Chapter 5

Angelus moaned, reality pulling him back from sleep. He reached out for the blonde he knew would be next to him but was surprised when it was empty.

He sat up and scanned the bedroom, looking for signs of her but she was nowhere to be found. He walked to his wardrobe and pulled on a pair of sweats before searching the whole house. She was gone.

He sighed, slightly disappointed because he had every intention of keeping her in his bed the whole weekend but what's a man to do? He rubbed his face and walked back to the kitchen to start his coffee when he saw a piece of paper stuck on his fridge. The note said 'Until next time…' and signed off with a kiss of her lipstick covered lips.

He found himself smiling at the note.

The legal department of Callahan Group of Industries was in a flurry of busyness, ensuring the details of the merger were all up to par and the terms covered all the legalities required. Having revised it the fourth time, they were confident that the contract was to the standard that was expected by their CEO.

Angelus sat in his office drumming his fingers on his glassed desk, patiently waiting for his Legal team. A minute later, he heard a knock and head of his Legal department, Joseph walked in with the manila folder in his hand. Taking the folder, Angelus immediately scanned the document, making sure that all the conditions and terms he told them to change were included.

Joseph Renald is an intelligent man, sharp and confident in dealings with clients and peers. He was good at what he does but when dealing with his CEO, his usual bravado faltered a tad bit. Joseph has been working here for 15 years and has served 3 different CEOs in his tenure. His hire was by Angelus' grandfather and started as a senior legal associate having worked at a multinational corporation for 7 years prior to joining this company - what he and the employees endearingly called 'CGI'. When Angelus' father took over, he was entrusted with heavier responsibilities, undertaking the majority of the company's major business deals. Just before the helm was handed over to Angelus four years ago, he was promoted to head the Legal department.

The Callahans are a long line of successful businessmen with Callahan Industries starting back in Galway,Ireland in the 1920s, producing and providing tires to the booming motor industry. Since then, the business expanded to more than tires, venturing into motor parts before getting into the import and export business. When Angelus' grandfather took the reins, he relocated the business to the US and expanded the company to include a brewery. When Angelus' father took over, he focused on expanding the business to the whole of America and started a chain of hotels. By his 6th year as CEO, CGI had offices in 17 states and had 5 hotels across the country, each bringing in profits, allowing the Callahans to live in luxury by the time Angelus was born.

Angelus was much younger when he took over but one should not undermine his ability because he was equally, if not, even more astute and shrewd than his predecessors. At the age of 35, merely 2 years of being CEO, he turned CGI into a multinational corporation, expanding the business into Europe and Asia. So Joseph, despite being well over 20 years his senior, is usually on his toes whenever dealing with his young boss having seen his capabilities.

"Okay, looks good."

Joseph breathes a sigh of relief at the approval.

"Is everything ready for the signing?" Angelus asked, looking at his watch.

"Yes, it'll be at Conference Room 3", Robert answered.

"Okay".

Just then, his office phone buzzed.

"Sir, they're here", the receptionist said.

"Thank you, Martha", he said and stood.

He buttoned his Armani suit and started walking out with Joseph and Robert trailing him. As he reached the conference, two other of his senior legal officers, his Business Development Director and his International Relations Executive had joined in.

Robert opened the door of the Conference Room, revealing 6 men and a woman. Angelus immediately approached his counterpart, Bryan Compton and extended his hand in a handshake. He was promptly introduced to the others in their team. His eyes shifted to the man's right and widened when he saw his lover standing there.

"This is Buffy Summers, my legal advisor who will be taking charge of any legalities with regards to this merger", Bryan said.

"Miss Summers", Angel smiled, elated to finally know her last name.

Angelus shook her hand, keeping his voice professional but unable to resist his hand lingering and squeezing her hand momentarily without being obvious. He allowed his face to smirk a little for only Buffy to see, delighted to see her flinch a little.

Buffy was clearly surprised when the doors opened to reveal the dark, handsome man that was responsible for sending her to heights of extreme pleasure. This was the last place she expected him to be. She knew he was rich but she never imagined he was a part of the CGI empire. Being around affluent circles for some time, she has heard of CGI and knew the power they were growing to be. After being in America for so long, they've started spreading their wings internationally. This was part of the reason for this merger.

Buffy ignored the surprise she felt and poised herself, assuming her professional composure and conducted the meeting, negotiating the terms as requested by her client. During the meeting, Angelus saw a side of her that he found astounding. Angelus knew she was a confident woman; it was one of the reasons he found attractive about her the moment they met but seeing her as a lawyer, dressed in an impeccable belted pant suit paired with designer black heels, speaking and negotiating on the merger terms, she was assertive, exuding poise and he found his attraction for her heightened. If he was completely honest, he was turned on right at this moment seeing her being all professional. Maybe he'll ask her to dress like this when they…

"These are the clauses we propose so if you wish to negotiate, we're all ears", Buffy's voice broke his train of thoughts.

Angelus motioned for his adviser to lean in and informed him of his decision. After a few moments of nods and silent conversation, Joseph straightened up and cleared his throat.

"We have carefully reviewed the contract and we accept the terms proposed", Joseph said.

Angelus' eyes didn't leave Buffy the whole time, admiring her confident, professional front.

"Wonderful!" Bryan exclaimed.

Angelus broke his gaze from her and refocused his attention to the documents, nodding in agreement before both sides began reaching for their expensive pens and signing the contract.

After the closing of another successful business deal for her client, Buffy was more than ready to call it a day and unwind. She was scrolling through her emails on her mobile while waiting for her cab to arrive. Her car was in for repairs when it couldn't start two days ago. She was offered a lift back to her office but she turned them down, wanting to go home straight.

"So, you're a lawyer" she heard him ask from behind her.

She smiled, turning to face him.

"Why? What were you expecting?"

He shrugged before replying, "I've never really thought of what you did for a living honestly but I never expected you were a lawyer".

"So, do you like what you see?"

His eyes roaming her, clearly liking the sight.

"Well, I'm a little past like", he stood closer to her.

He leaned forward to kiss her but Buffy held her palms against his chest.

"Not here", she turned, making him kiss her cheek instead.

Angelus wasn't discouraged and wrapped his arms around her.

"Why not?"

"I'm working now Angelus", she squirmed half heartedly.

"So, is there like a rule or something?"

Technically, Buffy didn't have such a rule but they were out in public and as much as she liked his attention, she didn't feel right to be seen so intimate with him out here.

"Aren't you afraid that you'll be seen?"

"I own the whole damn place. Who'll dare say anything?"

Buffy giggled, unable to resist his charm. He leaned down again and this time, she allowed him to kiss her. She sighed in his arms, clearly missing his taste after a week apart.

"Come home with me", he whispered against her lips.

She wanted to…more than anything, she wanted to but she had promised to meet with one of her lovers, Ralph.

Ralph was an Italian whom she met at a club a year ago. He works for a publishing firm and was required to source for distributors and partners around the US. Whenever he was in California, he'll make sure to schedule her in too. Time with Ralph is always fun and being an Italian, he was very passionate in bed.

"I can't".

"Why not? I'll make it worth your while".

"I have to meet a friend tonight".

"We can meet after…"

"I have an early meeting tomorrow".

"Not even for a little while?"

"Rain check?" she moved, forcing him to release her.

"I'll hold you to that".

She simply smiled and turned to see her cab approaching just in time. She glanced at Angelus one last time, feeling an unfamiliar heavy heart coming over and sliding into the taxi before she allowed herself to change her mind.

Angelus was flicking the channels just to find something to do. He went to a club earlier when Xander asked him for drinks to try and get his mind off Buffy but it didn't work. A few women tried flirting with him, easily offering him female company for the night but he fend them off, uninterested in their advances. Frustrated with himself, he drove home and tried sleeping, reading, painting and now, watching some TV but it was all in vain.

He was about to go in the kitchen and grabbed his whiskey to nurse his restlessness when he heard his doorbell rang. Frowning, he looked at the time finding it odd to hear someone visiting him at such a late hour. He walked to the front door and pressed the button allowing him to see the visitor on the other side. The person he saw was unexpected, making his heart race and he quickly opened the door, eager to let his guest in.

The moment his door opened, they exchanged glances and their breaths turned erratic. Him from the fierce yearning for her and she…she looked like she ran from wherever she was. Dropping her purse, she jumped him wrapping her legs tightly around his waist and mauled his lips. Angelus back pedalled slightly, taken aback by the bit of power the petite blonde had from jumping him but almost immediately recovered his balance, wrapping his arms tightly around her.

She was desperately hungry for him and began tugging his sweatpants, looking for his strength. He slammed her against the wall next to his door, pushing himself against her. He aided her and pulled away just enough to pull his sweats down and reached for her core ripping the flimsy fabric off her. Wanting to see her golden skin, he ripped the little black dress off her body and threw it, uncaring where it went.

When she was nude, Buffy immediately grabbed his hardened shaft, placing it at her opening and sunk down. She threw her head back at the gratifying sensation, feeling him stretch her so wonderfully. This…this was what was missing during her copulation earlier with Ralph. They did it three times but like all the men she had after meeting Angelus, she wasn't satisfied. After being with Angelus, it seemed no man could quench her fire.

It was weird but she had never thought sex needed anything more other than the feeling of euphoria. It was just something enjoyable that two people did…a form of release. She never felt she was missing anything until Angel came along. The way he kissed her, filled her and giving her ecstasy was unlike anything she'd ever felt. Now, it seems like all the men she had paled in comparison.

He took her breast in his mouth and nipped before sucking the succulent flesh, driving himself deeper inside her. Buffy held his nape riding him up and down, hastening her pace as she went, drowning in the sensation. She tugged his hair, forcing him away from her chest wanting to kiss him and began biting his lips before delving her tongue in his mouth mimicking his shaft driving in her core.

Feeling her tremble, he knew she was close and began pounding harder, angling her higher to allow him to brush against her at the spot he knew would give her release. She had to break the kiss to breathe, feeling her breath being sucked out by his deed. She screamed and groaned, eager for release when she felt Angelus fingers teasing her clit, rubbing and pulling it causing her to come fiercely and quivering in his arms. Angelus groaned feeling her muscles constrict him and drove three more times before spurting inside her.

They stilled, holding each other close and gasping for breath. Angelus recovered first and cupped her face, staring into her hazel eyes and tenderly kissed her. Buffy, overwhelmed by the gentleness, wanted to pull away but he grasped her nape, not allowing her to escape and soon, Buffy was lost in his kisses. Angelus broke away and laughed. Buffy smiled, finding his husky laugh adorable.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"I just realised that we could have potentially given a free show", gesturing to the still opened door of his house.

"So? I think it's a damn good show, don't you?"

"Probably but I'd rather not be seen by Mr Sanders next door. I have a reputation to uphold".

"Well, then we best move this to a more private setting?"

"Liking that plan", he reached for the door and slammed it close.

Recollection came to him and Angelus immediately opened his eyes, once again disappointed not seeing his lover in front of him. He had the silly idea of cuffing her to the bed just to make sure she'll be there when he wakes. His thoughts were suddenly dashed when he heard a movement behind him. He whipped his head around and was appeased, seeing the blonde in question still in his bed. She was still in deep sleep and Angelus turned to face her, laying on his side with his head supported in his hand. He admired her features, looking peaceful and somewhat innocent, finding her lips adorable in a slight pout. His eyes roamed down to her supple breasts, uncovered by the sheet that was pooled at her hips.

For minutes he just watched her. If he wasn't sure before, he was certain now that he was smitten. This is ridiculous because they've never had any meaningful conversation and except for that one day when they met unexpectedly in a professional capacity. All the time they've met, sex was their communication. Sure, there was a bit of flirting and teasing but it wasn't serious. He thought of how this started as simple, undeniable lust and for the most part it's true but with every rendezvous, he realised he wanted to see more of her, wanted to get to know her better.

He leaned down and kissed her shoulder and moved up her neck. She began to stir and cupped his nape before he travelled to her lips and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

"What time is it?"

"Slightly after 2.30".

Buffy pushed him back slightly, "I'll be back", she said and headed to the bathroom.

Minutes later, she walked back in to see him sitting at the edge of the bed.

Angelus reached for her wrist and pulled her towards him, making her stand in between his legs before wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her close.

He looked up at her and she leaned, kissing him.

"I should go," she said after breaking their kiss.

Not ready to see her go, he immediately blurted, "Stay the night".

Buffy wanted to say yes but Angelus was making her senses out of whack. She rarely had sleepovers with her lovers because it's not like they were in a relationship. She wasn't obligated to stay and usually, as soon as they were done, she'd want to leave or she'll make them leave. The only ones that she spent the night with (albeit rarely) were Scott a long while ago and currently, Lindsey but they're different. They were kind of friends…with benefits.

But Angelus made her feel like this wasn't two fuck buddies spending the night. It was like they were lovers in a relationship sense…which they are not. It was making her very uncomfortable but then, why does a part of her not want to say no?

"Erhhh, I don't know."

"Is it such a bad thing? To stay the night?" he said huskily before kissing her breast.

"It probably isn't but I need to get home. I've got stuff to do".

"Stuff can wait", he mumbled against her breast before taking it in his mouth, licking the nub.

"Angellll" trying to sound annoyed.

"Come on…stay…" he coaxed.

"I can't…" she gasped as he bit her breast.

"I'll make it worth your while", he mumbled as he trailed her other breast.

"I'm sure you will but…" she gasped when he grabbed her ass and made her straddle him.

He immediately searched for her core and manipulated the sensitive flesh.

"This….this is…uhhh…you're really making…ohhh..it hard to say no", she whimpered.

"Then say yes", he kissed her.

He suddenly entered her, making her jerk in surprise, breaking their kiss. He held her close and began thrusting up in her.

"Say yes", he said against her lips which were now gaping at how she suddenly hungered for release again.

"Say y…" and Buffy began biting his lips, and reciprocated his deed by slamming herself down enthusiastically.

He smiled at his success and turned her around on to his bed and let his strength continue 'convincing' her.

Buffy was running her fingers through her damp hair, trying to make herself presentable after the shower she shared with Angelus. He entered the bathroom having put on sweats and stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Buffy couldn't resist the smile that came as she looked at their reflection on the mirror. Angelus pushed her hair aside and leaned down placing gentle kisses along her neck. She smiled and leaned against him until he playfully nipped and bit her neck and she pulled away.

"Nuh-uh. You keep your mouth away from my neck, Mister".

"What?"

She stared at him in the mirror and pointed to the other side of her neck, sporting a hickie. Angelus simply smiled and wrapped her tighter against him.

"Then I need to make another mark here too so both sides match", he playfully bit the unblemished side of her neck.

"Angel!" she pulled away but Angelus was undeterred and leaned in, his lips grazing her neck.

She laughed as his breath tickled her. Angelus turned her around wrapping her in his arms, efficiently trapping her hands and continued nipping her neck. Buffy moved, trying to release herself but soon, gave up surrendering to his talented lips and moments later, his lips covered hers and again, their tongues mated.

Angelus broke the kiss and asked the one question he wanted to since he realised he wanted to know this woman, "Have dinner with me?"

"What?"

"Tonight. Let me take you out to dinner".

"You don't have to do that".

"I want to".

Once again, she found herself in a dilemma. Buffy Summers don't do dates and despite wanting to see more of this gorgeous man, as a reflex, a part of her instantly didn't like where this was going. Angelus felt her tense and frowned at her demeanour.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Angel, I'm not the sort of girl you date".

"Why don't you let me decide that?" Angelus scoffed.

"I don't do dates…I'm just not that kind of girl."

"So that Friday wasn't a date?"

"I asked you to meet me at a strip club. What do you think?"

"I thought you like to keep me on my toes."

"Angel, you don't know me…what I'm like".

"Hence, the dinner tonight".

Buffy turned away facing the sink, her mind in chaos. Angelus looked at her through the mirror, trying to understand her behaviour.

From the first day they met, he knew she wasn't the typical girl you meet every day. Having sex the first time they ever spoke to each other – which hardly constitutes as a conversation – was a dead giveaway. Thereafter, seeing how adventurous she was during their thorough sexual exploits, her skills as a lover and ability to seek out his sensitive spots allowing him to achieve mind-blowing ecstasy made him conclude that she had A LOT of experience.

But it didn't matter to him. He genuinely liked her and wanted to know her better but her silence made him realise she was uncomfortable and he quickly wanted to quell that. He was far from satisfying his fill of her and he intended to continue seeing her.

He wrapped his arms around her waist again, unaffected by her rigid body and rested his face on the crook of her neck, which was becoming one of his favourite parts of hers. It didn't go unnoticed that it took mere moments for her body to relax and lean into him.

"So, let's not call it a date. It's just two people having dinner", he kissed her neck.

"Angel…"

"It's just dinner. We'll even go Dutch if that makes you feel better".

She smiled at his effort to sound casual and seeing he really wanted to see her again, she felt herself relenting…it was just two people having dinner.

"It does…so, it's not a date".

"Nope".

"Just dinner".

"Well, there may be some extracurricular activities after that", he teased cupping her breasts.

"Hmmm…okay", she turned, meeting his lips in a kiss.

"I probably should get going or I'll be late for work", Buffy said breaking the kiss, guessing it was probably close to 6 in the morning judging by the light through the window.

"Okay", he agreed but took her lips once more with no intent of letting her go.