A Little more Angst in this chappie. But they finally get together (phew!) Expect more angst in the next chappie too, and Michel isn't gone for good either! Don't worry though , all will be right again shortly. :) Enjoy!

Jenna hurried to her room, scrubbed her face and brushed her hair out. She took off the dress and hung it back up. She pulled out a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt and put them on quickly. She hurried downstairs and asked Henri to send up some tea, before running back up the stairs to Erik's room. She knocked on the door, Erik opened it and Jenna was surprised to see him in a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. I didn't know he owned a pair of sweat pants…or a t-shirt she thought to herself. She walked in "The tea will be here shortly"

He nodded, unsure of what to do. Jenna took his hand and led him to the small sofa by the fireplace and sat down on it, pulling him down with her. They sat next to each other for a few moments before Erik shifted himself so he was lying on the sofa, leaning against the arm with Jenna between his legs lying against his chest. His arms wrapped around her middle, she closed her eyes lying there contently. Henri was pleased when he saw the sight before him when he came in with the tea.

Erik was running his fingers through her hair, while she traced circles on the back of his hand listening as he told her stories from his time as the Phantom of the Opera. Jenna thanked Henri for the tea, she moved to get up but he held up a hand "You look quite comfortable…allow me" he said fixing a cup for Erik and Jenna. He placed them on the coffee table in front of the couch and left quickly.

Jenna smiled as she sipped her tea. She swung her legs over the edge of the couch and set her cup down. Erik likewise sat up, watching her. She felt his eyes on her and blushed slightly.

"Regardless of how dinner ended I did have a wonderful time," she said softly, looking back at him.

"I'm glad, all I want is for you to be happy," he said seriously.

"I am happy…here with you. I can't remember a time I've been happier." She reached out and took his hand.

She scowled "I knew something was up today at the meeting…" she groused softly.

Erik looked confused "Meeting?"

"Yes, that arrogant bastard's sister is our new client. He was oogling me all morning"

Erik fish clenched, he went to stand up but she held him back. "Erik, I didn't tell you because I didn't think anything would come out of it…I just thought he was being rude and I didn't want to say anything to him and risk losing his sister as a client. Please don't get angry about it now. It's done with…" she pleaded softly.

He nodded stiffly "Very Well"

She watched him for a moment before sliding onto his lap "Please…don't get mad. Just enjoy this time here with me"

He nodded, letting his arms come around her waist. She laid her head on his shoulder, placing a light kiss on his neck. The feel of her lips on his throat sent a surge of desire through his body. Jenna felt his arms stiffen slightly; she raised her head and looked into his eyes. She took his face in her hands and kissed him, slowly and deeply. His hands tightened on her waist. This encouraged her, she kissed him again even more passionately than before. She moved her hands from his face to his neck, holding him to her. He was drowning in her kiss, he wanted more. He wanted everything. Jenna knew if she continued there would be no going back, and she didn't care. She wanted him so badly; she had wanted him so badly for a long time. There was just one more obstacle in their way.

She pulled away, and gazed at his mask. He knew what she was looking at, he had known this time would come eventually. She had never mentioned the mask, which he appreciated it. "Erik…" she whispered.

He knew what would come next; she would rip his mask off his face, scream and run away. He closed his eyes, hoping that if he didn't see her she would leave the mask alone. She kissed his temple, "Erik, please look at me"

He opened his eyes hesitantly "I won't do anything you don't want me to…I'm not going to force anything. But…I don't want to make love to a mask" she said bluntly.

"Please…don't ask this of me," he rasped.

"Why?"

"Because if you see my face you'll leave" he choked out.

She kissed him "I won't. There is nothing on this earth that will take me away from you. You have to trust me," she said softly, placing light kisses on his face.

He knew she was right, but was he strong enough? He nodded "Alright…take…take it off" he choked.

She looked down at him and smiled, before she pulled the mask off. She didn't flinch, or pale or show any reaction. She brought her hand up and caressed his ravaged cheek lightly. The skin was rough, and discolored. His eye socket drooped slightly, on the side of his head the hair didn't grow well. It was thin and straggly. She wondered what the big deal was…he was still handsome and sexy. That changed nothing in her eyes.

"This changes nothing," she said as she kissed his cheek.

His arms tightened around her, but that was the only reaction he gave. She kissed his lips once more, letting him explore her mouth with his tongue. Though it wasn't long before he was kissing the side of her neck, letting his hands wander up and down her sides. Finally able to take no more, he stood up and carried over to his bed…

Jenna woke up the next morning later than usual. She looked at the alarm clock next to the bed 9:45am…hell she overslept. She closed her eyes and smiled when Erik threw his arm over her and pulled her back against him.

"Mmm…good morning" she mumbled sleepily.

He kissed her neck in response "Good morning my sweet" he answered finally.

She rolled over so she was facing him and snuggled closer to him. He put his arms around her and pulled her against him, kissing the top of her head. "It's late, we should get up," she finally mumbled.

He sighed "I suppose we should…it is getting late." He conceded, rolling over and sitting up. Jenna sat up and wrapped the sheet around her as she looked for her clothes. Finding her underwear she wiggled into them under the sheet before she pulled on her t-shirt. She stood up and retrieved her pants and pulled them on. She smoothed her hair, smiling when Erik wrapped his arms around her.

She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck; happy to see him really starting to loosen up when it came to touching her. She hugged him "Mmm, that was a wonderful night…we should do it more often"

He raised an eyebrow, she laughed "Well without the insults and pushing that is" she added quickly. "But dinner and afterwards…that was nice"

"Yes it was," he said kissing her neck.

She laughed, pushing back from him "I thought you would have had enough after last night…and this morning."

He pulled her back playfully nipping at her neck. "Erik…I have to get some work done…"

His shoulders slumped in defeat as he let her go "You're right, I have work to do as well…very well. I'll see you at breakfast?"

She nodded, leaning up to kiss him. "Yup. I'll see you soon" she said as she walked out of the bedroom to get showered.

The hot water felt good on her sore muscles. For someone who had never indulged in sex before he certainly had a lot of stamina she reflected as she stood in the shower. She hurried to get out and dressed. Deciding for a more casual day she pulled on a pair of jeans and a pale lilac colored shirt that wrapped around with a 'V' neck. She slipped on a pair of flats. She hurried to dry her hair and put it up in a ponytail before heading downstairs for a late breakfast.

Henri said nothing to her about her late meal, seeing as how she was usually up and about by 9. She drank her coffee, smiling when Erik appeared showered and dressed as well. He gave her a light kiss before sitting down. Henri appeared with his coffee and breakfast and newspaper. She felt a quiet domesticity settle on her as they sat eating their breakfast and reading the paper together. She started to laugh; he looked up at her with an eyebrow raised.

"Sorry, it's just…we're acting like two old married people"

He remained quiet but gave her a lopsided smile and went back to his reading. She finished her croissant and stood up "I have some phone calls to make…I'll see you later" she said before bending down to kiss him before walking to her office.

She went to her office and looked at her inbox, there was the usual but then something caught her eye. A benefit ball for a local children's charity was being held next week and she, Erik and Bernard had been invited to represent Deveraux Architecture, and asking for donations. She set it aside; she would ask Erik about it later. He most likely wouldn't attend, but she and Bernard might and it would be good publicity for them.

When Erik came in later that afternoon she showed it to him. He sat down at his desk and looked at it for a moment. "You and Bernard should certainly attend, but I think I will sit this one out'

She nodded, knowing that was going to be his response. She couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that Erik wouldn't go with them. It would have been really cool to show up on his arm, all decked out in fancy evening ware. She sighed softly as she called Bernard to tell him.

Erik saw the look of disappointment cross her face; it was only there for a second. But he had seen it. He hated causing her to be unhappy, but it would be a miserable affair for them all. He shook his head and returned to his designs trying to block out everything else. Jenna made plans to go into the city and look for a gown once they had accepted the invitation to the ball. She picked out a gorgeous gown of black velvet with a silver wrap to go with it.

The rest of the week passed by quietly, Jenna and Erik fell into a comfortable routine. She no longer slept in her own room, but slept in Erik's room. Even though there wasn't much sleeping going on. Erik started to break out of his shell a bit more every day; the charity ball hadn't been mentioned since the invitation had been received. Though it was on the mind of both Erik and Jenna. He felt helpless, and she was frustrated but determined that he never know.

However on the day of the event the tension in the manor was high. Jenna had arranged for someone to come to the estate to style her hair for her. Bernard was to arrive half an hour before they were to be there and pick up Jenna. Erik was in a foul mood as the day crept on, knowing she would be going out with another man…it was driving him nuts. She disappeared upstairs after the hairdresser arrived and didn't come downstairs until Bernard arrived.

As she came down the stairs Erik felt his heart lurch, she looked gorgeous and he so wanted to show her off in front of everyone. But his century old fear and hate of men prevented him from doing anything. Bernard felt his pulse pick up slightly when he saw Jenna. She was beautiful; he quickly reminded himself that he was a married man. Her gown was black velvet and strapless, with a sliver wrap around her shoulders. Her hair was piled on top of her head in ringlets, with curls framing her face. There was a necklace of sapphires around her neck and sapphire drop earrings hanging from her ears. She was beautiful; he unclenched his fists as she approached him.

An uncharacteristic sadness lay in the blue depths of her eyes. She was trying so hard to hide it, for his sake. That made his cowardice even more unbearable. He kissed her lightly not wanting to muss her makeup; she smiled at him almost pleadingly though. She took Bernard's arm and let him take her out to the car, as she looked back at Erik's figure in the doorway. She was exceptionally quiet on the ride there, Bernard felt bad for the young woman next to him. She was taking on burden beyond her 24 years without a second thought. 'That's true love' he thought to himself.