You Were All That Mattered
Chapter III

Christine almost swooned at the emotion in Erik's kiss. He completely consumed her; the way his masculine scent made her heart beat faster, the way his hands tangled in her curls, the way his velvet tongue made its way across her bottom lip. She briefly wondered how she had ever been away from this man, before relinquishing all thought in the heat of that moment.

For indeed, it was only a moment before he pushed her away, moving to the other side of the room.

"Why? Why must you torment me like this?" he spoke, his voice unusually thick.

"Erik! I love you! Do you not believe me? Do you not understand that my heart beats for you and you alone?"

At this he turned around.

"Oh, really? And what of your husband, Madame?"

His eyes searched hers for any sign that would give her doubt away. He found none, for her eyes were clear as she replied.

"I do not love him. I care for him as a sister would her brother. I was wrong to marry him. And if you will allow it, I will spend the rest of my days making it up to you. Please, let me prove my love to you!"

She approached him swiftly and pulled his lips to hers.

Again, he broke away, tears streaming down his face.

"Christine… oh my angel, my darling. Do you really mean it?"

He was almost childlike in his behavior as he slumped to the floor. Christine kneeled down and wrapped her arms around him, bringing his head to rest upon her chest.

"Yes, my darling Erik. With all of my heart and soul."

They sat like that for at least an hour, as he relieved his life's worth of tears, a burden she gracefully beared with all the love in her heart.

Finally he stood up and walked to the grand piano. He sat down and allowed his slender musician fingers to rest upon the keys. Christine made her way over to him, realizing how little she knew about him. At this she immediately blushed, and shyly sat beside him.

"Erik!" she exclaimed, "do sing me a song! It has been so long since you've sung for me!"

He smiled. "Which one shall I play, ma chéri?"

At her request, he began to sing a lullaby he had first sung to her in the early days of their lessons. She closed her eyes, letting his voice consume her. It was as if nothing had ever come between them.

Suddenly Erik stopped. Surprised, Christine opened her eyes and looked over for an explanation. Erik was completely still, obviously listening to something. And then Christine heard it too. Someone was coming up the stairs!

"Quick, Erik! You must hide! If Raoul catches you he will surely kill you! Hurry!" Christine made a leap for the door in an attempt to slow the unwelcome visitor from entering the cozy room.

Erik chuckled. "I highly doubt that will happen. Your husband is no match for me.I would kill him before he even had the chance to see me!"

Christine turned around horrified.

"Erik! You mustn't say things like that! Now please, hide!"

He obliged, concealing himself in a hidden passageway behind another mirror, located next to the piano.

And just in time, for at that moment the door slammed open and the Vicomte de Changy ran in, his face contorted in rage.