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**** **** DRACO **** ****

The light was streaming in through the large glass atrium, bouncing off the pristine marble as I stepped out of the floo and into the reception area of our near-new offices.

A large reception desk was set directly in front of the elevators, which was manned constantly and aided in disallowing any unwanted visitors though to the main offices. And it was the only furniture in the foyer. When we had decided to set up the company, this was exactly what I had pictured. I hated clutter, and refused anything but sparse simplicity.

And the entire building reflected that. Pansy had even grouched about how clean the potions lab was, and that she shouldn't be subjected to such ridiculous conditions. Potions were messy, she had told me, but I had insisted that she keep it in such a manner.

The building had two stories above the ground floor and one below. My office and Blaise's was on the top floor, along with a large conference room and two more offices; Pansy used one when she wasn't elbow deep in the cauldrons, and the other that would now be Hermione's

The second floor held the main Potions lab and two smaller ones, and, at Pansy's insistence, the staff break-room. She had explained to me – in that maddeningly condescending way that she had - that it was not appropriate that I expected our team to eat at their desks, or in the lab or in the greenhouses.

But the floor below was the one that was on my mind. It led out into the gardens and the greenhouses, where Hermione would no doubt spend most of her time. And where, I was sure, that I would be spending a significant more amount of time.

I schooled my features as I approached the desk. It wouldn't do well to look like a love-sick school boy on her first day. And considering the list of rules and conditions that Hermione had given me over the last week, I wondered just who was in charge. No looking at her with puppy dog eyes. No touching her. No hovering. No lunchtime meetings behind closed doors. No special treatment. And absolutely no one was to know that we were together. And if anyone found that out before she was ready to tell the world, the only action my dick would see was from my own hands.

I'd had to bite back my smile, her threat had been adorable, yet at the same time utterly terrifying.

"Good morning Mr. Malfoy." Alexis said with a bright smile.

"Good morning Ms. Barrow." I smiled, confused. Our front receptionist was as ruthless and efficient as my own PA. She rarely greeted anyone with more than a curt nod. And no one, and I mean no one, would get past her if they didn't have a prior appointment or meeting scheduled. My own mother had been stopped at the desk and not allowed any further, much to my own amusement and to her disgust.

So her bright smile and calm demeanour was slightly off-putting.

I rode the elevator to the top floor and headed straight for Hermione's office. She had insisted that she arrive at work on her own, she didn't need an escort, and she had said, she wasn't walking in with me and raising any suspicions. But my promise of abiding by her rules, of just being her boss, broke the second I stepped through the door and I had to see her. She left me just hours ago, telling me that she would meet me in the office, but she wasn't there. I frowned. I couldn't imagine Hermione Granger being late for anything, let alone her first day at her new job.

I strode along the hallway to my own office, and was greeted by a beaming Erica. I frowned again, that was most unusual. She usually met me with a list of tasks for the day.

"Good morning, Draco." She said with a bursting smile.

Erica was always pleasant, but not once in the year she had worked for me had she ever greeted me with such blinding elation. What the hell was happening?

"Ah, good morning." I replied and continued towards my office, "Can you please let me know when Ms. Granger arrives?"

"She's already here," Erica informed me, her smile widening even further, "She has been for over an hour."

I stopped in my tracks. What?

"She's down in the greenhouses. And going by the smiles, I think the team are already in love with her."

I kept my face straight. Of course they were. Who wouldn't be?

"You've been down there then?" I asked, fighting to keep my voice even.

She nodded, "Yes, Hermione stopped in here first to say hello, and then headed straight down to the greenhouses, I escorted her down to ensure she knows where everything is."

Hermione? Obviously she had already won over my assistant.

I nodded my thanks and headed into my office, resisting the urge to run directly to her. I dropped my leather satchel onto the floor beside my desk and sat, closing my eyes and breathing deeply.

Don't rush down there, I told myself, don't rush down there and look like a complete fool. Distract yourself with work.

I opened my eyes. There were at least a dozen new rolls of parchment in the tray on my desk that would be sure to take my mind off her, so I reached over and plucked the top one from the pile. And fuck me, it was a reminder from Theadora Trentino, insisting that she meet with my new Head of Herbology as soon as possible, and that I be the one to make the introductions. And Trentino's was definitely a supplier that I didn't want to lose.

Theadora was the most prominent Herbalist in the Wizarding world. Her family name had been synonymous with plants and herbs for centuries. And being as such, she had little patience for time wasters and inefficiency, and anyone she had dealings with had to be pre-approved.

Pansy and Blaise had laughed of my initial concerns of setting up a company that included my family name. Malfoy went hand in hand with Death Eater, even though I had publically renounced any dealings with them and my father. And despite The Ministry clearing me, I was still subjected to whispers and pointed fingers.

And it was through those whispers that Theadora had come into contact with us.

We were a young and up and coming company. Doing things differently, not complying with the traditions of the past, doing exactly what Severus had taught us; to push boundaries and find new ways to do things. And with the exceptions of Erica and Alexis, no one was over thirty. We were all young and enthusiastic, and while potion making was a fine art, we had made developments into just how far we could push the process, were progressing steadily into new and improved potions. And that was how Theadora had come into contact with us.

She had gotten wind of what we were up to, and even though she was a traditionalist and hated change, she had actually approached us. Her curiosity had gotten the better of her, and after spending three days in Florence, at her beck and call, during which time she had been very thorough in her interrogation of the three of us, our extensive knowledge of potion making finally convinced her to come on board.

But just because Theadora had approached us, didn't mean she wouldn't abandon us at any minute.

I groaned in frustration and shoved the parchment aside, and began to sort through the rest, my attention finally elsewhere.

An hour later my office door opened and Erica walked in. She held her arm out and dropped another roll of parchment on my desk and peered at me over her glasses.

"Theadora is the most impatient woman I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with," She said with an eye roll, "I've made arrangements for you and Hermione to meet with her in Florence tomorrow," She handed me a large brass ring, "I've charmed the portkey and you will be able to leave first thing in the morning. You can meet with Theadora and be back tomorrow evening."

Damn it! I wanted to stay overnight. Maybe show Granger some of the sights of Florence, show her the amazing view from my usual room.

I cleared my throat and I felt my cheeks heat slightly, "Can you arrange for us to return on Wednesday evening?"

Erica raised one thin eyebrow at me, her lips twitching, but she didn't ask why. "That shouldn't be a problem. I'll change the portkey right away."

I nodded, handing back the brass ring and gave her what I hoped was a wry smile, explaining lamely, "Well, I was just thinking that Theadora might want us there longer than expected. You know how she is."

"Mm-hmm," She hummed and gave me a look that told me she knew exactly what I was up to, "Hermione has asked if you were in yet."

"I'll head down and see how she's settling in." I said standing, "I didn't want to crowd her on her first day."

She handed me my updated schedule, "Don't be too long, you have an eleven o'clock floo meeting with Medina Agrobiology, and you have a three-thirty with Blaise in the conference room to meet with Mr. Orozco from Oro Hierba." She indicated the parchment she had just dropped on my desk. "I'll inform Theadora that you'll both be there first thing."

I nodded, "And I'll inform Ms. Granger of her sooner than expected travel plans."

"I'll make the necessary arrangements for your stay. The usual place? And your usual room?" She shot me another knowing smile and my cheeks flushed again.

"Yes, my usual room, thank you." I answered quickly.

She paused at the door. "You've made the right choice with her, young man."

I looked up to see her smiling at me before she disappeared through the door.

I rubbed my fingers across my forehead and smiled; she clearly knew more than I thought.

I paused in the greenhouse doorway, the sight before me stopping me in my tracks. I'd not seen her before she left for work and it was probably a good thing. We would never have made it out of the house.

She was dressed impeccably in fitted black suit pants that accentuated her long legs and the curve of her arse, her suit jacket was casually flung onto the bench beside her, and her pristine white dress shirt was molded to her figure. I wasn't sure that a white shirt was appropriate for the greenhouse, butif it got dirty, or wet and see through, who was I to complain?

And it helped that she was bent over the long workbench, chatting animatedly with another of our herbologists Olsen Blackwell, her arse jutting out and giving me a view that had my cock twitching.

I cleared my throat and they both turned to face me.

"Malfoy," she said straightening her stance, "I wasn't sure if I would be seeing you today."

Olsen nodded, and murmured a quiet sir.

"I didn't want to crowd you on your first day Granger," I repeated the same lame excuse I had given Erica, "And I'm fairly certain that you know what you're doing."

She tiled her head to one side, "Fairly certain?" Olsen sniggered beside her and I shot him a glare.

"Completely certain," I corrected returning my gaze to her, "And I have had my own work to do."

"Of course," She said and scooped up her discarded jacket, "Did you need to see me?"

I held my hand out, indicating towards the elevator, "Yes, if you have a minute."

She smiled at Olsen telling him, we'll continue this shortly,and walked past me, my eyes instantly dropped to her rear. When I looked up she was smirking over her shoulder at me.

"See something you like, Malfoy?"

I didn't have time to be embarrassed at getting caught; I was too surprised at her response. I thought she would have snapped at me or at the very least given me a disgusted eye roll or one of her infamous glares, but instead she was being flirty.

"Ah, sorry." I mumbled, not sure what to make of her tone.

"Maybe I should wear my robes," She said with a wink, "Stop any temptation."

I ducked my head to hide the heat gathering quickly in my cheeks. She had managed, in just a few seconds, to confuse the hell out of me. She had warned me not to look at her in a way that might suggest that we were anything more than boss and employee, but now she was smiling at me and winking and making me feel like I had hired someone else entirely.

We rode the elevator up to her office, simply staring at each other in silence, and I wondered if the look in her eyes said that she was thinking the same thing I was; elevator sex. I dropped my gaze and let out a slow breath, and hearing her chuckle I knew that I was right. She was definitely thinking the same as I was.

She sat behind her desk, leaning back and casually crossing one leg over the other, making me feel like I should ask permission to sit. And as if sensing my thoughts, she held her hand out towards the chair opposite her desk. I chuckled and sat down, leaning my elbows on the armrests and steepling my fingers. We sat staring at each other, identical smirks on our faces. We'd been naked together just a few hours ago, and now we had to remain professional, it was going to be a whole lot more difficult than I thought.

"It looks like you've settled in then?" I said breaking the silence.

"How could I not?" She nodded eagerly, "The entire place is great Draco. You've made amazing progress."

The compliment warmed my chest. "Thank you. As you know we've worked hard to get here."

"You should be proud," she said, and another quiet moment stretched between us. "You said needed to talk to me?"

"Ah," I took a breath. She knew that travel would be a part of her job, but I wasn't sure that she would be prepared to travel so soon. "One of my contacts is insisting that you meet with her. As soon as possible."

She smiled brightly, "Perfect. When did she want to meet?"

"Tomorrow morning," I said before adding, "In Florence."

Her eyes went wide, "Florence? Italy? Really?"

"I know it's sooner than you probably thought, but Theadora is...well, she's interesting. And she likes to know exactly who she's dealing with."

"Theadora? As in Theadora Trentino?" she looked impressed, and she should have been.

"Yes," I said with a hint of a smile. I knew that Hermione would be impressed that we dealt with Trentino's, and directly with Theadora herself. "She was kind enough to give us a chance when we started out. But like I said, she's interesting, and will want to interrogate you meticulously."

Her pulse was thumping in her neck and I could see that she was almost jumping out of her skin, but she managed to remain calm. "Of course, tomorrow won't be a problem. Not at all." She looked up at the door and the added in a whisper, "That's if you didn't have plans for us."

I leaned towards her, "We'll be staying in Florence overnight."

"We?" Her breath caught and I tried, unsuccessfully, not to smirk.

"Yes." I said, "We. Theadora has insisted that she meet you with only me. And I would prefer to stay an extra day, just in case."

I watched as she shifted in her seat, her lips pursed. I could almost see her brain ticking over; the thought of us being together in Florence was making her nervous.

"I'm not sure," she said, her fingers running along the edge of her desk, "If someone sees us..."

"No one knows us there," I said quietly, "And besides, we don't even have to leave our room."

"Our room?"

I nodded, "Yes, our room. Is that an issue?"

"Did you make the reservation or did Erica? Because if she did, she'll know about us." Her voice rose in panic.

"She organised it," I said calmly.

"Draco!" She said in a low hiss, peering at the door, "You let her know that we'll be in the same room? What were you thinking?"

"I was thinking that other than when we meet with Theadora, you'll be naked, so one room is all we'll need."

She gaped at me and I once again found myself shifting uncomfortably, my traitorous cock springing to life at the thought of having her to myself, and naked, in Italy. Not that we hadn't been hidden from the world along our secluded cliffs. But the way her face had lit up when I said Florence had images of her in the city flooding my brain. Very naked images of her.

"Draco-"

I held my hand up, "She won't tell a soul. Confidentiality is unbreakable here."

"But it's one room."

I smiled, "Do you trust me?"

"I do trust you," She said, but her face was still unsure, "But we still can't be seen together, other than when we meet Theadora."

"Hermione," I said calmly, "If you trust me then you know that this will be perfectly fine. If Erica suspects something, she won't say a word. And we'll be in Italy, where no one knows us, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, we can hole up in our room and make sure that no one sees us."

She steeled me with a serious glare and I thought that she was going to say no, but she finally answered, telling me "Fine."

"Perfect. I'll let Theadora know."

"Perfect," she echoed and smiled at me.

I stood to leave, "Oh, and if you would like to join Blaise and myself at three-thirty in the conference room?"

"You need my pretty face?"

"Your pretty face, as well as your many other talents."

"Hmm, and what exact talents would you be referring to?"

I narrowed my eyes at her, "Those talents are to be shared only with me."

"I'll be there." She laughed, leaning forward on her elbows, placing her chin on her palms and her eyes flicked down to the front of my pants, "Maybe you should take a cold shower in the mean time."

The look of surprise on Tavares Orozco's face was the exact reaction I was hoping for when Hermione had walked through the door a few minutes late. I had to assume her tardiness was deliberate, since her arrival had caused the desired effect. She had strolled confidently into the conference room, her shoulders back, her spine straight, and a friendly smile on her face and apologising for losing track of time.

We three men stood and greeted her, and I made the introductions.

"Hermione Granger, this is Mr. Tavares Orozco from Oro Hierba," I indicated towards Granger, "Tavares, this is the newest member of our team—"

"Hermione Granger?" His eyes were wide and I internally high-fived myself, "The Hermione Granger? You work here, Senorita?"

Hermione nodded, "Yes. It's my first day actually."

She took a seat opposite him, and began to converse in perfect Spanish. And I had to bite back my laugh as his eyes grew even wider.

I took my seat and watched as our Spanish suppliers' face grew more and more animated as he conversed with her. I glanced at Blaise and we both grinned, knowing that our plan had worked. She had, in just minutes, completely won this man over. He wasn't going anywhere.

She laughed suddenly and flicked her eyes to me, "I'm not sure if the boss will let me."

Tavares waved a dismissive hand at me, "You must, Senorita!"

I looked between them, "What did we just agree to?"

She looked at me and laughed, "Oh, Mr Orozco was just inviting me to visit with him and his wife at their villa. His daughter is apparently a huge fan of mine," She gave me a tight smile and Blaise snorted a laugh, knowing that I was in for quite the serve when the meeting was over. Despite the fact that she had agreed to this, Hermione had made it clear that she hated the notoriety that surrounded her name. But I didn't care if she smacked me in the face again when this was over. I was just happy that she was playing along.

"It might be a while before Ms. Granger can visit with you, Tavares. She will be especially busy here with us for the next few months, learning the ropes and all."

Tavares smiled at her and nodded towards me, "He is tyrant, yes?"

Hermione laughed, "He has been since the first day I met him."

I cleared my throat, "Anyway. Let's get started, shall we?"

The meeting was over in less than twenty minutes. Both Blaise and I had been astounded. Every meeting with Tavares Orozco prior to this had been at least an hour and a half, and mind numbing didn't come close to describing them. But this time he had no issues agreeing to supply what we needed from him, and he agreed enthusiastically that we would be in partnership for years to come.

I had watched Hermione's face turn smug; she knew full well that this was her doing. That had she not been in the room, this meeting would have been yet another long winded back-and-forth of pointless negotiations. But the man had agreed to everything.

He stood and shook my hand, kissed Hermione on both cheeks and – I assumed – extended the invitation to visit with him again and then followed Blaise out the door.

She turned in her chair and pointed a finger at me the instant Blaise closed the door behind him, "If I have to go to Spain and visit with his daughter just to keep you in business, you will be coming with me and you will be paying for everything."

I grinned, "I can agree to those terms."

She pursed her lips, narrowing her eyes at me, "Is this going to happen every time?"

I shrugged, "I honestly don't know. That man has been stalling with us for months, but like I told him, you'll be extremely busy here, and I'm not sure if your tyrannical boss will let you have time off to laze the days away in Spain."

Her lips twitched and she stood, coming closer. I turned my chair to face her and she leaned down placing one hand on the armrest, the other on my leg.

I raised an eyebrow at her, "I thought you said no touching."

"I said you couldn't touch me."

I gripped the arms of my chair, my knuckles turning white, "That doesn't seem fair."

"It seems perfectly fair to me."

She ran her fingers along the inside of my thigh and my stomach clenched. I wasn't sure how much more of this I could take. I swallowed and breathed in her scent as she leaned even closer and pressed her lips hard against mine.

"I thought you made rules about this." Blaise said from the doorway.

Hermione spun around so fast I had to grab her hip to steady her.

"We did," I told him, "But apparently Granger here is a rule breaker."

Hermione cleared her throat, "I, ah..."

"Nothing to be embarrassed about," He said with a wink, "I don't see the attraction, but kiss him all you want."

I squeezed her hip, "Did you want to stay here for this boring debrief of our meeting, or save yourself some embarrassment and head back to the greenhouse?"

Her cheeks went pink at my teasing, "I'll leave you both to it." She paused, glancing at Blaise before quickly kissing me again. "No one—"

"Your secret is safe," He assured her, "Besides, you scare the shit out of me Granger, I wouldn't tell a soul."

"Probably safer for you if you didn't." She said and strode out the door.

"Fuck," Blaise said, his eyes not leaving the door, "She's..."

I grinned. Erica was right; we had made the right decision. Her face was alive and full of energy, her eyes were bright and I had yet to see the smile fall from her face. She had been here just a few hours and already she half the team wrapped around her finger. Blaise included.

"Yeah," I said, "She is."