[B]Chapter Nine: Breaking Boundaries[/B]

The obnoxious buzzing of the alarm clock seemed to echo in the quiet, dark room. Cordelia's eyes shot open and she groaned. She reached over to turn it off, but found it difficult as a strong set of arms held her in place. Memories of the previous night flashed in her mind. She blushed, smiling shyly as she pushed against the steel bands preventing her from moving.

"I can't turn it off if you don't let me move." His hold relaxed and she shut the alarm off. Cordelia turned in his arms, facing him. He was smiling sleepily at her, hair a mess and eyes alit. God, he was gorgeous in the mornings.

"Why the alarm?" He mumbled as he snuggled in closer to her, moving his face closer to hers. She gulped.

"Lunch with Aura at noon. And since we've been sleeping in until like two…" He chuckled.

"Yeah, maybe the alarm was a good idea. We did have a bit of a late night…" Angel grinned at her and she blushed, skin tingling as he moved his body against hers.

"That we did…" She mumbled her agreement as Angel's lips descended on hers. In the morning, without the adrenaline from her fight with Buffy and her gratitude toward Angel, her rationality told her this was definitely not a good idea.

Rationality didn't mean a damn thing though when his tongue slid across her bottom lip. She moaned, pushing up against him, hooking a leg around his hip. She felt his growing erection push into her center and used her leg to pull him into the cradle of her hips, bringing him fully on top of her.

Angel moaned as he felt her heat burn him. Pent up frustration from the night before combined with fresh desire and had him teetering between ravage and run. He knew that soon his body would take over and make that decision for him.

[B]Man up, Candy ass! She's practically begging for it![/B]

[/I]I won't-[/I]

[B]So, begging's okay again?[B]

Angel growled, cursing his inability to control himself as he tore his lips from hers. He rolled off of her and onto his back, rubbing his hands over his face in frustration. Cordelia blinked, stunned by the growl and his reaction. Her lips were swollen and her face was flushed as she looked at him, inching closer.

"Angel?" She tentatively reached a hand out to touch his shoulder. Her voice was concerned, but she couldn't keep the wounded edge hidden completely. Angel flinched at how vulnerable she sounded.

"I'm sorry Cordelia. I just…can't." Cordelia deflated.

"Its okay, Angel. I understand. With Darla, and Buffy-"

"No, Cordy. It has nothing to do with Darla or Buffy. This is just me. I…I don't know how much longer I can control myself. I don't want to hurt you." Her touch on his shoulder softened with his reassurance.

"You won't."

"But I could Cordelia…so easily. That's why we have to stop." A mix of relief and frustration replaced her feelings of inferiority.

"Angel, it's o-"

"Don't say it's okay. I hate getting you worked up like this…"

"Angel, I understand the frustration…but I don't want you brooding over it. This…whatever it is that's going on between us, it's new and unexpected. There are going to be bumps, especially since we don't even know what we're doing with this."

"You're too amazing," he said, clasping her hand. She grinned sheepishly.

"Honestly, I'm just relieved that this whole thing isn't because you're not attracted to me."

"That definitely isn't the problem, Cor."

"So I noticed." She blushed, remembering the feel of his hardness between her legs. "Okay…I'm going to get in the shower and get ready to meet Aura." Cordeali retreated to the bathroom.

Angel ran his hands over his face again, staring at the ceiling. He heard the water turn on in the shower and couldn't help but picture her naked body dripping with water. He groaned, his body throbbing with desire he couldn't act on.

The hotel phone ringing broke through his thoughts. He furrowed her brow and picked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Mr. Angel?"

"Uh…yes."

"Good morning. This is Michael at the front desk. I'm calling to inform you that we have a double occupancy open if you'd like to switch rooms."

"Oh." Angel's blanched, panicking, his mind racing. He knew he should switch rooms to avoid any further temptation that came from spending a night holding Cordelia. Despite that danger, Angel wasn't ready to give her up though. "We're no longer interested. Thank you." Angel hung up the phone.

[B]Good move.[/B] Angelus praised.

[I]Shut up.[/I] Angel stared back up at the ceiling, waiting for Cordelia to get out of the shower.

"So, great apartment and job…any boyfriends to go along with this wonderful life, Cordy?" Aura asked with a smile, taking a sip of her wine. Cordelia sent Aura her best fake smile of superiority, and sighed.

"No, there's no one special. I'm just enjoying single life in LA." Aura eyed her suspiciously.

"Really? Not one? What about you and your boss? You said you were working for that weird Buffy girl's ex…he's a hot one."

"That he is." Cordelia muttered before she could stop herself. Aura's eyes widened.

"Oh my God! There's something there. Tell me!" Cordelia laughed and blushed slightly, sipping her wine.

"There really isn't…"

"Cordelia Chase! Spill!" Cordelia sighed again, and smiled. She hadn't been able to gossip over guys to another girl in a while. And, really, it wasn't like Aura would be interacting with Angel or the Scoobies anytime soon.

"There's really not much to tell. Angel's…different. There's a lot of baggage there."

"Ex-girlfriend drama?"

"You have no idea." Cordelia hid her grin behind her glass.

"How's the sex?" Cordelia nearly choked on her wine. What was with everyone insisting she was having sex with Angel? After last night and this morning, Cordelia didn't even know how to answer that question. There was no doubt in her mind that it would be amazing.

"We haven't had sex."

"What? Why not?"

"Angel's very…old fashioned…and complicated. And we're not together. Until a few days ago, I wasn't even aware there was a mutual attraction."

"Seriously, Cordelia? Look at you! He'd have to be blind! And deficient! Then again…weird Buffy girl." Aura laughed teasingly and Cordelia joined in.

"Thanks."

"I'm serious. So, what [I]have[/I] you two done? Obviously something made the 'mutual attraction' obvious."

"Not much. A few make-out sessions-"

"Is he a good kisser?"

"Ugh! Incredible!"

"So jealous!" The two exchanged a laugh, delving back into their food, wine and conversation. When lunch was over, Cordelia walked back to Angel's car and drove back to the hotel. On the way there, she reflected on what Aura had said. Her confidence regarding Angel at a new peak, she momentarily forgot the obstacles that were Buffy and Darla. She went to go meet back up with [I]her[/I] vampire.

Cordelia felt a thick air of tension as her and Angel sat in Buffy's living room. It wasn't just because the Slayer kept glaring at her and Angel from the kitchen, either. She rubbed at the knot of tension behind her neck.

"You okay?" Angel asked from her left. He was so close to her, his leg was touching her's and his face was inches from her own when he face her. Her eyes fell to his lips, then she forced her gaze away.

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not. You've been kneading at that same spot for an hour."

"I don't know. Something just feels…off." Angel furrowed his brow, his eyes full of concern.

"Maybe you should go lay down. The visions have been rough."

"No, I want to help-"

"Cordy, we're just researching the Desnar demon Buffy ran across earlier; basically just waiting for them to make a move. An hour of rest isn't going to hurt." Cordelia was about to argue again, when a dull thud started at her temples.

"Maybe just half an hour." She said, relenting. She went to stand up, and stumbled. Angel leapt to his feet, catching her.

"Cordy?" He questioned as the room fell quiet, eyes turning to her.

"I'm okay, I'm-" she fell silent as he body went stiff. A second later her body was thrashing as she let out a scream of pain. Angel wrapped his arms around her, holding her as her body convulsed. She sobbed as the images rushed through her mind, clinging to Angel desperately.

The images stopped and she sank to her knees, Angel going with her. They were crouched together on the living room floor. Angel was still holding her tightly, his arms around her as he talked her through the vision. Their words were hushed, intended only for the two of them.

It seemed so intimate, the Scoobies averted their eyes, not sure where to look. Angel whispered a soothing reply and stood, bringing Cordelia up with him, arms still holding her to him. Glancing briefly at Buffy, Angel picked Cordelia up, cradling her against him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, still sobbing. He strode up the stairs and placed her on the bed in the guest room.

"I'm gonna go take care of your vision."

"I should help."

"Cordelia, that one was really bad. You need to rest." She wanted to argue, but was too tired.

"Let me know before you guys leave?"

"Okay." She laid her head on the pillow, closing her eyes as his tender touch pushed her hair away from her face. When her breathing started to even out, he left her, walking downstairs.

"Is she okay?" Willow asked.

"She will be once this vision is taken care of."

"What did she see?"

"Darla and Drusilla. They're recruiting demons now. They're basically setting up a head quarters. They're bringing humans there; about six."

"Why?" Xander asked. Angel sent him an exasperated look. "Oh. Food."

"Where are they setting it up?" Buffy asked. Angel frowned as he realized he didn't know.

"Not sure."

"Ask Cordelia."

"She didn't mention it…I don't think she knows either."

"Her vision?"

"It doesn't always show location."

"Well, how the hell are we gonna find them?"

"We'll manage. We have before."

"But-"

"The same way we do without the visions." She opened her mouth to argue, but he cut her off." So instead of arguing with me about it, let's work on figuring this out." Buffy huffed, crossed her arms and glared at him expectantly.

"How?"

"We'll narrow it down. Darla would want luxury and one hell of a view. Lindsay has the money to make it happen and the resources to keep a low profile. And Dru would just want a garden."

"Garden?" Riley asked.

"Stars." Both Spike and Angel said at the same time. Spike glared; Angel smirked.

"She'd want somewhere to wander around, too. She likes to walk and dance while talking to the sky." Angel said.

"So a big, luxurious, secluded place with a view, a garden, and a clear view of the sky." Riley said, scoffing. "That's the entire South side, and that's not counting houses!" Angel frowned, irritated, but knowing Riley was right.

"Peaches, you gotta push her." Spike said, tone surprisingly gentle. Angel nodded, looking at him, then at Willow, who was sending the younger vampire a tender look.

"I'll see if I can get anything else." Angel moved up the stairs and entered the guest room. He closed the door behind him. "Cordy?" He moved to sit next to where she was laying. He gently touched her shoulder, shaking softly. "Cordy."

"Hmm?" She asked, stirring.

"Wake up, Cordy." She rolled onto her back, facing him.

"What's wrong?"

"I need to ask you some more questions." She sat up slowly.

"But I told you everything."

"I know, but I need you to focus really hard, okay? Can you remember anything about where they were? Anything at all?" She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, wincing. Angel internally cringed, hating that he had to make her relive this.

"It's not a hotel. At least, not one that's been open in a long time. It's big. Really big. And old…it has a kind of musky smell. There's still furniture." She squinted. "Leather couch and sofa, black, covered, and a marble fireplace. It feels familiar, like I was there before." An idea formed in Angel's head as he realized that he too recognized everything Cordelia was describing. She opened her eyes.

"Did that help?"

"Yeah, Cordy. It helped." She looked him over, his face telling her he had an idea.

"Do you remember anything about a garden? Or a balcony with a view?"

"Um," she closed her eyes again. "There is a garden, a big one. No balcony, but it overlooks all of Sunnydale, so it's high up. It's beautiful…"

"Okay. I think I've got it." He sent her a smile. "Thank you." She smiled back.

"I'm Super Seer. It's what I do."

"Yes. You are." He4r smiles faded as his hand cupped her face. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. Her eyes fluttered shut, head tilting up as his lips left her skin.

"Angel," she whispered, voice husky. He lowered his lips again, kidding her softly. Angel's lips moved against Cordelia's, arms wrapping around her, her's around him. He laid her down, keeping his kiss and touches gentle. When he pulled away, he pressed his forehead to her's. "Mmm. Is it weird I missed your lips after only a few hours?" He grinned at her question.

"No. I missed your's too. Get some rest, okay?"

"Okay. Be careful."

"Always." He placed another kiss to her lips, pulled the covers up over her and left the room.

"They're at the mansion." Angel said once he was downstairs.

"What?" Spike asked.

"My mansion. It's okd, it's huge, no one's lived in it because I still own it and it's rumored to be haunted."

"Bit of a stretch, Mate?"

"It's not. Dru spent hours communing with the stars in my garden at the mansion. Darla would want a view, and the mansion looks over all of Sunnydale. That's the place."

"Worth a shot."

"Grab weapons; a lot of them." The group left Buffy's.

Angel, Buffy, Spike and Riley walked into the now empty livingroom, various colors of bloos covering their weapons and clothing. Angel dropped his broad sword, then stripped off his leather duster. He frowned at the tears and bloos splatters.

The group was a little bruised form their fight, but overall no worse for the wear. Despite that, the tension was suffocating.

"They weren't there," Buffy said, malice in her voice. The rest of the Scoobies tensed, looking to Angel and Buffy, bracing themselves.

"Really? I hadn't noticed." Angel said, voice just as lethal and dripping with sarcasm.

"You said they would be there."

"No, I said it was likely. And I wasn't wrong. That's where they were staying. That's why those demons and vampires were there. They just happened to be out."

"And now they'll move because it's obvious we found their hide out.."

"And managed to kill a few vampires and demons in the process. Not that any of that matters…" Buffy scowled, crossing her arms over her chest. Angel rolled his eyes. "I'm gonna go check on Corelia." Angel walked up the stairs and entered the guest room quietly. She was asleep on the bed, wrapped in blanets. She looked so peaceful, Angel didn't want to wake her.

"Angel?" She stirred, turning to him as he quietly shut the door.

"Hey Cordy." He sat on the edge of the bed.

"Did you find them?"

"They weren't there. But we took out a bit of their army."

"Okay. Are you alright? No stab wounds that need to be patched up?" She tried to sit up, accessing his wounds. He held her shoulder, gently forcing her to stay in bed.

"I'm fine, Cordy. We all are. Easy fight. How are you?"

"I'm okay. I just feel really drained."

"I think we should just stay here tonight."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. You're already in bed and relaxed. Go back to bed." She nodded and was asleep again in moments. Angel walked back downstairs to Buffy, who was sitting on the couch, and Riley who was standing beside it.

"I'm just going up to your room. I'm beat." She nodded, looking past him to Angel.

"Okay." Riley went upstairs. Angel and Buffy both avoided each other's gaze. "Sorry." She murmured.

"Me too."

"How's Cordelia?"

"She's okay. Just beat. The visions are really taking their toll. I'm just going to let her sleep. Figured I'd take the couch…if that's okay."

"Yeah…sure. You know where the pillows and blankets are?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Goodnight Angel."

"Goodnight Buffy."

Angel was on the couch, dozing off when he head what sounded like a muffled scream. A moment later, Cordelia's yells and sobs echoed through the house. Angel was up the stairs in an instant, just as Buffy, Riley and Joyce were fiting into the hallway. Angel swung the bedroom door open.

Cordelia was on the bed, tossing and turning. Tears fell from her closed eyes, and the occasional whimper and muffled cry were escaping her lips.

"Cordy." Angel whispered as he climbed onto the bed nect to her, taking her into his arms. He held her body to his, hands caressing her back in an attempt to sooth her. "Cordy…it's okay. Wake up."

His hand rested on her should, gently shaking her when she didn't stir. She struggled against his hold, against whatever was restraining her in her dream.

"Cordy, wake up." His whisper was loud in her ears, but barely audible to the rest of the group. "Come on, Baby. Wake up. I've got you." She finally stirred, his voice, scent and touch penetrating her sleep induced mind. She turned sleepy eyes up to meet his.

"Angel," her voice was a raspy from crying, her eyes slightly puffy.

"I'm right here, Cordy. It was just a bad dream. I've got you." She started to sob softly, leaning into his chest and holding him back tightly. Joyce, Buffy and Riley averted their eyes and Angel tightened his hold, trying to comfort her, to absorn her pain.

The three turned away, Joyce being the first to leave the room. Buffy and Riley looked at each other, then he too turned to leave the room. Buffy followed.

"Close the door," Angel softly called after her. Buffy shot him a look, but did as requested. She felt anger and jealously course through her as the image of Angel holding and whispering to Cordeali continued to flash in her head.

"You okay?" Riley asked her.

"Yeah. Just startled," she lied. If she had to endure pain because of him, he would have to endure the same when Rileu's scent mingled with her's the following morning. Buffy grabbed Riley's hand and led her back to her roon.

Cordelia sighed and curled closer into Angel's strong body. She was alays amazed at how secure she felt in his arms. Angel laid down and brought her deeper into his embrace as she calmed.

"You okay?" He asked, his tone concerned.

"Yeah. I just…I can't get everything out of my mind. After a vision, sometimes the images just stay and I can't get them out of my head. I try to distract myself…but I can't."

Angel was quiet for a moment, absorbing what she was telling him. He sighed, letting his hand rest on her hip. He placed a kiss to her temple, her body warming him. He felt her curved press into him. He swallowed, his body reacting to her's and to her trust in him. Angelus chuckled.

[B]If you're waiting for the invitation, this is it.[/B]

"I can distract you." He whispered, tone a tad mischevious.

"What?" She asked, a light laugh in her voice.

[B]You won't be laughing soon, Sweetheart.[/B]

Angel placed another kiss to her temple, this one a second longer. Her eyes fluttered shut at the feel of his lips on her skin.

"I can distract you Cordelia." His hand pulled her hips into the cradle of his and he placed a kiss to her lips. "I can make sure that your mind is far from visions when you fall asleep tonight."

"How."

"Trust me?"

"I do." He kissed her again, this time deeply, more passionately, as he moved his body on top of her's. He settled between her legs as his tongue swept insider her mouth, massaging her's.

Angel leaned on his left elbow, asllowing his right hand to travel down her body, his lips moving down her chin, then her neck to linger at her jugular. A soft whimper escaped her lips as he sucked and nipped at her skin, his hand playing with the hem of her skirt, before slipping beneath the fabric. Cordeali moaned as his cook hand caressed her breast.

"Angel?" She questioned, her breathing heavy.

"Just trust me, Cordy." Angel sat her up, swiftly pulling her shirt over her head and tossing it to the side. He unclasped her bra, and it too met the floor. Goosebumps covered her newly exposed flesh. Cordeali wasn't sure if it was the chill in the room, or his heated gaze traveling over her body.

Angel's mouth covered a breast, his wandering hand traveling down to the jeans she was still wearing. Cordeli'a back arched and her hands threaded in his hair, pulling his head closer to her body as his fingers undid the button and zipper to her jeans. Cordelia's hands moved to the bottom of his shirt and pulled it off, running her warm hands over his cool skin.

His mouth continued its journey south, licking and kissing over her ribs, her belly button, her scar, her hipbones. Cordelia's body tensed as he pulled her jeans and panties off. She took in a shakey breath as he climbed back onto the bed. His eyes held her captivated as he spread her legs, his upper body setting between them. Cordelia couldn't move or think; her heart was pounding and her breathing was eratic.

'You okay?"

"Uh-huh…" She said, but her voice wavered.

"Cordy, if you don't want to…" Angel said, trying to keep his voice even.

[B]Are you shitting me! You are not stopping! She's laid out right in fucking front of you![/B]

"Angel, no, it's just…I'm just nervous. We both know I've only been with on guy and…well, there wasn't much, um…foreplay."

"Don't be nervous, Cordy. I'll take care of you. Just relax." Cordelia flushed. In a tender, reassuring gesture, Angel laced his fingers with her's as he lowered his mouth.

Cordeali gasped as his cool mouth kissed and licked at her delicated skin, tasting her flavor. Cordelia whimpered, her hips rising up as two fingers penetrated deep inside her. Angel buried his face between her thighs as her hips thrusted up against the burn inside her. She moaned at the perfect rasp of his fingers in and out of her, his tongue against her clit. Angel lifted his head with a teasing smile and shushed her, though his fingers continued to move.

"Shh. You're gonna wake the whole house up." Angel was a playful lover. Cordelia mentally marked that under things to know about him, before his fingers, lips, teeth and tongue continued their ministrations and all other thoughts left her.

Angel curved his fingers inside her, speeding up his thrusts and increasing his pressure on her clit. Cordelia cried out, her fingers yanking at his hair as she came, her hips bucking against his hand and mouth.

Angel continued to lick her gently, devouring her taste, his fingers slowing their pas as she came down. Once her body stilled and her breathing calmed, he climbed back up the bed to lay beside her. He took her in his arms and weapped himself around her so his chest was to her back. Her hands grabbed his and she relaxed into him, yawning.

"You okay?" Angel asked her, his voice a tender whisper.

"Mmm hmm."

"Feel better?"

"Yeah."

"Think you can sleep now?" She turnred her head to look athis face, his smile smug. She rolled her eyes and returned to their spooning position.

"Yeah. Not bad for a no-bone eunuch." Angel growled playfully and lightly bit her shoulder.

"Go to bed, Cordy." She giggled softly at his response, amazed at how all at once Angel managed to exude power, confidence and compassion. She sighed contently and fell asleep in the arms of the man she now couldn't deny she loved. Angel held her, unsure about what he was feeling.

[I]Nothing to say? No complaints for once?[/I]

[B]I'm appeased…for the moment.[/B]

[I]I'm surprised.[/I]

[B]Don't be. If it was this easy at the Slayer's, she'll be putty in our hands tomorrow night at the hotel. A few days in, maybe we can sink our fangs in. Good move, Soul Boy.[/B]

Angel took in a shakey sigh, ashamed at how that thought made his cock twitch. He held her tighter to him and tried to sleep.