The Continuation of Hold Back The Dawn

Chapter 9

I searched every room until I found McBee.

I found him, standing at the end of the long hallway next to Bill's study, carefully sorting some of Bill's dress shirts and pants into laundry bags, tagging them for the hotel cleaners.

"McBee?" I anxiously called after him, hurrying to walk up behind him. I was still in the terry robe, holding the collar tightly with my right hand so it wouldn't fall open by mistake. I think me standing there in the terry robe made McBee a little nervous. He peeked at me out of the corner of his eye. But he quickly stopped what he was doing, turning around to face me. He had an expression on his face like he knew what I had come to ask of him. And did not want to discuss it.

"Yes, Miss? Is there something I can get for you?"

"N-no! I mean, yes, McBee. McBee…I am sure Bill told you that we, me and Bill, are goin' out this evening?" I said, trying to lead up to what I really wanted to know.

"Oh yes, Miss," McBee said, swallowing hard; "indeed! I do hope that you and Mr. Compton will have a most enjoyable evening."

"I'm sure we will, McBee," I said; "Uh… McBee...I need to ask you somethin'."

*Oh, please, Miss Stackhouse! Please don't ask me any questions that may compromise Miss Conti! Or Mr. Compton!*

I read McBee's thoughts. His face dropped as he looked at me. At that point, I did not care what he would think of me. He would just have to think I was rude and petty. I needed some answers. And I was going to get them. One way or another. I knew McBee was aware of everything going on around Bill.

"It's about Miss Conti, McBee," I blurted out. I took a breath, considering how to word my question; "Please, don't think I am just awful to ask you this, McBee, but …how much time does Angelique spend here with Bill? I mean…I understand they work together and all that. But…can you tell me, McBee? Is she around Bill… a lot?"

I know I sounded terrible and jealous and nosy. McBee had a flinching, painful expression on his face. I had cornered him. I knew I was making him very uncomfortable. He hesitated. I waited for him to answer me out loud. But whether or not he answered me, verbally, I intended to get at the truth of the matter.

And if that meant reaching inside his mind and pulling the thoughts right out of his head! Well, so be it!

I had to know what I was dealing with. Any woman would want to know, right?

"Miss, forgive me, but…I~I really do think that you and Mr. Compton should discuss this matter between the two of you…if you don't mind," McBee said, shaking his head.

I blinked at him for a moment. I pressed on.

"Well. I guess you're right, McBee. I should discuss this with Bill. But at the moment, I am discussin' this with you. You see things differently than Bill would. All you have to do is tell me how often you see Miss Conti here in Bill's apartment. Do they spend that much time together, McBee? Because it looks to me like Angelique sure feels comfortable comin' in here in the middle of the day-while Bill is resting, I mean. Bringin' him paperwork or whatever. Please answer me, McBee. Bill is so important to me. He's everything to me."

I felt like my mouth was running a mile a minute. The words just kept coming. Everything just came tumbling out of my mouth. Ridiculous things I was saying to a perfect stranger. Bill's manservant. I hugged the terry robe around myself, standing firmly, looking deeply into poor McBee's eyes. He glanced up at me. The laundry bag still firmly in his hand. Part of me I felt sorry for him, being trapped in the hallway by Mr. Compton's girlfriend, being asked all these embarrassing questions that he did not want to answer. I knew it was unfair of me to put him on the spot like that. But my desire to get to the bottom of this, outweighed anything else. I needed to know.

"Miss," McBee sighed; "Mr. Compton...has business dealings with …a great many important people in his present responsibilities. A variety of people. They come and go. Mr. Compton has conferences in his study and business meetings, quite frequently."

"McBee, I'm not talkin' about a 'great many important people,'" I said slowly; "I'm talkin' about Miss Conti. Miss Conti in particular. How much is she here?"

*Oh my! How can I put this to Miss Stackhouse? I don't wish to alarm her. Mr. Compton would not approve of this line of questioning. Oh, dear, dear. I have certainly noticed the way Miss Conti looks at Mr. Compton. I've seen that particular smile she gives to him... that look... Just for him. I believe she is quite taken with him, to be sure. But I cannot say this to Miss Stackhouse. It is not my place to say such things! It simply is not done. I cannot be the cause of any argument between Miss Stackhouse and Mr. Compton. Oh dear me! I truly like you, Miss Stackhouse. You make Mr. Compton very happy. Very happy, indeed. But, this conversation is quite unseemly! Mr. Compton would not appreciate my veracity in this matter. Oh dear!*

"McBee!" I took him from his thoughts; "I'm sorry. Truly I am. Are you tellin' me that Miss Conti doesn't show up here, anymore than anyone else that Bill works with?"

"On ocassion…she does," he said carefully; "but not to excess. That I can concur. Mr. Compton stays very busy, Miss, as you can quite imagine. That, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt. Mr. Compton is not available to anyone in his study, for long blocks of time. And he likes the certainty of scheduled appointments."

I looked at him closely. "So Angelique shows up a lot to see Bill without an appointment? Gotcha."

There were little beads of perspiration forming across his forehead. Poor McBee. I did feel somewhat guilty. I already knew that he was fiercely loyal to Bill.

"I'm sorry, McBee. Please excuse my rudeness," I said; "I know you think I am actin' like a disturbed person. I am not like this normally. I'm just so surprised to know that-that Bill is workin' so closely with such a-a beautiful and smart woman, is all. I was not expectin' anything like this. I guess I really shouldn't be that surprised. Bill can charm the birds right outta the trees, without even meanin' to. He's such a gentleman. I can't blame Angelique really…"

I was hoping McBee would take some pity on me. And not think I was a totally possessive shrew about Bill. I tried to explain further explain to him.

"It's just that...Miss Conti seems so familiar with Bill., " I went on; "Wanting to walk into his study with those papers... I hope you don't hate me now, McBee. Or wish that I would just go back to Louisiana."

To my surprise, McBee dropped the laundry bag to the floor. He took one step closer towards me. He did not seem that alarmed anymore that I had been pestering him for answers. He spoke to me then in a very sincere way.

"Oh Miss Stackhouse!" he said, his hazel eyes wide; "Not at all. Please. Not in the least. I do not want you to feel unwelcome here. Or that your visit is in any way premature. On the contrary. Your coming here to visit Mr. Compton is a most wonderful thing, Miss. If I may be so bold as to speak quite freely on the matter. I must say, you have nothing to fear from Miss Conti. Mr. Compton has so been looking forward to your arrival, Miss, with the greatest of concern and devotion. He has spoken to me of how happy he was when you accepted his invitation! His eyes lit up whenever he talked about your arrival. I can assure you, Miss, Mr. Compton has been steadfast in his longing for you to join him here in New York. Mr. Compton poured over every detail of your itinerary, meticulously securing all of the arrangements in bringing you to New York. I can tell you, he was completely crestfallen when he could not meet you at the airport yesterday. The unexpected meeting that detained him yesterday was unfortunate. But there is no doubt that you are and have been his very first priority, Miss. I have been here with Mr. Compton from the very beginning when he first came to the Sanctuary, Miss.

And may I just say.. I have never seen him so completely happy as when you arrived!"

McBee finally took a breath after telling me all that. I continued poking his thoughts.

*Miss Conti has tried for weeks now, to get closer to Mr. Compton and she has been patently unsuccessful. Now she knows why-it's because of Miss Stackhouse. Indeed, Miss Conti found out today that Mr. Compton's romantic interests certainly lie elsewhere.*

After listening to him speak and after invading his thoughts again, all I could do was nod my head and give him a sheepish smile. Of course I know Bill loves me. I know Bill would not cheat on me. It wasn't Bill I was concerned about. It was Angelique.

O.k. I was jealous. Jealous of her being so near to my Bill. Having her own personal designs on Bill. I did not like the fact that they had spent so much time alone together.

It was clear to me that Angelique was falling in love with my boyfriend!

"Thank you McBee. I do appreciate your honesty. More than you will ever know."

The tension in the air between us seemed to quickly dissipate. "You are very, very welcome, Miss."

McBee asked me if there was anything else he could get for me that afternoon? I told him no, and I promised that I would not bother him from his daily duties again. Then I left him to complete his afternoon chores. I knew I had made a perfect nuisance of myself.

But, apparently regarding my seven~day vacation with Bill, it was time for me to take off the rose~colored glasses, as Gran would say, and start looking at things as they really were.

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Bill arose before sunset. He knew how completely stirred up and out of my mind I was with anticipation of our special evening together. I was already showered and dressed when he got up. I could not stand it another second. Bill had to laugh at me when he first saw my face. I could not wait for Bill's surprise! I couldn't even sit still.

While Bill got ready in the bathroom, I pulled back the light-tight panels from the bedroom windows. I walked out onto the spacious balcony, adjacent to the master bedroom and took a few deep breaths of the fresh, crisp evening air. I anxiously waited for Bill to tell me he was ready. And it was time for our evening together to begin.

My excitement was building by the seconds. I could not imagine what wondrous thing Bill had planned. I placed my palms across the cement railing on the balcony. It was still warm from the sunshine just a few hours ago. I stared out looking down at the rows of white Bradford pear trees that lined the avenue below.

The twinkling bright lights of traffic seemed to stretch unending on the long wide avenue into the distance as the blackness of the nighttime crept over everything. I loved the sun. But I had to admit, there was something so intoxicating and mysterious about the night. Or maybe, it was just because I was with vampire Bill. And I knew Bill's deepest strength and energy was unleashed after sunset. Bill's magic was all about the night. There is a certain energy in New York City. Especially at night. And that seemed to blend together very well. A decidedly electric feel in the evening air, bringing the anticipation that anything is possible.

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I heard Bill calling to me from inside.

I walked back into the bedroom. Bill was standing near the desk. He was casually dressed in a tan Henley, a light-weight dark blue jacket and blue jeans. His blue eyes were intent upon me, with a playful glint. Without a word, he crooked his index finger, beckoning me closer to him. I walked up directly in front of him, placing my hands at his waist.

"Are we ready to go now?" I asked.

"Very nearly," he smiled;" Where is your cell phone?"

"Right here," I said, reaching for my phone that I had placed into the pocket of the skirt I was wearing.

"Turn it off," Bill instructed me. I looked at him, then pushed the button on top of my cell until it died. Bill took my phone from me. I watched as he then took his cell phone, as well. He opened the top drawer on nearby lamp table and placed both phones inside. He closed the drawer.

"Bill," I said. Even I knew this was crazy. I guess this was my first surprise of the evening; "You know you can't be unavailable. The people with the AVL will go bananas if they can't reach you."

Bill smiled and took my hands. "Then they will just have to go bananas. I have left explicit instructions with McBee that I am completely unavailable this evening. And so are you, Miss Stackhouse." Bill kept smiling. He brought my hands up to his lips and kissed them both. He was serious about leaving our cell phones behind that evening.

"Bill…what if there's an emergency?" I asked.

"They will need to find an alternative," Bill said with no hesitation whatsoever; "I am not going to allow any interruptions this evening. Not one. No repeat performances like what happened yesterday when you arrived, sweetheart. Tonight we are entirely on another planet. Light~years away. Untouchable. For as long as we are so inclined…

Shall we go? A great adventure awaits, Miss Stackhouse..."

He kissed my cheek, keeping my hand in his as he lead me to the door.

I don't think I had ever seen Bill quite so lighthearted. We walked down the hallway together, out of his suite and got into the elevator. We found ourselves alone.

Bill kissed me as the elevator doors closed. But not chastely on my cheek that time. He caressed my mouth with his. He smelled so good. He placed his hands on either side of my face and pulled me close. I put my arms round his waist. We were alone as the elevator descended, we were kissing and I felt so happy at that moment. My second night in New York and I was going out with Bill. I could barely catch my breath!

It seemed everyone in the downstairs lobby smiled at us as we walked by hand in hand. I guess it wasn't difficult to see how much me and Bill cared for each other.
Mr. Emery, the hotel concierge, was standing by his post at the revolving doors as we approached the entrance. He looked up at us. He nodded and smiled and wished us a lovely evening.

I had goose bumps already. Nothing could be finer. Or so I thought.

Bill and I glided out of the Sanctuary Hotel and into the warm New York night air.

And I could not believe my eyes!

There, directly in front of the hotel at the curb, was an awesome horse-drawn carriage!

I was in shock as I took it all in. A large double~seated black cabriolet, its hood pleated back. There were huge wrought iron lamps lit on either side of the carriage. Seating easily enough for eight people. The carriage wheels had enormous, shiny black spokes. And the magnificent white and grey steed stood at least ten feet high, as he shifted his mighty white hooves in front of the carriage. His magnificent grey mane flowing in the breeze. Our driver, sat behind the horse on the customary high bench, holding the thick black straps, dressed in a black top hat, waistcoat and thigh-high leather boots. My eyes were everywhere, but when I caught the drivers' eye, he moved the reins to one hand, and very courteously tipped his top hat at me and smiled.

I looked at Bill, who was grinning from ear-to-ear at my opened mouth.

"So old~fashioned," Bill teased; "but really, the only way to see New York at sunset."

My hand came up to cover my gaping mouth. "Oh Bill!" I was so completely stunned;

"I-I never imagined this!"

"Good, " Bill said, placing my right hand over his arm as we descended the hotel steps; "then I've managed to surprise you so far."

We crossed the short distance of the sidewalk over to the waiting carriage. Bill circled my waist and delivered me up the two steps and into the huge carriage.

The seats were lined in purple velvet. Plush and comfortable.

There was a soft, woolen blanket, lying on the furthest seat. And when I turned around and sat down, it was then that I saw the bouquet of flowers lying opposite us on the other seat.
Bill sat closely next to me. He reached over and picked up the beautiful bouquet of twelve long-stem, blood~ red roses and handed them to me! They were wrapped in white gossamer and between each rose peeked a small sprig of delicate baby's breath. I took the roses and pressed my nose down into them, inhaling the sweetness of their aroma.

I closed my eyes briefly. I don't think I could have taken anymore surprises at that moment. I was completely speechless. Overwhelmed. I hugged my flowers looking over at Bill. I could see the love in his eyes.

"Bill...you're making all of my dreams come true tonight," I said. I could barely catch my breath. I was so happy.

"This is wonderful! Bill, I ~I feel like….a princess!"

He smiled, placing his arm around me again.

"You are a princess. My princess. That is how I intend to treat you, always, Sookie. You've changed my life, my darling. You've changed me," Bill whispered, then he pressed his cool lips to my temple.

"All I did was walk up to booth number seven one night, Bill," I said. It was my turn to tease him. "I think we pretty much changed things in each other's lives."

"I am going to make sure that every day of your life is better than the day before..." He said. I hugged him back. And I was thinking to myself, the night had only just begun. But this was more than I could have imagined already.

Bill called to the horseman. "We are ready when you are."

I heard the driver flick the reins and the great steed moved his feet, the carriage momentarily lurching forward, just a bit. Then we were on our way down the avenue. The grey and white steed clip-clopping down the street at a slow, synchronized and steady gait.

I did felt like royalty, riding by in that awesome carriage, gazing down to the street below us. At one point, I looked up at the sky. It was clear. I couldn't find a single cloud in the deep dark blue sky. The stars were not out yet. I felt like there was magic in the air!

The Bradford pear trees moved slowly past us. The shops. The traffic made way for our carriage. The now familiar clip-clop of the horse's hooves became reassuring somehow. Everyone walking on the street that we passed by was looking at us. Looking at my flowers. Looking at me and Bill, seating so close together and smiling.

I looked at Bill, his blue eyes watching me. He looked so very proud. He was satisfied that he had blown me away with this surprise of his. Yes, indeed he had!

"I will never forget this beautiful night, Bill Compton," I said sincerely: "You've made everything so perfect. Thank you, darling."

He took my mouth and kissing me passionately, one arm round me, his other hand placed at the side of my throat, along the collar of my sweater.
"Sookie...you are all I need..." he whispered.

I had dreamed of a night like this before I had ever left Bon Temps. I had wondered what it would be like. Me and Bill alone together in New York City. But the reality of that moment was so much better than anything I had imagined.

The carriage moved on smoothly through the City of Gotham, as New York had been referred to in a book I had read. With Bill's strong arms around me, I sat straight up, not wanting to miss anything. Eventually, we rounded a corner to our left and there was the entrance to Central Park! The carriage moved inside the park entrance and our journey continued. Tiny white lights were strung high across the evergreen trees. I immediately heard the sounds of flutes and soft drums and people laughing.
Everyone that saw us, smiled. They knew that me and Bill are lovers. And that we were enjoying a romantic evening together. My body was tingling. My heart was bursting with joy!

Eventually, the carriage took us around a huge water fountain in a clearing. Night had fallen to complete darkness in that space surrounded by towering trees. All the street lamps were glowing like gold. I had placed the flowers on the opposite cushions and now Bill and I were holding hands. The water spray from the fountain carried on the light breeze back to us and I felt some droplets on my face as the carriage rounded the circumference of the big fountain. People leaned against the stone structure of the outside edge. There were children playing with each other, running back and forth from the stone structure and nearby over to a grassy knoll. And we saw other couples lying back on blankets in the grass, holding each other, everyone just enjoying the beautiful evening.

Then, of course, it happened. I began to smell the wafting aroma of a New York hot dog cart that was stationed near by.

Bill looked sidelong at the expression on my face. Without a word, as if on cue, he threw back his head and started laughing at me! He knew me so well.

"Yes," I said to him, laughing too; "I'm hungry, okay?"

"Okay," Bill shrugged his shoulders, the light from the street lamps danced in his eyes.

"I'm human." I pushed him playfully on his arm

"Oh, I am well aware," he said. "Cannot have you starving now, can I?"

As much as I hated to leave the carriage, I spied that hot dog stand and now, after smelling the dogs roasting away, the toasted buns, the relish, the mustard and ketchup, I had to have one of those hot dogs! Bill gave instructions for our horseman to stop the carriage. Me and Bill got out of the carriage and walked over to the hot dog stand. I had to have it with everything! Toasted bun. Relish. Mustard. Ketchup. Chili... hold the onions, please!

And a frosty can of Mountain Dew. Perfect.

Could this night get any better? We walked over to a park bench that was flooded with light from a nearby street lamp. Soon, I was sitting down, devouring my delicious New York dog! I had not realized how hungry I was. Bill stood next to the bench and looked down at me in amusement, his hands in his pockets. He closely watched my mouth as I ate. I always feel like I'm eating for both of us. But sometimes it could be very erotic to watch him, watching me, eat a meal. I licked the mustard and chili from my lower lip. I stretched my throat back and polished off the last gulps of my canned drink. All the while, I could see Bill as he looked back at me.

"You want another?" he asked.

"Oh no, Bill, I'm full. Can we walk a bit?" I said.

"Yes ma'am…" He stretched out his arm for me to take his hand.

I loved the carriage ride. But now that I had eaten and we were smack dab in the heart of New York, Central Park, I just wanted to hold Bill's hand and walk around and explore. Just like all the other people in the park on that wonderful, magical night.
I took my flowers and Bill released the horseman from any further obligation to us for the evening. The horseman had a treat to give the steed. Asked him if I could feed the horse and he said it was fine if I wanted to. Standing next to that towering steed, I felt like I was only three feet tall. I rubbed his nose and gave him his oat treat. He ate it from my palm, then jerked his enormous head upward.

"What's his name?" I asked.

"Zeus," said the driver.

"Good-bye Zeus! You're awesome!" I said.

"I used to have a horse very similar to Zeus," Bill said; "I used to feed him fresh oats and brush him down until his coat was smooth and shiny." Bill smiled at the memory of it. "His name was Solomon."

"Bill, what happened to Solomon?"

"Nothing," he said; I went to war..."

Bill and I stood there a few minutes and watched as the lovely carriage pulled away from us, trotting deeper into the park along a darkened trail. I looked around. There we were. Alone at last in New York City. No body knew us. And we did not know anyone else there. I had dreamed of this, too. Just me and Bill.

It was the most extraordinary, wonderfully free feeling. I hugged Bill round his waist as we started walking slowly down a park trail, away from the fountain. For one fleeting moment, I wondered, is this what it would be like? If me and Bill moved away from Bon Temps some day? If we ever…left together? Left all the drama of our small town behind?

I wasn't even sure I could ever leave home. I mean, I had lived in Bon Temps all my life. But Bill had lived everywhere! All over the world. Maybe, short trips away from home would be all I could stand. I loved Gran's house. And all my friends and family. Moving away permanently, I don't know if I could. But, I was enjoying this time away with Bill.

Me and Bill I walked on together, hand in hand. We passed all kinds of street vendors... musicians...dancers...jugglers... All trying to get our attention. There were more hot dog stands. People everywhere. It was so great just to spend some time together. Time alone with Bill. No interruptions. No phones ringing. No Mrs. Fortenberry or Jane Bodehouse, staring at us. No one judging the fact that Bill is vampire and I am mortal.

No demands on either me or Bill.

We walked out of the park at some point and into a clearing. I recognized that we had walked to the river! It was calm and clear as glass. We saw a great tug boat docked near the railings. I looked out and saw The Empire State Building, now, closer than the view from Bill's bedroom balcony. We stood on the sidewalk about 50 feet from the water's edge, gazing out across the black water. The water did not bother me at all. I guess because of the calmness of the bay. We listened to the sounds of the boats horns and whistles calling to each other in the distance.

It was considerably cooler by the water now that a couple of hours had passed. I placed my flowers against a tree trunk and Bill took off his jacket and cloaked it round my shoulders. I wished I had worn a pair of jeans or something, rather than the flimsy skirt and my favorite pink sweater set. I had on ankle boots which I thought would be fine. But my pink sweater set, had only three-quarter sleeves. Bill stood behind me while I leaned back on his chest, his arms securely around me. His body was breaking the swiftness of the breeze and it felt good to have him so close. Soon, as we stood there, I was feeling pleasantly warmed.

"You had a visitor today while you were resting," I informed him casually.

"McBee told me."

"Angelique Conti." I couldn't see his face. I waited. Two. Three. Four.

"Sookie, did you introduce yourself?" I thought I heard some sarcasm in his voice.

"I certainly did." I turned around and faced him, his blue eyes were now dark as navy;

"I was in your terry robe and she was completely dumb~struck to find me there."

"I'll bet she was."

"I told Miss Conti right away that I am your girlfriend," I said. I watched for his reaction.

"Well. Aren't you?" His eyes widened as he pulled me close into him. I squeezed my arms round his waist.

"It's been a while.. since we talked about that, Bill."

"Well, Sookie, let's talk about it now. Are we... back together? Officially. Sounds to me like you want to be. You know I do," he said gently..

"Bill..." I hesitated, only because there was so much I wanted to say to him.

"Things may always be challenging for us," he said quickly; "Not because we don't love each other. I am talkin' about outside forces. Things we may never have control of. Attitudes. My vampire kind. Your family and friends. I think we just have to be mindful of that, Sookie, and not let obstacles pull us apart."

He brought his hand up and gently smoothed away a wisp of curls from my cheek.

"Sookie… I'm not lettin' you go again, " he said softly; "Not ever again..." He kissed my mouth then. Tenderly at first, then with more commitment, more purpose. I parted my lips and accepted his tongue deep inside my mouth. We crushed ourselves together.

"I know, Bill…" I murmured close to his parted lips; "Bon Temps is a really small place. And not everybody will like seein' us together. You know it. And I know it. Things are changin' faster than most people can handle it. But I don't care what people think, Bill.

I really, really don't. Oh Bill, if only we could always be just like this. Just like this…"

As perfect as the evening had turned out to be, all I wanted then was to go back to The Sanctuary Hotel and make sweet love with my vampire. I know Bill wanted that, too. His manhood had hardened against me as we kissed. I was rapidly starting to feel like I had experienced enough of New York City for one night. Now, I just wanted to truly experience Bill again…and again. Bill had said there was nothing more unique until you had experienced a New York City taxi cab ride! He made me laugh as we walked away from the water's edge.

I remember, we passed an old woman with a cart. She looked to be at least eighty years old. Her clothes were tattered and worn. She was selling bags of beautiful, shiny apples. Bill bought a bag. All he had left in his pocket was the change from my hot dog earlier and a hundred dollar bill.

He gave it all to the old woman and he told her to keep the change.

Through tired and watery eyes, she looked up at Bill as if he were a vision. I gently took the bag of apples from her hand and smiled at her.

"Thank you, Mother!" Bill said.

"God bless you!" she cried; "God Bless you both!"

We could not take our hands off each other in the taxi cab. We hugged and kissed and groped each other like teenagers, our legs climbing over each other on the back seat.

As we feverishly kissed, I grasped Bill's big bulge which was fighting for its freedom inside his jeans.

Things only got worse in the elevator up to his suite. Twelve floors. I was trying to hold onto the bag of apples and the flowers at the same time while Bill was busy caressing me all over. Finally he pulled the flowers and the bag of apples out of my hands and tossed them to the elevator floor. Bill kissed me until I felt dizzy. His hands seemed to be everywhere. My breasts ached for his lips. He pulled my bottom close to him, squeezing me, holding me so urgently. I seriously thought Bill might undress me before the elevator doors re-opened.

Well. Bill discovered he had no key, so we had to ring the bell.

Momentarily, we tore ourselves from one another long enough for McBee to open the door. We both noticed that McBee had a queer expression on his face. He really looked sort of sick as me and Bill stepped inside the door.

"Miss Flanagan has only just arrived, sir..." said McBee. *Oh, dear, dear, dear!*

The effect was like a cold shower.

She wasn't even sitting down in the parlor. She stood there in the foyer, dressed in black from head to toe. Her short, shoulder~length blond hair was slicked down behind her ears. Her arms crossed in front of her. And those piercing, disapproving green eyes of hers were flashing murder at Bill Compton.

Bill had my hand. He did not drop it. McBee took the bag of apples and the flowers from me. He disappeared. Bill's eyes narrowed at Nan.

"I don't care what it is," Bill said slowly through a clenched jaw; "I don't want to hear it this evening."

"Have you lost your damned mind?" Nan said; "you are never and I repeat NEVER unavailable!"

"Yes I am unavailable tonight," Bill said, pulling me forward by the hand. I think he meant to walk past Nan Flanagan.

"Wait a minute!" she eye-balled me. A low hiss left her throat; "Is this that waitress from Bon Temps?"

I could tell Bill was about to lose his temper.

"Holy shit, Bill," said Nan; "We cannot afford this type of distraction. I told you before you even came up here-"

I had rarely seen Bill this angry. His fangs dropped. I could feel the threat and the menace just standing next to him.

"You... do not tell me anything," Bill said calmly. But I had rarely seen Bill that angry. His fangs had dropped. So had Nan. I could feel the threat and the menace of how Bill and Nan felt towards each other.

"You can ask me. But, you'll have to ask...tomorrow."

"TOMORROW?" said Nan; "As well you know, this is not a 9 to 5 job, Bill. I left some very important papers in your study! They need to be evaluated THIS EVENING, Bill!"

"For some reason, the message is not getting through," Bill said coldly. He had a vice grip on my hand; "And I have never liked repeating myself. I have been working seven days a week for the last three weeks. Tonight I am unavailable. Do we understand one another?"

Nan's chest was heaving. She looked at Bill like she wanted to throttle him. But of course she did not. She then looked over at me. Her eyes went to my feet and then back up my torso to my eyes. One swift look. Nan shook her head.

"I cannot believe you went and got this one again, Bill!" she huffed; "If we could only manage to stay on task, then maybe we could wrap things up here and we all could be unavailable!"

She was just the nastiest person I had ever met. In Dallas, Nan acted like I was beneath her. Like I wasn't supposed to talk to her or something. She is such a hypocrite. I got the feeling that she hated humans. Even though she is a member of the AVL. I hated Bill had to work with her up there in New York. Or anywhere.

I stuck my chin out. I am not afraid of Nan Flanagan.

"What Bill does in his personal life is none of your business," I chimed in.

Nan looked at me, then smirked. "Shut up, you little twit!"

Bill took one step towards Nan. "Do you imagine that I am going to let you talk that way to her? I am warning you! Do not ever come into my suite again without first being invited. You can show yourself out, Nan. Now!"

Nan looked at us both. She sneered, shaking her head slightly. Without another word, she marched over to door, slamming it loudly as she left.

Bill and I looked at each other. He retracked his fangs.

"Oh, my stars! Bill, that woman is beyond belief!" I said, trying to breath again. Bill looked at me, putting his palm on my cheek.

"Don't worry about her, sweetheart" Bill said; "Nan cannot accomplish anything here without me. I know that. And she knows it, too."

Bill still held my hand. We walked down the hall together. Bill took me into his study.

He looked at his huge mahogany desk. There were two unopened envelopes sitting there. I stood beside him as he just stared at the desk.

What a way to end our lovely evening out together. Nan 'the bitch' Flanagan! I guessed both of us had suspended Bill's work time as much as we possibly could. I was only just then beginning to understand the pressures that Bill had been under since coming to New York. How indispensable he had become as a vampire spokesman for the American Vampire League. As Nan had said, this was no 9 to 5 job.

"I-I understand, Bill...if you need to work now," I said, looking up at him.

I thought Bill would let go of my hand, but he did not. He slowly brought me round to face him. He looked deeply into my eyes then kissed me, circling my waist. He gently pulled at my lips, holding me tightly. I pressed myself against him. I put my arms up round his neck. After a minute or two of kissing, we were getting hot again.

I knew Bill was going to take me right there in the study. He slowly backed me up and I thought he meant to sit me up on the desk, but he didn't. I gingerly pushed his pen set to the side. Bill reached around me, as we kissed, and with one great shove, he carelessly tossed aside everything on the his desk. The envelopes that Nan had just brought to him, more letters, charters, diagrams! Everything floated to the floor. I was so surprised he did that.
In one firm movement, Bill grasped my knit skirt and pulled it down to my thighs, taking my panties with it. I held onto him, wiggling the skirt down to my ankle boots and stepped out of it.

He brought the palm of his right hand down and covered my mons, his fingers playing, exploring the tiny slender trail of my hair, making me moan for more of his touch. His two middle fingers massaged the outer lips of my sheath as we kissed and my legs fell open, ready to take those two beautiful fingers of his. I squatted a little further as his digits unerringly found my inner wetness.

My sheath closed around his hand as he lifted me up, I groaned into his ear as I went. I looked over his bent shoulder. The door to the study was wide open! Neither of us had remembered to shut the door. I was wracked with the wonderful sensations that Bill was releasing inside of me and I didn't want him to stop. There was something wantonly pleasurable about the door to the study being open, knowing that McBee could find us there, like this ,at any moment. It was all a part of the building eroticism I was feeling. Knowing the door was open only added to my excitement.

Bill pulled his fingers from me and turned me around. I was facing the desk now. He bent me over the desk and he started kneading and massaging my bottom. I was standing there, my skirt and panties on the floor. Only wearing my pink sweater set. Bill grabbed the ends of my hair and pulled just a bit, as he keep rubbing my bottom with his other hand. It felt really good, him getting a little rough with me. He then directed me over, further across the desk, my torso vertical with the desk, my bottom up in the air. His hands left me for two seconds as I looked back slightly and caught him hurriedly unzipped his jeans at vamp speed. Soon his member was free from its restraint and touching down along the side of my bottom. I thought he would take me right away but he stopped. His hands were on my bottom again massaging. I was panting by this time.

"Say it, Sookie…" his voice was low and full of passion.

"Do it, Bill..." I whispered, my hands, my arms outstretched across the desk;" come inside me... Bill…I need you now..."

His powerful lance was just there between my legs. I could feel the hair along the length of his thighs, right up against me. He teased me unmercifully, making me beg for him.

He leaned forward across my back and whispered into my ear. "Sookie...I'm right here, sweetheart...tell me, does this feel good?"

He pushed his member close against my sheath but not into me. Not yet. That felt incredibly good. I cried out, my hips involuntarily moving forward against the desk. He massaged the tight opening of my anus with the fleshy part of his thumb, until my bottom and legs began to tremble. I couldn't help the moans that escaped me.

"Oh Bill...go in...go in..." I cried. I was helpless across the desk. What Bill was doing felt insanely good. I started to have an orgasm, just from him rubbing my bottom and the only other virgin opening I had left. Bill knew I had started to come. He stayed tightly against me, his thumb over my anus, the fingers of his other hand finding my swollen sheath and entering me there as well. My legs would no longer support me. If I hadn't been lying across the desk, I would have fallen to the floor! Again and again, Bill made me come by keeping up the exquisite pressure in both areas. He knew my body better than I did. He had incredible will power. And he knew so well how to work those wonderful hands and fingers of his. Just at the moment when I thought I could not come anymore without fainting, Bill slipped his member into me.

With his left arm supporting me round my waist and his right hand across my pleasure button, he held me back slightly and pummeled his powerful rod into me from the rear.

I was completely spent after having that earlier double delicious flesh quake brought on by just his hands. But then he felt so good inside me. Full and complete. I spread my legs and welcomed Bill inside me. He had full access to me. I was completely vulnerable to him. I covered my left hand over his, as he rubbed my clit, pulling me back against him. We moaned together. I had saturated his piston with my cream until we were absolutely slippery together.

Again and again and again we worked our bodies in unison, until I knew Bill was about to give me his last powerful stroke. My hand came back to hold part of his thigh, my fingers digging into his flesh, cheek resting against the desktop. I heard his fangs drop. I turned my head to the left as my vampire loomed down over me taking every bit of his pleasure. Bill's fangs going in, the familiar pinch, his cold lips fastened to the side of my throat. His incredible strength flowing out of his body and into my body. All together in one fluid motion, Bill fucking me and sucking me to the fullest.

I relaxed my upper body, closing my eyes as I listened to the sound of my life~giving blood, rushing away from me and going into the mouth of my precious love.

End of Ch. 9.…..To Be Continued ….