Daddy issues

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Lovebites

*Annabella's POV*

We were seated at the dining table. The smaller one, there is the huge one that is primarily used for when we hold social events or parties at the manor, then there is the smaller one (which is still rather large) in the family dining room. No one other than the Malfoy, Black and Riddle families are allowed in. In the room there was also a fireplace and a seating area with leather settees and fur blankets. A large bay window lay at one end of the room, the rest of the walls decorated with various ornaments and family heirlooms. It was actually the brightest room in the house (apart from mine). The walls weren't painted black or covered in the same dark wallpaper as the rest of the house. Instead there was some exposed grey brickwork on the one with the fireplace and the other walls were creamy beige colour. It was actually quite cozy when the fire was lit and we were all sitting around having a meal, but it still never quite felt right -there was something odd about this room but I could never put my finger on it. I don't know why though. Right as I walked into the room I sensed that something was wrong but I ignored it thinking it was just me. The food started to be brought out by the elves; sausages, bacon, eggs -cooked in every way imaginable- black pudding, hash browns, baked beans, toast... I piled it onto my plate, having missed the taste of it. While the food at Hogwarts was delicious, nothing could compare to a Malfoy Manor full-English breakfast.

I reached across the table to pick up some scrambled eggs when I heard Narcissa gasp.

"Annabella! What is that?" All three of them turned to look at me, Draco with a knowing smirk on his face, Narcissa looking confused and just a bit angry and Lucius just looked perplexed as he probably couldn't even see what she was on about. But I instantly knew what she meant. I had tried my best to cover it with a chunky knitted jumper-dress which had a high turtleneck, in hopes that no one would see. It must have come loose when I reached for the eggs... stupid fucking eggs...

I decided it was best to feign ignorance, "What's what?" I continued to eat, feeling very uncomfortable.

"That on your neck... the marks?"

That must have sparked Lucius's interest as he looked up from his plate of food, still rather confused though, "Hmm?"

"What marks? Narcissa there's nothing there, are you feeling alright?" I replied, trying to look as innocent as possible.

"Don't talk to me like that, young lady! I am feeling perfectly fine, those marks look fresh... Who?"

"I don't know what you are talking about." I side-eyed Draco who was hysterically laughing at this point, "Do shut up..."

"What marks? Cissy, darling, what are you on about?" Shit! Lucius was curious. He had his attention on me, his head slightly tilted in curiosity a smirk -quite similar to his son's- on his face.

"There are no marks, I am quite alright!" I started to get annoyed as they kept pressing me for an answer.

"Don't raise your voice and watch your tone, Bella! Now show us the marks and all will be well." He tried to sound kind, it didn't suit him.

"Father, please, I'm sure there's nothing there." Draco winked at me and I leaned back in my chair, trying to hide the blush on my cheeks. He wasn't in his usual black suit, instead a pair of slightly baggy jeans and a black shirt with no tie and the first few buttons popped open. He looked so damn amazing, it was a wonderful sight to behold. I felt my chest tighten and my breathing hitch as his grey eyes gazed into my deep green ones. I averted my eyes feeling the need to control myself.

"Hush Draco. I want to see them, Bella..." he repeated himself. I wouldn't give in. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my neck, pulling down the material covering the sweet little bruises.