Take a Chance by Witchiepoo

Chapter 23

The Night Before….

I blame you for this. Lorne told his penis. I blame you for getting me into this mess with Kim.

Lorne had ended the relationship last year, when it became apparent the executive fast track didn’t go through Kim’s boudoir. He hated to end it, especially since Kim was extraordinary in and out of bed, but he had to. At the time, he thought their relationship wouldn’t suffer, and it hadn’t. Until, Kim found out about HER, the one that dumped him.

Now, it was open season on his manhood, and his Pepe was suffering. He didn’t even get any pleasure out of his hand, and he’d purchased all kinds of oils and lotions to heighten the experience.

Know thy self. That was his motto.

Well, enough introspection. Back to work.

Lorne picked up the file Kim had given him and reviewed what little he knew about Faith Monroe. It was up to him to develop the marketing plan that would make her practice a success. Lorne glanced at the clock, and wondered how much longer to give Dr. Monroe before he booked. He liked to meet with a perspective client before getting started, but Faith Monroe had been hard to pin down. Now, she was late, and he was hungry and horny.

A brunette head popped through the door, and Lorne raised tired eyes to meet a pair of brown ones that held him in their grasp.

“Lorne?”

Lorne nodded, too stunned by her dark beauty to do more than that.

Faith smiled and brought the rest of her body into the room. “Sorry for being late. I’m Faith Monroe.”

“Dr. Monroe, please come in. Have a seat.” Lorne said, moving quickly to pull a chair out for her to sit.

Faith smiled at him, placing her bag on the floor. Okay, he looks good. Kinda cute. Forehead’s a bit long. Could be masking some issues under that smile.

Doctor, could you please take a break from analyzing the patient and get down to business? Faith shook her head, her brown hair falling on her face.

Lorne hadn’t felt this nervous in years. God, he felt he was back in Swing choir, auditioning for nationals. His tongue felt heavy and he was sweating. He never sweated, unless there was an orgasm to be gained from it.

He sat down in his chair, barely avoiding falling heavily to the floor. He recovered and tried to send Faith his most debonair smile.

Quick update, Doc. He’s either the biggest tool in the land or he’s nervous. Or he has multiple personalities. Beware of twitches and sudden movements.

She was a psychiatrist with her own therapist trapped beneath her head of hair. It was bizarre and comforting.

“Please call me, Faith. Only my patients and staff call me doctor.”

“Of, course, Doc… doll.” Faith’s eyes widened and Lorne felt the insane urge to slap his hand over his mouth. “I didn’t mean that. I…I…”

Faith rescued him. “Perfectly alright.” She told him, though she was thinking “Freudian slip”. Freudian slip.

Lorne bent down to pick up a pen he didn’t drop, and took a calming breath. She’s a woman. A beautiful woman, but she’s got the same equipment that comes standard on the female model. You can handle her. Hell, you’ve handle Buffy, Tara, and Willow on their periods. You will not get flustered! Now, go back up there and make me proud.

Lorne’s head popped up, and he placed the pen on the table. “Okay, well, it’s late, and I don’t want to keep you too long.”

“Thanks.” Because I’m seriously thinking I need to grab my mace and run.

“Just need some ideas so I can develop a plan for your practice. Once I get the basics of what you’re looking for, I’ll be able to put pen to pad and get something developed.” Lorne felt more comfortable now. He just had to avoid looking at her. He’d stare at a point just off her shoulder.

“I made some notes.”

An hour later, Lorne walked Faith to her car. She couldn’t decide if she should be leery of him or amused by him. One thing she knew for certain, he was competent. His ideas for marketing the practice had been dead on, and agreed with or bolstered her own ideas. For that reason alone, she could dismiss the way his eyes seemed to undress her. Hell, at least he wasn’t on drugs for schizophrenia like so many of her admirers were.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Next Day…

Cordy wasn’t really surprised by the spectacle in front of her. She’d seen this type of thing on several occasions, and each time made her smile.

Groveling. It should be taught to every man once they reached puberty. It would save women from having to teach them once they got older.

It was always hard to teach an old dog new tricks, anyway.

“You know I love you?”

“Funny way of showing it.” Cordy crossed her legs, her shoulders slumped and giving every appearance of indifference.

“I was looking out for you. The way I’ve always done.”

Damn blue eyes. So hard to be mad at him when he’s pulling the sad little puppy dog look.

I’m sure Dracula’s victims were fooled by his looks too. Her mind quipped.

But Spike’s not a vampire. Granted, he’s got killer looks, and those cheekbones can’t be natural, and his stamina in bed is superhuman, though I only have Buffy’s word on that, but nah… he’s not a vampire.

“Cordy…luv.. please forgive me.” Spike inched closer to his volatile best friend. Cordy reminded him of a lioness, so he moved slowly, not wanting to spook her. He ducked his head, gazing at her from under his eyelashes.

Cordy rolled her eyes. “Spare me that look. Save it for Buffy. She’ll stop, drop, and roll for you, but I won’t.”

Spike laid his head on Cordy’s shoulder, covering her hands with his. “I didn’t want you to go to jail, and you know you would have. Dru brings out the Xena in you, and all you see is red.”

“And that would have been a bad thing?”

Spike snickered, and like that the little bit of anger Cordy felt for being kept out of the loop was gone. She laid her chin against Spike’s head.

“Did she do it?”

“Maybe…probably. There’s no proof, so I can’t go around and bloody accuse her.”

Cordy reached up and stroked his cheek. Spike’s eyes widened when she pinched his cheek hard.

“Oww! What the fuck was that for?”

Cordy pushed his head off her shoulder and hopped down.

I’ve unleashed the Italian Stallionette.

“That was for not telling me. Just be glad I’m not pinching lower.” She warned, her eyes going to his crotch.

Spike looked ill and covered his baby with his hands. “Hey!”

“That bitch!”

“Cordelia Chase! Watch your language! I did not raise you to be a sailor.” Maria said from the kitchen.

“Sorry, Mama.” Cordy said contritely, but she still flicked a bird at a snickering Spike.

“And William, stop laughing at her.”

“Yes, Maria.” Spike finally replied, stunned by her x-ray vision.

“Well?” Cordy said, pulling Spike around to the office. “What are you going to do? She can’t get away with this!”

Now, if there was one other person Cordy hated more than Drucilla, it was Angel. Which would be worse? Telling her he’d called Angel or keeping it from her and having her find out later? Spike looked down at his crotch, imagining his babies twisted in Cordy’s fingers and rushed forward with the truth.

“I called Angel and told him to control her or I would…”

Cordy actually didn’t hear the rest of that sentence. She heard Angel and her brain locked. He went to Angel before he came to me. It was bad enough he was keeping secrets from her, but this.

 

”Are you two buddy buddy again?”

Spike smiled. “Hardly. More like veterans of a war. He’s married to her, thank god. He has what is needed to control her.”

Cordy frowned. Mace? Straight-jacket? Shackles?

“Position and power.” Spike answered. “Two things that get Dru hotter than a room full of strippers. I figure if he threatens her with losing it, she’ll leave me and Buffy alone.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

Spike pondered the question for a second before looking into her eyes. “I’ll open Pandora’s box and take them both down.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Are you sure you don’t want me to go over there? I can. Spike’s there.”

Dawn rolled her eyes at the glazed look in Buffy’s eyes.

“You do realize you can’t screw 24/7? You’re going to wear him out before he’s 30.”

Buffy gripped the counter. “Bite your tongue. Spike will still be going strong at 50. Especially, if I have anything to say about it.”

“Is this a Summers trait? Am I doomed to insatiable urges?”

“I hope so, dear. Life is boring without a good shag every now and then.” Joyce winked at Buffy as she slid past Dawn to pick up her notepad. As quickly as she appeared, she disappeared.

“Did our mother just say shag?” Dawn asked incredulous.

“She may be spending a little too much time around Spike.” Buffy shrugged. “So, my offer still stands. I’ll go to Ipo’s and order the food. You don’t have to see Connor.”

Dawn grabbed hold of Buffy’s head, making Buffy look her in the eyes. “Thank you, my beautiful, oversexed sister, but I’m fine. Connor’s fine. We’re fine with each other. I can go to the restaurant and order cannelloni. Thank you.” She said, kissing Buffy on the head.

“It’s my job to torment and protect you. What kind of sister would I be if I didn’t meddle in your affairs?” Dawn smiled and hugged Buffy quickly.

“Not my sister.” Dawn answered.

Buffy bit into the apple, listening with one ear to the conversation between Dawn and Joyce.

“Okay, you have me for the rest of the morning. All the calls I needed to make, I did.” Joyce said, grabbing a bottled water out of the refrigerator. “Where are we off to?”

Buffy finished the apple, throwing the core in the trashcan. “The police station. The realtor’s, and the mall. And not necessarily in that order.”

Joyce lowered the bottle, eying Buffy suspiciously. “Elizabeth Summers, why are we going to the realtor’s?”

Buffy shifted uneasily under Joyce’s gaze. “Caught that, huh? Well, I’m moving in with Spike, and I want to put my house on the market.”

“Oh. Living together? Hmm.”

Buffy rushed to explain. “I know it’s too soon. I know we haven’t really known each other that long. But I feel like I’ve known him all my life. We click, and when we aren’t together I get a little wigged. And I know I’m young, but I know there isn’t another man I will ever be with. I love him like you love Daddy. He’s the one, the only, and I want to be with him.” She was out of breath when she finished. Joyce merely smiled, and handed her the water.

“Breath. Drink. Listen. In that order.” She commanded.

Buffy took a deep breath, a sip of the water, and stamped down the fear that Joyce would be disappointed in her decision to move in with Spike.

“Buffy,” Joyce said, stroking Buffy’s cheek lovingly. “I don’t know if I’ve said this often enough, but I’m proud of the woman you’ve become. That woman is not the type to move in with a man on a whim or the possibility of forever after. What you have with Spike is real and lasting, and it’s only natural you want to start your life with him.”

Buffy smiled, sniffling a bit. “Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

Joyce kissed Buffy repeatedly on the temple. “I love you too.”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lee sat outside of Houston’s, basking in the sun. God, she missed the days when she’d skip classes and head to the beach with her girlfriends. Ahh… memories.

“Don’t you look all comfy?”

Lee opened one eye to see a bemused Darla standing over her.

“You’re blocking my sun. This is the only time I actually get to see it.”

Darla grinned and shooed Lee, so she could join her. “I know what you mean. I spend half my day inside with that damned phone attached to my ear, and the other half with a man whose bones I want to jump so badly, my teeth hurt.”

Lee turned her head slightly to gaze at Darla. “Sexual tension is a bitch. Luckily, I just roll Wes over and have my way with him.”

Darla shook her head, laughing. “Okay, enough of this sex talk. I’ve still got to meet said man later. So, what do you have for me?”

“Nothing much. Just thought this would be better than meeting at the house. I’m all set for whatever Angel wants to do. If he wants to divorce her, we have grounds for irreconcilable differences. If he wants to commit her, though, we have to have documented proof from Dr. Monroe that Drucilla is certifiable.” Lee’s smiled mischievously. “Unfortunately, a judge won’t take what you and I think seriously.”

Heller sighed, throwing her head back. Her blonde hair trailed behind her back like a shawl. “Damn! And here I thought, everyone valued my opinion.”

Both women laughed and headed into the restaurant. Parker gave them a few minutes before he headed inside as well. He was hungry and Drucilla Cavanaugh could well afford to pay for his lunch while he watched her husband’s campaign manager. Or lover as she suspected. If she asked him, there was no way her husband was screwing his manager. He always left her house without so much as a grin on his face or his shirt unbuttoned. Nah, he wasn’t poking her. He might have wanted to, but he was faithful. Though for the life of him, Parker couldn’t understand why.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Connor pitched the tomatoes to Lindsey in rapid succession. Maria hated for them to toss the vegetables around, stating that any good Italian could taste a bruise tomato. So they did this only when they knew she’d be at noon mass.

“So have you decided if you’re going to double up on your hours?” Lindsey asked, snatching a flying zucchini out of the air.

“Yeah, I’m going to do it. It’ll mean a lot of long, sleepless nights, but if it gets me out of school early, I’ll do it.” Connor threw three baby squash at Lindsey, throwing the empty box on the floor.

“Besides, with the wedding and all, I figured the restaurant would need someone to run it. You know Mama and Cordy are going to be worthless until you say ‘I do’.”

Lindsay turned on the water, watching as the bowl filled up with the cold liquid.

“I know. But we haven’t picked a date yet. Just a time period.” Lindsay looked up as the doorbell chimed and saw Dawn talking animatedly to Cordy and Spike.

“Speaking of upcoming parties, are you still going to Dawn’s on Saturday?”

Connor glanced sideways at Lindsay. He tried to school his face into an impassive mask, but Lindsay just smirked and continued watching the people out front.

“Why wouldn’t I go? We’re friends. She said so, and I believe her.”

“Friends? Think you can handle being just friends with Dawn. It wasn’t too long ago, you were all over her.” Lindsay prided himself on picking up Cordy and Maria’s habit of meddling.

Connor recognized the Chase ploy, and suppressed a chuckle. Lindsay was getting there, but he hadn’t acquired the subtle grace for meddling that Cordy and Maria had.

“Dawn and I have talked since we broke up. We are good. We’re in a good place.” Connor nodded. Yep, they were in a good place. One that didn’t involve his fingers buried in her beautiful hair or his lips on hers, soft and firm. Yeah, they were in a fucking great place.

Lindsay nodded. “Well, that’s good.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dru pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, glaring daggers at the man waiting beside his car. It would be so easy. Her foot slipped and pressed on the accelerator. By the time, she got her wits about her, it was too late. The man was pinned between her car and his. Dead. The political fallout would be too great to risk it. People would think she was unstable or unhinged, and that would reflect negatively on Liam.

I guess you’re safe for the moment, Mr. Finn. She smirked, pulling alongside of him.

Riley opened the door and climbed in.

“Why did you call me?” Dru sneered, her hand itching to lash out at him. “I thought our friendship ended a month ago.”

Riley’s gaze flickered on her briefly, and she smiled at the anger she saw within its depths.

“I want to know if you vandalized Buffy’s studio?”

Dru pressed her fingers to her chest in a “oh, my goodness, no” gesture. “That’s horrible. People just don’t respect other’s property. I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll have to talk to my husband about strengthening the laws.”

Dru couldn’t keep it up. She laughed till she cried. “Foolish boy! She fucked another man while she was dating you, and you still love her. What is it about that little blonde twit that has men falling over themselves to protect her?” She gritted out bitterly.

“She’s not you.”

Dru struck him, hard. “Be careful what you say to me, Riley.” She said, caressing the red whelp, already forming on his face. “I would hate for people to get the wrong impression about you. One might think you’re still fixated on her. California has laws against stalking.”

Turning away from him, she checked her makeup in the rearview mirror.

“You stay away from her. She’s done nothing to you.” Riley gripped the door handle tightly, knowing if he didn’t. He’d strangle the life out of her. It had taken a lot not to strike back at her for the slap.

“Riley, Riley, you worry too much. Buffy’s fine. It was just her property, not her body. I’m sure as we speak, her body’s being taken care of by William. He’s very good at consoling. I could console you if you like.” Dru stroked her ruby tongue across her lips, reaching over to stroke Riley’s thigh.

Riley pushed her hand off, backing up in disgust. “You’re a sick woman. You stay away from Buffy. Or I’ll find some way to stop you.” Riley threatened.

“Only if you can find a pair, Riley. You know that’s the real reason she left you.” She screamed as he slammed the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Thank you, Detective Graves. I appreciate you calling and letting me know.” Buffy frowned as she hung the phone up.

“What did he say?” Joyce leaned on the counter, smiling at Buffy.

“He said Riley has an alibi for Sunday night. I don’t know if I’m relieved it isn’t him or afraid that it could be Dru.” Buffy rubbed her neck, kneading the muscles. Much better when Spike does this. She mused.

“I know you’re reluctant to mention her name to the police, but I think it’s in your best interest if you let them know she is a threat.” Joyce stood up, rubbing her arms as she paced. “I know Spike wouldn’t let anything happen to you, but he can’t control Dru.”

“But I can.”

Buffy and Joyce turned stunned eyes to their visitor.

“Mr. Cavanaugh, how can I help you?” Buffy asked, coming around to stand next to her mother.

“I heard about your studio being vandalized. I wanted to stop by and see if there was anything I could do.” Angel walked forward, towering over the two women.

“That depends on your real reason for being here.” Buffy answered, crossing her arms over. Angel smiled at the picture she presented. It was like looking at a female Spike, all brass and balls.

“Are you here because your wife did it or to see if there’s any evidence to say she did?”

Joyce felt a rush of pride. That’s right, baby. Don’t back down.

“To the point, aren’t you Ms. Summers? I can see why William loves you.”

Buffy couldn’t help the smile that sprang to her lips. William loved her, that was true, and she loved him as just as fiercely.

“I’m very lucky to have his love.” Buffy admitted.

“Mr. Cavanaugh, I’ve warned your wife before to leave my daughter and Spike alone. You seem like a decent person, but I won’t have my daughter looking over her shoulder, worried your wife is going to pop out and do something to hurt her or her boyfriend.” Joyce’s stance relaxed when she saw the empathy in Angel’s eyes.

“I’ll do my best to keep Dru out of their lives, Mrs. Summers. I can’t make any promises. I’m not even sure Drucilla did this.”

“Yes, you are. I can see it in your eyes.” Buffy said huffily.

“She’s my wife. What would you do if it was Spike?” Angel commented. “I’m taking steps now to get her some help. I hope it’ll be enough.” Angel sighed. “Take care, Buffy, Mrs. Summers.”

Buffy wrapped her arm around Joyce’s waist as they watched Angel leave the studio.

“Well, this will make for interesting conversation tonight.” Buffy quipped. “At least, we know who did this.”

“She’ll get hers, Buffy. She’ll get what she deserves.”

“One can only hope.” Buffy commented.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Faith Monroe…Damn, he couldn’t get her out of his mind, which could be a good thing. It had been awhile since his below the belt friend had come out to play. Even if nothing happened between him and the good doctor, the fact she’d got him standing to attention last night was something in and of itself. She’d cured him. That’s why he was thinking of her. That’s why he couldn’t get her ruby red lips out of his mind or her lush brown hair.

“This is ridiculous.” He said, standing up to stare out the window.

She’s just another female in a long line of females. Just because she’s got the dark look going on like no tomorrow is not reason enough for me to lose major cool points staring at the phone like some gawky teenager.

“I’m a man.”

“You’re a man who hasn’t gotten any in over a month.” Tara quipped from the doorway.

“Shit! Did I say that out loud?”

Tara nodded, an insanely huge grin on her face. Could things get any worse? Yep, his penis could fall off.

“Hey, nothing’s going on at the flower shop. Wanna do lunch?”

Lorne came around the desk and perched on the edge. He studied Tara, appraising her as one would a spirited filly.

“What’s the catch?”

“Catch?” Tara sputtered. “No catch. Just had the time. Thought I would grab something and invite you along.”

Lorne tapped his finger against his cheek. “Sure. Right. Tell me another story. Do I look like I was born yesterday?”

Tara rolled her eyes, balling her fist tightly. “Fine. I…” She stuttered, and instantly wished the pox on Xander for making her childhood affliction rear its ugly head. “I need advice on how to get Xander back.”

Lorne blinked. He blinked again. Then, he stood and looked out his door, looking around the corner for Willow’s red head. No red head.

“Did I wake up in the Twilight Zone this morning? I might have since I’m having nice, normal thoughts about a woman.”

Tara sighed. “Xander broke up with us.”

“Come again.”

“I want to, but with Willow and Xander. I’ve become somewhat addicted to a dick-induced orgasm.”

“So have I, Sweetie. Most people like them. I thought Xander was just another cock to you. What’s changed?” Lorne pushed his door closed after an intern nearly tripped over his shoes at his statement.

Tara shrugged. “We like him. A lot. We have fun with him in and out of bed.” She admitted. “I love Willow. You know I love her more than my life, but Xan brings some good qualities to the table and bed too.”

“Tara Honey, I’m not the person to be asking these questions. I don’t have relationships. I have pit stops. Did you ask the reigning queen of perfect relationships?”

“Yes, we asked Buffy. She said we needed to prove to Xander he’s more than just a sex object and Riley buffer.”

Lorne looked at his watch. Screw it. He wouldn’t be getting anything done until he got one Dr. Faith Monroe off his mind, and helping his wayward lesbians lasso their man would be the perfect distraction.

“Let’s go. I always think better on a full stomach.”

Tara allowed him to pull her out of the chair. “I thought that was after a great lay.”

“Same diff. Let’s go.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Connor peered around the corner, checking to see Dawn was still preoccupied with the menu. Behind him, Lindsay snickered.

“Could you stop with the giggling? You sound like a school girl.” Connor admonished.

“At least, I’m not hiding behind doors, staring at my ex.” Lindsay quipped back. “Just go out there and talk to her. You’re friends, right?”

“If you had an ex, Cordy wouldn’t let her in the front door.”

“That’s true.” Lindsay replied, turning back to the dish he was preparing. No point in arguing against a fact.

“This is ridiculous.” Connor said, as he untied his apron. “I’m gone.”

“Okay. Good man.” Lindsay deadpanned.

“Shut up!” Connor yelled back, good-naturedly.

Dawn sat at a table, her back to him. Cordy had the catering menus spread out before them, and they were discussing each item. Spike stood off to the side, his cell held tightly in his hand. He threw his hand up in greeting.

We’re friends. We can interact as friends. There is noting romantic going on. Just a nice, boring friendship, and if I keep thinking like that, I might not have that much.

“Hello, gorgeous. And I say that to both of you, so no one should be offended.” Connor leaned against Cordy’s chair with his hand resting on her shoulder. “So did you pick out something good for Saturday?” He asked casually.

“It’s all good, Connor.” Cordy reminded him, sticking her tongue out at him.

“I know. Even if it wasn’t, you’d say it was since you’re sleeping with the cook.”

“Hey, that’s my future husband you’re talking about, and he can cook.” She smacked Connor’s hand, pushing up out of the seat. “Sit. Visit. I forgot the dessert menu.”

Dawn bit her lip. He looked good. Damn his hide. They were going to be friends, if it killed them both. I can do this. I can. I know I can. We.. I broke it off for a very good reason. Though that reason seems to have escaped me in the five minutes he’s been standing there.

“So,” Connor drawled, flowing like warm maple syrup into Cordy’s chair. “Got everything all set for your party.”

Dawn smiled, and Connor’s gaze was drawn to her lips. Whoa! He thought. Where am I going with this? Did we not have the talk a few days ago? Didn’t she, we, us, me decide we were better off as friends?

“Almost everything. Mom’s caterer was none too happy when I told him we would be having food brought in from here. He’s a little snotty that way.”

Connor chuckled. “Obviously you got your way. You usually do.” He said, and nearly bit his tongue. Did he sound bitter? Upset? Pissed? God, he hoped not. That hadn’t been his intention. He didn’t blame her for not wanting to continue their relationship. Well, not much, but he was the adult. He understood.

Dawn’s brow arched. Was he talking about us? I made the right decision for the both of us, you doofus.

“Everything’s all planned. Just finished discussing the music with Spike. Ghost is going to do a few songs for me, and we have a DJ coming. So everything’s set. All we need now is for the weather to hold, and it’ll be perfect.” Dawn ran her nail over a hump in the tablecloth. “So are you still coming?”

“Yeah, I am. I’m still invited, aren’t I?” Connor asked, raising his brown eyes to hers.

“Of course, you are.”

They stared at each other, neither not knowing what to say. They were spared the uncomfortable silence by the arrival of Maria from noon mass, Spike rejoining them, and Cordy’s sudden appearance from the back.

It was just as well, Dawn mused. Can’t keep traveling down that same road.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harmony fumed. There was no other word to describe what she was doing. She could have said she was brooding, but that was a man thing. She wasn’t brooding. She was fuming because she was pissed. She was dangerously close to being jealous as hell too. Both were not good emotions on her.

He went to see that dark haired bag of bones. Harmony could take Riley lusting after Buffy. He had slept with her for 2 years, carried on a one-sided relationship with her, but this chick? This Druscilla Cavanaugh was a different sort of woman all together. They had nothing. Riley didn’t like her, but he was allowing her to use him for her whims.

Okay, so she’d been the one to introduce him to the dominant/submissive lifestyle, but that’s where people got confused. The submissive had the power over the dominant. The sub allowed the dominant to control them, thereby giving the submissive control over the dominant’s arousal and pleasure.

And he was giving that power to someone else and that was wrong. He had no right. He was hers to whip and abuse, if that’s what she wanted. She hadn’t intended on following him, but when he declined sex, in favor of running an errand, she became suspicious.

Why did he go to her? Why the big secret? Did he think he couldn’t come to her? He came in her.

Harmony whipped her blonde hair over her shoulder angrily.

She was not brooding. She was fuming.

No, she wasn’t going to fume any longer. She did not sign up for this. Riley was supposed to be a nice diversion from the everyday doldrums, not a commitment to care for a pet too stupid to stay out of the road.

Nope, that’s not my style. Not my style at all. She huffed.

She was not brooding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Darla leaned over Angel’s shoulder, trying hard not to inhale his cologne, his scent. She knew she was in troubled waters where he was concerned, but the last few days had been harder than usual to deny her attraction to him. Damn hormones! Why couldn’t she be normal? Why did she have to be horny as hell instead of crabby? Why couldn’t she have normal PMS? Why? Why? Why?

“Darla? Are you still on this planet?” Angel asked, amused. His eyes linger on the slope of her neck before darting to look at her face.

“What? Sorry. Got sidetracked. Okay, where were we?” She asked, straightening up and moving as far as possible from Angel.

“Finishing up my calendar for next week.” Angel answered. He took in the flush on Darla’s face, and egotistically surmised he was the cause of it. “Is it something I can take care of?”

Darla’s eyes widened and she licked her lips, which were suddenly too, too dry. “Umm… no. Just…stuff.”

Angel nodded and tried not to grin. Stuff? I’ve made a Stanford grad into a simpleton. Wait a minute. Does that make me a smartifier or a dumber? Angel frowned.

“Okay, I just lost you.” Darla quipped. She was leaning on the desk, looking at Angel as if he had a huge mole between his eyebrows.

Angel gave her the smile which had won him a huge female vote. “You didn’t lose me. I was thinking about my dear wife.”

Darla sighed and turned to plop down in the chair in front of the desk. Oh, goody. More insane Druscilla talk.

“Buffy and Spike are convinced she vandalized the studio, but their sense of fairness is preventing them from going to the police.”

“Good thing they have a sense of right and wrong. Don’t think whoever created Dru put that in her genetic makeup.” Darla leaned forward till her elbows were resting on the table. “So what’s our next move?”

Angel stared at the woman across from him. Our. She was always thinking in terms of them, not just him. He knew their relationship had exceeded the bounds of employer/employee, even beyond colleagues. He wondered if she saw a future for them as well.

“Our next move is to get me unhitched from the albatross around my neck. If she keeps this up, it won’t be long before she’s going after Spike and Buffy in a more personal manner.”

Darla rubbed her fingers across her nose. “It is fucking unbelievable she would pull a stunt like this so close to the election. If she’d been caught, everything she’s worked so hard to get for you, would be gone. I just don’t understand it.”

Angel slumped in his chair. “I don’t understand it either. It’s like some pull between her and William. Some connection that refuses to be broken. He doesn’t love her. I know that. I’ve watched him talk about Buffy. I’ve heard him speak about her without mentioning her name. He is totally committed to her. This relationship is nothing like his with Dru.”

“You envy him.” Darla whispered.

Angel nodded, taking a deep breath and expelling it. “Yeah, I envy him. Who doesn’t want that type of love, that passion with a woman?”

Darla would have melted on the spot, but she didn’t. She couldn’t fall into his arms, and pretend he didn’t have a wife, a campaign. No, she would continue to deny this attraction, even if she had worn out her personal massager from Brookstone.

The guard at the front gate waved Druscilla through. She flew by in her usual manner. Ignore the help, and gun the engine. The guard rolled his eyes, and dismissed her as just another trophy wife, easily replaced by a newer, younger model. He noted the time of her arrival in his book, and sat down. Parker also noted the arrival of Mrs. Cavanaugh, and wondered if he should warn her that his target was also inside visiting her husband.

Druscilla’s blood pressure started to rise at the sight of Darla’s car parked in the driveway. She did not need a confrontation with the blonde bimbo on top of meeting that impudent Riley Finn. Then again, she was determined to keep Darla’s claws out of Liam, so she’d have put up with the aggravating twit until Mr. Parker took care of her.

“You still didn’t answer my question. What are you going to do about Druscilla?” Darla’s voice broke through the silence of the room.

“I wish I knew.”

Druscilla hadn’t planned on eavesdropping, but hearing Liam say her name had stopped her dead in her tracks.

Angel stood, crossing the room to get a drink. “I know I’m going to have to do…” He sniffed the air. Dru’s perfume. “I’m going to have to do something. I don’t want my marriage to end.”

Angel nearly laughed at the _expression on Darla’s face. You would have thought he was standing in front of her in a bunny suit. He motioned with his hand to close her mouth and pointed towards the door.

Darla shook her head. Play along, even if you choke on it. “Well, Liam, I know your marriage is important to you. Maybe you should seek some counseling.” Darla suggested.

I hope she reveals herself soon. I can’t keep this up much longer. Darla’s lip curled into a sneer. Angel laid his hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I doubt Dru would agree to counseling.”

“You’ll have to insist Liam. You can’t afford for the press to get a whiff of discord between the two of you.

“That’s enough, Darla.” Dru said, pushing the door open. “This is a matter between me and my husband.”

For the first time, Darla actually agreed with Druscilla. “You’re right. I’ll just be going. Liam, I will see you tomorrow. The car is picking you up at 6:30 to take you to the studio. Goodnight, Druscilla.”

Darla gathered her things and beat a hasty retreat.

“Oh, to be a fly on that wall.” She mumbled as she left the house.

Druscilla wasn’t angry with Liam for discussing their marriage with Darla. He needed to talk to someone and Darla was the obvious choice. She was actually warmed by the fact he cared. He obviously wasn’t pleased with the distance between them.

Druscilla laid her hand against Liam’s cheek. “I want us back, Liam. I want us to be the way we were.”

Angel smiled. “I know you do, Dru, but we are having problems. These last 4 months have been hard. You’re distant and moody. You’re angry and threatening. I want the woman back who I married.”

“And you think talking to some stranger will help? We just need to be together. In the same bed.”

Angel pulled away. Oh, hell no. I’m not sleeping with you ever again. “This isn’t a sex issue, Dru. We know we do that well. It’s about your obsession with William. It’s about all the pressure I’m under with this election. It’s not just you. It’s me, too.”

Angel could see the wheels turning, so he pressed his advantage. “If we don’t get help, I don’t know how much longer I can take this.”

There has never been a divorce in the Hayes family, and she was not going to be the one to bring that shame to it. Whoever she had to snow to convince Angel to stay with her, she would. She still planned on using Mr. Parker to handle Darla, but this would definitely give her positive points with Liam.

“Okay, we’ll see a counselor. Anything, you want, Liam. I’ll do anything for you, for us. I love you.” Druscilla laid her head against Liam’s chest. “I love you.” She repeated.

Angel caressed her gently, feeling somewhat nostalgic for the wild woman who’d captured his heart. He had to remember, though, that woman didn’t exist. She was nothing more than a façade. A character Druscilla created to get what she wanted.

“Everything will be all right, Dru. I promise you. Soon. Everything will be all right.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike typed the last sentence of the chapter, and sat back with a deep sigh of relief. He was 2 chapters ahead of schedule. Anya would be pleased. She wanted to have this book finished before the baby was born, and she didn’t trust anyone else to do right by him. Spike highly doubted she’d be able to get the book to press but he liked living, so he didn’t mention his doubts. His dad’s blunder of this weekend was still fresh in his mind.

Saving the file, Spike stood and stretched. He felt tight and achy. Too long spent hunched over the computer. Saving the file a second time before shutting down, Spike headed to the bathroom. He’d get in a quick shower, then get dinner started. It was the least he could do for his beloved.

Buffy unlocked the door to the house, grinning when she realized that soon enough this would be her home. She expected the bum’s rush from Spike once she hit the foyer, but he was no where to be found.

He probably went for a run, she mused. She was brought up short by the sight of him, sprawled out on the bed, clad only in a towel, dead asleep. Her heart and another part of her anatomy warmed at the sight of his tanned chest and muscled stomach. Would the bloom ever fade? Would she always want him, anytime, anywhere?

She was kinda reluctant to jump his bones. He looked so peaceful, so relaxed.

Buffy stripped down to her cami and thong, and climbed onto the bed with him. She curled up beside him, taking the opportunity to run her gaze over his face.

“I love you.” She whispered, kissing his lips softly. Buffy tucked her head into the crook of his neck. Spike’s body hummed as it became aware of her nearness, and his arm circled her back, pulling her closer.

Buffy slipped her arm around Spike’s waist, and closed her eyes. Sex was good. Cuddling was better. Okay, both were great when it was with Spike.

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