Well, that last batch of reviews was rather depressing in number. I hope that does not mean that the story has gone south for many of you.

Anyway, onward I go.

MAN OF SORROWS

CHAPTER 43

Had Erik known what was waiting for him upon his return, he may have chosen to keep Christine in Japan for a few more days; but, as time would have it, they returned to New York and to the beauty of their new home.

The hired movers had transferred all of Christine's things and arranged them as best they could, knowing that she would find everything a home when she returned.

The power had been turned on and the house was as close to perfect as anything could get – this side of heaven. Christine walked through and admired the color scheme and furniture – knowing that Erik had chosen everything with her in mind.

"What would you like for dinner…lover boy?"

Christine wrapped her arms around his waist from behind and leaned into the soft curve of his back.

Erik sighed and enjoyed the feel of her pert breasts resting against him. He marveled at how easily his body fell under her sway…she could demand anything of him and he would gladly succumb to her every wish.

"I was thinking we could go and see Evie and Julius – maybe the four of us could go to dinner – I'm in the mood for a good juicy steak."

"That sounds great. Last one to the car is a rotten egg!"

With that challenge on her lips, Christine raced out the door in hopes of beating him to the car by the sheer speed of her exit…however, she hadn't counted on Erik being so fast and he sped past her with a smug smirk on his face.

"Not fair! You're so much taller than I am!"

She stood with her hands on her hips…pouting like a five-year-old and daring Erik to say a word.

Erik, acting as though it was the most natural thing in the world, leaned against the car with his hands crossed over his chest and cocked his head sideways.

She chuckled at the warm, playful look on his face and the way he had looked at her as though she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

"You don't seem to mind my height when we're wrapped around each other – tangled in sheets and devouring each other."

He had managed to pull her into his embrace and smother her response with a deep, rattling kiss.

His kiss was captivating – magic and myth - making her feel as though she was lost in a fairytale where all was perfect and the handsome prince was there to give her everything she desired…including himself.

Finally, he lifted his head and smiled down at her.

"If we don't get a move on, we will never make it to Evie's – or to dinner."

She playfully rubbed his stomach and opened the door to the Volvo.

"I wouldn't want my man losing his stamina from lack of food – I just couldn't have that."

Erik chuckled and walked around the front of the car and got in. He looked at her and gave her a wicked wink.

"Good, because I'm famished."

♫♫♫

"I suppose I should call them and let them know we are coming over…they know we were returning today, but I doubt they were expecting us to drop by."

Christine nodded, even though Erik wasn't looking at her. He handed her the cell phone and kept his eyes on the road as he drove.

"Hello."

"Hello Evie!!"

"Christine! Are you two back?"

Evie's excited tone was so endearing; Christine realized how much she had missed her.

"Yes, we got back an hour or so ago…hey, we're on our way over to your house, we thought you two could join us for dinner."

There was a slight hesitation in her voice and Christine wondered if they had other plans.

"Sure, that sounds good…is Erik there?"

Christine handed the phone to her husband and watched his expressive face as he talked to his sister.

"Evie, you wanted to talk to me?"

"Erik, before you get here, there is something you should know."

His brow furrowed and he glanced at Christine, letting her know that Evie seemed concerned about something.

"What is it, Evie…just come out with it."

He heard her talking to someone in the background and then she was back to him.

"Mom and dad are here…they arrived a couple of days ago."

Erik's immediate was indifference and boredom.

"Well, I suppose we can skip coming over…" his voice sounded strained and hurt, "…tell me, how are Lucian and Elise…the same I presume?"

"Erik, we need to talk…can Julius and I meet you somewhere?"

The hopeful and pleading lilt in her voice knocked at Erik's resolve.

"I want steak…badly."

He sounded dark and distant – a tone Christine had not heard from him until now; and she was curious as to who this Lucian and Elise were.

"How about Alonso's?"

"Alonso's it is…we'll meet you there in an hour."

He flipped the phone shut and grew silent. He was a million miles away, and Christine couldn't remember a time with she had felt alone in his presence...until now.

"Erik?"

He quickly glanced out the window as a quiet, soft rain began to fall; then he placed his eyes back on the road and reached for her hand which rested on her knee.

She placed her other hand over his and began massaging the long, masculine fingers. A severe thunder rested in her heart and she didn't know what to say.

"It's nothing, angel...don't fret over it."

Her voice seemed small and childlike in the fading light of day, and she just wanted him to know that she was there for him - no matter what.

"You're withholding something from me...I am stronger than I look, Erik...what is bothering you?"

His sigh was quite audible and he shifted in the car seat, seeming a little nervous about whatever it was that was weighing on his mind.

"Something has come up…something from my past…" He quickly caught her eyes and gave her a fading smile.

"What Erik, don't shut me out."

He gripped the steering wheel with fierce anger, but pushed it away as quickly as it had come.

"I'm not shutting you out, angel…I would never do that."

Her hand found his and gripped it softly; he squeezed back and ran his thumb along the sensitive underside of her wrist.

"It seems my parents have decided to waltz back into my life…Evie wants to talk to me before there's a scene…" He smirked and gave her a quick wink - trying to lighten the mood, "…I guess she knows me pretty well."

"Your parents?"

She was shocked and appalled that these people would have the audacity to come back into Erik and Evie's life….they had been especially hateful to Erik, and Christine felt the indignation swelling in her throat.

"What are you going to do?"

He sighed and lifted his brow in thought.

"The only thing I can do at this point…" he looked at her with a solemn stare, "…hear Evie out."

TBC