𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

Chapter 4

Edward never expected Draco to come back. But he did, and only three days later. As always, the visit occurred under cover of night, but this time Draco returned to the cabin. His soft footfalls rustled in the distance and Edward stilled in anticipation. He'd become relatively accustomed to Draco's lingering scent and hoped the desensitization would help him maintain his control tonight.

A few seconds later, a knock sounded on the door. Edward left his place in front of the fire, which he had taken to lighting regularly, and forced himself to walk slowly to open it, when he really wanted to move at vampire speed.

Draco stood outside holding a backpack, which seemed incommensurate with his formal attire. He was dressed all in black, his blond hair combed neatly to the side. He nodded in greeting, but his grey eyes reflected a certain wariness. Edward stood staring for longer than necessary.

"Going to let me in, hmm?" Draco asked finally. Edward stood to the side and the wizard swept in, bringing with him the night air and his own spicy, rich bouquet. Once inside, he hefted the pack from his shoulder to the table and immediately waved his wand, whispering an incantation. A stack of books appeared, some of them classical works of literature, a few contemporary novels, and even several magical books. Edward picked up one of the latter and read the binding: A Beginner's Guide to the Wizarding World. Better than an Idiot's guide, Edward supposed. Draco smirked when he noticed Edward's selection.

"I figured you might want to know a bit more about . . ." He seemed to be struggling for word choice. "Things." Had he been about to say me?

Edward hadn't forgotten the unexpected kiss; indeed, every detail of that moment had run through his mind again and again thanks to his perfect recall. Unfortunately, he was no closer to understanding Draco's motivation now than he'd been then; the only thing that made sense was the wizard felt sorry for him. He'd seen Edward at his most desperate and offered a comforting gesture. But Draco didn't seem like the kind of man to give consolation easily, especially to vampiric strangers. Though he'd brought all of these books and seemed eager for Edward to learn more about his life-another contradiction Edward couldn't quite reconcile.

Realizing his silence might be mistaken for rudeness, Edward forced his conflicted thoughts from his mind. "Thank you for all of this," he said, gesturing to the pile. "You have no idea how utterly bored I've been."

"You and me both," Draco murmured. "I see you've lit another fire." The wizard moved towards the grate and took a seat in the chair he'd inhabited on his previous visit. Edward shrugged and settled down next to him.

"I hadn't thought of it before." He didn't add he'd hoped Draco would return and find the atmosphere welcome. "It was a good idea."

"I'm full of them," Draco quipped, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms behind his head. The movement elongated his body and gave Edward a glimpse of his slim waist and narrow hips. He realized he was staring just a moment too late.

"See anything interesting?"

Edward's eyes snapped to Draco's eyes, simultaneously alarmed and intrigued by his lazy, seductive tone. Draco's eyes were partially closed, his lips curled in a sleepy grin. That, coupled with his positively sinful posture, initiated a growing problem in Edward's pants. How could such simple gestures arouse him so easily? Clearly, he'd have to work on controlling his physiological responses when the wizard was around.

He didn't answer. Draco looked almost disappointed for a second.

"I didn't think you'd come back," Edward confessed.

"Why, because of a silly little thing like you wanting to kill me?" He seemed in good spirits tonight.

"That, among other things."