AN: Thank you for your support. Doesn't matter if it's a review, a pm or simply adding this story to your alerts. It means a lot that you're giving this a chance. Again I'd like to thank my wonderful beta jackandsamforever, hope you're well again. Thank you so much.

All mistakes are mine and mine only.

Disclaimer: I don't own The Blacklist or any of its characters. I just love using them for my purposes. Though I'd like to give a shoutout:

James Spader? I love you!

Chp. 3

"I wish I hadn't said anything," She moaned for the umpteenth time. They were sitting in a limo on their way to the yacht, when Ray had let her in on his plan.

"Lizzie, you could at least try to not sound as if the mere thought of being in a relationship with me is going to make you vomit," He retorted, his usual smugness gone.

She then realized that her comment must had really hurt him, and put a hand on his arm. "Red, I didn't mean it like that," She said as they pulled onto the parking lot.

He chose not to answer as he exited the vehicle and was greeted by Salvatore.

They were having drinks on the deck, and Liz had been glad when Red had taken the vacant seat next to her so that Sonny and his seemingly always leering son had to sit across them. Red had yet to acknowledge her, and she could practically feel the anger and hurt radiating from him.

"Liz, how do you like Italy so far?" Sonny addressed her, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"It's beautiful here. I'm glad Ray finally caved and took me with him," She answered, placing her hand on Red's thigh, giving him a soft smile and leaning closer so their shoulders were touching.

"Raymond! You haven't taken her with you? A lady like Liz needs to be spoiled, my old friend. Though I must admit I am surprised," Sonny said, leaning forward, "I thought you never mixed business with pleasure."

"I'd normally agree. But I just had to make an exception with his lovely lady. I mean, how could I not?" Red covered her hand with his and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her cheek.

After a while Liz felt bolder and started inching her hand to Red's inner thigh, drawing circles here and there, enjoying the flexing of his muscles under her gentle assault. By now Red had opted for an arm around her back, his thumb running over her skin just below her breast and she knew this was his payback. He probably didn't think she would go any further, but Liz was feeling brave today.

Whether it was from trying to get rid of Arcangelo, or simply because she wanted to make it up to Red, she didn't know. But what she did know was that she was having fun torturing him. So she took it took one step further, and let her hand glide further along the inside of his thigh, her wrist brushing the seam of his pants. She could hear his breath hitch, and his thumb was pressed harder into her ribcage.

After lunch they were walking back to the limo. Red still had an arm around Liz' shoulders, knowing full well they were being watched by the Italians.

"You sure were bold back there, Lizzie. My, my what's gotten into you?"

She snuck her own arm around his waist so she could pull herself closer. "Well, that was fun." She pressed a kiss to his cheek, simply for her benefit. "I'm sorry, Red. I really didn't mean it like that. Earlier, I mean."

"It's alright, Lizzie -"

"No. No, it's not," She interrupted, "I really didn't mean it. I... I'm just tired of pretending." They both knew she was talking about her failing marriage.

Red kissed her temple and pulled her closer to his side.

"I'm done pretending."

The ride back to their hotel was uneventful and soon they were back in their suite. Liz flopped onto the sofa, stretching her body across the piece of furniture.

"I have to talk to Dembe, do you need anything?" Red asked standing by her head.

"Nu uh," She mumbled, her eyes already closed.

"I won't be long," He said, leaning down and placing a kiss on her forehead.

Liz was about to fall asleep when a knock at the door rattled her. She groaned and stood up. Leave it to Red to not let her sleep. "Damn it, Red, I was this close to -" She stopped her rant when the door opened and revealed another person.

"Hello, Liz. May I come in?" Arcangelo didn't wait for a reply as he stepped past her and walked into her bedroom.

"Angelo, what are you doing here?" She asked, following him.

"Reddington is out, huh? That little display of affection earlier. Was that to make me jealous?"

She had a bad feeling about this guy. "Certainly not. Will you excuse me, I have to use the bathroom," She lied, fully intending to call Red.

Suddenly she was slammed into the door, her face against the wood. "I don't think so. You like being chased, right babe? I'm sure you like it rough. How about right here against the door?"

Liz's heart was pounding, but she forced herself to calm down. "Arcangelo, let go," She told him firmly, trying to press away from the door.

His hands were starting to wander and she could already feel him harden against her backside.