Chapter Six.

I Spy.


Flexing his fingers, Spike loosened the tight wrappings protecting his hands.
Experimenting with a few soft punches to the bag, Spike began a slow warm-up.
These sessions allowed him to get lost in the rhythm of the physical exercise,
blocking out the noises in his head for a short time at least.

The fully equipped gym was in the sub-level under the
kitchens along with a sauna, hot tub and heated swimming pool.
It was quiet here, with lots of space to move freely and with
plenty of equipment to vent his frustrations on. Spike was
thankful he didn’t have to share the space with anyone else; he
liked having the whole lower level to himself. He would come to
the gym every day, working out for hours on end, pushing his
body to the limit in an effort to control his ever shrinking
ability to hold on to his temper.
Over two weeks had passed in which Spike had, at great pains to
his nature, waited for all his plans to come to fruition. He
hated waiting but couldn’t afford to let his impatience make
him act recklessly. Every day had been a catalogue of
annoyances and frustrations as he waited for news of Angel.

How the hell Angel was managing to get by without money was
beyond him. Spike hated admitting it but it looked as if Angel
had truly gone to ground. It would seem Angel had planned
carefully and he must’ve made allowances for the need to stay
hidden but Spike vowed to out wait him. He knew Angel, he
liked the comforts of life. Sooner or later he’d need money
and having had two weeks, Spike had double checked every
possible loop hole, Cooper had electronic tabs on all his
accounts; there was no way Angel could escape.

Wherever he was, he’d been there for the last several
weeks, Spike was sure of it.

Spike smiled to himself at the thought of Angel enduring self
imposed confinement. How was he dealing with Drusilla, he
wondered? She got restless if she had to stay in the same city
for any length of time, never mind being cooped up in the same
house unable to even explore for weeks on end. She’ll be crawling the
walls by now, driving Angel madder than an angry wasp. He’d never
shown any real patience with her in the past and Spike doubted that he was
likely to have changed.

Thinking of Dru made his heart twist. He wasn’t sure if it was
her betrayal of the love he’d thought they’d shared or the
fact that it was eventually Angel that she'd chosen to betray
him with. Hate and love warred equally in his heart with
memories of their years together and images of her with Angel.

Spike knew he was tormenting himself but he couldn’t help it.
It wasn’t as if it was groundless, the ugly truth of it was
staring him in the face. Drusilla had always loved Angel,
she’d loved him before she’d met Spike and even though she had
made him believe she returned his love in kind, it was all an
act.

All that love and devotion he’d lavished on her, all the years
taking care of her, all those memories were now tarnished.
Spike couldn’t hide from the truth that she’d only used him. First
to try and make Angel jealous and when that didn’t work she
used him as a substitute, letting him fill the empty space
Angel had left in her life and in her bed. When Angel beckoned,
she’d happily dance straight into his arms, lost to everything
but her ‘precious daddy’ Angel had a hold
over her as surely as Dru had a hold over him.

The realization of all this only served to fuel Spike’s hate
for Angel and anger towards Dru. He'd been played for a fool
for the last time; the bitch was going to pay and Angel right
along with her.

With all these thoughts and questions and still no answers,
Spike was sick of the sound of his own inner voice if he
didn’t get his hands on them soon he’d…

Teeth clenched he hit the punch bag hard. The sweat rolling
into his eyes was nearly blinding him, yet he punched on. Gradually he
became aware he was no longer alone. Not ready to acknowledge
the other person's presence just yet, he busied himself with unwrapping
his hands. A brief glance at the clock showed him two hours
had elapsed since he’d last looked.

"Well, what’d you want Wesley?" He asked without looking up.

Wesley had been there for twenty minutes waiting for Spike to notice him. He hid his annoyance well. "You wanted to know
when Ms Summers got back." Spike’s eyes snapped up and focused
on Wesley. "Well she’s back."

Eyes narrowing Spike gave him a curt nod. "I’ll be right
there."

Wesley watched him casually head off in the direction of the
showers. Silent and gloomy, Wesley made his way back to the
elevator and the upper levels to wait for Spike.

*****

Ten minutes later, a freshly showered Spike entered the monitor
room. Gilbey and Wesley were seated at the desk that housed
the bank of small monitors. There were five screens, each one
covering a different area of Ms Summer’s home, lounge,
kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and the hallway just
outside the entrance door to the small apartment.

Getting the tag and wire crew into Ms Summer’s apartment had
proved to be one of the many frustrations of the last two
weeks. When Gilbey had turned up to scope things out he’d
discovered the landlord was having renovations carried out so
they’d had to wait the three days it took for the legitimate
workmen to complete their work before Gilbey could send in his
team of bogus workmen.

When the cameras were set up, Spike had waited with grim
impatience for Ms Summers to return from work. When she’d shown
up there were four other people with her; three of them women
and two of them blondes of different shades, it had taken
nearly ten minutes of careful listening to clarify which one
of the young women was Buffy.

Spike wasn’t disappointed - she was lovely. As soon as she was
identified he narrowed his point of focus to her alone and he was
awestruck. She was small and fragile with
golden blonde hair that fell in soft layers over her shoulders
and caressed her back as she moved. Her pretty face was young
and fresh and she smiled often which gave her expression a truly
golden glow.

Spike tried to recall the words Angel had used to describe her
and realized that oddly Angel hadn’t gone into great depth of
description on her physical appearance. He’d used words such
as ‘golden’ and ‘beautiful girl’ to convey his opinion
of her general appearance. He’d mostly focused on his feelings for her
and her sprit and nature as a person. Exasperated by the
recollection of Angel’s lovesick ramblings Spike had decided
to discount the lot of it and form his own opinion on Ms
Summers. Without Angel’s sickly blether repeating in his head
he strived to objectively view the woman herself.

That first night Spike watched her in the company of her
friends. Buffy had appeared happy and carefree, laughing and
smiling with ease as she chatted the evening away.
Two really bad movies were reluctantly watched by the girls
but gleefully by the only male of the group and a truck load
of pizza and popcorn was consumed by everyone.

Their good humor should have been infectious to
anyone witnessing their natural happiness. But not for Spike.
As the evening wore on his curiosity towards the woman Angel
had declared true and undying love for changed from curiosity
to anger. There she was in the warm embrace of her friends
happy and content, she showed no signs of heartache, her
smiles and laughter were sincere and heartfelt. While he had
grieved and anguished over his loss she had moved on,
unconcerned by the pain Angel’s leaving had caused. It would
seem life went on as normal for Ms Summers. The fury that had settled in his heart clamored for release. For a fleeting moment an overwhelming hatred for the girl flared inside him.

Watching her it occurred to him that here at last was the
means with which to punish Angel and someone to vent all his
frustration upon. This woman that Angel loved, with her golden
smiles and pretty laughter he would crush. Her joy enraged
him. Half formed ideas that had been rolling in his head,
snapped into clarity with an audible clap. Dark thoughts
filled his head as he plotted his revenge; Spike was going to
make Angel suffer. Gazing at her he smiled the first real
genuine smile in weeks. Yes Angel’s suffering would be long, and painful and this pretty little thing was going to do it for him.

A sudden flurry of activity from the people in
Buffy’s sitting room drew his attention back to the monitors.
Stretching and yawning form various positions around the room
they made ready to leave, Spike noted the time ‘1.15am’.
Shifting sore limbs, rolling his head and rubbing tense neck
muscles, Spike watched Buffy’s friends say goodnight and make
their way to the front door. When the last couple left and
Buffy was finally left on her own Spike’s eyes followed her as
she tidied up the evidence of the get together, turning off
lights and stacking plates and glasses in the dishwasher,
checking locks. Her image was momentarily lost as she moved
from the sitting-room into the bedroom, her slow movements
conveying her tiredness as she shimmied out of her jeans
leaving her clad in only a short t-shirt and a pair of pink
panties. Barefoot she padded into the bathroom, pulling her
long hair into a sloppy knot at the base of her neck as she
went. Spike’s eyes locked on her slender beauty, admiring the
tanned flesh of her gorgeous legs and the sexy sway of her
hips. Sleepily she washed her face and brushed her teeth
hardly looking at her reflection as she performed the routine
tasks. Climbing onto the bed her eyes already half closed she
pulled the blankets up and turned the lamp off.

Spike reached to the control panel and flipped a switch to
night vision, happy to see a darkened but still strong image
of the room come back into focus. Buffy lay snuggled
under the comforter. She looked tiny and childlike, seeming to
take up so little of the space that the bed afforded.

Spike sat motionless at the monitors, observing the sleeping
girl, his mind racing over malevolent plans, wrestling and
rejecting one idea after another. He spent the remainder of
the night quarrelling with his inner voice as he worked
through all the various scenarios that unfolded as each idea
was examined.

The night gave way to morning. Spike was pulled from a
lethargic state by the sound of Buffy’s alarm clock. Attentive
to the waking women, he considered her anew as she readied
herself for the day. His plans for her more or less fixed in
his mind he scrutinized her in this new light seeing her as
nothing more then an instrument to be used…a simple means to
an end. Now he’d seen her and had had a chance to assess her
place in his designs for revenge he resolved himself to
ignoring Angel’s journal, no longer wanting to become clouded by the
other mans emotional attachment and sentimental opinion of the
young girl. He needed to stay detached, not that that would be
difficult for him. Over the years he’d met dozens of Angel’s
conquests, all in their own right beautiful. Buffy was just
like all the rest in that respect, but by Angel’s own admission
she was different and the fact that he’d gone to such great
lengths to hide his relationship with her was enough for Spike
to know she had meant more to Angel then any other women had
before. He could use that. She might mean a lot to Angel but
she meant nothing to him. Unconcerned by her beauty he watched indifferently as she entered the bathroom.

Stripping out of the t-shirt and panties she’d slept in, Buffy
stepped into the shower drawing the curtain across the rail
unwittingly shielding her nakedness from his view. All
business, she rushed through her shower hardly taking any time
to enjoy the refreshing spray, she finished up wrapping a
large cotton towel around herself before stepping back into
the cooler air of the bathroom. Grabbing clothes from the
closet she tossed them on the bed while at the same time
dragging a comb through her wet hair. A quick detour to the
kitchen to turn on the coffee machine and warm a breakfast
roll then back to the bedroom to dress, slipping into a
matching set of lacy blue underwear. Buffy was unaware of the
man whose hate filled gaze raked over her feminine figure,
brief glimpses of her lusciousness flashing in and out of his
view as she pulled on one item of clothing after another.
Fully dressed she proceeded to blow dry her hair styling the
long locks with unconcerned skill.

The oven timer ‘pinged’ signaling breakfast. She dashed to the
kitchen to pour a large cup of coffee and place her hot roll
on a plate carrying her breakfast back into the bedroom she
positioned cup and plate on the end of the dresser while she
sat before the mirror to make-up her face, pausing between
sips of coffee and bites from the roll she applied foundation
and mascara in smooth familiar sweeps.

Unimpressed by the girl’s apparent lack of vanity, Spike
sneered at the monitor determined to see her as the enemy. As
far as he was concerned, she was guilty by association and
therefore deserved every nasty thing that he had planned.
Seeing that she was nearly ready to leave Spike speed dialed
Dixon to make sure someone was waiting to follow her once she
left the apartment, a short conversation confirming everything
was set up. Buffy was bustling about tidying up, hanging the
damp towels in the bathroom, spreading the comforter into a
neat formation on the bed and loading her dirty dishes into
the dishwasher.
A swift look around the apartment as she snatched up her purse and she was out the door, Spike lost sight of her as she made her way down the
hallway to the elevator. Confident that he’d get a full report
on her activities at the end of the day Spike made his way to
bed to sleep for a few hours before continuing the hunt for
Angel. Slipping beneath the covers tired out by his all night
vigil and content with his inspirational schemes he drifted
off to sleep a small smile tickling the corners of his mouth.

*****

Five more days passed all similar to that first one. After a
full day at work Buffy would arrive home at approximately six
pm. If she didn’t spend the evening alone she was out with her
friends; they’d meet up and go for dinner or to the cinema,
nothing exciting just humdrum activities. Spike found it
vaguely amusing thinking of Angel falling for such an ordinary
girl.

On the Friday afternoon Buffy had returned from work early and
packed enough clothes for an extended trip. Gilbey had
informed Spike immediately.

Abandoning the study he rushed to the monitor room. Spike had
been working his schedule to coincide with Buffy’s, while she
was at work he did his paper work and followed up on any
rumors that filtered through about Angel’s possible location,
leaving him free to sit at the monitors in the evenings
getting to know the lovely Ms Summers by observation.

Spike and Gilbey had watched as Buffy prepared for an unknown
journey. A quick call to Dixon alerting him to Buffy’s
imminent departure. Packed and ready to leave she’d set her
case by the front door before returning to the sitting room to
make a call.

Spike nudged Gilbey indicating for him to turn up the sound
dial as they listened to the ring tone coming through the
speaker. A female voice answered after several rings. Buffy
identified the speaker as her mother, who sounded happy to
hear from her daughter her voice full of warmth. It didn’t
take long for Spike to realize that Buffy was ringing ahead
to let her mother know she was about to set out, and to expect
her in a few hours. After hanging up she’d quickly set off.

Spike breathed deeply, releasing the tension that had coiled
tightly in his chest. She was going home for a visit. He
wasn’t sure if he was disappointed or relieved, for an
infinite moment he’d thought she might possibly know where
Angel was and had hoped her trip would lead him to his
whereabouts. Angry at her for getting his hopes up and angry
at himself for being hopeful he stomped out of the room heading
straight for the gym.

Now late on the Sunday evening, eight days later she was back
at her apartment. Spike had kept tabs on her during her stay
with her mum and younger sister. Dixon had given him detailed
reports and her mother’s phones had been carefully monitored.
Dixon’s stay in Sunnydale had been uneventful, following the
petite blonde proved to be too easy for the hardened ex-cop
much more used to having to trail elusive characters he’d
spent all his time bored to tears. Keeping an eye on Ms
Summers as she shopped with her mum and little sister or
sitting around as she spent the day at the beach was not his
idea of surveillance. Thankful to be back in L.A. he’d handed
over the watching of Ms Summers to one of the more competent
new guys.

Wanting to be alone, Spike had sent Wesley to get a full report
from Dixon and Gilbey to check with Luke on any update on
Angel.

Silently he viewed the young women on the monitors. She looked good, dressed in
figure hugging blue jeans and a cream peasant blouse that hung
loose on her deeply tanned shoulders. She’d obviously caught
the sun; her skin glowed a lovely honey hew. A sense of
ease filled him at seeing her again; he’d hated letting her out
of his sight and was surprised to find how nervous her absence
had made him. He settled in to spend a few hours just watching
her.

*****

Buffy was exhausted. Driving wasn’t her favourite thing in the
world. She’d tried to leave Sunnydale early enough to miss any
heavy traffic but her mother had insisted on cooking her a
full Sunday lunch and eating the mountain of food had proved
too much for her but unwilling to upset her mom she’d eaten
almost everything.

She'd shared hugs and kisses with her mom and sister as they said their
goodbyes with Buffy promising to take care of
herself before her mum finally let her go. The drive back to L.A. had
been very smooth and she’d still managed to miss any
real traffic. Her luck seemed to be holding up when she pulled into the small resident’s car-park and the spot nearest the main entrance was unoccupied.

Slumped on her blissfully over stuffed but lumpy couch, her
bare feet propped up on the coffee table in front of her Buffy
sipped a reviving cup of peppermint tea.
Looking at the scattered bags and cases littering the
sitting-room floor she groaned. First tea then luggage,
closing her eyes she inhaled the fragrant aroma of her tea.
When she’d drained the cup she managed to pull herself
together enough to face the task of putting away all her
stuff.

Dragging the largest bag into the bedroom she dropped it on
the bed; it held mostly new things. Jeans, skirts, tops and
dresses and not forgetting shoes. She’d overindulged she knew,
but she tried to soothe her inner-self by reminding herself
that the mammoth shop had been in the ‘cheer-up Buffy cause’
and it wasn’t her fault if there were sales on everywhere.
She couldn’t be held responsible in the face of such great
temptation when she was feeling all weak and vulnerable. The
deed was done and she’d pay the price another day when she received the credit card bill. Pushing that ugly thought away, she concentrated on putting away all her lovely new things.

A couple of hours later with everything put away and the cases
stashed, Buffy gave into the urge to alleviate her aches and pains. A long hot soak in the tub was what she fancied, or even better a full body massage but since that wasn’t going to happen she’d have to make do with the
bath. Twisting the stopper into position she turned on the hot
tap letting the water heat up before adding the cold to get a
perfect mix. Choosing lavender scented bubble bath she poured
in a generous helping, leaving the bath to fill as she pulled
soft towels from the cabinet and dropped them on the chair
next to the bath for easy reach.

The ringing of the phone distracted her. Grabbing the handset
from beside her bed she made her way back to the rapidly
filling tub.

"Hello!" she greeted.

"Hello sweetheart, I’m just ringing to make sure you got back
safe and sound and in one piece," her mum said.

Rolling her eyes at her mum’s overt and unnecessary worry
Buffy was unable to keep the tinge of irritation from her
voice. "I’m fine mum, extremely tired and in desperate need of
a bath but definitely in one piece and I’m just about to put
my ‘one piece’ in the tub, so if you don’t mind, can I call you
back tomorrow evening?"

"Yes dear that would be fine," unable to help herself Joyce
continued. "Oh! And don’t fall asleep in the bath dear you
know how dangerous it can be remember your second cousin Tracy sh…"

Rolling her eyes again Buffy interrupted her before the whole
horrid story of her cousin’s death could be retold. "Yeah,
yeah, I remember…mom please don’t worry I’m a big girl now I
can manage to take a bath without falling asleep. I’ll talk to
you tomorrow okay!"

"Yes of course. Goodnight dear I love you," Joyce sounded
hurt.

"Goodnight. Love you too," Buffy replied feeling guilty for
snapping. She hung up leaving the phone on top of the towels.

Buffy nibbled her lip thoughtfully. Mom can’t help being a
worry pot it kinda comes from being a mom. I shouldn’t have
snapped though, I hope she knows I didn’t mean it. What am I
saying? Of course she knows, she’s my mom, she rationalized with
herself.

Stripping out of her clothes, Buffy turned off the taps and
gave the water a little swish to check the
temperature. Perfect. Unhooking her bra she let the straps
slip down her arms and let it plop to the floor. Next she
glided her panties down her legs noting how good her skin
looked with the flawlessly even tan. One of the better things
Dawn had persuaded her to spend her money on, tanning booths.
No tan lines and no premature ageing. Oh the wonders of modern
science!

Groaning ecstatically as she slid into the water Buffy
welcomed the heat as it worked on her tired muscles. Sinking
back into the water, she wet her hair and felt along the
edge of the tub until her fingers found the shampoo bottle.
Coconut fragrance filled the bathroom as she lathered up her
hair spending several minutes massaging her scalp enjoying the
feel of her fingers as she applied an even pressure. Ducking
back she rinsed the shampoo watching the suds float free. The
coconut fragrance intensified as she applied conditioner to
her hair finger combing in from roots to tips, a couple of
artful twists and a clip to fasten her hair on top of her head
and she sank back into the hot bath giving the lotion some
time to really take effect. More coconut, this time body wash
was squirted onto a sea sponge that she used to slowly caress
her golden limbs. As the sponge swept across her body she
finally felt herself succumb to her tiredness, resting her
head on the bath pillow, eyes closed she used the sponge to
bathe her face and neck her body completely relaxed she didn’t
notice her mind drifting, lost to the comforting heat of the
water surrounding her and the pull of her drowsy mind at it
retreated from the waking world. The sponge slipped from her
fingers as she slipped into sleep.

A loud ringing startled her abruptly awake. Struggling, she
submerged for a moment swallowing great mouthfuls of water.
Spluttering she tried to comprehend her situation. She stared
at the ringing thing coughing and gasping; it took her a
moment to recognize it as the phone.

Oh God! She was in the bath. She’d fallen asleep. Her heart
pounding with fright she gripped the sides of the tub while
she continued to gape at the ringing phone.

Calming herself she picked it up her hand trembling slightly.

"Hello!" she said her voice small and soft filled with the
traces of her recent scare.

Silence.

"Hello!" trying again this time a little stronger.

Silence.

"Hello! Is there anyone there?" she asked beginning to think
she’d answered too late and the other person had hung up. But
she couldn’t hear a dead tone or any tone…just silence.

"Mom is that you?" It would be ironic if it was her mother
especially after their last conversation.

Silence.

Suddenly her heart leapt painfully as it occurred to her who
it might be. Gripping the phone tighter pressing it to her
cheek just a little more.

"Angel…is that you?" She’d barely whispered the words so full
of painful emotions when the line went dead.

Snatching the handset from her ear she gaped at it. Shocked
but so sure someone had been on the line she anguished over
the possibility of his/her identity. Quickly dialing the
digits that would hopefully reveal the caller's number Buffy
listened to a mechanical voice apologize to her for being
unable to disclose the last number. Knowing no answers would
be found there she dropped the useless machine to the chair.

Drawing her knees tight up to her chest she buried her face in
her hands as muffled sobs broke from between her lips. All the
tiredness had fled her body replaced by agitation and tense
muscles. Giving herself a hard mental shake she angrily dashed
the tears from her eyes, breathing deeply as she willed her body
and mind to calm. More composed but still trembling slightly
she let the water out, reaching for the showers controls she
stood under the spray rinsing the conditioner from her hair
and the soapy water from her body.

Determined not to let the call or her imagination upset her
any more then it already had, Buffy finished rinsing down. Forcefully snapping the shower off, she snatched a towel from
the chair and roughly dried her self. Wrapping her hair in
another towel she let the first one fall to the bathroom floor
as she stepped out of the tub. Vigorously rubbing her hair
until it was only just damp she tossed that towel onto the
basin counter.

She stood there angry and upset looking at her self in the
mirror above the basin her hair snarled and water darkened
surrounded her pinched face frown lines stood in stark relief
between her normally smooth brows and her hazel eyes were
glassy from the tears she refused to let fall.

A wave of sadness washed over her as it sometimes did when she
looked too hard at herself. Turning from her reflection she
unhooked her robe from behind the door and draped the soft
warm folds over her nakedness. The covering made her feel more
secure and she was grateful for this small measure of comfort.

She had planned to go straight to bed after her bath but she
knew sleep wouldn’t come easily tonight, and not wanting to spend
useless hours lying awake in the dark with nothing but her
morbid thoughts for company, she pulled a pillow from the bed
and headed for the sitting-room. The TV would hopefully
provide her with something that would occupy her mind. Her
pillow fluffed up in the corner of the couch and a lightweight
blanket covering her feet Buffy flipped through the channels,
an old black and white movie catching her attention. Satisfied that she wouldn’t need to blow dry her barely damp hair, it she lay down on her side facing the TV trying to pick up the plot.

The movie was terrible; after a long hard struggle fraught
with danger and high drama the hero failed to triumph leaving
behind a grieving sweetheart who was destined to pine for him
for the rest of her life loving no other, living her life a
model of goodness and piety as a testimony of his great love
and sacrifice.

Buffy had hated it, but was unable to tear herself away from
the unhappy story, as the end credits finally rolled across
the screen she heaved a sigh of relief. Positive that she’d
had her fill of sad movies that left her feeling even more sad
and empty then should be humanly possible Buffy hunted for
something lighter or maybe something action-y. Finding an old
Chevy Chase movie she put the remote down, content for now with
the little box’s offering. She loved the Lampoon films they
always made her laugh.

Curled up on her make shift bed she smiled wanly at the lame
jokes and dated comedy routines. But as the movie progressed
she acknowledged that Chevy Chase, like the failed hero from
the black and white, had failed to break her mood. Tiredness
returned bringing sadness with it and Buffy gave in to the
tears letting them fall quietly as she smiled weakly at
Chevy’s best efforts. Sleep eventually claimed her with the
tears still wet on her cheeks.

*****

For Spike the events of the evening had been very satisfying.
Ensnared by the beautiful young girl and her unconscious
display he’d found himself quickly aroused against his will by
the beautiful erotic images of the women performing the simple
tasks of washing her hair and bathing. The memory of that
soapy sponge gliding over her golden skin would be burned onto
his mind for a long time, and the fact that she was unaware
she was being watched made him all the more appreciative of
her. This was no phony peepshow staged for a paying customer
but the real deal, a beautiful young woman caught in all her
feminine glory, the act so basic and innocent, carried out with
such beguiling grace.

The slow strokes of the sponge whispered soft against her
glistening skin, her small reedy sighs of pleasure echoing in
the steamy room and her pretty face flushed with the heat all
served to inflame him. Swallowing past the lump in his throat
and adjusting the bulge in his pants Spike watched her
reclined on a girly pink bath cushion as she dragged the heavy
sponge over her face and neck. His shaft hardened even more
when she arched her back to roll the sponge behind her neck
causing her wet breasts to emerge from the water her nipples
pink and shiny. He couldn’t help the groan that escaped him,
the image was so perfect, never had she looked more beautiful,
more innocently erotic, more…he wanted to see more and
silently willed her to keep going; then he noticed her
movements slowing and gradually stopping altogether.

For a few moments she didn’t move or make a sound the sponge
slipped from her nerveless fingers bobbing among the bubbles
her head tilted on the pink cushion.

‘Bloody hell! The silly bint’s fallen asleep.’ He jolted
upright in his chair glaring at the screen, instantly willing
her to wake up. He watched horrified as she slipped minutely
further into the water. Bloody hell! Of all the stupid things
and after her mum’s warning stupid, stupid woman! Before he
knew it he’d grabbed the phone and was dialing her number.

Glaring at the bathroom scene Spike listened, it only
took two rings before she jerked awake just as she about to
slip under the water. Coughing and spluttering she thrashed
about as she fought to right herself in the tub. The phone
continued to ring the noise coming from two places at once,
the speaker on the table and the handset held to his ear.
Relieved she was okay, he saw her catch onto the side of the
tub breathing hard staring at the ringing phone like it was
responsible for her near drowning.

She reached over and picked the phone up. The ringing stopped.

"Hello," she said. The sound of her voice mesmerized him her
tone soft and childlike.

He should have hung up but he hesitated wondering what she
would do.

"Hello!" That one was much stronger she was recovering quickly
he thought.

Smiling at the bewildered expression that flittered across her
face Spike kept quiet.

"Hello! Is there anyone there?" Her voice reflected in her
face.

Still he kept quiet.

"Mom is that you?" She sounded worried.

Now wouldn’t that jus’ be priceless if it was your mum, he
thought.

The silence stretched out a lot longer. He saw her stiffen her
expression turning from puzzlement to a blend of hopefulness
and sorrow.

"Angel…is that you?" she whispered.

He hung up. Anger burned him. Hearing the way she’d said his
name so… longingly, it made his blood boil it made him sick to
his stomach. Irrationally he wanted to scream at her. What the
bleedin’ hell is wrong with all these stupid women that they
all fuckin’ worshiped bleedin’ Angel. He ranted.

He grabbed his cigarettes, lighting up quickly. Sucking hard on
the filter and expelling the smoke in angry clouds he paced the
length of the room in short sharp strides, anger swelling
inside him.

Spike was brought up short when he heard the muffled sobs
coming from the speaker. She was curled in on herself, crying
no doubt feeling sorry for her self. ‘Serves her right, stupid
bint.’

Sitting back down Spike resumed watching her. She swiped at
her tears, annoyance coloring her quick movements. The erotic
atmosphere broken he examined her as she stood under the spray
of the shower.

He’d just been given the best kind of confirmation he could
possibly ask for; by her own actions she’d revealed her
feelings for Angel.

Standing naked in front of her mirror she towel-dried her
hair, her slim frame trembling as she gazed at herself. What
was she doing? He wondered. Did she know how beautiful she
was? Standing there, golden and naked, her wet hair framing her
pretty face, her expression full of resolve and strength
giving her a warrior’s appearance.

Admiration and hate in equal measure filled him. He smiled
grimly to himself. She was going to make life very interesting for
everyone.

Wearing her robe and pulling a pillow from her bed he watched as she left
the mess of the bathroom and plonked herself in front of the
TV. Flicking through the programs she settled in to watch some
late night nonsense.

Still suffering from his bout of rage Spike contemplated
leaving the monitors to Gilbey’s care but rejected the idea,
loath to leave watching her on her first night home.

There was a sharp knock on the door. Scowling Spike turned his
head to see who the hell it was. Luke stood in the doorway. Instantly alert, Spike swung round to face him.

"Boss, we just got confirmation from our overseas operatives. They’ve found him."

Excited Spike jumped up. "Where?" he demanded.

Luke grinned at him. "Spain, they sent these details by fax,"
he handed Spike a sheet of copy paper. "If you give the go
ahead I’ll leave straight away."

Spike scanned the paper nodding his expression serious as he
read. "What ‘bout Dru? It don’t say anythin’ about her here."

Shaking his head Luke answered. "Don’t know boss, all the info
we got was about Angel."

Giving the other man a hard steady look he said. "Go get him."

Looking down at the puzzling report Spike heard the door close
behind Luke. He was positively tingling with anticipation
after all the endless bleedin’ waiting and searching finally
he’d found him but where the bloody hell was Dru? The answer
would be his soon enough, twenty-four hours and that bastard
Angel would be able to tell him. A smug feeling of
satisfaction tingled through him. One more piece, a major
piece, was about to be delivered into his hands, his to control
and to play with. The thought reminded him of Buffy his eyes
snapped to the monitors.

She was crying again. Soft little sobs, her tears falling
unchecked as she watched a Chevy Chase movie. Spike turned the
speaker up to it highest setting so he could enjoy the
pleasing combination of her weeping mingled with the overtly
cheery laughter coming from her TV set. His own small laugh
adding to the sound filling the room. Buffy’s sobs faded away
as she drifted off to sleep. Satisfied Spike went to bed.

*********************************************************************

Chapter Seven.



The Waiting Game.



Spike was feeling happy, he supposed he could feel a lot happier but he wasn’t a greedy man, he was ‘happy’ to settle for plain old ordinary happy. If everything continued in the vein it had been going, he was sure to promote ‘happy’ to ‘ecstatic’ fairly soon.

Angel was safely locked away. Luke had returned with him as instructed. He’d been unconscious when he’d arrived. Carried in, in between two members of the retrieval team, Spike had grimly viewed the bruising on Angel’s face. He must have put up a fight. The two men placed him on a small iron bed that was fixed to the wall, of the specially prepared room.

Masters reaction to the news was predictable.

“I knew you could do it William. Maybe when you’ve had a chance to question him you can let me know the out come,” Masters said.

“You can count on it. Did you smooth over things with the clients whose files he stole?” Spike asked.

“Yes, yes, thanks to you William I was able to salvage all of our connections. A great stroke of luck having those copies,” Masters almost sounded proud, but Spike thought he was imagining it.

“Yeah, Wesley has proved to be very useful. I had intended to send him on to you eventually, but I’ve changed my mind, I’d like to keep him,” Masters didn’t answer straight away. “That’s if it’s alright with you?” Spike added.

“Of course William, he’s yours to do with as you please, both him and Angel,” Masters said. “I’m sure I don’t need to remind you, of our conversation concerning Angel’s punishment.”

“No, no you don’t.”

“Good, have you given any thought as to what you want in way of a reward William?”

“No, but as soon as I do I’ll let you know.”

The conversation had turned to more business like matters, and ended with Spike feeling more in command of the L.A. branch.

*****

Spike decided to let his guest cool his heels for a few days. Angel wouldn’t be expecting it. He knew Spike and would be expecting him to rush things, especially since there was still no trace of Drusilla. The question of her whereabouts would have to remain unanswered for a little longer.

Angel’s only contact with anyone was at meal times, where someone would bring him his food, and unchain him from the bed long enough to eat and use the bathroom. For two days he didn’t try to speak to his captors, and they didn’t show any signs of talking to him. He was left alone, with no means of distracting himself.

On the third day, he tried talking to the guards when, they brought his noon meal. The food had been the same everyday since his arrival, and he half heartedly complained to the man carrying the tray. His efforts were met with stony silence. The guard with the gun never letting his eyes leave Angel who was locked to the bed, as his companion placed the food on a table and unlocked him. Silently they retreated.

Spike watched Angel from the observation room next door, waiting for him to show signs of frustration, it was bound to come, and Spike was learning that patience was his friend.

Spike hadn’t lied when he told Masters that Wesley was proving very useful. He’d asked him to find out about Buffy’s involvement with Glory’s girls, and a detailed background history. Spike was very impressed with his work. Wesley was very thorough; he showed a knack for uncovering what someone else might overlook, with the intelligence to link it all together. Humourlessly, Spike thought he’d have made a good cop. Thanks to Wesley he knew how he was going to play this. Now it was s simple matter of informing the relevant people, and all he had to do was sit back and wait, a thing that was much easier, now that he had Angel where he needed him.

*****

Loaded down with shopping, Buffy half fell through her front door. Grocery shopping midweek thanks to Xander, and his pit of a stomach. Heaving the heavy bags into the kitchen, Buffy rummaged around until she found the one with the ice cream in. Double choc with cherries, her favourite, leaving the treat on the work surface she quickly unpacked the rest of the food.

Parked in front of the TV Buffy sat cross legged on the couch, spooning the heavenly ice cream slowly into her mouth, drawing each spoonful out to prolong her enjoyment, lost in the simple pleasure. The ringing of the phone interrupted her. She glared at it resentfully, debating whether or not to let the machine pick up for her.

Thinking it might be her mum she quickly grabbed it up.

“Hello!” she said cheerily, muting the TV.

“Hi Buffy!”

“Cordy hi, how are you?” Buffy exclaimed.

“Fine, thanks for asking, and how are you?”

Buffy smiled at Cordy’s ice cream queen tone. “Oh you know, so, so could be worse, could be better,” she joked.

The two friends laughed. “So are you coming on Saturday? And you know the answer better be yes.”

“Then I guess the answer’s yes,” Buffy giggled. “What time and where do we meet?”

“Eight thirty at the spa. I’ve booked us with the new guy Darius,” she said smugly. “And Faith managed to get us late lunch reservations at Firenze, in the private garden room.”

“Wow! Who did she have to sleep with to get that?” Buffy half joked. Her friends’ profession was always a subject for good-natured criticism. It was a game they played, Buffy in a light hearted way always trying to persuade her friends to give up their ‘careers’, and the girls pretending that they didn’t have a clue what she was hinting at.

“No one I’ve met…yet,” Cordy huffed. “Is Willow still coming?”

“Yes, but she might not be able to join us for lunch.”

The two girls talked for over an hour, leaving both of them with aching jaws.
Buffy’s ice cream had melted when she eventually rung off, she shrugged, feeling happy and high. A big cheesy grin on her face, as she thought about the fantastic time they were going to have on Saturday. She couldn’t wait.

*****

Sitting in the plush reception area at the exclusive Oasis Beauty Spa, sipping an iced fruit drink of unknown origins Willow waited for her friends to show up. As usual she was the first to arrive, looking at her watch for the umpteenth time in ten minutes, she sighed heavily. The pretty receptionist gave her a sympathetic smile, and carried on flirting with one of the male beauty consultants. Willow didn’t think she stood a chance, he screamed gay.

The doors opened, and Willow smiled in relief as her friends came noisily through the entrance, chatting and giggling all at once. Like Willow, they were all dressed casually in jeans and t-shirts. Seeing the dress bags they carried, Willow knew they’d be dressed differently when they left.

“Willow! You’re early,” Buffy said in way of greeting.

“No I’m not, as usual you lot are late.”

Giving her a sideways look, and a dirty smirk Faith asked. “Someone push you out the wrong side of the bed this morning Red?”

Without hesitating Willow replied. “Only the same guy I go to bed with every night. Who was it for you this morning, or didn’t you bother to get his name?”

“Ooooh! Red; that was pretty good come back for you,” laughed Faith.

“I didn’t know you could do catty Will. When did that happen?” Buffy teased.

“What’d ya mean? I can do catty.” Seeing their disbelieving faces she exclaimed with conviction, “I CAN!”

They all burst out laughing at her indignant expression.

A member of staff came out to greet them. “Ladies, Darius is waiting for you.” She indicated that they should follow her, as she walked through the double doors that would lead them into the Spa.
The girl guided them to a room decorated in soft fresh greens, and muted earth tones. Treatment couches and styling chairs, lined the walls that were hung with giant rustic framed mirrors, soft green ferns and forest foliage, in bark covered urns and troughs gave a tranquil woodland feel to the area. The effect was very restful.

“Ladies, welcome to the Woodland Room. I’m Darius, and these are my assistants Pipa and Esme,” greeted the tall Greek hunk, his eyes settled on Harmony. “And, you are all so beautiful already, how can you possibly expect me to improve on perfection?” he said shaking his head.

Willow, Buffy and Harmony giggled like school girls at the silly flattery, Faith and Cordelia were a little more immune, and they shared a raised eyebrow look and smiled sweetly at Darius.

“Shall we begin ladies? If you follow Pipa she will take you to the changing rooms where you can leave your belongings, and change into your gowns.”

Giggling and laughing they left with Pipa. The day passed so quickly. They were rubbed and scrubbed, soaked and bathed in sweet smelling oils and lotions, and wrapped in odd smelling mineral mud from the ocean floor. It was exhausting being relaxing.

Darius and his team were fantastic; they pampered each girl with exotic treatments and gentle hands. Bringing them iced mineral water, and chilled slices of fruits and berries.

The friends chatted about all the latest things going on in their lives, and the conversation was often filled with girly nonsense. Harmony was deep into a detailed description about an evening dress she was going to buy, Cordy was trying to dissuade the blonde from buying it in the blue, her argument being, that the cool shade would be too draining on her complexion, and she would be much better off buying the red as it would make her glow.

Harmony’s uncertain expression prompted Cordy to ask the others their opinion. Faith, Buffy and Willow all agreed with Cordy.

But the matter was settled by Darius who patted Harmony on the hand, saying. “You should listen to your friends little dove, you would look fabulous in red. In fact, I insist that when you buy the gown, you must come and model it for me.”

Suddenly shy, Harmony stammered her agreement.

The others exchanged knowing looks. It would seem that Harmony had made a conquest; the Greek man had been playfully flirting with the ditzy blonde all morning, complimenting her on her beautiful hair and soft eyes, making her giggle and smile every time he spoke or looked her way.

Faith thought it was hilarious for a woman in their profession, to be acting like a school girl with her first crush, even if the guy was a ‘Greek God’, she had to hide her laughter in case she upset the other girl.

When Darius left them alone, to attend to their next treatment in the other room, Faith couldn’t help teasing her. “Wow! Harm, girl that boy is falling all over himself to get a piece of you,” she laughed, winking at Buffy. “Play your cards right and you might be playing Aphrodite to his Adonis.”

Sitting on the other side of Harmony, Buffy giggled. “Yes, and wear the red dress when you do.”

Harmony glared from one girl to the other. “I don’t think that’s very funny. I’m sure you’ve got it all wrong, he’s just being nice to me, I’m sure it doesn’t mean a thing. And I wish you two wouldn’t make a big deal out of it.”

“No, your right it doesn’t mean a thing,” Faith repeated.

“Nope, no big deal you’re right. It’s a zip, zero, zilch deal,” rhymed Buffy in a sing-song fashion.

Harmony continued to glare at the two of them, heaving a huge sigh and throwing her hands up in defeat. Buffy and Faith bust out laughing.

“Hey! You two, stop teasing poor Harmony,” called Cordy from the other side of the room.

“Thanks Cordy.”

“It’s not her fault she’s a simpleton.”

“Hey!”

“And can’t pick her own dress, never mind a man,”

“HEY!”

“Just as well she has friends that love her, and will always help her out with clothes and men.”

A chorus of “that’s right,” “you bet,” and “yep, yep,” sprang from the others.

“Oh!” said a misty eyed Harmony.

Silence fell, each woman lost in her own thoughts.

Willow broke the silence with a little cough. “I have a question to ask you all…”

“Okay, go ahead an’ ask,” said Cordy.

“If one of you was pregnant how would you break the news to the others?” Willow asked.

A moment of stunned silence was followed by screams and squeals, as the girls rushed Willow hugging her fiercely. Jumping up and down in a noisy circle they cried and laughed, as they congratulated the mother to be.

Darius came back to see what all the noise was about, insisting that the Woodland Room was all about restfulness, and not to be confused with an open air rock concert. He tried to shoo the ladies back to their treatment areas, but when he found out what all the commotion was about, he too rushed to hug Willow. He instructed Esme to fetch champagne so they could toast mother and baby.

He fussed over Willow, helping her back to her chair as if she was made of fine china. Telling her she would make the most beautiful mother ever, and that she must promise to allow him to advice her on any skin care she might need during her pregnancy, all at special cost.

Willow blushed to the roots of her red hair, and Darius marvelled at her embarrassment, proclaiming her husband to be a lucky man to have such a charming wife. Champagne toasts were drunk and the conversation turned to baby talk.

Darius contributing to the conversation often, he was the third youngest in a family of twelve children, nine of them girls. He told them, that it was his family life that had led him to his profession. His mother had died after the last baby was born; the older children had had to care for the younger. He said he loved his sisters, who were all little mothers to him and his two brothers. His sisters, he told them were all beautiful women, both in appearance and in heart. So when he grew up it seemed natural, he would end up in a profession where he was surrounded by the two things he loved the most, women and beauty.

The girls oohed, and aaghed, over his story. Darius smiled and pronounced they needed another toast. Standing he raised his glass, toasting them with sincerity, “To women, because they are all little mothers in waiting.”

Sipping from their champagne glasses, tears of joy and happiness sparkled in their eyes the girls smiled at each other sharing the moment.

After their morning at the spa was over, they changed into their outfits. Willow hadn’t brought a change with her, as she’d intended to go home to Oz, but in light of her news the other women insisted she had to come to lunch with them, Willow’s protests that they wouldn’t get in to the fancy restaurant if she wearing jeans were quashed by Cordelia.

“No problem Will, we’ll just go shopping first. Harmony wanted to get that red evening dress, we’ll find you something there,” said the bossy brunet.

“Are you mad, I can’t afford the prices at MatchMakers?” squeaked Willow.

“Then I’ll just have to treat you,” she sighed. “And no auguring.” She held her hand up, to stave off her protests the second the red head opened her mouth.

“But…”

“No.”

“But,”

“I mean it.”

“Oh! All right,” she said at last, seeing Cordy wasn’t going to back down.

They finished changing and went back into the Woodland Room, where Darius waited to put any last minute touches to any ones hair or make-up. He proclaimed them all Beauty Queens, when he was satisfied that they looked their very best.

*****

Outside Harmony squealed, doing a little dance, as she waved a small card with Darius’s phone number on, at her friends.

“Oh! My! God! Girl! I told you he had the hots for you. When did he slip you that?” Faith asked, the giggling girl.

“Just as we were leaving,” she gushed.

They were making their way in an awkward little group to the car park.

“Just as well I gave him yours then,” Faith said blandly.

“What! You gave…really?”

“So did I,” said Cordy.

“Me too,” admitted Buffy.

Harmony looked at Willow with an expectant expression, after a second or two Willow just nodded.

Patting the dazed girl on the shoulder, Faith said. “At least with all those numbers you won’t have to wait long for his call,” Faith smirked.

“Okay enough talk, I’m starved lets go eat,” chirped Buffy.

“No, shopping first then food,” said Cordy.

“My tummy hates you,” groused Buffy.

“Yeah, yeah you’ll cope. Think of it as building up an appetite,” she said flouncing off.

“We’ll meet you at MatchMakers,” Faith called over her shoulder as she opened her car door.

Willow and Buffy made their way to their cars. “Poor Buffy, Cordy should know by now that you never have to work up an appetite. Don’t worry I’ll choose a dress quickly,” she said and hopped in her car.

*****

Cordy looked like she was going to make Willow try on half the shop in pursuit of what she considered the right dress, until Faith elbowed her out of the way. “Go find a chair, and park your ass in it girl, before I smack you,” fumed Faith. She grabbed Willow and propelled her in a direction that didn’t have Cordy in.

Seeing Buffy sniggering at her Cordy shrugged her shoulders, and smiled sheepishly.

“Did that assistant find Harmony’s dress?” Cordy asked.

“Yes, she’s trying it on now.”

Scanning through the racks of clothes with a critical eye the two friends searched for the perfect find.

“I talked to my mother last week,” Cordy suddenly said. She looked at Buffy from the corner of her eye, waiting to hear what her friend’s reaction might be.

“Oh…ah…wow, that’s…how did it go?” Buffy asked. She knew this was a big deal; Cordelia hadn’t spoken to her family since she’d left Sunnydale right after graduation. Running away to become an actress had been her dream, when it failed and she’d fallen into a life as an escort she couldn’t bring herself to return home, ashamed for been so naive as to believe that fame was waiting around the corner, and doubly ashamed when her stubborn pride led her to Glory.

“Fine, you know…it was…fine,” she smiled a small smile. “You won’t say anything to Faith or Harm, will you?”

“No, of course not I promise. What did she say? Are you going to speak to her again?” Buffy asked in a rush.

Cordelia looked around them, making sure they weren’t over heard. “Yes I’m going to call her next week, and she said lots…she wants to see me…they want me to go home.”

Buffy blinked, not knowing what to say.

“I’m thinking about it…I guess I never believed they’d really want me back after I ran away and all…but…I’ve really missed them, and I know it’s only been one phone call…but when I heard her voice, and she sounded so unbelievably happy to hear from me,” there were tears in both girls’ eyes. “And she’s my mom…like Willow’s going to be a mom…and…”

Buffy was nodding her understanding, the tears spilling over her lashes.

“I don’t want to do this any more Buffy, I think…I want to go home,” Cordy sniffed.

Buffy hugged her. “I’m so happy for you. After all this time I can’t believe you’re finally going to go home.”

They broke apart, wiping the tears from their cheeks. Buffy was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. Willow and Oz were going to be parents, Cordelia was going to go home, Buffy just knew she would, Cordelia wasn’t the type to even mention it in passing if she hadn’t already made up her mind, and it looked like Harmony was on the verge of something new, who knew where it would lead. Maybe something good would happen for Faith as well, maybe she too would decide she’d had enough of this life or meet someone who would change it for her.

Faith returned with Willow, seeing the two girls’ tears she said. “Hey! I know the prices are a little steep, but there’s no need to cry.”

Willow looked concerned.

“Oh wow! Willow you look beautiful,” Buffy and Cordy said.

She was wearing a soft cream heavy silk wrap dress. It had a full skirt that swished around her calves when she moved, and was trimmed with a ribbon of tan suede at the hem and around the neckline that crossed snugly over her breasts. It was beautiful, and so was Willow.

Harmony arrived carrying a small bag, much too small to hold an evening gown. “Willow you look great. Here this is for you,” she said and handed the bag to Willow.

“Where’s your dress?” Buffy asked.

“Oh, the boutique is going to deliver it.”

“Harmony! Why have you bought me panties?” Willow asked, holding up a pair of tiny lilac panties.

“Well I figured everyone would be buying you stuff for the baby, and I wanted to get you something for just you…and Oz,” giggled the blonde.

“Oh!” Willow blushed.

“Yeah, get it while you can Red,” chimed Faith.

The shop assistant handed Cordy her credit card after she signed the charge slip. “Come on, we’d better go before Buffy starts eating the price tags. Look at her all pale and little, fading away before our eyes,” teased Cordy.

Faith and Buffy agreed that when they got to the restaurant they’d leave their cars in the nearby parking complex, and take cabs home, Buffy rarely drank but today was special, and she felt like celebrating.

Oz needed the car for a gig that evening, so Willow had to pass on the celebrating of the alcoholic kind, besides, one glass of champagne was more then enough for a woman in her condition, she told them. Wearing her new dress, feeling so good after the day at the spa and so very happy about the baby and the future Willow took a moment to see her friends’ happiness shining in their eyes, especially Buffy, who had been so down lately. Sighing contentedly she let her friends nudge her out the door after an eager Buffy who was already at her car.

“Wow! She must be really hungry,” said Willow.

“Oh yeah!” said the girls.

*****

Late lunch in the garden room at Firenze was very relaxed, which suited everyone just fine; they were all beginning to feel very lethargic. Late afternoon sunshine poured through the windows of the private room, casting a beautiful golden glow over the walls and décor, the five friends sat quietly chatting over the remains of their meal. The food had been great, and the wine Cordelia had chosen for them had been light and fruity, on her third glass Buffy thought it was also pretty strong. She pushed the nearly full glass away, deciding that maybe she’d had enough.

Faith and Harmony sat with their heads together whispering. Buffy caught snatches of their conversation, and guessed it had something to do with the Greek man when she heard his name spoken.

“It’s no good Faith; as soon as he finds out what I am he’ll just run the other way. What’s the point in even trying?” Harmony whispered.

“You’re being stupid. Beside he knows already,” Faith whispered back, seeing the shocked look on Harmony’s face, she added. “Don’t worry it’ll be fine.”

“What! How do you know he knows?” her eyes were large with surprise.

“Cus’ I told him.”

“What! Are you mad? Do you hate me or something?” she said anxiously.

“Calm down,” she patted her hand. “Look I had to tell him. And look at it this way, at least you don’t have to worry about him finding out and running out on you. This way if he calls you and I think he will, it’ll be all up-front and honest like.”

Harmony was nervous and pale when she whispered. “What did he say? What did you say?”

“I said look Darius, Harmony and a couple of us aren’t the kind of girls you’d bring home to momma. We’re the kind of girls who, have to do what they have to do, to survive. Understand what I’m saying?” She paused to see if Harmony was taking this in.

“Then he said, all calm and knowing like. ‘It doesn’t matter what a woman has to do to survive, all that matters is what she is, not what she does. Do you understand what I’m saying?’”

“That’s when I gave him your number,” finished Faith.

Harmony was thunderstruck, her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open, making tiny little squeaks of nonsense.

Cordy and Buffy had been talking about Sunnydale, and reliving high school days with a laughing Willow.

Interrupting them Faith asked. “Anyone want dessert?”

A chorus of yes’s rang out, and Harmony snapped out of her daze.

An hour later, the waitress was busy clearing away the dessert dishes. Willow declined more coffee, when Cordy ordered another pot. Oz needed the car and she had to leave now, or risk making him late for his gig. She left promising to phone Buffy to find out the plans for the next get together. The others weren’t in such a rush Faith, Cordelia and Harmony didn’t need to be back until at least nine for their clients, and Buffy would be going home to the TV, so no rush there.

They lingered over their coffees discussing Willow’s pregnancy, and how her life would be forever altered when the baby arrived. Speculating what their lives would be like, if they too were married with children. Buffy and Cordy just didn’t see themselves in that role, Harmony had a dreamy look on her face, but Faith was oddly quite. Buffy noticed, and steered the topic to less bitter-sweet imaginings.

*****

It was getting dark when they stepped outside to hail their cabs.

last minute, the friends were oblivious to everything but each other. Faith was the first one to be distracted, when she noticed a limousine pull up beside them. They shuffled out of the way, to allow the passengers room to exit.

At first the giggling girls, didn’t realize the men weren’t making an effort to go into the restaurant. Their idle chatter died, when they became aware of the two men looming over them.

Bristling, they regarded the strangers with annoyance. As one they tried to move out of their way, giving the men an unobstructed path to the door of Firenze but as they moved, the men moved with them. The bigger one moving in behind them, in a threatening manner; that hemmed them between the limousine, and the other man, he clearly meant to prevent them from getting away.

The girls annoyance turned to anger, tinged with alarm, Buffy glanced over her shoulder at the man behind them. She noticed they were dressed in suits, really nice expensive looking suits, and though they weren’t doing more then preventing them from moving, Buffy had the distinct feeling they’d prevent them with force if necessary.

“Ladies, the boss wants to see you.” They spun around to face the big man when he spoke.

Finding her voice Faith asked. “What boss?”

“Your boss,” he fixed her with a hard stare. “You work for Glory and Glory works for him, therefore your boss.”

“Angel’s back!” The words were out of Faith’s mouth before she could even think about it. She heard Buffy give a small gasp. Faith caught her eye, trying to warn her to keep silent. Buffy must have understood, because she kept quite.

“No,” scoffed the big man. “He’s long gone. It’s Spike that’s running things now, and he hates to be kept waiting…so…” he pointed to the open door of the limo.

Thinking about it for a split second Faith answered. “Okay, Cordy, Harmony let’s go.” She turned towards Buffy and said. “Bye Buffy we’ll see you soon, okay!”

Buffy was nodding, a worried frown between her brows.

“Ms. Summers too,” the big man said.

“What!” they both exclaimed.

“He wants to see her too,” his eyes swung to Buffy. “Now get in the car, before I shove you in,” he growled holding his jacket open, just enough for them to see the butt of his gun.

Faith looked very worried now, but the two men were crowding them, and she knew better then to make a scene. Taking Buffy’s hand and giving it a squeeze she reassured. “It’s okay, everything will be alright. Okay?”

Left with no choice Buffy nodded, still looking at the big man. Glancing at Faith and then at Cordy and Harmony who were already sitting in the car, she gave a nervous smile and followed Faith.

The limo was big and could seat all of them with ease, but it still felt too small.

Faith tried to get some answers from their abductors but, they remained stony and silent, the big one staring hard at Faith and Buffy. Harmony shifted nervously on her seat, playing with the clasp of her purse. Suddenly the big man snatched the purse from her unsuspecting fingers; she gasped indignantly as he dumped the contents on the floor.

What’s he looking for? Buffy wondered.

Satisfied that she hadn’t been hiding anything, he tossed the empty purse back on her lap.

“You next,” he said to Cordy. He held out his hand for her purse.

She handed it over with a sweet smile.

Harmony was on her knees picking up the spilled items. Cordy’s purse was treated a little kinder, he only searched it and handed it back when he’d finished.

Silently he held his hand out for Faith’s purse.

“No,” was Faith’s reply.

The big man didn’t retract his extended hand. He glanced sideways at his companion, who pulled a gun from inside his jacket and pointed it at Faith.

The girls gasped in fear.

“Now I know you’re not that stupid Faith, so just hand over the purse,” he said.

“And what if I don’t, you going to have your friend here shoot me?” She bravely goaded.

“No, I’ll have him shoot one of your friends.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” she challenged.

Again he glanced at the other man. A shot fired. The girls screamed flattening themselves on the seats, hands pressed to their ears, and eyes tightly shut. When no more shots were fired they slowly righted themselves. Faith and Cordy looked at the headrest between them. There was a small hole close to the position Cordy’s head had been, the two women exchanged frightened looks.

Cordy was trembling. Harmony was curled up in the furthest corner of the car crying. Faith handed the purse over.

“Well, no wonder you didn’t want me to look,” he said, as he pulled a small gun from the interior of Faith’s purse. He slipped the gun into his side pocket and practically threw the purse at her head. She caught it before it could do any damage.

“You too Ms Summers,” he looked at her with his hand extended. Buffy gave him the bag. As he searched she looked at the other man, he was still holding the gun, watching the girls coldly, Faith in particular, as if he expected her to produce another gun from somewhere.

The big man offered Buffy her purse back. When she took it from him he sat back saying. “Now if Dixon here has to use his gun again it won’t be the leather he hits, so sit still and shut up. We’ll be there soon.”

A trembling Cordelia had an arm wrapped around a trembling Harmony, trying to comfort her.

Faith glared at the two men, her angry stare seemed to amuse them which made her fume all the more, Buffy could feel it rolling off her in waves.

Anger filled Buffy. Anger was good, she thought, and she let her anger build, pushing back the fear that had been churning inside her ever since the men had forced them into the limo.
She hated bullies, she had to deal with their victims first hand all the time, and she knew all too well the damage they could do to those who were weaker and more vulnerable then them. Shocked and frightened when the man called Dixon had fired at Cordy, she’d felt just like Harmony and had wanted to give in to her tears, but for some reason she was glad she hadn’t shown any weakness in front of these men.

Their boss wanted to see them, but what did that mean? Judging by the way they’d been picked up it wasn’t to party. And he knew her name, how was that possible? And why would he want to see her? She knew it was no use worrying her self, she’d find out soon enough.

Meeting the vaguely mocking look the men were giving them with as much calm composure as she could muster, Buffy returned their gaze unflinchingly.

*************************************************************


 

Chapter Eight.

Summer to Winter.


The car pulled into a driveway through a pair of imposing iron gates that swung shut behind them. Buffy could see glimpses of a large grayish stone house, flashing through the tinted windows of the limo. It looked beautiful, outdoor lighting illuminated three floors of pale gray stone work and white Georgian windows.

The other feature that Buffy couldn’t help but notice was the fountain that was the centre piece, on the front lawn. Made of the same stone as the house, it reminded Buffy of a carousel, it consisted of two circles one inside the other, in the centre on a tall stone pillar was a beautiful lacy stainless steel canopy, and below the canopy on the smaller inner circle was a ring of six gray stone dolphins, all touching nose to tail, it looked as if they were swimming as they moved in a slow rotation, pushed by the water that poured from the top edge of the canopy and splashed onto their backs and tails. It looked so beautiful, all lit up in a soft blue glow from inside the outer ring, the dolphins were bathed in the soft blue light as they danced in and out of the mock waterfall.

Buffy noticed the others peering through the car windows, by the looks on their faces it was all unfamiliar to them too. The car pulled to a stop at the front doors, someone stepped up to the car, opened the door and reached in to help Harmony step out. She looked at Faith. Not knowing what else to do, Faith nodded and Harmony stepped out onto the gravel of the driveway, though she refused the helping hand the new comer offered. Faith was glad to see the blonde had managed to pull herself together.

Dixon’s gun was still aimed at them, and the big man looked like he’d enjoy any trouble they might try. Faith half understood why they were here, but she was worried for Buffy, she didn’t belong here, and she wouldn’t know how to deal with what was happening.

Cordelia was standing next to Harmony on the gravel, looking back nervously at Faith and Buffy. Faith grabbed Buffy’s hand and pulled her out of the car. Even when they were outside she didn’t let go.

The two men followed them closely. Two more men were waiting outside, one by the limo door and one on the steps leading up to the house.
Keeping Buffy close to her side Faith walked ahead, passing the other two women and trying to put a little distance between them and the men.

“Listen B, no matter what happens keep your mouth shut,” she whispered. Seeing the stubborn frown on her friends face she added. “I mean it B. This is no time for fucking heroics, don’t do or say anything stupid. If you say nothing, they’ll know nothing.”

Buffy’s expression was a little too stubborn and defiant for Faith’s liking; she’d feel happier if Buffy would pretend at meekness, she’d be safer, hell! they all would. Faith had to make her understand. “If you do, or say the wrong thing here we could all die. These aren’t pimps or slap happy boyfriends, and whoever HE is, he isn’t Angel…so just keep your trap shut.”

That seemed to work, a spark of fear flashed in her eyes, Buffy gave her a meaningful look and a tiny nod indicating her understanding. Satisfied she’d behave Faith gave her hand one more reassuring squeeze, before letting her go. There was no time to try and give Cordy and Harmony any reassurances. They were being quickly hustled through an imposing hallway, with a black lacquered wood floor so black and shiny that it almost looked like black glass.

The room they were led into was a sitting room with high ceilings, and the same black lacquered floor as the hallway. Two large cream coloured couches sat either side of a black marble fire place that covered half the chimney breast, and before the fire place stood the rooms’ only occupant.

The man was of a slim light build. He was of average height maybe five-nine, five-ten at the most. Dressed in an expensive looking charcoal gray suit, he stood imposing and dangerous looking. His features were distinct, sharpened by high cheek bones and a full mouth. Buffy wasn’t sure about his age, but she guessed any where from between mid-twenties to mid-thirties. But it was his stock of platinum blonde hair, and piercing blue eyes that were his most prominent features. She decided that he looked both handsome and intimidating.

Faith bravely led the way into the room, Cordy and Harmony cautiously following her. Buffy hung back, wanting to let Faith take charge. The other woman was clearly expecting trouble, and the blonde man before them certainly looked like he’d provide it.

Slowly he gazed over Faith and the other two women, subjecting them to an insolent appraisal. They stood meekly accepting his blatant inspection, even posing for him unconsciously. Buffy felt indignation and embarrassment flush her face when she witnessed their reaction, as his gaze lingered on their legs, hips or breasts.

He smirked at her, arching a brow in amusement when he saw her blush. Expecting him to treat her to the same disgusting examination, she was surprised when his gaze went no further then a brief scan of her face. Buffy felt her anger rising, frowning she glared unpleasantly at him. Harmony gave her a nervous look, which reminded her of Faith’s warning. She dropped her eyes to the floor, not trusting herself if she had to see him smirking at her again.

The silence that followed was uncomfortable for Buffy, but the others seemed happy to wait it out. Amazed at her friends behaviour, Buffy curiously watched the normally out spoken Faith stand like a little child, waiting for her father to chastise her. The silence dragged out unbearably. Buffy looked over her shoulder at the four men behind them, she glanced at the two new faces, both tall and both of a similar build, one had dark brown nearly black hair and wore glasses, he was handsome with a kind face, the other had sandy brown hair and a horrifying facial scar, that made him look brutal. He shot her a quick nasty grin which twisted his scar horribly. The ugly disfigurement made her stomach heave, Buffy shivered in distaste.

Wishing she’d never looked behind her she quickly turned back to find the blonde man’s eyes on her again, his amused smirk was back, and she realized he’d seen her shiver.

Stepping away from the fire place, smiling he moved towards them, one arm extended in a friendly gesture guiding them to the seating area. Faith moved towards him and the couch.

“You must be Faith?” he said with a welcoming smile on his face. His British accent making the familiar words sound strange and foreign.

“Yeah, that’s right.” He directed her to a seat on the blush couch. Watching as Cordy came forward, he smiled at her.

“And you must be Cordelia?” She nodded, smiling sweetly at him as he took her hand guiding her to the seat next to Faith.

Looking at Harmony he said. “Then that must mean you’re Harmony?”

“Yes I am how’d you guess?” Giggled the ditzy blonde, he laughed at her puzzled reply pointing her towards the seat next to Cordy.

He turned to Buffy and extended his hand to her, Buffy hesitantly took it. “Ms. Summers, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Buffy didn’t know what to say, so she took Faith’s advice and kept her mouth shut. Still holding her hand, he led her to the other couch opposite the three girls. Nervous glances were shooting between all the women. As Buffy sat down he released her hand, and sat next to her.

“Well, now I know who you all are, I s’pose I better introduce myself,” he paused giving them a friendly smile. “I’m William Winters, but everyone calls me Spike, and these are my men,” he pointed to the men standing around the room. “The thick necked giant is Luke and the old man is Dixon, but you’ve already met them.”

Buffy looked at the big man Luke, he was standing close to the end of the couch, his arms folded over his chest gazing at Faith with a deadpan expression.

“The other geezers over there are Wesley and Gilbey. The one with the chewed up face is Gilbey,” Spike motioned at the two new men. Buffy tried to suppress another little shiver, Spike looked at her.

“Oh don’t worry Ms. Summers he’s ‘armless…until I point him at somethin’ that is,” his tone was light and joking, but Buffy could sense that he meant it.

He appeared to be pleasant, smiling and polite, but Buffy could feel the menacing quality radiating off him. She looked at him steadily. He patted the pockets of his jacket searching for something. Pulling out a pack of cigarettes he casually lit one, letting the silence build again as they waited for him to continue.

“Now you must be wonderin’ why you’re all ‘ere, and I’ll tell you soon enough, but first, I’d like to know which one of you wants to be spokes person?” He looked from one silent girl to the next. “C’mon ladies, who wants to do the talkin’ for the lot of you?”

“Me, I’ll do it,” Faith said.

Spike regarded her for a moment, smoking his cigarette. Sighing he nodded solemnly.

“Luke.”

“Yes boss.”

“Take Faith into the other room and…talk to her.”

“Yes boss,” Luke said, reaching over the arm of the couch he grabbed Faith by the arm and hauled her up.

“Hey! What’s the big idea?” she yelled, struggling to free her self as Luke dragged her towards a connecting door on the other side of the room.

As soon as Luke grabbed Faith the girls jumped up in protest, but quickly sat back down when Dixon and Gilbey pulled their guns. The distinctive sound of the weapons being cocked rang clear over their screams. Buffy would have ignored the guns, but she couldn’t ignore the painful grip Spike had clamped on her wrist, as he yanked her back down onto the couch. She tried to pry his fingers from her hand, until he caught that hand too. Wrenching her hands in a tight hold he tried to suppress her struggles. Gone was his friendly manner and smiles, she pulled in his grip hoping to break free, his eyes were filled with hate and cold anger.

Faith had disappeared through the door. The sound of something slamming into it from the other side jarred Buffy into turning to gaze at it in disbelief. Looking at Cordy and Harmony, she saw her own shock reflected in their pale faces. The guns were aimed at them; if they should try to move in anyway to aid Faith then…Buffy didn’t want to think about it.

The door muffled the sounds of the violent struggle that was going on in the room that Luke, had dragged Faith to. A ripping noise and a scream made Buffy jump; she pulled again on the hands holding her, frantic to help Faith. The door shuddered again and Faith could be clearly heard yelling at Luke to stop. There was a loud smack and Faith whimpered.

Turning to the man gripping her wrists Buffy tugged with all her might, anger and fear spurring her on, lending her strength. He increased his grip painfully, causing her to yelp and gasp, she slowed her struggles.

“Stop it!” she pleaded.

“Stop what?” he asked innocently.

Anger flared in her, how dare he play with her.

“Damn it, you know what! Stop this…stop him hurting Faith,” Buffy snapped, anger burned in her eyes.

His smile was cruel and his eyes glittered. He was enjoying her reaction, watching her face carefully he shook his head, smiling cruelly at her. “No,” he whispered.

Infuriated she lashed out at him, wanting to make him stop. She kicked him as hard as she could. He yelped, shocked into releasing her. Clutching his shin he cursed loudly, pain and anger suffused his face and for a second Buffy thought he was going to hit her, but instead he grabbed her arms and pushed her roughly back onto the couch, pinning her with his body.

“Wesley, get the bleedin’ hell over ‘ere and get her shoes,” he yelled.

Pain flickered in his eyes as he stared angrily into her face. Suddenly she was aware of exactly how closely he was holding her, he had her arms pinned to her sides and he had one leg thrown across hers, preventing her from kicking out again. She was panting heavily, anger coursing through her. His eyes slid down to her heaving chest hidden beneath her silk blouse. Desperately she tried to control her breathing, he smirked at her knowingly.

She felt a hand on her foot, surprised she tried to pull away from it, but she quickly stopped when she realised her movements were causing her to rub against Spike. His smirked deepened.

Wesley removed her shoes and went back to his post by the hall door. Spike didn’t look as if he was going to let her go, he didn’t loosen his grip even when Wesley showed him her only means of retaliation were safely removed.

Buffy focused on the sounds still coming from the other room, and wished to God she hadn’t. There could be no doubt about it, Faith was being raped. Terrified for Faith she felt tears of helplessness sting her eyes. The door was rhythmically banging in its frame, a deep voiced grunt keeping time with it, Faith’s agonised moans cutting through the other sounds, straight to Buffy’s heart. She squeezed her eyes closed to shut out Spike’s smirking face.

“That was very stupid luv, don’t try anythin’ like it again, or Harmony and Cordelia will be entertainin’ Gilbey and Dixon,” he whispered close to her ear. She trembled fighting back her fear.

When he felt her tremble he released her, slowly moving back, watching her cautiously, she remained where she was for a moment before slowly righting herself. He rubbed his shin, warning her with his eyes to behave.

Cordy had both arms wrapped around a crying Harmony, trying to comfort her.

The sounds at the door had stopped. Luke re-entered the room, doing up his zipper. The three girls looked anxiously past him through the open door to the other room, there was no sign of Faith, it was alarmingly quite.

“Wesley, go brin’ Faith back,” Spike said.

Buffy could hear the man Wesley mumbling to Faith, he emerged a moment later guiding her gently back to the couch. She was pressing a handkerchief to her mouth, her eyes down cast unable to meet anyone’s gaze. Bruising was beginning to appear on her neck and upper arms, and her dress was torn from one shoulder.
Sitting back beside Cordy and Harmony her head bowed, eyes on the floor she stayed silent. After long moments with no one saying anything, Spike asked.

“Anyone else want to do the talkin’?” He looked from one frightened girl to the other. “No! Good, that means maybe you’ll all shut your gobs and listen.”

Fixing the three women opposite him with a steady look he said. “You’re ‘ere ‘cause of Ms. Summers.”

Faith’s head snapped up, a silent warning in her eyes. Spike noticed her looking at Buffy. “You want to say somethin’ Faith?”

Glancing at him she shook her head sharply and dropped her eyes to the floor.

Sighing he continued, his voice filled with cold threat. “Your friendship with Ms. Summers leads me to believe one or more of you might be thinkin’ of leavin’ my employ, and I jus’ wanted to let you know how bad an idea that would be.”

Buffy’s eyes met Cordy’s.

Turning slightly on the couch he looked at Buffy, his expression unreadable. Lifting her chin she matched his steady gaze defiantly. A tiny smile ghosted across his mouth for a second and then was gone.

“Ms. Summers do you remember helpin’ a girl named Lily ‘bout Oh, four or five months ago?”

Buffy did remember her, and not just because she had the same name as her aunt. Keeping her face as neutral as possible she feigned a thoughtful pause. “No I can’t say I do. I help a lot of girls it’s kind of hard to remember them all.”

The look on his face told her he knew she was lying. He was shaking his head disbelievingly, eyebrows arched in mock surprise. Looking towards Luke he said. “Who’d ‘ave thought a nice girl like Ms. Summers would try lyin’ to me?”

Standing next to Faith again, Luke shrugged his shoulders.

“She may be a nice girl but I guess she’s not too smart,” he told Luke.

Spike sighed disappointedly. “Now don’t bother lyin’ to me, I know you know who I’m talkin’ ‘bout. The point is you helped Lily leave her…employer and her employer was very upset ‘bout it,” his eyes were scanning her face for a reaction. “Now her employer Mr. Trick, he works for me and he tends to think of his girls as his own and so does Glory, her girls are special to her. To me they’re like family, and I don’t like it when outsiders interfere with my family.”

Buffy held still under his hard glare, anxiously waiting to hear what he said next.

Spike studied her as he calmly lit another cigarette, pulling deeply on the smoke and holding it in his lungs for a long moment, before exhaling it back out.

“You wouldn’t like it if someone interfered with your family, would you Ms. Summers?” he said softly.

Shaking her head she whispered. “No.”

“No, of course not, now there’s nothin’ I can do to help Mr. Trick locate Lily, and I’m sure you’re not goin’ to help me and tell me where she is, are you?” She didn’t answer. “Don’t worry, it don’t matter…but you see Mr. Trick is still minus a family member and you can help with that.”

She could see he was waiting for her to respond, but she was afraid to ask. “How?”

“You’re goin’ to replace her,” there was a chorus of four shocked gasps and frightened looks exchanged. “Oh, not you personally, but you are goin’ to decide which one of your friends will.”

“What! Are you mad?” Buffy exclaimed.

“Glory will never…” Faith began.

“Glory will do as she’s told. Now shut up before I ‘ave Luke shut you up,” he snapped coldly.

Her mouth snapped shut. Faith dropped her gaze to her lap, hiding her fear and loathing. ‘That bastard must have really hurt her,’ Buffy thought. Spike was casually smoking, observing her coolly.

“No, I won’t do it,” she said with conviction, and more strength then she was feeling.

“I knew you’d say that, so…to give you some incentive I prepared a little somethin’ that jus’ might help you change your mind,” he nodded to Wesley. “Brin’ me the file Wes.”

Wesley came forward, carrying a manila folder which he placed in Spike’s hand, he swiftly backed away. Watching him Buffy thought she could see a certain reluctance in his manner.

Spike handed the folder to Buffy. She was speechless when she saw what the contents were. There must have been at least two dozen photographs, all of her sister. They were all different, taken at different times and locations. Sitting with her friends outside her high school, on the beach, shopping with their mum, and in the park talking to a boy, and even some of her at home sitting at her bedroom window, studying.

“She’s very pretty…how old is she seventeen, eighteen? That would make her ‘bout the same age as Lily,” he asked softly, leaning in. He hadn’t taken his eyes off Buffy’s shocked pale face, as she stared at one picture after another. “Now, you’re goin’ to choose one of your friends to replace Lily, or I’m goin’ to ‘ave your sister picked up and on her way to Trick tonight.”

He waited for his words to sink in. Buffy was still staring at the photos. “Well I’m waitin’ Ms. Summers your sister or one of your friends…I really don’t care which,” his voice was so calm and indifferent, that at that moment Buffy hated him. Anger, fear, nausea, confusion, and disbelief, she was feeling it all. She was overwhelmed and reeling. This wasn’t happening, her mind screamed at her.

“I don’t believe you. You wouldn’t…” Buffy stammered. Then she looked at Faith, her torn dress, her bruised arms and neck, her bleeding lip. Yes, he would.

Spike pulled a phone from his pocket and dialed a connection. “Hello Cooper…where’s the kid now?” As soon as he got his answer he clicked off.

He looked at Buffy. “She’s in a coffee shop with a load of her mates,” Spike reached over her and pulling her purse into his lap, he rummaged around until he found her phone. Handing it to her he said. “Ring her, and don’t even think ‘bout tryin’ to warn her. If you say one word out of place Dixon ‘ere gets to shoot any one of these three he takes a fancy to.”

Dixon looked at Spike, receiving a nod from his boss he took aim at Cordelia.

Buffy took the phone in a trembling hand, staring at Cordy, Faith and Harmony, then back at the happy smiling images of her sister as she waited for Dawn to answer her phone.

“Hello!”

“Hi Dawn!”

“Buffy hi, how are you?” asked a cheery Dawn.

“Oh, I’m fine. It sounds a bit noisy there...where are you?” She asked with dread.

“Oh I’m hanging with Janice and the gang at the Espresso Pump. Sorry if you can’t hear,” she sounded so happy, laughter filling her voice.

“That’s alright Dawnie you’re busy now I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Bye.”

When she took the phone from her ear Spike was waiting with his hand out. She gave him the phone and he slipped it into his pocket.

“Well? I’m still waitin’ Ms. Summers.”

“I can’t…I…me I’ll go…I choose me.”

“Buffy No!” shouted her friends.

Spike laughed. “Now that’s not the way it goes Ms Summers, I told you, you either choose one of your friends or I choose Dawn. Not that I don’t think Trick wouldn’t appreciate your obvious charms.”

He could see she was trying to think her way out of it, but this had dragged on long enough, time to push.

“Dawn it is then.” He opened his phone to call Cooper. Buffy made a grab for it but he pulled his arm back making her over reach and miss, she latched onto his arm but he transferred the phone into his other hand, holding her back with the arm she was clutching.

“NO! Please No, don’t make me do this…I…can’t.” He started to dial. “Please no, wait. Don’t I…please…I…” He held the phone out so she could hear the ringing tone. “Okay! Okay! Stop! I…Harmony…I choose Harmony,” she quickly wailed, desperate to stop him. Buffy looked at Harmony in horror, hot tears spilling from eyes that begged her friend to understand.

He snapped the phone shut. Bedlam had broken out on the opposite couch, but he didn’t give a damn. He was looking at Buffy, she was still clutching his arm with one hand the other covered her mouth, she was crying inconsolably. He could feel her shakes vibrating along his arm. Softly he touched her hand wanting to savour her anguish. Gasping she jumped back from him, cradling her hand as if she’d been bitten by a snake. Smiling he gave her a cold hard look.

She tried to move towards Harmony, but he grabbed her wrist yanking her back down as before. She was too overwrought to resist.

“Get them out of ‘ere,” he said holding onto the crying girl. Luke and Gilbey moved to do his bidding. “Make sure Harmony is delivered to Trick.”

Faith jumped up shouting shrilly. “You bastard if I ever…”

Luke slapped her hard, knocking her backwards into Cordelia, silencing whatever she was going to say. Roughly he grabbed her hair giving her a rough shake, before propelling her towards the hall door.

Gilbey and Dixon pried Harmony from Cordelia’s death grip. They were both clawing and scratching at the two men, but it was useless, Dixon wrestled Cordy into a corner of the couch, while Gilbey subdued Harmony with a violent shake, he quietly rasped something to her and pressed his gun to her head, she nodded and he led her away crying. She looked back at Cordy and Buffy, her eyes full of betrayal. Buffy sobbed loudly seeing her friend was being escorted out, her eyes followed Harmony until she’d passed through the door Faith had already vanished through.

Cordelia whimpered softly, Dixon had her arm twisted agonizingly up behind her back, her face was distorted with pain. “Now are you going to behave or do I have to slap and shake you to make you see sense?” Dixon asked.

Buffy couldn’t hear Cordy’s answer, but it must have pleased Dixon because he released her arm and backed away. He offered her a hand up which she ignored and stood on her own, straightening her dress as she did. He took her by the arm turning her towards the door, but she snatched away from his grasp.

“What about Buffy?” She asked Spike. “Isn’t she…I mean…aren’t you going to let her go, can’t she come with me now?” Seeing the coldness in his eyes as he looked at Buffy she added. “Please, she’ll never do it again.”

Cold anger filled his eyes. “Ms. Summers is no longer your concern, do you understand Cordelia you’re to forget ‘bout Ms. Summers?” She looked at him fearfully. “You’re not to see or talk to her again unless I say so, or you might jus’ end up with Harmony workin’ the streets for Trick. How would you like that Cordelia, bangin’ ten or twenty john’s a night for half the money you make with one of Glory’s high payin’ clients in your swish apartment?”

The girl’s shared anxious looks, Buffy shook her head willing Cordy not to make trouble. She breathed a sigh of relief when Cordy shook her head at Spike.

“No, I didn’t think so,” turning to Dixon he said. “Get her out of ‘ere.”

As soon as she’d gone Buffy looked at Spike noticing he still had a hold of her wrist she tugged minutely, and he squeezed a little tighter. “I hate you,” she hissed, her eyes flashing the truth of her words.

He stared at her, the smile on his mouth growing until it consumed his whole face and he burst out laughing. “Is that the best you can do? Of course you hate me you silly bint. I was countin’ on it.” She didn’t like being laughed at and judging from her puzzled frown, she didn’t understand what he’d called her but she knew it wasn’t complimentary.

Seeing the angry little look on her face and the tiny knot of a frown between her brows, Spike had the sudden notion, that at any moment she was going to stick her tongue out at him like a six year old. The idea was just too much and he laughed long and loud.

Buffy gazed at the mad man next to her, fearfully shooting looks around the room hoping for deliverance. Wesley was still there, he was looking at his boss as if he’d never seen him laugh before, his expression didn’t reassure Buffy about Spike’s behaviour, he looked as frightened as she felt. If his own men were that afraid of him, what hope did she have?

*************************************************************

 

Next