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Book Two Lay It On The Line
Chapter One ~ Chapter Two ~ Chapter Three ~ Chapter Four ~ Chapter Five ~ Chapter Six ~ Chapter Seven Chapter Eight ~ Chapter Nine ~ Chapter Ten ~ Chapter Eleven ~ Chapter Twelve ~ Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen ~ Chapter Fifteen ~ Chapter Sixteen ~ Chapter Seventeen
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Posted October 26, 2006 Completed 17 Chaps - 384 pages
Rating NC-17/MA
Disclaimer Not mine!
Distribution If you already archive my stories then feel free, otherwise please ask
Timeline N/A – Alternate Universe
Pairing Buffy & Angel, Faith & Spike
Summary Secrets are revealed and pasts come back to life.
Author’s Note If you haven’t already read Book One (To Believe Again) I recommend that you do. Characters are introduced and developed in the first book. This is a continuation of that story.
It has been two years since Book One was completed, and that’s way too long to wait on such a cliffhanger, many, many apologies for that. And lots of thanks to everyone that sent feedback on Book One, and wanted to see the story continued. I hope this book is well worth the wait.
Many thanks to Kay – my beta beauty – for putting up with my babbling rambling quirks big hugs. And to Bre, my rock in the otherwise whacky world of BTVS fandom and life, this book is dedicated to you – luv ya sweets!
EBOOK It’s free! (.99 MB)
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Chapter One Hush
London…
The sky was pitch-black and the rain fell rapidly as a dark cloaked figure stood on a rooftop overlooking the city. His keen eyes peered through the thick fog that had suddenly rolled in, blanketing the city into even more darkness.
Perfect, he smirked into the night. To him there was nothing more beautiful than the fog that settled in. It made his job much easier, in and out, just the way he liked it. He didn’t want to stay here any longer then he had to.
He checked his watch, ten minutes. He jumped up on to the edge of the roof and took out his crossbow. He aimed for the gargoyle on the roof across the street and fired. The wire flew across the sky then with a clank it wrapped around the neck of the gargoyle, locking into place.
He smirked, perfect shot. He quickly moved to attach the other end to the clasp on the wall. He grabbed his pulley and hooked it to the wire. With a smile on his face he took a deep breath and jumped.
This was his favorite part. It always made him feel like Superman, flying through the sky. It was a feeling of freedom. It was what made his job perfect. That and the fact that he got to kill people. He’d always enjoyed that too. Maybe a little too much, at least the other members of the team thought so.
Nearing the building he lifted his knees and prepared for the soft quiet landing that he needed. Without a sound his feet touched the concrete, his palms resting on the cold stone as he smirked proudly to himself. Another successful flight, as he liked to call it.
Unhooking himself from the wire his eyes scanned the rooftop. Seeing that he was alone, he quickly made his way to the door.
His keen eyes scanned the doorframe looking for any trip wires or alarms that might be present. Spotting one, he chuckled as he reached for his slim leather tool case in his jacket. Did they really think that dinky thing would keep him out? That wouldn’t keep a crack head out.
Pulling out his wire cutters, he studied the small box in the upper left hand corner of the doorframe. Taking a hold of the red wire he held his breath as he clipped the wire. He smiled broadly as the wire split into two and the door popped open without a sound.
Putting the cutters back in the case, he zipped it up and tucked it away. Opening the door he stuck his head in and quickly looked down the stairs. Empty.
He stepped inside and closed the door, leaving it open just a tad, and made his way down the steps and to the apartment right below it.
“It’s a bloody shame mate. We was leading that match when the bloke hurt his knee.”
“Aye, I couldn’t believe it meself Deacon. It was as if those Manchester bastards planned it.”
He pressed himself up against the wall and quietly snuck up to the end of the hallway, where he heard the two men talking. He couldn’t help but shake his head in agreement. He knew exactly what match they were talking about, how could he not. He lost 2000 pounds on that game.
“Aye well, we’ll get him next time, we will.”
He looked around the corner and saw them. They stood guarding the wide double brass doors that were closed. Two big burly men wearing the worst suits he had ever seen. He guessed they didn’t get paid much; either that or they needed some serious help in the wardrobe department. Judging by the bulge in their jackets, they were both packing. If he had to guess, he would say they were Glocks, but you never knew. Not that it made a difference. Their fingers would never even touch the triggers.
Silently he pulled his dagger out, his favorite weapon, and pressed himself further against the wall as he turned the corner and slinked up to the men.
“I think I need some tea. You want some Deacon?”
Before Deacon could answer, he was grabbed from behind and felt the pressure of a strong arm under his throat. All he saw was the slight glimmer of silver before its sharp blade slid effortlessly across his throat, slicing the flesh neatly and cleanly.
The other man turned around to answer, but no words came out as a knife flew through the air and embedded itself in his throat.
The figure held on to Deacon and grabbed the other one by the collar before he fell to the floor with a loud thud.
Quietly he laid them both down then pulled his knife out of the one man’s throat. After he wiped it on the man’s jacket he put it back in its sheath and turned his attention to the closed doors.
Scanning the hallway one more time he slowly turned the knob and opened the door. Stepping inside the room he looked to his left and then to his right. There was the sound of a pot being placed on a stove, as a shadow moved around. The kitchen. Not what he was interested in even though he was a little hungry.
His ears picked up the sound of the shower being turned on and he looked to the left. The bathroom. Now that he was interested in. But first there was something else that he needed.
Peering straight ahead was the living room and the large Van Gogh that hung on the wall. His eyes twinkled gleefully and his heart lurched with anticipation. He crept up to it; his feet not making one sound as they crossed the marble floor then touched the shaggy carpet. Reaching the painting he grabbed the frame. Pulling it, he swung it wide open to reveal the safe behind it.
Placing his ear on the cool metal safe, he leaned in and his nimble fingers began to turn the lock, listening intently for that small little click. Twenty seconds later the safe quietly popped open. He smiled; damn he was good.
Reaching inside he quickly filtered through the papers that were stacked neatly in the front, pulling out a photograph that was hidden beneath them. Well, well, well…it appeared that the bloke had more to hide than they knew.
The photo was of two men. The bloke was on his hands and knees; he had a ball in his mouth with a leather strap keeping it place, and a chain around his neck. Behind him was another man. He wore a black mask and tight black shorts and in his hand was a whip. The figure shook his head at the absurd image, what some people were into these days was beyond him. Shrugging he put the photo aside, to each his own, he always thought.
He reached all the way into the back of the safe when his gloved hand landed on something round. Smiling he pulled it out and held it up. Deftly he opened the black velvet pouch and looked inside.
He was almost blinded by their sparkling beauty as he stared at the diamonds. It was a small fortune and he couldn’t contain his excitement. No matter how many times he held some in his hands, no matter how many he owned in his own private vault, he still never got tired of staring at them. They were just beautiful little pieces of nature.
Hearing a door slam from the kitchen he closed the pouch and tucked it securely in his pocket. Quietly he closed the safe.
Walking back over the marble tile he silently crept to the left and down the hall.
Steam came out from under a door filling the hallway with moist heat. He walked up to it and peered inside.
The shower was running, and there was a man inside washing himself. He was happily humming as he did, completely unaware of the black figure that watched him.
He looked back down the hallway and to the kitchen. Seeing nothing amiss he slowly opened the door and crept inside the bathroom.
It was a huge opulent bathroom and he couldn’t help but admire it. Not that it was his style, it was a little too flashy for his tastes, but still it was something to see. The entire bathroom was black marble and trimmed with gold leaf. Even the glass shower walls that enclosed the shower were lined with gold. Hell even the shower itself was amazing. It was the size of a walk in closet and had four water jets strategically placed on every wall. He could only imagine what that must feel like.
His eyes darkened. He had traveled all over the world, he had stood in some of the richest homes in the world, even his own home wasn’t too shabby, yet it still amazed him as to what a lot of money could buy. What really riled him was the fact that some people had nothing and other’s like this scumbag, who didn’t deserve to share the same air as those good people, had everything.
Taking a step closer to the edge of the wall, he smirked to himself. It didn’t matter. Soon this guy wouldn’t have jack shit.
He looked around the wall; the man stood with his arms braced against the wall, his back to the figure that stepped up behind him. Without hesitation he grabbed the man from behind, leaned his head back, and slit his throat. The body fell to the floor, making no sound except that of a small splash as it hit the water that slowly started to turn red.
Rinsing his dagger off, the figure placed the cold weapon in its sheath and headed out the bathroom and back down the hall. Taking one more glimpse to the right, he silently left the apartment, closing the door softly as he did.
He made his way up the stairs and to the roof, when he heard the sound of glass shattering and a shrill cry of fright echoing throughout the building.
Casually he walked up to the edge of the roof. Grabbing the wire that was still around the Gargoyle he attached the motor pulley and clamped it into place. Turning the small but powerful motor on, he took one last look over his shoulder. Smiling at the emptiness that he saw, he turned around and walked off the building.
The pulley pulled him along the cable and up the slight grade assuredly. Once more he was flying like Superman through the sky, and he couldn’t suppress the smile that shone on his face.
His feet slammed down solidly on the roof of the adjacent building. He looked back to the roof he had just left, still empty. Quickly he collected his equipment and put it in the small black bag.
He pulled out a blue shirt and black blazer. Swiftly he tugged off the snug black mask and shirt that he currently wore, and tucked them away inside the bag zipping it closed.
He opened the door and headed down the long stairwell checking his watch. It was exactly ten minutes later. Damn he WAS good!
He began to whistle happily as he walked down the stairs. He should just make the eight o’clock flight back to Los Angeles.
Five minutes past and he was on the bottom level.
“Thank you luv.” He said to the woman that held the door open for him. She smiled back at him. She was cute, but she wasn’t what he hungered for. She didn’t have big brown eyes, and she most definitely did not have a sexy sassy mouth.
His feet hit the pavement and walked over to the waiting cab. Opening the door he jumped in and closed it. “Heathrow airport mate and make it quick.”
********
Los Angeles
“OH GOD, ANGEEELLL!”
“Shhh you have to be quiet.” Angel admonished his lover quietly. He didn’t want an audience. But it was a hard feat to accomplish considering his lover was a screamer. Thrusting inside her tight sheath he moaned blissfully, he wouldn’t want it any other way.
Of course he could use a little more room. The closet that they were currently occupying was a tight fit for a man his size. And it didn’t leave much room for some good strong hip action but he didn’t care. He was just glad that he found an empty room in a busy movie theatre on a Friday night.
They came to see the midnight show of some foreign movie. It was something that he had wanted to see, of course at the moment he couldn’t remember what the hell it was. Buffy on the other hand, didn’t. She said any movie that required her to read for two hours wasn’t worth the effort. She said if it wasn’t filmed in English then it couldn’t be that good. He chuckled at her, Americans.
She came only because she had dragged him to see some girly movie that he didn’t want to see last week. And he made her promise that she would go to see a movie that he wanted to watch. She had reluctantly agreed.
But Buffy was Buffy, and half way through the movie she started to tease him by running her hand up and down this thigh squeezing it along the way. Then when she got to his crotch she slowly grazed his length with her fingernails as she moved closer and rested her head on his shoulders.
It annoyed Angel because he really wanted to see the movie, but it seemed that the Beast didn’t want to watch it either because his pants quickly became very tight.
He tried to ignore it. Why should she always get what she wanted? Make her suffer a little bit he said to himself. She shouldn’t be able to always seduce him in to doing what she wanted right?
But that sentiment quickly fled the moment she turned her head and stuck her tongue in his ear, breathing shallowly and lightly she whispered, “I want you Angel.”
Damn it he couldn’t resist her.
He growled and stood up abruptly grabbing her hand and proceeded to drag her out of the movie and into the nearest closet, which is where they currently found themselves.
Buffy was precariously sitting on a makeshift shelve. Her legs were spread wide and she was holding on to a towel rack as Angel pounded into her.
“ANGELLL” She keened.
“Shhhh”
With one last powerful thrust the shelf splintered and cracked just as they both achieved their release. She quickly wrapped her legs around his waist for support as he grabbed on to her so she wouldn’t fall.
“Who’s in there?” The doorknob started to rattle and Angel silently thanked God that there was a lock on the door.
“Shit!” Buffy whispered.
With one quick kiss to his lips her legs unwrapped from around his waist and landed on the floor. They quickly adjusted their clothes smiling at each other like idiots. When they were decent once more they opened the door to the angry red face of the manager.
“What are you doing in there?” He craned his neck around the couple trying to see if something was amiss.
Pushing Buffy through the door Angel reached into his pocket and took out a hundred dollar bill. “Here that should pay for the damages.” He slapped it in the manager’s palm and smiled at him.
Giggling they strolled out of the movie theatre holding hands. “For some reason I don’t think we’ll be able to go to that movie theater again.” He said happily.
Buffy pouted, “But I like that movie theatre they have those cushiony soft seats.” Angel looked at the pout and knew he could never deny her anything.
“Okay we’ll sneak in next time.”
“What do you think happened to Spike and Faith?” Buffy asked as they walked down the Sunset strip. They were supposed to meet them at the movie theatre but they never showed up.
Angel knew exactly why they didn’t show up but he wasn’t about to share that information with Buffy. Instead he just chuckled and grabbed her by the waist hauling her up to him. He lowered his face to hers rubbing his nose against hers. “Probably the same thing that we were doing.”
She giggled back, “Yeah but I bet it didn’t cost Spike a hundred bucks.”
“I’d pay a million bucks to have you wherever I want, even if it was in the pits of a sewer.” He started to nuzzle her neck, nipping on her throat.
She ran her fingers through his hair and clung to him wrinkling her nose at his suggestion. “A sewer? Angel I love you, I really do, but I don’t think I will ever get naked in a sewer.”
He stopped his ministrations and looked up at her. “I didn’t say you had to be naked.” His hands moved to the hem of her skirt inching it up. “You just have to be there and accessible.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
She laughed at him while trying to stop him from lifting her skirt up any higher.
“Disgusting what you young kids think is appropriate public behavior these days.” A woman snorted as she passed them on the street.
Angel looked up at her and winked. “Well ma’am perhaps you could come over here and show me exactly what appropriate public behavior entails?”
The lady gave him the nastiest look Buffy had ever seen from an old lady then she walked away huffing and puffing, mumbling about rude young men.
Buffy slapped Angel’s hands away and stepped out of his embrace, laughing at his playfulness. “You are so bad teasing little old blue haired ladies.” She started backing away from him.
He followed with a sinister smirk on his face. “Well how about you come back over here and I’ll tease you instead?” He started to walk faster.
So did she.
“I don’t like to be teased Angel you know that.” She gave him her sexiest smile. “When I want it, I want it. No waiting for Buffy, it makes me cranky. Now you better hurry up because I want it now.”
She turned around running as fast as she could. They were only two blocks away from The Graveyard so she thought she might have a chance.
Angel gave her a ten second head start before he dashed away after her.
********
The loft was dark except for the soft glow of candles that cast a shadow on the lovers lying on the floor. Buffy was resting her head on Angel’s chest thinking about how amazing he was and how after six months he still evoked incredible feelings of longing and love inside of her.
She remembered what it was like with Parker; to her it seemed that after six months it was clear that she didn’t love him. He would touch her and she would feel nothing, no spark, not longing or lust, just nothing.
But Angel, Angel made her feel everything. He made the tiny hairs on her body stand to attention waiting for his slightest touch. He made her toes curl with the pleasure that he incited in her. He made her heart feel so full of love that at times she thinks it will just explode. With Angel, when she’s away from him, it’s just the mere memory of a word spoken or a look given that gets her hotter than a five alarm fire.
“What’s your plan for tonight baby?” Angel asked as he rubbed her back.
Buffy purred under his touch still lost in her own thoughts. “Mmmm…if I suggested you, me, a bottle of champagne and a bubble bath would you stay?” She asked. She was a little annoyed that he had to work tonight. It seemed that he was working a lot lately either at night or on the weekends.
Angel sighed into her hair blowing loose strands over his face; he hated being away from her too. There was no other place in the world he would rather be tonight than in the arms of his Goddess, but at the moment he had no choice.
“I’m sorry baby I know I’ve been working a lot lately but the Director is yanking all our chains to finish this project.”
She sighed, her breath tickling his skin. “I know, I just miss you when you’re not with me.”
He tugged on her hair and she looked up at him. “And I miss you.” Their mouths met in the middle leisurely nipping at the corners of each other’s mouths.
“I am behind in doing the books for The Graveyard so I guess I’ll be doing that tonight.” She pouted. “No fun for Buffy.”
Angel held her tightly and nipped at her ear. “Well I can’t help with the books.” His hand slid over her smooth back and to the curve of her butt. Covering the soft globes he squeezed them. “But I can give you a little something to think about while doing the books.”
She laughed. “Angel there is nothing little about you.”
He smiled against her neck. “Well that is true,” he proudly declared.
Buffy chuckled at his conceit. “Besides like I would really be able to concentrate on math if all I’m thinking about is you and your little…” reaching down she squeezed his not so little package, “…something.”
Reaching back up she reached for his head, her hands sifted through his brown locks and brought his mouth to hers for a kiss.
Just as the kiss got hotter and hands started to wander, their peaceful shroud of love was interrupted by the loud banging on the front door. “OUI’ ANGELUS…you in there?”
Angel moaned under Buffy’s mouth. “Why can’t they just leave us alone!”
She giggled at the exasperated look on this face and started to rise. He pulled her back down growling at her, “Where are you going?” He placed kisses down her neck. “Ignore him, he’ll go away.”
She held his head to her neck enjoying his attention and giggling at his playfulness.
BANG. BANG. BANG. “I know you’re in there I can smell the sex out here for god’s sake. Don’t you people have any shame, shagging on the living room floor!”
Angel growled into Buffy’s neck while she flat out laughed at Spike’s outburst. She pushed off of him and stood up. Angel placed his hands behind his head and looked at her in all of her naked glory. God she was beautiful and she’s mine he thought as a smile spread across his face.
“I’m going to take a shower. You…” she poked him in the stomach with her toe, “Will take care of your friend who is obnoxiously banging on my door.”
He grabbed her foot before she walked away and brought it up to his mouth. Taking her toe in his mouth he sucked on it lightly, staring into her eyes. “Maybe I’ll meet you in there after I get rid of said obnoxious friend.”
BANG. BANG. BANG. “C’mon mate I can’t stay out here all day” BANG. BANG. BANG.
“ALRIGHT ALREADY HOLD ON!” Angel screamed out, mad that a loud-mouthed Brit was disturbing his sexual play!
He let go of Buffy’s foot and she helped him up. She kissed him on the lips then turned away, walking towards the bathroom. Angel was unable to resist smacking her on the ass. “Ouch!” She rubbed her derriere giving him a look that promised payback but he just winked at her.
Putting on his pants he walked over to the door and opened it. “Have I ever told you that the sound of your voice grates on my nerves?”
“All the time.”
Spike came barreling in pushing Angel aside and looking around the room. He was hoping to get a glimpse of naked Buffy skin, but she wasn’t there.
Angel rolled his eyes. “She’s in the shower.”
Damn, well maybe next time Spike thought.
Angel closed the door and went into the kitchen with Spike trailing behind. “How did it go in London?”
“Piece of cake mate.” He threw a black pouch down on the table. “He wants to see you, tonight. He said and I quote, ‘I don’t care if he’s fucking the Queen of England I want to see him tonight!’”
Angel smirked, typical crudeness. “Yeah well I was planning on it anyway. Buffy’s got to do the books tonight so she’ll be busy with that.”
Spike walked up to Angel and whispered, “Are you ever going to tell her?”
Angel thought on that, he had contemplated telling her but he was afraid of her reaction. Not because he thought she would be stuffy about it, but because he lied to her. It had taken him a long time to get her to trust him and he was loath to do anything that would break that. “Have you told Faith?”
Spike leaned against the counter. “Yes I did.” Proud that he had bucked up and told the truth. Well at least the majority of the truth.
“And what did she say?” Angel was curious because Faith and Buffy were so much alike and maybe if Faith took it all in stride then Buffy would too.
“She didn’t say anything at first. But then after she drop kicked me clear across the room for lying to her, she said she understood.” Spike said rubbing his stomach remembering the force of that kick and how much it hurt.
Angel smirked at that picture but then his smile quickly faded as another image came into his mind, that of him flying across the room in the same manner by a pissed off Buffy. Unconsciously he rubbed his belly.
“She understands the need for keeping that bit of information to herself, right?” Angel asked, even though he already knew the answer. Faith like Buffy knew all about keeping secrets.
“Of course mate - no worries.” Spike said confidently and Angel nodded at him.
Angel walked over and poured a cup of coffee.
“So?”
“So what?”
“So are you planning on telling the girl?”
Angel turned to face him, “I’m hoping that I won’t have too.”
Spike sighed, shaking his head. “You know he’s just going to say no again. You’re his money maker there’s no way he’s going to let you walk away from a profitable relationship. “
Angel nodded, his eyes darkening because he knew that was true. He had already tried a few months back after Vienna when he went to him and told him he was out. And what did the bastard too, he threw more money at him and he couldn’t resist.
Actually it wasn’t so much the lure of money that made him agree to stay but rather it was the fact that he really didn’t want to walk away. He actually liked what he did very much. It made him feel alive. It was damn better than playing the role of stuntman for a living. Although that wasn’t too bad either, it was the perfect cover for a man in his occupation, but it still didn’t fill him with adrenaline like his real job did. No he loved what he did. It made him feel invincible and he didn’t want to give it up. There was only one other thing in this world that gave him the same feeling and she was currently soaping up that tight body in the next room. Something else that he never wanted to give up.
Spike knew Angel’s thoughts because he thought them too. He loved his job and wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world. Lucky for him Faith didn’t ask him too, she actually seemed quite excited to learn about it and his adventures. Of course he didn’t tell her everything he wasn’t stupid. There were just some dirty details of his job that he didn’t know what her reaction would be too. So he was better off keeping his mouth shut. But honesty does have its rewards, after he told her what he really did he was rewarded with some of the best sex he ever had. Umm…maybe he should tell her more.
“Maybe you don’t have to walk away? Maybe she won’t care.”
“I’m sure she won’t care, well too a point at least.”
Angel eyed Spike, “Did you tell Faith everything?”
“Angelus you insult me.” Spike said taking offense.
Angel nodded and then continued, “Well knowing Buffy she’d probably want to join me. But that’s not the point, the point is that I’ve been lying to her for the past eight months and I don’t think she’ll thank me for that.”
“Well you’re going to have to tell her sooner or later before she finds out on her own and believe you me that would be way worse.” Spike said.
“Who says she’ll find out?”
Spike shook his head, “Look you know as well I do that a secret this big cannot be kept undercover for long, especially from a woman like Buffy. She’s not stupid Angelus, in fact sometimes her astuteness scares me. It’s almost like…”
“She’s in the business herself?” Angel said, thinking the same thing.
“Yeah. It’s odd. Very odd. I’m telling you mate, if you don’t tell her she will find out herself, somehow in some way, and then you’re going to regret not telling her to begin with.”
Angel sighed and dragged a hand through his hand, he knew Spike was right. He hated when Spike was right.
“Listen mate I’ve got to go. Go see him and talk to him. While you’re at it use some of this...” He pushed the pouch that was on the table towards Angel, “to buy your girl something nice, you know soften her up a little.”
Angel nodded lost in his thoughts as he stared at the black velvet pouch.
Spike turned to walk out of the kitchen and instead walked right into Buffy. “Oh sorry pet I didn’t see you standing there.” He looked at her warily, trying to figure out if she heard anything. When she stared back at him blankly, he smiled at her then leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll see you later pet.” Then he left the loft.
Angel walked over to Buffy and kissed her on the cheek, “Rain check on that fun time? I have to get ready before I’m late again.”
“Yeah sure.” She said sweetly smiling at him. He smiled back but she noticed the tightness of that smile, as Angel noticed hers.
Buffy watched him walk into the bathroom and close the door. She stared at the closed door her eyes small slits as she recalled what she had overheard.
She had been on her way into the kitchen to join them when she heard their whispered voices. She had stood stone still not wanting to make a sound that would alert them that she was there. What was it that he had to tell her before she found out herself? And why would he need to soften her up?
If she weren’t so perturbed about the fact that he was lying to her about something, she would’ve laughed at Spike and the way he had tried to read her. That was pretty comical at least in her eyes because Spike was good, she would give him that, but she was better. She was a pro at hiding her feelings and what she was thinking. She could con a nun into joining an orgy if she wanted to.
The problem was that even though she was better than Spike Angel was the master. He could dodge a speeding bullet of questions if they pertained to something that he didn’t think you should know about. It was going to be tough to get anything out of him.
Walking over to the coffee pot, she poured herself a cup and pondered what her options were. They were very limited to say the least.
Option Number One: she could always just ask. She quickly eliminated that idea because there was no way that he would tell her.
Option Number Two: she could follow him and poke around a bit and see what she came up with. She left that option open because while that would take some time, it actually might be her only option.
Option Number Three: she could always kidnap Spike and torture him till he talked. She smiled, she actually liked the sound of Option Number Three, but sadly she couldn’t do that because she didn’t think Faith would go for it.
So that was it…there were no other options. Unless, she smiled wickedly, she used…other methods? She ran her hands down her sides as she mentally tallied a tempting list of erotic torture she could devise for her bad boy lover. Her face crinkled with annoyance as her hands dropped to her side. She had to get serious that would never work. He could easily turn the tables on her, and then she would totally forget why she started it to begin with. No, she had only one option and that was number two.
She stared off into space, mentally kicking herself in the ass. For a while now she had suspected something funny was going on but she always pushed it aside not wanting to create any tension in their new relationship. She also figured that she was just being jealous and paranoid. Her feelings were obsessively strong when it came to Angel. Even seeing him talk to another woman made her want to commit murder.
Funny, she thought she had gotten rid of all those violent tendencies when she left the Brotherhood and started her new life. But apparently where Angel was concerned she hadn’t.
As she sat at the table her fingers tapping angrily on the wood, her mind thought of all sorts of things that he could be doing behind her back, and that made her see red.
Obviously, Spike knew about it, and was trying to get Angel to come clean with her, which made her wonder if Faith knew. But she quickly dashed that idea away; there was no way that Spike would tell Faith if Angel was messing around behind her back. Guys just didn’t share that kind of information with their girlfriends. Especially when the girlfriends were as close as she and Faith were.
Standing up she drank down the rest of her coffee and placed it in the sink. She had a lot to do today. She was determined to get to the bottom of whatever was going on even if it killed her.
Suspicious Minds
Standing in front of the large oak doors he took a deep breath and knocked.
“Come in.”
He opened the door and stepped inside closing the door behind him.
“Angelus I’m so glad you could find the time in your busy schedule to see me.” The sarcastic comment came from the man sitting at the big wooden desk. He sat there staring intently at Angel, his fingers steepled together as his keen gaze swept over his nephew.
“Uncle.” Angel nodded to him respectively then sat down in front of the desk pouring a whiskey. “You know I aim to please.”
Quentin Travers studied his nephew and took in the sarcastic reply. He knew that Angel didn’t want to be here and he knew the reason why. He normally had no problems with his nephew’s sexual escapades giving him leeway to do as he pleased. If he were really a bastard he would have refused to let him wed that bitch Darla. But Angel was so pigheaded and he knew that if he said no to the wedding that Angel would have gone on with it anyway. Besides Quentin knew it was only a matter of time before he saw the error in his ways, which he did eventually.
“Yes well, perhaps not. Why did you send Spike to do the London job? I specifically told you that I wanted you on that mission.”
“And I specifically told you that I wasn’t going. Do we really have to go through this again?”
“Yes we do because what I want goes here Angelus, not your wants. You think because you are family that you can deny my requests.” He leaned forward his face displaying his unhappiness, “and that is not the case.”
Angel’s ire grew as he stared at his uncle. It was always the same with him, in his uncle’s eyes, Angel owed him. It was why he treated him the way that he did, as if he was a second class citizen. But Angel knew that what Spike said was true, Angel was his Uncle’s money maker, and without him his Uncle wouldn’t be where he was today. “Look what’s the problem? Spike got the job done and that’s all that matters.”
Quentin stood up and walked around the desk. “The problem is that I now have a very unhappy client.”
Angel just shrugged, “Why? He got what he wanted. The mark’s dead.”
“Angelus you know the rules of this game. When an agreement is struck it is abided to like the bible. You broke that agreement and now I have a very uneasy client who is questioning doing business with me. And I don’t like it when people question me.”
Angel stood up and faced his irate uncle with flippancy. “Well there’s nothing I can do about it now, the jobs completed.”
Quentin smiled at him and it made Angel a little uncomfortable. His uncle never smiled and when he did it usually meant something bad for him.
“Actually there is. He is arriving tomorrow night and staying at The Beverly Hills Hotel. He wants to meet you. You will go there, meet him, and give him the explanation he deserves.”
Angel looked at his uncle distrustfully, his inner voice telling him that something wasn’t right. His uncle never wanted him to meet the clients. From day one, Angel knew that he was the shadow of the operation that he had been a part of ever since he was born. He didn’t meet anyone. It just wasn’t done. He went in and did his job that was it. No strings or attachments to anyone. It made killing them a lot easier.
“Why?”
Quentin walked over to the window, his hands behind his back. “He has another job, one that requires your utmost attention. It could be extremely profitable for everyone involved. Sending Spike to London has made him question his decision to do business with us. He doesn’t trust people that change the rules in the last minute.”
He turned around and faced him, “Frankly, I don’t blame him, neither would I. He wants to meet you, to restore his confidence that all is well.”
Angel knew he wasn’t telling him everything, he never did. There should be no reason why the client would want to meet him. Usually the clients didn’t give a shit who did the job as long as it was done. Angel knew there had to be another reason, a more personal reason. And that made him nervous.
But he didn’t show his uncle that, he stood up confidently and quickly. “Fine I’ll do that. What’s his name?”
Taking a piece of paper out of his pocket, Quentin handed it to him. “Don’t be late.”
Angel smirked at him, “I never am.” Turning away he headed toward the door only to be stopped by his uncle’s crisp voice.
“Angelus?”
He stopped with his hand on the knob, “What?”
“How is your new…friend?”
Angel slowly turned around and eyed his uncle, what was he up too? “Why?”
“I was just curious as to what kind of woman can make my cold hearted nephew so…content.”
Angel’s face hardened like the deadly assassin he was. It was a face that many a mark had seen - the last face they ever saw. And he wished it could be that way for his uncle. “Uncle I tolerate you and your rudeness to me only because I have too. But she has nothing to do with you and us, ever! So don’t ask me questions about her, don’t think you’ll ever meet her, and if I ever find out that you have…I will kill you.”
Stepping back he stared at him a few seconds longer. His black eyes promised death and completed his cold and serious threat. Placing the piece of paper in his pocket he walked out, slamming the door as he did. He didn’t give a fuck if his uncle, who praised silence and discretion, didn’t like it, he could fuck off for all he cared.
The fact that his uncle’s slimy treacherous lips even mentioned his goddess did nothing but piss Angel off and sent shivers of tread down his spine. There was no way his uncle was going to get anything over on him. No fucking way. He knew he was up to something and Angel was going to find out. There was too much at stake. And he wasn’t going to lose anything.
“We’ll see about that my boy.”
Quentin stared at the closed door with an evil smile on his face. The boy hated to admit it but he was just like Quentin. Cold hearted, untrusting and suspicious with everyone and everything. It was what made him so great at what he did. It also made him the type of person that would never want to change his ways. But to Quentin’s surprise he did. Who would have thought that Angelus, The Scourge of Europe, the most deadly assassin and most proficient thief in the world would have grown soft, and all because of a mere slip of a girl.
Walking over to his desk, he pulled out the file marked “Elizabeth Ann Summers” and opened it. He stared at her picture, she was attractive he would give her that. And Quentin was sure that she had to be an expert in bed, what biker whore wouldn’t be. But still that was no excuse for his nephew to grow soft.
He grumbled angrily as he sat down in his chair. He still couldn’t believe when Angelus came to him six months ago wanting to get out of the business; a family business that had been in operation for centuries. No family member left the business it was unheard of, and coming from Angelus it had shocked Quentin.
He knew right then that there had to be something or rather someone influencing his nephew. And he immediately put a man on it. His mission was simple, find out everything you can on one Elizabeth Ann Summers. Quentin wanted no details spared. He wanted to know everything from the day she was born to when she got her periods. The way he saw it, she was his number one enemy and he always found out everything there was to know about his enemies.
Of course Angelus had no idea what Quentin had been up to, as it should be, that was better left for another time. And while it was in Quentin’s nature to want to know everything about someone he felt was a threat, he had to admit that it had been more than just protecting his investments. He had been curious, more then curious to see what kind of woman could change Angelus. Because he never would have imagined Angelus wanting to walk away from something that he loved doing. And Quentin knew that Angelus loved what he did.
He thrived on the thrill of the kill and the excitement of stealing something that everyone said could not be stolen. It was his birthright, a skill that he had been born with, handed down from generations of cut throat thieves and murderers. People that were to everyone else honest law abiding citizens, but in the cover of night, would steal from and kill their brother if they had to. Like Quentin, and his father before him, Angelus was kin to some of the most famous and infamous people in both American and European history. And he had always known from where and whom he came from. It was a fact that Angelus had always prided himself on. It made him cocky and confident. It was what made him the best.
His curiosity aside, Quentin’s main reason for keeping tabs on everything was the fact that he had too much invested in the boy. Ever since Angelus’ parents died, Quentin had been stuck with the whelp. Spending money on him, sending him to the finest schools in Europe, on his education in the business, clothes, whores, booze, drugs, you name it, Quentin had spent money on it. It made him sick to think of the millions of dollars he had wasted on an ungrateful whelp that didn’t even have the slightest bit of respect for him. He knew that Angelus hated him - he never kept it a secret. But Quentin didn’t care. Hatred was good. Hatred filled the soul with blackness. And that was exactly where Quentin wanted Angelus to be - lost in the pits of his own hell. A creature that did nothing but do what he was told when he was told to do it. He was, in Quentin’s eyes his property and there was no way in hell he was going to let him walk away. The boy owed him – big time, and he was going to pay him back – in full.
Looking back down at the blonde beauty, he smiled. He almost felt sorry for the boy; he had no idea who he was really fucking. No clue as to what was really going on behind those beautiful lying eyes.
Closing the file he stood up and grabbed his coat. He would, sooner than later, and then Angelus would be right back where he belonged. Under Quentin’s wing, doing what he did best - ruthlessly killing.
********
Angel walked inside his house slamming the door as he did, almost breaking the picture that rattled on the wall. He threw off his jacket and walked over to the bar. Angrily grabbing the bottle of Jack and a glass he climbed the stairs.
He was still steaming mad. His gut was telling him that something was about to happen that would change his life, something that wasn’t going to be pleasant. And he couldn’t help but wonder if Buffy had something to do with it. Why else would his Uncle mention her?
His Uncle thought he was so damn sneaky, but the truth was that Angel knew that he kept tabs on him, he’d always known. And he knew that his Uncle probably had a file on Buffy just like he did on every other person that Angel had ever had contact with. It was his way. He had to know everything about everyone.
It never bothered Angel before, because frankly, he never gave a shit about anyone else. But Buffy, Buffy meant everything to him. Buffy was something that he wanted to keep to himself. And he couldn’t help but think that his Uncle probably knew more about Buffy than Angel did, and that bothered the hell out of him.
Reaching the top of the stairs he walked over to the alcove and hit the hidden switch. With a quite swoosh, the doors opened to reveal the secret room. He walked inside and hit the button again closing the door in the process. He turned on the lights and sat down; putting the glass down on the desk he poured himself a shot and drank it quickly.
God damn it! What the hell was his uncle up too? That old bastard didn’t smile for anything or anyone. Well he wasn’t just going to sit here like a mouse waiting to be stomped on. He picked up the phone and dialed a number he knew by heart. On the second ring it was answered
“Yeah?”
“Oz, I need you and everyone else in LA.”
“Problems?”
“I don’t know for sure but my gut tells me yes.”
Oz chuckled. “Well I for one will always believe in your gut instincts. I’ll round everyone up we’ll be there tomorrow.”
“Good. Try to get here as early as possible, I have to meet someone tomorrow night and I’m going to need some quick recon before I go.”
“Okay see you then.”
He hung up the phone and stared at the picture on the desk and the golden smile that stared back at him. He remembered that day on the beach. The picnic that they shared and the love making that followed, it was one of his favorite memories.
Guilt filled him. He had promised her no lies, that they would always be honest with each other. And he really wanted to do that. But he was afraid that it was too late and that his lie was too great.
After all, it wasn’t every day that a person found out that their lover was an assassin. And while most people would freak out if they learned that, Buffy wasn’t most people. He wasn’t too concerned that she would freak out from disgust over what he really did. She did after all have a colorful past of her own. It was the secrets that would anger her. Just as it was her secrets that angered him because there was no doubt in his mind that she had many.
Why would Uncle mention her? There had to be a reason. There had to be something in that file that uncle had that he thought was useful, something that Buffy didn’t tell him about. But what? What secret could she possibly be keeping from him that could be used as ammunition against him? He never detected any signs of betrayal when she told him of her past. But then again, he wasn’t looking for any. Now with everything going on with his uncle, and him having to meet the client, he wondered if he had been blindsided. Maybe his uncle was right, maybe he had grown soft. Maybe he was letting The Beast think for him.
He stared at her picture, yes he had been blindsided…he was in love! All he wanted was to have an open and honest relationship with the woman that he loved. Was it so wrong of him to not see the bad and only see the good? He knew deep in his heart that it wasn’t, yet he couldn’t help but feel that he had been taken for a fool in some way.
His finger rose and gently caressed her face, smiling softly at the irony. Weren’t they a pair, two lyers keeping secrets from each other. Secrets that he knew would reveal themselves eventually. For him, he didn’t care what her secret was because it wouldn’t change anything. But still he had to know because not knowing was driving him insane. For peace of mind and nothing else, he was determined to find out everything there was to know about Buffy, even if that meant breaking into his Uncle’s office and stealing that file. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to keep her by his side.
On the other hand his secret was an entirely different story. He could live with the guilt that filled him for keeping it from her, because deep inside he felt that he was doing the right thing.
He had promised her he would never hurt her and he meant to keep that promise. If that meant lying to her for the rest of their lives about what he really did. Then he would.
The clock chimed softly on the wall bringing him out of his thoughts. He took one last drink and left the room swearing softly, he was late again.
He locked the house and jumped into the Porsche, starting the engine; he pulled out of the driveway and headed for The Graveyard.
********
Buffy walked into the bar and looked around. Her nose crinkled at the putrid smell of booze and sex as her eyes adjusted to the darkness.
She quickly scanned the room till she found the person she was looking for. Finding him sitting at his usual corner table, she walked over trying to avoid all the grubby hands that were trying to cop a free feel.
“Boo!” She jumped up behind him placing her hands on his shoulders.
Willy jumped out of his seat startled, turning around ready to berate whoever it was, but he relaxed when he saw who it was and he smiled. “Hey Buffy haven’t seen you in a long time what you been up too?”
She sat down next to him wiping the seat first. “Ah well you know just keeping a low profile.”
He chuckled. “Yeah right low profile, I got johns left and right whacking off in my bathroom with that SI issue.”
Buffy blanched and held back the nausea that bubbled up.. “Ah…thanks for the visual Willy.”
He laughed at her. “What can I do for you kid?”
Moving her chair closer, she lowered her voice. “I need some information.”
He eyed her curiously, “Yeah what kind of information?”
Looking down at the floor she stomped her foot on the cockroach that was casually walking by. “People information. I want you to trace a guy for me and find out what ever you can?”
Willy eyed the beautiful blond and wondered what she was getting herself into. He scowled at her, “Hey kid I thought you were out of that business, a fresh start remember - a new life. What the hell are you getting yourself into now?”
“It’s not like that Willy. I am starting over it’s just…I need to find out something.” She leaned closer and blasted him with the sweetest smile. “Pretty pretty pleassseee”
Willy of course was drawn to the innocence of that smile, even though he knew that she was far from innocent. “Alright, what’s the name?”
She handed him a piece of paper and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you Willy, I owe you one.” She stood up ready to leave.
“Yes you do and I’ll remember it too.”
She laughed and ruffled his hair, “I know you will. I’ll stop by tomorrow night.”
He nodded at her and watched her leave.
********
Angel sat at the bar with Spike and he was not happy. He rushed here to be with Buffy, plans in his head of seducing her away from her work, maybe taking her there on her desk. But when he arrived Faith told him that Buffy wasn’t here. She had gone out and Faith didn’t say where.
Now he sat at the bar his agitation growing with every second that ticked by and no Buffy. He was late that was nothing new. But she was always where she was supposed to be. With his suspicious mind in full swing from the conversation with his Uncle, and the fact that she wasn’t here now, he was completely on edge. His entire body was tight with anxiety and his mind was wondering into bad untrusting thoughts. It was two o’clock in the morning, where the hell did she go?
Buffy opened the back door to the club and climbed the stairs to the second floor. She opened the door and slipped inside. It was late and the bar was dark only the lamplights on the wall illuminated the room and they weren’t bright at all. She looked toward the bar and saw Angel and Spike sitting there nursing their whiskey.
She watched her lover closely, his hand ruthlessly clenched his glass, his shoulders were stiff with tension, and she gulped. He didn’t seem to be too happy and she knew why. He turned his head to the left and she caught a glimpse of his eyes, they were as black as the room. She gulped again, definitely not a happy camper.
But then she remembered why she hadn’t been here when he arrived and her own eyes blackened. Let him fume a little, it would do him good. After all she was usually the one waiting and wondering where the hell he was. At least now he finally knew what it felt like.
He leaned over and whispered something to Spike. She watched their quiet exchange with hooded eyes. What were those two up too? What were they really involved in. She started to wonder if maybe she never really knew Angel at all. Maybe he had an entire secret life that she knew nothing about. He was always away making movies so he said, but was he really?
Spike moved on his stool, the legs scraped against the floor drawing her out of her thoughts. Seeing them sit there together, heads close and quietly talking, it suddenly dawned on her that it was the same spot they always sat in. It was the left hand side of the bar. Their backs were to the wall. She looked around the room; they had every angle of the room in their vision. There was no part of the room that they couldn’t see or watch. Her head angled to the side, as she realized that no matter where they were or went, that was how they always sat. They never sat with their backs to an open room. Never.
It was a rather odd observation something that a regular girl would probably never take notice of. But she wasn’t a regular girl and she wondered how she never noticed it before. She snorted to herself, blinded by love and lust, that’s why.
She heard Angel chuckle softly, and the sound warmed her blood and cooled her wary mind. She did love him, desperately so. What if she was wrong? What if she was just being paranoid? Did she really want to risk losing the best thing she ever had all because of her trust issues? No she didn’t.
It was only fair to give him the benefit of the doubt. If she jumped to conclusions and confronted him before she knew anything for sure, and she turned out to be wrong, she would regret it. Plus he was so sweet he would probably be hurt if he found out what she was thinking so it was better to keep everything to herself until she talked to Willy.
Now that her head was a little bit clearer, she started to get nervous. She had to come up with a pretty good lie, something that he would believe without a seconds thought. She had to be cool. Taking a deep breath to calm her senses she smelled…whores. Shit, she had to take a shower.
Looking past Angel she stared hard at Faith willing her to notice her. When they made eye contact she nodded toward the bathroom.
“Hey Amy?” Faith called out to the other bartender “Yeah?”
“I’ll be right back mind the bar.”
“Okay.”
She jumped over the bar and discreetly walked away. But she failed to notice that Spike and Angel watched her with wary eyes.
Faith opened the door to the bathroom and took one last look over her shoulder when her arm was grabbed and she was pulled into the bathroom. “Shit B where the hell have you been?”
Buffy locked the door. “I went to see Willy.”
Faith looked at her, “Willy the perv? Why?”
“Because Faith Angel’s been lying to me and I’m going to find out why.”
Faith eyed her hesitantly she felt bad because she knew why and what Angel was lying to her about, and it made her uncomfortable. She didn’t like keeping secrets from her best friend and she was afraid of what Buffy would do when she found out. Mentally she cursed both Angel and Spike for putting her in this situation. But there was no going back. She promised Spike that she wouldn’t say anything…she’ll just have to kick his ass later.
“What are you talking about?”
“I overhead him and Spike talking earlier and something’s going on that he doesn’t want to tell me about. So I’m going to find out on my own.” She whispered.
Faith didn’t like where this was headed. “B I don’t think you should be doing this. Why don’t you just ask him?”
Buffy gave her a look like she had lost her mind. “Yeah right like he would tell me anything. He’d clam up so fast that I wouldn’t know what hit me. Besides I need to be sure Faith. I don’t want him to know what I’m thinking. I don’t want to hurt his feelings if I’m wrong, he’s very soft hearted you know.”
Faith snorted to herself, yeah right. “Well thank god there’s some sense in that head of yours. Please Buffy stop this sneaking around bullshit and just ask him. He might surprise you.” If Faith had anything to with it that’s exactly what was going to happen.
“Look he’s out there now and he’s not happy that you were out this late by yourself.” She caught a whiff of Buffy and her nose crinkled with disgust. “Not to mention the fact that you reek like a whore house! Jesus Buffy didn’t you think to take a shower first? He’s going to smell it.”
“It’s not that ba….”
BANG BANG BANG
“BUFFY ARE YOU IN THERE?”
Both girls jumped and latched on to the other’s hand. “Shit!”
“Calm down,” Faith said, “listen you sneak upstairs and take a quick shower, I’ll stall him.”
Buffy smiled at her sister, “you’re the best Faithy. Have I told you today that I love you?”
Faith looked at her sternly, but inside she was smiling. “Yeah, yeah, I love you too.”
BANG BANG
“BUFFY?”
“Quick go hide in the stall and I’ll get rid of him.”
She shooed Buffy into the back stall and waited till she had her feet up on the toilet. Straightening her top she casually strolled over to the door. Unlocking it she threw it open and stepped outside but was blocked by a wall of muscle.
“Geez Angel can’t a lady have some privacy?”
Angel was peering over her shoulder looking inside. “Where’s Buffy? Is she in there?”
Faith put her hand on his chest and pushed him back. “No Buffy’s not in there.”
His eyes crinkled in the corners as he looked at her. She was lying. “Then why was the door locked?”
“Why? Because I wanted some privacy I didn’t know that was illegal…in my own place.”
She fixed him with a stern look. He had enough sense in his head to look embarrassed but inside he was seething. A man could only take so much sneakiness in one night. “Sorry I’m just worried. It’s late and she’s not here and she’s out by herself. She is by herself isn’t’ she?” he said in a small voice, as his paranoia increased.
Faith took him by the arm leading him back to the bar. “Of’ course she’s by herself. She’s got you doesn’t she?” She flexed his arm. “All Mr. Big, Strong and Muscley, why would she need anyone else.”
Faith smoothly feed his male pride and it worked, a little. He had a smug smile on his face as he let her lead him back to the bar but he still didn’t believe her.
Thinking she had him right where she wanted him, Faith rolled her eyes; men could really be dense sometimes. Little did she know that Angel was about as dense as a ten foot thick wall of steel.
********
Twenty minutes later Angel and Spike were still sitting at the bar. Spike was watching Angel who was checking his watch every ten seconds.
“You know she’s not going to get back any faster with you all watchy like.”
Angel glared at him.
“What’s a matter with you Mate? You’ve been tied in knots since you got here?” Spike asked.
Angel leaned closer to him, “Uncle.”
“What the ole’ bastard have to say?”
“He mentioned Buffy.”
Spike’s eye went up, “he did, did he? How so?”
“Well he didn’t mention her name or say anything to the point…”
Spike harrumphed, “like he ever does.”
“But still it made me…” he didn’t want to say suspicious because it made him sound paranoid, so he struggled trying to find another word.
“…suspicious.” Spike said and Angel nodded.
“I didn’t want to say it, but yeah.”
“Relax mate, it doesn’t make you paranoid. You know as well as I do, that Uncle doesn’t say anything without some little trick up his sleeve. If you ask me, your worries are justified.”
Angel nodded his agreement, his eyes checking his watch and then the door once again. “Where the fuck is she?” He said, loud enough for Faith to hear.
“Hey big guy chill out she’s alright.”
Angel eyed Faith’s calmness, as she toweled off a glass and placed it back on the shelf. He liked Faith a lot. She was a good loyal friend to Buffy and she was the perfect match for Spike. He admired her strong character; she was both mentally and physically tough. She had probably been in just as many bar brawls as Angel had. He wondered how long it would take him to break her. His hands unconsciously clenched at his side, and he automatically rolled his head loosening his neck muscles.
Spike’s eyes darkened as he took note of the tell tale movements he had seen a million times. And he cleared his throat, unhappy with what he was seeing.
Angel glanced at his brother, took note of the look of death in his eyes, and looked back at him with his, ‘I won’t hurt her much’ stare. But Spike shook his head no.
Angel sighed and relaxed his muscles, looking back at the brunette who was unaware of how close she came to being tied up and tortured.
“Where did she go Faith?” It was a pointless question he knew that she wouldn’t tell him.
Faith just eyeballed him right back. He was trying to frighten her but she wasn’t afraid of him. Instead she got pissed off and instead of answering him she switched topics.
She leaned closer, her hands braced against the bar as they stared at each other practically nose to nose.
“Hey, don’t give me that look. You’re the one that’s got me in the middle of something that I know I don’t want to be in!” She vehemently whispered. “If you weren’t such a chicken shit you’d tell her what’s going on!”
Angel’s eyes darkened, no one called him a chicken. “What did you just call me?” He quietly said.
Faith smirked at him, “Chicken. Bock – bock” She mimicked and Angel suddenly stood up, his stool crashing to the floor as his hands landed sharply on the bar, making it rattle.
Spike envisioning his beloved Faith flattened against the wall and blood pooling around her, immediately stood up and leaned into them. Placing a hand on both of their chests he pushed them back from each other. Angry blue eyes glared at both of them and then landed on Faith.
“Faith, shut up. You’re only making things worse.” He sneered at her.
Her eyes flashed dangerously, not liking his use of words. Yes she was definitely going to kick his ass later.
Spike turned to Angel, “Dearthair bog. Ta si ceart.” (1)
Faith snorted hearing her lover speak a foreign language that she knew she had never heard either of them speak before. “More secrets? Gee what a surprise.” She said her eyes as black as Angels, as she looked at Spike.
Spike’s gaze softened as he looked back at her. “Please baby, not now.”
Faith’s anger dissipated under his love filled gaze. She calmed herself down and took a step closer. “You know why don’t you try being honest with her Angel, she might appreciate that. I don’t like lying to her and she’s going to be just as mad at me when she finds out…probably more.” She mumbled, as she threw the towel she had been holding on to the bar. Disgusted with both men she went to the office to have a drink.
“Mr. Angel sir?”
Angel watched Faith walk away still seething mad.
“Excuse me, Mr. Angel sir?”
Spike thumped him on the chest, and then nodded his head toward the bouncer.
Angel turned, “what?” He shouted and the bouncer visibly took a step back. Angel sighed and relaxed, “I’m sorry Tommy, what is it?” He asked softer.
Spike slapped him on the shoulder and sat down, taking a drink of his beer and knowing that he had just averted World War III.
“You wanted to know when Ms. Buffy was back. Michael said he saw her come in about twenty minutes ago sir. She’s upstairs in the loft.”
Angel smiled at him, he knew that paying the bouncers in the club an extra grand a week would come in handy one day. “Thank you Tommy. You’re a good man.”
The bouncer walked away. Angel grabbed his drink and slugged it down then slammed the glass on the bar. Without another word he turned and walked away.
Spike watched him go, slugging the rest of his beer down, he stared at the door to the office. He should go in and apologize, sooth her anger. His hand unconsciously massaged his stomach, but…one more drink wouldn’t hurt.
“Amy, one more.”
********
Buffy got out of the shower and dried off; she threw her robe on and walked out into the living room. The room was dark and she was thinking of what Willy would find out. She was lost in her thoughts and so of course she bumped into the table.
“OW!” She stumbled and almost fell over in her effort to grab her big toe, when there was a strong pair of arms around her waist steadying her.
“Angel?”
His eyebrows went up. “Were you expecting someone else lover?” He was holding in his anger and suspicions. He didn’t want to yell at her but he really wanted to know where she was.
She smiled at his attempt to hide his jealousy and anger, and she leaned back against him touching his arms. She had time to relax and think in the shower, and she now felt confident that she was just being her crazy irrational self.
“Ha ha. Have you been here the whole time?”
She leaned her head back and into his neck breathing in his rich deep scent. “You could have joined me in the shower?” She kissed him letting her tongue lightly lick the sensitive area at the base of his neck.
He shivered and closed his eyes. Damn it she knew how to get to him but he wasn’t going to let it go that easy. “Well I was waiting downstairs for you.”
When she moved her hand up to the nape of his neck and started to play with the fine hairs, he shivered again and couldn’t resist her play. The tightened anger in his muscles quickly changed to desire, and his voice was husky and deep. “I was planning on seducing you away from your work, throwing you on top of your desk and taking you violently.”
“Mmmm that sounds very cavemanny.” She tingled with anticipation. She loved it when he took her roughly.
“mmm doesn’t it. But to my surprise you weren’t here?” He waited to sense some kind of reaction from her but damn it she was good and he got nothing. “Where were you?”
She kept playing with his hair and licking his neck. “Xander called and wanted to talk to me so I met him at the diner.” She turned around in his arms and looked up at his handsome face.
“At two o’clock in the morning?” He didn’t believe her. He knew Xander and there was no way in hell that he would ask her to meet him at that time of night, especially by herself.
But Buffy just shook her head happily. “Yup he had a fight with Anya and was upset.”
He looked deep into her eyes. In his gut he knew she was lying but to his utter amazement he couldn’t tell. She looked as innocent and sweet, and un-beguiling as an angel. What the hell was wrong with him? He could always tell when someone was lying to him. Either he was losing his touch or she was better than him. “Oh, what about?”
“Babies.” She leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips.
“Babies?”
“mmmm, as in Anya wants them and Xander doesn’t.” She nipped at the corner of his lips and spread her hands across his back, rubbing them up and down.
Well that could be true, he thought, he remembered overhearing an argument they had at a party at Joyce’s art gallery last week.
“Are you going to ask me questions all night or are you going to make love to me?” She stood on her tippy-toes and drew his mouth down to hers, kissing him deeply.
Of course he wanted to question her more but as she took his mouth hungrily and pressed her tight little body against his, he could only do what any lust hungry man could do. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom.
Questions could come tomorrow.
__________
(1) : rough Gaelic to English Translation: “Brother relax. She’s right.”
Revelation
The next morning Buffy woke up alone, which to her chagrin was not an uncommon event. Without even opening her eyes, her hand reached over to the nightstand and grabbed the note that she knew would be there.
Grabbing the piece of paper she lifted it and opened her eyes, focusing on the handwriting that she knew by heart.
Buffy, Sorry I had to leave early for a shoot. I’ll call you later. Love A
She held the note to her chest her eyes falling shut once again as she sighed disheartened. Nine out of ten times she woke up alone. If she had kept every single one of these notes that she had gotten in the last eight months, she’d have to get a bigger place.
The events of yesterday flitted through her mind and she scowled. She had one main goal for the day and that was to talk to Willy and put her doubts to rest. Jumping out of bed she quickly got dressed and went into the kitchen to have some coffee.
Upon entering the kitchen she smiled seeing the beautiful dark brew that sat on the counter waiting for her. Thank God for automatic coffee machines, because if she had to sit there and wait for it she would surely lose her mind. Grabbing a cup she poured the aromatic liquid and then raised it to her lips. Sighing contently as it slid down her throat, she closed her eyes letting the brew warm her up.
As her body filled with contented warmth, her mind automatically remembered last night. She smiled softly, Angel was incredible last night. Not that sex wasn’t always incredible with him, because it was it was just that last night he seemed urgent almost desperate in his love making. His touches had been rough but at the same time tender. One minute he was whispering words of love and poetry into her ear, the next he was harshly telling her that he was going to fuck her into oblivion. It had been an earth shattering experience to say the least. She looked down her open robe and at the tiny love bites on her breasts. She felt their heavy soreness and as she sat down in a chair she winced as her tender derriere hit the wood. She felt completely owned and branded, and it didn’t bother her in the least.
“B you awake?” Faith called out as she entered the loft and slammed the door shut.
“I’m in the kitchen!”
Faith strolled in looking not to awake herself. She smiled at Buffy as she reached for a cup of coffee. “So how was your night?” She asked as she settled down in a chair across from her.
Buffy smiled. “Very nice and yours?”
Nice wasn’t a word Faith would use to describe last night. Violent was perhaps the more appropriate term. It took Spike two more beers to grow a set of balls and come into the office where she patiently waited for him. He then proceeded to very quickly and very sweetly apologize for not telling her that he could speak a dozen other languages. She actually wasn’t really mad about that, she figured it came with his line of work, she was just pissed off that she was forced to lie to her best friend.
But Faith wasn’t one to pass by on a good thing. Instead she took advantage of his guilt. After making him grovel at her feet like the dog he could so easily be at times, they fucked like bunny rabbits on speed. She had been so hot for him, especially when he started to talk dirty to her in every language he spoke. She had no idea what the hell he had said but it didn’t matter. To her it was sexy and mysterious, and definitely not nice. She smirked, “Five by five.”
Seeing the wicked look in Faith’s eye Buffy said, “Don’t tell me you guys did it in the office again!”
Faith chuckled at her, “Oh please, like you and the big guy haven’t?”
Buffy smirked back at her. “A lady never tells.”
They sat quietly drinking their coffee and Faith looked at her sister pondering her next question. She took a gulp of coffee and decided to just jump right in. “So did you ask him?”
Buffy’s smile faded. “No. I’m not going to ask him so he can lie right to my face.”
“B you don’t know that he might surprise you.”
“Faith I’ve been with Angel for eight months now and I have really, really come to know him. And I know without a single second’s thought that he is keeping something from me. I don’t’ know what it is. I hope to god that it’s not another girl, because that would be bad…very bad. But I have to know either way. Besides I was honest with him he should be honest with me.”
Faith looked at her skeptically. “You were honest with him?”
“Yes I was.”
“You told him everything?”
Buffy got flustered under Faith’s intense gaze. “Well…maybe not everything but everything that he needed to know…yes.”
“Buffy, I know you don’t want to hear it, but you do realize that you’re going to have to tell him eventually.”
“Why?”
“Why? Jesus Buffy, that’s a big piece of your past – a freaking humongous piece! You can’t just not tell him!”
Buffy looked down into her coffee. Faith was right it was big – real big – but why did she have to tell him? It was a dead issue. There was no reason to bring it up.
“Why not? How’s he ever going to know?”
Faith couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She leaned in, “Buffy you know there is always the chance that they could come back for you. I know it and you know it. It’s just the way it is. Now what happens should that day arrive ah? What are you going to tell Angel then?”
Buffy’s shoulder’s dropped, again Faith was right. But she couldn’t tell him. How could she?
“He wouldn’t understand Faith.” Her eyes gazed into her coffee again and her voice was soft. “He would hate me. He’d cast me aside like some dirty criminal.”
Faith was shaking her head, because she KNEW that was not the truth. But how did she convince Buffy of that without incriminating herself? God she could just smack Angel. If he had been honest with Buffy then Buffy would feel confident in telling him the truth. God these two were driving her insane!
Faith’s heart broke for Buffy because she knew exactly where she was coming from. It had been hard, extremely hard to tell Spike about her past. There was so much she was ashamed of, so many things that she never thought she would tell anyone else besides Buffy. But she did. And yes when she spoke them, she had felt dirty and tainted…like a whore. But Spike, he had been so sweet, so understanding, he didn’t look down at her. He didn’t see her has any of those things and she knew that Angel would be the same. She wasn’t ashamed of her past anymore. She didn’t feel like a dirty whore and she had Spike to thank for that. She wanted Buffy to feel that same sense of ease and she knew that she never would unless she told Angel.
That’s why it was so hard for her to sit here and watch these two fuck up their lives. Seeing the sadness in Buffy’s eyes finally broke the straw. That was it! Faith had it with keeping their secrets. She would give them until tomorrow night to tell each other and if they didn’t, then she would.
RING…RING…RING…
Buffy leaned back and picked up the receiver. “Hello.”
“Hey Wills what’s up?”
“Ah ah. Okay sure I’ll see you there. Bye.”
“What’s Red got to say?”
“They changed the photo shoot to 10AM I have to go get ready.” Getting up she put her coffee mug in the sink and headed toward the bedroom.
“When are you going to see Willy?” Faith called out.
“I’ll stop by his place after the shoot. Angel should still be working so that won’t be a problem.”
“I hope so.” Faith said into her coffee. “Oh and don’t forget to shower when you get back.”
********
Entering the Hyperion Angel threw his coat on the couch and walked over to the counter.
“Oz.” He smiled and held out his hand. “How you been?”
Daniel ‘Oz’ Osborne smiled back and shook Angel’s hand. “Angel. Not bad, yourself?”
Angel couldn’t help but smirk, Oz was always short on words. “Amazingly I’ve been great!” At least up until yesterday he thought.
Oz smiled and shook his head, he heard all about how good Angel had been lately from Spike. “So I’ve heard.”
“Yeah I bet, let me guess, Spike?”
“Oui’ I’m here.” Spike came barreling in a beer in one hand and a butt hanging out of his mouth.
“And how that is, is still a mystery.” Oz said. Spike always amazed him. He drank and smoked more than any one man should, and yet he was the healthiest person Oz had ever met.
Angel chuckled he was more than familiar with Spike’s habits. But he never busted his balls to much because he better than anyone understood how much pressure their particular line of work came with. Angel figured everyone needed an outlet. Still every now and then he felt compelled to say something. “Spike its 9AM in the morning.”
Spike looked at him like he had lost his mind. “So anytime I’m awake is a good time to drink my friend.” He strolled up to Oz and smacked him on the shoulder. “Wolf boy how’s it going?”
Oz grimaced at the nick name that the crew had given him. “Am I ever going to live that down?”
Spike chuckled, “fraid not buddy. You have to admit she was one hairy chick.”
Angel couldn’t help but chuckle right along with Spike. Poor Oz the one time that he hooked up with a girl after a mission was in Budapest. It was his first time there and he didn’t know that the women didn’t always shave. So he was a little surprised when he took her back to his room and found out that she had more hair then he did. The screams that came out of his mouth had drawn everyone into the room only to find Oz on the floor with the most shocked look on his face and the hairiest naked girl that any of them had ever seen.
Angel looked around the vast and empty room. “Where’s everyone else?”
“I do believe I hear my name being called.”
“Well I for one am not everyone else.”
Angel looked up to see Gunn and Wesley walking down the stairs.
Gunn grinned at the Brit. “Oh lighten up book boy.”
When they reached the bottom of the stairs they walked over to greet Spike and Angel.
“Where’s Fred?” Angel asked after shaking hands with each of them.
Gunn sat down on the sofa next to Spike shaking his head at his partying ways. “She’ll be down in a minute, you know women.” He shrugged. “How do you drink that in the morning?” he asked Spike.
“How, is not the question my friend, the question is how do you not?” They laughed together.
Angel wished he could be in as good spirits as they were but he just wasn’t. Normally when the crew got together to do a job he was right in there with them, joking and kidding around with each other. It was a great way to start a job. It relaxed everyone, made them more clearheaded, which was always needed on a job. But this job smelled rotten, and he was getting antsy. “Alright let’s get started.”
“Yeah, you know I was enjoying my morning romp with Faith before you barged in.” Spike said annoyed.
“I was only returning the favor.” Angel smirked at him.
“ha ha”
Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out five velvet pouches then threw one to each of them. “Your cut on the London Job.” He threw two to Gunn. “Fred’s share”
“Nice dude.” Gunn said deftly catching it.
Oz weighted his in his palm feeling the weight and knowing exactly how much was there. “Very nice.”
“Last night I saw Uncle and he wasn’t happy with the London job.”
Spike snorted, “I knew that already.”
Angel glared at him, then started to pace.
They watched him walk back and forth, exchanging knowing glances. When Angel paced it was not a good sign. Usually the big man was in control and confidant of every situation. And if he ever felt like he wasn’t then he normally didn’t show it. Usually only Spike got to see that side of him. So everyone’s interest was piqued.
“There’s something else going on here that he’s not telling us.” Angel said.
“That’s a surprise.” Oz drawled out.
“Really Angel that’s nothing new. Uncle has never been the most forthcoming man.” Wesley commented.
“Yeah but it’s different this time, I was getting weird vibes off of him.”
“Shit that’s nothing dude, I get that every time I see him. He’s a freaky Brit, more so then these two.” Gunn nodded toward Spike and Wesley.
“Hey I resent that!” Spike said.
“As do I.” Agreed Wesley.
Angel stopped his pacing and faced them. He voice was hard and straightforward. “No it’s different this time.”
“What makes you say that Angel?” Wesley asked.
He wasn’t going to mention Buffy, at least not yet. The less she was involved the better. He stared pointedly at Spike, making sure he understood to keep his mouth shut. “Because he wants me to meet the client tonight.”
“What? Since when do we meet the clients?” asked Gunn.
“Really, that is odd.”
“The client wasn’t happy that Spike went instead of me.”
Wesley looked at Angel with a knowing stare. Cardinal rule number one: you did not change the plan. The moment that Angel told them Spike was going to London instead of Angel Wesley knew that decision was going to have some sort of repercussions. Of course he mentioned it to Angel but he just blew him off.
Angel looked at Wesley, his hand up halting anything he might say. “I know Wes.”
Turning he faced Oz. “Oz I want you find out everything you can about our mysterious client.” He slapped the piece of paper that Quentin had given him into Oz’s hand. “Here’s the room number, do you think can hack into the hotel’s computer and find out his name?”
Oz looked at him blankly.
“Sorry, of course you can, I don’t know what I was thinking.” Angel smirked at him and Oz nodded confidently.
Oz stood up and headed toward his laptop. “I’m on it.”
“Wes, once Oz has a name and photo I need you to go down to the hotel and trail the guy if he leaves. I want to know where he goes and who he meets. If someone comes to him I want to know who he is.” Wesley shook his head and followed Oz.
“What about me and Fred?” Gunn asked.
Angel continued to pace, then stopped in front of Gunn. “I need you two to follow Uncle.”
“Excuse me?” Gunn sat up straighter, a look of disbelief on his face. “You want me to follow the sneakiest bastard in the world? Have you lost your mind?” He stood up and faced Angel, worry in his mind for his own health and Fred’s.
“Gunn I know it’s asking a lot but…”
“Asking a lot! Dude the man is one big fucking eyeball!” Gunn shouted.
Spike’s eyes were hard as he stared at Angel. There was no way he could possibly be thinking of doing what Spike knew he was thinking of doing. He stood up and walked over to Angel. Leaning in close he whispered, “We need to talk.”
Angel nodded at him. Then turned and walked out of the room Spike close on his heels as Gunn stared at him. “Yeah…talk some fucking sense into that hard head!” He plopped back down on the sofa. “Follow Uncle…” he turned to Wesley and Oz, “…that boy’s losing his fucking mind!”
“He’s got a reason for everything he does Gunn.” Oz said.
“Yes well let’s hope it’s for the right reason.” Wesley added.
Spike closed the door to Angel’s office. “You can’t do it Angelus.”
Angel walked over to the black cabinet behind his desk and opened it up. “Do what?”
Spike snorted at him, “Do what? Oh um let me see…breaking into Uncle’s. Stealing a peek at his Blondie file – that what.”
Reaching into the cabinet Angel pulled out a small black leather bag and tucked it securely in his pocket. “Why not?”
“Why not! Jesus Angelus, you seriously have lost your fucking mind! First off, you’re putting Gunn and Fred in danger. It’s a bloody suicide mission man! Secondly, I don’t care how good you are there is no bloody way in hell that you’ll get in. Which means, you’ll get caught, which means…” he leaned over the desk, his palms smacking loudly as they hit the wood, “that it’s a suicide mission for you too!”
Angel sighed; closing the cabinet he faced Spike. “Spike I have to know what’s in that file.”
“Brother I understand I do, but this is not the way. This is just plain stupid!”
Angel started to get angry. He had made up his mind and he was going to go through with it. Last night as his beautiful goddess was wrapped scrumptiously around his body, he thought about asking her if there was something in her past that she never told him. But it occurred to him that if he did and there wasn’t, then he would be opening up a door that he knew would be hard to shut. He was better off finding out on his own…why rock the boat if it was calm and peaceful? The problem was getting it done successfully. He had lain in bed throughout the early morning hours, watching her sleep, and planning his course of action.
“Look I spent a lot of time thinking about this. It’s not that big of problem as you would think.”
“Really…and how do you figure that?”
“It’s simple. Every day at one o’clock Uncle leaves for the Club to have his afternoon tea. All I want Gunn and Fred to do is tail him. Make sure he gets there and let me know when he leaves.”
Spike stood up, “what about the fifty goons that litter the building and who all know your face, and…hate your guts I might add.”
Angel smirked, “Spike how long have you known me? Do you really think that those idiots can keep me out?”
“You got a point but still it’s risky.”
Angel nodded, “maybe but it’s worth the risk to me.”
“What about the security system?”
Angel laughed while slapping Spike on the shoulder and steering him out of the room, “don’t you remember who designed that system?” They walked out to the main lobby two sets of eyes landing on the redhead sitting at the counter.
Spike smiled, “Oh yeah.” Maybe he was right. Maybe it wasn’t suicide after all.
Gunn seeing them walk out stood up. “Did you talk some sense into him?” he asked Spike.
Angel ignored Gunn and headed over to Oz to discuss his plan, leaving Spike to answer him. “Look mate, its okay. All you need to do is follow Uncle to the club and then tell Angel when he leaves. It’s as simple as that.”
Gunn didn’t look too sure, so Spike figured he’d give him some incentive. “Look if it makes you feel any better, take Angelus’ Harley. It’s less noticeable then one of the cars and you guys can wear helmets.”
Gunn stopped in mid stride, his expression changing from annoyed to hopeful excitement. “You mean the new one that just got delivered, the one that I was strictly forbidden to use?”
“The one in the same my brother.” Spike smiled at him.
Gunn’s excitement was so apparent Spike couldn’t help but chuckle. Gunn lost his bike riding privileges after he took Angel’s last Harley out for a ride. He went out, got drunk and then thought it would be fun to jump over three cars with it. Naturally he never made it and ended up crashing on top of the first car. He laughed his ass off all the way to the hospital where he spent the next two months in traction for his broken leg. Spike had found it very amusing, especially since it was Spike that bet him a thousand bucks that he wouldn’t make it. But Angel, and Fred for that matter, hadn’t.
Spike figured that even though Angel’s plan wasn’t as reckless as it sounded at first, there was still a risk that Gunn and Fred would be spotted and he wanted to make sure that that wouldn’t happen. And as far as he knew Uncle had no clue what the new bike looked like. Besides, the old bastard couldn’t tell a Harley from a Honda anyway.
Spike smiled at him, “think of it as a bonus. Besides, I won’t tell him, if you don’t”
Gunn smiled, “alright I can do that. “
“Good man.” Spike said.
Angel walked over to them. “Everything good.”
Gunn looked at him smiling from ear to ear, “Sure thing boss. No problem.”
Angel nodded at him. “Good.”
Gunn went back over and sat down on the couch still grinning from ear to ear. Spike turned to Angel. “And what’s your illustrious plan for me?”
“I need you to go to the studio and cover for me. I’m supposed to be doing a scene today at noon.”
“And how is that supposed to work? We don’t exactly look the same?”
“It’s okay it’s the scene with the mask.” Angel answered and Spike nodded, then walked over and sat down next to Gunn.
Just then Fred came down the stairs. “Hi guys.” She kissed Angel on the cheek, “…sorry I’m late. What I miss?”
Angel smiled her, “it’s okay. Gunn and Spike will fill you in.”
“Okay.” She smiled then sat down in between Spike and Gunn as Angel walked over toward the counter.
Spike and Gunn told her the plan. When she started to protest about following Uncle, they both reassured her that it would be okay and she didn’t question them. She trusted them wholeheartedly. When they were done, Gunn nudged her with his elbow. “Ouch!”
Gunn looked at her pointedly then looked at Angel, then back at Fred. She rolled her eyes then stuck her tongue out at him, “chicken”.
Spike rolled his eyes at both of them. Obviously Gunn, Wes and Oz, wanted to know what the skinny was on Buffy. He knew that they wanted to meet her and Spike couldn’t blame them. If he hadn’t already met her he would be just as anxious as them. So they wanted to meet her but they were too afraid to ask Angel themselves, Spike snorted…pussies. Instead they appointed Fred the job because they knew that Angel would never hurt Fred.
Standing up Fred sighed then walked over to Angel who was hovering over Oz’ shoulder. “So…um Angel, when do we get to meet the woman who stole your heart?”
They all stopped what they were doing and looked at Angel, except Spike who sat on the couch his eyes closed seemingly sleeping.
Angel looked up from the computer screen and into the waiting gazes of the gang. “Umm...”
Gunn who had followed Fred over to the counter jumped up on to the counter and turned to Angel. “Yeah come on we want to meet Miss Swimsuit Edition.” Gunn said wiggling his eyebrows.
Angel scowled, he did want his most trusted friends to meet the woman of his dreams, but could he afford to? But then again, they were all trusted professionals who could lie to the devil himself, so where was the harm in them meeting her.
“Well I guess you could come with me tonight to The Graveyard. I have to make an appearance before I go to the hotel.” He offered.
They all smiled thinking the same thing. Finally they were going to meet Buffy. They had heard plenty from Spike but they had to meet her for themselves. Angel’s transformation in the past eight months from a mean, cold hearted, undetached man to someone who was nice, caring and warm hearted was amazing. And they knew that Buffy was the reason.
“If you go, follow C.U. 8.” He sternly said.
Their smiles faltered and Wesley spoke up, sharing a glance with everyone. “C.U.8?”
Angel nodded, “Oz?”
Grabbing the backpack Oz flung at him he started to rummage through it. Pulling out three sets of headphones he threw one to Gunn and the other to Fred.
Fred watched him closely then looked over at Spike who just shrugged at her. Hearing this worried her. She loved Angel, he was more than a friend he was her brother – her savior. Five years ago Angel and Spike had saved her from a life of sexual servitude from a Russian pimp, just as they had saved Gunn and Wesley from the hells that they were in. They meant more to each other than just business associates. They were family. The only family they had.
Angel had always frightened her. He was intense, harsh and not much in the humor department. But she always knew that he loved her. She always knew that he would do anything for her.
That’s why she now felt the need to say something to him. He wasn’t that blood thirsty person anymore and she wanted him to stay that way. She wanted him to be happy. Obviously Buffy made him happy. And Fred knew that Angel’s dishonesty could only mean bad things.
She watched as Angel moved over to his jacket, stuffing the headphones in his pocket and she followed him. Whispering to him gently with all the concern that she felt for him in her heart and soul, “Angel, don’t you think you should tell her? I mean, you’ve been involved with her for over eight months now. It’s obvious that you love her. You have to be honest with her.”
“That’s some good advice luv. It also sounds very familiar.” Spike quietly said as he watched them.
Angel turned to Fred he took her hands in his, his heart warming as he read the love that shone in her big brown eyes. “Fred it’s not that easy. Things are complicated.”
“No, you and Blondie are complicating it. Such dishonesty in a relationship it makes a bloke sick.” Spike said sadly, shaking his head back and forth, clearly showing his displeasure with both Angel and Buffy.
Angel looked at Spike his eyes hard as steel. But Fred gently grabbed his head and turned him back to her. “Angel. I love you. I owe you my life. If it wasn’t for you and Spike I’d be nothing but a used and abused whore.”
Angel’s eyes softened as he stared at her.
“I want you to be happy. You deserve to be happy. I know without even meeting her that Buffy is an extraordinary woman. I also know that she must love you as much as you love her. Don’t lose that Angel. Tell her the truth. She’ll understand.”
Angel smiled at her and grazed her cheek with his fingers. “Fred, you are an extraordinary woman.”
“I’ll second that.” Spike said feeling every bit as sappy as Angel was at the moment.
“You see only the good in people, it’s your gift.”
She smiled at him but he pulled away and once more his eyes hardened. “But the truth is Fred, that everyone has secrets, some more so than others. I’m not the only one keeping them in this relationship and as soon as I find out what hers are then I’ll share my own.”
Grabbing his jacket he headed toward the door. “Oz I’ll be back later, have everything ready. Gunn, one o’clock on the dot, you know how precise Uncle is.”
“You got it.” They both answered him.
“Spike let’s go.”
Fred watched him go her heart heavy with worry. Spike came up to her, and kissed her on the head. “Don’t worry luv. In the end it will be just the way it’s supposed to be.”
********
Buffy threw open the door to Willy’s and waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkened room. She was tired and extremely cranky, and she still had to go home and shower before Angel showed up at The Graveyard. She really needed to reconsider her modeling career.
Ever since the S.I. edition came out she was a hot commodity. She had been offered a lot of lucrative jobs and had taken many, but there were a lot she didn’t take simply because the job would take her away from LA and everyone she loved. Funny how six months ago she wouldn’t have thought twice about running off to Paris to do a layout but now the thought of being away from Angel for any extended period of time was stomach turning. She literally felt nauseated with the thought that she wouldn’t be able to talk to him, to touch him, or just have him look at her with those deep soul-wrenching eyes. He was so much a part of her now that she almost didn’t know where she stopped and he began.
A sense of foreboding consumed her as she stood there in the doorway. Her inner senses were screaming at her that something wasn’t right. She had tried all day to be positive and calm herself by rationalizing her fears. But nothing worked. She knew in the bottom of her soul that he was lying to her about something and deep down she had always known. It took overhearing their conversation in the kitchen to snap her out of the happy little world she had been blissfully living in. Now standing there, feeling like she was at the gates of hell nausea threatened to spew from her lips. Not knowing what he was hiding from her made her want to vomit.
Her biggest fear was that he had someone else on the side. He was gone a lot it was the perfect opportunity to cheat on her. What if he had loads of women lined up all over the place and she was just one of them. He was gorgeous and sexy, and sweet, it wasn’t too hard to believe that he could. What if he really didn’t love her the way that she loved him? What if he was really married and had children with that proverbial white picket fence somewhere? Her head was pounding, her heart was racing and she was sweating with nervous energy. She had to get it together.
She spotted Willy at his usual table, and she breathed out deeply, this was it. This was where she knew her whole world was going to come crashing down around her. And she could do nothing but walk to her death. Like a zombie her feet carried her over to the man who held all the answers. “Hey Willy.”
Willy looked up from his inventory list, a smile on his face. “Hey kiddo.”
Taking a thin folder out from under his list he slid it across the table to Buffy. “Here you go. Not much there honey, it’s actually a little freaky. Ah you did say that you know this guy right…like now?”
She couldn’t take her eyes off the manila folder. She was afraid to touch it, afraid that she was going to get burned. “Wh…what do you mean?” She quietly asked.
“Well there are some records of stuff, you know the usual, birth certificate, first known address and school attended but then it just stops.”
She looked up from the folder, her inquisitive eyes sharply falling on Willy. “What do you mean stops?”
“Stops as in no more, nothing, nada. Not a stitch of information after the age of ten. It’s almost like he’s dead.”
“Dead…no there as to be some mistake. I mean he’s definitely not dead.” Her brow furrowed, her heart raced further…panic seeped in. Dead? What the hell was Willy talking about? She didn’t know how to respond. Other lovers she was expecting but this…she wasn’t expecting this. Her body became flushed; she could practically feel the intense heat of Angel’s body when they made love last night. “Believe me…definitely not dead.”
She shook her head at the absurdity of it. “There has to be some mistake?” Her angry eyes looked at back at him. “You missed something. Or you got the spelling on the name wrong.”
Willy sadly shook his head. “No Buffy I didn’t miss anything and the spelling is right. I don’t know what to tell you kid. It’s all there you can see for yourself.”
She could do nothing but stare at it. For the first time in her life, her mind was a complete and utter blank. Not one coherent thought or idea popped inside of her head. She had no idea what to do but she knew she couldn’t stay here. Dead?
She stood up slowly and took the offensive folder placing it inside her jacket. She walked over to Willy and gave him kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for your help Willy…I…I…appreciate it.”
“You alright kid? You don’t look too good.”
She stared back at him with lifeless eyes then shook her head. She walked away but Willy stopped her. “Buffy, I’m sorry I couldn’t find out anything more if you need anything else just let me know.”
She couldn’t answer him even if she knew what do say. She just waved goodbye then mindlessly walked out.
Cloak-and-Dagger
Meanwhile Angel was on his way back to the Hyperion doing ninety down the freeway. His hands clenched the steering wheel as his face contorted with anger staring down the road, and weaving in and out of traffic.
It was a good plan. He got in with no problem. The complex security system was easily overridden with a little help from the man that created it. Thank god Oz had enough sense to leave a backdoor in the system. Of course, Uncle not being the most trusting soul in the world, knew that and had hired someone else to go find them and wipe them out. But Oz being so good at what he did planned for a situation just like that and had two more backdoors hidden where no one could find them but him.
So he made it in with no problem. He made it pass all the stupid oafs that worked for Uncle and finally made it up to his private office. He had opened the safe as easily as if it were his own, then opened it to look for the folder he knew had to be there. To his astonishment the safe was empty…with the exception of one piece of paper.
His eyes blazed with anger when he saw it and he quickly snatched it up with his gloved hand.
Dear Boy, did you think I would make it that easy for you?
Uncle
It took all the will power he had not to punch a hole in the wall, much less crumple the paper up in his hands and then rip it to shreds. He wasn’t going to give that bastard the pleasure. Carefully he placed the paper back in the safe, locked it up and left the same way he came in.
“FUCKING BASTARD!” He screamed out as his hands landed heavily on the hood of his Porsche, denting the metal.
He stood outside ranting and raving, cursing the old man to hell and back for about thirty minutes. His poor car had taken the brunt of his anger and now had so many dents from his feet and hands, it almost looked unrecognizable. Driving now, the poor car rattled with every bump it drove over.
But he didn’t care that his seventy thousand dollar car wasn’t worth a pot to piss in now. All that mattered was that he had not succeeded in his plan, and nothing pissed him off more. He learned absolutely nothing that he needed to learn, and to top it all off he was thwarted by a fucking old bastard!
Slamming on the brakes he slid easily into the Hyperion driveway and screeched the tires down to the garage.
The gang waited for him upstairs in the lobby, listening to every loud screech the car made. There was the sound of a door slamming. Hands hitting metal and a whole bunch of loud expletives that even made Spike blush, almost.
Spike shook his head; he knew it wasn’t going to be that easy. Everyone else sat there quietly not knowing what was going to come up from the basement. So they waited and waited.
Forty-five minutes later Angel finally emerged from the basement. He walked in looking as cool as a cat. He was calm and he was all business.
“Okay. Oz what did you find out.”
The gang used to this just went with it.
“His name is Richard Wilkins the third aka The Mayor. He’s a multimillionaire, CEO of a publicity firm that has some of the most prestigious clients in the world. On the outside he is a law abiding squeaky-clean executive. But underneath that we’re looking at your run of the mill scumbag with connections to the mob, terrorist organizations and gangs. He pretty much has his hands into everything. He also has very high connections in the US government and the British government. “
Angel was leaning against the counter as Oz filled him in. “Where does his money come from?”
“It’s old…very old. His great grandfather was married to a Vanderbilt and had connections to the Queen. But his father blew a lot of that money with some stock scam back in the fifties. He wasn’t left with much after that. Now must of his money comes from his underground activities. There also seems to be a hefty sum of money that is direct deposited to a hidden Swiss account every month.”
“Who’s sending it?”
“Well that’s where it gets tricky. I can’t trace it…yet. Whoever is sending it knows what they’re doing and I would even take a guess as to say that they have connections higher up in the financial world to help hide the transactions. But I’m still working on it. I’ll get it eventually.”
“Why do they call him the Mayor?” Fred asked.
“Well before he started the publicity company he dabbled in politics. Remember about ten years ago the big scandal that took place up in Sunnydale.”
“You mean the dead mayor that was clogging the sewers?” Gunn asked.
Oz nodded. “Yup that’s the one. Well guess who took the vacant opening of Mayor?”
“Wilkens.” Angel said.
“Yeah. It was never proven but the rumor underground was that he had his right hand man, Mr. Trick, take care of the old mayor because he doesn’t like to lose, and according to the polls…he was losing.”
“Hence the name The Mayor.” Wesley added.
“Okay, so we have one unscrupulous CEO with dirty hands and possible connections to the government. Oz what did he get out of our last job?”
“Well besides the fact that he got 5.5 million dollars in un-cut, untraceable diamonds, he also got his ties severed with one of the most notorious mobs in London.”
Angel was stumped why would a man who seemed to get everything he wanted be uptight about the way it was done.
“Wes did we miss something, in our initial recon on the mark?”
Wesley shook his head confident in his answer. “No Angel, I researched him thoroughly I did not miss a thing.”
“Well there has to be something that we missed. I want you to double check everything Wes.”
Wesley started to argue but Angel held up his hand. “I know Wes you’re very thorough, but it makes no sense. We must have missed something, why would Wilkens care about who did the job as long as the job got done?”
Spike silently agreed with Angel it made no sense.
Angel turned his piercing brown eyes to Wesley. “What did you see at the hotel?”
“He didn’t leave the hotel. But he did have a visitor.” He stood up and walked over to the counter pulling a picture out of his briefcase. “One very unkempt looking gentleman came at three o’clock carrying a package.” He handed the photo to Angel. “He stayed for about one hour and then left empty handed.”
Angel stared at the photo his eyes as black as midnight. His voice was hard and crisp when he spoke. “Do we know who is?”
“Not yet but I’m still working on it.” Wes answered.
“Thanks guys. We’ll find out what Wilkens has to say later tonight.” Looking up at the clock on the wall he turned to them. “Why don’t you all get ready and we’ll head to The Graveyard for a little r and r before we get busy.”
“Now you’re talking boss!” Gunn got up and grabbed a smiling Fred around the waist picking her up and carrying her up the stairs. “Come on baby let’s get ready for a night of fun!”
Oz and Wesley gathered the papers together and headed to the office to secure them.
Angel walked over to the bar and poured himself a shot.
“I want to come with you tonight.” Spike said from behind him.
“No. You stay at The Graveyard or come back to the Hotel, I don’t care which.”
“You need back up on this mate you don’t know what’s going to go down.”
Angel ignored him and shoved the photo to the side. “What does this look like to you?” He asked quietly, pouring himself another shot.
Spike grabbed the photo and looked at. “This doesn’t mean anything Angelus. You heard Oz the man has his hands in everything – including gangs.” He slapped the photo back down on the counter.
Angel drank another shot, “Look closer. Look at his left arm.”
Spike perplexed picked the picture up again and looked closer at the man. His heart almost stopped at what he saw.
“Look familiar?” Angel asked, his hand clenching tighter around the glass, as he poured himself yet another shot then quickly drank it down.
“Bullocks.” Spike put the photo back down. “Even more reason for me to go with you tonight.”
Angel turned to his best friend. “Spike it’s alright nothing will happen. The man can’t touch me and he knows it. “
Spike wasn’t too sure about that. “Angel the man could have more connections to Uncle than you know of. What if it’s a set up to finally get rid of you?”
Angel drank down another shot and slammed the glass on the counter. Turning to Spike he put his arm around his shoulder steering him toward the door. “You worry too much Will. Uncle’s not ready to kill me…yet. Besides the plot just got thicker and I have to say that I’m really looking forward to meeting The Mayor.”
“Yeah I bet you are.”
Angel turned toward the door and Spike followed him. “Just promise me you won’t do anything stupid.”
“Brother stupid isn’t in my vocabulary. Let’s go people the bus is heading out!” Angel called out walking out the door.
“Yeah but it’s not your vocabulary I’m worried about, it’s the Beast’s.” Spike mumbled.
********
Buffy headed home from Willy’s in a daze and miraculously reached the loft without getting into an accident. After taking a quick shower, she sat on the bed, took a deep breath, and opened the folder.
She pulled out the birth certificate. Angelus Liam O’Rourke born June 6, 1975 to one Patricia and Liam O’Rourke in Buffalo University Hospital. That corresponded to what he had told her. The remaining information was just what Willy had said. Shit! Nothing but little bits of information that were useless and at the age of ten those little bits of information just vanished.
There was no record of him ever attending high school or college. There was no record of a marriage to one Darla McKinnon. There was nothing! Not even a death certificate! Nothing.
There was one small news clipping on the car accident that took the life of his parents but that was it. There was no mention of the little ten-year-old boy that got left behind. There wasn’t even a legally written obituary it was more like just a spot in the local newspaper about some car accident. It simply stated that the accident claimed the lives of two people, seemingly nobody’s, whose bodies had been burned beyond recognition.
Then it stopped. It was just like Willy had said…it was like he didn’t even exist!
She threw the papers down angrily and stood up walking over to the window and looked out into the night.
Well there was one good thing about this. At least now she knew that it wasn’t another woman. What Willy found out was extremely disconcerting to say the least but after the initial shock passed, which totally flattened her, she was relieved. The idea of him being with another woman was more devastating than anything else.
But still he had lied, lied to her about something that was really, really big. Her eyes darkened as anger filled her. Her own secrets didn’t even enter her mind. She could only think of the folder and its contents.
It made no sense. She knew he existed. She touched him every night. She had licked every inch of that gorgeous body. She had felt many, many times, his body gloriously pressed next to hers. She had heard his softly spoken words of love and passion in her ear. What the hell was he involved in? Who the hell was he? Was Spike involved too? Did Faith know something that she wasn’t telling her? Her mind was running wild again with questions and paranoia set in. Was everyone against her? Just what the hell was going on?
Looking at the street below she could see the crowd lining up to get into The Graveyard. It was another busy night. She was about to turn away when she saw a black hummer pull up. The passenger side door opened and a very familiar bleached blond head stepped out. Then the back door opened and a red-haired man stepped out followed by an older man wearing glasses. A black man came around from the other side of the Hummer, his arm around a slight framed brunette.
The valet ran around the Hummer and opened the driver’s side door. Buffy’s stomach was clenched with dread as she watched her lover walk around the Hummer to join his associates.
When the fuck did he get a Hummer? Her eyes were slits as she watched him speak with Danny the valet. She then watched as Danny got in and drove away from the Graveyard. Where the hell was he going? Why wasn’t he parking in the VIP’s spot like he usually does?
She looked back down to the group standing on the sidewalk laughing and joking with each other. They looked like they had known each other for years. It was easy to see the familiarity that they shared as they stood close talking. She had known Angel for eight months and she knew that she had never met any of these people nor had he ever mentioned having any close friends beside Spike.
She spun away from the window violently knocking over a picture as she did. She went into the bedroom to get changed. She was going to get to the bottom of this tonight.
Angel listened to the gang chat happily when he suddenly got the distinct feeling that he was being watched. He looked up at the window on the fourth floor. It was empty.
Jesus he was so muddled inside that even his normally astute senses were wrong. He had to calm himself down. He was extremely uptight and stressed out. He felt like he was about to break. There was something very important that she never told him and he had the feeling that tonight he would find out. The worst part was that he knew it wouldn’t come from her beautiful ripe lips. His gut told him that it would come from his enemy.
The gang headed toward the door, Oz, Gunn and Fred were excited and couldn’t wait to get in. Wesley was searching for his ear plugs and Spike watched Angel.
“Stop worrying. What the hell could she have possibly done that was bad enough for Uncle to use against you?”
Seeing Angel still staring up at the window, he socked him on the shoulder finally getting his attention. “I’m telling you the bastard just mentioned her to throw you off that’s all. You know how that sneaky fuck works. Now come on. Let’s go in. Have a drink, you’ll see your woman, and you’ll feel much better.”
Angel nodded but wasn’t so sure. What he did know was that he couldn’t wait to see her. He was consumed with the horror that he was going to lose her and that bloodcurdling thought fueled a primal need to fuck her. It was so archaic Buffy would call it cavemanny…Angel just called it claiming what was his.
His feet moved forward as the gang walked inside the club. He numbly followed along, his mind only on one thing. He heard no music and no voices. He only heard hot panting and screams of ecstasy. He only felt her tight sheath soaking his cock and nails digging into his back.
The doors opened and they all walked inside. “Evening Mr. Spike, Mr. Angel.” The bouncer greeted them.
“Evening Earl.” Spike answered slapping him on the back as he passed him and walked inside. Angel’s only acknowledgement was a low guttural grunt.
“Whew now this is what I’m talking about people!” Gunn shouted to his friends as they stood in the doorway overlooking the club as 50 Cents blared over the speakers.
Wesley leaned into to Spike. “I thought you said they played rock and roll.” He screamed.
Spike nodding his head to the music turned to Wesley. “Yeah The Crypt is upstairs. This is The Coffin, the dance club. It’s all about the bass down here mate.”
Wesley looked confused while he continued to stare at Spike who was bobbing his head to the music.
“Come on Fred lets dance!” Gunn started to pull Fred on the dance floor.
“Angel?” Wes said. When he got no answer he screamed it again, louder this time. “ANGEL!”
Spike looked at his friend and saw the look in his eyes. He shook his head and elbowed him in the side. “Snap out of it sex fiend.”
Angel shook his head and looked at Spike, who nodded to Wesley. “What?”
Wesley had never seen such a look of desperation on his friend’s face before. It was extremely…lust filled, and it made him uncomfortable. “Um…how long do we plan on staying here?”
It took Angel a few seconds to get a grip on his lust. He cleared his throat and answered him. “Just a few hours.” Wesley nodded, pleased that he wouldn’t have to endure an entire night of this racket.
“Gunn?” Angel called out. “See the elevator with the mammoth standing in front of it, when you’re ready head over there.”
“Got you brother.” Gunn twirled Fred out on the dance floor where they started to gyrate and move with the music.
“C’mon mates I’m dying for a drink.” Spike plowed his way through the crowd, stopping to greet people who called his name.
Wesley followed closely behind Angel. “Angel this is very peculiar isn’t it? I mean rock and disco in the same place?”
Angel smiled at him as Oz answered. “Peculiar? It’s fucking brilliant is what it is Wes. Think about it, they got their hands in both demographics.”
He turned a blaring smile to Angel, “Really fucking brilliant Angel, your girl’s got quite a head on her shoulders to come up with this.”
Angel smiled back at Oz as his chest filled with pride. His girl. His girl who had no idea how good he was going to give it to her – and how soon. Feeling Oz’s eyes on him he cleared his throat again and looked around the club. It was busy. Thriving was more like it, it started when it opened and it showed no signs of slowing down. His baby was pretty fucking smart.
He scowled, maybe too smart, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. His thoughts flew back to the initial feeling of being watched when they first arrived. And he was suddenly filled with a sense of dread. But he was stopped with his line of thinking as they reached the VIP elevator where Spike was already talking with the bouncer.
“Hey Roscoe how’s it going tonight?” Angel shook hands with the monster that stood guard at the elevator.
“Evening Mr. O’Rourke I hope your party is enjoying themselves this evening?”
Angel smiled at him, no matter how many times he told the brute to call him Angel he never did. “I’m sure they will be. Roscoe, see the couple dancing on the floor over there?” He pointed to Gunn and Fred.
“Yes sir.”
“When they’re ready send them up okay.” He palmed him fifty bucks and slapped him on the back.
“Yes sir.” The elevator doors opened up and they all stepped inside.
“Thank you Mr. O’Rourke. Mr. Spike, gentlemen enjoy your evening.” Roscoe said as the doors closed.
Oz whistled, “This is some place Angel.”
“Yes very fancy, not at all what I was expecting.” Wes said.
Angel smiled. “Believe it or not Wes they get a lot of high profile customers here. Actors, musicians, models, sports figures, you name it, in the past six months they have all crossed the threshold at some point.”
“Yeah it’s a bloody mecca of stars boys. Some of the most beautiful women in the world have been here and I’ve met them all!”
Angel smirked. “Yeah then got his head cracked open by Faith for…meeting them all.”
Spike snorted, “Hey I can bloody well look!” He leaned into Oz “Just no touchy-touchy…” He snickered as the doors opened.
They stepped out of the elevator and were greeted by another brute. “Evening George.” Angel said.
“Angel, Spike good to see you.”
“Georgie old boy how’s it hanging?” Spike answered.
“It’s hanging strong sir.”
Spike smiled, “I bet it is you thug!”
Angel stepped up to him, “George these are our good friends Wesley and Oz and they should be treated as very special VIPS.”
“No problem with that sir, we treat all our VIPs at The Graveyard with special care.”
He turned too Wes and Oz. “Good evening gentlemen. What is your pleasure tonight?”
Wesley started to sputter. “P…ppleasure?”
Oz laughed at him, sometimes Wesley was so nerdy.
Angel laughed too. “Don’t worry about it George I’ll take care of it.”
“Sure thing boss.”
Spike started to lead Wes and Oz through the room as Angel spoke quietly to George. “Is Buffy here?”
George nodded toward the VIP lounge and Angel smiled at him then slipped fifty bucks in his hand as he shook it. “Thank you George.”
The VIP lounge was the ultimate hang out spot at The Graveyard. It was actually a hidden room. The wall behind the bar of The Crypt was a two-way mirror and the VIP lounge was behind it. Anyone who was anyone hung out there. Most nights it was rented out as a party room for special events. But tonight it was empty.
Spike and Oz walked over to the bouncer standing in the corner on the left side of the bar. Wesley, who was behind them with Angel, looked at the man and his eyes popped out of his head. He was huge. He had to be about six foot seven and he was all muscle. Plus every inch of skin that showed was tattooed, even his bald head. The man was a walking picture and he made Wesley nervous. “Angel, where did she find all these…bouncers, the WWF?” Wesley asked as he eyed the burly man.
Angel laughed, “They’re Hell’s Angels.”
Wesley stopped in his tracks and looked at Angel. “Hell’s Angels? As in the biker gang Hell’s Angels?”
Angel couldn’t stop smirking at Wes’s obvious distress. “Yes Wes ‘the’ Hell’s Angels. Buffy and Faith know some people and they hired a bunch of them to be bouncers. Best bouncers in the world don’t you think?”
Wes looked at the brawny man standing guard and had to admit they were very intimidating. “Yes indeed.” He swallowed.
Behind the mirror Faith, Buffy and Willow were watching everything that was going on.
“New friends?” Faith asked.
“Who’s the redhead? He’s cute,” Willow asked as she continued to stare at Oz.
Buffy just ignored both of them while she continued to stare at Angel. His eyes suddenly lifted to the mirror and stared right back at her. It was almost as if he knew she was watching him. They made direct contact and the heat and pulse of his hot gaze burned right through her anger and enflamed her body. He had that look in his eye. The same look he had last night. Her pulse started to race and she could feel her nipples tighten – no this man was most definitely not dead.
He smirked and then winked at her; she scowled just as he turned toward the door that was now opening.
“Here you go Gentlemen enjoy your stay.”
“Thanks Bubba.” Spike said as he spied Faith at the bar. “I most certainly will.”
“They speak very eloquently for bikers don’t they.” Wes said to no one in particular.
Angel smiled at him. ”Yeah well its part of the job Wes.” He looked up feeling eyes on him and spotted her sitting at the end of the bar with Willow and Faith.
It never failed to take his breath away, the first moment of eye contact with her. She was so beautiful and every time he looked at her he thanked god that she was his. HIS. The bloodlust to fuck her returned two fold and he found it extremely hard to concentrate on anything else but that.
He smiled at her hungrily as her eyes lifted to his. She read every silent message they spoke – mine – take – now - and her body responded to it. As her pulse continued to race and her nipples got harder, she shifted on her seat as her panties grew wet with anticipation.
His mouth curved into that sensual smirk that made her insides weak, and she scowled back. She was mad at him damn it! He apparently was dead but he wasn’t dead. That was a BIG fucking secret to keep from the person you supposedly loved. She had to repeat that over and over again in her head to stomp down her ever growing lust. She was not going to just spread her legs for him, even though she really, really wanted to. No she needed answers first. She needed to know the truth.
Seeing her scowl cooled his lust and he looked back at her with questioning eyes. She looked pissed off. Mentally he went over the last two days. Did he do something wrong? There was that moment in the kitchen yesterday morning, maybe she did hear something. Suddenly he was hit with the notion that she might actually be suspicious of him. He scowled, that wouldn’t do. He needed to find out what she was keeping from him first. Damage control, that was what he needed now, just incase she was having doubts.
He looked at all of them, Buffy, Faith & Willow, and then blasted them with his biggest no-girl-can-resist-me smile. It wouldn’t hurt to schmooze the friends a little, get them on his side, just in case his gut was right and the shit really did it the fan tonight.
Willow smiled back. She thought Buffy was the luckiest girl in the world. Angel was nice and sweet, so handsome. He always looked out for Buffy and took care of her. He would never hurt her. So she thought.
Faith was still mad at Angel and seeing that smile and the look in his eyes, told her one thing. He was covering all his bases. She glared at him, but he was no longer looking at her. His eyes were solely on Buffy as he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her back against his chest. He leaned down breathing in her scent and amorously nuzzling her neck.
Buffy closed her eyes and tried to resist him but she found her head automatically turned to meet his lips as they grazed a path from her neck to her cheek.
“Hey baby.” He whispered just as their lips touched. Slowly at first, his lips moved over hers as his tongue lightly licked them. She held back a moan of pleasure but she couldn’t stop her mouth from opening and her own tongue thrusting deep inside his warm mouth.
Angel grunted pleased with her hungry response which matched his. His arms tightened around her waist and he fought the urge to throw her up on the bar and sink inside of her.
Buffy shivered against him as their kiss slowed. Her eyes opened and she looked into his. “Hey yourself.” She whispered back.
He kept smiling at her, his eyes searching her face. Sensing that something was different about him tonight she asked, “What was that for?”
His palm cupped her cheek. “Do I need a reason to kiss you?” he asked as he continued to study her face, his own face slightly more serious than it was a second ago.
“I hope not.” She answered him quietly then looked down at her beer as fear and sadness entered her soul.
The emotion he saw in her eyes before she turned away reflected his own and he gently cupped her chin turning her head to the side and bringing her lips to his once more. He kissed her slow and sensually, lingering as long as he could in a room full of people. When he pulled back, her eyes were closed and she was softly panting. “I love you” He whispered and without opening her eyes she croaked back, “I love you.”
He smiled at her, his fingers grazing her lips back and forth. “I brought some friends I wanted you to meet.”
His words broke through the passionate haze she had been in and her eyes snapped open. “I can see that, did you also bring me a new hummer?” She had to ask, she wanted to be blunt to try to catch him in a lie.
He didn’t miss a beat. “That’s Oz’s nice eh?” He leaned in closer to her and whispered in her ear, “I thought I was being watched.” He gave her ear a lick and a nibble and smiled when he felt her shiver. “I can always feel when those beautiful green eyes touch my body.” She had to smile he was just so sexy and sweet, and quick on his feet.
She turned to greet his friends; she’d work them. She stood up and out of his grasp. Angel scowled.
She sundered over to them putting on her friendliest smile. “Hi guys welcome to The Graveyard.”
Angel looked at Faith who shot him a nasty look shaking her head while Spike sat there watching the interplay between the two and sipping his beer. Angel glared back at her silently telling her to mind her own business.
Walking up next to Buffy he put his arm around her shoulders and brought her flush against his body. “Baby I want you to meet Wesley and Oz, guys this is Buffy, that’s Faith behind the bar, and the quiet red-head is Willow.”
“Hey…” Faith smiled, “can I get you guys something to drink?”
Oz couldn’t respond he was too busy staring at the gorgeous creature sitting at the other end of the bar. She looked like a vision to his sad and lonely eyes and he rushed over to the bar to meet her. Sitting down next to Willow he said, “Yeah I’ll have a beer please. Hi I’m Oz.” He held out his hand and Willow blushing profusely smiled at him. “Hi, I’m Willow.”
Meanwhile Wesley couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of Buffy. He had seen the swimsuit edition many times. When it first came out Gunn took great pleasure rankling Angel with it by ogling it and making comments about how hot she looked. And silently, not wanting to irk his boss, Wesley had agreed. But now standing in front of her, he was blown away by just how beautiful she was.
Buffy smirked at the speechless look on his face. She was used to the effect that she had on men and she knew how to use it to her advantage. She pushed her chest out further and adjusted her already low cut blouse.
Angel growled low in his throat and unconsciously pressed Buffy further into his side. So green with jealousy he missed Buffy’s actions. “Wes?” Angel sneered at him.
Spike laughed. “The bloke’s spellbound. Don’t think I’ve ever seen him speechless!”
Buffy smiled kindly at Wes as she abstracted herself from Angel’s side. She walked up to Wesley and took his hand leading him to the bar. “Faith, give this man a drink, whiskey I think.”
“You got it B.” Faith smiled.
“I apologize I…I…don’t know what to say to excuse my behavior, how rude of me.” He cleared his throat “I’m Wesley Wyndham Price, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Buffy chuckled at his embarrassment. “You too Wes.”
Angel stood staring daggers at Wesley and Wesley just sheepishly looked back at him shrugging his shoulders. “She’s a beautiful woman Angel.”
Angel was about to respond but instead was stopped by Buffy slapping him on the chest. “Don’t worry about it Wes, he can take it, he’s a big boy.” She then moved behind the bar to help Faith and to get away from a growling Angel, which only seemed to turn her into a puddle of mush.
“So how do you guys know each other?” She casually asked. To the newcomers in the room it sounded like an innocent question. But to Angel, Spike & Faith who knew her, it sounded like an inquisition.
Wesley was still too awestruck by Buffy’s smiling face to see the question behind the question, but he wasn’t that dazed to remember how to answer. “We went to school together.”
Buffy looked at Wes suspiciously, “Really school? Ah go figure.”
She poured Wesley a shot deciding that he would be the one to crack. “If you don’t mind me asking Wes, how old are you? I mean no offense but school? You look old enough to be their uncle or something?” She sneaked a look at Angel to see him causally drinking down a shot that Faith poured him. Then she looked back to Wesley.
Wesley laughed at her bluntness. “I am really not that much older. I was a student teacher at their school and we all became quick friends.” Smooth, Buffy thought, and a well-planned and well-used lied.
“And what school would that be?” She asked.
Angel almost choked on his whiskey but was saved by the door opening and Gunn and Fred coming in.
“Damn this place rocks!” Gunn said as he strolled into the room.
“It’s really something, I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere like it.” Fred said agreeing.
“And you never will Sugerpie!” Faith proudly stated.
“Whoa hold up here…who are these three gorgeous women?”
“Charles!” Fred playfully scolded him as Spike and Angel glowered at him.
Buffy didn’t wait for Angel to make the introductions, instead she held out her hand. “Hi I’m Buffy and this is Faith, and that’s Willow.”
Faith nodded to them.
“Hi” Willow said.
“Hey all I’m Charles Gunn and this beauty to my left is Winifred Burkle.”
“Call me Fred please.” Then she extended her hand and shook Buffy’s. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.” Fred said smiling not even realizing the can of worms that she just opened up.
Buffy’s eyebrow rose, “really. Well it’s nice to meet you too Fred. I wish I could say the same about you.” She added on a sourly note.
Fred’s smile faltered when she realized that she erred. Her eyes quickly looked up to see Angel glaring at her blackly and Spike once more shaking his head.
“Well Fred and Gunn what can I get you to drink?” Faith asked, quickly jumping in to avert a possible eruption.
“Oh, um…just some red wine for me please.” Fred said as she sat down at the bar feeling like a complete idiot.
“I’ll take a beer, thanks.” Gunn sat down next to Fred. His hand gently rubbing her back, “it’s okay baby.” He kissed her on the cheek and she smiled warmly at him.
Buffy looked at all the new players in the room and quickly studied them.
Gunn and Fred: obviously they were in love it was easy to see with the looks and the way they always seemed to stay in contact with each other. She watched Gunn as he deftly pulled his wallet out to pay for their drinks.
“It’s on the house big guy.” Faith said, and Gunn snapped the wallet closed and had it in his pocket so fast that Buffy almost missed it.
Meanwhile Fred and Willow started talking and somehow quickly got on the conversation of all the injustices in the world. It was apparent to see that Fred was like Willow in many ways but she was worldlier as she mentioned the fact that injustices ran deep in every country.
Next she looked at Oz, he sat by Willow listening to her and Fred’s conversation and every so often putting in a comment about the financial or political end of it, and how computers and technology had both helped and hurt the justice system.
Finally she looked back at Wesley, who was looking around the room. Looking at everything and reading every word that his eye saw.
In less than a minute she had summed them all up.
Gunn was the man with the fast hands and extra muscle.
Fred was the intuitive and insightful person in the group.
Oz was the techno guy.
And Wesley was the research man.
Then there was Spike. She looked over to see him whispering in a giggling Faith’s ear. She knew him as well as she knew Angel. Spike was the number two man.
She didn’t need a freaking diploma to know that something was definitely up with this group. In fact she’d bet her life that if she had Willy check all of them that he would come up with the same bullshit information that he did on Angel.
Angel, her sweet lying Angel, he was the head cheese.
She turned to look at her lying lover and found his dark piercing eyes on her. She smiled at him then turned back to his friends.
“So…Gunn, Fred, where did you two meet the rest of these hooligans?” She sweetly asked.
Angel got up from his seat and went around the bar. She was making him anxious. The questions, the looks, and the tone of her voice, she was being extremely cagey. He figured the best way to rankle her was to be near her. Smother her with his presence; totally and completely consume her with him that always seemed to work.
Walking up behind her he leaned back against the counter and took her with him, wrapping his arms around her waist and placing her securely against his chest with his chin leaning against her head.
Buffy just let him have control and relaxed against him. Grabbing his hand she brought it up to her mouth and kissed his knuckle sensually and slowly, giving him a little lick along the way. She laughed inside when she felt his response nudging her in the ass. He thought he could get one over on her! Well he had another thing coming.
“School.” Fred answered.
“Yup, we all went to school together.” Gunn added.
Buffy turned and looked at Faith with a smirk of disbelief. When she looked back to Gunn, Faith snuck a murderous glare at Angel.
“You mean to tell me that all of you went to school together and still remain friends?” Buffy asked.
“We were all very close baby.” Angel said kissing her head.
“Mmmm I can see that.”
“What’s the problem Blondie don’t you still know any of your old school chums?” Spike asked. The need to aid Angel in his charade took control of his mouth and he spoke without thinking.
Buffy quickly looked at him and coldly answered. “No.” She then disengaged herself from Angel and walked around to the other side of the bar.
“You’ll have to excuse me. I have an early day tomorrow. Please stay and enjoy yourselves if you need anything just let Bubba know. It was nice meeting you all.”
Faith turned and quickly slapped Spike upside the head. “Idiot.”
“Ouch!” Spike said as he rubbed his head. “Why’d you do that for?”
Faith ignored him and watched as Buffy stiffly walked out the room followed by Angel.
Who Are You?
She stood waiting for the elevator with her foot tapping impatiently, her mind working a mile a minute, and her anger growing with everyone.
The elevator beeped and the doors opened. Walking inside she leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. She needed time to sort through all the bullshit that he’d ever told her. Time to remember every little detail and go over every conversation they’d ever had. Because at this point she didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t.
“Buffy.”
Her eyes opened to see Angel’s hand halting the doors. They opened up and he stepped inside. The doors closed and the elevator started to move. She felt trapped. She felt like she couldn’t breathe and her traitorous body betrayed her as she stared at him.
There was so much he wanted to say to her, so many questions he wanted to ask. But now that they were alone in the confines of the elevator, all he could think about was being inside of her. Taking two steps he was right in front of her. He leaned against the wall and pressed himself against her.
She leaned her head back and looked into his eyes. Her breath became erratic as her eyes darkened with desire. She loved him so much. She wanted him more then anything she had ever wanted. All her anger and mistrust flew out the window as her passion for him took over.
His hand reached up cupping her cheek and he leaned forward, “Buffy.”
She moaned hungrily as his lips descended on hers. Her arms wound around his waist pulling him tighter against her as his hand slid up then down the side of her body, enjoying every curve and nook.
Her hands skimmed down his strong back and gripped his ass, squeezing his cheeks, pressing his hardness closer into the apex of her thighs.
Angel grunted then gyrated and pushed against her harder. He left her lips and moved down her neck licking and sucking a path down to her throat. He sucked the sensitive skin into his mouth and gently suckled. Buffy moaned uncontrollably as she continued to squeeze his tight ass.
He growled impatiently and then suddenly left her. Reaching back he hit the stop button and the elevator jerked coming to an abrupt stop. He wasted no time in claiming her waiting lips once again, hungrily biting and nipping them as he did.
His hand gripped her leg then eagerly caressed the soft skin of her thigh as he moved closer to his goal. Reaching her panties he fervently slid them down her legs and pulled them off throwing them aside. He dropped to his knees and raised her leg putting it over his shoulder. As soon as his nose caught her perfumed scent his mouth watered. Gripping her ass he moaned pushing her up to his mouth.
Buffy’s head fell back and she gripped his head as his cool tongue lapped at her throbbing pussy.
He ate her voraciously. Licking and sucking, running his tongue up and down her wet slit. He couldn’t get enough. This was his nourishment. This was his lifeblood. If he were never to taste her again he knew he would die.
His thoughts turned him into a raging animal as he attacked her with more gusto, desperately trying to drain her of every drop of creamy goodness that she had to offer.
Buffy was putty in his mouth as her body gave him everything he wanted. Her head slammed back against the wall as she rapidly convulsed. Her hips jerked up into his mouth as a thousand bright lights flitted across her eyes. Angel moaned, squeezing her ass harder, pressing her further against his hungry mouth, reveling in every drop of cum that he tasted.
Slowly, her body slowed but Angel gave her no time to recuperate. He stood up, unzipped his pants pulled out his cock and fully sheathed himself inside of her. “Oh God!” he said, as his eyes closed.
This was exactly where he wanted to be. Tightly incased inside of her. Warmed by her warmth. Her panting breath against his neck. Her fingers digging into the skin of his back as he drew out and then slammed back inside of her.
Buffy jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. She kissed his neck then bit down hard squeezing her inner muscles around his cock as he plunged madly inside of her. His pace never faltered, he took her violently, slamming inside of her and then pulling out. Their breathing became louder until they both were shouting to the gods their release.
They came together, riding their orgasmic waves as one. Their bodies held tightly together, their hips slowly rocking back and forth. Their lips met and they kissed each other until the waves receded and their bodies were still once more.
Buffy put her legs down and smoothed her skirt and Angel pulled his pants up. They held each other’s eyes, love and sated passion stared back at each other, hiding the mistrust and the sadness.
Peering into his dark eyes she wondered if maybe Faith was right. In a blink of an eye she decided to take a chance and see if he’d be honest with her. “Is there something you need to tell me Angel?”
“What do you mean?”
“Is there anything that you want to tell me?” She quietly asked again then waited with baited breath to hear his answer.
He let go of her and stood back to look at her. It was the moment of truth, the moment that he knew would come. But he wasn’t ready to give up his truth at least not until he heard hers. ”No.”
She stared at him, her eyes growing hard and distant as her heart dropped to the bottom of her stomach.
“Is there something you need to tell me?” He asked.
She walked around him and hit the resume button. The elevator started to move and she turned back to look at him. Yes there was but seeing that he wasn’t willing to share then neither was she. “No.”
For the first time in eight months they looked at each other with mistrust in their eyes.
The doors opened and she stepped out, Angel made no move to follow her. “I’m tired. I have to go to bed.”
He nodded his eyes distant and cold. “I’m going to join the gang for another drink.”
She nodded back and the elevator doors closed.
Angel held his anger in check while standing in the elevator. He picked up her forgotten panties and breathed in its musky scent. Quaking once more with desire he irritably tucked them away in his pocket. The second the doors opened he stormed out and into the VIP lounge.
“Let’s go. NOW!”
Everyone jumped up from their seats and quickly walked out without any word to Faith or Willow.
“Well that’s very rude.” Willow commented.
Faith stared at Spike as he headed toward the door. He turned around to look at her.
“SPIKE NOW!” Angel yelled.
Spike smiled at Faith and then left.
Faith watched them go through the mirror. Once they got in the elevator she threw her towel down and left the lounge. “I’ll be back Red.”
She ran out of the lounge and over to the stairs, not even bothering to wait for the elevator. She had to find Buffy. She climbed the stairs two at a time and reached the third floor. She flung open the door and ran down the hall. She didn’t bother to knock she just ran inside. “BUFFY?” She called out but silence greeted her.
She walked further into the room and saw a note on the table, she picked it up.
Faith,
Don’t worry I’ll be okay. I’m going to Angel’s to do some snooping. Be back later.
Luv ya. B.
“Damn it Buffy!” Faith threw the note down and picked up her cell phone. She dialed Spike’s number but it just rang and rang.
“FUCK!” She threw the phone down and sat on the couch.
She was nothing but a freaking traitor. She felt so low, so unworthy to be a friend to anyone and that made her miserable. God she hated Angel and she hated Spike.
But mostly, she hated herself.
********
The ride back to the Hyperion was eerily quiet. It was apparent to everyone that something happened with Buffy but no one was brave enough to ask.
Fred was close to tears and swimming in guilt. She thought it was her fault for opening up her mouth. She didn’t mean too she was just so excited to finally meet Buffy that she hadn’t been thinking straight.
Gunn sat next to her with his arm around her shoulder stroking her arm, trying to sooth her.
Oz couldn’t get Willow off his mind. He was glad that he remembered to give her his cell phone number. He couldn’t wait to see her again.
Wesley, like Fred, felt guilty. He thought his blundering infatuation with Buffy was what caused the rift in between the lovers, and he feared for his well being.
Spike sat in the front calmly smoking a cigarette. He knew what was going on. He also knew that he was going to get a lot of shit from Faith for this. But what could he do? Angelus was his own man and if he wanted to screw up the best thing he ever had then that was his business. Of course, he did feel a little bad about that comment he made to Buffy.
Spike knew she had no friends from her past. He knew that her past was something that you didn’t talk about. And like a dufus, with knowing everything that was going on, he brought it up. Well there was nothing that could be done about it now. What was done was done.
What he could do now was make sure that Angelus didn’t fuck things up more.
The Hummer skidded to a halt in front of the hotel. “I’m going to meet with Wilkens. I’ll be back later. You guys wait here.”
They all nodded their agreement and got out of the vehicle heading inside.
Except Spike.
Angel gripped the steering wheel; he was seething with anger and disappointment. He was tired of all this fucking around, he wanted answers and he was going to get them now.
“Spike get out.” He snarled.
Spike took a drag of his cigarette. “No. I’m going with you.”
“No. You’re getting out…NOW!”
“Angelus I know what happened back there between you two but it doesn’t matter.” He turned to Angel, “You cannot walk into the lion’s den with your head up your ass. You’ll get eaten alive my friend and I can’t allow that.”
“You don’t know shit and my head isn’t up my ass. I know exactly what I’m doing.” He gritted.
Spike sadly shook his head and leaned closer. “Humor me, just for a second. You followed Blondie. You asked Blondie if there was anything that she wanted to tell you. And she of course answered no. And then Blondie proceeds to ask you if there is anything that you want to tell her. Because we both know by those questions back there that she’s wondering some things about us. Now of course you, being the stubborn jackass that you sometimes can be, answered no. Now you’re pissed off, she’s pissed off and you think you’re going to get all the answers that you need from someone who most likely wants to crush you like a little bug. Do I have that right?”
Angel visibly relaxed. His eyes closed and his grip loosened on the steering wheel. Spike always amazed him. He was so fucking intuitive of people that sometimes it made Angel’s head spin. He turned to look at him and he couldn’t help but smirk. “You’re a pain in my ass.”
Spike smiled, glad to see that he lightened up a little. “Of course I am mate, that’s my job, to keep you on your toes.”
Angel chuckled and let go of the wheel.
“Listen Angelus, I understand how you feel, you know I do. But you cannot go to see Wilkens with this fuck you attitude and you know it. You have to be the bloody Scourge mate! You can’t show him any weakness or he’ll pounce on you. And then you’ll be giving Uncle exactly what he wants. And I know you don’t want to do that.”
He was right. God he hated that.
He had to get a grip on himself. Whatever Buffy had in her past didn’t matter to him. The fact that she was lying didn’t matter. It hurt that she didn’t trust him enough to tell him. But considering he had a doozy of a lie himself, who the hell was he to say anything. He had always known that there was nothing that would make him stop loving her, nothing that would take him away from her, and that still ran true. She was his girl and she would always be.
“Your right,” Spike smiled at him, “I have to be calm. It doesn’t matter anyway. There’s nothing in this world that they could tell me about her that would make me stop loving her.” Angel quietly said.
Spike slapped him on the shoulder, “that’s the spirit brother.”
Angel turned to him. “But I still need to do this alone.”
Spike eyeballed him and saw that he was back in control. He nodded and opened the door. “Fair enough.” Closing the door, he poked his head back inside the truck. “Remember you’re the Scourge of Europe.”
Angel shook his head.
“You’re the man.”
Angel shook his head again.
“You’re the man with the hot loving chick waiting for him at home.”
Angel looked at him funny and then shook his head again.
“You’re the man who…”
“I got it Spike.”
“Okay good. Remember keep your head on your shoulders and out of your ass!”
Angel smiled at him. “I will.”
Spike stepped away from the truck and watched as Angel drove away.
“I bloody hope so.”
********
He arrived at The Beverly Hills Hotel at the exact agreed upon time. After handing the keys to the valet he walked into the hotel and up to the elevator. He pressed the button and the doors opened. He stepped inside and pressed the button for the penthouse. He only got to the second floor when the elevator stopped and the doors opened.
Two men walked in and stood in front of him with their arms crossed against their chests. The doors closed again and the elevator started to move.
“Mr. O’Rourke?”
Angel stared hard at the man. “That depends.” He quietly said.
“We’re to escort you up to the Penthouse.”
Angel nodded and took the time to look them over. They were both big and they both had the look of a killer in their eyes, which matched the holsters that they were clearly wearing under their Armani suits.
He couldn’t help but grin. Armani suits never worked well when you were wearing shoulder holsters and packing two guns. They always puffed out on the sides and lost their conformity to the body. Which pretty much told everyone what you had on underneath. He had plenty of Armani’s but he wasn’t stupid enough to wear them on the job.
“Nice suit.” He commented.
The man looked at him oddly then nodded.
Angel smirked at him; idiot.
The elevator stopped and the two men stepped aside just as the doors opened.
“Good evening Mr. O’Rourke. My name is Mr. Trick please follow me.”
Angel stepped out of the elevator and followed Mr. Trick, almost laughing as he did. The name definitely suited the man – literally. He had on a brilliant purple satin suit with shiny black wing tipped shoes. To Angel he looked more like a pimp than a ruthless killer, which most likely worked in the man’s favor.
They walked down a long hallway and finally reached a set of double doors.
Mr. Trick knocked once and then opened them, turning to Angel. “If you’d please.”
Angel knew the drill and lifted his arms up. Mr. Trick smiled at him and began patting him down. He stopped when he was through and stepped back to look at him. “I’m going to need those.” He said nodding to Angel’s chest.
Angel put his arms down. “Sorry. I don’t go anywhere without my girls. I know I’m an overprotective dad but you can never be to sure these days.” He said winking at a scowling Mr. Trick.
“Sir I’m going to have to insist that you…”
“It’s alright Mr. Trick, let him in.”
Angel grinned at a pissed off Mr. Trick. He didn’t give a shit; he wanted to make sure that they understood…he wasn’t their bitch.
Mr. Trick glared back at him then smiled coldly at. “After you.”
“No. After you, I insist.”
Angel bowed to him gracefully and Mr. Trick smirked, “A cautious man.”
“Always.” Angel replied and Mr. Trick, whose hard eyes did not reflect the warm smile on his face, walked inside the room.
Angel took a deep breath, put on his game face and followed Mr. Trick inside.
“A cautious man is a righteous man, and the type of man that I like to do business with.”
Angel didn’t know what to expect from Wilkens. He honestly had not even once thought about what a crooked CEO would look like. In retrospect he probably would have thought he would be an old man with grey hair, a surly face, and a very round well fed body. But Richard Wilkens the III was none of that.
He looked to be only in his mid to late forties. He had light brown hair and a trim physique, and his face was open and friendly. When he spoke his voice was chipper and pleasant. He looked every inch the conniving politician that he was. Angel didn’t trust him.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Angel, may I call you Angel?” The Mayor said as he strolled forward and held out his hand.
Angel held the man’s gaze, his own face stern and unfriendly. He shook the Mayor’s hand, “No.”
The Mayor chuckled as Mr. Trick glared at him. He didn’t like him. He was trouble there was no doubt about it.
“Okay. Well then what should I call you?”
“Angelus.” Angel answered.
Except for his crew, no one in the business called him Angel. As far as anyone knew he was Angelus, the Scourge of Europe. Angelus had an eviler ring to it, whereas Angel sounded soft. He supposed his parents choose that name for exactly that purpose, to strike fear in the hearts of his enemies. And Angel knew from experience that it worked.
The Mayor smiled at him, “Angelus it is then. Please come in, have a seat. Can I get you a drink? How about a nice strong glass of Irish whiskey?
Angel’s eyebrow rose, wasn’t he well informed. “No thank you. I don’t plan on staying long.” He said as he walked further into the room, taking note of Mr. Trick who stood obediently on the Mayor’s right side, and the two goons that now blocked the closed door. Angel noted that they were not wearing Armani’s. But they were definitely packing. His arm instinctively pushed against his side and his own weapons.
“Suit yourself.” The Mayor sat down and looked at him. “So I bet you’re wondering why you’re here.” He said cheerfully.
Before Angel could answer him, The Mayor answered for him. “Of course you are. You normally don’t meet the men that you, oh shall we say…assist them in their endeavors.” He smiled broadly at Angel and Angel just nodded at him.
“Well don’t you worry about a thing, it’s nothing bad. In fact it’s all good. The moment you walked in here I liked you. And I now feel perfectly comfortable in doing business with Uncle.”
“I’m sure Uncle will be pleased.” Angel responded.
The Mayor smiled at him, “Of course I’ll forget that screw up you made.”
Angel’s eyes darkened and his voice was low and hard, “Excuse me?”
“Yes, yes, you know the one where you changed the plan and sent someone else to do your job.” He continued to smile at Angel, stressing the words you and your.
Angel’s hands tightened into fists at his side and he sneered at the Mayor. “A screw up implies something done unintentionally. I didn’t screw up. I intended to send my second so he went. The job got done.”
“Yes, and very nicely too it’s why I’ll forgive your transgression against me. For the future however, I do expect you to obey my wishes and not your own.” There was a look of madness in his eyes as he continued to smugly smile at Angel.
Angel was ready to whack the asshole right here and now. He didn’t like being disrespected and he thought that perhaps a little reminder of what respect was might be in order. But thinking again, he knew that would be a mistake. He could take them all out he wasn’t worried about that. It was the aftershock that worried him.
He was about to speak but the Mayor held up his hand. “Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get down to why you’re really here.”
“By all means.”
“Angel…oops, my bad.” He winked at him, “Angelus, do you know what’s wrong with this country?”
‘The scumbags like you.’ Angel thought. “No but I’m sure you’re going to enlighten me.” He answered.
The Mayor smiled at him, “You bet ya.”
He stood up and walked around to the front of his desk where he leaned against it. “Leadership.”
“The last time I knew we had plenty of leadership in this country.” Angel said.
“Yes but what kind of leadership is that Angelus? I don’t know if you’ve noticed but our beloved sacred country is being overrun by gangs and drugs. Why even our kids can’t play outside without fear of getting shot by some hooligan.”
“From what I understand we have you to thank for that.” Angel flippantly replied.
Mr. Trick took a step forward his hand reaching for his weapon as he scowled angrily at Angel.
But The Mayor just smiled, grinning from ear to ear. He looked at Mr. Trick. “See Mr. Trick, cautious and righteous. I love a man that does his homework.” He slapped his knee and Angel seriously started to consider the possibility that the man was insane.
Turning back to Angel he said, “Well that’s neither here nor now. The point is Angelus that this country is lacking the strong leadership that it needs to continue to flourish as the super power that your ancestors strived to make it.”
“See I know the history of your family Angelus. I know the history of Uncle’s entire organization. And I respect and appreciate all that it has done to keep this country running smoothly and efficiently. And I, well I just want to help out in that enterprise.“
Angel was getting bored; so far he hadn’t heard anything that he needed to hear. “Look Mr. Mayor that’s great and I wish you the best with your venture. But I really don’t see why you’re telling me all of this or why I’m even here for that matter. “
“Of course you don’t son.”
Angel almost growled…son?
“That’s because I haven’t gotten to the good part yet.”
“The good part?”
“Yes, yes. You see Angelus. I want to run for President and that requires a lot of money. Money, which I’m sure a cautious man like yourself knows, I don’t have a lot of, at least enough to suit me.” He smiled while adjusting his suit.
“Uncle takes care of the business transactions. You should be talking to him.”
“Yes I did. And may I just say that I was completely shocked to learn that you were considering leaving the business.”
Angel’s eyes darkened and his body tensed, this was it. This was what he had been waiting for. “Why would that concern you?” he asked quietly.
“Well because you’re the best! And I want the best on my team Angelus.” The mayor walked back around to his desk and stood there. “I have a very important job that needs your expertise. It must go off without a hitch. My entire venture, as you call it, depends on it.”
Angel was willing to play along, for now. “What kind of job?”
“Well what you do best of course. Steal.”
“Let me guess…more diamonds.”
The Mayor slapped his knee again, chuckling, “I knew you were smart! Yes, well they’re not just a women’s best friend you know.” He started to laugh and all his goons laughed with him. Angel stood there not laughing. He was getting more annoyed by the minute; he still didn’t see why this concerned him.
“Mr. Mayor…” He stared to say but the Mayer raised his hand to halt him. “I know you still don’t understand.”
“Well Angelus, as you were kind enough to point out to me, I do have ‘friends’ in some of the more unsavory classes, ones that my political peers wouldn’t look too kindly on. And recently I’ve had a small falling out with one of them and I fear that he, in an attempt to get back at me, will try to steal them for himself.”
The picture that Wesley showed him flashed through his mind and his eyes glinted back at the mayor like hard steel.
“I want you to steal them before he does. And all things considering I figured that you would have the inside information and beat him to the punch.”
Angel’s voice was low and steely, “why would you think that?” he asked, knowing that he wasn’t going to like the answer.
The Mayor smiled and pulled a manila folder out of his desk, sliding it across and passing it to Angel. “Well I figured since you’re on such…intimate terms with one of them that you would be privy to such information. And therefore would be in the best position to steal them first.”
Angel stared at the folder. He was itching to pick it up and delve into it. But he knew that if he did then he would look too anxious, and that would be a mistake.
“Excuse me?”
The Mayor smiled, and this time, his smile was pure unadulterated evil. “Since Uncle informed me of your desire to leave the business I asked him to let me talk to you. I just knew that I could convince you to stay.”
“Why would I listen to you?”
“Why, well because I know things Angelus a lot of things, things that Uncle doesn’t even know of, if you can believe that. I am just full of information, sometimes I amaze myself really.”
“But I’m getting carried away. You see the beauty of this arrangement Angelus is that you don’t have to listen to me. All you have to do is read.” He pushed the folder toward him again. But Angel didn’t move. He didn’t even look at it.
“You are stubborn aren’t you?” He sighed, “Angelus all I’m asking is for you to read it. Then when you’re done you can decide if you still want to leave the business or not.”
Seeing that Angel wasn’t taking the folder he picked it up and handed it to him. “Now you’ll have to excuse me, I have an important meeting. Please take it. Look over it. You can inform Uncle of your decision.”
He turned away the second Angel took the folder. “Good day Angelus.”
Angel took the folder and didn’t spare them another glance. Turning, he quickly left the room.
“I don’t like him. He’s a wise ass and he’s going to be trouble. You can’t trust him.” Mr. Trick said.
The Mayor sat down at his desk. “Oh don’t worry about him Mr. Trick. Uncle is confident that when the boy sees what’s in that folder everything will be the way it’s supposed to be.”
“Why do we even need him? There are plenty of thieves out there that can get the job done.”
“No Mr. Trick, not like the Scourge of Europe. He’s the best there is. Well there is another who’s just as good.” He looked out the window anger on his face as he continued, “One that I can’t get too unfortunately, and that’s why we need him on our side.”
Mr. Trick wasn’t sure. But he wasn’t the boss. ”He’s not going to play nice.”
“Don’t worry. Sometimes the job is the only thing a man has. Unfortunately for him, Angelus has forgotten that. Since I’m such a great guy I’m going to help him out and remind him. He’ll play.”
********
Buffy finished sweeping the first floor of Angel’s house and was making her way up the stairs. She had already been here for over an hour and the thought did occur to her that it was too long. But she didn’t care. She knew that if she looked hard enough she would find something, so she continued with her search up the second floor.
She had just rounded the corner and stepped into the alcove when there was a flash of light. She moved quickly and flattened herself against the wall, peering outside the window. A car drove down the road and past the house. She breathed a sigh of relief and as she did, her elbow hit the wall.
There was quite swoosh and she jumped away just as the wall moved and slid back.
She stood there with her mouth open and her eyes wide. What the hell was this? She looked over her shoulder to make sure she was still alone, then slowly peeked inside the dark room. She lifted her flashlight and moved it over the walls until she spotted a switch. She hit the switch and then jumped inside the room as the lights turned on and the wall began to close.
Well, well wasn’t this interesting. Her eyebrow lifted questioningly, why would Angel need a secret room?
Her eyes quickly scanned the room; there was a desk that wrapped around the entire length of the wall. There was a black cabinet to her right, which upon closer inspection was beautifully covered with intricate carvings. Next to that was a small table with three bottles of Whiskey on it and two glasses. She snorted his favorite drink.
Moving back over to the desk, her fingers lightly touched all the computer equipment. This was some high tech stuff. She wasn’t too much of a computer whiz but she knew enough to know that the equipment in this room was not your run of the mill home computer.
Her eyes darkened violently, “Stuntman my ass.” She mumbled.
The more she stood in the room the more her fury grew. He had been lying to her from the beginning. All that bullshit that he told her about never hurting her, how he would always be honest with her, was just that – bullshit! All the while he’d been lying and sneaking around behind her back. Running around and doing God only knew what! She couldn’t believe she had been so stupid, so gullible!
She stood in the room her fists clenched at her side, her eyes sparkling dangerously as she looked at the cabinet. No better place to start.
She walked over to it, her hand reaching for the knob and pulled. She snorted, of course it was locked. Smirking, she pulled a hairpin out of her hair. “Child’s play. “ Putting it inside the key hole she jiggled it until it clicked and the lock sprang open. She grinned, “You’ll need better locks than that baby to keep me out.”
She opened the double doors and stood back. To her surprise there was a small arsenal of weapons inside. She saw knives and swords, pistols, shotguns, automatic weapons; there was even a small rack of hand grenades. She touched them in awe; she had never seen hand grenades before and she wondered what kind of situation actually called for the use of a hand grenade? “I bet those don’t fire blanks.”
As her hand lightly grazed them, she pushed the rack and it popped free. Her eyes widened as she pulled it open to reveal a safe that was hiding behind them. She smiled evilly then flexed her fingers, “Umm…just like old times.” She mumbled as she leaned next to it and began to turn the lock.
Hearing the final click, she smiled and opened the safe. Inside she found stacks of money from different countries and a dozen different passports. Each one had the face of her Angel on them, along with a different name.
She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Disgusted she threw them back inside the safe closed it up and pushed the grenades back into place, and then she closed the cabinet.
She turned around and stared at the desk, “You’re next.”
She sat down and started to work on the file cabinets lock, which she knew would be locked. As she worked at them she continued to grumble to herself about how stupid she had been. How she never once saw through his lies. She couldn’t help but think that he was having a good laugh at her expense.
Finally unlocking it, she pulled it open.
Speedily her fingers moved over the files, reading everything with steely determination. She didn’t care if she was here all night. She was going to read every single one of those files. She would find out here and now everything her lying naughty lover had been up too. Then she was going to find him and kick his ass!
There was a file on everyone. Spike, Gunn, Fred, Oz, and Wesley, they all had one. In fact she was a little surprised that there wasn’t one on her. She pulled them out, one by one and started to go over them. Each folder listed that person’s area of expertise, their latest missions, and how well they did on it. It was a freaking report card for criminals! She wasn’t surprised. It was just as she figured. She smiled, “Glad to see I haven’t lost it.”
Putting the folders aside, she started going through the other files. Each one was a backdrop on a previous job. As she stared at the dates, she mentally noted that they each took place when he told her that he was going out of town for a movie shoot.
Opening them up she infuriatingly realized she couldn’t read any of it. They were all written in a foreign language that she couldn’t make out. The only thing she did understand was the dates. The most recent was just the other night, movie night. “That explains Spike and Faith’s absence.”
The oldest file was dated six months ago. She guessed that he kept even older files somewhere else in the house because she knew this wasn’t something he just started to do. This was a lifetime occupation.
Scrutinizing them a little closer, she saw that she was able to read what it said on the bottom of each mission. They were stamped, with what looked like wax. Lifting it up she studied it and snarled with anger, it was a Gryphon, and it said The Order of Aurelia. “What the hell is that?” She looked further down to see a name scrawled out in pen…Uncle. Now she knew why he didn’t want her to invite ‘Uncle’ to the opening of the Graveyard. Because he didn’t have an Uncle!
She slapped the folder down. She had never in her life felt like she did in that moment. She felt betrayed and used; she was so enraged she felt like she was going to snap.
All this time she thought she knew him. But she didn’t know anything about him! She could only imagine what those missions entailed. With the arsenal that he had in the cabinet he certainly wasn’t selling Girl Scout cookies.
For some reason she wasn’t too upset with what he really did. That wasn’t what bothered her. If it did then she would be nothing but a hypocrite. What bothered her were the lies and the fact that he didn’t trust her, and that realization was a knife through her heart.
It made her wonder if he even loved her. She had trusted him with her past, loved him with everything in her being and he had done nothing but lie to her. Yes there were things in her past that she never told him. But those were inconsequential; they didn’t affect her life now or her relationship with him. But this, this was life altering.
She didn’t need to see anything more. She’d seen everything she needed to see. Now she had to decide what she was going to do about it. Could she still love a man that didn’t trust her? Did he even love her?
As she stood, her eyes landed on Spike’s folder that was open and two words that popped out like a glowing sign. She stopped breathing.
‘Faith knows’
That’s all it said, but she read what it meant. She inhaled sharply. Faith knew. Faith had known all along and never once told her. She was seething mad and her face twisted with fury as she screamed her heartbreak out loud. Her hand violently swept the desk and knocked all the contents off and onto the floor.
Faith knew! Faith had probably known all along and she never once told her. Betrayed by her boyfriend and now betrayed by her best friend!
“It’s a bitch isn’t it…betrayal.”
She quickly turned to confront him and her shattered heart skipped a beat.
He stood in the doorway his body was tense, his hands were clenched at his side and his voice…his voice sent shivers of fear down her spine. She swallowed as she started to get nervous. She discovered his secret. She didn’t know him. She had no idea how he was going to react. He could easily snap her neck in two and from the cold distant look in his eye she feared that would be the case.
“A…Angel.”
He walked inside slowly, “Well, well aren’t you the little entrepreneur.” His eyes scanned over the open files on the desk and then quickly looked at the cabinet, where he detected small scratches on the wood. “I see you haven’t lost your skills.”
She looked at him peculiarly. So he did have a file on her somewhere. Her eyes crossed angrily as the truth of the situation slapped her in the face. She stared at him quivering with all the hurt and anger that she felt inside. “How could do this to me? How could you lie to me like this?”
Taking a step closer to her, he looked down at her. His black eyes hiding every drop of pain that ate at his heart like cancer. “I can’t believe you’re asking me that question. I mean I’m good at what I do Buff but a woman of your means surely knew what was going on all along.”
She glared at him vehemently, “What the hell does that mean?”
“What was the plan Buff? Go separate ways for a while till things cooled down and then hook back up?”
She looked at him strangely, “What the hell are you talking about?”
“I guess I was just a pit stop along the way right? I mean a passionate woman like you can’t go long without getting fucked!” He sneered at her and she slapped him across the face, her own face a bright red.
“How dare you! You were the one lying to me all this time and instead of giving me explanations you’re accusing me of something!”
“Don’t play innocent with me Buffy! I’m on to you’re little scam now and all you’re little lies!” He yelled.
“What the fuck are you talking about? What lies?”
“I’m talking about this!” He pulled a file out of his jacket and threw it at her. Its contents spilled out onto the floor and she looked down. She didn’t need to read it to know what it was, probably her whole damn life.
Buffy looked up at him tears of anger and sadness filled her eyes. She knew her past would come back to haunt her one day but this just pissed her off.
“You have no right to be mad at me! You’re more of a criminal then I WAS!” She stressed the word was. “I don’t know exactly what it is you do Angel but at least I never killed anyone!”
“I’m not talking about your criminal past, for some reason that doesn’t surprise me.”
“Then what the hell are you talking about?”
He couldn’t believe she was still playing the scam. He grabbed a piece of paper off the floor and shoved it in her face, snarling at her with the full brunt of his fury. “I’m talking about the fact that you’re MARRIED MRS. ABRAMS!” He screamed in her face.
She took a step back confusion on her face. This was what he was mad about? Okay she never told him that little part of her past, but what did it matter.
“So what if I was married to Parker? WAS is the key word Angel because he’s dead! It doesn’t matter.”
“Oh well that would be true if he really WAS DEAD!”
Angel didn’t see her fear, he only knew that she didn’t belong to him and never had. He grabbed her roughly by the arms and hauled her up to him. “STOP LYING, I know all about it!”
“About what?” She cried out.
His hands dug into her arms painfully as he repeated what he read in the file. “The art heist at the museum and how the cops were on too you guys. You, Parker and Adam staged his death and then went your separate ways until things cooled off. You fucking played me! You were using me until you were reunited with your precious Parker!”
She tried to step away from him, but his hands just gripped her harder. “No…he’s…de…dead.”
Her head was shaking wildly back and forth, her heart was pounding. He had to be dead. He couldn’t be alive.
But Angel was merciless. He couldn’t see her confusion and he couldn’t hear her panic. All he saw and felt was his own pain and heartbreak. When he read that file and saw that she was married and that Parker was still alive, his entire world came crashing down. She wasn’t his. She had never been his and he couldn’t deal with that.
She finally broke free of his grasp, “No he’s dead! He has to be dead!”
“No you’re loving husband is still alive. And if I understand everything correctly he’s on his way here to find you, his wife!” He screamed.
Buffy blanched. This couldn’t be happening to her. She had to get out of here. She looked up at Angel. His eyes were cold and hard. He had completely turned himself off to her. He thought that she knew and he hated her.
“Angel, I swear to god I didn’t know!” She pleaded with him taking a step toward him, desperate to make him understand.
Angel looked back at her with loathing and undisguised hatred. Her expertly tearful confession all those months ago about Parker and her past came back to him. Every lie and how easily he fell for it made him sick to his stomach. “You know you were right. You are whore.” He quietly said to her taking a step back.
It was like he didn’t even want her to touch him. The vehemence in his voice was worse than the word that he spoke. He hated her. It was as simple as that. Tears fell rampantly down her face. Her body shook with the desolation that consumed her.
He saw her beautiful tear streaked face. He saw her body convulse, but he had no sympathy for her. To him, she looked like a beautiful lying bitch whose deceit had just been discovered.
Buffy made one last attempt to plead with him, “Please Angel you have to believe me. I didn’t know! I love you!” She implored him, but he took another step back and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Get out.”
She was taken aback by the coldness she read in his eyes. He was hurt and he was angry and he believed the worst. It was clear that she wasn’t going to get anywhere with him now and she had to come to terms with that. She couldn’t afford to lose any time if Parker was truly coming for her then she had to leave and quickly. She could only pray that one day she would have the opportunity to prove him wrong.
She straightened her shoulders and turned away from him. She stopped in the threshold of the doorway. Her hands braced the walls, desperately trying to find the strength to stay on her feet. “I’m sorry Angel, I…I’m sorry.”
She fled down the stairs and out of the house, tears streaming down her face.
His body reflexively moved forward to stop her but he gripped the doorway to prevent himself from chasing her. He couldn’t go after her. She had lied to him. She had betrayed him. She was just biding her time until Parker came back for her. She was just another treacherous lying bitch.
All the emotions that he had held back let lose the second he heard the front door close.
“FUCK!”
Like a possessed madman he attacked the interior of the room. Kicking and punching the walls. He picked up the chair and threw it at the desk. The chair landed on the computers and the screens shattered and sparked. Grabbing the cabinet he threw it on to the floor, its contents emptying out onto the carpet. He loved her and she betrayed him.
He fell to his knees mentally and physically exhausted, his own tears falling freely. The one thing he never wanted to lose, he lost, and the worst part was that she was never even his to begin with.
And The Ass is Bitten
The sun was just coming over the horizon when Buffy arrived back at the loft and threw open the door. She was frantic to get out of Los Angeles. She couldn’t stay here. With the connections Parker had in LA it was only a matter of time before he found her.
The door slammed against the wall as she opened it. Stopping dead in her tracks she was abruptly reminded of something else.
“Faith.” She sneered as she looked at the brunette.
Faith jumped up from the couch and ran over to her, “Thank god you’re back B. Jesus you were gone for a long time, I was beginning to get worried.”
Faith smiled at her, truly relieved to see Buffy back home. But her smile quickly faded as she saw the cold look the blonde gave her.
“Get out.” Buffy said as she walked around Faith and into her bedroom.
Faith looked at the straightness of Buffy’s back and the stiffness of her shoulders and knew that the shit had hit the fan. She followed her into the bedroom, “Buffy please listen to me. I wanted to tell you. I should have told you. It was wrong of me not to and I apologize. I’m so sorry,.”
But Buffy wasn’t listening to her. The fear of running into Parker was stronger than anything else, “I don’t have time to listen to you Faith. Okay, so just forget it, it doesn’t matter.”
After Buffy left Angel at the house all she could think about was her imminent reunion with Parker and it scared the hell out of her. She was alone now. Angel wouldn’t come to her rescue he hated her and never wanted to see her again. That hurt so much that she was slowly on the verge of cracking. She couldn’t take anything else right now. The more she moved around the room and the more she thought about it, the more unhinged she became.
Faith watched as Buffy frantically ran around the room. She flew into the closet and yanked out a bag. Then she moved from draw to draw pulling clothes out and shoving them inside the bag, all the while babbling incoherently.
“Not dead. How can that be? I have to get out of here. I have to leave.”
Faith grabbed her by the shoulders and stopped her. “Buffy what the hell are you rambling about?”
Buffy stopped and looked at her, her eyes were big and frantic and she spoke in a rush of words that Faith barely made out. “He’s alive. Angel thinks I knew. But I didn’t I swear! I had no part in it. I just wanted to get out. I just wanted to live my life! He hates me. He thinks I lied to him. Have to leave. Have to leave before he finds me!”
Faith touched her wet cheek, cupping it gently in an attempt to calm her down. “Shhh…Buffy slow down.”
She steered her toward the bed and sat her down. She grabbed a tissue off the nightstand and started to wipe her face. “Now take deep breaths and tell me what happened.”
Buffy closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, trying to calm her fears. “Parker…he’s alive.”
“What?” Faith’s heart lurched understanding the significance of Buffy’s panic and what that meant.
“He’s alive and he’s coming for me. I have to go.” She went to get up but Faith pulled her back down on the bed.
“Buffy. Slow down and start at the beginning.”
“I went to Angel’s and I found a secret room and I…” her eyes suddenly looked at Faith and they hardened. “You knew! You knew and you didn’t tell me!”
“I know Buffy I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you but Spike said it was better for Angel to. I was trying to talk some sense into his head but he wasn’t listening to me. I was going to tell you tonight I swear.”
Buffy looked at her, with sad eyes. In her heart she did forgive Faith because she probably would have done the same thing if the tables were turned and Angel asked her not to say anything. But it was still hard to grasp that someone she trusted didn’t share an important secret like this with her. “I trusted you Faith. You were my friend.” She cried and Faith’s own eyes welled up with tears.
“Shh…Buffy I still am your friend. You’re my sister remember? What I did was wrong and I promise you that I will never ever keep secrets from you again.”
Buffy’s shoulders jerked as she started to cry harder. She wasn’t mad at Faith. She loved Faith just like she loved Angel, and she couldn’t lose someone else she loved today. “It’s…okay. I understand. I can’t lose you too.”
Faith smiled at her, “Stop it B you’re not losing me! We’re blood remember. We stay together.”
Buffy smiled slightly at her and nodded her head.
Faith smiled back, “Good. Now when we settle this Parker thing you can kick my ass. But first you’re going to tell me everything that Angel said.”
“He said that he knew about the scam. That the last heist, the one at the museum that I told you about?” Faith shook her head, “went sour and that the cops were on to us. He thinks that we staged Parker’s death to throw the cops off. He thinks that I came here to wait for Parker!”
“What?” Faith’s temper was slowly starting to rise with every word that Buffy said.
“He said I was a whore. He doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore!”
“Fucking bastard!” Faith hissed. She was going to kill him.
In a blink of an eye Buffy’s manner changed from hysterical to very quiet. When she looked back at Faith her eyes were clear and hard. She fleetingly wondered out loud, “maybe he never really loved me.”
Even though Faith was ready to kill Angel, she knew that that was not true. “No Buffy, that’s not true Angel does love you. You know how possessive he is. When he found out that you were married to Parker he just flipped. He’s not thinking clearly.”
“No Faith you didn’t see him. He knows everything; Parker, what I did when I lived in New York, he’s pissed off. He didn’t even give me a chance to explain he just assumed the worst. ”
“So we’ll just sit him down and talk to him that’s all. He’s just shocked Buffy he’ll come around.”
Buffy shook her head, “no it’s over. I can’t stay here Faith, I can’t waste any time. I have to leave LA.”
She went to rise but Faith pulled her back down. “Buffy slow down, what did he say about Parker? How does he know he’s coming for you?”
“He had a file on me. A fucking file Faith! I don’t know where he got his information and I don’t care. All I know is that I have to leave!” She jumped up and ran out of the bedroom with her bag and headed toward the door.
Faith ran after her. “Where are you going to go Buffy? You know as well I do if Parker wants to find you he will.”
“I don’t know. I just know that I can’t stay here. The club is yours Faith. I’ll call you when I find a safe place.”
She threw open the door but her feet didn’t move. Her hand clutched the doorknob and her heart stopped for the second time that day, as she stared into the dark eyes of her dead husband.
“Hi sweetheart long time no see.”
********
When Angel didn’t return to the hotel after meeting The Mayor and still hadn’t shown up the next morning, the gang tried to call him. When his cell phone just rang and rang Spike got worried. He told everyone to wait at the hotel while he quickly jumped on his bike and went everywhere he thought Angel might have gone.
He pulled into Angel’s driveway noting that there was no busted up Porsche sitting in the driveway, he parked and walked up to the door.
“Not locked. Not a good sign.” Angel always locked his door and put on the alarm system. He didn’t know what happened but he was going to be ready for anything. He pulled his gun out and opened the door. Silently stepping inside he started to move through the house very slowly.
After checking the first floor and finding nothing out of place he headed upstairs. The second he turned the corner and saw the demolished wall to the secret room, he cursed.
Holstering his gun he walked inside. The room was in shambles; every piece of furniture was broken and dismantled. All the computer equipment was sizzling and smoking. The walls were littered with holes the size of a man’s fists. And Angel’s treasured cabinet that belonged to his father was smashed into tiny bits.
“Shit.”
Looking down he saw the papers all over the floor, squatting he picked them up and stared to read them.
His eyes widened with every word that he read. He couldn’t believe it. Buffy was a thief. Or at least she had been a thief, and a very good and respected thief to boot.
He read over some of her jobs and he couldn’t help but whistle in awe. He remembered every single one of those jobs because his crew was supposed to do them. But then someone else had beaten them to it. It was a known fact in their world that The Scourge of Europe was the best in the business, except for one thief that no one knew the name of. Well now they did.
Spike could only imagine the buttons that information must have pushed in the egotistical Angel. That was always a sore spot with him, the thought that there was someone out there just as good as he was or perhaps even better, and never knowing who it was. Then to find out that it’s the love of your life! The woman that had been sharing his bed - that must have been quite a blow.
His eyes crinkled with confusion, that information would not have been enough to cause this kind of damage, there must be something else in that file. He kept rummaging through the papers until he found it. “Bullocks!”
He jumped up and out of the room and ran down the stairs. Closing the front door he jumped on his bike and blasted out of the driveway. He hoped that he made it to the Graveyard before the lummox did anything stupid.
********
She couldn’t move. If she didn’t know any better she’d think she had been standing there with her hand on the door for three days. But it was only seconds.
Parker cunningly smiled seeing how flustered she was. It was exactly the response he was hoping for. He moved in closer and tenderly touched her face, bringing her closer to his. “No kiss for your loving husband?” He softly asked, just as his lips descended on hers.
Buffy still couldn’t move as she let him touch her face. She felt his lips on hers and her body responded as her stomach protested, churning restlessly with revulsion. Still she couldn’t move.
Faith on the other hand could. And she did. She walked up to him and grabbing Buffy tore her away from him and stepped in between them. “Leave her alone. Get out.”
Parker’s smile faded and he glared at Faith. “Look honey, I don’t know who you are, but it’s not very nice to get in between a husband and his wife.”
Parker took a step inside and Faith pushed a quiet Buffy back as she stepped away from Parker. “No you look asshole, you’re dead and she’s not your wife anymore. So you can just take your bullshit and get out of here!”
Parker didn’t like that and he quickly backslapped Faith across the face. She stumbled not expecting the blow and fell to her knees.
“Mind your own fucking business bitch!”
Buffy snapped out of her stupor to see Faith on the floor with blood trickling from her mouth and she stepped up to Parker.
“’Leave her alone!” She started to pummel him in the chest with her fists, screaming at him that he was dead but Parker just laughed at her. He grabbed her hands and threw her off of him. Buffy went over to help Faith up as Parker started to walk around the room.
“You’ve done real good for yourself sweetheart. Nice place and a big club. Oh and I can’t forget all those explicit photos that I see everywhere.”
‘Sweetheart’, she shivered with repulsion at hearing that endearment off of his lips. It was his favorite word to call her and she had forgotten how much she hated it. He had a distinct gift of making the word sound sincere and sweet, yet at the same time it was full of malevolence and manipulation.
He turned black eyes to her, “You know I’ll have to punish you for that later. I mean no wife of mine is going to get away with whoring herself off to the world.”
All the bad memories that Buffy had pushed away came back with full force. All the times that he would belittle her, all the times he would ‘punish’ her for doing something that he didn’t like returned twofold, and she couldn’t contain the small cry of fear that escaped her lips.
Faith felt her fear and she squeezed her hand bringing her wild eyes up to hers. She shook her head, silently telling her that was not going to happen, and gave her all the strength that she had in her body to hold on.
Parker continued to walk around the room touching everything until he stopped at the picture on the table. It was of her and Angel, laughing together on the beach. They were holding each other close and they were barely clothed.
Parker picked it up and his scowl darkened. “Yes, you’ve been keeping very busy haven’t you?”
Seeing Parker pick up her favorite picture she snarled and ran at him, reaching for the picture. “Give that to me!”
But Parker was fast and he moved it out of her reach laughing as she tried to grab it.
“Damn it Parker it’s mine!” She kept trying to grab it and Parker kept laughing in her face at her attempts.
“Why do you want it? It’s not like you’re ever going to see him again. You’re a married woman Buffy doesn’t he know that? Don’t you know that!” he shouted at her.
“Give it to me!” She shouted again and this time he threw it at her in disgust.
“Fine have it.”
Buffy grabbed it and adoringly touched the photo as Parker avidly watched her. He never saw her look the way she did in that moment. It was clear that she loved the man in the photo because her eyes reflected nothing but pure raw emotion. She had never shown him sentiments like that. The Buffy he knew had always been beautiful but she was always meek and submissive. She always did what she was told without asking questions. It was one of the things he loved about her. It made her so much more attractive.
But this, this was a different Buffy. He took a closer look at her and saw many things about her that he had never seen before. Even though her face was wet from her tears and her eyes were red and swollen, she still looked more confident and stronger then he had ever seen her. Her defiance toward him a moment ago was proof that he had been gone too long. He had let her get too comfortable and too self-assured. He needed to change that.
“That’s right sweetheart take a long hard look, because you’ll never see him again.”
His words reverberated throughout her and the desolation of losing Angel overrode her fear of Parker. He was the reason that Angel hated her. She roared with all the hopeless anger that was inside of her and she struck out at him punching him the face. “FUCK YOU!”
Parker’s head whipped back from the force of her blow and when he looked back at her there was shock in his eyes. Right before they turned black with rage. His hand shot out and he punched her back. “Bitch!”
His fist landed on her temple and she fell to the floor dropping the picture. It was a hard hit; her vision blurred and there was a loud hum in her head as she teetered on the verge of blacking out.
The picture frame shattered everywhere and before she could grab the photo Parker picked it up and ripped it. “Say goodbye to your lover boy sweetheart, because you’re no one’s whore but mine!” He screamed, kicking her in the ribs as she crawled away from him.
“You bastard!” Faith screamed as she jumped on his back.
Parker struggled with Faith as she got him in a headlock and started to squeeze. Bending over, he flipped her over him and onto the floor.
He kicked her once, “I don’t think I like the company you’ve been keeping these days sweetheart.”
He kicked her two more times in the stomach, “they’ve been teaching you bad habits.”
He sneered at Faith giving her one last kick. Faith rolled into a fetal position to protect herself and Parker caught a glimpse of the tattoo on her back.
“Ah what do we have here, a sister?” He pushed her chest down to the floor with his foot as he grabbed her jeans and lowered them revealing the tattoo and the top of her ass.
His finger traced the familiar design and then skimmed lower between the cheeks of her ass. Flattening his hand on one ripe globe he massaged it roughly. “Nice ass. Tight. Just the way I like em’.”
His actions and words brought back unwanted memories, and Faith earnestly struggled against him as panic consumed her. “Don’t fucking touch me!” She sneered.
Parker laughed at her attempts to dislodge him and then he slapped her on the ass. “Feisty.”
He stood up straighter releasing her as his foot grinded deeper into her back. Relieve flooded through her the second his hand left her ass. Her fear disappeared and her temper returned.
Grabbing a fistful of hair he jerked her head back to look at him. “So Cleveland eh? You know I wonder if Luke knows you’re here. I bet he would be very interested in knowing how inhospitable you are to a fellow brother.” He sneered in her ear and Faith’s eyes bulged as her heart raced with trepidation.
Parker smiled evilly at her, seeing the anxiety enter her eyes.
“Leave her alone Parker!” Buffy shouted.
He turned around and Buffy punched him again in the face. When she tried to do it again he grabbed her arm and backhanded her. She went flying across the room landing on the table. The wood splintered and shattered everywhere. She struggled to get up and started to crawl on her hands and knees as blood dripped out of her mouth and nose.
Parker walked over to her and yanked her hair pulling her head up. “Disrespectful cunt!”
He leaned down and took a knife out of his pocket. “I see you’ve been away from the family for too long Buffy, you’ve picked up a lot of unladylike habits.”
Putting it against her throat he sneered at her, “Well I’ll just have to correct that. You know, you are one ungrateful fucking whore. Adam always told me that but I always stuck up for you. I can see now that he was right.” He viciously yanked her head back and she screamed in pain.
“Parker please stop!” She cried.
“All the shit that I’ve done for you and this is how you repay me? I should kill you now you fucking bitch!”
There was a click of a gun being cocked and then Parker felt cold steel against his head. “How bout’ I kill you instead, bitch.”
Faith looked up and saw Spike standing over Parker with a gun to his head. She had never before in her life been so happy to see him. Even though she knew she had never seen this Spike before.
He looked really pissed and extremely dangerous. His face was murderous; his eyes were cold and empty, and the confidence level that he held the gun with was a little scary. She couldn’t have been more grateful in that moment that he did what he did.
She quickly jumped up and ran over to Buffy. “B, are you alright?”
“Stand up you piece of shit.” Spike pushed the gun into Parker’s head and he slowly stood with his hands up in the air.
“Drop the knife.”
Parker dropped the knife and Faith quickly helped Buffy up and out of the way.
Parker turned around expecting to see the man in the photo. He was surprised when he saw a blonde instead. “Who are you? You’re not the guy in the photo.”
Spike snickered at him, “if I was, you wouldn’t be breathing right now. Move.”
He moved Parker toward the door.
“You know she’s my wife, you’re interfering where you don’t belong.”
Spike laughed, “Yeah I have a nasty habit of doing that.”
His smile disappeared and his face changed to a mask of steel. “Now get out, turn around and don’t come back. Ever.”
Parker looked at the ice blue eyes and knew that he wasn’t dealing with a pansy. Knowing that he wasn’t exactly in the position to intimidate he yielded.
He shook his head, smiling as he did, and put his arms down. “No problem brother.”
“I’m not your brother.”
Parker smirked at him and then looked at Buffy. She was a fucking mess, physically and mentally, a little bullying and she’ll be right back at his side.
“Buffy?” He softly said.
Her eyes immediately were drawn to his. He smiled at her and it was warm and loving, she swallowed. “You know you belong with me sweetheart. I love you. I need you.”
His eyes changed and Buffy knew that look all too well. “You know where I’ll be. If you don’t come, I’ll come for you. Don’t think you can run I’ll find you.”
With one last look at Faith, he turned to Spike. “I guess I’ll be seeing you later.”
Spike cruelly grinned, “I hope so.”
Parker turned and left, and Spike slammed the door shut. “Asshole.”
He turned around to see Faith cleaning up one very bloody Buffy. He snarled angrily when he saw the blood on Faith’s lips. “I’m going to kill that fucking bastard.”
Faith turned angry eyes to Spike. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Spike was taken back by her anger; didn’t he just save the day? “Excuse me? That’s a fine how-do-you-do after saving your asses!”
Faith ignored him and continued to clean Buffy’s face but Buffy pushed her away and sat down on the couch to catch her breath and her thoughts.
“Where the bloody hell is Angel?” Spike asked.
Faith turned on him with the full force of her resentment. “That’s a good question I’d like to know where that jerk is too, because I want to kick his ass!”
Spike walked up to her, “What’s your problem? Angel’s not the one that hit her!”
She sneered at him, “Yes he did, right through the fucking heart!”
Spike had to calm down, he had to calm her down because he had no idea what was going and he didn’t want to make things worse. He lowered his voice, “What happened?”
Buffy heard them arguing but her eyes were on the torn up picture. Parker was right; she would never see Angel again. He hated her. He had callously and easily pushed her aside. He’d failed to even give her the benefit of the doubt. He’d just assumed that she had known what Parker did, and he had assumed the worse. You didn’t do that to someone you loved. There was no place for her here anymore just like she had no life anymore. It was over…everything was over. The fiery walls of hell closed around her, once more suffocating her with their heat. She could only do one thing.
Standing up, she grabbed her bag and walked to the door. Faith saw her move from the corner of her eye and she took a step closer to her stop. “Buffy where are you going?”
Buffy turned around and looked at them. “He’s right, Faith. I have to go to him. It’s where I belong.”
“No sweetie he’s full of shit. You don’t belong with him.”
“If I don’t things will only get worse.”
“Buffy please don’t do this. You’re not thinking clearly right now. We can get away from him. We’ll go together.”
“The hell you will!” Spike said not liking that idea one bit.
“No Faith. I have to. It doesn’t matter anymore. Nothing does.”
She looked at Spike, “Thank you.” It looked like she wanted to say something else but she didn’t. She turned and solemnly left the loft.
Faith went after her but was stopped by Spike. “Where the hell is she going and where the fuck do you think you’re going?”
“I can’t talk to you right now!” She threw is arm off and chased after Buffy leaving Spike standing there.
********
He stood outside the door afraid to go inside. His body actually shook as his hand reached for the knob. He didn’t want to see her, not now, not yet. But he had no choice. He had left his watch on the nightstand and he needed that to get in touch with Uncle. Well at least he did now that he’d destroyed the computers.
He took a deep breath, turned the knob and walked inside, hardening his heart to what he might find inside.
It was not what he expected. The table was broken. Pieces of wood were scattered all over the living room. It looked like there had been a wrestling match in the living room. His eyes darkened with unease as he noticed spots of blood that colored the rug. What the fuck happened in here?
He took another step and saw broken glass and as he walked closer to it, he noticed the torn photo. Knowing which photo it was he thought the worse and he scowled irritably.
“It wasn’t her.”
He stood up and turned to look at Spike.
“What happened?” he asked quietly.
“Parker that’s what happened.”
Angel tensed at hearing the name, as his eyes scanned over the blood on the rug. Horror gripped his heart with the thought that something happened to Buffy and he found that he couldn’t speak. He wanted too. But he was paralyzed.
Spike took a step further into the room. He had been waiting for Angel for hours. He figured that eventually he would see reason and come back here.
If he heard Faith correctly, then Angel thought that Buffy was part of some plot to fake Parker’s death. And like Faith, Spike knew that was not the truth. Knowing Angel, he knew that she was also right when she said that he had just flipped out.
Spike watched him now and he saw the scared look on his face for a flash of a second but then it disappeared.
Angel walked out of the room and into the bedroom to grab his watch. He noticed the clothes haphazardly thrown all over the room. He noticed her personal items gone. And he noted the absence of her overnight bag.
“Where the hell were you?” Spike asked as he walked inside the bedroom.
“I had to think.” Angel replied softly as he walked back out of the room and into the living room with Spike close on his heels.
“Okay. Well now that you got your shit together. Where should we start?”
Angel walked around the room picking up anything else that he saw was his. “Start? What are you talking about?”
Spike looked at him like he had lost his mind. “Start to look for them?”
“I’m not looking for her.” He answered flatly.
Spike glared at him, “What the hell are you talking about! Of course you are!”
“No I’m not.”
Spike couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Angel was just giving up just like that! Well he knew how to push his buttons. “Oh you’re not eh?”
Angel shook his head.
“Oh okay then, we’ll just let her go with Parker, her sweet and loving husband who was attentive enough to greet her with his fists.”
Angel stopped walking, his body tensing with growing antagonism as Spike continued to talk.
“But you know what really impressed me the most, when he was thoughtful enough to put a blade under her throat and threaten to kill her. That to me was truly the actions of a loving and gentle man.” Spike said and Angel couldn’t control his snarl of rage.
His hands flexed as his wrath grew. The image of a bloody Buffy with a knife to her throat ruthlessly tormented him and he shut his eyes trying to block them out. She had betrayed him. She had made her choice.
He opened his eyes and turned to leave. “That’s not my problem.”
Spike shook his head with disbelief and he got pissed off. He grabbed Angel’s arm, spinning him around.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” he screamed at him. “You’re just going to turn a blind eye and let the woman you love walk away with a fucking lunatic!
Angel gritted his teeth, “She made her choice.”
Spike couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “She made her choice! Bloody hell you actually believe that she knew he was alive!”
Angel didn’t answer. He pulled his arm out of Spike’s grasp and tried to leave once again.
Spike was completely stunned; the poof really had flipped his lid. He grabbed him again. “Why don’t you open your fucking eyes brother and see what’s right in front of you! Do you seriously think that Buffy knew he was alive? Do you see the damage in this room? Does it look like a loving reunion to you? “
Angel couldn’t help but look at the room once more and he couldn’t control the fury that boiled to the surface.
“Do I need to go into details for you? Do you want to know how great she looked scared out of her mind, blood coating her face and her devoted husband’s knife ready to slit her pretty little throat!”
“What do you want me to do Spike! She’s married to him!” Angel screamed back.
“Oh okay so that settles everything then. I guess you don’t give a shit what happens to her anymore. I guess the thought of that slime ball sticking his cock inside of her doesn’t mean shit to you!”
Angel’s control snapped and he roared ferociously as he grabbed Spike by the neck and threw him up against the door.
“She’s not mine! Do you understand that? She was never mine!” He shouted at him.
Spike saw the anguish in his eyes and he understood where it was coming from. But it didn’t matter. He was letting his pride take over and Spike knew he would regret it.
“Angelus, are you so blinded by your pride that you can’t see the truth?”
He wrestled Angel’s hands away from him and pushed him back. “She LOVES YOU, you fucking poof! I saw the look in her eyes when Parker was here, she was shocked and she was scared out of her bloody mind! She had no idea that he was still alive!”
Angel ran a hand through his hair. He was confused. He wanted to believe it but everything was still to raw and his anger too great. The combination muddled his thoughts and his logic, confusing him even more. He did what he always did when feeling completely overwhelmed by emotions he wasn’t used to feeling. He held on to his anger.
He pushed Spike back and looked at him with complete detachment. “She’s a good actress.” He walked out of the loft.
Spike was shocked by Angel’s dismissal and he kicked the door with his foot.
It was up to him then. He knew what he had to do. If the poof wanted to wallow in his stupid shattered male pride then let him. He knew that eventually Angel would come around. He loved and coveted Buffy too much to just let her go like that.
In the meantime, he had to find Faith and Buffy.
********
After much arguing Faith finally got Buffy to agree to go to Willy’s until she had a chance to rest and think things over. There was no way in hell that Faith was letting Buffy go to that psycho in the frame of mind she was currently in.
It had been too much in too short a period of time. She was in shock and she was barely talking. As Faith cleaned her bloody lip and nose up, she just sat there dumbly. Faith was worried out of her mind and as a concerned Willy hovered at the door, she tried to think of her next move.
“Jesus Faith who did this?” Willy asked.
“Parker.”
Willy stood up straight, shocked, “Parker! But he’s dead!”
Faith snorted, “Apparently not.”
Seeing a traumatized Buffy just sitting there lifelessly struck a chord of distress in Willy. He had known Buffy since she was twelve years old and stepped inside her first bar…his bar, back in New York. He knew Parker and he knew Adam, shit he knew them all…too well. She had been so young and vulnerable, so open and sweet that she had touched a tender spot in his heart. He had tried to look out for her and take care of her but the second she hooked up with Parker he wasn’t able to do a damn thing. He had sat back and watched as she was treated like she only existed for Parker. He had controlled every aspect of her live and Willy had glumly watched as the light of life slowly drained out of her eyes.
In fact, she was the reason he left New York. He just couldn’t stand there and watch anymore. It was literally killing him. So he had packed up the bar and came here.
When she showed up on his door step eight months later and told him what happened he had been so happy for her. Finally she had a chance to live the life she deserved. He witnessed her transformation from an animated fragile girl into the beautiful strong woman that she was today. And in the last eight months her beauty both in face and spirit glowed even more. Willy knew it was love that did that to a woman and nothing else. He had been thrilled that she had finally found someone that treated her the way she deserved.
Now that asshole was back and Willy wasn’t going to stand aside anymore and watch her fall into oblivion again. He had no ties to the Brotherhood here. When he arrived in Los Angeles he allied himself with the Hells Angels knowing that in his line of business you needed protection from someone. He choose them because he knew of the deep hatred that ran between the two clubs and something in the back of his mind told him that he would meet up with the Brotherhood some day. And that day had arrived.
“What can I do to help?” he eagerly asked.
Faith smiled at him. Willy might be a perv but underneath that he was a good decent man. It was way she came here. “How about a glass of water?”
“I’ll be right back.” He turned and left them, and Faith sat back and looked at Buffy who was staring straight ahead.
“Everything’s going to be okay B you’ll see.”
Buffy didn’t answer her.
Willy ran back in and handed Faith a glass of water.
“Here B drink this.”
Buffy obediently opened her mouth and drank the water.
“Good girl.” Faith said handing the glass back to Willy.
She gently pushed Buffy down on the bed, putting her feet under the covers. Then she pulled them up and over her. “I want you to rest for a little while B. Okay. Just sleep. I’ll be outside. Don’t worry I’ll protect you.”
Buffy didn’t say anything she just kept staring out into space, seeing only the fires of hell – her future with Parker.
Faith pushed Willy out of the room and then locked it.
Willy followed her as she headed out to the front of the bar. “Where’s that boyfriend of hers anyway? Where the hell was he when she was getting the shit kicked out of her?” he asked.
“That’s exactly what I’m going to find out. You keep her here Willy. Don’t let her leave and don’t let anyone take her. Call Bubba at the Graveyard and tell him to get his ass over here and to protect Buffy!”
She didn’t wait for an answer she flew out the door.
Her mission was simple – find Angel and kick some sense into his thick head.
Restoration
After Angel left the loft he got in his car and drove. He didn’t even realize where he was driving too until he came to a stop in an alley behind The Beverly Hills Hotel.
He sat in his car staring straight ahead as images of a beaten Buffy plagued his conscience and his heart. He played back every word that Spike said and he started to wonder if maybe he had been wrong.
He knew that he had an unhealthy amount of male pride when it came to what he perceived as his. And he also knew that when he felt threatened he became extremely stubborn. Taking that into account, he focused his mind on the contents of the file, trying to remember if he misread or missed something entirely.
After the Mayor had given it to him he’d sat in his car in this very same spot and read through it. He had been absolutely stunned to learn that Buffy was the thief who had been plaguing him for years. Every job he had ever been given on the East Coast had been thwarted by her which had always been a sore spot for him. It tarnished his otherwise perfect record.
But oddly enough, finding that out didn’t bother him in the least. Actually after he read it a lot of things made sense. Like how she got into his house the night she returned from the photo shoot in Hawaii. How she always seemed to be too inquisitive for her own good. There were many signs that had been there that he never noticed. But he wasn’t mad about that. In fact it turned him on.
He found it extremely exhilarating to finally meet a woman that was as talented as he was – his equal. Someone he loved and who he could be completely honest with. He was so aroused by the idea that he was planning on bringing her out of retirement and joining his crew.
But then he kept reading. And the more he read the more his excitement became distorted, shifting to an infuriation that he had never felt before. It was a maddening insane anger that threatened to explode, and perhaps made him see things that weren’t really there.
The more he thought about it the more he realized that the file never specifically said Buffy knew or that she was a part of anything. He had been so wrapped up in the shocking knowledge that she was married that he assumed the worse.
Maybe he had been wrong.
His eyes closed as the disturbing images returned and floated through his mind, tinted in a deep brilliant red; the color of blood.
He shook his head and opened his eyes furiously trying to clear them. He had to be sharp to figure out what to do and those images were not helpful.
He took deep breaths and concentrated on the last time he saw Buffy. She had seemed sincere; the look on her face when he told her that Parker was alive seemed like genuine shock and fear. So why was he having such a hard time believing it?
When did he develop trust issues? Thinking back he guessed it was Darla. But it wasn’t what Darla did; it was the events that occurred days before they married that sealed his fate.
He had paid a visit to Uncle and told him that he was getting married. Uncle said he disapproved but he would let Angel make his own decisions. He then told him that he had a wedding gift for him. The wedding gift had been a manila folder and inside was Darla’s entire life.
Angel had gone home and read that file, even though he really didn’t want to. What he read did make him think twice. She had a long history with many different men and she had never had a lasting stable relationship with any of them.
Knowing how his Uncle worked, Angel naturally assumed that he fabricated the contents of the file in an attempt to get what he wanted. Keeping Angel single. Uncle always believed that being in their line of work and having a relationship was like trying to put a square inside a circle. It never worked and was only a detriment to the job. Many times he had thrown Angel’s own loving parent’s relationship in his face as an example. He said that it was their love for each other that comprised their positions and got them killed.
Angel hated that and he hated his Uncle. So the next morning he went to see him and threw the file in his face. He told him that he was full of shit and that he knew he was just trying to manipulate him.
He married Darla two days later, a year after that he found her with Finn. Darla’s betrayal had been very hard to deal with but the hardest thing of all was that Uncle had been right.
It was that history that now tore at his gut. If he hadn’t been so dead set on proving Uncle wrong none of that would’ve happened.
It was the same scenario all over again. The only difference was that he truly loved Buffy and the thought of her being in danger made him want to kill someone, anyone, he didn’t care. The animalistic urge to destroy whoever it was that threatened her was all he could think about.
Buffy.
God he missed her. He missed her so much that he didn’t know which way he was going.
He did know one thing; he had to give her the benefit of the doubt. He owed that much to her and he owed it to himself. She was too important to him and he wasn’t going to let his stubbornness get in the way of finding out the truth.
Whatever he found, he found out. If he was right, then he had to find a way to forget her. Move on with his life. And if he was wrong…God if he was wrong, he would never forgive himself if something happened to her. Either way if he didn’t find answers to his questions soon he would surely go mad.
He took a deep breath and opened the car door, stepping outside. He had to put on his game face. Walk inside there and demand answers from The Mayor. He felt his sides; his girls were locked and loaded, ready to come to his aid and get the information for him if need be.
His feet moved and he started to walk down the alley. As he approached the corner, two motorcycles pulled up and stopped. He didn’t pay them much mind until he heard them talking.
“No shit, Parker’s here?”
Angel stopped after hearing that name and leaned against the wall, listening intently.
“Yeah I couldn’t fucking believe it man, it was like a fucking ghost walked into the room. It was freaky.”
The guy laughed, “Yeah I bet it was. So what’s he doing in LA?”
“You remember Buffy right?”
Angel tensed.
“Shit who can forget that hot little package. She’s here?”
“Yeah, and she has no idea that Parker’s alive and in town.” The guy chuckled, “can you imagine the look on her face when she sees Parker? Damn I’d like to see that.”
The other guy laughed with him. “Yeah me too. She’s not going to be happy that’s for sure.”
“I know Parker was always an asshole. I tried to get a piece of that action first you know but Parker beat me too it, too bad for her.”
The guy nodded and their voices faded as they walked into the Hotel.
Angel relaxed against the wall. He had been wrong. Relief filled him. She hadn’t known. She never betrayed him. She did love him!
His gut churned with nausea. He had betrayed her. He had lied to her about what he did and then jumped to conclusions regarding her past.
He silently cursed as he banged his head back against the concrete wall. The pain was welcomed as he remembered the things he had said to her, how he’d called her a whore.
He had to make things right.
He headed back to the car stopping as he remembered where he was. The Mayor, he was the one that gave him the folder. He was the one that had an agenda behind it; him and Uncle.
The wheels started to spin as he slipped into work mode. Now that he was lucid about his situation with Buffy everything else started to bug him.
They were working together. Together they had conspired to bring Angel back into the fold full time again in order to get what they wanted. And Angel knew that only meant bad things for his country and for himself.
He might be a thief and an assassin but every job he’d ever done was done with the intention of protecting his country. Of making it better. And he knew that it was up to him to make sure that The Mayor and Uncle never took control.
********
The second Faith left Willy’s she realized that she had absolutely no idea where to find Angel. She tried calling Spike but he wasn’t answering his phone. Next she called Angel’s house but there was no answer there either.
Faith knew they had a central hub somewhere in the city. She had asked Spike before where they met but he refused to tell her. When she asked him why, he said it was safer for her that way.
At the time she thought that was an odd reason. It was also the same moment she realized his job was much more than what he led her to believe. Seeing him today with the face of a killer holding that gun she knew exactly what he did and she understood why he didn’t tell her.
If she wasn’t so pissed off and ready to kick some serious Angel ass she would have stopped to admire the beautiful old hotel that she was currently storming over too. As it was, she threw open the door and stood on the threshold her brown angry eyes scanning the lobby and landing on a frightened Wesley.
“Faith, good lord you scared me.” Wesley had been on edge since Angel dropped them off from the Graveyard. With Angel’s disappearance after his meeting with the Mayor and then his explosive entrance at the hotel only a half an hour ago, his poor nerves never had a chance to recover. And by the looks of Faith, he didn’t think they would.
“Where is he?”
Wesley took a step forward and winced at seeing her blood dried protruding lip. “umm…Spike isn’t here Faith. If you don’t mind me asking, how did you find us?”
She stepped down and got right in his face. “I do mind and I’m not here for Spike.” She took another step forward. “Where’s Angel?”
Wesley swallowed; she was making him very uneasy. She looked like she was prepared to do whatever she had to do to find out what she wanted. Now Wesley was trained in Martial Arts and he could defend himself so that wasn’t what made him nervous, he just had a problem with fighting women.
When he just stood there staring at her Faith took a step closer and pushed him back. “Look Wesley, I like you and I don’t want to hurt you but I will if you don’t tell me where he is.”
“Why? What happened? Where’s Spike?”
She sighed, “Wesley do you remember the hot little blonde that you were so openly ogling named Buffy?”
He gulped his feet shuffling uncomfortably, “Umm…yes.”
“Good. Well if you don’t tell me where Angel is she’s going to make the stupidest decision of her life. Which would make her miserable and not to mention Angel extremely…” she leaned in closer, “and I do mean extremely…miserable too.”
Wesley nodded, he knew exactly what she was talking about and he was happy to oblige.
He smiled, “oh…well, why didn’t you say so. Down the hall last door on your left.”
She smiled and walked down the hall. “Thanks Wes.”
No sooner did she leave then Wesley picked up the phone and called Spike.
Angel was sitting at his desk pondering his next move. He talked to the Mayor and told him he would do the job. He also told him that he needed time to set it up. The Mayor had been so happy to see that Angel was back and ready to get to work that he didn’t question how much time he needed.
Now Angel had to figure out his next move and what to do about Buffy.
He wasn’t sure if he should let her in on what was going on. It might be safer for her if she didn’t know. The only problem with that was then she would be left with Parker and from the looks of the loft, how safe was that? He didn’t like that idea in the least but he had to consider the possibility of it being the course of action to take right now. At least until he could be sure that she would be protected.
Standing up he walked around the desk and to the bar to pour himself another drink when his door crashed open.
He looked up to see Faith standing there. Shit he didn’t need this right now. Until he decided what he was going to do about Buffy he was better off leaving Faith out of the picture. She was too volatile and too loyal to Buffy. If he decided to go through with what he was thinking, she would fight him every step of the way. He couldn’t waste his time or energy on getting her to see things his way.
“Hiding in shame?” She sneered and he scowled back.
“I have nothing to say to you Faith.” He said.
She slammed the door shut and threw a right hook landing it squarely on his jaw. “Good then you can keep your fucking mouth shut because I have plenty to say to you!”
He growled furiously as his head snapped back from the force of her blow. He looked back at her his fists curling as he instinctively readied himself to fight back.
“You want to hit me go ahead?” She goaded him.
The fat bloody lip that she was sporting was evidence that she had also been on the receiving end of Parker’s fist, which also made him feel guilty.
His fist unwound and he went back to the bar. Keep cool he told himself as he poured another shot of control.
“Buffy told me what you think. What the hell is wrong with you Angel? How can you think that she knew Parker was alive?”
He shrugged, “why not. It makes sense. They were in trouble they needed a way out and that was it.”
She snorted, “I can’t believe you.”
Her calculating eyes followed him as he walked to the window and stood there looking out. She really didn’t want to go where she knew she had to go, but she had no choice. She knew Angel loved Buffy, she knew he wasn’t that cold hearted she just had to say the right things. Educate him so to speak.
“Angel I don’t know what Buffy ever told you about her life with Parker but I’m guessing she didn’t tell you everything.”
“It’s not my business.” He said softly.
“Yeah well I’m making it your business. Do you know what it means to be in a biker gang Angel? Do you? Do you understand a woman’s role in it? A woman is nothing but the shit on their shoes. She’s the closest warm hole for them and all their buddies to stick their cocks into and that’s it.”
He closed his eyes. He didn’t want to hear this. He really, really didn’t want to hear this. He rethought his decision on letting her in just to get her to shut up.
“Now of course if you’re lucky enough to find a guy that has some sort of decency in him then that won’t happen to you. But Parker, Parker isn’t that guy Angel. Parker is the guy that would give Buffy to his brother Adam, whenever he asked. Parker is the guy that would tie her up and beat her if she wore something that he didn’t approve of. Parker is the kind of guy that shot her up with Heroin when he didn’t want to hear her talk. “
He couldn’t keep her voice out of his head. He couldn’t stop the images from coming. He couldn’t keep listening to this. He was on the verge of losing control. “Shut up.” He quietly snarled but Faith didn’t care she kept on going.
“Shut up? Yeah that’s what Parker would say when he wanted sex and Buffy didn’t want to give him any. ‘Shut up bitch and spread your legs!’ those were his exact words at least that’s what Buffy told me.”
In a flash Angel spun around and punched Faith. He didn’t mean too but he couldn’t stop himself from doing it. He always knew that there were things Buffy didn’t tell him about her relationship with Parker, besides the fact that she was married to him. And hearing them now after he himself had called her a whore made him feel like a complete asshole. He really wanted to punch himself but instead he took his frustrations out on Faith.
She fell to the floor and he stood over her his fists clenched trying not to hit her again.
Faith looked up at him, holding her chin. “Not nice is it. It’s a shitty disturbing thing to hear isn’t it?”
The door was kicked in and Spike came barreling in. He saw Faith on the floor holding her chin and he saw Angel looming above her. He snarled angrily and rushed Angel throwing him against the wall, punching him in the face, and Angel welcomed it. His redeemer had arrived.
Faith got to her feet and watched as Angel smiled at Spike. Her brow furrowed with confusion as he yelled at him.
“Do it again!”
Spike took a step back and looked at him strangely but Angel grabbed him by the shirt collar and screamed at him. “DO IT AGAIN!”
Spike shook his head, Angel looked crazed and it totally unnerved him. He tried to take a step back but Angel’s gripped tightened.
Wesley and the rest of the gang came barreling into the room and stood silently by watching as things unfolded.
Seeing that Spike wasn’t about to oblige him, Angel pushed him and threw a left punch right in his eye. Spike fell back as Faith ran forward.
With one hand Angel pushed her back and she fell on her ass staring up at him as if he had lost his mind.
Spike growled angrily as he looked at her.
“Come on Spike! Don’t be a pussy! Kick my ass! “Angel shouted.
Fred took a step closer but Gunn stopped her. “Angel, stop it you’re talking crazy!” She screamed at him.
Angel ignored her, his wild eyes on the person that he perceived to be his savior. He wanted to feel as much pain as possible. He wanted, no he needed, to be punished for his bout of stupidity and he saw Spike as the one to give it to him.
Spike stared at his brother and saw right through him. He looked over at the gang and quietly spoke. “Guys go down stairs everything’s okay.”
“Everything’s okay? Did he knock your brain out of your head?” Gunn asked.
Spike looked at Wesley, “Wes please.”
Wesley nodded. Whatever was going on he knew that for now it was between them. “Come on guys, let’s go downstairs.”
They all protested but did what he asked, and when he closed the door Angel yelled at Spike again.
“Come on Spiky. You’ve always wanted to take me and now I’m giving you the chance.” He stood straight and held his arms up and away from his body. “I won’t touch you. You can have all the free shots you want!”
It broke Spike’s heart to see him filled with such guilt but it also pissed him off. If Angel had listened to him to begin with none of this would have happened.
Spike smirked at him, and punched him once in the face and then once in the gut…hard.
As Angel fell to the floor on his knees, he was laughing like a lunatic. “YES!”
“Holy shit he’s lost his mind.” Faith commented.
Angel looked up at Spike, “Do it again.”
Spike shook his head, “Sorry brother. I’m not going to appease your guilt. That’s all you’re going to get out of me.”
He stepped back, watching as Angel’s smile faded and his arms dropped to his side. Spike held out his hand and Angel grabbed it, standing to his feet.
Angel smirked at him, blood dripping down his lips. He reached up and wiped it away with his finger. “Thanks. I needed that. Good shot by the way. You’ve been training harder.” He said as he flexed his jaw.
Spike smirked back, “all in the hopes of beating you mate.”
They smiled at each other as if everything was right as rain and Faith looked at them like they were crazy. “What the hell was that all about?”
Angel walked over to the bar and took some ice out as Spike turned to look at her. “That my ferocious Faith was Angel pulling his head out of his ass.”
“Ah?”
He ignored her and spoke to Angel. “So what happened?”
Angel threw some ice in a towel and pressed it up to his cheek. There was no way in hell he was going to admit that he took the word of two bikers over Buffy. While he had no guilt over that, he knew that they and Buffy wouldn’t see it that way. How could you explain that hearing something from two people that he didn’t know, two people that had nothing to gain, made it more believable then hearing it from the mouth of the person he thought had betrayed him to begin with? You couldn’t. So better to not say it at all.
“Let’s just say that I was enlightened by a very reliable source.”
Spike nodded that was all he needed to hear. But Faith was still confused, “What the hell is he talking about?” She asked.
“He knows that Buffy wasn’t a part of Parker’s plan.”
Her eyes lit with understanding and she felt the tension leave her body. “Finally! Jesus Angel I was ready to kill you.”
He smiled at her as he walked around and sat down at his desk with a glass of whiskey in one hand and ice in the other. He toasted her, “My compliments on that right hook Faith. It’s a damn good one.” He tenderly touched the toweled ice to his cheek.
She couldn’t help but smile at the praise. “Thanks.” She said blushing slightly and looked at Spike who winked at her. “Okay well now that that’s all settled I’ll take you to Buffy.”
Angel’s smile faded. “No.”
“No. What do you mean no? You said you believed her.”
“I do.”
“Then what’s the problem.”
Angel looked at Spike, who spoke, “Faith there’s more to the picture here than you know. Hell there’s more going on than I know.” He looked at Angel, “but that’s going to change right?”
Angel nodded as he began to tell them what happened with The Mayor.
“I don’t get it. So what if they want to take over the world. That doesn’t explain why Buffy has to be left in the dark.” Faith said.
Angel sighed, just as he suspected. “Faith I don’t like it anymore than you do, but if she knew what was going on then Parker might suspect something is up and then she would be in even more danger.”
Faith didn’t think so and before she could argue any further Angel continued with his reasons.
“Faith why do you think Parker came for Buffy after two years of being in hiding?”
She shook her head.
“Because they need her to do the job. I’ve looked at the schematics of where the diamonds are kept, it’s like Fort Knox. There are only three people in the world that have a chance of getting in and out without being detected, and two of them are sitting right here.”
“That must have been a shocker eh mate?” Spike said grinning from ear to ear.
Angel shrugged a lecherous smile on his face. “Well I always knew she had good hands.”
Spike chuckled and Faith snorted, “Ah can we get our minds out of the gutter for just one minute please. What’s your plan send Buffy back to hell and let her do the job?”
Angel’s face changed and he stood up, pacing. “I don’t want to no. But I think right now that would be the best bet. Let them think the ball is in their court. Then when they’re not looking I’ll steal the diamonds and Buffy back. This way they think she did her job and she’s out of the picture. Once that’s done then I can take them all down, one by one.”
Spike looked at Angel now with concern, “This is it eh?”
Angel nodded. “That’s why everything has to go as planned.”
“What’s it?” Faith asked.
They both ignored her question.
“That’s why Buffy can’t know.” Angel said.
“I don’t know Angel. I don’t like the idea. I told her I wouldn’t keep anymore secrets from her.”
“Sometimes secrets are necessary Faith to protect the ones you love.”
“Yeah like that worked out real well for you.” She answered him and he scowled.
“Look even if I ignored the immense guilt I would have over that, I still don’t like sending her into the lion’s den.” She rubbed her lip, “You didn’t see him Angel he was fucking pissed off there’s no telling what he’ll do.”
Angel’s scowl darkened. “Faith, Buffy is a strong woman. She’s not the person she used to be. She’ll be able to deal with him.” God he hoped so.
Spike understood Angel’s plan and the reasoning behind it but he didn’t agree with it. Angel was in work mode now, thinking the way an assassin thinks. Ready willing and able to do anything that he needed to do to get the job done, and in the process forgetting that sometimes not all causalities were acceptable.
Unlike Angel he witnessed Parker’s instability first hand and he witnessed Buffy’s detached compliance. She was definitely not the same woman that she had been since Spike met her. She wasn’t in any frame of mind to handle or deal with Parker. He had to agree with Faith.
“She’s right Angelus. The girl’s a fucking mess. She can’t handle him,” he said and Faith looked at him thankfully then addressed Angel.
“Angel, she thinks you hate her and that you never loved her. I saw every ounce of strength drain out of her body when she said that to me. She can’t go in there thinking that or she’ll never make it out. ”
Angel didn’t say anything as he considered her words. In many ways hearing it made him happy because it was proof that she loved him. But then again his guilt returned, it was his own idiocy that put those ideas in her head.
“Angel she needs to know that you still love her, that she has something to live for.” Faith implored him again. “Look you know what she did when she lived in New York she’s not some amateur, she’ll get the job done. “
She was right. He was once again underestimating Buffy in order to protect her. He had to stop himself from doing that because it was what landed him in this situation to begin with.
“Alright.”
He stood up and grabbed his jacket as Faith and Spike smiled at him happily. “Thank god because I really didn’t want to have to hit you again.” Faith said grinning.
Angel smiled at her feeling like a thousand pound weight was lifted off his shoulder. There was still a small amount of fear that he was doing the wrong thing, but he pushed it aside because he knew in his heart that he couldn’t have made any other choice. There was also no denying his need to see her and hold her in his arms again, it was too strong. He also couldn’t let her go on thinking that he didn’t love her, he had to tell her.
“What about Parker?” Faith asked as a chill ran down her spine from the evil look that entered Angel’s eye.
“Parker is the easy part.” He sneered vehemently and Faith swallowed.
“He’ll come looking for her. He won’t just let her leave.”
“Parker won’t be a problem. He’s already dead.” Angel said coldly.
It took Faith only a few seconds to realize what he was saying. For all intents and purposes Parker WAS dead! She smiled understanding completely. “Good plan.”
Angel’s smile was pure evil as he looked at her and she had to shake off the discomfort that smile caused. She almost felt sorry for Parker, almost. She could only imagine the torture that Angel was going to inflict on him. She knew it wasn’t going to be pleasant.
“Can I watch?” she asked gleefully as Spike chuckled and hugged her to him. “Ah there’s my bloodthirsty little wench.” He kissed her soundly on the lips.
When he released her she smacked him on the arm, “Don’t call me that!” She tried to look stern but he was looking at her so playfully that she couldn’t help but smile.
“Alright let’s go.” Angel said.
Faith nodded and opened the door to walk out, “I left her at Willy’s.”
Spike followed her, “Willy’s…the perv? I didn’t know you knew Willy. You do know that’s a strip joint right?”
“Uh huh.” Faith answered as she followed Angel out the door.
Spike’s interest was piqued. The thought that his girlfriend frequented a strip club turned him on and gave him lurid ideas. “Do you go there often luv?”
********
The room was quiet and peaceful, dark. It was just what she needed to calm her frazzled nerves and think. It was truly amazing what a few hours of rest could do for a person. Last night if Spike hadn’t shown up she would have meekly gone with Parker. But today she had a different perspective.
She still couldn’t believe that Parker was alive. If it weren’t for the sting that she felt every time her sore lip slid across the pillow, she still wouldn’t believe it.
Reaching up she gingerly touched the growing bump on her temple, hissing as pain radiated throughout her already pounding head. She had forgotten how hard he could hit, funny considering he was a skinny guy. She chuckled to herself, skinny and boyish. He definitely did not look like a biker. In fact his looks were so boyish that she wondered how she was ever even attracted to him to begin with.
She sighed. Well that didn’t matter anymore, because he was definitely not her type. No she liked them big and strong, confident and yes even a little bit self-centered. That was the woman she had become and she wanted her man to be the same way.
That was Angel.
She rolled over onto her back sucking in her breath as she felt every sore and achy muscle. Her hand came up and toyed with the silver cross Angel had given her one night three months ago. He was everything that she wanted in a man. And she had him for while, until all these bullshit lies and that scrawny asshole Parker showed up.
Parker, God he turned her stomach. And what churned her insides even more was her reaction to him. She thought she could be strong but the second she saw him it was like she reverted back to the young frightened girl she used to be.
The second he touched her she was instantly hit with a barrage of unwanted memories and it had paralyzed her. She had been so consumed with fear and shame, feeling so insecure about who she was that she knew if he hadn’t picked up the picture she never would’ve snapped out of it.
Her eyes burned heatedly just thinking about it. It had enraged her to see his dirty hands touch something that was sacred to her. She smiled broadly remembering how good it had felt to stick her fist in his face. She was proud of herself for doing that and it brought her confidence back. Not to mention the look of utter shock on Parker’s face, that had been priceless. The scuffle that ensued afterwards, and the aches and pains she now felt were all well worth it.
Now she had to figure out what she was going to do and she had to do it fast.
The way she saw it she had two problems…and they were both male.
Problem number one: Angel.
He was mad. He was mad and hurt. But Faith was right, Buffy knew Angel he was an extremely possessive and jealous person. He was arrogant and bursting at the seams with pride. It must have been crushing to learn her history and to learn that she was married. He reacted the only way he knew. He lashed out her and she couldn’t blame him for that. He was running on his emotions.
Knowing that she also knew that behind those base emotions was a rational and logical man. Eventually he would start to wonder if he had been right. She knew that, because she knew that he loved her. There was no doubt in her mind about that.
She wasn’t naïve. She hadn’t spent the last eight months with a man that didn’t love her. Every touch, every word, every look that he had ever gifted her with proved that. She knew what fake love was and she knew what true love was, and Angel’s love was definitely true.
She just had to set him aside for now and believe that he would snap out of it and see the truth. It might take some time but she was willing to wait. She had faith in their love and she had faith in him. Besides, she had bigger problems then Angel’s ego right now.
This brought her to problem number two, Parker.
God she shivered with loathing just thinking about him. But she had to. He was a BIG problem one that could not easily be dismissed. She was married to him and while in the eyes of the law a divorce would get him out of her life for good, in the eyes of The Brotherhood that was not the case.
There was no such thing as divorce in their mind. Once you married a member you were chained to them until the day one of you died. She could run but she knew she couldn’t hide for long. They had too many connections and her face was too well known. Besides she was tired of running. If she ran now she would always be running and she refused to do that.
Her goal was to get rid of Parker and her past, and get Angel back.
Her brow furrowed thoughtfully, as she remembered what Angel said. He thought she helped plan Parker’s death. Thinking back to that last heist it made sense.
There was a big to do at The New York Metropolitan Art Museum. They had just received an original painting by Monet, one that was supposedly destroyed in a fire at a Museum in Italy where it had previously been stored.
The painting was worth millions and Adam and Parker wanted it. The plan was simple enough. As usual Parker and Adam would get all the information Buffy needed to know. Floor plans, how many guards, how they were armed, when they patrolled, the alarm system, basically anything and everything that she needed to pull of the job they got.
Next it was her turn, after reviewing everything she would decide what she needed to do the job and then with the help of Grant they would acquire whatever it was she needed.
When everything was ready they went. She had no problem getting in and she had no problem getting out with the painting. After throwing the tube containing the priceless painting over her shoulder and jumping on the back of Parker’s bike, cops came out from nowhere. If it weren’t for the van that cut the cops off they never would have gotten away.
It was only a week later that Parker got into his accident apparently dying in it. Of course at the time, she had been so happy that he was dead that she never once considered the possibility that it was a farce.
But now remembering the week before his death, she recalled how tense Adam and Parker were. She also remembered a man coming to the house. She never saw what he looked like but she heard his voice. It was authoritive and it was anxious. He yelled at them that they fucked up and demanded that they fix it before everything fell apart.
She didn’t get to hear the rest, because Parker caught her listening. He quickly dragged her up the stairs by her hair and threw her in their room, locking the door as he left. She swallowed as she remembered the beating she got that night. But then he died, and that night and every other night she had spent with Parker was pushed aside.
She was pretty sure that the file Angel had told that entire tale. Taking all that information into context she could see why he would think that she knew. She might even believe it herself if she didn’t already know the truth.
So where did that leave her? What were her options? She had two very different problems that required two very different solutions. And too many unanswered questions.
Like, why now after two years did Parker re-surface? She smirked; well she knew the answer to that one. A job, that’s why. That was the only reason he ever needed her anyway. She was the one that brought the money into the club. Whether it was stealing it or restoring cars, she was the one that made them the big bucks. Sure they had a steady income from selling drugs and guns, and prostitution, but the real money, the type of money that you could buy a small island with, came from the heists that she did.
It was all starting to make sense. Parker knew where she had been all along and he knew about her relationship with Angel. They needed her back under their wing and they went about it the only way they know how…deceit and manipulation.
They were the ones that sent the folder to Angel. It had to be. It was their way of sucking her back into the fold. Take away the one thing that meant everything to her and she would fall apart and crawl back to them. Well they had another thing coming if they thought that was going to happen.
But she still needed a solution to the Parker problem. The more she thought about it the more she realized that she only had one option.
She had to kill him. It was the only way. If he was dead then her ties were once more severed with the Brotherhood and she could concentrate on getting Angel back.
Feeling confident in her plan she shot off the bed her feet slamming on the floor as she did.
She walked over to the mirror and looked at herself, her face crinkling distastefully as she did. She rummaged through her bag and pulled out some make up quickly covering her bruises.
When she was satisfied that that was as good as it was going to get she put them away and put her hand on the knob.
It was locked, she scowled, Faith.
Sighing she dropped to her knees and pulled out a bobby pin. “Good thing I put my hair up today.”
‘Click’ and the door unlocked. Placing the bobby pin back in her hair she grabbed her bag and slowly opened the door.
She walked down the hallway and peered out in to the club. It was practically empty only a few patrons were there and their eyes were on Casey who was currently dancing on the stage.
She looked over at the bar, Willy was there talking to Bubba.
Buffy sighed, figures Faith would send over the one bouncer that was most loyal to Angel. No exit that way.
She inched back away from the doorway and looked back down the hall. There was a window at the end of it and she made a beeline straight for it.
Thankfully it slid open easily and she threw her bag out on to the fire escape. She quickly followed it then closed the window.
There was one thing Parker was right about. She knew exactly where he was and she was coming for him.
The Kill List
The door to Willy’s swung open and the bright afternoon sun filled the darkened smoky room. Willy looked up squinting from the light, to see Faith rushing in with two guys behind her. Bubba immediately stood up and addressed the dark haired man.
“She’s in the back, no one came in and she hasn’t come out.”
Angel smiled at her, “Thanks Bubba.” He gave him a hundred bucks. “You can head on home. I appreciate you coming here to watch her.”
“My pleasure Angel, I’d do anything for Buffy.”
“Let me know if you need anything else.” Bubba turned and walked out of the bar.
“Hey Angelus, Spike what brings you guys here?” Willy nervously asked. He knew who they were. They were people that you didn’t want to mess around with. In fact if they offered protection services Willy would have gone with them instead of a motorcycle gang, because he knew that these two were far more dangerous.
Faith looked back and forth between them, “You know them?” she asked Willy.
He smiled, ‘Sure everyone in the business knows The Scourge of Europe.”
Angel looked at her, shrugging his shoulder. “Where’s Buffy Willy?”
Willy almost choked on his scotch. He looked at Faith, “This is the boyfriend?”
“She’s in the back.” Faith answered for him and Angel headed off to the back of the club.
“Shit Faith why didn’t you tell me that The Scourge was the boyfriend?” Willy asked as she and Spike sat at the bar.
“Because I didn’t think you knew him, why?”
“I’ve been worrying my head off about Parker and the poor kid back there. If I’d known Angelus was the boyfriend I wouldn’t have…that’s why.”
Seconds later Angel came walking back…alone.
“That was quick. Where’s blondie?” Spike asked peering over Angel’s shoulder.
“She’s not here.” Angel said his dark eyes on Willy.
Willy immediately stood up, “what do you mean she’s not there! That’s where I left her and she didn’t come out. I swear!”
Angel sat down at the bar and ordered a beer. “Relax Willy. She used the window.”
Faith jumped up and started walking toward the door. “Okay well let’s go I know where she went.”
When she saw that neither one of them were moving she scowled. “Guys…let’s go…rescue damsel in distress…”
“It’s too late luv.” Spike said as he swiped Angel’s beer from him and took a swig.
“What do you mean it’s too late?”
“Faith you can’t just go there, barge in and demand Buffy back.” Spike answered her.
“Why not?”
“Cause you’ll get killed that’s why not!” He said to her a little louder this time.
“We have to go back to the original plan.” Angel said pulling his beer out of Spike’s grasp he drank the whole thing down and slapped a ten down on the bar.
Faith was vehemently shaking her head back and forth, “No, that’s a very bad idea.”
“Um…excuse me Angelus sir?” Willy said cautiously.
Angel turned black eyes to him, “What?”
“Um…that is a bad idea. I know Parker very well and I’ve known Buffy since she was twelve. I’ve seen things…” he took a step back as he saw Angel’s eyes darken and he stood up from the stool. “…things that um well let’s just say that they weren’t nice things and Buffy didn’t enjoy them. And I…um don’t think it’s a good idea to leave her there. That’s all I’m saying.”
Quickly Willy turned and left the bar. Angelus scared the crap out of him. The less time he spent in his presence the better.
Angel took deep calming breaths as he watched Willy scamper out of the room. He could feel himself once more slipping out of control and he had to relax. He had never before been put in this position. Decisions were always easy for him. You weighed the good against the bad, you looked at all the possibilities and you went with whatever got the job done. But it wasn’t that clear now. Now there was a piece to the puzzle that meant more to him than life itself and to do what needed to be done meant putting her in danger.
But what could he do? He’d be signing her death sentence if he just strolled in there and took back what was his. No. He had to fall back to the original plan and just pray to God that Buffy held strong and that nothing happens to her.
“How’s that plan supposed to work anyway, if Buffy’s not in on it? How are you going to know when they plan on stealing the diamonds?” Faith asked.
Angel didn’t answer her, but his dark piercing eyes looked right at her.
Spike saw the look and knew what he was thinking. “No. Absolutely not Angelus!”
“Look I don’t like it either but it’s the only way Spike. Don’t worry they can look after each other.”
Spike grabbed Faith and pulled her in front of him and Angel. “Do you see this Angelus?” He scathingly said as he pointed to her dried up bloody lip. “Do you see how well they protected each other?”
Faith squirmed out of Spike’s grasp understanding what they were talking about and not liking Spike’s comments. “Hey I can take care of myself and so can Buffy. The asshole just caught us off guard. It won’t happen again,” she said sternly.
“There see. No problem.” Angel said as he walked out of the bar praying to God that was true.
Faith followed, anxious to get to work. “Okay so I’ll head over there and get to work I’ll call you later.”
Spike grabbed her, “Hold on there killer. It’s too soon. You haven’t slept all night and you’re exhausted.”
“I am not exhausted!” Faith started to argue at the same time she fought the urge to yawn.
“Women” Spike said just as he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. “You’re going home and you’re going to bed.”
Faith argued with him all the way out the door.
********
After Buffy left Willy’s she got a cab and went to Angel’s. If she was going to follow through with her plan then she needed a weapon. Normally she would go to Willy but she couldn’t go there. She knew Faith would be back and she couldn’t involve Faith in her problems. This was something that she needed to do alone.
After the cab dropped her off she nervously stood in front of the door. She was pretty sure he wasn’t home. She didn’t see the Porsche in the driveway but that didn’t mean it wasn’t in the garage. But it didn’t matter she would just go in and take her chances.
Taking a deep breath she hit the numbers on the alarm code and the door popped open.
Stepping inside she quietly closed the door, “Angel?” She called out but there was no answer.
Her eyes scanned the hallway as she stood still listening. After a few moments of silence she blew out the breath she had been holding. She was disappointed that he wasn’t home but then she was also thankful. She needed time to straighten things out and she needed to be clear-headed to do that. Another angry altercation with Angel would not help it would only cloud her mind.
She looked up the regal staircase as her feet started to move. When she reached the landing she looked over her shoulder, before rounding the corner to the secret room.
The door was still open and tears formed in her eyes as she looked inside. He had torn the room apart. Everything was destroyed. Even the beautiful black cabinet was broken into pieces, and there was no one to blame but her. If it weren’t for her stupid past this never would have happened. She had hurt the one person that meant more to her than anything else and her heart filled with guilt.
There had to be something she could do now to at least try and make it better.
She moved inside the room, her feet crackling on glass as she did. She picked up a piece of paper and pen that were on the floor and turned the chair over. Grabbing a book that was on the crooked desk she sat down, put the book on her lap and started to write him a note. He might not want to read it but at least she would have said her piece and tried to make amends.
She wrote fast because she knew the clock was ticking. It was almost twenty four hours since she had seen Parker and she knew he would only give her so much time to come to him before he came looking for her.
When she was finally done she kissed it tenderly wishing that it were his lips then folded it neatly. She held it in her hand as her eyes searched the weapons that were all over the floor.
She picked up the semi-automatic Uzi and felt the weight of it in her hand. A gun would be the quickest and easiest way but it would also be loud and she was probably going to have to make a quick and silent exit. Too bad, she would have liked to see what little brains he has scattered all over the floor. She put the gun back on the floor.
Next her eyes fell on the collection of knives and one caught her eye. The handle was black pearl and the blade was about six inches of deadly honed steal. She lightly ran her finger down the blade pulling away as it nicked her, “Ouch. Very sharp.”
She looked closer at the tempered steel and marveled at the Celtic designs that covered it. It was beautiful, almost too beautiful to butcher an asshole with but it would be poetic. Grabbing the knife and its sheath she walked outside of the room and down the hall to his bedroom.
Opening the door she walked in, stopping to close her eyes and breathe deeply. The whole room smelled like him and she shivered with yearning as his clean earthy scent attacked her senses like a starving animal. If she didn’t feel so miserable she would probably laugh at how pathetic she had become. It had only been one day since she saw him but for Buffy that was one day too many.
Her eyes opened and she looked at the bed. She walked over to it, running her hand across the velvet bedspread, thinking back to the last time he used it. They had made love all night atop it. She remembered how exquisite the soft velvet had felt against her feverish skin. God she had been so hot for him and her body so wet that her breath hitched just thinking about it now.
She couldn’t resist laying on it again. She settled in against the fabric, rubbing her entire body against it as she got comfortable on the soft yet firm mattress. Her eyes closed and she took several more deep breaths as she stroked her cheek up and down his pillow.
She missed him so much. She missed lying in this bed with his arms around her. She missed the nights he would recite poetry as he slowly and leisurely made love to her. And she missed the nights when he would throw her on the bed and just take her with no foreplay. She loved those nights. It was raw pure emotion driving him. It was the reason why she knew that he loved her.
A tear fell and landed on the pillow as she thought about never having those things again.
What would she do if he never believed her? Would she be able to keep going through life without him? It was a scary thought and one that she didn’t want to linger on. She had to stick to her plan. She had to keep faith that he would realize he made a mistake and that he still loved her.
The clock chimed on the wall and she sighed sadly. Standing up she placed the note on the pillow and took one last look in the room.
She didn’t know when they would see each other again or what that reunion would be like so she wanted to remember everything. Because no matter how confident she was right now, she knew the second she walked back into the compound a little bit of that confidence would disappear. Being with Angel was what gave her mental strength and she needed all of those memories now to hold on to what had to be done.
A few minutes later she left the bedroom and walked down to the kitchen and inside the garage. She hated to do it, but she had no choice she had to get to the compound and she had no other way of doing it.
Grabbing the keys to the Chopper she opened the garage door and then started it up. She pulled out of the garage, the door closing as she left, and pulled down the driveway.
There was no going back now.
She had a husband to kill and a boyfriend to get back.
********
Just after Buffy left, Angel arrived home. He was tired and he just wanted to sleep for a little while. The problem was that he couldn’t sleep because he couldn’t stop thinking.
He was thinking about how stupid he was.
He was thinking about the plan and how it had to work perfectly.
He was thinking about Uncle and The Mayor.
He was thinking about Faith and sending her into the Brotherhood.
He was thinking about Spike and how he wasn’t too happy with that plan.
Every time he closed his eyes he saw her bloody body lying somewhere in a ditch and the feelings that incited were the worst feelings he had ever experienced in his life. He had been physically and mentally tortured in the past by the best people in the business. But the anguish of seeing her lifeless body was worse then any torture.
Yes he was feeling pretty damn guilty. He was the lowest cad on the face of the earth. How could he just jump to conclusions like that? How could he just callously push her away and throw her to the wolves? His only excuse and he knew it wasn’t a good one, was that he just had a really hard time controlling his emotions when it came to Buffy.
He just loved her too much. She stirred every raw and primitive emotion inside of him. She touched places inside of him that he never even knew existed. At first it had been strange, although he never noticed it. But now he had grown so accustomed to these emotions that he couldn’t even remember what it felt like to be without her. She was in him, under his skin, his blood and breath. She was his everything.
And now he was plagued with guilt over his brainless actions. Of course realizing he had just missed her at Willy’s didn’t make his guilt go away, that only doubled it.
Walking into that room and not seeing her there had been devastating. He knew right away where she went, and that increased his culpability and his anxiety.
As he climbed the steps to his bedroom he couldn’t help but wonder what she was doing and thinking. Did she hate him? Was she thinking about him? Did she miss him as much as he missed her?
He walked past the secret room glancing at it only briefly and noting that he had to get that fixed, and then continued on to his bedroom.
The second he opened the door he stopped. His eyes automatically closed as he took a deep breath. His lips formed a small smile as pure happiness filled him. There was just a hint of Vanilla in the room. An aroma he knew all too well. A tantalizing scent that he had tasted many times before, it was a fragrance that was pure Buffy.
His eyes quickly opened scanning the room looking for her in every corner. His smile faded when he realized she wasn’t there.
He walked further inside, his hand running up the velvet bedspread. It was slightly wrinkled and there was a slight indentation on the bed, one of a petite and feminine form. On the pillow was a note.
Picking it up, he sat down on the bed anxiously opening it.
Angel,
I don’t know if you’ll read this or if it’s sitting in the garbage. You might not want to hear this and maybe you won’t even believe me I don’t know but I have to tell you…I have to say my peace.
I love you Angel. I love you so much. You’re my life.
I’m sorry for hurting you. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you about being married to Parker but I honestly didn’t think it mattered because I thought he was dead. I swear Angel, I never knew about any plot to fake his death, you have to believe that.
And maybe this is too presumptuous of me to say but I know you love me Angel and I know in my heart that we’ll find a way back to each other. You might not be able to trust what I’m saying and I know you need time to deal with everything and I understand that. I’ll give you whatever time you need because I need time to set things right.
There are some things that I’m going to have to do that aren’t going to be pleasant, and maybe make you hate me even more, but it needs to be done. I have to resolve my past and I have to do it on my own. I can only hope that when all is said and done you’ll accept that we belong together.
I have to go now. I’m going to borrow your bike and a pretty little thing I picked up off the floor in the room. I’ll return both to you I promise.
I love you Angel so much, I can’t let you go and I’m not going to. I want my life to be with you and it will be. Maybe you can’t see that right now but you will.
I’ll fight for you Angel – always - with every breath in my body.
Love, Buffy
With shaking hands he put the note down feeling immense relief. It was like a waterfall just washed away his guilt and renewed his hope. He hadn’t lost her, she didn’t hate him…she still loved him.
The most amazing thing was that even though he had treated her horribly, she never lost faith. She was determined to make him see the truth and get him back. He smiled she was a tigress his baby.
Raising the note he re-read it again his smile fading when he got to the bottom part.
He stood up and briskly walked to the demolished room. He looked at the weapons that were strewn across the floor mentally tallying every one. His favorite blade was missing, the one that his father had given him. His brow furrowed that wasn’t good.
“Damn it Buffy what are you up to?”
Tucking the note away in his pocket, he walked out and downstairs to the garage. Noting the missing Chopper he grabbed the keys to Buffy’s Cuda and jumped in.
He had a lot to do. Talking to the gang and coming up with a plan was at the top of the list but first things first.
********
She was scared out of her mind. Every hair on her body was standing on end. Every muscle twitched silently. And her poor heart that had done nothing but beat rapidly for the past two days, tripled its thumping as she pulled up to the gate of the clubhouse.
“Buffy? Buffy Summers?”
She smiled, a true smile, as she looked at Charlie who stood guard at the gate.
“Hey Charlie, long time no see.”
“Shit, ain’t that the truth. How you been?”
“Pretty good, how about you? How’s Paulina and the kids?”
“Running me fucking ragged.”
Buffy chuckled, so fierce on the outside but inside the majority of these guys were as soft as bunnies when it came to their women and kids. It was just Buffy and her dumb luck that she hooked up with someone who was the minority of the group, the assholes.
Charlie opened the gate and she slowly drove in. “You here to stay?”
She looked at him, “For a little while yeah.”
“Great. Make sure you come by the house, Paulina would kill me if she didn’t see you.”
“Will do Charlie. Thanks.”
“Down the road, then make a left. It’s the red house on the right.” He waved her on knowing exactly where she wanted to go, and she slowly drove inside as she waved back.
She had forgotten how big the encampment was. She came here once when she first arrived in LA. Thinking back now she didn’t know why. She guessed it was out of respect for the club. She was still a member and she was on new turf. Even though she was planning on changing her life, that hadn’t stopped her from doing what had been ingrained in her since she was twelve – give respect.
The people she had met here were nice and friendly. They had opened their arms to her and whatever she needed. When she told them she was planning on starting over they wished her the best of luck. Of course that was after they confirmed everything with Adam in New York. No matter how nice they were they still abided by the rules. But it didn’t bother her; nothing did because she had been too excited to start over.
The encampment was its own little town. It was nestled away in the mountains about an hour out of Los Angeles. Everything they needed to make it on their own without the help of society was here. They grew their own food, they distilled their own booze, they even grew their own tobacco. The children were schooled here and they even had a small church and priest. It was basically a commune for bikers.
She couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought that Giles would probably love it. He was such a hippie at heart. But for Buffy who grew up in the city, surrounded by a Brotherhood that was the complete opposite of this chapter, it was a little strange. But she figured they were so different because this was California and they did everything different in California.
As she drove through the town she saw many other people, who like Charlie, came with Parker from New York. She waved to all of them as they shouted out greetings to her as she passed them. For some reason it felt…right.
Regardless of the fact that she was here under duress, she felt like she was…home. Seeing the familiar faces of the people that had taken care of her and who were her only family at one point in her life actually felt good.
She never realized how much she had missed them or how much she had missed knowing that anyone of these people would lay down their life for hers. It was humbling in many ways. For years all she could think about were the bad times. She had forgotten about the decent people and the good times they shared.
Her thoughts quickly changed the second she saw the red house. She pulled up to it and cut the engine. She sat there her body numb with fear and uncertainty, her green eyes vacantly staring at the door. She knew what awaited her inside. She was once again petrified.
The door abruptly swung open and Grant stepped outside.
Her eyes sparked to live with righteous resentment as she looked at him. There were three people in this world that she truly hated and Grant was one of them.
Grant was the third in command of the NY Brotherhood Chapter, a position that he held grudgingly. He and Adam grew up together in the club, side by side, and when Adam was made President Grant naturally assumed that he would be Vice President. But that never happened. Instead, Adam made Parker Vice President.
After that happened, Grant never made any attempt to hide the fact that he loathed Parker and resented the position he held in the club. He saw Parker as an interloper. He considered him to be weak in both mind and body, a coward. To Grant, Parker was nothing but a sniveling little snot that got everything handed to him because his brother was the number one man.
But while Grant’s hatred of Parker could be overlooked because Parker was after all Adam’s brother, his hatred of Buffy could not. She was the one person that Grant hated more than Parker. And the funny thing was that when she first met him, he was actually nice to her.
But that quickly changed the second Adam put her to work as the lead resident thief. Once more replacing Grant with someone who he considered to be inferior. From then on he always looked at her with abhorrence and bitterness. He also made himself Parker’s Buffy watchdog. Anything that she did wrong Parker found out about from Grant.
Her eyes darkened to black, Grant was just as responsible as Parker was for making her life miserable. She could conceivably blame him for every single beating that Parker had ever given her. And she did.
Fear was replaced with strength as she felt the cool Celtic blade against her back; she would kill him too.
Taking off her helmet, she got off the bike and walked up the stairs.
“Grant.”
“Buffy. I don’t know why you’re here, we don’t need you.”
She smirked at him knowing how hard it was for him to stand there and talk to her. She walked right up to him, “I guess they wanted it done right.” She sneered.
His face turned murderous and his hand shot out to slap her but he was stopped. She looked up and into the eyes of Parker.
“Not now.”
He released Grant’s arm and Grant looked like he was going to kill him but instead he gave her one hard look and then walked away.
“I was just ready to come and get you.”
Buffy walked up and stood in front of him all business; this was it she had to be fearless. “I’m here but I’m not staying for long.”
He looked at her coldly, “you’ll stay as long as I tell you to stay.”
“No I’ll do what I want to do. Let’s get something straight Parker.” She walked closer her voice lowered and it was filled with all the malice that she felt for him. “I know why you’re miraculously back from the dead and I know why you’re here in LA. You need me to do a job. You got that, YOU NEED ME, I don’t need you…I never have.”
His face reddened with rage after every word she spoke but Buffy didn’t care.
“Don’t think that we’re going to have a warm husband and wife reunion okay. I’m not here to get back together with you. And if you think that you’re going to put that tiny little thing you like to call a dick anywhere near me think again, because that’s never going to happen EVER!”
His face turned a molten red as he seethed with anger. He grabbed her brutally by the arms and yanked her toward him, deliberately pressing his groin against her. “Don’t get all high and mighty with me Buffy. Whether you like it or not, you’re my wife and I’ll take you whenever I want!”
“So you think.” She snarled back at him. “Parker I haven’t had to endure your touch in two years and I say endure, because that’s exactly what it was for me; a disgusting chore that I had to do. Every time you touched me I wanted to throw up. I’m not going to put myself through that again!”
His hands tightened around her arms squeezing them painfully. “Who the hell do you think you are Buffy? You think because your face is plastered all over the place that you’re better than me! You think that since you’ve gotten yourself a nice straight-laced boyfriend that you’re too good for me! Well let me tell you something honey, you ain’t shit. And that stupid pansy-ass boyfriend, he ain’t shit either. “
She couldn’t help but laugh in his face ‘pansy-ass boyfriend, ah if he only knew.’ “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh I know exactly what I’m talking about. I’m surprised he even stuck around after bedding you for the first time. But I guess he likes cold dry fucks because that’s all you are; a beautiful cold bitch.”
Buffy smirked at him, “no, that’s all I ever was with you Parker. Before I met him, I thought every male had a small dick that they didn’t know how to use.”
“You fucking bitch!”
Parker was fuming his fingers dug mercilessly into her flesh. A few years ago she would have cowered under the assault of his temper but she didn’t do that now. Now she stood there defiantly mocking him with her disdain, and the more she defied him the angrier he got. It was the complete opposite of where they usually stood with each other, and while Parker felt powerless…Buffy felt like a power god.
“Well, well, well it looks like our little kitten has grown claws. Parker.” The monotone warning finally broke through Parker’s rage. He released her arms and took a step back his fists clenching as his eyes remained on her sardonic face that smirked back at him.
Buffy dismissed her poor excuse of a husband and turned to look at the owner of that voice. Her smirk faded and the mocking humor left her eyes. Here was another applicant for her rapidly growing kill list.
“Adam.”
“Buffy. I’d say that it was nice to see you but I’m sure we both know that’s not true.”
She harrumphed, “You could say that again.”
His smiled disappeared and he addressed both of them, “get inside.”
They stepped back from the door allowing Buffy to go first. As she passed them Adam reached down and grabbed her ass, squeezing her left cheek. “Nice to see you haven’t let yourself go Buffy.”
Her first reaction was to jump away with aversion, but that showed fear, and she couldn’t afford to show him fear of any kind.
She stopped and pinned him with her angry green eyes. “Get your fucking hand off of me.” She snarled at him and Parker moved forward.
Adam laughed but his eyes didn’t reflect humor, “Meow. I see Parker was right. You’ve gotten real feisty in the past two years.”
He moved closer and violently grabbed her by the arm hauling her up to him. His breath hissed in her face as his hand came up cruelly grasping her breast. “I can’t help but wonder where else you’ve grown feisty.”
She struggled against him, but he yanked her still. “I can’t wait to find out.” He violently pushed her through the doors. She stumbled but recovered quickly.
They stepped inside and he slammed the door shut. “Let’s get down to business shall we. We have a little job that we need you to do Buffy. You’ll be working alone on this one. I’ve given Grant a new responsibility so he won’t be around to help you but considering your skills that shouldn’t be a problem.”
“What if I refuse?”
“Refuse? You? Quiet, meek little Buffy?” he looked over at Parker, “You’re right, she needs to be reminded of her place.”
He looked back at Buffy, “there is no refusing Buffy. You either do it or…” he pulled out a Magnum and aimed it right at her head, “you die right now. It’s as simple as that.”
Seconds ticked by as silence filled the room. She came here to kill them and she would, but it was pretty obvious that now was probably not the best time to do that. She had to play it cool and go along with them. Then when all was quiet she would strike.
It was a logical plan and she appeared calm on the outside, which caused Adam’s eye to twitch, but inside she was freaking out. There was a gun aimed at her head and held by a man who wasn’t afraid to use it. A man that she knew as well as she knew herself, and seeing his eye twitch told her one thing…he was full of shit. It was a scare tactic and nothing more. He needed her he wasn’t ready to kill her…yet.
“What’s the job?”
Adam smiled and put the gun down addressing Parker. “See she can be very reasonable.”
He turned back to Buffy, “It’s simple really. There is a man who lives up in the Hollywood Hills. He’s an extremely rich man, with many connections. One of those connections is with a diamond mine in Africa. Now this man, he doesn’t trust banks so he has his own private vault built under ground. Inside is the largest collection of privately owned, high clarity cut diamonds in the world, and I want them.”
“Why?”
The question was answered by a hard slap to her right cheek.
“You don’t ask why. You just do what you’re told.” Adam snarled as she caressed her cheek. She could see Parker smiling gleefully out of the corner of her eye and her anger increased. Grant was right; he was a sniveling little snot.
“What’s the address?” she gritted out and Adam smiled, handing her a piece of paper.
“You’ll have one week to do your recon. Then I want those diamonds.” His voice held no room for rebuttal and Buffy just shook her head. “Fine.”
She turned to leave but was stopped by Parker, “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I’m going home.”
His gripped tightened on her arm and she held back the reflex to flinch.
“You’re not going anywhere. You are home.”
Buffy rolled her eyes at him. “Parker you haven’t changed have you? You’re as dumb as ever.”
His grip painfully clenched her arm but she didn’t care. Every ounce of pain was worth the agitation she was causing him.
“I have to go home and keep up appearances Parker. I have a life now you know. A very public life if I don’t go home people will become suspicious.”
“She’s right. Let her go.” Adam said.
Parker’s teeth grinded together with growing agitation; he had waited two years to get her back and now he was being told to let her go again and that infuriated him.
He’d never wanted to fake his death, that was Adam’s idea, but he agreed because well it was Adam, and he would do anything for his brother. The two years of hiding hadn’t been uncomfortable in the least; in fact, Adam had set him up in a beautiful house high in the mountains of Mexico. He had everything that he needed to pass the time. Beautiful warm weather, good food and booze, the best drugs one could ask for, and the most desirable and obedient women at his beck and call.
But those two years had been long and all he could think about was Buffy. Adam made sure to keep him informed of her whereabouts and what she was doing. While that was a good thing it was also bad. It had been very hard for Parker to sit by and watch as his once meek and docile wife grew strong and made a life for herself that he had no control over.
He knew all about the numerous lovers and one night stands she had. The only thing that bothered him about that was that he couldn’t be there to watch it. One of his favorite things about Buffy was that she would do whatever he told her to do and he loved to watch her get fucked by other men. Her deadpanned expression while someone else was grunting above her was an aphrodisiac to him. It was power. It put him in control and he liked that.
But with every day that passed his infuriation grew. He could do nothing but watch as his control slowly faded away.
Of course the real icing on the cake was learning about the man in the photo. This one was different than the others. This one she didn’t kick out of her bed the next morning, this one she loved. And if she loved him then that meant that Parker had no control over her at all anymore, the other man did, and that made him green with envy.
He looked crossly at Adam, his furious expression telling his brother that he was not happy.
“Do as I say.” Adam sternly said.
After a few tense seconds, Parker reluctantly released her. “Don’t forget who you belong to Buffy? If I find out that you’ve gone back to him, I promise you I’ll make you feel so much pain you won’t be able to walk let alone fuck anybody for a month!”
His mention of Angel pissed her off and she got right back in his face. “Screw you Parker. I’ll fuck who I want, when I want and how I want. I’m not here to be you’re abiding fuck toy anymore, you got that? Those days are over. I’ll do the job, but then after that I’m gone.”
She looked at Adam she wanted him to know that she meant business. Of course he didn’t need to know that he wouldn’t be around to see her off. “My days of whoring for you two are over. I’ll do this job but that’s it. It’s the last one. Do we have an understanding?”
Adam was surprised at the woman that stood in front of him. If it wasn’t for her familiar face he wouldn’t recognize her. She wasn’t the compliant frightened little girl anymore. The one that would just lie still as he fucked her, showing no emotion at all not even anger. He never really found that be an attractive trait in a woman but he took her anyway because she was convenient and because well…he could.
But now she stood tall. She was vibrant, full of life and passion, and he was completely turned on by her. He could see her tied to his bed, her tight body thrashing against her restraints. He could see himself pumping inside of her, taking her against her will…dominating her. The heady images made his dick hard; he was definitely going to taste her again. If she was a good fuck then he might just consider keeping her around for himself. Parker wouldn’t know what to do with her anyway, he hated bold women.
“Just get the job done, then we’ll talk.” His eyes traveled down her body, giving her one last lecherous look. His tongue came out and licked his lips as his hand reached down and stroked the bulge in his crotch.
Buffy almost retched at his tell tale signs but she held it back because she knew that would only turn the pig on more.
Adam smiled at her then turned and walked out of the room, he needed someone to fuck. “Maggie! Where the hell are you?”
Her tenacity was about ready to snap. She had to get out of here. She dismissed Parker who just stood there staring at her, and walked out. She got on Angel’s bike and started it up. She drove through the town and out the gate, waving to Charlie as she did. She drove halfway to Los Angeles before she pulled over and bawled her eyes out.
All the emotions that she had been holding back came out with a vengeance. And her shoulders shook as deep guttural wails of misery left her mouth.
She could still feel Adam’s eyes on her, raking her body with lust, and she leaned over and threw up. She couldn’t stop throwing up as memory after memory rushed over her like a tidal wave. All the times he took her body, all the times he gave her to whoever wanted her. And each and every time that he degraded her in some way Parker just stood by and watched. He never stood up for her. He never made any attempt to stop Adam. Another thing Grant was right about; he was a coward.
She sat up and straightened her shoulders, then wiped her mouth and eyes. She would have her revenge on all of them for all the disgusting and debasing things they ever did to her, she would make them pay.
She started the bike up and headed back out. God she felt so dirty. She couldn’t wait to get home and take a shower.
One week, that’s what Adam had given her and it was plenty of time. She would do the recon and then do the job. Then she would kill all three of them; Parker, Adam and Grant. She just wasn’t sure in what order yet.
She also still had to decide what she would do with the diamonds. Maybe she would poke around a little bit more, find out exactly why Adam wanted them. She remembered seeing a sign on the window of the house, Saturday night they were having a pig roast to welcome the New York brothers, maybe she should go. It would provide the perfect opportunity for her to snoop around.
Primal Release
Angel sat in the kitchen, drinking his fifth cup of coffee and taping his fingers in irritation on the table. He should really be back at the hotel planning his next move but after reading her note, something in the pit of his stomach told him that she would come back here sooner or later, and he wanted to be here when she did.
He knew what she planned on doing with his father’s knife he just hoped that she had enough sense in her head to not go there balls to the wall and get herself killed. He was betting that she would realize that she couldn’t do that, and eventually make her way back home. That was if they let her go. There was just no telling what was happening or going to happen for that matter, and that just aggravated the hell out of him.
Suddenly he heard the door open then slam shut and he bolted out of his seat and into the living room.
Buffy turned toward the kitchen just as Angel walked out.
“Angel.” She couldn’t believe he was here. Was she dreaming? She wanted to pinch herself but instead her hand came up and automatically ran over her hair, smoothing it out.
God why did he have to be here? It’s not that she didn’t want to see him because she did it’s just that she wasn’t exactly looking her best at the moment. Not to mention the fact that she felt dirty and unclean. All the unwanted memories and the pawing she had to endure from those pigs, made her feel like contaminated goods.
Now the one person that had the complete opposite effect on her was standing in front of her and she was extremely conflicted. She wanted to run into his arms because she knew the second she did, his touch would erase all the bad memories and feelings. But then again, she also felt like if she did that she would be infecting him too, and she didn’t want him to be tainted by her past.
She guessed it didn’t really matter at the moment anyway how conflicted she felt because she had no idea why he was here.
“What…what are you doing here?”
He took a step closer to her, “I got your note.” He took another step closer. “Buffy I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry that I jumped to conclusions. I don’t know what the hell was wrong with me. I just love you so much and I just completely freaked out when I saw that you were married. And I…”
He never got to finish because a jubilant Buffy rushed him. She threw her arms around his neck as she jumped up and wrapped her legs tightly around his waist. She grabbed his face and began to kiss him hungrily.
“Thank god you’ve come to your senses!” she said in between kisses.
Angel lost his balance and fell to the floor landing with a loud thud as he hit the wood. He moaned as his arms quickly went around her holding her tightly against him, kissing her back with as much gusto as she kissed him. But then she drew back and he groaned sounding extremely pitiful.
She held his head in her hands as her eyes searched his face. She felt like she hadn’t seen him in weeks and she just wanted to bask in his sexiness.
Angel smiled at her, “So I guess this means you’re not mad at me?”
Buffy chuckled as one hand caressed his chest and moved lower to the button on his jeans. “Oh no I plan on kicking your ass…” She popped open the button and unzipped his pants. She was frantic as she reached inside and grabbed his hard shaft. “…but later. Right now I need you Angel.” She gripped his cock and started to stroke him, ‘So bad.”
Angel couldn’t stop smiling. He felt like a new man. All the guilt he had been carrying around with him just disappeared with her exuberant greeting. He looked down at her hand as she boldly stroked him. He had missed that too. He sucked in his breath as her finger circled the head of his shaft, while her other fingers lightly ran up and down his length. He smirked, yes indeed, she definitely had good hands.
He knew it wasn’t that long ago since they made love but to him it felt like forever. Probably because he thought he would never see her again. But that was behind him, she was here, she was with him not Parker and all he wanted to do was keep her.
She wiggled backwards a little and the sun shone down on her face illuminating her features and his heart almost stopped. Reaching up he touched her face, his own face no longer smiling as he looked at the ugly bruises that marred her beautiful skin.
“God Buffy.” His hands gently touched the welt on her head and she keened blissfully with the comfort that one touch gave her.
“Shhh baby its okay,” she whispered as she leaned down and kissed his lips softly. “Everything’s okay now.”
She moved her skirt out of the way and then moved her panties. “I need you Angel. I need to feel clean again.”
She said it so despondently and sounded so far away that Angel didn’t think she knew she even spoke it out loud. But he heard her and anxiety filled him as he wondered exactly what had happened to her. “What happened Buffy, are you alright?”
She looked at him and she saw the concern in his eyes, she smiled cupping his cheek tenderly. “I’m perfect now, here with you.” She leaned down and moved her mouth over his coaxing him to open up. His eyes stayed open as his mouth let her inside and they kissed slowly.
He knew there was more to the story then what she was telling him and he was having a hard time getting that out of his mind. But then she released his mouth and kissed his neck right on the soft spot above his collarbone. His eyes closed and he groaned helplessly as rapture shot through him.
“I need you inside of me Angel.” She whispered huskily and he couldn’t have agreed more.
He reached down and held his cock as she lowered herself on to him. Her eyes closed and she smiled contently as he filled her, “Perfect…so perfect.”
She put her hands on his chest and lifted herself up. Sensually smiling as she slowly slid back down his smooth length. “Oh God I’ve missed you so much Angel.” She whined as she moved on top of him. Taking him into her heat, loving him with every sweet movement she made.
It all felt wonderful to Angel, feeling her body move above him, hearing her growing pants of excitement fill the room, it was all good. But the second his eyes opened and he saw her face his displeasure returned. “I’m going to kill that son of a bitch.”
She slid back down and rotated her hips against him, and his eyes closed again. “Oh god.” He groaned.
“Not unless I kill him first.” She said, just as she did it again slower this time, wanting to keep his mind off of anything other then what was happening right now.
He gripped her waist, “We’ll discuss who gets that honor later.”
Taking control he rolled them over and grabbed her thighs spreading her legs wide, wanting to get as deep as he possibly could.
He took a moment to quietly drool over the vulnerable position she was in. She was so open to him right now. He knew that he could do anything he wanted to her and she wouldn’t care. In fact she’d probably demand it. Her steadfast unspoken faith in him made his heart swell with love and reminded him of his own faithlessness.
He wanted to talk. He wanted to tell her how bad he felt for losing his faith in her but once again she sidetracked him.
He looked up to see her watching him. Her mouth was slightly open and she had one finger on her lip slowly moving it back and forth. He watched hungrily as her other hand slowly unbuttoned her shirt to reveal a white bra. She lightly ran her finger over the tops of her breasts then moved lower to her core. Watching fervently as her finger touched her clit and pressed down, rolling it back and forth. “Don’t think Angel, just feel.”
With eyes as black as night he plunged inside of her groaning from the superb fit and how her body just seemed to wrap around him in all the right places. His eyes closed as his body took over, knowing exactly what she wanted, what he wanted.
Her breath hitched and her back arched off the floor feeling every sensational inch of him as he glided inside of her.
Thoughts of anything else disappeared as he continued to move inside of her with deep accurate thrusts. Gripping her waist tighter he picked her hips off the floor, positioning her for the best angle, and then sunk back inside increasing his pace.
“Angel!” Buffy screamed as her muscles tightened around him. Her body trembled as she came, coating his cock with her juices. His fingers painfully dug into her hips as he slammed inside of her one last time; his own body rocking with desire as he came inside of her.
All he could think about as he slowly came down from his release was that she was right…it was perfect, she was perfect, and he almost lost that.
His body slowed and he lowered her on to the floor, laying her legs down. Leaning his elbows on the floor he looked deeply into her face. He kissed her gently on the lips as she sighed with contented bliss. His lips roamed up her face and to the bruise, he kissed it gingerly.
Buffy opened her eyes and looked back at him with love and devotion, “I love you Angel.”
He smiled at her, “I love you too Buffy.”
They continued to stare into each other’s eyes, their hands lightly stroking each other’s damp skin.
“We have to talk.” He somberly said. Her smile faltered slightly as did his, the reality of their situation coming back to both of them. “I know.”
He stood up and helped her to her feet, then took her into his arms hugging her tightly.
“Can I take a shower first?”
“Of course.”
They walked into the bathroom and Angel picked Buffy up and sat her down on the countertop. He took her chin in his hands and slowly moved her face back and forth inspecting her more thoroughly in the bright bathroom.
Buffy smiled lightly as she watched him, his face was just one big scowl he was clearly upset with what he saw and that made her feel loved.
Reaching over he grabbed a washcloth and turned the water on, soaking the washcloth thoroughly. Then very gently he wiped at the dry blood on her lip.
She sat there very still letting him clean her up, wondering if she really knew him at all. The man in those folders clashed with the man that stood before her now. The man in those documents was a merciless assassin, trained to kill with his bare hands. Yet those same hands inflicted no pain as they carefully washed her tender bruises.
It was a paradox to Buffy; surely someone that killed for a living would have a cold character? Didn’t the action of taking someone else’s life change you?
She guessed she had those questions because a part of her was afraid for her soul. She had every intention of killing Parker. If she did, would that change who and what she was?
“What’s it like Angel?”
“What’s what like baby?”
“To kill a man, how does it make you feel, inside I mean.”
Angel stopped his ministrations and looked at her carefully. She had just answered his silent question and he was insanely happy with her answer.
“It’s not a good feeling.”
She opened her eyes to look at him, “Doesn’t that depend on who you’re killing? I mean if the person you’re killing did something wrong to you then isn’t it justified?”
Angel wasn’t sure how to answer her, he was a professional killer; he killed for a lot less then something as passionate as revenge. He knew the right answer would be to say that killing someone was never justified, but he would be a hypocrite if he said that and he wasn’t going to lie to her anymore.
“Buffy just because I kill people for a living doesn’t mean I have all the morally correct answers on it. I understand how you feel baby. You think if you kill Parker then all the pain will go away. All the memories of your life with him will be washed away with his blood. But at the same time you’re worried about it changing you.”
He reached up and pulled her hair away from her face tucking it behind her ear. “I don’t know if you’ll feel gratification if you kill him or remorse, it’s not for me to say. Killing a man is different for everyone. “
He took her face in his hands starting intently into her eyes.
“Honestly Buffy, I don’t want you to know what it feels like. I don’t want you to ever worry about whether or not what you did was right or wrong.”
His eyes hardened and his intense stare actually made her feel uncomfortable; she squirmed on the counter.
“I kill people for a living Buffy, it’s what I do. I’ve killed hundreds of people with no emotion and no remorse. I want nothing more then to take away your pain baby. There would be no kill more satisfying to me then to gut that scumbag like a fish and swim naked in his blood.”
“But I know that sometimes a person has to do things on their own. I won’t stop you from doing it and I’ll be here for you afterwards to help you through whatever emotion you’re feeling. I have only one small request and that is that you wait. Don’t do anything yet. There are other things going on that we still need to talk about, things that need to be resolved first before our revenge is meted out. Once that’s done the choice is yours. Either you kill him or I will.”
Buffy stared back into his eyes and held his gaze. Her heart began to flutter wildly with breathless excitement.
He was showing her exactly who he was and she was completely turned on. The conviction that she heard in his voice and read in his eyes, reassured her of two things.
She knew exactly who and what he was. What he did for a living was just that…what he did. It didn’t change the person that he was underneath he was still loving, caring and devoted to her and her well being.
She also knew that she didn’t have to worry about changing. Like he said, she would either feel closure from it or she would feel guilty. Either way, it didn’t make a difference because after everything was said and done, Parker would be dead and Angel would still be here by her side.
She felt hot and flushed as her body tingled with lust and her head began to swim with dizziness. She had never wanted him more then she did in that moment.
She roughly grabbed his head and yanked him to her, brutally slamming her lips against his, hungrily nipping and biting every bit of juicy flesh she could grab.
Angel responsively growled, his own hands clasping her head as he mauled her back.
When they pulled apart they were breathless and their hearts were beating rapidly together.
Angel swallowed hard, his body shaking from her smoldering gaze. God she was so sexy, so voluptuously needy that he had to turn away from her before he jumped her. She wanted a shower and they needed to talk.
“How bout that shower now?” He gruffly said as he moved away from her to turn the water on.
Buffy grinned at his attempt to ignore her heated call. Her eyes traveled down his back and to his mouthwatering tight ass as he bent over to adjust the water temperature. God she just wanted to bite him.
“Stop it.” He firmly said feeling her eyes burning into him. Standing up he turned around to her innocent gaze.
“What?”
Angel smirked at her, “Get undressed and get in the shower.”
Buffy grinned and jumped off the counter. “You read my mind.”
Slowly she undressed giving him plenty of time to ogle her as she did. Angel took advantage of her kindness and candidly eyeballed every inch of golden skin as she revealed it.
His eyes burned hotly and his voice was deep and gruff, “Tease.”
Buffy chuckled as she stripped off her final piece of clothing. She walked up to his side, rubbing her breast against his arm as she did. “Only for you baby.”
Pulling off his socks, he stepped into the shower behind her. “Good answer.”
With his hands on her waist he placed her under the water and watched it rain down her glorious body. She raised her arms as she put her face under the warm spray and wet her hair. The water turned her honey blonde hair to a dark blonde and it shimmered brightly; looking sleek and sexy as it lay against her naked back. In Angel’s eyes she was the perfect woman and he yearningly scrutinized every magnificent inch of her.
But his budding desire was instantly drenched as his eyes traveled up her arms and to the fading red imprints of someone’s hands. He glowered at the offending marks feeling like the lowliest son of a bitch on the planet.
He stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her back against him. The water trickled down their bodies and Buffy smiled, nestling her head back against the crook of his neck, purring with contentment.
She couldn’t help but think that she almost lost this and it scared her. She never wanted to lose him and though it would be very difficult to tell him she knew that she had to be completely honest with him. It was lies and secrets that almost took him from her and she wasn’t going to risk that happening again. She knew that eventually he and Parker would meet up, there was no avoiding it, and she didn’t want him to hear anything from Parker’s mouth. It was her story and he needed to hear it from her.
“Angel.”
“mmm”
“I was never totally honest with you about my life with Parker. There are things you should know about, things that aren’t going to be easy to hear, but I want to tell you,” she quietly said.
He didn’t want to hear it…any of it, because he knew his reaction would be volatile and he didn’t want to scare her. Of course he would stand here and listen if it helped her he just had to control his reaction. His arms tightened around her, “Baby you don’t have to tell me anything that you don’t want to.”
She smiled, her fingers splaying across his arms squeezing them. “I know, but I would rather that you hear it from me, than anyone else.”
He didn’t know how she would respond to the fact that Faith was kind enough to already mention some details that he really didn’t want to hear…again. But he knew what this was…this was a new beginning for them, one that would be built on honesty and trust, and he was determined to do just that.
He kissed her head, “Baby don’t be mad, but Faith…she already told me a few things.”
Buffy swallowed nervously, “She did. What did she say?”
“Buffy, nothing that Faith told me and nothing that you could tell me now, matters. It doesn’t change the way I feel about you and it doesn’t change my opinion of who you are. It’s in the past.”
He turned her around and cupped her face tenderly in his hands. “I don’t care how many people you were with before me. You are not a whore and I’m sorry I called you one. I was upset and it was my anger that was talking, not what I feel in my heart. “
“What I care about is how you were treated by those people, and how they took liberties with your body that they had no right to take. Parker is responsible for that not you.”
She smiled at him, unshed tears glistening in her eyes. “Thank you.”
He leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. “Don’t thank me. I’m just being honest with you. The only thing that matters to me is that you are here with me now, right where you belong.”
They leaned into each other, their mouths opening, tongues gently playing with each other. He tasted so good to Buffy, and she moaned deep in the back of her throat.
When they pulled back and looked at each other, his words resonated in her head and her smile faded. “I have to go back Angel.”
“I know they want you to do a job.”
“Yeah, how did you know?”
“It seemed like a logical reason for Parker to suddenly show up again, plus I was hired to do the same job.”
Buffy was surprised to hear that, “You were, by who?”
Angel turned her around and picked up the soap. Lathering it in his hands, he began to wash her back, making Buffy relax once more. “God that feels so good,” she purred.
Angel smiled, “A man named Richard Wilkens the III also know as The Mayor. Do you know him?”
“No it doesn’t sound familiar, but that doesn’t mean anything. I mean Adam and Parker made sure to always keep me out of the loop on who their outside partners were.”
“Well I’m pretty sure that he is, or rather was, one of them. I saw two guys from the Brotherhood going into his hotel.”
“Was?”
“He told me he had a falling out with them but it doesn’t make any sense.”
Buffy sighed contently as Angel’s hands slowly kneaded her breasts, washing away the invisible handprint left by Adam. “That doesn’t really mean anything Angel. There are different chapters here in LA than in New York. Just because he’s not connected with Adam anymore doesn’t mean that he’s not connected with the LA chapter.”
“But I heard them talking, they mentioned you and they mentioned Parker.”
She shrugged, “That’s because they probably know us. Once a year there’s a gathering of all the chapters. People mingle.”
Angel took that in, his mind was in business mode but his hands couldn’t stop touching her. They slid down to her belly, softly washing her, his fingers tipping into her bellybutton. Buffy sighed once again and then wiggled her ass against him as she shivered with desire.
Angel lightly tapped her on the belly, then gently bit her on the ear, “Hey, we’re talking business here lady.”
She laughed, “Then stop touching me.”
He chuckled back then licked her ear, “I can’t.”
“Good.” She pushed back again, rubbing her ass against his semi-hard cock, “Because I never want you to stop.”
He kissed her neck then licked her ear then leisurely moved down to her collarbone as her hands deliciously constricted around his arms. “What are we going to do Angel?”
“What we do best baby…stay together and steal the diamonds.”
His confidence made her smile and flattened any hesitation she might have had with returning to the Brotherhood.
She loved hearing that. They were at their best when they were together, and she had to admit that the idea of stealing something again really turned her on, she didn’t realize how much she had missed it.
“I love the sound of that.” She whispered, unable to stop her hips from rotating against his hard member. “I can’t wait.”
Her wanton movements were driving Angel nuts. His dick was rock hard and his hands wandered down to her core, lightly playing over her moist lips. He couldn’t think of business anymore. “Does it excite you to steal something that isn’t yours?”
“Yes,” she mewled, rocking her hips against his fingers.
“Me too and we will together. But first…first, I’m going to fuck you.”
His voice was low and husky, deep and dark…alluringly seductive and demanding. She practically whimpered as her body violently pulsated with needy lust. Shaking hands reached up and gripped his hair roughly jerking his face down to hers. “I love it when you talk like that.”
Slowly and provocatively her tongue came out and unhurriedly licked his bottom lip. “It gets me so…hot.” She licked his lip again then gently drew his bottom lip into her mouth and began to suck on it.
Angel moaned, as his finger slipped inside of her wet core. Slowly he started to pump in and then out, rolling his other finger over her clit as he did.
Buffy started to pant as the air in the shower got steamier, and her body temperature increased.
“Mmm…I can feel that baby. You’re pussy’s so hot…so wet,” he moaned, thrusting two more fingers inside of her.
Her body instinctively arched back against him, drawing his fingers deeper inside of her. “I love the way you touch me Angel. It’s so strong, so confident. God you make me feel so safe.”
His own breath hitched, her words turning him on even more. She was putty in his hands right now, her body soft and pliable, her mind completely enveloped around him and what he was doing. She made him feel strong; she created a deep primal need inside of him to possess her.
He turned her around, placing her hands up against the tile, as he pushed her down. He pulled his fingers out then slipped his cock inside of her. He shuddered violently as he entered her. He looked down at her perfect ass and her submissive position and he growled ravenously. He was in total control, he could do anything he wanted to do to her and she wouldn’t protest. Those thoughts increased his pace as his cock got harder and he fucked her faster.
Wrapping his arm around her waist he drew her back against him. Purring contently he licked her shoulder blades his hips rhythmically pumping as he held her shivering body tightly.
“Say my name.” He roughly demanded.
“Angel.” She moaned hoarsely.
He bite her shoulder and her moans grew louder and hungrier.
“No. Angelus…say Angelus.” He commanded again as he pulled out then slammed hard inside of her, pushing her back down as he did and going deeper with his thrust.
She screamed, her eyes rolling back at the sharp pleasurable pain that tingled her body, “ANGELUS!”
“Yes…” his hot ragged breath hissed in her ear, “say it again.”
“Angelus…Angelus!” She cried as he gripped her hips and pulled all the way out and then sank back inside of her heat.
Standing straight he threw his head back, unadulterated ecstasy filling him. “God I love it when you say my name!”
With every fierce plunge he made Buffy pushed back, wanting more…needing to feel him deeper, wanting desperately for him to devour her whole. “Angelus…don’t stop, please!” she whined.
Reaching down he grabbed her head, pulling her up and against him. “I’ll never stop baby.” He smashed his mouth against hers, kissing her ferociously. Growling loudly as her tongue aggressively played with his.
He drew back and Buffy whimpered from the loss of his hot mouth. He pulled back and grunted contently as he watched his cock disappear inside of her tight sheath.
Hearing her say his given name was like throwing kindling on to the already roaring fire. He looked down at their joined bodies, watching as he slide inside of her and then back out. It stroked a primordial need inside of him, a need to claim her and brand her as his. In reality it was pretty much what he always felt when they made love, whether or not he could control it was a different story. When he could, then their lovemaking was unhurried and slow. Each touch was tantalizing and unique. But when he couldn’t, it was pure animalistic need that took over, and many times he would lose control. Now was one of those times.
He growled and groaned like a starved animal just as he pulled completely out.
Buffy whimpered feeling empty without him inside of her, but then she felt his fingers pushing inside of her. They curled up and over, and she openly mewled as pleasure shot through her.
With his free hand, he moved her right leg over and pulled his fingers out. He wanted to taste her so bad, but he held back instead his fingers circled her anus spreading her creamy cum over it, and then he slipped them inside.
Buffy’s head shot up and back, as her heart nearly stopped. “ANGELUS!” She screamed, just as he pulled his fingers out and slowly pushed his cock inside.
She stiffened slightly from the intrusion. It wasn’t the first time they had anal sex so she was accustomed to the feel of it but it was still a little shocking at first.
Angel felt her tense and he moved his other hand in between her legs, touching her pussy, rolling his thumb over her throbbing clit.
“Shhh…” he leaned down and licked her ear, “breathe baby, relax that beautiful ass so I can fuck you.”
“Oh…GOD YES Angelus please!” She whined pitifully.
All she could think about was him and how he expertly consumed her body. Every movement he made, every touch he gifted her with, and every word spoken, was unadulterated utopia and her body instantly responded. Her muscles relaxed and she closed her eyes completely engrossed on his hard cock moving inside of her.
“Oh yes…that’s right baby. God you’re so fucking tight!” he gritted out between clenched teeth. This was the most excruciatingly gratifying and erotic sensation he could ever feel.
Buffy was completely at his mercy, she was consumed with raw hot desire, a desire to please him, a desire to give him anything he wanted as long as he didn’t stop what he was doing.
“Don’t stop Angelus, please…don’t stop!”
Angel couldn’t stop if he wanted to, he couldn’t even speak, he was besieged by the power and the pleasure that controlled him. The more he fucked her, the quicker his pace got, and the louder his grunts became. She was so tight and the feeling that spread throughout him was one of pure ownership.
His fingers played over her sensitive pussy, their pace getting faster as his thrusts became more erratic.
Just as she was about to come, he slammed into her and Buffy’s entire body shot up and slammed against his chest. Her head hit his chin, as the most superb pain radiated throughout her body. She screamed at the top her lungs, her orgasm shooting stars of light behind her eyes.
Angel was right behind her as he came hard, his body shuttering against her, moving violently inside of her, unable to stop. His mind was dead to anything else but her. Mine…was all he we could think about as he continued to plunge fiercely inside of her tight ass. She was his. No other man would ever touch her. No other cock would ever be inside his hot box of love. No one.
“Angel…” Buffy whimpered, her hand coming up to his head, gripping his hair painfully, “…please stop.”
Her voice brought him out of his haze and he stopped moving. He pulled out of her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back and kissing her head. “I’m so sorry baby. Did I hurt you?”
She smiled, “just a little.”
He kissed the side of her neck and then grabbing her cheek he moved her face toward his, “I’m sorry, you just excite me so much and I lose control.” He kissed her smiling mouth.
“It’s okay, it doesn’t hurt anymore.” She turned around and they hugged tightly. When she pulled back he was staring at her with so much love and trust that her eyes watered.
The beautiful and dazed look on her face held his attention and his heart swelled with love for her. “You’re so beautiful,” he crooned to her as his hands petted the sides of her face.
Buffy blushed under his intense stare and her breath hitched from the sound of his deep hypnotic voice.
“I can’t believe you’re mine,” he said it because he meant it, even though the fact that she was technically married to someone else was floating around in the back of his mind. To him she was his and would always be his, and no stupid piece of paper was going to tell him anything different.
Buffy looked deeply into his eyes, knowing what he was thinking, and she whispered passionately back to him, “I am yours Angel, only yours.”
They gently kissed each other, and when Buffy pulled back, she was smiling. ”I think I’m a prune.”
Angel kissed her one last time and then reluctantly let her go, as she walked out of the shower and grabbed a towel to dry off.
He sighed then stepped under the spray of water. He turned the warm water off and let the cold water shock him back to reality.
Buffy avidly watched him, her mind and soul back in her body and once more reminding her of their situation. She wrapped the towel around her and picked up the brush.
“Angel?”
The water turned off and he stepped out of the shower. Grabbing a towel he wrapped it around himself and then grabbed her from behind, kissing her shoulder. “What?”
“What’s the plan?”
Angel smiled at her, nipping her shoulder gently. “Ah a woman after my own heart…right down to business. God I love you!”
Buffy giggled and slapped him on the arm.
He looked up at her, resting his chin on her head as his arms tightened around her. His eyes were clear and serious; all traces of playfulness were gone. “You go back and let them think you’re back with them. Faith will go with you.”
Buffy started to protest, she didn’t want to involve Faith, but Angel silently shushed her. “I know you don’t want Faith involved but if I have to send you back there, I’m not sending you alone. You guys can look out for each other. Besides I don’t trust Parker and I don’t want to take any chances of him touching you ever again.” He vehemently told her as he nuzzled her neck.
She caressed his head, smiling at him as he looked at her in the mirror. “You do know I can take care of myself don’t you?”
He looked at the welt on her temple, his features darkening. It was his fault; if he hadn’t been overcome by his emotions then that never would’ve happened.
Buffy sighed, knowing what that look in his eyes meant. “Angel, that is not your fault.”
Angel shook his head. “Yes it is. If I wasn’t such a shit head this never would have happened. I’m as much to blame as Parker is.”
Buffy turned around and looked at him, “Angel, look at me.” She sternly said and slowly his eyes looked down into hers. “You are not responsible for this. Parker is responsible, hell even I’m responsible, but not you. You reacted the way any man would after hearing that I was married. I don’t blame you and neither should you.”
His hand reached up and touched her face, “You’re not to blame either Buffy. This wasn’t your fault.”
She shook her head, “Yes it was. I instigated it I punched him in the face.”
He smiled fully at her, pride swelling in his heart, “You did, did you?”
She smiled back from ear to ear nodding her head, “God it felt so good Angel. “ She waved her hand in front of her face, “This was well worth it.”
He petted her hair, love filling his heart, “Even still, I was wrong and I’m sorry.”
She leaned down and kissed him, “I’m sorry too.”
Her lips, body, and words gave him the emancipation that he had been seeking, and he sighed with contentment.
“You know when this is all over, we’re going to sit down and you’re going to tell me everything there is to know about Angelus O’Rourke.” She said with smiling eyes.
Angel smiled back, “yes ma’am.”
They just stood there looking at each other, knowing that their time together was short.
”When does he want you to do the job?”
“He gave me one week to do my recon and get the diamonds.”
“Okay here’s what we’re going to do. You and Faith go back and keep up appearances with Adam and Parker. Every chance you get I want you back at the Hotel.”
“The what?”
“Faith knows where it is. I don’t want you coming here alone. Do you understand me?” His voice was stern and left no room for arguing, but Buffy had to argue with him.
“Angel that’s not a good idea I have to come back here, Parker knows I live here and I’m pretty sure that he’s got his watchdog on me. If I don’t come back here he’s going to know something isn’t right.”
Angel hated to agree with her but she was right. “All right fine. I don’t like it, but I’ll trust your judgment.” He grudgingly said.
Buffy radiantly smiled at him then grabbed his face and kissed him. “Thank you for trusting me. Don’t worry, I’ll be okay. “
He was worried, extremely so, but he was going to hold strong to his determination to be honest and trust her. He was never going to let himself lose faith in her again. “So I’ll meet you here then, every night and you can fill me in.”
She shook her head, “That’s not a good idea either.”
He scowled darkly, “Why not?”
Buffy walked out of the bathroom and into the living room, Angel followed behind her as she stepped up to the window. Very carefully she moved the curtain and pointed outside. “Meet Grant. Parker’s Buffy Watchdog.”
She said it so scathingly that Angel knew the man sitting on the bike below was someone that had hurt her in the past.
His eyes darkened, “We’ll kill him too,” he coldly said.
Buffy nodded, “He’s already on my list.”
She let go of the curtain and looked up at him smirking humorously. “You know a family that kills together stays together.”
Angel smirked back at her, “I never heard that expression before.” He grabbed her and hugged her, “but I like it.”
He kissed her then walked away heading toward the bedroom to collect his clothes. He really needed to get his ass in gear and talk to the gang. “Don’t worry about the dog he’ll never even see me.”
Buffy followed behind him. “How’s that Angel, he’s parked right out front and I’m sure he’s got another guard on the back door.”
“Probably but he doesn’t have one on the tunnels.” He pulled his pants on and zipped up his zipper.
“What? What are you talking about?” Buffy leaned against the doorframe her arms crossed over her chest.
Angel pulled his shirt on, and then sat on the bed to put his socks and shoes on. “I’m talking about the tunnels that are underneath this building and have an entry two blocks down.”
“Tunnels? What tunnels?”
Angel got off the bed and faced her, “Didn’t you do any research on this building before you bought it?”
At her blank look he shook his head at her, “That’s not what I’d expect from a master thief Buffy.” He teased.
Buffy’s eyes darkened. “I was retired…remember.” She gritted out.
He kissed her scowling lips, grinning. “I know baby. Don’t worry I did.” He walked out and headed toward the kitchen.
Grabbing her robe she pulled the towel off and threw the robe on then quickly followed him.
“This building was built in the twenties as a hotel and was the heart of Hollywood. “
“I know that Angel.” Buffy gruffly said as she sat down at the table. Angel poured a cup of coffee and then heated up the tea kettle.
“The tunnels were built so that the stars could freely go in and out of the hotel without anyone knowing.” He took a cup out of the cabinet and placed a tea bag in it.
She watched him with suspicious eyes. She just knew he was going to say something that she wasn’t going to like.
“Remember when you guys started to renovate the building and you had to go to Mexico for a week to do a photo shoot?”
“Yeah.”
“Well while you were gone, I had a crew come in and restore the tunnels so they could be used.” He reached for a grape then popped it into his mouth, nonchalantly looking at her.
“You did.”
He popped another grape in his mouth then drank down coffee. “Yeah, I also had them add three additional rooms; a vault, a recon room, and a bedroom.”
“Uh…huh.” Her eyes were a dark stormy green and Angel was having a hard time not laughing. She looked so perturbed and that just made her look so cute, that he just wanted to smile with glee.
“There’s an entrance to it in the hallway off the living room, one in the bedroom and one in the hallway by the elevator.” The tea kettle whistled and he picked it up.
Buffy sat back in her chair, “And why would you do that?” She was really trying to keep her temper down.
Angel smiled as he poured her a cup of tea and placed it in front of her. “Well I spend a lot of time here baby and I need to have quick access to the gang and my…stuff.”
He walked back toward the counter, putting more distance between them. He started fidgeting with the papers that lay on the counter; here was the part she really wasn’t going to like. “Plus it was a good way for me to um…keep on eye on you.”
Her brow lifted, “Keep an eye on me?”
“Yeah well I um…had video surveillance installed throughout the loft and the club. It all goes to the main frame in the recon room, which I can um…access with my watch wherever I am.”
Buffy was completely stunned and a little peeved. “So you’ve been stalking me in my own home?”
Angel shrugged. “Well I wouldn’t call it stalking. It’s more like protecting.” He smiled at her.
Buffy pinched her nose. “I won’t even tell you how disturbing this is.”
“Baby, you make it sound like a bad thing. But it’s not. I did it because I love you and want to make sure you’re safe.”
Which was true, yeah he was here a lot but there were times when he wasn’t and those were the times that he secretly watched her. For two reasons, one was to make sure that she was okay, but the other reason and the real reason for doing it was because no matter where he was he could see her.
He walked over and sat down next to her, pulling his chair closer to hers, he put his arm around her. “Buffy I didn’t do it because I think you can’t take care of yourself, I did it because I have to reassure myself that when I’m not with you, you’re okay.”
He snuggled against her neck, “Plus I miss you so much when I’m away, I have to see your beautiful face at least once a day.”
He started to kiss her neck and Buffy’s anger slowly dissipated under his sensual assault. Oh he was smooth wasn’t he…he just thought he was the king of stealth.
“Aren’t you sweet?” she mumbled.
She sat there, letting him lave her neck with kisses and hot breath, enjoying his attention. She kept her hands tightly around her tea cup so they won’t tighten around his neck instead.
“And who has access to these rooms?”
“Well I do, and you will of course, and Spike.”
Ah…his cohort in crime. “Spike…I guess that means that Faith knows about this then?”
“No. I told Spike not to tell her until I told you first.” He sucked on her shoulder and Buffy chuckled, “ah…smart man.”
“I know.” He said proudly. “I knew you’d appreciate that.”
“Indeed.” She smiled. “So your lackey Bubba doesn’t know it exists?”
His head shot up and he looked at her, “You know about that?”
She snorted, “Baby please, I may have been retired but I can smell money changing hands a mile away.”
He smiled at her. “No…my lackey doesn’t. You’re not going to tell him are you? Because you know he likes to look after you without you knowing, it makes him feel like he’s paying you back.”
“Why? Does he think the money you give him and everyone else is going to stop now that I know?”
“You know about that too?” He looked disappointed that she knew his little secrets.
She nodded and he sighed.
“Why does Bubba feel that way? He doesn’t owe me anything.”
“You saved his sister from getting raped Buffy. That’s a big deal to Bubba and he was upset when you wouldn’t let him do anything for you. This is his way of returning the favor.”
“Oh posh! He doesn’t owe me anything.”
“That’s not how he feels.”
“Fine I won’t say anything to him.”
He stood up and kissed her on the head, “Good thank you. Now I want you to rest and get some sleep. I’m going to the hotel.”
She stood up and followed him out of the room, “What’s this hotel you keep mentioning?”
“Faith will fill you in. Don’t leave until I come back, do you understand?” he looked at her intently.
She rolled her eyes, “Yes Angel I understand.”
Buffy watched as he opened up the closet door and then slid his hand along the top molding. A door silently slid open to reveal a dark and winding staircase. She peered around him to look down. “Wow…that’s pretty cool. When do I get to explore it?”
He smiled at her, “Later, now you have to rest.”
Her face puckered unhappily, “Angel I’m not a baby.”
He continued to smile at her, “Yes you are. You’re my baby. What time will they be expecting you back?”
“I didn’t say what time I’d be back, but festivities usually start around ten. I should get there by midnight to avoid suspicion.”
“Festivities?”
“Yeah, the nightly carousing of booze, sex and good times!” She smiled at his scowling face, “It’s just a normal nightly biker party Angel. Don’t worry.”
Angel didn’t like hearing that and his scowling face showed it. “I’ll be back by ten. Don’t leave until I come back.”
Buffy nodded her head, “I won’t leave until you get back.”
Angel smiled at her and leaning forward he touched her face lovingly, his eyes caressing her beautiful features. “I love you,” he softly said.
“I love you too.”
He kissed her on the lips and then ran down the stairs the door sliding shut behind him.
Buffy sighed and walked back into the bedroom, taking off her robe she slid into bed yawning. She fell asleep the second her eyes closed.
Lineage
It was a little after noon when Angel arrived back at the hotel. He walked in the lobby expecting to see everyone or at least someone, instead there was no one.
He didn’t think long on the absence of his crew, because his mind was already on the heist. He had a chance to briefly look over the layout of the house and the vault that the Mayor had given him when he told him he would do the job. It wasn’t going to be easy. The place was built like a fortress.
The security system was the best Angel had ever seen. In fact, it was so good that certain aspects of it looked familiar and he couldn’t help but wonder who designed it.
There was no doubt in Angel’s mind that Oz was the best there was…anywhere. And he knew that Oz didn’t moonlight. He was as dedicated to the Order as Angel was. So that meant that either there was someone else out there who was just as good or someone has been borrowing Oz’s ideas.
He hadn’t had a chance to show the schematics to Oz yet but he knew that when he did, the computer genius would not be happy to learn that someone had been stealing his ideas. He was very touchy about that sort of thing.
He walked through the lobby and toward his office. Opening the door he stopped when he saw the reason why his team was mysteriously absent.
“It’s about time you showed up. I was about to send a search party out for you.”
Angel frowned at his uncle. He sat in Angel’s leather chair drinking his whiskey, looking like he was king of the castle and Angel didn’t like that. This was his castle and he was the king.
The question was what was he doing here? Uncle never came here. He always made Angel come to him; it was a power trip for the old man.
Shutting the door he made no attempt to hide his displeasure. “What do you want?”
Quentin smirked at him, “Is that anyway to greet your Uncle?”
Angel looked at him, really looked at him. He noticed the old man’s body language and how he seemed tenser than usual. He noticed the way his hand swung slightly as he rested it on the arm of the chair. And he could just make out the slight movement of his leg that was under the desk. Angel grinned inside, the old man was anxious.
He poured a drink and walked to the desk with the decanter. “Forgive me if I seem abrupt Uncle your visit is just unexpected.”
He held the decanter out to Quentin, who shook his head no.
“I’ve been trying to reach you at the house but the line appears to be dead. I was…concerned.”
Yeah right. “There’s a problem with the equipment. I have to send Oz over to fix it. What’s up?”
“I spoke with the client.”
“The Mayor?”
“Yes. He informed me of your decision to do the job. I’m very pleased Angelus.”
Angel nodded. I bet you are. Let the games begin.
“I know that this must be a difficult time for you and I want to make sure that you are in the right frame of mind to complete the job successfully.” Quentin’s keen gaze stayed riveted on Angel’s emotionless face.
“Difficult time?”
“Angelus, I know how much the girl meant to you and I’m sure finding out that she had been manipulating you this whole time was quite a shock.”
“Quite.” Angel coldly said as he sipped his whiskey.
Quentin smiled, “It’s better to discover now how…untrustworthy she is before you are fully involved with the…”
“Traitorous bitch?” Angel interjected.
Quentin’s eyes sparkled, “I think I would put it more eloquently, but yes.”
Angel sat there staring at his Uncle amazed that the man really thought he was getting one over on him.
“So you thought what, that you would come here and console me? Really Uncle, I’m touched by your show of emotion. But it’s not necessary. That whore is out of my life.”
He tipped is glass toward him while smiling dispassionately, but his heart protested to his last statement and his stomach churned restlessly.
Quentin’s smile faded, he didn’t like being associated with such trivial things as emotions. “Hardly dear boy, I want to make sure that you’re not so distraught that you screw up the job.”
“Ah…of course, well have no fear Uncle. My head is exactly where it needs to be. The job will get done.”
Quentin smiled, relaxed once more with his position. He just knew the boy would dump that tramp the moment he read the file. He was too egotistical to do otherwise.
He stood up placing his glass down on the desk. “Good. I don’t need to remind you the importance of this job.”
“No. You and The Mayor want to control the World.”
Quentin chuckled, “that’s a little dramatic don’t you think.” He walked over to the window and looked out with his back to Angel.
Angel just stared at him. He was so familiar with this position it was boring. The old man would cross his hands together behind his back and stare out the window while telling him some tale that was supposed to incite Angel to his side.
“Angelus, The Order of Aurelius has been watching over this country since it gained its freedom from the British. You know as well as I do, that it is this Order that has been the main force in keeping this country running smoothly and in an orderly fashion. We look out for the greater good because we know that governments are corrupt, they always have been and they always will be.”
Angel smugly stared at his back; this was the part where he told him that sometimes killing was a necessary evil to help protect what the country stood for…democracy and freedom.
“There are bad people in this world Angelus, people that our own government isn’t aware of. Those people are the ones that we need to watch. We’ve been doing it for centuries but times are changing and we need someone else in office. We need someone who understands that sometimes violence is needed to keep peace. Richard Wilkens is just the man we need to get things done.”
Angel snorted, he highly doubted that. “Uncle you’re not telling me anything I don’t know.”
He stood up, “Look I don’t care if you and The Mayor want to control the entire world. That’s not my business. My business is making sure that you get the chance to do it.”
It almost made him sick to say it, to stand there and kiss his ass, make him think that he was on the same side. But he had to and he had to play it to a tee. His Uncle was too shrewd and too intuitive. He would pick up the slightest hesitation or doubt that Angel had and then he would ambush him.
The fact that Uncle wanted to put a psycho like The Mayor in office told him one thing. Quentin was getting greedy. He was tired of being the puppet master behind people that he thought were substandard. He wanted the world to know that he was in charge. It was the complete opposite of what the Order stood for. The objective of the Order was to make sure that the government didn’t forget the people that put it into business. Not world dominance. Uncle had forgotten that and Angel meant to remind him.
Quentin turned around and faced him. He looked hard and long at his body language and facial expressions. Seconds passed by while he made his quick perusal. Detecting no sign of deceit, he smiled at him. “Good.”
He headed toward the door and opened it, “I’m glad to see that you are back to your old self my boy. I must admit I was concerned that you were turning your back on your family’s legacy and your duty to this country. It would have been a shame to lose your talents. I would hate to see what happened to my dear brother Liam happen to you.”
Angel’s eyes hardened frostily. “I know my duty to the Order and to my country Uncle. Kill for the greater good.” His voice was just as hard and callous as his eyes.
Quentin nodded, “Keep me informed.” He left, closing the door behind him.
Angel walked over to the wall and hit the button that opened the panel to the security cameras. He watched as his Uncle left the building and got into the waiting limo.
As the limo drove down the street Angel threw his glass at the wall and it shattered into a million pieces. Uncle just confirmed his suspicions He had suspected for a long time that his parent’s death was never as innocent as a simple car crash. People in their line of work didn’t die that way. They died from guns or knives, usually welded by their enemies, not car crashes.
He knew the old bastard was responsible and he knew why.
Since the day Angel was born his father had drilled into him what the Order stood for and what Angel’s role would be in it. He had a deep understanding and commitment to keeping the objective of the Order alive. It was that understanding that made his job easy. There was no guilt. He never felt like a bad person for killing any of the marks he had ever taken down. Because he knew that what he was doing was for his country.
He never cared about getting credit for his deeds, that didn’t matter to him. All that mattered to him, his father, and all their ancestors before them, was insuring that the Order continued in their steadfast partisan roots.
But Quentin didn’t have that same agenda, at least not anymore.
Angel remembered his father’s diary and all that it said. In it Liam wrote how Quentin was his half brother, the product of an affair that Angel’s grandfather had with an English Noblewoman. That was news to Angel.
He also wrote that they never liked or trusted each other. They worked together only for the good of the Order. Liam told him everything and he told him never to trust Quentin. This Angel always knew, he easily remembered the strained tension between the brothers.
But the more he had read the dairy the more he saw through the eyes of his father how over the years with Quentin in charge the Order slowly changed. From his father’s entries it appeared that it all started when Liam married Patricia. Quentin protested to the marriage from day one. It didn’t matter that Patricia herself was a member of the Order, what mattered to Quentin was preserving the Order, and he felt that love was a detriment.
Liam knew that was the turning point of the Order. He knew what Quentin thought and he knew what steps Quentin took to protect the Order. He started to associate the Order with men in high power, who underneath their thousand dollar suits, were just low life criminals that ran guns and sold drugs.
When Liam confronted Quentin about it, his response was simple, keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer.
Liam understood and could even agree with it to some point but he still could not overlook the fact that the principle of the Order was shifting from selfless patriotic acts to self-serving purposes. He saw the changes in Quentin as well as he became studiously selfish and greedy, it was clear to Liam that Quentin served himself and no one else.
Liam had been incensed to see something that his ancestors built turn into something vile and evil, and he was determined to change that.
He kept working in the Order, diligently documenting every crooked deal and immoral man that Quentin had contact with. He learned that there were others like him within the Order that were not happy with what was going on. They rallied together having secret meetings and becoming a silent factor within the organization. Their only goal was to restore the Order to its once noble and nationalistic roots. Everything they discovered was kept in safety deposit boxes in Switzerland. All with the hope that one day their children would be able to reinstate the Order to its once glorious beginnings.
The last year before they died, Liam’s entries became frantic and sparse. He wrote of a man, someone he thought was a friend, someone he had trusted with his life many times over, someone he believed was betraying him. His last entry was as clear as clear could be…he feared for the well being of his family.
Not long after that Liam and Patricia O’Rourke were killed and Angel was sent to live with his Uncle. It was a month after their death that Angel, who was away at boarding school in England, received a parcel. Inside was his father’s dairy. Angel never knew who sent it, he assumed it was someone like his father, someone who left the Order and was in hiding. But it didn’t matter who sent it…he had read it, many times…over and over again.
From then on Angel never trusted his Uncle. When he turned eighteen he traveled to Switzerland and retrieved the safety deposit boxes. He read everything inside of every single box. He studied them, learning everything that he needed to learn in order to bring his Uncle down. He aligned himself with the heirs of the men that his father had written about. People like him that wanted to help restore the Order. People like Spike and Oz.
Like their father’s before them, they worked silently in an attempt to attain their target. And over the years there were moments when Angel thought they would. But those chances disappeared for one reason or another, and Angel became disgruntled.
He started to become what he hated most. He got lost in the blackness of his job and forgot what it really all meant. He became just a ruthless killer who wanted nothing more than the thrill of the kill and the rewards in his pockets. He had become his Uncle.
But Buffy changed all that. Meeting Buffy had been like a burst of radiant light in his otherwise dark life. She put hope back in his soul. She made him remember that there was more to this world than what he had been doing. It was because of her that he once more picked up his endeavors to restore the Order.
But falling in love with her also made him realize that he couldn’t accomplish that goal within the Order anymore. He wasn’t about to make the same mistake his father had. There was no way he would sacrifice her to accomplish his own personal mission.
So he decided to leave the Order. He could still take Quentin down from the outside. He knew everything there was to know about his Uncle and his dealings, and he knew that he would finally succeed.
He had made several attempts to do just that since meeting Buffy, but each time he did Quentin handed him another job, one that actually benefited the country, one that reflected what the Order used to be about. It was almost like he knew and tried to manipulate Angel into believing that the Order never changed.
Angel knew otherwise but he took the jobs anyway, it was just in his blood. He couldn’t resist the call of the thrill. It was just something that he was born to do. So he kept working for Quentin and he kept waiting for the right time to leave.
Then it happened. He was literally handed a gift from the devil himself and it was both the worst day of his life and the best.
Quentin thought that by showing Angel the folder on Buffy that it would bring him back to the Order, take him back inside the darkness where Quentin wanted him to be. And for a short and asinine moment it had – that was what made it the worst day in his life.
But once more his goddess saved him. Once more she had restored his faith…in love, and in himself – and that made it the best day.
This was it. This was the chance they had all been waiting for and he was going to take it. No matter what, he was going to succeed in achieving his goal and restore the Order to its origins. He was going to make his Uncle pay for killing his parents and he was going to make his father proud of him.
Uncle was right; there was no job that was more important than this one. It had to go off without a hitch. And with the help of Buffy it would.
He turned his attention to the mark.
Henry Mersum.
He pulled out the picture that the Mayor had given him. He stared into the man’s green eyes, there was a tug in his gut; something was telling him there was more to this guy than what the folder said.
According to this, the man was a lawyer for Wolfram & Hart. They were a big time law firm whose clients ranged from Hollywood stars to criminals like The Mayor who hid behind their legal occupations.
Angel knew that a man who had his home wrapped up nice and tight with such a high tech security system was more than just a lawyer. He was as crooked as his criminal clients.
He probably had a falling out with The Mayor, maybe he was supposed to be the financial backing for the Mayor’s run at the presidency, but then for some reason pulled out. And now the Mayor wanted to steal it.
It made sense and Angel figured that was probably this guy’s story and the reason his inner light bulb was going off. Satisfied with his line of thinking he put the folder aside and moved on to the vault and the layout of the house.
He really needed Spike and Oz here. They were the two people that he always ran over the jobs with. He checked his watch; he knew where Spike was and Oz…
“Present.”
He looked up to see Oz strolling in.
“You know you freak me out when you do that.” He said watching as Oz shrugged his shoulders and sat down.
Angel sat back in his chair, “so what do you think?”
“I think he’s just about ready for an enema.”
Angel grinned at the stoic reply. “He did seem rather nervous and edgy didn’t he?”
Oz nodded. “His leg was tapping a mile a minute.”
When Uncle arrived at the hotel, everyone quickly scattered and left the building, but not Oz. He left but then snuck back into the garage. He had made his way to the vault where he locked himself in and watched everything that went on from the cameras.
“Refreshing isn’t it, to see him so…uneasy with things.”
Oz nodded.
They silently looked at each other, Angel’s expression answering Oz’s question, even though he hadn’t asked it yet. “So this is the job, the one we’ve been waiting for?”
Angel smiled brightly at him, “it is.”
“Good.”
Angel grinned again at the red-heads short but to the point answer. He didn’t know what he would have done all these years without Spike or Oz. They were his two closest confidants.
Like Angel, they were heirs to the legacy, a legacy that was slowly being tainted by the impurity that was Quentin Travers. And like Angel, Oz and Spike wanted it restored to what it was created to be and they stuck by him with the knowledge that one day that time would come.
Oz stretched and then sat back in the chair getting comfortable. “So fill me in.”
********
Buffy slept till about five o’clock when she woke up. She was full of energy and determination, and she wanted to get a head start on things.
She took a quick shower, then got dressed putting on a pair of black pants and a dark blue shirt. After she pulled on a pair of boots she walked out to the living room and peered out the window.
Seeing Grant sitting there and looking up at her, she smiled and waved. “Hello dog.”
She could see his frown from where she stood and she chuckled walking away from the window.
She headed out of the loft and walked up the staircase to the fourth floor where Faith was just sneaking out.
“Boo.”
Faith jumped and dropped the boots she had been holding, her hand went up to her chest as her eyes landed on Buffy. “Jesus B you scared the crap out of me.”
Buffy smiled, “where you going?”
Faith dragged her away from the door, “I was coming for you.” She whispered. She dragged her down the stairs and back to Buffy’s loft, whispering all the way. “I would have come sooner but my jailor thought that I was too tired.”
She continued to whisper down the stairs and Buffy giggled. “Faith I don’t think he can hear you.”
Faith snorted, “Don’t be too sure of that. I swear that Brit can hear the Queen farting over the pond!”
Buffy laughed just as they stepped inside the loft. Faith shut the door and leaned against it putting her shoes on. “So what happened? Are you okay?”
“Yeah…I think I am. I mean seeing Parker and Adam again wasn’t exactly a happy moment but it’s okay.”
“B I talked to Angel and…”
Buffy smiled, “I know I saw him.”
“You did?”
Buffy still smiling nodded, “Yeah he was here when I came home.”
“Oh…okay, so things are copasetic?”
“Well besides the fact that one of us is an assassin and that we’re both a couple of lying thieves, one of which is married to a pig…” she shrugged, “…pretty good.”
“So what happened when you went to the compound? I got to tell you I’m a little surprised to see you here.”
She looked at Faith her green eyes bright and clear. “I went there to kill him.”
“And…”
Buffy sighed, “He’s still breathing. They want me to do a job and at the time I figured it was best to go along with them. I mean I’m quick but a bullet is a lot faster than me.”
Faith looked at her oddly and Buffy shook head.” Never mind.”
“I told them I had to come home to keep up appearances. Of course Parker who’s not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed didn’t want me too but Adam understood. Anyway, I got home and Angel was here.”
She had this look in her eyes of pure rapturous heaven, “He’s so sweet.”
Faith rolled her eyes.
“Have I ever told you how sweet it he is?” Buffy asked.
Faith stood up straight, “Yes B plenty of times.”
Buffy shrugged, “Oh…okay, well anyway. We’re going to steal the diamonds together and then get rid of Parker. But I guess you know all that already don’t you.”
Faith blushed slightly, “I do and I’m sorry. But hey I stuck up for you. I was ready to kick his ass if he didn’t get his shit together.” She rubbed her fist, “I even got in one good shot. That boy has one hard head I can tell you that.”
Buffy smiled at her friend’s fierce loyalty. “I know Faith, don’t worry about. Besides at least now I know to wear a boxing glove when I give him my ass kicking.”
They smirked at each other.
“Anyway, Angel left to go to some hotel?”
Faith nodded, “Yeah it’s some old hotel down on Hollywood. I think it’s like their gang hideaway or something.” She shrugged. “Of course Spike never told me. I had Willow call Oz.”
Buffy took that in wondering what her quite friend’s reaction would be when she learned of Oz’s true profession. “Angel said he’d be back before ten and then he forbade me to go anywhere until he got here.”
Faith grinned at her mischievously. “But of course we’re not going to do that, are we?”
Buffy grinned back, “Well you know me, I’m not one for taking orders to well. Angel’s going to have to learn that if we’re going to be working together.”
Faith snorted, “Oh yeah…I can see it now…Mr. I’m In Charge giving you leeway to do whatever you want.”
She reached up and grabbed her head, “Wait…I’m having a premonition…I foresee Buffy and Angel at each other’s throats…wait, they look like Buffy and Angel but their faces are bright red and there’s smoke billowing out of their ears.”
Buffy chuckled. “Stop it. I’m sure it won’t be that bad.”
“Yeah right.”
Buffy shrugged, “Well so what? The best part of arguing is making up, right?”
Now Faith had that faraway look, with a boyfriend like Spike she had a lot of makeup sex. “No arguments there.”
“I figure that there’s no time like now for him to get used to that idea so I thought I’d get a head start and do a little recon. Wanna come with?”
Faith smiled, “Oh god yes. I’ve been itching for something naughty to do.”
“Faith I know that Angel wants you to help but I’m worried about you. If you don’t want to because of…well you know, I’ll understand.”
Faith knew exactly what she was talking about but she didn’t care. This was Faith’s chance to get back at the Brotherhood. Maybe it wasn’t the chapter that she belonged too but it didn’t matter. If you hurt one you hurt them all.
“B don’t worry about me, I’m 5x5.” She walked over to the window and looked out.
Buffy smiled at her, relief filling her. She was still worried but she was glad that she would have someone to go back there with.
“Who’s the unhappy camper that’s been casing the place since early this morning?” Faith nodded to Grant.
“That is Grant.”
Faith turned and looked at her with wide eyes. “The Grant?”
“The one and only.” Buffy grabbed her coat and opened the door. “Come on let’s get going. I want to get there and check it out, and then I want you to take me to the hotel.”
Faith followed her out the door. “What about your watchdog? He’s going to see us leave?”
“Good. Then he can report back to Parker that I’m doing my job.”
“Yeah but he’s going to follow us back to the hotel?”
“No he’ll follow us back here and then we’ll sneak out the through the tunnels.” She briskly walked down the stairs with Faith next to her.
“What tunnels?”
“I’ll tell you about it on the way.”
The club was pretty much empty at this time of day, only Amy and a few bouncers were there getting ready for the night. They waved to Amy on their way out and walked right out the front door.
With a purposeful stride Buffy walked right up to Grant. “Grant.”
He nodded coldly, his eyes on Faith. “Who’s this?”
“Faith, she’s a sister from Cleveland. She’ll be my second on this.”
Grant eyed her skeptically, “Parker didn’t say anything about a second.”
Buffy smiled, “That’s because he doesn’t know.”
“Well I think I should run this by him first.”
Faith looked at Buffy, “You were right B, but I didn’t want to believe that a brother could be so spineless especially up against a gutless pig like Parker.”
Buffy sadly shook her head, “I know so sad isn’t it.”
They both turned and looked at Grant who was murderously staring at them. Buffy could practically smell his fury.
“Fine go ahead, but don’t get any smart ideas Buffy, I’ll be right behind you.”
Buffy smiled, he was so predictable. “Grant the only ideas I have are the best ways to steal the diamonds. Come on let’s go, we’ll take your car it’s less conspicuous.”
Faith looked back at Grant, “Nice to meet you…brother.”
Grant watched them get in the car. He started his bike up and waited for them to pull out. When they did he was right on their tail.
********
“We’re going to need someone we can trust. Who are our choices?” Angel asked Oz.
“There aren’t too many left that Uncle hasn’t already sniffed out. But I think there might be one that we can trust, although I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”
Angel looked at his friend warily, “Please don’t say who I think you’re going to say?”
Oz shrugged. “She’s the only one left. There is no one else that’s as high up in position as she is, believes in the cause, and hates Uncle to boot.”
Damn it, she was the last person Angel wanted to bring in on this job, especially now. But he had no choice. “Alright call her.”
They had been going over the schematics of the job for the past three hours when Wes, Gunn and Fred returned. They went over the plan with them and they were all sitting around the lobby going over the last minute details.
Angel looked at each one of his friends. They had all been there for him at one time or another. And they had all became a part of his family in different ways.
Wes, Gunn and Fred weren’t like Spike, Oz and himself. They didn’t have any ties to the Order. They worked for Angel because they felt indebted to him and they had no where else to go. He felt obligated to give them the option to get out now.
“Guys you know that you don’t have to be a part of this. It’s going to get ugly and if you want out Oz, Spike and myself, we would understand. This isn’t your battle.”
They glanced at each other briefly and Fred spoke. “Angel, haven’t you learned by now that whatever is your battle is ours too? We’re family and family sticks together.”
“Right on.” Gunn said and Wesley nodded. “Dude there is nothing that could take me out of this one. The chance to bring Uncle down…it’s too tempting. Screw the danger.”
Angel looked at Gunn and Fred, smiling at their enthusiasm, and then he turned to Wesley. “Wes?”
“Count me in.”
“Thanks guys. It means a lot to me.” He said it and he meant it.
Gunn shucked him on the shoulder, “Look our fearless leader is getting all misty eyed on us.”
They all laughed except for Angel who was scowling.
“We’ve got problems mate.” Spike came barreling in, looking not as joyful as the others did.
Seeing that the voluptuous brunette was not with him, Angel’s scowl immediately darkened. “Where’s Faith?”
“Probably with your girlfriend, I woke up and she was gone.”
“What, are you saying that a woman slipped by you! Man that’s rich!” Gunn started to laugh.
Spike scowled had him, “Shut up.”
“What do you mean? They’re not at the loft?” Angel barked
“I just said that, didn’t I?” Spike barked back.
Spike was pissed off. He was worried sick about sending Faith into the pack of wolves. Unlike Angel who had been blissfully ignorant of all the dirty little secrets in Buffy’s past, Spike didn’t have that luxury. He knew everything there was to know about Faith and it scared the crap out of him that she was going anywhere near the Brotherhood again.
“Damn it. I told her to wait for me!”
“Angelus the girl has a mind of her own. You seriously didn’t think she was going to obey you did you?” Spike incredulously asked.
Angel looked at him like he had lost his mind. That was exactly what he expected. When he gave orders people listened it was just the way it was.
Spike shook his head at him, “You have a lot to learn mate.”
“Do you know where she went?” Fred asked.
Angel started to pace.
“Knowing her history, I would put my money on the mark’s mansion.” Spike said.
“Recon.” Oz stated and Spike nodded.
“I can’t believe she didn’t listen to me!” Angel was still wrapped up in the fact that his orders were completely ignored.
“I’m not surprised.” Wes stated and Angel turned on him.
Wesley swallowed, “She’s obviously used to working alone, Angel, and she did what she always does…her job.” He shrugged his shoulders and Angel just stared at him.
“What’s the big deal? It saves us time.” Gunn interjected. Angel turned his black eyes on Gunn and he put his hands up in the there, “I’m just saying.”
Just then the doors swung open and Faith and Buffy strolled in, each one carrying a frozen latte and smiling like they had just returned from a day at the beach.
“I don’t know B, I think red is better. It just looks faster.”
“Red is hot but too flashy. It’s like a beacon for cops.”
“That’s true, you know I used to own a red one and I did get a lot of tickets with it.”
Buffy smiled, ”See I told you.”
The deathly silence of the room got their attention and they stopped and looked over to see everyone staring at them. Fred, Gunn, Wes and Oz looked like they were bracing themselves for the next apocalypse, and Spike and Angel looked like they were ready to start it.
“Now there is a shade of red that is definitely a beacon.” Faith commented looking at Angel.
Buffy braced herself for the explosion she knew was coming. But it wasn’t the loud ranting that she was expecting instead it was eerily calm. “Didn’t I tell you to stay at the loft?”
She could hear his teeth grinding together in his effort to control his temper; it was like nails on chalkboard. “Yes.”
“Then why didn’t you?”
If this wasn’t such an important moment for the future of their relationship, both as a couple and as a working team, she would have laughed at his facial expression. Because he definitely looked like he was going to blow his top, but they were in a way starting over and she would be damned if they did it on the wrong foot…again.
“I couldn’t sleep so I went to the mansion to do some recon.”
“Alone?” He almost screamed it. But he didn’t. He said it low but with so much force that his breath blew her hair around.
She closed her eyes to the hot air breathing on her face, and she bite her cheek in an attempt to control her own anger. “No…I went with Faith.”
“I told you to wait for me.”
“And I told you to rest!” Spike bellowed at Faith.
Faith rolled her eyes, “Rest! What am I two? God Spike, if you had your way I’d be sleeping until this whole thing was over.”
“You’re bloody right!” He stormed over to her, “Do you forget what brought you to LA to begin with?”
Faith’s eyes darkened to a stormy brown, “No.” She sneered.
“Then why are you so anxious to put yourself in their reach again. Do you have a death wish or something?”
Angel’s dark gaze went from Buffy to Faith and Spike. He wondered why Spike was so vehemently against sending Faith with Buffy; he knew there had to be another reason one that stemmed from more than just basic concern. There were too many secrets going around for Angel’s taste, and in his experience secrets were what killed a successful job.
“Is there something I should know about?” he asked them angrily.
“Yes!”
“No!”
Angel stared at both of them, “We’ll talk about this later.” Then he turned back to Buffy. “Buffy I don’t like it when people disobey my orders.”
“I can vouch for that.” Gunn said and Angel quickly looked at him silently telling him to shut up.
“And I don’t like it when people bark orders at me!” Buffy responded, her own voice slightly higher than it was before.
“I told you to wait for a reason. Plans need to be made before you do anything!”
Buffy was really starting to get steamed. “I’m not stupid Angel. I know what needs to be done; I’ve done it a hundred times before!”
“Then you should have waited!”
They were toe to toe, their eyes brilliantly sparkling with anger, staring at each other. “Waited for what? We didn’t do anything. I went to get an idea of the layout. Plus I had to look like I was doing something because Grant would have reported back to Parker that I wasn’t.”
She had a point, but still there were things they needed to get straight. He moved closer to her and spoke with a hushed tone. “Buffy, I don’t like you going out on your own. We’re supposed to be doing this together.”
She smiled at him, her hand automatically touching his arm, caressing it softly. “We are baby. It’s just that I’m used to working on my own. I’m not used to asking permission when it comes to pulling off a heist. It’s just the way I do things.”
His eyes darkened. “You are not alone on this Buffy. We have an entire team that is very accessible and very capable of handling recon work. Next time let me handle it.”
Buffy stared back at him, her own eyes darkening. “I can do my own recon work Angel. Besides it’s me that’s going in there not your team!”
“Are you saying that you don’t trust my team?”
“No. I don’t know your team. Look it’s not about them okay, it’s about me and the way I do things that’s all!”
“Well you better change your ways…because around here we do things as a team and I’m the one that dishes out the orders.”
Buffy took deep breaths trying to control her own anger. She didn’t like the way he was talking to her, especially in front of his team. People she barely knew. She got even closer and lowered her voice. “I don’t appreciate your tone Angel. I am not a dog for you tell when to sit or when to play dead okay! I don’t take orders anymore…from anybody, I thought I made that clear to you from the beginning!”
He stared at her, her turbulent eyes telling him that he needed to get over himself and real quick.
“Baby I know that you’re worried but you have to trust my judgment and you have to get over this I’m in Charge attitude, because I am not one of your lackeys. I’m your equal and I’m just as capable of coming up with plans and making decisions as you are.”
He breathed out trying to calm down. His hands came up and he grasped her arms, pulling her closer as his fingers lightly stroked her arms. “I’m sorry for yelling at you. It’s just that I’m used to giving orders and having them be obeyed without question.”
He looked down at her face, God he could never stay angry with her for long. “I do trust your judgment Buffy but you have to give me some flexibility here. You can’t just run off and do things on your own.”
His hand reached up and caressed her head. He pulled her to him and kissed her forehead. “Baby I’m just thinking about your safety, I worry about you. If something were to happen to you…I don’t know what I’d do.”
“Oh that’s so cute.” Fred said and Angel blushed slightly, making Gunn chuckle.
Buffy smiled at him, “I know Angel. I worry about you too. But we are both professionals. I know what I’m doing. You don’t have to protect me.”
She kissed him lightly on the lips. “It’s not going to be easy for either of us but I think if we really want to stay together as a couple and work together as a team, then we need to be more open minded to the other’s feelings.”
He looked down into her beautiful face he took her hand in his and kissed her palm. Once again she was right. “Alright, I’ll do my best not to…bark orders at you.”
Buffy smiled, “and I’ll do my best to sometimes obey you.”
Her eyes twinkled with humor and Angel chuckled pulling her closer and hugging her. “Yeah right.”
“Hey do we have that option too? Because you know sometimes, I feel the need to disobey.” Gunn asked, thinking of Angel’s Harley that sat in the garage.
“I think that right is reserved for blondes named Buffy.” Oz answered.
“I can be blonde.”
Angel looked over at them, smiling at their jokes, but his eyes were steely. “No.”
Gunn looked at Oz. “Too bad.”
Oz nodded, “Yeah I think you’d look good as a blonde.”
Fred and Wesley giggled.
“That’s just peachy. Now can we get down to business?” Spike said.
Angel looked at Spike, “Good idea. Why don’t you start by telling me what’s going on with you two.”
“Um…Angel, is that really important? I mean, what does it have to do with anything?” Buffy asked, she wanted to help keep her friend’s secret just that…a secret.
Angel stepped away from Buffy, “Everything.” He looked back and forth between Buffy and Faith as he spoke. “Look, you guys are part of the team now and there are no secrets in this team. If there is something that involves Faith and the Brotherhood that might happen to come up in the middle of all this, then I need to know.”
Spike went to interject but Faith stopped him. “No, he’s right. It’s okay.”
She stood up and looked at Angel and the gang. “When I left Cleveland I wasn’t exactly on the best of terms with Luke, the president of the chapter.”
“Why?”
“Because my boyfriend, Luke’s brother…died, and Luke suspected me.”
“Why would he suspect you?” Fred asked.
Faith smiled, “oh I don’t know…could be because I killed him.”
Angel closed his eyes, great this was just what they needed more psycho bikers looking for revenge.
“I know what you’re thinking Angel and trust me you don’t have to worry about it.” Faith said trying to reassure him.
Angel didn’t know what to think. What could he say? He was sure that the guy probably deserved whatever he got from Faith. He also knew that he couldn’t control everything or all the players involved in a scheme as deep as this one was. He just had to hope that this particular skeleton stayed in the closet.
He opened his eyes to see everyone staring at him, waiting for his reaction. He looked at Faith. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worrying about it but if you’re not concerned then I’ll try not to be too.” Looking at Spike he added; “Besides I think Spike will be worrying enough for the both of us.”
Faith smiled as she snuggled up against Spike, “I know he’s so sweet…my killer in shining armor.” She kissed him loudly on the lips and he blushed looking away from the gang.
“Stop it luv, I have a rep to protect.” He said making Faith chuckle.
“He’s very bendable today.” Gunn said and Oz nodded.
“That’s what love does.” Fred answered, feeling the love and romance in the air.
“Maybe now is my chance to renegotiate that forbidden bike riding thing.” Gunn said looking at Oz.
Angel looked back at Gunn. “And you’re being very bold. “
Gunn chortled, “A man has to take his opportunities as he sees ‘em.”
Angel nodded, “Fair enough.”
Gunn smiled, seeing a door opening. “So, how about it?”
Angel’s answer was quick and direct. “No.”
Gunn’s smile faded as quickly as Angel slammed the door.
Catch 22
They stayed at the hotel till nine o’clock going over the plan again and again. It would have taken less time, but every time Angel suggested a route to take, Buffy shot it down. Of course every time Buffy came up with a plan, Angel shot it down.
They bickered back and forth with each other about the best way to do the job. Buffy was firm in her assessment because she had seen the layout of the house and knew which route would be best for her take.
Angel on the other hand didn’t actually see the house itself, but he saw it in satellite photos and he saw the floor plan and he believed his way was the better way.
At one point, the rest of the gang had gone into the kitchen to eat something while they argued it out. They didn’t mind though, it was a nice change from the way things usually worked around here. Plus they just really liked seeing someone butt heads with Angel. At least Gunn did.
When they finally came to a mutual decision Angel pulled her inside of his office where he explained to her about the Order of Aurelia, and his father and Uncle.
Buffy was happy that he told her and after giving him a resounding kiss on the lips she told him that she was by his side no matter what. She wanted to help him restore something that meant so much to him. She saw it as a way of giving something back to him for everything that he had given her.
By nine thirty Angel, Spike, Buffy and Faith made it back to the loft and through the tunnels. When Buffy and Faith wanted to stay to check it out, Angel and Spike shooed them upstairs. They each went to their lofts to get ready to go back to the Brotherhood and report to Adam.
Buffy was in the bedroom getting ready as Angel stood in the shadows of the living room looking out the window and at Grant who sat patiently on his bike.
Angel couldn’t take his eyes off of him. He stood there as if he was in a trance, unable to move. The feelings that one man created in him were unfathomable and he just could not get a grip on anything.
Death - slow and exceedingly painful - those were the only cognizant thoughts he had.
A sneer of pure evilness, one filled with malice and promised suffering, lit his face like a beacon in the otherwise darkened room. Strong sadistic emotions raged through him, emotions that he was not accustomed too. Emotions that made him feel like a stranger in his own body.
He gripped the windowsill with anxious energy.
People probably thought that being a professional killer meant that you were no stranger to deep, soul-altering rage. But the fact was that a professional killer had no emotions. They simply did whatever needed to be done. Unfortunately for Angel that was not the case this time around. His heart was fighting with his head over what he was about to let happen.
The assassin in him knew what needed to be done and the anticipation was almost as exciting as sex with Buffy…almost.
His fingers instinctively flexed, feeling the invisible cold steel of his girls in the palm of his hands. In his mind he saw Grant on his knees, pleading for his life, with the barrel of his gun at the back of his head. It was a beautiful vision of things to come but of course it wouldn’t end there.
No, death would not be simple and clean for Grant or any of the other bastards. Their deaths would be Angelus’ ultimate masterpiece. Their deaths would resonant in the minds of any man that thought they could hurt something that was his.
His.
She was his. There was no doubt in his mind as her face floated before him. Their connection was deep and soul binding, built on love and loyalty…devotion. The recent events were proof that that wasn’t even a question anymore, for either of them. They knew, understood, and accepted the chances that would have to be taken and the risks that were involved to stay together.
Casualties were inevitable as they often were when it came to war. Angel learned a long time ago to accept that and not question it. But everything was different now, he no longer had that aloof detachment toward collateral damage and he couldn’t help but think that Buffy would be one of them.
The question that continued to echo in his heart was, how high of a price would she have to pay?
This was where his heart viciously argued with his head; Angel knew what he was sending her back to. Over the past day he had done nothing but go over every worst case scenario and they all made him want to cut out his own heart. He was consciously putting his baby into an unprotected situation, one that he wouldn’t be able to get to should she need him.
What kind of man did that make him? A dickless one, that’s what kind.
Once more he realized that he had no control over anything and that was the ultimate mind fuck.
In reality the inability to move was probably a godsend. He felt so unstable at the moment, that if he was able to move he’d kill Grant and lock Buffy away so she couldn’t leave. Things that he really, deeply wanted to do but couldn’t…at least not yet.
Grant moved, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a cell phone. His movements brought Angel back to reality. His hands released the death grip they had on the windowsill and his feet actually shifted on the floor. He shook his head trying to clear it, trying to get some resemblance of control once more.
He saw Grant look up at the window. It looked like he was staring right at Angel, but he knew that Grant couldn’t see him.
“Death is too good for you my friend. Soon you’ll know the true meaning of the word pain. Soon you’ll feel my hand ripping out your heart and watch my knife slash it to shreds.” He vehemently whispered.
Grant hung up the phone and started up his bike, pulling out into the street he drove away.
“Who are you talking to Angel?”
‘A walking corpse.’
“Nobody.” He answered as he watched Grant leave.
Turning he headed toward the bedroom. “He left.”
“Parker commands and the dog follows.” Buffy snorted as she stood in front of the mirror applying her makeup.
He stood in the doorway looking at her, his eyes heavy with concern. “Are you alright?” He quietly asked.
Buffy shrugged her face solemn as she looked at herself in the mirror, “I guess so.”
“Buffy, I…it kills me that I’m sending you back to…”
“You’re not Angel. This is my past and I need to confront it and deal with it. Even if there weren’t other circumstances I would still be doing it. It’s just something that I need to do.”
He nodded as their eyes met in the mirror. She reassured him with her warm smile and the strength and determination he read in her eyes. He still hated it but he understood that she needed to close that door on her own.
He walked further into the room and sat down on the bed behind her his eyes raking down her figure and he frowned. This was not what he needed to see at the moment. Oh he was used to seeing her in short skirts and skimpy tops, but knowing where she was going and that he wasn’t going to be with her irritated him.
She was wearing a short black skirt and a skin tight black halter top that tied at her neck and then around the mid section of her back. It left her back bare and naked; it left that God damn branding tattoo visible for the world to see.
Angel silently growled. He hated that tattoo. He never used to mind it. Well that wasn’t entirely true. He didn’t like it much when he first learned what it meant either. But he got over it because he thought it was in her past. Plus it turned him on. Every time he took her from behind he couldn’t help but stare at it as he repeated in his head over and over again one little word…mine. It was sort of his way of giving Parker and the Brotherhood a big ole’ fuck you.
But now, he hated it more than anything else in this world. Now more than ever it said that she belonged to another and that put a rage in him like nothing else could.
“Do you have to wear so…little?” he gruffly asked.
Buffy just finished putting on her black eye liner and she stood back to look at herself. Not bad, the welt on her head had gone down considerably and the makeup covered up whatever else was left. “Angel, I wear stuff like this all the time.”
“Yeah, but I’m usually there.” His head tilted to the side, his eyes scanning up her shapely thighs. “Can’t you wear pants?”
She looked at him through the mirror and was about to respond about how he sounded like a little kid. But she noticed where his eyes were and she took heart.
She turned around and walked up in between his legs. She took his head in her hands and brought his eyes up to his. “Angel, you will be there.” Her hand rose to her heart, “Right here.”
She leaned down and kissed him gently on the lips. He roughly grabbed her and hugged her tightly, leaning his head against her breasts.
“I don’t want you to go.”
Her arms wound around him and she closed her eyes as she leaned her cheek against his hair.
“I don’t want to go either. Don’t worry.” She quietly said as she stroked his hair. ”I’ll be okay.”
Angel didn’t want to let her go. He just wanted to sit there forever with her nestled in his arms nice and tight…safe from any threat.
He pulled back and looked up at her. She was smiling and her eyes were full of hope and love. They reflected such strong emotions and he couldn’t hold back the need to speak what was in his heart.
“Buffy I want you to know that no matter what happens…should anything…happen that you don’t want to happen, it could never change how I feel about you.”
Her eyes misted from his words, but her voice was resolved. “Angel, that’s not going to happen, I won’t let it…not ever again.”
He smiled at her, “I know. But if it does, it’s not your fault and I wouldn’t blame you at all. I would love you…even more.”
Tears fell from her eyes as she hugged him to her.
“You mean everything to me Buffy and it’s really hard for me to let you go back to…him. Everything inside of me is screaming not to let you go but I know that I have too. And if I do then I wanted to give you this.”
He pulled back slightly and took something out of his pocket. He then took her hand in his. “My father gave it to my mom. It’s not much but I want you to have it.”
She looked down at the beautiful Claddagh ring that he was putting on her finger and more tears came to her eyes. She knew what it meant. It was Angel’s way of telling the world that she belonged to him and not Parker.
“Angel it’s beautiful.” She looked at his hand, “It’s just like yours.”
“My father had them made together, he wore one and my mother wore the other.”
Buffy smiled at him and kissed him greedily as her hands moved through his hair. “Thank you. I’ll proudly wear it…always.”
Angel smiled but when they hugged again he once more saw that bloody tattoo in the mirror. He was hit was a surge of possessive insecurity and he suddenly had the most intense need to remind her who she belonged too.
He kissed her bare belly, letting his hands run down her ass. He kept kissing her belly, dipping his tongue in and out of her bellybutton as his hands caressed their way down her thighs.
Buffy watched his dark head bend as he laved kiss after kiss on her stomach. Her eyes became heavy with lust as she watched him push her skirt up, and then pull her panties down.
He lifted one leg up and put it on the bed as he stared at her naked shaven skin. His hands squeezed and caressed her ass as he just sat there and looked at her.
“Angel, Faith will be here any minute.” She huskily said.
“I know…I just...” a finger lightly ran down her wet cleft and Buffy moaned low in her throat. “…need to taste you.”
She gripped his head as his tongue came out and licked her wet lips. Angel took his time exploring every piece of tender flesh he could wrap his lips and tongue around. He wanted her to come so hard that she wouldn’t forget him.
Buffy stood there unsteadily, her hands roughly gripping his head as his mouth lavished her with eager sucking. When he inserted three fingers inside of her and sucked on her clit she felt the beginnings of her orgasm. But Angel pulled away, and stopped.
“Not yet.” He scolded her quietly. He waited patiently for her body to relax slightly, keeping himself busy as he watched the play of emotions on her face which ranged from bliss to annoyance.
His hand roamed up her shirt and squeezed her breasts gently. Then roughly grabbing a nipple he squeezed it hard, just as he plunged his fingers inside of her again.
Buffy screamed with rapture, her body pushing toward his mouth, desperately needing to feel his mouth on her throbbing clit.
“Please Angelus…suck…” She pleaded knowing how he loved to hear her say his real name.
Angel groaned hungrily, giving her what she wanted. He took her sensitive clit in between his mouth and sucked harder as his fingers went deeper and curled up hitting her G-spot.
Buffy gasped as her body shook with tremors of delight. It was amazing how quickly and how hard he could make her body respond to him. It was like he just knew where to touch her, how much to give her and when to take it away. No man ever had that power over her and she knew no one ever would. He was the personification of pleasure.
Angel covetously drank every creamy drop of cum humming contentedly as he tasted her. After a few more seconds he looked up at her. She was slowly riding his fingers, her eyes were closed and she was panting as she bit her top lip. She was simply stunning in her release. It was the way she should always look…at least for him.
“Just a little something for you to remember me by.” He couldn’t help but say it arrogantly, she responded so honestly to his touches that it made him feel like a God and it restored his male pride. Beat that Parker.
Smirking smugly, he steadied her with one hand as he pulled her panties up and lowered her skirt.
When she finally opened her eyes she looked down into a very pleased and conceited pair of brown orbs. She chuckled, “That’s definitely the way to do it.”
She stared into soulful eyes, which told her everything he was feeling. “Angel, you don’t have to compete with him. He could never compare to you. You are the only one that can make every inch of me sing.”
Angel groaned longingly as he grabbed her head and mauled her mouth, branding her once more with his lips and tongue.
She clung to him and sat down on his lap positioning herself right over his hard cock. She moved her hips, riding him languidly against his jeans. His eyes darkened and his breath became shallow as she unzipped his jeans and pulled his cock out.
Steadying herself on his shoulders, she lifted herself up and moved her panties to the side as she gripped him and slowly lowered herself.
She stared deeply into his eyes as she started to move on top of him, feeding him the words that he needed to hear. “I love you Angelus, so much.”
“Oh…God…I love you too.”
She rotated her hips against his then rose up and slowly sank back down. Slowly and sensually she moved as they continued to stare at each other. The heavy eye contact turned them both on more and drove Buffy to move faster.
“I could never forget you baby. Could never…” She slammed down on him and Angel moaned, “…never forget this.”
His hands that had passively lain on her waist, suddenly gripped her tighter as her pace quickened. He lifted her up and pushed her back down as he raised his hips, pushing himself deeper inside of her, making her groan unabashedly. “God…yesss…”
“I can never get enough of you Angel. Never.”
She was riding him hard and fast now, her body tingling with lusty vibrations as she felt her impending release. Their eyes remained locked onto each other.
”I want a piece of you to be with me. Come with me baby. Cum inside of me.”
Her voice sounded like a serenade to Angel’s ears and he clasped her head, his body responded to her words and he jerked up staring deeply into her eyes. “Buffy!” He harshly whimpered as he spilled his seed deep inside of her.
Buffy smiled, “Yes…just like that…god yes!”
She screamed as she slammed back down and came with him, her own body bursting with sensual shivers that made her numb. He pulled her mouth to his, kissing her hungrily as they rocked together riding out their releases.
“I love you, so much.” Buffy said when they pulled back.
“I love you too…always.”
Their lips met once more, sliding back and forth, tasting love, feeling the strength of their bond. Sizzling sensations of burning desire raced through their veins again. Buffy smiled languidly as she pulled away and arched her back throwing her head back in pure ecstasy as she felt his cock swell inside of her.
“God…Angel, I want more…I always want more.” She moaned loudly and Angel grunted as he leaned forward and took a hard nipple into his mouth, sucking hard on it through her shirt.
Buffy’s hand gripped his head with a smile of rapture on her face. She felt so content, so filled by his presence, and her body was just a mush of numb achiness. There were no thoughts of the Brotherhood, no thoughts of Parker until she heard his voice.
“BUFFY!”
The door slammed shut and so did her desire.
Her body stiffened and her eyes snapped open as she sat up and looked at Angel, whose face was a mask of violent rage.
She felt like she was sitting on an about to erupt volcano. His responsive body quickly tensed with anger instead of desire, and the blackness of his eyes held no warmth or lust. They were cold and alien. And she grimaced as his fingers angrily dug into her sides.
This was not good and she cursed Parker for coming here. But then she cursed herself, she should have known the second Grant left.
“I’ll be right out,” she shouted. Her eyes never left Angel’s as she silently pleaded with him to keep it together. She leaned in and kissed him on the mouth, she went to pull away but he gripped her head savagely and smashed his mouth against hers.
His hungry mouth seared her in their burning intensity. She moaned deep in her throat at the desperation she tasted on his lips. She tilted her head to the side, wanting more but he jerked back and stood her on her feet.
It took her a minute to adjust to the change in her position and she reached out to steady herself, as her muddled mind cleared to the reality of the situation. Quickly she adjusted her clothes as she watched Angel tuck the Beast back in his jeans and zip them up.
Angel’s eyes roamed down her body once more and darkened unhappily. “Pants. Now.” He told her, his tone was insistent and not that quiet. Buffy quickly shushed him with her finger; she would have done anything just to keep him quiet. She wasn’t ready for her husband and her lover to meet.
“Okay Angel please just be quiet.”
“Buffy!” Parker screamed again and Angel took two steps to the door.
Buffy frantically pulled out a pair of jeans and tugged them on as she hopped over to halt Angel.
His fists were clenched and she could see by the rise and fall of his shoulders that he was breathing very hard.
She clenched his arm, whispering to him. “Please Angel just stay here. Please don’t do anything.”
He wasn’t even looking at her, he was staring out into the living room imagining walking out and ripping that assholes head right off.
Buffy hugged him one last time, “I’ll be home later. I love you.”
Finally he looked at her, his hand caressing her face. “I love you too.” He fiercely told her.
“BUFFY!”
She smiled and kissed him one last time.
“Be careful.” He told her.
“I will.” She smiled at him but he didn’t smile back. His eyes were that of a killer, his trained disciplined mind was only on the boy in the room outside.
Buffy walked out into the living room to see Parker standing there looking around. “What are you doing here Parker?” She asked as she pulled on a pair of boots.
Parker looked at her and he felt his heart constrict. Ever since she left the compound he had done nothing but think about her. He concluded that his desire to have her back could not be ignored, nor could the fact that she was abhorrently against that.
He wasn’t ashamed to admit that he was a bastard and that his treatment of Buffy had never been anything remotely loving or respectful…but he didn’t care, it was just the way he was and always had been, and it was completely irrelevant. It didn’t change the truth which was that Buffy was still his wife. The fact that she wanted nothing to do with him didn’t matter either. He didn’t care what she wanted. His wants and needs were the only thing that concerned him. And at one time, it had been the only thing that concerned her. That was the way it was supposed to be. That was what a real marriage was about, and he was determined to have that again.
He just had to put a lid on his temper. He knew how to be sweet, kind and charming. It was what got him Buffy to begin with, and he meant to show her that side of him again. He would seduce her back to his side, and then when she was all relaxed and content in her position once more, he would punish her.
He smiled at her as he walked over to her. “What took you so long?”
“I was getting dressed.”
“Oh…I thought I heard moaning.”
“That was moans of grief of having to see you.”
Parker’s eyes flashed angrily but only for a second before he smiled at her, chuckling softly.
His manner startled her and she immediately put her guard up. She grabbed her jacket. “I was coming you know,” ‘in the most literal of senses.’ …you didn’t have to come here.”
Parker walked up to her, very close. His hand came up and he started to lightly caress her bare arm. “Is it wrong of me to want to feel my wife behind me as we ride together again?”
She didn’t answer him, she couldn’t answer him. She just stared back at him blankly dumfounded that he really thought he could play that game with her.
Completely unaware of Buffy’s none so friendly reception to his seduction, Parker sighed. “Buffy, I know that we didn’t start on the right foot before, I’m sorry for hitting you. It’s not how I wanted our reunion to be.”
Buffy snorted, “Parker, we started out wrong from the beginning.” She tried to walk away but he held her arm keeping her still. It wasn’t a brutal grip it was just enough pressure so she wouldn’t move.
He moved even closer, and Buffy took a step back conscious of a very volatile Angel in the bedroom who was listening to every word.
“Buffy, I know you’re mad that we kept you out of the loop but we had no choice. Don’t let that come between us.” He lowered his head, his eyes staring at her mouth, moving in to taste her. “I’ve missed you so much Buffy. Just give me a chance and I’ll make it up to you.”
His head moved to her neck and he started to kiss her.
Buffy tried to move away, but she only succeeded in bumping into the wall. She heard the unmistakable sound of an angry growl and her heart skipped a beat.
“What was that?” Parker asked, his dark suspicious eyes looking toward the bedroom.
Her hands came up and pushed on Parker’s chest, pushing him off of her. “It’s my puppy.” She quickly answered him.
Parker looked back at her, accepting her answer he smiled as he once more leaned into her. Bracing himself against the wall, his hand came up and played with her hair. “He doesn’t sound like a happy puppy.”
‘You could say that again. ’
“He’s a guard dog. He doesn’t like strange men bothering me.” Her voice was as cold as ice but Parker was too confident in his perceived skills of seduction to notice.
He chuckled, “well he’ll learn to accept me.” He nuzzled her neck.
“Yeah…when you’re in your grave.’
Buffy pushed him, “Parker get off of me. I told you this isn’t going to happen.”
Parker didn’t move, in fact he pushed against her even more. His lips and tongue stroked the flesh of her neck as his hand started to caress her ribs, moving lower over her hips and down the top of her thigh. “Sweetheart, just relax and feel.”
Her stomach was rolling with nausea as his hands and lips continued to paw her. Earnestly she started to struggle. Her head tilted toward the bedroom and her eyes bulged frantically as she saw Angel looming in the doorway. His eyes burned red as he stared at them. She could see his hands curled into fists and she could just about hear his erratic angry breath. She shook her head at him.
Angel could only take so much. Sending her back to Parker was one thing, but having to witness his worst nightmare play out was something entirely different. His arms stretched out and he flexed his fingers, then he rolled his neck back and forth. He took a step forward just as the front door swung open.
Parker lifted his head from Buffy to see who was intruding, as Buffy’s head swung to Faith.
Her grateful eyes shone at her, “Faith, hey.”
She pushed Parker again and he stepped back.
Angel quietly snarled at Faith’s entrance, then reluctantly took a step back into the shadows
“Hey B I’m ready. Sorry to keep you waiting so long but you know how it goes.”
Buffy smiled at her, “no problem. I’m ready.”
Faith looked at Parker and nodded, “Parker.”
Parker didn’t know what to expect from the brunette. When Grant told him that Buffy was using her as her second on the job he had been very angry. He told Adam who then proceeded to call Luke to find out the scoop on her. When Adam hung up the phone all he told Parker was to not worry about her, which of course alarmed Parker.
“Faith, nice to see you again.” Parker smiled at her, with as much charm and sweetness as he could muster. He didn’t trust her and he didn’t like her. He looked over her shoulder expecting to see the blonde guy.
Faith just smiled at him.
“Where’s your buttinsky friend?”
Faith chuckled; bringing her hand up to her hair she rustled her brown locks. “I did say I was late. He’s…resting.” She flashed him a sultry smile.
“Yeah great we’re all here. Okay let’s go. Faith I’ll ride with you.” Buffy said, needing to exit the room as quickly as possible. She could feel Angel’s rage and it was making her very nervous.
Parker grabbed her arm and hauled her next to him, “no. You’ll ride with me. Faith can follow us.”
Buffy didn’t want to but she had to get him out of the loft. “Whatever. Let’s go. I have to be back here by two.” She said loudly.
“Why?” What’s the rush?”
“Parker, we run a club, we need to be here. Now can we please go?” She quickly grabbed Faith and walked out of the loft. Parker stood there for only a moment then followed them out.
Spike stayed behind the hidden door in the hallway, watching as Faith, Buffy and Parker walked down the stairs. He knew that Angel was in the loft so he was very surprised to see Parker still breathing, let alone walking.
After they turned and disappeared downstairs Spike opened the panel and headed toward the loft. He opened the door to see Angel standing by the window.
“Bloody hell mate, you’ve got more self control than I thought you did.” He walked up to him, watching as Faith got in her car and Buffy straddled Parker’s bike.
She looked up at the window just as Parker started the engine. As she lifted her arm to hold on to Parker’s waist she quickly waved. Angel watched as she drove away not quite sure what he was feeling. But he did know one thing.
He turned around, heading toward the door as he grabbed his coat. “Let’s go.”
“Where to?”
“The gym…I need something to hit.” He snarled.
Echoes of the Past
Spike watched as Angel pummeled the gym bag with every limb that was attached to his body. He had been at it since they arrived an hour ago and he wondered how much longer he could keep it up. His angry snarls and loud snapping punches already scared the other patrons out of the gym, leaving just the two of them.
He knew what he was feeling, concern, anxiety, guilt, pretty much all of the same emotions that Spike was feeling. Of course they had different ways of handling it. While Angelus’ way was to beat something to a bloody pulp, Spike drank. And he seriously needed one now. Not to mention he was getting tired of holding the damn bag.
“Angelus, for god’s sake can you stop now?”
Angel grunted then threw a left punch landing it soundly on the bag. The bag snapped from the force of his blow and Spike fell back on the mat as the bag fell on top of him.
“Sorry.”
Angel reached down and pulled the bag off then helped him up.
“It’s alright mate.” He dusted himself off then followed Angel as he walked over to the bench.
There was something he needed to talk to Angel about ever since they left the hotel. At the time though there was no way Angel would have listened to anything he had to say. Now seeing that he had worked out his frustrations Spike figured there was no better time.
“Angel, there’s something I need to do.” He said quietly.
Angel looked at him as he wiped his forehead with a towel. “What?”
“I need to go somewhere and take care of some business. And before you say anything, which I know you are because I can see those brows of yours going up, I’ll be back before tomorrow.”
Angel didn’t need to ask what that something was he knew because it was the same thing he would do…if he could. “Go ahead.”
Spike nodded and then slapped him on the arm. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Spike?”
“Yeah?”
“Make sure it looks like an accident. We don’t need any more of them around.”
Spike nodded then left the room. He had a plane to catch.
********
After Spike left the gym, Angel took a shower and went back to the hotel. He was still feeling uneasy about sending Buffy back to the Brotherhood. His mind just loved to torture him with gruesome images and it wouldn’t stop, even though he just spent an hour killing the punching bag at the gym.
All this guilt was just too much. He wasn’t accustomed to it and it was driving him mad. He never thought he could feel guilt. It had always been a foreign emotion to him. In fact, there had been plenty of times he would snicker at someone else that was plagued with the confounding emotion, thinking that they were weak. But now his fate was sealed. He knew that this was something he would never forgive himself for. Even if nothing happened to her, it didn’t matter, he was still doomed.
Walking back inside of the hotel, he threw his gym bag on the couch. “Hey Oz. Where is everyone?”
Oz sat at his usual spot at the counter, his nose in his laptop. “Procuring.”
Angel nodded.
“There’s some old guy here to see you, he’s waiting for you in your office.”
“Some old guy?”
Oz just shrugged dismissing Angel as he turned his attention back to the screen.
Angel’s brow lifted. Since when do we let strange old guys into the hotel? Looking at Oz he knew he wasn’t going to get any kind of answer out of him, at least one that was more than three words. Well it didn’t matter, he trusted Oz’s judgment. If Oz thought the man was a threat he’d be dead on their sofa not waiting in his office for him.
Still, he walked hesitantly to his office. He had no idea who the hell some old guy was. Except for Faith and Buffy, no one outside his inner circle knew about the hotel, at least no one he knew. His suspicions were raised as he reached the door and turned the knob with one hand. Habit kicked in and his other hand hovered over his concealed gun.
When he opened the door, he was completely surprised to see Giles standing there.
“Giles?”
Giles turned around with a smile on his face. “Ah Angel you’re back.”
“What are you doing here?” Angel asked as he closed the door.
Giles pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he answered him. “I was wondering if you’ve seen Buffy. It’s been a week since the last time Joyce heard from her, needless to say we are quite concerned.”
Angel watched him warily. That did make sense, but seeing Giles standing in his private office at a location he shouldn’t be standing in, made him cautious. “Um...yeah, she’s okay, she’s at a shoot. Please tell Joyce I’m sorry. Buffy must have forgotten to call her and tell her. I’ll call Buffy tonight and tell her to call home.”
Giles smiled. “Oh, of course I should have known.”
“Um Giles how did you know to find me here?”
Giles smiled, “Can we sit?”
“Please. Whiskey?”
“Scotch if you have it.”
Angel walked over to the bar and poured them their drinks then handed a glass to Giles.
Giles thanked him and then drank the whole thing down. Clearing his throat he looked at Angel. “Buffy isn’t the only reason I came…Angelus.”
Angel’s eyes hardened his hand reflexively reaching for his weapon. “What did you call me?”
Giles smiled at him, “Please no need to reach for your guns. I’m friend not foe.”
Angel didn’t know what to think but for some reason he believed him and he relaxed. Sitting down he followed Giles and drank down his whiskey.
Giles chuckled then stood up, “Yes I think we’re both going to need some more of these fine spirits. The Scotch, imported from Scotland?”
Angel nodded dumbly as he watched Giles reach for the decanter of scotch.
“Yes. It’s very good. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such refined brew. Why the last time was most likely in Glasgow oh about thirty years ago.”
Angel watched him silently as he poured them more drinks.
“It’s beautiful there, but I’m sure you know.” He looked at Angel who nodded. “I remember my last visit quite well. I was there with four of my very good and dear friends.” He sat down and smiled, his eyes reflecting his mind’s trip down memory lane. “Friends really isn’t the word actually, they were family. Well at least three of them were. Yes they were all fine gentleman. We had many things in common you understand. We had a bond. Yes fine men – all of them.“
He looked at Angel who just sat there not speaking because he didn’t know what to say. His inner voice was telling him something but he just couldn’t believe the world could be that small.
Giles saw the look of disbelief in eyes and chuckled again. Then he stood up and put his drink down. Straightening out his jacket he held out his hand. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name his Rupert Giles or as my friends call me…Ripper.”
Angel’s eyes widened. He knew that name. He had read it in his father’s diary. He stood up disbelief on his face. “You’re Ripper?”
Giles smiled at him, “God it’s good to hear someone call me that again. I can’t believe how much I’ve missed it.”
Angel took his hand shaking it. “Well this explains your exuberant greeting when we met at the club months ago. It wasn’t just happiness for Buffy.” He had always thought it odd; the way Giles seemed too eager and almost relieved to meet him. He had thought that that was just the kind of guy he was but now it made much more sense.
“No. Well, a little. Angel I’ve been following your tracks for years. I’ve always known where you were and what you were doing. Seeing you with Buffy was, well let’s just say it was the icing on the cake.”
“You were the one who sent me the package when I was at school.”
“I did. And let me just say you’ve done an amazing job with everything Liam left you. Really quite amazing, he would be so proud of you.”
Angel smiled unsure at the same time his heart burst with emotion at the thought. “You think so?”
“Oh no doubt in my mind.” Giles sat back down and grabbed his drink. “Although I must admit that the last couple of years were a little touch and go. You seemed to fall off track. I was becoming concerned.”
Angel bowed his head, shame filling him at what Giles said. “I know, I just…”
Giles held up his hand, “It’s okay Angel. I understand how daunting your task is and how much pressure has been put on you. It’s only logical that you would falter. It does not make you any less of a man. I’m just glad that you found your way back. I can see that you have your head back on your shoulders and your priorities in order. And that is all that matters.”
“I wish I could take credit for straightening my own ass out Giles, but I can’t.”
He sounded irritated by the fact that it took someone else to set him straight and Giles chuckled. “Yes well. Women are extraordinary creatures, the Summers women especially.”
Angel sat back in his chair still stunned. “Wow, I…I don’t know what to say Giles. Honestly I’m just a little shocked. I mean why did you never come forward before? You could help us. There is so much more that I don’t know and so many unanswered questions that you probably have the answers too.”
“Yes well I’m afraid my time has past Angel. I left that lifestyle behind many years ago. I’m quite confident that you and the other children will see to setting the Order straight. I promised your father that I would keep an eye on you and send you the package, and I’ve done that. My promise has been kept and my job is done. Of course, I’d be more than happy to discuss your parents with you and any other questions you may have regarding the Order, but I’m afraid that is as far as my involvement can be, at least for now.”
For now? What the hell did that mean? “Thanks for the assurance Giles but if you don’t want to get involved why come forward now?”
“With Wilkens involved there is too much going on, too much at stake, and I’m afraid I had no choice.”
Did he have a bug in his house? Has the old man been following me? “You seem very educated on a subject that you don’t want to get involved with.” Angel stated guardedly.
Giles looked insulted and his answer was sharp. “Angelus I may be retired but I was doing this game a lot longer than you. As I told you, I’ve been keeping my eye on you and your crew. I know what’s going on. I know everything.“
This conversation sounded like the one he had with the Mayor. It seemed that there were quite a few people who knew more than Angel did and he found that a little disturbing.
It must have reflected in his eyes because Giles’ voice softened slightly. “I know what you’re thinking and you can relax. You haven’t missed anything. I haven’t been casing you or your crew.” He took a breath and looked down at his glass. “I’ve been tracking another, and it’s through him that I know.”
“Wilkens?”
Giles dismissed his question. “There are still so many things you don’t know. And I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to tell you…at least not now.”
There was that ‘not now’ comment again, Angel was getting extremely tired of hearing it. Why would a retired man who didn’t want to be involved continue to track someone who was knee deep in it?
“Giles I don’t like secrets.” Angel said angrily.
Giles smiled at him. “Secrets are our business Angel, you know that.”
Angel grinned, “True. Let me rephrase that. I don’t like being out of the loop on things that I’m deeply involved with. In my experience that only leads to bad things.”
Giles agreed, “I don’t blame you. And I applaud your cautiousness. Still I’m afraid for the moment some secrets must be kept. Things have a way of revealing themselves when the time is right. Call it fate or destiny if you will.”
“I don’t believe in destiny.”
Giles snorted, “Of course you do Angelus. Are you going to sit there and tell me that it wasn’t destiny that you meet Buffy? That it would be she that would help restore your faith in your father’s work, restore your soul?”
“Of course not, that my dear boy is destiny. Me marrying Joyce, you meeting and falling in love with Buffy. Destiny is a rather tricky thing and usually makes no sense at least not until it slaps you in the face. But it is what it is which leads me to why I’ve come.”
“Angel bringing down your Uncle and restoring the Order is of the utmost importance and I know that you shall succeed. You have the opportunity and the means to destroy him and I know that you and the other children will succeed. But I’m afraid you will be doing it without Buffy.”
Angel sat back in his chair, a sneer on his face as he steepled his hands before him. “I will, will I?”
Giles nodded, his face set sternly.
Um…well this was interesting. Giles really did know ‘everything’. The question of whether or not he had been betrayed by Buffy again entered Angel’s mind, and took precedent over the anger he felt at being ordered to do something.
“Does she know that you know?”
He looked away blushing and Angel knew the answer. “As I said before, secrets are our business; Buffy would be devastated to learn that I know everything about her past.”
“Everything?”
He looked him straight in the eye. “Everything,” He looked down at his glass and added, “…and more than she knows.”
He mumbled it but Angel heard him and his eyes instantly turned a shade darker, more secrets.
“Suffice it to say that’s the reason why I am telling you that she will not assist you. You must do it.”
“Why?”
Rupert stood up, his face hard and unyielding. “Because I said so.”
Angel chuckled, “Just like that, you say so and I’m supposed to obey?”
Giles didn’t answer he just stared back deadpanned.
All traces of merriment disappeared as Angel stood and placed his hands on the desk. “Look Giles, I don’t like the idea of Buffy being involved either but the fact is that she is involved regardless of whether or not we like it, and considering that it is her past and her life she has the right to be involved. And I’ll be damned if I let anyone, including you, get in her way of doing something that she feels she needs to do.”
He relaxed his posture and continued, “Now with that said, I don’t take orders very well and I don’t appreciate you coming here and dishing them out. However I might be inclined to agree with you but you have to give me a better reason than just because you said so.”
Giles looked deep into his eyes. He didn’t see Angel standing in front of him he saw Liam and he didn’t know if that was a good thing or not. “You are so much like your father. You know, when he first learned of your Uncle’s betrayal he told your mother that he was leaving her.”
Angel’s eyes bulged he didn’t know that.
“But your Mother, she was so strong so intent on helping and restoring the Order, that he stayed and allowed her to help. We both know how that worked out. Don’t make the same mistake your father did Angelus, I beg of you.”
Great, more guilt. He was well aware of the fact that he was in the same position as his father was. But he also knew that things weren’t the same now as they were then. And with everything that had happened recently between Buffy and himself he knew that he couldn’t take Buffy’s decision away from her. He could not and would not betray her again.
“I’m sorry Giles, I can’t do that. “
Giles eye’s hardened, stubborn just like his father. After a few seconds, he sighed dismally and grabbed his jacket heading toward the door. “I’m only trying to protect her Angel.”
He opened the door and then turned back around to look at him. “You have your mother’s eyes you know, very astute, very caring. I hope for Buffy’s sake you use the common sense that your father gave you and do the right thing. Protect her. Good day Angel.”
Angel stood in the doorway watching Giles walk through the lobby. “Daniel sit back from that screen! You’re going to need glasses!” He sternly said to Oz as he passed him.
Oz sat straight back and watched him leave, turning to Angel with a question in his eye. “Did he just call me Daniel?”
********
By the time Buffy, Parker and Faith arrived at the compound the party was in full swing. Faith followed Parker through the encampment and parked when he did. She got out of the car and looked around.
She took a deep breath to calm her suddenly frazzled nerves. Being in the midst of the Brotherhood again was startlingly scary. She didn’t realize she would be affected so much but standing there with her heart beating frantically she knew she had been in denial.
Too bad, she thought, denial was such a nice and comforting place of being. It made the world look safe and hunky dory. But in realty the world was a completely different story, at least her world.
She looked around at the people partying and the questioning eyes that stared back at her, and she knew she could no longer deny the truth. Her last breath could be here surrounded people that she didn’t know and didn’t trust.
She knew that Adam called him; it was just the way these guys worked. He could be here now. He could be standing right behind her.
“Faith?”
“Yeah.” She quietly answered. Her eyes turned to Buffy at the soft touch of her hand on her arm.
“You okay?”
She stared back at her that was a good question, was she okay?
She swallowed then nodded, “5 x 5.”
Buffy heard the hitch in her voice and she reassuringly squeezed her arm. “We’re going to get through this together Faith, side by side.”
Faith gazed back and nodded.
“Let’s go.” Parker whined at their delay and walked inside the house.
They both took deep breaths and followed him inside.
Walking through the doorway, they were both hit with the smell of cooking heroin. It was a scene they had each spent time in before. It was filled with nothing but hopeless addiction. A room that neither one of them ever wanted to step foot into again.
Faith almost gripped the doorway, her stomach rolling with nausea. If she hadn’t been frazzled before then this putrid smell would have did it. It filled her nose and brought back things that she never wanted to remember. She swallowed and held back the urge to take a deep calming breath. Instead she held her breath and took small quick gasps not wanting to pollute her mind and body with the stench.
Buffy feeling the same way as Faith ignored it by concentrating on why she was here in the first place.
“Ladies, nice of you to join us.”
Adam was sprawled out on in a chair. Sitting next to him was Maggie holding the spoon and the lighter that cooked their drug of choice. Buffy took one look at his face and knew that he had already smacked up.
She knew that Adam was the oddest drug addict she had ever met, and she had met many. It didn’t matter what or how much of a substance he took. It never diminished his intelligence if anything it seemed to make him smarter and more alert. It always freaked Buffy out, because she knew with most people drugs had an entirely different effect. Adam’s response to drugs just wasn’t normal and it always made her fear of him greater.
“What’s the news?”
“We did the recon. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Good give your list to Grant and he’ll get you what you need for the job.”
Buffy shook her head, “No. I have my own contacts. I don’t want nor need Grant’s help.” She knew she could be making a huge mistake here, but she didn’t care. The less actual contact she had with Grant the better.
“So I’ve heard. That’s really bad form on your part Buffy. Frankly, I’m surprised they even took you under their wing considering your association with the Brotherhood.”
“I had a sponsor.”
“Willy, the turncoat.” Parker answered and Buffy shot him a cold look. The last thing she wanted was to bring Willy into this.
“Leave Willy alone.”
Parker took a step up to her, his face angry. “He always was your protector wasn’t he?”
“Children, children, I don’t care about Willy. Like Buffy he made his deal with the devil, they’ll have to live with their choice.”
Parker turned his angry eyes to his brother. “What! Adam…”
“We’ll discuss this later. Buffy do whatever you have to do I don’t care where you get your supplies from. Just make sure they don’t interfere.” His eyes were clear and cold.
His quick acceptance was a little surprising for Buffy but it told her that for Adam there was nothing more important than this job. If that weren’t the case, he’d be beating her to a bloody pulp for her association with the Angels. “Don’t worry they won’t be a problem.”
Buffy said confidently, her eyes watching Maggie as she reached for the syringe and filled it with the liquid in the spoon.
Adam nodded, “Good because the date’s moved up.”
“What? Why?”
“Why? Do we have to go through this again Buffy? You don’t ask why. You just do.”
His eyes hardened, “understand?”
What the hell was he up too? “Fine. When?”
Faith stood by her side, listening to their conversation and understanding that something was definitely not right if Adam was moving the date of the job up. But for the life of her, she couldn’t take her eyes off of Maggie as she sat back and shot up. The cloud nine expression that came over the woman’s face was one that Faith remembered well and she reflexively scratched her arm.
“Would you like some sister?” Adam asked snidely smirking at Faith as he nodded toward Maggie.
Her eyes shot to his, cold and hard, her arm dropped quickly to her side. “I don’t do that anymore.”
Adam snorted, “Once an addict always an addict sweetheart, but suit yourself.”
Buffy took a step forward to get Adam’s attention off of Faith. “When do you want it done Adam?”
Cloudy yet intelligent eyes stared back at her. “Saturday night.”
“Saturday, that’s tomorrow Adam.” Buffy said angrily.
“So it is. What’s a matter Buffy worried you can’t pull it off? Or maybe your concerned that your new…friends can’t supply you with what you need in time.”
Buffy was insulted, both for herself and the Angels. A group of people that she now knew were more organized and saner than the Brotherhood could ever be. “Please, I can pull it off and I can get everything I need, I’m just curious as to why the switch.”
His eyes cleared of the drug for a moment as he looked back at her hard. “Curiosity killed the kitty.” He quietly said.
She stared back at him trying to get some glimpse as to what he was up to but as usual she couldn’t read him for shit. “Fine whatever,” She turned to Faith, “let’s go.”
“Why leave? Why don’t you stay and enjoy the party. You know Buffy, from what I remember you always enjoyed a good bash.”
“I came here for one reason and that was to tell you what was going on. Now that I’ve done that we’re leaving.”
Adam just shrugged and turned to Maggie ignoring Buffy and Faith as they walked out. He was through with them tonight, the lure of the drug taking precedent.
Parker on the other hand followed them out the door, after giving Adam a nasty look.
Just as they walked outside, a woman ran over to them. “Buffy! Oh my God it is you! Charlie told me but I didn’t believe him.”
A robust red head hugged her tightly and Buffy’s arm’s wound around the other woman’s back. She smiled brightly at her. “Paulina. How are you?”
“Ah you know me sweetie, I go with the flow.” She said smiling, her green eyes looking at Faith.
Buffy smiled back at her, “Paulina, this is Faith. She’s a sister from Cleveland.”
“Hi Faith it’s always nice to meet a sister.”
Faith smiled back at her, she sensed the woman’s sincerity and it warmed her. “Same here.”
“Buffy I want to talk to you.” Parker harshly whispered in her ear as his hand gripped her arm.
Paulina’s smile faded as she looked at Parker. She hated him and she always hated how he treated Buffy. But there wasn’t anything she could ever do about it. She was happy to see Buffy now but it also sadden her that she was back with that pig. She heard from Charlie about some job they needed Buffy to do. In fact it was all anyone was talking about at the camp in the quiet of the night. That and Buffy’s flat out rejection of Parker and her denial to stay. It was common knowledge that most people in the group didn’t like Parker. So Buffy’s outright refusal to stay had been silently cheered. Buffy didn’t know it but she had more friends on her side then she realized.
“Faith, why don’t you go with Paulina and meet her family I’ll hook up with you guys in a minute.”
Faith didn’t move. Foreboding chills ran down her spine. She didn’t want to leave her alone with Parker. “Buffy…side by side, remember.”
Buffy smiled at her, “It’s okay Faith. Really go ahead. I’ll be okay.”
Paulina took Faith’s arm and started to pull her along. “Come on honey, don’t worry, she’ll be okay.” She didn’t believe her own words but she knew not to disrespect Parker out in the open.
Faith reluctantly left with Paulina, sneaking peeks behind her and watching as Parker took Buffy into a small house next to Adam’s.
The second the door closed Buffy felt trapped. “What’s this about Parker?”
She took a step back as he took a step forward, smiling at her. “I miss you Buffy. I want to spend time with you. I want to make up for everything I ever did to you.”
He reached for her and cupped her face; his eyes were soft as they raked down her face. “You’re skin is so silky, I’d almost forgotten. I just…I just want to love you again.” His soft voice betrayed the callous hold he had on her upper arm.
His closeness was unsettling and Buffy pulled away from him but she couldn’t dislodge his hand on her arm. “Parker, stop with the seduction. It’s not going to work so why don’t you just get to the point.”
Instantly his eyes changed to a stormy brown and he looked down at her cruelly, his hand clenching her arm painfully. “You’re right no more fucking around.”
He pulled her against him and sneered into her face. “The point is Buffy, that YOU are MY WIFE! You belong with me! You belong in my bed at night. And I don’t give a fuck what you want!”
“Wow what a surprise that admission is Parker. You never have! I wouldn’t expect you to come back from the dead a changed man. You’re nothing but a selfish pig!” She spat at him. Completely aware of the fact that it was just them in this small house but she didn’t care, she wasn’t afraid of him anymore. She’d rather die than cower at his feet any more.
He wiped his face with the back of his hand. “Call me whatever you want Buffy, it doesn’t matter. I’m still going to take you.”
“Go ahead and try, I’ll fight you every step of the way!” She threatened him but he just smiled at her coldly.
“Somehow I knew you were going to say that.”
He viciously squeezed her arm, cutting off the circulation. She grimaced with the sudden jolt of pain just as she felt a prick in her arm. Horrified, she looked down to see a needle sticking out of her arm and his finger pushing the drug inside.
“NO!” She roared with trembling fury as she punched him in the face.
He fell back a step his brutal grip on her arm disengaging as he did. The second he released her, the drug shot right through her blood stream. Terror gripped her as she waited for the inevitable.
Parker stepped back laughing at her, as her head began to get dizzy and she started to wobble on her feet. “No! No!”
She tried to fight it. She tried to hold on to some semblance of reality and what was going on. She could hear Parker’s cruel laughs but with each second that ticked by his voice became distorted, her vision became blurred, and her body became slack.
Parker watched jovially, hungrily anticipating the moment when her body would fully give into the heroin. There wasn’t much in the syringe, just enough to keep her subdued for a few minutes. He didn’t want her to black out. He wanted her to be awake and know what was going on. He wanted her to feel all the same things he did while he watched her happily live her life without him…powerless and weak…helpless.
“You didn’t really think you were going to leave here tonight without me getting a piece, did you Buffy?”
“No please…” Her head started to become fuzzy, her thoughts muddled but she still knew one thing, she had to fight him.
She took a swing at him but missed. Her feet betrayed her and she wobbled unsteadily cursing under her breath.
Parker watched, callously laughing. “You’ve been giving it so freely to everyone else and yet you deny your own husband. You really gave me no choice Buffy.”
“You…son of…a…bitch.” In her mind it came out clear and precise but in reality it was slurred and slow, and hearing it broadened Parker’s smile.
“I gave you the opportunity to return to my side but you threw it in my face!” He yelled in her face and then adjusted his crotch as his dick grew hard with eagerness as he watched her.
Buffy’s heart pounded with fear. She couldn’t believe she didn’t see this coming. How could she be so stupid? She fell to the bed, her eyes closing as she began to drift in and out as the drug consumed her.
Parker couldn’t take his off of her as her body became slack and her eyes heavy. “Now you’ll have me, won’t you Buffy.”
Walking over to her he unzipped her pants then pulled them and her panties down around her ankles.
“Now you’ll do anything I’ll say, won’t you? Just the way it’s supposed to be.”
“No.” Her voice was faint and soft. She tried to hold on. She tried to not let the drug take over but she couldn’t stop it. She couldn’t stop him.
Parker unzipped his pants and pulled out his dick. Leaning down he covered her still body and positioned his cock, pushing it against her vagina.
Buffy’s head moved from side to side as her body became numb with unwanted euphoria. Her reality altered, shifting from willful objection to a false sense of ecstasy. In the back of her mind, she knew what was happening but the drug was too strong. It lured her into its bogus world of serenity and peace. A place where no matter how much she wanted to fight it, she couldn’t. So when Parker brutally thrust his dick inside of her dry vagina, she didn’t feel the pain. She felt only what he intended for her to feel…helpless.
He grunted like a pig as he moved chaotically inside and out of her. Like always she was dry but he didn’t care, the painful chafing on the delicate skin of his dick only heightened his pleasure. His pace got erratically faster, his breathing more irregular.
He reached for her shirt, tearing it open and revealing her breasts. Like a hungry animal his mouth watered, salvia dripped from the corners landing on her skin…scolding her with his depravity.
Leaning down he engulfed her breast, sucking painfully on her indifferent nipple. But no matter how hard he sucked there was no response. No tightening of the flesh. No beautiful hard numb in his mouth. He snarled angrily as he pulled back and slammed inside of her harder, his pelvis hitting hers irritably and bruising her delicate flesh.
But Buffy didn’t feel it. She lay there perfectly still staring at the wall as a silent tear fell from her eye. She knew she was getting raped but she couldn’t stop thinking about how pretty the wallpaper was. There were butterflies flying around the brilliant green garden and she wished that she could be one of them.
Oblivious to his unwilling victim, Parker continued his brutal assault upon her body. He didn’t care that his actions were those of violence and degradation, he only wanted pleasure. He only wanted power. And he had it. For that one brief moment he had everything he wanted and he took her, sadistically slamming inside of her dry sheath.
His sick excitement grew with every desiccated plunge he took. Causing his movements to become sloppier, harsher…more prominent. And the more prominent they became the more Buffy’s body came back to life.
She twitched as she felt a sudden sting of pain on her pelvis. Her head rolled to the other side as she twitched again, feeling another stab inside her womb.
Gradually her body began to tingle and the pain steadily seeped in. She didn’t know how much time had passed or how long Parker had been raping her. It couldn’t have been long. Parker had the stamina of a fifteen your old boy. She was just thankful that the drug was loosening its hold on her. With every long-drawn-out second that passed the numbness left and her body became sensitized to the intruding movements of the pig above her.
As if on cue, her eyes opened wide and clear, just as Parker slammed inside of her one last time and grunted his release.
Pain shot through her and she cried out. A torrent of tears fell from her eyes and ran down her cheek, soaking her skin with their shame and humiliation. With all her might she pushed him off of her, just as Faith, followed by Paulina, came running through the door.
“Buffy!”
Parker fell back on the bed, his heavy pants filling the room as Buffy woozily got to her feet.
Faith ran over to her, grasping her shoulders as Buffy leaned down to pull her pants up. Why? Why did she listen to her? She never should have let her be alone with Parker…never.
Faith turned around and looked at him. He lay there smugly, his dick soft and small, as he watched a crying Buffy.
“You bastard!” She shouted, taking a step toward him but Paulina held her back.
Faith turned condemning eyes to the other woman. As far as she was concerned Paulina was just as responsible as Faith was.
“It’s not our place to get involved.” Paulina said.
Faith laughed madly at her, “Not our place! What kind of fucking person are you!”
Paulina stared back at her, her eyes misting with tears. She wanted to help. She wanted to hurt Parker as much as Faith did, but she knew that if they made any attempt to interfere it would only mean punishment for them too.
Parker just laid there smiling arrogantly knowing that he held the upper hand, feeling safe and content.
Buffy watched him, her tears drying on her cheeks as she read every thought in his mind. Paulina was right. It wasn’t Faith or Paulina’s place to retaliate. It was her’s.
She wanted to reach down and yank his small dick off and ram it down his throat. She wanted to rip him to shreds with her bare hands. But as her body swayed and her vision blurred slightly, she knew that the heroin still lingered in her system, she was still high.
Plus no matter how much she wanted to hurt him right now, the thought of touching him again, the idea of just getting near him once more repulsed her.
She had to get her shit together before she dealt with her pig of a husband. She knew one thing for sure and that was that Parker would most definitely get what was coming to him.
With unsteady legs that were still trying to get their bearings back she threw off Faith’s hold on her and walked up to him. She looked down with pure hatred and malice in her eyes staring into his smiling face.
Parker just looked back at her, relaxing against the pillows as he rested his head against his outstretched arms.
“What? You loved it.” He said condescendingly.
Buffy held back the urge to throw up as she kneeled down in between his legs.
His smile faltered slightly as she leaned down over his body and crawled up close to his face. His eyes lit with vain expectations. In his distorted mind he believed that she had finally come around and realized her place, and he waited to hear her beg for forgiveness. To hear her tell him how much she wanted him to fuck her again.
“Did you enjoy that Parker?” she asked quietly.
“You know I did sweetheart.” He whispered back his eyes still smiling.
She smiled ruthlessly at him; “I’m glad…” then she brought her knee up at full force and landed it hard in between his legs.
Parker screamed in pain and pushed her off of him.
Buffy fell back on her ass screaming at him. “That’s the last time you will ever touch me you fucking pig!”
Parker rolled himself into a ball, grabbing his dick. Tears were running down his eyes as he started to cough. “I’m going to kill you, you fucking bitch!”
Buffy quickly stood up and snarled at him, kicking him in the back. “Not before I kill you!”
Her legs threatened to give out on her and she wobbled almost falling over if Faith didn’t grab her arm.
“Come one B, let’s get out of here.”
They left the house ignoring Parker’s wails of anger and pain. The second Buffy stepped outside and the cool night air hit her face, she stumbled. Faith grabbed her and put an arm around her waist.” Come on we have to get you home.”
Buffy adamantly shook her head. “No. I can’t go home. I can’t let Angel see me like this, he’ll know.”
Paulina put her arm under Buffy’s other arm. “We’ll take her to my place. She can rest there. Come on sweetie.”
Faith didn’t want to stay but she also didn’t want to upset Buffy anymore then she already was. So she kept her mouth shut as they helped a shaking and still drugged Buffy walk to Paulina’s house.
Shelter You from the Storm
Faith sat by Buffy’s side wiping her forehead with a damp cloth, diligently watching over her friend. For two hours she sat there and watched as her friend was plagued with drug induced dreams, no doubt reliving memories that were better off forgotten.
It was hard for Faith to watch. Buffy’s demons were Faith’s demons as well, and she didn’t want to resurrect them. But she did what she had to do for her friend. And there was nothing that could take her away from her side.
Paulina would have described it as a mother tigress watching over her young. When she walked over to adjust the blankets around Buffy’s sleeping form, Faith actually growled at her. Her eyes were fierce and protective. A warning to stay away and she did.
She didn’t blame Faith nor was she shocked by her reactions. She remembered a time, when she was the one that cleaned Buffy up after Parker, or Adam for that matter, had roughed her up. She knew the guilt and protective feelings that Faith was feeling now so she understood. There was nothing she could do but sit and watch over both of them.
Faith closed her eyes trying to shut out the images of the room when she walked in but she couldn’t. To see Buffy half naked and stumbling to her feet had been horrifying. She knew she never should have let her go with him. She knew that something bad was happening to her friend, but she had been too late.
She silently sobbed her frustration and grief. Her tears fell freely and landed on her hand that held Buffy’s in a death grip.
“She’ll be okay Faith. Buffy’s strong.” Paulina whispered to the brunette, her heart breaking with the other girl’s obvious pain and guilt.
Faith looked up at her. She was angry with Paulina just as she was with herself. “She’ll be okay? She was raped Paulina! Do you have any idea how that feels?”
Paulina’s eyes hardened as she looked back at her. “Yes Faith I do. I know how it feels to be raped. I know how it feels to have your power and your dignity taken away from you.”
Faith’s eyes softened and she looked away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at you. I guess I should have realized. I mean, we’re all victims of the Brotherhood.”
Paulina smiled slightly at her. “I know what you’re feeling. Back in the day, it was me sitting right where you are now. It’s not your fault Faith. It’s no one’s fault but Parker’s.”
“Is it? I left her alone with him. I knew it was a bad idea but I did it anyway.”
Paulina shook her head, “Faith you know as well I do that you did the only thing you could do. In the eyes of Parker, Buffy is his property and no one can stand in his way when it comes to what’s his.”
“I know, I just…I thought we’d left that behind us you know. Both of us have struggled and worked so hard to start over. To become a person again, you know. And now all of this happened. I’m afraid for her. I’m afraid she won’t be able to come back from this.”
Paulina smiled at her, “That’s just your own fear talking. Look Faith, I don’t know exactly what Buffy’s life has been like these last two years but I know one thing, she’s become stronger and more self-grounded now than she has ever been. And she’ll get through this just fine. Plus from what I understand she has someone now that loves her. Someone who treats her like a person and not a dog, she has that to hold on to. Someone she can talk to and who will actually understand.”
Faith smiled, “Yeah she does. How did you know?”
Paulina shrugged, “Parker’s got a big whiney mouth.”
Buffy lay there quietly, her eyes closed and listening to them talk, feeling nothing but shame and a deep sense of sadness. It was her fault. She never should have put herself in that situation. She should have known that Parker would take whatever chance he got to do something degrading to her.
She was seething mad at herself. A complete turnaround from the way she use to feel after he forced himself on her. Back then all she felt was self loathing and humiliation. Of course she was still humiliated but it came from her own stupidity and not the deed itself. And the shame and sadness she now felt was the product of the guilt that Faith felt and the foreseeable guilt she knew Angel would feel. And while she would love to take comfort in the arms of her Angel she knew she never could. There was no way in hell she was going to lay this down at his feet.
“No…Angel can never know…never.”
Faith and Paulina looked down at Buffy who was wide awake. Her eyes were clear and bright and she looked back at them unwavering in her statement.
“Buffy, are you okay?” Faith asked.
“I’ll get you something to drink sweetie.” Paulina wanted to leave them alone she knew they had a lot to discuss.
“Paulina?”
She turned around, “yes sweetie?”
“Thank you.”
Paulina looked down at her clasped hands. “Don’t thank me honey, I…didn’t do anything.”
“Yes you did. All the times you use to help me, I never really thanked you. You were always kind to me, a true friend, and I’m ashamed that I never said it before.”
Buffy’s heartwarming gratitude made Paulina’s eyes tear and her face reddened slightly from embarrassment. “Nonsense honey, you don’t owe me a thing. That’s what sisters are for.” She smiled at her and then quietly left them alone.
“Are you alright B?” Faith asked, her voice was quiet…hesitant, and it made Buffy feel awful.
She squeezed her hand, “Faith there wasn’t anything you could do, Paulina’s right. Please don’t feel guilty.”
Faith bowed her head, “I can’t help it. God I’m so sorry Buffy.” She cried as she laid her head down on their joined hands.
Her misery made Buffy start to cry and she placed her hand on top of Faith’s head. “It’s okay Faith please don’t cry. Look I’m alright. I’ve got a slight head ache but beyond that I’m fine.”
Faith looked up at her.
“Trust me Parker’s dick is too small to cause long lasting pain.”
She smiled at her and Faith chuckled. “Yeah, I couldn’t help but notice that.”
They laughed together at Parker’s expense, their tears drying with their gaiety.
“Faith, I don’t want Angel to know about this. He’s already feeling guilty for sending me here I don’t want him to feel guiltier. You have to promise me that you won’t tell him. Not even Spike. No one can ever know.”
Faith nodded, this was one secret she had no problem keeping. Nothing good could come from Angel knowing. She squeezed her hand. “I’ll take it to my grave.”
“Okay two cups of tea, hot and ready to be drunk.” Paulina came in carrying the cups and placed them down on the table. She went to leave again, but Faith grabbed her arm. “Please stay.”
Paulina looked at both of them, they were smiling at her warmly, and Buffy was nodding her head. “We have a lot to catch up on, you and I.”
Paulina smiled back and sat down on the edge of the bed. “I’d like that.” She quietly said.
The three women sat there and talked quietly. They had a kinship together. They shared the same experiences and the same emotions so their conversation flew freely and honestly.
Time flew by for all of them and before they knew it two hours had passed.
After Buffy took a shower and blew dried her hair, she and Faith stood by their car ready to leave as they said goodbye to Paulina. “Please talk to Charlie about what we discussed. Promise me.” Buffy said.
Paulina shook her head. “I will, I promise.”
They hugged each other and as Buffy and Faith drove away Paulina waved goodbye.
********
Angel stood outside in the courtyard of the hotel, breathing in the night air and staring up at the stars. It had been hours since Buffy and Faith left the loft, and he was getting extremely agitated, again.
He checked his watch for the hundredth time. Time was moving way to slow for his tastes. With the girls gone and Spike in Cleveland, Angel had too much time to brood. About everything.
Of course his newest concern was Giles. He went over their conversation again and again, and the more he thought about it the more he thought that Giles might be right.
There was a small pang in his heart that he was betraying Buffy. But if he was protecting her from something that would be painful would it really be betrayal?
It was a very thin line and he knew that. That’s why he needed to know why Giles was so adamant about Buffy not stealing the diamonds? Angel knew the answer had to lay with the mark. Giles didn’t want Buffy to go into that house, but why?
There had to be a way for him to protect Buffy but still let her do her part, or at least, make her think she was doing her part. That wouldn’t be so bad, would it?
His thoughts were interrupted when he felt a pair of warm hands circle his stomach. He smiled, relief flooding through him until he looked down and saw blood red nail polish.
His eyes crinkled with annoyance and he sighed loudly. Unwrapping the hands from his body he turned around to confront her.
“Kate.”
Kate smiled, her body moving forward and her arms once more wrapping around Angel’s torso. “I was beginning to wonder when you were going to call me.”
She leaned in and kissed his lips before Angel could pull away.
“It’s been almost a year Angel, one very long year.” She smiled sensually at him, her body on fire for his.
Angel gently grabbed her arms and pulled them off of him as he took a step back. “I’ve been busy.”
She took another step closer to him, not giving up in her seduction that easily. “So I’ve heard. She’s…pretty.” She said bitterly.
“I never made any promises to you Kate, you know that.” He walked around her and out of her reach.
Kate relented. “I know. But still a girl can hope. So what’s up?”
“I’m ready to hand everything over to you.”
Kate’s demeanor changed instantly. The seductress was gone and replaced with the cold FBI Agent that she was. This was good news, a little unexpected but good. She had been trying to get Angel to give her everything he had on Uncle for years but he always held back, saying that he wasn’t ready or the time wasn’t right. But it seemed that the last year had indeed been a busy one. “Should I ask why?”
“Does it matter?”
“Well I’d like to know who I have to thank for your change of heart, the new girlfriend?” She couldn’t resist asking. She was downright curious about the girl.
Angel’s eyes hardened. This was what he wanted to avoid. Kate was extremely nosey and tenacious. If everything worked out the way he wanted it, then his future looked extremely…profitable. Angel wasn’t even trying to kid himself into thinking that when this was over, business would stop. No he knew that once the Order was returned to its roots, that business would thrive. With Buffy at his side there was no job they couldn’t pull off and he was excited to get started.
That was the reason he never wanted to involve Kate. It was one thing for Kate to know what he did because she couldn’t touch him and she knew that. But Buffy was a different story. Kate walked the straight path. And in her eyes, Buffy would be just another criminal. Someone she was supposed to put away not help.
It was imperative that she never find out and Angel was determined to make sure that she never did.
He ignored her question. Leaning down he picked up a fat folder that rested against the bench and handed it to her.
Avoiding the question, interesting. Kate reached for it but Angel still held it. “You better get this right Kate. I would be very, very unhappy if I had to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life. Do you understand me?”
“Insults then threats? Gees Angel, where’s the trust?” She pulled it out of his reach.
Angel smirked at her, “Trust? That’s never been a part of our relationship Kate. You know that.”
“Touché’. Don’t worry we’ve been waiting years for you to hand this over we’ll get it done.”
“Good. Now I have an extra bonus for you, if you’re interested.” Angel knew he wouldn’t have to wait long to hear her answer. She jumped right on it.
“I’m listening.” Excitement coursed through Kate. She had been hounding Angel for information in the underground world for longer than she’d been hounding him for Uncle’s information. He had contacts and information into that dark world that no government agency has ever been able to get. If she was able to get something now her career would skyrocket.
“Of course the bonus comes with strings. Still interested?”
Kate grinned, “What bonus doesn’t?” she nodded and Angel grinned. She was like a puppy waiting for her treat.
“Good come inside and I’ll fill you in.”
********
“You ready?” Faith asked as they stood outside the doors of the hotel.
Buffy turned and smiled at her. The shower and the pensive drive back to LA helped to clear her mind and she did feel better. “Yeah.”
They took a step Faith’s hand reaching for the doorknob when Buffy stopped her.
“What?”
“Look.” Buffy pointed inside the glass doors and to the counter.
Faith looked inside and saw the entire gang, except Spike, huddled around the counter.
“Gees, don’t these people ever sleep.”
There was some blonde woman that was standing next to Angel, practically glued to his side. Their heads were close as they looked down at something on the counter. It was obvious that there was some intimate history there and she turned to Buffy.
“Who is that?”
Buffy watched the blonde woman as she moved closer to Angel. Her hand came up and rested on his shoulder as she leaned in closer and said something to him.
“I don’t know.”
“Where’s Spike?”
Buffy was getting extremely green with jealously as she watched the interloper say something again, and this time afterwards she smiled as her hand moved to the center of Angel’s back and slowly rubbed it.
“Let’s find out shall we?” Buffy said bitterly.
She had to stop herself from kicking open the door. Instead she opened it quietly. They walked inside and stood on the threshold with no response from the gang, so she kicked the door shut.
Everyone at the counter turned toward the door, each one drawing their weapons.
Faith and Buffy stood there with six guns pointing at them, neither one looked scared. “Gee B I guess we’re not invited to the party.” Faith commented as she looked at Buffy.
The gang relaxed and put their guns away. Angel quickly stepped away from Kate and walked over to them. He wasn’t in the best of moods, it was almost five in the morning and they were just now getting back from the compound. Plus he had to deal with Kate and her wondering hands all night. So as he approached them, he had a scowl on his face. “What took so long?” he asked gruffly.
Buffy’s eyebrow rose, “Gee honey I missed you too.” She answered him just as ornery as he was.
Angel stopped when he was in front of her. His hands automatically reaching for her as he roughly pulled her into his embrace. With her body pressed tightly against his and his nose buried deep in the silken strands of her hair, all his anger and worry dissipated. He took a deep breath, breathing in her scent and hugged her harder. “I’m sorry. I was worried.”
Buffy’s eyes closed as she hugged him back. She felt her eyes get misty as she let him engulf her in his overbearing presence and it was the greatest feeling in the world. The blonde disappeared, Parker disappeared and as usual she was left with nothing but his essence surrounding her inside and out. “It’s okay, I’m sorry too. It’s been…a long night.” Her voice was muffled against his chest but he still heard her.
He leaned back and took her face in his hands. His deep brown gaze searched her features looking for any new marks or abrasions on her face. “Are you alright?” he asked.
It was a simple question one that held more than simplicity in its asking. It sought truth and honesty, and she responded with denial and lies. “I’m fine Angel, really don’t worry.”
“Are you sure?” He looked deep into her green eyes and it took all of her strength not to just bawl her eyes out.
She smiled at him, her hand reaching up and caressing his wrinkled worried forehead. “I’m sure.” She leaned in and kissed him.
Faith watched the couple and listened quietly. Knowing how hard it must be for Buffy to stand there and act as if nothing was wrong, she cleared her throat wanting to get Angel’s penetrating gaze off of her friend, if only for a minute. “Where’s Spike?”
Angel turned and looked at her, “He had something to do. He should be back soon.”
She nodded and headed over to the counter and went straight for the blonde. The open hostility that was coming off of this woman and directed at Buffy was pissing her off. She wasn’t in the mood for any more threats aimed at her friend.
“Who are you?” she coldly asked.
Kate smirked back at her and answered her with her own question. “Who are you?”
“Someone you don’t want to know honey.”
Gunn chuckled only to be slapped by Fred on the arm. He looked at her and shrugged.
Angel kissed Buffy on the forehead smiling at her lovingly. “I’m glad you’re home.”
“Me too.” She smiled back and took his hand as he reached for her.
“Faith, Buffy this is Kate.”
Buffy followed him her eyes scathingly staring at Kate. She nodded her head at the other woman as she gripped Angel’s hand hard.
“Kate’s here to help out, Faith.” Fred said.
Faith didn’t respond nor did she move from her spot. She just stood there with her arms crossed against her chest, blocking the other woman’s gaze from Buffy and Angel.
Kate held her gaze then walked around her and up to Angel. “I should be going. You’ll call me?”
Angel nodded.
Kate looked at Buffy, her eyes raking down her body and to their clenched hands. When she looked back at her she smiled into a pair of angry green eyes. There was something about the petite blonde that reminded Kate of something but for the life of her she couldn’t put her finger on it. “Have we met?”
Angel held his breath. His body tensing with unease as his hand squeezed Buffy’s hand harder. Buffy took that as a sign of guilt instead of what it really was which was protectiveness, and she squeezed back…harder.
“I don’t think so.” She coldly replied.
“Are you sure? You seem very familiar to me.”
She was about to reply when Angel stepped in front of her and answered for her. “You’ve probably seen her in some magazine Kate.”
Kate looked at Buffy again who was coldly staring back at her then back at Angel. He was definitely hiding something from her. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
She headed toward the door, she’ll find out what he was hiding sooner or later. “I’ll wait for your call.”
She opened the door and bumped into Spike. “Hello Spike.”
“Kate,” Spike looked at her with open hostility, they hated each other and it was no secret to anyone. “Leaving so soon?” He reached for the door, “Here let me help you…leave.”
She grinned at him as he held the door open for her. “Always the gentleman.”
She walked through the door and he slammed it closed. “So long slutty.”
He hopped away from the door and headed inside. “Glad to see I didn’t miss anything…good. Morning all.” He grabbed Faith and kissed her soundly on the lips. “Morning vixen.”
The moment Kate left Angel instantly relaxed. He looked down to see Buffy looking at him knowingly and he couldn’t help but swallow nervously.
She smiled at him and then took mercy on him. Reaching up she whispered. “If she touches you again, I’ll kill her.” She kissed him on the ear then licked the rim sending shivers of lust down his spine.
She pulled back and winked at him.
Angel scowled. Did she know that her bloodthirsty words did nothing but turn him on? By the way her saucy hips were swinging back and forth he would say yes.
“Where were you?” Faith asked as Spike sat down on the couch and pulled her along with him.
He kissed her neck breathing in her scent, “Just taking care of a little business. Nothing to worry about luv.”
Angel looked at Spike, “Fadhbanna?”1
“Ceann ar bith.”2
Buffy knew they were speaking Gaelic but that was only because she had heard Angel talk in that language numerous times when they made love. And just like then, she had no idea what the hell he was saying.
But he seemed pleased with Spike’s answer as he nodded then turned his attention back to Buffy. “So what happened?”
She gulped as his intense stare landed on her, and she fought the urge to go run and hide under a rock. “Adam moved the date up. He wants it done tonight.”
Why, was he not surprised? “Did he say why?”
Buffy snorted, remembering the sharp slap that question got her. “No. Adam doesn’t explain himself unless he wants to.”
“Alright. Gunn, Wes, you got everything we need right?”
“Everything is ready to go Angel.” Wesley answered.
“Good.” He took Buffy’s hand and started to walk to his office. “We’ll be right back.”
He pulled her inside his office and then pressed her up against the closed door. Slowly he leaned into her his head resting in the crook of her neck as he nuzzled her skin. His nostrils flared with her skin’s perfumed scent. His fingers touched the softest silken flesh of her shoulders and his body shuttered with the intense emotions that raged inside of him.
He wondered if he would feel this way every time he sent her out to do a job. This frenzied need to reassure himself that she was really back with him, safe and unharmed. But he already knew the answer to that as he felt The Beast stirring, almost pawing at his slacks to be free.
Buffy encircled his strong frame with her arms as she closed her eyes. She felt his hardness pressed against her and she breathed deep. For a brief second last night’s events returned to her, the humiliation and shame. But as he nuzzled her further, and his gentle lips started a slow and sensual path down her neck, it disappeared.
She realized in a blink of an eye, that it didn’t matter if she was raped by Parker. It didn’t matter if it happened again. All that mattered was this…him…them. All that mattered was protecting what she shared with this man. She felt no guilt in not telling him what happened, she only felt reassurance that she was doing what was best for him.
His lips left her skin and he looked into her eyes and she into his. They were turbulent filled with so many different emotions at the same time that she couldn’t pinpoint just one. She reached up and caressed his face. “What’s a matter baby?”
He took her hand and kissed it. “What could be wrong? I have you safely back in my arms,” He kissed her lips. “Just where you belong…always.” He gruffly said.
Buffy smiled at him, “Did you think otherwise?”
He scoffed, “If you hadn’t shown up in the next hour I would’ve went to get you.” He ran hand through her hair, loving the way it glided through his fingers. “Are you sure you’re alright…Parker…”
“Parker, didn’t do anything but whine like a baby.” She said. ‘Well that was true. He did whine and cry like a three year old.’
He continued to gaze into her eyes. She looked so beautiful and so open that for some reason he questioned it. It had occurred to him while he spent the night brooding, that there was the slight possibility that something could happen to her and she wouldn’t tell him.
Now he wouldn’t blame her for not wanting to talk about something that was painful and wanting to just forget about it. But for him, personally, he needed to know. Just like he needed food and water to live, he needed to know that nothing happened to her.
He wanted to rip her clothes off and inspect every inch of her body. He wanted to demand that she tell him the truth. But he couldn’t do any of those things. He’d asked and she gave him her answer, and he was just going to have to believe her and live silently with his own demons.
She leaned up and kissed him again. “Angel, don’t worry please. Everything went fine. The reason we got back so late was because I wanted to spend some time with Paulina. She’s a friend, a good friend and I wanted to hang out with her for a little while.”
It never occurred to him that there were people from her past, good people that she might have missed when she left New York. They had talked so little about her past and when they did it was always about the bad things. Now he felt bad that they never did. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
He shrugged, his fingers toying with a strand of her hair. “I’m sorry that you had to sacrifice the few people that you loved to escape the prison that you were in. And I’m sorry that I never asked you about them.”
Tears welled up in her eyes and this time she didn’t try to hold them back. “Angel, you don’t have to be sorry. I was never open about myself. I never wanted to talk about any of it. Honestly, until the other day, I’d forgotten about them too.” She looked down at his chest, her hand coming up and playing with the button on his shirt. “I just couldn’t see anything beyond what made me miserable.”
Gently he took her chin and lifted her eyes to his. “And no one blames you for that. Listen when all this is over I want you to keep in touch with her and anyone else that you want to from the Brotherhood. If they’re your friends then their mine too.”
She smiled broadly at him. “Do you know how much I love you?”
He grinned, “Not as much as I love you.” He pressed her back against the door. Then he leaned down and kissed her neck.
Chuckling, her hand flitted through his hair as she leaned her head to the left, giving him better access. “Mmm…are we always going to be this sappy?” she asked teasingly.
“I hope so.”
They leaned into each other, their lips touched and Buffy’s body immediately became enflamed with desire.
“I want to make love to you so bad right now.” Angel huskily said in her ear.
His proclamation sent shivers down her spine and she moaned low in her throat. She wanted to feel him inside of her but she knew that it was probably not a very good idea to get intimate with him tonight.
He had a habit, which she normally loved, of just sitting quietly as he stared at her naked body. He could sit there for hours doing that. But she didn’t want to take any chances of him seeing the slight yellowish bruise she had on her inner thighs. Not to mention the bruise on her upper arm and the tiny needle mark. It didn’t matter how small it was, his keen eyes would see it.
She didn’t have to worry long though because Angel suddenly pulled back. “But I have some things I need to take care of for tonight and you…” he kissed her nose, “have to get some rest.”
She sighed with relief and disappointment at the same time.
He pulled her away from the door and tugged her into his arms. “I want you to go home and sleep. I’ll be by later today.”
She reached up on her tippy toes, her arms encircling his neck and she kissed him back. “I’ll miss you.” She whispered.
They clung to each other as they hungrily kissed. Sharing with each other every emotion they felt. And like every other kiss they shared it rattled them to their very cores.
They walked out of the office, holding hands to see the gang sitting around the lobby talking and laughing with each other as Spike told Faith how Oz got his nick name.
“It wasn’t that funny.” Oz said.
“Mate, if the tables were turned you’d be laughing at me right now.” Spike said.
“Faith, ready to go?” Buffy asked as they neared them.
Faith jumped up and pulled Spike along.
“I’ll meet you in the tunnels at six.” Angel said and Spike stopped and looked at him.
“Meet us?”
“Yeah, I have something I need to take care of first.”
Spike walked away from Faith and Buffy who were now talking to Fred and up to Angel. “Are you doing something that I need to know about?” he whispered.
“No. It’s just something that I need to take care of.” Angel said looking him straight in the eye. He hated to lie to Spike but it was better to not let anyone know what he was going to do.
Spike looked at him, remembering his own words to Angel just last night. He nodded at him. “You’ll call me if you need me.”
“Of course, just go with them and watch them. Put Bubba on the door to Buffy’s loft. Make sure he doesn’t let anyone in but us.”
Spike nodded and walked away and back up to the girls that waited for him. Buffy looked at Angel and smiling she blew him a kiss. He smiled back then watched them leave.
“Guys, why don’t you make sure everything is set for tonight then take whatever time is left and do whatever you want. I have something I need to do.”
He left them in the lobby and headed upstairs to his bedroom with thoughts of Buffy in his mind. He adjusted the semi-hard Beast, he would really like a little R and R time himself. He was pressed for time, but if he played his cards right, everything would go off without a hitch and he’d be back at Buffy’s by four.
************* 1Fadhbanna, rough translation meaning ‘problems’ 2Ceann ar bith, rough translation meaning ‘none’
Kick Off
She couldn’t sleep. She tried. She would lie down, close her eyes, and then Parker’s mocking face would float across her mind. Her eyes would pop open and her heart would be pounding out of her chest. She’d curse herself for even thinking about him and then she would try it again, only to have the same thing happen. After about two hours of that crap she decided to take a hot bath.
She settled in the tub, leaned her head back against the cool porcelain, and closed her eyes. A small smile played across her lips. This was heaven. The hot water seeped into her tired and weary body, and relaxed her taut muscles and her mind. Now when she closed her eyes she saw nothing and that made her smile.
But that didn’t last long either. She couldn’t help but wonder about Kate and what kind of history she and Angel actually had. She knew that it was an intimate one, but there were many different levels of intimacy. So the question was which one did they share?
Personally, she liked to separate them into tiers, three to be precise.
Tier One was a one night stand; one night of hot sex with a complete stranger, someone that you would never see again. She’d had a lot of those since living in LA. They were empty and meant nothing. No threat there.
Tier Two was the fuck buddy tier; usually a close friend or an acquaintance. It could be someone that you were close with and saw on a daily basis or someone that you were friends with but maybe didn’t hang out with too much. Those usually were not as empty as the One Night Stand Tier. These relations normally were based on a friendship of some sort, two people that didn’t have a significant other but needed to feel closeness with someone. Technically not really a threat either. Because the two people involved normally didn’t hold any expectations of the relationship going any further. It was just something to pass the time with, so to speak.
Now Tier Three was much more complicated. It was the Ex-Tier. Someone that you had a close and intimate relationship with but for whatever reason things didn’t work out and you were no longer an item. This tier usually came with many issues and hang-ups. There was a history of love, passion and pain between the two people. Sometimes it was easy to overlook that history and sometimes it wasn’t.
So the question was which tier did Angel and Kate fit into? She was torn between Tier Two and Tier Three. She didn’t know which one was worse, if there was a worse case scenario. Not that it really mattered to her at this point in time. She was secure in the knowledge that Angel loved her and was true to her. But she also knew from personal experience that sometimes the Ex couldn’t let go. Like her pig of a husband.
She had seen Kate’s predatory gaze on Angel. She thought he was hers and that Buffy was the intruder. Well she would just have to keep an eye on that one. And if need be, tell her that Angel was no longer on the market.
Now that that was clear in her mind she was finally able to relax. She stayed in the tub for about another half hour before she got restless again.
The reason for her restlessness was simple. She was excited about tonight. It had been a long time since she had felt the thrill of doing something she wasn’t supposed to do, and she was really looking forward to it. She almost felt like a kid on Christmas Eve, giddy with excitement to open her presents.
Stepping out of the tub, she dried herself off and got dressed. She pulled on a pair of black yoga pants, a black shirt, and then put her hair up in a twist. All of her clothing was tight and form fitting, meant to give her plenty of freedom to be fluid and agile.
After grabbing her black mask and bag she decided that there was no better time than now to explore the tunnels. So she made her way to the hidden door by the front door of the loft. Opening it she stepped inside and walked down the winding staircase.
********
Peaking around the corner of the building he saw Grant just sitting on his bike looking bored and pissed off and with no clue that the occupants of the building had been going in and out the entire time he had been ‘watching’ them.
“Idiot.” Turning away he unlocked the door to the tunnels and walked inside heading down the dark path. Nearing the recon room, he saw a light on and he slowed his pace as he pressed himself against the wall and peaked inside the room.
Buffy stood facing the safe, her arms were crossed over her chest, her head was tilted to the left and her right foot was tapping. He could see the side of her face, she had that ‘should I or shouldn’t I’ expression and it made him chuckle.
She turned around at the warm amused sound, “Angel.” She smiled at him, “you’re early.”
Quietly he dropped the bag that he carried and with his foot pushed it behind him and into the darkened shadows of the tunnel. He walked into the room and over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist he drew her closer into his body, as his hands roamed down her tight clothed body.
He kissed her on the lips. “Now I know I have never seen this outfit before.” He commented as his hands grabbed her perfect round globes and squeezed bringing her further against him.
Buffy chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You like?”
“Mmmm, I do.” Taking her chin, he brought her mouth to his.
Smiling, she opened for him and kissed him back, letting her tongue wrap around his.
When they pulled apart Angel looked at the safe and then back at her. “Tempting isn’t it. It’s like it calls out to you.”
She nodded, “it is. I’d forgotten how strong that lure can be.”
Smiling he turned her around so her back was against his chest, his hands settled on her belly as he walked them over to the safe. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “So, how good are you Buffy Summers?”
His hands started to slowly rub her stomach, inching up just below her breasts.
“I wonder, how well can you perform under pressure.” His fingers slowly moved back and forth under her breasts. She felt her nipples tighten from those slow mind-blowing movements and her breath hitched.
“Pressure?” She asked gruffly, her mind almost unable to concentrate on anything but the titillating movements of his very talented fingers.
His hands moved up, skimming her breasts and he rubbed them in a circular motion with his palms, as he blew hot air in her ear right before he spoke again.
“Yeah…pressure…”
He squeezed her breasts and her eyes closed as she groaned
“You know when you’re in someone else’s house, its pitch dark, and the mark is sleeping two feet away from you. You have one minute to…”
His hands reached under her tight shirt, touching heated flesh, “…open the safe, grab your booty...”
His hands wrapped around naked breasts and he held back the moan that erupted in this throat. The realization that she was butt naked under this outfit was like a match to paper. His desire for her was enflamed and the Beast immediately sprung to life, hard and pressing deep into her tight ass.
“…and get out.” He barely got the words.
This was supposed to be a test of sorts for her. He wanted to see how well she handled herself under pressure. But that notion quickly went out the door, the second she pushed back and let lose a moan that was so sexy, so needy that it turned his insides into molten fire and his mouth as dry as the Sahara Desert.
“I can get the job…done.” She said as she languidly rotated against him.
He rolled her hard nipples in between his fingers. “Show me.”
Buffy’s breathing was loud and irregular as her hands reached up to the safe. She was quite proud that her hands were as steady as they were considering that Angel’s hands were causing immense havoc to her senses. But she knew what he was about and she meant to pass this test with flying colors.
Angel watched her as she leaned against the safe, her delicate hands touching the lock, and readying herself to unlock it.
With his eyes on her, his hands roamed lower to the waistband of her pants, they were elastic and he smiled to himself as he slipped a hand down the front. He heard her breath quicken, he heard how it got just a little bit louder and then watched as in response to that she pressed her ear closer against the safe.
Slipping lower he felt only smooth hot skin and no panties. He didn’t even try to stop himself from groaning this time. He pressed himself against her even more and did it loudly in her ear, hitting her with the full force of his hot breath. He felt her shiver against him, and he watched as her hand faltered slightly.
“Concentrate.” He reminded her.
Buffy was concentrating, very hard, on the safe and on his finger that just moved lower and slid across her wet slit. The noise she made as he slipped his finger inside of her was a mix between a moan and a grunt of frustration as she saw her hand begin to shake. Oh he was so going to get his.
“You’re not being fair.” She said, as she took a deep breath and tried with all her might to concentrate on her fingers instead of his.
He slipped another finger inside and started to move them in and out of her wet hot sheath. “Job’s aren’t always cut and dried.”
His fingers were now thoroughly coated in her juices and he added a third finger, increasing his pace, easily gliding them in and out of her heat. “You should know that…considering how…wet you are.” He heatedly whispered in her ear.
Her eyes closed, her hips moved with his fingers, she moaned loudly, just as she heard the click of the safe opening and felt her orgasm rushing through her body.
She leaned her head against the cool metal safe, panting heavily with her release. Angel’s eyes closed on their own accord, as he felt her muscles squeeze his fingers and he felt the warmth of her juices.
Feeling her hand on his wrist he opened his eyes to see her pulling him out of her pants. He watched as he she lifted his fingers up to her lips. They glistened with her juices and his eyes blackened with pure raw hot lust as she slid his finger across her bottom lip.
“You think you’re clever don’t you?” She asked.
At the moment he was feeling anything but clever. His eyes were riveted to her mouth as she wrapped her lips around all three of his fingers and sucked them into the warm recesses of her mouth. So intent on her sensual actions that he didn’t see the promised retribution in her dark green eyes.
She moaned with him as she tasted herself on his fingers. She released his fingers with a soft wet pop and then turned around and placing her hand on his chest she pushed him back until he hit the table.
Angel grabbed the edge of the table to brace himself just as she reached for his pants and unzipped them. Reaching inside she grabbed his hard member and pulled him out, stroking him with long confident movements.
Angel was speechless as he stared into her eyes. He couldn’t think of anything except her hand and the way it wrapped so perfectly around his cock.
“You think I don’t know what you’re up too?” She increased the pressure around his cock as she stilled her hand and squeezed him.
His breath came out as short hot pants but no words followed.
“Well I can play that game to Angel.”
She dropped to her knees. His big beautiful cock twitched eagerly toward her mouth and he watched, anxiously waiting the moment when she would take him inside.
But Buffy just knelt in front of him, her hand was still and she stared at him.
The tension was hot, almost too hot for Angel…this waiting game she played, and his hands gripped the wood of the table, his fingers digging into it waiting for her to make her next move
“Who is Kate?” She asked something he was not expecting so he didn’t answer right away.
“Angel?” Finally her hand moved down his shaft and she ran a fingernail gently down the underneath of his right nut.
He shivered, “W…what?”
“Kate. Who is she to you?”
“No…nobody.” He answered her.
She pulled away from his testicle and once more stilled her hand. “Somehow I don’t believe you.” She said as she removed her hand from his cock and went to move completely away from him.
Like a bullet his hand shot out and grabbed hers, wrapping it once more around his member. “She’s an FBI Agent.” He answered, his eyes closing as Buffy smiled with his answer and once more started to stroke his cock.
“That’s it? You never slept with her?” She leaned in and licked the head of his cock with her tongue then pulled away when she felt him push closer to her. “Think before you answer.” She warned him, her hand once more stilling its movements.
God she was killing him, torturing him by giving him a little and then taking it away. He had no choice but to answer her honestly because he needed her, the Beast needed her.
“Yes…I…did.” He answered and he was rewarded as she took his head in her mouth and gently sucked.
“Oh God…” His hand automatically reached for her head, his fingers massaging her scalp as her hot mouth sucked.
Pure rapture filled him and his eyes squeezed shut as desire pounded in his body. When he felt her trying to release him and pull back, he got a little forceful. His hand gripped her head harder desperately trying to keep her where she was.
But Buffy wouldn’t have any of that and she reached up and pinched his testicle. He hissed from the sharp sting on his sensitive appendage and quickly released her head. Bloodthirsty tease.
She pulled back and looked up at him smiling evilly as she saw the look of pain and pleasure cross his masculine features.
“Was she you’re girlfriend?” She asked.
He had no idea what she had just said. His mind was mush, his body was taut with unreleased desire and he could feel his cock pounding.
Leaning forward she flattened her tongue and licked his shaft down to his testis. Angel groaned, his hand once more resting on her head unable to stop touching her but he didn’t answer her.
“Concentrate Angel.” She threw back at him. Gently she toke the testicle she previously pinched inside her mouth and lightly sucked, soothing it.
His heart jumped and he felt like it was stuck in his throat but he finally answered her, croaking out a sharp. “No.”
Buffy smiled liking that answer. She released his sack and her hand once more began to stroke his length. “So she was just a fuck buddy?”
She squeezed him harder and increased her pace as she watched his face contort with pleasure. “Angel?”
“Mmm…?”
“If you don’t want me to stop you better answer me.” She sternly said as she moved faster and harder.
With one hand gripping the table and the other stroking her head he let loose with a rush of words. “Yes…no, I don’t know…what…oh god…that means. We slept together…a few…times. But that was…it. I swear. I…don’t…even…like…her.”
He was going to have a heart attack there was no doubt about it.
“Good.” Buffy smiled then completely engulfed his cock inside of her mouth. She sucked him as she started to bob her head, moving her mouth up and down his shaft. His hand gripped her head painfully, as he felt his balls tighten. His hips lifted away from the table and he pushed himself into her mouth as he came. Buffy moaned joyfully as he filled her mouth. She gripped his thighs, her own fingers clawing into his flesh.
Angel had never before experienced the orgasm he just did. He didn’t know what made it more powerful than the other times she had given him head. Maybe it was the mix of pleasure and pain, or the domineering way she took control and demanded honest answers. Either way, it didn’t matter to him. It was the best blow job he had ever had. It was so good that he actually felt somewhat sated.
He smiled as Buffy released him and sat back. Without opening his eyes he leisurely pulled himself up onto the table and lay down. Throwing a hand over his eyes he tried to catch his breath and calm his beating heart.
With warm eyes and a pleased smile Buffy watched him as she licked her lips clean. She was happy with his answers about Kate. It was as she suspected. Fuck buddies. And she had a feeling that at some point she was going to have to have a little talk with Kate.
Placing her hands on the table, she pushed herself up and draped herself across Angel’s body. His arms automatically reached around her form and hugged her closer. She sighed contently as she snuggled into his neck and closed her eyes. “So are you satisfied?” she asked
Angel smirked, “for now.”
Buffy giggled, “I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about how I am under pressure.”
“Oh well, you’re very… talented.” His hands roamed down her back and cupped her ass, squeezing them gently.
“Angel will you be serious. I want to know if I passed the test, do you believe in me.”
“Of course I believe in you baby, I know you can get the job done. That was just a brazen excuse to get down your pants.” He kissed her head and she chuckled against his chest. Her warm breath heated his flesh and he hugged her harder.
“Angel you never need an excuse to get down my pants.” She looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with love and appreciation. “All you need to do is ask.” Leaning forward she lightly kissed his waiting lips.
“Mmm…my sex slave.” He said as his hands wandered up to the elastic of her pants, and worked their way underneath. His fingers glided over smooth skin and he purred contently.
Buffy chuckled with mirth as she pulled away from him and scooted off the table.
“Where are you going?”
Grabbing his hands, she pulled him up so he was standing, then very deftly leaned down and pulled his pants up, tucking The Beast securely away. “Play time is over, we’re going to have visitors soon and the toys must be put back in their proper place.”
He smiled at her, his eyes on her golden head as she looked down and put her toy away. When she was done, she looked back up at him. “I love you Angel, so much.”
He grabbed her fiercely in a big bear hug. “And I love you Ioniun.”
“Spike, Angel’s not going to like this.”
“Oh please pet, why do you think the poof had the bedroom installed so he could sleep in it by himself?”
The door swung open and Buffy and Angel’s gazes lifted up to the entrance.
Seeing that the room was not as empty as he thought it would be Spike scowled, “damn, you’re here.”
The couple just smiled at him as they continued to hug each other, Faith nudged Spike backing the shoulder as she walked around him. “See I told you they’d be down here.”
Spike shut the door as Faith walked in and started to walk around the room. Noticing the opened safe, she couldn’t stop herself from peering inside.
Spike took her by the shoulders and steered her away from the safe, pulling a chair out for her he sat her down. “Don’t be nosey.”
“Don’t leave safes unlocked.” She flippantly replied.
Angel and Buffy finally pulled away from each other, “Are you guys ready?” Angel asked as he walked over to the safe and closed it up.
Turning around he faced them as they all sat at the table. “Okay so let’s go over it one more time.”
Faith and Buffy started to gripe but Spike, use to the way Angel worked, just sat back and listened, his eyes never once leaving Angel’s face. Angel ignored the girls, his face stern and his eyes hard as he started to talk.
“You girls will take Faith’s car and drive to the mansion. Buffy…” His gaze turned to her, “you get out at the back of the house, while Faith drives around to the front to keep the guards occupied while you scale the wall and make your way to the house.”
Buffy nodded.
He turned back to Faith, “Faith once Buffy gets out, disengage the alternator, and start pushing.” Scowling he looked down at her feet. “Are you going to be able to push the car with those heels on?” he asked skeptically.
Faith chuckled, as she crossed her legs. “Angel, you expect me to wear combat boots with this outfit?”
Angel grunted, of course she was right. She was dressed to entice and the heels were just part of the package. Dismissing her, he turned his attention to Buffy. “Buffy you know the security system, you went over it with Oz the other night any questions? “
Buffy shook her head. “Nope.”
“Don’t’ forget to disengage the motion sensors If you don’t then it’s all over.”
Buffy nodded, silently listening to ‘the boss’, but inside she was getting a little jumpy. Did he think she was an idiot? She knew what to do and when to do it. This wasn’t her first job. Taking a deep breath calming breath, she kept her mouth shut and let Angel take the reins. It seemed to make him very happy.
“After that, get to the study. Don’t spend any time dillydallying around the house Buffy. Just get in and get the diamonds then get out. No wandering. Do you understand me?” He said it a little bit more harshly than he intended to but he wanted to make that part very clear to her.
“Don’t worry Angel. I’m not shopping for god’s sake.” She looked over at Faith, “although maybe I am…for pretty sparkling baubles.” She smirked and Faith chuckled.
Spike and Angel did not.
“Get serious you two. This is a job not fun time.” That crisp no nonsense voice came from Spike, and both of them turned surprised eyes to the normally joke riddled Brit.
“Be sure to turn the alarms back on before you leave Buffy, we don’t want to alert the mark that anyone’s been there.”
Buffy nodded.
“We all know what to do next, right?”
Faith answered, “Buffy and I come back here, while you guys go and get the diamonds back”
Buffy’s face crinkled with annoyance. This was what she didn’t like. “And why is that again?”
“Because at that point you’re job is done and ours begins.” Angel answered her as Spike nodded.
Buffy sat forward in her chair. “Why can’t we just do it together?”
Angel sighed he knew exactly what she was thinking. “Buffy, I already told you. We’re only going there to get the diamonds back and nothing more.”
She sat back in her chair her eyes studying him hard. It was her one problem with this plan, she was afraid that he was trying to keep her away from doing what she had to do, and that would not make her very happy. “I hope so Angel.”
He looked back at her, “Buffy you can trust me.”
After a few seconds of staring into his insistent gaze, she nodded.
Angel smiled at her and then slapped his hands together. “Good. Showtime people. Let’s be quick and invisible.”
Spike and Faith walked out of the tunnels and up into the club leaving Buffy and Angel to follow them. “Buffy when you get to the compound, I want you to give the diamonds to Adam and then leave, do you understand me?”
She wanted to smack him, but instead she gave him a grating smile. “I’m not deaf Angel. Besides, I don’t want to stay there any longer than I have too.”
‘Just enough time to stick my knife in Parker’s gut.’ She thought.
He grabbed her arm, “Buffy I’m serious. I know you have unfinished business with Parker but it can wait. Let’s get tonight over and done with. There will be plenty of time to take care of Parker later.”
Her eyes were turbulent as she looked back at him and after a few tense seconds she answered him. “Fine.”
She turned and walked away and out of the loft. Angel’s eyes crinkled in exasperation, instinctively knowing that she wasn’t going to listen to him. Sighing deeply he followed her out. Good thing he planned for this.
Buffy walked out and up into the club toward Faith. She was a little annoyed that Angel thought she was just going to walk away from Parker tonight without dishing out justice. Some things could not wait and this was one of them. She’ll deal with Angel’s wrath later.
“Ready?”
“5 by 5”
“Let’s go.”
“Buffy?” Angel called out and she turned around. “Be careful.”
She smiled at him and then blew him a kiss. “I always am baby. See you later.”
They left the club, and Angel and Spike watched from the door’s window as they waved to Grant and then drove away. The second they left Angel turned away only to be stopped by Spike’s grip on his shoulder. “Hold on Mate.”
Looking back outside he was surprised to see Grant making his way over to the front door of the club.
“What’s this about then?”
Angel’s eyes hardened; perhaps Grant wasn’t such an idiot after all. “I don’t know, but let’s see what he’s got to say. Bubba?”
“Yeah?”
“Let him in and show him to the corner table.” Bubba nodded. He watched as Spike and Angel made their way to the table and sat down, when the door was opened.
He turned around to look at Grant, his eyes hard as steel, “this way.”
When they reached the table, Bubba faded back and Grant stood there staring into the shadows. Their faces were hidden but it didn’t matter. “I know who you are. There’s no reason for secrecy.”
Spike leaned forward his face coming out of the shadows and into the light. “Do you now? I don’t know if I’d be so proud in saying that mate, better men than you have died for saying those exact words.”
Grant snickered, “I don’t think you want to kill me.”
Spike snorted, looking back over his shoulder, “I wouldn’t be too sure of that.”
“I can help you.”
“Help us?” Spike’s arm started to rise under the table, his finger just hovering over the trigger of his gun. “I think he just insulted us.” But he was stopped.
He looked back at Angel and saw him shake his head. Disappointed, Spike pulled his arm back.
“What do you want Grant?” Angel leaned forward, his own face now visible in the light of the room.
Grant was surprised by the face that stared back at him. He never imagined the Scourge of Europe to be so…good looking. He always thought that a man with the reputation of a cold blooded killer would look the part. This man did not. But it was deceiving because while he had the face of an angel, the hard glinted eyes that intently watched him told his true nature. “I can help you get rid of Adam and Parker.”
“I don’t need your help to do that.”
“Yeah we’re quite capable of killing ‘em ourselves.” Spike said. He didn’t like this and he didn’t trust Grant.
They both stared at him coldly and Grant swallowed. He knew he was taking a big risk by just walking in here but it was a risk he was willing to take. “I’m not saying you can’t. I can help you with the after effects.”
“After effects?”
“You don’t seriously think that an organization like the Brotherhood is going to let you just walk in and kill their President and Vice President without any retaliation, do you?”
“Who says we’re going to do that?” Spike asked.
“I would expect nothing less from the Scourge of Europe.”
Silently studying Grant Angel realized that he had seriously misjudged the man. His eyes crinkled with annoyance. Once more he let his emotions regarding Buffy control his brain. He was really going to have to get a grip on that.
“Actually Grant, that’s exactly what I expect.”
“You see Mate, that’s where a common killer like yourself and your…organization differ from professionals like us, see there’s an art form to killing, one that can be extremely…intimidating.”
“I know your methods. I’m not an idiot. In fact I respect what you do and how you do it, it’s why I’m here instead of just slitting Buffy’s throat and throwing her dead body on your door step.”
Grant waited for the blow to come. He waited for the explosion of indignation. Instead he got no reaction. Just two sets of eyes staring at him impassionedly then a violent jolt to his back. He fell forward, his palms landing on the table as he looked back at the hulking and pissed off man that let him in.
“You have to excuse Bubba he has a very strong attachment to Buffy and doesn’t take kindly to people threatening her.” Angel softly said, as he held on to his own anger.
“Yeah he’s like your kind – runs on pure emotion.”
Bubba growled angrily and Spike tipped his head at him, “sorry mate no offense.”
Bubba nodded then stood there with his arms crossed against his chest. Grant stared at him furiously. He hated the Angels.
Turning back to Angel and Spike he said, “Look I’m sure you don’t want the Brotherhood following your every move.”
Spike chuckled, “you think they’re that good do ya?” Once more he drew his gun out. “I’ve had enough of this bloody nonsense.” But once more Angel stopped him.
Spike turned to him silently questioning him and Angel just shook his head. “What do you have in mind Grant?”
“It’s simple. You kill Adam and Parker and I take over as President of The Brotherhood. With me in charge you don’t have to worry about anyone coming after you. I can smooth things over. They’ll listen to me.”
Angel sat back his eyes studying the other man. “Why would you do that? What’s in it for you?”
“Leadership and the respect I deserve.” He stood tall and proud and Angel smirked in the shadows. Buffy was right, he was hungry for power and his anger at being duped by Adam was greater than she even realized. It was all quite nice actually, the way Grant just walked right into Angel’s plan.
“Why should I trust you?”
“I’ve known about you since day one. I’ve known that Buffy’s been working with you all along and I’ve kept it too myself. I have nothing else to offer you but my word.”
“The word of a Brother? Not much to go on there.” Bubba commented and Grant turned around. “Oh and the Angel’s are truer?”
They stepped up to each other ready to battle it out but Angel stood up, slamming his hands on the table. Bubba’s eyes immediately rose to his and then he backed away from Grant. “I hope we meet again one day.”
“So do I.” Grant sneered back. Bubba turned and walked away, and Grant turned his attention back to Angel.
“Angelus, I have no beef with you or Buffy. I always knew that Adam’s involvement with the Mayor would be his downfall and I don’t want to see a good organization like The Brotherhood go down with him.”
There was no doubt in Angel’s mind that Grant was telling the truth. The problem now was that he was actually thinking about not killing him and that wouldn’t do because he couldn’t let Grant get away with hurting Buffy. He sat back down, “what’s your plan?”
Grant relaxed slightly, “simple really, I’ll tell them that the Mayor killed them. They’ll never even know that Buffy or you were involved. You get what you want and I get what I want.”
After a few seconds of silence, Angel finally answered him.
“Alright you have an agreement.” He held is hand out and Grant took it.
“She’ll be at the compound later. Since we’re…allies now, I expect you to watch over her and make sure she leaves safely. If she doesn’t the Brotherhood will be looking for another President to fill Adam’s shoes.”
Grant nodded at him. “Like I said, I would expect nothing less.”
“Good. Then we’re finished here.” Angel left and walked over to the bar where Bubba poured him a drink.
Grant looked at Spike who stared at him blankly. He nodded at him and then left the club.
“Are you serious? You’re actually going along with him?” Spike asked as he walked over to Angel.
“The Brotherhood is not too be trusted Angel, they’d kill their own mothers if they looked at them funny.” Bubba said.
Angel shrugged. “It doesn’t matter if I trust him or not…he’s still going to die.”
Spike sat down, “Now that’s more like it.” Bubba grunted his agreement.
“But for now he’ll be useful, at least until Buffy and Faith can get out of there and we retrieve the diamonds.”
A beep went off and Spike checked his watch. “It’s time to call Uncle.”
Angel stood up, “The last call I’ll ever make.” He looked at Spike and they shared a knowing smile.
“Call Kate, tell her she better not fuck this up.” Turning away he walked into the office and closed the door.
Spike looked at Bubba, “Why do I always get stuck with the dirty work?”
Coup de Grace
So far so good, she thought as she sprinted up to the main door of the house. Just like clockwork they had arrived precisely on time. Faith superbly provided the distraction for the guards at the main gate. In fact, Buffy had to hand it to her. She played the sexy harlot in distress so well that Buffy was going to be laughing from the guard’s horny expressions for a long time. Mmm…something to tease Spike about, she smiled to herself.
After that she had no problem scaling the wall where she sat and waited for the guard dogs to come. Which they did, right on time too, quickly she dispatched the dogs with the blow darts filled with tranquilizers that Oz gave her. And as they peacefully slumbered she ran across the expansive grounds.
Now standing on the porch, she closed her eyes. Her chest expanding with the deep soothing breaths she took. She counted to ten as her hands blindly lifted to the alarm pad hidden in the shadows of the alcove.
With her silky thin gloves she felt the electronic device lightly pulsing beneath her finger tips and her eyes opened.
Brilliantly green and shining with exuberance she looked at the pad her fingers flexing gracefully in the moonlight.
“Do we have a green, Hellcat?”
“5 x 5. See you on the outside Slick.”
Buffy nodded as her fingers punched in the code that Oz extracted from the alarm system. The LCD screen flashed green and she heard a pop. Smiling broadly under her black mask she reached for the gold knob and turned it slowly opening the door. She took one last look outside before stepping inside the house and quietly closing the door.
As soon as the door closed her ears sucked in and she felt like she was in an airplane. She feigned a yawn then swallowed a couple of times in an attempt to relieve the pressure. Finally her ears popped and she took a look around.
The room was dark except for spots of red laser beams where they interacted with the sensors used to detect them.. She was instantly reminded of the Museum heist.
That was the last time she had dealt with such sophisticated equipment. The last heist she had pulled off. It had been successful but still for one brief moment she questioned whether or not she still had it. Suddenly unsure of herself, she glanced around uneasily at her surroundings.
It was a beautiful rich home. There was no doubt in her mind that whoever lived here had a charmed life to be sure. The whole house reeked of money. They probably had a servant to do everything for them. They probably had someone that laid out their clothes in the morning and washed their backs when they showered. Hell, they probably had a maid to wipe their ass.
Looking at the fine and expensive art that hung on the walls, and the shiny marble tiles of the foyer she knew that she had been born with this skill. Born with the power and skill to take these people down a notch and make them like everyone else: vulnerable and unsafe.
People with this much money thought they were above everyone else and Buffy felt that it was her job to prove them wrong. She didn’t feel bad about illegally standing in someone else’s home eyeballing their stuff for herself.
Um…beautiful Van Gogh, ‘that would fetch a pretty price on the Market.’
In fact, she rather felt like Robin Hood, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor…me, she thought, grinning from ear to ear under her mask.
Like a bolt of lightning excitement filled her, adrenaline pumped through her veins and her fingers itched with anticipation. She smirked confidently under her mask; she didn’t have to think about it, she still had it.
With her confidence restored she relaxed and once more started to enjoy the moment until she heard his booming voice in her head as if he was standing behind her.
‘Don’t dillydally. Get in and get out!’
She shook her head, time to get to work. She took one last glance at the Van Gogh and mentally noted that she would have to come back for that one day.
Turning back to the door, she spied the glass covered panel that controlled the motion detectors just to the left of it. She flexed her fingers then nimbly entered the code, smiling as the glass cover slid open.
She remembered how annoyed she was with Angel when he made her repeat each and every code over and over again so she wouldn’t forget them. He was so diligently bothersome that way. She didn’t have the heart to tell him that she practically had a photographic memory, one of her many helpful talents when it came down to thieving. After Oz handed her the piece of paper with all the codes on it, she had each and every one memorized after one read. She knew eventually she would have to tell him because there was no way she could deal with him pestering her like that on every job.
There was a soft zipping sound and she looked over her shoulder to see the telltale signs of the laser beams disappear. Smiling she turned toward the interior of the house, leaving the glass panel open for when she returned later.
Quietly she walked into the home, her head looking up and down, and left and right, taking in every aspect of it.
As she made her way to the left wing and the study, she noticed that there weren’t any pictures of the people that lived in the house. She found that odd. Usually rich people loved to see themselves hanging on their walls in huge arrogant portraits. But there was nothing like that in this house it was almost like a museum and a chill ran down her spine. For some reason she found that very eerie and she wondered if anyone even lived in this house. Maybe it was just a place to hide the diamonds. That would be logical considering the owner didn’t trust banks and had to build his own Fort Knox. She wouldn’t be surprised to learn that that was just the case.
Putting that thought aside she entered the study and wasted no time walking over to the wall and the limestone dragon head that hung there.
She admired it for about two seconds, looking at the rich detail that was chiseled into the stone. It looked Celtic and it reminded her of the etchings on Angel’s knife. The knife that Angel forgot to take away from her, which was now nestled comfortably in her bag waiting to dish out some much deserved justice. She shook off those thoughts, now was not the time to think of revenge. That would come later.
Placing the bag on the floor she reached up and positioned her hands on both sides of the dragons head. Her thumbs stretched up and over the dragon’s eyes and with all her might she pushed. The stone eyeballs scrapped lightly against the limestone as they moved inward, and she could see lines that had already been etched in the eye sockets from them moving so many times before.
Hearing the sound of the wall move she looked over to the left and picked up her bag, watching as the wall slid up and into the ceiling. According to Oz this was where things got tricky.
She peered to her left and then the right. On each side of the doorframe were two glass panels that concealed the number pads. Each one had to be opened simultaneously. Then the code for each one had to be entered also at the same time, resulting in the elevator’s alarm sensors being turned off. It was tricky, but since she had the codes it only required timing and precision, which she had plenty of.
Placing the bag on the floor again she stood in the doorframe, her legs stretched out in a split as she balanced herself with her hands on the doorframes. Taking a deep breath she moved her hands down and over the glass panels. Behind closed lids she envisioned the glass panel’s number pads clearly seeing each number that she had to press at the same time. They were not the same numbers which was also difficult, which numbers to press with which hand. But in her mind it was as if it was right in front of her face, she saw nothing else but that and her fingers responded accordingly, pressing each code at the same exact time.
When she was done, she opened her eyes to the soft swish of the glass sliding open. She smiled, next step.
Bringing her hands in front of her she cracked her knuckles and once more positioned them over the now exposed number pads. Again she closed her eyes, seeing only the numbers she had to press and her fingers obliged, easily pressing each one in sync.
There was a click and her hands dropped, quickly she reached for the bag and stepped into the elevator. This was the part where time was definitely of the essence. She had only sixty seconds to get in the elevator, go down to the vault and enter another code the same way before the elevator alarm re-engaged itself again.
She stood in the elevator, her foot tapping restlessly as she checked her watch, thirty seconds to go. The elevator doors opened and she once more balanced herself in the doorframe and had the alarm for the vault’s motion detectors disengaged in twenty seconds.
She stepped out into the vestibule then turned around to face the elevator. She looked at her watch and counted down ten seconds. Precisely ten seconds later she heard the zip of the alarm engaging and she watched as the doors closed.
If she had extra time she would have stopped to marvel at the complexity of the system. It was truly amazing and rivaled even the Museum’s system. But once again she heard Angel’s booming voice in her head to get in and get out.
Wasting no time, she turned and faced the vault. She stood there her mouth agape under her mask as her eyes bulged. Oz told her what she would find, he had said it was going to be something to see but she had blown off his comments thinking that she had seen everything. But now standing here and looking at it she was stunned.
In front of her was a glass tempered wall. According to Oz, it was fifteen feet high and four feet thick. It was bullet proof, drill proof, and it was supposed to be able to withstand explosions of the highest magnitude. It was impregnable and built to keep unwanted intruders out. She couldn’t help but wonder how much this enclosure must have cost the owner. She knew it wasn’t cheap. Security systems never were, at least the good ones.
Behind the glass the entire vault was visible and Buffy could do nothing but stand there completely taken aback by what she saw. It was the biggest thing she had ever seen, at least as far as home vaults were concerned. Oz said it was roughly two thousand square feet. There was a light that lit the front of the room but when she looked to the left or right she could see aisles that appeared to go on forever disappearing into darkness.
She could only imagine the treasures that this vault held in its darkened rooms and corners. She was in no way a scholar of any kind but the marble statues that stood in the front of the room, had to be very, very old. They looked Roman, like the ones you would see in the movies, naked and no arms. She knew those alone had to be worth a fortune.
‘Get yourself together Buffy, you’re not here to ogle and ponder.’
She cleared herself of her temporary stupor and fixated once more on actually getting inside the vault.
By this time, Faith should have the surveillance cameras on a time loop. So the only thing the guards would be seeing was the room before Buffy came into it. Of course she really hoped that they were still ogling Faith’s ass and not the cameras at all. That had been Buffy’s suggestion simply because she didn’t hold too much faith in time looping. That back fired on her a few times in the past and Buffy had more confidence in Faith’s ability to keep a man’s attention on her than the time looping.
So with the cameras and the guards taken care of she was free to move on to the next step.
The system that opened the door used another code that had to be entered but this time she had only five seconds to do it. She wasn’t worried too much about the time, but she was slightly worried about the method of entering the code. Instead of punching in the number codes the system was voice activated and required a finger print scan.
When Oz first told her, she had snorted at him. She didn’t exactly have the voice of a fifty something year old man. But he had just smiled at her knowingly and then handed her a voice box, which for Buffy was the coolest toy she ever got. She thought that voice boxes were just an invention of the movies so she was surprised to learn that they did exist. And when she tried it out she and Faith had taken turns impersonating Angel and Spike and laughing their asses off. Of course Angel and Spike didn’t seem too amused by it. Spike had ripped them away from them and told them they were being immature and unprofessional. Buffy just stuck her tongue out at him as Faith rolled her eyes. Now standing here in the vault and actually having to use it was a little scary but she held on and took another deep breath.
Opening her bag, her nose crinkled as she pulled out the latex finger print that she had to put on. This part totally grossed her out. Oz didn’t tell her how he got it and frankly she didn’t want to know. She knew it wasn’t a real skin fingerprint but still it had that icky factor to it and it gave her the willies.
Standing up she put all her fears and grievances aside as she walked up to the control panel. Turning on the voice box she placed her finger on the scanner and spoke. “26-44-8-12”
As she spoke a shiver ran down her spine, her voice was low and so not what she was used to hearing herself sound like that it was very odd and yet at the same time it seemed…familiar. But she had no time to ponder that as the panel suddenly spoke and the glass doors slid open. “Welcome back Mr. Mersum.”
She grinned then nodded at the panel and then turned her attention to the vault, holding her breath she stepped inside.
The second her foot touched the floor the lights turned on one by one, illuminating every aisle and corner of the vault, and she could see everything.
She whistled in awe at the riches she saw. Paintings that she knew were priceless hung on the walls. Rich tapestries of Viking battles and knights on horses hung next to them. There were silver and gold statues, marble statues, and hundreds of books. It just went on and on, and Buffy’s exhilaration grew tenfold.
Keeping her feelings in check, she headed down the corridor to the left. Her eyes skimmed over the bindings of the books as she walked. She knew that there were many books that were priceless but the market was slim for selling them. You couldn’t just turn around a make a quick profit on books. Those were specialty items, things that only rich collectors were interested in, not your average pawn shop.
Finally she reached the end of the corridor and stood in an alcove. It was a small space with an inviting chair, a table and a lamp. It was probably the owner’s favorite reading spot, and she could understand why. It was small, cozy and warm. Looking straight ahead she thought there was the perfect spot for a fireplace. But instead of a warm roasting fire crackling away in the silence of the vault there was a cold steel safe embedded in the wall.
Wasting no time, she knelt down in front of it and cracked her knuckles as she looked at the safe shaking her head in disbelief. This was the one element of the job that Oz was not able to find any information about, and seeing the safe now she knew why.
It was just an old antique safe. A Herring-Hall-Marvin Safe to be exact. It was the kind of thing that either was in the family for generations or bought at an auction. It wasn’t the type of safe that you bought at your local high-tech safe dealer. And since it was completely mechanical it wouldn’t have been in the security blue prints.
She almost giggled at the absurdity of it all, at the same time as she shook her bag listening to all of the safe cracking tools jiggling against each other. Since they didn’t know what kind of safe it was, Angel made sure that she had all the equipment she would need for a couple of different safes. But as it turned out she didn’t need any of them. All she needed were her fingers and her left ear.
She sat back and concentrated on the safe. It was six feet high, approximately four feet wide, and almost three feet deep . It had a four crain hinge door, each one independently opening and operating.
She still couldn’t believe that a man that had one of the most intricate, high tech security systems would keep his most precious items tucked away in this antique. But she shrugged it off as arrogance. The owner probably saw no need for a high tech safe, thinking that no one would get best of the security system.
The most outrageous idea popped into her head then, and her head tilted to the side as she wondered if it was even locked.
She took a hold of the arm and pushed in then pulled it up and out. Smiling like an idiot as the door swung open she snorted under her mask…yup, arrogance.
Standing up she looked inside the safe.
There were five shelves. Each shelf had thin black velvet boxes that were about four inches wide and five inches long. Each one stacked on top of each other. Not bothering to count how many boxes there actually was, she reached for the first one and pulled it out. Opening the box she gleamed at the beautiful sparkling raw cut diamonds that shone brightly back at her as if they were greeting her.
She took a second to soak in their luminousness then she pulled out the velvet hobo bag she brought with her. Dumping the diamonds inside, she put that box back and grabbed another. One by one, she dumped them all inside her hobo bag then put the boxes back on the shelf. When she was done, she closed the safe and tucked the hobo bag inside the main bag, gently pushing on it until she could zip the bag closed.
Breathing out and smiling with pride over her accomplished feat she turned and headed back down the corridor. It was amazing how good she felt. She had forgotten the amount of pride that came with pulling off a successful job. Oh she knew she wasn’t done yet, she still had to get out without being detected, but still it was a job well done and to Buffy that meant she was definitely due some much deserved praise and loving from her honey.
She was practically whistling as she walked back down the corridor, her mind thinking of Angel and all the ways she was going to let him ravish her. But her feet suddenly stopped. Her eye caught a glimpse of something that intrigued her; a black book.
Her attraction to it was odd. It didn’t really stand out from the other books on the shelf. It wasn’t shiny and it didn’t stick out on the shelf like it was a big book. It was perfectly in line with the other books on the shelf, it just looked very old.
The only thing that set it apart from the other books was that the binding was dull and worn; a clear indication that this particular book received a lot more attention than the others.
But it wasn’t even that that grabbed her attention as she passed it. It was the engraving on the binding. It was silver and it appeared to be the head of a dragon with flames coming out of its mouth.
It stopped her dead in her tracks as her fingers automatically lifted and traced the dragons head. It seemed so familiar, it felt like something she had touched so many times before yet she couldn’t recollect ever actually seeing it before.
It was the strangest sensation she had ever felt in her life. There was no denying the familiarity she felt toward it or the warm almost familial feeling that filled her soul as she touched it reverently. For some reason this book was reminding her of something she had lost a long, long time ago.
Her head tilted as she looked at it again in a different angle and then she smiled. Of course she’d seen it before it was the same dragon head as the one on the wall in the study. Chuckling at herself, her hand dropped away from it and she continued down the corridor dismissing the book and the sense of deep loss that suddenly filled her as she walked away.
Reaching the vestibule she turned around and took one last look at the vault. There were so many things here that she knew would be worth the taking. But unfortunately she didn’t have the extra bags or containers to store anything else. She had no choice but to leave but intuitively she knew that one day she would be standing here again.
Sighing, she walked outside the vault and watched as the lights turned off one by one.
Putting on her gross fingerprint tip again she turned on the voice box. “10-3-7” She said as her finger was scanned once more by the system.
The door sealed shut as the system once more spoke, “Have a nice evening Mr. Mersum.”
Buffy nodded to it again and then checked her watch, right on schedule. She had ten minutes to get back to the road and meet Faith at their designated spot, where they would move on to the next stage of the plan.
Holding her bag tightly she felt the knife that lay silently…waiting. Soon she would seek her revenge and her heart raced at the thought. She was no longer afraid for her soul for what she was going to do she felt only imminent peace that she knew awaited her.
********
The Beverly Hills Hotel…
“So how are the girls?” Spike asked as they got out of the car.
“Good.” Angel responded.
“Everything went well then?”
Angel nodded.
“You’re so full of shit mate.”
Angel stopped walking and looked at him blankly, “What do you mean?”
“I mean that you went to the mansion last night and stole the real diamonds and left fake ones for your girl to steal.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Because Oz told me who came to the hotel last night. Giles. And there can only be one reason why Giles would come to a place he’s not supposed to even know exists.”
Angel held back his smirk. “Oh and why is that?”
“Look mate, the old man called Oz Daniel. How the bloody hell would he know what Oz’s real name was? Let alone know that the bloke even exists?”
“I don’t know you tell me. You seem to know everything already.”
Spike smiled and slapped him on the arm. “That’s because I do. Giles knows who we are and what we do, and doesn’t want little ole Buffy involved in it.”
Angel smiled at Spike he should have known he couldn’t keep any secrets from him. “How did you know?”
Spike gleamed with pride. “Because I know you that’s how. I know you would do anything to keep Buffy safe if you think she’s in danger from something. Which tells me that Giles is not who he appears to be, and that there is a lot more to this story than what you’re telling me or Oz.”
“You’re right. There is and I’ll tell you guys everything, but later when this is done. Okay?”
“Fair enough.”
They started walking down the alley again. “Spike you have to promise me that you won’t tell Buffy.”
Spike crossed his heart, “I’ll take it to my grave.”
They walked into the hotel looking like two businessmen there for a meeting. Casually they walked over to the elevators, where Angel pressed the button. They waited to all appearances looking as patient as patient could be, but inside they were both foaming at the bit.
When the doors opened they stepped inside and Angel pressed the button to the penthouse.
He was surprised that they rode the whole way up alone. But he didn’t think on it much it didn’t really matter at this point.
Finally, the elevator stopped and the doors opened. Angel and Spike stepped out, greeted once more by a sour puss faced Mr. Trick.
Angel looked at him coldly, reading the man’s mind. “We’re not going to go through this again, are we?”
Mr. Trick smiled ruthlessly at him. “That won’t be necessary. I was instructed to see you in without delay. But…” his eyes wandered over to Spike, “my orders did not include this gentleman.”
“Gentleman?” Spike looked crossly at Angel. “Did he just insult me?”
Mr. Trick looked confused for a second and was about to speak when the doors to the office were thrown open. “Oh goodie Angelus is here. Oh and he brought a friend, how nice. Come in, please, please come in. Lots to see and discuss.”
Spike’s eyebrow went up at the almost childlike tone of The Mayor; it was not what he was expecting. But he kept his mouth shut and followed Angel in.
Without question, Spike stood about three feet behind Angel and to his left, his body turned slightly toward the door and the goons that blocked it. He had perfect sight to everyone in the room and the exits. Should something go wrong it would be a cinch to watch Angel’s back and take anyone out that he had to.
His eyes shifted from the goons to Mr. Trick who stood much in the same manner that he did but behind The Mayor. They eyeballed each other hard, each one not trusting the other occupants in the room.
“How did it go?” The Mayor asked his eyes bright and alive.
Angel smiled coldly at him and lifting the bag, he put it on the desk. He took a step back and waited for the Mayor to open it.
But the Mayor just stood there looking at him. “You really are a man of little words aren’t you Angelus?”
Angel did not respond. He really felt no need to word banter with the Mayor, what was the point. The second he and Spike stepped out of this building the FBI would be all over the place. He didn’t want to waste his energy, so he just smiled at him and nodded.
The Mayor shrugged and then opened the bag. He whistled appreciatively as the diamonds sparkled under the fluorescent lights. “Beautiful. Just beautiful.”
With a snap he closed the bag and handed it to Mr. Trick. “Well I guess that concludes our business. Please tell Uncle that I will indeed use your services again. You’ve proven quite reliable.”
“I’m sure Uncle will be pleased.”
“Yes. I’m sure he will.”
Angel turned ready to leave The Mayor behind him.
“That’s it, nothing more to say?” The Mayor asked.
Angel stopped but didn’t turn around to look at him, he didn’t have to, Spike stared daggers at the man for him.
“There’s nothing else to say. The job was a success. You have your diamonds. And Uncle has his money.”
“Yes but what about your future Angelus? Perhaps we could talk privately. Perhaps you would be interested in learning of what I can do for you?”
Spike snorted out loud uncaring who in the room thought it was rude.
Angel turned around. “Wilkens there is nothing that I need nor want from you. My job is done. My team’s job is done. And that’s all there is to it.”
He turned away, and walked to the door with Spike right behind him. “Anything more can be said to Uncle.”
Looking at the goon that blocked the door he said, “Either you move or I’ll do it for you.”
The man looked at The Mayor for approval who stood there stonily staring at Angel. He was annoyed that Angel was cutting this meeting so short. He saw this as the perfect opportunity to talk to Angel about him and his crew working for him directly. But from the cold shoulder he was getting he guessed now wasn’t the time. “Yes, yes. It’s alright.”
The goon stepped back and opened the door.
“Until we meet again.” The Mayor called out to Angel and Spike’s back.
The door closed and they walked to the elevator neither one saying a word.
Silently the rode it until the doors opened in the lobby.
They quietly and nonchalantly walked out of the hotel and got into Angel’s car. The second they did, they watched from the alley as the FBI stormed into the hotel in full gear.
They each smiled to themselves as Angel started the engine and drove out of the alley.
Phase two was completed – nice and neat. But it wasn’t the part that concerned the two that sat in the car quietly. It was the next phase that made them both anxious.
Their smiles disappeared as they drove to Uncle’s.
Twenty minutes later they found themselves sitting outside of Uncle’s building.
“I can’t believe this it.” Spike quietly said.
“I know. It feels…”
“Weird, not real…a dream?”
“Yeah. It’s like everything we’ve worked for has come to this and I should be happy but for some reason I feel…”
“Like we’re going to get screwed?”
Angel turned and looked at him, “you too?”
Spike nodded, “I don’t know what it is but I’ve got a very, very bad feeling about this. Of course it could just be my distrust of Kate but…” he shrugged.
“No I feel it too. It almost feels like no matter what happens in there, it still won’t be the end of things.”
Spike nodded his agreement, “Well it is Uncle and you and I both know that you can’t be sure of anything when it comes to that man.”
Angel looked around the street and the buildings that surrounded Uncle’s. “It’s no wonder the FBI has such a long most wanted list.”
Spike’s eyes followed Angel’s and saw everything he saw; FBI agents in vans, on the street, and in the windows of buildings. The normal Joe walking down the street wouldn’t notice the suspicious men but to Angel and Spike they were like naked women on a sunlit beach. This only made them nervous. If they saw it, then Uncle would to.
“Yeah it’s a miracle they ever get their man. Maybe we should teach them how to be stealthy.” Spike said jokingly trying to calm his anxiety.
“What, and give away all our secrets?”
“She’s going to fuck this up.” Spike said knowingly, not having an ounce of faith in Kate and the FBI.
Angel turned and looked at him as he pulled out one of his girls and cocked it. “That’s why we’re not leaving this up to her.”
Spike nodded, watching as Angel put his gun away. “Ready?”
“As ever as I will be mate.”
Opening the doors they stepped out and walked up to the building. The guards at the door didn’t speak to them they barely even acknowledged them. All they did was step aside and hold the door for them as they walked in.
Once more, they rode the elevator in silence, and as it came to a stop and the doors opened, they both took deep breaths as they walked out of the elevator.
The hallway was empty and the door to Quentin’s office was open. There was a soft yellow glow of a light coming out of the room and they readily walked toward it.
The first thing they saw as they walked into the room was Marcus, Uncle’s personal bodyguard. He stood to the right of the desk, his arms casually at his sides looking like a big cat ready to strike.
It was what they expected so they weren’t shocked or afraid; in fact it made Spike smile. He didn’t like Marcus and had been itching to get back at him for all of the humiliation he received from the henchmen’s hands when they were growing up. Spike was a skinny kid when he was younger, a lot less brawny than Marcus was, who was only a few years older than him. They had fought lots of times growing up, and each time Spike was on the losing end. He’d wanted revenge for so long and now he was finally going to get it. The anticipation was making him drool.
While Spike began a stare down with a smirking Marcus, Angel’s eyes sought out his last surviving relative and his enemy.
He sat pensively at his desk, a glass of whiskey in one hand while the other hand lay flat on the desk. His eyes were hard as steel as he looked into his Nephew’s eyes. That one look from his Uncle told Angel all that he needed to know.
“Angelus, William, I trust you saw Wilkens and gave him the diamonds?”
They nodded.
Uncle took a drink, his eyes never leaving their faces, knowing that he stared death right in the eye.
“I was expecting three of you.”
“Oz would rather eat razor blades than be in the same room as you.” Spike answered.
Quentin nodded his head, a small smile on his lips as he tipped his drink toward Spike. “Yes well he never was the blood thirsty type, not like you two. Oh well, to each is own.”
His gaze swung back to Angel’s. “So, this is what it’s come to then, after everything that I did for you two and Daniel? Disrespectful whelps.” His hook his head scolding them.
“Everything you did for us?” Angel took a step closer his face darkening with anger. “You killed my parents, your own brother. You set up a bad heist that put Spike and Oz’s parents in jail. Do you really think that we’re going to be grateful?”
Uncle shrugged coldly, “half brother.”
Angel’s anger increased with his Uncle’s dismissive attitude. “He was still your blood. You betrayed your friends, you betrayed your family. You betrayed everything that the Order stood for. Good people died because they trusted you.”
“Good people?” Quentin scoffed. “No. Stupid and weak people just like you two.” His eyes burned with loathing as he looked between them.
Spike took a step forward his face a mask of pure rage. “You bastard.”
Angel put a hand on his chest, trying to calm is friend.
Quentin smiled evilly at Spike, “Bastard? Well I guess that would be correct wouldn’t it? But what do you expect when you have a whore for a mother who spread her legs to the sullied Irish bastard that was my father.” He sneered.
Angel’s eyes crinkled with anger as resentment flowed through his veins. He couldn’t stop the raw emotion that seethed from his voice as he spoke, and it was the one time that he didn’t care. “My grandfather was a good and decent man.”
“Indeed. To his heirs…to Liam.”
“You ungrateful son of a bitch,” Angel sneered at him. “He took you in. He brought you to his home, taught you everything that you know and you have the balls to sit there and say he didn’t?”
“Oh yes he took me in. He cared so much for me that it took him ten years to come and get me. Ten years I spent living in a hovel in London. Watching as my mother whored herself out to any lowlife that would pay her five dollars to ride her beaten and abused body.”
“You can’t hold that against him. He didn’t even know you existed. And when he did, he came for you. Took you into his home and raised you like his son.”
“Yes. But by then the damage had been done, didn’t it. By then I was hardened to the rules of the world, and its truth was blinding to me. You have to take care of yourself or no one well. When he introduced me to the order it was the business end of it only. He didn’t want me, his half Irish and half British bastard to do jobs. I wasn’t good enough for that. Those were reserved for Liam, the favored child that had been born with the gift, like you two.” He scornfully said.
Angel couldn’t believe what he was hearing, the man sitting before him was someone he had never seen before. A man filled with insecurities and hatred. Hatred for a father that he thought never cared enough for him. “That’s what all of this has been about? Jealously and revenge! You’re pathetic. You’re nothing but a sorry bitter old man.”
“I did what I had to do to survive.”
“No this wasn’t about survival you were saved. You were brought into a family that loved you and gave you everything. But you, you were just too twisted to see it for what it really was. You shunned the family that made you one of their own. You took something that was sacred and turned it into a means to better yourself. Innocent people died because of you and your greed.”
Quentin sighed and shook his head. “You are so blind Angelus, both of you are. There is no such thing as innocent men in this business. We kill and we steal all under the fictitious belief that we are being noble. No. We are bad men…all of us. There is no trust, there is no honor in thieves.”
“No you turned it into that. It was your doing that blackened the Order. There are still many of us left that believe in what the Order stands for and will see it restored to its noble roots.”
Quentin chuckled, “you can believe that all you want son but the truth is the truth. And one day you’ll learn that.”
He smiled at him knowingly; it was that smile that sent shivers of dread down Angel’s spine. The one that told Angel that Uncle knew something that Angel didn’t.
Lifting his glass, Quentin drank down his whiskey. His eyes closing savoring the drink as it slid down his throat. Placing the glass back down on the desk his eyes opened and looked once more at Angel. “Somehow I always knew that you wouldn’t see things my way. You’re too much like Liam.”
Angel smiled, “Thanks for the compliment.”
Quentin’s voice turned hard, “and just like him, you have no idea when you’re being insulted. So…I suppose our FBI friends will be arriving any minute now.”
Angel nodded.
“You know, I can’t let them take me in?” Quentin said.
Angel and Spike both smiled, “We were hoping you’d say that.”
Everything was one big blur then. Guns were drawn and bullets were fired. Four men stood facing each other. In the end, after the smoke cleared and the room was silent once more, only two men stood.
Marcus lay dead to the right of the desk a bullet lodged in his brain. And Uncle’s still body was slumped over his desk, his gun in his hand, and his empty glass of whiskey shattered next to him.
The peaceful silence of the room didn’t last though as gunfire and loud angry voices could be heard coming from the lower levels of the building.
“We have to move fast.” Spike said as he ran around to the desk, kicking Marcus as he passed. “Asshole.”
He pushed Uncle off the desk and he landed on the carpet face down with a dead thud. Quickly he started opening drawers and grabbing anything he could that looked important.
As if in a daze, Angel walked over to his Uncle and stared down at him. He had envisioned this moment for so long that he was having a hard time feeling anything but bewilderment. It almost felt like it was a dream. But the more he stood there, the more he stared into his Uncle’s lifeless eyes and watched as his blood drained from his wounds and soaked into the carpet, elation and a sense of righteousness filled him. He felt as if his father was smiling down on him. It was a good feeling. One that he never thought he would feel again. And the longer he stood there thinking of all the years he spent without his parents, and how hard everything had been for him, Spike and Oz, disappointment and regret filled him.
“It doesn’t seem fitting enough, his death, it was too fast.” His voice was low filled with emptiness and malice.
“I know mate and I agree with you, but we don’t have the bleeding time to stick him like a pig now. Just grab his keys.”
Leaning down, Angel sifted through Uncle’s pockets and pulled out his wallet and keys.
“Death is too good for you.” He whispered.
Grabbing the collar of Quentin’s jacket he ripped it in two then proceeded to rip his dress shirt, revealing the mark of the Order on Quentin’s shoulder…the gryphon.
Reaching down into his boot Angel pulled out a knife. With a smile of satisfaction on his face he sliced the patch of skin with the tattoo on it off of his uncle’s body.
“By The Order of Aurelia I strip you, he who is unworthy, he who has tarnished all that he has touched, of the hallowed mark of our beloved clan. May those that have perished by your hand find comfort in this deed, and may your soul rot in the pits of hell…forever.”
“Aye. Rot in hell.” Spike said as he stood by and watched Angel remove the consecrated mark from the man that had no right to wear it.
Standing up Angel pulled out a leather pouch and put the patch of skin inside of it for the ritual that they would perform later. It was a somewhat barbaric tradition, the burning of a traitors mark, but to Angel, Spike and Oz, it meant everything. It meant that they had accomplished their mission and restored the order. As the skin would burn in the flames, they would know that the souls of the fallen would finally rest in peace.
The noise from below grew louder and Spike walked over to the safe. He held out his hand just as Angel threw him the keys. Opening it, he grabbed the little bit of paperwork that was inside and then stuffed it in his jacket. “Got it.”
Throwing the keys back to Angel, he opened the window. “Ready?”
Angel took one last look at his Uncle. It was the last time he was ever going to see him and he wanted to remember him just the way he was; dead in a pool of his own blood and stripped of everything that he had held so dear. “Yeah.”
Quickly the stepped out of the window and on to the narrow fire escape, leaving the office and the carnage behind, they made their way to the roof, disappearing into the night.
The second they left the room the elevator dinged and the doors opened. Kate and five other agents walked out and into the office only to find their target dead.
“Shit.” She said as her eyes took in the ransacked desk and the open and empty safe.
“Damn you Angel.” He had betrayed her. There was nothing here for her. Uncle was dead and she knew without even looking that Angel cleaned the place out.
“Ma’am, what do we do now?” one of the agents asked.
“Round up everyone that’s not dead and book em.”
The agents turned and left to do as they were told leaving Kate standing there steaming.
He lied to her. Oh she got the Mayor and all of his goons and that was a good bust. But the one that she really wanted, the one that she really needed to progress in her career was denied her.
“You have another thing coming Angel if you think I’m going to just go away.”
Turning she headed back to the elevator.
The girl, what was her name…Buffy, that’s right. Kate knew there was something familiar about her, something more than just seeing her in a magazine. She also knew that Buffy was Angel’s weak spot and she was going to do everything in her power to exploit it.
She was going to bring him down to his knees, him and everyone else in their crooked crew. They were all going to go down for this betrayal.
The Emancipation of Buffy
Buffy and Faith moved through the compound with purposeful strides. Confidence radiated off of them in waves. It was a lure to the men in the camp and their hungry lustful gazes followed them as they walked.
Buffy felt every one of their hot stares and it only served to enflame her self-assurance. She felt empowered and with every step she took the blade moved against her skin empowering her even more.
Inside her head there was a ticking clock counting down to the moment when her past would be behind her and she could truly live her life openly and honestly with the man that held her heart. And with every tick her internal clock made she became more impatient, more eager to have this over and done with.
It was Saturday night, and the pig roast was in full swing. As they neared the fire pit she saw Adam talking to Grant who sat at his left side. To Adam’s right was Maggie who was staring into the flames looking as drugged up as she had the last time they saw her. Restlessly, Buffy looked around but didn’t see Parker. Irritation filled her, where the hell was he?
The second they stepped into the circle Grant saw them and whispered to Adam. They stood up and walked around the pit to stand in front of Buffy and Faith. Adam nodded his head and then began to lead them away from the crowd surrounding the fire.
They followed Adam, with Grant behind them, as he took them to a remote corner of the camp. They walked down a dirt path that led to a small clearing in the woods where there was a water barrel and pipes running out of it that led back to the encampment. It was dark and they were all alone, which to Buffy and Faith meant one thing…trouble.
“You got them?” Adam asked as he turned to look at Buffy.
She held out the bag and he snatched it away from her then quickly opened it. Seeing the diamonds inside he smiled then closed the bag placing it on the ground at his feet.
“Good job Buffy.” He took a step closer and Buffy could smell the booze and heroine that permeated off of his skin. She wanted to vomit.
“I told you it wouldn’t be a problem.” She took a step back. “I fulfilled my end of the bargain now it’s your turn.”
Adam smiled, “my turn?”
“Yeah. Faith and I are going to turn and walk out of this place and we’re never coming back. And you and your asshole brother are never going to bother me again.”
Adam chuckled, “well as you can see my asshole brother as you put it isn’t here. And as for our bargain…” his eyes trailed down her face and to her chest. “I’ll stick to my word. You are both free to go.”
“Good.” She turned ready to walk away from him forever but he grabbed her arm and hauled her back against him. His breath hit her face and she visibly blanched at the smell. She just knew it wasn’t going to be that easy.
“But not until I taste you once last time. You see Buffy I’ve discovered that I have quite a desire to fuck you again. It must be this newfound self confidence you’ve discovered. Your blatant disrespect to me and even your husband for that matter it… just makes me rock hard,” he whispered.
Faith took a step forward only to be stopped by Grant. “You better get your hands off of me,” she sneered at him.
Grant cursed silently under his breath not knowing what to do. He had made a deal with the devil and he intended to keep it but he was having a hard time deciding if the time to stick to that deal was now.
If he stepped in now, Adam would be pissed and probably kill him, thereby leaving Grant dead and all his hopes of running the Brotherhood gone forever.
But if he didn’t step in and Angelus found out he would be dead anyway, so what did he do? Thankfully for Grant, Buffy answered his question.
Buffy stood strong in front of Adam. She wasn’t afraid that she was once again going to get raped. Adam wasn’t like Parker, he didn’t need to be sneaky about raping her, he would just manhandle her, throw her around a bit, try to get the upper hand so he could do his dirty deed. That she could fight and she was just itching to kick his ass.
Buffy laughed up at him, boldly daring him on. “Have I ever told how much I detest you and your entire family? You think you can scare me with that? You think I’m going to start crying and begging? You think you can degrade me like Parker? Well you’ll get nothing from me but my fists in your face and my knee in your balls!” She screamed at him.
Adam laughed back at her his hand tightening around her arm. “Yeah Parker told me. But he also told me how meek and submissive you were, just like old times ah Buffy?”
“Yeah that’s because he had to drug me.”
“Well he has is ways.” His smile disappeared as he roughly yanked her against his chest. “And I have mine. Either way they both serve their purposes, humiliation for you and a knife in the heart of your boyfriend. He’ll never want to touch you again when he finds out how easily you give it away to other men.”
Buffy snorted, “He’s never going to find out Adam. I didn’t tell him what Parker did and you, you’ll never get a chance to rape me.”
Grant smiled. She didn’t tell Angelus about Parker, which meant that she wouldn’t tell him about Adam raping her either, and Grant was sure he would. Buffy was so small and Adam was so big there was no way she could fight him off.
“You’re done Adam, you and your sick little brother you’re both going to die under my hand.” Buffy threatened him and Adam responded with a sharp left hook to her chin.
“Now you threaten me? You surprise me Buffy and that’s pretty hard to do these days. But it doesn’t matter you can be all cocky and self-assured as you want. Your threats don’t scare me.” He leaned in, whispering harshly. “You’re the same naïve little girl you’ve always been.”
“Fuck you Adam.” She spat on him, grinning as his eyes darkened and his hand came up to wipe her spit off his face.
Adam leered at her, his entire body tightening with anger and lust. “Fuck me? That’s right little girl. That’s exactly what you’re going to do.”
Buffy struggled against him, trying to break free of his hold. But he shook her roughly and then slammed her up against him. “I’m going to fuck you until your eyeballs pop out of your head. Then, then I’m going to slit yours and your pretty little girlfriend’s neck and mail your bodies back to your boyfriend in pieces.”
Faith thrashed against Grant’s hold. Her heart beat precariously irregular in her chest, she was on the verge of hysterics. She could not stand idly by and watch her friend get raped…again. She had to get free to help Buffy.
But Grant held her tight and whispered in her ear. “Stop struggling! Unless you want some too? Or maybe I should call Luke and let him have at you?”
Faith snarled at him, “Go ahead and call him. I’m not afraid of him or you!”
While Faith continued to fight against Grant, Adam was oblivious to what was going on. He couldn’t care less what happened to the other girl as long as he didn’t have to worry about her attacking him from behind. He knew Grant would watch his back, so he could devote all of his attention to the vixen thrashing against him.
And God she was a vixen. Every violent move she made enflamed his body and his senses. He viciously grabbed Buffy by the arm and threw her against the water tank. Her back and shoulders slammed into the hard steel, and the sound echoed inside the half empty tank rumbling loudly. Her eyes closed with the pain that coursed throughout her, but she made no sound.
Adam ardently observed her face as it contorted with pain but his eyes crossed irritably when she made no sound. Wanting to draw some sort of emotion from her, he reached down and grabbed her nipple in between his fingers. Twisting it sadistically he finally got the reaction that he wanted as Buffy screamed.
He was so turned on and the more she fought him the hotter he got. He groaned, “That’s right Buffy scream for me. Fight me. You know how that turns me on.”
His words turned her stomach and bile filled her mouth. God he was sick just like Parker. Maybe their methods did differ but underneath that they were the same sick bastard.
She was so angry, so tired of being their instrument to appease their poor excuse of a manhood that she roared with fury. Her hand broke free of his grasp and she punched him in the face with a hard right, knocking his head back. The knife in the back of her pants scraped her skin with her quick movement reminding her that if she could just get free she could end this here and now.
She fought harder. She kicked him. She kneed him anywhere she could. But Adam was fast and he didn’t appreciate being hit back. He threw an upper cut just catching her on her chin. Her head lolled back as she saw stars behind her closed lids and her body stilled.
Adam chuckled then grabbed her arms and held them above her head as he leaned into her neck, biting her sensitive skin hard and drawing blood.
The pain of his teeth cleared her mind and renewed her strength. She yelped with pain as she brought her knee up and struck him in the balls. But what should have been an incapacitating maneuver wasn’t and she looked into his crazed laughing eyes with disbelief.
“Yeah see now that’s not really going to work right now Buff, compliments of the Coca plant.” He laughed into her bulging eyes as his hand reached down and grabbed her breast again.
He squeezed it roughly while he moved over and bit the other side of her neck. “God you do taste good Buffy, I’d forgotten how sweet you are.”
Buffy’s eyes closed unable to believe that this was about to happen to her again. She refused to let it and she fought harder. She kicked him anywhere she could touch him. And in her efforts her saving grace fell out of the back of her pants and landed on the dirt.
Feeling the knife leave her skin she panicked, her struggles intensified and she urgently tried to get her hands released from his big grip. But no matter what she did, no matter how strong she was…he was stronger, and unease started to settle inside of her…fear started to creep into her soul and her eyes misted with gloom.
“Let her go you asshole!” Faith screamed at Adam just as Grant threw her to the ground. He sat on top her, holding her hands trying to subdue her. “Shut up bitch!”
Buffy held back the tears that threatened to spill. She would not cry. She would not scream. She wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.
Reaching down Adam grabbed her thigh and roughly moved up her leg and to her crotch, where he pressed his palm against her clothed skin.
He inhaled deeply, “God you smell so good. Like…”
He never got to finish.
A fist was suddenly in his hair gripping his head painfully and yanking his head back. A voice, surely from the depths of hell itself, rasped in his ear finishing his sentence for him.
“Like mine!”
Buffy’s eyes popped opened and she let out a deep breath, panicking slightly as she wondered how much of their conversation he had heard. “Angel.”
Angel didn’t answer her because he couldn’t hear her. He was completely unhinged and any remotely human sanity that he had when he got here disappeared.
And he did have some, not much, but some.
When they arrived at the compound he was already suppressing his annoyance over not being able to make Uncle suffer before he died. That was topped off with not knowing what was happening to Buffy. Oh he knew she would still be here, that was why he planned everything the way he did, so he could come here and protect her from herself.
When he didn’t see her right away hanging out with everyone else, his anger and worry increased. And with every head and body that tried to stop him from getting inside, his fist connected to skin and appeased him a bit more.
When Paulina rushed over to him and told him where Buffy and Faith were, he and Spike had ran down the path, while the rest of the gang stayed to mollify the angry bikers with all the ammunition they had, which was a lot of guns and a military rocket launcher. It was Gunn’s idea to bring it along and it proved to be a wise decision. None of the bikers made a move after he took it out.
Subsequently Angel thought he was doing pretty good…staying sane that is, until he came across them in the clearing. Until he saw his baby held up against her will with another man touching her.
That was when it happened, that was when he snapped. He heard nothing but the deafening buzz in between his ears as Angel disappeared and Angelus – Scourge of Europe – took over. He saw only red and Adam was in the center of it.
To Buffy he looked like a berserker – mad and insane – right before her eyes he became the killer that she knew him to be and it frightened her for one second. After that she felt thwarted when she realized that her chance of killing Adam was just taken away from her.
Angel stood behind him, his fist latched onto his hair, his other hand a vise grip on Adam’s hand that was offensively touching Buffy.
Adam snarled, “You must be the boyfriend.”
Angel snarled back at him, gripping his hair harder and applying immense pressure to his wrist.
Adam bit back the cry of pain that threatened to erupt and instead, thinking that Angel was a nobody, pushed his buttons further. “You’ll have to wait your turn because I got here first.”
Angel let loose with a thunderous scream of madness. With all his strength he yanked Adam off of Buffy throwing him to the ground. In his hand he held a patch of Adam’s hair and bloody skin.
Sitting on the ground Adam looked over to see Grant wrestling on the ground with some blonde guy. Then he looked up at Angel, his hand reached up and touched his tender scalp.
“Looking for this.” Angel said, throwing the skin at him.
Adam caught it then threw it away, quickly getting to his feet. He shrugged, “what’s a little skin? It’ll all be worth it after I kill you and take Buffy. On second thought, maybe I should fuck Buffy first and let you watch.”
Angel snorted at him, “You think it’s going to be that easy?” He was a little insulted obviously Adam had no idea who he was dealing with. “You have no idea who you’re talking to, do you?”
Adam guffawed, “what does it matter…Angel.” He mimicked Buffy’s voice; clearly stating that he didn’t find a man with a name like Angel a threat.
They circled each other, arms outstretched, eyes glowing with rage, and bodies tense with anticipation.
Angel grinned at him, “Actually the name is Angelus. But you might know me as The Scourge of Europe.”
Adam faltered in his steps, his smile faded and Buffy saw fear in his eyes. She grinned from ear to ear seeing him so speechless, trying to comprehend what he just heard.
Spike meanwhile had no problem subduing Grant and biding his hands together, and they now stood at the sidelines watching. “He’s speechless mate.”
Grabbing Grant’s ear he pulled him closer to him. “See that’s what I was talking about…now that’s intimidation!”
He threw him away from him and Grant fell to the ground as Faith rushed to Buffy’s side.
“B are you okay?”
Buffy nodded her head dumbly as she leaned down and picked up the knife tucking it away in the back of her pants.
Her eyes were glued to his powerful body as he moved; her ears were filled with the animalistic noises that were emanating out of his mouth. He looked and sounded so incredibly sexy that she couldn’t control the shiver of lust that made her tingle. She swallowed and licked her lips, feeling quite bloodthirsty herself; she couldn’t wait to get him alone.
Adam hearing Spike’s jeer got his balls back and screamed as he rushed Angel at a full run. He grabbed him by the waist his head in Angel’s stomach as he tried to lift him off the ground and tackle him.
But Angel was ready for him and the second Adam grabbed him, he leaned over him and picked him up, violently tossing him away.
Adam flew through the air and landed on the ground about four feet away from Angel. He was a big man so when his body hit the ground, dirt flew up all around him encasing him in a veil of soil.
He hit the ground hard and the air left his lungs. He was stunned that he had been overpowered so quickly and so easily. He tried to get his breath back but Angel wouldn’t relent. He stormed over to him and kicked him in the face. Blood spurted out as Adam’s head rolled to the left. He kicked him again and his head rolled to the right.
Leaning down Angel picked him up, his hands wrapped around Adam’s throat squeezing what little breath he had out. “I want you to know how lucky you are Adam. I don’t think you know just how much self control it took for me not to kill you already. Really you should thank me that I let you live this long.”
Adam gripped Angel’s wrist trying to pull him off and gasping for breath at the same time, but he still managed to croak out an insult. “The…Big Bad Scourge… why would a guy like you…want a whore like…Buffy? A little low…on…self…esteem, are you?”
Angel clamored furiously as he pulled back and let loose with his left fist landing it squarely on Adam’s nose. He heard a distinct crack of bones breaking and he grinned satisfied with the sickening sound.
Buffy was tired of standing on the sidelines. She didn’t like that comment and she rushed over to them wanting to get a piece of Adam herself.
She walked up behind him and punched him on his bare scalp that was still bleeding from Angel ripping his hair out.
He screamed with pain and Buffy smiled happily. But the next minute she found a big hand on her chest, pushing her to the ground where she landed on her ass.
Angel turned their bodies so Adam was away from her and he looked down at her angrily. “DON’T TOUCH HIM!” He screamed at her but he didn’t know what he was doing or saying. He only knew that he didn’t want to see her skin touch Adam.
She sat there looking up at him with consternation and tears of outrage forming in her eyes at her lover’s deed. But Angel ignored her and looked over at Spike. “Get her out of here NOW!”
Spike immediately went over and helped Buffy up. Grabbing both Buffy and Faith he stopped near Grant. “What about him Angelus?”
Angel looked at Grant his eyes were red slits of promised death and smoke came out of his nostrils as he breathed into the cool night air.
Buffy sucked in her breath as she looked at her lover. She was reminded of the dragonhead in the study at the mansion, and the binding on the book, and the knife that was nestled against her skin for that matter. In that moment he resembled a mythical beast more than a human being and she understood why he got the name Scourge of Europe.
This was a side of him that she had never seen before and while she found it incredibly sexy it also pissed her off. This was her past, her moment of emancipation and she wanted to see it through. She held her ground and tore her arm out of Spike’s hold just as Angel reached for Adam again.
She stormed over to Angel and yelled up in his face. “No! I’m not going anywhere! It’s my right to stay!”
She turned and looked at Adam, “I want to see him die.” She scathingly said.
Angel stared down into her stormy green eyes, her impassioned words fueled his fire and for the first time since he walked into the clearing he saw something other than Adam. He saw her. And what he saw made him hungry.
He pushed Adam to the ground, grabbed Buffy and pulled her against him. Her feet left the ground as he lifted her up to his face and smashed his lips against hers, brutally mauling her mouth.
Buffy whimpered with his unexpected attack, her body bracing for a different kind of violence, not this hot passionate needy violence. Her body became heated as she moaned tasting every corner of his mouth, devouring him as he devoured her, completely unaware of the surprised faces that watched.
Spike rolled his eyes as Faith held back a giggle, he couldn’t believe these two. Hot violent sex was all good in his book but now was really not the time for it.
“Ahem…excuse us Bonnie and Clyde, but do you really think now is a good time to maul each other?” Spike asked, as he winked at Faith.
Adam watched for one second before he realized this was his chance. Reaching down into his boot he pulled out a dagger and rushed the couple, his arm raised high and aimed at Buffy’s back.
“ANGELUS!” Spike screamed as Faith gasped with surprise.
But Angel saw him coming.
He grabbed Buffy’s knife out of her pants and spun her out of the way just as Adam would’ve landed his own knife in her back. Grabbing Adam’s wrist he held it up in the air as he sunk Buffy’s knife into Adam’s gut.
Adam dropped the knife he was holding and fell to the ground, his hands grasping his belly, his face a mask of shock.
Wasting no time, Angel walked around and stood behind him. He wrenched his head back with such finality that Adam felt like his teeth were pulled back into his gums.
“I’ll see you in hell Angelus.” Adam sneered.
“It’s a date.” Angel said just as he slit his throat.
Releasing him, Adam fell forward.
Angel’s eyes immediately rose to Buffy. She was standing there her eyes fixated on Adam and the blood that drained out of his body like a fast flowing stream. She seemed mesmerized by it and there was a slight smirk on her beautiful rosy lips as she just continued to stare at the lifeless body.
He turned away from the engrossing picture she made, and walked over to Grant who held up his bound hands, pleading for mercy.
“Please…Angelus, listen to me…I was going to step in, I was just waiting for the right moment, I swear!”
“The right moment, and when was that after he punched her in the face or after he raped her?“
Grant saw death walking towards him and tried desperately to appease it.
“No please… you have…to…listen to me!” he stammered.
When Angel didn’t respond and kept walking, Grant continued.
“What was I supposed to do? He would have killed me!” He shouted with fear.
Angel shrugged as he walked up to him, “So what? Now I’m going to kill you. Either way you look at it you’re a dead man.”
Hearing those words Buffy looked up just in time to see Angel snap Grant’s neck. His body fell to the ground alongside his President.
He stood there staring at the lifeless bodies of the men that deserved death. Men that had tormented him with their past deeds of abuse laid at his love’s feet and he felt cleansed. As he took a deep breath, the bloodlust cleared. His mind was once more controlled and…sane.
He looked over at Buffy who stood still staring at him, and he started to get a little uneasy. She had witnessed him at his lowest point. She had seen the demon inside of him. Seen what that demon could do. How ruthless he could be. How he didn’t even let love stand in his way to get what he wanted. It was a side of himself that he never thought she would witness.
He didn’t know what to say to ease her fears, but he couldn’t look her in the eye anymore, his gaze lowered to the ground as his eyelids closed.
Spike sensing the sudden stiffness in the air took Faith by the hand and pulled her back along the path. “Come on luv let’s make sure that that crazy bastard Gunn didn’t blow everyone up.”
Faith took one last look at her friend then nodded, walking with Spike back to the encampment.
When they were gone Buffy walked softly up to Angel. She reached for his head bringing his eyes up to hers. “Angel.” She softly entreated him.
He opened his eyes and looked into a pool of green meadows, where the sun of love shone brightly just for him. “I love you.” she said.
He breathed out the breath he had been holding, relieved that she wasn’t afraid of him. Gently he took her head in his hands and leaned down, whispering his love for her before he kissed her with every raw emotion that was running through him.
They held each other for a few minutes more, eyes closed, feeling only the other’s body as it pressed so intimately next to their own. When they pulled back Buffy had tears in her eyes as she stroked his face.
“I’m sorry; I never wanted you to see me like that.” He quietly said.
Buffy smiled at him, he was always thinking of her. “Like what? A man protecting the woman he loves?”
“No…yes, God Buffy, you know what I mean.”
She chuckled, “I do know what you mean baby.”
Grabbing his head she attacked his mouth, kissing him hard and fast. Her tongue swept inside entreating his tongue to play with hers. And he did…eagerly.
He grabbed her and brought her flush to his body, as his hands caressed her back his mouth stroked her mouth. When they pulled away they were both breathless.
“Angel…” She purred his name and his body shivered. “I love seeing that primitive side of you. It makes me want to throw you to the ground and ride you all night long.” She hotly whispered to him as she leaned against his forehead.
Angel flashed her that lopsided grin that she loved and she feigningly growled at him. Grabbing his hair she yanked him closer to her. “You better control that killer smile of yours baby, or you just might find yourself flat on your back.”
“Is that supposed to be a threat?” He asked playfully.
“No but this is.”
Angel’s smile faded as he felt the cold metal of a gun pressed against his head.
Buffy’s breath hitched, her body tightening as she looked behind Angel and into the eyes of…
“Parker”
“Sweetheart.”
Parker looked at his wife with disdain as she stood in the embrace of the man that had killed his brother, the man that stole everything away from him. To him, she was the root of all his problems and his eyes locked on to hers, damning her for her culpability.
Buffy’s gaze was one of pure outrage. She shook with uncontrolled rage at seeing a gun pointed at Angel’s head and she had no problem speaking her mind. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” She furiously asked.
Parker guffawed at her audacity. “Isn’t that a question I should be asking you? I mean, here you are, a married woman, practically throwing herself at the man that killed your brother-in-law.”
Buffy pressed further against Angel, her hands slowly running through his brown locks as she smiled sensually at Parker. “Giving Parker not throwing.” She nibbled on his ear as she looked into Parker’s eyes. “There’s a difference.”
Angel stood perfectly still, his eyes closing as his body shivered with a dangerous mixture of anger and lust. For some reason he found the conflicting sensation of hard metal pressed against his head and a soft pliant body pressed against his extremely stimulating. He felt The Beast rise to her attentions and the only thing he could think of was, ‘God I really have to get a grip on this growing predilection for violence because it can’t be healthy.’
Parker could only stand there stunned with her brazenness and completely bewildered over the jealously that he was feeling. He had never felt it before and he witnessed her doing a lot more than just kiss another man.
Buffy smiled seeing the confusion on his face and she chuckled at him, her hands inching closer to the gun. “I know its confusing Parker, after all you have no idea what true love is. You don’t know what it feels like to have a woman freely give herself to you, do you?”
Parker’s eyes hardened as he saw the slight movement of her hands. “Don’t move. You wouldn’t want me to blow your lover’s brains out would you sweetheart?”
Her hands stilled and her eyes became slits as she leaned away from Angel. “Don’t call me that.”
She sneered at him with such malice that Parker laughed. He was happy to see that he could still push her buttons. Finally feeling that he had his own emotions under control he addressed Angel.
“That’s my pet name for her, she just loves it.”
Angel’s eyebrow rose as he looked at Buffy, “Yeah, I can see the love for you all over her face.”
Parker snarled at Angel’s sarcastic remark and pushed the gun against his head. “Shut up. Buffy step away from him.”
Angel stared into her eyes nodding his consent, but Buffy shook her head holding on to him tighter, and as she did she felt his gun pressing against her arm. “No.” She stated simply and Angel scowled at her knowing what she was thinking and not liking it.
But Buffy didn’t care what he wanted in that moment. There was no way she was going to step back and let Parker kill Angel. She knew Parker, and she knew that he wouldn’t pull the trigger with her standing so close.
“If you don’t I’ll kill him.” Parker said.
She looked back at Parker, her eyes alive with confidence and validation. “If you kill him then you’ll kill me, and I know you don’t want that.”
“Oh no?”
“No you want to punish me. You want to make me suffer and you think you’ll do that by killing Angel and making me watch.”
Parker chuckled, “You know me so well.” Then he whispered to Angel. “Just like a wife should know her husband!” He snarled in his ear.
He looked back at Buffy, “Of course you’re right. And that is what’s going to happen. Now step away from him.”
Buffy shook her head and was going to respond when Angel squeezed her gently. His patience was at an end. His anger was ready to boil over. It was time to take control of this situation and Buffy, whether she realized it or not, had just given him the means to do so.
“Parker, why don’t you put the gun down and face me like a man? Or are you afraid?” Angel said.
Parker’s hand shook with rage. “I’m not afraid of you! You’re nothing but a murdering wife stealing bastard!” he shouted at him.
“Now that’s a little harsh don’t you think? I mean after all what kind of marriage did you really have with Buffy.” He looked over at Adam. “And as for Adam, I didn’t murder him he brought that down upon himself.”
Angel’s confidence enraged Parker. “You’re a righteous son of a bitch, aren’t you?”
“I’m only calling it as I see it.”
“Yeah well let me enlighten you as to how things really are.” He grabbed Angel by the shoulder and spun him around so they faced each other, throwing Buffy off in the process.
Finally facing Parker, Angel smiled cruelly as he gently pushed Buffy away from him. He took a step closer to Parker completely undaunted by the gun that was leveled at his head.
“No let me tell you how things really are. Grant’s dead, your poor excuse for a human being brother is dead, and you…” he took a step closer. “You’re dead too, you just don’t know it yet.”
Parker smiled at him, reassured as his fingers wrapped tighter around the gun. “You’re pretty cocky considering I’m holding the gun.”
Angel shrugged, smiling at him as he did and rattling Parker in the process.
“You won’t be smiling after I put a bullet in you.”
Buffy took a step forward but Angel held her back. He cocked his head and looked down at the gun Parker held, chuckling as he did.
“Your little pea shooter doesn’t scare me Parker. But you know what is scary, how much of a coward you really are. I mean Buffy told me how you liked to watch, but come on hiding in the bushes watching me kill your beloved brother, even that’s a little too cowardly for you isn’t it?”
“You better shut your fucking mouth!” Parker screamed, his hands shaking with his rage.
Angel’s anticipation grew as he avidly witnessed Parker’s inevitable meltdown. There was nothing that he wanted more than to rip Parker to shreds with his bare hands. He needed to feel the pain of bare knuckles hitting hard bones. He needed to physically hurt the one person that stood in his way of truly claiming Buffy. Ending this on a bullet was completely unacceptable and he would do whatever he had to do to turn the tables. Which shouldn’t be too hard considering how green with jealousy with boy was, and Angel knew from personal experience how unstable that could make a person.
“Tell me Parker did it get your dick hard to see Adam’s blood spill out after I slit his throat?”
Parker was visibly trembling because of the lack of fear in Angel’s face. The man had a gun pointed at his head yet he was as cool as a cucumber and Parker didn’t know what to make of it. His face was molten red from his rage and his voice spoke of just how unsteady he was as he started to stutter. “You’re…either…the dum…dumbest man I ever…met, or you’ve got…the biggest…ba…balls, I can’t decide which.”
Angel smirked, “Well I think Buffy can help you out with that decision since she had my big balls in her mouth not too long ago.”
Parker turned even brighter red as Buffy inhaled sharply at Angel’s crude remark. “Angel, what are you doing?” Buffy was beginning to get frantic, her confidence that Parker wouldn’t shoot with her in the way waning under Parker’s growing volatility.
“I’m only telling him how it is baby.” He smoothly said as he continued with his taunts.
“Come on Parker, it must be killing you to know that I slept with your wife. Don’t you want to put me in my place for giving Buffy more pleasure than you ever could?”
He smiled inside as he saw Parker’s eyes angrily twitch. He was close to losing it. He just needed a little bit more incentive.
“Because you know that’s what she got every time I touched her, with every kiss from my lips, with every deep satisfying plunge I took inside of her welcoming body, she’d scream with pleasure. And you know whose name she screamed…it wasn’t Parker I can tell you that, it was Angel.”
Parker snapped. He screamed at the top of his lungs and took a swing at Angel’s arrogant face. Angel ducked and Parker missed and in doing so he lost his footing stumbling to the left as Angel moved in and knocked the gun out of his hands.
He had the broadest smile on his face as he grabbed Parker by the shirt collar. “Now this is much better.”
He pulled back and threw a left punch landing it on Parker’s right eye. “Now this is the way a man does it Parker!” He taunted him as he threw another left, this time landing it on his mouth. Parker finally got his footing back and lifted his leg kneeing Angel in the stomach.
Angel released Parker’s shirt as he took a step back, smiling at him. “Is that all you got?”
Buffy stood there and watched as Angel continued to attack Parker. With every nasty verbal blow a physical one followed. And Parker, she had to admit, held on to his own for a little bit. Taking Angel’s shot and dishing out his own, even if he didn’t land them all.
Parker yelled and threw a left with all his might, Angel ducked and Parker lost his footing and fell to the ground right next to the knife. He picked it up and just as Angel bent over to grab him he attacked, slicing it across Angel’s rib cage.
Angel hissed as he jumped back, his eyes dark and menacing, his smirk malevolently smiling into Parker’s fearful eyes.
Buffy stopped breathing the second she saw blood on Angel’s shirt. Rage unlike anything she had ever experienced in her life coursed through her and took control.
Angel took a step toward Parker ready to dish out the final blow. But Buffy beat him to it.
Picking up the gun that Parker dropped she pushed Angel aside and walked right up to Parker firing the gun repeatedly and screaming at the top of her lungs.
BANG…BANG…BANG…BANG…BANG…BANG
He fell back to the ground, his lifeless eyes staring up at the sky.
In her rage she didn’t see that, she only saw blood, Angel’s blood and she continued to fire the gun, completely unaware that the only sound it made was the click of the empty chambers.
Angel stood behind her his own breath erratic with his exertions. Listening to the empty gun clicking, he walked up behind her and spoke softly putting his hands on top of hers. “Buffy stop, give me the gun.”
But she wouldn’t let it go. Her heart was beating rapidly with the adrenaline pumping through her veins and her eyes were transfixed on the bleeding body of her dead husband.
“Is he dead?” she asked coldly as she finally moved, kicking Parker’s dead body.
He quirked an eyebrow at her bloodthirsty tone then he looked down at Parker’s still form. He had six bullet holes in him; three in his chest, one in his arm, one between his legs, and one in his head. “Um, yeah, they don’t get much deader than that.”
“I can’t believe he’s dead. I can’t believe I killed him.”
Angel gently pried the gun out of her hands. Then taking his shirt he wiped her prints off of it and put it in the back of his pants, he’d dispose of if later. “Well you did.”
“Good. He deserved to die.” She sneered.
He turned her to face him and looked into her eyes for any sign of shock. ‘Are you okay?”
Buffy looked back at him, “I’m okay.” Her eyes trailed down and looked at his bleeding abdomen. “Oh God Angel, you’re bleeding.”
Angel smiled at her, his hand cupping her cheek and bringing her gaze up to his. “Buffy I’m okay, it’s just a scratch.”
There was the sound of leaves cracking as urgent footsteps ran up the path and toward them. Spike and Oz skidded to a halt when they reached the clearing.
“Everything alright, we heard gun fire.” Oz said as Spike walked up to them and looked down at Parker’s dead body.
“Everything looks alright to me.” He said as he stood to his feet and looked at Angel. Seeing his bloody shirt, he took out a cigarette and lit it, shaking his head. “I can’t believe you let that punk get a whack at you.”
Angel and Oz both chuckled but Buffy wasn’t amused.
“This isn’t funny! He’s bleeding!” She yelled at them, as she pressed her hand against his wound.
Spike scoffed at her. “That’s not bleeding.” He looked down on the ground surrounding them and all the blood that was pooling. “That’s bleeding.”
“Oh shut up!”
“Buffy…” Angel grabbed her hands and pulled them way from him. “It’s okay…he only grazed me.”
Her worried eyes lifted to us, “Are you sure?” She said her voice shaking.
Angel knew exactly what she was feeling, because he felt the same thing when he saw her bruised face. He smiled at her and pulled her into his embrace. “I’m sure baby, don’t worry.”
Oz walked over to where Spike stood and looked down at Parker. Seeing the chaotic spray of bullet holes in his body he knew Angel hadn’t pulled the trigger. “Looks like someone needs some quality time at the shooting range.”
“Really luv, you’re a messy shooter.” Spike said with a twinkle in his eye.
Buffy was going to respond to that but Angel kept her head plastered against his chest as he scowled at Spike. “Why don’t you guys go back to camp, we’ll be right behind you.”
Oz nodded then he and Spike turned and walked back up the path. Pulling out fifty bucks Oz grudgingly slapped it into Spike’s waiting hand.
Spike grinning from ear to ear happily took it and put it in his pocket. “I told ya she’d do it. Never bet against me I’m always right.”
Angel pulled Buffy’s face up to his and slowly started to kiss her. He could feel the tension in her body, he could practically smell the adrenaline still pumping and he wanted to calm her down. So he started slow, his lips moved back and forth over hers. His tongue reached out and slid inside of her mouth, languorously moving against hers. All the while his hands caressed her back, with soothing up and down motions.
With each second that ticked by, and with every silky slide of his lips against hers, her body relaxed, the tension trained away and she felt…liberated.
His lips wove a silken path down her throat and she sighed deeply. “I can’t believe it’s over.”
After she said it, it really dawned on him and his slow tender kisses turned hot and heavy as he roughly pulled her further against him. He looked deep into her eyes and his voice was gruff with passion when he spoke.
“It is. You’re all mine now.” He declared as he took her lips hungrily kissing her.
Buffy held on tightly as he ravished her mouth and marked his territory. When he pulled back to look at her, she felt scolded by the heat in his eyes.
“I can’t wait to get you alone.” He whispered urgently as The Beast tapped on her belly.
Sensually she chuckled as she rubbed her belly against his prodding appendage. “Me too.”
He took her waiting mouth one more time and then pulled away with a deep sigh of regret coming off his lips. Leaving her standing there he walked over to grab the bag of diamonds and then hurriedly headed back over to her.
Buffy watched him approach and couldn’t control the moan of desire that ran through her at the intense expression on his face. The second he got within two feet of her she reached out and grabbed him. Throwing herself against him she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you.” She stated just before she voraciously attacked his mouth and gyrated against him.
His eyes closed as he groaned with need, his hands automatically squeezing her ass, pulling her closer against him. Buffy moaned her own carnal response and Angel replied by pulling her away and grabbing her hand, quickly leading her out of the woods. It was either that or he was going to take her right there.
“Come on we better get back I don’t trust Gunn with that rocket launcher.”
Buffy chuckled from his gruff response, she was so excited to get him alone she didn’t even care that he was literally dragging her down the path, but she still heard what he said.
“Oooh, rocket launcher, can I try it?”
The image of a naked Buffy firing the rocket launcher immediately entered his mind and he shivered with lust.
“I think that can be arranged.”
Beginnings
When they arrived back at the encampment the gang had everything under control and were actually sitting around the pit, drinking down some beers and looking like they were hanging out with a bunch of old friends.
Paulina walked over to Buffy the second she saw her. “Buffy, you okay honey?”
Buffy smiled, hugging Angel, “As sweet as cherry pie Paulina.” She said copying Paulina’s southern accent.
“Paulina, I want you to meet Angel. Angel this is my good friend Paulina.”
Paulina turned hesitant eyes to Angel. After Gunn had subdued the rowdy bikers he explained who they were and why they were there. Hearing that the Scourge of Europe was Buffy’s new boyfriend, everyone immediately thought the worst.
But Gunn, Oz and the polite Englishman explained that they were only there for Adam, Grant and Parker. After hearing that the majority of the crowd couldn’t have cared less that they were there at all. And the ones that were loyal to Adam choose to leave the encampment instead of facing Angelus.
Paulina however wasn’t so confident that all would be well. She was a woman in love, who had a husband that she knew would do anything to protect her honor. Knowing Angelus’ reputation she wouldn’t be surprised if he came back to the camp and wiped them all out. So it was a nervous shaking hand that she offered to Angel.
Angel had no idea of the conflict inside of the woman and he smiled openly at her and took her hand inside of his. “We already met. It’s nice to meet you Paulina I’ve heard a lot of nice things about you.”
“Really?” She squeaked out, her eyes bulging with shock.
Angel leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you for being Buffy’s friend when she needed one. You’re always welcome in my house.”
Paulina blushed profusely at his words and Buffy’s eyes watered with gratitude. Yes he was definitely getting jumped on the way home.
Charlie stepped up behind Paulina and held out his hand. “Hi I’m Charlie, Paulina’s husband. I guess we have you to thank for getting rid of our not so esteemed leaders.”
Angel smiled back at him and shook his hand. “No hard feelings ah?”
“Shit dude, are you kidding me! Let me tell you something, there were plenty of us here that were tired of Adam and Parker’s rule, not to mention Grant’s nosing around. Hell as far as we’re concerned you did us a favor.”
Angel laughed at Charlie’s candid remarks and as he looked over at the pit everyone raised their beers and shouted a salute, the biker way of course, with guns in the air blazing away.
When the raucousness finally died down Buffy looked up at Angel. “Angel, I know you want to leave but can we just stay for a minute, I’d really like you to talk to Charlie. Would you mind?”
Even though his libido was raging he couldn’t deny her anything. “Of course not baby.”
She pulled him over to the pit and they sat down with everyone, joining in on the conversation.
Angel was surprised to learn that most of the people from the New York Chapter of the Brotherhood, had decided to stay with the LA chapter who was much more lenient in their rules. While others like Charlie and Paulina wanted out all together, they were tired of the biker way of life and wanted to try their hands at something else.
As he sat and listened to Charlie talk he realized that he liked him…a lot. He was open, honest, and seemed very level headed. And as luck would have it, he was a former Marine and demolition expert, something that Angel’s team was sorely lacking.
While he and Spike were both proficient in explosives, Gunn was not. Explosives required a cool and rational hand, someone serious. While Angel loved Gunn like a brother he knew that he was not that man. Being a good judge of character he had summed Charlie up the second he shook his hand, and he knew that Charlie was that man.
“You know I could use a good man like you on my team.” Angel said. Buffy, who sat quietly listening, squeezed his arm showing her approval.
Charlie looked around at the other members of the group who were all staring at him waiting to hear his answer with blank stares, and it made him slightly uncomfortable “Well I um…I don’t know. I don’t want to impose.”
Spike wasn’t surprised to hear Angel offer Charlie a job. Charlie’s past and the fact that his wife was very close with Buffy was a boon as far as Angel was concerned. You could never have too much loyalty in this business. And they could always use another skilled level-headed guy on the team.
He also wasn’t surprised to hear the hesitation in Charlie’s answer.
It was a little daunting to be asked to join The Scourge of Europe especially when what they really did was not known to the Underground world. Of course that could easily be remedied, well after a long discussion that was, and one definitely not suitable for here. But it was one worth having and Spike wanted to make sure that Charlie heard it.
“Oh come on mate, you’ll love it! France one day, Spain the next…you never know who you’ll be robbing.” He said coaxingly.
“Or scamming,” Oz replied.
“Or killing,” Gunn added and Spike toasted them both. “Here, here.”
Charlie looked a little taken aback by their candid and proud acknowledgement of what they did and he started to wonder if he was leaving one nuthouse for another.
Angel chuckled and attempted to reassure him. “I know they sound cracked but they’re perfectly sane I promise.”
“As sane as I’ll ever be.” Gunn stood up and held the rocket launcher on his shoulder pretending to fire it and hollering to the sky as he did.
Everyone laughed, except Angel who gave Gunn a stern look shaking his head at him and secure with his decision. ‘Definitely no explosives for Gunn.’
He turned back to Charlie. “Charlie why don’t you, Paulina and the kids come back to the hotel with us, Wes can fill you in and tell you what we’re all about. If you’re not interested you can leave no strings attached.”
Charlie looked over at Paulina and saw the happy excited look in her eyes. He promised her that he would think about Buffy’s offer and he had to some extent, but he hadn’t really taken it seriously because it came from Buffy and not Angelus himself. But now being asked by the Scourge to join was an honor that he couldn’t pass up. “Sure I’d love too.”
Angel slapped him on the back and shook his hand. “Great. You can follow Spike back. I’ll see you there tomorrow.”
Feeling Buffy’s warm appreciative eyes on him, Angel figured he did what she wanted him to do and saw no reason to stay any more. Restlessly, he stood up pulling Buffy with him and looked at Spike. “Do me a favor and burn the bodies. I’d do it myself but I’ve looked at those three more than I want to. “
“Sure thing mate.”
“Great thanks, we’re leaving. You ride back with Faith.”
Spike nodded, “I think we’re going to stay awhile and enjoy the festivities.”
Faith who had sat by his side quietly the entire time now spoke up, “Umm…Spike, I don’t know if I want to stay.”
Spike turned worried eyes to her, “What’s a matter luv are you alright? Were you hurt?” His voice rose with each question and Faith smiled at him shaking her head.
“No…I just…” Faith was worried and had been since Grant mentioned Luke. He said he would call him, but knowing how these guys worked, he probably had and Luke was probably on his way here. The least time she spent here the better.
But Spike seemed to understand her concern and didn’t let her finish her sentence. “What? You’re not worried about that bloke Luke are you?”
She lowered her head, ashamed to admit that she was, but Spike lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “Don’t worry bout him luv, I took care of it.”
She stared deep into his eyes and instinctively knowing what ‘I took care of it’ meant. A blinding smile lit her face, for the first time in years she felt the weight lifted off of her shoulders. She grabbed his head and kissed him soundly on the lips.
When she released him, Spike was enthralled by the radiant beauty beside him, and he suddenly lost his festive mood. “On second thought, maybe we’ll be leaving too.”
********
The drive back to LA was most enjoyable for Angel if a little on the life threatening side. Buffy had proved to be more eager than he was. Of course she waited to attack him when he was least expecting it, which was when he was doing eighty down the freeway.
Giggling she leaned over and pulled the Beast out, stroking him as she whispered naughty words in his ear.
He had barely been able to keep his eyes open when her velvet lips wrapped around the head of his cock. And as she started to suck him with long deep strokes with her gifted wet mouth, his hands almost cracked the wood steering wheel of his beloved car. But the real accident getter was when she started to hum.
Any other day, he would have lasted a lot longer and enjoyed the soft vibrations her humming made around his cock, it was soothing and invigorating at the same time. But driving an old car with an engine that produced over 500 horsepower and vibrations on it’s own as it screamed down the freeway, was way too much.
He made a sharp right, the tires hopped over the small median and the car began to rock as it drove over grass and dirt.
Buffy jerked up from the violent motion of the car and her body lifted off the seat. Her nails dug into Angel’s naked thighs trying to balance herself as bubbles of laughter spilled from her lips.
Angel threw the car in neutral and turned the engine off. In his frenzied state he completely forgot to put the emergency brake on all he could think about was her. He picked her up and threw her down on the bench seat. Her head hit the metal door in the process but she didn’t care, she was still laughing.
It was amazing how different she felt. She never noticed how still being married to Parker was a restraint to her heart and soul. But now that he was dead, she really felt like a new woman.
She remembered that night six months ago when she was at the observatory and contemplating her life. Then she thought she had everything that she wanted. She thought that her life was perfect just the way it was. But she had been wrong.
She met Angel that night, and every second, every minute since then her life got better. She got better. And now, now that she was no longer tied to Parker it was like the cloud she didn’t even know was there dissipated, and she was free. The sun was shining down on her and all she wanted to do was lift her hands up to the sky and scream her elation.
His frustrated grunts drew her mind back to now. As her eyes followed every frantic move he made as he pulled her pants down, she knew that she would be forever thankful that he came into her life. He was her everything and she wanted to be everything that he needed her to be.
He looked up at her in that moment and watched her face light up with laughter and what he would have to describe as pure joy, and his heart filled with love for her.
“God you’re so beautiful.” He ardently said as he finally yanked her pants down and in one smooth motion thrust inside of her.
“Flawless.” He keened as his eyes closed. God she was perfect. The way she wrapped around him, like a hot blanket of love, was just the most exquisite sensation in the world to him. And for Angel, it was just another affirmation that they were made for each other.
Buffy stopped laughing the second he entered her. Her body was pulsating with heat as he started to move inside of her. She grabbed his head and pulled him down, fiercely attacking his mouth. Kissing him hungrily and branding his lips with her own. “I love you so much Angel.”
“Oh God me too.”
He pulled out and then sank back inside of her moist heat, his face crinkling as he did. He was not in the best position right now and his knee slammed into the stick shift as he thrust forward, he snarled with annoyance.
He slipped his hands under her ass and tried to lift her up to get a better angle but his knee hit the shifter again, and as he moved forward his other knee slid on the vinyl seat making him miss his target.
He growled with agitation and a little bit of his ego bruised. He was a skilled and smooth lover yet the old car wasn’t cooperating with him, and instead made him miss his goal and look like an inept teenager.
“GOD DAMN IT!” He yelled out his frustration as he held her hips up high and slammed inside of her, just barely making it in.
Buffy understood where his frustration was coming from because frankly this position wasn’t working for her either.
“Angel.”
She called out to him, but his eyes were closed and he was concentrating on keeping his balance so he didn’t hear her. He was determined that he was going to take her the way that he wanted to, so he continued to move with the hit and miss rocking technique.
As his movements got wilder Buffy felt more than just her body moving, she felt the car rolling backwards.
She hit him on the shoulder, “ANGEL!”
His eyes snapped open, “What?”
“The car is rocking and it’s not from us.” She said, smiling as his face changed from irritation to alarm the moment he understood what she was saying.
“Shit.”
He pulled out of her and sat on the bench. He stepped on the brake and then stepped on the clutch throwing the shifter in reverse. Then taking his foot of the clutch he pressed on the emergency brake.
The car stopped rolling and he laid his head back on the headrest, breathing out with complete disgust. God all he wanted was to take her, fast and hard, but it seemed that his much-loved car didn’t want to help out in achieving his goal.
“This isn’t working.” He said unhappily as he laid an arm over his eyes and felt The Beast deflate with rejection.
Buffy smiled at the tone of his voice. It was miserable, frustrated and just…dejected. He was so cute. She sat up and crawled over to him putting her hands on his shoulders she lifted her knee and straddled him.
His hands automatically rested on her waist, and when she leaned forward and started to kiss his neck, his nostrils were filled with the smell of her shampoo. Lavender and vanilla, it was calming and alluring at the same time and he felt his cock begin to swell once more.
“Don’t sound so sad lover.” She rasped in his ear.
Her hot raspy voice sent shivers through out his body and his fingers dug into her ribs as she ran her tongue over the rim of his ear and then gently bit it.
“Just relax and let me take control.”
Her mouth sucked on the bitten flesh, soothing it seductively, and he sucked in his breath, ‘Oh God she’s going to kill me.’
It felt really, really good but it wasn’t what he wanted. He had this blinding wild need to be the dominant one and for him to just sit there and hand the reins over to her was pure torture.
Balancing herself on his shoulder with one hand she reached down and took the Beast in her hand. Laying him flat against Angel’s stomach she sat down on him, her wet lips seemed to wrap around his aching cock and Angel moaned, his fingers digging deeper into her ribs.
His grip was deep and painful in her side and she whimpered as she slowly slid down his velvety cock. Every ripple of his skin felt like a hammer striking against her aching lips, and her body shook with a deep need that was almost paralyzing with its intensity.
She remembered how hot she got watching him fight for her dignity and respect, fight for their love. He was like a savage animal that had just been set free and watching his powerful body move with strength and confidence had turned her body to molten fire. She had been so aroused that she wanted to be taken by that savage beast. She wanted to be conquered.
But all that changed the moment their positions were turned. The second she sat on him the urge to control him became irresistible and she realized that now she had to be the one in control.
Slowly she slid her pussy over his turgid flesh, drool practically dripping from her lips as she watched him struggle with his own inner desire to conquer her. He was so strong, so powerful, so undeniably an alpha male who found himself trapped in the confines of car that didn’t give him the opportunity to be that person. He was for all intended purposes, a complete and utter slave to her every whim. It was a heady sensation because she knew that it wasn’t easy for him to concede his power and let hers rule…yet, here he was.
The play of emotions on his face ranged from bliss to agony. He was fighting a battle inside and it was tearing him apart, but for Buffy it only heightened her pleasure. His submissiveness made her feel powerful and put her in control, and that was what she wanted.
Sliding back up, she leaned in once more returning to her erotic mouth play on his ear. She pursed her lips and gently blew as she held his head, swinging her hips from side to side over his rigid flesh.
“Angel?”
“Mmm…” He barely responded to her breathy call, his mind solely focused on the languorous lovemaking that she was currently trying to kill him with.
“You know what gets me hot?” She slid down his shaft again applying just a little bit more pressure.
He could only shake his head in response as his hips lifted off the bench with a vehement need to press further against her naked heat.
She smiled sensually, they rubbed against each other with a powerful stroke, and a guttural moan slipped from her lover’s lips.
“You…in such a submissive state, God it just makes me so…wet.” She purred as she pressed his head against her breasts and slid sensually down his shaft.
Angel groaned hungrily his mouth catching a cloth covered nipple and sucking on it roughly. He whimpered loudly when her words finally registered in his lust filled mind, seeing what she was up to.
He released her nipple as his hands wandered up her rib cage. Grabbing her shirt he lifted it up and pulled it off her head. Buffy obliged by lifting her arms, and when naked breasts were revealed to his watering mouth he latched on to them, pushing them together as he rubbed his face in between them, pleading with her to end his torment.
“Buffy, please…not now, I need you. Please…just fuck me.” He gruffly begged her, his hands wandering back down to her waist urgently gripping her flesh trying to impale her on his twitching aching cock.
Buffy huskily chuckled as her nails dug into his shoulders, preventing him from pushing her down, and he hissed from the sharp sting.
“I love to hear you beg Angel, it’s so sweet.” She crooned
‘Sweet! She’s killing me and she thinks it’s sweet!’
He threw his head back against the headrest, his eyes squeezed shut as he willed himself to relax and take deep breaths.
She sat down on his cock fully seating him inside her hot folds then leaned back against the steering wheel. Her hands caressed her belly then moved up to her breasts. “Angel, look at me.” She called out to him on a throaty moan.
His eyes automatically opened and he lifted his head to look at her.
She was leaning back, her fingertips rolling over her nipples as she pushed her breasts up for his attention. “Take them Angel.”
She commanded him and he responded quickly as he sat up and moved forward taking the hard nub that she offered in between his lips.
“Yesss…” She cried out as her fingers splayed through his hair.
Angel greedily sucked on her breasts and tapped on her nipple with his tongue. His throaty groans filling her ears and invigorating her senses.
She rotated her hips against his cock and he shamelessly cried out again with blatant need. “Buffy please…fuck me. I need you so bad baby. I need to be inside of you.”
He was practically whining like a baby and Buffy’s body responded to his plea as a rush of wetness spilled out of her core and coated his shaft like warm honey.
Angel was trembling all over, his mind was yelling at him to take control, and he knew that he wasn’t going to be able to last any longer. Her time was up.
Buffy either sensed his control snapping or was a victim to her own game she didn’t know. All she did know was that she couldn’t take his needy pleas any longer and her own control shattered.
She violently pushed him back against the seat. She grabbed his cock and held it in her hand positioning him at her entrance. She looked deeply into his eyes as her voice took on a note of pure authoritative conviction. “You want me to fuck you? I’ll fuck you baby.” Then she pushed down fully embedding him inside of her.
His head whipped back against the headrest, his fingers mercilessly digging into her rib cage, he hissed with pleasure and a smile of pure rapture appeared on his face.
The aggressiveness that was coursing through Buffy’s veins was indescribable. And she once more dug her nails into his shoulders applying painful force as she lifted up and then slammed back down.
“Yes! Just like that!” She screamed as she lifted up and then once more slammed back down, rotating her hips, grazing her clit against the wiry hair of his lower abdomen, and causing her body to ripple with incredible sensations.
Angel couldn’t speak, the only thing he could say were the grunts and moans of ecstasy that left his mouth as she continued to ride him hard and fast, with deep penetrating strokes.
“You’re mine Angelus!” She firmly said as she continued with her assault on his cock.
Angel groaned hearing his given name off her lips, his own inner demon rising to the occasion, desperately wanting to rein her in and take the upper hand.
But her grip on his shoulders was intense and the pain, now throbbing, melted into the erotic torture she was inflicting on his appendage. He felt like he was getting the worse beating of his life as she continued to thrash above him, punishing him with her profound brutal movements. It was the most sexually satisfying experience he had ever felt and his body surged upward, his hands dug into her flesh, blood trickled out of her side, as his mouth opened and he screamed so loud and with so much force the windows rattled.
Buffy feeling a rush of warm heat filling her core threw her head back and slammed down on him one last time as she came hard and long. Ripples of ecstasy coursed through and she lifted her hands to the roof, stretching her body back and moving with each delicious ripple as it spread throughout her.
In her violent motion her back hit the horn and it sounded off…loud in the quiet world outside their steel box of wickedness.
Faith and Spike were just driving by when the horn screeched out into the night. Faith jumped and looked out the window just as they passed the car that sat on the side of the road. “Isn’t that Angel’s car?”
Spike looked in the rear view mirror as they drove by, a smirk on his face. “Yup, the horny bastards.”
Faith smiled as she settled back next to him, her hand sliding up his thigh. “You know a Desoto has a lot more room in it than a Roadrunner.” She said idly watching his expression.
Spike smiled, she had a good point. He knew it could not be easy having sex in the Roadrunner. Of course he knew from experience just how difficult it could be but he wasn’t going to tell Faith that. Pulling over to the side of the road he chuckled to himself when he thought of all the fun he was going to have teasing Angel about it.
Buffy was still riding the wave, her earsplitting exclamations of ‘oh god yes…yes…yes’ was like a rock concert to Angel’s ears that were beginning to ring. His own body was still shuddering with his intense orgasm. He held on to her waist, his grip now loose, his eyes closed as he leaned his head back. If he didn’t feel his heart pounding in his chest he’d sure think he was dead. Because that was just the most unbelievable staggering and mind-blowing ride she had ever taken him on.
So swept up in their own scintillating after effects that neither one noticed the horn blaring loudly. It wasn’t until a full five minutes later that Buffy finally gained her senses back.
“Oops.” She giggled as she leaned away from the steering wheel.
The horn stopped and she sighed deeply as she looked at her lover. God he was so handsome, so incredibly giving and understanding. Everything that he had ever done for, every feeling that he had ever made her experience hit her like a slap in the face. Her heart swelled with so much emotion and so much gratitude that he was still a part of her life that her eyes began to water. She had no idea what she would do without him. And it was so scary to even contemplate it that she began to shake.
Angel opened his eyes as he felt her body quivering. He looked at her, concern on his face as his hand reached up and cupped her cheek. “Buffy, what’s a matter? Are you okay, did you hurt yourself?”
He wouldn’t be surprised she had ridden him like a freaking banshee on speed. Even The Beast was feeling numb and battered.
She shook her head as tears freely fell from her eyes. “No. I just…Angel I love you so much. You have no idea.” She cried and Angel smiled.
He pulled her down and wrapped his arms around her holding her tightly, he kissed her forehead. “I know baby…it’s the same way that I feel about you.”
She cried heavily as she held on to him tightly. Everything that happened in the past week flashed before her eyes and she was so thankful that he was still there with her, so happy to finally be able to give all of herself to him that it just opened up the flood gates.
Angel just held on to her to her body as she let loose with a rampant flood of tears and her body racked with the deep wails she made.
When her trembling slowed, she leaned back and looked at him. “I’m sorry…” her hand wiped away the tear drops that were on his jacket. “I got you all wet.”
Angel couldn’t help but chuckle. They hadn’t moved and his slackened cock was still nestled warmly inside of her and as he laughed she moved readjusting her position, and because she was so wet he slipped right out.
“In more ways than one.” He playfully said.
She smiled at him then gave him a resounding kiss on the lips. “So…wanna do it again?” She asked as she wiggled on his lap.
Feeling absolutely no stirrings of life from the Beast, he just looked back at her with a stunned expression.
Buffy chuckled. “What’s a matter? Did I break him?” she teased wiggling some more.
Angel looked down at his cock as it lay completely flat against his belly. He put his finger under the head and lifted it up then let it go…it dropped like dead weight.
Buffy laughed and Angel scowled a little concerned. “He’s never done that before.”
Buffy kissed him soundly on the lips then drew back to look at him saucily. “I bet I could get his attention.” she said wiggling again.
Still the Beast lay flat and uninterested and Angel sighed, ‘I think she did break him.’
“Sorry baby, but…”
He lifted her off of him and put her back on the bench seat, tucking the wounded Beast back in his pants.
“I think he’s going to need some recuperation time.”
Buffy was all smiles as she got dressed. She felt an incredible sense of pride at being able to reduce The Beast to a puddle of mush. When she was once more fully dressed, she slid next to Angel just as he started the car back up.
During the drive back home, they talked about everything that had happened and shared their most hidden fears and desires.
When she asked about the Mayor, he told her that he would take the diamonds to him tomorrow and then, according to the plan, the FBI were supposed to show up and take him into custody.
She accepted his answer and Angel was thankful. She didn’t need to know that that part of the plan had already been achieved. As far as Buffy was concerned, she stole the real diamonds and if Angel had anything to say about it, that’s what she would always believe.
After that, she asked him about Uncle and he told her what happened. When he did he couldn’t keep the disappointment over killing him so quickly out of his voice, and Buffy mistook it for guilt over killing his own flesh and blood.
When she cooed and cuddled him, lovingly rubbing his head against her breasts giving him comfort. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that he didn’t feel guilty and that he was just bummed that he couldn’t drag it out any longer, so he let her console him enjoying the attention she was giving him.
He told her about the ritual that he Spike and Oz were going to do that night, and then asked her if she wanted to be there with him.
After he told her what it was about her nose crinkled with repulsion and she politely declined. Angel didn’t mind, he knew it was a barbaric tradition but it was still something that he and the guys felt they had to do. Plus Angel was sure that Giles would want to be there for it as well.
Thinking of Giles, Angel didn’t tell her anything. He figured that was better left for the old man to explain himself. Because not only did he have to explain it to Buffy but he was going to have a lot of explaining to do with Joyce. Inwardly, Angel shuddered she was a formidable woman and he didn’t want to be around to hear that conversation.
The rest of the drive was done in silence as Buffy lay down on the seat and fell asleep. His hand rested on the side of her hip and as he drove over a bump, she moved changing her position. As she did, her shirt rode up and he saw that insufferable black ink on her back.
He scowled and looked back at the road. He was going to have to talk to her about getting that tattoo removed, because no wife of his was going to wear another man’s mark.
And there was no doubt in his mind that she was going to be his wife. He had felt what it was like to live without her, gut-wrenchingly painful, and he never wanted to feel that way again.
He yawned, just as he entered the Los Angeles County, tomorrow he would start to make his plans. It had to be perfect, because she was perfect and she deserved everything that was in his power to give her.
********
One Month Later, The Hotel Basement…
“Ooof!”
Angel landed flat on his back, stunned by Buffy’s strong sure kick.
“That’s it B let him have it!” Faith called out as everyone laughed their asses off at seeing the mighty Angelus laid low by such a small woman as Buffy.
Angel smirked up at her as he quickly got to his feet. He shook his head and began to circle her. “Nice kick.”
She smiled at him as she moved around the room, “Thanks.”
Since that night one month ago things had been great and their little family had grown.
Charlie decided to join the Order after hearing what they were really all about. Given that he had served his country as a Marine already he was honored to have the chance to do it again.
Since he and Paulina didn’t have much money, Angel had given him a nice hefty salary advance and then Paulina, Buffy, Faith and Willow went house shopping.
It didn’t take long to find one and pretty soon their kids were established at school, Paulina had a job bartending at The Crypt, and Charlie had smoothly integrated into The Order.
Angel, who had decided a month ago that he was going to ask Buffy to marry him, still had not. He wasn’t getting cold feet, far from it. In fact he couldn’t wait to make her his wife but there were still some things that he wanted resolved before he did.
He knew that Giles still had not talked to either Buffy or Joyce. Angel, being the old fashioned guy that he was, wanted their permission first but he didn’t think that he could do that with this secret looming over their heads. He wanted Buffy to be in the right state of mind when he proposed and for that to happen, this secret had to be let out of the closet, and fast because he was getting impatient.
Of course, he was still finalizing his plans for the proposal, that had to be perfect before anything was done, but he was close and he had been bothering Giles every week. In fact, he was surprised that Ripper hadn’t already taken him out with how much Angel had been pestering him.
So over all the last month had been busy and incredibly slow paced at the same time. They had done some minor jobs here in the states, giving Buffy some more time to get back into the groove of things before they took on another big job.
Angel and Spike also took the time to train Faith on safe picking, and she and Buffy were both given incessant weapons training. Both of them wanted to make sure that the girls were as proficient with any weapon as both of them were.
A few weeks after everything cooled down with the FBI, Angel still had not heard from Kate which made him very nervous. But Spike told him not to worry about her; she didn’t know anything and never would. But Angel couldn’t let it go that easily and it would be a constant pang in his mind until he did talk to her.
Angel, Spike and Oz returned to Uncle’s building and cleaned it out. After that they went to his private home and did the same thing. Taking with them anything they found and either locking it up or destroying it forever.
The next day it was reported in the news that a gas leak had occurred in both buildings after a construction team was doing some work in the area, they both blew up and burnt to the ground. In reality, it was the first demo job that Charlie did as a member of The Order. After that they made the Hotel the new headquarters for The Order of Aurelia.
This particular morning started out good for Angel.
Last night they had all gathered at the club and partied into the early morning hours. Afterwards, they came back to the hotel because later that afternoon they were off to Morocco to do a job. As usual Wes, Gunn, Fred and now Charlie, went ahead to make all the arrangements, while Spike, Angel, Oz, Faith and Buffy stayed behind to go over the plan one last time.
He had only slept for about an hour before he got restless so he left Buffy sleeping in bed then made his way down to the basement for a little work out session. He was surprised to see Oz there beating the crap out of the punching bag.
“Oz, what are doing down here this early?” He asked because he knew that Willow spent the night last night and that it was their first time together.
Not that he kept tabs on his friend’s sex lives, but Buffy was so happy that they were finally getting together that she had excitedly told him all about it before they went to bed last night.
Oz continued attacking the bag as he answered Angel. “I…think…I…love…her.”
Walking up to the bag he grabbed it and held on to it, as Oz continued to punch it. He smiled seeing the disconcerting look on his friends face. “And that’s a bad thing?”
Oz stopped punching and looked at him. “I haven’t…told her.” he simply stated.
Angel smiled he remembered what that was like. “You should tell her, Willow’s a great person, and I can tell she feels the same way about you.”
Oz shook his head, “No. Not that. I already told her that I loved her.”
Angel looked back at him confused, “than what…” then it dawned on him, “Oh.” He snorted, remembering what a mistake that lack of information had been for him. “I thought you already told her. I mean it’s been a month and every time you’re in town she’s here. How can she not know?”
Honestly, Angel thought that Buffy and Faith already told her, and if not he thought for sure that she would have figured something out by now. She wasn’t stupid and in the past month she had spent a lot of time with them, even when Oz was out of town.
Oz shrugged then walked over to the bench and sat down. “She doesn’t and I don’t know what to do. She’s not like Buffy and Faith Angel. She’s…delicate…sensitive. I don’t know if she’d be okay with what we do.”
‘Delicate?’
Thinking back over the past month, Angel had seen and heard many things from Willow and none of them gave him the impression that she was delicate. Maybe a little naïve but definitely not delicate. In fact, just last week they went out to some bar to see Spike’s band play and Willow had gotten so drunk that she started table dancing. If it wasn’t for Buffy and Faith she would have made a lot in tips because she started stripping.
Angel cleared his throat. “Oz, I think you’re not giving Willow enough credit. She’s a strong woman and she loves you, everyone can tell. You’ve got to tell her or it could make things a lot worse.”
“Yeah, I guess your right.”
Angel slapped him on the back, “Trust me I know what I’m talking about.”
Two hours later, Angel was just finishing up his work out when Buffy came walking down the stairs.
“Hey.” She said as she bounded over to him and threw her arms around his neck. She kissed him on the lips then pulled back to scold him. “I thought we had a deal buster, no more absent mornings.”
Angel held her tightly, a smile on his face as he remembered the conversation that took place in the bathtub.
It was a few nights after the whole ordeal and they were sitting in the tub together quietly talking. She said that she had been very angry with herself for not realizing sooner that something was up with Him. She said that she should have known because of all the times she woke up alone. She then added, very softly, that she thought she was getting a complex about it and how waking up in the morning without him triggered all sorts of paranoid feelings inside of her.
He understood her fear so he promised her that she would never wake up alone again, at least when he was in town.
“I’m sorry baby I couldn’t sleep so I came down to work out a little.”
Setting her away from him his eyes looked down her body to see her wearing a tank top and sweats.
“Were you planning on working out?”
He walked over to the bench to sit down but stopped with her next words.
“Sort of, actually, I’m here to kick your ass.” She sweetly said.
Turning around he looked at her, “excuse me?”
Buffy bent over and started to take off her shoes. “You heard me. I owe you an ass kicking remember? You didn’t think I was just going to forget did you?”
Angel chuckled, ‘ah the infamous ass-kicking that she’s supposed to give me for lying to her.’
“Baby…you lied to me too, remember? I thought we put this behind us.”
“I know and we did. But I thought we both agreed that my failure to tell you about my marital state wasn’t really my fault, whereas, you knowingly lied to me about what you did and who you really were. I think it’s only fair that you should be punished for being such a naughty boy. Don’t you?” She saucily told him.
She turned around and bent over as she pulled her sweats off, to reveal a very, very short pair of black shorts that hugged her ass like second skin and left her cheeks bare for his eyes to see.
Of course in that moment he couldn’t remember anything let alone a conversation they supposedly had. He couldn’t even take his eyes off of her ass. His pulse quickened and he swallowed adjusting his own sweats as he did.
‘She’s going to kick my ass in those?’
He watched her as she got the last sock off then she straighten up, turned around and jumped up and down, rolling her neck around in a circle.
“You sure you want to kick my ass?”
His gaze looked down at the way the shorts gathered in her crotch and his mouth watered. “I mean those shorts are a little…deliberate, don’t you think.”
Buffy frowned as she looked down at her shorts. “What’s wrong with my shorts?”
He leered at her unable to get his mind out of the gutter. “Nothing’s wrong with them if you’re trying to get me to lick your ass.” He snickered.
Buffy’s eyes crinkled with annoyance as she looked back at him, “Is that all you think about?”
Angel smirked at her hungrily. “Buffy I am a man and those shorts are an invitation.”
Her frown deepened. “It just so happens that these shorts are very comfortable.”
His eyebrow rose, ‘Comfortable? They’re riding up your crotch, how comfortable can they be?’
“You’re just trying to get out of your punishment because you’re afraid of getting hurt,” she said.
Angel laughed, loudly and Buffy glowered crossly at him.
Seeing her frown he stopped laughing but he couldn’t stop himself from smiling at her. “Baby, I know that you’re proficient in martial arts but you can’t hurt me, and I don’t want to hurt you.” He smugly said.
Buffy looked back at his arrogant expression and her eyebrow lifted at his comment.
‘Oh really.’
Originally she was planning on seducing him and then punishing him in a sweat tormenting sexual way. But now hearing his arrogant and insulting remarks, she really did want to kick his ass. And she wasted no time in doing it. She kicked out with her right leg and her foot landed right in the middle of Angel’s stomach.
“Oof.”
He dropped the towel he had been holding and took a step back as the air left his lungs, completely thrown off by her attack.
He looked up at her to find her standing in a fighting position, legs slightly apart, her fists raised and ready to strike the next blow, and he scowled, Buffy smiled.
“Maybe you don’t want to get hurt?” she teased him and he chuckled at her as a dangerously dark glint entered is eye.
That’s when it began, Angel’s ass-kicking, and since it started which was about thirty minutes ago, the gang made there way down to the basement to watch. They were all pretty much cheering Buffy on, except Spike who taunted Buffy with his usual British humor.
Angel was taking it all in stride with a sense of humor and a budding respect for his lover. She was good, very good, maybe even a little bit better than Spike. Her technique was flawless and for a small woman she did pack an incredibly powerful punch. He knew by the time this was over he was going to have a couple of black and blue marks.
In fact he was surprised to see that they were pretty much evenly matched, of course he still held back a little. After all he didn’t want to hurt her. He had landed quite a number of punches and she had taken them like a pro, never faltering and always quick with her response. But still he just couldn’t bring himself to give her the full force of his power.
Until he noticed that with every movement she made those shorts rode up her crotch a little higher, and it became relatively apparent that she was not wearing panties.
He looked over his shoulder and at the expressions on Oz and Spike’s face; obviously they had a perfectly good view of something that they should never ever see. And accordingly, his humor dissipated and anger started to slowly creep in.
“Had enough Scourge?” Buffy asked as she just completed the most beautiful roundhouse kick to his chest that Angel had ever seen.
“Nice kick.”
“Thanks.”
“You know I’ve been taking it easy on you?” he taunted her, getting to his feet.
“Yeah I can tell I feel like I’m fighting a girl.”
Buffy wanted him to give her everything he had she didn’t want him holding back. She was determined to show him that she could take care of herself and competently too.
But Angel just grinned back at her not taking her bait.
‘Okay, well I really didn’t want to have to go there but I guess I do.’
She smiled at him, “You know I can take a punch Angel, I’ve got a lot of years experience at being the punching bag.”
His eyes darkened, he didn’t like being reminded of her previous life.
“But I guess when it really comes down to it you’re just not as tough as Parker was.”
“Ooohhh now that’s low Pet. Are you going to take that Angelus?” Spike called out.
Brown eyes now black as night looked back at her. “Baby you don’t want everything that I got, believe me.”
Buffy feigned a shiver, “Oooo I’m so scared.”
She snapped a quick jab and landed it squarely on his nose.
“Come on Angel, give me everything you got. I can take it.”
She snapped another one, this one landing on his chin. His head snapped back and when he looked back at her he saw the hard glint in her eye, it matched his own.
“Aren’t you pissed off at me Angel? I mean, I never told you I was married remember? We could have gone on together for years and you know what…I never would have told you.”
She smiled as she heard the soft growl of anger, just before she let loose with another sharp jab, this one landing on his cheek.
Between the free show she was giving his friends and her taunts, he wasn’t able to suppress his anger anymore.
Spike saw the signs as Angel’s body became tense and his movements became crisper. “Oui Buffy you better tone it tone a bit unless you really want to get a beating.” He called out to her but she ignored him.
“And you know what Angel, I’ve been thinking and I think I’m going to keep my tattoo, because you know it’s so much a part of me, of who I am…where I belong.” She goaded him with that and she knew it would work because it was a sore subject with him.
It was only last week when they were at the bar that he had brought it up again, demanding that she get it removed. They had argued pretty vehemently about it until she had to go and stop Willow from doing her striptease on the table.
Of course Buffy had planned on getting rid of the tattoo long before Angel said anything about it. In fact, she was planning on getting it done next Friday, which was his birthday. She thought it would be a nice birthday gift. So the removal of the tat was not why she fought him. They argued because she didn’t like his attitude and the fact that he thought that he was the one that made the rules around here.
“No. That is coming off of your body one way or another, even if I have to do it myself!”
Buffy smiled at him then put her hands down. Turning around she faced the gang as she bent over and pulled her shorts down, revealing the tattoo and her naked ass. “What do you think guys, it is beautiful don’t you think?”
Oz’s eyes popped out of his head as he got a quick look at Buffy’s backside before Willow covered his eyes.
Spike and Faith laughed at her antics, “it is a beautiful piece of ass…I mean art.” Spike responded.
Angel’s face was beat red with rage. His emotions took control of his mind, and in his agitated jealous state he rushed Buffy.
Grabbing her he pulled her shorts ups, lifted her up, swung around and body slammed her down to the ground, completely unaware of just powerful his maneuver was.
“OOOHHH!”” Everyone exclaimed with surprise.
“Now that’s going to hurt!” Spike said laughing.
Faith slapped him, “Shut up he could have hurt her. God Angel, what’s wrong with you?” She turned scornful eyes to Angel who just stood there looking down at Buffy.
Buffy lay on the mat, her eyes closed as she took a deep needed breath.
‘That was what I was waiting for. Now if I could just get up without humiliating myself by throwing up all over the matt, then that would be great.’
He saw her face whiten and he immediately snapped out of it.
‘Holy shit what the hell did I do?’
Frantically he leaned down and helped her up. “Oh God Buffy, I’m so sorry. Are you alright?” Great now he felt guilty.
Buffy forced out a smile as she looked at him trying to sound as casual as she could. “I’m fine Angel. It was a good shot. I wasn’t expecting it.”
He pulled her hair away from her face. “No it was a low blow. God I’m so sorry I don’t know what I was thinking, I just reacted.”
“I know Angel, its okay, I’m alright. I am a little thirsty though so I’m going to get something to drink.”
“Hold on I’ll come with you.” He started to follow her but she stopped him.
“No it’s okay. I’m going to get a drink then I have to call my mom before I forget.”
He looked at her blankly, “oh…okay. You’re sure you’re alright.”
Leaning up she kissed him on the lips, “I’m fine baby don’t worry.”
Angel watched as she headed up the stairs and the gang congratulated her for kicking his ass.
When she was gone, Faith jumped down on to the mat and started to take her shoes and socks off. “Okay, come on lover boy, let’s see what you got?” She said to Spike.
Once she reached the lobby, Buffy practically ran up the stairs to the bathroom. She just closed the door and made it to the toilet right before she vomited.
After a good five minutes of her body heaving up the entire contents of her stomach, which wasn’t much, she laid her head against the cool porcelain.
‘God I feel awful. Maybe I’m coming down with something.’
Quietly she stayed there her eyes closing as her body relaxed. But a few seconds later her eyes popped open and her body tensed again.
‘Shit, when was the last time I took my pill?’
Her stomach rolled and turned irritably as her face paled.
‘I haven’t been taking my pill. In fact, the last time I can actually remember taking it was before everything happened. Before I discovered what Angel really did, before Parker turned up alive, and before he rap…’
Her hand slapped across her mouth as panic filled her,
‘Oh my god I’m pregnant.’
The End…for now
Author’s Note: Continue the journey with Buffy and Angel in Book Three: Through Rose Colored Glasses
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