"The Virtuoso"

Tonight, you're mine

Later that evening, in Eleanors hotel room, Eleanor was sitting on the fire escape overlooking the city when Raymond walked up to her holding a bottle of wine and two styrofoam cups from the room. " It's certainly not as glamorous, but it'll do for now" she said jokingly. He laughed and set the cups and wine down on the table. After he poured the wine, Eleanor tapped her cup against his and they both took a sip. "Oh God, that is terrible!" Raymond said, laughing heartily. She laughed so hard she coughed on her wine. " I needed that laugh," she said. " Laughter is indeed the best medicine. It's good to hear your laugh, to see the joy in your eyes. It makes them sparkle." Raymond said, his tone very serious. Eleanor stopped and met his gaze. "Would you do something for me?" she asked him. He nodded. "As you know, music has played such an important role in my life. It's been my constant companion, my safe haven. Since this is probably our last night together, would you dance with me?" Raymond set his cup down and smiled. " I would be honored." She went and grabbed her phone and said " This is one of my favorite songs. I really love the melodies." As the music began, Raymond started to lead her in a waltz. Their bodies moving together with the flow of the music, their eyes never leaving each other's gaze. He spun her around, bringing her close, letting her lead, letting her follow. What started out as a serious moment was soon broken by laughter and smiles, feet being stepped on, jokes between the two. As the music ended, Raymond outstretched his arm, bringing her out, then pulling her against him. They both laughed, but then Eleanor stopped and looked at him. She rested a hand on his cheek, then slowly traced her fingertips to his neck. She unbuttoned his collar and let out a gasp. There were the scars that she left back when she was under Andreas's control. "It's alright," Raymond said softly. "You didn't do it on purpose." Eleanor looked up at him and said " I'm sorry. I just don't want to say goodbye. I don't want any bad memories in regards to you." "Then let's make tonight one to remember," he said. He leaned forward and kissed the top of her forehead, her cheek, down her neck. She gasped and closed her eyes, placing her hand on the back of his neck, grabbing his other hand and interlocking her fingers with his. This time was different than the last time they shared a private moment together. There were no impending threats, no plans, just two people expressing their feelings. They kissed passionately and within seconds, articles of clothing fell to the floor. He led her to the bed and sat down with her. "Are you sure this is what you want?" he whispered breathlessly in between kissing her. "Make love to me,Raymond" she whispered back. "I feel a connection with our souls that I can't deny anymore," Raymond said. "You have captivated me and I want you to feel loved and safe." They laid down together on the bed, looking into each other's eyes. He kissed her forehead, then placed a kiss on each of her closed eyelids. She looked at him and said "I want to stay like this forever." Raymond lovingly traced his fingers down her cheek and said "I'm going to make love to you, but not in the way you think. I'm going to keep you safe. I'm going to hold you close and let you fall asleep in the arms of someone who loves you. That is the greatest expression of love I can give you now." She nodded slowly and felt her eyes well up with tears. "Don't cry," he said quietly. "I'm yours tonight. This is our moment." He held her close. "Don't let me fall asleep." Eleanor murmured. "I want to savor every second with you." As he ran his fingers up and down her back and through her hair, she felt her body start to rest for the first time in months. Soon he heard the sound of her steady breathing and he gently kissed her forehead, not having the heart to wake her.