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A/N: Thank you for all the reviews and being patient with me, I've got a new job and I've been working in the night shift so there hasn't been much time to write but I do it anyway. And thank you to my wonderful beta, Mac who's been helping with the history part and who got this chapter back before I knew to miss it. And if you haven't read Angel's blue eyed girl's What really happened behind the Wings go read it (if you're old enough of course), it's really good therapy.
Buffy paced her room, nervously running her fingers through her hair. After the sundown her slayer instincts had been ordering her to hunt but even more than that, she missed Liam. It was like her blood was screaming for him and her resistance was suffering from a lack of motivation to stay away from him. Finally she stopped and let out an irritated sigh before looking at the ceiling with a hard glare. “Why did you have to send me here? Why to his town and to where he's human? Haven't you tortured me enough?!” she yelled but nothing happened. “I must be loosing my mind,” she mumbled under her breath and went to the door, listening silently before she turned the key locking the door. She grabbed the stake she had hid under the mattress and went to the window, quickly opening it and climbing down. She didn't even notice where she was going before she reached the town. “What am I doing here?” she whispered to herself as she wandered into a back alley. And isn't talking to yourself a sign of madness, she thought to herself soon after. For a good while she wandered around the alleyways of the town, staying out of sight and trying to memorize the streets. “You shouldn't play cards if you ain't got the money,” a man's voice said with a thick Irish accent, Buffy ignored it and turned to head to another direction. “I do got the money, Mickey, just not with me. Besides, a child could see you were cheating”, Liam answered and the sound of his voice stopped Buffy dead on her tracks. “This is just great,” she mumbled under her breath but turned around and headed towards the voices anyway. “Are you calling me a cheat, pretty boy?” Mickey growled. “Is there something wrong with your hearing, Mickey? Maybe you should visit doc O'Shaughnessy with your little problem.” “Right now I don't care about the money, seeing those teeth of yours splattered on the alley floor will satisfy my current need,” Mickey said with anger radiating from his entire being. “Mickey-boy, it is no honor when a man needs his brothers to help him in a fight, some could call it unfair,” Liam said and slowly a smirk rose to his lips. “But I'm not among those people,” he added and swung his fist, hitting the bulky man straight in the face. The two other men joined the fight and Buffy had to do everything she could not to join in, she doubted it would go unnoticed that a noble woman was sending punches at a group of drunken bullies. Besides, Liam seemed to be enjoying the fight, he lacked the finesse Angel had but he was managing pretty well despite the fact that he was obviously drunk. Again. Buffy sighed and leaned against the wall. Her fingers dug into the fabric of her dress as she saw Liam get a hit in the face and she had to restrain herself from going in and pummeling the man into a bloody pulp. But as she saw one of the men pick up a broken piece of wood from the ground, she couldn't keep herself from out of it. The man lifted the wood over his head, ready to hit Liam with it from behind. “No you don't,” Buffy muttered under her breath and grabbed the man by the back of his neck and drove him against the nearest wall. He fell to the ground unconscious and quickly Buffy stepped out of sight. She watched as Liam sent sloppy punches not caring where he hit as long as it was some part of his opponents, he was intoxicated from the thrill of the fight. She waited until the fight was over and Liam was the last one standing. She started to retreat but accidentally hit a barrel, knocking it over with a loud clang. “Just great,” she muttered to herself, closing her eyes in embarrassment. “And what do we have here?” Liam's voice came from behind her and she spun around, looking like a deer caught in headlights. “Liam,” she whispered breathlessly without even thinking. His eyes raked over her body. “I have to ask, what is this desire to land yourself into trouble? A beautiful upstanding lady like yourself is not safe in a dingy alley like this one. But lucky for you I was close by and I offer myself to your service and protection,” he said with a roguish smile and a gentlemanly bow. Buffy looked at him from head to toe, he was a little rumbled from the fight, swaying slightly from the alcohol in his blood but still he managed to look sexy as hell and she knew the only thing she needed protection from was him. She could already feel her body responding to his soft voice that was laced with a thick Irish accent and slightly slurred from the alcohol he had consumed. “It is quite a coincidence that you always happen to be close by when I'm out,” she stated, she suspected it might have had something to do with the fact that her body felt drawn to his presence and she could feel when he was near, just like she could feel Angel only without the vampire alert. “Must be fate,” he answered and her eyes raised to his. She swallowed thickly, the dark, passionate look in his eyes was not good. “Must be,” she whispered and took a step back but the distance did nothing to cool down the desire she felt inside. “So, are you gonna courageously walk me home or what?” she asked trying to steer her thoughts back to business and away from the temptation. “I'm at your service, miss, what ever your heart desires, I will hand it to you and valiantly protect you with my life,” he said and she couldn't help but smile, apparently he was one of those happy drunks. “Can you even walk a straight line?” she asked with a chuckle. “I have been more intoxicated and still managed to make my way into a barmaid's bedroom without her father being none the wiser,” he answered, proving his capability of protecting her. “And that's supposed to comfort me. And, too much information I might add,” she said with a grimace. It's not like she was under the illusion he was a monk before he met her but she didn't need or want to hear about his adventures with the opposite sex. “I do apologize, my sweet Buffy, the whiskey has lowered my sensitivities and I do not wish you to ever feel at unease in my company. Will you still delight me with your presence despite my unsavory condition?” For a while she just stared at him. “You really are drunk,” she stated like it had just dawned to her. “I do admit that is my condition,” he answered with a crooked smile. “I promise to behave myself despite it,” he added as her silence stretched. “Well, since I have your word on that,” she drawled like she was still considering it. Liam took a step closer to her, his fingers softly brushing against her cheek. “Then let me guide you away from this dirty alleyway to the fresh air you belong to,” he said, his voice low and soft, doing a perfect job in making her whole body react to him. What was wrong with her?! He was drunk, smelling like a bar and just his sexy slurring voice made her ready to throw him against the dirty wall and kiss him till both their lips were raw. A self-satisfied smirk formed to his lips as he noticed that her darkened, lusty eyes were fixated on his lips. Her gaze lifted to his face and a faint blush rose to her cheeks as she realized she had been caught. Smooth, real smooth, she chastised herself. “Okay, lets just... go,” she said nervously and started walking down the alley. He caught up with her soon after, offering her his arm in a gentlemanly manner. She looked at his extended arm, then glanced at his face and with little hesitation took his offer. She wasn't sure if it was for her or for him but he did seem to be able to walk a straight line.
“I too can take care of myself,” he said with a smirk and leaned against the building. He was mostly covered by the shadows but his eyes gleamed with mischief. Even though the sensible part of her brain told her not to, she took a step closer to him, hiding in the shadows with him. “Thanks for walking me here,” she said looking into his eyes. “My pleasure,” he answered softly. He reached out and brushed an escaped lock of hair behind her ear and gently cupped her cheek, his eyes fixed on her lips. Slowly, giving her time to stop him he bent into a kiss, first his lips just gently brushing against hers but soon he grew confident and the kiss grew more heated. She moaned against his lips, her arms winding around his shoulders pulling him closer. The kiss lacked the perfected art of Angel's kisses but Liam didn't fail in leaving her just as breathless. Her knees felt week and her whole body trembled. It was strange to feel his warm lips against hers, his body heat radiating through the close distance but there was nothing unpleasant about it, it was almost familiar in some weird deja vu sort of way. Slowly he pulled back but his lips were still hovering over hers. “Liam,” she whispered breathlessly. She opened her eyes and lifted her gaze to his face, there was no denying it, she was falling for him, maybe even already fallen. She licked her lips, she could taste the whiskey he had been drinking earlier. “Okay, next time you kiss me, I want you to be sober,” she stated and a crooked smile rose to his lips. “There will be a next time?” “Maybe,” she answered coyly, a smile tucking at her lips as well. “Will you be at the widow O'Shea's ball tomorrow night?” he asked, his fingers mindlessly playing with a strand of her hair. “She's holding another ball? Again? Wow, she's quite the party animal.” Angel stared at her with confusion. Buffy blushed in embarrassment as she realized again Liam didn't understand what she was saying. “Sorry,” she said and directed her gaze back to her window. Liam followed her eyes and smirked. He knew he wasn't going to get into her room but that didn't stop him from thinking about it. “You will you come to the ball? It will be dreadfully dull if you don't, so please, do not deprive me from the company of a beautiful woman,” he pleaded and she had to stop herself from giggling, he sounded like Giles. “I bet you won't have any trouble in finding company,” she answered with a teasing smile, pushing away the jealousy she felt from the memory of seeing him flirting with the maid. “Say yes,” he prompted, his voice soft and seductive. She stared into his dark eyes, feeling like she was drowning in them. “Yes,” she whispered without thinking and quickly turned around, not seeing the happy smile on his lips. “Good night,” she called out after her and started climbing up to her window, she didn't dare to look at him.
The Wilsons and Buffy did go to the ball the next evening and again Mrs. O'Shea commandeered her into her own use. “So tell me, Miss Buffy, have you found a reason to stay with us here? Has dear Mrs. Wilson introduced you to the fit bachelors of this area, if she hasn't I myself will take the task. I know who would be the perfect gentleman for you,” Mrs. O'Shea said and started to lead Buffy towards a group of people. Buffy tried to keep the grimace out of her face but all that was forgotten when she noticed people starting to talk to each other in hushed tones, looking scandalized. She turned to look where their eyes were fixed and an involuntary smile tucked her lips as she saw it was Liam. Their eyes met and it was like everyone in the room had disappeared and all there was left was them. But Mrs. O'Shea's voice brought her back to reality. “And the scoundrel decides to delight us with his presence. Late as usual.” Buffy didn't let her eyes wander from his and her breath caught in her throat when he winked at her. She tried to glare at him but it was a useless attempt. “Do forget that useless man, I will introduce you to Mr. John Collins, he is very respectable and from a wealthy family. And let us not forget, very dashing,” Mrs. O'Shea said and started to lead her away. “Uhm... Mrs. O'Shea, you know I'd love to meet this Mr. Collins but I have something very urgent to discuss with Deirdre. Would you forgive me if I went to see her for a moment?” “Very well, I suppose I can forgive you but I will introduce you to Mr. Collins before the night is over. Now run along to Miss Deirdre,” Mr. O'Shea sighed and Buffy gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you,” she said and quickly made her way across the room to where Deirdre was sitting. “Hey,” she said with a sigh and sat next to her. “Hello to you as well. How did you manage to escape Mrs. O'Shea and introduction to Mr. Collins?” Deirdre asked with a smile. Buffy groaned. “I asked very politely if I could come and talk to you. And how did you know about Mr. Collins?” She turned to look at her friend with questioning eyes. “Mrs. O'Shea has been preparing that match for at least a week now. Mr. Collins is a good match, but dreadfully dull. I know it is very wicked of me to say so but it does not make it any less true,” Deirdre answered and the two women shared a quiet laugh. Buffy's gaze traveled over the room and her eyes fixed on Liam who was making his way to the entrance that lead to the back garden. “I think I need some fresh air, I'll be right back,” she said and before Deirdre could protest, she was already on her way outside. She followed the pull that was begging her to go to Liam and found him standing in the shadows in the garden where they had first seen each other. “Hey,” she said softly and he turned around with a small smile, similar to the ones she had seen on Angel before they knew about the curse. He reached out and pulled her into the shadows with him, his confidence growing even without the alcohol in his system. “How ever did you manage to escape your destiny to be married off to John Collins? If Mrs. O'Shea could, she'd perform the ceremony herself,” he said with a smirk. “Does everyone know about her plans?” Buffy sighed but Mr. Collins was the last person that was on her mind as she felt Liam's fingers brushing against her bare neck and running up to her cheek. “That is very probable,” he answered, the smirk not leaving his lips. He cupped her cheek with his hand and leaned closer to her. “I haven't had a drink all day. And if I remember correctly, you said something about the next time we kiss you want me to be sober,” he stated, his lips almost touching hers. Her whole body was on fire and the closeness of him caused shivers to run though her. Her eyes closed. “I might have said something like that,” she whispered, glad she could get the words out because she felt like there was no air left in her. Softly his lips touched hers before he claimed them in a kiss. Her hands drifted up his arms and wound around his neck, pulling him closer as she pressed herself against his hard body. She moaned against his lips and deepened the kiss, hungry for more. After a while she had to pull back, desperate for air. She was breathing hard and slowly she opened her eyes, staring into his almost black orbs. She could see he was struggling for control just as she was. “Liam,” she whispered breathlessly but didn't know how to continue what she wanted to say. “You are just as intoxicating as the drink but of you I would not give up for anyone,” Liam said quietly and brushed his lips against her cheek, pulling her closer to his body. “That's just what a girl wants to hear, her being compared to a bottle of whiskey,” she said wryly and he chuckled, his hot breath tickling her neck. He pulled back and cupped her cheek with his large hand, his thumb running over her lips. “You are a strange one, Miss Buffy Summers. But you have bewitched me,” he said and softly kissed her lips, it was only a brief kiss without the urgent passion the previous one had had. “And you should return to the party, I do not wish to sully your reputation,” he added and with hesitation she started to back away from him. She was already addicted to him, how could she leave him behind when her task was done? Liam watched her go and with a sigh he leaned against a tree. He closed his eyes, trying to pull himself together but as he opened them, there was a familiar figure standing by the doorway. Quickly he straightened up, standing tall. “I would recommend you to stay away from Miss Summers, Mr. O'Roarke,” Cillian said with icy tone as he walked further into the garden. “I don't think you have any say in the matter, Cillian,” Liam answered dismissively. “I believe I do. I have seen the way you look at her and I will not stand by and watch you tarnishing her good reputation,” Cillian continued with more conviction. He had also seen the way Buffy looked at Liam and he certainly didn't like it but he was willing to fool himself that it was just a infatuation to the man's good looks, that she didn't know about his rotten reputation. “I still don't think it's your business how I look at her. You have eyes, Cillian, you can't deny she is a beautiful woman to be looking at,” Liam taunted and neared the man like a large predator but to his surprise, he didn't back away. “Do not talk about her looks, you have no right! She is an innocent lady who will marry someone who is worthy of her, not a drunk layabout like yourself.” Liam's eyes darkened and he let out a wry laugh. “Maybe someone like you? A proper gentleman who would keep her like a fragile flower in the palm of his hand.” Again he laughed. “You couldn’t handle a woman like Buffy. She’s too strong for you, she’s not like the sheep you arehave used to, she has a mind of her own and I severely doubt she would settle into someone as boring as you. She is a free spirit that you can't suffocate even if you try.” Cillian looked at him with contempt. “Miss Summers is not one of your women in a tavern, she is a proper lady, something you are not familiar with,” he said and got even more furious as Liam chuckled, looking at him with amusement. “Who would have thought, Cillian Wilson isn't all sugar water after all,” he said with a smirk but then turned serious. “But even if you grew some manhood into you, you better stay away from me and Buffy, the lady can decide herself if she wants anything to do with a drunk layabout like myself,” he continued, his tone taking a menacing edge. “Maybe the lady does not know what is good for her,” Cillian stated keeping his stand, Liam was starting to look dangerous but he wouldn't let himself back down. Liam took a step forward and poked his finger into the shorter man's chest. “I don't have any reservations in pummeling you down, Cillian, but I doubt the lady would think kindly of it so I suggest for your own good to leave her alone,” Liam said seriously and Cillian knew he meant it. For a good while Liam stared into his eyes to see if the message had gone through and when he was satisfied, he simply left the garden returning back inside. Quickly his eyes found Buffy who was sitting next to Deirdre, talking animatedly. Their eyes met and a brilliant smile lit her face. He flashed her a smile back and quickly turned away, it didn't take much to get people talking and ruining her was not his intention. He spared a brief look back to her before leaving to another part of the house, she was too tempting when he could see her and if Cillian Wilson had seen something between them, soon others would too.
Buffy watched as Liam left the room and Deirdre followed her gaze, a frown appearing to her face as she saw who Buffy was looking at. This was not good.
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