Take a Chance by Witchiepoo

Chapter 16

“19”

“19, is that all?” Spike rolled off, and sprawled, arms.

“Spike,” Buffy gasped, “I can’t feel my legs. My crotch hurts, and I think I pulled a muscle. 19 is plenty.”

“You’re not pulling my leg are you?” Spike sat up, leaning on his elbows. Buffy had her hand on her stomach and her eyes closed. Her breasts jiggled with each breath. He leaned over and sucked one hard bud into his mouth.

Buffy groaned and pushed his head back. “They’re sore Spike.” She said, opening her eyes and looking deep into his.

“I’m sorry, sweetie. I tend to overdo it sometimes.” First, multitasking, now overdoing. Well, he had her there. He was definitely overachieving. She’d never had it this good or this often. God, she resented the appearance of her period because it took time away from his body. Okay, his penis. She was not in love with Spike. She was in love with little..er..um Big Spike. Buffy! Alright, I love them both.

“Be right back, don’t move.”

“Don’t worry. I can’t.” She could move her head, though, and it tracked Spike’s naked butt as it left the room. It was perfect and all hers to play with and bite. And…Oh, my god, I want him again. She thought, shocked.

Excuse me, Body of Buffy, but we just had him not 10 minutes ago, how can you be ready to go again?

If Body of Buffy could flush some more, it would, but there wasn’t any blood left to rush to the surface.

It feels good, Buffy. And it’s been long enough for my nerve endings to return to normal.

“Oh.” Buffy said to Body of Buffy, and let her mind return to that hazy world of orgasmic bliss.

“Brought you this, hopefully, it’ll make those wonderful nippies feel better.”

Spike sat next to her, his eyes trained on hers. Buffy couldn’t see what he had in his hand, piquing her curiosity and desire.

Her eyes followed his hand as it hovered over her bosom. She sat straight up, her mouth formed into an “O” as the cold of the ice cube penetrated the fog that was Spike.

“Oh, my god.”

“This should numb them a bit, Luv. Take some of the sting away.” He gave her his patented head-tilt. Those blue eyes twinkling and darkening all at the same time for her. Always for her.

Buffy’s threw her head back, letting her eyes drift close and gave herself over to Spike’s ministrations.

Spike took his time, circling the ice around each hardened bud. The heat of her body was rapidly melting the cube, and droplets of water streamed down her raised torso, pooling near her bellybutton. The sight below that had him shifting as his cock came roaring back to life, stiffening and throbbing as he slipped the ice chip into his mouth and picked up another one. Buffy’s legs were rubbing together, trying to ease the ache in her groin. Her hands clutched at the air as she tried not to moan. It was all too much. It felt too good, and Spike was a master at it. A very naughty and scary thought flashed through her mind. What would that ice cube feel like down there? She pushed it away, knowing she’d shriek like a banshee and pass out from the sheer pleasure of his tongue, cooled by the ice slipping deep inside her warmth. He would chill her from the inside out, and she didn’t think she’d have the strength to stay conscious.

“Do they feel better?” Spike whispered in her ear. He lay next to her, his fingers swirling the ice across the underside of her breasts.

“Uh huh.” Spike snickered, and Buffy screwed her eyes shut. Must concentrate on speaking more than two words. Ignore the ice. Ignore the ice.

“Th..they feel fine.” She gritted out. He was laughing at her. He had all the power. Her body was in a slow burn, and he laughed. Well, two can play this game.

Buffy rolled her head to the side, seeking his lips. Spike smiled into her mouth, peppering kisses along her chin and down her neck. Buffy had to force her eyes open as she reached out for the bowl of ice. She squeezed the cube into her palm, its coolness seeping into her skin. Buffy arched closer into Spike’s cool touch, pushing him till he was on her back. He hissed when his back touched the cold wet spot. Buffy straddled his body, the warmth emanating from between her legs beckoning to him.

Buffy pulled back, her eyes glittering like emeralds. She rose up till her wet folds grazed the tip of his cock. Buffy shook her head, her hair falling across her shoulders in a golden cascade. She had to resist the urge to sink down on that marvelous piece of flesh. Instead, she settled just behind it, so the hilt of his penis slid between her nether lips.

“Umm… Buffy, luv…I thought…” He licked his lips, wishing she‘d shift just a little bit forward and upward. Buffy dropped the ice to the side. “I thought you were too sore to…” He wiggled his brows. “Ride the pony.”

Buffy couldn’t help. She laughed. For his extensive, sexual prowess, he was still William. William, who made corny jokes and made her feel all girly and loved. “Well, I wanted to show you how good that ice felt.” She said, her hand inching closer and closer to his semi-hard cock. Her hand wrapped around it, the cold causing Spike’s eyes to roll back till the whites showed.

“How does that feel, lover boy?” Buffy bent down, trapping her hand and his hardened shaft between their bodies. Her clit was pressed tightly against the base of his shaft. Her tongue circled his nipples, teasing and biting the tiny buds. Her hips and her hand stroked Spike, alternating the rhythm and pressure, simultaneously stimulating both of them. The move had him clutching her hips tightly.

Spike’s hand rose and fisted in her hair, pulling her mouth to his. Their lips taunted and teased, nipping and tasting. Buffy’s mouth dropped open as she felt the pressure building in the pit of her stomach. Spike shoved his tongue in her mouth, skimming over her perfect little teeth. Their tongues slid across slowly, tantalizingly. Buffy pulled back.

“You are so beautiful.” She gasped, her legs clenching tighter around Spike’s hips.

“Girls are beautiful, luv. Guys are…um… ah…right there… handsome.” Spike gritted out.

“I can say…you’re beautiful if I want… god, I want you.” Her breath hitched and her clit twitched as they rushed toward their mutual release. Her hand kept a firm grasp on his shaft, pre-cum dripping off her fingers and down onto his chest. Spike’s hips surged off the bed, trying to force his cock harder and faster through her clenched fist.

“Don’t let go, Buffy! Don’t.... um....Buffy! He yelled, his eyes snapping shut as shards of light flashed across his blue orbs.

“I’m here. Baby...I’m here!… um…oh god, that feels… good.

Spike!”

“Buffy!”

Buffy collapsed onto Spike’s chest. Her hand, which still held tightly to Spike’s softening penis, was trapped between their bodies. Some how, their hands had found each other, and were now clasped tightly together. Now, it was Spike’s turn to lie spent and exhausted. Buffy pushed off with their clenched hands, and smiled at him sweetly.

“20.”

****************************

“Freshman orientation is in a few weeks.” Dawn commented.

“You must be excited.” Connor remarked distractedly, his attention on the car in front of them.

“I’m real excited. I mean, golly gee, I’ll be a first year in college. A whole new world is opening up for me.” Dawn deliberately laced her voice with as much sarcasm as the law allowed, and still no response from Connor. You would think the dunce would realize that I’ll be leaving home soon, and bye bye everyday dates. But no... He’s too interested in some damn car 15 feet in front of us.

“I was excited when I first started. It was great. No more Mama breathing down my neck. It was a chance to get away from home. I needed it.”

“I’ll miss Mom and Dad, but it’s only an hour and half away. I think I’ll survive.” Do you hear what I’m saying? Or are you too obtuse to get the subtle hints I’m sending your way? Dawn twisted in her seat, watching as Connor maneuvered through traffic. It was nearly 10, and most people were heading home.

“They’ll be able to visit.”

“Yeah, you’re right. They’ll be able to visit, but I might be too caught up in my life to see them.” Dawn stared at him, her blue eyes becoming cold. He doesn’t seem to care that we won’t be together. Guess the fact we haven’t slept together is a bigger deal than I thought.

Connor felt Dawn’s eyes on him, but he couldn’t bring himself to look into them. All he could think was that another night had passed, and their time together was getting shorter. That, and the fact, he desperately wanted to be with her, and only her.

“Are you still having the graduation blowout?”

Dawn flopped around in her seat. “Yes. It’s in 3 weeks. Everyone’s leaving that next week.” She told him. They pulled through the gates of her community, and drove the short distance to her house.

Connor parked in front, and turned off the ignition. “I had a good time, Dawnie.”

Dawn wanted to stay mad. Staying mad kept her from embarrassing herself by jumping him. She couldn’t resist those beautiful chocolate orbs when they were directed at her.

“I did too.”

They met halfway in the middle of the car, and kissed. Dawn’s hand grabbed his neck, pulling Connor closer and holding him tightly to her mouth. Connor’s hands itched to pull her across the seat and onto his lap, but he knew his life would definitely be over if Mr. Summers caught them in such a position. Again, the thought that she was just a kid flittered into his mind. A second before Dawn’s mouth parted, and her tongue ran lazily along his lips.

Well, damn, he thought. I’m not an eunuch. I can’t resist a warm tongue. His fingers caressed her arm, and pulled her till they were both nearly kneeling on the seat. They touched each other lightly, but each touch carried with it a multitude of emotions. The prevalent one was lust, but there was also a hint of something deeper, something more powerful than anything they’d ever experienced.

The outside light came on, and they reluctantly pulled away from each other. Their mingled pants filled the interior of the car. Dawn smiled and Connor fell again into that pit of desire that was reserved entirely for her.

“I’d better go before Daddy comes out with a gun or the water hose.”

Connor chuckled, giving her a light peck on the nose before releasing her. “Yeah, you’d better.”

He hopped out of the car, opening her door for her. They walked the short distance up to the front door, holding hands.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Dawn said.

“Okay. Oh, and Dawn?”

Her hand rested on the doorknob. “One of these nights, you’re not coming home. You’re going to stay with me.”

Dawn’s blue eyes widened. “Oh. Okay.”

Connor smiled. He nearly skipped to his car. Dawn stood at the door, her heart pounding furiously in her chest. Her cheeks were flushed. Her lips tingled, and she could swear her crotch ached. She’d have to ask Buffy about that.

“Dawn, could you come in here, please?” Dawn dropped her head back against the door. Shit. He saw us, and now I’m going to get the talk. Again!

“Yeah, Daddy?” Dawn peeked her head into the study, hoping her lips had returned to a normal size.

“Dawnie, we need to decide where you’re going to live. If you’re going into the freshman dorm, then we need to send off the paperwork by the end of the week.” Dawn took the SDSU’s brochure on on-campus living off Hank’s desk and flipped through the pages.

She didn’t want to live in the dorms. She wanted to live with Connor, but Dad would have a coronary, and Mom would follow him. She was at a lost. How did one go about broaching the subject of living with one’s older boyfriend to an over-protective father? Thoughts to ponder over the next 5 days. But living with Connor would inevitably lead to sex, and she wanted to be sure that this thing with Connor was real before she gave herself to him. That wasn’t too much to ask. Okay, so she talked a good game, and she had fooled around with her exes. That didn’t mean she was willing to risk her heart getting broken. This is Connor, D. He wouldn’t do that. Would he?

Uh, oh. Dad’s giving me the evil eye. He’s trying to see what I’m thinking. You’d think after 25 years of dealing with Mom, 23 years of Buffy, and 18 of me, he’d realize he was fighting a losing battle. Ah, but it’s sweet, he still tries.

“Dad, I want to look at some off-campus housing. Would that be alright?”

Hank smiled. Hell, no it wouldn’t be alright. You’re only 18 and living alone in San Diego scares me to death. He wouldn’t admit that to her, though. She had enough on him as it was. “We can look at off-campus housing with a roommate, not alone. Do you hear me Dawn?”

Ooh, perfect segueway. “A roommate? Well...”, she hedged. Gotta put the right amount of hesitancy into the discussion to make it believable. “That would be all right, I guess. Finding someone on such short notice might be hard, but I’ll try.”

Hank peered at his youngest and toughest, wondering if he’d been hoodwinked, but she smiled and he dismissed the idea.

“Okay, we’ll start on Tuesday. I can drive you up there if you like.”

Dawn threw her hands around Hank’s neck. “Thanks, Daddy. I have to go call Tara and Willow and get their recommendations on dorms and apartments.” She scampered out of the room, past Joyce. Dawn stopped to give her a quick hug before taking the stairs 2 at a time.

Joyce stepped into Hank’s office, her mouth quirked into a smile. “I swear she has had you wrapped around her finger since she opened those baby blues and looked at you.”

Hank puffed up, glancing at his wife. “What do you mean?”

“Hank,” Joyce began, exasperated and tickled at the relationship between Dawn and Hank. “Nothing. I think the two of you have a wonderful relationship. You are a terrific father. And husband.” She added.

Hank pulled Joyce into his lap and nuzzled her neck. “Well, I had help to become both, Mrs. Summers.”

*******************************

Whoever said ‘Silence is golden’ was on crack? The silence permeating the Cavanaugh’s household was unbearable. At least, it was to Druscilla. Liam hadn’t spoken to her since he found her with the Summers. She couldn’t be sure if he was angry with her or too preoccupied with the election. She was leaning more towards anger at her. He would glance in her direction periodically, and for a moment, those puppy-dog brown eyes would flash with something cold and hard. This wouldn’t do.

Liam could feel her eyes on him. After Buffy and her family left, he considered rushing back into the room, wrapping his hands around her neck and squeezing till her eyes bulged out, but he didn’t. Looking down at his eggs done Sunnyside up, he had to laugh. Dru spun her head in his direction, but he kept his own council, preferring to let her stew in her own juices. Last night, he’d left the house, going out to his club for a few drinks, some glad-handing, and thoughts. His thoughts on what to do about Druscilla had led him to Darla’s place. She was none to pleased to see him standing at her front door.

“Liam, it’s late. What are you doing here?” Darla pulled the red cotton robe tighter around her body, shielding her nudity.

“Dru.” Was his response. Her eyes rolled around and she stepped back from the door.

Liam went straight for the liquor cabinet, pulling out a bottle of Jack. He grabbed two glasses and set them on the table. Darla stood, her hand clutching her robe, waiting for him to speak.

“Liam, I’m your campaign manager, not your marriage counselor. I have a life outside of yours. You can’t just drop in anytime you feel like it. What if I’d had company?”

Liam nearly choked on his drink, so he took a deep breath, and stared at her. “I would have asked him to leave.”

Darla shook her head, her blonde tresses bright against the blood-red fabric. “You are married. We are not involved, and you don’t have the right to tell anybody I might be seeing to leave. We’ve been through this before, Liam.” She said exasperated.

Can’t believe he’s pulling this shit. I’m not an adulterer. I don’t cheat. Yet, here he is, trying to pull this jealousy crap like we’re involved.

Liam stared at her rigid stance, and wished for one night he wasn’t a married man, and she didn’t have morals. Things would be much better if they could forget who they were for a moment.

“What did Dru do this time to piss you off?” She said, turning around.

Liam leaned back, resting his head against the back of the sofa. “She told Buffy about the abortion. I don’t know the specifics of what she did. I was too angry to stay and be rational with her. But whatever it was, it got Buffy’s mom and sister over to the house to defend Spike.”

“Bitch! Does she not realize what she does sticks to you? So, I guess it’s not too much of stretch to assume Mrs. Summers is out to get you?” Darla decided to join Liam for a drink, and poured herself a liberal helping.

“Yes, I am now at the top of Joyce Summers’ shit list. She promised to smear my name with her husband’s friends if Dru didn’t leave Buffy and Spike alone.”

Darla sat down next to Liam on the sofa, her earlier irritation forgotten. “She’s gone off the deep end, Liam. You may not be able to wait till after the election to divorce her. You may have to move up your plans.”

Liam’s brown eyes were hard and cold. “I will not lose this election because of Druscilla. There is no way in hell I am losing what I’ve worked hard to get because she’s off her rocker. I will kill the bitch before that happens.”

His hand had reached out and grabbed Darla’s. Her little whimper of pain made him drop it like it was hot steel. “Oh, my god, I’m so sorry Darla. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, but you have to control your temper.” She said as she absently rubbed her hand. “We need to see what Heller’s investigator has discovered about Dru’s abortion. If we can get something, anything pertinent to force Dru to accept a divorce and gag order, then you’ll be all set.”

Liam’s eyes were drawn to the tanned skin exposed by the open robe. Darla didn’t realize it was open, and that her breast was somewhat visible. “I’ll call my detective. Maybe, he’s got something. We need to watch Dru carefully. She’s all over the place.”

Darla stood, her mind firmly entrenched on saving Liam’s campaign from his wife. She paced the length of the room, stopping to stare unseeing at Liam, before dismissing the idea that she had. Liam saw the wheels turning in her head, and sat back, content to watch the lady at work.

“How’s your relationship with your in-laws?” She queried.

“As well as anyone’s relationship with their in-laws. Her father likes me because I took Dru off his hands. Her mother loves me because I’m a state representative. It’s all about social standing. Why?”

“Well, we know Dru’s mother kept her secret about the abortion. What other secrets do you think she’s keeping? I think it’s time you visited your in-laws. Do a little snooping. Better yet, ask her what is in Dru’s past that could hurt you politically. I’ll talk to Heller and see what the chances are of getting you out of this marriage before the election. If we can get past the primaries, then you can divorce her with no problems. It’ll be two years before the voters can oust you over this mess.”

“Do you think I should say anything to Dru about the Summers?” Liam leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.”

Darla crossed her arms over her chest. “No. Let her wonder what you heard. She may slip up and do something else. Then, we can bury her.” She stopped, almost as if she saw something behind him that he didn’t see. “Go to Spike and Buffy. Offer them an olive branch. Admit your wrong from four years ago. If it appears you’re concerned about them, then anything Dru does from here on out will be totally on her shoulders.”

Liam stood up, standing in front of Darla. “I knew hiring you was the best decision I ever made.”

He was standing so close to her, she could feel the heat pulsating off his body. And it was heady. She couldn’t deny that Liam Cavanaugh was an attractive man. And married, Darla. You can’t forget he’s married.

“I think that’s all we can do for tonight, Liam.” She said, pulling her gaze away from his chest. Liam felt a tightness in his loin at the thought of what they could be doing for the rest of the night.

“Yes, you’re probably right. Thank you for listening.” He said, knowing if he didn’t leave he’d throw her on the sofa and sink himself deep within her depths.

Darla walked him to the door, clutching her robe like a life preserver to her chest. “We’ll talk tomorrow. I promise you we’ll figure out some way to get Dru out of your life.”

“Promise?” Liam laughed, his smile wide and bright. His eyes twinkled with amusement, and Darla felt a little bit of her heart warm at the sight.

“Promise.”

“Liam, have you heard a word of what I’ve said?” Dru asked, the anger and irritation in her voice evident from the tone.

Liam raised his brown eyes to her, blinking slowly. “No, Dru, I wasn’t listening. Did you say something important?” The insult was there. Dru didn’t miss the sneer in his voice.

“I asked if Darla had your speech prepared for the elementary school tomorrow?”

“I’m sure she does. She’s always on top of things.” He slid his tongue across his lip in a suggestive way.

Dru gripped the coffee cup tightly till she heard it break. Liam looked at her hand, lazily, noting with interest the drops of blood raining down on the white tablecloth.

“You cut your hand, dear. Might want to be careful. Some things are delicate and need to be handled with a gentle hand. I’m off to the office. Hope you have a good day.” He pushed his seat back, strutting over to her side of the table. He picked her hand up, saw the blood and the chipped pieces of porcelain embedded in her palm. “Clean that up. I wouldn’t want you to get infected and die.” He kissed her hand, and dropped it.

****************************

Connor rolled his eyes as Maria added more tomatoes and peppers to the bag. She was carrying on a running commentary on the vegetables available at the market today, pausing briefly to place something in the basket.

He usually enjoyed their trips to the farmer’s market, but today, his mind was elsewhere. Well, not really elsewhere, but on someone else. Dawn. Dawnie. His blue-eyed, brunette angel was trying to drive him. She teased and tasted, but never went any further, and it was driving him mad. Really, how many times did she expect him to jerk off after leaving her? Granted, she’d offered to help him in that department, and the thought of her going down on him sent shivers up his spine, but he wanted her. Not parts of her. What happened to the girls that were more than happy to hop into bed with their older boyfriends? It wasn’t as if she were a virgin or anything. She wasn’t. Was she? He’d never broached that subject with her, always assuming that anyone who’d skinny dip with a man outside their parents’ home wasn’t a virgin. Could that be the reason for her hesitancy?

Idiot. His mind screamed. You know that’s not the problem. It’s the fact she’s leaving for school. All those guys her age, and you don’t have a claim on her. Not a physical claim, anyway. You’re just worried she’ll find someone else to sleep with, share her thoughts with, and it’s making you crazy. Heehee!

“Connor. Connor!” Maria yelled. Connor blinked, finally focusing on his mother who was standing at the end of the aisle calling to him.

“Coming Mama.”

“Cara mia, what’s the matter? Tell Mama. Is it Dawn? School? What is it?” Her round face showed her concern and love. He’d never find another woman who could make him feel the way she made him feel with one look, with one touch. He smiled as he stopped next to her. He leaned down and kissed her cheek.

“Nothing, Mama. I was thinking about Dawn if you must know.”

“I do. She’s a wonderful young woman. Much better than those other little hussies you were bringing in.”

“Mama!” Connor exclaimed. “They weren’t hussies. I wouldn’t bring a hussy to see you. Only someone special. And Dawn is special.”

“I know she is, Connor, but you do realize she’s in love with you? Can you say the same?” Maria smiled and walked ahead.

“Mama, we’ve only been dating a month. She’s not in love with me, nor I her. We just enjoy being with each other.”

Maria nodded her head, knowingly. “You like her, in other words. So, if you fall out of like with her, and she decides to date other men, you’ll be okay with that? Am I right?” She patted his cheek, giving him a patronizing look.

Dawn dating some other guy. Dawn kissing some other guy. Dawn sleeping… Crash!!

Connor looked up sheepishly and saw several people staring at him in wonder. Hey, where did that pallet come from? It wasn’t there a few minutes ago. He smiled tightly, and steered the buggy around the pallet of grapefruits. Terrific, taken out by a bunch of citric bowling balls. How low have I sunk?

“Connor, you need to be more careful. Pull your head out of the clouds.” Maria chastised.

“Mama?”

“Yes, sweetie.”

“Do you think she’ll find someone else once she goes to school?”

Maria pondered this for a minute, before turning a mega-watt smile on Connor. “No, I don’t, but if you don’t start appreciating what you have, then she will.”

****************************

“Buffy, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, what is it?” Buffy lined up her shot, snapping pictures of the newly engaged couple.

“Do you think Mom and Dad would let me get an apartment with Connor?”

Buffy stood up, shocked. She cleaned her ear out with her pinkie, not quite believing what she’d heard. My little sister did not just ask me about shacking up with Connor. Nah, she’s not stupid.

Dawn rolled her eyes at the display. “I did ask you about shacking with Connor, Buffy. You’re not going deaf.”

“Are you insane?” Dawn had Buffy’s full attention. The couple was forgotten.

“No, I… I just want to be with him.”

“There are other ways of being with him. Not that I’m advocating having sex with him, but you’re old enough to make that decision.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Dawn remarked sarcastically. “I want to sleep with him. I do, but what if that’s all he wants?”

Buffy looked at her baby sister, noting the nervousness present all over her face. This wasn’t the self-assured woman she knew. This was a teenager having to make an adult decision. “Dawn, I know you care about Connor, but if you have any doubts to his feelings, then I say don’t sleep with him. You’ll regret it, and there is already enough icky feelings associated with your first time, to not add guilt on top of it.”

“Uh, excuse me, do you want us to leave?” Buffy took a deep breath, putting her most professional face on, before turning around to deal with the couple. The bride was a snobby, little witch, but she had hired Buffy for the wedding, so Buffy wanted to keep her happy.

“No, we’re going to set up the lighting over at the gazebo. If you want to get some lunch or something to drink, we should be ready for you in a half hour.” Buffy smiled at the groom, dismissing the haughty bride.

“Thanks, Buffy. We’ll drop in at the coffee house and get a cup.” He pulled his reluctant bride away.

“Some people… You just have to wonder what gets some people together.” Dawn grabbed a standing light and walked over to the gazebo.

“Yeah, you do, but I don’t wonder why you and Connor got together. The two of you are very much alike.”

“Buffy, I’m going to school in a month, and he doesn’t seem to care. And I don’t want to lose him.” Dawn sat on the railing, her long hair shielding her face. Buffy could hear the tears in her voice.

“Have you told Connor what you’re feeling?” Dawn shook her head no.

“Well, Dawnie, how do you think he’s going to know? You have to open up and tell him.”

Dawn whipped her hair back, and Buffy saw that she wasn’t sad, she was angry. “Why do I have to be the one? I opened up to him at the barbeque. I’m the one who has pursed this relationship. I’m the one doing everything. I want him to admit that he’s scared of losing me!”

Buffy mouthed ‘oh’. She moved till she was standing in front of Dawn. “You think you’re the first woman to do all the work in a relationship. You’re not. In any relationship, there is always going to be one partner giving more than the other. Be it the woman or the man. To find one where everything is equal, is rare.”

Dawn narrowed her eyes. “You have it with Spike. I want it with Connor.”

Buffy shrugged. “It’s not that simple, and before you go putting us up on a pedestal, there are still things Spike keeps from me. We work at being in love. We work at compromising, and that’s what a relationship is all about.”

Buffy grabbed Dawn’s hands, squeezing them. She smiled at her. “Take it from your older, wiser sister. Talking is good. Sex is good. If you want to sleep with Connor, then take all the precautions, and do it. If you are doing this to keep Connor, then don’t. But first, before you set yourself up for a bit of heartache, talk to him. Tell him what you’re feeling.”

*****************************

Darla stood just out of sight of the cameras and watched as her candidate read a story to the preschoolers. Dru held a child in her lap, and from the look of it, she was containing her revulsion. That was good. She could only hope the camera didn’t pick up on Dru’s dislike of children. Actually, she wished the press would ignore Dru all together. Darla’s mind was still reeling from last night’s revelations.

After Liam left, Darla had put in a call to Lee and told her that they didn’t have much time to get the case against Dru together. Darla hated disturbing Lee on a Sunday night, but she was Liam’s attorney, and needed to know these things.

“Darla, I think our best bet is to have Dru committed. If we can prove she’s a danger to herself and others, then Angel could divorce her after the election. He wouldn’t have to worry about her if she’s packed away at some mental hospital.”

Heller laughed. “You don’t know how badly I want to lock her up and throw away the keys, but I have to worry about his image. What would people think if their candidate’s wife is in a loony bin?”

“Better to be under psychiatric care, than in jail. If she keeps up the harassment, Buffy and Spike could have her arrested or have a order of protection put out to keep her away from them. You really don’t want that.” Heller smiled as Wesley brought her a glass of wine, and curled up next to her on the sofa.

“You’re right. I know you’re right. I hate Liam saddled himself with her.” Darla reached forward, turning the hot water on. She leaned back against her pillow and enjoy the warmth of the bath.

“You sound utterly relaxed.” Heller commented.

“I am. Now, that Liam’s gone, I can get back to my bath.”

“You could have asked him to join you.” She teased.

“Right… Aren’t you the same woman who said he was a dickless wonder with terminal taste in women?”

“I do believe I was, but you obviously like him, so who am I to stand in the way of true love.”

“You’re awful. You do realize that?” Darla shut the water off. She reached over the edge of the tub and grabbed her glass.

“Yeah, I am. Just ask Wesley. But I know when you like someone, and you like Mr. Liam Cavanaugh. Do what you want to do? Just don’t get hurt.”

“I won’t. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay. Bye.”

“And the king ruled the land with his queen by his side.” Liam finished the last sentence, and looked up, but not in the direction of his wife, but across the room to his campaign manager. Their eyes met briefly, and Darla knew she was in deep trouble. Not only did she have a wacky wife to deal with, a campaign teetering on the edge, but now, she was having girly, romantic feelings for her boss. God, could things get any worse.

Yes, they could. Damn, Dru saw that. I guess I’ll be calling my alarm company now. Jesus. All I wanted was to do my job. Get my candidate into office, and instead, what do I get. A mess. A damn mess.

“Representative Cavanaugh, are you and your wife considering having one of these?” A reporter shouted out.

Liam smiled, even though, he felt the urge to procreate with Dru about as much as he wanted a Proctologic exam.

“Hmm. Someday. Maybe, someday soon.”

“Yes, Liam and I hope one day to have our own little towhead.” Dru told the crowd, mussing the head of the child she still held in her lap.

I think I’m going to hurl. Darla thought, shaking her head.

“Gentlemen, a few more questions, then the Cavanaughs must be on their way.” To divorce court.

“Representative Cavanaugh, it’s obvious why you’re here, what’s you stance again on school vouchers?”

Darla knew Liam could handle himself on this question, so she turned to get their group moving onto the next press stop. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to stare into the face of her rival. For what? Her mind queried. Liam’s affections. That’s not even a fair fight.

“I saw you.” Dru whispered in her ear. “And I’m telling you to keep you hands, eyes, everything off my husband. You won’t like the consequences if you don’t.”

“Dru, I don’t have to do anything. You’re doing it all for me. Your little stunts and ploys are going to push you right out of Liam’s life. Now, smile prettily for the cameras. We live in 10 minutes.” Darla walked away, pulling her cell phone out and calling her detective. She wanted someone on Dru at all times. She didn’t trust her not to leave Buffy and Spike alone, and with that little exchange, she wasn’t too sure she wouldn’t be coming after her as well.

********************************

“Hey, gorgeous.” Buffy smiled into the phone. She was beat, both mentally and physically.

“Hey, yourself. Where are you?”

“At the Magic Box. Just finishing up some work for Dad. He and Anya had their first doctor visit today, so I’m closing up.” Spike propped his feet up in a chair, one ear cocked to the door chime. “What about you? Are you heading home?”

“In a hour. Had to drop Dawn off at home. I still have to go by the shop and develop a roll.” And I got my period, and I’m crampy and tired, and all I want to do is snuggle with you.

“Well, how about I stop and get us some Thai? Can your stomach take that?” He knew she’d started. Unfortunately, she’d started. He wasn’t disappointed because they were pretty much on a sexual hiatus. No, he was disappointed because she wasn’t pregnant. He guessed this desire to see her full with his child had to do with Anya and his Grandmamma, but there it was. But he’d never tell her that. Wouldn’t want to freak her out.

“That would be perfect. And I can take anything with the right amount of Advil and you. You do realize you’re the perfect boyfriend.” Buffy smiled at the guffaw coming from the other end of the line.

“Yeah, right. I’m glad you think so. See how I am at the end of the week when I’m ravishing you every hour on the hour.”

“I hope you can live up to that promise, Mr. Giles. I’m holding you to it.”

“I can if you can.”

Oh, a dare. God, the man could make anything sound sexy, even when her insides felt like they were on fire. Oh, damn, that was a bad one.

”Hey, what’s going on with Connor and Dawn?” Spike stood up, hearing the door chime.

“No sex, for one. Worried about her going to school in San Diego, for another. They’ll be fine, once they talk.”

“Oh, okay. I was just…” He trailed off, and Buffy looked at her phone to see if they’d been disconnected.

“Spike?”

“Let me call you back, luv. Someone just walked in.”

“Okay, call me at the shop.”

“Will do. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Spike wondered how long it would be before the man standing before him sought him out. They had a lot to discuss.

“Hello, Spike.”

“Hello, Angel.”

Submit a Review!