Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

45: Can I have this Dance

Cassiopeia and Tom spent time in deep conversation, discussing her day, her efforts to create a fake diary, and the concealment of his precious Horcruxes. She mentioned her family and noted Tom's curiosity about the ring hanging around her neck, a relic from his future.

When she shared the painful details of her parents' fate, Tom listened in silence. Cassiopeia observed a regretful expression on his face, which struck her as odd, leaving her uncertain of its sincerity.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of curfew, it nearly startled both of them. Tom suggested waiting a few hours, as prefects would be patrolling. His familiarity with the school didn't surprise Cassiopeia, given his status as a former head boy and the top student in his time.

Tom got up and approached the bookshelf. Cassiopeia expected him to retrieve a book, but to her surprise, he played classical music on the gramophone. The music was soft, just enough for the two of them to hear.

Approaching Cassiopeia, he extended his hand, and, despite her initial hesitation, he took her hand and led her to the center of the room, right under the chandelier.

"I hope you know how to dance," he inquired as he held her by the waist while they held hands. Cassiopeia nodded, feeling somewhat speechless and lost in the closeness between them.

Minutes passed, and Cassiopeia gradually grew more comfortable. They engaged in lighthearted conversation about her early years at Hogwarts, sharing laughter and jokes as they danced. It felt like a long time since she had enjoyed herself this much. She couldn't stop smiling, and the happiness she experienced was overwhelming.

Cassiopeia wondered if this might all be a dream. The boy she had known since she was eleven was standing in front of her, and it felt amazing. Although she understood that this was only a fragment of the boy she had fallen for, she had no regrets about spending time with him.

"You're staring," Tom quietly pointed out, bringing her back from her reverie. She hadn't realized she was lost in thought, gazing at him.

"Uhm, I was thinking about nothing," she replied, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She focused on her hand resting on his shoulder.

"You're gorgeous," Tom suddenly complimented, bringing to mind a dream Cassiopeia had experienced before. She blushed immediately, looking down and chuckling, attempting to hide her reddened face. "Look at me, angel, I'm talking to you."

At the mention of the word "angel," Cassiopeia's heartbeat quickened, and she stopped looking at him. She was amazed to hear the name he had called her in her dreams. She gazed into his eyes for a few moments, feeling him lean closer until she could sense his warm breath against her cheeks. His dark brown eyes locked onto her blues, creating an intense connection between them.

Cassiopeia's eyes closed, and in the next instant, Tom's lips pressed fervently against hers. His hands encircled her waist as she found her arms wrapping around the nape of his neck. She noted that he was taller than she had realized.

Tom lifted her by her hips, and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. Neither of them broke the kiss, and she knew he was leading her somewhere.

Soon, she felt her back against the comfortable couch as Tom hovered over her. Her eyes remained closed, savoring every sensation that had been absent for days and weeks. She smiled as their lips met, feeling tingles surge through her entire body. She was relaxed and liberated, running her hand from his neck to his thick hair, pulling him closer to her. Their lips parted, and he deepened the kiss, their tongues meeting, causing her knees to grow weak.

Afterward, they slowly pulled away to catch their breath, both of them panting. Cassiopeia felt her lips were already swollen, and her cheeks flushed under his intense gaze.

"Cassie, you are driving me crazy, really," Tom remarked before their lips locked once again. His slender fingers caressed her neck gently, and he removed her cardigan that she had worn over her pajamas.

With her pyjama top having thin sleeves, she shivered as she felt a slight cold breeze against her skin when her cardigan came off. Tom's lips continued their journey, tracing her jawline and her neck, finding the sweet spot. She let out a soft moan when the skin under her earlobe was sucked. His lips moved slowly along her neck, leaving marks that made her gasp.

Goosebumps covered her body as she enjoyed the sensation of his touch, but she also felt a sense of unease. Cassiopeia realized she wasn't ready for where this was heading.

"Tom—" she whispered, as his lips moved lower from her collarbone. He looked up, meeting her gaze. She felt exhaustion wash over her, as she hadn't had a moment's rest throughout the day. Cassiopeia gently cupped one of Tom's cheeks, smiling.

"You look sleepy, angel," he said, smiling as he observed her heavy eyelids. She returned the smile and nodded, as he caressed her cheek with the back of his hand and placed a gentle kiss on her palm.

Tom carefully lifted her to rest on the couch and took a seat beside her. He gently pulled her to lie on his lap, caressing her hair as he gazed at her. The faint music still played in the background.

"Sleep, darling," he murmured,planting a soft kiss on her forehead and covering her with his robe. Finally,her body relaxed as sleep claimed her in his soothing embrace.