had been tugging at her robe's belt, suddenly stopped. He closed his dark eyes for a second, and when he opened them again, he carefully pulled her robe closed, covering her up.

pajamas in the closet. Go change into them," he

"Okay."

scrambled off the bed

took a deep breath, trying to calm the heat churning in his gut,

broken glass by the nightstand, he cleaned it up before heading to

Sylvia came out, she was rolling up her sleeves, grumbling under her breath. What did he eat growing up-protein

smelled faintly of lavender, and she had to admit, it was

bathroom. He stopped mid-towel,

bed,"

night, Uncle Rupert," Sylvia said,

figure blocked her path and gently shut

bed?"

her lips together, fuming as

How

he

compete with him? If

to, she

Chance the power even

it out of bed.

sleep, and it's not the first

covers back and climbed in, turning

second later, Rupert got into bed

could grab it, Sylvia

for the blanket,

it all to her

at her, then simply wrapped his arm around her and

"Why-why aren't you

clicked-after all that time picking out