A/N: Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season so far. I am glad I have had favorable reactions to my Christmas offering. I wrote this over a year ago. Thanks for all the encouragement in your reviews for those who took the time to leave one. I know this is a little sappy and predictable but hey, it's Christmas, give me a break. We need sweet and sappy sometimes.
Chapter Seven
A Close Encounter
The morning Erik met Madame Clarisse's grandson, Pierre, Antoinette asked Erik's three houseguests to have an early breakfast with her so they could catch up on events since they were last together. She had not seen Matthew or Julianna in over a week. Antoinette also used this as an excuse to get them out of Erik's way so he could arrange his surprise for them.
Everyone contributed to the conversation eagerly with Erik being the main topic of discussion.. So much had been happening. Each one had Erik in the forefront of their minds for different reasons. Although the females had similar reasons for their admiration of him it was clear to Antoinette that Ariella's was beyond mere infatuation or admiration. She was in love with Erik or at least well on her way to being so. If Ariella could look into a mirror when she spoke of Erik she would see how her eyes shown with deep emotion just to speak about him brought to her face. Julianna's was the innocent infatuation of hero worship. It became apparent she thought Erik was the smartest, handsomest, most talented person in the whole world. Considering her world was limited to the opera house that was still quite a compliment. One Antoinette intended to whisper in Erik's ear as soon as she could. He needed to know he could be loved and admired just as any other man. Erik needed this reaffirmation as a man.
"Did you know Madame Giry that Erik, he said I did not have to call him Monsieur, well as I was saying Erik plays enough instruments he could be a whole orchestra all by himself. Have you heard him sing? When he sings Ariella and Julianna get all goofy eyed." Matthew paused in his story as Ariella protested. "Well, you do. Is it my fault you become ninnies when he sings? You don't see me oohing and aahing every five seconds when he sings."
Both young ladies blushed then fidgeted in their seats until they composed themselves again. Matthew ignored Ariella's warning glare. He had only told the truth for goodness sakes. Girls were strange. Especially around Erik. Even Meg giggled when he heard her and Ariella speaking about Erik. Which seemed to be every other minute lately. Matthew was fast becoming as proficient at spying as Erik ever had been.
"He has so many books I bet he's the smartest man in the whole world. He knows every tunnel down there. I'll bet he could find his way blindfolded. You know I think he's the strongest, tallest man in the whole world. What do you think?" Matthew looked at them assuming they would not disagree with him. They didn't.
All three sets of eyes turned in Antoinette's direction waiting for her agreement. Antoinette had a hard time keeping the smile from her face. Erik was being truly blessed this year. He now had three more people who loved him with all their hearts asking nothing in return but his love. That was something Erik had never had before. This year was going to be a wonderful Christmas for them all. A new beginning and perhaps a new family for Erik.
Before Antoinette could answer Julianna who rarely said anything spoke up saying, "I think he's the handsomest man in the world. Isn't he Ariella?" She looked at Ariella with wide eyes.
Ariella was sure she had no chance to evade that direct stare. She gave the only answer she could. The answer she knew she considered to be the most truthful.
"He is the handsomest man I have met. Whether he is the most handsome in the world I cannot say but in my limited world he certainly is." That seemed to please Julianna. She returned to the food on her plate.
Ariella did not know if there was any man she could feel the same attraction to that she felt for Erik. The way Erik made her feel simply when she heard his voice was unique to him. Did that make him the most attractive man in the world? For her, yes, it did.
While they enjoyed their visit with Antoinette , Erik and Nadir set the tree up in the far corner of the living room. Madame Clarise had sent an assortment of glass ornaments and carved wooden ornaments painted in bright colors. There was even some snowflakes made of crystal. A beautiful angel with real hair was set aside for one of the children to place on the very top of the tree. Her golden hair along with her blue eyes painted on that cherubic face reminded Erik of Julianna. The tiny angel's gossamer wings were made from the most delicate lace soaked in starch then ironed to stiffen the wings.
Nadir reminded him that part of the tradition was for everyone to participate in the decorating. Having already placed all the ornaments on the tree Erik was a little irritated with Nadir's tardy observation.
"You might have told me this little tidbit sooner. What should I do now? Buy more ornaments or remove these then let them replace everything?"
"Considering the amount on the tree at the present time any more may cause an upset. I have heard that popcorn and cranberries are used to string along thread to make decorations then when the holiday is over the tree can be removed to the outside providing a treat for the birds."
"Huh. More likely the rats will get there first. I have not had a need for popcorn before. Where might I acquire some within the next day or two?"
"You are truly in luck my friend. It just so happens popcorn is one of my favorite treats along with fine pastries of course. I can come back tomorrow. We can pop it all together. I'll even bring the cranberries. It will be like a small party."
Thinking that Nadir was going to be spending a lot of time in his humble abode suddenly he inquired, "Well would it not be better for me to come get it tonight and save you a trip back tomorrow?"
"Nonsense. I will enjoy seeing your guests again. I enjoy company but I so rarely receive any. This will be a real treat for me. Might I be so bold as to ask if I might come and share Christmas morning with you? I know I do not celebrate it as others do but over the years I have come to appreciate some of the traditions. Listening to everyone singing carols is something I look forward to."
Guests? Yes they were guests but they were Erik's guests not Nadir's. Erik felt a little mean spirited in his thoughts. What could Erik say other than yes? Nadir had helped him after all. It wold be crass to tell Nadir he was not welcome. Even if Erik did feel as if he'd rather spend his first Christmas with Ariella, Matthew and Julianna without anyone else he must share this blessing with his helpful friend. they would all share this wonderful time just as if they were a family. It would be better perhaps if Erik did not have to share but he would even if he choked on the invitation. He glared somewhat threateningly as he issued the invitation to which Nadir replied he would be delighted to attend.
Shaking off the dark mood threatening to overcome his better senses Erik continued to make his home ready for the coming holiday. He had purchased new candles and holders. The candles would be lit Christmas morning. He lined four along the mantle. Others were spread around decorated with sprigs of green from the tree. Erik had trimmed part of the bottom from the tree for decorations around the living room. He had even made a wreath complete with a red ribbon tied into a bow. This decoration he hung on the door outside his home. Looking at his home from the outside Erik decided he needed to put candles in the windows. That would look much more welcoming. His home looked very festive.
One last thing was needed to make things complete. He needed to put nails in his fireplace mantle. Nadir had shuddered at each thwack of the hammer. He could not believe Erik would dare deface his precious mantle he had carved himself. When he had asked why four nails Erik had snapped, "It is my house damn it. If I want a stocking hung I will damn well hang one." His look alone persuaded Nadir it would be wise to let the matter drop.
Erik left Nadir to warm apple cider. He had told him there was cookies in the cabinet. Nadir knew where his dishes and cutlery were kept. With one last instruction to not touch anything in the pantry Erik left to retrieve his guests.
To his surprise and delight the children ran to him wrapping their arms around his legs. He placed a gentle hand on each child's head and softly asked, "Ready to go home? Thank Madame Giry for her hospitality."
Both of the children turned toward Madame Giry thanking her for the breakfast. Julianna even complimented her on the quality of the meal. According to Julianna it had been the best croissants with strawberry jam she had ever tasted. Taking Erik's hand she looked up at him waiting for his approval. When he smiled tentatively at her she beamed back. Erik had been afraid to smile at her. A real smile from him was a rare thing. He usually smirked or simply bared his teeth frightening whoever was the recipient at the time. To say he was rusty when it came to smiling was an understatement.
He must have succeeded with his effort as Julianna kept on beaming at him. She squeezed his hand. Erik had to swallow as emotions he had not felt in over a year threatened to overwhelm him. Not since Christine had he felt any attraction for any woman until Ariella came. All tenderness he had locked away in fear of having his heart trampled again. Now this little girl looked at him as if he were the most wonderful thing she had ever seen. Could he trust his heart again in the hands of not only one person but three?
Damn if he did not feel the potential reward was worth risking the eventual rejection along with the agony in his heart. Yes, it was damn well worth it.
Erik had retrieved his boat the second day they had been with him. It made it easier for the females to cross the lake. Erik would have rather carried Ariella as it gave him an opportunity to hold her close to him while breathing in her heavenly scent. The feel of her held tightly against him was a feeling Erik wanted to repeat many times. Antoinette on the other hand had insisted he bring the boat back thereby thwarting his plans to feel that lovely woman's soft skin and luscious curves without seeming to have any lusty thoughts at all. There were other ways to get to his home without crossing the water. Erik only used these routes when he needed time for contemplation or a little extra exercise. Those tunnels took twice as long to traverse. Perhaps if he could manage to get Ariella alone he might suggest a tour of those tunnels. A long extended tour.
Erik rowed the boat through the tunnel which lead to his home. Wanting to surprise them he asked them to close their eyes just before turning around the last bend in the tunnel leading to the lake that opened up to the shoreline in front of his home. Seeing no need to ever close the portcullis he had made the decision to dismantle it. Matthew had taken too close of an interest in the thing to leave it operational.
Helping them out Erik positioned each one so they had a perfect view of the decorating he had done to the front of his home. The door and two windows had wreaths hanging in them. He had made those after seeing how pretty the one on the door looked. He had told Nadir to light the candles when he heard the alarm go off. One candle in each window gave a welcome glow.
"All right you may open your eyes now."
"Oh Erik it's beautiful. Thank you so much." Ariella had her hands clasped to her chest as if in prayer. This gesture on his part touched her immensely. The children had not said anything but she knew they were missing the usual holiday excitement.
Matthew ran around whooping doing cartwheels and handstands. Julianna was just as excited although she expressed it in a quieter manner. She took Erik's hand while leaning her head against his arm.
Erik impulsively held his hand out then commanded, "Come. There is more." Ariella took his hand with a soft smile.
Erik opened the door with a flourish. Their reaction was all he could have hoped. The children ran around inspecting each new decoration adorning the house in-between running around the tree.
The ever inquisitive Matthew asked, "Where will we hang the stockings? Do we have old stockings to hang?" Erik had been busy. He and Nadir had cut out stockings from some red material left over from some costume Erik cared not to remember. He had sewn the pieces together using colored thread to sew each name on a stocking. Not the usual stocking but Nadir had told him he had seen some that looked similar. Going to the mantle Erik picked up not four but five stockings brandishing them with a flourish. He held them out inviting the owner of each to do the honor of hanging their stocking on the mantle. He left Nadir's laying on the mantle for him to hang later. If he said one word Erik would throw the damn thing in the fireplace.
Ariella was speechless. It was the most beautiful tree she had ever seen. It was certainly the tallest. It had to be at least ten feet tall. The glass ornaments twinkled with the dancing reflection of the candles and lamps around the room. She was extremely touched by all the trouble Erik had taken to ensure they had Christmas. Hanging her stocking as he hung his their hands touched. They turned toward each other. If Nadir had not come form the kitchen they would have kissed without any thought of the two onlookers.
Nadir came out of the kitchen when he heard all the commotion. The man looked ridiculous with a tea towel tucked into the waistband of his trousers. he seemed not to notice or care how he looked.
"Ah, Erik. Perfect timing. I decided to make fresh biscuits with melted butter and topped with jam. I also have a pan of cinnamon buns in the oven. My years in this country have taught me a few things. This little beauty must be Julianna. And you must be Matthew. Ariella I don't know if you remember but Antoinette introduced us briefly a few months ago."
"Of course I remember. How could I forget such a charming man? As a matter of fact I have finished that book you lent me. Remind me to return it. I did not realize you knew Erik. Of course I have only known him myself for just a little over a week. Did I hear cinnamon right before the word buns? Did Antoinette tell you they were my favorite? Any man who can cook is a man worth knowing. One who bakes cinnamon buns is a god." Erik watched as they exchanged words. Their laughter seemed to grate rather disagreeably on his nerves.
Nadir had never once in all the years Erik had known him offered to bake cinnamon buns or anything else. For no apparent reason Nadir began to look beady eyed to Erik. Had the man always laughed as if he were grating glass? Must he stand so close to her? Did he think she might try to escape and he might have to tackle her?
Erik was a bit sullen throughout Nadir's visit. Erik had never had the opportunity to practice the art of conversation. He spoke with Nadir and Antoinette. They mostly asked questions then he gave answers. Erik could not help wondering if Ariella was impressed with Nadir. Was he the type of man she would be attracted to?
As the adults sat in front of the fireplace warming themselves by the roaring fire Matthew and Julianna were in deep discussion about their favorite person in the library.
"So I think we should do all we can to get them together. Adults can be kinda slow about these things. I want Erik to be my father now not when I'm a million years old."
"Matthew I don't think you or anyone could live that long could they?" Julianna was the more practical of the two.
"Sometimes I forget your only five. I was only using that as an exasper...exaggovot...oh I was only trying to say grown-ups take too long to do important things like get married. I asked Madame Giry how long she knew her husband before she married him. You know what she said? She said she knew him for years. Years Julianna. I don't want to wait years. I like him. You like him. I know Ariella likes him 'cause Meg and Ariella were talking about kissing. I heard Meg ask Ariella if she thought his lips could melt butter. You know I tried that and all I got was a greasy mouth. I'll have to ask Erik how he does it. Ariella said he made her feel all melty or something. Can't say I think that's a good thing. They giggled so I guess they like him. Girls are strange. What do you think?"
"I think since I can't marry him 'cause he's old, Ariella should. When they talk to each other their voices get all funny. I think that means they like each other. Suzette told me that she likes Thomas. She talks like she's stupid when he's around. Kinda how Ariella is around Erik."
"So if we want to be married anytime soon we need to help them along. I'll try to be on my best behavior. Don't want him to think he's getting a bad deal if he takes us. Let's see what can you do?" He laid his one arm across chest while he rested the other one on top on it at the elbow. His right hand cupped his chin while he tapped it with his index finger. Suddenly he stood up straight with a grin spreading across his face.
"I have it. We show him how nice it is to have us around. You know get him his slippers. Take him breakfast in bed. I'll give him all the treasure I found so far. Then he won't think we're after his money. We can help clean up around here. Madame said Erik had a sweet tooth. I think that means he likes sweets. At least I hope so . Wouldn't want him to have bad teeth. Anyhow, we can bring him cakes and things from the dining room. Shouldn't be too hard to get them."
"But Matthew won't that be stealing? I don't think Erik or Ariella would like that."
"How can it be stealing? Madame Giry said herself Erik really owned more of this place than anyone else. I'd only be giving him his own cake. I'd just be saving him the trip to get it. Another thing. Remember Mom and Dad at Christmas and the mistletoe? Always smooching. Yuck! Grownups seem to like it though. I saw some hanging in the girls dorm doorway. Before you mention it again it is not stealing. I am simply making it easier for him to get his own stuff. So, what do you think?"
"I like the mistletoe. Can I kiss Erik too? I think it would be nice to kiss him." Julianna stared off into space as she smiled at her own thoughts.
Seeing her dreamy eyed look Matthew groaned, "Don't tell me you are sweet on him too? What is wrong with all you women? Not that Erik is an ugly toad or anything. I just don't see why you all go so goofy around him. When he opens his mouth to sing you all go glassy eyed. As soon as he comes near you or Ariella you act as if stupid was your middle names."
"What a wicked cruel thing to say. Take it back or I'll kick your shin. Take it back now."
When she drew her foot back he conceded it might be wiser to give the apology. He decided against telling her that her actions only proved his point. Perhaps he should watch Erik a little closer. After all Mirelle's granddaughter was not quite as ugly as most girls or as stupid. She did like frogs and had been most impressed when he mentioned he looked for treasure. She had even offered to help him. At only six she was kind of young. Perhaps Erik cold give him some advice on women. They were both men after all.
Later after Nadir had left with the promise to return tomorrow then having finally settled the children down for the night Ariella decided to treat herself to a bubble bath. What was the use of that big tub if one only took quick baths? Taking her nightgown along with the matching wrap she went into the bathroom closing the door behind her. Filling the tub with steaming water she stripped then sank down into the water. Was anything more heavenly than this? She couldn't think of one single thing. Well perhaps she could. Relaxing deeper into the water she let her mind wander.
Erik being the most interesting of all the topics floating around in her subconscious she filtered out all the unwanted things so she could focus on the one topic of great interest to her. Erik.
Random things flitted in and out of her wandering thoughts. She thought of how his voice could sooth as well as entice. His hands were so attractive. They looked strong. His long fingers added to their sensual mystic. She could just imagine how they would feel gliding over her skin. Starting at her face they would slowly move form her cheeks to her neck. Paying attention to each feature as they skimmed lightly downward. Trailing down her neck they would graze her shoulders. Not lingering they traveled onward seeking the soft mounds of flesh they longed to caress. Once there they would not move on until rewarded with the nipples hardening into little pebbles.
Removing his hands his lips would whisper softly over the sensitive flesh. Those ever wandering hands would glide down over her smooth flat stomach going lower until they reached the...Ariella's eyes popped open. She bolted upright in the tub sloshing bubbles and scented water over the sides onto the floor. Her cheeks were so red she looked as if she had a high fever. Indeed she felt feverish all over. Not from any illness. Her fever was caused by the need for fulfillment. A need she had been daydreaming Erik would be meeting if she had not shocked herself with her wanton thoughts. Now she felt embarrassed and strung tighter than a piano wire.
She had heard the older girls in conversation and indeed Meg had glossed over the subject of self gratification. Meg had found a book one of the stage hands had left unattended. Sneaking the book under her dress she had shared the forbidden book with Ariella. It had been highly embarrassing but also quite informative. The pictures in the book were shocking. Neither young woman could imagine doing anything near what the words had implied and in some cases said outright. The names for the different body parts was most enlightening. The size of some features on the male gave both women food for thought as each imagined the man they would most want to see in such a state of undress. They had giggled and teased each other the whole day. They had replaced the book but not before each had copied certain passages of particular interest.
Fearing she may give into temptation Ariella stood up snagging a towel as she stood. She had just put her foot over the side of the tub when the door opened. A shocked gasp from Ariella matched the indrawn breath Erik pulled into his lungs seeming to be unable to release it. His body's need for oxygen forced him to resume breathing.
In the few seconds it took for him to recover his senses he gave the exposed portion of her body a quick thorough once over. Erik prided himself on being a gentleman but when push came to shove he was merely a man with all the same desires and faults. What man wouldn't take even a brief look however hurried when presented with so much bare flesh? Flesh that had been filling far too many of his dreams at night.
That smooth expanse of shoulder tapered down to delectable taught breasts. From there he perused the line of flesh covering her stomach. Just when he thought his reward could not be greater there it was. The gateway to her heavenly treasure. He thought for sure his heart would stop beating. God granted him another blessing. He did not die. His heart beat so fast in a rhythm he felt sure it would pound a hole through his chest.
Ariella stood frozen with one foot in and the other out of the tub barely touching the toes of her foot to the rug covering the marble floor. Noticing the path his eyes took along her backside slipping upward to get a tantalizing glimpse of one bared breast. If her face had been red before now it was crimson. Her face could have lit a match it felt so hot.
Apologizing profusely Erik began to back out of the bathroom. Why God did not strike him dead for such a blatant lie he could not imagine. God must consider this solace for the horror of the face he had been cursed with. The thought of turning away did not even become a glimmer of a possibility as Erik looked his fill. He had already committed the crime why not enjoy the bounty before the punishment? He anticipated a harsh punishment. He deserved whatever she deemed to be appropriate. It would be worth whatever she decided for this brief glimpse of heaven. She was heavenly. Perfection. Of course Erik had a limited range to compare such things.
Even in Persia he had only been allowed brief little teasing glimpses of the women of the harem. That other awful woman he had not wanted to see at all. He had been tempted to gouge his own eyes out just so he would not have to look at her evil face. Her beauty which he had at first admired quickly turned to loathing upon further acquaintance.
Not knowing what else to do he went to his organ. Randomly he pushed the keys. Abruptly he stopped. The notes flowing form his fingers had been his opera. Don Juan Triumphant. The song he had been playing was The Point of no Return. He had not sung or played a note from that fiasco in over two years with good reason.
Why would he choose to play a piece he had sworn never to play again? Music he had kept locked away because it had been penned with all the passion he felt for Her? The whole of the opera had been written with Her in mind. Each note testimony to the deep love he had felt for Her. Why would he now play music that had resulted in his love betraying him? Why now, as his mind replayed each feature over and over of Ariella standing there poised halfway out of the blasted tub? A tub that would now forever be haunted with images of a delectable womanly body. Not Christine's. He had only imagination to rely on when she had occupied his dreams. Ariella was all too real. The he would now have would set the world afire.
Erik closed his eyes tightly waiting for the inevitable stab of pain. He sat rigid in anticipation of the crippling agony of loss he felt each time he allowed even the smallest of memories of Christine to enter his mind.
The usual feeling of inadequacy came. It was not accompanied by any more than a slight twinge in his chest. That could well be the spicy sausage he ate earlier for a snack. Could this mean he had finally begun to let Christine go? He had never believed such a thing to be possible. He had loved her so completely for so long. Had his love for her been that shallow? At the time he had felt such intense emotions. It had been the first time he had been willing to consider someone sharing his miserable life. Her voice had been the perfect compliment for his music. His voice had blended with hers with magnificent splendor.
Now he felt only a twinge? He had even released his hatred for the boy it would seem as he held no ill will toward him. He had after all not committed any other crime against Erik other than to love the same woman. In the throws of his lustful pursuit of Christine Erik had hated Raoul because he had been young, titled with money, handsome as some would say, not Erik of course. Erik had been envious of Raoul's youthful good looks. His only offering had been a lifetime of music buried deep in the bowels of the opera house. What woman would want that?
Christine had let him know in no uncertain terms that she would not be sharing his humble abode. Well he had to concede that it was a hell of a lot better now than it had been two years ago. Then it had been simple. The only luxury had been the swan bed. In his naive belief he would impress her with that one spectacular item he had spent the better part of a year painstakingly carving each damn feather. Every feature perfect in every way. She had lain in that damn bed only once when he had brought her down to his home for the first time. That had come about only because she fainted when she saw the mannequin he had made of her. It had looked so much like her he had disgusted himself sometimes when he was alone with the damn thing. He had been desperate was his only excuse he would give for the things he had done. He hoped to God he could get the thing out without anyone seeing it. He had a sneaking suspicion Matthew was an accomplished lock picker.
Erik had caught him more than once in front of the door with a pleased expression on his face. His hand had been on the door. Not knowing if Matthew had gotten in for certain Erik had placed a string between the door and the frame. When he had gone back later it had been laying on the floor.
Hearing the rustle of silky fabric behind him he turned his head to glance over his shoulder. This vision could very well bring him to his knees. As much as he had appreciated her bare flesh this was temptation walking on two legs. Did the woman not realize how enticingly the fabric clung to her curves following each line like a lovers hands? Did she think he was an eunuch? Just because he had not had the pleasure of a woman's curves beneath him did not mean he would not or could not enjoy all the things they had to offer. Coming to stand much too close to him she came to a stop a mere foot or two behind him. Some enticing fragrance tickled his nose. Before he could curtail the action his head leaned toward her. Silently commanding himself to stop Erik tried to pull back without making it seem as if he moved at all. She stood with her arms hanging down and her hands clasped with her fingers laced together.
"Erik what was that you were playing? I don't believe I have ever heard it before. Is it something new? A new composition of yours?" The music had drawn her to the music room as if pulled by strings. She had never heard anything so sensual yet so dark. Passion was in every note. The promise of pleasures to come echoed in each combined line of notes. She had been seduced without him having to say a word or even touch her.
"All of Paris heard it the night of my one and only performed opera. Antoinette or Meg have no doubt told you about that night. It is not something I am proud of or wish to speak of in any great length."
"Its a shame it has lost its appeal to you. It's beautiful. I can't imagine anyone hearing it and not being moved." She herself had been mesmerized. When she had heard the first few notes she had almost left the bathroom before she had finished dressing. As if she had not been embarrassed enough. Her decision to come out and pretend as if nothing had happened had been set aside when she heard the music. The first inclination Ariella had that she had moved at all was when she felt her hand touch a warm shoulder. It had certainly not been her intention to touch him. She knew she was in danger of doing something that could lead both of them in an area neither of them was ready to explore. At least she didn't think she was. The shockwave thrumming up her arm radiating from the point of contact with his shoulder had her rethinking that observation.
Was the woman trying to kill him with slow torture? He turned on the bench to face her without getting up. The force of him turning so quickly threw her off balance. She ended up falling rather unceremoniously across his lap. Neither moved nor spoke. For a few seconds that seemed to stretch into longer minutes their eyes locked. Neither could look away. As if in slow motion their heads moved forward. The first touch of their lips was just that. Two pairs of lips lightly touching. Shocked surprise held them motionless. It was hard to say who moved first. Once the first brush of lips began it didn't seem to matter.
With a deep groan Erik gathered her closer to his chest wrapping his arms tightly around her. He opened his mouth over hers stroking her lips with his wayward tongue. Willingly her lips opened to allow him entrance. His tongue took full advantage of her willing participation. Her arms moved slowly around his neck with the palms of her soft hands caressing him as they moved upward. Wherever she touched seemed to burn.
Without any coaxing on his part Ariella turned slightly. Her breasts pressed against his chest scorching him where they touched him. If this continued they were bound to catch fire from the heat of their desire. Erik moved one hand around to the front of her chest. He had to touch her just once. Even if only briefly. Even if she hated him.
The reality far exceeded his fantasies. So soft and warm. The silky barrier of her robe was hardly worthy of the title. He could feel that hard pebble rubbing the palm of his hand. When she began to writhe against him Erik was sure he would lose control. The friction caused dramatic changes in his physical anatomy. His trousers became uncomfortably tight. His breathing became ragged. If they did not stop soon there would be no stopping until they were both sated.
Erik whispered against Ariella's lips then moved further taking little nibbles along her jaw only to return to her lips, "If we do not stop now I will not be able to stop. Unless you are willing to finish this I suggest you go to your room now or I toss you to the floor. You have exactly five seconds to decide. After that I make no promises or give any guarantees."
Ariella was not willing to sever all contact immediately, She stood back while dipping her head down to lay quick little pecks on his lips as she said, "I suppose I should go. It wouldn't be proper." She completely disregarded the fact that all they had done in the last few minutes was highly improper. If Antoinette learned of it she would skin Erik alive. It did not occur to her how embarrassed she would be if her brother or sister caught her in such a compromising position. Nor did she think of the poor example she would be giving young impressionable minds. While Erik was close doing these wonderful things to her that is all her mind could focus on.
Backing up slowly she continued to kiss him. He rose to his feet taking a step forward for each one of her backward steps. Only when her back hit the bedroom door did she come out of her stupor. Her cheeks flushed crimson. Wide eyed she stared up at him. Her eyes not able to meet his hungry stare any longer she looked downward. She fastened her gaze on his lips. Not a better choice for her peace of mind but much easier to focus on than his burning eyes filled with want and desire. Those eyes that could tempt her to shed her resolve to do what she knew to be right.
Smoothing her hands down over his chest she stopped her descending hands just at the spot where she could feel the fast steady beat of his heart against her palms. She rested her forehead on his chest while saying softly for his ears alone, "I'm sorry Erik. You must think I'm an awful tease. Please don't think I don't want to. That couldn't be further from the truth. If I had only me to consider, truthfully I could say I'd be dragging you through this door right now. I have to think of my brother and sister. It is up to me to give them some moral guidance. What sort of moral compass would I be if I allowed things to go further? Please tell me you understand and aren't angry."
Damping down his lustful urgings, Erik struggled to speak in a calm voice, "I do understand. If you knew more about me you would know I have never had any sort of experience with this type of closeness. I don't know what you may have heard about me but I can say with certainty I have never been with anyone in this manner ever."
"What about Christine?" She pulled back from him completely to place both of her hands over her shocked mouth. She had not meant for those words to gain voice. She had thought them but had not meant to say them out loud. She feared she had angered or hurt him saying such a thing or perhaps both. She looked at him steadily. He did look sad but not unduly upset or angry.
Erik's eyes clouded over. A dreamy look entered his eyes. He had more feelings still for Christine than he knew Ariella thought. "Ah my little Angel. my songbird did not return my feelings. It hurt with an almost unbearable pain for a long time. At times I still think of her and how things might have been if I had acted differently. I cannot say with one hundred percent certainty I am completely over her. I haven't seen her since that night a couple years ago. Antoinette has invited her and the boy to Christmas dinner. She insists I come as I am forced into playing host. She seems to think it would be good for both Christine and I to face each other again to resolve any remaining issues we may have."
"Perhaps Antoinette is right. Maybe we should forget what happened tonight. Pretend nothing happened until you are more sure of how you feel. If afterwards you can come to me with no lingering desire for her we can then discuss a courtship."
Courtship? Erik didn't want any courtship. He wanted satisfaction. He wanted the heat in his body to be soothed with feminine magic. Unless he wanted to end up with nothing again other than frustration he came to the logical conclusion that he had to at least give a semblance of what she demanded.
"Perhaps that is for the best. That will give us both time to consider how we feel and how we should proceed." Erik sounded a little cooler to his own ears than he had intended. Damn it. How was he supposed to feel? These women wound him up then turned him away to unwind like a runaway top. Just once he wanted to come to the part where the woman unwound his tightened and twisted body giving him the release promised by their taunting touches and glances. Christine had been the same. One glance would be filled with what he knew was lust then just as suddenly she turned all shy and timid. One moment returning his caresses then turning away from him in fear. Damn it when would this nightmare of unsatisfied want end?
Ariella had until Christmas. If she was still here Erik would consider it an open invitation to pursue her with any and all means at his disposal. He already had proven his music made her weak. How would she react if he combined it with his voice? She was safe until after the holiday. Then all gentlemanly considerations were over.
How many days until Christmas? Erik who had never been one to watch time or concern himself with what day, month, or what year it was suddenly took undue interest in the calendar he hung in his study. Diligently he marked off the days. The others thought he marked off the days in anticipation of Christmas. He was anticipating something. In a way it did involve the holiday. Just not in the way everyone thought. Perhaps this year there would be a special gift for Erik.