CHAPTER 4

Draco lifted Bella into his arms and carried her to her bed. He sat down, cradling her, patting her cheeks.

When a house-elf appeared with water for the little miss as the elf called her; Bella had come round, though the horror in her wide eyes was worse than anything Astoria had ever seen. "What's wrong?" she whispered. "Do you think she had a nightmare?"

His eyes snapped. "She saw us. She thought I was killing you. Hell, I could kick myself!"

Astoria went limp. Of course! She saw a battle and Pansy's death! The poor mite! She dropped to her knees at the side of the bed. "It's all right, Bella darling. Daddy was playing. He wasn't going to hurt me. He wouldn't do a thing like that." Of course, he would! But she had to convince this trembling little bundle.

"That's right, Bella," Draco added his reassurance. "I like Daphne. I was going to kiss her, kisses are nice? She's a very beautiful lady and you're very lucky to have her here to look after you now that Nana is hurt. Shall I kiss Daphne now?"

But there was no response in the pain-filled eyes. They stared at Astoria unblinkingly and Astoria could imagine what thoughts were racing through her tiny head. She was so confused. How she wished there was something they could do!

"Leave us, Draco," she said quietly. "I'll settle her."

He slid his daughter gently between the sheets, and the child lay exactly how he put her. Astoria talked in a soothing voice and hoped that she was getting through. There was no way of telling. She did not move, she did not speak. Faint colour had crept back into her cheeks, but the soulful eyes would haunt Astoria for the rest of her life.

God, what fools they had been! Why hadn't they realised that the child was still awake and most probably listening to everything they said? How long had she stood there? Or were Draco's hands round her neck the first thing she had witnessed?

No doubt the sound of their voices had attracted her, made her curious to see what was going on between her father and the new lady. Astoria would have given anything for the child not to have seen them.

Heaven knew what harm they had done. They could have set Bella back right to the beginning. What would his mother say if she knew?

They had best make sure she never found out.

She sat with Bella until the child's lids drooped and she fell asleep.

Even then she was loath to leave her but eventually returned to her room keeping the door between them open just in case.

A while later she heard Bella's door open and saw the shadowy shape of Draco standing over the girl. He stood for what seemed a very long time, but not once did he glance in her direction. He stood enduring there—he turned and went, and she heard his own door close, and somehow she felt disappointed.

What she had expected she did not know. If he had come to her she would have told him to get out, or even pretended to be asleep. But he had not even looked! This was what hurt. Had there been no truth in what he told Bella about going to kiss her? What the heck? What if he had lied? She wouldn't have let him anyway.

Or so she told herself. She did not like to admit that he was getting under her skin. It was a terrible thing to admit. She hated him. He treated her as though she were dirt. How could she be so fickle as to respond to his taunts—for that was all they were. He was testing, probing, wondering how far he could go. Thinking, no doubt, that one day he could go all the way. No, not thinking, he was confident of it, had even bragged about it. God, how she hated him!

She punched the pillow and wished it was Draco. She was overtired and could not sleep, and she lay for a long time listening to the chirping crickets, looking at the night sky and the moon. The same moon that she had looked at from her bedroom at home! It seemed strange but a little bit comforting too. Perhaps she wasn't so far away from home after all? With this thought, Astoria fell asleep.

ooo

Bella woke a couple of times in the night, crying out. Not a nightmare, distressing dreams, triggered off no doubt by their thoughtless actions.

Astoria went to her on each occasion, comforted her as best she could, not knowing whether she helped or not. At seven she got up, dead tired, but unable to sleep anymore.

Outside was a beautiful day. She stretched and smiled happily and decided she was not going to let Draco Malfoy spoil it for her.

Again she looked out of the window. The early sun was already warm, enhancing a corn marigold, picking out a Betony which clustered over a stone wall at the end of the garden.

A blackbird cocked an eye at her, seagulls in the distance fought over fish. She felt like singing with the cheeky blackbird, it was all so enchanting. A black and yellow sail bobbed on the distant, glistening sea. She could see tiny dots that were people already making the most of this glorious island.

She took a look at Bella before going to the bathroom. Her face in repose was angelic, her dark lashes fanning her cheeks. Looking at her now no one would guess at the suffering that went on in her tiny mind.

Quickly Astoria showered and dressed; white with tiny green flowers this time, loose-fitting and cool and it suited her. She was beginning to get used to her short hair. By now Bella was awake, sitting up in bed looking at a picture book, but Astoria had the feeling that she was not genuinely interested.

When Astoria entered she put it down, looking at her solemnly. It was impossible to guess what she was thinking. Astoria smiled. "Good morning, Bella." Best not to refer to last night, she decided. "Come on, let's get you ready. I can't wait to go out into this beautiful sunshine!" Pulling back the sheet, she held out her hand. "Do you want a bath, so that you'll feel all nice and fresh?"

Bella scrambled from the bed, avoiding Astoria's hand, then stood looking up at her. "A bath," she whispered before her thumb went into her mouth.

Astoria smiled gently. Progress indeed! "Right, come on, little fae." Ten minutes later she discovered it had been a dead loss getting herself ready first. Too late she had decided she should have stripped off her dress. The little girl had seemed to enjoy the bath, staying still, allowing the soapy bubbles to cover her hair, then wriggling with pleasure, screwing up her eyes as it ran down her face and finally settling again.

She dressed Bella in a sweet blue dress, brushed her hair, admiring the thick dark ringlets which would soon dry in the heat of the sun, and they made their way to the kitchen.

It was empty. She wondered whether Draco was up. She looked around at the busy house-elf, asked Bella whether she would like an egg? The house-elf she learned was named Popsy, was ready with their breakfast before they had barely decided what they wanted.

Draco came in from outside as they were finishing and he looked as though he too had slept little that night. "Good morning, Bella," he said. "Good morning, Daphne," and the eye he cast over her was speculative.

"Say good morning to your father, dear."

Astoria was glad to concentrate her attention on the child. Apart from the lines of fatigue on his face, he looked devastating in navy denim, which revealed the long powerful length of his legs, and a white t-shirt, the half-sleeves stretched across muscular forearms. It was disturbing but also equally alluring to see Draco Malfoy relaxed and dressed in muggle clothing.

Her breath caught in her throat as she wondered what might have happened had Bella not interrupted them. She must have been insane, to let him so near. It would not happen again.

He sat at the table and poured himself a cup of coffee. "Is my mother not yet up?"

"I haven't seen her."

He pushed back his chair. "I'll go and check, make sure she's all right."

"Would you rather I—"

He silenced her with a glance. "You're here to look after Bella, not my mother. Bella is a full-time job, as you're no doubt discovering."

In other words, he did not want her to make herself indispensable to his mother. That was not his idea at all. It already rankled that his mother was on her side over the uniform. "Point taken, Mr Malfoy," she said silently. "But I don't think you're going to win."

His coffee was cold when he returned, Narcissa leaned heavily on Draco, her face creased with pain. She dropped into a chair. "Daphne dear, I'm so sorry. My hip—it's worse some days than others. "

"Not at all." Astoria smiled warmly. "I'll do whatever you want. You sit in your chair or go back to bed, just as you like. Bella and I will go play." She turned to the child.

"You're a treasure! I'm so glad you brought Daphne with you Draco." Narcissa's eyes were warm, unlike those of her son. His disapproval of the arrangements was obvious. Even his mother frowned at him.

"Oh, I agree," he said surprisingly, pouring himself another cup of coffee, and one for his mother. "I think she should be made to work very hard, very hard indeed. Perhaps I'll give the house-elves a day off." Popsy let out a quiet whine from her corner by the sink.

The white-haired woman shook her head impatiently. "Really, Draco, there are times when I don't understand you! You've got something against Daphne, even an idiot can see that. I'm not going to ask what, that's your affair, but I would like to know why you brought her here if all you're going to do is bully the poor girl!"

Draco switched his glance to Astoria. "Daphne knows why. Let's leave it at that, shall we?" And there was a warning glitter in his eyes.

For a moment she held his gaze. He was a fool if he thought he was going to hide his secret from his mother forever. But on the other hand, what would Narcissa say if she thought she had a thief in the house? Would she send her away? Or would she agree with her son's course of action, acceding that this was a good way of making her pay back what she had presumably stolen? Or would she disagree entirely and sympathise with her, Astoria, and try to discover exactly why she had done what she had done? What Daphne had done! Narcissa would most likely hex her and toss her out of the house.

She turned to his mother and smiled. "It's all right, Mrs Malfoy, I don't need you to stick up for me. Draco and I understand each other better than you think. What would you like for breakfast—and you, Draco? Can I get you something?" Falling into her role as a house-elf.

The crisis was avoided, she hoped. Draco refused to eat, drinking cup after cup of black coffee. Mrs Malfoy ate a thin slice of toast and then retreated into the living room.

Bella watched them all intently, and they had forgotten she was there. She was such a quiet little gnome it was easy to put her out of their minds, but Astoria felt sure that she took everything in. And although she wouldn't understand what it all meant she would sense that there was something wrong between her father and Astoria.

While Draco settled his mother Astoria cleared the table.

Draco came in when she had almost finished washing. "My mother would like to see you."

She smiled for Bella's benefit. "I won't be a moment, I'm nearly done. Bella's been such a very good girl, Draco."

"Oh really?" She had expected him to compliment his daughter, or at least give her a warm smile of encouragement. Instead, he seemed totally uninterested. "I'm going out—I have business, to attend to in town. I shan't be back until this evening. I think, though, that you'll have plenty today to keep you occupied."

He was in a foul mood, and just to needle him Astoria replied cheerfully. "Yes, I'm rather enjoying it. It's quite fun. I'm glad you brought me here."

Anger flashed through his eyes, the thick lashes framing them darkly.

"You can't fool me," he grated through clenched teeth. "You won't keep this up. It's a novelty now, but give it a few days and you'll wish you'd never set foot in this place!"

"Or heard of Draco Malfoy?" she dared. "I already wish that. You're the only thing that spoils it."

His jaw firmed. "And I shall go on spoiling it for however long it takes. I'm damn sure you're not going to get any pleasure out of this!"

Astoria glanced at Bella, saw the alarm on her face as she gazed up at her father, and said quietly, "You're frightening her. I think you'd better go."

He changed dramatically, smiling at the little girl and swinging her up into his arms. "You're not frightened of me, surely? I'm not shouting at you—and I'm not really shouting at Daphne. I'll bring you a present back, shall I? What would you like—a new doll?"

Astoria sighed mentally. The child already had more than she could ever play with. "Bring some colouring books," she said "and paints and crayons and pencils, and some books with those cut-out dolls that you put paper dresses on. She's got nothing like that."

He looked at her scathingly. "You deign to tell me what to buy my own daughter?"

Her chin lifted. "I'm her nanny. I do know best."

"God," he said to no one in particular, "it's gone to her head." He put Bella down, kissing her wet cheek, appearing not to mind that she had dampened his shirt. "I'll see you tonight, little girl. Look after Nana."

She nodded gravely and he went without saying another word to Astoria.

ooo

The curtains were not drawn this morning, the windows flung wide, sunlight filled the room. In front of the window lay Draco's mother. Her settee was heaped with cushions and she was reading the Daily Prophet. She looked better, her face free from the troubling curse she must have just taken a pain-relieving potion.

"What a delightful view!" Astoria looked through the windows, entranced. "I didn't know you had a pool—how marvellous! Does Bella swim?.

Narcissa smiled. "Like a fish—though she hasn't done much of it lately. Perhaps you'll persuade her?"

"Love to," exclaimed Astoria. "Oh, it's so beautiful here—I am lucky. Thank you, Mrs Malfoy, for having me."

She sat down on the edge of the seat. Outside the window was a patio with pots filled with a profusion of plants with every colour imaginable. Beyond them was the pool, blue-tiled, rectangular and very inviting. Beyond all that was a thick hedge of dark shrubs, and towering above them were trees the leaves flittering in the sea breeze.

"I think I'm lucky in having you," said Mrs Malfoy softly. "I was just saying to Draco that I think he ought to give you a raise in your salary with all this extra work."

"And what did he say to that?" Astoria wished she had been there to hear them.

"That we would have to see what sort of a worker you were." She frowned and took off the glasses she had worn when reading. Her clear grey eyes were puzzled as she looked at Astoria. "I have the impression that he thinks you won't make a very good job of looking after Bella, and now, unfortunately, me."

Astoria smiled. "Let's say he's hoping I won't make a very good job of it." And because she felt that this nice woman was entitled to some sort of explanation, she continued, "He didn't know me personally when he asked me to take this job—it was through—a third party. And to be quite frank, Mrs Malfoy, we just didn't hit it off—as you've noticed. I think he'd be happy if I failed."

"But it was his idea that you came here?"

"Oh, yes. He was quite insistent."

"So whoever recommended you must have spoken very highly? They would have to, to make Draco go against his own judgment. In fact, I've never known my son do a thing like this before." She sucked the side of her glasses contemplatively. "I think he's of the same opinion that I was in the beginning—all beauty and no brains. You have a very sensual face, my dear, enough to set any man's heart fluttering, but at the same time it's intelligent."

Astoria began to feel embarrassed by all this, looking down at her hands folded in her lap. Bella was sitting on a chair nearby, deep in her thoughts.

"And wearing your hair like that is a master-stroke. So many witches wear it long, floating about their faces, thinking it makes them more alluring. You've defined the beautiful shape of your head. You look enchanting, little-girlish and yet at the same time a woman. Any man who didn't take a second glance at you would want his head examined!"

Astoria's cheeks dimpled. "And you think your son does?"

Narcissa laughed. "Not quite—he's aware of you, all right, and fighting it every inch of the way. So long as you don't let him get you down?" She sounded anxious.

"I can look after myself," Astoria assured her. "I've found the challenge stimulating."

"Good for you, Daphne!" The woman sounded satisfied. "But you must have some free time, you shouldn't be treated as a house-elf," she insisted. "Use the pool—it's so rare anyone goes in these days it seems quite a waste of galleons."

All morning Bella trotted after Astoria, doing whatever she was asked, speaking the odd word, even occasionally giving a wan smile.

She seemed more relaxed when Draco was not there and Astoria wondered whether it wasn't the effect of last night, whether in her own little mind she had been convinced that her father was about to consume her in his firey breath. Would she ever overcome the psychological damage of her early years? Surrounded by fear, dark magic and violent wizards intent on destruction was damaging enough older children. Even grown adults; Draco himself was troubled.

She would have to speak to him about it. They would have to make sure she witnessed no more of their arguments—except that it had been hardly that. She was not sure what had been happening—and she preferred not to dwell on it.

Bella had a rest after lunch and Astoria took the opportunity to stroll in the grounds. They were even more beautiful than they looked from inside. Here the heady scents could be appreciated to the full. And over all this was a clear blue sky and sea surrounding the island. She felt alive and quite forgetful of the fact that she was serving a kind of prison sentence.

She wanted to explore the whole island, she wanted to run and sing, and she was glad to be alive.

She went back to her room and wrote a letter to her mother, the Malfoy's long-eared owl stuck its leg out accepting the letter with great dignity of a faithful servant. Astoria hoped her mother was ok alone and not worried about her absence.

ooo

Bella awoke and Astoria took her to the pool.

"The water was warm and the little girl needed no persuading. Perhaps all that had been required was someone willing to join her? She was a good swimmer, seemingly tireless, and they fooled about in the water until it was Astoria herself who called a halt. Animal shaped pool toys were charmed to swim about a unicorn was intent on chasing Astoria, thankfully wearing itself out and quickly deflating. Bella giggled and pushed it towards her wanting the chase to continue.

"You're wearing me out," she laughed. "What are you, a water baby?"

Bella gave a shy smile and showed Astoria where the loungers for sunbathing were. They lay down and soaked up the sun. It was warm and comfortable, and Astoria fell asleep.

She woke when a rough hand shook her shoulder, and opened her eyes to see Draco towering over her. To say that he was angry would have been an understatement.

The dragon had returned and was in another of his incredible rages.

He spoke tersely. "What are you doing?"

Still slightly dazed, Astoria blinked owlishly. "What does it look as if I'm doing?"

"As though you're on holiday!" he bit. His arm shot out and he yanked her up.

Astoria struggled furiously and wondered how long she had been asleep. "Where's Bella?" she asked.

"Precisely. You should be looking after her. You have no right to indulge yourself when my back's turned. Besides, you're as red as a lobster. Have you no sense?" He dragged her along by the wrist as though she was no older than Bella herself. "You'd better put healing paste on that or you'll be as sore as hell in another hour!"

Her skin already felt uncomfortably warm, but what right had he to dictate? "I'll be all right," she snapped. "I don't need you to tell me what to do."

"No?" His brows rose in a straight line, his forehead creasing into the pale hair. "You're mine to do with as I like. Or is your memory so short? I must say, Daphne, you're acting as though you're enjoying yourself. I really shall have to see what I can do about that. It's not what I had in mind at all."

They reached the manor and he released her. She rubbed her wrist. "I never thought for one moment that it was. I'm under no delusion, I assure you. But your mother did insist that I have some free time"

"Yes," Draco snarled, "when you're asleep—and that's all you're going to get!"

His mother called and they went inside. Bella was there, sitting beside her, a doll dangling from her hand. "Draco, you're back early. We didn't expect you yet."

"So I gathered."

His dry tones were not lost upon his mother. "Bella and Daphne have been swimming, isn't that nice? Bella enjoyed herself, didn't you, love?"

The tot looked at her father and seemed to freeze. Daphne sighed inwardly. It was very much as she had feared.

"And Daphne has almost given herself sunstroke. Popsy have you put healing paste in Daphne's room already? She'll need it."

"Bella told me you'd fallen asleep, but I didn't realise how time was passing. You really should be careful, my dear, with your fair skin. But the paste I make will take the sting out of it. Keep out of the sun for a day or two and you'll be fine."

She excused herself and went up to her room. She was alarmed when she looked at her reflection. Oh no! She was going to be as sore as Draco had warned.

She scooped some of the paste into her palm and patted it gingerly on one arm. It was cool and soothing and unlike anything else she had ever used. She had sensitive skin and usually took care not to stay out too long in the sun. If she hadn't been so tired! It was Draco's fault—he shouldn't have kept her up. And then there was Bella. They had disturbed her night too. He was evil git, he really was, and now he was angry with her yet again. There seemed to be no end to it.

She hadn't expected to find her job a relaxing holiday, but she had not thought he would be so condemning in front of his mother. He was arousing her curiosity as nothing else would, and sooner or later she would probe more deeply into what was wrong between them.

When her door opened she looked around, startled. "I thought you might need some help."

Draco looked amused and she could guess at the thoughts going through his mind. He stood there his eyes were exploring her scantily-clad body. Her bikini was shocking pink, the top nothing more than two triangles laced together with string.

Daphne had bought it for her last birthday and she had packed it thinking it would be ideal for the Beach—but she had never intended letting Draco see her in it.

"It's almost difficult to see where your skin ends and the bikini begins," he said softly, insolently. "Give me the jar and lie down, I'll do your back."

"I can manage," she said tightly, bravely submitting to his appraisal.

"And if you've quite finished looking I'd thank you to leave."

His smile was slow and deliberate. "I could watch you all day. Your long fluid limbs and beautiful breasts quite take my breath away. And once that red has changed to gold you'll be quite irresistible. Has anyone ever told you what a fantastic body you have?"

"You're a lecherous satyr!" she snapped, even as her pulses raced.

She was afraid and fully aware that a few minuscule pieces of material would not deter him.

"Oh, no, I'm all man, and you, dear lady, are putting all sorts of ideas into my head. Why act coy? Don't forget I know the true you."

And Daphne would be in her element in this situation! Draco wanted her, she sensed it. He had that look in his eyes and she knew that she had to get him out of the room. She was not like her sister. She would get no pleasure out of this.

"You think you know me," she cried, "but you're mistaken. Please go, Draco."

"Only if you let me take care of you."

And she knew he meant it. With a sigh she handed over the jar and lay face down on the bed, closing her eyes tightly, drawing in a swift breath when she felt the weight of him beside her. There was no need for it. He could have stood up and done the job quite easily. But she knew better than to argue. She was in a vulnerable position right at this moment.

"Are you a restless sleeper?" he asked, the second before his palm touched her shoulder.

She tensed, alarmed at the reaction he had triggered inside her. "Not that I know of, why?"

"Because you're red all over. If you'd stayed in one position you would have burned on one side only."

She was sure his movements were deliberately sensual. His fingers traced across her back with a slow deliberate action, sending shivers of anticipation through her body. "I must be, then," she said breathlessly.

He moved lower. His hands soothed and gentled over her waist, sensitive fingertips probing expertly. Then her thighs, long smooth erotic strokes. He knew exactly what he was doing and it took all her self-control not to show some reaction.

His breathing had deepened noticeably and he was quiet. She wondered what he was thinking. She daren't come up with an answer.

Then all too soon he had finished. His weight lifted from the bed and Astoria risked glancing up. He smiled, completely in control of himself. But the smile held a secret. He knew what he had done to her!

He held out the bottle. "Can you manage the front yourself? I'd be more than willing to oblige."

She was disappointed it had not taken him longer. It had all happened so quickly and she had, to be truthful, enjoyed it. But it was a relief that he was going to keep his word. It was one point in his favour.

She stood up and took the bottle, flexing her shoulders. "Mm, it feels better already. This really is good stuff. What is it?"

He shrugged. "Some concoction of my mother's. She is skilled with potions and has a cure for most ills, such as applying crushed leaves of ornamental acalypha for rheumatism. She says it works, I don't know. We have a witch doctor on the island but I'd rather trust my mother's abilities."

"Anyway," she said, trying to make her tone light. "Thanks for your help. I'll be along in a minute to prepare our evening meal."

His lips quirked. "Dismissal?"

Astoria nodded. "That's right."

"Pity. I enjoyed that. You must let me do it again some time." He walked with slow easy strides across the room. He had an animal grace, each muscled movement perfection in itself, and Astoria found herself watching him. He was probably a fantastic lover!

At the door, he turned, caught the expression on her face, and looked satisfied. "You feel as good as you look, sweetness. But then it's a well-known fact that you should never judge a package by its wrapping."