She had been so stupid! How could she have asked Sark whether he loved her? Love? Like maybe, but still he was a terrorist wanted in hundreds of countries. He had killed people, tortured people and yet she was hoping that he loved her? How could she betray her country like that? How could she betray Vaughn like that?

Sark seemed to have mentally crippled her. Every time she thought of Vaughn she felt the sudden urge to smash something then crumble in a corner and cry her eyes out. She was in a vicious circle of love. Sark and Vaughn? She wanted out yet she couldn't bring herself to escape and leave Sark.

XXX

He needed her to carry on. Vaughn could do nothing for her here that's why he had chosen to bring her here, where no one could find her. He had saved her life once and planned to keep her alive now. Who cared about his inheritance or his position in the Covenant? No one did. The only thing he cared about was trying to keep himself alive in order to keep Sydney alive and out of danger.

But she had asked him whether he loved her. Did that mean she loved him, or did it simply mean his emotions were starting to show through his blank face. Love? Love wasn't a strong enough word. He adored her and everything she did. He wanted to stay with her, grow old together and die in her arms. But how could he tell her how he felt? It was hard enough staying in the same house as her watching her every move without running up to her and kissing her so passionately that fireworks exploded around them. But still, he remained sitting there watching as her eyes slowly shut and she shifted her head to a more comfortable position on his chest. This is where he wanted to be forever.

XXX

They were both on the sofa. Sydney was still lying on his chest asleep, as Sark remained entwined within his thoughts of Sydney. Dreaming of a world where she could be with him forever with no restrictions. Where no one would hurt them, safe in their bed of roses away from the thorns that would rip through her skin.

He was nudged out of his dream as he slowly started to slide off the couch. Careful not to wake her, Sark lifted Sydney off his knees and carried her to the bed. He placed her down gently and delicately manoeuvred a strand of her soft brown her out of her perfect face before lying down beside her and watching as her chest moved in and out in rhythm.

This is definitely where I want to stay

At that moment he shut his eyes happily and fell asleep next to her.

XXX

She woke up the next morning with Sark's right arm lying on her. She was shocked at first but then slowly stopped tensing up and smiled at his peaceful expression.

This is where I want to stay, forever.