A/N: Thank you for the reviews! it's always puts a smile on my face! I apologise for the long wait as I've been studying for exams and doing assessments the joys of Uni summer courses :-S... Hope you all enjoy the next couple of chapters
Chapter 8
"She has Wei chi healing treatments from Master Shikai. It's some kind of Eastern Medicine from what Alicia told me it's External Energy Healing."
"That could explain why she hasn't passed on… I've heard of it. Wei Chi is a defensive energy used to push negative energy and restore balance to the body. Though she comes off rather stubborn" Aleksandra commented. She had joined the two men in Warrington's study and was currently trying to understand how they came in contact with the woman and how best to rid them of her. Without killing her as Aleksandra did not want the ministry involvement.
"Maybe she's too stubborn to die" Montague joked he was met with looks of disapproval for his comment.
"Yes that's it. I'm so glad your father spent so many Galleons for Healer Apprenticeship. I don't know how the medical profession could have lived without you" Aleksandra said dryly as she moved to the liquor cabinet looking at the decanters deciding on her poison.
"I think your grandmother had an extra bowl bitchy at breakfast today" Montague mumbled to Warrington.
"I stole her away from an 80yr bottle of Fire Whisky" Warrington explained in an equally low voice.
"I may be old but I'm not deaf children, now this Master Shikai why have I never heard of him?" Aleksandra snapped as she pulled the top off a decanter having a sniff before placing the top back on and moving onto the next decanter.
"He was an associate of Father's, he owns a shop on Knockturn Alley deals in potions and brewing primarily and some traditional eastern medicine practices. He's a middle man of sorts as well anything you ask he will get within a reasonable time and price." Warrington said as he swirled the fire whisky in his glass. He had no intentions of drinking the glass was only to be social.
"Ah so I see and how much have these treatments set you back?" Aleksandra asked as she poured herself a shot of scotch into a low ball glass.
"You can't put a price on Health." Montague answered, Aleksandra had joined the men in the Warrington's study after talking with Alicia. Aleksandra had informed them of her diagnosis and how they could release Alicia of her binds and her Health issues. She gave cold hard facts and left her opinion out for most parts until now.
"Really?" Aleksandra asked.
"We need the dagger Dolohov used. We'll have to need to get in contact with Zabini. It's a cursed dagger that's been in the Dolohov family for years it would have been taken to the Department of Dark Artefacts. The kid has been working in that department for the last six months" Warrington said to Montague ignoring his Grandmother's raised eyebrows at him paying for Alicia's treatments.
"I've been thinking Alicia's potion regime. An Amino acids booster, nutrient replenishing potion and possibly a blood cleansing potion… though blood cleansing potion can only be used once a week it won't help her for long term" Montague said to him.
"You really want to keep this girl alive?" Aleksandra asked as though she were talking about a lame animal that should be put down.
"Yes Grandmother I enjoy her stubbornness" Warrington answered.
"As I'm sure Dolohov did. Do you really want his sloppy seconds?" Aleksandra asked in a haughty tone. Warrington sat up in his seat placing his glass on the side table next to him and looked at his Grandmother coldly.
"Montague, I think you should arrange Alicia's Potions for her and retire for the evening. We will discuss our other plans later. Thank you for your assistance" Warrington said coolly his eyes never leaving his Grandmother's. Montague watched the two feeling slightly uncomfortable so he took advantage of his exit card.
"Of course, goodnight and I shall see you all at Breakfast" Montague said, he downed his glass and bowed like a gentleman and left the room. Once the door closed, Aleksandra decided to give her true opinion freely.
"I have only witnessed an unbinding once and the patient died" Aleksandra said.
"How?" Warrington asked.
"Exsanguination" Aleksandra answered.
"I'm sure medicine has improved since the dark ages when you witnessed this event." Warrington argued. Aleksandra ignored the jibe about her age and continued.
"Somewhat and tell me what happens after you save this girl? Move onto the next war victim with a pretty face?"
"Perhaps, I thought I'd start with this one first and see if it suits me" He replied sarcastically.
"Your affection for this girl is sickening. She is damaged goods and yet you want her to be the next Lady Warrington? Is this to wash the Warrington name of its sins? Because I can tell you it reeks of desperation" Aleksandra told him. Warrington remained remarkably calm even though he was raging on the inside how dare his own Grandmother think so lowly of him and insult Alicia.
"This has nothing to do with washing our name of the sins my father committed before his downfall. As for Damaged goods perhaps you should look in the mirror Grandmother. When did you become so jaded?" Warrington asked. His grandmother remained silent. "As to whom I marry well that is not up for discussion as I will decide when it is time and whom I marry" he added.
"It won't be that girl upstairs. I promise you she will not survive long enough to see out the year and even if you find the dagger she won't survive the unbinding. So do yourself a favour and cut this one loose" Aleksandra said.
"No, I'm invested in her and I plan on getting some returns on my investment" he said to rile his grandmother. He saw her eyes flare with anger and frustration.
"Purebloods marry for allegiances, money, power and status. We never marry below our station or damaged goods and we never marry for love it is a fickle and destructive emotion. So don't even think about going down that path-"
"Or what? You can't threaten me Grandmother. I have already inherited the estates and title. If you could strip them away from me I would be able to start anew and still be successful" he said smugly.
"You are just like your mother"
"I take that as a compliment"
"Well then I shall be off since I am no longer needed and I'll assume that Montague or you will call me for when the time comes for unbinding the girl?" Aleksandra asked in a presumptuous tone.
"Why? I thought you want the girl dead" Warrington said.
"Excuse me for thinking you can do better. But I want to be here as I enjoy a good show. Goodnight dear" Aleksandra said she kissed Warrington on each cheek before moving back to the fire place.
"Goodnight and thank you Grandmother" Warrington said as Aleksandra disappeared via the Floo.
Warrington opened the door to his bedroom and found Alicia attempting to get out of the bed. He closed the door and moved to her side afraid she might fall over.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"I should get going" Alicia said pushing herself off the bed to stand. He watched her waver on her feet before he grabbed her by the elbows to steady her.
"You don't need to go." Warrington said to her. She looked so pale and fragile still.
"Oh you're Grandmother made it pretty clear where exactly I should go after we shared a pot of tea and scones" Alicia said as she placed a hand on her forehead taking a deep breath to dissipate a dizzy spell she was experiencing.
"She does not dictate who comes and goes in this house or whom I associate with. Now get back into that bed" Warrington told her firmly.
"Make me" Alicia retorted as she took a couple of tentative steps towards him as he still stood in the doorway.
"Easy done, you prefer the left or the right side of the bed?" Warrington asked with a smile as he stepped in closer he wrapped his arms round Alicia. She accepted his embrace and leant into his body heavily. Her face was lying sideways on his shoulder, he could feel her warm breath on his neck
"I'm tired, feel like crap and really just want to go home and sleep" Alicia sighed trying to feed off his strength she felt completely exhausted. Her muscles and head ached she just wanted to go home and curl up in bed and forget meeting his Grandmother and ruining a perfectly good night by being ill.
"I know but you are in no condition for Floo travel or Apparation. Stay here for tonight" he said.
"Fine, but I like the right side"
"Now that is settled. How does a bath sound?" He asked.
"Heavenly but only if I'm alone" she told him, he smiled as he kissed her forehead.
"Of course" he said, he saved his sarcastic, salacious retorts to himself as he knew she needed to recuperate instead of be sour at him.
"I shall leave you in peace if you need me just call" Warrington said as he pulled the zipper on the back of the dress for her. Alicia held the top of the dress to her chest and mumbled a 'thanks' and watched him leave the bathroom closing the door behind him.
Alicia let the dress drop to the floor and skimmed out of her knickers before sinking into the bath. The hot water and the bath salts when to work relaxing her muscles she washed her face of any traces of make up before she leant her head against the back of the bath.
The scent of sandalwood, deep musk and soap filled the air from the bubbles and heat of the bath. A purely delicious and masculine scent it made Alicia sigh as it reminded her of Warrington. A scent she not only found deeply comforting but arousing at the same time. It was only going to get her into trouble which made her groan to herself in aggravation why she couldn't be normal like all the other girls. She heard a gentle knock at the door which brought her out of her pity party.
"Come in" she said after she checked to make sure she was covered by bubbles. Warrington came in holding a folded pair of pyjamas.
"Something to change into when you are finished" he said as he placed the clothes on the vanity.
"Thank you" she said he stood there watching her for a moment. "What?" she asked.
"Nothing just reminiscing" He said with a smile without another word he left the bathroom closing the door behind him. Alicia closed her eyes and sunk further into the bath.
Warrington changed out of his dress robes into a pair of cotton pyjama pants. Normally he slept in the buff but figured Alicia would be far from comfortable beside him in bed. He really just wanted her to be relaxed and not on edge though if she thought a couple layers of clothing between them would save her let her have the illusion.
He pulled back the spreads of the bed in preparation and laid down picking up a book and started to read while he waited for Alicia. He had read through three chapters when he looked at the clock. An hour and half had passed he frowned Alicia would be a prune if she staying in any longer. He put his book down and knocked on the door. He heard no sounds of movement and knocked louder "Alicia?" he called.
When he heard no reply he opened the door. He smiled as he saw her sleeping form in the bath the bubbles were still holding strong not allowing him any view of her naked form. She looked so peaceful he knelt down and placed his face very close to hers.
"Alicia" he purred. Her eyebrow twitched the first movement. "Alicia, time to wake up." He added. She moaned in discontentment and shifted in the water but remained asleep. He smiled as he moved in close to her ear he gently nipped her ear lobe with his teeth. It was time for some payback for when she teased him earlier.
"If you wake up I'll make it worth your while" he breathed in her ear.
"Promise?" She sighed still half asleep. A smile spread across her lips as she turned her head toward him as she stretched in the water. She opened her eyes and upon seeing how close he was she jerked back in surprise.
"I promise" Warrington said as he chuckled, Alicia blushed as she folded her arms over her chest and brought her knees up looking at him in annoyance.
"What are you doing in here?" she demanded.
"Making sure you don't drown in my bath" Warrington said.
"Well as you can clearly see I'm still alive" Alicia said, apparently her bath and nap had given her a second wind of energy as she looked more alert.
"Want me to help you out?" Warrington asked.
"I'll be fine" Alicia said.
"I could pat you down with a towel, it's not like I haven't seen a naked woman before" he offered, Alicia flushed at the idea and rolled her eyes.
"Out!" She ordered him pointing at the door.
"Your loss" he said getting up, he sauntered out of the bathroom closing the door behind him. Alicia sighed in frustration she waited a few seconds to see if he would try and open the door on her. When he didn't she hauled herself out of the bath and dried off. She pulled on her knickers and the forest green silk pyjama shirt Warrington had left for her. She rolled up the long sleeves and found the hem of shirt finished at mid thigh. She picked up the pants she pulled them up and found they barely hung on her hips and the length was ridiculous she pulled them off.
She picked her dress off the floor and opened the door, Warrington was lying in bed waiting with a smug expression on his face.
She laid her dress over an arm chair that was in the room and folded the pants up putting on the arm of the chair.
"They didn't fit?" He asked his eyes taking in the sight of her in his shirt. He wasn't complaining.
"A little too long and well loose" Alicia said as she walked over to the bed. She climbed onto the side she had been occupying and started to pull the pins out of her hair placing them on the bedside table. She shook the rest of her hair loose. Warrington watched his hands itching to run his hand through her hair and he didn't want to stop there.
"Montague and I were talking about how to find the dagger to cut the bindings and break the curse…" Warrington drawled Alicia stopped and looked at him curiously.
"You don't have to, I'll find the dagger and do it myself" Alicia said. her independant streak showing in full colours.
"How are you planning to find it? I also doubt you have the arm range or the strength to use it on yourself" he said there was no taunting in his tone he was just being honest.
"I don't know but I'll do it and anyway I figured you'd want to bury that dagger so you can keep your hold over me" Alicia teased as she lay down on her back.
"I would never be that cruel" He said turning on his side he propped his head up on his elbow so he could look at her.
"You are really odd" she told him as she stretched out on the bed.
"I am?"
"Yeah you blackmail me and barely have one dalliance out in public lime light. I fall ill and instead of making me feel worse. You bring me here and look after me. Make noise about helping me break some curse on my person when there is clearly nothing in it for you. It's not very Slytherin like to help your fellow man or woman in this case. Montague now I can see him helping because he's entirely bored with his life but-"she didn't finish the sentence as Warrington pulled the front of her shirt with one hand while the other hand cupped her face pulling her over him and into a kiss.
He had wanted to wait until she came to him. But his patience ran short with his grandmother. He wanted to prove to himself he was still in control of his emotions. He also just couldn't help himself, she looked so beautiful lying in his shirt on his bed.
As the kiss deepened he became aware that he truly wasn't in control as he became intoxicated by her. The feel of her soft skin the taste of her mouth and her lips against his as her hair fell like a curtain around them. He rolled them over so he was on top. He wanted to worship her the way she deserved. Her hands ran up his back and down his flanks while he caressed her left thigh with hand and his other arm held his upper body off her. Her skin was like hot silk to his touch. He loved how responsive she was to his ministrations as she writhed in pleasure underneath him. His hands roamed over her thighs and hips, he teased her by sliding his hands under her knickers massaging her hips and then running his hands up her flanks.
Alicia hooked her legs around his hips she moaned in pleasure and moved her hips subtly against him causing delicious friction of clothing. She didn't realise how much she had missed being physical in this manner until that moment. His calloused hands roaming she arched her back wanting as much contact with his strong body.
Warrington was jolted from his enjoyment of Alicia when his conscience decided to rear its goody two shoes head and inform him how entirely wrong it was to do what they were doing. He pulled from the kiss and looked down at Alicia.
Her lips were red and slightly bruised from their passionate kisses, her eyes were almost black with desire as she looked up at him. They were both breathing heavily looking at one another. She truly is something to be worshipped… he thought as he looked down at her. It became clear he couldn't go through with it.
"I can't" he breathed looking down at her he saw the confusion and then a smile replace it quickly on Alicia's face.
"I don't know Cassius, you sure do feel up to it" she said playfully as she grinded herself against his arousal. He groaned in pleasure dropping his forehead slightly. Hearing his name slide off her tongue and her hot body underneath his was a true test of his control. She kissed his forehead softly.
"I may be able but I don't want you" He said, he felt her stiffen under him. He lifted his head and cursed his words as Alicia's legs unwrap themselves from his body and her hands drop away.
"Oh" she said sounded dejected, her eyes glistened with tears as she took her meaning from the statement. He quickly brought a hand up to her face and caressed her cheek.
"Not this way" he told her trying to clarify. It was obvious his words were not being received as he wanted them to be.
"Right I get it. I'm damaged goods, my scars repulsive I get it" Alicia said she tried vainly to push him off as she was angry at herself for thinking she could indulge herself with Warrington. He pulled off her and moved to sit beside her as she sat up and swung her legs off the bed. She was about to stand up when he grabbed her arm to stop her.
"No, no you don't understand I want you all to myself" he confessed she turned to look at him not understanding.
"You already have me!" she spat angrily. He rubbed his face with his free hand and made a noise of frustration.
"Only because I'm blackmailing you, I'm not going to confess deep emotions or guilt I have neither. I have however become more aware that you deserve the better of me and your life. You do not deserve to wake up in the morning feeling cheap because you felt you had to sleep with me to keep your secrets." He told her he watched as his words sunk in. A couple of tears fell from her eyes as she continued to not look at him.
"I wasn't going to have sex with you to keep my secrets. I was actually enjoying the moment. But let's forget about it. I should go" she said wiping the tears from her face. She now felt like even more a fool. Her early sentiments of relationships no matter the man were wrought with rejection and disappointment. She had been lost in the illusion of the night and the last 9 days that they might be compatible on some level. He thought she was whoring herself out for the sake of keeping her secrets.
"No, I'm not finished" he said Alicia whipped her head around and glared at him.
"What more could you possibly have to say?" Alicia asked she wished she could forget everything and go home already.
"I want to change the parameters of our arrangement" Warrington said earnestly.
"I'm too tired to negotiate with you" Alicia sighed lying back onto the bed and closing her eyes.
"No more blackmail, I hold nothing on you. I have enjoyed our time together and I think you have as well. I want to spend more time with you and us on equal footing" he said watching her as she listened. He became impatient as they lapsed into silence.
"Please say something" he said.
"Are you unbalanced or something? Because I feel like you're jerking me around" Alicia said looking at him like he had lost his mind. Maybe he had, but he no longer wanted the illusion of a relationship with her. He wanted it to be real. They were compatible on many levels. But it was too soon to say such things to her.
"I'm not playing any games. You have my word" he told her.
"Your word" she repeated sceptically.
"Yes" he said, she continued to look at him searching for answers for questions she wasn't sure of how to ask or even word. After a moment she looked away for a moment and gave a sigh.
"Ok" Alicia said.
"Ok?" he asked caustiously as he wasn't sure what she was agreeing to. Was she agreeing that he could keep his word or to allowing him to help her.
"Yeah"
"I need you vocalise more than one syllable words. A sentence or two might help as well" he said, Alicia smiled up at him and chuckled at the insanity of the situation for a moment before becoming serious.
"I will let you help me and since our previous agreement is null and void. I will pay for my potions until we find the dagger for after that I assume I won't require them" Alicia said she felt a slight amount of joy at knowing she might never have to ingest another nasty tasty potion for a good while if everything worked out.
"No, I will pay for everything" Warrington said stubbornly.
"No unacceptable" Alicia told him. She was not going to have him pay for her after all the Galleons he had already spent on her.
"Unacceptable? I think not I'd prefer you to live comfortably while I –"
"We" she corrected he was not going to work on his own.
"No I will find the dagger I have the resources." Warrington said he moved to lie down on his side of the bed. "Are we going to argue over everything? Because it seems that blackmailing you was far easier" Warrington grumbled, Alicia laughed at him being put out.
"I don't need your money" She told him he raised an eyebrow "Ok it helps that you have bottomless pockets but I don't like using people" she said moving herself to lie on the bed more comfortably.
"I'm helping you" Warrington said.
"Fine but I'm paying my rent and keeping the clothes" Alicia told him.
"Of course, I'm not into wearing dresses or ladies lingerie. Are we finished negotiating?" he asked as he rolled to his side and propped his head up on his elbow so he could look at her.
"Do I have to remind you that you're the one who wanted to talk instead of indulging in hedonistic pursuits" Alicia teased before she bit her bottom lip and shot him a salacious look. It was like a written invitation as she turned on her side to look at him.
"Well you are a very beautiful woman and while you put out after 9 dates but I for one am a man of virtue. I'm saving myself for Marriage" Warrington said in a mock serious tone. Alicia scoffed at his statement before she started to laugh.
"I am" he said in an innocent tone as he smiled it had the effect he wanted her to laugh to lighten the mood not that he didn't want to indulge in 'Hedonistic pursuits' with Alicia. It had been a long night and Alicia needed rest there would be time later for them to indulge. Especially since he knew the next time he wouldn't feel like some arsehole using her.
"I'm sorry for doubting you. Well if that's the case I think I'm going to go sleep with Montague." Alicia said she pushed herself up so she was sitting upright making movements to leave.
"What?"
"Well I don't want you to give into temptation, so it's best I remove myself from your presence. So the future Mrs Warrington has the pleasure of your innocence" She said in a mocking tone. He grinned as he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him and before she could escape wrapped his arms around her holding her tightly. He took a deep inhale enjoying her scent as she smelled of his soap and something uniquely feminine that was just Alicia. It was a exotic and sensual mixture of mandarin orange, cherry blossoms and vanilla.
"You're not going anywhere" he told her.
"Ok, but I'm sleeping and don't even think about copping a feel" Alicia told him, he chuckled at her as he released her. She slipped under the covers and turned to him "You're not going to watch me sleep are you?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No of course not." he said as he turned off the lights in the room. Alicia relaxed into the bed and closed her eyes.
"Alicia?" he whispered.
"Mmm?" Alicia asked.
"Goodnight" he said.
"Night"