Forty-five minutes after their departure from the hotel and fighting down town traffic, they boarded Red's jet heading for Washington D.C.
Liz and Francis chatted amiably during the flight. Silas took the opportunity to catch up on his sleep. Red and Dembe manned the phones. Each lost in their own activity for half the flight.
She chanced a quick glance to Red, finding his feet kicked up on a nearby table, phone in hand... his attention focused solely on her.
Inclining his head her way, he silently asked if everything was all right.
Nodding, Liz smiled softly when Red sighed heavily, returning his interest to the call, clearly bored out of his mind.
He rolled his eyes as he caught Dembe's attention, raising his hand eye level, flapping his thick fingers together indicating the person was blathering on and on.
Dembe arose, walking to the cockpit. He had received confirmation, from the other man, that the plans had just changed.
Liz's mouth quivered with amusement. She had noted the exchange between the two men and Red's gesture had tickled her. There was something so human sometimes about the man, that she felt her heart soften toward him.
It was a feeling that was becoming more and more prevalent these days. Needless to say, she couldn't wait to get back into the comfort of their own home... their own bed, to see where these feelings would lead.
Glancing out the window, Liz watched the scenery blur past. They slowed on their approach, allowing her to see buildings and cars below more distinctly.
Though their descent was bumpy, their landing was superb.
As they slowed and rolled to a stop, Red dropped his head dramatically. "Oh, Manuel, I'm about to head into a tunnel, I fear I–" he slapped the phone shut before flinging it to the table top.
Francis chuckled quietly at her side, then frowned at Red. "You've gone through tunnels while speaking to me..." he narrowed his eyes. "Have you been doing that the whole time."
"No," Red finished off his drink, then looked at Liz, instant communication passing between them, which meant in reality, of course Red often had done just that.
She snickered quietly, standing upright, stretching luxuriously, noting the man beside her. She reached, meaning to shake Silas awake. A hand came out of no where, gripping her wrist to prevent such an unwise maneuver.
She looked at the owner of the hand, frowning hard. "What?"
"Don't touch him when he's sleeping." Red warned, then transferred his attention. "Dembe, if you please."
The large man shrugged nonchalantly, picked up an umbrella then lightly touched the slumbering giant.
Liz startled when Silas turned, gripped the umbrella, weapon aimed and ready, before she could even think to blink.
"Never touch him while he's sleeping." Red reminded sotte voce. "He'll wake if you say his name." he directed. "Silas," he demonstrated, dropping his voice soothingly, cutting through the man's REM state.
Silas sat up instantly, rolling his neck to get the kink out, his expression slightly confused as he noted he now held an umbrella.
"Is it raining?" he enquired, laying the object aside. He did not note Dembe's sudden grin.
"Lizzy was about to touch you." Red explained.
"So you probe me with an umbrella." he yawned, looking around. "At least buy me dinner first... have we landed?"
The woman dissolved into a fit of laughter. Silas arose slowly, a concerned glare on his face.
Red tried to ignore his surroundings, helping Liz to navigate the steps of the plane, careful of her injuries still. "Ignore them, maybe they will just go away."
"Wishful thinking on your part." She tried hard not to giggle again because if she did, Silas threw her a mystified glance.
"Does Silas..." Liz had a burning question bothering her. "If he's with a woman and falls asleep, afterwards, I mean, does he wake up like that?"
"We're very aware when the naked female form is laying cuddled up to us." Red replied. "The mode we experience upon waking is... less acerbic, shall we say." he smirked.
"You do that too? Wake like Silas did?"
"Yes."
"But you don't do it with me." she countered. "And I'm not naked." she teased.
"I'm very aware of you, no matter your state of dress." Red's eyes dropped to her shapely form, remaining far too long to be decent. "Besides, I have seen you in all your resplendent glory...finally."
The woman held the arresting gaze, determined to do so. "So you have..."
The crew pulled off the luggage in no time, loading it into the waiting SUV. Liz realized the jet had yet to power down.
"Are they going somewhere?"
"I am," Red guided her to the car door, reaching around to open it.
Liz stepped in front of the action, preventing it. "What do you mean," she scowled, "you're going somewhere?"
"I'm going to London for a couple days. Check out what I just bought from Anne's estate."
Red craned his head, finding his men otherwise engaged. They were giving them some privacy.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she practically accused.
"I wasn't sure I was going until about twenty minutes ago." Red explained. "But actually, I think this is a good idea." he nodded minutely. "It will give you some space."
"Space?" she frowned. "What for?"
"Without me underfoot, you'll have time to think, get your feet back under you." Red laid it out carefully for the woman. "Instead of thinking with our hormones, perhaps we may think with our hearts." He rather liked the poetic reference. "Besides, as they say, absence and all that..." he smiled.
Makes the heart grow fonder. She concluded.
The woman was suddenly befuddled. She had assumed they would have time together to discuss any issues they had with each other. The thought of him leaving unsettled her completely.
There seemed so much to say, so much to iron out.
"Francis is going to stay with you while I'm gone." he informed her. "I thought you might appreciate it, since you enjoy his company." he smiled.
Nodding silently, sheunconsciously played with Red's tie. Wrapping her fingers around the fabric, she pulled gently. Red followed her directive, stepping in closer until they were mere inches apart.
Liz felt her heartbeat increase, feeling his warm breath skirt across her lips. She leaned forward, pressing her mouth to his.
Red's fingers curled into the top of the large vehicle rack to maintain control of his senses. He tightened a free arm around her waist, pulling her up against him.
Her little tongue darted out, teasing his lip. He willingly submitted, opening for her gift. His lips lazily explored the sweetness offered.
Liz lazily rubbed her tongue sensually along his. The man issued a deep groan from his throat, before pushing her form against the car, as Red deepened the kiss further.
She stretched up into his efforts, humming her enjoyment. He ran his fingers through her thick hair, softly rubbing the tips into her scalp. The other hand settled around the small of her back.
She gasped in his mouth, as his fingers pressed into that bundle of nerves, making shivers course up her spine.
Liz sighed her contentment, relaxing into Red's handiwork.
The man enjoyed tremendously, the feel of the soft, warm body pressed so intimately to his.
Red stared down at her half closed eyes, wishing she would ask him to stay. But even if she should ask him to stay, he knew it was best to go.
He wanted to do this right. Because she was worth it.
"I will miss you, Lizzy." his deep voice enveloped her.
Liz fiddled with the knot at his neck, suddenly, intently focused on her distraction. "Do you have to go?" She asked quietly.
Red felt his heart still for a beat, shocked to have actually heard the words.
They were closer, the trust and bond between them was stronger. He should be grateful for that. They had moved their relationship onto a more intimate basis.
And now this...she wanted him to stay. A first, and a revelation of sorts.
"No, I don't have to go," Red softly brushed his lips against her, "but I'm going to, because you need this time, Lizzy."
"I think I know what I need, Red." she stated, a little indignant that he thought otherwise.
"Tell me, Lizzy. Are you ready to commit to me... fully, completely?" he watched her face carefully.
Liz stared moodily at his tie, concentrating hard. There was so much at stake. But maybe just as much to gain?
"Are you ready to warm my bed?" his voice dropped sensually. "Are you ready to make love, with me? Because if I stay... I will fuck you."
Liz inhaled shakily, her mouth going dry for the declaration.
She was torn. A part of her wanted to tell him, yes. Another part of her was hesitating, but she didn't know why?
Everything was moving too quickly? Maybe he was right? But she needed Red to touch her again, so badly.
Last night he had said so much and she was still trying to sort through all the chaos in her mind.
She didn't want to hurt him... she didn't want to hurt either, come to think of it.
Red offered a reprieve because he could sense the turmoil inside the woman.
"You think about it, Lizzy..." Red suggested, "if something should change. If you can say for certain you want me in your life," the thought made his mouth water, " you only have to call and I will come to you immediately."
"Well, aren't you eager." she strived to lighten the moment and her own mood.
"When I'm coming home to claim what is mine?" Red brushed his lips over her parted ones. "Yes, I am very eager."
"And if I don't call?" she asked nervously, afraid that he might actually answer in the negative.
"Then it isn't time yet." Red simply stated. "I'll be here when you're ready."
"But what if you're not here?" she feared that he would lose interest if she hesitated too long.
"Then I'm most likely dead," Red replied, "because that is the only possible circumstance I can fathom that would keep me from you."
He was not making this easy, at all.
Red heard the jets engines warming up again for departure, glancing at the plane. Time was getting short. He looked at the woman, memorizing her features, then did what came naturally.
He leaned in to kiss her. "I would like to do more than just kiss you..." Red stressed. "You do know that, right?"
Liz's hands held tight to the man's tie, the blue eyes filled with open concern. "You'll call when you–"
"I'll call," he assured.
"Be safe, Red." she whispered.
He kissed her again, a bittersweet brush that left her wanting more. He pushed off the car, running his thumb gently over her swollen lips before turning away, walking toward the waiting plane.
Liz watched him leave, feeling a roiling in her tummy that left her shaken and feeling slightly ill.
Silas opened the door behind her, gesturing for her to enter. After a few seconds, he cleared his throat. "Liz?"
She glanced at the guard, her expression blank before returning her interest to the back of the long swishing coat and hat walking away from her.
Pushing hastily away from the car, she trotted quickly after that retreating figure.
"Red..." she called out after him. The man turned, his foot on the stairs on the plane.
His head tilted questioningly, a welcoming smile playing around the corners of his mouth.
"Go ahead, Dembe." Red gestured the man to proceed him, turning back to the woman. He stood patiently waiting, his gaze resting intently upon her face.
She tiptoed, quickly wrapping her arms around his neck, capturing his lips with her own.
Red pressed into the unexpected affection, his heart thudding hard in his chest. He had not expected this at all...
"I'll see you when you get back." Liz said quietly, her lips brushing his.
Red smiled against her mouth, embracing the small promise.
"I'll be back soon, Lizzy." he staunchly declared. "I promise you that."
After arriving home, Elizabeth sat quietly at her Ladies desk, sorting through the mail.
She smiled, finding another letter from her Aunt and two from her cousins. She owed her Aunt a letter. She opened a birth announcement which made her smile. The other was a wedding invitation.
Liz tapped the card against her palm, wondering how she should respond. Surely Red wouldn't want to go. Hell, she wasn't even sure she wanted to go.
She sat it aside, making note to get a wedding gift if anything, along with a present for the baby.
Tossing the junk out, she hit on the last correspondence, recognizing the type on the front. She immediately tore into the plain white envelope, her fingers shaking slightly. She read the single sheet of paper.
Reddington will destroy you, like he did your mother.
Keep that in mind. Stay in his company and he'll take you down like he did her.
Hell, your whole family is dead because of Reddington.
Get away from him, Liz, before he does the same to you.
Whoever was sending these, she had to admit, raised questions in her mind.
What was Red's relationship with her mother? How had they met? Had they been lovers? And if so... what the hell did that mean to her? And why should she even care?
If it did happen, it happened over twenty-five years ago, she reasoned.
She looked out the large bay window, enjoying the sunshine filtering through the opened drapes. She allowed her thoughts to wander.
She couldn't even remember the woman really, except for small flashes of fragmented memories in the night.
What ever connection Red had with her mother, did not seem all that important any longer.
She was her own person, a fact which Red pointed out to her on a regular basis.
Surely, the man would have told her had he been intimate with her mother. If it was one thing Red Reddington was, it was forthright.
Often he would tell the truth, when a lie would serve him better.
Brushing aside the thoughts of her mother for now, Liz instead, concentrated on something more important.
She was seriously considering a relationship with the man. There was no longer any doubt as to that. But if they did this thing, what would the ground rules be?
How did she feel about him with the others? When he went out of town, could she trust him not to visit other women's beds? Red had been free for so long, how would he feel about any incumbrance or restrictions.
She did know one thing, if they did do this, she wanted commitment. She wanted better than what she had with Tom and... she deserved it.
And Red Reddington was willing to give her what she deserved.
With Silas otherwise occupied with security upgrades, he grudgingly allowed Liz to leave with David and the new kid, Kevin.
Determined to put Red Reddington out of her thoughts for even a little while, she had treated Samar to lunch then hit a couple stores to complete some needed errands.
Having enjoyed her afternoon, Liz changed into her bathing suit, determined to attempt her first dip in the pool. An oasis which had been calling her name since she'd been here.
Only, she found herself staring at her phone... again, an action she had repeated over the last couple days... wondering for the hundredth time what to say to Red. Everything that she had come up with sounded so trite.
Sure Red, I'd like to date you. What woman in her right mind wouldn't?
She scowled slightly, cringing inwardly. That was so articulate, so profoundly moving... bullshit!
He had been so up front, almost eloquent, everything had sounded so perfect in her mind. When he said it.
She felt like anything which she decided upon, paled in comparison.
Maybe it was just that discussing it over the phone seemed so impersonal? This was an important step for them. And to her, it felt like she needed to say what needed to be said, to his face. Mainly to gauge his reaction, of course.
The option was made available to her when Red unexpectedly returned home in the late afternoon.
Granted, Red brought a man, Ben Gilchrist, back with him to finalize some business venture, but the distraction only provided her more time to ruminate on her decision.
The minute she saw Red, she easily decided her course of action... now she only had to discuss it with the man.
The house was busy for hours with Red constantly in demand from one person or another.
During a lull, Red steered her to a convenient couch in a nearby room. He raised his arm, settling it behind Liz. He was surprised when she leaned into him, resting her body comfortably against his.
When did this start to feel normal? It had been a fluid movement, as though they had done it a couple hundred times before.
He glanced at the top of the shiny crown of her head. "We seem to have a moment alone here." he checked the empty room as she cuddle closer. "I believe you wanted to speak to me concerning something important?"
"I... uhm..." she hesitated now that the opportunity had presented itself, "well, you see," she began, "I thought a lot about what you said." she fidgeted with her necklace. "I mean, before you left for London." she clarified.
"Yes..." Red tipped his glass, sipping the warm liquid, waiting patiently. He could sense the tension in the small frame.
"Well, I just thought, maybe..." Liz took a shaky breath, trying to calm her nerves. "I'm not quite sure how to..." she sighed her disappointment, when Francis and Dembe entered the room unannounced, laughing over some shared joke.
The woman drew in a deep breath, trying hard to squelch her vexation.
Sensing the woman's mood, Red caught the attention of the wayward intruders, "Could you give us–"
Liz squeezed Red's thigh, hushing him. "We'll talk later... or something." she mumbled, before kissing his soft lips briefly.
"Are you staying tonight, Francis?" she asked politely, directing her attention to the man.
"Actually, I think I will, if you don't mind." As was his usual modus operandi, Francis searched the area without a care or concern for privacy, "Mitch is still at my house and I just know he'll have the 'flavor of the day' there. And really, I would love to get some sleep tonight."
"Flavor of the day?" Liz questioned.
"He's had a different girl there the last four nights he's stayed and they've all been..." Francis searched a polite word.
"Enthusiastic?" Red assisted.
"That's putting it mildly. I went home today and thought I walked into an episode of Wild Kingdom." the younger man examined the fine leather of a novel he had taken from the shelf. "This is heavy." he shot a questioning glance to his host.
"Well see, Francis," Red smiled pleasantly, "all my novels actually have pages in them."
Francis' brow crumpled disapprovingly. "The hollow ones are much lighter and just as nice looking... plus, you can hide lots of," he glanced at Liz, altering what he had intended to say, "...neat things inside."
He looked at the floor trying to decipher if he said anything amiss then realized everything was fine. He decided to change the subject. "You two don't swing from the vines, right?"
"We'll keep it down, just for you, Francis." Liz managed tongue-in-cheek. "Why not put them in the guest house?"
"Funny you should ask." Francis nodded agreeably. "Why didn't you tell me about the secret room?"
The woman looked at Red, the statement confusing her completely. "Sweetheart, can we have a moment here?"
Red was already helping her arise, directing her gently from the room.
"Okay I get that you want to get rid of me," she frowned over at the man, "but I'm a big girl and if he is enquiring about my house..."
"Your former house." Francis corrected.
"Whatever," Liz snapped.
"We just need a minute, baby." Red patted her bottom affectionately, sending her on her way.
"Oh, I get it. It's guy talk." she disliked being dismissed if she were a child but she could feel a tingle where his hand had met flesh. "I don't have to be hit in the head."
"Yeah, why does she have to go?" Francis championed her cause until Red's lethal shift of his eyes changed his outlook. "Yeah, it's guy talk, get out."
Liz sighed heavily, shaking her head as she exited in a huff.
"Well, you're gonna sleep on the couch tonight." Francis predicted.
"What... secret... room?" Red practically growled.
"There was a fake wall in the office." Francis spread his hands defensively. "My contractors found it when they were remodeling the East wall." he shrugged any concern away. "You didn't know about it?"
"I bought the house from an associate. He didn't mention it." Red lied. "And put down that vase, it's priceless."
Francis sat the artifact aside carefully, stepping far away from the vicinity.
"Was there anything in this hidden room?" Red got matters back on track.
"I haven't seen it yet." Francis was still more interested in the vase. "How much is priceless, exactly?"
"I want to see that room."
"Yeah, okay." Francis started wandering around again, looking for something else to catch his wandering attention. "We can go by tomorrow morning..."
"I want to see it now." Red stood, finishing his drink in one gulp. "I'm going to tell her we're going out." he nodded to Dembe who exited to ready the vehicle.
"Can I come?" Francis asked excitedly.
"Do you have the keys to the house? Because I don't." Red sighed heavily.
"Oh, right." the young man smiled happily.
Red headed back to their room, just as Liz was coming around the corner.
"Now, can I have a minute of your precious time." she asked.
Red chuckled quietly as the woman manhandled him into a nearby room. He leaned against the dryer as Liz firmly shut, then locked the door behind them with a flourish.
"Alone at last," he glanced around his surroundings. "I love the ambiance of this room."
"Oh, shut up. I mean... not shut up..." she stepped closer, her hand held aloft. "You don't have to shut up."
He inclined his head graciously. "Are you nervous?" He asked solicitously, folding his arms over his chest.
"I'm not nervous." She almost knocked over the fabric softener bottle with the unsteady shake of her hand. "Okay, I'm a little nervous." she admitted fitfully, angry with herself for being so.
He pushed off the dryer, coming closer to her, his bulk seeming to fill room. "Talk to me, Lizzy."
She took a steadying breath, clenching her trembling hands at her side, opening her mouth to speak...
"Lizzy?" Red questioned softly.
Bracing her hand on his jacket, she kissed him softly. In that one brief touch, she knew beyond a shadow of doubt that all she wanted to feel was... this.
To confirm that she felt an instant connection when his lips touched hers. Being kissed and held by Red Reddington, felt right.
He smiled against her lips, inching closer, just feeling the tips of her breasts brush against his chest. Red rubbed his nose along hers, his mouth parting sensually in response.
Liz would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy these spontaneous acts of affection. A hug, cuddling and even a kiss now and then, made her feel cared for and connected with another human.
Other's would not understand how this man affected her. When she was near him, her heart would race and her tummy fluttered erotically. Just the scent of him, excited her in a way she hadn't experienced in years. This could not be wrong.
Red knew he should probably push to find out what the problem was with this woman, because he sensed there was one. But right now... he just really wanted to be alone with her. He'd been without this beautiful mouth for days and missed the sweetness of her kiss.
Liz drew back, her eyes searching his pleadingly. Red wanted to help, to answer any questions she might have, but she had yet to ask any.
"I want to date you..." she whispered quickly, before she lost her damn nerve.
Red's mouth snapped shut, his senses stagnating.
"We can start off slow." Liz spoke hurriedly, starting to pace quickly back and forth before the man. "...Spend some time together, alone." she suggested.
"Maybe we could take a drive down the coast. No wait, there's a coast here right?" she had a vague vision of some coast somewhere. "You know what this is like, it's like one of those dating sites." she looked at him plaintively. "I like long walks on the beach, horseback ri–"
"Lizzy, stop." Red reached out, gently taking hold of her arm to slow her pacing. "What did you say?"
She looked down at the towels beside her, un-stacking the perfectly stacked column. "I said it was like one of those dating s–" she could feel the man's stare burning into her.
"What did you say, Elizabeth..." the man repeated the question, his gaze unwavering.
"I mean..." she sighed shakily, "if you're still interested, that is, of course." she licked very parched lips with her very dry tongue. "I didn't call when you were gone, but I thought it would be better to talk to you, face to face and then you got home..."
"Elizabeth..."
"I accept your offer... to date," she clarified, then added quickly, "each other, of course."
Red focused on her mouth moving, the words filtering in his brain... before he fully comprehended them. It must have taken a while, because when he snapped out of the fog, the woman in front of him looked very self-conscious.
"Really?" he asked quietly.
"... Yes." she nodded once.
Red controlled his growing excitement, just barely, since it was very obvious the woman needed something more.
"This will be a..." she traced the line on top of the washer meticulously, "a monogamous relationship?"
Red smiled instantly. This is where negotiations began. Fortunately, he was amazing at negotiations.
"I would like it to be." Red was pleased to see she seemed relieved by his answer. "I take it that is a prerequisite for you."
"Yes, I would prefer that." she breathed easier. "That may be old fashioned or not up to today's standards." she realized, grimacing slightly.
"In some things, Elizabeth," Red philosophized, "the old ways are best."
"I also know, you get busy and stuff." She shrugged agreeably. "I won't take it personally or anything if you have to go at a moment's notice. As a matter of fact, I'm getting used to that."
"That will have to change." Red disagreed.
"I don't want you turning your life upside down because of this thing between us."
"I call it rearranging."
"That's another thing." she remembered. "I know you have to keep up appearances, so I will not stand in your way of doing your job." she declared.
"All right..." he let the idea settle, "we'll work on that."
"Nothing is changing really, except we will be more... affectionate?" she questioned hopefully.
"I would hope that we would become more... affectionate."
"And I understood you correctly?" she needed it clarified for her sanity's sake. "You won't have sex w–"
"I only want to make love... with you." Red clarified. "I don't want to be with anyone, other than you."
Liz smiled softly, very pleased with his response.
"And you?" Red questioned. "Will you belong to only me?"
Liz pouted sternly up at him. "Of course I'll be faithful to you!"
He knew that of course, but that was not in essence, what he had asked. Though it was damn nice to hear her say those words.
Liz moved closer once again, leaning into his embrace which he offered gladly.
The woman primly straightened his tie, her eyes lifting questioningly.
Red was experienced enough to read the invitation. He drew in a deep breath, exhaling slowly.
"May I take you out to dinner tomorrow?" he asked.
"Like a date." she teased, hopping to the counter top.
"Exactly like a date." his tone had dropped slightly.
"I would like that, very much." she nodded amiably. "Casual or formal?"
"We'll wing it." he placed his lips softly against hers, stepping between her legs.
Her fingers sought some sort of stability, curling into the soft cotton on his shirt where the material stretched tightly over his lower back area.
Red stiffened immediately, her touch reminding him of an issue as yet undisclosed.
He drew back slightly, breaking the moment. He would have to approach the subject sooner or later. Kate Kaplan had seen to that.
He, in truth, was dreading the disclosure.
"There's something I have to..." he shook his head slightly, lowering it. Shit, there had to be a better time, a better place.
Red was never so glad to hear his friend's voice filter through the door. A voice that offered deliverance.
"Raymond, we are ready." Dembe's deep tremor filled the other man's mind with relief.
Red breathed out shakily, accepting his reprieve gratefully... guilt eating away at him.
She laughed quietly, kissing his mouth. "Go ahead," she nodded. "We can talk more later." she smiled for him alone.
"I'll be out in a minute." Red told the man, then heard Dembe's footsteps retreat.
She giggled quietly into his chest, hugging the man endearingly.
"What?" he muttered against the crown of her head, pleased that she was apparently content now. Whatever demons which had plagued her, now seemed gone.
"Are you my boyfriend or significant other or..." she tightened her thighs around him, hugging him with her legs, just moments before Red cupped her bottom, sliding her from her perch.
He turned with her artfully, pressing her against the doorway, his hands cupping the firm cheeks possessively. He leaned suggestively against her vulnerable middle, moving just so every now and again in a most rhythmic manner.
"You can call me anything you like." his mouth feasted on hers ravenously.
"What are you going to call me?" she whispered enticingly.
"Mine..." he replied gruffly, before claiming that beautiful mouth of hers once again.