Warning: some images in this chapter are of a sensitive nature. Not too graphic, but may be troubling. It's the middle part, so can be skipped (I'll explain it a little at the end)

Erik stared at the sleeping woman nestled in his arms. She had drifted off, leaving him to trace over every facial feature. If he was blinded at this moment, he would be able to recall with perfect clarity every small detail of her face. She had often called him an angel, but it was she who was the angel. She sighed and nestled deeper into his embrace. When she had left him, he had been furious, but also confused. It was obvious that they loved each other to distraction, yet her words had been those of a totally different person. No woman with so much hate would burrow deeper and deeper into his arms.

It was Raoul; it had to be. Erik was well aware of how jealous the infamous Count could be, how passionately he fought for something he desired. At this moment, his main desire was Kat. But Raoul underestimated just how jealous the mysterious Mr. E could be as well. Both men would fight to the death, all because of the small body pressed against him and the fiery spirit that thrived within it.

He suddenly found himself imagining Kat holding his child, his son, and the boy's shining green eyes looking up at him with love. He thought of teaching his son how to play and sing, building on the boy's obvious talent for music. He and Kat would watch with pride as his son married a woman he loved, finding a mate as well chosen as Kat was for him. He kissed her forehead as Kat leisurely stretched and draped her arm across his chest. Lifting her head, she reached for his mouth. He obliged her by leaning closer and capturing her lips between his own.

This night was proving to be quite a record for Raoul. He had taken three virgins, one mother, 5 wives, and 2 widows. He smirked at the sheepish look on many of the female faces in the room. They either had been with him or were anxiously waiting. He was the Count after all. To him, they served as good practice for the things he had planned for Kat.

She infuriated him beyond words. He had given her everything her little heart could desire. Now she had the audacity to break her promise and try to embarrass him by disappearing. He shrugged to himself. No matter; Kat would always still be his, no matter where she went. He stalked the room, scoping the remaining women. His eyes landed on a caramel-colored beauty in a sapphire gown, the neckline plunging to reveal that she was very well endowed.

Raoul caught her eye and nodded to the door leading to the terrace. She smiled and glided to the door, leaving behind a very disappointed gentleman that was probably a fiancé. Raoul waited a minute and then followed her. He walked to the door in time to notice a flash of blue pass into the entrance of the garden labyrinth below. Raoul followed, anxious to see what awaited him.

As he took her, Raoul imagined that it was Kat beneath him. He thrust in deeper and harder, forcing himself into her. The woman screamed, clawing at his shoulders, struggling to flee. He muffled her cries with a hand. She had figured out that her idea to come out here with him was wrong. Now, she was being ripped apart, making her scream in pain. Raoul ignored her, thinking only of his own pleasure. There was a look of murderous rage in his eyes, making her fear for her life. He slapped her, splitting her lip open.

When she tried to cry for help, he grabbed her throat. He held on to the column until he felt he was close, pulling himself out and forcing her to take it in her mouth. He loosened his grip enough so that she could swallow everything he gave. He walked away from her, whistling as he listened to her cough and choke.

Erik sat reclined on the settee as Kat fixed her hair. He slowly pushed himself up and walked to her , sliding his arms around her waist and nuzzling her nape. Kat chuckled and lifted her arms up over her shoulders to wrap around his neck. Erik nipped the skin, wrapping his arms tighter around her small waist. A surge of protectiveness washed over him and he felt his grip tighten more.

Kat laughed. "Erik my love, any tighter and I won't need a corset!" Reluctantly, he loosened his hold on her, but didn't let go. Kat took her hands away and turned in his hold; the arms went back up to tangle in his hair. Erik gulped and ran his hands up and down her back, lingering on the bones of her spine that were not covered by cloth. He pulled her forward and kissed her forehead, letting her feel his love in that kiss. She sighed and he was undone. He fell to his knees and pulled her skirts up. She ran her fingers through his hair as he lifted a leg to his lips.

He worshipped every inch of skin. He kissed her small feed, her strong calves, her knees. The feel of her satiny skin in his hands was a comfort to him. He gave equal attention to the other leg, worshipping a part of her that he had foolishly neglected. He looked up, worried, when he heard a choked gasp. The violet gems that looked back were full of tears. She whispered his name as she fell into his arms.

Time lost all meaning as they held each other, showing their hidden love in their kisses. His fingers ran through her hair, undoing it once more. The soft mass fell into his hands and down to her waist. He loved the satiny texture of her midnight curls against his worn fingers. He spread each strand so that her back was shielded by a curtain of midnight sky.

They undressed slowly, pulling each other together as soon as the offending clothing was removed. Their bodies fused, making it impossible to tell where one began and the other ended. Erik's fingers moved down to lightly trace the soft ridges of her ribs. At the same time, Kat traced the scarred side of his face. They worshipped each other as they fought for dominance. Erik let her take over, pulling her over so that she looked down oat him, her thighs cradling his hips.

Her movements on him were wicked, seductive, and yet vulnerable. He pulled her head down to his, brushing his lips over hers. Her fingers tangled in his hair and lightly tugged the sensitive strands. They loved until they collapsed, both satisfyingly spent. As he pulled her close to him, Erik smiled at the thought that the whole time that had loved, she had never once turned away.

Whelp, I'm sorry about Raoul's part in this chapter. I felt like I needed to develop the character of "The Count" a little more so that you all can see what kind of a person he is. Yes, he's a jerk that made her dump Erik, but I wanted this character to be as close to evil as I could get him (without being like a mass murderer). Plus, it emphasized the difference between him and Erik. Raoul sex=not so good. Erik sex=happy tears, angels singing, heavens open up, etc. etc.

Many thanks to all my lovely reviewers! You guys are the best! Many of you have demanded Raoul's head on a spike and since everything I had pre-written is now on here, I guess anything may go ;)

Til next time!