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No Easy Way	By : secretlysecretly Category: M through R > The Phantom of the Opera > Het Views: 7568 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 53
- 54
- 55
Chapter 54

As the days rolled by, Raoul’s condition improved greatly thanks to his strong constitution, but his soul suffered regardless when his thoughts would wander back to his wife’s heartless betrayal.

It was unthinkable to him that he could ever be linked with such a turn of events. He had always linked such cataclysmic events with less cultivated people, people who brought such tragedy upon themselves with their simple way of thinking and choices, but soon came to realize he had made a foolish choice himself and allowed his self pity to overcome his senses.

Marianne was extremely worried about her cousin as she watched him fall day by day into a state of depression and into the black hole Christine had dug into his heart.

It would seem betrayal was the prevailing sentiment Raoul felt consume him these days. When he had met Christine at the Opera House three years ago, he had thought he had found what he was looking for; an innocent, beautiful young girl whom he could share his life with. He had always had the feeling, ever since both Christine and himself were young children, that she was the one for him. Raoul just wanted someone whom he could trust completely, without hesitation, regardless of her societal status.

He had truly yearned for a companion, a woman to whom he could offer his whole being, his heart and his soul and he had believed that Christine was that person.

Her sweet, innocent smile, her big brown eyes gazing at him with such purity, her lips whispering promises about their common life together…

He remembered the night she had given herself to him. ‘Order your fine horses…’ she had said to him, her most innocent smile curving her lips. She had been so beautiful that horrible, yet magical night for them, in the crisp, cold air on the rooftop of the Opera Populaire. In fact, it had been nothing but her innocent ways which had driven him to pledge his heart to her that night.

As a man of honor, he couldn’t possibly have abandoned her after Christine had given her innocence to him. Not for a single moment had he thought of leaving her, ignoring her like a common whore. Raoul was convinced she was the love of his life, regardless of the fact that she was poor, or that she was a mere chorus girl… The advice all of his affiliates had given him to simply make Christine his mistress had fallen on deaf ears. Why had he not listened to anyone back then? How could he possibly have let events take their course?

Bitter thoughts flooded his mind as he finished dressing himself in order to go downstairs and join Marianne and Erik for dinner. Day by day, he had started depending on himself again, without asking assistance from anyone in the house to tend to his every day needs. His physical recovery had been fast, but he considered returning to be the same person as he was prior to the fateful events of that night almost impossible.

He took his cane and walked slowly but steadily to the door. He exited the bedroom and headed for the grand staircase. Taking a deep breath, he started descending the stairs slowly, the trauma on his thigh giving him a slightly burning sensation.

When the Viscount entered the salon, Erik was standing in front of the fire place obviously lost in thought, until he heard the sound of the heavy mahogany door closing behind Raoul. He turned and smiled courteously when he saw the young man coming into the room.

“I think your condition is improving by the minute, Viscount.” Erik offered pleasantly, approaching Raoul to assist him as the latter tried to take a seat on the sofa.

“I actually managed to descend the staircase on my own… That is what one would call an accomplishment…” Raoul muttered ironically as he placed his cane by his side.

“Under the circumstances, I think you are handling things quite well.” Erik commented. “So… how do you feel? Are you still in pain?” he inquired about the younger man’s health.

“Not really, I wouldn’t say that, especially during the past few days. The wound has been healing quite nicely and I owe it all to you Erik. I cannot begin to thank you enough for the treatment you so generously offered me.” the Viscount expressed his gratitude to his former adversary.

“You don’t have to thank me for anything Raoul. Anyone in my place would have done the same if he had been able to do so.” was all Erik said, feeling a little awkward.

Neither could have ever imagined that they would be sitting opposite from one another, conversing peacefully, regardless of all of the unfortunate events of the past. However, both of them hoped that some day they would feel comfortable in each-other’s presence in light of everything that had transpired between them.

Erik considered asking Raoul about what his thoughts on Christine were, but obviously that would be the oddest conversation they could possibly have. He could understand Raoul’s unwillingness to open his heart during the past two weeks, ever since Christine’s departure from the Pinon estate. Erik had noticed that Raoul appeared to prefer remaining in solitude, sitting alone in his room most probably pondering on his situation. He received mail from Paris almost daily and Erik was most certain that he was receiving reports on his wife’s condition from Pitié-Salpêtrière.

Of course he could sympathise with the Viscount’s behaviour perfectly. Even following to the tragic events at the Opera Populaire and Christine’s desertion, Erik couldn’t stop thinking about her; regardless of her harsh words he had witnessed when the young couple had been leaving the Opera House behind them. It had taken him three long years to move on, but he had finally made it.

In fact, he was certain that he wouldn’t have been successful in his attempt if it had not been for his beloved Marianne. He looked at Raoul, a sad look in his eyes. ‘Everyone moves on… Even I managed to survive…’ he thought to himself.

Respecting Raoul’s disposition, who appeared to be unwilling to speak of anything else than his physical recovery, he simply asked him.

“Would you care for a glass of brandy?”

“Not just before dinner, Monsieur Destler!” Marianne’s jovial tone made the two men turn their heads to the direction of the door. Erik stood immediately from his seat and walked over to where Marianne was standing. He took her hand into his and brought it to his lips, laying a lingering kiss on her creamy flesh. She was wearing a simple, yet elegant light green dress which was bringing out her features very tastefully.

“You look absolutely lovely.” he whispered softly to her.

“Thank you, Erik.” she responded sweetly, blushing at the compliment.

Raoul turned his attention back to the fire place, when he saw the young couple gazing lovingly into each-other’s eyes. He didn’t wish to feel so sensitive, but just looking at them made his heart ache. He used to look at Christine the same way Erik was looking at Marianne. Once he had been the one to have that adoring look in his eyes whenever he would gaze at his bride and now he had been left bitter and alone.

He had complied with his cousin’s wish to join her and Erik for dinner, however all that he wanted at the present moment was to remain in the solitude of his bedroom.

Marianne smiled lovingly at her fiancé and walked to where Raoul was sitting. She took a seat next to him and held his hand in hers tenderly.

“I am so delighted you decided to join us for dinner tonight. Actually, we are delighted. Isn’t that right, Erik?”

“Yes, Marianne.” her fiancée responded politely.

“I believe you will find tonight’s dinner very much to you liking. I had the kitchen staff prepare something special for you, my dear cousin.”

“Thank you Marianne, but you shouldn’t have. A simple dinner would suffice; you shouldn’t put yourself into so much trouble. Really…”

“Nonsense! Well, gentlemen, I hope you are hungry, because an excellent feast awaits us.”

She stood from her seat and so did Erik who immediately assisted Raoul in getting up. The small company entered a smaller adjoining salon which had been transformed into a dining room, when Marianne had the grand one sealed after Olivier’s death.

The dinner had been prepared under her care, since it would be the first time Raoul would be able to join her and Erik, and she felt anticipation for the event.

She took her seat at the head of the table and smiled a radiant smile as her two favourite people in the world joined her. She gave a slight nod to the servant who was waiting by the door and a few minutes later, they were being served with the most delicious dishes they had feasted on in quite some time.

“It all looks so delightful, Marianne. You are wonderful.” Erik praised her effort and squeezed her hand affectionately.

Wine was poured into their glasses and Erik took the opportunity to propose a toast.

“To Marianne… To the woman I love and the future mother of my child… May she ever be as happy and beautiful as she appears before me now.”

They looked deep into each other’s eyes, losing all sense of time and space. Marianne blushed and looked down, a single tear threatening to roll down her cheek, feeling a little embarrassed, but mostly happy.

“To Marianne. To my dear cousin.” Raoul raised his glass and gulped down the ruby liquid in a single swig.

She took a deep breath and tried to keep her emotions in check. “Thank you… I hope you will enjoy our dinner.”

Raoul looked at the couple opposite of him smiling to each other; it was true that Marianne had never looked as beautiful and serene as she did that moment. Her torment, actually their torment had finally ended. However, he had the feeling that his own was just beginning.

He poured himself another glass of wine and drank it hurriedly as the exquisite food on his plate appeared to his eyes nothing more than nauseating. He poked the food with his fork, but it seemed almost impossible for him to eat. He was jolted from his thoughts when he heard his cousin’s voice.

“Are you displeased with your food, Raoul? Is there something wrong with it? Perhaps you would prefer something else?” Marianne looked at him worriedly.

Erik didn’t say anything at the time. He had noticed Raoul’s expression when he thought that neither himself nor Marianne were looking at him; that must have been much like his own expression when he had felt alone and abandoned, Erik thought. Raoul’s life had been turned upside down and the noble was struggling to survive. Perhaps it was too soon… Perhaps in time he would manage to forget…

“No, it is not that… Please, forgive my rudeness, I didn’t mean to offend you; you have prepared this wonderful meal and I…”

“Oh Raoul, you need to get your strength back. Try to eat just a little, for my sake.” she implored him, as if she were talking to a little boy.

Observing the young man at the opposite side of the table, struggling with his food and with his own self, Erik decided to put an end to Raoul’s misery.

“I am almost certain that the lack of appetite is to be attributed to the effects of the drugs. It is quite common actually. I advise you not to worry my love, but also not to press on your cousin as well… His wound will be healed, in time…”

Raoul’s look was one of gratitude towards his old adversary for the unexpected understanding he received from him.

“My dear, I am most grateful to you and to Erik for all of the help and support you two have so graciously offered me…” Raoul began explaining himself, but he was interrupted by Marianne.

“Raoul, you don’t…”

“No Marianne, please let me finish. I have no real excuse other than the one Erik mentioned. It seems that my appetite is not the same as the one I had before… before the accident. I only hope you will forgive me for leaving you so early. I am so sorry you went to so much trouble, but I feel I should retire to my room. I need some rest.”

Marianne frowned, making one last attempt to convince her cousin to stay. “Perhaps, you would prefer to dine in the privacy of your room?”

“No, thank you.” was Raoul’s sole answer as he tried to stand slowly with the help of his cane. Marianne approached him and he took her hand. “I will see you tomorrow morning. I think I am going directly to bed. Please, don’t mind me and enjoy the rest of your dinner. I am sorry for any inconvenience I have caused you.”

Marianne gave him a hug kissing him on the cheek, and wished him good night, trying to be as understanding as she could. “Good night Raoul, I will see you in the morning. Don’t hesitate to…”

“It won’t be necessary. Good night to the both of you.” he said abruptly, all of a sudden feeling suffocated.

“Good night Raoul.” Erik stood and nodded his head cordially.

Marianne turned her head to look at Erik the moment Raoul closed the door behind him, a worried expression shadowing her features. She shook her head feeling disappointed and picked up her fork.

“Please, my love, try to understand… Your cousin need some time to collect his thoughts…” he tried to appease her worry. Seeing her furrowed expression, he tried to brighten the mood. “As far as I am concerned, I think it’s the best meal I enjoyed in a long time.” he offered with a smile.

“I am so glad. You have to start eating a little more than you are used to… In fact, I am determined to make sure of it! I couldn’t help noticing you have lost a lot of weight…”

Erik’s warm laughter echoed in the room. “I am sure you will dearest love!”

Watching him laugh, made her heart jump with joy and actually put a genuine smile on her face.

Raoul poured himself another glass of wine and downed the red liquid in one swift gulp. He opened one of the bedroom windows, letting the soft night breeze caress his face. Closing his eyes, Raoul imagined Christine caressing his features and a single tear ran down his pale cheek. He felt pain in his heart, just as sure as the taste of her betrayal was still bitter in his mouth.

The blonde man wiped his face with the back of his hand angrily and let a deep sigh leave his chest. He untied his cravat and let it fall beside him on the floor, unbuttoning his shirt which seemed to labor his breathing.

His heart heavy with sorrow, he sat on an armchair facing the window. When he could finally breathe again, he covered his face with his hands. Memories of Christine and himself together flooded his mind. She wouldn't get out of his head, haunting his mind and soul, making him feel desperate, lonely and miserable.

And that was exactly what he was. He had always dreamt of a lifetime filled with love and happiness. What had he done wrong? What had he done to deserve this ill fate? How could he have turned a blind eye to Christine's vile character for so long?

Raoul had been in love with Christine ever since he could remember; ever since they had been children. The woman who looked like a true angel on earth, with her long, dark brown hair spilled on her back, the very one who had promised him eternal love on the roof top of the Opera Populaire, had been the same woman who had betrayed him in the worst possibly way.

Who had been that woman who had stood before his bed and threatened him in the most audacious of ways? How could she have transformed herself in this manner? Not only had she threatened him, but his cousin Marianne as well. Who could have ever imagined that Christine would pursue her old teacher and mentor after everything she had done to break free of him? The notorious Phantom of the Opera of all people!

Once it had been Erik who haunted her, and now that he had begun a new life, far away from Paris and the Opera House, Christine had been the one to try to make not only his, but all of their lives a living hell.

Perhaps he himself had been the one to spoil her with his attentions, with the way he granted her every wish and whim, with his love... How could love ever spoil someone? Love was supposed to enforce one's strength, to make one's heart and soul fierce and not spoil it... Perhaps he was wrong. After all, that had not been the case with Christine.

He had hoped for a life full of love and happiness, full of children... However Christine had never appeared to mind the lack of children at all. She had always said she didn’t feel ready to become a mother, and that she always dreamed of having children of their own, but she needed time to adjust to her new life.

Three years had gone by and she had kept alternating excuses for that very matter. She refused the visit of a specialized doctor, simply by saying it wasn't their time yet to become parents and that they should trust matters in the hands of the powers that be. Raoul's patience and love had then been tested for the first time during their marriage. However, he loved her too much to force his will upon her.

A jolt of pain hit him on his thigh as he tried to reach for the bottle on the table by his side. He hissed between his teeth and grabbed it regardless. The pain on his leg couldn't compare to the pain he felt in his heart. He gulped down almost the entire content of the bottle and feeling woozy, he lost consciousness as he dropped the bottle which hit the thick rag on the floor. Perhaps it was better that way. Perhaps some rest could give the poor Viscount a few rare moments of peace and quiet as he fell in a dreamless sleep.

Meanwhile, Erik and Marianne were still in the dining room, just finishing their meal and conversing easily. They truly felt serene for the first time in a long while.

“Did you enjoy your dinner, Erik? I hope it was to your liking.” Marianne smiled softly as she looked at him.

“Of course, my love.” he reached over and took her hand in his. “Everything is wonderful when you are close to me.”

Marianne squeezed his hand and smiled happily. “Shall we go to the salon then? We could take our coffee and dessert there if you’d like. Or would you prefer the library instead? I know how much you love that room.”

“Actually, yes, I would prefer the library. It is much less… formal, if I may say so.” He replied with a smile on his face.

Marianne turned to the servant by the door who waited patiently for her instructions. “Nicola, you heard Monsieur Destler. Please, serve our dessert in the library.”

“Certainly Mademoiselle.” the servant turned to head for the kitchen in order to follow his mistress’ directions.

Erik stood from his seat and walked over to where Marianne was sitting in order to help her. She smiled a sweet smile and took his arm as they exited the dining room.

Soon thereafter, they were enjoying each other’s company in the privacy of the distant room, Marianne resting peacefully in Erik’s arms. He just couldn’t help but stare at his future wife, as if he were frightened that if he would turn his eyes for but a moment, she would disappear for ever.

Suddenly, Erik noticed a hint of darkness shadow Marianne’s gaze. He took her little hand in his much larger one and kissed it tenderly. They looked at each other, their eyes expressing more than words could ever say.

“I know… You don’t have to say anything…” Erik sighed and kissed the back of her hand. “It will be difficult at first, but your cousin will be alright… eventually.”

“Oh Erik, I really don’t know about that. He seems to be devastated, so crushed by all that has happened. I know Raoul very well. I am afraid the wound Christine left in him will never heal… I am so worried about him.” Marianne muttered, mourning for her cousin’s loss.

Erik swallowed before he could find the right words to explain all that he was feeling at the moment to his fiancée. He had never felt at ease when he was compelled to express his emotions, as he had never had anyone to confide in, but now everything was completely different. The love he saw in Marianne’s eyes, gave him the reassurance he needed in order to explain some things to her.

“There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to face his demons; either that or… he will have to face his doom.” he finished his sentence, his eyes getting darker by each passing second. “I had to face my own demons not so long ago and for the second time in my life. I had to make it clear to myself once and for all that I had to have you by my side; if I would choose to fight for you or abandon everything… Yes… that was the second time in my life that I had to decide whether I would move on or let my fate crush me.

“All along my existence I have had to confront the world and myself; it wasn’t easy, but one way or another, I have managed to come forth and make a new start…” his voice deepened, as he felt unable to conceal his emotions any longer. “My dearest love, you couldn’t possibly comprehend the pain I went through when I thought I was losing you to Olivier. I felt so frustrated, so angry when you tried to drive me away…”

“Oh Erik! Please, believe me; I was only trying to…” Marianne exclaimed, feeling regret fill her again.

“Shhh. I do not wish to make you feel bad, Marianne.” Erik pulled her in his embrace and kissed her forehead. “Before Raoul’s arrival at my estate, I had been on the verge of madness; I remember wishing for death to come and put me out of my misery. For the first time I allowed myself to believe I had it all. A beautiful woman in body and soul, who had promised to be my wife, who had promised to be mine for ever and stay by my side to the end of time.” he paused, trying to regain his composure as he felt her tense in his arms.

Despite the tension in the room, Erik decided it was the time to make things right and open his soul to his future wife.

He parted himself from her to look into her eyes. Marianne’s heart skipped a beat when she felt him disentangle himself from her. Her nervousness didn’t remain unnoticed by Erik, so he took hold of her hands, trying to ease her apprehension, her fragile state never leaving his mind.

“Do not be frightened, my love. It was never my intention to upset you.” He whispered, his soothing voice and tender smile making Marianne feel better. “However, as my future wife, I feel you should know what’s in my heart.” he completed his thought as calmly as he could.

“Of course my love.” Marianne responded, searching frantically in his deep green eyes for a clue of what he was trying to clear up between them.

“I always thought that a husband and wife ought to be honest with each-other, don’t you agree?”

“I most certainly do Erik. That was the example my parents set for me, and I intend to follow it in our marriage.”

“Although we are not married yet, I would like you to know that from now on I wish for nothing to remain hidden between us. No more secrets, no more lies… They don’t become you my dearest love. There should be nothing between us. We can face life’s difficulties together, united as one! Promise me, Marianne! Promise me you will not keep anything hidden from me again!”

“Oh Erik! I can promise you this! I promise not to let anything come between us ever again!” she cried, falling into his strong arms again, her tears flowing freely down her face.

He cupped her cheek, caressing the white, smooth flesh, taking in her lovely features with pure adoration. Baring their souls to each-other came naturally, it would seem, now that there were no more painful secrets between them.

“You know, you are the one who had always been in my dreams. You are the one whom I had been searching for through my whole miserable existence. I had always had a small hope buried deep in my heart that some day I could meet someone like you.”

He gazed at her face lovingly, wiping a tear from her cheek. He lifted her chin with his fingertips, making her look into his eyes. “You are so beautiful.” he whispered softly, capturing her lips in the most tender of kisses. “These lips can drive a man crazy…” he murmured, suckling on her bottom lip.

“I can tell you only this…” Marianne responded to his confession, as well as to his kiss. “You are the only man I have and the only one I will ever truly love…” she professed her love, leaving his sweet mouth for mere seconds.

Erik broke the kiss and held her head between his large hands. “I will do everything in my power to make you happy until the end of my days. I promise to give you and our child what I have been deprived of all through my life; a real family.”

Marianne’s tears kept rolling down her face, the love she felt for him almost making heart explode in her chest.

He pulled her into his embrace again, trying to show her that he would be there to love and protect her from all harms. He cradled her in his embrace for some time, until he felt her finally calm down in his arms.

It had been quite a while since they had managed to enjoy each other's company in peace. However, it was simply impossible for him to part from Marianne, to stand up and simply leave. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Their closeness was almost painful now that their discussion was over and the night had fallen. He merely didn't want to be alone, not any more... He had lived the better part of his life in solitude. Now, he had a family... A family... It was so strange, yet so moving the feeling that he belonged somewhere, that he was a part of a couple that would soon have a child of their own.

He squeezed Marianne tenderly and kissed the top of her head, inhaling her scent and closed his eyes in delight.

Marianne on her part savoured the feeling of his arms around her and moved even closer to him if that was possible. At the sound of his sigh, she turned her head upwards, her eyes meeting his.

Erik didn't want to part from Marianne ever again. He had a feeling that he would go insane if anything else would go wrong. However, everything was over now, he was holding her in his arms and felt that the future would be theirs and theirs alone. He felt he could bare his soul to her without thinking of anything else.

“Being with you is the most wonderful thing that could ever happen to me. I cannot imagine living my life without you by my side. For all the time we were apart, I almost lost my mind…” he whispered, as she turned to look at him, her heart beating rapidly.

“My love, it is all over now, you don’t need to feel that way any longer.” Marianne placed a tender kiss on his lips as she caressed his shoulders. She moved her hand and touched his unmasked cheek softly while she lifted her other hand as well to cover his white mask.

She gazed deep into the green sea that was his eyes as if she were asking for permission to remove it from his face. Erik closed his eyes, relishing her soft touch and, when he opened them again, Marianne felt his burning gaze upon her. She grasped the edges of his mask and removed it very carefully from his face in order to finally gaze upon his beloved features once more after such a long time.

Ever so tenderly, Marianne trailed her fingers over the marred flesh of his cheek and then covered it with her palm. “I have missed being with you like this…” she whispered, touching gentle, tender kisses all over his face.

He embraced her, pulling her closer to him as he relished the feeling of her lips upon his face. They lost themselves in each other’s arms, thirsty from the long separation they had barely endured, now drinking from each other’s mouth, finally letting their passion engulf them.

Erik had no idea how long it had been since he had last felt Marianne’s lips upon his like this. He responded to her kiss with fervour, sliding his tongue between her parted lips, feeding from the sweetness of her mouth.

A soft moan escaped Marianne's lips; she sat on his lap, allowing him to continue what he had started. He brushed his lips down her face, over her jaw line and to the tender flesh of her neck. She tilted her head back to allow him better access to the sensitive skin of her throat. His hand slid up her leg, over her hip to her belly, where he gently caressed the slightly swelled area.

She smiled against his lips, feeling exhilarating happiness fill her as Erik captured her lips again, putting his arms around her waist. Finally, a few moments later, he decided to break from the kiss, trying to breathe. He tried to calm himself, as he felt his confined arousal suffocate him.

Breathing heavily, he rested his forehead against hers, trying to collect his wits.

“If only... If I could only stay here, in your arms forever...” Marianne's voice reached his ears.

“My beautiful, wonderful Marianne... My Marianne.” Erik's voice was full of adoration as he held her close, intoxicated by her proximity. Unable to control himself, he continued his sweet assault on her neck as Marianne exhaled moans of pleasure at his touch. The now familiar curious wetness began gathering between her legs, making her feel weak in his arms, wondering how she could possibly resist the temptation and finally let Erik leave her house and herself just sitting there, alone, aching for him.

Sensing her desire for him, Erik pondered of not leaving her at all, taking her right then and there to satisfy their mutual passion, but he restrained himself from doing so as he was a little apprehensive on the effects that their love making could possibly have on their baby. He didn’t know much about pregnancy, but he most certainly wouldn’t risk the chance of harming Marianne or their unborn child.

“My love…” he murmured, however the tempting view of her breasts attracted his attention and he couldn’t help himself from cupping one of the round orbs as he placed hot, wet kisses on her swelling flesh, leisurely pleasuring her as he adored her creamy and smooth flesh.

“Mmm…?” was all Marianne could muster.

“Oh my love… I think…” he proceeded with his ministrations, now squeezing and massaging both of her breasts, teasing her beyond what she thought she could handle. “I think I will never make it to tasting that dessert if you continue to tempt me like this…” he murmured as he pulled her body upon his own. “You are such an enchantress… you are a siren… You have captured me in your sweet embrace and your fierce kisses…” he murmured, capturing her mouth with hungry urgency, as if her breath were a cool breeze, trying to breathe through her.

She tangled her fingers in his hair as he caressed her body with his large hands. ‘I think I am going insane.’ Marianne thought to herself, as if she were in a haze, surrendering herself to his touch completely. Putting aside any sense of hesitation, she provoked him even further.

“Perhaps, I don’t want you to make it through dessert…”

She couldn’t even believe she had said that. He growled, now devouring her mouth as his hands moved to her waist. She moaned against his lips when he suddenly lifted her from his lap and pinned her beneath him on the sofa. Erik trailed a path of wet kisses down her neck, kissing and nibbling on the creamy flesh, leaving his marks on her skin, not to go unnoticed the following morning.

Suddenly, he broke their kiss and moved his head back a little, his hot gaze burning upon her, taking in her features, both taking the chance to catch their breaths. He had to end this madness now, or else it would be impossible for him to control himself if they were to continue their… activities. Marianne’s hands moved from his hair to his face, caressing his cheeks and tracing his lips with her index finger. She felt the need to cry out and tell him not to stop his sinful attack on her body and her senses, and she had to fight her urges to do so. Modesty prevailed, leaving her hopeful that he would finally decide to take matters into his own hands and finally end her misery…

His breath caught in his throat when he gazed at her swollen lips, her breathing coming out in a agonized gasps, her breasts moving rising and falling sensuously, the friction they caused against his chest making him groan in pleasure mingled with discomfort as he considered his restricted throbbing erection in the confines of his trousers. Although he was just about ready to devour her, he realized that there would be no turning back for them if they were to continue on this path.

“I need you.” he whispered softly, his eyes meeting hers. “All I know now is that I want you.”

She didn’t even try to look away, his intense gaze drawing her to him, his touch sending chills of ecstasy through her body. He pulled her head closer to his, holding it firmly in place. A groan escaped his lips when he felt her lips and her tongue trying to explore his mouth, her intoxicating scent driving him mad with desire. Their tongues met in a powerful, seductive dance together.

Her hands moved to his back, feeling his muscles tense as they pressed their desperate bodies together, devouring each other’s mouths, him thrusting his firm, strong body against hers, their desperation growing by each passing. A low growl issued forth from his lips, as if he were a hungry caged animal as her mouth moved down to taste his jaw and neck.

Their senses were heightened by the sounds, the taste, the aromas. Her hands ran through his hair, her body writhing with her need for him. The look he gave her was a familiar one, silently saying everything that words could express, the look of intense desire for the woman he loved with everything he had in him. She felt her cheeks burn as he stood and kneeled before her, looking up at her. Again their lips came together, their tongues pushing and sliding against each other as if they had life of their own. It was almost as if the raw desire between them was a living beast.

His hands crawled under her skirt, his hot, calloused fingers running lightly over the flesh of her thighs, eliciting soft moans from her. She ached for his touch; each sensation causing her hunger and her need for him to grow as he continued his fervent assault on her body. He parted her legs and massaged the soft, creamy flesh of her thighs, the hardness of his arousal unbearable at this point as it pressed against his trousers.

Erik placed an arm behind her back as the other rested on her torso, just beneath her breasts, easing her backwards onto the sofa. He lifted the hem of her dress, his hands travelling to her thighs again making her whimper in ecstasy. He covered her body with his as Marianne arched her body against him in abandon. He grounded his body against hers, gyrating in slow, insistent circles, trying to relieve himself of the tension.

Marianne, feeling his aroused shaft through their clothes, met his thrusts and matched them, rubbing herself against him wantonly, her moans becoming louder and louder from frustration.

She gasped in surprise and her own arousal became unbearable, when Erik finally sprang her breasts free from the confinements of her blouse in one swift motion, descending his mouth directly onto them, as he captured an already hard nipple between his teeth, teasing and suckling it almost desperately, pinching the other with his fingertips.

His tongue worked its way back to her neck and then his mouth captured hers in a long, drugging kiss. He growled deep in his throat, when he felt her little hand leaving his shoulder, caressing the muscles of his chest and moving mischievously downwards, to caress and massage softly his thick hardness over his clothes.

“You will be the end of me...” he let a heavy sigh escape his lips, but it turned into a growl as she rubbed her hand on his aching arousal. Unable to control himself, he raised his head partially, closing his eyes from the immense pleasure her hand was granting him.

His fingers slid over her undergarment, feeling the dampness between her legs with a smug smile curving his lips. She jerked violently against his hand, moaning from the cruel game his thick fingers played upon her flesh. Her breathing came out in short, hard gasps, but she whimpered in frustration when he removed his hand from her softness and pulled her into his embrace, his rough motion driving her to even greater heights of arousal.

In a last desperate effort on his part to stop, he reclaimed her mouth violently and gave her a brief yet, hard kiss. He covered her breasts and pulled her skirt down to cover her legs again and then stood abruptly disentangling himself from her embrace, walking over to the window with his back to her, trying to conceal his evident arousal poking through his trousers in the most obvious manner.

Marianne closed her eyes and fell back on the sofa, letting a long sigh of protest escape her lungs. She opened them again a few seconds later and watched his long, tall, muscular figure smiling wickedly. Unable to control herself, she stood up and walked towards him, like a moth drawn to a flame, suddenly feeling very cold, bereft of his warm embrace. She didn’t have the courage to actually say to him verbally that she needed him to stay and make love to her; however, that couldn’t prevent her from showing him…

She approached him, taking her time to study his tall, strong built figure. She took a long gaze of his large, manly form, beginning from his thick, black hair, down to his broad shoulders and wide back, letting her eyes wander further down to his thick muscular thighs and long legs.

Erik closed his eyes as he felt Marianne’s little hands touching his shoulders softly, almost timidly, moving down his arms, caressing his back and then ever so slowly her arms encircled his waist, as he felt her warm body against his. The sensation of her breasts on his back drove him mad from desire for his beloved. Her hands began a journey of their own over the hardness of his chest, but her scorching touch made him capture them in his and stop her torment on his aching flesh. He turned his head slightly to the side and backwards.

“You are pure temptation… I don’t know how much longer I can resist you if you continue this torture on me, my love…” he whispered, but he managed to continue “I am afraid that it is imperative for me to take my leave…”

“So, you are so anxious to leave me here, all alone… Do you feel so tired of me already?...” she teased him as she squeezed his arms, pressing her forehead against his back.

“No!... It’s not that my sweet… I just don’t… I’m afraid I would… I would hurt you or our baby if we are to continue our little… activity.” he answered, bending his head to kiss her hands reverently.

Marianne swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to find the courage and finally show him what she really wanted. She just couldn’t stay alone one more night. Every single evening, when it was time for Erik to leave her estate, she would escort him outside and they would devour one another until he would find the strength and finally leave her in her misery.

However, tonight wouldn’t be one of those nights. “Erik…” she breathed heavily “Oh Erik, my Erik, I haven’t felt so good since we parted. My dear man, it’s the first time since I have known I am pregnant with your child that I feel him so calm…”

At the sound of the word ‘him’, Erik turned her in his arms and embraced her fully.

“Him?” he whispered, lowering his forehead to touch it against hers. “How do you know it’s a boy?”

“I really don’t know. It has just occurred to me, that it will be a boy.” Marianne sighed, relishing the security of his strong embrace. She pulled her head back and their eyes met, saying all that words could never express. The intensity of that bright green gaze upon her set her pulse to a dull thud. They just did not need to say anything; words would be so tedious and worthless in order to confess the passion they shared. It was now in Marianne’s hand to decide if they would part or not. A few moments passed before she finally managed to utter one single word.

“Stay.”
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No Easy Way