Where the Heart Is

Chapter 23

Sookie kicked out at him, but he was stronger than he looked, even when intoxicated.

“Stop, you’ll only hurt yourself. I just want to make you feel good.”

“Let me go!” she yelled.

Bill wouldn’t budge, instead unbuttoning her blouse to reveal her lace bra. “Did you wear this for him, or did you know you would be seeing me tonight?”

Her anger turned to fear as Bill started to fondle her breasts, giving them a light squeeze. “Please, don’t do this.” Sookie couldn’t stop the tears from forming, and she hated herself for that.

Bill pulled away as if burned, genuinely surprised by the anguish on her face. He wiped a tear away with his thumb. “I love you, Sookie. I would never do anything to put you in harm’s way, you must believe that. I should have fought for us more; I never should have let Lorena seduce me. I was a weak man, but not a day goes by that I don’t regret my actions. I lost the one person who meant more to me than anything else on this earth. I am truly very sorry, but I can’t let you go. I’m nothing without you, sweetheart.”

Sookie tried not to gag when he kissed her again, shoving his tongue down her throat. He squeezed her nipples through her bra, roaming his hands all over her body. When he slipped his fingers into her pants, she struck him as hard as she could in the crotch, watching in satisfaction as he groaned in pain and releasing her in the process.

She scrambled out of the car, glaring at him with all the hatred she possessed. “God, what the hell happened to you? Gambling, getting drunk off your ass, and now you want to add rape to the list?” Sookie snatched up her fallen cell phone, shaking her head in disgust. “Screw the cab; I’m calling the police to deal with you. I’ve had about enough of your crap to last me a lifetime, and don’t even think about taking off before they show up.” She did just that, knowing that with his drunkenness and how much agony he was now in, he wasn’t likely to be taking off any time soon. Sookie glanced down at him after making the call, he looked so utterly pathetic and she couldn’t find it in her to feel sorry for him. He brought this all on himself. “You were right about one thing, though. You are nothing without me.”

* * * * *

Eric ran to her after getting a call from the station, taking her in his arms as he smothered her with kisses.

She smiled against his strong chest, never so happy to see anyone. “I’m okay.”

He pulled away to get a better look at her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “What did that bastard do to you?”

Sookie let out a sigh, reliving to him everything that happened with Bill and if they weren’t currently in a police station, she might be worried for her ex-boyfriend’s safety.

“And where the fuck is he now?”

“He’s locked up for the night,” she explained. “They’re letting him sober up in here, but he’ll probably make bail the next morning. Bill is a lowlife, but he has pretty rich parents. Even though he claims they cut him off, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time until they come get him out. I hope this is a wake up call and makes him realize what a huge idiot he’s been. Either way, I’m getting a restraining order. If he steps so much as twenty feet near me again, he’s coming right back here. I’ve officially had enough.”

Eric led her out of the station, wanting to get back home to Jessica. His neighbor was watching her, but the crazy old lady couldn’t be trusted for long. He just didn’t have anyone else to turn to in such short notice.

* * * * *

Weeks went by with no sign of Bill; it looked like he finally took her threats seriously. If she never saw him again, it would be too soon.

Sookie found the engagement ring in Eric’s sock drawer, smiling at his idea of a hiding place. She took it out of the box, staring in awe at how gorgeous it was. She placed the jewel on her finger, holding it up to get a better look. It sparkled in the light, bringing another smile to her face.

“Does this mean you’re ready?”

She jumped at Eric’s voice in the doorway, feeling embarrassed that he caught her. “I just wanted to try it on to see if it would fit.”

He stepped further into the room, taking her hand in his. “It’s a perfect fit, but then again, you always were.”

Sookie felt choked up, looking at the love and adoration on his features, she realized how ridiculous she was being. A man like this only came around once in a girl’s life, and she’d have to be pretty damn stupid to turn him away. She kissed his knuckles, gazing deeply into his eyes. “Eric Northman, would you do me the honor of being my husband?”

He grinned, nodding without any hesitation. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Before Sookie could respond, he picked her up and swung her around the room, laughing at his antics as he put her back down.

“You have made me the happiest man in the world, and I promise that I will never let you down. I will love and cherish you for the rest of your days, Sookie Stackhouse.”

With heartfelt words like that, she definitely made the right decision.