With a deep sigh, Cordy eased herself down onto Rupert's chest. Still straddling him, still filled by him, though not as much now, she lay full length on top. The toes of one foot slid up to hook over his shin. His arms came up and wrapped around her back to hold her. Cordy snuggled in close, relishing the sensation of his chest hair brushing against her bare breasts. She cherished these moments in his arms after the loving.

He was a tender man -- gentle, gentlemanly. His lovemaking was often wild and adventurous, sweeping her along with his passion, but now he lay quietly, playing with her hair. He shoved his hands deeply into it, spread his fingers and combed them through the tangles. When he reached the ends, he started over.

Cordelia smiled to herself. Sometimes he could become fascinated by small things like that, but was especially keen on her hair. On the rare mornings when they had time to themselves and didn't need to scramble to get to school, he would take the brush from her and spend long minutes running it over and over her locks until they shone. She didn't let just anyone touch her hair; only Henri at the salon and Rupert.

His hands fell to his sides.

"Baby?"

"Mmmhmm?"

Cordelia lifted her head to look at him. He was nearly asleep. He usually made an effort to stay awake and talk because he knew she liked it.

She rubbed his chest, drawing circles around his nipple. When that got barely a twitch out of him, she licked it.

His eyes remained shut, but a smile crept into view.

Using her lips and tongue, Cordy traced a path from his nipple down to his side just below the armpit. She sucked the skin there.

The results were immediate.

Moaning, Giles twisted under her. Arms flung wide, he bucked his hips. Cordy hung on and continued sucking.

Grabbing her by the arms, he lifted her up and to the side. Then he sat up against the pillows.

"All right, I'm awake." He raked his hands through his hair, struggling to get his breathing under control.

Settling in beside him, Cordelia placed her arm across his stomach and said, "Works everytime."

"Gods, woman. Why do I put up with you?"

"Because we look good together."

Giles snorted. "That's not the only reason, I'm sure. Besides, no one ever sees us together. Who are we trying to impress?"

"It's enough -- for now -- that we know how beautiful we are."

"Smug and conceited," he said under his breath.

"Rupert!" she smacked his chest with the flat of her hand.

"Ow!"

"Big baby."

He kissed her.

She burrowed into his side again and they lay quietly. "Yes, dear," he sighed.

She twirled his chest hair around her fingers. "Would it be okay if I moved in with you?"

"You're here most of the time now."

"That's not an answer."

He didn't reply right away.

Cordelia pulled one hair. Hard.

"Ow! Stop that," he scolded.

"I'm waiting..."

"Cord, my love. I would like nothing better than to spend every spare minute I have eating and sleeping and waking up with you..."

"That's sweet."

"...and showering and shagging with you," he continued, smiling.

Cordelia laughed at the last two, then became serious. "But...?" she prompted.

"But...it could mean trouble if anyone finds out we're together. You're still a student and I'm on the faculty of the high school."

"Anyone could see me coming out of your apartment now. Today."

"True. But the odds increase exponentially the more you're here."

Cordelia shoved herself away from him and sat up, the sheets pooling in her lap.

"If you don't want me here more -- or at all -- say so."

He reached for her, but she batted his hands away.

Giles held still. "Cordelia. That's not what I meant. I don't want you to risk your future. If you get expelled it will hurt your chances for college."

"Why are you thinking only of the bad stuff? Why can't you think about the good part -- me, being here with you all the time?" she asked sulkily.

That drew a smile. "I must admit that is something worth considering."

"But you still won't go along with it."

"I didn't say that."

"You disappointed me, Rupert. Where's my Ripper? Why did you pick now to turn back into Giles, stuffy Super- Librarian?"

"It's not an alterego that I change into on a whim. I am who I am."

Cordelia plucked at the sheet. "Well, okay then. You will think about it? About my moving in?"

"I promise."

"Good." She leaned over and kissed him slowly.

Giles gathered her into his arms. "Come here, luv."

Cordelia molded herself to him and they fell back against the pillows.

"You promise?" she asked.

"I promise," he said with a great deal of patience.

Again, they lay quietly for a moment.

Then: "If Buffy needed a home, would you let her move in?"

"Cordelia!"

~ end ~