Chapter 26:

I leaned against it and stared at my bed.

Images of last night and this morning flashed and mingled in my mind.

My nerves were so raw and my body shook.

I slid to the floor and wept into my hands.

Now I know how Pandora must have felt after opening the box.

I picked myself up off the floor and walked over to the bed.

At first it had seemed strange, leaving this room with the bed unmade and a mess; and then to return to find the room in perfect order and the bed made.

I knew it was Laddie doing it. But when I had tried to thank him and tell him he need not do such things he would only smile and shrug his shoulders.

He had even written me a note explaining that it was his duty to keep things in order here.

I ran my hand across the clean white comforter.

Would Laddie find it soiled in the morning?

I shook myself from my wayward thoughts and went to lie on the couch.

Pulling the blanket that draped the back of it over me I rested my head against the cushion.

I was so tired and emotionally spent that I don't even remember going to sleep.

I was jolted awake by a knock at my door.

Suddenly I thought he's come for my answer.

"Lesta, are you awake?" He called through the door.

Maybe if I remain silent he will just go away. At least that's what I hoped.

He knocked again, and then opened the door.

I closed my eyes and tried to pretend like I was asleep.

But when he stood over me I trembled.

"Do you fear me that much Lesta?"

I opened my eyes and looked up at him.

Turning away from me he said "We have a guest for dinner."

I sat up. Confused I looked at him. The only other person I had seen since I had been here other than Erik and Laddie was Nadir.

Erik laughed and said "It only Nadir, but I think to make a special occasion of his visit."

I still felt confused, but I stood up and walked over to the vanity.

As I began to brush my hair Erik came to stand behind me.

My hand began to shake at his nearness.

He took the brush from my hand and started to run it gently through my hair.

As he brushed my hair I leaned my head back.

His touch felt so wonderful.

He leaned forward and kissed me on my forehead as he laid the brush down.

Then he whispered in my ear "I want you."

My body seemed to melt as he said those words.

Standing back up to his full height he said "Our guest is waiting."

I wasn't sure if I could stand or not.

My body felt so weak.

Pushing myself to my feet and I slowly walked to where he was waiting by the door.

I followed him down the stairs still trying to compose myself.

But as I descended the last step Erik slid his arm around my waist and pulled me to him.

He held me against his side as we walked the rest of the way to where Nadir stood.

I began to sweat and my body trembled.

Was he doing this to me on purpose? I'm sure he knew the influence he had over my body.

Nadir bowed and said "I am glad you could join us Madam."

I nodded back at him not trusting my voice.

Nadir seemed to look at me more closing and said "Is everything alright Madam? You do not look like you feel at all well."

Erik interrupted Nadir "She is quite well I assure you. Are you not my dear?"

"Yes…yes I feel fine." I quickly replied.

Nadir nodded saying "If you say so Madam, but if you are feeling ill I could come back another time."

"No… Please stay." I cried before I could stop myself.

Nadir looked at me and then to Erik.

Before Nadir could say anything else Erik announced "I believe our meal should be about ready. We should make our way to the dinning room."

Erik nearly carried me as we went.

Erik seated me and Nadir took a chair across from mine.

Then excusing himself Erik left the room.

Nadir immediately leaned forward and whispered "Madam if I can be of any assistance please tell me."

I looked at the door Erik had gone through and then back at Nadir.

"Please Monsieur he will hear."

Continuing to whisper Nadir said "Has Erik harmed you?"

I was beginning to feel very nervous and frightened.

"Please I can not say anything. He will hear us. Please Monsieur I do not wish to anger him."

"So you are afraid of him?"

"Would you not be, if you were me?"

Hearing Erik's approach I sat back and looked down at the table.

He entered and set a tray upon the sideboard.