BAD ANGEL

A/N: To be clear, there is no Spuffy in this fic. Sadly, once the story began to unravel it just didn't lend itself to that coupling. But I love B/A as well so that's fine with me. I hope you aren't too disappointed, well I already know some of you aren't.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter.


Part 16


For quite some time Buffy sat with Angel’s head in her lap. She had no idea how long she’d been sitting there but it had been a while since he last spoke. He hadn’t moved since. In fact, he was so quiet that for a moment she thought perhaps he had dozed off. But given the way he was crouched before her, there was no way he could be sleeping. Given his height, there was no way he could be comfortable either. But he obviously didn’t mind. She, on the other hand, was having a hard time fighting the numbness that was slowly creeping its way along her leg. Between the stone bench and his weight, her entire lower body was beginning to protest. But she was reluctant to rouse him. Trying to distract herself, she focused on the flora surrounding them.
Noticing the various flowers and shrubs, she realized that they were in what looked to be a maze. She really hadn’t noticed it before as Angel led her in but as she took in the thick hedges that lined the winding paths and obstructed all view to the other side she was suddenly reminded of the movie Labyrinth. Suddenly images of Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie invaded her mind along with all the other strange characters from the film. Rolling her eyes, she nearly groaned at the painful memory of how many times Dawn made her watch it when they were younger; the younger sister harboring some inexplicable fascination with the eccentric Bowie. But the thing was, Dawn never showed any interest in his music, she just thought his role in Labyrinth was the coolest thing. And what was worse, it wasn’t even an obsession that Dawn privately indulged in. No, it was one she insisted on torturing Buffy with. She deeply regretted allowing Dawn to accompany her to a friend’s party where both girls first saw the movie. Immediately after which Dawn begged Joyce to purchase a copy. If only her mother knew that satisfying Dawn’s Bowie-fix meant condemning Buffy to seemingly endless viewings as well as blackmail whenever Dawn caught her doing something she shouldn’t. Of course, now that Dawn was older and much more sensible, the tables had turned and now her crush on Bowie provided Buffy with endless blackmail fodder.
A small smile crept along her mouth as she recalled the many laughs she’d had at Dawn’s expense. But her smile soon disappeared as reality quickly came rushing back when she felt Angel shift against her. Shaking the memory away, she looked down at the dark brown head resting in her lap. Angel.
Looking down at him now he seemed so lost and uncertain, so vulnerable. Yet despite his humble position, she couldn’t see past his double standard. He was begging her forgiveness yet still denying her the one thing she needed most. Her freedom. She marveled at his narcissism. How could someone appear so humble and so arrogant at the same time? Then Lindsey’s words came back to her, ‘He wants to be a better man for you but he’s unsure of how to do that.’ ‘You really have no idea how much power you have over him, do you?’ She wondered if it were true. If so, was this where her power lay? Granted, she was still very suspicious of Lindsey’s motives but she didn’t think he was lying, at least not about this. Everything she knew about Angel confirmed it. But how could she tap into that power? Angel wanted her to be his. More importantly, he wanted her to be his willingly. For the moment that was working in her favor but was it really power? It couldn’t possibly be that simple. His desire for her aside, there was no way Angel would just give her the upper hand. No, it wasn’t that easy. She’d have to gain his trust first. Refusing to even entertain the thoughts of where that would lead, she forced her mind from it. There had to be another way.
Instead she focused on a more immediate problem.
She needed to move.
Hesitantly she caressed his shoulder, drawing his attention.
When he squeezed her hand in response, she said, “Angel, I think we should return to the restaurant.”
When he didn’t respond right away she added, “We’ve been out here for a long time, Lindsey might be worried.”
Shifting his weight, he looked at her curiously for a moment then nodded. Standing, he then took her hands to help her up. But when she attempted to stand, the extent of her numbness made itself known when she nearly collapsed onto him.
“Are you ok?” he asked alarmed when she suddenly clutched onto him to break her fall.
“Not at the moment apparently.” She answered rather annoyed.
“What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
Glaring at the irony of his concern, “No, I’m not hurt. My leg just seems to have fallen asleep is all. Sitting on that bench for so long wasn’t such a great idea.” She then pulled away from him and again sat on the stone bench as she tried to work the feeling back into her lower extremities. This was so embarrassing.
Briefly watching her massage her leg, he again knelt before her, “May I help?”
“NO!” The force behind her response startled both of them. At his surprise she added, “I-I, can do it myself.”
“I know you can do it yourself. I only offered to help.”
“Well can’t you see I don’t want your help?”
“Yes, I can see that.” Then standing, “Pardon my interference.” He then backed a few steps away.
His dejected expression angered her, “Oh no. You don’t get to look all defeated.”
“Pardon me?” he asked puzzled.
“That look on your face. Like I’m the meanest person in the world because I won’t let you touch me. You’re not allowed that look.”
“Excuse me? I just threw myself at your feet, begging your forgiveness, totaling exposing myself to you. This isn’t exactly the response I was hoping for.”
“Excuse me? You’re still holding me prisoner and you raped me. Exactly what other response were you expecting?” At his look, “What? You thought a few apologies would make it all better? That seeing the great Angelus Rayne humbly on his knees would make me care for you?”
“Buffy that’s not …”
“Bullshit!” She interrupted. Then ignoring the remaining numbness she stood angrily, “That’s exactly what that little performance was. There was no humility, no remorse, NOTHING!!! It was all about you, it’s always about you isn’t it? What you want; what you need. Do you ever think of anyone else? If you did then you’d probably know that it’s too late to be concerned about losing me … YOU NEVER HAD ME!” She yelled.
Fueled by her anger she then stormed away from him.
For a moment Angel stood stunned, then spurred by his own frustration, went after her.

Quickly he caught up to her and forcibly grabbed her arm, spinning her around. Startled, she let out a small yelp. She hadn’t realized that he came after her. At her small cry he abruptly released her.
“Did I hurt you?”
Slightly backing away, “No, you just surprised me.”
When she inched even further away he asked, “Please don’t walk away from me like that. If we’re to talk this out then let’s do so.”
“What’s to talk about? It seems pretty straightforward to me. You’re a kidnapper and a rapist. That’s all I need to know.”
“You’re right, I am a kidnapper and a rapist. I am also incredibly selfish. I rarely think of others because, quite frankly, I’ve never had to before. I’ve done unconscionable things in my life and I have no right to seek forgiveness.” Then after a moment, “I don’t expect you to forgive me. I know there’s nothing I can do to make it better but we can’t go on like this forever.”
“It’s funny you should bring that up since you’re the one with the power to end it.”
“Buffy, I won’t let you go so don’t ask it … but perhaps we can find some compromise.”
“Meaning?”
“I’m not making any promises but should you decide to cooperate perhaps we can work something out. Some alternative that would be acceptable to you.”
“The only thing I will ever accept is going home.”
“Well then I’m sorry but you will be sorely disappointed.”
“No, you will be. You’re the one who wants me to sleep with you … willingly.”
“True. But it’s not just sex, I want to share my life with you. I want you be my partner.”
“Well I can promise THAT’S never going to happen.”
“You say that now but I’m sure that eventually I’ll find the right … incentive to motivate you.”
“What? More threats? Oh wait, let me guess, another shopping spree? Is that what it takes to get women to stay with you? You buy them or scare them so they can’t see what you really are.”
“And what am I?”
“A rapist! And a sick narcissistic bastard.”
“I’m also the man who’s fallen completely in love with you. The man who would do almost anything for you.”
Momentarily thrown by his declaration she replied more to herself, “Lucky me.”
Ignoring her remark, he stepped toward her, “I know you don’t see it now but things are changing between us. It won’t be as it was before.”
“So you keep saying.”
“Buffy …” Something in the way he said her name made her look at him. “I love you.”
There it was.
The fire in his eyes held her, the pent up longing and desire almost hypnotic. And as much as she tried, she couldn’t seem to tear her eyes away. She knew she should move, that she should run yet her feet remained anchored in place. Panicking, her head was suddenly swimming, she could hardly breathe. She suddenly felt claustrophobic and faint, a wave of dizziness washing over her. Only when he took another step towards her did her brain finally manage to make contact with her feet. Backing away she quickly found herself pressed against a large hedge. Seeing her way blocked, she frantically searched for an escape but having now lost her orientation, she had no idea which way led back to the safety of the restaurant. And Angel was closing in.
Trying not to appear intimidated, she desperately clutched onto her rapidly diminishing confidence and held her ground. In fact, she took a step, granted a very small step that was really meant to regain her equilibrium, toward him. She refused to let on just how deeply he affected her. She met his gaze defiantly.
He was now right up against her. Their bodies barely touching.
She could feel the heat radiating from him and it took all her strength not to run and hide.
Speaking softly as he caressed her cheek, “You’ve no need to be afraid of me.”
Ok, so maybe he caught that terrified look in her eyes. But she would not retreat further.
When she didn’t respond or try to escape, he slowly moved in closer, cautious not to rush it. Lowering his head, he lightly brushed his lips against hers.
The touch was so soft and brief that Buffy wasn’t sure that he had kissed her.
When he tried kissing her again however, she firmly placed her hands against his chest and eased him back.
Directly meeting his gaze, she said “No.” Her voice was strong and firm. Then after a moment, “I would like to return to the restaurant now.”
Deciding not to push her further, he backed off. “Certainly.” Then moving aside, he allowed her to pass.
When he saw the rather uncertain expression on her face he added, “It’s through there.”
Somewhat embarrassed, she simply nodded and wordlessly left the garden.
Strolling a short distance behind, he calmly followed her back to the restaurant where Lindsey anxiously awaited them.

As they approached the dining room Buffy sighed in relief. She was still very much ruffled by their encounter but what bothered her more was the paralyzing fear that rooted her in place when he declared his love for her. Was that some kind of weird panic attack? Surely his words weren’t that surprising. It’s not like she didn’t see that one coming. So then what happened back there? She had hoped to control her fear of him but it only seemed to be getting worse and taking hold of her at the worst possible moments. She felt like a baby gazelle about to be brought down by a ferocious cheetah. Nearing the restaurant, she only hoped that when the time came her fear wouldn’t rear its ugly head and paralyze her.

Lindsey watched as the two made their way back to the dining room. From Buffy’s expression, something had happened. When they returned to their seats, Lindsey asked,
“Would anyone care for another glass of champagne?”
“No thank you.” Angel responded
Realizing they were waiting for her response, Buffy looked directly at Angel and said, “I’d rather stay sober, thank you very much.”
Angel looked at her, slightly offended by her inference.
Lindsey could barely suppress his chuckle. Whatever happened outside, it couldn’t have been good. Deciding to salvage whatever was left of the day, he suggested that they continue their tour.
Grateful for the bail, Angel called for the bill.
Shortly afterward they were airborne.

Over the next hour, they flew over some of the southeastern part of the island before heading north and back to the hangar. Throughout the flight, Buffy wedged herself as far away from Angel as she could get. She was clearly uncomfortable but she seemed willing to do almost anything to keep Angel from getting anywhere near her.
Sighing, Lindsey was fairly certain Angel would be sleeping in the guest room again that night.
When they finally arrived, she quickly unfastened her seatbelt and bolted out the cabin as soon as the door opened and the way was clear.
Angel didn’t even try to stop her.

However before he, Lindsey and Lorne could make their way into the hangar she was back.
Seeing the coy manner with which she dawdled near the helicopter, Angel curiously asked, “Did you need something?”
“No, I’d just rather wait.”
Although suspicious, he accepted her answer without question. He was far too exasperated to pry further.
His suspicions were confirmed however when Caleb emerged from the hangar. Angel smirked when Buffy subtly inched closer to him. She must truly detest Caleb if she were practically running to him for protection.
Taking pity on her, he casually moved even closer. Careful not to crowd her, he remained close enough to remind Caleb of his earlier warning. No matter how much she might refuse his advances, she was still his and he certainly wasn’t going to allow Caleb to intimidate her. And despite her disgust with him, the look in her eyes conveyed her gratitude, albeit grudgingly.
Once Caleb moved on, Angel gradually backed away, giving her space.
Shortly after the helicopter was secured, Angel, Lindsey, Buffy and Lorne were on their way to the villa.


A few hours later the four entered the house. It was early in the evening and the sun was hovering just above the horizon. Once they were settled, Buffy asked to be dismissed and quickly made her way to her room. She wanted to be alone for a while. Lying on the bed, she again thought of what happened at Strawberry Hill, her kiss with Angel and her conversation with Lindsey. She had mixed feelings toward Angel. She hated him; that was certain. And she knew she’d kill him if given half a chance. But he scared her so much she felt almost helpless. And it wasn’t just his threats. His desire, his very need for her was rather overwhelming and to be honest, also rather frightening. The intensity and rawness of it pierced her soul, leaving a dull ache in her chest. She felt unduly burdened by it and in some ways, sad. In truth she felt a small measure of pity for the man who had clung to her that afternoon as if she were a life preserver. As if she were his only hope. But the burden of it was physically and emotionally exhausting.
And then there was Lindsey. She wasn’t entirely sure what to make of him. He seemed fairly personable and was perhaps the least threatening of Angel’s men. But that was just it; he wasn’t simply one of Angel’s men. They were cousins. Recalling their camaraderie and the dynamic between them, they were obviously very close. In fact, Lindsey seemed more like a brother. If anyone knew how to deal with Angel it would be him. And he seemed willing to help her, even though he was on Angel’s side. She didn’t know if he’d be much help otherwise but it was worth a try. But she’d have to be careful. He was Angel’s cousin after all.

Spike walked into the club and was immediately assaulted by a heavy cloud of cigarette smoke and blaring music. Standing at the entrance, it took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting and smoke. The dark room felt like another world compared to the outdoors. After a few moments, he moved further in and took in the sights and sounds of the establishment. It was rather early so the usual crowds hadn’t arrived yet but already there was a fairly large group surrounding the bar, the large screen TV and pool tables. Clearly business was still very good. Stepping up to the bar, he nodded a greeting to the bartender who then nodded toward the rear.
Wordlessly making his way to the back, Spike inhaled sharply, this was as close to a smoke as he dared get since quitting some years back. He missed it.
Opening the rear door, Spike climbed a flight of stairs and then knocked on the only unmarked door.
Clem opened it, smiling, “Spike!” He had to restrain the hug he felt coming on, ensuring to keep his distance.
“Clem.” Spike nodded in greeting while giving him a withering look. He too saw that hug coming. As much as he liked Clem, the guy was far too tactile for his comfort.
His eyes then drifted to the young man seated behind the desk. “Oz?”
“Spike?” The two men had an unspoken understanding. They were friends but above all, they were professionals.
“I see the business is still lucrative.”
“Yeah, it’s a lot of work but it’s worth the profits … and the contacts.” A conspiratorial smile gracing his lips.
“I imagine it is.”
“You know the offer to join us still stands?” Clem added.
Oz nodded his agreement.
“Thanks. Maybe someday I’ll take you up on it but for now I think I’ll stay where I am.”
Oz smirked at Spike’s standard response. This kind of business was perfect for Spike but he seemed reluctant to get involved. He never pushed to know why.
“Hey it’s your loss man. So, what exactly is going on in your neck of the woods?” Clem asked.
“Yes, what was the emergency?” Oz asked getting down to business.
“This” Spike then placed a copy of the Summers’ file on the desk.
Oz immediately opened it and scanned the first page. “Summers? As in the senator’s missing daughter?” Spike nodded.
Oz then picked up the photo of Buffy and wolf whistled as he showed it to Clem who whistled in response. Then smirking mischievously Clem added, “I can see your interest in this, no wonder you won’t leave and join us, too busy rescuing damsels in distress.” He then wagged his eyebrows at him.
Snorting, Spike responded, “Hardly.”
“Right, are you telling me you haven’t noticed what a hottie she is?”
“Sure I’ve noticed; I am a man after all. But after all she’s been through, I can’t even imagine looking at her that way.”
“Really?” Oz asked genuinely curious.
Spike then filled them in on all the details not disclosed to the public, including the content of the videotapes.
After about twenty minutes, both men were silently shocked, a deep sense of respect now descending over them. Buffy Summers was no longer an object to howl at.
When he found his voice, Oz asked, “And who are we looking for exactly?”
“Flip to page six.”
After a moment, Oz’s eyes bulged. “Are you insane?”
“Who is it?”
“No one other than Angelus Rayne, the organized crime lord and mobster.”
Clem’s face marked his shock. When he too found his voice, “You certainly are ambitious!”
“Or suicidal!” Oz countered. “Hell man, when you said some digging I thought you wanted info.”
“I do want info.”
“That’s what you say now but if I know you … and I do, your part in this is to rescue the girl isn’t it?” Spike nodded, “And you’d be wanting our help in that, right?” Again Spike nodded.
“Spike, I hear ya about the girl but this isn’t like anything we’ve done before. You know we mostly deal with small operations, low key stuff.”
“This will be small.”
“And how do you figure that with all the media coverage and the damn FBI?”
“Trust me, this will be small. When we go in it will be a very small task force, four people at most. Anything larger than that will alert Rayne to our presence.”
“When are you going in?”
“Not sure, we haven’t located Rayne yet.” At Oz’s surprise he added, “That’s what the digging is for.”
“I see.” Then in a pensive voice, “This is bigger than anything we’ve handled before.”
“That’s not true. I know you’ve handled more difficult cases before. You’ve got the expertise.” Spike countered.
“Difficulty isn’t my concern … it’s just … Rayne is bigger than anyone we’ve ever taken down. It’s a bit much to take in.”
“Don’t tell me your intimidated.”
Narrowing his eyes at Spike’s offense, Oz countered, “I’m not intimidated, I just have a healthy respect for the man’s capabilities.”
“Well that’s good, then at least you have some idea of what to expect. But to be honest, I’m a little surprised you even know of him, before this he wasn’t exactly on the radar.”
”Well you probably wouldn’t unless you were heavy into narcotics. I only know of him through my contacts in the unit at the department. Otherwise he is fairly low profile.”
Then after a moment, Oz added, “It makes sense though, that he would go after the senator’s daughter. Honestly, I’m surprised he didn’t try anything like this sooner.”
“Well his father recently died, we think that was the catalyst.”
Oz’s eyes lit up as he nodded in realization. He then exchanged looks with Clem.
At his partner’s nod, “Ok, Spike. We’re in.”



Some hours later Buffy sat on the balcony reading a magazine when Angel knocked on the door and called to her. She refused to answer, hoping he’d take the hint. She rolled her eyes in annoyance when she heard the door opening, no such luck.
Finding her on the balcony, “Would you mind if I joined you for dinner this evening?” At her glare, “Never mind. Perhaps it’s best I leave you alone for the night.”
“Yes, perhaps.” She replied coolly.
As he turned away, “I’m not sure you’ll be hungry but would you like a small salad later?”
When it seemed she wasn’t going to answer, he began to leave when her voice stopped him. “What kind of salad?”
Turning back, “Any kind you’d like … garden, Caesar, Greek … whatever. If you want anything special I can send out for it.”
“No. A simple garden salad is fine, a small one. I don’t think I could eat much more today.”
“Any particular dressing?”
“Do you have red wine vinaigrette?”
“Freshly made, always.” He then smiled at her.
Looking away, “Shall I call down for it?”
“No, I’ll have it sent up in about an hour or so. Is that fine?”
She nodded her agreement then refocused her attention on the magazine.
Now acting on the hint, Angel quietly left.

Later that evening, Buffy sat in front of the television. Her salad had arrived some time ago but she wasn’t ready to eat. She was just trying to enjoy her solitude.
Knowing she would be alone for the evening since Angel was dining with Lindsey again, she scanned the menu for any American news channels. She wanted to know what was being reported on her kidnapping, how much the public knew. Actually, she’d wanted to do that for some time now but she was never sure how much time she had to herself. And although he hadn’t expressly prohibited her, she doubted Angel would allow her to watch the news in his presence.
It didn’t take long for her to find CNN.
For about fifteen minutes she watched story after story, the national weather forecast and the stock market outlook. Then they went back to the headlines.
It was the third story.
Buffy moved closer to the screen.
They showed highlights of the various press conferences and reported on the latest developments.
When a clip of her parents came on, she rushed forward, tentatively touching the screen as if she could reach out to them. It felt like ages since she’d seen them. She was so happy and sad to see their faces. They both looked so tired. Her mother was clearly distraught and her dad, she’d never seen her dad look so haggard. But despite her concern, she was exhilarated to at least see them and hear their voices. She wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.
When the clip ended Buffy remained seated in front of the TV, her hand pressed to the screen as if she could somehow will her parents’ image back. God, she wanted to go home and curl up with her mom. Right then she would have given anything for one of Joyce’s embarrassing mother/daughter bonding sessions or even one of her early morning wakeup calls.
As her mind drifted back to the present, she became increasingly aware of the anchorwoman’s words. They were still discussing her kidnapping and now some expert was discussing the progress of the investigation. But what nagged at Buffy throughout the segment were their constant references to the tabloid The Star and the existence of videotapes. A sick feeling settled over her and she grew increasingly frustrated each time they neglected to discuss the tapes in detail. What tapes were they talking about?
Unable to take it anymore, she searched out other news stations, hoping someone would shed light on the subject. After a fruitless search, she eventually made her way back to CNN.
Then finally another news program came on and during the introduction they promised new details on the Summers’ kidnapping and the scandal surrounding the investigation.
Buffy watched spellbound, rooted in place.
And to her horror, they delivered what they promised. They discussed in gory detail the alleged content of the tape and letter held by The Star, her parents’ threat of a lawsuit and the recent court ruling against the tabloid.
Buffy was shaking. The entire country knew about her sexual interlude with Angel. Granted, she’d been aware of the cameras in the room she was held in but she just assumed they were there to monitor her, to ensure she didn’t escape. She never dreamt that what happened between them was being recorded and worse, distributed to trashy magazines for the world to gossip about. And then to imply that she was behind it, that she could be so callous, so malicious? No wonder her parents looked so exhausted. God, what must they be thinking? Her relatives? Her friends? How could she show her face anywhere ever again?
She was beyond mortified. Angel had managed to turn her sacrifice into a humiliation of epic proportions. The disappointment, the disgrace. She felt so dirty, so used. Her life was ruined.
She was too numb with shock to feel anything. The room seemed to be spinning and suddenly she was having difficulty breathing. Her clothes were too tight and confining, she needed air. Tugging frantically at the dress she pulled it off and crawled over to the open balcony doors, gulping deep breaths of air. As her pulse slowed and the dizziness passed, it all came crashing down on her like a ton of bricks.
And Buffy was awash in tears.


Hours later Buffy finally pulled herself up and walked into the bedroom. She felt so drained after the emotional roller coaster she’d experienced that day. Why were all these horrible things happening to her? A blind fury had now come over her but her marked exhaustion left her oddly calm. Not to mention that she had a pounding headache. Head lowered, she stepped into the bathroom and took a long hot shower. Futile as it was, she felt compelled to cleanse herself and hoped it would relieve some of the tension. After searing her skin with the hot water she wrapped herself in her fluffy robe and then crawled into bed. She just wanted to block out the world and try to get some sleep.

It was just before dawn when her eyes opened. She was still wrapped in her robe and snuggled under the covers. Making her way into the closet, she changed into a pair of sweats and a tank. As she brushed out her hair, the loud rumbling of her stomach drew her attention; she was hungry. Astonished that she actually had an appetite, she checked out the salad that was still sitting on the balcony table. Frowning at it, she decided that she wanted something more substantial and recovered the dish. But she was reluctant to call down to the servants at such an early hour. It wasn’t 6am yet, would anyone even answer? Knowing she couldn’t wait till later to eat, she put on some slippers and headed to the kitchen.
Peering out the main door, she checked that the coast was clear before she scampered down the hall. Walking quickly but quietly, she was soon in the main foyer and nearing the kitchen when suddenly she heard voices. Pausing, she cocked her head to the side to decipher where the voices were coming from. Her search led her to a window near the main entrance where she saw several of the servants going in and out of the gate.
From her vantage point, the large rod iron gates were closed but she could clearly see that the smaller side gate was wide open as the servants came and went with various packages.
She could hardly believe her eyes. The gate was open.
Looking down at herself, she wasn’t exactly in escape attire but she didn’t want to risk rousing suspicions by returning to her room for proper shoes and a T-shirt. No. Better to just make a run for it as she was. Thinking quickly, she moved into the kitchen and tried to clear her mind. This could be her chance to escape if only she could somehow get the servants away from the gate while it was still open. Obviously they wouldn’t just leave and they certainly wouldn’t stand aside while she made a run for it. No, she definitely had to get rid of them. She needed a diversion. Moving through the kitchen, she searched the draws and cupboards until she finally found what she was looking for. Matches.
Grabbing a carving knife at the same time, she quickly headed towards Angel’s office. Her plan taking form.


Reaching the forbidden zone, Buffy quickly snuck into the library across from Angel’s office. She was surprised that she hadn’t encountered any of his men yet but then maybe they were waiting for her to do something before revealing themselves. Moving quickly she pulled a bunch of papers from one of the shelves and threw them into the dustbin. Then she lit a match and only when it began to go out did she drop into the bin. She didn’t want Angel, his men or the servants to put out the fire before she had a chance to escape. When the bin began to smoke, she slightly opened a nearby window and then quickly moved away.

Standing near the side door of the kitchen she waited some minutes before she heard one of the servants shout that smoke was coming from the library. Instantly, the others remaining by the gate moved into action to try to contain the blaze. Seizing her moment, she bolted for the still open gate, clutching the carving knife in her hand.

It was too easy.

The instant she ran through the gate she heard a soft beeping, like a clock counting down.

Not sparing a second to think what she triggered, she took off full speed down the street.

Angel bolted upright in his bed at the loud knocking on his door. Finding Luke on the other side he instantly knew it was bad.
“Luke?”
“Sir, there’s a fire in the library.”
“A fire in the library?”
“Yes sir, the staff seems to have it under control but we will need to have it inspected, to be sure it’s completely extinguished.”
“Um, of course, I’ll call in the authorities but first I want to check on …” He stopped short when suddenly he heard the gate alarm start blaring. “BUFFY!”
Suddenly wide-awake, he dashed down the hall and stairs.
Entering the garage he grabbed the first set of keys he saw and bolted to the jeep. Recklessly backing out, he pressed the gate remote, cursing under his breath at the painfully slow mechanism.
Finally unobstructed, he sped out of the driveway and down the road in the only possible direction she could have gone, towards his closest neighbor.

Buffy was running as fast as her legs would carry her. She heard the shrill, ear-piercing alarm go off mere seconds after she exited the gate. So that was what she triggered. Damn!! They would soon be on her trail. Eyes fixed on the large home in the distance she cursed Angel. Why the hell was his estate so damn extensive! From their trips to and from the villa the day before she was aware that the nearest house was a considerable distance away. But she knew she could make it if only fate smiled down on her just this once.

But fate chose to be cruel.

In the distance behind her, she heard the roar of an engine and soon felt warm tears streaming down her cheeks. This could not be happening.
But she kept running, her feet pounding on the asphalt. She wouldn’t go down without a fight.

Angel saw her running in the distance and floored the gas, he couldn’t risk letting her get much closer to the neighboring house.
Passing her, he pulled to a stop and then jumped out of the vehicle, blocking her path.
“GET OUT OF MY WAY!!!” She growled. That’s when he saw the knife she was wielding. The desperation in her eyes and defensive stance startled him. She was on the edge. He had to proceed with caution.

Taking a step towards her, “Buffy …”
“DON’T COME NEAR ME!!”
Pausing, “Buffy, let’s talk about this …”
“NO! WE HAVE NOTHING TO TALK ABOUT!! GET AWAY FROM ME!!!”
“Buffy, you know I won’t do that. Please give me the knife.”
“Oh I’m gonna give it to you alright.”
Daring to take another step, “Buffy, I don’t want to hurt you … but I won’t let you hurt me.” He had to keep her talking.
“One of us is going to get hurt.”
“Are you really prepared for that?”
“I’m prepared for anything.”
“Aren’t you concerned that it might be you?”
“Well if I’m lucky I’ll bleed to death.”
“Is that what you want?”
“At least I’ll be away from you.” Then seeing him move even closer, “I SAID STAY AWAY FROM ME!!”
Still closing in, albeit gradually, “I don’t think you’d really attack me.”
“You’re an idiot if you don’t.”
”No Buff, you’re all talk. I know you wouldn’t.”
He was now mere inches from her, standing before her almost daringly.
She lunged.
Grabbing her knife-wielding wrist and twisting out of her path, he used her momentum to turn her around and pin her to his chest with his arms.
Once she was pinned he continued twisting her wrist, using his steel grip until she dropped the knife. He then kicked it further away.
Disarmed, Buffy began screaming hysterically.
Instinctively covering her mouth, Angel cursed when she bit down on his hand, drawing blood.
When he momentarily released her, she stomped down on his foot and then kicked him in the shin as she again charged down the road.
She got only a few steps further before he tackled her to the ground, sending their struggling bodies rolling over and over into the tall, stinging grass along the roadside.
For several long moments the two fought bitterly, or rather Buffy fought while Angel struggled to restrain her. He could hardly believe that someone so little could be such a handful.
Then matching her limb for limb, Angel finally managed to get the upper hand and retrain her. Covering her mouth yet again, he held her still while he caught his breath.
Calmer, he finally spoke. “Buffy, I am going to uncover your mouth. If you scream I will have to cover it again. I know you don’t like that so please don’t force me to. Are you going to scream?”
She shook her head.
Slowly removing his hand, he waited for her to scream. When all she did was take deep breaths to slow her heavy breathing, he slightly eased his weight off her.
“Did I hurt you just now?”
Glaring at him momentarily, she shook her head again. “Please get off me.”
“Not until I know this little revolt of yours is over.”
“You made sure it was over before I even left the house.”
She then looked over when another vehicle approached. It was Lindsey.
When Angel looked at him, “Luke said you might need some … assistance.”
“Thanks Linds, don’t know what I’d do without you.” He then gripped Buffy’s wrists and pulled her up as he stood. “I think it’s time we got this one back to the house.”

tbc ...

A/N: We are getting closer to the B/Aus sexcapades although after this chapter you may not see it. But if things go as planned I think by the end of the next chapter there should be some pelvic action.