Upon their return home the next day, Red retreated to his office, checking the mail. Shuffling the stack, he finally found the one thing he hoped would not be there.
Reddington was at the Blacksite today. But then, so were you. Guarded by his security, of course. He's certainly doing everything he can to keep you under lock and key, isn't he? Liz, I will find you, keep believing.
"Like hell," Red mumbled as he read the latest letter.
He should have thought to take proper precautions when Elizabeth visited the Blacksite, no matter how brief a visit it was.
As the woman had been going stir crazy, Red had suggested she meet him there in order to enjoy lunch together.
It should have occurred to him, Tom would stake out the place in hopes of catching sight of the woman.
Every day he walked into the Blacksite, he felt out of sorts, something was off. There was nothing concrete to which he could apply his theory.
Which was pissing him off, royally. He had pinpointed Carver so easily that night... he had felt the danger, sensing the brush of death.
He and Death were old friends by now.
Most people feared that Entity. There were times in the past, Red welcomed it like a source of comfort. The man pulled his thoughts back to the present determinedly.
He was looking right past this stalker which was so unlike him. The fact Elizabeth would most likely pay for his distraction, was totally unacceptable.
"You rang?" Silas popped his head around the door, interrupting his wool-gathering "Oh, you got another one?" He gestured to the paper in Red's hand, his tone off-handedly neutral.
"She did, and it mentions her arrival at the Blacksite." Red frowned, tossing the sheet over. "Did you notice anybody lurking about?"
"No, I didn't." the large man scanned the neatly typed print, before returning his attention. "So, you want to increase her security?" Silas asked politely.
"I want every building in at least a block radius to be manned." Red handed over an updated photo of Tom taken by Dembe the last time they saw him. "The Blacksite is to be considered a hot spot."
Silas scanned the photo, then let it dangle loosely from his fingertips. "And if we find our little double agent?"
"I want the bastard caught and held... so I can beat the hell out of him."
"It's going to be difficult to throw together a team on a whim."
"No it won't, because all Elizabeth's excursions will be planned ahead of time." Red vetoed any other solution.
"When she wants to do something–"
"She can wait." the words held a finality.
The guard was visibly impressed. "Oh, she can wait." Silas tone said it all. "And she'll go for that?" he smirked. "And you are the one who is going to deliver this news?"
"I'm going to have a talk with her, make her understand why this needs to be done." Red went back to shuffling the mail on his desk. "She may disregard her safety, but she won't yours. Besides these letters upset her."
Red returned the latter to his files.
"It's nice to be so highly thought of..." Silas scratched his cheek slowly, trying desperately to keep his grin under wraps.
"It's that high regard that she has for you, that's keeping your people and you... alive."
Later in the day, Red received word an associate had died, rather unexpectedly...
Making plans to depart to New York post haste; not only did Red wish to ascertain what happened, but hoped to take control of a portion of Anne's estate.
While Elizabeth was having her casts removed, Red took the opportunity to secure the proper clothing and luggage the woman would need for their excursion. Once assured all would be ready by their arrival home, Elizabeth was ready to go.
Lizzy was practically dancing due to her new found freedom, having lost not just one, but both casts.
Before she knew it, they had returned home, quickly gathered what was required... and were bound for New York before she could even process what was happening.
Elizabeth should have known when in Red Reddington's company, one should expect the unexpected.
Upon their arrival, Red and Francis hit the phone lines, touching base with contacts, getting the low down on Anne's activities in her last day.
An hour into their investigations, Red slapped his phone closed with a finality that bespoke of his mood.
"That little bitch!" he fumed.
"What? What happened?" Francis hesitated mid-dial, slowly closing his phone.
"It was Natalia." Red pushed off the couch, heading to the bar, pouring himself a stiff drink.
Liz entered the room, securing the tie around her robe, surprised at the venom in the man's tone. She remembered Red mentioning that name before... it was the woman who had spiked his drink.
"How can you be sure?" Liz crossed, taking a seat by the picturesque windows which offered an amazing view of the city behind them.
"I told you, I turned her in on that drug charge?" Red reminded. "This is her little way of ingratiating herself back into the fold."
"You mean she..." Liz gaped, "she killed Anne to get her business contacts?"
"Dog eat dog." Francis muttered, before taking a drink from his own tumbler. "Or in this case, bitch kill bitch." he swivelled his head towards Red, shrugging. "Sorry..." the man sighed. "What are you gonna do?"
Red huffed irritably, pouring another finger. "What the hell can I do?" he leaned back into the bar, crossing his ankles. "Why Anne even got involved with her, is what I don't understand. She thought Natalia was trash."
Francis' phone ringing broke Red's reverie, for the moment.
"Red, do you have a copy of that list from Anne's room?" Francis asked.
"It's in the bedroom, on the dresser." Red gestured.
Francis pushed out of his chair, leaving the sitting room.
The man's jaw pulsed with his aggravation. Red closed his eyes, scratching at his neck, which Liz had come to learn, was as close as Red came to having a nervous tick.
"It's not your fault." she muttered softly.
"It is." Red disagreed. "If I hadn't–"
"She drugged you Red." the woman interrupted, checking on Francis' whereabouts, finding him still on the phone. "Don't take this the wrong way, but considering who you are, you didn't have to go easy and just get Natalia jail time."
Red lifted his eyes, staring through her. The woman winced, knowing she should have found a way to word that differently.
"Dammit, Red. You know I didn't mean anything by that." she hissed. "I just meant, by rights–"
"My kind would have killed her." Red gritted. He had wondered if Elizabeth would ever see him as anything but her CI... but it was moments like this, that clarified that thought with a resounding... no.
Liz arose, sensing the man's mood. He stood, swirling the amber liquor in the glass, his thoughts and focus completely on his actions.
She placed her hand over the top of the glass, fingering his chin gently, demanding his attention.
"That was a rotten thing she did, dangerous..." it was stressed. "Even being who I am, I would have been hard pressed not to kill her." she continued. "You didn't, where so many others would have."
Francis came out of the bedroom, stilling in his steps, feeling the tension in the room. More specifically, the stand off beside the bar. He eyed the two combatants warily.
"What did Mark want?" Red asked, holding the woman's gaze dispassionately.
"He uh..." Francis tried to ignore the strain exhibited by both parties, "got a request from someone who supposedly had worked with Anne, Mark wanted to confirm if they were legit." he looked between the couple, scowling. "What the hell is wrong with you two?"
Red broke his gaze, looking over to the young man. "Nothing."
Pushing off the bar, Red grabbed his phone and wallet. "We have business to attend to."
He left with no further word.
It took Francis and Dembe several drinks and calm, rational reasoning to get Red in a better mood.
Francis' idea of rational reasoning, having heard the reason behind the man's sour mood was to rationalize... "Well Red, you do kill people. Let's all be honest here."
Dembe cut the man a severe chastising glance, putting it much better. "You mistook her intentions, Raymond. Perhaps what she was saying was that she admired the fact that you are attempting to react differently to situations than you have in the past."
Red could accept that and he secretly wondered if he was really upset with Elizabeth or the fact that he was the cause of what Natalia had done.
After dinner that night, Red found himself relaxing a little bit. Francis and Mark were relating different versions of their misadventures over the years, each poking fun at the other.
Some of the tension that was blanketing him and Lizzy abated with the good humor and jovial atmosphere. A time or two when their eyes met, she seemed to sober a bit, her smile losing some of its brilliancy.
She was still upset by what happened earlier.
He wondered if she was upset with herself for what she had said or his reaction to it?
She excused herself at one point. Red watched her trek across the hotel dining area, his scowl transferring to the large guard beside him.
"She's being followed." Silas assured, his own eyes trailing the guard he'd placed on the woman. "You haven't apologized?" he assumed.
"I don't think he should." Francis said.
"When's the last time you had a serious girlfriend?" Silas quipped. "Hell, when's the last time you got laid?"
Francis pulled an endearing 'denial' face. "And when have you?"
"This morning." Silas' face was perfectly composed.
"Oh..." Francis' face fell.
Mark snickered into his glass for the exchange.
"Now, go see that she's safe." Silas pointed to the two men sitting across from him.
"You have a guard on her." Francis screwed up his face, pointing the man out.
"Okay, you can't take a hint." Silas leaned into the table, eyeing them. "The adults are talking, get lost."
Red gestured for the two young men to give them a moment, turning his attention to the head guard, as the two men reluctantly scooted back from the table.
"What about Dembe?" Francis squawked.
"Dembe..." Silas gritted his request.
The man followed suit, smiling at Silas' vexation, leaving not because he had to... but because he respected the need for privacy.
When they were finally alone, Silas glanced over at his boss, his friend, sighing heavily.
"Are you pissed because of what she said or because you feel like it's a step back?"
"Isn't it?" Red replied curtly. He hadn't meant to answer that quickly, nor that honestly.
"No, because unlike before, she tried to correct her error." Silas clarified. "She hadn't meant for the words to be taken as an insult, but that she noticed a change in you..." the man shifted his weight comfortably, "that you reacted differently than your reputation would suggest."
Red's brow knitted, remembering Dembe had said something similar.
"She doesn't just see you as her CI anymore." Silas continued. "Do you really not see it?"
The large guard's head dropped meaningfully to one side as he realized that the other man actually did not see the reality.
"Besides the two of you sleeping in the same bed, being more hands on and–"
"It's for work." Red countered.
"Don't give me that shit." Silas scoffed. "You two do not have to sleep in the same damn bed for work." the man tossed his napkin on the table, leaning on his elbows.
"Since when has she valued your opinion at work, let alone when hunting for her own home?" Silas scoffed. "Stop bullshitting me and quite frankly, yourself."
Red sat back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest, his expression benign. "She's hung up on Tom."
"No she isn't." Silas disgusted. "Her reaction to that damn dream was proof enough of that."
"She's confused."
Silas shook his head, irritated at Red's diversion. "I've never known you to be afraid of anything, Red."
Red's eyes connected with the guards, the heavy silence saying enough.
"She's giving you signals, hints that she's interested for weeks, and you aren't seeing them," the man told the truth, "because you're too afraid of her rejection."
The stocky man pushed back his seat, standing. "That is not the Red Reddington I know." Silas stated bluntly.
"You need to get your head straight, both of them." Silas strongly suggested. "Either grow a set and make your move, or get on with it and go fuck someone else." the handsome face hardened slightly. "You're turning out to be a real bastard..."
"I apologize for upsetting your sensitive nature."
Silas leaned into his fists, resting them on the table, glowering at the man across from him. "You told me to protect her. That's what I'm doing." he reminded. "And since you didn't specify, I'm assuming that it was to shield her from all harm." the man's tone had hardened as well.
"You're being a major dick. Stop speaking in fucking riddles and be straight with her for fucking once."
Silas took a few steps, then hesitated, looking back at Red. "I know which path you're going to pick... do you?"
Red could not truthfully answer that questions at this point and he secretly wondered how Silas could possibly do so.
As couples filled the dance floor, the silence between Red and Elizabeth remained unchanged... for the most part.
Until Red watched Dembe leaned into a woman's sphere, his smile almost lighting the room around him.
"What?" Liz turned in her seat, wondering over Red's preoccupation.
"Well now, that is unexpected." there was total approval in Red's tone and manner as Dembe led his partner to the dance floor.
"I'd say." Liz pouted. "What about Hannah?"
Since their initial meeting, when Hannah and Katie helped rid her of the filth she felt after Carver's attack; Liz had sought their services on a regular basis and found their visits fun and entertaining.
In the interim, Dembe had asked Hannah on a date... and they seemed to hit it off, much to Liz's delight.
"Lizzy, he's only asking the woman to dance, not mother his children." Red pointed out.
"So you're saying Hannah shouldn't be worried." Liz stared at the handsome couple dancing closely.
"I wasn't under the impression that Hannah and Dembe were serious."
"I guess they aren't. She just really seems to like him," Liz felt rather disappointed at the moment, "And I like Hannah." She mumbled.
"Stay out of it, Lizzy." Red drawled the advice. "Perhaps all they really want out of the relationship is nothing more than sex."
"You think?" Liz tilted her head, wondering if it could be a possibility.
"Dembe, while being a good man, is mostly an absent one. Some women are fine with the constant travel, some aren't." Red could speak from experience. "I would imagine that Dembe would make sure of any problems that might arise before solidifying anything."
"I guess he would." Liz wondered what it felt like to have a 'friend with benefits'. She herself, had never had a one night stand.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Honestly?" She smiled wickedly. "I was just thinking, I've never had casual sex. I wonder what it's like?" Instead of him spitting his drink across the table like she expected him to do, he turned serious eyes to her.
"It's empty and lonely. There's no affection." He replied evenly. "The sex feels great, sometimes. Afterwards, that's the let down. Someone inevitably leaves at the end of the night."
"But you've had a couple stay, haven't you? Madeline?" she openly fished.
"My partners and I took care of a biological imperative." he stirred his drink methodically.
"Partners?" Liz was intrigued and though she would only admit it to herself, maybe a little jealous.
Red pursed his lips, side glancing her before continuing, "We had a cat nap or two before the next round. But a whole night together... no."
Liz was stuck on his choice of words, next round. How many rounds could he do in a night?
"You're the first woman I've slept with since my wife." He confided. "If only due to the fact that you won't stab me in the back while I'm sleeping." he held a small smile. "Or at least, that is my impression up to this point."
Both fell silent.
He wondered if he had over shared. He looked at the world and relationships one way, she another.
Everyone had a past, some more than others. While parts of hers, he would rather forget, they still made her who she was. He wouldn't hold anything against her, ever. Nothing he learned about her was too much.
How she viewed his past, he wasn't sure.
"It's their loss." Liz finally spoke.
"Excuse me?"
"That they didn't ask you to stay. It's their loss."
"And why is that?" He smiled, waiting for the punch line.
"Because, when you're there I can sleep." She glanced out over the dance floor, sipping her wine. "I've never felt so safe."
Red stared at her, slightly shell shocked. It was the last thing he had expected to hear.
"Raymond." Dembe interrupted, quietly. "Mark needs to speak with you, he asked that I see if you are available."
"I'm busy," He gestured to the woman beside him.
Liz slapped his shoulder lightly. "No we aren't. Go on or he'll just come looking for you." she predicted. "Duty calls, Sailor..."
God, he hadn't been called that in a long time and found he almost missed it.
"Tell him I'll be right there." Red sighed. "I'll be back as soon as possible."
"Take your time, I'm not going anywhere." she pointed to Francis who was sauntering toward their table.
The man nodded, both to the arrival of his friend as Francis seated himself by Elizabeth and the woman, indicating his farewell.
Red followed Dembe down the long hall, nearing the conference rooms. "Did Mark say what he wanted?"
"He was approached about taking on a new shipper earlier. He would value your input, considering you frequently do business in the area."
They rounded the corner, finding Mark Donovan waiting at the door for them.
Mark was a remarkable young man with piercing green eyes and an intelligent brow. He had a strong physique, and swagger of a man who was confident in his abilities.
"Who is it?" Red asked.
"A woman, Ariana Sanchez." Mark began the tale. "She came to me earlier about taking on Gabriel Ramirez." he explained. "He was to begin shipping for Anne, but..."
Red's brows rose, his interest immediate.
He'd heard about Ramirez, but had not worked with him as of yet. Ramirez and his bunch were quite good at their jobs. Red had heard in passing, that not one shipment had gone missing or was damaged and these men were very serious about product arriving intact and on time. No matter what they had to do to ensure that scenario.
"I want to meet her."
"You and the rest of the hotel." Mark mumbled, flashing a quick grin before beginning the route to the Conference Room he had booked. "She's quite beautiful."
The three men entered the room, Red's eyes zeroing in on the woman immediately.
She was indeed stunning. A true Spanish beauty with bronzed skin, soft and delicate features, long flowing brown hair down to her waist and an amazing figure.
She sat straight in her chair, holding Red's gaze as though she was used to being ogled. And while he did enjoy her beauty, he was looking past that, seeing beyond what others focused on.
While she held a dignified air, she was definitely nervous. And grew more so under his unwavering attention.
"Ms. Sanchez," Red greeted, holding out his hand to her. "I am Raym–"
"Raymond Reddington, yes. I know." she smiled engagingly.
He had to give it to the girl. She was holding it together well.
Her hand had been slightly damp and her posture a bit rigid, but it certainly could not have been the dozen pair of eyes undressing her.
Men were often swayed by her voluptuous figure, shapely legs and flowing locks. She was used to it and paid them no mind.
It wasn't until Red walked into the room that she put up her front. If he was new to the game, he might have missed it, but when you had been on his side of things for twenty plus years. He saw her for what she was.
Someone was playing messenger.
The others were too busy drooling over the girl to hear much of what she was actually saying anyway. Red pulled the seat out opposite her, focusing her attention where it should be...
On him.
"What is it that we can do for you, Ms. Sanchez?"
She gave a quick background on Gabriel Ramirez and his crew and answered some of Red's questions until they were interrupted by a phone call.
"Excuse me for a moment." she batted long lashes charmingly, stepping a couple feet away.
Red turned in his chair, staring off vacantly, totally focused on the one sided conversation. She spoke quickly and fluently in her native language.
As her conversation continued and a quick check of the room assured her no one was listening, she assumed that no one understood her language, speaking more freely.
"Mark, clear the room." he requested sotto voce.
Mark questioned the man with a look.
Red pointed at the others talking amongst themselves. "They're holding back our deal because she can't talk freely. Get them out."
Mark shrugged, pushing back from the table. "Gentlemen, why don't we go visit the bar, maybe have a smoke?" he gestured to the door. He threw Red an amused smirk when not one of the men present, questioned why they were leaving.
Red pushed back his own chair, conferring quietly with his friend. "Dembe, if you would check on Lizzy for me."
Dembe offered a slight incline of his head, the dark eyes transferring to the still occupied woman.
"I know what she wants. You know what she wants." Raymond sing-songed his head. "I'll secure the deal and be with you shortly."
Dembe left the room, leaving the two remaining occupants alone.
Red sat back in his chair, listening as Ariana finished off her conversation, summarily clicking the phone shut.
"I do apologize. Business you know." she smiled charmingly, retracing her steps to her former seat.
Red enquired, in her own language, if there were any problems with which he could assist.
The bronze complexion paled visibly. Red simply smiled. "Now, tell me. What proposal is Gabriel offering?"
She deflated a bit in her chair, then gave him the run down. Gabriel was in trouble.
There hadn't been many shipments lately of any real cash value, with others cutting into the supply. Gabriel was worried because he had a crew to keep employed and more importantly, fed.
"I'm not traveling down that way for a couple weeks, and when I do, I'll be on vacation." Red explained. His eyes softened when Ariana bit her lip anxiously, "but after that time, if Gabriel is so inclined, I would like to fly him there to discuss more with him and finalize a deal."
Ariana took a deep breath, her eyes lifting immediately, hope shining within the dark depths. "Really?"
"Yes, now, why don't you call him back and see when it would be a good time for him to meet."
After swapping information, Red bid the gentleman a good evening, before ending the call.
Ariana was practically vibrating with enthusiasm by the time he sat the phone down. She had done well by her people and Reddington seemed like a good associate to have on their side.
He stood, smiling down at the woman then helped her from her chair. "Thank you for taking a chance on us, Mr. Reddington. We will not let you down."
Imagine the man's surprise, when the Latin beauty impulsively leaned into him, the full lips latching securely onto his unsuspecting ones.
Even more of a surprise, she kissed as good as she looked. Normally, that wasn't the case. The more beautiful the woman, the less she put into it, thinking her looks were enough.
But Ariana gave it her all.
Red inclined his head, allowing the physical pleasure for a long moment. Wrapping his arm around her small waist, he pulled her tighter into him. When her tongue flicked his lips seductively, he opened for her.
The dance continued, both teasing one other until the woman herself, moved his hand down to the curve of her shapely ass.
Cupping the supple flesh, Red effortlessly lifted her to the Conference table, deepening the sensual kiss.
Spreading her legs, Red stepped between them, more than pleased to feel her hook a leg around his ass, pulling him into the cradle of her thighs. Raking his bulge against her center, the woman moaned, her legs opening wider.
Her hands stroked him, giving Red exactly what he had been needing. The sensual and sexual touch of a female.
Ariana gasped, baring his chest, skirting her fingers through the wealth of soft down found there.
Red freed her bountiful breasts, his darkened eyes taking in the supple flesh, his palm flattening against her warm skin as he lay her back unto the table.
He gently kneaded, squeezing the firm plumpness experimentally. A soft whimper from her beautiful lips urged him on. He grasped her hips, dragging her roughly into position.
Her fingers pulled at his belt and zipper. The woman's deft fingers slid into the expensive silk of his boxers, stroking his erection, teasing his thickened head.
Red reached under her full skirt, removing her panties in one effortless move.
The scent of aroused female filled his senses...
Shit... his jaw clenched tightly, the man's entire system shutting down.
What the fuck Reddington?
"I can't..." Grunting painfully, his body shook, his craving increasing when he felt her damp, wet heat rake his cock head.
Ariana massaged his erection, her hand halting uncertainly when she felt his abrupt retreat. "Is something wrong?" her voice shook with the emotion he had evoked. "Did I do something wrong?
His eyes shut tightly, his jaw clenching inflexibly. "I can't do this."
He shook his head with undisguised turmoil. "You did nothing wrong." he panted. "I did... I'm wrong." he shuddered when she stroked him, teasing his sensitive head.
He placed his hand over hers, halting any further movement.
This felt wrong.
But he was so confused. Why should it feel wrong?
What the fuck was his problem! There was a insanely beautiful woman right here, with her legs opened, more than ready for him. So why had he stopped?
You know why you stopped.
Ariana smelled wonderful. Her arousal was more than enticing.
But Lizzy...
Elizabeth was captivating...alluring...mesmerizing. He kept close to her all night, because he couldn't get enough of her scent. He awoke periodically, just to nuzzle her neckline... to inhale that womanly aroma.
He had never smelled anything so sweet, so pure... he had never wanted anything more than to make Elizabeth his, to claim her as his own...
Elizabeth is all he wanted.
Lizzy was all he needed...
"Dammit!" Red gripped his cock, urging the ramrod erection to recede.
Ariana hurriedly arose from her prone position, raking the long hair out of her face. Her expression was one of concern. She modestly rearranged her clothing, the dark eyes never once leaving the man's face.
Red sensed her distress, feeling bad for the woman.
"It's not you." he breathed his relief, as his erection finally started to ease, "I'm a bastard. A fucking rotten bastard." he trembled visibly, the pain finally making itself known.
Had he been having regular sex, it would just be a mild annoyance. But after the ever present 'cock tease' he'd had for the last month and being denied real relief, the man was left with a deep ache in his balls.
"What can I do to help?" she was genuinely sincere.
He waved the issue briskly aside, bringing his breath under control. "I never should have allowed..."
"I started it." she admitted freely.
"I'm engaged." he blurted, as his erection slowly deflated, allowing him to slip it back inside his pants and it would damn well stay where it belonged.
Ariana inhaled sharply, "Oh! No one told me. I hadn't heard." she felt horrible.
"She was hurt and I..." Red didn't know why he continued to talk. "We couldn't... and I guess I just got caught up in the moment."
"It's okay. You didn't do anything." Ariana smiled softly, further adjusting her person. "Trust me, if I thought you were an asshole, I'd tell you." she laughed shortly, then sobered.
"You just miss touching her and being touched. And you slipped a little." she shrugged slender shoulders. "But you stopped yourself." she reminded encouragingly.
Well, that much was true at least. He sure as hell had 'slipped' a little.
He had to figure this out. He either had to tell Elizabeth how he felt and accept her rejection so he could move on, once and for all. Or just push her to the private little corner of his brain, fuck someone and deal with how he felt after that.
Neither option sounded ideal.
Red buttoned his shirt, "I apologize, Ariana."
"No need, as I said. I started it." she smiled understandably. "I didn't realize how... riveting you were in person." she chuckled softly, striving for a lightness she did not feel. "I do hope this doesn't change your plans for–"
"No, no," he assured her quickly, "I want to speak to Gabriel."
He was just fastening the last button on his shirt when a knock on the door interrupted the conversation.
Francis peaked his head around the corner. "Oh, I was looking for... you." his voice trailed away as he took in the scene.
Red thanked God he had stopped. If he hadn't, he would have been balls deep in Ariana when Francis just blithely waltzed in, as was his habit these days.
"What?" Red snapped at the man hovering at the door.
Francis slowly stepped into the room examining the two occupants critically. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, slapping it into Red's chest.
"You better wipe that lipstick off before Lizzy sees it."
Shit... Red took the white cloth, rubbing his lips clean.
"Please do not say anything to her." Ariana pleaded. "I kissed him... I didn't know he was engaged. It is my fault. I was just so excited about–"
"Ariana..." Red halted the stilted explanation, his mood dark.
Francis looked between the two, then bent over, coming back up, casually tossing Ariana's panties on the table.
Fuck... Red looked at the tiny scrap of cloth, his thoughts stagnated.
"Please, he did nothing wrong." Ariana begged Francis to understand, balling the flimsy material in her clenched fists quickly.
"Ariana, I will handle this." Red's tone stopped the woman from speaking further. He was the one at fault, not her. He wouldn't let her take the fall for his mistake.
"If you would be so kind as to inform Gabriel I will expect his call." he smiled gently at the woman. "The details will be worked out later."
She nodded solemnly, taking her leave, with but one look of total remorse before closing the door behind her.
Well, she was certainly loyal. Red could appreciate such a virtue.
"What the fuck, Red!" Francis snapped. "What the hell did you do!"
Red braced his arms on the table, breathing out his stress and relief. "I know you and Lizzy have become close friends and I appreciate your concern here, but it was just a kiss." Red glanced over, his eyes issuing a warning.
"A kiss wasn't all that just happened!" Francis pointed to Red's disheveled clothes. "How can you have fucked someone else when she's... what the hell! Lizzy is just right out there!" He jabbed his finger towards the dining area.
"I didn't fuck Ariana." Red stood upright, tucking his shirt back into place almost casually.
"Really?" Francis pointed down at Red's belt, scowling. "Then what the hell did you do? Get a blow?"
"No..." Red zipped up, then buttoned his pants, his manner stiff and unyielding.
"What the fuck is wrong with you!" Francis was beside himself.
"It just happened, Francis. She kissed me and it just got carried away for a minute." Red gritted, fastening his belt. He threw another warning glare. "Let it go."
"How far did you get?" the younger man questioned heatedly. "And don't you dare tell me nothing happened. Because the guilt in your eyes says enough."
Red's temper flared, ever so glad to have an outlet for the emotion he was feeling. "Don't you fucking judge me... don't you fucking dare."
Francis's eyes narrowed into slits of fury, "You son of a bitch!"
The man drew back quickly, punching Red directly across the jaw, that fury transmitted into his action.
Reddington staggered slightly, turning slowly, wiping the blood from his mouth. His eyes were suddenly cold stones of empty darkness. "I will give you that one, because of Lizzy. Don't ever raise your hand to me again... because you don't know shit."
"Maybe not, but you did fuck Lexa the whole time we were in Italy." Francis growled an angry reminder.
Shit! What could Red say to that?
He had fucked Lexa over those three days, a lot. While Francis was in the next room.
Considering Francis was not privy to the details of their charade and believed Red and Elizabeth had been dating over a year... and their trip to Italy was only a month ago, he could understand the younger man's frustration and anger.
Right now, however, Red had more pressing matters on his mind.
"Who the hell else have you fucked when you've been gone?" Francis snapped. "While I was keeping your fiancée company, who were you fucking!"
Red stood perfectly silent, debating his options.
"Lizzy is the best thing to happen to you in a long time, you idiot!" Francis seethed quietly.
"I know that..." he stated deathly quiet.
"I don't think you do." Francis stalked to the door, "And you sure as hell aren't worthy of her." he flung open the door.
"Oh, and not that you probably care," the man needled, "but Edward is out there, hitting on Liz even as we speak." the man gritted, slamming the door closed behind him, leaving Red alone.
"Fuck!" Red spat, punching his fist into the hard oak table before hurrying out the door.
Red stalked the hall, rounding the corner into the ballroom, searching for Elizabeth.
Among the myriad of people crowding the opulent area, he finally located her over by the bar and sure enough, just as Francis had said... that bastard Edward was clearly making his move.
The little weasel overtly moved closer, pushing Francis aside without seeming to do so, totally disregarding a patiently watching guard, who smirked openly at some remark Elizabeth had made concerning Edward's advances.
Reddington pushed back a primal urge to stalk over and slice the man's throat from ear to ear.
His confrontation with Francis was bad enough but seeing the scene unfolding before him now, his anger reached a boiling point.
And for so many other fucking reasons.
He was sick and tired of this shit!
Enough!
"Look man, she's not interested." Francis snapped. "What the fuck aren't you understanding."
"I haven't heard her say anything, actually." Edward countered. "Since you won't shut the fuck up and mind your own business long enough for her to do so."
"I'm not interested." Liz sighed her annoyance. "Besides, I know you are well aware that I am in a relationship." she held up her finger in proof. "I am perfectly happ–"
"Are you sure he still wants you?" the weasel of a man questioned, moving closer. "I mean, I don't see him coming out to defend his property."
Red's eyes blackened, focusing on his target as he snagged Francis' collar, yanking the young man out of his way.
"What the fu..." Francis bitched, stumbling back, only to be caught in the sure hands of a chuckling Silas.
"Look who showed up." Silas mumbled, steadying Francis on his feet. "I guess he does want her..."
Francis pulled at his collar, loosening his tie, watching the show begin. "That remains to be seen." he muttered tightly.
Silas glanced over at Francis. "We have front row seats." He was so excited to see the master at work... finally.
"I'm here, asshole." Red forced himself between Elizabeth and Edward, his bulk moving the other man to arm's length.
"I thought I made it perfectly clear last time we spoke, all that was required of you." Red stepped into the man's space, forcing Edward back yet another step. "I see I wasn't clear enough."
He jabbed his fingers into the man's chest, shoving him back. "You are not to speak to Elizabeth." he grasped the front of the man's shirt, jerking him forward. Red's face, inches from the other man's.
"Don't look at her... don't come near her... don't even fucking think about her." Red gritted, his thumb suddenly pushing in on Edward's windpipe, focused intently on the quickly bulging veins of the man's neck which was now in his grasp.
"...If you so much as breath in her general vicinity," Red tilted his head, his eyes void of any real emotion, as was his tone which somehow made it more chilling, "...I will kill you."
The silence was brittle.
"Do you fucking understand me, now?" it was pleasantly enquired.
Edward glanced over the broad shoulders, his eyes falling on Elizabeth Keen, a small smirk playing about the thin line of his mouth... openly defying such a threat.
Red's nostrils flared at the blatant brush off, his blood surging through his body drowning out the sounds of reason.
"You fucking prick," Red grated a snarl.
The enraged man landed a series of vicious punches to the younger man's face, one such blow fracturing the bones inside the other man's nose. A horrendous gush of blood covered Edward's mouth and chin, dripping down the front of the man's pristine shirt.
"Red!" Liz gasped, mortified.
Red's foot swept out swiftly, knocking Edward to the tile floor. He crouched over the bastard, his face enraged, his arm drawn back for yet another series of assaults.
Edward feebly fought back with a intended right hook, which was blocked easily by Red who had clear advantage.
Staring murderously down at the man, Red increased the tightness of his grip on the front of Edwards's clothing. He shifted his weight hard, his knee sinking into his victims chest.
Edward gasped for air, but Red's hand tightened systematically around the fucker's throat.
Red's expression was totally without emotion.
"Silas, do something!" Liz winced, as the vicious beating continued.
"I am," Silas replied lazily. "I'm staying out of it, and so are you." he snagged her arm, dragging her out of harm's way, sensing the direction the slight debate would take.
Having wiggled his way to the wall, Edward put his foot against it, flipping both men to their sides. He struggled to overcome his opponent, but Red had worked his leg up against the man's chest.
One strategic shove, containing all Red's brute strength, sent the other man crashing backwards, careening into the hardwood bar.
The crowd gathered around them, having come to watch the spectacle unfold, cheered loudly now.
Francis noted the guy next to him was taking bets right and left, cash in hand, jotting names and numbers into a slender notebook.
Silas grappled for the young man's attention. Francis pulled it momentarily away from the confrontation. The guard was waving a hundred dollar bill, wanting his own wager recorded for posterity.
But Francis was in no mood, waving the money aside.
"Take this you little asshole," Silas warned. "Or we'll be the next one they're betting on."
Francis sighed heavily, absently obeying.
Liz watched her surroundings, slightly shell shocked. Silas kept the crowd at bay, so she still had an excellent view of the horrible thing taking place before her.
She was jostled unceremoniously, having tried to forge her way forward a bit.
"Get your ass over here, dammit." Silas pulled her back into his embrace, his burly arms protecting her on all sides. "Isn't this cool." it was the first time the woman had ever seen the man so animated.
Red regained his dominant position, delivering several punishing blows to Edward's lower stomach.
"Let me go..." she struggled against Silas' firm hold.
"Hey, the boss needs to work off some frustration." the tall man winced as Red rammed Edward's head into the wall. "A lot of frustration." he clarified. "Besides, the little prick deserves it and more."
Liz flinched as Red threw Edward towards a nearby table. The younger man spun around, grabbing a glass.
She opened her mouth to warn Red but a large palm silenced her. She tried biting the hand but Silas shook off the effort, laughing gaily.
"Behave, you little minx." the guard's attention to the center ring.
The stocky man hurled the tumbler at Red, but Reddington jerked his head slightly to the left, avoiding the projectile.
"Do not distract him." Silas warned, scolding the woman. "Red does not need your help."
"What the hell is wrong with you!" she gaped. "I meant you, you idiot!"
Silas grabbed her, quickly dragging her out of the way of several men who came tumbling toward them, having unfortunately been caught as a byproduct of the fight.
"He doesn't need my help either." Silas seemed a trifle upset by the fact, clearly wishing to join in the melee. "I think he would prefer I stay the hell out of it." he tsked his disappointment.
"You're a bodyguard!"
"Your bodyguard." he reminded. "Not his..." he rolled his eyes with great exaggeration when the woman turned the full force of the precious pout upon him directly. "He's defending your honor, you numb skull."
He would have laughed in her face, if it hadn't been for that pout. For anyone to be concerned over Red Reddington in a fight was beyond ludicrous.
"You look like a confused puppy." His smile faded quickly enough as he noted four men entering the bar. Silas zeroed in on them, his Spidey senses tingling.
Silas' hand went to his weapon just as the new arrivals reached for theirs. The tall man leading the way held up a stilling hand, his interest clearly caught by the identity of the participants of the ruckus.
Elizabeth was taken aback by the difference in her guard. The fun loving, carefree, flippant personage of a second ago, had been replaced by a coldly calculating individual that she had never met before.
Silas glanced back and forth between both sides, hyper vigilant, ready should his services be required.
"It's Anthony," Francis sidled up beside them, explaining the situation as it now stood. "It's his hotel."
Silas half nodded, checking the whereabouts of his charge.
Liz was meandering her way through the crowd, pushing and shoving into a spot that she could maneuver to the front.
"That little ingrate..." Silas gritted, bolting forward with Francis right beside him. "Who ever gets her first, takes her out and spanks her ass hard!" the man growled angrily. "And not in a good way."
The woman pushed hard at the gathered crowd, breaking through to the front just as Red stalked towards the other man, drawing back his fist yet again.
Edward Costa looked as if he had been through hell. His clothes were ripped and bloodied as was his face and hands. He was bruised and clearly broken in more places than one.
Liz stepped between the men, her face allowing her fear, her eyes pleading for some semblance of sanity to prevail.
Edward took the opportunity presented since Red's focus was now elsewhere. He looked around for any weapon available, finding it instantly, turned on its side, laying there just begging to be used.
He hefted the metal seat, his intentions more than apparent. Never mind that Elizabeth was between himself and his former assailant.
Red saw the danger immediately, choosing to bring the woman into his arms, turning hastily to protect her from any harm. He shielded her, his arms bands of steel.
Silas' hand gripped the leg of the barstool that Edward was just about to smash into Reddington.
Not having witnessed Silas' intervention, Red waited for the impact which never came.
Silas' large hand engulfed Edward's face, shoving hard. The force landed the smaller man clear across the length of the dance floor.
Silas grinned as loud booing and hissing was directed his way. He had after all, broken up a perfectly good fight. The guard held his hands up apologetically, his grin firmly in place.
Red slowly turned his head, then lifted his body, bringing the woman along with him.
He straightened, searching for the little prick who had been the focus of his murderous rage.
Red watched as the 'prick' was unceremoniously escorted from the area by the Security detail of the hotel in which they resided.
He nodded his gratitude to the man Francis had earlier identified as Anthony Burke, owner of the establishment. Tony grinned back at him sheepishly.
Red turned his attention to a very anxiously awaiting, Elizabeth Keen.
"Are you all right?" she measured his physique critically, zeroing in on his bloodied knuckles.
The only marks she could visibly see at the moment, was the blood of the other man on Red's clothes and a slight bruise forming to the left of his chin.
"Oh, he's fine, as usual." Francis finished off his tumbler, letting the empty glass thunk heavily into the bar. "He always lands on his feet. Everyone knows that."
"Dammit, Francis," Red growled his fury, gripping the corner of the wall so tightly, his fingers turned white, "stay out of business that is not your own!"
"Red!" Liz had never heard Red speak to Francis in such a manner.
Red shifted his own dark gaze, finding Dembe staring at him with furled brows. He waved aside any unasked questions with a curt motion of his hand.
Silas was completely perplexed by the change in the men's attitude. Canting his head, he directed Francis away... curious as to what the problem was exactly.
Francis glanced at the woman, feeling for her. She was in the middle of something she could not possibly understand. Smiling wanly in encouragement to Elizabeth, the man walked away from the immediate vicinity with Dembe and Silas in tow.
Elizabeth was completely lost. What the hell was going on?
She turned expectant eyes to a patiently waiting Red Reddington.
"We have a problem." Red bleakly announced. "Well, two problems, really." he conceded.
"When are you going to share this with me?" she asked plaintively, reaching to touch the slight bruising on his face, but his hand prevented the move.
She slowly dropped her arm, a chill traversing her body. He had never denied her access to any of his person before.
"Red, what's wrong." she had to know.
"Francis hits like a girl." he muttered his annoyance before turning his attention to the real problem.
"Francis hit you?" she was stunned.
"Yes, but more importantly, he thinks I'm fucking around on you."
The woman took a few moments to digest that statement. "Okay, why?"
Red hated to have to do this, but either he told the story or Francis would. It was infinitely better coming from the source.
"When I was away with Francis on a business trip," he began slowly, "I reacquainted myself with an old lover and when I wasn't with Francis, I was with her."
Liz closed her eyes, making the connection. "And we've supposedly been together for over a year." her head whipped around aimlessly. "Is she here?" she squeaked her dismay.
"No, she is not here."
She waited with bated breath.
"An associate kissed me and Francis saw evidence of it, tonight." he furthered the sordid tale.
"Oh," she was a little deflated. "So he knows about this lover and now this woman tonight."
"Yes," he verified. "He's understandably pissed, in your defense."
She was touched that Francis was such a good friend, even going up against Red for her. She gathered her thoughts, one most prevalent coming to mind.
"Did you have sex with her?"
"No..."
"But you were going to?" she needed confirmation.
"Yes," he answered quietly.
He saw it coming, allowing it to take shape, taking the full brunt of her hand as it connected to the same cheek where Francis had hit him earlier.
Liz gasped her shock, having no idea why she had done such a thing.
He turned back, his eyes devoid of any emotion.
"I-I don't know why I–" she was flabbergasted. Her eyes grew wide as the stain of her hand print reddened his cheek. "I am so sorry."
Why in God's name would she do such a thing? "Red, I am so very, very sorry. I don't know why I did that. I just don't." her hands covered her mouth, her fingers tremulous.
"It's all right, you hit like a girl too." he turned serious for her stricken face, touched his heart. "I've put you in a hell of a predicament?" he acknowledged.
Liz was still reeling, trying to figure out exactly what was going on here. She had no right to feel the feelings that his story evoked inside her.
Was she jealous again? Because if she were honest with herself, she had felt that particular emotion more of late just thinking of Red with another woman.
They weren't dating. They weren't engaged. But... she wanted to kiss him. She could freely admit that.
To think of him having been with this other woman tonight, touching that woman how she wanted Red to touch...
Her cheeks flamed and she turned away so the man could not see her conflicting emotions.
"I know that we're here, playing roles. But I should remembered they don't know that." He explained as best he could. "And for that, I do apologize. I didn't mean to embarrass you."
She glanced around the quiet enough bar now, watching the staff put things to right. She did not know exactly what to say or do, so she allowed the man to continue without interruption.
"You are my main priority and that I let my libido get the better of me..." he growled, angry with himself. "I let my judgement get away from me and I have probably fucked up a good relationship between us all because I–"
She turned thoughtful for a moment, remembering her own humanity. "We all have our little frailties, Red. Myself included."
Red's brow furrowed slightly, impressed with her maturity.
"You have needs, you're a man." she lifted knowledgeable brows. "God knows you're a man. A very attractive one that women flock to. It would be unnatural if you did not... respond occasionally."
"This is just a little hitch in our plans that can be rectified." she touched his lapel tentatively. "Will you trust me to do that?"
Red looked at her in a different light. He had expected something entirely different, more than pleasantly surprised at how she was handling the situation.
A situation entirely of his making. "I jeopardized what we've built and I'm very angry and disappointed in myself."
"We all make mistakes once in a while, even you." she smiled up at him. "You just needed to blow off some steam and as you said, it's perfectly natural. A biological imperative."
"Need or not, I promise it will not happen again." the man never lied... to her. "I truly didn't mean for it to happen, Elizabeth."
She about laughed out right, but caught herself, when she realized how serious he was.
"It was a huge mistake. She wasn't what I wanted." he got lost in the narrative. "I want y–"
"They're headed this way." she whispered urgently, putting on an innocent face.
The man's head fell back, the frustration apparent on his face. God, he had been so close.
"We're meeting within the hour." Mark stated without preamble.
"We're bidding on Anne's holdings, apparently." Francis explained. "Via the terms of her Will."
"Where?" Red's tone was short.
Mark's brow crinkled at the man's clipped tone, but he pointed across the way to a Conference Room.
Mark and Francis, having delivered the needed info, took their leave. Both sensed there was something left unsaid, which needed to be continued, between Liz and Red.
"Francis, wait." Liz called out to the man's retreating figure.
He halted his steps, glancing silently between the couple.
"Red told me what happened and while I'm not happy about it..." Liz scolded the individual in question with a look. "I do understand it."
"Excuse me?" Francis immediately questioned.
"When you went on that trip?" Francis nodded slowly, letting her know he was following along. "Red and I had an argument, well, fight actually. We didn't speak to each other..." she checked with the man who brooded silently beside her, "for what, a couple of weeks?"
Red lowered his eyes, not sure he wanted to be a part of this.
Francis kept his opinion to himself.
"It's no excuse, I know." Liz placated hurrying on with her story. "But to be honest, I had..." she managed a guilty look, "I mean...when Red was gone..."
Red snapped his head around sharply, feeling an instant flare of anger.
This was handling it her own way! he seethed inwardly. Where the hell was she going with this?
Francis blanched visibly, thinking he knew where this was going.
Red stepped closer to the woman, his gaze fixed and heated. "What the hell are you saying?"
Liz thought he was playing his part very well. So well in fact, she backed away slightly from such intensity.
"I-I think it's evident." she thought an addendum was needed however. "You can do it, but I can't?" she asked innocently.
Red's rage erupted incandescently. He knew she was playing the part expected or at least she had damned well better be. He knew it was damned hypocritical, given he had been with Lexa.
But it didn't negate the fact that he felt... an outrage so deep, it was coloring his perspective completely.
Had somebody touched her? Had someone fucked her? How the hell would he have not known?
She better be playing a part.
He grasped her arm tightly. "Who?" he demanded gruffly.
"It doesn't matter." she waved it off nonchalantly, mentally preparing the next phase of her agenda.
"Who, dammit!" Red growled out, hissing venomously.
"Red you're hurting her." Francis gripped his arm slightly as a deterrent.
"Fuck off, Francis!" Red clenched his jaw tightly, jerking away from the hold. He glared down at the unsuspecting woman. "Elizabeth..." he warned furiously.
The woman certainly thought Red was playing the part well. This guy could be an actor if he wanted, a damned good one. She wanted to match his intensity, hanging her head shamefully as she blurted the first name to come to mind.
"...Donald."
"You fucked Donald!" Red snapped his disbelief.
Francis closed his eyes wearily, feeling for both parties.
Red turned away, leaning his arm unto a convenient wall, trying desperately to calm himself.
How the hell could she fuck Ressler! Of all damned people!
Red tried to wrap his mind around such a concept and then he remembered... this was an act, then why he wondered... did it feel so damned real?
Why did it hurt so much?
She was lying, she had to be. He had to get his head straight... she was just making up a story to sell the relationship.
That's all this was.
"If you've forgiven him, who the hell am I to make waves?" Francis tried to mend fences for all concerned.
"He wouldn't push me to resume relations because of my incident and I thought maybe he had turned off to me." Liz used her profiling skills to her advantage. "He saw me at my worst." she grimaced. "We had some major mis-communication going on."
"So, you forgive him?" Francis was more than relieved.
"I forgive him, but that doesn't mean we're done talking." Liz stressed.
"All right then. Well, I'll leave you to talk." Francis kissed her temple, hugging her gently then took his leave.
When Francis was a good length away, Liz blew out a relieved breath.
"Well, that was stressful." she laughed shortly, pushing off the wall she had leaned against, only to be dragged back to her original spot by a well placed hand against her chest. "Wha–"
"Did you?" Red's tone was barely civil.
"What the hell are you–" she pushed at the contact, his palm burning her skin beneath the elegant gown she sported.
"Did you!" Red hissed angrily.
Red knew he was being completely unreasonable. What the fuck was his problem... why couldn't he get the images out of his head of the woman and Donald Ressler intertwined in some ungodly, erotic scene.
"Lower your voice dammit!" she snapped irritably. "Francis will think–"
"Fuck Francis!" his eyes blazed irately. "Or maybe... you already have."
"Excuse the hell out of me!" she was more than incensed at such a ridiculous accusation.
"Is that why Francis hangs around so much?" He spat the allegation.
"Red Reddington, I'm about to smack you again!" Liz was beside herself, not understanding his passionate outburst. "What the hell are you talking about!"
Red stared down at the woman glowering up at him, his own eyes pinpoints of suppressed torment. He could not stand this a moment longer.
"Fuck it!"
This thing between them... a turning point had just been reached, at least to his way of thinking and this shit needed to be settled.
He was unintentionally hurting her, in so many ways.
He was hurting.
She might not admit that something significant was happening between them. But that did not negate the fact, that it was.
He needed something concrete, dammit! Some sort of sign, that she needed him as much as he needed her. That she fucking wanted him as much as he did her.
He would give her time to acclimate herself. To become comfortable with him... he could be patient, if she was his end goal.
If she would just open herself to the possibilities, to allowing him to love her... he could wait.
He just needed... something.
And he needed it...now.
He was tired of waiting, he was tired of this cat and mouse game.
But Elizabeth was reaching her end game too.
She pushed hard at his chest, sliding away from his bulk, only to be caught by a firm hand pulling her back under his influence.
"Do you want to be with Tom?" Red locked his arm low around her back, holding the combative woman in place, until she eased her struggles to get away from him.
"What?" she shook her head in confusion.
"Do you love Tom?" he stressed the words.
"No!" she scowled her confusion.
The man stared at her silently, jerking his head in a curt nod, furthering her confusion.
"I don't love To–" she began, only to be silenced by the firm press of his lips against hers.
Carding his fingers through her hair, Red cupped the back of Liz's head angling her slightly, capturing more of her pouty lips against his own demanding ones.
Without thought, she found herself tip-toeing, leaning against his solid frame, increasing the pressure of their kiss.
Oh my God... she was kissing Red and it felt... right.
Who the hell was she kidding? It felt... perfect.
His lips were so soft, so warm, gentle but experienced. She mewled softly as his large hand spanned the width of her back, drawing her even closer into his warmth.
Sighing in contentment, Liz caught the subtle scent of his cologne as it engulfed her, making her feel as though the only safe place in the entire Universe, was right here... enfolded in his arms.
She exhaled shakily, inching closer into his embrace, obviously pleasing the man. She'd never heard Red issue that low gravelly sound before. She found that she liked it and very much wanted to hear him do it again.
It made her tummy flutter chaotically.
She inched her hand up his chest, her fingers clawing at his collar, in a bid to gain more connectivity with the large man.
His manner had softened with her compliance, the kisses becoming more sensuous in nature. His lips conformed to hers erotically, the tip of his tongue flicking gently against her own from time to time.
Her senses reeled, a gnawing hunger growing inside her. She felt a definite dampness moisten the heat between her legs.
Red had never felt anything as wonderful as what he was feeling. Elizabeth... finally in his arms.
He wrapped her tighter in his hold, drawing her closer, feeling the soft feminine curves of her body meet his more masculine solidity.
Her firm breasts pressed into his hard chest as his hand slid down, settling along the curve of her hip, his fingers reaching for the swell of her rounded bottom. He curled the appendages into the fullness of her buttocks, spreading them slowly outward.
The woman moved up against his ever hardening arousal, encouraging such familiarity.
Her waist was so small in comparison to the circumference of his hand.
He felt his blood heat as it coursed through his veins.
Just this simple touch of lips, the feel of her body against his... and he felt the change.
This was what he needed. That glimmer of hope.
She was not only kissing him back, she seemed to be enjoying it as much as he.
It was almost as if she had needed his embrace, his touch. As much as he had needed to touch. He was experienced enough to sense that need went deeper for the woman.
Her hands clung to him wantonly, her lips hungrily devoured his mouth.
He had no problem with returning such emotions. Even though he was fully aware of the public display they must be making of themselves. But they could just go fuck themselves.
Just as much as he had felt her need for him, he felt his for her, grow exponentially.
A fierce protectiveness flooded his system like never before.
He needed to shelter her little body safely with the bulk of his own as he made love to her. He needed to crawl between her beautiful thighs and stake his claim. He wanted to flood her body with his arousal, which grew even now, to unbelievable proportions.
He allowed her to feel his involvement.
To love her... like she needed, like he wanted, suddenly felt within reach. It was so close, he could almost taste it, just as soon... he would be tasting the essence of her.
The thought made his mouth water.
Elizabeth was his, whether she knew it or not.
Now, it was just a matter of time, before he made her understand it, completely.