Chapter 8: When Sparks Fly

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-Kara

The opera house was so alive, everyone bustled about their voices bouncing off of one another. I smiled to myself, I had missed this so much the stillness of my prison was too unsettling. I was happy and content in the moment that I had forgotten that I had a mission, my freedom was at stake… as was my life too. Instinctively my hand went to touch my throat it still burned but it wasn't as bad as before. I looked around, he said he would be watching me, I didn't doubt that he would for a second.

Taking a shaky breath I walked down a hallway, if I were to find this man the front parlor was a good place to start. It was just a small red room where guests could rest and drink before practices began, it was usually reserved for important guests like patron, or Viscounts. But tourists were more than welcome to use it any day it was reserved. I used to play in that room every time I had the chance I would pretend to be some stuffy countess who visited from Norway. The door that led into the parlor was closed, a sure sign that it was in use.

I knocked gently on the door, my hands were clammy and a sweat had broken out onto my brow. The door opened slowly and Monsieur Firmer stood before giving me the most peculiar look.

"Mademoiselle Basset? Where have you been dear everyone has been looking for you! We thought you had returned to America." He opened the door and allowed me to step in.

"I'm sorry for causing such a problem and I'm sorry for the intrusion." My head was down. I hated awkward situations like these.

"You're quite alright, we were just finishing up here we have a new patron of the opera." I looked up and saw him. The man had a brown coat and a walking stick he was quite handsome, and I was just standing there like an idiot.

"Pleasure to meet you Monsieur, thank you for funding our Opera House." I curtsied as the man smiled.

"Please no need for formalities call me Raoul, and it's my pleasure this Opera holds many dear memories." He smiled, oh his smile it was so bright and warm nothing compared that damn phantom.

"Well thank you Raoul." I smiled, but it faded slowly this was the man that determined my fate I had to act quickly.

"Raoul… if I may that is, perhaps I can give you a tour of the Opera, after all you will be funding us." I put the sweetest smile I could muster on my face.

"If you feel you must then of course you can." He smiled and offered his arm to me and I hesitantly took it.

"So I'm told you've travelled here from America." His voice was soft and his enunciation was heavenly.

"Yes my mother and I lived in Charleston, South Carolina up until my father's death, after his passing my Mother wanted to downsize and move to New York." I smiled at him.

"New York… I've read about that city it seems grand but it's far too many people for my taste, I'm more drawn to the countryside than the city." This man was after my own heart! How could he be so perfect!

"So I never asked your name Mademoiselle." He looked down at my and smile his kind eyes were enough for me to get lost in.

"Claudine, but my friends call me Claude."

"Claudine, that's a beautiful nam- LOOK OUT!" He tackled me just as a sand bag fell on the floor with a loud thump. Raoul was on top of me in a very awkward position, my face was burning red.

"Are you okay Claudine?" He caressed the side of my face, the worry in his eyes was obvious.

"I'm fine." My voiced squeaked, moments later Raoul sat up and held his hand out to me. I took it and slowly stood up, it hands were a little callused but they had a softness to them as well.

"I believe it's best if you retire to your chambers Claudine, you took a nasty spell to the floor." The worry had never left his eyes.

"Yes, I think you're right I have things to attend to anyways." I glared at the sand bag, the rope had most certainly been cut, and this wasn't an accident.

"Let me escort you." I had to keep myself from laughing. I could imagine his face once he came face to face with the Phantom.

"Thank you Raoul but I think I can manage myself, but I'm free tomorrow perhaps we can go to lunch." I smiled again.

"That sounds wonderful." He took my hand in his a kissed it.

"Until tomorrow Claudine." I started to walk away, I had a big smile on my face this wasn't going to be as terrible as I thought it was going to be.

I made my way to the Prima Donna room, in that room there was a mirror that I could step through to get to his lair. The tunnels were dark and rigged with booby traps, it's a good thing I was given instructions on how to get back. I took a total of thirty minutes to get back, I was quite proud of myself I only fell twice. Once I got back to the lair I made a bee line to the boat and rowed my way to the other side. He was waiting for me.

"You've made progress in all of one day, I'm impressed." I rolled my eyes.

"You nearly killed me and the patron." I glared at him.

"I moved things along it was going nowhere, now he won't be able to take his mind off of your beautiful eyes." I looked at him.

"I have what?" I smirked, he said my eyes were beautiful.

"What? Nothing I didn't say anything." He turend from me.

"Yes you did, you said my eyes are beautiful, aww you like me." He turned towards me.

"Do not."

"Do too"

"DO NOT"

"DO TOO"

He marched towards me and held me by my shoulders.

"Why do you test me, you would think after last night you would have learned your lesson." He shook me with every word.

"I'm not afraid of you anymore, I'm going to be free soon or you're going to kill me either way I'm going to be away from you." I stared him down.

"What makes you think I won't kill you now?" I smirked.

"Because you need me. You need me to distract Raoul for whatever reason you need me to." He stared down at me as I continued.

"You may be a Phantom but you are still a mortal man and despite everything that you've done I still believe there's good in you." I looked deep in my eyes.

"Now, can you let go of my shoulders I'll cook you dinner." I was hoping he'd let go of my shoulders soon they were starting to hurt. The Phantom was silent a few moments passed before he made a quick movement. I was almost certain that he was going to choke me again. But instead I felt a pressure on my lips. My eyes widened as I looked at him, he was kissing me. I was shocked for a few moments, but then I finally gave in and melted into the kiss. His lips were rough but experienced, I was on cloud nine. But just soon as it began it was over, he pushed me away from him and looked at me in utter disgust while holding his mouth.

"Monsieur..." I started.

"Just go, get out of here…"

Without another word I left and went to prepare dinner.