Title: The Winning Hand 
 
Author: Margie 
 
Rating: R
 
Pairing: B/S 
 
Spoilers: None this is complete AU - Fantasy style. 
 
Summary: This is loosely based on Nora Roberts book The Winning 
Hand. Buffy leaves her dominating ex-fiance, Angel, and runs away to 
Vegas. She's broke and scared, when she puts her last 5 dollars in a 
slot machine and wins 2 million! She's quickly taken under the wing of 
the casino's handsome owner, Spike. 
 
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Joss owns it all damn him! 
 
Feedback: Yes please! margaritagomez1@msn.com 
 
Archive: If you want it just email me to tell me where it's going. It will 
eventually be on my own website when I get the chance to update 
(www.angelfire.com/indie/margarks/index.html) 
 
*** 
 
Chapter 1 - Arriving 
 
Buffy gripped the steering wheel in frustration trying to hold back the 
threatening tears. She'd been driving for the past three days, stopping 
to catch a few hours of sleep in rest stops here and there. She hadn't 
actually planned on anywhere as a specific destination, but thought 
going west sounded good. 
 
Now she was stuck on some lonely stretch of highway. There was 
some sort of smoke coming out from under the hood of her car, but 
she wasn't going to bother to lift it. She wouldn't know what to do 
anyway. She sighed heavily. 
 
Figures. With her luck she was surprised that it hadn't happened 
sooner. How did she get herself in these situations? Not bad enough 
that her car had fallen apart, but it wasn't as if she could call anyone 
for help either. Her purse had been stolen at a little truck stop 
yesterday, and since then she'd only had the twenty dollars in her 
pocket to spend on food and gas. All that was left now was eight 
dollars and some change. She stuck her hand in her pocket and 
fingered the money reassuringly. 
 
Well, she really only had one option left. She could see the city from 
here, it couldn't be that far off. Stepping out of the car, she reached 
back in to retrieve her small suitcase. Straightening her shoulders she 
began to head out. 
 
As she walked she thought about her life, or at least the life she used 
to have. She was starting a new life, she told herself confidently. 
She'd grown up in a small town in Kansas, the only child of two 
parents who'd waited late to have children. Her father had left when 
she was only about six, leaving her mother to raise her. They never 
had much money, but her mother had loved her with all her heart. 
 
Her mother was in fact the reason she'd agreed to marry Angel. She 
knew that it would have pleased her. Angel was someone who could 
take care of her. And after her mother had passed away, he had. He'd 
been there for her, to help with the funeral arrangements, and then 
getting the estate settled. Not that there had been much to settle, but 
he'd helped out nonetheless. 
 
When he'd asked her to marry him, she'd responded almost 
automatically. Of course she would. Why wouldn't she? He was 
caring, and kind, and was one of the wealthiest men in Trader's 
Corners. He'd definitely be able to take care of her. 
 
It was only after the first few weeks that she'd realized just how 
*much* he wanted to take care of her. He'd started making rules that 
she had no desire to follow. He'd told her in no uncertain terms that 
once they were married she would not be allowed to work. Buffy 
shook her head at the thought. 
 
She owned a small studio where she taught martial arts and basic 
self-defense classes. There wasn't a huge market for that in Trader's 
Corners, but she did have a small group of loyal students. And she 
loved it. It was more than just a way to make a living. It was 
something she would never willingly give up. 
 
And when she'd tried to explain that to Angel, his face had gone cold. 
And he'd dismissed all her concerns as if they were nothing. It was 
then that she realized what a mistake she had made. She tried to 
rectify the situation, but Angel would have none of it. When she gave 
back his ring, he only chuckled and pushed it back on to her finger. 
She vaguely remembered a "don't be silly" before he'd headed out the 
door. 
 
Why did Angel want her so much? She was nothing special; she'd 
known that most of her life. And she was by no means experienced 
with men. But he would not give her up. She knew she wasn't homely, 
but she didn't think she was exceptionally pretty either. She had light 
blond hair that fell just to her shoulders, and was petite in stature. She 
grimaced as she remembered the angry scowl Angel had sported 
when he'd seen her new haircut. 
 
Lost in her thoughts, she hadn't realized she'd reached the city until 
the noise began to penetrate her haze. She looked up and found 
herself surrounded by people, and lights, and buildings. Her jaw 
dropped slightly. She'd never been out of Trader's Corners. When 
she'd seen the turn-off for Las Vegas, she had thought it would be a 
perfect place to lose herself. And it seemed as if she were right. 
 
She wandered aimlessly for awhile. Just staring at all the signs and 
watching other people walk by her. Finally she came to one that drew 
her in. The Casino itself wasn't huge. It was much smaller than the 
one she'd seen earlier, Caesar's Palace, but it was different and it 
caught her eye. 
 
The outside was done in simple white marble. There was some 
garden statuary standing in the grass just in front, and the signs 
provided the minimal amount of light necessary for safeties sake. 
Buffy thought it looked simple, yet elegant, though the name of the 
casino threw her a bit. She looked up to study the dim sign reading 
the words out loud, "The Crypt." 
 
The growling from her stomach interrupted her musings and she took 
a few tentative steps towards the door. Might as well get something to 
eat. Maybe they were hiring? She pushed through and was 
immediately assaulted with sound. The place was full of people, 
talking, winning, and laughing. She bought herself a hot dog and 
immediately wolfed it down. 
 
She wandered the casino, trying to figure out if there was a certain 
place to apply for a job. Although, without any ID, she didn't know 
what she was going to do. 
 
She was fascinated by everything she saw. She'd never been in a 
casino before; it was all so amazing. She wandered back toward the 
front entrance and noticed a large slot machine. The sign called it 'Big 
Bertha', and she was drawn toward it. Her hand went back into her 
pocket, fingering her last five dollar bill. Without really thinking she 
pulled out the money and headed for the machine. 
 
She read the rules on the front, trying to figure out what she had to 
do. She smoothed out the bill, making sure none of the corners were 
bent, and then placed it in the slot provided. As the bill was sucked 
into the machine, Buffy gulped. What was she thinking? She chewed 
at her bottom lip, as she watched the last of her money disappear. 
 
Stealing herself she reached up for the big handle on the side, and 
pulled down. The machine started whirling and purring at her, and 
she watched as each little window began to spin. One by one the 
windows stopped. The first one was a red 7. She waited until the next 
window stopped spinning, gasping when she saw another red 7. She 
was holding her breath now in an unconscious reaction. Her bottom 
lip red and puffy from worrying it. When the last red 7 appeared, Buffy 
just stood there stunned. 
 
She could hear sirens going off, and lights twirling at the top of the 
machine. She began to feel faint and wondered what would happen if 
she just fell to the floor right here. There were people shouting and 
screaming all around her, and she looked around in a sort of panic. 
What was she supposed to do? Then she felt cool hands on her 
shoulders turning her slightly. She was met with the most incredibly 
blue eyes she'd ever seen. 
 
"Breathe luv." The man looked concerned, even with a smirk playing 
about his lips. "Or you'll faint." 
 
But it was too late. She tumbled forward into the man's arms, grateful, 
at least, that she wasn't going to hit the floor. 
 
*** 
 
Chapter 2 - High Roller 
 
Spike placed the still form on the silk sheets. The small woman's hair 
fanned out to frame her face on the cool pillow. He took a moment to 
study her. She was a small thing, petite and slim. Her face drew him 
in, reminding him of a fairy or pixie. Her skin was smooth and golden 
tanned. Her lips were soft and full, perfect for pouting, he noted. 
 
Who was this woman? She hadn't had any wallet, and he hadn't been 
able to find a purse. His first instinct was always one of caution. Was 
she a scam artist? A fraud? A felon? But looking at her, watching her 
chest rise and fall with each breath, he knew she couldn't be any of 
those things. There was too much innocence in her face, too much 
sweetness in her features. 
 
When he heard the soft rustling he turned to face her once more. Her 
luminous green eyes opened and slowly focused on him. He felt her 
tense, and immediately placed his hands in the air in a surrendering 
gesture. "Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you." He quickly assured 
her. 
 
"Who - who are you?" she stammered out, her hands coming up to 
rub the sleep out of her eyes, making Spike smile at her childlike 
appearance. 
 
"My name is William Giles, but everyone calls me Spike." He took a 
seat on the far end of the bed. "You made quite a commotion." 
 
"I'm sorry. I - what did I do?" she asked tentatively. 
 
She was adorable. 'Where had she come from?' he wondered. "You 
hit the jackpot." 
 
"Oh..." She looked like she was going to faint again, so Spike quickly 
moved closer and took her hand. 
 
"Are you okay, luv?" She nodded her head without speaking. Spike 
was running his thumb over the back of her hand in soothing circles. 
 
"H-how much?" 
 
He shrugged. "Roughly 1.8 million." 
 
Buffy's jaw dropped open, her eyes beginning to water. Spike 
reached out and gently placed a finger beneath her chin, raising it 
slowly to close her mouth. He let his finger linger there for a moment, 
staring intently at her tearing eyes. "None of that now pet. It's a good 
thing, yeah?" 
 
"Oh, it's a wonderful thing!" Buffy exclaimed. The tears were falling 
now, Spike brushing them away gently on each cheek. "I didn't know 
what I was going to do. That was my last five dollars." She rushed the 
words out. 
 
Suddenly Buffy became aware of the position they were in. She was 
only wearing her t-shirt and panties underneath the silk covers. She 
pulled away from him slightly, looking around the room. 
 
"Where am I?" She wondered out loud. 
 
"You're in a high roller's suite luv." He couldn't help grinning at the 
awe on her face. "You can stay here as long as you like. And after 
you leave, you'll always be welcome back at the Crypt." 
 
"Well, I...I…how much will it cost me?" 
 
Spike laughed out loud at that. "It's free luv." His arms gestured to 
indicate the room. "A sort of thank you for spending your money here 
with us." 
 
"Oh." He loved seeing that deer in the headlights look on her. It made 
her eyes go wide and round. He felt something go through him at the 
sight. 
 
"Now, don't you think it's about time I learned your name luv?" Spike 
prompted. 
 
"Oh." She blushed. "Buffy. Buffy Summers." 
 
"Nice to meet you Buffy." He held out a hand to her. She took it 
tentatively and they shook. 
 
She was still blushing when she asked quietly, "H-how did I get 
undressed?" 
 
Spike found himself enthralled by her. It had been a long time since 
he'd met someone so...naïve? Innocent? He didn't know the words, 
but her blush and shy stammer were endearing. "Don't worry Buffy. I 
looked away the entire time. Scout's honor." He held his hand up in 
the time honored swearing position. 
 
Buffy smiled and Spike was almost floored by the force of it. "I 
somehow doubt you were a scout, Mr. Giles." 
 
"Spike. Call me Spike." He insisted. 
 
"Okay…Spike." She started to get out of bed, but then blushed again. 
"Can you turn around please?" 
 
Spike quickly turned away, hearing her rustle around for her shorts. 
He didn't bother to tell her where he'd placed them, the reflection in 
the far windows one he didn't want to give up too soon. 
 
When she was 'decent' he turned around once more. "Thank you so 
much for all of this Spike." She made a slight face at his name. "You 
don't really seem like a Spike to me." 
 
"Well, if it bothers you, I supposed you can call me William." He 
offered. "It'll just be you and Mum though. Even Da calls me Spike." 
 
"Thank you William," She smiled shyly at him. "For everything." She 
indicated their surroundings. 
 
"Don't mention it luv. You're a high roller now after all." He went over 
and took her elbow, guiding her into the main room. "Now we just 
have to discuss the details." 
 
He sat her down on the couch, and poured her a glass of water from 
the bar. He then took a seat beside her. "We just need to see ID and 
get everything settled. You just need to give us your account number 
so we can transfer the money." 
 
"Transfer the money?" She repeated in a daze. 
 
"Yes. We don't really give out checks for that large an amount. It's 
easier to just transfer the money straight into your bank account. 
Although you will get one of those large blown up checks in front of 
the press and all." 
 
"Press?" Buffy placed a hand to her forward. She was starting to feel 
dizzy again. 
 
"You okay luv?" Spike moved in closer, taking her hand in his once 
more. 
 
"I- I can't deal with the press." She whispered. 
 
"Why not luv? It won't be that bad, I promise." 
 
"It's not that." She looked up at him. Her eyes large and round. "I...I..." 
 
"You can tell me." Spike tried to soothe her. 
 
"There's someone." Spike felt a stab of something in his chest as she 
spoke. "Someone I don't want to find me." 
 
"Husband?" Spike asked. 
 
"Thank god no!" Buffy answered with obvious relief. "He was a fiance. 
I tried to break it off, but he just wouldn't listen. So I just left." 
 
"And you don't want him to find you?" Spike asked, wondering if there 
were more behind the story. 
 
"No. He's sort of…he's very...commanding. I know he'd order me 
back home." She tried to explain. 
 
"You're an adult luv. You wouldn't have to if you didn't want to." 
 
"You don't understand!" Buffy cried in frustration. "It's not that easy." 
She could feel her eyes tearing up again. 
 
Spike pulled her into his arms, and gently wrapped them around her. 
"Shhh. Okay luv. Whatever you say. I'll handle the press for as long 
as I can. But they'll want to speak with you eventually." 
 
"Okay." She sniffled. "Thank you. I just need a little time." 
 
They sat for a few minutes like that. Wrapped around each other. 
Then Spike spoke again, "What about that account number luv?" 
 
"Oh." Buffy thought for a second. "I guess I can find a bank here and 
open an account. I don't really have one." She ducked her head 
sheepishly. 
 
"That would be fine Buffy." he assured her. "Oh and, by the way, why 
aren't you carrying a purse or a wallet?" 
 
Buffy sighed. "It was stolen the other day. That's why I was down to 
my last five dollars." 
 
Spike shook his head. How had this girl survived? She was so naïve 
and clueless. He felt so protective of her, and he tried not to stop and 
wonder at the feeling. 
 
He slowly slipped away from her. She looked up at him and he was 
once more caught up in her bright green gaze. "I better let you get 
some rest. You've had a very exciting day." 
 
She smiled up at him. "Thank you. I suppose I should get some real 
sleep." 
 
Turning at the door Spike stopped to say a final, "Goodnight luv," 
before disappearing. 
 
Buffy's smile never left her face as she found her toothbrush and went 
through her nightly rituals. She was still smiling when she finally 
drifted off to sleep. 
 
***

Chapter 3 - Morning After 
 
Buffy woke with a start. Her heart was racing and her mind was 
scattered. Where was she? Stepping out of bed, the night came 
rushing back to her. She could feel herself begin to hyperventilate so 
she sat back down and leant forward to place her head between her 
knees. 
 
'Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.' She told herself. When she'd gotten 
herself under some control, she stood once again and began to 
explore the suite. William had shown her around last night, but she'd 
been too dazed to really take note. 
 
With each new discovery her eyes widened with delight. She stepped 
out of the bedroom into the main suite to find a wall of windows, floor 
to ceiling. It looked like she must be on the 30th floor, at least! And 
there was even a remote control for the curtains! 
 
She wandered the room, finding a beautiful oak entertainment center. 
Another button on the remote had the doors sliding open to reveal a 
big flat screen TV with DVD player attached. A 5 disc cd player sat to 
the right, and inside the cabinet directly underneath she found a vast 
selection of music and movies. 
 
When she'd explored all there was to see in her rooms, she sat on the 
couch contemplating the events that had brought her here. How could 
this all have happened so fast? It was insane! These types of things 
just don't happen. 
 
Maybe it was a mistake? Her mind whirled around the possibilities. 
Oh god! What would she do if it were? It wasn't as if she could pay 
the bill for the hotel room. Deciding that waiting was not an option, 
Buffy stood to get dressed. After readying herself for the day she 
made her way back down to the lobby floor, asking a passing bellhop 
where William's office was; she headed that way. 
 
*** 
 
Spike stared at the various monitors in front of him; black and white 
silent images greeted him. Images of men, women, and families all 
spending the day, and their money, at his casino. Normally watching 
the play of events before him would relax and center him, but today 
he hadn't been able to focus on much of anything. 
 
His thoughts kept returning to the tiny slip of a woman ensconced in 
their penthouse suite. She looked more like a kindergarten teacher 
than a gambler. And what exactly was she running away from? There 
had to be more to her story than just an overbearing ex-fiance. 
 
When his phone rang his hand reached out automatically, "Spike." 
 
"Good morning son." Rupert Giles greeted his eldest. 
 
"Hi Da. Guess you heard the news huh?" 
 
"Word does get around. So how much did the Crypt give up this 
time?" 
 
"1.8 and change. No worries, we'll make it back within the week." 
 
"Oh, I have no doubt of that." Giles could hear a hint of something in 
his son's voice. "Why don't you tell me about the lucky winner." 
 
Spike sighed inwardly. How to describe her. She wasn't like anyone 
he'd ever met. Definitely not his type either. And where had that 
thought come from? "She's young," he started. "Naïve. She looks like 
some hapless school teacher, though she never actually got around 
to telling me what she does for a living." 
 
"Don't suppose she'll need to continue doing it either." Giles inserted. 
 
"No, definitely not. But...she's so innocent. She'll definitely need some 
protection once we hand over the money. The wolves will be banging 
down her door, and she won't know how to defend herself." Spike 
mused. 
 
"And you plan to do it for her?" 
 
"No. Just sort of steer her in the right direction." He couldn't leave her 
to fend for herself, now could he? 
 
Giles smiled, he knew that tone. "So, your mother and I might be 
coming out to see you soon." 
 
"Oh?" 
 
"She misses the baby. You know she can't stay away from Dru for 
that long." Spike grinned. Dru and her new husband Scott had just 
had their first child, and his parents couldn't get enough. Spike tuned 
back into the conversation just as his Da was finishing up. "So we'll 
be going by to visit Dru this weekend, and then heading up your way." 
 
"Great! Can't wait to see you both." 
 
"Maybe we can meet the new high roller while we're there. What was 
her name again?" 
 
"Buffy." Spike had a flash of green eyes and gold hair. "Buffy 
Summers." 
 
Just then the door opened. Buffy stopped short in the doorway, 
looking apologetic and nervous. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were 
busy. Your assistant said - " 
 
"Come in." He waved at her to take a seat, then continued his 
conversation. "Speaking of the lucky winner she just walked in. Gotta 
go. Give my love to Mum." 
 
"I'm so sorry. I can come back later. I didn't mean to bother you." 
Buffy insisted. 
 
"No bother. I asked Allison to let you in whenever you arrived." 
 
"But I didn't mean to interrupt." She waved at the phone he'd just 
hung up. 
 
"No problem. Just Da checking on how much money we're giving 
away this time." Spike smiled encouragingly at her. She was 
extremely attractive when she was nervous chewing on her bottom lip 
until it was red and puffy. But he rather preferred her calm, then 
nervous. The idea that she was uncomfortable around him didn't sit 
well. 
 
"About that." She began. "Well, I just wanted to be sure. You know. 
That there was no mistake?" She looked up at him with big round 
eyes. 
 
"Mistake?" Spike stood to come around the desk, leaning against it 
just in front of her chair. 
 
"Yes. I just…Well it occurred to me that these things just don't 
happen, not in real life, not to me." She finished in a quiet whisper. 
 
"They do here." Spike smiled at her. "And they obviously do to you." 
He leaned forward and placed his forefinger beneath her chin. Lifting 
her face until their eyes met. "It's all real. It's all happening. And it's all 
yours." 
 
Spike moved to take the seat next to hers. His hand came up to 
capture one of hers and held it there. "Now, we can't hand over the 
full amount until you can get your ID and all that rot straightened out." 
Her face fell, and he hastened to continue. "But I'll advance you some 
cash now that you can use until we can get the rest to you." 
 
"Thank you so much Mr. Giles." 
 
"Spike. Or William if you prefer. But whenever I give a girl 2 million I 
insist we be on a first name basis." He smirked at her causing Buffy to 
blush profusely. 
 
"Oh! I never thought about what this would mean for you! I mean 2 
million is a lot isn't it? You don't have to pay me all at once. You can 
give it to me in installments if you like." Buffy assured him. 
 
Spike stared down at the woman before him. How could anyone be 
so…selfless? She was definitely one in a million, or two million as the 
case may be. Spike smirked inwardly at his own joke. 
 
Spike reached out to cup one of Buffy's cheeks in the palm of his 
hand. He stole a moment to study her face, her eyes dropping down 
to stare at the floor rather than meet his intense gaze. "You are a 
sweet thing aren't you?" He whispered huskily. Withdrawing his hand, 
he let loose a light chuckle. "The Crypt never makes a bet it can't 
afford to lose." 
 
He stood abruptly and made his way back around his desk. Pulling 
out the first drawer he grabbed the petty cash box and began to count 
out hundreds. "$5,000 should probably do until we can get you the 
rest, don't you think?" Buffy nodded her eyes focused on the money. 
She'd never seen so much all at once before! "You should go out, 
indulge yourself today. We've got a spa and a salon in the hotel, you 
should avail yourself of them." Spike offered as he finished counting. 
 
Handing over the money he sat behind his desk once more. "Now, do 
you have a lawyer?" 
 
"Lawyer?" Buffy repeated, trying not to feel too awkward holding the 
large bundle of bills. 
 
"Yes. You'll need one to help get your ID situation straightened out, 
and someone to help you once you've gotten all the money." 
 
"Help me?" She felt like an idiot. She didn't seem to be able to grasp 
any of his meanings. 
 
Spike smiled at her. "Yes. Once your name gets out, you'll find out 
you have relatives you never heard of before. You'll also have every 
charity on earth banging down your door. And not all of them will be 
legitimate." He cautioned her. 
 
"Oh." Buffy fidgeted in her seat. "Well I don't really have a lawyer. 
Except for the one that handled my mother's estate when she passed. 
But he's back in Trader's Corners and really don't want to use him." 
 
"No, I don't suppose you would." Spike felt a tightness in his chest. 
What was she running from? "I have a friend. He's a lawyer in Los 
Angeles; we went to university together. You can trust him. If you like, 
I can give him a call and see if he's free to take you on?" 
 
"Yes that would be wonderful. Thank you Mr. G - William." 
 
"Now, I've given the press a basic idea of your story. Just that you're 
from a small midwest town and that you'd prefer to keep your name 
out of the papers for now. That you're still adjusting to the idea that 
you've hit the jackpot. They're satisfied for now, but it won't hold them 
for long." Spike watched her face for any signs of fear or discomfort. 
 
Buffy gulped. She knew she'd have to face Angel eventually. But she 
hoped that the longer she waited the better chance he might have 
give up on her and moved on already. Her bottom lip trembled 
slightly. 
 
"Are you okay luv?" Spike asked. 
 
"Yes. I'm so sorry to put you through all this trouble." 
 
"Stop apologizing. It's annoying. You have nothing to be sorry about." 
 
"I'm sor - " Buffy stopped and chewed on her bottom lip instead. 
 
"Are you sure there's nothing I can do to help you Buffy?" 
 
"No. I-I just need some time to figure out how to handle Angel. I'm not 
ready to face him yet." She swallowed audibly. "I'm afraid of him." 
 
Spike's features darkened visibly. "Did he hurt you?" 
 
"No!" Her answer was quick, making Spike quirk an eyebrow at her. 
"He doesn't need to use physical force when intimidation works just 
as well." The look on her face was miserable. Spike wanted nothing 
more than to wipe that look away. 
 
"Okay, luv." Spike soothed. "Let's not worry about it for now, yeah? 
Why don't you go pamper yourself today. Go to the Spa. Have a 
massage. Have a makeover." He was back at her side again. His 
hand reaching out unconsciously to tuck a strand of hair back behind 
her ear. "Have dinner with me tonight." Where had that come from? 
Spike shook his head slightly. 
 
Buffy blinked at the invitation, then slowly nodded. "Yes, I'd like that." 
 
He nodded back at her. "Okay then. Off with you." He helped her out 
of her chair and saw her out the door. 
 
"See you tonight then luv." 
 
"Yes. See you then Will." She gave him a dazzling smile before 
disappearing down the corridor. 

***

Chapter 4 - Dinner 
 
Buffy's first stop was at the hotel's shops. She stepped into the store 
and looked around at the different dresses. There had been one in 
the window that had caught her eye, but it was probably pretty 
expensive. It looked like one of those dresses you'd see on a movie 
star or something. 
 
"Hello, may I help you?" A young sales clerk approached her. She 
saw Buffy's indecision and asked, "Are you shopping for a special 
occasion?" 
 
"No. Well, yes. I don't know." Buffy stammered. "Dinner I guess?" 
 
"Romantic, or business?" 
 
"Oh." Buffy bit her bottom lip and chewed nervously. "Business?" She 
wasn't entirely sure. Will hadn't really said, but she didn't think he'd 
meant to ask her in the romantic sense. After all, why would *he* want 
*her*. He was so handsome and confident. She could tell that when 
he walked into a room everyone else stopped to stare. She sighed. 
 
Well she would at least buy a dress that would make her stand out, 
just a little. Even if she wouldn't be the most beautiful woman in the 
room, at least she'd look more upscale than usual, she thought. "Can 
I see the red dress in the window?" 
 
The sales clerk smiled. 
 
*** 
 
Buffy was sitting in a salon chair trying not to giggle. Her head was 
underneath the dryer, and there was a pedicurist doing her toenails. 
She'd never had her toenails done before! And the giggles were part 
giddy happiness and part ticklish reaction. 
 
"Now let us see." Henry lifted the dryer off her head. "Is this not a 
beautiful woman?" He asked the ladies around him, who nodded at 
his question. Buffy blushed. 
 
Henry led her over to a chair by the mirrors, turning her so that she 
could see. He had cut her hair in layers, leaving wispy tufts to curl 
around her face. He'd also put in just a hint of red highlight, giving her 
hair a shiny and sort of burnished copper sheen. Buffy was amazed. 
 
When she'd first sat down, Henry had given her a tongue lashing. 
"What have you done to yourself?" He'd asked angrily. Buffy tried to 
explain her act of rebellion. Angel had constantly told her how to wear 
her hair, how short to cut it, what color to make it. She'd finally had 
enough and chopped it off at the shoulder. When she told Henry this 
he pouted. "Was this man your hairdresser?" 
 
"No." Buffy bit back a giggle at the thought. 
 
"Then he has no business telling you how to wear your hair!" Henry 
swiped the comb through her short locks in angry rebuttal. "And next 
time you want to rebel, you come to me." He admonished her. She 
nodded and smiled, delighted with her new look. 
 
*** 
 
Buffy carried all her new purchases up to her room, flopping down 
onto the comfy couch in the middle of the suite. She couldn't keep the 
smile off her face. Never before had she had the time or the money to 
just spend a day pampering herself. She found that she liked the 
feeling. 
 
Sighing contentedly she stood grabbing her new dress, cosmetics 
and hair supplies and heading toward the bathroom. She only had an 
hour and half to get ready for her dinner with Will. 
 
*** 
 
Spike stood just outside Buffy's door, taking a deep breath he hit the 
bell hearing it chime in the room. What was he thinking asking her to 
dinner? He had enough complications in his life that he didn't need to 
add a naïve young Buffy from Kansas. But when the door swung 
open his breath caught in his throat, though he struggled to hide his 
reaction from her. 
 
Buffy's dress was blood red, and clung to her curves deliciously. 
Spike stepped into the room, heading toward the bar to pour himself a 
quick drink. "Would you like anything luv?" 
 
"No thanks. Buffy and alcohol tend to be a bit unmixy." She explained 
quietly, her head tilted shyly downward. 
 
'God', Spike could feel his blood begin to heat up. The dress came to 
just above her knees, showing off the smooth skin of her calves. The 
neckline plunged to just between the sweet swell of her breasts, 
which was accentuated with each breath she took. And the small 
heart pendant that dangled in the center of that valley made his heart 
stutter. 
 
Spike could feel his trousers tighten, and thought it was a good idea 
to keep the bar between them. "Nice dress luv." He couldn't keep the 
husky quality of his voice out of the compliment. 
 
Buffy blushed. "I saw it in the window of the shop downstairs. When I 
tried it on the sales lady said it made my eyes shine like emeralds." 
Why had she repeated such a silly compliment? Flustered, her gaze 
flew up to meet Will's her breath hitching at the intense stare she 
found directed at her. 
 
"She was right." Spike couldn't tear his eyes away from her. Closing 
them tightly he threw his head back and took a long swallow of the 
scotch he'd poured. "Best get going luv." Finally coming around from 
the bar, he took hold of her elbow and led her out the door. 
 
*** 
 
Buffy was trying not to gawk at her companion. Will looked absolutely 
gorgeous. He was wearing black slacks with a red silk dress shirt. 
She smiled inwardly at the sight they must make. It probably looked 
as if they'd planned their wardrobe. 
 
"What are you smiling at Buffy?" Spike asked, catching her grin with 
one of his own. 
 
"Us." Then she blushed at what her words implied. "I mean, we sort of 
dressed alike." She hastened to explain. 
 
Spike's smile grew wider. She was so different than any other girl - 
*woman*, he'd ever met. She'd blushed more in the past hour than 
he'd ever seen his mother blush in his lifetime. He didn't think he'd 
ever been around such innocence before. 
 
They had dinner in the revolving restaurant at the top of the casino. 
Buffy's eyes widened when she saw the view, and she spent several 
minutes turning this way and that in order to capture the whole picture 
in her mind. Spike's delight in her grew with each passing moment. 
His desire grew as well, even as he tried to suppress it. 
 
Spike new Buffy didn't need or want his attentions now. She was just 
coming out of a controlling, and possibly abusive - Spike inwardly 
grimaced - relationship. But his libido seemed to have a mind of it's 
own, racing at the thought of her. 
 
And he definitely didn't want the complications having a relationship 
with Buffy would bring. She wasn't his type. He wasn't ready for a 
suburban life with a wife and 2.5 kids. And that was exactly the type 
of life a woman like Buffy was after. No. She definitely wasn't his type. 
 
Their conversation was pleasant and innocent. She asked about his 
family and he explained that they owned two casinos, one here in 
Vegas and one in Atlantic City. The Atlantic City casino had been the 
first, and was where his father and mother resided. He told her about 
Dru, and her recent marriage and even more recent baby. 
 
She laughed in delight at the stories he told of their childhood 
together. And he felt a stirring in him that had nothing to do with 
desire, but he quickly shook it away. And when she talked of her own 
childhood; an only child with an absentee father, Spike refused to 
allow his protective streak to take over. Instead he gritted his teeth 
and nodded in all the appropriate places. 
 
By the time dessert had come around, Buffy was stuffed. But Spike 
insisted that she try at least a bit of the chocolate mousse, and since 
he insisted she acquiesced. Smiling and ducking her head she asked 
for a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Spike smiled in return 
and delivered the order to the waiter when he appeared. 
 
When the confection was placed before her, Buffy felt her mouth 
water despite herself. She absolutely loved chocolate and ice cream 
on the side? Who could ask for more? She smiled. Taking up the 
spoon she took a small sliver of mousse and a tiny dollop of ice 
cream and brought them to her lips. 
 
Spike watched with barely restrained control as Buffy's sweet lips 
parted and took in the rich dessert. Her eyes closed and she let out a 
small satisfied moan as she swallowed down the treat. His own 
breath quickened at the sight she made. 
 
"You're right. This is excellent. Thank you for insisting I try it." Buffy 
re-opened her eyes, and gasped. Will's eyes had darkened, and his 
irises had dilated so that there was only a small bright ring of blue left. 
Her eyes quickly fell back down onto the dessert and she continued 
to eat in silence, her heart beating frantically. 
 
Spike used the silence to regain a measure of control. He took deep 
calming breaths and rubbed his sweaty palms on his trousers until he 
was able to look back at Buffy without the urgent need to take her, 
consequences be damned. 
 
"It's late. I should get you back up to your room." Spike stated quietly. 
 
"Oh." Buffy was disappointed. She didn't want the night to end quite 
so quickly. 
 
Spike caught the hint of sadness and asked, "Or would you rather we 
stayed out a bit longer?" Not knowing whether he wanted her answer 
to be yes or no. 
 
The smile that erupted had Spike catching his breath. "Yes!" Buffy 
quickly suppressed her enthusiasm. "I mean, I thought we might try 
the casino. I haven't actually ever been in one before. And I've only 
played the one machine." She blushed at her own inexperience. 
 
"Whatever the lady wants." Spike stood holding his arm out for Buffy; 
ignoring the tingle that spread when their bodies came into contact. 
Spike stopped to leave a few dollars on the table as a tip, having 
already signed for the check. Then he led his date back to the 
elevators and down to the waiting casino. 

***

Chapter 5 - Taking a Gamble 
 
"Well, what shall it be luv?" Spike asked gesturing toward the row of 
tables. 
 
"Uhmmm." Buffy hemmed. "How about blackjack? That's just adding 
to twenty-one right?" 
 
Spike chuckled, leading her over to the table. "It's a bit more than that 
Buffy." He pulled out a chair for her. "Here, have a seat pet." Buffy 
took the offered chair and scooted in eagerly. 
 
"How much would you like to start with?" Spike asked, leaning down 
so that his breath tickled the small hairs on the back of her neck. She 
shivered, causing Spike to smirk. 
 
"Twenty?" Buffy offered tentatively. 
 
"Twenty thousands a lot for a beginner - " Spike began, but Buffy 
interrupted quickly. 
 
"Twenty dollars!" She blushed at his misunderstanding. 
 
Twenty dollars? They were at a five dollar minimum table and she 
only wanted to buy in with twenty dollars? Spike shook his head and 
then shrugged. Well, it didn't look like he was going to be winning 
back any of his money from her tonight. 
 
"Changing twenty!" The dealer called out as Buffy placed her bill 
down on the table. He gave her four $5 chips, which she neatly 
stacked in front of her. 
 
"Okay, put a chip here." Spike indicated the circle to place her bet. 
"Now you've got 15, and the dealer is showing an eight. So you want 
to hit." 
 
"Hit?" Buffy asked. "Does that mean ask for another card? But what if 
I get over twenty-one? He only has eight so far." She gestured toward 
the dealer's hand. 
 
Spike smiled. "Yes, but you assume that the card that isn't showing is 
a ten or face card. Which means he has eighteen, and has you beat 
already." 
 
Buffy nodded; indicating to the dealer she wanted a hit. Unfortunately 
the next card was a Jack which caused her to bust. She frowned 
slightly, "I lost." 
 
"Yes, but you lost correctly." The dealer stated, giving her a smile. 
 
Buffy played another hand, busting on seven this time. She smiled 
sheepishly at Will before asking, "If you don't mind, I think I'll play 
incorrectly for awhile?" 
 
Spike laughed and nodded at her. As he stood behind her watching in 
bemused good humor, his hand came up to rest against the small of 
her back, forgetting that the dress she wore tonight was essentially 
back-less. When the palm of his hand made contact with the smooth 
expanse of her skin, he let out a hiss of breath through clenched teeth 
and immediately withdrew. 
 
Unaware of Will's discomfort, Buffy couldn't remember when she'd 
ever had such a good time. She laughed at the joke Jim, the dealer, 
had made even as she lost another bet. Will was standing behind her, 
occasionally giving her advice on how to play her hand. 
 
Spike watched in amazement as Buffy's little pile of two chips grew to 
a pile of ten, then back to four and then up again to thirty. She had 
somehow brought her twenty dollar buy in up to $300! And her 
strategy defied all logic. She hit when she should have stood and 
stood when she should have hit. And yet here she was taking even 
more money from the Crypt. He shook his head, stifling the chuckle 
that wanted to erupt from his throat. 
 
Spike let his eyes wander the casino as Buffy continued to play her 
hand. Turning to the left Spike caught the eye of one of his pit 
bosses, who inclined his head in the direction of the high stakes 
blackjack table further down. "Excuse me luv." He whispered to Buffy 
before turning to head down the row of tables. 
 
Buffy followed him with her eyes, wondering what was going on. 
When he got to the $500 minimum table, Spike knew that trouble was 
already brewing. A man sat blustering in his seat as he lost a $1000 
bet on another bust. "What the hell is this?" The man was shouting. 
 
Spike placed a hand on the gambler's shoulder, his grip firm. "Is there 
a problem here?" He asked softly. 
 
"No problem. And this is none of your business!" The man cried, 
shrugging off Spike's hand. 
 
"This is my business. I'm Spike. And this is my place." He stated 
calmly. 
 
"Well, then you're the man I want to talk to. Do you think I don't know 
what's going on? That your dealers here aren't playing fair?" Spike 
fought the instinct to step away from the reek of alcohol coming off 
the man before him. 
 
"I think you'd better leave." Spike used his strength to begin to lead 
the man away from the table and toward the exit. Two of his bouncers 
had come up, but with a shake of his head he dismissed them. "There 
aren't any cheaters at the Crypt. And we intend to keep it that way. 
Don't come back." 
 
Still holding his glass of gin, the man reared back and threw the 
tumbler to the ground. It shattered causing several patrons to cry out 
and shy away from the pair. Before the man could land a blow, Spike 
threw an arm out to block the punch and then let fly with one of his 
own. The man went down in a heap. Spike nodded to his bouncers, 
who then took charge of the man. Spike was still grimacing with 
distaste and no small amount of anger when he felt the slim hand 
land on his shoulder. 
 
"What?!" Spike growled before turning around. His brow scrunched 
even further when he saw that the owner of the hand was Buffy. 
 
"Are you okay?" She asked quietly, searching his face for any 
indication. 
 
Spike let loose a quiet curse, grabbing Buffy's arm and leading her 
back toward the elevator to her penthouse. He punched the button, 
turning her around to face him while they waited. "What am I going to 
do with you? You don't belong here!" 
 
Buffy cringed. She'd never seen William so angry. She'd only known 
him for two days, but he'd been nothing but sweet and understanding. 
She could see the anger swirling behind his icy stare, and she 
shivered. She knew that the anger had nothing to do with her, but his 
words still affected her sharply. He didn't want her here? Where 
would she go? She swallowed but did not answer him, nor did he 
seem to want an answer from her. 
 
When the elevator doors opened, he shoved her inside. Her bottom 
lip was trembling, but he wouldn't allow that to affect him. She didn't 
belong here. The sharks were going to swallow her up, and he 
wouldn't be able to protect her. He stared intently at her face before 
quietly stating, "You worry me Buffy from Kansas. What am I going to 
do with you?" They watched each other in silence for a minute before 
Spike continued. "Go upstairs. Don't come back down again tonight, 
especially not alone. Understand?" He didn't even wait for her nod 
before turning and heading back toward the casino. 
 
*** 
 
Spike headed back toward the security office. He would have to deal 
with the drunken git before he could call it a night. There would be 
several reports that needed to be filed, since he'd lost his temper and 
actually hit the stupid bloke. 
 
After about two hours of paperwork he was finally able to call it quits. 
Not really knowing why he headed up toward Buffy's suite. He had to 
make sure she'd gotten in all right didn't he? He had been her escort 
tonight hadn't he? Whatever the excuse, he once more found himself 
outside Buffy's door. 
 
The bell chimed and he heard muffled steps approaching. When the 
door opened he felt a sharp pain in his chest at the sight of Buffy's red 
puffy eyes. She sniffled once before asking, "Yes Will?" 
 
Was he here to yell at her again? She'd already decided that as soon 
as he paid her she would find a room in another hotel. She knew that 
he didn't want her here, but she wasn't about to go back to Trader's 
Corners either. 
 
"Buffy, luv. I'm sorry." He immediately apologized, his hand reaching 
out to grasp her arm and pull her close. He was surprised when she 
resisted. 
 
"There's nothing to apologize for Mr. Giles. I...I'll find another hotel as 
soon as you pay me the rest of the money." She cursed her stutter. 
 
"Another hotel? Why?" Spike was confused. He was only just 
realizing that Buffy had already changed into her nightgown and his 
mind was occupied with that fact. 
 
"You said you don't want me here." She whispered back fiercely. 
 
"No. I said you don't belong here. There's a difference." He answered. 
 
"I don't see it." Buffy turned away from him. "Besides, I know you feel 
responsible for me. You don't have to. You don't have to worry about 
me at all! I can take care of myself." 
 
"Sure you can. That's why you had to run away from home?" He 
knew he'd gone too far when he saw the wince in Buffy's face. 
 
"I didn't run away from home!" She defended herself. "Either way, it's 
no concern of yours. You don't have to worry about me." 
 
"I didn't say I worried about you." 
  
"Yes you did." 
 
"No." He took a step closer to her. "I said you worried me." 
 
"What's the difference?" She asked, stifling another sniffle. 
 
"The difference is." Buffy felt as if her feet were stuck to the floor. She 
was unable to step away from him when he reached out to wrap an 
arm around her waist, bringing their bodies flush against one another. 
"You worry me because..." And then his lips were on hers. 
 
Buffy felt the heat radiating from her lips all the way down to her toes. 
His hard chest pressed up against her soft breasts, causing her 
nipples to harden and pebble. Her arms snaked around to wrap 
around his neck, trying to bring him in even closer contact. 
 
Spike felt himself harden at the breathy moan that escaped Buffy as 
he plundered her mouth. His hips thrust forward to grind against hers; 
his hands came down to cup her rounded buttocks and increase the 
pressure. 
 
God, she'd never felt anything like it before! She felt as if he were 
devouring her. The kiss was an endless exploration of her very being. 
Will's tongue danced in her mouth, touching all the secret places that 
made her skin flush and her blood boil. 
 
When he left her mouth to trail open-mouthed kisses along her jaw 
and neck she moaned out his name, "Will." The sound was like a 
splash of cold water on Spike's face. He pulled away from her long 
enough to allow the glazed look to leave her eyes. 
 
"Buffy, have you ever been with a man before?" He asked, already 
knowing the answer. Her responses were too instinctively passionate 
for the answer to be anything but no. 
 
"Not exactly." She answered, head down in embarrassment. 
 
"Not exactly luv? I think you'd know for sure if the answer were yes." 
He pulled away from her completely, clamping down on his own 
need. 
 
Buffy's body was thrumming and she felt the loss of his touch like a 
stake through the heart. She felt cold and empty without him 
surrounding her. "W-what's wrong?" 
 
"I told you, you worried me Buffy." His hand came out to cup her 
cheek. "You're dangerous luv. But you better watch out. You can't 
play the game when you don't know the rules. And you damn well 
better make sure you can afford to lose your bet." 
 
Buffy watched him go the door shutting softly behind him, before 
collapsing on the couch. She fought the sobs that threatened before 
asking the empty room, "But why do I have to lose?" 
 
***

Chapter 6 - Relatives and Showgirls 
 
When Buffy walked into the main suite the next morning she had a 
moment of blind panic. The message light on her phone was blinking. 
She stared at it for a moment, wondering whether Angel had finally 
found her. Had her name leaked out after all? She wanted to call Will 
and ask him; whether or not her name had made the papers, whether 
he'd come down and offer his support. But she knew that after last 
night he wouldn't want those questions, at least not from her. 
 
She sighed heavily, making her way to the blinking phone. 
Swallowing, she lifted the receiver and punched the buttons that 
would allow her to listen to the voicemail. Her relief was so immense 
when the voice that came through the speaker was not Angel's, that 
she almost missed the entire message. As it was she caught only the 
name, Xander Harris, and a contact phone number. Dumbly, she 
replayed the message and found that this was the lawyer in Los 
Angeles that Will had mentioned. She made a mental note to call him 
back as soon as she'd gotten dressed for the day. 
 
*** 
 
Spike stood outside Buffy's door for the third time in as many days. 
He silently cursed himself for his own stupidity. What was he doing 
here again? He'd convinced himself that he had to let her know that 
he'd been in contact with Xander and that he'd be calling her soon to 
make the arrangements for her ID and such. But in his own mind he 
knew that to be just another excuse. 
 
He railed at his own inability to stay away from the chit. At first sight 
he'd assumed that she was a harmless child, but now he knew better. 
Or at least his body did. She was dangerous. Lethal in fact. And she 
didn't even know it. Which only made her that much more attractive. 
And arousing. What was he doing here again? 
 
A smooth hand came up to rub along the underside of his jaw before 
reaching out to knock quietly on the door. It was a small concession 
on his part. He would not ring the bell. But if she happened to be in 
the main room she would hear the knock. And if she didn't then he 
could turn around and pretend that he hadn't needed to be here. After 
all she was a smart bird. If she received a call from Xander, she'd 
know what it was regarding and could deal with it all just fine on her 
own. 
 
Before he could retreat back to the elevator Buffy's door swung 
quietly open. She stood there, silent in khaki shorts and a pink halter 
top. Her hair was done up in a pony tail and she looked all of sixteen 
years old, the small splash of makeup she wore doing nothing but 
add to her immature looks. And yet, his body responded almost on 
autopilot. His heartbeat quickened and his skin warmed. 
 
"Good afternoon Buffy." He greeted her. She still had not moved 
away from the door, barring his entrance to her suite. 
 
"Mr. Giles. What can I do for you?" Buffy forced a cool response, 
when her body was heated beyond measure. Just seeing him 
reminded her of his hungry kisses from the night before. She willed 
herself not to lean toward his hard body, though she wanted nothing 
more at the moment then to feel him against her. 
 
"May I come in luv?" He raised an eyebrow in inquiry. 
 
"Of course. It is your hotel after all." She stepped aside to allow him 
entry. 
 
He could feel the frost coming off her in waves. It was just as well, he 
told himself. There could never be anything between them. She didn't 
belong here, in the land of bright lights and 24 hour sin. 
 
"I wanted to let you know that I got a hold of my friend, Xander Harris. 
He was that lawyer I told you about. He should be calling you 
sometime today." He tried to keep the conversation on business, not 
allowing their eyes to meet, or his gaze to wander over her body the 
way it demanded of him. 
 
"You're a little late Mr. Giles. We've already spoken. Thank you for 
your referral, I would have had to pick from the phone book 
otherwise." She kept her words polite; the only way she knew to 
distract herself from his presence. "He seems very competent." 
 
Spike's frown marred his face. He didn't like the way she kept using 
his surname. "He is. He's one of the best, and completely 
trustworthy." 
 
"Yes, I knew you wouldn't have recommended him otherwise." She 
stepped over to the coffee service she had ordered earlier. She felt 
the pot for warmth, as she sat down on the couch. "Would you like 
some coffee Mr. Giles?" She poured herself a cup as she spoke. 
 
He snapped. What did she expect from him? "Bloody hell woman! I 
didn't come here for coffee! And I sure as hell didn't come here to 
have you spout "pleases" and "thank yous" - and Will!! My name is 
Will! Bloody use it will you?!" 
 
Buffy blinked owlishly up at him. Finally she spoke letting the words 
leave her lips in a soft whisper, "I'm sorry - Will." She turned her face 
away from his intense stare. "I was under the impression that you 
wanted to keep our relationship on a business level. I was only trying 
to accommodate you." Though her words were softly spoken, he 
could hear the underlying anger that laced her voice. 
 
She stood abruptly, facing him once more, her own face a mask of 
angry indignation. "I'm sorry if I'm too stupid or naïve to understand 
what you had implied last night. I'm afraid you may have to spell it out 
for me." Her breath was coming in harsh gasps now. 
 
"You're not stupid Buffy." 
 
"Just naïve then." She tilted her chin up in defiance. "I may be from a 
small town in Kansas, and maybe I've never been in a casino or fancy 
revolving restaurants - but that doesn't give you the right to look down 
your nose at me!" 
 
She strode toward the door throwing it open for him. "I told you last 
night, and I'll tell you again. You don't have to worry about me." Her 
voice was solid and steady, her green eyes sparking with anger. "I 
know you don't want me here. I know I've been taking up a lot of your 
time. You won't have to put up with me much longer. I told you, as 
soon as I get the rest of my money I'll move to another hotel." 
 
"No." 
 
"No?" 
 
"No. I told you that wasn't what I meant. You're always welcome here 
at the Crypt." He tried to cajole her, stepping close and resting a cool 
hand on the arm holding the door for him. She stiffened at his touch, 
and he felt a twisting in his gut. Slowly he pulled her hand away from 
the door, letting it click shut beside them. His hand came up to cup 
her cheek and force her gaze to meet his. 
 
Buffy was still breathing in harsh gasps. Will's proximity was doing 
nothing to help with the matter. She could feel the warmth spreading 
with each intimate touch. 
 
"I'm sorry." He stated softly, his head now tilted down toward her, only 
inches away. "I let that drunken bastard get to me, and I took it out on 
you. I said a lot of things I don't much remember and doubt I even 
really meant." He leant down to brush his lips softly against hers. 
 
Buffy's heart was pounding in her chest. How could he be so mean 
and hateful one minute and sweet and caring the next? He didn't 
mean what he said? She shook her head slightly. Did he mean to 
walk away from her last night? Before she could voice the question 
out loud, his lips were on hers once again. 
 
What was he doing? Hadn't he just vowed to stay away from her? 
Spike's mind reeled. The smell of vanilla and jasmine permeated his 
senses. His fingers came up to card through her hair, impatiently 
loosening the tie that bound it back. He let the silky strands caress his 
palm. His other hand traced its way up her side, finding the curve of 
her hip and resting there for a brief moment. 
 
As he forced the kiss deeper his hand moved up, making its way 
underneath her halter to caress the smooth skin of her stomach. At 
her hitched breath, Spike's hand moved even further until it was only 
a breath away from the sweet swell of her breast. 
 
Aching for his touch, Buffy bowed her back giving him even more 
access. And when his hand came up to wrap itself around her bare 
breast, she sighed and let the warmth spread until she thought she'd 
caught fire. 
 
Before he knew it, Spike had Buffy pinned against the door. His lips 
had left hers to travel down her throat, stopping to lave at the small 
indentation at the base. He lifted her shirt and bent forward to take 
one dusky nipple into his mouth. Already hard and pebbled, he 
brushed his rough tongue over the sensitized flesh causing Buffy to 
moan and dig her hands into the back of his head. 
 
Buffy was in a daze. She'd never felt anything like this before. Any 
caresses she'd had with Angel had been nothing compared to the hot 
fiery passion that took over her senses whenever Will entered a room. 
When he pulled away from her she mewled in protest. It took her a 
moment to realize that he'd spoken. It took even longer for her to 
notice the shrill ring of the telephone. When she did, she realized that 
the low murmur of words coming from Will were curses. 
 
Quickly she snapped up the receiver, "Hello?" 
 
"And who's this now?" The voice had a definite British accent, the 
tone demanding. Buffy didn't even think about refusing. 
 
"Buffy Summers." 
 
"Buffy Summers, eh? Pretty name. Are you a pretty girl?" The man 
asked without preamble. 
 
"Uhm…well...I..." Buffy wasn't sure how to answer that. "Who is this?" 
 
"Thomas Giles, I've been told my grandson is paying you a call." 
Buffy gulped. Thomas Giles? Will was related to THE Thomas Giles? 
He was like the second richest man in the country. 
 
"Uhm..Yes Mr. Giles, he's here. Would you like to speak to him?" 
 
"In a minute lass. So you won the jackpot. Are you married?" Buffy's 
mind was too befuddled to wonder at the questions he was asking. 
 
"Yes. No. No sir. I'm not married." Buffy was surprised when the 
phone was jerked out of her hand by a cursing Will. 
 
"Would you like to check her pedigree grandda?" 
 
"Well, Will! Good to hear your voice. Your secretary transferred me. 
Of course I wouldn't have to be transferred all over bloody Vegas if 
you'd just call your grandmum every once in a while. She misses 
you." 
 
Spike smiled. It was an old ploy and one he was well immune to by 
now. "Now grandda, I just called you and grandmum last week." 
 
"A week's a lifetime to people our age Will, you know that!" Thomas 
answered quickly. "Besides a visit's better than a phone call any day." 
He hinted. 
 
"I was just up there a month ago for Alan's wedding." Alan was a 
cousin on his mother's side. 
 
"Does that mean you can't come visit again? Is there a certain time 
period you have to wait before letting your grandmum fuss over you? 
Or are you too busy with the new lucky winner to worry about your old 
grandparents?" 
 
Spike sighed. "You know I'm always too busy chasing the showgirls 
around town." He teased. 
 
"Ha!" His grandda guffawed. "You always were a cheeky one." 
 
"I'll call grandmum this week, I promise. Once things are settled down 
again." Spike placated. 
 
"See that you do boy. See that you do." Then the old man hung up, 
leaving a bemused Spike on the other line. 
 
"So you're related to Thomas Giles?" Buffy asked quietly. She had 
been standing at the window gazing down at the city while he spoke 
with his grandfather. She couldn't help but listen to his end of the 
conversation, and it had her twisted in knots. Showgirls? 
 
"Yes. His bark's worse than his bite." Will offered with a grin. 
 
"Well, you're probably very busy. I don't want to keep you." Buffy once 
more stepped up to her door, swinging it open for him. 
 
Spike stood for a moment studying her face. Had he upset her by 
giving in to his urges earlier? Her face was cold and unreadable. 
"Yes. I should probably get going." It was probably best if he gave her 
some time. But before stepping out his hand rested briefly on hers, 
his thumb running lazily over her knuckles. "See you later then luv?" 
 
Buffy only nodded mutely, before shutting the door behind him. 
 
***

Chapter 7 - Family 
 
Buffy spent most of the afternoon in her room; the one-sided 
conversation she had overhead running through her mind. So - Will 
liked Showgirls, huh? It figured. He probably had his pick too. It 
wasn't as if Vegas wasn't over flowing with beautiful busty women he 
could seduce. 
 
She looked down at her own body categorizing the flaws she saw 
there; small breasts, skinny figure. She certainly didn't have an 
hourglass appearance. She stared at herself in the mirror. She did 
have nice hair though, she smiled softly, especially after Henry had 
gotten through with her. 
 
After several hours of brooding she finally decided to get out. So what 
if Will didn't want her? This was the start of her new life, dammit! And 
she wasn't going to let one rejection ruin it for her. Going through her 
suitcase she found one of the few 'nice' things she'd brought with her. 
It wasn't as sexy as the cocktail dress she'd worn to dinner the other 
night, but it would do. 
 
Buffy twirled in front of the mirror. She loved this skirt. It was slips of 
overlapping silk so that the hem was an uneven line of triangles at the 
bottom. It was cut so that when she twirled the skirt rose up and 
flapped around her. To go on top she had on a glittering halter just 
this side of gold. The shade of the halter made the red highlights in 
her hair stand out even more. Satisfied, Buffy took a deep breath 
grabbed her small gold clutch purse and headed out the door. 
 
*** 
 
Spike was scowling at the monitors when Joyce walked into the room. 
She stepped close to look over his shoulder and see what had him in 
such a foul mood. 
 
"Crazy bint." Spike mumbled. "She's playing all wrong. Playing one 
coin at a time, holding a pair of twos and discarding a king and jack? 
What does she think she's doing out there alone?" 
 
Spike jumped when he felt the hand land on his shoulder. "Bloody 
hell!" He turned around ready to curse out the intruder. 
 
"Mum!" Spike's cheeks flooded with color. His mum was the only 
woman still able to make him blush with embarrassment. "How long 
have you been standing there?" He asked, hugging her at the same 
time. 
 
"Just a few minutes." She answered hugging him back. "What's got 
you so upset this time? Card counter?" She peered over his shoulder 
once more. 
 
"'S nothing." He shrugged it off, though she noticed he kept one eye 
on the screens. "You're early, is da with you?" 
 
"Yes, well Dru was getting a bit tired of our visit, I think." Joyce's eyes 
were smiling brightly. "So we cut it short. Your da stopped in Los 
Angeles to talk with Xander about some contract or other he's setting 
up. They should both be here sometime tomorrow afternoon." 
 
"Xan's coming too?" Spike smiled widely. It had been almost a year 
since the last time he'd seen his old friend. 
 
"Yes, he said he had some business with the new winner - Buffy was 
it?" Joyce watched the expressions flit across her son's face. 
 
At the mention of her name, Spike turned back to the monitors. 
"Right, Buffy. Buffy Summers. There she is now." He pointed out her 
black and white image on the screen. 
 
'Fetching', Joyce thought as she watched the young woman sitting at 
the video poker machine. "She doesn't seem to know what she's 
doing, does she?" Joyce laughed. "She's the one who took you for 2 
million?" 
 
Spike scowled and turned back to his mother. "She's lucky. That's all 
you need in this town." 
 
"Hmm…well it seems as if she could use a few lessons as well. Oh 
good! There's someone come to help her." Joyce pointed out. 
 
Spike spun around again. The frown marring his face deepened. 
Joyce watched her son with interest. She'd never seen Will's attention 
so focused before. And she'd definitely never seen it focused on a 
single woman. Before she could query him, he pushed past her with a 
mumbled, "I've got to go." 
 
'Curiouser and curiouser', Joyce thought as she followed her son out 
the door. 
 
*** 
 
Buffy had wandered the casino floor trying to find something that 
didn't look too complicated. She watched a woman play for a few 
minutes before finding an empty machine herself. It didn't look too 
hard. Just poker, and since there were no other players she wouldn't 
get as nervous. 
 
She read all the rules on the front of the machine before pulling out a 
crisp twenty dollar bill and inserting it in the slot. She watched as her 
credits increased until they topped out at 80. She hit the 'bet' button 
once and then pressed 'deal'. 
 
She had a pair of twos, a king, a jack, and an eight. She pressed the 
'hold' buttons under the twos and then hit 'deal again. She frowned 
when she saw that she had lost. Shrugging her shoulders she played 
another hand. 
 
Now after having played for about half an hour she was up to 82 
credits. This time she had a pair of tens, a jack, a queen, and a 
seven. She hit the 'hold' buttons for the tens but before she could hit 
'deal' she felt a movement to her right. A handsome young man slid 
into the seat next to her, giving her a wide smile. 
 
"Hello. You look like you might be able to use some help." He winked. 
"My name's Riley." He held out his hand to her. 
 
Shaking his hand she gave him a friendly smile. "Hi, I'm Buffy. Is it 
that obvious? That I don't know how to play, I mean." Her smile 
turned sheepish. 
 
"Nah. You're doing okay, just thought you might like a pointer or two." 
He leaned in close to her, their shoulders brushing as he pointed to 
her cards. "You don't want to keep the tens. At least not both of them. 
You want to keep the Jack, Queen, and ten of hearts." He pointed to 
each in turn, causing their bodies to rub up against each other. 
 
Buffy stared at the cards he indicated. "But why? Shouldn't I keep the 
pair I have, what if I get another ten?" 
 
"Well, sure a triple would be nice. But what you're really going for is 
the jackpot. And to get that you need a royal flush. You already got 
three of the five cards you need to make it. Why not go for it?" He 
shrugged at her, showing a line of straight teeth with his grin. "But, 
you won't get the jackpot even if you got the flush now because you 
need to play 3 credits to win that." 
 
"Oh." Buffy processed the information, even as she did as instructed. 
She ended up winning one credit with a pair of Jacks and she 
clapped her hands. "Well at least I didn't lose!" She threw her 
thousand watt smile at him. 
 
They played a couple more hands, Riley instructing her on which 
cards to hold for each. She was bouncing in her seat, having just one 
with a full house, eights over threes, when Riley reached over and 
took one of her hands in his. 
 
"Great job Buffy!" He pulled her hand forward and kissed the palm. 
"What do you say I buy you a drink and we can continue your lessons 
in the bar?" 
 
Before she could answer she felt the pressure of a firm grip on her 
shoulder. Looking up she saw Will's angry glower. "The lady's with 
me." 
 
She turned back to Riley, who was quickly pulling his hand away from 
hers. "Hey man." He put his hands up in the universal sign for 
surrender. "Sorry. I didn't know she was taken." Then he was up and 
walking away without even saying goodbye to her. 
 
Buffy stood, anger infusing her whole body. "What do you think you're 
doing?" Who was he to come barging in like that? 
 
Spike was gritting his teeth, trying to calm the rage coursing through 
his veins. He was surprised at the intensity of his feelings, but didn't 
have time to question them now. "I told you not to come down here 
alone." 
 
"You're not my father, or my boyfriend. You can't tell me what to do. 
It's none of your business!" 
 
"My place. My business!" He answered, nostrils flaring. "There's good 
reason for you not to wander around down here by yourself. Not ten 
minutes and you're already getting hit on!" 
 
"He wasn't hitting on me!" Buffy countered. "He was just helping me. 
I've never played before - " 
  
"You really are naïve aren't you?" He asked quietly, anger slowly 
dissipating. 
 
Buffy's face flared with humiliation. "Even if he was hitting on me, 
what's it to you? Why do you care?" 
 
"Why do I care?" Buffy backed up a step at the tone of his voice. 
Before she could get any further he had her back pinned to the video 
machine, his mouth descending towards hers. Buffy's eyes closed in 
anticipation, her face tilted up. 
 
"So this is Buffy Summers the lucky winner." Joyce stated quietly. 
She'd watched the proceedings without interference, but decided it 
was time to make her presence known. 
 
Buffy and Spike jumped apart, both their faces scarlet. "Mum!" At 
Will's startled exclamation, Buffy turned to study the woman watching 
them. So this was Will's mom? 
 
"Aren't you going to introduce us Will?" Joyce asked. 
 
Buffy watched with amusement as Will stuttered out the introductions. 
"Mum this is Buffy Summers. Buffy this is my Mum, Joyce Giles." He 
pointed to each in turn. 
 
Embarrassed beyond belief to have been caught in a compromising 
position with her son, Buffy found she couldn't look Joyce in the face. 
Instead she studied the carpet in front of her feet and said a quiet, 
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Giles." 
 
Buffy was surprised when a slender finger came up just below her 
chin, lifting her face until she was eye to eye with Will's mom. "Call 
me Joyce." Buffy felt an instant affinity to the woman before her. 
 
"Thank you - Joyce." Buffy gave her a tentative smile. When Joyce 
returned it, Buffy's smiled blossomed into its normal irresistible state. 
"I was playing video poker." She pointed to the machine proudly. 
 
Joyce chuckled. "Yes, I caught that. If you'd like some lessons, I'd be 
happy to teach you." Joyce grabbed hold of Buffy's elbow, leading her 
toward the lounge. "Why don't we have a seat and chat. I want to 
hear your whole story. So far I've only gotten bits and pieces." 
 
Spike sighed and shook his head as he watched the two ladies head 
for the lounge arm in arm. 
 
***

Chapter 8 - The Men (Giles and Otherwise) 
 
Spike was sitting at his desk brooding. His mum had apparently found 
a new chum in Buffy, and the two were off having a 'girls day'. It 
seemed like forever since they had been alone together; his scowl 
deepened at the thought that this bothered him. He was not going to 
get involved with her, dammit! 
 
Spike's musings were cut off by the entrance of his father; Rupert 
Giles was quickly followed by Spike's friend Xander, and then 
surprisingly his grandfather Thomas. "Grandda! What are you doing 
here?" He stood quickly to envelop the older man in a warm hug. 
 
"Since you won't be bothered to come visit us, I've come to see what 
you're about." Thomas Giles' voice boomed throughout the room. 
"Now where's the lucky lass I've heard so much about?" 
 
Spike smirked at the not so subtle hint. He turned to greet his father, 
who was looking at Xander with a 'what about us?' expression on his 
face "Hi da, how was your trip?" He gripped his father's hand before 
pulling him into a brief embrace. 
 
"Fine. Thank you for asking, *cough*, *cough*, finally." Rupert Giles 
returned the embrace with equal affection, and a bit of teasing. 
Rupert knew that the affection his children held for Giles was strong, 
and didn't mind it a bit. 
 
For a moment the three generations of Giles' men stood together. 
The resemblance between Rupert and Thomas was incredible. They 
were both rather ruggedly handsome, short light brown, though 
slightly graying, hair. Spike's looks were rather more rakish than 
rugged. His bleached blonde hair giving off a 'big bad' image he'd 
worked hard to produce. 
 
"Ahem." Xander interrupted the family reunion without qualm. "What 
about me?" 
 
Spike chuckled and slapped his friend on the back. "Hey Xan! How 
are you?" Xander grinned his goofy grin, reminding Spike why he'd 
missed his friend so much. "Why don't you visit more often, you 
bloody ponce?" 
 
"Maybe because your constantly insulting me?" Xander offered, 
though his grin never wavered. Spike was like a brother to him, and 
as an only child Xander definitely appreciated that. 
 
"So, where's your mother?" Rupert asked, having missed her the few 
days they'd been separated. 
 
"She's out with Buffy. They're having some sort of bleedin' girls day; 
shopping, or getting makeovers or some such." Spike grumbled, 
making his grandda break out in a grin. 
 
"Jealous boy?" Giles asked. 
 
"What? Course not!" Spike denied. "Just thought since Xan was here 
and all, Buffy could get her stuff taken care of. You did get all her 
papers right?" Spike turned an eye toward Xander. 
 
"Of course! Would I be here if I hadn't?" Xander chuckled to himself at 
the look of concern that passed over Spike as he questioned him. He 
softened a bit at the look and added, "I've got everything she needs, 
we just have to pick a bank to open the account at and she'll be all 
set." 
 
They talked and laughed for a bit more, the men getting to know one 
another again after their short separation. "So where's grandmum?" 
Spike finally asked. 
 
"She was too busy with her garden to make the trip. She's still 
expecting a visit from you soon young man." Giles admonished her. 
 
"And I'm planning one soon." Spike loved the old house in Sunnydale. 
It was actually more like a castle. His grandda had had it built special 
after he'd made his first million and asked his grandmum to marry 
him. It was an impressive sight. There was only one road that went to 
the house, and it curved along a cliff at the top of which stood the 
Giles castle. Spike had spent more than a few days of his youth 
standing out there watching the waves crash into the cliff side and 
dreaming of his future. "Can't ever stay away from that old homestead 
for too long, you know that." 
 
"Why don't we call and see if the women have returned?" Rupert 
suggested, impatient to see his wife again. At his father's request, 
Spike nodded and reached for the phone, ignoring the small knot that 
formed in his stomach at the thought of seeing Buffy again. 
 
When he rang Buffy's room, his mother answered and invited them all 
up to the suite to finish whatever business Buffy had with Xander. The 
men agreed and headed up directly. 
 
*** 
 
Joyce was smiling to herself. Buffy was in her bedroom changing into 
one of the new outfits that they'd bought during their trip. A cute, sexy 
summer dress that set off the green in her eyes and the highlights in 
her hair. It was a pale yellow cotton number with spaghetti straps that 
hung to just above her knees, showing off her smooth tanned legs. 
She'd asked Buffy to put the dress on with the pretense of wanting to 
see her in it one more time. But she knew what her son's reaction 
would be when he walked into the room to find Buffy in that dress, 
and so she smiled. 
 
When the bell rang, Joyce crossed over drink in hand and ushered 
the men in. She gave her husband a brief but passionate kiss before 
hugging her father-in-law and surrogate son, Xander. "We're so glad 
to see you again Xander. You should come visit more often." 
 
"Yes Mrs. Giles." Xander answered dutifully. Smiling at the warm 
affection he always felt when in the presence of the Giles' family. 
 
"Xander! You know you can always call me Joyce!" Joyce 
admonished him, giving him a playful swat on the shoulder. 
 
"Oh!" Buffy exclaimed, stopping in the archway of the door. She 
hadn't known anyone besides Joyce was there, too busy rummaging 
through the bags to find the dress Joyce had wanted to see. 
 
Spike's head turned at the sound of her voice. His eyes took in the 
length of her, his hands itching to do the same. The dress she wore 
inspired images of her beneath him, skirt ridden up above her waist, 
smooth legs wrapped around him. He could feel his penis stretch and 
lengthen in his denims. He swallowed hard, his adams apple bobbing 
in his throat. 
 
"Buffy! Didn't I tell you that dress looked beautiful on you?" Joyce 
grinned at her. Then she introduced all the men, ending with Xander. 
"Oh, the boys are here to do a little business. This is Xander, I believe 
he's your lawyer?" 
 
"Oh, hello." Buffy was extremely nervous. She'd never been around 
so many handsome men in her life. And the way Spike kept looking at 
her and not saying a word was very disconcerting. "Thank you for all 
you've done for me." She addressed the young man Joyce had 
introduced. 
 
"No problem Buffy. Anyone who takes 2 million away from Spike, is a 
friend of mine." Xander grinned at her, and she smiled back at the 
goofy expression and easy camaraderie he inspired. 
 
Pulling out his briefcase, Xander got down to business. He gave Buffy 
copies of her birth certificate and the other papers he'd gotten to 
hasten the transfer of her money. "Now, you just need to let us know 
what bank you want the account opened in, and we can finish up the 
rest." 
 
"Bank? Uhm." Buffy thought, but didn't really know any of the banks 
here. "Can we just leave it in the one it's already in?" 
 
"Sure!" Xander agreed heartily. "That's a good idea, less paperwork, 
and the bank chieftans will definitely do a rain dance for you." 
 
Buffy laughed out loud at the crazy things Xander was saying. Her 
head was thrown back and her eyes sparkled with mirth, while 
Xander laughed right along with her. 
 
Spike's gut churned and twisted. 
 
"So that's it then, luv. As of tomorrow morning, you'll be a millionaire." 
Spike announced. 
 
Buffy's laughter tapered off, her face paling. Her hand came up to cup 
her cheek, and her eyes widened just a bit. The deer in the headlights 
look, Spike gulped. "Wow! I think I'm in shock." Buffy whispered. 
 
Spike was by her side instantly. "Don't think too much about it luv. It'll 
overwhelm you, but we'll all help. I'm sure Xan can get a list of 
financial advisors with good reputations for you." Spike looked up at 
Xander and waited for his nod of agreement before continuing. "And 
anything else you need just ask, luv, and I'll make sure you get it. 
Okay?" He'd taken her hand without thinking, stroking it with his own 
while he talked in soothing tones to her. 
 
Buffy was grateful for the calming effect Will always had on her. But it 
confused her as well. Were they to be friends now? 
 
"Let's celebrate shall we?" Joyce asked. "This calls for some 
champagne!" Rupert called for room service, while Joyce and the rest 
of the clan gathered around Buffy to congratulate her. 
 
Buffy's head was spinning. She was still in shock over the finality of 
her winning. And now she was caught up in a whirlwind of 
congratulatory hugs and kisses. And when Thomas Giles bent down 
to envelope her in a hearty embrace he whispered sweet words to 
her, "you are a pretty lass after all," before pulling away. 
 
There was talk of a big family dinner to follow, and her eyes began to 
mist when she realized that she was included in the planning. Without 
warning tears began to fall. Muttering a quick, "Excuse me", Buffy 
rushed from the room. She locked herself in the bathroom before she 
let the sobs wrack her tiny frame. She was leaning her back against 
the bathroom door when they finally hit. Sliding to the floor she 
wrapped her hands around her knees and hugged, waiting out the 
crying jag. 
 
Once her eyes had dried, she stood to examine herself in the mirror. 
Splashing cool water on her face she was glad to hear silence 
beyond the door. Finally exiting the room she walked back out to the 
bedroom relieved that the Giles' had left her alone. 'How humiliating 
to have broken down in front of them all like that', she thought. 
 
Sitting on the edge of the bed she contemplated putting away all her 
new purchases for the day. She wasn't really in the mood, but it would 
give her something to take her mind off what had happened earlier. 
Before she could open the first bag, her eye caught movement at the 
bedroom door and she turned to find Will watching her with a 
concerned expression. 
 
A crimson blush stained her cheeks and she quickly looked away. 
"I'm sorry." She apologized. "I didn't mean to…that is...I couldn't help 
it." She finished lamely. 
 
"No need to apologize Buffy. We know it's a bit crazy, your whole life 
turning upside down this way. We didn't mean to crowd you, or upset 
you. Winning that much money is a life altering and overwhelming 
experience for anybody." He walked closer, wanting to join her on the 
bed and wrap a comforting arm around her, but he didn't trust himself. 
 
"It's not that." Buffy couldn't face him, so she continued to hang her 
head. "It's your family. They…they should have been mad. They 
should have been upset, to lose all that money. But instead they were 
*happy*. They congratulated me! And they were so affectionate. And 
warm. And - " Buffy broke off. She didn't really know how to explain it 
to him. He'd obviously been around that kind of warmth and affection 
his whole life. Would he understand how someone who'd never 
received that, would feel? 
 
Finally she turned her face upward to meet his gaze. "My family, 
wasn't very big. It was just me and my mom. My dad left before I 
could really remember too much of him. And my mom was never very 
affectionate, or touchy. She never gave big hugs or sloppy kisses." 
Buffy shrugged. "I know she loved me. But she just wasn't like that." 
'And I'd never really known what I was missing until today', Buffy 
thought. 
 
No matter how bad an idea it was, Spike crossed over and took a 
seat on the bed beside her. His hand came up to grip her chin and 
force their eyes to meet. An ache went through him at the sad look 
that hid behind her emerald eyes. "Buffy, luv. You don't have to be 
ashamed of that. And you don't have to be embarrassed to want 
those things. That affection and love. You deserve them." 
 
They sat studying each other for a moment. After awhile the ache 
Spike felt twisted and grew into the sweet burn he'd come to 
associate with being alone with Buffy Summers. His head tilted and 
descended, their mouths meeting in an open passionate kiss. 
 
He groaned at the first touch of her soft lips, his tongue snaking out to 
trace the outline of her mouth before plunging in to its depths. His 
hands slid down to her shoulders, reveling in the feel of her skin. She 
mewled and arched toward him, trying to gain more contact, and he 
complied. His hands wandered her body, as his tongue explored her 
mouth. 
 
He'd been hard since the moment he first saw her in that dress, but 
now he was practically throbbing in pain. Caught up in the feel of her, 
he hadn't noticed her movement until she was already straddling his 
lap. When she let her weight fall on top of him, her moist heat landed 
on top of his erection causing them both to groan and thrust. 
 
Spike wrenched his mouth off hers, taking in big gulps of air trying to 
cool himself down. What was he doing? Damn! Why couldn't he 
control himself around this woman? Slowly he pushed her off his lap, 
rubbing his sweaty palms on his trouser legs as he stood. 
 
"I'm sorry Buffy. I shouldn't have - " 
 
"What?!" Buffy was fuming. "You shouldn't have what? Kissed me? 
Touched me? Made me want you?" 
 
"No. I told you, you don't know the rules of the game." Spike insisted. 
 
"And I told you, you don't have to protect me! I can take care of 
myself." She answered back. 
 
Consumed with frustration and guilt, Spike lashed out. "Really? I find 
that hard to believe, when you can't even face your ex!" 
 
Buffy winced at his direct hit. She stood for a moment collecting 
herself before answering calmly, "You're right. I need to face him. 
You'll always see me as a coward or a child, until I can show you that 
I can stand up for myself." She was panting and her breasts were 
heaving with each lung full she took in. 
 
"How do we do it?" She asked. 
 
Spike was taken aback at the question. Racy images flitted through 
his mind, and he tried to focus. "Do it?" 
 
"Yes. Inform the press? Do I need to call a press conference or 
something, or will you just give them my name?" She waited patiently 
for his answer. 
 
Guilt assaulted Spike at the question. She wasn't ready for that, and 
yet he'd pushed her into it with his stupid words. "Buffy, you don't 
have to." He tried to approach her, but she shrugged him off. 
 
"No, I do. I have to do this for me. You said yourself I wouldn't be able 
to hide from them forever. And I'd rather deal with the press on my 
own terms, rather than theirs. So are you going to call the press 
conference?" She asked, pointing her upturned chin at him. 
 
Spike sighed heavily before heading toward the phone to call his 
assistant. 
 
***

Chapter 9 - Dinner and Blackjack

Buffy's face was slightly flushed from the glass of wine she'd been 
drinking.  She was having a marvelous time.  The whole Giles clan 
was with her, including Xander whose warm eyes and corny jokes 
had instantly appealed to her.  In fact, every single person at the table 
appealed to her.  Her eyes swept the group finally landing on Spike, 
who was now in a quiet conversation with his grandfather.  'Some 
were a little more appealing than was good for her,' Buffy thought and 
then sighed.

She had originally declined the dinner.  After her outburst this 
afternoon, she had been too embarrassed to really want to see any of 
them tonight.  But Joyce had come knocking on her door, and insisted 
she join them.  And who could refuse such a dynamic woman?  
Certainly not Buffy.  But now she was glad she'd accepted.

None of the family had commented on her emotional display, and the 
conversation had been lighthearted and easy all night.  She found 
herself laughing more in the past two hours than she had in the past 
two years.  She also found herself fantasizing about having this for 
herself someday.  Right now, she knew that the family, the 
camaraderie, was all borrowed.  She sighed again, softly.

"Those are an awful lot of sighs for an awful lucky girl."  Xander 
teased her.  "What's up?"

"Nothing."  She smiled at him.  "Just thinking."

"Thinking's overrated!"  Thomas Giles boomed.  "You need to feel!  
To act!"  He gave her a roguish grin.

"That's probably good advice," Buffy laughed.  "But I feel like I'm 
already living an adventure."

"Yes, but just imagine what adventures await you in the future."  
Rupert added.

Buffy turned to him, once again noticing the resemblance between 
the three generations of Giles men.  "Yes, that's sort of what I was 
doing."

"Oh?"  Spike asked, leaning forward.  "And what do you see in your 
future, Buffy?"

Her face flushed a bit more, not escaping Spike's notice, and she 
ducked her head shyly.  "Nothing really.  It's still a bit fuzzy."

"Leave the poor girl alone!"  Joyce broke in, noticing Buffy's 
discomfort.  "She's going to have enough questions to answer at the 
press conference tomorrow."  

Buffy noticed Spike's frown at the reminder.  "Buffy, you know we can 
still call it off."

"I told you I don't want to call it off Will.  I'm going through with it.  It's 
time."  She insisted.

Joyce smiled at Buffy's use of her son's name.  As far as she knew, 
Spike hadn't allowed anyone besides family to call him that in years.

Unconscious of his movements, Spike reached out to grasp Buffy's 
hand.  He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles as he spoke, "Are you 
sure luv?  You know I didn't mean - "

Buffy's whole demeanor softened at Spike's concerned words, and 
comforting gesture.  "I know Will."  She squeezed his hand in return.  
"But I can't hide forever.  And I don't want to.  I want to move on with 
my life, and enjoy my good fortune.  And I can't do that with this 
hanging over me.  Can you understand that?"

Spike sighed, still absently rubbing his thumb over her soft skin.  
"Okay luv."  He shook his head, and then slowly withdrew his hand 
from hers.

The rest of the table held their tongues, but each member of the party 
had noted the intimate moment.  Thomas Giles was hard pressed to 
keep the grin off his face.

***

After dinner Joyce and Buffy had decided on cocktails in the lounge, 
while the men had gone off to Spike's office.  Joyce wasn't exactly 
sure what they were going to do, but she had a feeling it had to do 
with the cigars that her father-in-law was always trying to sneak by his 
wife.  She chuckled at the thought, making Buffy turn to her with a 
questioning look.

"Just wondering how many cigars Giles is going to try to smoke 
before he has to go home to mother."  She answered the unspoken 
question.

"Oh."  Buffy didn't quite get the joke, but she didn't think it mattered.  
"Do you think the boys will join us later?"

"Possibly."  Joyce took a small sip of her wine before continuing.  
"What would you like to do until then?  Play a few rounds at the 
tables?"

Buffy bit her bottom lip and chewed for a moment.  "I don't really think 
people like me sitting with them.  I'm such a novice.  Do you think I 
can take you up on those lessons you offered?"

Joyce grinned.  "Sure!  I'll grab a deck of cards, you grab a couple of 
bowls of pretzels and peanuts."  

"Pretzels and peanuts?"  Buffy asked, her brow furrowed in 
puzzlement.

***

Buffy had built her stake up considerably.  She'd only started with a 
handful of pretzels and small cup of peanuts, but already her 
winnings were mountainous.  She chewed on her bottom lip, before 
asking for another hit.  When she busted, she let out the breath she 
was holding and then popped some more of her winnings into her 
mouth.

"Corrupting our lucky winner are you?"  Rupert bent down to place a 
soft kiss on Joyce's left temple.  "Hello darling."  He whispered into 
her ear.  Straightening up to his full height he asked, "So is the Crypt 
winning any of it's own back?"

"I'm afraid not."  Joyce mock-frowned.  "She's a lucky one all right."

Buffy laughed.  How she loved to see the Giles family interact with 
one another.  It was so different than any relationship she had ever 
been in.  Even now, she watched as Rupert Giles sat down in the 
chair beside his wife, absently raising his hand and twisting strands of 
Joyce's hair between his fingertips.  It was a gesture of long and 
intimate familiarity.  One that Buffy had never been privileged to 
witness outside of a movie theater or television set before now.

Rupert wiggled his eyebrows at Buffy in a leering gesture.  "Let a 
*real* gambler show you how it's done little lady."  He turned to his 
wife.  "That is if the game is open?"

"You got a stake, you got a chair."  Joyce answered, gesturing for him 
to place his bet.

When Spike found them an hour later, Buffy was giggling and piling 
more pretzels onto the precarious mound in the middle of the table.  
He stood and watched her for a moment.  She was so innocent; so 
sweet.  He felt something stir inside him.  He shook his head quickly 
to dispel whatever feeling was creeping into him.

It was because of that innocence, that wholesomeness, that he 
couldn't get involved.  She wasn't his type of girl.  And he wasn't her 
type of guy.  She didn't belong in this city; she was too good for it.  
When he shook the increasingly morose thoughts out of his head, he 
heard Buffy question his father.

"You had seventeen, why did you hit?  You're not supposed to his 
when you have seventeen."

Spike took the seat next to Buffy, his arm coming up to land lightly on 
her shoulders.  "He's a card counter."  He turned to his father.  "We 
don't like card counter's at the Crypt."  He gave Rupert his most 
menacing look.

"I taught you to count cards before you were out of your nappies!"  
Rupert replied.

Spike's grin spread, until it became contagious.  "Yup.  That's why I 
can spot 'em."

"You're father hasn't changed.  He's still the same gambler that bet 
me a walk in the moonlight on one hand of blackjack.  He hit on 
seventeen then too."  Joyce turned to smile at her husband in fond 
remembrance.

Spike turned to answer Buffy's unspoken question, "Da met mum 
while she was dealing blackjack on a cruise ship."

"Oh how romantic!"  Buffy exclaimed, turning her starry eyes to the 
older couple.

Rupert smirked, and Buffy caught her breath.  She definitely knew 
where Spike got his appeal!

"Joyce didn't think so at the time.  But I managed to change her 
mind."  Rupert commented.

"I thought you were presumptuous, brazen, and that a walk in the 
moonlight with you would be nothing short of perilous.  I still do."  
Buffy caught the wink that Joyce threw at her husband.  "I just learned 
to like it."

They all laughed at that.  Buffy leaning into Spike to catch her breath, 
neither noticed the close contact, nor made any move to change it.  
But knowing looks passed between Mr. and Mrs. Giles as they 
watched their youngest son.

They played a few more rounds, Spike joining in the game with a 
small stake of his own.  Eventually Buffy couldn't stop from yawning 
and stood from the table.  "Well, I better get some rest if I'm going to 
be any good at the press conference tomorrow."

"I'll walk you up luv."  Spike stood automatically wrapping his arm 
around Buffy's waist.  

"You don't have to."  Buffy tried to beg off the escort.

"Buffy, I told you I don't like you wandering around the casino floor by 
yourself."  His eyes narrowed.

"I'm just walking to the elevator!"  Buffy stated with an exasperated 
puff of breath.

"Still, I'd feel better if I escorted you."

"You know, if I wanted the attentions of an overbearing man I could 
have stayed in Kansas!"  Buffy rejoined.

"Overbearing?  I'm just trying to keep you safe!"

"I told you I can take care of myself!"

Joyce and Rupert watched the exchange with a mix of amusement 
and sympathy.  They gave each other fond 'remember when?' smiles.

Buffy turned to the couple still sitting at the table.  "Thank you for a 
lovely evening.  I'll see you again tomorrow?"

"Of course dear.  Why don't we meet for breakfast before the 
conference?  How about 9am, that will give your stomach plenty of 
time to settle before the butterflies start up!"  Joyce gave her an 
encouraging smile.

"Sure, that would be great.  Goodnight."  Buffy turned, not waiting for 
Spike.

Spike's lips thinned into a narrow line.  "Mum.  Da."  He nodded at 
each in turn before following Buffy out of the room.

Rupert shook his head turning to his wife he stated quietly,  "Our poor 
boy.  Years from now he'll look back at these last few days and 
wonder what hit him."

***

Chapter 10 - Press Conference 
 
Buffy stood nervously chewing on her bottom lip, while Spike watched 
from a comfortable distance. He itched to go to her side and soothe 
her, but knew from previous arguments that she wanted to do this on 
her own. He didn't have any doubts that she could. That she had the 
grace and poise necessary, but he wished that she would allow him 
to offer some comfort to her anxious nature. 
 
Xander was giving Buffy some last minute advice. "Don't let the crowd 
get to you. You only have to answer one question at a time, no matter 
how many they throw at you. Just point to one person and answer 
that person's question first, ignore the rest." 
 
Spike listened to make sure Xander wasn't forgetting anything, until 
he felt the light touch of his mother's hand on his arm. He turned to 
greet her with a half-hearted smile. 
 
"You look almost as nervous as Buffy!" Joyce pointed out. "And I 
know you've been in front of the cameras plenty of times." 
 
"I know. I just keep thinking I pushed her into this. She's not ready." 
Spike replied. 
 
"Oh, I think she'll surprise the lot of us." Rupert answered, coming to 
stand by his wife to wrap a possessive arm around her. His other 
hand came up to play lazily with a few escaped strands of her hair. 
 
Spike watched all of this, making note of the small gestures and quiet 
touches his parents had constantly shared throughout his life. Buffy 
had been right. He never noticed those things, because they'd always 
been there. But now that she'd mentioned it, he could see the love 
and affection practically rolling off his parents in waves. And he knew 
that it was an affection that infected his entire family. They had 
always been a hugging, kissing, and clapping group. 
 
"What is it?" Joyce finally asked after enduring several minutes of 
scrutiny. 
 
Spike sighed and reached up a hand to cup his mother's cheek. "I 
haven't appreciated you two enough." His voice was soft and caring. 
"Not nearly enough." And then he placed a gentle kiss on his mother's 
cheek and a warm hand on his father's shoulder before walking out 
toward the podium to greet the reporters. 
 
"What was that all about?" Rupert asked, bemused. 
 
"I'm not sure, but whatever it is I hope it continues." Joyce smiled 
back at him. 
 
*** 
 
Buffy listened as Will spoke to the reporters, letting them know what 
the press conference was about and that they would be meeting the 
lucky jackpot winner soon. She marveled at the ease in which he 
spoke to them, his charm shining through in its entirety. She turned at 
the clasp of a strong hand on her elbow, meeting Thomas Giles' 
searching look. 
 
"Don't worry girl." He whispered roughly. "You've got more than just 
beauty in you. You've got strength and intelligence. Don't let that 
crowd intimidate you." Then he was pushing her forward while Will 
gestured her toward the podium. 
 
The microphone screeched as she made her first attempts at speech. 
"Uhm…Hello…I'm Buffy Summers…and I won the jackpot." The 
crowd of reporters laughed at that. 
 
She really hadn't prepared anything specific. She had assumed that 
she would just answer any questions that came up. But she found 
herself panicking as the questions were fired non-stop in her 
direction. 
 
"Where are you from?" "Do you plan to stay?" "How do you like 
Vegas?" "What do you have to say about the Giles family?" "What 
about the Crypt?" "Are you going to quit your job?" "What is your 
job?" 
 
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Will stepping up to take over for 
her. Shaking her head at him she took hold of the microphone once 
more. "Please!" She called out waiting until silence descended. "I'm 
not very good at this. I've never done this before." She gestured 
toward the reporters. "Maybe it would be better if I just told you my 
story?" 
 
She began with her birth in Trader's Corners. Leaving out Angel, she 
explained her desire to explore the world outside of Kansas, and her 
subsequent road trip ending with her lucky pull at the Crypt's Big 
Bertha slot machine. Spike watched the crowd as she spoke, and 
wondered at her ability to capture the audience. None of the reporters 
had tried to break in with a question, or comment the entire time she 
told her story. His da was right. He shouldn't have worried. 
 
The conference was over within half an hour; the press buzzing about 
their latest story as they were ushered out the door. Buffy turned with 
an exhausted smile on her face. "So it's over?" 
 
Spike strode up to her, enveloping her in a warm hug. "Yeah luv, all 
over. You were wonderful." He whispered in her ear. 
 
Buffy felt the tingling start in her toes and spread throughout her 
body. Will's nearness and soft praise making her flush with pride and 
warmth. But before she could return the embrace he was already 
pulling away. 
 
"Buffy! You were wonderful!" Joyce swept her up in her own embrace. 
"This calls for a celebration." 
 
'Déjà vu,' Buffy thought as she was twirled and hugged and 
congratulated. At least this time she was semi-prepared and there 
were no emotional outbursts to follow. She smiled and accepted the 
warmth and affection, almost as if she deserved it. 
 
After all the congratulations and the obligatory champagne, Xander 
stepped up with some last minute advice. "Now the hard part is going 
to start." 
 
"Hard part?" 
 
"The phone calls, the solicitors. You need to get yourself a financial 
advisor as soon as possible. I've left Spike a list of names that are 
reputable. You should contact them to see if any of them are free to 
handle your affairs for you." Xander explained. 
 
"Do you really think it will be that bad?" Buffy asked with trepidation. 
 
Spike's hand caught hers. "Don't answer your phone for the next few 
days Buffy. In fact, we'll just have the front desk hold all your calls, 
until things settle down a bit." 
 
"Do you really think that's necessary?" 
 
"Oh, quite." Rupert answered for his son. "You're going to discover an 
entire slew of relatives you've never heard of before." He gave her a 
chagrined look. "I'm afraid that's the price you pay for the fame and 
fortune." 
 
After a few last warnings, Buffy excused herself begging off dinner. 
She was exhausted from the emotional roller coaster she'd been 
riding all day. Fear of the press conference, fear of Angel, and now 
anxiety over how to handle this new found fame was giving her a bit 
of a headache. All she wanted right now was to lay down and shut 
her eyes. 
 
*** 
 
The next morning Buffy strode out onto the roof patio of the Crypt. 
There was a small crystal blue pool, surrounded by several lounging 
chairs, and small patio dining tables. The rooftop café was beautiful 
especially on such a bright and cool morning. She spotted Thomas 
Giles sitting at one of the tables, in the shade of a large patio 
umbrella. 
 
"Good morning Mr. Giles." Buffy greeted as she took the offered seat. 
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me this morning. 
 
"I never turn down a beautiful woman's request." Giles answered 
affably. "And call me Giles, please. Or Thomas, if you like." 
 
"Thank you Giles. I asked you here beca - " Buffy broke off as the 
waitress approached. 
 
"What will you have lass?" Giles asked. He shook his head when 
Buffy declined any food. "Bring the lady a plate of scrambled eggs, 
bacon, and toast. And a large glass of orange juice. I'll have the 
same, but bring me coffee instead." 
 
After ordering, Giles turned to find Buffy gaping at him. "You are 
much too skinny. You need to put some meat on your bones." 
Prepared for an argument, Giles heart warmed when he heard Buffy's 
tinkling laughter instead. "It doesn't matter Mr - Thomas, I can eat all 
day and nothing sticks." 
 
"Then indulge an old man." Giles answered with a grin of his own. 
 
"You're far from old Giles." Buffy didn't think she'd ever seen a more 
robust figure, unless of course it was the other two Giles men. 
 
When their table lapsed into silence, Giles urged Buffy to speak her 
mind. "So, why did you ask me up here Buffy? Besides the desire for 
my company, that is." He winked at her, causing another bubble of 
laughter to surface. 
 
"Well, I was hoping I could solicit your help. I wanted you to take a 
look at the list Xander left me and maybe let me know what you 
think?" 
 
Giles took the proffered list and studied the names. "These are all top 
firms. Any of them would do well by you. I suggest you contact the top 
five and make appointments with each. Just pick the one that you're 
most comfortable with after meeting them." 
 
"The thing is, Giles, I sort of already have someone in mind." Buffy 
hedged. 
 
"You do? Who?" 
 
"You." Buffy waited for a response and was met with only silence. 
"Well? What do you think?" 
 
"Why me?" 
 
"Because I want the best, and you're it." Buffy explained. "You made 
your own fortune, and you're damn good with money. The 
investments you've made since earning your first million will leave 
more than triple that to each of your descendants." 
 
Giles' eyebrow arched at Buffy's detailed description. "Did your 
homework now didn't you?" 
 
Buffy smiled. "Will you do it?" 
 
"Yes." Giles agreed willingly. "Now, what do you want out of your 
money?" 
 
"What do you mean?" 
 
"What do you want it to do for you? Keep you from working? Travel 
the world? What?" Giles asked, trying to get a feel for what Buffy 
would need. 
 
"Well." She chewed on her bottom lip in thought. "I'd like to take some 
a donate it to charity. I don't feel right not giving some back, you 
know? I'd like to find one that deals with domestic abuse, if we can." 
 
"Of course. That part will be easy. What else?" 
 
"I would like to travel for a bit, but I don't want to stop working 
altogether." Buffy answered. 
 
"What do you do for a living child?" Giles asked. 
 
"I used to run a small martial arts studio in Trader's Corners." Buffy's 
mouth curved into a frown, her eyes darting down to stare at the glass 
tabletop. "Until Angel had the building closed. They said it was for 
structural damages, but I knew it was because Angel didn't want me 
working anymore." 
 
'Bloody bastard!', Giles thought. "Okay, so would you like to continue 
doing that, or try something new?" 
 
"Oh no! I love teaching Aikido. It really made me feel good to see my 
students learn and progress; they're the ones I miss the most." 
 
"Okay. So now that we know a few of the things you'd like from your 
fortune, what else do you want?" 
 
"Else?" 
 
"Yes. A new studio, some travel, and a donation will only use a small 
percentage of what you've won. What do you want from the rest of 
it?" Giles inquired. 
 
Buffy's eyes lifted to meet his before answering. "More." 
 
Giles threw his head back in laughter. The warm rich tones 
surrounded Buffy and ignited soft chuckles from her as well. "A gal 
after my own heart." He smiled at her. "That's smart Buffy. You make 
your money work for you, and you won't have anything to worry about 
in the future." He nodded at her. "Can do. Why don't we start with just 
a million for now? You'll need the rest for living expenses anyway." 
 
"That sounds good." Buffy's heart was racing. She couldn't believe 
that she was having this conversation. It was all so casual, handing 
over a million dollars to another person. As she was pondering this 
latest series of events, their food arrived and they both dug in. 
 
That's where Spike found them, laughing and eating, on the patio 
roof. His heart lurched at the sight of Buffy in the sunlight, her hair 
shining and eyes sparkling as she laughed at one of grandda's corny 
jokes. 
 
"Well, good morning." Spike greeted them both. 
 
"Good morning my boy!" Giles answered. "'Bout time you left that 
bloody office! There's a beautiful woman out here just waiting for a 
leisurely drive through the desert with a handsome bloke like you." 
Giles hinted. 
 
Spike sighed. He knew his grandda just couldn't keep his hand out 
things. "Grandda I'm a bit too busy to be taking drives through the 
desert just now." 
 
"What? It's a sign of the apocalypse when a Giles can't take a few 
moments to spend time with a pretty lady.  Here, at least sit and have 
some coffee." Giles stood, pulling the chair out for Spike. "Buffy I'll be 
sure to keep in touch to let you know what's happening." He 
addressed her before striding off. 
 
Spike sat, thinking this would be a good time to let Buffy know that 
she couldn't take Giles seriously about these things. "Sorry Buffy. I 
know grandda can be a bit pushy. I'm sorry if he got you up here on 
some pretense." 
 
Buffy's brow furrowed in displeasure. "What do you mean?" 
 
"I mean, he's got it in that head of his that you'd suit me." 
 
"Suit you?" Buffy willed her heart not to dance at the thought. 
 
"Yeah. I love the old man, but he's got this thing. He thinks he's some 
sort of bleedin' matchmaker. Always trying to setup anyone of us 
that's still single. Just last month he orchestrated this whole thing for 
my cousin Darla." 
 
"And how did that work out?" Buffy asked. 
 
"Well, in that case it worked. But still. I'm sorry if he tricked you up 
here." 
 
Buffy's mouth thinned out into a scowl. "What are you implying?" 
 
"Implying? Nothing. I'm just trying to apologize for grandda's meddling 
ways." 
 
"For your information Mr. Giles, everybody's world does not revolve 
around you! *I* asked your grandfather up here, and he was good 
enough to meet me." 
 
"You? Why would you want to meet with grandda?" 
 
"Business." She answered succinctly. 
 
"Business? What kind of business?" 
 
"The kind that is none of yours!" Buffy stood. "But since you clearly 
won't let it go, I've asked Thomas to be my financial advisor." Buffy 
noted Will's arched brow. "What? You think I've made some type of 
mistake?" 
 
"No. I think you couldn't have picked a better person for the job." 
Buffy's tension eased just a bit at that comment. 
 
"I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions. I just didn't want grandda putting 
ideas in your head." 
 
Buffy's eyes narrowed once more. "Ideas?" 
 
"Yeah. You know the matchmaking. Thinking that you'd suit me as a 
wife - " 
 
"Which you clearly don't believe I would." Buffy cut him off coldly. 
 
"No! I mean, it's not that *you* wouldn't. It's just that I'm not the 
marrying kind. At least not yet, I'm not ready to settle down like that." 
Spike tried to explain. He could see Buffy's features darken, and 
knew that he'd already dug himself a pretty deep hole. 
 
"Well, don't worry." Buffy's voice was calm as she spoke though she 
was trembling on the inside. "Just because I was willing to sleep with 
you, doesn't mean I wanted to spend the rest of my life by your side." 
She took a few steps away from the table, and turned away from him 
before dropping the final blow. "And you don't have to worry about my 
getting any *ideas*. I know how you feel about me, and I'll try to stay 
out of your way from now on." 
 
"Buffy, wait I - " But she was gone, the doors of the lift closing silently 
behind her. 
 
***

Chapter 11 - Apologies 
 
Buffy spent the next few days ensconced in her suite. She'd lost the 
desire to explore the casino, not wanting to run into Will. She'd been a 
fool to get her hopes up, to think that there might be something 
between them. He was right. She was naïve. 
 
After the horrible scene on the rooftop, she hadn't known what to say 
to him. She knew he was attracted to her, as was obvious from the 
few encounters they'd already had. She'd held out hope that maybe it 
was more than just a physical attraction. But his words from the other 
day made it plain that it wasn't. 
 
So instead of wandering the casino floor, or exploring the Crypt's 
many shops Buffy did what she always did when she needed to 
center and focus herself. She moved all the furniture in the main room 
clearing the floor. She spent most of the day running through her 
Aikido exercises. She also worked up some new lesson plans for 
when she found a new studio. 
 
The rest of the time was spent reading through the commercial real 
estate section of the newspaper and making a few phone calls. 
Buffy's first major decision was that she would not, under any 
circumstances be returning to Trader's Corners. So she had begun 
searching for two things. The first would be a studio for her new 
school. And the second would be a house for her new home. Both 
were to be located here in Vegas. She'd fallen in love with the desert, 
and she saw no reason to leave it. 
 
Buffy was just finishing a few warm-up kicks when the doorbell rang. 
Unsurprised to find another hotel delivery man, she accepted the 
flowers and gave a generous tip. She placed the vase next to the 
others on the coffee table she'd pushed to the side of the room. 
Giving in, she bent down to take a quick sniff of the lilacs. She took 
the card and added it to the small stack she had hidden in her 
underwear drawer, not bothering to read it. She knew what it said. 
The same thing that had been written on each card previous. 'Buffy 
I'm sorry. Please call me. - Spike'. Instead she went back to her 
exercises, counting out each repetition as she went. 
 
*** 
 
Dammit! Why wasn't she calling him? Spike stared at the phone, 
willing it to ring. He'd already tried calling her several times since that 
day on the rooftop. But she refused to answer her phone. What more 
did she want from him? He'd apologized. More so than he could ever 
remembering apologizing to any other woman, and he hadn't even 
done anything wrong! He was just trying to warn her about Giles. 
Okay, so he'd jumped to conclusions, but was that his fault? And had 
it been that horrible a mistake that she couldn't even accept his 
apology? 
 
Spike sighed, and sank down into the chair behind his desk. He 
turned to the monitors, scanning them quickly. He'd been watching 
the floor constantly, trying to catch a glimpse of Buffy, but she hadn't 
shown. He'd even made the trip up to her suite several times, but if 
she had been there she wasn't answering the door. He'd toyed with 
the idea of using his pass-key but even he thought that was going a 
bit far. 
 
His head snapped around when the door creaked open, "Buffy?" 
 
"I take it you weren't expecting me?" Joyce smiled at the disappointed 
look on her son's face. "Were you supposed to meet Buffy here?" 
 
"No." Spike answered. "Just thought maybe you were her." He 
shrugged. 
 
"She is a bit busy. And I think all the attention has been getting to 
her." 
 
"You've talked to her?" Spike asked, curious for any news. 
 
"Well yes. We had brunch in her suite yesterday." 
 
"She let you in?" His voice sounded hurt; Joyce hid a grin. 
 
"Of course. Is there some reason she shouldn't have?" 
 
"No." Spike tried to hide his frustration. "Just thought you said she 
was busy, is all." 
 
"I convinced her to take a break. It's no wonder she's so skinny. 
Those moves she can do are quite something. It must take an 
incredible amount of strength, practice, and patience to become that 
good." 
 
"Moves?" 
 
"Yes. She gave me a quick demonstration the other day. She's been 
working up some new lessons for when she starts up her new 
school." 
 
"Oh." Spike wondered why Buffy hadn't spoken to him about starting 
a new school. He felt inexplicably left out. 
 
"Well, I just stopped in to say hello. I'm meeting your father for lunch 
downstairs. Maybe we can all have dinner tonight?" She kissed Spike 
on the cheek before heading out the door. 
 
After his mother had left, Spike sat brooding in his chair. What was he 
supposed to do now? Buffy refused to see him. Refused to accept his 
apology. Well, he wasn't about to grovel on his bloody hands and 
knees that's for sure! He had a business to run! He wasn't going to 
spend the rest of his day brooding over Buffy Summers. That decided 
Spike turned his attention back to the black and white images floating 
through the monitors. 
 
He was up and running before he had time to fully process the fact 
that Buffy was standing by the reception desk engaged in 
conversation with a man Spike had never seen before. 
 
*** 
 
When the phone rang for the hundredth time, Buffy had had enough. 
She reached across to pick up the receiver intending to give the caller 
a piece of her mind. She'd been expecting Will's rough accent, but 
when she was greeted with a curt, "Buffy," her breath caught in her 
throat. 
 
"Angel?" Oh god! He'd found her already! 
 
"Buffy." She heard his heavy sigh. "This has all been extremely 
inconvenient. Tell me what room you're in and I'll come up to collect 
you this instance." 
 
"You're here? In the hotel?" Buffy's mind was racing. He was here! He 
wanted to come up to her room. Her sanctuary. She couldn't allow 
that. 
 
"Of course I'm here! Look at all the trouble you've caused! Now tell 
me what room you're in!" He demanded. 
 
"No!" Buffy refused. "I m-mean, I'll c-come down." And she hung up 
before he could command she do otherwise. 
 
"Okay, you knew you'd have to deal with Angel sooner or later." She 
told herself. She just didn't think it would be this soon. She had 
counted on a few more days at least, maybe a week. But now? Well, 
she had no choice, did she? She collected her key card and stepped 
out the door. 
 
When she stepped out into the lobby, she didn't have to search long 
before her eyes lighted on Angel's mane of dark brown hair. He was 
standing next to reception with an annoyed and disgusted look on his 
face; no doubt because of the staff's refusal to tell him her room 
number, and the garish, at least to him, décor of the main lobby. 
 
She strode purposely forward, trying to mask her own trepidation at 
the meeting. "Angel." She greeted him. 
 
"Buffy." Angel moved forward to grab hold of her elbow. "Let's go get 
your things." 
 
She shook his hand off and took a step back. "No." 
 
"No?" Angel's expression was full of shock. "Did you just say no to 
me?" 
 
"Yes." Buffy admitted. "I'm not leaving." 
 
"What did you think you were accomplishing running away from home 
like that?" 
 
"I wasn't running away from home. I was relocating." Buffy answered. 
 
"Relocating? To this place? That's ridiculous!" Angel once again tried 
to make a grab for Buffy's arm. 
 
Buffy sidestepped the maneuver. "I said no." Buffy let the indignation 
and anger sweep through her. It went a long way to pushing aside the 
fear. "I'm sorry if you came all the way out here for nothing, but if 
you'd called first you would have known I wouldn't come back with 
you." 
 
Buffy watched as Angel's eyes turned dark and angry. His mouth 
twisted itself into a deep scowl, and his body went tight with tension. 
She could see his fists clenching at his sides, and wondered whether 
he would actually try to hit her. She moved subtly, changing her 
stance to allow for quick movement. 
 
"You can't be serious? You are my fiance, and as such everything 
you do has an affect on how people see me. Do you know how much 
embarrassment you've caused me?" He asked, his voice low and 
rough. 
 
"That's where you're wrong Angel." Buffy tossed back at him. "I'm not 
your fiance. I broke our engagement several months ago. You just 
refused to accept it. But that doesn't make it any less broken. And as 
for any embarrassment I've caused you - well that's entirely your own 
fault. If you hadn't hidden the fact that our relationship was over, no 
one in Trader's Corners would care one whit about me!" 
 
When Buffy saw Angel step forward, she automatically went into the 
first stance she taught in any of her classes. The basic defense 
stance. But before anything could happen, she felt a cool hand grip 
her shoulder and a smooth voice drift over her head. "Is there a 
problem here mate?" 
 
When Buffy turned she was shocked to see the sparks of anger flying 
behind Will's steady gaze. "Everything's fine Will." She could handle 
this. Now that the initial shock had worn off, she knew that she could 
take care of this on her own. "I've got it under control." 
 
Will canted his head toward Buffy, searching her eyes with his own. 
After a brief moment he nodded and took a step back. 
 
"Who are you?" Angel demanded. "This is none of your business." 
 
Spike's nostrils flared, and his pupil's dilated. He was using all his 
control, just to keep from pummeling the man standing before him. 
He'd known the moment he stepped off the elevator and saw the two 
of them together, that this was Angel. "My place. My business." Spike 
spoke through gritted teeth. 
 
Angel's eyes narrowed as he stared at the two people before him. "So 
you're William Giles?" Angel's gaze swept up and down Spike's body 
his expression clearly stating that he found Spike lacking. "Is this 
what you're staying for?" He gestured toward the fuming brit. "Don't 
kid yourself Buffy. If you think for one minute that this guy wants 
anything more than a quick fuck, and the chance to win his money 
back from you, your dumber than I thought." 
 
Buffy couldn't help cringe at his words. Mostly because they were 
closer to the truth than she wanted him to know. But she didn't have 
time to dwell on Angel's cruelty. Will was struggling to get loose from 
her grip, and she couldn't allow that to happen. "Will!" She called to 
him until he stopped struggling in her arms. "Let it go." 
 
Just as she was getting Will to calm down, she caught movement out 
of the corner of her eye. Angel's fist was poised to punch and as his 
hand shot forward Buffy reacted. She spun in a half circle to the left, 
her right arm reached out to grasp his wrist. On contact, she 
tightened her hand until Angel's fist was forced open. Then she twist 
up, spinning the half circle back, until she'd forced Angel onto his 
knees. As soon as he fell to the floor, Buffy took several steps forward 
causing Angel to turn and land on his stomach, with his arm pinned 
backward. 
 
"You never did come by the studio to watch any of my classes Angel." 
Buffy whispered sweetly. "Maybe you should have. You might've 
learned something." She twisted his arm a bit for emphasis. 
 
Angel whimpered. 
 
"Now, I'm going to stand up and step away from you. You are going to 
get up, and leave. And you're never coming back. Do you understand 
me?" Buffy spoke slowly, as if to a child. 
 
When Angel nodded, Buffy released him and stepped away. She 
eyed him warily as he stood, rubbing at his wrist and shoulder. "If you 
mention my name to the press, I'll have you in court so fast your head 
will be spinning." He tried to sound menacing, but Buffy thought he 
only sounded pathetic. 
 
"Don't worry Angel. I have a feeling that after today, I'll never mention 
your name ever again." Buffy watched sadly as Angel walked away. 
She almost couldn't believe that she had allowed Angel to intimidate 
her for so long. She shook her head at her own folly. 
 
"That was quite impressive luv." Buffy started at Will's voice. She had 
forgotten that she hadn't been alone. 
 
"Thank you." She answered curtly. 
 
Spike watched as Buffy began to make her way back toward the 
elevator bays. He followed quickly, not wanting to allow her to get 
away from him again. 
 
The further Buffy walked from the scene, the more reaction set in. 
Now that it was all over, her body was finally registering the tension 
and shock. She could feel her body begin to tremble, and tried to hide 
the fact from Will. But she wasn't able to fool him. 
 
"Come on luv. Let's get you back upstairs." Spike tried to take her 
elbow, but she shrugged him off. 
 
"I can get there just fine on my own, thank you." 
 
"Buffy! This is ridiculous. You're shaking, I'm not going to let you go 
up by yourself." Spike was exasperated. "I've already apologized for 
the other day. What more do you want?" 
 
"Nothing! I don't want anything form you Will!" Buffy answered, her 
shaking becoming more pronounced. 
 
"So, you're just going to stay mad at me?" 
 
"I don't normally hold grudges." 
 
"But you're making an exception for me?" Will asked. 
 
Buffy only shrugged and continued toward the elevator. "Buffy, you 
only have two choices here." He turned her until they were facing one 
another. "You can forgive me, and let me help you up to your suite. 
Or you can stay mad and let me chase down that bastard of an ex so 
that I can take my frustrations out on him." 
 
"You wouldn't!" Spike only arched an eyebrow in answer. 
 
Buffy sighed. He would. "Fine. You can help me upstairs." 
 
Spike smiled taking Buffy's elbow and drawing her near. He wrapped 
a protective arm around her waist, and led her through the elevator 
doors and up to her suite. 

***

Chapter 12 - Giving In (R)

Spike lead Buffy into the suite with his hand at the small of her back.  
The door snicked shut behind them, the sound echoing through the 
silent room.  Buffy hadn't spoken a word since they'd gotten into the 
elevator; Spike waited.

Buffy stood in the middle of the room her arms hugging her waist.  
She was still shivering, though she tried hard to mask her reaction.  
She knew Will wouldn't leave her until he knew she was back under 
control.  But she couldn't face him now.  Her emotions were too raw.  
She was too vulnerable.  So instead she walked toward the wall of 
windows and looked down onto the Vegas night.

"Thank you for walking me up.  You don't have to stay."  

Spike was beside her in a moment, his hands coming up to rub up 
and down her arms.  "You're still trembling."

Buffy continued to stare out the window, willing herself not to react to 
his touch.  "It's just the shock wearing off.  A reaction to the fear."

"Why did you go down alone if you were afraid?"

"I had to."

"You didn't have to do it alone."  

"Yes.  I did."  Buffy turned toward him now, unwilling, or unable to 
resist the pull any longer.  "I had to know that I could do it on my own.  
That I could face him once and for all."

They stood together for a silent moment.  Each trying to read the 
other, their eyes boring into one another.  Buffy looked away first.  "I 
have to admit though...when I felt you walk up behind me, I knew."  
She looked up once more into Will's steely blue eyes.  "I knew that 
everything would be okay."  

Spike's heart was thundering in his chest.  He could feel his blood 
pumping furiously through his body.  The knowledge that Buffy felt 
safe because of him thrilled him more than he cared to admit.  
Leaning forward he placed a light kiss on the crown of her head.  She 
sighed and gave in to the need to enter his embrace.

After a few minutes, Buffy pulled away enough to look into Will's face 
once more.  "Angel thought we we're lovers."

"Buffy, luv.  I'm so - " Buffy placed a slim finger on his lips to stall his 
apology.

"I'm glad."  Her finger traced the outline of his mouth before she 
removed it.  She gave him a soft smile before continuing.  "He must 
be furious.  I never let him touch me."  Buffy blushed at having 
reminded Will of her own inexperience.

Before she could look away Spike cupped Buffy's face in both his 
hands.  "I'm glad luv."  Then he leaned forward and pressed his lips to 
hers.  

Spike reeled as the constant ache he'd been carrying around burst 
into flame.  Without conscious thought he changed the angle of their 
mouths and deepened the kiss.  His tongue leapt forward to explore 
her mouth once more, stopping to memorize every spot that caused 
Buffy to moan or sigh in pleasure.

While his mouth was busy with hers, his hands came up to roam 
across Buffy's body.  He studied the curve of her back, before letting 
himself experience her feminine contours.  His fingers danced lightly 
over the front of her cotton shirt, until they reached the hard nubs that 
tipped her breasts.  Rubbing the cotton roughly against her sensitized 
peaks, Spike's own body throbbed in response when Buffy let out a 
deep husky groan.  

It was going too far, too fast.  Spike berated himself for letting things 
get out of control once again.  He tried to pull away, willed himself to 
distance their bodies.  But Buffy's hands came up to wrap themselves 
around him, and he was lost.

"Please…" Buffy murmured.  "Will please.  Touch me."  She knew he 
wanted to pull away.  To leave her aching and wanting and alone.  

"Buffy."  Her name was a groan; he buried his nose in her hair and 
drank deep of her scent.  "Touching won't be enough."  He tried to 
warn her.

"I don't care.  You can have it all."  She drew him close, letting her lips 
linger just a breath away from his.  "Make love with me."

The request was more than Spike could take.  He was already 
painfully hard, and to hear his own need reflected back at him was 
too much.  He crushed his mouth to hers, and lifted her into his arms.  
Hurriedly he carried her to the bed and placed her gently on the silk 
sheets.  When he stood to divest himself of his clothing he took a 
moment to study the woman lying in wait for him.  

She was beautiful.  He hadn't bothered to turn the lamp light on, but 
the moonlight spilling through the window framed her in an 
incandescent glow.  Her lips were swollen and her eyes were dark 
with passion.  But that wasn't all that Spike saw.  He saw the 
vulnerability, and the slight taint of fear.  This would be her first.  He 
would be her first.

"I won't hurt you."  

"I know."  She had undressed slowly, while he watched.  Her creamy 
skin revealed inch by inch to his hungry eyes.  She was nervous, but 
her body trembled from passion not anxiety.  She wanted to feel him.  
She wanted to study his body with her hands, and let his explore her 
own.

For a moment Spike found himself unable to move.  Buffy lay on the 
bed, her hair framing her pixie face, swathed in only the thin fabric of 
lace that covered her womanhood.  His breath caught at the look of 
desire she directed toward him.  A look he knew she had never 
shared with another.

He crossed to her to sit lightly on the edge of the bed.  Slowly, almost 
reverently, he let his hands slide over her delicate skin.  Delighting 
whenever her body arched to meet his soft touch.  For the next few 
minutes he studied her, filing away each response for their next 
lovemaking.  For he knew that once he had her, he wouldn't be able 
to stop.  Spike paused in his heady exploration long enough to lean 
forward and kiss her.  It had only been a few minutes, but he'd felt like 
they hadn't kissed in hours.  And he needed it.  Needed her again.  

Buffy's whole body was on fire.  She'd never felt so alive, so full of 
energy before.  Every touch he gave her had her craving for more.  
Every time he drew away she cried out for fear he would not return.  
As they kissed, her hands came up to touch him for the first time.  
And a wave of pure heat shot through her at the deep groan that 
escaped his lips on contact.  

'Slowly.  Gently,' Spike had to tell himself.  Her responses were 
unbearably arousing.  She had no barriers, no preconceived ideas of 
how she should react.  She was pure instinct.  Pure wanton need and 
desire.  And he reveled in it.

"Will.  I - oooh!"  Words dissolved as she felt him take one impossibly 
hard nipple into his mouth.  Her body arched off the bed, trying to 
capture even more of the incredible sensation.  Spike suckled her 
until she was mewling.  Then, as gently as possible, he bit down.  
Taking her sensitive peak between his teeth and pulling.  Buffy cried 
out as she felt another gush of moist heat spear her between the 
legs.

"Easy luv."  He gentled her with his hands, and then followed with 
sweet kisses up and down her body.  Spike wasn't sure if he was 
trying to calm her or himself.  Her responses were driving him almost 
mad with need.  He felt his control slipping away.

He let his hands wander until he reached the silky lace she still wore.  
He looked up into Buffy's face searching for any signs of fear or 
worry.  He saw none, but wanted to be sure.  "We can still stop luv.  
I'll stop if you ask."  Buffy's eyes fluttered open, and focused on 
Spike's.  She felt something in her burst open at the look she saw 
there, and at the thought that he would give up this loving for her 
sake.  Even when the evidence of his needs was hard and throbbing 
against her.  Spike watched her with a sinking heart.  She hadn't 
answered and he was almost afraid that that was answer enough.  
But at this point, he wasn’t above begging, and so he did.  His head 
came down to nuzzle her neck.  "Please luv."  His words were 
strained with the need to keep control.  "Don't ask."

Buffy's hands came up to frame Will's face, and pull it toward her 
own.  She kissed him, long and thorough and wet.  And when they 
drew away, she met his gaze with a longing look of her own.  "Love 
me, Will."

Spike moaned softly in relief, and let his hands continue their earlier 
exploration.  His finger dipped below the swatch of lace.  A growl 
erupted from his throat as he encountered her wet center.  He barely 
controlled the urge to rip the panties off her and plunge himself inside.  
Instead he let his fingers touch.  Felt her body tense.  He built her up 
and pushed her over the edge, until she was screaming his name.  

"Oh god!  Will, I never…I can't…what - Will!"  And then she was 
falling.

When she swam back up to coherency, Will was there.  Kissing her 
gently, running cool hands over her hot body.  "Okay luv?"

"Okay?  I've never felt anything like it!"  Buffy graced him with one of 
her blinding smiles.  Spike felt his heart stop for just a second.  And 
then he was kissing her again.  Again he let his hands wander, this 
time he built her up until she was teetering over the edge but refused 
to push her over.  

"Hold on luv."  He whispered just before he pushed himself into her.  
She was moaning and arching, and begging when he finally slid 
inside her.  The pain hit her unawares.  It mixed with the pleasure 
until she wasn't sure exactly what she was feeling.  She only knew 
she wanted more.

Spike was in awe.  He'd loved many women before, but he'd never 
felt like this.  This tumbling free fall of desire, of want, of need.  Slowly 
he began to move.  Letting each moan, sigh, and groan guide him.  
They thrust together leisurely until neither could take anymore.  Spike 
increased the pace, wondering at the feeling of Buffy beneath him, 
surrounding him.  And this time they rushed toward the edge 
together, plunging over it with hands held.

***

Chapter 13 - Pillow Talk

Buffy woke slowly, her eyes fluttering open and her mouth breathing 
out a small sigh of contentment.  Turning she snuggled closer to Will.  
When he shifted to move away from her, she tightened her grip on 
him.  "Where are you going?"

Spike leaned down and planted a firm kiss on the top of Buffy'shead.  
"I don't want to crush you.  You're so small."  He realized when he 
awoke that he was more than half on top of her.  

"I'm not that small!  I can take you in a fair fight any day mister!"  Buffy 
teased, keeping her arms wrapped around him.

Spike chuckled, shifting without losing contact, just enough to take 
most of his weight off her.  "I don't doubt that luv.  Not after what I saw 
yesterday."  This time he kissed her more intimately, their lips gently 
swiping across each other.  "My mum said you gave her a 
demonstration.  Are you going to show me what else you can do?"

"If you like."  Buffy answered, turning so that she could grin up at him.

For a moment they just looked at each other.  Buffy could feel her 
heart beating in her chest.  Slowly she brought her hand up to cup his 
cheek, and leaned forward to press a chaste kiss on his lips.  When 
she pulled away, her eyes were downcast, and her cheeks were rosy.  
"C-can I ask you something?"  She cursed her stutter.

Spike's eyes narrowed into wary slits.  He knew what she was going 
to ask, and wasn't ready for the question.  How was he to know where 
this was leading, when he couldn't even pinpoint his own feelings?  
"Question?"

Buffy continued to look away, anywhere but at Will.  "Uhm…" She bit 
her bottom lip and chewed roughly.  "I know this is probably cliché, 
and you probably think I'm silly…but I just have to know."  Now she 
did look up to meet his gaze, but her face was still flushed and her 
lashes fluttered.

"Was it…I…was I okay?"  

Spike felt a twisting in his chest as he drew her near.  "Buffy, luv."  He 
held her there in his embrace, her head resting on his shoulder while 
he gathered his words.  How could she not know?  "You were 
wonderful.  It was beautiful.  Thank you for letting me be your first."

'My first.  My only.'  Buffy thought, but knew Will didn't want to hear 
those words from her just yet.  She sighed and burrowed deeper into 
his arms.  It had been wonderful.  At least for her, although it could 
have something to do with the fact that she'd already fallen in love 
with him.  She'd known it that day in her room, when he'd come up to 
apologize and ended up kissing her breathless.  

"Thank you, Will; for making it so special.  I can't even describe how I 
felt, how *you* made me feel.  I thought I could."  She turned slightly 
to place a kiss on his chest.  "I thought I'd be able to remember every 
detail, every step.  But I can't.  Everything's jumbled.  I couldn't think 
last night; I could only feel.  I felt you, and you swept me away."  She 
sighed again, the puff of air tickling Spike's cool skin.

"I'm glad luv.  That's as it should be."  Spike's hands began a leisurely 
journey up and down Buffy's spine, making her skin tingle.

"Hmmm?"  Buffy tried to pay attention.

Spike's mouth descended to play with the short hairs at the nape of 
her neck.  His tongue peeking out to taste here and there.

"I can't think when you do that."  Buffy complained.

"Thinking is overrated luv."  Spike answered without pausing his 
ministrations.  He thrust his hips forward, letting her know what her 
earlier speech had wrought.

She groaned at the feeling of his hardness against her, and echoed it 
with her own moist reaction.  Spike's hand reached down to 
encounter wet heat, his throat emitting a low growl.  "So ready for me 
luv."  He slathered open mouthed kisses up and down her throat.  He 
reversed their positions so that she was beneath him his erection 
nestled comfortably in the vee of her legs.

At the touch of their groins together, Buffy arched up searching for 
more contact.  Her breasts only inches from Spike's lips, he tasted 
her. Eliciting a strangled groan when his mouth wrapped around her 
hard nipple, he laved the sensitive flesh with his tongue.  Unable to 
control himself, he bit down then drew the tip of his tongue over the 
captured nub.

Buffy moaned her hands coming around to cup Will's bottom.  She 
pulled him forward, with a whispered plea.  "Will, now.  Please!"

He entered her, the heat wrapping itself around his turgid flesh.  He 
buried his face in her neck, breathing in her scent and tasting the thin 
sheen of sweat covering her skin.  They moved together, until he felt 
her reach her peak.  Her walls fluttering around him.  "Buffy!" The 
name was ripped from him.  And then he was following her into 
oblivion.

***

Buffy closed the door behind Will, as he stepped out to return to his 
own suite.  They would be seeing each other again in only a few short 
hours having made plans for dinner and a night out.  

Dazed, she sat on the small couch in the main room, her eyes darting 
around unfocused.  They had made love.  Will had made love with 
her.  And for her it was love, but what of him?  She knew that he 
enjoyed sleeping with her.  But was that all it was to him?  

A determined look swept across Buffy's face, unbeknownst to an 
unsuspecting Will.  And so what if it was only sex to him?  He cared 
for her, at least a little.  And maybe, if she played her cards right she 
could change that.  Maybe it wasn't too much to hope that he could 
love her one day.  It was a gamble she knew.  One with a large stake.  
But what the hell?  She was on a winning streak.

***

Chapter 14 - A Night on the Town

Buffy was standing in the lobby wearing a new emerald green dress 
she'd picked up while shopping with Joyce the other day.  It was held 
together with thin spaghetti straps, but came with a glittery jacket that 
Buffy now wore.  She was humming softly as she swept her eyes 
across the room looking for Will.

"Well, good evening Buffy!"  Joyce greeted her.  "Haven't seen you 
outside of your room for a few days."  Joyce took in Buffy's 
appearance, the new dress, the makeup, and the elegant upsweep of 
her hair.  "Are you celebrating something?"

Buffy blushed.  She couldn't very well tell Joyce what had happened 
between William and her.  "Uhm…just waiting for Will.  He promised 
to take me out tonight."

Joyce noticed the stain to Buffy's cheeks but did not comment on it.  
Inwardly she smiled.  "Oh?  Where are you two heading?"

"Sorry to say mum, but there's more to Vegas than just the Crypt," 
Spike came up wrapping his arms around Buffy's waist as he 
answered his mother's question.  "Hello luv," he dropped a quick kiss 
on Buffy's head.  "You look beautiful."

The blush darkened as Buffy ducked her head shyly.  "Thank you."

Joyce watched the couple's interaction with interest.  It was obvious 
that something had shifted in the relationship.  She bit her tongue to 
keep from voicing her thoughts on *what* exactly had shifted.  

"Shall we go luv?"  Spike asked, releasing Buffy's waist to take hold 
of her hand.  He nodded farewell to his mum on the way out.  

"Have fun you two!"  Joyce called after them.  She couldn't wait to 
meet Rupert for dinner and let him know of the latest developments.

***

They were standing in front of the Stratosphere Hotel where the 
larger than life signs of the tower attractions were brightly lit for 
display.  "You said you wanted some excitement…" Spike let his 
voice trail off, but let her see the challenge in his eyes. 

"Uhm…" Buffy chewed her lip nervously.  She'd seen the challenge 
and wasn't about to back down.  "Okay."

So far Buffy had been amazed at the things they'd seen.  Since she'd 
arrived in Vegas she'd basically confined herself to the Crypt.  Will 
was showing her all the amazing things there were to see in Vegas.  
He'd started with downtown where all the lights had been strewn and 
there had even been street performers!  Now they were headed for 
the ride of their lives at the top of the Stratosphere Hotel!

They got into a car together, Buffy shooting nervous glances around 
her.  "Are you sure this is safe?"

Spike chuckled, and winked at her.  "Almost everybody who gets on 
gets off again.  The odds are good."  

"I've never been on a roller coaster before."  Buffy explained.

"I know luv.  Just another first you let me share with you."  This 
comment was accompanied by the clasp of his hand to hers.  Lifting 
it, Spike kissed the palm.  "Thank you."

When the car started to move Spike kept her hand in his.  Buffy 
buried her face in his shoulder, anxious for the first drop.  Spike 
turned to watch her, waiting for the right moment.  The car was still 
climbing the first hill when Spike reached over and placed his free 
hand on Buffy's cheek.  She looked up at him a question in her eyes.  
"I want to kiss you," he stated quietly.

"Alright," Buffy's look was slightly dazed, her cheeks flushed from the 
excitement, "but you could have done *that* on the ground."

She moved toward him, but Spike halted her press forward.  "Not 
yet," and then he waited.

Buffy forgot where they were, staring into Will's endless eyes.  The 
clickety-clack of the car moving up the track wasn't able to distract 
her.  A brief flash of fear stabbed with excitement curled in her 
stomach when she felt the first gentle tug of gravity as they crested 
the top of the hill.  And at that moment, Spike struck, his lips clashing 
down onto hers.

Buffy reeled at the sensations.  Her stomach was dropping left and 
right, as Spike explored her mouth with intensity.  The exhilaration of 
the ride, coupled with the feelings Will was stirring in her left Buffy 
breathless.

Spike plundered her.  He'd wanted to do this almost since the 
moment they met.  He'd wanted her.  With each twist and turn she 
clung to him, the waves of fear and arousal washing over him with 
force.  Yes, he'd wanted this.  Wanted her complete surrender.  And 
she gave it to him.

The car pulled to a stop and Spike pulled away from her.  "God!"   
The word exploded out of her mouth.  "That was incredible."  Her grin 
was brilliant, lighting her whole face.  "Can we do it again?"

"Oh yeah," was Spike's only reply.

***

They walked along the street together, hand in hand.  "That was 
amazing!  But I don't think I'll be able to walk straight for hours!"  She 
grinned up at him.

"That was all part of my evil plan," Spike smirked.  "Now you'll just 
have to lean on me."  His arm wound it's way around her waist, 
holding her close.

They walked for a few minutes in companionable silence until Spike 
asked, "Well what would you like to do now luv?"

Buffy look up at him with impish eyes.  "Well…I've never seen an 
exotic dancer…" She quirked an eyebrow at him.

"And what else would you like to do?"  

"Oh Will!  I just wonder what it would be like, you know?  Those 
women dancing around those poles…" She batted her eyes at him.

"No."  He shook his head in grim determination.  "I'm not taking you to 
a strip club."

Fifteen minutes later they found themselves standing in front of the 
Gentleman's Club.  Spike was still shaking his head.  "Ten minutes.  
And you will not talk while we are in there."  Buffy flashed him another 
smile before walking in.

***

They strolled into Spike's office Buffy talking a mile a minute.  "They 
were so flexible!  And the muscle control…they must practice 
extensively to be able to do that with those poles."

"I still can't believe I let you talk me into taking you there."

"Who would've thought it?"  Buffy asked as she took a seat in one of 
his leather chairs.

"Not me."  Spike shook his head at her.

"No.  I mean, who would've thought that beneath all that ruggedly 
suave exterior William Spike Giles was really an old fuddy-duddy."

"Fuddy-duddy?"  Spike's scarred eyebrow was lifted almost to his 
hairline.  He wasn't sure whether he should be amused or insulted.  
"Anyone who uses the expression fuddy-duddy automatically 
assumes fuddy-duddy status."

Buffy frowned at him.  "I've never heard that."

"I'm sure it's written down somewhere."  Spike assured her, stepping 
over to his mini-fridge he pulled out a bottle of champagne and two 
glasses.  "Champagne luv?"

"There's always room for champagne."  Buffy laughed.  "I can't 
believe I can say that.  It's like one big dream."  She took the glass 
from him, kissing him on the cheek in the process.  "Thank you.  This 
has been the most incredibly day of my life.  And I've had some pretty 
incredible days since arriving here."

"Here's to making sure they only get better from here."  Spike tinkled 
their glasses together for the toast, then turned toward his monitors 
automatically sweeping for any trouble there.

"What do you look for when you watch those?"  Buffy asked curiously.

"Different things.  Trouble, scams, tells."

"Tells?"

"Everybody has them.  Little gestures, nervous habits.  Like the way 
you chew your bottom lip when you're worried or upset."  He turned to 
her, staring at said bottom lip.

"Oh.  Or the way you clench you flatten your palms against your pants 
when you're frustrated, so you don't end up punching someone?"  
She asked.

Spike's brow raised again.  "That's good."  He was impressed. 

"What do you do if you catch someone cheating?" 

"Show them the door," Spike explained.

"That's it?"

"They don't walk out with our money," Spike's voice had gone cold.

"I bet they don't," Buffy murmured.

"We try to keep things as clean as possible.  The cameras, the pit 
bosses they help keep things honest.  But to be honest the house 
always has the upper hand.  It's not hard to win here, but odds are 
you won't keep it for long."

"Because you want to keep playing?"

"And the longer you play, the more chance you'll lose."

"But it's worth it.  If you play and enjoy yourself, it's worth it whether 
you lose or not.  As long as it's made you happy," Buffy answered.

"As long as you know what you're risking.  As long as you can afford 
to lose your bet."  Spike's words were an echo of the ones he'd said 
days ago.  And Buffy knew they were no longer talking about the 
table games.

"But that's just part of the draw.  The danger that you might lose 
balances out the thrill of winning."  Buffy sighed as he drew closer.  
"And once you've got a taste for it, you just keep coming back for 
more." They were closer now, standing only inches apart. 

"And why stop at just a taste?"  Spike's hands came up to Buffy's 
shoulders.  "Take off your jacket."

"But we're in your office," Buffy protested weakly.

The smile he gave her was predatory and dangerous.  Buffy 
shuddered.  "I wanted you here, that first day you walked in.  And now 
I'll have you here.  Take of your jacket."

The jacket fell lifeless to the ground, leaving the skin of Buffy's arms 
pimpled in goose flesh.  When she realized that she was chewing her 
bottom lip, she stopped and grinned sheepishly at him.

Spike's smile was still there, his eyes flashing sparks of ice.  "I like 
knowing I make you a littler nervous.  That you're a little afraid, but 
that you'll melt when I touch you."  He moved even closer, his lips 
ghosting of her newly revealed skin.  His hands came up to release in 
the pins in her hair, before moving over the silky material of her dress.  
"What have you got under there Buffy?"

"Hardly anything."  She gulped slightly, thinking of the small scrap of 
material she had on underneath.

Spike's body shuddered at the thought, his mouth crashing onto hers 
to take her in a fierce kiss.  When he pulled away he was breathing 
harshly his eyes were dilated and his skin flushed with arousal.  "I 
don't think I can be gentle this time Buffy.  Will you risk it?"

Unable to speak, she only nodded.  And then he was upon her.  His 
hands sifted through her loosened hair, his mouth wandered over her 
heated skin.  He pulled her down until they were both on the floor, 
desperately he reached to undo her dress, letting the sheer material 
fall.

Buffy's own hands were busy, pulling at the dinner jacket Will wore, 
and then working on the button to his trousers.  Soon they were both 
gloriously naked.  The feeling that they were doing something 
naughty, being together here, on the floor in his office made Buffy's 
whole body sing with passion.

He kissed and nipped whatever skin was exposed to him.  Whatever 
he could get his lips on, his hands to touch.  Buffy was mewling and 
writing beneath him.  Her whole body relaxed, taut only with desire 
and heat.  Her head lolled back as she gave in to the sensations.  
Spike automatically cushioned her neck with his hand, bringing her 
back up so that he could plunder her mouth.  "Stay with me."  He 
whispered to her mesmerized form.  And then he was kissing her 
again.

Buffy felt Will reverse their positions, so that he was laying on the 
floor beneath her.  He pulled at her until she was above him 
straddling him with her lithe body.  "Take what you want."  He 
demanded, and then he was guiding her toward him.  She lowered 
herself slowly feeling every inch enter her quivering form.  She felt an 
incredible sweep of power at the fact that she could control their 
lovemaking.  That he had given that to her.  

They thrust together.  Spike's hands wandered from her breasts to 
her hips and back again, seemingly unable to stay still.  She felt as 
his grip tightened, as he struggled for control, waiting, waiting until 
she was ready.  When her climax hit she cried out, her back bowed 
and she nearly collapsed on top of him.  Before she could, he'd rolled 
them over.  He thrust himself into her, losing all control.  He plunged 
into her body, his blood pumping furiously, his heart pounding.  
Finally he found his release pouring himself into her, his body, his 
mind, his soul.  

***

Chapter 15 - An Unexpected Phone Call

Buffy was busy rearranging the furniture in her suite when her phone 
rang.  She had just placed the comfy couch back in its original 
position perpendicular to the bar when she heard the shrill cry.  
Smiling she reached for the receiver hoping it would be Spike on the 
other end. 
 
"Hello?"  Her voice was a bit breathless from her earlier exertions, but 
the smile she sported was clear in her greeting. 
 
"What's got you so worked up girl?" The voice on the other end 
boomed. 
 
Buffy's smiled widened. "Mr. Giles!" She got comfortable on the 
couch, settling down Indian style before continuing, "how are you?" 
 
"Fine lass, fine! And what have you been up to?" The voice sounded 
slightly amused. 
 
"Oh!" Buffy colored wondering at the tone of Giles' voice. "Just 
moving some furniture." 
 
"Aye. And is my grandson there helping you 'move furniture'?" Giles 
was definitely hinting at something. Buffy's blush deepened. 
 
"No. He's working, probably in his office. Were you looking for him?" 
 
"No lass, I was calling for you. Just thought I'd ask after him is all. 
Never know what's happening with that infernal boy, always too busy 
to call his grandmum. She worries you know," Giles tried to insist. 
Buffy just grinned, having heard this lament several times during 
Giles' stay at the hotel. 
 
"What were you calling to speak with me about?" Buffy asked after a 
moment. 
 
"Oh," Giles' tone was solemn.  "I thought I ought to let you know I lost 
everything in a leverage buyout." 
 
"Everything?" The word was a whisper. 
 
"Yes. I'm sorry." 
 
Buffy couldn't breathe. And then she was breathing too much. She sat 
abruptly hoping to lessen the fall if she ended up fainting. 
 
"Buffy! Buffy!" She heard Giles calling her name from far away. "I was 
just joking child." He was chuckling loudly. 
 
"Joking?" It seemed all she could do was parrot his words. 
 
"Yes. Actually I called to let you know we've made some money. Or I 
should say you've made some money. You should go out and buy 
yourself something pretty." She could hear him smiling through the 
phone. 
 
"You've made money? Already?" Buffy's voice was still faint just 
barely above a whisper. 
 
"Yes, nothing big just a quick fifty. We're just getting our feet wet." 
Giles answered. 
 
"Oh." She should be happy but she felt slightly disappointed. "Well, I 
can get a nice pair of earrings for $50 dollars - " she began but was 
quickly cut-off. 
 
"Fifty thousand!" The voice was once again roaring with mirth. 
 
"Oh." 
 
"Oh indeed. Goodness lass, you sound the same when you've made 
money as you do when you think you've lost it!" He chuckled again. 
"That shows a strong constitution. Shows a lot of mettle, a lot of 
nerve." 
 
"I don't know about the mettle. But I definitely feel a lot of nerves." 
Buffy answered, rubbing at the butterflies in her stomach. 
 
"You've got those aplenty that's for sure!" She could tell he was 
smiling again. "Now go out and get yourself a nice trinket." 
 
"Yes sir!" She answered smartly. Before he could hang up Buffy 
steeled herself to ask, "Giles?" 
 
"Yes lass?" 
 
"Spike said.well…he said that you might have been trying to…" She 
chewed at her bottom lip absently. "He said that you thought I might 
suit him. You know…and that he was afraid you might be putting 
ideas in my head..." 
 
"What?" Giles voice was full of innocent rebuke. "When have I ever 
tried to interfere? Have I said anything to you lass? Have I tried to 
push you his way? No! I was just enjoying a pleasant visit with my 
grandson and this is what I get?" 
 
"No…that is...I'm sorry." Buffy was chagrined. "I didn't meant to cause 
any trouble. Of course you wouldn't think that, I mean...I'm just...I..." 
 
"Now you stop that young lady! Of course you'd suit him! I was just 
saying that I'm not the type of busybody to interfere in something like 
that! Wherever do these children get their ideas?" 
 
The corners of Buffy's mouth lifted slightly. "So you do think, maybe 
we might be a match for each other?" She asked tentatively. 
 
"I think you'd suit each other just fine." Giles voice turned 
conspiratorial, "are you setting your sights on my boy?" 
 
Buffy blushed once more. "I…well...yes." 
 
"Good!" 
 
"I…" Buffy hesitated only a moment. "I think I might already be in love 
with him." 
 
Giles gave a silent whoop at her quiet statement. "Well lass, the boy 
would be stupid to turn a woman like you away. And Giles men are 
definitely not stupid." 
 
"Thank you Giles." Buffy felt buoyed by the encouragement. 
 
"You're welcome Buffy. Now go out and treat yourself to something 
beautiful." 
 
"I will." She was grinning again. "I will." 
 
*** 
 
Buffy was bouncing with excitement. When she'd left her suite earlier 
she'd decided that she didn't need anymore jewelry or new dresses, 
but there was something she was sorely in need of, a new studio. 
 
She'd found the perfect location. And the perfect place. It used to be 
an old furniture warehouse store. Not too big, but just the right size. 
She'd have to renovate a few things; rewire the lighting, put in a few 
mirrors, and clear out a lot of junk. But those were all things that 
would just make the place that much more hers. 
 
At first she wanted to tell Spike right away, she'd almost gone straight 
up to his office when she'd gotten back, but then she thought better of 
it. The place wasn't hers yet, she still had to put in a bid and she 
wouldn't know for sure if it had been accepted for at least a few days. 
So she decided to wait until everything was official before she broke 
the news. 
 
When the elevator dinged alerting her that she had reached her floor, 
she stepped out with a skip. She let out a yelp when she felt strong 
hands grab hold of her. With practiced grace she stepped back using 
her assailant's own momentum to knock him off balance. Pivoting 
sideways she grabbed hold of the wrist closest to her, only then 
realizing who it was that had a hold of her. 
 
"Where 'ave you been?" She noticed how Will's accent grew thicker 
when he was upset, though why he should be upset was a puzzle to 
her. 
 
"I went exploring. I wanted to see the town." She answered, stepping 
further back and away from his grabbing hands. She had a feeling 
that if he still had hold of her he'd be shaking her back and forth 
roughly. 
 
Spike took a few moments to calm himself. He'd grown slightly 
panicked when he'd come looking for her and hadn't been able to find 
her anywhere in the hotel. He almost couldn't admit the depth of his 
relief when he'd seen her step off the elevator. 
 
"You should have told me you wanted to go out, I would have taken 
you." He tried to steady his breathing. Why should he react so 
intensely? 
 
"I knew you were busy." 
 
"Not too busy." His hand was up cupping her cheek and warming it. 
He stared into her eyes for a moment before leaning down and 
pressing their lips together. He nibbled at her bottom lip causing it to 
redden and puff before pulling away. "In fact my parents have kicked 
me out for the night. They told me to go out and relax for a bit." He 
grabbed her hand and walked her back to her suite. "Why don't you 
go and get changed. We'll have a bite and go for that drive grandda 
wanted us to take." He kissed her cheek this time his hand lingered in 
hers as he stepped away. "I'll be back up in 30 minutes." And then he 
was walking away, stepping into the elevator, a smirk on his lips as 
the doors slid shut. 
 
Buffy closed her eyes, savoring the flavor of the intimate moment 
they'd just shared. Had he been worried about her? It was a small 
thing, but it made her heart soar. Maybe her hand wasn't as bad as 
she'd first feared. Maybe she actually stood a chance at taking the 
pot. If only he'd call her bet. 

*** 

Chapter 16 - A Date in the Desert

The air was warm and dry, the wind whipping Buffy's hair around her 
face. She inhaled deeply taking in the scents of the desert as they 
drove through the silent scenery, cacti and tumbleweeds speckling 
the area. The sky was just turning a dusky rose, the sun setting slowly 
in the West. 
 
She turned to study the man beside her. His face was set in an 
unreadable mask, though she could tell he enjoyed the drive through 
the relaxed state of his shoulders. His hair stood still, curled at the 
ends through sheer will of gel. She smiled at the thought. He wore a 
blood red t-shirt and black jeans, while a waist length black leather 
jacket graced his shoulders. In short he was beautiful, though she 
thought he'd probably balk at the word. She'd turned back to the 
desert, taking in the sights that whizzed by. 
 
Spike had felt her studying him and suppressed a tiny shiver. He felt 
as her eyes roamed his body and ached for her hands to follow. What 
was it about this woman? About Buffy? He couldn't seem to get 
enough of her and yet, he knew that one day, he wouldn't have any of 
her. He frowned at the thought. 
 
When he felt her gaze turn to the miles of sand and rock, he let his 
own eyes wander. She was beautiful tonight, as always. Instead of 
the short summer dresses she'd been wearing, she'd opted for a 
white cropped top and a pair of cut-offs. Her slim legs seemed to go 
on forever, while the small expanse of skin he caught at her 
midsection had him half hard already. 
 
Abruptly he took a turn off on the road, taking them deeper into the 
desert. "Where are we going?" Buffy asked for the fiftieth time since 
they began, "Why won't you tell me?" 
 
"I told you luv. It's a surprise. Can't really describe it anyway, doesn't 
have a name. Just a place I know. A place I go; to think, to relax." 
Spike tried to explain. He didn't know why he wanted to take her 
there. Only that he knew she would love it as much as he did. 
 
The car slowed to a halt, sand and gravel crunching beneath the 
stilled tires. Spike smiled when he heard Buffy's gasp. He somehow 
felt…lighter…knowing that he'd been right. That she'd have the same 
reaction to this place that he'd always had. 
 
"Like it luv?" He whispered into the stillness. 
 
"It's beautiful." 
 
They both stepped out of the car together. Spike came around to the 
passenger side to grab hold of Buffy's hand. Buffy was in an awe 
inspired shock. Before them was a deep chasm. The walls were 
rugged and chipped, and it looked almost like a mini-Grand Canyon. 
She'd never been, but had seen pictures of course. And just beyond 
the edge of the chasm was the brilliant orange glow of the sunset. 
 
Spike led Buffy to small outcropping of rock. "Wait here." And then he 
turned back toward the car. She was still standing by the rocks 
watching the setting sun when Spike returned with the blanket and 
picnic basket. He spread the blanket on the larger of the two rock 
formations, and placed the basket on the smaller. "A convenient 
dining table," he gestured flashing her a wicked grin. 
 
She sat on the offered blanket, folding her legs beneath her and 
waited for him to join her. He sat to her left then reached over to the 
picnic basket and began spreading out their fare. It wasn't much, just 
some French bread, cheese, assorted fruit and a nice white wine. But 
it somehow seemed right, just like sitting here on this rock with him 
felt right. Buffy couldn't remember every being more comfortable or 
feeling more serene. 
 
The rock they sat on was smooth and had a small dip in its center, 
almost as if it were made for reclining and relaxing. Buffy took full 
advantage and spread herself languidly. At her movement Spike 
turned his eyes boring into hers as she stretched out on the 
outcropping. Buffy felt her cheeks warm, the color rising at Spike's 
heated look. 
 
Spike felt as if he'd been caught in a trap. Mesmerized by her he 
could do nothing else but reach toward her and pull her in. His arm 
wrapped around her waist and brought their bodies together. His lips 
crashed onto hers, his tongue forcing her mouth open. Buffy's quiet 
murmurs speared him on, and he let himself give in to the passion 
surging through him. 
 
While his tongue explored the moist cavern of her mouth, he let his 
hands wander the curves of her body. His fingers whispered over her 
skin making her tingle and arch into the touch. He let his hand come 
up and dive beneath her top until he felt the hard peak of her breast. 
The thin silk covering only heightened his arousal. 
 
"Will." The name was only a breathless whisper. 
 
"Luv." He kissed her once, twice. "Buffy I need you." He thrust his 
erection against her hip. "God, how I want you!" His lips left hers to 
explore the nape of her neck. His tongue trailed down her smooth 
skin leaving goosebumps in its wake. 
 
Spike's head was spinning. How was it that every time they were 
alone together he lost control? What was it about her that sent him 
reeling? Did it matter? 
 
Desperate now he tugged at the buttons of her cut-offs. Lowering the 
offending garment as quickly as possible he cupped her mound 
feeling the moist heat even through her lacy underwear. "Are you 
ready for me luv?" He slipped the material off letting his hand rub the 
smooth flesh of her inner thigh on the way back up. 
 
"Yes Will. Always." Buffy's eyes were closed, heat poured off her in 
waves. She wanted to cry and laugh and scream all at once. She felt 
like she was free falling through the air, the sensations overwhelming 
her. Was this what they meant? Was this what falling in love felt like? 
 
Spike took a moment to study his lover. She lay in a passionate 
sprawl across the stone bed. Her eyes closed, her cheeks red, and 
her lips swollen. Her hair was a rumpled halo around her head 
making her look like some sort of debauched angel. He felt something 
sharp twist inside him and then there was no more time for looking, 
no more time for thinking. 
 
Spike's own clothes were quickly disposed of. And as he entered her 
he dipped his head down to feather light kisses all over her face. 
When he was finally buried inside her he whispered, "Open your eyes 
luv." When she complied he touched his forehead to hers and began 
a slow steady rhythm. 
 
They made love slow and sweet, their eyes never leaving each other. 
In hers Spike saw something that made his gut wrench and his pace 
quicken. What he saw tore through him like a knife. She was in love 
with him. There was no denying it. She wore it openly, whether she 
knew it or not. And at once he felt his own heart expand and contract 
almost painfully. 
 
His eyes closed briefly. There was no denying it. He would have to 
give her up now. She loved him, yes. But she wasn't ever really given 
a choice was she? She'd never been anywhere, known anyone 
besides Trader's Corners and her pathetic excuse for an ex-fiance. 
He couldn't keep her for himself. She didn't belong here. She 
deserved better. She deserved a chance to find all those things she'd 
never known before. 
 
These thoughts flitted through his head even as he increased his 
speed and flew toward his climax. He made sure to bring her with 
him, his hand snaking down to the vee between her legs. She cried 
out her release only seconds before his own. And though his body 
was sated and full Spike's soul was left aching and wanting. 
 
***

Chapter 17 - Just One More Night

Spike drove back through the desert his thoughts of Buffy and the 
night they'd shared. He'd never had such a rush of feeling overwhelm 
him during love making before, and he wasn't quite sure how to react 
to it. His first instinct was to deny it. 
 
After all, they had only just met. And even if he did have stronger 
feelings for her than he'd originally thought, there was still no way for 
him to reasonably give in to them. He had no right to keep her here, 
in Vegas, with him. She deserved the whole picture, the husband, the 
house, and the kids. What could he give her? A casino full of money 
hungry gamblers? No. He couldn't. He wouldn't. Even if she thought 
she was in love with him. 
 
He regretted ever touching her. Oh, not because he hadn't wanted to, 
or because he hadn't love every minute. But because it would only 
make it that much harder for him. He wanted her even now, only 
hours after they'd made love. Spike closed his eyes and sighed. Gods 
how he wanted her. 
 
Opening his eyes once more he stared at the long stretch of road 
ahead. He would have to give her up soon, he knew, but he wanted 
just a little more time, just one more night. He rubbed at his chest, an 
unfamiliar ache seeping through his skin. 
 
*** 
 
Buffy woke the next morning so full of joy she thought she'd burst. 
The night they'd spent in the desert could have been taken right from 
her dreams. The beauty of the land and the warmth of William's touch 
combined to make her whole body tingle and sigh. 
 
She hummed as she got herself ready for the day, smiling at her 
image in the mirror as she brushed out her hair. She could still feel 
Will's slender fingers combing through the strands as he kissed her 
last night. Closing her eyes, she sighed and let her love for him engulf 
her. Could he be falling in love with her too? She could only pray that 
he was. 
 
The things she saw in his eyes, and the gentle feel of his hands on 
her last night had to mean that he felt more than just physical 
attraction. She was naïve, she knew, but she couldn't imagine that he 
didn't care for her at least a little bit. And who knew if that caring could 
blossom in to love? 
 
Putting the finishing touches on her lip gloss, Buffy strolled out of her 
suite intent on spending the day enjoying life and the prospect of a 
new found love. 
 
*** 
 
'What am I doing?' Spike thought as the door to Buffy's suite swung 
open. He should end this now, before he got any deeper, but the 
moment he saw her he knew that he'd need at least this one night 
before he let her go. 
 
She stood before him dressed in a black velvet cocktail gown that 
came to just above her knees. It was sleeveless, but she had topped 
it off with a sheer black scarf that she'd wrapped around her neck 
twice yet still hung down to brush against her calves. She spun for his 
approval and Spike was unable to keep his eyes from devouring her. 
 
She'd left her hair loose, but had curled it to give it some body. It 
framed her face in a soft halo that bounced as she spun. The soft 
colors she'd chosen for her makeup only accentuated the natural 
beauty she bore. 
 
Spike caught his breath. He felt himself grow hard at the sight of her. 
Growling he entered her room, shutting the door with a snap of his 
wrist. "Buffy," he groaned at as he reached for her. 
 
He kissed her hard, feeling desperate for want of her. In the back of 
his mind the thought that this would be their last night together drove 
him. "Let's not go out," he whispered between kisses. "I want to make 
love to you," his mouth trailed wetly down her throat. "I *need* to 
make love to you," his voice was filled with the urgency that drove 
him. 
 
"Yes, Will. Yes." She whispered back, letting him explore her body. 
 
He lifted her gently, cradling her slim body in his arms. Swiftly he 
carried her to the bedroom, laying her down on the silk sheets. He 
stood back and drank her in. Her mouth already swollen from his 
kisses, her eyes dazed with desire for him. 
 
Slowly he returned to her, his hands steeling out to undo the zip on 
the back of her dress. He lifted her to her knees, sliding the dress 
down her body, leaving her in nothing but a lacy black thong and her 
calf length scarf. His body twitched at the thought that she hadn't 
been wearing a bra and at the sight of her nearly nude form. 
 
He moved forward and took one of her hardened nipples in his 
mouth, suckling it gently. He teased her puckered flesh with his teeth 
and tongue, until she moaned and swayed toward him, her hands 
reaching up to grasp his head. 
 
The moment her fingers touched his scalp he lost control. Tearing his 
mouth away from her, his hand reached down and grasped the elastic 
band of her panties. Pulling hard he ripped the material from her 
body, leaving her shuddering and gasping at his aggressiveness. 
 
She kneeled before him now in only the sheer black fabric of her 
scarf. The material framed her body, the contrast bringing out the 
stark paleness of her skin where the sun had not been able to tan. 
She shivered at the intense look he used to peruse her naked flesh. 
 
Even as he stripped his own body bare Spike never took his eyes off 
her. 
 
Once he was free from any cloth barriers, Spike pounced. He 
maneuvered Buffy so that she was lying beneath him, his body 
encased by her naked thighs. Lowering himself he let their lips meet 
in a languid kiss, until the urgency once more built up into a frenzy, 
and he found himself shuddering at the need coursing through him. 
 
He entered her then, her name a moan escaping his lips, "Buffy." He 
felt her trembling beneath him; her hands coming up to roam across 
his back as she met him thrust for thrust. Her breath became ragged 
and she panted his name, "Will...oh...will!" 
 
He could feel the pressure building and knew it wouldn't be much 
longer. His body ached for release. Ached to fill her, marking her as 
his. Unknowingly he began chanting her name under his breath, 
"Buffy, Buffy, Buffy." 
 
When her climax hit, Spike was unprepared for the force of it. Her 
shudders became wild and she contracted almost painfully around 
him. The sensations nearly overwhelmed him, but they were nothing 
compared to hearing her cry out for him. Hearing her sharp intake of 
breath and the shout that escaped as she came, "Will, oh god! I love 
you!" 
 
The words washed through him, making him tremble and shake. He'd 
known it, but having her say it aloud made him feel giddy and fearful 
all at once. The thought of it...of having love...having *her* love 
caused his own orgasm to peak. The thrill of it rushed through him as 
he spilled inside her. 
 
Afterwards they lay together in quiet satiation. Their bodies tired and 
glinting with sweat, Spike wrapped an arm around Buffy and pulled 
her close. And in the afterglow of their lovemaking, Spike's heart 
wrenched. 
 
***

Chapter 18 - Dreams

Buffy woke up the next morning alone in bed.  She pulled the pillow 
next to her close and inhaled William's musky scent.  She smiled at 
the reminder of her lover, and then smiled some more at the fact that 
she had a lover.  Who would have thought that she would be living a 
high roller's life in Las Vegas, taking a lover, and building a whole 
new life?

After her shower and quick breakfast provided by room service, Buffy 
sat down to skim the morning paper.  Before she could get through 
the front page her phone was ringing and she jumped up to grab the 
receiver.

"Hello?"  She asked breathlessly, her features turning from curious to 
delighted, "Really?!" She managed to squeak out.  "It's official?"  Her 
head bobbed up and down at each new fact the caller announced.  
"When can I see it?  Today?" 

After a few more happy words, Buffy dropped the receiver back into 
place.  It was hers!  The studio owner had accepted her offer and 
they would be going into escrow as soon as all the papers could be 
filed!  She couldn't believe it.  Spreading her arms wide she spun in a 
circle, smiling and laughing at the thought of once more having eager 
to learn students at her feet.

The first thing she wanted to do was call Will and let him know the 
good news.  She couldn't wait to share her happiness with someone.   
Who better than the man she was in love with?  The real estate agent 
had told her she could pick up the keys that afternoon for a quick look 
through.  Although the property wouldn't become hers officially until 
escrow closed, the current owner was fine with her doing a walk 
through to start compiling the things she would need for the 
renovation.  She wanted Will to be there with her so that he could see 
the space she'd picked out.

Quickly she dialed his office number and waited as the phone rang.  
His assistant picked up and greeted her with a warm, "Hello."  Within 
a few seconds she was connected and Will's rich accent was filling 
her ear.

"Spike here."  The greeting was crisp as usual.

"Hi Will!"  Buffy couldn't contain her excitement.

"Hello…Buffy."  Spike's gut twisted at the sound of her voice.  The 
pain in his chest grew inexorably at the thought that he couldn't allow 
himself the fantasy any longer.  What could he say?  How could he 
explain to her?  Images of last night's love making assailed him as 
she continued to speak.

"Could we have lunch today?  I have a surprise to show you!"  Buffy 
was exuberant, having no idea of Will's current internal dilemma.

Spike came back to himself at the invitation.  See her again?  He 
couldn't, not if he expected to keep his hands off her.  "Sorry, luv.  I’m 
afraid I've got a busy day today.  Won't be able to see you."  There, 
he just had to ease in to it.

"Oh."  

He could practically hear the pout in her voice and he had to check 
the impulse to make it better.  

"That's okay, I understand.  What about dinner tonight?"  She asked 
hopefully.

Shaking his head Spike replied, "Sorry, luv.  I'm afraid I've taken too 
much time off work already.  I've got a lot to catch up on."  Spike 
squeezed his eyes shut at the white lie.  

"Oh."  Buffy's head was spinning.  It was because of her that he'd 
been taking time off, so she couldn't be upset, could she?  "That's 
okay.  Maybe I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Maybe."  Spike's answer was noncommittal.  "I'll call you."

Buffy hung up the phone in a daze.  Her high spirits having 
completely fled at the tone of the conversation she'd just shared with 
Will.  He'd sounded so…indifferent…as if he could care less one way 
or the other when they would next see each other.

Had she been so naïve to believe he might have had feelings for her?  
Or maybe she was just overreacting.  He did have a lot of 
responsibilities and he had taken a lot of time off to be with her this 
past week.  Maybe he really was just busy.  She perked up slightly at 
the thought.  She would just have to show him her new studio later, 
when he was free, that's all.

For now she needed to get ready to see her new space.  But she was 
still too excited and happy to go alone, she wanted to share her 
feelings with someone, so she once again dialed the phone.

"Hello?"

"Joyce?  It's Buffy.  Are you busy this afternoon?"

They arrived at the empty building just after 2 pm.  They'd had a quick 
lunch at the buffet at the Crypt and then did a quick circuit of the 
shops before heading out.  As they pulled up to the property Joyce 
gave out a low whistle.

"Buffy, this is just perfect."  They stepped out of the car at the same 
time, as Joyce continued to speak.  "This is a great location, close to 
several suburban neighborhoods, and far enough from the strip that 
families wouldn't mind bringing their kids here."  She turned to take a 
look at the building itself.  "And it's so large!  What a great space!"

"It is wonderful, isn't it?"  Buffy asked, her eyes wide and her face 
flushed.  "It's twice the size of the studio I had in Trader's Corners, 
and the location is wonderful.  I bet I'll have students knocking on my 
door before I even finish the renovations!  It's like a dream come 
true."

Joyce watched Buffy and couldn't help having some of the young 
woman's excitement rub off on her.  "I'm sure you'll be a huge 
success!"  Hooking arms they entered the building together.

"I know it doesn't look like much from the inside.  It's been abandoned 
for awhile.  But I have the money to restore it, and it'll be perfect once 
I'm through with it."  Buffy spoke in rush.

"It's already perfect Buffy."  Joyce answered.  "Why didn't you invite 
William out to see it with us?"  Joyce wondered absently, but her gaze 
focused sharply at the slight frown that marred Buffy's brow at the 
question.

"Oh, I tried.  He was too busy at the office." Buffy shrugged trying to 
appear nonchalant.

Joyce's own smiled curved down for a moment.  Will was busy, but 
she didn't think he was any busier than usual.

"I'm so happy that you'll be staying in Vegas dear."  Joyce walked 
over next to Buffy.  "That means we'll be able to see each other 
whenever I visit."  She gave the younger woman a quick hug.  "And of 
course you'll always be welcome at the Atlantic City Crypt.  As well as 
the Sunnydale Castle, as I'm sure Giles has told you!"  Joyce smiled 
down at her.

"Yes."  Buffy laughed at Joyce's fervor.  "I've fallen in love with the 
desert.  I've also fallen in love with your family.  So don't be surprised 
if I take you up on those offers!"  Buffy smiled up at her.

Joyce's expression turned suddenly serious, making Buffy gulp 
nervously.  "Is that all you've fallen in love with?"  The question was 
voiced quietly, Joyce's eyes never leaving Buffy's.

They stared at each other for a moment.  Buffy's eyes began to tear 
up before she answered in a barely audible whisper, "No."

"Oh my dear."  Joyce pulled Buffy into a warm hug.  "Don't worry, 
everything will turn out beautifully.  I know my son; he can be as 
stubborn as his father, but just like Rupert when he loves, he does it 
with his entire being."

"I suppose that only matters if he's actually fallen in love."  Buffy 
pulled away, sniffling quietly.

"Like I said, I know my son.  Things will work out, you'll see."  Joyce 
reassured her.

Buffy only nodded.

***

She was surrounded by beautiful women; long legs, and big breasts 
abounded.  The music surged around her as the women lined up and 
began to kick, the sequins on what little clothing they wore sparkling 
under the stage lights.  Buffy felt like a kitten in a den of lionesses.
This was the kind of woman Will wanted.  The kind of woman that 
could capture and *keep* his interest.

Buffy twisted and turned in her sheets, her head thrashing on the soft 
pillow as the dream tormented her.  A loud clap of thunder boomed 
outside her window and she shot out of bed her heart pounding 
furiously.

Turning toward the window to acknowledge the rain, she fell back her 
head landing on the crumpled pillow, her breathing harsh.  As her 
pulse calmed an icy determination came over her.  Whether Will 
wanted her or not wouldn’t change the course of events she'd put into 
place since arriving in Vegas.  This *would* be her new home.  She'd 
never go back to Trader's Corners.  And if Will didn't want her; didn't 
love her?  Well, her heart would mend wouldn't it?  People didn’t 
actually die of broken hearts did they?

***

Chapter 19 - A World Without

Spike stared at the figures on his screen, not really connecting 
thoughts to what blinked before him.  With a disgusted sigh he 
pushed away from the desk and stood.  Two days.  He hadn't seen 
Buffy in two days, and it was driving him insane.  What was he going 
to do for the rest of his life?

He shook his head in reprimand.  It didn't matter.  It didn't matter what 
he felt, or what *he* needed.  He was doing this for her.  To make 
sure she go the life *she* deserved.  Besides the feelings would pass 
soon enough.  Wouldn't they?

*ring*

Spike lunged for the phone grateful for anything that would take his 
mind off the girl he was determined to keep a distance from.  "Spike," 
his greeting was abrupt.

"Hey Spike!  How's it going?"  Xander asked cheerily.

"Hey Xan.  'S going."  Spike grumbled back.

"What's wrong?"  

"Nothing."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Is it the Crypt?"

"No."

"Your parents?"

"No."

"Giles?"

"No."

"You gonna use one word sentences this whole conversation?"

"No."

"O...k...a...y."  Xander waited a beat.

"Bloody Hell, Xan!"

"Wanna talk about it?"  Xander was hopeful although his friend wasn't 
usually known for many emotionally cathartic speeches.

"No!"

"O...k...a...y."  Xander waited another beat.  "So, how's Buffy?"

"I said I don't want to talk about it."  Spike spit out through gritted 
teeth.

"Uhmmm," Xander muttered.  "I didn't know we were?"

"Just because I showed her around town, took her for a drive or two," 
Spike rubbed the back of his neck vigorously, "doesn't mean we have 
to spend every minute together does it?"

"Uhmmm, no?"  Xander hoped that was the right answer.

"Too right!"  Spike echoed the sentiment.  "I never promised her 
anything.  She shouldn't expect anything."

"Does she expect something?"  Xander asked tentatively.

"How the bloody hell should I know?"  Spike practically shouted into 
the phone.  He was up and pacing as far as the phone cord would 
allow as he spoke to his friend.  Finally he stopped and let out a large 
sigh.  "It's just not right Xan.  She doesn't belong here."  The last was 
said in a defeated tone.

"But you want her there?"  

"Doesn't matter what I want."  Spike said softly.  "She deserves better 
than that."

"Better than what?  A great guy?"  Xan countered.  "Someone who 
cares about here?"

"Yes!"  Spike was vehement.  "She wants it all. She deserves it all, 
the house, the kids, everything!  That means I'm not the guy for her."

"Why?  Why can't you be that guy?  And are you even sure that's 
what she wants?"  Xander asked.

"Xan, you've known me for what?  10 - 15 years?"  Spike asked, 
rubbing his closed eyes with thumb and forefinger.  "Do you think I 
can be that guy?  I haven't had a relationship that lasted longer than 5 
weeks, let alone the 'til death do us part gig."  He sighed wearily.

"People change Spike."  Xander answered.

Spike was silent, contemplating Xander's words.  Finally he decided 
to change the subject.  "So, what did you ring for anyway?"

"Oh, uhmmm...nothing."  Xander hedged.

"What's up Xan?"

"Actually, I just called to check on Buffy."  Xander finally blurted.  "She 
wasn't in her room, so I thought I'd check with you.  But obviously that 
was a bad choice."

"She wasn't in her room?"  Spike wondered where she'd gone to.

"Well, she wasn't answering the phone at least."

"Maybe she's with mum?"  Spike offered.

"I already tried there.  Joyce hasn't seen her since breakfast."  

Spike was getting worried now.  Where was she?  "Did you page the 
Casino?"  He asked, even as he scanned the monitors in front of him.  

"Yeah, she didn't answer.  I'm sure she's just out shopping or 
checking out the strip."  Xander replied.

"Hmmm...yeah.  I gotta go mate."  Spike hung up without waiting for a 
reply.

***

"No Will, I'm sorry I don't know where she is."  Joyce crossed her 
fingers behind her back.  "I'm sure she'll be back soon."  She wished 
Buffy hadn't made her promise not to let Will know where she'd gone.  
Maybe if he knew that she'd planned to stay long term, he wouldn't be 
so reticent about their relationship.  For the life of her, Joyce could not 
figure out her wayward son.

"What about da?  Has he seen her?"  Spike's brow was marred with 
worry.  Where could she be?  "You're sure she didn't say anything at 
breakfast?"

"For someone whose been too busy to even say hello to her in the 
past two days, you seem to be overly concerned over her 
whereabouts."  Joyce raised an inquiring eyebrow at him.

Spike's head whipped around at that.  "Did she say something?"

"Only that you've been busy."  Joyce shrugged.

"I have."  Spike resumed his pacing.  "'Sides it's better this way."

"Is it?"

"Yeah."  The one word answer came out in a whoosh of breath.

"For her?  Or for you?"

"Where did you say da was again?"

Joyce gave her son a compliant smile, letting her own question go, "I 
didn't.  He said he had some business to take care of.  He'll be back 
by dinner."

"Hmmm...okay.  I gotta go mum."  He kissed Joyce on the cheek 
before walking rapidly out the door.

***

"What do you think Mr. Giles?"  Buffy spun in a circle taking in her 
surroundings, while Rupert walked the room with her.

"I think I told you to call me Rupert."  He smiled at her to take the 
sting out.  "And I also think that it's lovely."

"I know I could probably afford some place bigger, but when I saw this 
house I knew it was the one for me."  Buffy took in the desert view 
from the second story balcony they stood before, the bright sun 
shining through the glass doors.  "It's even got a basement I can 
convert into a home studio!"

"Yes, I imagine that's something you'd have to take into 
consideration."  Rupert commented as he followed her back down the 
stairs.  "I take it my son hasn't seen your soon to be residence yet 
either?"

"No."  Buffy's voice quieted.  "He's been busy."

"I suppose that's true."  Rupert replied.

"I'd like to show him though," Buffy continued absently.  "I'd love for 
him to see the studio."  Her voice was slightly wistful.

"They're both excellent choices."  Rupert assured her.

"I hope so."  Buffy sighed.  She'd fallen in love with both buildings the 
moment she'd seen them.  She'd also fallen hard for the desert.  She 
knew that she'd be happy to live there the rest of her life.  But if Will 
didn't want to be part of that life?  Could she truly be happy here?  
Where he was?

Rupert laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.  "He's a fool."  He gave her 
a small squeeze.  "Much like his old man."  He smiled reassuringly.  
"He just hasn't learned to admit it."

***

Chapter 20 - Home Is Where the Heart Is 
 
Buffy was chewing her bottom lip in thought as she entered her suite. 
Before she had a chance to let the door close behind her, she was 
wrapped up in cool arms. "Will?" 
 
He knew he shouldn't be here. It was the worse kind of breach of 
privacy to have entered her rooms without her permission, but he 
couldn't think of where else to go. She wasn't anywhere in the hotel. 
He thought that if he had any chance of seeing her he'd have to wait 
right here, in front of her door. 
 
"Where have you been?" The words came out harsher than he'd 
planned. 
 
"I was out." She answered slowly, confused over his obvious anger. "I 
thought you were busy today?" 
 
"I was," Spike let go of her and began to pace the room. "But Xan 
rang up to see if you needed anything and he couldn't find you. I 
checked all over the hotel, but couldn't find you. You hadn't said you 
were going out." He admonished her. 
 
Now Buffy was getting angry. "I didn't know I had to ask permission." 
 
"Of course you don't!" He snapped back at her. "It's just that, nobody 
knew where you were. Mum said you hadn't told her you were leaving 
either, and I couldn't find da." 
 
"Of course you're mother knew. I told her this morning at breakfast." 
Buffy answered without thinking. "And Rupert was with me." 
 
Spike's head whipped around to focus his gaze on her. "Mum knew? 
And da was with you?" His brow scrunched in thought. "Why didn't 
she tell me?" 
 
Buffy was chewing on her lip again. She'd forgotten that she'd asked 
Joyce not to tell Will because she'd wanted to tell him herself. She let 
out a deep sigh before answering, "I asked her not to." 
 
"What? Why?" 
 
"I wanted to surprise you." She answered softly, turning her face 
away from him to hide her disappointment. "There are a lot of things 
I've wanted to tell you, but you've been busy." 
 
Spike's heart wrenched in his chest at the sad tone to Buffy's voice, 
but he steeled himself against it. "I have been busy," he softened his 
voice as he asked, "what did you want to surprise me with, luv?" 
 
Buffy's mood perked up at the inquiry. "Oh Will! It's wonderful! I've 
bought a new studio. I've missed having my own students. It needs 
some work, but that'll just make it all the more mine." 
 
Spike felt a stab of pain lance through him. "A new studio? I'm happy 
for you, luv." 
 
Buffy noticed Will's expression and her enthusiasm ebbed. "What's 
wrong Will?" 
 
"Nothing." He shook the feelings from his head. "We should have 
dinner, celebrate! You can tell me all your plans." He came up to 
stand beside her, his hand reaching up to cup her cheek. "We'll miss 
you." 
 
"Miss me?" Buffy was having trouble concentrating. This was the first 
time in days she'd been this close to Will. 
 
"Yes," Spike's voice was husky, from desire or dejection he wasn't 
sure. "When you leave." 
 
"Leave? I'm not going anywhere." Buffy was confused. "I mean, 
probably a few days up to the Sunnydale Castle. Giles wanted to go 
over some things with me regarding the purchases, but I'll be back." 
 
Spike's hand dropped abruptly. "There's no need for you to come 
back, Buffy." His eyes were a cold ice blue. 
 
"What? Of course there is. This is my home." What was going on? 
 
"You can't keep living in a high roller's suite, luv." Spike let out a false 
chuckle. "A high roller you're not." 
 
"Oh!" Buffy hadn't thought. Of course, he was running a business she 
couldn't keep using up all the privileges. "I'm sorry. I'll book another 
room when I get back. I didn't mean - " 
 
Spike cut her off again. "There's no reason for you to come back. The 
Crypt is *my* home, not yours. Why don't you find a place close to 
your new studio." 
 
"But that's what I've done!" Buffy was getting frustrated now. "It's just 
not ready yet. The realtor said a few weeks maybe." 
 
"You've bought a house?" Spike could feel the knife in his gut 
twisting. 
 
"Yes." Buffy answered tentatively. Will's moodswings were confusing 
her. 
 
"Then I don't understand why you insist on coming back to the 
Crypt?" 
 
"I told you it wasn't ready yet!" 
 
"I know that, luv." He reached out a hand to her shoulder. "Why don't 
you make the move after your trip to grandda's? Wouldn't it be easier 
then?" 
 
"I don't think it will be ready then. Besides the Crypt is the perfect 
location. It's in between the studio and the house, so I can drive back 
and forth to check the progress and - " 
 
"What?!" Spike was thrown. "You bought the house and the studio 
here? In Vegas?" 
 
"Yes." Buffy was confused again. Why was he so angry? And then it 
dawned on her. She felt the first crack in her heart as she whispered 
out the words. "You're not just kicking me out of the hotel, are you? 
You're kicking me out of your life." 
 
"Nobody's kicking you out of anything." Spike answered absently, still 
reeling from the news. "Buffy, what were you thinking of?" 
 
Buffy's anger snapped. "Myself! It's a new concept for me, and I like 
it!" 
 
"This isn't bloody monopoly. You don't just land on some property and 
make a 2 minute decision on whether to buy it or not!" 
 
"I'm not the idiot you think I am! I know how to buy property, and I've 
done it." Buffy answered hotly. 
 
"Buffy, this isn't the place for you, don't you understand? You have no 
business buying a house in Vegas." 
 
"Oh! You're insufferable." Buffy began to pace the room. "Do you 
think you own the whole city now?" 
 
"No, but - " 
  
"Well, don't worry. The desert is plenty big enough that you won't 
have to see me ever again. I didn't buy the house to get in your way. 
And I definitely didn't buy it so that I could keep chasing after a man 
that doesn't want anything to do with me." She whirled on him. "So 
you're safe, Mr. Giles. You won't have to worry about me. I'll book 
another hotel when I return." 
 
"Now wait a minute, I - " 
 
"No, you wait a minute, *Spike*," she spit his name out with venom. 
"Don't make this any worse than it already is. I'm grateful for all you've 
done for me, but I don't need placating. I fully intend to maintain a 
relationship with your parents, your family, and I don't want to put 
anyone in an awkward position." She strode to her door and opened 
it, waving him out. As he passed her and entered the hall she turned 
toward him. They locked gazes for a few moments. 
 
"You didn't have to do it this way Will. You hurt me and you didn't 
have to." The door closed before Spike could form an answer. 
 
*** 
 
"So, we're agreed on the settlement then? And we've comped the 
rooms, and the boutique purchases? Have you setup the limo service 
for them tomorrow?" Rupert was watching his son carefully. "Will?" 
 
"Hmm?" Spike's mind was a million miles away. "The limo? Yes, yes. 
I've arranged for everything." 
 
"Good." Rupert stood and headed toward the small bar. He poured 
them each a scotch and then sat down across from his son. "Now, tell 
me what's on your mind." 
  
"Nothing." Spike answered before taking a swift swig of the drink. 
 
"You were never one for talking out your problems, were you? We 
always had to poke and prod before you'd tell us anything." Rupert 
sighed. "But in this case it isn't necessary. Problems with Buffy?" 
 
"No." Spike shook his head. "Yes." He shrugged. "No." He threw up 
his hands and stood. "I don't know." 
 
"What's happened?" 
 
"She bought a house for god's sake!" 
 
"Yes, I know. And a studio as well, I believe." Rupert answered 
calmly. 
 
"You knew?" 
 
"Of course. She took your mother to see the studio the day you were 
'too busy' and she took me to see the house yesterday. They're both 
excellent purchases." 
 
"Why didn't you stop her?" 
 
"Why should I? She's perfectly within her rights to buy them, they're 
both in good locations and reasonably priced." Rupert shrugged. 
 
"Good locations! They're here! In Vegas!" 
 
"Yes." 
 
"She doesn't belong here!" 
 
Rupert stood and made his way over to his son. He placed a warm 
hand on Spike's shoulder and asked, "What's the real problem here?" 
 
Spike only shook his head in silence. 
 
"Will, are you in love with her?" 
 
"That's not the point." 
 
"It's the only point that counts." Rupert replied. 
 
"I'm the wrong person for her. This is the wrong place. She'll see that 
soon enough." 
 
"Why? Why are you wrong for her?" Rupert eyed his son carefully. "I 
thought you quite complemented each other." 
 
"I run a casino. She's been sheltered her whole life. She'd never even 
been in a casino before she'd hit the jackpot! She wants a husband, 
children. I can't be that for her." Spike slumped forward in defeat, 
rubbing the back of his neck. "She's just starting to discover herself, 
her dreams, I can't interfere with that. She needs a chance to really 
figure out what her feelings are." 
 
"I think you underestimate her. I think she knows exactly what she 
wants and how she feels. But regardless, aren't your own feelings 
important?" 
  
"I've already given into my own feelings when I should have controlled 
them. She walked in here untouched, and I changed that. For my own 
selfish reasons, I couldn't stay away from her." Spike looked up at his 
father, guilt and shame streaking his face. 
 
"You're both consenting adults. You cannot punish yourself for being 
human." 
 
"She was dazzled. And I took advantage." 
 
"Will, Buffy is an extremely intelligent young woman. She wouldn't 
have *let* you take advantage of her." Rupert led his son back over 
toward the leather chair and sat him down. "Now, I think you're both 
old enough to make your own decisions. If you don't want her, that's a 
whole other matter." 
 
"I can't stop wanting her." The ache never left. 
 
"Wanting's easy. Loving's hard. The first time I saw your mother, I 
wanted her and never stopped. But when I realized I loved her? It 
terrified me. It still does sometimes." Rupert chuckled. 
 
"What? You make it look so easy." 
 
"You're seeing us as a matched set. But it wasn't always that way. 
When we met, I was an ex-con who'd gotten lucky. She was a spoiled 
heiress. Long odds on a pair like that Will." 
 
"You're saying I made a mistake." Spike dry washed his face with an 
open palm. "I'm not sure anymore." 
 
"There aren't any guarantees Will. Loving a woman is the biggest 
gamble of all. You either put up your bet or throw down your hand 
and leave the table. But if you keep leaving the table, you'll never give 
yourself the chance to win. So is Buffy the woman you want?" 
 
"Yes." 
 
"Do you love her?" 
 
"Yes." Admitting it was like lifting the bands that had been constricting 
his chest. His breath came easier and his heart sped up. 
 
"How badly did you bollocks this up?" 
 
"Pretty badly. She shut the door in my face." Spike winced at the 
memory. 
 
"It's probably going to take some fast talking to get her to open up 
again." 
 
"So I'll talk fast." 
 
"What are you going to do?" 
 
"Get her back." 

***

Chapter 21 - The Chase Is On

Spike made two stops before heading up to Buffy's suite.  He knew 
he'd hurt her and could just imagine her sitting up in her rooms alone 
and upset.  He wanted to kick himself for having been so stupid and 
hurting Buffy in the process.

By the time he got to her door he was loaded down with a large 
bouquet of red roses, a bundle of "I'm sorry" balloons, and a pair of 
small pearl earrings he'd seen in the shop and thought Buffy would 
like.  His father had told him that there was no such thing as going 
overboard when apologizing to a woman, and he believed him.

He freed one hand and pushed the small button that rang the bell.  
He waited but heard no sounds coming from the other side of the 
door.  He pushed the button once more and then rapped on the door 
loudly.  "Buffy, luv?"  He expected to hear a "go away!" or something 
of the sort, but still nothing.

So, now what?  He wasn't going to make the same mistake and enter 
her suite without permission.  But was she there and not answering?  
Or had she gone out?  Where would she have gone?  He knocked 
again hoping that she might feel some pity and open the door.  When 
there was still no result, he sighed heavily and glanced up and down 
the corridor.  

He could wait here all night, he supposed, but didn't think that was 
prudent.  If she was in the room, he'd probably *would* be waiting all 
night.  And if she'd gone out, it would be better if he tried to track her 
down.  He could start with his mum.  She probably knew where Buffy 
was, and this time he would drag it out of her!  With that thought, he 
tied the balloons and the flowers to her suite door, and then strode 
quickly to the elevator.

***

"What do you mean you don't know, mum?"  Spike asked, desperate.  
"That's what you said last time, and you did bloody well know!"

"Don't you raise your voice to me young man!"  Joyce answered back.  
"When I make a promise to someone I keep it!  And I'd like to think 
I've taught you the same thing."

Spike dry washed his face and let out an exasperated breath.  "I'm 
sorry mum.  It's just that I've really messed this up, and I want to fix it 
before it's too late."  He gave her soulful puppy dog eyes.  "I need to 
get her back."

"I know love."  Joyce answered, giving the crown of her son's head a 
quick peck.  "Everything will work out."

"How do you know?"  Spike asked.  "Did she say anything to you?  
Have you seen her?"

"She came by."  Joyce nodded slowly.

"What did she say?"

"Not much.  I could tell there was something on her mind, but she 
didn't seem inclined to talk and I didn't want to push."

"She didn't say anything about it?"  Spike's heart was sinking.  He 
knew Buffy, and the fact that she hadn't shared any of their recent 
argument with his mother did not seem like a good sign.

"No.  I’m sorry Will."  Joyce bowed her head slightly.

They spoke quietly for a few more minutes before Spike left his 
parents' suite dejected.  He wandered back to his office, unsure now 
what his next step should be.  When he opened the door he 
encountered his father studying the monitors eyeing the casino floor.

"No luck I take it?"  Rupert asked mildly.

"No.  She's not up in her rooms."  Spike answered curtly, no energy 
left for pleasantries.  Had the damage been too high?  Was she out of 
his life permanently?  Absently he rubbed at the ache in his chest.

"No she isn't."

His da's words penetrated the fog surrounding him and caused him to 
make an abrupt turn.  "You know where she is?"  Spike demanded.

Rupert inclined his head, indicating monitor 3.  Spike's brows drew 
together as he peered at the black and white screen.  What he saw 
made his heart race and his anger flare.  Buffy was there in the midst 
of a crowd blowing on dice, and wearing a triumphant grin.  

***

When he arrived on the casino floor, Spike's anger had ebbed 
slightly.  So she wasn't in her room sulking, why had he expected 
that?  But when he got close enough to see her in full color another 
emotion washed through him and flooded his senses; pure, white hot, 
jealousy.

She stood at the head of the craps table wrapped in the little red 
dress she'd worn their first night out.  It clung to her body and left little 
to the imagination.  She was laughing and smiling and every time she 
leaned over to throw the dice all the men surrounding her were gifted 
with a close view of her tight ass and smooth legs.  Spike had no 
doubts that the other side of the table had an excellent view as well.

He pushed through the crowd, now at least four men deep.  He 
reached her just in time to see a man in his late forties pat her on the 
ass just before she rolled the dice again.  He threw the man a scowl, 
then grabbed Buffy's elbow.  "What the bloody hell are you doing?"

"I’m kicking your ass!"  Buffy answered without qualm.

"Cash in," he demanded through gritted teeth.

Buffy tried to pull her arm away, "No.  I'm on a winning streak."

Not allowing her escape, Spike leaned forward and grabbed her 
chips.  He threw them forward and ordered the croupier to cash them 
in.  

"You can't keep me from playing!"  Buffy yelled as he pulled her from 
the table.

"Yes, I can.  This is my casino.  The house always has the edge."  
Spike answered calmly.

"Fine!  Then I'll take my business elsewhere.  And I'll be sure to let 
everyone know that the Crypt can't handle a run of honest luck!"  She 
pulled away now, spinning to face him head on.

"Buffy, come upstairs with me.  We have to talk."

"No.  We've talked enough already.  My bags are already packed, I'm 
leaving in the morning."

He grabbed for her arm again.  "Buffy, please.  I'm asking, please 
come upstairs with me.  We need to talk about this."

Buffy sighed and turned away.  "There's nothing left to talk about.  I 
told you, I won't bother you anymore.  I'm leaving.  I won't make a 
scene.  Please," the last words were whispered out, and Spike could 
hear the tears that threatened in her husky voice, "please just leave 
me alone."

"Okay, it's the hard way then, luv."  Spike answered, moving forward 
and wrapping his arms around her waist.  He lifted her and slung her 
over his shoulder.  He began to walk back toward the elevator that 
would take them up to her penthouse.

Buffy panicked.  What was he doing?  Why wouldn't he leave her 
alone?  Wasn't breaking her heart enough for him?  She couldn't take 
anymore of this.  She couldn't take seeing him, being near him, and 
knowing that he didn't want her.  The panic grew until she began to 
lash out physically just to get away.

Spike was wary of Buffy's skill as a fighter, which was why he moved 
quickly to secure her into such an awkward position.  It would be 
difficult for even her to maneuver out of it.  "Buffy, luv, I just want to 
talk.  We're both so stubborn I don't even know how…oomph!"  His 
sentence was cut midway when the toe of one of Buffy's heels 
accidentally connected with a very sensitive spot.  They both fell to 
the ground, Buffy rolling away as quickly as possible.  Spike sat on 
the floor a bit dazed and gently cradled his abused dangly bits.

"Will, please leave me alone."  Buffy entreated one more time before 
dashing into the open elevator.  The doors closed before Spike could 
even stand.  He banged a closed fist on the door, and then turned 
around to slump against it.  What now?

Suddenly an idea came to him and his mouth twisted up in a grin.  
Pushing himself off the elevator doors he headed toward's his mum's 
suite.

***

Upstairs Buffy was frantically putting the last of her things in a 
carrying case.  She wouldn't wait until tomorrow; she'd leave tonight.  
She *couldn't* see him again.  Her last task before stepping out the 
door was a quick phone call.

"Hello?"

"Giles?"  Buffy's voice was hesitant.  "I'm sorry to call so late."

"Buffy?  What is it child?"  Thomas asked, worry in his voice.

"I know we'd planned my trip for the weekend, but do you think I could 
come tonight instead?  I'd start the drive right now."

"Now?  But it's late, won't you be tired lass?"  Thomas was no fool, he 
knew the child was running away from something, or someone.  And 
he had a feeling he knew who that someone was.

"No.  I'll be fine, I promise.  I just would like to get started.  If that's 
okay with you?"  

"Sure, lass.  You know you're welcome anytime.  Just be careful."

"I will.  Thank you Giles!"  Buffy thanked him earnestly before hanging 
up the phone and grabbing her bags.

***

"Thanks mum."  Spike called as the door closed behind him.  He 
knew his mum could help him, and now that he'd called the realtor all 
he had to do was find Buffy and convince her to go with him.  He just 
had one more stop to make.

He was in the Crypt's small jewelry store when the page rang out for 
him.  He strode to the courtesy phone across the hall and picked up 
the line.  He was immediately connected to a waiting phone call.

"Spike."

"Is that anyway to greet someone?"  

"Grandda?  What are you doing calling this late?  Is something 
wrong?  Is it grandmum?"  Spike asked with growing concern.

"No, your grandmum's fine.  I was actually calling to see if I could 
catch Buffy."  Giles hid a grin behind his hand as he spoke.  

"Buffy?  What do you mean?"

"Well, she called me a few minutes earlier and asked if it would be 
okay if she came down early.  I told her that would be fine but I'm 
worried about her making the long drive so late at night.  I don't want 
her falling asleep and crashing."  Giles stated innocently.

"What?!"  Buffy was leaving?  Tonight?  Without bothering to say 
goodbye he hung up the phone and raced toward the elevator.  By 
the time he'd gotten to Buffy's door he already had his passkey out.  
Without hesitation he used the key and entered the suite.  

"Buffy?"  He called as he sped from room to room.  His heart sank as 
he noted the emptiness of each room, and the missing clothes from 
the closet.  He sank onto the bed taking in the vacant aura 
permeating the penthouse.

Buffy was gone.

***

Chapter 22 - On the Run

Buffy let the tears fall now.  She was safely on her way out of town, 
her small car racing down the highway and out of Will's life.  She had 
meant what she'd said to him.  She didn't want to get in his way.  She 
wasn't going to keep chasing after him, not when she knew how little 
he must care for her.  

She thought back to their first meeting.  What a fool she must have 
looked!  Fainting before they'd even said hello.  She blushed 
remembering how she'd awoken, in nothing but a shirt and panties.  
Knowing that he'd been the one to undress her, and she hadn't even 
known his name yet!

As she thought back through the days they'd spent together her heart 
lurched and broke just a bit more.  How naïve and stupid he must 
have thought she was.  Had it all been an act?  Had he cared nothing 
for her at all?  No, she couldn't believe that.  He hadn't wanted to 
sleep with her.  He'd told her before hand that he couldn't love her 
and he hadn't wanted to lead her on.  It was her own fault that she 
hadn't believed him.  He'd cared enough to not want to hurt her.  Was 
it really his fault that he had?

She swiped at the tears on her face, blinking her eyes to clear them 
enough to drive safely.  Suddenly a car swerved around her, sending 
up a spray of dust and grime from the road.  It sped past her and then 
quickly turned stopping in the middle of the road.  Buffy slammed on 
her brakes jamming her wheel to the right, her heart trip-hammering 
in her chest at the near collision.  Her breathing began to even out as 
she found herself safely on the side of the road.  

The fear that had been slowly ebbing kicked up a notch when she 
realized that the car she'd nearly hit was reversing and pulling in to 
the area just in front of her.  Once the dust from the car's latest move 
had settled, Buffy gasped when she found Will standing in the beam 
of her headlights, anger evident on his face.

Spike was breathing hard, his eyes cold and mouth thinned in an 
angry line.  Once the shock of her absence had worn off Spike had 
taken action.  He wasn't going to let her get away.  He'd torn through 
the hotel jumped in his car and raced down the highway.  There was 
only one highway she could have taken to his grandda's and Spike 
intended to catch her.  He'd probably broken several laws and was 
surprised that he'd escaped being pulled over.

Now that he stood here, watching her through the windshield his 
anger flared.  She'd been running away.  She wasn't even going to 
give him a chance to explain.  She'd left without even a goodbye.  He 
let the anger surge through him, replacing the crushing despair he'd 
felt earlier.

Buffy stepped out of the car, her own anger rising.  "Are you crazy?  
Are you trying to get me killed?  What are you doing here?"  The 
questions shot out of her mouth in rapid-fire succession.

Spike's jaw clenched as he tried to control his anger, or was it fear 
that had him so rigid?  Fear that he'd really lost his chance?  "I told 
you we needed to talk.  To straighten things out."  He took a step 
forward, reaching toward her.

"So you try to kill me?"  She asked, exasperated, she stepped away 
from him.  "I told you, there's nothing left to talk about."

"Buffy, please, you don't understand."  Spike tried to reach for her 
again, but she cringed away from his touch taking several steps 
backward.

"See?  That's the problem right there.  You don't think I understand 
anything!  You think I'm an idiot that doesn't know anything about the 
'ways of the world'." She added air quotes to the last of her rant.

"I don't think you're an idiot."  Unable to help himself, Spike smiled.  
He loved the way Buffy looked when she was in full battle mode.  Her 
eyes were sparkling, her cheeks were flushed, and he could see the 
warm puff of her breath in the desert's cold night air.

"You're definition of naïve, seems to be the same as my definition for 
idiot!"  She responded scowling at him.  "But I'm smart enough to 
know when I’m not wanted. Smart enough to realize that you got tired 
of me and wanted to brush me off in the quickest way possible."  Her 
voice had gotten quieter and quieter.

"Tired of you?"  Spike repeated in amazement.  How could he ever 
get tired of her?  She was a constant source of amazement to him.  
"Buffy, no - " His hand snaked through his hair in frustration.  
"Bollocks!  Let me explain."

"No need."  She turned away.  "You don't want me.  I get it.  Don't 
worry, I'm not going to drive off a cliff over it.  I'm young, I’m rich, and 
you're not the only man in the world."  

"Just hold the bloody hell on!"  Spike demanded.

"No."  She turned back to face him, their gazes locking.  "You were 
the first.  That doesn't mean you have to be the last."

Spike flattened his palms against his trousers, his jaw clenched.  The 
thought of Buffy with anyone other than him had rage coursing 
through his body and clouding his mind.  Ridiculous when that had 
been one of the reasons he'd repeatedly told himself to let her go.  
She needed more experience.  How could she know whether she 
loved him, when he was the only man she'd ever been with?  But now 
that he was faced with the prospect it incensed him, terrified him, and 
nearly broke him.  It was no longer an option he was willing to allow 
her.

"Watch your step, Buffy."

"I'm done watching my step.  I'm going to stop looking before I leap. 
It's my decision.  So far I've been landing on my feet.  If one day I end 
up falling, it'll be my problem and no one else's."

Fear made it's way up Spike's spine and he shivered.  She was 
determined; he could see that.  He was fast becoming afraid that he 
would have no ability to stop her.

"You know damn well you're in love with me."  He said that only thing 
he could think of.

"Why because I slept with you?  Please."  Buffy tried for a derisive 
snort, but didn't think she quite pulled it off.

He stepped up to her once again, this time not allowing her retreat.  
He grasped her around the wrist and pulled her close.  "I know you.  
You wouldn't have slept with me otherwise."  Their faces were only 
inches apart.  She could feel the hot rush of his breath on her lips.  "If 
I tasted you now, put my mouth on yours, you'd tell me without having 
to say the words."

Defeated her gaze fell to the ground around their feet.  Her heart 
cracked and crumbled in her chest.  "You knew."  She whispered.  
"You knew and you used it."  She chewed at her bottom lip, 
determined to not let the tears fall.

"Maybe I did.  It's one of the things I've had to work out with myself.  
I've made a lot of mistakes, hurt you, because I couldn't get past it."  
Spike tried to explain.

"Are you feeling guilty or angry Will?"  She sighed wearily.  "You 
broke my heart Will.  I laid myself out for you, would have given you 
my heart on a platter.  It wasn't even enough for you not to want it.  
You ignored it, and then you shoved it away.  Shoved me away."  The 
tears spilled hotly down her cheeks now.  She wiped at them in angry 
haste.

"I told myself I was doing it for you."  His words sounded like a plea.

"Oh."  She sniffled.  "How very considerate of you."

He reached for her again, but she cringed away.  He felt as if a knife 
was twisting its way through his guts.  "Buffy, please look at me.  I 
won't touch you," he swallowed hard, "just look at me, luv."

She turned to face him, her cheeks glistening, and her nose red.  
"What do you want from me Will?  You want me to tell you it's okay?  
That I don't hold it against you?"  She clenched her fists by her side 
as she spoke, her voice getting louder.  "Well, it's not okay!  I'm 
*trying* not to hold it against you, but I don't understand.  You didn't 
have to love me back," her voice broke just a little.  "But you could 
have been kind."

"Oh, Buffy, luv," Spike's own heart ached at the sound of despair in 
her voice.  "If I'd trusted myself, my own feelings, we wouldn't even be 
having this conversation."  

Buffy tried to hold back the sob, but it broke loose and she gasped in 
air.  

"Luv, -"

"Stop calling me that!"  Buffy couldn't take much more.  Why couldn't 
he just leave her alone?  She wanted to wail.  She wanted to run.  
She just wanted this to be over.

"Buffy, 'm sorry.  Let's not do this here."  He pulled her toward him, 
this time without any resistance.  Pushing her toward the passenger 
side of her car, he buckled her in before pulling out his cell phone.  
"Yeah, it's me.  We're on our way."

"Who did you call?"  Buffy asked, perplexed.

"You're realtor, lu -, pet."  He answered as he buckled himself in.

"What?  Why?  It's almost 1 in the morning."

"I want to see your house."  

"Now?"  She asked, incredulous.

"Yes.  Now."  

Buffy stared at his profile for a moment, studying his features, his 
quiet look of determination.  She didn't understand what was 
happening, what he wanted from her.  But she had a strange feeling 
that one way or another it would all be over soon.  So she sat back, 
closed her eyes, and let Will take her for another leap.

***

Chapter 23 - Taking the Plunge

They stopped in front of a house Buffy didn't recognize.  So far the 
trip had been made in complete silence, furtive glances being 
exchanged every once in awhile.  Buffy had sat sullenly in the 
passenger seat, wanting to convey just how much she resented the 
fact that Will had essentially kidnapped her.  If she hadn't been 
hanging on to the last few shreds of her dignity she might just have 
demanded he pull over and let her walk back to the Strip on her own.

She watched as Will stepped up to the front door and rang the bell.  
She wasn't exactly surprised when she saw her realtor, Laura, 
answer the door.  They had a brief conversation before Laura handed 
Will a set of keys and said a polite goodnight.  Buffy sighed inwardly 
as Will began the short walk back to the car.

"Well you're obviously a very powerful man.  Proud of yourself?"  She 
asked as he took a seat behind the wheel.

Spike remained silent, though he spared her a hard glance.  Before 
he'd found out she'd gone, he'd had a hunch.  He knew what he had 
to say to her, and that the Crypt wasn't the place to say it.  Standing 
on the side of the road with her, he'd remembered his earlier plans 
and knew in his heart that they were right.  He was glad that he'd 
made most of the arrangements before he'd embarked on the wild 
chase to stop his girl.

Now, driving quietly down the road he marveled at the contrast of the 
still suburban street compared to the bright bustle of the Strip.  Only a 
few minutes away there would be hordes of people walking along the 
streets the sounds of slot machines tinkling in the background.  Here, 
on this quiet street, there weren't even any other cars in motion.  

Spike loved Vegas.  He loved the desert, both for its beauty and its 
solitude.  But he also loved the fact that he had a choice.  He could 
spend any given night out on the tranquil sands just enjoying the 
peace or he could spend it in the midst of a crowd, laughing, 
gambling, and just generally being alive.  He supposed he could 
understand how easily Buffy had found herself enchanted by the 
magic that made up Las Vegas.  He was, in fact, supremely glad of it.

He chuckled silently when he turned to catch her sulking in her seat. 
The bottom lip that he'd first noticed the day she'd fainted in his arms 
protruded in a sexy pout.  And for a moment a stab of longing shook 
him, making him shudder.  He remembered that night; he hadn't even 
known her name yet.  He'd felt the first stirring of desire as he 
undressed her, though he'd ruthlessly suppressed it at the time. 

Spike glanced up as they arrived at the address he'd been given.  
The house wasn't overly large, just comfortable.  From what he could 
see it stood two stories high, the outside painted a dusky rose, almost 
the color of a glowing sunset.  There were a few sparse flowers 
sprinkling the front yard and bordering the meandering walkway that 
led to the front door.  They said nothing as they made their way down 
that walk, until Spike reached into his pants pocket for the keys.

"Ask me in," he demanded.

"You've got the keys."  Buffy bit pack.

Fishing the ring out of his pocket, he handed them to her.  "Ask me 
in."

She debated on whether she should, or whether she should just 
march back to the car.  In the end she took the keys, turning to place 
them in the keyhole.  Maybe if she went along with whatever he had 
planned this night would finally end.

"It's different at night."  She mused aloud as she unlocked the door.  
"But just as beautiful."

They walked into the foyer together, Buffy flipping the house lights 
until the hall and the sitting room were flooded.  Buffy felt a pang in 
her chest.  Just a day ago she'd been here, wishing he'd been with 
her.  And now that they were, she only felt confused and anxious.  
Why had he brought her here?

"It's quite large.  A lot of space."  Spike commented as they made 
their way through the hall, toward the back half of the house.

"I've discovered I like a lot of space.  Anyway, it won't seem quite as 
large once the furniture's all put in."  Buffy answered, worrying her 
bottom lip as they trudged toward the kitchen.

The kitchen was done in cheerful colors, peach walls, and white 
counters.  There was a sliding glass door leading to a wooden deck 
with a western view of the desert.  Spike could picture her there 
standing on the deck leaning against the railing while watching the 
sunset, the light framing her dainty figure.  He could see her there, 
laughing, turning toward him with that pixie's grin on her face.  Then 
the picture changed, shimmering until she was no longer standing 
alone.  Instead she stood, smiling, while she bounced a baby with 
golden curls and hazel eyes on her hip.  Spike's stomach dropped 
and he drew a deep breath in.

Turning to her abruptly he asked, "Is this what you want?"  His arms 
swept the room.

Nodding she answered, "This is what I want."

"There's a cellar?"  He'd noticed the extra door in the kitchen.

"Yes."  Buffy wondered what they were doing there fervently wishing 
he'd get on with it.

"I suppose you'll use it as a studio?"  He raised a brow at her.

"Yes."  Buffy ached a little that he'd know as much.

"You never did give me a demonstration." 

It was Buffy's turn to arch a brow.  "We we're otherwise occupied.  
And then you were busy."

Nodding absently, Spike ran his fingers roughly through his bleached 
hair.  "Buffy, I'm sorry."  He began.  "I want you to know how glad I 
am for you.  That you've gotten your studio, this house, everything.  
I'm sorry if I spoiled your fun."  

The chagrin he wore was genuine and Buffy found herself wanting to 
just let the whole thing go.  "It doesn't matter."

"But it does matter, luv."

Oh, would he ever stop calling her that?  Didn't he know that it hurt?  
She closed her eyes and turned away.

Spike stepped up to her, grasping her arm he turned her until they 
were once again facing each other.  "Let me explain, luv."

Buffy squeezed her eyes shut and tried to step away.  "Please," she 
whispered, "stop calling me that."  She swallowed back a sob.  She 
would not cry in front of him.

He let her go but forced her to remain close.  He waited until her eyes 
were open and he was sure she was focused on him before 
continuing.  "You turned my world upside down, Buffy, the day you fell 
into my arms, literally."  He smiled ruefully.  "You were overwhelmed, 
and vulnerable."  Spike stopped dry wash his face with an agitated 
hand.  "And so bloody desirable I almost took you that first night!"

He began to pace then, his long strides eating up the kitchen floor in 
front of her.  "You were so tempting.  But I'm good at resisting 
temptation that's why I'm so good at what I do.  But I couldn't resist 
you."  He sent a pleading look her way.  

Buffy shook her head.  "You didn't seduce me.  I wanted you too."

"But it wasn't an even hand.  You were inexperienced.  I took what I 
wanted because I could, because I needed to.  Even knowing that 
you wanted more, deserved more, I took you anyway, knowing that I 
wasn't prepared to give you anything."  Spike's words came out 
harshly as he berated himself.

"But you were honest from the beginning.  I didn't go in blind.  You 
told me before we were lovers that you didn't want marriage or love."  
Buffy answered, defending him without conscious thought.  "That was 
the chance I took."

Spike looked up, incredulous.  "You gambled on changing my mind?"

"The odds against you falling in love with me may have been long, but 
they weren't infinitesimal!"  Buffy shouted, her anger back.  "Giles 
thinks I'm perfect for you.  So does your mother, and your father!"

"You spoke to mum and da about us?"  Spike asked.

"I love your parents!  Aren't I allowed to have someone to talk to?"  
Buffy asked, anger still radiating off her small frame.

"Yes.  No.  That isn't the point.  We're getting off the subject."  Spike 
strode toward her, his hands waving in irritation.  He stopped just shy 
of her and began again.  "Pet, the way I saw things you needed time.  
You said yourself you'd never even been outside of Trader's Corners.  
I figured you'd do a little exploring, have fun, indulge yourself.  
Something you'd never been able to do before.  Maybe gamble a 
little, spend some money, splurge on yourself.  Discover sex."

"What?!  So was that all that was?  You were tutoring me?  How 
much more insulting can you get?"  Buffy huffed out.

"I'm not trying to be insulting.  I’m trying to tell you what I thought, and 
that I was wrong."

"You haven't even begun to say that you were wrong.  Maybe you 
should start."  Buffy gave him a menacing glare.

"You've got a nasty streak, luv.  Never noticed it before."  Inwardly 
Spike was smirking at Buffy's sass.

"I've been saving it up!"  Buffy shot back her reply.  "So the little 
country mouse comes to the big city and the clever city mouse gives 
her a little taste of sin, then shows her the door before she damns her 
soul to hell?  Is that it?"

"A long, wide nasty streak."  Spike answered, shaking his head, his 
palms flat against the legs of his trousers.  "You were alone and over 
your head."  

"So you thought you'd wade in and keep me floating just until my feet 
touched sand?  Then what?"

"Oh, bloody shut up!"  Spike demanded, exasperated.  "Nobody ever 
gave you a choice, Buffy.  You've always had to play by somebody 
else's rules, until you got here.  Since you've arrived you've had a 
hold of your life, making up your own rules as you went.  How was I 
supposed to take that a way from you?  How could I expect you to 
live at my hotel, wander my casino, and tie yourself to me?  When 
you've never been with anybody else?  I didn't want you to choose me 
just because you didn't know any better."

"Big of you to make such a sacrifice.  To decide that I didn't know any 
better and wasn't capable of making that kind of choice.  Funny that 
you should treat me exactly the way you say everybody else has!"  
Buffy fumed at him.

"I know.  I'm sorry."  Spike apologized quietly, knowing now how 
foolish he'd been.

Buffy's hands shot out over the meager distance that separated them.  
Her palms flat against his chest, she pushed until he staggered back 
and cleared her path.  "So am I."  She began to march back toward 
the door.

"We're not finished yet."  Spike grabbed for her, grasping her elbow 
and pulling her to a stop.

Buffy whirled on him.  "What's the point?!  Do you want a tour of the 
house now?  Do you want us to pretend to be friends?"  She threw up 
her hands in exasperation.  "What are we doing here?"

"I wanted to finish this here," Spike's arms swept the room.  "Because 
it's not my place, it's yours."  His eyes bored into hers.  "The house 
always has the edge."

"What are you talking about?"  Confused now, she waited for his 
answer.

"Da told me something today.  Something I hadn't considered before.  
He said wanting was easy, but loving was terrifying.  Buffy - "  He 
wanted to sweep her in his arms then, but she looked so fragile that 
he was afraid he'd shatter her.  "You terrify me.  When I see you, luv, 
I'm scared senseless."

"Don't do this.  You're not playing fair."  She hugged her arms tightly 
around herself, radiating misery and confusion.

"That's what I tried to do, Buffy.  I tried to play fair, but all I ended up 
doing was hurting you and making myself miserable.  I'm playing a 
new hand now, and when the house has the edge I can't afford to 
play fair."  She backed away from him, edging herself toward the 
door.  "There's no point in running, I'll only come after you."  And he 
did just that, grabbing onto her once more.  "You brought this on 
yourself, Buffy.  I would have let you go.  I was prepared to let you 
go."

When he pulled her close, she was trembling.  He kissed her gently 
on the forehead.  "You're shaking, luv."  His kisses trailed down to her 
cheek and chin.  "Scared?"  He let himself indulge in one brief chaste 
kiss on the lips.  "That must mean you still love me."

"Stop!"  She tried to push him away, but her arms felt weak and tired.  
"I don't want you feeling sorry for me."  She nearly sobbed.  "I don't - "

Tired of words, he pulled her closer and let himself go.  His lips 
landed atop hers and nearly devoured her.  Buffy felt all the air 
whoosh out of her leaving her gasping for more.  Her heart beat 
double time and slammed against her chest.  

"Is that what you think this is?"  Spike asked, gasping for breath 
himself.  He swooped down and took her lips once more.  "Bloody 
hell, this dress drives me crazy!"  Buffy hadn't had time to change her 
clothes before her hasty flight.  Now as his hands wandered her 
exposed back Buffy shivered in to his touch.  "I wanted to rip apart 
every guy that saw you in this flimsy thing tonight."  Spike kissed her 
roughly this time.  "I'll have to buy you a dozen more just like it."  His 
hardness pressed against her thigh as he held her tightly to him.

Buffy's mind was reeling.  "You're not making any sense."  She shook 
her head trying to clear her rampant thoughts.  "What are you 
saying?"

With a monumental effort he pulled away from her.  Placing his hands 
on her cheeks he forced their eyes to meet.  They stood together for 
several moments, just staring into each other.  When his lips began to 
move, Buffy felt as if she'd entered a dream.  "I love you."

The pain in her chest twisted and churned until it became a bursting 
explosion of color and light.  "You do?"  She managed to whisper over 
the cacophony of her heartbeat.

"I love everything about you, Buffy."  He kissed the corner of her 
mouth, the crinkle of her brow, and the crown of her head.  "And I was 
hoping you'd buck the odds and give me a second chance."  His eyes 
pleaded with her.

"I'm a big believer in second chances."  She answered, her lips 
forming a tremulous smile.

"I was counting on it, luv."  He kissed her again, gently, smiling as her 
arms wove around his waist.  "But you're going to have to let me 
move in here."

"Here?  You want to live in this house?"

"Well, I assumed this is where you'd want to raise the kids."  He 
answered the picture of her with a bright bouncing baby still firmly 
etched in his mind's eye.

"Kids?"

"You do want kids, don't you?"  He asked, smirking at the look of 
adorable confusion on her face.  When she nodded, he continued, 
"And I'm an old fashioned bloke.  If we're going to have kids, you're 
going to have to marry me first."

"Will."  Buffy tried to say more, but all that would come was his name.  
She snuggled into his warm body, and waited for the feeling of 
euphoria to lift enough for coherency to return.

"So what do you say, Buffy?  Are you willing to risk it?"  He smiled 
down at her, his blue eyes twinkling.  "Do you want to take a gamble 
on us?"

She waited a beat before answering, but when she saw his smile 
falter and his eyes dim she reassured him quickly.  "It so happens I'm 
on a hot streak."

He swept her into his arms, lifting her off the ground and twirling her 
until she was dizzy.  "So I've heard."  He laughed as he set her back 
down.  

Her feet landed on the plush living room carpet, her face flush, her 
hands still shaking.  When Will dropped to his knee before her, she 
couldn't prevent the tears from rushing to her eyes.  

"Marry me, Buffy."  He held out the ring to her.  A beautiful sapphire 
ringed with tiny diamonds.  It sparkled in the moonlight that shone 
through the front window.  Carefully he took her trembling hand and 
pushed the ring on to her finger, kissing each dainty appendage 
afterward.  

Then he stood and kissed at the tears falling down Buffy's cheeks, 
making her laugh and cry at the same time.  Silencing her with a kiss 
to her lips, Spike let his hands wander where they willed.  Finding 
them unzipping the back of Buffy's dress didn't come as a surprise to 
either of them.

The dress slid down, revealing goosebumped flesh.  Spike caught his 
breath at the sight of her, eyes turned shyly downward.  She made 
such an erotic picture, all bashful sexiness, he groaned.

Ridiculously Buffy felt herself blushing.  Will had seen her before, and 
had told her in more than just words that she was desirable.  But now, 
after all they'd been through and everything they'd shared with each 
other tonight, she almost felt as if this was their first time together.  
She glanced at him through her lowered lashes.  The desire-laden 
gaze he washed over her had her body heat rising by degrees.

Naked, he lowered her to the ground, laying her as comfortably as 
possible.  "Sorry, luv."  He kissed her senseless.  "Can't wait any 
longer.  Know you deserve better, but..." Buffy didn't know when Will 
had taken off his own clothes, but he lay there against her, his cool 
skin flush against her overheated one.  

His lips feasted on her flesh, hungrily tasting her.  He moaned at the 
first taste of her flavor on his tongue, cursing for having denied 
himself for so long.  He pulled away to focus on her dazed 
expression.  "Is this okay, luv?"  He wanted her so badly he didn't 
know what he'd do if she said no.  But her lips curved up in a 
seductive smile as she pulled his mouth back down to hers.

He moved against her positioning himself between her silken thighs.  
When they finally came together, Spike's groan rumbled through his 
whole body causing a rippling tingle to surge through Buffy's.  She 
arched into him and they were overcome with passion.  They crashed 
together until neither of them could do anything but feel the other.  
And when they finally crested the peak together, neither had any 
breath left to speak.

Hours, or days, later Buffy came back to consciousness snuggling 
into her new fiance.  She smiled into his chest, wondering at the turn 
her life had taken.  She'd started this journey hoping for a new life.  
She'd ended by finding a new love.

"Love you."  She whispered to him the first time she'd been able to 
say it aloud without fear or nervousness.

"Mmm."  He kissed the crown of her head, and tightened his arm 
around her waist.  "Love you too.  Always."

Buffy's smile widened.  Maybe she'd found a new life as well, a better 
life.  Her life, no, *their* life, together.

THE END