I truly enjoyed writing this chapter. I hope it gets you guys excited for the next chap.
Some racy stuff in this one...not too bad, but some sexual references. Mind the rating!
-Nico
The wind whipped through Christine's hair as she stood on the roof.
Her cape flared and lowered, carried on the surprisingly strong air current.
A shiver eased through her body…the slow, painful type.
Suddenly, the Opera Populaire didn't seem such a comforting place.
She exhaled, mentally preparing herself for what she was about to do.
Before long, she heard footsteps.
A dark figure emerged from the shadows.
Fear ripple through Christine's body, even though she knew Erik was watching close by.
She saw the scar first; it was if even the moonlight was against her; it was mocking her by illuminating the one thing about Raoul she felt guilty over.
His head was bowed, his long dark duster floating about his ankles as he made his slow procession towards her.
He looked menacing; evil.
Christine swallowed hard against the lump in her throat.
"Hello, Raoul," she said, forcing her voice to sound strong and cool.
Raoul lifted his head as if surprised by the greeting.
"Christine," he breathed, his voice saturated with emotions Christine could not identify.
"Where is Madeline," Christine countered, her hands balled into fists at her side.
Raoul rolled his eyes. "She is with Meg back at my estate, no doubt tracking mud across yet another one of my Persian carpets."
Christine smiled inwardly, pleased to hear that Madeline was giving Raoul a difficult time.
"Truly, Christine. It is a blessing I have come into her life," Raoul continued. "It is high time that child learned some manners."
Christine stared at him darkly.
"Of course, the details of my parenting are dependent on something," he remarked, casually pulling at a black glove. "I trust you have come to a decision?"
Christine nodded. "I have," she replied, hoping that she was the only one who heard Erik's sharp intake of breath.
Apparently she was.
"And that decision would be…" Raoul prompted, sounding overly eager.
"I shall come with you, under one condition," Christine answered, feeling ill.
"I hardly think you are in a position to be naming conditions," he returned.
"You will let Meg return to the Opera House," Christine continued, ignoring his statement.
Raoul scoffed. "Done. I no longer require her services."
"Services?" Christine asked, questioning his inference.
"I am not used to children, Christine. I only needed Meg around until you came home."
I will never share a home with you! Christine's mind screamed. Outwardly, she simply nodded.
"I am eager to see my daughter," Christine said brusquely. "When are we leaving?"
Raoul moved closer to Christine, walking behind her.
The hair on the back of Christine's neck rose as she felt his fingertips rove across the bare skin of her shoulders.
"Christine," he breathed into her ear. "I am not as horrible as you currently believe. We were friends once; does none of that happiness lurk within the depths of your heart?"
Christine closed her eyes against his words, trying to block him from her awareness.
Raoul continued to caress her neck, her arms. "I know you shall grow to love me, to love our new life together. There is nothing I would deny you. I simply ask that you do not deny me."
"Raoul," Christine whispered, deciding to try another tactic. "Do you truly believe I am going willingly into this situation? Do you believe that by taking my child, by burning my home to the ground…that I will come to love you? Yes, I have decided to return with you, but make no mistake…my actions are for Madeline, and Madeline alone."
Raoul's fingers tightened around Christine's upper arms. "Now I have a condition," he said, his voice a low growl. "You are never to mention your life before me. You will pretend as if the past seven years never happened. You will lead everyone to believe Madeline is my daughter…"
Christine closed her eyes against her tears.
"And you will never even think of the monster you married," Raoul finished, spinning Christine around to face him.
She gasped.
"You don't know what you've done, Christine!" He exclaimed, suddenly irate. "You were manipulated, tricked by him!"
"I make my own decisions, Raoul!" Christine burst out.
Raoul smiled slowly. "I suppose, then, I should be pleased as it seems your decision to come to me is yours…and yours alone."
Christine's eyes went wide as she noticed Raoul scanning the rooftop.
"I know you are there!" He called out. "I know you are lurking in the shadows! How does it feel, freak, to know that I will be the one laying beside your precious wife tonight?"
"Raoul, stop," Christine whispered, afraid his provoking would prove to be too much for the hiding Erik.
"Come, Monsieur," Raoul continued. "Do you not wish to bid farewell to your prey? To the woman you have deceived into actually loving you?"
Silence.
"He is not here, Raoul. He will never forgive me for this choice," Christine said quietly.
"So it would seem we are even," Raoul panted, his voice tight from his outburst. "For I shall never forgive him for taking you from me."
Christine lowered her eyes.
Raoul moved closer to her again, brushing a lock of hair from her face, allowing his fingertips to graze her smooth cheek.
"Kiss me," Raoul demanded.
"What?" Christine asked, her voice shaking.
"Prove that you are ready to begin a new life with me. Seal this concordance with your kiss," he said, moving closer to her.
"No, Raoul," Christine whispered.
"I can make your life difficult, Christine," Raoul warned. "I believe you and our daughter would prefer I didn't."
Christine was unprepared for the crash of Raoul's lips upon her own. She placed both hands on his muscular chest, trying to keep her body from touching his.
Raoul growled into her mouth, pulling her tightly against him.
Her stomach rolled as she felt the sick evidence of his desire pressing against her lower belly.
His tongue darted into her protesting mouth, violently sweeping over the curves of her lips.
Christine summoned all of her strength and broke the embrace, wiping her mouth in disgust.
Raoul smiled.
"You enjoyed me before," he said, breathing heavily. "I have no doubt history will repeat itself."
"How true you are, Sir," A strong, angry voice answered, sending a shot of panic down Christine's spine.
She turned to see Erik, his face bearing familiar lines of anguish.
"Erik," she whispered. "No…"
"No, no, my dear," Raoul said, his voice strangely happy. "I am honored to have the former husband of my new bride here to witness such a joyful day! I fear you are late, Monsieur. The best part of the evening has just concluded."
Erik stared at him murderously.
"I disagree," Erik said lowly, drawing his sword. "It appears the best part of the evening is just about to begin."
