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.

fresh pajamas in the closet. Go change

"Okay."

Sylvia scrambled off the bed and dashed for the walk-in

trying to calm the heat churning in his gut,

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

Sylvia came out, she was rolling up her sleeves, grumbling under her breath. What did he eat growing up-protein shakes and basketballs? How could

of lavender, and she had to

Rupert came out of the bathroom. He stopped mid-towel, eyeing the

for bed," he

tomorrow. Good night, Uncle Rupert," Sylvia

blocked her path and gently shut the door

to bed?" he

pressed her lips together, fuming as she turned

How

he

compete with him? If

to, she

Chance the power even

it out of bed.

It's just sleep, and it's not

climbed in, turning her back

into bed

grab it,

for the blanket,

it all

his arm around

"Why-why aren't you wearing pajamas?" "You're wearing

finally clicked-after all that time picking out pajamas, she'd grabbed Rupert's