chapter 18

Cookies! Cookies! throws cookies in the air Cookies to you all! Thank you for reviewing!

Twinkle22: i am so glad you review. And aren't their relationship sweet? and yes, I am going to update almost every night.

angel of mystery: Willkommen! so glad you reviewed! And I am just so happy you love it. Keep reading and reviewing!

chapter 18

As Cat lay in the bed, she couldn't help the few tears that fell from her eyes. She had lied to him. telling him that her heart was nothing to really to worry about. not true. on of the reasons she was in Paris, was that she was to have surgery. Now she is in the past with no more meds and no way home. She sighed, and turned over allowing sleep to take her away from the present.

Erik sat at the organ, not playing. he knew something was wrong with Cat. She still was not telling her anything. He can't force it out of her, she was too stubborn. But despite her bravo, she was sick. And that was tearing him up. He hated to admit it to himself, but he was going have to find away to get her back. Erik placed his head in his hands. Suddenly he felt hands on his back.

Cat sighed and leaned on him. Love, she thought, is hard.

Erik turned and took her in his arms.

Usually Cat would resist, playing with him, but right now she allowed herself the luxury of being in his arms.

Erik then began the most dreaded conversation, "Cat, tell me. Say that you love me like I do. I can't help myself. I had promised, that I will never love again. I don't want a repeat of Christine. All my life I had never truly loved. And now after meeting you, I realize that, yes, I did love Christine, but it was only a falter. That she was not mentally strong enough. So, please. Let me in, angel, let me in your heart," he said softly into her hair.

Kris turned her face away, clasping him tightly in her arms and shut her eyes tightly so he wouldn't see the tears that were stinging her eyes. Erik pressed his masked face into her hair with a sigh.

"Look at me, ma petite," as she turned her face to his, "Look at me."

Sighing, she looked. There was anguish in her eyes and she was fighting back tears.

Erik cupped her face with his hands while he, searched her eyes.

"Tell me what you are so afraid of, ma petite."

She shook her head and pressed her mouth to his in a deep, shattering kiss.

Erik held her closer "Give your heart to me, let it happen." His deep, accented voice rolled over her, a sensual command.

Cat pulled him tighter to her, needing him to feel her acceptance, her caring. She wanted to give him what she knew he wanted but it was all happening too fast; too out of control.

"I'm afraid Erik."

"About what?"

"Love. I want to love you, but I don't know how. I try, but sometimes you get me so mad. But then it makes me want to love you even more." Cat said into his chest.

"Now, angel, tell me what it is you fear about this; about us." yellow eyes were smoldering with banked fire. He wanted an answer.

Dammit. Did he have to be so perceptive?

"N-nothing, Erik, really. I'm just a little tired with what happened today," she stammered, dropping her gaze from his.

A deep chuckle, a kiss on her forehead, "Do not lie to me, cherie. Tell me whatever painful truth you must but do not insult my intelligence by lying to me."

Yeah, lying to him was definitely a bad idea. Especially when he held her tightly as he was, "Erik, it's really hard for me..."

"I know," he said gently, "but try." He tipped her chin up with his fingertips, forcing her eyes to meet his.

"This is all happening really fast," she admitted, finally.

"Yes it is, but I am not complaining. Are you?" A smile ghosted across his perfect mouth.

"Erik, you scare the hell out of me."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to lose myself. And that is what is happening. I am only 20 and before I met you I had never been I a relationship before. I was always scared when I can to love. And now, now... it is intense. Overwhelmed by the intensity, you know?" Her eyes were wide with a naked fear.

Erik held her tightly, "Petit Chat, I know you have no reason to believe me yet, but I am not going anywhere."

He watched her. She was searching his face, wanting to believe him; to believe in him.

"Cat, you will need to learn for yourself that you can trust me. I want you to come to me freely. I want you to need me the way I need you." Erik held her gaze, wanting her to see the truth in his words. "Share your heart with me, angel. I promise not to break it."

Tears again. Yes, well, this was all new for both of them. He held her. It was a little unnerving watching the silent tears flow from her tightly shut eyes. She never whimpered, never made a sound, just let him hold her and pressed close to his strength.

Later, he kissed her tears away and loved her over and over again. Gentle and tender, frantic and wild; always loving and tender, always ensuring her pleasure first. They napped lightly in each other's arms. Neither of them were troubled by nightmares.