A/N: Hey!!! Sorry it's been taking me long but with classes and everything…argh. About dang time, huh? It gets better folks. Please don't forget to review!

Chapter 28: The Masquerade Ball Part 2

Stephanie's mind was rendered into a blank slate, a gasp of surprise giving his tongue access to explore. Her body went numb, powerless as he pulled her against him roughly, his lips merciless as he moved over her. A jolt of lust coursed through her, setting a fire through her entire being. Yes… this was what she wanted… what she longed for in her fevered dreams. She could feel the strength that radiated through Etienne and she wanted more of it, more of him. The taste of him was driving her mad as the last of the barriers dissolved, allowing her to give herself freely.

She loathed him… she loved him. God, she didn't want it to end.

Reluctantly, the kiss ended as Etienne pulled away, resting his forehead against hers, his breathing ragged.

The exquisite sensations continued to travel through Stephanie; her eyes drooped by the proximity and the scent of his arousal. Sweat was already collecting at her temples and around her brow, causing her mask to feel too tight and unbearable to her hot flesh.

As if reading her mind, Etienne gently untied the strings, dropping the silk by their feet. His finger tilted her chin up, beseeching her to look at him.

She did.

Her breath caught as she stared into his molten stormy irises. Never had she seen anything as beautiful as Etienne letting his guard down revealing his emotions, baring his soul to her. For too long he kept his innermost desires to himself, a struggle that continued until she sang the song that was both a curse and a blessing. Only then did he allow to free himself, exposing his wishes and hopes of more sweet, passionate kisses and the dance of flesh on flesh.

She was his world, his heart, his soul. He loved her and by God he was risking everything to sample the forbidden fruit and prove to her she belonged with him.

There was no Dan… there was no future, no past. Only present. Only them.

"Etienne—" Stephanie murmured.

She was cut off by his lips. This time the kiss was tender, loving, caring, and promising. It wasn't the starving kiss she witnessed of his primal side, but soothing and gentle. The kiss of a lover.

His deft digits sweetly caressed her bare arms, traveling up to her shoulders and down to her waist, creating chills in their path. In turn, she responded to his kiss, to his touch. Her fingers roved up his muscular arms, powerful neck, and tangled into his dark hair. She brought his face closer to hers, not once breaking as she shifted her body for him to rest against her.

A low moan building in his chest released in his throat by her action, increasing the pressure of his lips. Her tongue traced along his bottom lip, pleading for entry and he gave it. They both touched… rolling along the other until Stephanie broke from him.

"No…no," she mumbled, pressing her hand on his torso, pushing him away to give her space.

Etienne gaped at her. Shock adorned his countenance before being replaced by fury. He grasped her arms, his nails digging into her skin as he lowered his voice to her ear.

"I will not have you running away from me anymore Stephanie," he vowed threateningly. "No more of these seconds thoughts. You're mine." The last word came out in a growl, bringing goosebumps all over.

"I'm not! J-Jeanette," Stephanie stammered. "We can't Etienne. Not when you love her."

His laugh startled her as his grip loosened. Relief dotted all over as he suddenly pulled her into a hug, kissing the top of her head.

"Dear, dear Stephanie!" he chuckled merrily. "Little fool. I do not love her nor could I ever love any other not when there's only you."

"Then why all the flirting?" she demanded and then it hit her. Looking at him accusingly, she rebuked, "You were trying to make me jealous!"

He nodded solemnly. "Yes. Though it wasn't the smartest of me I know and I regret the deed quite gravely. Do you forgive me?"

"Forgive you?" she cried. "I'm the one who should be asking that!"

Etienne regarded her with confusion. "You? You have done nothing."

Stephanie laughed cynically. "Please don't make me the innocent. I'm just to blame as you. Or have you forgotten?"

He sighed, looking down. "How can I not? He has been my invisible jailer this whole time."

Stephanie mouthed her open and was silenced by his steely resolve. "I hate him, Stephanie. I hate him with a passion; I hate him the way I need food and water to live. I hate him for having this influence over you, making you love him so much when he doesn't deserve you. I… hate… him!" he stressed by the grating of his teeth.

Then in a softer tone, Etienne's thumb caressed the underside of her jaw, his eyes sad. "And despite my hatred for him… I wish I was him."

Stephanie's eyes widened as he revealed his hidden wish. Him? Etienne wishes to be Dan? To say this alarmed her was an understatement. She was livid that he would want this!

"Don't say that Etienne!" she scolded. When he tried looking away, she grasped his chin and forced him to look down at her. "Listen to me. Don't you ever say that! Don't you ever wish it! I was wrong when it came to him. You were right and I desperately wanted to believe in that illusion. I was at a loss with everything—Dan, here, and you. Most importantly you."

She let his face go. "You…" Stephanie whispered. "You drove me crazy. And I still found you attractive and I like you Etienne. I really do. More than I wanted to admit."

At last hearing her admission was more than he could ever hope for. Awestruck, he traced her lips with his thumb before replacing it with his lips. Tears were wetting his face as he tasted her salty tears. It was right. This…them in each other's arms… was more than he could ever ask for. Etienne could practically hear the faeries' hums…

Breaking for air, Stephanie smiled as she touched her lover. "We should go back before anyone starts to worry."

Etienne chuckled. "I wish I could contradict you, alas you're right."

Bending down, he picked up her mask and his and handed hers to her. Slipping his on, Etienne offered and helped tied the strings, allowing it to nestle into her curls.

What I wouldn't give to bury myself into them, he thought dreamily. Damn this party!

He proffered his arm to her and Stephanie slyly slipped her arm through his. A mischievous glint was in her eyes and before Etienne could realize what was happening, she was gone.

xxXXxx

Erik held Christine close to him, moving his feet in time to the beat. He couldn't stop smiling at how well this evening was turning out. Stephanie had been sublime! The fop was speechless and the investors were eager to know if Mlle Larson was to be hired.

As much as Erik would have liked to have the young woman to stay permanently, he knew that her debut would most likely be her one and only. The patrons were sad to hear this but quickly recovered to discuss other important matters. But Erik couldn't stop thinking about Stephanie living in his home, being on stage with his wife, being part of his family.

Ever since he and Christine spoke about Etienne, he couldn't get the image of Stephanie becoming his daughter-in-law out of his head. He knew in his heart that his son and friend would make a fine match. They were similar in many ways and each had the same disposition that led to their passionate tempers. Erik had no doubt that Etienne would make her happy, more so than Dan ever could.

How ironic, he thought. That I should wish for nothing more than for her and Dan to be separated than together. Especially, how I had interfered on Stephanie's behalf.

Yet, Stephanie had told him of her heart's wish. And he gave her his blessing. How I wish I can take it back, he thought sadly.

There was another thought that came haunting his mind. One he knew was unavoidable.

Stephanie had her own life, in her own world to consider. She belonged there, not this world. Just like Erik belonging to here and not her world. If he had never returned, Erik was certain he would have managed to survive but it wouldn't be the same. Nothing could ever be the same if he had no Christine. And the same could be applied to Stephanie.

They are cursed, Erik concluded in regret. Etienne and Stephanie need each other but at the same time they can't be with one another. Nothing but pain will meet them. God… if only I hadn't encouraged her lessons!

"My love, what is wrong?" Christine asked, concern flooding her hazel pools.

Erik shook his head, tightening his grip as they swayed to the music. "She did well."

"Yes she did," Christine replied monotonously. "But I can tell there's something plaguing your mind."

He sighed. "How transparent I am to you! Though, I'm sure there should be no surprise to what I am thinking about."

Understandingly, Christine nodded. "I've been thinking about it too. But do you believe they may have a chance? We are giving them the benefit of the doubt and assuming the worse when there could be possibility. We're forgetting hope, my darling."

"That we are," Erik agreed wistfully. "Maybe we need to stop looking at this logically. Fate is a queer thing to tangle with."

"Yes. We should let whatever happens, happen."

xxXXxx

Grumbling and frustrated (in more ways than one), Etienne searched for his vixen.

Stephanie stood off to the side, making sure she wasn't visible to him but at the same time could watch his moves. His shoulders were tense, his lips pursed in concentration as he tried to locate the Spanish maiden. Stephanie covered her mouth, muffling her giggles.

The minx is playing with me. Etienne scowled, not liking this game at all. He wanted to take her back into the shadows again for another round of kissing. The act itself was becoming more agreeable in his mind as he recalled her lips massaging his… her soft sighs… her cinnamon scent…

Dear Lord, what is wrong with me?! He thought in horror. The prim, honorable Etienne Destler was reduced to a hormonal schoolboy caught up in his first crush. His body had warmed exceedingly and nothing would cease the unquenchable hunger and ravaging thoughts of Stephanie Larson. The desire that was swelling inside was dizzying as Etienne's head swayed, mentally praying for a sign for the cure he needed.

For what felt like an eternity, his eyes settled on a moving shadow, near the pillar he stood earlier. Etienne's grin broadened as he began to stalk towards it. Gotcha.

"Etienne!" Oh no…

His vision was blocked by a bushel of feathers and a beak smack-dabbed in his face. It took him awhile for it to register the woman to be Jeanette LeBlanc. All pleasing thoughts and warm feelings disappeared as he gazed at the fowl in front of him.

"You were splendid, my love!" Jeanette gushed, taking his arm and smiling daintily. "Mlle Larson was good but you stole the audience with your superb playing!"

"Ah, thank you Jeanette," Etienne said, fearing Stephanie will get the wrong impression of Jeanette's presence. I cannot lose her again.

"Your uncle throws a good party. But I've been bored with the dance partners and I need someone graceful." Her light brow arched as she batted her lashes at him.

Etienne did his best to hide his discomfort and coughed. "I would be delighted to but in this circumstance I'm afraid I must decline. I've already promised Mlle Larson to a dance."

"Oh." Disappointment etched on the parts visible, until her blue eyes flickered wickedly. "How unfortunate you are sir! Your partner appears to be nowhere in sight. I'm sure this once won't matter—"

"As a matter of fact, it does."

A relieved smile broke out on Etienne as Stephanie appeared by his side, glaring at the clingy bird.

"It would be rude of me to leave after my maestro just asked me to dance," Stephanie said flatly, taking his free arm, marking her territory.

Could he get enough of this? Never, in his opinion as Stephanie dragged him away from the simpering swan. Etienne rather liked the possessive side of hers as she made sure they weren't in Jeanette's view.

"That wasn't very nice," Etienne remarked. "Thank you, mon ange."

"My pleasure," she purred. "I knew you would need my help when Swan Princess came trotting over."

"Good Heavens! Is that what she's supposed to be?" Etienne guffawed as he placed his hand on the small of her back. Smirking, he took her hand and began to lead them into a waltz.

His fluid movements caught her by surprise and she stumbled over her feet, trying to keep up.

"It's easy," he whispered. "One two three, one two three."

"I know how to waltz!" she hissed. "You caught me unawares."

"Sure," he replied with his smart-ass smirk.

Stephanie rolled her eyes, thumping his shoulder.

He drew her closer, his lips dipping near to her ear as he continued. "Although, I am astounded you can dance to something of my time. I thought in the future, partners must be very close."

Her knees wavered by the tender caress of his husky voice. "Y-y-y-yes. B-but n-not always," she replied meekly. "Why?"

"Oh, something I remember my parents doing," Etienne answered nonchalantly. "Until they started kissing and, of course, we all had to look away." He made a disgusted expression causing her to giggle.

"Ah, but they're cute," she defended. "Not unlike my parents. I can't even remember a time when they teased each other or kissed."

He didn't know why, but Etienne felt sorry for her. "It must have been bad."

She shrugged. "It's no big deal. I mean, they must still love each other since they're together. It's probably better with me not around. I don't think I was what they expected."

"Don't Stephanie," Etienne warned her. "Your parents are simpletons. You're an amazing young woman who has accomplished many things. They're insane if they make you think otherwise."

"Maybe or maybe not," Stephanie sighed. "No one knows. I don't speak to them as often as I would like to. But I am happy and that's what counts."

"Yes."

As the music came to an end, Etienne wasn't ready to relinquish his hold on her. Still embracing her, he inhaled her delicious scent.

"I never thought this would be possible. But it's real, isn't it?"

"It is," she answered. She shivered by the intense look he was sending her.

"It's growing late," he commented.

"Yes."

"We should continue this elsewhere," Etienne told her, curling his hand into hers.

"What about the demasking?" Stephanie asked.

"Oh." Etienne thought for a moment. "Quite right. It will be strange for the performers to leave early, especially when it's my father being honored and all. And I don't want rumors to spread. After then. Maybe we might be able to leave in our own hansom, if we're lucky."

"Okay."

It was in that single word when Stephanie knew she was done running. She was tired and all she wanted was to be finally caught. She accepted that her heart belonged to Etienne, now and forever.

Erik would be so proud of her.

xxXXxx

The time was drawing nigh as everyone gathered around for the grand unmasking. Standing by her husband, Madeleine watched her brother and Stephanie as they held hands.

Finally! She thought with relief and happiness. The past awkwardness and tension were gone, leaving only the luminous smiles of a couple in love.

Stephanie, giddy and hyper from the energy and being close to Etienne, couldn't wait to divest herself of the mask. She knew hers wasn't as hot and stuffy like Etienne's must be, but where her thoughts wandered had her hot under the collar. She didn't know what Etienne had in mind, but her own was filled with what they could do together.

As Raoul was calling out to remove the masks, Stephanie had hers gone immediately and looked up into Etienne's loving gaze. He brought her hand up to his lips but didn't move to kiss her. He stared right at her, into the depths of her very soul.

Her heart hammered in her chest but she was not afraid. She vaguely had an idea of what her decision meant and accepted it wholeheartedly. They still had much to speak of, but not tonight. Tonight was their night, everything else was damned.

TBC…