Rabbits and Rattlesnakes [Regulus Black/OC/Tom Riddle ]

Chapter 14

"You're wondering how I knew where you were." He stated as he looked around the small cabin.

"I would never question you, my Lord." I said demurely, wondering what game we were playing. His eyes shot to mine, only to fall once again down to my chest.

"I do apologise, it we had been made aware of your visit I would have looked a little bit more appropriate." I sneered. He tried to hide his grin by biting his lip, only making me blush even more. He turned towards our small kitchenette to allow me a moment to change. I lifted Regulus' shirt over my head, leaving me standing naked behind him. I stared at his back, admiring the width of his shoulders while I tested him. I saw his clutched hands turning white with the intensity of his grip. He could feel my eyes on him, almost as if he could feel the intensity of my naked body being so close to him. I grabbed a dress from the cupboard and picked up the wool blanket from the floor, wrapping it around my icy skin. I walked past him, sensing him relax as he saw my new attire. I filled up the old kettle and placed it on the stove.

"So, what did I do to deserve this honour my Lord?" I leaned back against the cabinets to look at him, trying to hide my growing intrigue.

"I like knowing everything that is going on in my war, Miss Griffin. I do not like not having full faith in my followers, especially if they are to be carrying out a task alone." We stared at each other.

"Have I done something to make your faith waver in me, my Lord?" I asked with a stony expression.

"No." He responded plainly. "You are yet to gain my faith at all." It stung, but I couldn't show it. The kettle began to squeal which allowed me to look away from his condescending gaze.

"I suppose that is understandable, my Lord." The steam as I poured the boiling water into mugs warmed my face, relaxing my muscles. "I mean you hardly know me, and I you." I handed him his cup of tea, his eyes giving away the thoughts behind his cool expression. As soon as his hands clasped the hot drink he simply put it back down on the counter and took a step towards me, making me sway slightly.

"You are not insinuating that you do not have full faith in me, are you Miss Griffin?" His proximity to me was threatening and his eyes somehow darkened as he focused in on mine.

"I have full faith in the fight, my Lord. I therefore have full faith in you. You are the war." I stood straight and matched his step forward. My eyes only reached his chest, but I looked up at him with a believable confidence. "But I do not know you." I lifted my cup of tea between our chests to my lips and sipped, still staring up at him. He smiled.

"Not many do, Miss Griffin." It the worst thing he could have said to me. The way he grinned as he said those words should have told me everything I needed to know about him, but I never could ignore a challenge. I was now invested, and I always bet on me to win.

"I wonder if any do at all." I smiled. He released a small breathy laugh before lifting his eyes to the ceiling. Once again I had made him look away first. He moved to pick up his mug, making me step backwards to lean against the counter again.

"So, how do I... gain your faith?" I watched him as he thought. He looked so large in the tiny space. His pristine pitch-black suit contrasted violently with cottage-style chaos surrounding him.

"I would like you to start reporting to me personally." He placed the mug down. "After the completion of each mission you'll see me at the manor." He turned towards the door, so suddenly that he caught me off guard.

"What about Regulus?" I asked, fearing how he would feel at this apparent demotion. It was his job to send owls to high ranking officials after our jobs. As I said his name the Dark Lord stopped, sighing for a moment before turning back to look at me.

"You disappoint me." His words were sharp, but his tone was low and calm. I knew I had made a mistake, and despised how I couldn't come up with an argument quick enough.

"Letting others' emotions derail your opportunities is weak. That kind of weakness has no place in my army." I felt like a child being scolded as he peered down at me.

"I look forward to our meetings. I'm honoured to have a private audience with you my Lord." I clutched my hands behind my back. "Maybe we'll both learn more about the other. Perhaps then you'll be able to understand why I think as I do." His chest rose as his breathing deepened. He clearly did not like the insinuation that another could teach him anything. We stared at one another, both frozen in dark glares.

"Perhaps." He spoke lowly. "Or, perhaps you'll come to realise why people fear me the way they do." He bent down over me, his cheek grazing against mine as his lips approached my ear. "Perhaps you'll learn that I am more dangerous than the sharp tongue of a little girl who knows nothing of pain and death." I went to move my head away, my blood running cold as his breath hit the inside of my ears, but his hand caught my other cheek forcing me to stay captured in his trap.

"Remember to be careful, Miss Griffin." His fingertips digging into my skin felt electric. His thumb dug into the corner of my mouth, and I was overwhelmed with the difference between his touch and Regulus'. I could feel his chest rising and falling in front of me as he hovered. He had coiled himself around me like a snake, and I'd let him.