4<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n
The alarm clock beside her woke Faith instantly and she blinked several times, trying to adjust her eyes to the morning light streaming through the window. She flung an arm out in habit, squeaking when it connected with something soft, but solid.<\/p>\n
Whatever it was let out an indignant huff and shoved her off the bed.<\/p>\n
\u201cOw!\u201d Faith yelped, rubbing her injured bottom. She took in her surroundings. This was Buffy\u2019s guest room. She quickly got onto her knees and placed both elbows on the bed, staring at the peacefully sleeping woman who she\u2019d been beside less than a minute ago.<\/p>\n
Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Peaceful, her ass.<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning to you too, roomy.\u201d Faith stood, stretching for a few seconds before strolling out of the bedroom. She heard shuffling in the kitchen and turned into the doorway, grinning when she saw Buffy laying the small kitchen table with plates.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey B.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy glanced up, smiling at her. \u201cMorning. Sleep well?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat.\u201d Faith walked in, taking a look around the kitchen. Bacon was sizzling in the frying pan and there were two cartons of juice lying on the counter. \u201cUp until I got pushed off the bed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy snorted, covering her mouth with her palm. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d Faith rolled her eyes. \u201cThat girl has anger issues. I accidentally whacked her with my arm and even in her sleep she ended up shoving me to the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy giggled, flipping the bacon. \u201cWhere is she?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s sleeping.\u201d Faith said, yawning widely. \u201cMust\u2019ve been all the exercise I gave her last night.\u201d She winked saucily at Buffy and the blonde laughed, handing her a glass of juice.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight. Well, she better get up soon, we owe Satan\u2019s law firm a visit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cCan we grab her by the legs and drag her out of bed?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy shot her a horrified look. \u201cDon\u2019t you value your life?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard that.\u201d Came a voice from just outside the door. Seconds later Cordy stepped into the kitchen. Despite the fact that her eyes were still blinking with sleep and the jumper she\u2019d slept in was falling off her shoulder, her hair and her entire appearance appeared as perfect as it did the night before.<\/p>\n
Faith hated that.<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning gorgeous.\u201d Buffy grinned, one hand on her hip. \u201cBreakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSounds good.\u201d Cordy flopped down on the seat next to Faith, glaring at her.<\/p>\n
Faith was struggling not to laugh. \u201cGuess I should pay some heed to the expression, let sleeping bitches lie\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
She received a swift, sharp kick in the shin from Cordy.<\/p>\n
\u201cOw!\u201d Faith yelped, grabbing her leg. \u201cDammit Cordelia, twice in one morning?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy shot her a cheeky grin, grabbing a slice of toast that Buffy placed on the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine. The next time we stay over?\u201d Faith turned to Buffy. \u201cI\u2019m sleeping in your bed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy rolled her eyes, sliding a slice of bacon onto her plate and taking a seat. Cordelia glanced at her.<\/p>\n
\u201cReady to face the enemy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy smiled widely at her. \u201cAs I\u2019ll ever be.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
BING.<\/p>\n
The elevator doors opened and Cordelia stepped out onto the floor, Buffy and Faith either side of her. Several heads turned their way, mostly open \u2013 mouthed men and green \u2013 eyed women. Cordy took a moment to observe the interior of the building, noting that it was just as exquisite as the exterior they had seen moments before.<\/p>\n
The ceiling was vast and high off the ground. Every piece of furniture was oak – wood and stylishly coated in a dark polish. Deep, velvet carpeting covered the floors and men and women walked over them with authority in their designer shoes and million dollar suits.<\/p>\n
Faith shifted uncomfortably. \u201cI hate wearing suits.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy grinned, walking over to the main counter. She tapped her fingernails restlessly against the surface until the ditzy blonde on the phone behind it shot her an irritated look. Buffy\u2019s grin widened.<\/p>\n
The blonde put the phone down. \u201cCan I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re looking for Mr Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
The blonde looked bored. \u201cDo you have an appointment?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy frowned. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
The blonde dismissed her with a flick of her hair. \u201cWell I\u2019m sorry, you can\u2019t see him without one.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOoh.\u201d Faith said, stepping close to Cordy. \u201cShowdown of the blondes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy smiled. \u201cMy money\u2019s on Buff.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy raised an eyebrow. \u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n
The blonde looked up, as though surprised she was still standing there. \u201cMr Angel\u2019s a very busy man.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I\u2019m a very busy woman.\u201d Buffy said briskly. \u201cI need to speak with him now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The blonde glared at her. \u201cWell, I\u2019m afraid you – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t a request Barbie doll, it\u2019s an order.\u201d Buffy snapped.<\/p>\n
The blonde apparently had more balls than she let on. \u201cI don\u2019t have to take orders from you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOuch.\u201d Faith muttered, grinning. Cordelia rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI bet you\u2019d rather take orders than a fist.\u201d Buffy said, taking a step closer to the counter. To her delight, the blonde took a step back.<\/p>\n
\u201cSecurity can be here at the press of a button.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe.\u201d Buffy shrugged. \u201cBut I doubt they could handle me.\u201d<\/p>\n
The blonde frowned deeply, glancing at Faith and Cordelia who came to stand behind Buffy. Her eyes narrowed in vague recognition. Her nostrils flared and then suddenly, her eyes widened.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2026you\u2019re – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLikely to get extremely pissed if there isn\u2019t a little less conversation and a little more action very soon?\u201d Faith suggested, clicking her fingers. \u201cThat would be a yes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The blonde opened and closed her mouth several times before picking up the phone. Buffy tensed but the blonde gestured to some leather seating behind them. \u201cTake a seat. You may have to wait a while but I\u2019ll see what I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t have time to – \u201d Buffy started, but Cordy rested a hand on her arm, shooting her a look. Buffy huffed, but relented. She turned around and walked over to the sofas, taking a seat.<\/p>\n
Cordy smiled at the blonde. \u201cThanks. We\u2019ll wait.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Fifteen minutes later, even Cordelia was getting restless. Buffy tapped her heel rhythmically against the ground, alternating between fiddling with her fingers and shooting disapproving looks at Faith, who was busy eyeing up anything in a pantsuit.<\/p>\n
Cordy glanced over at the receptionist. \u201cExcuse me!\u201d The blonde raised her head. \u201cIs this \u2018wait\u2019 going to take very much longer?\u201d<\/p>\n
The blonde looked incredibly irritated, but she quickly picked up the phone at Cordelia\u2019s glare. She spoke into the receiver for a few seconds before she replaced it and looked up. \u201cShouldn\u2019t be much longer, he\u2019s almost free.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia rolled her eyes, getting out of her seat. \u201cI need to pee.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for that.\u201d Faith muttered, tapping lightly at the edges of her bun.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want us to wait if they send us in?\u201d Buffy asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I\u2019ll follow.\u201d Cordy spun on her heel and headed towards the toilets. \u201cThough at this rate, I could fall in and still make it out in time.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
However, seconds after Cordelia walked off, the blonde receptionist appeared in front of them.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can go in now.\u201d Her smile was saccharine sweet, and Buffy had to resist the urge to wipe it from her face. She stood, adjusting her jacket as she and Faith made their way over to the large wooden doors of Angel\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about Cor?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe said she\u2019d follow.\u201d Buffy said, holding the door for her friend as the blonde led them inside. The office was magnificent, enormous in size and beautifully decorated with expensive pieces of art and designer furniture.<\/p>\n
The most beautiful thing in the room however, sat behind a large oak \u2013 wood desk opposite them, his stance rigid as he signed several papers in front of him. Buffy noticed the way his brow creased and the frown that curled his lip downwards.<\/p>\n
Yep. This guy definitely needed their help.<\/p>\n
\u201cBossy?\u201d The blonde said, gesturing to Buffy and Faith. \u201cThese are the women I was telling you about. They refused to leave without – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks Harmony.\u201d Angel said, nodding at her. Her mouth snapped shut then, and she turned on her heel with a huff, walking out and slamming the door behind her. Buffy and Faith winced but Angel barely batted an eyelid. He stood, extending his hand and when he looked up at them with those dark, intense eyes, both momentarily forgot what it was they had come all this way to say.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi, I\u2019m Angel. How can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo many ways\u2026\u201d Faith murmured and Buffy snapped out of it, shooting her an angry look. She came forward quickly, shaking Angel\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cNice to meet you. I\u2019m Buffy Summers and this is my colleague Faith.\u201d Buffy released his hand, taking a step back. \u201cIt\u2019s um, not so much how you can help us. More like, how we can help you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel frowned. \u201cI\u2019m not interested in buying anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith took a seat without being asked, slouching slightly in the large, silk-cushioned chair. \u201cWe ain\u2019t selling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel glanced at Faith and Buffy detected a hint of humour in his expression. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you have a seat?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy sat down, crossing her legs and sitting up straight. \u201cThe thing is, Mr Angel – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust Angel\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy cleared her throat. \u201cThe thing is – \u201d How was she meant to tackle this? This was usually Cordelia\u2019s forte. She decided to go with the direct approach. \u201cFaith and I are two thirds of an elite supernatural crime-fighting unit.\u201d<\/p>\n
To her dismay, Angel immediately looked suspicious. She saw his arm tense and he reached under his desk \u2013<\/p>\n
Faith\u2019s hand locked onto the weapon at her hip. Angel\u2019s eyes darted to her. Instantly, Buffy was out of her seat, holding her hands up between them in a sign of pacification. Her heart was suddenly pounding but when she spoke, her voice was calm.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease, just let us explain. We\u2019re not here to cause any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou let me be the judge of that.\u201d Angel growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cEase up Boss man, you got a lotta pent up aggression.\u201d Faith sounded almost sympathetic as she rose from her seat. \u201cFrom what I can tell, you *need* our help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t need anybody\u2019s help.\u201d Angel said lowly. He reached for the phone. \u201cI\u2019ll have Harmony escort you out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Oh boy, this really wasn\u2019t going well\u2026<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, please\u2026\u201d Buffy pulled out the last card she had left. \u201cWe work for the Powers That Be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s hand paused just above the button for the speaker. It hovered there for a second as he stared at the two women in front of him.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2026work for the Powers?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYep.\u201d Faith nodded.<\/p>\n
Angel looked unconvinced. \u201cThe Powers That Be?\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith made a face. \u201cYeah. Do you like, need to check I.D?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat she means is\u2026\u201d Buffy shot Faith a look and the brunette smirked, \u201cWe do. And the Powers want us to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stared at them, speaking slowly, as though he were having difficulty understanding. \u201cThe Powers sent *you* to help *me*?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBingo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Neither of the girls expected Angel to laugh.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d He chuckled bitterly. \u201cYou expect me to believe that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith raised an eyebrow. \u201cWell, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy the hell would the Powers want to help me?\u201d Angel snapped, his smile fading. \u201cThey didn\u2019t do a damn thing to help last year when everything was falling apart. Why start caring now?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy sighed. \u201cThey just want to get you back on track.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBack on track?\u201d He scoffed. \u201cTo do what? Work for them? Be their champion<\/i>?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou used to be one.\u201d Buffy said softly.<\/p>\n
Angel stopped short of what he was going to say, looking at her. Buffy hoped she looked sincere and she must have succeeded because he seemed to soften, slumping back in his chair. \u201cYeah, well. People change.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople like us don\u2019t change.\u201d Faith said. Angel glanced at her. Then suddenly he looked confused.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou said two thirds.\u201d He gestured at the both of them. \u201cWhere\u2019s the other third – \u201d<\/p>\n
Almost as if on cue, he was interrupted by the door to his office, as it opened swiftly and Cordelia walked through, a folder in her hand, her skirt flowing out behind her. She looked momentarily impressed by the office before her eyes focussed on Faith and Buffy, and finally the figure seated behind the desk.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeak of the devil.\u201d Buffy muttered, then wondered if that was the best expression to use in this place. \u201cUh, Angel, my colleague, Cordelia Chase. The other third, if you will.\u201d<\/p>\n
A small smile pulled up Cordelia\u2019s lips and she stepped forward, holding out her hand. Angel however, seemed to be frozen in place. He was staring at Cordelia in amazement, his jaw slack, his body stiff, and he didn\u2019t seem able to move, as though he were completely mesmerized by her sheer presence.<\/p>\n
Cordy\u2019s eyed narrowed. Faith smirked.<\/p>\n
Buffy frowned. \u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
He\u2019d lived, in one form or other, for nearly two and a half centuries. Charmed and seduced scores of women on nearly every continent, admired the abundant feminine form of thousands more. He\u2019d left them blushing, enthralled, and usually sated to the point of exhaustion. No small feat considering he\u2019d also spent most of that time a soulless killer. And certainly not one he accomplished by rendered speechless by the mere entrance of a beautiful woman, much less one so young.<\/p>\n
But here he was, looking like a perfect fool simply because he couldn\u2019t pry his jaw from the ground, figuratively at least. Cordelia Chase strolled into his office like a shimmering ray of sunlight in an otherwise dark and grey world and he was mesmerized. The thought no sooner crossed his mind than Angel inwardly cringed. At least his natural resistance to social chit-chat had prevented him from sounding as big of an idiot aloud as he did in his head.<\/p>\n
Angel told himself, small comfort that it was, that he\u2019d mastered the art of controlling every emotion that showed on his face longer than the three women gathered in his office had been living.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
By the time Buffy Summers\u2019 voice registered in his brain, her amused tone suggested that his social mask had slipped.<\/p>\n
He couldn\u2019t stop staring back at a pair of sparkling hazel or the plump flesh of her lower lip she curved in a slight, self-assured smile. The lure to continue acting the part of thunderstruck, appreciative male was strong\u2014stronger than any he could recall having with any of the million and one beautiful women he\u2019d encountered in his long life. But an instinct older than attraction made him finally snap back to the point at hand. She was stunning and probably a whole world of other things that could lead to places he ultimately couldn\u2019t go.<\/p>\n
Angel let his gaze sweep one last time across her face. An incredibly annoyed expression had now replaced her smile and he swallowed before forcing himself to finally speak.<\/p>\n
\u201cAway with the fairies\u2026\u201d Faith sang, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers.<\/p>\n
Angel cringed. Clearing his throat, he extended his hand. The look on Cordelia\u2019s face made him wish the ground would open up and swallow him whole.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry.\u201d He coughed, grateful that vampires couldn\u2019t blush. \u201cAngel. Nice to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d She said, shaking his hand firmly, her eyebrow raised high. She took a seat, primly crossing her legs. Her eyes never left Angel\u2019s but when she spoke, she addressed Faith. \u201cIs he alright upstairs?\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith snorted. Angel\u2019s jaw dropped.<\/p>\n
Cordelia ignored him completely.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I was saying,\u201d Buffy intervened quickly. She was looking at him oddly but Angel ignored her, recovering quickly and returning to his previously disinterested manner. \u201cCordelia\u2019s part of our team. The three of us have worked together under the Powers for the past eight years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFighting crime, right?\u201d Angel\u2019s voice was thick with sarcasm.<\/p>\n
Cordy glared. \u201cIn a less lame-ass superhero comic strip kinda term, yeah. And I highly doubt the Powers\u2019 latest project<\/i> reserves the right to be patronizing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel blinked, staring at her. Buffy had been nothing but patient and Faith had been a little unorthodox, but reasonable. Cordelia \u2013 well, he was clearly dealing with a whole other kettle of fish here. They\u2019d only just been introduced, yet she appeared unafraid to say exactly what she thought, regardless. The insult should have made him angry, yet he felt a smile tug at his lips.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
She blinked and to his surprise, her lips twitched.<\/p>\n
Something inside him jolted and suddenly, he chastised himself for feeling or even thinking that way about her. He\u2019d lived too long, been burned and abandoned and betrayed too many times to allow himself to trust anyone too soon again, least of all three beautiful women. So what if Cordelia gave him that wonderful feeling of butterflies in his stomach? So what if her voice was like honey, and her beauty was unrivalled?<\/p>\n
Beautiful women were the worst of the bunch. And he\u2019d always been a sucker for them.<\/p>\n
And just like that, as much as it pained him to think he might not see her again, his mind was made up.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Faith stifled a yawn. \u201cSo \u2013 are you gonna let us help?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel glanced at her, then looked down at the papers on his desk. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo?\u201d Faith\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll have Harmony show you out.\u201d He didn\u2019t bother to look at any of them. \u201cIt was nice to meet you, all of you,\u201d he glanced up at Cordelia then, quickly looking back down. \u201cBut I\u2019m not interested in your case.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy gaped. \u201cBut – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLook, let me spell this out for you.\u201d Angel snapped suddenly, making Buffy jump a little. \u201cI don\u2019t trust the Powers. I don\u2019t trust anyone who works<\/i> for the Powers. Which means I don\u2019t trust you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy opened her mouth.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I\u2019m fine.\u201d He growled. \u201cI don\u2019t need your goddamn help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy sighed resignedly, her body slumping as she slid into the chair next to Faith, resting her head in her palm.<\/p>\n
Cordelia crossed her arms, staring at him coolly. \u201cYou know, for a filthy rich law firm, you\u2019d think they\u2019d teach you a few manners.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry you feel that way.\u201d Angel\u2019s voice was even but Buffy noticed a wince.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what, did they like, take your balls along with your soul?\u201d Cordelia said mockingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia\u2026\u201d Buffy warned, her eyes widening.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re outta line.\u201d Angel growled, his eyes yellow, dangerous. \u201cI\u2019m doing fine here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t give me that \u2018everything\u2019s fine here\u2019 company line. I\u2019m not buying it.\u201d Cordelia snapped, and Buffy was surprised to hear the sudden emotion in her voice. Evidently by his expression, so was Angel but his tone remained the same.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook, frankly Miss Chase, this is none of your business.\u201d He barked. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve done some great work – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh cut the crap, Angel. None of us have time for this.\u201d Cordy bit, rising from her seat so fast it went skidding back a few inches. Angel seemed to be frozen in place as his eyes snapped to her face, his previously loud mouth now gaping open like a fish. Buffy noted that he looked almost impressed.<\/p>\n
Almost.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re a good guy, this place is evil. You\u2019re practically alone. You\u2019re unhappy. You don\u2019t even have possession of your soul anymore! So let *me* spell this out for you<\/i> – the Powers *know* you want out, which means *we* know you want out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat ain\u2019t the only thing that wants out.\u201d Faith muttered to Buffy, pointing at Angel\u2019s crotch. Buffy stifled a snort.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo the way I see it is this.\u201d Cordy continued, oblivious. \u201cWe have a job to do, you have a job you don\u2019t wanna be doing. We\u2019re gonna help you regardless of whether or not you like it because the Powers want you back on their side.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel seemed to find his tongue then. He gritted his teeth. \u201cThe Powers put me through hell last year.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, no. The hell you went through last year was as a result of your bad decisions, which are your fault and your fault only. And buddy, you\u2019re lucky enough to be offered help in cleaning up the mess you made. If you refuse it, then you\u2019re dumber than I thought.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s eyes narrowed and he walked swiftly around the desk, his nose nearly brushing Cordelia\u2019s as he glared her down. She didn\u2019t even blink.<\/p>\n
\u201cDON\u2019T call me that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia rolled her eyes, her tone bewildered. \u201cWould you prefer<\/i> Satan\u2019s toady?\u201d<\/p>\n
A low growl escaped Angel but Cordy stood her ground, both inches away from each other as fire burned in their eyes. Neither relented and Buffy had a strange feeling they were secretly enjoying it. Cordy had done a great job of telling it like it was but now they needed to close the deal before it went the other way.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs the tension in here making you horny, too?\u201d Faith asked quietly, interrupting her thoughts. Buffy grimaced and swatted her hand, standing.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet us help you, Angel.\u201d She said softly, waiting for him to look at her. \u201cThis is what we do. It\u2019s what you used to do, not so long ago. And Cordelia\u2019s right – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course I am.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy couldn\u2019t help but grin at that. \u201cYou\u2019re dying to get out of this place.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, cos seriously?\u201d Cordelia drew his gaze back to her, her voice suddenly soft, sympathetic. \u201cThis whole CEO of an evil law firm gig? SO not you.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel wanted to be angry but he wasn\u2019t\u2014he knew he couldn\u2019t be. And not just because Miss Chase made something dead and forgotten in his chest stir. Everything she\u2019d said was true and she was still standing before him with warm eyes, saying she wanted to help. They all were.<\/p>\n
He wanted to decline, he really did, but they were making it hard not to at least give them a chance. And apparently he didn\u2019t have a choice in the matter. He looked at all three girls in turn, observing each one carefully. Truth was, there didn\u2019t appear to be anything menacing about them, but he knew all about evil wearing a pretty face. And yet\u2026<\/p>\n
He\u2019d always been a sucker for beautiful women.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine.\u201d Angel said, finally relenting.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlleluia.\u201d Faith said, standing and stretching her arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I want to be in the loop about everything.\u201d Angel said firmly, pointing a finger at the two girls who were actually listening to him. \u201cI mean it. It may be your case but it\u2019s *my* soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright, don\u2019t get possessive.\u201d Cordelia said with a smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m serious, Miss Chase.\u201d Angel said, though he had to fight the urge to grin like a little kid on Christmas morning when she smiled at him. \u201cRegular meetings, phone calls, emails, whatever you kids are into these days.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKids?\u201d Faith scrunched up her nose.<\/p>\n
\u201c250.\u201d Buffy muttered.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to know any progress and all details.\u201d Angel said, his eyes narrowing. \u201cAnd if I find out I\u2019m being taken for a ride – \u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy raised her hand, cutting him off, her voice reassuring. \u201cYou can trust is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou better pray I can.\u201d Angel said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOoh, scary.\u201d Faith said grinning as she came forward, shaking his hand rather vigorously. \u201cPleasure doing business with you, Angel.\u201d She licked her lips and winked, pulling the door open and practically skipping through it.<\/p>\n
Buffy rolled her eyes. \u201cLike a damn child\u2026\u201d She handed Angel a business card, nodding at him. \u201cThanks for your time. If you have any queries at all, just contact us. We\u2019ll keep you posted.\u201d She strolled out of the office, leaving Angel alone with Cordelia.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
There was an uncomfortable silence when the door slammed shut, indicating Buffy\u2019s exit. Angel stood with his hands in his pockets, darting looks at Cordelia from underneath his lashes. She felt her cheeks burn, even as she made a face. Did he really think she couldn\u2019t sense that?<\/p>\n
\u201cSo,\u201d Cordelia quickly broke the quiet, shaking Angel\u2019s hand. \u201cIt was nice meeting you.\u201d<\/p>\n
She could swear he seemed nervous. Hell, she felt a little awkward \u2013 one minute she was mouthing off to him, the next she was making small talk.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. You too.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I should\u2026\u201d She gestured behind her and turned, heading for the door. She took barely two steps before she stopped short. She felt guilty. \u201cLook, if I was out of line earlier – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d His voice made her stop and spin around in surprise. Angel cleared his throat. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I was rude too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy felt a smile tug at her lips. \u201cThat\u2019s okay. It\u2019s understandable\u201d She blushed, averting his gaze. \u201cBut I\u2019m sorry too. Especially for the\u2026\u201d She winced, \u201cballs comment.\u201d<\/p>\n
He chuckled lightly. \u201cYou were refreshing.\u201d When she looked up he was staring at her with those deep, dark eyes, and she felt her stomach do a rather odd flip. He looked as though he wanted to say something else but didn\u2019t elaborate.<\/p>\n
She was baffled at the pang of disappointment as she took a step back. \u201cUm, we\u2019ll be in touch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel smirked. \u201cI look forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia nodded, then swivelled on her heel and walked through the door, shutting it behind her.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cMy God, that man is even better looking in person.\u201d Buffy said dreamily, as they walked out into the main lobby area.<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm hmm.\u201d Faith winked at her. \u201cI could just spread him on a cracker\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Both girls laughed, turning to observe a slightly distant Cordelia as she helped herself to a drink from the water filter. She didn\u2019t seem to notice them. They crossed their arms, staring at her expectantly.<\/p>\n
She turned eventually, regarding them both with a casual, raised eyebrow. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell?\u201d Buffy said, eagerly nodding her head towards Angel\u2019s office. \u201cWhat did you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy looked confused. \u201cAbout the case?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo!\u201d Faith huffed, throwing her hands up in the air. \u201cAbout Mr. Tall, Dark and Deadly Handsome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged indifferently. \u201cHe\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cJust alright<\/i>?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia nodded. \u201cSure. He seems nice enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith couldn\u2019t help but laugh. \u201cWho cares if he\u2019s nice? The man is a walking orgasm.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy blushed when a few heads turned their way. \u201cFaith\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy stared at her oddly, misinterpreting her embarrassment. \u201cWell, it\u2019s not very professional, but if you like him that much, go for it.\u201d She reached inside her bag and pulled out a small file, seemingly setting aside the subject as she flipped through it.<\/p>\n
For several seconds, Buffy and Faith openly gaped at her. Finally, Cordelia looked up at them, puzzled by the silence. Her brow creased.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, Cordy?\u201d Buffy said slowly, as though speaking to a child, though she sounded a tad disappointed. \u201cI have NEVER been so aware of a guy being less interested in me, and MORE interested in you than *that* one.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes, waving her hand dispassionately. \u201cPlease\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, believe me, he could\u2019ve had you right there on the floor.\u201d Faith confirmed, grinning at the repulsed look she received. \u201cWhat? Judging by his face, and uh, something else – he was *definitely* thinking about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStop, okay?\u201d Cordy said firmly, dismissing them with a flick of her hair. \u201cHe\u2019s a client. Let\u2019s just work with that for now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith rolled her eyes, shrugging. \u201cFine. But know this – the boy wants in your pants BIGTIME.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel stood staring at the closed door of his office long after they left, his knees a little weak and a small smile on his face. This wasn\u2019t an entirely new sensation, he\u2019d been attracted to millions of women before, but this woman, this feeling \u2013 it was different somehow, more.<\/p>\n
There was a sudden knock at the door and Angel jumped, speedily hurrying around the desk and taking a seat. \u201cCome in!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHi Bossy.\u201d Harmony strolled in, her heels clicking annoyingly against the floor. \u201cJust some mail and a time change \u2013 can you do four thirty?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel grimaced. \u201cMake it five.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNuh uh, the Klydonians can\u2019t do any later than four thirty. One of the family members is leaving the dimension \u2013 they\u2019re having some big ceremony. I was invited but I said – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFine.\u201d Angel said, cutting her off. \u201cFour thirty it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGot it.\u201d Harmony nodded, scribbling onto her pad. She looked up and graced him with a smile. \u201cSo, what did Sabrina, Jane and Kelly want?\u201d<\/p>\n
Huh?<\/i> \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYa know,\u201d Harmony rolled her eyes. \u201cLA\u2019s Angels?\u201d Angel continued to stare at her blankly. \u201cThe three women that were just in your office?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel frowned. \u201cGo back to work, Harmony.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harmony pouted. \u201cIt was just a question.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure. One I chose not to answer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSounds suspicious.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel opened his mouth to tell her to go away, but paused. He didn\u2019t want Harmony to go mouthing off to everyone about his little meeting with Cordelia, Buffy and Faith \u2013 he couldn\u2019t risk the senior partners knowing anything about it or his intentions to leave the firm. It was too dangerous.<\/p>\n
He cleared his throat. \u201cIt was nothing. They just wanted my help with a case they were working and I refused, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harmony raised an eyebrow. \u201cWhy would they want your help? Aren\u2019t they like, LA\u2019s finest?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel glared at her. \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harmony huffed haughtily. \u201cIf you ask me, they were probably just looking for trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for your ever appreciated opinion, Harmony.\u201d Angel\u2019s tone was laced with sarcasm. \u201cAre we done here?\u201d<\/p>\n
Harmony, oblivious, grinned widely. \u201cSure thing, Bossy.\u201d She twirled and bounced out of his office, closing the door and leaving him in peace.<\/p>\n
Angel sighed, letting his head drop to the table.<\/p>\n
The sooner he got out of this place, the better.<\/p>\n