Chapter 6

Buffy got out of the cab and stared up at the giant gazebo that was a part of the makeshift amusement park. She checked her phone again to see if she had gotten the right address Angelus had texted her.

Seeing that it was, she shrugged and walked towards the entrance. She wondered how she was supposed to find Angelus. It wasn't very crowded but finding a man in such a huge park wouldn't be easy. Buffy walked towards the carousel, smiling as she saw children laughing as the thing went round with whimsical music accompanying the twinkling lights.

The laughter and high-pitched chatter brought her back to when she was once their age, full of life and innocence. She looked up to the sky wondering what her beloved late parents would think of her current lifestyle choice. Times like these were few and far in between where a part of her pondered. Spike's question on her way of life ringing through her ears; will she ever get tired of this life? Would she ever settle down?...if she would ever be satisfied with just one man or wonder what it would be like to be in a loving, committed relationship? But in the next instant it was gone when her gaze lay on a blond-haired man eyeing her. She knew that look all too well.

The man had a wedding band on his finger and from the looks of the blond child sitting on a horse he was standing to next probably would mean he was a father too. She gave him her flirty smile that came naturally to her lips and he reciprocated. She scoffed mentally. Men…they stray so easily.

"Well Miss Summers, with the way you're eyeing him, are you trying to make me jealous?" she hears a familiar say behind her.

Without turning, she laughed, "Jealous?...now why would my friend be jealous. I was just being polite".

Angelus looked down and shook his head, replying with a laugh of his own. Buffy Summers is one mystery that he looked forward to unravelling.

"You're late", she remarked.

"Well, I like to make an entrance".

"So, we're supposed to have dinner. Where is it supposed to be?"

"There", Angelus pointed.

Buffy raised her eyebrows, "A hotdog stand?"

"Why? Is it too lowly for you?"

"More like the other way around".

"Contrary to popular belief, I do enjoy the simple things in life like walking along the beach, drinking with my friends and…hotdogs".

"Really?"

"You don't believe me?"

"I do. I just find it fascinating".

"I'll take that as a compliment. Shall we?"

Buffy nodded and he led them to the stand. He ordered his with a mustard while she ordered one with everything on. Angelus raised a brow hearing her order, not expecting such a dainty thing to have such an appetite. Angelus asked for the total and was about to pay when Buffy said, "Uh uh…we're going dutch", taking out a ten and handing it over to the man, telling him she's paying for her own dog.

After taking the change, Buffy turned and walked towards an unoccupied barrel acting as a table for patrons to eat their food. Angelus smirked, following her.

"So, tell me more about yourself", Angelus asked.

"I'm really not that interesting."

"I beg to differ".

"You first", she countered.

Angelus snickered and rubbed his jaw, "Alright, I'll play."

He began telling her his full name, which she of course knew by then. He then started talking about where he grew up, his alma maters and how much he enjoys golf. He simply told her about his life and then about his family and friends.

Buffy found herself intently listening, laughing with him as he reminisced, finding his stories compelling. Two hours later, they were seated opposite each other in a Ferris wheel, enjoying the comfortable silence as they looked out to the people milling about.

Recognizing what started out as lust is becoming to something else, Angelus was slightly apprehensive but intrigued. Tonight, he was surprised at how comfortable he was with her. Granted that after sleeping with someone as much as he had with her, you are bound to feel some sort of connection but he found himself genuinely enjoying her company. He looked at her gazing out through the small window of the car, feeling warmth coming over him and as he allowed himself to bask in the affection, he began to realize he liked it.

Feeling his eyes on her, Buffy turned and hooked on to his chocolate orbs. There it was…that look again. The tenderness that usually made her turn away but with Angelus as always, she wasn't able to.

"What?" she asked, trying to distract her racing heart.

Angelus didn't answer and reached out his hand, coaxing her to take it. Although uneasy, she placed her hand in his, never breaking their gaze. He tugged her hand, making her stand and gently pulled her towards him. When she was close enough, he wrapped his arms around her waist, flushing her body into his chest. He looked up, his gaze enticing her to a kiss.

Buffy doesn't disappoint and wrapped her arms around him before giving him a chaste kiss. Angelus smiled at her and her lips automatically reciprocated before diving down for a more passionate kiss. Smiles and giggles were gone as he delved his tongue into her mouth making Buffy moan as the innocent kiss quickly making her yearn for more.

She straddled him, never breaking the tongue tangling kiss. Angelus' hands slipped under her top and roamed her back, wanting to feel her supple skin. Buffy could feel his hardening shaft and moved sensually, grazing her core against it. Realising that they were coming back down where people could actually see their compromising position, Angelus reluctantly broke the kiss. He tugged her bra back in place after fondling her breasts left the article haphazard. He pulled her top down, and playfully lifted her, squeezing her bosom, making her giggle.

He quickly started threading his fingers in his hair and buttoning his shirt – he didn't notice when she had it unbuttoned - and tugging his pants, his semi-hard strength making him feel a little uncomfortable. Buffy smiled impishly and he can't help but leaned and pecked her delicious lips. When the ride came to a stop, they exit giggling together, catching the attention of a few onlookers. Angelus tugged her hand and jogged back to the parking lot.

The moment they got in the car, they were still laughing, not really sure why, but finding each other's laughter infectious. Soon, they found themselves gazing at each other, smiling as the chuckling slowly subsided. Looking at his watch, he saw that it was close to 10. Angelus took her hand and kissed it.

"I'm not ready for the night to end", he said honestly.

Buffy, moved by his confession, cupped his face, her thumb grazing his lips. Her mind was racing, wanting to suggest something so totally against what she would normally do but Angelus has invaded her senses in ways no man ever could…whether she wants to admit it or not. Against her better judgment, she said the words she hardly says to anyone.

"Come home with me", she said gently.

Angelus looked at her, surprised at her suggestion. She doesn't seem to be someone who allows someone to get close and tonight can attest his assumption of her, seeing she hasn't really divulged much about herself in the few hours they spent together but as the night went by, this mystery of a woman is beginning to unfold. She will probably keep him at arms length for sometime but Angelus was undeterred, determined to uncover this tight-lipped woman.

"No answer?" Willow asked.

"This is like the 3rd time just this week", Faith huffed.

"Maybe she's just busy."

"Or…she's got a new boy toy".

"Faith!"

"Come on, Will…think about it. When was the last time she had a boyfriend?...How about never?"

"We don't know that. She's just…private…you don't have boyfriends", Willow accused.

"Yeah, but I date…I tell you guys about the jerks or Mr. Big-Shot who thinks it's an honor for me to spend time with them".

"She's private".

"Yeah right…"

"Come on, you don't really believe those rumours do you?"

"I don't need to believe anything. I have facts…that girl has not had a serious boyfriend since high school and she doesn't date but I've both seen at least 2 different men leaving her office at night on several occasions."

"You mean Lindsey? He's an old friend. They met in college".

"…and how many times has she suddenly disappeared from our night out?" Faith ignored Willow's statement.

Willow frowned at her accusations but as much as wanted to defend her friend, she found herself wondering the same questions.

Willow and Faith were sometimes visitors at Buffy's law firm meeting, occasionally meeting the petite blonde for lunch or dinner and sometimes,a girl's night out. They've been there enough times to get acquainted with some of her colleagues and unfortunately, caught the rumor mills going around about Buffy's risqué affairs. Willow and Faith asked her about it but she's always just brushed it off, saying there was no truth to the gossip. The tongues yapping were born out of jealousy, envious of her professional progress despite her fairly young age.

"Then of course, there are times like this where she's just seemingly uncontactable and the next time you asked her about it, she's 'caught up in a case'…please. Say what you want, Will but that don't let that dainty, innocent face fool you. I bet you that she's probably locked up somewhere getting her freak on with some stud".

Buffy's mouth gaped, her cries of pleasure rendered soundless. Her throat was hoarse from screams of desire that the man was currently giving her.

She was straddling him, riding him aggressively and hugging him tightly in her embrace. He reciprocates, moving his hips upwards pistoning in and out of her, his fingers clawing her back.

"Oh God", she whispered in his ear, feeling she's close.

He suckled her neck and increased cadence, relishing at how perfectly tight she is. Every time he's inside her, it's perfection. He sounded like he was exaggerating but there were really no other words to accurately describe it.

The way her skin feels on his, the way her lips tastes on his, the way she feels the moment he entered her, the feeling of her walls gripping him as he travels deeper into her, how wonderful it feels to be completely embedded inside her warmth, the taste of her delicious lips on his, her moans and whimpers…perfection really wasn't exaggerating it.

Moments later, he felt her body quivering before going lax, feeling her essence coating his strength and in the next second he let go, spurting inside her. She panted against his shoulder, willing to calm her racing heart. Angelus buried his nose on the crook of her neck, breathing her intoxicating scent as he too tries to settle down.

She felt him peppering kisses on her shoulder and lifted her head to face him. His lips trailed to her cheeks before tenderly latching her lips, giving her long tantalizing kisses.

"I can't get enough of you", he said against her lips when they broke apart.

Buffy cupped his face, letting herself drown in his gaze. His large hand caressed her jaw, his thumb brushing her swollen lips as he basked in the warmth he's grown familiar with whenever she was around.

This alien feeling that was always looming when they were together was scary but at the same time, she has begun to find it slightly tolerable although she wasn't going to read too much into it. She liked that she found a new lover that had a high, if not equally insatiable sexual appetite as her. But then, they had moments like this, during their post-coital bliss where his gaze made her feel special and wanted. And she feels her heart flutter for the dark haired man who was quickly invading her waking thoughts and sometimes following into her dreams.

"So don't", Buffy found herself replying.

"Be careful, Miss Summers…I may take you up on that offer", he leaned close to her lips.

"Please do..." she said against his lips before kissing him.

Angelus turned and laid her on the bed, settling himself in between her thighs, evolving their kiss into passionate and lustful. He threaded her fingers with his pulling both hands above her head, breaking their kiss to suckle her breasts.

Buffy gasped, loving how his talented mouth feels licking and nipping the sensitive nub, easily making her hungry for more. She threw her head back, relishing in the sensation before he drew back up to face her, giving her his handsome smile making her automatically reciprocate. He kissed her gently for some moments before his lips found her neck sucking the way she knew would leave a mark but she didn't mind. If she was honest, she secretly liked looking at the evidence he left of their sexcapades when she looked at the mirror but of course, she'll never admit that out loud.

He released her hands and moved south laying kisses to the underside of her breasts, her stomach before moving closer to his desired part. As she felt his tongue part her nether lips she closed her eyes, surrendering to him, anticipating the sort of ecstasy only he could bring her.

"Why aren't you eating?" the dark haired woman asked her husband, looking at his rather full plate.

"I'm not hungry".

"Should I get Grace to prepare you something else?"

"No, I'm not hungry".

"What's wrong with you?" she asked curtly, dropping the cutleries with a loud clank and crossing her arms, annoyed by his behavior.

"Nothing", he stood up to leave.

"Don't give me that shit!" she exclaimed angrily.

Things at the Pratt household have been tensed the past month to say the least. Drusilla Pratt began noticing how her husband wasn't home a lot and his late nights in office were becoming frequent.

She heard whispers... rumours swirling that perhaps he had a mistress. Initially, she brushed it off and thought nothing of it,having faith in her marriage and husband of 12 years but then, a lipstick of a brand and shade she wouldn't use would turn up in his car or he would come home with a different shirt than when he left in that morning claiming he went to the gym during lunch and changed for a meeting with a client.

One would probably buy it once,twice maybe even the third time but by the fourth 'meeting after gym', she was suspicious. And then, there are times when he would answer phone calls in another room or away from her hearing range.

"Mind your language in front of the kids", he said, gritting his teeth.

"You're having an affair aren't you?" she replied, undeterred.

"What?"

"You think I don't know? That I don't notice? I'm not stupid, Spike!" Druscilla bellowed.

"You need to calm yourself down".

"The hell I will".

"I told you to watch your mouth in front of the kids".

"Answer me!"

"Betty!...Betty!..." he bellowed.

Moments later, a woman in her forties scrambled into the dining room.

"Take the children upstairs".

"Yes, sir", Betty replied, helping little William and his sister Sasha, out of their seats. The children were clearly terrified of their parent's imminent argument. This was sadly common sight lately however, today seems to be one where the fight will be of epic proportions. They quickly scurry out of the room following their nanny, wanting to get away.

"So, who is she? Some 19-year old you stashed somewhere?"

Spike looked at her incredulously, hating the statements hurled at him.

"Are you listening to yourself?" he challenged her.

"Just tell me the truth Spike!"

A heavy silence filled the room, making the quiet unbearable to him.

"I deserve to know the truth", she stated.

Summoning up the courage, he looked right into her eyes, for a brief moment remembering how much he loved her eyes. Thinking how captivated he was by her green eyes. The way it sparkled and gleamed naturally when she laughed but that felt like a long while ago…before he was enchanted by hazel-green ones.

"I was".

Even though he was simply confirming her suspicions, her heart broke and she let out a silent whimper before a torrent of tears began rolling down her cheeks. She closed her eyes, trying to gain composure.

"How long?" her voice raspy, she asked him moments later.

"Not long".

"How long?" she repeated, wanting to know.

"About four months".

"Who is she?"

"Just someone I met".

"Do you love her?"

He didn't answer. He didn't have to. His silence telling her the answer.

"We've been married for 12 years. We're together for 16".

"I know".

"Does it not mean anything to you?"

"Of course it does".

"Then what the fuck are you doing sticking your dick into another woman!?"

"You think I want it to happen, Dru? You were never around".

"Oh, so this is my fault? You fucked another woman because I wasn't around when you had an itch to scratch?!"

"It wasn't like that!" Spike detested how she cheapened what he and Buffy had.

"Then explain to me. Tell me what you were thinking when you started all this. Make me understand, please", she pleaded, her voice breaking.

"I just…I needed someone. I needed comfort. You were always not home and I needed a connection then she came along and…she made me feel wanted, needed and when I'm with her…I feel alive."

"And I don't make you feel that way?...God Spike, I'm not around because I was earning a living. It wasn't because I was having the time of my life. I was working my ass off!"

"You didn't need to! I told you that. You didn't have to work but you wanted to be this career woman for some sort of self gratification."

"And that is wrong?...Is it wrong for me to want to have some sort of identity? That I don't want to be defined just as a wife and mother but to have a successful career too? When I'm at work, doing what I'm good at, I'm there giving my all but when I'm home, I'm 100% here. The moment I walk through the front door, I leave attorney Dru behind and I'm right here…I'm a mother to William Jr. and Sasha and every night when I lay down next to you, I'm right there with you."

Another deafening silence filled the room as thoughts raced in both their minds. Spike didn't know how long it was before she spoke again.

"Do you want to be with her?"

"More than anything", he answered honestly.

Drusilla cried harder, devastated at his confession.

"But…she doesn't feel the same way", he continued sadly.

Hearing this didn't ease her one bit. If anything, it made her more certain of what she had to do.

"Get out of my house", despite her emotions, her voice was clear and firm.

"What?"

"You want her, right?...go to her. I'll serve you the divorce papers so you're not welcome here anymore".

Wasn't this what he wanted? To be free from his unhappy marriage?...but when presented the opportunity, he feels uneasy.

"Let's both just calm down and talk this through".

"There's nothing to talk about. You said you wanted to be with her so go…be with her".

"I also said she doesn't feel the same way".

"And I'm supposed to care about that?"

"Dru…don't do this."

"I didn't do this Spike..you did!...My heart, body and soul was yours 16 years ago and I thought I had yours too but obviously, I was wrong so please go."

"I'll go but at least let me tuck the kids in first."

"No…I cannot stand the sight of you right now so please…just go".

Knowing that she wouldn't change her mind, Spike walked towards the door, dejectedly grabbing his coat and cast his gaze up the staircase he knew would lead to the kids' bedroom. Heartbroken, he opened the door and left.

"So, I punched Brent Howard, broke his nose and he was this huge guy that was easily like 200 pounds and because I bruised his ego, he started telling everyone that I was a freak", Buffy recounted.

"That must have sucked. What did your Principal do?" Angelus asked.

They were both seated at the kitchen island facing each other with a tub of ice cream in between them. It was Sunday afternoon and for the remaining of their date night on Friday and most of yesterday and today, they did nothing but have sex and sleep taking breaks in between to nourish their bodies or shower before going at it again.

Buffy was perplexed at how he managed to stay at her place for almost a whole weekend. That has never happened with her other lovers but after losing count of her orgasm between yesterday morning and afternoon, she realised she wasn't ready for him to go home yet.

In between the exchange of bodily fluids, Angelus shared more about his life. He began by telling her about a brunette girl he met a long while back who shared his unexplainable fondness for the rain. She teased him about the girl being his first love but he denied, saying he kind of had a crush on her but he was much too uncool for the girl plus, he was 10 at the time and the girl was 17.

Buffy fought against herself several times, unused to telling her lover too much about her life but with Angelus, she liked talking to him and he made her feel comfortable. Without realising, she found herself wanting to open up and soon, they began recounting life stories, telling each other of their favourite childhood memories, their school days and embarrassing life moments. Angelus was secretly happy, seeing how this was progressing. He was slowly but surely breaking down her defences.

"Seeing that I broke their star quarterback's nose, I got detention. They didn't care that I retaliated because he started groping me. To them, I was just the girl that kept him benched for 2 games. For like my whole freshman year in high school, I was the school's outcast."

"That must have been hard".

"Not really. I made friends with the other outcasts of the school and they happened to be pretty cool".

"That's nice".

"Do you have any school friends you're still in touch with?"

"Just one and sometimes, I wonder why I still have him in my life".

Buffy laughed. Angelus grinned thinking how pretty she was when she laughed. He scooped up a spoonful of ice cream and brought it to her lips, wanting to feed her. Buffy opened her mouth accepting the sweet confectionery, humming in satisfaction. Angelus leaned in and licked the smidge left unintentionally at the corner of her lips before kissing her fully.

"I never knew that this ice-cream existed", Angelus said when they broke away.

"Are you serious? This is about the only flavour I eat".

"Cookie dough fudge mint chip…hmmm…I think it'll soon be the only flavour I eat too."

"Copycat".

"Gasp!...your accusation baffles me, Miss Summers. I happen to find this ice cream very delicious".

"It is, isn't it?" Buffy said, taking another spoonful in her mouth.

Angelus suddenly felt a little mischievous and dabbed a spoonful of ice cream to her nose.

"Angel!" Buffy scolded.

She moved to wipe the cold dessert off but he stopped her leaning in to clean her buttoned nose with a kiss.

"Now, it's even more delicious".

"Really?"

"Really" and their lips met again, their tongue seeking the other, tasting the chocolaty goodness.

The phone ringing caught their attention and Angelus pulled away.

"Ignore it", she told him cupping the side of his face to continue their kiss and he happily heeded.

But the incessant ringing was starting to irritate her as she told him to stay right where he is, fully intending to finish the kiss.

Grumbling at the caller, she immediately located her phone and answered, not noticing the name on her caller ID.

"Hello".

"Buffy?"

She froze. She knew that voice.

"Spike".

"Hey…it's been a while. How have you been?"

"I'm good".

"That's good to know…um, I know this is a little out of the blue but do you think we can meet tonight?...just to talk".

Buffy turned to see if Angelus was nearby. Slightly relieved that he was nowhere in sight, she whispered, "Tonight's not a good time".

"How about tomorrow?"

"Spike, I…"

"Please…I won't take too much of your time. I just need to talk to you."

"I don't really have a free day next week. There's a new case I'm starting and it's pretty intense".

"Just a few minutes, Buffy…I promise".

Buffy sighed, not really wanting to talk to him but against her better judgment, she said okay. Perhaps, she could take this opportunity to end it cleanly with him at the same time.

"I can probably meet you during lunch but I'll be having take-out so meet me at my office", she said.

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow".

"Okay".

Right after she disconnected the call, she was lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Angelus approaching her until he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. Buffy gasped, surprised.

"I'm sorry", Angelus leaned and placed a gentle kiss to the top of her head in apology.

"It's okay. I just didn't notice you there".

"Who was that?" he asked, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"A friend".

"Is everything ok?

"Yeah."

"Good. So, where were we?" he nipped her neck and all thoughts of Spike were gone in an instant. Angelus had such a power over her and she doesn't even realise it.

"I'm thinking…right about here", she said and began unbuttoning his shirt she was wearing. Her eyes hungrily eyeing him through the decorative mirror that was in front of them and he replied with a hunger of his own.

He turned her around and lifted her into his arms making her wrap her legs around his waist. He leaned down sucking her ample breasts before wrapping his arms around her back. As though she was weightless, he sped back up to her bedroom, wanting to ravish her all over again.