Chapter Six
Once more, he stood with Christine in his arms. Bending to kiss her, Erik marveled at the love shining from her sweet face. Finally, finally - she belonged to him and he reveled in the taste of her. Slowly, she moved from him, walking backwards to the stairs. His mind refused to grasp the implications of her seductive smile. Looking up the stairway, she said "I told you I could do it again, Raoul." Before he could react, the front door flew open and strong arms grabbed him from behind. Insane with rage, Erik looked up to see Christine climbing the stairs to Raoul. 'I'll kill her! I'll kill them both!' pounded through his brain as he struggled frantically to break free. She had betrayed him yet again. He leaned his head back, shrieking in agony as his heart broke within him.
Bolting up in his bed, it took him a full minute to realize he'd been asleep. Sweaty and gulping for air, he tried in confusion to calm the adrenaline rushing through his body. Needing to get away from the panic, he disentangled the sheets from himself and moved off the bed. He leaned one arm against the wall to get his bearings but could still feel the hysteria inside. Everything had come rushing back in that nightmare - the recollection of when she had last kissed him before destroying him. As Erik remembered the anguish vividly, his muscles grew tense and fury overrode his fear. How could he have forgotten? Christine had practically killed him with her childish, wavering affections. She had stolen away with her handsome young man leaving him alone to a murderous mob. All she had to do was smile up at him once more and he begged for her attentions like an adoring puppy. Yet, he had allowed it; no, welcomed it. Charming, cruel Christine. Visions of his nightmare danced before his eyes and he smashed his fist into the plaster wall.
Sighing loudly, Christine drifted towards the music room allowing her cloak and gloves to fall where they may. It was Sunday and she'd just returned from church. Erik had not come to her the entire week. She had waited for him with anticipation, knowing well what would likely take place when they were alone again. Her hunger for him astonished her. Hot, graphic images of the two of them winded their way into her mind; at times, stopping her in her tracks. Nothing would ever be ordinary with Erik. His ardent love making or his atrocious temper would not consent to tediousness. The very aura surrounding him crackled. Christine wondered if he had any idea of the stimulating sensations he incited in her.
By the time Wednesday came around, she was indignant at his absence and responded by being terse with her servants. No, she did not want some tea and yes, she preferred to be alone! Angry and hurt, she sulked for several hours attempting to determine the cause of his disappearance. By Friday, she worried excessively for him and convinced herself he was ill or worse. If she had known where he lived, she would have gone there in haste.
Sitting at the piano, she brushed the keys he had touched with her fingertips. Sadly, she pondered whether she would ever see him again.
Cursing aloud, he turned his docile mare down through the iron gates. Erik hated himself, loathed the weakness that was his worship for Christine. Disgustingly, he had attended Mass again today. Promising himself that he would only listen to her sing and go home, here he was at her door once again.
It had been a long week and he had worked unceasingly through Friday. His partner, Robert, had long ago accepted Erik's idiosyncrasies. So when the dark figure arrived early in the week with stacks of plans, he knowingly nodded. "Genius burns, eh, Erik?" he smirked as he poured both of them a brandy. Ignoring the threatening look he received in answer, Robert inquired, "Have you slept at all?" Accepting the brandy but refusing to sit, Erik grumbled in response.
"Erik, I have told you. I don't need so many of these drawings in advance. It is not necessary to kill yourself over this commission. You are planning much quicker than my men can build." Robert sighed.
"Perhaps the management should insist on more industrious employees in order to keep up." Erik jeered.
Laughing easily, Robert refused to be challenged. He was much more easy- going than his intense colleague, but knowing that Erik's life had been far from comfortable, he never took offense. His genius was evident in his work and Robert was appreciative of his ability. Slapping him on the shoulder, Robert suggested Erik return home and go to sleep. Enigmatically, Erik had nodded his farewell and left abruptly.
Erik stopped the mare with pressure from his legs. Damn it all to hell, he would not offer any excuses for his absence. Let her come to whatever conclusions she may.
It had lightly snowed during the night. As Christine walked by her bedroom window, she unexpectedly saw the hoof prints in a trail towards her house. Before she knew it, her heart had flown with the prospect that it could be him. At that moment, she heard a knock at the door that sounded more like pounding. Soaring down the stairs, she paused momentarily to check her hair in the hallway mirror and tried to calm her heart. Composing herself as much as possible, she opened the door.
Taking no notice of Erik's hostile stance, Christine smiled genuinely at him. "Erik, how nice to see you. Won't you come in?" Wisely, she concluded he would tell her the trouble in his own time. He stormed past her with unleashed antagonism and she bowed her head, grateful that he had come to her at last - even in anger. "Would you like me to show you the stables for your horse?" she offered as though nothing were amiss.
"I've already situated her there." Erik said roughly. Unable to stand her indulgence of his black mood, he turned on his heel and strode toward the music room. Christine was relieved, hoping he would play out his wrath as he used to when she visited him below the Opera. She followed taking a deep breath to help her weather his emotion.
Erik stood unmoving at the windows when she entered. Without looking her way, he stated flatly, "It pierces to wait for someone who has promised to return, no?"
"Is that what this was about, Erik?" Christine asked in disbelief. "You were punishing me?"
Laughing quietly, he retorted, "No, Christine. I have been on the receiving end of your punishments far too many times. I would not be so spiteful."
"Erik, what is the matter?" she said softly. "You do realize I was but a child when I left you."
Turning to interrupt her with malice in his eyes, he stared at her in contempt. "Don't insult my intelligence, Madame. You were not such a child. You went willingly into the arms of that boy! You made a conscious choice. Tell me, you knew then that you would marry him, did you not? After all, I had the privilege of overhearing you pledge your devotion on the roof of the Opera, do you remember that?"
Recognizing the furious anger she had seen years ago, Christine remained silent in the face of his accusations. So that was it, then, her betrayal of him - the cause of his seething resentment. She had to compel herself to meet his gaze although she said nothing. Knowing he had every right to express these feelings, she inwardly braced herself.
"Come, Christine. Show me your tears of repentance. Give me your logical explanation for I am certain you have one ready." he scoffed sarcastically.
Mutely, she accepted his fury with dry eyes. Only after he had turned away from her once more did she have courage to delicately whisper, "I am sorry, Erik." He rounded on her sharply.
"Sorry? Yes, sorry that you are now quite alone again, hmmm, Christine? Shall your faithful Angel rescue you once more until something better comes along?" he taunted mercilessly.
Giving way, Christine choked, "That was cruel."
"Don't speak to me of cruelty, Christine. You are the master of the art. Don't you dare speak to me of cruelty after the brutality you so sweetly imparted to me!" he roared.
Watching each other carefully, they stood unmoving. Christine broke the unspoken challenge and went to sit on the sofa. Erik was swiftly becoming ashamed of his hasty intrusion especially in the face of her composure to his outburst. For several minutes, neither of them spoke but allowed the swirling allegations to settle.
"Erik, what can I say to you? When I left you, I was so scared of you. I knew you had murdered and the passion I saw in you, I mistook for rage. Whether you wish to hear it or not, Erik, I was young and terribly inexperienced. You were so far beyond me in many areas that I was very intimidated in your presence. The regard you had for me both excited and terrified me. Raoul took the decision out of my hands and in my immaturity, I was grateful. He was the safe option that I chose in my innocence. I never forgot you, Erik. Not for one day. I cannot erase the past for you, but I can offer myself, now." Finished, she gazed down at her clasped hands. She had laid bare her heart. Standing toward the wall with her arms crossed, the taut strain enveloped both of them while each waited.
Convicted by her sincerity, he decided it best to put distance between them so they would each have time to think. Rational thought escaped him when she was in his vicinity.
But he would give her something to reflect upon.
Ominously, Erik moved to stand behind her. His hands found her waist and held her firmly. In a chilling whisper next to her ear, he promised her, "Think carefully, my love. For when I take you, you will belong to me. I'll not allow you to leave me again." Christine shivered at the menace in his tone and, noting her reaction, he laughed softly. "Do not consider toying with me, my dear. I am afraid I will lose concern for your virtuous safety in my presence." Kissing her neck lightly, he then turned her in his arms. Without giving her time to glance at him, his lips swooped down and possessed her. Disregarding her preferences, this kiss was totally selfish. Erik did not permit her to catch her breath but savagely continued to show her what she would be getting herself into with her suggestions. He pushed her against the wall and pressed himself full against her. The appropriateness of their bodies together astounded both Christine and Erik. He had not counted on her response as her arms grasped at him as if she could not get him close enough. Refusing to allow his heart to melt, he focused on his vicious lust for her. Erik's hands sought her breasts and he heard her moan in her throat even as he kissed her. His pulse thundered in his ears as he handled her firmly. Madness twisted in him reminding him that this was to give her a taste of his ardor. Brutally, he stopped their passionate urgency and he stood breathing heavily observing her under half-closed eyes.
Christine collapsed against the wall taking in the terrifying, burning man before her. At no time had she seen Erik's desire for her more naked in his expression. It appeared he would shatter from the tension surrounding them as they remain motionless.
Boring into to her very soul, he snarled, "Think carefully. You have one week." Then, he left her.
Once more, he stood with Christine in his arms. Bending to kiss her, Erik marveled at the love shining from her sweet face. Finally, finally - she belonged to him and he reveled in the taste of her. Slowly, she moved from him, walking backwards to the stairs. His mind refused to grasp the implications of her seductive smile. Looking up the stairway, she said "I told you I could do it again, Raoul." Before he could react, the front door flew open and strong arms grabbed him from behind. Insane with rage, Erik looked up to see Christine climbing the stairs to Raoul. 'I'll kill her! I'll kill them both!' pounded through his brain as he struggled frantically to break free. She had betrayed him yet again. He leaned his head back, shrieking in agony as his heart broke within him.
Bolting up in his bed, it took him a full minute to realize he'd been asleep. Sweaty and gulping for air, he tried in confusion to calm the adrenaline rushing through his body. Needing to get away from the panic, he disentangled the sheets from himself and moved off the bed. He leaned one arm against the wall to get his bearings but could still feel the hysteria inside. Everything had come rushing back in that nightmare - the recollection of when she had last kissed him before destroying him. As Erik remembered the anguish vividly, his muscles grew tense and fury overrode his fear. How could he have forgotten? Christine had practically killed him with her childish, wavering affections. She had stolen away with her handsome young man leaving him alone to a murderous mob. All she had to do was smile up at him once more and he begged for her attentions like an adoring puppy. Yet, he had allowed it; no, welcomed it. Charming, cruel Christine. Visions of his nightmare danced before his eyes and he smashed his fist into the plaster wall.
Sighing loudly, Christine drifted towards the music room allowing her cloak and gloves to fall where they may. It was Sunday and she'd just returned from church. Erik had not come to her the entire week. She had waited for him with anticipation, knowing well what would likely take place when they were alone again. Her hunger for him astonished her. Hot, graphic images of the two of them winded their way into her mind; at times, stopping her in her tracks. Nothing would ever be ordinary with Erik. His ardent love making or his atrocious temper would not consent to tediousness. The very aura surrounding him crackled. Christine wondered if he had any idea of the stimulating sensations he incited in her.
By the time Wednesday came around, she was indignant at his absence and responded by being terse with her servants. No, she did not want some tea and yes, she preferred to be alone! Angry and hurt, she sulked for several hours attempting to determine the cause of his disappearance. By Friday, she worried excessively for him and convinced herself he was ill or worse. If she had known where he lived, she would have gone there in haste.
Sitting at the piano, she brushed the keys he had touched with her fingertips. Sadly, she pondered whether she would ever see him again.
Cursing aloud, he turned his docile mare down through the iron gates. Erik hated himself, loathed the weakness that was his worship for Christine. Disgustingly, he had attended Mass again today. Promising himself that he would only listen to her sing and go home, here he was at her door once again.
It had been a long week and he had worked unceasingly through Friday. His partner, Robert, had long ago accepted Erik's idiosyncrasies. So when the dark figure arrived early in the week with stacks of plans, he knowingly nodded. "Genius burns, eh, Erik?" he smirked as he poured both of them a brandy. Ignoring the threatening look he received in answer, Robert inquired, "Have you slept at all?" Accepting the brandy but refusing to sit, Erik grumbled in response.
"Erik, I have told you. I don't need so many of these drawings in advance. It is not necessary to kill yourself over this commission. You are planning much quicker than my men can build." Robert sighed.
"Perhaps the management should insist on more industrious employees in order to keep up." Erik jeered.
Laughing easily, Robert refused to be challenged. He was much more easy- going than his intense colleague, but knowing that Erik's life had been far from comfortable, he never took offense. His genius was evident in his work and Robert was appreciative of his ability. Slapping him on the shoulder, Robert suggested Erik return home and go to sleep. Enigmatically, Erik had nodded his farewell and left abruptly.
Erik stopped the mare with pressure from his legs. Damn it all to hell, he would not offer any excuses for his absence. Let her come to whatever conclusions she may.
It had lightly snowed during the night. As Christine walked by her bedroom window, she unexpectedly saw the hoof prints in a trail towards her house. Before she knew it, her heart had flown with the prospect that it could be him. At that moment, she heard a knock at the door that sounded more like pounding. Soaring down the stairs, she paused momentarily to check her hair in the hallway mirror and tried to calm her heart. Composing herself as much as possible, she opened the door.
Taking no notice of Erik's hostile stance, Christine smiled genuinely at him. "Erik, how nice to see you. Won't you come in?" Wisely, she concluded he would tell her the trouble in his own time. He stormed past her with unleashed antagonism and she bowed her head, grateful that he had come to her at last - even in anger. "Would you like me to show you the stables for your horse?" she offered as though nothing were amiss.
"I've already situated her there." Erik said roughly. Unable to stand her indulgence of his black mood, he turned on his heel and strode toward the music room. Christine was relieved, hoping he would play out his wrath as he used to when she visited him below the Opera. She followed taking a deep breath to help her weather his emotion.
Erik stood unmoving at the windows when she entered. Without looking her way, he stated flatly, "It pierces to wait for someone who has promised to return, no?"
"Is that what this was about, Erik?" Christine asked in disbelief. "You were punishing me?"
Laughing quietly, he retorted, "No, Christine. I have been on the receiving end of your punishments far too many times. I would not be so spiteful."
"Erik, what is the matter?" she said softly. "You do realize I was but a child when I left you."
Turning to interrupt her with malice in his eyes, he stared at her in contempt. "Don't insult my intelligence, Madame. You were not such a child. You went willingly into the arms of that boy! You made a conscious choice. Tell me, you knew then that you would marry him, did you not? After all, I had the privilege of overhearing you pledge your devotion on the roof of the Opera, do you remember that?"
Recognizing the furious anger she had seen years ago, Christine remained silent in the face of his accusations. So that was it, then, her betrayal of him - the cause of his seething resentment. She had to compel herself to meet his gaze although she said nothing. Knowing he had every right to express these feelings, she inwardly braced herself.
"Come, Christine. Show me your tears of repentance. Give me your logical explanation for I am certain you have one ready." he scoffed sarcastically.
Mutely, she accepted his fury with dry eyes. Only after he had turned away from her once more did she have courage to delicately whisper, "I am sorry, Erik." He rounded on her sharply.
"Sorry? Yes, sorry that you are now quite alone again, hmmm, Christine? Shall your faithful Angel rescue you once more until something better comes along?" he taunted mercilessly.
Giving way, Christine choked, "That was cruel."
"Don't speak to me of cruelty, Christine. You are the master of the art. Don't you dare speak to me of cruelty after the brutality you so sweetly imparted to me!" he roared.
Watching each other carefully, they stood unmoving. Christine broke the unspoken challenge and went to sit on the sofa. Erik was swiftly becoming ashamed of his hasty intrusion especially in the face of her composure to his outburst. For several minutes, neither of them spoke but allowed the swirling allegations to settle.
"Erik, what can I say to you? When I left you, I was so scared of you. I knew you had murdered and the passion I saw in you, I mistook for rage. Whether you wish to hear it or not, Erik, I was young and terribly inexperienced. You were so far beyond me in many areas that I was very intimidated in your presence. The regard you had for me both excited and terrified me. Raoul took the decision out of my hands and in my immaturity, I was grateful. He was the safe option that I chose in my innocence. I never forgot you, Erik. Not for one day. I cannot erase the past for you, but I can offer myself, now." Finished, she gazed down at her clasped hands. She had laid bare her heart. Standing toward the wall with her arms crossed, the taut strain enveloped both of them while each waited.
Convicted by her sincerity, he decided it best to put distance between them so they would each have time to think. Rational thought escaped him when she was in his vicinity.
But he would give her something to reflect upon.
Ominously, Erik moved to stand behind her. His hands found her waist and held her firmly. In a chilling whisper next to her ear, he promised her, "Think carefully, my love. For when I take you, you will belong to me. I'll not allow you to leave me again." Christine shivered at the menace in his tone and, noting her reaction, he laughed softly. "Do not consider toying with me, my dear. I am afraid I will lose concern for your virtuous safety in my presence." Kissing her neck lightly, he then turned her in his arms. Without giving her time to glance at him, his lips swooped down and possessed her. Disregarding her preferences, this kiss was totally selfish. Erik did not permit her to catch her breath but savagely continued to show her what she would be getting herself into with her suggestions. He pushed her against the wall and pressed himself full against her. The appropriateness of their bodies together astounded both Christine and Erik. He had not counted on her response as her arms grasped at him as if she could not get him close enough. Refusing to allow his heart to melt, he focused on his vicious lust for her. Erik's hands sought her breasts and he heard her moan in her throat even as he kissed her. His pulse thundered in his ears as he handled her firmly. Madness twisted in him reminding him that this was to give her a taste of his ardor. Brutally, he stopped their passionate urgency and he stood breathing heavily observing her under half-closed eyes.
Christine collapsed against the wall taking in the terrifying, burning man before her. At no time had she seen Erik's desire for her more naked in his expression. It appeared he would shatter from the tension surrounding them as they remain motionless.
Boring into to her very soul, he snarled, "Think carefully. You have one week." Then, he left her.