Part 9

Angelus had been sitting next to Willow as she slept for quite some time. At first he’d just intended to wait until she relinquished her death grip on his shirt. When she showed no signs of doing so, he decided his need for a shower and change of pants required some creative thinking. He’d slipped out of his shirt, leaving it in her hand and left to go clean up. On his return, she was *still* clutching his shirttail. Very well, then. Angelus returned to his room, retrieved his book and maneuvered back into his shirt that Willow had claimed with her fist.

The amused vampire didn’t mind remaining at her side. He had a ready explanation for his presence if she woke, a good book, and a lot to think about.

Willow didn’t look like an insecure girl when she slept, Angelus thought as he watched her. The white satin nightgown and her pale, flawless skin combined to give her a look of ethereal beauty. Her sleep mussed hair suited her better than the rather rigidly tidy styles she always wore. All in all, she looked like a sensual, interesting woman as she lay there.

In truth, he thought, Willow’s public self did not reflect her private self at all. He should know, since he’d certainly observed her enough when she was alone. When by herself, she was in turns focused, efficient, determined, contemplative, productive and most certainly, he smirked, sexual.

Willow Rosenberg was an intelligent and complicated individual. While the ‘shrinking violet’ was part of her makeup, she was mostly comprised of sterner stuff. It was time to up the ante, Angelus decided firmly. Whether she let go of his shirt or not, he’d stay right where he was until she woke up. That tactic had worked well for him last time, after all. She was discombobulated first thing in the morning and her defenses were down. It was the perfect scenario for moving the relationship to the next level. He felt confident that she was now established in something of a comfort zone: she’d been shown no reason to fear him, been treated and fed well, and had all kinds of comforts and entertainments at her disposal. Willow would be needing company after spending so much time alone, too. His might not be the company she would’ve chosen, but it wasn’t like she had alternatives. The timing was perfect.

Willow’s hand moved and wrapped itself tighter in his shirt. Unknowingly, she was reeling him in. Accommodatingly, Angelus laid down next to her, propped up on his elbow. Toeing his shoes off so that they dropped to the floor, he settled into his new position. He smiled as he thought how appalled she would be if she knew she was, literally, pulling him into her bed.

It was a pity she wasn’t having any more dreams as he whiled the time away. Just as well, he sighed to himself, he had a plan to formulate. Willow had already proven that she had a steel-trap memory, even in times of stress. He must choose his words carefully and stay on his toes with her.

When Angelus felt reasonably sure he had his ducks in order and was prepared for his next encounter with her, he propped his book on the headboard and began to read. It was a marvelous book and her body heat, heartbeat, scent, and breathing were pleasant and relaxing. He had missed sharing a bed with a woman, and a human one had its perks.

He must’ve dozed off because he woke with a start when he felt an abrupt movement beside him. The room was filled with soft morning light and Willow was sitting up, staring at him, looking drowsy and confused.

“Well, good morning, Sunshine,” he said with a smile in a cheery, if sleep roughened, voice. “I trust you slept well?”

Willow blinked slowly and continued to stare at him. He stayed put, not wanting to startle her further and awaited her next move. Her mouth opened slightly and her brow furrowed. Her eyes traveled from his face and followed his outstretched arm to the book laying beneath his hand. “Huh,” She said and carefully reached out and gave his arm a sharp pinch.

“Ow!” Angelus raised an amused brow, “Darlin’, I think I liked it better when you pinched yourself upon waking.”

Willow looked more perplexed than alarmed. “What…what?” She blinked again. “Uh…you’re reading in my bed?”

Since she hadn’t moved away from him, he didn’t move either. “Actually, no. Technically, I was sleeping. It’s an excellent book, but I must’ve nodded off.”

Willow pursed her lips and glared at him. “Here? Why here?”

Angelus grinned and replied, “Because you wouldn’t let go of me.” He nodded at her hand that was still holding his shirt.

Willow’s eyes flew to her hand and, with a gasp, she yanked it away as if it had been scalded. Scooting to the far side of the bed, she said, “I…I…I,” She stopped and frowned at him. “What were you doing here to begin with?”

Her heart was pounding rapidly, but she just appeared to be aggravated and suspicious. Angelus was pleased: here they were, together on her bed, and fear hadn’t reared its head. Excellent progress, he thought smugly, as he answered her, “I was passing your room last night and you sounded distressed. I was concerned, so I came in to check on you. You must’ve just been having a dream.”

Willow blushed profusely, turning bright red from hairline to neckline.

Obviously she remembered what she had dreamt about. It required some effort for Angelus to keep from showing his amusement. “Once you latched on to me, I was stuck,” he said with a helpless shrug. “You’ve been having quite a time of it lately and needed your rest.” He was having so much fun and wanted to reiterate that *she* had held onto *him*. Continuing in a serious and considerate tone of voice, he said, “So, I didn’t want to chance disturbing you by forcefully removing your hand from me.”

Willow looked chagrined and at a loss for words. Finally, she squeaked something that sounded like, “Oh.”

He just watched her and thought idly that it was amazing that gravity allowed all that blood to stay in her face, neck and chest for so long. Evidently, Willow’s acute embarrassment enabled her to defy the laws of physics. Ah, he loved her discomfort; it had a sweet/tart smell that he could just take in all day. She was delicious in so many ways. A veritable banquet for his acute demon senses. Fate had been very generous in gifting him with this delightful young woman.

Keeping a distrustful eye on him, Willow slid off the bed and hurried to the armoire. Angelus took advantage of the opportunity to inspect her. He had chosen well; the nightgown’s low cut showed off her pristine back and contoured lovingly to her high, tight bottom. It was full length and the cut allowed it to swirl around her lower legs enticingly. He loved that Willow’s body had no flaws to hide…just beautifully proportioned perfection. She pulled the matching robe out and hastily donned it. “Excuse me,” she muttered with her head down and went directly to the bathroom.

Angelus rolled onto his back contentedly and chuckled at the ceiling. What would that shy little girl have thought if she knew his real reaction to her pinch? He replayed the moment in his head. She’d looked so sexy sitting there; nipples prominent, hair tousled. The sting she’d inflicted with the pinch had made his cock jump. The urge to push her down on the bed, burying his cock and fangs in her, had been intense. That day would come, he told himself with an evil grin. His acting skills were superb and surely would have the desired results. Standing up, he smoothed the wrinkles from his clothes as best he could.

Willow emerged from the bathroom, hair brushed, looking refreshed. She stood several feet away from him with her arms crossed. Clearly she wanted to say something, but was too unnerved to do anything about it.

Angelus looked at her encouragingly and said, “Let’s chat, shall we?” He motioned to the sofa. She turned her head to look at it and he went to her, placing a hand at the small of her back to guide her. She tensed at his touch and her heart missed a couple of beats. Obediently, she walked over and sat down, eyes directed at her lap.

He gave her space, but not too much, as he seated himself. The busy staccato of her heart had the blood rushing through her and it was distracting. Taking command of his senses, he said quietly, “I can’t know what’s going on in your mind unless you tell me, Willow.”

She nodded and sat up straight. Slowly her eyes found their way to his…and stayed there. Good girl, he thought proudly.

“I…I…I…” She folded her hands, knuckles white, and forced herself to go on. “You scare me. I’m scared.”

Angelus nodded thoughtfully, “I see.” He checked himself, kind expression in place. “What have I done to scare you?” He asked with sincere interest.

Willow blew out a puff of air and rolled her eyes, making it abundantly clear she thought that was a stupid question.

He waited. Silence worked like a charm with this girl.

Willow swallowed. “Okay.” She glanced around nervously before focusing on him again. “You’re a d-d-demon…a vampire…and that’s never good. Well, almost never good. Angel was good. He was *still* a man, though…well, you know, a guy vampire.” Hand motions joined her words as she picked up momentum and Angelus was having a hell of a good time. “So…so, he was still kinda scary. I mean, in a ‘hot guys are scary’ sorta way…not a ‘grrrrr’ way. Then he…now, um, you’re you, I mean. A demon *and* a guy…who’s…who’s scary. You know, I’m not used to being alone in a bedroom with a man…not allowed, even. Plus, the food chain.” She took a breath and summed up. “I’m kidnapped, alone with a demon guy in a b-b-bedroom and I’m food. Scary.” Her chest was pounding, but she looked relieved to have spoken her mind.

Angelus’ face conveyed understanding and he nodded sagely. “Willow, I hear your concerns. Let me assure you again, I mean you no harm. While it’s true that I’m a vampire, you are *not* a meal to me. You have my word. My intention is to improve your life, not take it. I see your skepticism. All I can do is let my actions speak for themselves. As to your attraction to me…”

Willow’s face colored and she stammered an interruption, “I-I-I just said…”

Angelus put a hand up to stop her, consciously sustaining an easy-going, non-threatening air. “Honesty is important between us, Willow. You found Angel attractive; this face, this body. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. He was attracted to you, too, as am I.” Willow’s mouth dropped open and he smiled softly. “You’re surprised. Don’t be. You are a beautiful young woman who hasn’t begun to see her own appealing attributes. In time you will.”

Willow’s eyes were as wide as saucers. Big green eyes stared at him, agog. “B-but, I’m not. Men don’t find me attractive.”

Angelus’ jaw flexed in irritation, but he stayed the course. “Perhaps stupid, blind ones don’t, but I do. Don’t disparage yourself. I don’t like it,” he chided. Willow’s body radiated trepidation, she felt she’d displeased him and it worried her. There was something else, too, but he couldn’t tell what yet. Her eyes flickered to the bed and then he knew. This was getting better by the minute.

“Willow, look at me.” He waited until she complied. “I have no intention of raping you. I said you’re safe here and I meant it.” Willow’s eyes slid off to the side in excruciating embarrassment. “Willow,” he drew her name out slowly and her eyes returned to him. “If we make love, it’ll be because you want to. Understand?”

She was mortified and looking everywhere except at him. He let it go because keeping up the façade was becoming a strain anyway. Her tumultuous emotions and scents were wreaking havoc on his system and he was no longer certain he was completely keeping his true responses off his face. Regaining dominance over himself, he repeated the question. “Do you understand?”

“Yes,” she whispered, eyes on her fingers as they plucked nervously at the sofa cushion.

“Good. Sweetheart, you have so much to learn about yourself. You have qualities and feelings you haven’t even begun to suspect, much less explore. Stand up. Please. There’s something I want to show you.”

She stood, knees shaking, and looked at him, avoiding his eyes as he rose to stand in front of her. Gently he took her shoulders in his hands and she started to tremble. “I have a lot of things to tend to today, so I’ll be going now. But first I want to leave you with this to think about.” Bending his head, he tenderly touched her warm lips with his cold ones. She became still as a statue at the contact, but gasped. He took the opening to deepen the kiss. Willow was completely unresponsive externally, but her vital signs were through the roof. Keeping his tongue to himself and distance between their bodies, he continued to kiss her passionately. He was ecstatic when she hesitantly began to return the kiss and his hands drifted to her waist, supporting her as her knees weakened. Her small hands gripped his sleeves and her sweet tasting, inexperienced mouth caught on quickly. His senses were swamped with her burgeoning desire and he ended the kiss with regret. He’d achieved his objective. Carefully, he sat her limp body back on the sofa. Her eyes were glazed and she held her fingers to her lips. Willow was in a stupor, unaware of her surroundings. Angelus retrieved his book from the bed and quietly left the room.

end part 9