Chapter 9
She laced her fingers with Eric's and knew he could feel her anxiety through their blood bond as they entered the nightclub. She had her typical nervous smile plastered across her face and it only widened when she saw Victor approach. The last time Sookie had seen the King's second-in-command was when he was standing in her living room threatening Eric's life. For that, she would always hate him.
"Eric." Victor greeted him with a nod and Eric returned it with one of his own.
"Victor."
"Ms. Stackhouse. It's lovely to see you again. You look beautiful." She squeezed Eric's fingers as she spoke.
"Thank you." Asshole.
Heh, let's remember our manners, lover.
"Nice to see you again." She added with little pause.
"Welcome. The King is at his table and wishes the pleasure of your company." He motioned in the direction of the back of the club and Sookie followed his direction to a large booth. The King sat in the middle surrounded by beautiful women. Even with the dim lighting, she could see the fang marks on all their necks. Eric nodded at Victor before guiding Sookie to the back of the club. As they approached the King caught her gaze.
"Ms. Stackhouse!" He motioned his hand and the women rose and left the table. He slid gracefully from the booth and held her free hand. He leaned forward and lightly kissed each cheek before pulling away and nodding to Eric.
"It's such a pleasure to have you here. You look exquisite."
"Thank you sir." He motioned for them to sit and Eric placed his hand on the small of her back as she moved across the booth.
"Tell me, Ms. Stackhouse, how have you enjoyed my city?"
"Eric and I haven't gone out yet. But I did play the slots a little today. I won 2 dollars." She made an effort to keep her tone light. Eric kept a protective arm around her and she found she kept inching closer and closer to him. She rested her hand on his thigh and sighed when Eric rested his other hand on top of hers.
"How delightful! You're already cutting into my profits." He laughed and she looked to Eric and grinned.
"She's definitely a high roller." Eric teased. Sookie elbowed him lightly and he leaned in to kiss her temple.
"Please, enjoy your evening. Dance, drink. This is a night of pleasure and frivolity." Philip offered his hand and Sookie placed hers in his. He kissed the back of her hand and smiled.
"Save me a dance?" The look he gave her made her want to scream but she schooled her features.
"Certainly. If Eric can spare me." That earned her a gentle squeeze on her side as Eric grinned.
Very good, my lover.
Philip nodded his head at Eric.
"Sookie will be delighted to share a dance with you, my King."
Ick. You are gonna owe me soooo big.
Sookie lowered her eyes and nodded obediently. Eric nodded to the King and slid from the booth. He helped Sookie to her feet and placed a protective hand on the small of her back as he guided her out to the dance floor. The tempo of the pulsating music had slowed and he pulled her to him.
I should have marked you.
You did. He just can't see it.
I'll have to tonight. He'll question otherwise.
"Fine." She sighed into his chest.
"I…" He stopped himself. Even with the loud music, he couldn't risk having an opportunistic vampire hear him confess his love to a human. He pulled away from her and looked into her eyes.
"Me too." She smiled and he leaned in to kiss her.
