"You're impossible." She stared down at his tall frame stretched out across her couch. He grinned and pulled her down on top of him. She gasped at the shock of it but soon relaxed against him as he snaked his arms around her waist.

"Tell me what happened this week?" He asked quietly.

"What do mean?"

"Something happened at your work. What happened?" She dropped her head to his chest and he took the opportunity to cup his hand against the back of her head. He rubbed his other hand lightly up and down her back.

"How did you hear about that?"
"I have my ways."

She lifted her head again and he slid his hand along her neck and gently rubbed his fingers through her hair.
"I handled it."

"Tell me what happened."

"Bill brought Jessica into the bar. They ordered some blood and Jessica got bitchy. I guess Bill was trying to show me that they were just friends or something. I really don't know. But, she started saying some pretty rude things about me and Bill started threatening her and well, I kinda lost it. I kicked them both out of the bar."

"I'll deal with Bill."

"No." He felt her stiffen and wondered why.

"He is my underling. I will deal with his poor judgment." She looked into his eyes and tried to make him see the seriousness in her face.

"Don't. I'm asking you to just leave Bill alone." He pushed a stray hair from her face.

"Has he been over here again?" She looked away this time. He had his answer.

"Just let it go, please." She laid her head back against his chest and played with the sleeve of his t-shirt. He kissed the top of her head and wrapped his arms around her.

"If that's what you wish. But, I won't let him harass you, Sookie. He will not cause you any more pain." She sighed and shifted her weight against him. She straddled his thigh and he lifted his leg slightly.

"I know you won't. But, I don't want any more trouble. Just let them be, please."

"Did Jessica threaten you? What did she say to you?" She lifted her head and looked at him again.
"I'm not going to tell you."

"You will."

"I won't. I've seen what an angry vampire can do and I can only imagine you're ten times worse."

"Tell me." His voice was more demanding.

"No. Just let it go." She saw something dangerous flash across his eyes. "I mean it Eric. Let it go." He couldn't understand why she wouldn't let him solve this problem. One visit to Bill's and he would make his point in regards to Sookie. At the very least, he would ban them both from his area. Seeing her face and the determination in her eyes, he knew he would do as she asked.

"Why do I listen to you? Why do I let you tell me what to do?"

"Because you're scared I'll beat you up?" She giggled and was glad to have the lightness back to their conversation.

"Perhaps that's it. You're probably deceptively strong."

"I am. You're wise not to mess with me." He captured her lips then, pulling her up his body slightly so she was face to face with him. She sighed as she swiped her tongue across his lower lip. He gratefully opened his mouth to her while sliding his hands down her back. He squeezed her ass, eliciting a moan from her throat. His body reacted to her soft sighs and moans as they lazily kissed on the couch. She shifted her weight again and felt his hardness through the thin fabric of her pajama pants. He could smell her arousal building and tried to keep himself under control. She had to set the pace. That way he wouldn't be the one to push her. He kneaded her behind and slid his fingers under her tank top. The feel of his touch on her skin caused her to moan into his kiss. Her breathing was quickening and she couldn't stop her body from moving slightly against his. The friction each small movement caused sped up her heart rate. Eric wanted so much to flip her over and lie between her legs, but he couldn't risk her pulling away. She threaded her fingers through his hair and pulled his face just a fraction closer to hers. He tightened his grip on her hips and pulled her farther into him.

"Eric." She sighed at the sensation. She pulled away and looked into his eyes. "What if I'm not ready?" He could see the fear in her eyes. Did she fear him or the loss of her heart?

"What if you are?"

"I'm scared."

"Of me?"

"Sorta."

"I'll never harm you."

"You can't promise me that."

"I won't, Sookie."
"Bill said the same thing." He stroked her cheek gently and offered her a small smile.

"I can make you forget him."

"But what would it mean? Are you going to break my heart?" His chest tightened and he was unnerved by the emotion twisting inside him.

"No. I won't. Let me prove it." His voice commanded a reaction from her. She nodded slightly and his dead heart swelled with emotion. She let out a small squeak as he quickly lifted her into his arms and carried her down the hall. She started to speak again but Eric cut her off by capturing her lips again.