A/N: Hey everyone! So sorry for the wait in between updates. Life is hectic right now and I am trying my best to get my chapters all out to you. I would like to thank N.S.L. Jewelles for all of her help with this chapter and all of my others, she is simply fantastic! I hope everyone enjoys this chapter and lets me know what you think, I love hearing from you all! Thanks, DonJuanTriumphs

Chapter Fourteen: Ocean's Peace

"Erik?"

For so many years Erik had considered himself strong. He was a magnificent warrior, and he could say that with confidence because he had worked most of his life to make it so. Being told from an early age that he had to kill his own brother in order to get any where in the world had taught him early to always expect the unexpected. Over the years he had taken on a cold persona, not allowing anything to affect him. He had no needs, no desires other than to see to the downfall of his beloved brother. He had prided himself on this iron will because he had seen so many of his fellow comrades fall because they were weak enough to let themselves be tempted. Whether it be money, a woman, or anything remotely like that many men had met their maker wanting things that would only deter them from their purpose. But not Erik. Nothing could rattle him, nothing could break his stern grasp of control...

Until Christine...

Turning to face her Erik felt his entire body harden with an almost animalistic need. She was lying in her bed of furs, the same place she had been since she had arrived with her wounds. Because her wounds still pained her immeasurably she was on her stomach, her arms propped under her chin so she could look at him. Her resplendent mass of curls was mussed and disheveled, her cheeks flushed from the warmth of the room. The fur covering her bandaged back had managed to slip down precariously and he could see the outline of one breast. It would seem that some unseen force of nature kept pulling her covering down, for it always seemed like he could see just a hint of her body in some way or another. As he continued studying her he began to notice the contented gleam in her eyes.

She had slept well the night before and it was more than apparent by the look on her face. She look satiated...Erik groaned when he began to think that she would look just like that after she spent a few hours beneath him. This was exactly the kind of thinking that had him in such an uproar. Why did he desire this one woman so much? Without even knowing what she was doing she was stripping him of his will power as if it were nothing. He did not like the fact that he wanted her so much. It meant that he was allowing himself to become weak. He refused to let her be a weakness. Perhaps all he truly needed to do was bed her and then he would be cured of this infatuation.

"Erik?" she asked again, her voice soft and alluring. Erik's jaw clenched at her almost seductive tone. He was in his own living hell! Christine was surely the devil, tempting him until he felt as if he would go mad with this need for her!

"Rest," he growled, unwilling to speak to her. Every word was doing him harm, because he took everything to be a double entendre and he began to think of her in ways he knew he shouldn't.

"I just...never mind," Christine said, sounding incredibly dejected. Erik glanced at her in some surprise. She had turned her head, pressing her cheek against the furs. Where moments before she had looked relaxed and comfortable, now she looked melancholy and miserable. He knew this change of mood had much to do with the fact that he had obviously tried to turn his back on anything she had been about to say.

"What is it, Christine?" he asked, sighing. It was not right for him to blame her for his own raging desires. She could not help the way she looked, and being short with her would only lead to a tensed atmosphere. For a moment she said nothing, as if wondering if she should truly say what she wanted him to know.

"Could you do something for me?" she whispered, glancing at him before looking away. Christine appeared as if she did not really know how to ask for something she wanted. It was as if she feared rejection before she even opened her mouth. Someone had told her repeatedly not to expect anything, and he knew that now without a measure of a doubt. What Erik could not quite understand was why? What could she have ever done to be talked down to? Well, he did not like it, and he wanted to put a stop to it.

"I make no promises," he said. For some unknown reason he did not like the idea of promising her something unless he was completely able to give it to her.

"Can I see the ocean?" she wondered softly, still not meeting his gaze.

"The ocean?" he questioned, wondering if he had heard her correctly. That was all she wanted? To see the ocean?

"Yes, the big body of water," she murmured, obviously teasing him. Erik was thankful that she had seemed to loosen up slightly. He was growing rather weary of the tension between them when they argued. He could see rather clearly that her teasing was her way of masking her uncertainty. She was afraid that he would say no to her request.

"Would you be up to such a thing?" he asked, gesturing towards her back. She shrugged a dainty shoulder.

"I shall never know unless I try," she answered. Admiration swept over him before he was able to stop it. Obviously she was not the kind to give up, and he liked it. However, even with this new admiration he knew he had to think realistically. Her back was in no way healed, and if she were to stand and try to walk she could easily tear open one of her wounds. The thought was not appealing, but he wanted to give her what she had asked for. He, too, was beginning to grow tired of the cottage, and even with his exercise the day prior he wanted some fresh air.

"Wrap the furs around yourself," he instructed. Christine glanced at him, a small frown furrowing her brows. Erik simply waited, not saying another word to explain himself. Knowing nothing would be done unless she did as he told her she silently wrapped the furs around herself. Before she had time to prepare herself for such a thing Erik had made his way over to her and picked her up into his arms. She clutched onto her coverings with the hope of preserving her modesty. He was, like every day before, not wearing a tunic, which meant there was barely anything seperating her chest from his...which told Christine they were far too close.

Erik felt his jaw clench as he pulled Christine close to him. Every womanly curve was more than obvious through the furs, and he wished more than anything that he could remove the hated covering and press everything she was against him, skin to skin. He had to stop himself from admiring the way she fit so perfectly in his arms, as if that was where she was meant to be. He half expected her to become tense, the reaction he received every time he touched her, but to his surprise and relief, she took a deep breath and settled herself comfortably against him. Erik was very aware of the fact that he probably looked a fool, for he was simply standing there, holding her, which was getting them no closer to their destination. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he hoisted her more securely in his arms and took a step...quickly stopping midstride.

Christine had gently nestled her head against his neck, her warm breath fanning over his skin. This was not the only thing that had him unmoving. He knew that she could feel the mangled flesh of his face against her forehead...and she was not flinching away in disgust. Knowing she was alright with the sight of his face was something altogether different than being alright with the feel of him. How many times had his deformity caused people to shrink back in disgust or horror? Yet here lay this little dainty woman, who, for all the world, looked like she held the weight of the world on her shoulders, and she lay willingly in his embrace, as if he were an ordinary man. Never in his life had he been considered normal or ordinary, and he realized what a welcome change it was to being believed a monster.

"Erik?" Christine whispered, not at all sure why he was still standing in the middle of the cottage. Clearing his throat, he hastily made his way from the building, no longer wanting to dwell on these foreign feelings. He was allowing himself to become distracted far too much, and it would simply not do!

Christine let out a sigh of peace when the cool air washed over her skin. Turning her head away from Erik's neck, she ran her eyes over the very welcome sight of the ocean. Just the sight of it was enough for her to forget all of her worries. Nothing seemed like too much to handle whenever she came to the beach. Whether the ocean had the same affect on Erik she did not really know, because his body had grown more tense with every step he took. She glanced up at him but his face was emotionless. Walking towards the shore he glanced down at the sand, a frown marring his mouth.

Was it just him, or did that sand look far too uncomfortable? He looked down at Christine, who looked extremely comfortable and relaxed in his arms. Why is it I do not want to let her down? He did not like the idea of letting her go so that the sand could hold her in its embrace. Do I realize what I am thinking?! I am becoming jealous of SAND! Erik growled, no matter how ridiculous the whole thing sounded, he still did not want to set her down. He never had oppertunities to be this close to her and he refused to let the moment slip by. Instead of asking her if it was alright, he shifted her into his arms before sitting himself into the sand, Christine cradled in his lap. He felt her tense, but decided to ignore it.

"Erik, could you please-"

"You're welcome."

"I beg your pardon?" Christine said. She had been unable to understand Erik when he had suddenly sat down with her on his lap. Did he not know that she could do very well without his help or assistance? Now he was making no sense in what he said.

"You're welcome," he repeated. She frowned.

"For what?"

"For taking you out here to see the ocean," he answered, as if it were the most obvious answer, and she, obvoiusly, should have already known what she was thanking him for.

"Well, thank-"

He silenced her when he pressed a finger to her lips, catching her by surprise. She stared at him and when he allowed himself to return her gaze she watched as his darkened. He had not moved his finger, and Christine felt her breathing grow short from his touch. She had the unmistakable urge to open her mouth and take his finger inside. Somehow she knew that he would receive pleasure from such a thing...and she cursed her weak will when she was unable to do anything but stare at him.

"Just relax and enjoy the sight," he murmured. Christine briefly wondered if he wanted her to enjoy the sight of the ocean, or the sight of him. She had to admit that either of them would not be too hard to stare at...It took her some time to get used to the feel of him holding her, because being held was not something that ever happened to her anymore. Not since the death of her brother and father, that is. Her thoughts were interrupted when Erik once again shifted beneath her.

He spread his legs and sat her between them, leaning her back as gently as he could against his chest. She winced slightly but managed to find a comfortable position within moments. She held the furs close to her chest, but her entire back and bottom were bare, except for the bandages. Knowing she shouldn't be allowing herself to become so comfortable she leaned her head back against him, feeling more content than she had in a very long time. Erik rested his arms on his knees, until she was completely surrounded by him. Christine was surprised that she did not feel threatened with such a thing. He seemed comfortable, and so she would be too.

If she really knew what was going on in Erik's mind, however, she would know that he was far from being comfortable. He had realized the moment he sat her down between his legs that he was going to have some difficulty, especially because his body had swelled to attention at the feel of her against him so close and he found himself shifting his weight slightly, praying she would not feel the bulge demanding attention. There would be no way to explain such a thing without making himself look an utter fool. He tried to take his mind off of his body's plight, and he began to notice just how comfortable Christine had become.

"Do you often come to the ocean?" he murmured, hoping asking her such a question would not ruin the moment of peace they had found for themselves.

"Yes...whenever things feel like they have become too much," she answered, surprising him with her small confession. So the ocean was her way to escape the world. He knew the feeling of needing to simply get away. He would not have known what would cause her to need time on her own, but the wounds to her back were a testament that her life was not as wonderful as he would have wanted to believed. She was so beautiful...it was rather easy to imagine her some type of fairy princess, and she lived in a castle where she was waited upon hand and foot...it angered him to realize that it was not so.

"In fact," Christine continued. "I was coming here with the hope of soothing the thoughts in my mind when I found you."

Erik realized that if she had not had a troubled life she would not have taken that walk on the beach...and he would have never been able to meet her. Strange how the thought did not appeal to him very much. He might not want to become close to her, but he was glad that he had met her.

"A trip I am sure you often regret," he said, a small smirk raising the corner of his mouth. He was sure that he had not made her life any easier. He heard her chuckle softly.

"You have your moments," she admitted. "And I just want to storm right out of the room."

It was his turn to laugh.

"I have that affect on women quite a bit," he said.

"You mean your masculine wiles do not attract the opposite sex?" she asked, trying to sound appalled.

"On the contrary, most women are in love with my stubborn attitude and self-assured nature," he said.

"Every woman has her preferences, I suppose," Christine said. He liked how they were able to have such an almost flirtatious conversation without any tension mounting between them.

"I am not the only one who is stubborn, little one. Do most men find themselves drawn to your need to debate?" Erik asked, unable to help himself. He wanted to know how many men were able to stand the way she spoke to men. His upbringing would not allow him to let go of the situation. Christine glanced back at him with a small smile. She knew he was not used to the way she spoke to him. Another reason she was convinced that he was a noble. When her father was alive he would bring her to court on occassion, and she had met many men that believed a woman's place was behind the man. The man always came first, and the woman's needs did not mean as much as the man's.

"Is your opinion of a woman's place based on your own beliefs, or someone elses?" she asked. Erik admitted that he was taken by surprise by her question. For a moment he did not answer, simply thought about what she had said. He had been raised to see women a certain way, and he realized that it was his father's view of women he had been taught. He had never questioned it.

"That is a good question," he murmured. He had believed the things his father had said about women for so long he did not think he could really change his ways. Besides that, his mother had proven his father's point repeatedly. She was no good, and when he was younger, he had begun to believe that all women were like her. But no matter how hard he tried, he could not help but see that Christine was far from being anything like his mother.

For a long while silence reigned between them. It was not an awkward moment, both were comfortable and caught up in their own thoughts.

"Erik?" Christine said, finally speaking.

"Hmmmm?"

"I know you are not ready to divulge anything about yourself...but...are you-that is, are you married?" she wondered, silently wondering why in God's name she had asked him such a question. For some reason she desperately wanted to know if he belonged to another, and she could not explain why.

"No, I am not married. Nor do I wish to be," he said. Even when he said it Erik knew it was not completely true. When he gained his rightful place as his father's heir, and he would, he would need to marry and produce a son to take his place when he died. But that was the only reason he could think of to tie himself to a woman permanately. Not an idea he was very fond of.

"You do not wish to be married?" Christine asked.

"No."

"Why would anyone wish to spend the rest of their life alone?" she said, not able to imagine why anyone would want to do such a thing. If she were given the chance to find someone to love she knew she would welcome marriage with open arms. It was the chance to spend the rest of your life with another person, something much better than the life she had for herself.

"It is better to be alone. You never need to depend on anyone else, and the only person you need to worry about is yourself."

Christine said nothing for a moment, not really wanting to argue with him about such a thing. She silently sent a prayer up to God that Erik would not spend the rest of his life alone, she would not wish that upon anyone. Perhaps she could put this into terms that he would find more appealing.

"But there have to be some benefits to being married," Christine said, unwilling to let the topic go. It appalled her to think that anyone would ever wish to live a life devoid of love.

"If there are, I am not aware of them," Erik answered. He wondered why she was so adamant about talking about marriage. What did it have to do with either of them? He did not want to be married, and when Christine was married he would never know, because he would be home, in his rightful position.

"But just think, being married you would have a woman in your bed every night, welcoming you with open arms," she said, wondering if she had really just said such a thing. Talking like this was not like her at all! But she knew it would catch Erik's interest. Why did she want him to find happiness so much? What did it matter to her?

"It has its possibilities," Erik conceded. In fact, the idea was very welcoming. As he tried to picture such a thing images of Christine in his bed, welcoming him with open arms, became the main focus of his mind. If he had someone as beautiful as she was to go home to every night, marriage would not be such a bad prospect after all. But it would never happen, and he would be wise to remember that. "But why tie myself to only one woman when I could have as many as I wanted whenever I wanted?" he continued, knowing he sounded incredibly shallow.

"And when you grow older? What happens when the women are no longer in ready supply?" she asked, not liking the fact that he seemed to be like every man she had ever met when it came to women.

"The idea of being alone frightens you, doesn't it?" he asked, seeing why she was asking so many questions. Immediately he knew he had asked a question she would not answer, and like he had dreaded, she immediately stiffened against him.

"That is none of your business," she whispered. There was no way she was going to share the fact that she was very lonely, and she was scared that she would be that way forever. That was private, and she did not need to share it with anyone, especially someone that would be out of her life as soon as he possibly could be. It would only make him feel sorry for her, and that was the last thing she would ever want.

"Christine-"

"I think I am ready to go inside now, Erik," she interrupted. He knew he had touched a sensitive subject. So the little woman in his arms was lonely? He found that interesting. Surely a woman as gorgeous as she was had her fair share of admirer-ers? How could she ever be lonely? Flocks of men had to be around her constantly, vying for her attention. It must not be the case, however, because she obviously did not want to discuss the topic at all. The more he talked to her and the more he learned about her, the more questions he wanted answered. She was an enigma, and he knew he would not be satisfied until all of the mysteries were uncovered.

For a moment Erik was reluctant to move, realizing that he would very much like to stay just where he was. He had not been this relaxed in his entire life. Ever. Who would have ever guessed that simply sitting in the sand watching the ocean would bring about this much peace? But he could feel the resolve that had set into Christine, she was determined not to say anything at all. Resisting the urge to demand that they stay where they were, Erik began to get to his feet. She shifted in his arms, trying to make sure she was completely covered. He did not know how it happened, but somehow his leg slipped out from beneath him, and he felt himself falling backwards. Christine gasped, and as quickly as he was able, Erik shifted her so she landed on her chest against him, instead of her back...

Even given the fact that he had just fallen the only thing he noticed was the feel of Christine's breasts pressed against his chest. He tilted his head to look at her, only to find that she was laughing. To Erik this was not a laughing matter...she was lying on top of him, making him think about all of the things he could be doing to her in such a position.

"Very graceful," she laughed, not aware of the fact that he could see her entire bare backside, and it was quite a sight.

"I am not complaining," he murmured, catching her by surprise. She followed his gaze and gasped, hastily covering her rear from his sight. Christine seemed incredibly flustered, and Erik liked how he seemed to leave her speechless.

"Perhaps we should be going inside," she finally managed to say. He did not move. He was going to enjoy this moment. Slowly his hands settled on her hips, purposely pressing her against his rapidly growing desire. Her eyes widened in a mixture of surprise and disbelief. When he was satisfied with her position one of his hands left her side to come to her face. Very gently he allowed his fingers to carress her cheek. Why was it so hard to deny his attraction to her?

"Perhaps we can go over what needs to be done in order to have a successful ravaging?" he wondered, his tone light when his body was on fire. Christine's breath caught. Although he could not understand why he was doing such a thing, Erik knew he was openly inviting her to kiss him. He knew he did not want any complications, but he very much wanted to kiss her, even knowing it was going to make things more difficult. And at the moment he wanted to flip her onto her back and show her exactly what he wanted. But of course he couldn't, not with the condition she was currently in. Erik's eyes scanned her face, trying to gauge her reaction to everything that was happening. She was looking at him as if she could not quite believe that he was touching her at all. There was also a lot of uncertainty in her gaze, and he wished he knew what she was thinking. The only thing that gave him a morsel of hope was the fact that she had not pulled away from him. That had to be a good sign.

"Come now, Christine, I know you will enjoy it," he murmured. When again she did nothing but stare at him, Erik gently cupped her face in both of his hands, feeling his body tighten at the prospect of finally claiming her lips with his own. He leaned forward, giving her more than ample oppertunity to pull away from him...she didn't. Groaning, he slowly made his way so close he could feel her warm breath fanning his face. "That's right," he mumbled, holding her in place as his lips descended on hers.

"CHRISTINE!?!"

Christine yanked her head away from him as if burned, looking around frantically for the source of the shout. He watched as her face turned a bright crimson, a shade he was growing quite fond of. Leaning his head back, his eyes caught sight of the woman who had brought him the supplies not too long ago. The woman in his arms was growing more distressed with each step the blonde haired woman took. Christine glanced into his eyes pleadingly.

"Please, help me up," she whispered. He could tell that she was extremely embarrassed, and he did not like it. They had done nothing wrong...a fact that made Erik not particulary happy. He desperately wanted to do something wrong with this woman, because he knew it would turn out to be so right. Standing, and making sure he did not lose his balance again, he cradled her in his arms. Christine just wished she could disappear. Meg had just seen her almost kiss this man! How was she going to explain herself? Meg was her only true friend, and she knew that as a friend Meg would only want to make sure that she was safe and alright. And Erik was anything but safe. When she reached them Meg looked between the two of them, her gaze slightly frightened when she looked at Erik.

"I did not see anything," she said, saying what she knew Christine wanted to hear, much to Christine's relief. Everyone knew she had seen, but because it was not her place she would not mention it ever.

"Is there a reason for this interruption?" Erik demanded, his voice sounding incredibly harsh. Meg took a step back and Christine glanced up at him. Was he disappointed that they had not kissed? Well, if that were the case-and she didn't think it was-it would be the first time a man had ever wanted to do such a thing with her. Taking a deep breath, Meg met her gaze, completely ignoring the intimadating man holding her friend.

"Christine, you must return home, immediately," she said, not elaborating. Christine searched her friend's eyes, knowing Meg would not say anything in front of Erik unless she told her she could. Right away she began to think the worst. Katerina had found out she was missing and was now looking for her, and that could mean her death if she were caught. Meg, however, seemed to be able to see her fears and shook her head.

"Some guests will be arriving within the next few hours," she said, emphasizing 'guests'. Christine felt dread enter her heart.

Raoul and Charles were returning to the chateau, and they could not find her missing. It would ruin everything...

"She is not going anywhere..."

Both women turned their gazes to Erik. Christine realized that things were about to get a bit complicated.