Fatal Attraction | D.M. (Soft Rewrite)

Chapter Fourteen - The Black Lake

Ophelia remained slumped against the wall long after Draco had fled the room. Intent on waiting until the flush in her cheeks had disappeared and her heart stopped racing.

She had no clue what to feel - how to react. He's rotten to the core and what he just did...punching the wall...was frightening. But I couldn't take my eyes off him...

The way he made her feel was unparalleled, and not for the right reasons. The fact he was so hard to read only made him more enticing – like a problem that needed solving.

But he was twisted. He didn't want unravelling. She'd only get entangled in his mess, with no hope for escape.

Being close to people like him always led to trouble.

But his touch...his words...what did he even mean? Why can't we be friends? It makes no sense.

She could admit that she relished the opportunity to admire his face when he was so close. Every part of him was chiselled, from his tightly clenched jaw, to his severe cheekbones. The plains of his face were inviting while his eyes were unrivalled, their cloudy grey so rare and luminous.

She wanted to see that face laugh, or smile broadly. To see how it would flinch in fear, or tremor with sadness. She wanted to bear witness.

She wanted evidence that there was more to him - that he was redeemable.

But that desire felt wrong. He's not even tried to earn space in my head - he's undeserving of this attention.

She couldn't admit to how long her gaze had lingered on his generous lips. Like her own, their blood red stood out against his pale complexion.

Or that she'd enjoyed watching him when he'd grown particularly frustrated, working his hands through his hair. Persistently pushing the tousled strands from his face, only to make it look more untidy.

She'd never seen him so unkempt. It makes no sense...he can't be that cut up over this. It must be something else.

She resented herself for caring about his feelings – for finding him attractive. That would not help her make the right decision. But the look in his eyes had excited something inside of her – she couldn't pretend, so she had to suppress it.

Still shocked by his gentle touch. How his breath had smelt like peppermint. She wanted more.

Stop being selfish – think of Blaise. He'd never have put me in this position.

But it wouldn't hurt to be friends...

Idiot! He's barely made a satisfactory apology and you're already imagining a friendship? Ridiculous!

He's already proven why that wouldn't work.

She grimaced. We didn't even get any work done. Well that was a bloody waste of time. Proudfoot will be disappointed when I have nothing to show him at the end of term.

The part of her brain that entertained devious fantasies felt a little happy, as a scheme rose to the surface.

Is it bad to be excited? It gives me another excuse to see him...alone... Yes, Phi. That's bad. Plus he probably won't ask again after this mess...

What do I tell Blaise? Where would I even start? He doesn't have to know...at least not the details – and definitely not how he made me feel.

That he made me feel...alive.

~

Draco had skipped dinner and hadn't returned to the common room. So, Ophelia had no chance to intercept him out of Blaise's view. She wasn't sure what she would say so soon after, but everything felt unresolved. Biting her nails, she frowned at the door.