A/N: Hey guys...sorry for the super long delay...i've been swamped with schoolwork. Thanks for waiting...enjoy.
"Gently, gently!" Erik let out a frustrated sigh. "You must not pound the keys."
Candlelight flickered across the room, the large drapes hiding all sighs of the chilly September night.
"Sorry," Claire replied, the color rising in her cheeks.
"Play it again," Erik breathed.
Claire began again, her entire focus on the keys in front of her. Erik smiled as he heard the now-soft notes emanating from the piano. As Claire reached the final bar, Erik wiped the smile from his face, not wanting her to see such exposed emotion. He was now very conscious of his expressions; with Christine he never had to worry for she had never been able to see his face while he taught her. He had also never been this physically close to Christine during lessons but with Claire there was no mirror, no barrier, and it made him nervous.
"…sir?" Claire said quietly, looking up at him.
Erik shook the thoughts from his head and gazed back at her.
"There, you see how much better it sounded?"
Claire nodded and smiled shyly.
"Good, then I think that's enough for tonight."
"Ok," Claire replied, standing up.
"Claire…" She looked down at him, a hint of concern in her eyes. "You've improved a great deal. I'm pleased."
He said it plainly and with as little emotion as possible, but Claire still managed to catch the look of joy that flashed in his eyes. She smiled widely, the look of concern vanishing from her own.
"Sir?"
"Yes?" he replied softly with a mischievous grin.
Claire swallowed hard and looked at the floor. "What is your name?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Erik blinked in confusion. "Monsieur Renome."
"Oh, I know that, the servants told me that. I mean…" she paused, wringing her hands nervously.
Erik gazed at her intently, his eyes challenging her to speak.
"I mean what's your real name?"
He studied her for a moment, deciding. "Erik."
Claire looked up at him. "Erik," she repeated. "I like it, it suits you."
It should, he thought smugly. I chose it. "Any more questions?" he asked.
"No," Claire said with a sly smile, "that's enough for tonight."
As soon as she turned and headed towards the door Erik let his anger show on his face. That's enough for tonight? What's that supposed to mean?
He didn't like playing these little games when he was not in control. As Claire opened the door and turned back, Erik gazed hungrily at her. The thought of regaining control aroused him, so he decided that he would play along. Besides, he thought, it won't take very long.
As he made his way towards her, Claire took an involuntary step back, pressing herself against the door. Upon reaching her, Erik bent his head down and moved his lips an inch from her ear.
"Goodnight, Claire," he said in a low slow whisper.
He smiled as her heard her let out a small gasp. Not to be intimidated, she turned her head towards him. "Goodnight Erik," she whispered back.
Erik suppressed a shudder of pleasure as she said his name, impure thoughts racing through his mind.
Giving him one last seductive look, Claire headed out the door and off to bed.
