Part 20
Gunn picked up his axe and bag as Angel came in. “Anything?”
“Wesley’s got a lead. Hot spots.”
“That sounds down right nasty.” Gunn swung the axe on his shoulder.
“Where’s Cordelia.” Angel scanned the room.
“Ran upstairs in a huff, slamming doors. Hasn’t been down since.”
“What happened?”
“That geeky assistant of her showed up, shoving magazine, newspapers, and letters in her hand. She read, she freaked, and she ran. I kicked him out.”
Angel nodded. “I’ll call.”
Gunn nodded leaving Cordelia’s house.
Angel looked at the bag in his hand. Cordelia warming his blood just might have to wait. He tucked the bag in the furthest corner of the refrigerator and went upstairs.
Angel flinched at the shouted ‘go away’ that cascaded through the door. “Cordelia.”
“Angel?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.”
“Does that mean I can come in?”
“Okay.”
“What’s wrong?” Trying not to look too obvious as he attempted to peer through the soapy bubbles to reach the young woman’s skin.
Cordelia sunk down in the bathtub, her hand dangling over the edge motioning to a stack of newspapers and magazines thrown on the floor.
Angel sighed. The little bit of flesh he could glimpse had disappeared further under the foamy water. Angel turned to look at the items that Cordelia had pointed to. The pictures of Cordelia were wonderful, sexy. Angel growled. How many people read these magazines.
He shook his head and looked at the articles. Hey, he was mentioned. Angel’s brow rose. He was ‘Cordy’s handsome mysterious lover. So far, he couldn’t see what the problem was.
Angel picked up another magazine. His eyes narrowed. ‘Cordelia Chase has run the gamut of cute…sweet…She’s used stunning looks, gorgeous hair, svelte body to hide the fact that she has no talent. As the years go on, is has come apparent, especially once the hair and body were gone, what was left was ‘no talent.’ America’s sweetheart as become its biggest embarrassment, especially as she’s seemed to have taken with cavorting with hoodlums, did anyone else see the guy on her arm at the premiere of A Season Is More Than A Time Of Year (Yawn by the way) he looked like he’d kill a convent full of nuns for fun.”
“Cordy,” Angel looked at the young woman.
“Shut up.” She glared pulling herself out of the tub running to her bedroom.
Angel stood. She let him in, now she was running. Fuck the visions; this woman would drive him crazier faster. He looked back at the paper. How’d the reporter know that he had killed more than anybody’s share of nuns? Lucky guess or did the report know something. Angel shrugged off the thought after committing the flaming reporter’s name to memory.
Angel walked into the bedroom. Cordelia was throwing tapes on the floor, finally finding the one she wanted. He watched as Cordelia slammed against the bed, she yanked at his hand before he could say a word. Angel fell beside her. “Watch,” she ordered.
Angel looked questioningly at the young woman than back to the TV. It was the premier of the Cordy Show. Angel couldn’t help but smile at the lovely picture Cordelia made. Her warmth seemed to radiate from the screen. His lips twitched at the same jokes he acknowledged the first time he saw it.
Angel blinked as Cordelia almost growled, lurching up ejecting the tape and shoving another in its place.
Angel watched and the smile on his face got bigger. This was one of his favorites. Angel remembered feeling a pang at the loss of Cordy’s trademark long dark hair. But, he had been over it before the credits aired. Cordelia had been at her most charming and comedic. She was really beautiful. Angel sat back, his hand creeping around the even more beautiful live version sitting next to him.
Cordelia shoved him and got up again. Ejecting the tape and putting in another. She stayed by the TV.
“Cordy?” Angel asked, she was too far away and he still didn’t know what she wanted.
“Watch.” She glared.
Angel shrugged and watched. He squirmed and closed an eye. He hated this episode. So out of character- Cordy would never just sleep with that two-bit loser, the fact that it all turned out to be dream hadn’t helped the distaste in Angel’s mouth as he watched the episode. It was a sitcom- who wanted to see so much skin. Angel leaned back, so much of Cordy’s skin on that jerk. He shook his head and growled.
“Shh,” Cordelia glared and changed tapes again. Angel gave a half smile. This episode was so sad, still funny but…Cordy’s character had shown real feeling at her father’s death.
Angel lifted his head. “You won the Emmy for this one and the other.” Referring to the second tape she put in. “You’re very good.”
“Eek,” she yelled throwing the tapes at the vampire and tossing herself on the bed.
Angel sat amongst a shower of VHS tapes. Something was definitely not right. Angel flinched as his hand pressed down on the corner of a plastic tape crushing it. He hoped it was the dream episode.
“Cordy.”
“Go away.”
“Can’t, Won’t.” Angel sat on the bed. “What happened?”
Cordelia told him to shut up. “What happened? Didn’t you see it? I’ve no talent. Just a body and hair- which seems to be fading fast from all the articles rushing to print.” Cordelia jumped off the bed, her robe falling to the floor, her gaze scrutinizing her body in the full length of the mirror. “I look, really I do. I weigh myself twice a day. It’s not different. Well,” she scrunched up her nose.
“I have gained some but my doctor said I was too skinny before. Give me a break on my hair.” She swirled around to Angel. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep my hair the way it was. They sprayed, yanked, pulled, it wasn’t fun.” Cordelia shoulder’s slumped. “I know I’m not a ‘great’ actor, but, Geez, do they have to compare me to Dana Plato, good grief, she was a has-been child star that robbed stores.”
Angel wasn’t sure what to do. Everything Cordelia ranted about was nonsense, but she didn’t believe it too be. Angel truly wished he could kill every single one of any of the critics that reduced the beautiful amazing woman in front of him into a frantic mass of insecurities.
“Cordelia.”
She glared.
“Cordelia, I…I can only tell you what I know. Your show was one of the bright spots during my vision-induced craziness. I smiled. You’re body- I could get lost in every minute of the day, though, honestly, I think maybe you could actually gain a few more pound. Makes for better fondling. Hair, dark is the best, I will admit to that, but it doesn’t matter, short long blonde….It’s an accessory a nice one, but it doesn’t compare to the eyes that know all, that can brighten with laughter and darken with desire and hold the secrets to your heart. Your lips…”
“Stop.” Cordelia cleared her choking her throat, her hand brushing her eyes of the tears that appeared as soon as Angel started speaking.
“I mean it.”
“I know and that’s really kind of scary and nice…Um Angel,” she pouted, shifting her feet.
Angel blinked. It took his mind a little bit longer to recognize the meaning behind the pout than his loins. He hadn’t ever seen pouty Cordy whining to be held. He moved quickly taking advantage. Angel was fairly sure that it wouldn’t last long. She’d be getting assertive and demanding soon enough.
Which was fine. But he was the man and the vampire; maybe he could at least pretend to have some control over the beautiful woman for the time being.
Part 21
“Cordy,” Angel rested his chin on the young woman’s shoulder, his hands gently cupping the underside of each of her breast, delighting in the fullness that filled his hands, his thumbs brushing hardening nipples.
“Hmm.” Cordelia leaned back into his chest.
“You know those articles aren’t true, so why do you let them bother you?”
Cordelia cocked her head to peer up at Angel. “They identified you as my dark mysterious lover that killed nuns.”
Angel pushed her slightly forward, his lips tracing along her shoulder blades. “Lucky guess.”
Cordelia arched her back, mumbling as his kisses descended further along her spine. “Mr.‘Grr’ guy does have sense of humor.” She chuckled, leaning in resting her arms on the bed, opening her back further for Angel’s ministrations.
“Mmm. It affects my career. Bad timing…right around the Emmy’s. You sure you’re not bad luck. Bad press right when you become my ‘dark mysterious’ lover.”
Angel leaned up. “Cordy?”
“Geez, where’d the sense of humor go. Knew it was an aberration.” Cordelia smiled, turning and lying down on the bed, reaching to up to gently wipe the guilty look off the vampire’s face. “Joking, Angel. How can you be bad luck you’re keeping me safe from crazy Krumpy- guy? And you say really nice things and do some amazing ones,” giggling, pulling the vampire down over her.
”I will keep you safe, I promise.”
“I’m counting on it, now do the amazing stuff.” Cordelia murmured as Angel’s lips descended.
“Amazing, uh.” Angel slowly smirked, his tongue sweeping along Cordelia’s jaw trailing down her neck as his hands moved upward, caressing at the softness and curve of Cordelia’s side.
“Uh uh,” Cordelia gasped, her nails piercing into Angel’s shoulders urging the vampire to move faster, opening her thighs for the vampire.
The growl game uninhibited, building power from deep in Angel’s chest. He moved his hands and lips, relishing every feeling that he could draw out of the body under him. Angel sank into her warmth, choking on the sensations created. Angel’s mind was in overload as his body rocked in the confines of the tight heat. Tears threatened as he growls got louder; every thrust was a moment of living as Cordelia enthusiastically accepted him. In two days, this young woman from his past had become his reason to feel.
The tension that gripped his balls, threatened to explode, he moved his fingers touching at their joining, plucking at Cordelia’s clit. He clenched as Cordy gasped a scream catching it with a devouring kiss.
Cordelia held Angel tight as he shuddered into her body.
***
Angel was hesitant to leave but his internal warning flared the beginning of a new day as effectively as the songs of the morning birds. He slowly disentangled Cordelia’s arms from his chest.
“Where you going?” Cordelia sleepily whispered.
“Dawn soon,” Angel said as he kissed.
“Great detective you are- curtains,” she snuggled deeper into the pillow.
Angel gazed into the darkness, looking around the room. Thick dark drapes covered every window in the room. Angel stared at the barriers to the sun then back at the woman tangled in the sheet. He didn’t know what to think much less to say. In less than a day, Cordelia had protected the room for him. “Cordy?”
“Can’t have you going up in dust.” She flung out an arm for the vampire trying to tug him down. “Don’t have to go,” Cordelia turned and lifted her head. “Unless you want to…or – aren’t they heavy enough. I told Nev to get the ones with the most thread count that matched.”
Angel studied the drapes, fingering the heavy brocade material. “Nevin, did well very well.” Angel curled down spooning around Cordelia’s body. “But this could mean I’m trapped your bed all day.”
“Oh, damn. I shouldn’t have told him to outfit the whole place. You aren’t really observant are you?”
Again Angel was struck speechless. He gulped. “I’ve been distracted by a TV star.” He smiled cupping Cordelia closer, kissing and nuzzling at her neck.
“I knew my fame was good for something.” Pulling Angel’s arms tighter around her.
Part 22
Angel woke alone in the safety of the darkened room. Cordelia’s scent was all around him, but the woman was gone.
Angel jumped out of the bed grabbing his pants. He searched for his sweater; finally giving up, when he sensed the heartbeat downstairs.
Angel stopped in the doorway of the kitchen, completely stunned by what he saw. “Cordelia?”
The lovely young woman turned trying to juggle a carton of blood while pushing up the sleeve of Angel’s dark sweater that had inched down to cover her hand. “Darn, you’re supposed to be asleep. I wanted to surprise you.” she gave a bright smile.
Angel stared at the carton and then at the spices and condiments on the counter. Tabasco, Worchester sauce, onion salt, old bay. Angel blinked at the celery. “Surprise? I think you have. What are you doing?”
“We never ate dinner last night. I was going to bring you breakfast.” She held up the carton. “But…how long do you heat it for? You like it warm right?”
Angel took the blood from her quickly. “You don’t have to.” Angel really wished that he hadn’t listened to Wesley. Angel did not want to feed in front of the young woman.
“That’s why it’s a nice thing to do, silly.” Cordelia went to take back the blood.
Angel swung the blood behind his back out of her grasp. “Those?” he pointed with his other hand.
Cordelia turned diverted. “Bloody Mary, you can’t just like plain blood can you? Booorrring.” Cordelia nodded in conviction. “I didn’t put vodka in it though, do you want some?”
“You didn’t put…” Angel brought the blood back around to his face taking a whiff. “You spiced the blood.”
“Sure, don’t you? You use all those spices when you cook, so why not when you eat?”
Angel took a deep breath, gazing open mouthed at the beautiful young woman clad in nothing but his sweater. Her face bright and questioning, he blinked. Cordelia was serious. She made him a non-alcoholic real BLOODY Mary and she expected him to drink it.
“So, how long do I warm it for?”
Angel stood stunned. First the drapes to keep him safe and now this- the young woman was beginning to scare him definitely amaze him.
“I…”
“You don’t like it, you haven’t even tasted it.” Cordelia pouted.
Angel gulped. “Microwave it for 2 minutes,” he said slowly.
He blinked again at the bright grin that overwhelmed Cordelia’s expression. She happily took the carton and placed it in the microwave.
Angel tried to get a grip on his thoughts as the appliance started its count down. “I can…do you want omelets or…”
Cordelia shook her head. “Had some toast.” She swirled at the ding. “Here you go…Wait…” Cordelia reached for a coffee mug, transferring the blood and placing a stick of celery in it before handing the mug to Angel.
Angel tentatively raised the concoction to his lips, shoving the wilted greenery aside. He hid his grimace as the spiced blood ran down his throat.
“Well.” Cordelia asked expectantly.
“Not too…okay.” Angel smiled and took another sip.
“You don’t like it.”
“It’s good,” Angel quickly said trying to stop the frown that was appearing on her face.
“Hmmph.” Cordelia settled on the stool.
“No really.” Angel gulped swallowing the last bit of blood.
“Sure. Oh well, I’ll try something else for lunch.”
“Really, that’s okay, Cordelia. Plain blood is fine.”
“Hmmph.” Cordelia waved his statement away. “I’ve been thinking about it, I think the bad press is just Rebecca spouting off again. She wasn’t really happy at the Premiere. Bitter old woman. It’s not fair, all I ever wanted to be was an actress.”
Angel looked over his shoulder as he washed the bloody mug out. “Always?” Angel was puzzled. Acting seemed to be more superficial than even the teenager Cordy had been and definitely didn’t seem fitting with the young woman before him and he didn’t like the way those articles had made her doubt herself. If that was what acting was about- he didn’t think it at all appropriate for Cordelia. She was more important than that.
“Sure,” Cordelia bit her lip, scrunching up her forehead. “Actually, no. Only since I had to earn a living. It was supposed to go, home, hotel, hotel, husband. Oh well, or at least college.” Cordelia smiled. “You’re right the whole celebrity business doesn’t seem to have much purpose….but it pays well.” She shrugged. “Until I get cancelled, anyway.”
“That doesn’t bother you?”
“To no longer be adored by thousands?” Cordelia rested her chin on her fist. “Sure. But,” Cordelia scrunched up her face. “It hadn’t been feeling right for awhile. Either has the home, hotel, hotel, husband course.” She straightened. “You’ve a higher purpose- visions of all the baddies- is it rewarding? Do you feel like you’re actually a part of something- doing something- helping some how? How does that feel?”
Angel moved to sit next the young woman. “I don’t know.”
“How can you not know?” Cordelia faced the vampire.
Angel shrugged. “This visions are important, I know that conceptually. When Doyle had them, I knew exactly what I was supposed to do and could do it. And saving the victim in his visions did mean something. But…afterwards…now, I’m just glad when they’re over and I can think again. Though, sometimes I just wish I would go completely crazy it’s the knowing a bit of sanity then being thrown back into the abyss of memories and delusions that are difficult. I babble to Wesley, but I’m no use to him or Gunn.” Angel gazed drifted to the far wall.
“You do help and are of use,” Cordelia grabbed at his arm. “Wesley and Gunn save people because of your visions. You’re good. You’re helping me. You aren’t crazy. Unless you think being with me is crazy.”
Angel cupped Cordelia’s chin. “Being with you is crazy, but a very surprising good crazy.” Angel sighed dropping his hand. “But, I feel wasted like I should be doing more.” He shook his head.
“It’s okay,” Cordelia reached and drew his face to hers. “I think I know what you mean. Weird.” Cordelia blew out a breath. “It’s like something’s missing or not right. But what can you do about it? We are what we are. Me- just an actress that may or may not maintain my status as ‘the girl with the million dollar smile’ and you- a vampire with a soul that helps people the best way you can.” Cordelia shrugged.
“I’ve got to go to the studio, they want to put weaves in my hair. I so tired of it all.”
“Just? Cordy, you aren’t just anything, you are a loving special woman, don’t ever doubt that and tell the studio to screw themselves- I can rip some heads off if you want. I can do it.”
Cordelia laughed. “How come I believe that you would scare those weenies at the studio if I asked.”
“Because I would.”
Cordelia shook her head, dropping her eyes to the counter. “How come I know you? I shouldn’t, I didn’t know you in Sunnydale, not really, not …obviously not like this, but still…I know you, I feel like have for a long time. I trust you. It’s weird.”
Angel nodded feeling the same sentiments. He did know Cordelia and he trusted her…and he wanted her again.
“So, I’m going to go take a shower, you want to join me and explore more of this weird and crazy stuff.”
“No, just you.” Angel smiled scooping up the young woman in his arms heading for the stairs. “No, to the weaves. It wouldn’t feel right.” He determined as he ran his fingers through Cordelia’s silky hair.
“Okay, but you might just have to beat up the network honcho.”
“Done.” Angel ran up the steps.
Part 23
Wesley studied the map. “That was interesting.”
Gunn leaned back. “It was damn sight more than interesting.”
Wesley was a bit surprised at his colleague’s enthusiasm. Gunn rarely if at all, showed any awareness or curiosity towards any aspect of their missions except the fighting, never in the research.
“Yes, it is interesting that the small portions of ‘hot spot’ sensed have occurred in and around Cordelia’s studio and residence. It suggests that somehow the stalker is using small portals to deliver his notes.”
“Uh?” Gunn looked up. “I was talking about Aggie, she is one HOT woman.”
“Of course, that was interesting also.” Wesley shook his head. He should’ve realized. “Come on, I think we should go by Cordelia’s studio.”
“You did get her number right, just in case?” Gunn looked over his hopeful look not quite disguised by his normal nonchalant manner.
Wesley clenched his jaw. “I did get her number, just in case there were any more signs of ‘hot spots’ – attempts at dating you’ll just have to do on your own time.”
“What? Back up, man, I aint’ tryin to date nobody…” Gunn patted his axe reverting firmly back into his normal mode.
“Of course, my apologizes.”
“Damn straight. So, the vamp actually went to the studio with Cordy?”
“It seems so.”
“Tell ya, the life version sure calms the vamp even more than the TV show. I’ve never seen him so…together.”
“I don’t know…”
“What?”
“I’m just worried about the consequences when he does have a vision.”
***
“Angel, you do know that I was kidding about the ‘beating up’ bit?” Cordelia cocked her head at the vampire.
“Sure.” Angel gave a little smile in agreement. Damn. He’d hoped Cordy had been serious. Angel wasn’t at all sure that he could stand on the sidelines if anyone at the studio caused Cordy to become insecure again. Shoot, he didn’t even see why Cordy had to go into work today. He wanted to stay at Cordelia’s.
She put up curtains for him, he should’ve been able to stay and enjoy their benefits. Good lord, he was whining. That was new- self-flagellation and guilt- old hat, but whining? What in the world was the beautiful young woman doing to him?
Cordelia gave a bright smile, leaning up to kiss the vampire’s cheek. “You’re SO obvious.”
Both Cordelia and Angel flinched as a light bulb flashed in front of them.
“What the…” Cordelia glared.
Angel growled as the camera kept clicking and the light flashing. He took a step forward as the man accompanying the photographer thrust himself at Cordelia.
“So, Cordy, still going out with the man in black- no last name, but, does he have a record? Has America’s sweetheart lost her sweetness? So, what do think about Jennifer Aniston pulling ahead in the popularity polls as well as in the Emmy race?”
“How’d you get in? Tabloid press isn’t allowed in the studio.” Cordelia’s glared deepened.
The reporter smirked. “Come on, Cordy, the public has the right to know who you’re spending time with- if your whole persona of the good little girl is false. Judging by the company you keep, it is. Heard he was a hoodlum. Inquiring minds want to know the deal with your ‘mysterious lover’. Mysterious- is that another word for criminal?” He nodded towards Angel.
“I’m calling security, and you don’t know anything about Angel. He’s a private investigator a good guy- if you want to trash me- fine, comes with the territory but leave him alone.” Cordelia glared.
Angel tugged at Cordelia’s arm, placing her behind him. “Leave now, or you will see exactly what kind of company I am.” Angel moved closer to the reporter, his voice low and dangerous. “Print any of this and you will feel excruciatingly what kind of company I am.” Angel smiled with malevolent pleasure as he yanked and crushed the camera.
The reporter jumped back. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyers.” He stuttered.
Cordelia shot out a hand. “Lawyers? Wolfram & Hart perhaps?”
“Yeah, and they’re going to sue both of your asses,” yelling over his shoulder as the reporter ran.
Cordelia blew out a breath. “Well, that explains that.”
Angel turned. “What?”
Cordelia shrugged. “Obviously, they don’t take being fired well. Hmmph. Evil toadies.”
Angel stood. “You think Wolfram & Hart is behind this?”
“Makes sense, I haven’t done anything to piss anybody off lately, except hire you…and fire them. Stands to reason they’re behind the splurge of nastiness. And public opinion wouldn’t be swayed that quickly without a push, especially not just because of you. Sure, maybe if they knew you were a vampire, but they don’t.”
“This is because of me.” Angel shifted on his feet, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Cordelia considered the vampire. “Wow. I always knew you were capable of the deep brood sessions, but had no idea how willing you were to accept guilt for any little thing. Do you blame yourself for world hunger, too? How about the Middle East problems?
How about my bad haircut last month? Personally, I blame world hunger on over-population and a misallocation of the world’s resources and the Middle East- land and religion- being way way over simplistic on both- hell, treatises, articles, books have tried to figure those out, but no where does anyone blame a vampire.
So it’s all your fault? Hmmph. Didn’t know that. But, the bad haircut- sorry, that blame has to go squarely at the feet of a stoned-out hair stylist going through a nervous breakdown- unfortunately, I didn’t realize the extent of the breakdown until it was too late to save my hair.”
Angel’s head shot up at Cordelia’s light but pointed teasing. He couldn’t decide whether to laugh, glower or repeat his earlier assertion. He observed Cordelia’s bemused expression at his indecision. God, he was obvious. Angel settled on a half smile.
***
Gunn leaned back in the passenger seat as Wesley continued to argue with the studio security guard
He rolled his eyes and leaned over pushing Wesley back as he stuck his head out the driver’s window. “Hey, Man, Marvin, it’s me again. We’re here to see Ms. Chase.”
“Mr. Gunn.” The heavy-set black guard peered in.
“Marv, man, I told you just Gunn.”
The guard nodded, smiling. “Right, two ‘N’s. He’s with you?” Marvin jerked his head towards Wesley.
“Yeah.”
Marvin nodded again. “Kind of takes himself way too seriously, doesn’t he?”
“He’s white and English.” Gunn explained.
“Gotcha. Ms. Chase, didn’t say anything about you coming in said she had the other PI with her. Didn’t see him, though, stuck behind those tinted windows. Weird, Miss Chase doesn’t usually take her limo in. Hey, he was legit, right? He didn’t have a gun to her or anything?”
“Angel.” Gunn shoved a business card at Marvin.
“Yep, that’s what she said his name was. So, he’s the head honcho. Expecting trouble for Miss Chase? It’s that why you’re all here? Should I call the cops? I don’t want anything to happen to Miss Chase. Only last month a crazy came in a tried to shoot that kid from the children’s show taped down the lot. A kid- would you believe it, some people are just sick.”
“Excuse me, can we please go.” Wesley said smartly, pushing at Gunn.
Marvin rolled his eyes. “Uptight.”
“Yeah,” Gunn agreed. “ No danger that we know of right now,” Gunn reassured the guard. “Just need to pow- wow with the head honcho and Miss Chase.”
Marvin nodded. “Call me if you need me to baton the hatches or call the cops.”
“Sure thing,” Gunn yelled as Marvin raised the barrier to the studio lot.
“Uptight, white, English,” Wesley griped as he manipulated the gear and steering wheel with his one hand.
‘What? What truth didn’t I speak?” Gunn defended. “Your uptight white ass was getting us kicked out.”