Written by: Witchiepoo
Author's Website
Chapter 14
Friday night
Buffy curled up in the huge chair, tucking her feet under her butt. Anya was laid out on the sofa, a cold compress on her head and a glass of water on the table behind her.
“Feeling better?” Buffy asked, sipping her tea.
“No. I had no idea I’d be this sick. I swear, Rupert is going to win the husband of the year award. He’s so sweet.” She sounded truly miserable and truly in love all at the same time.
“Can I get you anything else?” Buffy asked, listening to the sounds of dinner being cooked.
“No. It’ll pass. It always does. Just take notes for when you get pregnant.”
Buffy’s hand strayed to her stomach, imagining a mini-Spike growing inside her belly. “I will. Thanks.”
“I don‘t think it‘ll be much longer.” Anya announced. Buffy wasn’t sure if she was talking about dinner or predicting a pregnancy.
“I don‘t think so, either.”
“You‘re good for Spike. When he was assigned to me, I didn‘t know what to expect. I mean, you look at Spike, and you don‘t really see William Giles, poet, writer. I was pleasantly surprised.”
“You and me both.” Buffy admitted.
Anya grinned. “I think you’ll be a fine addition to our family.
“Thanks.” Buffy smiled.
***********************************
“Spike, you must measure the salt before adding it to the water. The book says Anya’s ankles could swell from too much salt, and that she could be susceptible to developing high blood pressure.” Giles pulled the pocket-sized “What to expect during your pregnancy” book out of his back pocket. Spike wanted to laugh, but didn’t. His father was a mess. He spouted pregnancy facts and pulled that book out at every chance.
“Why don’t you put the salt in the pot, and I’ll make the salad.” Spike turned his back and grinned.
“Spike, I’ve been meaning to ask. What happened with Dru’s case?” Spike popped a cherry tomato in his mouth.
“She dropped it. Wes called me, and her lawyer sent him a letter basically saying it had all been a big mistake.” It had taken Spike by surprise when he’d received the phone call. He had just left his editor’s office, having finished the outline for the new book in the wee hours of the morning. He’d typed while Buffy slept. Her body naked and flush, curled into a ball next to him. It had taken all his willpower not to turn her over and make love to her till she woke up. Instead, he’d stared and typed.
“Please tell me you’re finally going to tell Buffy about that suit.” Giles poured a tablespoon olive oil into the boiling water. The knife in Spike’s hand was still, obviously the plea was heard.
“How can I tell her what happened with Dru? How I found out about the abortion? That kid could have been mine, Dad. It took me months to get over that. I don’t want to dredge it up.” Spike shook his head. No, it was better to just forget that part of his life. He had a new, better life with Buffy. As far as he was concerned, Druscilla and Liam didn’t exist.
“You can’t hide from the past, Will. Just tell her, and move on. Buffy won’t think any less of you. She loves you.” Giles squeezed Spike’s shoulder before turning around to sauté the shrimp.
*******************************
Spike watched his father with Buffy, and felt a pang of guilt for bringing Druscilla into their lives. Dru had never taken the time to get to know his father, and really, she hadn’t wanted to. But Buffy... She fit. She fit him, like a missing piece of the puzzle. Maybe, it was him. Maybe, he’d stopped looking for someone to love him, and just found someone he could love. It really was amazing to think of how different his life was now. With Dru, he was always walking on egg shells, afraid to do anything to spook her and scare her off. He didn’t have those same concerns with Buffy. He could tell her anything and she’d look at him with those soft hazel eyes and kiss his worry away. So why won’t you tell her the whole story? What’s keeping you from admitting how devious Druscilla really was?
“Marry her before someone else comes along and takes her.” Anya said, coming to sit next to him.
Spike laughed at her bluntness. “How’s tomorrow sound? Could you squeeze us in?”
“I think so.” Anya pulled her leg under her, smiling at her stepson. “She’s terrific. She makes you smile, and that makes all of us happy.”
“I could say the same for you. Grandmamma is overjoyed with the prospect of having another grandchild. She’s relieved the Giles’ name will live on since I’m lazing about in the procreating department.”
Anya giggled. “Yes, Sarah told me she was glad your Dad hadn’t forgotten his duty to the family name, since you obviously had. I told her there was hope on the horizon.”
Spike leaned forward, his arms on his knees. “Thanks a lot. No wonder she’s been calling me every other day. The old bird. And here I thought she missed me.” He said, thinking it was time for another visit to England.
*************************************
Riley hauled the last of the outgoing mail into the back of the Postal truck, and wondered for the umpteenth time why was he doing this. Buffy? Well, at first, he thought this was going to work, then last night, she’d blown him off. Too busy celebrating with her new friends. After all he’d done, and still he wasn’t good enough for her.
“Excuse me, are you Riley Finn?”
Riley turned around and took a step back. It was the coldness in her eyes that had him restraining the urge to cross himself.
“Yes, I am.”
“Hi, I’m a friend of William’s.”
He frowned. William who?
“Oh, pardon me, William Giles. I believe the bastard is keeping company with your girlfriend at the moment.”
Oh, him. The author. The backstabber. Oh, wait. We weren’t friends, therefore, no backstabbing to be done. But he did take my girl. Riley looked down at the woman, who actually came to his shoulder. The raven-haired woman seemed almost dead, her skin was so pale and perfect. Not a pimple or scar to mar it. Pull your brain out of your crotch and concentrate on what she’s saying. His mind chided.
“And I should care because...”
“You want her back. Right? Buffy. You want her back, and I want William to pay for... cheating me. You help me. I’ll help you.”
Riley looked suspiciously at the hand offered to him. There was a tiny voice in the back of his head screaming “Devil. She devil. Bad mama. Avoid at all costs.” But the voice was faint, and he didn’t really want to hear what it had to say. This woman could help him get Buffy back and that was all that mattered. Yeah, he’d get Buffy back, then dump her the same way she dumped him. See how she likes being on the other end. Riley shook the manicured hand, and smiled.
“I don’t even know your name. Shouldn’t I know your name if we’re going to be working together?”
“Dru. My name is Dru.” She smiled. “Can I buy you a drink?”
***********************************
Heller rolled her neck, wishing her personal masseuse could come in and give her a 15 minute massage. Instead, her assistant walked in and handed her a package. CJ Walker and Associates. Oh, good. She’d been waiting on the private investigator’s report on Dru since Tuesday. She pulled the accompanying letter out and read it quickly.
“Ms. Heller, per your instructions, we began a surveillance on Druscilla H. Cavanaugh. Nothing, nothing. Met with a Philip Barton, PI. Nothing. Nothing. Met with a Riley Finn outside GE building. Nothing, nothing. Will await your instructions before pulling surveillance. CJ Walker.”
Well, that was about as interesting as watching grass grow. So, Druscilla has her own PI. Wonder who this Riley Finn is? New lover? Heller buzzed her assistant.
“Two calls. First one into CJ Walker. Second one to Darla Henderson. Thanks.”
Heller twirled her pen around her fingers, and waited. “CJ Walker on line 2, Ms. Heller.”
“CJ, it’s Heller. I got your report. I need to know if Mrs. Cavanaugh is seeing this Riley Finn on a romantic basis. So, keep your man on him. What about this investigator? Have you had any dealings with him?”
CJ Walker leaned back in his plush, leather seat, and puffed away on his cigar. “He’s pond scum. He used to be top notch before the booze and the gambling got to him. That’s what I can’t figure. Barton and Cavanaugh don’t travel in the same circles, if you know what I mean. She’s so high class, her heels wouldn’t touch Barton as she walk by. Yet, my man saw them together. He handed her a report and she paid him. The next thing we know she’s meeting this Finn character.”
“CJ, I’ll go with your instincts on this. Mine are telling me there’s something going on with Mr. Finn.”
“We’ll continue our tracking of Mrs. Cavanaugh’s movements. If we get anything interesting over the weekend, I’ll give you a call. Will that be alright?”
“Yes, CJ. Are we still on for lunch next week?” Heller asked, checking her calendar.
“If the firm is still paying, I’m there.”
Heller laughed and grinned. CJ was one of the good people in her opinion. “Yeah, they are. Gotta keep our best investigator happy.”
*********************************
"I'm not quite sure what you expect me to do, miss." Riley shrugged. Every minute he spent with this woman made him uneasy. There was something niggling at the back of his mind telling him to get as far away from her as possible.
Dru ground her teeth. Idiot. If I could do this without Liam finding out I would, but I need you. "I thought you loved her. I'm sorry to have bothered you." Dru fumbled around with her purse, giving him time to consider her last statement.
Riley reached out and put a hand out. "Please, sit. I'm just confused."
That is an understatement. "What exactly don't you understand? William forced me to have an abortion. He was an awful boyfriend. He used me to further his career, then threw me aside. I would think you wouldn't want Buffy caught up in the same trap."
Buffy. Riley smiled and his eyes got a faraway look when he thought of her with her long blonde hair and twinkling green eyes. "Dru, she won't believe a word I say. She'll think I'm trying to create trouble."
You are, you dimwit. You are. Just enough trouble for me to put my plan in motion. "Is there no one you can talk to? Any of her friends that would listen to you?"
Riley thought about Willow, Tara, and Lorne. They would throw a party if he were stuck in quicksand. Dawn. Well, she might listen, but she would more than likely try to run him over with her car. He could go to Joyce, but they were still out of town. Hank wouldn't give him the time of day.
"I'll think of something, but what if that doesn't work?"
"Then, we'll just have to think of something else."
*********************************
“Thank god it’s Friday!” Xander shouted as he strode into his house. He headed straight for the cold Heinken he knew was nestled safely inside the refrigerator. He looked at it reverently. “Hello, my pretty.”
“Shower, eat, and make love to my women. Yes, I‘ve got plans for tonight.” He sang as he headed to the back. He groaned as he heard knocking at the door.
“Shit! Probably some damn door-to-door salesman. Go away!”
“Xander, it’s Riley.”
“Like I said, go away.” He muttered as he unlocked the door.
“Hey, I was just getting in.”
“I know.” Riley said excitedly, pushing past Xander and barreling into the living room. Xander watched him somewhat amused, somewhat irritated by his presence in his life at the moment. Just call him Sparky, Xander thought.
“Riley, what’s up, dude? I’m beat, and the shower is calling me.”
“I found someone to help me get Buffy back.”
Xander rolled his eyes before sitting down heavily in his favorite chair. Are we back to that? Again? “Riley, Buffy has moved on. She’s with Spike. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are moving in together soon.”
Riley’s grin dimmed, but like a lightening bug it soon brightened. “Yeah, but this woman told me, Spike, William, whatever, is going down. She has it all planned. When Buffy finds out, she’ll dump him.”
One, two, buckle my shoe. Three, four, touch the floor. Five, six, pick up sticks. Seven, eight, lay them straight. Nine, ten, start over again. Okay, nursery rhymes aside Xander, though considering his present company, totally appropriate.
“Did you take in too much water at the beach? Buffy doesn’t love you. She is in love with another man. Madly, deeply, in love with another man. She hasn’t given you another thought. We discussed this last week. Why are you letting someone snow you like this?” Xander felt awful for what he was saying, but damnit, he was tired of being Riley’s Buffy soundboard.
“Sorry to bother you man. My bad.”
“Riley, wait. Look, I’m just trying to spare you. You’ve been at GE for over a month, you haven’t met anyone there? No cute, eligible bachelorette to fill your dreams, your bed?”
A blonde with a mini-skirt and an attitude. “No. No one compares to Buffy.”
“Then, you’re doomed to being alone. Don’t get involved with this woman. It smells fishy.”
“I’ll think about it. I’ll talk to ya later. Bye.”
“Bye.” Xander closed the door, feeling like he’d just put little orphan Annie out on the street. Oh, well, he thought, she did end up with Daddy Warbucks.
*******************************
Saturday
Darla went over again the information Heller told her last night plus the file she’d received that morning from her own investigator. Things just went from oh, hell to oh, fuck in about 10 minutes. Liam was going to be thrilled. The election is 6 weeks away, and I’ve got a rogue hell bitch on the loose. They just don’t pay me enough for this shit.
Darla knocked on the door, sticking her head through the door. "Busy?"
"No, come on in. I just finished talking to Ron Deacon with the National Committee. He wanted to commend you on the progress we're making in chipping away at Roche's numbers."
"Well, you're the candidate, I'm following your lead." Darla set her briefcase down by her leg, and smiled at Liam. It had been days since he announced his intention of divorcing Dru, and Darla could swear he looked younger.
"Is Dru here?"
"No, she's out running some errands. Why what's up?"
Darla reached down and pulled out a file. "The private investigator I hired to look into the abortion finally got back to me. I don't think you're going to like what he found." Darla handed the file to Liam, who perused the file while he paced behind his desk.
Dru had used Spike's grandmother's name. Beatrice Find. The abortion was performed in Oakland, in a small clinic. Her mother had been with her. But of course, Marilyn wouldn't allow an illegitimate child to mar her social status. She had been 10 weeks along. Liam's brow furrowed. "Why would I be upset about this?"
He handed the file back to Darla and sat back in his seat. “The dates don't match. Spike was out of the country when she conceived. He was on the final week of his vacation in England. I know. I've checked. When did you start seeing Dru?" Darla sighed.
"We started up a week or two after Spike left. But that doesn't make that baby mine?"
"No, it doesn't. So whose baby was it, if it wasn't yours and it definitely wasn't Spike's?" Darla wanted to smack him for not realizing how much worse this situation had just gotten.
"That slut was fucking someone else?” He said furiously. “There's a third player out there. That's just perfect. Not only did she have an abortion, but she was screwing anything with legs."
The irony of that statement wasn't lost on Darla. It was all fine and dandy for him to be between Dru's legs, but absolutely wrong for some unknown man to be there. Well, that's a guy for you.
"Do we know who was the father ?" Liam said tiredly.
"No. But Alan is looking into it. Liam, I don't have to tell you how explosive and damaging this kind of information could be if it's leaked to the press. I've talked to Heller, and her PI found out Dru's been meeting with her own PI. Whatever she had him looking into, he found, because she met with a young man last night."
"This just keeps getting better and better. Is she cheating on me? Or is he the father?“
“They don’t know. They followed them to a bar. They talked, and then Dru came straight home. That’s all.“
Liam pushed back from the desk, grabbing his jacket as he headed out the room. He turned at the door, his face tight. “I can't deal with this now. I've got that meeting with Gene Simon and his group. Keep on top of this, and we'll strategize or something when I get back."
Darla stood as he left the room, and took the opportunity to sit in his chair. She leaned back, her fingers clenched lightly in front of her. See what happens when you let your dick do your thinking? You end up in a bad marriage with a psycho, and your career on the line.
***********************************
Riley thumped the letter against the dashboard, debating whether or not to give it to Buffy. It was probably all a bunch of lies, and wouldn’t do anything but hurt her. He could only hope. Stop that. His heart warned. He hated her and loved her. She had cheated on him with this William, but that didn’t stop Riley from caring about her. If even a tiny bit of what Dru had told him was the truth, Buffy would be heartbroken. Riley didn’t want her sad.
The door opened to Buffy in a short silk robe. Her blonde hair was mussed and she looked as if she’d just gotten up. Riley looked at his watch. It was nearly 11. Buffy was usually up and about by now. She bent to pick up the newspaper. Riley leaned forward when he noticed Spike walking up behind her, naked as a newborn. He surprised Buffy and grabbed her around the waist. She laughed and struggled half-heartedly. Riley could see everything and the letter in his hand was nearly crushed when he saw Spike’s hand cup her breast. Buffy rolled her head to the side, allowing Spike access to her neck. He sucked on her bare shoulder till she turned in his arms. Spike lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her mouth crashed down on her lover’s. Riley felt nauseous just watching the very public display of her affection. The door closed on Buffy’s robe falling off her shoulders. Riley sat for a minute, trying to wring out the last bit of pleasure her fleeting image provided.
Resolved to get back what was his, Riley waited till the postman left before placing his letter between the various bills and magazines delivered that day. He only hoped she understood why he was doing this. He loved her. And after seeing that passionate display, he was more determined than ever to get her back.
**********************************
“Doll face, let me get this straight. You called us over here to open this letter from Riley. What are you afraid the boy read a comic book and learned how to do a letter bomb? My goodness, he can barely spell the name of the place he works at, and it’s only 2 letters.” Lorne spread his lanky form out on the sofa, and stared across the coffee table at a pacing Buffy.
“Lorne, be serious.” Tara admonished. “Riley’s been all stalker boy for over a month now. Who knows what he put in that letter?”
“Without killing himself in the process? This is Riley, we‘re talking about. Not exactly a master criminal.” Willow commented. Riley was annoying as hell, but not dangerous.
“Guys, I didn’t call you over here to get anyone killed. I want you to prevent me from killing Riley if it’s something stupid and asinine.”
“Well, that’s going to be a given, it’s it?” Lorne asked slightly confused.
“Okay, get the letter opener. And remember, don’t inhale.” Tara got up and shooed Lorne over. Willow didn’t want to get caught in a down wind either, and moved away as well.
Buffy smirked and rolled her eyes, which was impressive in that she did it with her hands on her hips as well. “Thanks for the support.” She said dryly.
“No problem.” Lorne quipped, ducking behind a throw pillow.
Buffy ripped the envelope open and pulled out the contents. The letter was written in Riley’s chicken scratch, but she was able to translate it.
“That son of a bitch!” She screamed. “That spineless, little weasel. I’ll kill him.” The Three Stooges scrambled over each other to get to Buffy, desperate to read what had gotten her so ticked off.
“Look!” Buffy screamed, shoving the paper in their faces. Lorne held the letter between two fingers as the trio leaned back and looked up to see what was written.
Willow turned her head side to side, trying to get the gist of the letter. What was that word?
Tara was trying to get over the grease stains blotting the paper.
And Lorne was hoping there wasn’t anything contagious, like dumb brain disease on it. Buffy finally tired of their routine, and snatched the letter back.
“It says, and I quote. ‘Buffy, I know you’re surprised to hear from me in a letter. I debated, with a yt, whether or not to tell you what I found out about your new boyfriend. But as your friend, I thought you should know.’” Buffy took a deep breath, trying to delay the scream she felt building in her chest. “He is a liar and a cheat. And not just with you and me. He took advantage of his girlfriend, you know what I mean, and got her pregnant‘.”
Three sets of mouths dropped open, and Buffy thought it was good they’d not had anything for dinner yet. “And,” she continued, “he forced her to have an abortion. I thought you should know the type of man you are sleeping with. You are my only concern. I still love you. Riley.”
Tara was the first to regain the ability to speak, and she felt she pretty much knew what the others would say. “What the fuck?! He didn’t even know who Spike was until a month ago. When he saw you two at Houstons.” She said as if Buffy didn’t remember the incident quite clearly.
“Sweetie, are you okay? You don’t believe that poppy cock, do you? Spike would never R-A-P-E a woman. He doesn’t have to. He’s like me. A chick magnet. We have to fend them off.” Willow blinked and turned in disbelief away from Lorne’s earnest face.
“Forgetting the chick magnet assumption, Spike is not that kind of guy. If he got a girl pregnant, he’d want to marry her.” Willow smiled, but it was clear the letter had touched something in Buffy, but what was still unclear.
“Buffy?” Tara placed her hand on Buffy’s shoulder.
“I don’t believe a word of this letter, but who told him this stuff about Spike’s ex-girlfriend? Who wants to hurt Spike, hurt me?” She laughed bitterly. “I can’t even muster up enough feelings to be angry with Riley. He’s a fool and a patsy. I‘m going to cut his boards up into little pieces!”
“Now, Buffy, you don’t want to do that. Remember, revenge is best served cold. I think you need to tell Spike what is going on, so he knows. In case that ugly 4-letter word is bandied about it public.” Tara suggested.
Spike. God, Buffy had actually forgotten about him. He was going to go ballistic, and it wasn’t going to be pretty. Much like the movie of the same name. It was going to ugly. She needed to talk to him, but he had a gig tonight, which she was supposed to be at.
“I’ll have to tell him later when we get home from his set tonight. Could I ask you a big favor?” She said, clutching Tara and Lorne’s hands. “Will you come with me to 14Below? For moral support and anger management only. I promise I won’t run off and boink my boyfriend in the back room this time.”
“Well, if you wanted to, and we got desperate, we could always do Lorne. It’s been a week. He won’t mind.” Willow said sarcastically.
“Ouch. That hurt. The wound is still fresh, missy!”
“Thanks, guys! You’re the best.” They squeezed in for a group hug, all thinking of devious and illegal things to do to one Riley Finn.
*******************************
Spike strummed each cord on the guitar, making sure the strings were in tune. He was alone in the back room, as was his custom before a gig. He needed to feel the music before going out in front of all those people. This was only his 3rd gig since the book was published, and from the crowd gathered outside, the largest.
Buffy stood outside the door, and felt him on the other side. She raised her hand to the door, and felt it hum with the electricity that the memory of their first time together always evoked. It was silly, she knew, especially considering how many times they’d slept together in the last month and a half. The fact she could still walk, amazed her. The fact that she wanted him every hour of every day shocked her. Sex with Riley was okay, but sex with Spike was phenomenal, and she couldn’t get enough of him.
Riley, god, she could really take one of his boards and bash him upside the head. She could only hope it would knock some sense into him, but she doubted it. No sense to be found in his brain, she mused. Well, a girl could hope. Spike would be livid, and there could be threats and bloodshed, and she didn’t want that. Oh, she was so angry with Riley, she couldn’t see straight. But if getting back at Riley, meant trouble for those she loved, she’d bide her time to get it. There were ways to deal with Riley. He was her problem. She had created the monster, and it was up to her to slay it.
Spike looked up at the knock on the door. He got up to unlock the door, and felt her on the other side. He placed his hand in the exact same area of hers, and smiled. He opened the door, slowly. His body immediately jolted when he saw her. These days, it almost seemed as if he had a never-ending erection when she was within range for him to feel her. This was ridiculous. They’d made love just that morning, and then again before she went to the airport to get her parents. The memory of them that morning almost made him blush. They’d barely gotten the door closed in time before Buffy was in his arms, naked, open, and tight. How in the hell she managed to remain so tight after all they’d done, made his cock throb happily.
“Well, well, well, looky what we have here, a groupie.” The guitar hung from the strap, and rested against his thigh. His hand stroked it as he leaned against the door jab, his eyes roaming casually over Buffy’s attire. An eyebrow quirked as he realized she was wearing nearly the exact same outfit from 3 years ago, except the easy access skirt was gone. In its place were a pair of skin-tight leather pants, that shaped her curves nicely.
Buffy reached out to hook her fingers in the waistband of his jeans. Spike stiffened when she attempted to pull him out into the corridor, instead he used his strength to pull her into the room. Buffy giggled and her hands grazed lazily down his jeans.
“If you do that with other groupies, I will be very put out.” Buffy leaned up on tiptoes to kiss him. They twisted and turned till Spike had his back against the wall. Buffy unhooked the strap holding his beloved guitar. Spike regarded her with those penetrating blue eyes, wondering what she was up to, hoping it was the same thing he was thinking.
“Don’t worry, luv. They’ve got nothing on you.” He joked. They don’t have your skin and your breath. They don’t have your breasts and nipples. They don’t have your hair, and your smell. Nope, they don’t have a thing on you.
What was it about this room that made her forget proper decorum? Decorum was overrated, her mind commented. Yeah, overrated. Her body chimed in. Forget what’s right, and do what feels good. And what feels good is Spike pressing into you, hard and deep, long and slow.
“You know I came in here to talk to you about something, but I find I don’t really want to talk.” Buffy said. Spike held onto her as she arched her back, grinding his throbbing shaft into her stomach.
“Luv, we don’t have time for foreplay. Sorry.” He said, pulling her back up and crushing his mouth on top of hers. “We can talk and fool around later. Pants off, legs spread, and I’m ready to go.”
“Oh, that’s so romantic.” Buffy groused, but that was ruined by the fact she was toeing off her shoes and pulling at the leather. Spike waited impatiently for her to finish stripping, grateful she didn’t wear any underwear.
“See, I told you going commando was a good thing.”
“Good for you, chafing for me.” Buffy pushed him down on the sofa, and straddle him. He held her hips, and watched fascinated as she lowered onto him. Buffy gripped his shoulder, digging her nails into the skin.
“Oh, god.” She moaned when he was buried to the hilt. There was no time for being slow. This was a quick fuck, and they both needed it. Spike to take the edge off of performing, and Buffy to work off some of her aggressive inclinations toward Riley.
Spike held her hips steady, while she ground her pelvis on his. Their rhythm was fast and furious, almost as if they were racing to get to the finish. Spike pushed the halter covering her breasts down, and captured her nipple between his teeth, tugging and pulling it till Buffy was gasping and moaning loudly for him to stop, no don’t stop, stop, don’t stop. He was so confused, he just kept a steadying sucking going. Buffy couldn’t tell where she began and he ended. She clenched her inner muscles, feeling the tremors start in the pit of her stomach.
“Spike… Spike…umm…Spike.” She gasped and fell against his chest. Spike released his grip on her hips, and slid his hands between their bodies. He placed his thumbs on either side of her clit, and pumped into her warmth, jerking the tiny nub with each stroke.
Buffy’s eyes flew open and her mouth opened wide, no sounds coming from it. Spike took the opportunity to plunge his tongue into her mouth, effectively muffling the shriek that came from her or him, he wasn’t sure, when they both plunged over the edge. Their mutual orgasms, her 2nd, his first, left them limp and extremely satisfied.
“Love you, Buffy. God, I love you.” Spike kissed her cheeks, her forehead, her chin, before resting his head against the back wall. He raised his arm shakily, and groaned. Shit. He had to get on stage, but didn’t dare moving, not with Buffy’s inner muscles still milking him.
“Love you, too. Was that a quickie? Because I can’t feel my legs, and my stomach is doing cartwheels, in a good way.” Buffy laughed, leaning forward to kiss his Adam’s apple.
“Is it time to go?” She asked, sitting up slowly. She winced at the tightness in her thighs. “We need to bottle whatever it is that’s between us and sell it as an aphrodisiac.”
“We’d make a bloody fortune.” Spike felt it was safe to move, lifting Buffy up and off. He disposed of the condom and straightened his clothes. Buffy was looking at the leather pants in dispair. They would be ruined if she put them on with stuff still on her legs.
“Let me help you there.”
When they finally emerged from the back room, Buffy was clutching Spike’s arm to keep from falling down. She loved his help, but that really should be done when she didn’t have to move immediately after. Spike lowered his mouth, kissing her passionately, a promise to continue what they’d started later.
Buffy’s eyes were heavy-lidded, and it took her several blinks to realize Spike was speaking to her. “What?”
“I said, what did you want to talk to me about, Pet?”
“Oh, nothing that can’t wait to tomorrow. And I promise you, next time, there won’t be any distractions. Meaning, no seductions or anything. We will talk. Capiche?”
“Capiche. See ya later.”
*********************************
Sunday
Buffy waited patiently, nibbling on her bottom lip as Spike read Riley’s letter. She knew when he got to the rape allegation by the way his eyes narrowed. Oh, this was not the way to start a Sunday.
“I don’t believe it. You know that, right? I don’t believe it. I know you would never do anything like that to any woman. I’m ready to kick someone’s ass for lying about you to him. I’m not making excuses for Riley. He’s a sweet guy, who got kicked in the gut. I hurt him, and now, he’s trying to hurt me.”
Spike looked up and did the one thing that Buffy didn’t expect. He smiled. “Come here, Buffy.”
Buffy scrambled out of her chair, and curled up in Spike’s lap. “Thank you for not believing those lies, but part of it was true. Dru did get an abortion. Thing is, the baby wasn’t mine. I think it might have been Angel’s, but I don’t know nor do I care. I don’t know what game she’s playing, but I’ll handle it.”
Buffy played with the hair at the nape of his neck. She rested her head on his, and smiled against his cheek. “No, we’ll handle it. She sent Riley here to hurt us. You and me, and I don’t take that from anybody. She picked the wrong blonde to mess with.”
“Absolutely right.” Spike answered.
He gazed at her, and she saw it all, their present, their future.
“I love you, Elizabeth Summers.”
“I love you, William Giles.”
Cordy held the letter tightly in her hands. She read the words again, and shook her head in disbelief. Did he just imply that Spike, my Spike, raped Dru? What the fuck?
Spike looked over his shoulder at the liquor bottles lined up on the shelf. He was searching for the Bailey’s. It was obvious Cordy was going to need it. Hell, he needed something to blunt the rage he felt spiraling through his mind. He should have known after their near brawl at the gallery that Dru wasn’t going to leave Buffy out of her fight with him.
Spike chanced a glance at Cordy and decided to forget about the Bailey’s. They needed something stronger. It was definitely a Gold Schlager moment. Good thing, neither had anywhere to be. Spike brought the bottle to the table, setting it down with a thump. Green eyes greeted his blue ones, and her brow arched.
“That psychotic bitch is going down. I swear she should have been locked up as a child.” Cordy looked at the Gold Schlager queerly before holding the glass up. “Lindsey will kill us if he finds out we’re drinking at 11 in the morning.”
“Don’t tell him. Besides, this is important. This will dull your reactions. As mad as you are, I’ve had more time to chill, you’re likely to seriously hurt Druscilla.” Spike wasn’t necessarily worried about Dru. Hell, if he could, he chain her sorry ass in a cave and leave her.
Cordy rolled her eyes. “That may be true, but don’t bullshit me with that holier thou than, Zen shit. You would love to pound that dimwitted ex of Buffy’s into the ground. Don’t bother denying it. I know you.”
Cordy downed the shot, sticking her tongue out and shaking her head in disgust. Don’t know why I keep that stuff around? Oh, yeah. Lindsey gets butt wild when he’s had some. He gets all freaky and experimental in bed. Two thumbs up for the Gold Schlager.
“Cordy, I promised Buffy I wouldn’t go after Riley or Dru without consulting her first. If I didn’t love her so much, I’d be over there right now smashing his windows with a bat.”
“And getting no nookie for weeks to come.” Cordy commented dryly.
“Yep. Buffy would definitely cut me off. And Dru and Riley combined aren’t worth that.”
Cordy threw the letter back on the table. “Can I just say one more time how glad I am you’re with Buffy? Can I please?”
Spike grinned. “You may. I’ll second you that.” He lifted his shot glass and gulped down the bitter peppermint liqueur. “That is some nasty ass shit. I can’t believe that’s Lindsey’s favorite drink.”
Cordy wiggled her brows. “Let’s just say it’s always the quiet ones that surprise you.”
Spike had an uncomfortable image of Lindsey running naked around the house chasing Cordy. God, why did you bless me with an overactive imagination?
“Why would Dru make up that ridiculous lie about an abortion? I mean,” Cordy said, putting the bottle of liquor back on the counter. “The rape allegation is bad enough.”
Damn, I knew there was something I forgot to tell Cordy. Okay, so I’m four years too late in telling her. She’ll understand. She won’t rant and rave like a banshee. Yeah, right, and monkeys will fly out my butt. Your best bet mate is to slowly get up and put the table between the two of you.
“I’ll be damned. You little shit. How could you keep something like that from me? We’re family.” Cordy railed as Spike hopped out of his chair, dancing out of her reach. He held his hands up in supplication.
“Now, Cordy, you remember how bad things were back then.” He reminded her, backing up into the living room.
“I know that years have passed, and you could have told me.”
Spike couldn’t stop the guilt from weighing heavily on him. She was his Cordy. His best friend. Why hadn’t he told her? It wasn’t as if he was in the wrong. He hadn’t gotten Dru pregnant. He hadn’t forced her to abort her child. All he’d done was be a fool in love with the wrong, bloody woman. And then, he’d met Buffy, and the world was brighter, better. He could push all thoughts of Dru aside, and focus on the memories of a night spent in the arms of an angel.
Uh, Spike, don’t mean to pry, but those thoughts would probably sound a helluva lot better if you tell them to Cordy. His mind quipped sarcastically before retiring.
“Um, Cordy, come here and sit.” Spike held his hand out, and Cordy took it. Spike smiled as his finger grazed her engagement ring.
“I didn’t tell you because it simply hurt too damn much. The way I found out. The realization and the relief that it wasn’t my child were overwhelming. I shut down. The only way to get through the days was to bury myself in my work and my family. Then, I met Buffy, and…”
“You haven’t given Dru another thought.” Cordy finished for him. She wanted to be angry. She felt she had ever right to be hurt. They were best friends. She loved him almost as much as Connor and Lindsey. “I forgive you, but keep anymore secrets, and I’ll have your balls for lunch. Do we understand each other?” She said gripping his chin tightly.
“Yes, Ms. Chance. I understand you loud and clear.”
***********************************
Buffy sang to the music, dancing around the kitchen. She slid across the tile, trying to mimic Tom Cruise’s famous scene from Risky Business. Granted, she was dressed and she wasn’t a hooker. She was so engrossed in her dancing, she didn’t hear the knock at the door, or hear it open. Joyce and Dawn stood in the doorway, watching as Buffy used her mixing spoon as a microphone. Dawn peered around the corner, hoping Buffy had left one of her cameras out. She spied her little digital camera, and turned it on. She snapped a few pictures, much to Joyce’s amusement before turning the radio off. Buffy skidded to a stop, her eyes wide with fear and surprise.
“Jesus, are you two trying to give me a heart attack?” She said, holding her heaving chest.
“Hmm, hadn’t thought about it, but no.” Dawn answered.
“Buffy, I didn’t know you had it in you.” Joyce commented, walking over to hug her daughter in greeting.
Dawn cued up the photos and her eyes widened at the photos that appeared on the scene. How did he get her leg in that direction? Buffy saw the way Dawn was tilting the camera, and gasped. She yanked the camera away from her, horrified. She told Spike to take the disc out, but no, he had to take one more picture.
“Umm... Buffy.” Dawn squeaked. “Nice photos.” She said, grinning madly.
“Thanks. Spike took them.” Oh, did he take them. Took pictures of them, and her, at different angles, and different positions. They’d had a lot of raunchy fun last night after the concert.
“Oh, really, dear. I’d love to see them.” Joyce said, holding her hand out for the camera.
Buffy blushed a deep crimson and her eyes widened comically. Dawn jumped in to spare her sister further embarrassment, and to also gain even more leverage in their sibling rivalry. “Mom, we’re not here to visit. Remember, the luncheon at the church?”
“Oh, you’re right Dawn. Buffy, I came to ask if you could drop something off at Liam Cavanaugh’s house. His wife, that horrible woman, is insisting we deliver a painting she bought today. She is absolutely impossible. She called me up at home, Buffy. Just plain rude. I wouldn’t ask, but your grandmother’s dear friend, Mrs. Shipley is having a luncheon at church, and I’m running late. Do you mind?”
Dru. Dru bought a painting from her Mom’s gallery. Dru, the bitch, that sent Riley over to her home with false accusations of rape and abortion, called her mother. Buffy saw red. She’d kill her. Snap her neck like a twig if she as so much breathed on her mother again.
“Sure, Mom. Let me get my sandals, and we’ll put the painting in my car. I don’t mind at all.”
Joyce smiled, and hugged Buffy once more. “You’re the best daughter.”
“Mom!” Dawn whined.
“I mean best oldest daughter. You get my drift, don’t you sweetie?”
Joyce turned and left the kitchen, leaving her daughters to follow.
Dawn stood in front of Buffy, blocking her way. “What’s going on? You agreeing to go visit Spike’s ex. Mom may not have noticed, but I did, Buffy. You’ve got that same look on your face for when you’re killing spiders. Like you want to spread their atoms all over the pavement till there is nothing left of them.”
Buffy slumped against the counter, her fingers pressed tightly into the surface. Should she tell Dawn? Spike would tell Cordy, and Cordy would probably tell Connor. So, eventually, Dawn would find out. But Dawn was her sister, and she didn’t like keeping too many secrets from her.
“Dru told Riley some lies about Spike.”
“And what did the overgrown Boy Scout do?” Dawn asked, her hands on her hips.
“He wrote me a letter. Put it in the mailbox and ran like the little girl he is.”
“What did the letter say, Buffy?” Dawn asked, her sister radar picking up the anger emanating off Buffy’s skin.
“Dru said Spike raped her, and forced her to have an abortion.”
Buffy and Dawn didn’t realize Joyce had come back in the room, and therefore were not expecting the expletive that came out of her mouth.
“That bitch!”
Blue and hazel eyes stared at the woman who’d birthed them in shock. Buffy mentally counted the number of times she’d actually heard Joyce say a curse word. Dawn added that little outburst to the long-list of hereto-undiscovered things about her mother that shocked her.
“Mom!” They said in unison.
“Buffy, what has been going on since we left? You will tell me right now. Druscilla Cavanaugh is Spike’s ex-girlfriend?”
“That would be correct.” Dawn answered.
“She’s the woman who turned him inside out. She’s the one who cheated on him with his friend in their bed. Liam Cavanaugh is the friend?“ Buffy nodded, mutely. “Oh, my god, your father was planning on voting for him.”
Buffy pulled out a chair, and sat down. Well, this was just perfect.
“Buffy, sweetie, why didn’t you tell us?” Joyce inquired.
“There was nothing to tell. We had a good week. Cordy got engaged. Spike and I did what we’ve been doing for weeks.”
“Don’t forget the barbecue.”
“Oh, yeah. We had the barbecue. Mom, I just got the note yesterday. I didn’t even tell Spike about it till this morning. Riley has been persona non-grata since before your birthday. I hadn’t given him another thought until the letter arrived.”
“Well, what are you going to do? I know you’re not going to sit there and allow that woman,” she spat, “and Riley to get away with this.” Joyce felt her natural maternal instincts kick into gear. Someone was out to hurt her baby, and that wasn’t going to happen. Spike was an extension of Buffy, and she wouldn’t allow Riley or anyone else to ruin their happiness.
“I promised Spike I wouldn’t do anything.”
“Well, I didn’t. Get your shoes, Buffy. We’re going to the Cavanaughs.”
“What? No, Mom, I don’t want you involved.” Buffy begged.
“I’m already involved. You’re mine. I would suggest going to Riley first, but he’s a dumb ass. We won’t get far with him, but I know we will with Mrs. Cavanaugh. It’s all about image, girls. In an election, you don’t rock the boat. They don’t have a life raft big enough to protect them from the tsunami, I’ll unleash on them if Druscilla doesn’t back off.”
Buffy and Dawn stared wordlessly at their mother, who’d turned into Xena right before their eyes.
“That’s my Momma!” Dawn shouted, following Joyce out the door.
Buffy locked the door, resigned to her fate. She only hoped they didn’t get arrested. She wasn’t sure if Spike or her Dad would come and get them.
****************************
Liam rolled his head from side to side, trying to work the kink out. He felt warm hands on his neck, kneading the tight muscles. He repressed a shudder.
“Liam, you’re so tense. What’s wrong, baby?”
You’re dragging me down whatever hell you live in, and I want you gone. “Nothing’s wrong. My numbers are good. We’re coming up even in areas not previously won by Republicans. All is good.” He said, standing up and moving to the window.
Dru studied him. It was her gift really. The ability to see what others tried to hide. And her husband was definitely hiding something from her. Was he having an affair with the fair Darla? No, he wouldn’t be that stupid. She mused. That senate seat was more important than getting his jollies with that trollop.
“I told my lawyer to drop the suit against William. That should make you happy.” She said dryly.
Liam’s shoulders slumped as he turned his brown-eyed gaze on his wife. “You came to your senses. Thank you.”
“I did it for us, Liam. I don’t like this tension that’s been present in our home for months now. Ever since that stupid book came out.” Dru said sweetly, bringing her hands up to caress his chest. “I love you very much. I can’t wait to see you as governor of this state.”
Liam stared into her black eyes, and almost caught a glimpse of what made him fall in love with her all those years ago. Once his lust had been sated, he’d felt an almost overwhelming desire to comfort her, to shelter her. Dru shared his ambition and desire for more, more, more. What he hadn’t realized was how broken on the inside she really was. Now, he knew, and he hated her for her weakness.
“Yes, Druscilla, it will be a great day.” He said, raising his hand to caress her cheek. It’ll be a great day when you’re out of my life, and I can find someone more suitable to share my success. He smiled at her, genuinely happy with that train of thought, especially when he knew who would be the perfect partner of him.
“Excuse me. Mrs. Cavanaugh, you have a delivery.”
***************************
“I still can’t believe that little shit sent Buffy that letter.” Tara groused as they read the Sunday paper in their sunroom.
“You would think he’d have the balls to say all that stuff to her face. No, he hides behind that letter, knowing she can’t get to him.”
“Knowing we can’t get to him.” Tara growled. She smiled as Xander came outside, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
“Don’t you know by now, no man can resist the two of you.” Xander gave Willow a long, slow, wet kiss. His fingers caressing the pale expanse of skin visible through her shirt.
Xander grabbed a cup of coffee, and sat down next to Tara on the couch.
“Well, one Riley Finn can resist us. He’d better. I’m ready to serve him his balls on a plate.”
Xander grabbed his own family jewels, and scooted away from Tara. She grinned evilly and bent down to bite his thigh lightly.
“Don’t worry, Xander. I like your balls right where they are.”
“That’s good to know. Why are you gunning for Riley? Tell me he wasn’t stupid enough to go over to Buffy’s?” Xander picked up the sports section, oblivious to the shocked expressions on his lovers’ faces.
Tara pulled the newspaper down, staring at him angrily. “Whoa, what did I do?”
“Did you know about that ridiculous stunt Riley pulled?” Tara asked.
“What stunt? He came over night before last and told me he’d met some woman who knew Spike. Said she was going to help him break them up.” Xander flicked his wrist, returning the paper to its previous position.
“Why didn’t you tell us, Xander?” Willow asked, raising out of her chair to stand over him.
Xander took one look at her taut stomach, and remembered running his tongue over that same stretch of skin. “How in the hell was I supposed to remember something Riley said, when you were riding my cock like I was a Kentucky Derby winner?”
Willow blushed, and arched her brow. She was pretty good on top. Guess she could understand why he was a bit distracted. She sat down satisfied with his answer.
Tara nodded her head in agreement. Willow sex was the best. And Tara herself could testify to the fact that when Willow was on, the world really did disappear in a haze of sexual goodness. So, she knew exactly where Xander was coming from.
“Am I forgiven?” Xander said somewhat testily.
“Yes, but are we? How could we doubt our Xander Panda?” Tara said, crawling across the sofa towards him. Xander closed his eyes as he felt 2 sets of hands on his body. He had a pretty good life. What other man could say he had two lovers? At the same time, no less. Hugh Hefner. Well, he was no Hugh. He didn’t need Viagra to keep up with his women.
***********************************
Dru hummed quietly to herself. Oh, she was going to have so much fun. Parents were easily misled. Take her father. He didn’t really care what Druscilla did, as long as it couldn’t be traced back to him. He never noticed the money being sent to a 2nd year student at Washington University.
Joyce Summers wouldn’t know what hit her either. Dru would be her usual charming self, portraying the heartbroken ex-flame. The woman who’d suffered greatly for her love of William Giles. Then, she’d confide in Mrs. Summers the awful truth about her rape and how she’d been forced to abort her child. She would cry, and generally make Joyce feel sorry for her. Dru would whisper in a soft voice that it was her daughter’s new man that had done her wrong. God, Dru laughed, clapping her hands together. It would be like some silly country song. I been done wrong by my man, now he’s shacking up with my friend. Or some other such drivel. Yes, she was going to have a grand old time. William wouldn’t know what hit him. She would take away his happiness, and leave him with nothing. Then, and only then, could she return to her life. The life she shared with her terrific, politically ambitious husband, and her ever-growing social standing. Yes, she would finally be able to put Spike to rest.
Dru turned the corner, a fake smile plastered to her chest. She ran into an invisible wall called the Summers women.
Buffy stood at the window. Dawn sat on the sofa, and Joyce was unwrapping the painting she’d purchased. If it were not for Buffy’s presence, Dru would have been in heaven. But she threw a wrench in her plans. There was no way to know if that silly boy had spoken to her yet, and if he had whether or not she’d told her family. Dru was at an impasse, and the resulting silence was starting to become uncomfortable.
“What’s wrong, Mrs. Cavanaugh? Cat got your tongue?” Joyce asked cheerfully. What I really would like to do is take this painting and brain you with it, but that would be unfair to the painting.
“No, Mrs. Summers. Just forgot my manners for a moment. Would you all like something to drink?”
Buffy thought about that. Oh, yes, Dru, bring us something to drink, and don’t forget the rat poison I’m sure you’ll add to it.
“No thanks, Druscilla. We won’t be staying long.” Buffy answered.
Dawn studied the raven-haired woman, and tried to picture her with Spike. Their hair alone would make them a striking couple, but there was no life in her eyes. How could he have missed that little fact? She and Riley would make a perfect couple. Sorta like the sorceress and her man-servant from “The Emperor’s New Groove.” The ugly, witchy woman and her faithful servant, who happened to be a big lug of a guy with the brain the size of a pea. Sorry for the insult, pea.
“Dawn? Would you like something?”
“Um, no thanks. Beautiful house.” So this is what cheating got you? A big fancy house, money, and the morals of a shoe. Thank god, Connor is just Connor. No deception. No intrigue. Just a chunk of brown-haired goodness. Speaking of my little brownie, I wonder if he’ll want to see a movie later.
“Thank you. I appreciate your bringing the painting over today. I just had to have it.” Dru walked over to the Cezanne. It was pretty, but she really didn’t have anyplace to put it. It was the cheapest thing she could buy at that stupid gallery. Well, five thousand dollars wasn’t anything to sneeze at, but Liam could write it off as an election expense.
“And you get what you want, don’t you?” Joyce quipped. Buffy knew that tone of voice. It was the deceptively calm voice Joyce had before she swatted your legs or busted you. This might get ugly.
Dru took a step back. So, they know.
Something, a sixth sense, maybe Darla pushing him to eavesdrop, told Liam to see what Dru was up to. The maid had already informed him that three women delivered the painting. So, he was expecting to hear their voices, what made him pale was who Dru’s guests really were.
“Why are you harassing my daughter?” That was Joyce. She could Donna Reed or Rosanne in a second, just depended on the circumstances.
Dru quickly changed tactics.
“I was just trying to help.” Dru said meekly. “I knew she wouldn’t believe a word I said because of all the lies William has told her. I didn’t want her to get caught in the same trap.”
“Let me get this straight.” Buffy said coldly, closing the short distance between herself and Dru. “You were looking out for my best interest. Well, of course, that’s what you were doing. Mom, see there’s nothing shady going on here. Just a concerned, ex-girlfriend.” The last bit was said sarcastically and with a dose of venom.
“Obviously you didn’t believe him, so why are you here? Come to slap me on the wrist for being a bad girl?” They obviously didn’t realize who they were messing with.
Joyce stepped in when it looked as if Buffy was getting ready to launch herself at Dru. “No, we didn’t. I came to deliver your painting and a warning.”
“A warning. From you? Should I be scared.” Dru sneered, flouncing down on the sofa.
“Stay away from Buffy and Spike. I might not have the money and power you have, but I do have something. Credibility. My husband is very well respected, and one word from me, about your past, your husband’s past and bye-bye Senate seat.”
Who in the hell did these women think they were? She was Druscilla Cavanaugh, and if she wanted to play with Spike’s life, she would.
“Leave us alone, Dru, or I swear the papers will know all about your abortion, your affair with your husband, everything.”
“You can’t touch me. It’ll be my word over his, and they always believe the woman.”
“Why you, bitch?” Dawn grabbed Buffy around the waist, trying to stop her from striking Dru.
“Buffy, that’s what she wants. Now, stop it. What is Tara’s motto? Revenge is best served cold. She’ll get hers. You’ll see. I promise you.” Dawn whispered furiously into Buffy’s ear.
“Just remember what I said, Mrs. Cavanaugh. If you continue to come after my family, and that includes Spike, the consequences of YOUR actions will not be to your liking.”
“Ladies, I didn’t realize you were the delivery people.” Liam walked in, all charm and good-looks.
Dru visibly shrank at the sight of her husband. It was the first thing that made Buffy smile since she’d walked into this house.
“Hello, Representative Cavanaugh, it’s good to see you again.” Joyce extended her hand.
“Dawn and Buffy, correct.” Dawn grinned, but Buffy didn’t acknowledge him. Her eyes were trained on Druscilla.
“We’ll just be going. I do believe our work here is done . Girls, let’s go. Mrs. Cavanaugh, enjoy your purchase.”
Liam escorted the Summers’ clan to the door, closing it behind him softly. It took everything in his power not to rush back into the sitting room, and strangle Dru were she sat. What had she done to provoke Joyce Summers? What had she done to Buffy and Spike to get the entire family, minus Dad over to their house on a Sunday? He was going to get the answers today or Dru would be looking at the front door from the outside.
******************************
What must a man do for the woman he loves? That question ran through Spike’s mind like a record. What lengths would he go through to keep Buffy? What wouldn’t he do to be hers? He wanted to scream at his mind to stop being rational, to be irrational and allow him his anger at one Riley Finn. But the blasted thing wouldn’t listen. Dulled by alcohol so early in the morning. How could he be angry at Riley, when he’d basically swooped in and stole his girlfriend? Well, technically she wasn’t a possession to be stolen, and he’d been there first, always. But remembering the cuckold fool he’d once been many moons ago, he understood where Riley was coming from. It hurt like hell when Dru left him. Felt like someone had reached inside his body, and played around with his insides, burning him, scorching everything good he’d felt in his life. But things got better. He got better, and that was due in large part to realizing what a bitch Dru was, and Buffy.
“Guilt does not look good on you.” Cordy remarked, brushing her fingers over his scarred brow.
“That’s inebriation, not guilt.”
“Uh huh. Feeling sorry for young Mr. Finn, does not make his actions right.” She said, coming around to curl up on the couch next to him.
“He loves her, Cordy. You know that as well as I do. He loves her, and he wants her back.”
“Well let me clue you in on something from the female perspective. Stalking and hate mail do not win a girl’s heart.”
“He hates me.”
“No, Dru hates you for whatever warped reason. She cheats on you, fucks your friend in your bed, gets pregnant, aborts the baby, leaves you, and then has the nerve to be upset because what? You’re not walking around insane with love for her. I’m telling you there had to be a lack of oxygen to the brain when she was born.”
Spike giggled and rolled over onto his side. “It’s possible. Dru’s always been a little off.”
“A little. Well, that’s the understatement of the year.” Cordy nudged him with her toe.
“What do you want to do? Do you want to go over there and beg Riley’s forgiveness for falling in love with his girlfriend first?” Cordy shook her head. “If she hadn’t walked out of that motel room, you’d probably be married by now. So enough with the guilt trip. The person you should be worrying about is Dru. I’m going to suggest something awful. Go talk to Angel. It’s his wife. He needs to control her, strictly in the political sense, because no man has dominance over a woman.”
Spike chuckled, and rolled off the couch. “I’ll think about it. But right now, I’m heading home to do some writing.” He stood up, and pulled Cordy up and off the couch.
“Why don’t you take Buffy out for dinner? Romance her a bit before the big shag tonight.”
“Stop it. You’re going to make me blush.” He said, grabbing his car keys off the kitchen counter.
“Not likely.”
“Thanks for the chat.” He wrapped his arms around her neck and gave her a quick squeeze.
“Anytime. I love you.”
“Love you too. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
******************************
Spike opened the door, and saw Buffy standing outside leaning on the railing. It was her favorite place to be this time of the day, when the sun was just beginning its downward trek. He toed his shoes off and threw his keys on the coffee table. She smiled when she heard the door open, but didn’t turn around. Spike wrapped his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck.
“Hi.”
“Hi, yourself. I’ve been waiting.”
“Well, Cordy’s a talker.” He stated as if that explained the creation of the world.
“Did you have to tie her down?”
“No, she took the letter pretty well. I liquored her up on Gold Schlager. It took the kick out of her temper.”
“Wish I had thought of that before going over to Dru’s.” Spike turned Buffy around till she was facing him.
“You did what? What happened to discussing how we were going to handle them and all that rubbish?”
Buffy sighed and laid her head on his chest. She couldn’t look into those cerulean depths without losing her train of thought, so she chose to block them out. “Look, she was going to tell my Mom those lies. I couldn’t let her get away with that.”
Spike scrunched his brow. “Come again? Dru was going to tell Joyce.”
“Yeah, her brilliant idea was to get Mom over there, and spill the beans as a concerned ex-girlfriend. Lucky for me, Mom stopped by here first. She overheard me talking to Dawn, and went Rambette on us.”
Spike pulled his fingers through her hair, massaging her scalp and the tension away. “Rambette? Well, I’m sure that made Dru’s day.”
Buffy rolled her eyes. “I can only hope. Mom told her if she didn’t back off, she’d go to Dad’s cronies and the press about everything.”
Spike laughed loudly. “I know she was fit to be tied.”
“Funny thing, that didn’t even phase her. When Liam walked in, she nearly fainted. I think she was afraid he’d overheard us.” Buffy’s fingers traced letters over Spike’s chest, causing him to lose his train of thought.
“Well, I wouldn’t be surprised about that pet. The only thing that frightens Dru is a divorce. Bye bye, first lady of the great state of California, bye bye everything.”
“Ah, geez, pull out a hankie for the psycho woman.” Buffy sighed. “She’s not going to let this go is she?”
“Probably not. Want to break up? That’s what she wants. Me miserable and alone.” Buffy reached up and traced his lower lip with her fingertips.
“Nah. I haven’t had enough orgasms yet. Give me enough of them to last me till I’m old and gray, and then we can talk.“
Spike’s hands inched down her back to they cupped her butt. “Well, could you give me a ballpark figure of how many would be enough, so I’ll know what to shoot for?”
Buffy rolled her hips in his hands, and gave the question serious consideration. How many would she need to get her to 80? Jeez, that number would be astronomical. “Let me think about it, and get back to you. In the meantime, you can get started.” She quipped, letting her hands slide down inside his jeans.
“I do believe I will, Ms. Summers. I do believe I will.” His mouth bore down on hers, and they sunk to the ground, not to be seen, but heard from for hours.