Luscious Lust

Chapter 16 - By Your Side

The political ball starts at seven o'clock. That's why he brought the dress to Hogwarts, so I could get ready at school before leaving, meeting him there.
I'm so excited, both happy and anxious. I know Narcissa will be there too, and I wonder what she'll do, though Lucius has made it quite clear to her to stay out if his private life. 

"Wow! You look beautiful." My friends are admiring me. They've come a long way from making fun of me and my keen eyes for Mr. Malfoy to wanting to be me instead.
"Give 'em hell," my best friend says.
"Oh, I will," I smirk.

I step out of the carriage that Lucius had arranged to come pick me up at the platform.
Mr. Malfoy's standing by the massive stairway outside the impressive and adorned building.
He's looking so fine I can hardly breath when I see him. His tux fits perfectly, his hair is groomed slick back, and he's shaved his beard. He looks younger somehow.
A blood-red handkerchief is peaking up from his jacket's pocket, to match my dress. And the rose I got for his lapel.

I walk over to him. He notices me at once. He seems speachless. I smile and beam at him.
"Ditto," I say, his eyes complimenting my attire plenty.
He smiles and gives me a quick kiss on my right cheek.
My make-up is on fleek tonight; porcelain skin, smokey eyes and crimson colored lips. I look slightly older, which is only in my favor on a big night like this.
"I got you something," I say and take the rose out from my purse.
Lucius flashes me a grateful smile as I place it on his lapel.
"Thank you," he says. "I got something for you too."
"There's more?" I'm shocked. I don't know how many times I've thanked him for the dress, shoes and gloves.
He takes something out from his jacket's inner pocket. Around his fingers dangles a necklace. The pendant's a black snake covered in blood red stones attatched to a black chain.
"It's so pretty," I say, admiring it.
"Turn around," Lucius says and I twirl, lifting my curled and styled hair up so he can put it on.
"Thank you so much," I say when I turn around to face him again, touching the necklace.
"You're most welcome," Lucius looks at me with loving eyes, my heart fluttering.
"Are you ready?" he holds out his arm, waiting for me to hook mine around his.
"I guess so," I take a deep breath, leaning against him momentarily for strenght and support.
"I'll be by your side all night," he reassure me, placing his other hand on top of my arm to give me an extra squeez.
I gaze up at his handsome face, smile and let him lead me inside.

Our entrance does not go by unnoticed. In fact, people stop talking and simply just stare. But only for a few seconds before they go about their business.
"Remember to breath," Lucius whispers to me.
I try to smile less strained and to feel more relaxed.
Mr. Malfoy introduces me to a lot of people. Some seem very nice, others indifferent, and some just too curious.
He introduces me as his new lady friend, which warms my heart.
Lucius has told me to answer honestly, that I don't need to cover anything up. If they ask me my age or what I do, I can tell them.
He doesn't care, so why should I? 

---

It's a very big party, with lots of people, both important witches and wizards, and others with lesser status.
I don't know anybody, just know of some. Some fellow students' parents and such.
Suddenly I spot Narcissa, or she spots me. I tighten my grip around Lucius' arm.
She walks over to us.
"Lucius," she says and nods at him.
Mr. Malfoy's being courteous and nods back.
She looks me up and down with a raised eyebrow. "Nice dress," she says before walking away.
I let out the gasp of air I've been holding under her scrutinizing stare.
That was it. The encounter I've been dreading all night is now over. Or so I hope. 

"Where's the ladies' room?" I ask Lucius.
"Up the stairs and to the right," he replies.
"I'll be right back," I smile at him.
"I'll be here waiting," he says, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek, his eyes following me and the swishing tulle while I walk upstairs. 

Lucius' standing by the foot of the stairs when he suddenly sees your mother coming towards him. 
"Mr. Malfoy," she nods as she passes him. 
He greets her back politely. 
She continues to walk up the stairs and turns to the right. 
Lucius senses trouble.