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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.

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Chapter 56

Erik was propped on one elbow, sweeping her sleeping form with his gaze. A soft smile was drawn on her lips and she appeared as tranquil as she had never been before his eyes, lying beside him and looking so sweet and delectable. He couldn’t get enough of her, as he seemed to try and make up for all the lost time that had passed between them.

Gazing at her lovely features, he couldn’t help but think that they should always be together from that day forward; parting from her again would surely proved to be unbearable for his existence. After all the time they had been apart, he had come to the conclusion that he couldn’t stand the thought of losing her; he wasn’t a complete man without her.

Marianne was a vision lying there next to him, her long hair spilled on the white pillow and her little hand covering her belly protectively. The sight of his beloved future wife overwhelmed Erik. He had always expected his soul would remain lonely for the rest of his days, each day of his life a continuous effort to accept his lonesome fate.

The fearsome feeling had not escaped him even when his heart had started beating for his young “protégé”, Christine; the one, he had once thought had been sent from above to save him from his solitude. However, little did he know that relationships didn’t work that way. Of course, he had always recognized his own inexperience in the field and had decided to follow his instincts.

Erik would never regret the fact that he had followed his instincts, even when they had proven him wrong. Three years ago, alone and abandoned by everyone; especially by the woman whom he had thought to be the love of his life, the instinct of survival prevailed in him and he had decided to start anew; to start a life, far away from the people who haunted him. He had never thought of returning to Paris, since he believed that all the magnificent metropolis had to offer to him were pain and misery.

Pondering upon past, caused his heart to ache upon recalling all of the painful memories connected to his old life, however bright rays of hope shone in his soul at the mere sight of Marianne.

Never had he hoped he could have such an amazing woman in his life. Marianne was an unexpected gift just when he had abandoned all hope to find any sort of love and companionship. Surprisingly, that was exactly what he had dreamt of, a true, honest and faithful companion in his life. Erik had been alone for the better part of his life and now his heart swelled with pride and true love for his beloved.

No one else had ever tried to protect him as much as this wonderful woman; with gritted teeth he repressed the surging knot in his throat, as his emotions flooded his whole being. His family’s future as well as his own appeared more than hopeful before his eyes.

He ran his hand along the length of her body, his fingertips following a seemingly random pattern. Marianne stirred, waking from the soft touch of his fingers, her smile widening as she recalled her surroundings.

He proceeded with slow movements; Marianne opened her eyes slowly, locking her gaze with his. Taking in his features, an ocean of emotions reflected in his eyes, she exhaled contentedly reaching up to caress his marred cheek. It always started like this for her; once she inhaled his fresh masculine smell, the rest of her senses could not help but become part in his game of seduction. The sight of his beloved face, defined cheeks, the sweet perfection of his lips and those eyes… those clear green-blue eyes that beckoned her to swim in their pools… his form radiating masculinity, as she took in his abroad shoulders and safe inviting muscular arms.

She didn’t utter a single word, allowing her eyes to convey all that she had in her heart. Marianne watched him as his hand barely made contact with her flesh, causing her to feel a familiar tingle between her legs.

His hands started fluttering around the front of her body and Marianne whimpered looking directly at him, while her eyes turned from smoky brown to fire coal hot as his hands were now grazing her body, playing with the supple tantalizing flesh of her heaving breasts. He brushed his fingertips against her face, up her arms, over her heaving breasts, flicking over her distended nipples, over her lips, onto her round belly and into her navel. He held one breast in each hand and rubbed the nipples with his thumbs. His mouth settled hungrily on one breast and then the other, feeling the blunt tips harden beneath his tongue, suckling on them gently as her hands found the back of his neck, holding him firmly in place.

Once again he kissed his way up her neck to finally claim her mouth, sliding his tongue between her parted lips. She teased him with her tongue, feeling his arousal swell against her stomach, opened her mouth, touching his tongue with hers, inviting him in.

The kiss went on until she pulled away, leaving them both breathless. She smiled at his sharp intake of breath, watching his eyes as she slowly removed the sheet covering the rest of her body.

“My sweet, beautiful Marianne…” he whispered, his voice full of passion. His hand moved steadily between her legs and found her centre already wet for him. “What is it that you want, my love?” he murmured directly into her ear, his voice melodious, smooth and deep, making her weak at the knees.

“You know what I want… you know what we both want…” Marianne sighed, the sound of her sweet voice encompassing him.

He smiled and proceeded caressing her. She arched her back, trying to draw him closer to her. Erik wanted her even more now; he needed her touch, her taste, her smell. He felt her small fingers on his neck, sliding down his chest, down his stomach. Her fingers were hot, causing him to gasp at her touch. He groaned with pleasure when she stroked his already rigid shaft, scorching him with her hands, an intense sensation that Erik enjoyed immensely.

He proceeded once again southwards, making her quiver with titillating thrills, she felt his tongue between her thighs flicking and playing there, causing her legs feel weak and shaky. Leaning down, he tasted her, intoxicated by her sweet fragrance, causing her to moan and swallowing her nectar hungrily. He found her hard knot and swirled his tongue around it, sucking as she bucked against him. Erik knew she was enjoying it by the way her soft moans were getting louder and louder. She had to bite her lip a few times to refrain from screaming, when he worked his fingers into her slick wetness.

However, she tried to control herself and finally made the difficult decision to pull his head up.

“I need you Erik…” she whispered, surrendering to his whim. “I need you inside me…”

He growled deep in his throat, as her simple yet so naughty invitation, almost pushed him over the edge. He trailed a path of wet kisses up her body, until he captured her lips in a soulful kiss.

Marianne caressed his broad, muscled chest, moving her hands to touch his scarred back with feather-like touch, when she decided to push him on his back. She straddled his thick, muscular thighs, placing her hands on his chest touching him lightly before she leaned down to kiss him passionately.

Erik raised his upper body as to encircle her into his embrace. She could feel his raging erection between them, teasing her senses beyond her limits. Marianne grasped his shoulders and moved downwards, until her full weight was pressed against him. His massive hardness was more than ready to enter her. Reaching down, she touched his cock and helped him guide it slowly into her.

Staring deeply in his eyes, she started rocking up and down, slowly at first but rapidly gaining momentum under the instructions of his hands as he guided her body. She moved on top of him, rocking, making him dizzy. He captured her lips with his in a long drugging kiss, pushing his tongue into her mouth as he pushed into her. Both moaning with pure pleasure, Erik moved his hands over her flexing buttocks and thighs, then up to her breasts to rest there, while teasing them with his tongue. She buried her fingers in his hair, pulling him towards her.

Marianne let out a moan of excitement as she felt she could explode at that second, but Erik kept control of their movements so she could enjoy it longer, pushing his rigid shaft deeper and deeper within her.

Her hands were everywhere, clawing at his shoulders, scraping down his back, digging her nails into his flesh. Her breathing grew ragged and moans escaped her lips unwittingly. The pleasure was so intense Marianne realized that if he wouldn’t stop quickly, she might actually…

And she did; her inner muscles clenched around his straining erection as the pulsating waves of pleasure flooded through her. He followed almost immediately, his world spinning and a long growl escaped his throat as he allowed himself to be consumed by the depth of their passion, hearing her cry out again in ecstasy.

They simply stayed there, in each-other’s embrace, arms and legs entwined, trying to bring their breathing back under control. Still united as one, Erik brought them both to lie down on the mattress, as he placed her head on the pillow, watching her relax, both exhausted from the excitement they had shared. Leaning down, he kissed her lips tenderly and held her in his arms.

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Some time later, Marianne and Erik entered the salon, feeling a little awkward for being so late for breakfast and expecting Raoul’s inquisitive expression cast upon them both. However, he was nowhere to be seen.

Marianne turned to Louise who was standing by the door.

“Has the Viscount had his breakfast already?” Marianne inquired after her cousin.

“No, Mademoiselle. Monsieur Le Viscount is still in his chambers.”

Marianne’s eyes met Erik’s, the expression on her face suddenly one of apprehension.

“Oh, I thought my cousin’s recovery proceeded rather swiftly. Please Erik, we must check on him immediately!” she exclaimed, rushing out of the grant room towards the staircase.

Erik followed suit and a few moments later, he was knocking Raoul’s bedroom door.

Soon, an incoherent mumble came as an answer to their knocking and Marianne stormed into the room looking frantically for her cousin. The same kind of noise came from beneath the bed’s blankets.

“Raoul?...” Marianne murmured as she approached the bed. “Are you feeling alright?”

A hand emerged from under the covers, as Raoul tried to find the strength to make his appearance. Erik pulled the curtains of the room out of the way and opened a couple of windows so that the fresh morning air would enter the bleak room which smelled of alcohol. He could perfectly understand his fiancée’s fears for her cousin’s recovery, but on the other hand, Erik regarded the whole scene with discernment for Raoul’s condition. It must have been terrible for the Viscount to watch helplessly as his world was capsizing before his eyes.

Marianne sat on the edge of the bed and took Raoul’s hand in hers. He had his eyes closed, as the morning light was more than he could tolerate at that moment. His head was spinning and the moment he woke up, he realized the hammering of the splitting headache against his temples and the nausea in his stomach.

“How are you today cousin?” Marianne asked merely for the sake of it. The colour on his face gave away the real state he was in.

“Cousin…” Raoul answered with difficulty. “I think I need to rest some more if you do not mind…” he continued opening his eyes and shouting them almost instantly.

“Raoul, please. You need to eat something…” she looked at Erik who was standing before the bed. She had also noticed the empty liquor bottles laying scattered on the floor and on the nightstand.

A long sigh escaped Raoul’s throat, as the only thing he wished for that moment was some peace and quiet. However, he couldn’t merely dismiss his cousin and her fiancé, behaving like a spoilt little child. Thus, he tried to master all his strength to confront Marianne’s almost motherly pressure.

“Marianne, all I need is some more sleep and I will be fine. I cannot possibly eat anything right now, I feel nauseated. I promise I will try and join you both later in the day.” Raoul retorted, as a profound expression of apprehension was drawn on her face. He even managed to pull one of his arms from beneath the covers to squeeze her hand with his. She regarded him apprehensively unsure of what would be the right thing to say to him at that moment. She acknowledged the fact that he had drunk a lot the previous night; she could try to help him with the symptoms of nausea, but what could she possibly do about the burden in his heart?

“Raoul, I am afraid that Marianne is right. You do not have to join us or anyone else for that matter. You are more than welcome to stay in your room in much needed solitude. However, you need to eat some breakfast; I promise you it will help you feel better.”

The blonde man turned his head to look at Erik and found the masked man regarding him with eyes full of understanding. Erik would never forget the desperate, pitiful state he had been in when Raoul had found him or the way the younger man had tried to make him come to his senses.

Marianne felt ever so grateful that Erik supported her opinion and she got up from the edge of the bed in order to summon a servant. Helpless between those two, Raoul closed his eyes again as the strong pounding in his head was almost unbearable.

He could hear Erik and Marianne whispering from the other side of the room, until a servant arrived with a tray full of apparently delicious dishes, yet revolting to his eyes at the moment.

The couple approached the bed in order to help him sit up; Marianne arranged the pillows behind his back and when he was ready, the tray was placed on his lap. Raoul averted his gaze and turned his head in disgust as the smell of the food penetrated his nostrils.

“Come Raoul, don’t act childish! Try to eat something, for my sake…” Marianne pleaded.

He took some bites of the food in front of him and then drank some tea. “There. Now, can I lie down again Marianne?”

She smiled and took the tray from his lap. “I will leave it right here. Promise me you will try to eat something later.”

Raoul nodded in the affirmative. “I hope to see you both this afternoon. Thank you for your concern, but I need some rest.”

Marianne sighed and took his hand between hers. “As you wish, my dear cousin. Take a rest and we will see you later.” She helped him lie on the bed and arranged the covers around him.

Erik merely nodded his head as he exited the room and Marianne stood by the door for a couple of seconds, a worried expression adorning her face. “Come my dear, let’s leave him in peace.” he whispered, as he took hold of her hand and led her downstairs.

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“I am so worried about him, Erik. I certainly realize that it’s still too soon for him to recover from all of the recent events, but I cannot bear to see him like this! He does not deserve it…” Marianne exclaimed, not sooner than they were away from Raoul’s chambers.

“Please Marianne, make an effort to understand his condition.” Erik tried to soothe her, as he encircled her waist with his arms. “He needs time. He has lost the love of his life…” he made a brief pause, swallowing hard, as the bitter memories of the past were all coming back.

“He had truly fought for Christine back at the dungeons of the Opera House. He was ready to die for her from my hands… That night your cousin did what a truly noble man would have done, had the woman he loved been in danger.” he offered, squeezing Marianne in his arms, feeling as if he were holding on to a most valuable treasure.

He gazed deep into her loving eyes, cupping both sides of her face with his large palms. “That was the reason why I permitted them both to flee my house that night. However, Raoul was the one who helped me realize I had to fight for your love when I thought that everything was lost between you and me. I owe him my life, Marianne. He is truly a noble and worthy man.”

Marianne lost herself inside the green pools that were his eyes. It was surely very difficult for a proud man such as Erik to admit that Raoul had been the one to teach him so much.

“Raoul was the one to help me not to lose you… We both owe him our happiness.” Erik whispered as he leaned and captured her lips in the sweetest of kisses.

“I know I couldn’t ever live without the love of my life. I cannot live without you Marianne.” he declared, his voice full of emotion.

Marianne’s heart melted, as she herself was melting in his embrace. This man never ceased to amaze her. She sighed a contented sigh and closed her eyes, feeling safe in his strong arms.

Lifting her gaze upwards, she locked eyes with him. “I love you Erik Destler.”

“And I love you, love of my life.”

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“My dear, I think that this could be an opportunity for me to visit my estate.” Erik said pausing for a little, as he took in Marianne’s frowning expression upon hearing his words. “But it will be for the shortest amount of time, my love. I promise to return the soonest possible. Please, try to understand, I have to take care of some matters which need my attention.”

“How can you leave me? Is my company so tedious to you already?” she teased him, as she approached his standing form, her eyes avoiding his.

A smile tugged at his lips. He closed the gap between them and took her in his embrace.

“You know very well that I cannot breathe without you, much less leave this house without you.” he whispered against her pearly lips. “You are most welcome to join me, my Lady.”

Marianne’s breath caught in her throat at their proximity; it was always like this. Every time he was so close to her, every time he had his arms around her and his lips… All thoughts fled her mind and her gaze was fixed upon his lips. His perfect, kissable lips.

He took a taste of her own lips, reciprocating the desire he had seen in her eyes. It was an addictive flavor, he thought to himself, that instead of diminishing every time, made him want more and more. She parted her lips and Erik deepened the kiss, pressing his tongue into her mouth, delving deeper into her rich flavor. Marianne laced her fingers behind his neck and moaned softly. A few moments later she broke the kiss, leaving them both breathless.

“Shall we?” he suggested, more to himself though, the fear of giving in to her spell more than obvious once more.

“Yes, my Lord.” she responded, content in his embrace.

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A few moments later, the couple was exiting the main door of the house.

Erik was more than pleased to take her with him, as it would be a good opportunity for them both, but especially for Marianne, to take their minds off of the garish images of the past few weeks.

Marianne summoned Gerard the butler and gave instructions upon her cousin’s condition. She also informed the butler to communicate to Raoul that she and her fiancé would be back in the afternoon. However, she made it perfectly clear that if the Viscount’s condition needed further care, she should be informed immediately in order to return to her mansion.

After hearing his mistress’ instructions, Gerard headed to the stables. He had a carriage prepared and soon the couple was on its way to the Destler estate.

Marianne felt truly relaxed in Erik’s embrace. Erik closed his eyes, deep feelings steering in him, feelings he had thought he would never feel again after his escape from Paris. And here he was now; the whole world in his arms and a family, his own family well on the way.

Marianne exhumed a fresh, clean fragrance which made him feel serene. Her beautiful eyes at times had the color of a vast, green meadow on a calm sunny day.

His fingers slipped under her chin and he turned her head to look at her. He had the urge to look into those beautiful eyes. Their lives were in a turning point, everything was about to change, everything had to change. Erik wasn’t afraid of that upcoming change for he had already found what he had been looking for all his life; a true companion. He was a little nervous for Marianne’s sake though. He hadn’t any doubts regarding her devotion or her love, however Erik felt nervous about the way Marianne would handle this turn of events in their lives. During the past few weeks he had some thoughts on how they should handle this situation and then there was the issue of their marriage. Such a serious matter shouldn’t be ignored or delayed much longer.

Marianne lifted her head to meet his eyes. His gaze scorched her and for a brief second she felt like a moth flying to its destruction in the heat of a fire. She didn’t care about it though; she was more than eager to succumb to his every desire. Her breath became shallow as they were so close, so dangerously close.

He rested his forehead against hers and he pulled her closer to his body.

“I am so happy… We are together… Together at last… What more can a woman ask for?” Marianne pressed her nose to his and whispered, breaking the silence between them.

“A lifetime.” he answered as he eased her back to the seat of the carriage. “I don’t ask that much from you Marianne… Only a lifetime. Marry me Marianne! The soonest possible!”

She nodded furiously, kissing him everywhere all at once. A future, a bright future, like an adventure, was expecting them both. A long lifetime with Erik was truly something she could only have dreamt of.

Her bottom lip captured between his lips, Erik was thinking that her touch, her kisses felt the same, just as the first time he had held her in his arms. He felt he didn’t really deserve Marianne, but he was willing to surrender completely and utterly to that amazing woman who had shown him unconditional trust. The last thought that crossed his mind was that she was a dream, a vision, a fair vision worth the risk to a heart he had guarded for too long.

Time flew quickly in each-other’s arms and some time later, the carriage was entering the Destler estate. It had been quite a while since Marianne had visited Erik’s house and now she was excited to see his home once more.

The moment the carriage took a turn to reach the front of the mansion, Marianne turned to Erik.

“Could we take a walk before we go into the house? Please?” she asked him with playful eyes.

“Why certainly, my love.” he responded, while at the same time knocking a signal to the driver to stop.

He opened the door and helped Marianne out of the carriage. She took his hand and stepped out of the vehicle.

Erik offered his arm, smiling a knowing smile as Marianne accepted it happily. They proceeded into the green maze, walking by the tall bushy walls covered with versatile flowers. She squeezed his arm, sighing contentedly, feeling exhilarated for the first time in so long.

Reaching the centre of the maze, he guided her to sit on the bench in order to rest. They sat side by side, Marianne smiling widely upon remembering the first time they had been together in this magnificent, dreamy place. She recalled she had been subconsciously craving for his embrace and his kiss, struggling to resist the urge to press her body against his. That feeling had never left her senses, it would seem that she had known she was his ever since the first moment they had met.

As if he had sensed her feelings, Erik leaned closer, making her body and her heart quiver in anticipation of his touch. He lifted his hand, removing a strand of hair from her face and stroked her cheek.

He caressed her face with his large palms and exerted just enough pressure to pull her closer to him.

“What is the matter, my love?” he asked, his words a breath of whisper against her cheek.

“I am so overwhelmed by all these feelings… I thought I would never find anyone to love as much as I love you.”

His heart swelled with love for the amazing woman in his arms. And if that wasn’t enough, she continued.

“I love you Erik, I love you so much that I feel capable of confronting all the evil in the world in order to protect our family.” she paused as Erik placed his palm over her round belly, caressing the spot softly. “It’s you… I close my eyes and it’s always you in my thoughts.”

He came closer, and she was powerless to move, trapped welcomingly, warmly by his dark gaze.

Erik finally crushed her in his embrace, his arms silken bands of steel that made her soul sing.

“I adore you, my Marianne.” his voice fell to a low murmur that set her heart aglow.

“Light of my life! To this day, I still cannot believe I have you here in my arms. It is as if it is not real and it will not be real until you are in my life and share it with me. I cannot wait for you to be my wife. I will not lose you again. You brought true meaning and real beauty into my existence.”

“I’ll always be here for you Erik. You will not have to be alone ever again…” she brought her hand up to cup his masked cheek, “my wonderful, handsome Erik… Believe in us!”

“I do, I do believe in us. I promise to make you happy, to make our family happy. I will love you and protect you, I would never be able to forgive myself if something had happened to you or our child…”

Marianne held him tightly and caressed his hair tenderly. “Please Erik, let us leave all these memories behind us.”

“You are right.” he agreed, capturing her lips with his in a deep, drugging kiss. Marianne moaned as he crushed her against his body, his tongue invading her mouth and conquering her senses.

Time flew quickly in each other’s embrace, until Erik decided it was time to head back into the house. Vincent, the butler of the Destler estate appeared happy to see his master and the Duchess entering the mansion together again.

Erik ordered lunch to be prepared for them and insisted upon Marianne having some rest until the time of the meal. He escorted her to the upper floor and into his bedroom, where he discreetly let her sleep for a little while.

In the meantime, he retreated to his study. He hadn’t had the opportunity to be with himself as of late. He felt literally like a fish out of water as he had been alone for the better part of his life, he had had only himself to depend on and only himself to consider. That was really the first time in his life he had to decide on someone else other than himself… he was a family man now. He would be a husband and a father sooner that he would realize it.

Strangely enough, he didn’t feel intimidated by the realization of his current situation. On the contrary, he felt excited and anxious to begin his new life with Marianne.

He hadn’t had the chance to speak to Raoul yet, but he knew he would have to take some measures as far as his and Marianne’s future was concerned. He knew she would comprehend that they had to leave Rouen before her pregnancy would be visible. He didn’t care for himself, he never had, but he surely cared about Marianne’s wellbeing.

Erik sat behind his desk and took a white piece of parchment placing it in front of him. He had to take hold of the situation and provide a safe environment for his future wife and their child. Never had he thought he would return to the city of Paris, no less with his own family. He began writing instructions to the real estate agent, the same one who had helped him find this estate in Rouen. He had to return back, no matter how hard it would be for him. However his return would have to be planned in the most discrete way, so a mansion in the outskirts of Paris would be more suitable. He had yet to discuss some details with Raoul, but he thought he couldn’t afford to lose any more time. In fact, he couldn’t wait for his new life, their new life, his and Marianne’s, to finally begin.

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A/N: Please R&R!
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No Easy Way