He took a deep breath, allowing the smoke of his sigarette to escape between his teeth. Things had gone well, for a first attempt at civility. The women of the household were simpletons, as was to be expected from Céline's own behaviour, the men -if allowed to be called that at such a tender age- cautious. The father hostile, but this too, was no new phenomena. He'd seen it all before. Signore Alighieri seemed happy to find him a singer however, and was not at all displeased with his voice. A matter which, Céline had assured him, was very rare indeed as her father hardly ever bestowed his good opinion at first glance.
"There you are! Do come inside dearest, I will not have you freezing out here!"
She happily threw herself into his arms and he let her. She was not his most difficult conquest by far. No, she would suit him very well. Her pretty fysique, her frail lines, her willing mouth...Yet he could not help but feel somewhat restless after this first dinner. An unexpected delight had entered his plans in the shape of...a luscious younger sister! Golden curls, hypnotical eyes, curves by far rounder than Céline's well trained body... Aurora Alighieri was a Diva in the making, and he pitied himself for not having made her acquaintance sooner. Still, one plan did not necessarily exclude the other. He could have his fun either way.
"You do love to look after me, don't you my sweet? Whatever was to become of me without you?" He sent her a sparkling smile at which she naturally swooned and graciously received his far from proper kisses. "Come, we must return, before your father thinks me to be the ruin of you!" He smiled inwardly. No need for the old man to discover the truth...yet.
"Céline seems very happy, wouldn't you say?"
He gave her a short, tired smile before returning his attention to the papers in front of him. She frowned before rolling her eyes at him.
"I see...so what's the crime this time, dearest?"
Erik shrudded his shoulders. "I don't know. Perhaps you are right, perhaps I am simply a withered old man too loathe to part from his oldest daughter."
Christine sat herself down on his lap, embracing him. "Perhaps you are, my love. Much as I have learned to trust your good judgement in many matters, this might be one field of expertise at which your views are slightly...coloured."
"Does she not seem...changed to you at all?" He was hoping Christine had noticed as well for if not, he would seriously have to deem himself paranoid.
"I suppose she has changed...but isn't it logical Erik? She's a grown woman now, and has gained a new sense of what the world has to offer her. She's expanded her career, she's fallen in love...I know first-hand how that can change one's views on life."
She kissed him, reminding him once again how deep and special their bond was. "At least promise you shall give him a fair chance. I know you want to see Céline happy, and I know you actually admire Roger's voice, so...perhaps..."
He kissed her once more, never tiring of the feel of her lips on his: "I shall promise you, my angel. If not for anything else, than for my love for you, and our beautiful children..."