Chapter 24

Marilyn stood proudly behind Druscilla and Liam, listening to the rapid-fire questions from the press core. Druscilla was her usual radiant self, gazing adoringly at her husband. Liam was his usual charming self, answering the questions asked with an ease and candor which made him the darling of the California Republican party. Marilyn had once thought they would conquer the world. Of course, like any mother, she’d had her doubts as to the lasting success of the relationship, but she’d had reason. Druscilla was still living with William. She was sharing his bed, and another’s. But Druscilla had been so adamant that she had changed. That she’d finally found her true match, her true love. Marilyn had wanted to believe her because Druscilla was her child, her only child, and she wanted her to be taken care of.

Marilyn gave the obligatory smile to the reporters and went back to her internal musings.

Druscilla’s mental health had been a concern for many years, especially with the incident that had occurred when Dru was 15. Only the Hayes’ money and name had kept the incident out of the papers. In fact, there was no record of it anywhere. The family of the girl had been paid a substantial amount of money for their pain and suffering. Saxby had paid for them to move to another state where their daughter could get the best treatment available. It was the least they could do.

Marilyn wasn’t heartless. She was a mother. She loved her child as much as that other woman had, and she would do whatever it took to keep Dru safe, even if that meant covering up her crime.

“Thank you, that’ll be all.” Marilyn heard Darla announce. “The Cavanaughs have another appointment today, so we must be leaving.”

There was a smattering of groans from those not able to get their questions asked and answered. Darla smiled at them, and directed them to the press packets her assistant were handing out. Liam waved goodbye, while Druscilla and Marilyn slipped into the waiting limousine.

Marilyn patted Druscilla’s hand as they settled into their seats. Druscilla’s eyes were trained on Liam and Darla, and Marilyn could see the anger building with every passing second.

“Dru…” Marilyn called out softly. “Dru, they are just talking. You must calm down.’

“You know nothing, Mother.” Dru sniped. “The little bitch wants my husband. She wants what I have, and I’ll be damned if I’ll just sit idly by and allow her to weasel her way into his bed.”

Marilyn cupped Dru’s chin, turning her head till they were looking at each other. “Liam is your husband. He wants to work on your marriage. That’s what today is all about.”

Dru tried to pull her chin out of her mother’s grasp, but Marilyn wouldn’t allow it. “Druscilla, don’t give him reason to think you don’t trust him. Don’t give him reason to look elsewhere for companionship and understanding. Stand by him, but don’t smother him.”

Dru stared into her mother’s eyes, hearing her words, allowing them to wash over her. She blinked slowly and nodded.

“That’s my girl.” Marilyn said, kissing Dru lightly on the cheek.

“Okay.” Dru said, sitting back in her seat and taking deep breaths. She would bide her time, give her Mother and Liam the impression she was cooperating. Oh, she knew what her mother feared. Knew she watched her like a hawk, looking for any signs she would wig out and lose it. But what Marilyn didn’t know was the fact Dru was better. She was all grown up now, and better able to control her impulses. And she was better able to control other people. No, she wouldn’t risk her marriage or her freedom by hurting Darla personally. She knew how to hire minions to do her dirty deeds. No, for what she had in mind for Darla, she would need someone with nothing to lose, like his conscience. Yep, she was better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Faith, if you feel you can’t be unbiased, refer them to another therapist.” Richard Granville advised her.

“I should. I know it, but I was asked to evaluate her, and…”

“You were asked by the husband to evaluate his wife so he can have her committed. If her lawyers were to find out your involvement wasn’t a coincidence, she would be back on the streets within hours of being admitted. You don’t want that.” Richard leaned forward in his chair, grabbing Faith’s hand. “If she is unstable and dangerous, all of your insight will be disregarded because her husband’s paying the bills.”

Faith looked at her hand in his, and felt the familiar tingle she always did when Richard was around. He knew his effect on her, but pretended he didn’t, and touched her as much as possible. She wouldn’t be his mistress ever again, but she did value his friendship, and in this case, his advice.

”Is there no way I can handle her case without comprising my oath to her?” Faith pulled her hand out from under his, and stood up. Biting her lip, she paced behind her chair.

Richard watched her, remembering a time when he would be buried inside her, and she’d be screaming his name. He loved to watch her when she was cumming and thinking, both actions incredibly sexy. He wished she’d change her mind, and resume their affair, but she’d been adamant. She wanted a real relationship, not an occasional fuck when he was able to get away from his patients and his wife. He just wanted her.

“You can treat her as you would any other patient, and only report back to her husband if there is an immediate threat to his life or someone else’s. That’s the only way you can break the doctor-patient vow and keep your license.”

Faith stopped her wanderings and crossed her arms over her chest. Richard stared with unconcealed longing at her perky breasts, accented by her arms.

“Richard..” Faith said, an admonishment on the tip of her tongue.

Unconcerned with her catching him in his unabashed admiration of her chest, Richard smiled.

“I’ll let you go. I have to get back to my office anyway.”

Faith swallowed her unease, and sighed. It wouldn’t do to tell him to stop leering at her. As long as she continued to seek him out, he would think there was still a chance she’d change her mind. She wouldn’t, though. She deserved better.

“Thank you. I just needed to get my thoughts in order.”

“Of course.” Richard said, stroking her collarbones with his thumbs. “I’m always here if you need me. You do know that don’t you?”

Faith nodded mutely. It would be so easy to give into him, to have him kiss her, to allow him to bend her back onto her desk, to surrender to him. She stepped back, putting distance between them.

“I do, Richard. Thank you.”

Richard nodded. He was about to call her on her avoidance of his touch when her phone buzzed.

Faith was grateful for the interruption and punched the receptionist’s button.

“Yes, Sally.”

“Lorne Kavo….” She tried to say the name, but was cute off by a “that’s okay, doll face, most people can’t pronounce it.”

Faith smiled unconsciously, remembering her first meeting with Lorne and how he’d called her ‘doll face’.

“Send him in. I’m free.” Faith said, laughing. Richard’s eyes narrowed. Who was this man coming to see Faith? He couldn’t have been a patient, since he knew she had to leave for her counseling session soon.

The door opened and Richard felt every bit of his 54 years as an athletic and younger man came in the door. He smiled at Faith, his gaze on her and her alone. Richard cleared his throat, drawing Lorne’s attention.

Faith seemed to remember he was there as well, and blushed slightly. She’d totally forgotten about Richard.

“Umm… sorry. Richard, this is Lorne Kwaloswath, my marketing consultant.” Richard grasped Lorne’s hand, sizing him up.

“Nice to meet you.” Richard drawled, shaking Lorne’s hand.

“You too. If I’m interrupting your meeting….” Lorne said, turning back to Faith.

“No, we were just finishing. Richard, I’ll talk to you soon. Let you know what happens.” Faith responded as she escorted Richard out. The door closed with a whoosh as she slipped back inside.

Richard fumed silently. He didn’t like the vibes he felt. Faith was his. Didn’t she realize he would never let her go?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Faith leaned in closer to Lorne under the guise of seeing the paperwork better. She knew better and so did Lorne. It was all part of the game. The game between men and women. The flirtation game. No matter what age you were or how long you’d been in the dating field, flirtation was like riding a bike. Once you learned how, you never forgot. So Faith checked out Lorne, and Lorne checked out Faith.

Granted, Lorne usually skipped over the flirtation part and went straight for the nookie, But he couldn’t do that this time. One, he actually respected Faith. She was a doctor. She was intelligent, and she had an appointment or so her assistant reminded her. Two, he liked his job, and although he could imagine heaven between her lovely thighs, he wasn’t willing to lose his way of life to find out. So, they would have to dance the oldest… okay, maybe the second oldest dance in the world. They would have to check each other out. See if they liked the person underneath the façade. If they did, then negotiations could be made for dinner, more dinners, and then sexual gratification.

Okay, he’s hot. Okay, not hot, like Brad or Matthew, but hot in the way that Frank Sinatra, in his lounge singing days, made women swoon. Faith could picture him on stage, mike in his hands, singing to the ladies, and them throwing panties and such his way. What was she doing flirting with him? Hell, hadn’t she learned her lesson from Richard? Sex in the workplace was bad. Bad, she screamed silently, while batting her eyelashes at Lorne. He had pretty skin. Must do facials. Facials. Okay, her mind just took a trip to literotica.com and damn now she was gonna be seeing him, her, and some gymnastic moves best left for the professionals.

“I like what you’ve done with the ad for Psychology Today.” Faith commented when she finally pulled her libido and her brain out of the porn section.

“Well, we want this to be a two-pronged attack. If possible, I’d like to get you published in the next issue.” Lorne told her, inhaling deeply. CKOne. Not bad. Tasted funny when you’re licking it, but he could deal.

“That’s funny you should mention that… I just sent an article off to the editor. I should be hearing from them soon.” She turned and leaned against her desk. “You do great work. I am most impressed.”

You should see my bedroom moves. Lorne wanted to say, but didn’t. “That’s why you hired me. I am the best.” He announced.

Faith’s skin felt on fire, and she swore the goosebumps on her arm were so noticeable as to be mistaken for pimples.

God, those eyes, those lips, my groin. “I’d better let you go. I know you have another appointment. I appreciate you squeezing…” He couldn’t resist a glance down to her obviously toned thighs. “me in today.”

“I should be thanking you for getting all this done so quickly.”

“No problem. Well…” Lorne said, gathering his things. “I guess I should be going.” I would like to lock this door and worship at your feet, but I guess that’ll have to wait for another day.

“Goodbye, Lorne.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Dru, are you serious about our marriage?” Angel asked as they waited for Dr. Morgan to arrive. The ride home had been done in complete silence. Both were off in their own little worlds. Angel was thinking about his future with Darla by his side, and Dru was thinking about her future with Darla out of their lives.

Dru smiled, sliding out of her chair to kneel at Angel’s feet. She clasped her hands around his, laying her head on top of them.

Angel stared at the Renoir, unmoved by Druscilla’s actions.

“Yes, of course, I am, my love.” She breathily declared. “You’re everything to me. All I care about is us.” And that was the truth. All she’d every wanted, she’d found in Liam.

Angel pulled his hands from her tight grasp, resisting the urge he felt to fling her aside.

“Don’t you believe me?” Dru’s eyes were bright and hopeful. Angel was struck with pity for her. Poor Dru. Poor demented, psychotic Dru, his wife.

Angel quirked his brow. “I used to think we were on the same wavelength.” He said, sliding away from her. “But no longer. You’re on a different frequency all together.”

Angel shook his head sadly. He remembered those golden days when they used to fuck every chance they got. How they used to lie in bed and plan and plot every step towards the Governorship, towards the White House. That time was past, though. He couldn’t stomach Dru. Couldn’t stomach her moods, her obsessions. He couldn’t stomach her insanity, and the sooner he could rid himself of her, the happier he would be.

Dru’s nails dug into the cushion, leaving crescent moons in the soft burgundy leather.

“But you and Darla are on the same plane, Liam?” She said with a sneer. “I’ve seen you. I’ve seen the two of you together, whispering, plotting against me. I’m not stupid. I see the signs.”

The clink of ice hitting glass was the only sound in the room. Druscilla waited frozen for Angel to dismiss her concerns, to assure her of his loyalty, his love.

“Darla is a wonderful woman, a wonderful friend, and the best political consultant in the game today.”

Dru rolled her eyes and her head, pushing her body off the floor. “Why don’t we give her a fucking medal? Super Darla, tah tah dah!… Here’s she comes to save the day! Save Liam from his wicked, wicked wife.” She laughed, no merriment in her voice.

“Is that what she does for you? Save you?” She taunted, sashaying over to where he stood. Angel wouldn’t look at her, instead staring at the cubes of ice mixed with Scotch.

“Does she save you by doing this?” Druscilla dropped to her knees, arms wrapped tightly around Liam’s legs. Her mouth was pressed firmly into his crotch.

“Does she service you? Lips, mouth, breath hot on your cock.”

Liam was both disgusted and fascinated by the blatant seduction.

“Dru…” He said, pulling at her arms. “Stop this nonsense.”

“I can be your whore. I can, Liam. If you just let me.” Open-mouthed kisses were rained down the the bulge in Liam’s pants.

“You still want me. I can make everything like it was. Let me.” She begged, stroking the hardening muscle between her fingertips.

“Stop it, Dru!” Liam groaned, feeling his resistance weaken as his cock became heavy with blood. He pushed at her arms, but she was stronger, made so by determination and desperation.

“Pull yourself together!” He shouted, finally wrenching away from Druscilla.

“You wanted me. Why deny yourself?” She laughingly pointed out his erection, which was outlined against the navy blue slacks.

“Deny?” He laughed in return. “A woman sucks cock through a man’s pants, and 9 times out of 10, unless that person is an eunuch, he’ll be sporting a woody.” Angel shifted, easing the pressure on his penis.

“Sex was never a problem between us. It’s the stuff that goes on outside the bedroom. Now, get up, the therapist has arrived.” Angel announced, turning away from the window.

Dru stood, straightening her skirt and running her hands over her hair.

“I meant what I said, Liam. I am dedicated to this marriage, and I’ll do anything to keep us together.”

Angel closed his eyes. That was what kept him up at night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liam crossed the room to the door, stopping with his hand on the knob. With his back to Druscilla, he spoke.

“If I think you’re doing one of your mind fucks on the therapist, I’m gone.”

Druscilla nodded curtly. She’d give him his little concession. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t had years of practice in fooling him and everyone else over the years. What was one more performance in the greater scheme of things?

“Your behavior, Liam, will determine mine.” She whispered under her breath. Taking a final glance at her reflection, she turned to face her inquisitor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Faith stood in the foyer, watching as the maid who’d answered the door went to inform her employers. She wasn’t easily intimidated. She couldn’t be and be in her line of work. While she would have preferred meeting at her office, she understood the Cavanaughs’ need for privacy, and coming to a Family therapist would only light a fire under the press’ collective asses. So, here she was, meeting with a couple who would probably end up being the Governor and First lady of California, if the polls were correct, to help them sort out their problems. Obviously being rich and famous didn’t prevent you from experiencing the same problems as the little people.

“Dr. Morgan, I’m Liam Cavanaugh.” Good god, he was a handsome one. Okay, he had a bit too much hair gel for her tastes, but she could see why so many women swooned over him. He was a looker.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Cavanaugh.”

Angel gave her the once-over, but there was no lasciviousness to the stare. She could see him sizing her up, determining in a glance if she could be trusted. Faith hoped she passed the test.

“Thank you for coming to the house. I know that’s not what usually occurs, but the need…”

“It was no problem at all, Mr. Cavanaugh. I understand the need for secrecy. I just hope I can help you and your wife.” Faith said earnestly.

“Me too.” Liam replied, turning away before she saw him roll his eyes.

Druscilla heard their voices outside the door, and prepared to snow the elderly… What the fuck! No. No. No. She wanted to scream. Her eyes were hard and accusing as she took in the ruby lips and hour glass figure.

“Who is this?” She asked, attempting to keep the malice out of her voice.

“This is Dr. Faith Morgan, Druscilla. She’s our therapist.”

Faith stuck out her hand, but Druscilla only stared at her. Faith felt it was important, vital to hold Druscilla’s gaze. If Druscilla thought she could intimidate her, Faith’s position would be greatly undermined.

Liam stepped in front of Faith, directing a pointed look at Druscilla. You could almost hear him screaming “cease and desist”.

“I suggest we get started.” Faith suggested, trying to break the tension that surrounded the married couple.

“Yes, of course.” Druscilla remarked, snapping out of her fugue. “Dr. Morgan, I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting you to be so young. We could be the same age.” Druscilla put every effort into playing the charming spouse, knowing she had much ground to recover from her jealous lapse.

Faith decided to be blunt. “You resent being forced to talk to me.”

There was a flash of indignation in those dark, dark eyes, but what came out of Druscilla’s mouth belied the truth of her feelings.

“I don’t believe there is any reason to bring an outsider into my marriage.” At Liam’s cough, Dru smiled. “But my husband has insisted, so here we are.”

Dru clasped her hands demurely together and gazed adoringly at Liam. Faith was fascinated by her ability to span the ranges of emotion. The only time she was honest was when you caught her off-guard before she had time to prepare.

“Therapy only works if both spouses are willing to listen and learn. I need a commitment to the sessions and to me.”

Angel took his seat. Lee had insisted on this. He knew this was his best shot at loosening Druscilla’s grip on his testicles. Darla and freedom. For those reasons alone, he would put up with Dr. Morgan’s probing questions and opinions. Anything to start over again.

“I’ve promised my husband I would work to rebuild what we once had, Dr. Morgan. You have my promise I will do whatever needs to be done.” Druscilla pledged.

Faith believed she was sincere, and she felt sorry for her. Liam Cavanaugh had no intentions of remaining married, and with or without Faith’s help, he was going to divorce Druscilla.

“Mr. Cavanaugh?” Faith prompted.

“I promised to give this a try. I don’t want to hurt Dru.” Much. “But we aren’t close.” If we ever were. Angel groused.

“Do you feel the same way, Mrs. Cavanaugh?”

“Please call me Druscilla. I thought we were close, but I can see why Liam thinks we aren’t. I kept something from him, and now…” She trailed off. She sniffed for effect, looking up at them from under her eyelashes.

Oh, brother, and it begins. Liam wanted to warn the good doctor, but hoped her years of experience in dealing with the mentally unstable would prepare her for the ultimate patient.

“Liam, is that true? Druscilla’s secret upset you, caused you to look at her differently.”

Angel sighed. There was no point in lying. It was the truth. He’d believed Dru was committed up until he found out about the abortion.

“Yes, she lied, She deliberately lied to me. Kept something from me that could be potentially damaging to all I’ve worked for. And her reason for revealing it? It sure as hell wasn’t a concern for our marriage, but revenge.”

Damn, he hadn’t meant to reveal that much. He hadn’t even realized until Dru broached the subject again, how angry he was about the abortion.

Faith settled back in her chair, pulling her notepad out. She wrote down TRUST and HONESTY on Liam’s side.

Dru rubbed her knuckles, wanting to reach out and rip the pen out of Faith’s hand. Stupid woman… Making him remember what started all of this. Making him remember why he is angry with me.

“I said I was sorry, Liam. I thought I was protecting us.”

Liam dismissed her with a wave of his hand. He’d heard this all before and frankly, he wasn’t in the mood to buy the t-shirt.

Dru’s eyes narrowed, and all that could be seen were the iris of her eyes. “You have nerve, Liam.” Dru stood up, stalking over to the window. “You’re panting after that blonde bimbo you call your campaign manager. You’re having impure.” And how she managed to put that much lewdness into one word absolutely baffled Faith. “Thoughts about her, and you’re upset with me about a lie. My lie is 4 years old. Yours are a bit more recent.”

Angel refused to be baited and crossed his arms and legs, a classic gesture to close himself off from those around him.

Faith noted their postures and their words. She looked at her watch. They were almost out of time. She couldn’t leave them with all this anger. “Dru, could you rejoin us, please?”

Faith waited till Dru had taken a seat as far from Liam as possible. “Neither of you trusts the other.” She stated.

Well, that’s quite obvious Doctor. Shall I write out a check for your services now or later? Angel droned internally.

“You’ve got to work on regaining that trust. I want you to write down those times when you felt best about each other. Those moments in your marriage when you were working towards the same goals, when you thought everything was possible with the other’s backing and support. When we meet next time, we’ll discuss those.”

Faith left smiling. They’d gotten some issues out in the open. Inside the mansion, door were slammed and phone calls were made. It was time to put plans into motion. There was a hope that all would be resolved by their next session.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I can’t believe you’re going to look at dresses.”

“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation again.” Buffy quipped back. Spike grinned as he listened to the one-sided argument going on between the two sisters.

“Buffy.” Dawn said exasperated. “You’re my sister. You’re supposed to help me.”

Buffy sighed. Where was the garden vegetable spread? Damnit.

“Dawn, you have Mom, the caterers, Lindsey, Connor, and Spike. Not to mention Dad at your disposal. Cordelia and I are going to look at dresses, then we’re heading out to the house. We’ll be there in plenty of time to do whatever.”

Spike leaned over Buffy’s shoulders, his hips cupping her butt like a snug pair of panties. Buffy slapped her hand over the mouthpiece. “Is that a really big cucumber in your pants or are you really, really happy to see me?”

“No food products in my pants, and very happy to see you.” He answered, pushing his hips in slightly as he reached over behind the mayonnaise and pulled out her cream cheese spread.

Buffy’s eyes lit up, and not just from the prospect of having her bagel toasted.

“Buffy? Are you listening to me or is Spike doing something to you?”

“Neither. I’m trying to eat before Cordy gets here.”

Spike smacked her on the butt, his hand lingering for just a moment before taking a seat at the table.

“Fine. I can manage without you.” Dawn said in a huff.

“Dawnie, why are you so nervous? Is it because all your friends are going to be there or is it because Connor’s going to be there with your friends?”

“Or is it because this is it? The last blowout before you take the next step towards adulthood?” Buffy carried her plate over to the table, and sat down on Spike’s knee instead of the chair across from him. Spike’s arm went around her waist to steady her, while he wrote out the song list for the party.

“A combination of all three.” Dawn admitted. She ran her hand over her face and sighed. “Gunn and Connor, and all my so-called girlfriends. Most of them know Connor is free, and would love to see how free he is. This is like the last week of freedom before school starts, and I’m gonna miss you, and Mom, and Dad. I didn’t think it would hit me like this.”

Buffy scooted till her back was against Spike’s chest. His hand rest on the curve of her hip, and Buffy had to close her eyes to concentrate on Dawn, and not on the electric shocks that were pulsing straight to her groin from his innocent touch.

“Just ignore me. I’m being a silly goose. You and Cordy have a blast. I wish I could go, but…” Buffy could hear Dawn’s smile across the miles. “One day, I’ll be doing the same thing for you, so I can deal until then.”

Buffy turned to Spike, but he wasn’t paying any attention to their conversation. She couldn’t resist a kiss to his cheek, and felt his lips spread into a smile at the coupley gesture.

“So…we’re good?” Buffy asked. Spike looked up, his blue eyes holding hers in a caress that left her aching and desperate for more.

“Yeah, we’re good. I’ll see you later. Love you.”

“Love you.” Buffy said to Dawn, but her eyes stayed on Spike.

Spike leaned forward, nipping Buffy’s nose with his teeth. “So Bit’s nervous about tonight?”

Buffy nodded, twisting on his lap until her legs hung off the side of the chair. “She’ll be alright. It’s just hitting her that after this weekend, she’ll be a freshman in college and living on her own.”

“And it doesn’t help that Connor’s going to be there.” Spike remarked.

“No, oh wise on, it doesn’t.” Buffy took a bite of her bagel, nearly choking on it when Spike bit the other side.

She licked cream cheese off the corner of her mouth, grinning at the effect that gesture had on Spike. She could feel him growing under her butt.

“I say Mr. Giles are you still hungry?” Her eyes twinkled with mirth and hunger.

“Well, I am. I’m addicted to this succulent fruit.” His fingers stroked her thighs. “When it’s on the tip of my tongue, I think I’ve died and gone to heaven. It’s so sweet, so powerful. It’s nectar, ambrosia.”

Damn. She didn’t have any poetic words to describe going down on him. It was hot and throbbing, and she got a rush from the power trip she got from bringing him to the edge and then… making him tip over in the most fantastic way.

“Me likey when you eat the ambrosia too.” She teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

The teacher in him wanted to correct her. The Cro-Magnon male in him wanted to thump his chest and bark out in pride.

It was like some magnetic pull between them. If you’d asked them to describe it, they wouldn’t be able to. There were no words in the dictionary to describe this need, and it was a need to be joined, to be connected by lips, skin, sex. No matter the location, no matter the time. When it hit, there was only the thought of more, more, more, until they were sated until the next time.

“Want you.” Buffy gasped against his lips, before dipping in to capture Spike’s lip between her teeth.

“I know.” He said, tugging at the belt of her robe. He peeled the robe open, as if it were the skin of a peach, and she was a peach, all luscious and sweet, all there for the tasting.

Buffy giggled, placing hot, wet kisses down the column of his neck, along his collar bone. Spike’s gaze roamed the treasure he’d uncovered, his blue eyes darkening to midnight as he gazed at her breast, heavy with desire. Her nipples hard and full of blood reached out to him.

“My golden girl.” He remarked, in her ear. She watched as his hand trailed down her side, brushing lightly against her skin till it rested on her stomach. Her taut abdominal muscles quivered under his touch and he smiled smugly.

“My English lord.” Buffy quipped, laughing at the responding quirk of Spike’s scarred brow.

“That’s a new one, Luv.” Buffy nodded, her eyes fluttering close as Spike’s fingers dance across her stomach, swirling patterns in her bellybutton to the coarse brown hair between her thighs. His other hand and what felt like magic fingers danced around her nipples, brief flicks to let them know he cared. Her hips rolled, humping his thigh in a rhythm which left no doubt as to what she really wanted.

“You’re so beautiful.” Spike said, kissing the nape of her neck.

“Told you…” She moaned, breathless, panting, wanting. “You make me feel beautiful.”

Buffy gripped the arm rest of the chair, her other hand seeking his as he slowly outlined her nether lips.

“Spiiikke, please.” She begged. “I want to feel yoooouu.” She screamed as his finger tapped her clit.

She heard him chuckle. Smug sex god. Her back arched away from the exquisite feel of his fingers on her extended nubbin, and only Spike’s hand kept her from toppling onto the floor. Let’s see what Buffy can find. She thought, running her fingers up Spike’s other thigh, visible and bare under the running shorts his wore.

“You’re a tease, Spike, and I like it.”

What, oh, what do my little fingers feel? It’s a great big cucumber wanting to come out and play. Buffy giggled, wrapping her hand around the bulge straining like hot metal against the thin fabric of his shorts.

“Ahh… pet. Be careful. You might get burned.”

“I can handle myself.” She smiled, licking her lips as she sucked his nipple into her mouth.

Spike hissed, gripping her ass tightly as he parted her lips.

“Oooh, god, there, there.” She panted as Spike slid one finger slowly past her moist lips, then a second. He set a slow rhythm, pumping in and out in long, measured strokes, tickling the walls of her vagina. Her inner muscles clutched at his fingers, trying to hold them inside.

Each pump caused Buffy to grip Spike’s cock even tighter, skirting the line between pain and pleasure. Spike threw his head back, concentrating on the feel of her quim sucking his fingers and her hand pumping him strong and fast.

Buffy rode his fingers, clenching her ass as she headed towards a magnificent orgasm. But she didn’t want to come by his fingers, nice and long as they were, she wanted him, hot and long and thick, buried inside, touching her in places that had never been touched before.

“Off…off! Take them off, Spike.” She demanded. She didn’t have to ask twice. Somehow, he managed to push his shorts down, freeing his cock, which was swaying, seeking her moist heat, seeking home.

Buffy pushed him back into his seat. She intended to climb onto his lap and sink down, but he shook his head and spun her around. Her eyes lit up in anticipation.

Wrapping his hands around her tiny waist, he guided her back, till she felt his cock slide past her ass. She leaned over, her hand gripping him lightly, and guided him towards her opening. She sighed. Spike sighed, and swirling her hips, he slid all the way home.

“Unh…unh.” Was that him or her? Spike didn’t know. His brain had moved from the top of his head to the top of his dick, and all he knew was Buffy. He could map her lovely quim like a cartographer of old, mapping the trails he traveled.

She was most sensitive right at the beginning, slacking off till he pressed against the G-spot, pushing toward her cervix and a hip shimmy to the right, and she would damn near rip his cock off or his fingers or whatever might be within her reach when he hit it.

Buffy felt suspended, full, powerful and powerless all at the same time. Her feet barely skimmed the floor, leaving her only her muscles to grip and stroke Spike.

“Oh, baby…” Spike moaned, holding her tightly against his chest. She was splayed out like a starfish, a very sexy starfish. He could feel her muscles gripping him, some strongly, some not so strongly, and was grateful for those Kegel lessons she’d picked up from Sunday Night Sex Show.

It was too much. She was too full, too much on edge. She wanted to escape the fullness, yet she didn’t. She couldn’t think. He was everywhere, and she knew she would soon splinter into a thousand pieces. She flung herself forward, grinding her hips carnally against his. Holding on to the table, she relentlessly rode him, squeezing and holding, gasping and moaning.

Spike held her with one hand, while the other stroked her clit, pinching and tapping the little bulb till they both froze, reaching that enviable moment when bodies, soul, and mind meet. Buffy slid down onto the table. Spike followed her, kissing her back, licking the sweat off her skin.

Their gasps, the smell of their sex wafted through the kitchen. The TV droned on, but they didn’t care. The clock ticked the minutes past, and only after Spike slipped out of her body, did Buffy stir.

She sat up slowly, her arms and fingers aching. Her thighs tight and throbbing pleasantly.

“Spike? You conscious back there?”

She heard him mmming and assumed, gratefully, that he wasn’t dead. Slipping her leg between his, she turned to face him. Spike pushed her hair off her face, noting the flush to her skin. I did that. He thought smugly, not for the first time today.

Buffy laid her head against his, running her fingers over his cheek.

“Definitely better than an Egg McMuffin.”

Spike guffawed and threaded his fingers through her hair, pulling her down for a hard kiss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cordy glanced from one blonde to the next, sniffed the air, and turned on her heels and headed right back out the door.

“Don’t I get a hello?” Spike shouted after her.

“You already got a happy. What else do you want?” She quipped back.

Buffy giggled and pulled Spike to her for a quick kiss before she hurried out the door after Cordy.

Spike blew kisses to the three women in the car, staring as they drove down the street. Scratching his neck, he reluctantly pushed off the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why did brides wear white? Oh, she knew the old wives’ tales. White symbolized purity, virginity, but really? What bride was a virgin on her wedding day? Hell, even if one could go into their wedding night a virgin, why would she? Like her friend Shannon used to say. ‘You wouldn’t buy a car without testing driving it. Why risk it with a man?’

Buffy shuddered as she remembered her first time. It was painful and over too soon. Of course, that had been her boyfriend’s first time too, so she couldn’t really fault him. She just couldn’t imagine going through that on the night of her wedding. Hell no. And sex had brought her and Spike together.

It’s more than that. Her heart and mind chimed in.

Yeah, it was. She thought, running her fingers through her hair. I was born to love this man. I was born to spend my life with him, sharing, loving, completing each other.

“What do you think?” Cordelia asked, spinning around in front of Buffy.

I’m a bad, bad friend. Gotta stop thinking about orgasms and concentrate on organza.

Buffy smiled and gazed critically at the… well, it was a monstrosity. Her eyebrow quirked on its own volition. She tried to play it off, rubbing her eyebrow with her finger, but Cordy wasn’t fooled. She rolled her eyes.

“I know.” She said, glaring at Maria, who was dabbing at her eyes.

“You look beautiful.”

Buffy pressed her fingers to her lips to keep from giggling at the exasperated look on Cordy’s face. Oh, yeah, this was going to be a long and complicated search.

“Mama…it’s not the dress.” Cordy said, picking up the ruffles and bows and stepping down off the pedestal. She stopped in front of Buffy, her hands on her hips and mouthed ‘help me!’.

“Maria, don’t you think that distracts from Cordelia’s natural beauty? I mean, the bows...*snicker*… and the ruffles are so, so beautiful, people would be looking at them, and not at Cordy.”

Maria looked from Buffy to Cordelia to the dress. You could see the wheels turning.

“Well…I guess you could be right, Elizabeth. I don’t think anything could take away from my Cordelia’s beauty, but… We’ll put this one aside and try on some other ones, eh?” And with that, Maria was off to the racks again.

“Thank you. Lord, she’d have me looking like meringue if I let her.”

Buffy giggled, fingering the ruffles. She silently regarded the dress, somewhat fascinated by the material.

Cordy pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. “Did Spike leave you hanging or something?”

Buffy’s eyes widened to comical proportions. “Why would you think that?”

Cordy leaned back, tilting her head in mock consternation. “Oh, I don’t know why I would think that. You’re only sitting there all serious and everything and we’re shopping for wedding dresses. This is every little girl’s dream. Or are you wishing you were in my place?”

“Umm…” Was she? Was this cerebral trip down virginal lane due to a desire to be married to Spike?

Cordy wasn’t sure how she should react to Buffy’s silence. She didn’t believe for one minute Buffy didn’t honestly love Spike, but was she willing to take it to the next step? Cordy knew Spike’s feelings on the matter, but she’d never sat down and quizzed Buffy before. The fire-eating dragon best friend started to rear her ugly head, and Cordelia was prepared to snap someone’s head off if Buffy was having doubts about Spike.

“Truthfully, I don’t know if it would matter.” She said earnestly. Buffy sat down on the floor at Cordy’s feet. “Does that make any sense?”

Cordy nodded, but she still looked perplexed, and a bit defensive. Buffy understood where she was coming from, though. Cordy loved Spike, like she loved Connor. He was family, and him being shortchanged by another woman wasn’t going to cut it.

“A wedding, vows, the whole shebang… It wouldn’t mean as much as the commitment we’ve already made with each other.” Hazel eyes stared into brown ones, trying to explain what she was feeling.

“I love him. What we have now is great, it’s everything I’ve ever hoped for, every dream I’ve ever had, except for the evil ex. Somehow, she’s never present in my dreams.”

Cordy snickered.

“I promise you, Cordy. I’m in for the long haul. I pretended for 3 years that I was okay without him. It was a lie. I can’t. I need him too much. He’s a part of me, like Dawn and my folks. He’s engrained in my soul, my skin. I love him.”

Cordy broke out in the biggest grin, and flung her arms around Buffy’s neck. It was quite a shock for Buffy, who’d come to associate toughness and wiry wit with Cordelia. But she also knew the friendship between Spike and Cordelia ran deep, like the Amazon through the rain forest. It would be ever present, always nourishing, and pure.

“Okay,” Buffy announced. “I’m getting all emotional and you haven’t even gotten to the church yet.”

Cordy wiped at her face, freeing the tears welled in her eyes. “Yep, we’d better stop before Mama joins us and I have to end up buying this monstrosity because of mascara stains.”

Brown eyes sparkled as Cordy’s gaze held Buffy’s. “You know it’s because I love him, don’t you?”

Buffy smiled. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Summers’ women were Sirens. That was the only explanation for the love he felt for all of them. Joyce was a delight to talk to. He loved spending time at the gallery with her, talking about any and everything from politics to Passions. Joyce was like Maria in the sense she loved her children, would do anything to protect them, and didn’t easily give her approval to just anyone who dated them. There were times when Spike wondered if his biological mother was like that with her other children. But then he’d look at his dad and forget about her, and only remember the good times that he’d spent growing up with his Dad and Grandmamma.

Joyce was a class act, who’d raised two of the most amazing women he’d ever been fortunate enough to know.

“Three songs, break for food and fun, then another 3 songs and you’re done.” General Dawn stated. Joyce and Spike were seated outside under the umbrella, watching with amused grins as Dawn marched in front of them.

“That should be enough. We don’t want them too involved in the music, they forget the food and pool.”

“Why thank you for the compliment.” Spike teased. “So glad to know my warbling will enthrall everyone.”

Joyce nudged him, giggling softly at the scowl Dawn sent their way.

“It’s not your singing that’s going to do it.” She said, looking him over. She knew Buffy’s ho-dar would be out in force this afternoon, and only prayed her sister would control her green-eyed monster and not dunk anyone in the pool.

“Dawn!” Joyce gasped, shocked.

“Oh, please,” she stated, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Like he doesn’t know those looks have girls panting at his feet.”

Spike’s blue eyes twinkled and his tongue pressed against his front teeth. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I doubt that, dear.” Joyce commented, patting him on the cheek as she went inside to speak with the caterer.

Dawn flopped down in Joyce’s seat. Spike reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze.

“Stop worrying, Bit. The party is going to be a smashing success.”

Dawn shifted, till she could rest her head on his shoulder. “You’re just saying that because you love Buffy.”

Spike rested his head on top of hers. “She’s not the only one. The Summers’ women have me wrapped around their fingers.”

They sat in companionable silence, watching the wind stir the balloons.

“Couldn’t help but eavesdrop on your convo with Buffy this morning. Feeling a bit nervous about college and stuff, I hear.”

Dawn looked up briefly, sighing as she settled back on his shoulder. “Just a bit. Everything seemed so clear months ago before you and Connor came into the picture. I was going to school. I was going to get away from Mom and Dad, be my own woman. Be free.”

“But now, that’s not looking as appealing as it once did.” It was a statement of fact, not a question.

“I’m going to miss them. I’m going to miss seeing them everyday. I’m going to miss Lorne and Tara and Willow. I’m going to miss you.”

“We’re going to miss you, too, but this really is going to be a fun time for you.” Spike offered. He sat up and pinched her chin lightly. “You’re going to get down there and have so much fun. We’ll have to send up smoke signals. D.S. Phone Home.”

“Yeah, that’s me. The female E.T.”

“Except you’re taller and prettier.” He told her. Dawn sniffed and threw her arms around his neck. “My sis is very lucky to have you, Spike. We all are.”

“Feelings mutual, Nib. Feelings mutual.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So there’s Lindsey, naked, scrumptious, bed hair and everything, facing off against Connor, drunk, woozy, and shocked.” Cordy laughed. “It could have been worse, but Connor was too drunk to realize what he was pointing at. He says he doesn’t remember seeing anything, but I know, having intimate knowledge of what he was looking at, that there was no way he didn’t know he was staring at Lindsey’s crotch.”

Buffy was bent over, clutching her stomach, tears running down her cheeks.

“Oh, my god, I can’t imagine what Connor was thinking. Dawn would have run for a camera so she could blackmail me later.”

Cordy flexed her fingers around the steering wheel. “How was I supposed to know Connor was going to crash at my place? Here I am getting my groove on, seducing Lindsey again, and then crash, bam, nudity, screams, and Advil.”

Buffy snorted.

”So that’s how I introduced Lindsey to Connor.” Cordy pulled through the gates of the subdivision. Buffy leaned over and waved at the guard. He told her hello and waved them by.

“We have so much in common.” Buffy announced sarcastically. “That’s how my mother got to know Spike. Well…except for the bam, scream and Advil.”

“Good thing, the way the two of you bam and scream on a regular basis.” Buffy blushed six shades of red in the span of 2 seconds. She was speechless. No matter how many times she was teased about her rather active sex life with Spike, she never got used to it. For all the pornographic things they’d done, it was still this innocence to making love to someone you loved.

“That’s so cute.” Cordy remarked about the banner that was staked in the front yard. “Empty Nest Party! Celebrate as the last one goes!”

“That was Dad’s idea, but he’s more broken up about Dawn leaving than Mom is.”

No sooner had Buffy opened her door than the front door open, and 185 pounds of Great Britain’s finest was staring at her like she was an bottle of fine Scotch, and he was thirsty for a drink.

“Please come inside and calm your sister down. She was fine until she looked at the clock and realized you weren’t here and there was 3 hours until the party.” His arm slipped around Buffy’s waist, and held her closely.

“Do I get my hello, now, Ms. Chase?”

“I suppose. At least, you’re not post-orgasmic.” Cordy quipped, kissing him on the cheek. She slipped her arm around his waist and gave his butt a squeeze.

“Ooh, someone’s frisky. While this would tempt a normal man, I have enough on my plate with Goldilocks here.” Buffy’s eyes widened as she felt his hand slip down the back of her capris to stroke her ass.

“Okay, I’m going inside before you two give us a repeat of the last party we had here.” Cordy grumbled as she walked away from them. Spike held Buffy back, spinning around to face her.

“Nice day?” He asked, bending to nibble her ear.

“Umm.. It was. Cordy is going to be a beautiful bride.” She commented, stroking her hands down his back.

“Yes, she is.” Spike said pulling back to look into her eyes. “Keep looking at me like that, and we will be repeating the BBQ.”

“Really? Promise?” Buffy asked, sighing as Spike picked her up.

“You have my word. I will ravish you whenever and wherever it is possible.”

“I love a man who keeps his word.” Buffy said as she pressed her lips to his.

“You make me want to keep all my promises.”

------- ------

To be Continued

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