The Point of No Return- COMPLETE

Chapter Five


The icy bitter wind whipped at him as he guided his black stallion along the cemetery path. Erik’s eyes scoped out his surroundings under the hood of his cape. He knew it was probably foolish to meet him in person. Nevertheless, when he received the letter through Madame Giry, he couldn’t stay away. She had been adamant about him not going. Christine agreed with her and begged him not to go. He hated to see the fear in her eyes, yet he had no choice. This was the only way.

Rounding the corner the site of the tomb of Christine’s father caught his eye. It was a large structure, very similar to a small house. With the name Daae emblazoned on the front, the tomb itself was as grand as the man entombed within. Coming to a stop in front of the tomb, Erik climbed off Caesar. He rubbed the horse’s nose in a tender manner as he whispered softly to him in a hushed tone. Tying the reigns up on the iron gate surrounding the tomb Erik began to walk up the stairs. Taking a deep breath, he quickly made the sign of the cross. Even though it had been years since he made the simple gesture, warmth spread over him as a sense of rightness flooded over him. He then reached inside his cloak and pulled out a single rose tied with a black satin ribbon. He laid the rose in front of the tomb as he whispered, “I swear on my life I shall protect and love her.”

“That remains to be seen.”

Erik whipped around as his eyes flashed with anger. He knew that voice well, perhaps too well. “You are early.” He pulled back the hood of his cloak to reveal the whiteness of his mask.

Raoul stared up at him, his jaw set stubbornly. “I like to prepare for any traps. Let’s say I’ve learned from my experiences.”

“Have you?” Erik couldn’t help but taunt. He stood on the stairs staring down at the boy in front of him. “Yet here you are again.”

“Is she well?” Raoul dared to ask.

Erik ground his jaw as he clenched his fists, the leather of his black gloves creaking. “She is no longer any of your concern. But yes, she is well.” His eyes were chips of green ice. “Did you bring the deed?”

Raoul dug in his overcoat and pulled out a small leather satchel. “There is a stipulation to the sale.” He took a deep breath. He knew it was risky to bait a man such as this. Yet he had to do this.

“What stipulation? You mentioned no stipulations in your letter!” Erik growled. “We agreed on a price and the Opera will be mine!”

“I sell the Opera Populaire to you, however for the next three months I shall remain your overseer.” Raoul started.

“I do not need an overseer! The Opera Populaire shall be great again under my control! It was always my opera. You and the fools you supported were the only ones who thought otherwise.” Erik shouted.

“It is not the opera I am worried about!” Raoul snapped back at him.

Erik’s eyes widened as he glared down at the fop. “You dare question my love for HER?” He roared. Anger flowed through his veins as he tried to reign in his control. How dare he question his love for Christine? “You think I would harm her?”

“Once a murderer, always a murderer.” Raoul looked dead in his eyes as he spoke.

Erik took a deep breath as the power of Raoul’s words hit him straight in the heart. In the past Raoul would be dead by now, his neck decorated with his magical lasso. He had killed for lesser insults. Now, no now was different. “I could kill you.” He whispered softly in a taunting tone.

“But you won’t.” Raoul replied with a bit of arrogance. “You know that the thought of telling her what you did would haunt you. That is what is stopping you.”

“She loves me!” Erik lashed out. “We do not need you Vicompte. Not now, not ever.”

“You need no one, not even Christine.” Raoul snapped. “As for her love for you, we shall see.”

“You are not welcome in my opera.” Erik’s voice came out cold.

“The stipulation to the sale is that I remain overseer of the Opera for three months. When I am convinced that Christine is in no harm and she loves you, then I will leave. The opera will be yours, free and clear. I will not interfere in your lives after that.” Raoul laid it all out on the line. “That is the deal, take it…or leave it.”

“No matter what happens you will not be convinced. Let’s stop playing games here, Vicompte.” Erik took a step down from the stairs. “If this is your attempt to get close to her to try and woo her, you will fail. That I can guarantee.”

“If three months have passed and I am still not convinced, I shall give the Opera to Christine. It is her dream to sing and I will not take that away from her.” Raoul told him.

“Either way I get the Opera.” Erik smirked. “Not very smart Vicompte.”

“On the contrary it is very smart. I may be giving her the Opera but I still will own it.” Raoul returned the smirk.

“I could always marry her.” Erik taunted.

“You are well aware that marriages do not necessarily mean love. No, if you want to prove your love for her, show it. When I am convinced then I will hand over the Opera. Cleanup shall begin immediately. I am guessing the cleanup will take about three months. On opening night if I am convinced, I shall leave the two of you in peace.” Raoul spoke.

“And yet you call me the monster?” Erik asked. “I was ready to give her up if she chose you. You cannot let her go, can you?”

“Three months. I shall be in touch.” Raoul turned to walk away.

“Vicompte, you will regret this.” Erik swore.

“That might be true, but my concern is for Christine.” Raoul said softly. “I will be in touch.”

Erik watched him go. An anger like he had never known was boiling up inside him. How dare he interfere? Just who did that boy think he was? He had come too far to lose Christine now. He had promised her the Opera. Now that little fop was going to make him a liar. A shiver of fear ran down his spine as he walked to Caesar. He nearly lost Christine once in the battle with Raoul. He couldn’t lose her this time.


* * * * * *

Christine watched as Erik walked ahead of her, holding the torch to light their way. After nearly three weeks, they were finally returning to the lair, their home. She was excited to be getting back to some sense of normality. As normal as one can be living under an opera house, she smiled to herself. Memories of the first time she visited the lair came to mind. To her it was like an enchanted fantasyland.

“When we reach the end of this tunnel the boat should be waiting for us.” Erik’s voice seemed distant, almost cold.

She swallowed hard. Something was wrong. He hadn’t been the same since returning from the meeting with Raoul. What had happened? He didn’t talk about it and a part of her was afraid to ask. When he came back, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her for what seemed like an eternity. Christine remembered asking him what was wrong and the only response she received was a deep passionate kiss.

“I love you.” Christine whispered, yet the tunnel echoed the vow.

Erik suddenly stopped and turned to look at her. The look on his face was anger at first. When he met her eyes, the harsh look melted into one of pure love. Reaching out the leather of his gloves grazed her cheek as he whispered. “I love you my Christine. No matter what happens you must remember I love you and always have.” His voice cracked.

“Erik, what is wrong?” Christine reached up and cupped his cheek. “What happened? Please, tell me.”

“Later my love. Not tonight.” He gave her a pained smile as he kissed her softly. “We must get to the lair.” He turned around and began walking again. Inside his mind, hatred for Raoul grew. Why would he go against Christine’s wishes if he professed concern about her? It is his hatred of me. That is what is driving this.

Around the last corner, the boat was awaiting them. Erik’s eyes widened as he saw Madame Giry standing near the water’s edge. “Madame?” He asked genuinely surprised. “What are you doing here?”

Madame Giry gave him a warm smile. “I think we are past the point of pleasantries, Erik. Call me Elisabeth, please.”

Erik’s lips twitched as he nodded. “Elisabeth.”

“Meg and I made sure everything was put back and in order in the lair.” Madame Giry smiled at Christine. “You shall have a real home now child. Erik will see to that.”

Christine gave her a shy smile. “Thank you Madame Giry. Thank you for everything you have done for him.” She laid her head on Erik’s arm.

“I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. He is a good man, Christine.” Madame Giry smiled at the couple.

Christine looked up at Erik and smiled. “Yes he is.”

“We must get going.” Erik spoke softly. He held Christine’s hand as he helped her into the boat. He looked back at Madame Giry. “Where are you and Meg staying? Are the ballet dormitories ruined?” The last sentence was said with a hint of shame.

“No, they are not completely ruined. The damage is more cosmetic than structural. Have no fear Erik this place will prosper again. Meg and I are in our normal quarters if you need us.”

Erik climbed in the boat and took his gondola stick. “Thank you for everything. I shall be in contact tomorrow. We need to talk.”

Madame Giry understood the tone of voice. There was trouble and he didn’t want to worry Christine. “Of course. Goodnight.”

Erik nodded as he began to move the boat down the lake to the lair. He was silent, lost in his own thoughts when Christine spoke. “What must you talk about?” Her voice held a note of fear.

“Opera business.” His answers were brief. He knew he was being purposely vague but he couldn’t help it. The argument with Raoul plagued him. Deep in his heart, he feared what he would have to do to keep Christine.

“Oh.” Christine looked down and prayed for the tears not to come.

“Please Christine, this is hard enough.” Erik’s voice cracked.

“What is? Talk to me please?” She looked up at him pleadingly.

“Soon my love.” He moved the boat until they reached the gates of the lair. The heavy outer door began to creak as it rose revealing the portcullis door. Nervousness arose in Erik as the portcullis began to lift as the dark heavy velvet curtain began to rise. Would his beloved lair be the same? When the curtain rose he couldn’t help but smile as he saw the candles lit, awaiting them, as if they had been gone for mere minutes instead of days.

The boat slid along the green water until it was in the safe harbor of the lair. Erik’s eyes moved all around the room. Everything was just as they had left it. The candles burned brightly, giving the stones an eerie glow. The mirrors reflected their entry as the boat glided to the shore. His lips twitched in a smile as he saw his organ and the sheet music that lay on top.

“It’s just as I remember it.” Christine spoke in awe. “It is beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you, little one.” Erik smiled down at her lovingly. Steadying the boat, he held out his hand for Christine. As she stepped out of the boat, Erik pulled her into his arms as he buried his head in the crook of her neck.

Christine ran her fingers through his hair as she hugged him. “Erik what is wrong? You must tell me. I am worried.” She kissed his neck.

“Please don’t worry. I am fine. I have you and that is all that matters.” Erik kissed her softly as he turned to walk up the stone stairs to the upper levels of the lair. How could he tell Christine of Raoul’s plans? There was nothing to prove to the arrogant fop. He loved Christine and she loved him. Yet it was Raoul’s presence alone that he knew would irritate him. He made the offer and it was a very generous one indeed. What right did Raoul have putting such stipulations on him?

Christine knew Erik was troubled from the moment he came back from the cemetery. She knew because he still wore his mask. She watched silently as he raised the black mesh curtain around the black swan bed. Even without words, she knew his heart was troubled by something. Walking up the stairs, she let out a small sigh.

Erik looked up and gave her a small smile. “I had Madame Giry purchase some things for you. Here.” He moved past her and approached a hidden wardrobe. Pulling the doors apart, he smiled when he saw that Madame Giry had followed his instructions perfectly. Reaching in he pulled out a gauzy nightgown. Turning around he held it out. “This is for you. I thought perhaps it would be more comfortable than the old costume.”

Christine took it. “Thank you. It is beautiful.”

He nodded as he sat on the edge of the bed. He remained silent as he began unlacing his boots. Kicking them off, he began to unbutton his shirt. He could feel Christine’s eyes on him. They gave off a sensual heat like the one he never felt before. Pulling the shirt apart, he began to strip it off.

She sucked in her breath as his chest was revealed. The hard muscles rippled under the skin as he shrugged off the linen. Her eyes roamed over the light dusting of dark hairs that she only last night ran her fingertips across. His body was that of a Greek god. A broad chest tapered down into a set of toned abs. The biceps that made up his arms were strong, another reminder of his strength.

Feeling her eyes on him, Erik lifted his head and allowed a small smirk to play across his lips. So she liked watching him, did she? He cocked his head as he saw her dark eyes taking in everything she saw. What was going on in her mind?

Knowing that he was playing with her, Christine decided right then that she would give some back. Reaching down she began to unbutton the front of the dress she wore. It was another one of the costumes she had found in the spare room. It was a peasant’s costume, rather drab really, not even needing a corset underneath it. Her nimble fingers made short work out of the buttons as she pulled it open.

Erik’s breath began caught in his throat as he watched her. Her dark hair floated behind her like a curtain. She refused to meet his eyes as she pulled at the coarse garment she wore. The gown slid past her shoulders, her waist to pile on the floor around her feet. As she stood nude in front of him, Erik found himself growling with frustration. Her body was perfect. She had long legs that reached up to curvaceous hips and a small waist. Her flat stomach led up to a pair of perfect sized breasts. “You are beautiful.” He managed to choke out.

A sensual smile appeared as she reached for the nightgown. Taking it in her hands, she lifted her arms and let the gauzy cotton fall over her body. Pulling out her hair from the back of the nightgown, she knew she was teasing him. That is exactly what she wanted to do. “Thank you.”

Erik swallowed hard as she walked over to him, coming to stand between his legs. She placed her hands on his shoulders. She loved the feel of his body under her hands. Sliding them up to cup his face she reached for the mask. Peeling it slowly from his face, she laid it on the table beside the bed. “There is no need to hide from me.” She whispered. Lowering her head, she began to kiss him deeply. Her tongue innocently probed his lips, begging him to open them. He moaned as he opened up, allowing her access to anything she wanted. His hands slid up over her backside to the small of her back, pulling her closer as the kiss became more heated.

Christine pushed gently on his chest as she whispered. “Lie back my love. You are troubled and I am here now. Tonight is my gift to you.”

Erik began to lie back on the bed as he watched her. By now, he was hard as granite in his trousers. He painfully strained against the material. He slid his hands down her shoulders to cup her breasts over her nightgown. He smiled as her nipples hardened under his touch. He raised his eyebrows when she smiled and pushed his hands up and away to rest over his head. “What are you doing, little one?”

Christine kept her eyes on him as she knelt between his legs. She slid her hand over his hardness, letting her fingernails lightly scratch over his trousers. Erik hissed as he fought not to arch upwards. “Do you like that?” She asked curiously. She let her palm drag over the bulge, rubbing along the length of him.

“Yes!” He hissed through clenched teeth. He grabbed the red velvety covering in his fists as he tried to reign in his control. When she began unbuttoning his trousers, his head snapped up. “Christine, what are you doing?” When she began tugging, he lifted up so she could pull them down a bit. His erection sprang free from its constraint as her small hand wrapped around it. His eyes closed as he felt her thumb brush over the full head. “Oh god.” He moaned softly.

“You are so…” Christine trailed off as she wrapped both hands around him and began to stroke softly.

“So what?” He found he could barely get the words out.

“Large.” She managed to squeak out as she stroked the shaft from base to tip with her hands. “I have never done this before. Promise you will tell me what you enjoy and what you don’t.”

Erik let a tortured chuckle out as he tried to breath. “I swear little one.” When she began to stroke him again, he burst out. “Don’t stop!”

Christine loved the sound of his arousal as she used her hands on him. While one hand stroked him, the other cupped his sacs, which elicited another moan from him. Her thumb began to trail lazily around the tip, teasingly. Her palm slid along the shaft twisting as she went. “I am finding I love touching you Erik.” She whispered.

“You will be the death of me Christine.” Erik moaned as he arched up into her hand.

“Then let us die together.” She whispered as she lowered her mouth.

Erik opened his eyes to watch Christine flick her tongue against his head in a nervous first taste of him. The instant her soft tongue encountered him, he moaned low in his throat. Her breath was hot against him and it was driving him mad. His fingers came up to delve in her hair. He hissed her name. As if testing him Christine swirled the tip of her tongue over the tip, tasting a salty taste. When he thought he had died truly and went to heaven Christine took him into her mouth.

Christine let her tongue slide along the underside of him as her mouth got used to the size of him. She went slowly at first with uncertainty. Then she felt his fingers in her hair and on her scalp, pulling her head down. She let him slide as deep as he could into her mouth. With his size she couldn’t get all of him inside. She kept still for a few seconds until Erik began to breathe heavy as he arched against her mouth. “Please?” He begged softly.

Knowing she could deny him nothing, she began to move her mouth up and down his shaft as she let her tongue slide against him. Erik tried to breathe but found it a difficult task. Her mouth was like a satin glove that covered him. When she moved her mouth up, he yearned to be deep inside again. If this felt this good now, what would it be like when they finally made love? She pulled him out almost all the way and sucked just on the tip. He moaned long and deep as he tried to thrust back in. “Christine this is madness. I cannot last.” His voice was faint.

Christine loved the sound of his voice, knowing that he needed her. She began to move her mouth faster on him. As her tongue bathed him, her lips teased his shaft. She could feel the wetness pooling between her legs. However, tonight was about him. How long had she wanted to do this? She could not lie to herself anymore. The thought first crossed her mind during Don Juan, the night of the fire. The way he held her as he sang aroused her.

Erik felt his body shake with as his emanate orgasm neared. He was growling low in his throat now, thrusting up into her mouth. The sound was animalistic. Never had he felt anything like this. He might not have ever been inside a woman but he was a man who gave in to his urges. Never had what he’d done felt this good. When Christine fluttered her tongue on the underside just under the tip, Erik arched up hard. His body shook as his cock twitched, his release coming hard and fast. He exploded deep inside of her mouth. At first shame flooded him as he snapped open his eyes to look at her. When he saw Christine keeping her mouth right where it was, he moaned.

At first the sudden burst of his semen frightened her. It was salty and strange tasting. Yet as she swallowed it, she heard him moan. Anything to give him that much pleasure had to be good. Erik gave a final shudder as he collapsed back on the bed. Taking all that he had to give, she swallowed it all.

Erik dared to open his eyes. The muted light of the candles had him blinking to adjust his eyes. Then he felt movement and looked over to find Christine come up to lie with him on the bed. He immediately pulled her close as he hugged her to his chest. “I love you.” He whispered into her hair.

Christine lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “I love you.” She stroked his cheek and gave him a shy smile. “I hope I did not disappoint you.”

Erik cupped her face and pulled her head down to kiss her deeply. As his tongue plunged into her mouth, he could taste himself on her tongue. He moaned into her mouth. Breaking the kiss softly he whispered. “You could never disappoint me.”

“Then what are you hiding from me? What happened today?” She asked softly.

Erik stared into her eyes and the sighed as he spoke. “Raoul has set a stipulation on the sale.”

Christine felt her blood turn cold. “What is it?” Her voice quivered.

“He is to remain our overseer for three months. It seems the sale depends on your happiness and how much in love you are with me.” Erik turned his head. Just saying the words pained him. When he felt her soft fingers on his face, he turned to look at her.

“Raoul will see that I love you very much. I do Erik. Nothing is going to tear us apart again. Not Raoul, not anyone.” Christine whispered fervently. “You are the man I love.”

He gave her a small smile as he pulled her to his chest. “Your words warm my heart. It reminds me of why I stayed. I love you my little one.” He brushed his lips over her forehead.

“I love you my Angel of Music.” Christine hugged him. No one was going to stop them. If Raoul thought he could keep them apart, he was wrong. Dead wrong.