CHAPTER 13
6 MONTHS LATER: SOMEWHERE
Rory sits on a lounge chair enjoying the hot sun as she writes in her journal. 'We've been on the move for the last six months. Julian has done everything he could to keep me safe. We rarely stay anywhere longer than a month. I admit I do miss home... my family... school... but I made the right decision to be with my husband.
He's still constantly working but still we're together. He never leaves me for more than a day or two. For the most part from the moment we wake we are not far from each others side.
I have written a few emails to Mom. She's written back... she says she understands... and wishes us well. She was upset that we didn't say anything but she said she understands why after talking with Jack.
Julian promises that one day we'll go back... when things are safe and he knows who tried to kill him and who was watching me.
I find it a little creepy that someone was spying on me... OK someone other than Simon or the CIA.'
"Darling."
Rory looks up as she hears her husband's voice. "Taking a break?"
"Mmm" Sark kisses her forehead. "Writing again?" He smiles noticing her journal open on her lap.
Rory shrugs closing the journal "I needed to keep myself occupied somehow."
"How are you feeling?" He questions. "I know all of this moving around has caught up with you." He gently brushes her hair back.
"I'm fine." Rory assures
"I was thinking we could go into the village. Go do some shopping, perhaps. Go to dinner."
"I thought you didn't want to be out in the village?"
Sark shrugs "I need to get out as well. I need a break from work." He kisses her "Now go put some clothes on."
Rory kisses him, "Love you"
"I love you too darling." Sark pulls Rory to her feet watching as she walks into the house. 'Bloody hell my wife is gorgeous.' He smiles noting her black bikini. 'She has changed quite a lot since we left.'
Rory enters the master bedroom and smiles looking around the room. She catches her reflection in the mirror she brushes her hair back. 'I look so different. Before I'd never wear a bikini... but around Julian I'm comfortable enough to go beyond what I'm comfortable with.' She shakes away the thoughts then walks into the bathroom.
EVENING: VILLAGE
"This was fun." Rory smiles at Sark as they walk down the street.
"That it was my love." Sark pulls her close kissing her head. "I am sorry that you have had to be cooped up in the homes lately."
"I know you just want to keep me safe." Rory shrugs
"You are my world." Sark squeezes her hand. "We are having guests for a few days."
"Who?"
"Former business associates. While they are here I want you to be careful... they are not the most... civil men. If you are going to be out and around I would prefer you not be alone with any of them." As they stop on a footbridge to enjoy the sight he continues, "They are dangerous men. I would prefer to do this away from the house but that is not possible... that would mean I would be away from you for a week." He kisses her bare shoulder. "I will warn them to stay away from you."
Rory nods
THAT NIGHT: HOUSE
Sark looks up as his head of security sent by Irina enters his office, "What is it?"
"Irina has expressed concern with you forming an alliance with these men." Lucian Andros states regarding Irina's former second in command.
"I have no choice." Sark leans back in his chair regarding the man. "Do you share this concern?"
"Yes... as long as your wife is on the premises." Lucian sits across from Sark. "You know the rumors of Brousards predilections."
"I spoke to Rory about not wandering the house or yard alone while they are here." Sark rubs his forehead, "I dislike attending business when my wife is close but there is no choice. While they are here I want you to keep a close eye on Brousard... and my wife."
"Perhaps you should ask her to stay in your rooms for the time they are here."
"I will think about it."
"I take it you haven't informed her of Brousard's predilections."
"No." Sark absently twists his ring, "When you meet them tomorrow inform them that all of their sexual activities are to remain outside my home."
"That is going to be argued and most likely broken."
"If it is I will deal with it."
"I advise you inform Rory why you want her to be careful. She is not of our world. She doesn't know the history of these men. Who knows if she would be able to ignore Brousard if he started talking to her or how he would take it if she did ignore him."
"I know." Sark groans
"You should have taken this meeting away from here."
"I want control of this meeting."
"And you wanted to stay close to your wife." Lucian adds with a faint smile. "My friend you have changed since the last time I saw you."
"I know." Sark says grimly. "Oh while they are here... keep the cameras in our side of the house activated when I'm not with Rory. And when Rory is out of the rooms make sure to keep an eye on her... especially when she is out by the pool."
Lucian nods
"If any of them are within one room of my wife I want someone there with Rory immediately."
"It will be done."
"Keep the liquor limited around them."
"Avoid drunken advances towards your wife."
Sark nods
"Are you going to introduce them to Rory?"
"I have yet to decide. I know they will run into her from time to time. You know Antonio will demand an introduction... being the polite Italian he is."
"Mmm. My advice is to keep the interaction between all of them as limited as possible."
Sark nods
NEXT MORNING
Rory smiles as she feels Sark kiss her shoulder and turns her head, "Morning"
"Morning my love."
Rory snuggles back against Sark smiling when he tightens his arms, "Mmm" she says sleepily.
"Darling"
"Hmm"
"There is something I declined to inform you yesterday."
"Too early. Haven't had coffee. Incoherent thoughts." Rory mumbles
"I know but this is important."
Rory moves to her back "OK talk. Then go get me coffee."
Sark strokes her cheek, "There was a reason why I warned you about our guests. But there is something you need to know about one of the men coming. I know you won't be happy when you find out something about the man."
"OK"
Sark takes a deep breath, "The man Brousard... he has been known to have a like of young women." At Rory's look of disgust he continues, "Look I need his resources... otherwise I would have nothing to do with him." He kisses Rory's temple, "I know you must be unhappy with this disclosure but I will keep Brousard and the others away from you. Though Antonio wants to meet you."
"Antonio?"
"He's actually a pretty decent man for being affiliated with some of the biggest criminal activities in the world. He is one of the few people Irina trusts... the reason why I contacted him."
Rory nods
"But they are still dangerous men."
"I'll be careful."
"I know." He kisses her temple. "When this meeting is done Brousard will never be near you again."
Rory nods "How long are they staying?"
"A few days."
"When will they be here?"
"Two... three."
Rory looks at the clock, "Six hours... left just us."
"Mmm"
Rory tucks her head under his chin. "Stupid people"
Sark chuckles "Only for a few days."
"Still... stupid people."
"You just haven't had your coffee yet."
"And whose fault is that?" Rory asks "You are my morning coffee getter."
"I will go get your coffee in a moment." Sark promises. "Sometimes I think you love coffee more than me." He grumbles
"Hmm... I think I do."
"Hey" Sark starts tickling her
Rory giggles as they roll around on the bed.
After a few minutes Sark stops tickling Rory and kisses her forehead, "I will get you your coffee Princess."
"Goody." Rory grins "Pop-Tart too?"
Sark winces "Those things are bloody disgusting."
"Hey you grew up one way... I grew up another. Pop-Tarts are one of my staples."
"I know." Sark kisses her again then stands "What kind this morning?"
"Surprise me."
"That I can do." Sark grins as he walks out of the room.
Rory lies there grinning foolishly. 'My husband is something else.'
Sark walks into the kitchen where the Cook is making breakfast for the security crew.
"Good morning sir. How is your wife?"
"Waiting for her coffee."
"Does she want breakfast or to stick with her first food item of the morning?"
"Perhaps both. I'm still working on her eating healthy."
"That is quite a feat." The Cook smiles
Sark nods pouring the coffee as he opens a cabinet, "Are the food items ready for our guests?"
"Yes sir. The meal plans have been made."
"Good."
"As is the wines your guests requested."
Sark nods putting a Pop-Tart in the toaster just as Lucian enters the room.
"You seem to be in a good mood this morning Sark." Lucian remarks
"Are the preparations made?" Sark asks ignoring the man's remark.
"Rooms are ready. Security is set. I went over the profiles of each bodyguard coming to the house and the ones staying in town. Arrangements for them have been made as well."
"Good" Sark nods "And make sure everyone knows to refrain from violence around my wife."
Lucian nods in acknowledgement knowing his semi-employer is serious. "I believe Irina has informed Antonio about that as well. Oh and Brousard's guard... also shares his likes."
"I figured. Keep an eye on both of them while they are here."
"Here you go." The Cook says serving up two plates of eggs and bacon and fruit just as the toaster pops up the Pop-Tarts. He puts the plates on a tray adding the coffee as well.
"Thank you." Sark grabs the tray and walks towards the door.
Rory looks up hearing footsteps to see Sark enter with a tray. "Let me guess you and Cook are hoping I'll eat that."
"Darling, Pop-Tarts are not the most healthy of food items."
"They have fruit." Rory argues only to get Sark to lift his brow. "OK fruit imitation." She sighs. "Mom used that argument."
Sark kisses her forehead as he sets the tray on the bed.
Rory picks up the cup of coffee and takes a sip. "Mmm coffee... how I love you." She says happily.
"Hey"
"Not more than you." Rory grins
"Better not" Sark grumbles settling beside her on the bed. "But please Rory eat some of the breakfast."
Rory pouts "Yeah, yeah Mr. Bossy."
Sark shakes his head as he starts eating. When he notices Rory yawn he smiles, "Still tired?"
Rory nods "I have no idea why... I slept through the night. Lately I'm just exhausted."
"You are still getting used to changing time zones and the weather differences."
"Yeah."
3PM
Sark stands at the upstairs window watching as the convoy arrives. Sensing Lucian behind him he speaks, "Where is my wife?" He takes a sip of his wine.
"Last check she was in your private study reading."
"Good. Let me know when she travels outside our quarters."
"You are drinking quite early." Lucian states
Sark shrugs watching as the men step out of the cars. "Take them to the board room. I will be there shortly." He downs his wine then hurries up the steps taking them two at a time.
Lucian heads down the stairs to the front foyer just as the doors open and the six men enter, "Gentlemen. Come this way."
"Where is Mr. Sark?" A short grey haired man demands
"He will join you shortly, Mr. Brousard. He has some other matters to attend too." Lucian gestures "This way gentlemen." 'And perverts.' He mentally adds.
Sark bounds into the study where he finds Rory settled on the couch reading.
Rory looks up, "Are your guests here?"
Sark nods
"And why are you not down there being all British polite guy?" Rory teases then grins as Sark kisses her passionately.
"That's why." Sark grins. "I was suddenly struck with the urge to kiss my beautiful wife."
Rory blushes at his compliment.
"Rory"
"I'll be fine." Rory kisses his palm, "Now go get to work so these guys can be gone and I can have you back to myself."
"Mmm you can have me tonight." Sark smirks
"If I'm not tired." Rory says nonchalantly. "Or not interested."
"Hey"
Rory grins. "Go. I'll be fine here."
Sark kisses her one last time then walks out of the room.
Rory shakes her head, 'That man is going to drive me crazy.'
Sark enters the boardroom where he finds the men waiting, "Gentleman. Thank you for arriving and agreeing to my requests."
"Demands is more like it." Brousard says coldly.
"Mr. Sark it is good to see you." A tall dark haired man greets warmly. "How is Irina doing?"
"I believe she is fairing well Antonio." Sark steps up to his friend Antonio Maciani shaking his hand. "It is good to see you." He looks at the other men, "Brousard, Gregorie Laslin." Sark nods at the two other men then notes their bodyguards in the corner.
"Mr. Sark it has been years." Gregorie Laslin states "We heard of your dealings with the CIA."
Sark waves it off, "It was business. At the time they suited me... but things change."
"Why should we trust such a man who betrays everyone he works for?" Brousard demands
Sark looks at the Frenchman icily, "There were personal reasons behind my decision."
"Oh yes the great Mr. Sark is currently married." Laslin nods "We have heard that."
"When are we going to meet the delightful wife?" Antonio asks
Sark notices Brousard smile faintly, "My wife is occupied. She is off limits. And as long as you are on my property you will obey the main rule that I have."
"And that is?" Laslin inquires
"Prostitutes are not allowed in this house... no exceptions." He looks at Laslin and Brousard only knowing Antonio is not one to step out on his wife. "That includes each of your bodyguards. If that rule is disobeyed by either of you, this meeting will be terminated. If your bodyguard breaks that rule... lets just say that is why I allowed each of you a back up."
"You cannot be serious about killing our own men" Laslin argues
"I have already terminated the employment of two men over breaking my rules." Sark says coldly. "And as Lucian informed you when he picked you up my wife is off limits. When she is around you will not discuss our business dealings. Understood?"
"Completely." Antonio assures "We will follow your rules since this is your home."
"Good" Sark nods "Now lets discuss business." He sits at the table once the others are seated.
EVENING
Rory stirs feeling a hand smooth her hair back and slowly opens her eyes to find Sark watching her. "Mmm how long have I been asleep?" She asks stretching.
"I have no idea." Sark answers
"Everything OK?" Rory asks seeing his thoughtful look.
Sark nods "Just tired. Dealing with this type of issue is tiring."
Rory tugs him down beside her and smiles at him when their nose to nose. "Have I told you that I adore you yet today?"
"I don't believe you have." Sark smiles faintly
"Well I adore you." Rory smiles
"And I you." Sark kisses her forehead. "So what did you do this afternoon?"
"What I do every day... read."
"I'm sorry if you are bored."
"I'm fine. You know I love to read."
"Still you must be bored."
Rory shrugs "I'm fine. I'm a little too tired to do much lately."
"This type of weather you are not used too. Perhaps next we should go to... England? Ireland? Maybe Switzerland?"
"Wherever you are... I really don't care where it is." Rory kisses him lightly. "So where is everyone?"
"They are having dinner."
"As Grandma always says to Mom, 'It is rude to ignore the guests.'" Rory looks at her husband
"Fuck 'em." Sark says coldly. "I haven't seen my wife for hours." Sark pulls her close. "Besides we are taking a break for the night."
"Julian"
"Rory"
Rory smiles "Fine"
COUPLE HOURS LATER
"Did I ever tell you about my first night at college?" Rory asks as she sits at the counter watching Sark make them a late night sandwich.
"I don't believe you ever did." Sark glances at her, "What happened?"
"Well after we had unpacked and Mom made numerous shopping trips to get some things she was about to leave." Rory smiles faintly, "I had a minor panic attack." Rory admits
"Over what?"
"Mom leaving." Rory swings her legs
"Why is that? I know you had visited your father without your mother."
"I think that was always easier because I was going to see Dad. But other than my brief and short visits to Dad... I'd never been away from Mom longer than a few nights at a time at Lane's." Rory muses. "Anyway, Mom decided that she was going to help us go through take out in town. We ordered takeout from pretty much every place in town. So Mom, Paris and Tanna, I think I told you about her, the fifteen year old antisocial genius?"
"I believe so"
"She was in our dorm room for only two years... her parents ended up moving to New Haven because they were worried about her. Anyway, we ordered food and Mom decided we would rate all the food by type, delivery time and her most important issue... the cuteness of the delivery guy."
"Now that sounds like your Mother." Sark chuckles handing Rory her half of the sandwich, "What happened?"
Rory takes a bite of the sandwich chewing thoughtfully, "Well we discovered Senor Changs was the best Chinese place... with the fastest delivery time and cutest delivery guy."
"Yes and that is the important part of the story." Sark says dryly.
"Hey it was... I ordered from there a lot my freshman year." Rory grins then continues. "So Mom ordered a round of pizza it was like six pizzas... ended up having a floor food party, though our very scientific project was lost in the shuffle." She sighs heavily, "We never did agree on the cutest delivery guy." At Sark's look she smiles, "The next morning when Mom left I was completely fine."
"And why did you tell me this?"
Rory shrugs "I didn't know if I had." She absently eats at the sandwich, "Its almost my birthday."
"That it is." Sark looks at Rory just as one of his security men, Thomas enter, "What?" He growls annoyed at the interruption.
"Brousard is demanding to talk to you."
"Can it not wait until tomorrow?"
"I asked him... he said no. He said that if you avoid this he is leaving tonight."
Sark silently groans, "I will be right there."
"He's in the foyer." Thomas answers before walking out of the kitchen.
Sark looks at Rory who is looking sleepy as she eats her half of the sandwich. He chuckles, "You look tired."
"I am." Rory admits. "Shouldn't be I've been sleeping on and off all day."
"Why don't you take this upstairs and I will be up shortly." Sark lifts her off the counter and sets Rory on her feet kissing her. He hands the plate to Rory. "I shouldn't be long." He leads her to the foyer where Brousard is pacing. He kisses Rory's head as she starts up the stairs. He turns to Brousard to find the Frenchman staring after Rory almost drooling. "What is it you wanted?"
Brousard smiles as he looks Rory over. "A moment with her."
"My wife is off limits." Sark says coldly.
"Since when do you care about sharing your woman?"
"No one touches my wife. What is it you want?" He asks coolly.
Rory sits on the bed reading absently eating her half of the sandwich as Sark enters looking annoyed. "Is everything alright?" She asks seeing his annoyed expression.
"Fine." Sark says shortly as he unbuttons his shirt. "So any idea what you want to do for your birthday?"
Rory shrugs "I don't know"
Hearing her tone Sark pauses in undressing and looks at Rory who is looking sad. He sits on the edge of the bed, "What is it?"
"I miss my Mom." Rory whispers. "I've never spent my birthday away from her."
"I know." Sark kisses her forehead. "I know you miss her."
"No midnight wakeups to hear the long details of my birth."
"Rory"
"I'm fine." She whispers her lower lip trembling.
Sark brushes her hair back kissing her forehead "Rory"
"I'm fine." She gives him a sad smile. "I'm fine." She sniffles wiping at her tears. "I'm just..."
"Missing Lorelai"
Rory nods sniffling.
"Understandable." He kisses her head. He stands removing his shirt tossing it on the recliner as he kicks off his shoes and sits down on the recliner removing his socks. "Did you eat?"
Rory nods "Ate your half as well." She admits sheepishly.
Sark smiles "Good... I'm glad you ate. You haven't been eating a lot lately."
Rory shrugs watching as he strips off his pants leaving him naked. She sets her book aside as Sark joins her in bed. "So that guy you were talking too"
Sark kisses her neck, "Mmm"
"Was Brousard?"
Sark lifts his head looking at Rory, "Stay away from him."
"No worries... he's way too old for me." Rory grins
Sark chuckles
"Besides I am completely happy with my husband" she slips her arms around his neck as he settles over her.
"Completely happy huh?"
"More than" Rory smiles "He's strange and all but I love him."
"Strange hmm"
Rory shivers as he kisses her neck moving down her chest. "Oh yes he is very strange."
"And what makes him strange?"
"Anyone who can put up with my mother and grandmother... and keep their tempers... strange."
Sark grins "I do like the Gilmore women... they are quite fascinating, especially the youngest."
"Oh really? Why is she so fascinating?"
"Because she married me"
Rory giggles, "Well you are cute." She smiles running her fingers through his hair.
TBC…