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.

the closet. Go change into them," he

"Okay."

Sylvia scrambled off the bed and dashed

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

glass by the nightstand, he cleaned it

her breath. What did he eat growing up-protein shakes and basketballs? How could anyone get

lavender, and she

out of the bathroom. He

bed," he

and return your pajamas tomorrow. Good night, Uncle

broad-shouldered figure blocked her path and

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

pressed her lips together, fuming as she

How

he

compete with him? If

to, she

Chance the power even

it out of bed.

sleep, and it's

climbed

got into bed too. He reached for the

grab it,

the blanket,

it all

wrapped his arm around her

aren't you wearing pajamas?"

picking out pajamas, she'd grabbed Rupert's own