Title; And Then There Was a Time.. part 3
Author; Greenfae
disclaimer; All the rights belong to Joss W, and the songs belong to the lovely lady Sara Mac.. I own nothing and only wish I had half thier talent. *sighs* I am just a poor wanna be in need of a hug. :-(
email; Greenfae2@cs.com
rating; this part has more or less crossed da line.. so I give it a R to NC 17,, okies, read at your own risk.
Pairing; Willow, Angel, and Riley, it don't get much better than that. hehe.
Time frame,, ? after 7th season.. sorta .. please don't hold me to it to hard. ;-)
Notes; Willow is dealing.. so what can you say.. two guys one girl.. who gets what first.. oh man, I aint even sure If I would be able to deal, and I am writing this.
Feedback: yes please,, pruddy please even,, as long as you don't,,,hehe, slay me, I love feedback, good or bad.
Riding The Storm;
Willow felt warm and snugly in Riley's arms as the sun peeked over the ocean. She could hear him softly snoring the rumbling in his chest. The smile that crossed her face, was one of comfort. She felt very happy just to cuddle against this man and let him hold her. Slowly Riley roused to the morning rays of the sun and Willow's soft touch on his skin. She was using one finger and tracing small circles on his chest. The feel of it tickled him to awareness. Riley opened his eyes. Willow was looking up at him and he smiled. " Hey there." He groan stretching he wrapped his arms tighter around her and she gave a soft moan. " Hey" she answered. Willow rested her head back down on his chest and tucked her hands around his back.
The fresh morning air made her settle in deeper, closer to him. He watched as she seemed to get completely comfortable next to him. It was almost painful the way she held him to her. But he couldn't call her his, until she was willing to be so. His need was tearing at him. But his logical mind let him know right away he had to let her make the choice. She would love but only if she was allowed to. No could make her. No one should ever try. He had been strong when he was with Buffy.
He knew he needed to be stronger now. There was one major difference, Willow wasn't, nor did he ever want her to be like Buffy. The Slayer could be cold and closed off from her feelings. From the ones she loved. Willow would never close herself off like that. He needed her to just be herself. Even if that meant she would not fall in love with him. That would be better than her being in love with him then pushing him away. He was sure he didn't want to deal with that again. It had drove him to do some pretty strange things, drove him nearly insane. He would squeeze his eyes shut in disgust, every time he thought about how he had let that female vampire feed from him. But at the time she filled a need that Buffy either wouldn't or maybe couldn't. A need that he only saw as someone wanting him.
Willow would need him if she loved him. Looking down on her he could see that see wanted him now. Her small form cuddled close to his chest. Red hair framing her face so that her little nose and slightly pouting lips gave the most inviting look. He reached a long finger and touched the tip of her nose. Letting his finger move lower he began tracing her upper lip. Then the lower one. Creating a tickling sensation. One that Willow tried to wave away, like she was fighting an annoying fly.
He smiled looking down at her. His voice entering her dreams, so sleep was drifting away from her and she opened her eyes to see him watching her. Willow stretched her long legs and reached up placing a kiss on his chin. Then bounding up and heading for the little Willows room, as she had called the bathroom last night. Riley stroked his chin with thoughtful fingers.
He watched her retreating under the deck. Around the corner came the Capt. " Ahoy mate." the good nature man said. "Smooth sailing I hope?" his eyes questioningly. Riley smiled at the man and nodded to him. "Fair weather Capt."He answered. The Capt. let Riley know that they would be on shore again in maybe a half hour. Riley thought that would be about 9a m and should allow them to get back to Sunnydale before Willow had to be at work.
Thinking about what the Capt. had said he smiled his eyes clouding. Yeah, he thought all went well. Only not as well as he had wanted, he had wanted to have her, make her his. So that no damn vampire could take her away. Now he had to face going back to Sunnydale. Knowing that Angel would be there. He would be waiting. He also knew that where his finances were limited. Angel's most likely were not. Riley mentally shrugged, a couple hundred years helps when your trying to impress a girl. Tonight's events had cost an arm and leg. But Willow was worth it.
He watched her now as she walked carelessly back to him. Pulling her in his arms when she reached him, Riley kissed the top of her head. Something took hold of him right then and he felt desperate to keep her here with him always. Holding her tightly he groaned somewhere low in his gut and released her. Willow still clung to him, letting her graceful hands lay gently on his shoulders. She tiptoe up enough to give him another kiss on his cheek. He turned into it and brushed his lips to hers. Lightly letting the small kiss tell her how he felt.
As the ships motor roared into life Riley again tighten his grip on her. Not wanting the sudden jerk of the ship moving to make her fall. Willow seemed glad to have him hold her, she relaxed in his arms and smiled up to him. Her mind was in a fog, she had been wined and dined like she had never been before. Riley had really gone all out for her and she thought it was the sweetness thing anyone had ever done for her. They sat on the couches and talked again. The ship moved toward the shore as they chatted happily. Talking about everything from daily routines to demon hunting.
Willow was very expressive about how she had gone over the deep end when Tara had gotten killed. Though she didn't mention all the details he was sure there was a lot more. She did tell him of her feelings toward Tara. How they had been a couple and how she had been shot right before her eyes. Riley understood the feelings of helplessness. His own wife died in his arms because he was unable to get to her in time. Only a matter of seconds stood between her and her life. Riley pulled Willow closer as they came to shore. The memory of his wife still in his mind. He didn't want to go back. That part of his life was over. But the whole thing made being with Willow much more important. She was precious to him now. He would never let that go, unless she herself wanted it that way.
The long drive back was full of giggles and laughs. He would glance at her and his heart would ache. She felt as if he really wanted to be with her. That was a feeling she hadn't happened since Tara had come back just before she died. This man with her was so handsome, she would sneak peeks at him and try to engrave in her memory every detail of his face. She would look at his hands and blush. Thinking how he had been touching her the night before. All the while, somewhere in the back of her mind she felt haunted. Something worried her, made her feel as if she could never really be happy. Never have a love that she wouldn't lose, or was it something else. A voice in the depths of her heart screamed in quiet need. Willow slipped into her mind a moment. But not so that Riley didn't notice, he looked at her and his expression turned dark.
His thoughts too were somewhat worried, he could tell by the look on her pretty face that she was deep in thought. What, or who was she thinking of, he didn't really want to know, still he was sure he did know. He knew that just like he had no intent of giving up. A certain undead monster had no intent of giving up either. Why does she even think about him? Riley wondered. But he knew why, Angel was immortal, handsome and rich. If Angel professed love to a woman, it would be a very hard choice to turn him down. But she was with Riley right now. Looking her over he made a small noise in like clearing his throat. It was his time with her and he was greedy. She would be with him while he had her here.
Waiting;
Back in Sunnydale, Angel paced the floors of his mansion. His dark eyes keeping an amber hue to them. Showing that he barely kept his demon in check. The burns on his hands and face were puffy and blistered. But he didn't really care. Angel paced over to his fridge and opened two bags for his dinner. He downed both in no time and had a third not even bothering to warm them in the microwave. The thick cold liquid flowed into his mouth and down his throat. If he hadn't needed the healing for his burns he would have just done with out.
Striding to the phone he made a quick call to Willie across town and made arrangements for more to be delivered soon. He needed to recover. The last thing Angel wanted was for Willow to feel sorry for him. He wanted her many ways. In his home, in his life, in his bed. But never did he want her to feel sorry for him. He didn't want to appear weak to her. She was after all a very powerful witch. He smiled at this thought. Willow had come along way. She understood the pain of doing things. Horrible things and regretting them deeply. She had suffered a terrible loss. Her reaction was not something that he would have guessed from her mild mannered behavior in years past.
But love can make you do things. The passion she showed was enough to convince Angel there was far more woman there than he had given credit before. Yes she had grown, seeing her for the first time in years he knew she had changed. The woman he knew now, was beautiful and interesting. Not a child that needed him to protect her. But he would protect her, no matter the cost to himself. If he had any chance to have her for his own he would need to let her know. Make her understand that he was real and was hers for the asking. Hell she didn't even have to ask. Just smile at him and he would give her anything she wanted.
Thinking of her with Riley all night brought a fearsome growl from somewhere low in his gut. Making his eyes again flash gold. That boy wouldn't know what to do with a woman like Willow. Wouldn't know how to make her happy. G.I. guy was a fool for thinking Willow would ever need him. As Angel's eyes again went dark his mind made a note of how Willow had looked at Riley. The smile she had just before they left to take her to classes yesterday. Pain shot like cold fire in his head and heart, no Willow! His mind begged her. Lowering his dark head he paced more. He was helpless in the light of day. But there would be tonight. If it was not to late, if she would give him a chance she would be his.
She would know she had no choice in her heart but to love him. Feeling all of his over 240 years, Angel dropped down on his couch in the main living room and tried to close his eyes. Sleep not coming easy he knew it would be a long day. His mind wandered around the thoughts he had of the copper hair and grass green eyes. He had held her in his arms, kissed her silly. But he wanted more, much more than a few kisses and touches. Finally his mind gave up for now, into a uneasy sleep he went. But even his dreams were filled with her now. Sweet mouth and small fingers he felt. In Angel's sleep he groan as if in pain, he woke far to soon.
But by his way of thinking, no where near soon enough. The sun was barely setting while he was on the phone making arrangements. Calls to friends, and business people that he knew he would need to deal with. Before he even went out there were men with boxes arriving and placing things in order. So that the mansion would be ready. He went out once most was done. Returning with somethings he wanted special for the woman he was trying to woo. He smiled as he slipped the little black box in the pocket of his tux. Angel then took the large box out to the limo. Where he placed it on the seat beside him as he told the driver where to go. His mind carefully going over what he wanted to say. How he would talk Willow into going out with him this evening. How she would look with his present on. Still he could not Bering himself to be over confident right now.
He did not know what happened between Willow and Riley. That was his "unknown variable". The one thing he couldn't control. He knew that if she was not already letting herself be controlled by the boy, he had a chance. If she had given herself the Riley. It would be much harder. Not impossible. Just harder than he had first thought it would be. Checking himself over he saw he still had some scars from his recent sun burn. But then that may just be what the doctor ordered. He felt like he needed every card in his hand. He wasn't sure he would have to play them all. But having them there was a good thing in his mind, Angel sighed deeply. The stress of waiting weighting on him, he was tapping the box beside him when he pulled up in front of her apartment building. It was roughly nine PM as he got out of the limo.
Playing The Trumps;
Willow was setting on her bed brushing her damp hair when she heard the knock at the door. She was pretty sure it wasn't Riley. Because she had said she was very tired and needed some alone time to think. Standing in her panties and bra both a dark shade of green silk and lace. She leaned over the bed and grabbed her satin robe and headed for the door.
Checking out the peep hole to see who was coming by she drew a deep breath. It was Angel and he looked like he was dressed to kill. She opened the door and smiled at him shyly. "Well, what are you doing here?" she asked him softly noting his total outfit. A low whistle escaping her lips. Her eyes giving him the once over. He smiled at her and stepped to the side of the door to pick something up. She was even more surprised at the large box. It was wrapped like a gift and he handed it to her with a smile. "What is that?" Her eyes got even larger if that was possible. "Oh, just a little gift for this evening. I hope you like it." He side a smile in his voice as he walk slowly into her apartment. His eyes glued to her satin draped body. She blushed at him and closed the door as she follow him back inside.
Taking a seat on the end of the couch she became and child at Christmas. Tearing open the wrapping and then the box. Her face lit up and she almost had tears in her eyes when she pulled the tissue away from the dress. It was the most dazzling thing she had ever seen. Emerald green and sleeveless silk with delicately braided twists of lace that resembled webbing. The whole thing gave the impression of floating. She smiled up at him where he stood and hopped up. She hugged him tightly, then padded into her bedroom to try it on.
When she returned he was impressed with the way the dress clung to every curve. And she twirled letting the dress float around her ankles. She was still barefoot and on the balls of her feet moving around him grinning. " Well he said ." pleased with himself. " Are you almost ready to go then?" She looked at him quizzing what he was saying in her head. " But Angel I don't have any shoes to go with this. In her mind she was thinking what she did have and most were low heeled pumps or sneakers. He simply smiled and dug a little deeper in the box. Retrieving dark green sling backs that let her toes peek out of them. She slipped them on and glanced up to Angel. His eyes were watching her intently. Moving over her body with almost greedy need. When his dark chocolate depths met her green orbs she shivered. For a undead he was making her feel very alive. Just by looking at her that way she was sure her pulse rate went up two notches. Sometime during his grazing her with his eyes and her blushing she found herself in his arms. The thoughts in her head kinda jumbled she sighed deeply. Her warmth held tightly against his powerful cool body made her shiver. The reactions of her body betraying her in small ways. So that she had no choice but to rest her warm hands on his chest over his still heart. Angel reached a hand to the nape of her neck and stroked her tender skin. Letting cool fingers trace the line of her spine down to where the back of the dress came up to. He dipped those fingers just beneath its silky material. Willow arched her back and leaned her breasts into his chest. A smile passed over his lips as he watched her eyes drift closed. His mild caress calming her reactions to him. Making her want more. Closing the part of her mind that would say no. Willow let her head fall to one side as he retraced his movements again. Her throat bare to him, he leaned down and gently trailed kisses from her jaw line to her shoulder. Then back up to her pulse point. Lingering there he whispered up to her ear. " We are going to be late Willow. That Is. if you still want to go." His voice held a subtly mocking tone, and in it's lowered timbers gave her chills. Willows eyes fluttered open. She looked at him as he raised his head, he was darkly sensual, and he knew it. She felt that she was in the hands of a master as he move light fingers over her body. Causing in his mere touches things she wasn't sure anyone was meant to feel. So powerful was the fire charged feelings. She was sure she would faint from the pain/pleasure of it all.
Suddenly he let her go and moved away. Letting her get her baring first before his hands completely let her go. His smiled to let her know he wanted her to decide what she wanted. Dinner or what she seemed to be hungry for at the moment? Her eyes began to focus better on him and what was around her. She moved back some then nodded to him. "I think we had better go, for now anyway." Her voice was thick and full of emotion. She didn't even realize that he hadn't actually ask if she wanted to go anywhere. Angel seemed pleased with his handy work.
His thoughts centered on Riley for the briefest of moments. That boy will never know what happened. After tonight Willow will only want me. He held out a arm for her and she smiled at the gesture. Manners of that sort were kinda of absent from today's men. Willow rested a hand on his arm and he caught it bringing if full around and thru his arm. Walking her out of her apartment down the single flight of stairs into the limo. Then opening the car door for her. Willow thought she was having deja'vu. Except for the fact that this was Angel not Riley.
Willow thought she would never stop laughing. Angel had been relating some of the tales he had gleaned over the past two centuries. The most recent being a very amusing tale about Spike and Dru. Seems they had a problem with a fralean demon. Most of the problem was just cleaning out all the demons snot from there hair and clothes. Angel just shook his head his mouth half open in a belly laugh. Willow was in the throws of hysteria, laughing almost until she couldn't breath. Her laughing having slowed she was down to giggling. Angel nearly went quite and just watched his lovely witch. Taking in every curve of her face. How her breast would rise and fall with every heaving gulp of air she fought to hold on to.
Her laughing being calmer now, Willow placed a delicate hand on her heart, not knowing that with the hand she had drawn Angel's attention there too. In his mind he could imagine how her breasts would feel. Under his hands, or his mouth. Lust glazed over his eyes and he shifted in his seat to allow his growing need some space. Just then Willow looked up at him behind her long lashes. She could tell something was up but had no clue how to ask. Angel watched her with a smile. Sensing her confusion he placed one cool hand over hers and asked. "Are you ready to go now?" Willow only nodded and Angel stood moving behind her to let her back from the table and help her up. "I have one more thing to show you Willow, if you don't mind?" His words wove into her mind gently making her a little more at ease. "Yes, Angel, her voice nearly trembled, That would be fine." Somewhere in deep in her mind she knew something was different about tonight. He was deeply, deadly serious. Willow never believed he would hurt her. But she could tell this was very important to him. Going along with him at this point was the right thing to do. If only to know what was really going on with him.
Suddenly Willow's mind left where they were and went back to Riley on the ship. How he had danced with her in the moonlight. Kissed her lips until she wanted to scream her need to him. Even as Angel walked her out of the expensive restaurant her mind was filled with Riley's touch, his scent, the way he looked at her. Shaking her head Willow brought her mind back to where she was and what was going on now. Angel was sitting in front of her in the limo and he was pouring some wine for them. She could tell he knew that she had a mental escape, but he could not read her mind. That was a gift of the goddess, she laugh at herself silently. If Angel knew she was thinking about Riley he would not be very happy.
Willow let her eyes travel up Angel's pant leg over his thighs and hips up to his chest and finally his face. His look was one of pleasant surprise, he reached her glass of wine to her and she took it letting her fingers touch his only briefly. The touch however short was magnetic and powerful. Soon the limo was coming to a stop and Angel was let out of it. He took Willows hand and lead her out and up the few stairs it took to enter the mansion. Willow was curious to see what was going on but she tried to stay calm on the outside. Her belly was full of butterflies and her head wanted to explode. Her only thought was for the darn butterflies to fly in formation. That would help for starters.
The Seduction;
Once they glided inside, Willow nearly gasped, everywhere in the entry way and living room there were candles. The glow from them was the effect of muted light. Letting corners stay hidden in shadows and casting warm light over Angel's strong features. Angel studied her with dark haunted eyes taking a sharp unneeded breath. She was even more beautiful than he thought she would be. The glow of the candles had leant an burnished copper look to her hair and the fire light pick up all the gold in her green eyes. She looked like a goddess bathed in the candles warmth. Angel walked her to the over stuffed sofa and let her sit down. Her eyes adjusting to the dimmed lighting she saw that the whole room now. Filled with comfy lounges and couches. Hugh pillows thrown everywhere there was a spot to sit. Some larger pillows were laid in a spot on the floor by the fire place.
Willows heart skipped a beat when he walked behind her leaning over the back of the sofa. He whispered to her. "More wine Willow?" his words full of meaning. He was so close she could feel him nearly touching her bare shoulder. Angel stood and walked over to the entertainment center. There was no t.v. But the stereo was amazing. She wondered when he had time to do all this. The mansion was bare up to three days ago. She knew that because she was kinda of keeping an eye on it for Angel while he was gone. Not letting the news papers build up and such. She had been inside a few times and had seen that it was nearly striped to the bare walls. Now it was fully set up and cleaned. She wondered why he had done all this and a fleeting thought ran by her mind. She closed her eyes in disbelief as she watched him hit a few buttons and music began to play.
You come out at night,
that's when the energies comes,
and the dark sides light,
and the vampires roam,
The haunting notes of the music filled her mind with wonder. Angel went quietly over to the wet bar where he pulled a small bottle of wine. Or at least that is what Willow had thought it was until he also pulled two silver spoons and matches. Maybe it was some kind of special drink she thought as he walked back over to her. Scanning the coffee table where he was placing the items he had brought. She noticed a bowl of sugar cubes and two wine glasses. "This, he started to say calmly, is part of history, It's something I thought you would enjoy with me." His eyes roamed her face. She shot him a questioning look and he began to explain. " Absinth is a very old type of drink that was very popular when I was rounding Europe." Willow was curious about it, but never thought she would be confronted with the possibility of drinking any herself. " You don't have to join me if you don't want to Willow," He told her when she looked almost fearfully up at him. Angel proceeded to set the drinks up in case she did want to join him.
His inner demon was screaming at him. He knew his little seduction was working for the most part. The uncertainty of it was part of the attraction for him. Love is to be wooed and won, not throned about like a lot of the woman today seemed to do. He was glad Willow was not that way. She was more living than most. Understanding the pain of life as well as it's pleasures. Angel watched her out of the corner of his eye as she looked on at what he was doing. Placing the spoon on the glass so that its wide part was over the open mouth of it he put one sugar cube on it. Then poured some of the green liquor over it and into the glass. Pulling out the matches he lit first one then the other. The sugar cubes burned and ran into the liquor below. Willows eyes were wide with wonder, he smiled to himself knowing she would join him now if for no other reason than she was curious. Angel took the spoons off the glasses and picked his up nodding to her to do the same. "A toast," he offered as she gently picked hers up. He was still standing as he toasted. To the love of my unlife." Willow looked a little shocked, her minded reeling she downed her drink as he did, mostly out of reaction to the toast. The liquid flowed down her throat, warm and intoxicating. Her eyes unfocussed for a minute as she got her barrings back.
She licked her lips and Angel saw that as an invitation. He leaned forward and down to her where she sat, his lips seeking hers in a fiery kiss. Letting his body sit down with her on the couch he wrapped her in his arms and pulled her closer to him. She only moan softly and let her body be guided by his. In her mind she was fighting for control, but for what her body kept telling her. She wanted this, needed it in fact. She had to have known after the way he had been all evening that he was intent on being with her. Why did she not just let go and give in to her own feelings. Her body burned with her need. Being this close to him she could feel his need as it grew with their touches. In her mind, the only thing she could understand was the music playing in the background.
Make me a witness,
Take me out,
Out of darkness,
Out of doubt,
I wont weight you down with good intentions,
Wont make fire out clay,
Or other inventions,
Her feelings were wrapping her in a cocoon of sensual caresses and kisses. Angel was doing his best to make her shiver at every touch. Every layer of clothing he pulled from her he covered with gentle kisses. Fingers of fire laced over and over again in her body. He was touching her in ways that she kept her from thinking. His strong hands skimmed over the heated flesh of her breasts. Teasing and lightly pinching her nipples into puckering roses of want. Each touch awarded him with a sigh or a soft moan. His lips following the path of his hands she was lost for the moment. All she wanted was for him not to stop. Somewhere deep inside her head a little voice was screaming at her to stop. Her mind not willing to give, tried to pull back to the music again. Only to find no help but more mind bending waves of understanding, it seemed as she heard the words move in the air around them.
Will we burn in heaven,
Like we do down here,
Will a change come,
While were waiting,
Everyone is waiting.
She knew Angel would wait no more. Willow was sure she was lost this time. The power in his husky voice misted into her lust soaked mind. " Willow, be mine ,, forever." A sudden feeling of falling off a cliff hit her stomach. With this she felt him lift her in his arms, carrying her off somewhere she wasn't sure of. At this moment she wasn't even sure if she cared, only that she was indeed burning.
Walking the line;
Riley had made a phone call earlier that evening to see how Willow was doing. Her machine had picked up and he was pretty sure she was asleep. They had a long night before and he knew she had gone to work before she went to sleep. He even dropped by the magic shop and watched as she and Anya were looking over some of the sales slips. He enjoyed watching her as she moved over to the counter. Her face marked with a happy look he didn't think he had seen before. She glanced up and noticed him as he stood outside the window. Riley smiled big at her and she nodded. Saying something to Anya she walked out the door of the shop and hugged Riley. "So glad to see you Riley." her face was bright but she looked tired. He felt bad about keeping her up almost all night. So when she asked if they could take a break this evening and let her get some rest he didn't really mind. They made plans to meet the next day around noon. Riley was happy with that.
The only thing that worried him was knowing that Angel was still around. Riley shrugged and thought. Well if he was all that interested why wasn't he here now calling on Willow. A small kernel of hope crept into his mind. Only to be dashed by the memory of the way Willow looked at Angel the night he found him in her apartment. They were friends in Willows mind, Riley tried to comfort himself with. But then she and Riley had only been friends too. After they talked awhile she kissed his cheek and he left. He knew he would have to watch her tonight. Angel wasn't going to give up and he didn't want to be the last to know what that demon was up to.
Riley went back to his hotel room. He would need some sleep if he were going to make it up all night to guard Willow. Riley thought to himself in amusement that it was ironic. All the time he spent in the jungles chasing demons, all the time he was with the Initiative capturing those monsters. He never felt as threatened as he does by Angel.
Riley woke with a start when his alarm went off and he knocked the thing off the end table beside him. He had been dreaming about red hair and green eyes, the smell of her body, the heat of her desires. Flashes of skin to skin contact waved in his head, Riley really had to pull himself back together as he rolled over to the side of the bed. He began to stand and groaned, his body ached with unfed need. His stomach growled it's anger at having been ignored so long too. In a smooth graceful move that would belie his aches and pains. He walked to the bathroom and started his morning rituals.
Feeling the need to hurry he showered and shaved, dressing himself in simple jeans and blue denim shirt. He slapped a handful of after shave on and pulled on his boots. His mind still on the dream he had just moments before. He was in a hurry to get where he could see her. It was just after nine PM when he rounded the corner and entered the quick market next to the motel he was staying in. Riley looked over the shelves and decided on a few things, granola bars, juice, banana. That was a good enough breakfast for him today. Just enough to keep him going without weighting him down. By the time he reached Willows apartment building in his hummer it was nine thirty. Her lights were off and he wondered if she was in bed already.
His mind wandered to how she had looked in his arms the night before. Sleeping peacefully with him holding her as they lazed beneath the stars. The ship being gently rocked by the waves of the ocean. He watched the windows and thought, if Angel really wants a fight I will give it to him. But I would rather just love her. She couldn't really want something like Angel anyway. But he also knew that somethings are not want we want but what happens to us. Riley knew he would not just let Angel happen to Willow. She was to special for him to let her go.
Something twinge in his head and he felt as if he were drawn. Riley got out of the hummer and walked to the apartment doors opening them he walked in and up the single flight of stairs. Once he was to her door he remember that she had asked him to let tonight go. " I really need to think, she giggled, and a little rest wouldn't hurt either of us." As her voice in his head faded he lifted his hand to knock. His mind warring with him. Should he take the chance or not, well it never hurt to just stop by and say hi. They didn't have to go anywhere and he would not stay long. He just wanted to check and she how she was doing. After all he was worried she had gotten herself over tired and he thought he could run errands for her if necessary. Knock, knock, he went ahead and put his hand to the door. Seemed like it was taking along time, maybe she was to dead asleep to come to the door. Riley picked up his cell phone and dialed her number. It rang and rang only getting her machine, he frowned at the darn thing.
A man came up into the hall next to him and passed going further down. He was caring a small bag of foods and stuff. "Hi.' Riley greeted the man as he passed. "Hello." the man answered back. The man looked up and noticed what door Riley was at. " Oh I don't think she is home tonight man." The man said. "I think she left almost twenty minutes ago with a tall dark guy." Riley felt sickened at those words, he knew it could only be Angel. " Man they were dressed out too." Riley squinted his eyes at that comment.
Somehow Angel had convinced her to go out even when she was not feeling well. But then he knew nothing was really wrong she just said she needed time and maybe some rest. He was not sure if she had just been saying that so not to hurt his feelings by going out with Angel. Maybe this was planned, maybe it wasn't. The only thing he was sure of was that he needed to find them. Maybe accidentally bump into them or something. He wanted to make sure she was OK. Yes, he knew she could make up her own mind, she had a right to do what she wanted. But he also knew that a vampire doesn't normally take no for an answer. He knew that if pushed Angel could lose to his demon nature. Then all bets were off, no possible reason for him to lose that unless Willow was unwilling to do whatever Angel wanted. Riley held no fantasies about what Angel really is. The demon is the core, and that's all Riley needed to know. Willow could be in a very dangerous situation. He felt the need to protect her, and he would at whatever the cost.
To be continued
Author; Greenfae
disclaimer; All the rights belong to Joss W, and the songs belong to the lovely lady Sara Mac.. I own nothing and only wish I had half thier talent. *sighs* I am just a poor wanna be in need of a hug. :-(
email; Greenfae2@cs.com
rating; this part has more or less crossed da line.. so I give it a R to NC 17,, okies, read at your own risk.
Pairing; Willow, Angel, and Riley, it don't get much better than that. hehe.
Time frame,, ? after 7th season.. sorta .. please don't hold me to it to hard. ;-)
Notes; Willow is dealing.. so what can you say.. two guys one girl.. who gets what first.. oh man, I aint even sure If I would be able to deal, and I am writing this.
Feedback: yes please,, pruddy please even,, as long as you don't,,,hehe, slay me, I love feedback, good or bad.
Riding The Storm;
Willow felt warm and snugly in Riley's arms as the sun peeked over the ocean. She could hear him softly snoring the rumbling in his chest. The smile that crossed her face, was one of comfort. She felt very happy just to cuddle against this man and let him hold her. Slowly Riley roused to the morning rays of the sun and Willow's soft touch on his skin. She was using one finger and tracing small circles on his chest. The feel of it tickled him to awareness. Riley opened his eyes. Willow was looking up at him and he smiled. " Hey there." He groan stretching he wrapped his arms tighter around her and she gave a soft moan. " Hey" she answered. Willow rested her head back down on his chest and tucked her hands around his back.
The fresh morning air made her settle in deeper, closer to him. He watched as she seemed to get completely comfortable next to him. It was almost painful the way she held him to her. But he couldn't call her his, until she was willing to be so. His need was tearing at him. But his logical mind let him know right away he had to let her make the choice. She would love but only if she was allowed to. No could make her. No one should ever try. He had been strong when he was with Buffy.
He knew he needed to be stronger now. There was one major difference, Willow wasn't, nor did he ever want her to be like Buffy. The Slayer could be cold and closed off from her feelings. From the ones she loved. Willow would never close herself off like that. He needed her to just be herself. Even if that meant she would not fall in love with him. That would be better than her being in love with him then pushing him away. He was sure he didn't want to deal with that again. It had drove him to do some pretty strange things, drove him nearly insane. He would squeeze his eyes shut in disgust, every time he thought about how he had let that female vampire feed from him. But at the time she filled a need that Buffy either wouldn't or maybe couldn't. A need that he only saw as someone wanting him.
Willow would need him if she loved him. Looking down on her he could see that see wanted him now. Her small form cuddled close to his chest. Red hair framing her face so that her little nose and slightly pouting lips gave the most inviting look. He reached a long finger and touched the tip of her nose. Letting his finger move lower he began tracing her upper lip. Then the lower one. Creating a tickling sensation. One that Willow tried to wave away, like she was fighting an annoying fly.
He smiled looking down at her. His voice entering her dreams, so sleep was drifting away from her and she opened her eyes to see him watching her. Willow stretched her long legs and reached up placing a kiss on his chin. Then bounding up and heading for the little Willows room, as she had called the bathroom last night. Riley stroked his chin with thoughtful fingers.
He watched her retreating under the deck. Around the corner came the Capt. " Ahoy mate." the good nature man said. "Smooth sailing I hope?" his eyes questioningly. Riley smiled at the man and nodded to him. "Fair weather Capt."He answered. The Capt. let Riley know that they would be on shore again in maybe a half hour. Riley thought that would be about 9a m and should allow them to get back to Sunnydale before Willow had to be at work.
Thinking about what the Capt. had said he smiled his eyes clouding. Yeah, he thought all went well. Only not as well as he had wanted, he had wanted to have her, make her his. So that no damn vampire could take her away. Now he had to face going back to Sunnydale. Knowing that Angel would be there. He would be waiting. He also knew that where his finances were limited. Angel's most likely were not. Riley mentally shrugged, a couple hundred years helps when your trying to impress a girl. Tonight's events had cost an arm and leg. But Willow was worth it.
He watched her now as she walked carelessly back to him. Pulling her in his arms when she reached him, Riley kissed the top of her head. Something took hold of him right then and he felt desperate to keep her here with him always. Holding her tightly he groaned somewhere low in his gut and released her. Willow still clung to him, letting her graceful hands lay gently on his shoulders. She tiptoe up enough to give him another kiss on his cheek. He turned into it and brushed his lips to hers. Lightly letting the small kiss tell her how he felt.
As the ships motor roared into life Riley again tighten his grip on her. Not wanting the sudden jerk of the ship moving to make her fall. Willow seemed glad to have him hold her, she relaxed in his arms and smiled up to him. Her mind was in a fog, she had been wined and dined like she had never been before. Riley had really gone all out for her and she thought it was the sweetness thing anyone had ever done for her. They sat on the couches and talked again. The ship moved toward the shore as they chatted happily. Talking about everything from daily routines to demon hunting.
Willow was very expressive about how she had gone over the deep end when Tara had gotten killed. Though she didn't mention all the details he was sure there was a lot more. She did tell him of her feelings toward Tara. How they had been a couple and how she had been shot right before her eyes. Riley understood the feelings of helplessness. His own wife died in his arms because he was unable to get to her in time. Only a matter of seconds stood between her and her life. Riley pulled Willow closer as they came to shore. The memory of his wife still in his mind. He didn't want to go back. That part of his life was over. But the whole thing made being with Willow much more important. She was precious to him now. He would never let that go, unless she herself wanted it that way.
The long drive back was full of giggles and laughs. He would glance at her and his heart would ache. She felt as if he really wanted to be with her. That was a feeling she hadn't happened since Tara had come back just before she died. This man with her was so handsome, she would sneak peeks at him and try to engrave in her memory every detail of his face. She would look at his hands and blush. Thinking how he had been touching her the night before. All the while, somewhere in the back of her mind she felt haunted. Something worried her, made her feel as if she could never really be happy. Never have a love that she wouldn't lose, or was it something else. A voice in the depths of her heart screamed in quiet need. Willow slipped into her mind a moment. But not so that Riley didn't notice, he looked at her and his expression turned dark.
His thoughts too were somewhat worried, he could tell by the look on her pretty face that she was deep in thought. What, or who was she thinking of, he didn't really want to know, still he was sure he did know. He knew that just like he had no intent of giving up. A certain undead monster had no intent of giving up either. Why does she even think about him? Riley wondered. But he knew why, Angel was immortal, handsome and rich. If Angel professed love to a woman, it would be a very hard choice to turn him down. But she was with Riley right now. Looking her over he made a small noise in like clearing his throat. It was his time with her and he was greedy. She would be with him while he had her here.
Waiting;
Back in Sunnydale, Angel paced the floors of his mansion. His dark eyes keeping an amber hue to them. Showing that he barely kept his demon in check. The burns on his hands and face were puffy and blistered. But he didn't really care. Angel paced over to his fridge and opened two bags for his dinner. He downed both in no time and had a third not even bothering to warm them in the microwave. The thick cold liquid flowed into his mouth and down his throat. If he hadn't needed the healing for his burns he would have just done with out.
Striding to the phone he made a quick call to Willie across town and made arrangements for more to be delivered soon. He needed to recover. The last thing Angel wanted was for Willow to feel sorry for him. He wanted her many ways. In his home, in his life, in his bed. But never did he want her to feel sorry for him. He didn't want to appear weak to her. She was after all a very powerful witch. He smiled at this thought. Willow had come along way. She understood the pain of doing things. Horrible things and regretting them deeply. She had suffered a terrible loss. Her reaction was not something that he would have guessed from her mild mannered behavior in years past.
But love can make you do things. The passion she showed was enough to convince Angel there was far more woman there than he had given credit before. Yes she had grown, seeing her for the first time in years he knew she had changed. The woman he knew now, was beautiful and interesting. Not a child that needed him to protect her. But he would protect her, no matter the cost to himself. If he had any chance to have her for his own he would need to let her know. Make her understand that he was real and was hers for the asking. Hell she didn't even have to ask. Just smile at him and he would give her anything she wanted.
Thinking of her with Riley all night brought a fearsome growl from somewhere low in his gut. Making his eyes again flash gold. That boy wouldn't know what to do with a woman like Willow. Wouldn't know how to make her happy. G.I. guy was a fool for thinking Willow would ever need him. As Angel's eyes again went dark his mind made a note of how Willow had looked at Riley. The smile she had just before they left to take her to classes yesterday. Pain shot like cold fire in his head and heart, no Willow! His mind begged her. Lowering his dark head he paced more. He was helpless in the light of day. But there would be tonight. If it was not to late, if she would give him a chance she would be his.
She would know she had no choice in her heart but to love him. Feeling all of his over 240 years, Angel dropped down on his couch in the main living room and tried to close his eyes. Sleep not coming easy he knew it would be a long day. His mind wandered around the thoughts he had of the copper hair and grass green eyes. He had held her in his arms, kissed her silly. But he wanted more, much more than a few kisses and touches. Finally his mind gave up for now, into a uneasy sleep he went. But even his dreams were filled with her now. Sweet mouth and small fingers he felt. In Angel's sleep he groan as if in pain, he woke far to soon.
But by his way of thinking, no where near soon enough. The sun was barely setting while he was on the phone making arrangements. Calls to friends, and business people that he knew he would need to deal with. Before he even went out there were men with boxes arriving and placing things in order. So that the mansion would be ready. He went out once most was done. Returning with somethings he wanted special for the woman he was trying to woo. He smiled as he slipped the little black box in the pocket of his tux. Angel then took the large box out to the limo. Where he placed it on the seat beside him as he told the driver where to go. His mind carefully going over what he wanted to say. How he would talk Willow into going out with him this evening. How she would look with his present on. Still he could not Bering himself to be over confident right now.
He did not know what happened between Willow and Riley. That was his "unknown variable". The one thing he couldn't control. He knew that if she was not already letting herself be controlled by the boy, he had a chance. If she had given herself the Riley. It would be much harder. Not impossible. Just harder than he had first thought it would be. Checking himself over he saw he still had some scars from his recent sun burn. But then that may just be what the doctor ordered. He felt like he needed every card in his hand. He wasn't sure he would have to play them all. But having them there was a good thing in his mind, Angel sighed deeply. The stress of waiting weighting on him, he was tapping the box beside him when he pulled up in front of her apartment building. It was roughly nine PM as he got out of the limo.
Playing The Trumps;
Willow was setting on her bed brushing her damp hair when she heard the knock at the door. She was pretty sure it wasn't Riley. Because she had said she was very tired and needed some alone time to think. Standing in her panties and bra both a dark shade of green silk and lace. She leaned over the bed and grabbed her satin robe and headed for the door.
Checking out the peep hole to see who was coming by she drew a deep breath. It was Angel and he looked like he was dressed to kill. She opened the door and smiled at him shyly. "Well, what are you doing here?" she asked him softly noting his total outfit. A low whistle escaping her lips. Her eyes giving him the once over. He smiled at her and stepped to the side of the door to pick something up. She was even more surprised at the large box. It was wrapped like a gift and he handed it to her with a smile. "What is that?" Her eyes got even larger if that was possible. "Oh, just a little gift for this evening. I hope you like it." He side a smile in his voice as he walk slowly into her apartment. His eyes glued to her satin draped body. She blushed at him and closed the door as she follow him back inside.
Taking a seat on the end of the couch she became and child at Christmas. Tearing open the wrapping and then the box. Her face lit up and she almost had tears in her eyes when she pulled the tissue away from the dress. It was the most dazzling thing she had ever seen. Emerald green and sleeveless silk with delicately braided twists of lace that resembled webbing. The whole thing gave the impression of floating. She smiled up at him where he stood and hopped up. She hugged him tightly, then padded into her bedroom to try it on.
When she returned he was impressed with the way the dress clung to every curve. And she twirled letting the dress float around her ankles. She was still barefoot and on the balls of her feet moving around him grinning. " Well he said ." pleased with himself. " Are you almost ready to go then?" She looked at him quizzing what he was saying in her head. " But Angel I don't have any shoes to go with this. In her mind she was thinking what she did have and most were low heeled pumps or sneakers. He simply smiled and dug a little deeper in the box. Retrieving dark green sling backs that let her toes peek out of them. She slipped them on and glanced up to Angel. His eyes were watching her intently. Moving over her body with almost greedy need. When his dark chocolate depths met her green orbs she shivered. For a undead he was making her feel very alive. Just by looking at her that way she was sure her pulse rate went up two notches. Sometime during his grazing her with his eyes and her blushing she found herself in his arms. The thoughts in her head kinda jumbled she sighed deeply. Her warmth held tightly against his powerful cool body made her shiver. The reactions of her body betraying her in small ways. So that she had no choice but to rest her warm hands on his chest over his still heart. Angel reached a hand to the nape of her neck and stroked her tender skin. Letting cool fingers trace the line of her spine down to where the back of the dress came up to. He dipped those fingers just beneath its silky material. Willow arched her back and leaned her breasts into his chest. A smile passed over his lips as he watched her eyes drift closed. His mild caress calming her reactions to him. Making her want more. Closing the part of her mind that would say no. Willow let her head fall to one side as he retraced his movements again. Her throat bare to him, he leaned down and gently trailed kisses from her jaw line to her shoulder. Then back up to her pulse point. Lingering there he whispered up to her ear. " We are going to be late Willow. That Is. if you still want to go." His voice held a subtly mocking tone, and in it's lowered timbers gave her chills. Willows eyes fluttered open. She looked at him as he raised his head, he was darkly sensual, and he knew it. She felt that she was in the hands of a master as he move light fingers over her body. Causing in his mere touches things she wasn't sure anyone was meant to feel. So powerful was the fire charged feelings. She was sure she would faint from the pain/pleasure of it all.
Suddenly he let her go and moved away. Letting her get her baring first before his hands completely let her go. His smiled to let her know he wanted her to decide what she wanted. Dinner or what she seemed to be hungry for at the moment? Her eyes began to focus better on him and what was around her. She moved back some then nodded to him. "I think we had better go, for now anyway." Her voice was thick and full of emotion. She didn't even realize that he hadn't actually ask if she wanted to go anywhere. Angel seemed pleased with his handy work.
His thoughts centered on Riley for the briefest of moments. That boy will never know what happened. After tonight Willow will only want me. He held out a arm for her and she smiled at the gesture. Manners of that sort were kinda of absent from today's men. Willow rested a hand on his arm and he caught it bringing if full around and thru his arm. Walking her out of her apartment down the single flight of stairs into the limo. Then opening the car door for her. Willow thought she was having deja'vu. Except for the fact that this was Angel not Riley.
Willow thought she would never stop laughing. Angel had been relating some of the tales he had gleaned over the past two centuries. The most recent being a very amusing tale about Spike and Dru. Seems they had a problem with a fralean demon. Most of the problem was just cleaning out all the demons snot from there hair and clothes. Angel just shook his head his mouth half open in a belly laugh. Willow was in the throws of hysteria, laughing almost until she couldn't breath. Her laughing having slowed she was down to giggling. Angel nearly went quite and just watched his lovely witch. Taking in every curve of her face. How her breast would rise and fall with every heaving gulp of air she fought to hold on to.
Her laughing being calmer now, Willow placed a delicate hand on her heart, not knowing that with the hand she had drawn Angel's attention there too. In his mind he could imagine how her breasts would feel. Under his hands, or his mouth. Lust glazed over his eyes and he shifted in his seat to allow his growing need some space. Just then Willow looked up at him behind her long lashes. She could tell something was up but had no clue how to ask. Angel watched her with a smile. Sensing her confusion he placed one cool hand over hers and asked. "Are you ready to go now?" Willow only nodded and Angel stood moving behind her to let her back from the table and help her up. "I have one more thing to show you Willow, if you don't mind?" His words wove into her mind gently making her a little more at ease. "Yes, Angel, her voice nearly trembled, That would be fine." Somewhere in deep in her mind she knew something was different about tonight. He was deeply, deadly serious. Willow never believed he would hurt her. But she could tell this was very important to him. Going along with him at this point was the right thing to do. If only to know what was really going on with him.
Suddenly Willow's mind left where they were and went back to Riley on the ship. How he had danced with her in the moonlight. Kissed her lips until she wanted to scream her need to him. Even as Angel walked her out of the expensive restaurant her mind was filled with Riley's touch, his scent, the way he looked at her. Shaking her head Willow brought her mind back to where she was and what was going on now. Angel was sitting in front of her in the limo and he was pouring some wine for them. She could tell he knew that she had a mental escape, but he could not read her mind. That was a gift of the goddess, she laugh at herself silently. If Angel knew she was thinking about Riley he would not be very happy.
Willow let her eyes travel up Angel's pant leg over his thighs and hips up to his chest and finally his face. His look was one of pleasant surprise, he reached her glass of wine to her and she took it letting her fingers touch his only briefly. The touch however short was magnetic and powerful. Soon the limo was coming to a stop and Angel was let out of it. He took Willows hand and lead her out and up the few stairs it took to enter the mansion. Willow was curious to see what was going on but she tried to stay calm on the outside. Her belly was full of butterflies and her head wanted to explode. Her only thought was for the darn butterflies to fly in formation. That would help for starters.
The Seduction;
Once they glided inside, Willow nearly gasped, everywhere in the entry way and living room there were candles. The glow from them was the effect of muted light. Letting corners stay hidden in shadows and casting warm light over Angel's strong features. Angel studied her with dark haunted eyes taking a sharp unneeded breath. She was even more beautiful than he thought she would be. The glow of the candles had leant an burnished copper look to her hair and the fire light pick up all the gold in her green eyes. She looked like a goddess bathed in the candles warmth. Angel walked her to the over stuffed sofa and let her sit down. Her eyes adjusting to the dimmed lighting she saw that the whole room now. Filled with comfy lounges and couches. Hugh pillows thrown everywhere there was a spot to sit. Some larger pillows were laid in a spot on the floor by the fire place.
Willows heart skipped a beat when he walked behind her leaning over the back of the sofa. He whispered to her. "More wine Willow?" his words full of meaning. He was so close she could feel him nearly touching her bare shoulder. Angel stood and walked over to the entertainment center. There was no t.v. But the stereo was amazing. She wondered when he had time to do all this. The mansion was bare up to three days ago. She knew that because she was kinda of keeping an eye on it for Angel while he was gone. Not letting the news papers build up and such. She had been inside a few times and had seen that it was nearly striped to the bare walls. Now it was fully set up and cleaned. She wondered why he had done all this and a fleeting thought ran by her mind. She closed her eyes in disbelief as she watched him hit a few buttons and music began to play.
You come out at night,
that's when the energies comes,
and the dark sides light,
and the vampires roam,
The haunting notes of the music filled her mind with wonder. Angel went quietly over to the wet bar where he pulled a small bottle of wine. Or at least that is what Willow had thought it was until he also pulled two silver spoons and matches. Maybe it was some kind of special drink she thought as he walked back over to her. Scanning the coffee table where he was placing the items he had brought. She noticed a bowl of sugar cubes and two wine glasses. "This, he started to say calmly, is part of history, It's something I thought you would enjoy with me." His eyes roamed her face. She shot him a questioning look and he began to explain. " Absinth is a very old type of drink that was very popular when I was rounding Europe." Willow was curious about it, but never thought she would be confronted with the possibility of drinking any herself. " You don't have to join me if you don't want to Willow," He told her when she looked almost fearfully up at him. Angel proceeded to set the drinks up in case she did want to join him.
His inner demon was screaming at him. He knew his little seduction was working for the most part. The uncertainty of it was part of the attraction for him. Love is to be wooed and won, not throned about like a lot of the woman today seemed to do. He was glad Willow was not that way. She was more living than most. Understanding the pain of life as well as it's pleasures. Angel watched her out of the corner of his eye as she looked on at what he was doing. Placing the spoon on the glass so that its wide part was over the open mouth of it he put one sugar cube on it. Then poured some of the green liquor over it and into the glass. Pulling out the matches he lit first one then the other. The sugar cubes burned and ran into the liquor below. Willows eyes were wide with wonder, he smiled to himself knowing she would join him now if for no other reason than she was curious. Angel took the spoons off the glasses and picked his up nodding to her to do the same. "A toast," he offered as she gently picked hers up. He was still standing as he toasted. To the love of my unlife." Willow looked a little shocked, her minded reeling she downed her drink as he did, mostly out of reaction to the toast. The liquid flowed down her throat, warm and intoxicating. Her eyes unfocussed for a minute as she got her barrings back.
She licked her lips and Angel saw that as an invitation. He leaned forward and down to her where she sat, his lips seeking hers in a fiery kiss. Letting his body sit down with her on the couch he wrapped her in his arms and pulled her closer to him. She only moan softly and let her body be guided by his. In her mind she was fighting for control, but for what her body kept telling her. She wanted this, needed it in fact. She had to have known after the way he had been all evening that he was intent on being with her. Why did she not just let go and give in to her own feelings. Her body burned with her need. Being this close to him she could feel his need as it grew with their touches. In her mind, the only thing she could understand was the music playing in the background.
Make me a witness,
Take me out,
Out of darkness,
Out of doubt,
I wont weight you down with good intentions,
Wont make fire out clay,
Or other inventions,
Her feelings were wrapping her in a cocoon of sensual caresses and kisses. Angel was doing his best to make her shiver at every touch. Every layer of clothing he pulled from her he covered with gentle kisses. Fingers of fire laced over and over again in her body. He was touching her in ways that she kept her from thinking. His strong hands skimmed over the heated flesh of her breasts. Teasing and lightly pinching her nipples into puckering roses of want. Each touch awarded him with a sigh or a soft moan. His lips following the path of his hands she was lost for the moment. All she wanted was for him not to stop. Somewhere deep inside her head a little voice was screaming at her to stop. Her mind not willing to give, tried to pull back to the music again. Only to find no help but more mind bending waves of understanding, it seemed as she heard the words move in the air around them.
Will we burn in heaven,
Like we do down here,
Will a change come,
While were waiting,
Everyone is waiting.
She knew Angel would wait no more. Willow was sure she was lost this time. The power in his husky voice misted into her lust soaked mind. " Willow, be mine ,, forever." A sudden feeling of falling off a cliff hit her stomach. With this she felt him lift her in his arms, carrying her off somewhere she wasn't sure of. At this moment she wasn't even sure if she cared, only that she was indeed burning.
Walking the line;
Riley had made a phone call earlier that evening to see how Willow was doing. Her machine had picked up and he was pretty sure she was asleep. They had a long night before and he knew she had gone to work before she went to sleep. He even dropped by the magic shop and watched as she and Anya were looking over some of the sales slips. He enjoyed watching her as she moved over to the counter. Her face marked with a happy look he didn't think he had seen before. She glanced up and noticed him as he stood outside the window. Riley smiled big at her and she nodded. Saying something to Anya she walked out the door of the shop and hugged Riley. "So glad to see you Riley." her face was bright but she looked tired. He felt bad about keeping her up almost all night. So when she asked if they could take a break this evening and let her get some rest he didn't really mind. They made plans to meet the next day around noon. Riley was happy with that.
The only thing that worried him was knowing that Angel was still around. Riley shrugged and thought. Well if he was all that interested why wasn't he here now calling on Willow. A small kernel of hope crept into his mind. Only to be dashed by the memory of the way Willow looked at Angel the night he found him in her apartment. They were friends in Willows mind, Riley tried to comfort himself with. But then she and Riley had only been friends too. After they talked awhile she kissed his cheek and he left. He knew he would have to watch her tonight. Angel wasn't going to give up and he didn't want to be the last to know what that demon was up to.
Riley went back to his hotel room. He would need some sleep if he were going to make it up all night to guard Willow. Riley thought to himself in amusement that it was ironic. All the time he spent in the jungles chasing demons, all the time he was with the Initiative capturing those monsters. He never felt as threatened as he does by Angel.
Riley woke with a start when his alarm went off and he knocked the thing off the end table beside him. He had been dreaming about red hair and green eyes, the smell of her body, the heat of her desires. Flashes of skin to skin contact waved in his head, Riley really had to pull himself back together as he rolled over to the side of the bed. He began to stand and groaned, his body ached with unfed need. His stomach growled it's anger at having been ignored so long too. In a smooth graceful move that would belie his aches and pains. He walked to the bathroom and started his morning rituals.
Feeling the need to hurry he showered and shaved, dressing himself in simple jeans and blue denim shirt. He slapped a handful of after shave on and pulled on his boots. His mind still on the dream he had just moments before. He was in a hurry to get where he could see her. It was just after nine PM when he rounded the corner and entered the quick market next to the motel he was staying in. Riley looked over the shelves and decided on a few things, granola bars, juice, banana. That was a good enough breakfast for him today. Just enough to keep him going without weighting him down. By the time he reached Willows apartment building in his hummer it was nine thirty. Her lights were off and he wondered if she was in bed already.
His mind wandered to how she had looked in his arms the night before. Sleeping peacefully with him holding her as they lazed beneath the stars. The ship being gently rocked by the waves of the ocean. He watched the windows and thought, if Angel really wants a fight I will give it to him. But I would rather just love her. She couldn't really want something like Angel anyway. But he also knew that somethings are not want we want but what happens to us. Riley knew he would not just let Angel happen to Willow. She was to special for him to let her go.
Something twinge in his head and he felt as if he were drawn. Riley got out of the hummer and walked to the apartment doors opening them he walked in and up the single flight of stairs. Once he was to her door he remember that she had asked him to let tonight go. " I really need to think, she giggled, and a little rest wouldn't hurt either of us." As her voice in his head faded he lifted his hand to knock. His mind warring with him. Should he take the chance or not, well it never hurt to just stop by and say hi. They didn't have to go anywhere and he would not stay long. He just wanted to check and she how she was doing. After all he was worried she had gotten herself over tired and he thought he could run errands for her if necessary. Knock, knock, he went ahead and put his hand to the door. Seemed like it was taking along time, maybe she was to dead asleep to come to the door. Riley picked up his cell phone and dialed her number. It rang and rang only getting her machine, he frowned at the darn thing.
A man came up into the hall next to him and passed going further down. He was caring a small bag of foods and stuff. "Hi.' Riley greeted the man as he passed. "Hello." the man answered back. The man looked up and noticed what door Riley was at. " Oh I don't think she is home tonight man." The man said. "I think she left almost twenty minutes ago with a tall dark guy." Riley felt sickened at those words, he knew it could only be Angel. " Man they were dressed out too." Riley squinted his eyes at that comment.
Somehow Angel had convinced her to go out even when she was not feeling well. But then he knew nothing was really wrong she just said she needed time and maybe some rest. He was not sure if she had just been saying that so not to hurt his feelings by going out with Angel. Maybe this was planned, maybe it wasn't. The only thing he was sure of was that he needed to find them. Maybe accidentally bump into them or something. He wanted to make sure she was OK. Yes, he knew she could make up her own mind, she had a right to do what she wanted. But he also knew that a vampire doesn't normally take no for an answer. He knew that if pushed Angel could lose to his demon nature. Then all bets were off, no possible reason for him to lose that unless Willow was unwilling to do whatever Angel wanted. Riley held no fantasies about what Angel really is. The demon is the core, and that's all Riley needed to know. Willow could be in a very dangerous situation. He felt the need to protect her, and he would at whatever the cost.
To be continued