**This chapter was co-written with Ladybug

Part 4

Erin hurried across the parking lot refusing to cry.  She was literally shaking as she made her way to the car.  "Damn!"  She exclaimed tersely.  It was partially her fault, she hadn't gotten to school as early as she had intended.  She had awoken from sweet dreams with the sensation that she had a ton of bricks tied to her head.  She thought she could dismiss her class early and go talk with the President of the University.  Boy, had she been wrong.  Instead she found a note on her desk requesting her presence at the President's office promptly at 3pm.  It was now 4:30.

"Come on, Erin, surely you didn't think I wouldn't have considered that you'd go over Needlehymer's head did you?"  Ray asked cheekily as he stood leaning against her teal Saturn.

"You had this planned all along," she accused hotly.

"Of course I did,” he smirked.  “I went and talked to him this morning.  He can't wait to talk to everyone involved.  Looks like that cute little ass of yours is in a sling and I'm your only hope of getting out of it."

God, how she’d love to slap that smirk off his face!  "How can that possibly happen, Ray?"

His smirk turned into a smarmy grin, "I forget how naive you are.  I explained how you seem to have a thing for Needlehymer."

"The ONLY "thing" I have for Needlehymer is trying to get the man to leave me alone!"  She hissed through clenched teeth, her hands clenching.

Ray took a step forward, attempting to brush her face with his fingers.  She quickly jerked away.  "Erin, you know I can make it all go away, all you have to do is take me to the party, come back to my place for a night cap, and leave in the morning."

Erin ground her keys into her palm, mindful of the pain; yet not caring.  "What is it Ray?  The fact I don't want you?  Is that what turns you on?  Or is it something else?"

"You have until tomorrow, Missy."

"And then what?"

"Then, I give President Harmon all the letters."

"What letters?"  She asked in disbelief.

"Why, the letters I found that you had written Needlehymer."

"I have NEVER written anything to Needlehymer."

"Oh yes you did, but you had saved them to your computer and never sent them."

"I did NO such thing!"

"Ahh but I can prove otherwise!"

"You hacked into my computer didn't you?"

"Now, would I do that?"

She shook her head in dismay.  Fighting her need to break down in tears at the feeling of numbness that was coursing through her.  She felt as if she were drowning and no one was there to throw her a life preserver.  All she could do was stare at him.  "You are a poor excuse for a human being, do you realize that?"

"I already told you what it would take to make this go away."

"I sleep with you?"

"It's up to you, sweetheart."  With that he walked away.

She got into the car, clenching the steering wheel; tears streaming down her face.  She wanted to hit something, or throw something, or SOMETHING.  She couldn't put her finger on it.  She wanted Ray's head on a platter.  With that image in her head, she backed up and sped out of the parking lot.

Ed, the security guard, waved as she sped into the lot. She gave him the barest of nods and squealed into the parking spot.  It was seven o'clock already.  Traffic had been a bear.  She got out and slammed the car door.  God, traffic had been a bitch!  She couldn’t believe that it was already seven o’clock.  Entering the condo, she immediately went down the hall to her room and stripped off her clothes.

Putting on a pair of sweat shorts and a t-shirt, she began to dwell on her situation.  The more she thought about it the more upset she got, the more panicked she felt and the more pissed off she became.  Moving down the hall towards the kitchen, she began to reason out loud.  "What if I agree to go with Ray to the party... maybe I could persuade him to not go through with it."  She almost immediately discounted the idea.  The very thought of spending an evening with Ray made her stomach churn.  Memories from their last date, flittered through her mind.  A date which had ended up with her getting a cab and going home.  What was she going to do?  In her heart, she knew she could not go with Ray, but what else could she do?

She entered the kitchen as her thoughts drifted towards Antoine.  What she really wanted to do was ask him.  Had, in fact, planned to ask him once she got her courage up.  She shook her head at the memory of last night.  That was the one shiny spot in all the darkness.  The memory of his deep vibrating laugh made her feel like her insides were made for play dough.  What was she going to do?  She walked over to the cupboard and got down the Tequila.  She grabbed one of the glasses from the sink, quickly washed it out and poured the golden substance into it.  What had Antoine said last night?  Alcohol for courage?  She definitely needed something.  After three shots she felt numb and was still no closer to knowing what to do.  Needing some fresh air, she decided to go take a walk on the beach.  Maybe the waves could bring her answers, it certainly couldn’t hurt.

~*~

Antoine noticed Erin walk by as he escorted his last client of his man whoring days to the door.  After giving the woman a quick peck on the cheek, he had closed the door and headed towards the kitchen to pour himself a glass of orange juice.  He reached for the newspaper that he had laid aside that morning on his kitchen table and began to peruse its pages.  When he got up to refill his orange juice he checked the clock.  It had been an hour.  His thoughts drifted back to Erin as he’d seen her pass by earlier.  She’d been huddled in on herself and not smiling.  Obviously her day hadn't gone well.  He wondered what could have happened to make her so withdrawn. 

Making his way over to his laptop, he booted it up; perhaps he would catch her online.  As he waited, he headed back to the kitchen and refilled his glass with orange juice.  Bringing the glass up to his lips, he emptied the glass before filling it a final time.  Walking back over to where he had his laptop set up, he sat down on his couch, waiting for his buddy list to pop up as he connected to the internet.  Damn!  No sign of her.  He sighed and rubbed his tired eyes.  He’d wanted to give her more time to come to him, but the look of absolute desolation that he’d witnessed on her face as she’d walked by earlier haunted him and would not allow him that luxury.  Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she needed him right now and he found himself impatient to be in her company again.  He brushed his finger tips across his lips imagining the caress of Erin's soft lush looking lips. He quickly brushed the thought aside, she didn't need his desire now; she needed his friendship.

It was with this thought in mind, he opened his door and froze when he saw Erin exiting the condo.  He frowned at the misery that was etched into her face.  What could have possibly happened to put that look on her face?  He wondered.  Every protective instinct in him came roaring forward and for the first time in his life, he found that he cared for someone else’s life over his own.  He found that he wasn't trying to find out how to please or impress. It was a strange feeling, but a good one.

Closing his condo door quietly behind him, he followed Erin out to the beach.

~*~

Erin sat on the beach, her knees drawn up to her chest, arms folded over them, head bent down against her arms.   She jumped when she felt a touch to her back.  She turned her head to see Antoine lowering himself to sit beside her.  His hand slid slowly across her back to her opposite shoulder then he pulled her into him.  "Tell me what happened, dolcezza," he whispered softly.

Erin sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder, too tired to fight against him.  In truth, she found she really didn’t want to.  In a low, almost inaudible voice she recited everything that had happened earlier with Ray.  Eventually, she finished with, "Maybe I should just take Ray to the party.  I could try and figure out a way to persuade him not to go through with the allegations." Staring straight ahead she added, "What's one night anyways?"

Antoine was appalled at her suggestion.  "Do not talk that way, Erin,” he chastised her harshly, jealously adding a hard edge to his tone.  The thought of Erin in the arms of another man did strange things to his self-control and he had to force his temper down.  Drawing in a deep breath, he added more calmly, “It would kill a part of you to have sex and not care for the person."

She lifted her head from his shoulder and looked at him curiously.  "Did it kill a part of you, Antoine?"

"Maybe the first few times."  He shrugged nonchalantly.

"But you still did it."

"IT was good money,” he answered, his thoughts taking him back to that time years ago.  “Sometimes one must do what they have to in order to put their dream to reality.”  He blinked and shook off the feelings of nostalgia.  “And besides, I needed a way to stay in this country."

Erin studied Antoine’s profile for a long moment.  She had a feeling there was more to it than what he said, but decided not to push.  She zeroed in on his last statement and asked, "Why?  Do you and your family not get along?"

For a moment, Antoine didn’t answer.  He wasn’t used to sharing his personal life with anyone and he instinctively wanted to clam up now, but he desperately wanted Erin to trust him and he was quickly learning that to expect trust you had to give trust.  "My mother and I do not,” he finally answered softly and Erin thought she detected a sadness in his admission.  Then he suddenly smiled and turned his head to look down at her.  “But my brother and I are the best of friends."

Erin couldn’t help but return his smile. "And your father?"

"He was the one who helped me get a job with my uncle so I could leave Italy, and my mother's controlling thumb."

"What did you come here to do originally?"

Antoine smirked, his dark eyes gazing out over the crashing waves of the ocean. "Run my uncle's Antique's store,” he answered.  “He had the finest quality antiques.  Especially medieval weapons."

"How the heck did you go from selling antiques to becoming a limo driver and man whore?"

"The lawyer for the antique store."

"You're kidding me!"  Erin stared at him dumbfounded.

"No."

"But I mean..."

Again Antoine shrugged nonchalantly.  "She had a side business of prostitution.  What better person to have in your pocket than a lawyer."

Erin didn’t respond right away, letting what Antoine had just told her sink in.  "So, let me guess, your uncle found out and fired you?"

"In a way… I found out she was doing some things I found morally wrong and I gave an anonymous tip to the police.”

“I don’t mean to sound judgmental, Antoine, but isn’t that a little like the kettle calling the pot black?” she asked.

Antoine chuckled softly and conceded the point.  “I suppose so,” he answered.  “But even I have morals, as tarnished as they may be.”

“So, how did your uncle find out?”

“He walked in on us arguing and overheard me telling her that I wasn’t going to work for her anymore and found out about my side business.  He was disgusted and fired me."

"So you started your own business?"

"I got the job as a limo driver first and then one thing led to another…  I really didn't have to talk too much to the women I picked up at the airport.  They usually offered extra money if I did them a 'favor'."

"I can't believe women can be that straight forward.  I mean, I wouldn't even be able to get the words out of my mouth, not to mention how degrading it would be."

Antoine smile and lifted his hand to brush his fingers against her cheek. "That is why I like you, cara mia.  You don't see me as a piece of meat that needs to perform for you or make you feel good."

Erin crinkled her nose at him.  “I should hope not.  The sex with those women would be all about them, making them feel good.  They don't care about your feelings."

"They only care about the wrapping and what I can do for them.”  Leaning forward, Antoine playfully nipped at her earlobe.  “You still haven't asked me what I can do for you," he whispered in her ear.

Erin felt a shiver race up her spine and shrugged her shoulder away from him with a giggle.  "I could never ask.  I'm not that bold."

Antoine felt an unfamiliar tugging of his heartstrings at the sound of her giggle.  He smiled, the warmth of it reaching his brown eyes.  "It is good to hear you laugh, cara.  Do you feel better now?"

Erin nodded and returned his smile with a genuine one of her own.  "Thank you, Antoine.  I do feel better…” she sighed softly, “but I still do not know what I'm going to do."  She leaned into him again, resting her head on his shoulder.  Slowly, his arm slide comfortingly around her waist.  It felt good to be held.

"Take me."

Erin blinked, uncertain that she heard him right.  She lifted her head from his shoulder and looked at him curiously.  “What?” she asked softly, not daring to hope.

“Take me with you to the party.  I will be your date.”

Oh God, how she wanted to... badly, but she had to be realistic.  "You wouldn't want to go to this, Antoine, it's all stuffy and snobby and--"

"Do you not want to be seen with me?" he asked quietly, surprised at how much it hurt that she might feel that way.

Erin’s eyes widened at the hurt tone in his voice.  "Of course I do,” she assured him quickly, her hand coming to rest on his arm.  “I do want to take you, Antoine.  I would love to have you be my date, but I can’t imagine why you would want to go to an incredibly boring faculty party where we rub elbows with our contributors in an effort to politic for more funds."

Once more, Antoine raised his hand to caress her cheek.  "Because you would be there,” he answered simply.

For a long moment, Erin didn’t say a word.  She stared up into his handsome face, lost herself in the warmth of his brown eyes – in the soft caress of his fingers.  "Okay,” she answered her voice barely above a whisper.  “You can be my date.”

Antoine’s smile was instant, giving him a boyish look.  Erin felt her heart do a funny little flip and she swallowed hard, forcing herself to get back to the heart of the matter.  “But what am I going to do about Ray?"

The smile slowly faded from Antoine’s face and he had to quickly mask the spark of anger he felt towards the jerk for hurting her.  "It will all work out."

Erin sighed heavily.  "Maybe…"

"Have a little faith, amore."

She stared out across the waves to where the sky met the water.  Faith… she’d had faith once a long time ago.  But that was then and this was now.  She had learned that she couldn't rely on anyone but herself – it had been a hard lesson – but she was, if anything, a quick learner. 

Glancing over at Antoine from the corner of her eye, she saw that he had leaned back, bracing himself on his well toned arms.  One leg was tucked into a triangle, the other out straight.  Lord, he made one heck of a male specimen.  Looking at him made her mouth either overly salivate or go so dry she felt that she would need to drink the ocean to quench the thirst.

Antoine rolled his shoulders in an effort to relax them and caught Erin watching his every move. He saw the raw need and hunger in her eyes and a slow grin curved the corners of his mouth.  "Now who is the predator and who is the prey, hmm la mia tigre piccolo (my little tiger)?"

Erin felt her face flush.  "I'm… I'm sorry. I-I… just-"  Antoine placed his finger over her lips to silence her.

"Erin, it is okay to desire me.”  His finger moved seductively across the bottom of her lip, his dark eyes following the moment, looking as if he’d like to devour them.  “It makes me feel good to know you like what you see,” he continued softly.  “The problem is, piccola, is that your eyes and body language tell me one thing while your brain and mouth are saying something different.”

Erin flushed in embarrassment.  "I do not mean to lead you on.  The body may want more, but logic has to play a part."

"And what does your heart say, Erin?  Will you always allow logic to rule your life?  Will you never allow your heart the chance to feel… to take a risk?"  He leaned close, his words a gentle breeze against her skin.

"I-I-I don't listen to my heart," she answered in a rush, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.  “I-I can’t.”

Antoine shifted and rose up to his knees, pulling her up with him, their body’s mere inches apart.  Suddenly feeling very vulnerable, Erin kept her gaze focused on the center of his chest, too afraid to look up, too afraid at what she would see in his eyes.

“Erin, bella…” his finger slid beneath her chin and lifted.  “Look at me, bella,” he commanded softly and waited until Erin finally lifted her gaze and their eyes locked together.  "Clear your mind, cara mia.  Clear your mind of everything and listen a moment.”  His hands trailed lightly down her arms until his fingers laced through hers.  Leaning close, but taking special care to not overwhelm her, his lips brushed against first one cheek then the other.  “Tell me what you hear.”

"N-nothing," she stammered, barely able to speak.  All she could see, all she could smell was him.  She could feel herself weakening.  “I-I hear n-nothing.”

“Close your eyes,” he whispered.  He waited until she had complied then he leaned in and nipped her full upper lip.  He smiled in satisfaction when he heard her soft gasp and felt her fingers tighten against his.  When she didn’t try to pull away, he began to gently nibble upon her soft lips, tasting the strawberry chapstick she’d used earlier.

Instinctively, he wanted to deepen the kiss even more, but he forced himself to hold back, not wanting to scare her.  Keeping it light and exploratory, he continued to nibble and taste her lips until he thought he would go insane. 

A low growl of triumph nearly escaped his throat when he finally felt her begin to respond with a tentative nip of her own.  He unlaced their fingers and wrapped his arms around her bringing her body closer to his.  When her head tilted to one side, coming to rest against his shoulder, he couldn’t resist the offering and he began to trail kisses along her jawline, following the slender column of her throat down to the pulse point at the base of her neck.  A moan seemed to tear itself from the depths of her soul as he lifted his head and whispered hoarsely into her ear, "Now what do you hear?  What does your heart say?"

"That I'm being a prude," she murmured in a giggle. 

The magic of the moment scattered with the ocean breeze as they sat back on their haunches.  Antoine watched her closely, quite pleased with the glazed look in her eyes.  "The party starts at 5:30 on Friday," she informed him breathlessly when she could finally think enough to form words.

Antoine slipped his hands back into hers and felt the fine trembling coursing down her arm.  He couldn’t help the smile that parted his lips when he realized that he was having problems catching his own breath.   "So we should leave here at quarter of five?"

Erin nodded.  "Sure, that would be fine."  She was suddenly very intimately aware of every breath he took and she found herself staring intently at his mouth.  "I-I need to get back."

"In such a hurry, cara mia?" he asked quietly, gently running his fingers along her cheek, and through her hair. Erin closed her eyes as he stroked his fingers gently through the loose strands.  When she opened them again his face was mere inches from hers.  Antoine smiled.  "Relax, Erin, I will not force myself on you."

"Do you think it would really be forcing?" she muttered under her breath almost sorry that he wouldn’t take what they’d started further.

"I don’t believe you are ready yet, bella.”  Unable to resist one last taste of her, he leaned forward slightly, closing the few inches between them and pressed a light kiss to her lips then leaned back.  “So, until that time, I will remain chaste with you."

Erin couldn't help but laugh at his choice of words.  "I do not mean to offend you, Antoine, but for you to use the word chaste just seems ironic."  She rubbed at her arms as a cool breeze rose up with the sinking sun.

Antoine grinned, not offended in the least and rose to his feet.  “Come,” he began as he pulled her up beside him.  "Why don't we go inside so that you can put some warmer clothes on then we can go eat some dinner."

"That’s alright, Antoine, Ange left some frozen dinners for me."

"Frozen dinners!"  Antoine shook his head and slipped his hand into hers, lacing their fingers together.  "Let me take you to a favorite cafe of mine for some real food."

Erin shook her head, enjoying the feel of his warm, larger hand in hers.  "Thanks for the offer, but really, I'll be fine, Antoine."

He turned his head to study her trying to gage her thoughts.  "Tell me, dolcezza, what's really keeping you from going?  Fear or shame?"

Erin stopped walking, forcing Antoine to stop as well, her eyes wide in surprise.  "And you accuse me of being insecure… I have already told you I am not ashamed to be seen with you!"

Antoine ignored her more than insightful comment, not wanting to go in that direction.  "Then you are afraid," he decided. "It is merely dinner in a public place, Erin."  Then a thought occurred to him and he smirked, "Or is there something more that you desire, cara mia?"

Erin gasped then slugged his arm with a laugh.  "Just dinner is fine, Gomez!"

~*~

They walked back to the condo hand in hand after having dinner at a small Italian cafe six blocks away.  Lost in thought, Erin had been quiet most of the way.  A tug on her arm brought her back to the present and she looked back to see Antoine staring at her.  "Is something wrong?" she asked with concern.

"You're still worried."

Erin sighed softly and shrugged her shoulders.  "It isn’t something that is just going to go away, Antoine.  But, I'll be fine.  Really."

Antoine stepped closer and grasped both of her hands in his.  "You will lose sleep over this until Friday is over, won’t you."

Was that real concern she heard in his voice?  He looked at her strangely… almost as if he really cared what happened to her.  She shrugged again, trying to make light of the situation.  "Most likely..."

"Then you won't have fun at the gathering."

"I wasn’t planning on having fun, Antoine.  No offense to you, but I have never felt comfortable at these things."

"Why?"

She smiled shyly and tugged on his hand to encourage him to keep walking. "I'm really an introverted person.  I feel very drained after big gatherings."

"Hmm."  Was his only response.

Erin glanced over at him at warily.  "What?"

Antoine grinned, enjoying himself.  "So you prefer a more one on one environment."

Erin felt heat bloom hot in her cheeks then spread throughout her body.  "Yes," she answered as they came to stop before her condo door.

"Tell me, cara mia,” he began in a seductive tone as he stepped closer to her.  “Does that blush cover your entire body?"

Erin couldn’t help herself, she felt like a schoolgirl out on a date with the football teams quarterback.  Acting out of character, she giggled. "Wouldn't you like to know?" 

Surprised, but thoroughly pleased with her playfulness, Antoine slipped a finger beneath her chin and lifted until her gaze met his.  "Absolutely, and eventually, I will find out."

Erin felt as if her breath was frozen in her lungs.  "That confident are you?"

His dark gaze searched hers for a moment then he nodded, a knowing smile curving the corners of his mouth.  "Yes."

"If you say so."

Antoine chuckled and let go when she pulled away.  "Why do you deny your feelings, dolcezza?"

"I told you Antoine; right now it’s a healthy dose of lust."  Erin turned away to unlock the front door.

"I don't think so,” he replied softly from behind her.

"Well I do."  Erin turned around to tell him goodnight, but suddenly found him crowding her, his hands framing her face gently.

“Denial does not become you, Erin,” he whispered dipping his head down until his lips hovered over hers.  “Shall I prove my point?”

Erin trembled, unable to stop the rise of desire that he continually brought out in her.  In all honesty, she knew that she could not deny his statement.  It was more than just lust, but she could never, ever confess that to him.

Ever so lightly, his mouth brushed against hers.  The brief contact made her pulse race and she nearly gave in to the insane desire to drag him into the condo and tear his clothes off.  “Please… don’t,” she whispered, the two words nearly torn from her throat.

Antoine heard the desperation in the tone of her voice and lifted his head.  He stared at her for a long moment and realized he was pushing too hard.  Stepping back, his hands moved from her face to grasp her hands.  He brought them up and kissed the backs of each one.  “Perdonila, cara mia (forgive me, my dear).  I did not mean to upset you.”

Erin drew in a deep breath and released it slowly.  She smiled up at him and shook off the apology.  “I will be fine.  Good night Gomez."

Her reverting back to calling him ‘Gomez’ made him smile.  For her, it made him safe, but what she didn’t understand was that he would never be safe… not for her.

Antoine remained where he was until the door shut firmly and the locks turned.  “Buona notte, la mia bellezza di sonno,(goodnight, my sleeping beauty)” he whispered.  “For now.”

~*~

Erin was beginning to think that she would forever be hurrying to her car.  Thanks to Professor Needlehymer she was once more running behind.  The man would NOT take no for an answer and she’d just spent the last 45 minutes arguing with him.  When she finally reached her car, she found someone else who would not take no for an answer.  "So, what time should I pick you up?"  Ray asked with a leer.

"Excuse me?"  She snapped, she had been having a wonderful vision of Antoine leaning close to steal a kiss while everyone milled about them. 

Ray rolled his eyes with impatience.  "For tonight, you dimwit.  What time should I pick you up for tonight?"

Erin bit her tongue on the scathing reply she really wanted to give him and said instead, “Go to hell, Ray, I am not going with you.”

His leer became a smirk.  "My, my, my… the kitten has grown claws.”  He paused a moment as he studied her closely.  “What has happened since last night to give you such confidence, I wonder,” he pondered out loud to himself. "It's not like you have any one tramping down your door."  Before she could say anything he sneered, "Needlehymer doesn't count."  After a small pause, he continued smugly, “It doesn’t matter, you know,” he told her.  “You cannot escape me, Erin.  I have the power here, not you.  All I have to do is go tell President Harmon about your little "indiscretion" and then you will be mine."

She folded her arms and glared at him, tapping her foot impatiently.  "God, you are such a loser, Ray!  Go ahead, tell President Harmon.  I don't care.  I refuse to lie just so you can get your kicks."

Ray’s smile was in direct opposition to the anger that burned in his eyes.  He step close and reached up to brush his fingers against her cheek. "I would have made it worth it."

“Don’t touch me, you slime!” she hissed and before she could think better of it, she slapped him.

Ray’s jaw tightened as his eyes darkened with fury.  His hand coiled back like a snake ready to strike and the loud crack of his palm hitting her cheek echoed in the air.  “You wanna play rough, sweetheart?” he growled as he crowded her against her car.  “Is that what excites you?  I would be most happy to oblige and by the time I'm done with you, you will be begging for me for more."

Erin blinked back the tears, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he’d hurt her.  "Is that a threat?"

"No love, it’s a promise."

"I’ll go to the police,” she threatened.  “You try anything and I'll bring you up on charges."

Ray pushed away from her and snorted.  "Ya know, I think I like it when you get feisty.  It will certainly make bedding you more interesting."  His hands slid into his front pockets as he turned and began to whistle as he sauntered away. 

Erin stood there leaning against her car for a few moments while she got her emotions back under control.  Her hands were trembling so bad, she had to wrapped her arms around herself and take several deep breaths before she felt capable of getting behind the wheel of her car.  Sliding into the driver seat, she adjusted the rear view mirror to view the damage.  Her cheek still stung from where Ray had slapped her and sure enough there was a bright red mark upon her cheek.  She sighed and sat back in her seat, surely make up would cover it.  She could only hope.

Unfortunately, she had to stop by her apartment first to grab the dress she planned to wear that evening.  She had already been running late when she’d left work, but now she was out of time… Antoine would be knocking on her door at anytime now and she was clad in only her silk robe and stockings.  She was just getting her earrings on when that knock came.  She hurried down the hall and opened the door.  "Hey, come on in.”  She stepped aside to let him pass.  “I’m sorry, I’m running late.  I'll get my face on and then we can go."

Antoine appraised her; a silk calf length robe was loosely wrapped at her waist. When she walked he could see the lace tops of her stockings peeking out between the slits in her robe.   He felt the stirrings of desire course through him and took a deep breath.  It was going to be a very long night.  He captured her hand and brought it to his lips to lay a kiss upon it.  "I feel as if I'm a bit over dressed, cara mia," he teased, unable to help himself.

Erin blushed in spite of herself.  "Quit it, Gomez."  She took the time to appraise him then.  The wine colored tabbed collared shirt that was obviously silk did wonders to her desire levels.  The black linen trousers accented his perfect form.  She swallowed hard.  "Just wait here, I'll be ready in a few."

Antoine, who hadn't let go of her hand yet, tugged on it gently and caught her in his arms.  He cupped her chin so he could see her face as his mouth descended toward hers.  Her lips, slightly parted in a sigh, made him smile as he lightly brushed his lips against hers.  He moved his hand to gently graze her face with his fingertips, but paused with a frown when she winced.  His dark eyes searched hers for a long moment before asking, “What is wrong, Erin?"

Erin involuntarily rubbed her cheek with her hand.  Her cheek still stung from where Ray had slapped her.  "It’s nothing really.  Just had a little run in today.”  She tried to pull away, hoping that Antoine wouldn’t pursue it, but his arm tightened around her and he stared at her intently.  “Please, Antoine, we're running late, let me go put on my make up."

Antoine moved her hand and looked more closely at her cheek.  He noticed a faint bluish patch just beneath the surface of her skin.  When he compared it to the other cheek he realized there was some slight swelling.  "Who hit you?"

"It wasn't a hit.  It was a slap.  No big deal."

Antoine’s eyes narrowed in anger.  "I do not see the difference,” he bit out between clenched teeth.  “And it is a very big deal!”

"Antoine, its okay, really.  Let me go and get ready.  Please,” she pleaded.  Silently, she prayed that Antoine would drop it, but some how she knew he wouldn’t, not by the murderous look in his dark, expressive eyes.

"Tell me who did this?" he demanded, his hands clenching her upper arms.  She wouldn’t be surprised if she had bruises there as well after this.

"IF I tell you will you let me go?"

Antoine studied the stubborn look on her face and his fingers relaxed their hold.  "Yes."

"Ray."

A string of Italian curses rushed from his lips as Erin pulled away and hurried down the hall to the guest room.  This date was not starting off well at all, she decided.  She quickly shimmied into her sapphire blue cocktail dress.  It was just like the typical little black dress but she loved it because of its color.  She had just sat down to curl her hair into soft ringlets when Antoine entered the room.  He came up behind her and placed his hands upon her shoulders.  "Forgive me, dolcezza.  I did not mean to upset you, but I can not tolerate such behavior.  Any man who would hit a woman for any reason, in my opinion, is the lowest scum of the earth.”

Erin raised her hand and covered one of his that rested on her shoulder.  "I know, Antoine, but…"

Their eyes met in the mirror and held.  "But you are hoping that I won't confront Ray aren't you?"

She looked away and took the curling iron that she’d been holding with her other hand from her hair before nodding.  Antoine backed off then, moving to stand in the doorway of her bathroom so he could watch as she hurried through the process of putting on her make-up.  She hated rushing, but Antoine watching her every move intently in the mirror made her nervous and then on top of that, they were already running late.  Finally, she met his intense gaze while covering up the bruise, "Do you mind waiting for me in the kitchen?"

His enigmatic smile greeted her.  "Do I make you uncomfortable?"

"I wouldn't call it feeling uncomfortable."  She rubbed her lips together after she applied a touch of lipstick.  "I just have never liked being in the spotlight, and the way you are watching me, I feel very much in the spotlight."

Antoine watched her run a brush through the curls.  "I thought women like the undivided attention of their date?" he commented as he pushed away from the doorframe and came to stand behind her. "Or do you see the hunger in my eyes and that is what makes you uncomfortable?"  His voice whispered over her shoulders.

  Rising to her feet, she turned to face him.  "Please, understand, Antoine, I just don't want anything to go wrong.  All I want is to go, make my mandatory appearance, then leave.  I just want to get this over with."

"That sounds like an extremely short date and Bella, you changed the subject," he gently chided her.

"Maybe it's because I understand that hunger," she mumbled under her breathe.  "Besides," she continued shyly, "I didn't say that the date had to be over after that, I mean, unless you want it to be."

Antoine slipped his hand beneath her chin and lifted so that she was forced to meet his gaze.  “If it is your wish that I do nothing, then I give you my word that I will behave tonight,” he told her softly.  “But if he harasses you in any way this evening, then I will deal with him, Erin.  I will not turn a blind eye while he plays his childish games.”  A sexy smile then curved his lips.  “As for after the date… you know I want you, but I will not take what you are not yet ready to give.  Why don’t we just see how the evening plays out first, and worry about what may or may not happen afterwards, for when the time comes.”

Erin nodded knowing that this was the best she would get from Antoine.  “Thank you,” she whispered, secretly pleased that he would defend her in such a way and thrilled over his admission that he wanted her.

Antoine smiled, his thumb brushing back and forth along her jaw line.  "After we make our appearance, as you say, I'll take you anywhere the Lady wishes to go, hmm?"

Erin couldn’t help but return his smile.  "I think I like that idea."

Antoine stepped back and let his dark gaze turn hungry as he looked her up and down.  “You look good enough to eat, mia dolce.”

Erin blushed furiously, but her smile blossomed into a pleased grin.  “You look rather tasty as well,” she returned and surprised Antoine with a bold sweep of her eyes.

Antoine threw his head back and laughed.  “There’s my tiger.”  He held his arm out to her with a teasing wink.  “Shall we?”

A ripple of anticipation shot up her spine as she took the proffered arm.  "Just let me grab my purse and we’re off."

~*~

They’d only been at the dinner party for 20 minutes, but Erin already felt as if they’d been there all night.  She resisted the consistent urge to glance down at her watch while she listened politely to the older woman standing in front of her talk about how life had cheated her and that all men were cockroaches.  She hoped that the smile that was permanently plastered on her face was one of understanding and sympathy, not one of mocking laughter.

She took another sip of the wine that Antoine had placed in her hand shortly upon arrival and prayed that it would numb her enough to get her through this evening from hell.

Glancing around the room, she wondered where Antoine had gotten off too.  She stiffened slightly when her gaze landed on Ray standing near the fireplace glaring at her.

Warm, strong hands slid easily over her shoulders and began to gently knead the tight muscles there.  “Distendasi, ami (Relax, love),” Antoine leaned down and whispered in her ear.  “You are much too tense.”

The woman, seeing that she’d lost her sympathetic audience to the very species that she abhorred, excused herself and left.  “Oh, thank God,” Erin turned to face Antoine with a relieved sigh.  “I thought that woman would never shut up.”

Antoine chuckled softly and slipped his hand into hers.  He turned it over, palm up, and raised it to his mouth and placed a kiss in the center.  “You obviously have never learned how to work a party,” he teased her lightly.

Erin rolled her eyes.  “I hate these things.”  She eyed him closely.  “You seem to be enjoying yourself, though.”

Antoine shrugged and nodded politely at a beautiful blonde that smiled and winked at him as she passed by.  “I am in my element here.”

Erin’s eyes narrowed as an unexpected surge of jealousy filled her.  “New client, Antoine?” she hissed softly.  “Or is she an old one?”

Antoine’s brown eyes lit with amusement as he slipped his arm around her waist and drew her closer to his side.  “Ah, cara mia,” he replied, laughter tinged his deep accented voice.  “Your jealousy does my heart good.” 

Erin scowled up at him.  “She winked at you, Antoine.  It’s obvious she knows who you are.  It’s disgusting.”

Some of Antoine’s good humor faded.  “I cannot change what I once was, Erin.  Everywhere I go, I will inevitably run into an old client or someone who knows of me.  But I give you my word that I am finished with that life and I am not off making appointments to meet up with them later.”

Erin flushed and looked away embarrassed.  “I’m sorry, Antoine.”  She raised her eyes once more to meet his dark intense gaze.  “You are right and I do believe you when you say you have quit that business.”

Antoine cupped her chin with his hand and stared at her intently.  “It is important that you believe me, Erin,” he whispered softly.  “It will happen again and there isn’t anything I can do about it.  I will not encourage it, but it will still happen and it’s important to me that you trust me.”

Erin thought a long moment about what he said.  It was true what he said… he was a very sensual man and women would flirt with him shamelessly.  Even if he hadn’t been a gigolo, women would still be drawn to him like flies to molasses.  “I trust you, Antoine,” she finally answered and found that she really meant it.

It must have shown on her face, because Antoine relaxed, then he bent his head to lightly brush his mouth briefly across hers.  “Just remember…” he lifted his head and smiled.  “After dinner we can leave.”

~*~

At the dinner table, Erin was seated next to Antoine, who was seated next to professor Needlehymer.  Ray was seated on the other side of Erin and though it was an arrangement that Antoine did not like, there was little he could do about it.  Ray had waited until they were seated before taking the seat on the other side of Erin and Antoine knew that he could not move Erin without causing a scene and he did not wish to embarrass her.

Erin was now on her third glass of wine and was trying desperately not to gulp it down.  She contemplated the dinner salad sitting on the table before her, wondering if she’d be able to eat it with as nervous as her stomach was.  She poked at the green leaves of lettuce with her fork.  Ray was a fathomable presence next to her.  She found her mind kept going back to what he had told her earlier and the implications of the conversation.  The other man in her life, Antoine, was a formidable presence to her other side.  He was passionate in all things, his affection as well as his anger.  It had not surprised her when Ray managed to sneak into the seat next to her.  He’d been leering at her since she’d arrived with Antoine and she knew that it was just a matter of time before he tried something.  And now she had Antoine to worry about.  One wrong move on Ray’s part and she had a feeling Antoine would be all over him.

As if sensing her inner turmoil, Antoine leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Take it easy, cara, I promise I'll behave."  Erin sighed softly then turned her head towards him, flashing him a grateful smile.

"So, where did you two meet, Mr. Laconte?"  Professor Needlehymer asked, drawing Antoine’s attention away from Erin.

Antoine smiled. "Actually, we met online."

Erin about choked on her wine, stifling the reaction behind her napkin.  Antoine glanced over at Erin, pressing his thigh against hers beneath the table, silently asking her to keep trusting him.  He caught Ray turning pale and had a sinking feeling that this was probably not a good sign, but it was too late too change his story now.  Instead, he winked at Ray in a taunting manner, then turned his attention back to Professor Needlehymer.

"The internet?” Needlehymer asked, clearly fascinated with the idea.  “And just what was it that attracted you to her online?"

"I was curious as to why she was cursing everyone," Antoine replied with a shrug of his broad shoulders.

"Our Erin cursing?"  Ray gasped exaggeratedly.

"It was an old Chinese proverb, for petesakes!  ‘May you live in interesting times…’ I didn’t realize it was a curse.  I just know I don't like my life to be boring," Erin defended.

"Uh, huh.”  The tone in Ray’s voice clearly indicated that he thought the two had met in some porno chat room.  “And so, just when did you two actually meet in the flesh?"  he asked, emphasizing the 'in the flesh' part.

The only indication that Antoine showed that’d he’d caught the hidden meaning in Ray’s comment was the slight tightening of his hand around his wine glass.  "Almost a week ago,” he replied softly.  “We didn’t realize it at the time, but it turned out she was house sitting for my neighbor."

"Why, isn't that just the most romantic thing you ever heard?"  One of the other ladies asked.

Ray snorted and rolled his eyes, but Erin and Antoine shared a secret smile and continued with their dinner. 

Finally dessert was served and Erin was having her fifth glass of wine.  Antoine slipped his hand into hers and raised it to his lips.  Leaning towards her, he whispered in her ear.  "It is almost over, cara mia."

Erin was feeling slightly buzzed, but she nodded with a smirk and whispered back, "I know, Gomez."

She continued to sip on her wine, not bothering to eat the yummy looking chocolate confection that sat on a dessert plate in front of her.  Her stomach was still in knots and doing its own dance; she didn't think a rich dessert would do it any good.  She stiffened slightly when she felt Ray's hand slide over the top of her thigh and squeeze.  Her cheeks flamed red, from embarrassment or disgust, she didn’t know, but when his hand slid higher and inched inward, she abruptly set her wine glass down and scooted her chair back from the table.  Ray’s hand slid away before it was seen, but she caught the amused sneer on his face.

Antoine queried an eyebrow.  "I need to go powder my nose,” she announced suddenly and spun quickly and left the table.

Antoine rose to his feet, his eyes narrowing in concern at her behavior.  Something wasn’t right, he thought.  He started to sit back down in his seat when he noticed that Ray had slipped away without him realizing it.

Muttering a few curses in Italian under his breath he quickly excused himself and made his way across the restaurant towards the bathrooms.  He found Ray getting a drink from the water fountain just outside the restrooms.  “Waiting for someone?” he asked, his voice dangerously soft.

Ray stiffened and straightened up quickly.  He turned around to find Antoine standing a few feet from him.  “Laconte,” he acknowledged.  “I was just getting a drink of water.”

Antoine didn’t take his dark, intense eyes off Ray.  “I see.”  He continued to stare, his eyes unblinking.  “Was there something wrong with the glass of water you had at the table?”

Ray seemed startled at first, then his gaze hardened.  “I can get a drink of water any where I damn well please, Laconte, so back off.”

Antoine smiled, but it was a humorless smile that did not reach his eyes.  He took an intimidating step forward and lowered his voice.  “Stay away from Erin.”

Ray’s eyes widened at the veiled threat in Antoine’s cold, hard tone, but then his face twisted into a snarl.  “Nice try, Laconte, but Erin was mine first.”

“Oh, really?”  Antoine had an amused smile on his face.  “If you would like to think that, then go ahead, but I’m warning you now...”  He took another step closer towards Ray and dropped his voice to a low whisper.  “You hurt her in any way and there will not be a rock big enough for you to crawl under.  Understood?”

“Yeah, whatever,” Ray replied, trying to pretend like he didn’t care.  He pushed past Antoine and headed back into the reception hall.

Antoine waited until Ray had disappeared into the reception hall before turning and entering the women's restroom.  He found Erin splashing water upon her face.  "Are you well, Erin?"

Erin had her eyes closed, the cool water dripping down her face.  It soothed the nausea for some strange reason.  When she heard Antoine's voice she jumped.  "God, Antoine, you scared me!"  She gasped, holding a hand to her chest as if holding her heart in place.

Antoine studied her pale features. “Are you feeling ill?"  He brushed the back of his hand across her forehead.  "You do not feel warm.  But you look pale."

Erin flushed at his touch.  "Actually, I am not feeling all that well; do you think we could go now?"

Antoine’s hands framed her face, forcing her to look up at him.  "As I told you before, bella, you say how long we stay."

"Then, I say we leave."

Antoine nodded.  "Then we leave."  He stepped back, dropping his hands from her face and moved to hold the door for her.  She nodded her head in thanks, then patting at her hair as she brushed by him.  She walked back into the reception hall with her arm in his and after making her excuses, they said goodbye and left.

~*~

They drove back to the condo in silence.  Erin stared out the window, gazing up at the night sky the entire way.  Antoine knew there was more to Erin’s sudden desire to depart the dinner party early than not feeling well, but he held his questions until he pulled into the secured parking lot of the condo complex and turned off the engine.

He sat in silence, staring at Erin as the moonlight filtered in through the car window and cast her beautiful features in a soft glow.  He waited until she finally turned to look at him, confusion clearly written on her face.  "You want to tell me about what really happened?"

Erin blinked several times then pretended ignorance.  “I don’t know what you mean,” she answered quietly.  But in truth, she did.  She hadn’t been able to fool Antoine, like she had hoped.  He was too in tune with her emotions and he’d sensed that something had happened to upset her.

“Erin…”  The expression on his face clearly told her he was not in the mood to play this game with her.  “You know exactly what I mean.”

Erin hesitated.  The inside of the car was cast in shadows and while the moon light allowed her to see his facial expressions, his dark eyes were hidden in shadows.  With a deep sigh, she dropped her gaze to where her hands were clutched together in her lap.  “Ray touched me."

The silence that followed was almost deafening.  When Antoine finally did speak, his voice was pitched so low and deadly soft that Erin had to strain to hear him.  “Where?”

A shiver of fear raced up her spine as she nervously pushed some stray hair behind her ear.  Antoine was scary enough when he bellowed his temper, but this quietness was down right terrifying.  “It doesn’t really matter,” she answered, unable to meet his direct gaze.  She was afraid she would see flames of fury burning in them.

“Where?!” he suddenly exploded, his patience at an end.  His hand slammed down on the dashboard making her jump with a shriek.  “Where did he touch you?”

“Beneath the table during dinner, he put his hand on my thigh and squeezed.”  It all came out in a rush, the words running together, but Antoine understood them and he reached for the ignition to start the car back up.

“I will kill him!” he growled menacingly.

Erin’s heart was pounding up in her throat and she felt as if she might choke, but she reached over and grabbed his hand to stop him from turning the ignition.  “No!  Antoine, you mustn’t.  Please, I beg you to let it go!”

“Why should I?” he bit out. 

The tension in the small vehicle was making her stomach churn as tears burned her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.  “Because he isn’t worth it, Antoine.”  She swallowed convulsively.  “He is a creep – a low life, scum-sucking pig – and he isn’t worth going to jail over.”

Antoine leaned forward, his hand coming up to cup her chin, his thumb brushing away a tear.  “But you are, bella,” he answered intently.  “You are worth going to jail for.”

Erin stared at him with wide eyes.  The shock of his admission left her speechless for a brief moment, then an unexpected warmth filled her heart as she suddenly realized that he was very serious.

For the first time that evening, Erin smiled a genuine smile.  She raised her hand to cover his and leaned her cheek into his palm.  “Thank you,” she whispered.

Antoine frowned in confusion, her sudden change in mood throwing him off guard.  “For what, cara mia?”

“For caring what happens to me,” she answered.  “I’ve never had anyone willing to go to jail for me.”

Antoine’s smile was quick, a flash of white teeth in the darkness.  “I surprised myself with that one,” he replied teasingly, but then his smile faded.  “But I was very serious, Erin.  I will not tolerate his harassing you.”

Erin sighed and sat back in her seat.  “I just want to forget it, Antoine.  It’s over and done with.”

"The only way it will be over and done with, cara mia, is if you stand up for yourself."

"Please, Antoine, it will go away eventually.  He’ll get tired of his game when he realizes he will never get what he wants from me."

"Are you certain of that, Erin?” Antoine asked.  “He seems very intent to get what he wants to me.  I know you have a back bone, dolcezza, so why do you let Ray get away with this?"

"Can we please not talk about it?  It's over.  I just want to go inside and go to bed now."

"And what will you do come Monday morning when it starts all over again?"

"I don’t plan to do anything as I won’t be there.  I have all of this next week off."

Antoine paused, thinking about what month it was.  "Spring break?"

"Spring break,” she acknowledged.

"Ahhh."

Erin looked at him questioningly.  "Ahh what?"

"A whole week to ourselves, cara.  Whatever will we do?"

Erin shivered at the thought.  A full week that she did not have an excuse to stay away from him.  Could she stay away from him?  More importantly… did she want to stay away from him?

God help her, it was going to be a long week.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Desperado – Part 5 (coming soon)