Bad Romance

Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Hurt So Good

Upon entering their library, the Lestrange Three found Lyra, Lucius, and Narcissa having tea. Rhadamanthus, who they'd left to guard the manor, was hunched in the corner, holding a huge book of maps in his two front legs.

"You're home early," Lyra exclaimed with a pleased smile. Then worry clouded her eyes as her face fell. "You're never home this early! Is anything wrong?"

"Not this time," Rabastan said with a grin. "The Aurors are going to meet us at Malfoy Manor at eleven, and we're all helping to place the wards. They don't have time to spare so everyone needs to contribute."

That should be obvious, but Bellatrix knew it was wise of Rabastan to state the obvious before Lucius opened his mouth to complain, and she had to smack him.

"Oh, that's nice," Narcissa said, relief all over her face. Bellatrix gave her sister a slight smile. Of course Cissie, would want to be back in her own home where everything was familiar and comforting during these trying times.

"Whatever is wrong, Bella," Narcissa asked, expression growing alarmed as she took Bellatrix in.

Bellatrix made a face. Did it show that much? Sighing, she flopped into the nearest chair. Rodolphus came to stand behind her, strong hands falling onto her shoulders and beginning to massage.

"I don't want to talk about it," Bellatrix said. Giving a sigh of pleasure, she leaned into Rodolphus's touch. His strong fingers worked relentlessly at the knots in her shoulders, and she closed her eyes as the tension flowed out of her. Rodolphus didn't give tension a choice, Bellatrix thought, a small smile curving her lips.

"I love you," she murmured and Rod chuckled.

"You too. Always." He kissed the top of her head, and the heat from his lips caused her lower belly to tighten with sudden desire.

"So you can tell me here, or I drag you upstairs and make you do it in private," Narcissa said sweetly. "Which shall it be?"

Bella sighed, casting her sister a resentful glance. "I was hoping Rod would be the one dragging me upstairs."

"Sounds good," he growled, hands sliding from Bellatrix's shoulders to caress their way down her arms.

"Bella," Narcissa warned.

"I'm on Aunt Cissie's side," Lyra at last chimed in. "What's the matter?"

Bellatrix hadn't wanted to go into the uncomfortable lady's room incident in front of Lucius. It was too painful, and too personal, and opened up too many insecurities she wasn't aware she had. She didn't like Lucy Malfoy enough to show him that, but Cissie and Lyra's persistence sparked her temper, annoying her into answering.

"Just some cows mooing in the lady's today at the Ministry," she snapped.

"About what?" Lyra demanded.

"About you," Narcissa asked when Bellatrix didn't respond immediately.

Sighing, she nodded tightly.

"Well, considering the wild past you Lestranges have, can you honestly blame them," Lucius asked smoothly. He arched a brow at Bellatrix, and, as could be expected, this sparked her anger.

"Have you ever actually had fun, Lucius," she asked. Standing before he could reply, she shook her head. "Never mind, of course, you haven't."

With that she strode from the room and upstairs. She couldn't look at Lucius any more right now. She heard feet on the stairs behind her as she headed for her bedroom, hoping it was Rodolphus while suspecting it was her sister and daughter. Unfortunately, her suspicions proved to be correct.