SAILING AWAY REDSHADOW43

XXIV

Because his ears were plugged, the roar of the wind was not quite so loud in Lucius' ears. But it also made the pounding of his heart sound that much more forceful as he wondered what had happened to Hermione. He couldn't help but think that if she was hurt it would somehow be his fault for not keeping her close.

When they spotted the opening at the top half of the mountain it was quite by accident. Memories of the fall he'd taken in the past assailed Lucius' senses, but since Argon was carrying him on his back he was fairly certain it wouldn't happen again. The dragons flew, straight and true, to the center of the mountain just as if they'd been in it before.

Lucius was never so relieved as when he saw Amarand and Hermione ensconced on a bed of furs. The princess was wide awake, and when she saw the desperate human's face she quickly moved off the bed so that he could rejoin her.

"Come, everyone, let us all adjourn to the inner sanctum of Glacier's cave," Amarand said to the others. "I believe she said she would hunt down some fresh meat and have it ready for your eventual arrival. Besides, I think it's time these two had time alone."

Lucius kissed Hermione's eyes until they opened. He swallowed her elated cry of relief into his questing mouth, and then proceeded to ravish her mouth with his tongue. Hermione was a willing participant, throwing her arms around his neck to draw him in.

"Gods, woman, I cannot take this any longer," he whispered against her lips.

"I was so worried about you," she told him.

"So sweet," he smirked. "Hermione, what are you wearing under this fur?"

"Nothing at all," she told him wickedly. "My clothes were soaked. Glacier took them to dry out in the inner cave. I think the dragons do not intend for us to be interrupted again."

"Then perhaps we should take full advantage of the situation," Lucius suggested.

"Yes, please," she told him.

"I appear to be a bit overdressed," Lucius said. "Will you help me out of these wet clothes?"

"With pleasure," she said, practically purring at the thought.

She slid Lucius' Muggle-style overcoat off his shoulders and let it drop to the floor. Then she unbuttoned his shirt and slid that off as well. The undershirt was plastered to his skin, but she managed to peel it off of him. Its icy coldness made her nipples pucker when it touched them as she worked.

"Hmm, how interesting," Lucius teased her as he moved forward for a taste. He was quick to rid himself of the rest of his garments so the two of them could get under the covers, snuggling together for warmth.

Lucius' fingers sought and found the wetness between her legs, making Hermione gasp. He slid a finger inside her, not surprised to find her warm and willing.

"Hermione Granger, you're about to become a woman at last," he told her then.

"Please!" she said again, and Lucius finally made her his own.

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