Chapter Twenty Six.

Saturday Night.


It was six fifteen when Spike walked through the sitting room doors. Buffy spun around to face him when she heard the door click shut. Her face was awash with worry and torment. Spike felt renewed guilt and shame wash over him.


“Where were you?” she asked, coming over to him.


“I went for a drive.” He shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it over the back of the nearest chair. Striding to the bar he dropped his keys on the counter and poured himself a drink.


Pursing her lips Buffy nodded her head sagely…looking like a worried little housewife. “A drive…you went for a drive?”


He frowned at her from under his brows. “Yes that’s what I said. I went for a drive.” He changed the subject. “How’s your head, did you get somethin’ to eat?”


“Never mind that, I want to know where you went on this drive?”


“Why, what difference does it make where I went?” He asked, busying himself behind the bar.


Casually, Buffy took a seat at the bar facing him, leaning forward slightly, to see what he was doing.


“It doesn’t make any difference where you went, but it does make a difference if you went with someone,” she stated dryly.


Spike froze. Slowly, he raised his eyes to meet hers.


“What?”


“You heard me.” She looked at him, unwavering in her resolve. “You think I can’t tell when you’re lying to me. You didn’t, go for any drive you went to see your girlfriend.”


Spike stared at her. She thought he’d been with Drusilla. Relief flooded him. For a second he thought she’d guessed about Cordy, but just as quickly as the thought occurred to him he realized it was impossible. Who told her about Dru and why should she be acting all bothered about it? It’s not as if she cared. Spike reminded himself to keep his cool and keep his gob shut unless absolutely necessary.


“What are you talkin’ ‘bout?” Oh! Yeah, you prat, that’s it she’ll never suspect you of anything with lines like that, he thought.


Frowning angrily, she snapped. “I’m talking about you…coming back here stinking of cheap perfume and trying to lie to me.” She paused to draw breath. Spike arched a brow at her. “At first I thought you’d gone to take it out on Angel, but now I can see I was worried for nothing. You know what…I don’t know why I’m surprised you stormed off straight to her. All that, talk about wanting me, when what you really wanted was just a quick fuck. Well she’s welcome to you.”


Buffy hopped off the bar stool and flounced off to the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.


For a whole minute, Spike stood rooted to the spot. Then a slow grin began to spread across his face. Buffy was jealous. He’d never felt so happy in his whole bleedin’ life. Buffy was jealous.


Hang on though. Buffy was jealous because she thought he’d been with another woman. Well he had, just not the one she thought. This is bad…NO, its good…NO, it’s definitely bad. Bloody hell! How do I get myself out of this mess? Okay, I need to think quickly, he thought.


Buffy somehow knew Dru was here. How wasn’t important, but maybe he could use that. It would definitely be better if she continued to think he’d been with Dru rather than Cordelia. Spike pulled a handful of his t-shirt up to his nose, sniffing. There was a faint odor of some nondescript perfume, but nothing that could possibly be described as stinking. Obviously Buffy had picked up on it and jumped to her own conclusions.


Okay! I know what to do!!! I’ll lie through my teeth.


Hesitantly he knocked on the bedroom door and slowly went in. She was sitting on the bed crossed legged, playing the computer game. Well at least she’s not throwing things, Spike thought. Buffy gave him an angry little look as he came through the door.


Spike stood next to the TV, his hands casually stuffed into the pockets of his jeans while he waited for her to look at him. Thankfully his calm was restored and he could patiently wait for her. He could tell she was struggling with her anger and he sympathized with her. He knew only to well how that felt.


“What?” she snapped.


Spike nearly laughed at her display of jealously. It filled him with such hope and she didn’t even know.


“You’re right, I was with Dru.” Buffy’s head snapped up and her eyes burned with something close to rage. “But it’s not what you think…maybe you should come with me.” He turned to go back out into the sitting room.


“I’m not going anywhere with you, you can go to Hell.” She turned her attention back to the TV screen.


“Buffy you’re being ridiculous. Now come with me,” he commanded.


When she didn’t move he marched back to the TV and turned it off. He snatched the game pad from her and tossed it to the bed.


“Hey! I was playing that,” she groused.


“Well you bloody well shouldn’t be, all those flashin’ lights will set off another migraine you ninny.”


She just crossed her arms and fumed at him.


“NOW,” he barked, pointing at the door.


Slowly, Buffy got off the bed. She gave him a hateful glare as she marched passed him into the sitting room.


Spike strode to the sitting room door and barked at her over his shoulder. “Follow me.”


Buffy had to hurry her pace to keep up with him as he strode off in the direction of the elevator. He didn’t speak to her on the short ride down to the next floor. He waited for her by the open door, but she was keeping well back from the opening, shooting nervous glances at him. “What are we doing here?” she asked nervously.


“We’re goin’ to see Drusilla,” he informed her and held his hand out to her.


Still keeping to the back of the elevator, Buffy asked incredulously. “You gave…gave her to the…er…your men?”


“No, I put her on the same floor as my men, not with them.” Then he realized what she must be thinking. He stepped back into the elevator going to her side. “Is that what you think, that I would jus’ give her to them? I would never do that to someone I loved,” he said, gazing down at her trying to tell her what he could never tell her.


He took her hand and led her out onto the first floor. Quickly he navigated the corridors, until he came to a room with a guard outside. Nodding to the guard, Spike told him to unlock the door. Once the door was open, the guard stood back to let them pass.


Spike led her into a well-lit airy room, furnished in soft pastel colors and pretty floral covered couches and chairs. At the bar covered window sat a dark haired woman. She looked up for a brief second as they came into the room.


“Spike where have you been, you nearly missed tea,” she scolded.


Buffy and Spike walked further into the room. “Oh I’m sorry pet, I only went to fetch Buffy. I thought she might like to ‘ave tea with us,” he explained.


Buffy was still frowning. This was Drusilla? It couldn’t be…could it? The woman was clearly very beautiful, but she was also clearly not in full use of her senses. She kept babbling on about someone called Miss. Edith and how naughty she had been. Drusilla explained how she had put her to bed early for being rude. Buffy had thought she was talking about a real person. Spike offered to go and talk to the naughty Miss. Edith, to make sure she understood she mustn’t misbehave again.


Drusilla thought it was a very good idea and waved them off in the direction of the bedroom. Spike showed Buffy the empty room…well, empty except for a collection of dolls, one of which was tucked up in bed, the offending Miss. Edith.


In hushed whispers, Spike explained about Drusilla’s condition and for her own safety she was now under guard. He further explained Dru thought the doll was a real person and most of the time she was nothing more than a little girl playing with dolls and having tea parties while she thought she was living in a castle with kings and princess.


Spike told Buffy he had been trying all week to find her the best doctor who could treat her at home or as close to as possible, but it was hard work. All of the good ones refused to treat a patient from their own home. Insisting the person really needed observation over a long period of time under a professional and specialist conditions and that meant a hospital. Spike hated the thoughts of sending Drusilla away to live among strangers. He knew she’d hate it and he feared it would make her worse. The problem had yet to be resolved.


Buffy blinked at him. She really didn’t know what to say. The woman in the other room was nothing more then a child and she needed help…help that as much as he wanted to, Spike was unable to provide for her. Buffy felt ashamed for her earlier assumptions. If Spike spent time with Drusilla it wasn’t to have sex with her. He led her back into Drusilla’s sitting room.


The tea had arrived and they stayed chatting to Dru while she played at being ‘mother’ Spike was incredibly good with her. He seemed to know all the right things to say to her. Drusilla smiled and giggled whenever he praised her for something. Buffy saw him in a whole new light. This was a side of Spike she had never even imagined existed. She quietly watched the two of them, observing all his unguarded interaction with Drusilla, pondering this new development.


Spike called a halt to their visit and for a few minutes Buffy thought Drusilla was going to cry, but as soon as Spike promised to come back the next day with a present, she perked up. Just as they were leaving Drusilla grabbed Buffy’s hand and pulled her back into an affectionate hug.


“Will you come back tomorrow?” she asked hopefully.


Buffy glanced at Spike. He arched a brow at her and shrugged his shoulders.


“Buffy can come with me if she wants to Dru, but you mustn’t pester her to play games or any such nonsense, okay,” he said firmly.


Drusilla pouted for a second but nodded her head. Then she offered him a kiss and Buffy was surprised to see Spike embrace the dark woman tenderly and kiss her brow gently.


Back outside, Spike hurried her along. Once they were back in the elevator, he looked at her.


“When she arrived like that last week, there was no one more shocked then me, but it’s happened and I jus’ ‘ave to learn how to deal with it,” he paused sighing. “If I can find her the right help I will, but until then, she stays ‘ere. I’ll visit her every day jus’ to make sure she doesn’t get lonely and jus’ because she asked you to visit doesn’t, mean you ‘ave to. I can explain to her you were busy.”


“No that’s okay, I’d like to really, if you don’t mind,” Buffy said.


He moved closer to her taking her hand, he said. “Thanks luv, it would mean a great deal to me if you’d spend a bit of time with her, but I’ll ‘ave to be with you ‘cause she’s not safe to be with on your own.” Buffy gave him a doubtful look. “She knocked Dixon out and nearly managed to launch herself out a twelfth floor window…to pick flowers no less. That’s how dangerous she can be to herself and I’d hate to think what harm she’d do to someone else if she put her mind to it,” he explained.


The doors pinged open cutting him off. He led her back to the sitting room.


“Your pals are goin’ to be ‘ere in the next fifteen minutes and I need a quick shower, so maybe we can finish this conversation when they’ve gone.” Buffy nodded her head, dazed by all she’d learned. “So tell me, do you want to entertain them up ‘ere or downstairs.”


Buffy thought about it for a moment. She didn’t want her friends up here, not when there was a chance they’d discover she was sharing a bedroom with Spike. “Downstairs.”


Spike nodded, guessing her reasons for choosing downstairs. “Then why don’t you go on down and wait for them. I’ll tell the guard its okay for you to go on your own.” He laughed at her expression of shocked disbelief.


He strode over to the door and pulled it open. “Mike, Ms. Summers is goin’ down to greet her guests in a minute and I’ve told her it’s okay to go on her own, so you jus’ let her pass when she needs to.”


Mike nodded. “Yes boss.”


Spike closed the door and turned to a shocked Buffy. “There you go luv, you can leave when you’re ready.”


Spike was nearly at the bedroom door when Buffy caught up with him. She stopped him with a hand on his arm. He wondered if he’d managed to deflect her suspicions.


“I’m sorry,” she whispered.


“What for luv, you didn’t do anythin’ wrong. It was all my fault. I shouldn’t be such a horny dog.” She was still resting her hand on his arm. Spike placed a hand over hers and slid his other hand around her waist, pulling her close. “But I can’t help myself around you, you kinda drive me nuts you know.” He chuckled when her expression became one of total bafflement. She was so incredibly sweet. He knew she didn’t believe in her ability to ensnare him but she had, completely.


“You kinda drive me nuts too,” she admitted.


“Yeah, I guess I do luv,” he laughed.


He lowered his head to kiss her softly and for the first time ever; she met his kiss equally with her own. Both of them giving and receiving in equal measure. When they broke apart they knew things had changed, even if they didn’t know what it was.


“I better grab that shower luv, why don’t you go and see if your friends have arrived,” he said.


Buffy nodded and headed towards the sitting room doors. Spike watched her go. He hated himself for his deception, but he knew it was for the best. He vowed he’d never again put himself in a position where he had to ever lie to her again about another woman.


*****


Feeling naked, Buffy expected for someone to jump out at her at any moment and challenge her right to be wandering around the house on her own. Spike giving her permission seemed like poor armor, especially when she thought of all the possible things that could happen to disrupt her newly given freedom. What if she bumped into Gilbey? She was on her own and he would be sure to take advantage of that and without Spike’s presence she could be in danger from any of his men.


Aaargh…what the hell was the matter with her! She’d never been a scaredy cat before. If she was going to live here, then she’d better get used to dealing with his men for herself. Spike had given her permission and if anyone challenged that, then she’d just tell them to go have it out with him. Be assertive Buffy, don’t let anyone bully you, Buffy told herself. Well, anyone except for Spike, she reminded herself. There was nothing she could do to prevent his bullying tactics and besides he already had her where he wanted her.


But she didn’t want any of that to show. Not in front of her friends. She was terrified, wondering how he was going to behave in front of them. The criminal overlord, the new employer, the obviously filthy rich playboy. Though in fairness she hadn’t seen Spike play that particular role. That had
been Angel’s thing, rich and smooth. Whereas Spike tended to be more, ‘what you see is what you get’. He could be friendly and charming when he wanted to be. He’d certainly won Anya over with just one phone call and look how he treated Drusilla. He was so gentle and patient with her, but Buffy also knew there was another side to Spike. He was a bully and a tyrant. He had a foul temper with a very short fuse and once he was set off, there was no stopping him. You just had to ride it out. Buffy shuddered as the memory of his worst temper tantrum to date, came to mind. She could still feel the cold metal of the switchblade as it brushed her skin. She pushed the ugly memory away and concentrated on the much happier thoughts of seeing her friends again.


Maybe the fact he was allowing her to come down and meet them on her own, was an indication as to how he was going to play things out. Maybe, just maybe, he was going to act as normal as possible and not declare to all her friends she was his property, or embarrass her by being all possessive and stuff. Buffy wished she had thought to discuss it with him, but there was no time and now she was about to meet them. Spike wouldn’t be long, but once they arrived there would be no opportunity to get him on his own and ask him to behave. She just had to pray that his visit with Drusilla had purged him of his bad mood and temper.


The electric doors opened and Buffy stepped out into the hallway. Luke and Dixon were just coming out of one of the offices; they stopped abruptly, scowling at her in alarm. They both looked past her into the empty elevator, probably expecting to see Spike. Luke reached for his phone and dialed a connection. Buffy guessed it was either to Spike or the guard Mike. She slowly walked further into the hallway, careful not to make any sudden moves, just in case they took her intentions the wrong way and launched themselves at her.


“Can you explain to me why Ms. Summers is downstairs without the boss?” Luke asked the person on the other end.


His eyebrows arched slightly in surprise, but his face remained hard and cold. He snapped his phone shut and looked at Dixon. “Spike gave her permission.”


Their body language seemed to relax and Buffy was glad she didn’t make any of those sudden moves. She held her position as they came towards her. By the time they were standing in front of her; she was craning her neck to look up at them. They were both so tall.


“Now if the boss said you could come down here on your own, you better not do anything stupid and make him regret his decision,” Luke warned.


Buffy arched a brow at him, preparing to give a confident reply when there was a commotion at the front door. All three turned to see what was going on. Dixon strode over to the guard at the door, demanding to know what was happening. Luke put a restraining hand on Buffy’s arm in case she tried to follow him.


Not wanting to get on his bad side, Buffy wisely held still. Luke removed his hand when he realized she wasn’t going to try anything.


Xander was the first one through the door, followed closely by Anya. Willow was next, with Oz and Tara following last. Buffy stood in the hallway while they smiled and whistled in admiration of their surroundings.


“Oooweee Buffster, your new boss must be loaded. Who is he, Bruce Wayne?”

Xander joked, gazing around at all the obvious wealth.


“Oh! Oh! I know that one, that’s Batman…right,” Anya said.


Xander hugged her. “Spot on honey.”


Luke and Dixon moved away when her friends poured into the hall. They were hanging back, watching from a discreet distance. Buffy glanced at them. Luke arched a brow at her, but Dixon just looked bored.


Buffy steered her friends towards the entertainment room, away from prying eyes and ears. The gasps of awe and admiration kept escaping them, as Buffy led them further into the house. When they saw the massive room filled with high-tech entertainment equipment and the adjoining game room, with its bar and pool tables, they were shocked into stunned silence for a few moments.


Oz was the first to recover, his cool, unflappable, personality not phased by the overwhelming opulence. “Cool…who wants a game of pool?”


Willow giggled and slapped his arm. “Wow! Buffy this place is great; much better then your old place.”


“Hey, does this place have a pool?” Xander wanted to know.


“Yeah, there are two…one in the garden and one in the basement, but that one is off limits guys. So don’t ask me to show you.”


“Oooh, a private underground pool. Does your boss let you use it?” asked Xander.


“Uh yeah, and the gym, it kinda comes with the job.” Buffy cringed with the half lie.


“Yeah, about this job, how come you never said anything about it when I last saw you?” asked a baffled Willow.


“That’s ‘cause I hadn’t offered it to her at the time,” Spike said, as he strode into the room. “Hello, you must be Willow.” He shook her hand.


“Yes, and this is my husband Oz.” Oz came forward to shake his hand.


Spike glanced at Buffy she looked a little dazed. “Buffy, will you introduce the rest of your pals to me?”


“Oh! Er…yes of course, uh, this is Xander…” They shook hands. “And this is his cousin Tara…” Tara had been hanging back as usual, but she came to shake hands with Spike and gave him a shy smile. “And this is Anya.”


Anya came forward, offering her hand without hesitation. “Oh you are such a fibber Buffy, he is WAY sexy.”


“HEY!!” Xander yelped indignantly.


Spike thought it was hilarious, and burst out laughing. Buffy was blushing and Willow and Tara looked mildly embarrassed. Only Oz remained unconcerned by Anya’s lack of tact.


Seeing the varying looks of embarrassment on her friend’s faces, Anya defended herself. “What? What did I say? I was only telling the truth, he is sexy,” Anya stated. She couldn’t see why everyone didn’t agree with her.


Spike laughed even louder. When he could finally speak, he managed to catch hold of Anya’s hand. He tugged her closer and whispered loudly. “Don’t mind them pet, I agree with you.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her fingers.


“See,” Anya said triumphant. “Dead sexy.”


Everyone found that funny and laughed loudly. The ice was broken and they all relaxed. Spike was charming and friendly, answering everyone’s questions and playing the perfect host. He played pool with the guys, leaving the girls to sit at the bar gossiping and making cocktails. Both Buffy and Willow sticking to the non-alcoholic kind.


At nine O’clock three members of the kitchen staff arrived, each with a services cart heavily loaded with food.


Xander’s eyes lit up. Spike told everyone to just help themselves, so Xander did. Buffy had to laugh at that. There had to be enough food there to sink a small ship and as she watched Xander dive into a tray of pizza, she thought, if he eats all that, he’ll be the size of a small ship. She caught Spike’s eye and her smile slipped. He had been stealing glances at her for most of the evening. Nothing to make her feel uncomfortable, but she was still aware of his eyes resting on her every now and again, the expression in his eyes soft and amused.


After everyone had their fill of food, Spike asked Buffy to ring down to the kitchen to remove the leftovers. The guys resumed their pool game. The girls wandered back into the entertainment room, where Anya and Tara hunted through the extensive library of DVD’s for something to watch. Willow made herself comfortable on the main couch and pulled Buffy down next to her.


“Sooo, tell me all about it,” Willow said, an expectant expression on her face.


“About what?” Buffy asked.


“Oh! Don’t play coy with me. Spike, the job, all this…Spike?” Willow waved her hand taking in the whole room.


Buffy glanced through the open double doors into the game room. Spike was busy playing a round with Xander and Oz was fixing them drinks at the bar.


“Well, there’s really not that much to tell, Spike offered me the job as his PA and I took it,” she explained.


Frowning, Willow persisted. “Yes, but why did he offer it, and why did you take it?”


Sighing, Buffy thought it best to keep her story simple, that way there was less chance she would trip over her own lies. “Well I took the job because it was perfect for me. I mean it’s what I studied for and there’s room for advancement and it pays really good and I get a great place to live with no worries about bills or expenses. I mean come on Will, look at this place, its heaven.” Put like that, even Buffy thought it sounded convincing.


Willow nodded and smiled a small smile. “Yes I can see that, but it doesn’t seem like you Buffy, you were always about helping people. What happened to all those people you kept saying you wanted to save.”


“They’re still there Will and I’m still helping people, just in a different way and from a different angle. I couldn’t refuse the job Will, it was too good an offer to turn down. Surly I’m entitled to do something for myself for a change,” Buffy’s tone was one of someone pleading for understanding.


“Oh! Of course you are, I just thought it so odd you would give up your job at the agency, to become someone’s personal assistant,” Willow glanced into the game room. Spike was leaning on his pool cue talking to Oz. Anya was right he was sexy. “But then if I got offered the chance to work for someone as sexy as Spike, I might be tempted too,” she teased.


“That had nothing to do with it, I can promise you.” Smiling Willow gave her a disbelieving look. “It didn’t,” insisted Buffy.


“Hmm, well you’re here now and I can see Xander won’t be the only one to jump at a chance and come over for a visit,” Willow bounced her bottom up and down on the couch seat. “Yep, definitely beats that lumpy old couch of yours…Ooooh and your old TV.” She laughed pointing at the mini screen.


“WOW! Look what I found,” Anya exclaimed.


The guys came out of the game room to look at the mini screen. Anya had found the remote control that opened the wooden shutter that normally kept it hidden from view.


“OH! MY GOD!” Xander gasped around a mouthful of cold pizza.


Tara and Oz moved back to admire the giant TV. Anya looked as if she’d just won some money and Willow’s brows were half way to her hairline. Buffy laughed at her friend’s obvious state of renewed shock.


“Spike man, give me a job too,” pleaded Xander standing next to him.


Buffy laughed.


Spike was watching Buffy laugh and didn’t see Willow watching him.


Still looking at Buffy he said. “Sorry Xander, but Buffy took the last one.”


Buffy turned laughing eyes to him. He felt his heart lurch in his chest. Oh! God! She’s so beautiful when she laughs. Fierce arousal swept through him.


Anya snapped him out of his musings. “Well I’ve got a job for you. Here put this on and let’s watch.” She shoved a DVD box into Xander’s hand and excitedly rushed to find herself a good seat.


“Oooh, The Princess Bride, can’t beat the classics.” Xander opened the box and placed the disc in the machine.


Everyone seemed to glide to their seats, a silent agreement the pool games were abandoned in favor of the movie. Buffy kept her eyes firmly locked on Xander as he prepared to load the movie. She noticed Spike’s hot gaze and her heartbeat jumped up in response as her body answered with her own heated arousal. She didn’t dare look at Spike. If she did, she knew she would blush and then everyone would want to know why she was blushing…and then she would stammer…and die of embarrassment. So she didn’t look at Spike. No looking at Spike…don’t look at Spike…don’t.


Spike settled himself between Buffy and Willow. He smiled at the pretty red head. “Havin’ a nice time pet?” Willow nodded, smiling. “Buffy tells me you’re expecting your first baby early next year.” Willow’s smile became a wide grin as Oz eased in next to her. He pulled her back so she could rest against him. Spike noticed the affectionate gesture and moved further along the couch giving Willow more room. “Here pet, put your feet up and make yourself comfy.”


Willow curled her feet up on the couch, sighing in relief after removing her shoes. “Oh I don’t think there’s any worry about being comfy. This couch is so soft and springy I’m in danger of actually falling asleep. It certainly beats Buffy’s old lumpy couch, any day.”


“Hey! I loved that lumpy old couch. In fact, I miss my lumpy old couch,” Buffy groused.


Willow laughed. “Okay, show of hands. Who misses Buffy’s lumpy couch?”


There was a distinct lack of hands. Buffy glared at everyone.


“And who prefers Spike’s soft and springy couch?”


Five pairs of hands waved at Buffy. She glared indignantly at them all.


“Okay, enough talk, let’s watch the movie,” Anya said.


The lights went off and Spike settled back next to Buffy. The pressure of his arm and leg, pressing right up against hers was making her feel all warm and tingly. Her mouth was suddenly dry, but her palms were all sweaty.


“How’s the headache Buffy, the light from the screen’s not going to bother you is it?” he whispered.


“No…no the heads fine. I don’t think I need to worry about the lights, but I’ll just go and get a drink before it starts. Anyone else want a drink?” She jumped up, grateful to put a bit of distance between them.


There was a chorus of calls for different drinks and Buffy went back to the bar to fix everyone what they wanted. Mumbling the drinks order under her breath, she didn’t hear Spike when he came up behind her. Buffy jumped, squeaking in surprise.


“Sorry luv didn’t mean to startle you. Anya’s changed her mind, she wants a beer instead.” He told her. “Are you enjoyin’ yourself?” he asked as he helped her with the drinks.


Buffy could feel her heart beating rapidly. It was unsettling how it only happened whenever he was near. “Er yeah…thanks…I mean, thank you for letting them come over and for being so nice about it, with the food and the games and the movie…” she trailed off.


Spike saw her blush faintly and he felt himself responding to her, even her blushes aroused him. He was bursting to kiss her…to grab her and whisper sweet words to her, but he didn’t want to embarrass her in front of her mates so he let go of the real reply he wanted to give her.


He glanced in at the group of people sitting in the other room. They all seemed so happy and carefree. Spike envied them. A small stab of guilt pierced his heart when he realized, the carefree life they were living was the same life he had stolen from Buffy. “That’s alright luv, any time you want to ‘ave them over again you jus’ let me know.”


He grabbed a tray of beer and headed back to the other room before Buffy could snap herself out of her shock to reply.


She returned to her seat, feeling no more in control of herself or her sweaty palms and dry mouth, then when she rushed away. Sitting next to Spike she concentrated hard on the movie and eventually found herself laughing and shouting out the familiar lines with everyone else.


The movie finished and by a unanimous unspoken decision everyone got ready to leave. The sound level went up with everyone talking at once, saying goodbye and promising to call one another as they made their way back through the house to the front door. Spike and Buffy followed them out onto the driveway.


Willow hugged Buffy and whispered in her ear. “Call me.” Oz held the door open for Willow and helped her get in safely. Buffy smiled at the sweet gesture. I guess, Oz is taking his role as expectant father very seriously, Buffy thought.


As the last car drove off, Spike took Buffy’s hand and tugged at her to get her attention. She sighed heavily, her eyes lingering on the tail lights of the last car as it pulled out of the gates.


“Would you like to go for a walk?” Spike asked her. “You’ve never seen the fountains at night time from the garden.”


Buffy pulled her eyes away from the gate. Biting her lip, she blinked back her tears. How she wanted to go with them, but she couldn’t. Their lives and the lives of her family would be forfeit if she was to even think about it. She knew she would never again risk asking Spike to let her go. With a heavy heart, Buffy turned to look at Spike. The expression on his face was unreadable and Buffy felt sure he was deliberately guarding his feelings. There was something he didn’t want her to know. She shrugged. What did it matter if he was hiding his feelings, she wasn’t sure he even had any towards her, other than lust.


She breathed deeply. The air was cool and fragrant with the perfume of hundreds of different flowers and shrubs.


“Yes, I’d like that.” She tugged her hand from his so she could button up the knitted top she slipped on, just before leaving the house.


Spike allowed her enough time to complete the task before taking her hand again, knowing she would never seek to take his. He led her around the side of the house to the much darker paths of the garden, slowly strolling along giving their eyes time to adjust to the gloom of the night.


He turned them off the path and led her towards the rose garden. The view from there was really beautiful at night. They could see the open views of the surrounding countryside from one side and the house and fountains from the other. The other two sides were boxed in with tall evergreen hedges, giving the rose garden shelter and privacy. There was a brass sundial sitting on a marble plinth in the center of the small garden and a circular wooden bench surrounded that. Buffy had seen it in the daytime and thought the whole garden was quaint and old fashioned. It reminded her of the Queen’s rose garden in Alice in Wonderland as all rose gardens did.


Spike tugged her to sit next to him on the bench. He seated them facing the open views of the countryside where the night sky was more visible. Tiny white spots marred the dark inky blue of the sky and a subtle breeze carried the fragrance of the roses to them. Buffy could hear the soft sounds of the night. They were hypnotic and soothing to her aching heart. She let the dark peaceful beauty of the night carry away her sadness, knowing how harmful it would be to her, if she didn’t find some way in which to let it go. Seeing her friends was like a double-edged sword and while she was in their company, she was able to lose herself in their happy banter, and their unique blend of love and humor. But now they were gone, and she was left feeling empty and alone…so alone.


Spike sensing her melancholy, left her to her quiet thoughts. It had been a full day and he wasn’t sure he was up for any more surprises or upsets of any kind. The realization that he had fallen in love with her left him reeling. He hadn’t had the time to come to terms with it and was torn by the thoughts of loving yet another woman who would never love him. He sat on the bench staring out into the dark, wondering what it would feel like if she really wanted to be there with him. Sighing, he leaned back and pushed that frustrating thought away. He must be going soft. He’d always been a fool for love but this had to be the worst it had ever been.


Buffy had seemed genuinely happy at times tonight, laughing and joking with her friends. Spike could understand how this first time, would make her feel isolated and sad but he hoped that as she got used to seeing them come and go on a regular basis, this present effect would be short lived.


Cordelia’s advice to him came back in full force and Spike decided to listen to her. She was Buffy’s friend and she’d known her for a long time and probably had a greater understanding of what made her happy…and what made her unhappy. There was a ring of truth when she pointed out Buffy’s need to be among people and tonight’s visit with her pals had made her so happy. Spike could clearly see the benefits to a happy Buffy far exceeded those of an unhappy Buffy. So, he’d trust that Cordy knew where the line was drawn and that she wouldn’t overstep it. Even more importantly Spike reminded himself, she had everything to lose if anything went wrong. Spike believed her when she said she loved Buffy and would never hurt her.


It was turning cold and the breeze was picking up. Buffy shivered and her slight shudder brought Spike out of his deep thoughts.


“C’mon luv let’s get back inside, you’re all cold and shivery and though this night air’s lovely I don’t want you catchin’ anythin’ okay.” She stood with him and he turned them back towards the house.


Spike looked at her puzzled when he felt her resist his momentum. Arching a brow, he wasn’t sure she could see in the deep darkness of the garden, he waited for her to speak.


“Thank you,” she whispered, and standing on her tiptoes she kissed his cheek.


Spike felt an uncontrollable grin spread across his face. She’d kissed him on the cheek of her own accord. He felt like a boy on his first date and as soon as that thought occurred to him, a host of other long forgotten daydreams about romantic love resurfaced.


Spike shook himself. He couldn’t afford to do this. To get lost in some daydream about Buffy, it was too dangerous. He’d have to try and confine these feelings. She mustn’t find out and neither must anyone else. Panic swelled in him for a moment and he was tempted to have Cordelia killed. If
Buffy found out, then what power would he have over her or Angel. They’d both know his threats would all be idle and it would never do to let the competition know your weaknesses and it was a very big weakness to be in love with the woman your enemy was in love with.


Things had been different with Drusilla. She had been a part of the family long before he arrived. She had never been true or faithful to anyone, not even Angel. Masters didn’t care enough about her to be bothered by her leaving. She was just another woman and therefore disposable. What would Masters do if he found out about his feelings for Buffy? He had already told Spike how much he approved of the idea of using Buffy, to torment Angel. Masters had also read the copied journal…and he had agreed with Spike that she was going to be the most effective tool in controlling his runaway child. How Spike regretted giving Masters all the information on Buffy, but at the time he had no choice. Masters wanted to be sure Spike was handling the Angel situation properly. Spike felt sick when he thought back to Masters’ praise on his perfect scheme in kidnapping Buffy. Masters’ words came back to him and Spike remembered the cold tone when he told him to either use her or kill her. Considering her association with Angel, her involvement with Angel’s leaving and her interference with some of the working girls, Masters was not willing to be lenient. Like Drusilla, she was just another disposable woman.


Spike vowed no one was going to think or treat Buffy in that context. So until he figured out a way to insure her safety he would have to be very guarded in his actions. He must remember to treat her exactly as he had been so no one would become suspicious.


Silently, Spike led her back in doors and up to their rooms.

*************************************************************
TBC...if you still want it?
 

Chapter Twenty Seven.

Fun and Games.


Spike had looked forward to spending the morning in bed with Buffy, but an unbelievably early morning call had him hurrying out of the bed. Buffy, groggy with sleep turned to ask what was wrong.


“Sssh luv…nothin’ for you to worry ‘bout, jus’ somethin’ I’ve got to take care of I’ll be back before you know it, go back to sleep.”


He dressed quickly then checked to see if she had gone back to sleep. Confident she was fast asleep, Spike left. After her migraine attack and the late night before, he knew the extra sleep would do her good. He allowed himself a small smile as he remembered her kiss and how later in bed, she allowed him to hold her, drifting off to sleep with his arm gently cradling her to him. He had planned for a bit more excitement for that morning with more kisses and cuddles and…


Now his plan was buggered up in favor of this nonsense.


The nonsense was all happening on the first floor. Wesley had called him and without explaining had told him, he needed to get downstairs. Spike’s first thoughts had been that it had something to do with Drusilla, but it wasn’t it was Gilbey.


Wesley met Spike outside the elevator. Luke and Dixon were standing further down the corridor. Spike could practically feel the charged energy rolling off of all the men. Wesley looked as if he was about to kill someone, while the other two looked as if they were standing guard at the door.


Spike focused in on Wesley. “What’s goin’ on? And it better be good ‘cause if I find out you got me out of bed because of a petty tiff or a scrap, I’ll ‘ave you workin’ as a rent collector for Trick for the next month,” Spike snarled.


Wesley was worked up. His jaw was clamped in rage and his fists were clenched. “It’s Gilbey; I think he’s killed a girl.”


“WHAT?” Spike exploded. Pushing past Wesley, he rushed down the landing.


“What the fuck’s goin’ on in there?” He demanded of Luke and Dixon.


Wesley rushed in with his version of events. “I heard screaming coming from inside, but when I went to see what was going on, Gilbey wouldn’t open the door, so I kicked it in. He’s got some girl in there and he’s cutting her up and when I tried to stop him, these two grabbed me and pulled me off. He’s still in there with her,” hissed Wesley.


“Right, shut up.” Spike told the English man. “Luke what happened?”


“Like Wesley said, there was screaming coming from Gil’s room and it was pretty loud, ‘cause it woke a few of us. When I got here, Wesley had already kicked the door in and he was attacking Gil.” He glared hard and cold at Wesley. “Which, considering he was holding a knife, was pretty fucking stupid.” He looked back at Spike. “Dixon showed up and helped me pull him off.”


“And the girl?” Spike snapped.


“She looked in a pretty bad way. I didn’t get a real good look, but Cooper’s in there with them.”


“Pretty bad! Are you blind, she’s in ribbons,” Wesley yelled.


Spike silenced them with a gesture. “Open the door,” he told Dixon.


The first thing that hit him was the sickly sweet smell of hash then blood, mixed with sweat and sex. Spike strode into the center of the room. He took a good look around. What he saw made him want to heave. The girl was tied to the bed, bound by her hands and feet. Judging by the multitude of cuts and slashes covering her naked body, Gilbey had been working on her for most of the night. Her blood soaked the mattress, as well as the carpet on each side of the bed.


Keeping his calm, Spike took charge. These were his men. They looked to him for their orders and right now he needed to be ruthless and detached. He strode over to the bed and checked to see if he could find a pulse. Wesley attempted to get closer, but he froze when Spike snapped at him.


“Get back, no one asked you to stick your nose in.” He glanced over his shoulder to check that he was staying back. “And shut that fuckin’ door, I don’t want anyone else hearin’ ‘bout this,” he hissed harshly to the men in the room.


He pressed his fingers back to the girl’s bloody neck. There…ever so faintly…but it was there…a pulse.


“She’s got a pulse,” he said amazed. He locked angry cold eyes with Luke. “Get the doctor - and keep it quiet.” He barked.


Luke vanished.


“Should we move her?” Wesley asked, concern filling his voice.


Spike glared at him. “Don’t be so fuckin’ stupid she stays ‘ere until the doc can fix her up, or until she’s dead.” Wesley looked shaken and Spike wasn’t surprised. “Go and make yourself useful. Go ‘n’ get somethin’ to clean her up with.” Wesley turned to the door. “And brin’ some bandages and anythin’ else you think the doc might need,” he called to him.


Spike took a minute to look at the girl. She was young…very young, no more then sixteen or seventeen. Her short chopped hair looked like it might have been blonde at one point, but it was rusty brown now. Spike couldn’t see much of her face. It was covered in blood from several deep cuts. If she lived, she’d be scared for life. Her body bore the evidence of Gilbey’s extensive talents with a knife. She was mutilated.


Without taking his eyes off the girl, Spike addressed Gilbey. Cooper had him pushed down into a chair, standing guard over him with his gun trained on him.


“Where did you find her?” Spike prayed that she wasn’t some girl he’d picked up in a bar.


Gilbey cleared his throat and rasped. “Trick got her for me.”


“Is she one of Tricks girls then?” Spike felt relieved she wasn’t some school kid he’d taken a fancy too. Just a street hooker.


“Yeah.”


“So what’s this ‘bout…some hooker carves up your face and now you’re goin’ to carve them up…is that it Gil, was it revenge?” Spike demanded.


“She pulled a knife,” he croaked.


“And was that before or after you tied her up?” he snapped.


Gilbey didn’t reply.


“WELL?”


“Before.”


He rounded on Gilbey, yelling. “WHERE’S THE KNIFE…C’MON SHOW ME THIS FUCKIN’ KNIFE THAT HAD YOU SO SCARED OF A FUCKIN’ KID.”


Gilbey nodded towards a spot on the floor by the window. Spike strode over to it and searched the floor for a knife. What he found was no more then a two inch bladed, pocketknife.


“YOU CUT HER TO PIECES ‘CAUSE OF THIS,” he yelled. “ARE YOU COMPLETELY OFF YOUR FUCKIN’ TROLLEY, THIS COULDN’T HURT A FLY.” Spike noticed the leather hood and chains sitting on the dressing table. He walked over to examine the things littering the surface of the dresser.


It looked as if Gilbey had been having quite the little party. There were a couple of empty booze bottles, an ashtray of hash butts and a square mirror tile with a dusting of white powder, all sitting among the crap littering the dresser. In an open draw, Spike could see a bottle of lube and dozens of condoms along with a selection of vibrators, dildos and butt plugs.

It was clear to Spike that Gilbey, while being high as a space man, decided to play some sex-games with Miss Raw and Bloody. Somewhere along the festivities, things had got out of hand and for some reason, she’d pulled her toy knife. That’s when Gilbey must have lost it. Now it looked as if the kid would pay the price for not playing by Gilbey’s rules.


Spike knew Gilbey hated all whores. He had, ever since one of them decided she didn’t like his idea of fun and games and carved his face up in his sleep. Though Spike had always thought she intended to slit his throat. She might have done it too, but Gilbey shot her.


Luke came back into the room. “The doc’s on his way…ten minutes no more.” He scanned the faces of the men in the room.


Spike checked the girl. Her pulse was getting weaker. She didn’t have ten minutes. Spike quickly made some hard decisions.


“Dixon, go and see what’s keepin’ Wesley.” Dixon nodded and left. “Cooper get that ‘fuck up’ out of my sight and into a shower, there’s as much blood on him as there is on her.”


Cooper nodded. He took hold of Gilbey by the arm and pulled him out of his chair. “You can take the gun off him, he’s not goin’ to do anythin’ stupid, are you Gil?”


Gilbey shook his head. “No boss,” he rasped, swaying on his feet.


Catching Cooper’s eyes, Spike stared at him, conveying a strong message. “And don’t let him out of your sight, I’ll send for him when I’m ready.”


Cooper braced the drunken man against his shoulder and nodded his understanding. “I’ll bring him to my room.” Thus, letting Spike know where they could be found.


As soon as they were gone, Spike turned to Luke. “Shut the door and see if you can lock it.”


Luke shut the door, but the lock was smashed. He wedged a chair under the handle.


“She’s as good as dead,” Spike said over his shoulder to the man at the door.


Luke came to look at the girl. She looked like a piece of raw meat. Some of the deeper cuts were still bleeding, but the flow was nothing more than a trickle. There was no sign of her breathing. Luke placed his hand close to her nose and mouth, but he couldn’t feel any hint of breath. His eyes met Spike’s over the girl’s bloody body. He grimaced, shaking his head, as far as he was concerned, there was nothing worth saving, but it was his boss’s call.


Sighing, Spike checked her pulse once more, but there was nothing to check. She was dead. “Sorry sweet’eart,” he mumbled under his breath. But maybe it’s for the best, you wouldn’t ‘ave wanted to live looking like that, sorry, he thought. poor kid!


He dropped her pocket knife on the bed and strode into the bathroom to wash his hands. When he came back, Luke already had the corpse wrapped in the ruined bedding.


“You know where to get rid of her…right?”


“Yeah boss, no worries there. It won’t be a problem.”


“Okay…get Dixon to help you with this mess and whatever you do, don’t let any house staff up here.” Spike took a deep breath and nearly choked on the rank odors that filled the room. Angrily, he kicked the chair away from the door, eager to get out of the room that now stank of death.


Wesley and Dixon were just coming off the elevator, when Spike came out of Gilbey’s room. “She won’t be needin’ that now,” he said to the two men.


“She’s dead?” Wesley asked, shocked.


Spike just nodded. Wesley paled, but Dixon didn’t show any signs the news affected him in any way.


“Dixon, go and help Luke. Wesley, come with me.” Dazed, Wesley followed him.


“You can put those down.” Spike indicated the medical supplies in Wesley’s
hands.


“Oh! Right…yes.” He searched for somewhere to put them and decided the hall table was as good a spot as any.


They stepped into the elevator. “Where are we going?” Wesley asked.


“Downstairs…I’ve got a couple of calls I need to make and I want you to wait at the front door for the doctor. When he gets ‘ere, show him into my study.”


Wesley nodded, frowning. Spike could tell Wesley had more to say, but he didn’t want to hear it just now. Not while the feel of that girl’s warm blood was still on his hands. Thankfully, Wesley kept his mouth shut. They rode down in silence, both lost in their own thoughts.


As soon as the doors opened, Spike headed straight for his study, leaving Wesley to follow out his orders. Closing his door quietly, Spike rushed to his private bathroom and was heaving his guts up before he could reach the toilet. Five minutes later, he went back into the adjoining study, trembling slightly and sweating.


He poured himself a large brandy from his drinks cabinet and gulped half of it down in one long swallow. He threw himself into his desk chair. He lit a cigarette and puffed deeply on it several times before finally relaxing back. Taking a few minutes to compose himself, Spike sighed and pushed a shaky hand through his hair before pulling the phone across the desk towards him.


The phone call was short. Spike explained to Trick that the girl he’d fixed Gilbey up with wouldn’t be coming back. This information was met with a few moments of silent static, buzzing down the line. Trick then asked if Spike had decided to keep her or if she’d been relocated.


“She’s been relocated,” Spike told him.


“I see.”


“From now on I want you to inform me whenever Gilbey turns up lookin’ for girls.”


“Does that mean you don’t want me to provide him with any?”


“No, I jus’ want you to tell me when he shows up lookin’ and I don’t want you to give him anythin’ as young as that kid again. Do you understand?”


Spike heard the other man sigh. “That bad huh?”


“Let me put it this way. If you ever give him a kid again, I’ll come down there and rip your fuckin’ balls off and feed them to you myself,” he yelled.


He slammed the phone down, sickened and angry.


There was a knock at the door. Fuck! Now the Doctors ‘ere, he thought. “Come in.” He called out impatiently.


Wesley opened the door and showed a middle-aged man with graying hair into the study. “This is Doctor Bryson,” Wesley informed him.


“I believe you have need of my services,” the Doctor said as he approached the desk.


Reaching over the desk, Spike smiled and shook hands with the Doctor. “We did.” He indicated for the Doctor to take a seat opposite him. He glanced up at Wesley, who was hovering by the door. “You can wait outside Wes. I want to talk to the Doctor, but don’t go far.”


Wesley nodded and shut the door.


“I’m afraid you’ve had a bit of a wasted trip,” he told the Doctor.


“I see…your man told me it was urgent. I’m sorry I couldn’t get here on time. Do you need me to examine the body?” Doctor Bryson said business like and polite.


Being on the payroll of the family, Spike didn’t have to worry about the Doctor’s complete trustworthiness.


‘No, that won’t be necessary. How much did Luke tell you?’


The Doctor pursed his lips and crossed one leg over the other. Spike immediately assessed him as the calm and composed type. That’s good, ‘cause this is no time to be surrounded by useless fuckin’ panic pots, he thought.


“Well, he said there had been an incident involving a young girl and a certain amount of blood loss, but he didn’t give any details and I don’t require any,” he paused for a moment, brushing imaginary fluff off his jacket. “He told me to bring all the blood bags I had at the clinic because he didn’t know the girl’s blood type. So I did. I came straight here and again I’m sorry I couldn’t get here in time to help.” He finished.


Spike nodded. “Not your fault Doc, but thanks for respondin’ as quickly as you did. I hope I don’t need to remind you that your absolute discretion is required on this.”


Without blinking, the doctor said. “What on earth for. I merely drove over here to discuss you friend Drusilla’s condition.” The Doctor met Spike’s hard stare with cool unflinching eyes. Very suave, thought Spike.


Spike gave him a half smile. “Of course you did, how forgetful of me.”


The subject of the girl was closed.


Spike had spoken several times to Doctor Bryson during the last week about Drusilla. Though he’d never met the man before now, Spike had found his information to be of the highest quality. Even if the doctors he’d recommended had turned out to be a waste of time.


“Did you ring any of those specialists’ numbers I gave you?”


“Yeah I did, but so far no luck. None of them are interested in seein’ her at home.”


“Well I did tell you they might insist on treating your friend at their facilities. I have one more number you might try. He’s a very well respected Doctor who runs a private facility only twenty miles away. I know you said you wouldn’t consider hospitalizing your friend, but I feel you’re not being realistic and that eventually you’ll have no choice. Now this Doctor doesn’t take on many new patients, but I just got word he has some vacancies available. If you don’t act swiftly, you could lose a very good opportunity for your friend. Here, let me give you the number and here’s the address to the facility. Take a drive out there and give it a look over, I think you’ll be surprised.” He scribbled the information on a desk pad and shoved it towards Spike.


Spike glanced down at the pad. “Yeah, well thanks. I might jus’ give him a ring. What did you say his name was?”


“Oh! Didn’t I say…it’s Doctor Chambers. While I’m here, would you like me to look in on your friend?” he asked.


Spike thought about the unholy mess Luke and Dixon were cleaning up on the first floor. Slowly, he shook his head. He made a point of looking at his desk clock. “It’s still a bit early for Dru to be up and around. I’d rather not disturb her, but you could write a repeat for her meds.”


“Of course.” He pulled a med pad from inside his briefcase and quickly wrote a slip for the required meds. Ripping it off, he handed it to Spike. “Well if you have no further need of me, I’ll be going.”


Glancing at the slip of paper in his hand, Spike stood up and said. “No that’s fine and thanks for the new information.”


He walked the doctor to his study door. Doctor Bryson shook his hand again. His cool gray eyes, met Spike’s in a calm measured look. “Well, it was nice to finally meet you Mr. Winters. I hope we’ll be able to continue to do business together.”


“I’m sure we will,” Spike assured him. “And I’ll make sure you’re fully compensated for makin’ a house call on a Sunday. If I need anythin’ for Dru I’ll be in touch.”


Spike spotted Wesley sitting in the hallway. “Wesley, will you show the Doctor out.”


Spike watched them make their way towards the front door. Leaving his study door open, Spike went to sit down again. Sipping his brandy, he waited for Wesley to return.


Quietly, Wesley closed the door behind him. He stood before Spike’s desk, waiting for his boss to acknowledge him. Long silent minutes ticked by on the clock on the mantelpiece.


Finally, Wesley could take it no more. “You killed her…didn’t you?” he asked…or…accused.


Spike wasn’t sure which it was, as Wesley’s tone was flat and devoid of any real emotion.


Slowly, Spike raised his eyes to meet those of the other British man. “Sit down Wesley and listen very carefully to what I’ve got to say, ‘cause I’m never going to say it again.” He waited for Wesley to take a seat before continuing. “What happened ‘ere this mornin’ was fuckin’ horrible, but it’s happened and you’d better learn to deal with it. If I find out, that for some fuckin’ stupid noble notion, you try to ‘ave it out with Gilbey, I’ll string you up and gut you myself,” He watched Wesley absorb his words. “Now you ‘ave to live ‘ere too and the others still see you as the outsider. So if you don’t fancy wakin’ up some night to find them ‘bout to teach you some manners in loyalty, I suggest you put this behind you and try to get along with the rest of them, and that especially means Gil.”


Wesley stared at Spike as if he’d lost his mind. “That’s it! You just want me to carry on as if nothing happened.” Spike arched a cool brow at him. “And what about Gilbey? What are you going to do about him? Surely you’re not just going to let him get away with this?”


“Away with what?” Spike asked.


“Oh no! Don’t do that Spike…he just murdered a girl. He cut her to ribbons and let her bleed to death. You saw her. He must have been torturing her for hours. My God! Don’t you care he might do it again? It’s obvious he’s com-”


“THAT’S ENOUGH,” Spike roared, cutting him off. “I told you to put this behind you. I’ve already made arrangements so he won’t get hold of any more young kids and I’ll have Luke watch him, but that’s it. I don’t want to hear any more about it,” he was angry and breathing hard.


Wesley sat facing him, trembling with rage. Spike knew Wesley was right, but what the fuck could he do about it? Gilbey had been with him for years. He was loyal and trustworthy. Until that whore sliced his face up three years ago, he’d never displayed any kind of psychotic tendencies.

“But-”


“Fuckin’ hell Wesley, I said no. Now don’t make me regret my decision not to send you packin’ back to Masters…‘cause if you keep this up, I fuckin’ well will. ” Calming slightly, Spike added. “Take a couple of days off. Go get a massage, get drunk, get high…find a girl and fuck her. I don’t care what you do but when you come back, it better be with this behind you. Now fuck off.”


Angry, Wesley stood abruptly. His hands clenched into angry fists at his sides. Sitting calm and unconcerned behind his desk, Spike gave him a hard cold stare. “Fine I’ll go, but let me just give you a piece of advice before I do. Don’t leave that maniac alone with Buffy. It’s not just young whores he’s got a thing for.”


The silence hung loaded between them. Spike eyes were ice and his whispered words were cold and heavy. “What do you mean?” he breathed.


Wesley believed Spike to be very loyal to his men. It was obvious he’d defend them. Wesley didn’t want to say too much in case it went badly for Buffy. Spike might suspect her of leading Gilbey on or encouraged him in some way. So he threw Spike a hint as to the danger Buffy was in from the other man.


“Just this, watch him, especially when Buffy’s around. Because Gilbey’s watching her and I don’t mean because you told him to.” Wesley was shaking his head as if Spike should have known this all along. “Oh! He’s watching her alright, but not for you. Have you never noticed how she reacts when he’s around? A woman knows when a man looks at her in a certain way. If you open your eyes and watch Buffy, you’ll see she’s terrified of him. She’s probably more terrified of him then she is of you, but that’s up for debate,” Wesley was shaking with rage by the time he finished.


Holding tightly onto his last thread of temper, Spike whispered with deadly menace. “Get out, now.”


Wesley slammed out of the study, the door rattling in its frame with the force of his departure.


Behind his desk, Spike sat, locked in ridged anger. Just the thought of Gilbey, or anyone, looking at Buffy in the way Wesley had suggested, was enough to both freeze his blood in horror and boil it in rage. He felt his gut twist in sickened protest to Wesley’s insinuation. If it were true, then he had a much bigger problem then he’d first thought…much bigger.


If for one second it proved to be true, he’d kill Gilbey himself rather than expose Buffy to any danger.


Spike didn’t think Wesley hated Gilbey so much, as to make up a lie like that about him. To get to the truth for himself, Spike would have to watch Gilbey whenever Buffy was around. How the hell could he give Buffy the freedom of the house now? Not when he knew there was the slightest possibility of danger towards her. ‘NO’ He’d just have to keep guarding her wherever she went. But who the bloody hell can I trust, if not my own men? He wondered.


Spike had a sudden urge to rush upstairs to check on her. He’d left her all on her own and she was only one floor away from that God awful nightmare of a blood bath. Now, Spike couldn’t help thinking about the couple of times he’d wondered about her pointed dislike of Gilbey. Was Wesley right, did she sense something in Gilbey that was more dangerous to her personally, than the general fear she had of the others?


He’d have to watch her as well as Gilbey. Only by watching both of them secretly, could he hope to find the truth to Wesley’s accusations. It would be in their act and react to one another that he’d find the truth. If what he saw proved to be as Wesley said, then he’d figure out a way to deal with it. For now, it wouldn’t hurt to expend some energy on planning ahead.


He pushed back the desire to rush back upstairs to watch Buffy sleeping in his bed. Instead, Spike pulled the phone towards him and started to make a few calls. He had some planning to do and it could take awhile.


*****


Buffy woke to find Spike sitting on the dressing table chair. He was staring at her in a strange way. She blinked the sleep from her eyes and yawned as she stretched. She glanced at him again. Now he was smiling gently at her. She smiled back.


“Good afternoon luv…did you sleep well?”


“Huh! Afternoon! How come you let me sleep so long?” She sat up pulling the covers with her.


Spike loved her unconscious modesty. “Well, after your migraine the other day and your late night last night, I figured you needed the rest. Besides, ‘ave you forgotten you start work tomorrow? So, this is your last lie-in until next weekend. I thought I’d let you make the most of it.”


He rose from the dresser chair and sat on the bed with her. “I brought you breakfast in bed,” he said, pointing to the tray at the foot of the bed.


“Mmm thanks…I’m starved,” she admitted.


Buffy seemed to be in a good mood. Spike was glad to see the melancholy of the previous evening, had melted away with a good nights rest. Clearly hungry, she reached forward and pulled the tray towards her. He’d ordered them a simple breakfast today, only coffee, croissants and strawberry preserve. Buffy viewed the tray with surprise.


“What’s up with this? You usually order enough to feed an army.” She grumbled around a mouthful of strawberry covered croissant.


Spike laughed. She was so adorable. He leaned over to kiss her strawberry flavored lips.


“Oh don’t worry luv this is jus’ the appetizer. If you’re a good girl and eat it all up, I’ve got a surprise for you,” he teased.


Buffy swallowed around the strawberry flavored lump in her throat. A little tingle was slowly working its way up from her tummy and spreading throughout her whole body. She stared at him, transfixed for a moment. She shook herself from the trance his bluer then blue eyes created. His words sunk in and she snapped out of it.


“Surprise?”


“Yep, a surprise.”


“Well?”


“Well what, luv?”


Exasperated, Buffy sighed. “Well what’s the surprise? And don’t tease, it’s not nice,” she scolded.


He loved teasing her. Laughing, he gave in. “Okay…I was goin’ to make you wait until after breakfast, but you caught me out with the teasin’ thing, so I guess I’ll jus’ ‘ave to tell you.” Dramatically, he paused then smirked at her angry little frown. “Well since it’s such a beautiful day and seein’ as it’s your last day of leisure, I thought you might like to get out of the house and go for a picnic.” He could tell from the way her eyes lit up that, he’d thought correctly.


Her answer was cool and almost convincingly unconcerned. “Mmm, that might be nice, but don’t go to any trouble on my account.”


Little minx, he thought. Two could play at that. “Well it was jus’ an idea, we could jus’ as easily stay in bed.” He reached for the sheet she had tucked under her arms. He tugged on it playfully.


Buffy tugged back with equal pressure, resisting him. “No…now that I think about it, a picnic sounds perfect. If you’ll just let me finish breakfast, I’ll hurry and change…so…We…CAN…GO!” She gave a last sharp tug on the sheet, pulling it from his fingers.


Spike laughed. “Okay luv, you win.” He was referring to their little game of, ‘tug of war’ or in this case ‘tug of sheet’, but he didn’t care if she didn’t want to give in to him, at least for this one time. “Finish up, while I run the shower for you.”


He jumped off the bed to see to the shower.


“What about you…don’t you want to shower first?” she called after him.


“Already did luv.”


“Wow! I must have been tired if I slept through that,” she said to herself.


Leaning on the doorframe, Spike chuckled at her. “Not that I doubt how tired you were luv, but I took my shower in the other room. I didn’t want to disturb you.” He pushed away from the frame and went back into the bathroom.


Buffy was touched by his thoughtfulness. She brushed the last of the croissants crumbs from her lips and finished her coffee. She swung her legs out of the bed. She snatched up her satin robe and slipped it on over the matching navy and cream nightgown Spike had selected for her. Buffy remembered how he’d looked so pleased to see her wearing it the night before. She also remembered how her skin tingled where his hands had caressed her through the cool satiny fabric, as she lay in his arms drifting off to sleep. They were the same tingles that had infused her just a short while ago.


Buffy shooed Spike grumbling and muttering out of the bathroom, insisting she didn’t want an audience, even if the one and only audience member swore to behave himself and confine his appreciation of her to only watching. Like the other bathroom, there wasn’t a lock on his bathroom door. Buffy figured if there was; it would be useless…if Spike really wanted to get in, he wouldn’t let a lock stop him. She put trust in the fact he seemed to be in an indulgent mood and would probably give her some privacy.


When she’d finished up, there was no sign of Spike in the bedroom. She decided to take a chance and quickly change in the bedroom. Grabbing fresh clothes, Buffy decided to feed his indulgent mood a bit more by wearing something from the new collection of clothes he’d bought her. Though her pride wouldn’t let her wear one of the outfits he had chosen for her. Instead, she settled on a sky blue, halter neck dress.


The bodice was nicely fitted and the shaped neckline hugged her breasts in a very flattering way, but the nicest feature was the knee length hemline. It flared softly in fluted little ripples around her knees and swirled about her legs as she moved. She teamed the dress with a pair of flat white, toe post mules that left her pink polished toes on view in a very pretty way.


The halter neck of the dress meant she would have to go braless, but the dress had a fitted bust shelf so she didn’t worry about that. Quickly, she snatched up the first pair of blue panties she came across in the dresser drawer. She dressed quickly, fearing at any moment Spike would come back, but he didn’t. She sat down at the dressing table to dry her hair and apply a light covering of foundation, mascara and pink lip-gloss. Leaving her hair loose for a change, she hunted for a purse to carry a few supplies.


She gave a little cry of triumph when she found a straw beach bag in the bottom of the wardrobe. It was a nice golden straw color, with soft cream leather straps and was a good deep size, perfect for carrying sun-lotion, her small make-up case, a book and sunglasses.


Satisfied that she was ready Buffy searched for Spike.


She found him sitting on the couch watching a soccer match. He looked up when he heard her come into the room. Turning off the TV, he rose and slowly closed the distance between them. His eyes moved slowly over her clothed form in such a way that made her feel totally naked. She knew she was blushing, but there was nothing she could do about it. She was rooted to the floor, held by his gaze.


Reaching her side, Spike gently took hold of her hand. Turning it palm up, he brought it to his lips, kissing the web of lines that graced her soft flesh. “You look beautiful luv. I love that color on you. It makes you look like a delicate little bluebell,” he whispered, soft and low into her palm.


“A what?” she asked puzzled. Her heart was beginning to pick up in beat. Building up to…she didn’t know what.


“A bluebell luv…It’s a little wild flower that grows in the woodlands of England. It’s very, very pretty,” he said. He continued to lavish little kisses on her hand. “Maybe I’ll take you to England one day and show them to you.” He gazed at her through his eyelashes. “Would you like that luv…would you like it if I took you to England with me?”


“Er…well, I’m sure that would be nice,” she stammered.


Suddenly, Spike was pulling her into his arms, kissing her face and neck with fierce hungry kisses. “God Buffy, I’ll show you the world if you let me…if you stop fightin’ this and be mine. I’ll take you anywhere you want. Rome, Paris, and Venice, anywhere you’d-” he felt her stiffen in his arms. She pushed against him, trying to free herself.


He let her go, wondering what was wrong. There was an angry light burning in her green eyes.


Indignantly, she snapped. “You can’t bribe me. I can’t be bought. I’m not some whore you can buy.” Her eyes were shooting green fire at him and her chest was rising rapidly with the force of her indignation.


FUCK! He hadn’t meant it like that, but he could understand how she could have misunderstood his words. He’d put it so badly.


He tried to explain. “I didn’t mean it like that and I’m sorry if I offended you, but I didn’t mean to imply that I thought you could be bought.” She was frowning at him, mistrust in every nonce of her features. “And I would never think of you as a whore. Whores have sex for money Buffy. You know that, but that’s where it ends and that’s not what I want from you-”


She arched her brows at him and sniffed angrily at the lie.


“Well okay, I do want sex. I’m a man for God’s sakes, but that’s not all I want from you.” He pressed on trying to explain himself. Her frown kept disappearing and reappearing as he continued. “I want other things too…I want to jus’ hold your hand and sit with you. Be in your company and enjoy a simple meal, or watch a movie with you, or go for a walk. Or do what we did last night and spend time with your pals. Have fun and relax in each others presence and so much more, and those thing are equally as important to me…if not more so than the sex. If it was really just about the sex Buffy, then you know I could ‘ave pushed a lot harder for it and we both know I’d ‘ave got it, but I ‘aven’t. I backed off as best I could, but I can’t last forever luv, I ‘ave needs…” He let his gaze wander over her body in a slow sensual caress. “And I need you…all of you,” he said heatedly, desire burning bright in the depths of his blue eyes.


It was the most he’d ever said on the subject. The force of his sincerity stunned Buffy. “Y-you want to be my boyfriend!!!” she said, baffled.


Spike nearly laughed at her innocent terminology. In her sweet naïve way, she condensed his entire speech to just one concept, ‘Boyfriend’ but it was so much more than that. He wanted to be her friend, her lover, her companion, her protector and so much more. He wanted her to be all of those things for him too. Despite what she thought, she wasn’t just a sex object, someone to get him off. He might have thought of her in those terms once, but not now and never again.


He couldn’t answer her question. He would be giving too much away. Instead, he sighed and changed the subject.


“Are you ready to go?”


“Huh?”


“I said, are you ready to go?”


They stared at each other for a long drawn out minute before she finally nodded her head. Spike held his hand out to her, waiting patiently for her to take it before leading her out to the elevator and down to the front entrance.

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

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