At 3:30 that next afternoon Buffy found herself searching about in her closet to pick out something to wear to Lorne’s club. They had agreed on six o’clock since it would take her a couple hours to drive there and back and she didn't want to get home too late. Settling on a sexy, yet elegant red spaghetti-strap dress that clung to her in all the right places, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. The bodice portion cupped to push her breasts together, making her look like she had more in the chest area than she really did. The hem stopped just above the knee, which was perfect for showing her muscular calves off in her new red heels. Thank you Mr. Stairmaster. Opting for minimal makeup and simple jewelry, she finished off her look with red lip-gloss and left her hair down in long smooth flowing waves. With one last glance at herself, she felt as ready as she could be.
She walked over to the desk where her computer sat and logged herself on. Clicking on the address bar, she typed in the web address for Lorne’s club and hit enter. She was instantly greeted with a picture of handsome smiling man dressed flamboyantly, sitting atop a barstool with a microphone in hand and a huge smile.
“Oh you’re a cutie.” Buffy said as if his picture could actually hear her. Finding the directions, she printed them out and folded it in half. Grabbing her purse and keys, she strode towards the door and placed her hand on the knob before stopping to close her eyes.
Do you really want to do this? It isn't too late to turn around and forget about it.
Would you stop already? We’ve gone through this before, there’s no harm in checking it out, it’s not like we’re committed to it. The inner slut had come back, sitting on her left shoulder to argue and smirk at her.
But what if it's some kind of a set-up? I cannot afford to get into trouble and jeopardize my business. The virtuous side came to perch on the opposite shoulder to oppose the naughty side.
Look, just go and at least talk to the man and if we get the slightest feeling something isn’t right, just tell him you changed your mind. Politely thank him for his time and leave, all right?
Good point, ok I can do this, I can do this. She stood still for a few seconds, her fingers resting on the handle as she made her final decision.
Go. Move. Get your ass in that car and drive. Horny here remember? Horny or not, Buffy truly began to think the little slut was getting rather pushy.
Opening her eyes she flung the door open and stepped out, hoping she wasn’t about to make the biggest mistake of her life.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Two hours later, Buffy parked her car in an underground garage about a block away from the club. The drive had been long and she had to distract herself by singing along with the radio to take her mind off the bat-sized butterflies that were bouncing around in her stomach. Contrary to how she felt inside, she strolled down the sidewalk, heels clicked loudly on the pavement as her body exuded an air of confidence. She rounded the corner to see a long line of people clearly waiting to get into ‘The Hide-a-way’. Great, just what I wanted to do, wait forever to get into some bar just to meet a pimp. Maybe this was a bad idea.
Good things come to those who wait Buffy. The image of her wicked side spoke up again. She swore she imagined it just winked evilly at her.
I am losing it, I'm REALLY losing it.
After resolving to take a place in line, she noticed a small geeky looking guy dressed in dark blue with a security badge hung around his neck. He walked up and down the line with a clipboard in hand and spoke briefly with each of the customers waiting to go in.
It took said geek at least 10 minutes before finally stopping in front of an annoyed Buffy who stood there with arms folded over her chest, tapping her toe rhythmically and feeling rather impatient upon noticing the line had not moved an inch. Without much courtesy in regards to her agitated appearance, he spoke.
“Hello, I’m Andrew. Can I have your name please?” Still not bothering to look at her, he continued staring down at his clipboard waiting for her to answer.
“Buffy Summers.” At that instant, his head snapped to attention.
“Buffy? Summers? Ms,” he leaned in to whisper putting his hand up to cup his mouth so only she could hear, “Desperate?”
“Yeah, why? Is there a stamp on my forehead or something?” She glared at him though inside she began to panic.
Seeing that he had clearly pissed her off Andrew stepped back and quickly threw up his hands in defense.
“Sorry, my apologies, truly I didn’t mean to offend you Miss. I just had to be sure who you were. Lorne has given me special instructions to bring you in myself. He’s most excited to meet you.”
“Oh! Right… well in that case.” she shrugged throwing him an apologetic look, feeling somewhat guilty for having snapped at the boy who was just trying to do his job.
Offering her his arm, he proceeded to guide her towards the head of the line where she received dark glares from the people still waiting to get in. Jeez it’s a Monday night people, get a life.
She made small talk with Andrew on their way to the door asking why there was such a long line on a weeknight. He cheerfully informed her it was karaoke night, as if it were something extra special. She thought it strange but dismissed it; it was LA after all. Guess it’s really popular here.
Walking through the door a tall and very good-looking black bouncer had opened for them, Buffy had to wait until her eyes adjusted to the dark surroundings. Guiding her by her elbow down a long darkened hallway with descending stairs, Andrew urged her forward slowly. Reaching the bottom step the first thing she noticed was a stage on the far left side. It had a single spotlight centered on an empty bar stool with a microphone in front of it that she recognized from the picture on the website. The surrounding area had a few tables adorned with simple white tablecloths and a lit candle in the center, all occupied by patrons busy talking and laughing away. The bar to her right was well lit and all around were waitresses scurrying about with their trays while two bartenders worked frantically to keep up with the drink orders. Wow, who-da-thunk karaoke was this big a deal? It was not a huge place by any means, but it looked cozy in its semi-dark atmosphere.
From a door behind the bar, she watched a man walk through wearing a bright green suit with a puffy yellow scarf in place of a tie. In his left hand, he was holding a neon blue drink while his right one held the door open, shouting through it.
“And don’t forget the olives deary we’re running low on those too.” Letting the door swing closed behind him he walked around the bar to plop down heavily on a stool facing out towards the stage. “Good help is so hard to find these days.” she heard him mutter as he shook his head.
“That’s Lorne right there. I’ll introduce you and then if you need anything you just let me know Miss Buffy.” Andrew whispered as he pointed.
Buffy smiled, “Thanks but I’ll be fine on my own.” He smiled back at her and released her arm, nodding politely. She walked slowly towards the end of the bar noticing the appreciative stares from some of the men sitting at the tables closest to her. Ignoring them, she headed straight for Lorne.
Setting his drink down on the bar top, Lorne looked up just in time to see Buffy walk the last few feet that separated them. He instantly smiled brightly, stood and offered his hand, bowing slightly at the waist as if he were a knight in court receiving a lady.
“Good evening milady. I’m Lorne, humble proprietor of The Hide-a-way at your service. It will be my sincere pleasure to attend to your every need. Pray tell, with whom do I have the pleasure of gracing my establishment with a beauty so radiant as to shame the very sun itself?”
She giggled and extended her right hand, “Hi Lorne, I’m Buffy.” She winked, amused when his jaw dropped open in cartoon fashion with pure astonishment written on his face.
Feigning a French accent, he took her hand in his right while his left flew to his forehead, leaning his head backward for dramatic effect. “Non, it cannot be. You are… but-of-course magnifique ma jeune dame dans le rouge. Let me butter your croissant, let me dip my ladle in your…vichyssoise you saucy young thing you!” He punctuated each remark thickly in the accent.
He quickly kissed her hand then took the other and stepped back to hold her at arms length. Looking her up and down at least three times, he released her arms and motioned with his hand for her to twirl in front of him like a model for inspection before the catwalk began.
Buffy smiled and obliged him by slowly turning around in a full circle twice, arms away from her sides, lowering them once she faced him again.
“Poor Mr. Webster will simply have to invent a word to describe how gorgeous you are. Come. Come, come.” Spreading his arms wide, Lorne waved her towards him in hugging fashion and wrapped her up in an embrace that would have suggested they had known each other for years. He quickly kissed each of her cheeks then released her, extending a hand to the stool next to him in an invitation to sit. Buffy couldn’t help but smile at the adoration he was lavishing on her.
“Clem!” Lorne bellowed, and she watched as one of the bartenders snapped to attention at his boss’ voice.
“Get this lovely lady whatever she wants and on the house.” With a quick nod, Clem came over to stand in front of Buffy, awaiting her request.
“Oh thank you, but just a coke for me please, gotta drive.”
“Coming right up Miss.” He promptly left to get her drink before she turned back to face Lorne.
“I have to say you are NOT what I expected.” Lorne had stated it while continuing to grin like a child in a candy shop. He noticed her smile drop slightly before quickly adding, “I mean you sounded simply lovely on the phone, but I am absolutely in awe. You are stunning, and that red dress… oh baby a fruit-roll-up’s got nothin on you. You could easily have your pick from anyone here tonight and yet you came to me. Damn the guy I picked for you...I think I’ll keep you for myself.” Buffy swore her face was going to stay tomato red the way Lorne kept complimenting her.
“Honey, you’re enough to make a man change his religion. I’m officially coming back to the right side of the tracks for you.” He laughed heartily as she continued to blush and lowered her head.
So, that’s what it was about him. The clothes, the personality, yup he was gay all right. “I admit, I’m feeling a little…. awkward about all this.” She looked up at him expectantly, somehow knowing his spirited character would help put her at ease.
“Tsk tsk now” He chided while waving his hand. “No need for that. Tonight is about pleasure not business, and lucky for you pleasure IS my business.” Lorne winked and flashed her his best smile.
“Thank you, however if I may… putting this business before pleasure, I’d kinda like to get it out of the way with first…if you don’t mind.”
“Oh ho-ho,” Lorne clutched his chest and bellowed heartily. “You're precious sweet cheeks. Shoot straight to the heart of the matter, I like that in a woman. For you… anything. Now!” He slapped his palms together and rubbed them vigorously. “Because I was just saddened to tears by the incompetent lousy boys you’ve obviously dealt with in the past, I’m going to give you a special introductory rate I think you'll find quite reasonable. Normally it’s $3000 flat rate up to the first 2 hours, $8000 for an overnight. The fact that you don’t have any unusual requests or a need for props…which by the way can get pricey, I simply can’t see charging you nearly that much.” He quickly grabbed a napkin from a stack in front of him and pulled a pen from inside his suit coat. Quickly scribbling down a figure, he shoved it in front of her. “So, does that work for you sugarplum?” He sat back to sip at the blue liquid in his martini glass.
Looking at the figure, she nodded her head. “Sounds fair to me. Cash, check, or charge?” she joked trying to keep the mood light.
“Cash works fine for me, or charge, it’s your choice.”
Buffy reached into her purse whipping out her platinum credit card and handed it over to him. She didn’t get a single cop vibe from him, so she crossed her fingers and prepared to flee at the first glimpse of handcuffs.
“I will personally take care of this right now and be back before you can blink.” Twirling around on his barstool, he planted both hands on the top of the bar and gracefully hopped over in one swift move, heading back through the door in which he came out earlier.
She sipped at her soda that Clem had placed before her and waited nervously. Setting it back down she started to scan the club, never noticing the dark figure that sat quietly staring at her from a corner table to her far right.
A couple minutes later, Lorne strolled back out and handed her card back to her along with a formal looking receipt. Taking them in her hand she glanced at the receipt noting that it was annotated with the amount they agreed on while the description stated a reservation for the following Monday night, a party of ten at The Hideaway with ‘all amenities included’.
Clever, very clever. She tucked the items back in her purse grateful that she was still a free citizen, and hopefully a very happy one soon.
“Now,” Lorne started, “this is a pending charge as you probably noticed on the receipt. I won’t take a dime of your money until I get a call from my guy and another one from you letting me know he arrived and completed his job effectively. I accept nothing less than a top-notch job performance from him and 100% satisfaction from you.” He watched as Buffy’s face froze in shock from his second statement. He grabbed her hand and kissed the top of it while winking at her. “I don’t need the details sweetie, just want to hear from you so I know everything met your expectations.”
She exhaled in relief. “Oh, thank god… and yes I promise to call.”
“Good. Now that THAT is settled, how ‘bout you and me out on the dance floor before karaoke starts? I want to be the envy of every man here when they see what I have in my arms tripping-the-lights fantastic with.” He stretched one arm towards the dance floor and the other out for her.
Buffy placed her hand in his and he swiftly yanked her to the center of the small dance floor that seemed to have only enough room for about five or six couples to dance at one time. They stood there for a few seconds before Buffy cleared her throat.
Looking up at him hesitantly she whispered, “Uhmm Lorne? I hate to be a kill joy here, but… there’s no music.”
“Oh ye of little faith, see what my magic commands for thee.” He looked to Clem behind the bar and snapped his fingers three times rapidly in the air.
She saw Clem bend below the bar at the far left end, fiddling with what she guessed could only be a sound system. Looking back up at Lorne, he positioned himself in dance-stance and waited for her. She stepped into his form as the music began and with the arm that rested gently on her waist, he guided her to follow him. She recognized the song and blushed at his choice.
Lady in Red:
I've never seen you looking
So lovely as you did tonight
I've never seen you shine so bright
I've never seen so many men ask you
If you wanted to dance
They're looking for a little romance
Given half a chance
And I've never seen that dress
You're wearing
Or that highlights in your hair
That catch your eyes
I have been blind
From the shadows of the corner table, the dark figure watched the entire time as Lorne twirled the beautiful girl around in his arms. He watched her smile away and caught brief glimpses of her smooth tanned thighs every now and then when her dress flared from the spinning motion. If he hadn't known already that Lorne was gay, he would have felt envious enough to cut in, in hopes of receiving the same attention she was giving him as they danced.
She was not your archetypal gorgeous, rather she possessed a rare kind of beauty all her own that seemed to radiate from within to pour out and shine through her eyes and her smile. He noticed with some humor that several men in the place, who obviously had their dates with them, were staring at her in much the same way he was. A part of him felt irritated at that, knowing exactly what they were thinking… because he was thinking it too. Naturally some received jabs from their women who hadn't taken lightly to their gawking, while others had gotten cold hard stares thrown their way.
The lady in red is dancing with me
Cheek to cheek
There's nobody here
It's just you and me
It's where I wanna be
But I hardly know
This beauty by my side I'll never forget
The way you look tonight
Lorne danced with her, every now and then spinning her here or dramatically dipping her there. He moved like a bona fide pro as he effortlessly guided her along. Glancing around, he leaned to whisper in her ear.
“Every guy here has got you pictured right now inside their head, starring in their most private of fantasies. However, you deserve more than that. You deserve someone who wants to star in YOUR fantasies.” He pulled back in time to see her blush yet again, gave her a genuine laugh and twirled her some more.
I've never seen you looking
So gorgeous as you did tonight
I've never seen you shine so bright
You were amazing
I've never seen so many people
Want to be there by your side
And when you turned to me and smiled
It took my breath away
And I have never had such a feeling
Such a feeling
Of complete and utter love,
As I do tonight
I never will forget the way you look tonight
The lady in red
My lady in red
I love you
As the song came to its end he dipped her slow and deep, planting a kiss on her that would have been considered intimate if it weren’t placed on her forehead, before pulling her back up to give her a warm yet brotherly kind of hug.
The rest of the evening the pair of new friends spent laughing and joking away. Buffy and Lorne discussed everything from their favorite movies, to places to shop, and even which celebrities needed the most fashion help with their wardrobe. After much coaxing, he’d even convinced her to get up on stage to participate in karaoke.
She honestly could not have asked for a better night out on the town. Lorne was the perfect host, and gave her his full attention nearly the entire time. Only after each patron had finished a horrible rendition of their favorite tune did he leave her side, even then it was only to speak briefly with them before returning. She could see that his charismatic personality was infectious to those around him and he had a way of making people feel at ease with his smile alone.
She decided Lorne was the kind of person she really wanted to keep as a friend, regardless of if his service met her expectations or not. So, when asked, she happily agreed when he suggested they go shopping and hit the spa for some pampering the weekend after next.
When the evening came to a close and she had to leave, Lorne once again gave her a kiss to each cheek along with a firm hug. He bellowed an order to Andrew to bring the bouncer who was guarding the entrance door earlier to see him. He introduced him as Gunn, “a most trusted friend and employee” and informed her that he would see her safely back to her car.
“You drive home carefully now and remember what we talked about, I’ll take care of all the details so don’t you worry your pretty head about a thing.”
“Will do Lorne. I’ll call you soon. And thanks again… for everything, goodnight.”
The minute she exited the building, the dark figure that had sat watching Buffy all night finally rose from his seat and approached Lorne.
“And WHO was that mate?” The man questioned as he emerged from the shadows, readying to light up the cigarette that hung from his lips.
“That, my dear friend Spike, is your next assignment. That is…” he hesitated before turning to look at him, “IF you think you can handle that precious bundle right.”
Spike jerked his gaze towards Lorne, noticing his serious intent. Holding the flame away in front of him, he questioned him, “S'that right now?” Waiting for Lorne to continue a few seconds after he finally lit the thing up he added, “Come oooon now… enlighten me!”
Lorne motioned Spike to sit in the corner he had previously occupied, pulled out a folded paper from his suit jacket and handed it to him.
“This special lady has to be handled with care. You let me know after you read her specs if you’re up for the job… no pun intended friend.” He had a look of amusement on his face that Spike wasn’t sure if he liked or not. Chuckling in spite of it, he took the paper and scanned over the first portion quickly. However when reading her ‘Additional Specifications’ section, a slow grin began to creep its way across his features.
“Sounds like I’m her kinda bloke.” He tossed it back towards Lorne and lifted the cigarette to his lips to inhale deeply.
“So, what about what isn’t on that paper?” Working for a guy who could read people just from hearing them sing was unnerving to Spike, but he and Lorne had become instant friends a little over two years ago and Spike never knew him to use his ‘gift’ on unwilling people.
“That’s why I thought of you first. Only if you are interested will I give you the unspoken details from what I picked up, for her privacy mind you. If not, I can always call Parker or Angelus if he’s not busy.”
Spike immediately snatched the paper back from the table.
“No, no. I’ll take it. Rent’s due and all that rot.” He tried not to look too interested and feigned indifference by shrugging one shoulder. Inside he did not want to even think about her lovely body being violated by either of those two wankers.
“So the fact she’s a beauty has… nothing at all to do with it then?” Lorne gave him a questioning smile.
“M'not goin there mate, ‘s jus’ a job; you know that.”
Fact was he couldn’t take his eyes off the little blonde all night. He couldn’t believe his ears when Lorne told him she was actually a potential client for his ‘other’ business. An attractive woman like her surely didn't need to pay for sex.
Aside from Buffy's obvious good looks, Spike couldn't really put his finger on exactly why he'd found her so completely alluring. After Lorne explained her lackluster history as the reason why she had sought Rencontre Travaillée, he knew he couldn't fault her for it. After all, turning to this business was a better alternative than just seeking out random partners.
The second Lorne had mentioned the idea of Parker or Angelus taking her case he instantly got jealous. He didn't understand the feeling or even want to at the time, but he was sure she wouldn't appreciate either of their attentions. Both their styles just weren't suited for the type of girl that Lorne had described to him. She was a woman meant to be savored, enjoyed, guarded like the precious jewel she was. Spike snorted mentally as his inner poet came out but didn’t deny the truth of his thoughts. If she hadn’t been given anything by her previous lovers, well then, he intended to make up for every missed opportunity she’d had in his own special way.
Yes, he would take special care with her, though he still wasn't sure Lorne's idea of her seduction was a good one. But, if that's what Lorne thought best then that's what Spike would do. He'd never questioned his friend's accuracy of 'insight' before and he wasn't about to start now. Lorne had been right far too many times in the past for him to do that. Spike grinned; he had a feeling this encounter was going to be one he would enjoy to the very last second.
A/N: Lorne's statement in French is as follows, “Non(No), it cannot be. You are… but-of-course magnifique(magnificent) ma jeune dame dans le rouge(my young lady in red). Let me butter your croissant, let me dip my ladle in your…vichyssoise(bowl of soup – loose translation) you saucy young thing you!” The last two sentences are the property of the writers for the movie The Mask that starred Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz. I merely used them for entertainment as they came from one of my favorite scenes in the movie, which I personally found hysterical.
Special Note: Please remember that I said we'd meet Spike in this chapter, not that he and Buffy would. Good writing needs good development and there is a method to my madness as you WILL see.. The next chapter is when our couple will meet, so stick around as their introduction is quite... unconventional, to say the least. Please review as I appreciate everyones thoughts.
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Author's Chapter Notes:
Here it is as promised... a much longer chapter, and yes we meet Spike in this one. I hope you all enjoy this as much as the previous chapters. PLEASE read my note at the end for language translations and another disclaimer.