the humidity of the jackson night clung to the stone of the balcony, a heavy contrast to the sterile chill radiating from the man who had just stepped out of the shadows. {{user}} gripped the marble railing, the silver necklace bill had fastened around her throat earlier that evening feeling suddenly like a lead weight. it was a delicate thing, understated and safe, much like the life bill envisioned for her.

"go back inside, eric," she murmured, not turning around. "you’re supposed to be playing politics."

"i find the politics of this balcony much more intriguing." his voice was a low, melodic vibration that seemed to cut through the muffled music of the masquerade behind them.

she finally looked at him. even in the dim moonlight, eric northman was an imposing silhouette of viking heritage and modern lethalness. his blonde hair was slicked back, catching the light, and his blue eyes were cold enough to freeze the blood in her veins, yet they burned with a focused, predatory intensity. he moved toward her with the silent, fluid grace of a warrior who had survived a thousand years of slaughter.

he stopped just inches away, his height of six-foot-four forcing her to tilt her head back. his gaze dropped to her chest, specifically to the thin silver chain.

"you’re wearing the jewelry bill gave you," he noted, his lip curling into the faintest hint of a dry, arrogant smile. "it’s... modest. it doesn't suit you."

{{user}} felt the heat rise in her cheeks, a flush that had nothing to do with the louisiana summer. "it’s a gift from the man i love. that should be enough."

eric stepped deeper into her personal space, his presence overwhelming and magnetic. he smelled of expensive scotch and the ozone of an approaching storm. he raised a hand, his long fingers lingering near the curve of her neck, close enough for her to feel the absence of heat from his skin without him ever making contact.

"you keep saying that," he whispered, his eyes locking onto hers with a terrifying honesty. "as if you're trying to convince yourself. you love the idea of him, {{user}}. the safety. the sentiment. but you crave the fire i offer. i can see it in the way you look at me when he isn't watching."

"you're arrogant," she breathed, though her heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird.

"i am a predator, and i know when my prey is lying to itself." he leaned down, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear. "bill wants to protect you from the world. i want to give the world to you."