A/N: I hope that this chapter finds you all in good spirits. It has found me in great spirits. Please note that this chapter I know will keep some of you in the shadows because of the way it is presented, but know that I forced Phoenix to do it this way. She understands the way I think and knows all too well what I think of revealing too much too fast. Enjoy this chapter, and as always, we love to hear what you think. May music guide you home. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.

With much love,

Erik

Chapter 37 – Cross the Bridge of Fire: Part II

Angelina paced the cold rocky floor. Her bare feet seemed to slap off of it as she continued to quicken her pace. It had seemed like hours since she had left the stage. Erik had rescued her. Angelina smiled.

Erik rescued me…

She feared what might happen to him. Mikhail Vasilev was not a small man. His height was the same as Erik's but his size was twice what Erik was. Erik would have to exert force Angelina did not think was possible.

"Angelina…"

Angelina stopped pacing and looked toward the shore. Erik stood there, as if nothing had ever happened. She ran and into his waiting arms. Erik picked her up as her arms wrapped around his neck.

"Erik…"

"I am sorry to have kept you waiting." Setting her back on the ground, Erik looked at her and smiled.

"I have been so worried."

"There is nothing to be worried about any longer. Mikhail Vasilev will no longer be a threat to you."

Bewilderment passed over Angelina's face. "What have you done?"

"What one must do. You are safe now, Angelina. There is no reason to fear any longer."

She wrapped her arms around him – feeling safer than ever before. "Thank you, for protecting me."

His heart felt as though it would explode. His arms wrapped around her and held her close. Erik reveled in the warmth of her body and her heart.

"That is what a guardian angel is supposed to do."

Angelina blushed. "I am sorry for calling you that."

"Do not be. I rather enjoyed hearing it. I have never been called that before."

"You saved me, Erik. Without you, I do not know what would have…"

Erik listened as Angelina began to cry. Lifting her chin, he noticed the bruise that began to form on her cheek. Gently brushing the tear away, Angelina grimaced in pain.

"He should have never laid a hand on you."

"It could not have been helped."

"I should have been there sooner."

"If you did not come when you did, something far worse then a bruise would have happened."

The water did not ripple and the silence seemed to linger longer then it should have. Looking around the lair, Erik smiled.

"I have a present for you."

"Why?"

"As I recall, it is almost Christmas. And I think now is a good time to give it to you. It will give your mind something else to focus on."

He took her hand and led her to the organ bench. Angelina sat down and watched as Erik pushed artwork and models aside – in search of the present.

"It was not necessary, Erik. You have already given me too much."

"The mask you gave me was worth a lifetime of gifts."

"You saved my life. I am undeserving of a gift."

Angelina watched as Erik kneeled down in front of her. A blood red box was held in his hands.

"When I saw this, I knew that I wanted you to have it. I had someone buy it for me."

Slowly lifting the lid, Erik watched Angelina's face light up. She gasped at the sight of it.

"Erik! Oh my God, it is beautiful."

"Do you truly like it?"

"I love it." Her finger slowly grazed over it. "Where did you find it?"

"It was in a jewelry store window in the heart of Paris. I was wandering the streets one night and saw it." Gently taking it out of the box, he placed the gold necklace around her neck. His hands lingered longer then they should have but it did not seem to bother her. "I had them engrave it as well."

A pair of angel wings sat on the gold heart-shaped locket. Angelina looked down at it and smiled.

"Open it."

Hesitantly, Angelina opened the locket. Tucked inside was a small piece of black cloth. Angelina looked at Erik quizzically.

"What is it?"

"I know how fond you are of my cape. So I put a piece of it inside. Whenever you wear it, know that I am with you and that you are never alone." Angelina looked at him with tear filled eyes. "I am your protector, Angelina. I will never fail you."

"Erik…"

"I am your guardian angel."

Angelina fell into Erik's embrace. She never wanted to leave. There was a feeling of being safe when she was with him. He saved her and would again if the need arose. There was a need to tell him how she felt but there was so much going on inside of her that the right words needed would not be found.

Erik pulled back from her arms and looked upon her. "I must return you to your room. You need to rest. Tomorrow is rehearsals, yet again." He rose and noticed that Angelina did not move. "Angelina?"

"I wish to stay – with you." She paused, unsure of what to say next. "I am afraid to be alone in my room. I know that you said Monsieur Vasilev will not harm me any longer…but I am still afraid."

Angelina stood – their gazes never leaving one another.

"Please do not return me to my room. Let me stay here – just for tonight."

Her plea caught his heart. Erik held out his hand and she firmly grasped it. "Then you will stay."

He led her up the staircase and into his bedroom. The bed had not been made in days. Music consumed him and kept him awake. Rushing to the bed, he began to make it.

"Erik…"

Erik looked up and into her eyes.

"I do not mind the bed being unmade. I have done much worse." She slowly walked over to him and touched his hand. "I am just going to lie on them anyway."

Erik nodded his head and stepped back. "There are some spare clothes in the closet. I know you cannot sleep in your corset. I will leave you for a few moments so that you might change."

He moved from the room and heard the doors to his closet open. It was only a few moments before Angelina stepped from the room. Dressed in only his white dress shirt, Erik's breath caught at the sight of her.

"The pants were too big. I thought that this would do until the morning."

There were no words he could find to say to her.

"Good night."

He followed her in and watched her climb into the bed. Before she could pull the satin sheets over her, Erik did it for her. Angelina faced him and looked at him through heavy eyelids.

"Thank you again."

"The pleasure was mine." Erik bowed and began out. A slight tug on his hand made him turn back to her.

"Stay."

She cannot ask this of me…

"I know that I am safe here but…" She did not know how to phrase the rest of her sentence. "…I wish you here with me."

Erik hesitated for only the slightest of moments before he began around to the other side of the bed. Angelina watched him climb into the bed after stripping his overcoat and vest. Covering himself in the sheets was nothing compared to Angelina snuggling against him. Her tiny hand rested on his chest as she fell asleep in his arms.

Thoughts filled his head of the future. A future with Angelina.

Is this what it would be like? Her just wrapped in my arms – safe and warm?

He would not let his thoughts consume him. Sleep would not take him from his daydream. Angelina was safe in his arms. No one would harm her – ever.