Chapter 6-Alleviate
Author's Note: I have rewritten this chapter three times. I had a really hard time with this one so it may be a bit weak and I apologize for that, but here it is.
~Two Months Later~
The evening was approaching as Christine descended the stairs to read in the parlor. She was wearing one of the many dresses Erik had purchased for her just a week ago, no doubt in an attempt to buy her love. She clutched her book close to her side, silently cursing him for not putting in enough effort. Of course, she wasn't ungrateful for his gifts, but she longed for picnics, evening walks, or even reading to each other by the fireplace. Their music lessons seemed to be the only times they had to truly connect and even those didn't last as long as she would have liked.
Oh, but she missed Erik's music so much that when they had their first lesson, Christine felt as if the void in her heart had finally been filled. It had been several months since she had been able to feel as much peace as that moment had provided her.
The adjustment to living with Erik was hard on Christine. She wasn't sure if it was appropriate to live with a man she was not married to, though she had lived with Raoul when they were only engaged. It was rather nice living with Erik though, as she was able to do as she pleased throughout her day instead of working on a schedule like she did on Raoul's estate. It was exasperating to have to wake up just as the sun was rising only to interact with a dozen people before she was even fully awake.
And the beautiful cottage! It reminded her of the home she grew up in with her father and it was rather peaceful. The forest surrounding the cottage was full of birds and small animals that would sometimes wander close out of curiosity. It was like a house from a fairytale.
As the days passed by, Christine found herself coming to enjoy Erik's company more than she thought she would. She was rather lonely when he wasn't home, which wasn't often but the time she spent away from him was quite dull. Whenever he left her, she would take up occupancy at the window nook in the parlor and read while awaiting his return. It was piteous but she couldn't help the way her heart leapt when she would see him atop Cesar heading back home to her.
The influence Erik had on her was frightening, she was constantly yearning to be near him and when she laid in bed at night, she wished he would come to her and keep her safe from the nightmares that plagued her sleep, though she knew he wouldn't. He did his best to avoid intruding on her personal time, which was ironic considering his past tendencies to do the complete opposite. He was becoming quite the gentleman and it pleased Christine. Her feelings bewildered her though as she was certain she didn't love Erik, yet every time he was near, every time she caught him staring at her, she felt something…though she didn't know what that something was. It merely had to be her own bashfulness, after all she hated being the center of attention. Unless she was on the stage, that is.
Christine sighed, planting herself on the window nook to read and wait for Erik. He had been gone for exactly three hours and she was starting to worry about him. Had he been hurt during his journey into Lyon? Was he safe in the city?
This isn't Paris, they don't know of the Opera Ghost here, she assured herself. But how was she to know how far the news of the Opera Populaire would travel? After all, people from all over France had been in attendance the night of Don Juan Triumphant!
The memory of that night made Christine flinch and she quickly busied herself with her book, opening the cover and starting on the first page, though the words were suddenly unreadable to her and her mind wandered once again. She began thinking about if she should tell Erik what types of things were best to earn a woman's love, after all it was only fair since she did promise to try to love him.
Erik had been gifting her dresses and shoes, he even told her of his jewelry order that was almost complete, but she didn't care for such things. Yes, they were beautiful and no doubt expensive, but she wanted flowers, chocolates–stolen kisses, which she now regretted forbidding. Such gall he had to assume her interests were in dresses and jewels. Had he not learned anything about her in the past ten years?
I will tell him, ask him for something that I want, but what will I choose? Christine thought to herself. Perhaps an area in the garden where she could enjoy her morning tea. Oh, to sit with Erik surrounded by rose bushes and enjoying the wonderful tea he made–it would be simply amazing.
Christine left the window nook, no longer motivated to sit and read inside. She wanted to be in the evening sun enjoying her favorite novels and awaiting the return of Erik. With a blanket from the hallway cupboard and her book clutched in her hand, she headed out the front door to find a perfect spot to read in the front yard.
Christine looked around, eyes glancing over the rather dull front garden. It looked to have been neglected for quite some time, as the fence surrounding the yard was in shambles and the grass was browning in some areas.
In the far corner of the yard, beneath the cover of the towering pines, there was a healthier looking patch of grass that Christine was happy to read in, possibly even the area she would like to have her tea.
Christine carefully laid out the yellow blanket and sat down, crossing her legs and content with the spot she had chosen. No sun shone too brightly on her so it was perfect for reading. She opened her book and was finally able to focus on the words. It was a romance, one between a woman and a beast in an enchanted castle. Her father used to read it to her to help her sleep and it was her favorite tale, she had no doubt that she could recite most of it by heart. Erik often teased her for enjoying romance novels but she paid him no mind, after all whenever they read in silence by the fireplace, he was almost always reading a romance. When she would mention it and tell him he was being pious, he would turn a bright shade of red and make the excuse that there weren't many books to choose from. She knew he was lying, of course, as his study housed hundreds of books.
Christine sighed and wondered if Erik ever intended on romancing her, or if he had even thought of the idea. Surely with all the books he had read, he would have some knowledge of how to court a woman. The idea ignited a fluttering in her stomach and she smiled, she had never been courted before.
Raoul had never made an attempt to court her, never once gave her a gift or wrote her a sweet poem during the few months leading up to their engagement. She only accepted because she thought it was best for her to marry a man she was familiar with, though she should have known better than to let him into her life so easily as a grown woman.
Besides, Erik had always been there for her, even if it was under the guise of her Angel of Music. He always comforted her when she wept, inspired her voice, and left her countless roses which all smelled wonderful. No wonder Erik smelled of roses–oh, God, his scent was intoxicating and every time he was near her, it lit her skin on fire.
An attractive smell for such an attractive man, Christine thought as she turned over onto her stomach. Just thinking of his smell made her body shudder, and she closed her eyes, imagining him laying next to her and allowing her to breathe in his scent for hours. She would trail her lips over his skin and let roses evade her taste buds and then her lips would find his mouth and–
Calm yourself, Christine, she scolded herself. She was getting far too carried away in her sinful fantasies. Besides, she would only commit such acts with a man she loved, and she still wasn't sure if she felt those ways about Erik. Christine opened her book once again and continued reading to distract herself and soon her eyelids became impossibly heavy. With a sigh, she committed to sleep and dozed off below the pines.
xXx
The smell of roses invaded Christine's mind and she slowly opened her heavy lids. Everything was bleary, though she knew what her room looked like to sleepy eyes. There was no mistaking the pink wallpaper and white bed frame. She was in her bed covered in the wonderful silk that Erik had purchased so she would sleep more comfortably. The smoothness was almost erotic and she found herself gripping the sheets and letting out a low moan–wait, someone was with her, touching her most intimate areas and it felt magnificent as if a thousand butterflies were kissing her skin.
Christine lifted her head and looked down to see a masked face working between her thighs, her womanhood exposed to him as his tongue danced on her sensitive flesh. His arms entwined under her legs and he tightly gripped her hips, holding her in place. There was no escape, though she wasn't sure if she even wanted to. The feeling was immeasurable, far better than any pleasure she had performed herself.
Christine was unsure of how she came to be in such a compromising situation with Erik. Had he come to her at night and seduced her? Was she going to allow the sinful act to continue? Oh, she didn't care much about sinning any longer, if Erik was to have her, then she wouldn't stop him.
"Erik," she whispered, the name lingered in the air and echoed throughout the room.
The man between her legs lifted his head and stared into her eyes, his lips red and wet with her arousal. An inquisitive look was on his face and he let out a loud groan before releasing her hips and planting wet kisses across her abdomen until he reached her neck. Each touch was fire and she felt herself melting under his weight. His lips finally found hers and he kissed her with such passion that Christine thought she would combust.
The dancing of his featherlight touch down her side made her violently shudder. His hand roughly gripped her hip before resting on her inner thigh, then he gently pushed her leg up the silk sheets, granting himself more access to her center. Christine gasped as she felt a strange hardness brush against her leg, then it came to rest against her entrance.
Erik leaned up, breaking the kiss, his face just inches from hers, his eyes were a crackling fire, dark and full of lust. Christine reached up and placed her hands on either side of his face, one smooth and cold, the other rough and warm. He still wore his mask which upset her so with a sigh, she slid her fingers under the edges of the porcelain and tossed it to the floor, hardly caring when it shattered against the wooden surface.
Erik glanced at the broken mask, expression unwavering, then back at Christine. A smile spread on his face and he kissed her once more, then with one movement he was inside of her. No pain spread through her body as she had been told when a woman experiences the loss of her virginity, instead, she felt warm and safe. It was rather odd, it was hard to tell if there was even an intrusion, regardless, her head fell back in ecstasy and she closed her eyes.
"Christine…my love…Christine…my angel…" Erik moaned in her ear as he began his movements. "You are mine, you belong to me, I will do anything you ask, love me."
"Erik," she whispered again, then she felt a ghosting jolt of electricity when his finger found her pleasure point and her eyes snapped open. His gaze was fixated on her face and determination was bright in his eyes as he continued his ministrations.
Christine felt her body begin to tremble and she dug her nails into Erik's back, her breathing rapidly increased and she felt as if she was flying. A low moan emanated from her throat and she let out several whimpers, almost as if she was pleading with him to give her the release she so desperately craved.
"That's it, Christine, come for your Angel of Music," he breathed as the speed of his thrusts increased drastically.
"Erik…Erik…Erik…" she moaned between gasps. The feeling was becoming far too much for her to handle and she focused on her breathing, concentrating on extinguishing the raging fire in her womanhood.
"Sing for me," he breathed again, the sound almost ethereal. His eyes bore into her soul and his look of pleading ignited the desire in her veins. Tremors soon wracked her body and she dug her nails deeper into his back, her moans filling the room as Erik pushed her through her release.
"Erik!" she cried, her voice echoed through the room once again.
A look of satisfaction replaced Erik's pleading and he buried his face in her neck, his lips brushing just under her jaw. He ceased his movement and laid his entire weight atop her and they didn't move for what felt like hours. Christine was perfectly content with the sinful act she had just committed, rather, she and Erik had just committed. She moved her hand to run it along his back and closed her eyes, focusing on his breathing to calm her thoughts.
"Christine, my Christine," Erik whispered against her ear, "Wake up, my love. I have a gift for you. Wake up…Wake up…"
xXx
Christine woke up gasping for breath and her sweat soaked hair was plastered to her forehead. Her eyes widened as she glanced around only to see she was still outside in the corner of the front garden and very cold. She was suddenly aware of a hand on her shoulder and she let out a small shriek of fear before realizing it was only Erik.
It had been a dream, a wonderful sinful dream, Christine thought. God, why would she have such a dream? And with Erik! Oh, but it was delightful and she wished she had never woken up.
Christine swallowed hard then looked at Erik who sat silently next to her, "You came back, how was your visit to the city?"
"It went rather well," he replied as he removed his hand from her shoulder, "I do apologize for being away for longer than I had promised. How long have you been out here? You are freezing."
Christine sat up and rubbed her arms to warm her skin, "I believe it was four or five when I laid down."
Erik reached for her lap, picking up the book that lay open across her leg. He turned it over in his hand and chuckled, "Could your indulgence of this book be the source of your nightmare? Was the beast too terrifying for you?"
"What? No, it–it was just a dream, and how do you know I was dreaming?" she demanded.
He laughed loudly, "You were breathing rather heavily and just look at yourself! Sweat soaked and flustered."
"I just–I don't wish to speak about it," she argued and a red blush crossed her face and she shifted uncomfortably. "We should go inside, maybe sit by the fire? I am rather cold."
Erik nodded, then quickly stood from his seated position, "Yes, but first, I have a gift for you. Go on inside then meet me by the stables in five minutes. It will be dark within the hour and I'm afraid I am too impatient to wait until morning."
"Another gift," Christine mumbled, wondering if her jewelry order was ready and why she was to meet him at the stables. She slowly stood, her legs were stiff and cold and began regretting her decision to read outside.
"I'm sure you will enjoy it," he took her hand between both of his and placed a light kiss on the pulse point of her wrist. The porcelain mask on his face brushed against her skin and the freezing chill sent a shiver up her spine, "I will await you at the stables." He pulled back and Christine's heart leapt when his eyes met hers. The memory of her dream invaded her mind and her face heated again.
"Alright," she whispered, hardly being able to produce any other words.
Erik flashed a crooked smile, then turned and briskly walked around the side of the cottage disappearing from sight. Christine took in a deep breath and absently ran her fingers over the spot he had placed his lips before collecting the blanket and her book and returning to the parlor to warm herself by the fire.
The glowing charcoal in the hearth was dying out, so Christine added another log and warmed her fingers so they were no longer stiff. Confident that she was warm enough, Christine headed to the back door and pulled her deep blue cloak over her shoulders to keep in the warmth from the fire before making her way to the stables.
When she arrived, Erik had his back to her and was removing the saddle from his black stallion. A beautiful white mare stood in the second stall of the stable, one she had not seen before.
Christine's eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful horse, knowing that it was for her. The mare was definitely an improvement from her previous gifts. Christine bit back a smile at the delight she felt and wondered if they would be taking rides together. It would be rather enjoyable to ride alongside Erik and explore the forest surrounding the cottage.
Christine stood shyly, her hands twisting in front of her, "Good evening."
Erik set the saddle on a rack and turned towards her, his eyes wandered down her dress then back to her face, "You look rather lovely in blue, my love."
Christine blushed again, then clasped her hands behind her back, looking down at her feet, then she peeked up at the mare who was standing patiently, then towards Erik, "She is beautiful."
Erik moved away from Cesar, his eyes fixated on Christine, "She is for you, my love. I have been arranging her purchase for weeks now. She is young and strong, perfect for such a beauty as yourself. I hope you two take a liking to each other," he held his hand out to Christine, "Come, slowly, you don't want to scare her."
Christine nodded and obeyed his command, moving to meet him near Cesar. Erik took her hand and guided her towards the mare, which kicked its hoof at Christine's approach and gave a soft whine. Christine held out her hand, allowing the horse to come to her and soon it nuzzled its soft nose into her palm.
Erik sighed a sound of relief, then began stroking the mane of Christine's new companion, "It seems she likes you. That is good."
"Yes," Christine whispered, moving to stroke the mare's neck. "What's her name?"
"She was never given one, would you like to choose?" Erik asked, turning his attention towards Cesar once again.
Christine stared at the mare for a few moments, thinking back to all of her favorite books, then answered, "Beauty." She turned to Erik for approval, hoping that it was a good name for the horse.
"Beauty," Erik murmured under his breath, "I suppose Cesar can be her Beast," he let out a breathy chuckle, "We will take a ride in a few days if you would like. Perhaps to the city, and we can visit the bakery where I purchase your pastries."
Christine glanced back at Beauty, smiling with delight. Erik had never offered to take her into the city. She knew his trust in her had grown quite a lot, considering he felt comfortable enough to leave her at home alone. The bakery would be delightful, a fun morning with Erik, having breakfast in the city. She had only ever been asked to supper once by Raoul and she had not attended because she had no desire to do so, but now Erik was asking her to breakfast and she didn't want to decline. The idea of wearing her best morning dress and taking a stroll in the city on Erik's arm made her stomach flutter.
"Are you–are you asking me on a date?" Christine asked, looking over her shoulder.
She saw Erik halt his movements, then heard quiet mumbling before he answered, "I–I suppose I am."
"I accept," Christine smiled, she turned to face him and walked over to stand next to Cesar. She looked to her feet shyly, "Thank you for Beauty, she is magnificent. I'm rather cold so I will be in the parlor if you should need me."
"It pleases me to know you are happy, my Christine," Erik whispered, taking her hand and brushing his lips along her cold knuckles. Her breath caught in her throat and she began shaking, heart pounding in her chest once again. His skin on hers had the effect of setting her body aflame, no matter how often they came in contact with each other. She was scorching by the time he pulled back and without another word, she scurried away and escaped into the house.
Once inside, Christine collected herself, being sure to smooth out her dress and turned her attention to her need to use the facilities.
xXx
Christine returned to the parlor where Erik stood, hands clasped behind his back, staring out one of the large windows at the front of the cottage. His mask and wig were laid out neatly on the table at the front door. He didn't seem to notice her when she entered the room, or when she took a seat on one of the couches. Christine simply sat in silence and watched Erik as he examined the outside world, something she didn't get to do often.
He looked marvelous in his dark brown trousers and black coat, the top unbuttoned to reveal his white dress shirt. Christine wondered if white was the only color of shirt he owned, as it was the only color he wore. She was in no way complaining though, after all, he was rather fetching, even with the deformity on his face. But Christine hardly noticed it anymore, as a matter of fact she couldn't even imagine him without it.
It had been silent for far too long and Christine was beginning to think he would never notice her. Perhaps Erik had fallen asleep standing up, that would be rather comical.
"Erik?" Christine said, hoping that he would finally acknowledge her. "Are you alright?"
"Yes?" he replied, as he slowly turned to face her, "Oh, quite alright, yes, I am still getting used to the daylight. Forgive me."
"Will you join me? I wish to speak with you," Christine said. She needed to discuss the matter of the luxurious gifts she was receiving from him.
Erik's mouth turned down into a frown, but he obliged, taking a seat on the unoccupied couch. He straightened his posture and placed his hands on his knees, seeming to be attempting to keep his composure.
Christine bit back a giggle and continued, "Please, don't misunderstand me when I say this, but you cannot buy my love. I do very much enjoy your gifts, my dresses are beautiful, Beauty is beautiful, and I'm sure the jewelry order you placed is going to be equally as beautiful. I thank you for all of them, but Erik, if I am going to love you, we need to spend time together and learn about each other. Our pasts, interests. Go on picnics! I know you have already asked me to accompany you into the city, which is a good start and I very much look forward to our time together, but I wish you would tell me more about yourself. I feel as if I hardly know you."
Erik nodded, then looked down at his hands, his brow furrowed and his eyes darted back and forth, "You want to know of my past? The picnics I can do," he leaned back and crossed his legs, extending one arm across the back of the couch, "I have to deny the knowledge of my past, my dear."
"You said you would do anything I asked of you," Christine reminded him, moving to sit next to him. He slowly pulled his arm from the back of the couch and folded his hands in his lap as he glanced at her from the corner of his eyes.
Christine placed one of her hands over his and adjusted herself closer and he looked down as their thighs pressed together. "Please," she whispered, hoping her touch would be enough to get him to give in.
"No," he insisted, gaze unmoving from the connection of their thighs, "Do not ask again. My past is not a pleasant one, my love. It will only make you despise me."
"Please, Erik, at least tell me some things. You don't have to reveal everything," Christine pushed, knowing he would have to give in eventually, after all he had promised.
His eyes shot to her face and darkened and she could see moisture building, "I can't Christine, please!" he pleaded desperately. He seemed to be panicked and his hands trembled below hers.
Christine scoffed, breaking their contact, "You promised! You said anything I asked for!" She sounded like a child, but he had promised, and she expected him to hold true to them just as she had with hers.
"Yes, and it seems I can't keep it this time," Erik spoke through his teeth, standing and quickly making his escape to the stairs.
"Erik!" Christine shouted as she followed him, grabbing his hand before he could reach the stairs. He turned on her, tears were in his wide eyes as he searched her face.
"Please, Christine, you can't know! God, you can't know, please," he pleaded again, moving his hands to cover hers, placing a light kiss on her wrist. His lips were trembling and Christine took her free hand and caressed his cheek.
Why had she even asked? God, she felt awful for doing so seeing how he had reacted. She wished she could take back her begging words and never speak them again.
"I'm sorry, I have asked too much of you," Christine whispered, her fingers trailing their way down to his chest where they rested upon the open V of his shirt. His pale skin was soft and she toyed with the sparse hair that grew there. She felt a shudder wrack through Erik's body and she quickly pulled away and her ears began roaring. What had made her initiate such intimate contact?
He moved his hand upwards, running his thumb along her jaw before moving to do the same with her lips. Tears fell from his eyes, dripping down his chin and he took in a deep shuddering breath, "I know I made a promise, just give me time. My past is not a simple one, I was not a good man, Christine. I fear that you will leave me if I tell you and I cannot lose you. These past few weeks with you have been the only time in my life where I feel like I'm actually living–for the first time, I perceive myself as a man and not a monster. Please, you must understand, if I frighten you away–I'm scared, Christine, I can't go back to living in darkness, not when my reason for living craves the light."
Christine nodded, his thumb was still on her lips, and she found herself closing her eyes and leaning into his touch. His form pressed into her and she felt a wet droplet fall onto her cheek and then his thumb swept it away. One of his hands wrapped around the small of her back, pulling her hips into his. She knotted her hands into the lapels of his coat to stabilize herself as she felt rather faint.
Fire spread through her body and she couldn't contain the low moan that emanated from her throat. She slowly opened her eyes and was met with sparkling blue just inches from hers, a thin line of liquid wavered on his lower lash line. Her breaths became ragged and she leaned in, allowing her lips to brush against Erik's jaw, tasting his wonderful scent as it rushed through her body causing her to tremble.
Erik tensed and squeezed her hip tightly in his hand, crushing himself to her. She whimpered at the pressure of his action, and realized she had allowed their contact to go too far. She took a quick step back, breaking from his hold.
Christine let out a loud shuddering breath, "I think I should take a nap, I will be in my room."
Erik took a step towards her, closing the distance, "My love," then he paused, pulling his hand back to his side, "Yes, of course, I will be down here if you need me. Please, rest well." His face was flushed and he looked just as flustered as she was, if not even more.
"Right then, I will see you later perhaps," she said. God, she needed to be away from him, her entire being wanted to kiss him, but she knew better than to allow herself to give in to that urge. She needed a clear mind and a bath. Yes, a bath would soothe her blazing skin.
Erik nodded, his eyes searching her face, then left her side, returning to the parlor and sitting in his chair by the fireplace.
Christine rushed up the stairs to her room and threw her bathroom door open, starting a cold bath for herself. She quickly removed her dress while she waited for the tub to fill and stared at her face in the mirror. Her cheeks were bright pink and she rubbed them to try to get rid of the color, but it only seemed to make it worse. She groaned, knotting her hair into a bun atop her head and turned towards the partially filled tub, she found herself impatient so she stepped in, gently lowering herself into the cold water. The temperature immediately soothed her skin and she sighed at the rush of relief that came over her.
Finally, Christine was able to relax being away from Erik's influence. The hold he had on her was frightening and it made her shudder. She closed her eyes and leaned farther into the tub and began thinking of how his thumb had traced her lips, how his hand had gripped her hip, how he had touched her in her dream–
No! Don't think of that! Christine scolded herself, but it was too late.
A throbbing ache formed within her womanhood, and she fought hard to control it. She held her breath, trying to force her body to stop betraying her. She scooped water in her hands, urgently splashing it over her skin, trying to calm the returning heat.
Nothing helped, the ache continued and she found it worsening the longer she worked to contain it. She angrily slapped the water with frustration before standing to wrap herself in a towel. The bath wasn't working, she would need to just try to sleep. Yes, sleep would do good for her, if she was sleeping, she was sure to push any thought of Erik out of her mind.
Christine returned to her bedroom, she didn't have the desire to dress in a sleeping gown so she dug a chemise out of her wardrobe and quickly put it on. Her bed was inviting and she laid on top of the coverlet as she felt too hot for such a heavy thing to be covering her body.
The bed was soft as always and she turned onto her back to allow as much of her body to be hit by the cool air as possible. She was still aching, still wanting. She clenched her thighs together, hoping to put a damper on the fire, but it only made it worse.
She needed Erik, she wanted him to come to her, to take her just as he had in her dream. To touch her and take the pain away, to feel his fingers dance on her skin and find all of her secret areas. She wanted to sin with him.
Oh, how little she cared about sins anymore. She was tired of being the good little girl everyone knew her as, the timid chorus girl from the burned down opera house. No, she wanted to be a woman, and she was a woman, she felt like a woman and she would sin like one.
But, no, she couldn't engage with Erik. Not until she loved him. What she had was merely desire. Lust. Love was necessary if she was going to give him her body. For now, she could only imagine it, in a sinful way of course. Pleasuring herself was not foreign to her, she had done it numerous times before, only this time she held desire for someone.
Christine slowly reached down and pulled up the bottom of her chemise, allowing her fingers to brush lightly against the skin of her hip where Erik had grabbed her and a shiver ran up her body remembering the touch. She moved down farther to her core, past the soft curls and found her way to her heat.
A gasp escaped her lips when she discovered the amount of dewy wetness between her legs. Never had she felt this level of desire, though she had never had anyone to feel this way for. Not even for Raoul.
Dragging her middle finger up her slit, she found her pleasure point and as her soft touch made contact, sparks shot up her body. A low moan emanated from her throat and she bit her lip trying to suppress it. She would need to be silent.
Trembling, Christine began imaging Erik was watching her, wondering if he had ever watched her in the opera house. If he had ever stood within the room, in a dark corner, and watched her pleasure herself. Surely he had, it was perverse, but God, she didn't care. She wanted him to watch her, secretly hoping he would happen upon her in such a compromising position. That he would take her and claim her body for his own pleasure.
Christine's urgent fingers were not her own, no, they were Erik's. He was pleasuring her, he was above her, he was watching her as he slid his fingers over her sensitive flesh. His hands were on her body, lightly touching her skin, gripping her hips, massaging her breasts. Drawing out her orgasm just as he had in her dream.
Christine felt her release nearing and Erik's fingers worked faster, her back arched and her hips bucked against him, working him closer to her.
Electricity wracked through her body and her thighs numbed, and without a second thought she moaned, "Oh, God, Erik."
Her breaths were ragged as she came down from her high and she slowly pulled her trembling hand up to her chest, finally feeling satisfied now that the ache was gone.
Suddenly a realization came over her, she had said his name, though she wasn't sure if it was loud enough for Erik to hear her from the parlor. No, he wasn't close enough to even hear her speaking at her usual volume, surely he couldn't have heard the whisper of his name.
Christine sighed contentedly, finally being able to relax having taken care of the aching need between her legs. She turned on her side, slowly closing her eyes to surrender to sleep. It was then she noticed she had left her bedroom door open.
Embarrassment flushed through her and she buried her face in her pillow, praying that Erik hadn't wandered up the stairs and caught her pleasuring herself. Surely, he wouldn't have watched. Christine quickly got up and closed the door, then turned around and slunk down to sit against it. Her only hope was that if he had seen her, he didn't stay for the completion and heard what she had said.