Eric pressed the lobby button on the elevator before sliding his arm around her waist. He felt her stiffen and tried to send as much comfort and love through the bond. He guided her out of the elevator and through the lobby.

Relax, dear one. I'll explain everything.

He ignored her questioning look as he hailed a cab. It wasn't until they had pulled away from the hotel that he spoke.

"I'm sorry." He kissed her temple and pulled her closer. She turned to look at his face and searched his eyes.

"What?" She asked her voice timid and unsure.

"I know what happened to Andre. The tiger killed him to protect you."

"How did…"

"Please forgive me, lover. I had to. The King would have asked too many questions regarding you otherwise."

"But Andre…how…" He kissed her temple and sent his comfort through the bond. He felt her sigh as she relaxed against him.

"When Niall healed you, we saw everything, my dear one."

"What are you going to do?"

"About what?"

"Quinn…me." Eric was still for a moment and she felt a sudden stab of anger pass across the bond.

"Nothing."

"Nothing? But…"

"It's done, Sookie. We can not change it. You and I will never speak of it again."

"But…"
He pulled her closer and kissed her temple again so the harshness of his tone would not startle her.

"No. You will never speak of it again. It's done."

"So all that was…was…"

"A necessary ruse. I'm sorry, lover. I know you think I'm cruel, but it was for our protection." She started to speak but he leaned in closer and continued. "When it comes to your safety, I'll do anything. If that means hurting your feelings or making you cry for a few moments then I will. I can make up for the hurt, I can't live with the alternative." She nodded mutely and tried to wrap her head around his words. He rubbed his hand down her arm as the cab moved through the lights of the city streets.

Eric helped her from the cab and led her into the Stratosphere.

"What are we doing?" She asked as he held her hand.
"I'm making up for my deception." He smiled and she felt herself relax and feel the lightness that had settled in her chest.

"Couldn't you do that in our hotel room?" She grinned. He stopped and turned to face her.

"I promise you, I will service you in all ways imaginable." She licked her lips in anticipation.

"I was so upset. I thought you hated me."

"Never."

"I was devastated."

He grinned at her and realized what she was doing.

"I humbly beg your forgiveness, my lover."
"Begging is better done in private." She purred and he couldn't help but laugh.
"In due time." He grabbed her hand and pulled her along to the bank of elevators before continuing, "You'll enjoy this."

Soon the doors opened and they were standing on a large open area filled with people waiting in line. Sookie smiled brightly at him and squeezed his hand.

"You'll ride with me?!" She questioned.

"Of course."

"Have you ridden these before?"

"No. It will be new for both of us." She pulled on his arms to get him to lean down to her. She kissed him appreciatively and he responded in kind. Soon they found themselves at the top of the Stratosphere.

"Oh my God! We're going to ride that?!" She laughed as she saw the ride hanging off the side of the hotel.