Getting Pumped - Prequel to the Illuminati

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Chapter 5

Fire is Heaven's light
in its palest hue.
That fiery branch
burning at the heart's center
claims its kinship
with the sun.
What hid itself in shadows
is clear to me now

As they walked toward the museum entrance, Buffy began to feel increasingly uneasy. She just knew her mum was gonna pitch a fit when she saw her daughter's date for the evening.

Beside her, Spike sensed her unease. "What's up?"

"Just thinking about how I am going to explain this to my mom. She is gonna freak when she sees you!"

"Don't worry Slayer, your mom will cope fine. Anyway, telling your mum that you are on a date with a Vampire should be pretty minor compared to the time you told her you were the Slayer."

"Yeh, that's easy for you to say. You're not the one who has to do the explaining!"

"Well it looks like we are about to find out what your mum's reaction will be," whispered Spike.

Buffy dragged her eyes upward and found herself looking into the Great Hall of the museum. Ceilings stretched upward supported by great stone pillars, and the floor shone in what appeared to be polished marble. Buffy and Spike joined the queue of people waiting to file past the dignitaries and VIPs who had formed the welcome line. At the end of the "welcome" line stood Mrs. Summers busily shaking hands and greeting her guests. As yet, she had not spied her errant daughter.

"So" whispered Spike, "What is this event in aid of anyway?"

Buffy leaned towards him and whispered back. "Mum got hooked up with some guy in Egypt, some kind of archaeologist, and they decided to put on an Egyptian artifact type show. Tonight is the grand opening of the show and the money raised is going to aid some charity."

"Sounds thrilling" drawled Spike.

"Look, I didn't ask you along. You invited yourself, now live with it!" hissed the Slayer.

Before Spike could get a chance to answer, the pair found themselves at the head of the queue and they spent the next few minutes shaking hands with various VIPs and working their way slowly along the line. Buffy was still three or four VIPs away from her mother, when her mother spotted her. Anger was evident in her eyes as she looked at her exceptionally late daughter. But then the anger turned to confusion as she took in her daughter's attire. It was as Buffy drew even with her mother, that Joyce got a good look at her daughter's date. Her jaw dropped open and she looked to her daughter for an explanation.

"Hi mum" tried Buffy with a sheepish grin.

Joyce didn't reply as she raised her eyes to Spike's.

"Mrs. Summers." nodded Spike in way of a greeting.

Joyce still didn't reply. Instead she leaned over to the person beside her in the welcome line. "Excuse me for a moment, I need to speak with my daughter." The person nodded their understanding, and Joyce reached out an took her daughter's arm. "We need to talk. NOW," she hissed to her daughter. Quickly, Joyce pulled her daughter towards a quiet corner.

"What is that boy doing here. He is a Vampire or something, isn't he" began Joyce. She was careful to keep her voice low, so as not to attract undue attention.

"Yes mum, he is a Vampire but I wouldn't exactly call him a boy. He is over 200 years old."

"Buffy! I told you I didn't want you going out with any boys who were older than 20. Buffy, he is ten times to old for you!. He is even ten times to old for me!" her mum paused to catch her breath. "Oh dear, I think I need to sit down."

"Mum....mum....calm down. I'm not 'dating' him. He is just escorting me tonight and he has promised to behave himself." Buffy glanced back over her shoulder and looked for Spike. He had backed off to allow them time to 'discuss' his presence, and he was currently leaning against one of the pillars smoking a cigarette. He was staring in their direction and from the grin on his face, she could tell that his acute hearing was picking up every word of the conversation.

Buffy glared at him, before guiding her mum to a nearby ornate chair. "Here mum, sit down here." Mrs. Summers gratefully sank into the chair, and tried to think of something to say which would make her daughter see sense.

"Mum, I am going to take Spike and disappear into the crowd. You don't have to worry, I'll make sure he behaves himself and stays well out of your way." said Buffy with a resolve that she didn't feel. Mrs. Summers raised her eyes and looked at the daughter that she often felt she did not know at all. Ignoring her daughter's statement, she asked the questions on her mind.

"Buffy, where are the clothes I bought you? And where did you get those clothes? And why are you late? And how did that Vampire boy come to be with you?"

Buffy offered her mum a small smile. "Look, why don't we save those questions till later. Look mum," she said as she pointed back towards the welcoming committee, "I think they are calling for you" she lied. Joyce stood and looked in that direction, and as soon as her attention was turned away, Buffy took the opportunity and hauled ass. Quickly reaching Spike, she didn't pause in her flight as she reached out and grabbed his arm jerking him from his reclined position against the pillar. "MOVE IT" she hissed over her shoulder to him.

"Jeez Slayer, wait up will ya!" he managed to exclaim as he struggled to keep his balance as the fleeing Slayer dragged him behind her with all her strength.

"......and don't call me Slayer here. People will ask questions!"

Behind her, Mrs. Summers spied her fleeing daughter just before she disappeared into the crowds.

"Buffy, come back here. I want to talk to you." she tried to call over the crowds of heads. Buffy heard her but didn't stop her flight. Behind her several people had turned to look at Joyce. Sighing in frustration, Joyce decided that she would just have to catch up with her daughter later and get some answers. For now though, she had no intention of causing a scene. With one last glance towards her daughter's last location, Joyce turned and rejoined the welcome line. She would take payment for this one out of Buffy's hide! Meanwhile, Buffy and Spike slowed their dash to a hurried walk.

"Looks like you got away with it luv, there is no posse in pursuit as far as I can see" said Spike with a grin and a quick glance over his shoulder.

"No. You are wrong. I got away with nothing, only managed to postpone the inevitable for a short period of time." replied the Slayer.

Coming to a halt, the pair stopped to take in their surroundings. They found themselves in a large hall which sported a long buffet table heaving with foods of various kinds. On the other side of the room was a large arched entrance way with a sign that announced the Egyptian exhibits. In one corner of the room stood four musicians playing a selection of classical music as background noise to the chatter of the elegant and rich patrons milling around the hall.

"Oh wow" said Buffy.

"Boring" said Spike.

"What do you know you heathen! Look at this place, its beautiful."

"Boring"

"Look, why don't you try, for just one minute, to enjoy the ambiance of this place. I know you are alittle out of your depth here.....after all, it's not your usual rock bottom social class style.....but just try to fit in and appreciate the luxury for awhile."

"Whatever you say Slayer," said Spike "You stay here and enjoy the 'ambiance' while I go and find the Champagne."

Spike started to move off in the direction of what appeared to be the beverage bar, but before he had taken more than a few steps, a voice hailed him out of the crowds.

"William? William, is that you old chap?"

The crowds parted and a middle aged gentleman detached himself and headed straight towards Spike. For a second, Spike's face showed annoyance at the interruption, but then a mask of geniality settled across his face and he reached out his hand to the new comer.

"Lord Argyle, it is a pleasure to see you again." said Spike. All evidence of his usual accent was gone. All that remained was an upper crust English accent.

"How long has it been my boy. At least five years, I'd hazard" said Lord Argyle as he pumped Spike's hand in obvious pleasure.

"At least, your Lordship" smiled back Spike.

The Lord was looking at Spike somewhat quizzically. "You know William, I'd swear that you haven't changed one little bit in the ten years I have known you!"

"You are to generous my Lord. Here, may I introduce my companion for the evening."

Smiling, Spike turned and held his hand out to Buffy. With a weak smile she took his hand and allowed herself to be introduced to Lord Argyle.

"Delighted to meet you my dear" gushed the Lord before turning back to Spike. Leaning towards Spike he whispered, "Excellent filly William, but then you were always one for the ladies, what."

Behind him, Spike felt Buffy stiffen as she overheard herself referred to as a 'filly'. Lord or no Lord, Spike knew that Buffy was about to tell this Lord what she though of his description of her. Quickly he moved between them and took hold of the Lord's upper arm.

"I was just going to get the lady a drink, would you do me the honor of walking with me your Lordship. I have another business proposition that I would like to discuss with you."

A smile lit up the old Lord's face. "Certainly my boy. I would love to hear your proposition. The last business deal we had netted me a tidy sum you know."

Spike smiled at the Lord and headed them off in the direction of the bar.

Glancing over his shoulder, he sent the stunned Slayer a cheeky wink.

Buffy stared after them feeling completely stunned by the transaction. What, how, when, did Spike come to move in the circles of upper crust English society! This was not the Spike she knew and hated! For several minutes, Buffy was incapable of putting rationale thought together. The weirdness of the evening threatened to overwhelm her. Then suddenly she became fully alert. There was danger most wicked near by, her sense were screaming at her to run for cover. Quickly she raised her eyes and scanned the room looking for the source of the danger. Suddenly she spied it. It was moving toward her quickly, nothing was standing in its path as it forged a path to her side.

"Oh God no! Anything but this. ANYTHING!" Buffy moaned to herself.

Coming towards her was Larry the Lizard! Larry was a young man who had fixated himself onto Buffy since her arrival in Sunnydale. Hell, fixated was to mild a word....stalked was more like it! He wasn't particularly good looking, nor was he bad looking. It was his attitude which was insufferable. Statements such as "I shall be attending Harvard and I will definitely make my first million by age thirty, you know," were Larry's stock type of statements during conversation. He truly believed that the way to a woman's heart was by impressing her with his own importance in life. Buffy and the Slayerettes had nicknamed him the Lizard, due to his tenacity. Once he got his teeth into you, he never let go! With another moan, Buffy turned on her heels and searched wildly for a route of escape. Quickly she discarded thoughts of escaping into the entrance hallway...her mother waited there ready to pounce. Swinging her eyes round, they came to rest on the French Doors opening onto the patio. Without pause, Buffy plunged into the crowds and headed towards the doors. Glancing over her shoulder, she could see the lizard's head bopping up and down over the crowds as he struggled to follow her route.

Buffy burst free of the crowds, and quickly crouched down as she hustled through the French doors and onto the wide stone patio. Ducking to one side of the doors, she leaned up against the cold stone wall and struggled to catch her breath. Around her, several people who had been enjoying the night air on the patio, stared at her curiously. She offered them a weak grin. "Needed some air" she offered by way of explanation. As her watchers turned back to their cocktails and conversation, Buffy hazarded a quick peep round and into the room.

"Oh God, doesn't he ever get the hint!!!" she hissed as she saw the Lizard break free of the crowds and head unerringly in the direction of the patio doors.

With a shove of her hands, Buffy launched herself from the wall, and hauled her tight long skirt up round the top of her thighs. Without further pause, she lifted her legs and ran flat out along the patio. Ducking and diving around the couples standing on the patio, she headed for the second set of French doors further down. Her aim was to make those doors before the Lizard made it onto the patio and saw her flight.

With one final skid and burst of speed, Buffy rounded the corner and dived back into the ballroom. Again she found several pairs of curious eyes turned her way. With another small grin, she let go of her skirt and allowed it to fall back down. Using her hand to push her hair back into place, she endeavored to ignore her audience as she sedately moved into the crowds.

Once in the crowds, she attempted to get her bearings and head back to where she thought she had left Spike. Pushing through the crowds, she finally managed to make her way back and she broke free of the crowds to find Spike waiting patiently. holding two champagne glasses.

"Glad you could make it Slayer. I thought you had ditched me."

"Not you, but there was someone I needed to ditch that's for sure." Buffy glanced worriedly back over her shoulder just in time to see the Lizard's head appear over the crowds. Briefly his eyes made contact with her's and his arm extended above the crowds and waved in her direction.

"Oh no, here he comes" said Buffy in total dismay.

Behind her she felt strong arms encircle her waist. "Seems like you have more than one admirer Pet."

"Look, don't start on me now Spike. I need to deal with the Lizard right now."

"Lizard? A very descriptive name that." said Spike with an evil grin.

Just at that moment, the Lizard broke free from the crowds and headed toward them with a triumphant smile. Buffy merely moaned in misery.

Spike chuckled at the look on her face, and then spun her round to face him.

"Let's give the Lizard something that is bound to slow him up" he murmured, before lowering his lips to hers. Strong arms encircled her and pulled her into his kiss. For a dizzying instant, Buffy was taken off guard, and that was the only moment her senses needed to take her over. With a groan she sank into his kiss and allowed her body to be assaulted by his lips and his hands......hands that roved over her back and hips constantly urging her closer into him.

It took several seconds for the Lizard's polite sounding cough, to make its way into Buffy's aroused brain. With a groan, she tried to ignore the cough and sink further into Spike's embrace, but it seemed that Spike had other ideas. Gently, with a final small kiss to her swollen lips, Spike raised his head and smiled at the young man waiting behind Buffy.

"Can I help you?" Spike asked with exaggerated politeness.

Buffy tried to turn round to look at the Lizard but found that Spike was still holding her securely.

"I'd like to speak with Buffy if I may." replied the young man.

Spike glanced down into Buffy's eyes and a smile played at the corner of his lips. Buffy glared at him silently telling him that he better not throw her to the Lizard.

"Sorry mate, but Buffy and I were just doing some serious 'making out' and in a few minutes I am going to take her from this place to a more private location and make wild passionate love to her. OK?" Spike spoke the words like he was ordering a meal, and the young man's indrawn breath did not phase him in the least. "So, I suggest you talk to Buffy later, cause I am not in the mood to share right now. Run along now, there's a good lad."

Spike glanced down at the Slayer and saw the anger shining from her eyes, but before she could have a go at him, the Lizard spoke up.

"Buffy are you going to let this man talk about you in such a way?" he said indignantly.

Buffy glanced round and took in the blustering young man. Then evilness overcame her. She couldn't help it. She gave the boy her most sultry grin. "You better believe it." she said huskily before turning her mouth back to Spike's and using her hand to guide his head back down to her lips.

Behind her the Lizard offered up a startled "Well really!", before turning and exiting into the nearby crowds.

For several minutes Buffy and Spike continued the kiss. The threat was gone. There was no need for the kiss, but neither one made any effort to stop. Lips parted and Spike plundered her mouth. Buffy wrapped her arms around him and held onto him like her very life depended on it. She was totally lost in his embrace. All thoughts of Slayers and Vampires were gone from her mind. All that existed was Spike and the sensations that he was evoking in her willing body.

Eventually Spike broke the kiss and raised his head. He waited a moment for the Slayer's eyes to clear, and then gently brushed one finger across her swollen lips.

"How about we get out of here, I know somewhere that we can go?" he said quietly.

The words were like a splash of cold water. The anger started in the pit of her stomach and quickly worked it's way to her mouth.

"You insufferable bastard!" she hissed at him.

Spike looked at her with a resigned sigh. "OK, what did I do wrong now?"

"OH YEH! Just stand there all innocent and pretend like this all isn't just a game to get me into bed. Then what will you do Spike, run and tell all your little Vamp friends that you bedded the Slayer. Do you think I was born yesterday!" as the Slayer talked her voice began to rise in anger.

"What are you talking about?" tried Spike.

"You know 'somewhere we can go.' I'm sure that 'somewhere' involves a bed....or were you just planning on having sex with me in some alleyway!" Now she was virtually screeching. Several pairs of eyes turned their way.

"Will you shut up. I meant nothing of the kind. I was talking about taking you to club I know. Somewhere slightly more romantic and exciting than this joint, but certainly not as exciting as a bed." he added with a small grin.

Buffy stared at him for a few moments. Honesty shone out of his eyes.

"Oh. Well. I'm sorry then, I guess." she offered apologetically.

"No problem. So, what about it? Want to try the club?"

"I don't think so Spike. I don't think we ought to go off together. Perhaps you should just take me home and we'll call it a night before anything else happens."

"Nope, can't take you home. You promised to stay with me till dawn. One night you said, remember? If I take you home now, you'll have to allow me to stay with you till dawn in your bed." he said with an innocent grin.

"That is not going to happen and you know it." laughed Buffy. "OK, I guess we'll just have to stay here then."

"Don't think you want to do that either Luv." Spike gestured first to the right and then to the left. Buffy followed the direction of his gestures.

From the right the Lizard was approaching at a brisk trot. He must have seen their argument and decided that there was room for him to move in on Buffy. But what was approaching from the left, was much worse, coming full steam ahead was 'the mother'.

"Oh God NO!!" exclaimed Buffy in horror. "I'm surrounded!" Wild eyes turned to Spike. "Get me out of here, and do it NOW."

"Your wish is my command" grinned Spike as he grabbed her hand and they both ran towards the patio doors.....

***

Chapter Six

Where is the boundary
between Earth and Heaven?
After all, it is Love
that loves through us,
is it not?

The powerful engine roared to life, and Spike immediately stomped on the gas. Response from the engine was immediate, but it took a few seconds for the tires to catch up with what was being demanded of them. The result was a loud screeching of tires and a slight shimmy of the back end as the car shot out into the night.

Buffy swung round in her seat, just in time to see her mother and the Lizard burst onto the stone patio. For a moment they both just stood and looked after the fast disappearing automobile, but Buffy's last sight of them before the car rounded the corner, was of the Lizard and her mother conferring.

"Oh no, it looks like they might be ganging up on us" she managed to pant, still out of breath from their flight from the posse.

Spike glanced in the rear view mirror. "Well, I must say Slayer, that I have been chased by the best, but your mother and the Lizard certainly make the top five 'chasers' category."

Buffy laughed, and turned back around in her seat.

"So where are we going then?"

"Impatience. Just wait and find out."

The smile stayed on Buffy's face as she looked at the man sitting beside her. Feeling her gaze, Spike looked over and smiled at the look that was on her face.

"Enjoying yourself Slayer?" he asked quietly.

Buffy nodded her head. "I never would have believed it, but you have given me one of the best nights of my life. I haven't laughed so much in....I can't remember when."

"Good. But remember, the night is not over yet. It has only just begun."

Buffy turned her attention back to the road, trying to figure out where they were heading. The car hummed along, taking the road with ease.

"You know, this really is a great car. Maybe I'll live long enough and finally get a job where someday I can have a car like this." said Buffy wistfully.

The reference to her typically short lived Slayer existence caused a frown to appear on Spike's face. But it was short lived. A smile spread across his face, and with another shriek of protest from the tires, he quickly brought the car to a halt at the side of the road.

"What?" said Buffy in confusion as Spike opened his door and leapt from the car.

Quickly, he skirted the car and threw open her door and pulled her from the car. Pulling her into his arms, he briefly placed a soft kiss on her lips and used his hand to gently push her hair back from her face.

"Not someday....now." he said with a grin.

"I don't understand"

"You are going to drive" he said, taking her hand and dragging her round to the driver's side.

"NO. I can't."

"Course you can"

"No, you don't understand. I can't drive a stick shift."

"No time like the present to learn."

"But I might wreck it."

"You won't"

"But I might."

"It doesn't matter. It's just a car. I can get another one if I need to....but I won't. You'll do fine."

Doubt stayed on Buffy's face for a few moments, but the magic of this night began to steal over her. The smile started on her lips and quickly made its way to her eyes. Sparkling eyes looked up at Spike.

"Fasten your seatbelt Sunshine, you're in for the ride of your life." she said as she dived behind the wheel.

"Of that I am certain" grinned back Spike, before slamming her door shut and jogging round to the passenger side. Quickly he got in, and he *did* make sure to fasten his seatbelt.

"OK, what do I do," said the Slayer as she examined the dashboard and stick shift.

"Nothing to it. Push that middle pedal in, and then feel your way through the gears, just like this." His hand covered hers on the gear shift and guided her through the five gears.

"OK, got that. Now how do I make it go?"

"Put it in first gear, and then let up on the clutch slowly. At a certain point, you'll feel the car start to roll, then just press on the gas pedal lightly."

"Got it." The look on the Slayer's face was pure concentration as she moved to follow his instructions. Of course, the inevitable happened. She missed the bite of the clutch, pressed on the gas too hard. There were several sharp jumps and the car stalled.

"Oh!" said Buffy in dismay.

Beside her, Spike had a grin that stretched from ear to ear. He had one hand firmly on the door rest and the other firmly on the arm rest. "No problem. Try again. But this time slow and gentle. Feel the clutch, don't anticipate it."

Buffy took in the look on his face. "You're enjoying this aren't you? You like seeing me struggle."

"Absolutely Slayer. I have a feeling this is going to be more fun than a rollercoaster ride."

A grin spread across the Slayer's face. "You better believe it."

That said, she turned her attention back to getting the car underway. Once again she depressed the clutch and tried to catch the bite. Again she missed, and the car gave several violent shudders and stalled.

"Dam it!" said Buffy in frustration.

Beside her, Spike was now openly laughing at her frustration.

"OK Slayer, try this. Close your eyes and feel for the clutch."

"You're not serious"

"Just trust me" he laughed back.

Buffy gave him a doubtful glare, but did as he said. This time, her senses fully concentrated on the sense of feel, she caught the clutch and the powerful car leapt forward.

"I did it! I *did* it," the Slayer shrieked in delight, as she guided the car back onto the road and laid down on the gas pedal. The response for the engine was immediate and the powerful car shot down the highway. Moving through the other gears was easy compared to the rolling first gear.

"Congratulations" smiled Spike.

Buffy glanced over at him briefly. "Do I make you nervous?"

For a moment he didn't reply. Then quietly, "Are we talking about you or your driving Buffy?"

Buffy glanced over at him again, but all she saw was the back of his head. He was staring out the side window into the blackness of night. Buffy felt a lump form in her throat. She understood the subtle meaning of his question, it was one that had been playing in the back of her mind for awhile now. It was a question that had no answer, and to try to examine it now, would only lead to the ruin of this magical night. She was not ready to let the night go, not yet, so she pretended not to have understood the question.

An evil grin spread across her face, and she reached out and poked his arm to get his attention. He turned and looked at her.

"My driving doesn't make you nervous?" she said effectively trying to redirect the conversation to it's former lighter tone.

"No, it doesn't make me nervous. Remember, it's highly unlikely that I could die in a car wreck." he said.

"Ah, the immortal card." said Buffy nodding.

"If you've got it flaunt it" he grinned.

"WHAT! *You* flaunting yourself and showing off. Never happen. You're such a shy, retiring type of person." said Buffy with a look of horror.

"What can I say, I'm just 'that' type of guy" he replied blinking his eyelashes up and down wildly at her.

Buffy burst out laughing. "Well, lets see if I can make you nervous," and without giving him time to anticipate her action, she leaned across and kissed him. The car veered wildly and she was forced to break the kiss and turn her attention back to the road.

"Did that work? Did it make you nervous?" inquired Buffy with a grin and a glance in his direction.

His reply was not what she expected. "Thank you," he said quietly.

Buffy looked at him questioningly, but Spike turned his head from her and gazed back out into the night before answering her silent question.

"You initiated that kiss Buffy. That....eh..." he took a deep breath, "That means alot to me."

'Oh no,' thought Buffy to herself. The serious tone again. Her mind urged her to make light of his words...to crack another joke, but her heart stopped her. Instead, she said quietly, "You're welcome Spike."

At her words, he turned and looked back at her briefly, before turning his eyes to the highway.

"Our exit is coming up in a minute. If I were you, I'd try slowing down. I might not die in a car wreck, but even with your Slayer healing powers you might find yourself knocked around abit if you try taking the exit curve at this speed!"

"What?" said Buffy in confusion as she glanced down at the speedometer. The car was humming along so easily, that it felt like she was doing about 70mph. Then her eyes focused on the speedo.

"Oh shit!" she uttered, immediately letting up on the gas.

Beside her Spike grinned. "This car has a way of fooling you."

"I was doing 130mph and you didn't say anything."

Spike shrugged. "One more experience for ya."

"Yeh right, this night is overloaded with experiences" was her strangled reply.

Spike didn't respond. Instead he pointed to the exit sign that was coming up on them. It led to the downtown city area. "Take this exit." he instructed.

The next twenty minutes or so, we the most frustrating of Buffy's life. Driving the car on the highway had been a piece of cake. The insufferable clutch was not needed there, but driving on the city streets was another matter. Spike directed her through the streets and tried in vain to keep his laughing to a minimum as Buffy struggled to control the powerful car. Car horns beeped in protest, angry drivers yelled curses, and tires screeched as Buffy tried to get a grip on the frequent stops and starts. The car frequently shuddered and stalled, or leapt off in a squeal of tires as Buffy tried to overcompensate on the gas. Several times, she tried to give up and turn the driving back over to Spike, but he was having none of it. As far as he was concerned, she was going the distance.

Just when Buffy thought she was finally getting a handle on the damnable clutch and gears, Spike gestured to a nearby skyscraper. "There, pull up to that front entrance."

"Just pull up in front? Don't we have to park somewhere?" asked Buffy as she angled the car towards the building.

"Valet Parking. They'll take care of it."

Buffy glanced over at him. "What exactly is this place. It looks more like an office building than a club?"

Spike nodded. "The first 40 or so floor are office buildings, but the top floor is not."

Buffy looked at him warily. "Are you sure?"

"Trust me Slayer."

Further conversation was made impossible as she brought the car to a halt at the entrance way. The stop was not a smooth one. The car jumped and shuddered to a halt, but the elegantly clad doorman showed no expression on his face as to their abrupt arrival, as he approached her door and opened it for her.

"Good evening Madam" he said as he extended his hand to assist her from the car.

On the other side, another doorman was opening Spike's door.

"Good evening Sir. It has been along time, and the club has missed your presence."

Spike nodded to the man but made no comment. Instead he walked round the car and took Buffy's arm.

Smiling down into her eyes he said, "Ready to have some fun lady?"

Feeling slightly apprehensive, Buffy nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Curling her hand into his, they strolled towards the entrance to the building.....

***

Chapter Seven

Total trust,
surrender,
relinquishing control-
all this is only words.
Look into the night sky.
Tell me what you see.

The entrance hall of the building was long and narrow. Straight ahead, Buffy could see a fleet of elevator doors but between them and the elevators sat the security guard station. As she walked, Buffy felt a growing sense of apprehension, and she couldn't figure out why! The hall was sparsely but elegantly decorated. It spoke of wealth, power, and something else that Buffy couldn't quite put her finger on.

As they approached the security station a guard looked up, but he merely gave a brief nod to Spike before returning his attention to the bank of security cameras which lined his desk. As they continued walking toward the elevators, Buffy's eyes flew round the hall looking for the source of her apprehension. Eyes moved quickly between oil paintings and art deco statuettes as she tried to grasp the theme being subtly projected to the building's visitors. Then she had it. Her eyes flew to her feet and she watched with a strange feeling of slow motion as her feet, one by one, emerged from her long silk gown and stepped gracefully across the jet black carpet. The theme was The Night.

Buffy's feet slowed and she came to a halt. Distrustful eyes turned up to Spike.

"What is this place?" she asked quietly.

Spike looked down at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"What I need now is total trust, will you trust me Slayer?"

"And exactly why should I do that Spike?"

"Because you know you can." was his quiet reply.

For a moment Buffy simply stood and contemplated his words. She didn't reply, but she did turn and begin moving once again, toward the elevators. As they approached the doors, Spike veered them to the right, towards a set of gilt trim doors.

"This is the one we want" he said as he reached out and hit the call button.

"Figures" mumbled Buffy under her breath, as she glanced towards the plain row of elevator doors near by. Then something else caught her wandering attention. There was no listing board by the elevators. Nothing with the names or floor locations of the various business that operated from this building. It was unusual, and she commented on it to Spike.

"Luv, the business and people that use this building do not go in for advertising. You either know they're here or you don't."

Before Buffy could comment, the elevator arrived and the doors slid open.

Several young, fashionably dressed....and obviously drunk.....people burst laughing from the elevator and moved towards the exit door in a blur of staggered movement. They were so involved in their own world that they failed to notice Buffy and Spike, but Buffy was watching them carefully. 'Definitely not Vamps' she thought to herself, 'Maybe I'm over reacting here....I guess being on a 'date' with a Vampire could do that to a girl.' That thought in her mind, she allowed Spike to lead her into the elevator, and watched silently as he pressed the only button on the panel. Immediately the elevator shot them skywards.

The elevator ride passed in silence. Each of them deep in their own thoughts. For the first time since this strange evening began, Buffy felt like she had lost that weird magical connection with Spike. She felt out of place in these lavish surroundings which were a million miles away from the homey comfort of her usual hang out, The Bronze. But that wasn't all. It was Spike....somehow, somewhere, something had changed between them. She felt like she was standing, defenseless, beside the "old" Spike.....a dangerous and deadly Spike! Her heart sank and she felt betrayed in someway that she could not adequately define. She knew she should just turn and leave. End the evening now, and just put it all down to an experience learned. But she couldn't. A strange morbidity grasped her. She needed to know just how far he would go. What length of deceit would he stretch to in order to get the upper hand and defeat her. For this is what the whole evening must have been about. A way to trick her into a false sense of security. A way to breech her defenses so that she might be more easily taken and defeated. It seemed that Angelus had known her too well. It was he who had told Spike that the way to defeat the Slayer was to love her! Spike had obviously taken his sire's advice to heart.

It was the sound of Spike speaking to her that jolted her back from her dark thoughts. She looked up, just in time to see the elevator doors slide back. Music pulsed into the small space as Buffy stared out into a strange new world.

The club was situated on top of the building, and the roof and walls were of glass which gave a strange sensation of being open to the night sky. The club itself was decorated all in brass and glass accessories and simply screamed money. The club was packed solid with patrons all dressed at the height of current fashion, but unlike her mother's event, the fashions here oozed subtle sexuality and sophistication rather than just wealth. In fact, the whole atmosphere of the club oozed sexuality! It was like nothing she had ever seen or experienced before.

Buffy closed her eyes and let her Slayer senses roam the club. There were definitely some Vamps here, but that in itself was not unusual. Vamps were like vermin, they got into everything! It was certainly not a pure Vamp club as she had previously come to suspect. It seemed to be just what it was. A club for the rich, young socialite clientele of CA.

Beside her, Spike gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Ready to have some fun?"

She turned her watchful eyes to his. "Sure, why not Spike. After all, fun is what this night is all about. Right?" she said somewhat sarcastically.

His eyes began to twinkle at this flash of her usual perky personality. He had begun to worry that he had been wrong to bring her here. But bring her he must, for this was something that had to be done.

"How about a drink, to get the 'fun' off to a good start," he offered with a grin.

"Don't be so stupid. Like I'm really old enough to drink! Has your ancient vamp brain got so demented that it can't even remember that the age 21 exists to some of us measly mortals??"

"Temper, temper. Are you *sure* I haven't caught you on a PMS week?" he replied innocently.

Buffy just glared at him.

"Look Slayer, this club is not one that bothers about carding people. If you want a drink, you can have one."

"Yeh right. Get me drunk so that you can get to me." she said, unaware that sadness shone from her eyes.

"I have every intention of getting to you before this night is over, but I don't need you drunk to do it." he said quietly.

Buffy got the distinct impression that they were now talking in the same conversation, but at cross purposes. She opened her mouth to clarify, but Spike dropped her hand and began to move away.

"Never mind, I'll chose you a drink and you can drink it or not," he said "Wait a minute!" hissed Buffy. Spike turned and looked at her questioningly.

Buffy glared at him. "Don't you choose my drink. I'll bet you have some god awful taste in drinks considering that your favorite drink tastes like blood. Get me.....get me a...."

"I'm waiting..." said Spike with a patient smile as the Slayer glanced round the room for some inspiration.

"....get me one of those red things there," she said pointing to a woman holding a strawberry daiquiri.

Spike glance to where she pointed and his nose wrinkled in disgust. "You don't want one of those, do you!"

"Look! I have told you what I want, now are you going to get it for me, or do I have to go get it myself?"

Buffy continued to glare at him and after a few seconds, Spike turned and walked off. As he moved away, Buffy heard him muttering to himself. "Definitely a PMS week. Definitely!"

Buffy watched his retreating back until it disappeared into the crowds. With him gone, she felt glaringly alone and strangely vulnerable. Her eyes moved round the club, taking in the dance floor filled with couples moving in erotic time to the beat of the music. 'They certainly gave a new meaning to the words "dirty dancing", she thought to herself. Her eyes moved on, taking in those sitting at tables and standing in groups talking. She had a strange sensation of being watched, but try as she might, she couldn't locate anyone who was particularly interested in her presence. Subconsciously trying to minimize her presence, she backed up against the wall beside a large leafy plant and looked in the direction Spike had gone.

He seemed to have been gone a long time and her eyes scanned the crowd looking for his blond head. With surprise, she located his blond head bent in conversation with the DJ. 'OK, what's the little rat up to now?' she thought to herself with another burst of apprehension. At that moment, Spike left the stage, and Buffy got occasional glances of his head as he made his way back to her location through the crowds.

Reaching her, he held out the red concoction to her. "Here you go, one sugary sweet daiquiri, as ordered."

"Thank you" said Buffy taking the icy glass from him. She raised the glass and took a small sip from the straw, stealing herself for the bitter bite of the alcohol. Instead, the only thing she tasted was sweet strawberries.

"Hmmm," she murmured in pleasure. Suddenly realizing she was thirsty, she took the straw in her mouth again, but this time she took a long hard slurp.

Spike was watching her in amusement. "You'd better watch it Slayer. They are not cheap with their alcohol around here." he warned.

"Just you mind your own business" replied Buffy as she took another hard suck on the straw.

"Whatever" said Spike with a knowing smile as he watched the red concoction disappear at an alarming rate.

They stood in companionable silence as they sipped their drinks and watched the club move around them. Several moments passed before Buffy became aware that Spike's attention had become focused on a nearby table. Following his gaze, Buffy saw that he was staring at one of the most beautiful exotic women that she had ever seen. The woman was tall with dark auburn hair that fell in a sheet of silk to below her knees. She was dressed in a wrap around silk long skirt with a matching tube top. Her abdomen was bare except for what appeared to be a diamond belly chain. Around her neck was a matching diamond choker. The woman must have sensed their gaze, because she looked up in their direction. Seeing Spike, she gave a brief smile before turning her attention back to her current companion.

"Who is she?" asked Buffy curiously.

"Just someone I used to know" replied Spike distractedly.

"Ah, a 'used to know'. Interesting taste you have." said Buffy nodding.

Spike turned his attention back to the Slayer. "Yes, I do have interesting tastes, don't I" he said smilingly.

Further conversation was interrupted as the current song came to an end.

"This next song is by request...." said the DJ.

Before Buffy could hear any more, Spike was taking the glass from her hand and laying it on the nearby table. Taking her hand, he began leading her to the dance floor.

Buffy put on the brakes. "I'm not dancing!"

Spike didn't waver. "Yes you are."

"No I'm not." retorted Buffy as he continued to pull her towards the dance floor.

This time Spike didn't bother replying, and Buffy noticed that several people were watching her being dragged to the dance floor. Deciding that she didn't like being the center of attention, and that there was no way out of this without a scene, she decided to give in gracefully.

Following him onto the dance floor, she let him pull her into his arms as the first words of the song were spoken by the singer. The deep baritone voice of 'Frankie Goes To Hollywood' filled the club.

I'll protect you from the Hooded Claw,
Keep the Vampires from your door.

Buffy looked up into Spike's eyes expecting to see humor. Instead his eyes were deadly serious. As the words turned to song and the gentle rhythm filled the club, Spike pulled her closer and they began to move.

I, I,..... feels like fire
I'm so in love with you....
Dreams are like Angels
They keep bad at bay
Love is the light, scaring darkness away...
I'm so in love with you, hurts the soul
Make love your goal....

Buffy listened to the words as she moved with Spike. She was acutely aware of his body pressed against hers, and more than that, she was acutely aware of her response to his touch. She didn't look up at him though. She didn't want him seeing what was in her eyes. Instead she focused her eyes on a point on his shoulder and struggled to understand the subtle message he was sending her.

The Power of Love, a Force from Above
Cleaning my Soul.
Flame on, burn desire, love with tongues of fire
Purge the Soul
Make love your goal

Spike raised one hand and gently cupped a finger under her jaw, gently raising her face to his. Serious eyes looked into confused eyes. Slowly he lowered his head and placed his lips onto hers, as they continued to move slowly to the beat.

I'll protect you from the Hooded Claw
Keep the Vampires from your door,
When the chips are down, I'll be around
With my undying, death defying, love for you.
Envy will hurt itself,
Let yourself be beautiful,
Sparkling Love, Flowers and Pearls and Pretty Girls.
Love is like an energy
Rushing in, Rushing in...... Silently.

Spike broke the kiss and raised his head. This time Buffy managed to meet his gaze and her eyes pleaded for him not to do this to her. He had to be playing with her, he couldn't be serious. If he was playing with her, it was a cruel joke. And if he wasn't...well, that was worse. Buffy didn't think she could cope if he was sending her a serious message.

Spike saw the confusion in her eyes, but he simply took his finger and ran it in a gentle caress down the side of her face.

This time we go sublime
Lovers entwine. Divine, Divine
Love is Danger
Love is Pleasure
Love is Pure, the only Treasure......
........I'm so in love with you, hurts the Soul
Make Love your goal.

As the song continued, Spike kept eye contact with her. His gaze was piercing and Buffy found that she could not turn her eyes away from him.

The Power of Love, a Force from Above,
Cleaning my Soul.
Flame On, burn desire, love
With tongues of fire.
Purge the Soul.
Make Love your Goal.

As the chorus faded, the singer spoke that last lines of the song. Spike stopped moving and simply looked deep into her Soul.

I'll protect you from the hooded Claw.
Keep the Vampires from your door.......

As the song ended, Buffy found herself surrounded by an awkward silence. She felt like she ought to be able to come up with some witty wise crack, but none was forthcoming. In the background, she could hear the DJ taking the atmosphere back upbeat and the strains of Tina Turner rocking to "Addicted to Love" burst into the room. Without looking at her, Spike slid his arm round her waist and steered her from the dance floor back to their previous location.

As they reached their destination, Buffy felt panic rise in her throat. What could she say? What did he want from her? Should she just ignore it like it had never happened and try to steer the night back to its former light humor? It seemed though, that she was to be given a reprieve. No sooner had they retrieved their abandoned drinks from the table, than a young man approached Spike.

Spike frowned in annoyance, but moved off a few feet and lowered his ear to the young man, so that he could hear him over the loud beat of the music. It seemed that Spike was none to pleased with what the young man was saying because he gave a brief shake of his head. The music was too loud for Buffy to hear what was being said, but she did hear Spike say, "Not now." However, it appeared that the young man was not going to take 'no' for an answer. After a few more moments of discussion, Spike walked back to her.

"Listen, I have to go and talk to someone. It's business and it apparently won't wait." he said shortly.

"Oh, and what kind of business would that be?" said Buffy watchfully.

"Don't worry about it.....using your words, Slayer....it's none of your business."

The words were said sharply and it was obvious that Spike was disturbed by the interruption.

Buffy's immediate reaction was to snap back at him, but something in his eyes warned her off. Instead she merely nodded. Spike's eyes softened when he realised that she was not going to argue with him in her usual fashion. He lowered his head and briefly gave her cheek a kiss.

"I'll be back in a minute. This won't take long." Turning to the young man, he said "Get the lady another drink and stay with her till I get back."

With that said he was gone. Buffy watched his back as he moved purposefully across the room and disappeared through a door beside the stage.

The voice of the young man at her side drew her attention back. "I'll get you that drink now" he was saying. "Will you be OK till I get back?"

Buffy merely nodded her head briefly before turning curious eyes back towards the door that Spike had disappeared through. 'Curiosity killed the cat' she reminded herself silently.

It was as she was staring at the door, that she noticed Spike's 'used to know' girl. The girl was moving towards her. As she approached, she smiled and Buffy got a nice glance at her elongated eye teeth.

"Slayer" said the woman as she moved in on Buffy.

"You have me at a disadvantage" replied Buffy sarcastically.

The woman merely smiled, but did not introduce herself. Instead she gestured to a nearby empty table.

"We need to talk. I have gone to alot of trouble to get rid of Spike for a few minutes so that we could have this conversation. Will you hear what I have to say?"

Without waiting for Buffy's reply, the woman moved over to the table and sat down. For a moment, Buffy hesitated....but then curiosity urged her forward. "To hell with the cat" she mumbled to herself as she took a seat beside the woman......

***

Chapter Eight

The moon is hidden,
thunder strikes.
How can you sleep
when your very bed
calls in the lightening?
Look around you.
Nothing is the same.

The stage door slammed shut behind Spike as he strode down the long hallway. As he walked, his whole persona underwent a subtle transformation. The easy going, relaxed persona of the evening fell away from him, much as a lizard sheds its skin. His eyes became cold and hard, and his whole body language spoke of a man who was silently dangerous and deadly. Only his face maintained a relaxed and slightly humorous look which was in startling contrast to his "you don't want to fuck with me" eyes. As he strode down the hall, his eyes fixed on the door ahead and the one young vampire guard at the door. As Spike approached, the guard pulled himself upright and tried his best to appear as if he was not intimidated by this powerful Vamp. As Spike reached the guard, he stopped and casually reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes and equally casually, lit one.

"You know" he said, leaning towards the young guard as if he was about to share a secret but priceless bit of knowledge, "the only thing worse than an imbecilic moronic vampire is a *rich* imbecilic moronic vampire."

The young vamp's eyes became wide with fear as he struggled to find an appropriate response to Spike's statement. To agree with Spike would be to bring down his employer's most deadly wrath, however, he had no wish to disagree with Spike either.

Spike watched the emotions flow across the young vamps face, and an understanding smile spread across his face. The smile, however, did not reach his eyes. Instead he reached out a hand and laid it on the Vamp's shoulder in a conspiratal squeeze of reassurance.

"Hey don't you worry about this. I'm gonna take care of it" he whispered into the young vamp's ear. The young vamp managed one nod of his head, even though he did not know anything about what *it* was that Spike was going to be taking care of. All he knew, was that he was glad Spike was moving on! Spike gave the young vamp's shoulder one last conspiratal squeeze before reaching for the door handle and moving into the room beyond. Immediately his eyes located and fixed on an elegantly clad Vampire who was reclining against the fireplace on the far wall. Spike's eyes stayed fixed on this Vampire as he moved into the room. To the casual observer it would have seemed that Spike was totally unaware of the other six Vamps occupying the room, or of the dead girl lying in the corner. The casual observer would have been wrong. Spike was acutely aware of every aspect of the room, but neither his face or body posture gave any indication of this fact.

Nobody said a word as Spike moved to a nearby armchair and slouched into it. He rested his hands casually on his legs and waited. Silence ensued, and the ash on the tip of Spike's cigarette continued to grow to a precarious size, threatening to drop onto the expensive oriental rug at his feet. The Vamp at the fireplace frowned and pushed himself upright, motioning to a nearby butler.

"Give our guest an ashtray, and get rid of that." he said gesturing to the dead girl. Turning to Spike, he said "You will have to excuse us, we were just finishing dinner."

Spike didn't answer. He pointedly ignored the ashtray that the butler had hurriedly laid at his side, before rushing off to remove the dead 'dinner'.

Within seconds, the ash reached the point of no return and fell to the carpet.

Without taking his eyes from his host, Spike lifted one foot and placed it on top of the fallen ash. Slowly and carefully, he ground the ash deep into the expensive rug.

That accomplished to his satisfaction, he turned and put the stub out in the provided ashtray. Then a smile broke across his face and he leaned back in the chair.

"So, to what do I owe this honor then?" he asked jauntily.

The host vamp continued to frown. He had known Spike to long to be taken in by any of his 'acts'. He was also not in the least bit intimidated by Spike or his reputation, for he, himself, had an equally notorious rep.

"The Slayer" he said, coming briskly to the point. "Why have you brought her here?"

For several moments, Spike did not answer. He just continued to stare at his host. "You know exactly why she is here. I have given her protection." he said at last.

Around him, there were several sharp gasps from the other Vampires, but his host simply nodded as if it was the answer that he had been expecting.

"A shame. We had hoped that you had brought her here for The Game. That would have been...." he stopped for a moment while he thought of the right word. "...acceptable. Yes, that's it. It would have been much more acceptable."

Spike smiled. "Personally, I don't give a damn what you find acceptable. The Protection has been issued, and you mate, simply have to learn to live with it."

Again, his host merely nodded. "We were discussing this over dinner," he said as he gestured to his assembled colleagues. "The Right of Protection is intended to cover humans only, and there was some debate as to whether a Slayer counts as a human. Seems to be a little bit of a contradiction in terms, does it not?"

For the first time, Spike broke eye contact with his host and let his gaze travel round the assembled vamps. "It doesn't really matter what you debate, if you choose to break my protection, it's me you'll have to deal with." he said menacingly. "So get used to the idea, and get your bloody minions used to the idea."

Several of the Vamps were intimidated by his piercing gaze, but his host remained unruffled and acted as though the threat had never been spoken.

"I'm curious" he said, turning thoughtful eyes onto Spike, "Why would *you* issue Protection to a Slayer. There simply must be more to this than you are telling us. You would not have us believe that you care about this girl's life!"

"That is for me to know and you to find out" said Spike in a deadly quiet voice.

For several moments his host did not reply, but then he turned back towards the fireplace and became briskly business like. "I have no intention of playing your games Spike. I would not waste my precious time in trying to discover your plans.....however," and he paused as an evil smile spread across his face. "You're bringing the Slayer here has given me the excellent idea that a Slayer would be a truly excellent participant in The Game."

"She is under my protection" growled Spike, "Not even you would break that Code."

His host smiled again. "Of course not, but then once you are dead, your Protection will be worthless."

Spike sat forward in his chair. All evidence of humor was gone from his face. He was tired of this war of words. "So which one of you thinks you stand a chance at taking me then?" he said quietly.

His host burst out laughing. "Oh this is priceless. Truly priceless." he turned and looked at Spike. " You see, dear boy, it is not one of us that will kill you, it's your very own Slayer that will do the dirty work."

With that said, he turned and walked to a control panel on the wall and pressed a couple of buttons. A TV screen flashed to life in the corner of the room, and as the picture swam into focus, Spike got a clear view of the club floor. His eyes fixed on the Slayer who was sitting at the table deep in conversation with the Vampyress.

His host spoke up again. "When Cassandra is finished with your Slayer, your hide won't be worth one single cent!"

At that moment, Spike saw the Slayer push herself away from the table so violently that the chair she had been sitting in toppled over and fell to the floor. In a burst of speed, she turned and ran for the elevator.

With a muffled curse, Spike pushed himself from the chair and moved purposefully towards the door without giving the room's inhabitants another glance. As his hand reached for the door handle, his host called out a parting shot.

"....and once she kills you, your Slayer *will* play the Game with us. Count on it."

Spike ignored him, and the last sounds he heard of his hosts was a cackle of laughter as the door swung shut behind him. Breaking into a jog, Spike moved down the hallway and burst through the stage door. Quickly he moved through the club towards the elevator doors.

On his way, he passed the table where Buffy had been sitting with the Vampyress.

Cassandra was still at the table, casually sipping her drink. As he passed he glanced down and she shot him a sexy, all knowing smile of triumph. Spike didn't stop, he headed straight to the elevator and pressed the button. There was no response.

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that Cassandra was openly laughing at him. They had obviously shut the one elevator down in an attempt to slow him up and give the Slayer a head start. Briefly he considered the stairs, but he quickly discarded that idea....it would take to long, and the Slayer would be gone.

Without giving a second thought to the idea that sprang into his head, he moved over to a nearby plate glass window. In one smooth movement he picked up one of the solid brass bar stools and smashed it into the window. The window was made of tempered safety glass and even with his superior vampire strength, it took several blows before the window gave way. When it did give, it was the frame which held the glass, rather than the glass itself, which gave way under the violent blows.

Around him, the club had fallen silent as it witnessed this strange behavior from one of it's patrons. But before anyone could react, Spike's face went Vamp and in one fluid movement he lowered himself over the window frame and dropped into the night. Behind him issued the sounds of several screams as the human inhabitants of the club imagined that they had just seen a man jump to his death from forty floors. The Vamp population of the club simply exchanged knowing glances before returning to the dance floor as if nothing had happened.

Spike paused on the side of the building watching as, forty floors below him, Buffy burst onto the street. He saw the doorman begin to approach her, but then she turned and fled down the street and disappeared around a corner. With a muffled curse, Spike resumed his descent down the building at a speed which was rapid even by Vampire standards.

Hitting the street, he turned and immediately ran in the direction that he had last seen the Slayer....

***