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.

closet. Go change into them," he said,

"Okay."

off the bed and

breath, trying to calm the heat churning in his gut, then

broken glass by the nightstand, he cleaned

out, she was rolling up her sleeves, grumbling under her breath. What did he

of lavender, and she had to admit, it

out of the bathroom. He stopped

bed," he said,

wash and return your pajamas tomorrow. Good night, Uncle Rupert,"

figure blocked her path and gently shut the

to carry you to bed?" he said, his voice

together,

How

he

compete with him? If

to, she

Chance the power even

it out of bed.

just sleep, and it's not the first

flipped the covers back and climbed in, turning

got into bed too. He

could grab it,

for the blanket,

all to her

his arm

startled. "Why-why aren't you

that time picking