I am wiping the tears from eyes—you have all been so good to me!
Let me take this moment to thank the list of regular reviewers:
(In alphabetical order)
Gerardphantomhot
IdrilFineal
Isah Underhill
Mini Nicka
Mlle.Fox
Okibi Chan
OperaLover
Pertie
Terpsichore314
Tink20
Twinkle22
Umasama
I want to thank each of you for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit my story, almost on a daily basis.
I have to also recognize MastersofNight for finding the story and reading at my request. Thanks for listening.
And thank you fictionreader, for stopping by, I hope you will become a regular; and thanks for the "Sound of Music" comparison, I hadn't thought of that.
This is a really long chapter for me, but there was a lot to bring out. Hope your attention spans will allow you to read it in its entirety.
Many of you will probably want to strangle Erik after this chapter…he's just so stinkin' stubborn and self-loathing…but he will get better, and he will learn some lessons in the process.
Enjoy.
THE DAWN THROUGH THE NIGHT
Book III – Getting to Know You, Chapters 11-17
CHAPTER 17
Erik came home from the worksite the next night; bathed, dressed in an immaculate green silk suit, and headed down the stairs. Beside him was Grace; as impressively adorned as her father.
Christine intercepted him at the last stair, raked her eyes over his attractive form, and smiled down at Grace. Erik looked magnificent and smelled even better, but she purposefully focused her sights on Grace.
He frowned at her presence, knowing she surely had something to do, somewhere to go, or someone to see.
"Christine, your services are not needed once I come home, don't you have something you would rather be doing?" he asked, looking concerned.
The smile faded from her face as she realized he was intending to leave, "Actually no, I rarely go out."
He gave a curt smile and moved past her, reaching for his cape and hat. She turned and watched him prepare to leave. He put a light cape over Grace's shoulders and took her hand.
"You have a meeting tonight?" She assumed.
Erik regarded her with a strange look, "Yes, I suppose…in a way." He chuckled. He had helped institute and had been supporting several orphanages for years. Even when in Spain, he had made sure his money found its way into the hands of those responsible for the welfare of the children in each one.
The children housed within the orphanages were deformed, seriously ill, mentally challenged, or underprivileged. They had known little happiness in their short, dark lives…and Erik had a deep, ingrained need to lessen their suffering.
He never wanted a less- than- perfect child to go hungry, be cold, feel unloved, or have no dreams or future; these children, due to no fault of their own, had been abandoned by their parents or orphaned.
He would make sure that each child had a chance at life, even if it took his entire fortune to accomplish it.
"Would you like to come, Madam Christine?" Grace asked, not seeing the look of panic cross her fathers eyes.
Christine hadn't seen it either, her eyes were focused on Grace. "Where are you going?" She asked.
"Papa makes music and does magic tricks for the children at the orphanage." Grace bragged, "I go with him and play games with them and read to them."
Erik refused to look at Christine; choosing, instead, to keep his eyes on Grace.
Once again, she was at a loss for words. There were so many contradictions from what many, including her, had once thought about him.
"I would love to come, just let me get my handbag." Christine replied. She scurried off as quickly as she could.
Erik knelt down and straightened Grace's coat, she smiled at him at giggled, "I'm so glad Madam Christine can come…aren't you, Papa?"
Erik smiled stiffly, hoping Grace did not see the reservation in his eyes, "If it makes you happy, it makes me happy." Erik lied.
Christine returned and they headed out the door to the carriage. Erik helped Grace in and then took Christine's arm to help her. He didn't even think about it before he did it. He realized, once seated, that she did not pull away from his touch…he found that fact…odd.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The "Suffer the Children" orphanage was one of three orphanages supported by Erik. He had not visited this one since new management was hired and renovations done; this was a special night.
It was located about five miles away; and from the outside, it was an imposing structure. The architecture was gothic and archaic, and reminded Christine of a mausoleum.
Erik led the way through the large, granite-looking doors, and they found themselves in a large, warm, friendly environment; a young, professional looking woman immediately greeted Erik.
She bowed her head in acknowledgement of his presence, raking her eyes over his handsome form, appreciatively. "Mr. Destler, it is so wonderful to finally meet you." She whispered. "You helped create this refuge and have supported it for years…it is an honor to have you here."
Erik brushed off her gratitude with a slight nod and immediately focused on the conditions of the building.
"Are there any repairs that I can tend to for you?" He asked.
The young woman smiled sweetly, "No Mr. Destler, the money you send every month more than provides adequate funds to cover repairs and other expenses."
"Is there plenty of room for all the children?" Erik asked, completely oblivious to her flirting eyes.
"Oh yes, we have room for growth, but one can only pray that there will be no children abandoned and left in this place." She said, distantly.
After a series of question and answer, Erik proceeded into the music room, followed by a hoard of children, staff, Grace, and Christine.
He played the piano to a riveted crowd and then did magic tricks that awed everyone present. Christine remembered the way he had caused illusions in his lair to keep her from being frightened while winding downward toward his home.
He explained his mask in the middle of his performance and let them know how he had allowed his deformity to make him a reclusive and horrible man, and he had shunned the human race all of his life. He told them that they needed to rise above their circumstances and be what they had the inclination to be.
After he finished, Christine stood back as Erik talked to several of the staff members. He was giving them instructions; and then she saw him give them a small bank bag. She heard the amount of 100,000 francs and then heard him pledge to give that amount every month; he had wealth beyond what she had ever known.
Christine could not help but admire the man that Erik was. He was warm, generous, humorous, and sacrificial; apparently, from what she had heard, he had been this way for years…but no one had ever taken the time to know him.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
They had been out about three hours, which was enough to exhaust Grace. She was sitting in Christine lap, looking out the window until she started nodding off. She pushed down from Christine, and headed for Erik's lap. She curled into his strong, secure embrace, and fell asleep.
Erik chanced a glance at Christine. She was intoxicating, even in, what he would term, a drab evening dress. She must have had no money for wardrobe items; actually, he had seen her meager clothing choices, she had very little, he could see that now.
She had been divorced for several years now; surely, she had a man in her life.
"Christine, in the evenings, after I come home, you are free to do as you wish. I am sure you have a young man waiting at bay to sweep you off your feet." Erik stated, looking out the window at the night sky.
She turned her eyes to him and noticed his aloof distance. She replied quietly, "There is no one."
The only indication that Erik had heard her was the lowering of his eyes. His masked cheek was to her, so she could not see his face.
"You are a beautiful woman, Christine…don't let Raoul's betrayal and foolhardiness prevent you from finding happiness." His equally distant voice stated. "You deserve it."
Christine stared at him, waiting for his eyes to meet hers. She had a smirk on her face; two could play this game.
"Why don't you have a woman in your life, Erik?" Christine challenged, "Desiree has been gone for almost eight years…you can't have tasted love that one time and now, no longer want anything to do with it."
Erik's look grew irritated and impatient, "That's different." He stated, brusquely.
She smiled and shook her head, "How is that different?"
Erik meant her challenging eyes with sternness, "You don't know all the facts."
"Enlighten me." She whispered, as Grace began to stir.
She saw him balk from her challenge. She realized at that moment, that the only person, who kept Erik from happiness, was Erik. He couldn't see past his mask, and he expected no one else to see past it.
"Some other time, perhaps." was all he said, and then he spoke no more.
Watching him rest his chin atop Grace's head and nuzzle her hair, made Christine ache. He was a wonderful father and he totally enchanted her; he was complex and puzzling one minute and uncomplicated and enlightening the next; but he never ceased to amaze her.
After Erik laid Grace down in her bed and placed a tender kiss upon her forehead, he closed her door gently and turned toward his room.
He had forgotten to inform Christine about the need for her services tomorrow night. He tapped gently on her slightly open door and waited for her to answer.
Christine came to the door not too long after he knocked, and was surprised to see Erik standing there.
"I failed to inform you earlier, that I have a dinner engagement tomorrow evening and I require your services. Are you free?" His tone was reserved and distinct.
Christine lifted her brows and pursed her lips, "Of course, I have no plans."
"I will pay you for the added time, of course." Erik assured her. "I will be home briefly to bathe and shave, but I will be gone from 6 pm until probably 10 pm." He gave no indication of what his dinner was about, "I will check on Grace when I return." He nodded, turned, and headed for his room. He had not gotten far, when he had another thought, "I will leave the address where I will be, just in case you need to contact me."
He nodded once more and disappeared into this room. Christine wondered about this dinner engagement he had to attend.
'It must have something to do with his building plans and clientele.' Christine said to herself; but there had been something in his eyes that caused an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach, 'You're just being ridiculous, Christine.'
And with that thought, she slid under the covers and let sleep claim her.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
The day went by so wonderfully. Grace was an absolute delight, from the moment she arose in the morning until she went to bed at night. This was Christine's third day on the job, and she was very happy.
They went for a walk in the park and played on the swings, they watched the birds flock around an old woman who kept feeding them; and they went to the museum of art and history.
Jean Luc was exhausted by the time they got back to the estate, but Grace was wound up and ready to run a marathon. They were all in the kitchen, baking cookies, when Erik stepped in. She had missed seeing him come home, but she couldn't miss him this time.
He looked resplendent in a black silk, double-breasted suit, black silk shirt, blood red cravat and black tie. He wore fine leather gloves, and wore his hair loose and combed back. Instead of the usual white half-mask, he wore a black-half mask, making him even more distinguished and dashing looking, if that was possible.
Christine had to catch her breath as she openly admired the man before her.
"Erik, you look absolutely splendid." She complimented. "You always look so handsome and debonair, but tonight you look…even more so."
"Papa…you look really nice!" Grace squealed. She smiled from ear to ear, covered in flour. "I won't touch you since I would get flour all over you."
Erik raised his exposed brow and frowned, "Well, if you consider deformed old men handsome, then I would win the prize every time." He jested, winking at Grace.
His tone was light, but Christine knew he believed himself hideous and ugly. How he could stand in front of a mirror, looking at the same form that stood in front of her now, and not see how beautiful he was; was beyond her.
Grace just giggled, knowing he was the most handsome man there was, "Papa, you say such things all the time…you're so funny!" She giggled some more, "You're not old!"
Erik laughed; a hearty, full sound that rippled up Christine's spine, "Oh Grace, you're good for my soul…but I'm an antique, child…positively ancient!"
Erik walked up to Grace, bent over her, and placed a kiss on the top of her head. "I will look in on you when I get home, Grace…but you'd better be asleep." He teased, again with a wink.
This time she just giggled and went back to stirring the cookie dough.
He nodded to Christine, bent over Jean Luc's tiny, curly head, and gave him a kiss.
"Good night, little man." Erik said softly and tousled his hair.
Jean Luc smiled up at the tall man who played with him. "g'ni," was the closest Jean Luc could come to "good night".
The three of them watched him leave; then turned to the task at hand.
They had baked, or rather, tried to bake, five dozen cookies; but Christine was certain that more of the dough had ended up on Grace and Jean Luc, rather than in the oven.
Nancy walked in, about two hours later, and saw a spent Christine and two smiling children, sitting over the spoils of the night.
"Want a cookie, Madam Reynolds?" Grace asked with a bright smile.
Nancy could not help but smile, take a cookie, and bite into its sweet, crisp goodness. They really were tasty.
"They're very good, Grace…you all did a grand job!" Nancy stated with elation.
"Thank you!" Grace chirped.
After Christine had gotten the children cleaned up and in bed, she sat about cleaning the kitchen. Nancy came in and began to help, knowing that Erik would be home soon.
"This must have been an important dinner meeting; Erik looked unusually sharp and distinguished tonight." Christine notated.
Nancy looked at her with a sly smile and finally commented, "Erik's not at a business dinner…he had a dinner engagement with a lady friend."
Christine's head bolted up at that news, and she felt the sting of jealousy swelling in her heart. She could have gone the rest of the night and not known, and probably been the happier for it.
"A lady friend?" Christine asked, trying to keep the shock out of her voice.
Nancy thought nothing of the strange look on Christine's face, "Yes, she's the sister of Master Erik's client, Charles Wallace; well, his half-sister, anyway." Nancy added, "Her name is Mademoiselle Tempest Le Roseau; she is blond haired and blue eyed; probably in her mid to late twenties, beautiful…and completely enamored with Master Erik."
Christine was horrified, to put it mildly. She had allowed him to walk out of this house and into the arms of another woman.
Christine looked away from Nancy and looked to the pile of dishes that weren't going to wash themselves. "Well, I must get these done and head to bed."
Which was precisely what she did.
OOOOOOOO
Erik had not known what to expect out of the evening, never having actually taken a woman out to dinner before. He was nervous and exhilarated at the same time.
Standing inside the door, waiting for her to come down the stair to him, was maddening. But the sight he saw, as she descended the stairs, was worth the wait.
She was certainly pleasing to the eyes. Erik could not believe this beautiful woman wanted to be seen with him, but she had assured him she did.
"Mlle Tempest, vous semblez renversant." (1) Erik purred, as he bent over her hand and offered a kiss to her wrist.
Tempest felt a thrill run through her at the touch of his warm lips. She smiled at him as he rose from her hand.
"Merci, Erik... ainsi vous font." (2) Her eyes raked over his handsome frame, letting him know with her eyes that he was magnificent.
Erik offered his arm and escorted her to the carriage. He helped her up into the carriage and took the seat opposite her.
She was a petite woman; Erik felt as though she could easily break in two if he so much as bumped into her. He wondered why she was in her mid-twenties and had never married; for she was beautiful woman.
He felt inclined to ask, "How is it, Mlle. Tempest, that you are in your mid-twenties and have never married?"
Tempest smiled up at him, her eyes slightly sad, "I came close to marriage, about five years ago." She swallowed hard, and went on. "My fiancé was a renowned jewelry designer and salesman…one evening he was killed when two thieves broke into his jewelry store and tried to rob it...they stabbed him to death."
She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "It took me months to be able to even enjoy the company of other men; and those months have turned into five years." She smiled despite the pain she was feeling, "He had been scarred, horribly, on the left side of his face and body, several years before I meant him. He was…" her eyes drifted away in thought, "…in a fire."
Erik was intrigued by her story. This beautiful woman had been in love with a disfigured man. He watched her features as she spoke of him.
"He was several years older than I am, and he had shut himself away from the world, thinking his scars made him repulsive to others; when, in reality, he was the one who allowed it to prevent him from living."
She rested her eyes on him, seeing in him a man she could truly enjoy being with; but he carried the weight of another with him. She smiled sweetly at him as he studied her features.
"You love her, don't you?" Tempest suddenly asked, as they approached their destination.
Erik cocked his head and frowned, "Who?" He asked.
"The one who owns you…heart and soul." Tempest whispered.
Erik ignored her premonition, and shrugged his shoulders. Once the carriage stopped, Erik stepped down from the carriage, turned, and helped her down. She smiled up at his tall figure, brought her tiny hand up, and caressed his sculptured cheek.
They walked, with her on his arm, into the restaurant. Erik was very popular around town. The merchants and business owners knew him for the architect he was and knew he was filthy rich.
They were seated in a quiet, secluded corner of the establishment and Erik ordered a bottle of the finest wine.
"Your daughter is delightful." Tempest finally said, after they were settled. "She resembles you in many ways."
Erik raised his twinkling eyes, and smiled, "Thank you."
Tempest studied his eyes, and knew he held a deep love for someone…and she cringed at the knowledge. She wanted to get to know this man, but she did not want to have to compete with the ghost of a dead wife or the memory of a lost love.
Charles had given a brief, but disturbing, glimpse into Erik's past. She knew he had suffered greatly, both physically and mentally.
Dinner was a quiet affair; they both enjoyed well-prepared French cuisine and drank the wine in moderation.
They discussed many different interests and the subject of her near marriage came up again.
"Jacque, my fiancé, was a refined and genteel man. He had an astounding intelligence that shone in his eyes and every word he spoke was articulate and deliberate." Tempest reflected.
She brought her thoughts back to the present moment and focused her eyes on Erik. "I loved him for so many reasons…but he was not a handsome man." Her eyes drifted to Erik's exposed features. "You, on the other hand, are a very handsome man, on top of being immensely intelligent and cultured."
Her words strummed a familiar tune in his head. He certainly did not see himself as handsome in anyway, but several women he had known, including Tempest, had told him he was, but there was still the matter of getting past the parts of him that no one could consider attractive.
"Charles has told me a few things about you; as much as he could without losing your confidence." She stated with a smile, "I have studied you for some time, Erik…and I know of your past…do you ever compose or sing anymore?"
Erik smirked at the question; people did not understand the artistic mind, "I could no more stop composing than to stop breathing…it is…a part of me." His voice had taken on a different luster, one that was completely lost on Tempest.
Erik smiled at the daft look on her beautiful face, "As for singing…I sing to Grace and…in church…but that is about it."
Singing held one woman in its embrace, and he could never have her…so he had to limit his use of that gift, or he would lose himself in it.
"Music has long been a mystery to me…I love to hear it, but I do not understand it." Tempest admitted.
"Many don't." Erik murmured.
Dinner was finished, and Erik pulled her chair out and helped her out of her chair. He placed her shawl over her dainty shoulders and led her to the doors. He had paid the server and thanked the host as they left.
Erik led her to an outdoor chessboard, "Do you play?" he asked.
She vigorously shook her head in the negative. "I was never allowed to learn such things, my father was a traditionalist."
"Would you care to learn?" Erik inquired, with a lifted brow.
After a half hour of going over the basics with her, she still had not grasped the concept of the game. Erik brushed his disappointment aside, and called the carriage over.
"I enjoyed tonight very much, Erik." Tempest affirmed, as the carriage rolled toward her home.
Erik smiled; showing straight, white teeth. It was rare for people to have the means to take care of their teeth. Either he had been wealthy for the greater part of his life; or, he had been blessed with good teeth.
"I am pleased, Tempest." He bowed his head in acknowledgment of her compliment.
Tempest felt tears coming to her eyes, she knew he was wrestling with memories of another woman; a woman whom he loved, whether he admitted it, or not.
"Will I see you again, Erik?" Tempest finally asked with a nervous flutter in her stomach.
She knew his heart was not in it; he had asked her out, more to please her brother, than to get to know her.
"Tempest, you are a beautiful woman and there has only been one other beautiful woman who sought my company…but I know you have already deduced that my heart belongs to another." He held her hand in his as he saw the tears begin to form in her sad eyes, "I wish I could free myself of her smile, her scent, her laugh…but I can't."
Erik cringed at the pain he saw on her face, "I've tried…for eight years, to leave her behind…and even though she will never love me the way that I love her..." he smiled through his own tears, "I… cannot, in all fairness, court you."
Tempest was shaking her head, letting him know that she respected his decision, especially for his consideration of her feelings.
"You flatter me by even wanting to spend time with me." He smiled, breaking her heart even more with his beauty.
She held her hand to his cheek and caressed its perfection, "If she doesn't love you…she's a fool."
He laid a kiss upon her hand and walked back to the carriage. He had managed to break a woman's heart tonight; and although he was honored that she cared enough to be hurt, he wished he could give her what she wanted
She was lovely, and she had a sweet disposition…but Erik felt no spark in her presence. When he was around Christine, he spent all day trying to catch the breath she took away.
He couldn't think straight, or function correctly…and it mattered not whether she was near him or not…she completely possessed him.
He would simply find a way to be content with having her work for him and be in his home; he would simply find a way.
French to English translation:
(1) Mademoiselle Le Roseau, you look stunning.
(2) Thank you Erik…so do you
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Erik returned home at around 9:55 pm. The house was quiet and peaceful, so unlike the hours when Jean Luc and Grace filled its halls with laughter and sport. Quiet was rare commodity these days.
He mounted the staircase and silently ascended toward Grace's room. She was sound asleep as he entered, and he sat down on the edge of her bed and just stared at her sleeping beauty.
She stirred awake, knowing his protective presence was watching over her. "Hello Cherub (little angel), did you have fun tonight?" He asked while playing with the hair on her forehead.
She shook her head yes while yawning and smiling at the same time. "Did you?" she whispered.
"It was…interesting." He admitted.
He was unaware of the woman who stood on the other side of the door, hanging on every word he said; her ear poised for every syllable.
"Madam Nancy said you were out with a woman." Grace stated with questions in her eyes.
Erik had failed to inform Nancy of the need for discretion; a mistake he would not make again.
"I was." He admitted.
Grace frowned and pursed her lips, "Why can't you go out with Mlle. Christine?"
Christine's ears perked up at the mention of her name; she may not have to do much with Grace on her side.
Erik chuckled, "Grace, Ms. Daae and I…she's not…" Erik dropped his eyes, trying to find the easiest way to say what needed to be said. "She doesn't look at me that way…"
Grace looked confused, "What way?"
Erik rubbed her cheek with the back of his hand, cherishing its softness, "I'm not a man in her eyes."
Christine could not believe what she was hearing. Why would he say that?
"How does she see you?" The little voice asked.
Erik hesitated, but knew he had to be honest with her, "She sees me as a monster." He saw a shadow cross her eyes and he smiled, "Now, go to sleep, my pet." He bent and kissed her forehead.
Christine knew he was headed for the door and ran back to the entrance of her room before he emerged through Grace's door.
She was headed out of her room when he was closing Grace's door, "Erik, you are home."
His head raised as her voice touched his ears, "So I am." He said with a sad smile.
Christine prayed that the image of him with another woman did not show on her face. She had no right to be possessive of him, he was not hers; yet, she wanted him to know that she, indeed, did think of him as a man.
He prepared to turn and disappear into his room, but her voice stopped him.
"Could we talk for a little while?" She asked, timidly; her smile inviting him to accept.
Erik turned toward to her and cocked his head sideways. A slant of his lips on one side, indicated his consideration of her suggestion; however, his question was not what she was expecting.
"Do you play chess, Christine?" He inquired, hoping she did.
She returned his askance look with one of her own, "I do."
An impish grin indicated his pleasure at finding her familiar with the game. He began walking back down the stairs.
"Follow me." He turned and instructed, motioning to her with his beckoning index finger.
She did as he told her, and followed him into the library. There was an ornately carved mahogany table in the corner, which Erik pulled out and moved to set in front of the fireplace. On its polished surface was carved a chess playing board.
He then went to a hidden closet in the wall and removed the most exquisite set of chess pieces she had ever seen; each piece uniquely, beautifully carved from the finest porcelain. The attention to detail was extraordinary.
"Erik, these pieces are stunning…where did you get them?" Christine asked as she examined the black queen.
Erik chuckled at her enthusiasm and began setting up the board.
"I made them…years ago." He stated, serenely. He seemed completely oblivious to the rare gifts that he possessed.
Christine admired each piece, as a skilled artisan would examine a piece of art. She looked at him and shook her head, "Is there no limit to what you can do?"
They sat down at the table and began the game. After the first few moves, Christine could see that she was up against a master. She decided to distract him.
"How was your evening?" Christine asked, innocently.
He regarded her speculatively and then shrugged, "Stimulating." He replied.
Not the answer she had been hoping for; that one word produced images in her mind, with which she was not pleased.
Christine raised her brows, "Really…in what way?" She pressed.
A stray smile played about his lips, "It's not important…it won't happen again." He pondered.
Swallowing the knot in her throat, she asked, "What won't happen again?"
Erik discordantly answered her, knowing she would find out about his failures as man eventually, "Courting…you know…a woman being interested in my attributes as a man."
There…he had said it. Hearing it from his mouth had certainly not made it any easier for her to accept. This was intolerable…had she been horrible to him…mocked him, possibly? Why was he not going to see her again?
She tried to keep the tone light, but she wanted him to open up to her.
"Your attributes as a man?" Christine repeated, phrasing it as a question.
He visibly relaxed, having accepted the fact that he was, and always would be, alone.
Erik smirked, flippantly, "Yes…attributes; namely, that I am one…" he decided to let his sense of humor take over, something he rarely did, "…a man, that is." He chuckled, with a tilt of his head.
Christine rolled her eyes, pushing the jealous bile back down her throat, "Sure, Erik…like any woman could ignore your "attributes as a man". She stated with a blush.
Erik wasn't sure what she meant by that, "What does that mean?" He asked, curiously.
Christine could do nothing but shake her head at him, "I'm not going to tell you, Erik…this is something that I will have to show you…when the time is right." She assessed the playing board and smug smile graced her features, "CHECK."
Erik chuckled at her pitiful attempt at defeating him; he moved his knight two spaces up and one space to the left, not only blocking her "check", but…
"CHECK MATE." Erik stated, no smugness, no conceit…just an acceptance of the obvious…he was still an excellent chess player.
Christine sat in complete silence, stunned at having lost. Her father had been a top chess champion in his time, and had taught her well…but not well enough to beat Erik.
He stood up and moved toward the door, "I daresay, most women wish to believe I don't and never did, exist."
He dropped his eyes and walked out as she picked up stride behind him. They walked silently toward her room, where he bid her good night, once more.
"Good night, Christine, and thank you for the game."
She watched his retreating back, "Good night, Erik, and next time will be my victory."
His soft, masculine laughter was heard as his door shut.
TBC
