Hello all, first I would like to apologize for the long wait, work has been chaotic and also I was having trouble writing this chapter, specially because in my head the story is already way ahead of this so, I was stuck on what to write in this one. Also, since it is a rated M story, I wanted to spice things up a bit, hope you are all ok with it :)

Again thank you all for your support, I'll make (extra) sure that the next chapter does not take as long as this one to be shared with you.

Special thanks to KelsisMamma and bobbieanderson21 for leaving reviews, it is great to hear (or rather read) some feedback :)

Stay safe 3

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Hermione apparated to the exact address he sent her to, finding herself at an empty narrow street corner. The frenetic city noise overwhelmed her hears just as she opened her eyes. Am I in muggle London? I must have gotten the wrong address…

Walking away from the dark notch she found the bright city lights of a rather lively London, from the panoply of neon colours to the loud chatter and cars. On her way to what seemed like the tallest building in the London skyline she passed through a small park with several trees and dancing water displays just like the ones she had watched the one time she had gone with her parents to Disneyland in Paris. How long has this been hiding away from me? This is simply…brilliant. But the whole question is – why in the holly hell is Draco Malfoy living in muggle London?

She approached the main entrance of the building, being greeted by the concierge.

"Good evening Miss" – the older man greeted.

"Hi. Sorry, I seem to be a bit lost. I probably have the wrong address…" – she started.

"Who are you looking for Miss?"

"Hrr…Draco Malfoy" – she tried. Was he even using his own name in the muggle world? She should have thought this better than to just apparate outside rather than using the floo connection. Truth was she was not even sure she would go on with all this…was it crazy that she was nervous just like a schoolgirl? No, she would not have the courage to simply apparate to his place so apparating was the safest. She could just march the other way and forget this. Couldn't she?

"Oh yes, the blonde stoic fella right in the duplex penthouse…" – he said – "40th floor"

"What?" – she asked surprised.

"40th floor Miss" – he repeated – "the lifts are through that door on your left"

Did he actually live in muggle London? On the 40th floor? That was…too high…

"Thank you, Sir," – she replied with a brief smile before heading to the lifts. There is no turning back now…ding. The doors closed softly.

At least the ride to the 40th floor would give her time to settle her nerves…

Ding

Guess not, that was not enough time to get ready…she walked out of the lift and faced the single wooden door on the floor. Should I knock? She rose her knuckles to knock but halted. Was this really a go?

Suddenly the door opened.

"Were you planning on standing there all evening?" – a voice greeted her.

"But…how did you…"

"Ah, that is one of the many perks of having a concierge…" – he pointed out.

Oh of course…

"Would you care to come in?" – he invited.

"Ok" – she walked in.

He closed the door softly before moving closer to her to help her discard her jacket, but the sudden interaction actually made her jump.

"Sorry, I just trying to get your coat Granger" – he offered in return. Well at least he did not make fun of you. You look like a scared deer for Merlin's sake.

"Thanks" – she said accepting his help and letting him take her coat – "You have a wonderful place. It is quite unexpected to find out you, Draco Malfoy live in the muggle world"

"Well what better place to live quietly without the journalist's harassment? Here people do not know me so I can live my life as I damn please. But wait until you see the view, it is one of the reasons I bought it" – he said. He walked ahead giving her a quick tour of the place. It was beautifully decorated and yet very impersonal. Surely it had been decorated by a interior decorator. It was a mix of chic and also fit for a bachelor. Dark couches, dark furniture overall contrasting with bits and pieces of white and lighter colours. There was even a tv or two in the two living rooms and a modern fireplace with just the flames showing. This must have all cost a fortune…they went upstairs and ended the tour at the ample balcony that allowed an open view to the emblematic London Skyline – you could see the London Eye, the Shard, the Walkie Talkie…the Cheesegrater, the Pinnacle…the Gherkin…

At that moment she must have looked like a child at a candy shop's window.

"Wow, you weren't kidding when you said the view was breath-taking" – she said still looking ahead. The sunset had been a few minutes ago, so the city's skyline had a faint orange and pink tint to it.

"Would you care for a glass of wine?" – he asked

"Yes, that would be nice" – she said with a kind smile.

At that he simply wandlessly got two glasses of wine. And there they stood admiring the scenery without much talk involved. It was quite refreshing how two estranged people could stand there in quiet and yet feel good. It was not that they didn't have a subject to talk but there was no pressure to make small talk so in a way being able to stay quiet and not feel awkward was…refreshing to say the least.

"Master Draco, dinner will be ready in ten minutes" – a voice broke their otherwise serene interaction, he did not wait for a reply and simply apparated away as soon as he said the sentence.

"You have a house elf?" – she asked indignantly.

"I do…" – he started but was cut off by her rant.

"How? Why? I…I should not have come here. How can you say you changed? You bloody hypocrite" – she said furious.

"You don't know…" – he once again tried but again was interrupted.

"You bigoted pureblood supremacist!" – she added.

"Are you done?!" – he harshly interrupted, visibly angry with her words – "If you must know they are with me of their own free will, they were used to obeying a master…someone, and without that some loose their purpose in life…it is intrinsically imbedded in them…it is part of who they are! Besides, I came to an agreement with them, and they receive a monthly payment!"

"I…"

"So, who is being a bigoted? You still hold me as the same foolish boy from Hogwarts that has the same beliefs…you should at least give people the benefit of doubt and not accuse them of being intolerant and hypocrites in their own home"

"Surely you can see how it looked to me…"

"And surely you can see how it felt to be in the other side of your insults"

"I am sorry Malfoy. I should not have assumed…"

"No, you really should not…"

"Well…maybe I should just leave…" – she said starting to move away. His hand bolted up and caught her forearm.

"There is no need to go away, Granger. Besides the house elves cooked dinner, you would not want them to feel rejected by their personal hero, would you?"

"Personal hero?"

"You did stand up for them when no one did…you proposed that amendment for their rights at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. That was quite a amendment if I must say"

"Why thank you" – she said blushing inadvertently.

"Shall we?" – he asked.

She simply nodded in return.

Now that I made a complete fool of myself insulting him, I cannot just march out of here…dinner and then we are out of here. I do not want to pass as ungrateful or disrespectful to him.

Dinner went by rather quickly. The meal was wonderful, the house elves sure knew what they were doing. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the vegetables were tender. The company was also surprisingly good. Contrasting to their moment, lets call it that, at the balcony where there was silent, at dinner they actually talked and discussed some of their previous debates in the courtroom. They actually complimented each other as they reminisced about said cases.

There was no way in hell she was ready to admit that she was actually enjoying their dinner. No, she was not ready to say it, thinking it was as far as she was willing to take it. But the truth was that it was nice to actually talk about work, when that was like number one off-topic of things to discuss over dinner…you mean on a date…no I definitely do not.

"There is something we have not discussed yet…" – he started

She nodded. Yes, now comes the awkward talk…

"Shall we move to the living room?" – he suggested.

"Ok by me" – she said standing as well.

Moving into the gorgeous living room they sat down on the sofa, with Hermione making sure to be as further away as "politely correct" as she could.

"I'm going to just go right to the point. That kiss and make out in your office…I'll admit I've been thinking about it…I'm going on a limb here and assume you felt at least something just as well…"

"I…hrr…"

"I strongly believe we could…I don't know…give this, whatever it is, a chance. I mean you are one of the few women that can keep up with me, both mentally and perhaps physically…"

"How romantic of you, Malfoy"

"Think about it. We both need some sort of release with the work we do…we are both single, which means we can fuck whoever we want. And the best part is there is not a risk of mixing feelings. We both tolerate each other at best, I seem to know how to push your buttons and you keep me in my toes. There is no risk of this getting further than what it really is – a sexual release"

"You may have a point. Practically speaking this a very mutual beneficial deal, after all you seem to…fulfil my needs accurately. But if someone serious appears in my life this stops"

Was she really going to actually do this? Go in some kind of intimate agreement with Draco Malfoy? Yup, she was going delusional if she was actually considering it, even if for a second…they seemed to be discussing something so formal and yet it was something so…carnal and sexual…

"Fine by me" – he shrugged. It is not like you actually fancy the witch. This is some sick and twisted infatuation that for the time being is easily resolved. Casual shagging.

Was the eligible golden girl going to embark in something so…not like herself? She was not a woman to do casual shagging, that is for sure…that and actually saying the word in her head…but maybe that was the beauty in it. She could just…let go of her too-goody-shoes attitude and be herself. Think of her own selfish needs and not think of the consequences – and there sure were major consequences to consider. For one they were on opposite sides of the law, enemies in court even, and they never got along. Also she was a relationship kind of girl and she knew perfectly well that sleeping together often brought feelings to the table. But on the other hand, this was different – no way could she actually fell in love with Draco Malfoy, they were just too different…

What could possibly go wrong with this, right? At least she could get rid of said stress of work and actually have debates with the bloke, someone who could possibly understand her career…

As for sealing their deal she threw caution to the wind and actually leaned towards the blonde wizard and kissed him. The kiss grew fervently in a matter of seconds, and soon she was seating on his lap, straddling him, with his shirt ripped and her dress gone. He departed slightly from her lips, only to admire her cleavage, still wearing her black lace bra. He smirked before adding a breathy

"If I had known you would not cruciated me…I would have kissed you long ago" – he said before opening her bra with expert manoeuvres.

He stood up still holding her hips in place with a disconcerting ease. Her breasts brushed against his torso, and that contact of skin on skin actually brought her goosebumps on her forearms.

Is he feeling half of my nerves? Was he at all affected? No, it was not fair that he could still remember how to speak or stand while caring me like it was no big deal…my brain is all mushy with the possibilities…

At that thought she decided to make it harder for him to keep focused. So, she kissed him, letting her arms go around his neck while her hands navigated on their own volatile desire through his hair. She deepened the kiss and was rewarded with a muffled grunt from the wizard. Ah! So, I can make you sweat a little…

His response was to walk hastily towards his bedroom, while still kissing her and holding her butt with renewed desire.

And he actually reached the bedroom with not one stumble or collision. Points for the effectiveness Mr. Malfoy…

Once inside his bedroom he lowered her to the ground, so she could stand and closed the door softly behind him by leaning against it.

"You are full of surprises Ms. Granger"

"And you don't know half of it yet, Malfoy" – she said breathlessly.

He chuckled and in return she also laughed nervously.

"Are you sure you want to go ahead with this, Granger?"

"Are you?" – she asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?" – he asked.

"I…"

"Let us not talk right now, we can talk all about it afterwards…" – he offered softly – "If you agree…"

She simply nodded.

She stood there in only her bra and her knickers and a messy hair while he still wore his pants, but that torso…did he workout? When could he possibly find the time with a job like hers?

"Let me finish undressing you and then you'll undress me" – he simply requested.

She was suddenly hit by a wave of insecurity…

"Don't overthink this, Granger. You looked amazing in that black lacey lingerie, but I would rather see you without it. And what better way to do it than to surrender your usual control of things and let someone take control over you?" – he voiced – "Let go of your insecurities because from where I stand you have no reason for them"

Let go of being in control? I am not that bossy…

She moved closer to him, unbuttoning his trousers, tantalizingly slow. In response he brought her closer by holding her hips and also discarding her knickers just as slow.

"Two can play at that game, Granger" – he whispered with a smirk.

She smiled in return, kissing his neck and chin softly.

Holding the pants waist together with his boxers she proceeded to lower them both, going down at the same pace. Once they lay on the ground over his ankles, she was on her knees and only then did she look at his shaft. It was…impressive indeed.

Being struck by a sudden courage bolt she rather imperceptibly moved forward and licked him. But oh boy was that the total opposite of imperceptive. He suddenly moaned and opened his eyes in complete astonishment. Surely, he was not expecting her to just do that. Where was the shy and insecure woman now?

She repeated that deed a couple more times before he actually grabbed her hand, that was laying casually against his thigh and brought her back towards his lips, kissing her passionately. She started moving backwards slowly bringing him with her towards his bed, stumbling against her own discarded shoes just once. Overall, it was a successful attempt if you consider that a hot blonde wizard was still kissing her, and all her senses were on overdrive.

Was this what people think when they were high? Cause she was feeling pretty powerful, sexy and unstoppable right there on his bed, being crushed by his own weight in a rather delightful way.

They were too far gone for foreplay at that moment. Truth be told she just wanted to jump right off the cliff and feel him within her, never before had she felt as turned on by anyone. If her mind were not as foggy, she would not have missed the warning signs of that previous statement, but at that moment she just wanted to let go and live, for once.