Howdy folks…I know there are more reading than are reviewing, I appreciate you taking the time to read, but would you let me know if you are enjoying this lighter side to Erik's life? I would be most grateful.

No portion of this storyline, or the use of my original characters, is to be used in any way without my written permission, or that of Mlle.Fox, in reference to Allie. Thank you.

Go ahead, make my day…

CHAPTER 30

"Will you stop fidgeting, you look marvelous!" Karlie harped; looking his body up and down and trying not lick her lips.

Erik was standing in her room clothed in brown, suede leather pants with a leather sash as a belt and brown leather sandals with leather straps that tied up the calf of his legs, showing how muscular and refined his lower half was.

He was attaching the red cape, made of the finest material, by the arm loops that went around his shoulder blades and attached under his arms. He wore a necklace around his delectable neck, made of tiger's teeth, and leather armbands and wristbands.

"I'm not fidgeting." Erik replied, flatly.

He knew that he was, but he wasn't ready to face the incumbent nerves that controlled his reactions.

Karlie finished fastening the cape, casting Erik a look that said she knew he was not happy with the whole "public" situation.

"Everything will be fine Erik, why are you so hesitant about tonight?" She asked, wanting to hear it from him.

Erik walked over to where the helmet rested on the table. He picked it up and examined it, making sure that its design would cover his deformity. Satisfied that it would, he looked back at Karlie.

"I'm still not used to being around people, Karlie. I spent the greater part of my life avoiding them…and now, I find myself being cast like a sheep to the wolves." Erik stated, ambivalently.

Karlie moved toward him with determined confidence, "Erik, I will be by your side – every step of the way." She turned him toward her, placing her hands over the hard surface of his sculptured chest, teasing the dark dusting of hairs across the pectorals.

His body was perfection; even the scars on his back added to his appeal. REAL men have scars…they have faced life and come out on top; they have looked death in the face and laughed at its audacity.

Erik was all man. She felt his intake of breath at her feather-light touch. His eyes closed as the sensation of flesh-on-flesh pulled at his loins. He was lost in the touch of her hands, when he felt the warm tease of her breath on his skin. She had moved her face toward his chest and was breathing in the scent of him.

"Erik, you completely fill my senses…" she opened her eyes and looked into his stormy depths. "I love you more with each passing moment…don't ever doubt that."

Erik smiled down at her and kissed the top of her head; pushing his nerves down, he took the helmet and placed it on his head. It covered his entire face, except from his mid-cheek, down.

Karlie stood back approvingly, and examined her man. He looked exactly as she would have pictured King Leonidas to have looked. He stood erect and broad, crossing his arms over his chest and his feet apart.

Karlie knew it was wrong to lust after a man, even if you wanted to marry him, but she could not help herself…Erik was a walking advertisement for sex, and she was reading it every moment of every day!

She pulled herself out of her stupor, "Now, I must go get ready…Allie is busy getting her costume adjusted and I told her I would help her." Karlie tuned back to face him, having headed out the door, "By the way, she said she meant you at the coffee shop this morning…" her eyes squinted into playful slits, "…what did you two discuss?"

Erik looked up at her, "It was a coincidental meeting…we mainly talked about Allie's family and how much she misses them…I didn't really say much." He smiled, as he completely avoided the question. "I do believe she likes me."

Karlie smirked, "aaahhh haaaaa, well, that was the most evasive answer I have ever heard." She stated, then she headed down the hall toward her room.

OOOOOOOOOOO

The costume that Karlie was wearing was bothering Erik to distraction. It wasn't that she was exposing herself, in any way. It was more what was left to the imagination…and Erik had a vivid imagination.

The gown was Greek in design, naturally; it emphasized her slender waist, but at the same time drew his attention to her full, ample breasts. It was floor length, but had a split in the side all the way up to her hip, giving Erik a view of her shapely legs.

He didn't think there was any possible way that he was going to make it through this night, without ravishing her; he had great restraint, that was obvious…but he was just flesh and blood…a man after all.

As if reading his thoughts, Karlie chose that moment to look over at him from her position at the window. She was seated next to him in the carriage as they traveled to the ball. She caught his eyes raking over her form and felt the swell of female pride well up inside her at the blatant desire in his eyes.

She scooted close to him and leaned into the curve of his arm. She put her ear to his chest, reveling in the strong beat of his heart.

"If you continue to look at me that way, we may never make it to the ball." She teased, seductively.

"Don't dangle such a delectable morsel in front of a starving man and expect for it to return untouched." Erik warned, passion dancing in his eyes.

She inched her way toward his lips, her eyes fixed on their luscious fullness. Erik was beginning to know the physical signs that Karlie gave when she wanted something, and right now, he knew she wanted his kiss.

He moved his lips teasingly over hers, with such softness; it barely registered as a touch. He was skimming over the sensitive skin, leaving a trail of aching need as he went. Finally, after Karlie felt she would go mad from the want, he took her mouth with his; gently at first, then with maddening firmness. Before he lost control, Erik pulled out of the kiss.

He smiled down at her confused look, "I can't allow myself to give into this right now Karlie…these leather pants you have me in…leave nothing to the imagination, and I am already feeling constricted." Erik emphasized, not in the least bit embarrassed. "We are almost to your destination, and I must get my body back under control."

Karlie smiled, brazenly; Erik was admitting his loss of control around her…that was a good thing. She wanted him to realize, clearly, that he was the only man for her and she was the only woman for him.

The carriage halted in front of the large Ball Room and Erik emerged first, then reached up and helped his Gorgo down from the carriage. They looked perfect together, and everyone who was witnessing their decent down the sidewalk toward the door, could see how great they were for each other.

Erik was the talk of the town, and had been for quite some time. He was every woman's desire for her daughter, and every man's desire for increase of his family wealth. He would make the perfect addition to any family…and tonight was the night that a few influential families were going to approach him about courting their daughters.

Then, he shows up with this little minx on his arm, and some of the best laid plans were going awry. Who was she? A man of his stature and brilliance should be courting the top debutants in New Orleans…not some unknown.

These were the thoughts that filtered through the minds of the jealous mothers and disillusioned fathers, as they bore their eyes in to Karlie's figure.

Karlie could feel everyone's eyes on her as she walked beside Erik down the sidewalk toward the music. Erik, sensing that something was bothering her, reached over and took her hand in his and pulled her close to his warm, sheltering body; for Karlie; that was the most romantic thing he could have done at that moment.

They approached the door, only to be greeted by a lovely redhead in a silver dress; sparkling confetti all over her and green eyes dancing. Allie smiled, gorgeously and took Erik's free arm.

To be continued…