Chapter Two- Life of the Party

The next night at the party Eliza wandered around as she always had during these events. She smiled and chatted amicably with her parents' guests. Her auburn hair was left down and curly but she had pulled it back on one side with an ornate crystal comb. Her black dress was tight fitting and encrusted with jewels bewitched to glimmer in the dim lights of the party.

The doorbell rang for what felt like the millionth time and Eliza saw that her parents were deep in conversation with an older couple so she made her way towards the door. She nodded to Evie, one of their house elves, and as she opened the door Eliza planted her most gracious smile on her face as the door opened.

"Welcome. My name is Elizabeth; I am Janet and Patrick's daughter. Please come in." She gestured into the house and the blond couple entered.

Evie was taking their coats when a blond boy hurried up the steps. The woman caught sight of him and smiled.

"Ah Draco there you are." She opened her arms and the boy stiffly embraced his mother offering her his cheek but his eyes were staring intently at Eliza. She hid the wave of shock that crashed over her with another gracious smile.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, she said extending her hand to shake his.

"The pleasure is all mine," he said with a knowing smile. "I see you have met my parents." He gestured to the couple behind him who were exchanging slightly confused looks.

"Yes, I just did. It is wonderful to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. If you will follow me my parents are just through here."

Eliza led them into the living room where most of the guests were mingling and talking. She gestured to her mother that they had new guests to welcome and she saw her touch her father's arm gently and nod in their direction.

"Can I get you anything to drink?" she asked politely.

The Malfoys gave their orders and Evie, who was walking quietly behind them, snapped her fingers and a tray of drinks appeared.

"Thank you, said Mrs. Malfoy graciously.

Just as they were taking their first sips her parents arrived and her mother placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Lucius, so glad you could make it, and this must be Narcissa," her father said extending his hand to the man and smiling at the woman.

As her parents began chatting with the Malfoys Eliza's eyes drifted over to their son. He was dressed handsomely in a fitted black suit with silver trim and glinting silver buttons. His hair was combed neatly and slicked to one side, but a few strands were falling down into his piercing blue eyes. She watched as his eyes quickly scanned over their living room before coming back to rest on her. Eliza blushed slightly at being caught staring and she looked away, pretending to be interested in the adult's conversation.

"From our entrance this evening I got the impression that your daughter and my son are already acquainted," narcissi said looking from her Mother to Eliza.

"Yes, I went to the village yesterday and I met Draco and his friends…"she began.

"At the book store," Draco interjected before she could finish. Eliza smiled and nodded.

"Well, isn't that wonderful," beamed Narcissa.

"Absolutely," her mother said smiling back. "Eliza, Sweetie, why don't you give Draco a tour. I'm sure the two of you have plenty to talk about," she said giving her a knowing smile.

"Of course, Mom. Please excuse us, it was so good to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy," she said. She gestured for Draco to follow her and turned on her heel.

Eliza walked some distance Eliza walked some distance away from her parents and she sighed. "Evie," she said softly and the house elf appeared, as always, with a small pop in front of her.

"Yes, Miss," she said graciously.

"I need a drink," Eliza said wearily. She turned to Draco and eyes his now half empty glass. "And Mr. Malfoy will need a refill."

With a snap of her fingers Evie produced a glass of pink opaque liquid which she handed to Eliza. With another snap Draco's glass refilled itself.

"Shall I keep them coming, Miss?" Evie asked.

"I'll let you know," she said taking a long drink of the sex on the beach Evie had made for her.

Evie gave a small bow and disappeared to check on some of the other guests. After taking another long drink Eliza glanced back at Draco. "Do you really want a tour?" she asked wearily.

"Sure," he said with a mischievous smile.

Eliza roller her eyes and led Draco outside. As they passes guests Eliza smiled and exchanged pleasantries as they walked along the large deck and down the steps towards the pool.

"I thought you had a party tonight?" Eliza said moodily taking another big gulp of her drink feeling the alcohol bringing a flush to her cheeks.

"After our conversation I asked my parents were they were having dinner. When I heard it was here I knew I had to come," he said.

"Why did you have to come?" she asked finally looking over at him.

He was watching her closely as they walked his eyes roving over her fitted dress and her bare legs and shoulders. "I had to see you again," he said. There was a hunger in his voice as he took a small drink of his scotch, his eyes traveling down to her sweetheart neckline.

"Oh, I see," Eliza said sarcastically rolling her eyes at him. She turned her back to him and gestured to the view around her. Her parents had bought a house with a few acres of land. They had a large pool with a huge rock feature that was sending colored waterfall crashing down into the deep end. It also featured a rock slide down one end and you could jump from its peak into the water below. The tile at the bottom of the pool had two dolphins which were bewitched to swim around the pool and play together. Beyond the pool was a vast garden with tall bushes and fragrant flowers that created a maze-like path that led to the fruit orchard behind it.

"This is the backyard," she said with a shrug. Although it was her favorite part of their new home she was far from excited to be sharing with him.

"It's nice," he said, but he wasn't looking at the pool or the garden. His eyes were still roaming all over her body, this time lingering on her exposed back and shoulders. As his eyes roamed hungrily across her body she began to regret choosing a strapless and tight fitting cocktail dress.

"C'mon I'll show you the rest of the house," she said trying to keep the polite tone in her voice.

"Or we could take a stroll and find somewhere more private to get to know each other better." He stepped forward and ran his hand down her arm letting his fingers trace along her exposed skin.

Eliza felt chills erupt across her arm at his touch and the flush in her cheeks from the alcohol only intensified as she felt the heat begin to unfurl in her belly. He stepped closer to her again and now she could feel the heat of his breath on her exposed collarbone. He was slightly taller than her so she had to look up into his pale blue eyes. His pupils were dilated and his pale face was also flushed, although she couldn't be sure if it was the alcohol or the close proximity. She watched as he locked his lips and she felt the ache of desire intensify and her heart began to race.

Draco raised his free hand and smoothed a strand of hair away from her face. "Your eyes are a beautiful shade of blue, like the ocean in the tropics," he said, his voice was low and husky.

Eliza's heart was racing and the proximity between her and Draco was making her ache with desire she ran a hand along the lapel of his jacket and noted the sharp intake of breath at her touch.

"You must have all the girls at Hogwarts flocking to you; you are so charming," she whispered looking up into his eyes through her lashes. She bit her lip seductively.

"Shall we find a more secluded spot to finish this conversation? I can show you how charming I can be," he wrapped a hand around her waist and pulled her closer so that their bodies were pressed against each other.

Eliza smiled up at him and watched as he slowly leaned forward, his face merely inches from hers. "One thing you need to realize about me, Draco," she whispered. "I'm not like the other girls. I see right through your fabricated sense of charm and your wealth. It will take a lot more than a few cheesy lines to impress me. Please, do enjoy the rest of the party," she said with one of her dazzling smiles.

And before he could respond Eliza pulled away from him and began walking quickly towards the house. She could feel herself shaking with a mixture of adrenaline and desire as she quickly made her way through the living room and up the stairs. As she walked her mother caught her eyes and gave her an inquisitive look; she discreetly mouthed 'bathroom' before hurrying up the stairs.

Instead of going to the lavish bathroom on the first landing Eliza took the door opposite and entered one of the many guest rooms. She didn't bother to turn on the light as she paced over to the bed resting a hand on her hammering heart. What am I doing? She thought incredulously. I cannot be attracted to him. I know his type all too well. Get yourself together Elizabeth. She took a deep breath and had just turned to make her way back to the party when Draco slid into the room shutting the door noiselessly behind him.

"What are you doing here?" she asked not bothering to sound polite. .

"I thought you wanted me to follow you," he said stepping towards her.

"I made myself very clear Draco. This is never going to happen. Now if you will excuse me," she said. She walked towards him stepping wide so she could get to the door when he stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

"Why are you fighting this? I can see you are attracted to me too," he said. He reached forward and touched her shoulder.

"Listen, Draco, I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I'm not looking for any sort of relationship or fling or anything. I'm just trying to adjust to my new home and my new school." She was surprised at her honesty.

"A relationship with the right people could benefit you greatly," he said. He ran his hand up her arm this time and traced a finger across her exposed collar bone.

"I think I will do just fine, but thanks for the offer," Eliza said, stepping back from him.

Draco reached forward and tucked her hair behind her ear and gently caressed her cheek. Eliza felt her heart begin to pound again and the ache of desire in her stomach became more difficult to ignore. Draco stepped closer to her and she looked up into his eyes. They shone in the dim light like pale blue orbs freezing her with their intensity. He inched his way closer, closing the distance between them. Eliza's mind was racing as she could feel the heat of his breath on her neck and cheek. She could smell his scent watching over her: scotch, sandalwood, and the faintest hint of some spice she couldn't quiet put her finger on. He was wrapping his arm around her waist again and she reveled in the warmth of his body pressed against hers. She tried to think of anything to say but her rational mind seemed to be bewildered by those blue eyes staring into her own. She couldn't remember the last time she had been held like this, it had been a year since her last relationship and moths since she had allowed anyone close enough. '

"Just say the word and I'll leave," he whispered. His voice was barely audible and it was breathy and deep, filled with longing and desire.

"Draco, I…" she whispered, but the words died in her throat.

Before she could fully understand what was happening his lips were on hers. His kiss was rough and passionate; his mouth possessing hers as he pulled her closer to him. Eliza gasped at her ferocity and he took the opportunity for his tongue to begin exploring her mouth. She could taste the rich taste of the scotch and peppermint as his tongue caressed hers. His hand was in her hair while the other was pressed into her back laying her body along his so that every inch was pressed up against him. . Eliza placed her hands on his muscular biceps feeling them straining against his fitted suit. She hesitated momentarily, allowing herself to enjoy the feeling of being enveloped in his arms before she pushed herself away from him.

"Good night, Draco," she said and she moved quickly past him towards the door.

Before he had time to follow her Eliza ducked into the bathroom across the hall and she locked the door. She took a few steadying breaths before she walked over to the vanity. She took a few seconds to straighten her hair and dress. She dabbed at her slightly smeared lipstick until she was satisfied with her appearance. She heard the door to the guestroom open then close softly and she waited until she hard Draco's footsteps die away before she allowed herself to exit the bathroom.

Much to her dismay he was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs. She sighed and continued down the stairs looking straight past him.

"That wasn't so bad, now was it?" he asked with a huge cocky grin on his face.

"Well I'm glad you enjoyed it because it will never happen again," she said, her voice a low growl. She caught sight of her mother a short distance away watching her intently. Eliza fixed Draco with her most dazzling party smile and she touched his arm. "If you ever try anything like that again I will hex you into next week," she said sweetly.

Eliza squeezed his arm before turning on her heel and making her way into the crowded living room.

"Evie," she whispered.

With a small pop the house elf appeared by her side once more. "Yes. Miss," she said cheerfully.

"I'm going to need another drink," Eliza said glumly. "And keep them coming."