I was going to the Bronze. It was the place were everyone hung out in Sunnydale. My new friend Cordilia suggested I join her. That is where I saw him for the first time. He had to be the most arrogant man I’ve ever met. I knew I was being followed, so I waited for the right moment to make my move. I slammed my stalker against the wall of the alley, my right hand secured around his neck.

"Why are you following me?" I asked as I looked up at his face. I wasn’t sure what I expected to see, but I sure wasn’t expecting to see an arrogant grin and mocking eyes staring back at me.

He replied "Just out for a walk luv." I didn’t like his answer, so I squeezed harder on his neck. He started to laugh like it was some kind of joke and I missed the punch line. I released him and stepped back. I didn’t like the way he was making me feel. He continued to study me like some kind of prized cow at the local fair.

With his head cocked to one side and that cocky grin plastered on his face he continued to study me. Finally I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and said "What?" He didn’t answer, so I finally said, "I better not catch you following me again." All I could think was how lame am I. I turned quickly and started heading out of the alley. I needed to distance myself from him.

I had barely taken three steps when I head him say; "I know what you are." That got my attention. I calmed myself and slowly turned to face him. Some of his cocky attitude had been replaced with curiosity.

I was angry now and told him so "You don’t know anything."

"Don’t I. I know you are a warrior, but you’re way out of your league here. You probably don’t even know where you’re standing right now," he added as his eyes burned into mine. When I didn’t reply he continued "Do you even know what a hell mouth is?" He was right I didn’t know. My mind was racing and before I could come up with anything he retorted, " Didn’t think so. I’ll give you some advice out of the goodness of my heart luv, be ready for the Harvest."

I was pissed at his condescending attitude and told him so. "You think you are so smart. I’ve kicked my share of demon ass. Even dusted a master." Why did I tell him that? Could I get any lamer?

He laughed at me and said, "It’s too bad."

"Ok, I’ll bite what’s too bad?" I inquired while giving this arrogant man my most resolved face.

He shook his head slightly and told me, "You and me, we could have danced but.." he paused and added, " I have other plans."

Of all the nerve to think I would dance with him. Who did he think he was? Ok so he does have the brightest blue eyes and a sexy British accent, but that does not mean I would even notice. I was gazing at my shoes trying to come up the best comeback in the world. "Why would I dance with you, you look like …" but I was talking to myself, he was gone. I didn’t even get his name. It doesn’t matter I hated him on sight.

I figured he was one of Giles’ friends. Maybe someone from the Watchers council. After all they are both British. However, Giles had no idea who he was. Giles is doing the research on the Harvest. He will figure out what it is and I will kick some butt. I’ll show Mr. blue eyes, who thinks he’s God’s gift, who is bad.

***

It had been almost two weeks since I have seen that British bad boy. Giles still has no idea who he is. Giles figured he had been passing through town and was long gone. He was probably someone with a little knowledge that didn’t want to get involved. That is why I was surprised to see him at the Bronze last night. He was wearing the same long black leather coat. I happen to glance his way when Xander, Willow and I were talking. He was staring at me like I was the only thing in the room. It was so intense I had to look away. I got Willow’s attention and told her "Don’t look, but do you see the guy over by the pillar? The one in the long black coat with the bleached blond hair."

Willow tried not to look too obvious as she checked out the blond guy across the room. She asked me "Who is it?"

I told her it was my mystery guy. Xander thought he looked like a Billy Idol want to be, but Willow thought he was kind of cute. I told her he was if you like that bad boy type. I decided to go to him, because it didn’t look like he was going to head my way.

His eyes never left me as I moved toward him. When I was a few feet from him he looked me up and down and made no pretense about what he was doing. I should have been insulted, but a part of me enjoyed the way he looked at me. I was the first one to speak," I didn’t think I would see you again."

"Why is that luv?’ he replied softly while drinking in my eyes.

"I don’t know. You show up give me some vague information and disappear. I don’t even know your name," I added like I didn’t really care what his name was.

He smiled and tilted his head just a little and seductively told me "The last time we met I told you it was too bad we wouldn’t get a chance a dance. Dance with me luv and I might be persuaded to tell you my name."

I took a moment to reply then said "Maybe I don’t want to dance with you or care what your name is."

"Then why are you even talking to me? There are all these nice young boys you could be with, but instead your standing here with me," he replied a little brusquely.

I didn’t know what to say so I started babbling, "You were staring at me and… I was curious. You know…about how you got your information… on the Harvest. It seemed to work out…I mean I kicked some vampire ass. Do you know what a vampire is?"

That got a little smile from him and he leaned over and whispered in my ear, "You know my price?" With his words a shiver ran down my spine and I nodded yes. "So luv, do we have a go at it, or not?" he asked.

I shook my head yes and he took my hand and led me to the dance floor. The music was loud and hard and our bodies never missed a beat. He reminded me of a predator. Something I should fear, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him. The fast song ended and a slow melody began to play. He slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me close. I’m sure he could feel me shiver as his hands caressed my back and arms. I was so lost in the feel of him I almost missed his question. "Do you like this song luv?"

I pulled away from him enough to look up into his beautiful face and say, "Its Buffy….my name and yes I love this song." He smiled and my heart melted. He tightened his hold on me and we continued to dance. Neither of us said a word as the music continued to play. When the song ended he pulled away saying, "I have to go lu…. Buffy." I didn’t want him to go yet. It must have shown on my face, because his left hand came up and caressed my cheek and he said, "My name is Spike. And to answer your other question, yes I know what vampires are. And Buffy… thank you for the dance." He dropped his hand and gave me a pensive look as he turned and left the club.

I don’t know what to think. Xander believes he is big trouble, with a capital B. He also asked me who would call himself Spike? However, Willow considers it romantic. All I know is I want to see him again. No I take that back. I have to see him again.

***

I saw him again last night. How he irritates me. So cool, so sure of himself and such an ass. I was out patrolling and had just easily taken out two fledglings when I heard some clapping. I turned to see Spike casually leaning against a headstone. His bleach white hair stood out against the night. My heart was pounding as I moved toward him. I asked "What are you doing out here?"

"Isn’t that obvious pet, I’m watching you fight? You have talent, but you drop your right shoulder and you telegraph your kicks. If someone took the time to study your moves they could defeat you," he told her.

I was stunned. Who did he think he was? Did he think he could do better? "I guess you could do better? I am the Slayer, the chosen one, and the girl with the ability to slay the vampires. I know you’re not with the Watchers Council. So who are you and why are you watching me?"

He started laughing at me. "You thought I was a watcher. Do I look all book wormy to you?" he said while continuing to laugh.

"What’s so funny? You are British and seem to know things…. about vampires and evil. You knew who I was," I added.

He stopped laughing and moved toward me. As he ran the back of his left hand down my right cheek he proclaimed, "Oh Yes, I know all about evil and I know what makes you tick Slayer." He slid around me until my back was against his chest and his right arm was around my waist. He pulled me to him and whispered in my ear, "I know your attracted to me…but your out of your league little girl." He pulled me closer his left hand caressing my hip then sliding up to lightly brush my left breast. I let out a low moan. It seemed to have an effect on him. "Ahhhha….. ssslayer you could almost make a man forget," Spike said as he pushed his pelvis into my backside. I could feel his desire against my bottom.

It thrilled me but at the same time it scared me. I tried to pull away. "No Spike, we can’t I….I can’t," I begged him.

He continued to hold me and nuzzled my neck telling me, "What I could do to you luv. You know your too trusting and it will be your downfall. I’m a bad man Buffy and you let me this close."

I took a deep breath and said, "Maybe I like bad boys." I pushed my rear harder against his erection. That got a moan from him.

"You play a dangerous game Slayer. I’m not a boy. You should be with a nice little school boy not a dangerous man like me," he growled. He pushed me away from him. "Find a nice school boy Buffy. I’m not available. I’m only here for business."

"Business, you’re here for business then why were you touching me?" I cried out.

He stood staring at me. "I’m only here to help you take out some vampires not be your schoolgirl crush. I’ll give you information and teach you a thing or two about fighting, but I’m not going to be your lover."

That did it. You could hear the crack through the night as I slapped him across the face. "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you," I screamed as I ran into the night.

I have a date. A real date with a nice boy from school. We are going out tonight. I’m not going out with him because of Spike. Owen is a nice good-looking boy and he likes me. That is more than I can say for the horrid Spike. I’m sure I will have all kinds of wonderful things to write about when I get home. What should I wear? I want to look like I’m interested but not like a big ho. I’ll get Willow to help me. That’s what best friends are for.

***

My life is never simple and nothing ever turns out the way I expected. Owen and I ended up at the Bronze having a real nice time than everything just went to hell. First Spike shows up. I’m on the dance floor with Owen and we are dancing close and it is nice to have someone hold you. That was when I noticed him across the room. His eyes bore into me. Anger written upon his face. Why is he angry? He doesn’t want me. I’m just business to him, nothing else. Oh my goodness he is coming my way with a very determined look.

When Spike got to us he gently asked, "May I cut in?" That was not what I was expecting. Nor was I expecting the smile he gave me.

Finally coming out of my daze I told him, "Spike I’m on a date. I really don’t think this is th……." He cut me off with a raised hand and replied, "I’m not here to interrupt your date Sla…. Buffy. It’s about work." He turned to Owen. "I’ll only keep her a few minutes. You can understand that mate, can’t you?"

Owen looked at me, "Didn’t know you had a job. What kind of job do you have?"

"Haven’t told the new boy about your job," Spike said with a smirk.

"Owen let me have a few minutes with Spike here. It won’t take long I can assure you," I told my date giving him my most sincere smile. Owen told me he would wait for me at the table.

As I turned I felt strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me flush against his body. I tried to push him away, but he held me tight and whispered in my ear, "We have business luv. But if you’re afraid to dance with me or be this close to me maybe we should conduct our business at your table. I’m sure the new boyfriend wouldn’t mind."

"We have no business. We have nothing," I told him.

"I thought your business was being the chosen one. Saving the world and all that rot? Well, let me tell you something baby, while you’re here playing with that boy your enemies are rising the Anointed One. I hear he will cause problems for you. Don’t you think you should at least be out there trying to stop it? Isn’t that what you hero types are suppose to do?" he said as his hands caressed my back.

I pushed him away from me and said, "I know all about the Anointed One. As a matter of fact, my watcher is on it right now. If he needs me he’ll beep. As far as being out on a date, you’re the one that told me to find a nice schoolboy, so I did."

He glared at me distaste and anger evident in his facial expressions and his body language. "You are the most annoying, infuriating, stubborn woman I’ve ever met. I don’t know why I bother."

"Why do you bother? Is it some revenge thing for you? Did vampires kill someone you loved? Because I for one do not understand why you are involved" I told him as I started to turn away and exit the dance floor.

He grabbed my arm and spun me around. Devouring eyes entrapped mine and he declared, "It is my affair why I’m doing it. You should just be glad that I am. Because as long as I do you might get to stay alive. Slayers don’t exactly have a long shelf life."

Of all the things he could have said to me that one hit home with such force that tears started to form in my eyes. "You don’t think I know that," I said fighting back the tears with all I had. My voice was a little shaky as I continued, "I… I just want to have a date. Something normal. Is that so much to ask?" I looked up at him with pleading tear filled eyes.

His expression softened as looked at me. His left hand found its way to my shoulder and he lightly squeezed it. "Buffy you will never get to be a normal girl," he told me.

"It’s not fair. I just want some of the things a normal girl has," I voiced.

"Maybe if you get to be as old as me, you’ll understand that life isn’t fair," he informed me as he guided me to my table and my date.

Before Spike had a chance to make an exit Xander and Willow came storming in. The next thing I know I’m off to stop the Anointed One and help Giles. Things were still going down hill fast. After I thought I ditched both Spike and Owen, wouldn’t you know it they both showed up at the funeral home? Owen was trying to play hero and nearly got himself killed. Spike helped me killed the Anointed One. Or should I say the vampire that I thought was the Anointed One.

It was strange Giles and Spike talking all Britishy stuff, when I interrupt to say, "At least we don’t have to worry about the Anointed One. You can chalk another one up for the good guys. Something good came out of tonight. If I just keep telling myself that, it won’t be so bad, because I’ll probably never get another date as long as I live."

Spike interrupted to say, "That wasn’t the Anointed One. A decoy more than likely."

This just made my day, because it meant the Anointed One was still out there. Xander and Willow got Owen home ok and Spike drove me home. It was a silent drive neither of us knowing what to say. He parked the car in front of my house and followed me to my door.

"You know that boy will end up dead if he keeps dating you? He doesn’t know rot about survival. He won’t make it in your world " Spike informed me with sincerity in his voice.

I stopped and turned to see his face and quietly answered "I know that. The others they know the score. But, I doubt I have to worry about him asking me out again." I paused than continued, "Spike I think we should say goodnight now. For most people this night would have been considered a wild out of this world experience, but not for me. It was just another day in the crazy world of the Slayer."

"What if I’m not ready to say goodnight?" he said with a sexy grin that could melt an iceberg.

"No more business for tonight. I’m going in and take a shower than go to bed." At the mention of a shower and bed his eyes lit up and his breathing increased.

"No business, luv," as his lips found mine. My heart was pounding and I was lost. I don’t understand how he can turn me into Jell-O with a simple kiss. I take that back a kiss from him is anything but simple.

I’m not sure how long it took me to come to my senses enough to remember that this man had told me he wasn’t available. I broke the kiss and pushed him away. "You’re not available. That is what you told me. You said we would never be lovers."

Spike looked at me hunger burning in his eyes. "I was wrong. I’m a fool to want you, because I know you’re trouble. It was only suppose to be business." His hands were now playing havoc with my senses as they moved over my body. "I didn’t like you being with that boy. I wanted to pull him away from you and scream, keep your bloody hands off my girl."

"Your girl. You were jealous?" I asked a little reluctantly.

"I shouldn’t, but yes I bloody well was" he said with mischief in his beautiful azure eyes.

His lips found mine again and the world around me fell away. There was just he and I and the world of sensation I found in his arms, that was until I heard a high-pitched "I’m telling mom your making out with boys on the front porch."

It was like a bucket of cold water had been dumped on my head. I turned to look at the annoying pain I have the misfortune to call a sister. "Dawn you were spying on me. How dare you. I’m telling mom you’re spying. And it wasn’t boys it was one boy. So there."

That was when Spike tried to get a word in as Dawn and I tossed insults back and forth. "Ahhh it’s man not boy. Let’s get that part straight" I heard him say between Dawn’s denial of spying and her claiming to have better things to do than see her sister suck face.

After Dawn stomped off into the house I wanted to die. What would Spike think? She had just messed up the perfect moment. That was when I heard him laugh. He pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head than asked me, "How old is she?" I told him nine. He smiled and told me to wait until she was fourteen, it would get worse. He pulled out a card and pen and wrote down his phone number.

I have the most gorgeous, sexy boyfriend in the world. Than it hit me I don’t know his last name. Note to self. Ask boyfriend his name.

***

It is our two-month anniversary and Spike is making me a special dinner. I live for the times we can be together. Though he has terrible taste in music, the Sex Pistols ewwww, we do seem to have a great deal in common. There is dancing, especially to the slow songs and those are the best when you have someone like him to hold you. We watch movies and television together while eating popcorn, but most of all he deals with me being a slayer. I can’t think of one time where he tried to take over or not let me do my job. When I need backup he is there plus his knowledge of the demon world is remarkable. He can give Giles a run for his money. You should have seen Giles’ face when Spike located some old texts that contain slayer prophecies.

My mom and sister both adore him. At first mom was really upset about us dating, because he’s older, but he has managed to worm his way into her good graces. She even keeps a bag of those little marshmallows hidden from Dawn and I just so she can have them for his hot chocolate. I caught him telling Dawn one of his ghost stories the other day. He looked all hurt when I called him on it. Dawn loves his stories and he did assure me it was the PG version. It will be nice to have dinner at his apartment tonight with no mom and sister to monopolize my boyfriend’s time.

As far as my friends go, Willow is really happy for me. Giles thinks a slayer should concentrate on slaying blah, blah-blah, blah-blah, but I think he likes Spike anyway. However, Xander is another story. Every chance he gets he is knocking Spike. I wish he could be happy for me. It would be terrible if this ruined our friendship.

***

"Luv make yourself comfortable…….dinner will be ready in about 15 minutes" Spike called out from the small kitchen area of his apartment.

I took off my jacket and draped it across the back of the chair and placed a small gift-wrapped box on the coffee table. I wondered over to his desk to try to get a look at what he was working on and glanced down at his manual typewriter and shook my head. "Spike they do have this thing called a computer and it makes writing much easier. I can’t believe you use this thing."

Spike poked his head of the kitchen and answered "A writer uses all kinds of things for inspiration and that typewriter is one of them."

I pouted and said, "I thought I was your inspiration."

Within seconds I was wrapped in his arms and he whispered in my ear, "Always." Next I felt teeth nibbling on my ear and I started to giggle until soft lips met mine in a passionate kiss. All too soon he pulled away mumbling something about dinner and not to go anywhere.

While he was getting dinner on the table I picked up his latest story and started to read it. Within two minutes I was laughing my ass off. "You better not let Xander see this one" I told him.

"And why not. He is the one that was shagging that praying mantis woman. It’s not my fault he attracts that kind of woman" he answered innocently.

"Ah… but it’s you that has turned it into a scary, but strangely comic version of one boy’s tragic experience" I reminded him.

"Oh ya" he laughed with that devilish grin on his face.

"Like I said don’t let him see this one." I paused a moment and asked, "Spike do you always write your stories from the demon’s or bad guy’s point of view? You seem to be able to get into their heads. It is pretty amazing."

"That’s what a writer does. Do you really think they are amazing?" he asked as if he could not believe someone would think his work was good.

"It’s unbelievable, just like you," I exclaimed while giving him a sultry smile.

"Luv that look should be outlawed. I thought you were here for dinner. Better save those looks for dessert and get that cute little arse of yours over to the table" he commanded.

Dinner was great. I have to give him credit he is a wonderful cook. However, dessert was the best. It started with big, red, juicy, luscious strawberries dipped in whipped cream. We feed them to each other, but is wasn’t long before he’d managed to get whipped cream all over my face. Being a gentleman he offered to clean it off with his tongue. How could a lady turn down such a thoughtful offer?

It wasn’t long before thoughts of strawberries and whipped cream were forgotten and the only thing that mattered was the fire he ignited in me. His kisses became more demanding and I couldn’t get close enough to him. I wanted him touching me everywhere. Pulling his lips from mine he growled, "Buffy…… what you do to me……..God help me I want you. I need to be inside of you."

I cried out one word, "Yes." That was all the encouragement he needed. The next thing I knew he’d swept me up in his arms and carried me to his bed. What followed will be etched in my mind forever. Every look, taste, and touch burned into my soul. I thought this moment would frighten me. Instead warmth and love enveloped me and the joy in his eyes gave me strength to encourage him when he hesitated. We made love twice. The second time not as hurried or desperate but every bit as wonderful.

Of everything that happened that night I didn’t think it could get any better, I was so wrong. Curled up together in his bed with the glow of being thoroughly loved radiating from both of us I felt his fingers gently brush the wisps of hair from my face. Oh so tenderly, he caressed my cheek and I looked into the eyes of the man I loved. It felt like his eyes could read my soul. A smile threatened to cross his lips, but than the words I’ve dreamed of hearing came from them, " I love you. I love you so much."

***