Author's Note: Well, I didn't think that I'd get feedback like that on this story! Everyone, with the exception of a few people, seemed pretty shocked at Erik's "confession". I hope that you guys like this chapter. This chapter's rating is upped a little for sexual references. Don't forget to read the prequel 'Angel'. I should be posting a new chapter for that one sometime today as well. Don't forget to submit a review!

Chapter Twenty-Five: Christine's Request

"The Vicomtesse didn't kill Raoul. I did."

Christine stared at Erik. 'How can he do that?' she thought. 'He knows that I killed Raoul. He was right there!'

"Are you saying that she told me that she killed him just to cover up for you?" Inspector Viscalla asked.

Erik nodded. "I had every reason to kill the Vicomte just as much as Christine did. He had hurt her too much. I couldn't bear to see her in that much pain anymore."

Inspector Viscalla nodded. "I see. Well then monsieur, you are under arrest for the murder of Vicomte Raoul de Changy."

"No!"

Both men turned at the sound of Christine's voice.

"Is there something that you wanted to say Madame?" Viscalla asked.

She nodded. "Don't arrest him. Please," she asked.

"Madame, he just admitted to murdering your husband. I have to."

"I understand that. I have more than enough money to pay his bail. I'll pay his bail and then make sure that he attends his trial when the date is set," she replied.

Viscalla thought about it for a moment. "Alright. Bail is 2,000 francs."

Christine pulled out her pocketbook and produced two 1,000-franc notes. She handed them to the inspector.

"Can we go home now?" she asked.

He nodded. "I will let you know when the trial is. You two are free to go."

Erik rose from his chair and held out a hand to help Christine. "We'll keep in touch. Thank you."

Together, they left the police station and climbed into the carriage that was waiting for them.

As soon as the carriage started moving, Erik turned to Christine. "Thank you," he said.

"You're welcome. But why did you say that you killed Raoul? You know as much as I do that I killed him."

He looked down. "I couldn't bear the thought of you sitting alone in that cold, dark prison. I had to do something."

"Thank you," she said, kissing him on his cheek.

They rode in silence the rest of the way until they came to a halt outside the Opera Populaire. Erik opened the door and offered his hand to Christine.

As she stepped out of the carriage, she looked at him. "Let's go home. We have much to discuss."

He nodded. "Agreed."

Together, they entered the opera house and headed for Christine's dressing room. Opening the secret door in the mirror, Erik led the way down to the gondola. He assisted Christine in boarding then climbed in after her and grabbed the oar. The ride to the gate was a quiet one. Christine glanced up at Erik, admiring the muscles in his arms that became more prominent as he continued rowing. Soon, they had arrived at their destination. Both disembarked and they made their way back over to the massive swan bed.

"So, you never answered my question Christine," Erik said, pulling the ring from his pocket. "Will you marry me?"

"Among other things, that is one of the things that I have thought about since we have left the police station," she replied. "I've been in a bad marriage. I honestly thought that I loved Raoul, and for a few weeks I truly did. But then things changed and I finally figured out who it was that I truly loved."

Erik looked away preparing for the worst.

"So my answer is yes. I would love to marry you Erik!"

He looked up quickly and studied Christine's face. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "I am. I love you and I never want us to be apart again."

Erik smiled and grabbed her from her seat. "Oh Christine! You don't know how happy you've made me!"

He kissed her, and then they parted, but only for a moment. Then he kissed her again.

"I almost forgot. Let me put this on you."

Christine backed away a few steps and held out her left hand. He slipped the ring on her finger. "I love you Christine."

His lips met hers in a tender kiss that grew more passionate with each passing second. She moved back until she felt the bed hit her against the back of her knees.

"Make love to me Erik," she whispered, pulling away for only a moment.

Gently, he picked her up and sat her down upon the massive bed. He swiftly unlaced her dress and helped her remove the many skirts. She sat back down and watched as he removed his jacket, vest, and white shirt. The sight of his muscular chest made her eyes widen, but only for a moment. She reached behind her and started to untie her corset.

"Allow me."

His hands stopped hers and he climbed up on the bed behind her. He untied and loosened her corset for her and then slipped it over her head, careful not to catch any of her brown curls in the stiff fabric.

Once her torso was free of the constricting garment, she lay back on the bed and looked at him.

"I love you Erik."

"And I love you."

Their lovemaking was slow and full of love. He had entered her slowly at first, knowing that it was her first time. Afterwards, they lay together underneath the blankets. Erik wrapped his arms around her.

"Are you alright mon ange?" Erik asked.

"I've never felt like this. It's a wonderful feeling," she replied.

A few moments later, she fell asleep, a smile on her face. Erik watched her for a moment, and then allowed sleep to overtake him.

Okay, I really hope that you guys like this chapter. I'm trying to be as accurate as possible with things, but still tie all these things together. Please don't forget to read 'Angel' and submit a review for that story as well. Another chapter should be posted for that story before the day is out.

I remain your obedient author,
Phantomfan1911