Chapter 1:

"Hello." A man in a suit standing by the limo in the drive smiled at Buffy as she hurried past him. "Let me take your bags, miss."

"Hello. Oh, thanks." She smiled, blushing slightly as she handed him her bags. Okay, limo and driver. Check. Mansion. Check. Millionaire boss. Check. This is all much too good to be true.

Buffy stepped up the curving marble steps to the front door of the mansion, her heart fluttering slightly as she reached to press the doorbell. Just as her finger hovered above the button, though, the door flew open and, the mysterious man she'd met only days ago for a job interview, came hurrying out, luggage in tow.

"I'm very sorry I had to call you so early, Buffy, but my flight's just been rescheduled." Giles smiled at her and let the small blonde girl past him into the house. "We spoke about the job at lunch the other day, didn't we? You understand?"

She smiled and nodded confidently, gazing around the huge house in total awe. "Sure."

"I've left a copy of the brief in your room just in case, along with my numbers in case anything at all should.. go wrong." Doubt flickered over the older man's face and he put his bags down for a moment. "Are you sure you're prepared for this?"

"Of course." She grinned. "Look after the house, and your nephew. Cook, clean, do all housekeepey things. Got it all under control."

"About Sp.. William." Giles paused, biting down on his lip. "He can be difficult."

"I know how to handle these types of situations, Mr. Giles." Buffy assured him. "I'm a trained professional."

"If he gives you any nonsense, you call me." Giles said firmly as he collected his bags, handing two to the awaiting driver.

"It'll be fine, Mr. Giles." Buffy smiled. "Have a great trip."

"T-thankyou. Your room is upstairs in the east wing." Giles nodded at her and shut the door behind him, leaving Buffy alone in the huge house.

She picked her bags up off the floor and started up the staircase, giggling to herself as she admired her new home. For the next year, I get to live like this. Little ol' me! Like a princess!

Buffy stopped and stared to her left, where the stairs curved off into one wing of the house. She glanced to her right and saw another stretching hallway, complete with chandeleirs and fancy painting. Another giddy laugh escaped her and she chose right, remembering he'd directed her to the east wing.

Buffy walked slowly down the hall, her feet mushing into the plush carpet. She opened one door, to her right, and glanced into the room to find a study sort of room. The next, to her left, was entirely empty, and the next was a bathroom. But the one after that fit the description Giles had offered perfectly - it was gigantic, painted a rosy pink with soft white carpets and a four-poster canopy bed, red and white in decor. Buffy set her bags down and headed towards the wardrobe, almost fainting when she realized it was a walk-in. Perfect, princessey existance from now on? Check.

She decided to unpack later and left her room, ready to explore the rest of the house. Buffy headed back towards the stairs, ready to explore the west wing when the bathroom door swung open and a man stepped out. She screamed first, jumping backwards so fast she tumbled to the floor. He backed away from her, slamming into the wall, blue eyes wide with shock as he stared at her in horror. "Who the bloody hell are you?"

"I'm.. I'm.. um." Buffy stared at him, all of him, entirely naked before her. She stood up and cried indignantly, "Who the hell are you? This is my house!!"

"This isn't your house!" He snapped, glaring at her. "This is my house. Me. William Giles. Well, it's my uncle's, but he's let me stay here for a while."

"You're.. you're William?" Buffy swallowed hard. "You can't be William. And please.. cover yourself up."

"I am. Most call me Spike, though my uncle won't have told you that. He's a bit of a prude."

"I think I prefer the prudishness to the nakedness." Buffy stared away determinedly and said, "I was under the impression you were a child."

He frowned, scrunching his face up in confusion. "Excuse me?"

Buffy glared at him. "Mr. Giles spoke about you like I was going to care for you."

"Yeah, he doesn't trust me too much." A smirk lit up Spike's face and he regarded her with curious eyes. "I'm suprised he let you work here, actually."

"What does that mean?" She demanded, and found herself staring at his naked form again. Buffy sighed angrily and snapped, "Please put some clothes on."

"Great, I just got rid of on prude, an' I got another." Still smirking at her, Spike circled around her, studying her. "What I meant is, old Rupe knows how I am with pretty girls. And you're a very pretty bird, luv. What's your name, kitten?"

"It's not 'luv' or 'kitten.' It's.. Buffy." She stormed into the bathroom and grabbed a towel, thrusting it at him. "And I'm not a prude."

"Then maybe it'll be fun 'avin you around." Spike murmered, moving closer to her again.

Buffy shoved him away and, glaring at him loathingly, spat, "I'm here to work. You might as well pretend I am a prude because the day I let you touch me is the day hell freezes over."

"Alright, pet. You say that now." The smirk didn't leave his face and he winked at her. "Just wait and see, kitten."

"Don't call me that." Buffy warned, glowering at him.

"Alright, sugar."

"Shutup!" She cried out in frustration, fighting the urge to whack him one. But her eyes kept wandering, down to his still-barely-covered bits. Her eyes flew back up to meet his, and Spike winked at her again. Her mouth dropped open in shock as he patted her bottom playfully and disappeared off into one of the rooms, still smirking to himself.

Buffy groaned to herself and stalked off into her room, her elated feeling gone. Absolute asshole living with me? Check...

*

TBC - please review :-)

Chapter 2:

"I realise he's busy. Yes. No, it's not exactly an emergency.. It's just his neph-- well, sorr-ee!" Buffy slammed the phone down and sighed angrily to herself. It was her fourth attempt at calling Mr. Giles and no progress had been made. She'd only been scolded by a secretary again and again.

"Mornin', kitten." Spike sauntered into the kitchen, smirking at her.

"I thought I said no more naked!" Buffy yelled, glaring at him.

"I'm wearing boxers!" He retorted indignantly. "Jesus, how bloody frigid are you?"

Buffy clenched her fists, and seethed at him, "I. Am. Not. Frigid."

"You're acting like it." Spike muttered and went to the fridge, pulling out a carton of juice. He swigged at it and Buffy crossed her arms, frowning at him. Spike glanced at her and rolled his eyes, slamming the juice down on the counter. "Right, living with a lady now, got to act proper."

He took a glass from one of the cupboards beneath the counter and poured the juice into it, glaring at Buffy. "You're not much fun, pet."

"And you're a total pig." Buffy mumbled.

"What's that, sweetheart?"

"Stop calling me that." She glared at him again. "And sit down, we need to look over my job brief together."

"Alright, kitten." He smirked at her and pulled a chair up to the table. "What's old Rupert hired you to do? You're a maid, right?"

"Housekeeper is the politically correct term." Buffy said icily, keeping her eyes trained on the documents before her. "I'll be cooking, cleaning, and to quote your uncle, 'looking after young William'."

"Alright." Spike shrugged and stared at her curiously. "So.. do I get to tell you what to do 'round here?"

"Some things, I suppose." Buffy pushed the documents to his side of the table. "I cook your meals, so what food do you like? When do you eat? I'll need to know all this."

"D'you do breakfast in bed?" Spike asked, smiling at her.

"I.. I guess." Buffy frowned. "Why?"

Smirking at her, he licked his lips and replied, "Cos I think you'd be a right delicious treat in the sack."

"Too bad you'll never find out." Buffy snapped, her face burning bright red as she felt his eyes wander over her, alight with pure lust. "Will you stop it?"

"Stop what, kitten?"

"Stop that." Buffy said, trembling slightly as his eyes met with hers. "Don't you have to go to work or something?"

"I go to work when I want to go to work." He smiled at her. "You know who my uncle is, right?"

"He's the head of the RG Modelling Acadamey."

"And I'm his main photographer." Spike stated smugly, yawning slightly and stretching, the muscles in his arms flexing. "Take photos of the models and send them off to magazines and advertising agencies. Make a bundle off it, too."

"How lovely." Buffy drawled, glaring at him.

"How old are you?" Spike asked curiously.

"23."

He smiled. "I'm 25."

"How special." Buffy turned away and ducked down to open one of the cupboards.

"Do you have to wear a uniform?"

Buffy glanced at him as she pulled a pair of rubber gloves from the cupboard. "Huh?"

"Are you going to wear a uniform?" Spike repeated, amusement sparkling in his blue eyes.

"I don't know, do you want me to?"

He smirked. "Well, you're wearing one in my mind, and it's right sexy. Or, you could just be wearing those gloves, kitten. Or-"

"You're a pig." Buffy snapped and stormed out of the kitchen, blushing furiously. She wanted to kill him for saying those things to her. She wanted to be anywhere else but here with him, not just because Spike was a total jerk, but because in her mind, he was always naked.

And no good could come from wanting someone she hated so much.

*

"Mornin', kitten." Spike strode into the kitchen and went to get his lighter from the bench. "You're looking gorgeous today."

"Go to hell, Spike." She snapped and sighed as he left the kitchen. God, his voice did things to her. It send chills up her spine and made her all hot in other places. Sure he was gone, Buffy hitched her skirt up and slid her fingers inside her red panties, stroking herself where he'd gotten her so wet with only six words. Buffy bit down on her lip as she pressed down on her clit, sensations roaring through her. As she slid one finger inside herself, his husky voice cut through her.

"Oh, Buffy." Spike's arm slipped around her waist and Buffy didn't even try to protest. He ripped her panties away and slid his hands from her thighs to her hips, massaging her soft skin slowly. "You're so beautiful, pet."

"Fuck me." Buffy whispered, arching her back as she felt him rub up against her, his cock hard against her ass.

Pressing her up against the kitchen counter, he spread her legs open and plunged inside her with one quick thrust. Buffy moaned, bucking against him as he pounded into her.

"You're so fucking tight." Spike hissed, grasping her hips and kissing her neck as he fucked her. "You're so sweet.. and hot.. and.."

"Just.. shutup.. and.. fuck.. me.." Buffy gasped, squeezing her muscles around him as he thrust deeper and deeper into her. She gripped the edge of the counter and screamed as her orgasm hit, her cry of passion echoing.

Buffy bolted upright and gasped for breath as she snapped back to reality. She was in bed. It was the middle of the night. There had been no Spike, no hot sex against the kitchen counter. Buffy pulled the sheets away from her sweat-sheened body and raced into the bathroom, still shaking slightly.

"Stop thinking about him." Buffy whispered to herself as she stared into the vanity. "You hate this guy. He's sleazy, and rude, and totally pigheaded, and spoilt.."

And unbelievably sexy.

She tore her nightgown off - it clung to her, and stuck to her sweaty body. Now naked, Buffy went and got a washcloth and soaked it before running it over her body.

"You are to stop thinking about him." Buffy whispered insistantly as she sat down on the edge of the tub, but even as she uttered the words, her hand travelled down between her legs, and as she pleasured herself, she whispered his name.

She couldn't stand that he affected her like this. She hated him, yet the lust she felt for him was overpowering. He was so sure of himself, so handsome, and so utterly sexy, Buffy couldn't resist.

*
 

Chapter 3:

Buffy stormed into Spike's room and shoved his freshly-washed clothes at him. "Wake up. They want you at the office within an hour."

"Thanks for the nice wake-up call." He muttered, yawning as he sat up. "Who called?"

"Some whiny guy called Andrew. What do you want for breakfast?"

"You know, Buffy.." Spike glared at her as he got out of bed and pulled his jeans on, ".. considering you work for me, maybe you shouldn't be so bloody nasty all the time."

"Maybe you shouldn't be such a pig."

"I haven't said anything unsavoury to you yet, so shut your mouth." Spike snapped, yanking his shirt on angrily.

"Oooh, Spikey's in a bad mood. Has to go to work." Buffy pouted with mock pity.

He reached out and pulled her to him, growling, "You'd better watch it. I could just fire you and you'd be out on the street again."

"Uh, no. I could move back to Sunnydale to be with my mom."

"Very well, I'll organize for you to leave, pet." He smirked and pushed past her, leaving Buffy standing there in the middle of his room, gaping after him.

She watched as he left the room, humming to himself smugly, and Buffy quickly rushed after him. "Spike, wait. I'm sorry. You're right, I've been a bitch. Please don't fire me though, I need this job."

"Apology accepted, kitten." He put his arm around her waist and smiled. "Care to accompany me to the office, pet?"

Buffy wriggled out of his embrace and said softly, "N-no.. I have stuff that needs doing around here."

"C'mon, the house is spotless, we'll get us breakfast there. Okay? It'll be fun, luv."

"I guess." Buffy forced a smile at him as he led her downstairs.

"You can look in the fashion wardrobe, kitten."

"I'm not some girl who's going to fall all over you just because you let me look in your stupid wardrobe." Buffy warned as Spike pulled on a leather coat he'd retrieved from the coat-rack by the door.

"You say that now, pet." He took her out to the car, a black Mercedes, and helped her into her seat. "I was actually wondering if you'd like to double as my assistant."

"Oh.." Buffy bit her lip, wondering if she could take any more time around Spike than she already spent. "Well.. it's just.. I have so much to do 'round the house."

"It's not like I leave that much of a mess around. Don't even use half the rooms as it is. And I'll pay you."

"Your uncle already pays me a lot." Buffy murmered. "A thousand a week, and it's too much. Probably not to you, though."

"I'll throw another five hundred on top of it if you decided to be my assistant. Just come in today and see what you think." Spike flashed a smile at her that made Buffy tremble slightly. "How 'bout it?"

"A-alright." She stared out the window, determined to get him off her mind. As he spoke, all Buffy could think of was kissing him. Every time he moved, even if it was the slightest hitch of motion, she wanted to grab him and do unmentionable things to him. Buffy squeezed her eyes shut and whispered, "God, I hate you."

"Hmm? What's that, kitten?"

"Nothing." Buffy muttered and ignored him for the rest of the way.

*

"Alright, who've we got today?" Spike called as he dragged Buffy into the studio.

"We have an In Style shoot." A tall, dark-haired man announced. "Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfield."

"Oh my god." Buffy gasped as a model passed in the most beautiful dress Buffy had ever laid eyes on.

"This is Buffy." Spike chuckled, slinging his arm around her. "Buffy, this is Xander, he's our set designer."

"Hi." Buffy smiled politely, her eyes darting back to the models occasionally.

"Where's Andrew?" Spike asked

"I'm here, I'm here." A short blonde guy hurried over to them, carrying three cups of coffee. "Lattes all around?"

Spike took two and handed one to Buffy. "Kitten, this is the wardrobe director, Andrew. He'll show you 'round today, okay? Andrew, be a good boy and go show Buffy around the place. She might be here more often."

"We don't know that yet." Buffy said quickly, frowning at Spike.

"Have fun, luv." He smirked as he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

"Asshole." Buffy whispered as he pulled away, glaring at him.

"Come on." Andrew took her hand and led her out of the studio. "We have a huge wardrobe here, you're going to love it."

"Does Spike do this all the time?" Buffy asked warily.

"Do what all the time?" They stopped outside a door marked, "WARDROBE", in gold lettering, as Andrew fumbled with his security pass.

"Bring girls here to try and impress them."

"Oh." Andrew frowned as he swiped the card. The door clicked open and he led her inside, replying in a confused tone, "I don't know."

"I just want to know if this is another attempt to try and get me into be.. oh, my.." Buffy gazed around in awe at rows after rows of clothes and shoes. "Am I dreaming?"

"Spike said you could take anything you liked."

"Choo's!" Buffy cried and grabbed the pair of stilettos of the shelf. "Oh my god. But no! No. He's just doing this to try and seduce me. He's such a sleaze, I swear."

"Se-what you?" Andrew gaped at her. "Spike would not! He's not a sleaze! He is as sweet as the day is long!"

"I don't know what you call sweet around here." Buffy muttered. "He's a total loser."

Xander burst into the wardrobe, yelling, "Andrew, we need you back at the shoot, one of the dresses tore. Spike's absolutely livid."

"Xander, please tell her that she's wrong about Spike." Andrew whined, glaring at Buffy. He grabbed the shoes from her and hissed, "Spike is not a loser."

"What's the problem?" Xander asked impatiently, glancing from angry blonde to angry blonde.

"She says Spike's a sleaze and a loser." Andrew said huffily.

"Go fix the dress, Andrew." Xander said wearily.

"Fine." Andrew stuck his tongue out at Buffy and insisted, "He's not a sleaze or a loser. And I'm not giving you your Choo's back."

"Sit down." Xander said, motioning to the carpeted floor. They sat down together, cross-legged on the plush rug. "I can tell Spike likes you. The way he looks at you, for one, and for two, he's doing his jerk act."

"His 'jerk act'?" Buffy echoed in confusion.

"He's been acting all sleazy and smarmy all the time?"

"Yes."

Xander laughed and nodded. "Yeah, sounds about right. I have two words for you: Defence. Mechanism."

Buffy frowned. "Huh?"

"Spike's a really good guy, Buffy. I've known him for years and years, he's like a brother to me. He's always kind of been the strong, brave type, not really one to admit how he feels too easily, especially if he thinks he stands to get hurt. I don't know why he acts like a total jerk, but maybe he thinks if he keeps people at a distance, he won't get hurt again." Xander paused. "And I'm also.. I'm sorry about Andrew. He's crazy about Spike, for some reason. It's just fairly obvious to both of us that Spike really likes you."

"How long have you known him?" Buffy asked, playing with the hem of her jeans as guilt swelled inside her.

"Since kindergarten." Xander smiled. "You like him?"

"I.. I.." Buffy wondered how she could explain her feelings for Spike. I hate him but I fantasise about him every five seconds? She shrugged. "I don't know, I don't know him very well. Besides, he's my boss. And he may just be putting on a stupid act, but his sleaziness has put me off him entirely."

"Thanks, kitten." Spike glared at her from the other side of the room where he and Andrew were standing in the doorway.

"Let's not give her the Choo's." Andrew said to Spike.

"I'm ready to go." Spike muttered and stormed out of the room, calling back angrily, "Hurry up, Buffy."

"Bye Xander." Buffy smiled at him weakly and raced after Spike. She grabbed him by the arm as she caught up to him, briefly caressing the firm muscles. "Look.. I.."

"It's fine. You hate me and that's how it is." Spike stared straight ahead as he stormed out of the building.

"Xander said you have feelings for me." Buffy said accusingly as they reached the car.

"Oh, really? Well don't get too hopeful, I think you're a nasty bitch." Spike glared at her.

"You're such a jerk." Buffy muttered as she slumped down into her seat.

"You don't know me." Spike said defensively, gritting his teeth. "So don't go judging me and getting your knickers in a twist when you don't even know who I really am."

"I don't care who you really are!" Buffy cried. "I hate you!"

"Fine." Spike revved the engines and they sped up the road. He kept his eyes ahead and didn't look at her once, but Buffy saw the pained expression on his face. And then, as she got out of the car, she looked into the backseat and saw the pair of Jimmy Choo's sitting there and felt truly evil.

"Thankyou for the shoes." She said sullenly.

"S'alright." Spike muttered. "One of us has to make the peace, I guess. Let's get some lunch."

He headed into the kitchen and she followed him, trailing after him like a puppy with it's tail between it's legs. Then she saw the kitchen counter and blushed bright red.

"You alright?" Spike gazed at her with concerned eyes as Buffy stammered, searching for words.

"Fine." She tried to smile, but as he jumped up onto the counter, she grimaced. "Just.. gonna.. go get c-changed. 'Kay?"

"Okay."

She disappeared upstairs, her feelings for him now completely different. The hatred had turned to lust again, and Buffy disappeared into her room to 'change'.

*

 

Chapter 4:

She was on her hands and knees, scrubbing at the skirting board, when she felt his hand, soft on her back. Buffy gasped as Spike unzipped her dress, pulling it away with ease. She moaned as his teeth scraped against her back, unhooking her bra carefully. The black lace garment fell away and his hands reached underneath her to caress her breasts. She bucked into him, rubbing against his crotch. He, too, was naked, and as hard as she was wet. His cock nudged against her, grazing her clit as he grasped her hips and thrust inside her. Buffy screamed his name out in ecstasy as he pounded into her, his hands sliding underneath her to make contact with her swollen clit. Her cries echoed again and again as he brought her to climax.

Buffy groaned as she woke, wriggling around to try and get her body to calm down. She rolled over and gasped as she saw Spike kneeling beside her bed. "What the hell are you doing in here?"

"I heard you scream. Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine." Buffy muttered, clutching the sheets to her chest. "Scary dream is all."

"Are you naked under there?" Spike wondered aloud.

"Go to hell." Buffy snapped.

He stood up and yawned, stretching his arms. "Already there, luv. I don't think I'll be getting back to sleep too easy, kitten."

"Neither."

"Why don't we get up and have breakfast outside and watch the sun rise?" He suggested, smiling gently at her.

"Sure." Buffy waited for him to leave and then jumped out of bed to pull her dressing gown on. She tried to shake thoughts of the Spike in her dreams away and went downstairs, but staring at the skirting boards and then, the kitchen counter, the feelings came back. She blushed bright red and hung her head as she rested against the counter. This was not good. She was running out of safe places in the house fast.

"You alright?" Spike asked, brushing past her as he went to the fridge.

"Get off me!" Buffy snapped and shoved him away from her.

"I barely touched you!" Spike cried defensively.

"Yeah, well, I don't know where your hands have been." Buffy muttered, turning away from him.

Spike smirked and said in a hushed voice, "I could think of a lot of places they'd like to be."

He put his hand on her waist, caressing her softly, when Buffy turned and slapped him so hard his head snapped back. Spike recovered quickly and glared at her, but words wouldn't come. "You.. you.. you nasty little.. bugger! I'm bloody bleeding!"

Buffy stared in horror as blood dripped from his nose. "Spike.. I'm sorry.. I.. with the.. I.. god, I'm sorry!"

"Oh, sod off." He snarled, grabbing a tea-towel to hold to his nose. "I should have you bloody fired!"

"I just don't like you saying stupid stuff like that!" Buffy tried to take the towel from him and help him, but Spike nudged her away.

"S'not my fault your easily riled up. 'Sides, don't go mouthing off at me too often, pet. I know that dream you were having before made you scream for reasons other than being scary."

Her eyes went wide and Buffy raised her hand to slap him again but he grabbed her wrist and stilled her, glaring at her. "I'd watch it, Buffy. I'm in charge here, remember? I'm not going to put up with you being a nasty little girl all the time."

He stormed out of the kitchen and Buffy sunk down onto the floor, head in hands. Why, oh why, does he have to be so goddamn sexy when he's scolding me? This is just going to lead to a whole lot more of badness.

*

"How's Buffy?"

Spike glared at Xander. "Why'd you tell the stupid bint I liked her?"

"Because.. you do like her."

"No, I don't. I bloody well hate her."

"But she's so.. so.." Xander trailed off, in search of words.

"Beautiful? Yeah, I thought so too, but then she bashed me up." Spike turned his head and pointed to the red mark striped across his cheek. "She slapped me. Damn hard, too. Made my nose bleed."

"Ouch." Xander pulled a face. But he still wasn't quite convinced, and asked curiously, "So.. there's no liking of Buffy? None at all?"

"Nope." Spike insisted. "None at all. So she can just suffer for all I care."

*

Buffy grabbed the phone and punched in Spike's cell number angrily. As soon as he picked up, she cut off his greeting, and yelled, "I need to go to the shops and you've left me without a car."

"Oh, bugger off, you stupid chit."

"Excuse me? I need to go get groceries." Buffy snapped, gripping the phone so hard the casing on the back snapped off and it clattered to the floor. Moaning in frustration, she bent down and pressed her ear to the phone, that was now lying half-broken on the floor. "Hello?"

"Call the driver, kitten, he'll take you there. His number's on the piece of paper I left with mine, under Finn?"

"Okay." Buffy sighed as she heard the dial tone and collected the pieces of broken phone into her hands. "Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, FUCK."

She ditched the remnants into the bin and headed for the kitchen to find the other phone to call the driver.

*

"Hi, Miss Summers." The driver smiled at her and tipped his hat. "I'm Riley Finn, Mr. Giles' driver."

"Hi, Riley. Call me Buffy." She smiled at him, wanting to hug him for being such a gentleman. "I just need to drop by the shops?"

"Sure thing, miss." He took her arm and led her down to the awaiting car. "You've just come to work for William and Rupert, then?"

"Yes, I'm the housekeeper." She smiled at Riley as he slid into his seat. "I won't be long, I just need to do the grocery shopping."

"It's okay, Buffy." He flashed her another affectionate smile, blue eyes twinkling. "For you.. I have all day."

*

Spike got out of the pool, and grabbed a towel as he headed inside. He stopped short as he opened the back door that lead to the kitchen - Buffy and the driver were standing by the counter together, unpacking groceries and laughing. The man, who Spike couldn't ever be bothered remembering his name, and simply referred to him as "farm-boy", "pillock", or "wanker", had his hand on the small of Buffy's back, and it was quite obvious Buffy didn't mind in the least. Envy flared through Spike as Buffy went to put something in the fridge, and upon her return, tripped and landed in the man's arms.

"S-sorry." Buffy blushed and smiled shyly up at him. "It's these Choo's, they're very tricky to walk in."

"Choo's?" Riley echoed, staring down at her feet.

"Jimmy. Jimmy Choo. You know, they're shoes, by Jimmy Choo, they're Choo's." Buffy giggled nervously. "Spike got them for me."

Riley rolled his eyes. "God, he's a player. He's always after some other girl. I wouldn't be fooled if I were you, Buffy, this is just him seeing you as his latest conquest."

"Is that so?" Spike cut in, his voice thick with venom as he glared at Riley and snapped, "You can go home now. There's no need for your services anymore."

"Right." Riley smiled at Buffy and ducked down to kiss her on the cheek. "I'll give you a call."

Spike grabbed Riley by the arm and dragged him towards the door and shoved him out. "You try to come near her again, you'll lose your job, and your privates."

He slammed the door in Riley's face and turned to be met with a furious Buffy. "What the hell is your problem, Spike?"

"No problem." He headed towards the kitchen and started packing away the rest of the groceries. "I just don't think it appropriate for the people I hire to be slobbering all over each other."

"I wasn't slobbering." Buffy snapped. "You're just jealous, that's all."

"No, I'm not. I don't mind if you shag him, it'd probably do you good."

"What's that meant to mean?"

"It means that maybe, if you had someone give you a good and proper fuck, you wouldn't be such an uptight bitch."

Her hand cracked across his face again and Spike cried out furiously, "Will you stop hitting me?!"

"Stop being such an asshole, then! If I like Riley it's none of your business. And the same goes for my sex life." Buffy turned and started to walk out of the kitchen, but Spike spoke again and she froze.

"Seems like it was my business last night, pet." He winked at her, smirking knowingly. "The way you were screaming, it seems like it was a lot of my business."

"Go to hell." Her face flaming with embarrassment, Buffy turned on her heel and stomped upstairs, shouting back, "I hate you, Spike!"

"I still get you hot, though, kitten!" He called after her in a teasing sing-songy voice.

"In your dreams!" Buffy yelled.

"No, in yours, kitten!"

She could hear the smile in his voice, and despite how mad she was, Buffy giggled, and it turned into laughter that was completely unstoppable.

*

 

Chapter 5:

Buffy growled in frustration as she scrubbed at the carpet furiously. The huge brown stain was not coming out, and she knew Spike wouldn't be too impressed when he came home. Unfortunately, her mother had no cure for chocolate stains, and for now, Buffy was stuck scrubbing at the carpet with vinegar in her lingerie. She just prayed Spike didn't come home too soon - firstly, because of the stain, and secondly, because she wasn't in the mood to explain her almost-nakedness-while-cleaning habit.

The phone rang and she crawled across the floor to grab at it. "Hello?"

"Hey Buffy."

Riley's voice cheered her immediately and Buffy smiled and replied down the phone, "Hey."

"I was just wondering if you're free tonight." He paused, and then added quickly, "I know Spike's made it clear he doesn't want anything happening, but.. I really want to see you."

"I'd really like to see you too." Buffy said softly.

"I'll pick you up at eight, then? Movies and icecream?"

"Sure." She smiled and hung up, pleased with herself. "Good. Good Buffy. Riley's a nice, wholesome, lovely guy. He'll be good for you. Not like Spike. Spike baaad for you."

She crawled back over to the chocolate stained patch on the carpet and frowned. "You're just not budging, are you?"

"You talking to yourself now, pet?"

Buffy spun around and glared at him. "Do you mind.. not.. barging in like that?"

"You're in my house." He reminded her, looking her up and down, a smirk growing on his face. "Don't you look nice, kitten?"

"Perv." Buffy muttered and glared at him. "Look, it's just easier to clean in my negligee, okay? Besides, it's a hot day, and.. and.. stop looking at me like that!"

"I just think you look pretty, is all." Spike smiled. "Haven't seen you like this before, sweetheart."

"What, all undressed? Don't get used to it." She pulled a face at him and retreated to the kitchen. "Um.. do you mind if I have the night off tonight?"

"What for, kitten?"

"To.. to.. well, to go out." Buffy supplied weakly. "With friends. My friend.. um.. Annie.. wants to see me. You know, for catching up."

"Or, there is no Annie and you're really doing something else." Spike pointed out, frowning at her.

"Riley asked me out." Buffy admitted. "Look.. I shouldn't have to ask your permission to go out with him. I like him, and I want to see him. Alright?"

"Alright." Spike nodded. "That's fair, luv. Where's he taking you?"

"To the movies and then for icecream." Buffy glared at Spike as he burst out laughing. "What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing.. if you're fourteen. He's such a stupid git, doesn't know what to do with a lady like you."

"And you do?" Buffy challenged Spike, folding her arms and cocking her head, regarding him with interest.

"Sure I do." He smiled and edged towards her. "I'd take you somewhere fun, and exciting.. somewhere where you'd enjoy yourself and have the time of your life."

"Like?" Buffy paused and sighed. "And please don't say your bedroom."

Spike chuckled and planted a soft kiss on her forehead, instantly infuriating Buffy. "Hey, you said it, not me."

She glared at him and stormed out of the room, wishing she could fight off the fluttering in her stomach as well as she had his touch. The aftermath, of just a simple kiss, was harder to deny.

*

"What d'you want?" Spike growled at Riley.

"I'm here for Buffy." Riley smiled past Spike, watching as Buffy descended the stairs. "There's my girl."

"Hi." Buffy kissed Riley on the cheek. "Ready?"

"Sure." Riley smirked at Spike and hugged Buffy close and led her out the door.

"Stupid bloody sod." Spike muttered and watched as they went down to the car.

"To the movies, then?" Riley smiled at Buffy. "Your pick."

"Thanks." A slight shiver ran up her spine and turned to see Spike watching her from the doorway. He looked absolutely livid with jealousy and, for some reason, Buffy enjoyed it. She slid into the car beside Riley, leaned over, and kissed him passionately.

The next thing Buffy heard was the front door smashing shut, and she smiled to herself, triumphant.

*

Riley was the most boring man she'd ever met in her life. Buffy hadn't dated a lot of guys, just one or two in highschool, and a few in college, but this guy was undoubtedly the worst. Riley did nothing but talk about himself, and while he did so, smother icecream all over his face.

Spike would be smothering it all over my body. She smiled to herself and scooped some vanilla sundae into her mouth.

"God, you're so beautiful." Riley said, gazing at her adoringly.

"Mmm." Buffy smiled at him. "You're sweet."

"I think you're a really special girl, Buffy." He took her hand and squeezed it gently. "We could go somewhere, you know?"

His words warmed her and Buffy's smile grew, even if it was Riley saying these things to her. "Thanks."

Besides, it wasn't like anything was ever going to happen with Spike. Buffy would shoot herself before let anything happen with him. Spike was dangerous.. and Riley was safe. Comforting. Cozy. Boring, perhaps, but she wouldn't get hurt, and it would piss Spike off. He was so sexy when he was angry.

"Buffy!"

"Anya!" Buffy hugged her friend as she came racing over. "Hey."

Anya glanced at Riley and frowned. "Is this your new orgasm friend?"

Buffy blushed bright red and smiled apologetically at Riley. "I'm sorry.. she's just.."

"I'll go pay the bill." Riley said and smiled politely at Anya as he passed.

Anya sat down in Riley's seat and frowned at Buffy. "You know, when you said Spike was incredibly sexy, you were exaggerating to a great extent."

"That's not Spike." Buffy glared at Anya. "It's Riley. And I don't appreciate you talking like that in front of him. We're on a date, I met him at Spike's place, Riley's his driver."

"Why on earth are you on a date with him?" Anya asked bluntly. "He's not very attractive.. especially with icecream all around his mouth and those horrible loafers."

"I think he's sweet." Buffy mumbled, stirring her spoon aimlessly through her now-melted icecream.

"You seemed pretty keen on Spike when we last spoke." Anya pointed out, taking a strawberry from Riley's plate.

"I am not keen on Spike." Buffy snapped. "He's a total jerk."

"He gave you Choo's." Anya smiled. "And from what I can tell, many, many orgasms."

"Anya!" Buffy slapped her on the arm. "I wouldn't touch Spike with a ten-foot pole."

"Then how come you're dating his driver to make him jealous?" Anya sang smugly.

"I am not." Buffy mumbled sulkily. "I like Riley. He's a nice guy."

"Who looks and acts like an oversized mentally defected three-year-old."

Buffy scowled at Anya. "Shutup."

"Meanwhile, all the time you've wasted on pasting icecream over his face, could have been spent bonking Spike."

"I would never."

"You would too." Anya smiled at Buffy as Riley returned and placed a smacking kiss on her lips. "But you two have fun."

"I'm sure we will." Buffy muttered as Riley led her out of the cafe.

*

"I'll call you, Buffy." Riley whispered, pressing his lips to her forehead.

"Sure." Buffy glanced past Riley and saw Spike smirking at her from the doorway. She grabbed Riley and planted one last passionate kiss on his lips and then strode confidently up the steps. "Good-evening, Spike."

"How was your date with farm boy?"

"He's not a farm boy." Buffy snapped. "You're an asshole."

"You don't mean that, kitten." He patted her on the bottom and shut the door behind them as Buffy stormed into the house.

"Stop touching me." Buffy hissed, glaring at him. "I have a boyfriend now, one who will bash you up if you lay a hand on me."

"I don't think so, pet." Spike smirked. "Besides, it won't last with you and him. You deserve better."

"And I suppose you think 'better' means you."

"If you think so, kitten." He smiled and went to kiss her but she shoved him back.

"Me and Riley will last. We're special to each other. You'll see." Buffy cringed as she made her way upstairs, knowing this would mean more time with Riley that she didn't want. Buffy shuddered and flopped down into bed, shedding her clothes quickly. At least now, in her dreams, she could be with a real man.

Downstairs, Spike poured himself a drink, muttering to himself, "Stupid bloody bint thinks she can play games with me, I'll show her. It'll never last. Never."

He smirked and decided that he'd make himself that promise right now, and keep it. Farm boy would be out of the picture before Buffy could scream out to Spike in her sleep again.

*
 

Chapter 6:

"Who was on the phone, kitten?" Spike asked as Buffy hung up, strolling into the kitchen in nothing but a pair of speedos.

Buffy glared at him and replied tersely, "My mother. She wants to come and visit to see how I'm settling in."

"That'll be nice, pet." He smiled at her. "I'm gonna go for a swim."

"I don't want you to be here when she gets here." Buffy warned him, hands on her hips. "Me and my mom see eye-to-eye on everything. She'll be upset if she knows I'm working for a major asshole like you."

"I'm good with mothers." Spike said simply and went to the fridge to retrieve a bottle of water. He turned and winked at her, "I'm even better with their daughters, but she needn't know that, pet."

"Go to hell." Buffy said wearily and turned away from him, leaning against the counter in exhaustion. "Look, if you insist on being here, can you just be nice? And tell her I'm doing well here and all?"

"You are doing well here, and I'll be extra nice." He promised, smiling at her.

"You're bullshitting me." Buffy snapped. "Look, Spike-"

"I'm not bullshitting you. It's not like I'm going to tell her that you're a bitchy, nasty little bint and you deserve a good spank-"

"Aargh!" Buffy shoved him away from her as Spike stared laughing.

"You're so bloody easy to rile up!" He chuckled, grinning at her adoringly.

"You know, I actually stay up late wondering what the hell your mother was on when she was raising you! I'm wondering if she knows just how badly she screwed it up, and how much of a jerk her son is!" Buffy screamed, glaring at him loathingly.

Spike stared at her for a moment, eyes filled with tears. Buffy froze and backed down, tremoring under his gaze, full of pain and hatred. Spike shoved past her and stormed upstairs, his furious exit punctuated by the slam of his bedroom door.

*

"My mother will be here in an hour." Buffy called through Spike's door. "Can you please stop sulking and come to talk to me?"

"Bugger off." He snarled, for the fifth time in the last ten minutes.

Buffy sighed and stared at the keys in her hand. She could easily get in - but she knew it would seriously infuriate Spike. Luckily, her prayers were answered, and he came barreling out, knocking her out of the way as he stormed out of his room.

"What the hell is the matter with you?" Buffy demanded, following him as he went into the bathroom. It was then she noticed the red blotchy marks marking his face, and the soft slivering trails his tears had left. "Spike? What's wrong?"

"Do you know who my mother was?" He asked in a small voice, splashing his face with cold water. He then sunk down to the floor, head in hands.

"N-no." She was reluctant to touch him, for every time she did, it send chills up her spine, but Buffy put her arm around him gently. "Who was she?"

"A model. It's the family business, fashion is, and she was a catwalk model. Led a pretty wild life.. and when.. when I was twelve, she died. Heroin overdose."

"Oh.." Buffy buried her face in her hands and moaned. "God, Spike.. I'm sorry. I'm so, so, so sorry."

"It wasn't her first. She was in and out of hospital all her life, for drugs, or eating disorders, all that rot. But she was a good mum, she was. She loved me."

"I'm sure she did." Buffy said soothingly, tousling his hair gently. "Spike, you should know, I say stupid things all the time. I'm an idiot. I really didn't mean to upset you like this."

"S'alright, pet, you weren't to know." He smiled at her. "So, your mum'll be here soon?"

"Yeah." She stood up and pulled him along with her, saying scoldingly, "You behave."

"I will, kitten." He paused, gazing at her longingly for a moment. "Thanks.. for listening."

"It's okay."

*

"This house is amazing." Joyce gushed, staring around in awe. "I can't believe you live here, honey!"

"Me neither." Buffy smiled as Spike came into the room, right on cue, in the outfit she'd chosen out for him. "Mom, this is my boss, and housemate, William."

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Summers." Spike smiled at her politely.

"It's nice to meet you too."

"I have to go to work, pet. Xander just rang." He stepped back and mouthed over Joyce's head, "Is that okay?"

Buffy nodded and smiled at him. "See ya."

"Bye."

Joyce smiled at her. "And what's going on with you two?"

"What's going on with who two?"

"You and William. You seem to like him."

"He's alright." Buffy mumbled, staring sullenly into her mug of hot cocoa.

"He's very handsome, and polite." Joyce frowned as Buffy snorted with laughter. "What?"

"Nothing. He's nice. Okay looking."

"You like him." Joyce laughed.

"I don't." Buffy snapped. "I have a boyfriend."

"Really?"

"Yes. His name is Riley.. and he's.. sweet."

"He's 'sweet'." Joyce echoed, frowning at Buffy again. "You don't sound very interested in him."

"Well I am." Buffy mumbled. "He's very nice."

"But.." Joyce prompted her curiously.

"But nothing." Buffy insisted.

But he's not sexy. He's not clever. He's not interesting or fun at all. And he's not Spike.

*

"Kitten? I'm home." Spike knocked on her door. "You in there?"

Buffy sighed angrily and, through clenched teeth, replied, "Yes."

"Whatcha doing, luv?"

"Trying. On. Some. Old. Clothes." Buffy cried out and fell onto the bed. The pants were not coming off. Close to tears from her failed efforts, she whispered to herself, "Trying on too-small clothes."

"Your mum bring those by?"

"Go. Away." Buffy yelled, yanking at the zipper desperately. She cried out in suprise as it popped open, now broken from her constant yanking. "Goddamit!"

"Are you alright in there?" Spike called worriedly, opening the door.

"Stop! Don't come in." Buffy mumbled tearfully. The zipper was open now, but the tight leather pants were stuck to her.

"Christ, what happened in here?" Spike wondered aloud as he stepped inside her room, the entire floor covered in clothes.

"I started trying on my old clothes and I tried on my old favourite pants and now I'm too fat for them and they won't come off." She let out a small wail, and dissolved into helpless whimpers.

"First off, you're not fat." Spike took hold of the ankles of the pants gently. "Second - do you maybe want me to help?"

Buffy nodded and turned onto her back as he started yanking at the pants. "Be gentle. These pants cost me a lot of money."

"Alright, kitten." He slid his fingers under the waistband and started tugging them down from there, averting his eyes as he undressed Buffy. With a final yank, the pants fell to the floor, and Buffy sighed in relief.

"Thankyou." She whispered, too embarrassed to look at him.

"Well.." Spike swallowed hard, finding his whole mouth dry as he stared at her. "Those are.. well.. I think you'd have to think up a whole new word to replace 'skimpy', luv, cos that doesn't say the half of it for those."

"Shut up." Buffy grabbed a pillow and covered herself with it, aware she was wearing her tiniest black lacy thong. she blushed and stared at him. "Can we please-"

"Never mention this again." He finished for her with a smile. "Don't worry, kitten. I won't say a word."

*
 

Chapter 7:

"Riley! Just the man I wanted to see." Spike smiled and led Riley inside the house.

"What do you want? Because if it's another 'stay-away-from-Buffy" lecture, I've heard it all, and I don't care." Riley smirked.

"Actually, it's a job offer." Spike said, taking Riley into the loungeroom. He flopped down in his favourite leather armchair and motioned for Riley to take a seat as well. "My uncle requires your services.. in Paris."

"In Paris?" Riley repeated, his eyes lighting up.

"Yeah, he'll need you there ASAP, but will double your salary and have an apartment ready for you." Spike smiled at Riley innocently. "Sound good?"

"Yes!" Riley said eagerly. "It sounds great."

"Well, good. Your flight's tomorrow." Spike pulled a note out of his pocket and handed it to Riley. "That's his address, and yours. The company you came from has already organized the transfer, but I asked to speak with you before they mention it. I will need you to hand back your security pass now, though, because you won't be working here anymore."

Riley fumbled with the keychain on his wallet that held the pass and tore it off, thrusting it at Spike. But when he saw the devious gleam in Spike's eyes, he paused and snatched the card back. "You're just trying to get me away from Buffy."

"No, of course not." Spike said soothingly. "Don't be silly. I'll allow her to fly over there for visits if she wants, if you think you two have something worth saving."

The way he said it made Riley flare up with rage.

"If I think we have something worth saving?" He repeated angrily. "Um, Buffy thinks there's something there too. And it's not a matter of thinking, it's one of knowing. What we have is worth absolute gold to me and I wouldn't give it up for anything."

"My uncle said if there were any hesitations he'd offer to triple your current salary." Spike suggested, his confident smile almost faltering for a moment, but then he saw Riley light up again with hunger and grinned. "Sound good?"

"Yes." Riley handed Spike the security pass. "I'd like to say bye to Buffy, though. I know this will hurt her."

"Sure it will. After one bloody date, sure." Spike said the last part quietly, wishing he could tear Riley's hair out right about now for being such a wanker. "But she's still asleep, maybe if you'd like to come later?"

"Okay."

Spike led Riley to the door, and once Riley was outside, his kind smile disappeared and was replaced with a triumphant smirk. "I should let you know, now, that there is no job in Paris and there never will be. That's a lie. Also, I won't be letting you say your goodbyes to Buffy. I made that up as well. But your services here aren't required anymore, Riley, so if you'd kindly leave."

"You son of a bitch." Riley hissed, glaring at Spike.

Spike simply smirked and continued smugly, "And as much as I'm sure you'd love to see Buffy again, you won't be able to. You don't have a security pass, Buffy has a new cell phone, which has a new number you won't have access to, and I also changed my phone numbers at work and at home. It'd be pretty tricky trying to get hold of them, too, since they're unlisted. Calling the office and asking for me won't work, since I'm pretty darned important, and very busy. No time for crazy farm boys whining about lost jobs. And if you're going to call my uncle, to complain? That note you have with his address and phone number - not real. He's not even in France at the moment, that was another lie."

"You fucking-"

"Ah, ah, ah, don't interrupt, there's still more. Maybe I should mention that I called the company we hired you from, and I told them about you making sexual advances in the workplace. No, they weren't too impressed with that. And when I tell Buffy that you were fired for stealing from me, another little lie I might happen to come up with, I doubt it'll impress her much. So, you're out a girlfriend, and a job." Spike smiled at Riley with completely fake pity and sighed, "Damn. Must suck to be you, Finn."

"She'll figure it out!" Riley protested weakly. "When she doesn't have a driver, she'll figure out you fired me, and-"

"No, she won't. Buffy's clever, and if she does figure it out, she'll know it was me doing her a favour. Now, run along, alright? Find yourself a nice farm-girl called Rita Sue, or Peggy Anne, or something like that, and bugger off." Spike slammed the door, and yelled back as Riley started bashing on it, "I'd suggest leaving, or I'll have security come and escort you."

Spike went to the window and watched as Riley stormed down the drive and out the gates. "Stupid bloody wanker."

"Are you talking to yourself now?" Buffy teased, yawning as she came downstairs. "What was all the yelling?"

"Nothing, sweetheart." Spike took her hand and smiled at her. "But I do have a suprise for you, luv."

He led her out to the garage, and put his hands over her eyes as he led her inside. Spike then guided her hand down to meet with the leather steering wheel of the new black sports car, and removed his hand from her eyes. "For you, pet."

Buffy stared at the car and squealed, throwing herself into his arms. "For me?"

"Of course." He scooped her up and deposited her in the driver's seat. "You're a good driver, right?"

"Of course." Buffy grinned at him. "You really got this for me? You're so great!"

"S'alright, kitten." He smiled down at her. "You need a car to get around."

"But we have Riley.." Buffy trailed off, and her smile turned into a frown. "Spike, if we both have cars now, what's happened to Riley?"

"He was.. he was stealin' from me, kitten." Spike lied hopelessly, knowing it sounded pathetic and she'd never believe him. "I had to have him fired."

"He didn't steal from you." Buffy seethed through clenched teeth. "You're making that up."

"Well, I didn't like him. And you weren't exactly falling all over him in love or anything." Spike admitted, sliding into the passenger seat. "And you do deserve better, Buffy. I'm not saying that's me.. I just don't want you wasting your time with a loser like Riley."

"I did like him." Buffy said sulkily.

"If you did, I reckon you like this car better, anyway." Spike watched as she stroked the leather seats affectionately, her eyes wide and full of wonder.

"It's a really nice car." She smiled at him and said softly, "Thankyou."

"S'okay, luv. Want to take it for a spin?"

Buffy squealed as he handed her the keys. "Yes!"

*

"I thought you said you were a good driver!" Spike shouted as Buffy screeched up the driveway and brought the car to a halt.

"I am!" She sighed happily and rested back against her seat. "That was so much fun."

"I think I had a bloody heart attack."

"Aww, poor Spikey." She smiled at him pitifully and patted him on the arm. "I'll go slower next time for you."

"You nearly hit someone." He snapped, jumping out of the car.

Buffy got out of the car as well, and patted it on the bonnet. She then raced towards Spike and hugged him, whispering in his ear, "Thankyou. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. I love it."

She pulled away and stared at him, realizing that this was the closest she'd ever come to having a 'moment' with a man. Buffy stared at Spike and realized that what she felt was more than a physical attraction. And she knew, as he gazed at her totally adoringly, he felt the same. I like him. Buffy's smile grew, her heart and stomach all a flutter. I really like him.

That was, until, another car swerved into the driveway and a girl jumped out, grinning madly as she ran and threw herself at Spike.

Buffy watched in horror as Spike hugged the girl and kissed her on the forehead several times. And we're back to the hating.

*

 

Chapter 8:

"What're you doing here, luv?" Spike asked, grinning at the girl as he spun her around.

"I thought I'd come see my favourite cousin." She smiled adoringly at him. "I brought Emily."

"Great, where is the Nibblet?"

"Sleeping in the car, but she'll wake up for her uncle Spike." The girl turned to Buffy and smiled. "Hi."

"Oh, right. Buffy, this is my cousin, Willow. Willow, luv, this is my housekeeper, Buffy."

"Hi." Buffy smiled uneasily, resting against the bonnet of her new car.

"Can I go get Em?" Spike asked, glancing over at Willow's car.

"Okay." Willow smiled after him and then glanced at Buffy. "I swear, you were green a minute ago."

"Huh?"

"I know that was a really gross public display of affection, but I just love him." Willow grinned. "You should see him with Em. That's my daughter, she's seven, and completely in love with him. I guess that makes three of us."

"No.. not three. Two." Buffy blushed and said quietly, "Spike and I don't get along."

"Could have fooled me with that look you were giving him before." Willow shrugged. "Oh well. So how long've you been working here?"

"A month or so."

"A month and a half." Spike jumped in, returning with a small, giggling, red-headed girl on his shoulders. "Why don't we go inside? Have some lunch?"

"I have to go to the shops." Buffy mumbled and jumped into her car. "I'll see you later, Spike."

She revved the engine and, swerving past Willow's car quickly, sped away from Spike's house. Seeing him naked was disarming enough - but seeing him with the little girl, laughing, joking, and acting like the most loving of bigger brothers, made Buffy feel completely weak at the knees, and entirely helpless against his charm.

*

She returned an hour later, arms loaded with grocery bags, which Spike quickly took from her with a smile. "You have fun?"

"Bunches." Buffy snapped and started packing them away.

"Did you get chocolate freckles?"

"Here." She thrust the packet at him, fixing him with a hateful glare.

"What's wrong, kitten?" He brushed past her, pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder.

"Get. Off. Me." Buffy said, clenching her fists. "Jesus, there's a seven-year-old in this house and you still act like a total pig!"

"I was being affectionate!" Spike said, staring at her with pain shining in his eyes. "Bloody hell, I thought-"

"Yeah, well that didn't work out too well for you, did it?"

"Uncle Spike!" Emily cried as she raced into the room, throwing herself into his arms. "Come play dress ups!"

Buffy smirked at him. "Yeah, Spike. Go play dress ups."

"Why don't you play dress ups with Emily, Buffy?" Spike challenged her, scooping the girl up to place her in Buffy's arms. "You could lend her your special shoes."

"No." Buffy stared at him in horror. "The Choo's.. she's only little.. she'll ruin them.."

"Spike, read me a story." Emily begged, wriggling out of Buffy's arms and tugging at his arm. "Please?"

"Alright, cookie." Spike pulled her up onto his shoulders again and glanced at Buffy. "We're going to talk later."

"Go to hell." She muttered, wishing her knees didn't buckle every time she saw how wonderful he was with Emily. Then again, her knees seemed to give every time she was near Spike.

*

"Promise." Emily whimpered as she clung to Spike.

"I promise, sweetheart."

"I'm sure Uncle Spike will come around real soon." Willow took her daughter's hand, attempting to lead her away for the millionth time.

"Double promise." Emily demanded.

"I double promise, luv." Spike hugged her and then handed her over to Willow. "I will come see you two soon. Say hi to Oz for me, Red."

"Okay."

After watching them leave, he stepped away and walked back up to the house to find Buffy. She was in the kitchen, reading, but obviously bore no interest to the book at all. Spike took it away from her and pulled up another chair, sitting down beside her. "You gonna tell me what's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong." Buffy snapped, frowning at him.

"Okay, so why do you do this to me? I might be arrogant sometimes, Buffy, but I try. I'm actually not that bad a guy, and-"

"I don't care what kind of a guy you are." Buffy said calmly, staring at him with cold eyes. She was shocked she could be so strong and lie to him this way, and she was suprised he didn't see through it. Buffy barely even flinched when she saw the pain light up in his blue eyes again, even though inside, it killed her.

"That's the point, isn't it? You don't care. You just ignore all the nice things I do, and see me as a waste of time." Anger suddenly flooding through him, Spike continued angrily, "I bought you a bloody car, what thanks do I get?"

"Maybe you'd get a little more if girls didn't show up and start kissing you!"

"She's my cousin!"

"I don't care! I don't even like you!" She started to storm out of the room, but he grabbed her. Buffy spun around and slapped him, hissing, "I would never trust you with me, Spike. You are a waste of my time and I wish I'd never met you. Understand?"

"You're lying." He said, his voice shaking slightly. Buffy could see she was hurting him, and although she wanted to stop, she was in full attack mode now.

"I'm not. I hate you, Spike." She turned on her heel, kicking off the Choo's as she went, and stomped out of the kitchen.

*

If only she could deny her physical feelings as well as she could her deeper ones. Buffy was writhing around, sweaty and fully aroused, haunted by him in her dreams.

He kissed her, his tongue dancing with hers, his hands exploring her.

Buffy screamed his name, clawing at the sheets as the pleasure overcame her.

He thrust inside her, pounding into her, bringing her to climax.

She was still rolling around in a frenzy of lust as the door opened and Spike stepped into her room.

His touch set her on fire. His kisses soothed the flame. He was everything and nothing at the same time. He was perfect, he was bliss, yet he was just a man. As his weight bore down on her and his actions became more passionate, she orgasmed, her cry ripping through the night.

"Spike, Spike, Spike...." Buffy bolted upright, conking her forehead against Spike's as she bumped into him. "S-Spike?"

He kissed her, his lips brushing softly against hers. He touched her face tenderly, moist with sweat, and whispered, "I love you. God, Buffy, I don't care if you hate me, I love you."

She threw herself into his arms and they kissed, the dream suddenly evolving into an even better reality.

*
 

Chapter 9:

"Did anyone ever tell you how good your body is?" Buffy wondered, running her hand over Spike's chest, savouring the firm feel of muscle. "You should model. Put it to use."

"I did last night, kitten." He spun her around in his arms and pulled her close, his chest pressed to her back. One hand stroked her clit slowly as he slid inside her, groaning as Buffy moved against him. "You're so bloody perfect, luv."

She shuddered as an orgasm rocked through her for the millionth time that night. She turned and kissed Spike, running her hands through his hair. "This was amazing."

"Mmm, it was, luv." He nuzzled her neck affectionately. "You hungry?"

"For you." Buffy said in a hushed voice, wiggling against him playfully.

"Seriously, luv. I'll bring you breakfast in bed. It'll be nice."

"But then you'll have to leave the bed." Buffy scowled at him. "There will be no leaving the bed."

"We'll have to get out sooner or later.. it's already past eleven o'clock." He whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I think I heard my beeper go off a while ago."

"No you didn't." Buffy insisted, groaning as he reached for it.

"I think they want me at the office, sweetheart."

"If you leave this bed I'll never speak to you again." She threatened, following him as he swung his legs over the side of the bed and reached for his shirt. Buffy wrapped her legs around his waist and, pressing her breasts right up against his back, she stroked his legs seductively. "If you stay... I'll make you very glad you did."

She crawled into his lap and kissed him gently, nibbling on his lip, her fingers tangled in his hair. She purred, rubbing against him, one hand reaching down to grab his erection. "Stay? For just a little bit?"

Spike buried his face in the hollow between her breasts and moaned as she stroked him with amazing expertise. The beeper started going off again but Buffy kicked it away, gently teasing his balls with the mere tips of her fingers. She pressed a soft kiss to his neck and breathed, "Does that feel good, baby?"

"Fuck, yes." Spike groaned as she continued to drive him wild. "God, you're brilliant, Buffy. I love you. I love you so much."

*

"I hate you." Buffy glared at him, kicking her feet against the kitchen counter as she swung her legs back and forth. "Why do you have to leave?"

"It's important, kitten. And I spent all day with you. Isn't that enough, luv?" He stared at the furious look painted on her face and backed away, towards the door. "Alright, well, I'm gonna go."

She grabbed the lapels of his jacket and dragged him back towards her. In a sad, pleading voice, Buffy begged, "Come here and kiss me."

"I'm late."

"Only a little bit."

"Hours late."

"I don't care." She pressed her lips to his and refused to let him go until they were both breathless. She smiled at him as she pulled away and whispered, "I said if you stay I'd make it worth your while. Don't you want to find out just how much I meant that?"

"Incredibly so, kitten." He pulled her down from the kitchen counter and kissed her gently. "But I have to go. I hate myself for leaving you, but I really have to get going."

He managed to escape her clutches and hurried towards the garage where his car was waiting. Spike was sliding into the driver's seat when Buffy came prancing into the garage, entirely naked. "Are you leaving?"

"Yes." He kept his eyes trained ahead, determined not to look at her while she was naked, knowing it would drive him over the edge.

"You're mean." Buffy jumped into the passenger seat and edged closer to him. She bit down gently on his ear and whispered, "What if when you're gone I find someone else to tend to my needs?"

"You wouldn't." He growled, pulling her into his lap roughly. The horn blared as Buffy struck it accidentally with her arm but she ignored it and went for his zipper. Spike pushed her back and said pleadingly, "Kitten, please."

"Kitten. Wants. To. Play." Buffy sunk down on his cock and, as she reclined the seat so he was lying down, smirked at him. "Or are you just turning wimpy?"

He growled and, taking a firm hold of her hips, spun them around so she was on her back. Planting a firm smack on her bottom, he whispered, his breath hot against her neck, "You are a very, very naughty kitten."

Buffy giggled and thrust her hips up to meet with his as he pounded into her, drawing scream after scream of ecstasy from her. The pleasure building within her almost blinding, she raked her fingernails up his back and smashed her lips to his. They came together, cries of each other's names echoing as they sunk into an exhausted embrace.

*

He missed her so much it hurt. It actually ached him, deep down in the pit of his stomach, to be away from her. Spike rushed through the front door and raced into the kitchen to find her, knowing he was late and she'd be mad.

But Buffy didn't look mad - she looked sad. She was sitting on the floor, head in hands, and it was then he noticed the smoke rising in the air. "What the bloody hell happened?"

"I'm sorry." She said, guilt clouding her face as she gazed at him. "I tried to cook you dinner and.. well.. Buffy and kitchens aren't mixy things."

Spike reached over and switched the oven off, then scooped her up into his arms. "S'alright, kitten. I'm not hungry right now. 'Cept for you."

She smiled at him and kissed his forehead affectionately. "I'm all sleepy and worn out."

"We'll see, luv." He patted her bottom gently and placed her down in a chair, kneeling down in front of her. "What's say you move into my room soon?"

She smiled, but confusion flickered in her eyes and tone as Buffy wondered, "Why would I do that? I like my room just fine."

"Because.. we're together now." Spike said, uncertain all of a sudden. "Aren't we?"

"I didn't think we were together together. I mean.. this is just sex, right?"

He stepped back from her, frowning. In a tiny, confused, even slightly frightened voice, he echoed, "This is.. just sex?"

"Well.. we could never work in a together together relationship." Buffy said, rolling her eyes. "We'd drive each other crazy."

Her words stung him and Spike took another step back, glaring at her as he went.

"Spike.. I didn't think you wanted anything more." Buffy said quietly, watching him with concern.

"I told you I loved you." He said softly, still glaring at her, pain and fury seeping from his words. "I told you I loved you. Since when did you reckon this was nothing to me?"

"Well.. I.. I don't know." Buffy said with a slight tremble in her voice. "Spike, come on, baby."

She reached out to him but he yanked away, regarding her with a look of total disgust. "No, you're right. This was nothing.So just leave me alone."

*
 

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