The intensity of the moment never wavered. Nicholas shifted, turning to fully face her. The simple gesture brought their bodies within closer proximity, and Elizabeth could feel his warmth. Suddenly, she longed to reach out and curl her fingers in his lapel. Instead, she buried them in the folds of her skirt, looking expectantly to his face. What would happen next? When he revealed himself, what would change?

Nicholas labored over the decision, lifting a single hand to idly caress the soft velvet which disguised him. It wasn't at all surprising that he was willing to expose himself to her, and rather quickly it would seem. The only time he had ever worn a mask was when he would drive one of the cabs. He found them cumbersome and rather itchy. Not of any less importance, he felt as though any kindness or affection he might be afforded with the mask would only be false and therefore not worthwhile.

Somehow, it seemed different. With this beautiful woman. He was riveted, inspired by her beauty - and the time they had shared would certainly qualify of the most gratifying moments in his life. He hesitated. Did he really want all of that to end? His eyes met hers again, searching. All he found was a vicious curiosity, pleading.

"You must promise not to scream."

Elizabeth nodded numbly.

With a single, deft motion Nicholas removed the mask. His deformity was revealed, and he lowered shame-filled eyes. Poised, he awaited her response.

In truth, Elizabeth was repulsed. A horrified expression greeted Nicholas, when he glanced up at her silence. Her stomach churned, and she turned quickly - the precious chocolate drink he had spent a great part of his meager savings on was upturned upon the grass. Nicholas lifted himself gracefully from his spot beside of her, moving to gather his things. It was as he had imagined. Life was a cruel mistress who found no joy other than tormenting his pitiful soul.

Elizabeth wretched until her stomach was empty, and even then felt light-headed.

"Nicholas," she pleaded weakly, longing to apologize.

"Come, Mademoiselle. I will escort you to your estate." His voice was low and lackluster, terribly different from the inspiring tone she was accustomed to.

"Please," she attempted once more - forcing herself to look upon his face again. Just below his eye, flesh and bone were viciously twisted and deformed. The flesh held pockets which seemed to have been burned out with fire or acid. It was discolored and rough. It affected only a portion of his nostril, and then curved out around the shape of his mouth - ending at his jawline. In truth, not as terrible as another. Her gaze lilted to the whole side of his face, so handsome. Appealing. She swallowed her fear.

Reaching for his hand, slender digits curled within his pleadingly. "Please, Nicholas. I am sorry. I was taken aback. Please sit, talk with me.."

Nicholas seemed to bear the weight of the world upon his shoulders. He did not sit. Instead, he crouched before her - and in a tone that was not unlike a parent lecturing a naughty child, he stated softly.

"Elizabeth, I do not want to play games. I may look like a beast, or death, or a demon, or any of the other array of names I've been given. I am, however, just a man. I am not an object to amuse you or entertain you. It is not my place to take your mind off of arranged marriages, a mother prone to fits of madness, or a drunken father."

Elizabeth gasped. How could he see into her life so clearly? Anger flashed in her eyes, but he silenced her - continuing.

"We all have our problems, sweet Elizabeth. But don't forget that I am a man."

Nicholas lifted his hand, claiming the length of her cheek in a feathering caress. Her skin was just as silken as he had imagined, and warm. His words faltered for a moment as he watched the trail his fingertips traced, and the blush that followed. The angry fire was extinguished in Elizabeth's eyes, and they fluttered closed. Her head canted ever so slightly in the direction of his touch - much like a pleased kitten. Her lips had parted to allow a content sigh it's birth, and if he wished - he could kiss her. He could taste those lips, feel her beneath him.

"And a gentleman," he added roughly, removing his hand from her as though she had burned him. "Come."

Elizabeth had little choice, for as quickly as he had spoken he had disappeared into the brush. She arose quickly and followed after. His pace was much larger than hers, and she struggled to keep up. Finally, they reached the clearing where he had left her horse. He was standing beside of it, reins in hand.

Elizabeth walked to him, perplexed. She had been courted by many men, and had even found a few interesting. She had not, however, met anyone quite like Nicholas. He infuriated and delighted her, taunted and pleased her. She longed to curse at him, and at the same moment ravage him with unladly-like kisses! The frustration shone in her face as she stepped dangerously close to him. Nicholas laughed lightly at her.

"Am I to understand, lady, that you find me agitating?" His voice was light and teasing.

"No. Not that," she replied simply, lifting her hand to the clasp of his cloak about her shoulders. She shrugged it off easily, and the moonlight was allowed to once more kiss the smooth column of her bared throat, and the expanse of exposed shoulders. The dress she had chosen wrapped possessively about her, exposing the upward swell of her bosom to his gaze. She was breath-taking. The cloak was offered to him.

Nicholas' control wavered when she returned his cloak. He groaned inwardly. This was proving increasingly difficult. Did she realize the power she held over him?

"Be safe." He murmured, offering his hand to help her onto her steed. She glanced at it, and instead stepped closer still. Lifting up to tip toe, she brushed a lingering kiss to his cheek.

"Elizabeth," his voice was softer, compelling. "Your virtue demands that you leave me, at once."

She felt the victor in their spar of words, for now she knew that he desired her. She smiled sincerely into his gaze.

"Please, my dark suitor, may I see you once more?"

"I will come to you," he promised, ushering her onto her horse.

"Soon," she pleaded, their last words as she rode off into the night.