Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 49

She patted down her newly donned suit jacket, applying a bit of pressure only to squeeze out water.

How could it be this wet just by wearing it? Sylvia turned to glance at Rupert. His left side was completely soaked, the shirt clinging to his body, outlining a physique many would envy. What happened?

On the drive, Rupert had the driver crank up the heating, tapping on the rear screen twice with his fingertips.

Initially chilled to the bone, Sylvia felt warmth envelop her from all directions; even beneath her felt comforting. She lowered her head, puzzled by Rupert's intentions. Eventually, after a roundabout journey, Rupert brought her back to his apartment.

"Go take a shower."

Rupert fetched a pair of women's slippers from the closet for Sylvia.

At a glance, Sylvia immediately remembered the personal items in Rupert's apartment that belonged to Bridget. These had to be Bridget's slippers.

"I'm not wearing those."

Barefoot, Sylvia stepped inside, the cold floor making her wish she could tiptoe around. Rupert watched her tiptoeing, his eyebrows slightly raised, but he said nothing.

Sylvia dashed into the bathroom, sneezing twice before calming down. With a competition ahead, she couldn't afford to fall ill at a crucial moment, so she quickly showered in warm water.

After showering, she realized she had nothing to wear - no towel, bathrobe, or clothes. Standing naked, she paused for a few seconds.

Putting her wet clothes back on was out of the question; it would undo her shower and likely make her sick due to the temperature change.

Looking up, Sylvia reluctantly called out, "Uncle?"

No one answered.

"Uncle Rupert!" she raised her voice a bit.

Still, no response. She suspected Rupert was doing this on purpose! Catching sight of a cellphone on the sink, she hesitated before dialing Rupert's number.

"Hmm? Decided to call me after all?" His voice was low and husky, unintentionally seductive.

Sylvia, conflicted, mumbled, "There's...I need..."

"What?" Rupert teased.

"There's...no towel."

""Couldn't hear."

"There's no towel! Nothing!" Sylvia answered through gritted teeth.

Outside.

Rupert, shirtless, lounged on the couch smoking, his gaze briefly flicking to the pile of clothes beside him.

Through the haze of smoke, a barely noticeable smile formed on his lips. He wondered how Sylvia would look in those clothes.

He recalled that night again; he usually was indifferent to such affairs. In a position of power, he knew well what lines not to cross. Even with Bridget by his side for so many years, he refrained from intimacy until marriage. The only time he got tricked, was with Sylvia. Though she had drugged him, the experience was...unforgettable.

"Uncle Rupert?" Her voice came through the phone, a mix of urgency and tantalization.

Rupert's ears tickled at the sound. He extinguished his cigarette and stood up, saying, "Open the door."

Shortly after, Sylvia cautiously cracked the door open, reaching out to grab the clothes from Rupert's hand.

On top was...men's underwear?

"Why are you giving me this to wear?"

"Wouldn't it be weirder if I had women's? They're new."

Rupert leaned against the door frame; though only half of his body was in sight, his formidable physique was visible. Especially without a shirt, his presence was more intensely predatory and dangerous than when he was suited up. Sylvia eyed the underwear, "I...I don't want it."

It was clear he was trying to embarrass her. Wouldn't it have been simpler to give her any of Bridget's women's pants?

Rupert squinted, an unfathomable look in his eyes, quietly observing her as if he was ready to devour her. Finally, he spoke with a husky voice, "Then go without."