Her Shoes

Hey t_stevenson! Yeah, you! Thank you darling. Hugs and kisses! And to the always funny and sweet Lady Lynn, I say “gracias!” Now, I hand you both some Appletinis, say “salud” and suck it down!



This is an important chapter for many reasons. It shows the progression of their relationship and growth of Draco. A few were worried about his behavior, actions and darker tendencies. I firmly believe those are canon traits and not ones that can be easily brushed under the table. No, they have to be dealt with and Hermione, being Muggleborn, knows this. I think this chapter shows the true testament of Draco’s love for her, and huge leap on his part. I hope you enjoy it.



THE DETAILS

Dress: Yves St. Laurent - http://images.saksfifthavenue.com/images/products/04/337/1273/0433712734558/0433712734558R__ASTL_276x368.jpg



Ring: Mint Green dia Pave Ring - http://www.abracadabrajewelry.com/images/Mint-Green-Garnet.jpg



Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti Jeweled Strappy Sandal - http://www.splendicity.com/shoeblitz/files/2009/03/giuseppe-zanotti-jeweled-strappy-sandal.jpg



PS: Thanks malfoymistressk for those crazy-ass shoes. And a special shout out to iVamp, who made the most amazing poster, I put it up at my photobucket acct (http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt99/margaritaabate/Chapter15.jpg)



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“This is just gorgeous.” Pansy shoved yet another shoe into Hermione’s hands.



“I’ve got three pairs in my hands, already.” Hermione huffed and blew a curly strand away from her face. She was indeed holding two beautiful pairs of high heels in her left hand, and admiring another with her right hand.



Ginny walked up to her and plucked the two from her left hand. “Todd mentioned he has three other pairs in the stock room that he had specially ordered for you. He’s sent someone to collect them. Sit down and give me those.”



Hermione plopped down unceremoniously but gratefully; she was exhausted. They’d been shopping all day for shoes, lingerie and dresses. Right now, all she wanted do was curl up next to Draco with a cup of tea and a good book.



“I never thought I’d say this, but I don’t think I can look at another pair of shoes!” Hermione chuckled, pushing her hand through her long, curly tresses.



Pansy rounded on her. “Bite your tongue! Now, I know you’re exhausted but we need to find your shoes, ours and a pair for Narcissa.”



At the mention of her name, a slightly older and beautiful blonde woman dressed in a gorgeous wrap dress turned. In her hands was a pair of suede ankle boot stilettos. “Did you need me, girls?”



Narcissa Malfoy strode confidently over to the group of young woman. Hermione smiled at her future mother-in-law. “I’m exhausted. We found nearly everything today, except the shoes. If Todd doesn’t have anything I like, I’ve decided to go barefoot.”



“Nonsense,” Narcissa admonished with a smile. “I’m sure we’ll find exactly what you want, my dear.”



Hermione sighed and stood as she saw Todd approaching their little group. A warm and genuine smile greeted her. “Ms. Granger, so lovely to see you and what a joyous occasion brings you to our little shop. I was quite happy and honored when I received your call.” Hermione blushed at the kind words. “Well, I see you’ve been perusing the boutique but may I presume nothing has caught your fancy?” He eyed her knowingly. She shook her head. He smiled as he continued, “Of course not. Only the best for one of our most discerning and valued clients. I took the liberty of contacting several designers after speaking with you, and placed a special order. Allow me to present them to you, personally.”



Todd motioned for his boutique staff to place three boxes on the floor as he knelt down. He carefully opened each box and placed one shoe from each style on a small table to Hermione’s right. Hermione could only stare at each beautiful work of art; each pair was lovely and unique. She felt, in her heart, one of these would be “the one.” Her heart sped up when she spied the last pair. In awe, she delicately picked it up to admire up close. Ginny and Pansy offered an appreciative “oh,” or “ah.” Narcissa merely grinned.



Hermione could only stare in delight. “Oh, my.” Todd smiled knowingly as he helped her try them on. Hermione stood and walked around, testing them. “They are just too beautiful for words. Simple, yet elegant and they look so good on.” Sighing happily, she hugged Todd. “Thank you, they’re perfect. I’ll take them.”



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

After dinner, all the women were dead-tired from the day’s activities. Hermione bid Narcissa a good evening after they Floo’d to the Manor. All Hermione wanted to do was sink into the large bathtub that awaited her in Draco’s rooms.



No, correction, their rooms.



Draco had invited her to move into Malfoy Manor and she had been living with him for two months now. At first, she hesitated; she enjoyed her flat, her things, her privacy and her freedom. She was worried that moving in with Draco would affect that. However, he doubled the size of his suite to ensure Hermione had plenty of space for all her treasures, and he gave her carte blanche to redecorate as she saw fit.



Even Crookshanks was welcome, though Draco adamantly refused to allow him to sleep in their bed. Crookshanks, for his part, preferred the outdoors and could often be found lounging on the terrace or roaming the gardens. Hermione had asked Narcissa if Crookshanks could have a small cathouse tucked in amongst the lavender, and the older witch readily gave permission. Needless to say, Crookshanks was quite pleased.



Arriving home, she quickly undressed. The ironic fact that she now called Malfoy Manor home was not lost on her. Draco loved to replay her words from that very first day she arrived to embark on the project. Sighing, she filled the tub, adding some lily and jasmine oils, and sank slowly into the slightly stinging, warm water. Draco was at the office, working over the weekend on a new contract scheduled to be finalized and signed on Monday. She knew she would have some time to herself and planned to enjoy every minute of it. Hermione adored her dragon but she also relished her solitude at times, as did he.



Breathing deeply, Hermione closed her eyes for a moment to relax and reflect on the last thirteen months. Since the night of Pansy’s party, she and Draco had been nearly inseparable. That night they had reveled in each other’s arms, basking in the afterglow of their sweet, sensuous lovemaking, and not waking until the following morning. The next day was spent talking and arguing and talking. She had made it clear they were going to discuss their issues and neither was allowed to leave his suite of rooms, no matter how large a row they might have.



He listened to Hermione. Hermione had listened to him. They each tried to remain calm but there were times their anger, and her resentment, got the best of them. It had resulted in quite a few heated shouting matches.



Hermione stood her ground, spelling out how and why what he’d done had cut her so deeply. She knew he had darker tendencies but she would never have suspected how far into the fathomless abyss they ran. Breathing evenly, she had been honest in voicing her fear of his behavior. This, in turn, had horrified Draco. He never wanted her to feel afraid of him.



He acknowledged he had very deep-seated issues borne from his surroundings, who his father was and living under Voldemort. Draco had admitted his father had allowed the perverted, twisted maniac to live in Malfoy Manor during Sixth and Seventh Year. It had been a horrible existence and one he didn’t want to discuss. It was the main reason he’d gutted the Manor and remodeled. He wanted to erase every trace of Voldemort’s taint in his ancestral home.



He went on to confess that part of him just didn’t know how to have Hermione see him any differently; he’d fancied himself in love with her for so long that she’d become his obsession. His behavior towards her was instinctive and reactionary. While he had feelings for her, he knew she would never look at him as anything other than a Death Eater’s son. It made him angry and, well, he didn’t know how to deal with all the emotions that churned through him.



Seeing an opportunity, Hermione broached the subject of therapy. She explained to Draco she wanted to start anew with him but he needed to work on handling his emotions. Pansy was seeing an excellent mental healer at St. Mungo’s who specialized in the aftermaths of the war, as well as Death Eater’s children. She wanted him to consider meeting with this specialist. She reminded him of his oath from the previous evening when he’d stated that he would do whatever necessary to be a better man.



Naturally, Draco had balked. The idea of him sharing his deepest fears, secrets and desires with a stranger was not the way a Malfoy behaved. She, in turn, stated coolly that stalking was not the way a Malfoy behaved either, yet he’d stooped that low. Silence had greeted that comment; he’d turned and walked away. He didn’t speak to her for an hour.



Hermione didn’t budge on her stance. After he’d left, she picked out a book from the library and settled onto a settee in the living room. She would wait him out. This was a non-negotiable point in her mind.



In the end, Draco returned and relented. He said he would try it, for her, and see if it did any good. He stated, emphatically, that he would stop immediately if he felt it was a waste of his time. Draco also made her promise to accompany him to each and every appointment. He reasoned if he was going to have some healer poking about in his brain, then she was going to suffer alongside him. Hermione smiled; it was a start.



That was how Draco Malfoy entered therapy.



He’d begun by attending twice a week. For the first three months, Hermione dutifully attended his sessions until one day, while in bed, he’d quietly informed her that he no longer needed her to accompany him. He felt he could continue on his own. He was now down to weekly appointments. Hermione would attend at his invitation, which was usually once a month.



Of course, not everything was perfect. In the end, she realized there were certain traits that were so ingrained in his persona that they would always be there. He would always struggle with jealousy in regards to Hermione, as well as his feelings of possessiveness, which came from his fear of abandonment. It was how he dealt with his feelings that were the true test; being honest with Hermione, and maintaining an open line of communication was essential to the progression of their relationship.



While these revelations made him very affectionate toward ‘his girl’, it didn’t exactly change his communication with others. In business, he still behaved as professionally as always but in his personal life; his darker traits had a tendency to surface. He still tended to lose his temper. He still guarded his feelings. He very rarely opened himself up and still maintained an air of reserve. Hermione would sigh and acknowledge that at least her sweet Slytherin was trying, and not everything was perfect. A shadow of darkness had taken up permanent residence in his soul; she could only provide constant light to keep him balanced.



While he was diligent in working to rein in his hot-tempered nature in everyday life, it wasn’t the case in the bedroom.



Oh, no – and thank Merlin – Draco still remained dominant in all their amorous pursuits. He enjoyed pushing their sexual boundaries, and his very alpha-male nature was a force to be reckoned with in their bedroom pleasures. Often, he would surprise Hermione with just how creative he could be and she relished exploring new and delectable ways to express their passion.



In all this, Hermione was more than happy to submit. She truly enjoyed all of their playtime. He very much treasured the gift she bestowed him by giving him sexual control; she trusted him implicitly and knew no harm would ever befall her under his care. She also realized that unleashing his inner beast in this manner helped provide him with a certain amount of equilibrium. She understood his need to feel in control of certain aspects of their life, and she quite lovingly acquiesced.



A relationship is give and take, after all, and he had already done so much for her.



It amazed everyone around them how this petite, curly-haired witch could with one look, touch, or smile immediately ease a potential eruption from the sometimes volatile dragon. It was clear she knew how to handle him.



Therefore, it came as no surprise to anyone when Draco proposed nearly a year after their second chance. He had taken her to The Abbey Library of Saint Gall, the oldest library in Switzerland, and one of earliest and most important monastic libraries in the world.



Hermione had always wanted to visit The Abbey Library of Saint Gall, and was impressed how Draco secured the exclusive and remote library for the evening. He laughed and said it was ‘magic.’ Awaiting them was an intimate dinner for two of all her favorite dishes along with a bottle of very expensive champagne. Everywhere she turned, there were fairy lights casting a soft, romantic ambiance throughout the room.



He was very secretive about where they were going that evening, and only asked she wear something Muggle and elegant. For Hermione, that certainly left a wide breadth of choices. However, she decided on a classic little black dress. It was a simple, strapless draped oxford poplin dress in a swing silhouette. The gathered top and side slash pockets added a bit of detail to the very clean lines. She finished it off by cinching a leather cage belt around her waist. Her hair was loose and slightly wild, the way Draco preferred. Her makeup was basic and very natural.



Her shoes were classic sophistication. She wore Platino leather strappy sandals adorned with jewels and Swarovski crystals along the vamp. The nearly 3 ½ inch metal-heeled design was held together by a thin strap that wrapped around her slim ankles.



Draco held her hand as they strolled through the baroque-style library. It was considered to be the most beautiful, non-sacred room of this style in Switzerland and one of the most perfect libraries in the world. The impressive collection held over two thousand manuscripts dating back to the eighth through the fifteenth centuries, over fifteen hundred incunabula, and ancient books. What most fascinated Hermione was the manuscript B of the Nibelungenlied that was preserved within the library.



Leave it to Draco Malfoy to seek and obtain permission to see this one-of-a-kind ancient manuscript up close. After dinner, they were escorted to a private room. Carefully encased and heavily guarded, one of the monks sat with the couple as he explained the history and translated some of the text. Hermione felt Draco’s gaze as she listened, enraptured, to all the monk told them. She sighed happily and turned a beaming smile towards him after the session’s conclusion.



“Are you happy?” Draco eyed her in quiet contemplation.



Hermione could only nod and sigh again. “That was marvelous. Thank you so much.”



“Do you know how much I love you, sweet?” Draco had guided them back to main antechamber where their romantic setting awaited them.



Smiling, Hermione answered, “Yes. I love you, as well.”



Taking a deep breath, he stopped in the center of the room and gazed down at her. “I-I wanted to ask you something. Something important.”



Hermione furrowed her eyebrows and gave a small nod. She watched Draco fumble a bit in his pocket and pull out a small black velvet box. He seemed to mumble under his breath, something which sounded like ‘bloody Blaise better be right.’



Before her eyes, he dropped to one knee and took hold of her left hand.



Air suddenly became a bit more difficult to breathe in, and her heart felt as if it beat at the base of her throat.



Draco cleared his throat and, inhaling deeply, began to speak. “Hermione Jean Granger, I love you more than life, more than myself . . . hell, more than anyone or anything, ever. I can’t imagine my life without your grace, beauty, intelligence, kindness and love.” He dropped her hand for a moment to open the box, his voice cracking slightly as he continued. “I want you to be with me always, to be my lover, my friend, the mother of my children . . . my wife. Will you do me the honor of marrying me, sweet? Please?”



Wide-eyed and mouth agape, Hermione could only stare at Draco and the glorious ring sparking in the tiny box in his hand.



“Hermione?” Draco pressed. “Sweet? Are you all right?”



Hermione took a deep breath in and tried to speak but no words came out except for a small squeak. Again, she took a breath but nothing came out. She dropped to her knees and threw her arms around Draco’s neck, squeezing him with all her might.



She felt one arm encircle her waist, followed by a deep chuckle. “Is that a ‘yes’?”



A very tearful Hermione pulled back from Draco and could only nod wildly, her curls bouncing over her shoulders and down her back. She opened her mouth to squeak out a ‘yes’ before launching herself at him and peppering his face with kisses. When her soft lips met his, he claimed them for a deep and passionate kiss. Her small hand tangled in his hair, tugging at the silky locks, as the kiss morphed into a sensuously slow dance.



She threw her head back as Draco lips moved to her neck. “Sweet, put on the ring.”



Hermione giggled and looked at the ring. Inhale and exhale. Inhale and exhale. “Oh . . . p-p-please . . . you do it, Draco.” Her hands were shaking too much and she was afraid she’d drop it. Draco smirked and slipped the ring from its box onto the fourth finger of her left hand.



Gasping, Hermione wiped the tears from her cheeks. “It’s so beautiful.”



She admired the gorgeous colored engagement ring. It was a stunning platinum swirl pattern band leading up to beautiful halo of bead-set diamonds. The center stone was a rare Merelani Mint Green radiant cushion-cut Grossular Garnet. It was perfect.



“It belonged to grand-mère and she wanted you to have it.” Draco was propelled back, rather forcefully, as she once again flung her arms about his neck.



Still hugging him, she whispered, “Oh Draco, I love it. I just love it.” Unwinding her arms so she could look into his silvery-blue eyes, she whispered, “And I love you, so much.”



Both of his large hands wrapped themselves in her curls and he leaned down, claiming her lips with his, devouring her with such ardor, it left her breathless. Quite alone and under the gentle glow of dainty fairy lights, Draco and Hermione sealed their promise to each other with a night of erotic lovemaking.



The sound of a door closing broke through Hermione’s reminiscing. Merlin, she’d been sitting in the bath for who knew how long? Her fingers had begun to prune. At least the bathwater was still warm, thanks to a lovely Heating Charm.



There was a long pause and she was beginning to wonder if she had indeed heard the door. Just as she was going to call out, Draco’s voice boomed through the closed bathroom door.



“Granger?”



Rising up and wandlessly ‘Accioing’ a large, fluffy towel, she called out, “In here!” Carefully stepping out of the tub, she began to pat dry her body.



A short knock accompanied by that oh-so-familiar drawl halted her actions. “You know, Granger, we share this bathroom. I don’t fancy the idea of having to trudge through these drafty hallways to the Prefect’s bathroom just to use the loo and shower.”



Oh, goddess! He was in his playful mode. Hermione smiled as her heart sped up. She knew exactly what he wanted; he’d been hinting at this for nearly a month. She answered with a haughty tone, “Well, Malfoy, you’ll just have to wait. I was here first.”



She could almost see the smirk. “What are you doing in there, Granger? Thinking of me, perhaps?”



“Humph, in your dreams, ferret!” She giggled, knowing that would annoy him to no end.



A loud pounding was his reply. “Hurry the fuck up. I’m sweaty and muddy from playing Quidditch and I want to use the shower tonight. You might be Head Girl, but I’m Head Boy and have as much right to this bathroom.”



“I said you’ll just have to wait, Malfoy. You’re such an arse!” Merlin, he was genuinely beginning to irk her. Quickly, she wrapped the towel around her body, securing it tightly across her chest.



“Open the door, Granger.”



“No, Malfoy. I’m nearly done.”



“Open it or I’ll break it down.”



“Try it and my slap from Third Year will feel like a tap!”



He growled and banged what sounded like both his fists on the door. “Open the fucking door!”



She smirked and took her time slathering on her jasmine-scented body lotion. Carefully drying her hair, she fluffed her curls and arranged them neatly around her shoulders.



“GRANGER!”



She didn’t answer.



“GRANGER!”



Sighing happily, she knew he was going to be hard and delicious. What an evening!



“GRANGER! Answer me.”



Hermione walked over to the tub to drain it. She sat watching the water whirl away while she hummed a little tune.



“GRANGER, open the fucking door!” He pounded his fist to emphasize his words.



Taking one last look in the mirror, Hermione lazily strolled over to the door and let her hand linger over the doorknob.



“FUCK! Open the door, you insane and infuriating woman!”



Click.



Hermione inched the door open and looked in the very livid face of one Draco Malfoy. He really wanted to indulge in his Head Boy and Head Girl fantasy.



In the recent weeks, he’d mentioned more than once how annoyed he’d been that Anthony Goldstein had been Head Boy in their Seventh Year, while he’d been forced to merely attend as a student, not even being selected for Prefect. Instead, he’d been occupied with the community service tasks and keeping up with his classes. Draco felt he’d missed an opportunity to get to know Hermione more intimately. Especially considering Harry and Ron hadn’t returned to Hogwarts. He ached to play out what he would have definitely done to the lovely Head Girl had he have been Head Boy. She’d giggled and shook her head, assuring him that he never would have been able to get into her knickers.



She appraised him from head to toe, smiling. He dressed the part as well, wearing his old Hogwarts Quidditch Slytherin robes, slightly undone and rumpled. And the boots, she loved those dragon hide Quidditch boots that came up to his knees.



She gave him her sweetest smile before asking innocently, “Did you say something, Malfoy?” Batting her long lashes prettily, she continued nonchalantly, “Oh, did you need to use the bathroom? It’s all yours. Goodnight.”



A grip of steel encircled her upper arm. His voice low and silky. “And where do you think you’re going?”



Her eyes glanced down at his hand then up at the handsome face. “I’m going to bed.” She was starting to throb all over as she continued to stare up into those beautiful eyes tinged with feigned anger. She loved their games.



She raised her eyebrows and smirked. “Now, kindly let go of my arm, ferret, or you’ll lose it.”



Without a word, he hauled her back into the bathroom. Slamming the door shut with his foot, he twisted her body so she was pressed up against a tiled wall. He caged her with his long, lean figure. One arm was resting above her head, the other toying with the top of her towel. Hermione narrowed her eyes at him as her breathing became ragged.



“You love to push my buttons, don’t you, Granger? You love to see how riled up I can get and then walk away. You’re such a little cock tease.” He spoke in low, seductive tones.



“I think you’re confusing me with one of your Slytherin slags. I don’t want you, Malfoy.”



Draco’s smile was predatory. “I never said anything about wanting me, Granger.”



Realizing her faux pas, Hermione’s eyes went wide. She swallowed. Her eyes fluttered closed as Draco slipped one finger between her skin and the towel, and tugged. A moan nearly escaped from her traitorous lips.



“Hmm, I think you do want me, Granger.” His hand traveled over her breast and rubbed the coarse threads of the towel over a tender nipple. She could feel her skin flush hotly.



Suddenly, Draco pushed the full length of his body into her soft one. She could feel his hardness press into her belly and moaned again. “Do you feel that, Granger? That’s what you do to me. You make me so fucking hard, with your wild hair, pink lips that you bite when I’m staring at you in class and your hot little body. Merlin, you love to torture me with those little shorts and tight tops with no bra when it’s just us in our Common Room, don’t you? I can see your nipples, hard and eager to be sucked. Would you like that, Granger? Would you like me to suck on those sweet tits?”



Hermione bit her lower lip at Draco’s words. She felt her nipples harden at his dirty words as her lower body pooled with liquid heat.



“Granger? I’m waiting.”



She stared up at him shyly, struggling to maintain her role. Draco prodded her further, his fingers dancing wickedly along her collarbone, now. “What do you want, Hermione?” Her hands clenched into tiny fists. He was so frustrating. “Ask me. Say it. Say, ‘Draco, please suck my tits.’ Where’s your Gryffindor courage, Head Girl?”



Gods, he made her so hot. “I have to go, Malfoy.”



“No, you don’t.”



“I have to study.”



“It’s Saturday night. No more books.”



She knew how to rile him further. “I’m meeting someone.”



She nearly laughed at the low growl and scowl that darkened his features. “I thought you had to study.”



“It’s a study date, oh smart one,” she taunted sarcastically.



“Really? Who?”



“None of your business, ferret.” Her body was on fire. She could feel her need for him spreading across her skin.



Seductive touches feathered her arms as he hissed, “Everything you do is my business, Granger. Now, who are you meeting?”



Not willing to give an inch, she chose her most withering glare. “None. Of. Your. Business.”



Draco suddenly smiled, as a thought seemed to dawn on him. “I think you’re lying.”



“No, I’m not.” Goddess, she was so wet, now.



“Yes, you are. I love it when you play hard to get, Granger. You love to make me jealous. It only makes me want you more and show you how much you belong to me.” He leaned in closely to lick the shell of her ear. “I want you, sweet. And I know you want me. Just give in; we could be so good together.” He ground his pelvis into her on the last sentence. “I see how you stare at me when you think I’m not looking. But the thing is, Granger, I’m always looking . . . at you.”



Forcing herself to remain in character, Hermione choked out a hoarse reply. “I-I don’t want you.”



Draco laughed and lowered his hand to the hem of her towel. “Really? Care to have me prove you wrong? Let’s see, shall we?” His fingers suddenly plunged into her wet mound. She gasped. “So wet. You are lying, Granger. You’re such a naughty girl. I think you like me talking dirty to you, don’t you?”



Hermione was now nibbling on her lower lip and breathing heavily.



“Now, tell me how much you want me. Admit it.” He bent his head to run his tongue across her lips. “Say it.” Her body trembled as he gently and slowly slipped a single finger into her. “Say, ‘Draco’ . . .”



Undulating her hips a bit, she whispered, “Draco . . .”



“Please.” Ever so slowly, he worked his finger in and out of her.



“Gods, please.” Eyes closed, she tried to ride his finger faster.



“Suck.” He added another finger.



“S-suck . . . oh.”



A warm tongue licked her neck. “My.”



“Mmm . . . my . . .”



He was nibbling at her ear, now. “Tits.”



Knowing he’d won, Hermione allowed her body to enjoy this game. “Tits.”



Cool air rushed her body as he ripped the towel away and he lowered his mouth to her sweet peaks. Sucking and biting them, he feasted on her breasts while his fingers continued to work their magic on her heated, clenching pussy. Her hands entwined in his hair, holding him to her. She felt his tongue lave both her breasts, playing and toying with the sensitive nubs until she thought she could stand no more.



“Draco . . . Draco . . . Draco . . .”



His lips left her breasts and pressed into her ear. “Need something, Granger? I am Head Boy; I’m here to help with all your needs.” Not once did he pick up the pace of his fingers. No, he kept the same languorous rhythm that left her on the edge.



“Fuck me, you bastard.”



She felt him smirk as he pulled his fingers from her and picked her up to carry her over to the bathroom counter. “Spread your legs, sweet. I’m going to fuck you so hard.” He had shrugged off his robes while he spoke. Looking down, Hermione realized that he wore no clothing underneath and licked her lips as his long, hard cock sprang free.



She grabbed his pulsing member and heard him hiss and mumble ‘witch.’ She scooted to the edge and pulled him closer guiding him to her hot center. “Now, please. NOW!”



Instead of thrusting himself into her at her demand, he inched his way into her pussy. “Easy, sweet.” She panted and gasped until she felt him buried to the hilt. “You feel so good,” he gritted out.



Hermione ran her hands over his muscular shoulders and held onto him as he pumped in and out of her. His hands held her hips while he controlled the pace. Her body slipped further down, nearly off the counter as she wrapped her legs around his waist. “Faster. Harder.”



Draco doubled the rhythm thrusting and plunging into her body roughly, making her breasts bounce wildly and her hips buck madly. She reached between them to rub herself while he worked their bodies together into a fine sheen of sweat and heat. Feeling the familiar coiling of her body, Hermione’s climax washed over her in a rush of adrenaline-filled tingles. Draco continued to pump into the clenching passage that greedily squeezed his cock until he came in one last warm and powerful stroke.



Panting, Hermione groaned and nuzzled into Draco’s neck. She licked and tasted his hot, salty skin. “Hello.”



Draco chuckled. “Hello.”



Gingerly, she moved to look at him. “I missed you.” She kissed him sweetly while he grinned widely.



“Hold on, okay?” He pulled gently out of her body and twisted her to carry her bridal style to their bedroom. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” Draco placed her on the bed, checking her body for any bruising or redness.



Hermione slapped his hands away. “I’m fine. That was amazing! Take off those Quidditch boots and get into bed with me.”



“Gods, you’re impatient, woman!” Shucking his boots, he crawled next to her, gathered her in his arms and pressed a small kiss against her forehead. “How was shopping? Did you find everything you needed?”



Sighing, Hermione nestled closer into his body. “We found Pansy and Ginny’s dresses, your mother’s dress and their shoes. Oh, and Draco, I found my shoes. They’re perfect.”



“What about your dress?”



“No, I didn’t like anything.”



“But you found the shoes?”



“Mmhm.”



“Sweet, maybe I’m wrong but shouldn’t you have chosen a dress first? Then the shoes?”



Poor deluded Draco. He knew nothing. Hermione snorted, “Of course not, silly. Shoes first. Now, I shall find the perfect dress to go with the shoes.” She let her fingers trail over his toned chest. “How was your day?”



Sighing deeply, Draco replied in a weary voice, “Long and frustrating. I feel as if our time spent this weekend securing this contract has all gone to sod. This new partner made even more amendments to the bloody contract. I’ve got to go back tomorrow to finalize it, and have it ready for Monday.” He gave her a small squeeze. “I’m sorry, sweet. I was hoping we could take a little day trip tomorrow.”



“Its fine, Draco. Go to work. I think Ginny and Pansy want to go shopping again for more dresses in the morning. Then in the afternoon, your mother wants me to finalize the guest list, meet the caterers, choose linens, decide on colors and listen to three wizarding bands. I’ll be quite busy.” Goddess, she despised all this wedding nonsense but it made Narcissa and Cecilia happy. And despite Ginny and Pansy taking pleasure in her misery, she complied with everyone’s demands.



Draco echoed her sentiments. “I’d rather go to the office.” She swatted him. “Ow, that hurt, sweet. It’s not my fault you’re in wedding hell.”



“It certainly is, you proposed.”



Draco laughed aloud. “And would you have rather me not proposed?”



Horrified, Hermione glared at him. “Of course not, Draco. It’s just this is all terribly stressful. It’s become quite a production.”



Draco hugged her tightly. “We’ll do whatever you want, sweet. Do you want to cancel everything and just elope?”



Laughter bubbled out of Hermione. “And have your mother, Cecilia, Pansy and Ginny feed us to the Inferi? No, thank you. It’s fine, really. It’s important to stand before our friends and family and declare our love for each other. It’s poetic in a way. Don’t you think?”



Leaning on his chest, she could feel it rise and fall as he mulled her words. “Draco?”



“Hmm,” was his only reply.



“What do you think? About what I just said?” Her nails raked lightly over his chiseled abdomen.



“Granger, everyone knows how bloody, fucking much I love you. But if you want me to tell the world, buy a full page advertisement in The Daily Prophet or spell it out over Wizarding London, I’ll do it.”



She smiled.



“Happy, Granger?”



“Yes, Malfoy.”



“Good. Now, let’s play.” She squealed in surprise when he flipped her on her back. His fingers grazed her sides before attacking and tickling her most sensitive spots.



“Stop,” she laughed. “Stop, Draco . . .”



“Tell me you love me and I’ll stop.”



“I . . . ha ha ha . . . love you . . . stop, please . . .”



Tender little kisses replaced the tickling hands. Draco whispered against her skin, “I love you, sweet minx.”



Moaning and sighing soon replaced genuine laughter as the two lovers lost themselves in each other once more.



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

A day in the life of our lovebirds. Okay, two more chapters to go I think. The wedding and epilogue. I have a little surprise about the epilogue which shall be revealed in the next chapter. Hopefully, it won’t be a two-part epilogue. (Not a word t_stevenson, not a word! Or I’ll send Draco to spank your bottom! Wait, what am I saying?)