Ch 11: Heartbroken

Sydney sat on her bed, rubbing her head while Gaetana sat on a stool opposite her daughter watching Sydney; worried expression wore on her face.

"Syd, I see you've got frequent headaches."

"My head hurts a little."

"Don't lie to me, Syd. I know it's worse than that."

Sydney kept quiet, just continued to rub her head. Experience told her that it's best to keep quiet than argue with her mum. It would only make matters worse.

"Syd, you don't want to go to New Zealand with us, do you?" Gaetana did not wait for her daughter to reply. "I understand—because your friends are here. I've called Dr. Barkley over to S.P.D."

Sydney stared at her mother with a look of disdain. She hated it when her mum makes decision without discussing with her beforehand. Dr. Barkley—her familydoctor, whom she detested since young. He was a weird man. Sydney couldn't explain how but she hated him every time he checked on her.

She kept quiet, nibbling her lips instead as her mum rattled on and on about having her headaches cured and how impressive Dr. Barkley was. Sydney wished she could fall asleep soon.

XXX

Jack had gotten the best men and they were all getting ready on a flight, headingtowards New Tech City. Good, he was going to meet Sydney soon.

XXX

Sky and Sydney stood in each other arms at the rooftop again. The night was dark, warm and secretive.

"Penny for your thoughts, eh, Syd."

A cool wind was blowing in off those clouds. "My mum's called Dr. Barkley," Her voice constricted in her throat. "He's scheduled to arrive here soon."

Sky stiffened. She didn't have to tell him anything, he knew that Dr. Barkley's definitely here for her amnesia. "That's good, isn't it?" he whispered quietly.

"No!" she said aghast, "I hate him."

Sky raised his brow, unspoken question written all over his face.

"I don't want to talk about it—I just hated him since young."

"All right, let's not talk about bad memories." Sky stopped, "Syd…" he trailed, "your memory—it's back?" In that moment of stunned silence, Sky observed her face carefully as though looking for flaws that others would miss and finding only perfection in the delicately sculpted cheekbones, slender white throat, and soft mouth.

Sydney shivered against his touch. The puzzled expression on her face explained all. She had regained part of her memories and she wasn't aware of it herself.

Just one last night with her, I will be contented, and then she will be yours, Jack, Sky thought.

His hands tightened on her shoulders, pulling her close as he bent his head and took her soft mouth in a slow, compelling kiss, sensually molding to respond, he felt the rigidity leaving her; and as soon as it did, Sky showed her just how badly he wanted it.

His arms went around her, crushing her to him, his mouth moving against hers with hungry urgency, his hands shifting possessively over her spine and hips, fitting her to his hardened length. Dragging his mouth from hers, he drew an unsteady breath.

"Syd," he muttered, his breath rasping as it let his chest. Thin strap had drooped off her right shoulder, letting her bodice slip, and he brushed the strap completely down.

XXX

Jack and his team arrived at S.P.D at midnight. It had been a tiring flight—rushing from a place to another. The second clue he received from Qudamah led him to New Tech City, a perfect coincidence.

"Sir! Umm, Colonel." A cadet on midnight shift stood up abruptly and greeted Jack, their former hero.

"See that these men are given a room, I'm looking for Cruger first."

"Yes, Sir! Erm, but Cruger…" the cadet hesitated, wondering if he should disclose anything to Jack since he wasn't S.P.D now. However his hesitance was unnecessary as Jack strode off towards the command center where he knew so well. The cadet shrugged. No one would dare be human barricade against Jack.

"Jack is on his way to the command center," Kat muttered, loud enough for Cruger to hear.

"Let him in, Kat. It's alright."

"But we have some confidential tests going on, Commander."

Cruger growled.

"Cruger, I need help." Jack rushed in without formalities. At the sound of his voice, R.I.C—now that he had IDed him via acute canine sensory perception—let out a friendly bark from behind.

"Is that R.I.C?" Jack asked.

"The very same." Cruger answered.

"Good dog, R.I.C. how are you, buddy?" Jack patted its big head. R.I.C had always been there during their battles and was very close to Jack especially.

"Cruger, you see… " Jack explained the details of Qudamah and Miranda as well as the help he needed right now, as soon as possible.

"It will be ready at first light tomorrow. Right now, Jack, you look like you need a rest." Cruger said. "You need the Special Force?"

"Only R.I.C.'s." Jack informed before forgetting.

"Use Syd's Baby—R.I.C.'s puppy. Its canine sense is powerful. It has better technology."

With a last look, Jack left muttering thanks. Bridge walked passed the corridor and saw Jack. "Hey, Jack. Wow, you are back already? C'mon, I've lots of things to tell you."

"Not now, Bridge. Hey, erm, do you know where to find Syd?" Jack asked.

Bridge gave him a funny look. "Last I saw, she was heading towards the rooftop… " Bridge looked like he wanted to say more but Jack had ran off to find Sydney. He wanted to give her a surprise. Sydney would be so happy. But wasn't he wrong?

XXX

Sky heard a sound from behind and tore his mouth away from Sydney. She followed Sky's direction and glanced dully, then halted, stunned. Sydney looked up to stare into Jack's angry and betrayed eyes. Her clothes were messy from Sky's caress and she turned around.

Jack stood opposite from them, pure rage rising, his face furious, one hand drawn back in a fist. Sky stood with his legs braced apart and his back to Sydney when she turned back to face them.

The next thing, a powerful punch landed on Sky's face. He drew one hand across his mouth. Sydney saw blood on his fingers. Hot breath clotted in her throat. She rushed forward, flinging herself between Jack and Sky. Blood smeared Sky's lower lip. He rubbed it off with the pad of his thumb. "You've needed to punch me since that day," he told Jack.

Jack stared at him bitterly. "Don't patronize. That's for kissing with my fiancée and almost bedding her." Jack shifted his hazel eyes to Sydney, full of fury and pain. "And for helping Syd when she's vulnerable by betraying me."

"Oh my god, Jack," Sydney cried softly and moved to touch him.

"Don't touch me with those hands. Stay away!" Jack jumped off as if she was a poison.

Sky grimaced in pain. It was his entire mistake—his infatuation with Sydney had caused turmoil and dissention among the two of them, now three.

Jack stormed off towards the command center. He was afraid to stand near them, afraid that he might kill Sky and commit murder. And he was most afraid that Sydney would tell him that it's the end for them or there won't be a future for them.

"Jack," Sydney's heartbroken scream erupted from her throat. Jack continued walking. The mission won't wait till tomorrow. He was going through it now.

XXX

TBC - Pls R&R! Thanks...