A/N: AT LAST! CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN! Thank all of you for being so patient with me, I have been so terribly stressed with work! I had little time to write, witch really annoyed me! But here it is, every one thank my beta buddy, EriksLeadingLady for beta-ing my chappy so fast! I finished it yesterday and she had it finished today! Thanks Nicaole! Alrighty, down to business, alot of you asked me to put some fluff between Josephine and Erik for this chapter... AND I DID! WOOHOO! Some one even gets a kiss towards then end! What kind of kiss you ask? On the cheek, on the lips? I'm not going to tell you, your just going to have to read on and find out! MUHAHAHA! Enjoy every one! And please R&R!
Chapter Twenty Seven
I had to open the window; it got too damn hot in here. I don't know what came over me, but when I was unbuttoning Josephine's gown, a strange heat claimed my body. It claimed a part of me that I thought was gone - no longer worked - but when I felt the warmth of Josephine's body at the tips of my fingers, I wanted to bury my face in the warmth of her neck, to feel her soft skin against mine, to inhale the scent of her hair…
I ran my hand through my hair, shaking my head to stop the thoughts that were forming in my mind. I shouldn't be having those thoughts; I truly am a monster… I heard shifting in the room, and I looked over my shoulder just in time to find Josephine peeking from the changing screen. She gasped softly and quickly hid behind it.
I shook my head. "I saw that."
"Saw what?"
I ignored her and sucked in a lung full of crisp winter air before I turned around, and when I did, Josephine was tying the sash to her white cotton robe.
"Bloody hell," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck.
I just had to wait for her to return from dinner, didn't I? I asked myself closing the window behind me.
Well, you were set on punishing her for it, whispered a voice inside my head.
"Erik, why were you here when I returned from dinner?"
I looked over my shoulder, and Josephine was doing her best to glare at me; it was quite amusing - the look didn't suite her very well.
"Because I was planning on hurting the fop of a man once he sought you to this room. He has no business taking you to dinner."
"Well, if I didn't know any better, Erik, it sounds like you're jealous." Josephine smirked.
"I do not get jealous," I lied. "I get angry, and then even." That part was the truth.
Josephine harrumphed before turning to brush out her hair. I decided to change the subject.
"I see you got a new book," I commented lifting it up so she could see it in the mirror.
"I did. I went to that little bookshop, and I also went to a café to have some drinking chocolate. It didn't taste as good or the same as the drinking chocolate you served me; I didn't finish it."
"That's not a surprise to me. I add cinnamon and I use milk, not water."
"Oh."
I watched as Josephine brushed her hair. She used long gentle strokes. She had her eyes closed, too, perhaps she was tired, I wondered. The brush she was using I haven't seen in years; Josephine used the same brush Christine used. I remember now: I bought the set for Christine, and she didn't even notice that the set was new. The brush, comb, and hand mirror. Christine had shrugged her small shoulders and didn't give it a second thought. I remember I waited behind the mirror for hours waiting to see her excited expression…
"What are you thinking about Erik? You look… sad."
I blinked, looking up at Josephine who was watching me from the mirror.
"I'm not thinking about anything," I murmured.
"Liar. It was something from your past, wasn't it? I can see it in your eyes, something's bothering you."
I rolled my eyes. "You can see it in my eyes," I said, mocking her flatly.
"Yes, I can. You are very good with hiding your emotions, you know, but I find that you cannot hide the pain that shows in your eyes, Erik."
Josephine was standing now; her hair brushed and was now flowing wildly round her face in massive wavy curls. She looked utterly adorable with her hair loose like that.
"You should leave your hair loose like that more often, Josephine," I commented walking up to her. I took a curly strand of hair and twist it round my finger. "You have lovely hair."
Josephine made a face. "Pfft! If I left it loose like this, my hair would be in the way."
She scooped up her hair and let it hang on one side of her shoulder, leaving the lock of hair I was twisting behind. Her bangs fell over her eyes, and I didn't hesitate to brush them aside and tuck them behind her ear. An ache pierced my heart as I remembered the last time I did this. I've been away from Josephine for over two weeks now, and I found that I missed her dearly. I've stood away from the surface, stood away from her because she denied me. Now, I regret it…
I saw her sitting on the edge of the stage this afternoon and heard what she said, how in the hell could she think that? I got so angry that I didn't realize I was pulling on the ropes that held the sand bags. Josephine had just moved out of the way when they hit the floor, and to be completely honest, I would have felt better if one of the bags would have hit her over the head.
I cleared my throat as Josephine took a step closer to me; I looked from the lock of hair to the glowing amber eyes that were staring intensely at me. Long black lashes framed glowing orbs, and my eyes lowered when I saw Josephine moisten her lips. The tip of her pink tongue darted out to slide over her bottom lip. I swallowed hard wanting to know what her rose bud lips tas-
I dropped her hair and stepped away – almost staggering - back to the window, pushing it open again wide and took a deep breath.
"Get a grip of yourself!" I whispered in German. I practically had my head sticking out of the window; the winter air was very helpful. It cleared my head and chilled my body.
"Erik, did you really come here to find out if I went to dinner with Edward?"
I clenched my teeth saying nothing; Josephine went on with her rambling.
"Why do you hate him so, Erik? I mean he is a little bothersome, but in all honesty he's a nice young man…"
I grunted. "I dislike him because he reminds me of another 'nice young man' that I despise," I growled grinding my teeth.
"I see, and who is that?"
I frowned looking over my shoulder; Josephine was sitting on the vanity bench facing me. Her legs were crossed and her hands were clasped atop of her knee.
I sneered, annoyed. "It is no one you know."
Josephine lowered her eyes, disappointed and whispered. "I might."
Her confession seemed odd to me. I turned to fully face her. Something was not right, I just knew it. I waited for Josephine to look me in the eye, but she did not. She remained looking down and pulled at the folds of her robe.
I waited patiently even though I wanted to grab her by the shoulders – to shake her - and demand that she look at me. Finally she peeked through her long lashes, most likely to see if I was watching her – which I was! The expression Josephine gave me then said it all…
I stumbled back slightly, gripping a hold of the window seal in shock. Josephine knew everything of me. She knew of my existence when she came to the opera house. With Antoinette as her godmother, of course Anne would warn Josephine of me and her squawking daughter Meg!
I groaned closing my eyes tight. "How could I have been so blind?! Here I am trying to be cautious of what I say to you when you probably know everything that has happened here!" I suddenly laughed loudly, tears started to form in my eyes from laughing so hard. This whole ordeal was utterly amusing!
Josephine on the other hand looked bewildered from my sudden outburst of laughter. She smiled slightly, but it formed into a grimace afterwards.
"How much do you know of my life, Josephine?" I asked, suddenly sober.
Josephine raised an eyebrow. "I don't under-"
"Come now, child. Don't play dumb with me," I barked. "How much did Margurite tell you?"
"Who's Margurite?" Josephine whispered.
"MEG!"
Josephine jumped by my outburst, placing a hand on her heart. She then lowered her head and shrugged her shoulders. Anger and irritation washed over me, I growled deep in my throat before I went to kneel before her.
I took a deep breath before I spoke.
"This is very important, Josephine, how much do you know of me?"
Josephine bit her lip and whispered, "Everything."
"This whole time you knew who I was?"
Josephine nodded.
"You know of the night the opera house went up into flames, don't you?"
Again Josephine nodded.
"I was here when the chandelier fell…"
I swayed slightly on my knees; I suddenly felt light headed! This has become a living nightmare! Then something clicked in my brain – if Josephine was here that night, then…
I placed my hand over my mask and sat down fully on the floor before I fell over; I felt the bile rise up in my throat. I swallowed the bitterness in my mouth.
"No," Josephine whispered.
"No what?" I asked, my voice sounding weak.
"I didn't see Christine take off your mask… I wasn't paying attention to the stage at the time. Then the next thing I knew was that everyone was screaming and then the chandelier was falling."
I moved my hand from my mask. "Truly, you didn't-"
"No, Erik I do not know what lies underneath your mask, and I would never betray you by removing it to satisfy my curiosity. I gave you my word."
Reassurance washed over me, and I didn't feel as weak as I sat on the floor. I swallowed hard and tried to breathe evenly. Josephine then murmured something that I didn't catch.
"What was that?"
"I said I did lose something very special that night…"
"Which was?"
"My mother's comb. It was a gift from my father to my mother; maman let me wear it that night in my hair."
I sighed, feeling exhausted. I ran my hand through my hair then scrubbed it over my face. "You lost the comb?" I asked trying to pay attention to what she was telling me.
"Yes…"
"What did it look like?"
"The comb was thin, black Ivory, on top of the comb was a diamond rose and the leaves were made of emeralds'."
They image danced around in my memory. Why does that description seem so familiar to me? I lifted my head from its place in my palm. "Does it have any designs on it?"
"No, will, yes," Josephine sighed. "It has my mother's initials near the bottom of the leaf, E.D. for Emily DeBeaux."
I twitched and stood up abruptly, remembering all the pieces of jewelry and hair pins I collected when I came back out of hiding. "Come with me." I stood up and walked towards the mirror. "Wait." Turning, I looked down at Josephine who was behind me and saw her bare feet.
I narrowed my eyes into slits. "First, put on your slippers."
Josephine raised an eyebrow, but shortly understood. She smiled and rushed to get her slippers on. She grabbed the red shawl that Jacques Monte returned to her and places it over her shoulders. Josephine practically ran to my side and clasped my hand into hers; I was taken aback by her action and looked down at our joined hands.
"Is something wrong?"
"No," I muttered pushing open the mirror.
As we made our way toward my home, I tried to picture the description of the comb Josephine told me about. I remember seeing something of the like years ago; I waited a whole month before I stepped foot into my opera house, and when I did, I did my best to clean some of the damage I had caused. I started in the auditorium, and under all of the fallen debris, I found many treasures. Mostly it was woman's jewelry, necklaces, earrings, broken bracelets, hair clips, and combs.
Once in my lair, I directed Josephine into my library, and as I was walking out of the door, I saw Ayesha trotting inside. I stood just outside the door, just in case I needed to call Ayesha out of the room, but I witnessed something utterly shocking! My little lady padded her way toward Josephine, meowed, and started rubbing her body against Josephine's leg!
Josephine didn't expect this either for she practically jumped out of her skin. Josephine placed a hand over her heart and sighed; Ayesha then plopped over onto her back and waited for Josephine to rub her belly.
"Well, I'll be damned…" I whispered, rubbing the back of my neck. Ayesha has allowed only one person to pet her and that was Anne. I wanted to stay where I was and watch, but I brought Josephine here for a reason and that was to find her mother's comb. I went into my bed chamber and looked through the large trunk I had near the armoire; I keep most of my small treasures there. I looked through it and pulled out the three large velvet bags that I filled with what I found in the auditorium and returned to the library. When I returned, Ayesha was sitting on Josephine's lap purring loudly.
"Why couldn't you be this sweet when I first met you, hmm?" Josephine whispered as she scratched under Ayesha's chin.
I walked in without making a sound and kneeled beside Josephine near the hearth. She smiled at me; I was surprised I did not frighten her when she saw me.
"Look, I think she likes me now," Josephine whispered in glee.
"I think she does."
"She's so soft, and so beautiful." Josephine then placed both hands over Ayesha's ears. "But I'm more of a dog lover, but she doesn't have to know that."
I smiled. "Why are you still whispering?"
Josephine's face went blank, and then reddened as she began to giggle.
"Oops. What do you have there?"
I placed a silk handkerchief on top of the carpet before us and dumped out the first bag I had. "I remembered that I kept most of the jewelry from that night, perhaps I have your mother's comb in here as well."
Josephine eyes went as wide as saucers. "Truly?"
"Yes."
***
Josephine and I went through every piece of jewelry and hair pin in the bags I had, and we didn't find her mother's comb.
"I'm sorry, my dear, I truly thought I had found it."
Josephine said nothing; she looked as though she was close to tears. She bit her lip and looked into the fireplace where the flames were rising. I placed my hand on her shoulder, and she put her hand on top of mine.
"Are you going to be alright?"
Josephine sighed, taking my hand from her shoulder and placed my arm around her shoulders. I sat stiff beside her as she leaned her small body against mine. She then placed her head just over my heart, and I was positive she was able to hear my rapid heartbeat.
"It was too good to be true…" she murmured against my chest.
I swallowed hard and took a deep breath as I shook my head. If someone were to tell me this morning that I would be holding a woman before a fire, I would have laughed in their face!
But now here I am, sitting in front of the hearth with my arm wrapped around a woman – Josephine - and a cat that is glaring at me. Josephine beckoned Ayesha to join us – which Ayesha stubbornly ignored for a while - then finally she came and made herself comfortable in my lap. I tried desperately to relax beside Josephine as time passed, but I could not! Never in my life has a woman willingly sought my comfort the way Josephine is doing now. Josephine's soft body was tucked close under my arm. I leaned down toward her hair and inhaled her scent; I closed my eyes savoring the lavender and lilac.
Hesitantly I began to relax, that was until Josephine started to pet Ayesha. As Josephine pet Ayesha, her hand briefly brushed against my knee and all the damn improper thoughts raced through my head! Try as I might to ignore them, to think of something else, but it wouldn't work.
I had to move away from Josephine. I was uncomfortable and embarrassed with myself, and I didn't want Josephine to see why I was embarrassed! I gently removed myself from Josephine and picked up the three velvet bags.
"If you will excuse me, I must return these and will be back momentarily." I stood and quickly walked out of the library.
I went to my bed chamber, tossing the bags onto my bed, and went into the water closet to splash cold water onto my flushed face. I looked at myself in the mirror without my mask and immediately my refection sobered my feelings. I glared at myself in the mirror until I felt cold and loathsome; I reminded myself that no one could look upon my face and love me.
"Love this!" I growled touching the rough skin of my face.
Yes, who can love that? The voice of destruction asked. I heard a low chuckling in my head and looked around in the water closet, but I was alone.
I'm surprised Josephine touched you and didn't turn away screaming! The voice bellowed.
I placed my hands on both sides of the sink, glaring at myself in the mirror.
That's right, hate yourself; you'll learn to love it!
I growled, turning my back away from my refection. I had had enough. I wiped my face of all the water and replaced my mask; I then went to put the bags back into the trunk where they belonged. I turned the oil lamp up and sat it beside me before I opened the lid. When lifting the heavy oak lid I saw something catch the light and shimmer dully at the bottom of the trunk.
Something was in between a crack of legal documents to an estate that I own just outside of Paris. I picked up the documents, putting them to the side, and I was now starring down at an Ivory black comb with dust covering a diamond rose with green emerald leafs. I picked it up with shaking hands and held it as though it were made of glass; I blew the dust off and wiped the remainder of it. Underneath one of the leaves were the initials E. D.
"Emily DeBeaux…"
I swallowed hard and stood on weak legs; I found Josephine's lost comb! I turned and rushed toward the library holding the comb tight in my hand.
"Josephine?" I went to her and kneeled beside her.
"Oui, Erik?"
I smiled like a mad man and told her to hold out her hand, which she did and I placed her mother's comb in her palm. Josephine gasped, holding the comb with both hands.
"Where did you - how - you found it, you found it!" Josephine exclaimed, sitting on her knees to face me.
Josephine held the comb to her heart before she leaned forward crying. She placed a hand on the carpeted floor to keep her up.
"I don't understand. I thought you'd be happy. Why on earth are you crying, child?" I felt my shoulders sag as I saw Josephine in this state; she was supposed to be happy! Not crying!
Josephine wiped at her face with her robe sleeve. "I don't know. I'm just… I'm… I don't know what I am!" Josephine then began to laugh hysterically. "I'm just so happy!"
Before I could say anything, Josephine tackled me with a fierce hug and her strength knocked up both towards the ground. The back of my head hit floor hard.
"Oomph!" she giggled.
"Ow, was that really necessary?" I hissed in pain, looking up at Josephine. She was laying half way over my chest; her hair was a mass of wavy curls about my face and hers.
"You know, instead of all that you could hav-" I began but got cut off.
I was stunned into silence as Josephine placed a kiss on my exposed cheek.
"Wh-why… what-what was…Why?" I stuttered like a buffoon! I bit down hard on my tongue for making me stutter like a fool. "Why did you do that?"
Josephine just smiled softly. "Because you found my mother's comb, Erik. She loved this comb so very much. I felt horrible once I realized I lost it. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Can you get off of me now?" I asked, awkwardly.
"I will, only if you let me give you another kiss? You've made me so happy!"
My mouth fell open; I couldn't believe this child wanted to give me another kiss! My mouth went terribly dry; I cleared my throat and gently pushed her off of me. Josephine held on to my shoulders tight as I sat up. She was between my legs and was inches away from my face.
"May I give you your kiss now?" She smiled.
I didn't trust my voice so I merely nodded. Josephine leaned in and first gave me a tight hug, which felt strange to me. She giggled as she did this, and a warm sensation settled over my body and heart; is this what affection fells like? My throat suddenly thickened with emotion. I wanted desperately to return her hug, but couldn't find the courage to. So I sat there…
Josephine released me, leaned back, and placed her lips on the corner of mine; I closed my eyes and savoring the feeling of her lips near mine. It didn't last long, but I wanted more.
As Josephine pulled away from me, I held her in place by the shoulders - perhaps a little too roughly- so I could look into her eyes. She was inches away and all I had to do was lean in so I could have a taste of her. I was sure in this moment Josephine would allow me; all I would have to do is lean…
Ayesha jumped in between us, wanting to join in the fun of rolling around on the floor.
"Oh!" Josephine gasped, blinking rapidly. She pushed her hair away from her eyes, leaning away from me to sit on her knees. The spell was broken and the moment was gone! Josephine looked at me and giggled nervously; she fixed her robe then went on to looking at her mother's comb.
I glared at Ayesha, who was ready to play. She crouched down low with her rear in the air, whipping her tail back and forth.
I hate you right now! I thought to myself. I still glared at her. When I wouldn't play with her, Ayesha gave up and left. I rubbed my exposed face and stood up, needing to walk.
"Oh no!"
"What now?" I groaned.
"One of the emeralds is missing from a leaf."
I looked over my shoulder so see Josephine holding up the comb with one hand. Her lips were lowered into a pout, her eyes large pleading.
"Can you fix it?" She asked.
I turned from her rubbing the back of my neck.
"That depends on what you're going to give me in return…" I muttered.
"What was that?"
I whipped my head around. "Nothing let me see it."
I examined the missing emerald, telling her that it was easily fixable and that I have the tools and gems to fix it.
"Really?!" Josephine exclaimed standing up. She had clasped her hands together into a fist, holding them underneath her chin. Her expression and eagerness made me smile.
"Yes, I will have it fixed for you in no time, my dear."
"Oh Erik, you're an angel!" Josephine giggled wrapping her arms around my waist and squeezing tight.
I was turned off when Josephine called me an angel. I wanted to push her away from me and demand that she never call me that again! But as Josephine looked up at me with her amber eyes and asked, "What would I do with out you?" I was frozen in place.
Josephine released me from her hug, and returned to her place near the fire and began to play with Ayesha. I watched her for a moment; her long hair was spilling over her shoulders and in her eyes. Josephine used her sash to her robe so Ayesha could play with it. Josephine would giggled and clap her hands as my little lady was able to catch the sash.
A deep ache pained my heart and yet at the same time, as I look upon Josephine and her smiling eyes, the pained sensation would stop. What is this that I'm feeling…? Why do I look upon this young woman and have the feelings that I do…? What makes Josephine so… special?
'What would I do without you?' she asked.
I shook my head gazing down at the fire. "The question is, my dear: what would I do without you?" I whispered under my breath.
A/N:Watcha think?! That Ayesha! Getting in the way of their loving moment! My cat, Monsieur actually gave me the idea to write that part, you see, Monsieur tends to want love when I'm cuddling with my husband while we are laying down or sitting together! He will sit or lye in betwine us and stare at me until I pet him! Please be kind and R&R! I can't wait to read your thoughts!
