Love Hurts

Chapter Six.

Angel O'Connor paced his office.Nothing seemed to be going right for him.Hanks debt was vast and he had no way of getting that m0ney from him now he was dead.How could he have been so stupid? His daughter was in the system and that meant that he couldn't get to her as easily as he wished.Elisabeth had assured him that she would be able to fast track Buffy through the adoption or fostering process without a problem , and yet , here he was being told he had to wait.

Even Darla had been causing him no end of problems.Firstly,Darla decided that the girl would have to stay with his other 'girls' ,because afterall, she would be just another whore .Then his wife had become even more jealous .Angel was becoming obsessed. After screaming and ranting at him,Darla had left his office,slamming the heavy oak door so hard his priceless works of art rattled in their frames,swearing that he would pay for his obsession one way or another.His bank had called him two hours later to confirm an expensive purchase at Aston Martins showroom.Angel closed his eyes and looked toward God.He knew that Darla would make him pay and she had, but that would not be enough.Oh no, he knew from experience just how vindictive and evil she could be. An hour later and he had recieved a call from L.A.P.D.The officer informed him that his wife had had an accident in her brand new DB9 , she was unharmed but unfortunately ,the car was a write off.

Elisabeth was frantic and her anger was consuming her.Where the hell could that little bitch be ? She caught sight of Xander as she stormed down the hall towards Spikes room.Without warning she grabbed Xanders arm and pulled him back into his room.

Xander wasn't a weak and frail boy, he was heavy set with broad shoulders and a muscular frame.So when Elisabeth tossed him back on his bed with ease, he knew it spelled trouble,Spike shaped trouble.

"Where is he?" she asked through gritted teeth,spitle flew from her lips as she growled out her question.
Xander stayed in the position he had landed in, his arm bent behind him, supporting his body,one leg raised and the other hanging over the egde of the mattress. "I don't know, he didn't come back last night".
"You're his roomy, it's your job to know, now, where is he?"

Xander felt sweat rise up on his back and beads of it ran down,making him squirm.Elisabeth took this as his discomfort at being questioned and she grinned with evil intent."So, your best friend,and room mate goes missing for yet another night and you say you have no idea where he is.Her hand lashed out and caught Xander on his right cheek and sent him rolling back further onto the bed.His yelp was only mildly satisfying. Elisabeth advanced on him and again,asked where Spike was. Holding his cheek, Xander firmed his lips and again told her he had no clue as to where Spike was.Luck seemed to be on Xanders side as she seemed to back off and with a growl,she walked out looking pre-occupied ,slamming the door behind her.

A week had passed since Angel had last had contact with Elisabeth.Angel was not a patient man by nature.By rights ,he should have had the Summers girl already.Elisabeth had made excuses,poor ones , and he had enough.A quick call to his lawyer and he had arranged an appointment to 'view' Ms Summers in three days time.
Elisabeth had forced him to go above her, to arrange this meeting behind Darla's , back something that his wife would make him pay for. That was normal within their relationship though ,and he would take that out on Elisabeth and the object he covetted.Within the week, Buffy would be his,of that he was certain.
Elisabeth slammed the reciever to her phone back into it's cradle. That idiot O'Connor had gone to her superior in his bid for the Summers girl.Not only had this raised questions from her boss regarding her ability to run the facility , but it also meant that he would not be paying her the two hundred and fifty thousand she charged as her fee.That would not be the only thng that he would do,and she was fearful of whatever Angel decided to do to punish her.

Lunchtimes soon became her favourite time of the day.Spike would join her at her table and would shower her with affection,not caring who saw them.Xander had taken to joining them and she quickly grew to love his goofy and carefree attitude.He was fast becoming the brother that she never had.
Tara had complied with Buffy's wishes and had handed her a small hold all that contained her $60,000 cash advance.She had asked questions which Buffy easily brushed off.Tara asked Buffy to accompany her to a local coffee house,a request that had Elisabeth scowling,but could not deny.
They sat out on the veranda of the coffee house with large cups of hot foamy coffee ,both knowing that Tara would not be leaving without knowing the truth behind Buffy's request for the money.
"So, Buffy,tell me how it is going" Tara picked up the sugar sachets into her coffee and stirred it lazily while she waited for Buffy to answer.
"Okay ,I guess.I mean ,it's not how I imagined it would be.Elisabeth is harsh and I don't trust her,but I keep out of her way as much as I can.
The terrace of the coffee house was pretty.Old white iron tables were offset with green parasols and were placed around a fountain. Baskets of frangranced flowers hung on the eaves of the building and sat in ornamental tubs . Buffy breathed in their scent and relaxed a little.
"Elisabeth has always had her own 'special' way of running the home.Some of her ways I don't agree with but she hasn't broken any laws or guidelines that are in place.No-one has ever made a complaint against her either."
Buffy raised her brows in disbelief.
"Have you made many friends?" Tara asked and Buffy smiled shyly,nodded and then sipped her coffee .She put her cup down and licked the cappiccino froth from her top lip.
"The girls I share with are okay.I'm not exactly friends with them but I think Faith and I understand each other."
"That's great! Will you answer my original question now?"
Buffy almost choked on her mouthful of hot coffee.She laid her cup down heavily on it's saucer and sighed,looking out at the street and the passers by before turning back to Tara. "I just want the money so that I can buy whatever I wanted ,what I need and ......."
"I'm not stupid Buffy ,nor am I naive." The look Tara gave Buffy ,told that she would not be fooled.Buffy breathed deeply and shifted in her seat .She cast her eyes down to the tablecloth and picked at the loose thread at the hem of it.She glanced up at a relaxed Tara and exhaled loudly. "I'll tell you ,but I want you to promise me that you won't tell anyone."
"You an tell me Buffy ,anything, and it won't go any further,I promise."
A shiver of fear ran through her as she started to talk. "I'm leaving the home tonight Tara,and not going back."
"Buffy ,I don't think that is a good idea.Elisabeth said that a couple want to adopt you and......"
"And what?" Buffy asked "That is supposed to make everything in my life okay?You think that they will replace my parents and erase what I've been through?"
"No!" Tara replied quickly yet in a soft voice that sympathized with Buffy, " but it could give you stability ,a new start .If you run away the police will be involved,the media, your face will be everywhere you go .You will have to go into hiding and you will be constantly looking over your shoulder.Do you want that?"
"No I don't,but we don't have a choice."
"We?"
Buffy cursed herself internally, "Yes,we.I've met someone,we're in love and we're running away ,together ,tonight."
Tara reached across the table and held Buffy's hands in hers. "Please reconsider Buffy.I know that you don't like the idea of a new family and maybe you think you're in love with this boy, but it's only been a month since your parents were killed, give them a chance.If this boy ...."
"Spike ", Buffy corrected her , "His name's Spike".
"Spike? Tara frowned. Spike was trouble and she hated the idea of Buffy with him. "Buffy ,Spike has been a thorn in my side on many occassions.I think that you should reconsider going with him."
"He loves me".
Tara sighed .It was obvious that Buffy was not going to change her mind or listen to anything else that she said. "He told you that?"
"Yes, and I love him.I know that you think it's me projecting ,that you think I need him to fill the void left by the death of my Mum and Dad ,but that's not how it is ".
"It seems nothing I can say will change your mind." Buffy looked up at Tara and shook her head.
"No you can't, Spike and I will be going tonight, please don't do anything to stop us.I'll let you know where I am when I'm eighteen" .With that said,Buffy got up from the table and left a fifty dollar bill on the table.Tara slipped her jacket on and followed Buffy out of the veranda .
"What about the couple?"
"The adoptives? I'm sure they'll find a different girl,one that will jump at the chance to have a family again and the chance to leave that hideous place.Hopefully they'll chose a girl that has been in that hellhole for a long time and give her a chance at a normal life."
Tara smiled sadly .She was worried .They may have a lot of money but that wouldn't last long.She may have made the promise not to say anything ,but she didn't think it was right.Perhaps she should say something afterall."
"I won't lie to you Buffy ,I am considering telling someone.I have a bad feeling about it all.It's just not safe for you to be on the streets,whether you have Spike with you or not."
"We'll be fine.We'll buy a car and go somewhere new and ....."
"Best not to tell me anymore Buffy.I hate lying and I can't do that if my boss asks me questions and I don't know anymore than I do now."
Buffy nodded and opened the door to the building ,amazed at how fast they seemed to have made it back to the home.Buffy's face brightened when she saw Spike walk towards her through the foyer.His tongue wet his lip and then he smiled as he reached her.He pulled her against him and closed his eyes as he breathed in the scent of her hair.
Tara watched them and knew that there was nothing that she ,or anyone, could do to stop them.She had to admit that they looked like two halves of the same whole and that they were definitely in love.It shone from them both ,making them glow.
The sound of Tara clearing her throat brought them back out of their 'bubble' ad they both stood together,looking at her.
"Well Buffy,Spike,I wish you all best and good luck in your future.This is likely to be the last time that we see each other.Take care and just do me one favour?"
Spike was intrigued and raised a curious brow whilst Buffy nodded at Tara .
"Keep my card with you and call me if ever you need anything.I'll only be a call away if you need help ." The two women embaced and when they broke away ,Tara turned her attention to Spike. " You hurt her and I'll come looking for you ,you have been warned."

Spike was a little taken back by the threat coming from such a quiet and gentle looking woman,but he didn't doubt the sincerity behind it."Trust me",he said as e looked at Buffy and then to Tara, "When I say that I love her ,I mean it and hurting her is the last thing I'd do."
"Good,then I won't have to hunt you down ",Tara winked and straightened out her jacket.
All three smiled and Tara rubbed Buffy's arm and once again said goodye.She looked once more at the couple as she let the door swing shut behind her and she stepped out into the early afternoon sun.
Buffy turned into Spikes arms and felt all of her tension melt away as she relaxed into him. His kiss to the top of her head made her pull away from him.He followed Buffy out of the main building and across the field.No words were needed until they were far enough away,so as not to be overheard.Buffy sat down on the grass far enough from the main building for them not to be bothered by anyone.Spike sat behind her and pulled her into his arms, her back against his chest.
"So?" he said ,expecting her totake the lead and carry on the conversation.
"So?"
Spike huffed and his shoulders slumped ,"So, what the bleeding hell did you and Tara chat about?"
"The usual,how I'm doing......If I have friends..... Why I needed the sixty thousand." Spike visibly tensed.
"So what did you tell her?"he asked
"The truth,that we plan to run away tonight." she stated matter of factly.
"You .Did .What?!, he yelled as he stood up sharply,letting Buffy lose her balance . His anger boiled,his hands automatically ran through his hair and he started to pace back and forth in front of her.
"I...I'm sorry but she was good to me and she's really sweet.I felt bad aout running away and not saying something to her.She knew something was going on.Tara has promised not to say anything and I believe her". Buffy's hands figeted in her lap and she bit her bottom lip as she waited for him to say something.
Spike stopped in front of her and sunk to his knees. "You trust her Buffy?" She nodded "Fine,but just don't tell anyone else okay? The least amount of people that know ,the better.Not even Xander can know ,just in case Elisabeth goes on a rage and tries to get it out of him." he ran his thumb over her bottom lip where she had bit it and smiled, "have you packed yet?"
"No, everything I had was left in the house.Tara managed to get a few personal effects,mostly photographs ,but she got me a small rucksack of my clothes.I'll buy new ones once we get to where we are going."
Deciding that they should spend time with Xander before they leave,they went back into the building to find him.Upon walking into the foyer, Buffy saw the back of a tall man walk into Elisabeths office,she thought nothing of it and didn't dwell there,instead she followed Spike into the recreational area,where Xander was playing pool.

Back in her office,Elisabeth sat nervously behind her desk.Angel stood over the desk,his fists supporting him as he leaned into her as he spoke."Elisabeth .... Elisabeth" he shook his head and tutted , "Things are not going according to plan are they?" He didn't wait for he to answer, "You know that I am a very busy man and that I really don't have time to waste on matters such as this.That.... is what I pay you for . Now, I have had to go oer your head and involve others,that means more time and more money.It also means more paperwork,All I waned was that girl,hassle free and within a week.Yet you couldn't even do that!" His eyes bulged and his face flushed with anger.Elisabeth remained sat behind her desk but she shrunk down into her chair as Angel becamemore irate.His teeth ground as he looked down at Elisabeth with disgust. "Why hasn't the girl been processed ,Beth?"

Elisabeth knew that he would be able to tell if she lied.She also knew that Angel would hate the truth even more than her poor excuses.She gripped the desk hard and looked up at the furious man. "I have no excuses Mr O'Connor,other than the girl isn't ready.She has been through a traumatic time and is still grieving.She has friends and has become friends with a boy here,it isn't going to be that easy now .There are people here that can ask questions and cause problems."
Angel growled and then pushed himself up and off of her desk.How could Elisabeth be so stupid? "That is why I wanted her straight away! No friends ,no ties, who would miss her? Who is the boy that my girl has become involved with?"
Elisabeth saw the flash of possessiveness shoot through his eyes and knew that Angel would probably kill anyone that kept Buffy from him.She was no fool , she knew what Angel was capable off.He scared her,something that was not easy to do.
"Nobody important" , she whispered. "He'll soon forget her once she has gone and anyway,the boys due for his release soon.I'm sure that he will find someone new once he gets a taste of freedom ."
"He better " Angel spat back at her," See to it that they are kept from each other as much as possible.I don't need him putting his hot ,sweaty adolescent hands on my girl.I need my merchandise clean ".
Elisabeth didn't concern herself with Angels business or what he did with the girls ,but she had some idea.Yet she had never seen him react this way before. How was that short blonde that looked so average,special? She simply nodded at Angel ,internally cringing.She may not be above board with the way she ran the home,but she was not as cold and heartless as the man that stood before her.To hear him call Buffy merchandise was cold. She looked into his eyes ans nodded again and felt fear shoot down her spine and radiate through her veins.His eyes were hard, this man had no soul and the heart of a monster,of that Elisabeth was certain.Angel left her office in a hurry,only somewhat satisfied, and collided with a brunette girl.He grasped her arms hard in a bid to prevent her from falling.
"Hey watch it big guy !"
"My apologies"
"Asshole!" Faith hissed as she rubbed her now bruised biceps."Try opening your eyes and looking where you're going!"

His eyes blazed at the mouthy girl and then he smiled with evil intent.The girl had spunk and she had that dark ,sultry kind of beauty working for her.Her eyes his a spark that he recognized.It was the same spark he had in his own.This girl could be a major find.One that would not take much to mould .Tomorrow he would enquire about her,she could very well be his next purchase,one that he knew would make him proud.How had he not seen her before now?


The bells rang out through the halls of the building announcing to everyone that it was time to retire to their rooms.To Buffy and Spike it signalled that it would soon be the time for them to leave.They kissed briefly ,their eyes spoke of soon.Soon they would meet in the abandonned gym and then they would leave the home behind them. In an hours time,they would begin the rest of their lives, together.

Angel sat in his mercedes, his phone rang yet again and he picked it up and listened before shouting down the phone ,then closing the offending gadget.He had been sat in the car for over an hour and now he was angry again due to his incompetant staff.Tomorrow he would remind them that he was the boss and that he would not tolerate their incompetance.Angel started the car and put it into gear,as he looked over his shoulder to pull out,something caught his eye.
He narrowed his eyes as two fingures made their way across the street and stuck to the shadows .Intrigued ,Angel waited until they hurried down the adjacent street and then followed them and recognised the girl.It was his girl,with the boy that Elisabeth must have been talking of ,and it looked as though they were running away.He made a call and arranged for two of his men to meet him close by and cut them off.It could work out brilliantly for him so long as there was no witnesses.Penn could take care of the boy,he was of no concern of Angels.Luck was on his side, of that he was sure as he saw them turn to start walking through the warehouse district.
As he turned into the next road he saw Penns car parked up ahead.He had Marcus and Pablo with him as well, and that meant that they expected trouble.He pulled up behind them and rang them.
"I want the girl in with me,you deal with the boy.I doubt he'll put up much of a fight.When it's done,Penn, you ride with me while Marcus and Pablo take your car back."
"Yes Sir " Penn hung up and looked out of the wing mirror.They had just turned into the road ,it was time. Angel watched as Penn and Marcus got out of their car and made their way towards Buffy and Spike.His eyes now settled on the couple.Elisabeth had obviously lied to him about their relationship.The girl was more than just friends ,it was more than purely platonic,the boy had his arms wrapped around her and she had her hand on his stomach,Spike kissed her hair and laughed at something she said.It suggested that they had been intimate and were lovers.Rage swelled within him .Angel drove around the block and parked in a quiet street and waited.Buffy and Spike came into view and he narrowed his eyes.He sneered as Buffy kissed Spikes cheek and leaned into him further while they walked.It was then that he saw Penn and Marcus walk around the corner a short distance behind them.
Angel felt the exhilaration flow through him and smiled inwardly at soon having the girl to himself.His heart started to race as he watched Penn and Marcus close in on the couple and Buffy turned and noticed them.She clung to Spike and tried to walk faster,feeling her tense and the men behind him, Spike crushed her to his side.
She tried to ignore them but their heavy boots seemed to be getting closer .Buffy felt breath on the back of her neck and turned as the larger one,Marcus, raised a baseball bat above Spkes head.She screamed ,giving Spike enough of a warning so that he managed to duck and swerve out of the way.He pushed Buffy out of harms way and swung a punch at Marcus, catching the goon and sending him down to the concrete.Whilst Marcus was down,Spike kicked him in the ribs,hearing at least three crack.He aimed a kick to his head rendering him unconscious.Spike wiped the sweat from his brow and then heard Buffy scream again and saw her struggling against Penn.Spike noticed the car that was parked and lit up with the engine running.
Spike ran towards the car and the man that was trying to hustle Buffy towards the car.Angel got out of the car and opened the rear door .He smirked as Penn threw Buffy into the car, sending her sprawling across the rear seat.Angel got in after her and pulled her into his arms.Not giving up, she clawed and bit her way free of his armsand turned on the seat to look out of the rear sceen.Penn now turned his attention to Spike and swung a punch to his jaw,catching him but not hard enough to affect him, Spike retaliated.Buffy fumbled with the lock and door handle trying to get out so that she could help Spike ,but Angel had a firm grip on her hips and had deployed the child locks,effectively trapping her inside with him.
Buffy glanced out of the rear screen again and saw Spike fall into the road.Her eyes widened and her screams pierced the night.Penn drew his gun out of the waistband of his jeans and aimed it at Spike.Buffy grasped at Angel and tried with all her might to get out of the car,even trying to climb over the front seats.When the shot echoed off of the surrounding buildings she stilled in his arms and sank into the car seat.
Angel looked out of the car window and saw the lifeless body laying in the road.He smiled and threw Buffy away from him,causing her to hit her head on the car door. She lay there ,too traumatized to fight him .Penn opened the drivers door and got in, tossing the gun onto the passenger seat .He looked back and nodded at Angel.His boss was certainly going to a lot of trouble for just one girl. Sure, she was a pretty piece of ass ,but she was nothing special.He'd give her a go and he knew that he'd get the chance once his boss had finished with the bitch.He looked back at the body lying behind them one last time and pulled the car away and turned out onto the main road , disappearing into the flow of traffic. He could hear the sobs coming from the bosses new bitch and sneered.After a short time he had had enough and turned on the radio to drown out her noise. Marylin Mansons Tainted Love blasted out of the speakers as they made their way back to Angels mansion, the place that she would now call home.

A/N:- I would just like to thank everyone that has left reviews for this fic and to apologize to you all for the long break in between chapters.R.L has been hectic and hasn't let me have a moments peace,but... I'm back and will be posting again ! Enjoy the latest chappie and please leave me more reviews and help me rush the next instalment out to you .... pretty please :D