Julian laughed. "It's only me darling! Whom did you think it was, my pet. A cat burglar come to skin your hide?"

Ivy rolled her eyes at Julian. "Julian, I didn't realize you were still up. You startled me, that's all." Ivy said in a sharp tone.

Julian grinned, "Can't you sleep my pet? Your ice cold bed keeping you up at night? I know how we can heat it up!" Julian purred.

Ivy arched her eyebrow and glared at Julian, "And how to you propose to do that Julian? Your heart is as cold as ice." Ivy said harshly.

"Oh but my dear, my body is warm and willing." Julian raved.

Ivy laughed, "I'm sure little Julian would get a rise out of the occasion!"

Julian smirked. "You do look ravishing in that silk nightie, light of my life. Mmmmmmmm. Now there is a present I would like to unwrap." Julian muttered to her, as his eyes trailed hungrily over her body.

Ivy went to the bar and poured herself some brandy. "Join me, darling?" she asked. Julian went right over, never one to turn down liquor. "Of course." She started pouring him a glass, as she felt his warm hands slide around her waist.

"I have a wonderful Christmas gift waiting for you, my love." Julian whispered in her ear.

Ivy laughed and pulled away, "Yes, I could feel it. Uhhh, I'll decline the gift, dear."

Julian laughed. "I didn't mean THAT dearest one. I mean an actual present... just for you. Come along and I'll show it to you."

Ivy followed after Julian, unsure what exactly he was up to. Julian opened the door to the Crane library and held it open for Ivy. "Merry Christmas, wife dearest." Julian proclaimed loudly. Ivy leerily went into the room and gasped when she saw the gift.

In the middle of the room, was a beautiful white baby grand piano with a huge red silk ribbon wrapped around it. Ivy skipped over to the piano happily. "For me Julian. For me?" she proclaimed excitedly.

Julian smiled, happy he had for once pleased his wife. "Yes, darling. I had this piano flown from Paris just for you! I remember you telling me how much you enjoyed playing the piano as a young girl and thought perhaps you would like to take up the hobby again. Do you like it?"

"Oh Julian, Yes, it's beautiful. I don't know what to.... I don't.. uhhh.... oh Julian, Thank You!" Ivy beamed a radiant smile in his direction.

"You're welcome! Would you play something for me, darling?" Julian asked sweetly.

"I would love to!" Ivy proclaimed.

Ivy sat at the piano as Julian watched as her fingers glide along the piano keys. The tune she played was beautiful yet haunting, one that was filled with loss and longing. It left Julian's heart aching.

"I never realized you were so talented, dearest one. That tune you played was so sorrowful. Has your life with me been so unbearable? Have I caused you untold heartache?" Julian reflected, sadly.

Ivy glanced at Julian, surprised by the heavy emotion in his voice. "Julian, you know our marriage has always been a business arrangement, nothing more. That is what you and your father wanted...and that is what you got. And yes, Julian, my life with you has been bittersweet. The sweet part being the children you and I created together. The rest all bitter."

Julian sighed, stung by the truth. "I'm sorry for the pain I caused you darling. I truly am. I too have been hurt by this marriage. Don't you think I wanted to be loved? Do you think I enjoy sleeping alone night after night?" Julian said as he stood beside at the piano bench, touching her hair softly as he went on.... "There have been many times I wished I would awake and find your heavenly face asleep on the pillow next to me. Where I could stare at you as you slept, drinking in your beauty." Julian said as he took out the hair clip that held Ivy's hair up, her hair billowing down and framing her face. "I too have missed out Ivy." Julian muttered as his hands cupped her shoulders lightly.

Ivy felt a chill up her spine. "Julian, please don't.... it's too late for that, for us."

Julian shook his head, "It's never to late to try again, darling! I am willing... if you are?" Julian asked.

Ivy stood up, "No! I'm not, Julian. I could never open my heart to you."

Julian grabbed at her, "I won't let you walk away from me this time Ivy. You are mine and I will make you mine tonight, forever."

He crushed Ivy to him. Lowering his head he pressed his lips to hers, burning her with his touch. She felt herself respond and tried to pull away. He pulled her tighter, prolonging the kiss as his hand roamed the curves and hills of her body, causing her to moan out loud. She trembled in his embrace, his passion stirring her deep inside. It was as if his touch stripped away her protective coating...leaving herself exposed to him, to his hands, his lips, his desire......

Julian peeled off the red satin nightie Ivy wore and hoisted her on top of the piano. The moonlight danced over Ivy's body as she laid there. Julian drew in a deep breath. His heart began to pound at a furious pace. He buried himself deep into her as his lips abandoned hers to explore the sweep of her neck and the rosy tips of her succulent breasts. Ivy's body arched into his, drawing him closer as her fingers dug into his smooth back. Their passion left them both soaring upwards, clinging together as if the whole world would drop away and leave them. The night was theirs, alone, they ravished each other until dawns early light.

That night Julian and Ivy made the sweetest of music......