I thought tha chapter was excellent : first , I'm glad that you put Angel in the picture, I'm glad that Buffy decided to go out with him - as she said herself , there is a long time since she enjoy an evening like this - , and I'm glad that Spike was there to see that she really can have someone else in her life. This being said , I found Spike's reactions a little rough , of course , but I am not shocked . He obviously is at a loss with words toward Buffy , so he only finds a way to prove she belongs to him : to fuck her , even as they are in a public place. I saw the act as something desperate , and Spike needs to reflect on his motivations , seriously.. But your Buffy made me proud : she hasthe last word , and this must help Spike to acknowledge the not-healthy side of their realtion-ship.

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT. PLEASE DON'T KEEP US WAITING TO LONG FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Maybe I'm just in a dark mood but I like this Spike that isn't a total hearts and flowers pushover. Granted I can't wait for him to be a bit nicer, still he's got his grr on. Now for Buffy to get her grr on in return.

GREAT CHAPTER!!! SPIKE IS ACTING LIKE A REAL PRICK! I'M GLAD BUFFY WENT OUT WITH ANGEL BUT I'M GUESSING THINGS ARE GONNA GET MORE COMPLICATED IN THE NEXT CHAPTER. kEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK

Well here I am again and as to my decision, I'm torn still. I have always loved your writing and because of that I want to give it a little more time but to be honest.... I'm having a real problem with this story. One of the things I think makes this different from the others is that it's almost entirely writing from Buffy's point of view and nothing from Spikes, expect for a paragraph at the end of chapter four. I think that greatly detracts from the reading befing able to find Spike sypathetic. In all of your other stories, even when he was being an ass there was something thoughs or feeling sfrom him and that made it easiter to like thim. So far there isn't anything in this tory that would make you want to see a happy ending for Spike. He's a complete asshole and doesn't appear to care about Buffy or the pain that he's causing her. Also, just a word of experience, it doesn't amke a woman six months to figure out that she's not getting what she wants, especially in this kind of a relationship. I don't know it that will help with your story any but there it is. At this point she should be looking for a way to free herself from him. And whe was right in that one chapter, he is treating her like a whore. He's keeping her locked away for when he wants her and not caring if she's happy, so long as it suits his purpose, or at least that's the way that it appears. I don't know if this is of any help to you, but like I said you are a wonderful writter and I'll give it a couple more chapters. Take care and I'll look for the updates.

Author's Response: Don't worry, this story was designed for readers like you who are on the edge about it, but are willing to give me the benefit of the doubt. As far as Spike goes, you're not supposed to sympathize with him (yet). Starting in the next chapter, we'll get more of an insight into him and I start flip-flopping the point of views (good observation on that one, by the way). This fic is dark and will remain that way for a long time, but 'Jerk Spike' will soon be replaced by 'Tender Spike.' Both will start questioning their relationship(s)- subtly at first. Hopefully, the readers will understand a little more in the next chapter. Thank you for reviewing and stick around because I promise it will get better. I don't know if you've read Mad World (excellent angst story), but although this fic is nothing like it, I was inspired to write it while reading it a second time. Thanks for reviewing!

Brilliant chapter : a lot of powerful , emotional stuff.. I love your Buffy there : trying to make Spike jealous is an excellent thing , and his possessive reaction showed that his attraction to her is deeper than he assumes.. Their love scene was hot and tearing at the same time. I felt sharply Buffy's distress : she can be strong , but her love for this man is real , and so she can't deny her feelings. Spike's realizing that she's so wounded is a good thing too. Please , keep on with the great work !

are we ever going to see spike with his wife? and who is his wife? will we ever know?

ooooo wow......that was some great stuff....i can't wait to read the next part!!!

Ok- you've got me super curious as to what the relationship actually is between these two- why the hell does Buffy put up with it? Why doesn't Spike leave his wife? Seems like there must be a lot going on behind the scenes...

Hey Ash gotta say just read chap 4 and am deeply touched and pleased (wipes at face) Loved how she is getting some back bone stick with it Buff your better than a road side fuck doll! I love dickhead Spikes cause it makes it so much more fun and interesting when they get kicked in the balls! Run away Buff make him chase you and when he finds you say ooops I'm married and you can be my side fling if ya wanta! See I ramble to Buffy she needs my support! But you don't cause you already know you've got it! luv ya Ash Good work!

*sigh* How is this saying - you made your bed - you're lying in it. I never been a lover to a married man. I can't think how Buffy got into this relationship, but I think it's very easy to get in and to realize to late what your bargained. *Reading on*

thanks for the background! love this fic!