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Part 3 Day 39...
The first thing she felt was softness and the next was a warmth only a luxurious bed could give. Shortly after that was a deep, throbbing pain beginning above her left eye, and she swore she heard her finger bones creak as she tried to move. An undisclosed amount of time passed before she attempted to open both eyes and she was so damn sorry she did.
What she saw was a brilliant white light that shot right through her brain, down her arms and into her stomach, making it churn sickeningly. God. She'd only ever felt like this once before and that had been the day she discovered the joys of her mother's cherry brandy. Thankfully this time she hadn't gone to sleep on a packet of half eaten chips.
One he'd said. One drink to honour her host. One and no more. One was what she'd agreed to, not...
How many had she drank?
Blurry eyes and a foggy brain vaguely recalled seeing six or seven glasses. Six or seven glasses definitely were not needed to honour her host. Six or seven glasses were only needed at boring occasions, like during a wedding toast or when your great aunt Betty started talking about the days when children were seen and not heard.
Her skin stretched far too tight for the yawn, bringing tears to her eyes, and she carefully eased onto her back. Slowly, the world around her came into some sort focus. The sheet under her was crisp cotton and that was nothing new, but it was the sheet covering her legs. It was silk, yet not the kind of silk she was used too. This silk was smooth and rough with pattern, and she could see out the corner of her painful little eye it was a gorgeous shade of burgundy.
It was safe to say she owned nothing like it. Was just a shame that thought didn't stick long enough for her to question it.
Cordelia ran her hands up and down, ecstatic to feel the clothes on her body. One thing to be grateful for, she supposed. Her head came up off the softer than soft pillow and the rest of her soon followed.
A quite sound coming from her right startled her into moving her head far too quickly. "Oh God." It was funny how someone with a hangover always held their head as though it would help. Steam came from a bone China cup and with it came the delicious scent of damn good coffee.
"You are alive. I was starting to wonder."
Huh? "Spike?" She managed to tear her longing gaze from the magical potion on a nice nightstand. "What are you doing in my room?"
He chuckled. "You're in the mansion."
Oh. "What's the mansion doing in my room?"
Again he chuckled and placed two tiny white pills beside the cup, then he grinned a grin that chilled her to the very core. Talk about a sight for sore eyes. "You went down a bloody storm last night," he said. Even he'd been impressed with her little show.
She tried to blink away the remnants of her alcohol induced coma. "My life is complete."
Spike rolled his blue eyes at her croaky, sarcastic tone. "Be a good girl and get those down. You've got company waiting."
Cordelia's face scrunched up as her location finally sank in, as did whose bed it was she'd slept in. She was in the mansion. In Angel's bed. With a hangover and bed hair. Worse still, memory flashes were starting to creep on in there. There was the memory of that one drink leading to another and another, then she remembered laughing so hard, she cried. And, God, had she really dried her eyes on Angelus' shirt?
She did the only thing she could and haphazardly ran a hand over her face. A little click was heard, then a light grey cloud floated past her eyes. A glare shot his way told him more than words ever would. "That's disgusting."
"Don't knock it till you've tried it." He inhaled and exhaled through a widening smile. "You didn't half put that place in a buzz. Life and soul of the bloody party, you were. Even managed to get Karl to crack a smile or two. Quite a feat, that. A miserable old git if ever there was one."
She was confused. "Karl?"
His cigarette paused an inch from his mouth. "The barkeep whose wine you insulted. You were lucky Angelus was with you. Who knows what might have happened if you'd been by your lonesome. No more booze for you."
Yeah. She'd be at home right now, in her own bed, drinking her own coffee from her own standard ceramic cup. She'd also be getting ready to get out of bed and go meet the girls for a fun day of mind numbing, wardrobe increasing shopping. It sounded like heaven at this moment in time.
Spike watched the many emotions and thoughts cross her face. It was irresistible. "Could be worse. This bet of mine might not exist. You oughta think on that." It got the reaction he wanted.
Those pretty eyes turned saucer size as she stared at him. "Excuse me?"
"The bet, love. It's what kept your dignity intact, and dare I say your virtue. Shame that. You'd make a sweet addition to our family gatherings."
She really wasn't hearing this. Before She could reply to his statement, he blew out yet another cloud of smoke. "Sorry to love and leave, outstayed the welcome and all that. You'll be right as rain after that pill." Spike went to turn around, but paused. "Word of advice, pet. Know how you call him Angel?"
"Yeah. So?"
"Keep it up. He seems to like it coming from your mouth." The look he gave said everything. "Not surprising, really. Not with them cock suckers. Hurry on up. Best not to keep Slap Happy waiting."
Cordelia watched him leave the room, relief coursed through her veins when he didn't slam the door too loudly. A moment or two passed and the silence went a lot in calming her overworked brain. Unfortunately, it didn't help the throbbing, but no matter how much her head ached, there was no way was she gonna touch those tablets. Hell only knew what it was.
She stared at the spot where Spike had stood until she felt brave enough to look around the room. Obviously the sunlight was kept out by thick heavy drapes and so the room was actually quite dark. Angelus probably didn't need light, what with being a vampire and all. Aside from that, it was a normal bedroom with a closet and drawers, a lamp, and one or two things here and there. No chains, torture instruments, or anything to suggest it was the private space of a homicidal maniac.
A sane person would be relieved, but she had to admit to being a tad disappointed. After the portrayal from Buffy, she expected Angelus to live in a medieval dungeon or something, and to find out different? Well, it was like finding out pots of gold didn't sit at the end of a rainbow.
The one thing in the room which gave away a bit of the owner's personality was the bed. It was a large four poster, the sheets matched the drapes, and it was oh so comfortable. It was a nice scheme she decided, very Edwardian, which wasn't surprising given his age. Offhandedly, she wondered what he thought of chrome.
****
Her shoes were in one hand while the other held the wall for balance. She couldn't hear any noise coming from the bottom of the stairs and so it seemed safe enough to go all the way down. Each step was taken with care and made as quietly as possible. It wasn't in her best interests to disturb the man of the house, would it?
Sure tiptoes on concrete hurt, but she doubted there was any such thing as being too careful when in House of Vampires. Oh, blessed be the door to safety. Only twenty feet or so and she be good to go.
"Good morning, Cordelia."
The deep, husky voice was directly behind her and it knocked her off balance. Hazel eyes went wide as she felt her foot slipped, shoes were dropped in favour of preventing serious injury. Hands grappled with the wall, nails scraped painfully down it, and it was only when she didn't move an inch did she realise there was a strong arm tight around her waist.
"Careful now. These are steep steps. Can't have you falling."
Blinking, she glanced over her shoulder until she met a set of amused brown eyes. Her breathing had grown so heavy, so rapid with shock, she'd gone light headed. Or maybe it was just the fact he'd just saved her from an agonising stay in Sunnydale General.
He smiled calmly. "Say thank you."
"Thank you?"
His chuckle vibrated right through her body. "Say that again without the stunned surprise."
Cordelia shook sense into her brain, or tried to rather. "Thank you." Knight in Italian leather he was not.
That chuckle turned into a laugh. "Shall we?" He nudged her forward, his arm never moving until they reached the bottom, and then he stood between her and the precious door. His arms were across his chest, his face held a sugar smile, and his hair was messy. It appeared as though he'd just gotten up.
"Sorry if I woke you," she said, fully intent on persuading him too go back to bed so she could leave with all her blood. She flashed a quick smile and walked around him, pointing her bare feet towards the door, but a hand on her arm stopped her short.
This was it. This was where she died and it'd all be Spike's fault. She hoped he was happy.
"Don't look so scared," Angelus removed his hand. "I was simply showing you out."
"That's alright. I can see myself..."
"You're my guest. It wouldn't be polite to do otherwise."
She couldn't help snapping, "Aren't you Mr. Courtesy."
Angelus grinned. "Wrong side of the wrong bed can be hell on the manners of a man."
Whatever. Cordelia rolled her eyes as she stepped past him, shrugging his arm off in the process, and made once more for the door. She was almost there when his voice echoed around the room.
"You might wanna try going the other way."
"What?"
"That door leads to the basement. The way out is behind you."
She didn't have time to feel like a fool before he was yet again holding onto her arm and guiding her in the right direction. "You haven't been here before, so it's understandable. Pity. You're good company."
Was that a compliment or an insult? Not only had he saved her from a broken neck, but now he was helping her out. Literally. Cordelia purposely didn't think about any of it until the door handle was in her hand and turning.
"There's a car waiting for you at the end of the drive. Don't be a stranger, Cordelia. You're welcome here." He paused. "More than welcome."
"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the car, and for not killing me. Let's not do this again."
Angelus barely had the time to dodge the yellow streaks as the door was opened and shut quicker than he could blink. He shook his head with an unneeded. It'd been a pleasant surprise to find her in his club last night, and more pleasant had been the consequences.
He was fairly sure she didn't remember much more than going in and meeting him, but he did. He remembered half his club eating out of her hand while the other half wanted to eat that hand. They hadn't, of course. Wouldn't do to anger the owner by harming his personal guest. He also remembered her laughing hysterically at the mentioning of cookies and cream, then proceeded to dry her eyes on his shirt. Then there was the heart crossing, hoping to die promise she would go back soon.
The golden silence was shattered by the knowledge he wasn't alone. "What do you want, wimple?"
"Tasty bit, that one."
Angelus turned to face the blonde. "I was a good boy. Kept to the rules." So good in fact he hadn't even tickled a toe.
Spike licked his fangs in a manner that stated he didn't believe a single word his grandsire said. "And what are the rules?"
"No sex for forty days."
"And the rest."
A dark eyebrow rose in question. "Rest of what?"
"Rest of the rules. Duh. No sex or anything sexual. No wanking, kissing, touching, sly little gropes in a darkened corner."
"They weren't part of the original agreement."
"Change the rules, but not the goal. Keep em guessing. I learned that from you. Still think you can't do it. Not with that piece of fluff hanging off your arm."
Angelus remained unimpressed. "So you pay attention to the joys of life. Whaddya want? A gold star?" He didn't wait for a reply, merely walked past Spike as though he was nothing. "And she wasn't hanging off my arm." Clinging on to save falling in those killer heels maybe, but not hanging off it.
A chortle sounded out. "Come off it, mate. The whole place was yapping about your bit. Most fun they've had all year, it was. Watching you play the gent. Amusing to say the least."
"Amusing maybe, but I still kept to the rules. Didn't even undress her." Sure, he'd had a jolly good look at the sleeping beauty, but he hadn't touched. That was a feat in itself.
He looked so smug, so pleased with his bit self it sickened Spike. "You wanted to."
"No, I actually didn't."
The younger vampire stared at his grandsire like he'd gone insane. "Are you telling me your little winky didn't get his hat on at all?"
Honestly? Yes, but where Spike was concerned? "Nope." That one word was a prelude to Angelus leaving the blonde standing there staring after him with a mildly worried look on his face.
****
Cordelia had been having such a good day. First, she'd managed to successfully hide her hangover from her parents, then the shoes she ordered from Milan had arrived, and top it off, her father announced plans to build a Jacuzzi in the pool house. She just hoped he wasn't going to do the actual building. Her mother would have a fit considering he'd been building a bookcase for the last two years.
The good day gone bad happened when she began to think about last night and how Angelus came across as a good humoured, well mannered, all American guy. He bought her drinks without expectations, made room for her at his table, had escorted her to the bathroom, and arranged a car for her. No matter what she did or which hot male model she forced into her brain, she couldn't shake Angelus out.
Her day got worse approximately two or three hours after sunset and a knocking was heard coming from her balcony window. She knew who it was, so she made no effort to answer. She lay on her bed, MP3 player plugged in, and Bowie on loud enough to make her ears bleed.
"Not gonna get it. Not gonna get it." She chanted, then forced her lips into a defiant smile invented by four year old brats.
The knocking became louder and louder, wordlessly stating if she continued to ignore it, the windows would be shattered.
"Alright! Alright!" MP3 player pulled out, feet shoved off the bed and stomped her way to the balcony, where a harsh yank had the curtain wide open and she greeted the little pissant with an annoyed glare. "What?"
Spike gestured for her to open the door, which she was so not doing. "Forget it, Blondie. I did what you wanted, it didn't work. I'm home free."
He didn't agree. Instead of arguing through the barricade, he leaned against the window and lips pulled out a cigarette, his thumb continued to play with the silver petrol lighter long after he'd lit up.
Cordelia's eyes followed the lid as it went back and forth, open and closed. She swallowed, brain seeing her home going up in flames and living in the dank squalors of Sunnydale motel until a new home could be found. She did what he had no need to ask and opened the door.
"We got a problem."
"You mean you have a problem. There is no we in this."
"That's where you're wrong, love. If you can't get a vampire hard, then you got something to worry about."
She blinked and wondered if she'd heard correctly. "I beg your pardon?" Why in the hell would she want to get a vampire hard? More to the point, why would she want to get Angelus hard? She didn't want to be around him and she certainly didn't want him.
Spike exhaled. "You heard me. If he don't want to get your kit off, then it's as much your problem as mine. First things first, we need to work on that attitude of yours."
What the hell was wrong with her attitude? Cordelia raised an eyebrow, she'd had enough.. "So says the homicidal maniac darkening my door. Look, if you aren't happy with me, then find somebody else. Burn down my house, kill my family and me if you want. I refuse to be your dog's body."
"Tell you what," he stated in a calm manner. "How's about I go to Angelus, tell him you were there last night doing recon for the slayer? Won't be me to worry about. It'll be him. You think you've seen him at his best?" He shook his head. "He won't kill you, pet. He'll destroy you piece by piece, take everything off you, make you beg for the mercy he don't have. He'll leave you alive just so he can watch you suffer."
She knew what Angelus would do, had saw him do it to Buffy, and she'd been on the first wave of the clean up crew after what he'd done to Miss. Calendar. "I'm not whore Spike. Not yours and certainly not his. You want to win your bet? Do it yourself."
"Didn't say you were a whore, love. The likes of you couldn't be a whore if you tried."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" She could be a whore if she wanted, and a damn good one at that. Cordelia stopped those thoughts from escalating.
"Takes a Porsche and a platinum credit card to get into your good graces let alone your knickers. Too good for mere men." His head went to one side, face expressing a million different musings. A vampire is what she needed, and one with balls enough to keep her in place. Something to think on, that was.
"Whatever," she muttered and decided not waste any more time listening to his senseless babbling. She went to close the door, but the lighter clicking yet again sounded out. She growled.
"Easy tiger," Spike smirked. "Now, here's the plan. We're gonna get them highlights out..."
Not her hair again. "No, we're really not. I like them. They break up the monotone."
"I put them in, I can take em out."
Yeah well, he'd have to catch her first. "That you did and my saying no almost got my throat ripped out. If and when I decide to get rid of them, it'll be done by a professional hairdresser."
"You saying I didn't do a good job? I'll have you know my Dru never complains."
That should tell him something. Cordelia didn't say that of course, Spike had been in Sunnydale long enough for even her to know how protective he was over the brunette. "Great. Go play with her."
And hand his woman to his grandsire on a platter? No thanks. "You've got your thoughts on my Dru, I'm sure. What are they?" The genuine curiosity in his voice was extremely disconcerting.
"Scarily crazy," she said without a moment's hesitation.
"You know her maker. Angel. The same vampire who wined and dined your pal. Drove her mad, he did. She has the sight, she knew what he was going to do to her and her sisters. She went to a convent to seek salvation and all that, so he followed her. She went to the Father, telling him she was seeing the devil. Begged to be saved, she did. The Father told her she couldn't be saved, that the evil she saw was her own reflection. Everyday he said that. Whispered it to her at night."
Spike paused to let his words sink in, and then continued. "Worked her over good and proper. Poor chit didn't know if she was coming or going. Now imagine what Angel will do to you, someone he knows. Far more fun to play with someone who trusted you, who had a bit of a crush on you. A word from me and down you go. You think on that pet, let me know what you decide."
He turned and was seconds from leaving when he heard her voice, as tiny and soft as it was. "What do you want me to do?"
****
"Twice in two days," Angelus grinned as he approached the cherry red Corvette, his own car parked a few feet away. "Must've done something good in a past life to deserve the pleasure."
The hazard lights had been the first thing to attract his attention, then the make and model of the car. He figured a quick meal and a new car couldn't be that bad a deal, and so had slowed down to offer his personal assistance. Unfortunately for him, the owner had turned out to be female and as laid down by Spike, nothing sexually pleasureable could happen.
Shame really. He was in the mood for a good fuck and feed. Oh well, there was always next time. It took a second for him to realise just which female owned the sporty number.
Cordelia glared at the vampire. "Good is debateable." Since Spike had told her all about Dru's turning, she hadn't been able to think of Angelus in the same way. She'd known since last Halloween he was a vampire, but never really understood what that meant, even after all the times she'd baited a trap for others of his kind.
Angelus stopped and stared at her in way that had her checking for holes in her soul. "Ah," he said with a forming smile. "Spike mentioned he bumped into you earlier. I gather he told you a little bedtime story. Need daddy to rock you to sleep tonight?"
She made a disgusted noise which simply amused him. "You're gross. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to wait for someone with jumper cables."
"What makes you think I don't have jumper cables?"
"Your car has a break down, you'll probably kill somebody and take theirs."
He had the gall to look shocked. "And leave my baby alone? Any man worth his salt wouldn't do a terrible thing like that. What else did Spike say?" He needed a good giggle to take away the urge to have her as a main course. It was all those dark waves floating around a creamy neck. Extremely edible, but she was the type of meal that had to be properly savoured, and that meant he'd lose in spectacular style.
Cordelia didn't reply, she had no need as he chuckled and shook his head. "Lemme guess. I was going to do the same to you?"
"You know what they say about leopards and spots."
Brown eyes twinkled with increasing amusement. "A good mind like yours would be a terrible thing to waste. Wimple's favourite tale of woe is that. I've done other things too, you know. Enroled in the army, travelled the world a few times over, learned several languages, some demonic. More importantly, I can fix a car."
Those confessions left her a little speechless for all of a split second. His achievements didn't change who he was. "Yeah, you're a real Superman."
Women could be so infuriating at times. "Let's take a look, shall we?" He was walking towards the hood of her car without waiting for her permission. It was popped, and what she saw was Angelus leaning away, swiping at a cloud of steam which threatened to burn his face off. She hoped it hurt some.
He peered round at her, an expression of hopelessness on his face. "I don't think jumper cables will cut it."
Cordelia figured she must be some sort of masochist as she just had to go see what Spike had done to her car. Not that she had a clue what she was looking for. She stood next to the vampire and sighed at the sight of steadily rising steam. "How come you know how to fix a car?"
Angelus shot her a sideways glance. "Knowing how to change a tyre can be a life saver." There was another sideways glance, only this one spoke of common sense. "A young lady at the side of a quiet road begging for help is an easy target. You never know who might pull over."
She pinned him with a pointed look. "Tell me about it." Then they were seconds into sharing a smile when she realised just who she was sharing a smile with. Bonding with him was definitely not on her list of things to do before she died.
He rolled his eyes. "Human women can be so stubborn. You want help or do you want to stand around here, in the cold dark night, waiting for a white knight and fairy tale romance?"
She had little choice as the case maybe and so gave an answer she'd never give otherwise. Besides, it wasn't like he could anything to her, right? It'd mean losing to Spike and she kind of guessed losing wasn't in his reportoire. "Fine. Go ahead and help me."
Angelus did nothing but smile in her direction. "No manners, Cordelia?"
Her teeth cracked under the pressure of increasing tension. "Please will you help me?" God, how much did that hurt?
"Happy too. You have a phone?"
Uh? "Yeah, why?"
"Can I borrow it? It's not long distance, so don't worry." He caught the phone she threw at him, opened it and dialled. "It's me. Corvette, red, license plate reads Queen C, belongs to a friend of mine... The works... A mile or so out of town, close to the junction. Great thanks... I owe you one."
The phone wasn't handed to her straight away. Angelus turned it this way and that as he admired it. "Must remember to get one of these."
Cordelia blinked as she took it back. "That's your help?"
"Calling for a tow truck is generally common sense."
"Can't have you straining something by fixing it yourself."
"Your engine overheated and blew a gasket."
She was going to kill Spike, and she meant really kill him. He was only supposed to leave her lights on long enough to eat the battery. She was so close to telling Angelus all about the plan to make him fail, but then remembered what she'd been told. If he knew she was in on it, then the chances of him getting angry at her were pretty high. Spike was so getting the bill for this.
"Right," Cordelia had the decency to look a little sorry. "I knew that."
Angelus nodded, and began the short walk to his car. "Sure you did. Coming?"
"Excuse me?"
"Your car is dead, either you're staying here or you need a ride. Unless you plan on walking home."
Didn't take long for her choose. Stay where anyone or anything could get her, walk over a mile home, or hitch a ride with a known homicidal maniac who had a taste for blondes. "Ride please."
She truly hated vampires and having one be her chauffer was beyond despicable, especially since he already had the passenger door open for her. Click clacking heels accompanied her to his car, where she stood blinking down at the leather interior. It was just like his bedroom in the way it was spotlessly clean and free of junk. All in all, the vehicle was well maintained, almost obsessively so.
"Nice," Cordelia muttered, jumping when a cool hand touched her upper arm.
Angelus smiled oh so innocently. "Just helping you in, nothing more."
The will to thank him didn't really exist, but she said it anyway. "Thanks."
She entered the car in the proper way. Bend at the waist, sit gently, and then slide both legs in. She could be so damn prissy when she wanted to be. "Comfortable?"
"Yes, thank you."
Seconds later he was sat to her right, gunning the engine, and offering the use of the stereo. Frankly, music and a rescue would be too much right about now. "I prefer silence when driving," Cordelia replied, careful to keep her eyes well and truly off of him.
"You're not driving. I am."
"I still don't like music in a car."
"I do."
"It's your car, you can do whatever you want in it."
"I'm trying to be a gentleman by considering your feelings." Angelus stated with a perfectly straight face.
"Shame you didn't consider my feelings when you tried to kill me." The words were out of her mouth before she had a chance to stop them. A sharp breath stung her lungs as Cordelia prepared to feel whatever punishment he saw fit to give. All she got was a long, drawn out sigh.
"Are you still going on about that? A guy does something wrong and he's doomed for all eternity."
"Something wrong? You tried to kill me!" She half screeched, turning to him with a wide eyed stare of disbelief. "How can you be so... Heh about it."
A large grin covered his face. "How can I be so heh? Tell me what heh means and I'll do my best to answer."
"You know," her hands wafted around, almost hitting him in the process. "It's like you split milk or let the cows out."
Angelus laughed more than he'd laughed in a very long time. How many years had it been since he'd engaged in verbal foreplay? Too many it seemed, as riling her up was simply irristable. "Take it as a compliment."
Her mouth fell open adorably. "A compliment? Actually, don't answer that. Don't think I wanna know, if it's all the same to you." Only him could say attempted murder was a compliment and laugh about it. "You bruised my ribs."
"I keep forgetting how fragile you humans are. Guess I need to be more careful in future."
"Try being nicer."
"Should've come to me. I would have kissed them better."
Okay, that was it. "Stop the car." She wanted out and she wanted out right that very second.
"We're nowhere near yet."
"I don't care if we're on the moon. Stop the car. I'll walk home."
"Don't be stupid, Cordelia..."
"Stupid? I'm stupid? Excuse me if I'm finding being in a car with the great and powerful Angelus just a little bit intimidating. So yeah, maybe I am stupid for getting in here in the first place." By the time her little rant was done, the car was still moving, and he was quiet but still wore a smile.
"I frighten you?" He asked, his tone just as amused.
"Hell yes you frighten me."
Brown eyes darted to meet hazel ones momentarily. "I haven't been around to frighten you."
It was amazing how one comment could make a woman feel like a total imbecile. "You don't need to be around me. You're the reason I keep my windows locked and don't swim at night."
Angelus was yet again laughing. "Been thinking about me a lot, huh? Now that is a compliment." She was priceless, absolutely priceless.
He was impossible. Before Cordelia had time to retort, he spoke. "Tell you what, princess. You can open your windows and go swimming on a night, I won't harm one hair on your head. Cross my heart and hope to die."
"Forgive me if I don't believe you. You might get the urge to stop by one night and pay me another compliment."
The vampire scratched his head, then rubbed his palm down his face in an attempt to stop grinning. The damn thing was making his cheeks ache. "How about a better deal? I accompany you one night, that way you can keep an eye on me. Make sure I don't do anything complimentary, to you or anyone else."
"You frighten me when you're not there. I'm not about to willingly be around you, go swimming with you, just to make sure you don't get Valentine's on me. That makes no sense whatsoever."
"Makes perfect sense to me. You get to know me, maybe you'll realise I'm not so bad. Well," there was that grin again. "Unless you piss me off. You have any plans to piss me off?"
Deceit had never been one of her favourite hobbies and as such, had never practiced it. She turned away to hide her frown as she lied through her teeth. "No," she said, her voice strangely distant to her ears. "No I don't."
"Then you're free to have open windows and go swimming."
What could she say? "Thanks."Part 4
Day 38...
She wondered if she was seeing correctly, so she closed her eyes for five, and then opened them to stare some more. Her beautiful beautiful Corvette was sitting in her drive looking for all the world like the Cindy Crawford of the car world. Admittedly, the red colour had been a little on the dull and dusty side, but it was a deep ruby shade which shone like a diamond in the rough.
A closer inspection showed new tyres, windshield wipers, spotless windows, and an interior so sweet, she wanted to cry. Gone were the standard seats and covers, gone was her pink haired troll, gone were the chip crumbs and chocolate wrappers and empty soda cans. The only thing still there was the stereo and it seemed to be relatively untouched.
Cordelia could hardly breathe as she tried to figure out how much a do-over like this was going to cost her. Sure she could afford it, but lately she'd been trying to curb her spending. She wasn't going to live with her parents forever and she couldn't sponge off of them forever, either. She'd been good about it, too, even going so far as to check out the job section in the local paper.
A shaky hand opened the door and she got in, ran her hand over the polished dash and then opened the glove compartment. "Hello Mr. Bill," she murmured at the sight of a crisp cream envelope with her name neatly written on it. It wasn't what she thought at all.
Cordelia,
The penmanship was excellent, lines were straight and not over flowing, and the paper was not cream but not white either. Apart from that, it was the wax seal on the envelope which drew her attention. She traced the outline softly so there was no transferance, and her head shaking at the feel of an embellished A. Where did he get this stuff?
I took the liberty of personally delivering your car. I hope it's to your satisfaction. No thanks necessary.
A.
If he thought she was going to accept all this done to her car and not pay him back, he was sadly mistaken. She didn't want to owe anybody anything, much less him. It wasn't just that he'd done this, it was the fact Spike was going to find out one way or another, and that was the last thing she wanted to happen. Well, apart from getting caught in a vampire-on-vampire war.
The note was folded back along the creases and she wanted so very much to crumple it up so it became unrecognisable, and it was annoying she couldn't. Cordelia rubbed her face, her sigh escaped through the fingers still holding on to the envelope. She supposed she had a visit to make.
****
Angelus had been enjoying himself immensely. Watching Spike play tea parties with Dru was undoubtedly the most entertaining of his hobbies. Unfortunately a vampire in his position had places to go and things to do. Namely getting out the way while those two went at it like bunnies.
He was sure Spike was purposely having hourly sex sessions just to rub his nose in it. He didn't know what was worse. Bumping into Mz. Chase or not being able to do a damn thing about it. Couldn't seduce, bite, touch... Nothing, not even one measly freaking kiss. How in the hell had it gotten to this point?
That thing which came before a fall. What was it again? Ah, that was it. Pride, and pride made him refuse to lose. Besides it was only forty days and since two days already passed, with no withdrawal, he had thirty eight left to go. Not a problem, really. Not when Sunnydale seemed to be filled with less than stimulating action these days.
If it hadn't been for that Chase girl showing up at the oddest of moments, he felt pretty confident he was going to win hands down. He may even go another forty days, just to prove a point.
It was that exact thought which had him reaching for his jacket and car keys. A good drive was precisely what he needed. If he couldn't sate one male appetite, he'd sate another.
Angelus didn't see Cordelia until he heard her yelping at his feet, and he looked down to find her square on her ass.
"Do you ever watch where you're going?" Damn but gravel could be painful when stuck to your skin. She rubbed her palms free of small, sharp stones and hissed when they scraped her flesh a bit more. "I got your message."
He was about to reply when a groan sounded out from somewhere behind him. He watched pretty eyes widen and glance around him before darting up to look back at him. His silence was all she needed.
"Don't tell me," Cordelia shuddered. "Do not wanna know. I came to say thanks for returning my car..."
Angelus shut the door just as another groan, this time female, cut in. "And you decided to ignore what I said." Why should he be surprised? She was a woman and a human one at that. A pulse obviously came complete with selective ignorance.
"I want to know what I owe you."
"Nothing."
"Seriously Angel, how much?"
His lips twitched. "Seriously Cordelia, nothing."
"A respray, new tyres and trims, seat covers etc cost nothing?" Oh God, what if he'd eaten the mechanic?
Her rising panic must have showed as his shoulders started shaking with laughter. "She lives to tell the tale and no, not a penny. You asked for help and I gave it."
"I didn't ask for all that."
"I know. Here." Angelus held out his hand and she took it without hesitation, then pulled her off the ground as though she was lighter than a feather.
"Then why?" Cordelia brushed loose gravel off the back of her legs, craning her neck to see the damage and grimacing at the sight of angry red scratches. They were so gonna hurt later. "Are they off?"
He had no chance to reply before she spun round to show him her thighs. A flash of tanned skin was just what he needed right now. Not. How was he supposed to stand there, staring at a set of neck crushing thighs and nothing? Easy answer, really. He couldn't.
After all, helping a damsel in distress couldn't be classed as sexually touching her, could it? Of course not. What kind of vampire would he be if he just let her suffer?
"Come here..." His smirk went unseen as he bent down to brush off imaginary stones, taking the time to inhale her perfume and steal a quick feel of the back of her knee. Oh, that was nice. Nice and soft and delightfully fragrant. Shame her dress was long enough to cover her panties.
"All done," Angelus said as he stood straight, careful to wipe the smile off his face before she saw it. "Those are some nasty scrapes. You should see to them."
She was going to do just that. "Well, I've said my thanks. So, thanks again. I'm leaving now."
His head slowly went to one side so he could get a better view of the firm ass hidden by a simple green shift dress, but when she looked back at him, his head was where it should be and so were his eyes. She frowned, almost certain he'd been staring at her.
Cordelia put it down to paranoia. Never mind. "Bye," she muttered, all to eager to get out of the increasingly awkward situation.
"G'bye."
****
It was pretty late by the time she got back from the Bronze and she was just about to crawl under beautifully clean sheets when her phone rang. Normally she didn't answer anonymous calls, but instinct told her she had to.
"Yabba dabba doo?" Hopefully, the person on the other end of the line would get the fact she couldn't be bothered to yammer on at quarter to twelve at night.
"Word on the street is my old sire has a new lady love. Care to tell me how that came about?"
Cordelia didn't know what was more shocking. Spike knowing her phone number, the fact he was calling her, or the question he asked. "How what came about?"
There was a sound of a hand hitting a forehead. "The fact he fixed up that sweet little number you got without an eyelash bat."
Duh. "You made it break down where he accidentally found me, remember?" Ask a stupid question, she thought with a roll of her eyes.
Golden silence came from the other end of the phone and she hoped one of two things had happened. Either his phone died or he'd banged his head hard enough against a brick and decapitated himself. Unfortunately luck was not on her side.
"Oh yeah. Forgot about that. Blame Dru, pet. She's the one who screwed my brains out earlier."
Cordelia held her phone at arm's length and stared at it in utter disgust. She shook her head, replacing the silver gadget to her ear when Spike resumed his conversation.
"That still don't explain how your eau de insolence got on him. Explain."
"I fell and he helped me up. It was all perfectly innocent."
"No such thing as innocent when it comes to your Angel."
"He's not my Angel and yes, it was innocent. He brushed some stones off me, which is only right since he knocked me down. Again."
Spike chuckled and she knew he had a smirk plastered across his face. "Trust me on this, love. There's bugger all innocent when it comes to him and touching. Bet the sly git got happy pants off that. Now, onto the next port of call."
She heard him light up and just had to ask. "How many do you smoke?"
He snorted in response. The amount of times he'd heard that one. "Enough to keep a smile on my face. Notice your windows are wide open."
Cordelia was pleased her curtains were closed so he couldn't see her surprise. "He told you about that?" What else had Angelus told him?
"Told me about what?"
She hated foot in mouth disease. "Nothing. You were commenting on my windows?"
This time it was Spike staring at the phone and it was in confusion. "Private conversations, eh? Going better than I planned. You should keep your windows locked, pet. Anything could get in."
"Your concern is touching." She mocked a sigh and patted her heart.
"Just looking out for my interests is all."
"Yeah, sure you are. Is there a point to this conversation? If so, get to it. I'm tired and I get cranky when I'm tired."
"You haven't seen cranky till you've seen Angelus on a morning. Bear with a sore head, he is."
"I can imagine," and with any luck, she wouldn't witness it.
"He ate a sales rep the other week. Don't blame him. Pesky little buggers they are."
Cordelia had to smile at that. Sure killing was bad, but there were always exceptions to the rule. "I hear ya," she muttered and then forced her smile off her face, pretending she did not think affectionately on the evil ways of Angelus. Her head seriously needed looking at.
"Right, now for business. Tell uncle Spike all about the car ride home."
"I can't."
"That good it left you speechless, eh?"
"No, there's nothing to tell." There was silence and she didn't like it. "Hello?"
"Sorry about that, love. Took me by surprise is all. He kept his trap shut for once?"
"We talked, but nothing to leave a room stunned."
"So there is something to tell. Go on then, I'm not a man to keep waiting."
"You're not a man."
"Very true. Now tell me."
God, he was like a dog with a bone. No in fact, he was worse than a dog with a bone. "Fine, fine," she grunted out, feeling her tiredness waving bye bye. "He basically said I should learn how to fix a car so I don't make myself an easy target. Satisfied?"
"That it?"
The incredulity in his voice almost made her snort out a laugh or two. "Yes. What did you think we were gonna talk about? Human interest?" It was, after all, Angelus speciality. Great. Now she was quoting. Not that there was anything wrong with quoting or anything wrong with admitting to having a good time.
She hated both vampires. Damn them.
"No discussing mutual mates or times gone by?"
"No." They had talked about last year, but no way in hell was Cordelia going to tell Spike. It felt private or something, and if that wasn't scary, she didn't know what was.
"Huh."
"I don't know what you expected to happen from a twenty minute car ride. Is there anything else, because I'd really like too go to bed..."
"The plan for tomorrow is for you to..."
"No can do," she said. "I have a game tomorrow night. It's the playoffs and we've been working on a new routine since forever. I'm needed."
"A bunch of nubile young fillies bouncing around in tiny tee's and belts for skirts? Yum. My old sire will have a right hard time with that one. You leave the details to me. Sweet dreams and all that."
Spike hung up before Cordelia had a chance to reply. She closed the phone with a shake of her head, stilk unable to believe he'd just called her in the middle of the night. She rubbed her eyes and sighed. She was too busy worrying about what tomorrow would bring to bother with being tired. Sweet dreams indeed.
Her gaze landed on the drawer housing her favourite swimsuit. "Why not?" She asked the empty room and moved toward it.
****
The water was delightfully hot and bubbly, making her tingle from head to toe. She relaxed against the edge of the tub, allowing her hair to dangle over the side, stretching out her legs and feet, fully enjoying the sheer sweetness of luxurious relaxation. Hell, even the low hum of the tub was soothing.
She'd missed this. Coming out here at one am when the rest of the human world slept had always been a hobby for her. It gave her the chance to gather her thoughts without interruptions or someone wanting something or a ride someplace. It was quiet, and quiet was the most biggest understatement of the century. The only thing missing was a glass of that wine.
Cordelia let her eyes close.
"Shouldn't sleep in water. You could drown."
She sat up with a shriek, her hands naturally going to cover her breasts as though she was naked. Sitting opposite her was Angelus and he had a seriously irritating smirk on his face. "What the hell are you doing here?" She hissed, sinking under the water a bit so he saw as little of her as possible.
"Bet you didn't think I'd hold up my end of the bargain. Drink?" He held out a beautifully crafted crystal glass filled with white wine. He chuckled when she made no move to take it. "It's not poisoned if that's what you're thinking. I brought it special."
Hazel irises followed thick fingers as they tapped on his own glass. "I like your suit," he said then grimaced. "How complimentary of me. Oops. We'll just call it a slip of the tongue." As if to prove a point, Angelus licked his lips slowly. "Take the drink, Cordelia. These things get heavy after a while."
She did as requested and his smirk widened. "Now say thank you, Angel."
How was it she felt like a parrot? "Thank you, Angel." Cordelia felt the intensity as he watched her take a long, long sip and swallowed. Just like the first time, the wine was deliciously refreshing so she took another. "Nice."
"Isn't it?"
She said nothing for a while, merely stared at the vampire as he made himself quite at home in her hot tub. She could see his arms and shoulders, while most of his chest and the rest of his body was distorted by the bubbles, making the part of him to be dry was his hair. It didn't appear to be in the usual spiked style, unusual for him. His skin was pale, but not as pale as she thought he'd be. His nails were clean and neat, no ground in dirt or anything like that, and there were no callouses. Well, none that she could see anyway.
Obviously, he took care of himself, which was odd for a man. She respected him for it.
The silence dragged on until she couldn't stand it no more. "How did you know I was going to be out here?"
Angelus grinned. "What can I say? I got lucky."
"Are you wearing trunks?"
"That's a question for you. I mean it is your fantasy."
****
To say Cordelia was on edge was an understatement. Having to constantly look over one's shoulder every ten seconds kind of did that to a person. Especially when that person was checking every dark corner, nook and cranny for vampires.
Looking for vampires was a job belonging to a slayer, not a cheerleader. God, this whole situation sucked ass. She felt like a damn puppet with an ever growing nose, wooden limbs, and strings. Worse still had been that stupid, pathetic fantasy of Angelus popping up in her tub from out of nowhere. Sleeplessness had followed that small trip into insanity.
She hadn't liked the fantasy and she certainly hadn't liked not being able to forget her woes by sinking deep into the strong arms of Mr. Reeves. Why couldn't she have a hero, huh? Didn't she deserve one after all she was putting up with? She really wished someone would open their eyes and see what was going on, see how she was being controlled by a poor imitation of Billy Idol, but no.
She wasn't Buffy or Willow or Xander, and so any problems she may have just had to be superficial. A part of her wanted too go to Angelus and tell him everything, then run like the wind before he broke her neck, but that wouldn't work. Knowing her luck, Spike would catch her first and then she'd be in it. Either that or he'd get to Angelus first and spin it so she was the bad guy.
Anyway she looked at her mess, there was only one way out of it, and that was to go along with it and hope for the best. At least graduation was in a few weeks and she'd be able to get out of Dodge before things got bloody.
Cordelia figured she could get at least a few miles out of town before either one caught her. The funny thing was the more she went over the mess in her head, the less dangerous it sounded, but the reality of it was so very different, and yes she was terrified.
"Cordy?"
"Jesus, Harmony!" She jumped six feet when a hand clamped round her arm.
"Sorry," the blonde looked at Cordelia like she'd gone insane, which she probably had. "The game's about to start."
Game? Oh yeah, the football game. Excellent. "I've been doing this longer than you," she snapped. "I think I know how to keep time." Harmony hadn't deserved that and she felt terrible for it, but it wasn't like she could tear into the cause of her current anger issues.
"Sorreee. Geez Louise, what's eating you?"
Nothing hopefully. Cordelia took a moment and a good, long deep breath and let it out slowly. "Nothing. Sorry I snapped. It's one of those days."
The blonde nodded in sympathetic understanding. "I got some Midol in my locker if you want it?"
Oh damn it all to hell. She forgot she was due, but unfortunately she couldn't take Midol. It gave her headaches that made PMS a walk in the park. "No, but thanks. I'll just walk it off." Please don't let Spike have anything stupid for her to do tonight, she really wouldn't be up to it. The dormitory effect never ceased to amaze her.
"No problem." Harmony gave the brunette a pat on the shoulder. "Ready?"
She wasn't, but what the hell. Activities like split kicks and pyramid apexes while wanting to curl up and die came with the territory of being captain. It was like the Tampon commercials. They always showed leggy models roller skating around, but never a woman heaving grocery bags into car while looking like a train wreck. Well, it was sort of like that anyway.
The show had to go on as they said. Stupid phrase, really. Whoever invented it needed shooting. Maybe she could get Angel to find them and bite them dead.
"Cheer up Cor," Harmony giggled at the joke. "Maybe you'll get a date with Danny after the game. It's been months since you got dumped by Xander, so I'm sure everyone's forgotten about it by now."
Cordelia's glare went unnoticed. "Thanks for the pep talk, Harm."
"Anytime. Let's go."
So the game was played and won by the skin of the Razorbacks teeth, and much to her surprise, there was no sign of either Angelus or Spike, something she was severely grateful for. Just as Harmony predicted, the tiredness and cramps increased to the point where Cordelia had grown pale and was seen walking to her car with one hand holding her poorly tummy.
She hurried up when she felt someone behind her and almost had her keys in the lock when a sickeningly familiar voice spoke her name. She turned to face Spike.
"Quite a show you fillies put on."
He'd been there and she hadn't been able to see him, and hell if that wasn't a creepy thought. "There's a word for cretins like you."
He just grinned. "Here I was thinking all you did was shake a pom pom or two. Backflips and all sorts of spins and kicks. Impressive."
"Glad you enjoyed it."
"That I did, pet. So did Angelus."
Cordelia blinked, involuntarily looking around for Angelus. "How come I didn't see you?" The fact they'd both been there really did a number on her mental health.
A cloud of grey smoke escaped when he chuckled. "A magician never tells his secrets. This is a perfect opportunity for you to show off your talents."
Show off her what? She really didn't think so and went to say just that.
"Well? What you waiting for?"
"For you to take a hike."
For the second time in three hours, Cordelia jumped out of her skin when Angelus voice interrupted them. She watched him approach the blonde and expected to see vampire-on-vampire action. The disappointment was almost too much.
Twinkling brown eyes landed her and she was a little wigged out to see a smile in them. He'd probably been up to no good in an alley or something. Hopefully, he'd eaten Principal Snyder or Mrs. Gomer the math teacher.
"How are you, Cordelia?"
"Fine," she murmured, her voice as distant as the hot tub fantasy, which wasn't that distant at all. "I'm fine. On my way home." Take a hint, she wanted to say, but chickened out.
"You look pale. Hard day at the office, dear?" Pearly white fangs appeared for a moment. Angelus brushed past Spike and she nigh on smirked when his shoulder accidentally-on-purpose hit the blonde. "Allow me."
Cordelia froze when his fingers touched hers as he took her car keys and she heard him inhale. Was he sniffing her? He must've seen the look on her face as his grin came close to splitting his face.
"I was born in the age where men took care of their women." The sound of central locking kicked in and the locks on both doors clicked up. "Get in the other side. I'll take you home."
She didn't know what was more embarrassing. Having Spike witness this, Angelus sniffing her, or the offer to take her home. "No thanks. I'm okay."
He wasn't going to take no for an answer. "Driving while tired can be dangerous, especially when you're not a hundred percent."
"I'm not tired and I am a hundred percent." Cordelia didn't dare look at Spike for fear of what she'd see. There was something so damned humiliating about being watched when arguing with Angelus over driving her own car.
He simply arched an brow, his eyes dropping down to where she was rubbing her stomach. "Just get in the car."
"No."
"I can either put you in myself or Wimple here can do it. Your call." When he got nothing, he actually had the nerve to try getting a hold of her.
"No touchy with the hands." Cordelia was barely able to duck away and only just managed to escape being thrown over a shoulder. "Alright, fine. You can drive. What is it with you and the macho caveman heroitude? God."
Angelus merely grinned some more. "What is it with you and sixties feminism stubbornity?"
There was an amused snort from Spike, who appeared to have been forgotten about. "She's human, mate. Can't expect much else."
He was ignored in favour of a stare out between the elder vampire and cheerleader. "Get in the car before you catch your death."
"That's women for you, Spike." Spike spoke in a terrible American accent.
"If it'll shut you up." Cordelia all but stomped round the car, her irritation disipating with every step. She really couldn't be bothered to be annoyed. She just wanted to go home, take a warm bath, and go straight to bed.
"Preaching to the choir on that one," the blonde's voice returned to it's normal cockney.
"Actually, I wanna get away from his conversations with the voices in his head. It might be contagious."
She paused long enough to shoot an involuntary, humoured smile across the car. "God forbid," then she stopped. A couple of meetings arranged by a psychopath did not best friends make.
Angelus seemed to have suddenly developed a talent for ESP, or a microchip that allowed him to tap into her brain waves. "I get that. Shall we?"
It was strange how two very different people could have a main goal in common that they'd do anything to achieve and in this case that goal was leaving Spike to the crows.
The vampire in question had no choice but to stand and watch as his grandsire shut the door, wiggled his fingers, and drove off. His eyes never left the empty space for a while and his thoughts began to tick over, his ears still replaying the odd rendezvous between his grandsire and the chit. Obviously Angelus knew something he didn't and that didn't sit well with him.
Spike toyed with his lighter for a few seconds, breathing in the lingering scent of the cheerleader when it struck him what the poof meant about her not being a hundred percent. How could he have missed it?
His chuckle started off small and low, then escalated into out and out laughter. The pretty bit was on her rag. Talk about perfect timing. No way in hell was his grandsire going to pass this opportunity to get a piece of this. All he had to do was wait for the inevitable and he'd win hands down.
****
Angelus flipped the silver packet up and down a few times as he chose between knocking and calling her. He shouldn't be on her balcony and doing this as it was technically against the stupid rules. Nothing sexually pleasurable in anyway whatsoever, but he couldn't let the lady suffer like that, even if it was temptation he didn't need. Besides, he had to get his kicks somehow.
He mocked Spike in a high pitched tone. "No wanking, touching, kissing, sly gropes in the corner." His voice returned to normal. "What a prick." A couple of minutes passed by and he made the decision to knock. There was no answer and so he knocked again, but a tad louder.
He heard ruffling sheets followed by shuffling feet and finally a pale face appeared around the balcony curtains. The door was heavier than normal for her to open and it took two attempts for her to be successful. It wasn't until she stood in front of him that he really noticed just how ill she must be, and damn if he didn't feel like a jackass for waking her up at the ass crack of dawn.
She had bags under her eyes, her hair was messy and overly shiny, a fact he put down to the hormones.
Angelus leaned his shoulder against the wall and smirked. "It's times like this I'm glad to be a man." Probably not the best thing he could say under the circumstances and definitely not the greatest apology for waking her, but as he said. He was a man.
"What do you want?" Cordelia asked, her voice soft and whispery with sleep.
"Back in the day, women used pebbles to count down to their visits. Since there was no pills, they would lace their tea with all sorts of herbs to help."
"Excuse me?" He'd got her out of bed to talk about visits and pebbles and tea and herbs?
"You're menstruating..." He paused to take in a breath. "Or close to it."
That effectively knocked her for six and all she could do was stare at him in total shock.
"You shouldn't use tampons all the time, and especially at night. Think about it. A month's worth of blood is being kept inside your body. The way I see things is it can only mean trouble."
Cordelia blinked, unsure if this was another, freakier fantasy or if she was simply dreaming. So she did the only thing she could and continued to stare.
"You keep water by your bed?" Angelus had to look into her room for the answer as she seemed to have a cat on her tongue. He saw a glass and nodded in approval. "These are for you. Go get a drink and come back."
Numb feet took her to the drink, a numb hand picked it up, and those numb feet took her back where numb hands reached for the offered silver packet and blinking eyes stared at it like it was a little green man from Mars.
"Sit," he was careful not to snag her dressing gown as he ushered her into a chair, and then patted her head. "There we go."
She could think of one thing to say. "Why do you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Talk in the third person."
"I honestly have no idea. Something I've always done. Does it bother you?"
"Would it matter if it did?"
Angelus paused. "I guess not. You know what they say about old habits dying hard. Probably harder after 245 years."
"You're 245?" Cordelia couldn't quite come to terms with the fact the guy opposite her was two and a half centuries old, yet barely looked thirty. Amazing.
"Give or take a year." His lips quirked up at the corners. "To think your grandparents weren't a twinkle when I was a kid."
She'd rather not think on that. "Yeah, weird." A yawn broke out and brought tears to her already tired eyes.
"Take a pill, Cordelia. You'll thank me for it." Foggy irises glanced down to the glass and silver packet, then returned to witness him sigh in exasperation. "Women," he grunted with a shake of his head. Too damn stubborn for their own good.
Angelus took the packet, popped one of the blisters, but paused before he gave her the small white pill. "You don't have plans tomorrow morning, right?"
"No. Does it contain Hyocine? If so, I can't take it." Not that she was going to take it anyway. That pill thing could be anything.
His smirk gave her reason enough to suspect poison. "It's not your everyday painkiller. Here." The tablet looked no bigger than a snowflake in his hand.
Cordelia stared at it like it was death personified. She hated, really hated taking pills. Just the sight of them seemed to make her throat close up and made her gag. "I don't think I can." She could already feel it dissolving on her tongue. It was like a smaller version of hell.
The vampire watched her expression go from one of distrust to mild disgust to abject terror. He said it once and he'd say it again. "Women." It amazed him how something so small could weild so much power. Even he hadn't managed to keep that mouth shut through fear. Drastic actions were called for, it seemed.
Angelus closed his hand and put it out of sight long enough to push the tablet to the tips of his fingers, then leaned over to the brunette, making a point to stare down where her gown was wrapped tight across full breasts. "That rack is something to write home about."
The second he heard her prepare to let him have it was the second he literally threw the pill into her mouth. He wasted no time in snatching the glass from her and nigh on pouring it down her throat. "Bullseye. Swallow, there's a good girl."
Something she had no choice in. Cordelia covered her mouth when she felt her esophagus rebel, her eyes glazed as she gagged and turned away to cough up excess water. A large palm gently patting her back had her glaring at the moron next to her.
The slap was less than a bee sting to him and a whole lot nicer. Blood, a sweet looking woman dressed for bed, and a slap. He seriously didn't need this kind of foreplay. "That wasn't so bad now, was it?"
"Are you nuts? I could have choked!" She yelled, using the ties on her gown to wipe her eyes dry. "Asshole."
Angelus was exceptionally proud of himself, and it showed in the smug grin plastered over his face. "I'm disappointed. I never expected you to be so wimpy."
"That right there is the difference," Cordelia half snarled. "Angel wouldn't have done that."
Blah blah blah. "If I'd had my soul, I would have coddled you. Let you have a little cry on my shoulder and gave you all the sympathy a guy can give. You really want a guy who's more of a girl than you?"
"What girl doesn't want a sensitive guy?"
"Sensitivity and being a big fairy are two very different things. I did it for your own good."
She made a noise of disgust and looked away.
He took the time to study her while she was silent, taking in the soft detail of her features. Full, nicely shaped lips, high cheeks, long lashes and hair that fainty smelled of tea tree. Her legs were in pretty good shape, which wasn't surprising considering her earlier display of fitness. She could probably crush a man's neck with her thighs and he definitely didn't need to be thinking along those lines. Well, not for a couple of weeks at least.
As he continued to stare, he watched the pale colour slowly come back and watched the pinched expression of pain drift into one of relief. She suited relief much better than she did a permanent frown.
Cordelia pursed her lips in and out, keeping her face away in determination not to give him the satisfaction of knowing his little present worked. Her fingernails tap-tapped against the chair arm, her foot began to bounce and toes wiggled. All to his extreme amusement.
"No, I don't think you would." Angelus stated with an easy smile.
"Think I would what?"
"Want a lady for a boyfriend. You're a man's girl."
"I..." A man's girl? "Say what?"
"Come on, Cordelia. Don't play coy with me. You know exactly what I mean."
"I like a man who knows how to treat a woman. So what?" She ended on a huff.
"So nothing. That's a good thing. Except for the finding of such a man. From what I hear, they're pretty elusive creatures. Look at your track record." Angelus gave a grin which spelled trouble. "Xander Harris, who went behind your back with Willow. That had to be kicker. Being the one left behind in the shadow of another."
"Thanks for reminding me." She said, her tone sarcastic and acidic. "You're a real good friend."
"All I'm saying is maybe a man isn't for you. Not enough and far too normal. A man would bore you death in a week."
"And you wouldn't?" Cordelia's face cracked into a sly smirk.
Angelus had to admit it. "I walked into that one, and no. I wouldn't bore you in a week."
"No, it'd just take two."
He waited for her to realise the pill had worked like a charm, and when she fell silent with the hand on her tummy relaxing, she turned to him with arched eyebrows and forming smile. "Impressive."
"I try. Go to bed and get some rest." Angelus rose from his own chair. "Don't forget what I said about Tampons."
"I'm not even gonna ask how or why you know these things." Most guys she knew wouldn't dream of discussing periods for fear they'd die of embarrassment or something. Then again, as she knew, he was no ordinary guy.
"It's natural and makes you smell nice, all womanly so to speak." As if to prove his words true, he took a long, deep breath and exhaled with a sigh which spelled yummy. "Ripe for the plucking."
It was difficult to pretend he hadn't done that, but she managed. Barely. "Goodnight, Angel." Cordelia went to go back into her room, but paused. "Thanks for the pills. Can you get me more next month?"
There was no answer and when she glanced over her shoulder to see why, he wasn't there. The only sign he'd been there were the pills in her hand and the glass on the table. She shook her head.
"Weird."