Part 13<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel had spent the entire car ride debating internally whether or not to invade the privacy of her thoughts. Cordelia had been quiet and withdrawn. He wanted to know what she\u2019d been through.<\/p>\n
Was she angry that he didn\u2019t rescue her? Did she still want to forget she ever met any of them, him included? Was she thinking about their kiss? Did she realize he knew his answer to her question?<\/p>\n
And does she think there is room for two in her bathtub. He was sure they could both fit comfortably. There was plenty of room on his lap if need be.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you growling?\u201d<\/p>\n
He cleared his throat. \u201cSorry.\u201d He followed her into the house. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the last time, I\u2019m fine.\u201d She slammed the front door behind them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t trying to upset you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I shouldn\u2019t have snapped. It\u2019s been a long day.\u201d She started up the stairs.<\/p>\n
Angel trailed behind her. \u201cDo you want to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI already told you guys everything the Mayor said.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about what happened with Faith?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLike I said, the Mayor showed up before she could make good on her threats.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard what she said in the cafeteria. It wasn\u2019t true.\u201d When she didn\u2019t respond, he grabbed her arm and forced her to face him. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t true. I was trading for you. You were the one I was worried about.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t say that. Hell, I was worried about Willow too. When she got loose, he sent Faith to look for her. I wouldn\u2019t wish psycho slayer on my worst enemy. It\u2019s not like I wanted everyone to choose my safety over Willow\u2019s. I didn\u2019t want there to be any choosing. Unfortunately we don\u2019t always get what we want.\u201d She stepped back and opened her bedroom door.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan we not talk about this tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy..\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe you, Angel. You wouldn\u2019t have left me there and knowing that honestly does make me feel better. Wesley smashing that pot helps too. Once we were in the office, he expressed his happiness that I returned safely and with helpful information. It was very sweet in a British sort of way.\u201d Her smile didn\u2019t quite reach her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, would you like..\u201d<\/p>\n
~ Ring! ~<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cI better get that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stood in the doorway and watched her. He wanted her to finish her question.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello\u2026. Oh hi\u2026. No I didn\u2019t know\u2026.. No he didn\u2019t\u2026\u2026.. It wouldn\u2019t have made much of a difference. I\u2019m exhausted. I just wanted to go home and take a hot bath. So\u2026\u2026 I suppose I could take the phone in there with me. Actually now that I\u2019m home, I think I\u2019m just going to go to bed\u2026.. No it\u2019s not that.\u201d<\/p>\n
*I\u2019m just feeling less sorry for myself.*<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s late. Getting some sleep sounds better than hot water and bubbles\u2026\u2026. Thanks for the mental picture. Look I\u2019ll talk to you later\u2026.. OK. Good night Xander.\u201d She hung up the receiver and glanced at the doorway. Angel was gone. She briefly considered going to look for him but dismissed the thought. She went into her closet to change.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Her bed felt so big and empty with just her in it. Their morning tickle fest felt like such a long time ago. She reminded herself she normally went to sleep alone. She didn\u2019t climb into bed with Angel until his nightmares woke her up.<\/p>\n
She gave her pillow a few punches. \u201cHe didn\u2019t even say good night. I thought he wanted..\u201d She covered her mouth when she heard a knock. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s me. Can I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia straightened her covers and fixed her hair. \u201cCome in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI brought you a bowl of cookie dough fudge mint chip ice cream. I thought you could use some comfort food.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026that\u2019s\u2026\u201d She felt tears prick her eyes. \u201cThat\u2019s the sweetest\u2026\u201d She wiped her eyes. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel handed her the bowl. \u201cYou said it was your favorite.\u201d He shuffled from foot to foot. \u201cWell\u2026. umm good night.\u201d *I guess she decided against a bath.*<\/p>\n
\u201cWait.\u201d She shifted to one side of the bed and pulled the covers back. She looked up at him under her lashes. \u201cCome to bed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy wait until you\u2019re in the middle of a nightmare? I\u2019ll share my ice cream.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn that case, how can I possibly say no?\u201d He sat down on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not going to sleep fully dressed, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh umm no.\u201d He took off his shoes and socks then stood and began to undress. He folded his shirt and laid it on the chair by her desk. He turned around to find a pair of hazel eyes watching his every move.<\/p>\n
Cordelia was happily munching on her ice cream and enjoying the view. *Don\u2019t mind me. Keep going.*<\/i> This time her smile reached her eyes. He unbuckled his belt, undid his pants and let them fall to the floor. He neatly folded them before adding them to the pile.<\/p>\n
The sight of Angel clad only in a pair of boxers kept her mesmerized. She held her breath as he approached the bed. Her mind completely shut down when he slid under the covers. She mutely held out a spoonful of ice cream.<\/p>\n
He opened his mouth and let her feed him. His eyes locked with hers. He was surprised by the lack of thoughts. \u201cAre you mad at me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Her gaze dropped to his mouth. She watched his lips form words. His soft kissable lips curled in the most adorable way.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI asked if you\u2019re mad at me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her gaze dropped lower to his chest. She watched it rise and fall so his kissable lips could form words. His firm smooth chest made her ache to run her fingers over it. \u201cWhy would I be mad at you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Her hungry look made him grateful he couldn\u2019t blush. \u201cI didn\u2019t tell you Xander wanted to spend time alone with you.\u201d He stared at his hands.<\/p>\n
She felt a slight twinge of guilt at the sound of Xander\u2019s name. The feeling was nothing compared to before. Her bubble of denial regarding her boyfriend had taken quite a beating but there was still a part of her that was afraid to let go. Being captured had reminded her she wasn\u2019t a full fledged member of the Scooby gang.<\/p>\n
The small foothold she had was because she was Xander\u2019s girlfriend, but being curled up in her bed with Angel and a bowl of ice cream he\u2019d brought her, none of that mattered. She was content to stay exactly where she was. She didn\u2019t need any of them to be happy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter. I still would\u2019ve come home.\u201d She set the bowl on her nightstand. She tried to stifle a yawn and failed. \u201cI\u2019m too tired to pretend like he isn\u2019t a complete jerk and\u2026\u201d Her hand urged him to lie back. She rested her head on his shoulder. \u201cAnd I\u2019m too tired to pretend like I\u2019m not a horrible girlfriend.\u201d<\/p>\n
His arms pulled her flush against him. \u201cI couldn\u2019t stand the thought of you going anywhere with that\u2026 You\u2019re in good company though. I\u2019m not exactly the best boyfriend either. In fact, I\u2019ve come to a decision. Cordelia, I\u2019ve never known anyone like you. You\u2019re\u2026\u201d His words drifted off as the sound of her gentle snoring registered.<\/p>\n
He reached over and switched the bedside lamp off. He kissed her forehead before letting his eyes close. He had woken up to the sense of peace her presence afforded but this was the first time he felt it while seeking sleep.<\/p>\n
The warmth of her body, her scent in the air, the soft feel of her sheets and the way she draped an arm and a leg over him gave Angel a whole new level of peace. Cordelia had become his refuge. She had invaded his mind, his soul and especially his heart. He had to agree with what she told the Mayor.<\/p>\n
A person in love tended to be at least a little selfish. He didn\u2019t deserve her and he couldn\u2019t be what she needed but he intended to hold onto her, fight for her if necessary. He made his decision. Now he just needed her to be awake to hear it.<\/p>\n
***
\nCordelia felt strong hands searching, touching, stroking and exploring her body. Her baby-T and boxers were unwelcome barriers. She needed to feel those hands on bare skin. \u201cAngel please.\u201d<\/p>\n
The material was quickly discarded. The hands felt cool against her skin but they left fire in their wake. Her hands began their own exploration. His boxers soon joined her clothing on the floor. Her fingertips traced invisible patterns on his back and chest.<\/p>\n
Her moan ripped through the air as his lips, teeth and tongue joined the skillful hands. \u201cAngel,\u201d was the only word her brain could think of. Her hips bucked at the sensation of insistent fingers stroking her silken folds, spreading the moisture already pooled there. \u201cAngel.\u201d She clutched his shoulders as a single digit pushed its way inside. \u201cAngel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Soulful brown eyes watched her, penetrating her very being, seeing everything. She groaned at the addition of another finger. Her hips rose to meet each pleasurable stroke. \u201cAngel,\u201d she choked out when his thumb began tormenting the pulsing bundle of nerves.<\/p>\n
Her growing need kick started her higher functions. \u201cAngel please. I need you inside me.\u201d Her fingertips traced the length of his erection before taking him in a firm grip. \u201cPlease. Make love to me.\u201d Her free hand grabbed his neck, urging him to blanket her trembling body. \u201cAngel please.\u201d She led him to her entrance.<\/p>\n
In one quick movement his fingers disappeared and he thrust inside her. She gasped. He filled her so completely. Her legs and hands held him in place. It had been so long and it hadn\u2019t been like this. After a moment, her body began to ache with need. She loosened her tight grip on him and he began to gently move within her. \u201cAngel.\u201d<\/p>\n
His soft kissable lips smiled at her. Her head rose off her pillow to capture them. Her teeth nibbled on his lower lip before allowing her tongue to battle his. He swallowed her moans.<\/p>\n
His hands cupped her breasts. He abandoned her mouth so he could capture a nipple. She mewled as he alternated between teasing the tip with his tongue and gently suckling at it. She threaded her fingers through his hair and pressed him to her flesh.<\/p>\n
His thrusts grew harder as he moved to lavish the other breast with the same treatment. Her hips rose to meet each hard thrust. Every cell in her body came alive and sparked with electricity. Her nails left red trails on his back. \u201cOh god Angel! So close. Please. So good. I need\u2026I need\u2026 Angel please.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her muscles tensed on the precipice of something she could barely name. It hadn\u2019t been like this. She desperately needed\u2026something.<\/p>\n
His hand snaked its way between their tight embrace. She felt an almost frightening surge of pleasure when his thumb pressed against her clitoris. \u201cYes!\u201d She hissed. An explosion of light dazzled her vision. His pace became frantic. She no longer knew where he ended and she began. Instead of overwhelming her, she felt exhilarated. She felt liberated. \u201cAngel don\u2019t stop!\u201d<\/p>\n
She missed the feel of his lips. She pulled him to her and drank deep. Her tongue explored the cavern of his mouth. Plundering its new home and staking claim. She vowed never to deny herself the pleasure of kissing him. He was hers. The realization felt so right. Angel was hers.<\/p>\n
Her body was inundated with wave after wave of ecstasy. \u201cAngel!\u201d Her muscles clenched and pulsated with pure bliss. She felt him follow her in sweet release as her body floated in a sea of unadulterated sensations.<\/p>\n
She looked up into his beautiful eyes. \u201cI love you, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stroked her cheek. He panted for breath his body didn\u2019t require but his soul needed. He watched her eyes blink open. He saw her confusion turn to panic.<\/p>\n
She was still dressed. It had been a dream. It had all been a dream. It had been a soul-shaking, mind-blowing dream. She felt Angel\u2019s body pressed along her side. She felt the evidence of his arousal hard against her hip. She felt his gaze on her. He\u2019d been watching her sleep.<\/p>\n
The mind reading object of her affections had been watching her as she dreamed about making love to him, as she declared\u2026. She felt his chest vibrating in a soft purr.<\/p>\n
*oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god*<\/i><\/p>\n
The alluring scent of her arousal that had his dead lungs panting for air and his body rock hard was rapidly being replaced by the scent of her fear. \u201cCordy, I..\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shoved him off her and leaped out of bed. \u201cListening to a person\u2019s dream is wrong.\u201d She paced the floor by her bed. \u201cIt\u2019s a total invasion of privacy.\u201d She threw her hands in the air, gesturing wildly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t control your dreams and they don\u2019t mean anything. Just last week I dreamed I worked at Doublemeat Palace flipping burgers. I won\u2019t even eat there let alone work there. And I\u2019ve heard that sex in a dream can mean something totally different, like\u2026. something non-sex related. And the things we say\u2026.they\u2019re not always grounded in reality. I once told a dream Harmony that I thought she was the smartest person I know. Which is as insane as it is untrue. Just because I said\u2026.what I said and we were\u2026doing what we were doing doesn\u2019t mean\u2026.\u201d She clutched her stomach.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019m going to hyperventilate while dying of embarrassment.\u201d She sank to the floor and hugged her knees. \u201cAm I still dreaming?\u201d Strong arms enveloped her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got you. Just breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her mind was flooded with images of his hands touching her, him filling her, their bodies moving together in a dance as old as time, and his eyes not just looking but seeing her. Her breathing grew heavy and the heat in her belly sparked. She rubbed her forehead on his neck.<\/p>\n
Angel intended only to calm her panic but as her fear dissipated from the air and was replaced by her arousal, his raw need for her returned with a vengeance. He had refused his body\u2019s wants when it had been her unconscious mind causing the scent. She was awake now. He nudged her with his cheek, urging her head to rise.<\/p>\n
She lifted her chin. Before she could utter a word, his lips covered hers. The intensity of the kiss exceeded the fire her imagination created. She threaded her fingers in his hair. His hunger overwhelmed her. She happily allowed him to push her onto her back.<\/p>\n
His hips settled between her thighs. The feel of her heat teasing him through the thin barriers elicited a growl of appreciation.<\/p>\n
Against her wishes, her head turned so she could gasp for air. He trailed kisses along her jaw line.<\/p>\n
~ Ring! ~ <\/i><\/p>\n
This time her groan wasn\u2019t one of pleasure. \u201cNo,\u201d she whined.<\/p>\n
\u201cIgnore it.\u201d He seized her lips and willed the interruption away.<\/p>\n
~ Ring! ~<\/i><\/p>\n
His hand slid up from its place on her hip and ascended the length of her body. It slipped beneath her shirt to cup bare flesh.<\/p>\n
~ Ring! ~<\/i><\/p>\n
She wanted the material separating their bodies gone. She tried to use her feet to divest him of his boxers but their bodies refused to give the needed space for such an endeavor.<\/p>\n
~ Ring! ~<\/i><\/p>\n
One hand continued to worship the world\u2019s most perfect breasts while the other held her hips in place as he moved against them. It was making clothing removal difficult.<\/p>\n
~ Ring! ~<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cArgh! Go away!\u201d<\/p>\n
His mouth covered hers before she could suggest answering the hateful ringing sound. He shifted, allowing his hands to switch. He didn\u2019t want her other perfect breast to feel neglected.<\/p>\n
~ Ring! ~<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cDammit! Don\u2019t you have an answering machine?\u201d<\/p>\n
She panted. \u201cYes. They must have hung up before it kicked in and called right back. Now shut up and kiss me.\u201d<\/p>\n
~ Ring! ~<\/i><\/p>\n
She banged her head on the floor. \u201cThey\u2019re not going away, are they? Whoever is on the other end of that line needs to die a slow painful death.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel reluctantly rolled off her.<\/p>\n
She crawled over to her nightstand and grabbed the phone. \u201cHello\u2026. Well excuse me for taking so long. It is\u2026wow is that really the time\u2026\u2026\u2026 You did?………. He is? There\u2019s no rush\u2026\u2026.. Oh\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026That doesn\u2019t sound like Giles\u2026\u2026\u2026 I haven\u2019t showered or anything\u2026\u2026\u2026 But\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 No. It\u2019s not that. It is good news\u2026\u2026\u2026.. All of you?………… OK\u2026\u2026 No I\u2019m sure it\u2019ll be fun\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.. OK. I\u2019ll see you when you get here. Bye Xander.\u201d She hung up the receiver and glanced over at Angel. He was sprawled across her floor with an arm draped over his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat did he want?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe called to tell us some good news.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh huh\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems Buffy and Xander decided to do some demon hunting last night. They managed to find the demon that got away. Giles and Wesley are making your cure as we speak. Buffy, Xander, Willow and Oz will be here in about an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes all of them to deliver a potion?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat can I say? The good news just keeps on coming. Giles gave us the day off. After what happened last night, he decided to give us a break. He and Wesley are going to study the pages Willow stole. I think they just wanted all of us out of their way. Anyway since you can\u2019t go out, they decided to spend the day hanging out here. Isn\u2019t that great?\u201d She crawled over to him and rested her head on his chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe it\u2019s for the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d She tried to sit up but he pulled her back into his arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean it will give us an opportunity to talk to them. Buffy deserves to be told the truth before you and me..\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you insane?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019d kill me and then she\u2019d hold you in place while Xander stakes you. Besides you can\u2019t break up with her during a Scooby get together. It\u2019s just not done. It needs to be private and\u2026oh god. That\u2019s not where you were going, was it? It\u2019s over now, isn\u2019t it? Plague cured. You\u2019re going to confess about\u2026and then beg her forgiveness. I\u2019m such an idiot! Faith may be a psycho but she totally called this one.\u201d<\/p>\n
She wriggled free and stood. \u201cI should get dressed. Maybe I can still salvage some of my self respect.\u201d Against her better judgment, she risked a glance at the source of her heartbreak. Angry brown eyes were glaring at her.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that really what you think? You think I\u2019ve been using you until Buffy was ready to be around me again? You think you mean so little to me? You think I could just walk away after everything that\u2019s happened between us? That is what you think of me?\u201d<\/p>\n
A tear streamed down her face unchecked. *Nobody chooses me over Buffy*<\/i> \u201cI\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stood before her. His finger raised her chin.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake a good look, Cordelia. Someone just did.\u201d<\/p>\n