CHAPTER 10
FEW WEEKS LATER: REED HOUSE
Lauren sighs when she sees Michael on the porch, "What are you doing here? You aren't supposed to be here until next month."
"Where's Sophia?" Michael enters the house.
Lauren heads into the kitchen knowing Michael will follow, "With my parents this weekend. They went to the countryside and thought Sophia would like to ride the horses. Why?"
"What the hell are you thinking Lauren?"
Lauren looks at him startled "What?"
Vaughn drops a folder on the counter before her. "Sark!"
Lauren opens the file to see a black and white of her and Sark sitting on a park bench talking, "So what? We're talking."
"You've been seeing him outside of your normal handler duties."
"We talk Michael. You guys want him on our side and only seeing him once a month or so doesn't motivate him to trust me."
"You don't spend that much time with Sloane." Vaughn accuses
"In case you haven't realized Michael... we're not married anymore. You can't tell me who I can or can't speak with. The reason Sloane and I don't spend time together... besides the fact he lives in Switzerland is the fact that he is constantly in the public eye with his organization so he has that motivation not to go back. Sark doesn't have the same motivation. He may be one of the richest men in the world but he's not well known enough to elicit the same response Sloane gets."
"So you go out to dinner with Sark?"
"We talk business Michael."
"If you even THINK of getting involved with him Lauren I'm taking Sophia."
"The hell you are" Lauren says angrily.
"I am NOT having my daughter around Sark!"
"You're daughter!" Lauren exclaims "I was the one pregnant for nine months. I was the one in labor for 19 hours. I was the one who was up for midnight feedings and diaper changes. I was the one who stayed up with her when she had colic and ear infections. I'm the one who takes the days off when she's sick. I'm the one who's home with her. She is my daughter Michael!" Lauren hisses "Now as for her being around Sark... she's not. I know how you feel about him and I decided that despite the fact that he has changed that I would respect your feelings about him and keep them apart." 'The hell I do. I just never have him around when she's awake.' "And he has been nothing but respectful towards the fact that Sophia is off limits."
"Sark's a killer Lauren. He would do anything to get what he wants!" Michael says angrily. "Before he even thinks of using Sophia for something I will take her back to the States with me."
"If you even think of going behind my back to take MY daughter Michael I swear to GOD I will fight you. Sophia stays with me. My personal life is none of your business Michael."
"It is when my child is involved."
'She's not yours!' "Get out of my house Michael." Lauren says calmly. When he doesn't move she grabs a glass. "Get OUT!" She throws it at the wall watching as it shatters.
"Just keep him away from Sophia."
"Get out Michael!" She yells. When she hears the front door slam shut she closes her eyes tears falling. 'He's not taking Sophia from me.' After a few minutes she takes a deep breath looking at the clock, 'They'll be here soon. I should clean this mess up and get ready.'
HOUR LATER
"Lauren"
"Looking good Reed."
"Hard to believe you have a child."
Lauren smiles at her three best friends Fiona Harrington, Evelyn Marks, and Hannah Richards. "Hi."
"So where is the little charmer?" Hannah asks
"She went with my parents to the countryside for the weekend." Lauren answers "Mother thought she'd like to see the horses." She grabs her jacket "She's having fun. Just spoke with her."
"Still hard to believe you out of all of us have a child." Fiona remarks
Lauren shrugs "She was the best surprise of my life." 'That and falling for her Daddy.'
COUPLE HOURS LATER: CLUB
Lauren smiles watching her friends dance just as her phone vibrates. She removes her phone and flips it open to find a text message single coded word which she immediately knows. She closes her phone then walks over to where Fiona is; knowing her friend will keep her mouth shut. "Be right back."
"Where?"
"Just out. Have fun." Lauren makes her way to the door leading to the back area knowing the guard will let her back. She makes her way down to the basement where she finds Sark waiting. "We really have to stop meeting this way." She suddenly finds herself pressed against the closed door her dress shoved up to her waist.
LITTLE LATER
Lauren runs her fingers down Sark's neck as they catch their breath.
"What's wrong?" Sark asks softly.
"He knows we're spending time together other than our meetings."
"How do you know that?"
"He should up at the house with pictures of us talking at the park. He said" She bites her lip tears filling her eyes.
"He said what?" Sark prompts
"He said if he finds out your around Sophia he'll take her from me." Lauren whispers
"Sweetheart I won't let it come to that."
Lauren looks at him startled, "You can't leave me again." She says pained.
"I won't." Sark kisses her forehead. "I won't let him take our girl from you... I promise."
"You promised you wouldn't hurt him."
"And I won't." Sark assures "You two may not be married but it would hurt Sophia to lose him. Despite everything he is the only father she knows." Sark brushes Lauren's hair back. "It will be OK." He whispers
"I love you Julian." Lauren whispers
"I love you too." Sark kisses her lightly. "Now you should get back to your friends before they go looking for you." He steps away from her reaching under her dress he pulls her thong back into place watching her wince slightly as he touches her. "I hurt you." He says softly as he straightens up his own clothes.
"I'll be fine." Lauren assures as she pulls her dress down slipping back into her heels. She reaches out wiping at the lipstick left on his face and neck from their passionate make out.
"Everything is going to be fine." Sark promises. "No one is going to take Sophia."
Lauren nods
"I'll see you in a few days." Sark kisses her lightly then walks away.
Lauren stands there watching him sadly. 'I can't lose you or Sophia.' After a few minutes she walks out of the basement returning to the club where she finds her friends at the table.
"Where were you?" Evelyn asks
"Getting some air." Lauren lies taking a sip of her wine.
"Sure." Hannah smirks
"Hey come on." Lauren protests
Hannah laughs "Admit it you got lucky."
Lauren remains silent watching the crowds around her. "Believe what you want." She shrugs
AFTER MIDNIGHT: REED HOUSE
Lauren closes her eyes, 'He won't take Sophia from me. He can't.' She drifts off to sleep.
WEEK LATER: REED HOUSE
Lauren sighs, "Yes sir. I will be there." She closes the phone and frowns looking at Sophia who is coloring at the table. She dials her Mother's number "Mother"
"Hello honey. How is Sophia?"
"That's what I'm calling about." Lauren walks out of the kitchen. "I have to go to Los Angeles for a meeting for a few days. Can she come and stay with you and Dad? Anna is in France right now."
"Oh sure. Not a problem. Are you sure you don't want to take her with you so she can see Michael?"
"It's only for a few days."
"All right."
"I'll bring her by around noon."
"Do you want me to take you to the airport?"
"No. Dixon is sending the jet."
"All right."
"Thanks Mother."
"Not a problem. Give Sophia a kiss for me."
"I will." Lauren hangs up.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Lauren picks up her ringing phone and flips it open, "Reed."
"I just received an interesting call."
"Let me guess... Dixon?"
"Mmm wonder what it is about." Sark muses
"Michael probably told them his suspicions." Lauren sighs "Just what I need right now."
"It will work out."
"I hope so."
"What are you going to tell them?"
"Same thing I told Michael... that we just talk." Lauren shrugs
"They'll want to know what we talk about."
"Not work."
"Good idea. Who knows what would happen if they thought we discussed your job."
"Mmm" Lauren stretches yawning
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Guess you will."
"Night Reed."
"Night Sark." Lauren hangs up closing her eyes.
NEXT AFTERNOON: JET
Lauren looks up from her paperwork to see Sark lounging on the couch his eyes closed. Instinctively she knows he's awake aware of his surroundings and turns back to reading her file. She frowns, "Sark"
"What?" Sark returns without opening his eyes.
"What's this 10 thousand dollar charge?"
"For a case of '81 Petruse. Heard rumors it existed but didn't know where it was. I found the man who had it. Why?"
"You know you're supposed to clear large amounts of money with me."
"I thought I had told you about it." Sark shrugs without opening his eyes.
"Can you prove that's all it is?"
"The case is in the wine cellar. Besides 10 thousand isn't that much for me to spend."
"It wasn't in the past but now it is." Lauren continues looking through Sark's monthly financial statements. "You've spent 30 thousand this month out of your personal spending. Business spending not counting donations was 40 thousand."
"I bought some stocks out of both accounts. The receipts in there somewhere."
"How much did you spend on stocks?"
"10 or so."
"That clears about 20 thousand... where'd the rest go?"
Sark shrugs, "Paying the staff and maintenance for the house."
"I told you last month you need to cut down on your personal spending."
"Hey I didn't buy the car I had planned to buy."
"Sark you have five cars." Lauren points out. "You really don't need another."
"I like cars... can't help it. The first car I ever stole was a BMW."
Lauren shakes her head, "Just cut down all right."
Sark groans, "Fine."
"You know you're only authorized to spend 40 thousand of personal unless I authorize more."
"Yet you never do."
"Because you don't need to spend that much. The average person doesn't spend that much in a year." Lauren points out. "If you don't cut down on your spending I'll lower the amount you can spend."
"Oh come on"
"I'm not kidding."
"Fine." Sark grumbles
"And from now on let me know when you are making stock purchases or anything large."
"All right."
Lauren shakes her head knowing he's just pacifying her.
14 HOURS LATER: CIA
"It has come to our attention that you and Mr. Sark... sorry Lazarey, have been spending time together other than in your monthly meetings." Kendall states as Lauren and Sark join him and Dixon in the conference room.
"We talk." Lauren shrugs "Since when is that considered a crime."
"If your worried about what we talk about don't. Outside our monthly meetings we don't talk about business unless its important." Sark assures
"Important how?" Dixon inquires
"Since you set that limit on how much I can spend on personal I have to get permission for some of my purchases." Sark shrugs
COUPLE HOURS LATER
"Lauren, can I speak with you?" Dixon requests once Sark and Kendall are out of the room.
Lauren looks at her former boss "Yes sir?"
"I am not going to burst into your private life. I could care less if you and Sark are more than friends. Just be careful."
"He's not like he was Dixon."
"I agree." Dixon looks out the window where Sark is talking with Kendall. "I think he's found whatever peace it was he was looking for all those years ago. He's still not someone to fully trust."
"Yet for him to give information I have to show him some trust."
"I guess that is true."
"Thank you Dixon... for everything."
"Lauren you know Michael only did this because he was worried."
"I know." Lauren walks out of the office joining Sark.
Dixon watches the two talk, 'Good luck Lauren... whatever happens.'
HOUR LATER: VAUGHN'S HOUSE
Michael opens the front door to find Lauren standing there, "What do you want?"
"You bastard!" Lauren decks him.
In the car Sark snickers, 'Nice hit love.'
Lauren walks into the house slamming the door behind her, "You ever threaten to take Sophia from me again I will make your life hell!"
Michael rubs his jaw, "I am looking after Sophia."
"If I want to introduce Sark to Sophia it is my decision. If I decide to date Sark or anyone that is my business! Not yours. You lost the right to tell me what to do the day you started ignoring that I was your wife."
"You are dating him." Michael accuses
"Like I said it is none of your business. Sophia is staying with me and if you try to take her from me I swear to GOD you won't like my reaction." Lauren says angrily. "Stay out of my personal life and I will stay out of yours." She slams out of the house.
Michael stares at the closed door rubbing his jaw.
Lauren gets into the car ignoring Sark's expression, "Just go." She stares out the car window as Sark drives.
COUPLE HOURS LATER: JET
"Is this going to be a silent flight or what?" Sark demands as he watches Lauren stare out the cabin window.
"I'm not in the mood to talk Sark." Lauren snaps
"All right" Sark closes his eyes "know where I am if you want to talk."
16 HOURS LATER: REED HOUSE
"You've been quiet for 20 hours." Sark states as he pulls into the driveway of Lauren's parents. "Going to tell me what's going through your head?"
"Nothing."
Sark frowns at her tone "Go get Sophia. I'll drive you home."
"I can drive myself."
"You are still upset from dealing with Vaughn. Just go get her." He nods at the house.
"Stay the night?"
"Are you sure?" Sark questions
"I want you to stay."
"What about Sophia?"
"If it makes you feel better you can sleep on the couch."
"Just go get her." Sark watches as Lauren gets out of the car going to the front door.
Lauren enters the house where her parents are in the living room ready for bed.
"Hi"
"Lauren" Olivia says relieved. "How was your meeting?"
"Fine. I'm going to go get Sophia and head home."
"Why don't you stay the night?" Olivia offers
"Thanks Mother but I just want to get her home."
"You look tired honey." George says concerned. "Do you want me to drive you?"
"No... a friend is waiting to drive us home." Lauren walks up the stairs to Sophia's room. She turns on the bedside lamp and sits on the edge of the bed, "Sophia" she gently shakes the child "sweetheart... time to go home."
Sophia yawns, "Mama?"
"Come on sweetie"
"Tired Mama."
"I know but we'll be home soon." Lauren picks Sophia up and carries Sophia downstairs where her Mother is waiting with Sophia's coat.
"Lauren you could just stay the night"
"I know. I just want to get her home." Lauren kisses Sophia's head.
Seeing Lauren walk out of the house with Sophia in her arms, Sark gets out of the car and goes around to the passenger side opening the door just as Lauren reaches the car, "She asleep?"
Lauren nods as she sets Sophia in the back seat and buckles the girl in as she gets in beside her. She pulls Sophia close as Sark gets into the drivers side, 'Its going to be OK baby. He won't take you from me... no one will.'
15 MINS LATER: LAUREN'S HOUSE
Lauren holds Sophia close as Sark unlocks and opens the front door, "Thanks."
"Are you sure you want me to stay?"
Lauren nods
"I'll check the house for surveillance."
"Thanks."
WHILE LATER
Lauren walks into the kitchen wearing her bathrobe after taking a quick shower where she finds Sark pouring them both cups of tea.
"Place is clean." Sark informs her as he hands her the tea. "Reset the white noise."
"Thanks for checking. I don't trust that Michael won't start spying on me." Lauren takes a sip of her tea.
"Why?"
"To get Sophia. You know how he feels about you."
"I don't like him either." Sark shrugs following Lauren into the living room where they sit on the couch. "You hit him pretty hard."
"He deserved it." Lauren shrugs "He thinks he can tell me what to do."
"He is looking after Sophia."
"Yet he thinks I would put Sophia in danger." Lauren sighs "I wouldn't allow you near Sophia if I thought you were a threat to her." Lauren leans against him taking a sip of her tea she sets the mug on the table closing her eyes. "He asked me if we were seeing each other."
"Who? Vaughn?"
"Vaughn... and Dixon."
"What did you say?"
"I told Michael it was none of his business. I didn't outright answer Dixon."
"I think Kendall knows. I'm surprised he didn't order you to stop being my handler."
"What if he had?" Lauren looks at Sark, "What would you have done?"
"Told him to go to hell and that I wanted you to stay my handler." Sark sets his mug down running his fingers through her hair, "Not many people I trust Lauren. You are one of the few I do trust."
"Why do you trust me?"
"I just do." Sark shrugs "Maybe that is because you trust me."
"I trust you because you've proven you could be trusted... in some ways."
"In what ways am I not trustworthy?" Sark asks lifting his brow.
"You do keep information from me."
"True yet I do admit when I do."
Lauren chuckles "That you do."
"Mama"
Lauren pulls away from Sark and looks towards the entryway to find Sophia standing there rubbing her eyes. "What's wrong sweetie?"
Sophia shrugs crawling onto her Mama's lap looking at the strange man thoughtfully.
Lauren smiles seeing the familiar look 'I so want to tell her the truth.' "Sophia this is my friend Julian."
"Hi" Sophia yawns snuggling into her Mama.
"It is nice to finally meet you Sophia." Sark smiles at the girl.
"What are you doing up baby?" Lauren asks
Sophia yawns, "Want Mama." She sticks her thumb in her mouth.
"Can you" Lauren nods at the blanket on the recliner as she gently strokes Sophia's arm as the girl's eyes drift shut.
Sark stands grabbing the blanket he covers Sophia with it then sits down his eyes on the girl. "She's getting big fast." Sark says softly his voice sad.
"I know." Lauren smiles faintly. "Seems like it wasn't so long ago I told you I was pregnant." She looks at Sark then back at Sophia, "I know"
"What do you know?"
"That you used to sneak into the house to see her."
Sark gives Lauren a sheepish smile, "I couldn't help it. How'd you know?"
"Because I know how much you love her. I knew you'd try as hard as you could to stay away but I knew in the end your feelings for her would overrule your common sense."
Sark shrugs looking at Sophia, "I stayed away as long as I could but"
"I know"
HOUR LATER
"You should go on up to bed." Sark suggests softly as he tears his eyes away from Sophia and looks at Lauren. "It's late"
"Sure about sleeping on the couch?"
Sark nods "Do we really want to explain to Sophia why Mama is in bed with a strange man?"
"Good point." Lauren agrees "Be here in the morning?"
"Sure."
Lauren reaches out stroking his cheek then stands walking out of the room.
Sark sighs as he picks up the mugs he walks into the kitchen rinsing them out.
Lauren puts Sophia in the bed and smiles faintly, 'Your Daddy is right downstairs. I wish I could tell you the truth.' She leans down kissing Sophia's forehead, "I love you my girl."
NEXT MORNING
Lauren walks into the kitchen and stops in her tracks when she sees Sark reading the newspaper as he waits for the coffee. 'Wait I' "Julian" she shakes her head
Sark looks up from his reading, "Morning love. Coffee is almost ready."
"You stole that newspaper from my neighbor didn't you?"
Sark looks at Lauren "Prove it." He challenges "See you can't prove it"
"I can by that little smirk you have right now." Lauren remarks "It is the 'I did something I shouldn't have done' look. Soph gets the same look when she's done something and doesn't want to admit it."
Sark pours two cups of coffee handing one to Lauren, "Fine I stole the newspaper."
Lauren shakes her head adding milk and sugar to her coffee. "So you stayed"
"I said I would." Sark reaches out running his fingers through her hair he kisses her forehead, "Sleep well?"
"Decent. Would have slept better with you but" She shrugs taking a sip of her coffee.
"Same"
"Where'd you put your gun?" Lauren asks suddenly.
"I put it on top of the bookcase. I wouldn't have left it where she would have found it."
"I know."
"So what would you and Sophia like for breakfast?" Sark asks
"I like when you cook." Lauren grins
"Mama"
Lauren looks towards the door where she sees Sophia standing there holding her blanket rubbing her eyes, "Morning sweetie." She sets her mug down and picks Sophia up kissing the girl's cheek. "Did you have a good sleep?"
Sophia nods sticking her thumb in her mouth resting her head on her Mama's shoulder.
"Are you going to say hi to Julian?"
Sophia removes her thumb from her mouth, "Hi" she says shyly.
"Good morning Sophia."
"What do you want for breakfast Soph?" Lauren asks as she brushes Sophia's hair back.
"Macaroni"
"Besides macaroni." Lauren laughs then at Sark's expression she explains, "She's on a macaroni kick. Last month it was apples."
Sark nods
"What do you want? Eggs? Pancakes?"
Sophia tilts her head "Pancakes" She says happily.
"All right." Sark nods smiling at Sophia's grin. 'My God she has my smile.' "Pancakes it is."
"Go watch cartoons Mama?" Sophia asks
"Sure." Lauren kisses Sophia's cheek setting the girl down she watches Sophia scamper out of the kitchen to the living room. She picks up her mug taking a sip of coffee watching as Sark moves about the kitchen gathering ingredients for pancakes. "How do you remember ingredients and such?" She asks curiously.
Sark shrugs "Just do."
"Photographic memory?"
"Almost."
Lauren smiles faintly, 'I like this. This feels good. I like having Julian here with us. This whole thing is going to become complicated... I can feel it. Yet for once in my life I don't really care. Screw Michael and what he thinks.'
AN:
I'm still working on this fic. I've run into some writers block but over 20 chapters have been written. I'm hoping to start posting more soon.
TBC…