Laying the Blame

Disclaimer: Obviously, not mine.

A/N: I am finished with school so I hope to update more often. Thanks for your patience and support! I am working on my other stories as well.

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

Laying the Blame

Chapter 4

Hermione reached the lift in a harried state. She was undecided about what to do next. The logical thing, of course, was to take some time and sort through the information she now had. Instead, all she could think about was finding Lucius and inflicting him with pain.

How dare him! He had no right to treat her like a pawn in his private little game.

No. She wouldn’t wait. She had to see him now.

She quickly pushed the button to the correct floor.

In no time Hermione found herself in front of his office door. The rapidity of her journey took her by surprise. She wasn’t even sure of what she was going to say. She thought about all that Lucius had done and let her anger take the lead.

Not bothering to knock, the young witch pushed open the door.

Lucius looked up from his work as his daughter-in-law charged into the room.

“Hermione, my dear. What a delightful surprise.”

“You bastard!” she shouted angrily, slamming her hands down on his desk.

“Perhaps a little less delightful then, but still, definitely a surprise.”

“How could you do this to me?” she continued as if he had not spoken. “You cannot just orchestrate other people’s lives so that they fit into your plans!”

“Actually I can and often do…” he replied. “But please enlighten me, my dear. What have I done now?”

“Draco is gay!”

He leaned back calmly in his chair.

“And that is hardly my doing.”

“You knew this before we were married!” she accused heatedly.

“Obviously.”

“And yet you picked me to be Draco’s wife. You gave him no choice at all!”

“Of course.”

He looked at her innocently. His calmness infuriated her even more.

“Well?” she demanded, “What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I still do not see the problem.”

“You tricked me, deceived me into marrying Draco!”

“Did I?” he asked smoothly. “And how did I do that, Hermione? Did I say that Draco preferred women?”

“No, but…”

He held up his hand to interrupt her.

“Did I tell you that Draco loved you or even wanted you?” Hermione gave him an angry look ignoring his questions.

“I did not,” he continued, standing up and walking around his desk to stand in front of her. “In fact I do not recall discussing with you what Draco finds attractive. Tell me Hermione, what if Draco’s preferences were instead for women with red hair, would I have been obligated to tell you that?”

“That is different and you know it. I could have dyed my hair. That is something we could have overcome. I cannot, however, grow a penis!”

Lucius raised his eyebrows at her. “I see. So you are saying that you would change yourself for your husband. You would be whatever he wanted even if it was something you did not want to be?”

“Of course not! I would never try to be something I am not. You are twisting my words, Lucius.”

“My dear, I am just trying to understand. Are you so unhappy then at Malfoy Manor?”

“No, it is not that.” Hermione crossed her arms in front of her. She felt she needed some protection from the compelling wizard.

“You enjoy Draco’s company?”

“Yes, but…”

“You have a job that you enjoy and a beautiful home,” he interrupted her. “Is there something missing?”

Hermione tried not to blush but she could not contain the embarrassment that suddenly coursed through her.

“There is obviously something,” he said in a coaxing voice. “Please tell me what it is, Hermione.”

How did she let herself get into this? Her mouth was dry and she found she could not talk. She tried not to look at the handsome man in front of her.

Lucius walked slowly around her. She could feel the searing heat that seemed to radiate from his body.

“Let me see if I can guess. Can it be that Draco is unable to satisfy his young wife?”

Hermione remained silent. At the moment, it seemed safer.

“I must say, my dear, I am surprised,” he continued when she did not speak. “I was under the impression that you were not interested in physical pleasure.”

Hermione promptly found her voice.

“What is that supposed to mean?” she asked angrily

“Why nothing,” he responded innocently. “It is only that you never seemed interested in dating or even men in particular. You are so practical, my dear. I just thought you were above all that.”

His words touched a nerve within Hermione. Boys and later, men, always seemed intimidated by her intelligence. She had never really considered herself to be attractive and Draco’s lack of interest seemed to support that theory. Even now that she knew he was gay, she irrationally felt that it had something to do with her. She wanted to be seen as a desirable woman and had somehow deluded herself into thinking Lucius might be attracted to her. What he was telling her now was just reinforcing her insecurities.

“Is that why you picked me for Draco?” Hermione asked bitterly. “You thought I was sexless and would not complain? I had no idea that you thought of me so, Lucius”

“I think you misunderstand,” he drawled silkily. “I was speaking of your desire not your desirability. You are a very attractive woman, Hermione. In fact I think this is enhanced by your insouciance on the matter. You don’t seem to realize the affect you have on the men around you.”

Hermione didn’t know what to say. She had wanted to hurt him. To make him pay for the way he treated her. Instead, all she could think about was that he found her attractive and he was standing very close to her. Too close.

“I supposed you are right about one thing, my dear,” he conceded. “I am somewhat to blame for all of this. I hate the thought of you being all alone and frustrated. Perhaps there is something I can do to help you.”

“Such as?” Hermione asked her voice barely more than a whisper.

“I have many friends who can be counted on to be discreet,” he said. “Would you like me to call one of them?”

Hermione felt as if he had hit her.

“No thanks,” she replied coldly. “I think I can manage on my own.”

“I am sure you can,” he continued with a smirk. “Of course if there is anything I can do personally to help, do not hesitate to let me know. I would like a chance to make this up to you.”

His voice was low and husky and Hermione wondered at the power he had over her. He made her hot one moment and cold the next. As he leaned in closer to whisper in her ear, she realized that right now she was definitely hot.

“Is there anything you would like me to do?”

Hermione closed her eyes as she was bombarded with sensations. He hadn’t even touched her and she was at his mercy. What would she do if he actually touched her?

“Tell me what you want, Hermione.” His warm breath caressed the back of her neck.

“I can’t,” she whispered without opening her eyes.

“And why not?” he asked softly.

“I am married. I took a vow and I meant the words I spoke.”

“Even if your husband did not?”

She turned around to face him. “What about Narcissa. She is your wife. Doesn’t that mean anything?”

“That is not your concern, my dear. Narcissa and I have our own understanding. Any problems that you have with it are due to your own issues.”

“I don’t think I can do it.”

Lucius smiled. Her resolve seemed to be slipping, just a bit.

“It is a big step,” he agreed. “One that cannot be undone. Perhaps you need to take it slowly. Just a taste, at first.”

“I am not sure what you mean, Lucius.”

“I am suggesting that you start small. Something that leads you in the direction you want but is not so big that you can’t retrace your steps.”

“I am not sure…”

Lucius moved in closer to her. “I will help guide you.”

His nearness enveloped her in a cocoon of warmth. Instead of providing her with a sense of security, it seemed to electrify her with a force that drew her closer. It was difficult to resist and Hermione was tired of trying. As a concession to her weakness she refused to look him in the eyes. After all, she had to maintain some control. Instead she looked straight ahead. As the young witch gazed at the man before her, she mused that his pale skin seemed perfect; he appeared to be chiseled out of marble. She almost expected him to be cool to the touch. Hermione gave in to temptation and quickly realized the coolness was an illusion as her hand caressed his warm skin. She slowly rubbed her thumb over the artery on the side of his throat. Her eyes flew up to his in surprise. He returned her gaze coolly; his look belying the wild throbbing she had felt. Perhaps it was her own pulse after all.

“Hermione, follow your desires.” His voice seemed to mesmerize her. She did not feel like she had any control over what she was doing.

She ran her hand down his chest and unbuttoned his shirt, pushing the bothersome cloth out of the way of her wandering hands. Although she could barely see the pale hair on his chest, the strands teased her curious fingers.

Unable to resist, Hermione leaned in closer. She was overwhelmed by his masculine scent and she felt herself getting lost. The musky odor mingled with the scent of cologne and she wondered if he had it specially made. Lucius seemed arrogant enough to want his own unique fragrance.

Her lips softly touched his warm skin. As she placed several small kisses on his chest, she savored the salty taste of his slightly damp flesh.

Hermione shyly looked up at his face expecting to meet his cool gaze. Instead, Lucius eyes were closed as if he were savoring the moment. A feeling of power and excitement ran through her. He was not immune to her after all.

Suddenly his eyes opened and met hers. A moment passed and then they both came together in a searing kiss. Her resolve and uncertainties fled. All she could think about was the wonderful feeling of his lips and his tongue as he explored her mouth. She had her answer. Would she forsake her vows? Her morals? All she had believed before now? It seemed the answer was yes.

Almost as quickly Lucius pulled away from her, putting her at arms length. In a matter of seconds he recovered his composure and she marveled at his ability to mask his emotions.

“Well Hermione,” he said coolly, his blue eyes regarding her with indifference. “It seems you are not quite frigid after all.”

A cold numbing feeling overcame her. He was playing with her, using her. And she fell right into his trap. Again.

Evil Bastard.

“I am done, Lucius,” she told him calmly. “I have married Draco and I will honor that, even if he does not. You and I live in the same family but you are my father-in-law and that is all you will ever be. I have had a taste as you called it, and I found that it is not something I ever want to repeat.”

Before he could reply, Hermione turned on her heel and walked out of the room. Lucius smiled at the door she slammed on her way out.

This was just the beginning.