Sorry it's been so long - life is busy and it's hard enough to keep up with
that let alone the sub-reality that I have created here for Sydney and her
friends.
Thanks again a thousand times for the reviews!
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Tea went well - I was able to avoid Bingham's wandering hand while enchanting him enough for him to cement our plans for the evening. Vaughn and I would meet up with him after the competition had wrapped for the evening. And even better, I learned that the swimsuit segment would not happen until the following day so I wouldn't have to participate since I would be miles away in Los Angeles.
Vaughn and I stayed out of each others' way as much as possible but since he was supposed to be my coach, there was no way to avoid standing back stage with him at my side or really going anywhere. Every other beauty queen seemed attached at the hip with her respective advisor and I couldn't be any different.
Waiting in my dressing room before the evening gown competition, Vaughn and I sat in silence. Carson chattered on, oblivious to the two of us, telling us about his family and current girlfriend who he figured he would be proposing to in a few months time. After thirty minutes of one word comments from Vaughn and myself he finally stopped talking and looked quizzically at the both of us. Vaughn explained before Carson could even ask that we both liked to concentrate on the mission prior to its start - that we were getting in the right frame of mind. Carson accepted this and joined us in our silence, staring intensely at the dressing room door, stopping to cast furtive glances in our direction to make sure he was doing it right.
Finally I was called into action. After a quick walk across the stage and down the runway, stopping every five steps to strike a pose, I was done with the beauty pageant. Vaughn gave me the obligatory kiss on the cheek as I walked back behind the curtain, whispering that I did indeed look beautiful. I ignored his comment and returned to my dressing room to change into yet another dress for my dinner with Bingham.
I met Carson out in the hallway, handing him my garment bag to take to the suburban. Bingham had asked that "Dirk" join us for dinner so Vaughn was waiting for me in the lobby with Bingham's driver. Carson would follow us and stand ready to pick us up once we had incapacitated Bingham and downloaded the information we needed from his computer.
We are led to Bingham's limo and I note that both Vaughn and I take a deep breath before getting into the vehicle. Bingham's nameless driver guides the car onto the highway and in no time we are speeding long, headed north and out of town.
"So, Miss Summers, what do you find is the most difficult part of your role in the pageant," Bingham turns to me, casually brushing is hand over my knee, pushing the hem of my dress back onto my thigh. Nice.
Sadly, being fondled by unattractive older men is nothing new for me; it typically doesn't even phase me, but with Vaughn sitting across from us I feel cheap and slutty even though I am simply playing a part. I gently place my hand on Bingham's, stopping him from moving his hand any higher and give him my most charming, schoolgirlish smile.
"I guess I would have to say not being able to flirt with the judges when we are doing interviews. Flirting comes so easily for me that I can't help it sometimes and I know that we can get in trouble for that." As I talk I let me hand trail up Bingham's arm, shifting my body so I am facing him more directly, allowing my dress to hitch up a little higher on my legs.
Bingham's eyes flicker from my face to my hand and back again. "I can understand how that would be hard, a woman with your beauty and natural charm." Bingham's voice is filled with mock-sympathy and I am so thankful that I am really not the kind of stupid girl who would fall for this schmuck.
"Oh, it is," I let me voice fall to a whisper. "You don't think I will get in trouble for going out with you tonight, do you?"
"Don't worry," Bingham says patting my knee. "It will just be out little secret. But just to be on the safe side, I've arranged for us to have dinner at my home so know one will see us in public, we wouldn't want you to loose your chances of becoming Miss Houston."
'Smooth, you little bastard,' I think as I smile innocently at Bingham. "You think of everything. Isn't he just the smartest, Dirk?"
Vaughn meets my look and smiles knowingly, "Yes, Mr. Bingham you are certainly on top of things. I'm so glad you have taken an interest in my girl, she is going places."
At that moment I run my fingers through Bingham's coarse gray hair, twirling my index finger around his ear. "Yes, she most certainly is," Bingham agrees, his voice hitching as I tug on his earlobe. He removes his hand from my knee and grasps my exploring hand, bringing both back down to his lap.
Before he is able maneuver my hand where I certainly do not want it to go, I manage to fake a sneeze, bringing both hands up to cover my face. Vaughn and Bingham bless me in unison. I sneak a glance over at Vaughn, who lifts an eyebrow at me, before turning my attention back to my date. I am saved from further car-ride explorations as I notice we are turning onto a long driveway leading up to a rather impressive mansion. Bingham might be creepy and perverse but he is still a millionaire and all that entails.
Once we stop in front of the house, the driver scurries around open our door. Bingham exits first motioning first for Vaughn and then extending his hand to me. Once I am out of the car, Bingham doesn't drop my hand right away but pulls it to his lips, giving it a firm kiss before letting it go.
Bingham leads the way inside, bringing us to a formal living room. "Please make yourselves comfortable while I make sure that everything is ready for us. I hope you don't mind but I like to have dessert before dinner."
"Whatever suits you, Mr. Bingham," I smile widely. "I love dessert!"
Bingham leaves the room from a different door than the one we entered through, leaving Vaughn and I alone for the first time since out encounter earlier this afternoon.
"Syd, you are amazing," Vaughn turns to me a look of awe on his face. "I can't believe you don't just deck the guy and get it over with, he's disgusting."
"He's not that bad, considering some of the men I've had to put up with," I shrug. "It's easy since I know that soon I get to knock him out and that nothing is going to happen between us. Can you imagine if I actually had to sleep with the guy - that would be awful."
"Yeah, that would be awful," Vaughn agrees with a strange look on his face.
"So, why do you think that you are still here?"
"I assume that Bingham likes to cover his bases, in case it wasn't made clear enough that you aren't actually here for dinner. He makes a move and you shoot him down then I can simply have us eat dinner and send us on our way. Miss Meyerland certainly wouldn't win the contest but Bingham doesn't chance a claim of assault or rape. I'm his safety net."
"That's a good theory. When do we make our move?" I'm happy to simply be discussing the mission and not any other topic related to our personal lives.
"It's almost seven, so, the other team should be just about to start at the office. We need to give them time to get in and out before we take Bingham out. His staff will call the police when they find him missing and we can't chance someone else finding out and checking in on his office. I'd say we have a half hour or so before we can safely knock Bingham out and call Carson in here for pick up. We'll have to make sure that the driver isn't around so we have a free path out to the road. It didn't look like Bingham has security cameras set up outside."
Before I can respond, we hear footsteps approaching and Bingham re-enters the room carrying a small box.
"Ms. Summers, this is for you," Bingham hands me the box. It's light as air, whatever is inside certainly isn't much.
"Thank you, Mr. Bingham, I'm sorry I don't have anything to give you."
"That's all right, I'm sure you and Mr. Wyatt will think of a way to repay me," Bingham smarms. "In fact, I have an idea. Why don't we move to another room, I have a play room downstairs that would be perfect for this occasion."
Bingham reaches out and puts his arm around my back, urging me forward towards the door he just came through. Vaughn, who sat down when we heard Bingham returning, remains seated, giving me his best smile of encouragement. Bingham turns to him, an eerie grin on his face, "Please join us, Mr. Wyatt, I'm certain you will enjoy Ms. Summers' gift as well."
I look back over my shoulder Vaughn who has risen from his seat, eyes wide. It is clear to both of us that Bingham's intention for this evening doesn't exactly include using Vaughn as a safety net. This option certainly wasn't something that was explored by the CIA when they were detailing the mission specs.
Bingham leads us across the hall, down a set of stairs, through another hallway and into a large room. Once glance tells me that this is definitely the "play" room. Mirrors cover one wall while the other three are covered with a velvet-textured material. In one corner is a king-sized bed with silk scarves tied to the headboard. In the opposite corner is a striper's pole atop a small stage. Pushed against one will is a large armchair, upholstered with the same fabric that adorns the walls.
While the rest of the house appeared to be tastefully decorated, this room is nothing short of tacky. I almost groan when I see a pair of handcuffs lying in the middle of the floor, all but covered by the black shag carpeting covering the floor. We've entered a den of inequity straight out of the 70s. The only thing obviously out of place is the video camera mounted to the ceiling.
Bingham leaves my side and walks to the middle of room, turning around to grin at us. Vaughn is standing next to me, is arm brushing against mine.
"Welcome to the play room," Bingham's voice is filled with pride. "Tonight I am going to monitor the activities while the two of you play together. Do you think that the two of you can play nice or am I going to have to punish you?"
I can practically feel the disgust coursing through Vaughn's body while I am simply trying to stifle a giggle - Bingham has no idea how ridiculous he sounds or that in a minute he will be knocked out cold. I smile at Vaughn reassuringly, now that we are out of sight, there is no reason we can't knock Bingham out sooner rather than later.
I'm the first to speak, "Mr. Bingham, you don't mean that you want Dirk and I to. you know? I don't know if I can do that, he's my coach. I'd much rather play with you."
"Oh please, Ms. Summers, you don't mean to tell me that you and Mr. Wyatt have never had sex, I know how it works," Bingham's says harshly. "Besides, this isn't up for debate, I'm in the mood to watch and you either play nice or Miss Meyerland doesn't win tomorrow, in fact, Miss Meyerland might not make it back for the rest of the competition. She and her coach may accidentally stumble into the wrong crowd on the wrong side of town and end up will matching bullets in their heads."
Bingham pulls back his suit jacket to reveal a revolver holstered under his arm. This guy has turned from creepy to completely crazy in a matter of minutes. Another aspect of the mission we hadn't bargained for, but then again we should have been prepared for anything considering this guy was stealing information from his government and auctioning it off to the highest unscrupulous bidder.
"Mr. Bingham, I assure you that Chrissy wasn't trying to be difficult, there's no need to threaten us. I for one have to problem following your wishes," Vaughn sounds light but I can hear an almost imperceptible hint of rage in his voice.
"And I assure you, Mr. Wyatt, I was only explaining your options, it is your decision. But it sounds like you are a team player, so I don't see where we will have a problem, right, Chrissy," Bingham winks at me and I nod. "All right then, Chrissy, why don't you go in the bathroom over there and put on your gift."
I look at Vaughn, hoping to see a sign that he has an idea about how to get us out of our current situation. His face betrays nothing, revealing only an eager-to-please expression, while his eyes are stone cold. "Go on, Chrissy, it will be fun."
I start walking towards the bathroom Bingham has pointed out, purse and box in hand. Bingham stops me, taking my purse out of my hands and tossing it aside, "You won't need this right now." So much for my gun, at least I still have my jewels.
Apparently I have paused too long because I feel a swat against my ass and Bingham's voice creeps inside my head, "Get along now, Miss Meyerland. I'm not a patient man."
Inside the small bathroom I try to avoid looking at my reflection as I pull a couple flimsy pieces of fabric out of the box. There is small comfort in knowing that of the two men who are going to see me in this, one has already seen me in much less and the other one will soon be knocked out. This is the sort of thing they can't prepare you for, facing your ex- boyfriend and a slimeball in dental floss and lace.
I quickly slip out of my dress and pull on the lingerie - at least the bra appears to conceal my nipples - that's nice. I brush my hand across the bracelet on my right arm, thankful for its presence there, and quickly glance at my reflection in the mirror. I roll my eyes heavenward, "Here goes nothing."
The bathroom door creaks as it opens, alerting the two men that I have returned to the room. Bingham is seated in the armchair about six feet away from where Vaughn is reclined across the bed. The older man's eyes are on me in a flash and I swear I can see saliva about to drip from his mouth. I look at Vaughn who locks eyes with me, not letting his glance fall below my chin.
"Isn't she lovely, Mr. Wyatt, don't tell me that you haven't had a piece of that already," I am going to kick this guy's ass the second I have an opening. I start towards him, hoping I can get close enough to tranq him and be on my way. His voice stops me, "Chrissy, what did I tell you, you're playing with Dirk tonight, not me. You need to go over to him, don't worry, I'll tell you what to do."
Reluctantly I shift my stride and approach the bed, knowing that with my back to Bingham he is getting quite a show but thankfully this allows me to grimace at Vaughn, hoping it somehow lightens the mood we are both in. No such luck, Vaughn's face betrays his true feelings and I can see the anger rising in him. My thighs brush against the bed and I lift my hand to squeeze his shoulder, eyes pleading with him to stay in control and not endanger us more.
"Very good, Chrissy," Bingham's voice has taken on a disturbed school teacher tone. "Now I think it's best if you undress Dirk, he is definitely wearing too many clothes."
'Super good.' Again I have to stifle a laugh, this is entirely ridiculous. I keep my eyes on Vaughn's as I reach down and start unbuttoning his shirt, the air seems to thicken and I no longer feel like laughing. I push his shirt back and off of his shoulders and as my fingers touch his skin, we both take a sharp breath. This is definitely not going like we had planned.
"That's enough for now, Chrissy," Bingham's voice brings reality crashing back to us. "Join Dirk on the bed and why don't you guys show me a kiss."
'You can do this, Sydney,' I give myself a mental pep talk. 'You've been in this situation before and kept your emotions in check.' But this isn't like any other the other situations, Vaughn isn't some "evil" conspirator, he's the man I love, who keeps saying that he loves me and who is married to another woman. And I want more than anything in the world to kiss him and to hold him in my arms, to make love with him. But that's not what this is and I have to remember that, we are being watched and possibly recorded, that this isn't the least bit romantic or special.
Vaughn sits up and gives me his hand pulling me onto the bed next to him, lifting his hand to cup my cheek. Slowly his lips are coming towards mine and I part mine in anticipation. His lips lightly touch mine and he pulls back, leaving me wanting more.
"Not like that, Dirk, I don't want to watch school kids experiencing puppy love, I want twenty-year-olds having a one-night stand," Bingham has risen from his chair and is walking closer towards the bed, just a little closer and he will be within range for me to kick. He stops just out of reach, I need to get him to come closer. It occurs to me that if he can't see what is happening, then he will likely re-position himself. I know what I have to do.
I lay back on the bed and reach up to pull Vaughn on top of me. Vaughn lifts his torso up to look in my eyes, confusion mixed with lust showing through. Before he can do anything to protest, I tuck my head against his neck and start suckling his collar bone, knowing I'm almost completely hidden underneath Vaughn's body. Despite our audience, I can tell that Vaughn is starting to react and that it is hopeless to think that he will know my true intentions. Vaughn lowers himself to one arm and reaches his free hand around the back of my head, lacing his fingers through my hair and pulling my head back. I look up at him and see that he is no longer avoiding looking below my chin, his eyes masked with passion. His gaze meets mine and resistance (as they say) is futile, our lips come crashing together, tongues meeting and twining. My hands reach up to pull his hips against mine, nails digging into his flesh, knowing he likes that combination of pain and pleasure.
"Yes, that's it, I knew you had done this before," Bingham's voice interrupts and reminds me of why we are hear in the first place. My plan worked and how he is within range.
I push against Vaughn, flipping him towards Bingham and onto his back. His hands grab my waist, holding me against him, which will not do for what I need to accomplish. I circle his wrists with my fingers and lift his arms up and over his head, pushing them firmly into the bed. Giving him one last kiss, I push myself against his chest, flipping both legs around behind me and squarely into Bingham's abdomen, knocking him backwards against the wall. His gun flies out of his hand but I ignore it as I close in on my victim, knocking him back to the floor as he struggles to right himself. I'm tempted to continue going at him until he is out cold but know I can't waste the time or the effort so instead I press my bracelet against his neck, holding it there until his eyes close and he stops struggling for the air that I am blocking.
My breath is labored as I turn back to look at Vaughn who is trying to catch his breath for an entirely different reason. Neither one of us can find the words to say and really, there are no words appropriate to this situation.
"Shit," I'm the first to speak. "We've got to get going, Vaughn, this took a little longer than we expected."
Vaughn's shaky laugh is music to my ears, "Let's not put this part in the report, okay."
"Deal," For once I am happy to ignore the seriousness of the situation and continue about my business. "I'm just going to go change now and then we can be on our merry way."
"That's probably a good idea, I don't know that Carson would be able to contain himself if he saw you in that outfit," Vaughn shakes his head. "Of course, I think Carson finds it hard to resist you when you are fully dressed."
"Not you, too." I groan. "Bryce thinks Carson has a crush on me."
"Oh, I know Carson has a crush on you. He asked if it would be against agency protocol for him to ask you for your number."
"Vaughn, that's not funny, what did you tell him?"
"That you didn't have a phone number since you had been missing for two years and that maybe when you got settled the two of you could go out." Vaughn starts to grin.
"Bugger off, Vaughn, you sure as hell better be making this up or I'm going to have to use my last tranquilizer on you, I'm sure when Bingham comes to he would have a couple things he could do with you." I smile sweetly at Vaughn as I turn to retrieve my clothes from the bathroom, my smile remains when I hear Vaughn groan behind me.
"Sydney Bristow, the things you do to me."
"That's why the government pays me so well." I poke my head out through the bathroom door, happy to see that Vaughn is pulling his shirt back on, I always found it hard to resist him when faced with those abs and arms.
As I'm pulling my dress back on I hear some noise in the other room and quickly run back in the room, stopping in my tracks when I see who has joined us.
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That's all for now. hopefully it was worth the wait. And hopefully I will be able to continue with this sooner rather than later.
Thanks again a thousand times for the reviews!
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Tea went well - I was able to avoid Bingham's wandering hand while enchanting him enough for him to cement our plans for the evening. Vaughn and I would meet up with him after the competition had wrapped for the evening. And even better, I learned that the swimsuit segment would not happen until the following day so I wouldn't have to participate since I would be miles away in Los Angeles.
Vaughn and I stayed out of each others' way as much as possible but since he was supposed to be my coach, there was no way to avoid standing back stage with him at my side or really going anywhere. Every other beauty queen seemed attached at the hip with her respective advisor and I couldn't be any different.
Waiting in my dressing room before the evening gown competition, Vaughn and I sat in silence. Carson chattered on, oblivious to the two of us, telling us about his family and current girlfriend who he figured he would be proposing to in a few months time. After thirty minutes of one word comments from Vaughn and myself he finally stopped talking and looked quizzically at the both of us. Vaughn explained before Carson could even ask that we both liked to concentrate on the mission prior to its start - that we were getting in the right frame of mind. Carson accepted this and joined us in our silence, staring intensely at the dressing room door, stopping to cast furtive glances in our direction to make sure he was doing it right.
Finally I was called into action. After a quick walk across the stage and down the runway, stopping every five steps to strike a pose, I was done with the beauty pageant. Vaughn gave me the obligatory kiss on the cheek as I walked back behind the curtain, whispering that I did indeed look beautiful. I ignored his comment and returned to my dressing room to change into yet another dress for my dinner with Bingham.
I met Carson out in the hallway, handing him my garment bag to take to the suburban. Bingham had asked that "Dirk" join us for dinner so Vaughn was waiting for me in the lobby with Bingham's driver. Carson would follow us and stand ready to pick us up once we had incapacitated Bingham and downloaded the information we needed from his computer.
We are led to Bingham's limo and I note that both Vaughn and I take a deep breath before getting into the vehicle. Bingham's nameless driver guides the car onto the highway and in no time we are speeding long, headed north and out of town.
"So, Miss Summers, what do you find is the most difficult part of your role in the pageant," Bingham turns to me, casually brushing is hand over my knee, pushing the hem of my dress back onto my thigh. Nice.
Sadly, being fondled by unattractive older men is nothing new for me; it typically doesn't even phase me, but with Vaughn sitting across from us I feel cheap and slutty even though I am simply playing a part. I gently place my hand on Bingham's, stopping him from moving his hand any higher and give him my most charming, schoolgirlish smile.
"I guess I would have to say not being able to flirt with the judges when we are doing interviews. Flirting comes so easily for me that I can't help it sometimes and I know that we can get in trouble for that." As I talk I let me hand trail up Bingham's arm, shifting my body so I am facing him more directly, allowing my dress to hitch up a little higher on my legs.
Bingham's eyes flicker from my face to my hand and back again. "I can understand how that would be hard, a woman with your beauty and natural charm." Bingham's voice is filled with mock-sympathy and I am so thankful that I am really not the kind of stupid girl who would fall for this schmuck.
"Oh, it is," I let me voice fall to a whisper. "You don't think I will get in trouble for going out with you tonight, do you?"
"Don't worry," Bingham says patting my knee. "It will just be out little secret. But just to be on the safe side, I've arranged for us to have dinner at my home so know one will see us in public, we wouldn't want you to loose your chances of becoming Miss Houston."
'Smooth, you little bastard,' I think as I smile innocently at Bingham. "You think of everything. Isn't he just the smartest, Dirk?"
Vaughn meets my look and smiles knowingly, "Yes, Mr. Bingham you are certainly on top of things. I'm so glad you have taken an interest in my girl, she is going places."
At that moment I run my fingers through Bingham's coarse gray hair, twirling my index finger around his ear. "Yes, she most certainly is," Bingham agrees, his voice hitching as I tug on his earlobe. He removes his hand from my knee and grasps my exploring hand, bringing both back down to his lap.
Before he is able maneuver my hand where I certainly do not want it to go, I manage to fake a sneeze, bringing both hands up to cover my face. Vaughn and Bingham bless me in unison. I sneak a glance over at Vaughn, who lifts an eyebrow at me, before turning my attention back to my date. I am saved from further car-ride explorations as I notice we are turning onto a long driveway leading up to a rather impressive mansion. Bingham might be creepy and perverse but he is still a millionaire and all that entails.
Once we stop in front of the house, the driver scurries around open our door. Bingham exits first motioning first for Vaughn and then extending his hand to me. Once I am out of the car, Bingham doesn't drop my hand right away but pulls it to his lips, giving it a firm kiss before letting it go.
Bingham leads the way inside, bringing us to a formal living room. "Please make yourselves comfortable while I make sure that everything is ready for us. I hope you don't mind but I like to have dessert before dinner."
"Whatever suits you, Mr. Bingham," I smile widely. "I love dessert!"
Bingham leaves the room from a different door than the one we entered through, leaving Vaughn and I alone for the first time since out encounter earlier this afternoon.
"Syd, you are amazing," Vaughn turns to me a look of awe on his face. "I can't believe you don't just deck the guy and get it over with, he's disgusting."
"He's not that bad, considering some of the men I've had to put up with," I shrug. "It's easy since I know that soon I get to knock him out and that nothing is going to happen between us. Can you imagine if I actually had to sleep with the guy - that would be awful."
"Yeah, that would be awful," Vaughn agrees with a strange look on his face.
"So, why do you think that you are still here?"
"I assume that Bingham likes to cover his bases, in case it wasn't made clear enough that you aren't actually here for dinner. He makes a move and you shoot him down then I can simply have us eat dinner and send us on our way. Miss Meyerland certainly wouldn't win the contest but Bingham doesn't chance a claim of assault or rape. I'm his safety net."
"That's a good theory. When do we make our move?" I'm happy to simply be discussing the mission and not any other topic related to our personal lives.
"It's almost seven, so, the other team should be just about to start at the office. We need to give them time to get in and out before we take Bingham out. His staff will call the police when they find him missing and we can't chance someone else finding out and checking in on his office. I'd say we have a half hour or so before we can safely knock Bingham out and call Carson in here for pick up. We'll have to make sure that the driver isn't around so we have a free path out to the road. It didn't look like Bingham has security cameras set up outside."
Before I can respond, we hear footsteps approaching and Bingham re-enters the room carrying a small box.
"Ms. Summers, this is for you," Bingham hands me the box. It's light as air, whatever is inside certainly isn't much.
"Thank you, Mr. Bingham, I'm sorry I don't have anything to give you."
"That's all right, I'm sure you and Mr. Wyatt will think of a way to repay me," Bingham smarms. "In fact, I have an idea. Why don't we move to another room, I have a play room downstairs that would be perfect for this occasion."
Bingham reaches out and puts his arm around my back, urging me forward towards the door he just came through. Vaughn, who sat down when we heard Bingham returning, remains seated, giving me his best smile of encouragement. Bingham turns to him, an eerie grin on his face, "Please join us, Mr. Wyatt, I'm certain you will enjoy Ms. Summers' gift as well."
I look back over my shoulder Vaughn who has risen from his seat, eyes wide. It is clear to both of us that Bingham's intention for this evening doesn't exactly include using Vaughn as a safety net. This option certainly wasn't something that was explored by the CIA when they were detailing the mission specs.
Bingham leads us across the hall, down a set of stairs, through another hallway and into a large room. Once glance tells me that this is definitely the "play" room. Mirrors cover one wall while the other three are covered with a velvet-textured material. In one corner is a king-sized bed with silk scarves tied to the headboard. In the opposite corner is a striper's pole atop a small stage. Pushed against one will is a large armchair, upholstered with the same fabric that adorns the walls.
While the rest of the house appeared to be tastefully decorated, this room is nothing short of tacky. I almost groan when I see a pair of handcuffs lying in the middle of the floor, all but covered by the black shag carpeting covering the floor. We've entered a den of inequity straight out of the 70s. The only thing obviously out of place is the video camera mounted to the ceiling.
Bingham leaves my side and walks to the middle of room, turning around to grin at us. Vaughn is standing next to me, is arm brushing against mine.
"Welcome to the play room," Bingham's voice is filled with pride. "Tonight I am going to monitor the activities while the two of you play together. Do you think that the two of you can play nice or am I going to have to punish you?"
I can practically feel the disgust coursing through Vaughn's body while I am simply trying to stifle a giggle - Bingham has no idea how ridiculous he sounds or that in a minute he will be knocked out cold. I smile at Vaughn reassuringly, now that we are out of sight, there is no reason we can't knock Bingham out sooner rather than later.
I'm the first to speak, "Mr. Bingham, you don't mean that you want Dirk and I to. you know? I don't know if I can do that, he's my coach. I'd much rather play with you."
"Oh please, Ms. Summers, you don't mean to tell me that you and Mr. Wyatt have never had sex, I know how it works," Bingham's says harshly. "Besides, this isn't up for debate, I'm in the mood to watch and you either play nice or Miss Meyerland doesn't win tomorrow, in fact, Miss Meyerland might not make it back for the rest of the competition. She and her coach may accidentally stumble into the wrong crowd on the wrong side of town and end up will matching bullets in their heads."
Bingham pulls back his suit jacket to reveal a revolver holstered under his arm. This guy has turned from creepy to completely crazy in a matter of minutes. Another aspect of the mission we hadn't bargained for, but then again we should have been prepared for anything considering this guy was stealing information from his government and auctioning it off to the highest unscrupulous bidder.
"Mr. Bingham, I assure you that Chrissy wasn't trying to be difficult, there's no need to threaten us. I for one have to problem following your wishes," Vaughn sounds light but I can hear an almost imperceptible hint of rage in his voice.
"And I assure you, Mr. Wyatt, I was only explaining your options, it is your decision. But it sounds like you are a team player, so I don't see where we will have a problem, right, Chrissy," Bingham winks at me and I nod. "All right then, Chrissy, why don't you go in the bathroom over there and put on your gift."
I look at Vaughn, hoping to see a sign that he has an idea about how to get us out of our current situation. His face betrays nothing, revealing only an eager-to-please expression, while his eyes are stone cold. "Go on, Chrissy, it will be fun."
I start walking towards the bathroom Bingham has pointed out, purse and box in hand. Bingham stops me, taking my purse out of my hands and tossing it aside, "You won't need this right now." So much for my gun, at least I still have my jewels.
Apparently I have paused too long because I feel a swat against my ass and Bingham's voice creeps inside my head, "Get along now, Miss Meyerland. I'm not a patient man."
Inside the small bathroom I try to avoid looking at my reflection as I pull a couple flimsy pieces of fabric out of the box. There is small comfort in knowing that of the two men who are going to see me in this, one has already seen me in much less and the other one will soon be knocked out. This is the sort of thing they can't prepare you for, facing your ex- boyfriend and a slimeball in dental floss and lace.
I quickly slip out of my dress and pull on the lingerie - at least the bra appears to conceal my nipples - that's nice. I brush my hand across the bracelet on my right arm, thankful for its presence there, and quickly glance at my reflection in the mirror. I roll my eyes heavenward, "Here goes nothing."
The bathroom door creaks as it opens, alerting the two men that I have returned to the room. Bingham is seated in the armchair about six feet away from where Vaughn is reclined across the bed. The older man's eyes are on me in a flash and I swear I can see saliva about to drip from his mouth. I look at Vaughn who locks eyes with me, not letting his glance fall below my chin.
"Isn't she lovely, Mr. Wyatt, don't tell me that you haven't had a piece of that already," I am going to kick this guy's ass the second I have an opening. I start towards him, hoping I can get close enough to tranq him and be on my way. His voice stops me, "Chrissy, what did I tell you, you're playing with Dirk tonight, not me. You need to go over to him, don't worry, I'll tell you what to do."
Reluctantly I shift my stride and approach the bed, knowing that with my back to Bingham he is getting quite a show but thankfully this allows me to grimace at Vaughn, hoping it somehow lightens the mood we are both in. No such luck, Vaughn's face betrays his true feelings and I can see the anger rising in him. My thighs brush against the bed and I lift my hand to squeeze his shoulder, eyes pleading with him to stay in control and not endanger us more.
"Very good, Chrissy," Bingham's voice has taken on a disturbed school teacher tone. "Now I think it's best if you undress Dirk, he is definitely wearing too many clothes."
'Super good.' Again I have to stifle a laugh, this is entirely ridiculous. I keep my eyes on Vaughn's as I reach down and start unbuttoning his shirt, the air seems to thicken and I no longer feel like laughing. I push his shirt back and off of his shoulders and as my fingers touch his skin, we both take a sharp breath. This is definitely not going like we had planned.
"That's enough for now, Chrissy," Bingham's voice brings reality crashing back to us. "Join Dirk on the bed and why don't you guys show me a kiss."
'You can do this, Sydney,' I give myself a mental pep talk. 'You've been in this situation before and kept your emotions in check.' But this isn't like any other the other situations, Vaughn isn't some "evil" conspirator, he's the man I love, who keeps saying that he loves me and who is married to another woman. And I want more than anything in the world to kiss him and to hold him in my arms, to make love with him. But that's not what this is and I have to remember that, we are being watched and possibly recorded, that this isn't the least bit romantic or special.
Vaughn sits up and gives me his hand pulling me onto the bed next to him, lifting his hand to cup my cheek. Slowly his lips are coming towards mine and I part mine in anticipation. His lips lightly touch mine and he pulls back, leaving me wanting more.
"Not like that, Dirk, I don't want to watch school kids experiencing puppy love, I want twenty-year-olds having a one-night stand," Bingham has risen from his chair and is walking closer towards the bed, just a little closer and he will be within range for me to kick. He stops just out of reach, I need to get him to come closer. It occurs to me that if he can't see what is happening, then he will likely re-position himself. I know what I have to do.
I lay back on the bed and reach up to pull Vaughn on top of me. Vaughn lifts his torso up to look in my eyes, confusion mixed with lust showing through. Before he can do anything to protest, I tuck my head against his neck and start suckling his collar bone, knowing I'm almost completely hidden underneath Vaughn's body. Despite our audience, I can tell that Vaughn is starting to react and that it is hopeless to think that he will know my true intentions. Vaughn lowers himself to one arm and reaches his free hand around the back of my head, lacing his fingers through my hair and pulling my head back. I look up at him and see that he is no longer avoiding looking below my chin, his eyes masked with passion. His gaze meets mine and resistance (as they say) is futile, our lips come crashing together, tongues meeting and twining. My hands reach up to pull his hips against mine, nails digging into his flesh, knowing he likes that combination of pain and pleasure.
"Yes, that's it, I knew you had done this before," Bingham's voice interrupts and reminds me of why we are hear in the first place. My plan worked and how he is within range.
I push against Vaughn, flipping him towards Bingham and onto his back. His hands grab my waist, holding me against him, which will not do for what I need to accomplish. I circle his wrists with my fingers and lift his arms up and over his head, pushing them firmly into the bed. Giving him one last kiss, I push myself against his chest, flipping both legs around behind me and squarely into Bingham's abdomen, knocking him backwards against the wall. His gun flies out of his hand but I ignore it as I close in on my victim, knocking him back to the floor as he struggles to right himself. I'm tempted to continue going at him until he is out cold but know I can't waste the time or the effort so instead I press my bracelet against his neck, holding it there until his eyes close and he stops struggling for the air that I am blocking.
My breath is labored as I turn back to look at Vaughn who is trying to catch his breath for an entirely different reason. Neither one of us can find the words to say and really, there are no words appropriate to this situation.
"Shit," I'm the first to speak. "We've got to get going, Vaughn, this took a little longer than we expected."
Vaughn's shaky laugh is music to my ears, "Let's not put this part in the report, okay."
"Deal," For once I am happy to ignore the seriousness of the situation and continue about my business. "I'm just going to go change now and then we can be on our merry way."
"That's probably a good idea, I don't know that Carson would be able to contain himself if he saw you in that outfit," Vaughn shakes his head. "Of course, I think Carson finds it hard to resist you when you are fully dressed."
"Not you, too." I groan. "Bryce thinks Carson has a crush on me."
"Oh, I know Carson has a crush on you. He asked if it would be against agency protocol for him to ask you for your number."
"Vaughn, that's not funny, what did you tell him?"
"That you didn't have a phone number since you had been missing for two years and that maybe when you got settled the two of you could go out." Vaughn starts to grin.
"Bugger off, Vaughn, you sure as hell better be making this up or I'm going to have to use my last tranquilizer on you, I'm sure when Bingham comes to he would have a couple things he could do with you." I smile sweetly at Vaughn as I turn to retrieve my clothes from the bathroom, my smile remains when I hear Vaughn groan behind me.
"Sydney Bristow, the things you do to me."
"That's why the government pays me so well." I poke my head out through the bathroom door, happy to see that Vaughn is pulling his shirt back on, I always found it hard to resist him when faced with those abs and arms.
As I'm pulling my dress back on I hear some noise in the other room and quickly run back in the room, stopping in my tracks when I see who has joined us.
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That's all for now. hopefully it was worth the wait. And hopefully I will be able to continue with this sooner rather than later.