Thanks, as always, to those that are still with me in this venture. For your patience and your kind and very encouraging words; I can’t begin to express how much they mean to me. And to Tammy, especially, for the read-through.
This story has been nominated for Best Plot and Best Spuffy Love on Round Two at The Feeling Love Awards and for Best WIP, Best Romance and Best Fantasy on Round Four at Spark and Burn Awards. Thank you to the kind person(s) that nominated me. It makes me very happy to know you feel my story is worthy of being nominated. *smooches*
Chapter 10. Neo-Romanticism
She was flying. Quite literally. Her feet barely touched the floor while being dragged down a long corridor. Everything blurred past her at a dizzying speed and the only thing she could make out was the shock of white blond hair of the man currently hauling her towards some unknown destination.
She was unsure what was going on, but for the moment it was easier to just close her eyes and let him lead her wherever he wanted. Easier and at least she’d have a fighting chance against the wave of dizziness that threatened to overtake her.
One thought overruled all others in his mind now that he had her in his grasp. To stake his claim over her. Man and demon united in this purpose single-mindedly, both with clear intentions on the woman trailing behind him. She had been in danger, still could be according to Giles and he wouldn’t have known until it was too late had she not managed the situation on her own. What was worse, it could happen again and if it did, she may not get so lucky. He couldn’t, wouldn’t allow any harm to befall her. Not while he was around to prevent it.
He pulled her into one of the rooms they neared, uncaring which it was, closing the door behind them before pressing her against it. His eyes roamed her face, anxious to reassure himself she was truly alright, even if logically he knew she was. This was quite a new experience for him, this overwhelming need to protect another, this deep concern for someone’s welfare. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt like this, if he ever did. No, it had never been like this, both man and demon concurred. Never.
By all rights she should be furious or at the very least nervous over this… well, Neanderthal act. He’d yanked her through the kitchen door, hauled her down who knew how many hallways, and effectively stolen what was left of her breath after crushing her between a door and his hard body. She was well aware that had it been any other man, she would have been irate. Had it been any other man who’d done this to her, she would have fought tooth and nail or knee as she’d done to Riley. Had it been any other man she would have found a way to free herself. But he wasn’t just any man, he was the one she desired... more than anyone else she ever had in her past.
She finally opened her eyes and found herself lost amidst a swirling vortex of endless blue and burning amber; and she couldn’t summon the will to fight, to escape from his arms when the only thing she wanted was to submit, to surrender to him and whatever demand he wished to make upon her.
His mouth crashed down upon hers; effectively drowning every thought that wasn’t centered on him under an overwhelming wave of desire. It seemed as if he was devouring her, branding her, burning her. As if he wanted to make sure she realized who she belonged to. As if there could be any doubt in her mind when her body automatically responded with a passion that rivaled his.
His hands expertly cruised over her curves, molding it to his, caressing her, arousing her to a fevered pitch while his lips drank every little sigh, moan and pant that clawed at her throat.
Spike’s need to possess her, mark her as his grew with every heated kiss they shared, every swipe of her tongue, every movement of her body against his. He couldn’t get enough of her, couldn’t get close enough to her.
His lips left hers, nibbling down her jaw and throat, stopping to suckle her pulse point. He could feel her blood singing beneath her soft skin, calling to him on the basest of levels. It would be so easy. All too easy. ‘It would be the perfect solution’, his demon whispered… to claim her, bind her for all eternity to him. Yes, make her mine.
He felt the tight grip he exerted over himself slip, his features changing and his canines elongating as he practically salivated over the idea of claiming her, of keeping her with him forever.
She moaned lustfully, her hands coasting over his shoulders, her fingers burying themselves within his hair as she pulled him closer to her neck, unknowingly offering herself to him. Blissfully unaware of what was going through his head; of how close she was to a demon, to the man who was rapidly losing control.
Strangely enough it was her uninhibited response that brought clarity to his mind, reminded him why he couldn’t claim her, even if sorely tempted to. He had no clue as to what might happen to her if he did and he… he cared too bloody much about Buffy to want that for her. She was too pure, too radiant; he couldn’t taint her, he couldn’t damn her to a life without light.
He pulled away, turned his back on the temptation of her body, of her blood as he forced his demon to recede and return to his human façade.
Buffy blinked as she suddenly found herself devoid of his lips and arms. She wasn’t sure what just happened. One moment he was kissing her as if his life depended on it and the next he was as far away from her as possible while still being in the same room. Had she done something wrong? Because he most certainly hadn’t. As kisses went, this was the one that stole her heart instead of her breath this time. Perhaps he was unsure of her reaction to his caveman impersonation? Well then, were that the case or not, some reassurance might be in order here.
“At the risk of sounding like a broken record, wow... that was some kiss.” She winked at him when he turned to set a pair of surprised blue eyes on her. “May I ask what I did to bring that on?” So I can do it again… and again… and again, she added to herself.
“I... uhmm," he cleared his throat twice before continuing. "Felt like I’d been away from you for too long.” Not exactly the truth, but not entirely a lie, either. “'M sorry. Hope I didn’t upset you with my behavior?”
Upset her? The only thing that was upsetting her was that he’d stopped. “Well, that depends,” she answered coyly, watching him from beneath her lashes, a soft smile playing on her lips.
“Depends? On what?” Encouraged by her conduct, he advanced a few steps towards her and stopped; tilting his head while he waited for her answer, intrigued over what she might require of him, but similarly knowing he’d do anything she asked. Hell, he'd tie himself to a crucifix if that's what she wanted.
She crooked a finger at him, beckoning him closer which he immediately obeyed, unable to resist, to stay away for longer than he had already.
“On this.” She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt when he was finally within reach and pressed her lips to his.
It was unlike any kiss they’d shared so far. This time she was the one in control and he didn’t mind one bit. It was softer, almost… playful, but no less intense or passionate. She was driving him crazy as she ran the tip of her tongue over his bottom lip before sliding it inside his mouth to deepen the kiss. Then she proceeded to tease him, drawing him in and retreating until he managed to capture her tongue with his, engaging it into a heated dance while he drowned in the richness of her flavor.
“Mmmmmm, you’re forgiven,” she said, untangling herself from his arms with a giggle when she noticed his dazed expression. Good, she thought, now he knew how it felt. Unable to restrain herself though, she gave him a quick peck on his lips before taking his hand in hers and tugging him after her after opening the door. “Would you take me back to the kitchen, kind sir? I don’t think I can find my way in this huge house and I’m pretty sure Anne must be wondering where the hell I disappeared to.” She batted her eyelashes at him coquettishly, adding, “Perhaps after dinner you can show me that surprise you mentioned earlier? I can’t wait to see what it is.”
“Ahem, right... sure.” He followed her out of the room and into the hallway, grumbling good-naturedly, “Bossy chit.”
“You know you love it.”
More than you can imagine.
The trip to the kitchen took longer than she expected which was weird. It hadn’t felt as if they’d walked that far. Perhaps he was taking a different route than the one they’d previously used? It wasn’t like she’d been able to see much when he’d hauled her down the corridor, hell bent on kissing her senseless.
******
They joined Giles and Anne in the kitchen; sharing side glances, smiles and small touches throughout dinner that had the older couple looking at each other with raised eyebrows.
They’d been concerned with Buffy’s disappearance right after Master William had ran from the barn, especially since according to Giles he’d been “pissed as hell” when he did. The last thing they’d expected was to see the blond couple enter the kitchen a little while later hand in hand and laughing with no trace of the ill-tempered Master Vampire in tow. Matter of fact, neither of them ever witnessed him acting this way with anyone. Not that they had many female guests to compare the situation to and in the time they’d been at this house, he’d never shown a romantic interest in anyone.
Until Buffy. She was like a breath of fresh air, a sparkling ray of light that had turned their Master’s life completely upside down. And it was obvious the girl was as besotted as he was. So what if she didn’t know he was a vampire? Anne had a feeling Buffy may not mind if he decided to tell her, or at least she hoped she didn’t.
Once they finished dinner, Spike led her outside towards the barn. He stopped her right before they entered, standing in front of her to shield her view then leaned in to whisper in her ear, “Close your eyes.”
“What?” she asked.
“Close your eyes, my surprise won’t be as surprising if you don’t.”
“So you say.” She pouted, but did as he asked. A smile tickled her lips when she felt the small kiss he deposited on the tip of her nose before taking both of her hands in his and pulling her forward.
He swore he felt his heart was about to start beating with excitement when she closed her eyes tight. The trust she showed by allowing him to lead her into the unknown, with her eyes closed no less meant more to him than he could have dreamed possible.
He was falling… harder and faster than he ever imagined. How would he ever give her up when it was time to? No, don’t think about that now. Focus on the present, on her.
Once inside, he scanned the area until he saw his surprise waiting; smiling when he found everything to be just as he’d asked Giles.
“Open your eyes, love.”
She did as he asked, unsure what to expect considering his secrecy. She blinked in surprise when her gaze landed upon the most gorgeous black horse she’d ever seen, saddled up and ready to go.
“Oooh Spike, he’s so beautiful.” She walked towards the animal, her hand raised to let the creature smell her hand before softly touching his nose and then the shiny black coat. “What’s his name?”
“Azabache.”
“What does it mean?” She tilted her head to regard him, a little frown on her face.
“It’s Spanish for intense black.”
“Hmmm, yes, it fits him. So, is he the surprise?”
He chuckled. “In part. I thought you might enjoy a horseback ride under the moonlight.”
“I wouldn’t be opposed, that’s for sure. Is this part of the tour?”
“No tour would be complete without showin’ you the grounds, now would it?”
“Wouldn’t it have been better in the daylight?”
“Perhaps, but there’s the inconvenience of a slight allergy I have to the sun.” The kind that was lethal when exposed.
“Really? Allergy to the sun?” That’s… weird, although it might explain the paleness of his skin.
“It’s quite sad.”
“Oh, I can only imagine.” She left the horse’s side to near him, hugging him at the waist as she tried to offer him comfort. It must be horrible to live without being able to walk in the sun.
“Yeah. If the rays ever touched my skin, I'd go up in a puff of smoke... like a vampire," he said in a teasing tone. He knew he was playing with fire, in more ways than one, but he couldn’t help himself.
“Argh, you’re… you’re incorrigible.” She slapped his arm and sniffed, turning away from him. “And here I felt bad for you.”
“Jus’ wanted to know if you cared.”
“You only needed to ask and I would have told you.”
“You would’ve?” He raised an inquiring eyebrow. Interesting.
“Yes. I would have… before. Now, I won’t.”
“Perhaps I can convince you?”
“We’ll see how you behave. If your surprise is worth it, I might still tell you.”
“Fair enough, milady.” He winked and bowed. “Your… chariot awaits.”
“Chariot?” She giggled, looking from him to the horse and back.
“Well, it may not be a chariot, but it’s the perfect excuse to keep you close to me while we ride,” he said, a positively predatory glint in his eyes and a sexy smirk on his lips as he climbed on the horse, extending a hand for her to join him.
Slightly breathless as her body reacted to his words, she put her hand in his, feeling the extent of his strength when he hauled her up effortlessly and settled her in front of him. She was in heaven. His strong arms stole around her when he grabbed the bridles; his scent mingling enticingly with that of the horse; his firm chest pressing to her back as she leant into his embrace. Heaven, or as close to it one could be on Earth.
******
The ‘tour of the grounds’ had taken them a little over two hours already and Buffy was almost as enamored with the estate as she was of its owner. They rode through what seemed like acres and acres of very fertile land, which under the glow of the moon and stars illuminated their path, making it shimmer like a dream.
She fell deeper and deeper under his spell with each passing moment, his voice lulling her, mesmerizing her as he whispered little nothings in her ear. The way he treated her, everything he did made her feel special, as if she were precious to him. And she couldn’t get enough of that feeling, of him. How on earth was she going to bear giving him up when the time came to return home? No, don’t think about it, not now. Concentrate on the time you still have. A million things could happen between now and then. Or so she hoped.
Spike slowed the horse when they reached an area surrounded by trees and when they went through them, she couldn’t help the surprised gasp that escaped her lips. She shook her head in wonder. It had to be a mirage. No place could be as beautiful as this. She felt as if they’d stepped right into the pages of one of those fairytales her mother read to her when she was a little girl.
He helped her dismount from Azabache and while he tied the animal to a tree, she stepped into the meadow silently, cautiously, not wanting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere that reigned inside. The grass under her feet felt like velvet as it tickled her ankles, rippling under the slight breeze that blew from across the lake that sat in the middle of the clear. The moon glistened overhead, illuminating the still surface of the body of water that reflected the scant clouds across the sky like a giant mirror.
She started when Spike placed his arms around her shoulders, so engrossed had she been with her inspection of this amazing place.
“So… what’s the verdict, love? Do you like it?”
“I love it. This place is so beautiful, almost… ethereal,” she replied, turning into his arms and standing on her tiptoes so she could kiss his cheek. “Thank you for sharing it with me, for giving me this perfect day, for the surprise, for everything.”
He swallowed the lump of emotion that clogged his throat at her words. How he wished he could share it all with her… forever. “There’s still one more surprise, come with me.”
He led her under the huge oak tree where he’d laid a tablecloth over the grass, hoping she’d enjoy the wine he’d chosen to bring along with a variety of crackers and aged stilton.
“How, when?” she asked, raising disbelieving eyes at him.
“I brought it in the saddlebag and settled it while you were walkin’ ‘bout.” He shrugged nonchalantly.
“What, with your magic wand?” He couldn't possibly have done all that so fast—she hadn’t taken that long… had she?
“Well, pet, you were very distracted with the view when I found you, perhaps you just lost track of time?”
“Perhaps,” she responded, although she had the feeling there was more to it than mere distraction on her part. She wouldn’t dwell on it though, not now.
He helped her to sit and while she arranged the skirt of her sundress around her primly, served them each a glass of vintage Port wine, handing her one before sitting by her side, leaning against the giant trunk.
She sipped on her wine and while not a connoisseur, she immediately noticed it was of great quality. Not that it came as a surprise. With an estate this size and worth, she could only imagine the size of the cellar he must have with all kinds of expensive and rare wines stored in it.
She picked up the bottle to read the year and couldn’t help the impressed gasp that left her lips. “Fonseca, 1955. Damn, this Port’s older than me! Older than you, for that matter.”
He almost choked on his wine at that. If only she knew. “And how old are you, love?” he asked instead.
“A lady never reveals her age, sir.” She batted her eyelashes at him. “How old are you?”
“Old enough to know better.”
She pouted. “Hey, that’s not an answer.”
“What? You didn’t answer me either.”
“That’s so not fair.”
“You should have thought about that when you decided not to tell me.”
“You’re evil!”
“Oh, baby. You have no idea,” he answered in a low seductive purr that made her visibly shudder from head to toe. He smirked knowing perfectly well the reason for it, but refrained from saying anything to that respect, thankful for having an excuse to pull her into his arms as he added solicitously, “Are you cold, darlin’?”
She nodded, burrowing in his embrace. No way would she admit to what really caused her to shudder.
They stayed like that for a while, cuddling, sipping on their wine and eating, enjoying their time together in this magical spot.
When he moved to serve them another glass of wine though, she watched him from beneath lowered eyelashes, hiding her mischief-filled eyes from him and asked, “Are you trying to get me drunk, Mr. Wellington? So you can have your wicked way with me?”
“And what would you say if I was?” He enjoyed her playful teasing, but her answer bordered on the serious when she whispered her reply.
“You don’t need to.” She took another sip of her glass then gave him a saucy wink.
Christ, was she trying to kill him? His cock, which had been in a pleasant sort of semi-arousal state, had suddenly hardened to painful proportions at her comment. “You’re playin’ with fire, little girl,” he all but growled.
“Perhaps I want to get burned.”
He had to muster every ounce of self-control he possessed not to pounce on her then and there, instead answering, “When the time is right, pet, I think it's safe to say things will get... heated enough to burn both of us.” He winked back at her, delighted in the adorable way her cheeks flushed in response.
It wasn't that he didn't want her, Lord knew he did. But one didn’t live as long as he did without realizing timing was everything. He chuckled to himself, it was almost ironic… time being everything. Time meant little to him. Until he met her. He treasured every minute, every second he spent with her. And if she allowed them to become intimate, he wanted it to be perfect. Not here out in the open woods, no matter how idyllic a place it was. She was too precious for that. She deserved a romantic rendezvous with champagne and candlelight, a nice comfortable bed, his bed. But not on her first visit, not when everything was going so perfectly. He refused to ruin what they were building for anything.
“When the time is right,” she agreed, settling herself back in his arms again. She was somewhat disappointed he hadn’t taken her up on her rather… well, brazen offer, but at the same time… God, what he said, the way he said it, it warmed her heart in ways she never imagined. It gave her hope that she meant something to him, that she was not just a passing fancy, that his feelings might run as deep as hers were beginning to.
Time ceased to exist, neither of them worried over how long they remained there, neither of them wanting the night to end. It has to, though, Spike thought as he watched Buffy try to stifle a yawn.
Knowing they couldn’t delay the inevitable any longer, they rode back to the manor and after promising Anne she’d be back in a couple of days for her cooking class, Giles drove them back to her hotel.
She sighed miserably when Spike helped her out of the Bentley, wishing the hours until she saw him again would go by quickly. He hadn’t even left and she already missed him.
“Perhaps… hmmm, you will allow me to call on you tomorrow? Or rather,” he said, after a quick glance at his wristwatch, “later today so we can do something?” Do anything, go anywhere, he didn’t rightly care, as long as he could have her in his arms again.
“I’d like that.” She beamed at him.
“It’s settled then, love. Now give us a kiss and I’ll bid you good night,” he said, winking at her before claiming her lips with his in a passionate kiss.
*****
From inside the hotel, a dark figure watched as Buffy arrived with the man he’d seen at the gallery a few days before. With mounting ire, aided in great measure by the large quantities of alcohol he’d imbibed throughout the day at the establishment’s bar, he observed them talk, the flirtatious way she smiled before they kissed.
How dare she? She was his. His and his alone. He almost went out there to yank her out of the man’s arms. Almost. But it was neither the time nor the place. Not yet. He’d make her realize just what a stupid thing she’d just done. Perhaps sooner than she imagined.
tbc
I’m not sure when I’ll be updating this story, since I’ll be trying to divide my time between the 3 WIPs I’m currently writing (including SSS, which I’m co-writing with my sweet IBE). We want to have at least a couple chapters ready of that one before posting, since we don’t want you to wait that long between updates.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the read and as always, if you feel inclined to tell me what you thought of it, you’ll make me a very happy girl. ;)
Have a great weekend!