Chapter 38:

Erik immediately came to my side and lifted me in his arms.

After placing me on the bed he handed me a fresh nightdress and said "I thought you might be more comfortable sleeping in this instead of your robe."

Looking at him I whispered "Thank you."

Turning to put out some of the candles he allowed me to put the gown on in peace.

I began to wonder if he was going to sleep in the chair.

Then fearing that he would I said "Erik."

"What is it Lesta? What do you need?" He said in a soft voice.

You! My mind suddenly screamed.

But I stopped myself before I could udder that fateful word.

"I was wondering if you would mind holding me, but if you would rather not I will understand." I said in the now near dark room.

My request had barely left my lips when I felt the bed move as he came to lie beside me.

Gathering me in his arms he pulled me to him so my back was against his chest.

He brushed my hair aside and whispered in my ear "My arms are yours my dear Lesta, and I enjoy having you in them."

I trembled as he spoke against my ear and knew that there was no place that I would rather be.

But I also knew it wouldn't last.

Rolling over in his arms I snuggled against his chest and could hear and feel his breath quicken.

"Erik?"

"Yes."

"What if I become pregnant again?"

I felt him stiffen and I feared I had destroyed whatever bond we had begun to share.

His silence was almost deafening.

Then he spoke "Do not fear Lesta. I will care for you and our child if you become pregnant. I will not turn from you, if that is what you fear. But I do pray that my seed does not take purchase in your womb."

What he did not know, and what I would not tell him, was that I prayed that his seed would take purchase. I wanted to become pregnant. I wanted to feel life growing inside me once again.

"Erik?"

He groaned and said "What is it now?"

"Will you kiss me goodnight?"

"With pleasure" He said as he tipped my head up and claimed my lips with his.

I melted in his arms.

Pulling his mouth from mine he looked into my eyes and said "Goodnight my dear Lesta, and may you have the sweetest of dreams."

Rolling onto his back he gathered me in his arms so my head rested on his chest and said "Now get some sleep."

I had trouble falling asleep.

I feared what I would wake up to.

Would he still be here?

Would he be like he is now or will he be cruel again like he was last time we had slept together?

My mind just kept spinning.

I suddenly wanted away from him.

But as I tried to pull away, he pulled me closer to him saying "Calm yourself Lesta, there is nothing to fear."

I began to relax as he caressed my back and hair, and soon I had fallen asleep.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I awoke in his arms.

He had not left me.

Looking up I watched him smile as he said "I see my sleeping beauty has finally awakened."

Looking away from him I blush as I realized I was lying halfway on top of him with my leg thrown across his.

I quickly rolled over and sat up saying "I…I did not mean to make you uncomfortable."

"Oh Lesta, I was not uncomfortable in the least." He said as he caressed my hair. "Actually I quite enjoyed have your body pressed to mine."

I blushed even deeper.

He sat up and pulled me into his arms and said "There is nothing wrong with a husband enjoying his wife's body."

I felt my heart soar at his words and knew that there was no place I'd rather be than in his arms.

Suddenly scooping me up Erik carried me to the bathroom.

Sitting me down he said "I will see to our breakfast."

As I finished up in the bathroom and opened the door, I expected to find Erik waiting for me, but the room was empty.

I noticed that he had left to main door open, and I thought about calling out to him when I heard him talking to someone.

"Why the hell did you bring her here?" I heard Erik say and I could hear rage in his voice.

"It was not my doing, Erik. Honestly she followed me here." That was Nadir's voice.

But who were they speaking of?

Who was this mystery woman?

Hopping across the room I positioned myself by the door so I could hear and maybe see what was happening.

That is when I saw the woman and without even thinking I cried out "No!"