Chapter Twenty Three.

And Back Again.

Some time later they were on their way to see Harmony. Buffy asked Spike if they were expected. Spike said no and then explained a surprise visit was a good idea. He and Glory had never met and he felt now was as good as time as any to make himself known as her new boss and let his presence be felt.

Buffy cringed at his reference to his crime dealings. Seeing the look of distaste cross her face, Spike reminded himself it was good she didn’t forget who and what he really was. She could handle it. She was strong and besides, what choice did she have.

Instead of driving Buffy himself, Spike decided to take the limo bringing along Luke, Dixon and Gilbey in a show of force. Buffy looked at the four men and thought they gave their group an extremely intimidating air, Spike being the most menacing. His gentle and friendly attitude from earlier was replaced by an aura of quiet strength and power. She’d questioned him about his reasons for arriving in such a manner. He’d smiled and patiently explained to her in his line of work appearances were everything.

Her distaste, for this second reference to his life style, she hid much better. Sitting next to him, she could feel his men watching her, gauging her reactions to what Spike told her and for his part, Spike didn’t seem to be pulling any punches. He explained in great detail what was expected of Glory and the people like her who worked for the family. He was Masters representative in L.A and anyone defying him was in effect, defying Masters himself and that would not be tolerated. Anyone caught working against the family or who were considered a threat was dealt with swiftly and harshly.

Not that he had any reason to suspect Glory would defy him but it didn’t hurt to go in with force to let her and her people know who was the boss.

Buffy pondered this and thought he’d dealt with her in a very similar way, not giving her the chance to figure a way out of the situations he kept springing on her. She’d been disarmed at each turn before she even realized she was in any danger. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, a reluctant appreciation to his level of planning and his total focus on working to achieve his goals. She wondered how much good a man like him could’ve done in the world, wondering what had happened to him to make him choose to expend his energies and talent on a life of crime.

She turned to him when she felt his hand rest on her knee and then her thigh, stroking possessively. She blushed, hating how he touched her so intimately in front of his men. She glanced up to find all three of them looking at Spike’s hand and her blush deepened. Gilbey smirked at her. Quickly, she looked away and withdrew her knee from Spike’s reach. She felt him tense up next to her. Was he angry at her rejection? She didn’t dare look at him just in case she saw his displeasure.

Despite what happened between them earlier, she still felt constantly on edge. At the time, she believed his desire to be forgiven, but then when he told her how he was going to handle Glory, she realized his apology could have been his way of disarming her again.


But why free Harmony and call off the surveillance on her family? Was he hoping to lull her into a false sense of security? He’d reminded her only moments ago about what kind of man he really was and she was learning for herself just how dangerous he could be. Ironically, it was much easier for her to accept the sex between them then it was to accept his life of crime. Buffy wondered if he was hoping she’d accept that in the same way, as she was beginning to accept his control over her body.

She was still struggling with what he’d done to her the night before. And now that she’d had a little time to think about it, she realized under her fear she’d also felt a certain amount of arousal. This shocked her. She questioned what kind of person she was, that she could have found anything remotely exciting or arousing about being tied down and abused. What was it about him that invoked these feelings?

Buffy remembered all too clearly, the illicit feeling she’d gotten when he’d
suggested she sit on his knee and call him daddy or when he caught her imagining what a threesome would be like and after being tied down by him in an act of real punishment, she couldn’t help thinking about his talk regarding bondage. This was all wildly new to Buffy, and she had to be honest in it frightened her as much as it thrilled her. What was he doing to her? She’d never felt like this with anyone else before, even now she could feel her body reacting to his and all he was doing was sitting next to her. It was obvious enough; he seemed to be able to control her against her will. She wondered what she would do if he decided to change his mind about giving her two weeks to get used to the idea of sleeping with him. If he kept stimulating her body in the way he had that morning, she would never last two weeks. She’d be begging him to take her. Just thinking about how his hands and tongue moved over her, made her heart beat rapidly and her panties damp with anticipation of her next experience.


Buffy was relieved when they arrived at Glory’s, so she didn’t have to think about Spike and sex or sex with Spike. She was sure her face was still red. They were ushered through Glory’s expensive, but garish foyer like they were royalty. Her men snapped to attention at the sight of Spike stepping out of the limo. He held his hand out to help her from the car and didn’t let go, even when she was standing beside him.

Blushing, Buffy realized he was making a point of his claim on her. She was mortified he was using this opportunity to parade her in front of these people as his property, but she didn’t dare try to pull her hand out of his. He was holding her tight. In any case, she didn’t think he would take too kindly to her making a scene.

He leaned in close whispering. “Now don’t make a fuss.” And squeezed her hand.

A woman with blonde curls appeared from a room off the foyer. She was expensively dressed in a beige and black silk dress. Buffy guessed instantly this must be Glory. Since the woman only had eyes for Spike, Buffy was able to get a really good look at her. She had to admit, Glory was pretty much like she imagined her to be.

Her dress was too tight, her lipstick was too red, and the rest of her makeup was a bit on the heavy side. Her blonde curls looked ridiculous in the style more suited for a much younger woman. Buffy noticed how Glory didn’t glance at her despite the fact Spike was still holding her hand, keeping her close to his side.

“Mr. Winters, what an unexpected surprise.” She smiled broadly at Spike. “Won’t you come in.” She extended her hand in a gracious gesture towards the room she appeared from.

Spike walked ahead of her followed closely by his men, leaving Glory to trail after them. He didn’t wait for an invitation to sit, before he took a seat on an over stuffed brown suede couch. He tugged Buffy down next to him. Luke headed straight for the bar and poured a generous measure of whiskey into a glass, before carrying it to Spike.

Glory waved her men away when they tried to follow her into the room. Buffy didn’t think this was because she trusted Spike, but rather because she wanted him to know she was willing to put herself in a vulnerable position. She was about to take a seat when Spike stopped her.

“I didn’t say you could sit.” His voice was dry as he gave her a slow apprising look.


Buffy thought she recognized what he was doing. He walked in as if he owned the place, making his presence the most commanding in the room. In his eyes, he did own the place and Glory was just another piece of furniture. He was Masters’s representative and he was holding a strange kind of court. If his own men were going to stand, then so was she. Buffy also realized by making her sit right next to him. He was sending another clear message to Glory about her property status.


Glory was standing meekly, waiting for him to speak. Buffy was amazed. How was it so many people did what he told them to do without question? And Spike took it in stride because it was no more than what he expected. If this was what he was used to, it was no wonder she infuriated him so much when she defied him.


“I want to see the books,” he stated.


“Yes of course, I’ll just send someone for them.” She turned to go to the
door, but Spike stopped her again.


“No, you fetch them.”


She nodded and left. Two minutes later, she was back, carrying a stack of black books. She tried to hand them to Spike but he nodded his head towards Luke. Glory turned to give them to the big man then stood back, waiting for Spike to speak again.


“I’ll be taking these with me,” he told her.


Glory glanced nervously at the books in Luke’s hands. “When can I expect
them back?”


“When I tell you to,” he snapped curtly.


“But I need them or at least the currant ones. How am I to keep accurate records without them?”


“Start new ones,” he snapped again.


Glory looked a little startled. Clearly, she wasn’t use to being spoken to in this way. Buffy suddenly realized she must have had to deal with Angel in the past, and she found herself wondering how he treated her. According to Spike, Angel was just as ruthless in his business dealings as he was, if not more so.


Spike lit a cigarette or someone must have lit it for him, because he still hadn’t let go of her hand. She shifted nervously next to him, wriggling her hand in his, hoping he’d ease up on his grip. Without looking at her, Spike released her hand only to place an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to his side.


Oh! My God! Can he say she’s mine any louder, Buffy thought,
cringing.


She should have known he wouldn’t let her go so easily. Wisely, Buffy decided not to move or try to squirm out of his embrace. Glory’s eyes flickered quickly towards her and as quickly away.


“Where’s Harmony?” he asked.


“I…she’s upstairs…Trick only sent her back an hour ago and when you called to tell me she was coming home, I called Faith and Cordelia…” She faltered when she saw him arch a brow at her. “I thought a couple of friendly faces might help her settle back in,” she hurriedly explained.


“Hmmm.”


He looked at Buffy for the first time since they walked through the doors.


“I’ll give you fifteen minutes to talk to Harmony, while I finish my
business with Glory.” He turned to Glory. “Have one of your men take Buffy to Harmony.” He nodded at Gilbey. “Gil you go with her.”


Buffy hesitated for a second when she heard him tell Gilbey to guard her.
Maybe Spike took her hesitation for something else, because suddenly he
pulled her closer and kissed her soundly. Surprised, Buffy didn’t
have time to react, before he was releasing her. She blushed furiously and
quickly pulled away. Spike winked at her, smirking devilishly.


Just as she was about to follow them, he called out to Gilbey. “And don’t
let her out of your sight.”


Buffy glared at him, but he didn’t notice. He had already turned his back. Glory took them into the foyer and instructed one of her men to show them to Harmony’s room, then dismissed them so she could return to Spike.


Glory’s man led the way, followed by Buffy, followed by Gilbey. Up one
flight of stairs and along a brightly lit garish yellow landing, he knocked once on a door before throwing it open to admit them. Gilbey followed her in.


Harmony was sitting on the bed in the middle of the room. She must have just got out of the bath. She was wrapped in a big fluffy towel and her hair was wet. Faith and Cordy were with her, sitting on the bed. They were both bare-footed and dressed casually. Cordy had her arm around Harmony who showed all evidence that she had been crying. Buffy’s heart gave a lurch at the sight of her friend’s tear stained face.


The three of them froze when they heard the door open but when they saw it was Buffy, their absolute shock was obvious. Faith was the first one to recover. She leapt off the bed and grabbed Buffy into a fierce hug. She was quickly followed by Cordy and together they dragged her to the bed.


Buffy and Harmony stared at each other, both with tears in their eyes and then they were in each other’s arms. Hugging and babbling, Buffy repeatedly begged for Harmony’s forgiveness. Harmony reassured her there was nothing to forgive telling her she would have done the same to protect her sister, if she’d ever had one.


Their tears dissolved into laughter, and the other two girls joined in on
the hug fest, laughing and crying right along with them.


Faith pulled away and swiped a happy slap at Buffy. “God B! But you’re a
happy sight,” she laughed through her smile. “We didn’t think we’d ever see
you again…are you okay? Has that bastard hurt you? How did you manage to get him to send Harmony back? And please don’t tell me it was something only I would do?” Faith fired off her rapid questions, the last one making Buffy blush brightly.


Faith frowned at that and wondered again just exactly what Buffy had to do to survive living with Spike. She had been horrified when Cordy told her what Spike had said, and she quickly realized Spike had some how found out about Buffy and Angel and decided to hold Buffy prisoner. Faith had been sick with worry ever since.


Cordy looked as pale and shaken as Harmony. They were staring at her expectantly. Buffy glanced over her shoulder at Gilbey. He was standing guard at the door. He shot her and the others a sardonic smirk. Lowering her voice, Buffy whispered. “I can’t really talk, so please don’t ask me awkward questions. Spike’s only given me fifteen minutes and half of that’s gone, so
we’ll have to make this quick.” She scanned their worried faces. “Please don’t worry about me, I’m okay, really I am, it’s not so bad - really.”


The skepticism on their faces was heavy, especially Faith’s. “So just how
did you get him to return Harmony?” Faith asked frowning.


“I didn’t…that is, I did, but only indirectly - he wanted me to…he asked
me…” She stumbled over her words knowing there was too much to tell. It was pointless trying to explain only a small part. It would only confuse them. “Does it really matter? Harmony’s back, she’s safe… right?” She looked at the blonde girl, who nodded. “There…see…what does it matter? It’s over…you’re back.”


“But what did you have to do?” Faith persisted.


“Nothing.”


“I don’t believe you.”


“FAITH!” Cordy and Harmony exclaimed in unison.


“What! And you’re telling me you do?” she snapped back at them.


They glanced guiltily at Buffy, shrugging their shoulders and mumbling about how they were sure if Buffy said it didn’t matter, then it didn’t matter.


“Well it does to me, and I want to know,” Faith said, fixing Buffy with a no
nonsense look.


“There’s no use you looking at me like that, I’m telling the truth I didn’t
have to do anything…but…”


“BUT?” All three of them prompted.


Keeping her voice as low as she could, Buffy whispered. “Well, he just
wanted me to say I forgive him, that’s all.”


“Forgive him? Why? What for? You can’t possibly mean for everything he’s
done, you mean something in particular, right?” Faith wanted to know.


Buffy shrugged.


Very suspicious, Faith shared a look with the others. “Buffy, what did he do
to you that he wanted forgiveness for? And don’t tell me ‘Nothing’ ‘cause I won’t believe that. Guys like Spike Winters don’t apologize for something unless it’s serious, so tell.”


This was exactly why she didn’t want to tell them anything. There was no way she could tell them about the things that happened to her. She could hardly believe half of them herself. No, she just couldn’t bring herself to say the terrible things out loud. It would make it all too real. How could she tell them about the violent abuse he subjected her to, the spanking, being locked in her room, the mock rape he’d staged to try and get Angel to talk and the gun being held to her head? Her mind shielded away any notion of telling them.


Buffy shook her head firmly and looked at them steadily, determined to keep
her secrets to herself. “There’s nothing to tell.”


Suddenly Faith made a grab for her hand. She pulled it hard towards her and yanked up Buffy’s sleeve. They all gasped when they saw the ugly red mark on her wrist. Buffy tried to snatch her hand back, but Cordy was grabbing at the other. She pushed back the sleeve to reveal a twin mark on the other wrist. Buffy yelped in surprise when Faith knocked her to the bed and wrestled with the legs of her jeans pushing the fabric back to expose the remaining evidence of Spike’s abuse.


“I knew it…that fucking bastard…” cursed Faith.


Harmony covered her mouth in horror. Buffy was crying and wailing, begging Faith and Cordy to let her up. Faith continued cursing and swearing loudly, outraged at what Buffy had endured. Cordy removed her hands. She was looking at Buffy sadly, tears shimmering in her eyes.


“WHAT THE BLEEDIN’ HELL IS GOIN’ ON IN ‘ERE?” Spike yelled. He was standing in the doorway, flanked on either side by Glory and Gilbey.


Silence had fallen as soon as he started yelling. No one answered him.


He saw Faith had a sobbing Buffy pinned to the bed. Anger flashed in his
eyes, the muscle in his jaw twitched and with his teeth tightly clamped he hissed at her. “Let her go, before I come over there and break your fuckin’ neck.”


Faith snatched her hands away and glared at him. “You’re a fine one to talk, look what you did to her.” She waved Buffy’s abused wrist in his
direction, even as Buffy was trying to tug her sleeve over the mark.


Without warning, Glory marched over to Faith and slapped her hard across the face, snapping her head back in pain. “How dare you, who do you think you are embarrassing me in front of the boss?” She raised her hand to slap Faith again, but Faith ducked out of the way. “It’s none of your business what he does to her. I’ll have you whipped for this display of bad manners you ungrateful cow.”


“ENOUGH.” Spike roared from the doorway. “Buffy come ‘ere.” He commanded.


Slowly Buffy slid off the bed. She glanced apologetically at her friends and walked to Spike. As soon as she was within arms reach, he pulled her into a forceful kiss. Mortified, Buffy struggled against him but he only held her tighter, pressing their bodies closer together as he deepened the kiss. She whimpered in defeat, hot tears of humiliation sliding down her face.
When he released her, she couldn’t meet her friend’s eyes, her shame was so raw. Instead she fixed her gaze on Spike, and was sickened by the look of triumph reflected in his eyes. Beaten, Buffy stared at the floor.


“I already told Cordelia…Buffy is no longer her concern, but jus’ in case anyone’s has any doubt, I’ll tell you all now.” He fixed everyone in turn with his cold hard gaze. “Buffy’s mine and I’ll kill anyone who tries to interfere. What we do together is nobody’s business.” He picked up one of Buffy’s hands and gently pushed back the sleeve so he could lavish tiny kisses onto the bruised area.


Buffy blushed, horrified all over again. He had just implied she had been a willing participant in whatever act had caused the marks on her wrists and ankles.


He glared at the three girls on the bed with cold blue eyes. “Buffy’s other
friends think she’s workin’ for me and it better stay that way. If anyone even thinks ‘bout tellin’ them differently, I promise I’ll make them believe Harmony’s time with Trick was a fuckin’ Sunday school outing.” He glared hard at Faith. ‘I’ll ship the fuckin’ lot of you to Masters. He could make good use of three tanned Californian babes in Harlem, course the guy he has workin’ for him controls his girls with drugs, but considerin’ what they have to put up with, I think that’s a kindness…so unless you’re really stupid…consider yourselves warned.”


The room was deathly quiet as they all absorbed his words. The three girls had frozen with fear. Harmony started to cry, snapping Faith and Cordy out of their shock. They both reached out to comfort their friend while glancing at Buffy, but she was still staring at the floor.


Spike put an arm around her waist. “C’mon luv lets go home.” Without a
backwards glance, he led her from the room and back down stairs.


Buffy could practically feel Gilbey’s eyes burning into her back as he
followed them down the garish yellow landing.


The ride home was conducted in complete silence. Buffy wasn’t sure how she managed to hold onto her tears, but somehow she did. Dry eyed she gazed out of the window, watching the world pass by. She didn’t know how she felt…numb? No, she was far beyond numb. Then she remembered the feeling that washed over her as he’d kissed her in front of her friends. It was defeat. Yes, that was it…defeat.

*************************************************************
TBC...Soon.

Okay...let me know what you all think.
 

Chapter Twenty Four.

Routine, Headaches and Bubble Baths.


For the next week, life took on a very blurry quality for Buffy. Spike never did have that talk with her and Buffy didn’t bother to quiz him about it, figuring he’d talk when it suited him.


On the Monday, the personal shopper arrived. Spike insisted he wanted to be there to help her choose her new wardrobe. Resentfully, Buffy had accused him of just using that as an excuse to make sure she didn’t try to tell the personal shopper anything he wouldn’t want known. He chuckled, shaking his head and called her a ninny. He explained it wouldn’t make a jot of difference if she told the woman everything. She worked for him and Wesley had assured him of her complete loyalty to the family.


Out maneuvered again, Buffy sighed and followed him downstairs. Mrs. Derry had tried to be friendly to Buffy, smiling at her and paying her pretty compliments about her figure and hair. Buffy ignored her. She merely looked at Spike, letting the woman know by her rude silence she really didn’t have any enthusiasm for the beautiful clothes she was being shown. Stubbornly, she made a big deal out of rejecting everything Spike showed an interest in. By the end of the first hour, Spike had twigged to her little game. Whenever he saw something he liked, he just picked it up and placed it on the rack holding all the items she had decided to keep.


When she asked him what he was doing, he simply shrugged and said since he was paying, he had every right to choose what he wanted to see her in. After all, he was the one looking at her.


Buffy had more or less given up at that point. She let him take over
choosing the rest of her things. His good taste had surprised her. He seemed
so comfortable chatting with Mrs. Derry about skirt lengths and different
colors and fabrics that at one point, Buffy stared open mouthed at him, wondering what the hell she was needed for. He seemed to know exactly what would look good on her.


Hours later, Buffy had a new wardrobe which included an extensive range of
daywear, both casual and smart including eveningwear and all the imaginable accessories. He purchased more underwear and nightwear as well as coats and jackets in an assortment of materials from denim, silk, wool to leather. The whole thing made Buffy’s head spin and she felt a bit nauseous at the thoughts of how much it must all cost. She pushed that thought out of her mind and reminded herself that if Spike wanted to spend a fortune on her, then that was his business. His generosity meant nothing to her. When Mrs. Derry finally left, Buffy rudely made no effort to thank her for her time or patient help.


Spike not expecting any thanks, glared at her before angrily leaving the room. Two minutes later, Luke turned up to escort her back upstairs. Buffy didn’t see Spike for the rest of the day. When Jonathan arrived with her dinner, there was a folded note on the tray from Spike. The note told her he was too busy to join her and that he expected to work late and she wasn’t to wait up for him.


The next day she woke to an empty bed, though Spike had clearly slept there
at some time during the night. His side of the bed showed all the signs of
his body having been there long enough to imprint the pillow and ruffle the
bedding.


Buffy found another note on the dressing table. Spike informed her, he
expected to be busy for the rest of the day and Dixon would escort her to
use the gym or for a walk in the gardens if she wanted to.


Unsettled by the notes cold tone, Buffy had gone through the day on edge.
Dixon arrived to take her to the gym and silently he shadowed her through
the house. He opened the gym door for her and allowed her to cross into the
room. Curtly he informed her she had two hours to use the facilities, unless
she banged on the door to signal she was ready to go back upstairs. The
door shut in her face and she heard the sound of a key being turned in the
lock.


Sighing, Buffy resolved herself to making the best of her alone time and
threw herself into a vigorous workout. She pushed herself hard for the next
hour then she swam in the pool, enjoying the feel of the water supporting
her tired limbs. After twenty minutes of that, she headed for the steam rooms and sat soaking in the hot steam, her mind blessedly blank.


When Dixon unlocked the door, Buffy was waiting on the other side, standing in the same spot he’d left her. He frowned at her and shirked his head, indicating she was to follow him. Once he escorted her back to her suite, he left her alone again.


Sighing, Buffy scanned the room looking for something to distract her. Then
she remembered the cupboard containing the games. She rummaged around
pulling the boxed up games out onto the floor, sighing in frustration when
they all proved to require at least two people to play them. Her eyes fell
on the play station. She’d never been into computer games but she’d heard Xander go on about them with mad enthusiasm often enough, to know that at least she could play this on her own.


She eyed the massive TV in its cabinet and dismissed the idea of trying to
pull it out to plug the game into the back. Instead, she took the game into
the bedroom. Disheartened, she scanned the back of the TV and the jumble of leads in her hand. She grimaced after she realized she didn’t have a clue what she was doing. Feeling frustrated she threw the cables onto the bed and plopped down next to them.


A slow smile spread across her face as it occurred to her that if she didn’t
know how to set up the silly game, then maybe someone else would. Grabbing the phone, she dialed down to the kitchens and placed an order for a midmorning snack. Grinning, she sat back and waited for Jonathan to arrive.

He showed up, tray in hand and a smile in place. As soon as he placed the tray on the coffee table, she yanked on his arm, dragging him towards the bedroom. Hurriedly, she explained she needed his help to figure out the stupid game.


Buffy was impressed with the speed and confidence he mastered the complex wiring job. Jonathan laughed at her and told her a child could’ve done it. Somehow Buffy doubted that. She shrugged thinking maybe it was a guy thing. Jonathan stayed long enough to show her some basic functions on the keypad and a few moves with a couple of the games.


An hour later, Buffy was wondering what the hell Xander ever saw in the
stupid games. They all seemed to be about little cartoon men with ridicules
hairstyles, beating up other little cartoon men or monsters on a quest for treasure. It all seemed so pointless to her but she persisted, determined to defeat the next bad guy that appeared on her screen and get to the next level.


By dinnertime, Buffy’s hands were sore from holding the control pad.
Jonathan politely knocked on the bedroom door and informed her dinner was laid out on the balcony.


Buffy scrambled off the bed and hurried to the balcony. She stopped abruptly when she saw the table was only set for one.


After dinner, she took a bath and watched some TV. By midnight, she couldn’t fight her tiredness any more and went to bed, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.


*****


Three more days passed just like that one. She didn’t see any sign of Spike.
If it wasn’t for the fact that his side of the bed looked slept in, she
wouldn’t even have known he was still in the house but he was and he kept leaving her notes, coldly apologizing for having to leave her on her own so much. He explained he was busy with work that couldn’t be pushed aside, no matter how much he would have liked to.


No doubt he’s with his girlfriend, Buffy thought. At first the idea
didn’t frighten her as much as she thought it would. Not after he said he
wouldn’t share her. Yet in the pit of Buffy’s stomach churned an unsettling
feeling. Lingering doubts about her safety and what would happen to her if
he grew bored with her, were at times hard to quell.


As the days passed and Spike didn’t seek her out, Buffy found herself
wondering about the other woman more and more. Now that she was back, Spike was probably spending all his free time with her. He was still sleeping in his own bed but he didn’t once try to initiate anything with her. Buffy would go to sleep alone and wake up alone. She took this as proof he was absorbed with the other woman.


On the Friday morning after her workout, Buffy noticed a new face among the men. He was standing by the holding room’s outer door talking to Luke and Gilbey. When Buffy came out of the gym all three broke off their
conversation to stare at her. Gilbey wore his usual ugly smirk, Luke glared
at her disapprovingly, but the new man just gazed at her with quiet
curiosity. Buffy returned his look with one of her own, standing her ground as best as she could under his open scrutiny. He looked so normal that Buffy had a hard time believing he wasn’t just some average guy, like a doctor, or a teacher, or maybe even a bank manager. He looked as if he would fit into any of those roles with ease. He was tall and slim with soft blue eyes and a kind handsome face made even more handsome when he smiled at her.


The smile jarred her and Buffy snapped out of her daze. Obviously he was one of Spike’s men and therefore just another sick bad guy. She returned his
smile with a frown and his smile faltered. Gilbey scoffed out loud and Luke
said something sharp, effectively cutting him off.


Dixon nudged her and she began to move towards the elevator. As the doors
closed behind them, Dixon informed her the new guy was Cooper. Dixon didn’t doubt Spike would introduce them when he got round to it.


Cooper! Then that means mum and Dawn aren’t being watched any more. Buffy asked Dixon how long he’d been back.


Dixon shrugged. “Dunno maybe one or two days, I think he arrived either late on Tuesday or early Wednesday.”


“Does Spike know he’s back?”


Dixon looked at her as if she was stupid. “Of course he knows.”


Buffy fell silent, wondering why Spike hadn’t told her. Doesn’t he think
it’s important to let me know my family is free of the secret observation?
Maybe he doesn’t want me to know. Buffy tried a couple of times
during the week to request an outside line, so she could talk to the girls.
She’d been denied both times and she knew it wasn’t the switchboard, only
Spike could refuse her permission and he had, twice.


If she had seen Spike, she would have asked why, but even that hadn’t being possible and he never mentioned anything about it in any of his notes.


Just before Dixon was about to close the sitting room door, Buffy stopped
him and asked him where Spike was.


“He’s working.”


“Yes, but where is he working?”


“In his study.”


“But what is he doing? He’s been in there for days.” She hated the whinny
little tone that was her voice, but she couldn’t help it. She was sick of
her own company with nothing to do and no one to talk to.


Dixon gave her a hard look. “He’s working and he’ll be working until he’s
finished. Now be a good little girl and don’t keep pestering me. Go paint
your nails or something,” Dixon said, smirking. He shut the door on her
spluttered protests.


Fuming, Buffy spent the rest of the morning in a bad mood, which developed into a headache. She recognized the on set of a migraine and quickly went in search of some painkillers, but she couldn’t find anything suitable. Not wanting to be accused of ‘Being a Pest’, she decided not to bother with asking the guard to fetch her something for the pain. Instead, she took the standard painkillers hoping they might have some effect.


Buffy closed the curtains in the bedroom, blocking out nearly all of the
bright sunlight. She fetched a washcloth from the bathroom and soaked it
under the cold water and wrung it out to just damp. Carefully navigating the
room with a hand half covering her eyes, she stumbled to the bed and
stretched out. She placed the washcloth over her aching eyes, effectively cutting out the rest of the light. Just that simple act was a blessed
relief.


Fitfully she dozed. For how long she wasn’t sure. Time always lost any
meaning when she had a migraine and instinctively Buffy knew that sleep was the best thing for her. So she didn’t fight the urge to doze off, preferring
to be unconscious rather than awake and aware of the crippling pain and
bouts of stomach turning nausea.


Vaguely Buffy was aware of someone coming into the room. They stood beside the bed trying to make her get up, but Buffy knew she couldn’t, the pain wasn’t easing up yet. Whoever they were, they were talking to her from some place far away. Then there were two of them and she tried to tell them to leave her alone. Buffy was so very glad when they went away and left her
alone in the peaceful dark.


*****


Someone was on the bed with her, smoothing back her hair and gently wiping the cool washcloth over her brow. It hurt too much to open her eyes, so she kept them shut listening to the soft tone of the voice with her. She reached out to hold a cool dry hand, seeking comfort from the contact.


*****


When she next woke, she was feeling much better. The pain was beginning to recede but her body felt like a train had hit it. Carefully, so as not to jar her head, she moved her aching limbs. Spike was at her side in an instant, concern coloring his face. Buffy looked at him through pain filled eyes wondering when he’d arrived.


He gently pulled the covers up and fussed with fetching her a glass of
water. “Here luv…take these.” He handed her some pills with the water and helped her to sit up.


“What are they?” she croaked weakly.


“Jus’ some painkiller’s luv, but they’re a mite bit stronger then what you
took earlier.” She swallowed them gratefully. Spike helped ease her back
down.


“You gave me quite a scare luv…how come you never told me you suffer from migraines?”


Buffy shrugged. “What are you doing here? I thought you were working.”


“I was, Dixon fetched me, but it was Jonathan who found you. He was pretty
shaken up. He thought it damn odd when you wouldn’t answer the door and when he found you lying ‘ere in the dark…he got all upset.”


“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to upset him,” she mumbled, her eyes drifting
shut.


Spike could see she was still in need of sleep. She looked completely wrung
out. He wanted to know why she hadn’t told Dixon she was feeling ill. He’d
been at the door most of the day. Spike sighed, realizing she’d rather
suffer the agony of a migraine then ask for his help. Was she ever going to
get used to him?


“What time is it?”


“It’s late luv, nearly two O’clock,” he whispered, wiping the face cloth
over her aching brow.


“In the morning?”


“Yeah,” he chuckled at her incredulous tone. “What time did you come and lie down?”


“I don’t know…I’m not sure maybe twelve thirty, twelve forty five.
Something like that…I know I wasn’t back from the gym long before I started to feel ill.”


“And how do you feel now?” He knew she was still ill but he hoped that she
was feeling a bit better after having slept for over twelve hours.


“Like I’ve been hit by a train.” Slipping down the bed, Buffy realized she
was naked under the covers. Spike must have undressed me. The thought slid through her tired mind of little importance. She was in too much pain.


Spike was talking to her but she was having a hard time focusing on what he
was saying. She could feel sleep pulling her down.


The minute she fell back to sleep, Spike got off the bed and picked up her clothes. He was worried she hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast, but he could see she was in no fit state to think about eating. The painkillers he’d given her were strong. With luck, she would sleep the rest of the night and wake, feeling better in the morning. Since the next day was Saturday, he would have the spare time to spend the morning in bed with her.


Saturday! Bloody hell! Her friends are s’posed to be coming over in the
evening. Spike remembered he’d promised that Anya bird she could bring everyone and he would treat them to dinner and movies. He seriously doubted Buffy would be up to it now.


Well if she wasn’t, he would just have to cancel. He looked at the sleeping
woman. She always looked so tiny lying in bed. Spike smiled when he heard her mumbling some nonsense about a computer game, complaining that she couldn’t get to the next level. He noticed she had wired up the game to the TV at the foot of the bed. Spike wondered how she had managed to get the thing plugged in. He knew she didn’t own one of her own and guessed it was the consol from the other room, somehow she had figured it out.


Shaking his head as he put her clothes in the hamper, Spike marveled at how amazing she was. Left on her own all week with nothing to do and still she had found some way to occupy her time. Yet again, Buffy had surprised him. Spike had expected her to be climbing the walls with boredom and secretly hoped she would seek him out, just to talk if nothing else, but she hadn’t.


Spike climbed into bed with her, carefully keeping a small distance between them. He didn’t want to disturb her rest but he still wanted to be near if she woke. He slept on the edge of sleep, constantly aware of every little moan or move she made, waking several times to adjust her covers or bathe her face with the cool cloth. She finally fell into a proper sleep and Spike wasn’t long, following her.



*****


The curtains were still closed, infusing the room with a soft dimness that
Buffy appreciated. Her head and eyes were still throbbing but it was nothing
like the blinding pain from the night before. She heard the door open and
turned her head to see who it was. Spike was struggling to get through the
doorway with a tray of food. He smiled when he saw she was awake.


Buffy sat up, tucking the sheet under her arms as she did. Spike placed the
tray on the foot of the bed and sat next to her, helping her arrange the
pillows at her back to make her more comfortable.


“There, is that better luv?” he asked, fluffing the pillows.


“Yeah thanks.”


“Do you feel up to eatin’ somethin’ pet?”


Buffy looked at the overflowing tray and nodded. “Yeah, but not much.”


“C’mon then, let’s see what you can do.” He pulled the tray towards them and offered her a slice of toast.


She munched on the toast, while he poured them both cups of tea. “So how are you feelin’? A little better judging by the look of you.”


“Yeah, but it still hurts a bit.”


Spike looked at her, he could see the pain in her eyes and knew she was
putting on a brave front.


“Well, when you’ve had your breakfast I’ll get you some more painkillers and then you should get some more rest.”


Buffy didn’t protest. She learned long ago to respect her body when it came to migraines. Good quality meds and lots of sleep was the best cure. Though she could tell she’d been let off lightly this time. She had attacks in the past that could last up to a couple of days and they always left her feeling weak and ill for days after the pain had dissipated.


“Okay…aren’t you working today?” she asked, curious as to why he was still with her. The clock beside the bed said it was gone nine and he was gone every morning before she woke at seven.


“its Saturday pet.”


“Ooh.” That explains it. “Wait, its Saturday! That means Xander and Willow and the others will be here tonight.”


“Yeah, ‘bout that…maybe it would be a good idea to cancel, you don’t look up to entertainin’ a bunch of rowdy friends.”


“My friends aren’t rowdy – they’re a little excitable I’ll admit, but
they’re not rowdy and I’ve been looking forward to seeing them all week.”
She fumbled with her teacup, mumbling under her breath, “It’s the only thing that’s kept me going.”


Spike heard her. He should have guessed she would insist on seeing them. She was stubborn even in the face of illness and pain. He didn’t want to upset her. Arguing the matter with her would probably only bring on another migraine, so for once he let her have her own way. Besides if her friends saw him making a big fuss over her illness, it would only serve to win them over.


“Okay, but only if you’re sure?” She gave him a small nod and a half smile.
“But you will spend the rest of the day in bed and when you’re not asleep, you will let me make a big fuss over you.” The smile he gave her was dazzling.


Buffy frowned. He was up to something, but again she couldn’t figure out
what. “Okay.” She agreed hesitantly. She placed her empty cup on the tray.


“Good girl,” he dropped a light kiss on her brow.


Buffy glanced around looking for her robe. She usually left it draped over
the footboard but she couldn’t see it anywhere.


Spike saw her searching for something. “Looking for something?”


“Yeah, my robe.”


He guessed it was that. “What, the new one I bought you?” He teased.


She shot him a sour look. “Uh no, I hadn’t gotten round to wearing that
yet.”


“Well now’s the perfect time.” He hopped off the bed and fetched the navy
satin robe from the wardrobe where it had hung all week, unused. Spike noticed she hadn’t worn any of the new things he had bought her.


Standing to the side of the bed, Spike held the robe open for her. Scowling, Buffy leaned over and tried to take it from him. Spike grinned and stepped back, taking the robe with him.


“Now, now don’t be shy,” he arched a brow and smirked at her devilishly.
“You know I’ve seen it all before.” He held the robe open waiting for her to
step into it. When she remained in the bed frowning at him, he gave the robe
a little shake trying to encourage her.


“Okay, I’m a bad man,” he turned his head slightly and shut his eyes. “See, I won’t look,” he chuckled playfully.


He heard her slowly push back the covers and approach him. The temptation to look was pretty strong but he kept his eyes closed. He felt her slide her
arms into the robe and pull the two sides together. Once she wrapped the
satin around her, he opened his eyes and wrapped his arms around her. She
tensed in his embrace, but melted as he nuzzled her neck.


“See, I didn’t look…but I didn’t say I wouldn’t touch.” His hand slipped
into the opening of her robe and he caressed her soft round breasts, while
nibbling on her smooth neck. She trembled slightly, aroused by his touch. He released her immediately, satisfied with her small response.


Blushing faintly, Buffy glanced at him before scurrying to the bathroom. The door closed behind her, solid and unwelcoming. Spike took the hint. He hoped she might have missed him. “Guess not,” he mumbled to himself, “Or at least not yet.”


He removed the tray into the other room and straightened the bed while he waited for Buffy to finish in the bathroom.


He had the painkillers waiting for her, placed on her bedside cabinet along
with a glass of ice water. The small thoughtful gesture moved her. Her mom
always gave her ice water when she was ill, knowing how she appreciated the simple little luxury.


Noticing she was kind of wobbly on her feet, Spike helped her navigate the room or at least that’s what Buffy thought he was going to do. She was taken by surprise when he picked her up and carried her back to the bed.


Carefully he placed her under the covers and stood back, holding his hand
out expectantly. Buffy frowned at him, puzzled. Then it occurred to her he
was waiting for her to hand him the robe.


She wriggled out of the satin garment and dutifully handed it to him. He was
smirking at her, no doubt amused by her pointless refusal to allow him to
look at her. Buffy knew he was probably just indulging her because she was
still ill.


Spike draped the robe over the footboard and handed her the water and
painkillers.


“There you go…now why don’t you try and get some more sleep?” She nodded, settling further down under the covers as she closed her eyes.


Two seconds later her eyes snapped open. She felt Spike slipping into bed
next to her. Her head whipped around to confirm what he was doing and she
caught a glimpse of his naked body just before he pulled the covers over
himself.


“Didn’t get much sleep myself pet, think I’ll grab forty winks with you,” he
explained. He snuggled close, slipping an arm around her waist and splaying
his fingers over her stomach.


Buffy tensed, hoping he didn’t plan on starting something. She was in no fit
state to participate in any kind of sexual play. But if he pushed her…how
would she be able to stop him?


She heaved a sigh of relief when his hand didn’t wander any further and he
closed his eyes.


He kissed her shoulder chuckling. “Stop starin’ at me as if I’m ‘bout to
ravish you. I’m not that insensitive, now go to sleep.”


Turning back, Buffy allowed herself to calm down, but it wasn’t easy. Not
with his naked body spooned up against her back and his hand heavy across
her stomach. Eventually the painkillers started to do their work and she was fighting the pull of sleep. Buffy wasn’t sure why. Then she realized she did know, but it was hard for her to admit. She missed his touch and of course if she was asleep she wouldn’t be aware of him, so she struggled to hold off sleep and just absorb the comfort she got from being close to him again.


*****


Buffy was lying in the bathtub covered up to her chin in bubbles when Spike
walked into the room. He was reading from a folder.


“I’ve jus’ spoken to that Anya chit and she said they can all be ‘ere by
seven thirty. I warned her you weren’t very well, so hopefully she’ll tell
the others and they’ll behave accordingly,” he was scanning his papers as he
talked to her. “Would you like me to order you a sandwich luv…that way you can take a couple of painkillers before they get ‘ere?”


Buffy pondered the suggestion. It wasn’t a bad idea. That way she’d have a
fighting chance of making it through the evening without suffering too much. She lifted a leg out of the soapy water and swiped the sea sponge over the tanned length. She was just about to answer him when he swore under his breath.


“Fuck me – look at you!” He dropped his papers onto the counter by the basin and knelt down next to her. His eyes traveled the length of her body.


Buffy wondered what he was goggling at. She was covered in bubbles. He
couldn’t possibly see anything.


Spike was immediately reminded of the time he watched her bathe the night Angel had been discovered, the night she nearly drowned.


He plucked the sponge from her hand and dipped it into the hot bubbly water. God she’s so incredibly beautiful! Her arms and shoulders glistened, the water making her tan look all glossy and golden. He could well imagine what the rest of her looked like. I’m going to buy her a dozen different bubble baths…this is a treat I wouldn’t mind seeing daily.


Slowly, with his eyes locked to hers, he brushed the sponge over her shoulder and down her arm. Buffy could see the desire burning in the blue depths. The intensity of his gaze overawed her and she held still letting him bathe her. Spike kneeled up and leaned over her, seeking her mouth with his. The kiss was soft and tender and Spike built the passion skillfully as he continued to caress her body with the sponge.


His hand slipped beneath the surface of the water and gently he explored
her. He pulled away from her lips, so he could watch the progress of the
sponge as he moved it further down her body. When he reached her hip, he slipped his other hand into the water and lifted her leg by gently cupping his hand under her calf. The limb, so smooth and shapely glistened before him. Spike kissed her knee as the sponge drifted up her thigh.


He heard Buffy sigh softly. Spike glanced up at her, thrilled to see she was
enjoying his touch. Her eyes were shut and she was resting her head back.
Dropping the sponge, he let his hands glide over her leg. Slowly, down the
outside and then just as slowly while working his way back up the inside until he reached the soft curls of her mound. Turning his hand, he glided back over her hip and across her stomach.


He slipped his hands under her back, pulling her up until her breasts broke the surface of the water. Thanks to the heat of the water her nipples were soft and very pink. Spike couldn’t resist the urge to take one into his mouth. He sucked on the soft hot flesh, flicking his tongue back and forth over the tip. Buffy moaned, her little hands gripping the sides of the tub. Spike moved his mouth to her other nipple and lavished it with a deep kiss, pulling on the pink tit with obvious enjoyment.


His cock was straining against his jeans. He could feel the throb that was
deep in his groin spreading along his veins, igniting his blood like a
raging wild fire. He wanted to touch her. Hell! He wanted to climb into the
bath and fuck her. After nearly a whole week of lying next to her and not
being able to touch her, this was too much. He damn near couldn’t control
himself. His cock was demanding attention.


Maybe he could persuade her to help him with that. But he was being selfish. She was still feeling under the weather and he shouldn’t take advantage of her but judging from the way she was reacting it wouldn’t take much to coax her into a blowjob especially if he got her all worked up by pleasuring her first. Groaning, he pushed the tempting idea out of his head and gently lowered her back into the water. Sitting back on his haunches, Spike gazed at her. She was even more beautiful all rosy and flushed with the beginnings of arousal. Her eyes were all soft and bewildered as she blinked at him.


Taking a firm hold of himself, he stood up. Her eyes flickered to his groin
but he wasn’t embarrassed. He wanted her to see how she affected him. “I’ll
let you finish up.”


He turned to the door. “Wait! Spike,” she called out. “Don’t’ go…I…”


“WHAT?” That came out a lot harsher then he intended.


She blinked up at him, looking for the whole world like a woman who wanted to be looked at and admired. God! Doesn’t she realize what she’s doing to me? He wanted her so badly and his need was getting stronger. Frustrated, he sighed and knelt back down next to the tub.


He reached over and trailed a wet finger down her cheek, brushing her red
lips with the wet tip. His eyes locked on his finger and her mouth. “Unless
you’re goin’ to tell me you want me to stay and fuck you, I ‘ave to go.”


Buffy breathed a little gasp. Spike slipped his finger into her mouth. It
was soft and warm. He played with her tongue, rubbing his finger gently across the surface. He gasped, when he felt her suck on his digit
fractionally. “BUFFY,” he growled.


He pulled away from her to a marginal safe distance. “Do you? Do you want me to fuck you?” he whispered.


She looked dazed by the question and blinked at him. Her eyes darted away,
flittering about the steamy room for a few moments before coming back to
rest on him. She’s thinking about it, Spike held his breath, waiting.


“No,” she whispered.


Spike snapped. His hand hit the surface of the water in a loud clap making
her jump. “FUCKIN’ HELL BUFFY!” He stormed out of the room slamming the door behind him.


He stomped into the bedroom pacing the floor angrily. “Fuckin’ women…” he muttered. “They’re all the same get you all worked up and then what do they fuckin’ do…NOTHIN’…that’s what they fuckin’ do….AAARGH,” he yelled.


Striding about the room he angrily muttered to his reflection. “One more
week – FUCK! I’ll never make it through another week. What the hell is wrong with her? She wants it…I know she does. She’s only bothered because she thinks her friends will find out…well they’re going to find out anyway. I’ll make sure of that.”


Friends! Fuck!!! They’ll be here at seven thirty. Spike glanced at
the clock, nearly four. His cock was ready to drop off. “Well I know jus’
where to go to get it fixed,” he muttered angrily. He was itching for a good
fight and he knew just the woman who’d provide it for him. Snatching up his
jacket, he checked for his car keys and slammed out of the bedroom. Intent on getting to Glory’s and back before Buffy’s friends arrived. Unless he got stuck in traffic, he’d do it easy. Scowling, Spike muttered. “What I want to do won’t take long at all.”


Buffy scrambled out the bath the second Spike slammed out of the bathroom. Quickly she dried herself off. She could hear him cursing and muttering to himself, as he thrashed back and forth across the carpeting in the other room. She had her hand on the door handle when she heard the bedroom door slam. Quickly, she crossed the bedroom but she was too late. Spike was violently slamming the sitting room door behind him just as she came into the room.


“Oh God! What have I done?” she sobbed.

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

Chapter Twenty Five.

A Dance with the Devil.


Spike made it to Glory’s in fifteen minutes flat. Half the time it had taken
the last time he drove over. Glory was surprised to see him back so soon and
on his own too. She tried to greet him pleasantly, but he cut her off
sharply.


“Where’s Faith?” he asked.


“At her apartment,” Glory replied nervously.


“Where’s Cordelia?” He demanded.


“She’s upstairs,” the blonde madam informed him. “She’s with Harmony.”


He strode to the door calling over his shoulder. “She’ll do…same room as
last week?”


“Yes.” She scurried to catch up with him.


“Fine, I need her for an hour or so.” He glared at her as he took the stairs
two at a time. “Find me an empty bedroom,” he snapped.


Realizing his intent Glory said. “She has to be back at her apartment by
seven, her client will be there at seven thirty.”


“That won’t be a problem,” he barked.


“And unmarked,” she added.


Spike shot her a murderous look. “Have you got that bedroom?”


“Yes, you can use the one opposite.”


Spike reached Harmony’s room and flung the door open. Cordelia and Harmony
were sitting on a small couch chatting while listening to music. Both girls jumped up,
startled by his violent entrance. Spike didn’t break stride, he marched right into the
room and grabbed Cordy by the wrist, dragging her protesting out into the corridor.


Harmony started to cry loudly. “Shut her up,” Spike snapped at Glory while
pulling a struggling Cordy across the space separating the two rooms. Glory
hissed at Harmony and swiftly shut her door…effectively cutting off her
sobs.


“Now piss off,” he snapped at Glory as he shoved Cordy into the empty
bedroom, slamming the door in her face. He locked the door and pocketed the key.

Glory shouted through the door. “Unmarked…don’t tie her up.”


Spike thumped his fist against the wood of the door. “Fuck off!”


Cordy was staring at him wild eyed and breathing heavy, her chest
heaving with the effort.


Spike scanned the room for a second before looking at her. “Take your
clothes off,” he demanded.


The color drained from Cordy’s face. She shook her head defiantly.


“WHAT?” he hissed. “You either take them off, or I rip them off.” He
shrugged out of his jacket, letting it drop to the floor.


Cordy backed away from him. He stalked closer, pulling his t-shirt out of
his jeans. He scoffed. “Who’d ‘ave thought, a whore refusin’ a
job?” he mocked.


“You’re not a client,” Cordy whispered.


“What…you want your money up front?” Spike laughed. “Well hell! Why not?”
He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. “How much?” he asked.


He knew full well how much Glory’s girls charged, but he just wanted to hear her say it.


“Well,” he snapped, when she didn’t answer.


“It’s three thousand an evening or…or…a thousand an hour.” Cordy lifted her
chin meeting his scornful sneer.


He pulled the money from his wallet. He grabbed her wrist, shoving the cash
into her hand. “There…now take your clothes off.” He moved back stripping
his t-shirt over his head.


Cordy put the money on the table next to the bed. Keeping her back to him,
she began unzipping her dress. She halted for a fraction of a second when she
heard him say.


“Of course you do realize the money will only be comin’ straight back
to me?”


Swallowing back her tears, Cordy continued to undress. She refused to cry in front of this bastard.


Spike was stripping out of his jeans watching her carefully. She had a great
body, lush full curves and heavy round tits, just what he needed. He hoped
she was a good fuck.


He sat on the edge of the bed, his hard-on jutting out from between his
legs, painful and throbbing. As soon as she finished undressing he pulled
her to him. “About time, come ‘ere.” He pushed her to the bed ready to mount her.


“Wait!” she practically squealed, panic tingeing her voice.


“What the fuck now?” he barked.


“Condom,” she breathed.


“Right, where?”


“In the table drawer.”


Spike retrieved a foil packet. Tearing it open, he slipped the latex sleeve
over his swollen cock.


“Okay, on your hands and knees,” he commanded.


Cordy didn’t dare contradict him. He was obviously in a foul mood and
judging from the raging hard-on he was sporting, someone had got him all
worked up. Naïve and stupid were not a part of Cordy’s personality, so it
was her guess that, someone was Buffy.


Well if he took his frustrations out on her, it was better than him taking
them out on poor Buffy. Cordy was still shocked by the marks she had seen
on her friend’s wrists and ankles. She knew fine well bondage games didn’t
leave those types of marks. Whatever he’d done, he meant to hurt her.


Cordy’s mind shifted gear, going to that place where she always went with a
client. The fact that it was her boss and that he already had Faith raped
and was responsibly for Harmony’s trauma, and that he was holding Buffy
prisoner and doing God knows what to her, was all pushed to the side to be
looked at, at a later date, if at all.


Spike was behind her, gliding his right hand down her back as he gave his
cock a couple of pumps. Cordy held still, waiting for him to enter her. She
reminded herself he wasn’t a normal client. She knew if she pleased him he
might come back again. Which meant; maybe there was a possibility he would
leave Buffy alone. So putting on her sweetest smile, she looked over her
shoulder and wriggled her bottom at him invitingly.


Spike responded as she expected. He grabbed her hips and surged forward
into her. Though she had been anticipating the thrust, she still gasped. He
was so big, filling her completely.


Spike held still for a moment, savoring the feel of her hot flesh
surrounding him. Quickly, he set a steady pace, thrusting into her silently.
Not put off by his silence, Cordy gently encouraged him with quiet words,
pushing back to meet his forward thrusts, moaning her pleasure and
heightening his. Soon his pace picked up and he was pumping into her with a
staggering force, thrusting and grunting as she called to him to go faster,
to push harder. Cordy dropped her head to the mattress; changing the angle
of his thrusts then squeezed her inner muscles tight around his straining
cock.


Spike came with a roar, shooting into the condom as she clamped around him.


Breathing hard, he pulled out of her and slumped on to the bed, sated for
now. He ripped the condom off and tossed it into the bin under the table.
Flopping back down, he watched as Cordelia slipped off the bed and padded
naked to the bathroom. When she came back, she was wearing a short, light
weight lavender robe. Without hesitating, she climbed onto the bed and
took his softening cock in her hands.


Spike moved further up the bed, propping his back against the headboard.
Cordelia was sprawled across the bed, resting on her side with her head
supported by her other hand, bent at the elbow. He nudged her shoulder
with his foot. “Go fetch my cigarettes…they’re in my jacket,” he ordered.


She smiled prettily at him and did as he asked. She even lit the smelly
cigarette for him, all the while keeping her smile in place. She returned to
his flaccid cock as soon as he leaned back to enjoy his smoke. After a few
minutes, he lifted his head and gazed at her.


Her smile faltered, when she saw the cold hard look he was giving her.
He has the bluest eyes, she thought, but they’re so hard. She
realized he was still angry…but his cock was coming back to life.


Smiling at him she carefully lowered her head to his semi erect cock. “You
can take that smile off your face. I didn’t pay for your smiles, I paid for
your cunt.” She froze. “But don’t let that stop you and what I hope will be
a spectacular blowjob.”


Cordy looked up at him. “I don’t swallow…because if you want to come in
my mouth, you’ll need a rubber,” she said all business like.


“I fuckin’ know that, but I’m sure you’re inventive. You’ll think of
somethin’ to make sure I’m not disappointed. Or at least you better do and
take off that robe,” he said coldly.


God! He’s really got it bad, she thought. Dryly she added to herself.
That’s Buffy… never do things by half. She took his cock into her
mouth.


Cordy worked him with a skill that comes from years of practice. At first he
could relax and enjoy the sensations her mouth was creating, but it wasn’t
long before he was smashing out his cigarette. He thrust his rock hard cock
up into the wet warmth of her mouth. She could tell he was close to coming.
She wanted this over quickly. She was really good at blowjobs, but secretly
she always hated them. Fondling his heavy balls, she caressed that
sensitive spot underneath. He seemed to like that so she did it again, and
again.


Grunting, Spike grabbed her head and thrust wildly into her mouth. Nearly choking,
Cordy tried to pull back, but his grip was too strong. She fought her panic and held
still, praying for him to finish soon.


Three more wild thrusts and he shot his load into her mouth. Gagging, Cordy
spluttered she hadn’t expected that, not after he acknowledged she didn’t swallow.


He released her, pushing her angrily away. Cordy grabbed the bin and spit
his cum into it. “You Bastard,” she muttered, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.


Spike grabbed her by her hair and yanked her up. “What did you jus’ call me, whore,”
he hissed at her through gritted teeth, shaking her slightly with his fist clamped in her hair.


“Nothing…I’m sorry,” she whimpered. Fuck! How the hell can he still be mad?
After a blowjob like that, he should be like a scampering little puppy dog at my
feet, she thought.


Abruptly he let go of her hair and hauled her back onto the bed by her arm.
He pinned her under his weight, pressing her down with his hard body. “You
should be more careful what you say Cordelia. Someone might take it the
wrong way and then where would you be…huh?” He gazed into her face, his
eyes like blue chips of ice. “Maybe I should bring’ you home with me. I think
my men were quite taken with you, but you’d definitely ‘ave to watch what you
say around them. They might take your dirty words as an invitation to change
the game rules. They’re into some pretty kinky shit and are always up for
teachin’ dirty whores like you a lesson.”


Cordy swallowed, she couldn’t believe it. His cock was hard again. She
shivered trying to think of a way to defuse him.


“But Buffy wouldn’t like it if you hurt me.” She saw a flicker of something
deep in his eyes. She had hit a nerve.


“Fuck Buffy,” he snapped. “Maybe, I’ll make her watch her friend the whore
takin’ it like she enjoys it. You never know, she might learn a thing or
two.”


Cordy frowned giving him a knowing look. Oh yeah! She’s got right
under your skin Mister and don’t think I can’t see it, she thought.


Some of her thoughts must have shown on her face, because suddenly Spike
pulled away from her. He reached over to the table, yanking the drawer
open. He threw a foil wrapped condom at her. “Put it on me,” he barked at
her.


He knelt over her. With trembling fingers, Cordy opened the packet and
rolled the condom over his hard length. Once it was in place, he slid down
her body and pushed her legs wide apart. “Hold them out of my way,” he growled.


Cordy held her legs apart under her knees, never feeling more like a whore
in her life then she did in that moment. Roughly he pushed into her, staring
into her face as he sought his pleasure.


Cordy had sex thousands of times and over the years she learned to
recognize when a man wanted to hurt her and she could tell Spike wanted to
hurt her. She braced herself for the pain knowing it was coming. She could see
it in his eyes…anger, resentment, frustration and rejection. It was all there.
Right now he was angry, not at her but at Buffy and she was Buffy’s friend so
for whatever reason he couldn’t bring himself to take it out on Buffy, he would
take it out on her friend.


Cordy closed her eyes, not wanting to see the ugly anger on his face as he
fucked her. He was rough and frenzied, frantic even but she was surprised
when he didn’t deliberately hurt her.


Spike ploughed into her, thrusting his hips hard and fast. The bed banged
violently against the wall creaking and shaking with the force of his
powerful thrusts. “Open your eyes,” he grunted. “I want to see how much
you’re enjoyin’ this.”


Obediently she opened her eyes. “That’s better…now reach up and grip the
bars on the headboard.” She did as he told her to do. “Good, now fuck me
back…c’mon Cordy my little whore, fuck me back…push that luscious cunt of
yours onto my cock.” He leaned back and lifted her hips in his hands,
coaxing her to fuck herself on his cock.


Moaning and whimpering, Cordy did as he told her. Pushing into his thrusts
and following his instructions, but remaining detached from the act itself.
Spike smirked down at her knowing she was faking her pleasure. He slowed his
powerful thrusts and let her hips fall to the bed. He lowered himself on top of
her and whispered in her ear. “You can let go now.”


She released the bars and suddenly Spike flipped them. He pushed her up to
straddle his hips. “Okay Cordy, lets see how well you drive stick. Take me
for a ride,” he said, smirking at her.


Cordy didn’t wait for him to tell her again. She launched herself into the
act. Letting her hands caress and arouse him, pinching his nipples and
brushing his face and chest with her hair. She whispered crude words to
him building him higher, and higher as she thrust herself down onto his
throbbing penis with pleasured moans.


She felt him laughing and froze. Startled, she looked at him. His chest was
shaking with suppressed mirth. Spike reached forward halting the small
restless movements of her hips.


He arched a brow at her smirking. “Tut-tut Cordy you bad girl, you’re not
s’posed to let me know you’re fakin’ it,” he laughed.


Cordy just stared at him. “What?”


“I said you’re fakin’ it. Guys aren’t supposed to know when a whore is
fakin’ it…especially not a three grand a bang whore.”


“And you think that’s funny?”


“Hell yeah!”


“And which part do you find funny? The part where you discovered I’m faking
it or the part that I’m faking it, because it’s you?”


He gripped her arms painfully and flipped her to the bed again. “Why you
fuckin’ little whore…I’ll–”


She cut him off. “Yes that’s right Spike. I’m a fucking whore. I get paid to
fuck men, lots of men. I’m not some dewy-eyed girl who’ll melt at your touch
or some naive girl you can coax into your bed. I’m not Buffy. I’m a fucking
whore so fuck me, but don’t expect me to enjoy it.”


Braced above her, Spike stared into her face for long minutes, breathing hard.
His eyes glittered with rage. His cock still buried in her wet heat. For one dread
filled moment, Cordy thought he was going to hit her. The anger burned so
terribly in his eyes, but he didn’t.


Slowly, he began to move again. Thrusting into her at a leisurely pace,
angling his cock so he hit her clit on the down strokes. Keeping his thrusts
long and deep, he fucked her with continued attention to her clit. Cordy
couldn’t help the small gasp of surprise that slipped from her mouth. He
increased the speed of his thrusts and leaned in to apply more pressure to
her clit with each stroke of his cock.


Cordy was panting and Spike could feel the copious amounts of juices flowing
from her. She’s enjoying it now, he thought smugly. He pushed a bit
harder on her throbbing clit. She gasped loudly, biting her lip trying to hold her
moans back. “C’mon Cordy let yourself go. You’re so nice and fuckin’ wet…so
nice and juicy. There’s no need to fake it,” he gave her a knowing smirk. “Not
when I can tell you don’t want to.”


She moaned as he whispered to her. Oh God! He really knows how to
work it, she thought.


“When was the last time you really came when someone was fuckin’ you?”


She clamped her mouth shut, stubbornly refusing to answer his question.


“That long huh…well let me see what I can do to change that for you.” He
thrust a little faster, a little deeper. “Maybe you don’t enjoy fuckin’ me,
but I at least want you to get satisfaction. I want to make sure you don’t
forget this fuck…I know I won’t.”


He reached down between them and pushed his fingers to the folds of her
pussy, swirling her juices over her erect clit. Cordy moaned and bit back a
curse, but it was no use, he was gently pinching her clit. She could feel the
blood draining away under his fingers, swelling her already sensitive
nub.


Spike didn’t let up. He thrust into her and rubbed her clit in time to his
thrusts. She was nearly there. He could feel her inner walls tremble with
the suppressed force of her orgasm. Her panting was becoming erratic, her
breasts heaving with each strangled breath. Lowering his head, Spike
captured one of her bouncing breasts in his mouth. She moaned louder.
Spike noticed her hands gripping the bedding, twisting the cover into knots
as she fought the sensations he was inducing.


Spike sucked hard on her large round nipple, causing it to pucker and harden
in his mouth. Simultaneously he thrust into her and pushed down expertly on
her clit, pinching the little piece of swollen flesh.


Cordy screamed, her hands flying to his shoulders gripping him to her as she
came. Her hips bucked up, seeking more contact with his cock and fingers.
Spike rubbed her clit, torturously drawing out her climax for long moments.
When he released her, she was panting and sweating from the force of the
experience. She opened her eyes and gazed into his. What she saw there
shocked her but she couldn’t deny it. For one unguarded second, his eyes
were filled with sadness and loneliness.


Silently, he continued to thrust into her closing his eyes as he allowed
himself to get lost in the rhythm. Cordy let her hands drift up to his head.
She slid her fingers into the damp sweaty strands pushing his head down
onto her shoulder. Spike buried his face at her neck and thrust into her warm
body. Slowly his arms came up to hold her and for the first time since
they’d started, he touched and caressed her. But Cordy knew it wasn’t her he
was touching. It was Buffy, so she stayed silent allowing him to get lost in
his fantasy.


Now, his touch was soft and gentle. He caressed her shoulders and breasts.
Softly, he nuzzled her neck, nibbling the length of smooth skin. Tenderly, he
suckled on the wildly beating pulse point below her ear.


Spike was thrilled. The girl in his arms moaned and arched up into his
thrusts. She let her hands slide down his back, exploring all his contours
and muscles as she went until she settled on his rump. She squeezed him
with her small hands, encouraging him to thrust deeper and faster. Spike
didn’t want to disappoint her, so he followed her urgings and thrust. She
raised her knees and gripped his hips with them. He gasped as he slipped
further into her wet channel. She was so soft…so warm and he wanted her
so much. She was everything he wanted and she was here with him now,
willing and moaning her pleasure in his ear.


Spike came, reverently groaning her name. “Buffy…oh Buffy…oh Buffy.”
He spilled his seed deep into her womb.


*****


Spike lay on his back staring sightlessly up at the ceiling. He couldn’t
believe he’d said her name while fucking another woman. Groaning, he
flung his arm over his eyes, as if blocking his vision would block the memory.
The woman next to him remained still and quiet. What’s she thinking?
He wondered. She knew, whores always knew. God! He’d been such a
wanker, storming in here looking for a quick fix to his frustrations. Now he’d
made things worse. Where had all his carefully controlled patience gone? It
was as if Buffy was taking over his life, as if she controlled him. When it had
started out, it was him seeking to control her. He laughed at the irony of it.


He remembered how he’d felt the first time he read Angel’s journals. He thought
they were a fucking joke especially all that sentimental crap about, golden
goddesses and creatures of light and beauty. He thought he was going to be
sick with laughter. Well he was still laughing, but for bleedin’ different reasons now.


Oh! Fuck! I am so cooked.


And the whore next to him knew it. He’d fucked her and came inside her,
whispering another woman’s name…in love.


Buffy’ll never want me or even like me…I’m in love with a woman who’ll
never love me…I don’t think I can go through that again, he thought.


But what choice did he have. It was his fault she was in this mess. She would
be in too much danger if he let her go and she would equally be in danger within
the family, if he didn’t claim her. She was his responsibility and he didn’t want
to see anything happen to her.


He heard Cordy slip off the bed and leave the room. A couple of minutes
later she was back. She nudged him. He dragged his arm off his face and
looked at her with careful neutral eyes. She was holding a glass of whiskey
in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other. She offered him both.


Spike took the glass and cigarette from her and watched as she slipped the
lavender robe back on.


“I won’t tell,” she said sitting back on the bed.


Spike just looked at her with cool blank eyes, giving nothing away. But it
was too late. He had already given everything away to this woman. What
should he do with her? Kill her? Move her to a new city? Bring her home and
give her to his men? Pay her for her silence?


She wasn’t stupid. She knew how much danger she was in. She’d just fucked
her boss and he’d revealed something to her he wouldn’t want to become common
knowledge. She must be terrified about what he was going to do next, but she
hid it well. She sat on the bed looking openly at him, her face a picture of serene calmness.


“I won’t tell,” she repeated.


Spike thought he heard her voice waver. Unconcerned by his nakedness, he
leisurely smoked his cigarette and sipped his whiskey, staring at her over
the rim of the glass.


“What won’t you tell?” he whispered.


“Everything…I won’t tell about this afternoon…or about you being here or
about what you did when you were here…I won’t tell anything, to
anyone…not Glory, or Faith, or Harmony…or anyone.”


“But they know I’ve been ‘ere and unless they’re deaf they know what we were doing.”


“Yes, but they don’t have to know any of the details…I won’t tell…any of the details.”


“And how do I know I can trust you?”


“Because I can keep secrets, especially where my friends are concerned.”


He placed his glass on the table and dropped the half smoked cigarette into
the ashtray.


“What kind of secrets ‘ave you had to keep for your friends?” He was
thinking of Angel. He knew Cordelia was one of only two people who knew
about Buffy’s relationship with Angel, but she didn’t know he knew that.


“Well if I told you that, they wouldn’t be secrets any more and I never tell.”


“You knew ‘bout Angel; didn’t you?”


“Knew what about him?” she asked, all innocent.


He chuckled, mirthlessly. “You knew he was seein’ Buffy. Tell me,
was it you or Faith that introduced them?”


“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”


She was good, but not quite good enough to fool him. He’d seen her eyes
widen slightly when he mentioned Faith.


“You’re a liar,” he snapped. “I know all ‘bout it…Angel told me.”


She was pale and trembling, but she bravely stood her ground. He liked that
about her, she had guts. Buffy had chosen her friends well it would seem.


“Angel would never have told you. Besides he’s long gone, probably drinking
cocktails on some tropical beach somewhere…living it up, while the rest of us
have to live with the effects of his desertion,” she said with strength.


He laughed at her, his eyes remaining cool and unreadable. “Angel’s locked
up in my basement, but I guess Buffy didn’t ‘ave time to tell you ‘bout
that.”


Valiantly, she ploughed on. “Then if Angel told you, I’m sure you don’t need
me to repeat any of it.”


“Hmm…I wonder. Maybe I should bring’ you home and see if I can get you
to tell me everythin’ that went on…you know, fill in the blanks. There’s still
a lot I don’t know and now that I think ‘bout, it I’m wonderin’ why it never
occurred to me, to ask you and Faith to tell me what you know.”


He kneeled up on the bed in front of her. Picking up a handful of her silky
brown hair, he let the strands slip and slide through his fingers, again and
again. “Did you like it when I made you come?”


Her eyes flickered to his cock.


“It looked as if you did and I know it sure sounded as if you did, but you
didn’t tell me…so tell me now.”


She shrugged indifferently. “Yes.”


“What would you say if I told you that was the last time you would ever
‘ave to fuck a guy for money?”


“I…I…Huh?”


Slowly, he let his hand slip to her throat. Gently, he encircled his fingers
around her slim neck. Cordy’s eyes widened in panic, she swallowed under his fingers.


“Dead girl’s don’t ‘ave to fuck anyone. You know I could just kill you right
now and nobody would question me ‘bout it. Not Masters or Glory or even
your little friends. Then I’d ‘ave to go and do some elaborate schemin’ and
make it look like some tragic accident, so the rest of the world would think
you died by some silly twist of fate.”


“I know,” she whispered.


Spike let go of her neck and placed his hands on her shoulders, nodding his
head at her acknowledgement. He looked into her eyes, wondering if he had
made the wrong decision. A month ago he wouldn’t have hesitated.


“I love her too,” she whispered. “And I’d never hurt her.”


No, he’d made the right decision. She wouldn’t tell. He swung his legs off
the bed and leisurely began to dress.


“You know, you did the right thing coming here today,” she said.


He arched a brow at her, quizzically.


“Here,” she handed him the money. “My address and phone number is
there just in case. In fact, it might not be such a good idea if you were to go to
anyone else. If you don’t want Glory or anyone to find out, then just
phone me. I’ll meet you anywhere you want.”


Spike was stunned. Had she just offered to have sex with him for free? In
his experience, whores didn’t do that.


“I hope you don’t offer that to everyone. Glory won’t be happy if she finds
out you’re doin’ it on the side for free…even if it is for me.”


“I’ve never done it on the side, as you put it and I’m not doing it for you.
I’m doing it for Buffy,” she sated calmly.


Spike was stunned again. She’d known all along he’d come looking to work
off his frustrations with Buffy. Now she was telling him she was happy to stand
in for her to let him find the release he couldn’t get with the woman he
wanted. If Buffy didn’t open up and let him in soon, he knew he’d be seeing
Cordelia again. Living with Buffy, being with Buffy and sharing a bed with
her was driving him mad. His need for her was too great and finally he knew
why.


No…no, he couldn’t do that. He’d find a way to cope. He’d win her over in the
end. Buffy was definitely attracted to him. Her body made all the right responses,
but it would always just be sex to her. She would never love him. Spike knew he
was weak and selfish, but he’d take what he could get and if he couldn’t have her
heart, he would at least have her body. Given enough time he could work at
winning her heart. She was all he wanted. He wanted to be faithful to her,
even if she didn’t require it.


Opening his wallet, he added another two thousand to the thousand in his
hand along with her address card. He handed the money back to Cordy.


“That won’t be necessary pet. I’ll find a way to come to terms with this. Don’t
worry ‘bout Buffy. I’ll find another way to deal with my frustrations, now that
I know what it’s all ‘bout it’ll be easier.”


She took the money from him. “And what will you do if she never sleeps with you?”


He smirked at her devilishly. “That will never happen…she’ll fight for a
while yet, but eventually she’ll give in.” Cordy looked at him doubtfully.
“What else is she going to do, never ‘ave sex again? I’m not lettin’ her go
and besides I know when she’s lyin’ and believe me she’s been lyin’ to
herself more then she’s lied to me. She wants me, she’s jus’ afraid.”


He tucked his t-shirt back into his jeans and scooped his jacket off the
floor. “I’ll tell Glory the money’s yours.” He pulled the key from his
pocket and went to unlock the door.


She called him back. “Will you let us see her again?”


He gave her a slow thoughtful nod. “Maybe, but not for a while, I need to
‘ave her to myself for a bit and she needs to get used to me.”


“I could help with that,” she said quickly.


Frowning, he stopped with his hand on the handle, just about to turn the key.
“Huh?”


“Well think about it…if you were to let her see us… you know…keep life as
normal as possible. We could help her see how much better off she would
be with someone like you, but she will never think kindly of you, if all you
do is keep her locked up in that house. Buffy needs to get out and be
among people. You’ll only drive her to resent and hate you if you don’t
give her some freedom.”


“Did Buffy tell you I’ve been lockin’ her up?” he asked blandly.


“No of course not, I only meant in general terms of her being made to stay
with you not…uh…not…” Cordy fizzled off she’d seen something in his face.
“Oh! God! You’ve been locking her up?”


“Only in the beginning…it was for her own good…I couldn’t risk her tryin’ to get away.”


“What! After you told her you’d pack her sister off to work for Trick.
Didn’t you see her face? I’ve never seen anyone so frightened in my life,
you can’t possibly believe she’d have tried to get away with that threat
hanging over her,” Cordy practically shouted. She was upset at the thoughts
that he’d been locking Buffy up, on top of the marks on her wrists and ankles.
Cordy wondered what else he’d done to her she didn’t know about.


“You’re forgettin’ who you’re talkin’ too,” he said coldly.


“No I’m not. I know exactly who you are. I only want to help Buffy. I’m
her friend and I don’t want to see her hurt,” Cordy swallowed back her fear.
He was beginning to look mad again. His jaw was definitely twitching. “You
said you’ll never let her go and by that statement I assume you mean
physically, but how long do you think you’ll be able to hold onto her if
you alter her life so radically. Her whole personality might become at risk…her
mental health…is that what you want?”


He was staring at the floor lost in thought. Drusilla, she’ll end up like
Dru…I can’t let that happen.


Cordy stood back bracing herself for anything. He was so unpredictable, it
could go either way.


He was nodding his head slowly, a pensive frown between his brows.
“Okay, what’d you suggest?”


Cordy breathed a sigh of relief. “Let her see her friends as normal and let
her have as much contact with her mom and Dawn as she wants. I know for
a fact they talk on the phone at least three times a week and let her go out.
Show her you trust her enough to remember you still hold her friends and
family’s lives in your hands, but that you’re willing to trust, she’ll not risk them
by running away, because she won’t you know…she’ll stay right where she is,
if she thinks it’s in their best interests.” She paused, trying to think if there
was anything she could add to that, but there wasn’t. “If I think of anything
else I’ll let you know,” she finished.


Spike gave a snort of laughter. “You do that,” he said dryly. Then sighing
heavily he added. “I’ll think ‘bout what you said. I’m not promisin’
anythin’ but I will think ‘bout it and jus’ for your information I haven’t
stopped her seein’ her mates,” he glanced at his watch. “In fact, I’d better
get back ‘cause they’ll be arrivin’ pretty soon.”


“What, Willow and Xander are going to your house tonight?”


He nodded his head.


“Oh! Well, why don’t you want her to see us?” she asked puzzled.


“Because you’re all whores,” he replied as if it were obvious.


“See, that’s what I mean.” He frowned at her, puzzled. “Buffy’s entitled to
choose her own friends and if we’ve been good enough for her for all these
years, the chances are, we’ll be good enough for her for the rest of her life
and if you don’t mind me saying, don’t you think that’s setting a double
standard, you expect her to except you, but you want her to give us up.”


He chuckled. “You got me there pet.” Spike had a new respect for Cordelia,
and again thought Buffy had chosen her friends well.


“Okay, give me that card I’ll give you a call and we’ll see ‘bout arrangin’
a girly day out for Buffy…but one of my guys will be tailin’…you know that, right?”


“I wouldn’t have expected anything less.”


And without a goodbye or a backward glance, he was out the door, leaving
Cordelia feeling like she just made a deal with the devil.

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

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