It was merely three days before Hermione's wedding, so she decided that it would be best for her and her colleagues to have a hen party before she officially became Mrs. Malfoy. Lucius had announced that Indigo would be closed for the following days. He had everything settled and sorted but he still wished both he and his fiancée to take a break before the big day.
Hen party was supposed to be a ladies-only event, though Hermione had wished Lucius would come, he refused and simply said that her female colleagues would probably be happier without the presence of their boss. Hermione had to agree on that note. His attitude had softened since they had announced their engagement, but to most colleagues, he was still the nonchalant director of the company.
Caitlin was particularly joyous for her friend. She helped organise the venue. After careful selection, they had agreed on the bar of Walkers of Whitehall, which was not very far from their company.
As they settled down at the table, the waitresses handed them the menus.
"Are we going to see some cute boys for the night?" asked one of the colleagues.
"I wouldn't mind, but it's a ladies-only night, everyone's lady here," said Caitlin. "We're keeping our princess over here pure and unharmed."
"I'm not a princess," said Hermione, almost rolling her eyes. "Don't make me sound like I will just fall for any man."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Hermione gave up the silly banter and her eyes went back to the menu, the only main dish that sounded not so greasy was the Cesar salad, but she wanted something that was hot and had lower calories. Caitlin seemed to have noticed her hesitation, she asked, "What's wrong?"
"I want to eat something but—"
"You are trying to stay in shape for your wedding dress, aren't you?"
"Yeah—"
"Don't worry, your body is perfect. What's more, I think men would like a little bit of fat."
"Well, I don't want to see myself having a round belly on that day!"
"Then do some exercise, you know, with your fiancé."
A rush of heat emerged on Hermione's face and she nudged her friend with embarrassment. She whispered, "Can't you just think of something else?"
"He's going to be your husband anyway."
"Thank you very much, I'd like to keep that aspect of my life private," said Hermione and she chuckled softly.
Fortunately, the waitress had come to take everyone's orders. Before Hermione could order, Caitlin had already helped her make the decision, a beer battered haddock. The small plates and main dishes came quicker than they had imagined. Hermione was not much of a meat eater, but the aroma was alluring and she could not resist taking bites after bites. Chitchats and laughter rose from the table as everyone made a toast. Normally she would not drink alcohol but it was a hen party after all, she should indulge herself along with her colleagues, so she took a sip of white burgundy. Perhaps she was inexperienced, it first tasted bitter and she almost spat it out, but slowly the refreshing, slightly citrusy aftertaste burst in her throat. Out of genuine curiosity, she took more gulps. Caitlin was amused to see Hermione drinking this much wine, for she had always been very reserved and prudent. But this was her last few days being Miss Granger, so a little indulgence could be accepted.
Hours flew by and Hermione had lost track of time. Her head felt heavy and she wanted to cool down in the toilet, so she stood up and shuffled her legs towards the toilet. Seeing that her friend was slightly drunk, Caitlin quickly went to prop her. After Hermione left the toilet stall and splashed cold water on her face, she felt slightly more conscious.
"You probably shouldn't have drunk this much," said Caitlin. "I have never seen you drink before."
"Everyone has their first time, don't they?" answered Hermione with a giggle.
"I think you'd better call Lucius to pick you up."
"No, I'm fine. He's probably resting now anyway, I don't want to trouble him."
As they went back to their table, the waiter quickly poured the last splashes of wine into Hermione's glass and swiftly left. Hermione stared at the back of the waiter. Something did not seem right, but she could not figure out what was. She took her last gulp of the wine and finished the mushy peas on her plate. The waitress who took their order and served them food earlier came to the table with the bill. Hermione quickly pulled out the bank card and pressed the pin numbers on the card machine.
Everyone stood up and left the table. Hermione felt different. She felt her whole body was on fire and her bones were itching. As everyone bid farewell, Hermione turned to Caitlin and said, "I guess I'm really drunk. I have to call Lucius."
"Are you alright? Can you walk on your own?" asked Caitlin.
"No, I'm fine. I will just wait here outside. You should go."
"Alright. Stay safe, bye!"
The cold night breeze brushed Hermione's collarbone and her sensitive skin made her shudder. The strange feeling of being hot and cold as the same time undulated underneath her skin. She took out her phone and dialled.
"Lucius, can you come pick me up?" asked Hermione, trying to remain collected.
"Where are you?"
"I don't know, Trafalgar Square maybe? I saw it earlier."
"Stay there. I will be here in 30 minutes."
Hermione hung up and leaned against the lamp post. She tried to read the hands on her clock but her vision was too fuzzy. Heat kept rushing all over her body, particularly her earlobes and breasts. Taking deep breaths slowly, she tottered to the building wall. Suddenly, she hit something hard, but soft at the same time. Hermione looked up and saw a strange yet oddly familiar face. Her obscured vision prevented her from recognising whom he was, but his touch on her arms were warm. She actually enjoyed it. Trying very hard to suppress her laugh, she asked, "Do I know you?"
The man did not answer, his hands crept up to her shoulder and his breath glided past her earlobes. Hermione did not exactly know what to do. She embraced the stranger in front of her as her body was begging for more, yet somehow at the back of her head was telling her to stop. It was difficult to fight the temptation, her mind was clouded and all she could do was to follow her instincts—to pull the man closer towards her.
Her action was interrupted as a car sped by with a loud horn. A strange feeling told her to push the man away, so with her last ounce of strength, she placed her hands on the man's chest and shoved him aside.
"Hermione!" shouted a familiar voice.
Despite her senses were drastically toned down, she could recognise the voice belonged to Lucius. In split seconds, he was there to prop her.
"You shouldn't have drunk this much," Lucius's gentle voice rang.
As he ushered her into the limousine, Hermione could not help but to put her arms around Lucius's neck, pulling him to her as close as she could and began kissing him on the lips. Lucius was slightly taken aback by her move. As their kiss broke, Hermione tried to unbutton her blouse. Lucius was even more surprised to see her boldness. He tried to calm her down but she peppered her kiss on his lips and cheeks. When her lips found his earlobe, her timid tongue carefully flicked. Her hands started to take off her blouse and began to unbutton his shirt. Lucius pushed her off a little, then said,
"Hermione, there's something wrong with you—"
"I want you."
"Hermione, we're outside."
"I—I feel hot. I need you."
When she tried to push her push off her bra strap, Lucius clutched her hands and whispered to her ear, "We're nearly there. Hang on."
As though she had lost her conscious, when they arrived at the got out of the limousine, Hermione clung onto Lucius, with her lips on his, unwilling to let go. Lucius held her tight and hastened back upstairs in Hermione's bedroom. When Hermione's back hit the soft mattress, she pulled Lucius to her and tried to unbuckle his belt. Sensing exactly what she had been seeking, Lucius grasped her wrists to stop her and said, "Hermione, did you take something you shouldn't?"
Hermione did not answer. Her body was itching for more warmth and intimacy. Moans escaped from her lips and her legs shuffled. Lucius gently peeled her blouse and jeans. When he took of her jeans, as street lamp shone through the window, Lucius could see her soaked knickers. Taking a deep breath and trying hard to ignore the desire stirring in him, he quickly covered Hermione in thick down duvet and rushed to the bathroom for a cold shower.
The next morning when Hermione woke up, she felt the cold air brushing her shoulder and she could not help pulling her duvet to cover her whole torso. As she sat up straight , it was then she realised she was nearly stark naked. She tried hard to recall what had happened after her hen party. Memory of her calling Lucius was hazy yet clear enough for her to recall the event, but memories of happened afterwards were empty, as if life had stopped the moment she finished the call. Though memories were vague, she remembered the feeling of physically wanting more. Her throat was dry as a creek in a drought.
Lucius knocked on the door and came in with a glass of water. As he handed her the glass, Hermione quickly guzzled the whole glass. Lucius sat beside and asked, "Do you remember what happened last night?"
"I called you, and…" said Hermione and her voice faltered as her face grew pale, as though she realised her being naked on bed could indicate something had happened. "We didn't—do—"
Lucius shook his head and said, "I am not a monster. You were drugged."
"Drugged?"
"Aphrodisiac, perhaps," said Lucius. "Last night you weren't your usual self. Do you remember if anyone spiked your drink?"
"I don't…think so."
"I called the police last night. They said they would look into it."
"I didn't do anything…inappropriate, did I?"
Lucius showed a smirk and moved closer to her. His breath brushing her ear as he whispered, "Maybe it's best you don't remember. We have plenty time to explore that two days later."
Hermione blushed and hit him with her pillow.
