A/N: Again, I apologize for the wait. That was my bad. So here's the next chapter and if you have Facebook, then go ahead and add me as a friend if you want. You know the drill… please review and Erik will do whatever you want (within reason).

Chapter 20: Stephanie's Predicament

She hurried out of the forest, riding full speed on Psyche towards the direction of the Destlers' home. All the while, she could not stop cursing herself for once more forgetting her loyalty to Dan. It seemed whenever Etienne is near she forgets Dan, a habit that was growing too dangerously.

What the Hell is wrong with me? Her mind screamed. I'm in love with Dan! Dan! Dan!

Psyche galloped into the stables where Stephanie left her to a startled stable boy and took off inside the manor. Her legs, well tone and muscled from years of running at the gym, carried her up the flight of stairs and almost passed a couple gossiping servants in a nearby room.

She stopped, hearing her name and quietly backtracked to the door. Plastering herself to the wall, she listened as tears streaked down her flushed visage.

"That lass is too wild," a gruff, elderly voice said. "And her eyes. I wouldn't be surprised if it were the mark of the Devil himself. There's something unnatural about it."

"She's kind though." Stephanie recognized the young voice of Claudette's. "The Mistress and Master are taken by her and I believe so is Master Etienne."

"Master Etienne knows better than to mix himself in the likes of her. She will not make him a good wife, Lord knows. He needs someone refined and sensible. And these singing lessons won't help him at all. He should take care or she might bewitch him."

She didn't listen to the rest, there was no need to. Stephanie dragged herself away and into her room, collapsing on top of the bed.

She didn't know what was worse—knowing her problem was still a hex here as it was at home or her infidelity. And despite everything before, she wanted to kiss Etienne. That had to be the worst offense of them all.

Had it not been for the wake-up call, she would have kissed Etienne right there in the woods. But she couldn't… she couldn't. Then there had been that dream. It was too close for comfort as she realized how well predicted it had been.

What did I get myself into? I should have known better…

She let out a groan as her nails curled into the bed sheets. Damn Etienne! Damn Dan for leaving her! If he hadn't left, then there would have been a ring on her finger and she wouldn't be having such impure thoughts about Etienne Destler.

"What am I to do?" she sobbed. "I can't possibly l—"

Letting out another moan, Stephanie rolled over on her back, hugging her chest as her tear-stained face gazed up. No! No there is no way I could have that feeling towards him. He's sexist, conceited, selfish, haughty, and a voice that can rival with Bing Crosby…Damnit!

"Why meGod!" Stephanie cried.

"I've always wonder that myself."

She turned to find Erik leaning against the doorframe, a smug expression posed. Noticing her shed tears, worry creased his brow as he gracefully glided inside to sit at the edge of her bed.

"Ma amie, what's wrong?" he asked.

"I'm pissed off at you, that's for sure," she grimly replied.

Taken aback, Erik's eyebrows rose. "Me? What have I done?"

Throwing him a nasty look, Stephanie named off his sins. "First, you had to assure Raoul and Meg I would sing for them. Second, you made me take lessons from your son. Your son, mind you. And third, you made me take lessons from your son that resulted in with us spending time together!"

"That is what happens when there's a student and teacher. You spend time together."

"That's not what I meant! God, Erik why! Why did you do that to me? Why did you purposefully stuck me with your single son?"

Not fazed by her outburst, Erik stared at her impassively. "To have you learn. Did something happen between you and my single son?"

Irate over his nonchalance, Stephanie yowled. "OF COURSE! WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE? HAVE A JOLLY GOOD TIME WITH TEA AND CRUMPETS!"

"Wrong culture but I have an idea why you're mad—"

She shook her head. "Oh you have NO idea!"

Erik crossed one leg over the other, his arms pressed against his upper chest. "Enlighten me. What happened that riled you so much, my dear?"

"You duh! This is all your fault! Were it not for your stupid ego I wouldn't be in this dilemma!"

"Pray, what was it?"

"ETIENNE! Got it! E-T-I-E-N-N-E!"

"We're getting closer. And what disservice has my son committed?"

"Do I need to spell it out for you? He—I—We—we almost kissed!"

"Uh-huh. And that's—pardon?" Erik looked at her sharply.

"Kissed Erik! Kissed! And I put all the blame on you."

"Me!"

"Yes! Again, was it not for your stupid ego I wouldn't have come this close to cheating on Dan!" Her thumb and index finger were held closely together for emphasis. "Did you plan this? Did you think that I wouldn't figure out the real motive behind your scheme? You're clever, Erik, you are but I caught you red-handed."

"My dear that wasn't my complete intention, but since you mentioned it…"

She groaned, throwing her hands up into the air. "For Pete's sake! I have Dan! What happened to 'I respect your decision'?"

"I do and anything Etienne has done was by his own volition and not my wish," Erik sternly told her. "If he's done anything inappropriate I will have a few words—"

"No, no," Stephanie muttered, shaking her head. "It was this one time. And it won't ever happen again."

"Are you positive?" Erik watched her carefully. "Stephanie, Etienne is an honorable gentleman. Though, I should warn you, he has inherited my pig-headed stubbornness and won't stop until he gets what he wants."

"That's suppose to cheer me up?" she asked, a small smile emerging.

"It's a start." Erik smiled back. "But I am serious about his stubbornness. About Dan…"

"Yeah?"

"Cheri, he's gone. He left remember? I see why you're upset but do you think it's time for you to move on? Do you think he hasn't?"

"N-yes," she whispered timidly. "I'm-I'm horrible."

"Hush now! Don't say that," Erik scolded. "What would you say if I said the same thing about myself?"

"I would smack you upside the head for starters."

He chuckled. "See? That is how I feel towards you. You shouldn't try to deny yourself the happiness you deserve."

Her hand crept out and took his, lacing their fingers together. She needed the reassurance from her old friend and his words helped, but the nagging that what she done was still wrong bothered her.

"You're not mad about what almost passed me and Etienne?"

"Mad? Good heavens no! A little surprised that's all. But I want you to be wise what choices you decide to make concerning my family."

"Or else I'll get Punjab, hmm?" Stephanie finished with a laugh. "You don't scare me big fella, but I'll heed your warning."

Erik nodded. "Good. I would hate to forgo my vow to never kill again with my best friend."

"Thank you," she said sincerely.

He gave a dismissive shrug, but he couldn't hide in his joy. "How does the saying go? 'We're cool' right?"

"We're cool," Stephanie answered and kissed his cheek.

Erik stood up and walked towards the door, but before leaving he turned on his heel and said:

"Stephanie, I want you to know I want you to find your happiness as well as Etienne's. My children all found their Angels, all except Etienne."

She instantly paled.

xxXXxx

Upon breaking from his stupor, Etienne went after Stephanie only to find she had indeed left him. Eros neighed softly, knowing the situation his master had fallen into. Biting back the gnawing rage and embarrassment brewing within, Etienne charged the horse onward.

He thundered into the stables, throwing the reins to the groom; ignoring the stares he was receiving. Stephanie came back without him, which would stir up some questions and rumors.

Stepping inside the estate, he thought twice about looking for her and apologizing for his forwardness. Then he realized, why should I beg for forgiveness when I clearly wanted to kiss her? It's not my fault she forgets about her boy.

The pent up fury wallowed once more as Etienne's loathing for Dan Shaw became apparent. He could feel his face becoming hotter as his fists shook, burning to hit something, anything to take away this… this anguish. He even thought about storming into Stephanie's quarters and taking what he wanted from her, to Hell with the consequences. He wanted her.

His conscience, however, couldn't allow any sort of pain to cross her and if he were to be the cause, he would never be able to forgive himself.

Is this what love feels? He pondered. This warring emotion of desire and propriety?

How was his father able to cope? Of course… Erik had the Modern-Day Angel. What did Etienne have?

No one.

Not even a fairy to assist with his blundering heart.

Etienne was passing by the upstairs room when he heard the servants' gossip taking place. Normally, he wouldn't care what stories would be contrived but for some reason he eavesdropped. And he was happy he did.

"Listen to me Claudette. That dark vixen is trouble! She will ruin Master Etienne's reputation and his chances for a prudent marriage if these lessons continue. Mark my words. Friend or not, she'll steal from under him without being caught!"

"Enough Marie!" Etienne harshly demanded. His harrowing glare at the impertinent old woman had her coiling with fear from the young master.

"My personal affairs are mine alone! When and who I decide to marry will come on my terms and the future Mrs. Destler will be welcome into this household. I will not tolerate harmful gossip from anyone lest they wish to be excused permanently!"

His words hit its target and he left, leaving behind an ominous presence where old Marie kept silent during the rest of her chores.

Letting loose his temper on Marie didn't sway his mind as he stalked to his room. Reaching the door, Etienne couldn't go in, knowing Stephanie was most likely next door and at the moment he was in a turmoil of emotions that seeing her wouldn't help. His reaction was questionable if they were to pass so he stiffly turned and headed in the direction of his music room.

There he would have peace, if only from the outside world.

Securing and locking the door, Etienne retreated to the majestic piano and played. He played his love, his sadness, his anger, everything that was stirring in his heart. The sounds became darker, violent as he reached the momentous climax. He didn't care who listened, he didn't care what the others would think from such inner conflicts within his soul.

On and on his fingers danced across the keys in a quick, fluid pace. Music was his mistress and only she can help him forget, only temporarily, the recent events. But cruel forces forced him to conjured images of his angelic Stephanie, churning his stomach as he imagined her in the passionate, loving embrace of Monsieur Shaw. Surely, she could never be repulsed by that boy. Surely, she could never reject such sacred embraces by that boy.

What of him?

Etienne was convinced that the glorious mood long ago forgotten was a fluke from his haunted longings. Even if they were to touch in an endearing manner, she would wake from the spell and do harm to his person for taking advantage of her. That was no question about it.

Sighing, Etienne rested his head on top of the cool instrument, his deft digits lightly producing a soft tune. The tranquil notes lulled him into a dreamy slumber, where his advances were eagerly accepted by the hazel and jade eyed beauty.

TBC…