Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story except for the few you do not recognize.

Author's Note: Thanks again to my reviewers and to my great story editors Penmora Zenith and Terpsichore314.

Chapter 21

Paladin's

Friday evening

Christine was listening to classical music as she rinsed off her dinner dishes. She hadn't heard from Erik in two days and missed him terribly, wondering if he was still upset with her. She'd been thinking steadily on Megan's words since last night, turning them over and over in her mind, yet the answers eluded her. She was sure she loved Erik, and she was sure he loved her, so why was his mask such a big issue? He said there was no life without me. If that's true, then how can he keep his face from me? Megan said I should respect his wishes if I love him or he may not stay around. But his wishes don't make sense! What am I not getting?

She suddenly heard the instant message tone from her computer. Erik! She hurried over to her desk and sat down.

EDupont: Good evening, mon amour.

AriaMaven: Good evening, love.

EDupont: I wanted to apologize for leaving so abruptly the other night. I'm sorry.

AriaMaven: No, I should be the one to apologize. I shouldn't have asked you to remove your mask. I'm sorry, please forgive me.

EDupont: It is forgotten, my love. I want to see you again.

AriaMaven: I want to see you, too, baby.

EDupont: May I see you tonight?

AriaMaven: Yes.

EDupont has signed off.

Ten minutes later, there was a light knock at her door. When she opened it, Erik stood there dressed in his signature black dress shirt, pants, shoes, and white mask, his hair windblown as if he'd driven over with the top down. He looks so good…

They gazed at each other uncertainly until Christine opened the door wider and said quietly, "Would you like to come in?"

She stepped aside and Erik walked into her apartment. Everything looked the same. He turned around when he heard the door close, and as he looked at her, Christine thought he seemed different somehow. He took a tentative step towards her and then paused. He suddenly seized her face with both hands and pushed her against the door with his body as he smothered her face with kisses. Christine could hardly catch her breath as she felt his arms around her and she melted into his embrace. Her heart leapt when she felt his passion for he was now kissing her with a desperation born of fear. He'd thought all night and day about Christine and of how he couldn't live without her, not now, not after finally acquiring her love after so many days, months, and years of doubt and longing.

God, how he needed her! Not just for this moment and not just to possess her body, but to exist…to live! Before, he'd felt he was just a shadow, moving through each day accompanied only by his music. But since Christine came into his life, he'd become so much more in every way. He had a reason to rise up in the morning and compose fantastic scores and to institute innovative programs throughout the Music Center. Because of her, he'd brought San Francisco to the attention of the world, and unbeknownst to him, had inadvertently placed himself in the annals of world history for his unprecedented achievements in music and architecture.

He quickly lifted up her top and moved aside her bra as he kissed every part of her he could reach. Christine could feel a tingling between her legs as she unbuttoned his shirt and undid his belt, and he quickly removed his pants and let them drop carelessly by the door as he stripped her pants from her. They were both naked from the waist down and Christine was breathless from Erik's hurried kisses down her neck and his suckling of her nipples as he grasped and kneaded her breasts roughly. His frenzied passion felt out of control as he pressed against her fully, and when he couldn't hold back any longer, he grabbed one of her legs and wrapped it around him as he took hold of himself and shoved his stiffened member into her as she cried out. Christine thought he felt incredible as he drove himself repeatedly into her, and her back was forced against the door with each thrust. Christine was overwhelmed by his passionate zeal and moaned loudly when she came, and when his hips suddenly jerked convulsively, he groaned as he emptied himself into her with a few more thrusts until he was at last spent. When they had finally finished, they leaned against the door heavily for support, trying to catch their breath.

"Christine…," he murmured, breathing deeply. "Christine…I love you. God, I love you." He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. "I'm sorry I didn't call, I'm so sorry."

Christine leaned against the door and rested her arm over his shoulder. "Oh, Erik…no, don't be sorry…just love me.…" She kissed him gently as they finally stood. "Let's take a shower."

They showered in Christine's tub with the shower curtain pulled around them. It wasn't nearly as luxurious or as roomy as Erik's shower had been, but they were both glad and thankful to be together again. After they'd scrubbed and rinsed off, they stood there holding one another for several minutes under the hot water. Their closeness felt right, and they didn't want to let go.

When they finally stepped out of the shower, they dried off and Christine put on some relaxing music as they laid down on the bed together, the only light coming from a decorative nightlight on her bureau. Christine lay next to him, and Erik fondled and suckled her breasts as they relaxed.

"Christine?"

"Hmm?"

Erik hesitated. "I just wanted to tell you…" He paused.

"What is it, baby?" Christine had her eyes closed, but she could hear the emotion in his voice.

"I've had a chance to think for the last couple of days…and I realized just how much I love you. I don't want to fight, Christine, because I think I'm losing you...I can't lose you, it would kill me. I love you so much, Christine, you just don't know…you don't know..."

Christine opened her eyes and turned towards him. "I love you, too, Erik. You mean everything to me...everything. I never want to make love to anyone else for as long as I live," she whispered. And as if to prove her words by her actions, she lowered herself on the bed so she could be near his shaft, and she closed her eyes as she began to slowly lick the head of this now engorged member with the tip of her tongue. She wanted him to know that she was his completely, and for her love, would do anything that he desired of her.

Erik closed his eyes tightly and sucked in his breath. He couldn't believe how it felt to have Christine make love to him this way. Although he'd had sex before, he was amazed at Christine's ability to take him to the highest Heavens, for never before had he experienced such in-depth foreplay, and it was exquisite. Her tongue sleekly stroked the underside of his shaft before she gently raised his scrotum to lick the highly sensitive area underneath, which felt unbelievably arousing to him. She placed his scrotum in her mouth, first one side and then the other, and ran her tongue all over it. She would suck the balls gently, and then return to take his shaft in her mouth as she sucked it from its base all the way to its tip. And as she began to suck him faster, her head bobbing up and down, he had to pull her away so he could impale her beneath him. They both moved together in sync and began breathing harder as their passions quickly built. They soon moved roughly as his thrusts became more forceful, and they finally exploded in cries of each other's name as they jerked and convulsed in utter satisfaction.

"God, I love you, Christine. I need you, I'll always need you," he said breathlessly as he kissed her.

"I love you," Christine murmured sleepily. "Stay with me tonight."

Christine awoke slowly, and her first thought was of Erik. She felt happy and there was a definite lightness in her heart for she knew everything was right between them again. But as she turned over in the bed, she saw that he wasn't there, and when she felt his side of the bed, noticed that it was cold. She stilled to see if she could hear any sounds coming from the kitchen, but all was quiet. He'd left some time ago.

She got up and sat on the edge of her bed, wondering why he'd left, when she glanced over to the chair by her dresser. Stacked neatly in the chair were a number of white boxes tied with trailing black satin ribbons and a card atop each box. She went over and looked at them excitedly and then brought them over to the bed. Her fingers trembling, she opened the card on the largest box, and it read My Christine, The night is ours. I will pick you up at 8:00. Eternally, ED

She grinned as she looked at it and excitedly wondered what it could be. She quickly shimmied off the ribbon and opened it. Whatever it was was wrapped in high quality black and ivory tissue paper which was fastened with a gold seal embossed with the name Valentino's. Christine gasped. If it were anyone but Erik, she would know this couldn't have been a Valentino's, but because it was Erik, she knew instinctively that it had to be. She carefully undid the seal from the tissue paper and reverently lifted the garment from the box, holding it up in the light.

It was the most beautiful dress she'd ever seen. It was a very short, strapless dress made of a shimmery black fabric that had delicate silver embroidery along the bodice. The bodice was fitted and flared out to the skirt. She was speechless. She'd only seen such dresses worn by celebrities in People Magazine. She looked along the inner lining and found the satin tag which said it was a Valentino's Original. She was in awe as she laid the dress back in the box and looked at another box. The note atop this box read For my Cinderella. – ED

When she removed the ribbon and opened it, there were a pair of exquisite black satin high-heeled sandals. She knew immediately that they matched the dress perfectly. She took them out of the box to admire them and was amazed by their styling and fine workmanship. They had to have been very expensive. She'd never seen a style as elegant or as detailed, and when she looked at the fine gold lettering inside the shoe, noticed that everything was in Italian. She tried them on, and they looked beautiful, but even more incredible was how comfortable they were. She was amazed that Erik could pick these out himself. She loved them! She looked at the next box and the note on top which read These are on loan from a friend. I hope you like them. – ED

When she removed the ribbon and opened it, she almost dropped it in shock. There was an impossibly gorgeous diamond pendant necklace, a diamond bracelet, and a pair of diamond drop earrings. A thought fleetingly crossed her mind that one could buy a house with what these jewels must cost. She placed the box carefully on her dresser and took out the last box, which was considerably lighter. The note atop this one said For she who makes my heart soar. – ED

Christine carefully removed the ribbon and opened the box, separating the tissue paper within. It was a garment, but all she could do was stare at it, not believing her eyes. It was the most exquisitely beautiful thong panty she'd ever seen. It was made of black silk and had a beautifully designed lace butterfly with myriad tiny beads and jewels throughout its wings and body which had to have been hand sewn. Christine lifted it from the box to admire it. The back and sides were mere elasticized silk bands, but the front was the butterfly.

Looking over at each box, Christine decided to try everything on although her hair and make up were nonexistent this early in the morning. As she slipped on the dress, she noticed the fine detailing and extra touches that were present throughout and appreciated the fine workmanship that went into it. When she had the dress zipped and she'd put on the jewels, she noticed that the jewelry perfectly complemented the dress. Although the skirt was very short, falling to just five inches below her butt, she noticed that the length was just enough to keep everything covered whether seated or walking, and that with her high-heeled satin sandals, it showed off her legs to their full advantage. She marveled at the perfect fit and wondered how Erik had been able to have the dress length hemmed so perfectly to her size, for this dress left absolutely no margin for error. His taste and judgment were impeccable.

She carefully boxed the jewelry and placed it on her dresser and took off the dress. She still couldn't believe that Erik would do all this for her. She put on a robe and turned on her computer. She had to thank him immediately.

AriaMaven: Good morning, my love.

EDupont is away.

Christine looked at her clock and noticed it was just ten o'clock. Where could he be at ten o'clock on a Saturday morning? Just then she got a wild idea and decided to act on it. She would write Erik a letter thanking him for everything and slip it under his door. She decided to take a shower before leaving.

As she turned on the water and stepped in, she started making a mental list of all the things she'd want to tell him in the letter. By the time she finished showering and got dressed, she sat down and composed a rough draft. She then penned it carefully on her best stationery, and reading it over one last time, she was finally satisfied and sealed it. On the front she wrote in her best hand Erik Dupont. She checked her computer once more to see if he was still out, and he was, so she stuffed the letter in her purse and went out the door.

She thought of him as she drove to the Phil and about the past several weeks because it seemed as though they'd done more in a month than she normally did in an entire year. She remembered the Bal Masque and the people he was acquainted with and dealt with in the course of his job and thought it was all just so amazing. Rick had been associated with the upper rungs of society as well, but Erik was in another league altogether, although that was really neither here nor there.

It seemed like she'd pulled up to the Music Center in no time since her mind had been preoccupied. She walked in the front entrance and over to the elevator as a couple of young women crossed the lobby. She didn't know them, but she noticed that the blond woman was uncommonly beautiful, and as they passed her, she caught a portion of their conversation.

"…taking you sightseeing Wednesday! You must have made a great impression on him because I've never heard of Mr. Dupont…"

Christine stared at them as they turned a corner and the elevator doors opened. She got in and hit the topmost button for the sixth floor. She wondered about the conversation she'd just heard between the women. Was Erik supposed to take that woman sightseeing Wednesday? She wondered who she was. Did she work there, or was she a performer? She has to be a performer because she's so beautiful.

As the elevator door opened up, she stepped out onto a wide lighted corridor and looked around. There was a plain wooden door across from the elevator which had a plaque on it stating it was the staircase, and the only other door was an ornate wooden door to the left of the elevator down the hall. As she walked up to it, Christine noticed that there was no identifying plaque on it. Apparently, unless one intended to see Erik specifically, there'd be no reason for anyone to come up here, she thought.

As she looked down at the door, Christine wondered if she'd be able to slip her letter under it, and as she tried it, found that it just barely made it. This place is locked tighter than a drum. Her mission accomplished, she decided to go downstairs and check out the gift shop before heading home again.

As she walked into the gift shop, she noticed a few people already there. She walked over to the music boxes and wondered if she'd find anything affordable. As she examined the half dozen music boxes on display, one in particular caught her eye. She thought it looked Italian and it had a beautiful flower on the lid. She turned the crank slightly to engage the music mechanism and it started to play. Christine recognized the piece immediately as Think of Me from the opera Hannibal. Erik would love this she thought. She held her breath as she searched for the price tag. Most items in the gift shop were beyond her budget, so it was with bated breath that she turned over the price tag to see that it was $75. Her heart sank. She couldn't possibly afford a $75 music box, but immediately started brainstorming on how she could afford it. Perhaps she could ask Madame Wu for more hours at the store, or maybe she could offer to type school papers… Or maybe she could go into her school savings. This final option seemed the most reasonable, so she took the music box to the counter and wrote out a check for it, requesting that it be gift wrapped.

"That's a beautiful music box you just bought."

Christine looked up suddenly to her right and saw Roan smiling at her from about three feet away. It was the first time she'd seen him dressed casually, and he looked rather …wholesome.

"Roan! What are you doing here on a weekend?" she smiled. "Don't you ever go home?"

"No, I really have no life. It seems like I live here, doesn't it?" he chuckled. "I'm just here working on a project for the Christmas Gala and broke for lunch. I like to come into the gift shop sometimes to see what's new. What brings you here on a Saturday?"

"I just needed to drop something off. I'm on my way home now." Christine collected her package.

"Why don't you join me for lunch and we can talk?"

Christine wasn't sure if she should, but since there really wasn't any reason not to, agreed. "Okay, Gaston's?"

"Of course," he grinned, and they walked across the plaza to the restaurant.

As they entered Gaston's, Roan spoke to the hostess for seating and Christine was amused as she noticed the hostess' flirtatious mannerisms as she led them to a booth and left their menus. When they were ready to order, a waitress approached their table and Christine noticed her smiling broadly at Roan and giving him more than the usual attention. To his credit, Roan seemed oblivious to the entire display and was focused solely on Christine, but she couldn't really blame the women because Roan was quite handsome.

They placed their orders and had a very casual and relaxed time conversing about school and work and their plans for the future. Christine was pleased that Roan hadn't brought up Erik at all, or even Rick for that matter, and found that she enjoyed talking to him. He listened sincerely to what she had to say and seemed to take a genuine interest in her opinions and plans for her future. She found out that Roan was the oldest of three children and that his family was very wealthy and close to Rick's family from when they were small. By the time lunch was over and they were about to part ways, Christine felt she'd made a new friend.

"Thanks for lunch," she smiled as they walked back to the Phil. "I really enjoyed that."

"We'll have to do it again sometime, or anytime if you'd just like to talk. Give me a call," he smiled, and he waved goodbye as he walked back to his office.

Christine drove home feeling happy and looking forward to the evening. She took the gift wrapped music box from the bag and placed it the living room. She looked forward to giving it to Erik tonight when he picked her up.

Erik was feeling wonderful as he drove to Christine's. They'd had a good evening last night, and the tensions from two nights ago were all but forgotten. He loved being with her, he loved making love to her, and he appreciated everything about her. If only the mask wasn't an issue…

He'd spent the morning with Amir. They'd gone out for breakfast and talked, and when he'd come back in the afternoon, had been pleasantly surprised to find Christine's letter pushed under his door. She'd poured out her feelings for him and thanked him for bringing so much happiness into her life. She'd been greatly impressed and thankful for the dress and accessories, and she looked forward to their evening together. If only she knew that it's she who brings so much happiness to me, he thought.

He parked in front of Madame Wu's and climbed the stairs to her apartment. He knocked gently and Christine opened the door, a vision of loveliness. Her hair was up in a very sexy, artfully mussed style with tendrils which hung in a manner which showed off the diamond jewelry splendidly. Her dress fit her perfectly and looked wonderful. "Christine, you look magnificent," he said as he held her away from him and looked at her, smiling a secret smile as he imagined what was under it. He was very pleased and stepped forward to kiss her gently.

When Christine saw Erik, he was nothing short of devastating. He wore a stylish black three-piece suit that fit him incredibly well, a white silk dress shirt, and white silk tie with a small onyx tie pin in the shape of a knight chess piece. His hair was combed back and his white mask looked striking against his suit. Christine couldn't look away. "You look incredible, my love," she whispered as she kissed him. "Thank you so much for this dress and the accessories. Everything's so beautiful, and the jewelry, I feel like a princess," she beamed.

"Are we ready to go?" Erik asked with a smile.

Christine pulled him into the living room. "In a moment. I have something for you," she said mysteriously. When they were seated, she presented him with the gift wrapped box.

Erik looked genuinely surprised. "You got this for me? You didn't have to."

"I know, that's why I did it." She loved that he was surprised.

He removed the ribbon and then carefully removed the wrapping paper. When he came down to the package itself, he opened it and saw that it was a beautiful music box. He smiled and took it out of the packaging. He immediately noticed its fine craftsmanship, and as he carefully opened the lid, the first strains of Think of Me wafted out. Erik loved it, and he began to feel a lump in his throat, for no one had ever given him such a gift before. He turned to Christine and gave her a kiss. "Thank you," he whispered. "I love it."

Christine gathered her wrap and evening bag and locked the door as they made their way downstairs. As Erik led her to the car, Christine was amazed to see that tonight's was a silver Ferrari! Christine thought it was the most beautiful car she'd ever seen in her life. Just how many cars does he have? Erik helped her in and Christine was just amazed by the luxuriousness of it all. As Erik turned on some soft, mellow music, they drove south toward the area bordered by Nob Hill and the Financial District, which was fairly close to her home. Christine noticed they were approaching another one of the five-star hotels in the city, but this time, Erik drove into the underground parking garage himself rather than leaving it to the valets. After they parked, Erik opened Christine's door and helped her out, and they walked over to an elevator. Christine wondered if they'd ride to the top again, but was surprised when Erik hit the down button and they descended four stories.

When the doors opened, they faced the elegant entrance to yet another exclusive restaurant: Paladin's.

Christine took Erik's hand and was overwhelmed yet again by the opulence and elegance that were available to those who could afford it. It was a large room that was comfortably filled with diners dressed formally and who were obviously people of means. Over the soft music could be heard the quiet buzz of conversation. As Erik spoke to the hostess, Christine noticed the surprising attention to detail, from the lighting, which was dim, to the classic décor, the tables covered with white tablecloths, and a candlestick lamp atop each that was topped by a small pleated lampshade. As they were led to their table, she suddenly heard, "Christine!"

She looked toward the sound of her name and was surprised to see Megan and Amir waiting for them. "Megan!" Christine approached the table as Megan stood and they hugged each other tightly. "What a surprise!"

Erik and Amir shook hands and Erik greeted Megan with a smile and kissed her cheek as Amir likewise greeted Christine with a kiss. Christine admired Megan's dress just as Megan was admiring hers, and she knew Amir had to have gotten it for her since they were very familiar with each other's wardrobes. Megan's dress was also short and black and had spaghetti straps and tiny rhinestones throughout. She'd also styled her hair more formally and also had jewelry on loan. Amir looked incredible his suit, and as Christine looked at both men, thought they looked much too handsome to be allowed. In fact, she noticed that, like at Fong's, they turned heads when they were together. As they took their seats, Erik and Amir asked them what they'd like to drink. Christine and Megan both requested the house specials, and so the men left the ladies to chat while they walked over to the bar.

"You clean up rather well, old man," Erik smiled as they placed their drink orders.

"And you," he smirked as he looked back over at their table. "Christine looks quite nice tonight."

"As does Megan." Erik looked over at their dates appreciatively. They both noticed that the ladies were attracting quite a bit of attention from the other young men there, and they felt a quiet pride in their women.

Christine and Megan were obviously oblivious to the stir they were causing among the men seated near them, but weren't nearly as oblivious to the attention their men were receiving from the women at the restaurant. As Erik and Amir sat at the bar, Christine was again struck by how incredibly handsome they were. How fitting that they should be best friends. Not only were they handsome of face, but they looked wonderfully elegant in their dress attire while sitting on the barstools. Christine was proud to be seen with Erik, and Megan felt the same about Amir.

"So I take it you guys have made up?" Megan asked with a smile.

"Yes, we made up last night. I see Amir's looking very well," she said as she glanced over at the men.

Megan looked over also. "Yeah, he's great," she smiled. "Actually, a lot more than great. I see Erik's looking well, too. Um, have you thought about Occam's Razor?"

"I haven't thought of anything else," she said quietly, "and I'm still thinking about it."

Megan's smile faded slightly. "You'll get it eventually, but I just hope it won't be too late."

Christine looked around the room, taking in the rich décor.

"You know, we're really going to have to stop meeting like this."

Christine looked up toward the voice and suddenly found herself looking into Roan's deep blue eyes. "Roan? What are you doing here?"

"It's my parents' anniversary. We're over there celebrating," he smiled, and he pointed towards a private room that was filled with a few dozen friends and relatives. He looked wonderful in his black suit, and Christine vaguely recalled the term dressed to kill.

"Roan, you know my friend Megan Gerard, don't you?"

He smiled over to her and extended his hand. "Yes, of course, long time no see! I must say, you both look beautiful," and he looked them both over with an appreciative grin.

Just then, Erik and Amir returned to the table with their drinks. "Mr. Richards, a pleasure to see you." Amir wore his charming face and shook his hand warmly. "You know our resident composer, Erik Dupont."

Roan looked over at him and smiled warmly as they shook hands. "Only by reputation, we've never formally met, but I'm very honored."

Erik smiled back with his poker face. "My pleasure."

"My parents' anniversary," Roan offered by way of an explanation. "I'd better get back before they send out a search party. It was very nice meeting you, have a nice evening." He said this last with a parting glance at Christine and a hand to her back, all of which Erik took in.

As they sat down, Erik wanted to kiss Christine passionately this very moment because she looked so beautiful, but instead, he raised her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back. Christine looked over at him and smiled warmly, a significant look passing between them. She placed her hand on his thigh as he placed his hand behind her chair and they turned their attention back to their menus. "What would you like, my love?" he murmured to her.

"Since I've never been here before, please order for me," she suggested, and he gently rubbed her back in acknowledgment. How he loved going out with Christine, for she knew the things that pleased him. Paladin's was known for their steak and seafood, and knowing that Christine was partial to seafood, decided to order that for her.

On the other side of the table, Amir and Megan were sitting very close together and would occasionally share a kiss. Christine thought they looked perfect together, like a fairytale couple. She was having such a wonderful time.

"Are you my happy, my love?" Erik whispered close to her ear.

Christine turned to him and whispered back, "Very," and then kissed him on the lips.

Amir noticed their exchange and smiled inwardly. It warmed him to know that his friend was experiencing happiness with a woman at last, especially being that it was with Christine. He'd been aware of the changes in Erik from the time Erik had first seen her until now, and it was as though a vast desert in drought had suddenly come alive and blossomed after a long awaited rain. Yes, Christine was the best thing for him.

When it came time to place their orders, Erik and Christine ordered oysters on the half shell appetizers and lobster with Dom Perignon, while Amir and Megan ordered petite cuts of filet mignon with a dry Bordeaux. Dinner was absolutely lovely and Christine loved everything about it from their unusual entrance, to the ambiance, to the food and service. For dessert, Erik and Christine leisurely shared a dish of French vanilla ice cream drizzled with Grand Marnier, while Amir and Megan had Irish coffee with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. When they were done, Erik and Amir placed some bills on the table and rose, helping the ladies to their feet.

When they stepped into the elevator, Christine thought they'd return to the surface and to their cars, but instead, Amir hit the down button and they descended one more floor. When the doors opened, they faced a dimly lit but elaborate foyer and an elegant glass soundproof wall with a large glass revolving door, each pane etched with the Paladin symbol. The name and symbol of the establishment was etched next to the revolving door: The Paladin Club.