Chapter 9 -

Packing that night was a bit distressing, a step closer to the reality she didn't really miss. Her issues with her Mother, Father and work all found temporary relief while in Buenos Aires. Now she could feel them slowly making their way back. What she was hanging onto until then was the last dance between her and Sark at the Espinoza's.

Joining the other couples that moved around the open space, Sark reached for Sydney's hand and she willingly allowed him to take her onto the floor. It was a reminder of their first night here, the same pace, same position with her head resting on his shoulder. Only difference was that he seemed to hold her tighter this time, while gently stroking her exposed back with his hand.

She could still feel his hands on her, warming the skin under her bathrobe. Right now it seemed as if that sensation would never disperse. Quietly she heard the door of their suite open, a sign that Sark was back two hours after they returned to the hotel, she presumed finished with cutting all surveillance in the building.

Sensing his presence in the room, she questioned, "Everything ended well?"

Sark walked near her, standing at the end of the bed. "We're completely disconnected, ready to leave."

"Good," Sydney stated. "This is the longest I've stayed in one country. It truly was like a much needed vacation."

Sark digested her comment and added his signature crassness, "Next time you get a vacation I do hope you're in better company than a few fake friends."

Sydney stopped packing, "Why do you do that?"

"Do what?" he asked.

Her level of frustration rising she continued, "Treat people the way you do. The Espinoza's are great people that just happen to have access to something SD-6 wants. There's no need to devalue them."

"How is it my fault you've formed a bond with them? I'm here to do a job Sydney not make friends," Sark snapped as he turned to leave.

Sydney followed him to the bedroom door. "That's rich," she started. "Remember when you told me you appreciated the kindness I've shown you here, regardless of our history? Actions such as these make it difficult to look past anything but what you're displaying right now in your behavior."

"So what do you expect me to do Sydney," Sark stopped walking and turned around to face her.

Sydney let out a short laugh, "I guess I don't expect you to do anything Sark. If being devoid of feeling is how you want to live, be my guest."

The look in his eye was indefinable, standing less that two feet away from her, his eyes had a glazed over look, showing a hint of what she believed was anger. Her heart raced as he took a step closer, shortening their distance to less than a foot.

"You think I'm void of feeling," Sark spoke with a hint of sultriness in his voice. There was no answer she could have given to that question. The look in his eye didn't warrant one. But before she could respond, he grabbed her upper arms and forcibly pushed her back against the bedroom door, causing her head to slam against it. At the same time he vigorously crushed her lips with his own, his breath uneven, before the connection.

She could taste the freshness of strong liquor on his breath, on his tongue as it was inserted, but her mind was too flooded to dwell on it. Deeper he went as their exchange intensified, their lips wet, as they stay locked, and the movement of their mouths completely synchronized. When his hands found her face, cupping it a bit roughly to draw her further into him, Sydney moaned. The closest action to breathing she could make.

Sark moved a hand from her face, dropping it to her shoulder, gently sliding down her robe. His hand grabbed at the area of her collarbone, massaging it with slight force. Sydney anticipated the bolt that was about to run through her, as his hand slid down to the strap of her tank, also moving it away.

With one of her breasts exposed, Sark finally stopped the kiss, keeping within inches of her lips. He stared into her eyes, looking forward to her reaction, as he cupped the breast, lightly sliding his thumb over her stiff nipple. Just as he expected, her eyes automatically closed from the sensation it brought, also expected came a soft moan, barely escaping from her mouth.

"I can't," Sydney finally stammered at a whisper, knowing she truly wasn't ready for this yet.

Sark kissed Sydney one last time, taking her slightly swollen lower lip in his mouth. His eyes were still fiery from the exchange. "I know." He took his hands from her and immediately moved away, walking to the front door of the suite. Before exiting he glanced at Sydney, who expected him to speak before leaving, but he didn't.

Allowing a tear to fall down her cheek, Sydney re-covered her body with her robe and walked back into the bedroom. Any feeling of control she had toward Sark was now completely annihilated. Sark knew he was one of her weaknesses, and now she could only fear what he'd do with that intel.

She didn't hear him come back in that night, falling asleep in less than an hour saw to that. When she curled up in the plush bed, Sydney found herself at odds. Part of her wanted a good cry, good enough to put her right to sleep. The other half had been drugged with adrenaline, her excitement levels shooting through the roof. Fortunately she was more exhausted than anything, due to the lack of sleep she received the night before.

Morning came too soon, more so than normal. Sydney's mental alarm didn't even go off, her cell phone saw to her waking,

"Hello?"

"Sydney," Sloane's voice came through on the line. "I wanted to congratulate you on a job well done. We've had the chance to grab some great information so far."

Sydney sat up in bed, putting her hair back. "Everything went as planned," she informed him.

"That's what Mr. Sark told us earlier today," slightly confused by his comment, she let him continue, "I wanted to let you know Mr. Sark had some other business to take care of so we authorized his leaving Buenos Aires early in the morning."

Hiding her disappointment, Sydney curtly ended the call. "Thank you for letting me know. I guess I'll see you after the holiday then."

"Sounds good Sydney," Sloane added. "Have a good holiday."

Before hanging up she let out, "You too." She threw her phone on the bed, more confused now than last she had been last night.