BAD ANGEL

A/N: I deserve to be shot. This chapter ... oh boy this chapter. I never intended to take this long to update. I swore this chapter would be the death of me. For the longest time I was blocked but then I got past that and I began writing again. That was many, many weeks ago. Since then I think I've written six different versions of this chapter, none of which I was happy with at the end. It just wouldn't flow and I felt so guilty for not being able to update. The guilt got so bad I had to stop coming to this site just to take the pressure off. As I've said before, I know how frustrating it can be but now, boy now I can so understand when the story just isn't working, when what you write just doesn't feel right. But I kept at it. I sat at my computer every day and worked on it with my beta until I finally wrote something that I feel stays true to the original characters and I am happy with. I feel I owe that to myself, the Buffy mythology and my readers. Unfortunately it took a long time in coming. So I want to thank all of you who've waited so patiently and those who emailed me and showed me such support. You really make all the frustration worth it.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this. It's more plot and character development but I feel that Buffy and Angelus need more of a transition before they get pelvic again. For this tale to be even slightly credible the pacing is crucial so as fun as the sex scenes are, I am holding true to the story. But don't fret, during my numerous attempts at writing this chapter, I also wrote a few sex scenes so they are coming ... just a bit later.


Part 14


For several long moments Buffy gazed, captivated by the display before her. His mouth, the strawberry, and the look in his eyes; he’d turned the seemingly innocent act into a blatant sexual overture. And she couldn’t ignore the uncomfortable tingling emanating from her core. She’d never look at strawberries the same way again. And long after he’d devoured the fruit, hazel and mocha held each other, neither daring to look away. Time stood still during the silent battle of wills.
Then stealthily reaching over, he took her hand, gently bringing it to his mouth. Refusing to break the spell, he held her gaze as he tenderly kissed her palm.
He wanted her.
But as his lips journeyed past her wrist, she seemed to suddenly come aware of what was happening.
The spell was broken.
Grasping her wrist when she tried to pull away, he met her eyes challengingly. He wasn’t letting her off that easily.
“Please don’t … “
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t play with me like this.”
“I’m not playing with you at all, in fact, I’m quite serious.”
“You know exactly what I mean. You’re trying to seduce me. To make me want you, but it won’t work.”
Chuckling, he held her hand even tighter, gently massaging it. “Oh Buff, you are adorable.”
She hated the condescension in his voice.
“I can’t make you want me. No one can. But that doesn’t matter because even if I could, I don’t have to. You already want me.”
“I could never want someone like …”
“Like me? You mean someone wealthy, powerful and absolutely irresistible?” He asked playfully. When she refused to answer he added, smiling mischievously “Or is what I do for a living not up to your standards? Am I not moral enough for you?” After a moment, “Perhaps you can reform me … I imagine that would be mutually pleasurable.” At her glare, he chuckled again, “Oh come on, Buff, why not? Tell me, what’s wrong with someone like me?”
“Sorry but I think you need a professional to answer that.” She countered.
Surprised by her response, he paused momentarily. That wasn’t exactly the point he intended to make.
But nonetheless, he opened the door.
He laughed. A hesitant chuckle that soon erupted into a roar. A righteous tirade he was certainly prepared for but that was the last thing he expected her to say and he couldn’t believe he walked straight into it. And the more he thought about it, the more he laughed.
Across from him, Buffy stared in disbelief at his uncontrollable laughter. She just insulted him and he was practically rolling in his seat. Her response wasn’t meant to be funny and when he paused she thought he was angry. So she was startled when the first chuckle escaped his lips. And once he got started it was like a damn broke and he was awash in chuckles, his eyes gleaming brightly. That his amusement wasn’t sarcastic or condescending but genuine stunned her. She never imagined that he actually had a sense of humor and could laugh at himself.
But she had to admit it felt good to catch him off guard for once. And as his fit of laughter continued, Buffy was hard pressed to stifle her own. Seeing him so overcome was truly comical.
Eventually as the laughter subsided, he again brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. Then smiling, “Touché my love.”
His love? She could hardly believe her ears.
Then standing, he held out his arm expectantly.
Hesitating briefly, she looked at his arm then met his eyes. They were bright and full of emotion. She’d never seen such unguarded joy in his eyes before, in fact, she’d never seen this side of him at all. Clearly Angel in a good mood was a much easier beast to tame than when he was angry.
Deciding to test the waters, she took his arm.

That afternoon Spike walked through the Summers’ home showing Hank, Joyce and Dawn the new security equipment. The controls and monitors were located in the library with a second console in the master suite. Now they could monitor the entire house and estate from either console and control admittance to the property. It was far better than the small intercom they were using previously. The cameras and motion detectors were already programmed and he was now entering the security codes for the alarms. The new system was state of the art with direct links to the local police, ambulance and fire departments. It was also very expensive but neither cost nor inconvenience was an issue, their safety was.
Walking through the house, Spike tried to be as confident and reassuring as possible. It was obvious that despite the relief the new system provided, it was also a blatant reminder that Buffy was gone. Not that they needed reminding. Even he, a stranger, felt the void, especially when he’d gone into her room to install a security camera. As he watched Hank and Joyce with Dawn, he could picture Buffy in the middle of them all, smiling and laughing. From what he knew, she was a very bright and vivacious young woman. She seemed to be the heart of the family and without her Hank, Joyce and Dawn seemed lost and bewildered.
Casually observing them, he couldn’t help but notice the growing tension between Hank and Joyce. Just the other day they appeared perfectly united but now they hardly seemed to talk to each other and when they did it was always about Buffy and Dawn. Hank was visibly tense while Joyce seemed completely focused on Dawn. In fact, from what Harris had mentioned, Joyce had practically moved into Dawn’s room where she spent almost every hour with her younger daughter. Granted, her fierce protectiveness and perhaps near paranoia were completely understandable and even expected. But there seemed to be an underlying tension between the senator and his wife that went far beyond the new sleeping arrangements. Watching them, he hoped when Buffy returned that she wouldn’t be forever changed. He hoped none of them would.
Sighing in regret, he continued the demonstration.


Some time later, Spike joined Gunn and Harris in the library.
“How’s the search going?”
“It’s not. We have Rayne’s phone records but he seems to have been making the rounds, he made calls to over two dozen different countries on the day he left so that doesn’t really narrow it down much. As for his plane, we figure if he had a full tank of fuel he could have made it to South America or the Caribbean. But that’s assuming he stayed on the same course once he left our airspace.”
“And of course he could have refueled in any one of those countries and then gone someplace else entirely.” Spike added.
“Exactly.”
“Bollocks! I can’t believe we let that bastard get away.”
“We did all we could with what we knew at the time. If it weren’t for Ms. Chase helping us …”
“You’re right, I know we did. At the time it seemed like we were doing everything humanly possible but now, I can’t help but wonder, …” He paused, unsure what to say. Then, “How’s Ms. Chase?”
“As well as can be expected I guess. She has a long road ahead of her but her family is there to help. Her doctors expect to discharge her within a week or two.”
“Will we provide security for her?” Harris wondered.
“Hmm, I’m not sure we need to. I doubt Rayne will come after her again.”
“But she’s helping us. He must know that she’ll talk.” Harris pressed.
“I’m sure he does. I’m also sure he knew that when he left her alive. And yes, according to her doctors and Giles, from her injuries it seems she was left alive on purpose. If Angelus wanted to silence her he would have killed her. Giles and I are fairly confident that she is no longer in danger.”
“Hmm, and what do you make of that?” Spike asked, knowing there was more to it.
“Well, I’m not sure. I guess if Rayne doesn’t see her as a threat then he probably assumes she doesn’t know anything useful.”
“He assumes or he is certain?”
Looking at Spike thoughtfully for a moment Gunn concluded rather deflated, “She has no clue where he is.”
“That’s exactly what I think.” Spike confirmed, then “Rayne isn’t going to take the chance that she might know where he is. He barely got out of here and he took an enormous risk by taking Buffy along. He won’t be so stupid to go somewhere he normally would, let alone some place he took his ex.”
“But maybe he expects us to think that so he’ll do exactly what we think he’s unlikely to, sort of reverse psychology.” Harris suggested.
“Perhaps but I doubt it. Giles thinks that taking Buffy along was a last minute decision. I think Rayne was more concerned with simply going somewhere he wouldn’t be traced.”
“ … which means he’s some place Ms. Chase has either never been to or perhaps doesn’t even know about.” Gunn added.
“Exactly.”
“OH GOD!!! This case is going to kill me.” Gunn yelled in frustration. He was so exhausted that he could barely sit up.
Deciding to change the subject, if only slightly, he asked, “Did the installation go well?”
“Yeah, I just finished showing them how to use it.”
“Uh, how do you think they’re holding up?” Gunn asked. He too saw the signs of tension between the parents.
“Barely. They just look so lost. I think they’re trying their best not to think about it but it’s all they can think about. Hell everywhere they go there’s a bloody reminder, her pictures, the press, us. They’re getting help, right?”
“Dawn saw someone earlier today. Joyce and Hank are considering it.”
“They’ll need it.” Then pausing briefly he added, “Um, considering what’s happened, I’ve asked a few contacts to do some … digging for us. They’re not FBI but they’re honest and discreet, I trust them with my life.”
“Who are they?”
“A couple of guys I met through my work with the LAPD. They usually have their ears to the ground. I tried contacting them when this first happened but they were on another assignment. They called me this morning … they might find something.”
“Right now I’ll take whatever help we can get.”
“What are their names?” Harris asked somewhat relieved that they were getting more help.
“Oz and Clem.”



Upstairs, Joyce lay resting on the spare bed in Dawn’s room. She was so exhausted. And she was angry. But she wasn’t entirely sure with whom. Surprisingly she wasn’t angry with Angelus Rayne; she simply hated him. Granted, all she could think about was what he did to Dawn and what she was certain he was doing to Buffy. But the invasion didn’t end there. He not only stole and abused her children but he also violated their sense of safety, their sense of home. She and Hank had always tried to give their daughters as normal a life as possible, despite who they were. But now that was over. This was happening because of who they were. And now Buffy was gone, Dawn was perhaps permanently traumatized and to make matters worse, they had a new, high tech, state of the art and highly intrusive security system that symbolized all they’d lost. They’d never be completely safe again. None of them would. Fear now dictated her life and she resented her powerlessness. She was terrified of leaving Dawn for any length of time and she was seriously considering moving her to a closer school. Or rather, she and Hank were arguing over whether to move her or not. She wanted Dawn’s belongings to be packed and shipped home immediately whereas Hank felt that once Dawn was ready to return to school, that taking her away from her friends and the familiar environment would be a mistake in the long run. The therapist seemed to agree with both of them. That only made her angry with Hank, the therapist and with herself. Certainly the familiar environment would be a comfort to Dawn but how could he even suggest sending her so far away from home after everything she’d been through? And what of Buffy? Would he have her return to the apartment where she was so viciously attacked and abducted? Surely not!
She wanted her family there, where she could see them and touch them and know they were safe. She needed that. But she knew she couldn’t keep them hidden from the world forever. Buffy and Dawn would need to move on and live their own lives and she would have to let them go.
But for now she simply couldn’t.

After returning to the house, Angel sat in his armchair and read while Buffy alternated between reading and watching television. He knew she was nervous that he would take things further but for now he decided to behave. Instead he settled for stealing glances of her from behind his book.
Across the room, Buffy tried to distract herself. She could feel his eyes on her, greedily roaming her body and caressing her skin but she refused to let him see how nervous it made her. She had to stay calm. But no matter how she tried to ignore it, each time she felt his gaze her stomach tightened into knots and her pulse raced. And what made it worse was her inability to get the image of his tongue laving the tender strawberry out of her mind and the tingling that surged through her in response. She was terribly uncomfortable and despite her efforts, it showed as she nervously fidgeted with the pages of her book and aimlessly flipped through the television channels.
Noticing her restless behavior, Angel calmly asked, “Would you like to do something? Go somewhere perhaps?”
Looking like a deer caught in the headlights she nervously replied, “Um, no, not really, I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine. You look nervous.”
“I’m fine, really.” She insisted. In truth she wouldn’t have minded getting out but she was in no mood to have Luke or Adam watching her too.
After a brief pause, he tried a new tactic, “Come here Buff.”
That deer look again. He nearly laughed aloud.
For a moment she hesitated, then when he patiently waited, she mustered the courage to deal with him and quietly crossed the room.
Taking her hands as she stood before him, he gently massaged them, hoping to calm her. She was shaking terribly and wouldn’t meet his eyes.
She was scared of him.
Sighing regretfully, he had no idea how to help her past it.
He couldn’t be forceful with her but no matter how gentle he was she always looked at him in fear. She probably always would.
He was at a complete loss.
But he wasn’t going to give up.
Deciding not to intimidate her further by standing, he remained seated and simply cupped her chin.
“You’re shaking.”
When she finally met his eyes, he spoke as gently as he could, “It won’t be like before.”
Surprised by his comment, she asked, “I’m still your prisoner, how is this any different?”
In response, he guided her into his lap.
Once she was settled, he again took her hand and kissed it, then “Give me a chance and I’ll show you.”
Meeting his eyes, she saw the passion burning in their depths and her mind instantly flashed back to image of him and the strawberry. And what he intended to do to her. Feeling her body respond, she pulled back slightly and looked away, trying to hide how flushed she was.
When she finally found her voice, she answered, “You say that as if I have any real choice.”
Still nuzzling her hand he replied, “You have more choices than you realize.” After a moment, “This house doesn’t have to be your prison.”
When she didn’t respond, he again massaged her hand then went on to recite the poem she liked.
Recognizing the words, she looked at him again both in sadness and anger. She chose to focus on her anger, “How dare you!”
Puzzled by her sudden anger, “Buff … what’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?” She yelled as she abruptly stood, yanking her hand from his. “What isn’t wrong? From the moment we met you’ve used your power to take everything from me … everyone and everything I’ve ever cared about … you just stripped it all away. You made me your sex slave and God knows what else you’ve done to me and now you want to talk to me about freedom. I have no choice … you took that along with everything else. So please, don’t insult me by using that poem to get into my pants again. In fact, why don’t you just skip this entire seduction thing and be the bastard that you really are and just do it. Just rape me and get it over with because I swear if you think for a second that I am going to … to give in to you then you might as well kill me now because I’d die first.”
She then spun and stormed into the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

Stunned by her outburst, Angel remained silently seated for several long moments. It wasn’t his intention to use the poem to get her in bed, well, not entirely. They had been getting along so well that he thought it might help her to relax around him, he never expected that she’d take it that way. If it were possible he’d gone and made an already delicate situation even more trying.
Massaging his temples, he was at an even greater loss for what to do now. How was it that when it came to Buffy Summers that he, Angelus Rayne, could be so inept?
Taking a few deep breaths he decided to let her be for a while, he needed to take a walk.

Walking through the gardens, he recalled the kisses they shared just that morning. He remembered the nights they shared at his ranch and how wonderful she felt under him, surrounding him. As the memories flooded back, he shook his head regretfully. How did they get there? How did his brilliant plan for revenge turn into such a debacle? He knew how all too well. He had planned for every contingency except this one, falling for her. He never expected to want her this badly, to need her so deeply. It hurt just to be away from her and it crushed him to be so thoroughly rejected.
As he continued to walk, he recalled her words and forced himself to face the unthinkable possibility that she might never accept him as her lover. If she continued to refuse him, what was he going to do? Force her? Threaten her? He didn’t want to do that anymore, that would just prove her right about him. And as much as he hated to admit it, he didn’t want to be the animal she believed him to be. Her words stung him. In fact, he was more disturbed by what she said than he was comfortable with. What was happening to him? He had never let a woman get to him like this before. It was always they who made the sacrifices and settled for what he would give, not the other way around. For heaven’s sake, he called her his love. He never used that word but now it came so easily to him. Too easily. The entire situation had him off balance and acting completely out of character. He was clearly losing his mind.
Questioning his motives, he wondered why he was so determined to make her his? Certainly the pleasure of knowing that he seduced Hank’s daughter was part of it, it was even part of his initial motivation but now it was no longer about flaunting his conquest in Hank’s face. In fact, since his decision to bring her with him, he hadn’t even thought of Hank Summers. No, this was no longer about taking revenge. This was entirely about the young woman in his bedroom who he had come to desire more than anything. He wanted to have sex with her; he needed to. Celibacy wasn’t something that came naturally to him and now he craved the warmth of her core. He longed to be cradled between her thighs as they drove each other to ecstasy. He’d do almost anything to be buried within her again. But it wasn’t just about sex. He wanted to see her smile. She hadn’t smiled since her last visit with Dawn and he missed it. He missed seeing her light up inside as she did when he told her that she could see Dawn. He wanted that back. Perhaps leaving Dawn behind wasn’t such a good idea. But he didn’t want to hold Dawn’s welfare over her head either. Thinking about his situation, he regretted kidnapping her. He just as easily could have met her at a party and dated her or simply seduced her. But he was so hell bent on getting back at Hank that he never saw this coming. And now he didn’t know what else to do. He wanted to give her time but he honestly didn’t think he could last another night next to her without some kind of relief.

Walking back to the house, he decided to do something about it.

On the balcony, Buffy watched his approach. She had been watching him for a while and now as he neared the house, she dreaded what he might do. Actually she was surprised that he didn’t come after her immediately after her outburst and she was immensely relieved when she heard him leave. In the time since she recalled her words again and again, his stunned expression etched in her mind. She was still very angry but she also felt a little bad for yelling at him. She hadn’t meant to explode the way she did, in fact, she had been trying to play nice all day. But when he recited that poem, it just set her off. Now however, she wasn’t entirely comfortable with the reasons it upset her in the first place. Certainly most of it was for the reasons she gave, she resented his trying to manipulate her. But that wasn’t what disturbed her. In truth some of her anger was in response to her own guilt. She felt incredibly guilty because with his every touch, his every kiss, she was tempted to give in, to give up and get it over with. She was tempted to stop fighting, to betray her family and everything she ever believed in and just surrender to him. Surrender the way she had the night he first recited the poem to her. Closing her eyes, she remembered the power of his touch and the fire he ignited within her. She was tormented by the guilt and shame of her desire. Her body craved him and she resented his power over her. And now she had probably angered him so much that he was going to punish her in the worst possible way.
Opening her eyes again to fight back the memories, she wondered if she would ever escape. So far she hadn’t seen anything promising and she was getting frustrated. That only added to her irritability. She was just so tired of constantly being on guard and being scared. She wanted nothing more than to go to sleep and not worry about being molested … or worse. The temptation to simply give in was growing.
But watching his approach, she took in his determined stride and wondered if giving in was even an option any more. Fearing the worst, she moved from the balcony and into the bedroom when she saw him climb the steps to the terrace. He was on his way.
Moving to the bed, she lied on top of the covers, awaiting his arrival. As the seconds passed, she nervously wondered what he was planning, how bad it would be. Forcing her mind from it, she focused on relaxing. Perhaps if she didn’t fight he’d make it quick and not hurt her too much.
Closing her eyes, she waited for him.

And waited and waited.
Watching the nearby clock, she gazed as the seconds turned to minutes, the minutes into hours. She wanted to move but she was frozen with uncertainty. Was this waiting part of the torture he had cooked up for her? Stopping herself from imagining all the possible sadistic cruelties he was sure to subject her to, she tried to think of other things. Her friends, her colleagues, and her parents. Dawn. Thinking of her sister helped her relax. Granted, she still didn’t know for certain whether Dawn was ok or not but she was fairly confident that she was probably home with her parents by now. She could hardly believe how little time had actually passed since she was kidnapped. It was just over a week since Angel barged into her life and she could hardly believe how radically her world had changed. She was so far removed from her normal life that it felt like months since she’d seen anything familiar. She was living in Angel’s world now but at least Dawn was spared. Recalling the last time she saw her sister, she wondered why Angel left her behind. Granted, she was happy that he did but why did he? He’d used Dawn to get to her before so it wasn’t as though he was above doing such a thing. Sighing, she gave up on trying to figure him out and simply took comfort in knowing that whatever he did to her that night at least her sacrifice wasn’t in vain.
But knowing that didn’t calm her fear of what she certain was to come.
Feeling her stomach tighten into knots, she pulled a pillow over her head and closed her eyes, trying not to think at all.

Eventually she fell asleep.


A while later Buffy awoke to gentle knocking on the bedroom door. Puzzled as to who would be knocking, she cautiously opened the door, peering from behind it. On the other side was a fully liveried man smiling shyly at her.
“Good Evening Miss, may I come in?”
Unsure what he was there for and dreading the worst, she looked at him suspiciously.
Seeing her puzzled look, the man continued. “I have your dinner, Miss.”
Only when his words registered did she notice the cart he was pushing. Not to mention the incredibly enticing aroma coming from it. He was delivering her dinner.
Smiling briefly in realization, she replied, “Oh yes, I’m sorry. I think I’m still half asleep.” She then moved away from the door and opened it further to allow him in.
“Oh, did I wake you?” He asked slightly alarmed.
“Well yes but that’s fine. Thank you for waking me.” She smiled again hoping to reassure him that it was indeed fine. She hadn’t intended to fall asleep.
Smiling back, he silently entered and took the cart onto the balcony. There he proceeded to arrange an elaborate setting for one. That didn’t go unnoticed.
Within minutes, the table was impeccably set and her dinner was laid out and presented.
Then her server said, “Mr. Rayne sends his apologies for not joining you tonight. He would like me to ask whether you wish for me to stay and serve you or would you prefer to dismiss me?”
Hesitating briefly, she decided to dismiss him. Granted she really would have preferred the company but looking at him, somehow she doubted he would contribute much to the dinner conversation. He’d probably just stand there as she ate, silently waiting to fulfill her ever wish. And as fun as being waited on hand and foot might sound, she was never brought up that way. Sure her family had a housekeeper but she only cleaned a few days a week, she never actually waited on them. This was entirely different and she wouldn’t be comfortable with him just standing there as she ate.
Before leaving, he showed her the call button on Angel’s side of the bed, “In case you need anything, Miss.” Then shortly after she thanked him, he was gone.
After his departure, Buffy made her way back onto the balcony. Looking across at the empty seat, she sighed worriedly. This was the last thing she expected. Was he that angry with her? She didn’t know what to think. The longer he stayed away the more worried she got but at the same time his absence was somewhat a relief. Shutting out the conflicting thoughts, she sat and watched the sunset as she ate. She had no idea if it would be her last.
Once she was finished, she called for the cart to be collected. Then as the servant cleared the table, she moved into the sitting area and looked for something on the television to distract herself with.



In the formal dinning room, Angel and Lindsey sat across from each other quietly eating. When Angel showed up without Buffy, he simply said, “She won’t be joining us tonight.”
Lindsey chose to leave it there. He knew if Angel wanted to talk he would.
But as the meal progressed, he couldn’t ignore how dejected Angel looked. So as they ate dessert, he decided to take the plunge. “What happened?”
Slightly caught off guard by Lindsey’s question, he took a few moments to think before answering. “We had an argument. I’m not entirely sure what happened but I’m certain it’s my fault.”
“What did you do?”
“I was trying to help her relax so I began reciting a poem she liked and well, I offended her instead. She just blew up and … I don’t know … maybe we’ve been spending too much time together so I’m giving her some space for a while.” He didn’t want to go into the details of just what she said.
Knowing that Angel wouldn’t disclose any more, Lindsey asked, “Where are you sleeping?”
“In the guest room down the hall. I figure I should stay fairly close by just in case she needs something.”
“Does she know that you’re only a few doors down?”
“Not at the moment. But to be honest, right now I don’t think she could care less about where I am.”
Hearing the hurt in his voice, Lindsey offered, “Would you like me to try?” At Angel’s uncertain look he added, “Maybe you have been spending too much time with her. She might be more open to someone less … hands on.” He hoped Angel got what he was saying.
“Well if you don’t mind, sure, go ahead cause honestly, I have no idea what else to do.”
“Well Angel how could you? As much as you want this girl, you must realize how little you really know her.”
“I know that I love her.” There was that word again but it came so naturally now that he barely noticed.
Stunned by Angel’s admission, Lindsey considered his words before responding. “I suppose you do but your regard for her isn’t the issue. She doesn’t know you or at least not the side you want her to. You’ve got to find a way to show her how you feel … but it’s got to mean something to her. And remember, she’s not Cordelia, the usual stuff probably won’t work with her.”
“No she is not.” Then, “It’s funny, I think I got so used to making up by using my wallet that I really have no idea where to start.”
“Perhaps. Buffy and Dawn stand to inherit much of their family’s wealth. Money probably doesn’t have quite the same … persuasive qualities as it did with your other girlfriends.” Then after a moment, “Angel, take my advice. You’ve got to take a step back and get to know her or you’ll forever be grasping in the dark where she’s concerned.”
“I’ve been trying … but she won’t even let me close enough to get to know her. She’s being unreasonable.”
“Unreasonable?” Lindsey asked incredulously, “Angel, do you even remember what you did to her? She has no reason to let you in.” At Angel’s grimace he softened, “Look, she has a lot of pent up anger, anger I might add that she is entitled to. You can’t expect her to just get past that. If you are to have any chance with her then you need to be prepared to take the heat.” He hated being so stern with his cousin, especially knowing how hurt he was but there was no other way around it. Angel made this mess and now he had to deal with it.
Taking in Lindsey’s words Angel nodded, “You’re right, you’re right. I did this to her and now I have to face the music. If she is to ever give me a chance, at the very least I owe her that.” Then after a moment, “If I’d thought for a second that this was going to happen … I, I just wish I could take her pain away.”
Nodding in understanding, Lindsey added, “I know.” Then “Look, you did a lot of research on her. Use it to find some common ground. There must be something that can bring you two together. It’ll work out … eventually. Just be there when she needs you.” He then cracked a little smile.
Seeing Lindsey smile, Angel shook his head at his predicament. Then he started laughing. At Lindsey’s questioningly look, he proceeded to share how he walked straight into Buffy’s insult that afternoon.
The two cousins then broke out into uncontrollable fits of laughter at the hilarity of the entire situation.


Several hours later the cousins took their leave of each other and Angel headed upstairs. Pausing at his room door, he decided to check on Buffy. Granted it was very late and he was intoxicated but he felt guilty for not having dinner with her.
So dragging himself down the hall, he entered their suite. He was surprised to find Buffy fast asleep on the sofa, the television still on. She was wearing a blue set of silk pajamas, the remote held loosely in her hand. Glancing at the clock, he saw that it was after 3am. Deciding not to wake her, he turned the TV off then carefully picked her up and took her to the bedroom. Placing her on the bed, he smiled to himself when she began muttering softly in her sleep as he covered her with a blanket. Then quietly moving around the room he gathered a few items to take with him into the guest room.
On his way out, he paused, briefly watching her slumber. She looked so peaceful curled up on the bed that he couldn’t resist holding her just once more. So carefully he climbed into the bed with her and shifted her into his arms. He loved holding her and at that moment, he surrendered to his need for her. He would no longer fight it and let his pride get in the way. He knew without a doubt that they were made for each other and he would do anything to make her truly his. Holding her, he swore that he would not give up. That no matter what happened he would not let her push him away. He loved her and with all his being, refused to let her go.
Kissing her gently on the forehead, he held her closer, closing his eyes as he drank in her essence.
It wasn’t long before he too fell asleep.

Some time later, Angel suddenly awoke. He was still in bed with Buffy and she was snuggled closely to him, the blanket now covering both of them. Looking towards the balcony, he could see the early morning sun streaming through the French doors. The dawn was beautiful and for a few moments he took in the sight. Initially he was tempted to share the moment with Buffy but recalling the previous day, wisely decided against it. In fact, he chose to leave before she woke. But he didn’t want her to think he was angry with her. So gently he left the bed and went into the sitting area. There he quickly scribbled a note then returning, placed it on the pillow next to her.
He then grabbed the clothes and other items he had collected earlier and quietly left.


A short while later Buffy gradually woke. Shifting on the bed she burrowed further into the covers, pulling them closer. Waking slowly, she furrowed her brow, recognizing a scent on the blanket that she had come to know as purely Angel. It was a unique combination of aftershave, whatever cologne he wore and something she couldn’t quite place but would probably describe as … sweet. She would forever associate it with him. As her eyes fluttered open, she realized that she was no longer in the sitting room. And having no memory of going into the bedroom let alone getting a blanket she assumed that Angel must have moved her. Rubbing her eyes, she looked over to where he usually slept expectantly. The only thing she found was a note with the words,

I’m sorry

A

After reading the brief note, she fell back against the pillows, pulling the blanket even closer as she closed her eyes. After every horrific thing she imagined he would to do her, his note was immensely comforting. And knowing that he had put her in bed and stayed at least long enough to get his scent on the blanket furthered her reassurance. He wasn’t going to punish her. His absence was no longer a sign of foreboding. She was so relieved she could feel the tension instantly draining from her body. Admittedly she hadn’t realized just how tense she was and was rather surprised by the effect those few words had on her. Breathing deeply, she surrounded herself with his essence. Feeling his presence reinforced the words of his note and strangely, helped to calm her.
Burrowing further into the covers, she pulled the blankets even closer as she drifted back to sleep.


A while later Buffy awoke and took a shower. She had no idea if Angel had made plans for them that day but she wanted to go out into the gardens without him breathing down her neck. There had to be a way out. But as she dressed she heard a soft knock on the closet door.
“Buff?” She would recognize that voice anywhere. Damn him!
Suddenly nervous she answered, “Y-Yes?”
“May I come in?”
“Um, wait a minute!” She answered frantically as she quickly zipped her pants and pulled on a blouse. She was so nervous that her hands were trembling, her stomach all tied up in knots. She knew it was ridiculous since he’d seen her completely nude several times already but for some reason he still had that effect on her. So after taking several deep breaths, she slowly moved to the door and opened it. “Yes?”
“Ah, I see you’re dressed. I was hoping to get an early start today. Lindsey and I wish to take you out this afternoon but we need to collect your dresses from the boutique first.”
“My dresses?”
“The ones we had tailored, they’re ready but it’s best to have a final fitting and I’d rather do it at the store than have them come out here. It’s more convenient that way.”
“Yeah I bet.” She replied knowing full well the real reason why he didn’t want the seamstress to come to the villa.
Ignoring her comment he continued, “And there are a few other places I’d like to take you.” When she didn’t respond he added, “that is, if you don’t mind.”
She wanted to say that she did mind so he’d leave her alone and she could get on with planning her escape but she knew if she declined that he’d wouldn’t leave her alone for any length of time and she’d never get a chance to go out on her own. If it weren’t him watching her it would be one of his men.
And speaking of his men, “Um Angel, who’s coming with us?”
Looking at her skeptically he responded, “Lindsey.”
“And?” She prodded.
“And … no one. It’ll just be you, Linds and I.”
“What about Luke … or Adam, won’t they be there too?”
“Would you like them to accompany us?”
At her glare he smirked at her knowingly, then moving closer, lightly stroked her arms. “No, it’ll just be the three of us. Adam and Luke have their uses but I know being around them upsets you.” Then hooking a finger under her chin and lifting her face, “and that is simply unacceptable.”
“And you don’t think I can escape you?” She challenged.
“Oh I’m certain you can. But I’m just as certain that I will find you.” He then moved to the door. Then calling over his shoulder added, “Your breakfast is ready my love.”


tbc ...