Descent
by
C. Woodhaven
Part Seven
Las Vegas rose out of the desert like electric fire. Spike hadn’t seen the city in a few years, but the spirit had remained.
Spike smiled as Dawn nearly squealed with excitement when she saw it. When they’d gotten to the strip, she couldn’t stop pointing out the sights: the giant pyramid of the Luxor, the faux Eiffel tower, the fountains of the Bellagio. Throngs of people wandered even at this late hour down the streets.
He continued to drive, past MGM, the Aladdin, Bally’s and the old Flamingo until he reached the entrance of their new home and stopped the car in front of the bank of glass doors. “This is us,” he said, putting the car into park.
Before Dawn could say anything further, her door opened and she was being helped out of the car by one of the valets. A bellman reached into the back seat and plucked out her ratty backpack and his battered suitcase. Dawn looked embarrassed at the state of them, but he had the sense to treat them as if they were expensive luggage and Dawn relaxed.
Spike slid his arm around Dawn and they walked into the hotel. He took them straight through the bustling casino to their private elevator. Spike pulled a keycard out of his pocket and held it over the card reader.
The elevator doors opened up and the three entered the small compartment. Dawn looked curiously at him, wondering where he’d gotten the key, but Spike just grinned and winked at her. The express elevator ascended very fast, and in moments the doors reopened to a huge room.
“Where would you like your bags, sir?” the bellman asked courteously.
“Set ‘em anywhere.” Spike waved his hand vaguely.
He placed them down in front of the couch, and asked, “Would you like a tour?”
Spike shook his head. “Sure we can find everything.”
“Of course. Everything you have requested has been seen to.” The guy tipped his head toward Spike and Dawn. “Please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”
Once the guy left, Dawn put her hands over her mouth and this time she did squeal. “Oh my god, Spike! This place is huge!”
He smirked. “Yeah, it is, pet. Fancy a look around?”
She nodded.
Freelancing for Wolfram & Hart continued to be quite lucrative. He’d been quite specific about what he’d wanted and it looked like Lindsey-boy came through.
The two-story suite, complete with kitchen, living and dining room as well as a separate theatre room took up the lower floor. Upstairs was a master suite, spare room for Dawn’s spell casting, and a very well stocked play room.
Dawn had blushed so pretty when he’d shown her this room. She looked relieved and a bit disappointed when he’d said she wasn’t ready for them to use it just yet.
He distracted her by stripping her down and taking her against the two story glass windows that overlooked the strip. She looked lovely, framed by the shimmering lights pressed against the tinted one-way necro-tempered glass. It was like he was presenting his prize to the city.
~*~*~*~*~
Dawn quietly eased out of bed. Spike was sleeping deeply; well, she was pretty sure he was sleeping. He hadn’t moved in a long time.
She tried not to make a sound as she padded across the floor, snagging one of his tee shirt’s as she passed the chair by the door. She waited until she was out of the room before she slipped it over her head.
She felt vaguely guilty for leaving him alone but she couldn’t sleep and was tired of trying not to toss and turn for fear of waking him.
Dawn walked softly down the staircase, awed by the view. She felt her face get hot, thinking about how Spike had fucked her from behind up against the windows just a few hours ago. It made her feel so dirty, being naked like that where anyone could see. He promised her no one could see, but her brain couldn’t tell the difference. And she would admit, at least only to herself, that she was really starting to like that dirtywrong feeling.
She was surprised to see all the cars traveling the strip, even at this hour. It made her feel like she had company of sorts.
Dawn headed to the kitchen. She’d been in motels that had tiny kitchenettes before, but this place was bigger than her kitchen at home. It was so impressive that she wished she cooked.
She started opening cabinets, looking for something that she could make quickly: maybe some soup or something. It looked like the staff had shopped for them, the pantries and fridge were stuffed full.
She would have called room service, but she wasn’t quite sure how that worked, if they’d bill the room or whatever. She also knew that someone coming to the door would definitely wake Spike and she wanted to avoid that.
Cans were in the last cabinet on the right, furthest away from the refrigerator. She was deciding between tomato and chicken with stars when she saw a familiar brown tin.
Soup forgotten, she took the can down slowly, sudden tears in her eyes. Her fingers traced the familiar grey letters that formed the word HERSHEY across the front.
“You okay, bit?”
Dawn screamed, dropping the can of cocoa on the counter with a clatter. She turned around, her heart thumping in her chest.
Spike stood at the breakfast bar in a loose pair of pants. He looked rumpled and sleepy. “Sorry if I scared you.”
“You big fat liar,” she accused when her heart decided to move out of her throat and back down to her chest.
“Yeah, well.” Spike shrugged vaguely, but his eyes twinkled.
She shook her head. He was so predictable. “Sorry I woke you.”
“Don’t be.” He walked into the kitchen and picked the discarded can off of the counter. “Been thinkin’ about your mum?”
She nodded. “Yeah. I miss her.”
He slipped his arm around her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. “That why you couldn’t sleep?”
“No, not really. I just…” Dawn shrugged. She couldn’t really explain why she couldn’t sleep. She just felt…wrong, not like herself.
“Could make you some hot chocolate, if you like,” he offered.
She was surprised. “You know how?”
Spike smiled gently. “Yeah, watched your mum make it a fair bit.”
A lump formed in Dawn’s throat. “I’d like that.”
“Have a seat.” He bustled around the kitchen finding pots and grabbing a container of milk from the fridge and some vanilla from the rack next to the stove.
Dawn put her hands on the counter and levered herself up so she was sitting on the cool marble.
Spike raised his eyebrows at this in amusement.
“What? It’s where I used to sit when Mom made me hot chocolate.”
“Long as you’re comfy,” Spike said, before turning his attention back to his task.
~*~*~*~*~
Dawn looked like the child she was, sitting on the counter watching him.
Course she likely didn’t flash her mother, but that was an added bonus.
He wasn’t surprised that she was thinking of her home, now that they’d finally gotten settled into their own. He kept his eyes on the contents of the pot, stirring as it heated. He deliberately didn’t look at her, and he kept his tone casual. “Been thinking about your sis, too?”
Her heart rate ticked up a notch: looked like he hit the mark. The cocoa was done; he turned off the flame and poured it into two mugs.
“Yeah,” she admitted reluctantly, as she accepted her cup. She took a sip and added softly, “I’m sorry.”
“She’s family, Kitten. I know what that’s like.”
“I just wonder how she is…” Dawn replied, looking morosely at her mug.
“Or if she was looking for you,” Spike added, taking a sip of his own.
“Yeah.”
Spike was quiet for a few moments, debating on how much to tell her. “Truth is, she probably is looking for you.”
“You think?” Dawn asked, almost hopefully. “Maybe...Maybe I should call. You know, just to leave a message or something.”
“You could do that,” Spike agreed.
“Really?” Surprise was apparent in her tone.
Spike shrugged, nonchalantly. “Yeah, if you need to. You’re not a prisoner, Dawn. Maybe… forget it.” He moved his hand, as if whatever thought he just had wasn’t worth discussing.
Dawn frowned. “Forget what?”
“You need to be prepared for what’s going to happen if you do call,” he answered earnestly.
“I just feel like maybe I made a mistake. Leaving, I mean. I feel like I ran away. I want to tell her. Maybe I could have talked to Buffy, explained things better.” Dawn’s tone was almost apologetic, taking the blame for a situation that was out of her control.
“Do you think she would have listened? Really listened? Do you think she would ever let you be with me?”
“No.” Dawn admitted quietly.
“If you call, and I won’t stop you if you want to, but if you do - she can find you - simple as that. Spell or not, Willow will be able to track you down. What do you think is going to happen then?” Spike kept his tone gentle. She’d already gotten the point, no need to drive it in with a hammer.
“She’ll drag me back.” Dawn said miserably. “No matter how I feel, she’ll take me back. And she’ll kill you.”
Spike shook his head. “Don’t you worry about me, Kitten. Can take care of myself against the slayer. It’s you I’m worried about. Part of you knows she’s right. I’m a vampire and I’m evil.”
“No! I don’t believe that!” Dawn argued vehemently.
Spike set his barely touched mug down on the counter, and looked her in the eye. “Yes, Dawn. I am. Your sister is right on that score. Doesn’t mean I don’t care, but you have to accept that.”
“But…I love you.” She whispered, looking away quickly. Likely embarrassed or afraid now that she’d said it out loud for him to hear, he’d turn her away. Fat chance.
Spike took her half-empty mug from her and set it on the counter next to his. He gently lifted her chin so she was looking at him once again. “I know that, love. Even without the words, I’ve known. You gave up everything to be with me.”
Anguished tears shimmered in her eyes, but didn’t spill over. “Couldn’t you just not…kill?”
Spike shook his head. “Even if I did, you think she’d believe me? You think she’d see me, like you do? Had the chip in all that time, you think she ever forgot what I was?”
Dawn thought about this for a few moments. Did she want to call Buffy, try to reason with her, to make her see…what? Dawn deflated. There wasn’t a single argument that she could think of that would make Buffy see that this was her life. And Buffy would never rest until Spike was dead. Even if the vampire thought he could protect himself, Dawn knew her sister. And then there was the small voice at the back of her head that kept telling her Buffy was happier now that she was gone. To confirm that piece of information would be more than Dawn could stand. “I think I’ll wait. Just for a while, to call, I mean.”
She sounded so dejected, full of self-doubt. He’d gotten lost in the heady power of her blossoming submission, forgetting that she was just a girl. She needed reassurances beyond the confines of that aspect of their relationship.
Spike moved even closer to her, fitting himself comfortably between her knees. He gently cupped her cheek. “You’re so beautiful,” he said softly and before she could protest, he touched his lips to hers.
She sighed and kissed him back. Her mouth was sweet from the chocolate and her lips were soft against his as he teased her gently, showing her the joy of exploration.
“Come to bed with me?” he asked huskily when he pulled away.
“Yes.” She nodded, sounding thankful for a reason to abandon their conversation.
~*~*~*~*~
She let him lead her back upstairs to their bedroom. Her heart started to pound with every step, wondering what he was going to want her to do.
She stood in the doorway, feeling a little awkward as he stripped off his pants. She wasn’t sure if he wanted her to do the same. Sometimes he liked undressing her.
He looked at her for a moment before he held his hand out to her. She took it gratefully and followed him to the edge of the bed.
“No playing tonight, love. You don’t have to ask permission for anything, don’t have to do anything you don’t want. This is about us.”
“Oh…okay.” This proclamation made her a bit nervous because it was different from anything they’d done. She tentatively tilted her head up and kissed him, something she’d longed to do. Part of her was afraid that he’d be angry at her for being so bold, but he kissed her back as gently as he had downstairs. It was…nice.
She broke their kiss to remove her shirt and, once she was naked, he helped her into bed. His skin was cool against hers. He kept his touch light as he explored her skin. Gentle fingers traced her ribs, cupped her backside, or just stroked the skin of her thigh.
His hand slid between her legs, she was so wet, as usual. He brushed her hardened clit softly, before moving down to her entrance. He slid two fingers inside her, and although they slid in easily, she winced. They’d been having so much sex, she was really tender down there.
He broke their kiss, looking down at her with concern. “Sore?”
“Maybe a little,” she admitted. “But it’s okay. I mean, I like it when you touch me.”
Spike frowned; they were going to have a talk about her not telling him that she was in pain. Not tonight though. “Don’t want to hurt you, kitten,” he said truthfully, then he smirked. “How about I kiss it better?”
Her eyes widened. “O-Okay.”
He kissed a path down her belly. His tongue paused at her belly button, she squirmed, giggling a bit. “That tickles.”
Spike laughed at this, and she swatted him in the head.
He gently parted her thighs and gazed at her flushed sex. She blushed, but didn’t try to close herself off.
His began to trace her swollen clit with his tongue. He used gentle pressure that allowed her desire to build slowly. In a way, it reminded her of their second time together in his crypt. When he’d been all vampy, and she’d been so turned on and afraid. Except this time she wasn’t afraid of him. He was wrong; she did know what he was, even if she didn’t want to examine it too closely right now. He was all those evil things, but more too. He loved her, she was sure of it. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t bother being nice to her when she was hurting, he’d just take what he wanted.
She cautiously reached down to touch his hair. She wasn’t guiding him, or holding him in place, but tentatively gauging if she was permitted to touch him. Her touches became bolder when he didn’t object, stroking his hair as he pleasured her. Her thighs relaxed and she rocked up to meet his mouth.
“Oh god,” she moaned as he did the most wicked things with his tongue. Now both hands were fisted in his hair, keeping him in place as she worked toward her climax. She threw her head back and screamed as she came, spreading her thighs wide, pressing her hips up against him. His tongue slid inside her, drawing out her pleasure even more without damaging her tender flesh.
She let go of his head, and he moved above her, lips meeting hers. He was touching himself as he kissed her. Without thinking about how she didn’t know what she was doing, she reached between them, her hand joining his. He moaned against her mouth, and his hips rocked faster for a few moments before she felt the first cool splatter on her belly.
When he’d finished he held her close to him for a few minutes before he left the bed to get a towel from the bathroom. He helped clean her off before he turned the light off and then curled around her to sleep.
“I love you,” Dawn told him again softly, snuggling back against him.
He softly stroked her belly. “Never gonna let you go, kitten. Promise.”
She fell asleep quickly and Spike savored her warmth. He’d miss it when he turned her.
Part Eight
“…anyway,” Dawn sighed into the phone, “I just wanted you to know I was okay.” She paused for a moment unsure of what else there was to say. She decided on an awkward sounding, “Bye,” before she ended the call.
“Guess you went ahead and made your call.”
Dawn whirled around. Spike was standing there with an unreadable expression on his face.
She looked guiltily at him. “Yeah. I was being careful, though.” She held up the cell phone.
Spike frowned. He didn’t recognize the mobile, it wasn’t one of his. “Where’d you get that?”
Dawn guilty look intensified. “I…borrowed it,” she admitted. “Some guy downstairs. He was being a jerk. I sort of summoned his phone when he wasn’t looking.”
Spike laughed aloud at the idea of her pick pocketing by magic. “Anyone see you?”
“Well, there was this one security guard, but he kinda smiled at me and looked away.”
“They’re pretty forgiving here with magic. So long as you aren’t stealing from them, they’ll look the other way.” His expression turned serious. “So, that a spell you just learned?” Spike tilted his head, indicating the extra room upstairs.
“No,” she admitted. “Actually, I haven’t been in there.” She felt strange exploring stuff up there without him. She hated being so clingy, but she was nervous about the other room, and in her mind she inexplicably tied both of them together.
“It’s your room, kitten, should use it. I got it stocked full of nifty trinkets and whatnot for your spell casting.” He held out his hand to her. “Tell you what; let’s go take a peek now.”
She smiled and took his hand, sliding the phone into her back pocket. She’d have to remember to throw it away somewhere later.
Once they were upstairs she couldn’t believe she’d been avoiding the room. She looked in awe at some of the titles on the shelves. She could feel the magic seeping off of them, calling to her. Willow would never have let her near some of this stuff, she would have said it was too dark. It made her feel good that Spike trusted her to be around it.
She pulled one off the shelf, thumbing through the pages. Elemental Manipulation.
“Do me a favor, yeah? Be careful calling fire,” Spike said.
Dawn laughed as she put the book back in its place on the shelf. “I will, I promise. I don’t want you going poof.”
She thought it was like a mini-version of the Magic Box in here. In addition to the books there were herbs, crystals, amulets, and candles by the dozens. Even a creepy mummy hand that looked like it might come to life at any moment. It had everything she could have ever hoped for.
She was poking through some of the crystals when Spike asked casually, “Buffy at work then?”
Dawn looked up, crystals forgotten. Spike was leaning against one of the tables, and his tone was casual, but she could tell that he was tense.
“You said I could call,” she pointed out, hating the whiny accusatory tone of her voice.
“I did at that.” Spike agreed, but he looked disappointed.
Dawn looked at him uneasily. “Are you mad?”
Spike shook his head, but his jaw was tight. “No.”
Dawn walked over to him nervously, her arms crossed in front of chest. “I don’t believe you,” she replied stubbornly.
Spike sighed tiredly, rubbing his forehead. “We just got settled, and now we have to set up someplace new, ‘s all.”
“You’re not yelling,” she said wonderingly.
“No point is there?” he asked tersely. “It’s done; I’ll need to make sure to tie up a few loose ends before we go…”
Dawn tentatively reached into her back pocket, sliding the phone out. She flipped it open and pressed several buttons before handing it to Spike.
He took the phone from her, frowning as he read the call log for the last number dialed. “’S not Buffy’s number.”
“I know,” Dawn confessed, and then added in a rush, “I just really wanted someone to know I was okay. I don’t think she’ll say anything.”
Spike looked at her for a long moment, and then snapped the phone closed before tossing it into the nearest trashcan. “You set me up.”
Dawn’s heart began to hammer in her chest. “No, I – ” she began, but Spike shook his head slightly and she stopped.
Spike casually grabbed her wrists, tugging her between his splayed legs. She lowered her head, refusing to look at him. “Such a naughty girl.”
She shook her head fearfully. “I wasn’t – ”
He let go of her hands, and brushed her long black hair over her shoulders before lifting her chin. “Yes, you were. Expected, I suppose, but you know what happens to naughty girls.”
“They get p-punished,” she stammered, and her eyes were wide with panic.
Spike relished the scent of her terror for a moment before stroking her cheek gently with his thumb. “Shhh, pet. This won’t be like last time. Remember the ruler? You liked that, yeah?”
She nodded jerkily even as she felt her cheeks grow hot. There was no way she’d ever forget that phone call. She’d been so embarrassed and turned on as he’d told her how to spank her thighs with a ruler because she’d touched herself without his permission.
He placed a kiss on her forehead, pleased that she seemed to be getting her head in the right place for this. “Want you to stand at the table and face the wall, kitten.”
Dawn did as he asked, still fearful and nervous, but not terrified anymore. He stood behind her, and placed her hands flat on the surface. He smiled at the fragrant scent of arousal coming from her pale skin. She’d be soaking wet and ready for him by the time he was done.
Spike cupped her unbound breasts and squeezed. Dawn arched into his touch, but her sigh of pleasure turned into a gasp of surprise when he grabbed the fabric of her shirt and tore it harshly down the center from neck to hem. She made a small mewling sound, but didn’t protest the casual destruction of her top.
“Know what you’re gonna be punished for, kitten?” he asked, his voice husky. His cool fingers caressed her now naked breasts, teasing the rapidly hardening nipples.
“Letting you think I called Buffy,” she replied tentatively.
“Yeah, but that’s not the whole thing. You don’t trust me.” He pinched her nipples sharply to punctuate his statement, soothing the sting away quickly with more gentle touches.
Dawn moaned, but shook her head in protest. “No, I do. I swear,” she whispered.
Spike shook his head at her protestations. “Don’t dig yourself in deeper, Dawn.”
“I don’t know what you want me to say,” she admitted fearfully.
Spike kept his tone soft but firm. “You’re testing me, holding me up to some standard you won’t share, and hoping I’ll fail.”
Dawn was quiet, and Spike allowed her some time to think. He knew he’d hit the mark. When she spoke, her voice was barely audible. “I don’t know how else to be,” she replied mournfully.
Spike almost sighed, he hadn’t wanted to bring her so deep this soon, but his girl was having a tough time adjusting. “Slayer did a number on you, pet. Stupid bint got you so twisted up and insecure you don’t know which way is up.
“Can help you find a different way,” he offered, keeping his voice low and husky.
“How?” she squeaked, sounding both hopeful and fearful, exactly how he wanted her.
His hands slid down her belly, beginning to unbutton her jeans. “Let me take care of you. Trust my judgment, submit to me in everything.”
“I-I don’t know what that means.”
“I’ll tell you how to dress, what to eat, where to go, everything. Make it so you never have to worry again that you’re disappointing me. You don’t tow the line, you get punished, but it’ll never be a surprise.”
She couldn’t believe what he was asking her to do. It would be like being treated like a baby. But a big part of her thought it sounded wonderful, not having to worry anymore that she was doing things wrong. “Will it hurt? The p-punishing.”
“Some, yeah. But you’ll feel so good after.” His hand slid inside her jeans, his fingers sliding between her folds. “You’re so wet just thinking about this, pet, aren’t you?”
It felt so good having him touch her, Dawn didn’t realize she nodded.
“Let me take you, let me own you,” he whispered in her ear as he continued to stroke her.
Dawn moaned and replied impulsively, “Yes.”
He nipped at the tense flesh of her neck with blunt teeth. “Such a good girl for Daddy.”
He slid her jeans over her hips, pleased to see that she wasn’t wearing underwear. “Love that you’re not wearing any panties, but think I want you to wear skirts from now on.”
She shivered.
He helped her step out of the pants and then ran his hand over the soft white skin of her bottom. His cock twitched excitedly at the prospect of marking it once again. “Gonna spank you. But I’ll give you a choice: you want my hand, or my belt?” He could tell by her scent which one she really wanted, but he wondered if she’d tell him the truth or earn herself another punishment.
“Your belt,” she whispered.
Spike patted her backside reassuringly. “Good girl.”
He slowly unbuckled his belt, drawing the leather as slowly as he could through the loops of his pants, drawing out her anticipation. She was trembling but holding still, and the scent of her arousal hadn’t diminished in the slightest. He folded the belt in half, grasping the buckle and tail end of the belt firmly in his hand, leaving the middle hanging loosely.
He kept his strokes fairly light; not wanting to really hurt her, but it was difficult as he watched her pretty skin stripe so nicely. He wanted to mark her as deeply as he had with his hands – and leave bruises that lasted for days. He reined in this urge, and forced himself to stop when he reached twenty. It was enough. She had lovely pink marks across her skin and at least three would bruise nicely.
“You did good, kitten.” She hadn’t cried out once, gritting her teeth, and taking her punishment so very well. He kept the belt in one hand and soothed the hot skin with his other. “You got something to say to me?”
“I’m sorry,” she replied without hesitation.
He slipped the belt between her thighs, lightly scraping the wide edge of the leather against her clit and across her opening. Spike smirked when she spread her thighs wider. He did know his girl. Before long, she’d be begging for this. “Time for your reward, then.”
He kept up his ministrations between her thighs until she was moaning and grinding her hips down trying to get additional stimulation. She was about to get her wish. “Turn around, sit on the table,” he ordered gruffly.
Dawn nearly tripped over her discarded pants, but managed to do as he asked. She winced slightly when her sensitive backside hit the cool wood of the table. He forced her knees apart widely, causing her to brace her arms against the table or topple over. Her chest was heaving, her pretty breasts quivering. Her tattered shirt slid down her shoulders, and her pussy was spread wide for him.
He wished his minions were here to see this. He knew there were a few who muttered softly amongst themselves, questioning why he kept a human. Maybe the next time he took her like this, he’d let them watch. She was so bloody beautiful like this, and she’d just agreed to do whatever he told her.
Spike brought the belt back and struck her flushed sex very lightly, no more than a tap, really. The bit of sting followed by the drag of leather across her sensitive clit made her scream in the very best way. “Like that?” he asked with a smirk. Without waiting for a reply, he struck her again and again, until she was moaning and writhing on the table.
She was begging him to let her come when he dropped the belt on the floor, and unbuttoned his pants. His cock slid inside her easily and he took her mouth in a bruising kiss. His hips whipped back and forth as he drove into her. He held her knees apart, keeping her from getting the stimulation she needed to come as he used her. She was clawing at his shoulders, moaning and grunting in frustration against his mouth.
It was so fucking perfect. It wasn’t long before his balls drew up tight against his body and he was ready to spill. He slid out of her, his hand slicking up and down his cock in a blur until he shot over her quivering sex, bathing the abused flesh with his cold seed.
He rubbed his scent into her with his thumbs even as she shuddered and came. He kept up his ministrations until she came again, and then dropped to his knees, cleansing her marked flesh with his tongue, savoring their combined flavors. When she came for the third time, she flopped back on the table, her limbs no longer able to support her.
He scooped her up gently and carried her to their bedroom, before running them a bath.
She didn’t speak, but hissed slightly when she got into the water to join him. He pulled her close, her back to his chest and then lay against the back wall of the tub. She shifted in the warm water a bit and hissed before she nestled against him, resting her head on his shoulder.
“You okay, kitten?” he asked, his hands stroking her belly soothingly.
“Hmmm?” she asked. “Oh, yeah, I’m fine. Sore. Really, really sore, but fine.”
“Water’s got some healing herbs in it, so you should feel better soon.”
Dawn was almost a prune when he carried her out of the bath and tucked her into bed. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow.
He dressed quietly, leaving her to sleep. Tonight was shaping up to be one of the best of his unlife: total submission from Dawn, and he still had work he still had to do tonight. He hadn’t been lying to her earlier; he did have a few loose ends to tie up. And torture.
~*~*~*~*~
Tara replaced the handset in the cradle.
“You okay?” Willow asked, concerned.
Tara tried to force a smile, even as she replayed Dawn’s message over in her head. “Yeah.”
Willow forehead wrinkled in concern. She was obviously not buying Tara’s attempt at good humor.
“It was my family.” Tara lied. “I just wasn’t expecting them to call.”
Willow’s concern deepened. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“Is…everything okay?” Willow asked tentatively. “If you’re dealing with family stuff, I’ll understand if you want to cancel tonight.”
Tara shook her head. “No, I absolutely want to go out.”
“Good,” Willow beamed. “I thought we could go out for Chinese. Stuff ourselves on Mu Shu pork and those extra yummy cookies. Oh! And maybe we can look up our signs!”
Tara grinned at Willows enthusiasm; she had missed her so much. “Actually, I’m a Boar.”
“You’re not boring! I like spending time with you,” Willow protested.
This was so much like the old Willow that Tara smiled. “No, that’s my sign. I was born in the Year of the Boar.”
“Thanks,” Willow said suddenly, “For giving us another chance. This whole thing with Dawn made me realize how important you are to me. I don’t want to lose you.”
A knot formed in Tara’s stomach at this, but she smiled. This time, she did a better job, and Willow didn’t notice that it was forced.
They chatted about mostly nothing as they walked out the door, almost like old times, but the sick feeling didn’t subside at all. It stayed in her belly all evening.
She ached to invite Willow back to her room after their date, but couldn’t. The truth of what she’d done for Dawn hung over her head. The sick feeling intensified, now that it was coupled with the thought of what would happen if Willow or the others knew her secret.
She was unsurprised that sleep eluded her, and Tara thought, not for the first time, that perhaps she was not doing the right thing shielding Dawn from the others.
Part Nine
The elevator door barely shut behind Spike when he barked, “Strip!”
Dawn’s hands were shaking as she did what he asked without question. Her stomach was in knots, excitement and fear warred within her.
“On your knees,” he commanded.
She did as he ordered, almost fearfully. Tonight at dinner, she’d inadvertently asked the waiter for another Coke. Spike had been talking business with a couple of lawyers who stopped by their table on their way out of the restaurant. At least she assumed they were lawyers, none of them had horns or fangs. Spike halted his conversation immediately, and Dawn’s belly clenched into knots as she realized her mistake. She’d tried to apologize, but his icy glare cut her off before she’d spoken a word.
Now that they were back in their room, she was even more apprehensive
“This is the second time you’ve spoken out of turn this week, kitten,” he said. His tone was gruff, but the hand that stroked her face was gentle. “You’re lucky I didn’t spank you at the table.”
He’d ordered her to the ladies room and spanked her there. She was so afraid that someone would walk in. At the time she hadn’t realized he would even consider doing it in the restaurant. “I didn’t mean – ” she began
He put a finger to her lips. “Shhh,” he said softly. “Not your fault; ‘s mine. I’m not doing a good job teachin’ you how to behave.”
His voice had that husky timber that always made her stomach flip-flop and her pussy wet.
“Think you need to be reminded that when we’re out, you’re not to speak unless I tell you to. Maybe if I keep your mouth occupied for the next few days, you’ll behave better next time?”
He unzipped his jeans, and took his cock out. It was already hard. Her face burned because she knew, now, what he wanted her to do.
“Open up, kitten. Time for your first lesson.”
~*~*~*~*~
Usually she loved the Forum at Caesar’s Palace with all the wacky tourists and expensive shops, but she really wasn’t that interested in being here today. Not that what she wanted mattered, Spike had told her she was coming with him. They were slowly winding their way through the crowds, window shopping, when one of Spike’s business associates came up to him. Judging from his unbelievably tacky outfit, this one was probably a vampire. None of the lawyers would have been caught dead wearing sequins. Spike told her to look around if she wanted, and that he’d meet her outside Victoria’s Secret in a bit.
Dawn really didn’t wander around much, heading straight for the lingerie shop. She looked at the displays in the window while she waited. Everything was so pretty. Frilly underwear and nightgowns as far as the eyes could see, they really knew their market.
She hovered outside, wishing she could go in and buy something. She didn’t have any money, and besides Spike didn’t let her wear underwear. Dawn supposed that she could steal a pair, but what would be the point. She’d probably be punished for stealing without his permission or something. It didn’t seem worth it.
Suddenly, she was incredibly sad. She never realized how dependant she was going to become on Spike when she’d agreed to submit to him. At first it had been so amazing, not having to worry about anything. He laid out her clothes when she got out of the shower, did her hair and sometimes makeup, ordered for her in the fancy restaurants around town. It had made her feel beautiful and important.
Now, two months later, Dawn realized that she didn’t really do anything for herself at all anymore, and she wasn’t quite sure what had changed. Well, she knew some things that bothered her, like the way people never talked to her, they always talked to Spike, asking him if she was okay, if she needed something. And she hated asking him for permission for everything…well not everything. Sometimes the playing was fun. Her stomach still tensed in a good way when she thought of some of the things they did together.
All of this control was taking its toll, however. She realized she was even afraid to go into the store in case he came by and didn’t see her. She no longer felt like his girlfriend, more like a pet. A cherished and loved pet, but a pet nonetheless.
In a cloud of smoke and leather, she felt him slide his arm around her hugging her close.
“Very nice,” he said, looking at the items on display. “See anything you like?” He kissed the top of her head.
She didn’t want to have to ask him for anything, so she shook her head.
He pulled back, as always, sensing something was amiss. “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head again, afraid to speak in case she started to cry.
He looked around for a moment, before saying, “C’mere.” He led her to a service door, quickly picking the lock before ushering them through.
She watched the door swing shut, closing them off from prying eyes. She knew what that meant…another punishment. Her stomach fell.
Spike lifted her chin and looked her in the eye. “What’s wrong, kitten?”
“Nothing. It’s nothing,” she replied.
“You want me to spank you right here?” he asked sternly.
She choked out a sob. “Go ahead. You want to anyway.” She pulled away from him, turning around to face the wall. She remained there several long minutes, waiting for him to lift her skirt and start punishing her.
Instead, he hugged her from behind, kissing her throat. “Dawn, sweetheart, turn around. Talk to me.”
If he’d called her ‘Kitten’ she probably would have continued to face the wall. Dawn spun around and laid her head against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her.
“I just wanted a pair of underwear,” she sobbed, “And I’m a pet.”
Spike stroked her hair. “You’re not a pet, Dawn. And if you wanted something, why didn’t you ask?”
She shook her head furiously, but didn’t answer. How was she supposed to explain how it was different?
“Dawn,” Spike said calmly. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
“No,” she whispered mournfully.
“You refusing to tell me?” He sounded like he was starting to get angry.
“No,” she shook her head, “I mean, I want to say ‘no.’” She wiped her eyes and looked at him, pleadingly. “I don’t do anything Spike. I’m your pet. You dress me, tell me what to do, I have to ask for everything – and even if I charge something to the room, you ask me about it. A-and if I don’t do what you like - you spank me. I can’t even wear underwear! I mean at first it was all sexy and fun, but now, I hate it. I’m always afraid of flashing people, I never feel clean after I pee. And it itches.”
Spike was silent for several long moments and Dawn couldn’t read his expression. Finally, he jerked his head toward the service door that they’d come through, “Come on.”
He didn’t wait to see if she followed, just strode out, back into the crowded promenade.
~*~*~*~*~
The walk across the street to their hotel was in silence. Once inside, people in the casino gave them a wide berth, sensing something was not right between them. Even in their private elevator, Spike didn’t utter a word. Dawn thought she might throw up.
Spike strode out of the elevator and tossed his key card on the kitchen counter. Dawn stood timidly in front of the closed elevator doors, watching him warily. She’d never seen him this quiet for this long.
He turned to look at her. “Go. Take a shower. We’ll talk when you get out.”
Dawn trudged up the stairs, filled with a sense of foreboding at his words.
Once in the bathroom, she turned the water on as hot as she could stand. She stripped off her clothes, leaving them in a rumpled heap on the floor and got in the large shower.
She stood under the steaming hot water, hoping that it would wash away all of her uncertainty. Grabbing the shampoo from the rack, she poured some of it into her palm. She put the bottle back and began massaging the soap into her hair. She felt kind of grimy, and was thankful that Spike had told her take a shower.
She stopped mid-lather, suddenly furious: angrier than she had been in a long time. What the hell was she thinking? Glad that he’d ordered her to shower? What kind of a robot was she turning into? God, in the months after her mom died, she wouldn’t even take out the trash if Buffy asked her, and here she was bathing on command for Spike. Uh-uh, no way. This was going to stop.
If he loved her, and she was sure he did, he was just going to have to accept her the way she was. She was tired of being a door mat.
What if he doesn’t? a small voice whispered in the back of her mind. She resolutely shook her head, ignoring the voice. He did love her, she knew he did.
But what if?
“Shut up,” she hissed, and the voice shut up, slinking off to a dark corner of her brain to sulk.
She swiftly rinsed her hair and turned off the water. She wasn’t going to avoid talking to him any longer. It didn’t matter what she’d promised. She wasn’t happy and she’d changed her mind. He was just gonna have to deal with that.
Dawn dried off and wrapped a towel tightly around her middle. She didn’t want to walk into the room naked. She was done with that. Well, maybe not done, but the rules were gonna change.
She towel dried her hair for several moments until she realized she was stalling. Scowling, she tossed the towel to the floor where it joined the heap of her clothes. She headed into the bedroom, refusing to hide from him. This was her Spike, he’d talk to her…they’d work things out.
She froze when she saw the black mesh outfit he’d laid out on the bed. Sitting next to it was a collar. On the floor was the tallest pair of shiny black high-heels she’d ever seen. She didn’t even think her feet would actually fit into them; they were at such a steep angle.
Her heart sank at the thought of wearing something so skimpy in public, and then her anger returned full force.
Spike was standing next to the bed wearing a tight pair of black leather pants, and no shirt. “You said I treated you like a pet. Want to show you what that really means. Put it on, Dawn.” He pointed to the outfit on the bed.
Dawn looked down at the nothing outfit, barely more than gauze, and then back to Spike. She crossed her arms in front of her chest, shaking her head. “No,” she said, pleased that her voice didn’t shake.
“Put it on.” It wasn’t a request. She could tell he was dangerously close to losing his temper.
Oh, god, he doesn’t care, she thought. Her heart constricted and the bottom fell out of her stomach. She felt like she was going to have a heart attack and throw up all at the same time. But she refused to let him see her waver. Dawn lifted her chin and looked him in the eye defiantly. “No. I’m not gonna wear that.”
Spike’s face rippled and his fangs descended. His yellow eyes blazed, and he growled low in his chest.
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