Still firmly gripping my hand, he reached for his keys. He made sure to hide them from my view as if to prevent me from knowing which key went to my door. Clever I must admit, it's like he's thought everything through. The door swung open, and a long corridor came into view. It was lined on both sides with doors and paintings that looked to be antiques. He moved gracefully pulling me in tow to the first door on the left. Behind the door was a room very similar to mine except for the color and lack of personal items. The room was painted a forest green with silver curtains and contained all of the essential furnishings. This included a bed, a nightstand and dresser. He turned to me and explained, " This is one of my spare rooms, you'll find many of them around the house. You see this whole floor is filled with them and I will only be showing you one, for all of them are basically the same." Weird... I would think the other rooms would have some other purpose. "Cool," I breathed. Erik seeming pleased with my answer led me out of the room, shutting the door behind us.

We walked towards a spiral staircase lined with a burgundy carpet. For the trip down the stairs we remained silent, it was a very awkward silence and our physical contact was making it even worse. He still held my hand, which I could feel getting more and more sweaty with the passing time. I had never really had a boy, let alone a man whom I did not know hold my hand and it was making me nervous. The way he was grasping my hand frightened me. I mean it was too gentle almost caring and if he saw this as some kind of romantic gesture I can only imagine what else he has in mind. I have to find a way out, I don't know how or when but I will. He also had one long arm wrapped around my waist holding me securely to his side preventing me from moving further away. My stomach was doing flips realizing that my previous theories might not have been too far off. The end of the staircase came and yet again I was pulled in the direction of another room. "This is the kitchen," he murmured. I was amazed. Everything was clean and marble. It was elegant and not what I had expected for a kidnapper and/or stalker to maintain. Seeing my bewildered look he began to reassure me. "Of course I will be cooking all of our meals. So don't you worry about your cooking not being satisfactory. Well, unless you want to cook then please feel free to indulge." Ok now I was convinced I had to get out now! No way was I going to eat anything that he made. It was like one of those shows were the guy poisons the girl and then has his way with her! " Oh , thanks" I gulped as I imagined the potential threat. I'm screwed.

We exited the kitchen and walked across the house until we stood in front of a set of double doors. They were a darker wood than the rest of the woodwork in the house and looked more expensive. There were angels and Gothic designs trailing down the frame and accenting golden handles. I exhaled as I felt his hand leave mine and his arm unwind from my waist. He moved slowly placing both of his hands on the handles so that he was facing me and had his back to the doors.

"This is my favorite room," he beamed. "And I believe it may hold some interest for you as well." Without further delay he opened the mysterious doors. In front of me was...heaven. It was a large circular room, probably the largest in the house. Book cases lined the walls containing what seemed to be thousands of novels and references. I walked in too stunned to speak, examining the room. The last wall was glass with doors facing what seemed to be the backyard. My awe was shattered as Erik continued," This is where I compose my music," His velvet voice making me jump, I turned to see a black grand piano in the corner. How did I miss that? It was massive! "You see my main profession involves music, so you can guess why I was drawn to you. You're voice is like that of an angel, so pure, so innocent." He paused and tucked my hair behind my ear, his hand grazing my cheek. I shivered his hands were cold, but I felt my skin get warmer and a blush flood my face. His eyes momentarily locked with mine. He looked away, finishing his thought. "My work is constant. In fact I often sleep in here or in one of the spare rooms." He explained. Well that explains why he never showed me his room and why there are so many couches in here. I walked away from him, grazing my fingers along the smooth surface of the piano and onto one of the bookshelves. "It's beautiful," I confessed. And it was true the room was positively lovely. Even with the papers littering the floor and tables the design and quality of everything was exquisite. "I'm glad it pleases you," Erik whispered causing me to whirl around to face him. He was absolutely glorious. He was smiling and the sight made him appear almost normal excluding the ever present mask. Glancing nervously behind him to the backyard a plan suddenly hatched in my mind. Saying a quick prayer I began to gather my nerves.

I turned around after a moment to find Erik behind me watching my reaction. "Erik," I tried to make my voice sound sweet and inviting. "Since I'm going to be here for an awful long time, do you think I could borrow a book or two?" I asked with what I hoped was a flirtatious smile. "Well of course!" He boomed slightly shaken, laughing lightly. "I'm afraid most of these books will bore you, but these." He pointed to a nearby shelf, "Are for you." he finished. I followed to where he was pointing. of course all of my favorites were there. The classics and others on my hobbies like music and photography. There were also a couple of books that I haven't read yet but I had been planning on it. This was perfect now all I had to do was act the part and I was home free! I stared at the books pretending to make a selection. After a moment, I decided it was now or never.

"Erik," I purred. "Can you get that red book for me? I can't quite reach it." He stared at me, momentarily dazed. Wow I really put it on thick. Snapping out of his trance he replied with a grin. "It would be my pleasure." Mission accomplished. Now my timing would have to be just right if this was going to right. Just as he was in mid-reach, I turned and bolted for the glass doors. To my delight it was unlocked. I flung them open and ran for my life. The bang from the door hitting the wall must have alerted him because I heard muffled curses and him shouting. "CHRISTINE! CHRISTINE!"

I ran as fast as I could into the forest dodging trees and jumping over roots. I couldn't hear anyone following so I ducked behind a tree. My chest heaving I leaned back against the tree for support. I could both hear and feel my pulse everywhere. My heart racing and wrenching in my chest as I remembered the anguish in his voice as he screamed after me. It almost made me feel regret...almost.