A/N a big thank you to every one for the reviews! They were great.
Chapter 10
Spike had been gone from the bedroom for nearly ten minutes, and Buffy was getting restless. She could hear voices in the other room. She got up from the bed, and threw on a pair of jeans and a blouse from the wardrobe. Buffy frowned as she heard Spike's voice raised in anger. Quickly brushing her hair, she joined him in the lounge.
"Spike, what's wrong, and who's this?" she asked, looking at the stranger standing in the middle of the room.
The man looked back at her.
"You're Buffy Summers right?" he asked.
"Yes, but.." Buffy began.
"We don't have much time, I have to get you both out of here," said the stranger.
"And tell me again, why would we want to go with you?" asked Buffy.
"Look maybe I'm not making myself clear here. Rupert called me several hours ago, said you might be in need of my help. My name is Robson. I am a friend of Rupert's, we go way back," said Robson.
"I still don't see the urgency, and why didn't Giles call me himself?" asked Buffy.
"He did try to call you. Several times in fact, but he kept getting no reply," Robson explained.
Buffy flushed uncomfortably.
"I er was really sleepy," she stammered.
Spike looked at her and arched an eyebrow. Sleep had been the last thing on her mind, as she had been on top of him, under him and..Spike brought his mind back to the present.
"Yeah, I was really sleepy too, didn't hear a thing," he said, turning back to Robson.
"It's to do with that blood sample I sent to Giles, isn't it?" asked Buffy.
"That, among other things," said Robson.
"What did old Rupes find then?" asked Spike.
"Your blood was being contaminated with the blood of the Lazarus demon, have you heard of it?" asked Robson.
"Can't say I have, but if you are gonna tell me, make it in plain English, I know you watcher types," said Spike.
"He's a watcher?" asked Buffy.
"Does Giles have any other type of friends?" asked Spike.
"As I was saying, the Lazarus demon has regenerative powers. It would have rendered you in a semi human state. How much of it did you drink?" asked Robson.
"He drained the whole bag, near enough," said Buffy.
"Hmmm, the effects should have worn off in a few more hours. But it greatly depends on the dosage," Robson replied.
"Yeah, but what if they gave him more rather than less. You should have seen him, he went bye bye, as soon as he'd drank it all," said Buffy.
"That sounds rather ominous. I've been asking around, called in a few favours, it also seems that the council is after Spike's chip. They plan to remove it," said Robson.
"Well that's good news for me, surely. That's all I have wanted since the soldier boys put the bloody thing in my head in the first place," said Spike.
"Yes, but as soon as they remove it, they intend to reward you with a stake in the heart. They're not interested in you, just what's in your head," said Robson.
"Those bastards!" said Spike, as he sat down hard on the sofa.
"What's my part in all this?" asked Buffy.
Robson frowned.
"Can you think of anything Quentin might have told you? Any thing no matter how little," he asked.
"Well, we were shown around the underground headquarters yesterday. Oh, and he said something about a project called rebirth and that, I would understand their work firsthand, or something," said Buffy.
"I have heard rumours about the rebirth project, but nothing concrete. I will have to do some more asking around. However, for now we are wasting time. Get anything together that you need. Essentials only, as time is of the essence," said Robson.
"Don't tell her that, otherwise Buffy will pack everything she's brought with her," said Spike.
Buffy hauled Spike up off the sofa, and literally dragged him into the bedroom and closed the door behind them. She turned to face him, her arms folded in defiance.
"Do we trust him?" asked Buffy.
"What choice do we have? Face it, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place, love. Talking of hard places, would you like to feel mine?" asked Spike.
"Spike! We have to pack," said Buffy, as she flushed red, just thinking about it.
"Nothing like a bit of danger, to get your priorities in order," he smiled.
"Yeah, and yours seem to be in your jeans," said Buffy.
"Can't blame a vamp for trying," he chuckled, as he packed his bag.
"Spike,"
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Be careful, it seems Quentin has it in for you," said Buffy, gravely.
Spike stopped his packing to walk over to Buffy. He cupped her face with one of his large, rough hands.
"Don't worry sweetheart, I'm not planning on getting myself dusted anytime soon," he said.
"Who said I was worried?" she lied.
"Ok, have it your way, for now," said Spike, as he continued packing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Already to go, wherever that may be," said Buffy.
"Well I cannot take you to any of the councils safe houses, but do not worry I know of a place. You have your passports? The plan is to get you both out of the country as soon as something can be arranged," said Robson.
"All in here," said Spike, as he patted his leather duster.
Robson opened the door, checking the hallway before stepping out of the room. Leaving Buffy and Spike alone for a moment. He was surprised as she took his hand and squeezed it firmly.
"I'll watch your back," she said softly.
Spike's eyebrows raised in surprise at her words. It chafed at his manly pride to know he would need that offered help. He also knew he had no choice. Spike swallowed it down, and returned the pressure of her hand.
"I know you will, I trust you Buffy," he replied.
It was her turn to look surprised. They both quickly pulled apart, as Robson turned back to face them.
"Shall we go then?" asked Robson.
As Buffy and Spike stepped out into the hallway, she turned and took one last look at their room.
"I'm gonna miss this place," she sighed, before closing the door, and walking off after Robson.
"Me too," said Spike almost inaudibly, as he followed.
He was thinking of their night, spent in each other's arms. She had given herself to him so many times, but what was it to her? Just a tumble, never to be repeated? There were so many questions, which needed answers. Now was not the time, first they needed to get out of here, undetected. As the elevator doors closed behind them, one thing Spike was sure of was that he was starting to lose his heart to his mortal enemy. What else could be causing this ache in his chest, every time he looked at her. He placed a hand over his heart, removing it quickly his eyes widened in shock. He placed it there again and looked at Buffy.
"Spike, what is it?" asked Buffy.
He took her hand and placed it on his chest.
"Feel," he urged.
"Enough with the touchy feely requests, oh! You have a heartbeat," she said, looking at Robson.
"Just the effect of the demon blood," said Robson, indifferently.
Buffy kept her hand there, enjoying the feel of his hard chest. She started to daydream about how it had felt as she had run her fingernails over it, only a few short hours ago.
"Ahem," said Spike.
Buffy was jolted back to the present situation, to see Robson looking at her strangely.
"Yes, Buffy I have a heartbeat. Thanks for checking it out," he said, trying to appear indifferent, under the watchers scrutiny.
Indifferent was the last thing he was feeling as he wrapped his duster closer around him, to hide his arousal at her touch. The movement was not unnoticed by Buffy. The pinging of the elevator doors was like their wakeup call, as it broke the sensual spell that was wrapping its self around them both.
"Wait, I know the hotel is being watched, I had to come in through the back. If I am caught it will be my job," said Robson.
"Thanks for doing this," said Buffy.
Robson just nodded at her as he looked out of the doors.
"As I thought, Lavinia Davis. She is over by the main doors in the worst disguise I have ever seen," said Robson, scathingly.
"Lavinia? But she was that accommodating young lady who showed me around yesterday," said Spike.
Buffy poked her head out of the elevator.
"She's not very attractive is she?" asked Buffy.
"Don't have to get all jealous love, she's not a patch on you," grinned Spike.
"What's there to be jealous of?" she lied.
"Follow me, we'll have to go through the kitchens. I have my car parked in the staff area," said Robson.
They followed him, Buffy kept glancing behind them. She really was watching his back, he mused as they navigated the kitchens and exited the hotel.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lavinia turned around, almost as if prompted by some sixth sense, something did not feel quite right. She took the Elevator up to the couple's room. She placed her ear against the door, hearing nothing, she took the spare card key from her jacket and opened the door. The room was empty, so Lavinia opened the bedroom door. The bed was a mess and there was clothing scattered over it, as if someone had left in a mighty haste.
Lavinia's hands trembled as she dialled Quentin's number on her cell phone.
"Yes?" came the gruff reply on the other end.
"I, er, Miss Summers and William, they're gone sir," She blurted out.
The lengthy silence on the other end, grew more ominous as each second passed.
"They know about the blood, but they don't know everything. I want them found. Get every watcher in the entire council on it for all I care. And Lavinia," said Quentin.
"Y-yes Sir," she stammered.
"One more failure like that, and you will be lucky to find work as a road sweeper," said Quentin, as he put the phone down on her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The car drew up a back alley, in Mile End. It was one of the rougher areas of London; garbage cans were filled to overflowing. The smell of rotting food, assaulted Spike's senses. Buffy put her jacket over her face, at the smell.
They were standing outside the back entrance to a hotel. A neon light flicked on and off, a large greasy looking man came out the back. A cigarette was dangling in-between his dirty fingers, which he flicked away almost hitting Buffy.
"Classy," Buffy retorted.
"Robson, what have you brought me? The ice princess can sod off, if she thinks she's too good for my hotel," said the man.
"She didn't mean anything by it, she's American mate, not used to our ways," said Spike.
"Spike!" she hissed.
Spike turned to her, and put a warning finger on his lips.
"I trust you, now trust me," he whispered in her ear.
She shut up then, all protests died on her lips.
"I saved you the best room, it's the bridal suite." said the man, licking his lips suggestively.
"Ew," said Buffy, as she shuddered.
She could just imagine all the 'pretend' married couples that used this establishment.
"What was that?" asked the man.
Spike gave Buffy a hard look.
"Thank you," she amended quickly.
The man gave Spike a rusty looking key.
"12a up the stairs," said the man.
Spike took Buffy by the sleeve and dragged her into the hotel.
"Look Buffy, it may not be the Savoy, but it's a roof over our heads. Believe me, when I say you wouldn't want to be homeless on the streets of London, even with your abilities. I may not like that greasy tub of guts any more than you, but he's all that stands between you and I sleeping in a cardboard box tonight, so play the game, okay?" he asked.
They had reached the foot of the stairs, when Robson joined them.
"I have to go, otherwise I will be missed. I will give Giles your hotel number so he can call you, and do not leave the hotel. I am sure they are aware that you have gone. Quentin will have people out, looking for you both. I'll be back as soon as humanly possible," he said.
Spike took Buffy's hand.
"Come on lets go Love," said Spike.
Buffy sighed, and went with him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Better switch on the light, it's starting to get dark," said Spike.
"Couldn't you keep it off? Then I can imagine that I am back at our other hotel, minus the drippy tap and the broken toilet seat," said Buffy.
"On the upside the room does have it's own microwave, and fridge," said Spike.
"Pure indulgence," she said, sarcastically.
"Come on love, just trying to make the best out of a bad situation," he replied.
Buffy looked distastefully at the peeling wallpaper.
"I bet they rent rooms, by the hour at this place," she said.
A knocking started up on the paper-thin walls of the room, next to theirs.
"What now?" she asked.
Buffy's mouth gaped open in horror, as she correctly interpreted the ensuing creaking of bedsprings, and the moans of pleasure belonging to the couple in the next room. She put her hands over her ears to block out the sound. Spike sat next to her on the bed and peeled her hands away, to put his arms around her.
She buried her head in his chest, breathing in the scent of him. Buffy placed a hand on the edge of his t-shirt. Spike sucked in a breath, realising for the first time that it wasn't an unnecessary one. He could feel her fingernails working their way beneath the fabric to touch the naked skin of his toned stomach.
"Buffy?" he asked, already knowing what she wanted.
"Make it all go away," she sighed.
Buffy looked at Spike, before pushing him back onto the bed. She pulled off his t-shirt and admired his pale skin in the early evening light.
"You are beautiful Spike, I never thought I'd use that word and you in the same sentence," Buffy giggled, as she bent her head to place a trail of kisses along the curve of his neck.
Spike groaned at the sensations she stirred up in him. How could things have shifted so quickly in a few short days? They did say love was akin to hate. **Love** Spike realised, that it was love for him, maybe it always had been. He pulled her down to meet her lips with his own. Spike tried to convey his newfound revelation in the touch of his hands, as he removed their clothing. Buffy sensed the change in him and wondered at it. It felt as if he was trying to worship her with his body. They fitted together perfectly as if each had been created for the other and this moment in time.
They came to completion, in a series of gentle sighs and moans. Nothing like the ugly parody of love, they had heard from the other room. Spike rolled off her, and pulled Buffy into the circle of his arms, covering them both with the rough bedspread.
Buffy snuggled up against him, sleepily and yawned. Feeling secure in his arms as sleep started to claim her. She softly kissed his chest before drifting off.
Spike stroked the softness of her hair.
"I love you Buffy Summers," he whispered, as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
TBC
Chapter 10
Spike had been gone from the bedroom for nearly ten minutes, and Buffy was getting restless. She could hear voices in the other room. She got up from the bed, and threw on a pair of jeans and a blouse from the wardrobe. Buffy frowned as she heard Spike's voice raised in anger. Quickly brushing her hair, she joined him in the lounge.
"Spike, what's wrong, and who's this?" she asked, looking at the stranger standing in the middle of the room.
The man looked back at her.
"You're Buffy Summers right?" he asked.
"Yes, but.." Buffy began.
"We don't have much time, I have to get you both out of here," said the stranger.
"And tell me again, why would we want to go with you?" asked Buffy.
"Look maybe I'm not making myself clear here. Rupert called me several hours ago, said you might be in need of my help. My name is Robson. I am a friend of Rupert's, we go way back," said Robson.
"I still don't see the urgency, and why didn't Giles call me himself?" asked Buffy.
"He did try to call you. Several times in fact, but he kept getting no reply," Robson explained.
Buffy flushed uncomfortably.
"I er was really sleepy," she stammered.
Spike looked at her and arched an eyebrow. Sleep had been the last thing on her mind, as she had been on top of him, under him and..Spike brought his mind back to the present.
"Yeah, I was really sleepy too, didn't hear a thing," he said, turning back to Robson.
"It's to do with that blood sample I sent to Giles, isn't it?" asked Buffy.
"That, among other things," said Robson.
"What did old Rupes find then?" asked Spike.
"Your blood was being contaminated with the blood of the Lazarus demon, have you heard of it?" asked Robson.
"Can't say I have, but if you are gonna tell me, make it in plain English, I know you watcher types," said Spike.
"He's a watcher?" asked Buffy.
"Does Giles have any other type of friends?" asked Spike.
"As I was saying, the Lazarus demon has regenerative powers. It would have rendered you in a semi human state. How much of it did you drink?" asked Robson.
"He drained the whole bag, near enough," said Buffy.
"Hmmm, the effects should have worn off in a few more hours. But it greatly depends on the dosage," Robson replied.
"Yeah, but what if they gave him more rather than less. You should have seen him, he went bye bye, as soon as he'd drank it all," said Buffy.
"That sounds rather ominous. I've been asking around, called in a few favours, it also seems that the council is after Spike's chip. They plan to remove it," said Robson.
"Well that's good news for me, surely. That's all I have wanted since the soldier boys put the bloody thing in my head in the first place," said Spike.
"Yes, but as soon as they remove it, they intend to reward you with a stake in the heart. They're not interested in you, just what's in your head," said Robson.
"Those bastards!" said Spike, as he sat down hard on the sofa.
"What's my part in all this?" asked Buffy.
Robson frowned.
"Can you think of anything Quentin might have told you? Any thing no matter how little," he asked.
"Well, we were shown around the underground headquarters yesterday. Oh, and he said something about a project called rebirth and that, I would understand their work firsthand, or something," said Buffy.
"I have heard rumours about the rebirth project, but nothing concrete. I will have to do some more asking around. However, for now we are wasting time. Get anything together that you need. Essentials only, as time is of the essence," said Robson.
"Don't tell her that, otherwise Buffy will pack everything she's brought with her," said Spike.
Buffy hauled Spike up off the sofa, and literally dragged him into the bedroom and closed the door behind them. She turned to face him, her arms folded in defiance.
"Do we trust him?" asked Buffy.
"What choice do we have? Face it, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place, love. Talking of hard places, would you like to feel mine?" asked Spike.
"Spike! We have to pack," said Buffy, as she flushed red, just thinking about it.
"Nothing like a bit of danger, to get your priorities in order," he smiled.
"Yeah, and yours seem to be in your jeans," said Buffy.
"Can't blame a vamp for trying," he chuckled, as he packed his bag.
"Spike,"
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Be careful, it seems Quentin has it in for you," said Buffy, gravely.
Spike stopped his packing to walk over to Buffy. He cupped her face with one of his large, rough hands.
"Don't worry sweetheart, I'm not planning on getting myself dusted anytime soon," he said.
"Who said I was worried?" she lied.
"Ok, have it your way, for now," said Spike, as he continued packing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Already to go, wherever that may be," said Buffy.
"Well I cannot take you to any of the councils safe houses, but do not worry I know of a place. You have your passports? The plan is to get you both out of the country as soon as something can be arranged," said Robson.
"All in here," said Spike, as he patted his leather duster.
Robson opened the door, checking the hallway before stepping out of the room. Leaving Buffy and Spike alone for a moment. He was surprised as she took his hand and squeezed it firmly.
"I'll watch your back," she said softly.
Spike's eyebrows raised in surprise at her words. It chafed at his manly pride to know he would need that offered help. He also knew he had no choice. Spike swallowed it down, and returned the pressure of her hand.
"I know you will, I trust you Buffy," he replied.
It was her turn to look surprised. They both quickly pulled apart, as Robson turned back to face them.
"Shall we go then?" asked Robson.
As Buffy and Spike stepped out into the hallway, she turned and took one last look at their room.
"I'm gonna miss this place," she sighed, before closing the door, and walking off after Robson.
"Me too," said Spike almost inaudibly, as he followed.
He was thinking of their night, spent in each other's arms. She had given herself to him so many times, but what was it to her? Just a tumble, never to be repeated? There were so many questions, which needed answers. Now was not the time, first they needed to get out of here, undetected. As the elevator doors closed behind them, one thing Spike was sure of was that he was starting to lose his heart to his mortal enemy. What else could be causing this ache in his chest, every time he looked at her. He placed a hand over his heart, removing it quickly his eyes widened in shock. He placed it there again and looked at Buffy.
"Spike, what is it?" asked Buffy.
He took her hand and placed it on his chest.
"Feel," he urged.
"Enough with the touchy feely requests, oh! You have a heartbeat," she said, looking at Robson.
"Just the effect of the demon blood," said Robson, indifferently.
Buffy kept her hand there, enjoying the feel of his hard chest. She started to daydream about how it had felt as she had run her fingernails over it, only a few short hours ago.
"Ahem," said Spike.
Buffy was jolted back to the present situation, to see Robson looking at her strangely.
"Yes, Buffy I have a heartbeat. Thanks for checking it out," he said, trying to appear indifferent, under the watchers scrutiny.
Indifferent was the last thing he was feeling as he wrapped his duster closer around him, to hide his arousal at her touch. The movement was not unnoticed by Buffy. The pinging of the elevator doors was like their wakeup call, as it broke the sensual spell that was wrapping its self around them both.
"Wait, I know the hotel is being watched, I had to come in through the back. If I am caught it will be my job," said Robson.
"Thanks for doing this," said Buffy.
Robson just nodded at her as he looked out of the doors.
"As I thought, Lavinia Davis. She is over by the main doors in the worst disguise I have ever seen," said Robson, scathingly.
"Lavinia? But she was that accommodating young lady who showed me around yesterday," said Spike.
Buffy poked her head out of the elevator.
"She's not very attractive is she?" asked Buffy.
"Don't have to get all jealous love, she's not a patch on you," grinned Spike.
"What's there to be jealous of?" she lied.
"Follow me, we'll have to go through the kitchens. I have my car parked in the staff area," said Robson.
They followed him, Buffy kept glancing behind them. She really was watching his back, he mused as they navigated the kitchens and exited the hotel.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lavinia turned around, almost as if prompted by some sixth sense, something did not feel quite right. She took the Elevator up to the couple's room. She placed her ear against the door, hearing nothing, she took the spare card key from her jacket and opened the door. The room was empty, so Lavinia opened the bedroom door. The bed was a mess and there was clothing scattered over it, as if someone had left in a mighty haste.
Lavinia's hands trembled as she dialled Quentin's number on her cell phone.
"Yes?" came the gruff reply on the other end.
"I, er, Miss Summers and William, they're gone sir," She blurted out.
The lengthy silence on the other end, grew more ominous as each second passed.
"They know about the blood, but they don't know everything. I want them found. Get every watcher in the entire council on it for all I care. And Lavinia," said Quentin.
"Y-yes Sir," she stammered.
"One more failure like that, and you will be lucky to find work as a road sweeper," said Quentin, as he put the phone down on her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The car drew up a back alley, in Mile End. It was one of the rougher areas of London; garbage cans were filled to overflowing. The smell of rotting food, assaulted Spike's senses. Buffy put her jacket over her face, at the smell.
They were standing outside the back entrance to a hotel. A neon light flicked on and off, a large greasy looking man came out the back. A cigarette was dangling in-between his dirty fingers, which he flicked away almost hitting Buffy.
"Classy," Buffy retorted.
"Robson, what have you brought me? The ice princess can sod off, if she thinks she's too good for my hotel," said the man.
"She didn't mean anything by it, she's American mate, not used to our ways," said Spike.
"Spike!" she hissed.
Spike turned to her, and put a warning finger on his lips.
"I trust you, now trust me," he whispered in her ear.
She shut up then, all protests died on her lips.
"I saved you the best room, it's the bridal suite." said the man, licking his lips suggestively.
"Ew," said Buffy, as she shuddered.
She could just imagine all the 'pretend' married couples that used this establishment.
"What was that?" asked the man.
Spike gave Buffy a hard look.
"Thank you," she amended quickly.
The man gave Spike a rusty looking key.
"12a up the stairs," said the man.
Spike took Buffy by the sleeve and dragged her into the hotel.
"Look Buffy, it may not be the Savoy, but it's a roof over our heads. Believe me, when I say you wouldn't want to be homeless on the streets of London, even with your abilities. I may not like that greasy tub of guts any more than you, but he's all that stands between you and I sleeping in a cardboard box tonight, so play the game, okay?" he asked.
They had reached the foot of the stairs, when Robson joined them.
"I have to go, otherwise I will be missed. I will give Giles your hotel number so he can call you, and do not leave the hotel. I am sure they are aware that you have gone. Quentin will have people out, looking for you both. I'll be back as soon as humanly possible," he said.
Spike took Buffy's hand.
"Come on lets go Love," said Spike.
Buffy sighed, and went with him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Better switch on the light, it's starting to get dark," said Spike.
"Couldn't you keep it off? Then I can imagine that I am back at our other hotel, minus the drippy tap and the broken toilet seat," said Buffy.
"On the upside the room does have it's own microwave, and fridge," said Spike.
"Pure indulgence," she said, sarcastically.
"Come on love, just trying to make the best out of a bad situation," he replied.
Buffy looked distastefully at the peeling wallpaper.
"I bet they rent rooms, by the hour at this place," she said.
A knocking started up on the paper-thin walls of the room, next to theirs.
"What now?" she asked.
Buffy's mouth gaped open in horror, as she correctly interpreted the ensuing creaking of bedsprings, and the moans of pleasure belonging to the couple in the next room. She put her hands over her ears to block out the sound. Spike sat next to her on the bed and peeled her hands away, to put his arms around her.
She buried her head in his chest, breathing in the scent of him. Buffy placed a hand on the edge of his t-shirt. Spike sucked in a breath, realising for the first time that it wasn't an unnecessary one. He could feel her fingernails working their way beneath the fabric to touch the naked skin of his toned stomach.
"Buffy?" he asked, already knowing what she wanted.
"Make it all go away," she sighed.
Buffy looked at Spike, before pushing him back onto the bed. She pulled off his t-shirt and admired his pale skin in the early evening light.
"You are beautiful Spike, I never thought I'd use that word and you in the same sentence," Buffy giggled, as she bent her head to place a trail of kisses along the curve of his neck.
Spike groaned at the sensations she stirred up in him. How could things have shifted so quickly in a few short days? They did say love was akin to hate. **Love** Spike realised, that it was love for him, maybe it always had been. He pulled her down to meet her lips with his own. Spike tried to convey his newfound revelation in the touch of his hands, as he removed their clothing. Buffy sensed the change in him and wondered at it. It felt as if he was trying to worship her with his body. They fitted together perfectly as if each had been created for the other and this moment in time.
They came to completion, in a series of gentle sighs and moans. Nothing like the ugly parody of love, they had heard from the other room. Spike rolled off her, and pulled Buffy into the circle of his arms, covering them both with the rough bedspread.
Buffy snuggled up against him, sleepily and yawned. Feeling secure in his arms as sleep started to claim her. She softly kissed his chest before drifting off.
Spike stroked the softness of her hair.
"I love you Buffy Summers," he whispered, as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
TBC