Title: Inevitable
Author: SKauble
Posted: Nov 05
Email
Rating: NC-17
Category: Angst, smut
Content: C/A
Summary: This is the second in a trilogy. The first is Indisputable. It *is* necessary to read Indisputable for this to make sense. This part explores the ramifications of the incident in Indisputable.
Spoilers: I pretty much go off into my own little world fairly quickly. But if you haven’t ever watched AtS then I guess there are some spoilers so stop if you don’t want to know.
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: TIO/GTCA only.
Notes: This fic is from the forum Darkness Within, based at TIO. You won't find it posted anywhere else (and if it is, It will be without my permission and I WILL be miffed.) DW is a forum strictly for Beige Angel fics (C/A), and some fics posted there explore areas not all readers will find to their taste, thus a membership by request-only forum.
With that clearly in mind, Be warned - this is a story about Angel in his Beige period. If that's gonna short your circuits don't read it cause I will pay no medical bills for those who do not heed my warning.
Thanks/Dedication:This story is part of Cali’s birthday present so it’s hers to do with as she pleases.
Feedback:Always appreciated, never discouraged
Chapter One
“…and that’s when the vamp showed up.”
Cordelia’s face scrunched up in confusion at Gunn’s recounting of the fight that followed her vision earlier that evening.
“A vamp? I didn’t see a vampire. The demons had a vampire? How unfair is that?”
“Not their vamp.” The young fighter qualified still seemingly shocked by the day’s developments. “Our vamp. Well, not our vamp, but-”
Whatever was said next was lost on her as the situation became painfully clear.
Angel.
She’d pushed him out of her mind; refused to think about him since that night over a month ago. It had taken every shred of willpower she possessed to force her thoughts away from his touch, his passion, his promise.
I’ll be back for you.
When he’d said it she’d believed him. She’d stopped working alone at the office after dark. And while she loathed feeling like she was hiding, she hated that edginess that had her jumping out of her seat at every little sound even more. But as each day passed with no contact from the vampire and no end in sight to the evil that was Wolfram & Hart she’d begun to slowly relax.
In fact, if it hadn’t been for the black duster hanging in her closet at home she might have convinced herself that it was all a dream; like the vivid, erotic dreams that caused her to wake every morning with a deep, relentless sense of emptiness that nothing could fill except him…
Angel.
Arrgh! Her mental scream resonated in her head. She didn’t know what the stupid vamp was up to, but if he thought he could barge back into her life and she would just fall in line then he had another think coming. Cordelia Chase didn’t belong to anyone, least of all the Neanderthal ex-champion who’d abandoned her.
As far as she was concerned they didn’t need him; they were doing just fine!
Only they weren’t doing fine; a small voice whispered. Wesley had been shot and still wasn’t well enough to do much about the visions. And Gunn was a strong and resourceful fighter, but he couldn’t do it alone. More and more often he was being forced to rely on help from his old gang which was steadily pushing him back into the place from which she had worked so hard to rescue him.
She was almost crazy with worry about her little family and no matter what it meant for her personally she had to admit that deep down, way far down, a part of her was relieved that Angel had helped out, might continue to help.
Just as long as he didn’t think that he was part of that family again. He was welcome to get back to working at his redemption now that he could apparently fit it in to his busy vengeance schedule, but he didn’t get to be a part of their life, her life ever again.
“Uh, Cordy?”
Gunn’s voice broke into her internal tirade. She knew he’d been concerned about her lately. He and Wes both. She’d tried to act normal, but between learning she was dying and the unbelievably mind-blowing night with Angel she’d been hard pressed just to make it through each day, much less pretend that everything was hunky-dory.
“Sorry. It just took me by surprise is all. I didn’t think he’d - I just thought - It’s unexpected, you know?”
And Gunn did know. Although he was relatively new to Angel Investigation the bond he’d formed with both Wesley and Cordelia was stronger than anything he’d felt since his sister’s death. He knew how much the vampire’s desertion had cost them; he saw proof of it every day. Though both of them presented themselves to the world as strong and in control, Cordelia having far greater success at that endeavor than Wesley, he knew that the image they struggle so hard to maintain hid vulnerabilities and insecurities that stemmed from years of disregard and marginalization by those around them.
Because of this pattern of rejection they were careful who they gave their loyalty, their trust. But they’d heaped both of those things on the vampire. And no matter what kind of curse there was, what kind of soul he had, Gunn knew that he was still a demon and shouldn’t be trusted to that extent.
And yet Gunn understood why they had. It wasn’t just that Angel was a champion; it wasn’t just that he protected them, saved them. No, when they spoke about what happened, which they rarely did, he could clearly read between the lines. They trusted Angel not just because they cared for him so deeply, but because they’d thought it was safe; they’d thought not that he wouldn’t leave them, but that he couldn’t leave them.
Cordelia, and to a lesser extent Wesley, had believed that they were intrinsic to Angel’s redemption. After all, he could never complete his mission without the guidance of the visions, and Wesley’s knowledge of all things demon was often the deciding factor in the success or failure of those undertakings. And so they convinced themselves that they were indispensable. That it wasn’t possible for Angel to leave them and still travel his path of atonement.
Of course they’d never considered the idea that Angel would choose to leave that path. It never occurred to them that he would turn his back on his redemption, his chance to regain his humanity. And they still often seem to loose themselves in a fog of shock at the idea that he had done it. It was that shock he saw in Cordelia right now.
“I know, girl. I was as surprised as anyone to see him, much less helping us. I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about this…So, how do we feel about this?”
Cordelia smiled wanly at the sincere young man before here. Although he hadn’t been overly close to Angel at the time of their firing he’d understood and respected both her pain and Wesley’s. And though he’d urged them to let their former boss go, he never belittled or made light of their feelings. He’d been a true friend and he was being one now by letting her take the lead in this new development. Heaving a weary sigh she faced the question head on.
“Frankly, right now I’ll take any help that we can get. But he’s not our friend, Gunn. He gave up all rights to that when he threw us out of his life and left us alone to fight the visions. Who knows if this was even about us tonight? For all we know this had something to do with Wolfram & Hart and it just so happened that your paths crossed. Whatever. Even if he’s decided that he can spare some time for his redemption, well whoop-dee-do. How long will it be before something more important, and by that I mean something blonde, comes along and then we’re history again?”
“No; we’ll take what help we can get, but we won’t depend on him again. We can’t.”
Gunn could see the determination in her eyes and he was glad. His friends had been hurt enough. He, like Cordelia, was secretly glad for the vampire’s help, knowing that anything that kept them all alive a little longer was definitely of the good, but that didn’t mean he had any goodwill for the vampire and his second-rate soul.
“So, did you tell Wes?”
Ever since the shooting Cordelia had been almost insanely protective of the Englishman. It wasn’t just his physical health she closely guarded, but also his mental well-being, often editing information before it reached him believing that absolute calm, well as calm as it could get for them, was the key to his recovery.
“Nah, not yet. But you gotta stop with the mama bear routine soon. You worry too much, Barbie; it’s gonna give you wrinkles.”
Gunn laughed at the scowl that transformed Cordelia’s face from breathtaking to adorable in an instant. Playfully he reached over and nudged her shoulder.
“That look really will give you wrinkles.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes at her friend’s teasing grin.
“Ha ha. You know, sometimes you’re really funny. Any idea if it’s gonna be one of those times soon?”
Gunn chuckled as he rose from his chair, ready to end another day of fighting evil.
“Don’t get your panties in a twist. I’m gonna stop by Wes’ on my way home. I’ll let you tell him about the fair-weather vamp, but it’s got to be tomorrow.”
He could see the wheels turning in Cordelia’s head. In fact if he listened hard enough he was sure that he could hear them. Wanting to curb those thoughts before they started he clarified himself.
“I’m serious, Cordelia. Tomorrow morning, well let’s not get crazy, we’ll make it tomorrow afternoon, you need to get your cute behind in here and put Wesley in the loop. Promise me.”
The mutinous look on Cordelia’s face told Gunn he’d been right to be more specific. Now he just needed her promise and he could head out.
“Hmmph. Fine, but if Wesley has a relapse he won’t be the only one in the hospital.”
Gunn fought the urge to gulp at the tone of her voice. He wasn’t sure how one former cheerleader could be that scary, but she more than managed it. He often thought that they should send her to face the demons, sure that even the most evil of beings would flee in terror at her glare of death.
“Alright then. I’m outta here. Want me to drop you home?”
Cordelia nibbled on her lip, as she weighed her options. All this talk about Angel was bringing back her anxieties and she really didn’t want to be there alone. On the other hand, she still had a little paperwork to do so she could deposit one of their rare checks and every moment that Gunn stayed there he wasn’t with Wesley. And really, that decided it. Although her mind understood that Wesley was well on the road to recovery, her heart couldn’t be convinced, the trauma of nearly loosing him hadn’t faded. Disregarding her head and listening to her heart she turned to Gunn.
“No, you go on. I only have a little more to do so I’ll be right behind you.”
“You sure?” Gunn questioned uncertainly. Both he and Wes had noticed her nervousness lately, both in and out of the office. She’d been skittish and he wasn’t all that sure about leaving her alone.
Cordelia smiled brightly, wanting to send Gunn on his way but understanding his need for reassurance.
“Have I ever been unsure about anything?”
Gunn laughed at the delicate brow that arched as if taking offensive to the very thought.
“Nah, you were probably born sure.”
“Damn right!” Cordelia replied smugly. “Now get out of her so I can get back to work. At least one of us should earn our keep around here.”
“That’s just not right.” Gunn shook his head in mock hurt but smiled to see Cordelia’s good humor. A happy Cordelia made for a happy everyone else in the vicinity. So, cheerful, he found himself whistling as he made his way out the door to his truck.
Chapter Two
“Thank God,” Cordelia sighed as she filed the last of the folders in the cabinet. It had only been about five minutes since Gunn had left for the night, but she could shake the funny feeling that was growing by the moment. While she put it down to the oddity of the evening, she still would feel better in a warm bath where she could talk things over with Dennis. Sure, he wasn’t the chattiest friend she’d ever had, but he was one hell of a listener.
Grabbing her purse from its place slung over the back of the chair she turned to head out the door. Her heart stopped for a moment and then began an accelerated beat that almost hurt in her chest.
There, leaning against the door was the dark figure who’d been haunting both her sleeping and waking moments. He was looking down and for a moment she interpreted his posture as a sign of shame. But as his eyes began to travel slowly up the length of her body, stopping occasionally to lingering in strategic places she realized that shame was the last thing on his mind. As his eyes finally reached her face they were ablaze with desire in a face chiseled with clear intent. A sinful smile curved his firm lips as he watched her cloaked in an air of imminent satisfaction.
“Leaving so soon?”
It was strange. There she was, faced with the confrontation she’d been dreading for a month and all she could think was to wonder how the hell he’d gotten into the office without the bell over the door ringing. Shaking her wayward thoughts away, Cordelia pulled herself together and shot a defiant look at the vampire before her.
“Apparently not soon enough.”
Angel laughed; a warm, sensual sound that shivered its way down her spine, caressing her strained nerves as it passed.
Bristling at his enjoyment of the situation, Cordelia knew she needed to end this before she snapped.
“What do you want Angel?”
His smirk was firmly back in place. “I thought we’d pretty much established what I wanted the last time I was here.”
Cordelia just managed to catch her jaw before her mouth fell completely open.
“You have got to be kidding!”
Angel quirked his brows at her; but unlike her regal glare his expression denoted nothing but amusement.
“Why are you so surprised? I told you I’d be back for you. I told you to be ready. Are you ready kitten?”
This time nothing could stop the decent of her jaw.
“You’re seriously insane. Do you know that? I’m not ready to have anything to do with you, much less whatever pervy stuff you probably have in mind. And knock it of with the cutesy names; they don’t suit a bastard like you.”
“But they do suit you; hissing and spitting as if you have a chance of winning against me.” Angel pushed his large frame away from the door, moving towards Cordelia and beginning to circle her slowly. “You have to know you don’t.”
To say she was mad would have been a drastic understatement. She was angry that he’d left, she was furious that he was back, and she was livid that he was so obviously trying to intimidate her.
“Win?!? This isn’t a contest you jerk. This is my life; a life that no longer includes you!
The room was a flurry of shapes and colors as she was swung around in an instant and pinned to the bookcase in an eerie replay of his previous visit. Seeing that her struggles seemed to be both entertaining and arousing him, she ceased.
Angel was somewhat disappointed as he felt Cordelia still. Patiently he waited for her head to raise and her eyes to meet his.
“Your life, my life – there’s no difference anymore. I made sure of that the last time I was here.”
As Angel’s fingers grazed lightly over the scars he’d left on her neck Cordelia’s fingers also rose, brushing his as she, too, caressed the marks. It was a calming gesture and she hadn’t realized ‘til that moment how often she had done just that in times of anxiety and stress.
It was really only in the last week that she’d been able to shed her turtlenecks for her regular shirts and blouses. It wasn’t that the scars were no longer visible; it was just that once they had healed she knew that if either Wes or Gunn noticed them she could just excuse them as an old injury. After all, she grew up on the Hellmouth. It was very plausible that the bite mark was nothing more than a High School memento. Of course, if that didn’t work she’d just berate them for never noticing followed by much whining and complaining about their lack of attention and the ridiculous notion of calling her beauty into question. She’d give them thirty seconds before they cracked, apologizing profusely and running out to buy her lunch…and maybe flowers. Yeah, thirty seconds was probably a fairly generous estimation.
Honestly, Cordelia had just dismissed the peculiar shiver she felt every time she touched that spot, putting it down to lingering memories of that night. But hearing the seriousness, the absolute possession in his tone she felt a growing sense of apprehension.
“What did you do?”
Realizing that she was finally grasping the gravity of that night amber briefly flashed through his eyes. The colorful burst in no way distracted from the look satisfaction that settled on his face.
“I made you mine. Well,” He paused as a small smile tilted his lips “you were always mine. I just made it official. And now? Now I’m back for you.”
Although his words caused the butterflies to flutter wildly in her stomach she stood her ground and pushed at his chest, surprised when he actually stepped back, giving her space to move.
Cordelia began to pace back and forth under Angel’s amused gaze before spinning around angrily, hands on her hips.
“You know what, I don’t know what you think you did and I don’t really care. You left, Angel. You left your mission, you left your redemption, and you left me. One night of sex doesn’t change that.”
He moved over to her the desk, crossing his arms as he leaned against it, a scowl on his face.
“It wasn’t just sex, Cordelia. You know that. You feel it every time you wake up aching for me; for my touch.”
Angel watched as a fiery blush swept her entire body merely confirming what he knew to be true.
“But if you don’t want to take my word for it we can always discuss it with Wes. As a former watcher I’m sure he’d be able to answer any question you might have about exactly what happened between us.”
His smirk returned as Cordelia’s blush receded leaving her startlingly pale. It was a clear indication that she understood his implicit threat. Cordelia was fiercely protective of those she loved. She had to know that if Wesley learned about that night he was certain to come looking for him with vengeance on his mind. And as unpredictable as Angel had been recently he knew that she wouldn’t chance an altercation in which Wesley might get hurt. And while Wesley being a part of his family kept the ex-watcher perfectly safe, he wasn’t about to share that information with her.
“No! You can’t do that. He’s not well yet, he needs peace and quiet.”
Cordelia’s panic was palpable; he could taste it in the air and he savored it knowing that it gave him the upper hand in dealing with his proud and independent seer. Angel knew that it was finally time to inform her of the next move in their little dance.
“And I won’t. But you have to do something for me, Cordelia. You have to come back. It’s time.”
“Why?” Cordelia cried. “Why now? Wolfram & Hart are still standing, and I’m sure the ditzy duo could use your attention.”
Angel addressed her second concern first.
“Darla and Drusilla are dead.”
The shock of that announcement was enough to send Cordelia stumbling backwards. Instantly Angel was there, gently steadying her with strong hands.
“But…”
Cordelia speechless was a rarity, but the confusion in her eyes demanded answers to questions that her words could not articulate. Angel’s hand moved to her face, his fingers gently trailing across her silken skin.
“They would have hurt you, Cordelia. Eventually they would have figured out what you mean to me and they would have come after you. I couldn’t let that happen. I’ll never let anything happen to you again.”
She couldn’t doubt the sincerity of his words. He’d killed them – his sire and his childe. Sure, he’d killed Darla for Buffy, but not Drusilla. He’d allowed her to roam around Sunnydale wreaking havoc and now he’d killed them both – for her.
And as soon as it appeared that warm, protected feeling vanished as the enormity of the situation settled in. He’d killed them for her. Not even because they were an actual threat, but because they were a potential threat.
That’s when she knew; this wasn’t a game he was playing. This was serious. He was serious.
Angel’s smile became sharp and predatory as he saw it all click into place in her mind. That wasn’t one night of sex; he was in this long term and he was expecting, demanding the same of her.
“No, no, no.” Cordelia’s hair flew around her face as her head shook back and forth in support of her spoken dissent.
His hand grasped her chin, stopping the wild movement and forcing her eyes to meet his.
“Yes, Cordelia. You are mine. All the denial in the world won’t change that fact. Now I’m willing to give you time to adjust, but that adjusting will be done together.”
He was so certain, so absolute. Cordelia didn’t know what, but something had changed; something that shifted his focus away from Darla and Drusilla, even away from Wolfram & Hart and settled it solely on her.
“What happened, Angel? What changed?”
Angel’s hand fell to his side and he turned from her. Walking over to the desk he resumed his leaning position, stretching out his long legs and crossing them at the ankles. He’d been expecting the question, knowing that Cordelia wouldn’t just accept his presence back in her life without some kind of explanation. Not that she had a choice. Still, this process would be easier the more cooperative she was.
He chose his words with care, knowing that she’d be picking them apart as soon as they left his mouth. “I guess you could say I had an epiphany.”
“An epiphany? An epiphany! You finally realized that you were a dumbass? What kind of epiphany is that? I’ve told you that hundreds of times.”
God he’d missed her; her spirit and her sass. He couldn’t wait to have her back where she belonged – underneath him in their bed as he lost himself in her searing heat.
This time there was no ignoring the explosion of gold his eyes at the thought of her naked, writhing in his arms as she gasped out his name.
“You were my epiphany, Cordelia.”
“Me?”
Her doubt was clear, and while he understood it he knew that soon she’d comprehend that somewhere between their time in Sunnydale and now she’d become the most important thing in his world. She’d know and what’s more, she’d love it.
“I realized that fighting against Wolfram & Hart was a losing battle. They beat me before I even started – I lost my family, I lost my redemption, I lost my connection to life. I lost you. And even if I reduced Wolfram & Hart to rubble, if I don’t have you then I didn’t win a thing.”
“I need you. I need your warmth and your humanity, your smiles and your tactlessness. I need the guidance and direction you give me in this fight. I need you, Cordelia. You’re the epiphany. I guess it’s a good thing for me that you’re mine, huh?”
Cordelia was drowning in a tidal wave of emotions. Angel was here, with her, and he was saying things that deep down she’d so desperately wanted to hear in these last few long lonely months. But she didn’t dare let herself believe him, wouldn’t, couldn’t be that vulnerable again. She’d given him everything – including, apparently, her life according to the doctors, and he’d thrown it all away. And for what? Some stupid obsession?
And so what if she was his new obsession of choice. Really, even Darla had only lasted a few months. Angel was fickle, even in his neurosis.
Taking a deep, calming breath she steeled herself to say what had to be said.
“It doesn’t matter, Angel. If you’ve had some kind of revelation then good for you. I wouldn’t want to see anyone go down the useless path you’ve been so determined to follow. But whatever new path you’ve got in mind, I’m not a part of it. And if that means Wolfram & Hart wins, well that’s your doing not mine.”
“I was there for you, Angel; having your visions, being your friend. I gave you everything I had, everything I was. But that wasn’t enough for you. I wasn’t enough for you. Well that’s just fine with me. You made your bed, and now you can lie in it – alone.”
Her answer wasn’t unexpected. Sure, a part of Angel had hoped that she would see the changes in him and throw herself in his arms, happy just to put this terrible mess behind them, to get back where they had been, to where they were going. But the realist in him knew that it wouldn’t be that simple. And honestly, he didn’t want it to be.
He was a demon, a vampire, and that made him inherently a hunter. He wanted to pursue Cordelia. He wanted to break down her defenses, to demolish her resistance. He didn’t just want her to admit his absolute possession of her, he wanted to leave her no choice but to acknowledge it, so there was no other options, no excuses to offer – just him, filling her life, pushing everything else aside until he was her sole focus once again.
He could afford to be patient, to take his time; because no matter what she believed those marks on her neck didn’t just mean something, they meant everything. They meant that he’d won this game before they’d even started. Of course that wouldn’t stop him from playing it.
Schooling his features into a stern expression he moved to where Cordelia stood, once again circling her in a vaguely menacing way that was creating a gratifying sense of anxiety in his seer.
“Hmmm…An interesting decision, Cordelia. And honestly more than a little surprising.”
He smiled as he rounded to face her in time to see her brows rise in silent inquiry of his last statement. An inquiry he was more than prepared to answer.
“Oh, it’s all well and good for you to wash your hands of me, but what about poor Wes and Gunn? Not quite champion material, are they? Sure, they’ve got the heart and they certainly give it their all, but it’s just not enough, is it?”
“Have you asked yourself, Cordelia, what would have happened to Gunn tonight if I hadn’t shown up?”
Angel merely smiled at the fear that briefly consumed her face.
“I see you have. It wouldn’t have been pretty. Of course encounters with Teznor demons rarely are. Dying that way – it’s really not a fitting reward for all of Charles’ service to the cause.”
Cordelia’s expression reflected both her anger and confusion at his words.
“But you said that you were back. That you were going to fight the good fight again.”
“No, I said that I’m ready to fight the good fight again.” Angel gently corrected her. “But that’s not why I’m back. I’m back for you, Cordelia. And since it seems that you’re a package deal since you’re not willing to have me without the mission and I’m not concerned with pursuing the mission without you, then it’s all or nothing.”
Cordelia glanced up at him through her lashes, a thoughtful look in her hazel gaze.
“What makes you think I won’t choose nothing?”
Angel reigned in his smug grin before it could make an appearance. He didn’t want to antagonize her when he was this close to achieving his goal, no matter how fun it was.
“Because you love Wesley and you care about Gunn and there’s no way you’d send them off to their deaths if there was anything you could do to prevent it.”
He watched in satisfaction as her eyes closed in defeat. Knowing that by tomorrow she’d be back in his care he decided to alleviate at least a few of her fears.
“Don’t worry, Cordelia. All I’m asking is that you come back to work at the hotel…for now. The rest will work itself out.”
She looked up into Angel’s almost painfully beautiful face, determination etched into hers.
“Fine. I’ll come back. But just to work, Angel. There’s nothing for us to “work out”. And if you think that there is, you’re just going to be disappointed.”
Angel smiled. Her will was strong. His was stronger. Stepping forward he breached the distance separating them, his arms banding tightly around her before she could take a step back.
Closing his eyes he relished the feeling of her soft breasts pressing erratically against his chest as her breathing quickened.
The angry look she shot him was her downfall as he immediately took advantage of her upturned face to capture her lips in a branding kiss that left her shaken and breathless. Leaving the delights of her plush lips, he followed an invisible trail to her neck and the marks she bore there. Sucking her flesh into his mouth gently he scraped at the pale scares with his blunt teeth. He wanted nothing more than to reopen the healed wounds, filling himself with Cordelia and reaffirming his dominions over the brunette beauty in his arms.
But Angel knew that if he let his iron control slip he wouldn’t be able to stop himself and they’d end up once again on the decrepit couch…and her cluttered desk…and Wesley’s orderly one. And while it would be paradise, the timing just wasn’t right.
Still, it didn’t stop his hands from moving to the buttons on her blouse, deftly undoing them in the blink of an eye until her lace covered breasts came into view. Pulling the flimsy material away he exposed her golden flesh to his equally golden gaze.
Bending his head he imprisoned a straining peak in his cool mouth, tugging gently at the distended tip with his lips.
The gasp that escaped her sapped away his good intentions and one hand traveled her body skimming over her soft curves until he reached the creamy smoothness of her thighs. Sweeping firmly over the silky warmth he pushed her skirt steadily upwards until he reached the source of scorching heat.
His questing fingers encountered a scrap of lace that he was sure matched her frilly bra. With his fingertips he began drawing tender yet firm circles through the material. Drawing her breast further into his greedy mouth her breathy grasps were like a symphony in his ears.
Cordelia also heard the gasps; it just took her a minute to realize they were coming from her. The sounds shocked her back to her senses and as she became aware of her position, of Angel’s position, she clasped her thighs tightly together. Unfortunately, instead of halting the escalating situation it merely succeeded in effectively trapping his hand flush against her.
Angel’s deep chuckle let her know that he’d noticed the tactical error also. Embarrassment lending her strength she shoved at his chest knowing that the maneuver would only work if he permitted it to.
Loathe to leave her warmth after so long in so cold a place, Angel nonetheless knew that this was neither the time nor the way to prevail in their battle of wills. So, acceding to her wishes he allowed her action to create some distance between them.
“You bastard.” Cordelia practically spat at him as her trembling fingers righted her clothing. “What happened to just coming back to the business?”
“Actually, that was more of the “working things out”.
And then Angel did something that was more dangerous then all the things that had occurred put together. He smiled. Not the smirk he’d been wearing all night. Not that sinfully sexy twist of his lips. No, this was a hundred times worse. This was soft and tender and while the other smiles went straight to her libido, this one tugged directly at her heart.
The urges of her body she could fight, but her heart was another matter. It always had been. That’s why she was so careful with it, with who she let in. And there was no way that she was opening that poor battered organ to the flighty vampire again.
Closing her eyes she clenched her teeth against the desire to believe in this Angel, to run into his arms and the safety she used to find there. She reminded herself that that Angel had been an illusion. It had only hid the one who was all too happy to leave her. No, she wouldn’t fall for that act again, no matter how badly she wanted it to be true.
“Look. I said I‘d come back to work tomorrow and I will. But it’s not because I like you, and it’s not because we have anything to “work out”. It’s because you aren’t leaving me any other choice. But let’s be clear about one thing Angel – We’re not friends. I’m a seer, and you’re sort of a champion, when it suits your purposes. We’re no more than that so get any ideas to the contrary right out of your head.”
Judging by the hard look on Angel’s face, she hadn’t succeeded in derailing whatever plans he had, but at least she’d wiped away heart rending smile. That was something. At least it would give her time to gather herself and shore up her damaged walls.
Angel knew what she was doing. She was protecting herself from more pain. And while her words cut into his very soul with the proof of how badly he’d hurt her, they also gave him hope as they clearly showed that her heart was in no way immune to him.
“Don’t worry, Cordelia. It’s probably for the best that we stopped when we did. After all, as much fun as it was tearing off your clothes last time, I seem to be short of a jacket to send you home in.”
Making his way to the door, he turned his head to pin her with steely eyes.
“As for us being friends, you’re right – We’re not friends. We’re far beyond that simple connection. We’re bound on levels of which you cannot conceive. But you will, in time. Until then I expect you at the hotel tomorrow. Wesley and Gunn are welcome to come back, too. But you - like you said, you don’t have a choice. Making me prove that would be a huge mistake, kitten.”
And with a wink he vanished through the doorway leaving a furious Cordelia to struggle once again with the ramifications of a meeting with the vampire.
TBC...
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