Cordelia and Willow were at the diner for another half hour before the brunette proclaimed it was time to return to work. Willow happily got up and paid for her part of the meal, completely lost in thoughts of the man she'd met earlier. As they walked to the new office in silence, Cordelia glanced at her. She knew Willow well enough to see that her thoughts were caught up in Lindsey. "Willow..." she started. Willow turned, smiling. "We are here!" she exclaimed, glad that Cordelia hadn't started on the lecture yet. Before Willow could go inside the building, Cordelia grabbed her arm. "Willow, I'm serious when I say I don't think you should give him a second thought. He is dangerous...the worse kind of evil. He's human." Willow sighed. "Del, I'm a big girl. If I am interested, and I'm not saying that I am, but if I am, I can handle myself." "You are just...I mean, Wills, we are friends, and I don't want you to get hurt." Willow laughed. "I survived loving both Xander *and* Oz. I'm a big girl." "But Lindsey is capable of a lot of things that neither of them are." Willow put on her resolve face. "So let me find that out myself." Cordelia sighed. "Fine, Willow. I'll be here to hold you when you sob on my shoulder." Willow smiled, her face softening. "That's all I ask. Now come on, I don't want the boys to worry about us." The two girls walked in, going to the office. The men looked up at them when they entered. "Hey, ladies, flowers came for..." Angel started. Cordelia squealed, seeing twelve perfect roses on her desk. "Oh, someone sent me flowers!" She rushed to them, pulling the card off to read it. Wesley leaned forward. "Cordelia, I don't think..." Cordelia growled. "They are for you," she hissed at Willow. "They are from *him*." She shoved the card at Willow. "I'm going to file." She walked out, going to the room where they kept all the files. Willow blinked her surprise, then glanced at the card. It read: *My Beautiful Willow, You intrigue me. Always, L.* Willow giggled, hugging the card to her chest. She went to the desk and smelled the roses. "Who is L?" Angel asked, his overprotectiveness of the red head flaring. "Someone you probably won't appreciate sending me flowers," Willow murmured dreamily. "Who?" Angel demanded. She opened her eyes. "Promise you won't get all Angelusy on me?" "Angelusy?" Angel asked. "What do you mean?" His eyes narrowed. "You know," she said, waving the card around, "mean and angry and all demonic wanting to kill him." "Willow," Angel said, reassuringly, "I won't get mad, I promise." "Because you don't know who it is," Cordelia said softly from the doorway. Wesley looked at all three of them. "Oh, no," he said, realizing just who *L* was. "What?" Angel asked, not taking his eyes off of Willow. "I know who it must be," Wesley murmured. "Who?" Angel replied, looking at Wesley. "Lindsey MacDonald," the ex-Watcher replied. Angel's eyes flew back to Willow. "Willow, no," he said softly. "Please tell me it's not Lindsey." Willow turned, jutting her chin out proudly. "I won't lie to you, Angel, and deny it." "Oh, god. Willow, I would so rather see you with anyone but him. Hell, I'd rather see you with *Spike* than Lindsey." "Don't bother, Angel," Cordelia said. "She's going to see him whether we forbid it or not. She's an adult. She can see whoever she wants." Angel growled. "Fine. I won't say anything. But I reserve the right to severely maim him when he hurts you." "Beat him to death with a shovel," Willow giggled. "You'll have to join the line." She turned to Cordelia. "Are we still going out tonight?" Cordelia smiled. "Of course. Can't not take you out your first night in LA." Willow sat at the bar, humming. Cordelia was dancing with what she deemed was a RG -- a random guy. It was the fourth RG that had asked her to dance in the twenty minutes they'd been there. "Mmmm...did you enjoy my flowers?" a smooth seductive voice said in her ear. Willow turned, and blushed. "Hey, Lindsey. Yea, they were gorgeous. You didn't have to do that." "Nonsense. I wanted to. So...Angel...he's going to kill me, isn't he?" "Not right now. I made him promise. But if you hurt me, he will. If Cordelia doesn't get you first." "I'm not surprised. If you were my friend, I would protect you from me also." Her eyes narrowed. "What is so bad about you? I know you work at Wolfram and Hart, and I know they are the bane of Angel's existence....but they wouldn't tell me what was so bad about you." "I'm not the nicest guy in the world, from their viewpoint." "Apparently, since you are Junior Partner at a law firm that caters to that which I fight." Lindsey shifted uncomfortably. "Yea, well... the job pays good." An eyebrow rose. "Pays good? Lindsey, that's not all that matters in the world." [Somehow, coming from you, I believe it,] he thought. "Maybe I'm just misguided." "Maybe you are...or maybe you know exactly *what* you are doing. But it doesn't matter. Tonight, I'm not Willow Rosenberg, evil fighter. I'm just Willow, out to have a good time." "And I'm not Lindsey MacDonald, Junior Member of Wolfram and Hart, I'm just Lindsey." She smiled, glad he was following her thinking. "Good. Now, if some handsome gentleman would ask me to dance, I could start having a good time." He grinned. "Would you care to dance, Willow?" She looked him up and down. She shrugged, yet licked her lips appreciatively. "I guess you will do." He threw his head back and laughed. "You are definitely intriguing, Willow." He touched her elbow and led her to the dance floor.

Lindsey MacDonald studied the redhead dancing in front of him. Granted, it was her hair he was studying, since she had her back to him, but it was beautiful hair. He gasped quietly as Willow backed into him, grinding her backside against his pelvis. He grabbed her arms and leaned down, whispering in her ear, "I don't know how old you are, little girl, but when you do that to men, you tend to... make interests...rise." Willow's chuckle vibrated through her small body. She turned her head and licked her blood red lips. "I'm so much more than just a little girl, and I know *exactly* what that does, Lindsey." "I'll take you home with me if you don't stop." She grinded into him again, causing his hormones to jump off the scale. "Maybe that's the point, Mr. Lawyer." He spun her around. "Angel would kill me. Literally." She wrapped her arms around his neck and continued to grind into him. "Lindsey," she sighed, her breath against his cheek, "Angel isn't my daddy. I can do whatever or *whomever* I want." A smile graced his features. This girl...woman.....was definitely intriguing. "Get your stuff, I'm ready to go now." She pulled back, smiling at him. "Good. I'll tell Cordelia I'm leaving with an RG." "RG?" he asked, frowning. She shrugged. "Random guy. I'll meet you outside." "Yea," he said softly. "I'll be waiting." The two split up. Willow weaved her way through dancing bodies to find Cordelia. "DEL!" she said over the music. "I'M LEAVING!" "WHAT?" she asked, motioning to her ears. She grabbed Cordelia and pulled her close, dancing up against her. She leaned up and said softly in her ear, "Leaving. Found a RG. Going to get coffee." Cordelia pulled away, eyeing her. "If he hurts you..." "I'll be fine," Willow reassured her. "Remember, I live on the Hellmouth. I can take care of myself." "You have a key to the apartment?" "Yep," Willow said. "Got a key. See ya later, Del." She smiled and turned to walk away. Cordelia felt her RG wrap his arms around her from behind. She leaned into the hard body and sighed. "Willow.." she said softly, "Please don't let Lindsey hurt you..." ----- Willow smiled when she stepped out of the club and saw Lindsey leaning against a silver Jag. "Nice car," she said softly. He shrugged. "Perk, I guess." He opened the door and she slid in. He went around to the other side and got in. He started the car and pulled away from the curb. "You must get a lot of perks working for Wolfram and Hart." He smiled, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. [She's opening the worms, not me.] "As I'm sure you get a lot of perks being best friends with the Slayer." Willow's eyebrows rose, but she covered up the rest of her surprise. "I assume that you found that out through your law firm?" He shrugged. "We know a lot of things." "But what you do with that information is what is important, Lindsey." He glanced at her. "I am aware of that." She sat back, crossing her arms. "You may annoy Angel, but you don't scare me. You may *think* you know about me, but you don't. And I am aware of how you hired Faith and she let you down....and I know that the firm would be thrilled that you have the Slayer's best friend in your car, but I assure you, I am much more than just a little girl." "Somehow, I know that. However, if the firm found it in their best interest to...irradicate the Slayer, I assure you, it would happen." Willow smiled at him. "Irradicate the Slayer? Do you know how many demons, humans, and others have wanted her dead over the years? Your firm doesn't scare us. We could probably have you disabled before she realized you were even a threat." "Overconfidence will be your downfall, Willow," he said softly. "Not overconfidence. I just know what we can do. You would not be the first time we've dealt with humans who went bad." "But, Willow, I'm not one man. It's an entire firm." Willow laughed out loud. [As if! We took down the Initiative, you fool!] "And we've dealt with organizations." She shrugged. "Tell me, Lindsey MacDonald, since you seem to know who I am, what *exactly* do you know about me?" "You are extremely bright and gifted, able to hack into computers. Your smarts has helped the Slayer more times than even she may be aware." "That's all you know?" "That's not all there is?" he asked. She laughed again. "For a firm so well versed on their information, you don't know much." He grinned at her. "Why don't you tell me then." "And give your firm something else on myself? I don't think so, Lindsey." She smiled. "Incidentally, while I'm thinking about it, as we are driving towards your apartment, I want to give you one more warning on hurting me." He smirked. "I already have Angel and Cordelia ready to tear my throat out. Who else?" "Have you ever heard of Spike?" He frowned. "Name sounds familiar..." "William the Bloody?" He gripped the steering wheel. Whereas he might not have heard of Angelus, he *knew* who William the Bloody was. "Yea, what about him?" Willow absentmindedly ran her fingers on the leather of the dashboard. "He would be most....displeased if I were harmed." Lindsey laughed. "William the Bloody? The vampire? Caring about a human's welfare?" "As I you are well aware, I live on the Hellmouth. Things aren't always the way they are supposed to be in Sunnydale." He pulled over and stopped the car. "You are seriously telling me that you are *friends* with one of the most ruthless vampires in current history?" he asked, looking over at her. She smiled a sweet, innocent smile. "Yep. And just remember, whileas Angel has his soul, William doesn't. And he *does* like humans.... finds they make interesting dinner." Lindsey paled, turning back to face the road. He knew that it would be difficult for Angel to kill him, since the vampire probably had him on a *Soul to Save* list. However, he didn't doubt that William the Bloody wouldn't give him a second glance before draining his body. This gave Lindsey a new dilemma. He had originally decided to woo the young girl, and try to get her wrapped up in the firm. Either way, he would lead her directly into the waiting arms of Wolfram and Hart -- either as the newest addition, or as dinner. But with the addition of William the Bloody to the game, he knew he couldn't jeopardize Willow like that. The lawyer knew Willow wasn't lying about knowing him...somehow he couldn't see the young woman lying. Plus, he doubted the vampire would appreciate a lowly human pretending to be his friend. [Should I take her to my apartment, or to hers?] his mind raced.

Lindsey gracefully drove his Jag into the garage next to his apartment. "A garage even," Willow noticed. He chuckled. "There's no way I'd let *this* car sit on the street in any part of LA." Willow shrugged. "I suppose. In Sunnydale, having cars broken into is the last of our concerns." "Well, honey, let me assure you, LA is a lot bigger than Sunnydale, and a great many people take pleasure in defacing other people's property." Willow looked at him. "I'm well aware of that. It's just that in Sunnydale, when you are daily trying to keep the Hellmouth closed, you tend to appreciate a little more than material things." Lindsey turned the car off and stared at her. "You really do it," he said softly. "Do what?" she asked, shifting in her seat to face him. He glanced down, noticing the bit of thigh that was revelled to his gaze. He looked back up at her, surprised to see the amusement in her eyes. "You fight demons." She laughed sweetly. "Of course. You think being the best friend of the Slayer would constitute anything less?" "I thought the Chosen One was to fight alone in her battles." Willow shrugged. "She is. But our Slayer has never been one to exactly follow rules. How do you think she's survived so long?" He narrowed his eyes in disbelief. "You mean to tell me that the Slayer, the *Chosen* One, has survived all this time because of the help of a human girl?" "Not just me, but others...some human, some demon, some ex-demon." He laughed. "Amazing. I'm truly amazed." Willow turned and got out of the car. She leaned back in, in a way that Lindsey could see straight into her shirt. He noticed while her breasts weren't overly large, she had nice cleavage. And the dark green lace of the bra had promises. "You'll find there is a lot amazing about us." He met her eyes. "You in particular, I'm sure," he murmured. ------- Willow let her eyes travel over Lindsey's lush apartment. She went to the couch and ran her fingers over the black leather. "Black leather." She laughed. "What is it about evil people and leather?" "I'm sorry?" he asked. She turned around, setting her gaze on him. "Just curious as to why evil is so drawn to leather." He leaned against the bar dividing the kitchen from the living room. He tapped his lips thoughtfully. "I'm not sure...I never noticed if evil wore leather." "Mmm," she said, walking towards him gracefully. "Spike has his leather duster.... Angelus had his leather pants..... you and the leather couch..." She chuckled. "We won't even discuss the event last year where I was seen wearing a little bit of leather." His eyes narrowed, noticing her skirt was made of black leather. "So how about you? You are wearing leather. Are you evil?" She threw her head back and laughed. "Do I *look* evil to you?" "You very well could be, you've already proven that looks are deceiving." "I...might have an evil streak in me, if....if it were brought out." He reached out and grabbed the small red head, pulling her flush to him. "And how could I bring that leather wearing evil goddess out, hmmm?" She chuckled, running her fingers over the collar of his shirt. "There is nothing you could ever do that would bring her out. Not unless you sport a pair of fangs and a pesky aversion to sunlight." "You've been a vampire? I thought once you were..." He was very much aware that the woman before him was human. She brushed her hand on his cheek. "It's not important. She's not here, and she's not coming back. The person before you is sweet innocent little Willow Rosenberg, 100% human." "Somehow, I don't see innocence when I look at you, Miss Rosenberg." "Ahh," she nodded, "because you are only seeing the facet of me that I want you to see." "It's definitely a facet I'm enjoying," he said, before capturing her lips in a kiss.

Lindsey watched Willow's face with satisfaction as he slowly slid in and out of her. She had her legs wrapped around his hips and her hands clutching his shoulders. He was holding himself up above her body, enjoying the way her face looked while she was in ecstasy. He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. She pulled him closer, kissing him with an intensity that knocked he lawyer off his feet. The mind searing kiss opened a whole new world to the lovers. At the beginning, while the sex was good, Lindsey didn't think he'd actively seek it out again. He certainly wouldn't turn the red head down if she wanted more, but he wanted a woman with a *little* more experience. Until this kiss. Lindsey could swear later that he saw spots behind his eyes, the passion was so blinding. He moaned deep in his chest and pulled the witch as close as he could, wanting to surround her, to be completely inside of her. Willow dug her nails in his skin. This was all completely new to her, a passion this strong. Sure, she had felt glimpses of it with Oz, but it was never like this. She pulled away and looked into his eyes, her lips red and swollen. His eyes were dark with desire for her. "Lindsey," she moaned. "God, Willow," he whispered, running his lips over her ear lobe. "I've never..." Her body shuddered around him as he hit her spot. Her eyes rolled back in her head. She threw her head back, exposing her neck to him. He ran his tongue along her skin, tasting the salty sweat. "Lindsey..." she purred. He grunted, knowing he was about to explode. "Willow..." She thrust her hips against him, driving him deeper into her. He groaned, knowing that Willow was the absolute tightest lover he'd ever been with. It was a feeling that he never knew he'd enjoy, but wasn't sure he could ever walk away from. She opened her eyes, long since darkened with lust. "Make me explode," she whispered, "make me scream out your name..." He flashed her a grin, reaching down between their bodies. He kept his eyes on hers, wanting to see the look in them when she came. He grunted again, feeling his orgasm start. He grasped her clit between his thumb and forefinger, twisting it. "Cum for me, Willow..." She tightened around him, crying out his name as she hit her orgasm head on. He shuddered in her arms, thrusting twice more, emptying himself deep inside of her. He leaned down and bit her shoulder, causing her to cry out again. Minutes passed as the two lay motionless in each other's arms. He had his head on her heaving chest, she was idly running fingers through his sweaty hair. "Lindsey," she said softly. He looked up at her, smiling. "Willow. Will you stay here? Stay the night with me? Let me hold you while I sleep?" Her face melted into a smile. "I'd like that." He pulled the covers over them and wrapped his arms around her. "That was incredible." Her eyebrow rose. "You expected anything less?" He chuckled. "Come on, let's sleep now." ------- Lindsey woke up with a start. He glanced at the clock. The big green numbers read 7:03 AM. "7 am. I can sleep another hour and get to work by nine..." He turned over. "Willow, do you need....to..." He frowned. "Be somewhere." He sat up and looked around. She was gone, all her clothes, her bag, everything. She'd left him. *Him*. Especially after a night like that. "Well, I'll be damned," he said, lying back down. He stared at the ceiling for an hour. ------- Willow walked into Angel Investigations humming. "Hey, guys," she said, smiling. They all watched her, arms crossed, lips pressed together. "Where did you sleep last night?" Cordelia asked. Willow looked at Cordelia. "Not at the apartment." Angel sighed, rubbing his face. "Wills, I adore you. You know I do. I'm not going to lecture you on anything, who you can and cannot sleep with, but I *really* am not comfortable with you getting involved with Lindsey." "Besides," Cordelia added. "Sex is bad. We all know that. Angel loses his soul.   I get demon babies." Willow looked at Wesley, crossing her arms. "And you? What do you have to contribute to this?" Wesley sighed. "While I believe as Angel does, I am afraid I don't feel I have known you long enough to have a say in what you do." "Thank you, Wesley." Willow tucked her hair behind her ear. "I have work to do." She walked off, going to the room where the computer was. Cordelia looked at Angel. "It must have been really good." Angel frowned. "What makes you say that, Del?" "If he were bad, she would have copped out and agreed with us. But her....defiance tells me he was good." Cordelia frowned. "What do you think he's up to?" Angel sighed. "I don't know. I really don't know." ---- Lilah Morgan watched Lindsey under her lashes. He was sitting alone at the briefing table, scribbling something on a sheet of paper. "Lindsey." He jumped, looking up at her. "Lilah," he scowled. "What do you want?" "Snappy this morning. What happened to you?" "Nothing," he said, looking back down at his paper. "Does it have anything to do with the little red head that left your apartment this morning?" Lindsey froze, but didn't look up. He continued to scribble notes on his paper, trying to look like he wasn't affected by her question. "So, what about her?" "Where did you find her, and why haven't you told the Senior Partners about her?" Lindsey frowned. "What?" "Willow Rosenberg. You mean to tell me Willow Rosenberg spent the night at your apartment and you have no clue who she is?" Lindsey chewed his bottom lip. [Damn, the firm knows about her.] "I was under the impression she was the random female I picked up last night. I didn't realize there was more to her." He leered. "It kinda wasn't first and foremost on my mind." Lilah sat back, grinning. she crossed her arms. "You screwed the Slayer's best friend." "Really? She knows Faith?" "Not Faith, Lindsey. *The* Slayer. Buffy Summers." "Hmm..how interesting." He shrugged it off. "She's a witch." "What?" Lindsey asked, looking up. [I didn't know she was a witch!] "A witch. Very powerful from what I understand. Her and three of her little mortal friends, plus the Slayer, took out the Initiative." Lindsey's eyes narrowed. "*They* are what happened to the Initiative? I thought demons escaped and destroyed it." "That's the story for those who know what the organization was. However, there's a whole lot more to it and Willow and her friends sit right in the middle of it." "Doesn't matter," Lindsey said. "I won't be seeing her again. I don't even know where she lives or why she's here." "We can find that out," Lilah laughed. Lindsey sighed. "Whatever, Lilah. I don't want to have anything to do with it." "What she *that* bad, Lindsey?" Lindsey glared at her Lilah stood up, chuckling. "That's why you don't sleep with little girls, and you stick to women." She flashed a grin and walked out.

Willow was nervous walking into Wolfram and Hart. She went to the receptionist. "Yes, ma'am, I was wondering if I could see Lindsey MacDonald, please," Willow said softly to the woman at the desk. "The nature of your business, ma'am?" the receptionist asked.   "I am a... friend of his.... and I brought him lunch," Willow said, holding up a brown paper bag. "I will call him up to see if he will accept you, ma'am... your name is?"   Willow glanced around, knowing she was walking into the lion's den being here. "Rose. Rose Williams." She chuckled. "Little red headed Rose." "Please, have a seat, Ms. Williams." Willow went to the chairs and waited. Lilah Morgan stepped off the elevator right about the time that Willow sat down. She smiled to herself. She walked over to Willow. "May I help you, Miss?" Willow stood up, sensing something not right. "I'm here, waiting for someone." "Who?" Lilah asked sweetly. "Why does it matter, ma'am?" Willow replied.   Lilah's voice dropped. "Because, ma'am, we don't just let children, or known enemies, roam through our halls. I doubt your friend will want to see you. At least, he didn't seem too interested when I asked about you this morning." She crossed her arms. "Is that so?" Willow asked. She smiled. "Well, gosh, how silly of little school girl me thinking that I can get upstairs to see a big time hot shot lawyer. Whatever could I have been thinking?" Lilah studied her. "I know who you are, Miss Rosenberg. I know you are powerful, and I know that you are friends with the Slayer. I haven't figured out why you are here yet, but I will. Wolfram and Hart won't take to kindly to you being here in LA, especially if it endangers some of our client's lives." "I have nothing against any of your clients, ma'am. I simply came to LA to get away from Sunnydale for a couple of months, to visit a childhood friend, and happened to meet Lindsey last night. I knew he worked here and thought I would bring him lunch. I didn't realize that it was against the law to try to have lunch with someone." The receptionist inched to the two women. She opened her mouth to speak when Lilah beat her to the punch. "It doesn't matter, Miss Rosenberg. He won't want to see you." She grinned. "Ummm..." the receptionist said, "Mr. MacDonald will see you now, ma'am. All you need to do is fill out a form to get a visitor's pass." Willow smiled at Lilah. "Oops, guess you were wrong, darling." She walked past Lilah and went to fill out the appropriate forms. Willow was escorted upstairs to Lindsey's office. She knocked on the door. "Enter," he said softly. Willow walked in and smiled. "Afternoon. I brought you lunch... if you haven't eaten yet." He glared at her. "Why did you leave, Willow?"   "What?" she asked, stepping back at the anger in his eyes.   "Why did you leave? I woke up this morning and you were gone."   She narrowed her eyes. "I had to get up and get ready for work, thank you very much. I had several things to do this morning before work, so I was gone by 5:30. I didn't really think you'd appreciate me waking you up." He crossed his arms. "You are just a little girl, Willow."   She blinked at him. "What?" He stood up. "A little girl that probably left because she regretted what she did, and then came running back with her tail between her legs when she realized that she would have hit pay dirt if she would have stayed." Willow laughed, hiding the hurt his words made her feel. "Don't flatter yourself, Lindsey. I wasn't lying to Cordelia when I said you were another random guy." Lindsey gritted his teeth, ignoring the tiny ache that started in his heart. He wasn't going to let this little girl get to him. "I'm telling the firm you are here, that you are working for Angel, and that you are a witch." Her eyes widened in surprise. He laughed. "Didn't think I knew, did you? Well, guess what? I do." He smirked. "I suggest you leave, little Willow, while you still have some dignity." Willow crossed her arms. "Fine." She smiled. "Don't be upset if our next meeting isn't as... pleasant." She walked out. ------ Willow walked into Angel Investigations and sat down with a huff. Cordelia looked up at the girl and sighed. "I take it Lindsey is a bastard?" she asked. "The sex... it was so good, Delia. I mean, how can you have such good sex and then be all bastardy?" "Evil people are like that, Willow," Angel's soft voice said from the door of his office. Willow glanced back at Angel. "Yea, I guess so." She frowned for a moment, and then a small smile appeared on her face. Cordelia studied the red head. "What are you up to, Willow?" "I think I just figured out a way to make a certain lawyer squirm for pissing me off," Willow grinned. "Angel, can I call Sunnydale?" Angel shrugged. "I suppose. Who are you calling?" "Our favorite blond haired vampire," Willow grinned. "Oh, dear," Angel said with a smirk on his face. "But then again, I guess it serves Lindsey right." ------ "Angel Investigations!" "Hey, Cheerleader, it's Spike. Watcher said that Red wanted me to call her." "My *name* is Cordelia, Spike. Yes, Willow did call you." "Can I talk to her?" Cordelia laughed softly. "Only if you say yes to her plan." "Her plan?" Spike asked. "Yea." "Just put the witch on the phone. I haven't got time for this. I've got.... things to do." Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Fine," she said. She handed the phone to Willow. "I don't know how you put up with him. And Angel, why you sired him is beyond me." Angel smirked. "Angelus had his reasons." Willow snatched the phone from Cordelia. "Spike, hey, I need you to do me a really big favor that I know you won't want to do because it involves you coming to Los Angeles tonight but it would so be worth it if you did cause you could totally hurt someone without hurting him and it would be really well appreciated by me and Cordelia and Angel and...." Spike tried to keep up with Willow's babbling, but failed. "Red, slow down. Now what do you want me to do?" "There is this lawyer, whom I met the other night. We slept together, and I really liked him, but he ended up being a bastard. Well, anyway, I was trying to make sure he didn't hurt me and sorta.... told him that you and I were really good friends and that you would hurt him if he hurt me." Spike chuckled. "So you want me to come to LA to make some bloke pay for shagging you, then dumping you?" "Pretty much," Willow replied. "He's scared of you, Spike. He knows who you are, and he was scared. I could tell." "So he didn't know about the bloody chip then. Hmmm. What's in it for me?" Willow opened her mouth, then shut it. She looked up at Angel. "He wants to know what's in it for him." "Tell that insufferable childe of mine that I won't stake him if he does this for you." "Angel says --" "I *heard* what Peaches said," Spike growled. "That's not a good enough incentive though." "Spike says that's not good enough," Willow said to Angel. Angel rolled his eyes. "Tell him I will think of something. Also remind him that he gets to humiliate a scum of the earth human that I really can't stand." "Wait, you mean Peaches doesn't like him?" Spike asked Willow. "No, he told me I should stay away from him." Spike laughed. "Sounds like my kind of bloke if my Poof of a Sire doesn't like him. Fine. I will leave after dark. Tell Peaches he better think of something *really* good to give me if he expects me to do this." "Thanks, Spike," Willow said, grinning. "Welcome, pet. See you after sunset." "Oh, Spike..." "Yea, Red?" "You don't mind acting kinda possessive of me.... do you?" Spike growled. "I suppose not," he said. "Thanks, Spike," Willow giggled. "See you tonight." "Sure, Red. See you tonight." Spike hung up. -------- Lindsey didn't know what brought him to the club that night. Part of him prayed that Willow would be there and he could apologize for everything he had said to her. He watched the people of the club and saw Angel and Cordelia dancing out on the floor. She was laughing about something, and he looked like he was brooding, as usual. He started scanning the tables and then he saw her. She was sitting alone at a table, stirring her drink. She looked so lonely -- his heart ached. He knew that he had done that to her. He weaved through the club to her table. "Hey, Willow. Can I join you?" She looked up at him, anger in her eyes. "I don't know if that's such a good idea, Lindsey." "Why not? I mean... I need to apologize for everything that I said..."   "I'm here with someone," Willow said. Lindsey glanced around, not seeing anyone even remotely looking like he was alone. "Who? Some random guy?" Willow laughed. "Don't let him hear you call him a random guy. He wouldn't take that too kindly. No, he's around... teasing his appetite, like usual." "You mean to tell me your date is out looking at other women?" Lindsey asked, angrily. "Willow, you deserve better than that." "Lindsey, I really would get up and walk away right now, if you know what's best," Willow said softly. "Willow, I -"   "Pet, is this man bothering you?" another voice said behind Lindsey.   Lindsey frowned and turned, facing a blonde haired man with blue eyes. He looked like the bad boy type, but he didn't look *that* strong. "No, I'm not, I'm talking to her, do you mind?" Spike laughed, crossing his arms. "Do I mind? You hear that, Red? He's asking do I mind if he talks to my property." Willow smiled slightly. She shrugged. "This is Lindsey MacDonald," she said.   "You," Spike growled, grabbing his shirt. "You hurt my pet."   Lindsey struggled slightly. "What? She didn't say she belonged to anyone!" Lindsey cried. Spike let his yellow eyes shine before turning them blue again. "I believe she told you of the attachment William the Bloody had for her?" Lindsey paled. "Oh my god, I'm going to die."   "No, not right now," Spike said. "I'm going to be nice, because I just had dinner, and Red said you made her feel good last night. However, if I hear one more whisper that you hurt her, then it doesn't matter how full I am. You will be dead." "Spike...." a dangerous voice said behind them. Spike turned to see Angel and Cordelia standing there. "Hey, Peaches. I'm just playing with my dinner, wanna join me?"   "Spike, put Lindsey down. You can't eat him."   Spike put him down. "Why not, Peaches? He hurt Red."   "I told you that you could come to LA as long as you didn't hurt anyone," Angel said. Spike rolled his eyes. "Fine. I won't hurt him."   "I think he should," Cordelia said, crossing her arms.   Spike licked his lips. "He smells mighty tasty, I bet he'd be delicious..."          "You'd better go, Lindsey, before they decide you would be a good dinner," Angel said.          Lindsey looked at all of them and then left the club.   As soon as he was gone, they all started laughing. "Oh, god, that was great!" Cordelia said. "The look, Peaches, on his face, when I asked you if you wanted to join me for dinner...oh, that was bloody priceless!"

Spike turned to Willow. "Red, what's wrong with you? You aren't having a good time like the rest of us. Even Peaches is having a better time than you, and you know he's gotten the award for the bloody broodiest man walking." Willow shrugged. "Just feel bad." "About *that* bloke? Not even worth your time." "But, Spike," she said, turning to him. "I really like him." Spike sighed at the tears in her eyes. "Pet, you wear your heart on your sleeve. You really should toughen up a little bit. Besides, he's evil. You don't want to be involved with someone who's evil." "Me and you are friends...." She shook her head. "Never mind. You are a demon, and you don't care about us, or me. I don't even know why I'm talking to you about this." She started to get out of her chair. Shooting a look at his sire, Spike grabbed Willow's arm. "Pet, wait." She turned back to him, tears streaming down her face. "What?" she sniffed. "I'm gonna tell you something, and it doesn't leave this bloody table, ok? I know that Peaches and Cordelia won't say anything, but..." Willow sighed. "Not a word, Spike. I promise." "I actually like you. Can't stand Slutty, or the rest of the Scooby Gang, but I like you." Willow's eyebrows creased together in a frown. "You do?" "Yea, you got a fire about you. But if you breathe a word to *anyone*, I'll deny it." Willow smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Not a word. Thanks, Spike. Excuse me." She pulled out of Spike's grasp and went to the Ladies' Room. Cordelia sighed. "I'll be back. I have to console Willow." The former cheerleader followed the red head into the bathroom. She did as any friend would and held the witch as she cried. ------ "What's more important, your life or your job?" Holland looked up curiously at Lindsey's softly spoken question. "I'm sorry?" "If you were in a situation, which would you choose? Your life, or your job?" "Any job, or your nice Wolfram and Hart job?" Holland asked. "A job that you enjoy, for the most part," Lindsey said. "Sit," Holland commanded. Lindsey obediently took the seat across from his boss. "What's on your mind, Lindsey?" "I'm just curious. If you knew something that might benefit your job, but you knew that you would end up dead the next morning if you told your bosses, what would you do?" Lindsey asked. "This is about Miss Rosenberg, isn't it?" Lindsey blinked in surprise, but kept the rest of his composure. "You.... know about her?" "Have forgotten that Lilah Morgan works here?" Lindsey cursed inwardly as he gritted his teeth at what Holland's statement meant. Holland studied the young lawyer. "So you *do* have feelings for the witch. Lilah warned me that you did, but I wasn't sure myself." "Mr. Holland..." Holland waved his hand at Lindsey, brushing the subject off. "You needn't worry of Angel hurting you. I suspect the vampire won't take it that far." Lindsey held up his replaced hand. "Might I remind you he chopped off my hand to protect Cordelia Chase?" "But a hand is a completely different story than a life." "He demonstrated no mercy when it came to Russell Winters....." "....who was also a vampire," Holland finished. "You are a human, Lindsey, not a demon." "I may be safe from Angel's wrath, but not the other vampire." Holland frowned. "What? What *other* vampire?" "William the Bloody." Holland's eyebrows rose. "William the Bloody? What does he have to do with Miss Rosenberg?" "She.... belongs to him." Lindsey looked down. "If we do anything to her, he will kill me." Holland crossed his arms and sat back in his chair. "So the question is this. Who would you rather die by? William the Bloody, or us?" -------- Lindsey stormed through the halls angrily. He wasn't thinking straight, the anger was so strong. Lindsey stormed into Lilah's office. He normally never lost his cool to this extent, but at this point, he didn't care. "You stupid bitch," he growled as he slammed her door. Lilah looked up, undisturbed. "Can I help you, MacDonald?" "What the hell was all that, telling Holland about Willow?" She stood up and smoothed out her dress suit, a faint smile on her lips. "I knew that you wouldn't, so I did." "What gives you the right to interfere with my life?" he roared. "The Senior Partners needed to know." She walked around the desk and went to him. "Lindsey, if you would calm down and look at the situation rationally, then you would understand that I had to." "You know you are going to get me killed." She smiled with as much fakeness as she could muster. "Don't be silly. They won't kill you over this." "No, but Spike will." "Spike?" she frowned. "Who the hell is Spike?" "Her friend. Her overprotective friend. Her overprotective non-souled vampire friend." Lilah's eyes widened. "She's *friends* with a vampire other than Angel?" "Yea, and he's going to kill me, thanks to this stunt of yours." She shrugged nonchalantly. "Better you than me." Lindsey seethed. Growing up, his mother had taught him *some* values, one of which was not to *ever* hit a woman. However, at this point, all his mother's words flew out the window. Lindsey pulled his hand back and punched Lilah in the face. "Go to hell," he spat. He spun on his heel and walked out.

Lindsey smiled. She was waiting for him in his room. Willow was sitting in a chair on the balcony, staring out over the city. The moonlight was shining on her red hair and pale skin. She wore a dark-green silk nightgown. It was obvious what she wanted. "Willow," he said softly. She stood up and turned, smiling at him. She walked back into his room. She gracefully carried herself to him, stroking his cheek. "Lindsey, I need you." Her voice was soft, but carried a hint of passion. He moaned softly, closing his eyes. She was pressed against his body, causing him to have all sorts of hormonal reactions. He ran his hands up her bare arms. He cupped her face in his hands, leaning down to kiss her softly. She pushed him away with a grin. The red head led him to his bed and pulled him down. She slowly started loosening his tie. Pulling it out of his shirt, she moved her hands to the lapels of his jacket. She slowly removed the jacket, running her fingers along his expensive dress shirt. Mere seconds felt like minutes to Lindsey as she gently unbuttoned each individual button on his shirt. "Willow..." His need was strong, and she was taking *so* damn long. "Lindsey," she said softly, her voice husky. "Let me undress you." She pulled his shirt out of his pants. "I find that... sexy." Lindsey closed his eyes and groaned softly. Even her words, the tone of her voice, was making him hard. "Ok," he managed to say. Willow pushed the offending shirt off of his body. She nodded towards the head of the bed. "Lay down." He obediently got up and stretched out on the bed. It was apparent through his pants that he was eagerly awaiting whatever it was the red head was going to do. She went to the door and shut it. She turned the light off and walked to the lamp by the bed. She switched it on. It had the desired effect. It bathed the room in a softer light, yet left enough light for her to see what she was doing, and who she was doing it to. She crawled on the bed, looking like a predator going after her prey. Lindsey closed his eyes, burning that particular image in his mind. He knew that he didn't have long to live -- either Spike or Wolfram and Hart would get to him. He knew that this look on Willow's face would be the last thing he would think of before he died. She threw her leg over his hips, chuckling softly as she ground her sex into his pant covered erection. He moaned softly, feeling the warmth through his pants. He knew she wasn't wearing any panties. "Don't.... don't tease me..." She ran her fingertips down his chest. "But teasing can be so fun, Lindsey." She brushed the pad of her thumb over his nipple. She leaned down and ran her tongue around it, then over the hard tip. He closed his eyes and groaned, enjoying the lack of control he had. Her red silky hair was spread out on his skin. He brought his hand up and ran his fingers through it. She sat up quickly and grabbed his wrists. She leaned up and placed his hands at the brass headboard. "Hold the bars on the headboard and don't move your hands. If you do, I'll be forced to tie them there." Lindsey's eyes flew open at her request. They were slightly tinted with fear. He'd never given up complete control to *any* woman, and didn't think he ever could. And yet the thought of having no control whatsoever made his cock twitch in anticipation. "I...I..." "What's the matter, Lindsey? Don't you trust me?" "I do, but..." She ran her tongue along his ear. She sucked his earlobe softly, then said, "Sometimes you have to give up control to get what you want." "I trust you," he said softly. She laughed, music to his ears. "Good. Then we can play." She sat back up and moved down, unbuttoning his pants. She pulled the zipper down achingly slow, knowing it would drive him crazy. "W...Willow..." "I like it when you say my name," she murmured softly. Lindsey filed that piece of information away for later use. He gripped the bars of the headboard tightly and lifted his hips so she could remove his pants. She pulled his socks off then kneeled on the bed, not touching him. He opened an eye and looked at her. She was watching him. "Willow, I need you," he said softly. A smile graced her features. It was a smile to end all smiles, one that lit up the room and lit up his heart. Willow positioned herself on the bed and slipped her fingers into the waistband of his boxer briefs. She slowly pulled them down, stopping only to place a kiss on the tip of his cock. "Willow... please..." She pulled them off and threw them in the pile of clothes. *His* clothes. She still had her gown on. "You still have clothes..." She silenced him with a finger on his lips. "And they are staying on," she said. "But..." "Shush, or I'll quiet you." Lindsey couldn't resist. "With a gag or your cunt?" he leered. She threw him an evil glare. "I can leave...." "This is me being totally quiet now," Lindsey said. She giggled. "You can make noises, Lindsey.... and you will, I promise." He closed his eyes and groaned at her promise. His mind was swirling. Here was a young woman, barely twenty, and she had managed to make him give up all control. And to top it off, he didn't mind. "Oh, god..." He was so lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize she had straddled him again until she lowered herself on him. He moaned, completely enraptured by how tight she was. She braced herself on his chest and slowly began sliding up and down his stiff cock. It didn't take long before he was thrusting, rising his hips to meet her. He forced his eyes open, looking up at her, wanting to see her face. She had her eyes closed and was biting her bottom lip. She had the look of a woman in pleasure. He grunted, feeling his balls tighten. Instinctively, Willow knew he was about to cum. She increased her movements, wanting to cum with him. Moments of sheer bliss passed before Lindsey's world exploded in color. He thrusted his hips hard into Willow, spilling his seed deep inside of her. "Oh, god, Willow..." he cried, closing his eyes. A small whimper left Willow's lips as she came. She started to shudder, falling against his chest. "Lindsey..." He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer him. "Willow," he said softly. "I love you." ------- Lindsey's eyes flew open with shock. He blinked a couple of times, trying to gather his bearings. He was in his bed and it was dark. Glancing at his clock, he saw it was three in the morning. He sat up and groaned. His boxers were drenched in cum. "Oh, my god, it was a damn dream!" He ran his hands through his hair. "I can't believe it was a dream. And it made me cum to boot." He got up and went into the bathroom to clean himself up. "I have got to warn her. I can't let them hurt her." As he started to clean up, his words from the dream echoed in his head. <'I love you, Willow.' There's no way, no way at all I could love her.> He sighed. ------- "So, how'd you find me, pet?" Lindsey closed his eyes, knowing it was stupid to have hunted the blond vampire down. And to top that off, he pulled him *out* of the club and into a dark alley. A dark alley where the vampire could easily drain him and leave his dead body for anyone to find. "Our files said you frequented this.... particular club and so I took a chance." Spike laughed, lighting a cigarette. "Must have been quite a shock, walking into a demon's bondage club." Lindsey shrugged. "i've been in worse. You'd be surprised where some of my clients want to meet." "Yea, well, my favorite meeting place is over someone's dying body. I have a particular fondness for tasty lawyers..." Lindsey opened his eyes and glared at Spike. "I don't care if you kill me anymore. I'm going to die, either way." Spike frowned. He knew Willow wouldn't want the man dead. "Why's that, pet?" "They know about her." "Who?" "Wolfram and Hart." Spike narrowed his eyes at the lawyer. "And exactly *what* did you tell them about her?" " *I* didn't tell them anything! Lilah Morgan did. She knew that I couldn't." "Oh, she knows that I'm going to kill you slowly with a lot of torture? Does this Lilah chit know that the same will happen to her?" "No, Spike, she knows that I have feelings for Willow and wouldn't give her to them. And because I'm going to refuse to help them get her, the Senior Partners are going to kill me. So I decided to come to you." "Why me?" "Two reasons. First, I don't want Willow to get hurt. I had to get a warning to her. And two, I...I, well, I would rather you kill me than them. At least if you do, it will give Willow some justice for hurting her." Spike inhaled his cigarette. He knew the man was telling the truth, and knew that if he didn't do something to help the lawyer, then Willow would be pretty ticked off at him "Come on, wanker. Let's go." Lindsey frowned. "Where are we going? You can't just kill me right here?" Spike's laugh was harsh. "I'm not going to kill you. Right now. Now we are going to go and protect Red." "We... are?" "Of course we are. Do you think I would let them have her?" "No, but you are including me?" Spike sighed. "Of course, Lindsey. She likes you. I figure it's the least I can do. Now come on. We gotta get to Peaches and wake him up. I'm warning you though, he probably just went to sleep and he's not a morning demon at all." Lindsey gulped and followed Spike out of the alley.

Willow slowly opened her eyes. "Oh, goddess." she whispered, clutching her stomach. "I feel. . .bad." She closed her eyes and took stock of everything going on. Her head was pounding, Willow felt nauseous, she had no clothes on, and there was a warm body pressed against her. The warm body's head was on her stomach, under the covers. "Lindsey?" she asked softly. Warm body stirred. Willow sighed softly as lips kissed her stomach. "Mmm. . .goddess, Lindsey. . .as much as I would love to be ravaged by you, I feel so bad. . ." Fingers traced her belly, and then began to move down. Willow gasped and closed her eyes, enjoying Lindsey's touch. In the back of her head, her rational mind was yelling that she hated him, but lust took over and she didn't care. She arched her hips as the fingers got closer to her mound. Lindsey's warm tongue flicked in and out of her navel. Willow let out a low drawn out moan as the fingers reached her curls. She gasped as a finger slipped into her wet core. Surprise jarred Willow's lustful thoughts when the finger froze and she heard an 'EEP!' Warm Body flung the covers off of the bed. Willow sat up and leaned against the headboard in horror. "C. . .Cordelia?" "Oh. My. God." Cordelia blinked a couple of times. "Willow. . .how. . .drunk were we last night?" "I. . .I don't know," Willow whispered. "I certainly don't remember going to sleep with you being naked and me being naked, like we both appear to be. I. . .thought you were Lindsey." "I thought you were Angel," Cordelia said, wiping her fingers against the bedspread. "Angel?" Willow asked. "You want Angel?" Cordelia blushed slightly. "Maybe." She slid out of bed, moaning softly. "I drank too much last night. I feel like shit." "Ditto." Willow got up. Both of them grabbed silk robes and wrapped the garments around themselves. "We need to just forget this ever happened. Never tell anyone about it. Ever." "Deal," Cordelia said. They walked out of the bedroom and stopped at the entrance to the living room. Both of their jaws dropped to the floor. Angel was sitting on the couch, head back and eyes closed. He had no shirt on. Spike was curled to his side, softly sucking two bite wounds in Angel's neck. The blonde's hand was slowly traveling over the massive chest of his sire. Angel was purring. Willow grabbed Cordelia's arm. "Ok, that's. . ." "Sexy," Cordelia whispered. "Hey, what are they doing here?" "I'm. . .not sure. . " Willow whispered. "Do you think that they know about. . .you know. . .Our sleeping arrangement last night?" "If they do, who cares? It's so obvious that they would have no problems with you and I doing anything," Cordelia smirked. "Morning, ladies, do you want breakfast?" Willow and Cordelia spun around to the man that had walked out of the kitchen. Willow gasped. "L. . .Lindsey!" Lindsey smiled at the two women. "I'm cooking breakfast for myself. . .do you want some?" Cordelia seethed. "What the HELL are you doing in my apartment!?" she screeched. "I came with them," he said, nodding to the two vampires on the couch. "We got here earlier this morning, because I have to talk to Willow." Cordelia stepped in front of her friend. "I don't think so, Lindsey. Willow is completely off limits to you." "No," a smooth voice said in Cordelia's ear. "He needs to talk to her." Cordelia felt her insides melt. She closed her eyes and concentrated. [ Do not pay attention to Angel standing next to you. Do not pay attention to Angel standing next to you ] "What about?" she squeaked. Angel grinned at the reaction he was making his secretary and best friend have. "They want her. Wolfram and Hart are looking for her." Cordelia spun to Angel, forgetting about her lust. "And you believe him?" she said, poking his chest. "He's probably just saying that to get next to her! God, how could you be so damn gullible, Angel!?" Angel frowned. "No, he gave himself up to Spike, for him to kill him." Cordelia crossed her arms. "And how hard to do you think it would be for Wolfram and Hart to find out Spike's impotency problem?" "HEY!" Spike roared. "I'm *not* impotent!" Angel turned to Lindsey, rage in his eyes. "I didn't even think about that. You knew, that's why you went to Spike. You knew he wouldn't kill you. You are helping them!" "No!" Lindsey said, stepping back in fear. "I'm not! I swear!" "You did say they would go to any means necessary to get her." Spike pointed out. "You have to believe me!" Lindsey cried. "I don't want Willow to get hurt! I want. . ." Cordelia cried out in pain, clutching her head. She started to fall over, but Willow caught her. She gently lowered the girl to the floor.   Cordelia cried out in agony as pain inflamed her nerve endings. Her body shook. "No. . ." she whispered, a sob coming to her throat. "What did you see, honey?" Angel asked, stroking Cordelia's face. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. "Pain. . .horrible pain. Willow. . .they had her in a basement. We couldn't save her. Lindsey. . ." she choked on her sob. Spike turned to Lindsey. "I say we kill you so you can't kidnap her." Lindsey paled. "Lindsey. . .electricity. . .agony," Cordelia shuddered. "So much pain. . .A red headed woman in a suit. . .laughing while he screams in agony." Angel blinked once, then twice. "Oh. I'm. . .sorry, Lindsey." Lindsey shrugged. "I would have blamed me too, had I been in your situation." "No!" Willow cried. "We can't let them hurt him!" She looked up at Lindsey. "I don't. . .want you hurt." His smile was strained. "I really don't want to be hurt. But I don't want them to do anything to you." He leaned back against the wall. "We really should kill Lilah. It's all her fault." He glanced up, realizing there were three shocked faces and one thrilled face staring at him. "K. . .kill?" Willow asked softly. "No one needs to be killed, Lindsey." She shuddered slightly, a little unnerved at how easy it was for him to make that proclamation. "Yea," Cordelia agreed. "That sorta goes against everything we've worked for." "I say we kill the bloody chit. Let me romance her, I'll drain her for you. It would be fun." Spike grinned. Angel rolled his eyes at his childe. "Spike, be good." Spike grumbled. "Bloody hell." He stormed into the kitchen. Cordelia glanced at Angel, allowing her eyes to quickly take in all the tight muscles in his chest. Her eyes glazed over the bites. "Angel?" she asked quietly, reaching out to run her fingers along the bite. He trembled under her touch. "What's going on with you and Spike?" She was glad she was able to keep the jealousy out of her voice. Angel's eyes closed and his lips curled into a grin. "He told me I was sexy last night. And then he said he didn't think that the soul would do anything with him. Proved him wrong." "Oh. Yea, ok," Cordelia said. She crossed her arms. "Why were you two making out on my couch?" "Just waiting for you to wake up." "We came over this morning," Lindsey broke in smoothly with his lie, "because we needed to tell you about my talk with Lilah. She told the firm about you, Willow." Willow and Cordelia turned to Lindsey. "So the vision really could happen," Cordelia said softly. "What do you think they want with me?" Willow asked. "I'm not terribly sure," Lindsey replied. Willow chewed her bottom lip. She glanced around at her friends. She turned and walked into the kitchen. "Hey, Spike." "Yea," he grumbled, his back to the witch. "Peaches send you in here? I don't know why he thinks I should be good, just because he's the Dark Avenger. I'm not a good guy, I'm completely evil." Willow put her hand on his back. "I don't doubt that, Spike. I'm not asking you to be the good guy." She glanced behind her. "Actually," she said, dropping her voice to a whisper, "I want you to be the bad guy." "What?" he asked, turning around. "I need to get into Wolfram and Hart, and find out what's going on. I can't go alone." The corner of Spike's mouth turned into a half-smirk. "How am I going to help you, pet? I can't even defend myself against humans." Willow smiled. "I found a spell that will allow you to defend yourself. You can't, say, go and beat the crap out of Lindsey, but if he were to attack me, you could fight him off." Spike grinned maniacally, rubbing his hands together. "I hope someone attacks us."   *-*-*-* Willow grinned at Angel. "Me and Spike are going shopping." Cordelia glanced up. "Shopping? Without me? I want to go!" "No!" Willow cried. "Uh. . .you. . .can't." Cordelia frowned. "Why not?" "Cause Red wants to buy something for you, you bloody chit," Spike grumbled, lacing his boots up. Cordelia smiled. "Oh, Willow, that's so sweet!" It was later that afternoon. Lindsey had gone into work, to make appearances. Angel, Cordelia, Willow, and Spike had spent the day discussing different plans of attack. They were trying to figure out how to protect Willow. Willow and Spike decided it would be better if no one knew their plan of going to Wolfram & Hart. She knew that Angel would lose his temper and yell at them for being stupid. Thus, their idea to spend the afternoon shopping was born. "Be careful," Angel murmured from his book. Spike leaned down, his mouth inches from Angel's ear. "I always am. I'll protect Red. And have some fun, Poof. You are alone in the apartment with the cheerleader." Angel's lips turned into a grin. "I know," he said. "That's why I'm not fighting you two leaving." Spike chuckled. "Be careful, boy." He turned to look into his childe's blue eyes. "Protect her like she were your life." Spike grinned. "I will, dad." "Stop calling me dad." Spike leaned forward and kissed Angel's lips. "See you two later! Be good!" He and Willow left. As soon as they got settled in Spike's Desoto, Willow pulled out her bag. She pulled her shirt off and started unbuttoning her jeans. "Uhh. . .pet, what are you doing?" Spike said, keeping his eyes on the road. [ Do not get turned on by Red, do not get turned on by Red. ] "I can't go in Wolfram and Heart with jeans on. They'd laugh me right out of the firm." She pulled her jeans off and grinned at him. He glanced at her and groaned. She was wearing a tiny black lacy bra and black lacy panties. "Bloody hell!" he exclaimed, turning back to the road. "Put on some clothes before I have to shag you!" Willow chucked. She pulled out a nice dress suit and laid it against the seat. It was gray, with tiny white vertical stripes. She reached into her bag and pulled out a pair of nude silk thigh high stockings. She giggled, putting them on slow, purposely trying to tease Spike. "Witch." he said threateningly. She grinned at him and finished dressing. The skirt was a few inches above the knee, but low enough to where the top of the stockings where hidden. She pulled her visor down and applied a little more makeup than she usually wore. She pulled her hair up into a French Twist. "Well?" Spike glanced over and grinned. "You look like a totally different person, Red. You also look completely professional." "Thanks. Now here's the deal. You are my bodyguard, but to an obsessive extent." "Obsessive?" "I'm yours. If anyone comes near me, growl at them, flash some fang. No one, and I mean *no* one is allowed to touch me, or come near me." Spike grinned. "That won't be difficult." "Come on," she said, as they pulled into a parking space. They got out of the car and walked into Wolfram and Hart.

"Sir, there is a vampire in the building." "A vampire?" Holland asked his assistant. "Yes, sir. He's in the lobby, with a woman whose identity we are researching. One of the guards said she looks somewhat familiar, but he doesn't know who she is. She is human, however, one of the warlocks in the building said she is definitely a witch." Holland stood up. "Do we have video?" His assistant pushed a button on his desk. A panel in the wall slid away to reveal a television. The feed started. There was a red headed woman who had a blonde man attached to her arm. She was relaxed and confident. He was tight and ready to strike. "Hmm. I wonder if that is who I think it is. Go, go get them. Bring them to my office."   *-*-*-* "Pet, do you think they will let us in, since you didn't tell them your name?" Spike whispered. "Yea, we are much too intriguing. I know that they know there is a vampire in the building, Angel told me that a long time ago. There's a lot of mystical mumbo jumbo here." "Well, I still have a very bad feeling about this." "Mr. Holland would like to see you," a voice said behind them. They spun around. A short man, about 5'6" stood there. He looked calm, but Willow could tell he was nervous by his eyes. "Come on, William," Willow purred, "let's go see Holland."   *-*-*-* Willow was seated comfortably in the chair in front of Holland's desk. Spike stood at her side; his hand on her shoulder. "Mr. . ." Holland started, trailing off. "William the Bloody. You can call me Spike," he hissed. "Spike. You can sit, if you'd like." "Thank you, no. I prefer to be beside Red, where I can rip someone's throat out, if need be." Holland shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It was very obvious that the human belonged to the vampire. He remembered being ashamed of the fear Lindsey exhibited when he talked about the red head belonging to Spike. Now he knew why Lindsey was afraid. Spike wasn't a big man by any means. He was about 5'9" or 5'10" and very lean. However, his eyes radiated evil. His whole stance and body language was evil. This was a vampire who had no qualms about ripping someone's throat out. Spike grinned at Holland. "You have every reason to be afraid of me," he said smoothly. "What?" Holland asked, keeping the fear out of his voice. Spike threw his head back and laughed manically. "Holland, I can smell it pouring off your body in waves. You are terrified. You know, fear makes the blood sweeter." He stepped to Holland's desk. He put his palms flat on the table and leaned towards the seated lawyer. "If you hurt her, I'll find out exactly how sweet your blood is." Holland quivered under his gaze. He'd met plenty of vampires, but there was something about this one that unnerved him. "You can't take us all out, Spike." Spike laughed, stepping back to Willow. "Apparently you don't know that much about my history. Several years back, a mob in Prague tried to hurt my Dru. I took all of them out, and got Dru out of Prague." Holland frowned. "I heard there was a mob, and that a lot of people got killed, but they refused to say what did it." "That was me. And I did all of that for Dru. My feelings run much deeper for Willow." Willow shivered slightly at that statement. She knew this was mostly an act, and that Spike felt much more for Dru than he ever did for her; but somehow she knew that he really meant it when he said he'd tear someone limb from limb for her. Holland cleared his throat. "Well. You have my word, I will not hurt her." "You may not," Willow said softly, "but that doesn't mean your firm won't." Holland grinned at the girl. "For someone so young, Miss Rosenberg, you are very smart." She flashed him a cold smile. "One of my many gifts." "Miss Rosenberg, you came to us. What may we do for you?" "Rumor on the streets is that there is a hunt out for me." Holland hid his surprise. Hardly anyone knew of the hunt. He'd even made sure that Lindsey didn't know the details of the hunt. "Where did you hear that?" "My contacts will never be betrayed. Just let me assure you that they are never wrong." She sighed. "So, Mr. Holland, I'm here to tell you to call your hunt off. I know that you aren't sure if you are going to destroy me or make me your ally, but if you call off the hunt, I will willingly be your ally." Holland's eyebrow rose. "One of the best friends of the souled vampire will work with us?" "I encouraged it. I enjoy angering Peaches," Spike smirked. "William knows me better than anyone. When he suggests something, I usually go along with it." Holland grinned. "Let me have someone come to give you a tour of the building." He picked up the phone and spoke into it, telling the person that there were a couple of people in his office he wanted to see the firm. A few minutes of small talk later, there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" Holland grinned. Lindsey walked in. "Sir, you wanted me to. . ." He froze. "Spike? Willow? What are you doing here?" Spike turned and growled at the man, keeping up pretenses of protecting Willow. "You. You hurt her." Lindsey blinked in surprise. [ What the hell is he talking about? I thought we worked this all out last night! ] he thought. "I. . .uh. . ." Spike had pure rage on his face. "I'm going to kill you. I hope you enjoy the feeling of having your bloody intestines pulled out slowly." He started stalking Lindsey. Lindsey stepped back into the door. "Uh. . .Mr. Holland?" he asked, frightened. "Spike, stop it," Holland said. Spike ignored him, ever slowly inching towards Lindsey. Holland looked at Willow. Willow sighed. "William. Leave him alone. We can't kill tour guides." Her voice sounded bored, with a touch of anger. Lindsey flinched at the way she called him a *tour guide*. [ She even hates me. What the hell is going on here? ] Spike stopped and turned slightly. "We had such fun last year though, when you let me kill that annoying chit in San Diego." Willow laughed, pretending to have the memory he was talking about. "That was a fun trip. We should go back there." She patted her thigh. "Come back, William. Leave him alone. He's not worth the kill." Lindsey deflated. [ I'm not even worth killing. ] He cleared his throat, watching Spike retreat back to Willow. "You needed me to show them the building?" "Yes. Miss Rosenberg has decided that she wishes to join the firm, in exchange for us calling off the hunt," Holland said smoothly, thinking he won. Lindsey's heart fell. [ Oh my god, there's the end of the Willow Rosenberg that I know. ] "Ok, Mr. Holland. Congratulations on your win." Holland smiled. "Thank you, Lindsey. Run along, I have work to do. When you've finished, bring them back here." The three left his office.   *-*-*-* Spike was between Willow and Lindsey, and had his arm protectively around her shoulders, growling at anyone who looked at them funny. Lindsey's mind was swirling. He couldn't figure out what was going on. Neither of them would talk to him at all, and Spike even went so far to growl at him several times. He spoke quietly, absentmindedly telling them about the firm. "This is my office," he murmured, pushing open the door. Willow and Spike walked in, glancing at each other. Spike started searching the office for physical things that could hurt Willow; she stood in the middle of the office and closed her eyes. She extended her senses, searching for any devices that was recording her every move. As she found them, she would reroute them so they could talk in private. "Spike, what are you. . ." Lindsey started. Spike growled at Lindsey, cutting him off. Lindsey frowned. As soon as Willow was satisfied with her work, she opened her eyes and sighed, sitting down heavily. "Pet?" Spike asked, rushing to her side. She waved him off. "I'm fine. That was just a little more complicated of a spell than floating a stake." She chuckled softly. She looked up, seeing the confusion on Lindsey's face. She smiled at him. "Poor Lindsey." Spike laughed. "Had him going, didn't I?" "Holland has no idea that he came to me now," Willow agreed, her eyes never leaving Lindsey's face. Lindsey smiled suddenly, understanding their behavior up to this point. "It was an act. You two don't hate me?" "She doesn't," Spike smirked. "I still think you are nothing more than dinner, but it's not my bloody opinion that counts here." "Willow," Lindsey said softly, still frozen to his spot. He assumed that she had turned off all the devices in his office, but it still unnerved him to be talking about this in the middle of the lion's den. "What are you doing? Are you crazy?" "I'll just take care of the problem from the inside." Willow shrugged. "Does Angel know about this?" "No," Willow said. "He would have forbid me to do this." "I think he has an idea though," Spike said. "Come to Cordelia's tonight," Willow said softly. "We can't sit here and talk too long, or they will notice something is wrong." "Right." Willow stood up. "I'm disabling my spell now," she said softly. She closed her eyes. A moment later, they opened. Spike growled at Lindsey. Lindsey stepped back. "I'm not going to hurt her, Spike." "You already did," he said dangerously. "Watch your back, MacDonald, because you never know when I will strike." Lindsey gulped. "Fine. Let's go back to Holland's."   *-*-*-* Lilah Morgan watched the exchange in Lindsey's office with interest. As soon as she heard about the tour, she went to the guard's office and watched them. They had walked into Lindsey's office. For the first few minutes, Spike searched the office, while Willow had her eyes closed in the middle of the office. Lindsey looked as if he'd made a big mistake. Spike walked to Willow, then growled at Lindsey and threatened him. Lindsey was terrified, of course. Then the three decided to head back to Holland's. Lilah rubbed her hands together gleefully. This was going to be fun. She was going to destroy Willow *and* have her revenge on Lindsey for punching her. "You are playing right into my hands, you stupid little girl."

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