The Continuation of Hold Back the Dawn

Chapter 10

I bit down hard into one of those delicious, shiny red apples that Bill had bought for me from that sweet old woman in Central Park. I opened my mouth wide, my front teeth striking down, sinking into the sweet juices, my lips firmly breaking the fruit, bursting from the flesh onto my tongue. Some apple juice escaped my mouth and rolled off my bottom lip and down my chin. I wiped away the apple juice and chomped down hard again into the sweet, pulpy meat of the fruit with gusto. I was determined to eat every delicious bit of that apple. Every bite, I was taking it all in, as much as I could bite off at one time.

I glanced over at Bill, asleep beside me in bed. He was lying on his left side turned towards me. I pulled the satin sheet up across my legs. But I resisted the urge, this time, to reach over and softly brush the hair from his forehead. Sleep is a beautiful thing. Especially for a very tired male vampire that I know. I wanted Bill to rest for as long as possible. My mind was enjoying the silence and the peace of the vampire hotel.

After that enlightening encounter with Nan Flanagan, I had some serious thinking to do.

Me and Bill did not waste any time after Nan left. We made love late into the wee small hours of the night. We had started in Bill's study, then right down the hallway and behind the closed bedroom doors. Bill had been so frustrated by Nan's visit. But I reaped the benefits of his unsettled state of mind. Bill had cherished every inch of my body. He told me he could not get enough of me. And he proved that statement! Later, I was pretty exhausted but in a good way. After Bill making love to me across his desk kind of roughly ~which surprisingly I really enjoyed ~ he had picked me up, so tenderly as if I were made of delicate glass, and carried me into the bedroom.

Roughness to complete softness. Bill pulled me out of the rest of my clothes and laid me across the bed. He stared down at me for a moment, taking his sweet time, in that way he does that just makes me tremble with desire and makes my temperature rise. His eyes roam

deliberately and carefully down my body. I watch him as his blue eyes fall to my breasts. My tummy. My mons. Down my legs. His eyes feast on me. As if he is thinking I am somehow going away and he won't see me again. As if, he is thinking, this is our very last chance to be together. This we will not do again. It's so intense. But Bill knows I'm not going anywhere. He must know that I would make love with him as many times as I humanly could in one night!

I cannot read Bill's thoughts, so I enjoy wondering what is he thinking? It's like Bill is making this crazy imprint of my body in his mind. God knows, he's seen my anatomy from every angle possible. Sometimes Bill will tell me exactly what he is thinking. But there are other times when we are….. just beyond words with each other.

"Sookie, you are flawless..." he had whispered.

Bill has this way of making me feel just as desirable and special as the very first time we were intimate. But it is so much deeper than just physical with us. I was only starting to realize the two of us have an ethereal connection. Something so strong. It surpassed anything I might find words to describe. No matter what was to happen in my life, I knew we were destined to be inseparable. Our bodies and our spirits.

After we made love again in bed, Bill retracted his fangs and wrapped me into his strong embrace. His mouth came down tenderly over mine, but still full of passion. Feeding Bill was almost a more intimate act than our making love. It is the thing he needs most, although sex is a pretty close second place. I understand that blood means everything to a vampire. And I loved feeding my vampire. I also loved being bitten and taken by him at the same time. I was the only one who nourished Bill. And the thought of this makes me happy. Our bond is very strong. Stronger than it ever was before we broke up.

I know there is a part of Bill that is dangerous and wild. It is a part of his vampire nature and he cannot help it. When he feeds on me, that is always the most unpredictable time in his vampire 'life.' It's base. Instinctive. I know he loves me and he would never intentionally hurt me.

I love that wild side of Bill, too.

I love it …more than is wise for me to ever do so. But it is a part of who he is.

And I won't deny him anything.

I am still fascinated by Bill's touch. The urgency or the tenderness of his beautiful hands on me. The power of his body and his need for me as a supernatural being, is still intoxicating. Rapture. To know, Bill is restraining himself to some degree and using his self~control. Because that is exactly what he is doing, even though he loves me. If it were not so, he could really, really hurt me. We both knew that from early experience when he had been so sick, weak and tortured.

But his love for me surely stands in front of all his other 'natural' instincts as a vampire. It is one of the most exciting things in our relationship. Sometimes, when we are together I experience a euphoria. Overwhelming sensations, my heart feeling as though it will burst through my chest with so much love that I have for Bill. Every inch of me responds to him. This love has stirred inside of me a deep flame of desire, not just for the physical, but to share everything with him. Even without any formal vows in New York at that time, we were committed to each other. I know I belong to Bill. I know I am his. And he is mine. For how ever long I am to live on this earth. I want to be with Bill always.

And that's when the thought hit me.

Just after dawn, I remember sitting up in bed and reaching for that apple on the night stand. Eating it very slowly. And for the very first time since I arrived, I started thinking seriously about this whole fucking situation with Bill and the American Vampire League.

I started wondering, how much more time was Bill going to have to spend in New York City?

Why was this whole process taking so long? How much longer were these ridiculous diplomats, stupid world leaders and asshole politicians going to keep the American Vampire League dangling in the wind while they negotiated for this, that or the other?

I didn't know much, but I knew that Bill and Nan and the AVL were all trying to come to some type of agreement with everybody having their own interests at heart. Bill was like a diplomat or something. He was the 'public face' of the vampire. Bill was seen as the civilized vampire. Bill was not scary or mean. That's why Nan Flanagan had Bill beside her. To show the world that vampires coming out of their coffins was not so frightening, at all. I knew that much any way.

But how many more charters, contracts and treaties was Bill going to have to dissect, reassemble, re-work and resubmit from other countries who wanted a piece of vampire businesses? Advertising? Who wanted a prominent place in the AVL? Night after night, Bill was the 'go to' guy. The charming spokesman who could be called upon for meetings and to listen to their interests and concerns. I suspected that Bill and Nan were hammering out problems, hoping for an agreement that everyone involved would be pleased with. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians, I thought.

Even though Bill Compton was more than very capable and charming and handsome as the public face, I suspected that these people- world leaders, politicians and their American counterparts- were being very hard~nosed and had their own demands before they would consent to being advocates for vampires taking some control of their daily lives in human society. They had their own formula of demands. Before they would 'sign-off' on anything concrete. These negotiations could take months! Maybe even years!

I could read the handwriting on the wall. That would mean a separation between me and Bill that would be intolerable. Me and Bill ~ our life together ~ would be put on hold, for God knows, how much longer? I hated saying good~bye to Bill. We had had too many good~byes already.

Maybe there was something that I could do, to help speed things along...

After I finished up my apple, I gingerly scooted out of bed as to not awaken Bill. I folded the apple core into a piece of tissue and tossing it into a waste bin. I pulled my robe around me and quietly slipped out of the bedroom door. I was looking for the newspaper. McBee seemed to be nowhere around. But still I found the newspaper on the foyer table. More huge headlines, I was not surprised to find: 'AVL CONFERENCE TO BEGIN MONDAY EVENING.'

Bill had said he wanted me to join him in New York now because he thought things were calming down a bit. But it looked to me like some things were about to get even more crazy. Especially with the conference coming up very soon. I guess that's why Bill wanted me to bring a formal dress. I wondered, does he want me to attend the AVL conference with him? Just the thought of it made my pulse quicken.

There in the newspaper I saw another grimacing picture of that awfully rude Colonel Adibisi. He was on the front page. This time Anqelique Conti was standing beside him. Not a hair out of place. I had to admit to myself again, yes, she is very beautiful. And very worldly. And she probably has forgotten more than I'll ever know about world events!

I could tell Angelique was an important linchpin between the Colonel and the AVL.

I took the newspaper with me and went back down the hallway to the master bedroom. I thought I would quietly open the door and slip back inside without disturbing Bill.

But when I peered into the dimly-lit room, I saw Bill was sitting up in bed, his back against the headboard. Bill was watching me with questioning eyes.

"Well, good morning," he said, giving me a little smile. "I thought you would be too tired to get up so early."

"And I thought the same about you, Mr. Compton. Good morning," I said, walking over to the bed; "you should never be awake at this hour. I tried not to disturb you."

"I missed you," he parted his lips giving me a broader fabulous smile. I crawled across the foot of the bed until I reached him. On my knees I bent over him gently kissing his lips.

"Guess what?" he said in a mocking, excited whisper;" I found a brand new freckle on you last night..." Bill reached up, bringing his fingers through my hair and I came close to him until I was lying down on top of his chest.

"Oh, damn. Where is it ?"

He lifted my chin and looked deeply into my eyes. "Somewhere no one will ever see it, but for me..." He kissed my forehead.

"Give me a hint," I said, curling up beside him like a kitten.

Still looking into my eyes, Bill drew his hand down and patted me firmly on my bottom.

"Oh,' I said. I was just feeling insanely happy sharing this morning with Bill.

"I hate it when you leave me to go eat your breakfast," Bill said. He leaned in, touching his nose with mine. "Bring your plate back in here. It's alright."

"I wasn't eatin' breakfast," I said. I sat up and reached for the newspaper; "I was lookin' for this, Bill... Of course, you know the AVL Conference is this week."

"Of course." He looked surprised by my interest..

"Then you asked me to come to New York during this conference?"

"Yes. It is an international event, Sookie. Very important to our cause."

"And you were thinkin' that this is a good time for me to be here?" I asked; "Bill, I know you haven't had a moment's peace. Things are about to get off~ the~ charts crazier here for you. For everyone concerned with the American Vampire League."

Bill sat up. "Sookie... I love you so much. I could not endure another week without being near you, sweetheart. I wanted you here. But, you are right. I did a very selfish thing in asking you to come here now. I realize that now."

I tossed the newspaper away from us back towards the edge of the bed. I took Bill's hands and laced his fingers through mine.

"I didn't say that to make you feel guilty, Bill. I was just thinkin'…Nan Flanagan is an awful bitch, but she's right about one thing. The sooner ya'll wrap up things here, the sooner everybody can go home and be unavailable. I'm all for that! Bill, I want you home in Bon Temps with me. As soon as possible."

"Sookie... I'm sorry," Bill said. His blue eyes searched my face. "It was not my intention to pull you into a world-wind up here. Foolishly, I was thinking of myself first and what I needed to help get me through some of the pressure I am feeling. But I knew you wanted to see New York, too. I wanted you to have this, Sookie. And I missed you so very much."

I smiled at him, loving that he wanted me to experience this awesome city.

"So far, Bill, most of my visit has been very nice," I said;" and you know I wanted to be with you, too honey, more than anything. But… maybe you were sayin' me up here for another reason, as well?"

"What do you mean, Sookie?"

I steadied my gaze on Bill and sighed. "It never crossed your mind that I could read these people's thoughts up here? The humans who are makin' and breakin' these deals with the AVL? I can probably find out the best way to help the AVL. Find out what's really holding up ya'lls negotiations. I can find out what's in their heads…what they really want. What you and Nan would have to say to work things out and accomplish the AVL's goals."

Bill kept looking straight at me. He did not look shocked at all at my suggestion. In fact, Bill looked a little relieved. Bill and I must be honest with each other. We had to be.

"Yes...your special gift did occur to me," he said firmly; "But, Sookie, if you truly think for one moment that is the reason I wanted you here with me in New York…I will see to it that you are on the very next plane headed back to Bon Temps."

We just looked at each other. His voice was breaking. I was determined.

We were not going to have any more trust issues between us. I was still holding his hands.

"Bill," I said softly; "I believe you. If you had told me just then, that me usin' my gift, reading people's thought, had never crossed your mind, then you wouldn't have had to make arrangements for me to get to the airport. Because I would be packin' my things right now and takin' a taxi to the airport without any of your help."

Bill shook his head, slowly, still looking into my eyes. "No more lies between us, Sookie. No matter what happens, my baby, I will never lie to you again. I want you to know, your telepathic skills is not why I asked you here. I love you, Sookie. More than my own life. And if you do not believe that, at this very moment…then… perhaps you should go. Because...we have got to be better than that."

We stared at each other for a long moment.

"I told you, I believe you, Bill. And we are better than that. We are wayyy better than that!" I said; "Just think of me as your 'little stress-reliever'...on every level," I teased him. I smiled trying to lighten things up. It wasn't that big a deal, even if Bill had wanted me to help him. Bill was not smiling, though. His brows were tense. I let go of his hand and drew my index finger down along the outline of his strong chin.

"I know you had no plans for me to use my gift. Even though you thought about it. I know you were not ever goin' to ask me. I know. But, when I think about it seriously, Bill, that's exactly what I need to do! Why shouldn't I? I mean, the AVL dinner is where I can listen to all the humans thoughts. The politicians. The heads of state. I can find out what their next move is. Then you will know what your next move should be. The meeting is where I need to be, if I'm goin' to help you, right?"

"Sookie, no!"

"How do you plan on explaining my being there?"

"Sookie!"

I kissed his mouth, hard, then sat back. "Bill, I love you! What good is a 'gift' like this, if I cannot use it to help you now?"

"Sookie, I do not want you in a room full of vampires ever again," Bill said.

"Bill, there won't be just vampires in there! There will be plenty of humans will be there, too, right? Tryin' to get ya'll to include them in your vampire business! Right?"

"Oh, no doubt, an assortment of deceitful characters both human and vampire."

"I understand, Bill. The conference will have them all on their game," I said; "nobody's gonna pay any attention to me. Sounds like a lot of fun, Bill. I can't wait to go."

"Are you kidding?" Bill finally gave me a little smile. "As soon as you walk into the room, you will become the center of attention, Sookie Stackhouse."

I think I had almost convinced him.

"Listen, Bill, if I can get one little piece of information out of Colonel Adibisi or any of those buzzards, about what they really want or what their true intentions are...it would be totally worth it, wouldn't it, Bill?"

Bill brushed the hair from my shoulder. He drew me very close to him, circling my shoulder, and soon we were lying back down on the pillows together in each other's arms.

"Sookie. I do not want to put you in harm's way ever again. Not at an AVL meeting or at the AVL Conference Banquet," he said; "All of these sounds as though it requires too much sleuthing."

"All I'd be doin' is what I do everyday at Merlotte's, Bill. Listenin' to people's thoughts," I said; "That doesn't take anything extra on my part. But if it will help you get back home sooner, I'll do it." I stretched my neck up to see Bill's face. He was starting to look realy tired. He should have been fast asleep. It was almost noon.

The idea of going to a fancy AVL function, or attending the AVL banquet was so exciting to me. I was thinking it would all be a cake walk. And that Bill was worrying unnecessarily. I was thinking it was going to be like…I would be smack-dab in the middle of a James Bond movie or something! Bill dressed so handsomely in a black tuxedo. And me at his side all decked~out in that gorgeous emerald green, floor-length gown that Jessica had helped me pick out for this trip. In my mind, it was going to be Casino Royale. But the reality of being there turned out very different.

And I think I've seen too many adventure movies.

"Well," I said to Bill; "I'm not afraid to walk around and pick the thoughts right outta those important people's heads. Your Colonel Adibisi, from Turkey? I need to find out everything that old bastard is up to!"

The look of surprise on Bill's face was worth this entire conversation.

Eventually, I told Bill about my very first unpleasant encounter with Colonel Adibisi in the elevator on my first night in New York City. How the Colonel had mistaken me, a blond woman walking through the hotel in a pair of tight white slacks, for a call girl.

Bill had said, now he understood why I wanted to open the lid on the Colonel's head.

Bill said, he wanted to think about it some more. How, when and where I should make an appearance with him and how to introduce me. But as fate would have it, those decisions were made indirectly for us.

That evening, Bill said I should dress up...because he wanted to show me something special. Bill said it had nothing to do with the AVL. Only to do with a very secluded and unique place that he wanted to take me to.

Once again, I was beside myself with anticipation.

We descended the elevator and into Carl's limo around eight-thirty. Bill was wearing a cream~colored dinner jacket and a black dress shirt and slacks. I had never seen him wearing a light jacket like that before. He looked amazing in it.

I wore a beautiful red chiffon dress similar in style to the dress that Bill had given to me when he proposed to me at the La Maison, so many months ago. Thinking about our stilted engagement, and how it was interrupted by vampire business, was never far from my thoughts. Especially on an evening like this. The dress has silk piping criss-crossed along my shoulders. I wore red pumps. I hoped that no one could tell just from looking at me, that I was from a small town and had no real savvy fashion sense to speak of.

Bill said I looked beautiful and not to worry. But I pulled up my hair into a couple of ivory combs, in an attempt to look more sophisticated.

As me and Bill sat closely together, the limo snaked across the twinkling landscape of New York City. Carl, our limo driver, wasn't driving very fast, at all. I looked out of the window, just amazed at all the bright lights, the tall buildings, the thongs of people everywhere. It was everything I had imagined it would be. Only better, because I was sharing it with Bill.

Soon we were in the middle of Manhattan and there was Times Square right in front of us! I felt like squealing out loud. I think I did! This is where the big ball dropped every year on New Year's Eve! I took in the swirl of colored lights, the storefronts, the magical billboards! And all the traffic. I think Bill was enjoying himself just by watching my reactions to everything I saw. After we passed the Square, I sat back into Bill's arms. I could not imagine a more exciting place to be. I could not imagine being happier than I was at that moment. Of course, Bill always knows how to take me to the next level.

His arm around my shoulder, he squeezed me very tightly.

"You forgot what today is," he said, casually, our faces very close together;" but I didn't."

I looked up at him in confusion. "What? What day is it?"

"It's our anniversary," he said smiling.

"N-no!" I stammered in shock.

"Yes," Bill smiled; "Tonight. One year ago...I walked into Merlotte's."

"OH, my stars!" I said; "No. Bill, how could I have forgotten that?!"

Bill nodded. "I suspect, a bit too much excitement in coming to New York," he said;

"But I have a little something here that just may help you remember next year."

He reached into his jacket breast pocket and pulled out a small, rectangular box covered in black suede. I looked curiously at the box, then back up into Bill's eyes.

"What is that?"

"You won't know unless you open it."

I sighed. With both my hands, I took the box from Bill's palm. I slowly opened the seams on the tiny box. It snapped open. There inside was an exquisite little tennis bracelet that sparkled in the darkness of the limo.

"OH BILL!" I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand; "These are not diamonds?!"

Bill chuckled softly deep in his throat. He lifted the little diamond bracelet from the box and placing it around my wrist. "They had better be."

He gently connected the tiny clasp, then turned my wrist over and placed a soft kiss in the palm of my hand.

"Happy Anniversary, sweetheart," he whispered; "Here's to the first time I saw your lovely face."

I quickly circled my arms around Bill's neck and gave him the warmest, most heart~felt kiss that I could. I was thinking of the yellow gold engagement ring that I had tucked away inside my jewelry box at home. And I wished I had brought it with me.

"To the first time...I saw you," I whispered back, then kissing both his cheeks; "Thank you, darling...it's just...so beautiful, Bill!"

I didn't want to ruin my mascara with tears, but the tears were there. We kissed while, tightly embracing each other. New York buzzed all around us. I was on Cloud Nine.

With Bill.

Soon the limo was crossing the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge. Its towering size, was a sight to behold. I leaned against Bill chest, outstretched my arm and gazed at my diamond tennis bracelet. The limo could have gone around in circles for all I cared. It did not matter where we were going. I was perfectly content. But finally, we reached our destination. We had been riding for at least 45 minutes or so. And now we were on the other side of the river. To my surprise, we cruised through a narrow neighborhood. Everything started looking very eclectic. Funky. Bohemian. There were row after row of brownstones. Wrought-iron street lamps. The limo pulled up to the curb. I looked to my right out of the window. I saw a small neon sign flashing in blue and white lights overhead and a flight of brick stairs headed downward to a type of cellar entrance. The sign announced "TWICE ~ BITTEN" I looked back at Bill.

"It's a vamp bistro," Bill said; "Mortals are welcome. Everybody behaves."

"Classy. Not like Fangtasia?" I asked. Carl opened my door and me and Bill stepped out of the limo and onto the cobblestone sidewalk.

"A noticeable improvement," said Bill, as he took my hand.

Down the flight of steps we went. The cellar entrance was narrow and dark. We came to an iron-clad door with no window. Then down another short flight of stairs. The walls in the stairwell were painted a shiny black and silver, covered with glided picture frames of different depictions of the most famous vampire of all, Dracula. Pictures of his alter~ego Bela Lugosi and Vlad The Impaler from Transylvania. Also pictures of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in costume as they appeared in the movie Interview With A Vampire. Lestat's eyes followed me from the wall in a glamouring stare. Dark lanterns at the top of the wall lit our way. Finally, we came to a huge silver~plated door. This door did not open to us. I knew Bill was not supposed to touch silver. But there was a platinum door~knocker.

Bill knocked. A narrow slate opening in the door was quickly pulled back and a pair of eyes looked out at us.

"Good evening, Vincent," Bill said. Immediately the door was unbolted and swung open away from us. A heavy-set man in a huge charcoal grey~colored suit greeted us.

"Good evening, Mr. Compton." He moved to one side. Bill and I walked through the threshold.

The bistro was very classy. Sort of a 1940s feel to it. Bogey and Bacall. Much larger inside than the dark hallway would lead you to believe. People, men and women, were having drinks at a very long red bar and dining on in~laid terra cotta tile tables. There were couples on the spacious dance floor. I could not tell just by looking at them, who were the vampires and who were the mortals. A small quartet was playing very smooth jazz. In the far right corner , in the distance, I spotted three brick portals, a vista that lead through and opened up to a verandah that overlooked the glassy gray East River. The place was hushed and sophisticated. Everyone seemed understated, as Bill had said. To my left was a space with billiard tables set up, a couple of gentlemen playing pool. And beyond that I could see another dining room.

"Sookie, would you like to sit outside?" Bill asked.

"No, let's sit in here," I said, squeezing his arm; "I want to people watch."

The hostess showed us to a very nice table, just close enough to the quartet to enjoy the melodious chords, but not so close that it would drown out me and Bill's conversation. We were seated near the verandah, but not outside. The music floated in the subtle breeze. I looked down at my stunning diamond bracelet. I smiled at Bill. We sat very close at our table, our fingers entwined, our knees touching. I asked Bill to order me a rum and coke.

"Well, I have run into several people today associated with the conference and now here you are, Bill!"

We looked up and there was Colonel Adibisi himself towering over us. His thoughts immediately jumped into my head:

*I see the many services of the concierge are extended to ALL the vampires at the hotel. Up into the higher ranks she goes! This is the same hot little number that I noticed in the elevator the other day. What other conclusion can I draw, other than, she must be good! I wonder how many johns she has been friendly with before she some how finally found her way to Nan's most valuable asset in the AVL.

William Compton.*

I turned to my left and stared up at this man. There he was, again, in all his uniformed-glory. Colonel Roland Adibisi. Still silently hurling insults at people he did not even know! Accusing and assuming things he had no first~hand knowledge of! I think I just went completely numb for a few moments. And I was thankfully in shock and bit the end of my tongue, before saying something that I really should not say! Bill was quickly on his feet, extending his hand.

"Colonel! What a surprise. How nice it is to see you, this evening," Bill smiled; "Are you alone this evening? Please join us."

"Bill, it's a pleasure, as always!" The Colonel shook hands with Bill; "No...no, I am here with my wife. Angelique is here as well, with a friend. This place was recommended to us by Mr. Emery at the hotel. Quite the out of the way place, wouldn't you say? And who is your lovely companion this evening?"
*I hate to put Bill on the spot, but he should know better than to bring a girl like this out in public. She's very pretty. But he really should have left her in his suite...or sent her home earlier. He could be photographed with her. Now I am worried for him. I've heard most fang-bangers are difficult to get rid of *

"This evening and every evening," Bill corrected him, proudly; "Colonel Adibisi, may I introduce to you, my fiance. Miss Sookie Stackhouse. Sookie...Colonel Roland Adibisi, the Diplomatic Liaison to the Prime Minister of Turkey."

I graciously held out my hand to the Colonel. I smiled a frozen smile. Staring at him. Bill had introduced me as his fiance. Another thing to be stunned about.

"Colonel," I said; "it is a pleasure."

He took my hand and bowed grandly. His whiskers brushed the back of my hand. Involuntarily, I quickly retrieved my hand. I stayed seated. The Colonel and Bill continued to stand there over me.

"Miss Stackhouse," he said with surprise in his voice; "So lovely to make your acquaintance. Bill, in your business affairs and in your personal life, you play things very close to the vest, don't you? We had no idea you were engaged."

"These negotiations are dragging on and on," Bill kept smiled; "I was so glad when Sookie told me she could be persuaded to join me here in New York for a few days."

"Excellent, I'm sure," said the Colonel; "when is the happy day?" *How could I have been so wrong about her?*

"We haven't set one yet," I said dryly.

"The sooner, the better..." Bill said looking down at me. There was a short pause as I basked in the light from his blue eyes. Why was I surprised that Bill still wanted me for his wife? Of course, we had not discussed it in any detail yet. But it felt wonderful to hear him claiming me to others.

"Well," said the Colonel;" it is more than apparent to me that the blessed nuptials are not very far away. You look very happy together. I wish you both much happiness."

"Thank you, Colonel," Bill said, not taking his eyes from me.

"Yes, well...perhaps I should get back to my party," said the Colonel; "they will have wondered where I have been. I hope the two of you have a very nice evening and I know I will be seeing you later, Bill."

"Of course," said Bill;" you do the same, Colonel."

Just then, Angelique Conti walked up beside her patron, the Colonel.

*Ohhh, look at Bill in that white jacket! He looks so good! Sexy. He looks wonderful in anything he wears, really. Oh God. I should have just told him how I feel...well, no, he has a girlfriend. What good would that have done? I cannot believe I am losing him to that cheap little country blonde!

I surely was not surprised by anything coming out of Angelique's desperate head.

"Hello Bill," Angelique almost sighed.

"Good evening, Angelique. How are you this evening?" Bill smiled at her.

"Very good, thank you," she said, then glanced down at me; "Hello there, Sookie."

"Hello," I managed.

*Now Angelique should know not to waste her time mooning over Bill Compton! He is engaged!*

Thanks a bunch, Colonel.

*Seeing Bill out with her has ruined my night. I do not even want to go back to the table. I just want to go home now! *

Sorry Angelique. You'll just have to tough it out, dearie.

*She must be from that little town where Bill grew up. Surely, Bill is not going back to live there? He could have a very bright future here in New York with the other AVL associates. I'm going to talk to Nan about that. Somehow...if I could just maneuver around the radicals and get them to listen to reason. Compton and his team seem to have everyone's best interests in mind. Olivia is probably wondering where we have gone. Angelique and I need to get back*

What? The Colonel has connections with some radical group?

*I've never met anyone like Bill. I never even dreamed I'd know a vampire until Bill came into my life. He is so wonderful. Strong. Intelligent. He's not like the other vampires. I wonder what it would be like to kiss him? I know it would be heaven*

You are right, Anqelique. Bill is not like any other vampire. Hey, Bill is mine!

"Angelique," called the Colonel; "we shouldn't take up any more of Bill's and Sookie's evening. Enjoy!"

"Good night," said Angelique, looking at Bill very shyly. "Good night, Sookie."

"Good night." Bill finally sat back down next to me; "That was interesting. I never dreamed I'd see them here, Sookie."

I sipped my rum and coke and looked out at the water. There was a steamer ship moving slowly by in our line of vision. I saw the phrase City of New Orleans printed in big letters on its hull..

"Sookie?" Bill reached over and took my hand; "are you o.k?" He had a worried look in his eyes. I wasn't going to let anything spoil our time together. I wanted to erase his worried expression.

I decided to wait and tell Bill about Colonel Adibisi's thoughts later. Later, when I had more information. The night was so beautiful and I just wanted to enjoy this time with Bill. No more talk of vampire business.

Maybe that was wrong. But I wanted Bill all to myself right then.

"Yes, I'm fine," I said.

"Dance with me, sweetheart…" His blue eyes twinkled in the candlelight.

"I'd love to, Bill."

We got up and walked slowly over to the little jazz quartet made up of one drummer, one guitarist, and a guy with a saxophone. There were only about six couples dancing on the entire slate floor. The drummer smiled at us as we approached. We danced near the open verandah. The breeze gently blew back on us as Bill took me reassuringly into his strong arms. The mellow music played soothingly, lilting through the air, on and on. I briefly glanced at the other couples swaying by me and Bill. Then I closed my eyes.

Bill held me very close. We moved effortlessly together. Cheek to cheek.

We enjoyed the dance together... We moved in time, perfectly in sync, together.

Bill knew my every step and I knew his.

End of Ch. 10 ….to be continued…