Authors note: The story continues as Mark and Princess prepare together for their upcoming mission. Can they put their feelings from the past aside or will the memories continue to haunt them? Has Princess really moved on with someone else?

I must once again thank my good friend Summer39 for keeping us moving with this story in the midst of all our family and work responsibilities. This has been such a fun collaborative effort! I certainly could never have written this story on my own, so I thank her from the bottom of my heart for taking it on with me. We've got many exciting things planned for future chapters, so stay tuned! The usual disclaimer still stands: "BoTP" belongs to Sandy Frank Productions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Damn, how much information can someone be expected to process in one day? Mark asked himself as he tossed a fifth file folder onto the rapidly growing stack of paperwork on his living room coffee table. He closed his eyes and leaned back into the sofa for a few moments hoping this brief break would give him the focus he needed to continue.

The past few hours had not been easy. He and Princess had been pouring over the extensive documentation on Elliot and Sabrina Shay that Chief Anderson had provided to them. Being part of G-Force had often required the team to study the backgrounds of those they had been assigned to protect. Mark was used to reading dossiers on a wide range of individuals. However, this case went well beyond general knowledge of the subject's work and personal relationships. They had to know every detail of the Shay's lives, where they grew up, where they went to school, who their friends were, their favorite foods, their favorite colors, and their hobbies. The list of mundane details seemed endless! On top of that, Mark had to familiarize himself with Dr. Shay's research enough to carry on an intelligent conversation with anyone he may encounter in the scientific field. Quantum Physics wasn't exactly one of Mark's strong suits. As he reviewed the information he concentrated on retaining enough buzz words to sound like he knew what he was talking about. Fortunately, Princess had studied this area quite extensively in the past to supplement her knowledge as a demolitions expert. She assured Mark that if he got stuck, she would prompt him with the details that he needed.

He opened his eyes and observed the beautiful woman sitting across from him as she intently studied the file that rested in her lap. The glamorous dress from that morning was replaced by a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She tilted her head to get a closer look at the documents and a strand of hair fell across her forehead landing near her eyes. Mark longed to reach over and brush it away, but held himself back. To think that just a few short months ago he and Princess had spent many evenings sitting on this very same sofa, often kissing each other senseless while a movie played on the TV in the background. Now here they were again, a stack of files physically between them and a wealth of unresolved issues keeping them apart. Reminders of the past continued to distract him. Mark realized that meeting at his place may turn out to be more difficult than he originally thought, but he knew that it was a necessary step towards reaching his ultimate goal.

Princess looked up from her paperwork, her deep green eyes meeting his penetrating gaze. "Should we try quizzing each other again?" she asked. "I'm almost done with this set of information."

His thoughts still occupied with previous memories, Mark absentmindedly took the folder from her hand and started leafing through it. The file contained some detailed information regarding Sabrina's career as a cocktail waitress. Apparently, she worked at an establishment near Elliot's research facility. They met one day when another scientist suggested that they go out after work to celebrate Elliot's groundbreaking discoveries. Although they seemed an unlikely match, it was love at first sight. Elliot and Sabrina had been inseparable ever since.

"So, how long has Sabrina been working as an …uh ...cocktail waitress?" Mark asked, clearing his throat before stating her profession.

Princess glared back at him. "Are you implying that there is something wrong with being a waitress? If you haven't forgotten, I'm a waitress too!"

"Yeah, but you don't work at a place called The Gentleman's Club!"

"I know the name of the club doesn't sound too great, but there is absolutely nothing in her background to indicate she was anything other than a cocktail waitress!" Princess argued. "She is only working this job to pay her tuition to fashion design school."

Mark turned his head to review the photos of Sabrina that lay on the table. She may not have been an exotic dancer or a stripper, but she certainly had the body to be one! He could see how tips from her job alone could fund her education. Although she dressed provocatively, he had to admit that her face did have an air of innocence about it. The file also stated that she was highly intelligent. She came from a blue collar family and apparently had received scholarships to attend several local universities. However, Sabrina chose to pass those aside to pursue her passion in design. He realized now that he had mistakenly jumped to conclusions. In this case, appearances alone did not tell the full story.

"You're right, Prin," Mark consented. "She completely checks out. There is nothing sordid in her past at all. I shouldn't have implied anything different."

Princess' face broke into a satisfied smile and her eyes relaxed. For the first time Mark recognized the uncanny resemblance between her and Sabrina. Their chosen styles of clothing couldn't have been more different, yet Princess more than measured up to Sabrina in terms of looks. He was sure there were many times that she had also been misjudged due to her beauty.

"You know, you really do look like her," he said as he continued to study her face.

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" she asked warily, still doubting his perception of Sabrina. True, she didn't know Sabrina either, but after a day of immersing herself in the details of her life, she felt she had a better understanding of this woman whose identity she would temporarily assume. It was important that Mark understood and respected her if they were to effectively portray a married couple.

"Oh it's definitely a good thing," he replied softly. Yet in spite of her resemblance to someone else, Mark knew that there was no way that he could lose sight of who she really was. They had shared too much for him to ever lose those memories.

As Princess started to gather up the paperwork that they had been studying, her eyes fell upon one of the photographs of Elliot.

"You sort of look like him too," she remarked as she held up the photo along side Mark's face.

"Really? So is that a good thing or a bad thing?" he returned.

Princess smiled, "Well, he is kind of cute," she admitted

"You think so?" Mark asked as he put on the pair of wire rimmed frames that had been sitting in a case on the table.

She stared at Mark and then back at the photo. Princess had to admit that with the glasses on, his resemblance to Elliot was quite remarkable.

"Well, we are not exactly identical," Mark countered as he removed the eyeglasses and placed them back in the case, "The Chief told me to get a haircut before we leave."

Princess couldn't help but let out a gasp. She always loved Mark's longer hair and couldn't imagine the thought of cutting it off.

"We compromised and I'm just getting a trim," he clarified. "Besides, it will grow back eventually anyway."

Princess hoped so. Then again, why should she care what Mark's hair looked like anyway? It's not like she would be enjoying the pleasure of running her fingers through it anytime soon. Well….technically, she would be as Sabrina, but that was just a role she was playing. She reminded herself to keep her personal feelings in check and refocused her thoughts back to the Shays.

Princess had to admit that after reading up on the couple she couldn't find much that they had in common. While Sabrina came from humble middle class roots, Elliot had been raised by a wealthy family and attended the best schools. Elliot appeared to be reserved, understated, and conservative while Sabrina was bold and outgoing. Princess was still somewhat baffled as to why they were together.

"Elliot and Sabrina…they do seem so different," Princess remarked, "I wonder what drew them to each other?"

"You know what they say," Mark replied, "Opposites attract."

"Well, I just think a relationship has a better chance if two people have more things in common," Princess explained. Her thoughts brought to mind the many qualities and interests that she and Mark had shared. At one time she believed their similarities would keep them together, yet in the end, they only resulted in keeping them apart.

"On second thought," she added, "Maybe having too many things in common is not such a good thing."

She cast her eyes downward and Mark knew that she was referring to their own past relationship. Both of them being involved in G-Force had been one of the key reasons for their break-up. Their mutual desire for each other had begun to overshadow everything else. It had spiraled out of control and Mark did not like feeling out of control.

A part of him wished that it could have been different. If they had been different people, had lived a different life, would things have worked out? He wondered for a moment about what could have been.

As his feelings for Princess once again began to rise to the surface, Mark felt it best to put some space between them.

"Uh…how about we take break?" he asked as he made his way to the kitchen, "Do you want something to drink?"

Mark walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Uh oh….they drank the last of the sodas while eating the pizza that had been delivered for dinner a few hours ago. He desperately started searching through his empty cupboards and eventually came across a box of tea.

"How about some of this?" he asked as he peered into the living room and held out the box for her approval.

Princess recognized the chamomile tea that she often enjoyed at night before going to bed.

"You still have that stuff? Mark, you were never much of a tea drinker!"

"Well, you never know. People can change," he said as began looking for a pair of clean mugs.

Truth be told, Princess was right. Mark hated tea! Yet, he knew that she had bought it. Every time he saw the box sitting on the shelf, he just didn't have the heart to throw it away.

While Mark was still at work in the kitchen, Princess stood up from her seat, stretched her stiff limbs, and let out a deep yawn. She turned her head about to examine the room around her. Not much had changed since she had been there last. Well, she did notice it was somewhat messier. She bent down to pick up a few magazines that were scattered about the floor. Let's see…Sports Illustrated, Men's Fitness, Aviation Week…No Playboy…That's good! As she approached an end table that she planned to place them upon, she noticed a small framed photograph. Princess picked it up and realized it was a picture of her and Mark. For an instant she was transported back in time to the moment when it was taken. They had been in the middle of a long hike along a local mountainside trail. She had been photographing wildlife and foliage along the way. An older couple who had also been hiking approached them and offered to take a photo. Mark had placed his arms around Princess and pulled her close. He wasn't one for public displays affection, so his actions surprised her. As she studied the photo, she could clearly see the blush that had appeared across her face. They both looked so happy. Without thinking she began to trace the outline of Mark's face with her finger.

As Mark rounded the kitchen corner holding two steaming mugs of tea, he noticed Princess holding the frame of a photo from their hiking trip the previous summer. He'd purposely placed it there earlier in hopes that the picture would evoke fond memories and it seemed to have just that effect on Princess. He stood behind her for several moments undetected and heard a small laugh escape from her lips. She'd been so engrossed with the photograph she didn't hear Mark approach her from behind.

"We had a good time that day didn't we?" Mark asked peering over her shoulder as his words drifted warmly against her cheek.

Princess turned slightly at the sound of his voice as she returned the photo to the end table. Their eyes met as Mark carefully handed her a mug. Princess responded humorously, "I seem to recall walking an additional few miles after this picture was taken because you lost our compass. God, it was so hot that day!" She began to blow on the surface of the mug before sipping at its contents.

Mark laughed, his blue eyes reflecting his enjoyment. "But we came upon that lake remember? And we wanted so badly to cool off but didn't bring any swimsuits so…"

"So you decided to take a skinny-dip and dared me to go along with it," Princess chimed in laughingly nearly sputtering the tea from her mouth, rubbing at her jaw.

Mark smirked, "We both went for it! It felt great didn't it? Just you and me, totally uninhibited for a while." He cut a sideways glance at Princess as he continued, "I remember grabbing you after you deliberately pulled me under that water. The only way I could think of getting back at you was to kiss…you." His eyes shifted deliberately to Princess' mouth as her tongue licked at the droplets of tea sprinkled about her lips.

The merriment between them was quickly replaced by the memories of shared intimacies from that afternoon. The playful kiss had taken a passionate turn as Mark held Princess against his hardened body; unable to hide the desire her nearness had caused him. She had clung to him fiercely wanting him just as much as he wanted her. Mark had lifted Princess and she had wrapped her legs around his waist; relying on the water's buoyancy as they stood in chest high water with no barriers between them.

Both had been on the verge of crossing that final threshold until they were interrupted by the park's ranger holding their clothes up for display. An older man, shocked to find two naked people as he so kindly described it, '…bumping and grinding in broad daylight in a family park!' pointed to The No Trespassing! Sign several feet away from the couple off shore. Mark pushed Princess behind him and apologized to the ranger profusely, albeit good naturedly, that he and his 'wife' got caught up in the moment; the sun and the scenery providing the perfect aphrodisiac. The park ranger was not amused and ordered them out of the water before he called the authorities and had them arrested for disorderly conduct and indecent exposure.

Princess' cheeks were temporarily stained red from remembering their bodies being pressed together so intimately. A reaction Mark believed to be in his favor and smiled at her attempt to graciously hide it. Princess nervously coughed before she went on, "I…I still can't believe that actually happened." She chastised Mark for his arrogance. "And for you to stand there grinning about the whole thing in front of that old man. I've never been so embarrassed about anything in my whole life." She folded her arms, still grasping her mug in one hand. "It's not like you to lose things Mark; particularly something as important as a compass."

Mark grinned roguishly. "Who said I lost anything? I misplaced the compass, but I knew about the lake," he smiled wickedly as he brushed past Princess' shoulder. She stood with her mouth agape as Mark made his way back to the couch.

Princess followed and sat in the chair on the opposite side, her face a mixture of surprise and humor from Mark's recent admission. "You're not an eagle; you're a pig!" she laughed and threw the nearest item within her reach, a throw pillow landing strategically against Mark's head. It felt nice that they could once again be comfortable in each other's presence and both shared the memory with fondness.

"So, tell me about him," he said after they were both settled back in their seats.

"Tell you about whom?" Princess asked her face revealing some confusion as her thoughts continued to dwell in the past.

"Your new boyfriend….Jeff."

Questions about the mysterious "Jeff" had been stewing in Mark's brain ever since he had found out about him that morning. Although he wasn't looking forward to it, he had to find out more information about this new man in Princess' life

"Oh….," she said somewhat surprised that Mark was bringing him up, "There's not much to tell. We've only been seeing each other for a few weeks. He's a graduate student majoring in Philosophy and Ancient Civilizations at the university."

"Have you been spending a lot of time together?" Mark asked, dreading to hear what her response would be.

"Well, we've gone to the movies a few times. He's taken me out to dinner and dancing. We also went to see a play last week at the university theater. That was fun."

Mark thought back to the time when he and Princess were together. They rarely ventured out in public, preferring to spend their time in secluded locations. It was probably the best thing to do at the time since they were trying to keep their relationship secret from the others on the team. Yet, Mark couldn't help but feel some regret for the things that they missed out on.

"Come on. I'm sure there is something more you can say about him," he said after forcing himself to take in another sip of tea. God, why does she like drinking this stuff?

"Well if you insist," she replied, feeling the sudden urge to get back at him for this relentless prying into her personal life. "He's six foot two, blond hair, brown eyes, muscular build…. Oh, and he's a really nice guy too. Need I go on?"

Mark bristled at her reply. It seems Jason's comments about Jeff's "surfer dude" looks weren't that far off track. "Hmmm…I never thought that you went for that type," Mark said.

"You mean the "nice guy" type?"

He felt the sting in her reply, but he knew it was well deserved. Maybe it was time for them to finally clear the air regarding their break-up.

"Listen Prin, I think we need to talk about what happened between us," he said seriously.

"Mark, as far as I'm concerned, that's history. I'm o.k. with it. I've moved on."

"Yeah….I can see that," he said with a note of regret in his voice. Clearly she was with Jeff now.

"I'm glad that you've… found someone… you're more compatible with," Mark stammered, trying to find the words to make amends. "Truth is Prin…it's not that I didn't care about you. It's just that being Commander of G-Force required my utmost attention and I often found myself wondering if I were doing an effective job. It was difficult worrying about you while on assignment and being…involved with you. I didn't know how to separate the two. For that…I'm sorry and I hope that …we can at least remain friends." Even as Mark spoke he knew he wasn't being totally honest, neither with Princess or himself. He could learn to live with her decision to be with Jeff, but he didn't want to. Not when he still felt there was something unresolved between Princess and himself.

Princess didn't know what to say. It seemed like she had waited for this apology forever, but now that it finally came, she felt numb. She looked away, unable to face his repentant gaze. Why did he have to do this now? She had been hoping the unresolved wedge between them would keep her old feelings from returning. Now that he chipped it away, she wondered if she could hold up her defenses.

"Mark, I ….."

"Its o.k., you don't have to say anything," he said sensing her struggle for words. "I'm not expecting that you will forgive me. I just didn't want to go on this mission with the past standing between us."

"I knew what I was getting into," Princess said, "Our relationship was what it was. It won't affect our work."

"But this mission is going to be different than any of the others we've been on before. We'll have to say and do things as a couple. Are you o.k. with that?"

Mark searched her face for an answer. He knew that he himself would have trouble putting the past behind him under these circumstances. Could she really forget the closeness that they once shared?

"I'll be fine," Princess responded, although in her heart she truly did wonder if she could separate her feelings from the role she was about to play. Plus, she couldn't let herself forget that she was with Jeff now. Regardless of what would happen between she and Mark on this cruise, she would be coming home to Jeff.

"Uh….I hope that my seeing Jeff is not a problem," Princess added, also wanting Mark to remember that she was now spoken for.

"Of course not. I've been…uh, dating too," Mark stammered out a lie, not wanting to reveal the fact that Princess was still the only woman who had been occupying his thoughts.

"Oh!" Princess remarked, somewhat caught off guard "Is it anyone I know?"

"I don't think so. I've seen a few people. Nothing serious."

Princess didn't know whether to be comforted by the fact that he wasn't in a serious relationship or concerned that he had been seeing what sounded like several different women! Once again she reminded herself to control her feelings and push any left over thoughts of jealousy aside.

With the boundaries clearly marked between them there didn't seem much left to say. They spent a moment in uncomfortable silence. It was getting late, and they had accomplished what they could for the evening. Princess placed her cup on the table, stood up, and prepared to leave.

"I think we should call it a night," she said as she reached for the paperwork.

"Don't bother taking the files," Mark stated, "The Chief is sending someone over tomorrow morning to pick this stuff up so it doesn't get in the wrong hands. Keop will have a copy of the data on a laptop in case we need to refer to it while we are on the ship."

Princess realized that this made sense. She began to head towards the door. Mark followed her.

"Oh wait a minute," Mark said as he rummaged through his pants pocket. "I almost forgot. The Chief gave me these earlier today."

Mark extended his open palm and Princess stared down to see two golden wedding bands and one diamond engagement ring.

"He said that they are exact copies of Elliot and Sabrina's rings, but of course, the diamond isn't real."

Not real. That's what Princess had to keep telling herself. This entire cruise was a complete charade. No matter how "real" they had to make things look, she couldn't let any of her feelings for Mark resurface. It would only hurt her in the end.

"It certainly does look authentic," Mark stated as he held the ring up to the light and admired its sparkle. "I'm sure no one will be able to tell the difference."

Mark slipped his ring on, and then took hold of Princess' left hand placing both the wedding band and the diamond onto her third finger. He hesitated a bit as it suddenly struck him what this gesture conveyed. If someone had told him yesterday that he'd be placing a ring on a woman's finger today, he'd think that they were crazy! The mere thought would have sent him heading for the hills! Yet as he stood here before Princess, instead of the fear he imagined would envelop him, it strangely felt….right. Maybe what he had been resisting all along was what he actually needed, what was truly meant to be.

Princess swallowed nervously and her hands trembled slightly as she stared down at the rings and then back up at Mark.

"That's where they belong, right? Did I put them on the wrong hand?"

"No, you got it right," she confirmed as she turned her eyes away once again.

The rings were a perfect fit, but she clearly felt the binding weight of them. These rings were meant to be worn by people who had made a commitment to each other; a lifetime commitment. The commitment between them was only supposed to last for two weeks! As she stared down at the rings on their hands, she tried to see them as just the pieces of metal and stone that they were, but she just couldn't shake their sense of permanence.

Mark was still holding her hand as he gently grazed his thumb along her finger.

"They do look great on you," he said softly as he stared into her eyes. He knew the rings were just part of the act, but he sensed that they were connecting them somehow. Mark was even surer now that he had to win her back.

Princess continued to be caught up in the warmth of his touch and the look in his magnificent blue eyes. Feeling her defenses beginning to unravel, she moved back and pushed open the door. The chill of the night air rushed in, knocking her to her senses.

"I better go!" she said quickly as she backed away and headed outside.

Mark felt a sudden void as she distanced herself from him. He knew he had to let her go for now, but he was certain that she had felt something too. Things were far from over between them. He still had a chance to make up for his past mistakes.

"Goodnight, Mark," she said as she started to disappear into the blackness of the night.

"Goodnight, Princess," he replied as he reluctantly watched her leave.

She slipped into the seat of her car, closed the door, and placed her hands on the steering wheel. Even in the darkness, she could still see the rings glistening back at her. She shut her eyes tightly and sighed. What have I gotten myself into?

Thanks for reading. More to come soon!