Part 6<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel tried not to look at the sexy woman pressed against the passenger door. Her cheeks tinted in a rosy glow by the brisk wind paled against the vibrant red painted on her pouty lips. He chastised himself for being so weak and willed his mind to concentrate on the case.<\/p>\n
The case was real, he had not made that part up; at least he had that much going for him. Angel forced down the lingering prickles of guilt threatening his plan.<\/p>\n
Determined to ignore the exasperating vampire Cordelia kept her focus glued to the street signs flashing by. Where was her vampire, she wondered. This was not the vampire she had met up with in LA and he certainly was not the slayer whipped vampire she knew from Sunnydale. He wasn\u2019t Angelus that was for sure because she was still carrying her full six quarts.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shook her head at the foolish thought. Of course, he wasn\u2019t Angelus; having sex with her wouldn\u2019t cause him to lose his soul. Only Buffy, the great vampire slayer holds that honor. Some honor.<\/i> \u201cPftt.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat was that for?\u201d Now Angel was looking at her again and if he looked at her, he would see those tempting jewels standing perked and ready to be captured between his teeth. \u201cCordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Cordelia snapped, irritated that Angel was too dense to understand he was being ignored.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou pffted.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust talking to myself Angel. Guess I said that part out loud.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTalk to me instead. We need to discuss the case.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve discussed it already Angel. You\u2019re a pimp and I\u2019m a\u2026you know. What else is there to talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot Cordy. We need to go over the plan. Our moves need to be in sync with one another.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMoves? I don\u2019t have any moves. If you have any moves don\u2019t be moving them over here with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t tempt me little girl.<\/i> Angel twisted the steering wheel under his clinched fists until the object threaten to crack.<\/p>\n
His thoughts fixed on the vixen that was driving him to madness, Angel almost missed the sharp turn into the alley. Hitting the brakes and making the turn anyway, the car skidded and swerved stopping inches from the inner brick wall of the alley.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is your damage?\u201d Cordelia started to open her door only to find it blocked by the dirty and stained wall just inches from her face. EWWE don\u2019t even want to know what that is.<\/i> \u201cI can\u2019t even open my door Evil Kinevil.\u201d She huffed as she slapped her hands against the inside panel of the car door.<\/p>\n
Cordelia squeaked in surprise when Angel snatched her from her seat and whirled her out of the car before dropping her on the top of the trunk. Her short skirt and lacy thong offering little protection against the cold metal,<\/p>\n
Cordelia glared at the insane vampire. \u201cStupid vampire.\u201d She mumbled as she slid off the car, her bare thighs and butt cheeks making a squeaking noise as they slid against the polished trunk lid.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you done? Tantrums out of your system now?\u201d Angel had been allowed about a minute and a half of thinking time since he had exited the car. That was a least a minute longer than he needed to remember he was the master in this game.<\/p>\n
\u201cTantrum! You fat as\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are professionals and it\u2019s time we started acting like it.\u201d Angel stalked over to the furious woman leaning against his car and towered over her petite, scantily clad form. \u201cI can draw on my soulless days to get into character for my role, but I don\u2019t think you have any experience that\u2019s going to help you; so I\u2019ll have to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia was certain her friend had gone insane. She couldn\u2019t believe her luck. Have sex with Buffy and you lose your soul but have sex with Cordelia and you lose your mind.<\/i> \u201cYou\u2019ll have to do what? Angel what\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHush Cordy and pay attention.\u201d Angel wrapped his arms around her pulling her snug against him. He let one hand slide down her hip moving the small leather skirt just enough that his fingers could brush across the flesh of one cheek. Cordelia gasped almost choking on the stale, sour air permeating through the alley.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you ready to get into character?\u201d Shocked to realize she was speechless for the first time in her life, Cordelia only responded with a meek nod. Angel\u2019s commanding tone whispered across her face. \u201cGood, let\u2019s get started then. For tonight, I\u2019m a pimp and you\u2019re my whore. Now tell me; who do you belong to?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cY\u2026yo\u2026you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood girl.\u201d The hand still pressed against her back slid down to join the other beneath her skirt. Angel filled his hands with a tight squeeze of her round, fleshy bottom making Cordelia jump at the unexpected groping. \u201cYou can\u2019t be nervous baby. You can\u2019t jump when I touch you. If you belong to me then you\u2019re used to me touching you whenever and however I want.\u201d Angel continued to pinch and knead her almost bare ass.<\/p>\n
He had been denied that pleasure when she ran out on him. He may only have a few minutes but he was determined to get a taste of what she had deprived him. Angel whispered against her neck creating cool, feathery tickles on the exposed flesh.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019ll call you Cherry.\u201d Using his blunt teeth he nibbled on her throat; her resulting moan echoed into his open mouth. \u201cMy Cherry whore that exists only for my pleasure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia thought she might faint. As much as she wanted Angel to stop fondling her butt she was afraid she wouldn\u2019t be able to stand if he let her go. Her body had responded to his dirty words and the ick factor that revelation invoked left her with a lot of questions she didn\u2019t want to answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s enough Angel; I\u2019m ready.\u201d God if I get anymore ready I\u2018m gonna bone him in the backseat of the car. Get a grip Chase, you\u2019re standing in a filthy, smelly alley and a vampire is groping your ass and you\u2019re enjoying it just a little too much.<\/i><\/p>\n
Angel muffled the growl that threatened to erupt as the musky aroma of her arousal floated over his tongue. Proud of his performance he released the trembling girl, turning quickly to hide his pleased smirk. Grabbing her hand, he led her out of the alley and down the dimly lit street. Cordelia struggled to keep up with his fast pace.<\/p>\n
The black, leather boots were they perfect compliment to her trashy attire but the six-inch heels were not intended for running. \u201cGees Angel slow down. Where\u2019s the fire?\u201d Cordelia stopped, jerking her hand from his.<\/p>\n
Angel looked back at Cordelia, regretting for the first time that she was with him. The raw sex appeal framed and displayed by her attire did not hide the innocence and purity of the girl. He didn\u2019t want her exposed to the low life that had mutilated those women.<\/p>\n
The brain that was in charge when he came up with this idea did not reside in his head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Cordy. I guess I just want to get this part over with. I don\u2019t like using you as bait.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot like I\u2019m not used to it. I was bait girl all the time in Sunnydale. And besides you haven\u2019t actually told me who or what we\u2019re trying to bait.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel hadn\u2019t liked the idea of using her as bait even then and had argued that point with Buffy on several occasions. I could have lost her in a botched demon hunt and would have never known\u2026<\/i> Angel shuddered at the thought of not having Cordelia in his life.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe it\u2019d be better if I told you about this guy tomorrow.\u201d He reached for her hand again, this time entwining his fingers with hers. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get this over with.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia fell into step beside Angel; his slower pace more in tune with the walking skills of her slender, spiked heels. \u201cTell me now Angel. I want to know what I\u2019m up against.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOK you aren\u2019t up against anything that could harm you. I\u2019ll take care of any fighting that\u2019s needed. Got that?\u201d Cordelia consented to Angel\u2019s order giving him a quick salute. \u201cFor some reason this guy seems to be targeting the hookers on this side of town.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo this guy is raping hookers? I don\u2019t get it; you said their services were cheap. He\u2019s still not willing to pay? Gees Angel that description fits you to a tee.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Angel was stunned by her accusing words. \u201cCordy, you can\u2019t really believe I\u2019d do something like that. I would never hurt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo not that silly. I meant the not wanting to pay. You\u2019re so tight with a buck I bet you\u2019ve never paid.\u201d<\/p>\n
Relieved, Angel chuckled at her depiction of his frugal spending habits. \u201cI don\u2019t think anything this guy does is because he doesn\u2019t want to pay Cordy. And yes, I have paid for it on many occasions, thank you. When I was human, there were always prostitutes at the tavern. If I couldn\u2019t flirt my way under a skirt, I would pay their price. But you have to remember back then a couple of bucks would get you a good meal, a night\u2019s worth of ale and a talented wench.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia scrunched her nose at the unpleasant information. \u201cEwe Angel, so much more than I ever wanted to know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was a long time ago Cordy. When I was turned, before I had a soul, I just took what I wanted.\u201d Angel stopped walking and tugged on Cordelia\u2019s hand pulling her closer to him. \u201cBut now I only want it if it\u2019s given freely.\u201d Angel pushed the wind blown hair from her face. \u201cCordy, I want\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s get this over with Angel. All this talk about rapists and prostitutes and the ewe in general is really freaking me out.\u201d Disappointed with her interruption, Angel relented and they continued their journey in silence. He wasn\u2019t actually sure what he wanted to say to her anyway but knew a more romantic location might be more appropriate for that particular conversation. Besides, he didn\u2019t blame Cordy for not wanting to be there. He didn\u2019t want her to be touched by the evils that existed on those streets either.<\/p>\n
Cordelia may be nervous about being on the bad side of town but that was nothing compared to how scared she was to hear what Angel was about to tell her. What could he say? Would he actually tell her that he was in love with Buffy but since he couldn\u2019t be with her maybe the two of them could fool around? Cordelia didn\u2019t want to believe Angel would do that and knew she couldn\u2019t bear his confession if it was true.<\/p>\n
Spotting a corner with little activity, Angel steered Cordelia to the sidewalk. \u201cHere, this is a good place; not many people around. Stay close to me Cordy, if anyone walks up stay behind me. It\u2019s not likely the men that hang out down here are used to seeing a woman as beautiful as you and they\u2019ll try to get a free grab if they can.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell I must be a lucky girl. Look at me, Cordelia Chase, the prettiest slut in the bunch. Angel thinks I\u2019m beautiful? Don\u2019t think about that right now. He\u2019s just looking at the wrapping anyway.<\/i> Gees Angel you don\u2019t really think anyone will try to grope me do you? I don\u2019t want to be groped.\u201d Looking up at Angel, Cordelia arched an accusing brow. \u201cNo more than I\u2019ve already been tonight, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYea, ah\u2026sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey man, where\u2019d you get that pretty little thing? How much?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stepped toward the staggering man, blocking Cordelia from his approach. He reeked of cheap liquor and any smell of soap had evaporated long ago. Angel was sure this man had nothing to do with the murdered women. He doubted this man stayed sober enough to adequately use a prostitute\u2019s service.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter, you can\u2019t afford it so keep walking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey friend, I\u2019ve got a few bills. How much?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not your friend and you can\u2019t afford to even look. I\u2019ll ask nice one more time, move on while your kneecaps are still attached.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell that was disgusting, topped with a big ewe. Angel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy wait.\u201d Angel took hold of Cordelia\u2019s arm to quiet her talking as he raised his head and sniffed the surrounding air.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you hear something?\u201d Cordelia whispered, stepping closer to Angel\u2019s large, protective form.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore like smell something.\u201d Angel answered slipping his arm protectively around her shoulders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell so do I Angel. You don\u2019t need super vamp smelling to do that down here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy be quiet.\u201d Angel hissed trying to concentrate on the direction of the scent he had picked up. \u201cIt\u2019s familiar.\u201d Too familiar, he silently added, keeping that thought to himself. \u201cBut I can\u2019t get a lock on it. It\u2019s as if the smell is coming from every direction at once. Come on we\u2019re going back to the car.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Angel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSshhh, I need to concentrate.\u201d Angel was already identifying the familiar scent from the street corner and cursed himself for being foolish enough to expose Cordelia to that kind of evil. He needed to get her to the car where she would be safe while he confirmed his suspensions.<\/p>\n
Entering the passenger side, Angel motioned for Cordelia to get behind the wheel. \u201cTake the keys. I want you to stay in the car no matter what happens; keep the doors locked and the windows up.\u201d Angel raised the convertible\u2019s top locking it securely into place. \u201cKeep the engine running and if anyone approaches the car I want you to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Angel, what about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo buts Cordy. You see anyone in this alley you drive away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I was going to ask why I couldn\u2019t just stay with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause Cordy if I\u2019m right this guy is too dangerous. I don\u2019t want him near you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to be left here by myself.\u201d Angel could feel the fear radiating from Cordelia\u2019s trembling form.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, listen to me, we need to help Kate catch this guy. I don\u2019t think what the police are looking for is human. If he\u2019s not they won\u2019t be able to stop him. I can\u2019t zero in on the demon standing so close to you. I need to put some distance between us and see if I can sense the direction this demon is coming from.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDistance\u2026OK\u2026why?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He needed to give her an honest answer but didn\u2019t have time to answer the inevitable questions that would follow. \u201cBecause Cordy, my senses are overloaded with you\u2026and me\u2026us together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOooh us. Angel\u2026I took a bath. Didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Doesn\u2019t matter, your sweat\u2026and other\u2026body fluids seeped into my skin and when I used my mouth\u2026my tongue on you, it marked you with my scent. That\u2019s not going to go away anytime soon and it overrides anything else I try to scent. Cordy I need to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel go, it\u2019s ok. Go and sniff up a demon so we can go home. I\u2019m fine Angel and you\u2019re right we need to stop this guy before he hurts anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n
Resisting the urge to taste her luscious lips, Angel stepped out of the car. Heading to the opening of the alley, he silently made his way down the quiet street.<\/p>\n
Cordelia watched Angel move farther and farther away, wishing they had never heard about this case. His explanation for needing to distance himself from her stubbornly echoed in her head. \u201cWell Chase, you not only gave it up to a man that doesn\u2019t love you; you got yourself scent marked. And you don\u2019t even know what that means. But apparently, it has no respect for good soap. Can\u2019t wait to jot down that proud, little moment in the ole diary. Dear Diary, today I was scent marked. I\u2019m such a lucky girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel circled, inhaling the air from every direction. Picking up the trail, he crossed the street and headed toward an old, boarded up building. Stepping inside Angel was confident he had tracked his prey and if Darcy Bane was within the confines of the building Cordelia should be safe in the alley for now. Following the painfully familiar scent from his past, Angel made his way down the dark, narrow stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngelus, how good to see you old friend. How long has it been? More than a century I fear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA little over a century and a half.\u201d Angel looked at the row of hearts strung on the chain that stretched across the length of the room. Six hearts from six victims. \u201cWhat brings you to LA Darcy? Trying to hone an old skill?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh my collection. Quite lovely isn\u2019t it? Just looking for a little entertainment my friend. Perhaps Angelus I shall be fortunate enough to find a prize as beautiful as the one you left hidden in the alley. You always did have excellent taste when it came to pleasures of the flesh.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not knowing how long the vampire may have watched him and Cordelia in the alley, Angel thought it best not to deny her importance to him. Even Darcy Bane was not likely to challenge a claim by Angelus.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you know that the woman belongs to me then you know it would be unwise to touch her. We traveled together long enough Darcy for you to know I don\u2019t share my toys.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo tell me Angelus what does Darla think of your new play thing? And human no less.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat can I say Darcy, I got tired of having something cold and dead beneath me. And as for Darla, she doesn\u2019t say much of anything these days.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty minutes. That stupid vampire has been gone for twenty minutes. Somebody\u2019s coming. Damn I hope it\u2019s Angel. It better be Angel or I\u2019ll stake his undead ass. Please be Angel. I didn\u2019t know Angel carried a flashlight. Where\u2019d he keep a flashlight? He can barley get his keys into the pocket of those leather pants. God can this night get any worse?”<\/p>\n
That would be a yes.<\/i> Cordelia knew she was breaking the rule but felt she had to roll the window down enough to greet her unexpected visitor. \u201cGood evening officer. What brings you here at this late hour?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease step out of the car miss.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStep out of the car? You have got to be kidding me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease step out of the car miss if you don\u2019t want resisting arrest added to the charges.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cResisting arrest? Added to the\u2026officer there has been a terrible mistake. It\u2019s actually quite funny, ha ha, yes well, let me explain. You think I\u2018m a prostitute. I am certainly not a prostitute. I work for a detective agency. We\u2019re undercover. Actually we\u2019re helping Detective Lockley with a case.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI need to see some ID miss.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell that would be in my purse, which would be in my apartment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you have no ID on you miss?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you see a place for a pocket, Sherlock?\u201d<\/p>\n
The officer did not seem to be enjoying her unique sense of humor so Cordelia decided to follow Angel\u2019s advice, even if she was a little late getting around to it. She punched the gas and headed for the alley opening. The plan would have been perfect had the police car not pulled up and blocked her escape.<\/p>\n
The siren shrilled through the dark alley as the flashing lights flickered across her flabbergasted expression.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m gonna kill that stupid vampire.”<\/p>\n