From Wiltshire, With Love

Chapter 68

Hermione had practiced what she was going to say and how she was going to say it. Draco would be angry and she was a little scared his anger would trigger him in some way, but she had her wand. She was prepared.

And then she'd explain the changing circumstances. They weren't always in love, and she had only recently figured out Kingsley wouldn't give him a pardon. She'd tell him that she understood, that he deserved to be angry and that she agreed with him. She knew it was wrong that she didn't tell him the truth about his father. He deserved to know.

And she'd apologize. She'd beg for forgiveness.

Draco would understand, wouldn't he?

But all her preparations flew out the window the minute he arrived. Hermione was overwhelmed with how much she missed him. Who even knew when she'd see him again? And there was going to be a raid. Before long, she was sitting astride his naked form on the bed.

Hermione lowered herself to capture his mouth with a pained whimper and she squeezed her eyes shut to stop the tears. She cradled the sides of his face, rubbing his cheek bones with her thumbs, and sighed into his mouth. Trembling as she kissed him, she wanted him to know that she loved him, that she was sorry, and that she was doing everything she could to make it right.

He cupped the back of her head, swallowing her pleas, perhaps thinking she was just worried about the upcoming raid. Hermione deepened the kiss, reaching out with her tongue, tracing the inside of his mouth while she ran her hands over his chest and shoulders. His hands slid up her skin, underneath the fabric of her camisole and pushed it up and over her head.

Draco stared up at her in wonder. She couldn't take it. He was looking at her as if she were some kind of goddess that could promise salvation. But his love and adoration was too much; she didn't deserve it.

His intense gaze trailed up and down her body and when the passion in his eyes met hers, he whispered, "I love you."

"I know," Hermione said with a quivering lip.

Draco furrowed his brow. He could tell something else was wrong. But Hermione didn't want to talk yet. She wanted him to have more time when he felt secure, adored and happy. When making love wouldn't be tainted by betrayal.

She wanted him to have one more time before... before...

Hermione was nervous. She didn't know how he'd react. She remembered the bruises leftover from their lovemaking, how he screamed at her to hurt him, how he restrained her wrists, bent over as the flat of his hand smacked her behind, and the way his lips twisted into a deranged smile as his fingers curled around her throat.

This betrayal was so much worse than simply going against his wishes, and she didn't know what he would do.

Before Draco could say anything, she got up on her knees and aligned his cock at her entry. He bit his bottom lip in anticipation and she sank down with a moan. He thrust upward to meet her and she rolled her hips and paused. For a few moments she simply sat with her knees spread, filled the hilt and enjoying his warm length inside her.

Hermione caressed the smooth skin of his abdominal muscles, watching goosebumps form in the wake of her fingers. His gaze locked onto hers and they continued in a slow, sensual push and pull, rocking rhythmically against each other.

Please, please, please... she begged silently, each time she tilted her pelvis into him. Please forgive me.

Hermione forced back tears, watching his eyes rake over her body, down to where he was inside her, over her stomach, her breasts and then back up to her face.