well hello there!i know this update is a little later than normal, but i have an explanation!ive done it, ive finally caught up with my rewriting!what does that mean for this phic?no longer will there be everyday updates now there will be hopefully every other day, or just a few days updates. and i know this one isnt that long, i just thought it would best like this. well thats all folks!hope you enjoy and please review!

Chapter 22

Erik held Nicole closely to him, waiting for her to reply. His heart was pounding in his chest, he couldn't believe what had just happened.

I kissed her. I had lost all control over myself. And then I told her I loved her? I am such a fool!

Nicole wasn't saying anything, and Erik was growing anxious with every passing minute. Then Erik remembered what Nicole had told him months ago.

"She wants you to marry him, but what about you?"

"I can't love him."

"Why is that Nicole?"

"I…love someone else."

Who was the man she loved? The thought plagued Erik's mind. He could stand the silence no longer.

"Nicole?"

He felt her head move and she looked up at him. Her eyes were moist, she had been silently crying. He had to resist the need to kiss her again.

"Erik..." she started but he interrupted her.

"I am sorry. I was to forward."

"No! That's not it, it's just..."

That man you love, who is he?

"I told you once, when we first met that, I am in love with someone."

"Yes, I remember."

Erik grunted. He was still holding her, and his grip tightened possessively. He thought he saw her smile for a second, but it was quickly gone.

"It's you, Erik."

He looked at her, confused. She broke away from his embrace, and she continued, "When I heard you sing, for Don Juan Triumphant, I was yours. Erik, what I mean to say is..."

I have wanted to hear these words for so long, wanted someone to love me in return!

"Erik, I love you too." she finished.

It was too much for him to take. Those words, he never heard anyone say them to him before. He looked at her eyes and saw all the love she had for him right on the surface.

I was such a fool for never noticing!

Suddenly Erik remembered about his face, and he placed his hand over it. Nicole shook her head gently, grabbed his hand and pulled it away from his face.

"Erik when I say I love you, I mean all of you."

He kissed her again, never wanting it to end.

She broke the kiss and said in a whisper, "You have no idea how long I have waited for you to do that."

Her breathing was short and when he held her close he could feel her heart pounding.

"You have really loved me for two years?"

"Yes, you captured my heart with your voice, I succumbed easily."

"And the man behind the voice? Have you come to love me?" he said, disbelieving.

"Erik," she whispered, "You are the most kind, caring, strong, handsome, and wonderful man I know. No one compares to you."

"Handsome?"

She laughed, "Yes Erik, handsome! You are tall, mysterious, and strong. And don't you try to tell me otherwise! Oh, I am so happy Erik! I never thought you would look upon me as anything but a student!"

His eyes grew dark as he said in a husky voice, "Oh, believe me I have looked at you for a long time as something else."

Her face turned pink with blushing as she asked, "Really? I have never thought myself worth looking at."

He smirked, "You mean your beautiful body? Yes, I can see that. Why would any man be attracted to a woman with a slim, yet curvy figure. A smile that brightens up any room, and makes the sun look pale. Hair that could be compared to caramel? Luscious, wavy, and sweet. Eyes that pierce into my soul, and make me want to do anything for you? Just by looking at me you can make me feel like the only man that matters to you. Oh yes, Nicole, there is much to look at upon you that makes my blood boil, and my mind cloudy."

Nicole stood speechless never having received such praise from any one. Her stomach was filled with butterflies as Erik stood and stared at her body, licking his lips. Before she could even blink he had her in his arms again, attacking her lips with his own. They both broke the kiss to refill their air supply and Nicole new she had better go home.

"I must go home, if Mama doesn't find me in my bed…"

He gripped her softly, and whispered, "I don't want you to go."

"I must, you know that."

Nicole stepped away from him and said, "I will come back. I love you."

His face broadened into a large grin as he said, "I love you too."

Nicole walked to her bedroom, it was close to dawn, and she hoped no one was awake. The entire house was silent, and she knew her absence had not been noticed. She quickly changed her clothes and slipped into bed, all though she couldn't sleep. Memories of Erik filled her mind. With a firm resolve she knew she would tell Jacques tomorrow, that she could never love him.

There is no way I can even pretend with him anymore. I must tell him to try to find someone else, someone that will love him. How will he react? It won't be good I know, but I can no longer pretend to be interested in him. Not after last night.

Finally she drifted off to sleep, thinking only of Erik.