Chapter 8

The next morning Sydney awoke in a large comfortable bed, forgetting momentarily where she was Sydney took in her surroundings. Amazed at what she saw, her room was bigger than most peoples houses. A large canopy bed, plush carpets, a lounge area and the largest bathroom Sydney had ever seen and a bath to die for. The room was done in dark green tones and was stunning, Sydney was speechless. Wow Sydney thought, maybe this won't be so bad after all.

Then suddenly realising that someone would have had to carry her to the room after she feel asleep in the car, Sydney blushed. Not exactly the best impression Sydney thought, walking the large lounge she wondered where her clothes were. Standing near the door was her suitcase, Sydney sighed in relief she wasn't looking forward to venturing downstairs in her crinkled clothes that she had slept in.

Showering and dressing, Sydney stepped outside her room only to realise she had no idea where she was or where she had to go. As if sensing her predicament Sark appeared from the room across the hall, dressed smartly in another suit similar to the one he wore she first saw him in London except today he had a burgundy oxford, he looked just as good. Sydney felt herself blush at the thought that he would have had to have carried her last night.

"Good morning Miss Bristow" he broke the silence

"Good morning Mr Sark" Sydney couldn't meet his gaze

"I'll arrange for someone to show you around after breakfast seeing as you couldn't stay awake last night. Did we bore you that much?" Sark teased Sydney

Sydney blushed again, slowly meeting his gaze to see his eyes sparkling in amusement.

"I'm sorry, I guess I was tired. I hope I wasn't too much trouble."

"Not at all, I have spent many nights carrying Anna up to bed, it wasn't a problem to make a second trip for such an intriguing woman." Sark smirked.

"Thanks" Sydney said sheepishly

"Oh and by the way Miss Bristow" Sark said as he headed off towards the stair case "we don't frost pies in this household"

Sydney quickly followed Sark down the stairs, confused as to what he was talking about. Then it hit her, she was known for talking in her sleep. Shit she thought I hope that was the only thing I said.

Sydney spent her day touring the grounds along with Anna and learning about the history of the house. Sark's parents had owned it before they passed away when Sark had been only 17 and their parents before that, it seemed the house at quite a history which Martin one of the many butlers was happy to share with her, while making up silly stories much to the amusement of Anna.

The first few months that Sydney spent in Sark's house flew by, and before she knew it, it was almost Christmas.

Sydney had learnt a few things while staying with Anna and Sark. Sark spent the majority of his time out of the country dealing with business, but when he was home he was sure to spend the majority of his time with Anna, reading to her, taking her shopping and horse riding. He really loved her Sydney realised. Anna and Sydney had grown closer and spent their days in the study learning history, geography and languages as well as the usual maths and English. When each lesson was over they would cook together or Anna would read to Sydney and fill in their time before Sark would return home from the office or from another overseas trip and they would eat dinner, Anna excitedly telling Sark all about their day. After dinner Sydney would help Anna bathe before tucking her in to bed, Sark coming in to say goodnight. On those nights that Sark was out of the country Anna often cuddled up to Sydney in her bed, Sydney felt herself wishing she was Anna's mother more than anything.

Sydney and Sark maintain their civility towards one another whenever Anna was in the room, but when they were alone Sydney couldn't help but feel the tension between them. They continued to bicker over little things like the better authors of some of the worlds most famous literature, whether an inner or an outer belly button is the "right" one. Sydney couldn't help but notice that as they went on the heat of their arguments dissipated and soon it became more of a discussion. At times Sydney couldn't believe how well they got on, but just as that thought appeared he would say something to aggravate her causing her anger to rise and him to smirk.Sydney didn't know what was worse the fact that all she wanted to do was slap the smirk right off his face or kiss him senseless.

TBC