The Lady Or the Beauty

Adjusting

Christine's POV

Erik quickly took me to eat since I had not eaten solid food for a while. As I stuffed rolls and stew into my mouth, Erik watched me with his dark heated gaze. I blushed and tried to focus on my chewing. Spoon. Mouth. Chew. Swallow. Repeat.

When I finished, I sat back and sighed. "So...let me get this straight. You took in a stranger and let her stay with you for two months without ever realizing it was me?" I asked slowly, testing my words. I didn't want to make him angry. He thought about it for a moment, his forehead creased in thought.

"Well, the servants told me about you, and I never felt the need to go see you. I just thought you were some peasant girl." He explained, choosing his words carefully. I smiled and nodded. "And what has happened since I last saw you?"

He chuckled and looked down. "All that has happened is me longing to see you again." His smile faded, and he gazed at me, his eyes serious and almost sad. A look of pity crossed my face and I quickly took his bony, cold hand in mine. He tensed, not used to the touch, but I held on.

"I am so sorry, Angel. I should never have left, I was just so frightened and angry, I really didn't want to hurt you, or anybody. Especially Raoul." I softly assured him. The thought of Raoul made me frown, and he pulled his hand away.

I loved Raoul. Maybe not in the way he loved me, but I did love him. he was my childhood sweetheart, my first love, how could I not love him? And, oh, he was so sweet and good to me! Tears sprang to my eyes at the thought of the turmoil he must be in right now. He didn't know where I was or if I was even alive!

"I need to see or at least write to raoul." I said plainly. There was no going around it. I had to reassure him that I was okay. Erik stiffened and set his jaw. "That is out of the question. The boy has no need to hear from you." He growled. I sat up and crossed my brows in protest.

"Please! He doesn't know if I am dead or alive! he was good to me when you weren't. He deserves this." I cried, anger rising to the surface.

Erik's face got pale and he stood up and turned to leave. "I'm sure you remember where your room is." He muttered, as he left. I sighed and stood to chase after him.

I reached him and grabbed his bony shoulder. He whipped around, his mask barely masking his anger. Before I could think about it, I kissed him lightly on his lips. I smiled and pulled away. "I am here, with you. Not with Raoul.' I whispered, holding his hands in mine. He slowly nodded. "Alright."