Chapter Nineteen: Old Enemies, New Friends

I had all my bets laid on you.Set your stakes too high, you're bound to lose,

In the game of love, I've paid my dues.Guess I'm waiting for my place in the sun.

Wish I had the chance to know you and it wasn't stormy weather.

What a shame. Who's to blame?

-Something to Remember-Madonna

Alex Borgin strolled into the restaurant from the room she'd rented upstairs at a fashionable five after seven, zipped tightly into a rose-red sleeveless dress, adorned only with the Celtic torque encircling her throat and a summoning bracelet transfigured to resemble a golden snake with ruby eyes swallowing it's own tail.

"May I help you, Madam?" came the ultra-polite request from the pencil-thin man at the front podium.

"Yes, reservations for two on The Terrace, please. The name is Borgin."

"Your party has just been seated, Madam," he answered, signaling a returning hostess. "Miss Borgin has arrived."

"Right this way, please," the young brunette offered in delicately-accented English.

Boy, Rose could take a cue or two from these guys, Alex thought, following the woman through the dining room and out onto the terrace. "If it's not too bold of me to say, Madam," the hostess began, "Your dinner companion, Monsieur Malfoy, is positively stunning. You are a fortunate woman."

Alex smiled warmly. "Thank you. I'm quite taken with him, myself."

Turning the corner, she spotted the man in question, calmly enjoying the view, pretending not to notice everything that was happening around him. He was dressed to the nines in a black suit of impeccable cut and a high-collared silver-gray shirt, his silken hair left loose and brushed behind his shoulders.

Alex chuckled softly.

You tell the man to wear muggle clothes, he comes to dinner in Armani. It figures.

It was obvious to anyone who knew him as she did that he was on high alert; spine erect, eyes bright, and walking stick within easy reach. He was fully aware of her when she walked into the room, though his gaze never shifted from the view as she approached. Alex almost laughed aloud at the extreme effort he made to turn and notice her at just the right moment.

And when he did, a surge of heat shot through her core. Something in that look was completely different, not at all like the flirtatious glances he gave Rose or the superior stare with which he used to tease Alex. There was something sinister in his eyes, yet deliciously promising.

He stood when she reached him and greeted her warmly, gallantly kissing her hand as if they had never been mortal enemies. "Alexandria," he purred. "Are you in disguise?" he joked, drinking in her attire in one long, admiring sweep of his eyes.

She stood on her toes and impulsively touched her lips to his cheek, inhaling deeply whatever delicious scent he was wearing, then held his gaze several moments before speaking. "I've missed you, Lucius."

He touched his face gently where her lips had been a moment before. "Then, that wasn't the fabled kiss of death?" he joked lightly as she sat.

"I suppose that depends on what you have to say to me tonight," she retorted, smiling at his humor. It felt so good to address him by his given name, to speak to him as an associate instead of a servant. She had missed the casual banter, the constant verbal battle for the upper hand. This promised to be a delightful evening.

"I simply wanted to offer..."

Alex held up her hand, imitating the commanding gesture that Lucius had used with her so many times. "If I may make a request," she began, turning her attention to the waitress who had chosen that moment to return with a bottle of champagne.

"I ordered drinks before you arrived. I hope you don't mind," he said smoothly.

Alex chuckled lightly. "I don't drink, of course."

"But, this is a special occasion," he argued.

Alex waited patiently until the woman left the table. "And your plan is to get me inebriated, then drag me off to your dungeons?" she asked with a smile that indicated she wasn't entirely joking.

"Alexandria, I'm offended. I am a much better strategist than that." He sipped his champagne regally.

Alex, as well, took a sip before replying. "That fact does occasionally keep me up at night, I assure you."

"Does it?" he asked softly. "I'm flattered. Though I'd much prefer that more pleasant thoughts of me keep you restless." He leaned forward, one loose tendril of hair floating across his forehead. "What request did you wish to make?"

Alex had to backtrack for a moment. "Oh. I should first explain that killing off your associates keeps me really busy, and this is the first decent evening I've had in a very long time. So, I'll make a deal with you." Her companion raised his brows in interest. "Let me enjoy the lighting, the view, the champagne, and the mercilessly beautiful company for a while. If we can avoid discussing business until after dinner, I promise to give serious consideration to whatever you have to say."

"Pleasure before business, then?" he asked in mock surprise. "I'm surprised. I thought you'd changed your frolicsome ways."

Alex laughed aloud. "Never!"

Good," Lucius replied seriously. "I'm rather fond of your youthful high spirits." His hair glistened in the light as he spoke, and Alex recognized the lightheaded giddiness that began to overtake her. She was falling under his spell...and she didn't care.

Well over an hour later, the main course was cleared away, the glasses filled anew with champagne from the nearly-empty bottle (that was mostly Lucius' doing), and Alex had learned more about her companion's exploits at Hogwarts than she could have ever guessed. For her part, she regaled him with tales of her less-famous heists, ranging from low-paying jobs she took for fun to anonymous hits on private estates of wizards who were almost as dangerous as Malfoy.

"So, what do you do?" she asked him.

"What do you mean?" he countered.

"I mean, you're a revoltingly wealthy, unemployed, technically single father who lives in a secluded, heavily-warded mansion. If I followed you around all day, what would I see you doing? Do you have any hobbies? Do you practice sneering in the mirror? What do you do?" she asked, her merriment growing with each sentence.

"Well, I have accounts that must remain balanced. I own several importing and exporting interests. I, as you mentioned, have a son to raise to be the head of the Malfoy family one day, and I duel."

Alex held up a hand, her interest suddenly peaked. Rose had seen Malfoy coming from a locked room on the third floor and often wondered what he had been doing. Perhaps this was the answer.

"You duel?"

"Yes. I have a dueling room in the manor," he answered casually, sipping his wine.

Alex laughed with delight. "That's wonderful! Do you use your enemies for target practice, or how does this work?"

Lucius looked up at her through his lashes. "My gargoyles are enchanted to kill. They react exactly the way a cunning witch or wizard would, cast the same spells. I can enchant them for different scenarios; attack, defense, cat and mouse. It's quite challenging."

"It sounds challenging. How long have you been doing this?"

He ran a long finger over his mouth, considering. "I arranged the room when I took over the manor. I was in my mid-twenties, I believe."

"You've been dueling aggressive gargoyles since your twenties and you lost a fight to me? That must injure the old ego," she chuckled.

Lucius looked at her seriously. "My gargoyles never threw acidic potions in my face. You caught me off-guard...twice. I respect that, which is why I decided to contact you." He hesitated. "It is acceptable to discuss business, now, is it not?"

Alex sighed deeply, gazing into enticing gray eyes as they watched her intently. "If we must," she answered reluctantly. Truly, it had been a magical evening and she hated to spoil it with talk of blood and death and Voldemort.

"We should. First, I must be assured of something very important," his face took on a look of implacable seriousness.

"Yes?"

Reaching across the table, he took her hand in his own and held it tenderly, looking deeply into her eyes. "Tell me that you know I did not kill your friend, and that I had nothing to do with her death."

Alex tried to look away as her eyes filled with sadness, but he held her gaze with sheer will. Finally she answered him, careful not to allow her voice to betray the depth of the pain she felt.

"I know. But it could have been you. Had you been given the order, you would've killed her without question and without remorse," she answered softly. "That makes you just as guilty as they are."

"You're wrong, Alexandria."

She looked away in frustration at the lie, wrenching her hand from his.

"Had I been given the order, I would have killed her, yes. But, I would have felt remorse for my actions, if for no other reason than the pain I know it caused you. The look in your eyes as you stumbled out of that shop broke my heart. I hated what they did to you, hated that they felt it had to be done. Had they known you as I do, they would've understood that it wouldn't work. But, they never came to me, never asked my advice." He shook his head lightly. "Not that they had reason to. The orders came from the Dark Lord, himself. He is not a wizard to be questioned, certainly not openly defied. You were right, Alexandria," he added bitterly. "I was a slave to him, but no more."

Alex bowed her head at his words, touched by his lack of pretense.

"Thank you for being honest with me."

"I feel that you deserve to know the truth. You are an intelligent, resourceful woman, and I vastly underestimated you," he said with a tiny, charming smile. "Had I known then what I know now, it's possible that none of this would have happened." He paused before adding softly, "Will you forgive me?"

As he asked, his head tilted slightly forward, just enough to catch the light of a flickering candle and Alex melted. Her eyes misted over at the tenderness she always longed for, but never received from Severus.

"Would you like to come upstairs?" she asked softly.

Lucius understood her meaning at once. "I would be honored," he answered.

He followed her in silence, finding excuses to lightly touch her along the way. Once inside, he distanced himself slightly, allowing her to make the decision.

When she took his hand and led him to a bed covered in red silk, he followed without question. It was only when she looked up expectantly, her lips parted slightly, that he spoke. There was only one thing left to say, really.

"Are you certain?"

"Lucius, I've dreamed of this moment," she whispered. "Just for tonight, let's pretend we were never enemies." She placed a gentle hand on his chest, whispering one last word. "Please."

He lowered his mouth to hers, tenderly, savoring that moment of absolute surrender. It was his, she was his, at long last.

What he could never tell her, he tried to express now, as he kissed her softly, his hands sliding from her waist to her shoulders, then to her hair. With nimble fingers, he loosened it from the golden clasp that held it captive and buried his hands within as it spilled down onto bare shoulders.

How had Severus given this up? The sweet taste of her mouth, the sound of her moans as he lavished her golden throat with kisses. How had he just walked away? He was obviously not human, not like the warm, eager body he held in his arms.

Already, she whispered his name with an urgency he hadn't heard from a woman in years, her hands shoving the coat from his shoulders, then moving feverishly to free him from his shirt, skilled hands expertly unbuttoning at a rapid pace.

When he stood before her, naked to the waist, she pulled away from him, staring in open admiration as she smoothed eager hands over his skin. "Lucius, you're so beautiful," she breathed. Her mouth was on the newly-bared flesh an instant later, covering him with tiny kisses, trailing smooth skin with her tongue and nuzzling the light patch of hair in the center.

He was unprepared for the spark that shot through his veins, actually hissed, when she flicked the hardened nub of flesh, coaxing it to a peak with her mouth and causing a rush of heat that threatened to overwhelm his good sense.

He didn't want to end this too quickly.

Fighting the urge to allow her complete dominance, he gently guided her face back to his and rewarded her compliance with a deep kiss, beginning with a sweet nip of her lower lip and culminating in complete possession. She relented easily, almost falling against him as she lost her will.

His senses reeling, overwhelmed by the sudden possession of something he'd wanted for so long, his hands actually shook for a moment as he unfastened the dress, one finger sliding down the path as it opened to his touch. He slid it slowly from her body and guided her tenderly down to the silken softness of the bed.

Once there, he supported his weight with one arm, kissing her with need as his unoccupied hand explored her freely. It froze upon encountering the wand still strapped to her thigh. He pulled away and stared into her eyes with an unreadable expression.

Alex drew his mouth back down to hers, stopping the unuttered question with a passionate kiss. Did he really think she'd meet him, even in a public place, without her wand?

It took a moment for her to realize that it was rather moot to be wearing it at this point and she reached down to free it from her thigh. Her hand was intercepted by his.

"Leave it," he ordered softly, bringing her captive hand to rest on his hip.

She responded to the order by whispering her compliance as he nuzzled her ear and nipped at her throat. Neatly, she flipped his shoes to the floor with her feet and began to loosen the thin black belt encircling his narrow waist. Every time she brushed his bare skin, he moaned in anticipation.

She deliberately slowed her movements just to hear that delicious voice express his desire for her touch. Still, the remainder of his clothing was on the floor faster than he'd thought possible, and he was free to explore this new body that lay beneath him, writhing with his every touch.

Slowly, agonizingly, he slid his mouth to her breast and carefully touched his tongue to the most sensitive point, nearly crying out in pleasure with her as he closed his mouth over the delicate pink flesh.

Alex was dizzy with the overwhelming sensation of white-hot flame racing from her breast to her thighs, scorching everything in it's path. She was certain she'd die from desire by the time he was actually joined with her. Against her will, her hips thrust against him, silently pleading with him to hurry.

He stopped them with a strong hand.

"Lucius, please," she begged.

He whispered a single reply against her skin, "Patience," before continuing his explorations, moving his mouth inch by agonizing inch to a place she knew would not long endure his kiss. When at last he parted her thighs, he began slowly, so slowly that she almost cried.

As she imagined, though, the telltale heat began to pool in her stomach after only a few seconds of his attentions, but when her breath hitched in her throat, he stopped. It took all of her control to allow him to continue at his own pace.

She hadn't long to wait. Soon, his mouth covered hers and she reveled in the taste of her desire on his tongue. He had brought her so close that the mere weight of his body and the closeness of his arousal was almost enough to send her over the edge.

That was exactly where he wanted her. Breaking their kiss slowly, he commanded her gaze, his eyes burning with desire as he settled his body between her thighs. He remained there for a moment, watching her, making her fully aware of his intention. When he slid forward, joining her body in one fierce stroke, she screamed.

It was a mesmerizing sight, this woman he had almost killed, tumbling over the edge of control as he took her. She was more than receptive, arching her hips to meet each thrust and crying his name so many times he was certain he would forever hear the sound in his dreams.

He pleased her for as long as he could maintain control, then exploded in climax as well, releasing a powerful cry as brilliant colors erupted behind his eyes and he spent his passion within her.

Soon after, as he lay in her arms slowly twirling a damp curl of hair around his finger, he spoke.

"You have a scar," he began carefully.

Alex knew he referred to the knife wound on her thigh, a memento from their nearly fatal encounter in her shop over a year ago. It seemed like another lifetime, now. Two different people with very different agendas. She cautiously considered her reply before giving it.

"For two reasons. Most importantly, to remind me that the loveliest roses have the sharpest thorns," she smiled sweetly up at him, reassuring him that she harbored no ill will. "I let my guard down because you're the most beautiful man I've ever seen, and it almost got me killed."

He lightly fingered the wand on her leg. "Why else?" he asked quietly, his face still impassive.

Alex laughed softly. "As a badge of honor, of course. Surviving a battle with you is an accomplishment worthy of the Order of Merlin."

"Is it?" he asked, a small smile making an appearance at the corners of his mouth. "I'm sorry that it ever came to such violence. I had no idea I would have to hurt you so badly, but you're a relentless woman."

"It's nothing, Lucius," she hastened to assure him. "The worst scars from this disaster are inside, and there's no erasing those."

His face became grave once more. "Perhaps I can aid you in the attempt."

Alex looked up expectantly.

"I have a proposal," he began.

Lady Jenilyn: I'm sorry that your computer's freaking out. I can hear you now. "I need a young priest and an old priest. Stupid, friggin' computer. Review, darn you!" Okay. Sorry. That was a cheap shot. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. I had fun writing about the shop in Knockturn Alley. The Potterverse is so huge that's it's simple to throw in some strange creatures or spells or people to add a bit of color. I love that! And, please don't think I considered your use of the silencing spell to be plagiarism. I'm not one of those people. In the immortal words of Lucy Montgomery through Anne Shirley, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." So, thank you. I think the silencing spell worked perfectly in your story. My main goal in writing "Not For Sale" was to improve what little writing ability I have. Your compliment makes me feel as though I have succeeded even if it's only a little. Thanks for mailing your review. I would have been worried about you!

Annie: I'm glad you don't hate me. Better Karma! When I read your review, I looked at my cat and told him that you said I have a way with words. He didn't seem impressed, but I was pretty jazzed. So, thanks! Hope I updated quickly enough!

Slytherin Sagittarius: I'm so envious of your job! I work in a bloody pressure cooker and this time off has been like paradise to me. When I go back this Friday, it's 'hasta luego' to updating every other day, and back to three chapters a week, hoping my reviewers don't hate me for keeping a roof over my head. That's a good point, you know. Lucius would have thought that Rose's bleeding heart was comical. That's typical of his present relationship with her. As to where to story goes, the plot is about to thicken.

Silverfey: I have only one thing to say about this chapter: Sorry! Will you hate me forever?

Zariva: Sorry about the missing Sev. He's not gone forever, I promise! Voldemort's always been a lazy bastard - however, that's also soon to change. I'm thrilled that you like the story and I love reading your reviews, but please tell me you are not reading this in class!

Arabella Minerva: Hi! I'm glad you made it! I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever get the chance to answer your reviews. I've gotten all of them for the preceding chapters and have really appreciated your kindness. Thank you! You're not alone in rooting for Snape. Siverfey is probably ready to egg to my car right about now. (I'm kidding, Silverfey) Sev will be back, don't worry. As to who gets the girl in the end, well, only the author knows. I haven't even told my cat...and he's really upset about it! And, whaddaya MEAN I won't read you review??? I love reviews! I keep writing just so I can pad my pathetic little ego with reviews! Really! I wouldn't lie about that. It's pretty sad. So, you like the way Alex maintains her character? That's a very fulfilling thing to read, because it's been one of the hardest things to manage. I look forward to reading your future reviews. Of course, I'll have keep updating if your life depends on finishing this story. So, no pressure, right?

Fleur K: Do I have theme music? Cool! "It always seems to make me smile when Lucius does." That was a precious thing to say! You should write greeting cards. You could make a mint with sentiments like that. As to killing the guy who broke her wrist, yeah, she doesn't really fool around about her vendetta. Glad you approve. 'My story is like candy,' YEAH!Getting warm fuzzies, here.