A/N: Who's ready to read the next chapter? Yay! All of you! I hope you all have fun reading this chapter, it made me giggle has I wrote it. And another thing, (this of totally off subject!) does any of you know why some readers make their profile name blocked? 0_o I find it so ANNOYING! I would love to respond to many of my readers who leave a review but they are blocked.=( So if you are block… UN BLOCK YOURSELF! Pa-pa-pa-pleeeeeease?

Ok, went off track here, so Erik get a little hot under the collar in this chapter and Josephine gets a little too friendly. Please R&R! I makes my day when I see some many awesome review from all you!

Chapter Thirty Seven

Once we were in my lair, I was able get Josephine to eat. Once her stomach was empty of liquor, all she wanted to do was sleep. I gave her a large slice of bread with spreading cheese on top; I also gave her a tall glass of water and told her to drink as much as she could. The whites of her eyes had become yellow, a sign of dehydration. Once that was done, I assisted

Josephine to the Louis-Phillip room…

"Guhh! Josephine, be careful!" I hissed. Josephine had missed her step going up the stairs. If I hadn't had been beside her, she would have fallen head first into the lake.

"I'm trying, but the floor won't stop turning!" Josephine whined.

I sighed hard. "Come along, this way.

I pushed the door open, and the room was dark and cold. I hadn't been in this room since the last time Josephine slept in it. I felt my way towards the bed and placed Josephine near the head of the golden peacock.

"Stay put for a moment, alright? I'm going to find a match and light a fire."

Josephine mumbled something, but I couldn't understand what she said. I remembered that I put a box of matches in the vanity long ago; they must still be here. I stretched out my hands searching for the vanity. My knee came into contact with the vanity table. I cursed loudly. Suddenly I heard soft giggling behind me.

"Do you find something amusing, child?" I growled opening the drawer and snatching the matches.

"You hurt yourself." Josephine giggled again. Her laughter seemed muffled.

I rolled my eyes and bit my tongue as I lit the match. It didn't take me long to start the fire, and before I knew it, it was roaring. I turned and saw Josephine - one arm hung around the neck of the peacock - the rest of her body slowly sliding down its side. I lit a candle and went around to gaze upon her. Josephine's face was pressed firmly against the neck of the great bird in a pinching manner. I couldn't help the laughter that left my chest; she will definitely remember this night for the rest of her life!

That is, if she remembers anything at all when she wakes… whispered a dark voice.

I felt a chill run down my spine…

"What is your point?" I whispered to myself.

She will not remember anything… you could do whatever you wish…

"I will do no such thing!" I hissed and stepped away from Josephine to fetch a cup of water. I went into the water closet where I knew was a spare glass.

Don't tell me you haven't thought of it, thought of touching her soft skin… her large, full brea-

"Stop it!" I grabbed at my head. I placed the candle down beside the sink.

Its shadows danced upon my face in the mirror. The grinning white mask on my face mocked me.

Do you remember how close you were to touching Christine's legs when she kicked off her stockings in her sleep the night you first brought her down?

I felt a tightening in my chest. "Yes…" I swallowed hard and closed the door to the water closet. I then removed my mask and looked at my hideous reflection in the mirror. The candle's light danced everywhere, making my face all the more grotesque. The twisted flesh and blue veins popping out…

My stomach lurched; I was going to be sick from the sight of my own face.

Go on, go out there and run your hands all over her, she would never know… the dark voices urged.

"No, I couldn't possibly…"

You can…

"No."

Yes…

"I won't! I couldn't betray her in such a way…"

DO IT!

"NO!" I growled pulling at my hair. I gritted my teeth to keep from yelling.

When I heard Josephine whimpering and calling for me, I felt my body jerk. The voices were no longer there in my head, only the loud beat of my heart pulsated in my ears. I swallowed hard and composed myself, taking the cup of water and replacing my mask. When I stepped out the water closet, the sight before my eyes almost caused me to drop the glass of water. Josephine stood in the middle of the room twisting and turning, both her hands were behind her back pulling on something. She then gave up and pulled her black velvet skirt down and kicked it aside. The tunic she wore barely passed her knees.

I gasped. "Josephine, what are you doing?"

"Help me," she whined. She then started pulling behind her back.

"I will do no such thing. Now, put your skirt back on!" I put the glass of water down and went for her skirt. I kept my eyes averted all the while.

"Please, I want this thing off. It's hurting my ribs, Erik!"

I sighed and looked up. Josephine had pulled the short sleeves of her top down further past her shoulders in attempt to slide it down. She stood before me barely wearing anything at all. I cursed under my breath and turned my back against Josephine. It suddenly got too hot in here.

"Don't just stand there! Help me get this corset off."

"Can't you take it off yourself?" I hissed.

"If I could, do you think I would be asking for help? Olive tied the knot too tight. Now if you please?"

I breathed deep and let it out slowly. I could do this, I could do this, I thought to myself. I'm only going to loosen the ties and then I'm going to leave… Simple. I gritted my teeth as I said, "Turn around."

She clumsily did so - tripping over her own feet in the process.

"Hold still."

I wiped my hands on my pant leg - they had become clammy - and began to pull at the ties of Josephine's corset. Every tug I would pull, Josephine's hair would fall behind her shoulders and against my hands. Her silky locks danced and teased my fingers, and I was tempted to run my fingers through her hair. To bury my face and inhale the floral scent I could smell. Instead I gathered what had fallen behind, and I purposely took my time as I brushed them over Josephine's neck and shoulder. Her heated flesh alone caused my stomach to tighten with weakness and longing. I wanted to feel more…

"Did you get it?"

I felt ashamed for the way I felt. Josephine trusted me to take care of her and all I am thinking of is running my hands over her heated flesh... I wonder if she would let m-

"Erik?"

"What? I didn't touch anything," I asked alarmed. I hoped she didn't hear the weakness in my voice…

"Did you untie the knot?"

"Oh, not yet."

Josephine let her head fall back in frustration along with a great sigh.

Finally, I was able to loosen the bloody ties of her corset. Before I could turn around and give her privacy, Josephine pulled the corset over her shoulders along with the white peasant shirt. She then tossed them aside,

Josephine now stood in nothing but her tunic! My mouth dropped open. My mind told me to turn around or leave the room, but my body wouldn't let me go. I was rooted where I stood. Josephine hissed and rubbed the sides of her ribs while mumbling to herself in a whining manner; she then turned towards the bed and crawled toward the pillows. Plopping herself on her back, spreading her arms above her head. She sighed in content and giggled to herself.

I hadn't realized I was biting my lips until the metallic taste of blood was on my tongue. I swallowed it and let a shuddered breath out. I needed to leave. I had to go. Now. Josephine lay in only her tunic, and my body was already acting against me as it responded to the sight of her curves and full breasts. I took a deep breath and held it. My trembling – and disobeying - body went for the door.

"Erik?"

I stopped as my hand went to turn the knob. I exhaled and answered

Josephine.

"Yes?" I whispered. I didn't trust my voice to speak any louder.

"Come here please."

I closed my eyes tight and willed my body to obey and to be calm. I was relieved when I turned and saw that Josephine had covered herself and was wrapped in the red velvet comforter. She was on her side facing the hearth.

I came around and stood before her, calm and collected - on the surface, at least.

"Oui?"

Josephine opened her sleepy eyes and smiled. She then patted the empty space next to her and told me to lie down. I blinked dumbfounded.

"What did you say?"

"I said, come lay with me for a while…"

"Josephine, that - that is not a very wise suggestion to ask of me, especially now." Especially now that you're vulnerable, drunk, and half-naked… I turned to leave.

"Please, Erik. Stay with me just for a little while."

I turned and Josephine was sitting up holding the velvet comforter to her chest. I thought I would never see the day when a woman asked me to lay with her, regardless of the fact that she just wanted me to lay with her for comfort…

"Please…"

Her soft plea pulled at my heart strings, and I felt myself crumble. Damn it! Why must I feel so weak? I cursed under my breath and went to the side of the bed. I glared down at Josephine –who smiled - and let myself drop onto the bed beside her. I didn't dare lay underneath the comforter with her, one could only tease a beast before it attacks!

"I will stay until you fall asleep, then I'm leaving," I said sternly.

Josephine said nothing. She merely came closer and nestled her head against my shoulder. With a gentle sigh she whispered good-night. Within minutes,

Josephine was asleep. I turned my head and pressed a light kiss to Josephine's temple and whispered good-night.

"Sweet dreams my… love."

I felt my chest tighten and my heart ached. A part of me realized that I probably would never get to tell Josephine that I loved her out loud. My throat constricted, and I felt the tears slide down my face. When the time comes, I'm going to have to let her go. I will not fight the man the way I did with Raoul. If Josephine is ready and she chooses the right man, I will give her my blessing.

Easer said than done… whispered a soft voice.

"I know…"

I pulled my arm out from underneath Josephine so that she was cradled in my arms; her head lay on my chest.

"It will be very hard when the time comes, but for now she belongs to me; I shall enjoy the time we share together…" I placed another kiss to her temple. "I will not let anyone come between us again, I promise you, Josephine…"

As I lay with Josephine, I stared into the fire and told myself that I will be getting up and leaving Josephine very soon. I lost count how many times I told myself that...

Seven hours later.

I woke up cold and with something heavy pressed against my body. The fire was down to embers, and when I looked down, a leg along with an arm was tossed over my body. I had fallen asleep! I scrubbed a hand over my face and sighed. When I felt the coarse side of my face, I gasped in a jerking motion. My mask was no longer on my face. I tried to pull my arm out from under Josephine, but the pins and needles that attacked my arm were utterly excruciating. With my arm asleep, I used my other hands to search the side of me where Josephine lay; I found it between the two pillows that I used.

With a great sigh, I replaced the mask and tried to pull my dead arm out from under Josephine.

As I pulled, I sat up and turned and placed my other hand to the side of Josephine for leverage. Josephine rolled onto her back, and my face was inches away from hers. She smiled sleepily and placed her hand against my face and mumbled something as she was half asleep. I couldn't even fathom what she said. When Josephine removed her hand and rolled over, she murmured about having pie… I shook my head and moved away. I sat at the end of the bed and cradled my head in my hands. Last night was a night that I would neve-

"Oh no!" Josephine groaned suddenly.

I looked over and I saw her jerk rapidly several times. Worried, I crawled back to where I slept and placed my hands on the side of her face.

"Josephine, what is wrong?"

Josephine began to groan, holding her stomach. "Erik, I- I think I'm going to vomit!"

I felt the blood drain from my face. "No! Not on the bed, not on the bed,

Josephine!"

I stood up and pulled Josephine by the arm in a quick motion. I kicked open the door to the water closet and pushed Josephine toward the porcelain toilet. Once Josephine dropped onto her knee, she released all that she had eaten that night. Perspiration slid down my brow; she made it to the water closet. I bent down and pulled Josephine's hair out of her face. Her whimpering and crying echoed throughout the water closet. All the while I rubbed her back in a soothing motion. As she was done, Josephine rested her head on her arm, which was leaning against the rim.

"Erik, can I have a minute alone?" Josephine asked. Her voice was hoarse.

"Of course."

"Ow, don't talk too loud!" she hissed holding the sides of her head.

I tried not to smile. "I'm sorry. Do you feel any better?"

"Yes… and no."

"Do you think you can handle drinking some tea?"

"I think so."

"Alright, if you look inside that drawer, you'll find a toiletry bag…"

"Thank you."

I left Josephine and made my way towards the kitchen. Once I had water boiling, I sliced bread and spread strawberry jam on top. When I felt something rub against my ankles, I chuckled to myself. Ayesha was up and was ready for breakfast. I took the hunk of ham from the chill box and cut up small pieces and put them in a dish. I usually serve Ayesha salmon, but I do not feel like smelling like fish this morning. By the time I was done, the water was boiling, and the tea was ready. I placed two cups along with the sliced bread onto a silver try. With my hands full, I was unable to knock on the door, so I settled for calling Josephine's name.

"Josephine, are you descent?"

"Yes."

I pushed the door open and Josephine was lying in the middle of the bed, both hands were pressed to her forehead. A loud groan came from her throat.

"It feels like a bunch of horses ran over my head last night!"

"Did you have fun at least?"

Raspy giggling filled my ears. I placed the tray down and took the small round tin from it. I opened it and scooped less than a spoon full into Josephine's cup.

"What is that you're holding?"

"This, my dear, is what's going to take away your head ache. Here, take a sip. It's tasteless and the tea is just the way you like it."

Josephine took a tentative sip, then another, and then sudden she gasped.

"Erik, where is Olive?"

"Ah, I take it you don't remember then?"

"No, where is she, is she alright?"

"She is fine; the drunken fairy is safe in the prima donnas' room. I put her there before I brought you down here."

"Oh, thank goodness she's alright."

"You really care for her, don't you?"

"Oui, she's my best friend."

"She is very charming, such energy for someone so small."

Josephine giggled. "She is a child compared to you."

"She is very short. Here have a slice of bread."

"Won't you have some?" she asked.

I was reminded of the morning I first served Josephine breakfast: sliced baguette with spreading cheese topped with sliced strawberries. Josephine asked me the same question; she wanted me to eat with her. I declined. I resented her for asking me then. That was so long ago, a full year has passed since that night and I am not the same man…

"Yes, I will have some. How does your head feel?" I asked as I poured a cut of tea for myself and took a slice of bread, stuffing half of it into my mouth. I hadn't realized I was hungry.

"It feels better, but may I ask you something?"

"You can."

"Why am I in my tunic?"

I almost choked on my tea, some slid down the sides of my mouth, and I wiped it away with my sleeve. I felt Josephine staring at my face as I couldn't meet her gaze. I was in profile- luckily my mask was hiding my flushed features!

"You, uh, took off your clothes… I helped, I mean - with your corset, you couldn't get it off. Olivia tied the ties too tight, and you needed my assistance; you couldn't get it off."

I stood up to pace. I felt like such a fool babbling on the way I was! Finally I turned and faced Josephine; she was bent forwards with her hands covering her face. Her shoulders shuttered as she sobbed.

"Oh, Josephine, please don't cry. I didn't- I –we- Oh, bloody hell!" I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. "Josephine, please…"

Josephine let her hands fall away from her face, and she let herself fall back against the pillows, her face was red, but no tears streaked her face.

She was laughing!

"Erik, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to put you through all of that!"

Josephine covered her face as the laughter echoed around us. Relief settled over me as I saw that she was indeed not upset. Once Josephine's giggling subsided she took her cup from the tray and resume sipping her tea.

"Thank you for taking care of me, Erik. You must forgive me for my behavior.

I didn't mean to take off my clothes; I'm sure you're quite disappointed in me."

"Do not fret about it, my dear, I've seen far worse as the years past as I lived here. You only wanted to be comfortable; you said that your ribs were hurting you."

"I did. Ow, you're right, they are sore."

"Well, don't press on them like that!"

Josephine giggled and lay down, pulling the covers over her shoulders.

"Come, lie down beside me."

"Wait, it's chilly in here, let me rouse the fire."

I put more fire wood in it. After poking around the wood, the fire was roaring. I then moved the tray from the bed and stood close to the edge of the bed as I lay down. The gap between Josephine and I was not to her liking. She moved closer and placed her head on my shoulder.

"Erik?"

"Hmm?"

"What would I do without you?"

I was taken aback. When I looked down, Josephine was smiling up at me. She propped herself up and pushed aside my arm so that she was cradled in my arms again, only this time, she was conscious and did it willingly. I felt my heart flip in its place in my chest. Josephine sat up, then leaned closer over my chest so that she looked down on me, her hair fell into her eyes, and I couldn't help but brush them aside. As I did this, Josephine closed her eyes and nestled her cheek against the palm of my hand. She smiled down and my heart stopped.

"May I give you a kiss in thanks?" She smiled.

The shock on my face caused Josephine to giggle. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out!

"I'll take that as I 'yes,' then." Josephine placed a hand on the left side of my face, just under my mask. I felt her warm breath on my face. It was sweet from the tea, and I desperately wanted to know if it tastes just as good…

Finally, Josephine leaned down and placed a kiss on the corner of my lips, her soft lips lingered there and when it was over she nestled herself in the crook of my neck. I felt my heart stop. I was both disappointed and astounded. Of course, Josephine wanted to give a kiss to a friend, a friend who had taken care of her in her worst state. My fantasies are getting too carried away! I wanted to kick myself for thinking in such a way when she merely wanted to show me her thanks… She is going to be the death of me! Oh, well, I hugged Josephine to me when I heard her steady breathing. This time I did not fall asleep as time passed. I had to get Josephine back to the women's dormitory before everyone wakes…

I walked through the hidden passage of the opera house. I wrapped Josephine in my cloak, and I stuffed her clothes into a burlap sack and tied it to my waist belt. From here, everything was quiet. I didn't hear any movement from the other side of the walls, which meant that everyone was still sleeping. Once I was at the landing I pushed the panel that opened the part of the wall. As I stepped out everything was in darkness. I crept from the darkened corner and proceeded to the top of the stairs. I crept to the shadows as I was closer to Josephine's dormitory, all was quiet. Finally I was before the door. I listened for a moment, but I didn't hear any movement from the other side of the door. I opened the door and looked inside; all the girls were still sleeping. When I was assured that it was safe, I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. When I turned, I saw that a few girls were passed out in full costume on the floor. I fought the smile and stepped over them. I prayed that none of them would suddenly wake and see me with Josephine.

Once I was at Josephine's bed, I placed her down carefully and covered her.

I then pulled her clothes out from the burlap sack and scattered them around her bed; now it looked like she merely took off her clothes and passed out onto her bed. I placed a kiss onto Josephine's cheek and left silently.

"Perhaps I should check on Olivia," I murmured quickening my step.

As I got closer toward the prima donnas' room I saw that some workers were awake and were cleaning the mess from last night. I hurried to the double doors and pulled out my skeleton key. I opened the door silently and looked inside. Olivia was still sound sleep. One leg was hanging off the divan, and she was snoring lightly.

"I don't think this is a good idea, Firmin. You know what he said about that soprano from the states!"

My ears perked up when I heard Andre's harsh whispering. They were both near the stage. I hurried behind the velvet curtain and listened to their arguing.

"Relax, Firmin. It is simply an idea. We still have to talk to Him and if he doesn't like the ide-"

"I don't like it at all!" My voice boomed throughout the theater. I smiled to myself when I saw them jump out of their skin.

"Oh, Monsieur! I didn't realize you were here." Firmin tried to laugh.

"You mean you didn't realize that I was listening."

"Well… yes, that too. This is perfect, so you already know what our plans are; what do you think?" Firmin asked searching the shadow's of the wings.

I blinked. I honestly didn't know what the hell they were talking about. So

I cleared my throat and said, "Why don't you go over everything once more?"

Firmin made a face. "Alright, well, as you know the Soprano from the states

is here on holiday. I had the most-"

Andre cleared his throat and glared at Firmin.

"I mean, we, we had the most wonderful discussion last night."

"What?" I prompted. "She was at the Masquerade last night?"

"Yes, of course she was… As I was saying, how would you feel if we performed Mozart's Magical Flute?"

I lifted an eyebrow. I was intrigued.

"Go on."

"Well, Magical Flute is one of Madams favorites to perform and-"

"Get to the point, Firmin," I snapped.

The man visibly paled. "Well, we thought it would be a good idea. An opera would bring more patrons. I mean, the ballet is wonderful, but it has been such a long time since this theater has heard the sweet music of voices soaring…"

I stopped listening after that; my mind was racing, contemplating on the pros and cons. My first instinct was to deny them, but as the wheels began turning in my head, the images of Josephine as Pamina danced before me. It would be a great start for Josephine. My heart raced with the anticipation, and I felt the smile turning my lips. This could be the start of Josephine's career!

"So, Monsieur, what do you think?"

"I think it is a wonderful idea…"

"I told you it was a bad idea, Firmin," Andre panicked. "I- wait, what was that?"

"I said, I think it is a wonderful idea. This soprano from the states, what is her name?"

"Samantha Thomson."

"And her age?"

Firmin cleared his throat. "Well, I did not ask for her age, Monsieur. The women, they tend to get rather upset when-"

"What is her age?" I hissed. "How many years has she studied as being a singer?"

"She is 28, good sir. I remember her whispering it to one of the ladies. She has studied in opera ever since she was a child. She is married and is retiring very soon; she says she wants to start a family with her husband."

André's voice was weak as he spoke.

"I see. I must hear her first before I agree to let this go any further."

Both men exchanged looks. "Monsieur?" they both said at once.

I rolled my eyes. "I must hear her sing. Any woman can say they have talent, but only a hand full have the passion, the raw ability to make even the strongest man weep in their seats with song…"

And Josephine is well on her way, I mused smiling.

"Set up a meeting. Have her come here and sing for the both of you. I'll be here listening as well."

"Alright, when do you want this to be done? Monsieur?"

I didn't answer. I'm sure they are smart enough to figure out a date on their own without me holding their hands. As I walked down to my home, a light spring was in my step. A bubbling sensation claims me. For once in my life, I felt… happy. I was content. I took the long way to my home. This route led me to the side of my lair from a secret entrance. As I drew near, my whistling tone echoed all round me, I couldn't even remember the last time I whistled!

As I pushed the wall aside, glowing candles greeted me. I narrowed my gaze.

I did not light any of my candles before I took Josephine home… A sinking feeling seeped down my body; someone is in my lair. Instinctively, I went for my belt where my Punjab lasso once hung. Cursing under my breath, I pulled the dagger that was in my boot instead and went further into my home.

I stood close to the shadows. My old habits of stalking came to me fully. No one came into my home uninvited and lived to tell the tale.

I listened behind the kitchen door and heard nothing but silence. The fiend was not in the kitchen. I moved on. I was headed for the Louis-Philippe room when the sound of a book dropped and echoed.

"You are in my library."

I gritted my teeth and grabbed the candelabra from my organ. In one hand I had my dagger to throw and in the other the candelabra. The fiend was not going to get away from me unharmed. Silently, I walked towards my library.

The door was ajar and I could see light. I looked through the open door and saw the hearth - a fire roaring. Ayesha's loud purring could be heard from where I stood. Who in the hell would start a fire and make themselves comfortable in the lair of The Phantom? I sneered and pushed the door open. I had my arm raised to throw the dagger. Instead of it flying high and straight into the heart of the intruder, it slipped out of my fingers and clattered at my feet. I stood in the door way, stunned in shock.

"Hello Erik."

"Antoinette…"

A/N: DON'T KILL ME! (especially you Areil!)If you do you'll never get to find out how the story ends! So why do you think Anne is there in Erik's lair? Do you think she seen Erik with Josephine that night? Please R&R! If I get some good one's I'll try and speed up the process!