{"id":1843,"date":"2015-06-25T11:49:25","date_gmt":"2015-06-25T10:49:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=1843"},"modified":"2015-06-25T11:50:54","modified_gmt":"2015-06-25T10:50:54","slug":"a-labor-of-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2015\/06\/25\/a-labor-of-love\/","title":{"rendered":"A Labor of Love."},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: A Labor of Love<\/b>
\nAuthor: <\/b>CydneStorm<\/strong>
\nPosted: <\/b>10\/7\/2005
\nEmail<\/b><\/a>
\nRating: <\/b>NC17
\nCategory: <\/b>Fluffy smut, hopefully with a little romance
\nContent: <\/b>A\/C smutty romance, A\/C\/W friendship
\nSummary: <\/b>Almost a PWP. A one chapter deal giving a twist to the ep War Zone.
\nSpoilers: <\/b>
\nDisclaimer: <\/b>The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
\nDistribution: <\/b>AA, GTCA, anyone else, please ask.
\nNotes: <\/b>One of Sarahk\u2019s<\/strong> fics got me to thinking about David Nabbit\u2019s intrigue with the demon brothel and likely impossible possibilities. But in fantasy everything is real.
\nThanks\/Dedication:<\/b>
\nFeedback:<\/b>Yes please<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cMmmm, I miss that smell.\u201d Cordelia unconsciously crooned. It had been far too long since she\u2019d rubbed elbows with the rich and famous, and the room was brimming with an elite list of high rollers. Their host, David Nabbit, one of the wealthiest men in LA could afford the best, but he wanted them. More to the point he wanted Angel, but they were a package deal now. Where Angel goes she goes, even if it required sacrificing her night to attend Mr. Nabbit\u2019s dazzling party.<\/p>\n

\u201cCamembert, I believe.\u201d Wesley unwittingly responded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No\u2026money. I like the smell of a little money once in a while. It helps keep things in perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not just saying that.\u201d Angel offered giving Wesley\u2019s shoulder a knowing nudge. \u201cHide some in the office sometime and watch her; it\u2019s uncanny.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, there he is. Mr. Nabbit, hi!\u201d Cordelia greeted reaching out her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, glad you could come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for having us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure. Who are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Cordelia Chase\u2026we spoke on the phone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! Right! So-so you-you must be Angel.\u201d Mr. Nabbit turned to his anticipated guest, eyes glistening with a hint of awestruck.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Pleased to meet you. This is my associate, Wesley.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLovely party.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my god, is that Welling Harding?\u201d Cordelia asked, the festive gala luring her from the men\u2019s boring pleasantries.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea. I don\u2019t know most of these people. I don\u2019t even talk to them. They come to the party. I think they have fun.\u201d Mr. Nabbit gestured to the waiter presenting a tray of hors d’oeuvres. \u201cThese are crab.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf this is a bad time we\u2026\u201d Angel interrupted feeling out of place in the swank and overcrowded room.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. Miss Chase said you could only meet at night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, nights are more convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe suggested we\u2019d be less conspicuous during the party.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo we even have a case or is this just a ploy to get invited?\u201d Angel turned his back to their questionable client grabbing Cordelia\u2019s attention with a low, raspy growl.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we have a case. Can I help it if Mr. Nabbit just happens to be hosting a party?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, I\u2019m sure it\u2019s all a big coincidence. We\u2019ll discuss what not to leave out of case notes tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, whatever you say big guy; but for now you really should be giving your attention to our only<\/b><\/i> paying client.\u201d Cordelia insisted, pressing her hand against Angel\u2019s shoulder and pushing him back into the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Mr. Nabbit; your case?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt, uh, somewhat has to do with\u2026blackmail. Are you familiar with Dungeons and Dragons?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I’ve seen a few.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean the…ah, role playing game?\u201d Wesley interjected before Mr. Nabbit\u2019s misconstrued reference became an uncomfortable situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026game\u2026right.\u201d Angel lobbed his head to Wesley, sporting a, you\u2019ve got to be kidding me eye roll.<\/p>\n

\u201cI used to play a lot in High School. You know, it was cool. You get to be someone else for a while, a wizard, a warrior. The whole world is magic, fighting Troglodytes and romancing exotic demon princesses, and well\u2026it\u2019s a rush!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes well, as intriguing as it sounds I\u2019m not sure how Angel Investigations can be of service to you.\u201d Wesley questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of us got really into it\u2026especially the demon romance part. And then we heard about this place\u2026where the real\u2026\u201d His voice trailed silent, not sure how to explain his situation. \u201cThe guys weren\u2019t joking about getting some tail.\u201d<\/p>\n

God the man\u2019s being blackmailed by a prostitute. What\u2019s she gonna do, threaten to tell the world he\u2019s a big fat nerd.<\/i><\/p>\n

Nose scrunching, Cordelia turned away before anyone could notice the blush of her cheeks. But Angel sensing her casual demeanor stiffen, leaned close whispering against her ear. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go mingle; we can handle this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure?\u201d She asked, hands fidgeting uncomfortably at her side. \u201cCause you know, this used to be my crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut not anymore; right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia answered with a mischievous wink and flash of a grateful smile before twirling around to join the festivities. Angel grinned, ogling the sash shay of curvy hips as she glided across the floor; it would only be a matter of minutes before Cordelia Chase owned the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you were saying.\u201d Angel returned his attention to the ongoing discussion.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNice and girl<\/i> being the operative words.\u201d Angel clarified, leaning in with an intimidating scowl.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh yea, sorry.\u201d Mr. Nabbit gulped.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel, Mr. Nabbit was filling me in on his situation at Madam Dorian\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMadam Dorian\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a demon brothel, in Bel Air I believe. The Watchers Council is ripe with stories about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou went to a demon brothel?\u201d Angel eyed the man curiously. Even if he only considered it a game, he didn\u2019t seem the type to delve that deep into the demon world.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce\u2026or twice\u2026OK twelve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it your visits weren\u2019t a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly my friends knew, well at least that\u2019s what I thought.\u201d Mr. Nabbit defended, handing Angel a picture. \u201cMy security team identified the guy as Lenny Edwards, they just can\u2019t find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel took the picture giving it a quick glance before shoving it into his coat. \u201cWe can do better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf – if my stockholders see these pictures\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t, but you might want to consider a different source for future entertainment. Wes, I\u2019m gonna find Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even if her unique scent and sparingly dabbed expensive perfume wasn\u2019t filling the air, Angel could find her by the trail of feminine laughter. This laugh, he\u2019d learned, was reserved for the in-crowd, and one he rarely heard anymore.<\/p>\n

\u201cThought we discussed mingling, not drinking,\u201d Angel whispered from behind, enjoying the soft intake of breath confirming she had been unaware of his approach.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust enjoying a little champagne.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much is a little?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Angel, my boss. Don\u2019t want you confusing him with my father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFunny. Excuse us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d Cordelia yelped as Angel abruptly pulled her from the small group.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to take off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Cordelia answered, her eyes dulling with disappointment.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust make sure you leave with Wesley, and I\u2019ll meet you guys back at the office later. Oh, and no more drinking or Daddy might spank.\u201d Angel warned with a low, playful growl.<\/p>\n

Hands fidgeting again, Cordelia shifted from foot to foot, refusing to look him in the eye. Angel grinned at the warm blush returning to her cheeks. Unlike the discomfort caused by Nabbit, this one was sweet.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Angel entered Madam Dorion\u2019s establishment, the erotically decorated bordello filled with numerous demon females and pleasure-seeking clientele. He noticed one of the prostitutes reminded him of Jheria, quickly dismissing the thought as he moved further into the room.<\/p>\n

His perusal intercepted by an attractively dressed woman, Angel turned to state his business before assumptions could be made.<\/p>\n

\u201cMadam Dorion, I presume.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t do vampires.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just came to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t do that either. Bad for business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re discreet, that\u2019s good.\u201d Angel agreed, holding up the picture. \u201cHis name is Lenny Edwards; you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDiscretion is essential in my line of work, so even I knew him I wouldn\u2019t tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow discreet would you say it is for one of your clients to be secretly photographed here\u2026and then blackmailed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlackmailed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBad for business, I guess. You tell me where I can find Lenny Edwards and maybe I just might stop this before word hits the street. I don\u2019t care about the girl, but the man is my client, which makes me care\u2026a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should talk to Lina. Lina!\u201d Madam Dorion yelled to a young woman, her head sprouting peacock-like quills instead of hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he\u2019s a pretty one.\u201d Lina purred running her hands over Angel\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a vampire, Lina.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Well, I\u2019ll make an exception if your fangs promise to play nice.<\/p>\n

Angel felt a warm fluff wiggle up his groin, and closed his eyes promising to make it stop any second now. Don\u2019t want this. Don\u2019t do prostitutes. Nope, don\u2019t need it.<\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cI have many talents, I just need to be enticed to share them.\u201d Lina cooed, nuzzling her lips against Angel\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tease Cor-\u201d Eyes snapping open, Angel shoved the woman away, shaking his mind clear of pictures best left undeveloped.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not why he\u2019s here, Lina.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, ma, no hands!\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel released a weary sigh, catching the woman\u2019s tail as it swept another pass across his groin, holding the picture out between them. \u201cI\u2019m looking for this guy, and I think your boss would like you to co-operate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVampires,\u201d Lina scoffed, \u201cthere so moody.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cThis should take care of your fee.\u201d David Nabbit announced handing the check to Wesley.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in charge of\u2026\u201d Oh my God, we\u2019ve hit the mother lode!<\/i> \u201cDo you want to touch it before I stuff it in my bra?\u201d Cordelia whispered to Wesley, his empty hand still hanging in the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood Lord, I think there must be some mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWesley, I\u2019m sure Mr. Nabbit knows how to write a check.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no mistake. I believe in rewarding good work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is amazingly generous, Mr. Nabbit, but we haven\u2019t completed the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only money, I got sack-fulls, and call me David.\u201d<\/p>\n

God yes; a pudgy, unattractive mother lode.<\/i> \u201cI like David. It\u2019s such a strong, masculine name. It just feels good in your mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr.-ah-David, you won\u2019t be disappointed. We will earn every cent of your generous confidence in our firm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just walk Wesley out and be right back.\u201d Cordelia beamed a flirty smile, grabbing Wesley\u2019s arm and tugging him toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cFeels good in your mouth?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was flustered\u2026and I\u2019ve had a couple glasses of champagne.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs a couple two?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually a couple is several. I need to practice drinking more. If I\u2019m gonna be partying with professional partiers I\u2019ve got to be able to hold my liquor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia, what did you mean when you told Mr. Nabbit you\u2019d be right back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s David; remember, and I\u2019m staying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s wise.\u201d Wesley cringed at the thought of telling Angel he\u2019d left Cordelia with their new client, a virtual stranger who partakes of demon brothel pleasures. \u201cNo, I\u2019m certain; Angel won\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I have an idea Skippy, let\u2019s not tell Dad I sneaked off to a party with boys\u2026and alcohol.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia, please don\u2019t do this to me.\u201d Wesley pleaded.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be such a fraidy-cat. Angel\u2019s growl is much worse than his bite. If not I\u2019d been drained dry months ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel bites you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMetaphorical bites, you idiot. And not to be rude or anything, but go\u2026 I need to get into boy-slayer mode, and it\u2019s been awhile.<\/i> \u2026And tell Angel I went home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia you know I don\u2019t lie well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen practice makes perfect. Consider this a training drill. Now get out.\u201d Cordelia gave Wesley a shove hustling him through the doorway, quickly closing the door as he stumbled down the steps.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Lenny Edwards asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBig question; what do I want?\u201d Angel tapped a finger against his chin in feigned concentration. \u201cLove, family, a place to call my own; but you know what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m never going to have any of those things, and unless these next few minutes go exactly the way I want them to, neither are you. Where are the pictures of David Nabbit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever heard of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou only get one lie. I probably should have mentioned that first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook pal,\u201d Lenny said patting Angel on the shoulder. \u201cYou\u2019re obviously not from around here, but trust me, you do not want to see my bad side.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou show me yours\u2026\u201d bones and flesh shifted displaying Angel\u2019s inner demon, \u201c\u2026and I\u2019ll show you mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel grabbed the would-be blackmailer ramming him against the car. \u201cOK, so now I\u2019m from around here. In fact, I\u2019m moving in and taking over; understand? I will dog you every night for the rest of your very short life until you give me what I want. Are we clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man frantically nodded his understanding, grappling with the large hands squeezed around his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll meet back here in an hour.\u201d Angel released Lenny\u2019s throat giving his plump cheek a couple of pats before backing away. \u201cSee, this wasn\u2019t so bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Immersed in thought as he traveled the busy boulevard in route to the office, Wesley yelped at the chime of his phone. \u201cOh Lord, please don\u2019t be Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley snatched the phone from his pocket giving the button a reluctant press but failing to actually answer the call.<\/p>\n

\u201cWesley?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Angel; finished already?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I should have the pictures in about an hour. I hear traffic; you and Cordelia on your way to the office?\u201d<\/p>\n

Life is so unfair. Cordelia is being wooed with expensive caviar and champagne; and I\u2019m going to be punished for it.<\/i> \u201cYes, I\u2019m<\/b><\/i> driving to the office as we speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood; is she mad?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley gripped the steering wheel tighter, gulping down the lump in his throat. Think man, think.<\/i> \u201cI can assure you, anger is not an emotion Cordelia is experiencing at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good, let me talk to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Talk to-bloody hell!<\/i> \u201cI\u2019m afraid\u2026 terrified actually<\/i> \u2026Cordelia is indisposed a the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndis-what are you talking about? You said she wasn\u2019t mad. Wes, tell Cordelia I want to talk to her\u2026now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright Angel, I\u2019m going to tell you the truth. Just please promise me you won\u2019t over react.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless Cordelia is snoring in the backseat we\u2019re way past that promise doing you any good. So spill it Wes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well\u2026I left Cordelia with David Nabbit.\u201d Wesley squeezed his eyes shut waiting for Angel\u2019s response; the threat of oncoming traffic the least of his worries.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did what! How could you leave her there? The only thing we know about Nabbit other than he\u2019s rich and powerful is his sexual preference. Christ Wes, are you insane?\u201d<\/p>\n

Good Lord Angel, calm down. Displaced rage is not the answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m placing it Wes, believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, you\u2019re right. It was a foolish decision on my part. I\u2019m turning around and I\u2019ll call you as soon as Cordelia and I leave Mr. Nabbit\u2019s\u2026together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t bother, just bring me the car. I\u2019ll drop you off at your place then pick up Cordelia myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we were planning to meet back at the office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur meeting\u2019s a man short Wes, in more ways than one. Besides, there won\u2019t be time for a meeting tonight. Just get your ass to the warehouse on Olvera and Sycamore, and don\u2019t make me wait long.\u201d<\/p>\n

The barked order ended with a whirring sound followed by a crunching crash, and Wesley swerved across the lanes to catch the next right, ignoring the honking horns and blaring obscenities. Americans can be such crude creatures.<\/i> \u201cYes well,\u201d he yelled back, \u201cyou may have been cutoff but at least you can anticipate living to see another day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the time Angel\u2019s finished with me, he\u2019ll have worked out his frustrations. He\u2019ll simply pick up Cordelia and escort her home. He\u2019s always pampering that girl. Probably why she\u2019s such a spoiled brat and I\u2019m always getting in trouble for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Angel kicked the scattered pieces from where they had landed after he hurled his phone against the brick wall. \u201cWhat the hell does Cordelia think she\u2019s doing?\u201d He angrily muttered, crushing the remaining fragments with his boot. \u201cCordelia works for me-she does what I say-and I said leave with Wesley-I didn\u2019t ask-I told.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia never listens and Wes is right, it is my fault.<\/i> Rage churned in his gut as he stomped back and forth, recalling their last argument. He had inadvertently laid his bloody weapon on her coat, smearing it with demon goo. Angry, Cordelia had demanded that he pay for having it cleaned, and when he refused, she dropped his favorite sword down the garbage shoot. Instead of making her crawl in after it, he had crawled through the filthy waste and then paid for her coat\u2019s cleaning.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell not anymore. It\u2019s time you learned who\u2019s boss little girl.\u201d Angel growled catching sight of Edwards waiting on the hood of his car; a brown envelope clutched in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a sneaky son of bitch; aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYea, but flattery won\u2019t help you tonight. You have the photographs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Lenny sneered, holding up the envelope, \u201cand a little something extra just to show you there\u2019s no hard feelings.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gray skinned demon appeared out of nowhere, his heavy fist punching Angel\u2019s face and sending him soaring threw the air.<\/p>\n

Sprawled out on the ground, Angel sized up at his attacker. The demon was large and strong; perfect Angel thought. \u201cYou have no idea how much I need this.\u201d His voice grated across the air, and Lenny felt a sudden urge to scratch his skin.<\/p>\n

Angel flipped to his feet lunging at his opponent in the same leap. The demon roared as bone cracked, his elbow bending backwards until the useless limb fell limp. \u201cReally wish I wasn\u2019t in such a rush, but I have more interesting punishment waiting.\u201d Another crack of bone as his neck snapped and the demon dropped at Angel\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe envelope please.\u201d Angel snatched the small package, quickly checking it\u2019s contents before looking over his shoulder at Lenny\u2019s retired bodyguard. \u201cEver mess with my client again\u2026and I\u2019ll do the same to you. Do we have an understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTotally,\u201d Lenny shrieked as he clamored to get inside his car.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery nice work,\u201d Wesley offered, shuffling into the passenger seat. I\u2019m sure Mr. Nabbit will be relieved to have these in his possession.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley yelped, struggling with his seatbelt as the car took off, the force of its speed pressing him against the back of his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not upset with you Wes. I\u2019m perfectly aware of who\u2019s at fault here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Took you long enough to figure it out.<\/i> \u201cYou should handle this situation as you see fit Angel.\u201d He casually suggested, slipping the photos from the envelope. \u201cOh my!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s upside down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley turned the picture around giving it another look. \u201cGood Lord, I can\u2019t imagine anyone finding that pleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The car had barely stopped before Angel leaped over the side, stalking toward the entrance. He shoved the butler out of his way and marched inside. \u201cDon\u2019t bother checking the guest list, I\u2019ll only be a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing in the middle of the room his listened, scenting the air. Rage bubbled into fury when Cordelia\u2019s presence wasn\u2019t found on the lower level. His boots pounded over every other rung as he made his way upstairs, and kicking in the closed door he stormed into David Nabbit\u2019s private suite.<\/p>\n

Cordelia shrieked at the unexpected intrusion, spilling her glass of red wine down the front of her dress. \u201cAngel, what the-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYours,\u201d Angel barked, slapping the crumpled envelope against the man\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026thanks,\u201d David muttered, eyes wide as saucers and mouth gaping.<\/p>\n

\u201cMine,\u201d Angel grasped Cordelia\u2019s arm jerking her from the couch and over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel, what the crap has gotten into you? You\u2019re acting like a maniac.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another shriek spewed from red lips as a large, heavy hand landed an unexpected slap across her upturned bottom.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe next time I tell you to leave with Wesley, you better do as your told. Now tell Mr. Nabbit goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight David.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026yea\u2026bye.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia grabbed the doorframe, fingers turning white as they pressed into wood trying to slow down Angel\u2019s fast exit. \u201cI had a really nice time.\u201d She called out as her fingers slipped from view, another smack and shrill resonating into the empty space.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe you. Is my humiliation the highlight of your day?\u201d Cordelia fumed, squirming in her seat to find a more comfortable position.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t find offering yourself in exchange for an expensive night out humiliating?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you; just who do you think you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I was your boss\u2026and friend. I don\u2019t know anymore\u2026and I\u2019m tired of thinking about it. So just shut up!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me to shut up-and stop yelling at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry; let\u2019s just ride the rest of the way with a little peace and quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Wesley meeting us at the office or did you already eat him?\u201d Cordelia asked only to be answered with a rumbling growl.<\/p>\n

A lull settled over their bickering and Cordelia finally noticed Angel\u2019s face and the skinned knuckles of the hands gripping the steering wheel. \u201cWas the blackmailer a demon? Did you have to fight him for the pictures?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe blackmailer was human, but he had a demon bodyguard; he wasn\u2019t very good at his job though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel?\u201d Cordelia asked, guilt rising before she could figure out how to justify that nothing was her fault.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I\u2019ve been beaten by a demon twice my size.\u201d Angel whispered, milking the attention to its fullest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but it\u2019s not like I could have protected you. But I am sorry for not being there to patch you up. I know what\u2019ll make you feel better. Want to see the check?\u201d She asked, pulling it from inside her dress and explaining to Angel\u2019s glare. \u201cI didn\u2019t have my purse and wanted to keep it safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel tilted his head up, leaning over to get a better look at the check. Ten thousand dollars, not bad for less than two hours of work.<\/i> \u201cI earned that\u2026me\u2026alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell excuse me. My big, strong man went out and earned the money while the little woman stayed home. Old-age values for an-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t finish that sentence.\u201d Angel warned, snatching the check and stuffing it into his pocket. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t have a problem earning the money. The problem is ‘my’ little woman isn\u2019t staying home for ‘her’ man to come home to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOK, something\u2019s wrong with this conversation\u2026and if you\u2019ll stop upsetting me, I\u2019ll figure out what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no idea, little girl, just how much wrongness I\u2019ve realized about us tonight.\u201d Angel was dead tired. He\u2019d been duped into meeting their client at a party, beaten by a demon, and discovered his over-protective tendency was nothing more than imperfectly disguised jealousy. \u201cAnd if you think I\u2019m going to deal with it alone\u2026you\u2019re wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell there\u2019s nothing wrong with me, so I won\u2019t be dealing with anything tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe night\u2019s still young sweetheart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept that,\u201d Cordelia accused, shaking her finger at Angel. \u201cYou\u2019re off your rocker. Did you bone a blonde while you were out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop talking Cordelia, you\u2019re only making it worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHush,\u201d Angel rasped, taking his eyes off the road again to cast a warning leer. \u201cI have no problem gagging you. In fact, I might have a scarf in my pocket.\u201d<\/p>\n

And I have mace in my purse\u2026which is not here\u2026crap.<\/i><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cYou smell bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo-not you-the wine; it\u2019s all over your dress.\u201d Angel stuttered, clarifying his blunder. \u201cTake it off and I\u2019ll see if I can get the stain out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrrrrrrr,\u201d Angel growled. \u201cIn the bedroom; take your dress off and leave it in the bedroom. I\u2019ll work on the stain while you shower.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, OK.\u201d Cordelia relented.<\/p>\n

Once secluded in Angel\u2019s bedroom she quickly shed her dress, tossing it on the bed as she dashed into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.<\/p>\n

Angel could hear the water running, smell his soap mingling with Cordelia\u2019s distinctive scent before he reached the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel, is that you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Expecting someone else?<\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cIf my dress is wet, I won\u2019t have anything to put on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t even finished your shower yet. I\u2019ll find you something and leave it on the bed.\u201d Yea right, you\u2019re on your own sweetheart. Deal with it; I\u2019ve dealt with it all night\u2026hell weeks.<\/i> Angel plucked the dress from the bed, desperate to escape the luring scene playing in his head.<\/p>\n

Lifting the bottle from the counter, Angel studied the brightly covered label. Spot-Be-Gone, works on blood, a little wine shouldn\u2019t be a problem.<\/i> He saturated the dress with the cleaning solution, concentrating on his task. Just focus on your work. Everything will be back to normal if you keep your mind off Cordelia. Hell, if this is normal, who wants normal? Cordelia\u2019s in my shower\u2026naked\u2026and I\u2019m out here doing her laundry.<\/i> Angel scrubbed the fabric harder. Focus on the stain. Got to get the stain out. Out damn spot, out.<\/i> The dress surrendered to its heavy, jerky scrubbing and Angel cringed as the sound of tearing fabric invaded his private hell. Fuck it! Getting cursed with a soul wasn\u2019t punishment\u2026and that perfect bliss clause wasn\u2019t either. They were just neatly placed stepping-stones leading me to the real torment.<\/i> Angel plucked the ruined dress from the sink, water splattering across floor as he slung it into the trash can. If Cordelia needs something to cover her body with, I\u2019ll give her something.<\/i><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The spray of water almost drowned out the soft intake of breath as Angel pressed against Cordelia\u2019s backside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou-you\u2026you were getting me something to put on.\u201d Cordelia murmured, bracing her palms against the shower wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cHush, no more talking.\u201d Angel took the bath scrunchie, the nylon rope handle slipping from beneath her palm. \u201cYou won\u2019t need this anymore, you have me.\u201d His wet breath whispered against her ear.<\/p>\n

Her knees felt weak, and Cordelia barely repressed the whimper slipping from her lips. She had dreamed of his kisses, fantasized whether his lips would feel hard and hungry or soft and needy.<\/p>\n

Hazel eyes dark with arousal, and rimmed with a shadow of uncertainty peered over a delicately curved shoulder. The narrowed intent of her gaze capable of causing even a masterful lover to fear inadequacy.<\/p>\n

The whimper broke free as a finger lifted her face; lips descending, her body shuddered as fantasy became real. Angel jerked her body tighter against him, his tongue pushing her lips apart as it plunged inside.<\/p>\n

His mouth slanted over hers, deepening the kiss; his tongue slipping in and out of her mouth enticing her own to join in its dance. He groaned into her mouth, pressing her harder against the wall, the slick tile surface caressing sensitive nipples. Reaching her arms higher, Cordelia clung to his neck fearing she would fall into oblivion. Legs bent, his erection, thick and hard, pressed between her thighs stroking her moist heat.<\/p>\n

Angel tasted hot and wild, overwhelming her senses and Cordelia felt the cords of his muscles pressing against her backside. It was dangerous and exciting, the kind of lust only existing in erotic romance novels. Until now, Cordelia marveled, lungs burning and threatening to collapse as Angel instinctively freed her mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWes seems to think you have some kind of control over me, making me fall to my knees at your whim. I think he may be right.\u201d Angel dropped to his knees, Cordelia mewling as blunt teeth nibbled her cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmit it Cor,\u201d Angel rasped, two fingers slipping into her wet center, \u201cyou like me being possessive. Tell me you belong to me and you want it that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh God,\u201d Cordelia moaned. \u201cYes, I like it, mmmm I want it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood girl,\u201d Angel purred, standing up and twirling Cordelia around to face him, her breath hitching when his fingers plunged back inside, his thumb teasing her clit. \u201cI want to watch you cum.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s body shuddered, breasts throbbing and nipples hardening. Her blood pulsed in anticipation as his fingers slid in and out, short-trimmed nails scraping against the walls of her womb.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it baby, give yourself to me.\u201d Angel urged, Cordelia writhing above his hand. Legs trembling as her first orgasm hit, Angel fell to his knees, sucking her swollen clit into his mouth. Lifting her thighs over his shoulders, his tongue delved inside lapping up the cream of her arousal.<\/p>\n

Angel was off the shower floor in an instant, Cordelia swept into his arms. \u201cMy turn,\u201d he husked sprinting toward the bed. She bounced into the fluffy bed covers, Angel following her down and capturing her mouth in smoldering kiss. Cordelia tasted herself in his mouth and their groans collided, sibilating against kiss-swollen lips.<\/p>\n

His knees pushed against her thighs, fingers spreading feminine lips as his shaft pressed against her entrance. Cordelia grunted as he pushed inside, and Angel halted feeling the snug resistance, Wilson Christopher\u2019s invasion long forgotten by muscles young and resilient.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a while,\u201d Cordelia whispered, uncomfortable now that the action had slowed. \u201cYou know since that one time with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSsshhh, that doesn\u2019t count. He didn\u2019t love you.\u201d Angel kissed her nose then pressed his forehead to Cordelia\u2019s. \u201cThink about how you felt in the shower. I promise you this will be even better. Trust me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways.\u201d Cordelia smiled, sliding her hands up Angel\u2019s back to caress his shoulders.<\/p>\n

Angel pulled out, slowly sliding back in, keeping his thrust slow until he felt Cordelia\u2019s muscles begin to relax. Slipping his hand under her bottom, he lifted slightly shifting the angle of his entry and thrust inside burying his shaft inside her heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cGod!\u201d Cordelia moaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNu\u2026uh,\u201d she panted, eyes rolling back until hazel irises almost disappeared.<\/p>\n

Angel started a steady pace, penetration deepening and momentum building with each thrust. He felt the fire kindle, burning from the pit of his belly, his sac tightening from his shaft\u2019s slippery scrape through the narrow passage of clinching muscles.<\/p>\n

\u201cChrist, so tight\u2026won\u2019t last.\u201d He mumbled against the side of her face.<\/p>\n

Cordelia felt the familiar tingle rising from her center, her skin slick with dots of heated sweat. \u201cDon\u2019t try\u2026ready now.\u201d She mumbled back, hips lifting off the bed desperate to match his frantic pace.<\/p>\n

Angel slid his knees under him, ravishing Cordelia\u2019s mouth, and throat, and breasts as he plunged in and out, her body rising up to envelope his throbbing shaft with each thrust. Fighting to hold her place, nails dug into his back, the feral growl escalating into a howl of intense pleasure as sharp fangs bit into the tender flesh of her throat.<\/p>\n

Cordelia wrapped her legs above his hips, a scream of pleasurable pain trapped in her throat. Muscles clinched uncontrollably, trapping his shaft inside her burning heat; and Angel roared as his climax erupted burning him from the inside out. His cool release filling her hot core, Cordelia grunted, Angel moving in slow, lazy thrusts as her own culmination subsided.<\/p>\n

Easing out of her with a hiss, he rolled onto his side taking Cordelia with him, and throwing a limp leg over her hip, wrapped her in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMmmm,\u201d Cordelia hummed, her faced nuzzled against his chest. \u201cWe should go to parties more often.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t\u2026if we talk, we\u2019ll argue. I\u2019m tired, I\u2019m sated, and God forbid, I\u2019m content. So go to sleep and we\u2019ll talk in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOK, whatever you say. See, I always do what I\u2019m told.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLiar,\u201d Angel purred giving Cordelia\u2019s butt a gentle pinch. \u201cYou will be the death of me woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, but at least you\u2019ll die happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel would tell Cordelia in the morning he had ruined her dress. It would give them something to argue about.<\/p>\n

The End<\/b><\/p>\n

Cydnestorm<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Title: A Labor of Love Author: CydneStorm Posted: 10\/7\/2005 Email Rating: NC17 Category: Fluffy smut, hopefully with a little romance Content: A\/C smutty…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1843","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-completed-fics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1843","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1843"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1843\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1843"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1843"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1843"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}