AN1: Okay first off, I want to thank everyone for their patience while awaiting this chapter. I did get up my Cowboy up fict and will include a link at the end of this chapter, so yeye, but then life got in the way and it was hard to get back into the groove. Ive been working on this chapter for awhile and Im going to stop fiddling with it. But I have to warn those of you who are on an angst lite diet, these next couple chapters are going to be pretty intense. I just wanted to give a heads up, hehe. Hopefully I can make it out of here with the skin still on my back. ;) But just remember, what doesnt kill you makes you stronger, right? Anyhow, hopefully I havent scared everyone away by this point, lol. Thanks always to all for reading and to those of you who review, I cherish and look forward to each and every one. So thanks for taking the time to get swept away in this world for a bit. And now I give you...
Chapter 13
Eric sped in the Corvette to his Manhattan apartment at record speed. Slamming on the breaks his tires screeched as he rounded the corner and pulled up the clutch just before his car hit the brick wall in front of his parking spot. He was already in a hurry because work had kept him later than he had anticipated. Ten minutes from now the town car was scheduled to pick him up and bring him to Sookie's apartment where a twin town car would be waiting for her brother and her friend Amelia. Eric fully expected the press to be awaiting their arrival at the Ritz. Why else would she have gotten them 2 cars? Pam obviously pulled out all the stops for this little shindig, Eric realized. He was starting to wonder if he should regret letting his sister have so much control. He trusted her but Eric knew how much fun Pam liked to have. If you gave her an inch she would take a mile. And then there was the issue of Sophie Anne. Like he didn't have enough stress to deal with? Now that bitch had to come in and crash his party? Eric wasn't going to take her shit lying down; he had had enough of Sophie to last a lifetime. No, the minute he spotted her he was going to make it crystal clear who was in charge.
In less than 2 minutes Eric was done with his shower and dried. He quickly jumped out just as quickly as he got in finding his tuxedo perfectly pressed and hanging on the door. He knew Pam had to have been here earlier today. There was a box on the counter and Eric glanced at it in question, and then it all came back to him. He had asked Pam to get the box from the vault at the bank. It was something that belonged to his mother, and Eric wanted to give it to Sookie. Looking at the clock that read 6:54pm Eric flipped the lid open examining the contents and he felt a wave of emotion pass through him as the colors reflected in the light. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the clock switch from 6:54 to 6:55pm. Quickly setting down the box he knew he had to get a move on. Shit the driver was probably already downstairs waiting, Eric thought anxiously.
He jumped into his pants nearly knocking over a vase which luckily landed on the rug, and swiftly pulled the starched white shirt on. It was a lovely shirt adorned with white pearl colored buttons and cuff links. Which when resting against his sun kissed tan skin made him glow. He lifted the collar and tied the black silk bowtie around his neck, bending the collar down over the bow carefully. And then he slipped on the matching black jacket, which fit him like a glove. He quickly found his patent leather black shoes waiting for him shining. Eric sat down on his bed put on his black socks and then tied them securely. He noticed his top dresser drawer open and Eric rolled his eyes at Pam. She must have been in a hurry, he thought going over to shut the drawer.
Eric didn't know why but his nerves were finally catching up with him as he took the small box once more holding it in his large hand he suddenly felt nervous wondering if Sookie even liked the dress he picked out for her.
He wasn't sure if it was too much, he knew Sookie and she didn't like to feel coddled. She had a wild independent streak. What if she didn't like it? But he didn't have any more time to dwell on it as his phone rung interrupting his thoughts. Eric picked it up and it was his door man Chow announcing that his town car was here.
He quickly combed out his hair giving him a very 007 appearance as he tossed his key in his pocket, grabbed the box and was out the door within seconds.
Eric arrived downstairs looking very fashionable, and he saw Chow on his way out to the lobby. Chow replied…
"Have a goodnight sir…And tell Miss Sookie congratulations for me, I didn't get to speak to her when she was here earlier today."
Eric looked back at Chow thinking that odd and asked him strangely…
"Sookie was here? You mean my sister, Pam right?" Eric didn't think Sookie and Pam could be mixed up but he supposed they were both blondes. Stranger things had happened and Chow shook his head replying…
"No sir, she came shortly after your sister, I didn't even realize it was her until she was leaving your apartment."
He smiled, and Eric wondered what reason Sookie had to come to his apartment today? Was she planning something for tonight? He thought it strange but at the same time, as usual he underestimated his little southern beauty, and he finally nodded his head accepting Chows story….
"Thank you Chow, I will give her your best…" Eric had already stepped towards the door and Chow called back to him…
"Thanks sir …"
Eric was already to the door. He knew he was running late so he just cast Chow a polite smile of gratitude and then he was gone.
"So you start with the fork on the outside and work your way in?" Jason asked studying Sookie's drying silverware on the counter. Amelia looked back at Jason perturbed because this was the 5th time they had gone over this and she exclaimed…
"Yes." Already frustrated with his lack of culture Jason replied…"But what if they serve the dessert first like I've heard they do in those french restaurants, does it work the same way?"
She rolled her eyes and looked back at Jason finally spitting back…
"Use whatever fork you want okay? No one ever went to jail for using the wrong fork!" Amelia shook her head in dismay wondering how it was possible for someone to be so stupid and then she went over to speak with Sookie…
"Sookie, are you almost done? Your brother is driving me crazy!" Amelia replied from outside her bathroom door.
Now it was Jason's turn to roll his eyes. He was dressed in a nice formal tux with black satin lining on the pants and Amelia was wearing a short deep purple cocktail dress. It complimented her light complexion and dark hair, bringing out her green eyes. And Jason replied…
"Hey, no one ever said you had to be here did they? This kind of event is for family and close friends."
She glared at him about 5 seconds away from decking him when Sookie came out and she replied with a smile…
"I'm ready."
"Thank fucking god, now all we need is prince charming, and our 'rodent' to turn into a pumpkin." Amelia glared back at Jason again, her emphasis on the word 'rodent,' taking a dig at him and Jason glared at her.
"Okay you two, do I have to get a hose in here?" Sookie asked them wondering if they could survive the car ride over there and Amelia replied primly…
"Not for me, I know how to behave in civilized society."
Sookie sighed knowing she was baiting Jason and her poor brother was falling for it as he replied…
"Yeah well at least I don't have a goddamn fork shoved up my ass…Might make a diamond by the end of the night you're so uptight."
"That's coal you moron." Amelia growled back testing Jason, and then Sookie stood in-between them trying to break up the verbal sparring match that was about to commend in her living room…
"Okay, Jason (Sookie looked at Jason and she replied…) after tonight you never have to see Amelia again…. (Sookie looked over to Amelia and added…) And Amelia, after tonight you never have to see Jason again…"
"What about at your wedding?" Jason asked putting Sookie on the spot. Sookie flustered immediately remembering her mention of the wedding. She quickly looked back at Amelia hesitant for a moment well aware of the bet she and Pam had arranged on her's and Eric's behalf and Sookie muttered in reply to Jason…
"We'll see."
Amelia cast Sookie a smug smile knowing that it was only a matter of time before she caved and Sookie's face turned deep pink. She was about to argue in her defense and then there was a knock at the door.
Her heart began to pick up in anticipation as they all looked over to see who it was. Jason wasn't budging, he never was one for lifting a finger to help unless asked and Amelia was acting like the cat that ate the canary having more fun than she should watching Sookie's face heat up in embarrassment, so Sookie had no choice but to answer it herself.
She looked through the peephole spotting a black bowtie and Sookie asked anxiously just to be safe…
"Who is it?"
Although she was pretty certain from the way her body had lit up like a burning furnace in the last few seconds that she knew exactly who it was.
"Who do you think it is lover?" Eric replied from the other side of the door and Sookie smiled, quickly unbolting the deadbolt and sliding back the chain. She unlocked the main lock and then opened the door.
But, nothing, not the hours of separation, or Jason or Amelia, or the few seconds it took to unlock her door had prepared her for the vision standing in front of her. He looked just like James freaking Bond! Sookie marveled Standing there all relaxed one hand on the doorjamb, and another holding a small velvet box, Eric replied suavely in a move that almost seemed practiced he was so deliciously handsome…
"I believe we have a formal event to attend….Unless you have made other arrangements?" He asked with a smirk. How could Sookie answer him? She was a bloody puddle on the floor with one glance at those twinkling blue eyes. She smiled blushing again and replied in a half ass manner…
"I don't know. I think I remember something about my other secret lover jetting me off to Paris tonight, not sure if I can squeeze you in too."
Eric smirked and Amelia called out from the back…
"Just get it on already, jeez."
Jason looked back at her like she had horns growing out of her head. And he replied rather shortly…
"Excuse me but my sister don't give it up to every Tom, Dick, and Harry like you did the other night at that club."
Amelia's eyes widened and she countered…
"No, I could have given it up to Tom or at least Dick if you hadn't been there to ruin my night..." Sookie would have been embarrassed if she didn't have to break up another fight and she replied cutting them off from anymore verbal cross fire…
"Enough…The cars are downstairs right? (She looked at Eric for confirmation and he nodded looking back at Amelia and Jason, Sookie asked them all…) Are we ready? Do you two think you can act like adults for one night? Or at least for one car ride?"
Amelia's eyes darted to Jason's in annoyance while Jason cast Amelia an angry glare and he brushed past her heading towards the door, and Jason replied with a hint of sarcasm…
"Anything for you sis."
"Ill be right down." Sookie announced to them. Amelia shot Eric a 'please don't take too long' glare and Amelia followed Jason down the stairs.
And then it was just them, and Sookie found herself staring at Eric, at a loss for words. Eric arched his brow in intrigue and he finally handed her the small palm sized velvet box.
"What's this?" Sookie finally asked finding her voice and Eric leaned in to whisper in her ear causing shivers down her spine…
"Open it and find out."
She saw the bemused glint in his eye and Sookie finally took a deep breath not sure what she'd find. Frankly she was a little apprehensive remembering the last time he gave her a box like this but despite her anxiety she opened the lid nevertheless and then her jaw dropped.
Placed on a lovely red satin liner within the velvet box was a ruby and gold and black hair comb. The detail work was exquisite as she brushed her fingers over the gold and black petals. The in laid rubies shimmered and adorned the center as the leaves curled around each sparkling petal…
"Eric…it's…" It was too beautiful for words, but Sookie tried to come up with one anyway because Eric was waiting for her to say something and Sookie finally shook her head in disbelief and she replied…
"It's stunning."
She looked up into his relief filled eyes and Sookie asked him still surprised by such an extravagant gift. Lingerie and flowers and candy were one thing but this contained actual gemstones and she asked him hoping he borrowed it from somewhere so she could give it back…
"Where did you get this?"
Eric smiled gently while putting his hand around her waist he buried his lips into the soft skin of her neck keeping Sookie in her liquid state and he replied simply…
"It belonged to my mother…Now it belongs to you."
Sookie's breath quickened as she closed her eyes, and his tongue traced the sensitive regions of her neck. She knew the diamond ring was extravagant, but that wasn't real, this however, this was real, this came from the heart. From his heart. Sookie swallowed unsure of the appropriate response to this and she asked him, her eyes looking up to meet his deep blue gaze…
"Are you sure you want to give this to me?"
He looked back at her in pause for a minute, his gaze never leaving hers and Eric finally replied with certainty…
"Absolutely."
Sookie smiled her heart all a flutter and she threw her arms around him and she replied as her face softened to him in a dream like euphoria…
"Thank you." Her voice answered with sincerity suddenly realizing Jason and Amelia were probably downstairs trying to kill each other. And she straightened back up.
Eric smiled watching her as Sookie moved into the bathroom to place the comb in her hair. It looked beautiful against her long blonde loose curls and Eric couldn't help but wonder if his mother would have been fond of Sookie. He was sure she would have. Despite their differences at the end, Eric knew she would have been just as head over heels for this woman as he was.
"Ready?" Eric asked her as she came out of her bathroom once more a radiant vision. She looked like a goddess. And she was his, all his, he smiled as Sookie took his hand and nodded her head and took his hand in reply and answered gracefully as her black heals clicked on the tile floor of her hallway…
"Never more."
They had been riding for 2 blocks in comfortable silence when the thoughts weighing on Eric's mind finally broke the happy trance. He didn't know how to break it to her, she looked so blissful when he first saw her. So radiant. He didn't want to ruin it, but eventually his conscience got the better of him. Eric closed his eyes in pause for a moment finally speaking her name. "Sookie?"
The driver cut in just then and announced over the sound system that they should be arriving at the Ritz in 20 minutes if traffic permitted. He looked up at the black glass partition separating them from the driver and then back to Sookie as she returned his gaze worriedly not liking the tone in his voice. She met his dark blue gaze with concerned eyes...
"What?" She asked afraid he was going to tell her something catastrophic was about to happen. Things had been too good today, she was never this blessed. With her life, it was a given that things would eventually tip up side down and she watched him anxiously. Eric closed his hand around hers and Sookie tensed not liking this at all she asked him again growing more worried…
"What is it Eric?"
He looked into her eyes finally sighing because he didn't want to ruin their night and answered in frustration…
"Sophie Anne is going to be in attendance at the party tonight. Apparently she was invited by Chip Carter and…"
Eric paused for a moment thinking Sookie needed some time to digest things, taking a deep breath but Sookie was still looking at him in question, and finally she asked him…
"And?"
Eric met her gaze in confusion and he shook his head not understanding why she wasn't more upset…
"She's going to be there tonight." He reaffirmed and Sookie scooted in closer to him trying to get comfortable in her last moments of peace and quiet and she answered…
"I don't think she's got anything on you Eric, it's clear the reason she's there, she needs more ammo, so we just don't give her any and we are right as rain."
Eric looked back at Sookie mystified wondering how she could be so calm right now and he asked her baffled by her terminology…
"Right as rain?"
"It mean's things are as they should be." Sookie explained with a soft smile and Eric suddenly wondered when she had gotten all Zen on him. And he replied with a smile…
"Yes, then I guess we are right as rain." Feeling better, Eric realized Sookie did have a point, if Sophie was going to be in attendance tonight there was a good chance she needed more dirt. He still didn't trust the bitch but if Sookie wasn't going to let her ruin their evening, then neither was he.
Eric smirked and wrapped his arm around her as she leaned her head to rest on his shoulder. He inhaled her scent and looked down at the dress she was wearing. He couldn't get over how beautiful she looked, unable to take his eyes off her and Sookie couldn't help but notice his deep penetrating stare. Blushing she turned to look at him and she asked Eric feeling embarrassed...
"What?"
Eric looked at her in question and Sookie elaborated...
"You're staring at me?"
He wrapped his hand around her waist and replied with a smirk...
"I couldn't help but notice how striking you are in that dress...Not to mention your pretty striking without it too." Sookie's face flushed thankful for the fact that he had gotten Amelia and Jason their own town car and she replied in truth...
"Well you clean up pretty nicely yourself." She looked at his sharp tuxedo, black jacket with a white starched shirt and black tie. He was like her own private secret agent.
Eric smiled again setting her heart a flame and he replied with his eyebrow raised...
"Id kiss you right now, but I don't want to mess up your makeup."
Now it was Sookie's turn to smirk as she pulled out her clutch purse and lifted out a tube of red lipstick to show him and she met his gaze with a twinkle in her eye replying...
"What, you're too chicken to step out of this car with lipstick on your face."
Sookie teased. Eric took it as a challenge his eyes lighting up sparking with hers and he answered...
"No one calls me a chicken, not even my fiancée!"
"Oh really?" Sookie asked sparring right back she countered...
"And what are you going to do about it?"
Her eyes were lit up by the New York City streetlights reflected outside the window, her skin glowing, her face bright and she was primed and ready for the taking, and Eric replied looking very much like a panther ready to attack...
"This!"
And then he swooped in and claimed her lips with his. Sookie felt a swarm of butterflies invade her stomach, not quite sure how it was possible to feel this way about someone she was just pretending to be engaged to, but she did, the longer they played out this fantasy the more real it got. Sookie recalled her phone conversation with Claudia Cohen the other day about the wedding. They were discussing locations, and Claudia mentioned the boat house in central park was a lovely location for a wedding and Sookie had agreed with her. Practically falling for the twisted idea herself.
His tongue swept over hers and she moaned as he invaded her mouth and her tongue slid hungrily against his responding to his advances she lifted her leg over his lap needing to be closer to him.
Her small hands roamed through his hair and then inside his jacket, as his hands did the same. Only with her, Eric played with fire as his hand ran up under her long skirt. His fingers brushed over the silk stalking skirting her knee her lower thigh, until he hit skin. He gasped under her mouth and Sookie moaned from the hot sparks his finger elicited by touching her skin.
Shit, she was wearing a goddamn garter belt? Eric thought with a low growl knowing he was in trouble now as his tongue tangoed with hers, fingers getting caught in the silk ties holding up her stalkings, getting hard while his other hand gripped her shoulder and discovered as her chest heaved below his that she was wearing the black see through barely there lace bra he bought her earlier this week.
Fuck.
He closed his eyes needing her very badly right now. It was actually painful because he had gone almost a whole week without her. If Eric had no conscience right now, he would have ripped the goddamn dress off because all it caused was more friction. If he had no conscience he would have fucked her wildly with pure emotional and physical reckless abandonment in the back of this car. Fuck the driver, fuck everyone, he just needed his Sookie He felt her hand move to cup his crotch and that's when Eric knew he had to put a stop to this or he would be at full mast by the time they got to the hotel.
"Sookie..." He gasped under her kiss as she sucked on his bottom lip and then her tongue darted out to meet his. Oh god that felt good. He thought pulling her tongue back into his mouth with his, his eyes closing shut tightly as she massaged him…
"Lover, we can't….we…" But her lips smothered his once more as she hiked up her skirt and straddled his hips needing to be even closer to him, these clothes felt like lead vests and Sookie wanted to rip it all off but she would settle for touching him. And she moaned desperate to feel him inside her. This was the first moment they truly had to themselves in almost a week and she couldn't handle any more torture as she whimpered over his mouth…
"I can't wait anymore…"
"Sookie…" Eric pled for her to stop but he was rapidly losing the battle. She was just too tempting like waving a Twinkie in front a diabetic irresistible. He felt her small hand unzip his fly and he groaned unable to stop this train wreck from happening.
He knew they had to only be a few minutes from the hotel, he knew even though the driver had a blacked out partition dividing the front from the rear of the car, that he could most likely hear them and he knew they were both going to look like they just got out of bed when they stepped out of the car, but Eric didn't care. Right now his world was Sookie, population of two. As she ground her hips over him his fingers slid into her tight sheath finding her already wet and waiting for him.
Oh god. He thought wondering how this woman had such power over him. She touched his aching hard on and Eric muttered in surrender…
"Fuck it!" he finally said prepared to go all the way with her here. He needed her too goddamit. Enrique their driver would get an extra large tip for his discretion. His tongue lunged into Sookie's mouth and Eric found if he let himself, he could tap into his carnal desire quite easily when it came to his lover and her coaxing.
"Oh baby…" She rotated her hips over his hand which had slid all the way inside her panties and he was now playing quite masterfully between her folds and she looked into his eyes. In that moment Sookie was his, and he was hers. Sookie thought she must have done something very good in a past life to wind up with a man like this as her fiancé. She smiled at the thought wanting to shout it to everyone off rooftops that Eric Northman belonged to her.
"Here let me help." Eric insisted pulling down one of her straps revealing a very hard and rosy peak under the translucent fabric. His dick grew stiff as his mouth watered and he plunged his lips over said peak, licking it and caressing with his mouth. Her fingers dug into the back of his jacket as he released a surge of ecstasy from her core. His mouth felt so good her other breast ached for the same attention, but so did her mouth. She couldn't chose what she needed more so she brought his hand up to her breast and smothered her lips over his. She loved him, she loved him so much.
His fingers had just surfaced under her very damp panties when Enrique's voice cut through the cars intercom system.
"We are just pulling up to the Ritz now sir."
Eric groaned in frustration. Just mere moments away from Sookie's hand reaching the Promised Land when he looked up and noted drearily that Enrique was indeed right. They were here. And as he suspected his sister Pam had invited the press.
Sookie looked back at him sadly noting the disappointed look in Eric's gaze as she followed it out the window sighing when she saw the crowd of people waiting for them. Sookie knew their fun had ended and Eric assured her as his fingers came to caress her flushed cheeks…
"I promise, two hours max and we are as good as gone." She creased her brows, knowing that she would have to settle for waiting, again. No matter how sexually frustrated she was.
Sookie nodded realizing she had no other choice, they were here. She began to slip her strap back on when she looked up and noticed Eric had red lipstick all over his face. Sookie half wondered how fun it might be to let him go out there looking like he did. She'd surely have her mark on him then. She snickered internally, but as she saw a painfully red smear that went all the way up to his nose, Sookie couldn't keep a straight face and accidentally let a giggle come out.
"What?" Now it was Eric's turn to ask her what was going on as he stuffed his shirt back into his pants and she moved over to the side to dig around in her purse for that tube of red lipstick, now that Sookie was certain Eric was wearing most of it. She almost didn't want to tell him as she bit her lip and found a small compact mirror. Finally she opened it and lifted it up to show Eric what he looked like.
"Jesus Christ." His face fell in disbelief and Sookie couldn't help it. He was just too cute for words.
"How about I dare you to go out there just as you are right now?" Sookie joked with a bemused smirk. The car stopped suddenly and then Eric jested with a wicked twinkle of his own…
"I will if you will sweetheart." He smirked and turned the compact onto Sookie, and her jaw dropped in horror. She looked like some sort of clown, her makeup smeared and a huge red rim stained the outskirts of her mouth…
"For the love of god!" Sookie proclaimed under her breath quickly finding a tissue, Eric asked looking down at her lap in curiosity he asked…
"Could you spare one for me lover?"
Sookie looked back at him and rolled her eyes at his puppy dog pout, upset that she was the one coming out of this with the shorter stick and she shoved a tissue in his large hand as he smirked back at her, loving the way she looked so flustered right now. He would gladly go out there wearing her lipstick, hell even her mascara if he could get a shot of her right now. He sighed knowing they had agreed to be on good behavior the second they stepped out of that door. They couldn't risk anymore public scandal. Eric carefully began to wipe off his face as Sookie did the same quickly reapplying her lipstick. She made sure her breasts were straight and then he was smirking wickedly again. Sookie glared at him and threatened…
"You better be good tonight or I might just invite Jason up to our room for cocktail hour."
Eric smirked again as Enrique opened the door. Sookie took her few last seconds to fix her hair and one last smear of mascara under her eye. She would just have to suck it up and hope she didn't look like a total mess.
Eric's lips brushed her ear as her lashes fluttered from the feel of his breath on her cheek and he whispered to her before stepping out…
"I know you better then that lover, 2 hours tops and then I'm not letting you go till the sun comes up."
He winked back at her and, she stared at him flabbergasted, her face now a dark crimson tone. Sookie didn't know how it was possible to be so hot and so frustrated with someone at the same time. She took a deep breath trying to fan herself with her purse before he pulled her out and they stepped out onto the red carpet into the vast sea of camera's and flashes.
Sookie was so taken aback by the crowd of people waiting for them as they walked up the walkway together.
Wow, when Pam throws a party, she really throws a party, Sookie thought, trying not to squint as lights flashed. It was obviously a highly publicized event, and one of the reporters shouted out…
"Sookie you look fabulous, who does your hair and makeup?"
If it was possible she blushed even further when she caught Eric's glint a secret between the two of them she brushed some hair behind her ear and politely replied with a sweet smile…
"Just me."
The reporter looked amazed and then another shouted …
"Who are you wearing?" Every woman on this side of the Brooklyn Bridge is going to hate her now, she laughed.
Sookie's eyes narrowed and then the onslaught of inner dialogue continued. A red haired reporter stepped up closer to Eric and Sookie rolled her eyes.
Eric you're so hot, why did you have to pick her, anyone but this girl. Pick me.
Do they really think this will last? Puhleeze! Donald and Ivana, now that's true love, but this is just child's play.
Holy crap take a look at that rock, there is surely a bun in that oven. You don't get a rock like that without making a huge deposit first. Sookie saw the man who was staring at her ring and she tried not to glare. Asshole, she thought.
Look at that little tramp ready to bust up another happy couple all over again. Well I think tonight she'll finally learn her lesson!
Sookie stiffened when she heard the voice behind that last thought thinking it sounded eerily familiar. Her eyes darted out into the crowd in search, but with no luck
"It's vintage Dior." Eric answered with his hand securely on Sookie's back. He looked at her briefly for a moment noting Sookie's inability to relax and Eric met her gaze in question. But Sookie barely had time to think before another reporter from behind asked them…
"So have you set a date yet?"
"No, not yet." Eric replied.
The slathering of questions continued as Eric ushered her towards the entrance where the bellman was waiting with the door held open in welcome. Sookie was so relieved Eric knew how to handle himself. They all seemed more interested in him anyway which was her preference…
"Do you plan to start a family?" One reporter finally blurted out and Sookie thought she saw Eric glance over at her for a moment before concluding with a smile…
"We don't have any current plans, but we assure that you all will be the first to know if we do. Thank you for your time!"
Eric nodded, and gave them one last smile before he spun Sookie around with him, his hand resting comfortably on her waist.
Sookie didn't know why but she wanted to keep it that way. She knew Sophie had played all of her cards but there was a small fear in the back of her head that if she let go of Eric tonight, or he let go of her, all hell would break loose.
She stepped forward with him keeping in line with his step as they headed in to face the music and this party that was already underway inside.
She couldn't believe the great lengths Pam had gone to set this up for them. It looked like a scene out of one of the movies. Everyone was in their formal wear, the black and white marble floor below their feet reflected brilliantly against the numerous crystal chandeliers hanging above. There were tables adorned with crisp white linen table cloths, gold flatware, champagne in abundance, and yellow, white and gold flowers everywhere. Not to mention a small string section was playing softly in the background. It was the most beautiful room she had ever seen, Sookie thought, as she caught her reflection in one of the gold framed mirrors bringing all of the warmth back into the room giving it a very classy ambience. She was relieved Amelia was there to help her get through this bringing her back down to reality. The moment they stepped inside her friend and brother were already there waiting for them and Amelia asked them with a smirk…
"Okay how come it took you both 20 minutes longer than it took us to get to the same place?"
Sookie looked back at Eric unsure of what to say and that's when his sister came strolling up looking like 'Grace Kelly' in her black hour glass shaped strapless gown with long flowing satin train behind…
"I'm sure that's exactly how long it takes to reapply ones red bomb lipstick, isn't that right Sookie?" Pam asked Sookie with a smirk as she wiped a smudge that had remained on Eric's cheek.
Jason was mesmerized by Pam's beauty and replied under his breath…
"Wow….who's that?" He leaned over to ask Amelia, but Amelia just rolled her eyes because Jason had annoyed her on the way over. Pam of course overheard him, inquisitively she turned around to look at him curiously and introduced herself…
"I'm Pam Northman, and you are?"
Sookie cleared her throat and answered for Jason not wanting him to say anything about her Podunk past tonight she replied…
"Pam this is my brother Jason…He flew in all the way from Louisiana to be here."
Pam's perfectly pink smirk curved inwards as her eyes reflected mirth towards Eric knowingly and she replied with an inward smile…
"So I've heard." She offered her hand and added…"It's nice to meet you Sookie's brother."
Jason lifted her hand and kissed it, but he made the mistake of looking up at her as he did with his awkward smirk, giving away the fact that he lacked practice and charm and Jason replied as she pulled her hand away…
"It's nice to meet you too Pam." He had a goofy grin on his face and he went over to Pam and placed his hand on her shoulder asking her smoothly, or in his attempt to be smooth…
"Can I buy you something to drink gorgeous?"
Pam's lips curved upwards bemused but clearly not impressed as she slid his hand off her shoulder she replied…
"It's open bar, so buy whatever you want."
Jason tried not to let that deter him as Sookie, Eric and Amelia stood there watching him in discomfort, and Jason asked her while picking up a piece of shrimp from a moving catering tray, he took a bite not sure what to do with the tail he then decided to fold it up in his napkin and stuff in his pocket in an attempt to act refined, while Sookie cringed bearing witness to his method of disposal…
"So how long have you lived in the city?" He questioned and Pam looked at him strangely before she caught the glance of someone from across the room, clearly disinterested in him, Pam finally replied dryly…
"Long enough to know when I'm being hit on." She smirked and Jason blushed thinking he was finally making headway when Pam announced to another man…
"Felipe darling, there you are, I'm so glad you could make it." Pam replied with a smile and Felipe came up to kiss her mouth. Felipe was wearing a white tux jacket with black pants and he smiled cordially, as he greeted everyone. Looking very sharp as he leaned in to kiss everyone's cheeks once on each side. Jason was a bit taken aback by his abrupt friendliness thinking him some European guy, and that was how they ran things. No wonder I'm losing all these women with all these goddamn James Bonds around. Sookie heard him think as Felipe replied putting his arm around Pam and addressing the rest of the group…
"I wouldn't have missed this for the world." He passed a glass of champagne to everyone and he announced…
"And congratulations to you both, Eric you're bride is stunning."
Sookie felt her cheeks flush again wondering when they were going to stop doing that! It was getting really old.
"Thank you Felipe." Eric smiled with a nod and introduced everyone.
"So where y'all from?" Jason asked from the sidelines and they looked back at him baffled, and Jason explained…
"I just noticed y'all have accents, are you British?" Sookie swiftly closed her eyes in embarrassment. This is what she was afraid of but luckily Eric swooped in and replied…
"Our parents emigrated here from Sweden, and Felipe is from Spain."
Jason raised his brows in amazement looking back and forth to everyone and then he concluded with a sheepish grin…
"I guess that explains it then, those Abba girls are hot, must mean everyone from Sweden is hot." He sent Pam a sly smirk and Amelia shot Sookie a 'do you see what I have to put up with glare.'
Sookie smiled and shook her head in humor. And she replied trying to reel Jason back in…
"Jason, come here? How would you like to meet some of the celebrities Eric knows?" Sookie asked luring him away so Pam, Felipe, and Amelia could mingle with other people, and Jason nodded his head like a little kid as his eyes lit up…
"There are celebrities here?" Sookie looked back at Amelia who mouthed a 'thank you' to Sookie before she looked up at Eric and Eric replied in a condescending tone, that escaped Jason…
"Yes, and if you behave yourself they might just give you their autographs."
Jason's eyes were bright as he looked around and Sookie pointed in the other direction…
"Yes, I believe Ivana and Donald Trump are over here and I thought I saw Carrie Fisher."
Jason gasped his eyes scanning the crowd and he asked in disbelief…
"Princess Leia's here? Do you think I could get a picture with her?"
Sookie looked back at Eric wondering if they were hosting a grown man or a 5 year old and she replied earnestly…
"I'm sure if you asked she would."
The night had carried on swimmingly. Eric had almost forgotten that he hadn't yet seen Sophie, but he was also relieved for that because he wanted to enjoy this night. Dinner was served giving guests the choice of Roasted Salmon covered in dill cream or Filet Mignon. Both entrees were a hit, as well as the dessert which was a special Swedish Lingonberry chocolate Torte. After that, Pam had to give her adoring little sister speech embarrassing them both and announcing to all not to be alarmed if the two strangely disappeared sometime around the stroke of 12. Sookie thought bemused, little did Pam know they had intended to leave much earlier than that, but she was having so much fun she almost didn't mind staying. Only Sookie wasn't prepared for Eric to wholeheartedly agree with his sister and admit publicly that they might just disappear earlier than his sister's prediction as the entire crowd roared in laughter. Sookie felt about 100 eyes fall on her, and her face colored a nice shade of red to match her dress for the 500th time tonight. She swatted Eric's arm and he looked back at Sookie with a wicked smirk thinking her modesty cute but unnecessary, and he finally answered…"Well at least now they will all leave us alone." He winked back at her, but Sookie couldn't stay mad.
A few times during the toast Sookie imagined that this might be what their wedding reception would be like and she found herself fantasizing about it. Before she knew it dinner was over and they were up and mingling again. She had met so many of Eric's acquaintances, thinking if they did ever get hitched they might have to talk about seating arrangements because her side covered about 5 people at the moment.
They finally shook Jason, leaving him with a very bemused Andy Warhol. Sookie felt confident that Jason had finally gotten the hang of things. He had already arranged a poker game with Trump next time he was down in New Orleans, and most of the men seemed to be getting along with him. Jason did have a competitive side which helped him out sometimes. And sometimes not so much. For some reason Andy told Eric he had to 'witness his subjects crowning moment of submission to matrimony in the flesh,' whatever that meant. But it gave them a minute to breathe as Jason pretended to know something about art and the commercial art movement Andy was so famous for. Sookie took the moment to get off her feet. She loved the shoes, they were amazing. Amelia had helped her pick them out when they were getting Jason his tux, but they weren't for standing on all night.
Eric paid no attention however to Sookie's tired feet. He clearly was not a wallflower and he held out his hand and asked her…
"Would you like to dance lover?" There was a twinkle in his eye and Sookie knew she couldn't say no to that penetrating stare. But still she wondered if she couldn't just persuade him to stay over here with her. He could help hold her up as she leaned against him and that's when she recognized the familiar tune picked up by the orchestra. And she looked back at Eric with an amused smirk on her face.
Classical violins were actually playing the intro to the song "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer. Sookie couldn't help but smile as she recalled that this was the first song she had ever danced to with Eric.
She laughed as Eric tugged her out onto the dance floor, the pain in her feet rapidly dissolving as she got the fluttering feeling again; the one only he gave her. They were the only couple out there, but Eric didn't care and at the moment Sookie didn't either.
"You're unbelievable!" She remarked about the song and Eric just smirked as his large hand rested in the small of her back and they moved in step to the melody…
"I know…You're not so bad yourself." He remarked with another smirk and Sookie couldn't help but fall under his spell again. She was smiling and luminous in her dress as he spun her around the dance floor and other party guests joined in.
When she smiled radiantly, her laughter filling his heart as he dipped her and then turned her out on the dance floor and he was enraptured.
She was having so much fun taking another spin as she came back to him her chest colliding with his, Sookie looked up into Eric's eyes and in that moment she knew this was real. She couldn't pretend anymore. She owed him the honest truth and he her. If this was something they were both ready for, to take their relationship to the next level, to make this engagement real, they needed to talk seriously tonight and Sookie looked up at him and she was about to ask him if the could do just that with shining eyes that reflected in his brilliant blue depths when he bent down to kiss her passionately…
In the heat of the moment she was swept away in his tidal wave as the floor moved beneath her feet and she felt her legs turn to jell-o.
She couldn't help but kiss him back hungrily and then some of the people around them started to clap and another couple yelled…
"Get a room already."
Eric slipped his tongue kissing Sookie one last time before replying to just her…
"Oh we already have, this is just foreplay."
She laughed and Eric smiled back at Sookie. It was clear to anyone watching that they were both very in love with each other. Eric looked up at the crowd behind Sookie watching them with smiles on their faces as the song finished. And that's when he spotted the one face unlike all the rest. She was smiling but unlike everyone else, her eyes were not filled with happiness, but evilness.
When Sophie Anne saw him looking at her she winked. But it wasn't just Sophie that caught his attention, but who she was standing next to.
It was Sookie's brother Jason, and Eric saw Sophie give him a kiss on the cheek and then wander away. It was almost like a dream because he hadn't seen her come in, he hadn't even noticed her until now, he had been so absorbed with Sookie and the fun they were having. Eric had reasoned to remain civil for Sookie's sake because they had agreed that Sophie had no dirt and she wasn't going to get any more unless they gave it to her, but he didn't trust that bitch. She was up to something else. Eric gave Sookie's hand a squeeze and told her…
"Ill be right back…"
"Where are you going?" She asked concerned and Eric answered taking her hand in his and kissing her palm…
"I just have a small matter I must tend to." (Sookie looked doubtful and then she saw Sophie Anne out of the corner of her eye, understanding what Eric was about to do, but before she could protest Eric replied…)T minus 30 minutes until we can check out of here and into our cozy penthouse suite…This will only take a minute."
He smiled and kissed her lips once before heading over to Sophie Anne. Sookie didn't like it, but what else could she do? The bitch decided to crash their party with the freaking president's son.
"I must say you two play the part very well…It almost brought a tear to my eye when your sister made her Cinderella toast in your honor." Sophie mused as Eric met her over by the bar. She was smiling but his stare was stone cold serious.
He grabbed her wrist hard just to show Sophie how serious he was and he threatened her... "If you don't leave here now Sophie I promise I will make you leave!" He hissed
Sophie set down her martini glass and replied with an angry glare in her eyes…
"Careful now, don't want to draw any attention to you fighting with your old flame now would you?" Eric dropped her wrist as if he had been burned by her knowing he couldn't risk the attention, not after what it did to them last time, but his eyes glared an angry blue burning fire of the hottest kind and he shook his head and retorted…
"You can't blackmail me…"
Sophie smiled and leaned up to lick his earlobe her snake like tongue flicking out as she hissed…
"Oh but I can…And I will."
"Do it again? I dare you." Eric challenged her and she laughed popping the olive from her martini in her mouth and sucking out the center she replied with an evil smirk…
"You certainly don't know what you're up against, but perhaps her brother Jason can tell you…Or maybe you already know?"
And that's when he felt the pit in his stomach, finally understanding what this was all about. Sophie Anne knew the truth about Sookie. Eric felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise, and in his heart of hearts he knew what was coming. He knew it was only a matter of time before it got back to her. He had to do something, he had to get rid of Sophie, his head was spinning when another voice from behind interrupted them one that made his stomach sink in sickness as she took his arm and asked him…
"Is everything alright?"
Eric looked back at Sookie unable to speak. He wanted to scream NO EVERYTHING ISN'T FUCKING ALRIGHT! But Eric knew he had to keep his lid on, so he did the only thing he new how to do, cast Sophie Anne the death glare in an attempt to shut her the fuck up and he replied trying to smooth things over…
"Yes darling, everything's fine, Sophie Anne was just telling me what a lovely party this was and now she is leaving. In fact I see Chip over there; we will get him for you!"
Eric offered having visions of decapitating this bitch on the spot and he took Sookie's arm pulling her towards Chip when Sophie stopped them setting down her drink she shook her head and replied with a bemused smile..
"Wait a minute? You have got to tell her what you just told me baby…I mean it's the funniest thing I've heard all day if not all year."
Eric glared at her moments away from strangling the women when Sookie looked back at both of them her glass of champagne in hand and she shook her head not understanding. She certainly didn't like the way Sophie was leaning into Eric earlier and she definitely didn't care for her calling him baby and Sookie asked growing more unraveled by the minute.
"What?"
Sookie looked up at Eric's gaze her eyes searching his, but he looked like a man tortured and Eric yanked on Sophie's arm and he spat back suddenly…
"Sophie that's enough, I may not be able to do anything to you here but I still have those tapes, if you don't want them airing on every major network by tomorrow night YOU WILL GO NOW!"
"What is it?" Sookie ignored Eric desperate to know what was being said behind her back and that's when Sophie Anne leaned into her and whispered in her ear…
"He said even though you can read minds I'm still a better fuck than you."
Sookie stiffened her uncomfortable smile straightening in shock and Eric felt his heart crack in two the minute he saw her reaction knowing it was over. In this moment he knew if he had a gun he would have shot Sophie Anne dead.
The glass of champagne Sookie was holding fell to the floor shattering into a thousand pieces and Sophie Anne mused before leaving…
"Sorry honey, but sometimes life's a bitch and then you die."
Sophie left them with a new spring in her stride and Eric looked down at Sookie in horror and stunned. He was speechless. He had lost her, he just lost her!
She couldn't feel her feet or her arms, or speak or talk. It was paralyzing and in that moment she felt her heart stop a beat. She felt numb with disbelief; it was 2nd grade all over again on that playground. She couldn't believe this was happening yet again and she couldn't believe he had done that to her. Looking at the shattered glass on the floor Sookie had a sudden thought that it was her heart laying their broken up among the debris and then her gaze lifted as a familiar face came into focus.
"Sookie." Eric finally found his voice to speak. But Sookie couldn't take it, she couldn't stand to look at him, she couldn't take the pressure and this pain that fell over her chest as she struggled to breathe. She had to get out of here she had to leave. She couldn't handle all of the eyes on her. It was too much to bear. Her whole world crumbling around her she ran away from him and out into the hallway.
She didn't understand how it could hurt so much. How come it hurt so much? He tried to take her arm catching up to her at the end of the hall; Eric knew he needed to explain…
"Sookie, please"
"Don't Sookie me!" She spat back yanking her arm out of his grasp.
"Sookie you have to listen to me!" Eric pled grabbing her again. He couldn't let her go, not like this.
She just needed to get out of here turning her back to him, but his grip was firm and she couldn't pull away, and Sookie turned back to him her glare icy and vacant. Eric didn't even recognize her as she spat back…
"Let go of me now."
He did as she asked and now saw the tears welling in her eyes desperate to throw his arms around her, because she looked so destroyed but Sookie just sneered angrily replying…
"I trusted you, I told you that in confidence and you promised me you wouldn't tell anyone else, and then the one person I thought I could count on, I thought I even loved turns out to be a big fat LIAR!"
Eric's tortured gaze met hers feeling powerless. For the first time since his parents died he felt helpless. And he had no idea how to fix this. He did the only thing he could think of he begged and Eric shook his head pleading with her…
"Sookie, I didn't tell her anything, I swear!!"
He had his hands out begging her to listen to him, but Sookie couldn't handle it anymore. If she stayed in here any longer she was going to suffocate. Eric saw the doubt cross over her face as she stepped back from him her face mere moments from breaking and he reached out to her so desperate for her to understand. He couldn't lose her, not like he lost them; he couldn't let his heart break like them…
"Sookie please, I LOVE YOU!" Eric declared with his voice clouded over with emotion, but Sookie couldn't do this. It was breaking her heart. One lone tear fell down her cheek and finally she slid off the ring on her finger and replied with angry spite…
"I've heard enough of your LIES to last a lifetime, I don't want to hear anymore, consider this arrangement OVER!"
And with that she dropped the ring at his feet and ran away as quick as her feet would carry her out into the cold October night.
He was in shock. How could this have happened? Eric thought looking down at the ring fallen to his feet. Not sure how much time had passed since she left, only knowing that time stood still because he was a now destroyed man, his heart torn in two. One part of him wanted to go after her and the other part of him wanted to rip Sophie Anne's limbs off her frail body and feed them to the fish in the Hudson River. How could he ever have gotten involved with the devil herself?
"Eric what happened?" Pam rushed out stopping dead in her tracks when she saw Sookie's ring on the floor and her eyes opened large with alarm.
"Eric?"
Eric turned to her afraid to say the words out loud, looking back at Pam with that glossed over far away look, the same look he had when he found out their parents had died. She remembered because she was in his office when they had gotten the call. And she felt a pit sink in her stomach.
"She's gone." He replied numbly and Pam shook her head in disbelief.
"Eric you have to go after her!" Pam urged him and then Amelia and Jason and a few other onlookers came rushing out, all wondering the same thing, Amelia asked…
"What's going on?" And Jason replied his voice filled with concern…"Where is my sister?"
Pam looked back at Jason and Amelia and Eric glanced back at Pam a shattered man behind those strong unyielding walls. She reached out to him when another stern voice spoke from behind…
"Eric Northman?"
"Not now!" Eric waved his hand at whoever it was in no mood for questions he held out his right hand to Pam wanting to take his ring back, and then Eric felt a pair of handcuffs enclose over his left wrist.
His neck snapped back to the man wondering what the hell was going on, noting it was a police officer, well actually two. And he glared back at them in question…
"What?" But his voice trailed off when the larger officer grabbed his other wrist tying his hands behind his back he replied in a stern no nonsense tone of voice…
"Eric Northman, you are under arrest for the murder of Russell Edgington! (His blue watery gaze turned down in shock and disbelief as the cop continued to read him his Miranda rights.) You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights?"
Eric looked back at the man numbly and then to his sister Pam, wondering what the fuck was happening to him? Could this night get any worse?
Sookie made it out of the hotel able to hold it in for the most part but once her feet hit pavement the tears began to fall in abundance drenching and staining her cheeks. She needed to hail a taxi to take her home. She didn't want to deal with her brother or Amelia right now trusting they could find their own way back. She was just too heartbroken. Sookie looked down the blurry street trying to find a cab but the few that were on Central Park South were flying past with other passengers already inside. The doorman saw Sookie crying and he asked her…
"Miss I can get you a cab, just wait a moment…." But Sookie pretended not to hear him and she walked down the block a piece. She needed to clear her head and just try to sort out what her next move would be. This is what it feels like to have your heart broken. She thought feeling a hollow emptiness she had never felt before. Her foggy thoughts were followed by another onslaught of tears as she made it to the next block. Her head pounded in pain and she didn't even know which direction she was headed. She just knew that she had to get as far away from that hotel as possible, as far away from 'him' as possible. She continued to run and her feet hurt in her heels but by this point the pain was a welcomed distraction.
She was just about to cross the street when she felt something cold and hard press against her back. For a moment she thought she was being mugged, her cloudy thoughts and emotions removed her usual acute awareness as a natural defense and then the voice spoke…
"Don't move a muscle." Sookie quickly stiffened all of the hairs standing straight on the back of her neck as she recognized that voice. She flashed back to the attack in her own apartment as she struggled to breathe against her choking grip. Sookie now knew who it was, as the woman stepped forward and she could see her in her peripheral vision, the terror slowly running through her veins as she realized without a doubt that it was her, the one and only--Vivian!
Vivian held the gun to her head as one arm hooked around her neck and she pulled her back into the alley way with her.
"What are you doing?" Sookie gasped scared to fight back with a gun to her head because she knew this woman was a loose cannon.
She was finally allowed to turn around the gun pointed straight at her and she noticed that Vivian had blonde hair. It actually almost looked the same shade as hers and Vivian smiled and she replied with a smirk…
"What I should have done a long time ago…I'm going to kill you."
She clicked the safety off the gun aimed the barrel at Sookie's head, and she heard Vivian's dark thoughts once more before the deafening shot was fired.
AN2: Ducks flying tomato's and anything else that can fit in the palm of ones hand. Hehe. Now to soften the blow, I will give you, a link to my one shot...'Save a Horse Ride a Swede' It's still a little angsty but lighter and I promise it has a happy ending. ;) So go check it out and all of the other ficts for the Cowboy Up contest if you havent already. xo
http://www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5506301/1/Save_a_Horse_Ride_a_Swede