Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Author's Note: No Lemon in this one, but you won't have to wait too long for the next one!
After their conversation in the alcove Draco became the picture of gentlemanly behaviour. Nona didn't trust the sudden change in his manners but she was thankful for the personal space he was giving her. She couldn't think with him looming over her and dousing her in his sexual energy.
Draco escorted Nona around the gardens, listening to her identify nearly every plant and list off their uses. To say that herbology was her favorite subject was a bit of an understatement. From time to time he would share the history of which lord or lady had gifted the flora to the Malfoy family but she seemed to know more than he'd ever cared to learn.
"I have these roses back home!" She said in excitement as she spotted an early bloom on a rose that seemed to be almost candy striped. "That's a Black Dragon rose bush." Nona enthused as she caressed the delicate bud gently.
"You seem to know a lot about plants." Draco noted as he eyed the familiar flower. He wasn't the sort to go around telling anyone he had a favorite rose bush, but he wondered if perhaps she might like to know it. "That one is my favorite." He commented nonchalantly.
When Draco was a teenager he would have been bored out of his mind by such a mundane topic and probably teased her for being so interested in herbology. In fact he'd tormented Longbottom for exactly that interest on a number of occasions, but the way her eyes lit up as she marveled over their collection of magical and non-magical plants made him feel endeared to her. It was a completely different side to the sultry witch from the night before, and somehow it stoked his desire for her even worse.
"Really? Why?" Nona turned her attention from the peculiar little rose and smiled at him curiously. The dimples that appeared on her pale cheeks were something he hadn't noticed the night before, or the smattering of freckles on her nose.
"It's unusual I suppose." Draco admitted with a shrug. "And it's named after a dragon, like me." The second part sounded childish as soon as he said it but he stood his ground. Girls liked that sappy sort of information and he was determined to make this one like him, or maybe even more. He watched as a long coil of dark hair fell into her face and she brushed it back behind her ear.
Nona let out an amused laugh and shook her head thoughtfully. "You are not what I was expecting, Draco." She admitted as she moved on to inspect a particularly healthy specimen of Egyptian jasmine. Nona couldn't imagine the complex enchantments necessary to keep such a finicky plant so happy. She would need to remember to ask Mrs. Malfoy about it. The fine lady must certainly know the intricacies of her own garden.
"And what were you expecting?" He asked as he followed along behind her at a leisurely pace. Nona had settled down considerably since he deigned to respect her personal space, and as much as he wanted to touch and caress her constantly he would not insult her by crossing the line. If he was being honest with himself, the idea of getting to chase and conquer her all over again, this time with bigger stakes, only made him more determined.
"Honestly?" She wrinkled her nose as she tapped a pearl shaped jasmine flower. "I expected a spoiled ass hole who may or may not smack me around if he felt like it." To Nona it seemed pointless to beat around the bush.
Draco looked at her in revulsion and shook his head. "I do not hit women." He informed her firmly. "Especially not the one I intend to marry." The thought of Hermione Granger screaming in his house made him tremble and he clasped his hands behind his back to hide it. He'd never laid a finger on her, but he may as well have performed the unforgivable himself for all the good he did her. It may seem ridiculous to some that he was so opposed to violence against the fairer sex, but regardless of the low public opinion of him he would never stoop to such atrocities.
"That's good to know." Nona said with a shrug. "But I had to prepare for the worst."
"Does anyone else hurt you?" Draco asked, a dark tone entering his voice. Nona turned to look at him, and although her mother immediately came to mind she shook her head and smiled.
"Don't be silly." Nona waived his question away like a bug invading her space. Draco narrowed his eyes at her and decided to drop the subject. The brutal pinch her mother had given her only moments before hadn't escaped his notice, but it was clear she didn't yet trust him.
"You're my responsibility now, you know." He thrummed as he fought the urge to run his hand through her curls and pushed his own hair back instead. "Your happiness is of utmost importance to me, and if anyone threatens that happiness they will deal with me personally."
Nona looked at him with surprise in her emerald eyes. He sounded extremely business-like but she could tell that he meant it. "Thank you." She responded dumbly. There wasn't a single adequate response to his declaration that came to her mind. "Did you plan this speech in advance?" Her sarcastic chuckle was soft as she turned away from him and meandered towards another plant.
"I'm serious." Draco growled in frustration. Her dismissal of his intentions rankled him but he kept his temper in check.
"I know." She replied as she crouched down next to an enormous rosemary bush that stood taller than Draco. The savory smell drifted to her nose and she smiled. "I just can't imagine not needing to rehearse something like that." She admitted. "You speak so confidently." Her kitten heels pinched her feet and made her toes begin to tingle and she sighed as she stood once more. Why did she have to wear such uncomfortable shoes?
"A product of my raising I suppose." Draco thrummed. A loud crack interrupted the quiet of the garden and Franny appeared with a large smile.
"Young Master, and the future Missus are requested in the tea room." Franny said with a twinkle as she looked adoringly at Nona. The young American witch was unused to house elves but she returned the smile with her own. It was comforting to know that she might be able to make friends in this strange place.
"Please take us there." Draco instructed. "My Fiance's feet seem to be hurting."
Nona's head snapped to look at Draco in confusion. He must have eyes like a hawk if he noticed her beginning to tire. She hadn't appeared clumsy had she?
There was barely time to question her level of grace before there was another crack, a disorienting feeling of being pulled through a keyhole, and then suddenly she was in the tea room of the Malfoy Manor.
Their parents were seated around a dining table where a spectacular brunch was laid out.
"Did you enjoy your stroll in the garden?" Narcissa asked pleasantly as Nona regained her bearings and joined her mother at the table. Draco pulled out her chair and she did her best to take her seat gracefully. He pushed her gently to the table before taking his own seat directly to her right.
"Very much." Nona answered with a broad smile. "Your gardens are magnificent."
"You are sweet to say so." Narcissa gave Nona a smile that lit up her pale grey eyes. "They are my favorite part of this estate. We shall have a picnic together. I can show you the lily ponds."
Her future mother-in-laws blatant interest in spending time with her was something Nona hadn't expected. She felt her chest get tight at the thought that Narcissa might prove to be a pleasant ally in this unfamiliar place.
"You shall have plenty of time for that in the coming month." Lucius interjected as he waived for one of the house elves to place bacon on his plate. "We have decided that you will stay here on the estate. It will be a convenient arrangement while plans are finalized."
As Lucius spoke Nona realized that Draco truly was a product of his upbringing. She recognized the serious air of business that Lucius exuded to be identical to that of his son. Not to mention that the stately lord had a more refined version of the appealing features that made his son so diabolically handsome.
"They've prepared rooms for us in the East wing." Octavia chimed in excitedly. "Their little elves have already retrieved our things from the hotel." It was plain that Nona's mother was tickled pink by the lavish luxury of their surroundings. The middle aged witch liked nothing more than to be pampered and spoiled in every single way. Nona realized with a bitter feeling that even Narcissa was not as ridiculously dressed in muggle designer clothing. Her clothing was elegant to be sure, but even with the Malfoy fortune to spend she did not bring out her finest diamonds for an informal meeting such as this. Octavia on the other hand looked as though she was right out of a designer jewelry catalogue.
"It will also allow you to spend time getting to know one another." Narcissa added as she gestured between her son and the dark haired little witch. She caught Draco smiling at his betrothed and grinned. She was pleased to see that he seemed to be getting on with the girl she selected.
"That is hardly necessary." Lucius countered gruffly. "We met and were wed on the same day." His recount of their wedding was just as brief and to the point as Nona would have imagined. She wondered if the grim lord ever bothered to smile.
Narcissa looked at her husband pointedly and shook her head. "Times have changed, Husband. We cannot expect the same from the younger generation as was expected of us." Narcissa turned to the two youths and smiled as if dismissing her husband all together. "What did you discuss during your stroll?"
Nona blinked for a moment as she tried to force the conversation from the alcove in her mind so that she could think of any other answer, but Draco saved her from her own awkward silence.
"Miss LaLorie taught me a great deal about our gardens." Draco smiled down at her and Nona flushed. "She's quite the knowledgeable herbalist." Long fingers brushed her thigh discreetly under the table and Nona slapped them away as she turned red. Draco was intrigued by how drastically she had changed from the confident minx of the night before into a blushing girl with impeccable manners.
"She's got a green thumb, alright." Octavia added exuberantly. "My little girl is always in the gardens back home caring for one plant or another." Nona wished with every bone in her body that her mother wasn't there. Octavia had a way of constantly trying to rule the room and lap up any attention she could collect. It didn't matter that it was her daughter's life being handed over. Absolutely everything had to be about her.
"That is splendid to hear." Narcissa nodded with approval. "When you become Lady of this estate it will be part of your duties to maintain the elves do most of the labor of course, but they require a guiding hand. It is tradition that each new lady adds a feature to the grounds. The tea garden was my own addition."
Nona smiled at the idea of being able to design her own corner of the extravagant gardens. Perhaps she could consider it her little piece of home. Nona could care less about planning her own wedding, but planning a luxurious garden? That she could get behind.
"Doesn't that sound lovely, Nona?" Octavia prompted and squeezed her daughter's hand firmly under the table. Nona felt her mother's green eyes flash at her and she swallowed nervously as she nodded.
"I'm very excited to learn more about my duties here." She sounded like a groundskeeper applying for work but she didn't know what else to say. Her own upbringing had clearly been very different from the sort a child would receive in an English manor house. Although Draco was groomed from birth to fulfil his duties, she was being thrown into the deep end right off the bat.
"Rooms will be renovated of course." Lucius added. "Your input will be required as far as style is concerned, Lady Malfoy will be available to assist you." He gestured to his wife and Nona caught the tiniest quirk of a grin at the corner of his lips.
Nona's head began to swim as she realized how much her attention would be consumed by planning for her new life as a member of the Malfoy family. She'd never taken an interest in interior design and the chic atmosphere of the Malfoy household intimidated her.
"Aren't you going to eat, Darlin'?" Octavia gestured to her daughter's empty plate and Nona realized she hadn't touched a single piece of food.
"Oh yes. I was distracted by the conversation. Pardon me." She apologized as she mimicked Lord Malfy's actions and waved for the elves to begin serving her. The little elf who had retrieved them from the garden appeared with a tray of food and piled her plate high with a doting smile.
"That's enough, Franny." Draco instructed. "She'll never eat that much." He noticed the way the elf grinned at Nona and despite her mistake felt pleased that they were showing his fiance their welcome. He'd seen the way some house elves could treat new members of pureblood families and it was not always pretty.
Draco was certainly right. The mountain of food on her plate was far more than she would be able to stomach but she smiled and took up her fork regardless.
"It's alright." Nona reassured as the elf slipped away looking thoroughly chastised.
"We have some business to attend to at the London office this afternoon." Lucius looked to his son. "We will leave the ladies to their plans after we have eaten." The lord turned to his wife then. "I cannot say if we will be home for dinner. I'll floo if you need to set plates for us."
Draco sighed but knew he had no choice but to join his father. Corporate mergers waited for no man and their acquisition of a small muggle car manufacturer was moving along at a breakneck pace. Draco had arranged the deal himself, and the muggles didn't care for dealing with his peculiar, old-fashioned father. As sharp as Lucius Malfoy was in business, his son was even more proficient. Draco could charm investors whereas his father would simply frighten them. The fact that Lucius had ever even agreed to integrate their holdings with muggle based assets was enough of a miracle, but it had easily doubled the size of their fortune in the four years since.
Nona was surprised as Lucius' voice softened when he spoke to his wife. It was perhaps the only time she'd noticed any gentleness in the stately aristocrat.
"We will get on just fine without you two. There are many things to plan out and the decorator will be here within the hour. I'm sure we'll manage splendidly without any distractions." Narcissa gave her husband a knowing smile and Nona blinked as she realized the two nobles were making eyes at one another. Cautiously she looked at Draco out of the corner of her eye and was startled to find him staring at her with a cat-like grin on his face.
The meal slipped by with more polite conversation and furtive glances between the young pair but all too soon the plates were taken away and the gentlemen rose from their seats to leave.
"It was a pleasure to meet you." Draco bent slightly at the waist in a half bow. "I look forward to getting to know one another much better." Once again he took her hand and kissed her knuckles, sending a shiver up her spine. Without waiting for her response he released her and followed his father out of the room without another word.
Just like that he was out of sight and Nona was left knowing that he was secretly teasing her.
After hours of planning and looking at swatches and samples Nona was finally led to her room by the little house elf named Franny, who it seemed had taken a particular shine to her. As the spindly creature waddled down the hall she pointed out all of the portraits by name. Nona did her best to listen but her mind was already too full of information about wedding invitations, meal planning, what colors to choose. It was all too much and she was thoroughly exhausted. Her feet ached and she wanted nothing more than to slip into a bathtub. She had no doubt there would be one in her room and she was doing her best not to walk too fast for the house elf that guided her.
Some of the portraits were empty, but those that were not murmured their opinions of the new addition to the family. A portrait of three platinum blonde women in Victorian dresses was atwitter with whispered comments.
"What lovely black hair!" One of them whispered a bit too loudly. Nona smiled and nodded to the portrait politely as one of her frame mates shushed her. She would have to make a proper introduction at a later time.
To Nona's absolute delight her mother's room was on the first floor of the east wing. Nona would be upstairs in the room that had traditionally been the bridal suite. It would give her the time and space she needed to take in everything that had happened that day.
Narcissa proved to be an absolute master at party planning. The regal witch had produced catalogue after catalogue of the latest wedding trends, some from vogue and even a dress catalogue from Vera Wang. When the decorator arrived it seemed as though the number of decisions to make became endless. Would they need a florist? If so, what flowers would they like? What colors or theme had they chosen? Would they use the family china or rent glassware for the event? How many guests? Would they need tables and chairs?
It all made Nona dizzy just to think about. So many decisions flew over her head and she realized she was left knowing very little at all about what her wedding would actually look like. The colors would be the Malfoy family silver and green, and gardenia's, white roses from the garden and wisteria would be used in the bouquets, but beyond those details everything was a blur. Already appointments had been set with the baker, a dressmaker, stationery designers, caterers, and a whole list of other professionals that she'd already forgotten.
Franny flicked her wrist and a set of double doors opened on the left hand side of the hallway. Nona rubbed her aching temple as she followed the elf into the bridal suite and looked around. The decor seemed a bit outdated, but in a classical sort of way. Windows that stretched towards the high ceilings allowed the sunset to filter through buttercream colored curtains that hung on either side of a four poster, canopy bed. Between the door and the bed sat a loveseat and a single arm chair that were nestled around a coffee table and a marble fireplace. A green oriental rug covered the cherry wood floors and the walls were a creamy gold. This was by far the warmest room in the house.
"If Miss would like Franny to retrieve any belongings from her home, Franny will be happy to help." The little elf waved at a set of built-in bookshelves that were empty except for a few scattered books that Nona realized at a glance were tomes on the Malfoy family history.
"It can wait till tomorrow." Nona said with a polite smile to the elf as she bent down and pulled off the torture devices that had been pinching her feet all day. She'd happily never wear those particular shoes again. "Are there towels in the bathroom? I'd like to take a bath and prepare for bed."
Franny lit up and nodded, causing her floppy ears to flutter as she did so. "Yes, Miss." The elf snapped her fingers and offered Nona a tray of various soaps that were wrapped in thick paper and twine. "The young master asked Franny to get soaps for you. He was very particular."
Nona knit her brows together at the idea that Draco would go to the trouble but when she picked up one of the soaps and the smell of Gardenias hit her nose she blushed. It was the only scent she wore and somehow he had realized it. Her hand flew to her forehead and she sighed lightly. Clearly nothing escaped his notice or his nose. She didn't know whether to feel flattered or frightened of that information.
"Thank you very much, Franny. You may go now." Nona nodded to the elf who curtsied to her. It was only then that Nona realized she wore nothing but a pillow case.
"Miss may call for Franny if she needs anything. Anything at all." as her final words left her mouth she snapped her fingers and Nona was finally blessedly alone.
Nona threw her shoes into a heap behind the loveseat and padded into the marble tiled bathroom. The sight of an enormous basin tub sunk into the floor made her smile. She pulled her wand out of her pocket and flicked it at the tub. The faucet came to life and steaming hot water began to pour into the deep tub.
On the counter between his and hers sinks sat three more baskets of high end toiletries. Nona smiled lightly. Bath Bombs, clay masks, loofah sponges, and anything else she could possibly need was heaped to overflowing. As the tub filled Nona examined the various items and found herself chuckling. Over the past year she had hardly spent a penny on herself. She was too frightened of her family's debts to justify splurging on any sort of treatments or fancy things. Her mother spent more than enough for the both of them as it was. To see how much preparation had gone into planning for her needs was somewhat comforting.
Nona's eyes slipped up to the mirror and she examined the dark haired witch that gazed back at her. She couldn't imagine herself ever filling the shoes of the current Lady Malfoy, and she was thankful that she would have time to learn her place before being left to the wolves. She reached back and unzipped her dress before letting it fall and stepping out of it.
The wedding preparations had frazzled her so much that she barely noticed when dinner came and went and her betrothed had not returned. Their conversation in the alcove returned to her mind as she undressed and tossed a bath bomb that was twice as large as her fist into the tub.
He had been extremely forward, but hadn't forced her into anything, and afterwards had behaved like an actual gentleman. Butterflies began to flutter in her stomach as she remembered the way he spoke to her. They already shared a dirty little secret and she wondered how long she would be able to avoid his advances. Heat pulled between her legs as she thought about the smell of his skin and the delicious body he kept hidden beneath his expensive suit.
How would she get him to respect her if she kept going doe eyed over him every time he gave her that devilish smirk? She'd never been so susceptible to a man in her life.
Nona stepped into the tub and sighed in relief as she sunk into the hot foamy water. The hot liquid soothed her muscles and came the whole way up to her chin.
She had no clue how to feel about her betrothed. On one hand, he was a drop dead gorgeous man who was clearly very attracted to her, but on the other, she knew nothing about him. What if there were serious character flaws lurking just beneath the surface of his business-like exterior?
His whispered words to her echoed in her ears. No man had ever offered to 'worship' her body. Sure they'd offered her sex but worship was a unique and intense way to describe carnal acts. She wasn't deluded. Any man who could fuck like that had certainly gotten plenty of practice. The number of past partners he had didn't concern her, she wasn't a hypocrite, but it certainly raised questions about how fickle his affections could be. Would he take his fill and toss her aside?
Draco POV
Draco stepped into the foyer of his family home in an excellent mood. The merger negotiations had gone well and the contracts had been signed without major incident. There was a tense moment where he thought his father might hex one of the muggle board members but Lucius had managed to keep himself in check.
The sharp young wizard had kept thoughts of his betrothed tucked away neatly in the back of his mind until he arrived home. He couldn't very well focus if his mind was constantly slipping into the thought of his dark haired little witch.
"Franny." Draco called. With a crack the little elf appeared with a curtsy.
"Yes, young Master?" She looked up at him with her large eyes and smiled.
"How have our guests settled in?" He asked. There was no need to be too specific. "Did you provide them with toiletries as I requested?"
"Yes, Master. Franny made sure to be very careful with your instructions. Franny gave the young lady your gifts, and provided only one basket to the lady's Mother." The little elf nodded in her signature way and Draco smirked. He wasn't going to go out of his way to do anything nice for Octavia LaLorie. He had the distinct feeling that the woman was not kind to her daughter, and he wasn't going to accept that.
"Did she like them?" He asked with a hint of reluctance in his voice.
"Oh yes, young Master. The young lady seemed very pleased." A smirk spread across Draco's lips at Franny's assurance.
"Very good then. Please inform my Fiance that I'll be taking a drink in my study if she would like to join me." He dismissed the elf and began the trek across the manor to his study on the first floor of the east wing.
While Nona was soaking in the tub she was dismayed to hear her mother call into the room and immediately allow herself in. Nona would need to remember to set a ward on that door in the future.
"Nona, darling! Your rooms are so spacious! Ugh, but you'll have to do something about the decor, it's positively ancient." Octavia sauntered into the bathtub without a single consideration for her daughter's privacy and sat on the edge of the tub, beaming at her sour-faced daughter.
"Can't I just bathe in peace." Nona asked as she rubbed her temples.
"Don't be like that! We need to talk about today, sourpuss! Tell me what did you think of Draco?" Octavia wasn't budging and she crossed her legs as she eyed Nona's mountain of toiletries.
"I don't know what to think, Mamma." Nona sighed and relinquished herself to the fact that her mother was there to stay. "I guess he's handsome."
"You guess!?" Octavia squealed "If you wouldn't climb him like a tree then I'm concerned for your sexuality!" The older woman reached over and began digging through Nona's baskets and making little sighs and huffs. Nona knew what that meant. Her mother wasn't pleased about something. "Do you know they only gave me one basket of soaps?" Octavia shook her head. "It must have been a mistake, I'll take one of these baskets. They can't all be for you."
Nona frowned and shook her head. "Draco had those bought especially for me. They aren't yours." The way her mother's head whipped around startled Nona.
"Is that so?" The sickly sweetness in her voice sent off alarm bells in her Nona's head.
"But… I mean you can take some if you don't have enough…" Nona watched as her mother's tense smile softened and took a breath of relief. She never knew what was going to set her mother off and she did not have the energy to handle one of her mother's legendary meltdowns.
"Well aren't you a peach for sharing with your Mamma!" Octavia praised with a broad smile. "If he's going to all this trouble he must be smitten!"
As the words left Octavia's mouth a loud crack sounded that made the older witch yelp in surprise.
"Pardon Miss, the young Master has asked Franny to inform Miss that he is in the library and that Miss is welcome to join him if she chooses." Franny stood next to the bathtub smiling at Nona and completely ignoring the older witch.
"Oh, thank you, Franny. But I'm very ti-"
"She'd love to!" Octavia interrupted. "Now run along and tell Draco she'll be there in a minute!" The elf looked between the two women with a look of confusion but when Nona did not protest she hesitantly snapped her fingers and disappeared.
"How many times have I told you, you've got to win him over." Octavia once again shuffled through the baskets of her daughter's things without a care. "You can't do that by acting like a tired old biddy."
Nona flushed red and clenched her jaw. "The contract is already signed, what does it matter if I win him over or not!?" The words left her mouth through clenched teeth. She was so fucking tired, her feet hurt, and she just wanted to crawl into her new bed and pass out.
"I didn't raise you to be stupid." Octavia retorted coldly. "Men will use you up and spit you out if you don't learn how to handle them." She pointed an angry finger at her daughter. "If he divorces you because you act like a prude and don't learn to be a good wife you'll leave the whole family in ruin. Is that what you want?"
Nona felt like she'd been slapped in the face. After everything she was doing it still wasn't enough. Their entire family was counting on her to be a good little woman and provide a fortune for them. It didn't matter if she was happy, or if she achieved her own dreams, or even if she wanted to do this. Her feelings didn't matter at all. Nona's lip began to quiver as she fought back tears and Octavia rolled her eyes.
"Quit your crocodile tears." Octavia snapped. "Get dressed and go meet him in the library. He won't wan't anything to do with you if you show up all puffy eyed." She stood up and grabbed a basket of Nona's gifts before turning on here heel and walking out of the room.
Nonna took a shaking breath and stood up out of the bath. Her water hadn't even had a chance to go cold. With shaking hands she wrapped a large towel around herself and walked into her bedroom to get dressed.
Five minutes later she was slipping down the dark halls of Malfoy Manor looking for the library. She'd been in the stately room earlier that day, but everything looked different in the dark.
"Are you lost dear?" A silver haired old gentleman asked from his portrait. Nona stopped and looked up at the oil paint, spectacled man with a smile.
"I'm looking for the library." She admitted. "I'm supposed to meet Draco there."
"Ah!" The older man waved his hand and smiled as though he were a bit drunk. Nona noticed he seemed to be swaying in his frame. "Just take a right at the end of this hall and you'll find it." He said pointing her in the right direction with a pudgy finger.
"Thank you, Sir." Nona waved goodbye to the painting and hurried onward. She had decided that a comfortable cotton sundress was more than nice enough for the occasion and was padding down the hall in her bare feet. It had taken her several minutes to convince herself not to dress in pajamas.
When she rounded the corner she saw warm light spilling out into the dark hallway from the library doors. She hesitated to step into the beam of light, but after a moment of internal struggle she slipped in through the door.
Draco was in an armchair by the fireplace, a tumbler in one hand and a book in the other, but he was somehow completely asleep. She could see that the tumbler of whiskey was beginning to tilt and she snuck over to take it from his hand. Her fingers touched the chilled crystal tumbler and saved the carpet from getting stained. As the glass left his hand Draco's eyes fluttered open and he smiled at her roguishly.
"Did I doze off?" He asked. His platinum hair was a mess and his shirt was unbuttoned just as it had been the night before. It was clearly a habit to ditch his tie as soon as he was done with business. She caught sight of the silver garment thrown over the back of another chair haphazardly.
"Must have." She said with a smile. "How was your day?" Keeping the conversation cordial was her best plan.
"I got engaged to a gorgeous minx, and signed a several million dollar merger contract all in one day. It was a pretty good day in my book." Draco grinned at her tiredly and looked at her asconce. "How was yours?"
"I got engaged to a handsome devil of a man and spent the afternoon realizing that I haven't the first clue how to plan a wedding, and that I am actually just there as a courtesy anyway." Nona gave a dry chuckle and sat on the loveseat a few feet away from him.
"It sounds like you got the raw end of the bargain." He said as his face became serious.
"You might say that." She said with a shrug. "But it's unavoidable I guess. Your mother is a party planning machine." Nona added the last part in awe.
"She's a force to be reckoned with, certainly." Draco nodded. "She's had more than enough practice. Ladies are expected to constantly put on garden parties, fundraisers, and the like." He fixed Nona with his silver eyes and smiled slightly. "I can tell she likes you very much."
Nona felt her stomach flutter at that news. She really wanted Lady Malfoy to like her. It would be impossible to bear having two mothers that didn't approve of her. A sharp pain in her chest made her pull her feet up onto the couch and swallow the beginning of tears.
Draco noticed the sad look in Nona's eyes and frowned. "Is everything alright, Darling?" He asked, reaching out a long arm and catching her hand in his rough fingers. Nona pinched her eyes shut and he watched as her face flashed a mix of sorrow and frustration. She felt the upset inside of her gain strength when he asked her if she was okay. It was so much harder to shove down her emotions when someone bothered to ask about them.
"I'm just tired." She breathed and opened her emerald eyes. Draco saw that they were glassy with unshed tears but struggled with whether or not he should push her for answers.
"You did not have to come if you wanted to rest." He stroked her fingers and with his own and watched as she seemed to choke on some emotion. A single tear escaped despite her best efforts and Draco felt his stomach drop at the sight.
"Mother wouldn't have it." Nona murmured sadly. "Besides, you aren't terrible company." She gave a half hearted laugh at the last part and wiped the tear from her face. The way Draco looked at her made it clear he wasn't pleased by her explanation.
"I have a feeling that I don't like your mother." Draco said with an edge of cool anger in his voice.
"She's just overbearing." Nona waved her hand and tried to dismiss the conversation as little more than her mother's eccentricities.
"Is that what you call it?" Draco asked, sounding entirely unconvinced.
"I guess... She's always been that way." Nona rested her head on the arm of the loveseat and looked at him sideways. She wasn't sure what he would say as she watched him thinking about something.
"Do you know what it means to be a Malfoy?" Draco asked suddenly. Nona blinked and shook her head.
"No… I haven't had a chance to read the books in my room yet. I don't know much about your history." Nona wasn't sure where he was going with his question but at least it took the attention off of her.
"It has nothing to do with history." He explained calmly. "I'm talking about what it means right now." He stroked her fingers thoughtfully. "It means that no one can tell you what to do." His steely gaze delved into Nona's emerald eyes.
"That must be nice." Nona remarked with a sigh. Draco watched her as she began to fiddle with his fingers. "But I'm not a Malfoy."
"You are in all but name." Draco corrected. "As soon as the contract was signed you became a part of this family." Draco stood up from his chair and moved to sit next to Nona on the loveseat. "I meant what I said earlier. I want you to be happy, and that means you can say no if I invite you to do things. If you force yourself to spend time with me it won't be enjoyable for either of us." He was being surprisingly gentle, even by his own estimations.
"I'm not forcing myself." Nona shook her head and leaned on his shoulder in a moment of weakness. "I'm just tired."
Draco remained silent for a moment as the smell of her washed over him and he gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders so that she was leaning against his chest. Nona didn't pull away and seemed content to allow him to hold her.
"Then rest." He urged.
"You just said no one could tell me what to do." Nona shot back cheekily.
"I'm the exception." Draco growled playfully, pleased by the change in her mood. If she was being silly then surely she couldn't be too miserable.
"Can I place a ward on my door?" Nona asked out of the blue.
"What for?" Draco asked, sounding offended. "I'm not going to sneak into your chambers in the dead of night." He added defensively.
"Not for you." Nona laughed and shook her head. "Just to keep my mother out. She doesn't understand what the word privacy means." Nona pictured the way her mother barged in without a care and made a face.
"In that case I'll take care of it." Draco said seriously. "Wards need to be enacted by someone with Malfoy blood. Until we are married you won't be able to alter any wards on the property."
"Okay." Nona nodded. "Thank you."
"It's my pleasure." Draco grumbled as he looked down at Nona. He hadn't ever spent much time snuggling with women. In the past he had one focus and had chased it down with determination, but now that he was sitting with Nona nestled under his arm he realized that it could be a decidedly pleasant experience. The memory of holding her while she slept slipped into the forefront of his mind and he shut his eyes in blissful remembrance.
"What are you thinking about?" Nona asked when he fell silent, and turned her neck to look at him. Their faces were mere inches apart but she felt extremely comfortable that way.
"What it felt like to hold you while you slept naked in my arms." He admitted. Nona felt color rise to her cheeks and she blinked as his eyes opened lazily and he peeked down at her. "You asked." He reminded her when he saw the adorable look of embarrassment on her face. "I won't lie to you."
"I don't want you to." Nona said as she looked at the intricate rug on the floor and not at the dazzling silver eyes that had so honestly delved into her soul.
"Good." Draco thrummed as he closed his eyes once more. "Did you know that you snore? It's rather cute actually". He didn't see her look of abject horror, but he felt Nona cover her face in embarrassment.
"I don't even remember falling asleep." She admitted. "I was so exhausted."
"I wonder why?" The sarcastic, flirtatious tone in his voice made her smile despite herself. The image of him lathing her most sensitive spot with his devilish tongue made her flush and swallow loudly. She was still holding his tumbler of fire whiskey and she took the last of it in one gulp.
"I need another drink." She mumbled as she tried to stand but Draco pulled her back down, this time into his lap. "Hey!" Nona protested as her heart rate shot through the roof and she faced the sexy smirk that he gave her.
"It's so easy to tell when you're thinking naughty things." He murmured with a chuckle. "I can hear your heart start to pound and your cheeks go such a lovely shade of pink." He brushed the pad of his finger along her cheek the way he'd done earlier that day in the garden.
"You started it!" She accused, jutting her chin out in defiance. Nona's hand grabbed a fist full of his shirt and the heat of his body underneath caused warmth to pool between her legs. Having her bum against his lap made her want to squirm against him but she fought the urge.
"Shall I finish it then?" He asked dangerously. There was the tone that had completely muddled her senses and enticed her to throw caution to the wind. His hand slipped up her back and began to toy with her hair.
"If you don't pace yourself you'll get tired of me." She cautioned, or was she pleading. Her body was responding to him traitorously against her wishes and she was unsure if she could keep her head should he try to convince her. The waft of sandalwood and whiskey that met her nose made her realize that the answer was no.
"I very much doubt that." He nuzzled her ear and inhaled her scent. "But I'll obey your wishes." He added. "Just let me hold you for a bit." Draco knew he couldn't pressure her if he wanted to build a relationship with her. He could wait if that was what she truly wanted.
Nona swallowed hard and felt shivers roll down her spine as his nose teased the shell of her ear. He wasn't trying to push her, but even having him so close was enough to tempt her.
"Why do you have to be this handsome?" She blurted out in frustration. Draco laughed and shrugged.
"You make it sound like a curse." He teased her. "You don't hear me complaining that you're a goddess do you?"
"It is a curse if I'm going to try and act like a lady with morals." She quipped.
"We're a bit past that, Darling." Draco couldn't believe after everything that she was so concerned with keeping up appearances for him. "If I thought any less of you for sleeping with me the night before our engagement I would be the worst sort of prick." If he was honest with himself he did find her hesitation somewhat adorable. She clearly cared what he thought of her and was concerned with setting the right precedent.
"You're fine with knowing your future wife is that promiscuous?" Nona asked pointedly. She looked at him as serious as a heart attack. Draco realized she really was more concerned than he had imagined.
"It's hardly promiscuity if you're sleeping with your fiance." Draco countered.
"And if it hadn't been you?" She countered.
"Then I imagine I would never have been the wiser, and wouldn't give a shit if I was." He looked at her earnestly. As he spoke his eyes darkened a bit and he curled one of the many dark coils of her hair around his finger. "Now that you're mine though, I expect to be the only chap who gets to see the delectable faces you make when you're properly fucked. I couldn't care less who you've slept with before now." A cocky grin lit up his face. "You had to practice using that devious mouth of yours on someone." Nona swatted his chest and flushed as she turned away. Hearing him say filthy things about her in the same breath that he claimed her as his own was a uniquely dizzying experience.
"I was just trying to return the favor." She admitted honestly. It wasn't like he hadn't done anything lewd that night!
"Consider it returned in full." He added teasingly.
"You really don't mind?" Nona asked, and Draco recognized insecurity in her eyes.
"I don't mind at all." He reassured her.
Nona contemplated his words with a look of deep concentration.
"I don't want you sleeping with anyone else either." She finally announced. "If you want me to be yours you had better be mine in return." Nona wanted to set the ground rules. They didn't have the luxury of months or years to feel eachother out before deciding to spend the rest of their lives together, and she wasn't about to be a wife whose husband snuck away to spend money on a mistress. "If I ever find out you're cheating on me you'll have divorce papers before you know what hit you." The gravity of her tone wasn't lost on Draco and he nodded.
"I wouldn't blame you." Draco nodded sagely. "But Malfoy men have the uncanny habit of falling madly in love with their brides so I don't think you'll need to worry." He wouldn't tell her about the real reason behind this habit until much later, but for now he could at least reassure her. Nona remembered the way Lord Malfoy had looked at his wife earlier that day and realized that she didn't doubt Draco's statement.
"Good." Nona said with a sleepy smile. "I don't think I'd mind you being madly in love with me." She said with a small laugh. It was absurd how calmly they talked about such major relationship topics as love and cheating. She felt like she could talk to him about anything and aside from his little flares of a temper he would listen calmly. "Can we do this again? Just… sit and talk… and cuddle? It's really nice actually."
Draco beamed at her and she felt butterflies in her stomach.
"If it pleases you, Darling."
Author's Note: Enjoy the Fluff while it lasts. We've got some Drama with a capital D on the horizon. Don't forget to Follow and Review!