I have placed two new entries in my profile - both of them provided by iluvmyphantom - thank you, my friend. The first one is a fanact drawing she did of Erik and Lavanya - the other is a youtube video of the woman I used as my model for Lavanya's looks, grace, and talents, Aishwarya Rai.
Now...what will we do from here?
Enjoy my lovelies!!
DARK SIDE OF THE GLASS
CHAPTER 21
The only thing Lavanya knew was that the man she was meeting wore a mask. Sharad had not gone into a great deal of detail concerning the whys or hows of this, but she remembered the domino mask from years ago and Sharad had told her it was due to some sort of deformity; that was all she knew.
She emerged from the ship feeling cramped and dirty. There had been a couple of rudely intrusive men on board who had made it their business to crowd her for attention; she had just as rudely refused to give it to them, but that had not stopped them from being persistent.
She had dismissed Trace, not wanting to intrude on his time any more than she already had. He had given her a big hug on the ship and promised he would discipline the two men who had bothered her.
She breathed in the fresh air and felt cool pellets of soft rain falling on her skin. She looked up into the sky and smiled – enjoying the feel of the drops. She opened her mouth and tasted the freshness – she felt like a carefree child again, playing games with Sharad on the vast terrain they had called home.
She supposed she should have brought a parasol, but she had not even thought about it; it was not a downpour, so she determined it was not a major issue.
There were mountains in the background – frosted perfectly with a thin layer of snow; the sun shone over them, creating a shimmering halo.
The aroma of fresh baked bread wafted toward her and her insides growled in protest. She hadn't eaten in some time and she found herself giggling at the incessant noise coming from her empty stomach.
There was no doubt in her mind that she would love it in Paris. Sometime between India and France, Lavanya had decided to make the best of this situation - Sharad would not have given her to a man he did not trust and she had to believe in that; it was not that he was without flaws, but no one was...and she would do her best to look past those flaws to the man that Sharad trusted.
The air was cool and moist, and she pulled her colorful shawl around her even more tightly. Her one piece of luggage was in her hands and she cared not that she was attracting numerous stares.
Her exotic caramel-colored skin, oceanic eyes, and dark, chocolate hair made her an oddity among the European culture – not to mention the colorful, sheer clothing she was wearing. They stared curtly at her passing form and commented on her apparel, most of them disapproving of her instantly.
Blissfully ignorant of the effect she was having on those around her, Lavanya pushed her way through crowd. Her eyes were drawn to a man who stood a head taller than anyone else in the crowd – and his eyes were on her. He was openly admiring her, but he seemed nervous about doing it and completely unsure of himself.
When he lifted his head, she found the most gorgeous, turquoise eyes staring back at her. He looked away from her and closed his eyes, and there appeared to be a rather strained look on his visible features.
The white mask on the right side of his face told her all that she needed to know; but Sharad had failed to tell her what a fine looking man Erik was. He was a full head taller than any man around, and the shape of his shoulders and arms indicated a strong build, although he was very lean. It was obvious, from the way he dressed, that he had excellent taste and was rather wealthy.
She was jolted from the surreal experience of finding his eyes on her by two strong, dirty hands coming around her waist. Foul breath filled her nostrils and she turned her head to avoid whatever stench was coming from the attacker's body.
Her struggles only seemed to infuriate him to the point of insanity, and he groped her legs and inner thighs while breathing boorishly down her neck. He had managed to move her through the crowd with a threat to her person, and he now had her pinned in a dark corner, hidden from the uncaring eyes of the other people.
His hand came up and grabbed her chin, forcing her eyes to look upon him. He was a few inches taller than she was and as strong as an ox – and he even smelled like one. His eyes were empty and wild; bloodshot and dilated – he was obviously drunk on whiskey and lust.
She was shocked to realize that no one seemed the least bit concerned by her struggles – except Erik. She caught a glimpse of angry eyes and his dark figure pushing through the throng of people.
Her anger had surfaced by this point and her strength seemed to come from nowhere. She used his body as a brace and propelled her feet into the air, bringing her entire weight down into his knees; it was a technique that Sharad had taught her long ago.
Erik arrived just in time to see her take the advantage and he stopped abruptly to watch her bring the man down.
The injured man immediately released her and screamed like a pig at the slaughter. He was on the ground, nursing his sore knees, when Lavanya ushered another kick against his ribs.
He tried to catch her leg, but his pain was too great and he simply crawled away from her. She meant to follow and deliver more damage, but Erik grabbed the man by the collar of his filthy shirt and hung him up in front of him like a bag of potatoes.
"It seems to me, you have been taught a lesson here, have you learned anything?"
There was no response and the Erik jerked the man to him, close enough to smell the fear that resonated from him and the stench of rot.
He listened closely to the vulgar words that the filthy, little man was uttering about the woman who was possessed and obviously in league with the devil.
"Well, I suppose that makes me the devil…if you intend to leave here with all of your parts attached, I suggest you do so before she fancies another kick or two."
Although he was literally dangling in mid-air, the ruffian spat in Erik's face and laughed in the face of fear. His next words were strained through clenched teeth.
"She is a whore, what is it to you if I have a go at her?"
Erik curled his lips into a snarling smile and threw the man onto the ground in the direction of the crowded street. He could see Annette pushing through the crowd with two policemen following close behind.
"The lady is my intended…" Erik seethed, "…now, if…" his laugh crackled with contempt, "…and I use that word loosely, for your willingness to cooperate will determine my next course of action…" he paused again, "…if you wish to keep all of your body parts, you will remove yourself , posthaste, from the premises and never let me lay eyes on you again…is that understood?"
Erik proceeded to release the slimy, little man and watched as he crawled on the ground, pulling himself along with his elbows and looking back at Erik's slowly advancing figure. Erik stopped at the edge of the alley and watched the man slowly stand and limp painfully toward the two policemen.
Lavanya was still breathing hard from the adrenalin rush. Her instincts had taken over and the training Sharad had given her forced her to take action.
His words to the filthy, little man suddenly came back to her; he had called her his intended…she looked up at him as he came to her. She smiled brightly; but as quickly as it had appeared, it faded.
He had stood there and let her fight that man…oddly enough, part of her was pleased with that, but the other part of her could not believe what he had done.
He was no more than inches from her when her hand swept up and smacked him across the open cheek.
"You stood there and let me be accosted….what kind of man are you?"
She slapped me! No woman has even laid a hand on me…good or bad.
Completely shocked and wondering what he had done, Erik rubbed the sore cheek and then realized what she had said.
"Excuse me?" He asked sharply, staring daggers into her. "For your information, by the time I arrived, you were landing your feet against his shins and sending the man to his knees!"
He smirked dangerously; lifting one side of his delicious mouth and making Lavanya want to slap him again – just for being too appealing.
"And did you not hear him…I am no man, I am the devil."
He loomed over her much smaller form and created a block to the rays of the sun. His whole body was alive with unbridled fury, but he kept it controlled and civil…what would it be like to face this man when he was not so…caged.
He made her blood boil – those eyes, that mouth, the anger coursing through him – such passion!! So…this was Erik Lacroix…interesting, very interesting.
"You appeared to have the situation under control, Mademoiselle Keshav…it was quite a treat to watch you move."
His dangerous tone with the village idiot had made her spine tingle. He was much younger than she had thought he would be, and far more attractive than she wanted him to be.
She loved the verbal sparring they engaged in and the sharp bite of his tongue.
He would be a joy to discuss things with – his sharp mind shined through his eyes and Lavanya could see his emotions on his face.
"Nonetheless, a gentleman should have helped me."
Erik laughed aloud; strong and vibrant; deep and intoxicating, "Believe me, if I had seen a gentleman, I would have encouraged him to help you…but there was only me…" he winked and then stood to his full height and moved away from her, "…and I have never claimed to be gentleman."
Despite his quick barbs and sharp tongue, Lavanya sensed an intense loneliness in him. She softened her brow and studied him again.
"You did quite a fine job of putting that man in his place…impressive." Erik remarked, with an admirably cool tone.
She lifted her perfectly carved brow and regarded him from beneath long, dark lashes.
"My brother made sure I could defend myself, if need be."
Erik could not help but be impressed with her strength of character and lack of female frivolity. She did not seem the kind that was prone to fainting spells or swooning; he looked away from her, trying not to dwell on the immediate and profound attraction he felt toward her.
It was at that exact moment that her tummy sounded loudly with another grumble and she blushed profusely from the knowledge that he had heard it.
"You must be famished…"
He did not get the opportunity to finish that sentence, as an older woman intruded on his words.
"Erik, thank the Lord that you were able to stop that ruffian from assaulting this lovely young woman!"
Lavanya noted the older woman and bowed to touch her feet in a typical Indian greeting. As she arose, she saw the shocked but amused look on the woman's face.
"It is a typical greeting, Annette…just accept it." Erik explained.
Lavanya touched her eyes to his and smiled, the woman had just confirmed her earlier thoughts; he was Erik Lacroix – the man who would soon be her husband. Once again, her eyes raked his tall, masculine frame and her thoughts were suddenly in another place altogether.
He likes a strong woman; and he knows my culture – two positives – oh yes, and he is quite attractive.
"You are mistaken though, I did not…"
"My dear, are you alright?"
Madam Giry completely ignored Erik's stuttered words and concentrated on the woman she thought he had rescued.
Lavanya smiled at the woman's enthusiastic care.
"Yes, I am fine, thank you."
Erik doggedly moved closer and avoided eye contact with the young woman; but he had to set the record straight.
"Actually, Annette, this is Lavanya Keshav, the young woman we have been sent here to retrieve and it was not I that rescued her – she seems to be quite adept at taking care of herself."
Annette looked from one to the other and finally just smiled.
"Very good, my dear, some men just must be handled roughly or they do not understand the rules or the boundaries."
The two women shared a strong, friendly smile and Erik bowed his head and stood quietly by as they talked.
"How was the voyage by sea…did you run into any trouble?"
Lavanya shook her head and thanked the older woman for asking, but she was really getting quite lightheaded from the hunger.
Erik heard her stomach growl once more and lifted his doleful eyes. He noticed how she seemed very much at ease with Annette, but nervous and rather spiteful toward him. Of course, he supposed he should have helped her, and he would have, had she been in any real danger – but she was fascinating to watch as she took care of the situation.
When she caught him looking, Erik immediately diverted his eyes to another area – he hoped she would never know that he found her extremely attractive; all he would allow himself was her friendship – anything more, and she would hate him forever.
"Annette, Lavanya is quite famished, I suggest we take our lunch at the Chateau d'lamier, just down the street.
He retrieved Lavanya's one piece of luggage and helped them both into the waiting carriage.
"I will get tickets for a later train and we will just arrive in Paris a little later than was originally planned."
Erik proceeded to the ticket booth and quickly bought their tickets. He could not get another train to Paris until 4:00 pm, but was happy to get those tickets. He made sure they had two private compartments.
He led the way to the restaurant and sequentially pulled chairs out for the ladies to sit. He seated himself and smiled when he heard another growl come from Lavanya's stomach.
He looked up to find her coyly watching him and blushing profusely – something Erik found very endearing and impossible to dismiss.
♠♣♥♦
The meal was a quiet affair. Erik moved his food from one side of the plate to the next, not even bothering to take a bite. He was enjoying the chance to listen to Annette and Lavanya get acquainted.
His mind wandered as his eyes landed on Lavanya's exquisite feminine features; the way her mouth moved and the warm, sun-kissed, amber of her skin. She literally had an inner glow.
She came into the room, wearing a lavender sari; her hair hung over her shoulders and draped her magnificent breasts in grandeur. She had eyes only for him.
"Your beauty is unsurpassed; I have never seen its equal."
She dropped her sultry lashes over her chartreuse eyes and lifted the corners of her sensual lips – drawing him further into her seductive trap.
She did not speak to him as she rested her hands on either side of his face…not caring that he was not a whole man, for he possessed a gnarled visage that few had been able to stomach.
His eyes drifted shut. He had almost forgotten the warmth of the human touch…its drugging impact on his starving flesh driving him to a point of near insanity.
She eased onto his lap, and his head lulled back over the plush luxury of the pillow; his masculine groan bringing a smile to her lush lips .
His hands instinctively traveled the velvet delicacy of her lower back – marveling at the way she crooned; a sensual, low sound that caused a rigid hardening of his lower body.
Her laughter filled his ears and he…
Laughter…why was she laughing?
Erik's eyes widened and he released a long breath to ease his racing heart. Disturbed by what had just happened – Erik mentally berated himself. This would not do – not at all. He was not one prone to daydreaming; in fact, this was the only time that he could remember indulging in such whimsical nonsense.
Lavanya was obviously responding to something Annette had said and her laughter was what had forced him out of his dream-like state. He was uncomfortably aware of the growing erection he hid beneath the table and shifted in his chair – hoping it looked natural.
He frowned and began moving his food around on his plate again, unaware that they had both turned to look at him.
"Why do you order food, Erik…you never eat it?"
Annette asked the question to involve him, in some way, in the conversation.
He glared at her, knowing exactly what she was trying to do.
"I do so; I am just not hungry right now."
Annette reached over and grasped Lavanya's petite hand; her smile was very matronly.
"He does not eat very well; it is a fact that has troubled me for years. A man his size should eat healthy servings and demand more – but not him."
Erik rolled his eyes and gritted his teeth – he was going to have to have a talk with his friend – she was overstepping his well-constructed boundaries.
"I eat when I am hungry, Annette." He snorted, rather assertively.
"Maybe, but you must get hungry more often than once every two or three days."
Instead of answering her or coming up with some excuse, Erik pulled his watch out of his breast pocket and frowned.
"We really must be going; I need to purchase some personal items before we get board the train."
"How long is the trip?" Lavanya asked, meeting his eyes with confidence.
Erik moved his eyes over her features, staggered at how beautiful she was – her strong personality is what had captured his attention – but she was stunning to look at.
For most men, that would have been a blessing, but Erik did not want to feel anything for this woman…it was not that he didn't want to feel anything – he would truly love to be her friend, if she would allow it. He assumed he would need some kind of rapport with her if he actually managed to ask her to have a baby with him.
"About nine hours; however, the only other train bound for Paris today, makes several stops and the trip had been extended to fifteen hours. As a result, we will not be in Paris until tomorrow morning at around seven."
She smiled and nodded, suddenly seeming very young to him. This entire ordeal was completely unfair to her. Her beauty should have afforded her a husband of her choosing – with a handsome face, a title, wealth beyond imagination – a future….what did he have to offer her?
As he assisted them both out of their chairs, he tried not to focus on the very prominent curves that were teasingly hidden beneath her sari – but given enough emphasis to make a man's body bolt to attention.
"May I ask - if it is not too presumptuous of me, how old you are, Mademoiselle Keshav?
She faltered only briefly, and then smiled, "I am twenty-four at the moment; I will be twenty-five in three months."
Erik nodded and turned his head toward the window.
"So young…" He whispered to himself, "…too young."
His words were uttered low and painfully, causing Lavanya to take another look at him. He closed himself off from the world – not physically – but emotionally. He buried himself beneath layers of clothing and hid behind that wretched mask. He wore his self-detestation like another layer – one she hoped to strip away with each word or deed.
He was a work in progress, and Lavanya was determined to be up to the task.
Someone had hurt him deeply in the past. The pain in his eyes speaks to me of betrayal and misunderstandings; he feels no self-worth.
He guided them to a small merchant shop not far down the road.
"If either of you sees something you need, just let the shopkeeper know, he will be happy to get it for you." Erik instructed, "I will be back in a few moments to complete the purchase."
Lavanya tried to keep her eyes averted, but she could not get over the ease with which he moved. Normally, taller men were a bit awkward and gangly – not quite comfortable with their own height. Not Erik, he seemed used to his height and more than capable of displaying great control.
Annette smiled as she noticed the amount of interest that she was giving Erik's retreating figure. Annette followed her line of vision and admitted – once again – that Erik was very pleasing to the eyes.
I know I have told him as much, but he just thinks I am humoring him. Perhaps this woman beside me will be able to convince him.
"Madam, do you think he will allow me to purchase these reams of material – they are exquisite?"
They had been wandering through the shop looking at various items and Annette had picked out a brush and comb set for Meg to add to her collection; a Celtic necklace for Tarrah, and a barrette for Christine's hair. She had also found an adorable little outfit for Christine's baby.
The lighter of the two materials shimmered with interwoven gold threads, elaborate stitching and the purest of whites accenting it.
There was also a smooth, soft, black material with gold threads woven in. Both of the materials were quite new and Annette was quite sure they were the newest types available for purchase.
"I am sure Erik would…."
"You are sure I would what?"
Erik stood behind them, amused at hearing his name thrown around as though he was not present. He moved his eyes between the two women and could not help the tug of a smile that curved his lips on one side.
His sudden appearance did not stir Annette in any way, and she simply stared at him with a composed calmness.
"Lavanya wants to purchase these materials and she was wondering if you would mind…I told her you would not."
Erik looked down at the yards of material both ladies had in their arms.
"You may have whatever you wish."
They made their purchases and walked back the two blocks to the train station. They boarded and made their way to their private cabins; Erik took one and Annette and Lavanya took the other; they were joined by a sitting area.
Erik had purchased the latest adventure novel by Jules Verne, "The Mysterious Island.", a book called "Erewhon" – although he was not sure who the author was, and a deck of cards. He entered the sitting area and planted himself in a seat. He propped his booted feet up on the adjacent seat and proceeded to immerse himself in his book.
For the next three hours, he read and they dozed. Everything would have been fine, if he had not glanced up when Lavanya stirred.
She was the picture of innocence and alluring womanhood as he ran his eyes down her body. There was no mistaking the outline of her full breasts beneath her sari. The choli beneath it hugged her generous curves and Erik groaned in frustration as his body began to react again.
What is wrong with me? I do not even know her – other than the fact that she will be my wife and she is Sharad's sister.
He smiled as recent events came to mind, oh yes, and the fact that she can defend herself quite effectively against a man not much smaller than me.
Admiring her again, he noticed that her hair spilled over her shoulders like a waterfall of rare beauty; whatever was he going to do?
Her eyes opened and Erik immediately put his eyes to his book – feigning interest in its content. He crossed his legs to hide the distinct bulge in his pants and swallowed with difficulty, hoping she had not noticed.
"What time is it?" She asked.
Erik nonchalantly pulled his watch from his pocket and grazed his eyes over the face.
"It is a little past nine."
She yawned and leaned on her fisted hand, appearing to be very tired, even after sleeping for the last few hours.
"I apologize for my inability to keep my eyes open – I did not sleep well while on the boat…they make me very uneasy."
Erik nodded in understanding, knowing what they did to him.
"It is quite alright, my lady; you may retire for the evening if you would like. I am sure you are quite fatigued."
His voice could lull her back to sleep, that was for sure. He spoke with such masculine splendor and it made her heart do a strange flutter.
She stood up, placed her hand in front of her face, and bowed her head in respect.
Erik returned the gesture, knowing the Indian custom and stood as she retreated to her cabin. Annette stirred from her slumber and said her good nights to Lavanya.
"Erik, I am sorry – I did not realize I was so tired."
Erik smirked and looked back down to his book.
"It is fine, Annette – I realize you are getting along in years."
She gasped and looked around for something to throw at him, but there was nothing readily available.
Erik chuckled at her frustrated pout and closed his book. He sighed, which exasperated her even more, and teasingly stated,
"Do cheer up, Annette, you know I would just move out of the way of whatever you found to throw at me and your attempt at revenge would be unfulfilling; so, do stop pouting and let us play some Gin Rummy."
She smiled and shrugged her shoulders, as he shuffled the cards and dealt them.
"She is quite lovely, Erik…and such a darling."
They had sat quietly for a few minutes and before Annette decided to broach the subject that she knew was on his mind.
He did not lift his eyes, but kept them hooded behind the shroud of his long lashes.
"Really?" He remarked absently, "I had not noticed."
Annette smirked and shook her head, she knew otherwise but refused to rile him at this moment – he was in a pleasant mood for a change, and she intended to enjoy it.
They talked about many things, including Erik's latest opera and his plans for Tarrah, but she could tell that he was preoccupied with thoughts that terrified him; he had no idea how he was going to handle the woman that had been dropped into his life, and the thought terrorized him.
When his watch said eleven-thirty, Annette lost her last game and bid him goodnight. Erik sat for a few minutes, wondering how he could keep her out of his mind at night, if he could not manage to do so during the light of day.
He decided to read for another hour or two and finally put his book away and found his cramped bed at one-thirty in the morning. With any luck, being as tired as he was, he would find sleep easily.
Sure….that was the answer.
TBC