Over 900 reviews… Guys, I am overwhelmed. Thank you. I can't believe this story has surpassed my first one, Rage Against the Dying of the Light. I never thought that would happen and I have all of you to thank for it.
Now where were we? Hmm…. Nadir and Annie? No. Phillip and Suzanna? No, they weren't in the last scene…Thomas and Cassie? Hmm… No, they like to meet outdoors and I seem to recall a bed…. Oh wait… *Big Grin* Now I remember. ….Let's see what happens next.
I don't own anything….I just manipulate and play. LOL
Erik couldn't believe what was happening. Suddenly his body was alive and responding to every sensation that Christine's touch was inspiring. He felt as if sweet, amber flames were licking his body and he was caught up in pent up desires that hadn't been released or explored for 31 years. As he once again kissed Christine's red, swollen lips, he moaned into her mouth and allowed himself a moment to catch his breath.
When he saw his angel's eyes, he realized he hadn't been doing anything but responding to her heavenly touches. He could tell by the way she arched her back and allowed him access to her body that she needed and wanted more of him. For a half a second he wondered if he should dare trespass to her neck, navel and upper chest but the thought entered his mind after his lips were already diligently at work. He left soft, angel kisses on her neck and when his lips couldn't get there in time, he allowed his fingers to stroke and caress her shoulders and arms. Next, he power kissed her chest and when he heard his name being called out in a voice hoarse with passion, he almost pinched himself to make sure this wasn't just the greatest dream of his life. Yet Christine's moans made it real enough for him.
He looked up and when her eyes met his, he kissed her lovingly and when he looked back down to her warm, tingly body he had to stop and remember whether it was his own hands that had caused her nightdress to fall down a little or was it his goddess' maneuvering. He placed his hands on her sides and moved the fabric up and down her body. He marveled at the material and the way it clung to her body. Had all her nightdresses been so much fun to touch? Without much effort, one of her breasts became exposed and he was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. He gently pecked her nipple and when he heard her moan in delight, he smiled and began to pay homage to the fascinating mass of tissue with his mouth, while caressing the other with his hand playfully. Before now he had only seen pictures of the female body but he knew without thinking that his Christine far surpassed any scientific model.
"Erik…Don't stop."
He couldn't believe that he was causing the same fire into her soul as she was to him. She is calling for me….. She wants me. I am making her sweat and moan and lose herself. The freak, the murderer, the horror my mother once referred me as, is now being sought out as a lover….An object of desire….A man.
Erik's lips had caused the last straps of Christine's nightdress to fall and her untouched skin called out to him as he saw her milky white stomach. The sudden exposure caused Christine to gasp as her exposed skin was no longer trapped by the fabric and was replaced by the warmth of Erik's maddening tongue. She needed to grab hold of him. As he lowered himself to kiss her stomach she felt as if her previous grip on him had loosened. She reached down to grasp his hair and was careful to not to disturb the part where his wig and natural hair met. While she longed to discard it as well as his mask, she knew that part would have to come from him. She only hoped that in time he would see that she loved him despite his deformity and in some ways because of it. Thoughts entered her mind that if not for his affliction, she may never have met him. The pain of that realization was too much for her to fathom and she tightened her hold of his head to her body as she let her hand maneuver to the left side of his scalp and grab onto the bottom roots as she took pleasure in feeling his hair follicles intertwine with her fingers.
Although she was careful, Erik snapped back into reality when he realized that she was dangerously close to the strap of his mask. He was torn. The man in him adored the feeling of her hands running carefree and messing up his usually perfect hair. Yet the scared, guilt ridden phantom suddenly became paralyzed with fear that her greedy fingers would accidently press too hard or get too carefree with her loving inspection. He needed to distract her and he felt ashamed that for the first time he used his kisses for purposes other than to show his love.
I can't let her see me like this. If she thought a monster was seducing her she will be applauded. I must stop. She needs to be prepared. She must accept with her mind before she can embrace with her heart. Oh, Christine, will you ever be able to really look at me with your whole heart, whether your eyes are wide open or closed tight?
Christine had long stopped thinking about Erik's' mask or wig as she drowned herself with his burning kisses. She went to stroke his buttocks and Erik realized that they needed to stop for both their sakes. For if they continued on, he wouldn't be able to use his mind effectively and he was certain his body would soon be turned to mush if Christine succeeded in her quest to explore him further.
"Angel…. We must stop."
"Stop?" Her voice was airy and full of a breathless desire. She then let his words resonate back to her. "Stop….. Why?"
Erik used all his strength to release his hold of her and sit up on the bed. Christine remained lying down and when she reached for him, he stood up. She was hurt by his sudden rejection.
"Did I…. Did I do something wrong?" She could not stop the tears that began to swell up and her voice cracked.
The minute he heard her sniffles, he swung himself around and went to his knees, clutching for her hand. "Wrong? Dear God, my angel you are…. You are perfection. You were masterful. Aphrodite could take lessons from you."
His words did not bring her any comfort. Instead she sat up and while a part of her wanted to fling his hand away, her other half could not. "Then why? Do you not….." Her face crumbled. "You do not want me…"
"What?! No! Christine, are you insane? You are the most beautiful, the most desirable woman I have ever known. I love you with all my heart and soul and I want you more than any man could ever want a woman. Christine, I ache for you." He then became embarrassed as he tried to hide his bulging manhood.
Christine watched his face and looked into his eyes to see if he was telling her the truth. She lowered her head and when she saw his pants bulge, she blushed. She was still rather new to all of these feelings but she did recall the older girls in the Opera House talk and while Erik was the one who educated her on the female and male reproductive systems, he had left certain parts out. She couldn't suppress her giggle and then mentally scolded herself for still acting like a child, when she was on the brink of womanhood.
"Erik, I'm sorry." She pointed and made a reference to his pants.
"Hmm.. No! No, do not apologize. My angel, you…." He stroked her cheek. "Forgive me. I let things go too far. My discomfort is not really discomfort at all. You are just so desirable that I will need to keep myself in check." He grinned and she smiled.
"But why? I love you and I'm not afraid. This is natural, isn't it?"
"Well…. Yes, showing love is natural but not like this."
She looked at him in confusion and he sighed. He kissed her hand and made reference to her room. When she still wasn't following him, he explained.
"My wanting to stop wasn't because I didn't want you. I think we both know how I feel, no?" He laughed at himself and Christine couldn't help but touch his unmasked cheek. "Yet you grew up in this room. This is not the right place to steal your innocence. Nor, is it right to move our relationship further when there is still so much you need to know about me, remember? I will not let a heated rush ruin the level of intimacy we must establish first."
"Angel, you wouldn't be stealing what is mine to give freely. I know you feel it is important that I know who you are but I already do. I know all that matters."
"You deserve more but if you so wish it to be me, Christine, then you must know everything. Only a coward would use physical intimacy as a way to bridge two people closer together. You need to know my soul first, only then can you truly accept my body." He wanted to say his face but he didn't think he could say it without causing Christine to protest and he was afraid he might give into her this time.
"My precious." She kissed his masked and exposed cheek. "I love you but if you feel you must woo me further and allow me to study and learn more about the love of my life then who am I to question the wisdom of my maestro?" She kissed him and was very pleased when he did not shy away from her. "I feel foolish."
"Why?" He let her head fall to his shoulder.
"You must think I am very naughty. My goodness, I was so…. Brazen. I don't know what came over me."
"I do."
"You do?" She looked up at him.
"Women can't resist a shirtless, masked man. The truth, Mademoiselle Daae is that I will forever be the object of lust." He sighed for effect. "It is my cross to bear. Even you only see me as a piece of eye candy. I do hope we can resume our lessons with proper attire, for my music room gets drafty and …."
"Oh you!" She pushed him down playfully on the bed and they laughed in each other's arms.
"You know that Cassie is right."
"Hmm?"
Erik held her gently. "We can't live under the same roof now."
She kissed his masked nose and was about to say something when she jumped up.
"Christine, what is it?"
"Where is everyone? Vincent? What do you suppose happened?"
Before Erik could respond they heard Cassie's voice behind the door. "Erik? Christine? Are you two alright?"
Erik gave new meaning to the phrase, quick as a flash as he searched for his discarded shirt and Christine adjusted her nightdress and placed her robe on tightly. When she saw Erik had found his shirt, she waited a moment and then opened the door.
"Mama!" She hugged her and right then and there the emotional rollercoaster ride of the evening had finally set in, she cried in Cassie's arms.
"Darling, it's alright. We are safe. Thanks to Thomas and Erik. We are going to stay at Thomas' for a while."
"Where is…." She wiped her eyes. "Where is Vincent?"
"Reggie sent for a doctor. He will stay with him. We need not talk about him anymore tonight, alright?"
Christine only nodded. Erik came out a moment later but something seemed off. Cassie was too drained by the turn of events to really say anything but thank you.
"Erik, will you come with us to Thomas'?"
He bowed. "It would be an honor to see you both home." He smiled and it didn't go unnoticed by Cassie. She knew he wanted Christine to stay with her.
"Darling, you should change and pack a bag. We will send for anything you can't carry, ok?"
"Yes, Mama."
She nodded. "We'll meet you outside."
Christine hugged Erik. "Can it really be over? Is she free?"
Erik kissed her forehead. "Let's just get out of here. We can discuss details when we all have clearer heads."
"Yes, Erik." She regretfully let go of him only to cover her mouth in shock.
"Christine?"
"Erik, your shirt! It's on inside out."
He quickly ran into her room and Christine suppressed the fury of giggles that wanted to come out of her. She then realized that if she hurried, she could see him shirtless one more time tonight.
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When the foursome arrived back at the McCarthy Estate, Suzanna flew down the stairs demanding to know what had happened.
"Oh my God! I have never been more scared in all my life." She hugged Thomas tightly and then slapped his arm. "Thank God, you're safe but I am so angry! When John told me that you and Erik ran out of the house, I knew there was trouble. Why didn't you wake me up?"
Thomas picked up his granddaughter and lifted her in the air, surprising both of them how he was still able to lift the young lady with ease. "I'm sorry, baby. I didn't want to worry you or waste any time. The last thing I wanted was to put you in danger also." He gently put her down.
She nodded. "I know but this is my family too, grandfather." She then turned to face the others and smiled. "My family too and I'm not afraid to fight for what's right." She then pulled Cassie and Christine in for a hug. Then she looked over at Erik and opened her arms up wide. "Come on, Erik, it's been what now three in a half years? I think our relationship is strong enough for a hug." She kept her eyes fixated on him while the others looked on hiding their amusement.
Erik was never more confused. A part of him wanted to bask in the acceptance Suzanna was willingly giving him. In a way, she was putting into words verbally what Cassie and Thomas had long felt but never said out loud. She saw the young, brave woman with her arms out to him and was tempted to turn around and see if she might have been speaking to someone else.
Suzanna sensed his hesitation and rather than get emotional, she settled for some humor. "Uh, Erik, I am talking to you. What? Is there another masked man standing in my parlor?"
He looked over at Christine who was smiling from ear to ear and she nodded her head slowly to encourage him. He then saw Thomas and Cassie's eyes and he almost dared to believe that they did consider him family.
"That's it, these arms can't wait forever." She ran towards him and although it started out a bit stiff, Suzanna kept her hold on him and finally said, "Erik, I'm not letting go until you hug me back."
He chuckled and placed his arms around her. "Thank you."
She whispered to him, "Just keep my best friend safe, okay?"
He nodded firmly. "Always."
Thomas cleared his throat. "I think we have all had one hell of a night. Why don't we retire and discuss next steps in the morning?"
Erik was about to move for the door, when all three ladies said at once, "No, Erik, please stay."
Thomas smiled. "Erik, I'm afraid you are overruled and it is the opinion of everyone here that you stay. Besides, I know you'll want to be here tomorrow."
Once again, Erik couldn't believe this sense of belonging. They wanted him to stay and he wanted nothing more than to be with them. "If you all wish it, I am your servant."
"In that case, how about playing us a little night music?" Suzanna laughed.
"Erik, you can sleep in one of the spare rooms…."
"No, Thomas, I prefer to be down here, if you don't mind."
Thomas was about to protest but then he realized why Erik suggested it. He was afraid that Vincent would come back and didn't want to have everyone else up in arms. He slowly nodded. "I'll have John fix up the study."
Suzanna realized that she was amongst couples and decided it would be wise of her to take her leave. "I'll just go and get the second bedroom ready for Christine. Night all."
Cassie hugged her before she left and then put her arms around Christine. "Night, my dear."
"Night, Mama."
Thomas smiled to both Erik and Christine and then extended his arm for Cassie to take as he escorted her up the stairs. Once they were no longer within earshot, Erik spoke his wonder out loud.
"They accept me."
"Why wouldn't they? They know you, just as I know you."
The words were meant to bring him comfort but instead it reminded Erik of how little they really knew about him. He gave her a weak smile. "Are you alright?"
She smiled. "I'd be better if you were closer but you are still within reach, so I will manage. Please know my love, that I will miss you."
"I'll be here when you wake." He kissed her hand. "Sweet dreams, my angel."
"I know they will be because from this day forward, I will dream of you."
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"Cassie, I hope you will be comfortable in this room." Thomas turned down the bed. "I will make sure Maria…" He stopped when he felt her arms wrap around him.
"Will you not stay?"
He turned around and took her hand in his. "There is nothing I want more but I think we both need to be mindful of the children." He grinned.
"I was only talking about sleeping, Mister McCarthy. Really, what kind of a woman do you think I am?"
"One that I can't resist and who should know better than to tempt me." He arched his brow and they both laughed. He then turned serious. "Cassie, I am not about to think that this will be easy but I am not going to let you go again. I can't risk…."
She placed her finger to his lips. "I know. We have much to discuss tomorrow but one thing is clear. I am never going back to him, Thomas. Never."
They embraced and then he felt her tears fall. He wondered when it would all catch up with her. He sat them both down on the bed and he just let her cry as he rocked her back and forth. As Cassie was calmly drifting off to sleep, Thomas was thinking about Erik's plan and how now might be the best time to consider it.
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Reggie had kept his word to Cassie and sent for a doctor but once the doctor came, Reggie merely pointed to Vincent's passed out form and told the doctor he had been drinking heavily and could not be monitored or controlled. He then told the doctor to see himself out. Little did he know that Raoul de Chagny had been watching the Valerius estate and was quite intrigued to see the ladies leave with McCarthy and Christine's so called Angel of Music.
Once he saw Reggie leave, he rode down to the estate and let himself in.
"Hello?" Raoul climbed the stairs and stopped when he saw Vincent lying unconscious on the bed. "See here, what ails this man?"
"Who are you?" The doctor turned in surprise.
"I am the Vicomte de Chagny. This man was my father's best friend."
"Excuse me, Vicomte I was not thinking but….."
Raoul changed his tone and thought of another tactic. "Please, good man. We had plans this evening. As I told you he was my father's best friend and since his passing he has….Become like a second father to me."
"I am sorry."
"Is he dead?" The worry in his voice was real. Vincent couldn't die now, at least not until Raoul was able to put his plan to work.
"No, too much alcohol and the feeling of being untouchable. He seemed to have bumped his head and inhaled a large amount of rubbing alcohol by mistake."
Raoul wondered if the ailment had been truly Vincent's own folly. "My how… Clumsy of him. What about his wife and daughter?"
The doctor shrugged his shoulders. "I have not seen them."
"When will he wake up?"
"As soon as the after affects wear off. He shouldn't be left alone."
Raoul nodded. "Of course not. Keep watch over him until I can get my carriage here. I will see to it that he recovers in comfort."
"Vicomte, I will need to see him once more. Where will you be taking him?"
"My estate, of course."
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Erik woke up feeling a feather like touch on his mask. He opened his eyes, not trusting his surroundings and when his defenses shot up to react, he paused in horror when Christine moved away with fear in her eyes.
"Dear God… What have I done? Christine, are you alright? Did I… Did I…."
She shook her head, realizing that Erik thought he had harmed her. "No, angel. You didn't do anything. I was caught off guard by your movements and I flinched but it was all my fault. I should have known better than to surprise you like that, especially after last night."
Erik swung his feet around and placed them on the floor. He reached his hand out to Christine and to his relief, she came instantly. "I don't know why I reacted in such a way. My natural calling is to feel defensive and guarded." He recalled only too well the nights his master would come into his cage and try to harm him, whether it was with his fists or try to demoralize him with his filthy touch. Yet his angel knew none of this. How he wished he never had to tell her but if he was to be worthy of her, he owed her nothing but the truth, even if it meant he would lose her.
"Erik, it is alright. I told you it was my fault and you didn't hurt me. In fact, you didn't lift a finger to harm me. Only now, when you are loving, did you reach out to me. You know yourself very well but I know you better."
"Oh?"
She stoked his unmasked cheek. "I know you would never harm me. Your touches for me are traced in love."
He couldn't speak. She had left him spellbound once more. He kissed her hand as he gripped it tighter. "How did you sleep?"
She grinned. "It was a bit of an uneasy night. For it was not the bliss I had experienced when I shared a bed with you."
Erik coughed and looked at her wearily. "You will be my downfall, you realize this, don't you?"
She smugly kissed his cheek. "In more ways than one." She then reached down on the floor and unveiled a plate of biscotti she had brought from the kitchen. "I thought you might be hungry and since your appetite might not be for me this morning, I know nothing will take this mistresses' place."
He looked down at the chocolate morsels and then looked back at his angel. "You are a temptress in the worst way." He took the biscotto and proceeded to feed her, only when it was inches from her mouth, did he stop and gobble up the entire cookie for himself.
"Erik!" She grabbed the other cookie and defiantly licked it to tease him.
"You see my dear…." He said half with his mouth full. "I am partial to these sugary treats, thanks to you but I am addicted to the greatest sweetness of all."
"That being?" She was not sure to trust him after his latest prank.
"Your lips." He captured her mouth with his own and the mixture of their lips together far surpassed the most delectable baked good.
She didn't want to stop but she remembered how they were almost caught the last time. "Angel, I think we best stop or at least find a more private location." She could feel her heart and body wage war against her commons sense.
"Yes, my dear. As always you are wise beyond your years." He let her go of his hold and purposely scooted over to the other side of the couch and crossed his legs to show that he could behave. She laughed out loud in response.
"What? I was only doing what I was told."
"Since when?" She grinned.
"What? I can't try new things?" He winked. Then he stood and reached for her hand and she joined him. "While I am mastering the art of patience and restraint, perhaps you can keep yourself occupied in other ways?" He took his free hand and pulled out a sealed letter with her first name on it.
"You wrote me a letter?" At first it didn't register with Christine until she remembered that Erik was going to communicate to her in letters until he was satisfied that she knew all she needed to know about him. The sooner he told her everything, the sooner they could plan a life together. She wanted to tear the letter open right then and there but she held back and instead asked him what she should do. "Do you want me to open this now?"
"Yes." It was a whisper but she could still hear him.
She smiled and started to open it but he touched the tip and her eyes met his.
"I will present you with a letter every few days and reveal more of myself to you. Yet once I present it, I will leave you to it. I ask that you meet me the next day up on our hilltop. If you come to me, I will know you have accepted what I told you and still love me."
"Erik….."
He extended his index finger to her lips. "I will answer all questions but I need to know you still want me beside you."
"Erik, I don't need to meet you on a hilltop to tell you that."
"Indulge your angel, my dear?"
"I will obey." She looked down at the letter and was about to say more but when she looked up, he was gone. She was not surprised and there was no point of fighting it, as he left her no choice. She opened the letter and read the first sentence to herself.
I was born in Rouen…..
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Nadir was in his office when he heard footsteps come at the foot of his door. He didn't have to ask who was approaching. He stood up and adjusted his robe, facing the doorway.
As if it were timed, the Shah's men entered Nadir's office and announced the Shah's arrival. Nadir's infamous employer walked in before his men were finished announcing him and spoke with great eagerness.
"So is your report true, Khan? Has the one they call Erik agreed to come?"
Nadir bowed and then lifted his head as he answered. "Indeed, oh Great One. He does have a request, however and it will take some time to grant but…."
The Shah lifted his arm to silence him. "Yes, I read that. No matter, it shall be done. When can you secure his arrival?"
Nadir thought he had made himself clear. "I thought the terms were quite clear. Once the documents are secure…."
"Fine." He dismissed Nadir's answer. "I have such great plans for him, Khan. He will be such an addition to my staff. You'll see, I was right. Good work."
Nadir bowed but noticed the Shah did not leave. "You wish something else, your Grace?"
"The other part of the report." The Shah grew impatient.
"What other….."
"The insurance policy to ensure our new friend does not change his mind."
Nadir shook his head. "We won't need that. I assure you, once Erik gives his word….."
"Nevertheless. I want the names and whereabouts of the ones he holds dear."
Nadir covered the reaction on his face. "He is a loner. He lives in a cellar. What possible…."
"You mentioned a girl and some neighbor in your earlier reports, did you not?"
Nadir stopped cold. Allah, No! That was before I knew him…. "I will need to look over those reports, I am not…."
"Look them over and quickly." The Shah turned to leave. "Say hello to Reza for me."
Nadir's heart stopped. He knew what the Shah meant by mentioning his son. He would have no choice but to provide him the names of the people Erik held most dear. He had already lost a wife. He could not lose his son. Besides, Erik gave his word. As soon as his friends had their documents, he would go to Persia. The Shah will never need to make good on his insurance policy. Nadir assured himself he was doing the right thing.
