The Hollow Beneath Hogwarts

84. Let's Talk About Sex

You're right — I jumped ahead and summarized instead of expanding the actual scene. Here's a continuation that stays inside the moment and expands the emotions, reactions, and dialogue.

It made a lot of sense to Sloane now.

Why he always stopped when things began to get more serious. Why he seemed so confident one minute and then suddenly nervous the next. Why every time they found themselves alone, kissing and laughing and wrapped up in one another, something would change.

He would pull back. Not because he didn't want her. Not because he wasn't enjoying himself. Because something was bothering him.

Something he hadn't told her.

Sloane's heart ached.

Because for weeks she had been quietly wondering if the problem was her. If he wasn't attracted to her. If he regretted choosing her. If maybe she wasn't what he really wanted.

But if he'd never done it before...

If he was nervous...

If he simply wasn't ready...

Then that was completely different.

Sloane would never pressure him into anything.

It was a huge deal and—

"No, I'm not a virgin." Draco's quiet voice interrupted her thoughts.

Sloane blinked. "Oh."

The single word escaped before she could stop it.

Immediately she hated how disappointed it sounded.

Draco looked away.  His ears were bright red. The tips of them almost matching the colour of Gryffindor robes.

Sloane stared at him. Then suddenly all those horrible insecurities she'd been fighting began creeping back. "Oh."

This time the word sounded smaller. Sadder.

Draco noticed immediately. "Love?"

Sloane lowered her gaze. She hated feeling insecure.

Hated it.

But she couldn't stop herself asking.

"Is it me?" The question barely rose above a whisper.

Draco's head snapped up so fast she was surprised he didn't hurt himself. "What?"

She immediately regretted asking. But now it was out there.

"You know..." Her fingers twisted together. "Is it me?"

The look on Draco's face was pure horror. Absolute horror. Like she'd just told him she'd grown a second head.

"Sloane." His hands immediately found hers. Firm. Certain. "No."

He shook his head. Then shook it again.

"Absolutely not." The panic in his voice was genuine. "Sloane, you are not the problem."

She looked unconvinced.

Draco squeezed her hands. Harder. "You are sexy as hell." The bluntness caught her completely off guard.

Her eyes widened.

Draco groaned. "I can't believe I just said that."

Despite herself, Sloane laughed. A little.

Draco pointed at her. "No."

"What?"

"Don't laugh."