"Enter!"

At Draco's command Blaise opened the door, Ginny followed him in.

"Come over here, Blaise, and tell me what you think of this," Draco motioned for the soldier to come and view something on the bed. Draco pointed to the linen. Ginny had to stand on her tiptoes to see over Blaise's shoulder. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the deadly snake cut in half.

"It would seem that a coward would have this snake kill our dear lord. It is not a accident that the snake is here. The viper was taken from its winter sleep and placed here."

Ginny's stomach knotted. Kayla had just been nearly here. She had been in danger. Thank Merlin that she had not been bitten.

"I will take care of this." Blaise wrapped the serpent in the bed sheet and carried it out the door.

"Thank you, Blaise," Draco said. "If you would be so kind to guard my door tonight, I would be very grateful."

Ginny stiffened. She had not expected that order. The soldier nodded, and then shut the door behind him.

"To ensure that you do not slip away from me again. You seem to do that a lot.

Ginny turned around, unable to look at him. Even if she managed to get him drunk, she would still be trapped with him all night. Even if he was well into his cups, to spend the night with Draco was unthinkable. Her mind rushed frantically to figure out a way to get out of the room.

"Why do I get the feeling you are planning a new escape?" He pulled her into his arms before she could offer a protest.

The moment his lips touched hers, a current ran through her. The kiss became a union of taste and texture. It evoked a shiver that was both colder than a winter night and hot then a summer's day.

She almost sighed in relief as his lips stilled and she could gather her thoughts. But suddenly his tongue brushed her bottom lip and slide into her mouth. She was lost to him. She wanted things to slow down and yet, she wanted them to speed up as well.

It was uncanny that Draco knew what she was thinking. "Trust me," he said, "and all your fears will be put aside and all your question answered." He kissed her again, slowly, softly. He would not force her, she had to be strong. Of all the men in her world she could not choose her enemy.

She did not resist when his hands slipped over her hips and waist. His lips traveled from her mouth to her neck. She submitted when his hands slipped beneath her tunic and gentle slid it away from her body. His fingers caressed her as they worked their way down her body. Her kiss, shy at first, became more bold and matched his ardor ones.

She felt bereft when he pulled away, but then his lips traveled lower, his teeth taking small nips from her shoulder and grazing across her breast. A shiver of pure delight shot through her. His hands slipped further down her body. Slowly he peeled her tights off and they joined the pile of clothes on the floor.

"Touch me, Nevra," he whispered.

She slowly began to remove his tunic and tights. He swore under his breath and began to help her with the clothes. He picked her up and up and carried her to the bed.

The warmth beneath her fingertips did not surprise her. His body glowed from being in the sun. Draco shuddered as her fingers stroked low on his chest and he reaction excited her. The building of pleasure within her peaked with each sound and shiver he made.

"Nevra, wrap your lags around me." His voice was husky and a bit sharp. Without thought or resistance, she complied. His hands softly caressed the line of her chin, then cradled her face. "I wish there was a way to do this so there was no pain. It will last only a moment, Nevra and then it will be replaced by pleasure. Trust me."

Like dim sounds in a deep fog, his words confused her. Pain from him? It did not seem possible. He had given her so much pleasure.

Then he thrust into her and she felt like she was being ripped in two. His mouth swallowed her painful cry. When he was imbedded, he stilled. Softly, he kissed her cheeks and the tears that had fallen. "I am sorry. There was no way to avoid it."

Ginny did not answer him. In her pain, all she wanted was for him to get away fro, her and even tried to push him off, but he remained.

"Shh, little Saxon, it will be better from here on."

His kisses and soft caresses helped to ease her mind. The fire he had started began to rebuild. The tender kisses grew more urgent and consuming. And for some reason, she responded to that urgency, instinctively knowing that what she craved was there, just beyond reach.

When he moved again, her soreness passed. She tried to match his rhythm but he stilled her hips. "You go to fast. You are driving me mad."

What did he think he was doing to her?

Once kindled, the flame of her passion did not simmer but burned out of control. Engulfed by a fever that was fueled by need, she pushed his hands away and frantically met each thrust. Harder, faster, she hastened the pace, racing for release.

Then she stilled as though her whole world had gasped.

As if overtaken by a sudden storm, she was showered with turbulent emotions. She could not understand it but held on to him as he cried her name into the air, then shuddered and collapsed on her.

As she floated downward, she sighed, utterly content. So this was lovemaking. Now, all the stories she had overheard in the kitchen made sense. No wonder people did it often and with such fervor.

"Nevra." He caressed the side of her face. She moved as close to him as embrace would allow.

As though he could not bear to not be a pair from her, he rolled to his side, gentle taking her with him. His smooth, light finger-strokes slid over her shoulder and back. Little circles drawn up and down her spine grew larger each pass until his hands no longer massaged but fully embraced her. Whispered kisses that began feather-light became long, slow and deep. She returned his ardor with a passion that drove him wild.

They made love again, this time with an exquisite tenderness and exploration that left her breathless. When Draco cried out in passion, Ginny's voice joined his.

Exhausted, Ginny fell asleep in his arms. For the first time in all her life, Ginny's dreams were peaceful. At day break Draco woke her with a long, lingering kiss. In a sleepy haze, she basked in the glow of his lovemaking; then, slowly, reality intruded and the memory of the troubles and problems that beset her before retiring last eventide returned.

She was about to pull out of Draco's arms when a hard pounding on the door startled her. He pulled away slightly but kept her close.

"Who dare disturb me?" Draco called out."

"Brother, I must see you. 'Tis important." sounded Aden's urgent reply.

"It had better be or I will see you staked out and spitted."

Aden opened the door and grinned at the sight of them in bed together. "Your pardon, but we have a guest."

Ginny heart leaped at the thought of a new guest. She was reminded of their last one.

"Who is it, Aden?" Draco asked his weariness and frustration unmistakable.

"You betrothed has arrived."

"Pansy?" Draco asked, instantly alert.

"Oui, and she wishes to see you posthaste. Should I send her to your bed chamber?"

"Merde," he answered, clearly annoyed by his brother's jest.

Ginny raised her face from the covers. Burning with humiliation and mortification, she turned to Guy. "aye, send his fiancée up. 'Twould be interesting to see how much she desires him,"

Aden smiled, but Draco did not. "Hold your tongue, woman," Draco ordered. "Remember that you are a slave and do not give orders. I will go down stairs." He leaped from the bed and dressed quickly. After he tied his fastenings, he turned to his brother. "Stay with Nevra and make sure she does not get into trouble.