XXXIII.
"He found out. I swear he did. I think he is planning something."
"Only because you told him." Raoul snapped.
"You would too if he had a rope at your neck!" Alexandre snapped back.
"Excuse me. I think there is some news that would please you Viscomte." A male voice interrupted the two.
"Edmond, come in. What news is there to report?" Raoul questioned him.
"You will be pleased to know that they are unhappy with each other. They did not even bother to hide their resentment of each other when they came into the manor. It was hilarious to watch, I had to hide my laughter." Edmond replied with a short laugh.
"But that cannot be. They did not act that way when they left." Alexandre commented as he stood shocked at the news.
"Keep an eye on them. They might be faking it, but if not, then we need to prepare for the final phase." Raoul ordered Edmond then turned to the window.
"What is that?" Alexandre questioned him.
"I want to make that monster pay. I will do something devastating to him. I haven't figured it out yet, but I will soon."
xxxx
Malika bit her lower lip as Erik faked a glare at her. She found it difficult to have to play this facade with him, but she had to, in order to keep her family safe. "I suppose you will not mind if I went out tonight seeing as you are not fulfilling your duties." Erik said sternly, though his eyes pleaded forgiveness.
"You are my husband, you can do whatever you wish." Malika replied.
"I would stay home if I knew I was not bedding a whore." He told her, again his eyes reflected apology in them.
"I believe I told you that I am innocent, and besides, look who is being a hypocrite. You were the one who was unfaithful first." Malika said, feeling terrible as she did so.
"If you hadn't become pregnant then I would not have been unfaithful!" He snarled at her.
"If you hadn't bought me then we wouldn't be in this mess!" Malika returned.
"Malika you will shut your mouth before I shut it for you." Erik growled at her. He heard a soft knock on the door of the parlor.
"Pardon me Monsieur Garnier. May we speak?"
Erik growled once more. "I am speaking with my wife! What is so important that it can't wait Edmond!"
"I am sorry. It is a message from the Viscomte de Chagny."
"Malika," he said as he grasped her wrist and thrust her into the hallway, "go upstairs and wait. I want to finish our discussion."
Malika felt suspicious of the man her husband was with. She turned away from her husband as she ascended the steps to wait for him to join her in their bedroom.
xxxx
"Damn him!" Erik shouted as he entered his bedroom. He found Malika sitting patiently on the bed, her knees drawn to her chest as she looked on in thought. "What is it?"
"I don't want to keep up our facade. I want to love you without having to worry about being caught." She responded, her eyes caught his as he strode to her side.
"Cherie, I wish nothing more to stop it too, but we must continue. You must pretend this is actually real." He told her as he gently kissed her cheek then her soft lips.
"I love you." Malika said then kissed him back. "What are you angry about?"
"That bastard wants to come over here after I finish the foundation and draw up another contract."
"What for! He's planning something Erik. You can't take another job from him!"
Erik covered her mouth and whispered, "I know cherie. Shh. I plan to get him back some way."
"Erik why is he wanting to do this to us?" She questioned him.
"I suppose he thinks I still want Christine or maybe he wants revenge on me for what happened." Erik replied softly. "I do not know what he has planned; I just do not want you to get hurt."
Malika kissed his lips once more before saying, "I love you. I love you more than you know. I will do anything for you."
"Cherie, I cannot risk your life." Erik told her as he softly stroked her cheek.
"I do not want to lose you." She told him as she flashed him a sad look.
"You are not going to lose me Malika. Now lay down my angel." He whispered as he softly pushed her on her back. Malika wiggled under the sheets as she watched Erik take off his coat. Erik quickly undressed then got under the sheets with her, pulling her into his embrace. "Sleep tonight cherie. I will be here."
She faced him in his arms and whispered, "I love you Erik. Please never do anything to put your life in danger."
He smiled down at her. "I will try not love. Sleep well."
She snuggled closer to his chest. "You too Erik."
Author's Note: Sorry I haven't updated in like a week. I have been so busy with school and homework, it's been crazy! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story. Thanks for the reviews!