Chapter Twelve

Strangers

Christine sighed and pulled her cloak tightly about herself. They had been traveling for weeks it felt like and she was desperately tired of the road. What type of holiday was this? She glanced over at Erik, he was very melancholy, and he had been that way the whole trip. She could tell something was on his mind but she did not know what to say to him about it.

When Erik had told her that they were going to Rome her eyes had widened in surprise. That was a long trip to make for holiday. Though she would not admit it to him, Christine had always wished to see the great capitol of Italy. She heard it was quite beautiful and that was what she thought about as the long nights rolled by.

But that was not the only thing she thought about, oh no, far from it. She glanced back at Erik. She still remembered his words to her, about showing her how it felt to be wanted by a man. The offer held certain appeal, if only for the fact that she was curious. The things Susannah had told her seemed far too bizarre for two people to do with one another. But her curiosity had always got the best of her and now was no different. She wondered what would happen if she moved to his side of the carriage and kissed him with the same passion he had bestowed on her. Would he kiss her back or push her away.

Fairy tales were once her favorite thing in the world and she had always longed for her knight, but she had grown up and realized there was never a perfect man like that. And Erik was far from perfect. His temper and his attitude toward her were annoying and sometimes she would give anything just to see him show some compassion. If he did perhaps it would be easier for her.

"You think far too much," Erik grumbled suddenly. Christine looked at him in disbelief, had she just heard him right?

"I beg your pardon?" she demanded. He was leaning back in his seat, arms crossed over his broad chest.

"Sometimes you sit there for hours on end, and I can tell you are thinking," he replied.

"What is wrong with that?" she demanded.

"What could you possibly be thinking about?" Erik asked. This was another thing that bothered her about him, the way he thought men were better then women.

"Things I would not like to discuss with you! What is so wrong about me thinking?" she asked, highly annoyed.

"You're a woman," he said. There was something about his expression that she could not quite name but she decided to ignore it.

"Your point being what?" she asked.

"There are only certain things you should be thinking about," he answered. One of Christine's finely arched brows rose.

"What, pray tell, would those things be?"

"Fashion, household duties...and how to please your husband," Erik answered, a smirk coming to his lips. So that was what he was getting at? The man needed to learn a little self control. But as she stared at him she realized that if he wanted to play this game, so could she. She smiled slowly, catching Erik completely off guard. What was the little spit fire up to now?

"'Please my husband'? What would please you, Erik?" she whispered, getting up and moving to his seat in the small carriage. Erik's face was emotionless as he watched her intently, wondering what she was going to do.

"You," he growled a deep and low sound that came from his throat. She smiled. Erik had to keep his eyes from widening when she straddled his lap, something he had never expected her to. His strong hands went to her hips and he held her in place. She leaned forward and pressed her mouth to his ear.

"What do you want me to do?" she whispered, her breath hot against the shell of his ear. She could feel a barely controlled shudder pass through his body and Christine wondered what had possessed her to do this. But she knew why, and it was anything but innocent. Since the moment she had met him he had been in control. She might fight back but when it came down to it, he was her husband, she belonged to him. But she had control over his desires...she could control what he felt for her, and there was a wonderful feeling in that knowledge.

"Kiss me," he murmured, not moving a single muscle on his body. His body was aching and full but he wanted to see where his little she-devil was going to take this. She was different from anyone he had ever met. Innocent and yet still enticing.

He contained his moan when she pressed her open mouth to his. Their tongues and mouths explored and Christine was aware of Erik's arousal growing beneath her. Yes, she had power over him. This strong man could come undone at her touch. She pulled away, only to press kisses to his neck and the little of his chest revealed from his shirt. Erik simply sat there and allowed Christine to explore his body. The carriage jostling to a stop caused them both to pull apart. Erik's brow creased in agitation. Why the hell had they stopped? Erik pushed Christine away and stepped out of the carriage, Christine not far behind.

The dirt road they were on appeared to be in the middle of no where with trees lining the road. The carriage behind them, which carried their belongings as well as Susannah and Douglas pulled to a stop as well and the two servants stuck their head out of the window to look and see what had happened. On the road in front of them was another carriage. The wheel had snapped and come off, leaving it quite immobile. A man was muttering curses at his driver who was apologizing profusely.

"Is there a problem?" Erik demanded. The well dressed gentleman turned to them in surprise, having not heard them approach. Christine was taken back by his amazing good looks. Black hair was slicked back from one of the most handsome faces Christine had ever laid eyes on in her life. Blue eyes the color of a summer sky. His clothing was of the finest quality and Christine found it hard to look away from him.

"Oh, Monsieur! Your arrival could not have been at a better time!" the man said. His eyes found Christine's and slowly swept the length of her body. Erik noticed and pushed Christine behind him. The man smirked and studied Erik for the first time, taking in the mask with some surprise.

"What happened?" Erik snapped, sounding more agitated then he intended. The man glanced at Christine again before answering.

"The wheel..." he said, gesturing to it as if it were obvious. Erik said nothing. Christine poked him in the back, which almost made him jump.

"We cannot leave him here, Erik, ask where he is going!" Christine whispered.

"Rome," the man answered. They both turned to him, realizing he had heard her. Erik did not like this man.

"I do not believe I caught your name," Erik said, quite rudely. The stranger held out his hand.

"Kenneth Rousseau, a pleasure," he said. Erik did not take his hand.

"Erik Desslar, and my wife, Christine," he said. The man took Christine's hand and kissed it.

"It is indeed a pleasure, Madam, your face brightens what had threatened to be a very gloomy day," he said. Christine smiled. What a gentleman!

"Would you care for a ride to Rome, Monsieur Rousseau? We cannot leave you out here," Christine said. Erik glared at her and Kenneth smirked again.

"You are too kind, Madam," he murmured.