The Sweetest Taboo

Chapter 6

It was either early evening or late morning, either way Angel couldn't be bothered to make it out of bed. He hurt in all the right places, muscles protesting every movement due to lack of use. He was, for the most part, comfortably numb. The other deciding factor for his laziness was the boy that lay half atop him, snoring softly on his chest.

Kissing him lightly on the forehead, Angel closed his eyes again, wishing sleep to take him back into its folds. It was peaceful there without worries, or regrets, without thought for tomorrow, let alone the next few minutes. He could lie there, cuddled in warmth with his boy until the world came crashing down around him; and even then, he wasn't sure he'd want to move.

He smiled to himself when he heard soft whisperings as William spoke in his sleep. Angel couldn't understand him, but he found the act endearing, just one more thing to love about the boy. Love? That brought Angel back to himself. Did he love the boy? Well, he did care for him, wanted William to be by his side always. In fact, if he were to be honest with himself, he'd fallen in love with William the moment those sharp crystal blue eyes had turned his way. Why else would he have tried to buy him from Ethan?

"Oi!” Spike cried out indignantly as he was tossed unceremoniously from his perfect spot atop Angel. He'd been dreaming and really hadn't wanted to be disturbed...it was just getting to the good part.

Getting up quickly, Angel grabbed the nearest pair of pants and tried to put them on, finding they were too small. He tossed them at William and grabbed for his discarded pants, pulling them on hurriedly. How could he have forgotten his call to Ethan? He had to get William out of there, and now. There was no telling when Ethan would come calling, or send someone for the boy.

"Get dressed," Angel said quickly, grabbing a shirt out of his closet.

"Mornin' to you too, mate," Spike said grumpily. It was one thing to wake up suddenly, it was another to be told to get up, get dressed, and get out. He'd been sure that Angel'd like their little tryst that night...or morning. What had happened since then? Or, was it just the day after regret most people had after sleeping with a hooker?

"I'm sorry, we don't have time. Are your pants all you have in here?” Angel asked, distracted. He watched as William climbed out of bed, his body in full view, cock and all. Angel looked at him, walked over quickly, pulled William into his arms, and kissed him deeply.

"I'm sorry, really I am, but we have to leave...now. Get dressed, get your stuff together. I don't know how much time we have."

Spike narrowed his eyes, but said nothing. He grabbed his pants, put them on and walked down the hall to his room and got dressed, making sure everything was in his pack.

"Right, you're gonna explain, Luv," Spike said, tossing the pack over his shoulder and followed Angel down the hall and out to the garage.

"I will, but not right now," Angel said, looking around. There didn't seem to be anyone on the property and no one driving up that he could see. Nevertheless, that didn't mean there wasn't someone, somewhere, lurking in the shadows. No, Ethan wouldn't do that. He wouldn't be the shadow type. He'd come at you, so you knew it was him twisting the knife, figurative though it may be.

Something was wrong, that much Spike could tell. Angel was acting dodgy, looking around and over his shoulder. Spike didn't like it. Angel better tell him sooner rather than later.

They both climbed into one of Angel's cars. Spike noticed that this one didn't have the new car smell like he was used to and the seats were worn, comfortable. Just something new to add to the growing list of questions Spike had for Angel. He watched as they drove in silence, Angel checking the mirrors more then Spike thought necessary.

There were things Spike could think, things that would break him in two if he were to think about them. He tried not to think at all, instead, chain smoking and watching the countryside pass them by. But, every now and then, when he wasn't paying attention, questions would enter his mind, worm their way around until he was grinding his teeth in anger, or fighting back tears of hurt. Why had they left in such a hurry? Was there someone coming over? Someone so important Angel didn't want Spike around? And just what the hell was making Angel act like he was a criminal? So he'd slept with a prostitute. It wasn't as uncommon as some people think. Spike could name a few big names that were on Willow and Tara's weekly rounds, people whose lives could be destroyed. Could Angel's life be destroyed by Spike's presence at his home? Was there someone watching, someone that would use that information against Angel? There were just too many questions and not enough answers. Actually, there were no answers. Spike knew next to nothing about Angel or about what he did for a living. He hadn't needed to know. Spike was happy just being with the older man.

"I called Ethan," Angel said, breaking the tense silence. He didn't look over at William, but could see from the corner of his eye that he was shocked and none too pleased.

"You bloody did what!?” Spike cried out. He didn't know what else to say. His mouth worked like a fish out of water, but no words came.

"I called Ethan."

"Yeah, heard that part, still waitin' for the why of it. What the hell's wrong with you, mate? I asked you not to tell 'im -"

"I didn't tell him that you were leaving him," Angel said, cutting William off. "I told him you were mine."

"Oh," Spike said, surprise written on his face. What else could he say to that? "When?"

"After I left you on the patio."

"Told 'im I was yours?"

"Yeah."

"Am I?"

"Are you what?"

"Am I yours, then? A bloke should know these things. Wouldn't have thought so, what with the way you carried on like a Priest, hiddin' in the shadows yankin' on yourself like it was a sin."

"That's not...I didn't...I'm not a Priest," Angel said, flailing for words. "And yes, you’re mine. I mean, if you want to be."

"I wanted to break from him on my own, you know. Like a bit of a prezzie for myself. But no, you had to go and bollocks it all up for me," Spike said. It was more to himself, just something to fill the silence that would have preceded Angel's statement. He wasn't sure yet if he wanted to be Angel's...completely Angel's.

"Present, for what?” Angel asked. William hadn't said if he was Angel’s or not, though, honestly, he'd not asked a question but instead left it open. He wanted the boy, now more then ever, but Angel could wait.

"Birthday, of course," Spike said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. But, that was another thing they hadn't shared in the dark of night. So many things left unsaid and unasked. If they were to be together as it seemed Angel wanted, as Spike wanted, he'd have to remedy that. Angel was far too closed off for Spike's liking.

"Oh...I didn't know."

"Obviously," Spike said, giving a short laugh. "So where we goin', mate, or is it a secret?"

"Somewhere safe. A friend owed me a favor," Angel says.

"Right, secret it is then."

They lapsed back into silence, this time a bit more comfortable then when they'd started out. Spike's fear of Angel rejecting him had been assuaged and Angel's fear of Spike's anger was apparently, unfounded.

The ride was getting too long for Spike. He was getting antsy, smoking like a bandit again and shifting in his seat. The radio was flipped on for a while until Spike deemed there was nothing but rubbish on before it was turned off again. Angel pulled over for lunch, letting Spike get out to stretch his legs. It also gave Angel time to confirm that everything was set up for Spike.

Not minutes after they pulled back onto the country road, Spike's mobile rang.

"It's Ethan," Spike said, his voice flat and emotionless. He'd forgotten about the little phone until it had ringed. Usually, on his weekends with Angel, Ethan left him alone until he was 'back at work' before he called to set up the next John. This call didn't bode well.

"Give it here," Angel said. He took the phone from Spike and answered it.

"You have what's mine," Ethan said before Angel could say hello.

"He's not yours anymore Ethan," Angel said, glancing over at William. His boy was looking away, but Angel could tell he was paying close attention.

"Oh really? Is that what you think?” Ethan said, laughing softly into the phone. "He's mine, old friend, and always will be. Just like your pretty little sister is yours."

"Leave Dru out of this!” Angel yelled into the phone.

"My Angel, the hawk has come with talons to cut. Make him stop," Drusilla cried into the phone.

"Goddamit, Ethan!” Angel yelled again. He could hear his sister's whimpers and soft sobs through the phone, overshadowed by Ethan's laughter.

"Bring me back what's mine and you can have your sister back in one piece," Ethan said, hanging up.

Angel yelled in fury, tossing the phone at the dashboard. He pulled the car over to the side as far as he could and sat there.

Looking over at Angel, Spike could see Angel's knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. From what he'd overheard, Ethan had Drusilla and wanted a fair trade. Spike shuddered in his seat. He knew what horrors Ethan was capable of and he hated to think that poor girl, damaged already in some way, at that masochist’s hands.

"Turn around," Spike said.