chapter 30

I just wanted him with me. Was it too much to ask? Probably.

Past the stables, music played from the barn. It was a welcome sound to numb my stupid mind.

The many employees of the Garnier hung about the simple, yet quite large building. Smoking, drinking and laughing.

I wished I felt like laughing.

Curiously, I passed through the large sliding doors and into the sea of wiggling, thrusting bodies. It was a scene out of Dirty Dancing.

The music that played was very different from what I'd been hearing for the past few months. I loved the Celtic, upbeat sound. A little surprising to hear in the middle of France.

Erique played pops here and there—mostly for me. He was very "highbrow" and specific in his taste. Which was also a little odd, because when he did play pops, he seemed to enjoy it. I'd catch the hint of a smile as his eyes glimmered my way. Or maybe it was that I enjoyed it that made him so keen to play.

Fucking Erique. Fucking men. Fucking time.

Now, to find Christine. She swore she'd be here, and I hoped it was sooner rather than later.

" Strange one! " Pierre called out, stumbling up to meet me. He bowed. "Melody."

" Hello ," I said, a bit surprised by his friendly demeanor toward me. Nine out of ten times he was irritated by my presence. Now, I was starting to think it was just a French thing.

He snatched my hand and dragged me out to the makeshift dance floor. I didn't know how I felt about it, but I also wanted to have fun.

Smiling ear to ear, I danced with my supervisor, hoping that was all he was trying to do. But just in case, I had my knife on me.

He held my hands and tried to show me how to dance to the music. At least his version. I watched his feet move and picked it up quickly. It was a simple hop and kick. Alternating feet.

I threw a hand in the air and hopped around some more, kicking a foot in and out.

A few more people joined in with Pierre and I, forming a circle. We danced in and out and turned about. Clapping along to the beat.

"Hello, Melody!" someone called out.

Just then, Christine and her friend Chloe joined the circle. Relief washed over me, I wasn't alone now.

Their masks were simple domino style, matching their dresses.

The music ended, which I kind of needed. I'd been really physical a lot the past month for sure, but I was still a little winded.

We pulled off to the side as the music started up again, leaving Pierre on his own.

Christine hugged me. "You look so beautiful."

"Do you recognize me?" I asked. The ladies stared confused. I hunched over and brought my arm to cover the lower half of my face. " Le fant?me de l'Opéra ," I said, moving around like a ghost at them.

They laughed, swatting at me. "Raoul is going to meet us soon. Where is your Erique?" she asked, looking around.

So much for trying to get into a fun mindset.

"Oh, he's... We got into a fight," I said, and shrugged. Thinking about it hurt a little. Was I really going to go back to my room in the opera tonight?

Christine's face fell. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah, just a little argument before I left. It's nothing." I hoped.

Facing Christine now, it was probably best he hadn't come. If she recognized his voice, that'd be a hard one to explain away.

"Well, that's all right. We will have fun anyway. I see Pierre was trying to show you how to dance?" she said, wriggling her brows.

My skin crawled at her joke, and I shook my head. "Oh god, I know. Is he still looking this way?"

The two women glanced over my shoulder and nodded.

"Ugh. Let's dance, maybe he'll go away," I said.

The music started up again just in time. The song was another upbeat, bass and fiddle, heavy sound.

Christine grabbed our hands to form our own circle.

A minute or so in, there was a tug at my arm. In a moment of excitement, I turned around hoping to see those heterochromic eyes. Unfortunately, it was Pierre. Again.

Christine shooed him away. "Just girls tonight."

He almost looked sad. It was that fake sad though. " Ah allez. It's just a dance ," he said, taking my hand.

Suddenly Pierre's face dropped, and he let go.

I groaned at the sight of Philippe. As if my night couldn't get any worse. Raoul and Philippe had joined us while I was distracted.

Philippe was dressed as normal, how boring, yet not surprising. Raoul on the other hand wore a mask and very colorful outfit similar to Christine's.

I know Christine mentioned they were coming. I just hadn't expected to see them. Especially Philippe.

"Looks like you all have been having a bit of fun," Raoul said. He took Christine's hand and twirled her. She giggled insanely. Chloe stared at Philippe, probably hoping he'd ask her to dance.

"Well. I'm really surprised to see you at something like this," I finally said.

"It is somewhat unbecoming of me, isn't it?" he said, looking down his nose at the people around. "You look," his eyes raked over me, landing on my tattoos.

"Oh, yeah. Surprise. I told you we wouldn't be a good match, didn't I?"

"Yes. Thank you for saving me."

I laughed. It was funny.

Don't get me wrong, Erique could be quite stuffy too. But it felt different. Erique lived with so many different kinds of people. Whereas Philippe just saw us as roaches.

"Speaking of, where is your companion?" he said looking around. "The one that stole you from me?"

"No one stole anyone," I sighed, and rolled my eyes.

A smirk snuck onto his face. Was he joking around?

I gave him a little nudge. "That's not ok."

"Ah. Can you blame me? You're an interesting woman. Dance with me."

"What? No," I said. "Dance with Chloe. She seems to actually like you."

He glanced at her indifferently. "Your gentleman is not here," he said, returning his grumpy gaze to me. "Dance with me."

His presence usually irritated me, but what would it hurt? He's obviously okay after I "broke" his heart. And it would keep Pierre away.

"You see. I can be surprising," Philippe said. I shook my head and took his hand. As we hopped around, I think I found myself having a little fun.

He pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around my waist. As long as he didn't kiss me, I was good.

The song ended and I stepped back quickly. We bowed to each other and clapped for the band.

It was good to see this side of Philippe. Maybe he wasn't as stuck up as I thought. In a small way, I was glad he was here too. He'd at least be a Pierre deterrent.

The music started back up, and Philippe's hand was wrapped around mine again, ready for another go round.

"May I have this dance?" his voice caressed my ears.

It was like the music went silent and it was just us. Familiar, captivating emerald green and stone-gray eyes stared out from under a mask with white crackled paint and horns.

He wore the same shirt as me, matched with riding pants that had a cape or something tucked into it, flowing off to the side, sort of like a Matador.

We were almost twins.

"I would suggest you leave us be, friend ," Philippe said, stepping in front of me.

"No. It's alright!" I said, trying to appear calm. As much as I wanted Erique here, I didn't want a fight to break out. Or murder…

Erique's eyes sliced to Philippe as he took a step forward. Philippe may have been a bit taller than him, but Erique would kill him before he knew what happened.

I had a belief that Erique could be civil. But Philippe was someone who he hated.

I weaved around Philippe in between the two. "It was good to see you, I hope you enjoy the rest of the night," I said to Philippe.

Understandably so, he was irritated, looking around, most likely hoping no one saw him rejected, again.

"You're not going to introduce me to your… friend ?" Philippe's voice had a snide edge to it. This night could literally get worse.

I didn't need to see Erique's face to know that he was staring daggers at the count. And probably plotting his death. Dread shot through me and suddenly I'd forgotten how to speak.

"Of course. Where are my manners?" I said, forcing myself to say words. "Comte Philippe De Changy, up and coming politician. This is Erique. Leroux . Composer and Architect."

"Leroux? I'm afraid I don't know that name. Is your family local?" Philippe asked. The arrogance in the room was so thick, I was trying not to choke on it.

I couldn't believe I just gave him the Phantom Of The Opera author's name…

Erique straightened up, somehow suddenly much taller than I remembered him being. "I reside nearby, yes."

"Architect? And composer?" Philippe asked with a snide tone.

Erique tilted his head, "Guilty again, Monsieur ."

"Is there a living in that? Would I know any of your work? Either musically or structurally?" Philippe asked.

Though I smiled, my jaw was clenched hard. I swore I could hear my teeth cracking.

"Ok. Well, that's enough for tonight," I tried to interject.

"You know my work," Erique said matter of fact. "However, I have been a silent partner for many years," he said proudly. "Because of this, I am afforded the luxury to care for not only myself, but another as well, very comfortably." Erique looped his arm around my waist and pressed his hand against my stomach. "More if we like."

I hoped it was just banter to get under Philippe's skin and not something more as he was insinuating. Knowing Erique it was both. Great, another fun conversation I wanted to have…

"Good night, Miss Reilly," Philippe said with a tight-lipped smile. Then shot Erique the dirtiest look I'd ever seen.

I was relieved when he walked away.

Erique's grip tightened around me. "I should kill him for touching you," he muttered.

"Stop."

The dim lights of the barn touched his face gently but accentuated the hate in his eyes. The mask didn't cover as much as his regular ones. Scarring crept out around the edges a lot, revealing more of his jaw. Shocking he would have so much uncovered. I loved it.

"You're here," I said in the most pathetic voice.

The intense stare he had for Philippe melted away. Long fingers cupped my face then he pressed his forehead to mine. "Forgive my stupidity," he said. "I don't want to be that kind of man for you."

This was what it was like to have someone who wanted to be in your life.

This is what Sarah's had all her adult life. This is what Mom always wanted for herself and never found.

"Are you ok?" I asked.

"I will be."

A gentle kiss was all it took before my arms went lifeless and I saw stars. God, he was overwhelming. And he was here for me.

"Come home tonight…" he said, rubbing his cheek against mine.

With what will I had; I whispered. "I had every intention of coming back."

Christine and Chloe glanced at each other with suggestive and approving smiles on their faces.

It was weird introducing him to the women he already knew. But, like the man he was, greeted with a gentlemen's bow and acted as if it were the first time.

"Do you want a drink?" Christine asked me.

I nodded, "Wine please."

"You loathe wine, love," Erique said quickly.

"We're having fun, right?"

"One bottle of wine then," he smirked. "Would you allow me to fetch your drink?" he asked the two young women.

They nodded, and he was on his way.

Christine grabbed my arm. "Oh my, he is so in love with you."

"Yeah, I know," I sighed. "He's a bit obsessed."

"Where can I get one?" Chloe asked.

Just accidentally fall back in time. "He's one of a kind. I'm afraid."

"I don't think Raoul even looks at me that way," Christine said.

"Don't compare. Also, where is he anyway?"

"Philippe was a bit upset when your Erique showed up. He stormed off and took Raoul with him. Raoul should be back sometime soon though," she said.

"So, you and Philippe are not…?" Chloe asked.

"Oh. No."

She smiled like she'd been caught. It was obvious she found him very attractive. Too bad he showed no interest in her.

Erique bulldozed through the crowd holding a bottle of wine, passing a few women that tried to dance on him. His eyes were set on me, and only me. I felt like the luckiest girl in the whole world.

This man could probably filet a person in front of me, and I'd still be wet as fuck and completely love him against my will.

***

After some very interesting dancing, without a word, he took my hand and led me from the barn.

Sneaking past Cesar and Nora, Erique took me to the hidden door in the stables. "Here," he said, showing me how to get in.

Just inside, he pinned me against the wall. I moaned his name. Rubbing my hands up his body, gripping everywhere I could. I loved when he pressed himself against me.

My hand migrated south to the raging, hardened thing hidden in the prison of his trousers.

"Erique, please let me," I begged. "It's gotta be killing you too."

He groaned into my mouth. "Not yet," he quivered and pulled me back to the journey.

"Where are we going?"

"You are so curious, my love. Trust me." The way he spoke to me, teased... I was boneless most of the time.

I tried not to let him know that though.

The journey took forever with how often we stopped. No way was I going to complain.

"Come," he said.

"I'm trying to."

He eyed me like he did when he thought I was ridiculous, then ascended up a ladder. He reached down for me and I followed blindly, because I didn't care.

I couldn't believe that a couple sips of wine had me so tipsy.

We emerged into the darkness of box five.

"What are we...?" I started.

He took my mouth and walked me into the dim light of the theater. He turned us around and lifted me onto the wide banister and built-in table.

"Don't, I'm too heavy," I said.

He wasn't listening. Hungry eyes only saw what he wanted. His love, his obsession, laid out like a feast before him.

And I wanted to be devoured.

"Open your legs," he commanded.

I did as told, and he stepped in between, pressing his hand against my naked sex.

Oops. Someone had forgotten underwear. Again.

Kissing me with unbridled fury, he ripped my shirt open exposing my breasts to the warm air of the theater, so desperate to have his mouth on them.

Never in my life had I ever done something like this. I was suddenly aware that we were in a public place, a place anyone could come and go.

What if someone saw us?

All was forgotten when Erique took my nipple into his mouth, moaning as he circled the tip with his tongue. Nibbling and sucking on it as he held onto me tightly, staring up from beneath his white Devil's mask. The one I wanted him to fuck me in.

I was a broken sieve for him. Every time he moaned, it was more wood added to the fire.

"Oh fuck!" I gasped as his fingers entered me.

Forced sighs and grunts escaped me with each thrust. My head rolled back and the sex-tasy elevated. He had come so far since our first time.

His other hand held me down, keeping me balanced on the railing and table. I was terrified I was going to fall, but I trusted Erique so much. I knew he wouldn't let anything happen to me.

Is that the dumbest thing I could do?

"What is a boyfriend?" he asked.

The Ghost's presence around the opera had diminished somewhat since our union. Hardly did the Ghost's voice visit either. However, there would be no complaints found about how that time had been used.

"What?" Her breathy voice matched the foggy, satiated look in those warm, brown eyes. Powerless she was as the tips of these pianist's fingers massaged the spot inside, straining her focus.

"What is a boyfriend?" I asked again, enjoying the squirming of her body under my touch. Closer she would be in her admission of love.

"Where did you hear that?" she asked.

"Once upon a time, you referred to me as your imaginary boyfriend."

"No, I didn't."

I massaged again, admiring her hungry gasps as her blushing cherub face lolled back.

Torturing her during our most vulnerable moments was a divine elixir in which she bathed beautifully.

"When you hurt me and told me I wasn't real," I said. I gathered the tattered remains of the shirt she wore in my grasp and pulled her to meet me. As I hovered, her sweet, reddened face, I continued my torturing of her physical state. "What. Is. It?"

"Ugh. Why are you doing this now?" She whined, upset that I wouldn't close the gap between our lips. "It's just a stupid title before engagement."

"Am I your boyfriend, Melody?" She bit her lip and averted her eyes. "Don't do that," I warned her. "Look at me. Am I your boyfriend?" I said, moving my hand again.

As if confessing a deep dark secret, she nodded against my cheek.

I relieved her of her suffering and closed the distance between our starving mouths and then dropped to my knees before her.

Already laid open and exposed for me . Always smelled ready for me. Every bit of this woman was celestial.

Eager hands found my head and fingers entwined in my hair.

With the fabrics of her skirt barricading the monster's face that would please her, I removed my mask and set it aside.

To feel her fuzzy, soft womanhood against my flesh was a blessing. One she never asked to give but had turned grateful for my involvement.

I pressed my wretched face to her and closed my eyes in the comfort it gave me. Gently, I moved along the crevasse to what hid beneath, sighing as the aroma took over.

Under my newly practiced fingers, my willing partner moaned and whimpered. Jolting and rocking against me.

Willing partner.

This demon had gone an eternity without a kindred soul, and now it had the most precious of them all. Willingly she adores. Willingly she stays. The stubborn woman must be delighted in my torment. I was certain she loved me.

Unable to abstain any longer, I parted the flesh hiding the wonder of her pleasure and buried my face within.

I moaned as my tongue joined in the tempo my hand created and the sounds of her whimpers heightened.

Pain was not foreign to this creature. My cock's aching for freedom and used deep within this angel who begged for it, should have been a distant memory. Yet it leaked and raged in wait as if it were the first time it became aware.

She would be thrilled to take this rotten thing. Happy. Grateful even. But to bedevil her. To make her beg for me, pleased me just as much.

My hand flew to the clasp of my trousers, attempting the quickest undoing. Relief was only partial as I pulled the frustrated, throbbing flesh from its prison.

She whined as my fingers pulled from her to grip myself, covering it with the natural secretion of her arousal. Wrapping my arm around her leg, I held her in place so this monster could stay nestled within the crook of her.

"No," I commanded, as she pushed at the hand on her belly. This angel should know I adored every part of her by now.

My tongue ran along her hot sex, trembling as I moved. I pushed into her wanting, waiting entrance. A surrogate action to what my body wished of my cock.

Magma traveled through my veins as I neared closer to precipice.

I dug my fingers into her belly as I bucked against my own hand. With a fierceness, I sputtered and jolted as I spilled onto the floor of my box.

Aftershocks forced convulsions as I held onto her, catching my breath. One day I would spill into her, and we would both rejoice in bliss.

A moment passed, until undeserving fingers reentered her, and this snake's tongue licked at needy flesh again.

My name rang off her lips like a goddess's blessing as she clenched around me with convulsions of her own. Her legs clamped my head, and she was done.

I returned the mask to my face, locking her scent inside. After years of unrelentless darkness and utter despair, how this had become my life would baffle the greatest scholars.

Weak arms and a blushing face searched for me. "Erique, please," she said, breathless.

My love was insatiable for me. What an unthinkable experience to be had. I pressed myself to her, furthering my need to torture. Surprised at a new sensation with the action. Amidst the chaos, I had forgotten to re-holster myself.

Her wet heat slickened and radiated against my semi-hard cock, as it readied again. Not something which happened often.

It was in me to give it to her. One slight movement was all it would take. She wanted me, how could I be so terrible to even myself?

Intoxicated as this man was, this mind knew there was something I needed more.

Her sated, round face grew desperate and hungry again, pulling me into a feverish kiss. A month now since our first shared moment, this continued to be a surprise every time after. A reminder this was not a dream and that I am wanted by another.

Greedy hands traveled to my hips and around to the brim of my opened trousers.

We were both taken over by the need. Her ravenous kisses burned and her body begged to be filled.

Perhaps if I just teased her a little bit.

I grasped myself, pushing her back onto the table, and ran the tip of my readied cock along her beckoning wonder.

"Erique! Please... yes," she cried.

Fuck. Blood ran hotter than a steam engine when she begged.

Pride held my every urge to plunge into her as I rocked back and forth against that little button. Ravage her like I'd always wanted. Take her. Make her mine in every way.

Though if I were honest, it would only ensure I was hers for eternity.

‘As if she could be rid of you,' the Ghost said .

Welcoming was the passage to her core as I circled it, and her eyes rolled. I caught her lovely. pale hand as she reached for me. Which would now be adorned with signs of forever.

Many times had she tried for permission to relieve me. Never have I given it, nor let her touch me bare. I would be afraid of my own control.

These experiences were a gift that I would not blemish. My heart could only take so much.

"You know what I need," I said into her mouth. "I know you love me." Whether she cared to admit it or not. She would, soon.

Glazed eyes barely focused on mine. My angel was another world away flying above the stars with me.

It was going to kill me to have to put myself away.

"Erique..." she smiled groggily, sitting up to meet me.

Sneaky little girl. A wanting hand traveled down my stomach toward my opened trousers, while the other pushed beneath the opening of my shirt and through the hair of my chest. The firm caress of my sheathed cock commanded me, close to giving in.

"What's that?" she asked.

My eyes open slowly to find her pulling away, staring at my ring on her finger. Wide eyed and confused.

"Everyone should know that you are mine," I said, caressing her arms.

She groaned. Claws slashed at my heart as she tugged at the ring on her bridal finger that seemed to be stuck because we were meant to be.

"I can handle myself. Everyone already knows that I'm with you, Erique. Especially now."

"Are you?"

"Why do you always have to ask me?"

"Good. Then wearing my ring to solidify it should not be an issue."

A heavy huff in her chest, she finally yanked my ring off. "I believe you lost this," and slid it back onto my pinkie.

Before I could open my mouth, she placed a kiss on the inside of my hand and rested her cheek within it.

The drink may have gotten the best of both of us tonight. An excuse I would use. Or not.

"Can we go home now?" she asked, then kissed what I'm sure were my pouting lips.

Home. She called it home.

That would do. For now.