I couldn't resist :)

Kat sat at the dining table, staring into the flickering flames of the candles. All she could think of was Mr. E and his eyes, his lips, his voice. Her body felt warm at the memory of his hands holding her, keeping her close to him. His embrace had spoken volumes of safety and love, yet he had let her go. He liked her enough to hold her and kiss her, yet he had pushed her away when she would have given her heart to him in another kiss. She would have given anything…everything…

"Katharina, you know I dislike it when you stare off like that. It makes you look simple. Smile some and talk to me. I wish to know how your first lesson was."

Kat looked up and took a minute to focus. She had become so sure of Mr. E's presence that she had forgotten that she was with Raoul. She exhaled and smiled.

"I am sorry, my lord. I am just very tired. The lesson was very…intense. Mr. E, that's his name you know, Mr. E is a man that desires perfection. He was very…thorough in his lessons."

"Then you like him? You are pleased in my choice?"

"Very much, my lord. Very much indeed. I hope that he will have me for another lesson very soon. I'm afraid I am not as well trained as I thought."

Raoul chuckled and took a bite of his dinner. "I could have told you that, my dear. That is why you are taking lessons. If you must indulge in this whim, better to get some accomplishments out of it."

Kat sighed. He was being coarse tonight. She had noticed the change in him since they had arrived in Paris. Maybe it was the company they had been keeping recently. She knew that the other nobles looked down on her because of her poor beginnings. They made no secret of it. She just wished that Raoul could be a little kinder at times. She knew her failings already; she didn't need his help.

Perhaps that was what attracted her so to Mr. E. He taught her as if he knew she had potential, that her failings were only a temporary moment and that she would soon excel. He had faith in her. She was sure of it, or at least she hoped. She wanted him to think well of her. The thought that he might think ill of her, it made her lungs feel heavy. Was he thinking of her now as she was thinking of him?

He could still taste her on his lips. Mr. E groaned and rubbed a hand across his eyes and through his hair. His mind was filled with thoughts of her. Pure and lascivious thoughts alike. He wanted to protect her but he also wanted to feel her naked skin on his. Mr. E stood and walked to the window. He opened it and let a cool breeze blow in. He would keep her as far from him as he could. She was pure, untainted by the world's ugliness. He would be teacher, master, but no more. Returning to the desk, he opened a drawer and took out a sheet of paper. Dipping his quill in the ink, he began to write.

Darn you sexual tension! I don't think I'll be able to upload for a few days since I have a couple tests, a ton of Italian homework and a hurricane to take care of. Knowing me, I might give in to temptation, but I'm not sure so just to be safe! I wrote this while watching the original Dark Shadows so I'm hoping this chapter isn't too somber.

I've been getting some great reviews, but not as many as I would like. If you write me a nice review, also send a PM with a couple of your choosing. I shall then write a little story with that couple. Or maybe I'll make you into a character in a future chapter! Remember, nice reviews earn nice rewards :) Till next time!