The story is slowly coming to a close. I've decided to finish it up because I think I've said all I can say. Enjoy the last few chapters…
Claire awoke the next morning alone in Erik's bed. Her body still tingled from the nights unending pleasures. She pulled the covers over her naked breasts and sighed contentedly. She kept a vigilant watch for Erik. He appeared a few minutes later. She did not greet him but instead watched him. He was so self conscious of his face he had put the mask back on to please himself. Claire hated seeing him this way.
"Did I wake you?" he asked as he lowered himself back down next to her. Claire shook her head.
"Do you really feel that naked without your mask on?" Claire asked, "You wear no clothes, you bear yourself before me. Why put that hideous thing back on your face?" Erik looked ashamed. Claire could not understand why.
"I love you," she said, reaching out to touch him, "You know I treasure every part of you." Erik nodded and let her small hand run down the front of his chest.
"I know," he whispered and lay down beside her. His large arms wrapped around her making her feel secure and loved. He pressed his forehead against the base of her neck. She could feel the tears run down her skin.
"Please don't cry," Claire exclaimed. She knew he couldn't help it.
"I'm loosing you," he cried, "And I'm doing it because the thought of keeping you from everything you've ever wanted kills me! All those things on the roof I said were true and now I know I meant everything. I am going to send you away…forever." The pain in his voice was so intense Claire almost broke down herself. She decided it was wise for one of them to be calm. She clutched one of his hands tightly and kissed it. His skin was cold and clammy.
"You know I will stay," she told him. She felt him shake his head.
"No! I will not do that to you." Claire didn't know what to say after that. His own decision would drive him mad. Claire stayed silent until she could not bear to listen to his sobbing anymore. She turned to him.
"I do not care what you say," she reassured him, "I am not leaving you." At these words Erik's tears suddenly stopped. Confusion and wonder clouded his eyes.
"But you will not be able to live the life fitting of you!" he cried. Claire put a finger to his lips.
"The only life I want to live is one with you." She smiled then and all the tension lifted. Erik brought her close to him and kissed her again and again. Claire accepted every kiss like it was her last.
"But why?" he said after his kisses had ebbed. Claire wrapped her arms around his neck and told him,
"Because a life without you, Erik, would kill me as well." Erik smiled brightly and brought her lips to his and they exchanged passionate kisses. Claire's whole body seemed to be filled to the brim with undiluted happiness. She was not going to loose Erik. This thought thrilled her. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with this man, even if they did have to do it in secrecy.
"I have never been happier." Erik nodded.
"For the first time…I think I am truly happy." Claire beamed brightly and closed her eyes. She wanted to fall asleep in her lover's arms again, even if she was going to spend the rest of her life with him.
"In my embrace you'll find my heart," Claire sang quietly as she drifted into sleep. She could not be certain but she believed she heard Erik sing softly in response,
"Claire I love you."
