BAD ANGEL

A/N: I know it's been like three weeks since my last update. I apologize for that. I know what it's like to be eagerly awaiting a new chapter and the author is taking forever to do it. That's part of the reason I started writing my own fics. But I haven't abandoned you all, I've been in shock over the Buffy series finale for a while and then I had another bout of writer's block. Have you ever tried to write and nothing comes, except a pounding headache? It sucks. Thank goodness it has passed for now. So thanks for hanging in there, your encouragement keeps me going.
This chapter is very plot-oriented but the Buffy/Angelus sexcapades will return with vengeance in the next installment.


Part 12

Some hours later Angel awoke. Reaching over he noticed a vacancy. Buffy was gone and so were the clothes he left for her. Propping himself up he scanned the room, nothing. Getting up he then checked the bathroom. Again nothing. As he was about to check the sitting area he glimpsed a flash of blonde hair. She was on the balcony. Quietly, he moved in behind her, not wanting to disturb her. Then sitting in the other chair, he watched her gaze out at the evening sun. Ribbons of red, orange, purple and blue streamed across the sky, reflecting on the ocean in the distance. The sunset was breathtaking. And Buffy sat spellbound by it, a serene expression on her face. They sat in silence for a long time.
Then, “Why did you bring me here?”
“I already told you. Hank owes me.”
“No. That’s why you kidnapped me. I am asking why you brought me here?”
Cautiously he responded, “I wanted to get to know you better. I thought this would be a good place to start.”
“You don’t plan to ever let me go do you?”
“Well, I hope that someday I won’t have to keep you here by force but that you’ll stay because you want to.”
Turning to him she asked, “What do you want from me?”
“I thought that was obvious.”
Looking away she responded, “You’ve had my body. I have nothing else to give you.”
“Oh but you do.” When she looked at him again he moved from his seat and stalked over to her, his movement fluid and graceful. Then kneeling before her he gently lifted her face to him. Slowly moving in, his lips lightly brushed hers and there he lingered, nibbling on her mouth, his tongue coaxing her to grant him access. Instead, she grasped his shoulders and gently eased him back.
“I can’t.”
“I don’t want to force you.” Then standing, “But I can be patient only for so long.” Moving away from her he went on, “I’ll give you a tour of the villa in the morning and introduce you to everyone then.” Then as he returned to the bedroom he added, “Dinner will be served shortly.”

Ten minutes later they were dining on the balcony. Throughout the meal, Buffy avoided all eye contact with Angel. She could feel his intense gaze as he visually feasted on her flesh. She was certain that any second he would throw her onto the table and fuck her senseless. She vividly remembered the last time he did that. So of course every time he reached across the table for the wine bottle or something she nearly jumped out of her seat. Her anxiety was so obvious that Angel couldn’t help chuckling. Did she really think she could escape him if he wanted to take her right there and then?
At his obvious amusement she stated, “It’s rude to laugh at people.”
“I’m not laughing at you.” He barely managed to get out between chuckles. Then at her look he conceded, “Alright I am but it’s not what you think. I’m not making fun of you. I just find your anxiety rather unnecessary but extremely adorable.”
“Well you’re not the one being held against your will and forced into sex.”
“Touché. But at the moment the only thing you need worry about is eating your dinner. I have no intentions of doing anything to you tonight. And believe me, if I wanted to there’s nothing you could do to stop me. So please, relax and enjoy the food.” She looked at him incredulously. Was that supposed to put her at ease?
Still eyeing him suspiciously, she settled in her seat and concentrated on the plate in front of her. They continued eating in silence.
Finishing first, Angel calmly watched her eat her dessert, his eyes following her every movement, his intense gaze unnerving.
“Would you stop staring at me? You want me to relax but you’re only making me more nervous.”
“Forgive me for finding you so … enticing.” A truly feral smile gracing his lips. At her silence he asked, “Would you like to watch some television?”
“What?” She wasn’t sure she heard him correctly.
“We have satellite television. You can watch whatever you like but I’ll need to show you how to use the remote.”
Nervously she answered, “Uh, that’s ok, you don’t need to bother. I’m sure it’s not complicated. I’ll figure it out.”
“It’s not a problem. When you’re done we’ll see what’s on.” By his tone she knew he wouldn’t let her out of it. So in retaliation she stubbornly took as long as possible finishing her dessert.
However despite her efforts, she could only stall for so long and when the last morsel was in her mouth Angel asked, “Are you all done?”
“Yes.” She responded rather dismayed.
Standing he then casually strolled over to her. Reluctantly rising from her seat, she followed him into the sitting area.

As they settled down Angel pushed a button and a huge television screen emerged from within a cabinet. Picking up the remote, he sat down and indicated for Buffy to come over to him. As she approached he lightly patted his lap. She froze.
“I’ll behave I promise. I just want to hold you.”
“And if I don’t?” She challenged.
“I don’t have a problem coming over there to get you but I can guarantee you won’t like it. And since you seem unaware of this, I’m attempting to make this as pleasant for you as possible so for your own sake I suggest you do as I ask.” He then gestured towards his lap again.
Hesitantly she sat, anxiously awaiting his move and ready to bolt the instant he tried something. However apparently keeping his word, he simply pulled up the menu and showed her how to scan and control the satellite. After a few moments they settled on The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Angel wasn’t big on television but the movie was quite good and as it progressed Buffy seemed to calm somewhat. Granted, she was still very tense and clearly uncomfortable in his lap but at least she wasn’t fidgeting or trying to escape. And as far as he was concerned, if it helped her relax around him he’d watch anything.
When he saw her stifling a little yawn he asked, “How do you feel? Are you jet-lagged?”
“A little.” She couldn’t believe how tired she still was even after all the sleep she got.
“Well, our sleep will be off for a bit but it will pass. We don’t have to start early but tomorrow we should go shopping, my staff only had time to get you the essentials.” Then running his hand through her hair, “We also need to get your hair … fixed.”
When she looked at him he asked, “Why did you cut it?”
“I wanted a change.”
Hooking his finger under her chin, he turned her to him, “First and foremost, never lie to me Buff.”
Feeling like a child being chastised she looked at him and responded, “I was angry after you … after you beat me so I cut it.”
Considering her words briefly he replied, “I never intended to hurt you like that and I apologize. You caught me off guard that morning and I overreacted. But as I’ve told you, I won’t hit you again. And I don’t want you hurting yourself.”
“I got that impression when you threatened my family.”
“Yes but I want to make sure that you and I have a clear understanding.”
“All I did was cut my hair, I won’t hurt myself!”
“Really, then what happened to your hand?”
“That was an accident. I was trying to escape and I accidentally cut myself.”
“With what?”
“A piece of the mirror in the bathroom.” At his look she elaborated. Since he wanted the truth that’s what he’d get. “I trashed your bathroom and broke the mirror. And I used it to escape. Are you happy now?” She knew she was treading on dangerous ground but she didn’t care. A small part of her hoped he’d kill her and end her misery.
“You trashed my bathroom?” He asked disbelievingly. “Well, I can’t say that I’m happy about that but I’ll excuse your little tantrum … this time.” The warning was loud and clear. Then he added, “But since you bring it up, I do have a few ideas of what would make me happy.” He smiled mischievously. She knew death was a mercy he’d never give her.
When she nervously looked away he went on, “I propose a compromise. I won’t force you to have sex but you must obey my rules and be … open to a certain level of intimacy.”
Turning to him she responded, “Are you crazy? There’s no way I would …”
“Well we don’t have to have a compromise at all. I can just fuck you right here and now.”
At his words she tried getting out of his lap but he held her firmly as she struggled, pointedly showing her that he could very well take her whenever he wanted. But despite his hold and her obvious disadvantage, she continued her defiance.
As she got increasingly hysterical he continued, “Buff, I said I wouldn’t do anything to you tonight and I meant it. I would like to make this less painful for you but you have to cooperate.” By his tone and his grip on her, she knew his patience was running thin.
And seeing the futility of her struggles, she decided to take advantage of the compromise before his patience ran out. Taking a deep breath she conceded defeat. “What exactly do you mean by a certain level of intimacy?”
“Meaning that you’ll let me hold you and touch you. That you won’t run or hide from me when I reach for you. That you’ll let me kiss you.”
“I’ll obey your rules but no kissing. And you can’t touch me … sexually.” She couldn’t believe she was actually negotiating the terms of their relationship. Was she really going to agree to this?
“That’s fine but I insist on the kissing. You can control how far it goes.”
“But I don’t …”
“Like I said, we don’t have to have a compromise at all.” His voice stern.
“Fine. You won’t rape me but I’m still your little toy.”
Her words stung him. Taking a deep breath he replied, “You’re not a toy Buff.”
“I’M NOT A TOY? If I’m not a toy then what am I?”
“Believe it or not, that answer is entirely up to you.” He pointedly held her gaze, his brown eyes boring into her. And within their depths she saw the truth. The truth she denied since her conversation with Dawn. Since the night he recited the poem to her.

Suddenly very interested in what Frodo was doing, she looked away. She wasn’t ready to deal with this. Seeing her withdraw, he carefully wrapped his arms around her, pointedly grasping her hands and entwining their fingers. Feeling his arms tighten around her again, she was ready to push him away when he stopped. He was just holding her. This was their agreement.
Surprisingly, despite her anxiety she wasn’t particularly threatened by the intimacy. She knew she should be but after what happened in the shower earlier he really didn’t appear to be forcing her into sex anymore. Even when they were in bed afterwards he only held her. And he did say that he didn’t want to force her. Was he really going to keep his word? And if so, how long would it last? She wasn’t sure if their bargain was a good thing or not. Somehow making a deal with the devil came to mind but if it kept him off her for a while maybe she could buy some time to figure a way out of this. Of course, despite their little compromise she wasn’t about to trust him but for now he seemed to be behaving. And Buffy just wanted to rest. So holding his hands just as tightly to keep them occupied, she settled back and tried to enjoy the movie.




Gunn and Harris sat in Giles’ private office. They had returned from Rayne’s ranch a short while ago and were discussing their progress with the others. Hank and Joyce were talking with Dawn in the conference room.
“We’ve gone through most of the ranch but so far we have nothing suggesting where Rayne went. In the meantime we’re checking his phone records and working with the flight control towers near Sunnydale to track his plane.”
“What about his other assets? And McDonald’s?” Giles asked.
“I’ve contacted the Bureau and they’re working on warrants but Rayne’s army of lawyers is already circling the wagon. I’m sure they’ll fight us every step of the way.”
“I thought McDonald was his lawyer.” Spike wondered.
“McDonald is one of his personal lawyers. I mean his corporate lawyers.”
“Yeah but we already know he kidnapped the girls, doesn’t that sort of nullify their position?” Willow asked.
“Yes and no. They’re not disputing his role just that the company assets shouldn’t be seized. See the kidnappings took place on his private property and with his personal assets so there’s no obstacle in seizing those or anything else that he owns solely. Even the plane he used wasn’t a corporate jet but his personal one. However, much of what he owns in this country is shared with several partners and other companies and that’s where the resistance is coming from. Of course, I suspect that his ‘partners’ are purely fictitious and he really owns these companies outright but the trouble is proving it.”
“But even so, this is the FBI. Surely they can’t stop the investigation?” Giles wondered.
“No but they can slow us down. They can file motion after motion and drag this thing out. Maybe that’s all Rayne needs.”
“Needs for what?” Willow asked.
“I don’t know. To stay a step ahead of us until he … I don’t know. But the thing is, I don’t think his holdings in the U.S. will be much help anyway. He is too intelligent to leave a trail we can follow. The feds never found Ethan’s assets and they looked for decades, I’m sure his son will be no different so that means most of what he owns his probably foreign and hidden. Anyway, while the Bureau wrestles with his legal defense, we’re also contacting Interpol. We’re focusing on his global empire and basically trying to find his damn plane.” Gunn replied rather frustrated.
“Do you have any ideas of where to start?” Giles asked.
“Not really. I’m guessing Europe and the Caribbean, Asia, maybe South America.”
“Pretty much the world then?” Spike responded, obviously noting the enormity of the task.
“Do you think Cordelia might be of some help?” Giles asked.
“Perhaps, if she ever wakes up, sure.”
“If she wakes up?” Willow asked worriedly.
“I-I mean when she wakes up.” Gunn corrected.
“So did you find anything at the ranch?” Spike asked.
“A lot of files and documents were in his office. We’ve taken those. The forensics team went through the entire place but they’re focusing mostly on the rooms where Buffy and Dawn were kept. Everything is going to the lab and I requested that Fred handle the analysis personally. She is reporting directly to me.”
“Good. That should help control any leaks.”
“Yeah. Um, we also found several videotapes. Apparently, Angelus recorded Buffy and Dawn in their rooms. The psycho even labeled them. We brought the tapes here.”
“You didn’t send them to the lab?” Giles asked surprised.
“Not yet. We don’t really need to test them right away since we already know he has Buffy. Right now these tapes are most useful in determining his state of mind. I figured they might help with your analysis.”
“Ah, yes. You’re quite right. Well, I think we should all take a break and start fresh in the morning.”
“That’s just what I was thinking. We need to take Dawn and her parents home and then I need to update my superiors on this mess. And then there is the press. So I’ll meet you in the morning and go through the tapes then.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
A while later Gunn and Harris were on their way to the Summers’ home with Hank, Joyce and Dawn.



Pulling up to the gates, a throng of reporters surrounded the vehicle carrying Gunn, Agent Harris, Hank, Joyce and Dawn. The crowd was so thick the car could barely move. Despite the heavily tinted windows, every camera was flashing as the reporters rapidly fired their questions. From their inquires they obviously knew something was up. Somehow they must have caught wind of what happened. Gunn knew the media was going to be a nightmare to deal with and now even more so since they had yet to rescue Buffy. He was bracing for the public relations nightmare he was about to face but he needed to stay focused. They had to find Buffy.
Dawn sat between her parents in the rear seats of the vehicle. She was awestruck by the media presence. After being isolated at Angel’s ranch for so long she had no idea what was going on in the world. Joyce and Hank tried to prepare her while they were still at Giles’ office but nothing could have really prepared her for the overwhelming media onslaught. She tightly clung to her mother. Joyce held on to her just as tightly, hoping to shield her from the media’s scrutiny. Eventually the car made its way through the crowd and onto the Summers’ estate. Everyone was glad the press wasn’t allowed beyond the gates. When they finally pulled up to the house, they all let out a deep sigh of relief and hurried inside.
Once indoors, Gunn called his superiors while Harris gathered the remaining FBI agents at the house. Agent Meirs and Agent Walker had already returned. Once Gunn was done with the phone he was going to relieve the agents of their duties and have them report to headquarters for reassignment. He also planned to hold a press conference early the next morning.
At the same time, Joyce and Dawn went straight upstairs to her room. Although she looked fine, Hank and Joyce were taking Giles’ advice and having her seen by a doctor the following day just to have her checked out. They had already contacted a therapist that Giles recommended for this type of thing. But for now, they were just trying to make things as comfortable and normal for her as possible. However, some things were certain to change. As Dawn showered, Joyce stood guard in her bedroom. She knew she was being somewhat overprotective but she refused to let Dawn out of her sight. She would never leave her daughters unattended again.
While Joyce stayed with Dawn, Hank went into the kitchen and started dinner. It had been ages since he cooked for his family and although it was a bit late he wanted to give Dawn a nice welcome home meal. Not to mention that cooking would help keep him from going mad over what he imagined Angelus Rayne was probably doing to Buffy right that moment.



Hours later Buffy lay in bed with Angel. She was as far on the other side of the bed as she could get, her back facing him. She delayed getting into bed with him for as long as she could but after changing her clothes, meticulously flossing and brushing her teeth and then brushing her hair for almost ten minutes she had little excuse when he finally called her to bed. Once she was in bed with him though, as agreed he only put his arms around her and gently caressed her. Soon he was kissing her arms and working his way up to her neck and all over her face. Before he reached her mouth, she gently pushed him away and turned from him. She knew he wanted to kiss her more but he didn’t push the issue. Again part of their agreement. And eventually, he did let her migrate to the very edge of the bed. She was still in the bed so technically she wasn’t exactly running away from him.
Now as Angel lay reading some papers, Buffy remained wide awake, contemplating her situation. Angel was in love with her or perhaps more precisely, obsessed with her. But more importantly and certainly more unsettling was that he wanted her to return the feeling. This realization scared her but also gave her hope. However small or temporary, thanks to their agreement she now had some level of control over the relationship. She didn’t know how but if she played her cards right perhaps she might regain some of her freedom. Perhaps enough to escape. As she adjusted the pillows behind her, the glimmer of hope deepened her resolve to survive.
Angel never noticed the start of a small smile on her face as she drifted to sleep.


The following morning Buffy woke to find herself lying partly on top of Angel, her head pillowed on his bare chest, his arms wrapped tightly around her. He was wide-awake with a smug little grin on his face. Granted, she knew that at times she could be a terrible sleeper but Angel was clearly behind the cozy little arrangements she often woke up in. Embarrassed by their intimate position, she immediately rolled away from him.
“Good morning, Lover.”
“Would you please stop calling me that?” She mumbled grumpily.
“You don’t like the name?” He feigned innocence. She glared at him. “Ok fine, good morning … Beautiful.” Her glare lessened only slightly. “Would you like a Belgian waffle for breakfast?”
“Uh, sure.” She answered while getting up. “I’m going to take a shower first though.”
“Would you like some company?” He asked mischievously.
As expected, he was shot down. “No thank you!” She then went into the bathroom and locked the door behind her.
Hearing the door lock he smiled to himself. As much as he hoped that she would eventually give in, he was also glad to see some of her spirit returning. He had hoped that she wasn’t too traumatized by the situation. In fact, he was beginning to regret forcing her to watch Cordelia’s punishment. Clearly it was too much and it freaked her out. He’d have to be careful how he handled her from now on. And that was part of the reason he wasn’t forcing her anymore. He wanted her to be his but he still wanted her to be Buffy. If he broke her, the fire that captivated him would be lost. So he was willing to give her the time and space she needed. At least for now anyway.
While she showered and dressed, he prepared for the day.

A while later, both were showered and dressed and on the balcony having breakfast.
“I’ve made an appointment for you to get your hair done this afternoon. And there are a few boutiques that I plan to take you to as well. We’ll head out as soon as you’re ready.”
She simply nodded in response.
“After that we can do some sight seeing if you wish.” Another nod. Then, “Buff?” When she finally looked at him he asked, “Is there anything you’d particularly like to do?”
“Besides going home?” At his look she went on, “No. Shopping and hair is fine.” She then continued eating.
Slowly he reached across the table and took her hand. When she met his eyes again, he held her gaze as he lifted it to his mouth and gently kissed it. The unbridled desire burning in his eyes as he kissed her hand sent a bolt of electricity through her. Feeling herself flush she abruptly pulled her hand from his as if she’d been burnt. Totally flustered and shocked by her response, she broke eye contact and refused to look at him for the rest of the meal.
Angel was also surprised by her response but pleasantly so. Seeing her flush only further ignited his passion for her but he wasn’t going to push it. Clearly she was still very responsive to him. That was good. Now he only had to be patient and bide his time. Then when she least expected it, he’d make his move.


Willow, Spike, Gunn and Giles had been watching the tapes for a few hours now. During the viewing they discovered that unlike the first tape they saw, these tapes had sound. They now knew what Angelus said to Buffy during their first meeting, which explained her subsequent actions. As they watched, they also realized that Buffy didn’t know who he really was and that Angelus pointedly kept his father’s connection to Hank and the true motive behind the kidnappings away from her. He used his anonymity to further his advantage.
As the screening progressed, each made notes and tried to maintain their professionalism. But inside each quietly wrestled with their emotions. Tears silently slipped down Willow’s face when Buffy began crying the first time Rayne had sex with her. And despite his analytical fascination even Giles had tears in his eyes. When Rayne made Buffy blow him they all felt a bit nauseated and the intense sexual onslaught following it had them all flushing deeply. They cringed when Angelus tortured her with the vibrator and then again used Dawn to further manipulate her. Their hearts went out to her as she hid what was really happening from Dawn and tried to reassure her as much as she could. Giles was particularly intrigued when Rayne had Buffy declare that she was his. They continued watching until they got to where Buffy told Angelus that she needed a break because the sex was too painful. They were all shocked that he seemed willing to give her a rest. Of course some time after he took her into what they assumed was the bathroom, the motive behind his apparent benevolence was clear. They could hear water splashing and what they were certain were the noises of some sexual assault.

Assuming the encounter was more of the same, Giles decided to fast forward the tape. But before he did they saw Buffy run out of the bathroom, pull on a shirt and throw herself into the bed sobbing uncontrollably. A short while later Angelus followed and watched her before telling her that Dawn would be there later. But what caught Giles’ attention was the brief and almost imperceptible moment when Rayne looked almost remorseful. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but something about the expression that momentarily crossed his face made Giles rewind the tape instead. Reviewing it, they zoomed in and played it in slow motion. Although brief, it was clear as day. They had no idea what exactly occurred in the bathroom to upset Buffy so much but whatever happened Rayne looked a little unsettled by her crying, which was in marked contrast to the supremely smug grin on his face when she cried the first time he slept with her.
Increasingly intrigued by the emerging dynamic between Buffy and Angelus, they moved onto the following tapes. By the time Angelus recited the poem, Giles was certain that he was smitten with her and the way he made love to her afterward was heartbreaking. What occurred later deepened his conviction. While Buffy slept, Angelus seemed captivated by her, holding her tenderly, almost adoringly. But what particularly struck Giles was how pensive Angelus seemed. He was clearly thinking about something. Watching further, the tape then moved on to when Angelus interrupted Buffy’s visit with Dawn. At this point, Giles decided to take a break. From Dawn’s interview he knew this was where things turned violent and he wanted to contemplate what he just saw before seeing anymore.
As they dispersed, Giles noticed how quiet Spike was. He knew he felt guilty for not getting there soon enough to stop Rayne from taking Buffy and seeing this certainly wasn’t helping. He just hoped he wouldn’t make it personal.

When they reconvened, they immediately continued the tape. Watching the assault, they saw the dilemma Rayne placed Buffy in and realized that the entire thing was a set up. For some reason he was forcing Buffy’s hand. Puzzled by the sudden change in him, Giles paused the tape. “Why is he doing that?”
“Maybe because he’s a sick animal who likes to kidnap and rape young girls.” Spike volunteered. His voice was full of contempt.
Giles’ stern look silenced him.
Seeing the exchange, Gunn spoke up. “What do you mean?”
“Well why is he suddenly so different? All along he was gentle with her, the night before he was even reciting poetry. Now he’s got her cuffed to the bed and is practically raping her. And he made sure Dawn was there to see it. I mean look, he’s going out of his way to be obnoxious, to humiliate her. Why?”
“Maybe he was just in a bad mood. He looked angry that she fought back.” Willow suggested.
“No, I don’t think it’s that simple. Angelus strikes me as very smooth, very calm and calculating. He’s the kind of guy who rarely shows his true feelings or loses control. Even if things were chaotic, you’d never know just by looking at him. And I mean, just watching this we can tell he set this up. Why the head games? Why do this?”
“Well, why do this at all?” Spike asked.
Giles gave him another stern fatherly look but Spike continued, “No I’m serious. I mean, why go after Buffy and Dawn when he could have just attacked Hank directly?”
“This is deeply personal. Nothing could grieve a parent more than going after their children. As far as he’s concerned Hank took his father away so he took Hank’s children. He’s doing what he feels was done to him. It’s payback”
“Yeah but he got his father back. Sure he was sick but he took care of Ethan until he died. What is he going to do, keep Buffy until she gets some terminal disease and then give her back to Hank?” Spike replied somewhat flippantly.
They all stopped and looked at him.
“How sick was Ethan when Angelus collected him?” Giles asked.
Regretting his insensitive outburst, Spike pulled out the file on Ethan. “He was pretty bad. The cancer was rather advanced by then and he needed constant care. He died about six weeks after he was released.”
“What are you thinking?” Gunn asked at Giles’ pensive look.
“He’s doing what was done to him.” Giles echoed his earlier statement more to himself than the others.
“But Buffy’s not sick. How can he …” Willow asked before realizing the answer.
Seeing the realization in her eyes Giles confirmed what she was thinking. Looking at Spike he responded, “You’re right. He got his father back but there wasn’t much left. Ethan was a shell, a ghost of his former self. But as Willow said, Buffy’s not sick, at least not physically. But emotionally and psychologically she’s quite vulnerable. And what better way to … destroy her than to do … this. Then there’s the tape he released to the press.”
“So you’re saying he was going to mess around with her until she went nuts and then give her back to Hank?” Gunn asked incredulously.
“Perhaps.”
“But he must have changed his mind. He took her with him.” Willow added.
“That or he’s not done.” Spike countered.
“Hmm, wait a minute, this would be the day before we tried to rescue them correct?”
“Yes.” Willow answered.
“Which was the day before Faith came to us.”
“Um, yeah.” Willow answered again.
“What are you thinking?” Spike asked.
“I’m just wondering when he found out about Cordelia. I mean, she told Faith that she was being followed, so when did that start? How long was he watching her?”
“Do you think he knew about Cordelia from then?” Gunn asked.
“Perhaps.”
“So he suspected that Cordelia might betray him and he knew his time was running out, so he … did this?”
“Perhaps.”

As they considered what Giles said he continued the tape. As they watched, their hearts broke when they saw the disillusionment in Buffy’s eyes as Dawn tried to comfort her. And then when Angelus returned, Dawn’s determination to protect Buffy brought them to tears. As the tape continued, they noted that later that day Buffy seemed to come to some realization. Their suspicions were confirmed when they put in the last tape and watched as Buffy confronted Angel. Somehow she figured out who he was. The sheer violence that followed stunned them. But the sight of him nursing her wounds and tenderly caring for her in the aftermath stunned them further. He seemed genuinely sorry for hitting her but of course his remorse didn’t stop him from having sex with her right then. And as they listened to his words and her cries, their suspicions were confirmed.
Sometime afterward, they saw Buffy retreat into the bathroom and heard what they could only guess was her lashing out. Things were crashing, she was screaming and after a long time when she finally emerged, her hair was much shorter, she looked extremely subdued. From there they watched as she attacked his men and managed to escape.

Once the tape was done, Giles sat silently mulling over his thoughts. Then after taking another break they all reconvened and Giles took the floor.
“I suspect that the night he recited the poem to Buffy, Angelus decided to speed up his agenda because Cordelia was unpredictable. That is why we had that orchestrated piece of violence with Dawn. Which was very different from the violence with Buffy. When he beat Dawn it looked very controlled on his part, like he was doing just enough to force Buffy’s hand. But beating Buffy was unexpected, even for him. Her discovery exposed him in some way and he lashed out. But despite the violence, I think that moment was perhaps the most honest between them. He was clearly remorseful. From the night with the poem till then he seemed to be somewhat at a crossroads. He wanted to punish Hank but then he found that he really liked Buffy. If he didn’t he wouldn’t have bothered to care for her afterward. I imagine that was his way of apologizing. Then add that to what Dawn observed and I think that taking Buffy with him was a last minute decision but he did it because he wants her. He no longer seems interested in simply punishing Hank. Now he simply wants Buffy. That keeping her is a grievance to Hank is just a bonus. That also explains why he left Dawn behind.”
“So what does this mean? Does it really change anything?” Willow asked.
“Not particularly but it certainly gives us a better understanding of him. But what I’m curious about is his background. What exactly do we know of him?”
“You mean besides his net worth?” Spike wondered.
“Yes, what happened after Ethan went to prison? Why did he fixate on Hank and no one else from the trial?”
“Do we really need to know this?” Gunn asked a little puzzled.
“It may help in the rescue but consider this, if he manages to escape again we’ll need to know exactly who we’re dealing with.”


Buffy sat in the salon chair looking at her new haircut in the mirror. The short bob cut hung a few inches above her shoulders and the blond highlights nicely framed her face. She was surprised at how well it suited her. She was also surprised that Angel let her decide how to cut it. It made her look more mature and sophisticated than her longer style. She rather liked it. As she admired her new look, Angel came up behind her and gently grasped her shoulders.
“It’s adorable and you are simply gorgeous.” He then lightly kissed her cheek. “Are you ready?”
“Just about, my nails aren’t dry yet.” She answered as she assessed her manicure and pedicure.
“Oh, well by all means, take your time. I’d hate for them to get smudged.” He then returned to his seat. Watching him sit, Buffy slightly shook her head. The man just baffled her.
About twenty minutes later she and Angel left the salon.

As they drove home, Buffy reflected on the day. After breakfast Angel gave her the grand tour and introduced her to everyone. She finally learned that the silent duo who she attacked were Forrest and Graham. The men who raped Cordelia were Luke and Adam, the pilot was Lorne and although he wasn’t there, the old man who met them at the airport was Quentin Travers, an old friend of Ethan’s. She was particularly surprised to learn that Lindsey was Angel’s cousin. She never would have guessed that they were even related. Once the introductions were done, they then prepared to go shopping.

Unfortunately, as they were leaving the villa she discovered that she and Angel wouldn’t be alone. Luke was accompanying them. She was rather unsettled by this not because she wanted to be alone with Angel but because she was hoping to attract attention to herself and perhaps get help. Not to mention that after seeing what Luke and Adam did to Cordelia, she was rather terrified of them. In fact, she was more afraid of Adam and Luke than of Angel. And to her dismay, Angel and Luke kept a very close eye on her throughout the day and she never got a moment to try anything. Even when she tried on clothes in the boutiques they visited, Angel was right there, ensuring the attendants were never alone with her. Her every move was watched. She found the constant monitoring extremely frustrating. In the end her only satisfaction was the obscene amount of money Angel spent on the clothes she wanted. He gave her free rein and she took advantage of it, not because of any vanity on her part but simply because that was her only means of striking back. Of course, he had the final word on each outfit but she found that their tastes were quite similar so she got all she wanted anyway, and then some. There were a few rather extravagant pieces that Angel selected for her and he also had her measured for a few tailored pieces as well. She couldn’t believe how much clothes they bought. And that didn’t even include all the accessories. She found the entire experience rather overwhelming.
As they made their way back to the villa, she nervously wondered what Angel expected in return for his generosity.


tbc ...


A/N: I hope you enjoyed it and I promise I won't take so long to update next time.