This chapter is rated R for language and sexuality.

Chapter 5

"Thanks." He said as he cleared his throat and backed away as far as he could against the sink. When the hell did my bathroom get so small, he wondered.

"You're welcome." She said. "Are your hands throbbing?"

"No. I'm fine." He answered as he continued to watch her eyes. He could see the indecision flickering in her gaze and completely understood. One side of him wanted to kiss her until she was begging for more but the rational side of him knew what a bad idea that was. Isn't it.

"Severus?" She asked huskily, feeling as if a force was pulling her to him as she leaned closer.

"Yes Iris?" He answered as he too leaned in.

Closer and closer they moved until she could feel his hot breath on her cheek and that was enough to snap her back to reality.

"I think we should get back to work." She mumbled as she jerked away, blushing hotly.

Snape closed his eyes in relieved frustration. "Right. Work."

Iris turned and practically ran from the tiny space and breathed a sigh of relief when she had her own personal space back.

For the rest of the day they didn't speak and did their best to avoid looking at each other. When the clock turned to five Iris eagerly bid her goodnight and Apparated right from her workstation before he even had a chance to respond.

When morning came Iris decided she wasn't going to work. She'd had another sleepless night so she was extremely tired and she was in no mood to deal with anything today.

She sent Severus an owl letting him know that she wouldn't be there so he could have the day off then she crawled back in bed. She was just hovering on the edge of sleep when a knock on the door pulled her back.

"What?" She said in frustration.

Analise cracked the door open and poked her head through. "Are you ok?" She asked.

"Fine. I didn't sleep so I'm just tired." Iris answered.

"Why didn't you sleep?" Analise prodded.

"I don't know." Iris lied. Sexual frustration, confusion, thoughts of Severus every minute, you know, the usual.

"Anything bothering you? Anything you want to talk about?" Analise asked.

"No." Iris insisted.

"How's it going working with Snape?" Analise inquired casually.

Iris stiffened and looked at her friend as she answered "Swimmingly. Now I don't mean to be rude Analise but I really am tired."

"Ok, I'm going. But remember, I'm here if you need to talk." She said as she turned to go.

"Thank you."

"Oh and Iris, meeting Remus was the best thing that ever happened to me. Loved and being loved is more magical than any potion or spell." Analise continued from the doorway.

Iris mentally rolled her eyes but shot Analise what she hoped was a grateful smile before she shut the door, leaving her blessedly alone again. Now where was I, she asked herself as she snuggled back under the covers.

Severus was waiting anxiously for Iris to arrive. He fully intended to talk to her about that kiss the other night and maybe even get another one. But when an owl arrived to deliver a note his plans got thwarted.

Severus,

I'm feeling a little under the weather today and won't be able to make it. Please don't feel compelled to work on the potions. Take the day off and we'll continue when I'm better.

Sorry for the inconvenience,

Iris

Snape reread it again and felt irritation rise up. He knew she wasn't sick. She was just avoiding him. Avoiding her feelings. He Apparated to her house to confront her.

He knocked on the door angrily and when it swung open he almost started lamenting at her but snapped his mouth closed when it was Analise instead of Iris.

"Hi Severus!" Analise said happily. "What brings you here?"

"Iris asked me to bring her some Anti-Flu Potion." He lied smoothly.

"I wonder why she did that? She doesn't have the flu." Analise said in confusion. "She's just tired. She hasn't been sleeping very well this week. Must be the move."

Interesting. "Probably is. I don't know why I said Anti-Flu Potion. This is Sleeping Draught."

"Why she doesn't make it herself." She wondered aloud"She's upstairs in bed. Go on up since she's expecting you." She continued before turning to go to the kitchen.

Snape made his way up the stairs and quietly let himself in her room.She was sleeping soundly and he almost felt bad for wanting to wake her. She looked so peaceful that he just watched her for a couple of minutes.

Her lips parted and her breasts rose and fell with each breath as she slept on and he knew he had to kiss her. He knelt down beside the mattress and leaned in close to brush his lips across hers softly. Then he did it a second time with slightly more pressure. He watched her eyes languidly open and watch him before he leaned in a third time.

Iris was having the most luscious dream about Severus. Dreaming about him was so much safer than reality. It held no consequences so she allowed it to continue.

He kissed her softly at first, then with more intensity. She opened her mouth to allow him intimate access as she sought his tongue. She moaned low in her throat as their tongues tangled and she felt his hands tug her hair out of it's ponytail and sift through the dark strands.

She wove her own fingers through his hair as he angled her head for better contact. Such soft hair, she thought. He pulled gently on her locks so he could have access to her throat and began placing burning kisses down the column of her neck. Iris arched her back and rose up to meet his mouth. Her hands began to idly caress his chest and back and she was rewarded with a groan of pleasure.

Her nipples harden when she felt his breath near her breasts. He looked at her for her approval and was met with acceptance through her hooded eyes. Severus began suckling her pebbled nipples through the bodice of her nightgown and delighted at her guttural moan. His deft fingers stroked the opposite breast as she writhed underneath him.

"What's taking so long?" Came a voice from the doorway.

Iris heard Analise's voice through the haze of her dream and forced herself to wake up.

"Oh Merlin! I'm so sorry. Excuse me." Analise said in embarrassment as she turned away from what she'd just witnessed. Ha ha ha! Triumph, she thought as she hightailed it out of there.

Iris' eyes came to focus on Severus' face as she noticed her blood pumping wildly through her veins. Shit! It wasn't a dream, she thought in panic.

"Severus! What in the hell are you trying to pull?" She demanded tumultuously as she jumped out of bed. The cold of the room on the wet fabric of her nightgown caused her nipples to tighten almost painfully and she felt her cheeks flame as she tore the comforter from the bed to cover herself. Ever have de ja vu?

"I'm sorry. That was out of line." He said, only somewhat remorsefully.

"Damn straight it was!" She answered.

"I couldn't help it." Severus said.

"Well you're going to have to." She said. "If we're going to be working together this can't happen."

"You're right." He said feeling thoroughly chastised.

"We need to set down some ground rules. Why don't you go home and I'll clean up and meet you there?" She offered, feeling bad at his dejected look.

"Fine. I'll see you." He said. "I really am sorry." And Disapparated.

Iris sank down to the bed feeling even more sexually on edge than she had before. Wonderful. Just wonderful, she thought in frustration. That was beyond hot. If Analise hadn't have walked in who knows how far it would have gone. Maybe I wouldn't be in this state now, she thought ruefully as she headed to the shower.

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