Chapter Seven

Total trust,
surrender,
relinquishing control-
all this is only words.
Look into the night sky.
Tell me what you see.

The entrance hall of the building was long and narrow. Straight ahead, Buffy could see a fleet of elevator doors but between them and the elevators sat the security guard station. As she walked, Buffy felt a growing sense of apprehension, and she couldn't figure out why! The hall was sparsely but elegantly decorated. It spoke of wealth, power, and something else that Buffy couldn't quite put her finger on.

As they approached the security station a guard looked up, but he merely gave a brief nod to Spike before returning his attention to the bank of security cameras which lined his desk. As they continued walking toward the elevators, Buffy's eyes flew round the hall looking for the source of her apprehension. Eyes moved quickly between oil paintings and art deco statuettes as she tried to grasp the theme being subtly projected to the building's visitors. Then she had it. Her eyes flew to her feet and she watched with a strange feeling of slow motion as her feet, one by one, emerged from her long silk gown and stepped gracefully across the jet black carpet. The theme was The Night.

Buffy's feet slowed and she came to a halt. Distrustful eyes turned up to Spike.

"What is this place?" she asked quietly.

Spike looked down at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"What I need now is total trust, will you trust me Slayer?"

"And exactly why should I do that Spike?"

"Because you know you can." was his quiet reply.

For a moment Buffy simply stood and contemplated his words. She didn't reply, but she did turn and begin moving once again, toward the elevators. As they approached the doors, Spike veered them to the right, towards a set of gilt trim doors.

"This is the one we want" he said as he reached out and hit the call button.

"Figures" mumbled Buffy under her breath, as she glanced towards the plain row of elevator doors near by. Then something else caught her wandering attention. There was no listing board by the elevators. Nothing with the names or floor locations of the various business that operated from this building. It was unusual, and she commented on it to Spike.

"Luv, the business and people that use this building do not go in for advertising. You either know they're here or you don't."

Before Buffy could comment, the elevator arrived and the doors slid open.

Several young, fashionably dressed....and obviously drunk.....people burst laughing from the elevator and moved towards the exit door in a blur of staggered movement. They were so involved in their own world that they failed to notice Buffy and Spike, but Buffy was watching them carefully. 'Definitely not Vamps' she thought to herself, 'Maybe I'm over reacting here....I guess being on a 'date' with a Vampire could do that to a girl.' That thought in her mind, she allowed Spike to lead her into the elevator, and watched silently as he pressed the only button on the panel. Immediately the elevator shot them skywards.

The elevator ride passed in silence. Each of them deep in their own thoughts. For the first time since this strange evening began, Buffy felt like she had lost that weird magical connection with Spike. She felt out of place in these lavish surroundings which were a million miles away from the homey comfort of her usual hang out, The Bronze.But that wasn't all. It was Spike....somehow, somewhere, something had changed between them. She felt like she was standing, defenseless, beside the "old" Spike.....a dangerous and deadly Spike! Her heart sank and she felt betrayed in someway that she could not adequately define. She knew she should just turn and leave. End the evening now, and just put it all down to an experience learned. But she couldn't. A strange morbidity grasped her. She needed to know just how far he would go. What length of deceit would he stretch to in order to get the upper hand and defeat her. For this is what the whole evening must have been about. A way to trick her into a false sense of security. A way to breech her defenses so that she might be more easily taken and defeated. It seemed that Angelus had known her too well. It was he who had told Spike that the way to defeat the Slayer was to love her! Spike had obviously taken his sire's advice to heart.

It was the sound of Spike speaking to her that jolted her back from her dark thoughts. She looked up, just in time to see the elevator doors slide back. Music pulsed into the small space as Buffy stared out into a strange new world.

The club was situated on top of the building, and the roof and walls were of glass which gave a strange sensation of being open to the night sky. The club itself was decorated all in brass and glass accessories and simply screamed money. The club was packed solid with patrons all dressed at the height of current fashion, but unlike her mother's event, the fashions here oozed subtle sexuality and sophistication rather than just wealth. In fact, the whole atmosphere of the club oozed sexuality! It was like nothing she had ever seen or experienced before.

Buffy closed her eyes and let her Slayer senses roam the club. There were definitely some Vamps here, but that in itself was not unusual. Vamps were like vermin, they got into everything! It was certainly not a pure Vamp club as she had previously come to suspect. It seemed to be just what it was. A club for the rich, young socialite clientele of CA.

Beside her, Spike gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Ready to have some fun?"

She turned her watchful eyes to his. "Sure, why not Spike. After all, fun is what this night is all about. Right?" she said somewhat sarcastically.

His eyes began to twinkle at this flash of her usual perky personality. He had begun to worry that he had been wrong to bring her here. But bring her he must, for this was something that had to be done.

"How about a drink, to get the 'fun' off to a good start," he offered with a grin.

"Don't be so stupid. Like I'm really old enough to drink! Has your ancient vamp brain got so demented that it can't even remember that the age 21 exists to some of us measly mortals??"

"Temper, temper. Are you *sure* I haven't caught you on a PMS week?" he replied innocently.

Buffy just glared at him.

"Look Slayer, this club is not one that bothers about carding people. If you want a drink, you can have one."

"Yeh right. Get me drunk so that you can get to me." she said, unaware that sadness shone from her eyes.

"I have every intention of getting to you before this night is over, but I don't need you drunk to do it." he said quietly.

Buffy got the distinct impression that they were now talking in the same conversation, but at cross purposes. She opened her mouth to clarify, but Spike dropped her hand and began to move away.

"Never mind, I'll chose you a drink and you can drink it or not," he said "Wait a minute!" hissed Buffy. Spike turned and looked at her questioningly.

Buffy glared at him. "Don't you choose my drink. I'll bet you have some god awful taste in drinks considering that your favorite drink tastes like blood. Get me.....get me a...."

"I'm waiting..." said Spike with a patient smile as the Slayer glanced round the room for some inspiration.

"....get me one of those red things there," she said pointing to a woman holding a strawberry daiquiri.

Spike glance to where she pointed and his nose wrinkled in disgust. "You don't want one of those, do you!"

"Look! I have told you what I want, now are you going to get it for me, or do I have to go get it myself?"

Buffy continued to glare at him and after a few seconds, Spike turned and walked off. As he moved away, Buffy heard him muttering to himself. "Definitely a PMS week. Definitely!"

Buffy watched his retreating back until it disappeared into the crowds. With him gone, she felt glaringly alone and strangely vulnerable. Her eyes moved round the club, taking in the dance floor filled with couples moving in erotic time to the beat of the music. 'They certainly gave a new meaning to the words "dirty dancing", she thought to herself. Her eyes moved on, taking in those sitting at tables and standing in groups talking. She had a strange sensation of being watched, but try as she might, she couldn't locate anyone who was particularly interested in her presence. Subconsciously trying to minimize her presence, she backed up against the wall beside a large leafy plant and looked in the direction Spike had gone.

He seemed to have been gone a long time and her eyes scanned the crowd looking for his blond head. With surprise, she located his blond head bent in conversation with the DJ. 'OK, what's the little rat up to now?' she thought to herself with another burst of apprehension. At that moment, Spike left the stage, and Buffy got occasional glances of his head as he made his way back to her location through the crowds.

Reaching her, he held out the red concoction to her. "Here you go, one sugary sweet daiquiri, as ordered."

"Thank you" said Buffy taking the icy glass from him. She raised the glass and took a small sip from the straw, stealing herself for the bitter bite of the alcohol. Instead, the only thing she tasted was sweet strawberries.

"Hmmm," she murmured in pleasure. Suddenly realizing she was thirsty, she took the straw in her mouth again, but this time she took a long hard slurp.

Spike was watching her in amusement. "You'd better watch it Slayer. They are not cheap with their alcohol around here." he warned.

"Just you mind your own business" replied Buffy as she took another hard suck on the straw.

"Whatever" said Spike with a knowing smile as he watched the red concoction disappear at an alarming rate.

They stood in companionable silence as they sipped their drinks and watched the club move around them. Several moments passed before Buffy became aware that Spike's attention had become focused on a nearby table. Following his gaze, Buffy saw that he was staring at one of the most beautiful exotic women that she had ever seen. The woman was tall with dark auburn hair that fell in a sheet of silk to below her knees. She was dressed in a wrap around silk long skirt with a matching tube top. Her abdomen was bare except for what appeared to be a diamond belly chain. Around her neck was a matching diamond choker. The woman must have sensed their gaze, because she looked up in their direction. Seeing Spike, she gave a brief smile before turning her attention back to her current companion.

"Who is she?" asked Buffy curiously.

"Just someone I used to know" replied Spike distractedly.

"Ah, a 'used to know'. Interesting taste you have." said Buffy nodding.

Spike turned his attention back to the Slayer. "Yes, I do have interesting tastes, don't I" he said smilingly.

Further conversation was interrupted as the current song came to an end.

"This next song is by request...." said the DJ.

Before Buffy could hear any more, Spike was taking the glass from her hand and laying it on the nearby table. Taking her hand, he began leading her to the dance floor.

Buffy put on the brakes. "I'm not dancing!"

Spike didn't waver. "Yes you are."

"No I'm not." retorted Buffy as he continued to pull her towards the dance floor.

This time Spike didn't bother replying, and Buffy noticed that several people were watching her being dragged to the dance floor. Deciding that she didn't like being the center of attention, and that there was no way out of this without a scene, she decided to give in gracefully.

Following him onto the dance floor, she let him pull her into his arms as the first words of the song were spoken by the singer. The deep baritone voice of 'Frankie Goes To Hollywood' filled the club.

I'll protect you from the Hooded Claw,
Keep the Vampires from your door.

Buffy looked up into Spike's eyes expecting to see humor. Instead his eyes were deadly serious. As the words turned to song and the gentle rhythm filled the club, Spike pulled her closer and they began to move.

I, I,..... feels like fire
I'm so in love with you....
Dreams are like Angels
They keep bad at bay
Love is the light, scaring darkness away...
I'm so in love with you, hurts the soul
Make love your goal....

Buffy listened to the words as she moved with Spike. She was acutely aware of his body pressed against hers, and more than that, she was acutely aware of her response to his touch. She didn't look up at him though. She didn't want him seeing what was in her eyes. Instead she focused her eyes on a point on his shoulder and struggled to understand the subtle message he was sending her.

The Power of Love, a Force from Above
Cleaning my Soul.
Flame on, burn desire, love with tongues of fire
Purge the Soul
Make love your goal

Spike raised one hand and gently cupped a finger under her jaw, gently raising her face to his. Serious eyes looked into confused eyes. Slowly he lowered his head and placed his lips onto hers, as they continued to move slowly to the beat.

I'll protect you from the Hooded Claw
Keep the Vampires from your door,
When the chips are down, I'll be around
With my undying, death defying, love for you.
Envy will hurt itself,
Let yourself be beautiful,
Sparkling Love, Flowers and Pearls and Pretty Girls.
Love is like an energy
Rushing in, Rushing in...... Silently.

Spike broke the kiss and raised his head. This time Buffy managed to meet his gaze and her eyes pleaded for him not to do this to her. He had to be playing with her, he couldn't be serious. If he was playing with her, it was a cruel joke. And if he wasn't...well, that was worse. Buffy didn't think she could cope if he was sending her a serious message.

Spike saw the confusion in her eyes, but he simply took his finger and ran it in a gentle caress down the side of her face.

This time we go sublime
Lovers entwine. Divine, Divine
Love is Danger
Love is Pleasure
Love is Pure, the only Treasure......
........I'm so in love with you, hurts the Soul
Make Love your goal.

As the song continued, Spike kept eye contact with her. His gaze was piercing and Buffy found that she could not turn her eyes away from him.

The Power of Love, a Force from Above,
Cleaning my Soul.
Flame On, burn desire, love
With tongues of fire.
Purge the Soul.
Make Love your Goal.

As the chorus faded, the singer spoke that last lines of the song. Spike stopped moving and simply looked deep into her Soul.

I'll protect you from the hooded Claw.
Keep the Vampires from your door.......

As the song ended, Buffy found herself surrounded by an awkward silence. She felt like she ought to be able to come up with some witty wise crack, but none was forthcoming. In the background, she could hear the DJ taking the atmosphere back upbeat and the strains of Tina Turner rocking to "Addicted to Love" burst into the room. Without looking at her, Spike slid his arm round her waist and steered her from the dance floor back to their previous location.

As they reached their destination, Buffy felt panic rise in her throat. What could she say? What did he want from her? Should she just ignore it like it had never happened and try to steer the night back to its former light humor? It seemed though, that she was to be given a reprieve. No sooner had they retrieved their abandoned drinks from the table, than a young man approached Spike.

Spike frowned in annoyance, but moved off a few feet and lowered his ear to the young man, so that he could hear him over the loud beat of the music. It seemed that Spike was none to pleased with what the young man was saying because he gave a brief shake of his head. The music was too loud for Buffy to hear what was being said, but she did hear Spike say, "Not now." However, it appeared that the young man was not going to take 'no' for an answer. After a few more moments of discussion, Spike walked back to her.

"Listen, I have to go and talk to someone. It's business and it apparently won't wait." he said shortly.

"Oh, and what kind of business would that be?" said Buffy watchfully.

"Don't worry about it.....using your words, Slayer....it's none of your business."

The words were said sharply and it was obvious that Spike was disturbed by the interruption.

Buffy's immediate reaction was to snap back at him, but something in his eyes warned her off. Instead she merely nodded. Spike's eyes softened when he realised that she was not going to argue with him in her usual fashion. He lowered his head and briefly gave her cheek a kiss.

"I'll be back in a minute. This won't take long." Turning to the young man, he said "Get the lady another drink and stay with her till I get back."

With that said he was gone. Buffy watched his back as he moved purposefully across the room and disappeared through a door beside the stage.

The voice of the young man at her side drew her attention back."I'll get you that drink now" he was saying. "Will you be OK till I get back?"

Buffy merely nodded her head briefly before turning curious eyes back towards the door that Spike had disappeared through. 'Curiosity killed the cat' she reminded herself silently.

It was as she was staring at the door, that she noticed Spike's 'used to know' girl. The girl was moving towards her. As she approached, she smiled and Buffy got a nice glance at her elongated eye teeth.

"Slayer" said the woman as she moved in on Buffy.

"You have me at a disadvantage" replied Buffy sarcastically.

The woman merely smiled, but did not introduce herself. Instead she gestured to a nearby empty table.

"We need to talk. I have gone to alot of trouble to get rid of Spike for a few minutes so that we could have this conversation. Will you hear what I have to say?"

Without waiting for Buffy's reply, the woman moved over to the table and sat down. For a moment, Buffy hesitated....but then curiosity urged her forward. "To hell with the cat" she mumbled to herself as she took a seat beside the woman......

***