A Warm Embrace (Christine)

[Dorian Humbert]

Dorian wrapped his arms around her tiny waist as she read over the menu, kissing her neck and shoulders. As they had entangled themselves earlier, he noted how soft her skin was in comparison to his rough hands that had seen many days full of manual labor. As he held her now, he again thought of how contrasting they were. She was so vivacious and bold, whereas he appeared more reserved, stoic. She was carefree, wishing to spend hours in bed with him, while his thoughts inadvertently drifted back to his work and his obligations. He would need to leave her soon, return to the Ministry and make a formal report to his superiors. He would be needed on the investigation. 

Deciding to announce his departure after they ate, Dorian moved to the phone and called down to the kitchen to order their meals. When he hung up the phone, he reclaimed her in his arms. He wanted to ask her why she left him in Egypt without so much as a good-bye, but thought better than to ruin the moment. Instead, he picked her up, wrapping her legs around his body, and carried her to the bed.

[Christine Montgomery]

That question was coming. Christine knew she couldn't outrun it forever. She also couldn't outrun the truth that was coming, nor the explosion to follow. She didn't want to hurt him or deceive him, truly she didn't, but she needed this. She was selfish.

She kept them busy while their food was being prepared. She decided that she could spend hours, days, weeks, months, hell the rest of her life in bed with this man and never be sorry for it.

This was all new to Christine, though she approached it as boldly as anything else she had approached, and she was fascinated at what her body was capable of, what he was capable of making her feel, and what she was capable of doing to him too.

When their food arrived Christine put a robe on once again as room service was set up on the table in the main room. Again her stomach growled.

She turned her attention on Dorian once the staff was gone. They were so different. Christine was impetuous, bold, she lived in the now. She wasn't entirely carefree after the attack by any means, but Dorian was so serious. Instinctively her hand shot out to touch his face and smooth a rather handsome furrowed brow.

She wondered what he was thinking about, she wanted to bring up the past too, maybe explain herself knowing she couldn't reveal the truth. But she didn't want to ruin the mood either, what they were doing was magical, it was nonsensical, it was a fantasy.

[Dorian Humbert]

Dorian, too, attempted to show some modesty as the attendant brought their food, and pulled on his pants and undershirt before coming out into the main room. The aroma made Dorian realize that he was actually fairly hungry himself. They sat down to eat and Christine reached out to touch him. He took her hand, and kissed it gently. He thought on how strange it was, how intense his feelings for her were after such a relatively short amount of time together. He longed to know her better and learn of her aspirations. But there were questions to be answered and obligations to attend to. 

After they had both finished eat, Dorian rose and moved around the table to her side. "My sweet," he said, kissing her forehead, "I have business to attend to. But I would like to check in on you later, if you'll permit me." Although the sense of danger from this morning had waned, Dorian still vowed to ensure Christine's safety. He would make sure she was safe, whether or not she agreed to let him return. But he'd rather spend his time with her, as opposed to watching her from a far.

[Christine Montgomery]

Christine enjoyed watching him eat, like everything else he was meticulous; she found it endearing.

They ate in companionable silence - Christine was too busy trying to "delicately" shove food down her throat - and then he told her he was leaving. She swore her heart fell to her now full stomach. The last time he had left her, she had left him and she hadn't realized the depths that it affected her until now. Still she smiled and appeared unfazed.

"Of course, you did ask me to dinner after all." more like demanded, but who cared?

[Dorian Humbert]

He gave a slight chuckle and, picking up her hand, kissed it gently. "I simply wanted to be sure you hadn't tired of me." And that you'd still be here when I return. He picked up his wand and began casting enchantments around the room. He should have done this sooner, but in the excitement of their reunion he had not been thinking clearly. The muggle hotel was not nearly as well protected from magical intruders as it's armed guards led it's non-magical clientele to believe. "I should only be a few hours. Stay in the room until I return. These spells should keep anyone from apparating into your room, and..." he muttered a few final words before finishing his last incantation, "if anyone apparates in the hallway you'll be alerted." Though it was likely unconscious, Dorian failed to mention that his enchantments would allow anyone, including Christine, to disapparate from the room without trouble. She was free to go as she pleased, but his duty as an auror and his oath as a lover would be better served should she remain in the safety of her hotel suite. But to be on the safe side, Dorian planned to leave in the muggle fashion; through the front door.

After he was certain the suite would be a safe haven for Christine, he moved to the bedroom and finished dressing. He appeared a few moments later, wearing his suit and tie, his hair combed back neatly. He looked as if he had just returned from a vacation, and not from a grueling day at work investigating a murder. No one at the office would take note, as this was his regular appearance. Besides, his superiors knew right well that he had not been chasing after a criminal, so showing up to the office looking rumpled would have been quite the mistake.

He crossed to her and gently pulled her from her seat to his level. His hands on her face, he kissed her. Pulling away, his hand caressed her cheek then cupped her chin, his thumb resting on her soft lower lip. "Stay inside," he warned again. This warning was, perhaps, more from the lover than the auror. With a gentle smile he turned for the door and moved into the hallway where he pressed the button for the lift. He only needed to wait a moment before it arrived and he stepped inside. He turned to face Christine and as the doors shut between them his eyes caught hers. Would it be another year before he saw her again?

[Christine Montgomery]

Christine was lost in thought as he moved about casting enchantments. She followed him to the door and watched him dress. Every move he made was practiced. He was a man of routine, order, and above all nobility. They were an odd pair. Christine was honorable - despite her colorful avoidance of her age - she was also noble in her own way, but she also followed her heart, bent the rules, and led with passion.

She was stunned slightly as he transformed from the lover to the Auror in front of her with not a single hair out of place. She also could have sworn she ripped off a button or two and his clothing shouldn't have been so neat, but it was. She wanted to run her fingers through his hair and mess his clothes just a little. She had the unbidden thought that if they were ever formally together she'd never be able to tell if he had a secret lover.

All her musings died however when he cupped her cheek and his thumb pressed against her lip. She turned her head and kissed into his palm in response.

She watched him leave, still silent, still in a haze trying to figure out how everything had come together the way it had. She wanted to say something to him, she didn't know what, but he was gone before she could.

Continued Here