CHAPTER 14

SOMETIMES I WONDER

CHAPTER 14

NEXT MORNING

Rory smiles when she catches the scent of... coffee. She opens her eyes and smiles seeing Sark holding two cups of coffee. "Well I knew there was a reason I married you." She takes the offered cup of coffee and takes a sip. "Morning" she accepts a kiss.

"Morning. How did you sleep?"

"Fine. You?"

"With you... always peaceful." Sark smiles settling beside her fully dressed.

"Meetings again?"

"We start in half an hour. I thought I would spend my last moments of sanity with my wife."

"Well your wife is very happy to have that time." Rory smiles

"How about a date tonight?"

"A date huh?"

"Walk on the beach at sunset?"

Rory smiles "Its a date."

"Good." Sark nods "What are you planning to do today?"

"Same thing I do every day. Read, swim... sleep." Rory shrugs "Who knows what else. Go for a walk."

"Please don't wander too far from the house."

"I never do." Rory yawns

"I know. Doesn't mean I don't worry when you are wandering the grounds... even with all of the security there is."

"I know you worry."

Sark frowns seeing her yawn again, "I am getting worried about you."

"Why?"

"This exhaustion of yours... its been going on far too long." He frowns "Now that I think about it you've been this way since before we left Toronto."

"I'm fine Julian."

"Rory... when these meetings are over I am calling a doctor."

"Julian"

"Humor me."

Rory sighs heavily, "I saw the doctor when we were stopped over in London. He said I was fine"

"Rory that was two months ago... when you had the fever."

"So" Rory grumbles, "I hate doctors"

"I know but I am worried about you."

"Fine." Rory pouts

"I will buy you whatever you want"

"Bribery huh?"

"If it works" Sark shrugs

"Fine. Only because I know you won't shut up about it if I don't agree."

Sark kisses her head. "Thank you"

Rory smiles at him taking a sip of her coffee. They sit there drinking their coffee talking about little things for the next half hour.

Sark sighs when he realizes his time is up. "Well my love... time for me to go back to work."

"I know."

"Lunch on the veranda at noon?"

"Its a date." Rory smiles kissing him one last time before he stands and walks out of the room. 'God I love that man.'

LATE MORNING

Rory scans the bookcases in the library in search of a book to read out by the pool.

"He has a large collection of books."

Rory stiffens hearing the French accent. She turns to see the Frenchman standing in the doorway of the library. "Oh hi" she says trying to sound as calm as possible. She shivers when she notices the man's expression. She grabs the book she is searching for, "Got what I need." She walks to the door barely getting passed the man.

Brousard stares after the young woman, 'She is quite beautiful. Young Mr. Sark does have good taste.' He notices his guard, Rolan nearby also looking at the young woman knowing what his right hand wants. As the man joins Brousard he speaks, "When our business with Sark is finished... he will no longer be necessary. But she... will be... for a while at least."

Rolan nods "Too bad he is not how he used to be... he never used to have a problem with men sleeping with his women."

"Well I believe this one is different. After all he married her."

"If you want to gain the upper hand on Sark, control of the situation... she is the key."

"Mmm." Brousard nods "Watch her... when the time is right... take her."

NOON

Sark frowns when he realizes Rory is not waiting for him on the veranda. "Where is my wife?" He asks the maid who is setting the plates down at the table.

"I don't know Mr. Sark. Perhaps she is still walking the grounds."

Sark walks into the house heading to his main security area. He enters the security office, "Where is my wife?" He asks Lucian who is scanning monitors.

"Lost her already?"

Sark glares at the older man, "Rory is never late for meals... it goes against what her Grandmother taught her."

"Lets see where she is."

Sark scans the monitors.

"She's by the pool." Lucian answers

Sark makes his way out of the room and through the house. When he reaches the pool he smiles when he sees Rory asleep on a lounge chair under a cabana. 'At least she didn't fall asleep out in the sun where she'd burn.' He sits on the lounge chair and gently brushes Rory's hair back, "Darling"

Rory stirs opening her eyes smiling, "Fell asleep again didn't I?"

"Mmm, that you did my love. Are you ready for lunch?"

"Sure." Rory sits up stretching before she stands. "So are your meetings done?"

"For an hour." Sark slides his arm around her shoulder. "So darling wife how was your morning?"

"Long. I missed you."

"I missed you as well." Sark kisses her head, "You know falling asleep outside... not good."

"I know. I was reading and the next thing I knew... you were waking me up."

"Mmm still..." Sark kisses her head. "You could have fallen asleep out in the sun and ended up with one painful sun burn."

Rory winces, "Good point. I'll try to be more careful."

"All I ask" Sark guides her through the house and back to the veranda.

"So how is everything going?"

"Quite dull." Sark answers as they sit. "Besides you know I don't like discussing my business dealings with you."

"I know." Rory takes a sip of her ice tea.

"What are you reading now?"

"Tale of Two Cities."

"How many times have you read it?"

"Six... seven." Rory shrugs "I have no idea."

"If you run out of books to read... let me know."

Rory nods "I can read the same books over and over and be fine."

"Still let me know." He takes a bite of the salad.

"I will." Rory starts to eat as well.

A while later the two finish eating and Sark speaks, "Feel like a walk in the garden?"

"Love too." Rory smiles

Sark pulls Rory to her feet.

Upstairs Brousard and Laslin watch the young couple walk. "He is not how he used to be." Laslin remarks

"Mmm"

"She is quite beautiful. I understand why he is protective of her."

"The boy is becoming weak." Brousard states

"Sark weak? That would never happen. The boy has been Irina's right hand for years. Still is even now."

"He joined the CIA."

"Yet he kept his mouth shut about numerous dealings with us."

"Agreed. But this situation... his want to control us... he is weak now. She makes him weak."

"Ahh young love." Laslin smiles seeing Sark's expression as his wife laughs. "He may have found love... but he is still ruthless. Perhaps even more so." Laslin walks away.

Brousard stares at the young woman who Sark has refused to bring into their presence, 'Such innocence in that one.'

EVENING

Sark picks up the ringing phone from beside the couch, "Yes? Thank you Lucian. We will be down shortly." Sark hangs up

"What is it?" Rory asks looking up from her writing.

"Laslin, Brousard and their guards are out for the evening. I thought you and I would join Antonio for dinner. He is quite eager to meet you. Then after dinner I owe you that walk on the beach."

Rory smiles "That you do."

"Sunset is at 8:40."

Rory looks at her outfit of shorts and her bikini top. "Well then if we are going down for dinner... I should put something else on." She closes her journal and stands, "What should I wear?" She muses as she walks out of the private study heading to their room.

Sark follows her watching from the doorway as Rory walks into their closet. "Antonio's a good man."

"How long have you known him?"

"As long as I have known Irina. I have done some jobs for him in the past." Sark watches as Rory steps out of the closet with an ankle length blue wrap skirt. "He was one of the few to never talk to me like I was a boy... when I was one. I never had to prove myself to him." Sark watches as Rory undoes her shorts and drops them before stepping out of them.

"Why didn't he go with the others into the village?" Rory asks as she wraps the skirt tying it.

"Antonio is very devoted to his wife. According to all who know him, he has never once had an affair. He has been known to flirt with other women but that's as far as it has gone."

"Good for him." Rory smiles walking to the dresser she opens a drawer removing a white tank top and pulls it on.

"Which is quite odd."

"How so?"

"He's an Italian mob boss. The ones I have met have all had affairs as well as mistresses. Many have more than one."

"Well maybe he's too in love with his wife to be so mean."

"She is something else." Sark smiles "Giavanna is... well not someone you want to cross. She's a very sweet woman... despite the fact she has one hell of a temper."

"Probably why he never cheated on her." Rory laughs as she pulls the tank top on.

"Mmm"

Rory looks at Sark, "What?"

"Nothing." Sark steps up behind her and rests his hands on her hips. "Just thinking that my wife is incredibly beautiful."

Rory blushes

Sark kisses her "Ready?"

"Sure." Rory smiles then stops to slip on her flipflops as they walk out of the room.

Antonio looks up as he hears footsteps and smiles seeing Sark enter with a dark haired woman. "Ahh finally"

"This is Rory" Sark introduces "Rory this is Antonio."

"Its nice to meet you." Rory smiles

"Rory... such a unique name."

"Its actually Lorelai but with three Lorelais in the family, I ended up being Rory." Rory explains

"Still it is unique."

"That's my Mom for you." Rory laughs

"Who were the other Lorelais?" Antonio asks

"My Mom and my great grandmother." Rory replies

"That is quite different for a woman to name her child after herself."

"Well if you met Lorelai you'd understand." Sark laughs

"How long have you two known each other?" Antonio asks

"God it has been five years now." Rory muses thoughtfully.

"I still find it amazing that you are married Sark." Antonio smiles fondly at the young man.

Sark laughs, "All who find out find it to be amazing."

"Or amusing" Rory laughs

"That as well." Sark agrees

"Ahh to be young and in love." Antonio smiles

SAME TIME: VILLAGE

"I do not trust him." Brousard states

Laslin shrugs "Sark has returned. We go against him... Irina will kill us."

"No one even knows where she is. Perhaps she is dead."

"We would not have been contacted if she was." Laslin rationalizes

"Have you seen his wife?"

"Mmm she is quite beautiful... almost doll-like." Laslin smiles

"Too bad he no longer shares." Brousard muses. "She is one I would enjoy."

"Mmm yet if we tried to even talk to her... he would kill us." Laslin downs his drink.

"That he would"

"She is not under his watch all the time." Rolan muses

"The cameras are all over." Laslin states

"That is true." Rolan sighs

HOUR LATER: HOUSE

"Your wife is quite the charmer Mr. Sark." Antonio states after dinner as the three settle in the living room.

Rory blushes

"Yes that she is." Sark kisses her head.

"So will there be children any time in the future?" Antonio asks

"Not until I have fully concluded my business dealings." Sark answers. "Once that is done... the world is open." He feels Rory's fingers briefly tighten around his.

"The man you mentioned... do you know who he might be?" Antonio inquires

"I have an idea... but if I don't have the full proof... none of them would believe me."

"And that is why you returned to this world?"

"They threatened my wife." Sark says coldly in Italian not wanting to worry Rory.

Antonio nods "A valid reason for what you are doing my friend."

"I know." Sark presses his lips to Rory's head.

"And how did Irina take this bit of news of your marriage?" Antonio asks in English.

"Wasn't the happiest but she knew she had no say in my life."

"And what do you think of Irina? I assume you have met her?" Antonio asks Rory.

"Irina is... interesting." Rory admits

"That she is." Antonio agrees taking a sip of his wine.

"How is Giavanna?" Sark inquires

"She is doing well. She’s enjoying having the children and grandchildren around."

"How many grandchildren is it now?" Sark inquires

"Eight. Mariza had a baby boy last month."

"Mariza... your youngest."

"Yes. She married earlier last year."

"She is what... 18 now?"

Antonio nods "Now all we need is to get Lukas married."

"How many children do you have?" Rory asks

"Five. Three girls and two boys. Mariza is the baby. Then there is Lukas who is 20. The twins: Maria and Annabella who are 25. And the oldest Peter who is 30. All but Lukas is married now."

Rory listens intently as the man talks about his family with great affection.

8:30

Rory and Sark settle on the beach watching the sunset, "Antonio is a nice man."

"Mmm you should meet his children some time. Perhaps we will visit."

"Five kids." Rory shakes her head. "I don't know how people handle large families."

"I know."

"When he mentioned his son Lukas you wanted to say something."

"I think it is possible Antonio is in denial about Lukas."

"Never getting married?"

"Not to a woman."

"I really don't want to know how you know that." Rory muses

"Its easy. I was at a club in Rome while I was working for the Covenant with Lauren. I saw Lukas enjoying himself with a former business associate of Antonio's."

"And you never mentioned this to Antonio?"

"I think Giavanna knows... Antonio might but is in denial."

"Any chance you could be wrong?"

"Oh what I saw... is really big confirmation of the fact." Sark chuckles

"Does he know you saw him?"

"No. We left before he saw us." Sark kisses her shoulder. "Though I guess it is possible he is bisexual." He muses "But after what I saw... I doubt it."

"Oh yes the whole 'Everyone has bisexual tendencies' theory."

"Mmm for most people it is a possibility."

"Something you didn't tell me?" Rory asks

"Nothing happened. Just played on his emotions."

Rory looks at her husband, "Not nice."

Sark shrugs gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "What would it bother you if I did show some 'bisexual tendencies'?"

Rory tilts her head, "I would have to give that one some thought."

"I take advantage of situations. If it was needed... I suppose it would have happened." Sark muses "But it wasn't needed."

Rory kisses him lightly then turns her attention back to the sunset. "Messing with peoples emotions isn't nice."

"I'm not a nice man to most people."

Rory laces their fingers "You are to me."

They sit there watching the sun go down. "When Antonio asked us about children" Sark pauses "I felt you tense."

"It just reminded me"

Sark tightens his arms around her, "You are wishing that we had made a different choice."

"Sometimes I do wonder what it would be like." Rory admits

Sark kisses her head, "Nothing wrong with that."

"I'd be... about 8 months by now." Rory muses sadly. "I know in the end we made the right choice."

"When I finish this..."

"I know."

AFTER MIDNIGHT

Sark reaches for the ringing phone, "What?"

"Brousard and the others have returned."

Sark glances over his shoulder to find Rory absent from the bed, "Where's Rory?"

"She is... in the ki" Thomas stops "kitchen"

"What?"

"Rolan is heading there."

"Damn." Sark slams the phone down

Rory looks up as the kitchen door opens and a large imposing man enters.

"Ahh, the lovely Mrs. Sark. I was wondering when your husband would let you out of his sight."

Rory looks at the man warily, "What can I say... he's overprotective." She quickly finishes making her snack and puts the food away. 'Don't like this guy.'

"You are quite young for marriage."

"I doubt that's your concern." Rory says calmly her stomach tightening as the man looks her over. She moves to walk passed him when he grabs her arm. She winces smelling the alcohol on his breath. "Let me go."

Sark strides into the kitchen quietly to see Rolan with his back to him with Rory's arm in his grasp. Sark notices a knife on the counter by the door and grabs it. He notices Rory's fear and quickly he moves slamming the knife into Rolan's hand that rests on the counter causing the man to yelp and release Rory's arm.

Rory notices the knife in the man's hand and looks at her husband who is looking furious... yet calm. "Julian"

Sark releases his grip on the knife and steps up to Rory. "Are you OK?"

Rory stares at him stunned by her husband's display of violence slowly she nods.

"Go on upstairs. I will be up shortly."

"Julian"

"Rory go." He says firmly.

Rory nods walking out of the kitchen to find Lucian walking towards her.

"Are you alright?" Lucian asks

Rory nods slightly walking out of the room.

"You touched my wife." Sark says coldly as he watches Rolan remove the knife from his own hand. "No one touches my wife."

Lucian stands outside the kitchen listening to the sounds of a heavy all out fight.

After a few minutes Sark steps out of the kitchen with streaks of blood from himself and Rolan all over his body, "Get rid of the body and have the kitchen cleaned up. Where is Rory?"

"She was heading upstairs... she didn't look well." Lucian notices Sark is holding a knife, "Boss?"

"Oh" Sark remembers the knife and hands it to Lucian. "Cancel the meetings for the morning." He walks away.

Rory sits on the couch absently eating the sandwich. 'What has he done? Is he going to kill that man? Do I care? I mean he was a bad man. I could tell he would have tried something if Julian hadn't shown up. But can I look passed my husband harming someone... even if it was for me?' She shivers remembering his expression. She sets the sandwich aside suddenly loosing her appetite.

"Rory"

Rory looks towards the door stunned when she sees Sark with streaks of blood and gashes from a knife across his skin. "Julian" She says stunned

Sark strides over to Rory pulling her to her feet, "Are you OK?" He demands

Rory nods "You" she looks him over wide eyed.

"Mostly his." Sark shrugs then frowns seeing she is paler than normal. "Rory"

"He's dead isn't he?"

Sark looks down, "I warned them you were off limits. He broke my main rule."

"But"

"You have no idea what he would have done to you if I hadn't done it Rory. I have seen the end result of his behavior. I may have... flexible morals... but what he would have done to you goes beyond my morals." He releases Rory's arms, "If I had let him live and leave here... he would have still tried. They are like dogs when they want a woman."

Rory swallows heavily paling even more.

"Rory are you OK?"

Rory nods

"I'm going to go shower." He gently kisses Rory's forehead then starts to walk to the bathroom.

"Julian"

Sark turns to see Rory wavering on her feet and reaches her side just as she faints. "Rory" he says worried as he catches her. "Rory?" He sets her on the couch. "Rory" he says worried. He grabs the bedside phone "Get the doctor. NOW" he hangs up looking at Rory.

A few moments later Lucian enters the bedroom to find Sark sitting beside the couch holding Rory's hand. "What happened?"

"She fainted."

"After seeing you covered with blood... not quite a surprise." Lucian states "Go shower."

"Later."

"Now"

Sark glares at the man, "Ordering me around?"

"Just go shower. Besides when the doctor gets here he'll be able to stitch you up."

"Fine." Sark kisses Rory's forehead then stands walking to the bathroom. "Bring the doctor up when he arrives."

WHILE LATER

Rory stirs to find herself in bed with Sark sitting beside her. "Julian"

Sark smiles relieved, "Rory"

"What happened?"

"You fainted. The doctor is on his way."

"I feel fine."

"I just want to be sure you are." Sark squeezes her hand.

Rory looks him over notices the bandaged wounds and winces.

Just then the bedside phone rings and Sark picks it up, "Yes? Bring him up." He hangs up looking at Rory. "The doctor is here."

"I'm fine."

"Rory you agreed to see a doctor"

Rory sighs "Fine."

"Just humor me Rory... I'm worried about you. This fainting issue just worries me more."

"You were covered in blood." Rory points out just as someone enters.

"Mr. Sark... it has been a while."

"Dr. Juarez." Sark greets

"Ahh two patients I see." He sets his medical bag down. "Who is first?"

"I can wait." Sark waves off.

"What happened?" Dr. Juarez asks

"She's been exhausted lately. She falls asleep even hours after getting up."

"I've been bored." Rory shrugs

"Eating habits?"

"Up and down." Rory answers. "Depending on my mood mostly... or how tired I am."

"Hmm" the doctor proceeds to check Rory's pulse, "Any headaches?"

"No. I feel fine other than being tired."

"Nausea?"

Rory shakes her head.

"Rory just got over a long cold."

"It could be a cause of her symptoms. But there is one other..." He looks at Rory, "When you were sick were you on antibiotics?"

"Yes."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Sark asks annoyed.

"Antibiotics cancel out birth control pills... there is a possibility you could be pregnant."

Sark notices Rory pale

"I can draw some blood and do a blood test"

Stunned by the doctor’s words Rory just nods. 'Pregnant? Could I be pregnant again?'

As the doctor moves away from Rory Sark takes his place, "Rory?"

Rory takes a deep breath "I'm fine."

Sark squeezes her hand as the doctor joins them.

"I don't need much blood."

Rory nods "Just do it." She holds her arm out wincing when the needle goes into her arm. She looks at Sark as the doctor draws the blood. 'What is he thinking? What is he going to say?'

The doctor removes the needle "There." He presses a cotton ball to Rory's inner arm.

"Thanks"

Dr. Juarez nods "I should have the results by tomorrow." He turns to Sark, "Now how bad are your injuries?"

Sark shrugs "Not too deep this time. I don't think I need stitches."

"I am the doctor."

"Fine." Sark agrees kissing Rory's forehead. "We'll talk when I get back."

Rory nods watching as the two men walk out of the room. She stares up at the ceiling her mind racing after a few moments she sits up and reaches over opening the nightstand drawer removing her journal.

Sark sits impatiently waiting as the doctor inspects his wounds.

"They don't need stitches."

Sark nods "I thought not."

"And the one who did this?"

"He won't need stitches." Sark says grimly.

"And what caused this?"

"He touched Rory." Sark says coldly. He winces as the doctor re-bandages his wounds.

"Done"

Sark nods standing he walks out of the study heading back to the bedroom.

Dr. Juarez shakes his head as he picks up the mess, 'Just like him.'

Sark enters the bedroom closing the door behind him staring at Rory who is staring at her journal, "Rory?"

"I'm late... two weeks." Rory slowly looks up meeting Sark's gaze stunned.

"Rory" Sark sits on the edge of the bed.

"I told you I can't do it again."

Sark takes a deep breath, "I know." He looks at their laced fingers, "I don't think I can put you through it again." He brings her hand to his lips, "No one can know for a while. If Irina found out..." Sark trails off

"What?"

"She would probably create an accident... or possibly drug you."

"Why would she do that?" Rory asks horrified by the thought her mother-in-law would deliberately cause her to miscarry.

"In her own way she would consider it protecting us." Sark shrugs watching as she pales. "When he has the results I'll figure something out."

Rory nods tears starting to blur her vision.

Sark glances at the clock, "You need to get some sleep."

"You do too"

"I will." Sark promises kissing her forehead, "Just going to turn the bathroom light off."

Rory watches as he turns the lights off then joins her in bed pulling her back against his chest. Rory shivers in realization.

"What is it?" Sark asks feeling her shiver he pulls the covers tighter around them.

"Nothing" Rory whispers

"When I realized you weren't here... it scared me." Sark admits. "Especially when Lucian informed me they had been drinking."

"I didn't want to wake you."

"Next time do."

"'k" Rory sniffles

Sark tightens his arms around her, "Shh." He soothes as she starts crying.

LATE NEXT MORNING

Rory stirs to find Sark watching her, "Hi"

"Morning." Sark kisses her lightly, "How are you feeling?"

"Fine, I guess." Rory stretches yawning heavily. She looks at Sark seeing his exhaustion, "Did you sleep at all?"

"Not really." Sark admits. "Every time I tried to sleep I'd see him touching you."

Rory winces at the tinge of rage... and fear, in Sark's eyes. "Julian"

Sark shifts burying his face in her neck, "I shouldn't have allowed him in this house."

"I'm fine... we're fine." Rory whispers as she rests her hand on her still flat abdomen.

Sark covers her hand with his own, "I won't let anything happen to you or our child."

"I know." Rory whispers. "What are we going to do Julian?"

"I have to finish this meeting... and then we will head somewhere else where we can get you checked out."

Rory nods "How long do you think we can avoid anyone finding out?"

"Hopefully we can avoid it for a long while. If I had my way we would avoid it throughout the pregnancy but" Sark shrugs "someone is bound to figure it out. Money can only keep people quiet for a while." He kisses her neck then pulls back, "Everything will be fine."

Rory smiles "I know." She leans up kissing him "I love you"

"And I you." Sark kisses her back and soon the kiss becomes deeper more passionate.

LATER

Rory gently plays with the curls at the nape of Sark's neck as his head rests on her chest.

Sark slowly lifts his head, "Well its a good thing you're already pregnant." He grins

Rory laughs pulling his head down she kisses him lightly, "You're really OK with this?" She asks softly.

"I'm handling it. I admit I still don't think it is the best time for us to have a child" when he sees Rory's expression he continues "but I think I'm getting used to the idea." He kisses her forehead, "And I'm going to do whatever I have to do to make sure that you and the baby are safe, I promise."

Rory nods "I know." She smiles faintly.

"What?"

"You are going to be a good Dad."

Sark snorts "Darling I seriously doubt that."

"You will be."

"I'm one fucked up person."

Rory pinches him

"What the bloody hell was that for?" Sark demands when she pinches his upper arm.

"No swearing around the baby."

"You pinched me" Sark pouts "I'm injured here and you pinch me?"

Rory giggles as he starts tickling her. "Stop" she shrieks with laughter as they roll around on the bed.

Sark stops tickling her as the phone rings and reaches over grabbing the phone, "What?"

Rory lays there her hands resting on her middle as he talks on the phone.

"I don't care what you tell him. I will deal with him later. He brought him here! We will finish... fine if he wants to end the meeting fine. I really don't…"

Rory grabs the phone from Sark's hand, "He'll be down soon." She hangs up looking at Sark.

"Rory"

"You said doing this was one way you could end all of this trouble... and we can have a somewhat normal life"

"Rory I don't care now... I don't want that man around here. He brought him here!"

"The sooner you get this meeting over the sooner he'll be gone."

"I should just kill him." Sark mutters

"You said you need him." Rory points out.

"Are you sure?"

Rory nods "As much as what happened last night scared me... it has to be done."

Sark sighs "Fine. Today is the last day. If we can't finish this today... its done. I will have to look into dealing with some other way."

Rory kisses him "Go" she pushes him away

"Will you be OK?"

"I'll be fine." Rory assures "Now go" She watches as Sark walks to the bathroom and lies back smiling. 'He's going to make things safe for you to be born.'

A while later Sark steps out of the bathroom fully dressed and smiles when he sees Rory asleep. 'Now we know what's causing her to fall asleep so often.' He carefully pulls the covers up and kisses her head smiling as her eyes open briefly. "Go back to sleep."

Rory smiles faintly closing her eyes she drifts back to sleep.

Grabbing a pad of paper Sark writes a quick note and leans it against the clock before quietly walking out of the room. As he walks down the stairs Lucian meets him. "Let me know when Rory is up."

"Isn't she already?"

"She went back to sleep. I'm expecting a call from Juarez... let me know when he calls."

"I will."

"And tell cook not to give her Pop-Tarts for breakfast today."

"Still working on her eating habits?"

Sark shrugs "I have to try."

Lucian chuckles "She is quite stubborn about her junk food."

"That she is my friend." Sark agrees

"Brousard is quite angry over his bodyguard's... demise."

"Not surprised. He should have kept him on his leash." Sark says coldly.

"The body was sent back to France."

"Good." Sark nods as he enters the boardroom. "Good morning gentleman." He says calmly.

"You killed my bodyguard."

Sark looks at Brousard coldly, "I told you my wife is off limits. He touched her... he died."

"She is a"

"I would advise you not to finish that sentence Mr. Brousard." Sark warns. "I am short tempered as it is."

"Brousard this will not help this meeting." Laslin warns. "We need this alliance."

Brousard scowls

"Now gentleman lets get this done." Antonio says calmly.

NOON

Sark stands in the doorway of the bathroom watching Rory get ready to shower.

Rory starts in surprise when she notices Sark in the mirror, "Stop being so quiet." She laughs as he hugs her. "As much as I love h" she is stopped when he turns her around kissing her. "Mmm not like I don't like but what was that for?"

Sark grins, "Dr. Juarez called"

"And?" Rory asks a feeling of dread and hopefulness rising.

"Congratulations Mrs. Lazarey"

Rory grins kissing him.

Sark lifts her off her feet "I love you"

"I love you" Rory echoes her arms around his neck. "We're having a baby."

Sark kisses her forehead, "That we are darling."

"Are you really OK with this?" Rory asks softly.

"I am." Sark assures

"Now aren't you supposed to be in your meeting?"

"I told them I needed a short break."

"Well go back to work... I need a shower. I'm itching in my skin."

"It is hot outside."

"I wasn't even outside for long." Rory sighs

"Want company?" Sark smirks

Rory kisses his chin, "As much as I would love that... you have to go finish your meeting."

Sark groans. "Must I? I would rather celebrate"

"Once they are gone we can celebrate without being interrupted." Rory points out.

Sark groans nuzzling her neck, "Bloody hell I want you"

Rory smiles "Same but"

"I know I have to finish this. Oh and Rory... once this meeting is done"

"We're leaving?"

Sark nods "I can't risk Brousard sending someone here."

Rory sighs. "I'll start packing."

"I'm sorry love. I know you like it here."

"I'm kind of getting used to moving around." Rory smiles sadly.

"This won't be forever. One day perhaps we will move to Stars Hollow"

Rory laughs, "You'd hate it. You would be bored so fast."

Sark shrugs "I would get used to it. Besides retirement would be dull no matter where I would be. But at least the people in Stars Hollow would amuse me."

"You'd do that?"

"Of course. I love you." Sark kisses her. "Anything for you."

"I love you too. Now go." Rory pushes him out of the bathroom.

"Rory"

"Go back to work" Rory laughs hearing Sark grumble as he walks out of the bedroom. 'That man is something else.'

LATE EVENING

"Well gentleman now that this is all settled Lucian will see you to your planes." Sark stands walking out of the room. 'I get to see my wife.' He thinks steeling his emotions as he hurries out of the room. When he comes across Lucian he asks "Everything ready for our flight out?"

"Yes. When would you like to leave?"

"As soon as they are gone."

"Like you requested it is in the opposite direction from them."

"Good. Where is Rory?"

"I believe she is out on your balcony."

"Is she packed?"

"Yes. I put your bags in the car. Where are you planning to go next?"

"I'm not sure." Sark admits "Can you check the weather for France, England, Russia, Germany, and Ireland? I think somewhere cooler would be best."

"Alright. Anything else?"

"Not right now." Sark makes his way up the stairs.

Rory stands on the balcony looking out over the gardens. 'Its so beautiful here. Despite the harsh weather. The stars... the gardens.' She smiles feeling arms wrap around her waist. "How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me?"

"And how do you know its me?"

"Because everyone else announces themselves." Rory leans back against him. "Done?"

"Done. They're leaving soon."

"When do we?"

"Right after them. I know Brousard well enough that once he's able to contact his men... he will and the truce will be over."

Shivering Rory turns in his arms wrapping her arms around his waist. "Where are we going now?"

"I thought perhaps somewhere... cooler. I'm thinking Switzerland for a few days so you can get checked out by a doctor. Then... I'm not sure."

"I hate doctors." Rory grumbles

"I think everyone does." Sark chuckles

"How are you going to keep Irina from finding out?"

"I have my own resources she doesn't know about." Sark kisses Rory's head as he hears the phone ring. He walks into the room picking up the phone. "What? Fine. Bring the car around." Sark hangs up and looks at Rory. "Rory"

"I know time to go." Rory slips her shoes on.

COUPLE HOURS LATER: JET

Rory looks at Sark as they lie on the bed, "What's going through that head of yours?"

"Just trying to figure things out." Sark absently twirls a strand of her hair, "This is going to require a lot of planning."

"And more hiding than we have done?"

"Further along you are yes. Once you start showing people are going to consider us slowed down in running."

"Oh"

Kissing Rory's temple he speaks, "I promise all will work out."

Rory smiles at him, "I know."

NEXT