Chapter 16

"Buffy, Scott Hope is on line 1", her assistant's voice came through the intercom.

Buffy frowned, not intending to answer his calls. Perhaps not ever.

"I'm not in", she told her assistant.

"Okay".

"Wait!...if he calls again, just tell him I'm not available."

"Alright".

"Thanks".

Buffy rubbed her face in frustration. Scott had been trying to get in touch with her, sending her texts and calling her continuously but like mentioned earlier, she doesn't intend to answer him. She wasn't ready to face him. Suddenly feeling nauseous, she leaned back and closed her eyes, trying to shake off the headaches that have been happening every once in a while.

She took a deep breath and opened her eyes a few minutes and as always, the pain was gone. She returned to reading the documents for her upcoming case.

She was looking for her phone in her bag when she heard someone calling her name. Frowning, she turned to see Scott jogging towards her. She immediately turned and walked faster, clearly avoiding him.

"Wait!" Scott gave chase for a few moments before easily catching up to her.

"Hey, what gives?" he pulled her to the side.

"Let go of me".

He frowned at her behaviour.

"Did I do something to offend you?"

Buffy looked at him unsurely. To someone normal, it is so clear that their bold albeit brief incident would have shaken and thrown them off but this was Scott, a man who doesn't understand nor value relationships or connection between two people, assuming that she was the same promiscuous Buffy that throws herself so easily at men.

He looks at her inquisitively, his eyes ignorant of the turmoil within. He doesn't understand, she tells herself.

"You haven't been picking up my calls or replying my texts. I had no choice but to wait for you here. Look, if I did something wrong, I'm sorry".

Buffy took a breath and looked at him who was clearly clueless. She decided to tell him honestly.

"Scott, that night…the dance, the kiss…it shouldn't have happened."

"We were just having a good time", he scoffed.

"I know…and it was great for the most part but Scott, we can't be what we were…not anymore. I'm with Angel now".

"So, we were both with a lot of people and yet, we…"

"It's different now. I'm different."

"You look the same to me".

"Scott…"

"Relax, I was just joking. Okay, look…if I crossed the line, I'm sorry. I meant no harm. It's just being there with you, dancing, laughing…it reminded me of old times and I guess, I just got carried away".

"I know the feeling", Buffy said thoughtfully.

"As an apology, how about I treat you to dinner".

"You don't have to do that."

"I want to."

"Scott…"

"If not dinner, maybe a drink? I promise that we'll go straight home after that."

Buffy was hesitant, part of her not wanting to spend any more time with Scott but the other part tells her to stop overreacting. Scott seemed genuinely apologetic and understood why she behaved the way she did and this was his peace offering.

"Fine, just one drink", she answered against her better judgement.

"Great! Tonight?"

"Not tonight. I have to fetch my son."

"Okay, what about tomorrow night?"

"I'll need to check"

Scott laughed and replied, "Why don't you let me know when you're able to make it? But no going MIA okay? I'll wait for your call".

"Okay", Buffy replied.

They said their goodbyes and she promises to let him know about tomorrow.

The next day

Angelus hated being here. If he had his way, he would be home, spending time with Connor and after tucking him in bed, he would be cuddling with Buffy in front of the TV before carrying her to bed and ravishing that sexy body until he passes out from exhaustion.

Buffy…he smiles dreamily. Words cannot describe the dreams and hopes he has for their future. The past 3 years were full of ups and downs, fights and arguments, passionate love and sensual nights but any time he was with her, be it in the height of passion or when she's cursing his name for annoying her for not picking up after himself or whatever small little thing that sets her off, he was happy. She has given him so much and he no longer can imagine a life without her.

It occurred to him approximately a week ago when he was deep inside her, staring down into the hazel-green orbs he loves so much, seeing her features so beautifully contorted in throes of passion that it hit him. As he drove faster and deeper into her, wanting to give her that wonderful release she rightfully deserves, it became clear to him. And as he reached that earth shattering climax only she could give him, he just knew. Afterwards, when they hold each other close and as he watches her sleep, inhaling and exhaling against his chest, he decides he wants her for the rest of his life. As a partner,a companion and forever more, his wife. He wishes to marry her. How he does not know but in a safe at his office sat the perfect ring for this woman he loves more than anything in this world. He is simply waiting for the right moment.

He huffed, looking at his watch. His client should have been here ten minutes ago but of course, being the big shot that he is, he likes to make an entrance. He can't wait for this to be over and he'll be speeding back home. His somewhat only solace is that Buffy was also stuck in office to look over her cases. He sighed and prays that by the time he gets home, she'll be home too. He rubbed his neck, feeling sore from his long day.

'I hope Buffy's not too tired tonight. I need a massage', he rolled his neck to ease the discomfort.

"Thanks for coming tonight,'' Scott said smiling at her.

"Of course. It's been nice", Buffy replied.

"So, would it be too much to ask you for a dance to end the night?"

"Umm…I don't know".

Disappointment was clear on his face and Buffy felt a little bad.

Throughout the night, he was nothing but nice, keeping it friendly between the two of them. Buffy was initially apprehensive for the meeting, somewhat paranoid and unsure of how the night will be. But after an hour, seeing how their interaction went, Buffy relaxed a little and found herself once again, enjoying his company.

She smiled wistfully, pushed away all uncertainties and stood up, holding her hand out.

"It'll be a nice way to end the night right?" she smiled at him.

Scott took her hand and led her to the dance floor as the fast-paced music influenced the move of their bodies. His eyes grazed over her form as she moved to the music, raising her arms and moving her hips. She was simply losing herself in the music letting her body groove to the rhythm and beat but unbeknownst to her, to the eyes witnessing the moves, she looked sensual and absolutely sexy.

Scott smirked at her and took the chance and moved closer, pressing himself against her back. Buffy, too caught up with the music and feeling the alcohol's intoxication begin to course through her body, barely noticed his proximity. She felt wonderful, the music sounded amazing and her body seemed to move instinctively. She couldn't explain it but she felt light and free, like she was flying. She registers a palm against her stomach and pushes it away intending to turn and berate Scott but was surprised when she sees Angelus.

Instead of pushing him away, she moved closer and wrapped her arms around his waist, flushing their bodies together. How could she not recognise his touch? She looks up and looks into the dark brown eyes she loves.

"Hi, when did you get here?" she whispered against his lips..oh how she loves his lips.

Angelus didn't reply and smiled down at her, leaning his forehead on hers.

"I love you", she told him and again, he was silent.

Buffy frowned, thinking he always replies when she says it. She pulled back and was surprised to see Scott in front of her. Wait, she was dancing with Angelus. Was she hallucinating? She suddenly realized that her head was throbbing. She shakes it off and looks at the man in front of her, disappointed to see Scott.

"I um….I'm going to sit back down. I don't feel so good", Buffy held her head.

"Come on, just a few more minutes", Scott coaxed, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"No…I should go", she said, pushing his hands away.

"Come on, baby", she hears him say and looks up to tell him no, only to see her love's face smiling down at her.

"Just a few more minutes", he nuzzles her nose.

She relaxes in his embrace again, allowing herself to be held by her lover.

At the other end of the club, a pair of eyes were watching her every move on the dance floor, not entranced by her moves but rather looking disapprovingly, at the compromising position she's in…at the proximity she was with another man who wasn't her boyfriend.

A part of him told him to ignore it. For the sake of his friend's happiness, he probably should just ignore this and not say anything. Maybe she was just here to blow off steam and the man is a friend. But seeing them nuzzling their faces and their bodies pressed closely together, that thought went right out of him quickly and logic returned, telling him his friend deserves to know.

He took out his phone and snapped a few photos as proof before turning to see his wife approaching him.

"Hun, could we go somewhere else? This place is giving me a headache", he fibbed.

"We just got here", she argued, not ready to leave.

"I know baby, but we'll go some place quieter, okay? My head really hurt", he began to rub his temples.

He had to make them leave before his wife saw the blonde. Knowing her, she would probably confront the petite girl on the dance floor and demand that he calls his best friend and tell him everything. But he doesn't want that drama. He will tell on the golden haired girl but in his own way.

"Oh god, are you okay? Should we cancel tonight?" she asked, concerned that her husband seemed to be in genuine pain.

"No no.. let's just go someplace else".

"Okay", she heeded and grasped his hand walking towards the exit.

He glanced one more time at the woman his friend loves and turned away, feeling angry and disappointed on his friend's behalf.

"Baby, I don't feel so good", she whispered to the man, her mind still tricked her into seeing Angelus before her.

"Why don't we move someplace else?"

"Take me home".

"Your wish is my command", the man said.

As they were nearing the exit, she recalls.

"Wait…Scott, he was here and…"

"Shh…it's okay. Come on."

"Angel, he…" and a wave of dizziness came over her again, this time it was strong that she halted her feet.

Moments later, everything was black as she lost consciousness. Scott swiftly carried her in his arms and walked out of the club. A few people came up to him to ask if she was alright which he smoothly answered, "My girl just had a little too much to drink", and flashed that charming smile of his.

He called for his car and placed the unconscious girl in the passenger seat before taking his place and speeding into the night, eager to have his way with her.

Angelus trudged up the steps of the house from the garage surprised to see Cassie greeting him in the kitchen.

"Hi Angelus".

"Cassie, it's late", he replies looking at his watch.

"I know but Buffy isn't home either. I tried calling both of you".

"But my phone hasn't rang", he says, fishing out the mobile only to see it dead; the batteries having run out.

"Sorry, didn't realize my phone's dead..Wait, Buffy isn't home?"

The 18-year old shook her head and answered, "And her phone goes straight to voicemail too".

"That's strange", he mumbled. Buffy was one of those who couldn't live without a phone. It's where she keeps everything so she makes sure the device is sufficiently charged and carries a power bank everywhere to ensure her phone stays sufficiently charged.

"Uhh...not to rush you but I have school tomorrow so I'd really like to get home" Cassie said.

"Oh right! Sorry...here", Angelus said, giving her the fee along with a little bonus for keeping her longer than usual.

"I'm sorry for coming back so late. I assumed Buffy would have come home".

"No worries. Connor is always a pleasure", she replies cheerily, happy that she was properly compensated for her overtime.

"Thanks again."

"Sure, have a good night!".

"You too".

Cassie wasn't even out the door and Angelus was already dialling Buffy's number on the kitchen phone. True enough, her phone went straight to voicemail. After calling three more times, he told himself to calm down and not overreact. She's probably in the office trying to finish up work so he convinced himself to give her another hour and went up to check on Connor who's deep asleep before taking a quick shower.

She was in and out of consciousness, feeling dizzy and disoriented. Scott buried his face in her neck, leaving wet kisses on the column of her neck. God, just her smell made him hard. It's been so long and he had forgotten how intoxicating her scent was. He grinds himself against her and moans.

No, this feels wrong. His touch…it's not Angelus. He was kissing her sloppily and his hips were pushing against her abrasively. This wasn't the touch she was used to.

'No', she wanted to say but her lips couldn't seem to work.

Her numb mind registers his hands brushing across her chest squeezing her breast with brute force.

'Ow, stop! You're hurting me', she thought.

"God, you're still so hot…your body…" she hears him say.

She willed her lips to work but it wouldn't and then...his lips were on hers, licking and biting the appendage. It felt like it took everything for her but she managed to turn away.

'No', she tries to say again.

Scott wasn't discouraged and continued to ravish her neck, breast and moved to her stomach before pressing his nose against her core. Memories flashed through him of all the nights they spent when they were in college.

"No", Buffy finally found her voice.

It was slow but she feels her senses slowly returning and she wills it to come faster.

"Angel…" she calls out the name that always soothes and comforts her.

Scott hears this and looks up, getting miffed by her calling another man's name. He was the one that made her the siren in bed she's known for, taught her skills that rival the most experienced sexual woman out there. There was no way she should be calling another man's name but he wasn't worried. By the time he's finished, she will crave for him like she did before.

"No…Scott please…No".

He ignored her and continued his ministration determined to make her forget anyone else's name but his.

Buffy tried to push him away, and pull away from his touch but she felt so weak, her limbs felt heavy and her eyes refused to stay open long. His grazes and touch became profound and as much as she tried to fight it, her body wouldn't move. She holds onto Angelus' face and calls out his name one last time before allowing darkness to take her again.

By the time Angelus finished his shower, his uneasiness and worry decided that he couldn't wait until the hour was up. He started to make calls to colleagues, acquaintances and friends she knew but was only met with disappointment. No one at work had seen her leave since she was usually the last to go. The last person leaving was approximately at 7.30pm and she was still seen in the office. Her friends haven't seen much of her so they didn't know where she would be or any inkling where she might be and acquaintances…well, why even bother.

He was changing to go out and look for her when he heard the door ringing. He raced down and opened the door, revealing his longest friend and his wife.

"Xan, Cordy, thanks so much for coming."

The couple walked through the door and followed Angelus as he grabbed his coat.

"I think we should try to hit some spots I think she might be at."

"When did you last speak to her?" Xander asked.

"This morning before leaving for work. I really appreciate you staying here with Connor, Cordy".

"Not a problem. Do you think we should call the cops?" Cordelia asked.

"Let me try looking for her first. I don't want to make a big deal over nothing. She could just be in the office and turned off her phone by mistake".

Xander started to pace knowing that he should tell Angelus what he saw earlier tonight at the club. He looked at Angelus who was putting on his coat.

"Angelus, there's something you should know".

"What?"

Xander looked at him apprehensively.

"Xan, what?" Angelus said impatiently.

"I…um…Earlier, Cordy and I were at Teal and um…I saw Buffy there".

"What!...when?"

"About two hours ago".

"You couldn't have told me when I called you earlier?"

"I didn't know how to tell you. It's just…"

"Just what?"

Xander sighed and took out his phone and scrolled through his gallery to the few shots he took of Buffy with that mysterious man. He handed the phone to Angelus hesitantly. Angelus looked at the photos and jealousy coursed through him before anger followed not far behind. Cordelia was equally surprised and briefly wondered why he didn't tell her earlier that Buffy was there.

'Was that why he was so eager for us to go?' she wanted to ask but decided that her questions weren't important. She'll drill her husband later.

"Do you know who he is?" Xander asked.

Angelus shook his head and shoved the phone back to Xander before walking out of the house wordlessly , taking large steps. Xander jogged to catch up with him and got into the car that was all ready to go. Angelus' silence was worrying but at this point of time, he knew better than to ask the man anything.

She was on the beach again,looking out to the ocean, the sounds of crashing waves and cool wind giving her a sort of peace. She took a deep breath relishing in the calmness and beauty.

A small pair of hands wrapped her waist and she looked down at the small, brown haired girl that she dreamt of before.

"Hey honey", she hears herself say as she strokes the girl's dark locks.

"Where did you go?" she asked.

"Nowhere. I'm right here".

"I can't find you..Daddy can't find you..and Daddy's sad".

She turned to look for the husband of her dreams.

"But I'm right here", Buffy answered, puzzled at the girl's question.

"I have to go now,Mummy. If Daddy can't find me, he will be sad too. Come back soon" and she turns to walk away.

"Wait... I'll go with you..Kat, wait for me!"

But her daughter was gone, vanished into thin air right before her eyes.

"No!"

And like a miracle, this time when she wakes, her senses were stronger. She was still dizzy but her limbs were no longer weak nor heavy. She looked around at the unfamiliar room momentarily before casting her eyes down to see Scott only in boxers and had successfully removed her shirt and was now working on her skirt.

She pushed him away and sat up. Scott, not expecting the strength of her push rolled off the bed. Thanking the stars that her limbs are now working, she got off the bed as quickly as possible and dashed for the door, not caring the fact that she was shirtless and she ran...as fast as her weakening legs could take her.

It was the still of night with no cars in sight. She looked back to see if Scott was trailing her but seeing no one. She continued running though, not wanting to take any chances, afraid that he might catch up if she slows seems like forever until she saw lights from afar. Please god...she silently prays. Her eyes brightened when the lights materialized into a blue sedan and it was coming her way. She ran towards it, waving her arms wildly and placed herself in front of the moving vehicle. The car jam breaked making a loud screech ring through the quiet street. She moved towards the driver side and banged on the door.

"Please...please help me".

Unsure about the strange woman who just threw herself in the middle of the road, the man rolled down the window hesitantly. His passenger gripped his arm in fear.

"Please help me..My name is Buffy Summers. I'm a lawyer with Wolfram Hart. There's...there's a man named...", her head began to spin, dizziness threatening to take over her again.

She shook her head to fight it. It was important that she tells the couple important details before succumbing to the subconscious. "... Scott Hope. His... name is Scott Hope..he's after me and...and he tried to…

The pain was starting to become unbearable but she forces herself to continue talking. "Call Angelus Callahan..he's my…"

Adrenaline ran out as her head thumped fiercely, making it difficult for her to talk.

"He's my…"

And once again, it was black as she dropped limply on the road. The couple looked at each other, unsure what to do next.