A Place in This World

Ok my lovlies…it has been a long time coming and you have all been so patient with my ramblings. A'awynn gives our Erik the sensual lessons he has been lacking…enjoy!

I have had a request to keep the loving at a PG-13 level. My goal is to not offend anyone, so I would like to here some preferences before I post the next chapter. As stated, it has a rather "hot" solo act by Erik. Let me know by personal email, or my posting in the reviews.

"We are all so much more complicated than our names…" Gerry Butler as Dracula in "Dracula 2000"

CHAPTER 35

Some mature references.

This day had been and adventure for Erik. An adventure shared with the most captivating woman he had ever meant. She actually seemed to invite his company; she had made another appointment with him for tomorrow. Well, appointment might not be the correct word; maybe Erik could actually say he had a date.

He could forget about not losing his heart to A'awynn, it was too late. Every beat of it cried out for her. Her touch healed the scars that had penetrated his tenacious heart for so many years. He had thought Christine had healed him, but she just coated them with her uncertain words and betraying gestures. A'awynn eradicated them with just one smile.

Erik sat up for two hours after returning from the jewelry store contemplating the direction his feelings had gone where Lady A'awynn was concerned. He certainly did not wish to offend her by declaring his undying love for her. Her kindness through the day had served to placate his normally ill disposition and place a genuine smile on his face.

He was not particularly tired just yet, so he went into the extensively stocked library in the west wing and perused the books; nothing really jumped out at him. He was itching to get his fingers on that piano again, and decided it would be the best way to relax his pent up anxiety and practice at the same time.

Thinking no one would be moving about at this hour, he only donned his trousers and slipped through the silent halls of Berwithshire, barefooted and bare-chested, drawing closer and closer to his desired destination.

The piano seemingly read his mind and called to him as he approached. He flexed his fingers and sank into the bench as though it were the welcoming arms of his beloved. The keys caressed his fingers, bidding him never to abandon them.

He played the beautiful, flowing music of Mozart and Chopin, flawlessly making the piano sing the very mood of the composers. He moved effortlessly between movements and sonatas that there was no pause in the music. His eyes fluttered open occasionally, just to be certain he was not in heaven.

He finished with Mozart and immediately switched to Beethoven, his personal favorite. "Fur Elise" was one of his favorite pieces and he played each movement with expertise. The music flowed from his hands as words flowed from his lips; eloquently, gracefully and majestically.

The masterful piano sounds drifted on the wind into A'awynn's open windows. She knew it was Erik and her heart cried for his touch. She heard him flow from song to song, composer to composer without pausing or flinching. She could not help reflecting on the way he moved and made even the simplest, most mundane task look like a work of art. She had observed his bow, his walk, his stance, his slumber even his anger; and in every instance, he amplified regal grace, exceptional manners, deep intelligence and indescribable beauty. She wanted to grow old with him by her side, playing that music and dancing into the twilight. She wanted children with him that had his beauty, both physically and intellectually; she wanted to see his face, hear his voice, and touch his body every moment of every day until the day she died.

She envisioned the image of Erik, feeling him right beside her. She projected her thoughts, willing them to reach Erik's mind. (Do you know what you have done to me? Sometimes, I wish you could read my mind. You are not ready to hear my words yet Erik, but you will know, by the time you take my hand on Saturday, that I love you more than life itself.)

Erik, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, closed the piano lid and exited the room. Music was his first love; she never abandoned him or expected too much from him. She never stripped the mask from his face or chastised him for his begrudging thoughts; she loved him as much as he loved her.

Erik entered his suite, slipped beneath his satin sheets and was asleep before he could count to ten.

OOOOOOOOO

Erik arose later than usual the following morning. He had slept entirely nightmare free, something that was happening more and more frequently. He bathed leisurely, enjoying the warmth of the water on his skin. He took great care in grooming today, he really did not know why; it did not matter the kind or style of clothes he wore or how good his hair looked or even if he smelled good; he would still be less than desirable. He came to the conclusion that it was for his own peace of mind; maybe he could stand himself better.

He had apparently missed breakfast, so he we walked the gardens. It was going to be a warm one today. He found Michél sitting on a bench in the gardens and sat down beside him. "So Michél, have you started courting Kaitlyn yet? You two would be good for each other."

Erik knew that Kaitlyn needed love in her life after losing her husband. She had had plenty of time for the grieving process, and it was time for her to move on. Michél had never been married, but had been involved a few times. He too, needed love in his life.

Michél regarded Erik with hopeful eyes, "We have taken the first steps…I still feel awkward…her being of noble birth and me…not."

Erik gave him a comical scowl, "Since when has that mattered? From what my father says, he has let the girls choose their spouses; he never forced them to marry." Erik's voice had trailed off on the last few words.

"Erik, everything will be just fine. A'awynn is a beautiful, vivacious woman. She will, no doubt, keep you on your toes."

Erik tried to keep his voice steady and unemotional, "This marriage will be in name only Michél; I have promised her that she will be free of me as soon as the lands, holdings and titles of my family are secure." Erik did not look at Michél, for he assumed that he understood his logic in the matter. "I will name Lacey as my heir," Erik's eyes misted over with pent up grief, "she is the closest thing to a daughter that I will ever have."

Michél shook his head, and gave a humorless laugh, "Erik, for a man with your intelligence…you sure can be obtuse."

Erik looked at him with teary eyes and raised his eyebrow, "What am I being obtuse about?"

Michél just stared at him blankly for a moment, "Erik, what do you see when you look in the mirror?"

Erik turned his head away and spoke into the wind, "I see the aging face of a monster; a face that shows the years that have passed and the miles that have been trod…the mirror never lies to me Michél, it shows the real me." Erik looked back down at the ground and slowly turned toward Michél.

"Do you know what I see when I look at you?" Michél was going to make him understand, if it was the last thing he ever did"I see a man with such a capacity to love that nothing else matters. You unselfishly give everything for those you love; even at the risk of your very existence. I see a man who hides behind a mask; a mask that others do not even see anymore…for we know what lies beneath it…and we do not care."

Tears were silently caressing Erik's face as he heard Michél, "When you are not aware of her eyes being on you, I have watched A'awynn as she gazes upon you…she loves you Erik…there is not a doubt in my mind." Erik's head jerked in the negative when Michél mentioned love. "I don't mean she loves you like a friend…I mean that her eyes devour you with their passion and longing, trust me; she is in love with you."

Erik just stared back and Michél, too stunned to speak. His voice was shaky when he finally spoke, "I cannot dare hope that what you say is true…I cannot bear the loss again." Erik's sad tone lingered in the air. "This time, it will be me who does the leaving…permanently." Erik knew that Michél understood his implications. "She will have all the good things that a marriage to me can give her…this I have promised her."

Erik saw that pained look on Michél's face and gave him a slight smile, "Everyone will be happy…my family will have their lands, holdings and titles; you will have Kaitlyn, Lacey will be the princess that she should be and A'awynn will be free, everyone I love will be happy. Besides, any affection she may feel toward me borderlines on pity and morbid curiosity."

Michél signed in exasperation. He rested his head in his hands and shook it. "I'm not going through this again Erik. You WILL NOT attempt suicide again. Do you hear me? For all your unselfish acts, you are really a very selfish person if you think that your death would not affect anyone but you."

Michél felt like slamming Erik to the ground and grilling into him the facts that were so plainly in view, "Whether you choose to believe or not does not make it any less of a fact; you are an intricate part of this family and the people whose lives you touch." Erik had never heard Michél talk to him like this.

"You think you hurt everyone you love? What about me Erik? You have never once hurt me; in fact, you saved me. You think that this family was better off without you…I know otherwise…laughter and love have been returned to it, and you are the reason why." Michél placed his hand on Erik's shoulder and spoke directly to his eyes, willing him to see the logic of his words, "You feel that all the pain and suffering precedes you, and inflicts those you love when you come into their lives; the truth is…the pain and suffering only began after you were no longer in their lives."

Michél was the voice of reason in Erik's head. Why had he never seen it that way before? Erik had always been hell bent on purging any rights he had to happiness out of his life; not because everyone told him he was not worthy of it…it was because he told himself he was not worthy of it.

Michél continued, "Erik, since we have been here, you have attended church services every Sunday. I have seen the affect of the sermons on you as you listen to them. I know that you believe the Bible is the word of God and every word is God breathed. Now tell me; if God, the Creator of heaven and earth, considered you worthy enough to come to earth in human form so that He would have the blood needed to be our sacrifice, making a means for salvation: Also that we could relate to Him, knowing that He understood the frailty of man; then why can't you consider yourself worthy of A'awynn's love?"

Erik cried. He had never heard such a profound argument concerning self-worth. If anyone was holding Erik back from experiencing the gifts that God had put in front of him, it was Erik. For all of his life, he had pushed away the very people God had put in his life, thinking they were always mocking him or berating him. He never stopped to consider that they might actually care about him in some way.

"Suicide is not an option Erik, for your life does not belong to you, it belongs to God." Michél spoke to Erik as if he was the student and Michél were the teacher. "Let this relationship with A'awynn develop, and see where it leads..." Michél gave Erik's shoulder a squeeze, "…listen to what she says and most definitely pay attention to what she does…you will be pleased with what you find you." Erik could not remember when Michél had become so smart.

Erik looked at his pocket watch; it was 10:30. In a half hour, he would be meeting A'awynn and Lacey for their day together. Erik was determined to make this a better day by not being skeptical about every word she said or overanalyzing every gesture. He would enjoy the day and take whatever she was willing to give.

He decided to pick two bouquets of daffodils, one for Lacey and the other for A'awynn. He had them in his hands as he approached the door, shaking like a leaf in a windstorm. He rapped lightly on the door, and stood back. The large door crept open to reveal two, very interested gray eyes accompanied by a delightfully, sweet grin.

"Come in for a little while mama is not ready yet." She grabbed his hand as if it was the most natural act on earth. Erik was pulled in by the determination of her tiny body, with both of her hands on his one.

"Lacey, I can wait outside. This is highly irregular." Erik droned; he did not wish to offend A'awynn by intruding on her home.

Lacey continued to pull him toward the divan. She put her little hand out and indicated for him to take a seat, which he did. She twirled in front of him like a ballerina, "Do you like my new frock? Mama made it just for outdoors."

It was lovely. Pink and blue flowers danced all over the yellow material. The arms were short and it tied around the waist. The skirt flared out and went to her mid-leg. Her hair had been done up in a bun, keeping the silky strands off her neck in the heat of summer. She looked radiant.

"You look very smart Lacey; you will no doubt have all the boys bowing at your feet for the opportunity to be by your side." Erik playfully goaded her, knowing that she thought boys to be a nuisance and a pain.

She wrinkled her nose at him and remarked back, "Ooooo, boys are yucky!" Erik laughed at her comical features. She really would be a beauty when she grew up, and Erik knew for sure that she would be beating the boys off with a stick.

"So, is she keeping you busy?" Erik heard A'awynn's voice and he stood to his feet. He turned toward her and his breath left him. She dress she wore was a carbon copy of the one that Lacey was wearing, except A'awynn's voluptuous curves gave it a whole new look. Erik swallowed hard, desperately trying to calm his racing heart. Her hair was pulled back, hanging in one long ponytail down her back.

"You look beautiful, A'awynn…the dresses are truly special." Erik stuttered. He handed her the flowers and she turned and placed them in a vase on the table.

She came to him and reached up with her face, placing a chaste kiss on his perfect cheek. Erik was pretty certain he had died and gone to heaven at this point. What possessed her to do that? She had never indicated that she was going to do that before, why now?

"You look quite handsome yourself, Erik." A'awynn's eyes sparkled with mirth as she spoke.

Erik laughed at that, still not believing he possessed any beauty at all.

A'awynn rested her hand on his arm, looking deep into his restless eyes, "Believe me Erik, you are a very potently attractive man; in every way."

He held her eyes for a few seconds, seeing the earnest warmth in them; it seemed she honestly believed what she said. Erik gave her his arm and took Lacey's hand with his other. The soon-to-be-family waded down the hall toward the kitchen to pick up their picnic basket.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Lacey danced around, chasing a butterfly as it flitted past her head. Being outdoors was her favorite place in the whole world. There was nothing to break outdoors and she could run and run and never be told to stop. Erik and A'awynn sat on the blanket, looking at the swans glide lazily, but gracefully over the surface of the water. There was not a person in sight, as A'awynn had requested no activity be on the grounds during this particular time. They had come to an area of the lake that was out of the view of the castle and prying eyes.

They had finished eating the sandwiches, cheese slices, and apples about a half hour ago and were simply relaxing; silently enjoying each other's company and the beautiful summer afternoon. It was not too hot right now and there was a slight breeze blowing, making the atmosphere very tranquil.

A'awynn looked over at Erik, who had his eyes closed; enjoying the morning air. He had worn a lightweight pair of black trousers which traced his strong, elegant, long legs perfectly. His pants tapered into this knee high boots. His blue shirt was loose fitting and also lightweight with flowing arms and a neck that was open to reveal just enough of that chiseled chest to make A'awynn's face flush and heart race.

He was so relaxed and beautiful out here in the natural wonder of the Scottish hillside. She would never grow tired of looking at him. His hair was playfully waving around his face, soft and silky looking. He smelled clean and fresh, which was a very enticing smell to A'awynn. He was very much the alpha male, and she was incredibly drawn to him.

Lacey came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Sometimes, A'awynn wished she had the freedom of a four-year-old. She had to resist the urge to publicly surrender to her powerful attraction to Erik. He startled for a brief moment, and then pulled her around and into his lap. She played with the buttons on his shirt, and Erik silently rejoiced at having her in his arms

"Will you give me a pony ride on your back?" Lacey asked.

Erik knew what she wanted; he had seen his brothers-in-law pretending with their children. Never had he thought to be asked to participate in this seemingly fatherly duty.

He turned over on his hands and knees, lowered his tall frame just enough for Lacey to be able to crawl on and proceeded to tromp around in the grass like Nucis. Lacey giggled as he made his way around the area chasing the same butterfly that Lacey was chasing earlier. He whinnied and slightly lifted up off the ground, creating the affect of a horse rearing back onto its back legs. Lacey clung to him and gave a joyful screech. She was in heaven.

A'awynn looked on with avid interest. Her daughter loved this man as much as she did; and he had no clue. He was a natural with children; as he seemed to be with everything that he put his mind to. She watched as Erik dropped to ground in mock exhaustion and Lacey crawled off his back and tried to pry him up. When she was not successful, she sat back down on his back and did something completely unexpected. She tickled him. Erik had never been tickled in all his life. He did not even know he was ticklish. Lacey smiled in victory as he tried to wriggle out from her tiny hands.

"Mama, come and help me…he is helpless and this is so fun!" Lacey giggled as she screeched.

A'awynn ran over to where Erik was squirming beneath Lacey's vigorous onslaught. He could have pushed her off easily, and A'awynn knew this; but he allowed Lacey to dominate him completely. He had never been sexier than he was at that moment.

A'awynn reached down and tickled his left side while Lacey concentrated on the right side. His helpless giggle was music to A'awynn's ears. He was slowly becoming more at ease around her and with himself. He would soon see all there was to love about him, through her eyes.

"Sttttooop, please! I can't take anymore….my sides are ripping open!" Erik pleaded with them and Lacey ceased and reached down and placed a kiss on his cheek.

He was face down on the blanket, the spot where he had dropped. She ran off in the other direction, "Mama, I'm going to go play with Moira and Gwynne."

Lacey loved having Erik's nieces on the grounds, as everyone had temporarily come back to Berwithshire for Erik's arrival and decided to extend their stay for his wedding.

A'awynn was glad to have someone around that was Lacey's age, it was good to have her interacting with other children. "Go ahead doll; just don't be a bother to Mammy, alright?"

Lacey nodded her head in agreement and ran off toward the castle. Erik had turned over onto his back and was propped up on his elbows, looking at the lake with a happy smile on his face. A'awynn was perched on the ground, resting on her knees. She stood up, and as she did so, her foot caught on the hem of her dress; sending her reeling down toward Erik.

He moved like lightening, catching in his strong hands. She was suspended about three inches above him with his hands still encircling her dainty waist. Her hair had fallen to the front and caressed Erik's right side with its silkiness. He just held her there, not wanting to move. A'awynn placed her right hand on Erik's left cheek, admiring the masculine beauty that he possessed. He had already developed a reputation around Scotland of being the most handsome aristocrat. A'awynn also knew that the only thing Erik saw when he looked at himself was his mask.

"I want to see you Erik…all of you." A'awynn stated with passion.

Erik could not help the feeling of dread that overcame him; but his eyes gave the surrender as she brought her hand up and gently lifted the mask from the right side of his face. Erik closed his pained eyes as his ugliness bared itself before her. She had seen it before, but never this close. Tears were trickling down his cheeks. She knew the reasoning behind those tears, and it wretched her heart. A'awynn caressed the left side of his face with her hand and took her long hair and wiped the tears from this face; gently cooing at him, letting him know that she was in no way repulsed by his scars.

"It's alright Erik, I've seen these scars numerous times as I grew up, and the reality is…they are just scars…scars that a madman inflicted on you in order to cause you and your family pain and humiliation." A'awynn continued to caress him, "You spent years allowing him a victory…no more Erik…no more."

Erik carefully lowered her onto his chest, feeling her immediately yield to his body. She lowered her face to his and rubbed her cheek against his ravaged skin; feeling the softness of it.

The feel of her perfection against his ugliness conjured up memories of not to long ago when other hands had caressed his bare cheek and ripped the mask from his face; when other eyes stared at him in gross curiosity before turning from him in contempt and disgust. But when he looked into A'awynn's bright eyes, he saw none of that; all he saw was tenderness and some unknown…something. He became painfully aware of her shapely breasts pressed against his chest and her long, lithe legs stretched out the length of his hard, muscular body.

"A'awynn, this is a very compromising position…we should not be here like this." Erik whispered, moving to lift her gently from him, but A'awynn brought her arms around and latched them underneath his shoulders; he could not pry her loose.

She lowered her face to his ear, gently whispering; causing a jolt of energy to course through Erik, "There is no one here Erik…and I am perfectly happy where I am."

She nuzzled his ear with her breath and all of Erik's defenses went up when she ran her tongue along its outer ridge. He gently but firmly tried to push her up and off him, but her pleading words stopped him, "Don't shut me out Erik…I'm not Christine…I'm not Lucy."

Erik felt tangible panic grip his chest, could this woman actually expect something from him? "I don't know how to do this A'awynn…I don't know how to be myself with a woman…I don't know how to be anything with a woman…"

A'awynn knew that Erik did not need a prim and proper lady at this point; he needed a bold, aggressive woman who would take control and show him how desirable he was; she would not let him think himself ugly anymore. She ran her right hand through his hair, still surprised at how soft it was. His hands barely touched her elbows as her seductive dance began.

She placed gentle, inquiring kisses along his cheeks and jaw line, gently suckling on the flesh as she did so. The kisses trailed down his neck to the pulse point just above the open crevice of his shirt. She teased the area with a flick of her tongue, and then gently kissed it. Erik was incoherent by this point, completely surrendering to her skillful mouth and hands.

"You're mine Erik, say it…I want to hear you say it." A'awynn assured him.Erik could not even form words, his tongue was useless and his mind was mush. "Say it," she whispered in his ear again; her sweet, warm breath caressing him, "say it…my love".

Erik turned toward her voice, missing the endearment; his heart beating erratically in his chest, his voice was full of raw excitement and it was almost painful to speak, "you know I am…you have known it for some time." He opened his turbulent eyes, every raw emotion evident in their green depths, "I'm yours A'awynn, and even if it costs me my sanity…I'm tired of fighting what I feel for you…"

No longer was Erik the pursuer, but the pursued. His eyes were raw with want and need and he was putty in her hands. She brazenly kissed each eyelid, feeling his long, dark lashes tickle her chin as she did so. She kissed the tip of his nose and the sensitive spot just in front of both ears.

Her sexy, molten voice thrilled his body as she coaxed him further, "It is beyond me how you have escaped the greedy hands and mouths of other women Erik…you are irresistible…and it completely boggles my mind to think that no others lips have touched this god-like body of yours…or these fantasy-inducing lips of yours…"

She placed a kiss on his bottom lip, gently running her thumb over its fullness as she did so. She traced its perfectly symmetrical surface with her wanton tongue, making Erik groan beneath her. He slightly opened his mouth without being aware of his actions; and A'awynn pushed the advantage.

She took him fully on the mouth, wielding her lips expertly across his. Erik did not even react; he was in complete shock. She placed wet, passionate kisses along the outside of his mouth and then boldly entered the sweetness of his mouth with her tongue; inviting him to open to her exploring mouth. He did so, without further delay. His virgin tongue coyly touched the surface of hers, not wanting to seem desperate; but A'awynn was hungry for him and had had enough teasing, she wrapped her velvet tongue around his, and their passion play began.

Erik moaned in sweet ecstasy, he never knew it could be like this. She was creating the most wonderful sensations with her lips and tongue. He never ever dreamed a woman would want to taste him in this manner, but A'awynn made it quite clear to his inexperienced body that she very much wanted him, in every way.

He ardently meant every thrust of her tongue with an equally demanding thrust of his own. It did not take long, before he was extracting moans from her as his genius came out in his masterful lips and tongue. He quickly became an excellent kisser and A'awynn completely surrendered to his expertise.

His hands were roving up her straight back and one rested on the curve of her hip and the other wound in the fullness of her hair, forcing her mouth harder down on his. He coated her mouth with his tongue, nourished himself on the sweet nectar that resided within.

A'awynn, unbeknownst to him, had unbuttoned the front of his shirt midway down. She lifted her mouth from his, playing with his tongue at it skirted out of his mouth. She pulled the shirt from the confines of his pants and ripped the front open, causing the rest of the buttons to go flying. She did all this before Erik even knew what was going on. She was still atop him, but she had now worked her way down to where she straddled his hips.

"You have the most gorgeous body, Erik…I want to touch you and experience just a little bit of heaven right now." A'awynn's words were breathy and hushed.

She moved to his side and lightly dusted the hairs on his molded chest with her fingertips as she mated with his mouth. (did she just say I had a gorgeous body?)Erik reached up and steadied her hand with his, moaning desperately as her hand swept across the erect nipples on his chest. His body was on fire.

"You think I have a gorgeous body?" Erik was almost laughing, but her eyes told him that what she said was the truth.

She gave him a seductive grin and a wink. "I don't think it Erik…I know it!" and she lowered her mouth. His arms rested lethargically at his side, he could not have lifted them if he had to, and his head rocked back and forth, as the well of excitement that controlled his body took over.

She administered kisses on every inch of his chest, drinking in the fresh, clean scent of his skin and the low, masculine moans that escaped his lips.

Erik finally came to his senses and rolled her over, pinning her beneath his heavier mass. "I cannot take much more of that, or I will completely explode."

A'awynn was very much aware of his massive erection as his form fitting pants outlined it beautifully. She was most impressed with the size of that outline and it promoted images in her mind of pleasures yet to come.

Erik cupped her chin in his palm and gazed into her passion-filled eyes, "You are aware that no woman has ever touched me like you just did?" A'awynn grinned and reached up and placed a kiss on his mouth. "You are genuinely attracted to me?" Erik spoke in complete awe of his realization.

A'awynn gently cupped his face between her hands, "I am not only genuinely attracted to you…" She looked deep into the green abyss of his eyes, "…but I am completely and deeply in love with you and have been for days."

Erik pulled back and examined her face for any sign of dishonesty or mirth, but all he saw was earnestness in her sincere eyes and complete love on her face…the same love he had seen on his mothers face as she looked at Alastair. Tears coated Erik's eyes as he realized that all of his prayers were answered with one statement from this woman.

Michél's words from earlier that day resounded in Erik's mind. If God, his creator, felt that Erik was worthy enough to die for, than He must deem him worthy enough for love; and He sent him A'awynn.

Erik hugged her to him; a hug that exhibited his acceptance of her love and his own love for her. "You had me from the moment I laid eyes on you. Your very presence tortured me, and I grew more and more tormented as each moment passed, knowing that you would never be mine."Erik shook in her arms from the deep emotional release he was experiencing. "I never would have dreamed that you could ever love me."

A'awynn just held him to her, shushing his crying with gentle words and tender strokes on his back; she loved this man with every fiber of her being and would spend the rest of her life proving that to him.

"Erik, this wedding, though seemingly forced upon us; is an answer to my prayers." A'awynn confessed. Erik's slight wrinkle in his forehead voiced his confusion. "I jumped at the chance to marry you, knowing that I would make you see my sincere love for you in my actions and eventually in my words…all you had to do was feel yourself worthy of my love…" She pulled his face to hers for a gentle, closed mouth kiss. "…and you are Erik; you are very worthy of my love and the love of your family and friends."

She moved away from him, allowing him to set up. She glanced appreciatively at his exposed chest through his open shirt, feeling no remorse at the missing buttons. He offered his hand as she took and rose to stand in front of him. She boldly swept her hand across his chest, making him shudder under her hand, "You better fix this, or your mother will think I have attacked you…oh, wait…she encouraged me to!" Erik jerked his eyes up and noticed the impish grin on her face and the twinkle in her eyes, and cocked his head at her, giving her an impish grin of his own.

Her pulled her to him and passionately took her mouth. His warm, talented tongue dove into her waiting mouth and danced with hers. Their breathing became arduous and staggered as their passion grew. He ground his tongue into her, showing her the actions his body longed to take with other parts of her body. She meant him stroke for sensuous stroke, answering his body's demands with demands of her own.

The kiss ended with several little kisses and finally A'awynn spoke through passion-swollen lips, "You gorgeous man, you just wait until our wedding night, we may not surface for days…" Erik caught his breath and grinned at her.

They walked silently, arm-in-arm, toward the castle; just enjoyed the closeness of each other.

When they reached the front entrance, A'awynn turned toward him, "I know that Christine will be here tomorrow; I also know that you used to harbor deep feelings for her," Erik started his rebuttal and A'awynn put her index finger to his lips, gently massaging their softness with her finger. "I also know that what you felt for her was an obsessive crush; one that almost destroyed you…but now you know what real love feels like and looks like…"

A'awynn closed her eyes and looked toward the heavens at the One Who created and instituted the beauty of love. She had almost lost her faith at one point in her life, but the gift of Lacey had made her once again thank God for His blessings and she had promised to serve His children at the orphanage for two years. She had again fallen away when the absence of a man in her life; a good man, made her loneliness palpable. Then God, in His infinite wisdom, had brought them together when the timing was perfect for both of them; they were both ready to throw caution to the wind and give their entire beings to each other.

A'awynn quoted the most profound definition of love she had ever come across…

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

"And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains…but have not love, I am nothing.

"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love…it profits me nothing.

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, endures all things.

"Love never fails…and now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

A'awynn looked to Erik who simply stood in awe. She was right, he now knew what real love was…he had finally found it; in God, in A'awynn, in Lacey and in the family he had been returned to.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8a, 13; NKJV

Chapter 36 Preview – Erik gets some satisfaction