Two things awakened Erik.
His left shoulder ached without mercy.
Even more disconcerting, the little ballerina…little Giry…had moved to lean on him, one slender arm draped casually across him.
He felt the young woman's body shift ever so slightly against his own and he did not dare open his eyes.
It was so unexpected and so intimate, the sensation of her confidently resting her head on him.
Her dark gold curls were cool and soft as they spread over his arm and he felt her warm breath on his skin.
No woman…no other living being had ever come this close to him willingly.
Not willingly…she's asleep…she doesn't know what she is doing.
He wondered what she would do when she awaken and found herself like that, so trustingly embracing a repulsive and pitiful monster in her sleep.
No…not pitiful…I don't deserve anyone's pity now.
I've fallen too far.
Instinct told him to push her aside. Or to turn away. But he was all too aware that he lacked the strength to.
She sighed a little and he wondered what she was dreaming of. Some beau, no doubt. One of the handsome, wealthy patrons of the Opera House…another Vicomte de Chagny would come and take her away.
Take her away? You don't even want this bothersome, meddling girl here!
Where is Christine tonight? Is she tangled in that damned boy's arms like this?
The maddening pain in his shoulder seemed dull compared to the agony that those thoughts brought.
Oddly enough, the presence of the petite dance beside him was comforting in some vague way.
Hesitantly, afraid of awakening her, he put his arm around her and heard her sigh again…ever so faintly.
--------------
When , hours later, he at last opened his eyes, she was sitting up beside him.
"I didn't hurt you, did I? I mean, while I was sleeping?"
He shook his head, realizing his mask was askew.
"No, Mademoiselle Giry," he said, reaching up to adjust it, "you did not hurt me."
She tried to smile with relief, but only succeeded in blushing as she tucked her loosened hair back into its ribbon and reached for her shoes.
Her blush deepen when she noticed that the top buttons of her frock had come undone as she slept, revealing the plain white chemise beneath.
She quickly fastened her dress and slid on her shoes. Then she hurried out of the room.