July 4th
Red chuckled his appreciation of a rather questionable joke Michael Fairfax entailed, the ending both surprising and inventive, in Red's humble opinion.
The men at the table sat around, blue smoke rising majestically as each enjoyed aromatic cigars.
Red sloshed his drink lazily about the crystal glass hanging lackadaisically from the fingers of his free hand.
All the men suddenly tempered their raucous response to Michael's tale as Lizzy and a gaggle of women approached the table, making their way politely through the crowded area.
It seemed to Red each time Lizzy met with the friends she acquired here at the ranch, the group grew with added members.
He knew how Custer must have felt as the entourage circled the area in front and behind his position.
Overly bright, smiling faces stared back at his suddenly wary one.
"Oh, hi, honey," Liz smiled, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek. "You guys having fun?" she hurried along, clearly not interested one way or other.
"Didn't mean to intrude," she wrinkled her nose adorably. "Oh, say... the girls and I were just talking it over and we decided we'll need to stay on here a little longer than planned. We have so much to do, you would not believe all the stuff we still have on our lists."
Uncrossing his legs quickly, Red adjusted in his seat as the woman slid comfortably onto his lap.
"Could you be a sweetheart," she ran a tender finger along his neckline, "and arrange that with Mark... and well, whoever?" she made mention of Cooper as distantly as allowed, the charming smile still very much in place.
"That would be amazing if you could do that..." she moved just so on his lap, presenting a fantastic view of her breasts should Red wish to look... which he did.
"...Yes," Red focused squarely on the ample cleavage resting against his hard chest, "I suppose I could do that."
Offering the man a slow, promising kiss, Liz slowly pulled back flicking her tongue against his lip. "Thank you, Red..." the soft purr she emitted went straight to Red's groin.
"You guys resume what you were doing." the thousand watt smile brightened as she gingerly slid from his lap. "I'll see you in a bit... okay?"
Nodding absently, Red watched the saucy swish of her hips as she led the way out of the bar.
He smiled at Susan Fairfax who stopped to offer a saccharine grin, one of which could only be described as pure malice before departing with her own species.
"I've just been played... right?" Red checked with his counterparts.
"Big time," Michael nodded sagely. "Not only did she wrangle more vacation days, I will wager your bank account will drop like the stock market on Black Tuesday after that lot is finished this fine day."
"My fiancée can't play with your wife anymore." Red sent the man a look.
"Oh, get real," Michael dismissed. "We have nothing to say about such things... come to think of it, we have nothing to say on any subject under the sun any longer."
"You're both pussy whipped," was the considered opinion of Francis Holbrook. "I never thought to see the day. You better take that filly in hand, Red... is all I'm saying."
Francis looked over his shoulder quickly, making sure Lizzy hadn't heard the remark, then relaxed.
"You better get the hell out of this state," Red returned his cigar to his mouth, "is all I'm saying."
"You're not even going to deny it?" Francis was heartbroken, his ideology where the two men were concerned, crushed to tiny particles of dust. "I've always looked up to you guys. If you crumble, where's the hope for the rest of us?"
"There is no hope," Michael had long since given up the fight. "We're all doomed to a life of servitude, our former glorious stature of magnificent male-hood dismantled beneath spike stiletto heels."
Red offered the man an askew frown. "You're being awfully melodramatic, don't you think?"
Michael sighed deeply, continuing on, lifting his drink in mock salute. "The next thing you know, you're allowing them ride you bareback like you're a breed stallion..."
"He thinks rather highly of himself, don't you think." Mark murmured quietly, earning a small chuckle from Red.
"Oh, pleasant enough fun at first, yes," Michael lamented, "but then they actually wish to put those stilettoes to practical use... and not in a good way."
Each man at the table slowly turned, all eyes allowing a certain wariness, some shifting about restlessly, troubled expressions abounding.
"Too much information, Michael." Red spoke decisively. "Let's stop there."
"Had he not mixed metaphors," Danny made mention, "it may have worked better." he sought Red's opinion. "Michael, I suggest somehow working spurs into your analogy next time."
Michael lowered his glass, a frown overtaking his features, "Yeah... I can do that."
"Yeah," Francis canted his head, his expression confused, "...I don't get it. Stilettos to horses." he looked at Red, frowning. "Is this some weird kink I haven't heard about?"
"Michael is merely moping," Red assured.
"Yeah," Danny muttered into his tumbler, "cause Susan has his dick in a sling... and he kind of enjoys it."
"Oh," Francis drawled his understanding, his face shining with youthful exuberance and reverence, his faith in his idols fully restored.
Red settled back, his estimation of Susan Fairfax raising higher than before.
Given their previous experience here at Mark's, Liz didn't know why the sight which greeted them upon their exit from the hotel shocked her.
Seemingly, overnight... an entire amusement park had appeared out of nowhere.
"The man is a genius at these things!" she was enthralled and yet, stupefied.
Leading Lizzy through the throngs of guests playing games and exiting rides, Red chuckled as the woman gaped at her surroundings.
Red laughed under his breath when Lizzy startled at his side as the loud report of live weapon fire echoed out over the expanse space.
"What the hell?" she gawked over the milling crowds, trying to ascertain where the sound originated from exactly. She hastily curbed her instinct to seek cover but only marginally.
Some woman fed cotton candy to a suitor, faces alight with amusement.
"Was that live gun fire?" Liz practically squeaked.
"Mark's not known for going half-ass on anything," Red smiled, wrapping an arm casually about Lizzy's waist. His eyes twinkled their amusement as Lizzy's head canted curiously as comprehension took hold.
"Oh, I get it." she thought she had hit upon it. "Are those people," she scowled her confusion, "shooting... clowns?"
Adjusting his sun glasses, Red peered around a booth of sweet treats to see wood cutouts of grinning clowns spin in a circle, just taunting players to put a hole in them... somewhere.
Grinning, Red nodded gaily, "They are, yes."
"Well, I guess I can't say I blame them," Liz crinkled a disgusted nose. "I hate clowns."
"The scare the hell out of me," Red said, guiding her to the booth, "reminds me of my great-aunt Ethel." he shivered at the disturbing memories. "...Horrible woman."
Offering a nod to the man operating the booth, Red handed Lizzy a weapon and stood aside. "Relive some aggression... blow Bobo away."
Gamely taking the weapon in hand, Liz in fact, did confirm by the hefty-weight, the weapon was real.
"Red, won't it shoot through the back of the booth?" she craned her neck, looking beyond the stand for wayward victims.
"There's hay bales and whatnot behind," Red assured, lifting his own weapon. "Besides, it's only a .22 rifle," he shrugged. "Francis has survived worse."
"I have," Francis concurred, suddenly standing beside the couple.
Liz blinked, "How did you just... come out of nowhere like that?"
Red stared at the guy perplexed. "Did you tie off those kites?"
Francis seemed confused by both questions, then laughed at the man's quip as his thought process caught up... though said nothing in reply.
"Though flesh wounds are your thing, for all our sakes," Liz patted the man's shoulder, moving on, "you stay on this side of the booth... okay?"
"Knock down all four clowns," the operator barked his spiel, "you win a prize. Hit the bell... you get a special gift."
"It's pump action, Lizzy," Red gestured to the rifle.
"How many rounds?" Liz asked, pumping the handle once, readying her aim.
"Twelve rounds, so make 'em count." Red grinned, lifting his own weapon gleefully.
Hitting the button beside him, the operator stepped back as he sent the targets in a dizzying spin.
Shots rang out in a deafening din as each participant tried his or her luck.
Liz giggled her delight, enjoying the activity more than she should.
"Dammit!" Francis cursed as one clown fell back, simulating an early demise
"What's wrong? You hit it!" Liz cackled her glee, targeting her own prey carefully.
"I was aiming for the damn bell!" Francis groaned his lot in life.
The bells were a bit harder to hit as they were lower on the board and therefore, centrifugal force spinning them much faster than the actual clown head.
Both glanced to their side as a bell rung, then another.
Liz and Francis pulled annoyed faces as Red's expression spoke of a much superior shot... and patience.
"You show off sons-of-a-bitches..." Francis grumbled as the sound of tinkling bells chimed their way.
"Let me! Let me!" Liz aimed ever so carefully at the bells, delighted to hear the chime ring out loud and clear when she hit the mark.
The woman squealed her joy, bouncing up and down excitedly on her toes, cuddling the weapon in loving hands.
"I did it!" she beamed happily at Red.
"So what!" Francis moped. "I could do it...but well, you know."
"Yes," Dembe leisurely took his place beside Red, choosing a weapon, "we know."
Francis' 'mope' heightened.
"Ready?" Red grinned at his counterpart as each man took aim.
In seconds, two rows of clowns met their demise as shots rang out consecutively from each weapon held in capable hands.
Liz watched, slack-jawed. The handle on Red's rifle nearly blurred as he hastily pumped it in his quest to fell clowns in rapid succession.
Francis rolled his eyes, not impressed one iota.
Bells rang out a musical clang.
Red and Dembe lowered their rifles, wide grins on their handsome faces.
"How did you do that?" Liz had seen splendid marksmanship at the Academy, but there was something so elegantly beautiful in the symmetry and precision which both men displayed that took her breath away.
"Worked a carnival one season." Red shrugged. "Dembe... well, he's just that good."
Dembe grinned as the stand operator approached, gesturing to the prizes. "Yes, I am."
"And modest," Red chided, laughing at his friend's good mood.
Liz gawked as Dembe took the new FitBit handed him, fastening it to his wrist, nodding his approval.
"What'd you want, baby." Red smiled, pointing to the array of prizes to choose from.
"A puppy," she avidly scanned the various selection, beaming happily.
Pointing to one in particular, the operator smiled as he handed the plush animal over.
"And the lucky lady wins her prize, step up... meet the challenge!" the operator yelled to the passer-by's.
"What else?" Red offered up his prize to the woman.
Liz blinked her shock as the operator showed her a selection of electronics and gift cards available for her to choose from.
"Who did you have to kill," she lamely pointed to a brand new tablet, "... for that one?"
Red smiled as the woman's eyes widened when the carny held out her chosen prize without question or hesitation.
"And the lucky lady wins again!" it was loudly proclaimed.
"And that one as well," Red gestured to a plush bear with a heart proclaiming its love, "if you please."
"Ugh," Francis gagged at their side, "you two make me nauseous."
"You're just pissed I got a girl," Red grinned, handing Lizzy the bear, "...and you don't."
"I've got plenty girls," Francis scoffed, pointing to his own chosen prize. "The green inflatable alien, please."
"I stand corrected," Red chortled as the blow up doll headed Francis' way. "She's not your usual type, but...variety is the spice of life, they say."
Liz juggled her prizes, her face radiating joy. "I haven't been this happy since..." her face froze, the answer coming to mind. "Oh, my God, Francis!"
Francis scowled when Lizzy gasped at his side, grasping his bicep, "What the hell's wrong with you? You gotta pee or something?"
"You'll never guess what Red did!" Liz grinned, hastily catching her stuffed puppy before it could go flying, her face beaming.
"What? He buy you a chateau or something?" Francis took a guess.
"Better!" Liz's smile widened so much her cheeks hurt.
Red cleared his throat in an attempt to garner the woman's attention. "...Lizzy."
"Well, come on," Francis prodded, ignoring Red, "what's going on?"
"Red asked me to marry him," Liz beamed a megawatt smile, "...and I said, yes!"
"Oh my God! Shit!" Francis' mouth gaped. "Are you freaking kidding me!" he threw his arms around his best-friend. "Really?"
"Yes, really!" Liz giggled as the man lifted her off the ground, squeezing the air from her lungs.
Red side-glanced Dembe, both men... holding their breath for the inevitable conclusion to this debacle.
"You think I'd make it up!" the woman giggled infectiously.
"I'm so happy for you!" Francis grinned happily, gasping a moment later. "Oh, my God! Are you pregnant!"
"What!?" Liz gasped, her mouth falling open in shock. "You think that's the only reason Red would ask, you dunce!" she punched his arm, hard.
"No, of course not." Francis backtracked. "I just assumed because..." his countenance fell, a dark scowl gracing his face.
Red's eye twitched, swearing he could smell smoke coming off the gears spinning rapidly in Francis' head.
Apparently Lizzy realized what she just said... for she too, wondered how to fix the unfixable. Oh, my God, why had she...
She frantically searched for a way out of the developing dilemma.
Dembe offered a sedate lift of his hand, suggesting they should simply allow things play out.
"... Wait," Francis looked oddly between the two as realization dawned, "... haven't you been engaged."
"Well, yes," Liz plastered on a smile, "I meant..." she hadn't really had time to come up with a suitable reason for her own stupidity. She had just wanted to share her happiness with her best-friend.
"Damn, woman!" Francis wanted to know. "Did you two fight and break-up or something?" he was devastated. "Why didn't you tell me!"
"We didn't break-up, you idiot!" Liz stomped her foot.
"So... you weren't sure the first time?" Francis was suddenly worried for the state of his friends romance.
"Of course, I was sure!" Liz frowned hard, glancing pleadingly to Red for assistance.
"What's going on?" Danny asked as he approached the quartet.
"Red asked Lizzy to marry him," Francis cut to the chase, "but he had already asked her, so I assume something went wrong somewhere... which means he...or she," he stared suspiciously at his friend, "screwed up and Red had to ask a second time!"
"Nothing went wrong," Liz pouted, a surly look on her face. "Red was being romantic, you twit!"
Danny side-eyed Red, a slow grin overtaking his handsome face.
"Sometimes the best thing ever is a little spat to clear the air, right, Red?" Danny murmured.
"If you say so," Red commented neutrally. "Lizzy and I are fine... all around, so there is no need for further explanations." he threw Francis a lifted brow.
"Well, seems to me there had to be some reason you were forced to pull yourself out of the hole you dug... yet again?" Danny smirked.
"Suffice to say," Red clarified, "a lovely opportunity presented itself, so I took advantage of it."
"...Smooth," Danny murmured. "So we didn't see you all day yesterday... why?" he prodded the guy.
"I wanted... not to see you?" Red narrowed his eyes. "I don't have to check in with you, or anyone... do I?"
"Well, Red, it's just," Danny chuckled, "you look so well rested, is all I'm saying."
"You're gonna look dead if you don't drop this conversation," Red muttered aside.
"So... Red, did you get in any beaver breeding in yesterday?" Danny asked conversationally. "Which we are all aware, is out-of-season. That could get you into some serious trouble there."
Red rolled his eyes heavenward as Lizzy looked at the man curiously, wondering what he was going on about... for she knew, more than anyone, exactly where Red was yesterday.
"I didn't see any beavers." Liz commented seriously, hearing the last part of Red's conversation.
"Bet Red did," Danny barely controlled his amusement.
Liz glanced at the man for confirmation. "Did you?" she was curious.
"Just one... the most beautiful creature I've ever seen.." Red replied, hooking Lizzy's elbow. "Let's go, baby."
Red smiled warmly as Lizzy struggled to juggle the mountain of prizes held precariously in her arms as another was handed over, before she rushed his way.
"What'd you get?" he peered at the decorative card in her hand, slowly relieving the woman of her loot.
"A free massage!" she held the gift card aloft for him to see. "What are you doing?" she frowned as her toys were taken away. "Those are mine. I won them fair-and-square!"
"I'm going to run these to the front desk for safe keeping," Red replied. "Unless, you'd rather I took them to our room?" he had noticed her frown deepen at the prospect someone might somehow abscond with one of her precious gifts.
"No... no, the front desk is fine." she said, reluctantly handing the last of her prizes over.
"Francis and Mark will be here until my return." he smiled down at her.
"Stay and play, Lizzy.." he pointed to the bag in Francis' hand containing a rainbow assortment of inflatable aliens. "I'm going to drop these off, you want me to take your... friends?"
Red wasn't sure he wanted to be seen walking through the lobby with them... but what the hell.
Lifting the bag, Francis scanned his selection, looking to Lizzy, "Remind me, I need the red and purple alien next." he said, handing the bag over. Liz nodded seriously, always there for her friend.
"For what?" she suddenly had to know.
"That's private!" Francis balked.
Leaving Lizzy to her fun, Red relinquished his load after weathering a weird look from the guy behind the front desk.
"Just now joining the fun?" Red smiled at the flush couple approaching the area.
"At least we made an appearance... unlike some people yesterday," Michael arched a shrew brow.
"I was unaware our absence would be so upsetting to the status quo," Red sighed.
"He's just jealous," Susan patted her husband's arm consolingly. "Unlike you two lovebirds, I can only stand Michael's company in spurts."
"Quite literally," Michael leered at his wife. "Little spurts of heaven."
"I'll give him that." Susan nodded amiably. "The operative word , of course... is little." she eyed the man's lower regions piteously.
Hiding his stilted laughter, Red swung his attention to Michael as the ball was now thrown back in his court.
"Not what you said a few minutes ago, my precious," Michael made a show of cupping his package, "you said, I was quite a mouthful, as I recall."
Red groaned internally as Susan glanced at the man's actions, a wicked smile curving her lips.
"I've always been a fan of Tic-Tac's," she enunciated the words. "You also enjoy when I give you a mouthful, don't you, my love." she smiled all too pleasantly. "No more than I, for it renders his conversational skills dormant." she eyed the man coolly.
Scoffing for the low blow comeback, Red dropped his chin...his eyes closing woefully.
"You're not going to win this," Red muttered aside to the man. "Stop before she literally hands your balls to you."
Sighing, Michael shrugged indifferently. "I'm getting better though."
"You will never be as good as me, in any sense of the word..." Susan kissed the man's chin, "but I do applaud your attempts, darling." she looked around curiously, more interesting topics come to mind. "Where's Lizzy?"
Hooking his thumb, Red started out towards the back. "Cleaning Mark out of prizes, last I checked. Want to join us?"
Scanning the crowds, Red quickly zeroed in on the woman across the way, meeting up with the little entourage, Michael and Susan in tow.
Red grinned as he approached Lizzy as she gingerly swing a mallet over her head, sending a leaded weight upward... just missing out from ringing the bell above.
Her disappointment was acute, clearly. "I guess I'm just not strong enough." she announced to the gathered throng who commiserated her downfall.
"Hit it square in the center, sweetheart." Red encouraged, remembering the soft spot on the challenge.
Red's smile widened as the woman adjusted her stance, her tongue playing at the corner of her mouth as she swung again, sending the weight upward. The resounding ring of the bell rang in his ear, along with Lizzy's whoop of joy and Francis' muttered bitching.
"He didn't ring the bell," Mark cackled the explanation.
"Well, I didn't know your games were fixed, now did I?" Francis grumbled his annoyance.
"It's kind of a given," Red gave the boy a scolding look.
"Oh... right," Francis gave his friend a sour look as Lizzy approached with her newest prize.
"Look what I won!" she waved yet another stuffed animal aloft.
"Oh, shut up." Francis suggested tartly.
Liz chuckled happily, snuggling her prize to her chest.
Walking the grounds proved totally delightful for all.
Gravitating to the delicious aromas of gourmet carnival foods specially prepared by Mark's chefs, all enjoyed their treats as they watched performers achieve daring feats of acrobatics high-above the colorful tents and thoroughfare.
As a couple overhead maneuvered into position, Red watched Lizzy gasp her shock as the man spun his partner about, releasing the woman in a breathtaking free fall.
Liz breathed her relief a moment later when the cloth about the performers waist caught in a gentle bounce, allowing the woman to tumble about in a graceful display of body control.
"Holy crap!" Liz placed a bracing hand to her chest. "I thought for sure he dropped her."
At the shows end, Red listened as the emcee related the next show times, should Lizzy wish to see it from the beginning before allowing the woman to guide their path.
"Oh, Red, look!" she grasp his hand, hurrying him along to the attraction which had caught her eye.
Positive Red would balk at such activity, Liz was admittedly surprised Red easily bowed to her gentle coaxing and gamely slid in beside her as they tested some of the rides.
Of course, some of the ride was always lost due to the fact Red would invariably steal a kiss or two... or three, from time to time. But if anyone asked... the ride became more thrilling with the added benefit in Liz's humble opinion.
Red took great delight in Lizzy's carefree laughter as they spun, dipped and rolled out of control.
He hoped, when obstacles in life were thrown their way, Lizzy would be as untroubled in her approach and allow Red to be there, by her side... supporting her along the way, just like today.
Walking hand in hand across the open greens, Red smiled listening to Lizzy chattering happily away with Susan, discussing all the prizes they won and their next days planned excursion... and all the prattle women loved to discuss with their own kind.
"What the hell is that?" Liz tittered at his side, pointing to couple enormous inflatables looming just ahead.
"Oh, I went on a date last year with a fitness junkie who wanted to try them out," Mark gestured to the mammoth display, "and we ended up laughing our asses off... so I bought a couple."
"What are they exactly?" Liz peered more closely at the brightly cheerful contraptions.
"I was going to attach them to the obstacle course this year, but thought it would be better suited for today." Mark winced regretfully. "Only, no one seems to be trying them out." he was clearly disappointed.
Tilting his head, Red took in the garishly colorful structures, a smile playing at his mouth. If it wasn't for their size, he would have assumed it would be something for a child's birthday party.
As he peered closer, however, he saw the challenge they presented. Not only did the inflatables have moving pieces, a majority sat on the water which he assumed made the ground beneath any participants feet... unsteady, to say the least.
"Let's race, Lizzy," Francis hooked a thumb to the grown-up toys, he face alight with eagerness.
"Are you serious?" Liz giggled when her best-friend nodded enthusiastically, offering over his hand.
"We have cameras you can wear," Mark pointed, "that will show your progress out here on the screens." he pointed to the massive displays. "Maybe if they see you doing it, people will try it out."
Looking back and forth between the amusement offered and her competitor, Liz turned to Red, her eyes bright and crinkled.
"It's up to you," Red chuckled.
"Come on, Lizzy... let's go play," Francis bounced in place, raring to go.
Nodding her acceptance, Liz took his hand, smiling brightly. "Let's do it!"
Guiding them over, Mark showed Francis and Liz the course and basic 'how-to's'.
"What's going on?" Danny asked, coming to Red's side.
"The kids have a play-date," Red chuckled. "Are you game?
"Can anybody step-up?" Ben grinned, excited as well. "If those dim-wits can do it..." he was on his way.
A crowd began to form, much to Mark's relief as Liz and Francis geared up for their race.
Liz attached the lightweight camera to her person, situating the object so it wouldn't hamper her progress.
"Kick off your shoes, you'll get better traction!" Mark suggested gaily. "Come on over," he gestured to the slowly gathering crowd who sensed fun was to be had at someone else's expense.
Gesturing to the men off to his right, Mark gave the go-ahead seconds before a couple drones lifted off a table, flying over the colorful maze.
Glancing to his right, Red took in the subdued excitement, checking out the split screens. Not only was the picture clear, giving all spectators a view of the vibrant and comical layout... he could hear Lizzy perfectly.
"I'm gonna kick your ass, Francis." Liz grinned maniacally, waiting for Mark to start them off.
"Bring it, short stuff," Francis taunted, toeing the line. "It'll be a cold day!"
"Make room losers!" Ben shoved between the two.
A colorful flag dropped at Mark's command, starting the race.
Red laughed as Lizzy made a running bolt up the rounded wall, squealing her glee, having pushed Ben aside who inadvertently fell into Francis.
Both men righted themselves hastily and were on their way..
Losing sight of the woman as she ran up the covered slope, Red turned to the projection, chuckling at the sight which greeted him.
Unaware of what was on the other side, Lizzy hit the top and met nothing but air.
"Oh, no!" she screamed her laughter, rolling uncontrollably down the downward slope on the other side.
The crowd around him laughed their amusement as the woman bounced down the inflated path and jarred to a cushioned stop against a goofy looking blow-up beaver.
Daniel nudged Red's side, gesturing to the... beaver.
"Look, Red...it's the Beav." the man smirked knowingly. "Bring back fond memories, Red?"
Scrambling to her feet, Liz rushed through the warbling forest of inflated trees blocking her way to a series of cross bars situated at various heights.
Red chuckled as she attempted a stumbling run, hurtling over the first... only to bounce off the neighboring one.
Red's eyes lit with pride as the woman realized she could crawl the rest of the way, and did so rapidly only to find herself in a large pit full of gigantic beach balls.
Giggling, Liz ran haphazardly through the pit sending the inflated balls flying in her haste before running smack dab into a seemingly solid wall.
Her responding, oof, had Red wincing for the cushioned hit.
Ducking back out of sight, Red watched the colorful orbs above her bounce and fly about as she searched for a passageway.
"Can she hear us?" Red wanted to know.
Mark shook his head in the negative, laughing as Francis made a leaping dive through a circular hole in a wall blocking his path. "..Like putting a square peg in a round hole."
"How many obstacles are in there?" Red asked as Francis stumbled about haphazardly as his feet went out from under him on a sharp turn.
The boy landed on his ass yet again, but gamely struggled onward.
"Forty-two," Mark grinned as Red shook his head. "Don't worry, they're easy... if you don't get wet."
Red grinned as Lizzy raced down a straightaway and hurled herself over a five foot wall without hesitation, tucking and rolling along the static-plastic below her body.
"If I didn't know better," Mark laughed as the woman rolled with the dive, "I'd think she took commando training."
Having went with her momentum, Liz scrambled for the next obstacle, crawling through a series of tunnels then up and over a line of speed bumps.
Red smiled as the woman laughed gaily for the floor beneath her obviously moved along the water below, throwing her off center, and in some cases, over completely.
Bursting out the last hole, Liz squeaked a hysterical giggle, "Oh, my God!
The crowd laughed at the sight of a man bouncing about in an awkward and cumbersome inflatable Sumo suit, in attempt to block Elizabeth's path.
"That's one of the security guys," Mark explained happily. The 'Sumo man' threw himself from one side to the other with wild abandon, literally bouncing off the walls, a crowd pleaser indeed.
Cautiously approaching the man, Liz fought to control her laughter as the large, ungainly man hurled himself around without care.
Red's brow arched as Lizzy ran straight for the 'danger' presented. He sniggered under his breath as the security guy made a sweeping grab for Lizzy... and missed.
The crowd around them cackled as the man let out a warbling yell when he fell into a stumbling fall. Lizzy unexpectedly tucked and rolled past him, just as previously planned, laughing her excitement in a rather maniacal fashion, Red thought.
"She's a sneaky little shit," Danny grinned his approval as he watched the show.
Red side glanced the closest competitor, shaking a woeful head as Francis made a dashing run for a long swirling loop of tunnels. It was ill-timed and comically slanted.
"Oh, fuck!" Francis screamed as his foot caught on a rung, sending him into an awkward and ungraceful ricochet.
"Looks like a hall of shit," Ben laughed at the dark brown swirls of the weird rubber loops and swirls.
Dividing his attention, Red sought out Lizzy's view screen as he heard the woman curse under her breath.
"Oh, damn you, Donovan!" Liz lifted disbelieving arms outward, earning raucous laughter from her spectators. She stared in amazement at the next up-coming chamber-of-horrors.
Red chuckled for her dilemma.
Mark preened proudly beside him. "It's going well, isn't it."
"I don't know," Red pointed to Elizabeth's screen and her mumbled cursing. "Lizzy doesn't sound to happy right now."
"I know!" Mark was beside himself with joy.
Cautiously approaching the arms moving back-and-forth, daring to knock her off into the water below, Liz glanced with dismay to the cool depths awaiting a wrong move on her part.
Shrugging off the consequences, Liz timed the danger... and made a run for it.
Red grimaced as she neared the end... only to see the next arm begin to peek from its hiding place.
"Oh, shit!" she startled, pulling up short, breathing raggedly.
The crowd gasped as Liz slid to a stop between the arms, grasping a stay hold on a nearby hole. The arms punched out, held, then slunk back into their slot...taunting any would be trespassers.
Without hesitation, Liz bolted forward... only to meet another awkward hazard awaiting her. Again, the woman pulled up short, coming to an abrupt halt.
Unlike the first arms that struck outward, these spun in a circle, both in opposite directions. She closed her eyes, sighing lightly, the sound of her fast approaching competitors could be heard over her shallow breaths.
"How the hell do I..." Liz looked the problem over, finding no set pattern at all.
"Crawl, Lizzy..." Red whispered, having seen the path. It would be a tight one, but she could do it. It might take her a little while, but she could do it... maybe.
Jerking her head about, Liz cursed under her breath for she heard Francis and Ben nearing her position just off to her left. "Damned vultures!"
Sighing, she dropped to her knees, shimmying under the circling arms above her.
"Oh... my... God..." she stilled in her tracks, grasping the runway beneath her, her equilibrium going off-kilter, every which way she attempted to move.
Glancing at Mark, Red's brow furrowed. "What's the hold-up?"
"The runway is... flexible." Mark arched a rueful brow. "It's like trying to crawl on a trampoline held by a thin wire.
"Oh!" they heard Liz yelp just before the splash as she hit the water hard and solidly.
Red stood upright as Lizzy's camera view become murky and distorted. Clenching his fists at his side, his eye ticked as the woman fought for the surface.
"Don't worry, Red," Mark assured, "there are divers right beside her."
He held his breath, until the woman broke the water line and clasped the rung overhead. Lizzy hung there for a second, gathering her breath and bearings.
Inching along the precarious obstacle, Liz finally found a secure hold, struggling to pull herself up to solid ground.
"You need a hand," a man's voice filtered over her cam.
"Just a s-second," she rested a minute, grappling for a hold, slipping then... trying again.
Red's eyes softened as the woman hesitated a moment, capturing her breath and determination.
"I... I'd like to do it on my own," she spoke with the man, "but don't go anywhere." she quipped.
"I'm right here," the man smiled, pleased by the woman's spunk.
"Come on, baby," Red murmured sotto voce. "You can do this."
Readjusting her hold, Liz nodded before grasping for a dry spot just within reach. Clinging to it, she drew herself up, the man beside her offering encouraging words to aid her endeavor.
Getting to the top after a valiant struggle, Liz glanced down at her guardian angel who offered her a thumbs up for her effort.
"One more to go," the 'angel' encouraged yet again, "then you're home free." he hooked a thumb for her to get a move on.
Red smiled as the woman hastily pushed off the floor and ran towards her final challenge.
"Oh," she laughed a disbelieving scoff, "fuck you, Mark!"
She meant every single word. The last obstacle was an insurmountable one. She bent, taking in copious amounts of cleansing air.
Laughing their amusement, Red shook his head at Mark's delightful peal of laughter. "I am so very good at what I do."
Both sensed Lizzy's downfall, but it was all good-natured fun.
Dembe inched his ever ready camera closer, showing Silas what the woman had to deal with in her trek to fame and fortune.
Four large, inflated balls sat in a straight line. Did one make a run for it? Perhaps bounce across them like a trampoline?
Who the hell knew for sure, but one thing was sure... Liz had to give it a try or die in the attempt.
"Please tell me she doesn't actually have to clear them all." Red cackled.
"...Get real, no," Mark coughed fitfully, choking on his laughter. "No one ever actually makes it." he scoffed. "She just has to attempt it."
"A stacked deck." Dembe smiled as the woman finally made her move. "This should prove interesting."
Red grimaced as Lizzy cleared the first ball... only to hit the second and go flying askew.
"Ahh, shit!" Liz laughed hysterically, grasping for anything in her wayward fall.
Red wheezed, clapping for her effort and delightful laughter as she impacted wall after bouncy wall in her haphazard fall.
"Oh, God!" Liz cackled as she finally rolled to a side-to-side stop.
She lay spent and joyously content. She had done her best and from the sounds of it, her competitors were fairing no better.
"Get up, baby..." the harder she laughed, Red laughed, especially as the woman struggled to get to her feet in the giant rubber room.
"I knew I'd wind up in one of these one day." Liz crawled and grappled for the doorway. She slid through, lifting to wobbly legs.
Liz hastily looked back just in time to see Francis bounce on the first ball.
The man was sent careening into the second before performing an uncontrolled somersault into the third... that threw him back into the second ball before he disappeared from sight.
Clasping her stomach, Liz laughed uncontrollably, falling onto all fours rolling about before struggling to her feet trying vainly to reach solid ground... and a hysterically laughing Red Reddington, who waited patiently for her arrival.
Red's joy soared as Lizzy came careening around the corner, stumbling due to her laughter... right into his waiting arms.
"You did splendidly," Red choked on his laughter, kissing her wet hair.
Francis burst down the runway, tripping in an tumbling fall before bouncing off the end of the inflatable. He lay there breathless, wet and sprawled out like a starfish.
Liz ran over instantly. "I won, you loser!" she stood over the groaning man, gloating her victory.
Wrapping his arms about the woman, Red kissed Lizzy's neckline, chuckling. "Such classy sportsmanship..."
Ben was twirling about in circles, sent off into a weird trajectory after his emergence from the exit portal. He stumbled erratically, falling on his ass. He sat there quietly disoriented.
"Hell of a ride, man!" Ben pumped a solidarity fist in the air shouting his approval.
Mark grinned, gesturing to the others lining up to make a run for it. "And a fad is born." he stated, handing out bottles of water.
"You want to run it again," Ben stared down at Francis, kicking his feet, for the man had rebounded admirably and was up for a second shot.
"Huh?" Francis jerked his head up off the ground. "Oh, yeah, sure, okay." he pushed upright, heading for the entrance, dragged along by his friend's good-natured ribbing.
Red smiled as Dembe, Danny and Mark fell in alongside the dynamic duo, rushing into the course.
"I get first in line, I'm the owner here!" Mark reminded loudly.
"Yeah, whatever," Danny scoffed, pushing the man hard into a rubber wall before rushing inside.
Shaking off the hit, Mark bounced upward... chasing after his foe.
Turning the woman in his arms, Lizzy whimpered against Red's mouth as his warm tongue slipped effortlessly into her cold mouth, heating it delectably in seconds.
"I'll give you a minute head start," he murmured, gesturing to the offered amusement, "and if I catch you... your ass is mine."
"Are we speaking metaphorically?" Liz squinted up at the man, grinning.
"Does it matter?" Red muttered, brushing an exploring hand along the curve of her ass.
Liz felt the wondrous warmth of his large palm cup her ass. "Well, not now," she thought about it a minute, "... Winner take all?"
She chucked her water bottle, bolting from Red's hold.
Grinning after the retreating woman, Red looked forlornly at the ridiculous contraption for which Lizzy made a bee-line, but shrugged mentally. "What the hell... you only live once."
Kicking off his shoes, Red headed for the entrance of the inflatable entertainment, glancing down at his watch... waiting for the hunt to begin.
As the sun began to set, Red secured a cart for their use, driving a meandering path to the lake. The sounds of the carnival faded the further they moved across the open plains.
Pulling up to their destination, Red held a hand aloft for Lizzy, assisting her from the low seats.
"It's pretty, isn't it." Liz glanced back at the colorful lights in the near distance, charmed by the simplicity of the setting.
"It is," Red nodded, walking her towards the dock.
"Are we off on another thrill-packed adventure?" she trailed off as Red steered her towards a rather large boat.
"I thought we might watch the fireworks from here," he stepped aboard, tugging her along behind him. "Is that thrill-packed enough?"
"Titillating indeed," she smiled brightly, helping Red release the boat from dock, "it's been a long time since I've seen fireworks without light pollution."
Before she knew it, they were clipping across the water, passing small clusters of boats anchored together. Offering a wave as they passed, Liz smiled at her fellow adventurers enjoying drinks and conversation before the show started.
Traveling further over the dark waters, Red slipped past solitary boats where couples took pleasure in the romantic setting.
Cutting the engines, the man stepped to the back, anchoring the boat.
Unfurling a blanket, Red tossed a couple pillows to the floor before making himself comfortable on the makeshift platform.
"Get your little ass down here," Red gestured, holding out a welcoming hand.
Taking his hand, Liz withheld her smile for the man's no-nonsense tone, "Well, my ass is yours to do with as you please, isn't it?" her eyes twinkled. "You did catch me, after all." she referred to the fun and games they had at the carnival.
"Your ass was mine to do with as I pleased," Red grasped a bottle of wine, "...regardless of my win." he arched a brow, daring the woman to contradict him.
Up until a short time ago, both had still been damp from their ill-gotten adventure. Red had captured her all right, just before both were hit from behind by Francis.
Having turned quickly, Red pulled Lizzy tight to his chest as they were sent tumbling... right off the side and into the waters with a tremendous splash. Not that either seemed to mind, the water was warm... as were their kisses.
"Is that so?" Liz bit the inner part of her mouth to keep from smiling for the man's territorial ways.
"That is so, yes." Red narrowed his eyes to hide the laughter contained within them.
Canting her head, the woman seemed seriously lost in thought before offering a bright smile. "Well, now I know."
Chuckling, Red handed the woman a glass of wine as he leaned against the pillows behind him.
"Did you have fun today?" he asked, sipping the red liquid, tasting the sweet nectar absently.
"I did," she admitted. "I wasn't sure what to expect when we got here, but that has been the fun part, to tell the truth."
Red wrapped his arm behind her, hugging the woman close as she snuggled to him.
"I guess what I mean, the set here is so," she searched for the proper terminology, "rich and powerful. I never expected them to demean themselves in such simplistic 'play'."
"The normalcy of it... the frivolity, is a refreshing pace," Red confessed, "and contrary to public belief, we are just human beings, after all."
"What made Mark think of it?" Liz had to wonder.
"It's a long, complicated story," Red began the sordid tale. "It started back in the day, two bitter rivals began a conspiracy to gain allies by pitting innocent parties against one another... it was a hell of a time, I have to tell you."
"What happened?" Liz's curiosity ran rampant.
"The plan would have succeeded except for one crucial flaw," the man set his drink aside. "What they didn't anticipate was, regardless of whatever bad feeling, associates such as myself and Antonio always made a point of face-to-face communication." Red explained.
"Oh, so if they said Antonio wanted to kill you," Liz clarified, "you had enough balls to call Antonio and ask what his problem was."
"Yes, exactly." Red nodded. "Many avoided the conflict, but some were already in too deep. Too many prominent players of the day butted heads and the conclusion was a brutal, violent end."
"So Mark planned this downtime to mend fences?" Liz frowned.
"Not in so many words," Red sing-songed his head. "As I said, some got wise to the problem and retreated, but for that short time they were involved..."
"A little animosity hung in the air, between warring factions." she ventured a guess.
"Business suffered greatly," Red offered the woman more wine. "Mark came up with a solution, a neutral meeting ground to salve animosity and offer a place where business deals could flourish."
"And the rest is history?" after just a few short days here herself, Liz didn't know how the atmosphere couldn't have helped, even just a little.
"At first, everyone was reserved, distrustful... antagonistic." Red granted. "The tension was so thick, you really could have cut it with a knife... which everyone had in abundance on their persons, as you can imagine."
Red remembered how frustrated Mark had been when guests remained overly cautious of one another to the point you could have heard a pin drop, it was so silent in the hotel.
"But something changed, obviously." Liz gestured to the still ongoing events surrounding them. "What happened?"
Smiling, Red confessed, "I'll be honest, Ben and Francis had a lot to do with how well received that first venture played out."
"Oh, God," Liz groaned. "Those fools have their uses, I guess. I can only speculate from here on... enlighten me."
"It happened innocently enough," Red laughed, remembering the argument, "both had a thing for some woman here and wanted to ask her out."
"Let me guess," Liz sighed her woe, "they were both calling dibs."
"Yep," Red grinned, "so Mark had the ingenious plan to have them arm wrestle for the rights."
"I bet the woman was thrilled being viewed in such a light." Liz twisted her mouth.
"Oh, I think she was fine with it all." Red huffed lightly. "I think she sold tickets... made a killing for herself."
Liz held her amusement, just.
"So, who won?" Liz waved a restless hand.
"Francis," Red grinned, "but only because, when things got dicey, he leaned over and... licked Ben on the face."
Liz grimaced at the thought, chuckling appreciatively. "...Eww."
"Ben called foul, naturally," Red granted the inevitable. "But the crowd that gathered to watch the fiasco was torn, as licking was not officially against the stated rules." he shrugged. "It was debated... heatedly, at times."
Liz could just imagine the bickering that occurred, and why Mark was very specific about rules nowadays.
"But the ice was broke... the rest of the week everyone participated in the friendly competitions." Red related events. "In fact, some of the senior associates used the games to order their men to settle disputes... without bloodshed."
"It was a good plan," Liz had to give Mark credit. "While I have difficulty picturing your associates settling a score over a rousing game of Pictionary," she laughed quietly, "it does ensure one does not lose a valued employee to a shoot out."
Leaning back into the cushioned floor and pillows, Red smiled a contented grin as Lizzy followed suit, resting against him.
Flicking the switch beside him, Red blanketed the area in darkness, allowing them a spectacular view of the stars overhead.
"Can people see us out here?" Liz questioned as her eyes slowly adjusted to the inky blackness surrounding them.
"There are reflectors on the boat," Red assured.
"I meant... if you decided to get kinky again." she corrected mischievously.
"I plan for every contingency." Red reminded with a roguish wink.
"This is nice," she decided, listening to the sounds of croaking bullfrogs, crickets, and the occasional hoot of an owl.
Her features softened as Red relaxed further, the stress lines on his brow smoothing.
"It's nice to see you like this," she murmured quietly. "Weird, granted... but nice."
"Like what?" Red asked, resting his cheek against the crown of her head.
"I don't know," she idly ran her fingers over the rich linen covering Red's chest, "you're relaxed... I guess, content, hopefully? This time-off has been good for you."
Chuckling, Red nodded his agreement. It was a rare commodity, feeling the strain and stress leave his mind and body, though in the last few days he found the achievement more accessible.
He wondered why, kissing the top of Lizzy's head, a knowing smile tracing his lips.
Slowly turning to his side, Red rested his hand on Lizzy's hip, tenderly stroking the woman.
"Maybe I've been counting my blessings." he exhaled, a smile pulling at his mouth, "You agreed to marry me... and should I play my cards right, I have access to unbelievably amazing lovemaking whenever I want it. That should make any man content."
Pursing her lips, Liz nodded slowly, "Your business is also doing very well, last I heard."
"Yeah, yeah," Red shrugged indifferently, "you have plenty money to dwindle down, rest easy."
"A girl has to get by," Liz reminded a little too innocently.
His hand curved about her waist, drawing the woman closer. Placing his warm mouth on hers, both savored the affection, slowly exploring one another.
"You charmer you," she sighed blissfully as Red's mouth and tongue slipped sensually against hers.
The sweet taste of wine, candied apples and Red's stubble tickling her lips as his mouth worked tenderly against her own, filled her senses.
It was astounding how quickly she found herself falling inline with Red. Whenever the man kissed her, all sensory perception aside from the man's touch, faded into the background.
Gravitating closer to one another, the two lovers lost themselves to the soft brush of one another's mouths and gentle exploration of hands for countless moments.
Deftly tugging at the woman's blouse, Red's palm traveled the curvature of her spine, his fingers tracing the edge of her bra, he cupped the full orb, sensually caressing the delicate lace.
"Are you shuffling the deck?" Liz teased, plucking the last button on Red's shirt. "Testing the waters?"
"I've dealt the deck, sweetheart," he gave her hair a gentle tug, enjoying her small responding whimper of delight, "Now... I'm going all in."
His thick fingers raked the heavy underside of her breast, capturing the scalloped edge he sought, pulling the cup downward out of his way.
Circling the tightening peak of her nipple with a gentle sweep, he caught the pink button, pinching and rolling it ever so slowly.
The mental imagery of her breast sitting atop the half-cup, its tiny nub straining for his touch was enough to drive him insane.
Pulling his hand free, Red grasped the edge of her shirt, pulling it over head without second-thought, tossing the fabric aside.
Her dark hair fell in a heavy cascade about her shoulders, the long tresses tickling the white slope of her aching breasts.
The vision was as stunning as the man imagined it would be.
The half-crest moonlight overhead highlighted the woman's glistening bee-stung mouth and sultry eyes which shone with desire and lust. Her rapid breathing lifted her bared breast to his gaze, giving him an enticing view of the swollen tip, red and tight for him.
Reaching about, Red flicked his fingers, deftly releasing the catch on what blocked her beauty from his smoldering gaze.
Pulling the straps down her arms, he peppered the area bared to him with open-mouthed kisses, flicking an occasional teasing tongue against her prickling flesh.
Skimming the long line of her torso with his warm palm, Red felt his cock throb painfully against his slacks, stretching the zipper to its limit.
The woman's pert breasts stood proud and erect, silently begging for him to lick and suckle them.
The delicate slope of her stomach trembled and flexed as her growing desire churned low in her belly.
The cresting wave of sensation tugging at her mound was so potent, he swore he could smell the spellbinding aroma of Lizzy's arousal pouring freely from her tight body.
"Are your panties getting wet for me?" the rough gruff tone sent jolts of electricity through her core, producing a fresh wave of hot fluid gushing from her body.
Never had he seen such intoxicating beauty and bewitching sin in one tiny package.
"Silas was right," Red flicked his tongue against Lizzy's, "... you are a little succubus."
"Is this a problem?" she panted against the man's cheek, opening herself to his mouth as it left a burning trail across her neckline.
"Hell, no," the man husked his growing desire, "take my soul and whatever the fuck else you want."
The man's smoldering gaze darkened as his lover clamored closer into his hold, rubbing her eager mound against his thigh.
"Is your pussy aching?" he asked, knowing damn well her body was primed and ready for him to take. "... You want me to make it all better."
"...Yes... yes," Liz struggled closer, pushing in against his thigh, "touch me."
"You aren't one to stay quiet," he muttered against the shell of her ear, "... do you give a damn someone may hear me fucking you?"
"I'll be quiet," she swallowed hard, pushing her ass into Red's large palm, "... I promise."
"I highly doubt that," Red chuckled sensually. "But we'll see."
Popping the button at her waist, he yanked the zipper apart, drawing a shaky gasp from the woman beneath him.
"Well, then..." without pause, Red pulled the cloth at her hip, dragging the material down her smooth thighs... releasing a fragrant burst of Lizzy's arousal.
Red's low rumbling groan traveled straight to woman's core, causing it to flow with juice. She opened to her lover, her center hot and aching poignantly.
"...Yes, spread your legs for me," he pet the small tuft between her thighs, teasing the tight slit.
Her legs spread open of their own accord, desperately calling for Red to fill the space...with all due haste. Grasping for any hold on the man, Liz moaned her discontent when Red moved from her reach.
"Patience, baby," he breathed amorously, tenderly circling the engorged flesh he so painstakingly nurtured. "You know I'll deliver the goods... when have I not?"
The sudden rustle of fabric and heat between her legs alerted the woman... Red was just where she needed him most.
Allowing her eyes to flutter closed, Liz lost herself to the sensation of Red's hot breath brushing her hypersensitive flesh. His palms cradled her ass in an erotic grasp.
"I love teasing your clit," he murmured, tenderly kissing the woman's damp crease.
The concentrated sweep of his tongue jolted Liz into awareness, drawing her rapt attention to the caressing motion of Red's mouth, suckling her sex.
A thrumming current stole through her as the man's broad strokes and tender exploration of her body garnered the desired results. Her thighs trembled as the five-o'clock shadow dusting Red's cheeks scraped against her tender flesh, heightening her already jangled nerves.
In the blink of an eye, she felt a strong tug pull at her center, a radiating heat spread through her belly, stealing the breath from her lungs.
Centering his dark eyes on the woman's euphoric features, Red concentrated his flickering tongue on Lizzy's engorged clit, increasing the pressure until he felt her body clench in response.
Snarling a deep grunt of satisfaction, Red broadened his tongue, gathering the rush of warmth pouring from her center, savoring the sweet elixir.
"I love your mouth on me," Liz whimpered, desperately grasping his head, holding him stationary.
At one time Liz felt tense and even self-conscious when lovers went down on her, which seemed such a foreign experience now, it was hard to remember the exact emotions any longer.
Now, she only felt extreme pleasure and a deep yearning to give Red his just rewards, for he had made it very clear... her pleasure was his one and only goal in life.
Red made her believe, if given his way, he would spend hours making her orgasm for the sole purpose of witnessing her bliss first hand.
Slipping a finger into Lizzy's wet sleeve, Red teased the tight cushion, beckoning her precious little cunt to gift him what he craved.
He growled against the slick surface, his fiery breath warming her inwardly. "Let me taste your sweet cum in my mouth." He encouraged the primal call.
Clasping his head with her fingers, Liz eagerly rocked against the rough texture of his relentless strokes, silently demanding his help.
Snarling his approval, Red willingly obliged pushing against the pink surface with avid determination and creative energies.
The soft ridge of her sex moved about under his unrelenting caress, quivering spasmodically the closer she inched toward the pinnacle.
Placing his tongue flat against Lizzy's tender nub, Red rubbed and suckled the swollen flesh. The snug embrace on his finger tightened and held before the tunnel fluttered sharply.
Muffling her joy, a rapturous growl of release tore from the woman's throat as her body gave into Red's passionate persuasion.
Skimming gentle hands along the plains of Lizzy's taut body, Red slowly eased the woman from the towering crest... languidly slowing his movements until she released a shuddering breath.
Collapsing limply into the blanket beneath her, Liz's eyes closed, basking in the thrum of delight coursing through her nervous system.
She was vaguely aware of the soft sounds of Red altering positions. Suddenly his warm, heavy body encompassed hers.
Moaning a soft whimper, Liz fell lax under the man, welcoming his weight and the hard rod sliding along her center.
Capturing the woman's swollen mouth, Red cursed sharply allowing his cock head to slide along the woman's wet crease.
"... I fucking ache for you," he breathed the desperate plea.
Grasping her knee, Red quickly positioned the limber woman where he desired. Hooking her leg on his hip, his eyes dropped to the sight of her willing body opening to accept his thick shaft.
His breath caught as the heavy weight of his cock jostled against the rounded curve of her mons, teasing his hypersensitive crown.
Dropping his hips, Red leaned into the open cove, his cockhead unerringly finding its prize with little assistance...breaching the snug opening.
His vision wavered as the delicate tissue parted for him, her tiny lips collapsing around the bulging head of his cock. He gasped his gratitude.
"Breathe, baby," he pleaded, holding himself in check from driving himself into the still tight hole.
Lowering his eyes to the breathtaking sight of her breasts rapidly rising and falling, he clasped his fingers around Elizabeth's nape, controlling his need to fuck her little cunt raw with a willpower he did not know he possessed.
Slowly lifting his eyes, Red's jaw pulsed erratically as the woman's dark blue eyes stared back at him, full of passion and love...he felt his willpower falter.
Pushing his distended glans against the tight resistance, Red shoved forward, breaching the tight ring at her entrance.
"Oh!" Liz gasped as Red's girth spread her tender sheath, tunneling its way deep into the recesses of her body.
Her clit quivered as the rippling current of his foreskin tugged at her core, demanding its presence be known.
"Dammit!" Red snarled the sharp curse. Gasping for air, Red grimaced for his lack of control. He fought against his brain's dictates, sensing he had moved too quickly perhaps.
"Don't..." Liz clasped him close, rocking her hips to meet his, "don't stop... fuck me." she whispered the frantic request.
The man's intent gaze swept the woman's straining form, his cock hardening further in the tight cradle of her body... more than willing to oblige that request.
Readjusting his hold, Red's arms tightened systematically as he worked his cock further into the hot channel beckoning him until he was flush against Lizzy's soft muff.
Kissing the man's chest and mouth desperately, the woman's body was swept up in the carnal movement of Red thrusting against her.
Her beautiful form rolled back towards his in counter-rhythm, her slick heat sliding easily back along his burgeoning erection until she felt the gentle cushion of his ball sack bump against her ass.
Crying out into Red's chest, Liz stilled her position as the ridge of the man's hard cock slid roughly against her clit, the momentum more pronounced and continuous.
Since their first coupling, sex with Red had been mind-altering, an explosive jolt of electricity.
Right now, her body was so in tune with his, she felt as though every thrust of his body might throw her into a cosmic freefall... and she welcomed the sensation fully.
The way his bulk moved dominantly over her smaller one, his powerful thrusts were so fucking arousing, she felt her pussy flutter around his shaft, no matter which way he moved.
"Oh...my god," her voice quavered a shaky gasp of delight, "is sex always supposed to feel this... damn good?"
Shifting his eyes to those of his lover, Red frowned. "Should I take offence?"
His brow furrowed slightly, not understanding, and frankly, a little side-lined by his present state-of-mind and activity.
"No... I mean, " Liz moaned sharply, her mouth trembling as the man hit a very sweet spot, "...yes, it always feels amazing. I just meant..." she clasped his arm, feeling the silky slide of his cock ripple along her lips.
"The minute you slide in," she clarified, her eyes searching his dark ones helplessly, "I want to come on you."
"Well, I love hearing that," Red's mouth tilted at the corner. "You put that much better than the first time around." he moaned deep in his chest when Lizzy's core quivered around his shaft.
"The more you move," she grasped his sides, tightening her thighs on his flank, "the m-more I want to come."
"Well, baby... that is the point of this exercise," Red reminded, his own breath labored... shallow gasps of building tension.
"I know that you jackass," Liz curled her fingers into his pectoral, rubbing a caressing thumb against his nipple.
At times, she got jealous of all the women Red must have been with before her...but at moments like these, she thanked each and every one for their careful instruction. They must have put out often for Red to be so proficient at the art of lovemaking.
Scowling at the thought, her mouth fell into a deep frown... demanding her thoughts drift elsewhere.
Concentrating on the man's shaft moving inside her, a different, more pleasant thought struck. "Maybe because we go natural, it feels," she purred, lifting into Red's thrust, "... so fucking amazing."
"Let's test that theory, shall we." Red slid free, ignoring Lizzy's indignant protest. Fumbling for his trousers, he searched his pockets, pulling a black square free.
"What the hell are you doing!" she frowned her annoyance.
"Tame that impatient pussy," the man tsk, stroking his cock once. "... or I'll do it for you."
"That's your job, dammit," she grumbled, rubbing her clit vigorously.
"Shit..." Red avidly watched the show, stroking his rapidly cooling flesh, "keep doing that..."
"Where the hell did you get that thing?" She watching Red tear at the condom package.
"I always carry one," Red murmured, placing the lambskin on his throbbing crown, "in case Francis needs to craft a balloon animal."
"He's so easily amused," her eyes focused on Red's movements, her eyes riveted.
Taking his wet cock his hand, he situated the tight sheath over his wide crown, rolling in down his fat erection.
"I hate those things," she grumbled, "... but I do enjoy watching you put one on." she admitted freely, lifting her bottom as the man repositioned himself at her opening.
Red offered a deep heartfelt groan of relief as he returned to Lizzy's warm embrace. Smiling, he watched his lover's eyes glaze over once more as he slowly gained a workable rhythm.
Licking his fingers, he reached between them, lovingly caressing her clit. His eyes lit with amusement and lust when the woman moved determinedly into his touch, mewling happily.
"Well?" Red searched her euphoric features, "was your hypothesis correct? Do you still feel like coming on my cock?"
Wriggling beneath the man, Liz jerked a quick nod of her head. "...Yes, very much so."
"Perhaps what you are feeling then," he offered his own hypothesis, "... is how very much I love you."
"I feel that," she lifted her mouth for his warm kiss.
"I know," he muttered, sliding free of Lizzy's warm embrace.
"Dammit!" she cursed her vexation for the man's sudden departure. "Stop doing that!"
Liz scowled her distress until she saw the man roll the thin sheath down his erection, then hesitate.
"You want my cum?" the man seriously questioned her mood.
"...I wouldn't turn it down," Liz questioned the calm which fell over her as she watched the man toss the prophylactic carelessly away, before brushing the thought aside.
"...Yeah," he slid his now bare erection back where it belonged. "I won't pull out again, I promise you that."
They once again gained a workable rhythm which met their needs.
He closed his eyes, falling deeply into the moment.
"Prolonging the ecstasy makes the surrender all the more sensual a release," he swiveled his hips, slowly inching his cock through the woman's creamy channel.
"Are you telling me to be patient again?" she scowled at the man. Her body was on fire with need, but he's telling her, coolly and calmly... to be patient?
"You may be able to wait..." her brow furrowed, "but some of us had horrible lovers... and now, we're catching up on lost time, dammit!"
"I could have climaxed on the first thrust," Red scoffed, "don't kid yourself. What I do is all for... your benefit."
"If you're working for my benefit," she smiled wickedly, "make me come hard and often."
"Oh, I plan to, sweetheart," Red chuckled.
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously... was he placating her?
"It's my intention to offer you so much pleasure, you become addicted to it... to my touch, my kiss," the man shared his plans freely. "All thoughts of sexual release you may crave... will become synonymous with my cock."
Liz blinked her awe at the rough, gravelly proclamation... enthralled by the dark, brooding scowl staring so steadily down at her.
"...Oh," her arms lifted to encircle his neckline as her body lost the tension of before. "Well... you have achieved your goal." she timidly confessed.
Resuming his languid thrusts, Red eased back up to his earlier pace... pummeling Elizabeth's hot cavern.
Shortening his strokes, he palmed her writhing ass, holding the woman stationary, focusing his efforts on the engorged swell of the woman's tiny pink pearl.
"You've got the sweetest little ass in the free world," he squeezed the plump orb in his grasp.
"Don't limit the scale of how alluring my ass is," she sighed melodically.
"I didn't think you'd believe me, if I said... in all history." he grunted his approval when that little ass wriggled in his hold.
He groaned, his fingers curving naturally around the rounded surface... his cock brushing along his fingertips only to disappear into Lizzy's willing body.
Feeling her pleasure build, Liz gasped her shock as a loud boom split the night air, followed by an explosion as Mark's fireworks display began.
"Jesus... talk about perfect timing," Liz glanced over Red's shoulder as the night sky filled with color, lighting Red's euphoric features in vivid... red.
"...Thank you for the praise," Red smirked, taking full credit for the pyrotechnics inside and overhead.
The physical sensation and visual spectacular collided into one, almost as if in sync. It almost appeared, the moment Red impacted with her body, a star burst in her field of vision.
"We're missing the fireworks," Liz panted against his chest, flicking his nipple with her tongue.
He didn't know if it was the spontaneity of the moment or the night air brushing their skin... but their lovemaking tonight felt especially essential... deeply erotic.
"...Are we?" the sensual retort caused gooseflesh on Liz's dampened skin. "I'm seeing some spectacular shit... let me tell ya."
Lizzy's sheath was so hot, slick and snug on his cock, Red's thighs shook each time he slid back into the steamy depths.
His ball sack tightened with each impact of the beautiful body against his... and the soft tickle of Lizzy's panted breathing on his torso and neckline... excited beyond scope.
Unable to contain his need any longer, Red hurried his pace, "Let's make some fireworks of our own, baby." his voice sounded rough and unnatural to his own ears.
Liz gave herself over to the wondrous emotions the man could evoke.
Red moved feverishly over her, his chest brushing her breasts perfectly. The soft hair tickled the stiff peaks, increasing the ache spreading throughout her body.
The lights and sounds exploding overhead matched their frenetic pace as each neared a massive crescendo.
The tendrils of quickening unfurled in Liz's body, a heavy weight stealing through her limbs like an electric current.
Like a drug spreading through Liz's veins, a wash of heat encompassed her, bursting from her mound in a staggering inferno rippling through her clit and nipples.
The responding surge of endorphins caused a dizzying hum to radiate behind her eyes. Welcoming the dark haze enveloping her senses, Liz embraced the staggering rush... crying out in wild abandon into the humid night.
Red's brow furrowed as he watched the spectacular show, his balls throbbing in response.
"Don't... don't stop," whimpering her need, Liz clung to Red's bulk, fervently rocking her pelvis against Red's erection, riding the sweet tide.
"Feels so good when you come," the man quickly nudged her quivering hole nice and deep.
Grasping the woman's hip, he held her tight, repeatedly driving his cock into the creamy hole he coveted.
Red grunted low in his chest as the woman's small hands grasped his ass, pushing and pulling the handful. Following the silent direction, he shortened his strokes, reveling in the sensation of her body rippling hard around his.
Liz's breath caught and held as she felt the tell tale signs of Red's climax approach as the man's thrusts became sharp and erratic.
"I love how hard your cock is for me," she met the man, thrust for thrust.
The sounds of their bodies impacting against one another and their passionate cries suddenly inundated the man, further heightening his need.
"I love youso much," she chanted, arching her breasts into the thick pelt covering Red's chest.
A profusion of color showering down from above sparkled like starlight on the couples damp skin as the responding explosions muffled their amorous exclamations.
Red's hand tightened reflexively on Lizzy's hip, keeping her little ass stationary as her smooth legs rubbed erotically against his flank.
"Come on, baby," she encouraged, squeezing Red's ass in her hands, "yes... fuck me," her full mouth parted, her brow furrowing, "...fuck," her voice trembled, "...yes, come in my pussy."
Listening to that little mouth get him off, Red cursed sharply, hungrily capturing the beautiful lips with his own just as his cock jerked hard in Lizzy's snug channel.
Submitting to his dominate presence, Liz whimpered her release as she felt the pulsing force of Red's climax fill her middle.
Thrusting against the woman's shuddering frame, Red growled his satisfaction as his semen pooled hot and thick in her core.
Bracing himself on his arms, Red panted heavily against Lizzy's breast, his warm breath further tightening the already straining areola.
Chuckling his relief and euphoria, he tenderly stroked Lizzy's lax body, his eyes softening on the woman's blissful face as he nuzzled her cheek adoringly.
Sudden silence filled the air as puffs of smoke rolled across the sky, followed by applause and whistles from an entertained crowd.
"They're right... that was a hell of a show..." he rasped his agreement, "... a hell of a show."
Weakly beckoning the man closer, both sighed their contentment as Red lay against Lizzy, warming their now cooling bodies.
"I love spending the holidays with you..." she sighed airily, mindless to Red's soft laughter.