I am soooo sorry it's taken me so long to get this up. I have no excuses. I dropped the story, lost interest, jhad the worst writer's block ever. No excuses. I hate myself for disappointing you. If any of you are still even interested, I think I'll wrap this story up shortly. Again, I'm sorry. Really, really sorry. Ambles off ashamed
An... Unpleasant Suprise
"Erik..." she whispered, too softly for him to hear, his mouth still capturing hers. Suddenly, she opened her eyes wide, gasped, and pushed Rafe away from her. "What are you doing, Monsieur?" she said quietly, ice dripping from her words like venom.
"I beg your pardon most humbly, Mademoiselle," he said, avoiding her eyes as red flooded his face. "I do not know... how I could act so dishonorably. I could not help it, please, I beg of you, Christine..." he trailed off miserably, looking up at her at last. "I'm so sorry," he whispered, rising from his chair. "I must go." He strode to the doorway quicker than Christine could react. She leapt from the bed and ran after him, catching him halfway down the hall.
"Wait!" she demanded. "Don't you think I deserve an explanation, after that? Were you planning on using me, like some... some whore while I slept? Do you often take advantage of women like that, Monsieur?"
"No, no, of course not," he said hurriedly, his deep voice filled with remorse. "I don't know what came over me. I haven't even kissed a woman, before you, for over three years, since my wife died delivering our first child. I am truly sorry, Mademoiselle. I shall leave now."
"No, stay. I... forgive you. Truly, I do. I... know how it feels to be unable to control oneself around another person. I was frightened of you, and therefore... hasty. Please, stay," she said, placing a hand on his arm, guiding him gently back to her room. He sighed and allowed himself to be led. She directed him back to her bed, setting him down and placing herself next to him. He still refused to meet her gaze, and she watched him for a long time before she drew a hesitant breath to speak. "I'm so sorry... about your loss. Your wife, and child, I mean."
Rafe finally looked at her, and Christine couldn't help but notice that he had tears lining his strikingly green eyes. "Emily," he whispered. "My daughter was to be named Emily. It's carved into the headstone she shares with my wife." His eyes dropped again as a single tear fell. Christine touched it heasitantly, and laid a hand on his.
"I, too, have lost someone I love, but he is still alive." Suddenly, his voice came back to her again, after having remained silent for so long: Say you need me with you now and always. Any where you go, let me go too... Oh, God, how she needed him now! "I could not imagine having to live, having to wake up to face each bleak morning knowing that he does not still walk the same world as I. I am truly sorry. If there's anything I can do for you..." He looked at her again, his gaze stronger now, the hunger returned. He leaned toward her, warm breath trailing lazily along her cheek. Her lips parted and her eyes fluttered closed as he moved closer, lips brushing hers. "No," she breathed, gently placing a hand on his mouth. "What is it?" he asked, puzzled.
"I do regret that you lost the woman you love. I can promise you, I know how you feel. But the man I love is still alive, and I cannot forget him simply because you've shown up and taken my breath away. I am attracted to you, Rafe... you call to a part of me that I have long hidden away, a part I've hardly dared to explore, but... I have lost myself already, heart and soul, to Erik. Please understand," she begged, her own eyes filling with tears as she was forded to deny him.
He leaned back slowly, laying flat on the bed with his hands tucked beneath his neck. "I do," he said softly. If Kara were still alive, I could not abandon her for anyone on Earth, no matter how much another woman stirred my blood. I understand, truly. Please don't cry, little one," he said, sitting up and putting his arms around her. She leaned into him, glad for the comfort and patience he offered. "I hope we can still be friends, Christine. I've grown rather fond of you." He smiled crookedly, dark hair falling over his deep eyes. Christine could not help but laugh at his boyish sincerity.
"Of course we can be friends. I would hate to lose you, Rafe. We've only known each other for a few weeks, but I feel as though I am safe with you. I trust you," she said boldly. He chuckled, then bent down to steal a quick, friendly kiss. "Perhaps you shouldn't," he laughed as she pushed him gently away. "Come," she said suddenly, standing and pulling him out the door. "It's still early, and I believe Raoul promised me some horses." The laughing pair walked out, arm in arm, into the sunny afternoon.