you were right. spike was an ass. hope he shapes up soon. the way he's acting now, he's going to lose Buffy. i know he loves her but damn! keep up the great work. this is really a great story.

Author's Response: Yes, ass would describe him right about now. He just may lose Buffy. Yes, he loves her, yes she loves him, but they both need to do some changing. Thank you, Luv, Spuf

I've seen this kind of thing happen to people I know - not necessarily filthy rich people, but the dynamics are the same. Obsession and control disguised as love, tenderness turned to viciousness when thwarted. I love this particular story and watching this dynamic play out between Buffy and Spike/Will. It's easy to say, why would she do that, I'd never do that, but you really don't know what you'd do in a situation that creeps up on you so insidiously. It's not like you just go from strong to weak over night. It happens over time, and it's very hard to overcome all of that conditioning and work your way back to independence. Women in this kind of situation deserve our respect and assistance not our disdain. I think it's pretty strong of Buffy to have managed to keep from marrying him, holding out that much for several years against his constant onslaught. Now that she's seen him for who he is without being able to fool herself into compliance any more, she's broken hearted but more determined to go. That she gave in right now makes perfect sense. She needs to difuse this volatile situation and bide her time until she can leave without confronting him., get safelly away. In his current state there's no tellling what he might do, and she's in a lot of danger right now. She has to play this just right. Great chapters and story so far, thanks for sharing it with us. Can't wait to see where you go with this, my analysis is just my own, you've got the joystick, you're in control. :-)

Author's Response: Thanks Mac...I think you really get the whole victim thing very well, at least how I'm trying to portray it. Spike would never physically hurt Buffy, however, there's alot of damage that can be done when your're spirits been broken. I'm going to update the next 2 chapters now and if readers can just get through the first one, I think they'll see where I'm going with this. Thanks again, Luv,Spuf

Wow! i never thought she'd tell him she was going. DIDn't she know he wouldn't accept it? love it and again your update rate rocks

Author's Response: I had a coworker, years ago, that gave me some advice. 'Anything you do, when it's involving your lover/husband/boyfriend, etc. you do it 'unnannounced!' However, Buffy was only trying to be up front with Spike. He chose to act mean and scary. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Luv, Spuf

These were 2 horrible wonderful chapters, you know what i mean! i can't believe Spike, he sure acted like such a jackass didn't he? I thought for sure that Buffy'd leave, can't see why she didn't. Can't wait for the next chapter, hopefully with less angst?

Author's Response: I'm afraid there is more angst to come Caitie. As for Buffy leaving, well, sometimes (and I speak from my own past history) it's better to accept defeat and wait to fight another day? Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. Update in the AM/PST. Thanks, Luv, Spuf