It took another ten minutes of hair-raising evasion to lose the Muggle police. Hermione and a slightly shaken Draco ditched the bike in an alley and ran for their lives in the other direction. The caresses Draco had inflicted on Hermione made her stomach tight with arousal. She needed to relieve something – adrenaline and sex were never a good combination for her – it made her want to be reckless. She looked over at Draco as they ran, not even sure what she felt for him anymore. The burning hatred she had nurtured for the most part of a decade no longer seemed to overwhelm her. Unfortunately, she was fairly certain her hatred had now been surpassed by her lust.
It was still marginally dark out; shops with bordered up windows flew past as they sprinted. She couldn't even say how long they had been running. A while if the burn in her legs was anything to go by - fatigue threatened to take over. On the heels of the thought, Hermione tripped over an uneven paver. Draco grabbed her before she fell and held onto her hand as he pulled her along. She was silently grateful for the help. After fifteen minutes of steady running they found a niche down the side of a townhouse. If the police found them now – it would be nothing short of a miracle.
Dawn was starting to break through the clouds; the new day's light encasing the entire world in a glowing yellow haze. If they hadn't been running for their lives, Hermione would have taken time out to enjoy watching the sun rise. She had always loved doing it with her dad; she pushed aside those well rehashed thoughts and tried to regain her breath. They had much to do, firstly a change of clothing. They still wore cat-suits – not conspicuous at all.
Adrenaline continued to pump hard through Hermione's veins; she wouldn't have been surprised if her heart exploded in her chest – she could feel the pulse in her neck throbbing erratically. She was eternally thankful she had a brick wall at her back – it was one of the only things holding her upright. Malfoy also stood with his head thrown back against the wall, one hand on his hip. Both panted obscenely loud for 'fit' operatives. Though getting some much needed oxygen into their starved lungs eclipsed the other's need to show off.
After a moment she noticed Malfoy was looking side on at her; then realised they still clutched hands. She dropped his immediately, wrenching off the mask in the process – he mimicked her movements. His blonde hair had turned dark with sweat; cheeks flushed in exertion – he'd never looked sexier. She on the other hand could imagine the birds-nest on the top of her head; it took all her willpower not to touch it. Meanwhile as she freaked out over her appearance, Draco was staring right at her, eyes hooded.
Raising an eyebrow in question at his gaze she whispered, "What is it? Do you think they managed to follow us? Surely not?"
Malfoy just shook his head; then licked his lips. Even in the semi-darkness of the house's shadow, Hermione could still make out every feature. This unfortunately meant her eyes watched his tongue dart out to wet his lips. She subconsciously did the same. Malfoy groaned deep in his throat; shutting his eyes for a second - as if weighing up a decision. Hermione's stomach clenched excitedly at the animalistic sound, wondering where his thoughts lay. She didn't have long to wait.
Suddenly he was on her, pressing her hard against the wall. It was reminiscent of earlier at the hotel; except this time – he didn't linger on un-pleasantries. His lips smashed into hers capturing them in a kiss so ferocious in its intention it made her head spin. She should have pushed him away – but adrenaline and fear coursed through her veins; and the feel of a hard hot body against hers was a better salve than any medicine.
His tongue delved deeper into her mouth, swirling and making her hormones dance in uncontrollable ways. Sure – he was utterly gorgeous, but did she want this? His hand trailed down her spine, cupping her arse through the leather of her suit. Oh, Merlin – she certainly did want this, no - crave this. Then it hit - who cared, it was hers for the taking and who was she to deny the pleasure.
Raising her leg so it enveloped his hip in its embrace, she pushed herself onto his growing hardness. She moaned into his mouth wantonly. If what she was pressed against was any indication, this would be one hell of a ride. His cock was ridiculously hard – for her. His hands kneaded her arse cheeks, groping and squeezing as he ground into her; making Hermione dizzy with anticipation.
He pulled back for a second, his grey eyes almost black, she panted quietly, locking eyes with him. She didn't know what she saw there, couldn't put words to the intensity burning. She couldn't even fathom what she was feeling on the inside – it was all pure sensation. Taking what was given freely. Instinct was in the driver's seat; her body was not her own and it seemed Malfoy was going down the same road.
He leaned into her, pushing her shoulders into the wall, whilst grinding into her with his stiffness. If he kept this up, she would be coming undone with no hesitation – pure unadulterated lust ran through her veins – and even though it was Malfoy giving the pleasure – she didn't bat an eyelid.
"Merlin, that feels phenomenal…" Even her voice wasn't her own, she'd never sounded so husky, so turned on in her life.
"It's only a taste, Granger." His mouth curved into a half smirk, and she didn't fight it like usual. Who was she kidding; it was sexy as all hell. Then he opened his mouth again. "I had a sneaking suspicion this would happen if they paired us up."
Hermione raised an eyebrow at Draco's words. "Excuse me?" she asked; his words somehow making her hormones stop dead in their lusty tracks. Disentangling herself from his hip, she dropped her leg to the ground and pushed him away slightly.
Draco frowned at the loss of contact, looking puzzled. "What's wrong, Granger? I'm merely stating the truth; don't get worked up. I just knew you'd be all over me if given the chance."
Oh boy; was that ever the wrong thing to say to her. A slap resounded in the small space. Instinct had definitely taken over, Hermione didn't even realise she'd moved until Draco's furious narrowed eyes met hers; palm print turning pink on his cheek.
He grabbed her shoulders and forced her back into the wall, for a split second she hoped he would kiss her again – then realised she was much too angry for it. They'd been pushing each other buttons for years, and that was only the second time she'd gotten physical on him.
"Granger." He growled; face unreadable. "What is your problem? You bloody wanted it."
"So did you." She retorted furiously.
"Of course I did."
The wind left her sails; he wasn't supposed to bloody agree with her. He was so damn….so damn arrogant and self assured. Where was her self assurance – dry humping his obviously.
"Whatever, Malfoy. It was just pent up adrenaline from the chase manifesting itself physically into a sordid attraction. Look we have to go – in case you didn't realise we have an operation to do, and so far we are screwed. We've lost the Chest to a Muggle man, only just escaped Lawrence's guards and now we have to track Riley and get this damn operation into some semblance of order before we lose our jobs."
Draco stared at her for the longest moment and she felt heat rise in her cheeks, damn him and his depthless eyes. "Wow – I know you don't get out much, but I've never heard somebody put shagging so clinically."
"I get out just fine, thankyou. And do I need to repeat myself – we are not freaking shagging." Hermione strangled out the words through her anger, which escalated immensely at his calm demeanour. Where was his disdain, his stupid arrogance which usually matched her fury? There were rules to their fighting and he was not playing along as he should.
"Well - I think we should." He retorted.
Hermione stared incredulously at him and spluttered, trying to get a sentence out which wouldn't include a stream of obscenities.
"Really, Granger; you should see a speech pathologist if that keeps up - I can hardly understand you." Draco used his trademark smirk on her; it was no longer adorable or sexy. Hermione's hand itched to slap him again; he obviously felt her intent and held up a hand. "I'm just saying there is something here." He gestured between the two of them.
"Yes, I know - its called loathing."
"Of course there is. But that's not all of it; I think screwing will cleanse us of this unwanted attraction."
Hermione's eyes opened almost as wide as they could. "Do you now?"
"Yes. I've been thinking it over. One shag; one lot of repressed sexual tension erased; its textbook psychology, Granger." Malfoy stood looking proud as punch at his reasoning. The strange part was – Hermione couldn't think of a good argument against his proposal. Maybe it was exactly what they needed.
Throwing any caution she may have amassed in her lifetime to the wind, she replied to his little statement. "And if I agree to your preposterous idea? What terms would we abide by?"
The look on Malfoy's face was priceless – he never thought she would even attempt to agree. Hermione had no idea why she was contemplating it, except it was true – there was something between them, and it had to be physical. There was no way it could be anything more. Maybe by sleeping together they could move on and leave this ridiculousness behind them.
"One fuck, that's it, no rules – no terms, just screw until we are exhausted." His voice had lowered a few octaves and it sent a delicious shiver up her spine.
Looking up into his deep grey eyes, she saw something lurking behind the confidence; it almost resembled uncertainty. Was he expecting a rejection from her, why would it worry him in the least? He was bloody Malfoy – he could have any Witch in England on their knees begging for a taste. Yet, here he was asking – or was it telling – Hermione; a woman whom he apparently disliked greatly, he wanted to sleep with her.
More importantly; could she distance herself enough to be able to shag Malfoy once with no repercussions? Maybe she was being decidedly optimistic but she thought she could. It was Draco Malfoy after all, the attraction was real enough; it fairly well burnt them with its heat. There was also no danger of developing feelings for him – he was still the biggest prat she'd ever met in her life, and was certain her opinion would not change any time soon. Even though deep inside something akin to reason told her he wasn't as bad as she perceived – she squashed the errant thought down before she believed it.
"First of all, we need to track down Riley and the Chest, that's our number one goal. Then, in regards to your little side offer - I'm not sure if the terms are all that well suited to me."
Malfoy chuckled and gave a wry smile. "I knew you'd back out. You were always such a prude, Granger…"
"No, Draco…" She interrupted with a secret smile of her own; he went quiet. "If the offer is to screw until we are exhausted, I have to admit – it will take longer than just the once, as you originally proposed….actually; maybe we should just say screw all night until we're sated - are those terms suitable?"
She watched him as his eyes half lidded in desire, and had a split second to regret her rash words before he swallowed hard. "Accepted."
Oh crap…
Looking down at the palm pilot in her hand, Hermione frowned slightly. According to the little device, the Chest was now sitting smack dab in the middle of the New York Police Department. How, why or when this happened she couldn't fathom. Did Riley get captured whilst running from Lawrence's? He must have, it was the only clear explanation available to her.
"You've been frowning at that damn contraption for the better part of ten minutes, what's wrong, can't you figure out how to turn it on?"
Hermione scowled at Draco, trying not to watch him as he buttoned up a suddenly obscenely tight black shirt. They'd high-tailed it back to the hotel, thankfully not being seen by anyone. Now they had all their equipment it was time to hunt Riley down. Hermione tried not to stare at the massive bed behind Draco, knowing as soon as the Chest had been found she'd most likely be sprawled across it, naked, wanton and ready to accept Draco Malfoy into her body. Doubt niggled at her – would he still want her after – or was it a joke? Even if it was a farce, she should be feeling relief – it wasn't forthcoming.
"Of course I can, you idiot. I came top of the class in Muggle Studies – where did you come again?"
Draco said nothing in return – just a glare at her smile. He tightened his belt, lifting his shirt up slightly to expose his surprisingly tanned stomach; Hermione assumed he'd be white as a sheet. Her eyes snapped back to his face – the bastard was smirking.
"He's at the Police Station – we need to get in there and find out where the Chest is."
Draco frowned. "Can we take wand's inside; or is the NYPD one of the stations which have a 'magical division'?"
"I'm not sure, better leave them behind in-case – or maybe secure them nearby?"
Draco nodded. Since magic was still completely secret to the Muggle world, quite a few brave Witches and Wizards had taken jobs as Muggle cops. This ensured if any cases came up which were 'unusual' they were first on the scene and could clean up any issues the Auror department couldn't deal with. Unfortunately, this meant taking wands which carried their own unique magical signature into the police station may flag Draco and her as hostile, and detainment would be messy for the Ministry and Force Ten.
They left their bags concealed with an invisibility spell near a phone booth out the front of the Police Station. Draco was hesitant, as the quality of phone users were limited to hookers and drug dealers looking for rides home from the cop-shop. They didn't even notice Hermione as she pretended to use the far phone at the end of the building.
"They better be there when we return." Draco murmured out the side of his mouth.
"Don't be such a pessimist – it's all invisible. Lighten up and have a little faith." He scowled down at her as they headed towards the main doors. Merlin - he could be a princess sometimes.
As far as buildings went – it was huge. Obviously crime in New York needed almost a fifth of the population to be working as police officers. Hermione had no idea where to even start looking for Riley. Maybe she could ask a cop at the front desk to visit a prisoner; could you even do that? It was something she hadn't really thought out. Hermione was kind of hoping Riley would be sitting on a bench out the front – but no such luck.
Draco led them into the massive lobby area – civilians, lawyers and countless police officers bustled about. Hermione tried not to stare at anyone – lest they be recognised; you never knew who was a part of the Wizarding Community. As she looked about, Hermione saw a map on a side wall of all the divisions, where they were and who headed them up. She knocked Draco's elbow to get his attention, and pointed towards the wall.
"Maybe it will tell us where the cell blocks are…" Hermione trailed off; as she was jostled by a harried looking woman dragging a very unimpressed teen who had more piercings on his face than an African Tribe leader. Draco looked at the boy wide eyed, Hermione couldn't help but smile – it was nice to know Muggles could still shock him.
"Do you think he could divine water?"
Hermione laughed. "That's using a two pronged stick, not metal; you were last in our Muggle class weren't you?"
Draco pointedly ignored her jab at his schooling – or lack thereof, and started to look at the map trying to find where they'd hide the cell block. Hermione looked over the entire wall and caught sight of one name in particular. Her mouth dropped open as she poked Malfoy in the side.
"What is it? I'm trying to find our bloody prisoner."
Hermione glowered at him, and pointed. "I think I just found him."
Her finger landed on the Major Case Squad team – one name stood out, Detective Investigator – Riley Harrison. It couldn't be a coincidence. Malfoy looked down at her, a frown marring his features.
"It can't be – surely. What the hell is going on?" He sounded as puzzled as she looked.
"I have less idea than you, but I guess we go up and find out. Riley isn't a common name – if it isn't him, we'll try finding the prisoners again."
Ten minutes later, and having to listen to Draco 'not ask for directions', they found the correct department. Hermione looked intently around, yet saw no familiar faces. The palm pilot was almost lit up like Christmas – the Chest was here somewhere. Then she saw Riley; he was walking into an office – alone.
"Let's go."
She all but dragged Malfoy across the room; smiling and shaking her head politely at the few people who looked up asking if they needed help. They walked into the office; saw Riley alone and Hermione slammed the door behind them. He growled and looked up, a few choice words on his lips - which died the moment he saw Hermione and Draco standing over him. He audibly swallowed and reached under the desk. Malfoy jumped faster than she could possibly imagine; stopping Riley from grabbing his gun.
"Explain." Hermione all but barked at him. "What the hell are you doing – do you understand what you stole – you're a bloody Detective, why the hell are you stealing stuff anyway? Why were you at the hotel accosting me? Are you a Muggle, Wizard – or a Squib…?"
"Hermione, let the man answer – take a damn breath. He probably didn't know it was us last night." Draco's voice stopped her tirade - she glared at him; realising he was right, they were covered head to toe in leather.
Riley looked between the two of them a moment and took a deep breath. "No, I'm not a Wizard or a Squib, just a Muggle. One who managed to get himself into a truckload of trouble. And yes – I knew exactly who you were – masks and all."
A knock at the door interrupted him and a voice wavered through the door. "Everything okay in there, Boss?"
Hermione and Draco locked eyes; they would be in a world of trouble if arrested. It all seemed like a stupid idea now – barging in on Riley like this. She could see any future promotions, job offers or even long service leave go down the toilet. Then Riley surprised them both.
"Yeah, Sam – all's good. Give me fifteen minutes of silence – no calls – okay?" Riley sounded resigned.
"Sure thing." Footsteps retreated and Hermione gave Malfoy a disbelieving look. He shrugged having no clue.
Riley gestured to the empty seat in-front of his desk, Hermione took it; seating herself slowly. She had no idea what the hell was going on. Malfoy positioned himself by her shoulder, he brushed her slightly and Hermione found it difficult to think for a second. She leaned forward to cease contact and heard Malfoy laugh under his breath. Childish brat.
Hermione turned to Malfoy glaring up at him, before spinning around. "Spill it, Riley."
"Do you have children together?" Riley's question made Hermione's mouth drop open. He obviously thought she meant 'partner' at the hotel, not working partner.
As she opened her mouth and closed it a few times, Malfoy answered for her. "No, not yet, she's a little cagey at giving up her job – why is that?"
Hermione went to disagree and tell Riley there was no way in hell she would contemplate having cute, messy blonde haired children with the git, when Malfoy squeezed her shoulder in warning. She stayed silent – glowering; wondering why the hell she thought their children would be anything other than grotesque.
Riley nodded once and opened up his desk drawer, Hermione braced herself for pepper spray – yet all she received was a small brightly coloured picture. A young girl, no more than six looked out at the world – big smile, dark hair and almost black doe eyes.
"She's gorgeous – yet what has this got to do with us and The Chest?" Hermione handed back the photo, which Riley stared at with something akin to grief on his features.
"She's mine, a beautiful little girl full of mischief – and magic. She's a Witch – and she's been kidnapped. I have to exchange The Chest for her life."
Hermione stared at Riley, disbelief on her face. "Why would somebody kidnap your child?"
Riley took a strangled breath in. "Because the person who kidnapped her – knew I'd do anything to get her back. Anything."
Draco asked the question which hovered on her lips. "Why?"
For a moment Hermione thought Riley wouldn't answer, his head fell into his hands and he rubbed his eyes wearily. "Lily's mum was, is a Witch – a dark one. She was on the wrong side in the war – still is I guess. She's the one who has Lily – her name's Remy Harrison; and she would get some sick satisfaction at making me steal a magical artifact for her. Why she wants The Chest – I couldn't say. I honestly don't care, I just want Lily back."
"Surely Remy being Lily's mother would mean she won't be harmed?" Hermione questioned. She frowned up at Draco who had suddenly stiffened – his face was stony.
The bitter laugh Riley let out echoed around the room. "Lily had a twin sister once; I found Remy standing over her lifeless body when she was only five weeks old. No remorse, just anger – apparently Rose wouldn't stop crying. Cot-death the official cause; yet I always suspected more. I took Lily that day and hadn't heard from Remy – until a week ago."
Hermione sat in shocked silence, she had heard and witnessed many atrocities over the years, yet a heartless mother who could harm her own child somehow seemed worse than anything.
"Artie who works in Robberies is a Wizard, I couldn't tell him why, yet asked if he could find out any whispers in the Magical Community about a major event. He's so trusting he didn't even ask what I was working on. He told me two key heroes from the war were heading to New York – no reason why though. I knew you were coming for The Chest. If Remy wanted it desperate enough to blackmail me – I knew it would be important on a global scale."
"Why didn't you ask for our help, we could have worked out something?"
"I wanted to – that's why I was at the hotel – yet, they must have been watching me. As I waited in the lobby I received a call warning me if I spoke to you in any way about The Chest they would cut Lily's big toe off." Riley choked a little on his words – a haunted look of a father who couldn't protect his child on his face. "In the end, I had to get it before you. I followed you to Lawrence's and snuck in after you. When you went through the window, all the alarm systems went off line. What ever you did – I'll always be grateful for. While the guards kept you busy I snatched it. Remy won't release Lily until her sect controls The Chest."
Hermione sat back heavily in her chair. Lucky for Riley the side effect of George's anti-ward was a total blackout of Muggle alarm systems - otherwise he wouldn't have gotten in. Hermione tried to work it all out in her mind. Riley's evil, well – crazy, ex-wife stole her own child, so he would be blackmailed into stealing The Chest for her extremist group. It sounded too convoluted to make sense. "Why not steal it themselves, why you? Why go to all the trouble of kidnapping Lily; sadistic ex-wife aside."
Riley ran a hand through his hair, exasperation marring his features. "I don't bloody know, don't you think I've asked these questions a million times before. All I can come up with is that she really is an insane sadistic bitch, who wants to destroy my life." He let a huge breath out. "All I care about is getting my little girl back."
She looked at Riley for a moment – exhaustion creeping around his eyes, why hadn't she noticed it last night? "You do realise we have to take The Chest don't you? If loosed into the wrong hands it would be catastrophic for the Magic Community."
Riley's wild eyes met hers then looked above her shoulder to Malfoy. "But, you can't. Lily – she'll kill Lily."
Hermione's chest was tight, what could they do? "We'll ring the Ministry and tell them of your plight – they will have somebody come out immediately to help you…"
'We'll do it." Draco interrupted her speech; she looked up at him a frown making her eyes narrow, what was he on about now? "Hermione and I will save Lily, don't worry Riley, your little girl will be back in your arms this time tomorrow."
Hermione's jaw fell open. "Draco – can we speak a moment…in private."
Riley had a relieved smile on his face. "I'll give you a moment." He patted Malfoy's shoulder as he walked out the door.
"What the hell are you playing at?" Hermione hissed as the door closed with a snick. "Don't get me wrong – I want to save Lily as much as you do, but we aren't bloody trained for hostage extraction. We need to get the properly qualified people out here – Marcus will be on the next flight out; I know it."
Draco leant down so his face was an inch from hers; her breath caught in her throat at the anger shining in his eyes. "She won't have until then, Granger. If they don't get The Chest as promised – they will kill Lily. We are all Riley has. You're the bloody bleeding heart – the girl who helped bring down Voldemort; yet saving a six year old is beneath you."
Malfoy caught her hand before it connected with his face. He knew she would react – knew it would make her angry; she also knew he was right. When did Malfoy grow up and begin to act responsible and noble? Once again it didn't sit right with her original opinion of him. Malfoy was not supposed to do the right and honourable thing – he was meant to be a prat and tell her she was mad for even contemplating saving the child. Instead he surprised her with a compassion she thought more befitting to Harry – not Malfoy.
"Why do you care so much about this one child?" Hermione asked, as she searched his face for the answer. He gave nothing away for the longest time.
"Fuck…" He looked down at her for a moment, indecision warring on his features. He took a breath and spoke quietly. "I know Remy. Actually, more than know her – she's a distant cousin on Father's side."
The way he spat father out; Hermione knew he bore ill-well on Remy too. "So it's personal – is that why?"
"No, it's fucking not – not really." Sighing he ran a hand thorough his blonde hair; it shone in the sunlight like a halo, Hermione stared entranced. "Maybe, a little – but it's the right thing to do, and I know we can take Remy and this stupid group of hers down. She always was a vindictive child." He laughed harshly. "I guess not so unlike I was. But, Riley's right – she would've got him to steal The Chest for no other reason than her own pure pleasure at making him suffer. Granger – it's our only choice."
They stood like that for a few moments – staring the other down. Hermione lowered her eyes first. "I know, you're right – we have to save her. But, I'll never forgive myself if something happens and we should have waited for Marcus."
Draco lifted one side of his mouth into a half grin; she couldn't help the jump her pulse gave. "Hell, Granger – we manage to infiltrate buildings with security so tight air can't slip in, we're probably the best team to find her, save her and kick some bad guy arse."
She nodded her head, unsettled by the new found respect she had for him which was currently growing in her chest. Just what she needed – liking Draco as a person, this was not in the ten page contract she signed for Neil two days ago – neither was sleeping with him. Oh well…
Riley barged in not a second later; Hermione looked up in surprise at his apparent rush. "You have to get out – now."
"What's happened?" Draco was quick and straight to the point, already moving away from the door.
"Artie, the Wizard I told you about who helped me; knows you're here – your faces flagged in the lobby. He's coming for you, you're not authorised to be here – he's been tasked at bringing you in for questioning."
"How in hell did we get flagged?" Hermione asked as she looked around for a place to get out.
"Cameras – Big Brother is always watching. They have them everywhere – you need to escape un-noticed." His eyes darted around the room till they hit the manhole above his head. Hermione groaned inwardly - not again, she was starting to feel like a rodent – always skulking in the roof cavities.
Draco was already on the desk reaching for the cover; yet when Hermione went to climb up he stopped her. "This is a decoy - we take the window ledge."
"What!" She squeaked. "Its seven stories up – I'm not a pigeon." Hermione realised she really was turning into a rodent – weren't pigeons the rats of the sky?
"The ledge is thick, we'll be fine." He coughed as a layer of dust fell from the now open space above his head.
"If you say you have a bouncer – I will hit you in the face." Hermione watched as he grinned at her, she wasn't sure if she liked being on the receiving end of it – it gave her butterflies.
"No bouncer's, nothing remotely magic – that's all in our bags, which have probably been stolen. It's just you, me and a hell of a lot of luck."
Riley had the window open and Hermione scrambled carefully onto the ledge; which was not thick at all – her toes hung off the edge. Wind whipped around her and she felt the first niggle of unease. What the hell were they doing running from the cops? Although, being caught and detained for even a few hours might mean Lily's death – so it was an easy call to make – they would run.
Draco slid out a few seconds later. "What about The Chest?" Hermione gasped. How could she have almost forgotten the very thing they were tasked at tracking down? It seemed she was easily swayed if a child in trouble was involved.
"Riley has it in a locked safe in another room. It's with other Magical evidence so it won't be flagged - he assures me it's safe and no one knows of its whereabouts. We don't have time to get it now – not unless you want to fight your way out; and I'd like for us not to clash with the NYPD. One day I want to come back to New York, and being blacklisted would be discomforting. Riley assures me it is ours, I believe him."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, Malfoy never had much faith in anyone, except himself – why was this different? Was it Lily? Or maybe getting back at his cousin was the motivation? She only knew if they didn't get The Chest back – living as an anonymous Witch was a thing of the past – and so was her life most likely.
Draco stood next to her and leant back towards the window where Riley's head was sticking out from. "When they contact you, Riley – let us know via the hotel we first saw you at."
Riley watched them as they started to shuffle along the sill, his look of gratitude not faked in the slightest. "I can never thank you enough – you've saved my baby girl."
Hermione didn't point out that they hadn't yet; she was too busy trying not to fall to her death. How did she always end up in situations like this – actually, she didn't usually; it was only since she started working with Draco. He was bad for her health.
Riley shut the window, and they stood alone. Hermione took a shaky breath in and looked at her cool, calm and collected partner. "Right, this was your plan – what the hell do we do now?"
"Find a way down."
Hermione rolled her eyes and scowled. "I'm dead serious, Malfoy."
He stared at her for a second. "So am I."
She growled in frustration and shuffled towards the corner of the building. Draco chuckled and followed behind her. Looking down was not an option at the moment; not until she had more sure footing. Once again she damned Draco to hell; even though this situation wasn't entirely his fault. But, she was more than ready to blame him for it.
They reached the end and Hermione had no choice but to look down around the corner; she gripped the bricks which stuck out and peered towards the ground. Thankfully there was another building built close by, although it was quite a drop to the roof. Hermione knew they would have to time it perfectly and push off as hard as they could to reach it. If they landed wrong, it could mean a broken leg – or worse. The gap wasn't too far – thank Merlin; she didn't think she could face jumping more than eight feet across when up seven stories.
Suddenly a shout came from one of the windows they'd passed by, startling Hermione. Draco gripped her shirt and held onto her tightly as she stumbled. They peered behind them – it seemed Artie was not fooled by the manhole diversion; nor should he – if he was a cop and a wizard.
"Crap, Malfoy – we'll have to jump now."
He was looking behind them. "Artie has a wand – if he hits us we're in deep shit – go!"
Hermione didn't waste any time and quickly moved so she was around the corner. Draco was right behind her; they looked down at the other rooftop for a second.
"Fuck – that's a hell of a drop, Granger – can you do it?"
She glared at him – Merlin, she'd been a field agent for five years; a drop like this was child's play. "You continue to underestimate me…"
As she said those words she pushed off and jumped; hearing Malfoy yell out behind her. It felt like her stomach was trying to make a new home in her mouth; but before the sensation became too overwhelming; she hit the hard cement, bending her knees and rolling with her momentum; coming to stand on her feet. She resisted flinging out her arms like a gymnast – but only just.
Malfoy was beside her in less than a moment; his expression closed. "A little warning would be nice next time."
Scowling up at him she started jogging towards the door which would take them inside the building. "Stop being such a drama-queen."
A burst of energy hit the ground by their feet – it seemed Artie wasn't going to chase, he was just trying to stun them now. There was no time to lose. Running forward they hit the door which led to freedom – it was locked. Of course.
"Fucking brilliant." Hermione yelled – annoyed at the whole situation.
Draco kicked the door, just as another burst hit the left side of the frame near her head. Artie was a terrible shot. Looking back up; she saw he was trying to shoot from around the corner of the building. Thankful for small mercies, Hermione watched as Draco kicked the door a second time – the lock flew off as it slammed inwards.
They bolted inside and started jumping down the stairs using the hand rails and launching themselves six or seven steps at a time.
"You know, Granger – that's the first time I've heard you use a true swearword in context…"
"It won't be the last time either, if they make me work with you again."
Draco just laughed deeply and she tried not to smile. Hermione hoped like hell Artie would give up the chase – they were in New York legally; just not for legal purposes. She also hoped leaving the country wouldn't prove difficult – she had plants to water at home.
Hitting the street a few minutes later; Hermione was relieved to find no police waiting for them. So she ran around the corner to the payphones and snatched their bags.
"See, there is good in the world."
"They were invisible, Granger – who would have seen them?" was his smart reply.
Hermione groaned out loud, for the love of God he was hard work. Ignoring his knowing grin, they walked towards a cab rank. Apparating so close to the Police Station could be tracked if Artie was on the ball. "Riley wouldn't tell Artie where we are staying – would he?"
"No, not now that we are helping save Lily. We'll contact Neil – he'll sort out the misunderstanding with Artie."
Hailing a cab as if he had done it most of his life – they headed back to the hotel to await Riley's call. Hermione guessed knowing where The Chest was and that it was safe would have to be good enough for the time being. Although, it felt strange and wrong to leave it in the hands of a Muggle; she checked the palm pilot again – it was motionless in the NYPD. Letting a long sigh out, she nestled into the back seat and tried to ignore Malfoy's thigh against hers.
There were no messages when they reached the hotel almost an hour later, not that Hermione was expecting Remy to have contacted Riley yet, but you never knew. They made their way over to the elevators in silence; Hermione suddenly conscious of being alone with Draco without the chaperone of a cab driver. Merlin – the damn proposition, she'd almost forgotten it in the wake of Riley's predicament.
The bell dinged loudly and they walked inside; Draco pushing the light for their floor before she could. Child, she thought. The doors closed with a click, and Hermione tried not to fidget in nervousness – she was a bloody operative for Merlin's sake.
As the floors began to light up, Draco moved suddenly. In an instant he had her pushed up against the mirrored wall of the elevator; lips torturously close to hers. His breath was hot on her cheek, Hermione's heart threatened to explode again. He leant forward; nipping her bottom lip while sliding his tongue over it to soothe. The moan she let escape was not supposed to be heard. "It seems we may have time for more pleasurable pursuits, Granger."
He pushed her legs apart and slid between them like he had been doing it for years; his eyes held a dark promise of things to come – Hermione panicked.
Thankfully the doors opened then and she slid out from his embrace; heart hammering loudly in her chest from excitement, fear of the unknown and lust. She headed for her door; Draco close behind her. As she slid the card into the door slot – she turned and pushed his chest away from her.
"As you said, there's plenty of time, Draco – I'm going for a swim."
With that, she slipped inside and shut the door behind her with a click. Leaning on it heavily for a second – she heard a low chuckle and 'chicken' being bandied about behind the door. She didn't bother arguing – she knew she was being a chicken – a huge yellow one.
Yanking on her bathing suit, she grabbed her towel and headed to the indoor pool on the eighteenth floor. She needed to swim – to exercise and work out her sore muscles. It was also the perfect excuse to avoid Malfoy for another hour.
The pool was empty this time of day – something she was grateful for. She kept up a steady pace and swam till she was almost boneless. Ripping off her goggles she leant her head against the pool's edge, regaining her breath before she got out. What the hell was she going to do? When she made the bargain with Malfoy, she was sure it wouldn't happen for months – or even ever. The fact he wanted to collect so soon made her stomach flutter and squirm – among other parts of her.
Merlin – she wanted it – was it wise, no; was it border-lining on insanity, yes. Jeez, she was more concerned with her little bargain with Malfoy than having to go into hostile territory to save a child. Her priorities were all muddled.
She climbed out of the pool, her mind still whirling and headed to the showers. The stalls were huge with two shower heads – Hermione guessed you got what you paid for; they were in a luxury hotel after all. So she didn't feel guilty by turning them both on to almost scalding heat – the area steamed up within seconds, and she was in her own private hazy world; it felt like heaven. Adjusting the taps so it was comfortable, she slid into the warmth and let the water take care of her tired muscles.
She had just started to soap up her body to get rid of the chlorine; when her stall door swung open. Wide eyed she looked up at her intruder, it was hard to tell who it was through the mist – yet she knew instantly. Draco walked forward a step, standing in all his muscled glory. He wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing and Hermione almost hit the floor. Desire flared in his eyes, as he watched her a moment; soap suds sliding off her body. She didn't bother trying to cover herself – she had nothing except a wash cloth – and that would not cut it.
His deep grey eyes slowly took her in from head to foot, she felt herself get instantly wet in desire. His mouth lifted in a smirk, she couldn't form a suitable response which wasn't 'take me now' so she stayed silent and wide eyed. Without even saying a word he stalked towards her – his intentions not needing to be voiced, they were more than clear. Oh sweet Merlin…
A/N: Hey everyone! Thank you from the bottom of my Muse for all your amazing reviews, trying to keep the grin off my face is starting to be questioned in real life... I also want to say thanks for all the alerts and favourites I've also received! *Ahem - I think I might need to put a disclaimer that the next chapter may contain smut!* (this was it!) Hope you enjoyed the chapter :)