4. Chapter 4 (1/1)

thanks to everyone who's reviewed and enquired about this story – sorry it's taken so long! here's a big chapter for you... enjoy.

disclaimer: nope, not mine.

malik wasn't waiting for long."what, you're actually just going to sit there and wait for a reply?" he shrugged, trying not to look surprised by the sudden mocking presence of ingrid just outside his window."not much else to do around here these days. come in, ingrid." she didn't bother walking round to the door, just sped in through the open window and closed it behind her. "how are you here?""i followed you, of course." she shrugged and dropped delicately into a chair, unfolding his letter. "wasn't sure you had the

ains to leave a return address."

he grimaced; he hadn't, of course. and now she was reading his letter, for the first time judging by her facial expressions. by the time she reached the end, she was deep in thought; she folded the letter and frowned at it for a few moments longer before standing and striding over to him."is that really the best you can do?" he was about to protest, but then he noticed the faintest hint of a smirk at her lips."i can do better," he stood and reached a hand out to cup her cheek. "if you'll let me."

she hesitated, and he wondered if he'd completely misjudged things. but then she was leaning in, and their lips were touching, and almost before he knew it he was sweeping assorted de

is off the table and lowering her down onto it. she sat up, to his disappointment, before he could join her, one finger on his chest to stop him."dear malik," she began, "that was the worst apology i've ever had the misfortune to receive. i expect much more grovelling in future and a proper explanation." he groaned; he hated making apologies almost as much as he hated the idea of telling her exactly what had happened. "but first," she continued, "i would love to know what you think you're doing with me on this table."

she waited expectantly. so did he."well?" she snapped at last."don't you sign your letters?" she scowled at him, but complied."fine. damn right you're mine, ingrid." she reached up to seal the letter with a very

ief kiss. "now tell me what you're thinking.""i'm thinking about making you weak at the knees, but i don't want you to fall. hence the table.""oh, really? weak at the knees?" she lowered her hand with a challenging look. "do your worst."

he climbed onto the table and kissed her. when she rolled them so that she could get on top and kiss him back, it wasn't even really a surprise. strange, how after everything, he could still predict her actions at a time like this."not even close," she hissed in his ear, "ingrid dracula doesn't do weak."

he didn't bother to argue.