TEN





Sydney drove to the warehouse for the third time in two days. She sighed, parked the car, and got out. She strode into the warehouse and observed Vaughn standing by one of the tables.

I'm assuming you called me because you needed to tell me exactly when I'm supposed to do this, Sydney said, walking up to Vaughn.

Well, yes, that is one reason, he said with his classic grin.

Sydney narrowed her eyes and took a step back. What are you talking about?

Vaughn sighed. First of all, we would like you to do this tomorrow night. Second of all, I wanted to apologize for yesterday.

Sydney scoffed. You mean how you made an ass out of yourself?

Vaughn nodded. Yep, that would be it. He looked at his feet.

Sydney shrugged. Well, all right, apology accepted. And if that's all—

Vaughn interrupted her and took a shy step in her direction. Well, that's not really all, he admitted, scuffing his shoe.

Sydney sighed impatiently.

I was actually wondering if—maybe—you could give me another chance. And I promise, I won't do or say anything that even remotely resembles what happened yesterday. He grinned.

Sydney cleared her throat. Sorry, but I'm afraid I can't do that. She started to walk away.

Vaughn caught up to her and laid his hand on her shoulder. She jumped and turned to face him. What do you mean, you can't do that'?

Sydney stood up straighter and her soft brown eyes hardened. It's none of your business. She turned and walked away again.

Vaughn touched her shoulder and spun her around. Sydney's whole body tensed.

Vaughn began softly, why won't you give me another chance? There aren't any rules now. Or at least, there officially won't be after you kill Sloane, so why can't this happen for us?

she said tersely, there were no rules two years ago when I resigned from the CIA, and yet you neglected to make a move. All you had to do was ask me out, and—maybe—I would have accepted.

Vaughn scoffed.

Times change, Sydney said between clenched teeth. she said, walking away for the third time.

Vaughn scoffed again. You could have done something too, he said in a harsh tone.

Sydney stopped. She pressed her lips together and turned around. she said angrily, this was your thing, not mine. You're the one who wanted to ask me out, and you could have gone right ahead, because your window of opportunity over these past two years could not have been larger. But for some reason, you did not. You blew it, all right? Just accept that. She turned around again and strode to the warehouse door.

Vaughn watched her go and considered chasing after her once again. He decided it was a bad idea and instead seated himself on a table and sighed.