This is, what is lovingly referred to as, a "filler" chapter; and I apologize for its shortness in length.

Once again, thank you for the generous amount of reviews; I am singing your praises.

Here is another word of wisdom: He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

BEYOND THE SHADOWS

CHAPTER 10

It took Christine and Meg about ten minutes to "freshen" up for dinner. They successfully conquered the giggling fit they were in and made themselves presentable. Meg was overjoyed with the fact that Christine had finally admitted that she was in love with Erik.

They came down the stairs together; both looking like fashion models; well almost, they were both a little voluptuous to be fashion models. They took their respective seats and the evening began.

Rebekah and Rachel had strategically placed Erik and Christine right next to each other at the table. They were both avoiding eye contact, but everyone else around the table could see that they were admiring each other.

Erik had changed into a deep cobalt blue dress jacket, black Armani jeans, and a white Armani shirt unbuttoned just enough for Christine to see the dark hairs that dusted his chest – Christine felt certain that she would just melt, right there in front of him; he personified sensuality.

How could he have captured her heart in two days? Things like that just didn't happen in this day and age…did they? She was an independent, strong-willed, confident woman whose life had not been complicated with a man for some time. Hayden had pummeled her heart, but it had been mainly because of his dishonesty, deceit, and betrayal…the relationship was already going sour when she had learned the truth about his philandering.

So why did her heart insist on falling for Erik St. Clair? Of course, the man was gorgeous, principled, generous, precocious, and unassuming; but so were many other men in her life who had never warranted a second glance – but there was something so endearing and mesmerizing about this man.

Christine was far to intelligent and enough of a romantic not to spurn what her heart was feeling; but she also knew that Erik was buried beneath the weight of his monumental pain and would be hard to reach. He was emotionally unavailable at this moment, but she could change that.

His smile touched her heart as no other ever had; and she saw within it, a man whose very soul was crying out for release. She knew his deepest, darkest secret…and it had not sent her packing; surely, that meant something to him.

Now that she had admitted her love for the man, the next task was to convince him of her love and his worthiness; and, as her father always told her…never give up until you have your story; in this case, her story was going to about love, the love of Christine Teresa Daae for Erik James St. Clair.

OOOOOOOOOO

'Why?' This was the question Erik kept asking himself. 'Why does she have such an effect on me? She's pugnacious and opinionated; I can't believe I would find those traits attractive…' Erik was chastising himself as he watched Christine out of the corner of his eye.

But he did; he was exorbitantly aware of the beautiful woman sitting next to him. What was he going to do? He couldn't get her out of his mind and it was driving him crazy. She aroused him with just a glance of her deep blue eyes.

Tonight, she wore an Acrobat silk and lace cami in peach, a Halé Bob silk-tiered skirt, and a lace shawl with cap sleeves, also in peach. Erik couldn't remember seeing a woman look so feminine in his presence.

His initial discomfort with her still lingered, but she made it obvious that his disfigurement did not bother her; knowledge that Erik found baffling. He had not known many women in his life, but those he had known – other than his sisters, had been aloof and supercilious toward him.

He knew now, that Lana had never loved him…she had been in love with his money and all that he could give her…not him. Never had a wound pierced him so deeply, as the one she had dealt him; and yet, she had never touched him.

He cringed at the memory of her cruel betrayal and cold castigation; he had never heard such contemptible words coming from such a beautiful creature…it didn't register in his mind until she was long gone; she had played him for the fool.

Why would his heart play this cruel game with him again? He did not wish to experience that deep-seeded anguish another time, it had almost killed him.

This woman beside him had known him as a child and she had reacted to him as a child at that time. She had lashed out at him as a substitute for the boys who were really hurting her.

He had all but forgotten the incident from so long ago. She had told him that she was haunted by the memory of that day and that she lived with the guilt eating at her every day. Why? Why would anyone experience discomfort or guilt on his behalf? He had no idea.

The inviting scent of her shampoo and cucumber melon body wash filled his senses as she engaged him in small talk over dinner. On occasion, she would even touch his arm when she was addressing him; this would not do at all…Erik had to get a handle on things, quickly.

"Christine has suggested we have a karaoke sing tomorrow tonight." Erik blurted out as he felt the room closing in on him and his body heat rising.

Rebekah grinned at that suggestion, "Oh, that is a wonderful idea…" She clapped her hands, "…I just got a karaoke machine for Christmas this past year!" she exclaimed.

Christine had known that, she had seen it when she had taken a tour of the house with Rebekah and Nadeesh earlier. Its presence was what inspired her.

Erik dropped his head into his hands and shook it, "I can't believe I'm going to resort to listening to karaoke." He sulked.

"Ahhh, poor baby." Rachel teased.

Erik had reluctantly rejoiced with Rebekah, when she unwrapped the monstrosity on Christmas Eve; he made his own music and did not care for the machine.

"Oh Erik, stop being so gloomy; this way, you get to enjoy the show without playing for everyone…" Rebekah determined. "…besides, I want to hear you sing this time, not just play."

Erik scowled at her, "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Nonsense, just because Lana said your voice scared her…that only proves how unstable she was." Rebekah retorted, "You're voice is heavenly…she was the devil incarnate…that's why it scared her." Everyone, including Erik, chuckled at that.

Erik shook his head, "Okay, if you want me to sing…I will." He quickly lifted his eyebrow, smirked, and pointed at her, "But not to a karaoke machine."

Rebekah threw up her hands to indicate that she was yielding to him. As long as she had the opportunity to hear him sing, she was happy.

The Rachel and Rebekah started picking up the dishes and Christine and Meg joined them. They had the dishes cleaned up, the table cleared, and the dishwasher loaded in five minutes flat.

They had decided on a game of Monopoly for the evenings festivities. This was going to be interesting. Christine had not played Monopoly in years, and she wasn't sure she would remember how.

It didn't take long to catch on to how the game was played and the game continued until 12:30 in the morning. Christine could barely keep her eyes open when it was announced that Nadeesh had finally won.

Christine excused herself and went to her room to get ready for bed. She brushed her teeth and put on her nightshirt. She had finished with her nightly routine, and was crawling into bed, when she decided that a warm cup of tea sounded good.

She headed down toward the kitchen, but stopped short of the door when she heard voices; she recognized one of them as Rebekah's and then heard Erik's ethereal voice.

"Erik, she really likes you…I can see it in her eyes." Rebekah stated.

"I find that hard to believe." Came his low, reserved reply.

"I know you do, and that's what keeps you alone…you have to let someone in, Erik…" Christine heard Rebekah's sigh, "Every person who has ever taken a chance on love, has risked getting hurt…that's part of it." There was silence for a few seconds. "Don't let the fear of getting hurt keep you from experiencing love."

"I'm terrified, Rebekah…"

"I know…"

Christine decided to forego the tea and tiptoe back to her room. So, Rebekah could see that Christine had feelings for Erik, very deep feelings; hopefully, he was thinking along those lines now, after Rebekah's observation and words. That put a spark of hope in Christine's eyes; she had the sisters on her side and all was going well.

TBC