...The Spoils Of War Are Sweetest

ALL I'VE UNDERGONE
I WILL KEEP ON

UNDERNEATH IT ALL
WE FEEL SO SMALL
THE HEAVENS FALL
BUT STILL WE CRAWL

ALL I'VE UNDERGONE
I WILL KEEP ON

By Nine Inch Nails
from their album The Fragile.

Not waiting for an answer, Angelus firmly pulled her behind him, easily moving through a crowd that magically parted before them. Buffy docilely allowed Angelus to take her with him, walking as if through a haze of shock. Of all the things she had imagined for this night, humiliation, rape, and murder never crossed her thoughts.

The music had slowed into a deep, hypnotic boom. Looking over her shoulder, Buffy saw several negligent bodies twisting together in the hungers of arousal. What matter of people were these? As if reading her thoughts, several strangers smiled at her, allowing a glimpse of their true selves to be shown. Now she knew. Demons in disguise.

After all that had happened, she was hardly surprised anymore. That's what demons did, right? Keep company with their kind with a little human entertainment thrown in.

Turning towards Angelus she noticed the way her hand fit snugly into his much larger one. The coolness of his skin was a direct contrast the warmth of her own. She began to feel an disconcerting feeling of heat wrap itself around her as her neck began to pulse.

The bond between them was reasserting itself upon her body, regardless of how her heart hated it. Hearts---at times a worthless contraption to be sure. Buffy would not be going through this if it wasn’t for her damned heart loving Angel and not being able to look past her memories. Angelus would not be walking the streets and dragging her to his bed if it was not for her heart.

Just how frigid could his heart be?

Mentally shaking her head Buffy remembered that this vampire held no heart of his own, only hers. Remembering his rape of her body, Buffy felt her soul cry with betrayal. He was not supposed to be like this. No matter what she knew of Angelus, in the secret recesses of her heart, she never believed he would go this far. How could he let them see her? How could he force her to open up and accept his body?

Feeling the tears sting her eyes, Buffy rapidly blinked them away. Pushing her pain deep inside, she straightened her spine and coolly looked forward. She had to be strong, she had to triumph over the cruel games of this vampire. She had to. Angelus glanced over his shoulder to meet the cold eyes of his human lover. His smirk was met with a challenging smirk of her own. Surprise flitted in his black eyes, while an appraising expression soon battled with his smug smile. Deliberately Buffy looked away from Angelus, effectively dismissing him. Take that you bastard. What did you expect to see? Fear?

The handsome vampire merely nodded his head, anticipation soon lacing the sadistic smile he graced her with. Gently touching the side of her face, he soon forced her to look at him. “We’re almost there lover. Your surprise is my room. I’m sure you’ll love it” he pleasantly stated even while his eyes told her the opposite. She merely continued to study a point in the distance over his shoulder with great fascination. His soft laughter rang in her ears, causing a knot of tension to gather within.

Finally turning away from Buffy, he continued to lead them away from the party and towards his own sleeping chamber. Looking back at the smooth lines of muscle in his broad back, Buffy felt as if she had won and lost the first round of this match.

A small voice inside her head wailed, “When will this night end?”, even as she continued to keep pace with his long-legged stride. She was wary and a bit nervous of what he had to show her and the closer they came to his room, the more she wished she could bolt out of the door. But damned if she’d let Angelus know it.

He already knew.

Fear, anger, and pain were swirling about the Slayer, flavoring the air she breathed. Angelus’ eyes slitted with malevolent pleasure. Tonight he would take another piece away from Angel’s little love. It was fucking delicious to play with her. He missed all the time wasted while he had been in exile. What a true master he could have become!

Not that he already was not. But still...

Toying with these human girls were what made his existence glorious. Their feelings, their bodies, their fragility were incomparable. To recreate them for eternity was an impossibility and made this sport all the more enjoyable. Where one was, there was ten more. You could never run out of them. Humans were utterly delightful.

Hearing the quickening of her heartbeat, Angelus felt a rush of power. Humans were plentiful, but there was only one Slayer. At least in Sunnydale. Remembering the exotically beautiful Slayer from the Islands, Angelus recalled how Buffy had died briefly. Uncontrollable rage flooded him as he crushed her slender hand with his own. If she hadn’t smashed the bones of the Master herself, he would have done so this night.

Hearing her gasp of pain, Angelus relaxed the punishing hold of her hand. To be angered was wasteful. What was past was not under his control. Besides, she was fated to be his. Did she not come back from death just to eventually give him life again?

Walking through the dim corridor Buffy heard the unabashed sounds of pleasure coming from behind closed doors...and others that were not closed. Hunching her shoulders and screwing her eyes shut, Buffy wanted to get past them as quickly as possible. She could not bear to watch demons, people, or both having sex. It would most likely disgust her, especially after what had just happened out there. Anyways, she shouldn’t look---it would be rude and invasive.

Hearing a sharp cry of want, Buffy felt her head slowly come up. Don’t look, don’t look she silently chanted to no avail. Not wanting to yet being unable to stop, she opened her eyes. Glancing at one of the rooms, her steps suddenly noticeably slowed. It was the same blond and ebony haired couple that sent Buffy scurrying away earlier in the night. She should do the same now, but for some unfathomable reason she could not.

Transfixed she did not notice that Angelus had stopped walking. She never saw him look back at her impatiently. She did not feel him let go of her hand. She never observed the small, lazy smile twist his lips. She did not feel him move to stand behind her. All she saw was them. In all the horrors of this night, there was something so unexpected, so soothing, so SAFE in watching these two people worship each other with lust.

Not hate...

...and not murder...

Angelus held a surprise for her, and she was willing to bet that it was not one that she would relish. Buffy was not ready to follow him. Even if she was willing to face his damnation, at this moment all she could do was visually feast on the two lovers. Two lovers who may be her enemy, who may make murder and hate their creed, but for right now: they were perfection.

The perfection that only two beings enthralled with each other can embody.

The passion in the room was so strong, scorching everything in its’ path, including a still-innocent girl named Buffy.

He leaned down behind the writhing woman and languidly licked the perspiration from her back. His hands firmly gripped her lily white hips, while the gleaming flesh of his rod rubbed her bottom. The woman on the bed bucked and moaned in hungry pleasure.

Buffy could feel her chest tighten.

“Do you want it Celeste?” he huskily groaned, already knowing her answer.

“Ah yes...now...do it now...” she panted.

Buffy could feel her stomach burn with a liquid warmth.

“Beg me for it. Beg me good” he rasped.

Arching her neck she panted “Please Anwaar, please fuck me! Please---”

“Fuck you how?” he gutturally cut in.

Buffy could feel her womb clench, her mind silently answering, knowing what the beautiful woman’s answer would be.

“In the ass...I want it in my ass...” Celeste groaned while reaching behind to spread the firm flesh of her bottom.

The two unnatural beings sighed with pleasure as he began the oh-so-wanted assault. Buffy could feel her eyes unfocus, wanting to watch Anwaar take his cock and fit into Celeste, but also shocked and a little frightened that he would. It was forbidden, yet it called to her. Hazily she wondered if Angelus do that to her? Would she even fight it?

“She seems to enjoy it, don’t you think darling?” Angelus purred. Looking away from the steady thrust of Anwaar’s hips, Buffy tried to get her strange confusing desire under control. She had just been raped! How could she ever even think about sex, much less bear to watch two people having anal sex? Much less wonder if her rapist would be the one performing that act with her!

“I asked you a question” he lazily stated, a hard edge creeping into his voice. Angelus held Buffy within the circle of his arms, one arm wrapped around her slender waist and the other crossing between her breasts. He could smell the desire awakening within her abused body. It was too delicious to be possible: the near-virginal Slayer wanted to be buggered!

Buffy neutrally answered “Yes.” The pulsing of her neck grew faster and faster, her body crying to nourish him.

“Yes what?” he probed, the gleam in his eye pronouncing the knowledge of her body’s instinctive struggle.

Sighing softly, whether from regret or frustration, she elaborated. “Yes, I think she enjoys it. I believe she’s having a great time.”

Chuckling he squeezed her tighter and mused outloud “I wonder how tight you’ll be? Will you be able to take all of me or will I have to let you have just a little?”

Buffy remained silent for a few moments before saying “I don’t understand you.” Or myself.

Removing his arms from her, Angelus placed his hand on the back of her neck. Jovially he asked, “What’s there to understand Buff?” as he led her away from the lustful escapade of Celeste and Anwaar.

Angered she jerked her head away from his hand. The unexpected feelings of desire vanished once they were away from the two lovers, even while her throat danced with unholy purpose. Shooting a look of pure menace over her shoulder Buffy kept several paces between them. A knot of dread twisted her insides as she saw the massive double doors of Angelus’ chamber appear before them. What other horrors did he have planned for her?

Could all of this have been avoided? she wondered as she pushed open the doors. The room was dark, the only light to be had was from a small table lamp. Cautiously her eyes swept the room, wondering if her surprise was something that could physically get her.

Would he have still taken me on the table if I had told him how much he hurt me with Lina? she thought as she came to a halt. Turning around she saw him casually leaning against the closed doors, the ever-present smirk firmly in place. Warily she waited, knowing that Angelus would soon tell her what he wanted of her.

Her eyes were wide and watchful, while her hand absently rubbed the site of his mark. Buffy’s fear was intoxicating and rich in its’ depth. Angelus could hardly contain his wicked mirth at her surprise. Maliciousness gleamed in his own eyes as he drank of her. How should he play it out? Make it extremely long or quick, yet painful?

And afterwards, would he sip from her blood again? The sweet elixir could almost be tasted on his tongue again. The Slayer was so delicious, perhaps he would give her a taste himself...

Hmm, decisions...

What just was he to do? Taking an unnecessary sigh Angelus pushed off the doors and strolled towards his human lover.

Lifting her chin, she boldly met his calculating look with her own coldly determined one. Survive. Whatever he chose to dish out, she would endure it and survive. And then Angelus would pay...

“Oooh if looks could kill, eh Slayer?” Giving her a reproachful look Angelus chided Buffy with “Be careful baby---all those dirty looks totally give away any future plans you have for me!” Grabbing her shoulders he turned her around and walked her across the room. With much enthusiasm Angelus amiably chatted, relishing the stiffness of her body.

“Now since you like looking so much, I have a surprise for you that will change the way you think babe.” Reaching around her he opened up a door. Gallantly he led her in before himself, keeping a hand on the small of her back. Buffy realized it was the one before the bathing room. Leading her to the small sofa, he seated himself right next to her.

Casually crossing his feet at the ankles and folding his hands over his stomach, Angelus leaned his head against the back. Slanting a look over towards Buffy he saw that she was keeping herself rigidly still. Arching a brow he pleasantly asked “Comfortable?”

“Comfortable? Sure---I’m really comfortable Angelus. In fact the only way I could be anymore comfortable was if I was at home.” Buffy’s voice oozed with saccharine sweetness as her eyes blazed with dislike, distrust, and a large dose of wariness.

Coldly smiling Angelus shrugged as he leaned forward before standing up. He could feel her gaze upon him as he took the few steps towards the blank, paneled wood. Reaching up, he ran his fingers against the corner where the two walls met. With an audible click it slid back to reveal a panel of monitors. Grabbing a remote Angelus leisurely strolled back to the couch and once more propped his feet on the table. Glancing at Buffy he inquired “Ever watch porn Buff?”

Frowning she quickly answered “No!” while clenching her hands into small fists.

“Really?” Running a fingertip along her bare knee he murmured “Not even once? You’ve never come across an unlabeled tape and let curiosity get the best of you?”

Yanking his shirt over her knee and dislodging his finger, Buffy felt disconcerted by the course of this conversation. “I said no, didn’t I?” she snapped.

Not willing to let it go Angelus commented “Your mother has been single all this time---how lonely she must be. Spending all her time alone in bed, without a man of her own to play with. Masturbation is a poor substitute, but hey! you work with what you got!” Enjoying the mounting outrage on Buffy’s face he mused “I bet she has a tape or two laying around in her closet. In fact I’d bet it’s under a stack of sweaters: third pile from the right.”

Disgust at him caused Buffy to stand up. “If this is supposed to be my surprise, forget it! Your taste definitely sucks.”

Rushing towards the door she stopped when she heard him calmly order “Walk out that door and I promise you will NEVER go home again.”

Buffy’s silence was filled with question. “I think you know what I mean lover.”

Without turning around she asked “You really think you can stop me?”

“I won’t have to darling. You’ll stay for now or you’ll stay forever. Your choice.”

Sincerity rang in each of his carefully spoken words. Thoughts of being turned brought the prophesy to mind. Slowly turning around Buffy felt a tremor of fear against the handsome demon that somehow became her lover. When he leveled her with a dark look, she could feel the pulse at her neck ferociously throb while feeling the familiar weakness claw at her stomach.

All with a look and a command.

“What are you doing to me?” she confusedly whispered while dragging her feet back to his side. She did not want to be intimate with him in any way. He hurt her---badly. He took and flaunted her in front of strangers, how could her body try to betray her like this? The bond of master and slave is most painful to the one without power... she sadly thought.

Taking a hold of her slim arm Angelus guided Buffy down to the floor next to his feet. Surprise shadowed the lights of her eyes at his action. “I’m only doing what is meant to be Slayer. That’s all” he kindly stated, the coldness in his eyes betraying the sentiment behind his words. “Now I was going to save this toy for later, until you were ready---but things change, don’t they lover?” Pointing his remote towards the wall, Angelus caused all nine screens to flare to life. A different picture was in each one, but they all had the same thing in common---sex.

Raw, undiluted sex.

Buffy’s eyes widened in shock at the explicitness of what she was seeing. Each screen made no mistake of the subject, nor did it disguise the identity of each participant. Letting out a strangled sound, she continued to watch transfixedly at each monitor. In one screen she could see two women having sex, while in another two men were grappling on a wide bed. Without realizing it, Buffy clutched Angelus’ leg for support.

One screen zoomed in on the backside of a woman while a man thrust into her from behind. Rapidly his technologically enlarged penis plowed into his bedmate, before spurting a thick liquid all across her bottom. The image zoomed out to show Celeste and Anwaar in a tangle of sweaty limbs and vapid smiles on their faces.

It wasn’t just adult films, but actual footage shot in this very house!

Each monitor showed a piece of anatomy or the whole body. A breast, two entwined women, a hairy thigh, a nose mashed into pubic hair---all exposed to the tinted film of black and white. Buffy felt a mixture of fascination and repulsion. There was something so taboo about watching this---but she did not want to watch. Yet she sat there: watching.

All her knowledge about sex had been very basic, each piece coming a bit at a time. Until this weekend. She had believed herself to be very worldly, but as the minutes went by she realized how ignorant she really was.

Now she knew that gay men did not just do it from behind. She saw one woman put her entire fist into another woman. She saw how a woman could be with three men at the same time.

Feeling her stomach churn with sickness, Buffy drew in shallow breaths. Looking down at the carpet, she tried to gather control over her composure. Innocence gone, never to be recaptured again. This seemed to be the surprise that Angelus gave her. Why? Did he think that she would get an illicit thrill to see a middle-aged female getting screwed by a demon with two cocks?

His fingers played with the loose hair that had fallen on her back. Pointing towards the wall, all nine screens suddenly became apart of just one picture. The partial view of a young man’s face in ecstasy dominated the image, his mouth falling open in a silent moan.

She could not bear to watch anymore.

Looking back at Angelus Buffy was about to speak when he abruptly lifted her onto his lap. Her struggles ceased when he firmly leaned her against his chest and whispered “Just watch.”

“I can’t” she rigidly whispered in return, while turning to face him.

Leaning forward to kiss her cheek, Angelus trailed his lips until they met the small shell of her ear. Flicking it once with his tongue, he stated “This is my surprise for you lover. If you don’t watch, you’ll hurt my feelings. If you hurt my feelings, I’ll hurt someone. You don’t want that on your conscience, do you?” Leaning back Angelus smiled beautifully, the purity of his face disguising the murderous intent beneath.

“Do you?” he prodded, the smile dissolving from his face.

“No” she said, unwanted tears of anger forming in her eyes. She was the Slayer! The best in all of recorded history---so why was she so weak with Angelus?

Wiping the crystal tears from her pale cheeks, Angelus delicately tasted them. Holding the back of her slim neck in one hand, he drew her forward until his lips touchd hers. Looking into her eyes he murmured “Your tears are so lovely Buff. You know I love your misery, why are you tempting me like this? All you have to do is turn around and watch. Why are you making this so difficult?” Unless..” he paused for a moment, letting the air become heavy with speculation, “...you want to finish what we started.”

Shaking her head, she pulled away from his hand. Shifting she made to leave his lap, only to have Angelus clamp his hands around her waist. Beneath her bare bottom Buffy could feel his erection laying thick and heavy within his pants. It made her aware of her vulnerability.

And his power.

She did not like it.

“Now be a good girl and watch.”

Drawing her relunctant gaze back to the wall she watched as the picture widened to show two women licking his body. Their long hair trailed along the man’s skin, eliciting another sigh of pleasure from him. Occasionally the females broke their heated caresses to kiss each other languorously, their hands never straying from the male flesh before them.

Rigidly Buffy sat there, all the while feeling a sense of dread that this was more than for her mere lust. Who were these people and why was it so important for her to watch?

One of the females straddled the young man’s straining penis while the other settled herself over his face. Leaning forward they wrapped their slender arms around each other’s waist, undulating on their male partner. With another click of the button the screen zoomed in, the wet sliding of two dueling tongues painting the wall.

Buffy’s mouth became dry as the minutes passed. The variety of positions changed, the sounds grew louder, and the lust seemed to be never-ending. Especially between the two women. While he was far from neglected, the passion really seemed to between the females. As they both used their tongues on his cock, it suddenly dawned on Buffy just who they were. They were the two dancing lovers from the foyer.

Immediately following that realization the young man lifted his face to see his two companions greedily engulf him. Buffy’s stomach plummeted. It was the waiter from earlier in the evening. Ice began to form in her veins as she continued to watch the screen. The waiter was here.

He saw her.

Buffy was speechless, her mouth could not even begin to form the words of hatred. It all came together for her. Angelus’ point to prove was not only for her, but for his supposed rival. He wanted to punish HER and he wanted HIM to know that she belonged to someone else.

Her body began to shake from the staggering shock. “They’re so passionate, aren’t they?” Angelus’ voice came as if from far away.

Passionate? Buffy began to stand up again, this time flinging Angelus’ hands away when he tried to stop her. The ice began to melt under the heat of her growing rage. Blindly staring at the screen she felt the paralyzing fury take control of her. Her turbulent emotions had no trouble communicating themselves to her lover.

He gleefully enjoyed them.

“Mia and Rachel. I’ve known them for what seems like...forever,” he drolled. Her shoulders became more rigid by his implication. He smirked while idly turning his ring with his thumb. Continuing to speak as if nothing was wrong Angelus asked “They are quite beautiful, wouldn’t you agree?”

She uttered not one solitary sound.

Studying the acrobatic position Rachel had twisted herself in, he stated “They are impossible to resist once they’ve decided to have you. Even you felt the force of their allure, didn’t you?” His pause seemed to shout that there was nothing that he did not know about Buffy.

Angelus noted her clenched fists with much satisfaction. Deciding to turn the knife once more he spoke in a condescending voice “You’re quite lucky that you’re mine. Otherwise you would feel the real power of their passion.”

“Lucky?” she asked with a noticable tremor.

Gesturing with the remote he observed “Our nice waiter seems to be having a ball. I bet he’ll be jacking off to this for months.” Whistling crudely Angelus chuckled “Now that’s something I haven’t tried.” Craning his dark head to the side he complained “I can’t believe they held that one out on me.”

Buffy clenched her eyes tightly. So she met two more of his conquests. What was that now? A total of four? Drucilla, Lina, and now Mia and Rachel. How many more? Every fucking female outside this room?!

“Yes sir, our young friend Paul---you did know his name was Paul, didn’t you sweetie? I mean you should, since you gave him the Fuck-Me Vibes.” Goading her he asked in exasperation “Don’t tell me that here’s another guy whose name you didn’t know?”

“You’re wrong. I was only nice to him. He was polite to me---I was polite to him. It’s called manners. You should get some” she tightly told Angelus.

Ignoring her jab and her denial, he mused “Paul will probably remember this for the rest of his life. Instead of thinking about the hot blonde from the restaurant, he’ll remember my grand soiree. He’ll thank me a thousand times over for my generous hospitality. Seeing how dejected he was because of your newfound frigidness, I HAD to play Cupid. So what did I do? I invited him to an upscale party because a certain girl wanted to see him there. A certain girl who liked to play games. Who do you think he thought it was?”

Feeling her hatred for him twist and tear her, Buffy’s eyes began to cross from rage. How dare he make this her fault!

“Imagine our Paul hurrying home to pull out his best set of clothes, quickly shaving, and probably going heavy on the aftershave. He had to make sure that he looked perfect. Why? All to see you Buffy...” Angelus paused for a tension-filled moment before silkily stating “My, my, my---what you inspire in foolish boys.”

Crossing his legs at the ankles, Angelus slouched down on the sofa. “He comes here and waits. And waits. And waits. Finally he sees you! A goofy grin spreads over his face before he wipes it off. No, he can’t have that. He can’t seem too eager. You know how boys his age try so hard to be men.”

Buffy blindly watched as Paul took Mia? Rachel? from behind as the other made her way underneath them both.

“He comes over but then he sees you kissing me! Imagine the shock...” he lazily said. Her face was twisted in a grimace of suffocating anger. She knew how this story would end and she despised Angelus more than ever before.

“Before young Paul can put two and two together, there we are: fucking on the dining room table.” Angelus chuckled at the increased intensity of rage he felt from Buffy. “He was about to leave when you should come to comfort him? My lovely little nymphos.” Looking back up to the screen he remarked “I’d say that he’s forgotten all about you darling. Never let it be said that I take without giving something in return.”

Drawling Angelus made the final stab of “He just never knew you were that kind of girl Buff. Hell! I never knew you were that kind of girl.”

Whirling around Buffy spat “I’m not that kind of girl! You’re the sick fuck who feels threatened by anyone with a dick!” Her outburst was only responded with a nasty smirk. With a cry of pent-up rage she lifted up the coffee table and threw it against the wall of monitors. The table shattered several of the screens while it splintered into jagged pieces.

Blindly grabbing a broken table leg, Buffy flew at Angelus. Straddling him she held the makeshift stake over his chest, her hand shaking from the desire to plunge it into his black heart. Something held her back from destroying this body and ending her torment, but Buffy wanted to so badly. She hated him with an all consuming passion!

He never even blinked.

“Before you kill me lover---I think there’s something you should know.” Gesturing towards the fractured screen with his chin, Angelus continued. “I forgot one thing about my lovely friends and Paul.”

“What?” she demanded through clenched teeth.

Leaning forward he casually asked “Remember how I said he’ll probably be jacking off to this for months? Well, I kinda forgot that...” he drew out the moment before finishing “...he’ll be dead.”

Narrowing her eyes Buffy coldly disputed him with “I don’t think so lover. Not if you’re ash.”

Baring his teeth in a grin Angelus smoothly said “I won’t be the one dispensing death to Paul. They will.”

Buffy imperceptibly drew back.

“You see Mia and Rachel can’t get enough of mortal men and women. Fucking your kind is what keeps them going, you know what I mean? I could give you the long drawn out version or the short.” Casually shrugging Angelus stated “I think I’ll opt for the short since YOU think I don’t have very time much left.” He mockingly smirked for a brief moment before nonchalontly saying “Paul will just get fucked to death.”

Buffy drew in a sharp breath.

Unconcernedly Angelus continued speaking. “It’s not a bad way to go though, if you think about it. If I had a choice, fucking or the stake, I’d take fucking.” Pausing he blandly asked “You’re not offering are you sweetie?”

Narrowing her eyes Buffy growled “Where are they? They’re not just down the hall, are they? It’d be too easy...”

Smiling Angelus remained silent.

“Goddamn you! Where are they?!” she shouted into his face.

“You can’t kill them Slayer. YOU can’t do it.”

“Wanna bet?” she snidely asked.

“Go in there with your stakes and see how much damage you do. I’ll tell you: nothing. You can’t possibly kill them.”

“But there is a way, isn’t there?”

Rolling his eyes Angelus impatiently exclaimed “Of course there is. Immortality always has a damned escape clause.”

“Then tell me” she demanded while pressing her stake closer to his heart.

“I could. It would be complicated, take much effort, not physically but time wise, but...”

“But what?” she impatiently snapped.

“There’s another way to stop them and make you a hero. Again.”

Buffy waited for his answer.

Angelus merely smiled. Standing up Buffy looked down at Angelus in disgust. “Let me guess. You’ll call them off if I do something for you. Right?”

Angelus’ smile remained firmly in place as he slouched down further on the sofa.

“Well?” she impatiently snapped.

“You always were smarter than Spike gave you credit for.” Locking his cold eyes with hers, he elegantly shrugged. “But then perhaps that’s why he’s the slowest demon on four wheels and two legs. While I’m---” Pausing he allowed his licentious gaze to rove over Buffy’s bare thighs before finishing with “the only one between yours.”

Narrowing her eyes in anger Buffy opened her mouth to speak when Angelus suddenly shot off the couch. In less than a split second he had his arm wrapped around her waist, her arm held high up behind her back, and her face a few inches away from the shattered wall of screens.

The table leg clattered harmlessly on the floor as he held her dangerously close to the exposed glass. Nervously Buffy asked “You wanna take it easy? I mean I don’t think you want me---”

With his hand wrapped tightly at the base of her neck Angelus growled into her ear “Shut the FUCK up Slayer! You still don’t get the point of this exercise, do you?”

Silence.

“Do you?” he spat.

Silence.

“Answer me!”

“I thought you told me to, quote, “Shut the FUCK up”, end quote” Buffy blandly answered.

Bitch! Only this worthless scrap of humanity had the ability to drive him into such a blinding rage. He could feel her muscle, bone, and tissue beneath his hand. It would be so easy to end her life. With just one flick of his hand she would be gone. No one would stop him, least of all her. A brief struggle perhaps, but then all his problems would be over.

Slayer gone. Game over.

And just perhaps the night would right itself again and his sanity would not feel strained. Things could be the way they were, the way they surely were, before his mind had become sullied with thoughts of her...

Fixedly staring at the back of Buffy’s head, he heard an insiduous voice tempt him to murder. There she stood, so goddamned disdainful, as if it were the worst sort of inconvienence to be even this close to him, even as her tone was flippant. Anger twisted his mouth as he thought The knife cuts both ways darling: you hate me, I hate you twice as much.

And at this moment he truly did.

He hated her for driving him to the brink of his control. Angelus was now a new man, at least he was trying to be. Not for turning over a new leaf, but for dominating his weaker impulses. The very same impulses that got him into trouble with a certain gypsy tribe a century earlier.

The dissolute vampire of before had been tempered with wisdom and restraint during exile. While Angel allowed the decades to pass in self-pity, Angelus took that time to reflect---to realize where he went wrong. In other words, seeing how he got caught with his pants down and his hands up.

The gypsy girl.

She was quite lovely. Smooth dark skin that flashed so enticingly against his own pale, bare limbs. Silky, long hair black as a moonless night that hung well past her rounded hips. White teeth that flashed as dangerously as his own. Bold yet fearful. Virginal and eager all at once.

He should never have been out there in the middle of the barely-inhabited countryside. Angelus made it a point to stay well within the cosmipolitan confines of the cities, but after catching a glimpse of that enchanting creature he had lost his mind.

The end for him had been at an area fair.

"Oh please Angel! I’ve been an especially good girl." Grabbing his hand with child-like exuberence Druscilla pulled him up the stairs. Skipping down the carpeted hall she flung open the doors to her suite, all the while holding on tightly to him.

An eager smile lit up her delicately pallored face as she proudly pointed to various parts of the room. "See! I’ve made sure those lazy maids made the bed properly and all my toys are off the floor. And, oh look Daddy!" Dragging him across the room Druscilla joyfully asked “Do you see?”

A small smile of amusement curled his lips. “See what, my pet?”

Pointing to the large collection of porcelain dolls she breathed “All of them have heads. Each and every single one of them! Aren’t you proud of me?” Turning back to him with a swish of fabric, she rushed on with “I remembered Angel, oh I did! You told me that I was not to ruin your gifts and if I did, you would raise my skirts up and switch me like the naughty girl I was. But see! I haven’t been bad, so you won’t have to heat my bum!’

Gently touching the soft flesh of her cheek Angelus indulgently replied “I see that love. You’ve been my most precious little girl, haven’t you Druscilla?” Eagerly she nodded her head. “Yes you have. Always doing what you’re told to do, isn’t that right darling?” Her nod was not as quick as the ones before.

Hardening his voice slightly he asked again “You’re always a good girl, aren’t you?”

Tears began to fill her large blue eyes as her feet began to shuffle guiltily. Looking at the floor she began to sniffle.

“Druscilla...” he said in a warning tone. She continued to sniffle, while twisting her hands behind her back. “Do ALL the dolls have their heads?”

“Well...I...you see...” she clumsily began to explain.

“Yes or no?” he quietly asked while crossing his arms across his chest.

“No” she finally sadly whispered.

“Show me” Angelus sternly demanded.

With a heavy step Druscilla carefully removed doll after doll from their gaily painted shelf until finally at the bottom she brought out both parts of the decapitated toy. Holding it behind her back she shuffled her way back to her ‘Daddy’.

Holding out his hand he silently asked for the doll. With a heavy sigh she gave him the doll and head. It was a small figure, not more than six inches in length. The doll’s dress was scarlet in color, ending not more than past the soft dimpled cloth designated as knee. It had been torn to that length, the fabric fraying and jagged.

The head stared blankly ahead through eyeless sockets. Its’ pale complexion had been replaced with the clumsy but thorough brush strokes of brown paint. Only a spot here and there exposed her true coloring. The before soft blonde hair was now stiff with black paint. Druscilla had destroyed the previous coiffure of upswept ringlets into a ratty freehanging style that exposed the head’s unrooted scalp.

Grimly looking at his childe Angelus coldly asked “What is the meaning of this Druscilla? Did I not make myself clear enough?”

“I’m sorry” she contritely apologized.

“I’m afraid that is simply not good enough. You have been a very bad little girl and you must be punished.”

“Yes Angel” she pitifully answered.

“Yes what?” he incredulously shouted.

Tearing away her gaze from the floor Druscilla said “Yes Daddy! I’m sorry Daddy! I don’t know...why...I...I’m sorry...I’ve been bad...I had dreams...frightening ones...and they made me...” Wringing her hands she saw that Angelus’ threatening scowl had not altered one bit. “Daddy?”

Before Angelus could speak a droll voice full of feminine amusement broke in. “Still playing Daddy, Angelus? If you’re Daddy wouldn’t that make me Mommy or even Grandmommy?” Wrinkling her brow Darla mused “That just doesn’t sit quite as well. Hmm...” shrugging she blithely said “Male supremacy at play again. Hardly fair but at least we ALL don’t fall for it.”

Turning towards the source of her voice Angelus coolly observed her dashing figure. Dressed in a delicate shade of lilac with ebony piping along the wrist length sleeves, Darla was dressed at the height of Parisian fashion. Completely out of place in this remote area but all the more intimidating for it. “I see you’ve made yourself completely at home, my dear. Even so far as to enter these particular apartments without invite. Rather rude of you, wouldn’t you agree?”

Sauntering in the room she shrugged a saucy shoulder. Carefully settling herself onto the edge of the bed Darla replied “Don’t put on those airs with me Angelus! This is my house as much as yours and I will go where I please.” Motioning towards the silent but ever watchful Druscilla she remarked “Why do you persist on playing these perverted little games with her? Is it not enough that you drove the chit insane? I hardly think William, or is it Spike now?, will appreciate your loving attention to his little love. Where is the charming Spike?”

“Mind your own affairs Darla” he softly warned.

“Oh Angel, surely there’s no harm in an observation or two.”

Angelus merely continued to imperiously stare down his nose, daring her to continue with her ‘harmless' observations.

The droll smile faded to be replaced by a wary stare. Pausing for a tension filled moment Darla finally inclined her head. “I beg forgiveness for any insult I may have unintentionally inflicted.”

Piercing her with a final stare Angelus graciously inclined his head. “Do not worry yourself further Darla. As a guest,” he intentionally stressed the word ‘guest’, “you may be unaware of certain rules.” Wolfishly smiling he assured her with “I’ll be more than happy to explain our customs to you personally.”

“I can hardly wait” Darla murmured. The unspoken message clearly stated the opposite. Suddenly changing her tone she winningly smiled at her own desecrated angel and asked “You will allow her to attend the fair with us, will you not? It would be far too cruel of you to deny her. Afterall, it was just one, itty, bitty doll.”

“One doll, yes. But a doll that nonetheless has been damaged irrevocably.”

“True. But other than this infraction, has she not been obedient?”

“Her obedience is exactly what is in question.” Slanting a glance at Druscilla, he noticed that her face had suddenly become paler than normal. She began chewing on her lip as her eyes took on a faraway glaze. “She will not be allowed to attend the fair. Instead she must remain sequestered here in her room, kneeling in penance.”

Making a moue of impatience Darla asked “Must you take such a sanctimonious attitude? One would think that you were God---”

“Oh but you see Darla, to this sullied bride of Christ: I AM God” Angelus ferverently spoke.

Druscilla’s eyes focused once more, desperately searching for her sire. Seeing him she rushed towards him and clutched his arm, surprising the two vampires. “I will stay, but you must stay also! You cannot go---”

Before she could finish her babbled statement Angelus slapped her viciously, knocking her to the ground. “I CANNOT go?! You dare to dictate to me, your master, what I can and cannot do!” Brutishly kicking her once in the stomach, he squatted down and pulled her up by her hair. Shaking her once he coldly spat out “You will stay in this room for a week with no dinner and I expect you to stay on your knees until I come for you.”

Sobbing Druscilla pleaded with him “Please don’t go. You don’t understand...” her words ended in a gurgle. Angelus released his grip of her hair and instead wrapped his hands around her neck. He could not believe the stubborness in which she still continued to talk. While hardly more than a fractured whisper she continued to beg him to stay. Minutes passed until the sickening sound of cartiledge crushing sounded.

Yet even still Druscilla mouthed the words “Do not go.”

Throwing her down in disgust Angelus stood up. “You have severely disappointed me Druscilla. I thought you better behaved than this. How could you shame me in front of company?” Turning on his heel Angelus headed for the door.

Gracefully standing up Darla knelt by the fallen vampiress. Smoothing back the tangled curls she soothingly murmured “I shall send William to you---”

Curtly Angelus barked “You will do nothing of the sort! He is not to see her until I have decided her punishment is at an end.” Pinning his ‘daughter’ with a threatening glare he promised “And believe me darling, it will not be for quite some time.” Looking at Darla’s perturbed expression he stated “Let them both be punished. Perhaps next time Spike will take more of an interest in her behavior, instead of spending the day carousing at the local brothel. Then perhaps I will not solely be left to her discipline.”

“And who sent him to the brothel Angel?” Darla archly asked.

Grimly smiling Angelus remained silent, giving his answer with an arch of a brow and a slight bow. “I thought so” she murmured in disgust.

“There are things here that you have no comprehension of Darla. I’ve shown far more patience towards you than is my wont, simply out of respect, but trust me darling Darla---my patience is at an end!”

Directing his attention towards Druscilla he uncerimoniously barked “On your knees now!” Holding his gaze a second longer, Darla helped Druscilla up. Tears of blood continued to roll down her ravaged cheeks, the skin of her neck depressed in a most unnatural fashion, while she continued to mouth the same words over and over. Getting up Darla patted Druscilla’s shoulder, a frown of dislike marring the pure lines of her etheral face.

Satisfied with his childe’s posture of penance Angelus politely inquired “Are you ready to go my dear?”

Accepting his proffered arm Darla waspishly stated “You are an overbearing pig Angelus! It is no wonder why I do not visit you more often---you’re a beast!”

“A beast to be sure, but THE beast in command. That is the defining quality is it not?” Escorting his shrewish relative Angelus looked over his shoulder, satisfied with what he saw. Druscilla was faithfully kneeling on the floor, her eyes locked on a portrait of himself, complete with requisite somber robes.

It was the last time he saw her until a matter of weeks ago.

Druscilla had known of his immenent fall and he being the arrogant (and still arrogant) fool that he was, he had merely brushed her warnings aside as bad behavior. The rest was as they say---history. He had fallen and fallen into grace hard. Angel had come back with blood permanently stained on his hands, while he had to suffer under such nauseating, useless guilt.

It was rather ironic, this much he could admit to.

He had freely dispensed his little Dru to penance, unknowing that he would have to exist under such an odious practice for nearly a century.

As delightful as his gypsy had been, it had hardly been worth it. Then again, how was he to know at the time?

Shaking his head from the memories Angelus focused on the present. Buffy’s neck was so incredibly fragile, ridiculously tiny in his large hand---almost the size of a child’s. It would be so easy, so deliciously merciful on them both...

The madness of jealousy clawed at him relentlessly. Everything within him raged at this mortal coil he had been thrust into. She will be your downfall. The Slayer will break your tenuous hold on sanity. End it!

His only passion and his only weakness: mortal women. To feed off of them for one moment, for one night was one thing. To involve himself in their lives was something entirely different. Yet as much as he knew that, why then was he following in his old footsteps?

Angel loved the Slayer and she him. I want, no NEED, to break her before I rip the life from her. I want to rub the prick’s face in her downfall. I want to destroy all there is of Angel and Buffy.

She was Angel’s whore and still was if her contrary heart was any indication.

He only played with her because of her status in Angel’s life. She held no real allure for him beyond her pretty little body. As lovely as she was, he had tasted women who were far more beautiful. So why did she have this power over his thoughts?

Over his very sanity?

His actions tonight were very similar to what he had done to Lina many years ago. Lina. Even after all these years he still had to throw a dig at her. Only this time he used Buffy far more gently than he had his former mistress. Did she appreciate the walk down memory lane? he casually wondered. Lina had betrayed him as well, only far more worse than Buffy’s little flirtation this night.

Buffy wore her fear of his sex blatantly. As the moments passed he could feel the cold fear lap at the edges of his thoughts. She would not relish being in his bed for some time to come. No matter. If he wished her there, she would find herself sprawled naked and well fucked before the night was through.

Didn’t she realize that she had brought this onto herself? She had one duty and one duty only: chastity to all others except him. Faithfulness, was the concept foreign to her? He had been gone from her bed only one night before she had cast her deceitful eyes elsewhere.

Clenching his jaw Angelus tightened his hold when Buffy began trying to move her neck away. How could he think her any different from all others? She could never be trusted. Ever. She served the enemy and she slept in a bed tainted with purity. Beyond that, she was a clever little mortal full of her own self-importance and beauty. How long before she tried to pull the horns over him?

I’ll see her dead first.

Tonight had cost him much in temperance and patience. Somehow along the way he had lost control. Control he could NOT afford to lose.

Everything he had done had been for her, not him. The glimpse of hedonism, the bloodletting, the fucking, all for her. To show her how much she belonged to him---Angelus. His ravenous hunger in face of her fickleness made him uneasy. Remember what she is here for. Remember your ultimate goal regarding this little lover of yours: death. Regardless of this unheard of bond between the two of you, regardless of what she makes you feel. Especially because of what she makes you feel. There can be only one ending to this chapter in your existence: death. Either hers or yours. Watch yourself.

Hearing the logic of his thoughts, Angelus felt his equalibrium return. Grimly smiling he leaned down and kissed Buffy's shoulder, pulling his shirt down to reveal her soft skin. Her ragged sigh held fear and a bit of unwanted arousal. Good.

This time would be different. He would make it so. This time he would not be so easily led by his cock, no matter how pretty the feline. He would remain in control and not allow himself to become lost in the madness of obsession.

Never did he acknowledge the thoughts of turning her that had been plaguing him for several days. Nor did he acknowledge the thoughts that perhaps his obsession had begun long before, and that there was something here that he had never tasted before.

No, he could only take comfort in his supreme arrogance that if he willed something so, it was. And to his mind Buffy had quite some time before he tired of her.

This only meant that he had much to do before she broke.

No, Angelus would not fall into that trap again.

Just fall into mine little girl, fall into mine.

“Buff, have you had enough time to get my point yet?” he throatily asked as he tasted her shoulder again. “Is it clear to you now baby?”

Anger had made its’ nest within her breast before fleeing. Anger could only serve a murky purpose and as of yet, had done nothing but cause her more grief. What other choice did she have? In this short weekend he proved over and over again that he could and would beat her at these---these---games. A few minutes ago she had desperately wanted to plunge a table leg through his chest, and now she was inches from disfigurement.

Just that quickly.

Each dealng with this monster made her feel more like the child he constantly accused her of being. Like a dizzy pendulum she swung between such extremes in emotion. From joy, to fury, to passion, to hate, and all with little effort from his part. She believed Angelus to unstable, but now perhaps it was she. Maybe. At any token, it seemed that only time could grant her the skills she needed against this libertine, unstable or not.

Glancing at the fractured glass inches from her face, Buffy despaired for a tiny moment. How did it get to this? Go stomping in a devil’s tramping ground, you’re bound to come away with a bit of his mark on your shoes... One of her grandmother’s sayings floated in her mind before fading away. Eyeing the jagged shard Buffy knew that if she even flinched away from his hand again, the glass would undoubtedly pierce her skin.

Pierce, rend, and tear her face just like he’s done to her existence...

Buffy couldn’t bear to think the rest of her possibly short life would be spent like this. Soon she would gain an upper hand---she HAD to. Until then... Closing her eyes briefly Buffy silently nodded.

Why am I not surprised? he smugly thought as he slowly released her arm. In a voice full of male triumph Angelus murmured “Good” before biting down on the side of her neck. Not with too much pressure but enough to cause Buffy to softly cry aloud. Taking a few steps back he pulled her slight form with him, forcing her body to press tightly against his own. Allowing his lips to part Angelus flicked his tongue in a teasing caress, enjoying Buffy’s useless mental struggles. He won so long ago, yet she still believed she had a chance.

Pity.

For her.

A thousand thoughts and tastes flavored his mind as he thought of her latest sacrifice---of her first punishment. A punishment that she survived so well and it still wasn’t over. Briefly his eyes flickered up to the fractured screen. Paul was busy entering Mia from behind before leaving her and entering Rachel from behind as well. Smirking he nipped Buffy sharply, enjoying her stir of startlement. Closing his dark eyes he allowed the momentum of his thoughts to color him a world filled with her.

Tousled blonde hair...tense limbs...pleading eyes...anguished words of misplaced trust...sharp daggers poisoned with fear...tattered pride...acceptance...

Moaning with male pleasure he could feel his loins draw tight with the intensity of the moment. Temporarily forgetting the minutes of past contemplation, he fell deeply into the pleasures of human female flesh. Languorously savoring her body against his, Angelus continued to lick and nibble on her fear and desire. Yes he fiercely thought as she gasped, the tiny whimper of dismay causing him to smile.

Buffy’s head lay limply back against Angelus’ bare chest. Her body felt heavy and lethargic as she felt him tasting her, relishing her flesh as if it were merely an appetizer before a lavish banquet. She could feel his blunt teeth scrape against a small patch of skin over and over again before laving it with the rough fabric of his tongue. She could feel the silk of his dark hair brush against her own locks, mingling the two, each clinging to the other in a chaotic pattern of need.

Much as I do with this creature she vaguely thought.

Buffy could hear her heart speed in rhythm, her adrenaline rushing to all points of her body, fear fighting with flight. Her muscles twitched with indecision while her pulses throbbed in sick anticipation. As a deep purr filled her ears with primal music Buffy felt her head drop to her chest, her neck muscles acquiescing to its’ own desires even as Angelus fingers still bit into her flesh.

Again and again and again...

Again he bit her, again he tasted her, again he stole from her.

Buffy could feel Angelus’ shirt slide from her body, traveling against her shaky limbs until it lay in a graceless puddle of linen at her feet. Goosebumps stood out sharply in contrast against the golden tone of her skin. She crossed her arms over her breasts as she felt each tremor, each quiver. There could be no question as to what Angelus wanted from her.

There was also no question of this: she was scared. God damn it all, but she was terrified! The fear viciously tore her apart, savagely feasting on each insecurity, on each doubt, leaving her as the inexperienced girl that she was.

Slayers were supposed to be above all weaknesses weren’t they?

Slayers were supposed to be flawless, meeting and defeating evil within moments. They were supposed to above the petty traps that plagued the rest of humankind. They were not supposed to be embroiled in the machinations of demons, nor were they supposed to be standing naked in front of one.

As the Slayer she was supposed to be able to stop Angelus from being able to burn her friends alive. She should have been able to see it ahead of time and stopped him.

As the Slayer she was supposed to have been able to thrown Angelus’ deal in his face, keeping her purity in tact.

As the Slayer she would never have been on her knees in the bathroom with Angelus’ cock shoved deep in her mouth, disgracing herself and all Slayers before her.

As the Slayer she would never have been raped on a table in the middle of that GODDAMNED room! She should never have been in that situation to begin with.

As the Slayer she was supposed to be above all that.

Supposed to be. Maybe if this was a TV show, she’d be that strong. All strength, no flaws.

In an hour tops she would have found a way out of this. Maybe Willow would have hacked into someone’s mainframe causing the whole building to go dark, Giles would have found some prophesy on how Angelus’ dick would fall off amazingly before penetration, she’d probably wipe out the whole pack of demons (including him, but of course with that requisite tear in her eye, not for him but for Angel) by herself, leave the building, reach the library just as Xander came back from his donut run, sit down with the gang while they gave a sigh of relief (Wow! That was close!), and all before curfew.

What new hijinks would Buffy and the Slayerettes find the next episode? Stay tuned for next week’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer... What a joke---but right now, it would be nice.

But not now in this lifetime. It’s simply not in the script for her. Well, except for this: season’s been canceled with no option for renewal.

In this room the Slayer was fallen once more. Who would weep for her now? What tears would flow that had not already fallen? She had damned herself many weeks ago and she would most likely damn herself all the way to her grave.

The hypnotic purr echoed roughly in her ear, reminding her of what Angelus wanted. You always were smarter than Spike gave you credit... Why couldn’t there be cameras and a crew here getting ready to set up for the next shot? Why did the only cameras have to be shooting Paul with those two inhuman creatures?

Her breath quickened when he touched her back with the tips of his elegant fingers. Gently he ran his hands along the lines of her sides, resting a moment to squeeze the slight swell of her hips. Buffy’s pulse raced a staccato beat when she felt Angelus turn her to face him. Nausea roiled in the pit of her stomach as her helplessness hit her. She could not let Angelus’ misplaced jealousy cost a young man his life.

Even as she thought this Buffy tipped her chin up and brusquely stated “Make them stop so we can just get this over with.”

A moment passed as he simply stared at her. Flaring his nostrils Angelus rolled his head back and studied the ceiling in seeming fascination. Never let it be said that his Buffy was not a royal pain. Yes, she was the worst sort of nuisance but that could be part of the fun---sometimes. A twisted bit of fun to be sure, but amusement nonetheless.

Sometimes.

“Still giving orders sweet?” he asked with a slight edge to his voice.

Mutinously she kept her chin high, all the while watching him with less than friendly eyes. Allowing his own lids to become hooded Angelus casually stepped back from her and nimbly strolled back to the couch. Picking up the remote he loosely held it in his hand. Coming back to Buffy he crossed his arms over his chest and merely stared at her.

Another minute passed in silence before Angelus let out a humorless laugh. All the while keeping his distant gaze on her he slowly circled Buffy. Raking her nude figure with an insolent study of concentration, Angelus mirthfully stated “Baby you are SO not even with the program!” Tsking he murmured with regret “What am I to do with you?”

Prowling in a circle about her he continued. “All you think I want is a roll in the sack with you. YOU think that if YOU say ‘Okay, you can fuck me now’ I’ll just go ‘Aww, shucks! Gee, Buffy I can’t believe it. You would really let me do it, would ya?’” Pinning her with a lethal stare he growled “What are you bitch---stupid?”

Staring at him with narrowed eyes Buffy bit out “Don’t call me that.”

“What? Bitch? You don’t like that?” Making a great show of absently rubbing his chin Angelus nodded before simply saying “I’ll make sure to remember that...bitch.”

Feeling her temper rise again Buffy blithely sang “Sticks and stones Angelus, sticks and stones.”

“I’d worry more about me breaking your bones Buff" he sharply said. Continuing in a softer voice Angelus said "Now, let me repeat: what am I to do with you?” Coming forward he lightly touched her cheek and rubbed his finger in a mocking caress meant to cause more discomfort than relief.

Buffy brought her hand up and put it on his. Squeezing his finger she tried to dislodge it when the glint of silver caught his eye. Looking down he saw a pair of identical rings, one as tiny as a child’s and the other made to fit a larger man’s hand. Taking her palm in his, Angelus felt a bit of wickedness course through him.

With this ring I thee bed,
With this body I thee dishonor,
With this love I thee destroy
Willst thou have me as your master and mate?

Were those not their vows---his for Buffy? To cherish, disgrace, and eventually slay. To slay the Slayer was a given but first he must slay the guardian. He WOULD completely erase the stain that was his weaker self. He WOULD annihilate him, and Buffy WOULD deal the killing stroke. Angel will soon be but a memory to you darling, a pale distant memory.

Wolfishly he bared his teeth in a grin and stated “You wore it. You went home and put this ring on because I told you to, isn’t that right?”

When she didn’t answer he said “Think of young, helpless Paul over there.” With the flick of a button the volume rose, soon filling the air with heavy pants and moans.

Hating to hear the oblivious Paul engaging in his own death, Buffy made for the remote. Instantly Angelus held it our of her reach. Despising the smug look on his handsome face Buffy pulled her hand away. “What do you think?!” she all but yelled at him.

Quickly and sharply he slapped her cheek. Muting the volume he watched as she gingerly touched her face. “Your tone does not please me lover” Angelus quietly said.

Gritting her teeth Buffy reminded herself Play by his rules...don’t lose your cool...survive tonight Finally she said “Yes.”

“Yes what?” he smoothly asked as he moved her hand away, replacing it with his own.

Looking away from him she stated in a measured voice “I put on my ring because you told me to Angelus. I did not want to make you...angry.” Dick

“You care about making me angry” he replied flatly.

Biting back a sharp retort Buffy simply said “Yes.”

“You want to keep me happy, do you? Then why are we here Buff?” Angelus purred while rubbing her reddened cheek with his finger.

“I don’t know.”

Tapping her cheek Angelus slowly spoke. “Yes---you---do.”

“Paul---” she began.

“That’s right! Paul!” Clamping his hand around her wrist Angelus quickly strode out of the tiny room into his much larger bedroom. Flinging her away he raised his arms high and shouted “PAUL! MOTHERFUCKING-I’M SUCH A NICE GUY-PAUL!! WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A ROSE-PAUL!!!” Violently jerking his arms down Angelus made his way across the room and picked up an iridescent orb. “OH LOOK! YOU’VE CUT YOUR FINGER! HERE LET ME PUT THIS BAND-AID ON YOU. WHILE I’M AT IT, WHY DON’T YOU LET ME PUT MY DICK ON YOU-PAUL!!!!”

Buffy’s eyes widened as her mind went blank. He was in such a maddened fit of rage. His fury touched everything within its’ path---including her. Carefully standing up she took one step forward but immediately stopped when Angelus immediately hissed “Don’t you take one more FUCKING step Buffy! Not ONE FUCKING STEP!!”

Flinching from the hatred in his eyes Buffy uncomfortably looked away from him. Instead she blindly studied a heavily carved dressing screen. Vaguely she thought He called me Buffy. Not Buff, but Buffy.

Her thoughts were quickly brought back to her enraged lover as he continued shouting. “GEE BUFF---MAYBE IT’S JUST ME, BUT YOU SEEM TO CARE AN AWFUL LOT ABOUT THIS GUY PAUL!! WHY IS THAT?”

“It’s my job to care. Stop shouting.”

Tightly clenching the orb in one hand Angelus merely yelled louder. “AM I TOO LOUD FOR YOU BUFF? I WOULDN’T WANT TO OFFEND YOU!”

Feeling her temper fray Buffy shouted back “Stop it!”

“NO!”

Taking a deep breath Buffy calmly stated “Angelus, I don’t want Paul to die. I’ll do whatever you want me to do, but...he’s running out of time, isn’t he? He can’t go for much longer. He’s a good person, he’s innocent, please...”

“More reason for him to die sweetie” Angelus unemotionally stated.

She stared at him for a moment in angered disbelief. “What do you want from me? I don’t understand---spit it out! What do you want?!”

Lowering his voice until it was a menacing whisper Angelus said “You don’t understand...but you said you did. I guess you lied. Why do all of you lie?”

Stumped for an answer Buffy’s brow wrinkled and her mouth opened slightly. What was he talking about?

“Let me see if I can make myself more clear.” Rubbing his thumb over the crystal orb’s surface he queried “What made you feel worse tonight lover: my fucking you or Paul seeing you?”

Buffy’s features froze into a mask. Numbly she said “You raping me.”

Arching a brow he asked “So you’re not bothered that Mr. Sunshine over there saw you?”

“Of course I am!”

Pouncing on her he stated “So you do care what he thinks of you. You care so much over what HE thinks of you, but you don’t give a damn about what I think.”

“You’re twisting my words, that’s not what I said---”

“But it is darling!” Softening his voice Angelus casually asked “You like him don’t you? If I had never come to this god-forsaken town, you’d want someone like him. I bet you already thought it, at least once.”

Shaking her head Buffy felt the noose tighten around her neck. “No.”

“BULLSHIT!! Don’t FUCKING lie to me!” Aiming at the fireplace he threw the hapless piece of decoration against the grate, instantly shattering it to a thousand pieces.

Buffy protectively held her arms over her face as the orb hit. She still felt the sharp sting of the glass bite into her shoulder and forearm. Before she could move Buffy heard the stomp of his feet come towards her. Roughly she was picked up and held up to eye-level with an enraged vampire. “Oh look baby---I cut you. You might need some band-aids. Do you want me to get Mr. Paul to give you some more?” Angelus all but growled.

“No!”

He shook her once. “No really, Buff---I’m sure he’ll be happy to oblige you.”

“Angelus! Stop it!” Buffy could not stand to hear his rant any longer. Something inside her stirred in awareness. Angelus’ rage held something more, she could feel it. An innocent encounter with a waiter had turned into something so ugly in his mind, that he was lashing out at the world for it.

Lady Fiona

She wanted to make it stop, and not for the same reasons as before. Not wanting to explore these new motives or her complete reversal of emotion, Buffy let instinct take over. “Please, please stop it. No more.”

The ache in her voice gave Angelus pause.

Encouraged she continued. “I’m sorry Angelus, I’m so sorry! I swear to you, I never wanted him. I’ve only wanted you. I would never... ”

“Aww, the Slayer sounds so humble,” he sneered, “Think you can twist me around your finger, love?”

“I’m not trying---” she quickly attempted to explain.

“Then what are you doing?” Briskly walking towards his bed, Angelus roughly tossed Buffy onto it. Before she could fight her way to an upright position he pounced on her. Straddling her body he pinned her wrists down and leaned closely to her frightened face. “You’re trying to trick me with this ‘I’m sorry’ shit! I’m not a idiot lover! You know what I want---just say it!”

Battling her fear Buffy cried “I can’t win with you! No matter what I do---I can’t win!” Pain pierced her heart, making it hard for her to breath. Arching slightly she felt her blood roping and coiling through her body, burning her with its’ elixir. It was as if admitting to her submissiveness unleashed a newfound way to proclaim it loudly to the one above her.

I can’t...I can’t feel this way...he’s taken too much from me...I can’t be this weak...I can’t...Oh God, I am...I don’t want to be....I CAN’T!!!

“You’re just getting that Slayer?” he goaded.

Infuriated beyond endurance Buffy simply spit in his face. Angelus did not move a muscle. Feeling a bit of satisfaction she watched her saliva slowly slide down his cheek---only to plop right onto her throat. A sound of dismay broke from her throat before it was choked off.

Purring Angelus said “You see? No matter what you do Buff, you can’t beat me. You strike at me, you will only injure yourself.”

“Then why do you even bother playing if I’ll always lose?” she bitterly asked, disliking the feel of spit on her body and hating the thought that his words might be true. And hating the burn that drummed in her veins, damning the entire night and damning him for not being Angel.

“Because eternity is a long time darling. I’ve got to do something to fill up the nights.” Hardening his voice Angelus said “Now this isn’t a game: all your sorry’s don’t mean dick to me. Not if you’re holding back from me.”

“Holding back?! What am I holding back?!”

“Yourself Buff. You’re holding back apart of yourself. Like now---you’re scared shitless but you still mouth off, you still wanna act like you’re still in charge.”

“Really? I’m still acting like I’m charge---that’s why I’m under you. Geez, how do I manage that?”

His lips curved in a small smile while his eyes remained empty. “There you go again. You’re still mouthing off.”

Their gazes locked for several moments. Finally she lowered her lids in defeat. “Okay, I’m mouthing off. So what?” Buffy asked in a tired voice.

Moving in between her legs Angelus watched as she tensed. “Scared aren’t you?”

Buffy squarely met his gaze with her own while locking up her jaw.

Cocking his head to the side Angelus asked “Do I make you nervous? Are you scared that I’ll force myself on you again?” Deliberately rubbing himself against her he mockingly asked “Are you scared that you’ll like it?”

Buffy remained silent.

“C’mon Slayer! Tell me!” Lowering his voice to dangerous softness he asked “Tell me why you like Paul more than you like me. I want to know why you saved all your smiles for him and left none for me.”

Closing her eyes she merely shook her head, in denial or disgust neither were sure.

“You won’t admit anything to me, will you? You won’t tell me what I want to know, what I’ve wanted to know all night, will you?” Giving her a few moments he surprisingly said “Fine” and released her wrists. Agilely jumping off the bed he threw over his shoulder. “Go home Buff.”

Sitting up she watched as he walked away from the bed. Soon he threw open the doors to his dressing room and disappeared from view. Clutching an exotic print sheet to her breasts Buffy held her breath for a moment before expelling it in a loud rush. Drawing her knees to her chest she shakily ran a hand over her brow, moving some hair out of her face. In a split second something dawned on her.

He accused her of holding back from him and he was right.

He wanted her to let him in further. He wanted her to tell him how much the thought of him being with another woman killed her. He wanted her to tell him that no other could turn her head.

He wanted her to tell him that he was as important as Angel.

He’s not. He’s a stranger in Angel’s body. He stole from us, from Angel and I, and he still wants more. How can I give it to him? What do I do now? She couldn’t sit on the bed forever. Angelus had given her a reprieve but at what price? As long as he was angry she could deal with it, but this sudden change of temperment left her completely bewildered. Angelus never gave up. He set her and Paul up and now he was letting her go. This isn’t right. He didn’t say anything about Paul.

Taking another breath Buffy wrapped the sheet around her and crept off the bed. Trailing several feet of soft fabric behind her she walked towards the light that fell against the shadowed floor. She felt a moment’s bit of qualm before brushing it aside. Entering into the room she paused for a moment as she watched Angelus.

The muscles of his back flexed as he lifted his arms into a black shirt. The remnants of Armani were gone to be replaced by supple leather and silk. Tucking his shirt into his leather pants he perused a row of coiled belts before picking one out. Allowing it to unroll he efficiently looped it and had it buckled within seconds. Walking further into the room he choose a pair of black urban boots and sat on a small bench before sliding them on his fabric-covered feet.

Quickly standing up he moved until he was but a few feet away from a silent Buffy. He fingered several black dusters before settling on one. Slipping it off the hanger he laid it across a wooden valet before he briskly walked past her. The air from his body brushed against her, charged with electricity. She awkwardly waited, unsure of how to broach her next subject; unsure of what he would do next. Within moments he was back, his hair freshly wet and spiked. Slipping on his coat he turned off the light and was half-way across the room when Buffy said “This isn’t over.” It wasn’t what she thought she’d say at first, and it WAS avoiding the subject, but his next statement sent any other thoughts out of her mind.

“It is. Go home.” he neutrally ordered as he continued towards the door.

Seeing that he planned on walking away from her, Buffy ran across the room, grabbed his arm and forced him to face her. Angelus’ anger was evident with the muted growl he gave. “It isn’t over. Where are you going?” she demanded. Her awkwardness left her as an unpleasant thought began forming in her mind.

Smirking he smoothly said “None of your fucking business...lover.”

As he moved past her again she boldly pushed him back before growling herself. “You’re the one who talked about deals---well let’s deal. Paul’s life for what?”

“I never said a word about deals---you did. All I said is that you weren’t as stupid as Spike thought.” Pointedly looking at her arm on his he revised “Now I’m not so sure.”

“Angelus are you going to hunt?” she asked bluntly, praying his answer would be no, but knowing otherwise.

Letting out a bark of laughter Angelus said “Aren’t you the little woman?! Next you’ll be telling me not go out with the boys." Sarcastically he scolded "For shame Slayer...”

In a steely voice she warned “I’m not going to let you hunt.”

“Let me?! You’re not going to LET me?" he incredulously asked. "Since when do you have a say in what I do?” Shaking her off his arm he sneered “Get the fuck out of here Slayer before I throw you out.”

Shoving past her Angelus was completely taken by surprise when not only did Buffy plant herself in front of him, but also punched him in the chin. When he moved to grab her by the shoulders Buffy nimbly and quickly sidestepped him. Staring at her in a mixture of amazement and ire Angelus asked “Are you out of your mind? What the hell do you think you’re doing? I could kill you little girl, or have you forgotten who I am?” His fists were tightly clenched, wanting to feel her flesh beneath their onslaught.

“You could try” she stated flatly, expecting him to try to do just that if the fury on his face was any indication.

Taking her measure for several moments Angelus finally relaxed his fists. Smirking he mused “Looks like my bitch has a little fire now. I wonder why...could it be that the martyr is back? A few minutes ago I had to endure the company of a whiny brat: ‘I don’t know! What do you want from me? Why?’” he mimicked in falsetto. “Now you’re willing to grow a pair just to save their souls. Ain’t it classic...” he drawled.

Ignoring his jibes Buffy said “No hunting on my watch, got it?”

“Oh, is that your way of telling me what you don’t know won’t hurt you?” he slyly asked.

“I think you know what I mean.” Steeling herself for another bout of his rage Buffy stated “I’m not going to let Paul die. If you don’t tell me, I’ll find them myself.”

Lifting a brow Angelus merely shrugged. Hesitating another second Buffy turned away and quickly strode towards his closet. She wasn’t going to go back out there with just a sheet. Entering his closet she instinctively found the light switch and turned towards the impeccable row of shirts. Yanking one off the hanger she hurriedly fumbled with the buttons and dropped her sheet before slipping the soft white linen over her body. Quickly she rebuttoned the shirt while silently thinking Why do they put the buttons on the wrong side?

Scanning the room Buffy did not see Angelus. Running across the room she slipped into the empty monitor room and picked up her makeshift table leg stake. Giving one last look at the damaged screen she saw Paul. His face was contorted in an expression of extreme bliss. I’ll find you. I won’t let him do this to you.

Making her way towards the chamber door, she still did not see Angelus. Slipping out the door she felt him before seeing him. He was casually leaning one shoulder against the paneled hallway wall. Clutching her stake tightly Buffy walked forward, ignoring his mocking gaze. As she brushed past him he wished her “Good luck.”

As she approached the first door Buffy steeled herself for whatever might be within. Firmly gripping the knob she opened the door and saw lewdness in the flesh. Despite the growls of irritation she scanned the room for any hint or sight of Paul and the two demonesses. Nothing.

Behind her she heard a low chuckle of derision.

Hardening her mind against Angelus she continued to the next door...

...and the next...

...and the next.

In each room Buffy saw many things that she would have much preferred never seeing in her life but none of them were the ones she was seeking. Open, scan, enter, leave. Open, scan, enter, leave. Each repetition brought ire, innuendo, or invitation. Each repetition brought Angelus a step closer to her, his damning whispers of her failure echoing loudly in her ears. The music and empty laughter loomed closer and yet she still failed to find him.

Buffy paused at the entryway. Her cheeks burned with shame and her heart ached from a good dose of pain as she looked out onto the table. Why Angelus? Why? Would these creatures taunt her with the ravishment? Would their eyes tear away this meager piece of clothing, leaving her as naked as she had been?

“You don’t have to go out there Slayer” a soft seductive voice whispered. Buffy stiffened as she felt Angelus place his hands on her shoulders. Nuzzling her temple with his nose he murmured “Just give me what I want...”

Shaking his hands off she boldly stepped forward. Raising his voice in a shout Angelus yelled “Look all you want baby! You won’t find him! Not unless I want you to!”

Moving with deadly purpose Buffy stalked through the crowd, rudely pushing those foolish enough to be in her way. Ignoring all she raced up the stairs and walked out into the foyer. Seeing a open hall entryway she walked through, sure that she would find Paul. There was nowhere else for him to be! Spying a series of doors she opened one after another. Nothing.

Quickly redoubling back Buffy checked each bedroom, each alcove, each closet yet she could not find Paul. Without looking behind her she could feel Angelus, she could feel his pleasure, she could feel his joy at her misery. Where are you?!

Everywhere she looked she saw nothing. In a rush she sped in and out of all the rooms, all the while with Angelus there to mock her with his silence. Sometimes he’d be out in the hall, insolently relaxed while she tore through a room, searching for hidden walls or doorways. Other times he’d be leaning against a bedpost, a brow arched as the occupants cavorted around the bed, in seeming fascination with their activites but Buffy knew it was a lie.

A nasty, horrible, filthy lie.

Angelus loved to see her scurrying about his home, looking for what she could not find. A creature who could not feel love, could love this. She could FEEL his growing amusement at her wasted efforts.

Stalking down another hallway Buffy did not want to acknowledge that her efforts were just that. Wasted. Finding nothing other than Angelus, Buffy turned back to his room, not wanting to admit that she did not know what to do. Throwing the heavy door open she made her way back to the viewing room, hoping to find some clue as to where Paul was. Entering it she stopped short at seeing Angelus already there. “I thought you’d come this way again.”

Ignoring him she stood in front of the fractured screens, trying to see something, anything, to aid her. The decadent pictures revealed nothing. Slowly she ran her eyes over each inch, each pixel, to discern even the smallest clue. Again nothing. Stonily Buffy stared at the face of Mia, silently demanding that she give her the needed answers. As if she knew, Mia glanced up into the camera for a moment. Her small lips twisted into a sly smile, her eyes gleaming with power.

“Any luck yet babe?” Angelus asked in false concern. She did not acknowledge him, so fixedly did she stare at the smirking image of Mia. Not willing to let it go, Angelus pushed off the wall and came closer to his human lover. “Still stubborn...” Running his hands over the air above her he murmured “Care to give up yet?”

This time she did answer. “Never.” Even though he did not touch her body, she could feel the silent caress. Willing her mind to ignore him, Buffy continued to stare at the screen---a bit blindly though. Her spine arched slightly, a knot inside coiling tightly while her blood began to beat slow and sluggishly.

Tutting Angelus whispered “Never is a long time baby.” Leisurely allowing his hands to roam her waist he darkly warned “Don’t tempt me...” As soon as the words were out Angelus mentally recoiled, the deadly poison of hatred instantly pumping its’ venom into his brain.

HATE her...HATE him...hate them BOTH...make them pay...humiliate her...punish her...destroy THEM...

Cruelly his fingers dug into her sides, instantly leaving bruises upon her skin. Buffy hissed in pain while arching away. Recognizing and disliking this sudden flare of emotion, his mind extinguished the rage. Gathering control of this orchestrated seduction of will, Angelus forcibly relaxed his hands.

Buffy’s breath hitched at the unspoken implication of eternity. There was a tension in the air again, without turning around she knew that Angelus was furious. The rage swirled around him, darkening the air with night and pain. Her sides ached from the pressure of his hands, despite the fact that he was now gently stroking her.

“Think I can change your mind?” he purred while brushing the locks of hair off her neck. “No?”

She began to feel a trembling dance lightly along her legs. “No” she breathed. Keep control...Oh God!...Keep control...This man hurt you---remember that!

Wickedly he bit down on her sensitive flesh, growling deeply when her involuntary cry echoed in his ear. “Did I hurt you sweetheart?” he asked. Buffy got the eerie impression that he meant more than just the bite.

Turning her around he bent towards her shoulder again, this time kissing it gently. “Did you know that the bite is the most basic way a male claims his female?” Dropping his voice until it held a husky edge to it he said “The way a male wolf shows his affection to his bitch is through the bite.” Pleasantly he inquired “Are you my bitch?”

Speechless, Buffy denied it with a quick shake of her head.

“Pity you don’t see it so. But you will...” Pausing for a moment he turned the full force of his arrogant gaze upon Buffy. He noticed the rapid flutter in her throat and allowed his senses to concentrate on the hypnotic beat.

Ba-boom...Ba-boom...Ba-boom...

The aching hunger unfurled and pierced his mouth; a needlelike prick slid into the cold flesh of his lip. Angelus’ fangs had lengthened in response to Buffy’s blood. The desire for sustenance shifted from his throat and settled heavily in his loins.

Buffy stared into his eyes, powerless to look away. The raw hunger in his eyes made her aware of how vulnerable she was when it came to Angelus. This creature had so much power over her and each moment she spent with him weakened her more and more. It was absolute hell to be with him, it truly was. She hurt so badly, so very badly that she felt as if she could NOT possibly survive her pain.

But to be apart from him....

How could she survive that?

She hated him! She truly did. But it was her only link with Angel. No, not Angel. It was her only link with Angel’s body---and Angelus’ black heart. Guiltily she knew that the pleasure she receieved with Angelus’ far exceeded her one night with Angel.

It was heaven and hell. It was night and day. It was all the love and pain mixed as one. It was madness and genius. It was everything that it should not be.

Angelus hurt her badly this night, he truly did. As she watched the gleam of his fangs pierce his lip Buffy shuddered. A disquieting thought took hold of her: If she hated him as much as she did, if she LOATHED him as much as she thought, then why did she hurt so badly?

Another moment passed, each one locked in their own thought before Angelus finally broke the silence. He continued, as if time had not passed, in a voice thick and rich with “...you WILL.” Quickly his fangs retracted, leaving a bit of borrowed blood to stain his stern mouth...

...Buffy’s blood...

Not giving her a chance to deny it Angelus continued. “In the wilds, eons ago, your ancestors and mine established control through the bite. The bite held a multitude of meanings in a time when there was no vocal language, only a series of gestures.”

“Ah” she mumbled. Fascinated she stared at the crimson, watching it gleam in the shadows of night. It was her blood that ran through his veins. A feeling of strange exhiliaration filled her. Her blood. Shaking her head she vaguely thought Where’s your angle, Angelus? We’re not here for ancient history. All the while staring at her own blood...

“The bite could be the playful nip of comradery, the angry pinch of annoyance, the furious force of rage...or the absolute expression of desire.” Tipping her chin up with one finger Angelus silkily asked “Can you tell what my bite meant?”

Warily Buffy shook her head.

In a soft voice Angelus coaxed her with “Not even gonna give it a try baby? C’mon Buff---aren’t you going answer even one of my questions tonight?” His tone was so gentle, so undemanding. If Buffy closed her eyes she could swear that it was Angel in front of her.

But Buffy had her eyes fully opened. The fathomless cruelty in the dark gaze that met her own told her plainly who was with her. Not Angel, Angelus. The strength of her emotions left Buffy in confusion. She loved Angel, she missed Angel and yet she was dangerously drawn to Angelus.

From the moment horror subsided and intrigue began...

Dammit! It’s not supposed to be with way! Feeling a sharp pain of loss Buffy snapped “Why should I bother? Anything I say would be wrong---we both know that. I say one thing, you’ll say it was something else. You win, I lose. Your rules, right Angelus...” She didn’t want her feelings to be so muddied. It so much easier to hate him, to let her pain rule her. She did not want to think that there was something more to her feelings for Angelus.

Lazily he licked up the spot of blood, his mouth curving into a smile and Buffy felt it in her body. There could not be anything more! Turning her back on him, Buffy looked up at the screen. Instinctually the depths of her soul wailed, knowing her time was coming...

“Ahhh” he murmured thoughtfully, the single sound rumbling deeply in his chest much like a beast waiting for his prey. He did not take long to strike. Looking up at the charcoal images Angelus innocently asked “How long do you think it’ll be before he dies?”

Whipping around Buffy met his malicious smirk. She clenched her jaw until it ached, hating him, the world, but mostly herself. Always herself. Buffy stared at him, her slender brows lowered over her eyes, her mouth drawn down into an angry line.

Never turn your back on me darling...I’ll always strike at you if you do...

How confident and triumphant he looked! Angelus could sense the blood of her admitted defeat. He only lacked the salivation to make it complete, even though not a muscle in his face moved. Angelus could never lack that much control ever!

Buffy’s chest tightened while she fought to control her tumbling emotions. She was quickly losing that battle.

He stood there where he should not be. He held his head with an arrogant tilt, when it should be lowered. He wore the clothes of vanity, when they should be modest. He was what he should not be. He had become something that should not be.

And she made him.

He had taken something that did not belong to him.

And she had given it to him.

Angelus was evil, heartless, and ruthless---everything Angel was not. What he took, he kept for life...

Not his own, but of the chosen lover.

Yet somehow he had done it....Buffy’s mind flashed through the night and all of its degradation.

She was whipped from the moment she looked across the restaurant and saw his lifeless eyes boring into her.

She was lost from the moment she slid down onto her knees and performed the intimate act of sucking his cock in the mens bathroom.

She was exposed to his deliberate cruelty the moment she watched him take Lina’s mouth to his own---the very same mouth that had intimately traveled along her body.

She was cut the moment he placed her on his altar of pain and drove himself into her unwilling flesh.

She was dizzy the moment he stepped off the path that he chose, that she expected, and took her down another road paved with lies.

She was drawn the moment he showed her the pictures of decadence.

She was stung the moment she realized how far strung his web of deceit lay, entangling not only herself but someone innocent.

She was reduced the moment he forced her to feel his strength and her own flaws.

She was fragile the moment the force of his true wrath flayed her without restraint or rhyme.

She was redeemed the moment she sought to free the victim of his game, confident that she would not fail.

She was torn down the moment she failed, while he smiled with sharp teeth and and even sharper claws.

Her world was going to Hell and he had done it.

Hissing she finally spat “I lose, you win.”

“Huh? What was that?” he silkily asked.

“I lose!” Stalking up to him Buffy raised herself on her tiptoes before spitting between clenched teeth “I lost to you tonight. Alright? I, Buffy Anne Summers, lost to you!!”

Angelus crossed his arms over his chest. A tiny smirk lifted the corner of his well-shaped mouth while his head tilted back; the gesture small yet telling in its arrogance. Silently he stood there, his judgement hidden for the moment.

His mere calm infuriated Buffy. Where was the gloating? “C’mon! I know you’re just dying to rub it in my face. C’mon you big, bad vamp---whatcha waitin’ for?”

The air grew darker, the mists of silence deafening it the void. Recklessly Buffy stared him down, daring him to strike at her in anger. She wanted the fight, she wanted to make a lie out of her words. She needed to know for sure that she could still fight him. She had to know if the mysteries of the weekend had permanently changed her and made her vulnerable in every way.

Invisible to the eye and powerful to the psyche, Buffy could feel the strings tying her tightly to this intimate stranger. Was it just her imagination or did she the fire of passion leap eerily in his midnight eyes? In the next instant Buffy was sure she was mistaken.

Slowly uncrossing his arms, the soft creaking of leather filled the silence. For a distant moment Buffy’s senses drank in the scent of him. A spicy, exotic cologne drifted into her, repelling and attractive at the same time. Angelus not Angel.

Oh God Angel! Angel, I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to save myself from you!

The menace leapt at her, clawing through her thoughts. Not a word had he yet spoken but she KNEW that he KNEW her thoughts. She just knew that Angel had made himself known. She also knew that the danger of this situation just increased. Now was the time. She had been hiding and avoiding it all night.

How’s it feel Slayer?

How’s it feel to be betrayed?

You belong to me...Your blood knows it. Your body knows it...

The pain you feel is just one of a thousand links between us Slayer.

It’s all about Angel with you?

One more chance baby.

You won’t answer my question with words...answer me with yourself...

Hate me with every breath you take, but you will not be indifferent to me.

I want your truth.

Admit what I mean to you. Admit how I’m not just Angel’s body, but a man in his own right. Admit that you want ME!

You’re a coward Slayer. A fucking coward!

Does the Slayer break this easily?

I had to prove a point to you. The point’s been proven.

I bring the best out of you Buff, don’t forget that.

Mine.

Every little piece of you belongs to me Buff, every piece.

It was true, God help her it was true. She was holding back herself to soothe empty pride yet still all it would lead to was this. Angelus was more than a creature with Angel’s body. Buffy trembled from such pain. Her thoughts of two nights prior came to her: Could she love him as well? It was not possible! It could not be possible! Not after what he had done to her, to Angel, to the world!

Yet if any of it revealed itself on Buffy’s face he ignored it. Angelus merely shook his head in disgust before stating in annoyance “You bore me enfant, you simply bore me.”

With that Angelus began to walk past her, fully intending to leave for the night. Buffy stood there indecisively, torn between saving herself and going after him. Her decision was made. Whipping out her hand she clasped him by the wrist. “Don’t” she inaudibly murmured.

Glancing imperiously down his nose Angelus caustically stated “You’ve had your chance Slayer.”

Gathering her courage Buffy swallowed thickly. Nodding her head she whispered “I know. I know.” Daring a glance upwards she stuttered “I...I...” before shutting her mouth. Can you say this? Can you really, really say this? How can you say this? The moment had come. Biting her lip she said in an anguished voice “I need you.”

The air shifted. Angelus’ eyes held a gleam that was quickly masked into indifference. She saw this and felt a trembling in her belly. Releasing his wrist Buffy stepped back from him. “You wanted to know how it felt to see you with Lina. I told you that I only cared about what you did with Angel’s body. I lied.”

Fingering the edge of the shirt she wore, HIS shirt, she said “I hated you. I hated you both.”

Dryly he replied “I remember. You already told me that. Although the circumstances were rather trying.”

Buffy’s eyes flashed with deep pain. Crossing her arms she turned her face to the side. “You didn’t have to do what you did. I would have willingly come to your bed even though I hated you so much. I would have let you do anything to me, even though I hurt so much. I wanted you so badly.” Stopping she felt the hurt flay her heart, she felt the pain of unshed tears. “Instead you...instead you...” Buffy’s voice became muffled with the strength of her unshed tears.

The moment became drawn between them. Buffy did not feel at all like the Slayer. Instead she felt like what she was: a 17 year old girl who had been betrayed. “I didn’t want them to see but you didn’t care. I begged you and you laughed. You raped me. You showed everyone what was only supposed to be between US.”

Angelus wisely kept silent. The raw anguish in her voice filled him with such delicious joy. The beauty of the moment was that it was far from over. When he saw Buffy’s lower lip tremble uncontrollably he hardened.

He wanted to rip his shirt off her body and pound into her on the floor. He wanted to feel that wet, hot flesh hold him tightly. He wanted to feel those soft thighs wrap around his waist. He wanted to bite those impudent little nipples, He wanted to feel her hands fist themselves in his hair. He wanted to feel the rush of her pants against his neck and he needed to hear her cries of pleasure in his ear.

But....

But he had raped her.

She had to make the first move. Angelus knew that or else all would be in vain. The question was: would she? Despite her speech, he felt a flicker of uncertainty. She was hardly the first woman he had raped. Yet none had ever shown the depths of their violation as she did. Perhaps it was because he usually drained them with the act so their righteous fury was forever stilled in the beyond. Those who walked away pretended as if it never happened so any pain was locked tightly inside.

And by that point, he did not care to see it.

But not his Buffy. She was such an exquisitely responsive creature. The more time passed, the harder it was for her to keep herself hidden. Yet she still tried. That was what angered him so tonight. She held all in her hands, yet selfishly she kept them tightly clenched, refusing to pay him her due. She could have ended Paul’s little encounter immediately but she kept on her ridiculous path.

Now she was trying to honor him with her words. Even so, would she dishonor herself by giving him her body? He simply was not sure. Angelus showed none of his thoughts however. His face remained beautifully impassive while he watched his lover bare her very soul.

“You hurt me tonight so badly Angelus. You hurt me with Lina, you hurt with yourself.” Looking up she asked him “Were you with her tonight?”

Angelus remained silent. Looking down she swallowed thickly. “Oh.” Bringing up her fist she rubbed her eyes briskly. “Oh” she repeated inanely. His silence could mean only one thing. Taking a deep breath she said “I can’t bear the thought of you turning to anyone else. Damn you!” Buffy’s breath hitched. “I hate you, I really do” she breathed in emotional agony.

With great effort Buffy tried to gather ahold of her emotions. Blindly looking up at the distorted image of Paul reaching orgasm again, Buffy numbly continued “You said that I missed the point of your little exercise. I don’t think I did. I understand it all clearly. You wanted to show me that no matter what you did to me, I will never be able to turn from you.” Looking back at him she asked “Am I right?”

Inclining his head Angelus stated “Partly.”

Mirthlessly laughing she repeated “Partly.” Listlessly she laughed, the sound hollow and alien-like. “I’ve only gotten part of this. God.” Rolling her head back she stared at the ceiling. “You’re a monster Angelus, you really are.”

“What do I mean to you darling?”

Clenching her eyes tightly Buffy let out a muffled sob. What was the point of holding back anymore? “You mean more than you should.”

Angelus felt his dead heart quicken, the fleeting thrill of emotion warming him. Buffy was going to his in every way. He was sure of it now. Triumph was only moments away. The pain she felt was so delicious, so ripe in its decay. Little did she know that she was far from being done...

“You accuse me of being a whore because I liked Paul’s attention. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not.” Looking deeply into his midnight eyes she hoarsely asked “But how can you believe that I can ever feel a tenth of the emotion with a human that you stir in me?”

Not expecting an answer she continued. Wrapping her arms tightly about her waist Buffy lifted her chin and said “You must be so damned happy, at least as happy as a vampire can be. The Slayer needing a demon.” Hearing the words out loud Buffy recoiled. It shouldn’t be true. It SHOULD NOT be TRUE! Fisting her hands she shouted “I’m the Slayer! I’m the Chosen One! I didn’t want to be but I am! I own this town!”

Angelus’ lips formed themselves into a sad smile. Coming forward he stood only inches from Buffy. Softly he said “That’s where you’re wrong Buff. I own this town. Not you. I decide who lives, who dies. Not you. I only let you play here. Hardening his voice he bit out “Understand? I fucking own you and everyone else who lives here.”

Taking her arm he roughly turned her around. “Look at Paul! See how the pleasure is fading, but look at him---he can’t stop. Mia and Rachel won’t let him. He can’t see that yet, so he keeps going. How long do it think it’ll be before the pleasure leaves completely? How long do you think it’ll be before the fear sets in? An hour? Two? Maybe not even that long. Maybe it’ll take just another ten minutes.”

Gulping for air Buffy felt a sob break free from her lips.

Hissing in her ear Angelus stated “I own his life and you know that. If I wanted his cock ripped right off, it would happen. You can’t stop it. If I wanted to make you watch, you would. Isn’t that right lover?”

Buffy’s tears spilled over while she shook her head. Whether she was trying to deny him or herself she did not know.

Shaking her roughly he growled “I control your life babe! I will be the one to make you smile, do you understand? Not Paul, not anyone else---me! I’m the fucking air you breathe, I’m the reason you get up in the morning. Isn’t that true?”

Buffy gasped while the tears poured from her eyes.

“If Angel had you completely, you’d be dead. But you’re not, are you?” he evilly pointed out. “Tell me Buff. Tell me now before I really lose it” he warned.

Holding a hand up to her mouth she jerkily nodded.

“Not good enough. Tell me now!” he all but shouted in her ear.

“I need you! I can’t stop thinking about you! Even now I’d rather feel your hands in anger, than feel nothing at all!” she sobbed.

“Is that so?” Threading his fingers in her hair Angelus forced her to look up at the screen. He forced her to see the frown knit itself across Paul’s forehead. He forced her to hear him uneasily protest “Hey...I-I need a break...No, I’m serious.”

Lowering his mouth against Buffy’s temple he repeated “I rule here. You don’t. Yes?”

She had lost time and time again against him. From the moment Angelus returned all he had done was toy with her and she could not stop him. At any moment he could have killed her, her mother, her friends, but he didn’t. The helplessness was a bitter pill to swallow. She was so painfully weak because of her love for Angel and her fascination for Angelus.

This fascination cost Buffy her freedom. He did rule Sunnydale and her. But damned if she would say it. When it came to her, she'd accept defeat, but not the innocents. Never the innocents. “I’ll always fight Angelus. When it comes to this town, I’ll always fight.”

“You keep doing that Slayer. Fight all you want, but in the end...” Eloquently shrugging his message was clear: You’ll lose. “You belong to me, don’t you?” he darkly asked before nuzzling her temple with the tip of his nose.

“Yes” she whispered.

“Louder” he ruthlessly demanded.

“Yes” she repeated.

“Louder.”

“YES!” she shouted. Angelus’ fingers were digging into her flesh while her blood boiled hotly and the gnawing in her stomach grew. Her neck throbbed while her cheeks become rosy from her flush.

“Good girl” he crooned warmly in her ear. “Now what should I do with Paul? Should I let him live? After all, he was the main player in this exercise. He did help you come to terms with your feelings. Hmmm?”

Buffy knew intimately what the mouse felt like when toyed by the sleek, lovely cat. Even now she could the nip of the razor sharp claws waiting to tear into her skin. Her scalp burned from the pressure of his fingers. “I want him to live.”

“You want him to live?”

“You know I do!”

“But what will you do if I believe otherwise?”

“You know what I’ll do. I’ll fight.” Buffy felt the weight of this night crush her, she could hardly breathe from it. If only Eve hadn’t picked the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge---sometimes it just wasn’t worth it. She just wished that she didn’t feel this way towards him. “I have to fight Angelus. It’s all I have left.”

“It’s not all you have left Slayer. You have me” he winningly said.

Buffy clenched her eyes tightly. If only that were true. “I don’t have you.”

Releasing her hair Angelus wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on the top of her head. “Aww poor little girl! You sound so very sad” he remarked mockingly. “To think that the Slayer wants a demon like me.”

She knew that by saying it she would be giving him power. She knew that. But damn if it didn’t make her feel horrible. “I don’t want to have you” she denied a bit hollowly.

“Lying isn’t a sin you should indulge in. Makes your chances of getting into Heaven all the harder.”

Tugging her by the hand he led Buffy back to the couch. Sitting down he patted his lap with a smirk. Folding her body down she slid onto his lap, all the while feeling empty and unhappy inside. What about Paul? What would she do if he felt that Paul deserved to die? How would she stop him?

“I’m in the mood for a thriller. Let’s watch this and see how it ends” he lazily said with a malicious gleam in his eyes.

“I don’t want to.”

“Too bad. It’s either watch this or...” trailing his finger down her thigh Angelus looked through the open door into his chamber.

Buffy looked at him, a worried frown wrinkling her brow.

Angelus laughed aloud and snidely stated “I thought all you wanted was a bed. Here we are alone with a bed and you’re not leading the way?”

Hurt she whispered “You bastard. I hate you.”

Wrapping his hand around the back of her neck Angelus whispered in return “Hate me. I adore it lover. The more you hate me the harder I get.” Taking his other hand he wrapped around hers and placed both on his crotch. “You feel that? Keep hating me baby...please.”

With that he crushed his lips against hers. Opening her mouth with his, Angelus boldly plundered her sweet, trembling cavern, tasting and raping it at will. Buffy moaned against his mouth, frightened of feeling any passion so quickly after her violation.

Pulling back with a smack Angelus asked “Who do you belong to?” It was a drug, he couldn't get enough of hearing it. The Slayer belonged to him. It was only a matter of time before she loved him. Let her God help her then...

Swallowing thickly Buffy whispered “You.”

“That’s right babe, you belong to me. Always” he smugly decreed. Moving in for a kiss Angelus paused a millimeter away from her mouth. “Oh look" he huskily murmured. "Time for the grand finale.”

Whipping her head around Buffy watched with dread as Paul was once again physically aroused by Mia and Rachel’s talented mouths. “Please” she pleaded.

After several moments of silence Angelus asked “Have you learned your lesson?”

Clenching her fists Buffy knew there was no answer but his. Nodding her head jerkily she waited for his judgement.

Angelus pointed his remote until the moans of Paul deafened the room. Buffy resisted the urge to cover her ears. She made to spring up off his lap when his hand merely gripped her hip, effectively keeping her down. Looking into his face Buffy saw nothing but detached amusement. The moments dragged by with Paul lending his coerced music to color the air. She couldn't bear to watch.

Suddenly the room was blanketed in heavy silence. The moans were gone. Buffy saw Angelus look up at the screen, sheer triumph flashing across his dark good looks. Dread made Buffy relunctant to turn around. She had to, she knew she had to but not before staring Angelus full in the face.

Concentrating on her lover’s face she saw him mouth the words, “I win, you lose.”

And in that moment Buffy knew that it was the truth.

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