I know this chapter is short but I needed to stop it here, as the next one, in my humble opinion is vastly anticipated. ;)

I own nothing... But that shouldn't stop you from reviewing! LOL

The couple were able to catch the last train from New York and because it was late, Erik paid for a private compartment. At first, Christine protested, as she didn't see the need to waste the money for such a short trip but once they got inside and she saw how quiet and comfortable it was, she admitted she was wrong and happily relaxed on the couch.

"This is heaven."

Erik took off his jacket and loosened his cravat. He then unbuttoned a few buttons from his shirt.

"Would you care for something to drink? Maybe a small bite to eat?"

She sat up and appeared to be debating her reply. "Hmm…"

"Whatever you require my lady, I shall provide." He took a small bow.

"Is that so?" She started to admire the way his collar gapped open for her to see. "In that case, your mask."

She reached for the mask and after a sigh, Erik gave it to her.

"Please don't make me ask next time, okay?" She placed it on the table beside her.

"Anything else, my lady? What is your pleasure?"

"You." Her eyes met his and they smiled. She then motioned for him to come and join her on the couch. "Come to me, my angel of music." She extended her hand playfully to him.

He took it and kissed it before making himself comfortable by resting his head on her chest. "Is this alright?"

She circled her arms around him. "It's perfect." She then kissed his forehead. "Angel?"

"Hmm?" His eyes were closed.

"I never told you how sorry I was." Her voice drifted a little as she made circled on his arm.

"Sorry for what?" He lifted his head.

She exhaled a deep breath. "I once called you a fallen idol and false friend. God, how wrong I was. All this time it was really Raoul who was false and had fallen."

He moved so he could see her eyes. "Christine, you don't need to apologize. That night was a million years ago. You came back and gave yourself to me. Would I have thought you felt that way about me, if you did that? Besides, you were right."

"No, I was wrong. So very wrong." She protested.

"I think about that night, when I want to remind myself why I changed. Why I rebuilt my life and strive to be a better man. A man you could love and want to be by your side."

"A man I do want beside me very much, Erik. That's why it pains me to know I said those things because even back then, I didn't mean them. I knew it was wasn't true."

She started to cry, and Erik pulled her closer to him.

"Don't shed tears of sadness over the past. You were the one who wanted to leave the hurt behind and focus on our future." He tilted her head up by touching her chin. "As soon as we get home, we'll make some plans regarding that future. We are going to rid the Vicomte from your life once and for all and we are going to start living our life as a family. How it was always meant to be."

They kissed, and it sparked a fire inside them. The passion inside them had been awakened once more and this time, there was nothing restraining them. Christine didn't feel bound to her past life anymore. She felt as if Erik's words had released her from the binding chains of her marriage. She was free and alive and given this second chance to be with her soulmate. She wasn't about to waste another moment of her life.

As the world around them fell away, the train made an abrupt stop. The impact caused them both to fall from the couch, as the hard tumble to the floor broke them apart.

"That was some kiss." She giggled. "Are you alright?"

Erik rubbed his back. "I think so. Let me go see what's going on." He took his mask and went to talk to the conductor. He came back after a few minutes and removed his mask before Christine could ask for it.

"Erik, what happened?"

"The train hit something that was caught on the tracks. It will take a few hours to get us moving again and there are no other carriages or trains available." Alone for hours without any disruptions. My God our kisses from before were making my blood boil. Easy, Erik. You have been able to control yourself before. I should be concentrating on what to do once I get back to Phantasma…. But she felt so different in my arms. So willing and inviting and irresistible. He tried to suppress his thoughts from getting the better of him.

Christine eyed him as if she could read his thoughts. She knew what she wanted. Just like that night, she was no longer scared, and she would do all she could to encourage him, so he would no longer be shy. She walked towards him and placed her hand on his chest, where his skin was exposed.

"Can you read my mind?"

He studied her movements cautiously as her fingers went up his neck and slowly down to his chest, never breaking her eye contact with him.

He licked his lips. "I think so, but I must be dreaming."

"Then we are both having the same exquisite dream. We both know what we would like for the other to do in this dream, don't we?"

"Christine are you sure?" Please say yes.

"Yes, Erik. I am very sure. I want you just as much as I love you. Don't hesitate. Don't stop this. It can't be stopped. Complete us, make us whole."

Erik had never been happier with his decision to get a private compartment. He lifted her up, and her legs wrapped instantly around his waist, as they began to feverishly devour one another.

A/N: Big Grin! Stay tuned...