A marriage of convenience.

6. Vacations

As usual, they decided to leave for vacations during August.

They visited south France and they really enjoyed themselves, although Scarlett avoided Severus' gaze whenever she could.

Molly had also invited them at the Burrow, but Severus preferred to stay alone with Scarlett and Tom.

- Do you mind if I go alone, Dad? I have missed them. I would like to pass some days there. And you could also enjoy yourselves with my sister. Go for a romantic trip or something.

Severus smiled.

- We are not romantically involved with your sister, son. We are married so she would keep your custody, remember?

- Well, ok Dad, but why are you both blushing when you talk to each other? he asked and he had a point.

- Shhh. Keep your thought in your head, he said in a guilty voice.

- Tell her how you feel. I hardly think she will reject you.

Severus escorted Tom to the Burrow and then returned to pick Scarlett and leave for a trip to Tuscany.

As soon as they arrived at Sienna and checked-in, they received a letter from the Ministry that informed them about the Law, which was finally overturned. They could set theirselves free. They could get a divorce.

They read the letter and both swallowed hard when they finished.

Scarlett had already tears in his eyes and she didn't notice that Severus was quite upset too.

- So we can be free. Shall we discuss it upon dinner? he asked her with a saddened voice.

She declined.

- No.

Severus felt panic, she was willing to separate him immediately?! All his actions were deleted? He didn't mean anything to her?

- We shall discuss it before we leave this place. I would like to enjoy our days here, if you are ok with it.

He smiled and he felt happy.

She wanted to pass these days with him. She liked him.

They enjoyed their dinner together and then returned to their hotel.

- Would you mind if I shared your bed?

Severus was surprised.

- Share my  bed?

- Yes, you have been my husband for 2 years and I have never slept with you, I mean not even in the same bed... not doing anything.... she elaborated.

He nodded and welcomed her.

- May I hug you, Scar?

She moved towards him and allowed him to take her in his arms. She was only wearing a long silk night gown, and he was able to feel her curves and her warmth.

It was very arousing.

She was also feeling his warmth and she was also aroused, but she preferred to close her eyes and enjoy all these feelings.

Next morning they decided to stay in and enjoy the pool, it was a very hot day for any kind of outdoor activity.

The moment Severus saw Scarlett with her bikini, he became instantly hard as a rock and was deeply embarrassed. Scarlett didn't seem to notice though or she chose to not embarrass him even further.

He quickly entered the pool and approached her.

She splashed him playfully on the face and he replied with an even harder splash. They were splashing each other fast and they were laughing so hard. They started approaching each other even more. They were a bit tired from all this play and took a rest staring at each other's wet faces.

Severus kept a serious face and so did Scarlett. They were both aroused and they were both struggling with their thoughts.

Severus leaned in and it seemed like he was going to kiss her, but he withdrew instead.

He whispered an apology and left the pool, locking himself in the bathroom, banging his head with is hands and repeating how foolish he was.

Scarlett also exited the pool and she was very confused.

She removed her bikini and put on her bath robe. She was waiting for Severus to leave the bathroom so she could have a shower to calm down.

After 20 minutes, Severus left the bathroom.

He was surprised to find Scarlett waiting in her bath robe.

He looked at her with a guilty look. She swallowed hard and entered the bathroom.

When she exited, she found Severus on the bed, wearing only his underwear and with a huge erection inside it.

He didn't cover himself. But he didn't look at her either.

She sat on the bed in her bathrobe and waited from Severus to start talking.

His face was a deep shade of red out of embarrassment.

- Don't feel bad, Severus , please, she whispered to him.

- I promise to honour you... I am sorry for my behaviour. I am truly truly sorry.

- Do you find it that bad? Desiring each other? If I dare say, falling for each other?

His eyes immediately turned to meet hers.

- I do. I don't wish to manipulate you into anything. Especially now, that we are indeed able to set ourselves free.

- Oh... ok , she was so sad.

- You deserve to find someone your age, someone who would love and cherish you and live happily ever after.

- Don't you love me then? she asked him staring right through his eyes.

He didn't answer.

- Are you telling me that you have been living with me for 2 years and you don't have any feelings whatsoever?

- I have feelings but they are impure.

- I don't want a divorce.

- What?

- I want a proper marriage with you. There, I said it. I am feeling aroused with you and  I cannot look in your eyes any more. I am sorry. It is the truth.

Severus eyes lit up.

- You want me as your true husband?

- YES.

He almost cried from joy. He had forgotten his erection, although it was getting really painful.

He grabbed her and put her on the bed and started kissing her, which made her giggle.