Prologue

The vampire never had a chance. After beating on him for a while
Buffy quipped, "You were thinking what, a little helpless coed before
bed? You know very well, you eat this late..."

The stake found its mark with her usual accuracy.

"You're gonna get heartburn. Get it? Heartburn?"

The vampire had the poor taste to dust without any reaction to
Buffy's banter.

"That's all I get? One lame-ass vamp with no appreciation for my
painstakingly thought-out puns?" Looking up to the sky she
continued, "Come on guys, give me something to work with here. Ya
gotta send me something better than this guy."

From a nearby rooftop, Spike watched the Slayer's antics with a
smirk. "Better watch what you ask for little girl. You should know
better than to tempt the fates that way. 'Cause the Big Bad's back,
and this time... GNYAARGGHHLL!!"

The commandos turned off the taser rifle as the white-haired vampire
collapsed in an unconscious heap. Grabbing arms and legs, they
dragged him away.

Chapter 1

Spike's next moment of awareness consisted of bright lights and
pain. His nerve endings felt as if they were on fire, but the worst
pain was in his head. A headache like he had never experienced as
either human or vampire beat behind his closed eyelids.

Lying corpse still, Spike sampled the surrounding area with hearing
and smell. Nothing. There were no humans or demons nearby. In
fact, the air had a peculiarly sterile smell to it.

Opening his eyes, he found that he was in a plain white room that
appeared to consist of only three walls. Getting on his feet he
cautiously approached the open area only to realize that it was
glass. Placing his hands before him, he felt an electrical charge
pass through him. What the fuck kind of place was he in? Well, it
didn't really matter he decided, because he had no intention of
staying here very long.

***

"What do you mean Hostile 17 escaped?" a very angry Maggie Walsh
snapped at her subordinate. "He had the chip implanted didn't he?"

"Yes, ma'am," the nervous doctor answered. Maggie Walsh on a tear
was not a pleasant sight to see. "But it hasn't been 24 hours since
it was done. The chip hasn't had time to map all of his neural
pathways yet. However it should be completed within the next 2
hours. He'll be unable to hurt anyone without severe cephalalgia
after that."

"Well that's just wonderful gentlemen," came the sarcastic
reply. "Let's just hope that he doesn't decide to kill someone in
the meantime, shall we?"

The doctors that had brought the news to their superior glanced at
each other anxiously. They had never had an HST escape before, and
Hostile 17 had done so with an embarrassing ease leaving not a few
broken bones and bruises in his wake. They would definitely have to
revise their security measures after this.

Maggie turned away to face the young commandos who had just reported
for duty. "Gentlemen, we have an escaped HST. Track him down and
bring him back. Use lethal force only if necessary. The creature
has been implanted with the chip so he is a valuable research animal."

Snapping salutes, Agent Riley Finn and his team turned to suit up and
begin the search.

***

Spike scrolled down the list of students until he found the one he
was searching for. "Buffy Summers - Stevenson Hall - Room 214"

"There you are cutie. Know you'll be upset to see me luv, but can't
be helped." Shutting off the computer, Spike made his way to Buffy's
dormitory.

***

Willow was wallowing in a sea of depression. Since Oz had left, she
had been virtually unable to function. Her classes were even
suffering; something that had never happened before. Tonight she had
tried to join in the fun at the frat house party, but seeing everyone
enjoying themselves, hearing the tape of Oz's band playing, watching
guys and girls connect had been too much for her and she had fled to
the sanctuary of her dorm room.

When the knock came at her door, she issued an invitation to come in
automatically, assuming that it was one of her dorm mates. She was
therefore totally unprepared for who entered the room.

"Spike!" she yelped jumping up from her bed. "What...what are you
doing here. You'd better go `cause Buffy will be here any minute and
she'll stake you and..."

"Calm down, Red. I'm here to see Buffy. You say she'll be back
soon?"

Willow's heart was pounding. She didn't know when or if Buffy would
be back tonight. Would he kill her when he found out she had lied?
As Spike roamed around the room looking everything over, Willow
decided to try and escape. When the opportunity presented itself,
she ran as fast as she could towards the door. Of course, she wasn't
fast enough and Spike caught her after just a few steps. Throwing
her back on her bed, he loomed over her, a scowl on his handsome face.

"Look Red, I just said I'm here to see Buffy. I won't hurt you
unless you push it, okay?"

Mouth dry, Willow nodded her head. Spike continued his examination
of the room, picking up books, knickknacks and stopping in front of
the tiny refrigerator. Spying a bag of chips laying on top, he
grabbed it up and then plopped down on Buffy's bed. Opening the bag
up he helped himself, paying no attention to the crumbs that started
to litter the bedspread.

Willow eyes opened wide. "You eat people food?" she asked astounded.

"Well, yeah," Spike answered. Holding up the bag he added, "Barbeque
innit? Like spicy stuff."

"But I thought vampires only ate blood," Willow continued. "Angel
never..."

"God," Spike snorted in disgust, shaking his head. "Believe it or
not Red, Angelus is not the bloody template upon which all vampires
were formed. He's one soddin' poof. Nothin' more."

Willow decided to shut up after that. Apparently Angel was a sore
spot with the younger vampire. Eyes down and entwined fingers
twisting nervously, Willow concentrated on making herself as small
and invisible as possible. Maybe Spike would forget she was there.
Quiet ensued broken only by the sound of Spike's munching. Willow
therefore started when Spike suddenly threw the bag against the wall
and jumped up ranting, "Where the hell is she?! I thought you said
she'd be here any minute."

Willow gulped as she looked into the face of the impatient
vampire. "Uh, I may have exaggerated how soon she'll be back. She's
at a frat party and..."

"A party!? You've got big trouble in this town and the Slayer's out
partying?"

"What trouble, Spike? Everything's been pretty normal around here.
You know, demon roommates, werewolf sluts who steal boyfriends, psych
professors who are real bitches..." Willow was on a roll and hardly
noticed the irritated look on Spike's face. When she finally did,
she wound down. "Uh, anyway there hasn't been anything unusual going
on."

"Yeah, well what about the secret lab that's right under this soddin'
university? What about all the demons that are being captured and
held, including poor innocent vampires that were just mindin' their
own business? What about that, Red?"

Willow just stared at him.

"Don't know nothin' about it do you?" Spike asked
triumphantly. "Thought you Scoobies and that Watcher with his big
brain knew all about what was goin' on 'round here. Looks like
you've all been layin' down on the job."

It was at that point that the lights went out.

Chapter 2

Buffy had been enjoying herself at the party. Professor Walsh's TA,
Riley Finn, had come over to talk to her, but he had been pulled away
by his friend Forrest. When Xander showed up, she had been surprised
but left the fraternity house quickly when she heard what he had to
say.

"You sure they were the same guys I ran into before? The storm
troopery ones"

"I'm willing to stake my $2.00 couch on it Buff. I was making a
pizza delivery to one of the dorms and saw them sneaking around in
the bushes. I don't know what they were up to, but thought you might
want to know about it. Willow told me you guys were going to a party
at Lowell House tonight, so here I am."

"Okay, look Xander you go on home. I'll scout around, see if I can
find anything." Buffy started to turn away, but Xander stopped her.

"Wait Buff, take this with you. It's a little something I carry with
me in case of vampire attack." Buffy looked down at the object he
held out. "A flare gun?"

"Granted it's not a rocket launcher, but you might need something
besides a stake to use on these guys. Just a precaution, okay?"

Shrugging, Buffy accepted the flare gun and went to start her patrol.

***

Witch and vampire froze for a few seconds in surprise when the lights
went out. Willow decided that it was as good a time as any to make
another run for it, but before she could even move the door flew open
and black-clad men carrying weapons burst into the room.

"There he is, grab him."

"Get the girl too."

"No leave her alone, she's human."

"We can't take a chance, she may have been compromised."

One of the men grabbed Willow and began to pull her from the room.
Spike was in no position to help her because he was struggling with
two others, but he could hear Willow's cries of distress. Reaching
out, he managed to snatch one of the guns. Using the butt end, he
smashed it into the temple of his nearest attacker. Both of them
went down. Spike clutched his head as pain radiated throughout his
entire brain. Two more of the men took hold of him, restraining and
dragging him from the room.

Once out in the hallway, Spike began to recover and looked up to see
Willow struggling valiantly with her captor. Spotting a fire
extinguisher on the wall, he jerked away from his own captors.
Moving quickly, he grabbed it, pulled the pin and sprayed foam over
the entire group. Willow slipped free when Spike aimed directly at
her captor's eyes covering the lenses of the goggles he wore.
Throwing the now empty canister at the man, Spike reached out to
Willow and managed to push her back into the room.

The men seized him again and held him fast while another aimed his
tranquilizer gun. A bright flash of light exploded in the hallway
temporarily blinding the men and Spike, realizing that the Slayer had
finally shown up, took the opportunity to escape. He knew that Buffy
would protect Willow. He would get in contact with her later. Right
now, he needed to evade capture.

***

Willow sat on the sofa wrapped in a blanket and holding a cup of hot
tea. She was still suffering a reaction from her ordeal. Her teeth
had chattered so hard on the drive to Giles' place that she had been
unable to talk. The lights had gone out just as Xander was leaving
and he had joined Buffy in running to Stevenson Hall. Comforting the
distraught Willow as best he could, he had quickly driven the two
girls to the Watcher's home.

"So these commando persons broke into your dorm room and tried to
kidnap you, Willow?" Giles was asking.

"Well, I, I don't think they were after me. I think they were after
Spike and just took me because..."

"What!?" Buffy exclaimed, jerking in surprise. "Did you say they
wanted Spike?"

"Uh, yeah. See he was there in the dorm room with me and..."

"What? How? When?"

Swallowing hard, Willow explained the circumstances regarding Spike's
appearance.

"He says that there is a secret lab under the university? What kind
of scheme is he hatching now?" Giles wondered.

"I don't think it was a scheme, Giles," Willow said. "I mean, those
guys were after him for some reason, and then they tried to take me
because one of them said I might have been `compromised'"

"Damn him!" Buffy ground out. "He promised me he would never come
back to Sunnydale."

"Well, he obviously did not keep that promise, which considering that
it's Spike we're talking about can hardly be a surprise. He wasn't
able to kill you last year so he obviously has returned to try
again," Giles theorized.

"Maybe," was all Buffy could say. Sighing, she got up, went to
Giles' weapons chest and removed several stakes, a knife and a
crossbow. "Well, guess I'm on Spike patrol. I'll try to find him;
see if I can get any further information out of him. Then I'll dust
him."

With those words, she stormed out of the apartment.

***

Buffy was furious. Damn him. She had finally managed to stop
thinking about him. She had finally managed to stop dreaming about
him. Even after Angel had been miraculously returned from the Hell
dimension, she had thought constantly of Spike. She had felt as if
she were cheating on Angel. Even though she and Angel could not be
together, he was still the man she loved so the intrusion of Spike
thoughts seriously unnerved her.

Unsure where to start looking for him, Buffy decided to try the old
mausoleum he had occupied last year. It was far enough off the
beaten path that the commandos might not have found it and since it
was familiar, Spike just might go to ground there.

Crossbow cocked, all senses alert Buffy entered the old crypt. It
was too dark to see very well inside and the moonlight penetrated
only a few inches. A click and the flare of a lighter let Buffy know
that she had been right to come here. Pointing the crossbow in the
direction of the flame she said coldly, "You shouldn't have come back
here Spike. I told you I'd have to kill you if you returned."

"Ah, but Buffy love, how could I stay away from you?" With that,
Spike moved forward, all light and dark, sex and danger. Coming
right up to her he gently pushed the crossbow aside. Reaching out
his hand, he softly caressed the side of her face. "I've missed
you," he said. His voice was a deep rich purr, the tones causing her
muscles to quiver. Leaning forward, he went to place a kiss on her
mouth, but Buffy jumped back and raised the crossbow again.

"Don't touch me Spike," she snapped. "You've had everything you're
going to get from me. I don't care why you've come back; I don't
care what you know about these commandos. I warned you what would
happen if you came back and I meant it." With that she aimed the
crossbow and prepared to fire the bolt. Spike just stood there
before her making no effort to evade the shot. His confidence that
she wouldn't shoot him infuriated her and she pulled the trigger. The
arrow whizzed past just missing him. Spike raised an eyebrow and
smirked, "Knew you wouldn't hurt me luv."

"No?" Buffy snarled. Dropping the crossbow she threw a punch with
all her might behind it. Spike was knocked forcefully to the ground
but he sprang back quickly, returning the punch. It connected and he
screamed and collapsed, clutching his head. Buffy was beside him
instantly arms around his shoulders asking anxiously, "Spike, what's
wrong."

"God Buffy, those bastards did something to me. This happened when I
was fightin' those men in your dorm room too. I hit one of 'em and
it felt like someone put a cattle prod to my head."

Arms wrapped supportively around him, Buffy helped him to
stand. "Come on," she said. "Let's go talk to Giles."

Chapter 3

Spike smirked at the disapproving faces of Watcher and boy. Willow
had merely stared at him and then curled up tighter on the couch.
Spike sat in an armchair, legs splayed, arms resting comfortably on
the armrests.

"So, you were knocked unconscious, woke up in some sort of secret
facility, was able to escape and came to tell Buffy all about it. Is
that correct?" Giles asked, disbelief evidence in his voice.

"Yes, that's correct," Spike mocked. Reaching into his coat pocket
he withdrew a pack of cigarettes, shook one out and placed it between
his lips. As he prepared to light it Giles said coldly, "Do not
light that thing in my home."

Raising one eyebrow, Spike shrugged, removed the cigarette and
replaced it in the pack. "As you wish, Watcher."

For some reason, that seemed to irritate Giles even more than an
argument would have. Spike smiled, correctly reading Giles'
expression. Those soddin' white coats may have taken away his
ability to physically hurt others, but he could still piss `em off.
Not much, but anything was better than the feelings of fear and
helplessness that engulfed him. How could he feed? How could he
protect himself if he couldn't fight? He was in deep trouble and he
knew it. If Buffy and her friends didn't help him, he would not be
long for this world.

"Giles," Buffy interjected. "I examined Spike's head and found what
looks like a healing surgical incision."

At that Giles and Xander moved over to look where Buffy indicated.
Willow's curiosity overcame her nerves and she joined her friends.

"Yeah," said Xander. "I can see something right there." Reaching
out, Xander prodded at the healing wound.

"Hey! Lay off you great git," Spike yelled jumping up from the
chair. "I'm not some soddin' piñata for you to poke at."

"Aw what's the matter," Xander mocked. "Does widdle Spikey have a
boo boo?"

"I'll give you a boo boo you great lummox. Soon as I find out what
they did to me, I'll get it fixed and you'll be the first one I
drain, I promise you."

"Okay, okay boys. Just simmer down," Buffy, the voice of reason,
interrupted the spat. "So what do you think Giles? Who are they and
why are they doing this?"

"I think it's pretty obvious who it is luv," Spike sniffed. "It's
the soddin' US government. Got tired of dissecting those little
green men they have in that Area 51 and decided to give us demons a
go."

Giles sighed. "I'm afraid, and I can't believe I'm saying this, that
I agree with Spike."

"Huh?" Xander exclaimed. "There really are little green men in Area
51?"

Giles closed his eyes as if now he had a headache. "No Xander. I
meant that I think it may very well be a clandestine government
operation. Although what the goal is escapes me."

"Maybe they're trying to recruit a demon army to fight the next big
war," was Xander's contribution.

"Well since Spike cannot seem to inflict pain on anyone, I don't see
how that scenario fits in," Giles answered rather impatiently.

"Yeah, well I don't care if it's a secret government agency, a troop
of girl scouts, or the flippin' 700 club," Spike raged. "I want
fixed. You lot are the good guys. You've got to help me get
whatever they did to me undone."

"Indeed," Giles said. Buffy was amazed at just how much derision
Giles could interject with just one word. "We are to help an
unrepentant killer regain the ability to slaughter innocent humans.
Is that what you're saying?"

Spike hesitated. "Well, if you're gonna put it that way," he began.

Buffy once again stepped in to head off the ensuing argument. "Look
guys, while I can't say I'm unhappy that Spike can't kill anyone
anymore, I still don't like the idea that these guys have set up
operation on my turf. Giles, Spike needs to stay here a few days
until those commando guys stop looking for him."

"Here?! Why here?" Giles was not happy.

"Because he can't stay at the dorm and I'm afraid if he stays at his
crypt they'll find him. They probably won't look for a vampire in a
suburban apartment complex. It's the safest place."

"And we care about his safety because?" Xander asked curiously.

"Because I need to know who these guys are, what they are, where they
are and why they're doing what they're doing. Spike is the only lead
I have."

"Very well Buffy. But I want him in restraints the whole time he's
here."

"Hey, now," Spike protested. "None of that. I don't need tied up.
I'm harmless, remember?"

"Right now you appear to be. But how do we know your situation is
permanent? Forgive me if I don't feel like waking up with my throat
torn out."

Spike looked offended but Buffy just said, "Fine Giles, we'll tie him
to the chair or something. Just let him stay here for a little while
until we know he's safe."

Spike immediately stopped protesting. She was concerned about his
safety. All of a sudden his problem didn't seem so overwhelming.

***

Ropes tied just tightly enough to please Giles, but not so tight that
Spike couldn't get loose should the need arise, Buffy stepped away
from Spike.

"Okay, it's late and I have an early class tomorrow. Willow you
ready to go?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah, I think so." Willow looked completely worn out. The terror
she had experienced this evening following all the emotional turmoil
she'd felt since her breakup with Oz left the young woman with very
few reserves. She was more than ready to seek her bed.

"Okay good. Xander can you ride us back to our dorm?" Buffy asked.

"Sure, let's go." Xander replied digging his car keys from his jacket
pocket.

"Oh, wait," Buffy exclaimed. Opening her purse she pulled a $20 bill
from it and handed it to Xander. "Here, before I forget. Would you
stop by the butcher's in the morning and pick up some blood for
Spike?"

Spike gazed at Buffy and had a very hard time keeping his feelings
from shining from his eyes. "Well, thanks Slayer," he said
nonchalantly. "I am feeling a bit peckish."

Buffy flushed slightly, said goodnight to Giles and walked out of the
apartment.

Chapter 4

"Hey Buffy."

Buffy stopped on her way out of Prof. Walsh's class. Riley Finn was
bearing down on her with a warm smile on his face.

"Sorry I had to leave you last night. I was enjoying our
conversation."

"Oh that's okay Riley. Turns out I had to leave the party early
myself. Uh, family emergency."

"Oh, I hope everything's all right now," Riley said voice filled with
concern.

"Yeah, it'll be okay. No biggie. Thanks though." Buffy turned to
leave the classroom, but Riley placed a hand on her arm.

"Uh, Buffy, I was wondering if perhaps you'd like to get a coffee or
something tonight."

Buffy looked up into his earnest All-American face and felt...nothing.
God, why was it one glance at razor-sharp cheekbones and bleached-
blond hair caused her entire body to quiver, but an hour staring at
this wholesome face left her cold?

Smiling politely Buffy said, "Thanks Riley, but I'm kinda tied up
tonight. Maybe some other time."

"Oh, sure," Riley replied, feeling uncomfortable. "Just let me know."
Smiling weakly, he nodded to Buffy and returned to his desk to sort
through the papers that had been turned in that day.

****

"Oi! Rupert! How about turning on the telly. Gotta be somethin'
worth watching on," Spike's voice whined. Giles was fairly certain
that if Buffy did not show up soon, he would stake the irritating
little twit and tell Buffy he had escaped. Surely he could vacuum up
the dust before Buffy arrived.

Luckily for Spike, Buffy opened the door and entered the townhouse.
She was aware of tension even as she passed over the
threshold. "Giles?" she called out. "I'm here."

"Thank God Buffy." Giles appeared from upstairs. "I've just about
reached the end of my rope with that one. I'm going out for a bit.
You can watch him."

With that, Giles vacated the apartment with an alacrity that bordered
on the undignified.

Buffy looked over at Spike still tied to his chair. Sighing she
walked over and began to undo his bindings. "Did you have to do
everything in your power to piss off Giles?" she asked.

"Well yeah pet," Spike answered. "It was right boring sitting here
tied up with nothin' to do. Had to make my own fun didn't I?"

Buffy stood up as the last of the ropes were loosened. Spike reached
out, grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap before she even realized
what was happening.

"Thanks for the blood, pet," Spike murmured. Lowering his head, he
nuzzled at her neck, wafting gentle puffs of air into her ear.

Buffy felt as if her nerve endings were enflamed. A tight ache began
between her thighs and she squirmed on his lap. Spike moved his
mouth from ear to cheek to chin and up to brush gently across her
lips. His left arm held her snugly on his lap while his right
caressed her thigh.

Buffy found herself tilting her head back allowing him access to her
neck. Taking advantage of her acquiescence, Spike nibbled and licked
his way across her collarbone and back up to her earlobe.

Buffy was panting now. Aware of his erection pressed against her
bottom, she wanted nothing more than to surrender to his touch. But
a voice inside of her was screaming that this was wrong, that she
should not be making out with a vampire in her Watcher's home.

Somehow finding the strength to resist, Buffy pushed aside Spike's
restraining arms and jumped to her feet.

"Damn it Spike, I told you we weren't going to go there. What
happened last year was a one-time thing. You agreed! Quit trying
to...to seduce me."

Spike merely looked at her. Standing up and adjusting himself, he
stated baldly, "Things haven't changed much since last year Buffy. I
still want you. You still want me."

"No..."

Spike took a rapid step to her and grabbed her arms tightly. Giving
her a sharp shake he growled out, "Yes! Whatever this is between us
Buffy, it hasn't gone away. I came back because I couldn't stop
thinking about you. Dreaming about you. I want you Buffy. I want
you back in my bed." Softening his words and his grip, he pulled her
stiff body up to him. "Let me love you again, Buffy. It would be so
good. You know it."

Buffy lowered her head until her forehead rested against his
chest. "I can't Spike. Don't you see that? It's wrong, it's wrong,
it's wrong." Buffy's voice was an agony of despair. Its sound tore
at Spike's heart. Gathering her into his arms he gently shushed
her. "It's okay Buffy. I'm not going to force you. It'll happen in
its own time." Pushing her back from him he tilted her head up until
she was looking at him. "And we both know it's going to happen
again."

Buffy felt tears gather in her eyes. Damnit! She didn't want to
have this creature as her lover. She didn't want to want him as
desperately as she did. She didn't want to compare every single boy
she met to him.

Pulling away from him, she wiped the tears from her eyes and
said, "We need to talk strategy about these commando guys."

Spike stared at her for a bit and then nodded his head. He would let
her go for now. God knows he wanted her, but he could wait a little
while yet for her to come to him willingly.

***

When Giles came home, it was to a rather disturbing sight. Buffy and
Spike were sitting side by side on his couch watching TV, a bowl of
popcorn on Buffy's lap from which the two were snacking.

It was entirely too cozy a scene for Giles' peace of mind.

They looked up as Giles entered the room, greeted him and then
returned their attention to the television. Curious as to what it
was that so held their attention, he felt surprise as he realized it
was a soap opera. He had never known Buffy to watch soap operas; she
had even teased her mother over her devotion to "Passions". In fact,
it appeared to be "Passions" that they were watching.

"This is bloody brilliant," Spike said. "You ever watch this
Rupert? Got a witch in it and that little boy there? Is a doll.
Brilliant."

Giles just shook his head and asked, "Did you get anything useful
from him today Buffy?"

"Uh, yeah. He gave me a general idea as to where he came out when he
escaped the lab. I'm going to try to find the place today when I go
back on campus. Then I'll make a more thorough search tonight after
patrol."

"Well if you do find something Buffy, for God's sake do not enter
that facility on your own. We still don't know what we're dealing
with and I don't want you to do anything rash."

Buffy just glanced at her Watcher and nodded agreement. She didn't
really plan on just barging into the place, but if the opportunity
presented itself, she would try to take a good look around. Any
information they could gather would be helpful. And it was Buffy's
job to gather it.

***

Buffy looked around in frustration. Nothing. Nada. Zip. From
Spike's description, the exit should have been somewhere in this
general area, but nothing looked disturbed. He had said that it was
a trapdoor-like device covering an air vent and that it had opened up
right out of the ground. 'You'd think,' she thought in
frustration, 'that there would be torn grass at least.' But there
was absolutely nothing that she could discern. Heaving a sigh, she
decided to go back to the dorm. Maybe tomorrow night she'd bring
Spike with her. If he were actually with her, then he could point
out more accurately where the spot was.
 

Chapter 5

"It's been a couple days now since Spike escaped, and I haven't seen
any indication that the commandos are still searching for him," Buffy
was telling Giles the next night. "I think it's safe to take him
with me tonight to try and find the location of that secret exit. I
had no luck at all yesterday."

"Very well Buffy, if you think it's wise. I don't have to tell you
that I don't trust him. Be on your highest guard while in his
company. This could still be some sort of trick he's using to lower
your defenses and then attack you."

Buffy was well aware that Spike was trying to lower her defenses,
however not in the sense the Giles meant. After reassuring Giles
that she would be extra careful, she left the kitchen where she and
Giles had been conversing to gather the now restless vampire.

"We leaving now pet?" Spike asked, fairly hopping in his impatience
to be out after two days of forced confinement.

"Yeah, let's go before Giles decides to give me more advice about not
trusting you. Like I need advice for that," Buffy answered.

Spike looked hurt at her words, but Buffy ignored him. She would
*not* trust him. And she definitely would not let him touch her.
Spike touching led to very bad thoughts. As long as she stayed arm's
length from him, she should be okay.

***

It didn't take long for them to reach the campus. Spike took his
bearings and led the way.

As they walked towards the area Spike indicated, he reached out to
take Buffy's hand. Jerking it from him Buffy snapped, "Spike, I'm
tired of telling you. I don't want you to touch me!"

Spike grabbed her and slammed her against a tree, pinning her arms
above her head. Leaning into her, he began to nuzzle at the
sensitive spot on her neck that always gave her chills. Moving up to
her ear he began to talk to her in the deep rich voice that drove her
wild.

"I'm sorry you don't want me to touch you Buffy, 'cause I want to
touch you so much luv. I want to run my mouth over your soft skin.
Do you remember what it felt like when we kissed? How my lips felt
on you? How it felt as I kissed every inch of you? I want to touch
your breasts again, take your nipples in my mouth and suckle at
them. You have such beautiful breasts Buffy. Firm and ripe. Do you
remember how your nipples reacted to my touch? They hardened into
such lovely peaks for me. Do you remember how it felt when I took
them in my mouth? Do you remember? I sucked and licked and then I
touched you with my fingers and you came for me. Do you remember?

"Do you remember how it felt when I ran my hands over you? I love
the feel of your body Buffy. It's so tiny and so firm and so
strong. You're so perfectly formed. I love the way I can encircle
your waist with my hands. So small, so lovely. Do you remember how
it felt when I ran my hands up your legs? And then I stroked you and
put my fingers in you. You liked that, I know. You rocked against
me and made the loveliest little sounds. Do you remember?

"I want to taste you again Buffy. Do you remember when I first
tasted you? You were so scared and shy. You didn't know what I was
going to do. Do you remember? But I asked you to trust me and you
did and God, you came and came for me. Do you remember? And I
lapped at you and you were like honey in my mouth. I love licking
you Buffy, making love to you with my mouth.

"Do you remember how it felt when I finally entered you? I do. You
were so hot, so wet, so tight. I've never felt anything like you
luv. Remember how it felt as we moved together? You screamed for me
Buffy. You screamed and cried out my name. Nothing in my unlife has
made me happier than hearing you cry my name like that.

"I want to touch you again Buffy and show you all the things we
didn't have time for before. Do you like the feel of silk Buffy? I
want to take silk scarves and put them around your wrists and tie you
up so that you can't touch me with your hands. But I'd touch you.
I'd touch you and tease you with my hands and with my mouth and make
you beg me to take you. But I wouldn't. I'd touch you just a little
bit more and when you were almost mad with wantin' me then I'd enter
you and move so slowly. So very slowly. And when you finally
came...have you every heard of le petit mort Buffy? The little
death? It's when someone passes out because the pleasure was just
too much. And you would pass out for me Buffy. But I'd guard you.
I'd keep you safe until you came back to me. And then I'd let you
tie me up and perform sweet torture on me. Would you like that
Buffy?"

By now Buffy could not even stand on her own. Spike had placed one
leg between hers and she was propped against it. Her breathing was
harsh and she was aware of Spike's hardness rubbing against her
stomach. Turning her head, she went to join her mouth to his in a
deep kiss only to feel him jerk away from her. She barely had time
to grab onto the tree for support preventing her from collapsing into
an undignified heap on the ground.

Spike stood back away from her, an angry look on his face.

"You don't want to go to bed with me again Slayer, fine. That's your
choice. But don't lie to me. Don't tell me you don't want me to
touch you. You ache for my touch just as much as I ache for yours."

With that Spike turned away from Buffy and stormed off. Buffy stared
after him with a stunned look on her face. Finally getting her legs
to work again, she slowly followed.

***

"So you had no luck then?" Giles asked. They were back at Giles'
townhouse. They had been stiffly formal with each other when Buffy
had finally caught up with Spike. A thorough search of the area had
revealed nothing. Spike had even attempted to track his own scent in
the area hoping that that would indicate where he had come out, but
it had been too many days and he could find nothing.

The walk back to Giles' had been uncomfortable for Buffy. Her nerve-
endings were still sensitized from Spike's words and she was wet and
throbbing between her legs. She wasn't sure how she was going to get
to sleep that night. For his part, Spike had been
uncharacteristically silent and he had kept a good distance between
them. Hands in coat pockets, he had walked so quickly that Buffy was
a little out of breath by the time the apartment complex came into
view.

Giles was aware of a tension between the two when they entered his
home. He again felt a sense of discomfort tickling at the back of
his mind. He could only pray that he was misreading their body
language. Surely Buffy was not thinking of becoming involved with
another vampire...especially *this* vampire.

"No, no luck," Buffy replied. She kept her back turned to Spike,
afraid to look at him again. All she needed was to have her resolve
crumble right now, here, in front of her Watcher. "Spike is certain
that's where he came out, but it's too well concealed. We'll have to
try and find another way into the facility.

"Or," she continued thoughtfully, "I could try and follow one of
those groups of commandos. See where they go after they're done
skulking around campus."

"That could be very dangerous Buffy. Unfortunately, it appears to be
the only way we'll ever find anything out." Giles looked intently at
his Slayer, the girl he thought of more as his daughter than his
protégée. "Just be very, very careful Buffy. They were willing to
kidnap Willow; I doubt they would hesitate to try and take you should
they discover you're following them."

Buffy smiled tightly. "Try is the operative word, Giles. I think
they'd soon find out that a Slayer is a different proposition than
their usual prey."

Standing up from the chair where she sat, Buffy pulled on her
jacket. "I'm going back to the dorm now, Giles. I'll look for them
tomorrow night when I'm on patrol. If I learn anything, I'll call."

As she turned to leave, Giles said, "Aren't you going to tie Spike up
for me?"

Buffy stiffened slightly, but then turned, grabbed the ropes and
quickly completed her task. The restraints were a little bit tighter
than they had been last night, and neither said anything to the other.
Heading once again for the door, Buffy heard a flat "Sweet dreams,
Slayer." Wincing slightly, Buffy left without replying.

Chapter 6

The next morning being Saturday, Xander picked the girls up and took
them to their respective homes so that they could do their laundry.
Joyce was already at work so Buffy had the house to herself. She had
just come up from putting a load of wash in the dryer when the phone
rang. Picking it up she heard Giles growl out, "Buffy, if you want
him undusted, you'll come over and get him out of my house now."

Closing her eyes and leaning her forehead against the wall she
assured Giles she would be there as soon as she could. Hanging up
the receiver and picking it up again immediately, she called Xander.

"Hey Xand, Buffy. Look Giles is threatening to stake Spike so could
you ride me over there and then drive us back here?"

"If we do it now, Buffy; I gotta be at work in half an hour.
Although I think you should just let Giles stake him."

"Yeah, I know. I'm beginning to think that too. But we still might
need him so I guess we'd better keep him undusty a little while
longer."

With a snort, Xander hung up and Buffy went out to wait for him.

***

Blanket smoking, Spike ran past Buffy as she held the door open for
him. Waving her thanks at Xander, she closed the door and turned to
watch Spike stamp out a couple small flames that had ignited on the
blanket.

Without a word, Buffy walked away from him and headed for the
basement. She was aware that he was following, but was determined to
completely ignore him. She hoped he was still angry enough with her
that he wouldn't talk to her. She had found out the hard way that
his voice was every bit as dangerous to her as his hands were.

Opening the dryer, she began to pull the clothes out. She let out a
small yelp and jumped back a bit when Spike's hand darted into the
basket. Looking at him, she blushed when she saw that he had a pair
of her thong panties held up to his face.

"Give me those," she snapped grabbing the undergarment from
him. "What is wrong with you? Can't you stop for just one second?!"

Spike merely smirked and sauntered away. Buffy watched him with
clenched fists. Honestly, no wonder Giles had wanted to stake him.
If he had been acting like such as ass all morning, she didn't blame
him.

After Buffy finished folding her clothes, she carried the basket up
the stairs. Spike was nowhere in sight. Going through to the living
room she realized he wasn't there either. Closing her eyes in
frustration, she slowly climbed the stairs to the second floor. Just
as she feared, Spike was stretched out on her bed, duster and boots
off, hands locked behind his head.

Buffy refused to react. "You want to take a nap?" she asked with
forced calmness. "Fine." Turning she went to leave when his honeyed
voice asked, "Want to join me pet?"

Buffy stood frozen. Her heart had started pounding with his first
word. God, *why* did he have this effect on her? She became aware
that he had moved from the bed when his hands lightly traced down her
arms. Pulling her gently back against him he murmured, "Come to me
Buffy. Let me love you. I'll make it so good for you, you know I
will."

Buffy tried to fight it. It was wrong. She knew it was wrong.
Turning in his arms she lifted her mouth in invitation and Spike held
her tightly as he crushed his mouth onto hers. Lifting her up just
the same as he had that first time, he carried Buffy to her bed and
placed her down gently. Buffy knew that he wanted to take it slow.
For someone who normally had no patience, when it came to making love
he was entirely different. But this time, Buffy was in no mood for
foreplay. Having succumbed at last to her desires, she wanted him
fast and hard and now.

Pushing him back from her, she lifted herself up and pulled her top
over her head. Reaching behind, she quickly unhooked her bra and
shrugged it off. Spike reached up a hand to cup a firm mound, but
Buffy slapped it away and leaned forward to tug at his t-shirt.
Pushing it up, she soon had him stripped of it. Throwing it onto the
floor, Buffy lay down on top of Spike and pressed her breasts to his
bare chest.

They both gasped at the touch of skin on skin. Grabbing his hair,
she smashed her mouth down on his in a searing kiss. Swinging one
leg over him, she straddled him, grinding herself against his
erection. Spike groaned and then with a shove, threw her onto her
back and began to unfasten her jeans. In one sharp movement both
jeans and panties were yanked off. Buffy had already toed off her
shoes so now she lay before him naked and hot and willing.

Unable to help himself, he pushed her legs apart and set his mouth on
her sweet wet cunt. Lifting her legs onto his shoulders, he began to
lick and suck at her clit eliciting deep moans and whimpers from
Buffy. Her hips bucked beneath him and he had to hold onto her
tightly so that he wasn't dislodged. She was wild for him, tugging
his hair nearly out by the roots. Moving one hand down, he inserted
a finger into her sliding easily into place. Moving his finger in
time with his tongue he nearly brought her off only to back down
again. Buffy sobbed as she was denied release and starting crying
out, "God Spike, please. Please, I need you. Please, now."

It was the last please that was his undoing. Pulling away from her,
he quickly ripped his jeans from his lean hips. Throwing them down
to join the growing heap of clothing on the floor, he then pulled up
Buffy's legs and thrust into her.

Their coupling was frantic and fast. He couldn't have slowed down if
he tried. Buffy was lost to her need, nails scoring deeply into his
back. She cried out to him demanding that he satisfy the burning
ache he had built in her. She was vaguely aware that she was getting
bruised from the hard pounding he was giving her but she didn't
care. She cared only that the fire be doused. Her need became
overwhelming; the release she craved elusive and just out of reach.
Frantic with desire, she bit into his shoulder so hard that blood
poured from the wound. With a great roar he released his demon and
sank fangs into her. Buffy's scream echoed throughout the room.
Arms and legs locking about him in a bone-crushing embrace, her
climax tore through her, vaginal walls clenching so tightly that
Spike was imprisoned within her. Lifting his head with a grimace of
almost-pain on his face, his own cry ripped from his throat as he
came in a seemingly unending ejaculation.

***

"You bit me," Buffy said sleepily. "How come you could bite me?"

"Don't know pet. Maybe because I didn't even know I was doin' it.
Maybe because it was sex play and not for feeding. I didn't hurt
you, did I?"

Buffy blushed slightly. Not only had it not hurt, it was the most
intense sensation she had ever felt, and she had felt some pretty
fantastic things with him last year.

"No, you didn't hurt me. Felt good," she confessed.

Spike smiled and kissed her shoulder. "I'm glad pet. Didn't mean to
bite you. I kinda lost control there."

They were lying spoon fashion, hands intertwined. Buffy sighed
softly and then turned to face him. "Spike you know we can't keep
doing this. It's wrong. I'm the Slayer. I can't have a vampire
lover."

"Seems to me pet neither of us have much say in the matter. Do you
really think that this would be my choice? To want the Slayer so
much? We're mortal enemies, I know that. But when I'm with you,
that's the last thing on my mind.

"We'll work through this, Buffy. Maybe after a bit, we'll get tired
of each other. A passion this hot usually burns itself out pretty
fast. Once we burn the passion out of us, it'll be as it should be."

Buffy looked at him hopefully. "Do you think so? Do you think that
we can get over this thing between us?"

"Only time will tell, pet." Spike got a wicked twinkle in his
eye. "But in the meantime, I think we should do our best to try
burning it out, don't you?"

"Sounds like a plan," Buffy said, wrapping her arms around him once
more and lifting her mouth for a kiss.

Chapter 7

They made love all through the long afternoon. Sometimes fast and
hard, sometimes slow and gentle. And Spike talked to her, told her
all the things he wanted to do to her, all the things he wanted her
to do to him. He told her how much he loved the feel of her, the
taste of her, the smell of her. Buffy listened and grew hot and
spasmed around his fingers and his cock.

He taught her the things that pleasured him, and when Buffy took him
into her mouth for the first time she was shy and awkward. But Spike
guided her and soon she found that she loved the sounds that he made
as she tended to him. The gasps, sighs, growls and groans made her
happy in a way she didn't understand; wasn't sure she wanted to
understand. She also found to her surprise that his taste was very
pleasing to her.

When the shadows at last lengthened, Buffy and Spike rose from the
bed, showered and dressed aware that Joyce would soon be home.
Airing out the bedroom to remove the smell of sex, Buffy knew that
she would never set foot in there again without remembering this
magical afternoon with Spike.

***

When Joyce entered the house she gave a small scream when she saw
Spike sitting on her couch. Buffy rushed in from the kitchen where
she had been preparing supper.

"Mom, it's okay. I invited Spike here," Buffy assured her mother.

"But Buffy the last time he was here you said he was evil and to not
let him in," Joyce said confusedly.

"I know, but things have changed. He's helping me again and well, he
can't hurt anyone." Buffy then proceeded to tell her mom everything
that had happened over the last few days. Well almost everything.

"And you don't know who these people are?" Joyce asked. By now they
were all sitting around the dining room table eating. Buffy had
prepared tacos and Spike had helped himself. Joyce had looked at him
curiously when he had dipped up a generous portion of the spicy meat
filling, but hadn't said anything. Spike was glad. The last thing
he needed was another query as to why he ate but Angel didn't.

"Not yet. I'm going to patrol again tonight and see if I can't track
some of these guys down. Then I'll follow them and see if they lead
me back to their headquarters. Once we know for sure where they come
and go from, we'll make our plans from there." Buffy took a bite of
her taco.

"But honey, don't you think that maybe they're on your side? I mean
after all they seem to be concerned with demons just as you are,
right?"

"Yeah, but I kill demons," Buffy answered nonchalantly apparently
oblivious to the frown her lover sent her way. "These guys are doing
some kind of freaky experimenting on them. I want to know why."
Looking at her mom she added seriously, "This is the Hellmouth mom.
Anything weird happens here is usually not of the good. And spooky
covert-ops type guys snatching vampires and demons and doing things
to them? Makes my spidey-sense kick into overdrive."

Joyce accepted Buffy's statement. She had come to respect her
daughter's judgment over the last year. If Buffy felt that something
was wrong, then Joyce was willing to believe her. And although she
was terribly confused by the on-again, off-again, on-again alliance
with Spike, again she trusted Buffy's judgment in the matter. And if
she were honest, she rather liked the cocky, good-looking vampire.

***

"I think I should go with you Buffy," Spike kept insisting. "I don't
like the idea of your lurking about spying on those soddin' GI
types. What if they catch you out? What if they capture you? No
one would know, would they? You just go missin' and nobody would
even know what happened."

"Spike, I don't want you within 2 miles of those guys. You're in
more danger from them than I am. You can't even defend yourself. If
you go with me, I'll have to worry about keeping you safe. I need to
concentrate on my job!"

Spike stiffened at her reminder of his powerlessness. Answering
coldly he said, "'Course Slayer, forgot myself. Last thing you need
is a flippin' eunuch flutterin' about your coattails." With that, he
turned away from her, walking in the direction of Giles' townhouse.
Buffy ground her teeth together. God, she didn't have time for
this. Wounded male ego was a big pain in the ass. She almost let
him go off on his own, but then the thought of the commandos entered
her mind and a chill of fear coursed through her. Running after him
she caught up and just walked along side of him, saying nothing.

When they reached Giles' Spike entered and nearly slammed the door in
her face. She managed to catch it before it hit her and thrusting it
back rushed up to Spike and grabbed him, swinging him around.

"You almost hit me with that door!" she yelled.

"Yeah so what if I did? Can't hit you any other way now can I, being
impotent and all."

"God, will you stop with the sexual analogies already? I told you
why I don't want you coming with me. I don't want those guys getting
you again. Is that so hard for you to understand?"

"You don't want me comin' with you because I'm useless to you, that's
why you don't want me to come."

"Are you always this pigheaded, or is it just with me?" Buffy cried
out in frustration.

"Look," Spike started but Giles cut into the argument. "If you
children wish to argue, please take it somewhere else. I'm trying to
do some research here and you're interrupting me."

Spike turned to look at Giles then stomped over to the chair he had
been tied to for the last two nights. "Tie me up Slayer and then get
the hell out."

"Don't you tell me to get out!" Buffy shrieked.

"BOTH OF YOU GET OUT!" Giles yelled at the top of his lungs.

They both jumped at the Watcher's bellow. Looking at him in
surprise, they then looked at each other and suddenly burst into
laughter. Giles put his head in his hands, then stood up and walked
into the kitchen. Buffy heard the sound of glass on glass and knew
that they had driven Giles to the Scotch bottle.

"Rupert!" Spike called out. "If you're parcelin' out drinks, I
wouldn't say no." Spike could hear the Watcher's low growl, but a
second clink gave evidence that another drink was being poured.
Coming back into the room, Giles handed Spike a glass, sipped at his
own and then said, "May I ask what all the yelling was about?"

"Well Watcher, you seemed pissed off about something," Spike answered
cheekily. Giles sighed and looked at Buffy.

"Spike wanted to come with me tonight when I look for the commandos,
I told him it was too dangerous for him since he can't fight and he
took all kinds of macho offense."

"For God's sake Buffy, if he wants to go and get recaptured, let
him. At least I won't have to share my drink with him anymore."
With that comment, Giles returned to his books.

"You gonna be okay here now?" Buffy asked softly.

"Yeah pet, you go ahead. But you be careful. Don't let those
buggers see you."

Buffy smiled, glanced quickly over to see that Giles was paying them
no mind and lightly caressed Spike's face. "I'll see you tomorrow,
okay?"

"Okay pet. Good night."

And just like that the fight was forgotten.

Chapter 8

It was pure happenstance that Buffy caught sight of the commandos.
She had decided to make a quick patrol of the city's cemeteries
before returning to campus. Spotting what looked like a vamp nest in
one of the mausoleums, she had entered, dusted the occupant and was
just leaving when a small noise alerted her. Ducking back out of
sight, she saw a group of the black-clad men making a sweep through
the cemetery.

After they had passed, she cautiously followed them. Hiding behind
trees, crypts and monuments, she was able to remain unobserved as she
kept them in sight. She wasn't surprised to see them finally head
towards the UC Sunnydale campus. What did surprise her was their
ultimate destination. Using a well-hidden back door, the squad
entered Lowell House.

***

The next afternoon Buffy filled the gang in on her discovery.

"Lowell House?" Xander was saying. "That's where the party was the
night we got stuck with the Evil Undead here isn't it?"

"Yeah," Willow answered. "Riley lives there. You don't think he's
involved with these guys do you?"

"Who's Riley," Spike wanted to know, a scowl darkening his handsome
face.

"He's our Psych TA," Willow answered helpfully. "I think he has a
crush on Buffy."

Buffy had been deep in thought throughout this conversation, but now
she looked up and said, "Yeah, he asked me out for coffee the other
day, but I blew him off. I think I'll take him up on the offer now.
I suddenly find myself with the burning desire to get to know Mr.
Riley Finn much better."

"Gonna Mata Hari him, Buff?" Xander asked excitedly.

"Yeah, well Mata Hari ended up shot you twit so I think it's a rotten
idea," Spike snapped.

Giles glanced at the sullen vampire, unease once again settling over
him. But in this case he again had to agree with Spike. "Buffy, as
much as I hate to admit it, Spike is correct. Trying to gain
information by dating a possible member of this organization could be
extremely dangerous. If he discovers what you are up to, it could
very well lead to your own capture and incarceration. I advise that
we try to come up with some other means to get further information."

"I'm not saying that this is the only way we try to get information
Giles, but if I can get free access to Lowell House by dating Riley,
then I can snoop around, see if I can spot anything regarding this
group. Meanwhile, Willow can try to find out what she can about the
origins of Lowell House."

"What are you planning on doing Slayer, sneak around during the dead
of night after you've shagged your little college boy unconscious?"
Spike asked bitterly.

Buffy frowned at Spike. "Don't be disgusting Spike. I'm not going
to bed with Riley. But it's not unusual for girls to hang out at the
frat houses their boyfriends live at."

Spike wasn't mollified, but he held his tongue. The thought of Buffy
being with another man, even if it was only a means to gather
information, made him burn with frustration. And worry. This was a
regular guy, one that could give her all the things he couldn't. He
wasn't anywhere near ready to give her up yet. What would he do if
she grew tired of him first?

***

Sometimes the fates seemed to shine on Buffy. The cafeteria was
crowded the next afternoon, but Riley was seated at a table by
himself, a textbook open before him as he ate his lunch.

Buffy approached his table with her tray. "Hi," she said
smilingly. "Mind if I join you? All the tables seem to be occupied."

Riley looked up and then broke into a pleased smile. "Sure," he said
moving his book out of the way. Buffy placed her dishes on the table
and Riley gallantly removed the empty tray for her. When he returned
to the table, Buffy nodded to the textbook and remarked, "Quantum
Physics, huh? Wow. I thought you were a Psych major."

Riley smiled shyly and said, "Yeah, but I like to know what makes
things tick; people, the universe. Actually it was a toss-up as to
what my major was going to be."

"Really?" Buffy said surprised. "Funny, you don't look that..."
Realizing that her remark bordered on the insulting she stopped
speaking.

Riley merely grinned good-naturedly and said, "I don't look that
smart, right?" Winking at her he continued, "I know, but you see
that gives me an advantage. People think I'm just some big dumb
hayseed and open up to me. I can learn all kinds of things with
hardly any effort at all. Should prove useful in my chosen
profession."

Buffy smiled nervously at Riley. She was well aware of the
advantages of being more that you seemed. But then she brightened up
immediately. He had just spilled some important information about
himself to her. She was now on the alert and knew to be extra
cautious in her dealings with him.

Their conversation was pleasant. The kind that two people who barely
know each other have. Where they were from, how they ended up in
Sunnydale, what their future plans were. Buffy's autobiography was
severely edited of course, and she suspected that Riley's was as
well. This would be another thing she could hand over to Willow.
Try and discover as much as she could about the antecedents of Riley
and the rest of the young men at Lowell House.

They finished eating and stood up to leave; they both had classes to
attend. Agreeing to meet the next day for lunch, they parted
company. Buffy hurried back to her dorm room to gather her books and
papers for her next class but found her thoughts turning to Spike.
She wondered what he was doing right now. Watching television?
Staring off into space tied to the chair? She hadn't tied him up the
last couple of nights and Giles had not objected, so he was probably
free doing whatever he could to irritate Giles. Buffy smiled to
herself. Whatever else you had to say about Spike, he was a champion
irritator.

***

Buffy went over to Giles' after she and Willow had eaten an early
dinner. Willow was going to spend some time in the library working
on a report for one of her classes so Buffy decided to fill Giles in
on what she had learned about Riley. Plus she wanted to see Spike.

Entering the townhouse, she was surprised to see both men seated at
the table pouring over books. Spike immediately closed the book he
was reading and jumped up. "Slayer, glad you're finally here.
Watcher threatened to stake me unless I helped him with his boring
research. Man's a worse torturer than Angelus."

Giles glared at the vampire but chose to ignore him. "I hope you
plan on taking him with you tonight Buffy. A few hours away from his
company would be most welcome."

Buffy grinned at her Watcher but took pity on him. "Okay Giles.
Since I don't need to worry about following the commandos anymore, we
can just dodge them if we see them. Spike can watch me fight demons
and shout out useless commentary. That should keep him entertained."

Spike smirked at her and went to the door. "Well come on, let's go
then," he said eagerly.

"Uh Spike? Not dark yet so unless you want to burst into flame, I
suggest we wait a little while longer before we go out on patrol."

Looking disappointed, Spike moved back into the room and sank
bonelessly onto the couch.

"Well, I made first contact with the subject," Buffy told Giles. At
his confused look, she added, "You know, Riley. Thought I'd try some
secret agent speak," she grinned.

"Buffy, you don't seem to be taking this seriously," Giles
commented. "I hope I don't need to remind you that this is not a
game. These people could be extremely dangerous. Please use
caution."

Buffy sighed and sat down in the chair Spike had vacated. "Giles, I
know how serious this is. In fact, I found out today that Mr. Finn
seems to have very deep waters. On the plus side, I'm pretty sure
that he thinks I'm just a regular dumb-blonde coed. So, advantage
me."

Spike took this conversation in without comment, but he was not
happy. No matter what Buffy said, he knew how tricky bad guys could
be. He *was* a bad guy. He just hoped that Buffy took Giles' advice
and kept her wits about her.