Chapter 14
The next morning she woke up before everyone. Naturally. It must have been about seven. She laid there for a few minutes, then turned to see that wonderful Paris skyline through the now tinted windows. She didn't even realize they did that yesterday. She reached over and drank the purple potion like she was supposed to, instantly feeling better. As a smile crept along her lips she got up as quietly as she could and grabbed her clothes from the small night stand, intending to use that gorgeous tub she knew was just for her.
She quietly walked into the bathroom and around the small half wall to get to the tub when she spotted a note beside the tub on a small shelf with a glass of orange juice, tea and the daintiest spoons with scrambled eggs and chives sitting on a plate. She filled the tub with water and poured in some bubble bath, then read the note.
My dearest Hermione, I knew you would love this. I ensured the room had a tub just for you. Enjoy your breakfast, and soak as long as you wish. The tub is charmed to constantly keep the water warm.
These little things were getting to her, playing with her heart. She found herself thinking about him more and more. Wishing to be in his arms, to be talking to him, touching him, reading with him. She was falling fast and hard and she wasn't sure what any of that meant for her future. Shaking her head, she climbed into the tub, sighing as she slid into the hot water. She could stay in this moment forever. She sipped her tea and juice and ate her breakfast slowly, with a smile on her face.
She soaked for about thirty minutes, the decided to get out and actually shower. Her sore legs felt much better, but they still hurt. She showered and peaked out the bathroom door. Daphne and Fleur were stirring around.
"Hey." Hermione whispered.
"Hi." They both said back.
"I'm heading upstairs." Daphne said. "See if there's any letters giving away our plans for today."
"I'll go with you." Fleur got up and followed her out.
Hermione looked at the dress that was packed for her. Theo must have packed her clothes. She decided to throw her pajamas back on and see what the other girls were wearing. Her hair still wrapped in a towel she made her way to the sitting room.
"Should we open eet, or wait for ze others?" Fleur asked Hermione as she rounded the stairs.
"Coffee?" Hermione asked Fleur, nodding to her cup.
"It was here with the letter. Still hot." Daphne smiled.
"Thank you." She took the cup from Daphne taking a sip. "Mmm." She moaned. "Let's open it."
Daphne tore the letter open and read it aloud.
Good morning ladies! Time for my surprise! You all have spa appointments at 9am, complete with massages, facials and pedicures. Breakfast will be served while you relax. Enjoy! Theo
"Wow." Fleur said in surprise.
"We seem to be saying that a lot." Hermione giggled as she checked the time. "It's just after eight now, we better wake them and get ready." As she stood there was a buzz at the lift. Fleur walked over to the lift to let whoever it was in.
"Ladies." A handsome man said to them, handing Fleur several bags. Hermione walked over to help her. "For your spa treatments. When you are ready, please head to level twelve, the receptionist there will guide you the rest of the way." With a bow he went back the lift and left.
Hermione brought her bags over and handed one to Daphne, then set the rest on the sofa. Her bag had an incredibly soft, fluffy white robe, ballet style white slippers, and a gift bag full of samples of perfumes, soaps and lotions. "I love that man." She said to herself.
"I am surprised Draco iz comfortable with you living with another man." Fleur said to her.
"Theo doesn't like women, dear." Daphne clarified. "He's the sweetest guy, and it's a damn shame no woman will ever have him."
Hermione burst out laughing. She certainly had a point there.
Hermione went to wake Ginny, Luna, and Astoria and tell them about this morning's surprise.
"9 am?!" Ginny groaned. "Whose idea was that?!"
"Theo's." Hermione smiled.
"Figures. You probably wake him up at all hours of the morning!"
Hermione shoved her. "Get ready!"
At five minutes to nine, the girls left their hotel suite to head to the twelfth floor. They stayed in their pajamas under their fuffy bathrobes and each one hair their hair in a bun.
"Luna, you look adorable with your hair up!" Fleur said to her.
Luna just smiled.
They got to the receptionist desk and Ginny spoke for the group.
"Hello, we a reservation... I think?"
"Name please?"
She turned to Hermione. "Why don't they ever tell us these things?!" She hissed. "Umm, try Nott, Malfoy, or Weasley. One of those should work."
The girl just smiled. "Party for Nott, right this way."
Ginny huffed but followed the girl inside the spa. Astoria linked arms with her and the rest of them followed.
They were lead into a gorgeous room that looked like they were underwater. The walls were a deep blue and charmed to look like soft waves of light were fluttering through the water. There were bubbles floating above them that held candles, and as they bobbed up and down they reflected the metallic blue accent wall that was on the far side of the room. It made everything shimmer. Soft music was playing and every now and then Hermione swore she could hear waves.
"It's almost like the cottage if you close your eyes." Daphne said to Fleur, who smiled.
"It's almost like when we were kids." Astoria said in a soft, almost longing voice. Ginny squeezed her hand.
There were six reclining spa chairs, three along each wall in a tan color to look like sand. They had fluffy pillows in a sea green color and a throw in a royal blue was laid across each chair. Fleur, Daphne and Luna took one side, while Astoria, Ginny, and Hermione took the other. Hermione noticed there were buttons on one of the arm rests of the chair. "Oohhh." She said after she pushed a button. "It's a massage chair." She wiggled into the chair as she felt it knead her lower back and surround her shoulders to work out any kinks there as well.
"Oh my goodness." Fleur said laughing. "This iz awkward!" Daphne started laughing.
"Good morning, ladies." Six very pretty, very petite women came in followed by two men with trays of food floating behind them.
"We are here for your pedicures and facials." One of the pretty girls said. "Franco and Luis will serve your breakfast while we start your pedicures."
Each girl stood next to a chair and out of nowhere a basin for their pedicures and stool for them to sit on appeared.
"Good morning, I am Adalene." She said to Hermione with a smile.
"Hermione." She responded with a smile back. After Adalene removed her fuzzy slippers she let her feet fall into the basin and her legs tingled at the warm water. Either Luis or Franco, Hermione really didn't care as they were both gorgeous, placed a levitating plate next to her with a glass of fresh juice and tea, strawberries and grapes, sliced apples, a bowl of vanilla yogurt with granola, blueberries, small slices of toasted baguette and cider poached pears with almonds.
Hermione instantly went to the pears since they smelled irresistible. She spooned a generous heap of cream on top and sprinkled some almonds as well. "Holy wow!" She said after she took a bite.
"That's a new one!" Ginny said to her.
"Try this! You'll see!"
Ginny picked up her pear and covered it in cream as well. "Oooo." She took a few more bites. "I like Theo." She giggled.
They all relaxed as they ate, their aching feet getting pampered was just too good to think about anything else. Their breakfast plates were removed just as their pedicures were ending, then it was time for facials.
Hermione never had a facial before, and she tried her best not to giggle at her cheeks being massaged. She could just picture what she looked like. She let her eyes close as they applied some sort of mask.
"This is so amazing." She heard Ginny say.
"I know." Hermione smiled, which was difficult since whatever this mask was hardening. "We should do this like once a month."
"I'm in!" Fleur said. "I never do anything!"
"Why not?" Luna asked.
"I don't know... I don't 'ave people to do things with I suppose."
"I used to feel that way. But I don't anymore." Luna said to her.
"So, Daphne." Ginny said. "No boyfriend? No one you fancy?"
"No." She breathed out. "There's one guy that I could like... but he's a dick."
"I know the feeling." Hermione groaned, which made everyone giggle. "Who is it?"
"Not telling!"
"Ugh! I know that feeling too! Theo has a mystery boyfriend he refuses to tell me anything about!"
"Theo has a boyfriend?!" Daphne squealed.
"Yes. I think its well on its way to being serious. You should see his face light up whenever I try to pry something out of him."
"Draco doesn't even know? Those two idiots have always been really close."
"No." Hermione pouted. "And if he does he's not telling me!"
"How are you and Draco, really?" Ginny asked softly.
Hermione sighed. "We're fine, perfect actually. As long as we're alone, or somewhere that no one would recognize us. Put us in public and that's were Draco the asshole comes out, and Draco the sweetheart goes away."
"No shocker there!"
"Daph!" Astoria scolded.
"What?! You know I'm right, Stori! He's always been like that. Wouldn't know a good thing if it walked up to him and punched him in the face!"
Hermione chuckled. "I did that once."
With their facials finished each girl when to a private room where their massages would be. The colors and theme carried into this room as well, with the same music. The lights were dimmer, giving a much softer feel. Hermione stripped down and laid on the soft massage table, covering herself with the sheet that was provided. She hit the call button to let the masseuse know she was ready. Hermione laid there in pure bliss, her mind completely blank, which was really saying something for her. She felt her muscles tense, then relax, then stretch, then relax again over her entire body. She was pretty sure she even drifted off to sleep somewhere in the middle. Hermione rolled over when she was told to, her entire body feeling limp and heavy with relaxation. She thought it would be awkward, but she felt just as safe and relaxed this way, too. She let her eyes close almost as soon as she was situated, and let the masseuse work her magic.
Once her hour was up, Hermione didn't want to move. She could lay here forever and not care. Reluctantly, she got up and dressed and went to wait for the other girls. She had just stepped out of her room when she was met by Luna and Astoria.
"Oh. My. God." Astoria said to Hermione, leaking against her as they walked. "Amazing."
"Yea." Hermione let out a content sigh. "Loved it. I didn't want to move."
They reached the reception desk and Hermione asked the girl behind the counter to charge a tip for each masseuse and technicians that gave the facials and pedicures to their room. She noticed everyone looking at her and just shrugged and flashed a smile. "Theo's constantly telling me that Draco's good for it."
They went back to their room where of course another letter was waiting for them on the table. Ginny went over and grabbed it, knowing it was from Harry.
Hope you're pampered and relaxed, because you're about to hit the streets of Paris! My gift to you is shopping. The enclosed card is linked directly to one of my vaults and Gringotts. Hermione, don't fuss! Ginny is always telling me 'What's the point in having money if we never spend it!' Harry
"Holy shit." Ginny breathed. She looked to be in shock.
"Gin?" Hermione could count on one hand the amount of times Ginny Weasley was speechless.
Ginny turned to her with the biggest smile on her face. "We're going shopping." She dashed away to the bedroom to change.
"Let's get ready. It's already eleven and our portkey leaves at four." Astoria said.
"Hey." Hermione said as she followed everyone downstairs. "Did any of you pack your suitcases?"
"No, now that I think about it." Astoria said to her. "Why?"
"Just curious what was packed for you. I guarantee Theo packed mine."
"Let's be ready in twenty! I know spells to do our hair!" Ginny said as she dashed into the bathroom.
Each girl pressed the button to make the walls enclose their bedroom and changed.
"Meet you upstairs!" They heard Ginny call out.
Fleur was the first to walk up in a thigh length dress in a sage green with a navy blue lace overlay. The dress had a wide neckline, with the lace sleeves continuing on to fall just off her shoulders.
"You look amazing. I swear you can wear anything!" Ginny said to her.
"Thank you, I 'ave never seen this dress before." Fleur said. "Bill just 'ave went shopping as well."
Ginny was wearing a skin tight black dress with three-quarter sleeves. It had large paisley prints all over it in white, magenta and purple.
Luna came up next and had on a bright sunshine yellow dress with a scalloped neckine and short sleeves. It went to her knees and the hem there were large white flowers popping out away from the fabric.
She wore her bowtruckle pin just above her heart. Astoria and Daphne came up next. Astoria had on a dark blue wrap maxi dress that was very low cut and had a slit going up to her mid-thigh. There were large white and peach flowers in random patterns and sizes all over the dress. The fabric was chiffon and it flowed effortlessly with her movements. Daphne wore a black maxi dress that had narrow red and pink lines going horizontally. It sat off her shoulders and ruffled to create sleeves.
Hermione was the last to come upstairs. Her maxi dress was strapless with a solid baby pink top. Just under her breasts she wore a wide, white belt, and fat horizontal stripes in yellow, teal and purple faded into each other. It also had a very high slit over one leg. "I know Theo packed this. Draco would never let me get away with a slit this high!"
"You look stunning, though!" Ginny said to her. "Let's do hair now! I know a straightening spell. I think everything will look amazing with straight hair, except you Luna. I love your curls! Oh, and Stori! Yours has to be in waves." Ginny ordered.
Ginny was very pleased that at 11:35 they were hitting the streets of Paris. The hotel had a floo network that sent them straight to the upscale wizarding boulevards. They traveled as group, going into any shop someone fancied. Hermione was of course apprehensive about spending Harry's money, but it was true he hardly ever spent it on himself. He never knew what to do with money since he grew up not having any, so it just sat in his vault. When he inherited the Black family fortune that just sat there as well. Ginny told her for the good of the group she had better start buying things, or Harry would be disappointed.
So they shopped. And spent. And shopped some more. Each having several bags of clothes, purses, and jewelry. It's was 3:15 when they reluctantly headed back to the floo so they could pack their things and catch the portkey back home.
"Oh wait!" Hermione said with excitement. "A confectioners! I have to get something for them!" Hermione ran inside before anyone could protest. She walked in and the sweet smell of chocolate made her sigh. She could tell the others felt the same way and they all began to browse.
Twenty minutes later she walked out with a half dozen cupcakes for Theo, a half dozen for Draco, and a half dozen chocolate covered strawberries for herself. Once back in the hotel they only had fifteen minutes to pack everything. Harry must have put undetectable extension charms on all of their suitcases, because everything they shoved in fit well.
"Okay girls, here we go." Hermione announced a little deflated. "This was amazing, I'm so glad we all got to do this."
"Me too." They said in unison.
With luggage in hand each girl touched the coffee mug, and were whisked away back into reality.
They landed in Hermione and Theo's living room, breathless.
"Hello there."
Daphne turned and ran right into George. "Georgie!" She flung her arms around him, and buried her face into his neck.
George was taken back for a moment, no one called him that anymore. He wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled. "Missed you." He whispered into her hair.
Bill and Harry glanced each other to see if the other caught the moment. They shared a nod and decided right then and there that she was family, and they would be damned if anyone was going to ruin that.
"Hermione, my love." Theo walked up to her and squeezed her tight. "Theo." She couldn't help but smile as she hugged him back.
"Don't ever leave me alone with these idiots again." He said to her when she pulled away.
Hermione giggled. "You loved it." She whispered.
Theo just gave her a wink.
"Are you two finished?" Draco said from the back of the room.
"No." Theo pouted. "You know damn well she's going home with you, you can wait." He took her by the hand and pulled her to the sofa where she instantly curled up next to him.
"Nice dress." Draco drawled.
"You think so?" Theo turned to him, grinning.
Ginny just rolled her eyes as she went over to Harry.
"You ladies have a good time?" He asked her between kisses.
"We did. You didn't have to do all that."
"Did you all sleep here?" Hermione asked them from her spot next to Theo, who snorted.
"We did." George answered her. "Have you eaten? Because I'm hungry."
"Have you not gone home yet?" Daphne asked.
"No, I did. I just got here actually to pick you up."
"I buy! If you all want to stay." Hermione added, which made Theo groan.
"When do I get you all to myself?!" He whined.
"For the next two bloody days!" Draco ground out as he strode over to her and snatched her away.
"Theo, how about it we get some tacos?" Hermione offered. "You said you missed it."
That idea seemed to perk him up. Everyone agreed to stay for an early dinner. Theo was trying his best to explain to Blaise what a taco was.
"You'll love it trust me! Ready, love?" Hermione took his arm and was just about to disaparate, when Draco whined about not being able to go. Hermione just rolled her eyes, grabbed his arm and left.
They apparated to the park that was close by, and walked to the food truck. She smiled sadly at the poor girl waiting to take her order. She placed an order for twenty-five tacos, four orders of chips and salsa, and ten quesadilla's. Hermione tipped them well and stood back to wait for her order.
She turned and saw that Draco was staring at her with a hungry look. She liked it. She made sure to sway her hips just a touch more as she walked.
"That really is a nice dress." Draco said to her once she made her way over to them. He moved to put his hands on her waist, then caught himself and shoved them in his pockets.
"Thank you." She said quickly, hoping she was able to hide the slight disappointment in his actions. She wondered when this would be over and they could be open.
Theo just shook his head and pulled Hermione closer to him. If Draco kept this shit up there was no way she was going home with him tonight.
She smiled at Theo gratefully. She really did miss him. "Thank you for the dress. For everything." She placed a small kiss on Theo's cheek.
"You're very welcome. I am more than happy to show you how much I love you." Theo didn't miss Draco's scowl. "I mean it. You mean the world to me. Because of you I feel like me again."
"Oh, Theo." She hugged him fiercely.
"Susan?!"
"Here!" Theo shouted with a laugh. He went to grab the bags of food as Hermione laughed. He returned with four bags and handed two to Draco. "Be useful, will you?"
"Oh, shut up."
They walked back into the park to disaparate. "Ready?" Hermione asked.
"Right behind you." Theo answered. With a nod she was gone. Theo turned to Draco quickly. "When are you going to give up this little act?" He asked harshly.
"You know damn well why I can't just drop it." He snapped back.
"I won't tolerate you hurting her with your ridiculous nonsense about how you are forbidden to be happy."
"I'm trying! It's not easy for me! She gets it, so lay off me!"
"Just because she gets it doesn't mean she doesn't get hurt by it, you daft prick!" Before Draco could retort Theo disaparated.
"Fucking ass." Draco muttered and disaparated himself back to Theo's.
"Get lost?" Theo asked sweetly as Draco appeared in his living room.
Draco just glared at him and walked into the kitchen to set the food down.
Hermione was busy getting drinks and napkins ready as Daphne took them and brought it into the dining room to eat. "Coming?" Hermione asked him.
"Yes." He plastered a smile to his face and followed her in. He wasn't going to think about this now. He had the next two days to sink into misery, but right now he missed her.
Everyone began grabbing food and putting in on their plates. Hermione had some spoons for the salsa. The boys went for the beers, Hermione had some bottles of coke and water set out for the girls.
"Zees iz good!" Fleur smiled as she crunched on a taco.
"Told you!" Theo held up his hand for a high five.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "He wants to slap his hand. It's called a high five."
"Oh!" She bounced out of her seat and smacked his hand, giggling as she sat back down.
Bill looked at his wife with a smile, he was glad she was making friends with everyone. He could see themselves being around these people quite often. "So, tell me about the trip, ladies. Have fun?"
"Oh! Bill eet was amazing!" Fleur said excitedly.
"It was!" Daphne said from her spot next to Fleur. "Thank you so much, all of you."
"More than welcome." Blaise smiled at her. He looked over at Luna, who had that whimsical smile on her face he adored so much. He wanted her to like his friends, and he wanted to like her friends.
"Blaise, thank you for the bowtruckle." She said to him sweetly.
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "I missed you." He whispered.
"You two are adorable." Astoria said to them.
Blaise looked up to see that everyone had stopped talking and was staring at them.
"It's all her." He said fondly. Luna just smiled.
The girls talked about their weekend, each having a different story to tell. Talking about the hotel, the club, Hermione told Draco she loved the soaker tub, and told Theo how much she loved the spa. They all loved the shopping, and they filled up their camera from George. Hermione couldn't wait to see the pictures. Ginny said how grateful she was Fleur ordered for them, and how spectacular the food was.
Hermione glanced around the table and smiled at everyone sitting here. It felt like family. It made her happy. She of course considered all of the Weasley's family, but this circle was going to be different. She could feel it. She was so happy she got to spend the weekend with Daphne and Astoria; she wanted Draco's friends to be her friends and she had to admit she was nervous at first. They had a reputation that none of them deserved.
Draco glanced over and reached for her hand under the table, bringing it into his lap. "Are you alright? You seem lost in thought." He whispered to her.
"I'm fine, just thinking." She said softly. She squeezed his hand to let him know she was okay. "George, how long will the pictures take to get back? Are we all going to receive copies?"
"I can arrange that. Won't be long, a few days."
"Oh, I can't wait to see them!" Ginny squealed, then sighed. "We really must do this again."
"Gin, we have a house to remodel." Harry said with hesitation.
"Annual trip!" Hermione promised.
After everything was cleaned up, pair by pair everyone left. Hermione hugged each one of them, promising to get together again soon.
Theo plopped down in a chair in the living room. "I'm actually pretty tired. You must be exhausted."
"A little. We did a lot." She sat down on the sofa, then immediately popped back up. "Wait! I have something for you!" She ran to her suitcase and pulled out three boxes. With her back turned she checked the contents to see if they were okay. "For you." She handed the first box to Theo, setting the other two on the floor beside her.
Draco came in and looked at the box. "You got him a gift?!" He pouted. Hermione ignored his whine and watched Theo as he opened the box.
Theo flipped the lid open and gasped. "You. Are. Amazing."
Hermione smiled from ear to ear. Something as simple as cupcakes could make Theo's whole day. She got up to point at them. "These two are triple chocolate. They have chocolate ganache filling and chocolate frosting. These two are vanilla cupcakes with strawberry filling and sweet cream frosting with white chocolate shavings, and these two are strawberry lemonade. Lemon cupcakes with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting."
Theo was grinning like a bloody idiot. "I'm going to enjoy these." He closed the box and set it on the coffee table. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "Thank you, you didn't have to."
"I know that." She squeezed back. When Theo let go of her hand she reached down and grabbed a box for Draco. "This one is for you."
"Really?!" Draco was genuinely surprised. He set his beer on the table and reached for the box. He opened it to find cupcakes as well, but his were different than Theo's.
"These ones," she said to him, leaning in close. "Are chocolate peanut butter, they're filled with peanut butter and drizzled with chocolate. These ones are Dulce del leche, and these ones are raspberry vanilla. They have raspberry filling and vanilla butter cream frosting."
"Do I have to share?" He asked sweetly.
"No." She smiled. "I have my own box." She picked hers up off the floor and held it in their lap. "And since neither of you are sharing, I don't have to either so there's no point in me telling you what I have." And with that she strode off into the kitchen.
Theo and Draco wasted no time digging into their cupcakes. Theo tried a chocolate one first, and Draco went straight for the Dulce del leche. Theo moaned and rolled his eyes back as he took a bite. "Heaven."
"Couldn't wait?" Hermione teased.
"No." They said at the same time.
"I'm going to pack my bag. Theo, are you alright?"
"Of course, love. Be back here early though."
"Promise. 5:30?"
Theo groaned. "Lord help me."
She walked over and placed a kiss on the top of his head. "Be right back."
They finished their cupcakes and Theo summoned napkins. "Wanna share? Your three for my three?"
Draco looked down at his box. He did want to try that strawberry one. "Alright." They swapped quickly, then set the boxes on the table.
Draco picked up his beer. "I'm not an ass on purpose you know."
Theo raised his eyebrows.
"This time."
Theo just shook his head and spoke quietly so Hermione wouldn't hear. "I just don't get it, and I don't like to see her sad. It kills me."
"Why are you so protective of her? You were never like this with Daph or Stori."
Theo just shrugged. "I couldn't tell you. She just saw me for who I was. Who I want to be, I should say. She pushed all of that other shit aside and gave me a chance, and I'll always be grateful for her. She helps me. She accepts me; the complete mess that I am."
Draco nodded. She was the same things to him. He just needed to figure out how to defy being a Malfoy. No pressure.
"Ready?" She said to Draco from behind the sofa. "Theo, dear I threw some things in a bag for us. You can look them over if you want. I'm not really sure what to bring, if we're even allowed anything."
"No personal items." Draco responded automatically. "Pretty much just the essentials. All of the safe houses I've been to are already stocked with toiletries."
"Makes sense. I'll take a look." Theo rose to hug her. "See you tomorrow morning. Bring me coffee."
"Yes, Theo." She grabbed her bag and box from the kitchen, and handed her bag to Draco. With a woosh they were gone.
Theo looked around his quiet house. He took another cupcake and put the rest in the fridge, fully intending to have them for breakfast.
Draco and Hermione flooed to his cottage and she let out a deep breath as she stepped into the living room. His place felt so much like home. Not that Theo's didn't as well, she just missed it. Missed him. He hadn't even kissed her yet. At dinner he held her hand, but really that was it, and the more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became. Time to fix that. She went straight into his bedroom.
Draco put his cupcakes in the fridge, not noticing she took her box upstairs. She was probably tired. Even though it was just after seven, she'd been on the go all weekend and had that auror mission tomorrow. He shuddered. He didn't like the fact that Hermione was going to be there as they went after these maniacs. With a shake of his head he tried to force the thought away. Right now Hermione was upstairs and he needed to feel her against him. He could keep her safe for now. He strode upstairs towards the bedroom.
"Hermione?"
"Be right out." She called from the bathroom. He went to the closet to change quickly. Pulling out a clean t shirt he stripped down to his boxers and put the new shirt on. He noticed her white box sitting on his wet bar and decided to take a peak. He lifted the top expecting to see cupcakes. Instead he found a half dozen chocolate covered strawberries. Next to the box he saw a bottle of brandy and two empty glasses. What-
"Impatient?" She asked from her spot in front of the bathroom.
"Curious." He smiled.
"Are you tired?" He noticed she changed into her usual pajama shorts and tank top.
"Not at all." She walked over to him slowly. "We need to talk."
His tensed. "Alright."
She gently took his hand and pulled him to the bed. "Draco, what are we doing?"
"Meaning?"
She sighed. "Meaning you give me a weekend in Paris, Theo calls me your girlfriend and you don't correct him, yet you won't kiss me, or touch me in public. I know we had decided on slow, and really I'm fine with that." She looked down at the bed, not wanting to see his reaction. "I just want to know that you want this, too. That you want me, just as much as I want you."
Draco took her nervous hands in his. "I do want this. I'm just having a hard time with... being public. I'm not ready, but I do want you. All the time." If she only had any idea how often he thought about slamming her against the wall and having his way with her.
She met his eyes. "Prove it."
He felt dumbstruck. "Pardon?"
"You can hold my hand all you want when we're alone, and you can spend all your money on me but it's not the same. Prove it."
He had no idea how. He couldn't possibly give her what she was asking. He would screw it up even more if they involved sex and he couldn't bear to see her hurt again. He had to figure this out first, he had to be sure he could truly defy his families' wishes. He refused to use her. "Hermione-"
She held her hand up to stop him. She climbed off the bed and went over to the wet bar. She poured two glasses of brandy, then picked up the strawberries and carried them to the bed, setting them on the nightstand. "I promise to not go further than what you are comfortable with. Do you trust me?"
He just looked at her. He had no idea what she had planned, and he was nervous. "I do."
"Good." She handed him a glass and he downed the contents in one gulp. She smiled as she sipped from her glass. "Shirt off."
He paused. He could do this, not like they haven't laid together before. He removed his shirt and tossed it on the floor.
She watched him as she sipped her drink. She pulled out a strawberry and took a slow bite, watching him as he watched her.
Draco sat amazed as her teeth slowly sank into the strawberry, sucking on it for a moment before finally taking a bite. She took another sip of brandy, then popped the rest of the strawberry in her mouth. She pulled out another and moved to straddle him. She held it out to him so he could have a bite, her eyes never leaving his. She sucked on the strawberry before putting the rest of it to Draco's lips. He opened slowly so she could place it on his tongue. Her hands went to the nape of his neck. He had never been more turned on by a damn strawberry in all his life. She kissed him slowly. She tasted so sweet. He gently placed his hands on her hips, sliding them under her tank top so he was touching her skin.
"Still trust me?" She whispered as she broke the kiss and moved to his neck.
"Yes." He said hoarsely. He was already struggling to not be as aroused as he was.
Hermione climbed off of him and pulled him down to lay next to her. She continued to kiss him as she pulled him half way on top of her. He could feel her hardened nipples through her shirt and it was driving him wild. Oh, what he could do to her. Her hips rose slightly and she let out a small moan. His hand trailed down to her hips while he slid the other one beneath her so he could pull her closer.
He traced the waistband of her bottoms, letting his fingers caress her skin. She moved his hand slightly lower, letting him know exactly what she wanted. His hand froze in place, but she didn't let go. She broke the kiss, and looked into his eyes.
"I promise to not go farther than what you are comfortable with. Are you alright?"
He had no idea what to say. He wanted this desperately, he wanted her desperately. He had a feeling that if he asked to stop she wouldn't come back, that she would think he didn't want her, and that was the exact opposite of what he felt. He wanted to show her what he felt, he wanted her to feel wanted because that's what she was. He could do this. He could give this to her.
"I'm alright." He kissed her as he moved his hand lower. He let his hands rub that wonderful spot between her legs over her shorts. The friction alone made Hermione's hips buck up. She tangled her fingers in his hair with one hand, while trailing her other up and down his back. He was grateful she didn't try more, but he realized this was for her. She needed this. He was certain her self-control was straining to not touch him anywhere else, but she did it for him. His hand left her for a brief moment to slide under her shorts and panties.
Going painfully slow, he made his way to her already wet center. He broke the kiss to suck in a harsh breath when he finally felt her. His eyes were closed, trying so hard to not lose it right there. His fingers began to stroke up and down, rubbing her clit gently then sliding back down.
"Draco." She breathed as her hips rose to meet his fingers. He stilled and slid two fingers inside her, moving in a slow rhythm as he felt her.
"Hermione." He rested his forehead on hers, giving her soft kisses. "Hermione, you feel amazing." He slid another finger inside of her, stroking her clit with his thumb.
She moaned and brought both hands to the nape of his neck. "Please, Draco. Please."
He began to move faster, his fingers pumping in and out of her as she panted his name. Draco was so hard, he forced himself to not think about it. If he did, he would certainly come and she hadn't even laid a hand on him.
"Yes, please, Draco."
"Please, what?"
She tugged him closer to her. "Please make me come."
He smashed his lips to her, increasing the speed of his thumb rubbing against her clit and he pumped his fingers inside her. She was so close, he could feel it. She was getting tense and breathing erratically.
"Yes, oh Draco-" she shuddered when she finally let herself go.
Draco pulled away to watch her face as she climaxed. He pulled fingers out and continued to rub her clit as she forced her hips up to meet his hand while she rode out her orgasm. Her hand grabbed his to stop his movements and she shuddered once more, the effects of her orgasm still lingering.
He draped her in kisses. Kissing her lips, her nose, her eyes, and her neck. "You are so beautiful." Her hand let his go and he wiped it on the sheets behind him quickly before pulling her closer to him as he settled down beside her.
"Are you alright?" She panted.
"I'm fine. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." She smiled as she opened her eyes, searching his face for any sign of regret or anger.
"I'm okay." He reassured her. "I want you to know that I want more, I'm just not there yet. Is that okay?"
"I'm sorry, this was really selfish of me." She looked away from him.
"No, it wasn't." He lifted her chin so she looked at him once more. "I want you in the worst way, Hermione. I don't want to hurt you, and that seems to be all I do."
She began to shake her head but he stopped her. "No, I know I do. I need time. But know that I want you." He kissed her slowly, then settled back down beside her as she curled up into him.
They stayed quiet for a while, just caressing each other.
"I missed you." She said softly.
"I missed you, I'm so glad you liked it."
"You didn't have to-"
"I wanted to." He looked down at her with a smile. "I wanted to." He gave her a soft kiss. "Get some sleep, you have to be up early tomorrow morning."
"Mmm." She was already moments away from sleep.
With a wave of his hand he sent the box of strawberries into his mini fridge, then pulled her closer to him. He was still harder than hell, but he didn't want to move away from her. He closed his eyes and inhaled the beautiful scent that was Hermione.