"Don't you trust me?"

I shivered as he whispered the words in my ear, cold hands on my hips, his chest pressed against my back. I promised myself that I wasn't going to end up here again, in his bed, lying naked against him, filled with need and want and yearning for him. But here I was draped across the king sized bed atop black Egyptian cotton sheets, my clothes strewn randomly around the room. His lips were pressed against my skin, his cold skin such a contrast to mine which was burning.

"I can't trust you," I whispered in response.

He grabbed my shoulder, rolling me over to face him. I could see he was frowning as he gazed at me with his blue eyes. It was the truth. I couldn't trust him, not after he had lied, not after what he'd done to Lafayette. He hadn't apologized, which only showed me that he wasn't remorseful and probably thought he had done nothing wrong, which only made the whole situation worse.

"You lied to me," I answered, not bothering to hide the anger on my face. He may have been making my body feel incredible, but it didn't mean I wasn't angry. I was still hurt. I still felt betrayed. "You hid things from me after you promised me you wouldn't."

Eric shook his head as he pushed me flat on my back and slid his naked body over mine. I shivered, his lips were at the skin just below the lobe of my ear, kissing his way down my jaw as his hand slid down between our bodies to my sex. He touched the nub of pleasure cells tentatively before circling it, making fireworks erupt within my stomach.

"I admit to lying," he whispered in my ear as my eyes rolled and my hips thrust against his hand. "But I promised nothing."

A technicality.

He was right, he hadn't promised me anything, but it was childish for him to use that as his defense. I tried to sit up, but he pushed me back down and kissed me ravenously. My tongue dueled his, as his hands moved over my body, his hands gripping my breasts, kneading them. My inner walls began to throb in anticipation of him being inside of me and when his lips finally left mine I was panting.

"You haven't even apologized," I continued softly as his lips brushed mine.

"Allow me to apologize now," he whispered as blue eyes caught mine.

He slid down my body, trailing his tongue along my skin as he did until he reached my abdomen. He parted my legs wide enough to fit broad shoulders and pressed his lips against my inner thigh. My whole body tensed in reaction, knowing what was to come, but wanting it more than I had ever wanted anything in my whole entire life.

"Chase, we're here."

I jerked in the seat of the plane, eyes snapping open at the sound of Sookie's voice. She was smiling timidly at me, her hand on my arm.

"You alright?" She questioned.

I nodded, attempting a smile and running a hand over my face. The sex dreams about Eric had increased since the last time I had seen him and told him I wanted nothing to do with him. It seemed like every time I closed my eyes, I was having some erotic fantasy about Eric. And if I didn't know any better, or about how vampire blood worked at all, I would think that he was somehow making me have them.

And I was growing tired of it.

I shifted in my seat and looked out the window of the plane, finding that we were parked in the hangar of the Dallas Airport. I'd slept through the entire flight. With my sleep being riddled with erotic sex dreams of a vampire I'd come to hate, I wasn't exactly getting the rest that I required. And the lack of sleep and fall out with Eric had only resulted in me being in a grumpy mood, a mood I was desperately trying not to take out on those around me.

I had isolated myself until Sookie, Bill, and Jessica had come to retrieve me to go to Dallas. I told my parents that I was going to Dallas thanks to a generous friend, Sookie, who wanted me to come along on her 'vacation', and knowing what potentially finding out about my real parents meant to me, they didn't protest too much. I promised to keep in touch if I could, but assured that I would be fine.

Sam had been indifferent about my leaving with Sookie, he only stated I'd need to work extra shifts to make up the hours and I told him I would gladly do it. Anything to distract me from my fall out with Eric.

"You sure you're okay?" Sookie asked me with a raised eyebrow as we descended the steps out of the plane.

I nodded and put on my best fake smile. "Yeah, I am great. Just a little tired."

Sookie didn't seem very convinced, but smiled in return. "Bill says the hotel we're staying at is very nice so maybe tonight you can get a good night's rest."

I nodded again and continued down the steps, surprised to find two town cars waiting for us. There were two drivers, dressed in suits, standing side by side with a sign in their hands. One sign read 'Compton', while the other read 'Morgan', the driver holding my sign smiled genuinely at us, while his counterpart looked more nervous and unsure. I hesitated, frowning at the driver and wondering why on earth Eric would arrange for us to ride separately when we were going to the same place.

"Ms. Morgan?" The driver holding my sign called, one eyebrow raised, eyeing Sookie, Jessica, and I as we approached. He was a fairly handsome man, with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes; he looked to be mid thirties.

"Yes?" I answered. "That's me."

"Great. My name is Joseph. If you don't mind accompanying me, I will be more than happy to escort you to the hotel. I've already got your luggage in the trunk."

I thought briefly to protest, to tell him that I didn't need a separate ride and that I would like to stay with my friends, but this wasn't Joseph's fault. He was just a driver trying to do his job. Instead I adjusted my purse on my shoulder and nodded at Sookie.

"I guess I will see you at check-in."

"Okay, see you soon," Sookie replied.

Joseph held open my door for me, motioning inside the car. I slid into the seat, noticing that a large envelope sat on the seat next to mine. My name was scrawled across it in elegant and bold writing. Handwriting I assume belonged to Eric.

I waited until the limo was driving out of the hangar before picking it up and sliding my finger under the flap to open it. Inside was a folded piece of paper and a stack of twenty dollar bills, closed with a paper slip that read '$1000' on it. I frowned at the money, setting it aside to open the letter.

Lover,

I am aware that you are still quite angry with me, but it does not mean that I won't keep up my end of our business arrangement. I have arranged for you to meet with the Director of the Dallas Children's Receiving Home tomorrow morning at 10 am. And due to a sizable donation made on your behalf by me, they have agreed to cooperate with any information that they have in regards to you. Joseph will pick you up at 9:30 to escort you. I do hope you find whatever information that you are looking for.

E.

I didn't know how to feel about the letter, though I couldn't ignore a feeling of warmth in my heart at what he had done. Sure, he had done me a kindness by scheduling the meeting and making a donation on my behalf, but it didn't change anything. I couldn't ignore that he had blatantly lied and kidnapped my friend. Ignoring the warmth I skimmed down the page and saw that there was a postscript.

P.S. The enclosed thousand dollars is to be used in any way that you see fit and does not count against the ten thousand dollars discussed in our business arrangement. Enjoy.

I refolded the letter shaking my head. He couldn't buy his way out of this one. I didn't want his money. And no amount of money was going to change my feelings on the matter.

I placed the letter and the money back into the envelope and placed it in my purse. I leaned back and shut my eyes, and was relieved to be greeted by blissful darkness for once.

When my eyes opened again, we were parked outside of the hotel and Joseph was opening my door. I thanked him and told him I would see him tomorrow before offering him a hundred dollar tip. His eyes widened, but he politely refused the money stating that Eric had told him not to accept any money from me whatsoever. I did my best to maintain my smile, but inside I felt annoyed.

Sookie, Jessica, and Bill hadn't arrived yet, but I checked-in anyway thinking I could get settled and wait for them in my room. The room was a large suite with a king sized bed and an amazing view of the city. It was far more lavish than I expected, but it was Eric after all. I tipped the bellman who was more than happy to accept money from me and went into the bedroom area.

It was there I noticed a large new looking suitcase, that was not mine, sitting on the bed. I was surprised to find a name tag with my name scrawled on it, in handwriting that also wasn't mine, attached to it. The handwriting matched the handwriting on the letter.

"What has he done now?" I mumbled out loud, unzipping the suitcase.

I felt my jaw drop at the contents, all of which seemed to either be dresses or lingerie. Most of the dresses were black or red, made of soft sheer material or silk. There were matching underwear and bra sets, a small travel bag of toiletries and two pairs of strappy high heels, one red and one black. At the bottom of the suitcase was a single pair of jeans and red t-shirt, which read Fangtasia , in fancy black lettering across the chest. There was another envelope beneath all the clothes. Another letter from Eric.

If you do happen to find your real parents in Dallas, you should look your best. I do know that you enjoy your loungewear and casual attire, but thought a new look was in order. I did include a pair of jeans and a t-shirt so that you do not feel TOO out of the normal.

E.

I crumpled the note in my fist, the same annoyance I felt before rearing its ugly head again. I don't know what game Eric was playing at, but I was in no mood. And I wanted my suitcase with my normal clothes back.

Digging into my purse, I pulled out my cellphone intending to call Eric and tell him just that and to stop whatever this was that he was doing, when someone knocked on my door. I wasn't surprised to see that it was Sookie, I was surprised when she dragged me into a tight hug.

"Oh thank god, I was so relieved when they told me that you had checked in safely. I thought they might have tried to kidnap you too," she breathed pulling back to look me in the eye.

I blinked in confusion. "Did something happen?"

"Someone from the Fellowship of the sun tried to abduct me. It was our limo driver. I was worried that your driver had done something to you, but you are here and you are fine," she smiled.

"The Fellowship of the Sun?" I said softly. "What is that?"

"It's this crazy vampire hating church that apparently knows we are here," Sookie continued moving past me and into my room. She looked around, nodding. "Your room is nice. Did you know that Eric tried to get Bill and me a room with no bed?"

"I guess I am not the only one that he is toying with then," I huffed walking into the bedroom area and beckoning Sookie to follow. I motioned to the open suitcase. "He had my suitcase replaced, with one that he packed himself, I am guessing, that only seems to include dresses and provocative underwear. Not to mention he gave me a thousand dollars for no reason and I think it's all his weird way of doing everything, but actually saying the words 'I'm sorry'."

Sookie had picked up one of the dresses during my rant and was inspecting it with a tilted head. It was red and low cut in the front and high-low style. "I mean… this isn't a bad looking dress. It's actually kind of nice-."

"That's not the point," I interrupted shaking my head. "Instead of apologizing he's just throwing money and things at me. None of which I want."

It was only after I was done that I realized my voice had raised and had a snap to it. I cleared my throat and ran a hand through my hair, telling myself to calm down. Sookie didn't deserve my wrath. Only Eric.

"Sorry Sookie, it's been a long day and I'm just tired."

"Look, you get some rest and we can talk more in the morning. Bill and I will deal with this whole Fellowship of the Sun thing."

"No, I came to help, it's what I am here for-."

Sookie shook her head. "No, I insist. You look exhausted. Just take a hot shower and get some rest. We got this today."

As much as I wanted to help, Eric was paying me for it after all, I would be relieved to just take a nice shower and sleep, if only for a little while. "How about I take a short nap and then we can meet for dinner? And you can fill me in on the Fellowship stuff."

"Sure," Sookie answered. "I'll come get you in a little bit."

"Great. But I don't want to be up too late, Eric arranged for me to meet with the Director of the home I was adopted from in the morning."

Surprise crossed Sookie's face. "Chase, that's great. Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, it's okay. I will just meet you after."

I wanted to deal with the information about my real parents alone, I worried about what I might find out and I wasn't sure if I would be ready to share what I learned with anyone.

"Okay. You go ahead and get some sleep alright? We are right across the hall if you need us."

Sookie and I said our goodbyes and I made a beeline for the shower. The bathroom was as exquisite as the rest of the room and I opted for a nice hot bath instead of a shower. I ran the water and stripped my clothing, slipping into the warm bath and sighing at the almost instant relief it gave to my muscles. I spent nearly an hour in the tub, refilling the water twice and dozing in the bubbles. When the water went cold once more I finally got out, wrapping a towel around myself and heading to the bed.

Eric had neglected to pack any pajamas for me and not wanting to sleep in the nude, I opted for underwear and the Fangtasia shirt that barely made it to my hips. I would deal with my missing suitcase in the morning, or have Joseph stop at a store to get new clothes more my style after my meeting if I had too.

I practically melted into the softness of the mattress, snuggling under the comforter and into the pillows. I fell asleep almost immediately, met only with darkness.

A knock woke me, rousing me from sleep. I groaned grumpily, assuming Sookie had come to get me for dinner. I rolled out of bed, and trudged to the door, trying to rub the sleep from my eyes. I unlocked the door and removed the chain, opening it to find Eric Northman standing on the other side.

His face slid into a devilish smirk at the sight of me and his blue eyes traveled from my face, down my body, and back up with a borderline unbearable slowness.

It was then I remembered I was only wearing a Fangtasia t-shirt and lace underwear.

"Shit!" I shrieked, jumping behind the door to hide myself.

Eric chuckled. "Hello to you too, Lover."

"What the hell are you doing here?" I demanded peeking at him around the door.

"I have come to ensure that you and Ms. Stackhouse are safe," he answered. "Although I was not expecting this sort of welcome given our last interaction."

"Oh you mean the interaction where I found out that you are a lying manipulative bastard? Also where is my suitcase?"

"It is back in Bon Temps," he replied arching one eyebrow as he lowered his voice. "Are you unhappy with the clothing options I gave you?"

"I don't really consider dresses and lingerie a lot of options," I growled. "Would it have killed you to include pajamas at least?"

"I happen to like the pajamas that you are in."

I glared at him. "Can we stop this banter and just get to the part where you tell me what the hell you are doing here?"

Eric chose that moment to slip easily through the opening of the door, ignoring my huff of protest and walked casually to the couch. He ignored my near nakedness as I rushed into the bedroom area and pulled on the jeans.

"As I stated previously I have come to ensure that you and Sookie are safe. There was an attempt to kidnap Sookie and I know that if I hadn't sent a separate car for you then you would have been involved in that as well," he answered his blue eyes following me as I moved to sit down on the couch opposite the one he was sitting in.

"How nice of you, but that doesn't answer why you are here in my room?"

Eric smiled, pearly white teeth peaking out at me through supple lips. "This is my room as well," he answered me finally. "I will be staying here in Dallas till this matter is taken care of and I need a place to rest during the day. Why do you think you had a sun resistant room?"

"I did not know I had a sun resistant room. The hotel clerk neglected to mention that when telling me the amenities. Either way, can't you get your own room?" I questioned.

"Why?" he countered, arching one eyebrow. "When I can sleep here…and know that you are safe."

"Because maybe I do not want to share a room with you?"

His smile faded into a frown. "You are still angry."

It wasn't a question. It was a statement as if he was just realizing it.

"Angry isn't the proper word, Eric," I said leaning back and crossing my arms. "Livid is the word that comes to mind. You kidnapped my friend-."

He leaned toward me in his chair, cutting me off with clenched teeth. "I am the Sheriff of area 5, which includes Bon Temps. The selling of vampire blood is a grave offense to my kind and as sheriff I had to deal with it. I am duty bound."

"Duty bound? Duty requires you to kidnap people? Rather than calling the police or-."

"Human customs are different than that of vampires. I did what was required of me."

"Was lying to me a requirement also?" I questioned, leaning forward as well with a glare.

He hesitated. "It was vampire business. None of which I should or would share with you."

I felt my blood boiling with anger. "Obviously we are not going to see eye to eye on this, which only proves what I have really known all along. That we aren't right for each other," I said standing. I needed to get away from him before I let my emotions get the better of me. "I want my suitcase back tomorrow. I don't care how you get it. Goodnight."

I turned on my heel and walked to the bedroom, stopping when I felt a shift in the air and saw Eric blocking my path. I frowned up at him as he slid his jacket from his broad shoulders and tossed it on the couch. He wore a black tank top underneath and paired with the jeans he wore that hugged him like a second skin, he looked magnificent as he usually did. His muscles flexed as he crossed his arms and regarded me with a heated stare.

I was almost ashamed of the wave of heat I felt from that gaze alone.

"Move, Eric," I said, trying to sidestep past him.

He matched my movements blocking my path. I let out an irritated sigh.

"Eric, I am tired. I just want to go to bed."

"Why do you insist on resisting me?" He questioned.

"I don't know. Why do you insist on lying to me?"

"You can put on this facade all you like, Lover," he said, stepping toward me, making me step backward. "But we are bonded. I can feel all your emotions. And just as I can feel all your emotions I can feel all your need ."

My throat was suddenly dry.

"You say that we aren't right for each other, but who knows your body like I do?" He continued, taking another step.

I backed up again, and he only followed.

"Who can please you as I can?" He asked in that husky voice, his eyes ablaze with lust.

He stepped forward again, but reached out and caught my hips before I could back up, pulling me against him.

I came to my senses then, momentarily hypnotized by his words and intense gaze, almost pulled back into his thrall. I wasn't going to give in this time. I gripped his wrists and removed them from my hips, making him frown.

"We are not doing this. I am not just going to forget everything that you have done just because I am attracted to you. I will not fall back into your...whatever it was that we had because I'm horny or you try to shower me with gifts. None of which matters to me because all I wanted from you was honesty and to be able to trust you. And I don't trust you. So like I said before I will help you find this vampire and keep up my end of the bargain, but then I don't want to know you anymore. And until then keep your damn hands to yourself."

I stormed past him and he made no move to block me again. I blinked past some frustrated tears and closed the double doors to the bedroom behind me. Crawling back into bed, I pulled the covers over my head. I heard the door to the hotel room open and shut moments later.