"So," I said once Erik and I had left the café, "back to the hotel, right? My hotel, of course. God forbid we go to your house, or apartment, or whatever the fuck it is that you have."

Then, an idea suddenly occurred to me, "Oh God. You're married, aren't you, Erik?"

Erik gave me a surprised look, "Do you really think I would have taken you to the Masquerade if I was married, mon ange?"

"Oh no you don't. Don't you dare start that 'mon ange' crap with me. You wouldn't keep any secrets from 'your angel'."

"Come now Kristina! Everyone is entitled to their secrets, I don't understand what the problem is."

"You don't understand?" I asked, barely keeping myself from yelling, "What don't you understand?" I asked as I dragged him into an alleyway. "Let's see if I can explain this to you. I just slept with you, which is arguably a very personal act. And believe you me; it isn't something I jump into at the first opportunity."

"I never thought such a thing! Please Kris. Let's just go somewhere private to talk."

"Ok, how 'bout we go to your house? It must be pretty private if I've never seen it."

Erik sighed, and then said, "Fine."

That took me by surprise. I had been expecting to have to fight him over it. I wasn't ready for it to be that simple "Ok then."

Erik took out his cell phone and called Toni with a scowl on his face, "Hello Antonio, I need you to pick me up. No, I won't tell you what's the matter, just get to Kris' hotel as fast as possible."

Erik hung up and slowly ran his hand through his hair. Then he looked at me, and nodded his head as if to say "Let's go." We didn't talk the rest of the way to the hotel. When Toni came, I barely managed to say hi before we left.

The car ride was less than pleasant. We sat as far away from each other as we could. I was extremely careful, making sure that I was looking out the window the entire way there. I wanted to look at Erik so badly. To see if he seemed the least bit upset. But I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Finally, we came to a stop outside a gigantic mansion.

"We're here," Erik said as he got out of the car.

I couldn't believe my eyes! The mansion was easily as big as any given section of the Smithsonian, and the grounds were breathtakingly beautiful! There were flowers everywhere, and I couldn't help but stare wide eyed all around.

Behind me, I softly heard Erik chuckle, "It is beautiful, isn't it?" He asked me.

I half smiled and nodded. "Come, let us go inside. I'm sure you will enjoy it."

I took a deep breath, and prepared myself to see the inside of his house.

AN: I am a bad, bad person. I am so sorry it took me so long to update! The only excuse I have is that I know where I want the story to go, but I was having a hard time getting it there, but I think I've got it now. So hopefully it won't take as long next time.