Hey there! Sorry I haven't update for like 2 weeks. The holidays started last friday and I've been away on Philip Island for a week with no internet access. I just got back this afternoon and (after having a nap) finally finished this chapter. By the way 000 Means there is a flashback.

THREE CHEERS FOR COLLINGWOOD WHO JUST SLAUGHTERED THE HAWKS !140 TO 75!!! (runs around dancing) IN A SUPER GOOD MOOD TODAY!!! (hurrah!)

A note to the following reviewers:

bluebear-74: It's always good to meet fellow Collingwood supporters! Glad you're enjoying the fic!

wicked-sista: Oh, I thought I got all the "she's" out of there. Bother....Good catch, a cookie for you!

annie: Girl you are absolutly right! This fic has gotten a bit corney. I didn't want it to be too corney but unfortunatly it has turned out that way. (sighs) I tried to fix this wee bitty problem in this chapter, but...er...yeah. Tell me what you think.

Chapter Eight - Beyond the Sea

A cool breeze flew over her delicate skin and tiny crystals of sand took off into the pink sky, the air moulding its shape, as if it were a thing to play with. The heat of the day retained in the sand and Sydney could still feel it warmth as she lay on the private beach of Samantha Churchill on the Island of Puerto Rico. She could hear the rustling of the coconut trees swaying in the cool summer breeze behind her. The sound of the waves crashing on the sure she found soothing and acted as a temporary escape from the day's previous events. There was no doubt in her mind that he loved her, but she was still unsure if he had another agenda that she was unaware of. Despite being eight o'clock in the evening, the sun had just started to set in the sky, streaks of pink and orange escaping from its fiery glare. Trying to sink deeper into the sand, she felt that it too was starting to lose its comforting heat. Standing up, she swept the sand that clung to her faded jeans and sky blue singlet top, like the snow up in Snowy Mountains, it gracefully floated to the ground.

Picking sandals up off the sand she made her was back across the beach towards the grand estate owned by Sark's associative. Sydney could sense she was a woman of power, not just because of her massive house and expensive cars, but the fear she witnessed in the eyes of those who worked for her. It was in her composure, the way she stood up straight and with her head held high, waves of confidence radiated from the way she positioned herself. It was her flawless jet-black hair that flowed like a waterfall down to the top of her hips. Most of all, it was her piercing green eyes. They would have the same effect on her employee's as Sark's did on his. Fear and reputation. That's all it was. Assassinate those of high importance and you will earn the respect of those in your field.

On the plane back from Canada, Sark told her that they would only be on the island for a couple days. It's been 5 whole days Julian, when are we leaving? It had been this sentence that had surfaced during an argument that had sprouted almost an hour ago. Just a few more days…that's what you said the other day. I want to leave Sark. I don't feel comfortable or particularly safe here. Sark had yelled at her, a glimpse of his past self, and she walked out. I'm not going to fight you Julian. I'm past all that now, maybe you should be too.

000

"Julian" she purred as she walked towards him - her shoes tapping on the marble floor below with each step she took. He stood opposite two giant glass doors, exposing the ocean view. Upon hearing his name, he turned to see Sydney moving towards him. The light streaming in through the window illuminated the edges of his body creating a glowing effect. She strutted right up to the point where their noses almost touch then, tilting her head, leaned up to engage in a passionate kiss. Sark's hand immediately responded by attaching themselves to her hips and slowly lingered their way down her body. Even though their kiss, he could still feel her smile on his lips.

"Ahem…"Sydney pulled away to see Samantha standing in the corner. Why didn't I see her standing there when I came in? I must be losing my edge. Sydney thought. "If you two would like some time alone then I suggest you spend it in your bedroom, alone." The flicker of jealousy could be easily seen in her emerald eyes and Sydney took a couple of steps back from Sark. Jealous bitch… "As I was saying Julian, before we were so rudely interrupted" she whipped her head around to glare at Sydney "is that I believe it is a fantastic idea and has a good chance of success." She finally broke eye contact with our heroine, walked over to Sark and whispered something in his ear. Sark nodded to her in reply then, in her cherry red, 3 inch stiletto heels, made her way back out of the room; but not before giving Sydney one final glance before she closed the door behind her.

"What was that about?" Sydney snapped at Sark who didn't do so much as move a muscle.

"You don't need to know about all my affairs, love." He replied in a cool tone.

"Don't you give me that bullshit Sark. Not after all we've been though."

"Sydney…"he cooed moving one step closer to her. She took a step back in response.

"Are you keeping secrets from me or are you not?" She crossed her arms and squinted her eyes and him in a frustrated manner.

"Not everything concerns you, sweetheart." Don't you mess with me you arrogant bastard!

"But it concerns Samantha right?" She spat out her name with such distaste. His previous comment left Sydney in a state of degradation, as if she were not worthy of his trust, but this woman was. "We're you in love?" She bluntly asked. Sark didn't answer, didn't move. He just continued to stare at her. "Ok." She replied to his silence as it was fairly obvious what his answer would be. "Do you still love her?"

"In a way I will always love her." Sydney turned away, not willing to let him see the pain on her face. "It ended a long time ago Sydney. I'm here with you, not her." Regaining her composure and placing her hands on her hips, she turned back to face him.

"When are we leaving? It's been 5 whole days Julian, when are we leaving?"

"When we do." He spoke coolly.

"Just a few more days…that's what you said the other day. I want to leave Sark. I don't feel comfortable or particularly safe here."

"You need to wait Sydney."

"You don't control me Sark, I don't have to do anything you tell me." She shook her head and looked down at the floor. "I love you to bits and I want to be with you, but if you're going to be like this then I think leaving with you was a bad idea…"

"So what now, you're going to go, run back to your faithful agent Vaughn." The temper in his voice was rising, as was the volume.

"Don't you dare bad mouth Michael." She could feel her own anger starting to spill over. "He's been a lot more tender and caring towards me than you have lately." Backing away from him and turning to leave the room she glanced back for her final comment. "I'm not going to fight you Julian. I'm past all that now, maybe you should be too." She closed the large door behind her and waited for a few seconds, hopeful that he would chase after her, begging for forgiveness but after a minute he didn't still hadn't come. She sighed heavily and walked out the other end of the mansion towards the private beach where the harsh light of day had started to lighten into dusk.

000

Exposing herself to the elements here gave her the illusion of escape that she craved. To an extent, Sydney didn't blame Sark for snapping at her. She knew that deserting his old lifestyle would be difficult to shake off. The thrill of the hunt. The satisfaction of the kill. It was a feeling that was hard to forget. In a way she understood what he was going though because she had experienced the same thing with Slone. The extreme need for him to be dead would drive her mad. He was like a screw that couldn't be removed from her head that dug deeper and deeper into her mind. He needs to learn to adapt. She knew that he loved her and was willing to adjust for her but she needed to give him space and time to alter to these changes. Of course, she knew that she too was also to blame, but not to the extent that he was. He should have predicted that she would undergo a slight pang of jealousy towards Ms. Churchill. He was trained to predict actions that occurred as a result of people's emotions; even those who weren't could have predicted the day's previous argument. Keeping secrets from one you claimed to love with a former lover. Well DUH! It could have been seen from a mile away.

Sandals in hand, Sydney walked among the native garden. The smell of tropical flowers filled the air and the grass was cool beneath her feet. The lush green of the trees and the flamboyant colours of the flowers were darkening as the sun drew its light back from the sky, converting it back to darkness. The lights of the manor could be seen through the flora but she kept her distance. She walked along the prickly path to a grassy knoll over looking a cliff. By now it was dark and the stars broke though the cover of night. Looking out, she could see a red glow of a bonfire in the distance; a beach party most likely. She looked up at the sky above her. The silver coin moon was slightly covered by cloud causing it glow to brighten and fade according to its graceful movement. She started singing under her breath, "Blue moon, you saw me standing alone, without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own…"

"You know, your father and I danced to that song at our wedding." Sydney heard the bushes rustle behind her and, looking back, saw her mother emerge from its darkened cover. The reflection of the moon lit up her eyes and her hazelnut hair, which had coiled it's self around her neck, swayed with each movement.

"Mom?"

Come on people...I really need some feedback. I was strugling a bit with this chapter...SHARING IS CARING!!! I appriciate every review, good or not so good.

I won't be able to post any new chapters for at least a week because I'm going to the Skiing for a week. So ya'll are going to have to wait for a while.