Chapter Five

Pursuit of Happiness


Stirring in the luxurious bed the light caused them to shield their eyes. A groan of drowsiness slipped from their lips, and they stretched and turned to their partner, who was still asleep, a peaceful smile on their face.

Christine smiled at him, leaning in and kissing his cheek. The warmth of his breath caressed her face, and he still slept. Overjoyed by this, she nuzzled into his chest, calmly listening to his heart pound.

The past week had been glorious, mornings of late sleeping, nights of love and music, it had all been so different, she nearly forgot Raoul.

But she didn't, not completely, a foreboding beat played in her heart, she knew it would not be much longer, he would come for her. She hissed unconsciously, her eyes narrowing as she pictured the scene he would make, dragging her by her arm like a schoolgirl, he would make a fool of her, and take her from Erik.

No, she told herself. I won't let him and neither will Erik. Still, they had just gotten acquainted with their neighbors, and now what would they think of them?

Erik stirred beneath her, and she realized she was clawing at his skin, not wanting to let him see her this way she turned to stare at the wall, fighting back hordes of tears. His gentle hand touched her shoulder, questioning and yet loving as well. She lost control, bursting into sobs. His arms came around her, turning her to him and allowing her to cry into his chest, his hands rubbing against her back, his voice soothing her.

She soon quieted, not able to resist his comfort, burying her face in the warm, pale skin. She whimpered, clutching him tightly, feeling his lips spread kisses over her shoulders.

"Christine, what is wrong? What have I done to upset you?"

She shook her head, pulling back to look at him. "Nothing Erik, it's not you."

He tilted his head, curious. "Then what is it? Why were you crying?"

She sniffled, looking at her hands, ashamed. "I was thinking of... Raoul. I'm worried, Erik, I'm so worried."

"Don't be," He said clutching her hand. "He wont take you from me ever again, Christine."

She shook her head. "But if they see him treating me like a child what will everyone else think?"

He laughed heartily. "Darling, you should know by now not to care what they think."

She sighed. "I do try."

He kissed her forehead. "I know, mon cherie, I know."

Raoul staggered from the boat, his appearance was terrible, he was drunk, as he had been much of the journey, and his shirt was soiled from his many activities. It won't do to have her see me this way, he thought.

He stumbled through the streets, trying to find a tailor. Finally he did and asked for any extra clothing, and that he would pay handsomely.

To his misfortune, the man did not understand a word he had spoken. Oh right! He doesn't speak French!

Grumbling, slipping from his drunken state of mind, he grabbed a random man and took him behind a building, slaughtering him. He took off the mans clothes, careful not to get blood on them, as he had been when killing the poor bloke.

He dressed quickly, unaware of one spot of blood on his right hip. Now, to find where she lives! He staggered about two things coming to mind, her voice and his shadowy figure, he walked about blindly when he caught a slip of black in the corner of his eye. He twisted to see no one, cursing.

Erik stalked away to get home to his wife, they must leave immediately, there was no time to lose. Raoul would see one of them and come for her, making it all the harder.

He got home and immediately went about packing their things, he presented her with a black cloak of her own, telling her she would blend more easily in the shadows with it. She put it on, and followed him out, willing to go wherever he may lead, even if it were to death.


They moved as swiftly as ghosts onto the ship leaving for Persia, Christine's hood fell away and Erik cursed, roughly throwing it back on, embarrassed and ashamed she released his hand and stalked into her room, he had asked for separate ones interconnecting, so that they would not become tempted toward one another, this was a potentially dangerous time for them to be caught up in their desires, and yet they needed to reach each other quickly.

She threw the cloak away, locking all of her doors and sitting on the bed with a huff. She stood again, stomping to her dressing table, sitting at the chair and beginning to comb out her hair, tears pricked at her eyes, thinking of the harshness of Erik tossing her hood onto her head, getting a few strings caught in it, which painfully tugged at her scalp.

And he had worried about being caught in a fatal embrace with the way he had treated her! She coldly laughed at the thought, throwing the comb down and standing to change her clothing. A knock sounded on the door that connected both rooms but she ignored it, unbuttoning her sleeves and then undoing her bodice.

A heavy sigh. "Christine, it's Erik, let me in."

She continued to ignore him, shuffling from the dress, now in her chemise. She tossed the heavy fabric away, ready to draw back the covers on the bed.

"Christine, darling... Please...."

She paused, looking at the door, half tempted. She made up her mind, slipping into a dressing gown and going to the door, unlocking it. "What is it?"

He stared at her, dumbfounded. "Uh, a are you ok?"

She chuckled. "Yes I'm fine, but tired." She turned to slam the door.

He caught it. "This door stays open at all times. Just in case." He pushed it ope all the way, then made to kiss her. She backed away, her eyes blazing with pain and anger. "Darling, I'm sorry I was so rough but I've had a very hard day and everything seemed to be going wrong..."

What nerve this man had! To think, she had considered bearing his children! "That is no reason to take it out on me."

He sighed taking her hand gently. "I know, I'm truly sorry. I would rather die than do you intentional harm. Please forgive me, my love, my Angel..."

Her eyes filled with tears and she fell into his embrace, calming herself, then bringing back, pressing her lips firmly to his. He deepened the kiss, pulling her body to his.

She pulled back, giggling. "Now, now, darling. This is why we have separate rooms."

He chuckled. "You're right, goodnight Christine, I love you."

She blushed. "Good night. I love you too."


L A M E , non? Tell me what you think.