A Tad bit shorter than usual...hope you enjoy. As always, keep the reviews coming in. And thank you to those who have taken the time to review...it's much appreciated!
Erik felt his heart pounding in his chest so hard he was afraid that it would break through his chest. Her lips felt like heaven on his own. They were soft and tender and sweet, he felt her hand on his unmasked cheek and her free arm weaving it's way around his neck and pulling him closer.
Jenna's heart nearly burst when she felt him move his lips on hers, so gently as though he were afraid he would hurt her. She wasn't sure how long they sat there; she pulled back when she heard the clock chime 11:30am.
She had never looked more beautiful than she did now, her lips bright red and swollen from his kiss. Her honey colored hair framing her face where it fell out of its clip. Her eyes bright with emotion. She was stunning…breathtaking, he could hardly believe that she was still there, that this wasn't a dream. She was watching him, her arm still around his neck and her hand still on his cheek.
She stroked his cheek once before letting her hand drop to her lap, her eyes never leaving his.
"You don't know how long I've been wanting to do that," she finally said with a smile.
Erik smiled and raised an eyebrow "Oh I think I have some idea" he responded dryly.
She laughed before pulling away and straightening her hair. Both were unsure of what to do at this point, they sat in an awkward silence.
"My God, you are so beautiful" he choked out, emotion filling every syllable.
She blushed, ducking her head at his blunt compliment. "Thank You Erik"
Henri knocked on the door "Excuse me Monsieur, Mam'Selle. But Lunch is served"
Erik glared at Henri's retreating back, while Jenna took the moment to compose herself before standing up and smoothing her skirt. Erik stood up behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders. Her heart started to thump once more as she felt the heat of his body against her back. Her breathing became erratic once more as his fingers skimmed the skin of her collarbone, left exposed by her scoop necked shirt.
Her skin was on fire where his fingers had touched her flesh. She knew if she didn't break the torturous contact they would end up on the floor…naked. She shook the thought from her mind and reached up and took his hands in hers.
"Come, I know you probably haven't eaten anything yet today" she said as she led him out of the study and to the breakfast nook where they often took lunch.
His body screamed for her, lust ripping it's way through him like a tsunami. He forced himself to calm down, and focused on walking behind her. Trying not to watch the sway of her hips as she led him out of the room.
They sat down, finally able to reign in their individual emotions and enjoy the simple lunch that had been prepared for them. Afterwards Erik sequestered himself away in his music room. Jenna remained in her room sending out some emails, but Erik's music drove her from her room outside. Music filled with raw passion and lust…it was driving her mad.
She contented herself with playing with her dogs outside until late in the evening. She returned to the house and dressed for dinner and was disappointed when Erik didn't appear at the dinner table that evening. She didn't see him for the rest of the night.
What did I do? Did I displease him? I know he is a mercurial creature…maybe he feels I am afraid of him? But did I give any indication that I would be afraid of him? Maybe he is afraid I'm scared of his longing? God No! Oh hell! What have I gotten myself into? She thought dejectedly.
She went to bed and woke late the next morning. Not even bothering to shower or dress before breakfast she pulled on a robe and put her hair up in a sloppy ponytail fully expecting to eat a solitary meal.
She nearly died when she walked in and saw Erik, sitting at the table dressed in grey slacks and a deep blue button down shirt with the top buttons unbuttoned.
Oh Jesus…he looks good! Damnit…the gutter rat meets the emperor
She attempted to hide her extreme embarrassment as she sat down and sipped her coffee. Avoiding his gaze. Erik attempted to hide his shock at her informal…well her pajamas.
"Late rising today?" He asked as he raised an eyebrow once he trusted his voice.
She scowled "You could say that" she replied sarcastically.
She finished her coffee and barely stopped herself from slamming her cup down in frustration. She still managed to set her cup down harder than she planned; it landed on the china with a loud clank. Without a word she rose and stormed upstairs.
Bloody brilliant Erik! You handled that well Old Man! Why must you resort to sarcasm when you are uncomfortable?
He sighed as he too rose and went to his study…he would give her the chance to cool off before he approached her to apologize.
Jenna stormed into her suite and paced for a moment before stepping into the shower. She would show him…she showered and pulled on her robe before going to her closet and pulling out all the stops.
Erik did a double take when he saw her enter his study later that afternoon. She looked…sexy was the only way he could think to describe her. She had chosen a short black skirt and a rose colored button down shirt that she had left unbuttoned and tied at the waist that revealed a white tank top underneath it, which showed off a tasteful amount of cleavage and black heels. Her hair was pulled up in a slightly messy French twist with curls hanging about her neck.
She set some folders on his desk and he detected the scent of gardenias. She was incredible, he wanted to throw her onto the desk and rip off those clothes…slowly…
He shook himself mentally and cleared his throat. Jenna smiled to herself when she saw his unmasked cheek turn pink. Score One!
She walked away triumphantly and sat down at her desk with a smile plastered on her face. Erik could barely string two words together for the rest of the afternoon. Jenna retreated to her room and started laughing out loud. She knew she should feel bad, taunting him like that…but she couldn't help herself.
She walked into the dining room later that evening still dressed as she was before. She saw herself down and nodded at Henri who merely chuckled and walked out of the room feeling very sorry for Erik. She was a pistol; he hoped Erik could handle her.
Erik watched her very closely all through dinner, not trusting himself to say anything. Finally she broke the tense silence.
"Would you care to walk with me in the gardens?"
He swallowed hard and nodded "It would be a pleasure" he managed to choke out.
She smiled "I'll go change…heels and a skirt aren't exactly the easiest things to walk in and actually enjoy the walk" she explained.
Erik was disappointed and relieved at the same time. She returned 10 minutes later in Olive cargo pants and shoes. Though she still had on the revealing shirt, this was much more tolerable for Erik.
They walked in silence for a moment before Jenna bravely took his hand. If he was surprised he hid it well. He was becoming used to her open affection to him…to a point. They stopped at the marble bench and sat down. Jenna looked up at the clear fall sky and took a breath of the crisp air. She loved it here with Erik…
Erik watched her, unable to tear his eyes away from her exquisite form. "Are you happy here with me Jenna?" he asked suddenly.
She looked at him, surprised. "Of course I am Erik…why wouldn't I be?"
"I…I just wanted to make sure. I couldn't stand it if you were unhappy."
"Erik, I've not been happier before. I love my job, and my home…and the company is wonderful. I am happy here, I would not trade any of this for all the tea in England"
He smiled at her dry humor, squeezing her hand. She looked over at him closely and before turning his head with a gentle hand. His golden eyes seemed to gleam in the starlight.
"Let yourself be happy here with me Erik…no tricks, no lies. I'm not going to hurt you…I care too much for you to ever hurt you like that. Let yourself finally be content and free"
Erik studied her for a moment before claiming her lips with his own. In that kiss he let go of all the pain from his previous life…there was no more Phantom of the Opera, or Christine Daae. There was only Erik and Jenna…
