Part 5
It was Friday night and as per usual the gang was at the Bronze. Cordelia nearly gagged on the sugary sweetness that was Buffy and Angel until their sweet nothings turned into snips and snarls.
Always about nothing that Cordelia could make heads or tails of, but they were at it again. She left them there with Angelus, Willow and Xander deciding that if this was the Bronze and the Dingoes Ate My Baby were playing her favorite song, then she was going to dance to it.
Cordelia started moving to the music. It didn’t matter that she started out alone, because it didn’t take long before there were three guys buzzing around her, feeding off her energy and doing their best to keep up. Her body moved in a sensual rhythm, dancing with seductive charm and a natural allure.
The teenagers were within touching distance and Cordelia let them, giving herself permission to lean into their fumbling hands while occasionally stealing glances toward the table. Buffy and Angel were alone now, she noticed, wondering where the others had gone.
Probably tired of the arguing. Buffy was still turned to Angel, her mouth going at a hundred miles an hour, but Cordelia noted with satisfaction that Angel’s eyes were focused on the dance floor.
“See something you want?” Cordelia muttered the question as she moved against the torso of the male body behind her. The question wasn’t for him, but he answered anyway with a question of his own.
“Playing with fire, baby?”
Cordelia stopped dancing and glanced over her shoulder to find Angelus glaring down at her. She was about to whirl around when he gripped her arms and held her tight against him. The boys made some attempt at complaining, but Angelus scared them off with nothing more than a dark scowl.
“Maybe I am,” Cordelia answered as the song ended. The next one was a ballad and Devon’s voice and the soft beat of the music had her leaning into the strong frame behind her. She wanted those arms around her, even if they were his. “Dance with me.”
A moment later, Cordelia found herself laughing as Angelus held her in a very formal position for slow dancing. “What are you? A graduate of the Arthur Murray School of Dance?”
“If I was, you probably wouldn’t be laughing,” Angelus commented. “What’s wrong with this?”
“No spaghetti arms here,” snorted Cordelia. “You’ve got your dance space and I’ve got mine.”
Angelus saw no problem with that. It was proper form. “Spaghetti arms?”
“Hello! ‘Dirty Dancing’,” Cordelia prompted drawing a blank from the vampire. “Pfft! You’ve got to be kidding me. How socially inept can you get.”
“It’s his fault,” Angelus nodded in Angel’s direction. “Dirty Dancing sounds like something I’d actually enjoy.”
“No doubt,” she answered dryly. “That may be a little advanced for you. Why don’t you just try to make me feel like I’m dancing with someone other than my grandpa.”
Glancing around at the other couples, Angelus quickly got the hint. Wrapping her up in his arms, he pulled her back into his hard frame and felt Cordelia wrap her arms around his neck. She smelled so good up close and Angelus buried his face against her head as Cordelia nuzzled against him.
Angelus smoothed his hand down her spine, up to her shoulders and down to her hips again drawing out a little purr from Cordelia. Damn, but it felt good to have her in his arms. All those firm curves and soft surfaces pressing against him.
With a sigh, Cordelia shifted her head so that she could look up at Angelus. He was gazing at her with a look of wonder on his face. His fingers trailed across her cheek and then moved so that his thumb pressed across her lower lip exposing the tender pink flesh inside to his gaze.
“Go ahead,” the dare sounded on her lips. “Kiss me. Think he’ll let you?”
The corner of his mouth twisted up into a knowing grin. “What’s this, vixen? Trying to get me in trouble or to make him jealous?”
Cordelia’s eyes sparkled with mischief even as they continued to sway slowly around the dance floor. “What makes you think that?”
“Because I know you, Cordelia Chase,” he reminded her. “I know you just as well as Angel does. Better than that because I don’t bullshit my way into pretending that I can’t read your body language or the beat of your heart when you’re near.”
“Tell me you can’t do that,” she gasped in horror figuring a vampire with a couple of centuries of experience probably had that art down cold. “Tell me he can’t.”
Angelus merely smirked in return. Answer enough, perhaps, but he added, “Why don’t I just tell you that you’re nervous in my arms, but you like being here. That you’re dancing with me, but thinking of him. That you dare me to kiss you thinking I won’t, but wanting it anyway.”
“Do not,” Cordelia huffed.
“I don’t lie to you,” he said with a hint of anger. “I expect the truth when you talk to me.”
“Fine. I’m mad at Angel. I overheard something he said about me and I’m a little tickled off,” she revealed while glancing daggers in his direction. He was talking to Buffy again; this time it appeared they were back into snuggle mode. Making a little sound of disgust, it was easily picked up by Angelus.
He realized quickly, “You’re jealous.”
“Am not,” was her automatic response. Upon hearing his growl of complaint at the obvious lie, correcting herself, “Maybe a little, but if you tell him that I’ll make you pay for it.”
“Might be worth it,” Angelus grinned. Suddenly, he saw a way to get them both what they wanted. “You should take advantage of this, Cor.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Use me.”
“Use you?” Cordelia snorted. “Don’t think I can’t tell what you’re after. Pfft! Like I’d give you an inch.”
Angelus twirled her around a couple of times and then off to the far side of the dance floor where he settled her against a column, placing his hands on either side of her shoulders. “I think you’re missing out on an opportunity. Who else can rile my brother up better than me? Only you and me…together.”
The idea had its merits, Cordelia considered, even though she’d be making a deal with the devil just to get back at Angel for hiding his feelings from her. He was over there now, she knew. Cordelia didn’t have to look; she knew Angel was watching. He had been ever since they two of them left the dance floor.
Before Cordelia could talk herself out of it, she reached up taking Angelus’ face in her hands and kissed him until her ears started ringing. Halfway through the kiss, he took over, making a growling moan into her mouth, taking her wrists and pushing her hands up over her head while pinning Cordelia’s lush body against the pillar with his own.
She gasped as his tongue teased her. His mouth crushed her lips and then softened in the next moment to capture her lower lip with a tender nibble.
Cordelia felt him hard against her and her hips naturally gravitated closer thrusting forward to meet his. Her right foot lifted and moved outward at the nudge of his knee against her thigh. Bending her knee, she ran it along the outside of Angelus’ leg.
Their game of revenge led so quickly to actual arousal that both were caught up in each other neither one seeing the approach of the furious vampire. Angel grabbed Angelus and threw him off Cordelia. Facing her with rage darkening his features, he demanded, “What do you think you’re doing?”
His eyes raked over her taking in her mussed hair, barely there lipstick smudged on her lower lip, flushed skin, the wrinkled blouse with her nipples poking up at him like wanton targets. The sharp scent of her arousal clung to the air.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Cordelia asked while smoothing down her miniskirt.
“It looks like you’re planning to get laid, sweetheart,” he growled out, “but it’s not going to happen. Not with Angelus.”
“Maybe she wants it,” Angelus cut in oblivious of the curious gazes that focused on them as they cornered off against each other. “It’s none of your business what we do. Cordelia knows I’m not out to hurt her.”
Angel told her point blank, “He can’t hurt you, Cordelia, but Angelus can’t love you, either. Is that what you want?”
“Is love so wonderful?” Cordelia asked him. “After seeing you and Buffy, I’m not sure I need it.”
“Leave Buffy out of it,” pleaded Angel. He didn’t want to drag her into this. Mainly because it would mean facing up to the reasons they had been arguing every time they came within two feet of each other.
Cordelia countered with, “Love to. I’d love to leave her out of it, but I can’t, Angel. She’s right over there looking like she’s gonna stake the two of you and rip my hair out by the roots.”
Angel didn’t bother to glance over his shoulder. He knew Cordelia was telling the truth. That wasn’t his main concern at the moment. “Whatever you’ve got going on here stops now.”
“Why do you care?” snapped Cordelia wanting to hear him admit the truth.
“Because I’m your friend and I don’t want you hurt by me…my brother,” Angel caught the error and fixed it, but not before Cordelia and Angelus heard the original intent of his words.
“Angelus won’t hurt me,” Cordelia reminded him of his own words. “Physically, he can’t hurt anyone. I know he wants me. What’s so bad about that?”
Glancing at his double, Angel saw that Angelus had assumed a relaxed pose against the column next to Cordelia. He wore that knowing smirk and it was all Angel could do not to punch it off his brother’s face. The reason it wasn’t okay was simple, but one he couldn’t reveal.
I want you for myself, but I can’t have you because I already have a girlfriend, he played out the scenario in his mind.
The selfish nature of his desires plagued him. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair. Angel couldn’t act on his attraction to Cordelia because it would not only hurt Buffy, but mainly because it would put his valued friendship with Cordelia at risk.
If it wasn’t already in danger now that Angelus was free to say and do whatever he pleased. The fact that Angel knew exactly what his double wanted made it worse because he wanted all that and more.
“I don’t care if you have a sudden urge to live dangerously,” Angel told Cordelia. “I won’t let this happen. You will stay away from Angelus or I swear you’ll regret it, Cor.”
Cordelia wasn’t much for threats, especially coming from Angel. Hands on her hips, she stepped close, tilting her face up to him and glared hotly, “Whatcha planning to do to stop me? Put me under house arrest? Tie me up somewhere?”
“Don’t tempt me,” Angel answered imagining tying her to the posts on his bed, nude and spread-eagled awaiting him. The idea obviously affected Cordelia as well making her heart rate kick up another notch. Damn, he didn’t need to know that excited her. “I get the feeling you might like that, sweetheart. There won’t be any silk scarves involved, just the palm of my hand tanning your ass.”
“You wouldn’t!” Gasping, Cordelia was outraged he would suggest it and ignored the rush of heat curling low in her belly.
Angel returned, “I will if that’s what it takes to make you understand Angelus isn’t someone you should be involved with.”
“First off, buddy, I will be involved with anyone I damn please,” Cordelia poked him in the chest with her finger. “Angelus may not have a soul, but he does have a leash. Maybe I just want to give it a little tug. Ever think of that?”
There were definite rumblings of discontent to be heard…from both vampires. Angel wanted no talk of Cordelia tugging on anything belonging to his brother. Angelus was not very keen on the idea of having a leash, much less the idea of being led by it.
“No doubt you’d enjoy it at first,” Angel admitted through clenched teeth as blunt as she’d taught him to be. “I know precisely what Angelus is capable of when it comes to pleasuring a woman. He’d have you screaming his name and coming six different ways before sunrise.”
Just the thought made Cordelia’s toes curl, because she knew Angelus wasn’t the only vampire standing here that could do so. Then Angel asked her, “Is that all you want?”
“No,” Cordelia answered truthfully.
Nearly sighing in relief, Angel added, “Please think about this before you jump in with both feet. Once you let Angelus have you, I guarantee having a relationship with a human won’t ever be the same.”
Angelus revolted at that idea. “Like that will ever happen. You think I’d let her go?”
“Exactly,” Angel nodded. “You wouldn’t. That’s what I’m saying, Cordelia. Once you take that step, there’s no going back.”
Cordelia tried to keep in mind that she hadn’t intended to take that step in the first place. She was just trying to get Angel to admit that he wanted her. The way he acted and the things he said went beyond the big brother act he was trying to maintain. Cordelia knew that, but she realized that Angel wasn’t about to voice any admission of feeling other than concern and friendship as long as he and Buffy were together.
That wasn’t something she was going to get in the middle of simply because Cordelia didn’t want to feel second best. If Angel wanted her, then he’d have to find the balls to make a decision and come get her for himself.
“Okay,” she decided on a different gameplan. “I won’t rush into things with Angelus.”
“Good,” Angel nodded with a relieved smile while his brother scowled at the news.
“That doesn’t mean I can’t do whatever I want,” Cordelia pointed out.
Angel was about to protest when she cut back in, “Maybe Angelus is like your evil pervert of a brother, but he’s still a person…kinda.”
“Am not!” Angelus protested.
“Which part?” asked his double drolly.
Cordelia rolled her eyes, “Okay, so you’re a vampire. I get that, trust me. That doesn’t mean you can’t try to live the leashed undead life you’ve been given.”
He couldn’t disagree with that. “Right.”
“What’s to say you can’t have fun?”
Angelus had a feeling his definition of fun was a lot different than the cheerleader’s. “Does this fun involve you?”
Considering what she was trying to say, Cordelia shrugged. “Maybe.”
That idea didn’t sit well with Angel. “What are you getting at?”
“Just that Angelus needs to get out and do things besides tag after you everywhere. What fun is it if Angel the Bloodhound is watching every second?”
“That’s the point, Cordelia,” Angel reminded her. “He gets a life, but I make sure he doesn’t get out of line.”
“Pfft! You just don’t trust him,” she poked his chest again.
Angel grabbed her hand. “Damn right I don’t. Especially with you.”
“What’s the problem? That you know Angelus wants me or that you can’t stand the idea of me being his friend?”
“You’re my friend,” Angel actually tugged her closer.
Cordelia laughed at him. “Possessive, much?”
“Angelus doesn’t want your friendship, Cordelia,” Angel’s voice deepened into harsh tones, “he wants to fuck you.”
The crude words shocked her, but Cordelia snapped back the first thing that popped into her head. Challenging him, “And you don’t?”
They stared at each other in a silent face-off. Angelus stood next to them eating up the tension in the atmosphere. Geez, he loved this. He wondered if Cordelia would haul off and slap Angel silly or if the other vampire would just throw her up against the column and take her where she stood. Hell, that’s what he’d do if it wouldn’t set off the severely debilitating pain-inducing spell that moderated his behavior.
“Don’t go there,” Angel shook his head, his eyes dropping to the fullness of her lips as they formed a tempting circle. Lifting his gaze back to hers, he said, “This is about you putting too much trust in Angelus, not about us.”
“What ‘us’, Angel?” Cordelia demanded an answer. “We’re friends and beyond th—”
Angel stopped her with a growl, “There can’t be anything beyond that. There’s Buffy.”
“I know,” Cordelia shrugged as if the fact didn’t bother her and found herself under the scrutinizing stares of both vampires. “Being my friend doesn’t mean you have exclusive rights to my friendship. I can give it to anyone I choose.”
“To him?” Angel made it sound like the other vampire had crawled out from under a rock. “To Angelus?”
Cordelia glanced at the vampire over her shoulder. “Somebody needs to. He’s kinda pathetic. Nobody likes him.”
“Cor-de-lia,” intoned Angelus trying to get her to shut up without using his hands to strangle her. Something that would only cause him pain and in the end would not get him what he wanted.
“Puh-lease,” Cordelia ignored the threatening tone. “Giles and Buffy can’t stand you. The Scoobies are afraid of you. Other vampires aren’t exactly flocking to your banner now that you’re fighting the Good Fight and your own brother doesn’t trust you.”
Angelus frowned to the point of pouting. “I don’t give a crap about them.”
“See,” Cordelia told Angel. “He obviously needs to get a life. How can we expect him to be one of the good guys if he doesn’t even have a friend among us?”
“Let Xander be his friend,” barked Angel unwilling to concede that Cordelia could be anything to his evil alter-ego.
“Pfft! Yeah, right,” she shared a chuckle with Angelus who found the concept equally amusing.
Cordelia strummed her fingers against her hips thoughtfully. “Since your free time is full these days with all the Buffy boinking, I’ll just have to spend mine with Angelus. I need a new project, anyway.”
“Project?” Both of them questioned.
“Y’know, easing the former serial killer back into society,” she told them.
Angelus looked offended, “Former?”
“Face it, Bad Boy,” Cordelia’s mouth curled into a grin, “the only thing you can kill these days are demons, so flash your pearly fangs all you want. You don’t scare me anymore.”
That pissed Angelus off, but there was not much he could do about it if he wanted to get into those closely guarded panties. What with guard dog Angel around, Cordelia hardly needed to bother with a chastity belt. Not that it wasn’t too late to bother with one now. He felt certain the cheerleader was no longer virgin territory, but he was oh so willing to find out just how much experience she did have.
Angel wasn’t certain what brought on this crazy idea of Cordelia’s. Taking on Angelus as a ‘project’ or as a friend was ridiculous. He told her so and managed to draw her ire. Not a fun place to be, Angel decided and eventually they came to a standoff.
“You’re going to do this, aren’t you?” Angel glared down at Cordelia. “No matter my opinion.”
She remained silent, simply raising an eyebrow.
Then grabbing his brother’s shirt front, Angel hauled him closer too. Angelus didn’t protest because he knew this was all going in the direction he wanted. “Cordelia’s misguided notion that you are redeemable in any way better not come back to bite her on the ass. Understood?”
“No biting,” Angelus nodded trying to keep a straight face. “Got it.”
Releasing him, Angel further warned, “I’ll be watching. If you even attempt to touch Cordelia in any way that displeases her, you better prepare for the consequences.”
“Big Brother is watching,” Cordelia snorted just as Angel had turned to go back to Buffy and the gang who were once again gathered at the table.
Pausing, Angel moved his head just enough to let her know his words had an impact. Though the music continued to belt out its heady rhythm, she heard him speak, “I’m no one’s big brother, Cordelia. Not his and certainly not yours.”
“That went well,” commented Angelus conspiratorially once Angel departed.
Cordelia gave him a look of disgust. “Are you kidding? That sucked. All it did was make me feel sorry for your pathetic existence. I didn’t get anything out of it except confirmation that…big surprise here…Buffy is Angel’s priority.”
“What’d you expect? That he’d dump her for you?” Angelus gave her a look that said she should be a little realistic. “Soul boy is too much of a gentleman to do something like that.”
She found herself smiling in spite of herself, “I know.”
“And I’m the pathetic one?” Angelus guffawed. Then considered the possibilities as he queried, “So…am I pathetic enough for a pity fuck?”
“Eew! Angelus!” She whacked him on the chest with her hand. Then rolling her eyes, added, “As if!”
Angelus watched Cordelia stalk off in the direction of the Scooby Gang’s table. “What did I say? Who says friends can’t be fuck buddies?” he asked, trailing after her.
