Her Shoes

Thanks to my darling beta t_stevenson. Thanks Wildcatcdc and SoftObsidian74 for your help!



Of course, I again want to say thank you for all the lovely reviews and support. You are all wonderful and I'm sending you homemade double chocolate chip cookies and a glass of ice cold milk.



Here are the clothing deets that everyone loves:

- Dress is Herve Leger, one of my favorite designers. I just think he knows women’s bodies so well and his bandage dresses are damn dangerous (I actually own a gown of his, sigh) (http://images.saksfifthavenue.com/images/products/04/503/1254/0450312541690/0450312541690R__ASTL_276x368.jpg)



- The shoes are Rene Caovilla, a wonderful Italian master whose signature style is the wrap around straps going up the ankle and leg. You’ll have to do a bit of work to see these shoes; I couldn’t find a straight pic of them so just go to the Rene Caovilla site (http://www.renecaovilla.com/fw_sandals.html?frame=1) and look for the Silver Leather Snake Sandal, item: C4786A, 2nd from last shoe.



- Here is the jewelry:

-- Bracelet: http://www.chrisaire.com/images/wrist-band-leaf-WG-Ds.jpg

-- Earrings: http://images.onlinegalleries.com:8080/gfx/72907.jpg



Enjoy this very long chapter. Nearly 7K words.



********************************

“For fuck’s sakes, Granger, are you ready yet? We can’t be late; we’re hosting this damn thing!”



A very amused Hermione padded across her bedroom as she listened to Draco’s grumbling. They had a full hour before the business function he was hosting began. Smiling, she knew why he was short-tempered; he’d hoped she’d dress at the Manor giving them time for a pre-party romp. However, instead she had insisted on getting ready at her flat. She wanted him to escort her like a proper date, it was Muggle attire after all, and she needed the sanctity of her home to prepare.



Draco specifically mandated Muggle attire on the invitation because he’d invited the Prime Minister, several of his Muggle aides and senior DM Investments company employees who were privy to the existence of the Wizarding world. Those at the highest levels of the company had signed not only a Muggle contract but agreed to a Binding Wizarding Oath for secrecy and maximum security. She had no doubts that it would most assuredly be an interesting evening.



She hummed as she finished dressing. Her mind wandering back on that wondrous week together not even three weeks prior. He had taken her to his family’s estate in Greece, on one of the islands. It was private and quiet. She’d barely worn clothes. The minute she put anything on including a bikini, Draco’s hands were fast at work pulling, ripping or peeling them off. He’d been sweet, attentive, tender and very loving. They had made love in nearly every room of the Villa, by the pool, on the beach and on his yacht. By far, the most romantic tryst was the evening he’d surprised her with a beautiful picnic under the stars and caressed her body all night until she was a quivering bundle of over sensitized nerves. His lips and hands had explored and paid tribute to every crevice and nook of her body; she had done the same to him. Nothing was taboo and no heights were left unexplored.



Loud thumping on her door shook her from her reverie.



She slipped on her delicate sandals, picked up her wrap and long, slim clutch, checking for her wand. She took one more glance at her reflection, satisfied; she turned and walked out to greet her snarky Slytherin.



“If I have to . . .” Draco had begun to say but the words fell away the moment he saw her. His eyes drank in the sight of the goddess standing before him.



Hermione looked drop dead gorgeous. She wore a body-hugging sleeveless dress that fit like a second skin, the color a metallic gunmetal silver that left nothing to the imagination. Delicate straps narrowed at her shoulders in an inverted V-shape. The dress was a banded silhouette that shimmered as if foil were covering her body. The deep double V-neck and cutaway hem accentuated her lush curves in a deliciously wicked way. She had told him it was a ‘bandage’ dress and one could certainly see why, it coiled tightly around her body like a snake wrapped around its victim.



Her shoes were stunning. Delicate, elegant silver leather 4-inch sandals, no buckle or hardware visible. The shoes held to her feet by the sheer gravity of two simple crystal stone covered straps, one along her toes and another across the vamp. The crowning glory was the silver crystal-encrusted snake strap that bound her ankle up towards her calf. The strap ended in a tiny open-mouthed snakehead that seemed ready to strike.



She’d left her hair loose, cascading freely down her back. Her normally riotous curls tamed into gleaming ringlets that bounced as she walked. Her eyes were a dark smoky grey, which lent her a sexy, alluring look and she’d left her lips free of color, only natural gloss to adorn them. She polished and sloughed her body to glistening perfection then massaged a fragrant Orange Blossom-scented lotion into her skin in lieu of perfume. It tantalized the senses as she walked by. She looked sleek, elegant and dangerous.



Draco could do nothing but stare in complete silence as his eyes raked over her form. He slowly walked around her taking in every detail. He’d even kneeled low to finger the miniature snakeheads. Hermione began to feel somewhat nervous. He hadn’t said one word, just took his time perusing her. Perhaps he didn’t like it?



“Draco, do you like the shoes? I bought them with you in . . .” Anything else she would have said was cut off by Draco’s marauding lips as he locked his mouth to hers.



His hands roamed over her body, roughly caressing her skin and the dress. Hermione felt herself begin to respond to his touch. Oh, they were going to be late, very late, if they kept this up. Draco finally pulled his lips from hers to trail kisses down her throat to her shoulders.



“Are you wearing knickers?” Draco huskily asked, his hands massaged and squeezed her bottom. “I don’t feel any knickers.”



“Mmm.”



“Granger? I’m waiting.”



His hot breath played across her skin. “G-string . . . it’s a g-string.” She stammered at his touch.



“Bra?”



He knew she wasn’t wearing one. “No.”



She jumped as she felt his hand connect sharply with her bottom. “That’s a warning for later, you naughty girl.” He pulled reluctantly away from her and said in a low voice, “I have a present for you, sweet. Close your eyes and hold out your, mmm . . . right arm.”



Draco held one finger up as she was about to protest, so without further ado, she closed her eyes and held out her right arm. Draco’s warm fingers caressed her wrist before she felt something cool and clunky clasp softly around it.



“Open your eyes.” Draco prodded. Was there a hint of anxiety in his tone?



She opened her eyes, looked down at her wrist and gasped audibly. A stunning platinum and diamond double-leaf motif cuff bracelet was dangling from her arm. “OH DRACO!” Her other hand flew to her mouthing shock. “It’s gorgeous. You didn’t have to get me anything. This is too much . . .”



Draco cut her off. “Do you like it?”



Hermione glanced up at the tall, handsome man standing before her. His eyes shining with just a bit of uncertainty, his body tense. She gave the only reply she could. “I love it. I absolutely love it.”



Draco’s body suddenly relaxed as a sunny, and dare she say, shy grin graced his features. “I have something else but I think you should put them on yourself.”



He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, Hermione’s heart began to thud uncontrollably. Draco opened the box to reveal a set of unbelievably beautiful platinum diamond leaf earrings, which matched the bracelet.



He immediately launched into an explanation. “I took it from the family vault at Gringott’s. Mother thought you would look divine in them. It was actually grand-mère who suggested the bracelet and earrings. They were hers, you see, she wanted you to have them. Apparently, my grand-père had them commissioned for her. She disliked anything too ostentatious and these suited her tastes. The elves that designed them created remarkable timeless pieces. I wasn’t exactly sure of your tastes but knew you wouldn’t want something gauche. As I said, grand-mère wanted you to have both the earrings and bracelet, they’re a set and shouldn’t be separated, or so she claimed.”



Hermione was speechless. Was the eloquent and erudite Draco Malfoy actually babbling? Was the cool and aloof Draco Malfoy actually nervous? Goddess, he was! Hermione wasn’t sure what moved her more, that he’d consulted his mother, that Cecilia had bestowed her with something so utterly beautiful and valuable or that this usually reserved and poised man was standing before her adorably unsure and seeking her approval.



Goddess, she loved him.



Tears shining in her eyes, she clasped his hands with hers and took the proffered earring box hoping to soothe his fears. “Draco, they’re perfect. I love them. Thank you.”



He flashed another small shy smile, the taut muscles in his body slowly relaxing. “Put them on, sweet.”



With trembling fingers, she carefully removed her mother’s diamond earrings, usually the only jewelry she wore, and slipped on Cecilia’s antique earrings. She couldn’t believe he’d given her something so precious and extravagant. He’d bestowed gifts on her before but usually it was flowers, books or sweets. She had made it clear early in the relationship that she wasn’t the type of witch who needed expensive shows of affection. Draco had just smirked and shaken his head in bemusement.



“How do I look?” Hermione asked, her own nerves dancing wildly.



Draco took a deep breath and exhaled, “Hermione . . . there are no words to describe how utterly . . . stunning, gorgeous and exquisite you look. You take my breath away every time I look at you.”



Smiling, she clasped her arms around his long, lean body and hugged him with all the strength she possessed. In return, he held her to him. She whispered, “Draco, thank you for my presents. They’re beautiful.”



Leaning down, he softly replied, “Hold on,” before Apparating them to the Manor.



********************************

“Malfoy, have I told you how handsome you look?” Hermione whispered to Draco as they stood greeting the guests in a receiving line with both Kingsley and the Muggle Prime Minister.



A smile quirked the corner of his lips and he whispered back, “Yes, Granger, but you know my poor ego needs constant attention, so tell me again. Like so many parts of me, it loves to be stroked.”



Hermione stifled a giggle as another guest came up to greet them. She glanced at Draco out of the corner of her eyes once more, admiring how handsome he looked in his Muggle designer tuxedo. The black, single button, light wool-blend tuxedo had an elegant notched satin collar. Front besom pockets and button cuffs gave it a contemporary edge. The pants were simple flat front trousers that matched the jacket. He wore a stark white, French cuff fine cotton shirt with Malfoy Crest silver cufflinks. Instead of the traditional bow tie, he’d opted for the more modern trend of a wide black silk tie, his only jewelry being the Malfoy Crest signet ring that he never took off. He looked handsome and elegant.



The affair was held in the very same ballroom she’d been in when he’d taken her walking through the Malfoy Gardens in the rain. The party was in honor of moving the Muggle technology project so far ahead of schedule as well as in celebration of DM Investments landing the contract Draco had been working on with a pureblood wizard named Horace Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery had been dabbling in the Muggle financial world for many years. He made his money in real estate and was interested in expanding his ventures. Securing this deal ensured Draco’s company an equal partnership in future real estate development as well as twenty percent profits on existing ones.



“Malfoy, my boy, how are you?” A tall, distinguished wizard with bright white hair and kind twinkling brown eyes sauntered over to Draco and Hermione. Behind him was a tall, handsome man with dark, brown hair and the same brown eyes as the older wizard. “Where are your parents, my boy? I didn’t see them.”



Draco held out his hand and smiled. “Horace, good evening, thank you for coming. Mother is here, however, Father is still not well. I’d be happy to send him your regards. May I introduce Ms. Hermione Granger. Hermione, this is Horace Montgomery, my new real estate business partner.”



Hermione returned the warm smile Mr. Montgomery bestowed on her. She knew Draco liked the older man considerably. “Mr. Montgomery, it’s a pleasure. Draco has told me so much about you. Congratulations on your new partnership.”



“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you.” The sly wizard winked at Hermione before bowing and kissing her hand graciously. “Goodness Draco, you never said how absolutely breathtaking your Ms. Granger was. Shame on you, my boy.”



“Father, surely you’ve seen her picture in The Daily Prophet. She is, I quote, the brightest witch of our age. Obviously, the most beautiful as well though it’s clear none of those pictures do justice to just how stunning you truly are Ms. Granger.” The younger man with Mr. Montgomery stepped forward to grasp Hermione’s hand and kissed it as well. “I’m Jared Montgomery.”



Eyeing Draco, she could see his face and eyes harden. She smiled politely at the younger Montgomery, gave a curt nod of her head and thanked him before turning back to his father. “Mr. Montgomery . . .”



“Horace, please.”



“Horace. And do please call me Hermione. Draco tells me your next project will be along the Amalfi Coast. How lovely.” She placed her hand on Draco’s clenched fist as she listened attentively to Horace launch into a speech about his plans for Italy.



At the first opportunity to escape, she graciously exclaimed, “How delightful. The resort sounds spectacular. Would you be so kind as to excuse us momentarily?”



Bowing slightly, Horace replied, “Of course, my dear. Draco, it’s a wonderful party.”



Draco smiled again at the older gentleman. “Thank you. Enjoy your evening Horace.” He glanced at the younger Montgomery, stating stonily, “Jared.”



Hermione watched the exchange between the two wizards. Obviously, there was a history there and one that clearly bothered Draco. After promising Horace one dance later in the evening, Draco guided her towards the terrace doors. As they walked into the night air, she heard him let out a deep breath.



“Are you alright?” She asked; concern in her voice as she reached up to caress his face.



“Merlin, I just hate that bastard.” He gritted out.



Hermione nodded in understanding. “Jared Montgomery. Why?



Draco took another deep breath he paused before elaborating. “He’s the reason we had so many issues with the contract. He made outrageous demands throughout the negotiations, purposely being a cog in the entire process and costing us unnecessary galleons, not to mention Euros. He hates me because of my name. When he found out we were dating, I heard him say that I must have ‘Imperio’d’ you. Why else, and I quote, would such a lovely and intelligent witch want to be with such a sadistic, evil coward like Draco Malfoy.”



“Draco you’re not any of those things. And I want to be with you, you know that.” Hermione hoped her reassurances could pacify his anger, which was threatening to boil over.



“I’ll be honest Hermione; at times I do wonder why you’re with me. I was so cruel to you while at school. I don’t understand what you see in me. I am a bastard and I’ve done terrible things . . .,” He whispered more to himself than to her.



Stunned that he would say such a thing, Hermione felt her love for him swell in her breast. “Draco, that was a long time ago. We were children and you’re not that person anymore.”



Sighing, he hung his head and closed his eyes. “That’s not what I’m talking about. You don’t understand.”



“Draco, what are you trying to say?”



Turning to her and taking both of her hands in his, Draco stared deeply into her eyes. “Hermione, first I need you to know that I lo . . .”



“Draco. Hermione. There you are. The Muggle Prime Minister is about to give his speech.” Kingsley’s voice sliced through the air.



“Fuuuck!” Draco muttered too low to be heard. He looked back at Hermione and said, “We’ll talk later, okay?” Hermione could only gaze wide-eyed at him and nod as his lips brushed against her own. “Coming, Minister!”



Taking her hand in his, they walked back into the lively ballroom.



Dinner had been an extravagant gastronomic affair. Draco sat at the head of the table with his mother on one side of him and Hermione on the other side. Narcissa caught up with Hermione earlier that evening and admired her dress, shoes and jewelry. After dinner, the Wizarding Band Draco hired to entertain the crowd played from set lists that included both Muggle and Wizarding music. Hermione danced with the Prime Minister, Kingsley, her assistant Davis and the DM Investments Vice President of New Business Development, a Muggleborn named Devon Williams whom she’d met at Kingsley’s office the day of their presentation.



Though she and Draco had opened with the first dance, she’d yet had the opportunity to be in his arms since. She began making her way across the ballroom when she heard her name called out; she turned and spied Horace and his son standing to one side.



“Hermione, my dear.” Horace called out jovially.



“Horace. Come to claim your dance?” Hermione grinned cheekily.



He chuckled, “I would love to but I’m afraid that my body isn’t what it used to be. Old age seems to have caught up to me.”



“Horace, age is merely a number. You are certainly far from old,” she replied good-naturedly.



“Indeed. I was hoping you would let Jared take my place, my dear. I know I promised you that dance and I want you to know that Montgomery men stand by their word,” he claimed.



Hermione glanced at the silent wizard standing next to his father. “Oh, of course, though you mustn’t feel obliged, Mr. Montgomery.”



Smirking, he stepped up to her and pulled her against him. “Not at all, do call me Jared, Hermione. And, I can’t think of anything more I’d rather do than have you in my arms.”



The man was outrageous but before she could protest further, he was twirling her around the room in a Viennese Waltz. She worried over Draco’s reaction should he see them dancing together, she chose to put just a bit of distance between them as they danced.



“You’re very quiet.” Jared whispered pulling her closer.



Pushing slightly away from him, she countered politely, “I’m simply enjoying the music, Mr. Montgomery.”



He smiled, “Please, I’ve asked that you call me Jared. I’d ask if I could call you Hermione but I’m afraid I’ve already done so. Are you terribly angry?”



She shook her head and pushed away from him once more, trying to create a bit more space between their bodies. “Would you be so kind as to loosen your grip, Mr. Montgomery?”



“But why? I love holding you close, though I’m sure Malfoy holds you closer.”



Gasping, she snapped, “That is none of your business.” Enough was enough. This man was crossing the line with the innuendos.



“Calm down, my you’re a bit of a spitfire aren’t you? Malfoy is a lucky bastard. What I wouldn’t give to have a woman like you in my bed. What do you see in him anyway?”



Hermione stiffened and her eyes flashed dangerously. She had to fight the urge to hex the smug arse right here on the dance floor. Good thing she had left her wand in her clutch, which was lying on Draco’s bed. She pushed away from him and said coolly, “I think our dance is finished. Oh and Draco is more the man than you will ever be.” She attempted to walk away from him but he grabbed her back to him and wouldn’t let her go continuing to twirl her around the dance floor towards the terrace.



Hermione began searching the crowded dance floor for Draco. “Mr. Montgomery, if you don’t let go of me this instant, you’ll find out exactly why I was given my Order of Merlin First Class. I don’t need a wand to protect myself.”



He spun her out onto the terrace and let her go abruptly but blocked her exit through the doors. “You truly are magnificent. I can see why Malfoy wants you, Muggleborn or not.”



“Move out of the way, Mr. Montgomery. Now. I won’t repeat myself.”



He laughed as if amused by her. “Honestly Hermione, I’ve no intention of harming you. I merely wish a private word with you in order to get to know you a little better. I admit I’m simply intrigued on why such a sexy, shaggably delicious witch such as yourself would want a bloody little prick like Draco Malfoy.” He stepped closer to her. Hermione held her ground, poised to strike as he continued to move closer.



Just as she was deciding whether to punch him squarely in the nose or remove one of her sandals and use the heel as a deadly weapon, a cold and harsh voice interrupted them. “Take one more step towards my witch, Montgomery, and I swear I’ll ‘Crucio’ you where you stand, you fucking bastard.”



Relief flooded through Hermione at hearing Draco’s voice. She watched as he stormed over to her and assessed quickly with his eyes that she was unharmed. He pulled her slight frame behind him then turned back to Jared Montgomery.



“I think it’s time for you to leave.”



Montgomery was impassive. “Why would I do that? I’m having such a lovely time. You wouldn’t kick out a business partner would you?”



Draco snarled viciously, “You aren’t my partner, you smug arse, I only deal with your father. Though everyone is aware he keeps you on a tight leash so you don’t embarrass the family name any further with your schoolboy antics. You’re bloody prop, I know it, you know it and your father knows it. Get the fuck out of my house before it throws you out on my command.”



The two men stared at each other for what seemed like eons to Hermione. She saw Montgomery’s hand twitch prompting Draco to say, “Go ahead. Let’s see which one of us is faster at dueling? You, the sniveling coward who ran and hid in the Muggle world during the war, or me, the youngest Death Eater to join the Dark Lord’s ranks. I was recruited for a reason, care to try me out?”



Montgomery visibly paled at Draco’s words. He backed away slowly. He glanced at Hermione and offered a bow and grim, “My apologies, Ms. Granger.” He then looked back at Draco, turned and walked away.



Draco didn’t take his eyes off the retreating man’s back until he was sure he was gone. Turning to Hermione, he cradled her in his arms. “Are you alright, sweet? I was worried, I couldn’t find you and a server mentioned seeing you go out onto the terrace. When I saw Montgomery here, I just reacted.” He pressed his lips to her hair and kissed the top of her head.



Hermione snuggled into Draco’s chest and body. “I’m fine. I was considering attacking him with my 4-inch heels.”



Draco barked out a hoarse laugh. “Your shoes. Yes, those could be dangerous. But seriously, are you alright?” He had pushed her away slightly so he could look at her face, concern etched across his face.



Smiling, she reached up to smooth the worry away. “I’m fine. Thank you for rescuing me.” She added wryly, “You’re my hero, Malfoy.”



Sighing, Draco shook his head. “You hardly need rescuing and I’m no hero. Just one very lucky bloke who’s happy to have you in his life. Are you ready to head back inside, sweet? If not, you can retire; I’ll stay and bid everyone good night.”



Ringlets flying, she stated emphatically, “No. I’ll stay by your side. The evening is almost at an end. We’ll bid our guests goodnight together then go up to your room.”



Draco never left her side for the remainder of the evening. He was attentive, sweet, jovial, witty and warm.



So very, very warm, especially to her.



Hermione felt as if she was glowing inside and out by the time the evening ended.



************************

The fire crackled and popped, the warmth of the blaze nothing in comparison to the inferno Draco’s hands and lips ignited all over her skin.



She lay on Draco’s supine form enjoying a delicious snogging session on one of the chaises in his bedroom in front of a small fireplace, the burning flames the only illumination in the room. She was still fully dressed and in her heels while Draco had removed his jacket, tie, cuff links, shoes and socks. She let her head loll back to afford him better access to her neck.



His lips were soft and sweet. He kissed her with an unexpected gentleness that left Hermione breathless.



“Mmm. That feels nice.” She murmured.



Draco chuckled lightly against her throat as he continued to place sensual open-mouth wet kisses along her neck and shoulders. His hands were at the zipper of her dress and he gently began tugging it down her back.



“Draco, stop.”



He looked up at her in confusion. “Is something wrong?”



She gave him a slow, seductive smirk and shook her head. “Don’t speak. Don’t move.” She nearly laughed at Draco’s raised eyebrows but rather than protest, he nodded his head in acknowledgement of her command.



She carefully popped open each button on his expensive shirt, pushed it open and ran her hands down the hard muscles of his chest. She felt him shiver under her exploring fingers as they trailed down towards his trousers.



“You were such a good boy tonight; I think you deserve a reward.” She purred cupping his already hard erection through his trousers.



Smirking smugly, he replied in a voice thick with lust, “Do tell.”



Pouting prettily, her strokes became bolder as she watched him from underneath her eyelashes. “Didn’t I say not to speak? You’re such a bad boy. Perhaps you need to be punished.”



“Oh, by all means punish me, please.”



Raking her nails over the large hard bulge, she heard him groan. She pulled his zipper down, sliding both his trousers and boxers off the length of his long legs and tossed them aside. Gliding her hands up his legs, she bent down and ran her tongue along his hipbone making him hiss and buck slightly.



“Gods witch, just do it,” Draco moaned.



“Do what?” She whispered as her tongue lazily trailed across his stomach to his other hip.



He looked at her darkly and growled. “Suck my cock!”



Hermione grinned slyly, working her way towards the long, thick shaft begging for her attention. Moaning, she wrapped her mouth around the swollen tip licking it with deliberately lazy strokes. She heard him sigh and abruptly sucked hard making his body shudder.



“More. Suck me more. Take it all in your mouth, sweet.”



She could feel his hands tenderly combing through her curls. She knew he was restraining himself from taking over. Moving at an unhurried pace, she took him into her mouth deeper, sucking, licking and nipping his cock with her lips and tongue. Savoring his salty essence, she swirled her tongue along the head then sucked hard along the length. She grasped the base of him gently while picking up the pace of taking him in and out of her mouth until Draco began to slowly rise up to meet her lips, thrusting in and out of her hot, wet mouth.



She loved pleasing him this way. It made her feel powerful, in control and so desirable. Draco was so dominant at times in the bedroom that this was one way she could gain and exert some control, knowing she affected him as much as he did her.



She sensed him approaching the edge of his climax, his body began to stiffen and shiver. She took him into her mouth and down her throat as deeply as she could, going faster and harder until he exploded. She drank him in completely then lovingly kissed the tip as she released him.



Draco was trying to catch his breath. He held his arms out to her. She crawled up his body and nestled against him, her head on his chest, until he spoke. “That was amazing, sweet. Thank you. Now it’s your turn. Will you play with me?”



She lifted her head and looked at him before nodding her head. Draco loved to play sexual games and experiment. He always pushed her past her boundaries but never hurt her or allowed her to feel uncomfortable. She trusted him completely.



“Turn around.” He unzipped her dress and slid it up over her head. “Leave the shoes and that tiny little g-string on, now lie back onto me. Close your eyes and do everything I say.”



Hermione’s body shuddered at his words but she did as he asked. She lay against his hard frame and waited for him to speak.



He took her hands in his and brushed them down her already searing moistened flesh. “Do you know how beautiful you are? Sexy, hot and all mine. I want you to play with yourself now, Granger. Show me what you do to yourself when I’m not there with you.”



She could feel the pulse in her throat flutter wildly as she moaned low. He released her hands then began to whisper sultry phrases making her writhe against him.



“Do it Granger,” Draco ordered. “Dip those little fingers under that tiny bit of lace. Play with your sweet pussy for me. I know what a dirty girl you really are. Show me how wet and how hot you are for me. Spread your legs wide and make yourself cum and if you’re a good girl I’ll fuck you good and hard later with my thick cock.” His voice demanded.



It was as if a bucket of ice had been dumped unceremoniously all over Hermione’s body. She shot up and pressed away from Draco as her eyes wide in disbelief.



She was afraid to look at him; no, she couldn’t have heard him correctly. She asked hoarsely, “What did you just say?”



He grabbed her shoulders and tried to ease her body back onto his. “You heard me.”



“I know, that’s the problem.” She twisted away from him and swung her legs onto the floor searching for her dress. He reached for her again and she stepped away from him, “Please don’t touch me right now.”



She found her dress, grabbed it and wiggled back into it, using a quick charm to zip it up. She turned around slowly to face Draco and found him still lying on the chaise but he stared into the flames. She took a deep breath and summoned her courage.



“You’re going to explain yourself, now. Do you hear me Draco? I want you to tell me everything, right now. No more avoiding,” she demanded.



He turned his head to look at her and sighed before leaning over to scoop up his boxers and trousers to slip them back on. He stood up and seemed to be at a loss for words but then winced and closed his eyes. “You figured it out. I think I did that on purpose to be honest. I wanted you to know.”



Hermione shook her head and looked on in disbelief and fear. “Know what? Just tell me.”



He walked towards the windows and looked out into the clear night sky. “I tried to tell you earlier, out on the terrace remember? I told you I was a bastard and had done terrible things, to you.”



“But that was in school, a long time ago.”



Letting out a humorless laugh, Draco said simply, “No.”



“Just tell me, damn it!” Her anger rising, she walked over to where he stood.



“Tell you what, Granger?”



“The truth. Before we got together, I know you were studying me and manipulating my life. And what you just said . . .” She shook her head in denial. “It can’t be . . .”



“The truth,” Draco said bitterly. “You want the truth? All right. The truth is I’ve wanted you ever since Third Year. I’ve plotted, lied, manipulated and used every means necessary since serving my community service to get you.”



Hermione stared at Draco in confusion. He ploughed on, “I blackmailed my father into gaining control of the entire Malfoy inheritance so he couldn’t tell me who I would marry or control my life. He resisted for five years but I finally threatened him with a life sentence in Azkaban. You see, I have certain evidence that I was ready to deliver into the hands of Auror Harry Potter. I’m the reason my father’s health is so poor. He had a coronary seizure after he signed the Malfoy estate and power of attorney to me. That’s why he was released from Azkaban early. As much as he hates it, he relies on me to survive. I despise him and tolerate him only for Mother’s sake.”



She gasped. “What about your mother.” She felt as if she couldn’t breathe.



“Oh, she adores you. She’s never cared about bloodlines; only my father was so damned prejudiced. She genuinely likes you, she believes you’re good for me and ensures my father tows the line.”



“What else?”



“What else? There’s so much, Granger. Let me see, ah yes, Muggleborns. I knew in order to win you I had to show I’d changed. So, I began by volunteering at the Muggle orphanage during my community service. Being surrounded by the little Muggles helped me understand their world better. The company was another brilliant move, what better way to straddle both worlds? Of course, the fact that DM Investments is a raging success is a nice bonus, don’t you think? I genuinely love my job. Dating Muggleborn witches exclusively helped ‘condition’ the Wizarding world for our inevitable relationship. I didn’t want you to have to deal with scandalous newspaper stories that might cast derision on why we were together. Draco Malfoy dating Hermione Granger would make enough waves, Draco Malfoy dating a Muggleborn witch who happens to be Hermione Granger would have placed unnecessary strain on us.”



A rushing sound accompanied the loud pounding of her heart as Hermione stood listening to Draco’s surreal confession. She couldn’t seem to get past his statement of wanting her since Third Year. Everything Cecilia and Pansy had said now came falling into place.



“So, none of those other witches . . .”



He cut her off softly and adamantly, “There were never other witches. They served a purpose. You were always the only one for me.”



“But I’ve dated, Draco. How could you know . . .?”



“Right. You mean Weasley and the others? Well, I knew Weasley and you would fail eventually. If you hadn’t, I would have made sure you did. Just like all the others.”



Hermione’s face blanched, she felt her stomach twist as she took one step away from Draco. “What?”



“Your darling, devoted boyfriends were easily disposed off. Wood gave me a bit of a problem but when I threatened to share certain pictures of him with a lovely Chaser from an opposing team, he quickly gave in to my demands that he no longer see you. The Frenchman was no Count; by the way, he accepted a nice tidy sum to get lost. The American’s wizarding visa paperwork mysteriously disappeared forcing him to return to New York and a nice little innocuous Confundus Charm took care of the Muggle.”



Hermione’s mouth was open in shock. She had always wondered why all her romantic interests seemed to end so abruptly. The Muggle Draco had mentions had suddenly stopped calling with no explanation whatsoever.



Swallowing, she asked about the one person she’d still wondered about. “Adrian?”



Sneering, Draco spat out, “Pucey, that arse. He wouldn’t cave. Refused to listen to reason until DM Investments became his largest and most lucrative client. Of course, it didn’t fully stop him from pursuing you did it? He would still ask you to lunch and dinner, despite my warnings.”



Hermione pulled out the chair from his writing desk and sat down. Her head was spinning with everything he was confessing to her. “H-how did you know about . . . what you said earlier . . . on the chaise . . . how did you know?”



Draco looked away. “As I said, your Muggle boyfriend was easy to manipulate. I used Legilimens on him and found out where you lived, it took a bit of time but I eventually dismantled your wards and was able to slip into your flat undetected, I used an invisibility cloak. I-I watched you sleep at night, sometimes.”



Her body was ice. He had broken into her home. Dear Merlin, who was this man? Did she ever know him? She couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, couldn’t think. Her heart was beating hard in her chest; air was difficult to take in.



“I was concerned after our initial meeting at the Ministry. I . . . snuck in that Sunday night to make sure you would be all right for work on our first Monday working together. I saw what you were doing and I . . . I couldn’t resist. I touched you and you didn’t scream. Then I spoke to you and . . .”



She felt the horror wash over her; she had thought it was her own fantasy. She was sure she was going to be ill. “And Pansy knew?”



“No, she only knew how I felt. She nearly Avada’d me after our . . . well, after the library. I was angry with myself. I couldn’t believe I’d lost control like that. I treated you poorly and I’m so sorry for that. I know I hurt you and I never meant to. I was afraid to tell you everything because I didn’t want to lose you.” He swallowed and looked at her. “I l-l-love you, Hermione. I love you so bloody much. Please believe me. I’m sorry and I can’t bear to lose you now.”



A sob escaped her throat. “Love? That’s not love, Draco. That’s obsession. What you did was wrong. You . . . you, manipulated my life. You broke into my home, you invaded my privacy . . . oh gods . . . I don’t even know who you are.” She backed away from him, shaking her head. This was a lie, a dream, a nightmare.



“Yes, you do. I am still the man you’ve gotten to know these past months, that’s me. The real me. Please, you have to listen to me . . .” Draco reached out to touch her.



“NO!” Hermione’s voice was sharp and full of fury. “Don’t touch me. Y-you lied to me. I have to go.”



Draco stared at her, pain evident in his eyes. “I’ll take you home.”



“No! I’ll Floo home. I need to be alone. I need time to think.” Hermione held her hand to her forehead and walked over to Draco’s bed, picking up her wrap and clutch. She didn’t turn to face him and whispered, “Please, please give me some space. Don’t try to contact me.”



Despite the tears that were threatening to spill down her cheeks, she would not cry, not now, not in front of him. Her mind was reeling and she needed to think. Goddess, her heart was breaking; she was in love with him.



His voice cracked as he asked, “Will you be back?”



“I-I can’t answer that, Draco. I need time and space, right now. I can’t believe all that you’ve done.” She hurried towards his bedroom door and called out, “I’ll see myself out.”



************************

Oh dear, Draco came clean. More to come.