ALL I KNOW OF LOVE
Erik and Christine are the creation of Gaston Leroux; the reference to Persia and some of its customs are derived from Susan Kay's book, "Phantom". All other characters and the backdrop of the story are the creations and property of GerrysJackie.
Some places and all names are fictional.
PLAYERS:
Erik – Gerard Butler - Perfect
Christine – The face and coloring of Zooey Deschanel (Failure to Launch, Elf) – and the body of Marilyn Monroe, except 3 inches taller
Gustav - Billy Connelly – Because I really like him.
Patrick Connelly - Paul Bettany – (A Knights Tale, Firewall, A Beautiful Mind)
Pascal – Mel Gibson's looks (slightly older with graying hair) with the cunning and cruelty of J.R. Ewing from "Dallas".
Madam Marie Forsythe – Miranda Richardson
James Lumpkin (the butler) – Daniel Davis (the butler from the TV show "The Nanny")
Kamilla – Georgie Henley (Chronicles of Narnia)
Duke Sergei Beauvais – Derek Jacobi (Underworld:Evolution)
Kaveh Hushmand - Oded Fehr (The Mummy, The Mummy Returns) - Thank you Mlle.Fox, for suggesting this striking actor as a model for Kaveh.
Use your imagination on all others.
This story has taken a while to develop, but I hope it has been worth it. I have several chapters already written, but I am taking my time. There is humor, drama, and romance in this story, so I hope you will enjoy it.
This rendition of Erik is one of a man who has suffered greatly in his life, at the hands of just about everyone in his life, but his spirit is still intact. He is less self-loathing than others that I have written, but he is very much aware of his self-proclaimed faults. He is dangerous and ruthless, but has had enough of death and destruction. Women are still a mystery to him, and he needs a strong, independent woman who is his equal in every way.
This Christine is not a drop-dead gorgeous woman, but her beauty is less assuming and soft…Erik will see it.
I will try to update twice a week, depending on how quickly I write chapters. I don't anticipate this being a particularly long story, but we'll see.
Enjoy.
This is a long chapter, but a very necessary one - as they must move forward.
CHAPTER 15 – Womanly Wiles
Christine couldn't pass by Beth's room without knocking. The door opened and Giorgia and Kamilla grinned at her.
"Did you come to tell us a bedtime story?" Giorgia asked, excitedly.
Christine knelt down and brushed the hair from her nieces face, "No, Poppit, but I suppose I could tell you one before I leave."
Her response made both girls leap for joy at the prospect of getting a story. Beth stood back from them with her hands on her hips.
"So, Aunt Christine comes in and you are suddenly full of energy…" Giorgia blushed and bit her bottom lip in response to her mother's charge. "…where was all this energy a few minutes ago when I told you to clean up your room?"
Christine laughed and stood up to greet her sister.
"Beth, you are absolutely glowing…could it be that there is a special man in your life?"
Beth smiled and her eyes lit up with contentment and peace, "I am so in love with him, Christine…he asked me to marry him earlier."
Christine hugged her tightly and followed her over to the high-back chairs that faced her fireplace.
"Stuart has been gone for almost a year, and although I miss him terribly, I am not going to let love pass me by." Beth stated; her tone suggested that she expected Christine to berate her.
"I am happy for you Beth, you deserve to love again." Christine said, "What about Giorgia – what does she think?"
"Kaveh is so good with her…he lost his only child when his wife died during childbirth…he has not loved since – that was nine years ago."
Beth smiled broadly and nudged Christine, "I heard you playing earlier; did he hear you?"
Christine blushed profusely, "Yes…and I became a blundering idiot when he came to listen to me. I think he could actually teach me some things about playing."
Beth noticed the delighted glow Christine had in her eyes, "Did you ask him to?"
"Yes I did; he didn't commit to anything, but he did say that he liked to watch and listen to me." Christine felt the familiar warmth spread through her that had become a regular occurrence when Erik crossed her mind or her path.
Beth smirked at the admiration she saw in Christine's eyes and the look of pure bliss that crossed her face.
"He can sing too, so beautifully…his voice leaves me breathless."
Christine noticed how her body reacted to the memory of his voice, "He was singing a lullaby to Timmy and my body was reacting to him…" Christine blushed again, "…I don't know how much patience I am going to have when it comes to this relationship – I wish he would just come and demand his husbandly rights, so that I could pretend to protest, and in the end – soar on the wings of eagles in his arms."
"You are turning into quite the little seducer, aren't you?" Beth teased with a wink and then pretended to cry, "I'm so proud!"
Christine giggled at her sister's antics, "What do you suppose Father would do if he heard us talking about how to seduce a man?"
"Oh, dear heavens, he'd collapse from the sheer horror of it all!" Beth laughed.
They both watched as Giorgia and Kamilla walked toward them from Giorgia's room; the girls gave them both the perfect, eye-rolling look of pure embarrassment.
"You're talking about Uncle Erik, aren't you?" Giorgia confirmed.
The two sisters were stunned for a moment and then looked at each other, "Uncle Erik…did he tell you to call him that?" Christine asked.
Giorgia grinned and then bit her bottom lip; a trait she had gotten from Stuart – Beth found it adorable.
"Yes he did, when he came and played tea party with me and Kamilla this morning."
Christine's heart took a wanting leap as she pictured Erik scrunched into one of the small chairs around which the girls played tea party.
She glanced at Kamilla and noticed how happy the child looked to have a playmate.
Christine leaned into her sister and whispered, "I wish I had been there for that."
Giorgia still had a confused look on her face, but she shrugged her shoulders and gave Christine a big hug.
"Are you going to tell me a story?"
Christine wrapped her arms around the tiny girl and hugged her tightly. She pulled away, took the hands of both girls, and walked them to bed.
"Mama Christine, will you tell me a Bible story?" Kamilla asked.
Christine looked down into the blue eyes of the child she had grown to love as a daughter in the past few weeks.
"Madam Forsythe tells me Bible stories, but I really want Papa to tell them to me…his voice is so soothing – he makes me feel safe." her small voice trailed off and she appeared to be in deep thought; at least as deep a thought as a seven-year-old can be.
Christine tucked both of the girls in bed and then sat down beside Kamilla. She tenderly swept the dark tresses of hair out from her face and brushed a kiss across her forehead.
"Yes he does, I feel the same way." Christine smiled down at her.
"Mama Christine, do you love my Papa?"
Christine raised her brows and then allowed a sweet smile to curve her lips, "Yes Kamilla, I love him very much…" she tweaked the child's nose, "…now, how about that story…"
The girls both grinned and pulled the covers up to their chins in anticipation of the story.
"This is a story about a girl named Esther; she was a known for her beauty, but she would soon be known for her courage. Her parents were dead, so her kind cousin named Mordechi raised her.
"One day, King Ahasuerus called for all the women of his country to be brought to him. Out of all of them, he chose Esther as the most beautiful, fell in love with her, and made her his queen.
"Now…," Christine's eyes lit up with mischief, "…as all good stories do, this story has a villain, his name was Haman. Haman was the Chief of the Princes in the land and was a very bad man.
"One day, Mordechi refused to bow down to Haman and that made him very angry. He ran to the king and told him that the Jews refused to obey the king's commands. Haman went to King Ahasuerus and said that he should have all the Jews killed, even the women and children.
"When Esther heard about this, she asked all the Jewish people in the land to pray and ask God for His help. God heard their prayers and gave Esther the idea to have a dinner for the King and the bad Haman. This made the King happy, because he loved Esther and wanted to make her happy.
"The dinner went wonderfully and Esther asked the King to save her life and lives of her people. King Ahasuerus asked her who was trying to kill her and her people; and Esther told him about Haman's evil plan.
"What she told him made the King very angry toward Haman, especially after he found out that Haman had planned on killing Mordechi by hanging him from the gallows. You see, Mordechi had once saved his life. He ordered that Haman, and not Mordechi, be hung from the gallows."
"Isn't it wonderful how God used a simple orphaned Jewish girl to save her people from being killed?" (1)
Both of the sleepy girls she was talking to nodded their heads in excitement. Neither one had ever heard that story before.
"Do you suppose God still uses girls to save people?" Giorgia asked with a big yawn.
Christine smiled and stood up; she went over to Giorgia's side of the bed, bent over her blond curls, and placed a kiss upon her forehead.
"Yes, I know that He does." Christine responded with assurance. 'He sent me here to save Erik from a life of loneliness and self-denial.' She thought.
She quietly left the room and half way closed the door. Beth had been listening from the other room and smiled as she came out.
"That was a great story, Christine…you really should write them down some day."
"I didn't write that one, God did." Christine corrected.
"True, but you made it easy for a child to understand." Beth remarked.
Christine left and went to her suite, wishing she could see Erik, but she would be patient and wait for the right moment.
Then, there would be no escape.
ЖЖ
The next evening, Erik didn't join them for dinner and Christine was annoyed at his absence. It seemed he was deliberately avoiding her.
She went in search of her phantom husband and found him in the library; she watched as he rubbed his forehead and seemed distressed about something.
She made no sound, or so she thought, and yet his head lifted and his eyes found her in the dark of the room.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you."
He stood and managed a slight smile as she came toward him.
"Think nothing of it, my dear." Erik stated, but a nervous smile rested on his lips, 'If only you knew how much just being around you disturbs me…my libido, my senses, my decision to keep my hands off you…everything.' He admitted, if only to himself.
Christine liked the sound of the endearment on his lips; even if it was rather generic. Her father bestowed the same endearment on every female in his household.
He was again the immaculate master of Vassadelle; every hair in place and every inch of his body covered by impenetrable layers of clothing. She pictured him in her minds eye, as he had been the other morning; his hair loose and flowing and his magnificent chest exposed to her hungry eyes.
Erik was surprised to see her initiating conversation and contact with him. Hadn't she said, not too long ago, that she detested him?
She noticed that he held a folded sheet of paper in his hand and was curious as to its content. She hoped he would offer up the contents willingly.
"You looked concerned about something; I was just making sure you were alright." Christine stated.
Beth had advised her to let Erik know through subtle means that she cared about him and he would be more apt to believe it when she told him that she had fallen in love with him.
His features relaxed and he seemed embarrassed by her show of concern, "I am fine, I assure you…I suffer with headaches on occasion."
Her eyes dropped to the paper in his hands, "Bad news?"
Erik glanced back down at the letter he had forgotten he held and then quickly looked back at her.
"No…" he chuckled lightly, "…I had sent a letter to your family, asking if they would be averse to the idea of a visit; I know you have been missing them." Erik came toward her and stood impressively tall in front of her. "I know your birthday is the fourteenth of May, so I thought you might like to spend it with them."
Christine felt tears prick her eyes as she thought about seeing her parents and sister's families again; it had only been ten weeks since she had left, but she was eager to see them again.
"How did you know it was my birthday?" Christine asked, delightfully surprised.
Erik turned his head back to her as she spoke; she seemed pleased that he had known of her birthday.
"It was something I felt inclined to know about you…your father told me." Erik answered. "He sent a telegram letting me know that he is most eager to see you again and he wanted me to assure you that the whole town is abuzz with news of your return."
Christine laughed, knowing what that meant. They were planning something big for them.
"He mentioned a spring ball….or some such thing." Erik mumbled.
Christine's eyes lit up from the inside and an excited grin rested on her face.
"How exciting, a dance!" She exclaimed. "Do you know how to dance Erik…I am assuming you do with your musical skills."
Erik just stared at her for a few minutes. His look was one of complete confusion.
"You want me to go with you?" He inquired.
"Of course, who else would I go with?" Christine exclaimed, unsure of why he thought she wouldn't want him with her.
For once, Erik had no answer. He looked at her as though she had grown two heads and then simply ceded to her will.
"I just didn't think you would want me to intrude on your time with your family."
Christine frowned at his words, "You're my husband, Erik…that makes you my family, too."
Her words touched him, despite his inner demons warding of the warmth that coursed through him.
She walked up to him and stood very close to his regal form. Erik was not sure whether he should back up and give her more space, or stand his ground. Something told him that she desired to be this close to him, so he stood his ground.
"Besides, maybe I want you to intrude." She murmured.
His face was within inches of hers and his eyes were glistening pools of liquid jade. She leaned him into him, leaving his senses filled with her essence.
'He exudes such sensual power.' Christine thought as she focused on his full, luscious mouth.
Erik wasn't good at reading women; in fact, he had never tried to do so. However, he had the distinct feeling that she wanted him to kiss her.
"Christine…"
"Shhhhh…" she whispered, putting her finger to his lips.
His eyes closed at her stimulating touch, he had no idea what was happening, but he longed for it to continue.
His lips were slightly open and Christine could see the enticing movements of his tongue within his moist mouth.
She tentatively wrapped her arm around his neck and gently guided his mouth toward hers; she worked her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck and marveled at the soft texture it had.
She pressed provocatively against him and he felt his body go rock hard in anticipation of what he was certain was about to happen.
Her lips touched his bottom lip first and gently suckled on its untouched sweetness. His moan was almost inaudible, but it was all she needed to advance further. She moved her mouth to his upper lip and paid it the same homage that she had his bottom lip.
She purred seductively as she pulled back from him; her tongue ran deftly over her lips as she tasted him again with another soft moan.
"If you want it, there's more where that came from." She murmured.
She slowly turned from him and walked out of the room. Her enticing backside drew his eyes and he found himself frozen to the floor in shock.
'What just happened?' Erik thought.
He wasn't sure how long he stood there, but his mind finally released him and he elegantly sprinted up to Christine's room and flung the door open.
She whirled around from where she was standing and gaped at the feral look in his eyes. She had never seen him look so wild and untamed…he moved toward her with stealth determination; unware of the rage of desire she felt for him.
"Don't play with me, Christine…I don't play fair." He promised.
She stood her ground and challenged him with her eyes; his dark green eyes sparkled with gold flecks as he pulled her body into his embrace, captured her hair in his hand, and gently bent her head back, leaving her pulsing throat exposed for his hungry mouth.
Erik lost all sense of polite resolve and buried his head in her neck. He nuzzled against her with his cheek and breathed in her rose scented skin.
"Just let me touch you….you have enchanted me." He whispered against her skin.
Christine smiled a seductive smile above his dipped head and yielded to the wonderful sensation his mouth created as he gently moved it over her heated flesh.
He was a starved man…this she could tell. How could a man as attractive and alluring as Erik not have had a woman warm his bed every night? It baffled her.
He pulled from her as soon as her moan reached his ears…he was making a fool of himself and abruptly released her.
Christine's breathing was deep and coming in fast intervals; she was in no way done with his kisses.
She took his hand, led him over to the long divan, and gently coaxed him to a sitting position. She placed her hand to his chest and laid him back against the soft material; then, she cradled her own body against his.
She teased his lips with her fingers, gently skirting their full surface with the pad of her thumb. She marveled at how soft they were and smiled a siren's smile.
She said nothing as his eyes closed to her exploring fingers; he spread his legs and cradled her abdomen against his hardened flesh.
She skirted her lips over his mouth and pleaded with him to respond to her as she coyly dipped her tongue into his slightly open mouth.
His eyes shot open and she felt his hands on the small of her back, holding her tightly against him; she felt the prominent hardness of his body against her abdomen and couldn't remember a time when she felt so alive.
He closed his eyes again and Christine teasingly ran her tongue over his lips. He swallowed deeply and groaned loudly.
His groan signaled his surrender, and she pulled his eager mouth to hers and sealed his fate with a kiss. She tasted like red wine and strawberry cream; and Erik wanted more.
She touched her tongue to his lips and he opened to her; not realizing his movements were driving her to the brink of insanity.
Christine wasn't even aware of the moment they switched positions; but suddenly he was above her, lying provocatively between her legs. He lost himself in the feel of her; his hands tangled in the ebony curls that framed her sweet face as he wrapped his tongue around hers in sweet harmony.
Hearing her moan awakened his ardor even more and he deepened the kiss further. He had her pinned against the divan and the hard surface of his body; and he had never felt anything so exquisite in all his life.
He had never kissed a woman before, but he must have been doing something right if her satisfied moans were any indication.
She met his thrusting tongue with equal fervor and he echoed her moans in the same manner.
One hand wound behind her head and held her mouth to his with gentle force; the other hand rested on her ribcage. The kiss moved from exploring tongues to intensely passionate and Erik was lost in the sweet sanctuary of her mouth.
He pulled her bottom lip into this mouth and gently sucked on it; relishing the sweetness of it. He moved down the side of her cheek and placed moist, intoxicating kisses against the curve of her neck.
"No woman has ever…" He breathed against her heated flesh.
She lifted his head and stared deep into his beautiful eyes, "I refuse to lie to myself anymore and deny the attraction that I feel toward you."
He was stunned by her words, "You mean…you are actually attracted to me and didn't kiss me to say thank you?"
"I don't play games, Erik….you have obviously suffered greatly at the whim of other women..." Christine observed, "…I will not offer you something out of false notions or with strings attached…what I give, I give freely and with all my heart."
Staggered by her candor, Erik released her from his embrace and pulled from her. She felt bereft of his intoxicating warmth and smiled perceptively.
"I'm not going anywhere, Erik…" She reached up and touched her palm to his exposed cheek, "…you once told me that you wanted to get to know me – I want to get to know you, too."
He looked like a little boy in a candy shop as she straightened her clothing and piddled with her hair. Her lips were swollen from his kisses and Erik felt a swell of male pride.
"Can we do this again…soon?" he asked, as an amused smile played about his lips.
"I'll have to ask my other suitors, but I'm sure I can work you in." Christine teased.
The dark shadow that suddenly descended over his face made her realize the implication of her words.
She immediately regretted her teasing tone, "Erik, I'm teasing…there is no other man, and there never will be; I'm your wife and you are the only man I will be sharing anything with."
The rage he had felt boiling up from deep within him had been strong and powerful…something he had never experienced over a woman. Nicholle had taken every shred of masculinity he possessed and had stomped on it…ruthlessly.
However, Christine had given it back with a subtle touch of her lips against his and a passionate ardor that rivaled his own…she had willingly and ardently kissed him and accepted his kisses in return.
She smiled at him and walked him to the door. "So, how are you at chess?" She asked.
The perfect arch of his brow raised and Christine thought how handsome he was standing there with his hair askew, his lips lightly swollen, and his shirt pulled out slightly from her greedy hands.
"Is that a challenge?" He proposed.
She smiled sweetly and cocked her head, "Only if you accept."
Erik lowered his eyes and gave her an interested smile, "Who am I to turn down a challenge."
He followed her to the chess table, sat across from her, and tried to concentrate on the game.
However, Erik's gaze kept wandering to Christine's luscious lips and the swell of her breasts – wishing he had tasted of all her charms. It was then that he realized he would kill any man who ever dared to touch her…because somewhere, within the last couple of hours, she had become his.
TBC
(1) The story of Esther is found in the Book of Esther, The Holy Bible