AN: This story was used in the Summer of 69 fan fiction contest, but due to some very wonderful encouraging reviews, I decided to continue, so this is no longer a one shot. Thanks again to my beta for chapter 1 mischeviousmaya. I am going to do the rest of this by winging it, lol so hope it still pans out. Please let me know what you think. Its my first AH fict, so Im anxious to hear what people like, dont like. Im going to take down the official contest headliner because Im less formal, lol. So here we go....

Disclaimer: A few characters in this fiction are based on real people. In no way are these characters intended to be anything more than fictional archetypes for the story, and by no means are they meant to be offensive to anyone. The other characters, the ones we all know and love are property of Charlaine Harris.

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I Need Your Love Tonight

Chapter 1

Sookie Stackhouse shoved her press pass deep down into her small purse as she rounded the corner onto 54th Street towards Studio 54. It was New York City, the summer of 1979--a swinging time in US history that bridged the gap between the 70's and 80's. It was a great time to be young and in New York during one of the most influential decades in fashion, politics and the art scene.

Sookie had moved to the city 3 years ago. She had gone through a bad break up back in Bon Temps, LA, her hometown and felt the need to get away after it happened. After her Gran passed and her brother, Jason, moved out with his girlfriend, Sookie decided it was time to do something for herself. It wasn't easy to find a job in journalism in the Big Apple and she found herself working as a waitress in a pub to make ends meet. All that changed though, when the Senior Editor of the New York Times sat in her section one afternoon, looking distraught over the loss of his advice columnist a day before they went to press. Sookie would have had no way of knowing this if it hadn't been for her telepathic gift. Taking the hunch she had and running with it, Sookie went up to the editor and confronted him, asking if there was anything she could do to help. And the next thing she knew, she had the gig.

Sookie was young, ambitious and single and it didn't taker her long to work her way up to the status of investigative reporter. She lived for the hard, cold truth, and she dedicated her new life to finding it. It was the age of feminism and female empowerment. And she thrived on it.

She was living the life she always wanted--a life Sookie knew her Gran would be proud of. It was that thought that allowed her to get to sleep each and every night. Unfortunately, between work schedules and deadlines, she had no time for friends or socializing. Some of the more expository articles (like the one last month about Northman Enterprises) charged a steep price and she lost a number of contacts after that debacle.

Eric Northman, owner and CEO of the company had enlisted the help of financial expert, Victor Madden. When Sookie got an anonymous tip that Madden was involved in an insider trading ring and he was playing with Northman's stock, she blew the lid off the whole thing. Sookie had no proof that Eric himself was involved--his record was clean; but she followed a very pissed off Madden all the way to the District Precinct to get his final quotes for her article. Of course Northman's shares in his stock plummeted after that, and Sookie felt a tinge of guilt, but she also figured that Eric was a big boy and he could clean up his own mess. And yes, he most certainly was big—'strikingly attractive, and hopelessly single too.' Her research assistant Amelia couldn't help but constantly remind her of that very obvious fact. But Sookie didn't have time to kick back and dream about hot, very available, New York Bachelors--she had bigger fish to fry.

Her colleagues back at the New York Times were still reeling over the landslide story about the stardust bust last week at the famous celebrity hangout, Studio 54. Only the most elite got in and it was a very exclusive dance club, but Sookie wanted to crack this case. The money came from somewhere; someone didn't just dump 5 kilos of cocaine out of the sky. People had even come out of the club with powder on their clothing. She wanted to find out who was buying it and was hoping she could get in the doors tonight.

Sookie had to get the story and she hated having to resort to using her body, but she would do it.

She adjusted the bust of her halter-top dress that her assistant had helped her with, making sure to show a little skin. Her hair was loosely curled to perfection and pinned up at the sides with a pair of hair combs, and she wore a pair of silver platinum heals to complete the ensemble. Her look screamed "Saturday Night Fever"--she simply had to get in at all costs.

Standing in line behind a couple wearing matching bell-bottoms she waited her turn and thought about her strategy once inside.

"Sorry folks! Club is full, no more guests tonight!" The bouncer at the door announced and half the line let out a low groan of disappointment. After a few minutes the crowd dispersed, bummed out about the bad news. But Sookie refused to let that stop her, and as the bouncer turned to speak to someone from the inside, Sookie patiently waited. She was about to open her mouth and interrupt, not wanting the bouncer to leave, when she heard a familiar voice from behind that caused her hair to stand on end.

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Eric smiled to himself when he realized that was Sookie Stackhouse who had been waiting outside the infamous Studio 54 in her little get up. She looked like a fish out of water. She had intrigued him with her ability to infiltrate his company and expose Madden the way she did. His company was now suffering because of her little 'Investigative Report,' on the front page of the New York Times, but it would soon bounce back. Still, it was an embarrassment and Eric didn't take kindly to public flagellation by a tiny little barely known blonde rookie female reporter from down south. He didn't think any Wall Street shareholder would either. He suspected there was something more to it, but it impressed him that it was this little 'Peggy Sue' blonde from somewhere South, Louisiana perhaps, who exposed Victor for the criminal that he was. It amazed him that Sookie had accomplished all that she had. She appeared as harmless as a fly, but he knew underneath it all she was much, much more. That sparked his interest. And though Eric knew someone like Sookie did not travel often in his circles, he couldn't help but want to get to know her better, and maybe, just maybe have a little fun with her. Besides, he owed her for getting rid of Victor, and the way she did it.

Eric had a sudden thought when he noted the very fetching and revealing ensemble Miss Stackhouse was wearing. He knew she had to be here on business. Women like her never let their hair down in a place like this, and the outfit she was wearing was like nothing he had seen her wear before. Oh yes, she was working tonight. The thought just encouraged Eric more as his head churned over an idea. What if he got a little payback tonight? She put him on the front page stripping him down figuratively--what if he did the same thing?

Eric was known as somewhat of a party boy, he had been known at times to have a different woman on his arm almost every other night. Wouldn't it be hysterical if he made that reporter eat her words? Not to mention she was a hot little thing. Not his usual type, but there was something about her. The last time they spoke it wasn't so friendly, but the tension, the sexual tension could be cut with a knife. So why not have his cake and eat it too?

Eric approached the little blonde reporter like he owned the place and said, "Fancy meeting you here, Miss Stackhouse!"

Sookie cringed and closed her eyes, not wanting to turn around. She knew that voice, and of all the places and nights, he was the last person she wanted to see right now. They had exchanged several heated words during their previous encounter and as she opened her eyes to look at him cautiously, she was surprised.

Eric Northman wasn't wearing his usual stiff black boardroom suit; he looked more relaxed in a navy blue blazer and crisp, white linen shirt unbuttoned loosely and paired with Calvin Klein dark denim jeans. His long, lean legs exposed muscle through the fabric. Sookie could see that Eric was a front-runner in the New York men's fashion scene. He knew that disco was on its way out and was embracing the new decade before it even arrived. Not to mention those blazing blue eyes staring back at her--they were totally distracting.

"Excuse me?" She asked him suddenly aware of his penetrating gaze as she pulled herself together and gathered her wits. He smiled, staring at her in the tiny teal halter dress.

Eric smirked and replied, "Looks like that world of ours just keeps getting smaller doesn't it?"

"Yes, unfortunately," Sookie replied coolly trying to ignore him and waved at the doorman, trying to get his attention.

Eric remarked, "Guess you missed the cut off tonight…too bad…"

Sookie looked back at him irritably knowing that he was enjoying every second of this. It was so not her scene and she could tell that he knew she didn't belong there. A smug grin was plastered on his ridiculously attractive face and she rolled her eyes.

"I didn't miss anything. I'm just waiting 'til someone leaves..."

Eric smirked again and he raised his eyebrow causing her knees to wobble just a bit.

"You will be waiting a very long time I'm afraid, no one exits from this door," Eric answered.

Sookie's face fell in disappointment, and she tried to think of her next move. It was true that breaking and entering was a crime and probably nearly impossible to do at Studio 54 and then she felt Eric's hand on her back, sending shivers down her spine. Her eyes darted to his profile angrily and she was about to judo chop him into the next millennium when she realized what he was doing.

Eric spoke to the bouncer, "Hey, Marc. How's it going?"

"Eric!" Marc greeted Eric with a large smile and he looked back at Sookie with a smirk of his own. "Who's the lucky lady tonight?"

Sookie had to try not to roll her eyes and force a smile as Eric announced, "Marc Benecke, this is Sookie Stackhouse."

"Pleasure to meet you Sookie," Marc smiled at her and turned to Eric. "Go on in, and say hi to Pam for me."

Eric patted Marc on the shoulder and smiled replying, "Thanks Marc…Have a nice night!"

Eric ushered Sookie inside the door and she asked him through clenched teeth, "Just what do you think you're doing?"

"I would think that should be pretty obvious by now," Eric replied with a smile as he led her inside towards the bar.

"I should have figured someone like you would hang out in a place like this," Sookie hissed under her breath as he held her arm. An electric current moved up and down her arm when he touched her and she didn't like it. She yanked her arm away, but before he even noticed, he was kissing another woman on the cheek. She tried not to snort in disgust. What a pig! She knew Eric Northman had quite the reputation with the ladies, but to do it right in front of his date? Well his pretend date.

"Pam this is Sookie."

Pam looked Sookie over with one eyebrow raised in intrigue and smiled pleasantly, "Well, well, well Eric, you didn't tell me you were bringing a date tonight!"

"Sookie, this is Pam, my sister."

Sookie raised her brows in surprise, a sister was the last thing she expected and then mumbled something incoherently as she looked down at her platform heels.

"Nice shoes!" Pam said with a sinister smile and Sookie looked back at her unsure of what to say. She had an agenda tonight after all.

"Yeah...thanks."

Pam leaned into Eric and whispered in his ear in Swedish, "This wouldn't be the elusive Sookie Stackhouse, the reporter who single handedly put a dent in Northman Enterprises would it?"

Pam gave him a playful smirk and Eric replied with a sideways glance back at Sookie, "It is the one and only." He stole another look at Sookie and Pam laughed.

"Oh you are such a sadist brother dearest," Pam said looking back at Sookie again and noting the tense, uncomfortable way she stood. "Is she a virgin? She looks pretty wound up!"

Eric smirked back at Pam as she eyed Sookie once more. Pam of course was dressed to the 9's in a gold, shimmery blouse with a plunging neckline and belled arms, paired with a thick black belt and high-waisted mini skirt

Eric looked back at Pam and replied, "No, I don't think so but she is in definite need of some unwinding...."

Pam smiled again. Sookie had no idea what they were saying but she suddenly felt like a specimen about to undergo dissection. She just wanted to get the hell away from Hansel and Gretel and was getting the strange feeling that she was about to become someone's gingerbread dinner. She took the opportunity to excuse herself.

"Well, it was nice meeting you Pam. Mr. Northman, thank you for getting me in, but I should really be going."

Pam looked back at Sookie and cocked her head in amusement. Now that Little Miss Sunshine was leaving Eric stranded and alone, she started to think that her brother had finally met his match.

"It was nice to meet you too Sookie. Enjoy your night and watch out for those mysterious dark rooms," Pam replied with a smirk and turned back to the bar.

"Sookie!" Eric called out rushing after her, trying to catch up. Sookie turned around and looked at him questioningly.

Eric reached Sookie and she looked up at him, wondering what he wanted. It wasn't like they went there together, or that they had unfinished business. The article was published and he had said everything he needed to say then. He leaned down and put his arm around her shoulders. His large body hung over her tiny frame and Sookie felt her stomach clench when she smelled his enticing cologne. His closeness intoxicated her senses. He brushed his lips to her cheek and she swallowed anxiously, not quite sure what to expect. She leaned into him subconsciously, enjoying the feel and warmth of his body next to hers, waiting on baited breath for his words.

Eric finally whispered, "Before you go…You should know that if anyone here so much as gets a whiff of the press pass you're hiding in that little purse of yours, it won't be pretty…So, if you want to do whatever you're doing solo, you may want to come up with a pretty good cover…"

Sookie felt as if Eric had just dumped a large bucket of ice water over her. She looked back at him, trying not to lose her cool, although her jaw was clenched and that was never a good thing. He has some nerve, making such assumptions, Sookie thought. Although, they were absolutely true assumptions…but he didn't need to know that. Eric wrapped his long fingers around her naked and very sensitive shoulder.

"Besides, drugs and rock'n'roll are not all they do here," he concluded with a smirk.

He licked his lips and looked down at her perky breasts underneath that thin fabric of her dress and smiled hungrily at her. She does have a nice rack, Eric thought.

Sookie looked back at him in shock, her eyes widening in fury. Just as she was about to lay into him, she felt her breasts betray her. Her nipples hardened under his dark lustful gaze. Dammit! she thought.

Before Eric could say anything else, Sookie yanked away and retorted, "You're disgusting!" She realized that he was hitting on her, and rather crudely. She wanted to get as far away from Eric Northman as humanly possible.

"And, you're encouraging!" Eric countered with a wicked grin.

Sookie's nostrils flared in rebuttal. She wished he would turn into the toad that he was. Asshole! she thought angrily. He was completely and utterly insufferable and if she had to spend one more minute with him, she might just scream.

Turning on her heel, she flipped her long, blonde 'Jaclyn Smith' hair over her shoulder and made her way to the ladies room. Eric watched her with a smile playing on his lips, enjoying the view immensely. He knew it wouldn't be the last time he saw Sookie tonight–not by a long shot. He had a heaping pile of revenge to dish out and he wasn't letting her out of his sight now that he had her right where he wanted her.

After she disappeared into the ladies room, Eric fell back into the crowd. His version of networking was saying "hello" to the regulars and the occasional celebrity. He spotted Claudia Cohen, the Entertainment Reporter for the New York Post. She strolled over to Eric with a flirty smile and gestured with her head to the bathroom where Sookie had just gone.

"Who's the new blood?" she asked Eric with a sly smile.

Eric thought about his answer for a moment. If he told her outright who Sookie was, then Claudia would be all over them and he wouldn't get anywhere with her. And Eric definitely wanted to get somewhere with Sookie at this point–whether it be for revenge or the attraction.

"That's none of your business, Claudia," he replied nonchalantly. "Don't you have some other tree to bark up? I heard Henry Winkler is here tonight."

Eric flashed a flirtatious smile that would make any woman swoon and took a sip of his scotch on the rocks.

"It's always my business, sweetheart…Just give me 'til the end of the night and I'll have both of your faces plastered all over the Post," Claudia said, her eyes twinkling.

Yes, I'm counting on that, Eric thought smugly to himself. He didn't want to give Claudia the satisfaction though, and just said, "We'll see…"

Claudia laughed and put her hand on Eric's arm as she kissed his cheek, "If only you weren't so emotionally unavailable, we might have lasted…" She smirked, and as she left, with her own drink in hand, she winked over her shoulder at Eric.

Eric rolled his eyes and then turned his attention back to the ladies room, not yet realizing that he was waiting for her to come back to him.

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Sookie looked at herself in the mirror, noting a new pink flush to her cheeks and stewing in her own anger. She didn't need Eric's help. She was a modern woman of the Seventies–she could take care of herself. She even had karate moves from classes at the YWCA to prove it! Sookie's nostrils flared in anger when she heard someone coming. She quickly darted into one of the stall. With her special gift, she could pick up on some people's thoughts. From their conversation, she gathered that their names were Maudette and Dawn, and they were best friends. Well, they would be until Dawn found out that Maudette was sleeping with her man. The went on and on about the who's who and then Sookie heard Dawn wonder if she could get away from Maudette for a few minutes to upstairs to the private VIP room. The Fonz – Henry Winkler, himself, was supposed to be up there. Apparently, she had seen him getting his groove on the dance floor.

"Angel dust as far as the eyes can see…" Dawn thought in wonder.

Finally, Dawn told Maudette that she was going to get them some drinks. Sookie had started to get leg cramps from crouching for so long. She heard them laugh and leave after a few more minutes. Sookie knew she needed to get into that room. That was her story. Whoever was supplying the complimentary angel dust was behind this.

She snuck out, instinctively looking for Eric. When she didn't see him, she brushed it off, telling herself it didn't matter, and went in search of an upper level. As she waded through the dance floor, she passed the mirror ball, the roller skating dancers and the glitter shower. Eventually she saw a staircase on the other side of the club and she smiled to herself. Making her way over, her smile faded when she saw that the stairs were blocked by a velvet rope and a very burly looking man.

Sookie took a deep breath and pulled herself together. Deciding to play up her Southern charm, she walked over to the man and cast him a sweet smile, "Excuse me, sir, but I think my boyfriend is up there. Do you mind if I just peek in for a moment to tell him I'm here?"

The man's face was unwavering and his reply was stern, "No Ma'am, this is a VIP area. Members only!"

"Oh, but I know he's there, he must have forgotten about the security when he told me to meet him here tonight."

"Gidget, if I had a quarter for every girl who told me her boyfriend was up there, I would own this club…"

"But…" Sookie tried to argue.

The bouncer cut her off sharply, "If you don't leave right now, Ma'am, I'm going to have to throw you out!"

Sookie gave him a frustrated look and then her eyes locked in on another's as she watched him approach. She swallowed, her heart beating a little faster as he got closer, but her lips remained stiff in resentment.

"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you, Sweetheart!" Eric exclaimed.

"Sorry Manny, she didn't see me when she came in." He explained.

Sookie gritted her teeth as Eric bent down to kiss her cheek and he smiled at the bouncer as he took her hand.

"My apologies Mr. Northman, I didn't realize she was with you–please go on up!"

Manny opened the velvet rope and Sookie's eyes glazed over; ready to go up to the Promised Land, but Eric yanked her back.

"Thank's Manny, but I think we'll take a spin out on the dance floor first–I want to show my girl a good time," Eric replied with a smile and Manny nodded his head.

"Of course."

Sookie looked back at Eric angrily as they walked into the hallway. "What the hell do you think you're doing? I need to get in there!" she growled at him.

Eric leered at her, nodded his head and replied knowingly, "I figured as much…But unfortunately, I can't let you do that."

Sookie's anger flared, her blood boiling, when she realized what a pest this man had become. She shoved him back against the wall, "You can't let me? You can't let me? Last I checked this was still a free country, Mr. Northman!"

"Please, call me Eric," he said, his voice low. He nudged her back against the opposing wall and leaned into her in challenge, their eyes in a silent battle. Sookie clenched her fists as he pinned her shoulders to the wall.

"What do you want, 'Eric'?" she enunciated his name with repulsion.

Eric sneered, finally replying, "Well, a thank you might be nice for saving your ass a second time tonight!" His blue eyes bore into hers and Sookie felt chills of excitement run throughout her entire body.

"My ass didn't need saving," she growled back.

She tried to hold her ground, but it was incredibly hard with the 6'5" man's nose mere millimeters from hers. She met his gaze, fire against fire, and felt a rush of desire consume her.

"I beg to differ," Eric growled back.

His lips were just seconds away from her mouth--she could feel his hot breath on her skin and Sookie's body screamed for him to kiss her. His hand came up to hold her face and she looked up into his eyes in sweet surrender. The moment was upon them, and oh lord, did she want him.

"Eric?" A voice from behind them called out, interrupting them. Eric looked behind him in dread, willing his hard on to go the fuck down. It must have been a particularly rough week because he normally didn't react like some horn dog on a first date. God, what was happening to him? Maybe he was losing his edge. It had been a month since his last roll in the hay. He had been too busy with work, and the tornado called Sookie Stackhouse that had turned his life upside down. He needed to get laid, that was for sure. But for the first time, Eric didn't know if he could trust himself with Sookie.

Eric turned and smiled, praying that whoever it was didn't look down. To Eric's dismay, it was none other than Studio 54's famous owner, Steven Rubell.

"Steve!" Eric greeted him with a wide and very fake smile, extending his hand as the other took Sookie's waist and pulled her body against his, ever so discreetly. "Good to see you, how's business?" Eric asked.

Steve smiled and nodded, as he looked Sookie over. With a smirk, he replied, "Not bad, not bad at all…I see you finally got back in the game… and who is this pretty little thing?"

Eric looked down at Sookie, not really wanting to introduce them. Sookie could get herself into a lot of trouble if she got mixed up with Steve Rubell. This guy didn't hit above the belt–he was like the mafia. You fuck with Steve, and he'd not only take out you, but everyone you've ever cared about. But since Eric didn't really have much of a choice in the matter and he didn't want to seem rude, he introduced them.

"Steve, this is Sookie Stackhouse. Sookie, this is Steve Rubell, co-owner of the joint."

Sookie looked back at Steve, with eyebrows raised and stuck out her hand, trying to be polite. She smile and said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Rubell."

"Please, call me Steve," he replied, and added, "Mr. Rubell is buried 6 feet under in Brooklyn Cemetery." He smirked and Sookie eyed him cautiously.

She tried to get a read on his mind, but all he was thinking about was that she had a great set of hooters. Sookie opened her eyes again, frustrated.

"So, I assume you've recovered from the Headliner since you're out on the town again?" Steve asked Eric.

"Yes, everything has pretty much blown over," Eric replied uncomfortably, wishing that Sookie wasn't there right now.

Sookie looked up at Eric and for the first time noticed a nervous tick in his jaw. She had never imagined that Eric Northman would be capable of feeling nervous and she watched him studiously.

"Well, that's good…although you know what they say–all press is good press, right?" Steve remarked to Eric with a smile.

Eric nodded as his gaze fell back to Sookie for a moment and he remembered his earlier mission. "Yes, I suppose it is," he agreed.

Steve nodded and patted Eric on the shoulder. "Well, I'll let you two get back to your date," he said as he took Sookie's hand and kissed it. "It was delightful to meet you, Sookie. Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Steve added with a smirk before heading over to visit with some of his other VIP's.

Sookie looked at Eric again and shook her head in dismay, knowing that Steve Rubell was the man behind the curtain. She just had to get him alone for a few minutes again to read his mind.

"You have to get me a meeting with him!" she demanded.

Sookie was back to her normal self, thanks to Steve, and Eric furrowed his brows.

"Honey, I don't think you know what you're getting yourself into," he replied, shaking his head.

Sookie dropped her demure act and pushed herself away from Eric, despite the moist residue coating her thighs from earlier. "You don't know anything about me! And I'm NOT your honey!" she spat back.

Eric rolled his eyes. He was beginning to wonder just how much of a masochist he was for wanting to go after this impossible woman. He leaned into her again, propping his very large hand against the wall just over her head.

"Honey," he hissed, enunciating both syllables, "you are in so far over your head, you can't see straight."

Sookie's fierce eyes bore into his, forgetting all about their earlier moment of passion, or whatever it was. It was just a passing tryst, she reasoned.

"And you're an idiot if you think that I'm going to be just another notch on your bedpost!" she hissed. She knew what Eric was really after–she was no dummy.

"Go ahead and try to talk to Steve…I'll tell him who you work for," Eric countered, and Sookie's eyes widened in rage.

"You're nothing but a pathetic playboy," she retorted. "I bet you couldn't even run your business without that pretty face to hide behind!" She was trying to make him angry, and it was working.

"Yeah, I'm sure you didn't use just your brains to get those facts from Victor either, did you? Guess a girl with all of your resources must have done some extracurricular interviews too. Only question is, who did you bang to get your story?" Eric replied maliciously.

Sookie's body stiffened and it only took a split second for her to react. She slapped Eric, leaving a very definite red handprint on the side of his cleanly shaven face.

"You bastard," she hissed and shoved Eric out of her way before diving into the crowd of dancers.

Sookie was pissed. How dare he accuse her of sleeping with someone to get the story on Victor?! How dare he?! She only wished she could have found some dirt on Eric so she could have taken him down with Madden. Gah! She was so angry, she could spit! She wondered if maybe she needed to try another angle on the story–maybe try and run into Rubell during the day. She could scope out his regular hangouts, like where he got his coffee, where he ate his lunch…and just bump into him. It wasn't like her to give up, and she wasn't, but Sookie knew enough to know when she was up against a wall. Plus, she needed to cool off after her encounter with Eric.

Her hips swung as she traveled in strides across the dance floor and around the people dancing. Sookie tried to file in-between them–it was certainly getting crowded. She thought she might almost be to the end when she saw a nearby table, until she almost ran into someone. She was about to apologize, when she recognized the woman. It was Pam, Eric's sister. Sookie's face fell back into a scowl. She sighed; she just wanted to get away from the whole Northman clan. Pam was dancing with her arms in the air to 'Message in a Bottle' by the Police.

"So, is my brother showing you a good time?" Pam shouted over the loud music.

Sookie looked at her–she wouldn't dare answer that question.

"No, I'm leaving, actually," she finally responded bluntly.

Pam frowned. "Oh, that's a shame," she said and paused for a moment. "So, what did he do?" she asked.

Pam started throwing her arms out to the side, doing some move from 'Dance Fever', all the while keeping her eyes on Sookie. Sookie shook her head, not wanting to get into it with Eric's sister of all people.

"I don't want to talk about it…I'd really rather just go home now, so, if you don't mind…" Sookie said, trying to get past Pam.

Pam stopped dancing and put her hand on Sookie's shoulder, meeting her gaze. Sookie noticed that Pam had the same sharp, blue eyes that her brother possessed, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for what she had said to him…although, his response was also highly inappropriate.

"Normally, if I saw a woman like you in here by yourself, I would say that's probably the best thing you can do, especially after what you did to him…but I can tell that he likes you, Sookie. Whatever he said, you should at least give him the benefit of the doubt…I know he didn't mean it, and I think you owe it to Eric to give him a chance," Pam said to her.

Sookie wondered if Pam was for real. Maybe the siblings worked as a team to harass each other's dates. She shook her head–she didn't want anything else to do with Eric. She realized that she wasn't going to get past Pam, so she turned around to exit the other way, practically slamming into Eric.

As if the night couldn't get any worse, Donna Summers' 'Hot Stuff' began playing loudly over the speakers. Sookie was staring at Eric's glorious pecks, unable to tear her eyes away. His chest peeked through the slit of his crisp white unbuttoned shirt showing off his golden skin below the surface in stark contrast, and Sookie was awestricken; she was so close she could even see the light blonde hairs and it was torture. It took her a few moments before she could finally peel her gaze away from his beautiful chest

Pam smirked from behind her and in a sing-song voice said, "She's all yours, Eric!" Pam winked at him and he gave her an odd look.

Sookie rolled her eyes at Pam finally snapping out of it and asked Eric sarcastically, "Do you two have a side game going on to see who can drive the other's date more insane?"

Eric couldn't help but laugh–he did really enjoyed Sookie's humor and her feistiness. She was probably one little hellcat in the sack too, Eric thought absently feeling the warmth in his blood return. He swallowed and let his gaze travel from the dip of her halter-top to the indentation in her neck. Her bone structure was exquisite, he marveled watching her carefully.

"What do you want?" Sookie barked at him over the music, noting the way he was looking at her, and it made her uncomfortable. She didn't like the way she felt, like she had no control over herself when she was with him, wanting to get to the point and stop his ogling. She wasn't about to become his latest conquest, Sookie looked at him pointedly.

Eric finally snapped back to reality, extending his hand, and asked, "Would you like to dance?"

Sookie looked at Eric as though horns had sprouted from his head. Dance? She hadn't come there to dance. She was there on business. Business that had been ruined by HIM! But before she could reply, he had taken her hand and dragged her out to the center of the dance floor, his large, strong arms circling her tiny waist. She had no other choice but to lean into him–it wasn't like she could get away even if she tried. She was too strong, too big, so she place her hands squarely on his shoulders and looked up at him challengingly.

Eric dipped her and before Sookie knew it, she was putty in his capable hands. He twirled her and pushed her away before pulling her back in. As the tempo picked up, his movements got faster and Sookie felt dizzy. Her face was flush from the heat, but mostly it was from the way that Eric looked at her–almost as though she was his next meal. Just when she had gotten her balance back, he would spin her and then touch her someplace unexpected like the small of her back, or teasingly just below her breast line, causing her nerves to dance on end. Sookie had long forgotten about what the were even talking about before as his hands grabbed her hips, pulling her backside to him as crotch ground against her. She felt his hips sway with hers and then she felt his hardness pressed up against her, and her legs turned to spaghetti. If it hadn't been for Eric's powerful arms holding her against his hard body, she would have melted into a puddle on the floor. In that moment, Sookie came undone in his arms as they moved together to the music.

Sittin' here eatin' my heart out no reason

Won't spend another night on my own

I dialed about hundred numbers baby

I'm bound to find somebody home

I need your hot stuff baby tonight

I want your hot stuff baby this evenin'

Hot stuff baby

Got to I need your love tonight

The song ended right after his last spin and she found herself pressed again him, breathless. Their chests were heaving and she looked up into his intense blue gaze. Sookie felt overcome with the urge to kiss him again. It was like she wouldn't be able to breathe if she didn't taste his lips. Those perfect lips and those beautiful blue eyes that she got lost in. There was a pulse running through her body into his. Not just from the beat of the next song, but an actual living, feeling throb. She felt her heart hammer and forgot where they were. His hand pressed flatly against hers as their fingers weaved together and they were frozen there in that moment. Overcome with a feeling neither had ever felt before, Sookie closed her eyes briefly imagining he was kissing her, the beat of the next song pulsing through her veins like the primal drum beat of her heart and then she felt Eric's lips smash against hers, making it a reality. His mouth burned hot against her lips.

And he kissed her in a maddening, earth shattering way. Sookie felt the floor fall out from under her, when his lips pressed against hers and his arms wrapped around her small body. He pulled her to him and held her in an embrace as if they were the last man and woman on earth. Their tongues thrashed as if they were continuing the argument with the kiss, passion for passion, a blazing inferno.

Eric let his hand travel south along the dip of her hip to the curve of her backside and felt his arousal return. God, what was she doing to him? He wondered if this whole day was just a fluke. He certainly didn't feel like himself right now. Eric cupped her face in his large hand, only seeing Sookie in that moment, and he knew he wanted to make love to her, there was no denying that spark, Eric thought, going in for another kiss, when he caught someone familiar from the corner of his eye. His whole body stiffened.

It was Claudia, and she had her photographer with her. Eric suddenly felt nauseous. Sookie looked up at him, with hazy eyes.

"Shit!" he muttered.

Sookie was confused, and looked at him puzzled. "What?" she asked.

Before she knew what was happening, Eric had yanked her along with him as he made a beeline through the crowd of dancers, heading for one of the backdoors.

"Where are you going?" Sookie shouted over the music.

The only thing running through Eric's mind was, 'Shit, shit, shit…' What was he doing? Instead of leaving, he should have remained back there with Sookie giving Claudia the biggest scoop of the year. It was what he wanted, wasn't it--to get his revenge on the feisty blonde reporter? His body, however, wanted something else entirely. Finally, he burst through a backdoor and they found themselves standing alone in an alley. The warm summer night permeated their skin and the breeze brightened their senses.

"Eric?"

Sookie jerked him back and forced him to look at her.

"What's going on? What just happened back there?" she demanded.

Eric had no time to explain. He honestly didn't know the answer to that question. It was clear that Sookie hadn't seen Claudia, and he wasn't about to add more fuel the fire. No, she had enough fire on her own. They made it to the curb on 54th Street and Eric started to hail a cab, but then spun around to face Sookie voicing his pressing thoughts outloud.

"Can I stay at your place tonight?" he asked.

Sookie looked back at him like a deer caught in the headlights, not quite sure that she had heard him correctly.

"Come again?" she asked.

Eric looked behind them to make sure that Claudia wasn't standing there and prayed for a cab. He whistled to one across the street and looked over to Sookie earnestly.

"Can I stay at your place? I'll be out before you get up and I can sleep on your couch,"

he said, sounding perplexed. There was sincerity in his eyes as he thought about the ramifications of Claudia witnessing their make--out session. It would be a public scandal, and one that would decimate Sookie's reputation. He could see the headline now… 'Northman Enterprises CEO Affair with Times Reporter Exposed'. He looked at Sookie reluctantly, knowing that she wanted an explanation, but he wasn't going to give her one–not yet. There was no time, they had to roll.

Sookie wondered what kind of trouble he had gotten himself into. Whatever it was, she found herself intrigued by the man behind the mask. There was so much going on behind those eyes of his and he seemed truly worried. She just couldn't say no to him. As a taxi cab pulled up alongside the curb, Sookie finally nodded her head at him and replied...

"Alright…just get in," she said.

Eric looked at her gratefully. He leaned in, about to show her just how grateful he was, and then stopped, feeling awkward all of a sudden. Instead, he kissed her cheek. Eric realized then, that he had no idea what they were doing. It was very unnerving. He'd never felt that way before, and wasn't sure what to do. What the fuck was happening? What just happened? He just left Studio 54 with Sookie Stackhouse, the reporter who had single-handedly undone his business in a matter of a few short hours. If he had an ounce of sense, he would run the other direction. But, for some reason, he wanted to make sure that Sookie was safe. He had never felt such an amplified attraction like this before, and he definitely wasn't used to sticking his neck out for a girl. Could it be that he actually liked her? All of the sudden, Eric felt sick to his stomach…

Sookie gave the cab driver directions to her place. She thought again about everything that had happened that night. Nowhere in her agenda did she make a note about bringing Eric Northman back to her apartment. As they rode, he remained eerily quiet and it made her feel uncomfortable. She was dying to know what he was thinking about, what he was running from back there…but something told Sookie that this was one thing she shouldn't press.

She closed her eyes and tried to get a read on his thoughts. She hadn't paid much attention before, but up until now she hadn't realized that she had never heard him. Once in a blue moon there were people that she couldn't read. In that moment, Sookie wished it wasn't so. She wanted to hear him, but at the same time, he was such an enigma that it might be nice to have a break for once, she thought.

Sookie noticed the almost pale look on Eric's face and became worried. The streetlights were flashing by and the silent hum of the car on the road was their only background noise.

"Are you okay, Eric? You don't look so good," Sookie asked Eric quietly, breaking the silence.

Eric's eyes rose to meet hers and for the first time Sookie didn't see him as Eric Northman, but as just a man–a man who was haunted by something. She waited patiently, thinking it almost shocking that they were having a somewhat civil conversation. Pigs must be flying somewhere, she thought. But then again, he hadn't spoken yet, so she remained quiet.

Eric watched the city flashing by them through the window, unable to meet her gaze. Finally, he replied, "There was a reporter there, actually an old girlfriend of mine--Claudia Cohen…"

Sookie looked at Eric, and wondered why he was telling her this.

Eric was wondering the same thing, when he continued, "She saw us together. If we had stayed there any longer we would have been on the first page of tomorrow's entertainment section as the newest celebrity relationship scandal."

Sookie raised her eyebrows, it was all coming together. That's why he was so jittery; he didn't want to be seen with her. If he took her back to his place, well, it would pretty much be front-page news everywhere. Sookie realized if that were the case, it would ruin her and her reputation as an esteemed investigative reporter. Sleeping with her story? Although they hadn't slept together, everyone would think that they had.

She wondered suddenly if it was such a good idea to take Eric home with her. As she thought more about it, she wondered if they could help each other now–or at least tonight. She certainly couldn't be in a relationship with someone like Eric; she'd never work for another newspaper again if she went down that road.

No, they had to play it straight. He would sleep on the couch and slip away in the morning, which was for the best. This little acid trip was just what it was–a trip; and it wasn't real. Sookie was certain that she had made the right decision in keeping her distance from Eric. But she did owe him one night on her couch. After that, she could call it even.

Little did she know that once they got back to her very small studio apartment on Lafayette and Broadway, that the close quarters of her home would make it very hard to keep their distance, and harder to fight those primal urges. However, Eric seemed to be out of sorts or depressed–certainly not acting like his usual player self and Sookie was grateful for that much.

She led him up the stairs to her apartment, 3B, and unlocked the door. Eric took everything in, and Sookie wondered what he thought of her dinky little apartment. She was sure that Eric had a penthouse on Park Avenue. She pointed out where everything was–which was pretty obvious, seeing as it was just a studio apartment. She gave him the grand tour and showed him the kitchen nook and her little front balcony outside her living room. The bedroom was divided by two rice paper partitions, and the only actual room was the bathroom. Sookie got and extra toothbrush and gave it to him.

"So, that's pretty much it…you can take a shower if you want–I think I'm just going to go to bed." Sookie proclaimed.

Eric looked at Sookie and she smiled politely, feeling a little awkward. Just a short time before, his lips had been on hers and she was practically begging him to fuck her. She tried to push the wicked memory from her mind.

"I'll get you some clean towels," she mumbled and gave a small smile before running off to get his towels.

Once he had gotten past the cab ride, Eric had pulled himself together. He studied his surroundings. It really was a little hole in the wall. He hadn't really given much thought to Sookie Stackhouse's living arrangements, but he never pictured this. He thought she probably lived at the newspaper–maybe she had a cot in the stacks somewhere. So her apartment came as a bit of surprise.

He realized that he still hadn't really gotten himself into any trouble, and could keep it that way if he could just keep his hands off Sookie. Maybe if he stopped thinking about her naked it would help. Eric took off his jacket and figured if Sookie was kind enough to let him use her shower, he should make it a short one so she could have some hot water as well. He drifted back to the naked visual of her again and he shed his white dress shirt and stood there in just his Calvin Klein jeans and nothing else. This was going to be one hell of a night, Eric thought to himself begrudgingly. Wondering how long he would have to stay here under this torment. Maybe it would all die down in a few hours and Claudia would just give up, he thought hopefully. Then he could just head home, and stay the hell away from Eve and her dreaded red apple of lust. He took the toothbrush from the vanity to distract him self, put some toothpaste on it and began to brush his teeth.

The small act of normalcy actually helped, and he began to feel more comfortable. He tried to drain all thoughts of Sookie from his mind as he spit out the toothpaste and began to brush his teeth again.

Sookie stood in the doorway watching him, her jaw slack, as she gazed at his beautifully chiseled back while his muscles flexed as he brushed his teeth. He was such an attractive man; he put other men to shame with that body, those shoulders, those arms, that ass…

She paid special attention to his ass, her eyes boring into it, until Sookie realized that Eric had discovered her newfound infatuation and was staring at her in the mirror. Busted, she thought. Her face grew red from embarrassment and Eric smirked at her.

Desperate to break the silence, Sookie blurted out, "Here are your towels…Sometimes it takes awhile for the hot water to heat up, but if you just give it a minute…"

She shuffled over to him awkwardly and passed the towels over to Eric. Her fingers brushed against his and she felt the electricity. Sookie closed her eyes as if it was painful for her to touch them and when she opened them, Eric was smiling.

"Thanks," he replied.

Sookie returned his smile and nodded. She looked down at her bare feet and said, "No problem."

She was almost to the door, when she remembered something else he might need. She turned around and reached for the medicine cabinet over Eric's shoulder as he finished rinsing out his mouth.

"Oh, I have a spare razor in…" she trailed off. When Eric straightened up, their bodies were woven together, trapping Sookie between him and the sink. They were standing oh, so dangerously close. She could see the flecks of dark blue in his eyes – they were as blue as the sea. She held her breath, afraid to move, afraid of what she might do if they touched.

Eric's lips were still wet from the water; his clean, minty mouth mere inches from Sookie's. They watched each other like two animals in heat and it only took him a split second to react. He dropped his toothbrush in the sink and Sookie felt her legs give way as he lifted her up in his arms and pressed his lips against hers. Primal forces intervened, like two moths to a flame. From there, all control was lost. She felt a surge of heat between her thighs and a jolt of passion flowed through her veins as he lifted her and tugged at her dress. Sookie helped Eric with his belt–she couldn't believe that this was happening. He spun her around in his arms trying to get a hold of the zipper on the side of her dress. Sookie clung to him by her thighs, one arm on his powerfully strong shoulders, the other reaching to grab onto something stable. She latched onto the fabric of her shower curtain, yanking on it as he finally got her zipper undone. Sookie felt the curtain give way and realized she had just ripped it off the rod.

She didn't care as long as Eric's mouth was on her breasts and his hands were in her panties. She craved his hardness, swearing to herself a thousand times over that she wasn't going to do this; all the while her body was betraying her. She gripped the button of his jeans, tugging them open and unzipped them, desperate to feel his hard length in her hands. Eric grunted and she gasped as he set her down on the cool tile of her bathroom sink. Before she knew it, her panties were off. She was so wet, she really didn't care where they were and she clung desperately to Eric. She kissed his mouth and then felt him tug the rest of her dress off. Biting her lip, she felt his hard length press up against her and all she could think about was feeling him move inside of her.

"Please…" Sookie whispered into Eric's ear not even recognizing her own voice. Her words sent his nerve endings through the roof. Once he had kicked off his pants, he positioned himself outside her entrance and realized that there was no going back after this. Her perfect breasts, her beautiful body…they called to him like a choir of angels, and Eric knew this was right. They were right together. The fucking poison apple be damned. He thrust himself inside her and she cried out in pleasure at the sheer force of his size and strength. She reached out to grab onto something for balance and knocked down a whole shelf from her medicine cabinet. Neither one of them noticed the disarray, consumed by the passion.

"Oh baby, yesssssss!" Sookie cried out as her balmy body slipped down, one foot placed on the tub rim as Eric held up her other thigh. He rocked her pelvis from a new angle, which sent her sexual endorphins into overdrive. Never in her life had she felt like this.

Eric was so big and he was so painfully hard that he nearly lost it several times. If it hadn't been for the changing of positions, he would have been a goner far earlier, something which had never happened to him before. But there was something about Sookie. Fuck, she was hot.

"Ssookie," he growled and pulled her leg back up to ride his hip. He held her ass in his strong arms as he pounded into her. Sookie finally found something stable to hang onto–her shower curtain rod, and she reached above her head as he held her hips. She got lost in the feeling of him inside her. Wow, was he big! She half wondered if she could take him all in, but Eric removed all doubt as she cried out in pleasure when he hit her sensitive core time and time again. He was so deep inside her. Sookie had never been so hot for someone, so desperate to get more and more of him. It was as if every thrust just increased her desire and she pushed and pulled with his movements. She felt the moment of release upon them as Eric brought her to her highest heights ever. She thought she might faint, but the bar kept her upper body in place as he rocked her–one more thrust, two, three, four…she felt it coming, five…six!

And then it happened. At the same moment that Sookie heard the clamor of the long, metal shower rod collapse and fall onto the bathroom floor, they joined together in a sexual bond of white passion. Pleasure wasn't even a word in her vocabulary as she rode the high and they clung together, bodies wrapped tiredly in a sexual haze. Eric moved slowly inside her, as she dared to open her eyes. Sookie wondered if she was the same woman from just a few hours ago. She was Sookie Stackhouse, she had never had a one-night stand in her life, or even had sex on a first date…She didn't know if she recognized herself anymore, but when she looked into Eric's eyes, she felt a spark of familiarity there. It was as if he could see right through to her core. It was farther than any other man or human being had seen before. It both scared and invigorated her, but before she could think about it further, Eric's lips were on her once more and she felt the throbbing desire return.

He looked back and noticed the steamed up bathroom mirror and realized that they had done that, smirking back as his gaze rose to the spot behind Sookie's shoulder and then she looked behind her shoulder as well.

"Maybe we should get in the shower…" Sookie said. His lips were back on hers, already hungry for more.

Eric smiled back at her and shook his head. "Not yet, we aren't," he replied.

They looked at each other and in that moment they knew. Despite the fighting, despite the fact that they pretended to hate each other, the article and the press…what they were doing wasn't a passing tryst or a one-night stand. No matter how hard they tried to deny their new feelings, they both knew that there was something more there, something very dangerous and life changing–something real.

Sookie's hands rested on Eric's broad shoulders and their chest's pressed firmly against each other. Her legs were still wrapped around his hips and both of them breathed in unison, when Sookie picked up on something as they remained joined in this intimate and primal way. Just that one and only time, Sookie's eyes locked in on Eric's blazing, blue eyes and she heard his mind speak.

"We are fucked"! Eric's unspoken words reached Sookie's mind as dark pupil met dark pupil. Sookie agreed, nodding her head, still under the spell that he had cast upon her.

"Amen to that," she replied with a lazy smile.

In that moment, Sookie saw the realization of what she could do reach Eric's eyes and her smile straightened in keen awareness, finally coming to terms with what she had just given away. She knew that she more than fucked. Shit! He knew–he knew what she could do. As her body stiffened in his arms, and her eyes remained subject to his penetrating gaze, Sookie quickly realized that she could not take it back–the one thing that exposed her and stripped her naked. The one thing that could ruin her, the one thing she had never shared with anyone except her Gran and her brother. She felt her stomach sink. Sookie had no clue what Eric was thinking or what his feelings were. His mind had become mute once more. However, when she saw his questioning expression and heard the screaming silence that enveloped them, she knew that he must have just felt his stomach drop too.

"They were indeed so very totally, completely, and undeniably Fucked!"

***

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