Seeing her pouty expression, Draco couldn't bear to spoil the girl's fun, and finally relented, saying, "Alright, alright. Although I don't sell my body or my skills, I'll reluctantly dance with you since you're a die-hard tennis fan."
Becky's annoyance subsided considerably, but she still glanced at him disdainfully. "Hmph, who cares if you sell yourself? It's just dancing, don't make it sound like some huge sacrifice."
Even so, Becky still sat down next to Draco, happily waiting for the next dance to begin. A new round of upbeat, medium-tempo dance music started, with a more lively rhythm than the previous ones.
Draco gestured for her to dance, Becky hummed in response, placed her hand in his palm, and the two stepped onto the dance floor.
Draco regretted it as soon as he got started.
Becky's dancing skills are really bad.
It wasn't the kind of pretentious badness that Trillian did; it was genuinely bad. Her footwork had absolutely no rhythm; she either missed the beat or stepped on his feet.
She had just turned around once when she lost her balance and swayed to the side, almost knocking over her dance partners.
Draco swiftly pulled her back, but she lost her balance and stepped on his shoe again.
"I'm sorry!" Becky apologized quickly, her face showing not remorse, but rather an expression of helplessness.
Draco glanced down at his battered leather shoes and couldn't help but remark, "I didn't expect you to be so good at tennis, but so... lacking in dance skills."
Becky caught the subtle disdain in Draco's words and pouted in dissatisfaction. "These are two different things! Tennis is played with your hands, dancing is done with your feet, how can they be the same?"
Then, with a hint of resentment, he questioned...
"And besides, don't you have any problems? Why is it that when you dance with Trillian, you can get her to dance well, but when it's my turn..."
"That's not the same thing," Draco helplessly. " Trillian has some substance; a person can pretend to be bad, but they can't actually be bad."
These words stung Becky, fueling her desire for revenge.
Taking advantage of the next turn, he yanked off Draco's tie, forcing him to lower his head, then ruthlessly stomped on Draco's instep, and pinched the back of his hand as well.
"Are you dancing or seeking revenge?"
Draco was both amused and exasperated.
"Who told you to talk so rudely?" Becky said with a hint of glee. "Can't you treat everyone equally? Why are you so gentle and patient with Hermione and Trillian, but so..."
"Our dynamics are different," Draco explained helplessly. " Hermione and I are husband and wife, Trillian and I are mistress and servant, and you—it's a love-hate relationship. Different people have different dynamics; you can't generalize."
"I can't argue with you; you always have the most fallacies."
In the second half of the dance, Becky still missed several beats, but at least she didn't deliberately step on his feet anymore.
Draco resigned himself to his fate.
I didn't ask her to do anything complicated; I just moved her slowly to the music, making sure she didn't bump into anyone.
Finally, the music ended, Draco released his grip with a sigh of relief, took a half step back, wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead, and said with a hint of relief, "It's over. Congratulations, you successfully stepped on me seven times."
"I'm being kind by not stepping on you ten times." Becky rolled her eyes at him, but still thanked him, "Thanks, I'll dance with you again next time."
"Forget it," Draco waved his hand, "Let's play ball next time. Let's not torture each other with dancing."
Becky laughed and spat at him before returning to her seat. Draco was finally able to escape and return to Hermione's side.
As the lively ball entered its second half, the music was light and melodious, the air was filled with the fragrance of fine clothes and the sounds of laughter. Hermione had no intention of dancing, Draco didn't plan to dance anymore either. However, one after another, beautiful girls from the surrounding area took the initiative to invite them to dance.
"Excuse me, ladies, we won't be dancing tonight. I'm a bit tired." Faced with the advances of a group of beauties, Draco remained calm, politely but firmly declining their advances.
After seeing everyone off, Draco chuckled to himself, "Just kidding, I, Young Master Malfoy, am not a dance floor tool. I don't have to obediently dance with anyone who invites me."
My buddy has principles too. Gentleness and dance moves are never open to the public; they're Fawley reserved only for his own people.
The most eye-catching among them was Windsor's fencing friend, Evelyn. Evelyn was tall and had a cool and dashing look.
Dressed in a cool silver-blue gown, she exuded confidence and the unique aura of a fencer. She stepped forward and gracefully invited, " Mr. Draco, would you have the honor of dancing with me?"
"Thank you for the invitation, Miss Evelyn, but I've already danced several dances tonight and would like to spend some time with my wife. Perhaps another time," Draco politely declined.
Evelyn's eyes flashed with regret upon hearing this, but she didn't press the matter. She simply nodded gracefully, withdrew her hand, and smiled, "I understand. I'll ask you for guidance again next time."
After saying that, she turned and left, her back still serene.
The pre-cruise ball before the cruise ship docked came to a successful close. Everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable time, bringing this short cruise trip to a perfect end. As night deepened and the ballroom lights gradually softened, guests gradually dispersed, and everyone said their goodbyes.
Draco and Hermione returned to their suite. After a quick wash, they changed into comfortable pajamas. Draco lay on the large bed and pulled Hermione into his arms. The sea outside the window shimmered under the moonlight. Tomorrow morning, they would arrive at the port, ending their several-day sea voyage.
"Honey, haven't I been behaving well lately?" Draco rested his chin on her neck, seeking praise, and then rubbed against her like a lazy, large feline.
Hermione felt a little ticklish from his rubbing and, knowing his little scheme, asked with amusement, "What, want a reward again?"
"Yes." Draco chuckled, making no attempt to hide his intentions. As he spoke, the hand that had been resting on her waist slipped inside and moved restlessly upwards.
Finally reaching the summit, as the saying goes,
The road ahead is long and arduous, but I will persevere in my pursuit.
"Ugh..." Hermione tensed her back, trembled as if electrocuted, and her breathing suddenly became erratic. She bit her lower lip in unbearable discomfort.
" Draco... no... uh..." Hermione's cheeks flushed an alluring blush as she pressed down on his hand, her voice tinged with a coquettish wheezing, "Don't move your hand around..."
"Then I'll use my mouth..." Draco leaned closer...
"No..." Hermione panicked even more, and had to cover his head again.
Hearing her sweet pleas for mercy, Draco only became more aggressive, causing the person in his arms to let out a suppressed sound.