23<\/u><\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cHe asked you to WHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia pushed her weight forward, dropping onto her front foot and catching Buffy in the side with a spin kick. The blonde fell onto the training mat, the shocked expression still on her face. \u201cYup.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith tightened her ponytail, placing her hands squarely on her hips. \u201cThat\u2019s a lot to ask, Cor.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know.\u201d Cordy said, tight-lipped, lending Buffy a hand as she got to her feet. \u201cLook, he said it was important to him. It\u2019s what he wants.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy was quiet for a moment. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want him.\u201d Cordelia sighed, running a hand through her hair. \u201cThat\u2019s all I know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cProbability is an odd thing.\u201d Wesley said from the stairs, startling them all. His eyes were sad and knowing, the tiniest of smiles pulling at his lips. \u201cBut it does present opportunity and we\u2019d be fools not to take it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia stared at him for a long moment, knowing that he was right, that there was a chance this could work and she\u2019d rather go through with it than not know and live apart from Angel. The very thought made heart jerk so painfully she nearly shook with it. Slowly, she nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery well then,\u201d Wesley gestured for them to follow him upstairs to the office, \u201cWe\u2019d best get started.\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will enter the building through the main lobby.\u201d Wesley pointed at the appropriate area on the blueprint map of Wolfram & Heart, circling it in red. \u201cThis will be after hours, so there won\u2019t be much traffic, however we WILL have to fight our way into the building, since the security guards aren\u2019t particularly fond of us – \u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy grinned. \u201cEspecially not the two who got their asses handed to them by a bunch of girls\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cQuite.\u201d Wesley nodded. \u201cAngel confirms that they\u2019ve heightened the security since then so I\u2019ve recruited Kate, Riley and Xander to help us with this mission, as well as Willow, of course, to perform the spells once we\u2019re down there. None of them are too shabby with the right hook and we\u2019re going to need all the help we can get.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith made a face. \u201cDid you just say right hook?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley ignored her. \u201cWhen Angel accessed the home office, it was through an elevator on the external wall of the building. However, that was because it was where he was at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sure what the purpose of the glove is as yet but given the fact that we have the key and the coin, we should gain access to the home office regardless of the location in which we use them. As long as we\u2019re on company soil, I doubt it\u2019ll be a problem. Regardless, while Wolfram and Hart are unaware of who stole the two objects, they have been informed that they are missing. Since the list of potential candidates isn\u2019t terribly long, it is likely they\u2019ll be on high alert – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs will we.\u201d Cordelia said adamantly.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood to know.\u201d Wesley glanced at her. \u201cAs I said, we\u2019ll certainly benefit from the extra manpower.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about Angel?\u201d Buffy asked. \u201cYou said you didn\u2019t want him to join us in the siege in case anyone got suspicious.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just to be safe.\u201d Wesley answered. \u201cConsidering he\u2019s the CEO, it\u2019s unlikely anyone is going to question his comings and goings but – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEve.\u201d Cordelia spat the word out with so much venom that even Faith turned to stare at her.<\/p>\n
\u201cHence the precaution,\u201d Wesley said, drawing the attention back to him. He grinned boyishly. \u201cMy plan is\u2026we kidnap him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy\u2019s eyebrows shot up. \u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley chuckled. \u201cBest to avoid suspicion. Once we storm the building, most of the employees will be long gone but those that remain shouldn\u2019t see Angel with us willingly. They mustn\u2019t know what we\u2019re doing until it\u2019s too late, heaven forbid they inform the senior partners.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhich they will,\u201d Faith said, her voice laced with annoyance. Why was nothing ever simple?<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cYes, well, hopefully, if all goes according to plan, we\u2019ll be long gone by then.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy tapped his chin thoughtfully. \u201cSo, what exactly happens when we get down there?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley hesitated, adjusting his glasses. \u201cThat\u2019s the thing \u2013 I don\u2019t know. I cannot tell you with absolute clarity what we\u2019re going to encounter once we arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel said it was similar to what he saw when he got into the elevator,\u201d Cordelia said bemusedly, \u201cBut worse\u2026like it was colder and darker, and more malevolent, like there was no hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUnsurprising,\u201d Wesley nodded. \u201cFrom what he told me, it seemed as though he was describing the tail side of a coin \u2013 the wickedness in people that balances out the good. But without the presence of the latter – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPure evil,\u201d Faith finished for him. \u201cYou said that before, that there\u2019s evil in all of us. That\u2019s why we can access the home office.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s what makes us human, Faith,\u201d Wes said softly. \u201cAs does the good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo hell\u2019s like earth but worse?\u201d Buffy scratched her head. \u201cThis hurts my brain.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia laughed. Then she paused, frowning. \u201cEarth\u2019s a hell of a big place to look for Angel\u2019s contract.\u201d She cleared her throat. \u201cPardon the pun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley sighed, leaning back in his seat. \u201cWe won\u2019t know until we get there. We\u2019ll just have to work it out as we go. Once we\u2019re in, Willow will take over with the breaking of the contract and the restoration of Angel\u2019s soul. It\u2019ll be up to us to protect her and Angel while she\u2019s conjuring from whatever may be down there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith cocked an eyebrow. \u201cYou hate going in without a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve planned as much as I can,\u201d Wes said. \u201cThe rest is still unwritten.\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Angel parked his car between Cordy\u2019s Porsche and Mercedes Convertible, enjoying the crunch of the patio stones beneath his shoes. He loosened his tie, walking around the back of the house as she had asked him to on the phone. He found the side gate open and followed the narrow path that led to the beach, the glorious scent of the ocean hitting him as he stepped out onto the sand.<\/p>\n
The sight before him made him pause, his heart leaping into his throat.<\/p>\n
A Japanese table was laid atop a colourful silk carpet, two champagne flutes sitting neatly on one end of it. There were candles adorning all four corners, circling the carpet below in a bright and majestic O. A tent was set up just outside the circle, barely visible against the black of the ocean had it not been for the candles lit inside it. Beside the tent was a silver cooler, a vintage bottle of Dom Perignon hidden beneath the ice.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stood barefooted in the sand, more beautiful than Angel had ever seen her, her midnight-blue ankle-length summer dress flowing elegantly in the breeze. She had pulled back her hair with pins, soft tendrils falling into her face, her eyes smoky in the glow of candlelight.<\/p>\n
Angel felt his heart grow tight in his chest, as taken by her now as the moment he first laid eyes on her \u2013 enthralled by her beauty, her grace, her spirit.<\/p>\n
Effortlessly, his feet carried him to her, his arms wrapping around her when she sought him. \u201cWhat\u2019s all this?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis\u2026\u201d Cordelia sighed, smiling, though she was blinking frantically, \u201cIs a celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n
He cocked an eyebrow. \u201cOf?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy grasped his hand and led him onto the silk carpet. He kicked off his shoes and sat down beside her, holding out the flutes when she retrieved the champagne from the bucket. The cork was released with a deafening pop and she smiled softly, pouring the golden bubbly into both glasses.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d She said honestly, once she\u2019d taken her glass from him. \u201cIt\u2019s either the beginning or the end.\u201d She touched his temple, stroking downwards until she\u2019d palmed his cheek. \u201cWhat I do know is that I love you. And no matter what happens tomorrow, I will never regret this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel watched her eyes close over the combined joy and sadness, his own sliding shut when she kissed him, slow and deep. Emotion was a fist in his gut, potent and deadly, and he was surprised when he felt wetness against his cheeks. Immediately, he pulled back to console her, only to find her staring at him in astonishment.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t\u2026\u201d Cordy whispered, and it took him a moment to realize that they were his tears, not hers. She wiped them away with her fingers, dropping a kiss onto his cheekbone. \u201cNot tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel swallowed, the turmoil inside him near unbearable. He\u2019d spent the last two days consoling and reassuring her, putting aside the complicated map of sentiment within his own heart. Fear and longing, hope and heartbreak \u2013 they warred against each other, unforgotten inside him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2026\u201d Cordelia murmured, raising her glass to his. Her eyes told him all she wanted \u2013 for him to be happy. For THEM to be happy\u2026if only for tonight. \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you.\u201d He replied without hesitation. \u201cI love everything about you.\u201d<\/p>\n
She clinked their flutes together, locking her eyes with his as she sipped. When he looked down, she made an odd strangled sound in her throat.<\/p>\n
Angel glanced at her. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re supposed to maintain eye contact.\u201d Cordelia told him matter-of-factly. \u201cOtherwise it\u2019s seven years of bad sex.\u201d<\/p>\n
The darkness lifted, Angel couldn\u2019t help but grin, his ego swelling as a revelation resurfaced in his memory. He leaned forward, nipping her plump lower lip. \u201cThe best sex you\u2019ve ever had isn\u2019t suddenly gonna turn bad, Cor.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am gonna kill Riley\u2026\u201d She grumbled, though it was without much bite, her voice husky and dreamlike. \u201cYou two need to stop sharing.\u201d She ran a hand through his hair as he pinched the skin of her jaw between his teeth. \u201cPlus, you never know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel dipped his tongue into the hollow of her throat, breathing her in. \u201cMaybe we should, you know, make sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Laughter bubbled out of Cordelia\u2019s throat, recalling the words he\u2019d said to her during their first time together. \u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Buffy grinned when Xander flopped down beside her, sending the couch flying back a few inches. She patted his stomach, taking the bowl of ice-cream from him. \u201cMaybe you ought to hold off on the sugar\u2026lest you scratch your signature into my floor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander narrowed his eyes. \u201cWas that a fat remark?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe.\u201d Buffy swallowed a spoonful of ice-cream, her lips curling into a smile. \u201cYou know I like my men lean.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd mean.\u201d Xander quipped, shaking his head in memory. \u201cSpike would have fit that category.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy bit her lip, resisting the urge to laugh. \u201cAre you jealous of Spike?\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander made a face, though by the way he hmphed and pffted his way through the sentence, she took that as an affirmative.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know I love you, Xander,\u201d She cupped his cheek, pressing a kiss to his mouth. \u201cWhat we have is so much more than any of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander nodded, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. \u201cI love you too.\u201d He leaned forward, initiating a kiss of his own, his lips lingering against hers for a heartbeat.<\/p>\n
Their eyes locked, the clock ticking noisily behind them, two hearts caught in the moment. Time slowed and raced in an instant as Buffy reached for him eagerly, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him with fervour. The ice-cream bowl fell forgotten to the floor but she couldn\u2019t care less about stains or ants as Xander lifted her into his lap, his mouth hungry beneath hers.<\/p>\n
\u201cXander – \u201d Her breath caught in her throat, body rubbing his like a cat begging to be petted, hands pulling at his chequered shirt. Xander peeled the cardigan from her body, his hands everywhere at once, caressing skin that goosebumped beneath his fingers.<\/p>\n
Buffy pushed herself into his hands, wrestling with his belt buckle and throwing it to the floor beside the ice-cream. She pulled his mouth to hers, kissing him with all the love she felt in her heart, and all the combined fear and adrenalin that came before a case.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake me inside,\u201d She whispered in his ear, sucking the lobe into her mouth and crying out when he bucked beneath her, hitting a sensitive spot. \u201cOh! Xander\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
He lifted her in his arms, carrying her smoothly to her bedroom and shutting the door.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Her back hit the soft cashmere blanket as Angel lowered her into the tent, candles flickering on either side of them. Cordelia had laid down sleeping bags and cushions on the sand, the tent cocooning them in their own private heaven.<\/p>\n
Angel pressed kisses to her shut eyelids, her nose, her throat, seeking out her lips and kissing her gently, pouring love into her, fuel to the fire. Cordelia palmed his face, wrapping her leg around his calf, sliding it down till he arched his back.<\/p>\n
Her hands plucked at his shirt, pulled the fabric up and out of his pants until she found skin, muscles taut and jumping beneath her fingers. He was built as hard as rock, solid bone and powerful muscle beneath ivory smooth skin. She couldn\u2019t seem to get enough, touch enough, taste enough \u2013<\/p>\n
Her nails slid down the length of his back, hips arching into him. Angel growled, his kiss deeper, darker.<\/p>\n
Cordelia moaned when his hand brushed her thigh, fingers grasping beneath her knee and pulling her into him, hips rolling so she felt him throb against her. Angel slid his fingers up her dress, taking it with him, trailing the fabric up her leg until one side was bunched up between them. Cordelia pushed his shirt up, sucking in a breath when he raised himself onto this arms, muscles tense and defined, flanking her body.<\/p>\n
In a swift, graceful movement, he pulled the shirt off his body, returning to her. His hands cradled her head, fingers slowly, carefully pulling the pins out of her hair. Cordy closed her eyes, delighting when he pressed his lips to her throat, her scalp tingling under his touch as her hair fell free around her.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2026\u201d She groaned, needing him closer, her body aching for him. Her hands cupped his neck, traced the steel edge of his collarbone, lips following pursuit. Knowing the effect it would have on him, Cordelia scraped her teeth against his would-be pulse point.<\/p>\n
Angel bucked, fingers tightening around her thigh, his body pinning hers to the sand. Cordy\u2019s eyes widened as she felt him against her, swollen, ready, even through barriers of clothing \u2013 her body trembled, feminine desire coursing through her, so strong it was nearly her undoing.<\/p>\n
She palmed his ass, pushing him further into the v of her thighs, trying to get across the message. Angel grinned wickedly, a glint in his eye as he descended down her body, a predator upon his prey. He nipped at the exposed flesh the low cut dress allowed, dragging his teeth along her covered stomach, biting the skin below her belly button.<\/p>\n
Cordelia arched, thighs rubbing together, her body warm, wet \u2013<\/p>\n
She could smell it, taste in on the air. Angel\u2019s eyes were yellow, locked with hers as he pulled up the other side of her dress, sliding her panties down. Arousal hummed inside her belly as she arched, groaning, touching her nipples when they hardened for relief.<\/p>\n
Angel kissed her thigh, pressing his nose to flawless, olive skin, breathing her in. It only served to arouse her further, a whimper escaping when finally, she felt him, rough and wet against her most intimate flesh, kissing it as though it would kiss back, quelling the heat and yet sparking the need for more.<\/p>\n
An inferno built in her womb, scorching, molten hot \u2013 Cordelia fisted a hand in his hair, willing him to go deeper, harder, rougher. Angel flicked his tongue over her clit, sucking it into his mouth and she moaned loudly, succumbing, her body giving itself over to its master.<\/p>\n
She was unbearably close when he pulled away, lips trailing liquid fire along the flat plane of her stomach, once again dragging the dress up with him. Cordelia wrapped her legs around him, squeezing hard, ceasing his ascent. Angel\u2019s eyes were wicked when they met hers, mischievous but intense, and black as oblivion. Her body trembled with need, desperate for release, eyes questioning and furious as to why he\u2019d stopped. She didn\u2019t trust herself to speak, so she was grateful when he did.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf tonight is it,\u201d Angel murmured, sliding her dress smoothly over her arms and dropping it beside her head. \u201cIf this is all I get before I\u2019m gone,\u201d His fangs elongated and he ran them over her nipple, suckling at the flesh until her blood rose to the surface. Cordelia mewled, breath catching in the back of her throat. \u201cThen I want to take my time. I want you to remember me\u2026 to remember this.\u201d<\/p>\n
He slid a finger into her, holding her down with the weight of his body when her hips shot off the ground, his free hand cupping her face. \u201cIf this is all I get and you\u2019re ever with another man,\u201d Angel\u2019s eyes went amber, flashing sudden rage and possession in a way that shocked and aroused her all at once. \u201cI want you to remember the way I touched you when he does\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
A second finger went into her like butter, stretching her, filling her deep. Cordelia\u2019s eyes closed, stars tapping her eyelids, nerves tingling and electric inside her. \u201cI want you to remember the way I taste,\u201d He kissed her, fucked her mouth with his, his tongue greedy, devouring. \u201cI want you to remember the way I made you feel\u2026the way you wanted me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
She came apart at the seams, colour after vivid colour blinding her, her heart exploding. Her body, pulled taut during his onslaught, felt weightless. Cordy opened her eyes, finding him staring at her, mesmerised, his lips curved into a satisfied smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re an ass,\u201d She mumbled, finding the energy to drag her foot up his still clothed leg, sliding her knee between his two. The added room allowed her to slide her hand down; unabashed, she cupped him, enjoying the way his eyes nearly rolled back in his head, his groan echoing in the space between them.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s voice was strained, hoarse, and she found herself smiling. \u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p>\n
He palmed her face, brought his own down with unhidden zeal. \u201cKiss me.\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Kate\u2019s body was warm beside his, her face soft and contented. Wesley pressed his lips to her exposed shoulder, wrapping his arms around her tighter.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad we finally got time to do this\u2026\u201d Wes murmured, pressing his cheek against hers.<\/p>\n
Kate giggled, a childish sound so unlike her that it made him grin. \u201cMe too.\u201d She turned in his arms, palm stroking down the side of his face. \u201cPossible last night on earth an\u2019 all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKate\u2026\u201d Wesley chastised, his brow scrunching up, heart hammering in his chest at the very thought.<\/p>\n
Kate only shrugged, snuggling deeper into him, her body jerking defensively when the phone rang, sharp and shrill through the apartment.<\/p>\n
Wesley shuffled out of bed for it, grabbing the receiver from the side table. His legs tangled up in the sheet and he went down quite suddenly, collapsing in a tangled heap on the floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley!\u201d Kate leaned over the side of the bed, touching his face as he groaned. \u201cWesley, are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJesus\u2026\u201d Faith\u2019s voice sounded faintly through the abandoned receiver, undoubtedly irate as they both did nothing but stare at it. \u201cTalk about turning tables. Is EVERYBODY having sex?!\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Shivers danced across his spine as Cordy slid her hand into his now unbuttoned slacks, hooking her fingers into his boxers. Slowly, she pushed them down, painting her tongue around his ear, telling him how much she wanted him inside her.<\/p>\n
Angel closed his eyes, feeling the reigns slip out of his hands as he struggled for control. For a moment, laughter rung in his ears, cold and evil, and then, just as quickly, it was gone, Cordelia\u2019s breath against his jaw. He kissed her deeply, putting all the love and lust and gratitude he felt into it.<\/p>\n
His pants were around his knees and he kicked them off, reaching for her. Cordelia slid down the blanket as he grasped her ankles, pulling her towards him, his body firm, throbbing. He pinned her hands above her head, wrapped her legs around his waist and thrust into her, hard, once, bottoming out. Cordelia whimpered, head flying back with reckless abandon, back arching to accommodate him. Her body fit his like a glove as she stretched out over him, hot and wet and incredible.<\/p>\n
Slowly, he began to move his hips, thrilled by the brush of her belly against his, by the sweat that coated her fingers as they intertwined with his. Angel turned his face against her cheek, murmuring sweet nothings into her ear as he thrust into her, deep and hard and slow.<\/p>\n
Cordy bent her knees, shifting the angle, pushing back with mirrored passion. Her nails scraped down his back, hastening his movement, his heart, body and soul a part of her.<\/p>\n
They kissed like midnight, hungry, starving, Cordelia\u2019s breath heaving as their bodies danced, muscles contorting, pleasure a tightening coil in his stomach. The base of Angel\u2019s spine tingled, fireworks lighting up inside him, every nerve on edge and electric as livewire.<\/p>\n
He palmed her ass, loved the feel of it in his hands, noting the way the gesture hit a spot inside her, making her groan. Angel did it again, felt her contract around him, nails biting into his shoulder, the gasp caught in her throat.<\/p>\n
His body reacted, tautening, squeezing, overheating, his chest slicked with sweat. Cordelia cried out, hips undulating, causing friction. Hot white light danced behind his eyelids, an explosion of colour, heat and radiance; freedom, release. He came down from the high with her arms around him, her beauty lit by the glow of candlelight.<\/p>\n
It wouldn\u2019t have mattered. Angel had memorised her \u2013 every line of her face, the wondrous curve of her jaw. Her eyes were dreamlike beneath him and he kissed her again, savouring the moment.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
\u201cYou never told me\u2026\u201d Cordelia said, breathing hard against Angel\u2019s chest as they lay inside the tent, sated in each others\u2019 arms. \u201cConsidering you have a lot more candidates than I do\u2026who was the best sex you ever had?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel laughed, leaning his head back against the blankets. He lifted an arm, resting it behind him and propping himself up. \u201cYou really have to ask?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease.\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes, resting her chin between his pectorals. \u201cYou\u2019ve slept with two centuries of women, a small percentage of whom were probably professionals. You really expect me to believe it\u2019s ME?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel cupped her cheek, rubbing a thumb over her lips, his eyes flashing with lust when she nipped it. \u201cSex is\u2026sex. It\u2019s almost always good or great, or even unbelievable. But sex with the woman you love?\u201d<\/p>\n
He pulled her up so they were face to face, their lips barely brushing. \u201cIt\u2019s indescribable. There\u2019s nothing like it.\u201d Their eyes locked and he felt his heart jolt, felt the hazy contentment of after-sex laced with the warm glow of love. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing like you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s lips spread into a breathtaking smile, her mouth catching his. \u201cGood answer.\u201d<\/p>\n