Chapter 8

It took a long time for Sookie to fall asleep. Eric had 'closed' the room with the light proof panels and held her close as dawn approached. She was still nervous about revealing to Eric that he had been the only vampire she could read glimpses of. Now that their bond was growing stronger she could read all his thoughts and project her own to him. She was smart enough to know how much of a threat this posed. If Eric ever felt the need to be rid of her, this would be the first reason he would have to kill her. She cast a glance to Eric and wondered if even in his suspended state could he feel and 'hear' her thoughts. She sighed and snuggled closer to his side. The down comforter was so warm that she didn't mind the coolness of his body. She said a silent prayer and asked God to protect her and Eric. Soon she slipped into sleep.

"Are you almost ready?" He asked for the second time. Sookie sighed and fussed with her hair again.

Woman, you are impossible.

"I heard that!" She called through the bathroom door. She grinned when she heard him mumble.

"Of course you did."

"I'm a special guest. I want to look nice for you."

Not too nice.

"Do you think the King will try anything tonight?" She worried aloud.

"I'm not sure. We must both be on our guard. If he chooses to speak with you about coming to him, be respectful but firm. If he is angered that may be detrimental to both of us."

"Got it. Firm." She gritted her teeth in the mirror and he laughed from the doorway. She touched up the last of her make up and noticed he was in deep thought as he stared at her. She made an effort not to listen.

"Why me?" He asked after a few minutes. She turned to look at him. He looked so handsome in his black button down shirt and black slacks. Tonight the King had invited certain influential people and herself to Tabu. The nightclub was the best at the hotel and she figured the King must own the MGM Grand to be spending so much time here.

"Why you, what?" She asked as she smoothed the front of her dress.

"You never heard Bill?"

"No." He shook his head and she knew he was contemplating what it meant. Out of all the vampires she had been in contact with, he was the only one open to her.

"You look stunning." She smiled brightly at him from his sudden compliment. She self consciously rubbed her hands down her sides and fidgeted with her earring. Pam had taken her shopping and assured her Eric would be very pleased. The deep red of the material made her tan even more evident. The spaghetti straps crossed several times down her back before ending at the curve of her spine. The length was just above the knee but the slit on the side went all the way up. She didn't bother with hose and Pam had made a point to make sure her thong matched the dress. The red heels completed the outfit and she felt sexy with the added height.

"Thank you."

I'm going to enjoy fucking you against the wall in that dress later.

Her eyes widened and he laughed.

"Come lover, we mustn't keep the King waiting."