Disclaimer: HP rights belong to JKR.
A/N: A very quick update, it's slightly shorter, but an important chapter. I was so excited to finally reach 100 reviews! Yay! Thanks again, especially to the loyal readers!
Chapter 18
The change of scenery did nothing to affect Hermione's state of mind in the slightest. As the signs of a successful apparition surrounded her, she found herself against a wall, Malfoy firmly pressed against her, his lips on hers in an instant. His kisses were frantic, like he was making up for a prolonged deprivation. Hermione was not too far off as she circled her arms around his neck, pulling him in further, their mouths locked in a sated passion as he cupped her face with his warm, masculine hands. He moaned into her mouth, her fingers scraping against his scalp, before he brought one hand down to the apex of her skirt, goading it up as his hand slid underneath and traced it along her thigh up to her core. The sensation was thrilling as he began to lower her panties, while their mouths battled their lust.
Hermione released her hold on him, as he attacked that familiar spot on her neck while she caught her breath and moved her hands down to his belt. She knew it would be different to the first time, her desire driving her to submit as quickly as possible as she hastily undid his belt, pushing him back and allowing her fingers to tuck into waistband of his boxers as she knelt down and pulled. Malfoy's hands were splayed against the wall for support; she could hear his heavy breathing. Seeing him exposed and ready to take her only served to heighten her need as she stared at his throbbing shaft. She looked up at him, his eyes were almost black with the same covet she was certain was emanating from her every pore.
"Come here, Hermione," he growled huskily, grabbing her arm and lifting her upright, trapping her between him as his lips crashed back down onto hers with a fierce abandon. She was lost in a whirlwind of yearning, her hands travelling down his chest, pulling at the buttons of his shirt so forcefully, they snapped off around them to seek access to skin. Her skirt was around her waist, baring her to him as his hands circled around her hips, suddenly gripping and motioning to lift her. Realising her shoes were still on she motioned to take them off. "Leave them on," he breathed. She grabbed hold of his shoulders as she felt herself sliding up against the wall, her legs wrapping themselves around him instinctively and her heels digging into him, as he rested between her. There was no waiting as he thrust into her and they both groaned into each others mouths at the final contact. She pulled away, staring into his eyes fixed on her. He started to move against her, the wall acting as support as she abandoned herself to the primal motions of his hungry thrusts. Their eyes locked on each other, she could see him straining to maintain pace.
"More," she whispered, her lips brushing over his ever so gently, counteracting their most intimate contact. She leaned her head back against the wall as he took her harder, and faster, his head buried in the crook of her neck and shoulder, his motions hitting against her sensory nub, searing her core and leaving her breathless. In one final thrust she tipped over the edge, as she contracted around him, moaning aloud, uninhibited by the satisfaction he had brought over her. His final growl signalled his climax as she felt him throb within her, and the spill of his pleasure engulfing her, prolonging her state of euphoria.
Hermione let out a small sigh of approval as she brought her head down and kissed his lips softly. They were still locked together as he brought his hand up, running his fingers through her hair before holding her gaze.
"I never expected to welcome you to my place in this way," he said, his voice deep, his lips a breath a way from hers. Hermione could not help but smile at his timing for smart comments.
"Is this the beginning of the grand tour, Draco Malfoy?" His eyes lit up in amusement as he circled his hands around her waist and lifted her all too easily from his hold. Hermione's feet touched the floor as she rolled her skirt back down to acceptable length. She looked over to see Malfoy fastening his belt, a gleam of mischief in his expression as she followed his gaze to her abandoned panties on the polished floorboards nearby. Hermione felt a blush escape her as she walked over, the sound of her heels on the timber echoing throughout what appeared to be a hallway and she swiftly collected the evidence.
"Hermione Granger, a poster girl for decorum, I never would have guessed," he laughed. She rolled her eyes.
"Draco Malfoy, the quintessential alpha male who just has to have the last word. Not even sex can dampen the urge."
"Sex, Granger, only serves to inflame such tendencies." He walked over to her and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. "Would you like me to finish the grand tour?" he asked suggestively. Hermione felt like she was in a parallel universe. She regarded the man standing before her with his undone shirt, his chest bare for her perusal.
"No, I think I should be returning to work. Daria will be wondering where I've got to," she replied sensibly. It was probably the worst timing for sensibilities, but it was too late to retract.
Malfoy straightened up instantly, his notorious demeanour of haughty indifference returning. "Granger, if I recall correctly, this was your idea. So, do what you want." He turned around and walked down the hall, out of sight. Hermione stood there, feeling torn. On one had she had abandoned all inhibitions by allowing herself to shag Malfoy, very willingly, yet on the other hand, the changing dynamic of their relationship, acquaintanceship, or whatever it could be classified as, left her feeling vulnerable and anxious. She was so used to her well established interaction with Malfoy that the admission of attraction was a little too overwhelming. She mentally scolded herself - everything was her own doing.
Hesitantly, Hermione walked in the direction that Malfoy had disappeared to until she arrived in what looked like the living area. Malfoy was standing at the window, his back to her, talking on the phone. She had to double take as she saw the muggle contraption glued to his ear.
"…no the late notice is not a problem, it would be beneficial for both parties to resolve this before the weekend…okay…I'll see you then." He hung up the phone and threw it on the nearby couch as he turned around sighing; shoulders slightly slumped until he noticed her standing on the opposite end of the room.
"I didn't mean for it to come out that way," Hermione started, feeling obligated to explain herself. Malfoy ran his fingers through his hair as he eyed her irately.
"Whatever, Granger, I have somewhere to be, so if you don't mind, it looks like we both have a busy afternoon." It was hard to believe that a moment ago, they were both so intensely into each other and, now, the air was so thick with awkward tension that Hermione could not help but instantly put up her barriers in retaliation. She nodded. "Well, uhm, thanks for lunch," she replied tersely, feeling stupid for not having left in the first place. Malfoy put his hands in his pockets and just stared at her blankly, his mouth twitching at the corners. He finally let out a hearty laugh, and shook his head, looking up at the ceiling as he if had reached an internal realisation. Hermione frowned back at him.
"Granger, are we back to where we started? Is it going to be like this every time?" he drawled.
"I don't know what you mean," she defended hotly.
"This is exactly what I mean. We go from fucking each other's brains out, to barely tolerating each other. Which is it Hermione?" Malfoy was almost pleading with her as she stood tense, noticing his slip up in using her first name. She looked down at her shoes, focusing her attention on the patent surface of her black pumps.
"Maybe it's because I don't know how you want me to react," she muttered, thinking about the events preceding their current predicament. "I'm so used to how things were."
Malfoy sighed petulantly. "Well if we are going to play the honesty card, if you ask me, things haven't been anywhere near what they were for a while." He pulled his hand out of his pocket to glance at his watch. "I have to go," he affirmed, his face contorting into an expression of discontent and puzzlement.
"I won't keep you," Hermione replied, focusing her attention on the art work that filled the space. Malfoy's apartment epitomised taste, and was so perfectly coordinated it made her feel intimidated to be standing there. The colour scheme of a combination of subtle greens and warm earthy hues was inviting, yet oozed sophistication. She turned and walked back down the hallway to collect her bag, her favourite pumps leaving a footprint of a somewhat melancholy stride. Picking up her belongings, she sighed aloud as the vision of their hallway tryst engulfed her.
"Hey Granger!" She turned to see Malfoy standing on the opposite end of the hallway, his manner guarded. "You've been to Chanti right?"
Hermione nodded.
"Interested in going again this weekend?" She was silent in contemplation. This was by far the most unexpected request. "I figure we can try to get to know each other away from London, seeing as though you prefer it that way." Hermione took a moment to absorb what he had just said. Draco Malfoy wanted to spend time with her, and he was willing to compromise to do it. Once again, she noticed his recently acquired gesture of his hand rubbing the back of his neck, somewhat unsure of himself as he waited for her response.
Hermione tilted her head to one side, half smiling. "Okay, Draco Malfoy, I'll come to Chianti with you… on one condition." His hand dropped back down as he seemed to relax, like his pride had been relieved of any impending threats.
"And, what's that?" he asked slyly.
"That you don't make me drink the wine," she stated brazenly, promptly apparating, but not before she caught a glimpse of his notorious smirk. Hermione Granger had finally stepped out of the confines of her mental shoebox.
ooo
Arriving back at the Ministry, Hermione swiftly returned to her office, realising that she had been out for over two hours. She dreaded the look Daria gave her as she walked past her desk toward her office.
"How was lunch?" Daria asked innocently. Hermione hoped she didn't look like someone who had just been shagged by a business associate but stopped to address her.
"Fine, I'll be working on the monthly report this afternoon so can you bring me the stats on the number of incidents involving muggles that required Ministry assistance to manage risk? I think law enforcement should have some stats that we can rely on as well."
Daria was blatantly eyeing her with interest as Hermione rambled on about statistics and such other things that were not warranted on a Friday afternoon. It really was a poor attempt at changing the subject and focusing on matters that were work related. "What?" she finally asked the prying assistant.
"That Draco Malfoy is quite the attractive man. I'm surprised you've never mentioned him."
"There's nothing to mention," Hermione defended.
"He was really eager to meet with you today, even though his deadline wasn't until next week."
"Well he's a very busy man so it must've been urgent for him to get it out of the way if he had to come all the way here," Hermione attempted to rationalise. Daria shrugged in reflection.
"I guess, but I don't mind him turning up in person to make appointments. I enjoy a bit of eye candy now and then. But, don't tell Richard that," Daria admitted, winking.
"Right, well no, I won't be telling Richard that you like to perve on younger men and, anyway, I doubt Mr Malfoy will be presenting himself here any time soon."
"Don't shatter my hopes, Hermione; the whole office was buzzing after you left. We almost had to restrain Cat, she was so excited that the Draco Malfoy had spoken to her. You should have heard her! The poor girl needs to meet a nice young man." Hermione inwardly laughed, Malfoy was far from nice.
"Enough talk about Draco Malfoy, I think I've had enough of him for the day," Hermione inwardly groaned at her reference as she walked into her office.
A/N: Thrilling escapades. LOL! :p
