I have received a few reviews and PM's requesting that these 2 "celebrate" their recent bond and perceived success with Felipe. They will. Be patient. There are more ways to celebrate than back in their room. Although that is the fun part!

I do not own any of the characters from Southern Vampire Mysteries. They all belong to Charlaine Harris. Bless her for sharing them with us. Mattie is my very own.

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Chapter 21

We left the room and made our way to the elevator. When the doors shut, I immediately jumped on poor unsuspecting Bill. He should have seen it coming though, he knows me well enough and could probably sense my lust for that matter. If he had, he didn't let on. Maybe our bond wasn't at that point yet? This wasn't the time to ask.

Writhing against him, I slid my hands under his jacket rubbing them along his chest. I was planting steamy kisses on his neck.

"You do realize my dear that there are cameras in all of these elevators."

"Yes and I couldn't care less. Let them watch. You are MINE!"

We locked our lips, entwining our tongues. Bill's hands were up under my dress caressing my thighs and I started unbuckling his belt. That was the point when the doors opened again. I guess we hadn't realized that our floor wasn't very high up.

We stared at each other for a second before turning our heads. There in the doorway stood a large group of older ladies in their little red hats, staring at us mouths agape. I smoothed down my dress as Bill fixed his belt, clearing his throat. We stepped out and Bill held the door for them, gesturing them into the elevator.

"Good evening ladies. Having a nice time?"

They all filed in and turned around to look at us. The elevator doors began to close as we turned away and I could hear them giggling to each other, commenting on their encounter.

"He sure was a handsome man, I wish I was her."

"Polite too!"

"And look at that butt!"

I had a huge grin plastered to my face.

Bill took me to a little sushi bar in another casino. I ordered two Spider rolls and a Saki bomber. He didn't even order a bottle of blood. He told me that he had drank his fill for a while. I silently counted up the times he had fed from me over the course of the evening. It had been only twice which didn't seem like that much to me. I was sure he would again before we fell asleep for the day. At least if I could help it he would.

"We got lucky tonight didn't we Bill?"

"Yes, we shouldn't lose sight of that. We are never truly safe when dealing with Vampire politics, but I think everything will be alright for the time being."

"Did you mean what you said about me tasting different? I mean, you've never mentioned that before baby."

"No, that was merely for the effect. You taste no different because of your heritage. Every human has a slightly different scent and taste to us. You taste sweet because you are dear to me, because you are mine."

I knew Sookie hated it when Eric acted so possessive of her, but I kind of liked it when Bill claimed me. Call me crazy, but it made me feel sort of special, loved and needed. It was also kind of hot. He was kind of hot.

My mind started wandering to different scenarios, all of them included us returning to our room. I had to snap back into reality before I threw Bill over the bar and had my way with him.

When I looked back over at Bill he was gazing at me with those fantastic bedroom eyes of his.

"Whatever were you thinking about just now?"

"You felt that?" My cheeks were flushing and I was feeling really warm. Was he pushing that feeling over at me or was that my lust I was experiencing. Or both.

"Yes, and I am very curious to know what was running through that pretty little head of yours."

I was a kind of embarrassed to answer him, I'm not sure why. I guess I wasn't really ready to admit I had someone permanently tied to my emotions and vice versa.

Bill reached for my hand and turned it toward him to gently kiss the top of my knuckles.

"Later then."

Oh yeah, later. If I could make it that long. Bill wasn't exactly making it easy for me. I finished my dinner and slammed the rest of my beer. I was in dire need of some liquid encouragement to get me back on track.

"Can we go for a walk down the strip Bill? I've never been here and I really want to see some things."

"Certainly darling. Where would you like to go?"

I rattled off a list of common Vegas landmarks and tourist traps. Bill really seemed to get a kick out of my enthusiasm. He promised me that whatever we couldn't see tonight, we would be sure to see over the remainder of our trip.

We walked hand and hand in the cool night air. The lights were glittering along the street and I could hear the constant binging of slot machines from the open casinos.

Many tourists stared at us as we walked by. I wasn't sure if they were curious as to what we were, or mildly afraid. Or both. I saw our reflection in the glass from one of the buildings. We really were a striking couple. Even if we were what some people would consider "scary looking".

"Are you sure you wouldn't consider us moving here honey? I kind of like it." Bill gave me an "are you crazy" look and rolled his eyes. He does that to me a lot.

We walked across the strip passing a pyramid, a castle, and a tiny New York City. They were all larger than life, but I was really knocked out by Caesar's Palace. It had a mall attached and the ceiling changed from day to night as we walked through. I stared up at it in awe. Bill seemed to enjoy how interested I was. What can I say? I wasn't well traveled.

Bill and I walked by the "Juicy Couture" store. There was a mannequin in the window wearing sweatpants with "Juicy" written across her bottom. Bill made a face.

"I'm not sure that's something I would want you to have written across your backside. One would think you have some sort of bowel problem."

I nearly fell over when he said that. He could be so funny, even when he wasn't trying.

I gasped in awe at the Dolce & Gabbana store front. I had never seen anything so glamorous in my life. The colors, the patterns, everything was so incredibly gorgeous looking. Bill was studying my reaction.

"You like these clothes Mattie?"

"Oh yes! It's all so beautiful and chic."

"Why don't we take a look then?"

Bill guided me into the store. I ran from rack to rack touching all of the soft silky fabrics. I was like a kid in a candy store. Some of the most attractive clothing I had ever seen was right here in front of me. A salesgirl walked up to us and smiled.

"Is there something I can help you with tonight?"

That was fairly normal. The next part threw me for a loop. Bill took his wallet out of his pocket, handing the girl his credit card.

"Whatever she wants, put it on this card."

OMG!!!!! Was he serious? I thought this was a good night, but it was shaping up to be a GREAT night!

"Oh Bill, really? You mean it? Oh baby!"

I threw my arms around him, kissing him all over his face and neck.

"Have fun darling. You've earned it. Consider this a gift in celebration of our new status." He winked at me.

Grabbing everything I could find in my size, I ran into the fitting room. I was tossing clothes on and off as fast as possible. I loved everything! Choosing would be impossible. I came out to model a few things for Bill, spinning around to show him. He seemed pleased that he had made me so happy.

After an hour, I narrowed down my choices to two outfits. I picked out a tight white t-shirt in the softest cotton imaginable. I paired it with a pair of low slung jeans and a collarless black leather jacket. I grabbed a pair of black boots to finish off the look.

Bill told me I looked like Eric. I just laughed. Minus the blond hair, I kind of did.

I also chose an extremely fitting black satin dress with a bustier top and little spaghetti straps. It clung to my body, stopping at my knees. It had a little kick pleat in the back. When I came out to model that one, Bill's fangs were down lightening fast. That made the selection process considerably easier. I grabbed a small white shrug to wear with it and a pair of zebra patterned ballet shoes.

When the girl handed the charge slip to Bill, I cringed at the four figure price tag. He didn't hesitate and signed his name. She asked if we would like our packages sent back to our room. I had never heard of such a thing. Bill nodded and gave her our hotel name and room number.

"Thank you Mr. Compton. Have a nice rest of the evening."

When we left the store, I was still so awestruck I didn't know what to say.

"That was fun, I felt famous. Thank you Bill. So much."

"Certainly Mattie dear. It was my pleasure."

I pulled him to me in the middle of everyone, planting a long wet kiss on his lips. I didn't care who was watching or what they were thinking. I loved him so much!

We walked back outside passing by an enormous fountain set to music, then stopping for a moment in front of a hotel called "Mirage" with a volcano erupting outside. Next door there was a Pirate ship out front. Bill told me that they reenacted a sea battle.

We waited for a few minutes to catch a glimpse of the show. I was expecting Pirates from the cover of a romance novel. I was very disappointed to see it was all women.

"What!?! What's the point of that? There are half naked women all over this town. At least they could have ONE thing for us ladies to enjoy. Women love Pirates. Seriously!"

Bill put his hand on the small of my back and guided me across the street.

"Do you know what else women really like Mattie?"

"What Bill?"

"Vampires."