Chapter Seven

Total trust,
surrender,
relinquishing control-
all this is only words.
Look into the night sky.
Tell me what you see.

The entrance hall of the building was long and narrow. Straight ahead, Buffy could see a fleet of elevator doors but between them and the elevators sat the security guard station. As she walked, Buffy felt a growing sense of apprehension, and she couldn't figure out why! The hall was sparsely but elegantly decorated. It spoke of wealth, power, and something else that Buffy couldn't quite put her finger on.

As they approached the security station a guard looked up, but he merely gave a brief nod to Spike before returning his attention to the bank of security cameras which lined his desk. As they continued walking toward the elevators, Buffy's eyes flew round the hall looking for the source of her apprehension. Eyes moved quickly between oil paintings and art deco statuettes as she tried to grasp the theme being subtly projected to the building's visitors. Then she had it. Her eyes flew to her feet and she watched with a strange feeling of slow motion as her feet, one by one, emerged from her long silk gown and stepped gracefully across the jet black carpet. The theme was The Night.

Buffy's feet slowed and she came to a halt. Distrustful eyes turned up to Spike.

"What is this place?" she asked quietly.

Spike looked down at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"What I need now is total trust, will you trust me Slayer?"

"And exactly why should I do that Spike?"

"Because you know you can." was his quiet reply.

For a moment Buffy simply stood and contemplated his words. She didn't reply, but she did turn and begin moving once again, toward the elevators. As they approached the doors, Spike veered them to the right, towards a set of gilt trim doors.

"This is the one we want" he said as he reached out and hit the call button.

"Figures" mumbled Buffy under her breath, as she glanced towards the plain row of elevator doors near by. Then something else caught her wandering attention. There was no listing board by the elevators. Nothing with the names or floor locations of the various business that operated from this building. It was unusual, and she commented on it to Spike.

"Luv, the business and people that use this building do not go in for advertising. You either know they're here or you don't."

Before Buffy could comment, the elevator arrived and the doors slid open.

Several young, fashionably dressed....and obviously drunk.....people burst laughing from the elevator and moved towards the exit door in a blur of staggered movement. They were so involved in their own world that they failed to notice Buffy and Spike, but Buffy was watching them carefully. 'Definitely not Vamps' she thought to herself, 'Maybe I'm over reacting here....I guess being on a 'date' with a Vampire could do that to a girl.' That thought in her mind, she allowed Spike to lead her into the elevator, and watched silently as he pressed the only button on the panel. Immediately the elevator shot them skywards.

The elevator ride passed in silence. Each of them deep in their own thoughts. For the first time since this strange evening began, Buffy felt like she had lost that weird magical connection with Spike. She felt out of place in these lavish surroundings which were a million miles away from the homey comfort of her usual hang out, The Bronze.But that wasn't all. It was Spike....somehow, somewhere, something had changed between them. She felt like she was standing, defenseless, beside the "old" Spike.....a dangerous and deadly Spike! Her heart sank and she felt betrayed in someway that she could not adequately define. She knew she should just turn and leave. End the evening now, and just put it all down to an experience learned. But she couldn't. A strange morbidity grasped her. She needed to know just how far he would go. What length of deceit would he stretch to in order to get the upper hand and defeat her. For this is what the whole evening must have been about. A way to trick her into a false sense of security. A way to breech her defenses so that she might be more easily taken and defeated. It seemed that Angelus had known her too well. It was he who had told Spike that the way to defeat the Slayer was to love her! Spike had obviously taken his sire's advice to heart.

It was the sound of Spike speaking to her that jolted her back from her dark thoughts. She looked up, just in time to see the elevator doors slide back. Music pulsed into the small space as Buffy stared out into a strange new world.

The club was situated on top of the building, and the roof and walls were of glass which gave a strange sensation of being open to the night sky. The club itself was decorated all in brass and glass accessories and simply screamed money. The club was packed solid with patrons all dressed at the height of current fashion, but unlike her mother's event, the fashions here oozed subtle sexuality and sophistication rather than just wealth. In fact, the whole atmosphere of the club oozed sexuality! It was like nothing she had ever seen or experienced before.

Buffy closed her eyes and let her Slayer senses roam the club. There were definitely some Vamps here, but that in itself was not unusual. Vamps were like vermin, they got into everything! It was certainly not a pure Vamp club as she had previously come to suspect. It seemed to be just what it was. A club for the rich, young socialite clientele of CA.

Beside her, Spike gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Ready to have some fun?"

She turned her watchful eyes to his. "Sure, why not Spike. After all, fun is what this night is all about. Right?" she said somewhat sarcastically.

His eyes began to twinkle at this flash of her usual perky personality. He had begun to worry that he had been wrong to bring her here. But bring her he must, for this was something that had to be done.

"How about a drink, to get the 'fun' off to a good start," he offered with a grin.

"Don't be so stupid. Like I'm really old enough to drink! Has your ancient vamp brain got so demented that it can't even remember that the age 21 exists to some of us measly mortals??"

"Temper, temper. Are you *sure* I haven't caught you on a PMS week?" he replied innocently.

Buffy just glared at him.

"Look Slayer, this club is not one that bothers about carding people. If you want a drink, you can have one."

"Yeh right. Get me drunk so that you can get to me." she said, unaware that sadness shone from her eyes.

"I have every intention of getting to you before this night is over, but I don't need you drunk to do it." he said quietly.

Buffy got the distinct impression that they were now talking in the same conversation, but at cross purposes. She opened her mouth to clarify, but Spike dropped her hand and began to move away.

"Never mind, I'll chose you a drink and you can drink it or not," he said "Wait a minute!" hissed Buffy. Spike turned and looked at her questioningly.

Buffy glared at him. "Don't you choose my drink. I'll bet you have some god awful taste in drinks considering that your favorite drink tastes like blood. Get me.....get me a...."

"I'm waiting..." said Spike with a patient smile as the Slayer glanced round the room for some inspiration.

"....get me one of those red things there," she said pointing to a woman holding a strawberry daiquiri.

Spike glance to where she pointed and his nose wrinkled in disgust. "You don't want one of those, do you!"

"Look! I have told you what I want, now are you going to get it for me, or do I have to go get it myself?"

Buffy continued to glare at him and after a few seconds, Spike turned and walked off. As he moved away, Buffy heard him muttering to himself. "Definitely a PMS week. Definitely!"

Buffy watched his retreating back until it disappeared into the crowds. With him gone, she felt glaringly alone and strangely vulnerable. Her eyes moved round the club, taking in the dance floor filled with couples moving in erotic time to the beat of the music. 'They certainly gave a new meaning to the words "dirty dancing", she thought to herself. Her eyes moved on, taking in those sitting at tables and standing in groups talking. She had a strange sensation of being watched, but try as she might, she couldn't locate anyone who was particularly interested in her presence. Subconsciously trying to minimize her presence, she backed up against the wall beside a large leafy plant and looked in the direction Spike had gone.

He seemed to have been gone a long time and her eyes scanned the crowd looking for his blond head. With surprise, she located his blond head bent in conversation with the DJ. 'OK, what's the little rat up to now?' she thought to herself with another burst of apprehension. At that moment, Spike left the stage, and Buffy got occasional glances of his head as he made his way back to her location through the crowds.

Reaching her, he held out the red concoction to her. "Here you go, one sugary sweet daiquiri, as ordered."

"Thank you" said Buffy taking the icy glass from him. She raised the glass and took a small sip from the straw, stealing herself for the bitter bite of the alcohol. Instead, the only thing she tasted was sweet strawberries.

"Hmmm," she murmured in pleasure. Suddenly realizing she was thirsty, she took the straw in her mouth again, but this time she took a long hard slurp.

Spike was watching her in amusement. "You'd better watch it Slayer. They are not cheap with their alcohol around here." he warned.

"Just you mind your own business" replied Buffy as she took another hard suck on the straw.

"Whatever" said Spike with a knowing smile as he watched the red concoction disappear at an alarming rate.

They stood in companionable silence as they sipped their drinks and watched the club move around them. Several moments passed before Buffy became aware that Spike's attention had become focused on a nearby table. Following his gaze, Buffy saw that he was staring at one of the most beautiful exotic women that she had ever seen. The woman was tall with dark auburn hair that fell in a sheet of silk to below her knees. She was dressed in a wrap around silk long skirt with a matching tube top. Her abdomen was bare except for what appeared to be a diamond belly chain. Around her neck was a matching diamond choker. The woman must have sensed their gaze, because she looked up in their direction. Seeing Spike, she gave a brief smile before turning her attention back to her current companion.

"Who is she?" asked Buffy curiously.

"Just someone I used to know" replied Spike distractedly.

"Ah, a 'used to know'. Interesting taste you have." said Buffy nodding.

Spike turned his attention back to the Slayer. "Yes, I do have interesting tastes, don't I" he said smilingly.

Further conversation was interrupted as the current song came to an end.

"This next song is by request...." said the DJ.

Before Buffy could hear any more, Spike was taking the glass from her hand and laying it on the nearby table. Taking her hand, he began leading her to the dance floor.

Buffy put on the brakes. "I'm not dancing!"

Spike didn't waver. "Yes you are."

"No I'm not." retorted Buffy as he continued to pull her towards the dance floor.

This time Spike didn't bother replying, and Buffy noticed that several people were watching her being dragged to the dance floor. Deciding that she didn't like being the center of attention, and that there was no way out of this without a scene, she decided to give in gracefully.

Following him onto the dance floor, she let him pull her into his arms as the first words of the song were spoken by the singer. The deep baritone voice of 'Frankie Goes To Hollywood' filled the club.

I'll protect you from the Hooded Claw,
Keep the Vampires from your door.

Buffy looked up into Spike's eyes expecting to see humor. Instead his eyes were deadly serious. As the words turned to song and the gentle rhythm filled the club, Spike pulled her closer and they began to move.

I, I,..... feels like fire
I'm so in love with you....
Dreams are like Angels
They keep bad at bay
Love is the light, scaring darkness away...
I'm so in love with you, hurts the soul
Make love your goal....

Buffy listened to the words as she moved with Spike. She was acutely aware of his body pressed against hers, and more than that, she was acutely aware of her response to his touch. She didn't look up at him though. She didn't want him seeing what was in her eyes. Instead she focused her eyes on a point on his shoulder and struggled to understand the subtle message he was sending her.

The Power of Love, a Force from Above
Cleaning my Soul.
Flame on, burn desire, love with tongues of fire
Purge the Soul
Make love your goal

Spike raised one hand and gently cupped a finger under her jaw, gently raising her face to his. Serious eyes looked into confused eyes. Slowly he lowered his head and placed his lips onto hers, as they continued to move slowly to the beat.

I'll protect you from the Hooded Claw
Keep the Vampires from your door,
When the chips are down, I'll be around
With my undying, death defying, love for you.
Envy will hurt itself,
Let yourself be beautiful,
Sparkling Love, Flowers and Pearls and Pretty Girls.
Love is like an energy
Rushing in, Rushing in...... Silently.

Spike broke the kiss and raised his head. This time Buffy managed to meet his gaze and her eyes pleaded for him not to do this to her. He had to be playing with her, he couldn't be serious. If he was playing with her, it was a cruel joke. And if he wasn't...well, that was worse. Buffy didn't think she could cope if he was sending her a serious message.

Spike saw the confusion in her eyes, but he simply took his finger and ran it in a gentle caress down the side of her face.

This time we go sublime
Lovers entwine. Divine, Divine
Love is Danger
Love is Pleasure
Love is Pure, the only Treasure......
........I'm so in love with you, hurts the Soul
Make Love your goal.

As the song continued, Spike kept eye contact with her. His gaze was piercing and Buffy found that she could not turn her eyes away from him.

The Power of Love, a Force from Above,
Cleaning my Soul.
Flame On, burn desire, love
With tongues of fire.
Purge the Soul.
Make Love your Goal.

As the chorus faded, the singer spoke that last lines of the song. Spike stopped moving and simply looked deep into her Soul.

I'll protect you from the hooded Claw.
Keep the Vampires from your door.......

As the song ended, Buffy found herself surrounded by an awkward silence. She felt like she ought to be able to come up with some witty wise crack, but none was forthcoming. In the background, she could hear the DJ taking the atmosphere back upbeat and the strains of Tina Turner rocking to "Addicted to Love" burst into the room. Without looking at her, Spike slid his arm round her waist and steered her from the dance floor back to their previous location.

As they reached their destination, Buffy felt panic rise in her throat. What could she say? What did he want from her? Should she just ignore it like it had never happened and try to steer the night back to its former light humor? It seemed though, that she was to be given a reprieve. No sooner had they retrieved their abandoned drinks from the table, than a young man approached Spike.

Spike frowned in annoyance, but moved off a few feet and lowered his ear to the young man, so that he could hear him over the loud beat of the music. It seemed that Spike was none to pleased with what the young man was saying because he gave a brief shake of his head. The music was too loud for Buffy to hear what was being said, but she did hear Spike say, "Not now." However, it appeared that the young man was not going to take 'no' for an answer. After a few more moments of discussion, Spike walked back to her.

"Listen, I have to go and talk to someone. It's business and it apparently won't wait." he said shortly.

"Oh, and what kind of business would that be?" said Buffy watchfully.

"Don't worry about it.....using your words, Slayer....it's none of your business."

The words were said sharply and it was obvious that Spike was disturbed by the interruption.

Buffy's immediate reaction was to snap back at him, but something in his eyes warned her off. Instead she merely nodded. Spike's eyes softened when he realised that she was not going to argue with him in her usual fashion. He lowered his head and briefly gave her cheek a kiss.

"I'll be back in a minute. This won't take long." Turning to the young man, he said "Get the lady another drink and stay with her till I get back."

With that said he was gone. Buffy watched his back as he moved purposefully across the room and disappeared through a door beside the stage.

The voice of the young man at her side drew her attention back."I'll get you that drink now" he was saying. "Will you be OK till I get back?"

Buffy merely nodded her head briefly before turning curious eyes back towards the door that Spike had disappeared through. 'Curiosity killed the cat' she reminded herself silently.

It was as she was staring at the door, that she noticed Spike's 'used to know' girl. The girl was moving towards her. As she approached, she smiled and Buffy got a nice glance at her elongated eye teeth.

"Slayer" said the woman as she moved in on Buffy.

"You have me at a disadvantage" replied Buffy sarcastically.

The woman merely smiled, but did not introduce herself. Instead she gestured to a nearby empty table.

"We need to talk. I have gone to alot of trouble to get rid of Spike for a few minutes so that we could have this conversation. Will you hear what I have to say?"

Without waiting for Buffy's reply, the woman moved over to the table and sat down. For a moment, Buffy hesitated....but then curiosity urged her forward. "To hell with the cat" she mumbled to herself as she took a seat beside the woman......

***

Chapter Eight

The moon is hidden,
thunder strikes.
How can you sleep
when your very bed
calls in the lightening?
Look around you.
Nothing is the same.

The stage door slammed shut behind Spike as he strode down the long hallway. As he walked, his whole persona underwent a subtle transformation. The easy going, relaxed persona of the evening fell away from him, much as a lizard sheds its skin. His eyes became cold and hard, and his whole body language spoke of a man who was silently dangerous and deadly. Only his face maintained a relaxed and slightly humorous look which was in startling contrast to his "you don't want to fuck with me" eyes. As he strode down the hall, his eyes fixed on the door ahead and the one young vampire guard at the door. As Spike approached, the guard pulled himself upright and tried his best to appear as if he was not intimidated by this powerful Vamp. As Spike reached the guard, he stopped and casually reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes and equally casually, lit one.

"You know" he said, leaning towards the young guard as if he was about to share a secret but priceless bit of knowledge, "the only thing worse than an imbecilic moronic vampire is a *rich* imbecilic moronic vampire."

The young vamp's eyes became wide with fear as he struggled to find an appropriate response to Spike's statement. To agree with Spike would be to bring down his employer's most deadly wrath, however, he had no wish to disagree with Spike either.

Spike watched the emotions flow across the young vamps face, and an understanding smile spread across his face. The smile, however, did not reach his eyes. Instead he reached out a hand and laid it on the Vamp's shoulder in a conspiratal squeeze of reassurance.

"Hey don't you worry about this. I'm gonna take care of it" he whispered into the young vamp's ear. The young vamp managed one nod of his head, even though he did not know anything about what *it* was that Spike was going to be taking care of. All he knew, was that he was glad Spike was moving on! Spike gave the young vamp's shoulder one last conspiratal squeeze before reaching for the door handle and moving into the room beyond. Immediately his eyes located and fixed on an elegantly clad Vampire who was reclining against the fireplace on the far wall. Spike's eyes stayed fixed on this Vampire as he moved into the room. To the casual observer it would have seemed that Spike was totally unaware of the other six Vamps occupying the room, or of the dead girl lying in the corner. The casual observer would have been wrong. Spike was acutely aware of every aspect of the room, but neither his face or body posture gave any indication of this fact.

Nobody said a word as Spike moved to a nearby armchair and slouched into it. He rested his hands casually on his legs and waited. Silence ensued, and the ash on the tip of Spike's cigarette continued to grow to a precarious size, threatening to drop onto the expensive oriental rug at his feet. The Vamp at the fireplace frowned and pushed himself upright, motioning to a nearby butler.

"Give our guest an ashtray, and get rid of that." he said gesturing to the dead girl. Turning to Spike, he said "You will have to excuse us, we were just finishing dinner."

Spike didn't answer. He pointedly ignored the ashtray that the butler had hurriedly laid at his side, before rushing off to remove the dead 'dinner'.

Within seconds, the ash reached the point of no return and fell to the carpet.

Without taking his eyes from his host, Spike lifted one foot and placed it on top of the fallen ash. Slowly and carefully, he ground the ash deep into the expensive rug.

That accomplished to his satisfaction, he turned and put the stub out in the provided ashtray. Then a smile broke across his face and he leaned back in the chair.

"So, to what do I owe this honor then?" he asked jauntily.

The host vamp continued to frown. He had known Spike to long to be taken in by any of his 'acts'. He was also not in the least bit intimidated by Spike or his reputation, for he, himself, had an equally notorious rep.

"The Slayer" he said, coming briskly to the point. "Why have you brought her here?"

For several moments, Spike did not answer. He just continued to stare at his host. "You know exactly why she is here. I have given her protection." he said at last.

Around him, there were several sharp gasps from the other Vampires, but his host simply nodded as if it was the answer that he had been expecting.

"A shame. We had hoped that you had brought her here for The Game. That would have been...." he stopped for a moment while he thought of the right word. "...acceptable. Yes, that's it. It would have been much more acceptable."

Spike smiled. "Personally, I don't give a damn what you find acceptable. The Protection has been issued, and you mate, simply have to learn to live with it."

Again, his host merely nodded. "We were discussing this over dinner," he said as he gestured to his assembled colleagues. "The Right of Protection is intended to cover humans only, and there was some debate as to whether a Slayer counts as a human. Seems to be a little bit of a contradiction in terms, does it not?"

For the first time, Spike broke eye contact with his host and let his gaze travel round the assembled vamps. "It doesn't really matter what you debate, if you choose to break my protection, it's me you'll have to deal with." he said menacingly. "So get used to the idea, and get your bloody minions used to the idea."

Several of the Vamps were intimidated by his piercing gaze, but his host remained unruffled and acted as though the threat had never been spoken.

"I'm curious" he said, turning thoughtful eyes onto Spike, "Why would *you* issue Protection to a Slayer. There simply must be more to this than you are telling us. You would not have us believe that you care about this girl's life!"

"That is for me to know and you to find out" said Spike in a deadly quiet voice.

For several moments his host did not reply, but then he turned back towards the fireplace and became briskly business like. "I have no intention of playing your games Spike. I would not waste my precious time in trying to discover your plans.....however," and he paused as an evil smile spread across his face. "You're bringing the Slayer here has given me the excellent idea that a Slayer would be a truly excellent participant in The Game."

"She is under my protection" growled Spike, "Not even you would break that Code."

His host smiled again. "Of course not, but then once you are dead, your Protection will be worthless."

Spike sat forward in his chair. All evidence of humor was gone from his face. He was tired of this war of words. "So which one of you thinks you stand a chance at taking me then?" he said quietly.

His host burst out laughing. "Oh this is priceless. Truly priceless." he turned and looked at Spike. " You see, dear boy, it is not one of us that will kill you, it's your very own Slayer that will do the dirty work."

With that said, he turned and walked to a control panel on the wall and pressed a couple of buttons. A TV screen flashed to life in the corner of the room, and as the picture swam into focus, Spike got a clear view of the club floor. His eyes fixed on the Slayer who was sitting at the table deep in conversation with the Vampyress.

His host spoke up again. "When Cassandra is finished with your Slayer, your hide won't be worth one single cent!"

At that moment, Spike saw the Slayer push herself away from the table so violently that the chair she had been sitting in toppled over and fell to the floor. In a burst of speed, she turned and ran for the elevator.

With a muffled curse, Spike pushed himself from the chair and moved purposefully towards the door without giving the room's inhabitants another glance. As his hand reached for the door handle, his host called out a parting shot.

"....and once she kills you, your Slayer *will* play the Game with us. Count on it."

Spike ignored him, and the last sounds he heard of his hosts was a cackle of laughter as the door swung shut behind him. Breaking into a jog, Spike moved down the hallway and burst through the stage door. Quickly he moved through the club towards the elevator doors.

On his way, he passed the table where Buffy had been sitting with the Vampyress.

Cassandra was still at the table, casually sipping her drink. As he passed he glanced down and she shot him a sexy, all knowing smile of triumph. Spike didn't stop, he headed straight to the elevator and pressed the button. There was no response.

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that Cassandra was openly laughing at him. They had obviously shut the one elevator down in an attempt to slow him up and give the Slayer a head start. Briefly he considered the stairs, but he quickly discarded that idea....it would take to long, and the Slayer would be gone.

Without giving a second thought to the idea that sprang into his head, he moved over to a nearby plate glass window. In one smooth movement he picked up one of the solid brass bar stools and smashed it into the window. The window was made of tempered safety glass and even with his superior vampire strength, it took several blows before the window gave way. When it did give, it was the frame which held the glass, rather than the glass itself, which gave way under the violent blows.

Around him, the club had fallen silent as it witnessed this strange behavior from one of it's patrons. But before anyone could react, Spike's face went Vamp and in one fluid movement he lowered himself over the window frame and dropped into the night. Behind him issued the sounds of several screams as the human inhabitants of the club imagined that they had just seen a man jump to his death from forty floors. The Vamp population of the club simply exchanged knowing glances before returning to the dance floor as if nothing had happened.

Spike paused on the side of the building watching as, forty floors below him, Buffy burst onto the street. He saw the doorman begin to approach her, but then she turned and fled down the street and disappeared around a corner. With a muffled curse, Spike resumed his descent down the building at a speed which was rapid even by Vampire standards.

Hitting the street, he turned and immediately ran in the direction that he had last seen the Slayer....

***

Chapter Nine Follow the glistening dew drops
to the center of the web.
Limitations define us,
Ordeals temper us.
See the Great Teacher
behind every disguise.

At first Buffy ran. She ran as if the Hounds of Hell were after her, turning corners without rhyme, reason, or thought. The pace she set was excruciating and demanded all her Slayer reserves of strength to maintain. Her breath began to come in sharp gasps and her heart raced to supply her starved muscles with the oxygen they were demanding. Eventually though, demand outweighed supply, and the lactic acid in the muscles reached critical level and she cramped. Pain shot through her right thigh muscle, driving her to her knees, as her fingers instinctively dug into the tender flesh in an attempt to relieve the unbelievable pain.

If anyone had been watching, they might have expected to see tears in the girl's eyes from the pain she was experiencing, but her face showed only grim determination and resolve. For several moments, she simply bent her head and concentrated on kneading the muscle into submission. Then, as the pain began to ease, she raised her head and took a good look at her surroundings. Store fronts stretched for blocks ahead of her. A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed that the same was true of direction she had traveled. The glance over her shoulder also served to reassure her that, for now at least, she was not being followed.

Pushing herself to her feet, Buffy began to limp down the street, being careful not to put to many demands on the still tender muscle. She was looking for something, anything, that she could recognize. She desperately needed to get her bearings. Around her the streets echoed in the deserted silence of the night, with not a single soul visible in either direction as she made her way to the next intersection and the closest set of street signs.

As she limped along, she began to get the distinct impression that she was being watched. Hairs prickled on the back of her neck and goose bumps formed on her arms. Twice, she stopped and turned, surveying the road behind her carefully. Nothing moved and the only sounds were of the distant hum of the occasional car.

Still, the feeling of being watched stuck with her. Unconsciously her spine stiffened as she gave full trust to her Slayer instincts. 'Someone' was watching her. She might not be able to see them yet, but they were out there.

Above her, Spike watched the Slayer's progress from the roof top of the row of stores. Each time she stopped, he stopped. Each time she moved, he moved silently after her.

Finding her had not been difficult. He could smell her. The sweat she generated as she ran, acted like a lighthouse beacon to his acute Vampyric sense of smell. Tracking her had been a piece of cake. Catching her had been a different story though! The pace she had set had been excruciating, even by Vampyre standards, but where her body demanded oxygen to keep up the pace, his did not. When her body failed her,he simply came to a halt above her and began to watch. The only indication that the run had been long and hard, even for him, was that he silently slipped his jacket off and left it discarded on the roof top behind him. He didn't pant and he didn't sweat, nor did his heart pound in his chest. Cold blue eyes simply concentrated on his Slayer.

His gaze was piercing, and Buffy felt it. Slowly she came to a halt and turned around, once more, to face the way she had come. Still, nothing moved. With a shrug of her shoulders the Slayer began to turn back, but as she turned a nearby streetlight caught her image and reflected it off a nearby store window. The woman who stared back at her, was someone she barely recognised. Without conscious thought she took another step towards the window and took a long hard look at that woman. The only appropriate description for the woman in the window was 'shell shocked.' Elegant clothing now looked slightly less elegant and her hair was a disheveled mass surrounding her face. Briefly one hand strayed to her hair, but it wasn't really her hair that had her attention....it was her eyes. The woman in the plate glass window had the eyes of the haunted.

With a barely audible moan, Buffy turned away from the window and began limping down the street. Not realizing she was speaking outloud, she began to counsel herself.

"NO! I *will not* do this again. No thinking about it. No trying to rationalize it. Nothing matters except that I am the Slayer and he is a Vampire.

Absolutely *nothing* but that matters! It's my own fault for forgetting that. Just kill him and be done with it."

Her words were the words of a person who has reached the end. A person who is no longer capable of taking the trouble and time that rational thought requires.

She was capable only of pure action, and she had decided on the course of that action.

Above her, Spike's only reaction to her words was a slight narrowing of his mouth. It was no less than he had expected from her. He had no idea what Cassandra had told the Slayer, but whatever it was, he knew it was enough to make her kill him. Silently, he continued trailing the Slayer from the roof top. He had no wish to confront her at the moment. To do so, would mean the death of one of them, and that was not acceptable.

Slowly he continued to follow the Slayer from one street to the next, giving her time to cool off and hopefully make rationale thought a possibility when he did finally confront her.

For her part, Buffy knew he was following her. She didn't know exactly where he was, but she sensed him clearly. With carefully subtle movements, she reached into the purse hanging from her shoulder and withdrew the stake she carried with her at all times. She didn't know how she had managed to hold onto her purse during her long flight, but she was glad she had! Tonight she would end the game! Ahead, Spike saw the first signs that they were heading back into the more populated area of town. 'Now or never' he thought to himself as he veered of to the left of the roof top. Briefly he paused and glanced down into the alleyway below, before simply stepping off the side of the building. He landed in a soft crouch and immediately rose to his feet, as if he had just jumped off a three foot wall rather than a three story building.

A couple of feet away, a tramp watched his arrival with wide uncomprehending eyes. Spike gave the tramp a cheeky wink, before turning on his heel and striding to the intersection of the alleyway and the street. Without pause, he swung onto the street and turned to face the approaching Slayer.

Buffy came to an immediate standstill. The hand holding the stake disappeared behind her back. Spike saw the move, but he didn't comment. He just waited on the Slayer to make her move.

A smile spread across Buffy's face, but it didn't go anywhere near her eyes. "You really should try to call before dropping in on a girl" she said sweetly.

Spike smiled back, but his smile didn't reach his eyes either. "You'll just have to excuse my manners Luv. Bad manners kinda comes with the territory, you know."

"Don't think I want to excuse your manners. Kinda sounds like a capital offense to me," she replied thoughtfully.

"Look, lets just get this over with. You wanna kill me, so take your best shot Slayer......or are you only good for words?" he replied tauntingly.

"Oh, I think I can just about manage to provide something more than words."

replied the Slayer, but she still didn't move. It was her mistake.

Without giving her time to respond, Spike swung around on his heel, bringing up one leg and hitting the Slayer squarely across the side of the face with all his might.

The Slayer's head jackknifed under the blow, but her body didn't move. Slowly she turned her head back to him and smiled. "Is that the best you can do?" she taunted back.

Spike laughed and slid his hands into his trouser pockets. "Just trying to get things started. You seem a bit slow tonight." An insolent smile touch his lips. "Could it possibly be, that you heart isn't in it, Slayer?"

"Oh my heart's in it. Don't you worry about it." she replied before thinking about her words.

The smile left Spike's face and it became hard and unfeeling. "Sloppy. Very sloppy Slayer. I would have thought you of all people, had learned to keep your heart outta things."

Buffy flinched at the subtle referral to the mess she had created with Angel when she had let her heart become involved with a Vampire. He was right, she had been sloppy and almost let herself fall into the same trap again. But *almost* was the operative word here. She had *almost* let Spike get to her, but the Vampyress at the club had given her a sharp bite of reality. *Almost* would go no further! "So, Spike" she said with her most sultry grin and a step towards him, "tell me about this big plan you had to bring down the Slayer in a blaze of glory?"

Spike snapped back immediately. "Don't waste time Slayer. The plan was obviously exactly what Cassandra told you." He paused and took a couple of steps away from her. "....but the plan doesn't matter now, since we are back to the basics. The other way would have been more fun. Would have been a better tale to tell later, but it doesn't matter. The end will be the same."

"Oh absolutely Spikey baby. The end will most definitely be the same." said the Slayer without a smile.

Both of them stood glaring at the other, but neither one moved to start the battle.

Spike looked at her and saw the reason for her delay written all over her expressive face. She might not want to admit it, but she had doubts. He took a step towards her, but was wary enough to keep out of arms reach.

"Look Slayer, we can fight anytime, but right now we need to talk." he tried.

"We have nothing to talk about." replied the Slayer watchfully.

"Oh but we do Slayer. You kill me and *you* will die a most painful death."

"Right. Like I'm supposed to believe that," she paused for a moment, "Even if that were true, it wouldn't matter....I face the possibility of painful deaths every single night of my life. Tell me something new Sherlock."

"You won't be the only one to die. Every single member of your family and all your friends will die to....and you *will be* forced to actively participate in their deaths."

Buffy's eyes locked on his. "Is that a threat Spike?" she hissed.

"Not a threat Slayer, a fact. Trust me."

"Trust YOU. Yeh, Right. When Hell freezes over."

Without warning, she launched herself from a complete standstill. Both feet made square contact with Spike's chest. The momentum from impact was staggering and Spike cartwheeled backward into the glass fronted store window. With a sharp crack, the glass gave way, and he was propelled into a group of fashion mannequins. Spike found it impossible to regain his balance and he ended up on his back on the floor. The mannequins swayed above him for a second before they all collapsed in on him. Spike opened his eyes and found the breast of one of the mannequins pressed firmly into his face. With a snarl, he pushed the mannequins off him, and rose to his feet, glaring at the Slayer.

Buffy was watching from the side walk. "Want to try those threats again, Spikey baby?" she said without a smile.

Spike glared back at her. "OK, Slayer, you wanna fight, then lets fight. But remember this, I am not a puppy dog like Angel was. You go for me and I *will* kill you." He said it quietly but with deadly serious eyes.

"We'll just have to see who kills who, won't we." replied the Slayer with equal seriousness.

Spike pointedly looked at her injured leg. The impact with his chest had not done the recovering leg any favors. It was obvious that Buffy was favoring the leg.

Buffy followed his gaze and a small smile appeared on her lips. "Don't worry about that. It won't detract from the fun. I promise."

"Oh, I'm not worried about that. I was just thinking how stupid you are. How stupid I was not to realise that you were really that stupid."

"Your point, Spike?" said the Slayer unamused.

"Well Slayer, if you kill me tonight, then you will be forced to kill your friends and family," he paused and locked eyes with her. "And if you die tonight, *I* will kill your friends and family. Don't test me Slayer, you know I'll do it. Never forget, that at the end of everything, I am simply demon."

"Thank you for reminding me of that small point." she replied as she slowly withdrew the hand holding the stake from behind her back.

Spike looked at the stake and smiled. "Ready to die Slayer?"

"As I said, Spikey baby, that is still to be seen."

"Oh you'll die all right Slayer. Maybe another time, you might have been able to take me, but not tonight." He looked her up and down in disgust. "Look at you, injured and with all your reserves of strength gone......you'll die." He shrugged. "Let your last thoughts be of what fun I will have when I kill your precious family and friends."

Buffy's reserves of patience ran out. "Damn it Spike. What exactly is this all about?" she yelled at him.

For a moment Spike didn't reply. Then he turned to face her square on."It's about a promise. A promise for one night, and trust for one night."

The Slayer smiled derisively. "Yeh right!"

Spike acted as though she hadn't spoken. "Come with me and listen to what I have to say. Let the truce hold. If you still want to kill me, you can do it tomorrow. One night is as good as the next."

"Why would I want to do that?" said the Slayer watchfully.

"Because you are not stupid," he said as he pointedly referred back to his previous comment. "Tomorrow you will be healed and rested. The fight would be fair." he paused before making his final point. "And if you live up to your bargain for tonight, I'll make you a bargain in return."

"And that would be....?" prompted the Slayer.

"If I kill you tomorrow night, I will leave your family and friends alone."

"And I'm supposed to take your word for that?" said the Slayer with another derisive laugh.

"I haven't broken any promises yet Slayer." he said quietly.

He turned and walked off a couple of steps, before turning and looking over his shoulder. "Coming Slayer?" he questioned watchfully.

For several minutes Buffy just stood as she weighed up the conversation and her options. The bottom line was that she could take him anytime. It would be useful to find out some information though before he died.

Finally, she gave a nod of her head and moved to follow him, but before she reached him, she paused. "I'm not walking beside you. You stay in front where I can see you"

Spike smiled. "No problem Slayer. I trust you."

With those final words, he turned and walked briskly up the street with the Slayer limping hurriedly behind him.

***

Chapter Ten:

Be a lover of gateways,
Approach them softly
For once you pass through
there will be changes
and much that you
will gladly lay aside.

Spike made a couple of right hand turns, and there in front of them stood the office building. Spike didn't turn round, but he sensed her reaction. "Looks like you made to many right hand turns Slayer. You were almost back to where you started from."

Buffy didn't comment, but she did glare ferociously at his back.

Ahead, the doorman saw them approaching and motioned for the Valet to fetch Spike's car. By the time they reached the entrance, Spike's Jag was sitting at the curb waiting. The doorman held the car door open for her, and again, his face remained expressionless at the sight of her disheveled appearance, Spike's lack of jacket, and the sparking tension that existed between the two.

Buffy lowered herself into the car with a distinct lack of ladylikeness. She no longer gave a damn if the dress ripped. Beside her, Spike was shifting the car into gear, and he pulled off almost before the doorman had a chance to swing the door shut behind her. She glared at him, but he paid her no attention. His face was fixed and rigid.

"So talk" she demanded.

"Not here" he snapped back.

Buffy watched him for a minute, before shrugging her shoulders and turning her attention to the passing neighborhood. All the camaraderie of their last ride together was gone. She felt alone and lonely. And she hated him for it.

The ride passed in strained silence. Though Buffy tried, she couldn't help the occasional glance in his direction. Even though she hated him with all her heart, she couldn't deny that he looked damn good. He had looked good in the suit, but to her tastes he looked better like this. Slightly disheveled in his black shirt and trousers.....both of which bore small rips from his fall through the window of the shop. But what really kept grabbing her attention was his hands. Repeatedly, her eyes fell onto his hands as they rested on the steering wheel. A couple of times, she had to bite her lip to stop herself from reaching out and touching those hands.

Finally though, she got a handle on where they were heading.

"You're not planning on taking me to your house?" she questioned incredulously.

For the first time since this ride began, he turned and looked at her. "Can you think of any place with more privacy for talking," he paused briefly, "Or killing?"

Buffy didn't reply, she just turned her head away. He continued to watch her for a moment before turning back to the road. He took her silence as acceptance, and within minutes they pulled up in front of his house. Without comment, he got out of the car and walked to the house, never looking to see if she was following. He disappeared inside, but left the front door open behind him.

For several minutes Buffy continued to sit in the car looking at that door. She knew that walking through that door was stupidity at its most sublime, but she also knew she would go. What she couldn't figure out, waswhy she was going. Why was she taking such risks? With a final sigh of confusion, she opened the car door and followed his path into the house. Briefly she paused to close the front door behind her, then she stood and listened for his location. A small noise reached her from above and her eyes turned to the stairs. With a feeling of unreality, she moved towards the stairs and took hold of the banister with one hand.

"I don't believe you are doing this." she said to herself, as her foot stepped out and took the first stair. Her eyes stayed firmly fixed on the stairs above her as she moved slowly upwards. Reaching the landing, her eyes turned to the lighted bedroom door that stood open to her. Taking a deep breath, she walked to the doorway and looked in.

Spike was sitting on the bed. At his feet lay the discarded black shirt. Beside him lay several bandages and some tape. At the moment, his attention was firmly fixed on the difficult task of trying to fix a bandage onto the wound on his left side. It was a difficult chore. One hand was needed to hold the bandage in place, which left only one hand to try to apply the sticky tape.

Buffy looked at the gapping wound. She hadn't realised that he had been hurt when he went through the window. The wound was healing rapidly, but it was still nasty. Without thinking about what she was doing, she moved into the bedroom and laid her purse on the bed. Then she took the tape from his hand and began applying it to the bandage that he held against his side. She was careful to keep her eyes away from his.

Spike stared thoughtfully at the back of her bent head, but he wisely decided not to comment. Instead he waited quietly until the Slayer had finished and backed off from him. Then, he stood and gathered all the bandages together, crossing the room and throwing them back into a waiting draw. Sliding it closed, he turned and looked at the watchful Slayer.

"So, what did Cassandra tell you then?" he said quietly.

Buffy didn't reply immediately. She crossed back to the bed and sat down on the edge. "No Spike, you have this all wrong. You were the one who wanted to talk.

So talk."

Spike lost his barely controlled temper. It had been at snapping point for awhile now, and her proximity in his bedroom didn't help one little bit. "Damn it Slayer, use your brain. I know you have one, so use it and stop being so bloody stupid." he yelled at her.

Immediately, Buffy was on her feet. "WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"

she screamed back at him.

Spike looked at the irate Slayer, and consciously calmed himself. In a lower voice, he said, "Buffy, why don't you ask yourself why that bloody bitch would tell you anything useful......or truthful?"

It was not his question that caused her to think, it was his use of her name. Spike always called her 'Slayer'. For him to use her name meant that he really wanted her attention. Buffy sat slowly back down on the bed, trying to give herself time to find an answer. Eyes finally raised to meet his. "The most dangerous woman in the world is a woman scorned.....and I guess that applies to Vampyress's also."

Buffy watched carefully for his reaction, but only confusion showed in his eyes.

"....and that means?" he prompted.

Buffy sighed. "Cassandra hates you. Says you did the dirty on her when you met Dru. Since then, she says that she has gone out of her way to ruin all your business deals. She wants to hurt you where she thinks it counts.....she wants to ruin your current 'business' deal, thereby hurting your rep not to mention your bank account."

Spike continued to look confused. "I don't get it. What in the fuck do you have to do with a business deal?"

Buffy's voice was very quiet when she replied. "Don't Spike. I know all about The Game and your plans for me."

At the mention of The Game, Spike became deadly still. "What do you know about The Game?"

"What she told me." said the Slayer carefully.

Spike gave an impatient sigh. "Indulge me. Tell me what she said."

Buffy nodded. "OK, but then I want some explanations from you. I want to know what this is all about."

Spike merely nodded and motioned for her to begin.

"The Game is alittle soul distracting form of amusement that a few rich and powerful Vamps dreamed up a few hundred years back. Seems that eventually the basic hunt and kill becomes boring, and the excitement goes out of your demonic life." she gave him a hateful glare before continuing. "The Game apparently gives you back the challenge you need."

"....and...." Spike prompted carefully.

"OK, it goes like this." said the Slayer with distaste evident on her face. "One of you is responsible for selecting and bringing a 'mark' into The Game. The mark must be someone of wealth, intelligence or beauty. A list of all the people nearest and dearest to the 'mark' is made up. Then the bidding starts. Someone is selected from the list. The vamps bid on who will win the right to kill that person. But that is only the beginning. The second highest bidder must lay out the plan for the death of that person, and the winning Vamp is challenged to follow that plan exactly. The key to the fun though, is that the plan must involve the 'mark's' active participation in the death of their nearest and dearest. As The Game continues the 'mark' become increasingly destroyed by being subtly tricked or forced into participating in the deaths of those they love." Buffy paused for a moment. "The end of The Game comes when everyone the 'mark' loved is dead. The final bidding is for who will win the Right to force the 'mark' into taking their own life."

Buffy looked at him and waited for his response.

Briefly he paced the room and then he turned to her. "So, why would Cassandra tell you all this?"

"Simply because you had taken me there as a prospective mark." said the Slayer accusingly.

Spike nodded thoughtfully. "And what reason did Cassandra give you for my doing that?"

"Why are you playing so innocent Spike. You know exactly why you did it."

"Like I said, indulge me."

"OK. Lets get it all out in the open. The person who brings in 'the mark' gets to operate on their own. If they can keep the 'mark' from committing suicide through the whole ordeal, without letting on their role in the whole plan, then they get all the money that has been bid during The Game." Buffy looked right at him before speaking the next bit. "He also wins the right to kill the mark and feed off them at the end of the Game."

".....and Cassandra told you all this, because she wanted to stop me from getting the jackpot and from having the fun of mentally destroying the Slayer before finally killing her." Spike nodded thoughtfully.

"Interesting plan" he added before turning and moving to look out the bedroom window.

Buffy stared at his back. "Would you have me believe that wasn't your reason for taking me out tonight?"

Spike turned back to face her. "Would it be so hard to believe that I mean you no harm?"

Buffy found she could not keep eye contact with his questioning gaze. "So why did you take me out. Why did you take me there? It all makes no sense." she said as she dropped her eyes to her lap.

Spike looked at her for a few moments before simply shaking his head. "It doesn't matter why I took you there, you'd never believe me anyway."

"You don't know that Spike" she replied in a whisper. "I'm here, so give it a go."

Spike merely shook his head again and turned back to the window. "I was wrong to go out with you tonight, and I was wrong to take you there....but The Game was never my intention. I don't know why I did it....it wasn't planned. One thing just seemed to follow another and I went with it. But it won't work, and I admit I was wrong." he paused. "Now pick up your stuff Slayer and get out of here."

Buffy remained sitting on the bed and slowly shook her head to herself. There was more to it than he was saying. There had to be, since this made no sense.

"Spike....." she began, but she was cut off by a vicious snarl. Spike whirled from the window in full vamp mode. "I said Get. Out. Of. Here." he growled.

Buffy looked at him totally unperturbed by his appearance and aggressiveness. Slowly she rose from the bed and moved towards him. "No, Spike, I'm not ready to leave yet. We had a deal remember? We would talk and if I wasn't satisfied, we'd fight." she said quietly.

Spike chuckled to himself and looked up to the ceiling for a moment. "You never give up do you Slayer?" He looked back at her and his face devamped. "You can't kill me Buffy. I'm the only thing protecting you from The Game. Now those guys have you in mind for their Game, the only thing stopping them is me. I die and you'll play....count on it." He took at step towards her. "Now go on. Leave and just forget tonight ever happened."

Still Buffy made no move to leave. "Protection. Why in the Hell would you want to protect *me*. You should be grateful that someone wants to do your dirty work for you!"

Spike shook his head slowly and issued a small laugh. "You're right. I should be glad."

Buffy looked at him in amazement. "....but you're not glad, are you?" she said slowly.

Spike didn't answer, he just turned his back on her. "Last chance Slayer. Get out of here before I do something we will both regret."

Buffy looked towards the door, then looked back at where he stood. Her intention was to turn and walk out the door, but it seemed her feet had different ideas. Slowly she moved over to stand right behind him. She watched with detachment as her hand rose and gently placed itself on his back. Spike stood stock still.

Her other hand moved and placed itself gently on his hip, while the first hand trailed down his back to his other hip. Slowly she let both hands move gently round his body until they joined together in front of him. Silently she placed her cheek against his back and felt the cold smoothness of his body against her.

Still Spike remained motionless.

Buffy tried to speak but found her voice caught in her throat. Taking a deep breath, she tried again, and was relieved to hear her voice speaking to him. "Look Spike, I can't think this all out. I don't understand it all and I don't think I am supposed to. All this is wrong....my mind tells me this clearly. But I do know that I want to be here with you tonight. I can't think beyond that, and I don't want to examine why I feel that way." she paused for a minute while she turned her head and gently placed a light kiss upon his back. "Spike, for tonight, I trust you." she said as her voice faded into the silence.

With a groan, Spike spun round and faced her. Emotion rippled across his face as he raised both his hands to cup her face. "I'll ask you one more time baby. Leave, and leave now."

Buffy stared into his eyes and gave a small negative shake of her head. "One night, remember? You promised me one night." she said quietly.

Spike stared into her trusting eyes, and his hands moved down her face to rest on her shoulders. "I guess I did promise, didn't I."

Buffy smiled slightly. "I guess you did."

"Well never let it be said that I didn't keep a promise to a lady" he whispered as he lowered his mouth to her upturned face. Gentle lips covered her face with a series of small kisses as one of his hands moved to the base of her neck and the other traveled to encircle her waist coaxing her into his embrace.

With a low moan, Buffy turned her head to capture his lips with her own. Her arms wrapped round him and she pressed against him as she lost herself in his kiss. Her hands roamed over his back constantly trying to pull him closer.

Spike continued to cover her lips with kisses as he gently began to coax her into deepening the kiss. Buffy didn't need much encouragement, she desperately wanted his kiss. She opened her mouth slightly and immediately Spike began to plunder her mouth sending her senses into overload.

Without breaking the kiss, he slowly moved his hand to her back and lowered the zip on her dress. Then he ran his hands inside along her bare skin. The feel of his hands on her skin wiped out any rationale sense that Buffy might have had left. Softly, she broke the kiss and looked up into his eyes for a moment. A small smile played across her face and she backed up a couple of steps. Never taking her eyes off his, she took her hands and slid the dress from her shoulders. The silky material flowed down her body and pooled at her feet, leaving her open to his gaze.

His eyes were smoldering pits of fire, but he didn't move towards her. "The rest of it Slayer."

Buffy smiled again and looked at him cheekily. "Guess you're thinking that I won't have the guts."

Spike didn't smile back. "I don't think I have ever been guilty of underestimating you. I don't think I'll start tonight."

For a moment, Buffy felt some trepidation at what she was about to do, but then she pushed those thoughts aside. This night was separate from her real life. This was a fantasy night and she could do whatever she wanted.

With another grin in his direction, she moved her hands behind her and unclipped the bra, allowing it to slide down her arms to join the dress at her feet. Then, without pausing to think, she moved her hands to her hips and carefully stepped out of her underwear. This accomplished, she stood before him allowing him to look at her.

Still Spike made no move towards her, but Buffy was acutely aware of him. She noticed him swallow before he managed to speak.

"Turn round for me Slayer" he said softly......then he added, "Please."

Slowly Buffy turned. She was beginning to feel slightly self conscious under his unwavering piercing stare and a blush began to travel across her body. In an instant, he was beside her as his arms pulled her into him. Startlingly blue eyes stared down at her.

"Don't ever be embarrassed by your body. You are the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen......more beautiful than I imagined."

Buffy looked back at him as his hands roved across her body. "You have imagined us....me, I mean?" she said incredulously.

Spike gave a small grin at her innocence. There was still so much of the child in her woman's body. He didn't reply, he simply lowered his head and claimed her lips once more. Then, without breaking the kiss, he bent slightly and picked her up. Buffy was barely aware of him moving her over and laying her on the bed. Her senses were screaming from the feel of his lips and hands on her body.

Gently, he laid her on the bed and then backed away briefly. Buffy watched as he slid off his trousers and couldn't keep the small smile from her lips as she noticed that he did not wear underwear! The site of his naked body brought another blush to her face, but she didn't back down. As he moved back towards the bed, she held up her hand to stop him. His eyebrows raised questioningly, but he stopped immediately.

An evil grin formed on her face. "Turn round for me Spike." she said in with a sultry wink, before adding "Please."

Spike laughed out loud at her request. "Fair is fair" he acknowledged as he made a slow turn under her watchful gaze. By the time he had finished, Buffy was beet red. He took in her face and laughed again. "Why would you blush. I'm the one being watched here." he said tauntingly.

The Slayer glared at him. "Lets not discuss that now." she hissed.

Spike continued to smile as he moved back to the bed, and placed one knee onto the bed beside her. Then, bending over, he placed a kiss on her stomach, before moving up to her mouth, and effectively covering her body with his.

The feel of his skin pressed down the length of her caused Buffy to close her eyes as she unconsciously arched her hips upwards against him. She opened her eyes, and found his eyes staring down at her smolderingly. "Are you sure you want to do this Slayer, you can still leave if you go right now." he offered with a voice which had begun to crack under the strain.

Buffy shook her head slowly. "I'm not going anywhere, so I guess you are just going to have to force yourself to live with it."

With a groan which emanated from deep in his throat, he let his control snap. Buffy was immediately rocked by the passion that exploded around her. It was like nothing she had ever experienced or even imagined in her wildest dreams. Making love with Angel had been gentle and sweet, and up until now, Spike had been equally as gentle and sweet. But that was not how things were now. The man with her now was demanding a complete abandonment of her soul, and he moved over her with power and skill.

His mouth plundered into hers as his hands twirled into her hair, raising her head from the pillow and pressing her mouth into his. Above her his body moved in a sensual abandonment which was driving her own body to distraction. With a final moan of need, Buffy gave in and gave herself up completely to the wild sensations which were attacking her body.

His lips left her face and began to travel down her neck, gently nipping and kissing their way to her breasts. Buffy's fingers wrapped themselves into his hair and her hips surged up against him, as his lips played and teased with first one nipple and then the next. Her breath was coming in ragged gasps, and she had to consciously force her eyes to open.

Looking down, she watched with half closed eyes as he kissed and sucked on her breasts. Feeling her gaze, he looked up into her smoky eyes. Her need for him was shining from her eyes, and if he could have, he would have sucked air into his lifeless lungs. In one fluid movement, he moved back up her body and placed a kiss on her lips while his finger marked a trail down the side of her face. "OK Slayer?" he whispered. Buffy couldn't answer. Her voice was gone. Instead she managed a small nod. In response, a small smile crossed his lips and he began to move down her body once more, but Buffy put a hand out to halt him. Two could play this game! With a quick burst of her Slayer strength, she bucked her body and pushed him off her and onto his back. Immediately she moved on top of him and gave him a cheeky grin. "My go."

Laughter lit his eyes. "Be my guest baby."

Buffy lowered her lips and gently used her teeth to nip at his lips. Each time he moved his head to try to capture her lips, she would back up slightly out of reach. After about the fourth attempt, Spike flopped back against the pillow. "OK, I get the picture. Have your wicked way and I promise not to interfere."

Buffy smiled into his eyes, and lowered her head to his lips. This time she did not tease. She kissed him and plundered his mouth with all the pent up passion in her small body. Spike groaned and his hands traveled across her back working their own magic on her body. Following his example, Buffy left his lips and trailed kisses down his neck until she came to his small nipples. Then taking one between her teeth, she used her tongue to coax a response. Gently she nipped, sucked, and licked until each nipple was erect with need.

Beneath her, Spike's body was in constant motion, as were his hands on her back.

She was driving him to distraction and she liked it. Briefly she paused, picking up some courage, and then she moved, trailing her lips on down his body.

Immediately Spike jackknifed into a sitting position, with Buffy left resting in his lap. "No" he said quickly. Buffy looked into his eyes and confusion shone out. With a groan, Spike realised that she didn't have any idea about the power of her touch. Gently he cupped her face with his hands and placed a small kiss on her lips. "I can't take that Slayer. Not now. It would all be over in a second, and that's not the way I want it." he explained softly.

Realization dawned in the Slayer's eyes. "Oh" was all she could manage for a response. But Spike didn't give her time to think. His mouth descended onto hers, as his body twisted them back down to the bed with her, once again, beneath him.

"Nice move." mumbled Buffy.

"I have nicer." was his equally mumbled reply.

With that he pushed himself off her and onto his side beside her. Buffy's skin tingled in the cool air and she looked at him questioningly. He smiled, as he took the tip of one finger and let it trail softly over her body. With a moan of need for a firmer touch, Buffy tried to grasp at his hand and turn toward him. Both moves were blocked. Taking both her wrists in one of his hands, he moved them above her head, holding them out of the way. Then his lips and remaining free hand began to work unspeakable magic on her body.

Passionately, his mouth covered her breast as his hand traveled down to her most sensitive spot. Unerringly, his finger found her core and slowly began the most sensual mind numbing massage of the Slayers life. Her hips moved against his hand in unspoken need and she moaned low in her throat. Spike moved his mouth from her breast and covered her mouth with his. His tongue forced its way into her mouth and began to mimic the movement of his fingers. Buffy bucked beneath him and desperately tried to pull her hands from his grip above her head. But Spike wasn't budging. His fingers never ceased in their sensual torment.

Buffy raised her head from the bed in a fit of mindless abandonment. Her mouth warred with his lips as she virtually tried to devour him with the only weapon she had left. It did no good, Spike simply deepened the kiss even more and drove her to the edge of sanity.

Buffy felt a hot coil of need begin to form in her stomach. Her hips bucked faster against his fingers as her mouth plundered his, seeking the ultimate fulfillment. Spike was acutely aware of her response, and just at the last moment he withdrew his fingers and moved over her. Buffy's eyes flew open in dismay as his fingers left her. A groan issued from her lips and she ground her hips against him.

"Look at me Buffy" he said quietly.

The Slayer's head continued to move back and forth, caught up in the undeniable need to find release. Spike let go of her hands, and immediately her hands flew to his back trying to push him against her.

"Slayer. Look at me." he repeated with his clear eyes fixed on her glazed stare.

This time, his voice managed to penetrate the sensual fog that had hold of her brain. Wild eyes turned on him. "Please" she moaned from deep in her soul. With her eyes on his, he slid inside of her. As her warmth surrounded him he felt her surge upward to meet him. With a groan, his eyes closed and he bent his head to her mouth. Tongues met in an explosion of passion. Beneath him the Slayer continued to move against him, but Spike stayed stock still while he tried to regain some control. The Slayer's hands were like wildfire on his body, urging him onward. Finally, he issued a loud groan and gave up on the idea of any kind of control.

He didn't move gently or slowly. He plundered her body with a speed and passion that he had never experienced before. Beneath him, the Slayer responded to him, meeting him move for move, totally undisturbed by the barely leashed passion that was exploding in her lover. Bodies rocked violently as one.....each barely aware of the other. And then the world exploded around her. With a scream muffled by Spike's shoulder, Buffy surged against him. Instantly she felt him surge deep inside her and she caught the sound of a deep groan emanating from his throat as they climaxed together. The world rocked around them, and they clung to each other as the waves hit them time and time again.

Eventually though, Buffy found that she was capable of opening her eyes. Looking down, she saw Spike's head resting on her chest. With a small smile, she found that she had a very basic control of her arms. She managed to raise one hand and gently began to stroke his hair. Slowly the reality of the night began to reassert itself, and she glanced towards the clock on the bedside stand. The luminous dial glared back at her, telling her that it was now 3 a.m.

Spike's voice drew her attention back.

"Don't look at it and don't think about it" he said quietly. His head was still on her chest and his eyes still appeared to be closed.

Buffy didn't answer, she just continued to run her fingers through his hair.

Again Spike spoke. "You tired Slayer?"

Buffy decided to see if she still had a voice. "No."

Spike raised his head and looked at her. "Good, because the night is not over yet."

Buffy stared into his blue eyes and felt her soul reflected back at her. "No, not yet. Why, did you have something in mind?" she said with a small smile.

"I have a lot in mind. Want to talk about it?"

Buffy shook her head. "Nope. Why don't you just show me instead."

***

Chapter Eleven

I am your beloved
you are my true companion.
We meet in the circle
at the rainbow's center
coming together
in wholeness.
That is my gift of freedom

Beside her, Spike finally lay still. With a small smile of contentment, she snuggled up to his side and laid her head on his chest. Weakly his arm came around her and briefly cupped her shoulder before falling back to his side. Buffy glanced up at his face and saw that his eyes were closed and his features were deadly still. For the first time, she also noticed that the room was slightly less dark than before. Through the thick drapes, dawn was beginning to make its presence known. Spike's nature had asserted its' power, and he now slept the Sleep of the Dead.

For several minutes, Buffy simply lay there pressed against his side. Her eyes were fixed on a bare spot on the wall while her mind wrestled with what must be.

Finally, with a brief sigh, she pushed herself from his side and rose. Quickly and quietly, she moved round the room gathering her clothes and getting dressed.

She tried not to think as she moved. Thinking was much, much, to painful.

With one last brief glance round the room, she came to the conclusion that she couldn't stall any longer. Purposefully she kept her eyes from the bed as she moved towards the bedroom door. Her hand was reaching for the handle when Spike spoke.

"Going somewhere Slayer?" came his quiet inquiry.

Buffy froze, and briefly she closed her eyes while she picked up the courage to turn and face him. Eyes open once more, and soul steeled against the pain of what must be, she turned. Her eyes drank in the sight of him, even though her brain screamed at her to ignore it.

He had pushed himself up onto his side and he was supporting his head with one hand. The sheet had slipped down his body, exposing his bare chest, and just barely covering him below the hips. Sleepy, half closed eyes watched her carefully.

Buffy took a deep breath. "Time's up. The night is over" she said with a voice that cracked slightly as she spoke.

Spike's gaze didn't waver. "Stay." was his only comment.

Buffy shook her head, and consciously fought against the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. She had no intention of crying. What must be, must be.

In response to his questioning gaze, she simply gave a brief negative shake of her head. "I can't. We can't. A promise is a promise. One night was all it was. One night, no matter what. Remember?"

"Promises were made to be broken." he whispered to her.

Buffy lowered her eyes and stared at the floor while heart warred with mind. The last time she had fought this battle, she had let her heart win and the result had been grief and disaster. She couldn't, she wouldn't, go down that road again.

This time, she didn't respond. Instead she turned quickly and let herself out of the bedroom. With all the dignity she could muster, she walked away from the bedroom and quickly took the stairs to the front door. Letting herself out the front door, she went straight to her car and got in. Briefly she looked at the front door, but Spike was not following her. She hadn't really thought he would. He understood as well as she, that one night was all they were entitled to.

One night for a lifetime.

Taking a deep breath, and gritting her teeth with resolve, she started the car and backed out of the driveway. Dawn's rays were becoming stronger now, creeping stealthily across yards and roadways bringing the day to the night. Putting the car into gear, she drove off down the street. She did not look back, so she did not see him standing at the bedroom window watching her departure.

He stayed at the window long after the red tail lights of her car turned the corner at the end of his street. He continued to stand there while dawn's rays began to creep along the window until they finally reached the hand that held the drapes to one side. Immediately his hand began to smoke, but still he stood watching the road. Then suddenly, the hand released the drapes as Dawn won it's fight and pushed this Creature of the Night back into his world of Darkness.

Buffy drove for awhile without really thinking about where she was going. She was sort of heading home.....sort of. She wasn't really sure what to do. Her teeth were gritted so hard that her jaw finally began to ache under the strain, but she refused to let go and give into the tears that threatened to fall.

She didn't want to cry. This night had been the best of her life. She had experienced just about every emotion known to man, and she already knew that this night would be one of the most precious of her life. The night didn't deserve to be remembered with tears. A night such as that could be expected to exact a heavy payment. She could never repeat it. She could never talk about it with anyone. It was to be her secret for the rest of her life and she doubted that any other moment in her life would live up to this night. The cost was high, but she would not have done one single thing differently. Not one thing.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, a slight smile played across her face and her jaw relaxed slightly. Trying to relax even more, she looked down at the car stereo....maybe some music on the way home would help.

She reached out her hand to hit the power button, but the hand paused in mid air. Sticking out of the tape player was an unlabeled tape....one she didn't recognize. All the tapes she kept in the car were bought tapes.....she never seemed to have time to do any recording of blank tapes.

With a sense of unreality, she used one finger to push the tape into the player.

For a couple of moments there was no sound while the taped whirred on. Then the first strains of the song began:

Stay Now....
Baby if you've got to go away
Don't think I could take the pain
Won't you Stay another day?
Stay Now....
Oh, don't leave me alone like this
Don't you say its the final kiss
Won't you Stay another day?
Stay Now....

Buffy stared at the tape player. There was no doubt in her mind as to who had put the tape there. The question was *when* had he put it there? The only time he could have done it, was while she was taking a shower at the very beginning of their evening together.

Don't you know we've gone to far now
Just to go now and throw it all away
Thought I heard you say you loved me
That your love was gonna be here to stay
Stay Now.......
I've only just begun to know you
All I can say, is won't you stay just one more day?
Stay Now.....
Stay Now.....
Stay Now.....

As Buffy listened to the song, the tears began to trail slowly down her face. He had known from the very beginning what she would do. He had known that she would leave. He had known just how dearly this one night would cost him. But he had done it anyway. The song continued, but Buffy didn't hear it........she reached out her hand and hit the eject button. Taking the tape in her hand, she laid it in her lap. Then she rolled down the car window. As the car rounded the next curve, she picked up the tape and tossed it from the window.

A promise was a promise. One night. Only one night.

Epilogue:

It took Buffy three weeks to decide to say 'the hell with promises'.

Three weeks of pure hell. Three weeks of smiling and talking with her friends, with her mother, with Giles. Three weeks of talking about anything but the one thing that was on her mind constantly. Spike.

She hadn't seen him, or heard anything about him in that time. Sometimes she even wondered if the night had ever happened. Had it been a fantasy? A dream? On the exterior she acted like nothing had happened, but inside she was a mess of emotions, and questions, and doubts.

Finally, she couldn't take it any longer. She went there. As she rounded the corner onto his street her eyes immediately fixed on his house.....and her heart stopped. It not only stopped, it died right there in her chest.

The house was deserted. Bare. In the front yard stood the barest grave stone of all.

The sign said "For Rent."

Her car slowed to a halt in front of the deserted house. For several moments she just stared, then a small smile began to play at the corners of mouth and she nodded in understanding.

"Thank you Spike" she whispered into the night, just before she drove off.

.......From a distance, Spike watched as her car traveled up the street and turned the corner. "You're Welcome Slayer." he said quietly.

With that, he turned on his heels and paused as he threw down his cigarette. He glanced back over his shoulder at the deserted street and a gave a brief chuckle as a smile lit his eyes. Then, he simply slid his hands into the pockets of his black leather coat, and strode off into his night.

As he disappeared from view, the sound of 'that voice' came echoing back through the night, "OK people, I'm bored now.....who wants to playyyyy???"

The End.