Omerta

Chapter 3

A hefty sigh passed through Draco's lips as he once more reviewed the file in front of him. He knew everything there was to know about Hermione Jean Granger on paper, and yet he still knew absolutely nothing about her. In fact, as he went through the information he had, he found that he would have even more questions than he'd originally started with. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging hard enough to sting his scalp as he poured another knuckle of scotch. Before he had the opportunity to go over the documents for the umpteenth time, Blaise, Pansy, and Theo barged right into the office as if they owned it, making his pale eyebrows raise."Well? Are any of you going to tell me why the hell you're in my office instead of doing your jobs, or are we just going to sit here all day admiring each other?" Draco asked with perhaps a touch too much sarcasm."I'm going to propose," Blaise announced, smiling brightly."Oh, Blaise, that's wonderful news!" Pansy laughed, immediately pulling the man down to her height to give him a hug."About time, Zabini." Theo teased lightheartedly, patting him on the shoulder.They each turned, looking to Draco with expectant expressions on their faces. He felt his overly exhausted brain tell him that they were waiting on something...probably something he was supposed to do or say. It took far longer than socially acceptable for him to finally understand what they were waiting for."That's wonderful, Zabini. I'm happy for you." He plastered a smile on his face as Blaise tilted his head, eyeing the blond. Draco hated to be psychoanalyzed, and Blaise was rather gifted at it, so he attempted to distract him. "I'll get some of that expensive wine you like from the vineyard in France and we will have her over for a nice dinner.""Yeah, yeah, sure. What's on your mind?" Blaise waved off his comment, a devious smile replacing his previous joyous one. Draco opened his mouth to tell Blaise not to worry about it when - "And don't say nothing. I'm not daft.""It's Granger...""Ah, is someone finally coming to terms with his little obsession?" Pansy teased, pretending to inspect her nails while Theo tried and failed to disguise a chuckle as a cough."I am NOT obsessed with her. I've simply decided that I would like to know why it is she seems so familiar to me. There must be a reason for it, and since I can find nothing in her file, I'll have to get the information directly from her.""And what makes you think that she will tell you anything after how you've treated her?" Scoffed Pansy. "It's not as if you've given her the warmest welcome.""If you want to get any information out of her, might I suggest treating her as an actual human being instead of your inferior? 'You catch more flies with honey' and all that rubbish." Theo added with a chuckle.Draco nodded gently, lost in thought. As much as he hated to admit it, his friends had a point. Honestly, he felt rather foolish for his inability to come to the conclusion on his own. If Granger wanted him to be nice to her, he would be so nice that it would make her sick to her stomach. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he devised his plan. Dealing with the frizzy-haired woman was no different than any other business deal he'd made in the past. If he could charm mobsters and criminals on a daily basis, he was confident he could charm her just as easily.The next day, Blaise held open the door to Crucio for Draco as he carried a monstrous bouquet through the empty lobby. Blaise said nothing, heading off to Luna's office, leaving Draco to his own devices. Employees wouldn't be arriving for another few hours, making it the perfect time for him to casually set the flowers somewhere Hermione would find them. He eyed the main bartop with a sigh before deciding to leave them in the breakroom for her. Yes, he would know everything about Granger in no time at all, he was sure of it.-"No Ginny, I already told you I'm not sure why Luna asked me to come in early. All I can imagine is that his highness and company are coming in today." Hermione chuckled lowly at herself as she opened the doors to Crucio and let herself in.'Okay, well I don't work tonight, but Harry does. So I guess he will see you later.' Ginny answered before they said their goodbyes and hung up the phone.As she stepped into the breakroom, her eyes caught on a bouquet the size of a small vehicle. She blinked in shock, noticing a card among the nearly perfect flowers. Gently plucking the card from them, she was shocked to find her own name written in perfect penmanship on thick cardstock. Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion as she found herself heading to Luna's office. If anyone would know anything about the mystery flowers, Luna would.She wasn't sure how it had escaped her notice, perhaps it was just how distracted she was by the bouquet, but she entered Luna's office without knocking, regretting it immediately. No amount of squeezing her eyes shut could rid her brain of the image permanently burned into it. Of all the things to see it Luna's office, Blaise's bare bottom clenching tightly as he thrusted into Luna's naked body was not one Hermione had ever expected."I'm sorry- uh" She stuttered, slamming the door closed as she stepped back out into the hallway. She took a deep breath before hearing Blaise and Luna giggling from inside her office and heat kissed Hermione's cheeks in embarrassment."That's quite alright, Hermione," Luna's voice came closer to the door before she opened it, still very much naked. Hermione closed her eyes tightly again, trying not to think about the perky nipple she'd just caught sight of. "The way I see it, you either enjoyed the show, or you will learn to knock in the future. Is there anything I can help you with?"She took a moment to clear her throat before responding. "Yes, I imagine I will. I'm so sorry to disturb you while you are...busy. I was just hoping you would have any information about the flowers in the breakroom?""Flowers?""Those were brought by Draco-" Answered Blaise, leaning around Luna's shoulder with a shit-eating grin across his smug face. "-who, come to think of it, is actually probably waiting for you and I both in our booth."Before she could even process the information he'd just given her, Blaise stepped around both Luna and Hermione, having already pulled his trousers on. As he walked down the hallway on the way to his private booth, he pulled a shirt over his head, turning only to shoot a playful, flirtatious wink at Luna before continuing on.Feeling quite overwhelmed, Hermione took a few deep breaths before turning her attention to Luna. And, for the first time, she caught the light bouncing beautifully off of a piece of jewelry sitting on Luna's left hand. A piece of jewelry that had absolutely not been there the day prior."Best to go after Blaise, love." Luna smiled as she caught Hermione's gaze. "You know how they hate to wait."After taking a minute or two to compose herself, she decided that Luna was probably right and that it would be in her own best interest not to keep them waiting. And so, putting on the bravest face she could possibly muster despite the nausea she felt in her stomach. She decided that she would grin and bear it through the evening and deal with the flowers after her shift. So, as she approached the booth full of mobsters, she plastered the warmest smile she could onto her face."Ah, here she is! The lovely Hermione!" Theo already sounded drunk and she felt a small bit of the facade she was desperately trying to maintain crack ever so slightly."Perhaps no booze for you then, Theo?" Her teasing comment came out sickenly sweet and foreign to her own ears."Don't be silly, Granger. You know how much the man loves his whiskey." Draco chuckled, and Hermione had to fight not to gape at him in shock."Right. Then Macallan for the lot of you?""That sounds lovely," Pansy replied with a sinful smile. "We are celebrating after all."As the night progressed, Hermione continued to brace herself for Draco to become his usual bipolar, arrogant self, but that moment never came. He continued being almost...pleasant and as much as she hated to admit it, she felt uneasy with his new attitude. In fact, the one thing about Draco that was predictable was his unpredictability.Each time she would approach the table to help the crew, she would grind her teeth in aggravation at how kind Draco was being. At each of his attempts to make conversation with her, she would start a conversation politely with someone else. Whatever game he was playing with her head, she refused to participate.Several trips to the bar later, the group was rather rowdy and very obviously drunk aside from Draco. He sat brooding in the booth, tapping his ring on the table as his eyebrows pinched in the middle. A small sense of pride filled Hermione at her ability to get under his skin so easily. Hell, she wasn't even really trying.After what felt like an eternity of ignoring Draco's attempts to speak with her, it appeared the group was finally going to leave. Hermione let out a breath she felt she had been holding since approaching the table, but her relief was short-lived. Of course, Draco would stay behind."Might I have a word?" His voice was quiet, and she could see the tension in his jaw as he likely grit his teeth in frustration at her."You've just had five. Besides, I should really get ready to go home." She responded coldly."Let me take you, then.""I'm perfectly fine to walk, thank you." She shook her head."What kind of gentleman would I be if I knowingly let you walk home at night alone?"She hadn't meant to, but she truly couldn't help but scoff at his words. The absolute nerve of this infuriating man. But, as his stare turned rather dark, her irritation turned to discomfort."I don't think I much appreciate what you're insinuating, Granger." He growled a positively feral sound that sent a shiver down her spine. How could she be so foolish as to forget who she was speaking to? But, never one to back down, she raised her chin in defiance."And I don't think I appreciate what you're trying to accomplish in getting me alone tonight, Mr. Malfoy. Now if you would excuse me." She turned before he could say anything more, stomping in the direction of the break room to promptly throw the beautiful bouquet of roses away. She had no need for them, and she refused to encourage him any further.The days that followed were much of the same, extravagant gifts left by one Draco Malfoy followed by his truly pathetic attempts to make some sort of 'friendly' discussion while his friends got plastered only to be shot down and ignored by Hermione. Jewelry, perfumes, flowers, fine chocolates, and even cash waited for her in the break room for each and every one of her shifts, only to be thrown in the trash before she would leave for the evening. Well, except for the chocolates, which were far too enticing to just be thrown away.On the final day of her month-long trial employment at Crucio, Draco had left more gifts than he had before. A diamond tennis bracelet with a matching necklace and earrings, none of which were Hermione's taste nor style, were resting on the table in the break room for her. Just before she could throw them in the bin, though, Luna entered the break room, a small, hesitant smile pulled at her lips."Hermione, I'm so glad you've come early. Today's the day. How are you feeling? Have you made a decision as to whether you'll stay?" Her eyes looked hopeful."Actually, I have. I could use the money I make here, so I will agree to continue to work here, on one condition...""Name your price, Miss Granger."-Draco was growing antsy and agitated, and there was little he hated more than being antsy and agitated. His shoulders hurt with the tension they bore, his jaw was stiff from clenching it so much, and his ego was bruised from his lack of progress. Hermione was one tough egg to crack, and he could feel himself becoming rather impatient.As she approached the table once more, he put on his most dazzling smile, trying not to lose his cool when she completely ignored him once more. He tried, again, to begin a conversation with her only to, unsurprisingly, be shut down again."You know it isn't polite to accept gifts from people without so much as a 'thank you, Granger." He finally grit out. He was unsurprised to see the look of anger cross her face, however, he was surprised when she sucked in a deep breath, preparing to respond to him."Don't you dare speak to me about rude behavior. You saved my life, and despite my gratitude for that, it didn't seem to be enough. You have been nothing but nasty to me since the day we met, and now you expect me to kiss the ground at your feet for something as simple as a few gifts, which you and I both know have not put so much as a dent in your wealth?! I will never understand why you decided to spare my life that night since you are so intent to spend all of your time hating me. And do you want to know something else?" She snarled though she made it very clear that she wasn't actually looking for a response, continuing on before he could interrupt her speech. "I think that you are spoiled. You are so used to everyone doing exactly what you say, when you say it, that the moment you sense even the slightest bit of resistance, you threaten everyone in your way in hopes that you will get your way. And to assume that everything can be fixed with stupid, useless, expensive gifts, all of which have ended up in the trash, for the record, is selfish. You behave no better than a child and I find you absolutely pathetic. If you want to kill me, just do it. There is no sense in dragging it out any longer. So do it, Mr. Malfoy. I'm not afraid of you. Not anymore."As she finished her passionate tirade, Draco found himself once again admiring her. She truly was magnificent, like an angry lioness ready to shred apart her prey. But, before he could get any ideas about her place in his world, she turned abruptly on her heel, stomping out of the private room. He hadn't meant to frustrate her so much and quickly decided that when he saw her the next day for her scheduled shift, he would apologize for his behavior.Except, the next day, after he, Theo, Pansy, and Blaise had settled into the booth, they were not greeted by the curly-haired woman. Instead, Luna approached their table with a hesitant smile. Draco could feel a stone settling into his gut, immediately wondering if he would ever be able to see Granger again, or if he would have to track her down some other way. Theo must have sensed the blond's dilemma because he was the first to speak."Luna, darling. You know how much I love to see your pretty face, however, I have to ask...where is Hermione?""Her month-long trial finished yesterday. Draco told me to do whatever it took to make sure she was protected, and her friends made it very clear that she doesn't accept handouts. She would never just take the pin, she has to feel like she's earned it. Her one condition for continuing to work here was that she wouldn't have to continue to serve you lot anymore. I think it's safe to say that you didn't make the best impression, Draco."He didn't bother to say another word, immediately standing from his seat and ignoring the calls of his friends as he headed out the door of the VIP lounge. As he floated through the club, he found himself wondering what happened to the feisty, brave version of Granger he had seen the night before. Where was <s>his</s> the lioness he had seen not twenty-four hours prior?And, of course, it hadn't taken long for him to find her. With hair that big, it might as well have been a neon sign. She was at the bar, talking to a bartender with raven-colored hair and glasses, holding up a tray for him to put drinks on. Without a thought more, something he quickly regretted, he approached the woman, slipping into his usual, charming business-like persona."Granger. We missed you this evening." He smirked."I can't say that the feeling is mutual, Mr. Malfoy. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.""Come now, darling. You can't possibly resent me forever. What if I just say I'm sorry now, and you and I can put this whole thing behind us, hmm?"Hermione sniffed, a small chuckle escaping her plush pink lips before she looked down at the tray in her hands. Gently, she placed it on the bartop before grabbing one of the overfilled drinks in her delicate hands. In a strike quick enough to make a snake jealous, Hermione pulled her hand back before tossing the contents of the ice-cold beverage into Draco's face.The first thing he felt, was the jarring temperature, followed by the ice that slid down his chin and onto the floor. Thankfully, he'd had enough time to close his eyes and protect them from the alcohol."Why don't you stop with the games, Malfoy. If you're going to kill me, just do it." She hissed before snatching the tray and heading to the patrons on the dancefloor to sell the drinks. The raven-haired bartender's jaw was still hanging open as he offered Draco a towel to dry his face."I'm...sorry about her. She's always been rather feisty..." He muttered helplessly as if that were an answer for anything at all.The one thing Draco didn't feel upon having a drink tossed in his face, was anger. Instead, he was surprised and impressed. And two things became inherently clear that night. One, he HAD to stop underestimating his little lioness, even if it were only for his own good. And two, the desire to know why she seemed so familiar to him slowly turned into the desire to make her forgive him, no matter how much time it took. Draco was not a patient man, but for Granger, he might learn to be.