Chapter Thirty Seven.

Sex ‘n’ Violence.


Spike tugged Buffy behind him and before she could make a protest he had her halfway across the hallway. He pressed the button to call the elevator and tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for the doors to open.


“My meeting went well,” Buffy said.


“That’s nice pet,” Spike replied distractedly. All he could think about was kissing her.


The doors opened and Spike yanked her into the small metal box. He was kissing her before the doors shut.


Overpowered and overwhelmed by him, Buffy melted against him swiftly losing her ability to think clearly. When the doors reopened, Spike had her blouse half undone. He swept her up into his arms and quickly strode down the landing with her. He pushed the sitting room door open and kicked it shut. Buffy giggled at his antics and Spike kissed the giggles right out of her mouth.


She could tell he was worked up and marveled at how quickly he could become fully aroused. Sensing his need, she wriggled out of his arms. Spike made a grab for her as she stepped back but she held up a warning finger and wagged it at him.


Spike froze.


Buffy smiled at him when she realized he was going to do as he was told. Slowly, she finished undoing the buttons of her blouse. Gently she let the garment slip down her arms and fall to the floor, revealing a sexy shocking pink bra.


Spike gulped.


Then just as slowly she reached for the fastening on her skirt. Spike couldn’t believe how long it took to undo two buttons and a zipper. With a sexy little wiggle, Buffy stepped out of her skirt, leaving her standing in the middle of the sitting room wearing nothing, but her matching shocking pink bra and thong and a pair of silk lace topped stockings and heels.


Spike stared.


Buffy smiled at the expression on his face. She walked slowly towards him. He backed away from her, drinking in her beauty as she moved. She was sensual and deadly in a feminine way. His back hit the door. He had nowhere else to go. Buffy slowly ran a finger down his chest, stopping at his belt buckle, making little swirling patterns on the metal with her fingernail.


Spike swallowed.


Smiling she whispered, “Lock…the…door.”


Swiftly, Spike fumbled at the lock, struggling to turn the key without taking his eyes off of her. The damn thing finally clicked into place.


Buffy quickly undid his belt and in one quick motion she pulled it from the loops of his pants. She rested her small hand gently against his hard cock, caressing him through the fabric of his pants, teasing him with her fingers and pressing her breasts against his chest as she smiled at him. She licked her lips.


Spike groaned.


She squeezed him slightly. “If I do this for you…you have to do something for me.”


Trying to work some moisture into his mouth, Spike croaked. “Anythin’ luv…whatever you want…jus’ don’t torture me like this.”


Buffy nearly laughed at his admission, but she pulled herself together and continued.


“You have to promise to scream for me,” she whispered.


Spike moaned, anticipating how she would make him scream because he didn’t doubt she could. His balls felt like they were on fire.


“I promise.”


Buffy smiled and walked away from him. The sight of her firm round bum moving towards the balcony had him panting. Wait! Where’s she going? His slow brain asked him. He snapped out of his daze and followed her, keeping his eyes locked to her pert swaying arse. Buffy walked out into the bright sunshine that bathed the balcony, her high heels clicking on the stone slabs. He marveled at how she could at times be so uninhibited, while other times so shy. Then he remembered the occasion in the game room. Her dressed in his shirt, a tub of ice cream and her glorious mouth. Spike started to take his jacket off, but she stopped him with a gentle touch.


“Don’t take it off…stand here.” She backed him up against the railing overlooking the gardens. Nervously, she scanned the gardens just in case anyone was around. Satisfied no one could see them she smiled shyly at him. She grabbed a cushion from one of the chairs and dropped it in front of him. “Would you like me to kiss you?” she asked.


“Oh God yes…yes,” he whispered hoarsely.


With a definite teasing light in her eyes, Buffy pressed a kiss to her fingertips and placed her fingers over his lips. He was just about to complain when she dropped to her knees and opened his zipper, freeing his cock. She gently rubbed him with her soft hand. Spike groaned, but didn’t take his eyes off of her, determined to watch every single second of this gift she was giving to him freely…willingly.


Buffy kissed the tip of his hard cock. Then looking up at him through her eyelashes, she licked him with the tip of her tongue. Spike nearly screamed then. “Would you like me to kiss you some more?”


He gasped and nodded his head. Slowly, she lowered her mouth over his throbbing cock. Spike groaned and gasped.


Quickly, Buffy set a steady pace, never taking her eyes off of him. Watching, his face shift from one expression of bliss to agony and back to bliss again and again.


Spike could hardly believe she was doing this to him. He had never been so turned on in his life. She knelt at his feet dressed in her sexy undies, sucking him off while he was still fully clothed OH yes, she sure can turn me on.


He was so close to coming when she slowed and stopped. He looked down at her, his eyes full of need.


“Tell me what you want?” she whispered, her eyes full of uncertainty.


Stroking her hair and face, he smiled at her, breathing hard and heavy. “You Buffy…I want you.”


She opened her mouth and licked his balls, first one then the other as she pumped him with her small hand. Spike gasped and flung his head back as the shock of her mouth on his balls made him light headed. He groaned loudly when she gently sucked and rolled them around with her tongue.


“Oh God Buffy…that feels fuckin’ great…Oh! Yes…Oh!...Yes.” He panted, thrusting forward into her hand. “Please baby, I want to come…let me in luv… I need you…I want you,” he pleaded.


Buffy stopped nibbling on his balls. She looked up at him and whispered breathlessly. “I…I want you too,” and lowered her mouth over his straining cock, sucking him hard as she fondled his tight balls.


Spike caught hold of her head and thrust into her mouth, screaming her name as he came. Buffy caught his hips and tried to control his thrusts as he spurted down her throat. She moaned and hummed her pleasure, loving the feel of him in her mouth as he pumped his pelvis again and again towards her.


He slowed, groaning. Buffy pulled away from him and he caught her under her arms helping her to her feet. He laughed when she politely put his shrinking cock back inside his pants and zipped him up.


Spike wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, tasting his own musky flavor on her lips and tongue. “I’m sorry luv…was I too rough?” She shook her head. “Good, ‘cause I think I might ‘ave lost it a bit when you said you wanted me too.”


Buffy rubbed against him, enjoying the feel of his hard chest through the thin fabric of his cotton shirt. His muscles rippled under her touch as she ran her hands down his hard form. She reached for his tie and loosened it and began to undo his buttons.


Spike was grinning at her. “Somethin’ you want luv?”


“Yes,” she said breathlessly. “I want to feel you…touch you.”


“Anythin’ else?” Spike was delighted she was becoming more vocal with her desires.


“Yes,” she moaned. Her hand was inside his shirt rubbing his nipples. “I want you to touch me…feel me…please.”


Spike pulled her hand from his shirt and kissed the back of it. Gently, he moved her towards the bedroom.


Thinking about how he wanted to do this, Spike smiled as he caught sight of the mirror. Buffy was writhing against him, her need and arousal nearly taking her over. Her little hands were everywhere and she kept kissing him. Fuck if she keeps this up, I’ll need another go, he thought.


Spike pushed her towards the mirror and said, “Put your hands on the glass luv.”


Buffy didn’t hesitate. She put her hands on the mirror and watched him as she panted with desire.


Spike kneeled behind her and pulled her thong down until it was around her knees.


“Now lower yourself down the glass,” he instructed her as he caught hold of her hips and pulled her back towards him.


Buffy was at a sharp angle and Spike could smell her arousal as he gently ran his hands up and down her thighs. She whimpered.


“Now spread your legs as wide as you can pet.” She did, but was stopped by her thong. She was just about to kick it off when Spike stopped her. “No leave it on…it looks sexy as hell and I want to see if you can manage to keep it up while I make you scream and tremble.”


Buffy gasped.


Spike knew she loved to hear him say naughty things to her. He smiled as he watched her face color with a pretty blush as she looked back at him.


“Buffy?” he whispered, kissing and nibbling the smooth flesh of her thighs and arse.


“Yes,” she panted.


“I want to try somethin’ new.”


She met his eyes in the mirror, alarmed.


“We won’t if you say you don’t want to, but I think you’ll enjoy it,” he reassured her.


Buffy gulped. “What is it…will it hurt?”


Spike was thrilled she was at least curious. “Only in a good way kitten. It might be a bit uncomfortable to begin with, but you’ll soon get used to it.”


“What is it?” she nervously asked again.


“I want to put somethin’ ‘ere,” he brushed a finger over her puckered hole. “A small plug…it’ll make you feel good when I fuck you with my fingers.”


She looked at him with doubt and a little fear, evident on her face. Spike could see she was hesitating, but arousal warred inside her.


“Remember what it felt like when I fucked you ‘ere with my finger…you liked that didn’t you?” he whispered as he rubbed her little hole.


She nodded her head.


“Well this will feel even better…and I’ll be real gentle. I won’t hurt you. I don’t want to frighten you,” he coaxed.


She was still panting. Spike hoped it was his suggestion that had her all worked up. He kissed her warm thighs and brushed his fingers through the nest of dark curls over her mound. He looked up to see her face. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing hard. He dipped a finger into her pussy. She was wet and tight. She moaned as he gently pumped his finger in and out of her.


“Do you like that kitten?” She nodded moaning. “Does it make you feel good?” He swirled his fingers over her clit and she gasped. Spike smiled at her in the mirror. “Yes, that’s it, let go…let yourself enjoy it.” He pushed two fingers into her dripping pussy, pumping fast and then he eased in another finger. Buffy panted as he stretched her.


Spike removed his fingers and licked her pink flesh, lapping at her juices. Buffy squeaked and her eyes shot open when she felt him swirl his tongue over her puckered hole. She flinched away from him in surprise, but he caught her hips and pulled her back onto his mouth. She gasped and moaned.


“Spike…Oh god that feels…feels…” she moaned.


“Good…does it feel good kitten?” he asked.


“Yes…oh yes.”


“I can make you feel better…much better…if you want me too.” He brushed a wet finger around her hole and gently pushed the tip in. She trembled. “Do you want me to Buffy?”


“Yes,” she whimpered.


Spike swiftly walked to the bedside table and fetched the lube and butt plug. He was back before Buffy had time to notice he was gone. Spike coated the small plug with a generous layer of lube before spreading more on his fingers.


He stood behind her and he said, “Okay luv…I’m jus’ going to stretch you a little bit first, but relax and I’ll make sure you enjoy it.” He smiled at her in the mirror and she gave him a small nod and a weak smile.


He caressed her with his wet fingers, feeling her tremble under his light touch. “Buffy pet…open your eyes and look at me.”


She looked at him in the glass, her eyes full of desire and need. Her breath was coming in shaky little pants as he pushed a finger slowly into her. He eased back gently and slowly pushed in again. Buffy was moaning constantly and Spike was hard again.


He struggled with his arousal, biting back the urge to beg her to just let him take her, but he didn’t. He wanted to prove to her he could keep his word and wait. That she could trust him with guiding her through new experiences.


Slowly, he began to push a second finger into her. She gasped in shock or surprise, inadvertently bucking back onto his fingers. Spike steadied her with a firm hand on her hip.


“Easy luv, you don’t want to hurt yourself. That’s it calm down let me take care of you,” he soothed.


Gently and slowly he began to pump his fingers in and out of her tight opening he could tell she was enjoying it. Her eyes were fixed on him, full of lust and her body was covered with a light sheen of sweat. Bending slightly, he caressed her breasts, pushing the fabric of her pink bra out of his way so he could pinch her nipples. She whimpered and licked her lips. Spike’s cock twitched in his pants.


Compelled to speak, he said, “Oh baby…I can’t believe how good you make me feel and I’m not even inside you. You’re so beautiful…so delicate…I jus’ wanna make love to you.”


Buffy moaned and closed her eyes.


He pulled his fingers out and gently replaced them with the slippery butt plug. She trembled against the small hard plug. Spike quickly dropped back to his knees and plunged his tongue into her pussy, laving her with swift sure strokes.


Buffy squealed and thrashed against him, helpless to stop what he was doing to her. She wanted him. She needed him. Her cries of ecstasy filled the room and she thought she was going to collapse with the overwhelming flood of new sensations he was invoking in her. The plug was stretching her and she could feel electric thrills of passion suffusing her each time she moved in the slightest way. Spike was swiftly propelling her towards something wonderful and for the first time, she surrendered herself over to him, trusting him to look after her.


Spike slipped two fingers into her wet pussy. He was thrilled with her response. He watched her in the mirror as he fucked her with his fingers. The time for slow and gentle was gone. Her need was so obvious that he did the only thing he could. He thrust his fingers in and out of her at a staggering pace, making her moan and scream in bliss. He could see she was desperate to come, so he rapidly rubbed her clit and covered the end of the butt plug with his mouth and wiggled it about with his tongue.


Buffy screamed and screamed.


He held her up for as long as he could. Then he helped her stagger to the bed, carefully positioning her so he could remove the plug. Once it was removed, he pulled her limp form to the edge of the bed and fell to his knees to lap at the river of moisture that flowed from her twitching pussy.


“Oh baby…you’re so sweet…was that nice…did you like it?” he asked.


“Mmm.” Was all she could manage to say.


Spike chuckled against her sweet quim.


Buffy raised her head weakly to gaze at him as he gently cleaned her of all her sticky juices. She softly caressed his hair and face. He looked up and smiled at her then pressed a small kiss to the palm of her hand. She opened her arms in invitation. Spike crawled slowly up her body and hovered over her. He kissed her passionately as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him deeper into the kiss.


When they broke apart, they just stared at each other, blue eyes searching green. Buffy knew there was no use in fighting him any longer. She wanted him as badly as he wanted her and she was only lying to herself when she denied it.


She sighed softly and Spike smiled at her knowingly. He kissed her brow and held her, gently rocking her in his arms while whispering pretty words to her…telling her how beautiful he thought she was…how sweet…how much he wanted her and promising to look after her. Smiling at his pretty nonsense, Buffy drifted off to sleep, cradled against his chest.


As she fell asleep Spike tucked her up with a soft throw and slipping off the bed, he headed to the bathroom for a quick freshen-up. He planned to let her nap for thirty minutes before waking her for lunch.


*****


Looking in the rear view mirror, Spike navigated the early evening traffic. They were on their way back from visiting Doctor Chambers’ clinic.


Spike was torn.


Doctor Chambers had seemed like he knew what he was doing. His clinic was bright and friendly and all of his patients seemed pretty happy. Buffy had pointed out that Doctor Chambers had two other patients with the same condition as Drusilla, and therefore he and his staff had first hand experience in dealing with cases like Dru.


Buffy had proved invaluable. She’d noticed Spike’s discomfort and had taken over asking the questions. She got the doctor to explain how he would treat Drusilla and even questioned the staff about their methods of care and discipline. She asked about alternative treatments and medications. Spike marveled at her. She kept on quizzing the man about everything from the daily menus to whether the patients were allowed out for home visits. After an hour of exhaustive questions, Spike’s head was spinning. The doctor suggested they have a look around and inspect any part of the clinic they cared to, but informed them they would need a member of staff to escort them around the closed wards, if they wished to see how the more difficult patients were cared for. Then they could meet back up at his office to discuss any lingering worries or doubts they might have.


Spike clutched Buffy’s hand as they wandered around. The clinic and Doctor Chambers seemed great, but Spike hated it. It twisted his gut and his heart to think of Drusilla spending months and months, maybe even years in this cheery bright prison. The staff all seemed to be wonderful, caring professionals, but they weren’t family. They didn’t know Dru. She was happy where she was. She thought she was living in a castle and he could visit her every day, he reasoned.


Sighing, he looked at Buffy. He’d told her he didn’t expect her to live in Dru’s shadow. She needed him. Whereas Dru needed doctors and nurses and round the clock care. If he kept her at home, there would be no chance of her making any improvements, but here she might have a chance.



He berated himself. There was no point kidding himself in his heart he knew she’d never really get better and he was just being selfish by wanting to keep her close by while at the same time trying to build something with Buffy. It would seem a choice was before him.


Sighing, he looked at Buffy and chose.


Driving back towards L.A and home, he said, “Do you mind if we go straight home and have a late dinner there? I’m not really in the mood for eatin’ out.”


Buffy gave him a small smile and shook her head. “No that’s fine with me. You can visit Dru after we’ve eaten if you like.”


Spike was grateful she understood what was bothering him. A visit with Dru would be necessary. He’d signed the papers to have her admitted and he was feeling sad and regretful. “Thanks luv…you don’t mind if I spend a bit of time with her do you? You’re welcome to come if you want to.”


“No, that’s alright. You go. I’ll take a long bubble bath and get an early night,” she said.


They were quiet for a few miles then Spike remembered something. “Oh I forgot to tell you…I cancelled your appointment in the mornin’.”


“Huh! Why?”


“Well I’ve arranged for you to spend the mornin’ with your pals,” he explained.


“What with Willow and Xander?”


“No…with Faith, Cordelia and Harmony. I booked you all in at that fancy beauty parlour and lunch at the Orange Grove. I thought you might as well ‘ave a look at Mr. Suitor’s hotel.” He glanced at her to see how she was taking this news. He chuckled at the shocked expression on her face. “Cooper will be going with you ‘cause from tomorrow, his first priority is your safety so don’t give him a hard time…be nice to him. He’ll be your friend if you let him Buffy, and I think you’d prefer to ‘ave another friend rather than a bodyguard.”


Buffy didn’t know what to say. She didn’t think Spike was ever going to let her talk to her friends again, but now here he was arranging outings for them.


“I’ve given Cooper a credit card so don’t worry ‘bout the tab and if you fancy havin’ a bit of a shop, you can spend as much as you like,” he said.


Buffy snapped alert. “No, that’s not necessary. I can pay for lunch and the salon and I really don’t need any more clothes.”


“I’m not going to argue with you ‘bout this Buffy. Cooper has the charge card and I’m payin’ for everything. You’re my girl and it’s my pleasure to look after you and treat you like the lady you are,” he gave her a no nonsense look that stilled any protest she might have. “And who said you had to buy clothes. You can buy anythin’ your heart desires…jewelry, shoes, naughty undies…more naughty undies or naughty toys. I jus’ bet your mates know all the good shops,” he waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively.


“SPIKE!” She protested. “I am not asking my friends to take me shoppin’ for…for that kind of stuff,” she said mortified that he would even joke about a thing like that. “And besides, how could you suggest that…Cooper will be with me?”


“HA! Cooper would probably give you pointers.” Buffy was blushing and she wore a look of absolute horror on her face. “Okay, don’t panic, I was only kidding. I wouldn’t dream of askin’ you to go shoppin’ for sex toys with Cooper. I’ll wait until I’m free and then I’ll take you.”


Buffy chose not to answer that because she didn’t think he was joking. He’d already bought sex toys for them and since he’d already used a couple of them on her, one of them as recently as this afternoon, she was pretty sure he was the type who liked to use toys as part of foreplay as well as a general part of his sex life. Buffy wondered what he’d introduce her to next.


Pushing the naughty thoughts away, she asked, “So what time am I meeting with the girls?”


“They’ll be at the house after breakfast. Cooper will drive you all into town so you don’t even need to worry ‘bout transport,” he informed her.


Buffy was surprised again. He’d asked them to the house, but then she thought how horrible it would be for Faith if she happened to see Luke. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea,” she said hesitantly.


“Oh…why?”


“Well think how awkward it would be for Faith, if she came face to face with Luke.”


Spike shrugged. “Buffy…Faith’s a whore and you can probably bet your last dollar Luke isn’t the first guy to force her. She probably doesn’t even think of it as anythin’ more than a bit of rough sex. I know she’s your friend, but Buffy you ‘ave to understand girls like Faith, they don’t think of sex as anythin’ other than a job. All men are jus’ clients to them. Luke might ‘ave hurt her, but only ‘cause she struggled, but he won’t ‘ave hurt her feelings Buffy, ‘cause she’d ‘ave kept those well hidden.”


“How can you be so sure?” she demanded angrily.


“Because I’ve known a lot of whores over the years and they all can switch off or detach from the act of sex. Ask your friends if you don’t believe me.”


“And I suppose you think that justifies what you did to Faith?” she snapped.


Spike shot her an angry look. “Bloody hell Buffy, I’m not going to discuss this with you. If you don’t want to see your friends then jus’ say so and I’ll cancel the whole thing.”


Quickly, she rushed a reply. “No! I didn’t mean for you to think I don’t want to see them, it’s just some of the things you’ve done…” she trailed off.


He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. She was frowning and biting her lip nervously. “They frighten you…I frighten you?” he said, clamming down a bit.


She nodded her head.


He could understand that. He sighed wishing he’d handled things a bit differently at the beginning. If he’d known just how naïve Buffy was, he wouldn’t have gone to such graphic lengths to get her attention. “Ask Faith tomorrow how she feels ‘bout what Luke did. I think you’ll be surprised by her answer.”


He looked at her wondering how they’d managed to get into a row about Luke and Faith. Then he remembered that Buffy might be thinking about Gilbey’s attack rather than Faith’s. He cursed himself for being so thoughtless.


“You know I think it might be a good idea if we spent an hour in the gym before dinner. I’ll show you a few self defense moves jus’ to get you started and I can visit Dru later after dinner or even in the morin’ when you’re out with your pals.”


Buffy wondered why he was so hell bent on teaching her self defense. Not that she minded, because she certainly never again wanted to be in a position of weakness like the one Gilbey had put her in…or even the one Spike had subjected her to when he’d tied he up.


They were nearly back at the house and she still hadn’t had a chance to talk to him about her mother. So she took a deep breath and asked, “Spike?”


Oh! No…there’s that tone again, he thought. “What pet?”


Keeping her eyes fixed on the road ahead, she said, “You know how my mom and sister will be back soon…”


“Yeah,” he was relieved the subject was about her family and not Angel or her friends.


“Well I was wondering if I could talk to them before they came back. Just so I can fill them in on a few things…let them know about a few of the changes that have taken place in my life...so it won’t all be a big shock when they get back.” She really hoped he would grant her this.


“Sure luv, I don’t see a problem with that. I was going to suggest the same thing.” He noticed her surprised look. He hoped she would always be this easy to read. At times, she was like a little child all open and honest. It was one of the things he loved about her.


He was glad to see she’d let the little spat about Faith drop. Her mother was a much safer subject.


“When did you want to call her?”


“Oh I don’t know…sometime over the weekend I guess.”


Her suggestion didn’t quite suit Spike’s plans for the weekend. He didn’t want her distracted with thoughts of her mum and little sis. “Well why not in the mornin’ before breakfast or jus’ after. With the time difference you should catch them around four or five o’clock in the afternoon?”


Buffy thought about it for a second. It might not be such a bad idea. That way she could always use the excuse of having to get to work to cut the call short if necessary. “Okay, will you let me have my cell phone back?”


“Yes, but you don’t need to call her on your cell luv. You can call her on the house line,” he smiled at her. “You know what you need to do…don’t you?”


“No what?”


“You need to invite your mum and sis to the house when they get back. Let them see where you’re livin’ and working. It’ll put your mum’s mind at rest,” he said.


Buffy glanced at him doubtfully. “I don’t know, my mom’s pretty smart she can smell a lie a block away.”


“You mean she can tell when you’re lying?” Buffy nodded. “Well that doesn’t surprise me…you’re the easiest person in the world to read pet, especially when you’re lying,” Buffy glared at him. “Now don’t look at me like that…you know it’s true, and I don’t doubt your mum can spot when you’re fibbing. You’re her daughter, but she can’t tell when I am. So as long as you let me answer all the awkward questions, you’ll be fine. In fact, you’ll be better than fine ‘cause you won’t be lying to her at all,” he assured her.


The idea was good and it had worked on her friends. It might just work if Spike did all the answering of the nosy mom and annoying sis questions. “Okay, but you have to make sure you don’t leave me on my own with her, ‘cause the minute you do, she’ll probably start with the awkward questions.”


“I promise pet…so you’ll ring them tomorrow and we’ll work out the details of their visit when we have a date to work with…okay?”


“Yeah,” Buffy felt a bit better now that she’d got that out of the way and it had been surprisingly painless.


They pulled into the drive way and Spike drove the car to the front door. He parked and turned to her. “Thank you for comin’ with me today luv. You were a great help. I don’t think I could’ve made up my mind about Doctor Chambers and his clinic if you hadn’t asked all those really relevant questions. I kinda went a bit blank. Which isn’t like me at all, but with you there, I didn’t ‘ave to worry ‘bout anythin’…you were my little savior.” He kissed her lips lightly and grazed her cheek with the back of his hand.


Buffy smiled at him shyly and hopped out of the car.


*****

Spike had shown her quite a few moves. He’d gone through some basic warm up exercises and moved quickly onto some hard hitting throws and gabs, explaining each time what the throw, hit or kick was supposed to achieve and what effect it would have on an attacker. Buffy caught on quickly and by the end of the hour she’d managed to throw Spike.


He lay on the matting, grinning up at her like a little boy, his hair a riot of tight curls, darkened with sweat. His blue eyes twinkled with his delight at her very correctly executed throw.


Springing to his feet, he grabbed her and spun her around. “I knew you’d be great at this. You’re a natural. Between the two of us, Cooper and I will ‘ave you signin’ up to join the ninjas in no time,” he laughed.


Buffy laughed at his silly compliment.


Putting her down, he said. “I’ll ‘ave a word with Cooper and see if we can work out a schedule. Maybe start with a couple of hours every day until you know enough to defend yourself then drop it down to an hour,” he saw Buffy pull a face. “Now don’t look like that. This is important. I need to know you’ll be able to take care of yourself if you ‘ave to.”


Buffy nodded, knowing he was right. For once he was only doing what was best for her. She was still feeling buzzed from the exhilarating feeling she’d got from throwing him. With him showing her exactly what to do, she’d managed to throw him almost effortlessly.


She smiled at him coyly, licking her lips to distract him. The little ploy worked. Instantly, Spike was staring at her mouth. Moving in close to him, she teased him by winding her fingers in his damp hair. “Aren’t you afraid that when you’ve taught me all these really cool moves that I might use them on you,” she murmured against his neck.


In a breathtaking flurry, Spike pinned her to the matting, his body weight nearly crushing her. She could hardly breathe. He’d knocked the air from her lungs and his weight prevented her from drawing enough air to satisfy her need for oxygen. Spike was looking at her, lust and sex burning in his eyes.


“Baby you can use any moves on me that you care to try…‘cause there’s nothin’ I love more than a bit of rough ‘n’ tumble…and you can be as rough as you like baby. Jus’ as long as you realize it’ll be me that will be tumblin’ you when you’re done.” He rolled them both so she was on top, her chest heaving as she pulled in sweet drafts of air into her abused lungs.


She tried to slap him but he caught her hand in his, laughing. “And I think you already know some really cool moves, but I’m lookin’ forward to teachin’ you a few new ones.” He thrust his hips up, bumping hers with the rapid movement.


Blushing, she struggled against him. “You’re a pig,” she exclaimed.


He was gazing at her heavy breasts, his eyes glazed and dark. He rolled her again, pulling her t-shirt off over her head as he did. She wailed in protest, but he ignored her and flung the garment well out of arms reach. Hovering above her he snatched her hands away and pinned them to the matting beside her head. Swiftly, he lowered his mouth to the soft swell of her breasts, taking a moment to admire her sexy sheer bra that did nothing to hide her pretty nipples.


He licked her salty warm skin, laving her nipples with a wet tongue through the gossamer fabric. “Oink oink,” he murmured at her nipple.


Gleefully, he sucked her breast hard. Buffy gasped. When he pulled back, there was a red mark in the shape of his mouth just above the bra line. He smiled at the wet round disk and lowered his mouth over it again to deepen the love bite. Spike was happy to note, that despite her protests, Buffy was panting. Her eyes were fixed on his mouth at her breast and she was biting her lip, trying to hold back the moans of pleasure that were escaping her mouth.


He was just about to reach for the conveniently placed clasp on the front of her bra, when she screamed. Shocked, he jumped up to confront the danger, while Buffy scrambled up to hide behind him. Luke, Cooper and Gilbey stood in the doorway.


Spike glared at them.


Buffy madly looked about the floor for her t-shirt, but when she spotted it, she realized it was too far away to reach without leaving the cover Spike’s back provided. She peeked at the three men around Spike’s arm. They were just inside the doorway and all three were trying to see around Spike to her. Cooper looked amused. He was grinning and chuckling. Luke seemed vaguely curious, but Gilbey was staring at her, his face blank while his eyes burned with malice and something else that Buffy couldn’t identify. She shivered against Spike’s back.


A good ten seconds must have ticked by before Spike roared. “GET THE FUCK OUT…NOW.” He was glaring at all three of them, but especially Gilbey.


Luke and Cooper mumbled apologies as they hastily retreated back out of the room, but Gilbey didn’t say a word he just stared at Buffy’s blushing face as he moved slowly towards the door, oblivious to the fact that Spike was glaring at him.


Spike snapped. “Oi…WHAT THE BLEEDIN’ HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE LOOKIN’ AT?”


Gilbey froze, looking nervous. He stared back at Spike, but wisely didn’t try to reply. Luke and Cooper edged back into the room, shooting anxious looks between Spike and Gilbey.


Buffy tugged at the back of Spike’s t-shirt whispering furiously at him, pleading with him not to make a fuss…to just forget it and let him go. Spike turned his head slightly and glanced at her fear filled face. She was looking at Gilbey, her eyes wide and sparkling with unshed tears. Spike quickly looked back at Gilbey as he saw him shift slightly to the side. Fuck is he trying to get a better look at her…he must be bleedin’ mad if he thinks I’ll let him get away with that, he thought.


Angry, Spike took a step toward Gilbey, rage burning in his eyes. Buffy pulled him back. Spike wasn’t sure if it was because she was afraid of losing her protective covering or because she was afraid of what he might do.


He snatched the t-shirt from his back and shoved it at her, snapping. “Cover yourself.”


She fumbled with the shirt, trying to get into it quickly while still hiding herself behind Spike’s back. As she settled the garment around herself, Spike moved towards Gilbey, but she grabbed him back again.


“Spike stop…what do you think you’re going to do?” she asked desperately. “He didn’t mean any harm. Did you?” she looked at Gilbey.


He sneered at her slightly, though it could’ve been a smile. “Of course not, I’d have to be mad to mess with the boss’s girl,” he rasped looking at her directly.


Spike wasn’t in the least bit satisfied. He tried again to cross the room to him, but yet again, Buffy pulled on his arm, holding him back. Angry, Spike shook her off.


She gasped as he snatched his arm out of her grip. “Spike please…please just forget-”


Raging, he yelled. “SHUT UP…IT’S NOT YOUR PLACE TO TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD OR SHOULDN’T DO. NOW STAY THERE AND SHUT UP,” he glared at her, scowling angrily. “I WON’T TELL YOU AGAIN.”


She took a nervous step back, a look of fear crossing her face. Spike relented slightly, remembering her reaction to the bar fight.


Gruffly, he said, “Cooper, take Ms. Summers back to our room…and stay with her.”


Cooper nodded and walked over to Buffy. Gently, he took her by the arm and led her from the room. She glanced back at Spike, but his eyes were fixed on Gilbey. He didn’t look at her as his friend escorted her from the room.


*****


Once inside the elevator, Buffy asked Cooper, “What do you think he’ll do?”


Cooper shrugged. “If Spike thinks Gilbey was acting in any way…improper or disrespectful towards you, he’ll probably beat the crap out of him.”


Buffy looked pale and her eyes were large and watery. “What about Luke…will he get involved?”


“Highly unlikely, Spike would probably want him to stick around…witness things, but he won’t expect him to join in. Spike’s not the type to try and tip the odds in his favor. Besides, he doesn’t need to…he’s the fiercest fighter I’ve ever come across and quite capable of looking after himself,” he replied.


“I know.”


“Huh?” Cooper looked at her.


The doors pinged open and they moved down the landing towards the sitting room.


“There was this fight last night. He beat three guys up without even breaking a sweat and they were all bigger than him. One of them even had a broken bottle,” she explained.


“Yep, that sounds like Spike. What started it?” Cooper opened the door for her and let her pass through.


“Me…no…I mean this drunk guy wanted to dance with me and he said some stuff and kinda insulted me. Then he tried to knock Spike out of his way so Spike hit him, but he had friends and Spike hit them too and before I knew what the hell was going on, it was all over,” she said.


Cooper could see she was getting upset. “He broke one guy’s wrist…the one who tried to attack him with the bottle and the other two he knocked out. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life and Spike looked like he was having fun…all smiling and hopping about like a mad bunny.” She flung herself onto the couch, sighing loudly.


Cooper realized the fight had frightened her and wondered whether it was because she’d seen Spike beat up three guys or because she thought he’d enjoyed it.


He sat on the chair next to her. “What bothers you the most? The fact he beat them up or that he was having fun?” He watched her closely.


“I don’t know.”


“Really?”


Buffy looked at him puzzled.


“You didn’t know those guys and you said it was the drunk who started it. Do you think Spike would’ve hit him if he hadn’t tried to push by him? I assume he was trying to push Spike out of his way to get to you…right?”


Buffy nodded.


“So do you think Spike would’ve hit him if he’d backed off?”


“No.”


“So Spike hit these guys in self defense?”


“Well, Yes.”


“Do you think it wrong to defend yourself?”


“No.”


“So, then what really bothers you is that Spike enjoyed beating them. He was having fun hopping about with a big grin on his face no doubt?”


“No one should enjoy violence…its wrong.”


Cooper chuckled. “Yes, violence for violence sake is wrong, but Spike didn’t intend to do them any real harm. I’m sure he even tried to minimize the damage. You know Spike has a pretty bad temper…right?”


“Oh yes,” she said pointedly.


Cooper chuckled again. “And yet three drunks attacked him and he managed to hold onto his temper…only knocking a couple of them out and disarming the other by breaking his wrist. When he could’ve done a lot more…they’re lucky they’re not all in the hospital.”


Buffy was shaking her head in denial. “But he was smiling and hopping about like it was fun.”


“And that was nothing more than a disarming tactic.”


She was frowning at him a look of pure disbelief on her pretty face.


“Think about it…you’re being attacked by three drunks and you’re out numbered with no weapons but your wits and your fists. You’ve only got a limited number of choices. One, you can make a run for it. Two, you can let them beat the crap out of you. Or three, you can stand your ground and come out fighting.” He paused to see if she wanted to say anything, but continued when she remained silent. “Spike is a skilled fighter and he knows in a situation where you’re out numbered, you have to throw your opponents off in any way you can. By acting confident and cocky, he was trying to gain the advantage over their greater numbers. Acting like it was fun and that he was enjoying himself was merely his way of trying to gain a psychological advantage.”


Buffy thought about that.


“Tell me…when the fight was over what was Spike like?”


“What do you mean?” she asked puzzled by his question.


“Well, was he still grinning and hopping about, maybe even laughing and joking about the whole thing or did he calm down and sober up?”


Buffy thought about it. Once Spike had got her outside he’d only seemed concerned about her. He’d tried to reach for her to make sure she was okay, but she’d flinched from him. Cooper was right. Spike had calmed immediately after the fight.


Cooper watched her face and could see he was right. “He calmed right down didn’t he?”


She nodded.


“Now I’m not saying there wasn’t a part of Spike that didn’t enjoy the fight. It’s only natural to get a buzz out of the kind of physical energy that fills your veins when you’re in that moment, but Spike isn’t the type to enjoy it just for its own sake. I’ve known him to seek a release with physical violence, but that usually takes the form of sparring or intense exercise and I’ve been on the receiving end of many vigorous bouts of his special brand of battle when he’s in a foul mood or drunk. He uses it as a method to control that temper of his. It’s just his way of venting.”


She was gazing at him wide-eyed and childlike. Cooper could see why Spike was so attracted to her. Her appeal was obvious. “So what you were seeing wasn’t really him having a good time. I’m certain he’d have preferred to dance with you and mind his own business rather than fight those three drunks, but you’ll be making a big mistake if you think he won’t use every scrap of knowledge or skill he possesses to defend himself or anyone with him. Whether it’s from a bunch of drunks in a bar or from one of his own men ‘cause he’s not looking for violence, but it invariably finds him and he’ll always meet violence with violence.”


Buffy recognized the truth in his words, but she couldn’t come to terms with it all. Her whole world had seemed to revolve around violence of one kind or another ever since she’d met Angel…and now Spike. Though as yet he hadn’t gone as far as Angel, but – Buffy shook off that train of thought and looked at Cooper.


“He’s going to beat Gilbey senseless isn’t he?”


Cooper shrugged. “Probably.”


Buffy sighed and wondered if the violence would ever end.


*************************************************************
TBC…soon.

 

Chapter Thirty Eight.

Painful Truths.


Buffy decided to wait for Spike before ordering dinner. She left Cooper watching TV and went to take a shower.


Cooper watched her go, shaking his head and wondering what Spike would do, if she wasn’t able to come to terms with her new life. He hoped Spike was right in believing she was strong. She would need strength. It was exactly what she needed to carry her through the next few months of hard transition. Now, more than ever, she would benefit from the training he’d decided to give her and he would definitely insist on Spike taking an active role in that training.


He wondered exactly what had triggered Spike’s confrontation with Gilbey. There was that hideous business with the girl, but Cooper didn’t think it was that or at least not solely that.


He’d been surprised and tickled pink when he’d walked through the gym door and seen the two blondes fooling around. Spike had clearly been about to get very into something with Buffy and as far as he could tell, Buffy hadn’t seemed to mind that one little bit, especially if her breathy moans and flushed face were anything to go by. He’d noticed Luke’s look of mild surprise, but he hadn’t caught sight of Gilbey’s reaction to stumbling in on their boss and his pretty hostage before Buffy had seen them and screamed. Then Spike was jumping up all antagonistic and glaring at them. Cooper had to admit he’d been intrigued and charmed by the brief glimpse he got of Buffy and her very sexy lavender bra…he could definitely see the attraction.


The only conclusion Cooper could come to was that Gilbey had been stupid enough to stare at Buffy too long or in the wrong way, which instantly pissed Spike off and triggered his out burst. If so, Spike wouldn’t let the matter go. Gilbey would pay for the mistake and Buffy would have to learn not to interfere between Spike and his men.


*****


Luke watched his boss unwind the protective wrappings from his hands. Gilbey lay unconscious on the matting and Luke knew he would probably have a couple of broken ribs to go along with the multitude of bruises that were already beginning to appear on his face and upper body.


He glanced at Spike. He didn’t seem satisfied that he’d beaten the scarred man unconscious. In fact, he still looked pissed off and Luke was beginning to worry that Spike’s jealously over Buffy would continually come between him and his men. They’d all have to be extra careful how they looked at her, if this was the way he was going to react every time he thought someone was out of line.


Not one to worry about voicing his concerns, Luke asked, “Is this going to happen often?”


Spike scowled at him. “It bleedin’ better not.”


“It’s just that Cooper’s up stairs with her now. Does he need to worry you’ll be stringing him up and thrashing him with a bull whip ‘cause he smiled at her?”


Spike was in no mood to explain himself. He was still pissed off and pounding on Gilbey hadn’t done a thing to lift his mood, but he knew Luke wouldn’t let it rest and besides, he had everything backwards.


“Is that what you think this was ‘bout…that I got pissed at Gil ‘cause he looked at her wrong?”


“Wasn’t it?”


“No. Well not entirely.” He frowned he hadn’t intended to fill Luke in on all the details of Gilbey’s attack until he was ready to act on it, but now he had no choice. He was going away for the weekend and Gilbey would need careful watching while he was away. He bloody well didn’t need another shredded whore lying in one of the beds to come back to. Disgusted, he looked at Gilbey, lying spread eagle on the floor. He fought the urge to kick him.


“Get rid of him…put him in one of the empty cells in the holdin’ rooms and come and find me in fifteen minutes. I’ll be in my study.” Spike didn’t give Luke a chance to reply, he simply strode away in the direction of the showers, stopping only long enough to pick up Buffy’s t-shirt


*****


Spike put a glass of JD on the desk and pushed it towards Luke asking, “What do you think of Buffy?”


The question surprised the big man. His boss had never asked him his opinion about a woman before and Luke wasn’t sure he liked that he was being asked now. The wrong answer could be a disaster, but it wasn’t Luke’s habit to be afraid.


“I take it you want my honest opinion?” he said.


Spike rolled his eyes. “I wouldn’t ‘ave bleedin’ asked if I didn’t…now would I?”


Luke shrugged. “I think she’s smart and brave, if a bit or even a lot naïve, but that’s because she’s young. She’ll grow out of that quick enough around here,” he took a pull on his drink. “I think given enough time she’ll learn all the rules and procedures we all take for granted…in short I think she’ll fit in just fine…eventually.”


“So you like her?”


“Yeah sure…what’s not to like. She’s sweet and honest and like you said she’s sassy and brave.”


Spike looked at him in a steady measuring way. “Yeah, she is all those things and more. I’ve decided to keep her.”


Luke nodded. He hadn’t really needed his boss to tell him Ms. Summers was going to be a permanent member of the family, but then it was Spike’s way to always state his intentions to Luke if he thought something was going to effect things in a big way, and Buffy was certainly affecting things in a very big way.


“Okay, Ms. Summer’s stays. I guessed as much when you backed her up this morning.”


Spike lit a cigarette sucking on it hard. Angrily he said, “Gilbey needs watching. I’m takin’ Buffy away for the weekend and I don’t want to come back to any fuck ups or dead whores. ‘ave Dixon tail him if he leaves the house and try to keep him and Wesley apart.”


“Do you think he’d do it again?”


“Are you tellin’ me you think he won’t?”


“So is that what it was about…because of that kid. Do you think he’ll do something stupid again maybe even something to Ms. Summers?”


Spike was silent for a long time his steady look turning cold and hard. “He already has,” he said through gritted teeth.


Calmly Luke gazed at him. “Did Ms. Summers tell you that?”


“No. Wesley did, and I ‘ave no reason to doubt him. I ‘aven’t talked to Buffy ‘bout it yet, but from what Wesley told me she was too afraid to tell me ‘cause she thought I’d blame her,” he ground out.


Luke knew this was bad, but he had to ask. “What did he do?”


“He attacked her. Wesley caught him in time before he could do any real damage, but he reckons if he hadn’t walked in when he did Gilbey would’ve done a lot more than jus’ pin her down and tear her clothes,” his voice was icy and so were his eyes as he stared at Luke. “He’ll pay for touchin’ her. No one touches what’s mine, no one.”


This was so much worse than Luke had first thought. It was one thing to look at her in a certain way or tease her, but Gilbey had crossed a line that should never be crossed. Luke didn’t need to ask Spike what he was going to do.


“Do you need me to make any arrangements?”


With that question Spike knew Luke not only understood what he was going to do, but that he was willing to offer his support.


“No. I’ve got everything covered. Jus’ watch him while I’m away.” He crushed his cigarette out and swallowed his drink in one gulp. “I don’t need to tell you to keep your gob shut ‘bout this. Buffy and the others aren’t to know a thing. She doesn’t need to ‘ave a thing like this on her conscience and the others will find out ‘bout it when it’s over, but Buffy’s never to know…you understand me?” Spike fixed him with a chilly glare.


“Absolutely…boss.”


The two men stood up at the same time.


“I’ll let Gilbey spend the night in the holding rooms,” Luke said.


“Okay, but I don’t want to see him until after breakfast. Oh! By the way Faith will be ‘ere in the mornin’ with the others. It might be a good idea if you hung around. Let Buffy see Faith can cope with seein’ you again. She seems to think Faith will be upset or something.”


Luke arched a brow at that statement. “Angry and spitting mad probably, but I doubt she’d be upset in the way you’re implying.”


“You sound like you’re sure ‘bout that.”


His hand on the door handle Luke smirked at him. “I am.”


“OH?”


“Yeah, I got her address from one of Glory’s men when we paid her a visit. I thought I’d drop by. You know, get to know her a bit better,” Spike looked mildly surprised. “She wasn’t too happy to see me at first, but she came around. I was planning on seeing her again this weekend, but with this business with Gilbey I’ll catch up with her another time.”


“I see…and what makes you think she’d be spittin’ mad?”


“She thinks I should pay her for the first time. She says I owe her for the fuck and the dress.”


Spike chuckled. “I knew it. Buffy has a lot to learn ‘bout her friends,” he smirked at Luke. “So is she any good?”


Luke opened the door for his boss his face fixed in a bland expression that matched his tone of voice. “What can I say…the woman’s a wildcat…in or out of the bed. Who knows I might even buy her a dress one of these days.”


Spike merely chuckled as he made his way to the elevator.


*****


He was still in an oppressed mood when he got upstairs. He figured he would have to do some damage control with Buffy. She would probably either be hurt or mad at him for yelling at her. As he pushed the door open he braced himself for a confrontation of one kind or another, but was completely surprised when she gave him a weak smile from the couch.


He returned the smile with an equally weak one of his own. Cooper was sitting with her and Spike noticed they were playing chess. It was a relief to see them interacting. He realized he should’ve noticed Buffy never acted in any way friendly or natural with Gilbey, but she had with Wesley and now she seemed at ease with Cooper. At the time he’d thought she was just being her usual stubborn and defiant self…rebelling against her captivity.


Sighing he draped her t-shirt over the back of the couch and asked. “Have you eaten pet?”


“No I thought I’d wait for you. Would you like me to order now?” She could see he’d showered and changed and though she looked carefully he didn’t look hurt or bruised anywhere she could see.


“Yeah that’d be fine. Ask the kitchen for a large steak I’m starved.” He went to the bar and fixed himself a drink. “Can I fix either of you a drink?”


Buffy shook her head, but Cooper guessing Spike wanted him to stay said yes. Spike carried the drinks over to the seating area. Buffy was on the phone ordering the food so Cooper leaned over and whispered. “Is everything okay?”


Spike frowned and looked at him. “Yeah sure, he’ll wake up sore, but he’ll live.”


Cooper nodded and seemed satisfied with his answer. Buffy sat back down in her spot on the couch looking from Spike to Cooper. “I ordered enough for Cooper since he’s not eaten. You don’t mind do you?” she asked Spike.


“Course not pet, I should’ve thought of that.” He glanced at Cooper. “Sorry Coop I didn’t realize you’d missed dinner, but never mind it looks like the lady’s got it covered,” he smiled at Buffy.


Cooper launched into a conversation about some football game that was to be televised later that night and pretty soon the two men were engaged in a good natured, but heated debate about the two team’s chances of winning.


Dinner arrived and Buffy instructed Jonathan to set everything up at the table in the corner. They’d never eaten at that table before as Spike always seemed to prefer to eat on the balcony even when it was full dark. Buffy figured that since they both seemed keen on seeing the football game it would be a good idea to dine inside so they wouldn’t miss the beginning.


Buffy didn’t add much to the conversation at dinner preferring to let the men talk of sports and athletes wash over her. She often noticed Spike looking at her with a serious look in his eyes. She wondered what was going on behind those intelligent blue orbs. Sometimes the way he looked at her made her feel as if he could read her mind. Though she knew that was a stupid notion. She looked at him as he talked to Cooper and was surprised to see he looked tired. Buffy had never seen him look tired before. He always seemed to have such vast stores of energy and she guessed that whatever had happened with Gilbey must’ve drained him of his reserves.


A horrible thought suddenly occurred to her. What if Gilbey had said something to him about what had happened, possibly painting a twisted picture of the real events in an effort to put the blame on her? Fear gripped her heart for an instant, but Buffy shook it off unwilling to allow her fears to overtake her. She reassured herself that if Gilbey had done such a thing Spike would probably have burst through the doors and grabbed her by the throat. Besides, what could Gilbey hope to gain by even mentioning the whole thing anyway? No, she was safe, Spike didn’t know a thing.


*****


Buffy left Spike and Cooper to watch their football game and escaped into the bedroom telling Spike she was going to read for a while. Without thought she moved to him and kissed him on the cheek before mumbling a goodnight to Cooper and heading towards the bedroom.


Spike watched her go. Her kiss tingling his skin and producing a small smile on his lips. Cooper diplomatically refrained from making a comment and pretended not to see Buffy’s unconscious display of affection. Spike looked damned pleased so Cooper supposed the little kiss had affected him quite deeply. He remembered the conversation he had with his friend and boss about the tiny blonde, and realized that if given the chance the couple stood a good chance of making each other happy. The years with Drusilla had left Spike drained and used. His misplaced affection for the dark beauty had jaded him in so many ways. Buffy had come along at just the right time to help heal the wounds the other woman had inflicted. Now it was just a matter of time and if they could bond it might prove to be a mutually beneficial relationship.


Once they were settled back on the couch Cooper filled him in on the conversation he’d had with Buffy. He was glad Spike thought it was a good idea her training was handled by both of them. He agreed with Spike that Buffy’s aversion to violence probably stemmed from her inability to control a situation and that once she learned how to defend herself she would view things very differently.


Spike then gave him a brief run down of the events that occurred in the gym with Gilbey. Luke had stayed as Cooper thought he would and Spike admitted he hadn’t given Gilbey the chance to apologise or explain himself before he gave him a sound ass kicking. He didn’t give a blow by blow account and Cooper didn’t expect him too, but he did ask what had pissed him off so much to begin with.


Spike was conscious that Buffy was only in the next room so he kept his voice low and gave Cooper a very brief explanation. He told the other man he’d caught Gilbey staring at Buffy on more than one occasion and definitely in an inappropriate way when they were in the gym. He explained he’d seen Gilbey trying to shuffle to the side to get a better angle to look at her and that’s when he’d lost his temper.


Cooper nodded his understanding. He commented that after the beating Gilbey had just taken he wouldn’t make that mistake again and with him watching Buffy he wouldn’t get the chance. Spike nodded and turned his attention to the TV.


*****


As Spike climbed into bed Buffy turned to look at him. The room was dark, but he could see she was alert. He slid over next to her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulled her close.


“Still awake kitten,” he whispered, kissing her neck.


“Why did you do that Spike? It wasn’t necessary.”


He immediately became rigid and annoyed. “He pissed me off. He shouldn’t ‘ave been lookin’ at you like that.”


“Spike they were all looking at me and they couldn’t really see anything. I was very careful to stay behind you,” she said.


“No Buffy. You know damn well he was lookin’ at you differently. Now I’m not going to discuss this with you, ‘cause you know I’m right and that’s the end of the matter.”


“But…”


“NO…and while we’re on the subject don’t ever try to question me like that in front of my men again, especially when it concerns them. I ‘ave strict rules of conduct around ‘ere Buffy and the first one is no one questions me. You didn’t see Cooper or Luke questionin’ me did ya?” he said gruffly.


She stiffened in his arms, but he tried to make her understand. “No doubt there’ll be things that you’ll be able to persuade me to change my mind on, but you must know that I ‘ave to maintain discipline. They don’t call me boss jus’ ‘cause I pay their wages. It’s a sign of respect and that respect wouldn’t last long if I didn’t keep a tight hold of things. I make the rules, I give the orders and they obey. That’s the way it works and although I’m willin’ to bend or soften that for you a bit, it still applies to you in general and always in front of my men. I can’t ‘ave them thinkin’ I’ve gone soft, ‘cause no matter how much I want you or how beautiful I think you are I’m not ‘bout to let you weaken me.”


Luke had said something similar. Buffy wondered how either of them could think she was capable of weakening or influencing Spike in such a way, but then it occurred to her that Spike was probably thinking about Angel and how he’d defected from the family after meeting her. Surely Spike must know that only happened because Angel was in love with her. Angel had genuinely wanted a different life for himself away from the corruption of Masters and his family, even if it did mean a life without her.


She was irritated by what Spike had said, but she didn’t want to push her luck and have him lose his temper. She’d known all along he ruled his men with an iron will and he certainly dominated her at every turn, so his behavior in the gym was only in keeping with everything she knew of him so far. “I’m sorry, I won’t do it again,” she said, her irritation ringing in her voice.


Spike sighed. He knew he’d annoyed her, but he’d have had to put her in her place sooner or later. From his point of view it was better his men clearly saw he wouldn’t let her get away with questioning or defying him then try and baby her. Luke had made a good point when he’d said she would fit in just fine…eventually, so he ignored her irritation and snuggled into her.


“Buffy I don’t want to argue with you. I ache all over and all I really want right now is a nice wank and a good nights sleep, but since you’re in a mood I doubt I’ll get the hand job so I’ll settle for a good sleep,” he yawned as if to emphasize just how tired he was. “So come ‘ere and give me a kiss and let’s get some rest.”


He rolled slightly trapping her beneath him seeking her mouth with his. She resisted his kiss, but he wasn’t about to let her back slide and start fighting him again, not when he was this close to possessing her completely. He nibbled and licked her lips coaxing her to open her mouth, but she was annoyed and being stubborn so he left her mouth in favor of her neck knowing she was very sensitive there.


Buffy couldn’t help it. He was kissing and licking her neck in all the right places, in all the right ways. She moaned hating herself for her weakness. She tried to push him off, but he trapped her hands and kissed his way down her throat across her collarbone and over her shoulders.


Spike chuckled when he heard her little moan. He kissed the soft skin of her shoulders she smelled so nice and girly; like a delicate flower. He breathed her in, letting her pretty scent fill him. He lowered his mouth and kissed the soft swell of her breast, seeking the spot where he’d marked her. In the dim light he could just make out the faint bruise. He licked the blemish gently before sucking on it deeply. Buffy gasped and he quickly lifted his head to capture her mouth in a deep kiss. Satisfied he’d achieved what he’d set out to do, he rubbed his hard length against her hip causing her to moan into his mouth. Gently, he sucked on her tongue deepening the kiss and forcing her to respond to him. Gradually, Buffy returned the kiss her mouth moving skilfully against his.


When he ended the kiss they were both breathless.


“Bastard,” she whispered.


Spike chuckled kissing the end of her nose. “Yes pet, I certainly am, but I think you like that I’m a bastard. I think you like it a lot.” He released her hands and moved off of her, half asleep before he’d finished rolling back to his side of the bed. “Good night pet,” he mumbled patting her bum.


Buffy fumed at his arrogance and smacked his hand. Spike chuckled sleepily as he rolled away from her. Buffy glared at his back, her temper very close to boiling over at his casual treatment. Angry, she lay next to him listening to him breathe steadily, wondering how he could sleep so peacefully when he knew she was annoyed with him. Then she reminded herself, the reason he had no trouble sleeping was simply because he didn’t care about her feelings, as long as she did as she was told and submitted to him. He probably wouldn’t trouble himself over her emotions.


Unable to sleep she slipped from the bed and went into the sitting room. She settled herself on the couch and searched the TV for a late night movie, hoping to find something to distract her from thoughts of Spike and Gilbey and Angel and Spike…and that in only one more day she would have to give herself to him. She wanted to talk to her mother, but even though she would be talking to her in the morning she knew she would be unable to talk to her about her real concerns.


The girls would also be arriving in the morning and she wasn’t sure she would be able to talk to them. Not with Cooper most likely listening in. She smiled when she thought about Cooper. She liked him. He reminded her of Wesley. He was friendly and seemed sincere and they both reminded her of her friend and old boss Giles. Thoughts of her old life saddened her. The loss was still pretty raw. Yet she knew it would do her no good to dwell on those things.


There was nothing on the TV so she grabbed a DVD from the shelf and stuck it in the machine. Spike had a surprising collection of movies, ranging from horror and action to comedy and romantic classics. She settled for a romantic comedy hoping the silly light-hearted movie would lift her sprits. Her mind wandered as she thought about what would happen on Saturday. She would become Spike’s mistress. She tried to imagine what their first time would be like and found herself remembering her first time with Angel instead. The fireworks exploding over the dark water, turning the ocean to a beautiful fragmented mirror and how for a few moments at a time, reflected the brilliant colors back at them before sucking them into the inky blackness. For once Buffy allowed herself to remember how she had felt wrapped in Angel’s arms. Safe, adored, loved. She smiled sadly at the memory. The movie played for an hour or so before she started to feel sleepy. Her eyes drifted shut as her mind slipped into slumber and that’s how Spike found her.


She was laying on the couch fast asleep while the TV cast a blue white glow over her. He sat on the edge of the coffee table watching her for a few moments. He loved watching her sleep she was so small and childlike. Looking at her he wondered if he woke her would she still be mad at him. Then realized it didn’t matter she couldn’t spend the night on the couch. She needed a good nights rest and so did he, but he wouldn’t get that if she wasn’t next to him.


Gently, he shook her awake. She grumbled and turned over burying herself deeper into the couch cushions. He tried again, but she absently swatted his hands away mumbling something about starlight on water and colored blooms. Spike chuckled, he’d only heard her talk in her sleep once before and he blamed that on her migraine. Okay, maybe he couldn’t get her to bed, but the couch was big. He could sleep with her. Carefully he stretched out beside her and settled the blanket over both of them. Instantly she turned to him and snuggled against his chest Spike smiled at her, a sense of happiness swelling inside him.


Gently he kissed her brow and she nuzzled his neck mumbling against his skin. Her breath caressed him as she kissed him and softly sighed.


“Angel.”


Spike froze.


He held his breath listening hard to her, but deep sleep must have claimed her because she didn’t speak again.


Spike’s heart was thundering in his chest and a sudden sweat chilled him. There was no mistaking what she’d said. Though she’d murmured it soft and low…almost breathlessly.


He was angry. She’d kissed him and sighed Angel’s name. He was raging. She’d kissed him and sighed Angel’s name.


Gritting his teeth he carefully maneuvered himself off the couch. Buffy slept on, oblivious to his white hot rage and boiling hate. He stared at her feeling more anger and rage towards her, than he’d ever felt before. It was too close to what Angel had tormented him with. Stories of Buffy happy and carefree, sighing his name softly as he made love to her…sighing his name as she fell asleep in his arms…sighing his name as she slept…sighing his name.


It kept going round and round in his head.


She was still in love with Angel and somehow she’d managed to lie to him. Why else would she whisper his name in her sleep?


Spike was sure of it.


When Angel had told him stories about himself and Buffy in love it had brought the entries in the journals vividly to life. Spike had wanted to lash out and hurt Angel which was why he’d told him about his encounter with her in the poolroom. Maybe they had been in love. Maybe they still were, but she was his now and whether she was in love with Angel or not he wasn’t going to let her go. The weekend loomed ahead of him and she’d agreed to submit to him willingly. Spike had a feeling she would try to back out or stall him somehow, but he was prepared for that. If she did she was in for a nasty shock. She was his and he’d waited long enough. Her time was up and he wasn’t going to back down or relent in any way.


Leaving her to sleep on the couch he went back to bed with his angry thoughts swirling in his head. Spike could feel things were about to change again, but this time he vowed he wouldn’t be the one to end up hurting.



*****


Buffy woke up stiff and sore and chilled on the couch. Spike was standing in front of her with a cup of coffee in his hand. He placed the cup on the table and retreated back to the cart to fetch his own.


Rubbing the sleep from her eyes Buffy struggled to sit up. “Oh God, I hate it when I fall asleep in front of the TV,” she groaned.


“Well maybe if you didn’t want to fall asleep in front of the TV you should have stayed in bed,” Spike said dryly.


Grouchy, she replied. “Well if someone hadn’t annoyed me maybe I’d have been able to sleep.”


“And yet you still managed it on the couch,” he snapped.


Buffy frowned. He was in a mood. She supposed it could be because of what had happened with Gilbey or the disagreement they’d had when he came to bed. Or it could be that it pissed him off to wake up and find her not in bed with him. Yeah, that’s probably it, selfish pig that he is, he’s probably miffed because he didn’t get to fool around this morning. Well maybe he shouldn’t take things for granted, she thought.


Finishing her coffee she uncurled from the couch stretching sluggish muscles. Pointedly, she ignored him and sauntered off to the shower. She closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief glad to have a moment to herself. Spike must have been up for a little while. He’d obviously showered and changed before coming to wake her. She wondered how long he was going to sulk. Then she shrugged and thought that since he’d been so mean to her the night before, two could play at that game. He should know her well enough by now to realize that if he snapped at her she would snap back.


When she came out of the bedroom she wasn’t surprised to find he’d left for breakfast without her. Marti was the guard on duty and he escorted her to the dinning room politely making small talk all the way down in the elevator. Buffy was laughing at some silly nonsense he was telling her about Jonathan and an accident with one of the food carts. She was still laughing when they reached the dinning room door. They entered the room. One look at Spike’s face and her laughter froze. The look in his eyes was decidedly cold and angry. Marti wisely backed away and escaped the nasty glare being directed at him. Silently, Buffy crossed the room and sat down. Spike joined her at the table scowling angrily. The other men followed him one step behind. Buffy noticed Gilbey was missing from the breakfast table.


When she lifted her eyes to glance at Spike he was glaring at her. “Next time you’ll wait for me before sittin’ at my table. Like everyone else,” he said coldly.


Buffy frowned and scanned his face. She was taken aback by his mean words and frosty tone. Her face flushing with embarrassment, she replied. “If you prefer I could just leave.”


“If you dare move from that chair, I’ll tie you to it…‘cause we both know how well that works in keepin’ you right where I want you,” he said with quiet menace.


Buffy gasped. She was acutely aware of everyone looking at her. She caught surprised looks from Cooper and Wesley, but Dixon and Luke’s expressions remained blank and unreadable. A sure sign they were waiting to see if Spike required anything from them. They both seemed alert and ready for action.


Buffy met Spike’s cold gaze with a bluff courage. “And what you want is all that counts…right?”


“Not always. I want you, but you don’t count for nothin’ unless I say so, and right now I say sit there, eat your breakfast and shut your gob unless I tell you to speak.” The look in his eyes dared her to reply.


Buffy realized he was a lot more than just in a mood. He looked ready to snap her neck. She knew by now when not to push him and this was definitely one of those times. She dropped her eyes to the table confused as to what had set him off this time. Wisely she kept quiet.


“See, you can do as you’re told,” she shot him a hateful look and he smirked at her. “And now that Ms. Summers is in her place we can get on.”


The double meaning wasn’t lost on Buffy and she felt her cheeks burning as Spike began to conduct the usual breakfast meeting. The kitchen staff appeared and served everyone as the business talk rolled from one person to the next. Each man passed her their client lists and Spike reminded her of her deadlines and again she took note of his double meaning.


Breakfast was a long and torturous affair and not once did he address her in such a way that required her to make a reply. He deliberately excluded her from the conversation and except for the orders about the client list he ignored her completely.


Finally when the ordeal was over he pointedly dismissed her like a servant. Buffy escaped to the study to make her call to her mother with Spike close on her heels.


She sat at her desk waiting for the switchboard to connect her. Spike lurked at his desk making no effort to give her any privacy. She could hear a ringing tone and smiled as she heard her mother’s voice come on the line.


The conversation didn’t last too long, but for the fifteen minutes Buffy was on the phone she felt a lightening of her spirits. She listened to her mother tell her about the highlights of her trip. It sounded as if they were having a wonderful time and that it was turning out to be a great business success.


Buffy filled her mother in on a few of the changes that had occurred in her life. She explained about her new job and her change of address. Her mother was a bit surprised, but she was delighted with the invitation to visit. Buffy had expected her to ask more questions and she even expressed her surprise to her mother when she didn’t. Joyce Summers then surprised Buffy again by telling her she was quite satisfied with the fact that Buffy had already informed her about the changes in her life and since Buffy was an adult, she didn’t feel it was necessary to quiz her over all the decisions in her life or her reasons for making them. Buffy was speechless and wondered about the irony of it all. Why! Oh! Why! Does my mother choose now to treat me like an adult? Why couldn’t she be the ‘nosy, ask a million questions, and then a load more, kind of mother’ from my childhood and teen years? No, it would clearly be too much to ask to have her ask all the right questions now, Buffy thought.


Sighing, Buffy moved the topic onto safer ground. She told her mom about Willow’s happy news which took up the last five minutes of call time. When she rung off Buffy was feeling both happy and sad, a mixed and confused state she was beginning to suspect would be a permanent part of her life from now on.


Spike was looking at her through hooded eyes, his expression giving nothing of his feelings away, but Buffy didn’t need an obvious facial expression to tell her he was angry with her. She thought she knew the cause of his mood earlier, now she realized she’d got it wrong. He was angry. He was very angry, but she didn’t know why.


Rising from his desk he slowly closed the distance between them until he was standing directly in front of her.


He gazed down at her, a cold hard light in his blue eyes. Gently, he brushed her hair back from her face saying, “You did that very well. Who’d ‘ave guessed you could lie so well. It makes me wonder what else you’ve managed to lie ‘bout.”


Buffy blinked at him, baffled. He was beginning to frighten her. He’d been so cold and angry with her since she woke and she could tell somehow things had reverted back to how he’d treated her when she first arrived. Something was definitely off with him, but what? In the few weeks she’d known him she’d come to learn that although he was prone to rapid mood swings, he never maintained a bad mood for long. He would usually rant and rave, blow his top yelling and swearing getting it out of his system, but today something was different with his mood. He’d been angry with her since she first opened her eyes. Yet he’d not confronted her about what she’d done to annoy him. Buffy wished he would just yell and rant at her or grab her like he usually did and try to kiss her. Then it occurred to her he hadn’t even tried to touch her let alone kiss her. Now she knew something major was wrong.


She stood up and faced him. “What’s wrong? Why are you so angry?”


He stared at her cold and remote. Suddenly he grabbed her and pushed her down on the desk. She yelped in surprise and fright.


“I don’t like being lied to Buffy. I’ve told you countless times not to lie to me, but I still keep findin’ you ‘ave.” His face was inches from hers. She could feel his angry breath on her cheek as he hissed at her.


Her heart was thundering fearfully in her breast. She was afraid to move, to breathe. His cold blue eyes stared into hers and she was sure he was about to do something terrible to her, but just as the thought crossed her mind, he released her and pushed her into her chair.


There was a knock at the door and Cooper walked in. “Ms. Summers friends are here, I’ve put them in the lounge,” he glanced between Buffy and Spike, absorbing the extreme tension. His eyes settled on Buffy. “I’ll wait for you there,” he said and closed the door.


She looked at Spike. He was staring at her, breathing hard. Buffy stared back at him afraid to speak.


Quickly, he pulled her from the chair and pushed her against the door, kissing her hard. Buffy held still, submitting to the kiss. She couldn’t respond to him, there was nothing to respond to. The kiss wasn’t fueled by passion or desire. He was punishing her.


She whimpered under the brutal pressure of his mouth and he tightened his grip on her, grinding his hips against hers. She pushed him away then, prepared to kick him if necessary. He eased back breathing hard.


“You’d better go. Cooper and your friends are waitin’…I’ll talk to you later.” He looked into her teary eyes, torn with doubts and angry with her for making him feel this way. He wanted to hurt her. “You ‘ave a nice time with your pals at the beauty parlor and don’t forget to ‘ave those sweet little toes painted pink and while you’re there get that pretty little pussy of yours all trimmed,” his hand slid down her body and rubbed her mound through her clothes. “And jus’ in case you’re wondering, that’s not a request. It’s an order. If you defy me and don’t get it done, I’ll do it myself when you get back,” he hissed as he released her and stood back.


She slapped him hard across the face, but he didn’t react the way she thought he would. He scowled at her unmoving and whispered. “I told you once before if you hit me I’ll hit back, but since I ‘aven’t got enough time to punish you now, that too will keep until later. Now get out before I change my mind.”


Slowly, she opened the door and without looking back, she crossed the hallway steadily making her way to the lounge. She took a couple of deep breaths to steady herself before going in.


She was surprised to see both Cooper and Luke in the lounge with her friends. She looked at Faith and the others, expecting to see them scared or intimidated, but they were all laughing and smiling at Cooper, who was doing his best to charm the lot of them. Buffy wondered why Luke was there. He wasn’t needed as a guard or in any other way Buffy could discern. He wasn’t even adding to the conversation. He was just sitting there observing, though he did seem to look at Faith more than the other two.


Cordy spotted Buffy in the doorway and called a hello. Hiding her emotions, Buffy offered them a warm smile and greeted them, but as soon as the pleasantries were exchanged, she hustled them from the room, keen to get out of the house and away from Spike even if it was only for a few hours.


As they passed Spike’s study he opened the door. The girls froze unsure whether they should just keep going or wait and see if he wanted to say something to them. Silently, Spike took in their appearances. They were all dressed casually, but casual on these beautiful women still tended to look stunning and as usual, Buffy stood out among them as the most stunning.


He fixed her with a hard glare. “I don’t need to remind you to behave while you’re away do I Buffy…or what will happen if you don’t?” he said coldly.


“No,” she replied simply, her voice flat and devoid of her feelings.


Spike nodded. “Good,” he turned around and closed the study door.


Buffy sighed and started the girls moving again. The car was waiting out front for them and Cooper opened the front passenger door for her. She made herself comfortable as the girls climbed into the back, chatting as if nothing was off. Buffy looked up to see Faith and Luke talking on the house steps. He handed her something and she looked slightly smug as she turned away from him and got into the car.


Buffy threw her a look over her shoulder and Faith just shrugged her shoulders at her. She tucked what looked like a credit card into her purse and winked at Buffy.


“Looks like he changed his mind and decided to replace my dress after all,” she said.


Buffy gaped at her. “You mean you’re letting him buy you a new dress to…to replace the one he ruined?” She was shocked.


“Yeah…sure…why not? He’s the one that tore it…bastard should pay and that’s not all he should pay for,” she replied coolly.


“Huh?” She could see Cordy and Harmony nodding.


“The bastard should pay me for the first time he screwed me.”


“FAITH! How can you say that…he raped you?” She was really shocked now.


Faith shrugged. “You might call it that, but to me it’s unpaid business.”


Buffy picked up on what she’d said. “First time, does that mean you’ve been…seeing him?” Buffy had a sick feeling she already knew the answer.


“Yeah sure his money is as good as anyone’s,” she replied off handedly.


Buffy was stunned Spike had been right all along. Annoyed because Spike had been right she snapped back.


“Oh I don’t want to hear any more. Please shut up now.” She turned back to face the front, scowling.


Cooper kept his eyes on the road and wisely stayed quiet.


“Don’t go getting holier than thou on me B…not when you’re doing what you’re doing,” Faith shot back.


Buffy jumped around in her seat. “What’s that supposed to mean?”


Faith scoffed. “Guys pay me for sex B you know that…so tell me what’s Spike paying you for?”


Buffy gasped indignantly. “How dare you. He’s not paying me anything for anything.”


Cordy and Harmony shared a look.


Faith scoffed again. “Yeah right B you keep telling yourself that, but I bet he’s not asking you to chip in with the rent and utilities and that’s a great new outfit you’re wearing and tell me what else he’s bought you. Huh I bet he’s even opened a bank account for you and wouldn’t we all like to know what’s in there…and one last thing B. Who’s paying for today’s little outing?”


Buffy didn’t know what to say. She stared at her friend disbelieving her cruel words. “Why are you saying that? You know why I’m here, why I’m doing this?”


“Yeah and I know why I did it too. Welcome to our world.”


“How can you be so cruel…you know this isn’t my fault.”


“Really B…‘cause I think maybe it is. We warned you a long time ago not to get involved with Angel, but you ignored us and this is the price you’re paying for not listening, so don’t whine at me. You’re in this up to your neck and now like us, you’ll have to make the best of it.”


Faith turned her head away and gazed out the side window. Buffy looked at Cordy and Harmony, but the two girls couldn’t meet her gaze. Hurt, Buffy turned back to the front. She glanced at Cooper from the corner of her eye. He glanced at her, giving her a sympathetic smile, but Buffy could tell his opinion coincided with Faith’s. They all thought she was bought property. Spike’s property…Spike’s mistress…which was as good as saying Spike’s whore.

************************************************************TBC...soon
 

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