You all love me (wipes a tear away) I try hard I ready do. You know if I have told you this before ignore it and continue reading, but this story, Love is Blind, well it was only meant to be a stress reliever. You know, something to write while echo works on the chapters to Broken Hearts. I didn't know that so many people would love this story. When I saw the awesome reviews I began to get more into the story…and the rest is history. I hope you all enjoy the story.
Chapter 40
Erik and Firmin stared in shock at her. Erik walked up to her, taking her hands gently, "Really? You will marry me? This monster?"
Poppy shook her head, "No, I won't marry a monster, but I'll marry the man in front of me".
Forgetting what had happened and where he was and that she hated to be picked up, Erik embraced her and spun with her, tears in his eyes.
Poppy gasped and hid her face in the curve of his shoulder, holding onto him tight.
Erik put her down sheepishly, "I could not help myself."
Poppy just smiled and shook her head. She started to say something when they heard voices and shouting. The people were coming back inside. Now that the five was out, they wanted to see the damage.
Firmin cleared his throat, "I think it be best that you not be here when the police arrive. Go. But I'll like to talk to you monsieur? Soon?"
Erik's yellow eyes fixed upon him, "If it is to be a trap, I'll know. We'll 'talk' but at my time and my choosing. Remember… I'll know if you trick me."
Firmin shook his head furiously, "N-n-no!" he stuttered, "I won't do such a thing!"
"You better be sure," Poppy said firmly.
Firmin turned when he heard Andre and the others come up. He turned back to where the Phantom and Poppy was, to find them gone.
"Firmin! How did the fire get put out? Are you listing to me!"
Firmin grabbed Andre by the sleeve, "You won't believe me if I told you." He sighed, "After we clear this all up, we need to talk….."
XXX
Erik was leading Poppy down a long tunnel. It was one he rarely used but they needed to escape quickly. Poppy was unusually quite. He looked back at her. She looked deep in thought. She was still dressed in the gypsy costume, her bare feet making almost no noise on the cold stone floor. Finally, they arrived to his lair.
"Poppy? You need to change into something warmer."
She jumped, "What? Oh. Yes. I'll be just a minute." She went to her room in a daze to change.
Erik stared at her. He his self was shocked as well. She had agreed to marry him! It was want he was hoping, but he didn't really expect her to agree. He was indeed surprised, but then again since she had arrived, she was always surprising him. He went to get some gaze and ointment so that he could take care of her hands. The temporary bandage needed to be changed and the cuts cleaned or they would leave scars.
When he came back to the living room, he found Poppy sitting Indian style on the couch. She had changed into a loose heavy dress. The makeup around her eyes was gone.
Sitting down beside her, Erik took her hands. She winced but said nothing. "I'm going to clean these and put some ointment on your hands. It will burn a little, but if I don't do this they well scar and will be even sorer tomorrow." Erik told her as gently as possible, knowing that 'a little' was an understatement. It burned like if you would've stuck the hand in a fire.
Poppy looked up a slight smile at the corners of her mouth, "Fire away. Be quick."
Erik smiled and pulled the handkerchief away. Now that he had a good look, he saw that they looked worse then really was. In both palms, there was a deep gash. Not deep enough for stitches, but enough to hurt and be sore for a while. He cleaned them, watching Poppy grit her teeth. When he applied the ointment, her eyes went wide, her body ridged, "Bloody hell! Goddamnit! That burns! Erik, why do you bother with a damn clothesline, when you can throw this shit on someone? They'll be begging for the lasso!"
Erik laughed as he wrapped her hands, "I'm not that cruel. I am merciful. They will be sore and stiff for a few days."
Poppy gave unladylike snort, "Sure." She sighed, "Well, I'm sorry about your opera. I wonder what cased the chandelier to fall? You didn't have a hand in it, I'm sure. So, how did it fall?"
Erik thought for a minuet, "No one has checked the chain and ropes holding the chandelier for almost ten years. So, I think age and rust did it."
Poppy nodded, "And it choose tonight to fall." Poppy set back against the couch, as Erik did the same, "You know Erik, some people never cease to surprise you." She said as she yawned and leaned her heard on Erik's shoulder.
"What do you mean?"
Poppy stifled another yawn, "Well, Carlotta was acting like a human today, not a squawking hen. Firmin helps out, and many other things." She didn't tell him about Christine and Raoul. She'll tell him latter.
"Yes. It is odd. But we will find out latter. Right now, you need to get to bed. It has been along day."
Poppy nodded, "You need some sleep as well."
"I'll get some latter."
Poppy sighed. Stubborn ass, She thought. Poppy gave him a small kiss on his cheek. "Good-night." And stood and walked to her room.
XxX
Latter that night, Erik walked into her room. As he watched her, he felt his emotions run amok. Leaning down he gave her a brushing kiss on her lips. Poppy's eyes opened. Her white eyes stared up into his, not seeing him. "Erik?"
He brushed his hand across her cheek, "Sorry that I woke you."
"It's fine." Poppy sat up, "You…" she didn't finish as he leaned in to kiss her fiercely. She moaned at the feel of his lips, and his tongue teased her mouth. When she granted it to him, his velvety tongue filled her mouth. When they broke apart, he saw her white eyes were filled with desire, and knew his reflected hers. Oh, God he loved her.
"Poppy…" He whispered.
"Yes Erik?" Her voice, husky with want, nearly made him break the promise he had made to himself long ago.
"I know you want it, as I do, but I want to wait until we are wed."
"All right, Erik." The desire slipped out of her eyes. "Stay tonight?" He nodded and lay down on his back. He cradled her on his left side, careful so that her hands would not get laid on or crushed. Poppy made one last comment before falling into a heavenly sleep.
"Up there, during the opera, was I dreaming or did you ask me to marry you?"
"Yes Poppy. I was. Are you having seconded thoughts?"
"Lord no! I was just making sure, that staying with you has not made me delusional."
"Very funny, my love." Holding her tightly, Erik fell into a peaceful sleep, holding Poppy close.
Now isn't that sweet? I still have some more chapters for this story, so it's not over yet. Please review!
