He woke up in the middle of the night with a gasp, only to find Buffy nestled against him, one of her hands placed over his un-beating heart, her breath tickling his throat, her scent surrounding him, her body heat warming him to the point he almost felt… alive again.
He hadn’t meant to fall asleep, there were too many things he had to finish, get ready before they met again in a few hours. Not that he’d change this for anything else in this world. Having the chance to fall asleep with her in his arms, to wake up by her side… This had to be what heaven felt like.
Being in the same room, in the same bed with the woman he loved more than he’d ever believed possible and knowing she loved him back—the same woman who oh so willingly had offered herself to him not once, but twice now— was paradise and hell all wrapped up in one petite luscious package.
Much as he wanted to, he knew he couldn’t stay lest he be tempted to take her up on the sweet offer of having her body. They wouldn’t have long to wait now. But even this day would seem eternal, dragging on endlessly until the time he’d set came.
Carefully, mindful not to wake her up, Spike extracted himself from her arms and got up from the bed, covering her with the duvet. His gaze softened with love as he watched her, already missing her warmth, her light. She was so beautiful, so precious to him. And she would finally be his… tonight.
After getting dressed, he walked into the bathroom, picked one of the used towels he found inside—which he couldn’t resist bringing to his nose to inhale the delicious aroma of her scent—and brought it back to the room to clean the mess left by the glass of milk he’d dropped. He threw the towel in the dirty clothes’ hamper and took a note pad and a pen out from the desk propped against the wall.
Sitting directly across from Buffy’s bed, he wrote her a note explaining why he couldn’t stay and asked her to call Anne as soon as she woke up since the housekeeper had explicit instructions concerning what he’d planned for her today.
A slight noise coming from the bed drew his eyes back to it, holding an unneeded breath while he waited for her next move. Relief coursed through him when Buffy hugged the pillow to her side and exhaled a contented little sigh. She was so bloody adorable.
On a whim, he turned the page on the notepad and started writing, surprised by how easily the words were flowing from his mind onto the paper. Then again, it was in the very same manner drawing or painting her seemed to come to him. She inspired him in every sense, making him want to express that inspiration in every possible way.
Once done, he folded the two pieces of paper and placed them on the pillow next to her and with a whisper of a kiss to her brow, was about to leave when he noticed a little something peaking through the sheets.
A mischievous smirk playing on his lips, he pulled it out, turning it around in his fingers before bringing it up to his nose, inhaling deeply before putting it in the back pocket of his jeans. He hoped she wouldn’t mind him taking this little memento to remember her by during the long hours until he saw her again, but even if she did, well… he hadn’t been able to resist. After all, it was always best to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. He’d just have to make it up to her.
With one last longing look at her and his head filled with the desire to resume work on his painting, he finally went out the door.
*****
Buffy woke up feeling wonderfully sated and feeling perfectly happy. A feeling which quickly gave way to something completely different when she realized Spike wasn’t in bed with her any longer, or even in the room. Dread filled her as she sat up, scanning the room until she finally saw the note lying on the pillow at her side.
Holding her breath and hoping it would shed some light on his whereabouts and the reason why he’d left without waking her first, she unfolded it and read:
Good morning, Love,
Although nothing would have given me more pleasure than to watch you wake by my side, there are a few things which need my attention so I can dedicate all my time to you tonight.
Tonight? Did that mean they’d have their ‘perfect night’ tonight? Oh God, oh God, oh God! She hurriedly went back to reading.
I took some liberties regarding the preparations for our evening together which I hope you won’t mind. So please, as soon as you read this, get in touch with Anne and she’ll take care of everything you’ll need.
I’ll pick you up in your room at seven. The hours until I see you again will be endless for me.
Eternally yours,
William
She blinked. Preparations? Eternally Yours? Could it be… Her pulse quickened, her head spinning over what he meant by that, with what she hoped he meant. Could it be he was planning on claiming her tonight? Perhaps that was why he wanted everything to be perfect for them? It made sense. Perfect sense.
There was another page with the note and she quickly read it, hoping it held more clues as to how their night would play out.
I’m dying to embrace you
And feel you melt in my arms
I’m dying to love you
And feel your kiss when I wake up
Pillowed upon your breast
Until the sun appears in the horizon
Getting lost in your scent
Getting lost in your lips
Which come near me whispering
Words that make this poor heart beat
Feeling the fire burn deep inside myself
I’m dying to know you
To know what you are thinking
To open all your doors
And conquer those storms
Which want to destroy us
To lock my eyes with yours
To sing with you at dawn
To kiss you until our lips wear out
And see every day in your face
How that seed grows
To create, dream, let everything surge
Parting from the fear to suffer
I’m dying to explain to you
What goes on inside my mind
I’m dying to intrigue you
And be capable of surprising you
Feel every day that arrow shoot
Through my heart whenever I see you
Who cares what they say?
Who cares what they think?
If I’m insane, it’s my own thing
And I turn to look
The world by my side
I once again can see the sunlight shine
I’m dying to implore
Don’t go away, my life
I’m dying to listen to you
Tell me all the things you want to say
Should I keep silent and let you leave
Or keep my hopes up
Of being capable some day
Of not hiding the wounds
That hurt when I think
That I love you every day even more
Until tonight, my love,
Spike
She read and re-read the poem, and with each word, each verse she fell more and more in love with Spike. Sighing dreamily, she traced his signature lovingly with the tip of her finger, sure now more than ever he intended to claim her as his mate.
Grabbing the phone from her night table, she called Anne just as Spike requested and was told not to move a muscle before the housekeeper arrived, which she was more than happy to do… until she remembered her state of undress.
In a flurry, she got out of bed, put on her pajamas then started looking everywhere for the undergarments she’d worn the night before. It wasn’t an easy task, but she finally found the bra under the bed. Her panties, on the other hand, seemed to have disappeared into thin air.
Dammit!
She stripped the sheets from the bed and all but turned the room upside down but still couldn’t find them. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand then back to the bed, knowing she barely had time to make her room seem as if it hadn’t been directly in a hurricane’s path before Anne came. And with any luck, if she hadn’t been able to find them, the invisi-maids wouldn’t either.
She heard a knock just then and with one last bewildered look at her room thought, how on earth could a pair of panties vanish just like that? She opened the door to find Anne outside with a serving cart in tow.
“Good morning, dear, I hope you slept well?” the older woman said with a smile, rolling the cart into the room. “I hope you don’t mind, but I imagined you might be hungry, what with skipping dinner altogether last night.”
“Good morning, Anne.” Her eyes almost bulged at the amount of food on it. “And of course I don’t mind, but I could’ve gone downstairs to the kitchen and eaten there.”
“No, you couldn’t,” the woman answered matter-of-factly, shaking her head while she handed Buffy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
“I couldn’t?” She frowned, taking a sip from the glass. Since when?
“No, I have express orders from Master William. You’re to be pampered today and that includes breakfast in bed.”
“Really?” Hmmm… interesting. Not that she minded being pampered, because who would? Especially when Spike was behind it but… did it have something to do with his preparations for their evening?
“Yes, my child.” She smiled inwardly, knowing the girl had to be curious and sure enough, her next question made that fact absolutely clear.
“And what else has he prepared for today… do you know?”
“I know some of it,” the housekeeper replied enigmatically. This is going to be fun, she mused.
“And…” Buffy left the empty glass on the tray and jumped on the bed, tucking her lower legs underneath herself while grabbing Anne’s hand and making her sit by her side.
“And… you’ll find out soon enough,” she giggled at the blonde’s sullen expression.
“But-but… I want to know now.” She pouted, making sad puppy eyes at her interlocutor. “Can’t you tell me something… anything at all?”
“Other than you’re about to be treated to breakfast in bed?” The girl nodded eagerly. “Weeeeell, can you keep a secret?”
“Yes.” Buffy nodded again, her eyes brightening with hope and excitement.
“So can I,” Anne answered, chuckling at Buffy’s expression. “All right, all right. I’ll tell you a little something and that’s only because I like you…” she lowered her voice to a whisper. “We’re going on a little trip you and I.”
Buffy blinked, that was so not what she’d expected. “Trip?”
“Yes, we’re going to the city.”
“What city?”
“Why, London, of course.” As if there could be another, silly girl.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude or anything, but… what exactly are we going to do there?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Could you be a little more vague?” Buffy rolled her eyes.
“Probably. Want me to try?” Anne beamed at her. She hadn’t had this much fun in years.
“No, please don’t.” Nothing seemed to be going her way today. First Spike had left her alone in her bed and now Anne was making fun of her. And yes, she knew she was acting like a spoilt brat, but she had been in such good mood when she woke up and now…
“Awww, darling, if it’s any consolation…” She placed her hand over the young girl’s. “I think you’ll more than enjoy what Master William has prepared for you. I truly haven’t seen him like this in… well, to be honest, ever. And I know I have you to thank for this wonderful change in him. You’ve brought light into this home, into his life and he only wants to reciprocate a little to that. So be sure, this little trip and everything else he’s planned for the rest of the day is only with your pleasure in mind.”
Well, what could she say to that? Other than melt at his thoughtfulness and Anne’s words that was. She wanted to be that for him, his light, his love, his everything and just knowing Anne thought she had already accomplish that… it warmed her all over.
“Now, how about you answer a question for me,” Anne asked.
“Sure.”
Looking from left to right before facing the young woman again, she inquired, “What in heaven’s name happened to your room?” The girl blushed heavily, looking everywhere but back at her. “Or is this Master William’s doing as well?”
Buffy blanched at that, did the woman know Spike spent part of the night with her? No, she couldn’t possibly know that… could she? “N-no, of course not. Why would you say that?” she answered quickly, a little too quickly while laughing awkwardly. “It’s my fault, I-I lost my… something and well, I was trying to find it. That’s all. Nothing else.”
“If you say so, my child.”
The woman smiled sweetly, a playful twinkle in her eyes which made it perfectly clear she had her own ideas of what might have gone on inside the room.
Knowing there wasn’t anything she could say to change Anne’s mind, she decided to focus on the food in front if her instead. Much as she’d liked what had been on the menu last night, it wasn’t enough to properly fill her stomach.
She oooh’ed and aaah’d over the different plates and after sharing breakfast with Anne, Buffy took a quick shower and got ready to go out with the housekeeper, excitedly thinking of the other surprises the day would reveal.
******
Buffy’s eyes widened when Giles parked the Bentley in front of the imposing entrance to The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel. She’d read of the place, visited its online webpage several times dreaming of a day when her finances would be healthy enough for a stay. She’d even tried booking one of its famous Spa Rituals after she decided to visit London to no avail, since they had no reservations available until December.
And now here they were as if suddenly a space was made available just for her. Was this part of Spike’s surprise? Because if it was… God the man really knew how to treat a woman! Not that she had any doubts about it before.
“What are we doing here?” she asked Anne, her eyes still set on the magnificent building.
“This is part of your surprise, darling,” the housekeeper descended from the car with the Concierge’s aid and then ducked her head into the car once again when she noticed Buffy wasn’t following her. “Are you coming?”
“What?” Buffy shook her head. “Sure, yes, of course.”
The Concierge and Anne shared an amused smile while he held the door open for her, his hand extended to help her out.
“Good morning, Miss Summers. Welcome to The Mandarin Oriental, I do hope you enjoy your stay with us.”
Stay with them? And how on earth did he know who she was? She turned towards Anne who just shrugged at her while smiling at the girl’s reaction.
She followed Anne into the hotel, even more in awe when she saw the Asian-garbed hostess who was waiting for them inside. With reverence, the raven-haired beauty greeted them before leading them down a series of hallways until they reached the Spa reception.
Once there, the girl brought them each a pair of comfortable slippers in exchange for their shoes and invited them to ‘leave all the worries of the external world behind’ before explaining what the Soothing Ritual—which was what Mr. Wellington had chosen for them, she informed—consisted of.
Buffy and Anne listened to the girl while exchanging amazed glances between each other. Buffy - because it was hard to believe a man could be so attentive and thoughtful as to do something like this just to bring pleasure to the woman he loved. But then again, Spike wasn’t just any man. Actually, he’s more than a man, Buffy giggled internally when thinking of his demon side. And Anne— because she’d thought she was there solely to keep Buffy company and nothing else; she simply hadn’t expected his lovely gift was for both of them.
After being escorted to their respective rooms, they were each treated to a full body salt and oil scrub, which left their skin feeling oh so deliciously soft to the touch. Next came a Balinese Massage designed to soothe and relax; a manicure an pedicure and the grand finale was an intensive facial which, combined with the others, left them feeling like they’d been born again.
Twin sighs of pure bliss were heard as they met again in the reception room where Monica, the same hostess from before, was waiting for them, her arms laden with bags full of products and all kinds of instructions for how they should follow-up when they were home.
“Now, if you would be so kind as to follow me, ladies, I’ll show you to your suite.”
Suite? Buffy mouthed at Anne, who seemed just as puzzled as she was.
Anne thought they were going shopping after this, but it seemed Master William had other ideas.
“Mr. Wellington thought after the Soothing Ritual it would be best if you stayed here and let us bring the rest of your surprise to you, Miss Summers,” Monica said as she guided them into the elevator, asking the operator to take them to the fifth floor.
“A-and what would that be?” Perhaps this girl would tell her more than Anne had?
“You’ll have to wait and see, I’m really not in liberty of disclosing any information until it’s time. Let me assure you though, Miss Summers, we’ll do our best so your stay with us is a very pleasant one,” the hostess answered, leading them out of the elevator and into a huge, sumptuous passageway until they reached a heavy oak door which she opened after putting the bags on a nearby table. “This is the Hyde Park Suite. After you, ladies.” She motioned for Buffy and Anne to enter.
Buffy’s eyes almost bulged out of their sockets at the size and beauty of the room. The marble fireplace was the first thing she saw before noticing the spectacular view of Hyde Park from the arched bay windows. She did a double take at the 19th Century prints of the park gracing the walls and then looked outside again to compare. They were practically identical.
“Breathtaking, isn’t it?” Monica said, standing by her side.
“Oh yes,” Buffy whispered reverently, as if speaking any louder would disrupt the almost magical ambiance created by the room. “Isn’t it gorgeous, Anne?”
“Yes, it sure is.” William sure did his homework; even she—who’d known him for most of her life—was in awe at everything he’d been capable of arranging for today in order to make Buffy happy.
Buffy was equally impressed and touched by each new surprise revealed to her. Spike’s attention to detail, his desire to make this day as perfect for her, for them, as he could made her love for him grow in ways she’d never thought possible. He truly was one of a kind.
There was a knock at the door then and Monica smiled enigmatically at them, before glancing to her wristwatch. “Ah, just in time.”
“Let me guess, more surprises?” Buffy asked.
“But of course, darling. Haven’t you noticed? William is all about surprises,” Anne teased her.
I’m dying to intrigue you
And be capable of surprising you…
Oh yes, he sure is, she sighed dreamily, remembering the words in his poem.
Buffy snapped out of dreamland when the maitre d’ came in with a serving cart full of covered trays, refreshments, tea and desserts which he placed on the table overlooking the park. Behind him, a few more people followed, each carrying a black suitcase with them, emptying their contents onto another table next to a huge mirror. Lastly, a bellhop came in rolling a clothes’ rack, preceded by a regal looking girl whom Monica introduced as Cordelia Chase, her personal shopper.
Buffy blinked in shock. She had a personal shopper? And a hairdresser and make-up artist, too, it might seem. It felt surreal to have all these people waiting on her.
“Good afternoon, Miss Summers.” Cordelia smiled at her cordially. “I brought some clothes for you to try on and let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy task to find some of these. Mr. Wellington gave me very specific instructions of what he had in mind. And now that I meet you,” she tilted her head and assessed her critically, “I think he was right. With your coloring you’ll look amazing in any of the shades he requested.”
Not surprising, not for a man who’s a world-class artist after all, Buffy thought.
“Why don’t you go look at the dresses while I lay out the other things I brought for you in the bedroom?” Cordelia suggested, already walking towards the bedroom, followed by Monica who decided to help her to give Buffy and Anne some privacy.
Buffy moved towards the rack and began going through the dresses that hung on it. They were all evening gowns, each one more beautiful than the last, but it wasn’t until she neared the end, that she found ‘the one’. The blood red, floor-length Zac Posen’s creation, was breathtaking, its original design and color making it stand out from the rest.
She pulled it out and held it to her chest, seeing her reflection in the mirror. It was perfect! She checked the label and noticed it was exactly her size and Petite, which meant it probably wouldn’t have to be altered. Out of habit, she also checked the price tag and her eyes grew big as plates when she read: £4,895!!! Uh-oh, she knew it was too good to be true.
As surreptitiously as she could, she showed the tag to Anne, hoping she’d be as dumbfounded over the price as she was. Sadly, the older woman either didn’t understand her need to be so discreet or decided she was just being silly, probably both, because the next thing that came out of her mouth—and not precisely in a whisper—was,
“Pish posh, darling. That’s nothing more than a drop in the bucket for William and even if it weren’t, he’d still insist on you getting it… it is perfect for you. Why don’t you go try it on?” When Buffy looked at her doubtfully, Anne sighed, grabbing the dress from the girl’s hands and almost dragging her to the bathroom and pushing her inside. “Now change… and before you say anything else, just think of the look on William’s face when he sees you in that dress. Red is his favorite color, you know?”
It was easier just to follow the older woman’s instructions. Buffy wasn’t going to win in a battle of wills against her and well, considering how much Spike had already spent on them today, the woman had a point. Plus the dress was gorgeous. The fabric felt divine against her flesh as she zipped it up then turned to observe herself analytically on the mirror. Perhaps it was a little too much for a dinner at home, but who knew what Spike was up to anyway? And, as Anne had said, just the look in William’s face when he saw her in it would be worth the almost five thousand pounds and more.
“Are you ready, Buffy?” Anne asked from the other side of the door.
She sighed before stepping out of the bathroom.
Anne was speechless for an instant. The girl was going to knock her boss dead… er, deader with that dress. It hugged Buffy’s body like a second skin without being scandalous or tacky, just bringing attention to her natural physical attributes. Oh yes, the dress was just perfect.
“Perfect. Really, dear, you can’t go wrong with that dress. William will love it,” Anne said, clapping her hands excitedly.
“Oh wow,” was suddenly heard coming from the bedroom’s door. “That dress was so made for you, Miss Summers. No question about it. Don’t you agree, Cordelia?”
“Yes, and I have the perfect complements for it; if you’d be so kind as to step in here?”
“Complements?” Buffy asked.
“Yes, shoes, bags, lingerie…”
Lingerie? Buffy perked up, now that’s something she’d surely be interested in, she thought as she followed the perky brunette.
With Cordelia’s help, Buffy had no trouble picking out the right shoes, purse and lingerie to go with her dress. And after she changed back into her clothes, Monica rushed her to the living room where the rest of her entourage were waiting for her.
She felt like she was caught in a whirlwind, like a thousand hands were working on her all at once. Two people set on doing her hair and the other her makeup. How they could work with such precision and synchronicity was beyond her. She was being tugged in all kinds of directions and they didn’t even blink, fully concentrated on what they were doing.
With every minute that went by, she starting to grow increasingly nervous, managing only to eat a few bites here and there of the delicious meal provided, aware that in just a few hours she’d finally be in her love’s arms and he’d make her fully his, in every sense of the word.
By the time they were done and she stood in front of the mirror, Buffy almost didn’t recognize herself, they’d done such an amazing job. Her eyes searched Anne’s and they exchanged a smile before the older woman’s eyes dropped to her watch, tapping it to signal Buffy they needed to go.
With Monica and Cordelia’s help, they picked up all of their purchases and after being assured the account had already been taken care of, they left the hotel, asking Giles to please hurry or they would never get back to the estate on time.
*****
Back at the estate…
Spike did a double take after the last stroke, placing his brush in the container beside the canvas. He was done. His magnum opus was finished. And even he, perfectionist that he was, could see the results were even better than he could’ve envisioned. Although considering his subject, he should’ve known.
He took a few steps back, viewing the painting from several angles, tilting his head to make sure nothing had escaped his notice. It was almost perfect… almost because try as he might, he’d never be able to capture her radiance in all its glory.
He put his hands on his hips, his fingers feeling a small lump in his front pocket. Pulling the pair of frilly pink panties out he’d stolen, he smirked while bringing it to his nose. He inhaled deeply, his nostrils filling with the delicious scent still saturating the tiny scrap of clothing and was unable to stop himself from taking a small, tentative lick at the part meant to cover her sex, groaning in pure rapture when her essence burst on his taste buds.
As he tucked them back in his pocket for safe keeping, his eye caught sight of what time it was. Knowing he barely had time to shower, dress and make sure everything was ready in time to pick Buffy up, he hurried out of the room, rolling the easel with the finished painting on it with him back to his bedroom.
*****
Buffy entered her room with barely enough time to throw the bags over the bed, dress in a flurry and freshen her makeup. As a matter of fact, she had just finished getting ready, breathless and more than a little flushed due to her haste when she heard the knock on the door.
She glanced quickly towards the mirror to check her appearance one last time, then opened the door to the breathtaking sight of her man dressed in a tailored tux, a mischievous tugging on his lips and a red silk scarf dangling from his fingers.
tbc
Had to do a lot of research for this chapter, found several online pages which have been so very helpful since I’ve never been to London or heard of any of these places before. I know you’re all waiting to read their perfect night, but I needed to get all these preparations out of the way before, I really hope you don’t mind.
If you’re curious over Buffy’s dress, here it is. I changed the color because I thought it would fit Buffy’s coloring better if it were red.
Thanks for reading and if you feel inclined to let me know what you thought of the chapter, my muse and I would love to know. ;)
*hugs*
Mari
ETA: Spike's poem is my translation of the song "Me muero por conocerte" by Alex Ubago and it's his property, I just twisted it a bit to fit what I wanted to say.
And thank you for letting me know I had messed up with the last part, all fixed now, I was dead tired while posting last night. *blushes*