Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

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.

"Is that better?" he asked.

Uneasy, Sylvia tried to curl her fingers but couldn't break free from his grip.

"I'm fine. You can let go now," she muttered.

But Rupert only turned the water a little hotter, his dark lashes lowering as he looked at her. "What are you so afraid of?"

Sylvia's face flushed. Wasn't it obvious?

Steam filled 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 can resist me?"

Sylvia choked on her reply, unable to hide the confusion and vulnerability in her eyes.

Suddenly, a noise echoed from outside the door.

"Did you hear that " she started, but before she could finish, Rupert's mouth covered hers.

In the swirling mist, the world narrowed down to the heat between them, their silhouettes blurring into each other.

Outside, the door creaked open. Someone peeked in, scanned the room, listened to the sounds drifting from the bathroom, and slipped back out, phone already dialing.

"Mr. Rupert hasn't left the room. She's with another man."

"Understood."

When Sylvia finally left the bathroom, a shiver racked her body.

The AC was definitely dead.noveldrama

Her damp clothes clung to her skin, and she felt like she might turn into an ice cube at any second.

Behind her, Rupert caught her arm and tugged her gently back into the bathroom.

"Dry your hair before you freeze. I'll grab you some clothes."

"Let go of me, you jerk!" Sylvia snapped, yanking her hand away.

"A real jerk wouldn't have stopped at three scratches," Rupert replied, pointing to his back.

Sylvia's cheeks burned hot with

essment, but she c

Instead, she spun

started furiously towelet

and her

hair.

A moment later, Rupert returned with a set of clean clothes, set them on the rack, and left without another word.

Sylvia stripped off her wet things and took a long, scalding shower, letting the heat chase away the chill and the memories.

By the time she emerged, the heating was completely dead, and the room felt even colder than before.

She glanced at Rupert, sprawled half-dressed on the bed, and headed for the single armchair.

"I'll sleep on the cha-ah!"

In a flash, Rupert had pulled her onto the bed, rolling over her and pinning her down.

"You talk too much," he murmured with a

wicked grin. "If you're not should do

the grin. "If you're not

something about that." Covel