Sorry it's been so long since I've updated. I'm getting ready to move across the country so it may be a while before the next chapter is up. Thank you for reading and I hope you like this chapter. As always keep reading and reviewing.

Chapter 11

It had been a month since Buffy had moved out of Angelus' apartment. One month since Angelus had had a good nights sleep. It had been two months since Angelus had had a night of unforgettable lustful passion. Angelus didn't know what is was about the small blonde, but he wanted her. It also amazed Angelus that he didn't want a casual passionate night with her here and there as it was with all his women. He was normally content to meet up with a woman spend a few hours together then go on their separate ways. He found himself pondering a future with Elizabeth 'Buffy' Summers.

Currently Angelus was sitting in his bed staring at the many sketches of the little blonde that captivated his mind and heart. This is how Angelus spent his nights now that she wasn't there. His apartment felt so empty now. He actually missed getting into the shower to only have it turn ice cold after a few minutes because she had used all the hot water. He missed having her things take over every corner of his apartment. Most of all he missed sharing his bed with her. He was just glad that he would get to see her tomorrow. They had planned a lunch date and he was eagerly anticipating the event. Angelus was brought out of his revere by a loud knock on his door. He glanced at the clock and noticed it was well past ten pm. He groaned setting the sketches down then making his way to the door.

Angelus threw the door open to find a blonde standing there. However, it wasn't the blonde he would like to see standing there. "What do you want Darla?," he asked inwardly groaning at the sight of her. Darla stuck out her lower lip in a mock pout. "Angelus it's been so long I thought we could you know entertain each other," she drawled out leaning into him seductively. Angelus let out an exasperated sigh. "I told you already Darla I'm not interested," he tried to explain. Darla pushed past him and immediately flew to his bedroom. "Who is she? Who is more important then me and more importantly better in bed then me," she asked incredulously as she opened his bedroom door. Darla frowned when she saw no one lying nude in his bed. "Darla get out!," he shouted pointing towards his front door. Darla spared one glance back at the bed and noticed the many sketches. She picked one up then noticed they were all of the same girl. "Is this who?," she asked skeptically as she tossed one towards him. Angelus caught it before it hit the floor then gathered the rest. "It doesn't matter who, Darla not get out before I call the police," he threatened tired of her game. Darla huffed past him and towards the door. Just before she exited she stole one cold glance at him. "I will not be traded for some little whore, Angelus, you mark my words," she said seething in anger before slamming the door.

Angelus regretted the day he had ever started his little affair with Darla. He had actually been commissioned by her husband Gavin Nest to paint them. Once he had finished the painting Darla had insisted he do one of just her. Soon after their tumultuous affair had begun. It was no secret that Gavin also had his affairs. However, Angelus had felt guilty about the whole thing and tried to break it off on numerous occasions. Needless to say Darla did not take kindly to being cast aside. The night of the showing he had broken it off once again with her and he'd hoped she would forget about him, however tonight showed him she would not be easily rebuffed.

Angelus made his way back into his room and put away the sketches he took great care of. Wearily he laid down on his bed and fell into a fitful sleep. Angelus awoke with a start at the sound of the phone. He groaned looking at the clock to see it was just past two in the morning. He picked the phone up growling a what into the receiver. His voice immediately softened as he realized who it was. "Buffy what is it? What's wrong?," he asked alarmed. He heard her sob out that she couldn't be alone. Angelus told her he was on his way then hung up the phone. Immediately thoughts of Riley returning flashed in his mind and he hurriedly pulled on his shoes and grabbed a jacket before running out the door.

Angelus was out of breath by the time he ran up the six flights of stairs to Buffy's door. He knocked then patiently waited. Buffy opened the door and Angelus was shocked at the state of her. She looked like she had been crying for hours. Before he could even think to stop himself he had his arms wrapped around her. He quickly shut the door and locked it before guiding her into the living room. "Tell me what's wrong," he said as he pulled her down onto the couch. Buffy stifled her tears as best she could before finally speaking. "I keep having nightmares about Riley coming back," she confessed. Angelus stood bringing her with him and took her into her bedroom. "Let's get you to bed," he whispered as he pulled the blankets back motioning for her to slide in. "I'm sorry I woke you," she sobbed out as she snuggled into her pillow. Angelus slid into the bed next to her pushing his shoes off as he did so. "Buffy," he said as he gently grabbed her chin and guiding her to look at him, "never hesitate to call me. I'll always be there for you." A few fresh tears glistened in her eyes at his words.

Silently Angelus pulled Buffy into his arms and soon both were fast asleep. Soon after their slumber took over Angelus found himself in the middle of another dream about Buffy. He was once again showing her the carnal delights of pleasure. Buffy awoke to strong arms pulling her impossibly closer as his mouth explored hers. Buffy closed her eyes losing her self in the passion and pleasure. Soon Angelus' one of Angelus' hands was roaming through her hair as the kiss deepened. Buffy let out a loud sigh of pleasure as his other hand found it's way under her tank top. Angelus' eyes flew open as he realized what he was doing. "Buffy I'm sorry," he stammered out as he sat up running his hand through his hair. Buffy sat up next to him her eyes full of questions. "I don't understand?," she said a little hurt and dejected by his reaction. Angelus looked at her longingly upset with himself for causing her any confusion. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to attack you," he said quietly. Buffy's eyes widened at his words. "You didn't attack me," she said as she slid back down onto the pillow. Angelus slid down as well turning to gaze at her once he did so.

Absentmindedly Angelus lifted his hand and began to brush her hair back. Buffy sighed closing her eyes relishing in the way the small act felt. "I'm confused about us," she finally whispered out. Angelus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Me to baby," he said the last word already out before he could think about the repercussions. Buffy's eyes flew open at the use of the word. "I like that," she said as she scooted closer to him. Angelus furrowed his brows in confusion, "Like what?" Buffy gazed deeply into his eyes before answering, "You calling me baby. I think I would like that." Angelus smiled widely then pulled her closer kissing her atop the head, "I'd like that too." Angelus inhaled her scent deeply knowing that he would love to have her as his baby. "So are we making it official," he ventured hopefully. Buffy shook her head then yawned widely. "We'll talk in the morning," he whispered as he kissed her chastely on the lips.

The couple slept wonderfully for the first time in a month. Angelus stretched his limbs as he stowed out of the bed. He wanted to surprise Buffy and make her breakfast. He knew they would be continuing their talk of the previous night soon. He was a little apprehensive that she may have changed her mind. He knew that if he was in her shoes he wouldn't want to jump into a relationship again. He wouldn't blame her if she never trusted men again. Angelus rifled through the cabinets until he found the ingredients needed. He was startled when the ruffled by sleep Buffy ventured out into the kitchen. "Morning," she said through a yawn as she sat at the kitchen island. "I'm making pancakes," he revealed knowing his surprise had been thwarted. She yawned again then smiled as she stretched her arms above her head.

Angelus and Buffy sat across from each other at the table. Finally breaking the silence Angelus spoke, "So did you want to talk about last night?" Buffy swallowed her mouthful then shook her head yes, "I guess." Angelus furrowed his brow hoping his fears weren't going to be realized. "I meant what I said last night about us being a couple," he started to say. Buffy nodded her head, but didn't speak. Angelus abruptly stood and made his way to her. He dropped down onto his knees beside her. Buffy turned and stared at him a little bewildered. "Buffy I want you to know that not all men are like Riley," he said the name with a sneer. "I would never hurt you Buffy and I hope you believe that." Angelus reached up and gently grazed his fingers over her soft skin. Buffy said nothing for a long time trying to gather herself in her mind before she spoke. "I really like you," she choked out hoping she didn't sound to crazy. Angelus smiled then stood bringing her with him. "Then it's settled we're a couple," he said happily.

--

Angelus and Buffy had been dating for several weeks. Buffy had started her modeling shoots again. The couple spent as much time together as possible. Often one could be found in the other's bed at night. They had yet to consummate their relationship. Both had their reasons and both reasons were drastically different. For the time being they were content with the heavy make out sessions and heavy petting. Their relationship was perfect for the two of them and that was all that mattered.

Buffy paced nervously back and forth in her apartment. Angelus would be arriving any time now. Finally he used his key and entered the apartment. Angelus was in the habit of bringing her something every time he came to see her. Today he had a bouquet of freshly cut lilies. He sensed something was wrong immediately when he entered the apartment and saw her pacing. "What's wrong baby?," he asked concerned as he sat the lilies down on the closest flat surface. Buffy stopped pacing and turned to face him.

"I have a shoot coming up in a couple of weeks and I'll be going to Bermuda," she spilled out quickly. Angelus smiled widely at her.

"That's wonderful you should have a great time," he said forgetting all about his earlier concern.

"You're not upset?," she asked nervously.

"Of course not why would I be?," he asked.

"Well it's just that Ri…," she began to say, but was cut off.

"Buffy I am nothing like that dirt bag. I'm happy for you. I'm glad you're getting back into you're work," he explained.

"That's a relief," she said as she broke into a wide smile herself.

The only complaint Angelus had about their relationship was the constant presence of the ex. Although Riley wasn't there she was constantly on guard that Angelus would somehow morph into the low life. He knew that with time and a lot of patience she would eventually realize that Angelus would never be anything like that asshole. He knew that Riley had started out kind and loving and suddenly morphed into an overbearing abusive boyfriend. He just had to be sure to show Buffy that he would never do that. He would never hurt a woman, especially not Buffy.

--

Riley ripped the magazine in and half and threw it on the ground. "Hey you have to pay for that," the clerk shouted. Riley tossed five dollars on the counter and stormed out of the convenience store. How dare she start her modeling again? He had discovered her! He had created her! Even more upsetting was that the tabloids were reporting her dating some dark mysterious artist type. He was right she had been fucking him. Riley just needed to hold on a little longer. He just needed to convince his mother that he was fine. He had just suffered a momentary bout of insanity at discovering his girlfriend was cheating on him. He knew she would understand and let him do as he pleased.