Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"No one else around, can we talk now?" Sylvia gasped, glaring at Rupert.

Even in her anger, she was captivating. Her eyes, like smoldering embers, were misty with unshed tears. Her lashes fluttered, and the look she gave was enough to make anyone's heart race.

Her damp shirt clung to her skin, leaving just enough to the imagination, testing Rupert's self-control to its limits.

Rupert's eyes darkened, his hands clenched into fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Finally, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tossed a dry

towel her way.

"Cover up," he said gruffly.

Sylvia hesitated, unable to read the man in front of her. But she didn't have the luxury of pondering. All she wanted was to cover herself up quickly.

Just as she pulled the towel around her, there was a sudden ripping sound in the silence. Her well-worn bra, strained by her movements, had snapped. Right in front of Rupert.

She quickly draped the towel over her body and even her head.

Rupert coughed, his voice hoarse, his fists still clenched, his fingers tingling with the memory of her warmth. He thought to himself that he should not have held back.

...

The car pulled up to Sylvia's apartment building. Orson, the driver, made a move to get out and open the door, but Rupert stopped him.

"Grab the spare clothes from the trunk."

"Yes, sir."

Orson quickly retrieved the clothes and handed them to Rupert through the car door. Standing outside, he glanced at the sky and muttered to himself, "Does he really have to act like she's guarding against a wolf? It's a bit insulting."

Sylvia, too embarrassed to show her face, was bundled up by Rupert in a large coat and carried upstairs.

As they reached her door, they ran into a neighbor returning from work.noveldrama

Sylvia immediately threw the towel over Rupert's head. Orson almost jumped out of his skin, frozen in shock.

The neighbor's eyes lit up at the sight of Rupert's tall frame. Just as she was about to catch a glimpse of his face, Sylvia covered it with the towel.

"Ms. Lloyd, is this your boyfriend?" the neighbor asked, intrigued.

Sylvia wanted to deny it, but with Rupert holding her and wearing his clothes, any denial would be futile. So she simply said, "Yes."

As soon as the word left her mouth, she felt Rupert's arms tense around her. She

bit her lip, knowing he was probably angry, thinking she had some ulterior motive. She resolved to explain later.

"When did you start dating? Where did you meet? What does he do? With that build, is he a model? Why are you covering his face?" the neighbor asked, her curiosity boundless.

She reached out to pull the towel away. Besides her nosiness, she was genuinely nice. Whenever she bought something tasty after a

late-night shift, she'd share it net

Sylvia without expecting anything in return, just a bit of company to vent out work frustrations. She'd even save some of her hometown treats for Sylvia.

Once, when she heard strange noises from Sylvia's apartment, she checked on her safety even in the dead of night, emphasizing that single women should look out for each other.

So Sylvia couldn't be angry with her. Politely, she blocked her hand and explained, "He's, um, shy. Haha, we'll be going in now. Let's have dinner sometime. Goodnight."

With that, she quickly opened the door and ushered Rupert inside, signaling Orson to head downstairs before the neighbor could corner him with questions.

Orson slipped into the elevator, disappearing quickly. Sylvia shut the door behind them.