"Maman, have you heard the latest gossip? Adrienne Leveau and Claire are telling anyone that will listen that Gianna's bed was left untouched last night!" cried Meg Giry as she rushed into the ballet dormitories, her hair flying. "And she told us she had no intention of taking a lover, that minx!"

Antoinette Giry was somewhat stunned by this turn of events, and she felt her jaw drop open slightly. The surprise was not that Gia and Erik had spent the night together, she had known that was inevitable from the moment she saw the way they looked when they talked about the other. It was that both had been so clumsy as to be discovered so quickly. But then again, both people were so new to the physical side of passion. She smiled as she thought back on the first days of her marriage when she and Jules would make love whenever they had the chance, heedless of the circumstances, their only concern achieving mutual release.

She should have known that Adrienne would get mixed up in all of this. That viper was one of the few members of the company who could not abide Gianna Burnside. Why she would be jealous of her was another one of the mysteries of this place. Antoinette could only hope that Erik never learned the source of the rumors about Gia. He would not be able to take such a slight to her character, no matter his protestations that she did not matter to him. If anything, last night should have changed that. For that reason, Giry would do her best to quell the rumors, beginning with her daughter.

"My child, how could either of those silly girls know about the state of Mlle. Burnside's bed unless they were trespassing in her room? Even if what they say is true, you should not be associating with anyone who would do that, nor believe what they say. We spent the evening with Gia, do you think she is capable of such a thing?" she said as she patted her daughter on the head.

"Perhaps she was so exhausted last night that she fell asleep on top of her covers, and no one has seen her because she has been at Mass. It is Sunday after all," she thought quickly. There were enough people in this place that liked Gia enough to believe that story. Giry could only hope that Meg was able to circulate it as swiftly as Adrienne.

"I suppose you are right, Maman. Gia does not seem like the sort of girl who would do that. But whoever gave her that dress? You always told me gifts such as that always come with some sort of string attached."

"That, my dear, is something for Gia to be worried about. We should not meddle in her private affairs unless she asks for our advice," she concluded, wincing at her use of the word "affair". By now it was close to noon, and Meg was needed backstage to begin readying for the matinee performance.

Erik allowed Gia to believe that he was returning home after he withdrew from her in the hallway. But he would not allow Adrienne Leveau's insults to Gia or him stand. The chit had to be punished, but in such a way that would not be too suspicious. He thought about everything he had learned about the young mezzo soprano from Gia and his own observations. The girl was incredibly vain and full of herself. A set down would do her good. He could not help grinning as he thought of the perfect way to avenge the honor of his lover. It was a good thing he rarely left his home without his tools for locks. His skill with locks had come from his years in the circus and living with gypsies. It was perhaps one of the few lessons he had learned there that had not been pounded into him with a staff.

Acting quickly, he hurried to the dressing rooms, found a scrap of paper to write on, and left a note at her station that there was something waiting for her in her rooms. She was forever showing off the gifts from her gentleman callers to the other girls, and he was sure she would take the bait. Erik did not have to wait long because Adrienne was the first chorus member to arrive. No doubt she was hoping to further spread slander about Gianna to anyone who had not heard, and then humiliate her when she arrived. As he suspected, she was only in the dressing room a moment before she rushed back up toward her room. Erik knew a way he could get there ahead of her.

Adrienne scurried up the stairs quickly, anxious to see what had been left for her. She had been away from her rooms most of the morning having spent most of it gossiping among the chorus girls and the ballet dancers. By now all should have heard that Gianna Burnside had a lover. Now, if she would only turn up pregnant or end up with a disease Dupoix would be forced to let her go, and she could cease worrying about being usurped. It had not gone beyond her notice that the old conductor Reyer had praised the older woman throughout rehearsals for her voice as well as her professionalism. Everyone seemed to like her even though she had always behaved as if she was better than them because her mother was once the star at the Metropolitan. She had no reason to put on airs! Gia was nothing more than a lucky bastard.

As a principal, her room was slightly larger than some of the chorus girls and was at the opposite end of the hall as Gia's. She excitedly threw the door open, impatient to see what had been left for her. However as she looked around the room, there was nary a brightly wrapped package, or even a bouquet of flowers to be seen. Furious that a practical joke had been played on her, she wheeled around to storm back down the stairs, but out of the corner of her eye she saw a shadowy figure shutting the door behind her. Adrienne ran to the door, and found she was unable to open it. She threw herself against the door and began shouting for someone to help her, but it was all for naught. The dormitories were empty because everyone had reported backstage. There was nothing for her to do but sit and wait until she was released.

It was only she made a closer examination of the door did she realize that someone must have picked her door lock, then quickly removed the lock, and flipped it onto the other side of the door. Who at the opera house would know how to do something like that? As far as she knew, no one had any gypsy blood or had formerly worked as a locksmith. She flopped down onto the bed in a heap, and decided to use the time to catch up on her beauty sleep. It had been a long night anyway. But as sleep overtook her, it dawned on her that Gianna Burnside would be replacing her in today's performance. Somehow that bitch had orchestrated this! And for that insult she would pay dearly.

Assured that Adrienne was safely contained, Erik made his way down to the opera boxes. One of the lesser ones was vacant, and although it did not have the best view, he would be able to observe Gianna's performance. The truth be told, he had been planning for Adrienne to have some sort of accident so that Gia would have the opportunity to take a leading role for one evening. Her vicious remarks had only given him incentive to do so sooner than he had originally planned. He was quite pleased he had been able to do this for Gia without any blood being spilled. Perhaps now Adrienne would learn a valuable lesson. If she did not, he would have to take more drastic measures, something which Erik did not particularly desire.

Even though Gia had told him not to do anything, he pushed that aside. She could not have possible meant that. He had seen the hurt in her eyes when Adrienne had insulted her body and as much said only a monster would ever want to take her to his bed. He might be a monster, but when this affair ended Gia would move on to other better men than he. He was showing her that she had nothing to fear from her desires, that they were natural and good. As long as they were careful, there need not be any unwanted consequences. This would be a good experience for them both. Surely they were mature enough to be friends as well as lovers and not become permanently attached.

Erik settled into the back of the box, careful to stick to the back wall awaiting the performance to begin. He only wished he could be in two places at once. It was a shame he was missing the chaos that had to be going on backstage. By now, someone would notice that Adrienne was missing, and Gia would be getting the word that she would be performing in her place. She would probably already be in her handmaiden costume and makeup which would only make for even greater problems. If only he could see Gia's face!

It was such an expressive face. She had never been one to hide her emotions from him. She was not always forthcoming about her past, but she had never lied to him, of that he was certain. She was too honorable for that. He could already picture her eyes half-closed and her mouth parted as she cried his name as he loomed over her. After Christine had left him that final time, Erik had thought he would never have the chance make a woman do that. Even if he never took another lover, he would thank her for allowing him in those moments to be the man he had dreamed of being.

And yet not once during last night or this morning had she pitied him. There had only been raw want and need. As he waited for the curtain to roll back, he began thinking about the night that lay ahead of them. He was determined to make good on his promise to her. Never let it be said that the Phantom of the Opera did not make good on his word.

The backstage was indeed as chaotic as Erik had imagined. Gia had been in the midst of dressing when Madame Beaulieu came bursting through the dressing room screaming at her. The small woman was stronger than she looked because she physically hauled Gia to the sewing room, and then proceeded to inform her of the crisis. It was only because Gia was so much larger than Adrienne that she had made a spare costume for Gia as Papagena. Otherwise, the performance would have been a disaster because it would have been impossible to alter the garment in time.

Papagena's costume was that of a simple peasant woman, and Gia was far more comfortable wearing it than the handmaiden dress. But whatever could have happened to Adrienne? She had been dreading their next encounter, and it seemed far too convenient that she was not here to taunt her. It was not the sort of opportunity that Adrienne was likely to miss. The only logical explanation was that Erik was involved in some way. They would have words later. For now she must focus on the upcoming performance.

Her only real regret was that her mother was not here. She would have dearly loved to see her only child take the stage in a leading role. Mama had always told her one day she would get her chance. Gia was grateful, even if it had finally come to pass because of Erik's rashness rather than her being given the opportunity because of an illness. What could he have possibly done to Adrienne? If he hurt her, she would never speak to him again. He might ruin her life personally as well as professionally, but she could never be with someone who used violence so easily.

It was fortunate that her character did not make an entrance until somewhat later in the opera because when the curtain was drawn back, she had not been quite ready. Before the performance had begun an announcement was made that Adrienne Leveau would not be performing, and that her role would be filled by Mlle. Gianna Burnside. Hearing her name made her swell with pride. After a last minute check in the mirror, she headed for the wings to wait for her cue to enter.

The opera itself had gone off without a hitch, and she had received very warm applause when she took her final bow with Michel St. Andre, the handsome baritone who had played Papageno. As they walked off stage, he placed a kiss on her hand, and she flashed back to the one moment that afternoon that had upset her.

She and Michel had shared a duet during the second act at the conclusion of which he had kissed her soundly. During rehearsals he had not done that. Not even with Adrienne. That would further set tongues wagging, and only inflame the mezzo. To worsen matters, Erik was sure to have seen it. It was the only thing she could think about as she undressed and removed the stage makeup. Would he punish her as he had Adrienne? Would he go after Michel who had probably only done it because of the rumors swirling that she had a lover? Although there was now another story making the rounds that Gia had simply fallen asleep on top of the covers and had attended an early morning service which had accounted for her conspicuous absence early in the morning. That could have only come from the ever quick witted Madame Giry.

Gia could only admire her fierce loyalty to Erik. She wondered if he knew the friend he had in her. She treated Erik like a family member. If Erik was loved by anyone, it was Antoinette Giry, she reflected. It was not a romantic attachment to be sure, but Gia could only hope that the ballet mistress was not blinded by her affection for him. She knew all to well what could happen if Erik lost control again.

As Gia expected, Erik was waiting for her, standing by her bookcase, fingering the volumes rather absentmindedly, as though something was weighing heavily on his mind. She also noted that he had not changed his clothes from this morning. Even without the formal wear, he could still be an imposing figure. Hell, she thought, he was imposing without any clothes at all! He was standing in profile, with his perfect left facing her, the only flaw his frown.

"It would seem you have been busy when we have not been together. How many men have you been seeing? I suppose I should be grateful you allowed me to break you in for the baritone," he accused her, his eyes aflame.

"As ever, Erik, you jump to conclusions. You know that was not something that was planned. You have been to enough rehearsals to know that. I almost gagged when he kissed me. Would you have preferred if I made a scene and slapped him? I'm sure it was just a joke. If anything, this is your fault."

"How pray tell is that?"

"If I had been here this morning, Adrienne would not have been spreading rumors about me having a lover, and Michel would not have been so emboldened as to kiss me in public. I assure you, that man is not interested in me. He has half the corps de ballet's favors to choose among."

Erik countered, "And if you kept your door locked, Adrienne would have never been in this room!" His voice rising with every word, he almost shouted, "How could you be so stupid?" but moderated his tone out of concern it would attract attention.

"As I seem to recall, you were the one who was in a rush to get me back to your home to 'discuss' matters," she responded, unafraid to give him his own back. "You were so intent on seducing me that I did not have time to lock the door."

"You did not seem to mind last night," he grumbled. "You were just as eager as I. Or was that yet another brilliant performance?"

This last remark cut her to the quick. She had given him everything last night, and now he insulted her? Accused her of being a whore? "Believe what you want Erik. Thank you for destroying what had been up until now a memory I intended to cherish," she retorted angrily. "And what have you done with Adrienne? I told you not to do anything on my behalf. I would have dealt with her."

Erik his hands across his chest as he said, "There is no cause for concern, I simply locked her in her room. I released her before I came here. She should guard her tongue more closely in the future."

At this, Gia could not help but laugh. "You do not know Adrienne. She will blame me for this somehow. And she will make my life a living hell whenever she has the opportunity. You have only succeeded in exacerbating matters," she said with a small sigh.

Changing the subject, Erik cocked his head towards the wardrobe, and said, "We should be going. I want to talk about Christine away from here." Without even asking, he went to her door, locked it, then took her hand. Reminded of the woman Gia could not help see as a rival, she jerked her hand away from him.

"I do not need your assistance. I am not a child," she said whining slightly.

"Then cease acting like one."

"Has it never occurred to you that I am sick and tired of thinking about the fair Christine? I can't imagine I'm going to tell you anything you don't already know. She's happily married and has a child. Her husband is a good man who loves her. Sometimes Erik, it is that simple. I beg you leave them alone to their happiness. Nothing good can come if you interfere."

Erik could only stare at her while she scolded him like a schoolboy. It took him a moment to find his voice. "Is there nothing else I should know? No small important details you are leaving out? I must know everything."

His entire body language changed when he spoke of her. The arrogance had melted into the ether, and he became almost fragile in appearance. There was a reverence in his voice whenever he spoke her name. Would he ever speak of her that way? Gia mentally shook herself. That was not something she wanted anyway. At this point, she could not be sure what she wanted.

"Erik, I could spend the entire evening recounting our dinner conversation to you, but it all reduces to what I told you essentially. The only thing that puzzled me was that she does not wear an engagement ring, and she became rather unsettled when I mentioned it. I gather you are responsible for that," she said as she sat down on her bed.

For the first time since she had known him, Erik looked physically uncomfortable. "She gave it to me," he revealed, "So I would have something of hers. It was her way of saying good-bye to me. "

He took a seat next to Gia on the bed, and softly kissed her mouth, wanting to forget the past, and only live in the present. The kiss was one of infinite gentleness, far different than any he had ever given her before. Gia found herself leaning into him, increasing the pressure, and they simultaneously groaned as their tongues touched. His hands were splayed across her back, and he lowered her slowly to the bed as he continued to kiss her.

Gia's head was swimming with pleasure quickly, and he was loosening his shirt above her. The unpleasantness of earlier forgotten, she slid her hands inside the shirt to touch his chest. She had not known a man's skin could be so soft. She enjoyed the feel of his body as he moved and even how the hair on his chest felt against her palms. His kiss deepened as she teased his nipples, and now he was using his hands to work the buttons at the front of her dress.

If this went much further, they would be naked again, and she doubted he had time today to purchase the necessary items to prevent conception. He had promised her he would protect her from that. Just as he was pushing off her bodice, he looked down and saw she was wearing her old corset, and said, "I think I'm going to have to burn that wretched thing, it does not do you justice. In fact−−"

Gia cut him off, "We can't do this, Erik. I want to, but unless you have some French letters I must ask you to leave."

"I told you, my dear, I intend to have you tonight," he said as he sat back. "Come Gia, I showed you this morning there are ways for us to enjoy each other without you becoming pregnant."

Her eyes widened as she said artlessly, "You want me to do that to you? I don't think I can. You are rather big you know."

He smiled and stated, "I must say Gia you are marvelous for my fragile ego. And yes, I very much want you to do that to me. I will not force you. I only want you to try. But not here. Besides, for some of the things I want to try, we're going to need a bit more room to maneuver."

What could he possibly have in mind that would require more room? Then again, her bed was rather small. They were both so tall that their feet hung of the edge of the mattress. She would have been lying to herself if she did not admit she was intrigued by his rather provocative suggestion. Gia simply gave her silent assent by a quick nod of her head.

"It is most fortunate I purchased some French letters not long ago in anticipation of your request." He straightened himself, and once again held out his hand to her. This time she took it gladly, already yearning for whatever he had in store for them.