Aside from multiple appointments and a continuous stream of profiles completed for the BAU, the last few days had been relatively quiet for Elizabeth.
Even Red had an easy go of it, business wise the last couple days. When he wasn't dealing with that side of things, he was with her... for which she was grateful.
The outside world interrupted and demanded they do their jobs, so any private time was of the utmost importance these days.
In past relationships, Liz had never minded moments of solitude. It was a time to be by herself where she had room to breathe and examine the intricacies of any given situation she happened to find herself within.
Even with Tom, her space had been very important, but with Red... she was astounded to find herself missing his absence. She liked when he was here.
When she had started at the Blacksite... working with Red, Tom had become pushy, needy. The strain on them, on her, had become quickly exhausting.
She was now aware that Tom had been attempting to drive a wedge between her and Red.
Moments of sitting in the quiet of the living room, in the middle of the night, was well worth the loss of sleep because she was able to maintain her sanity.
Now, the solitude felt different. She still enjoyed it, reading a good book, taking a long bath, or simply letting her mind wander. It was good for her.
But she found she didn't need it as much as she once had. Liz no longer felt like she was barely hanging by a frayed thread, ready to snap.
And she knew why. Tom had gone out of his way to push her off the deep end and hold her under, drowning her. While Red was wading through the muck to pull her back to the surface.
She hadn't felt this comfortable... been this happy in so long, she honestly couldn't pinpoint when it had happened last. If at all.
Red came in, phone to his ear, breaking her thoughts. He was nodding his annoyance, his head hanging dejectedly.
A small smile graced her lips, watching the man almost get to the point where he was banging his head against a wall.
She hadn't realized his features were so expressive while on the phone. She wondered what 'expressions' he used when speaking to her in those private moments. Or did he keep his face perfectly neutral so as not to give away any unguarded secrets.
He was saying his farewells. She brightened, snatching up her own phone, dialing the man quickly.
She could tell when it rang through, his head turning a little at the sound.
"I'll call back shortly, I have another call coming in." he clicked the button without a care, switching the lines. "Yes?"
"Hi..." she smiled into the phone, hearing his gruff voice in surround sound. Her smile grew wider when his expression instantly softened, a small smile taking the place of the frown that had been present for most of the day.
"Hello to you..." he purposely kept his back to her just enough that she could still see his face in profile. She was amazed to see the tension bleeding from his shoulders.
"Is there something I can do for you?" his voice lowered sensually, making the woman's cheeks plump with a enormous smile.
"You could walk that fine ass over here and kiss me."
She watched his shoulders shake with silent laughter, but also watched him openly nodding at the request.
"What's in it for me?" he asked, his tone even.
Liz's eyes danced hearing the playfulness in the question, before adopting the same attitude. "I'll let you stick your tongue in my mouth."
She snickered quietly when Red's forehead thumped into the wall in front of him, a low chuckling filling her ear.
"I can live with that criteria." he snapped the phone closed, striding towards her, his face lit with undisguised happiness.
She loved that she could make him smile like that. That she made that tension he felt moments ago, fade away. It made her feel... really good. Like she was the only person who could get that honest reaction.
Especially since he was the only one who could make her feel that way, as well.
He pulled her up from her chair, delivering a kiss that made her toes curl before the need for air surfaced.
He peppered her mouth with little kisses, before settling his forehead against its. "I have to go to Vegas shortly–"
"Can I go?" she asked, surprised by her own brazenness.
He stepped back, smiling down at her.
"Feel like gambling a bit, do we." he stated, heading for the closet.
"Maybe..." she muttered, following after him.
"I was actually going to ask if you wanted to join me." he returned his interest to selecting several stylish suits.
"How long are we going to be there?" she tried to keep the excitement from her voice.
"I would imagine about three days." he replied, pulling down a smaller bag for her. "If it's longer, we'll go shopping." he grinned.
"Those are the nicest words you've ever said to me." she absently took the bag from his hand, setting some shoes aside.
Before heading off to what was formerly his office in this house, Red threw a cryptic remark over his shoulder. "Don't forget the black lace teddy."
"I thought you preferred the red one." she pseudo pouted.
"I prefer you without either," the man scanned her body lasciviously, "... but pack them anyway."
Liz loved flying at night, but to see Vegas, lit up in all its glory was a sight to behold. As they came in for the final approach, she looked out the window, beaming.
The jet taxied for a while before they came to a final stop. Dembe opened the flight door, letting the dry desert air inside.
Liz inhaled deeply, almost swearing she could smell money, sin and Pina Colada in the air.
Red headed down the steps with her in tow. It was a new sensation, but Liz thought she could rapidly get used to him holding her hand. As they descended the narrow steps she watched as their luggage was transferred to the waiting vehicle.
"What are we doing tonight?" Francis asked as he slid into the limo, patting the seat next to him. Liz slipped into the spot. "Did they say?"
"We'll have time to get settled in our rooms, then have a meet and greet." Red replied, straighten into the rich leather seat beside Lizzy and opposite Dembe and Silas. "Then maybe play some tables." he got an affirmative grin from all concerned.
Liz craned her head this way and that as they drove, taking in the sights of the Vegas streets, feeling her excitement grow. There was so much to look at, the buildings, the people...
"Or perhaps we should go sight seeing a little." Red smiled softly at the woman's apparent interest in the outside world.
After gathering the itinerary and introducing Lizzy to their host, Christopher, they slid into a sleek SUV.
Driving a short distance to a gated property; they were met with astounding hospitality, glasses of champagne and Mark Donovan.
The man smiled upon their entrance, holding out his hand in greeting, reserving an affectionate hug for Liz.
"So, how are you?" Liz asked Mark, taking her place beside Red on a ridiculously scrumptious sofa.
"I'm better." the man nodded. "Still sore, but since it's an obvious indicator I'm not dead, I'm fine with it."
After looking over the itinerary, some minor business discussion followed.
"We'll meet in an hour." Red held out his hand for Liz, ushering her to their rooms.
The rooms were amazing. No, they were astounding. Liz could very well get used to traveling with Red, if this was any indication of the luxury he was familiar with.
Not only were the rooms opulent, they had their own private pool, Chef and Butler.
Red guided her to the bedroom, a smile tugging at his lips when the woman hesitated at the doorway. A bright flush reddening not only her cheeks, but her entire torso.
"I hope we can make use of them." Red muttered in her ear, gesturing to the mirrors above and behind the bed.
Which they did...
A short time later, after an invigorating love making episode and shower, they walked in comfortable silence into the casino to a private VIP room. Red and Liz took the lead with Silas and Dembe taking flanking positions on either side.
Red offered his arm, pleasantly surprised when Liz stepped closer, taking his hand instead. He looked down at their clasped hands, smiling when she readjusted her grip, taking two fingers instead of the whole hand. The fit, better in her tiny grasp.
He gave her a reassuring nod as they entered a noisy area, with people milling about in the foyer and dining entrance, chatting and drinking.
Liz straightened her posture self-consciously having scanned the room with all its beautiful jet setters.
"Relax." his hand tightened systematically. "It's just a bunch of criminals." he grinned at his own wit.
She scanned the room, her eyes landing on a friendly face.
"There's Francis." she gestured to the table beside the large windows overlooking the city.
"Speaking of criminals..." Red voiced to himself. "Were you wanting to sit with him or avoid him?" he questioned. "I couldn't quite tell by your tone."
Rolling her eyes, she dragged Red along as she made her way determinedly through the parting crowds... all eyes falling on her companion. A fact Elizabeth missed in her haste to find a safe haven.
"Who are they?" she pointed to the women beside Francis and Mark, as Red came alongside her.
"I haven't a clue." Red set his hand on her back, ushering her to the table.
Dembe and Silas seated themselves at a nearby spot, both raising their hands to gain the attention of a waitress who seemed only too glad to serve such interesting specimens.
"Oh, hey," Francis smiled, standing as they neared. "I was wondering," he kissed Liz's cheek, "when you'd get here." he held out his hand to Red, shaking it. "Using the mirrors were we?"
Liz flushed a vibrant red as Red chuckled quietly beside her, pulling out her chair, offering his hand to Mark Donovan as well. Always the gentleman, Red nodded discreetly to Mark's companion.
"We were using them correctly, unlike you." the man gently teased.
"I was using it correctly," Francis corrected, his tone a rather haughty one. "I just happened to be using them alone."
"Who's your friend, Francis." Liz grated hastily, hopefully directing the conversation to a more congenial subject.
"I'm sorry." Francis apologized instantly, sincerely sorry for his lack of etiquette. "Red, Liz," he gestured to the couple, then to the woman beside him. "this is, Lia."
Red shook his head, sighing. Leave it to Francis to find himself a girl after only two short hours... and a masturbatory session.
Mark made the compulsory introductions as well, clearly of a different mind set than Francis.
"Red... Liz," the man forced a smile, "this is Amanda."
Liz nodded at the new additions, welcoming them with a genuine smile. It would be really nice to have someone to talk to tonight while Red and the others did their thing.
Plus, she was enjoying how cute Francis and Lia looked together. Liz was pleasantly surprised to see how aware and attentive the man was with his date.
If he wasn't holding Lia's hand, he had his arm wrapped about her waist. Occasionally, he would whisper something to her, making the woman smile. He was constantly checking on her comfort every few minutes.
But Lia seemed to be holding her own well enough. She was very sarcastic, quick to deliver a wise crack and had a very infectious laugh. Even Red had warmed to her quickly, laughing openly at the good natured barbs the woman hurled at Francis.
While Francis looked at her winsomely, his heart stolen with each slice of Lia's quick wit.
Which was more than they could say for Mark's date. After Amanda excused herself to the powder room, for the third time, Lia accompanied her.
Francis' brows knitted together as he sought out Elizabeth.
"What?" she questioned his rhetorical gesture.
"Don't you normally travel in packs?" he indicated the women walking across the room.
"Maybe, if I had to pee." she drawled.
Red shook his head at the candid conversation, before leaning back and wrapping an arm over the back of Lizzy's chair. Liz scooted her chair closer, leaning comfortably into Red's chest.
Francis turned his scowl elsewhere. "What's up her ass?" he jabbed a thumb towards Mark's retreating date.
"She doesn't want to be here," Mark sighed, "anymore than I want her here."
Liz startled at the blatant honesty.
"I apologize, that was incredibly rude of me." Mark tossed his napkin to the table, frowning. "Her Uncle set us up. Wanted my stay to be... pleasant." He twisted his mouth distastefully.
Liz's eyes widened at the implication.
"Antonio?" Red questioned. It didn't seem like the older man's style. Red had known the old mobster for ages.
"No, his brother." Mark replied sourly. "I couldn't turn him down, you know." he explained.
"Did you tell her you have no interest in," Red began, "...trade relations."
"No..." Mark leaned into the table, his own interest piqued, "you think I should? I mean," he looked over his shoulder, "I don't want to offend her." he shrugged. "Any other time, I would find her very attractive. But this..." he sought the word.
"Tell her exactly what you told us." Red suggested sagely. "Takes the stress off." he waved the man off, giving him the excuse he needed.
Mark pushed his chair back, rising diligently. "If you will excuse me."
Liz smiled as Lia returned to the table, an instant camaraderie established once again between the young girl and Francis Holbrook. She stole a hunk of chocolate off the top of Francis' dessert.
Francis grinned, running his finger through the chocolate frosting, swiping it across his upper lip.
Red and Liz chuckled quietly when the woman leaned suggestively, kissing the chocolate away.
Their plates were cleared shortly after, leaving them to enjoy drinks and quiet conversation.
Mark and his date came back to the table, hand in hand, smiling. The tension a thing of the past.
A few visitors stopped by to offer congratulations to Red upon hearing Lizzy's status as his fiancée, though more than enough female associates made it clear that their congratulations were given half-heartedly.
Such two faced behavior had once troubled Liz, but now she could see a perverse humor in the situation.
The men arose shortly there after, making their excuses.
"This shouldn't take too long." Red brushed a gentle hand over Liz's dark hair. "You have an account with the hotel, just tell them where we're staying." he further added. "And if you want to play," he pulled his wallet free, handing her a wad of cash, "...good luck."
"Red..."
He stared down at her, shaking his head minutely, making her fall silent. His meaning clear.
The walls had ears.
She side glanced the others, finding Mark and Francis doing the same with their dates before coming to the head of the table, waiting on Red.
"Thank you." she smiled up at him, kissing him softly.
Liz craned her head, watching the men stride purposefully across the room. Their matched steps and confident swagger, imposing.
And apparently, attractive. More than a few heads turned to admire the testosterone as it passed.
They were all very handsome, that was for sure. Add to that, they were powerful. It was a heady mix that really drew the attention of more than enough ladies.
Liz's scowl melted away seconds later when Red turned back, his eyes for her alone. The intense gaze locked with hers for a brief eternity.
She smiled bravely for him directly before he disappeared into a glass enclosed room at the far end of the room.
The women settled into a easy fellowship. They loosened up by first, rating the dresses in the room. They shared a few laughs about the men in their lives, some men they had known and some they wished they had not.
It was not long before they gravitated to the slot machines to try their luck.
Francis came to join them a short time later, much to Liz's confusion.
"I thought you were supposed to smooth things over?" Liz whispered.
"I did," Francis leaned in, speaking only to her. "I made the introductions, vouched for them."
"Vouched for Red?" she questioned, then smacked Silas' hand when he tried to steal coins from her bucket.
"As I said, they're Old School." Francis sighed. "Unless you know a guy, who knows a guy..." he rolled a hand as if to continue the train of thought.
"But they're safe?" she questioned. "Without you there."
"Oh, yeah..." Francis nodded slowly. "My reputation does precede me sometimes in a good way." the man shrugged. "Not always, but sometimes."
Silas leaned in close to Liz's ear, "Do you believe it?" the disdain was in his tone. "That woman has the same exact dress as you."
While Liz was distracted, he dipped a large handful of coins from her bucket. Her mouth fell open, a little girl pout directed his way.
"That doesn't work on me." Silas set down at the next slot. "Save it for your Sugar Daddy."
Liz hit his shoulder...hard. "He's not my Sugar Daddy."
Silas looked pointedly at her bucket of loot.
"Well, that's different." Liz defended herself... sort of.
"Let's go play the tables." Francis rubbed his hands together briskly before offering to lead the way.
They bounced a couple tables, before finally settling at a Blackjack game with a witty dealer and a good waitress.
For the next hour, Francis sulked noticeably. The women won round after round... and he didn't.
Liz chuckled under her breath, before checking her card, silently ticking off the amount in her head.
"Elizabeth?" a man's voice interrupted her concentration.
Liz checked with Francis, amused to find him using her given name.
"Elizabeth Scott?"
The woman twisted around to find an oddly familiar face.
Silas appeared out of nowhere, in truth she had lost him in the excitement of the game. A silent shift of her eyes let him know everything was under control.
"...Yes?"
The man smiled, pulling up a seat beside her. "You don't remember me," he chuckled, "do you?"
Liz's brow rose, suddenly remembering that laugh and the car salesman smile. "Brad Parker," she sighed, smiling wanly.
"And who is this, Brad Parker when he's at home?" Francis questioned flippantly, the game forgotten for a moment.
She looked at her friend then her guard, the same sickly smile on her face. "It's all right." she responded quietly. "An old boyfriend." she confided unobtrusively.
Silas turned his bulk slightly aside, remaining steadfast however. He pulled his phone free tapping the screen quickly, running a check on the man.
"You look fantastic." Brad smiled charmingly. "Is this your uh," he gestured to Francis, "your husband."
Francis snorted under his breath, tossing his cards back to the dealer.
Lia moved closer sensing something amiss and not above eavesdropping on occasion if the circumstances called for it.
Francis threw a nondescript glance at Silas, at which time, both men checked on the whereabouts of Red Reddington.
The man in question glanced casually in their direction, as he had done most of the evening, checking on Lizzy. He turned his head lazily back to the conversation at hand before offering a slow double take as if something clicked in his brain.
"No, this is a very good friend of mine." Liz smiled at Francis, continuing the introductions. "Francis, this is Brad."
"Hello... Brad." Francis smiled all too pleasantly.
Silas sighed heavily and the younger man sensed the way of things. He turned to check his instincts, seeing Red had arisen even though having smiled at whatever the man across from him had said.
"Is this going to get ugly, because I have a hot date here." Francis could see the night taking a turn for the worst.
"Why should it?" Silas seemed unperturbed by the developing situation.
Francis pointed a finger, "That is Antonio Crocetti. Do you know what he would do if his dame sat down with another guy? And now Red has been put in a rather precarious position. Don't you think?"
"Dame?" Silas sized up the old man whose steel blue eyes were trained directly on Elizabeth and the man sitting beside her.
"Oh, shit..." Francis whispered under his breath, before straightening in his own seat, "we're all going to die, and I'm not gonna get laid." he looked wistfully at the cute little number beside him who had just hit twenty-one... again.
For a split second he wondered if that sweet little squeal of delight was how she sounded in that 'special moment'.
"Are you here on business or pleasure." Brad continued on mindlessly, settling in his chair, getting entirely too comfortable.
"I'm here for pleasure." Liz smiled pleasantly, very aware of the vibes the men beside her were putting off. Red was watching. "My fian–"
"I'm here for a wedding, so I guess you could call that pleasurable." the man interrupted. "Say, would you like to get a drink," he gestured to the bar, "catch up on old times?"
"Lizzy, we should go." Francis stood abruptly, pulling her chair back as he did so. "Now would probably be a really good..."
"Elizabeth..."
Francis grimaced, nearly jumping from his skin at the sound of Red's voice rumbling dangerously behind them. Francis checked hastily to see if Red was alone, ever so glad to see that he was, except for Mark Donovan.
Liz sighed quietly, arising hastily. "Honey..." she greeted Red brightly, "already finished?"
"Aren't you going to introduce me?" he questioned, his eyes unreadable as they swept the man behind her.
"Oh, yes." she cleared her throat softly. "Ray, this is uhm, Brad Parker." she looped her arm through Red's, "he's an old, uhm..."
"We dated." the man filled in quickly, holding out his hand in greeting.
Red looked at the offering, hesitating briefly before extending his own hand.
"It was a long time ago..." Liz corrected. "College."
Red remembered the little asshole well. If only because he had cheated on Elizabeth.
He waited patiently for her to continue the introductions, more than anxious to see how she would label him. And if she didn't do it soon, Red would have no compulsion what-so-ever in fucking reminding all concerned of his place in the unfolding melodrama.
Gnawing nervously on her lip at the awkward silence, Liz looked up to find Red staring back at her silently... waiting. She winced inwardly, feeling the pressure of the moment.
"I'm sorry." she smiled at the two men. "Brad, this is Ray, my fiancé."
Brad's brows furrowed darkly as he stared at the competition, then the sparkling diamond on her finger.
"I see..." he adopted a beaming smile once more, pumping Red's hand more enthusiastically, "congratulations are in order then."
"Thank you," Red's voice lowered dangerously as he systematically increased the pressure of the clenched hands seconds before Brad winced openly.
Francis looked from one man to the other men, scratching at his neck, grimacing. "Tension..." he muttered to the guard. "So much tension."
"Grow a set, pansy." Silas muttered moodily.
The younger man broke free from Red's grasp, shaking his hand gingerly to get the blood flowing again.
"I saw Liz, thought she might like to get a dinner." Brad smiled charmingly at the woman. "Catch up on old times, as it were."
Francis rubbed his hand over his brow nervously when Red remained stoically silent. His gaze quietly introverted.
Which was a huge warning sign to Francis. When Red got like that, and his fingers twitched at his sides, as they were doing right at this moment... someone usually died shortly there after.
"Oh, I don't think..." Liz stumbled over the words, the tension so thick she could feel her tongue drying up, making it damn near impossible to speak correctly.
"Actually, we have," Francis stepped up, adopting the same charming smile as Brad Parker, "reservations, for dinner." he heard Lizzy release a soft breath of relief beside him, beyond thankful for the assistance. "We really should get going."
A group of men across the way cheerfully called out to the problem at hand, waving him over.
"I gotta go." Brad gestured, pulling his wallet free. "Here's my number if you get a free moment tonight." he handed her a card, smiling that ever present sleazy grin. "Maybe we can have breakfast in the morning."
Francis quickly put his hand out, preventing Red from advancing on the unsuspecting male. Silas deftly reached under Red's jacket, artfully slipping the pistol from the man's holster. The weapon was discreetly disposed of in seconds.
"Too many witnesses." Francis reminded quickly. "Too many witnesses."
Liz frowned at the strange request, "Did you just say–"
"Elizabeth will most assuredly be occupied with me in the morning," Red interrupted coldly, the undertone of the statement, quite clear, "and has a full schedule for our stay." he held out his hand, and was pleased when the woman reached for it, grasping it tightly. "Now, we must be going."
"It's been great seeing you again." Brad leaned in, impulsively kissing her cheek.
"Fuck..." Francis whispered his awe.
Mark Donovan's mouth fell agape at such audacity.
Red placed a restraining hand on the other man's polyester shirt front, putting himself between the woman and her want-to-be suitor.
"I think you need to join your party." Red directed frostily.
Francis and Mark, took an involuntary, unobtrusive step back at the icy tone. Silas impeded Francis' intended escape, slyly gripping the young man's sleeve, holding him in place.
"If I'm going down," the guard murmured playfully, "you're going with me."
"I'm too young to die." Francis pulled fanatically on his captured sleeve. "And far too pretty." his voice held a hint of hysteria.
"Pretty stupid..." Silas corrected the misconception, holding firm.
"I'll see you later, Liz." Brad clearly had not taken the warning seriously.
"No, I don't think you will." Red replied, stepping forward menacingly yet again, this time with more intent behind the gesture.
"Red, we really should be going." Liz stressed feeling the tension emanating from Red Reddington. There was something singularly disconcerting about the man. "We'll be late."
"Elizabeth..." there was a definite hint of warning in the low voice.
"Yeah, sure." Brad smiled, giving a small wave. "We'll catch up soon."
Red followed Brad's movements with his eyes, his face expressionless.
"What an idiot..." Silas declared sharply, also watching as the man joined his group. "Take a fucking hint, you twit."
"Now hold that temper, Red." Francis asked respectfully. "Liz was just minding her own business and the asshole..."
"I am aware." Red intoned quietly.
"Why don't we get something to eat," Mark suggested quickly, the tension unbearable.
"We already had dinner, dumbass." Francis rolled his eyes. "Let's go to the bar," he suggested instead, "have a drink... relax."
"Come buy me something sweet, cinnamon roll." Lia tugged on Francis' arm, she too having felt the dynamics of the situation, having a natural instinct on how to smooth over a difficult situation.
Red transferred the all too quiet gaze to Liz before shifting a lazy stare to Francis.
"She thought I was sweet..." Francis shrugged, "so she started calling me cina–"
"Go away." Red replied darkly.
"Okie dokie..." Francis had no problem with that suggestion. The young man extracted himself from Silas' forceful grip offering a comical, 'I get to go...you have to stay', expression.
"Pussy..." Silas called out after him, causing several of the ladies surrounding the gaming tables to glance over with a stern look which softened considerably when they saw who actually stated the crude remark.
Several actually smiled understandably at the handsome guard.
"Who was he?" Red asked stonily, his attention fixed and direct.
"I just told you." Liz blew out a cleansing breath as some of the tension lifted. She wrinkled her nose endearingly. "He's harmless." she waved the subject aside.
"Lizzy, you forgot your winnings, didn't you?" Red nodded toward the appropriate vicinity.
"Oh my God!" the woman was off immediately, excitement on her face with Dembe close behind.
Red directed his attention to Silas the minute the woman was out of earshot.
"Not much on his record." the bulky man murmured, scrolling the screen of his phone. "But then, his daddy is a prominent Attorney, so who knows what may have been expunged."
"I don't give a fuck who his daddy is." Red grated. "I don't like the million dollar smile and over played charm."
"Jealousy becomes you..." Silas jibed, "but I didn't like him either. He wasn't exactly the brightest bulb in the package." he shook his head at the boy's stupidity. "Plus, he acted like a sleaze ball."
"You keep your damn eyes on her, you understand me." he snarled quietly as they caught up to the woman. He gestured to the other girls who were at the bar, laughing with Mark and Francis.
"I don't want him around anyone in our party." The cold eyes had not lost that 'something' that distinguished Reddington from another man. "Keep him away... period."
"Yes, sir." Silas replied seriously.
Dembe returned the woman to Red's side at which point, they joined the others in the bar.
Red's mood improved gradually as the evening wore on, though not by much.
"Were you jealous?" Liz murmured quietly, having gathered the nerve to broach the subject when the others got up to dance.
"I was..." Red admitted freely. The emotion easier to express now to the woman. "I am..."
"Well, don't be." she asked more than told. "Besides the fact that I have no interest in Brad what-so-ever, for obvious reasons." she looked at Red pointedly. "There was a reason I dumped him."
Red listened intently. "Which was?"
"He's a bore." she shrugged carelessly. Red narrowed his eyes, obviously needing her to enlarge upon the statement.
"He was... I don't know," she sighed unevenly, searching for the correct wording, "he was just smug, egotistical. He came from money and thought that was a big enough selling point..." her lips twisted up into a smile, "to make up for his other shortcomings."
"If he comes back around," Red said, knowing very well the little bastard would come sniffing around again, "you let Silas handle him."
Liz rolled her eyes, "I can handle him on my own, thank you."
"Elizabeth..." Red practically snapped.
"I don't know why you're letting him bother you." she tried easing his worry.
"I recall a little brunette becoming a little 'bothered' when confronted by an potential lover of mine." Red suitably jogged her memory of their time in New York..., more specifically the slap Elizabeth delivered.
Liz straightened, her eyes narrowing a bit. "I did not get... 'bothered'."
Dembe half chuckled under his breath, pulling the lever on the slot machine at which he sat, and had now for some few minutes. He ignored Liz's meaningful look completely.
Silas sipped his beer casually, offering a minute shake of his head at her blatant lie.
"Yes, you did," Red corrected.
"Well, I was supposed to be playing a part." she defended herself.
"Are you suggesting that you wouldn't feel threatened by a past lover of mine," Red leaned in, lowering his voice, "now with the change in our relationship."
"I trust you." she replied stoically.
"My trust in you," he locked eyes with her, "has no bearing on my wanting to cause Brad extreme physical pain."
Liz lips pursed slightly, before quivering as she tried to squelch her growing amusement. "He just said hello, Red."
Red shook his head for such innocence. Silas balanced his chair on two legs, laughing silently.
"What are you laughing at, you goon." she scowled at the man.
"Your naiveté is charming." the man's tone almost held a chastisement "That man wanted more than just to say hello, you gullible little thing."
Liz sighed heavily, rolling her eyes at her guard. "You are so jaded."
"He was planning to fuck you tonight and have breakfast in the morning." Silas cut to the chase, shocking the woman.
"He was not!" she gasped.
Red blew out a controlling breath, drawing the woman's attention back where it belonged. "Yes..." he corrected, "he was."
"Well, it's not like it's going to happen." she scoffed openly.
"Damn right it won't happen." Red growled. "Don't meet with him again, Elizabeth."
"I wasn't planning to." she laughed merrily, hoping to improve Red's mood, though it didn't seem to help.
"Like you weren't going to meet Tom." Red's jaw pulsed, another time coming to mind.
"Shit..." Silas' head dropped back at the Liz's sharp intake of breath. Her smile fell away, her mood falling drastically. "Was there really a need for that?" he questioned setting up to the table, his eyes holding Red's steadily.
While it was true, Liz had met with Tom after promising she wouldn't... Silas saw no advantage to bringing up the subject at such a time.
Red glared at the head guard, "Mind your own business."
"I am minding my own god damned business." Silas hissed under his breath, jabbing a finger at Liz. "Protecting her, is my business."
"You did a fantastic job earlier." Red snarled right back. "And she didn't answer the damn question."
"Stop hanging Tom over her fucking head." Silas arose to his full height, having no intention of backing down in this instance. "And while you're at it, stop being a major asshole."
"Red's right." Liz whispered distractedly, just wanting the tension to stop this evening. She had hoped for such a good time tonight. "I did see Tom after I said I wouldn't." it seemed so long ago. "And how can Red not hold him over my head when he keeps interfering with our lives..." she hung her head, fiddling with the napkin in her lap.
Silas eyed Red angrily, his expression foreboding.
Red closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. He hadn't meant to upset her to this extent. And it was all because he could not control his fucking temper.
"Explain why you do not wish for her to see him." Dembe's soft voice eased Red's anger a notch, his hand aloft on the slot machine crank.
"I don't trust that little shit anymore than I do Tom." Red blurted his contention. "He's up to no good, Elizabeth." he warned.
It hurt like hell for Lizzy to have checked with Silas for confirmation, but then... he had only himself to blame.
Red had hurt her with his veiled accusations, and damn well knew it.
"That prick was purposely pushing Red's buttons tonight." Silas explained in his own inimitable fashion. "Most likely with the intention to cause," he waved a hand between them, "...this shit." he sat back down, leaning his burly forearms on the table.
"You two argue." he pointed between couple, then to Liz. "You call a 'friendly' face... Brad consoles you over a few drinks, you wake up in a very compromising position."
Liz scowled angrily, remembering that was almost the exact phrasing Brad had used when he had been caught cheating when they had dated.
"Elizabeth..." Red tried to find the words to apologize, "I shouldn't have said–"
"No..." she held up a restraining hand, "it's all right."
"No, it isn't." he disagreed. "Tom was a rotten thing to have thrown in your face." he had known it at the time he said it. "I could have handled it differently."
She nodded quietly as she cleared her throat, accepting his apology. She hoped soon, things would be back the way they were.
She looked up, smiling weakly before sliding closer to the man.
"There's no need to be jealous, you know." she leaned over, kissing him languidly.
Red looked down at the little face, understanding what she was attempting. She wanted to replace the last few minutes with what probably should have happened, instead of the hurt they had just both felt.
"Is that right?" Red's deep voice settled in her core, electrifying her pleasantly.
Liz took a deep breath, the anxiety she had felt easing gradually as Red tried to find the lightness with her.
"It is." she brushed her mouth against his slowly. "I am far too invested in someone else to pay Brandon..."
"Brad," Red corrected.
"... Any attention." she continued. "In fact, I'm hoping I can find someone else to keep me occupied while I'm here." she reached out, adjusting his tie a little.
Red felt the anger dissipate by degrees at her veiled attempt to placate him.
"You wouldn't happen to know anyone that's available..." she scowled seriously at him, "would you?"
"Come here, baby." She surprised him entirely by foregoing his intended ploy to cuddle her close, by moving sedately, sliding into his lap.
All the tension he was feeling disappeared as he now noted their present situation. His hand eased about the curve of her hip as he held her stationary.
"And how would you like to wile away the hours?" he asked, much preferring this version of events. She sighed her contentment, wiggling into a more comfortable position.
Red's eyes darkened as her thigh moved softly over his flaccid bulge. He stilled her movements, centering her just where he needed her to be.
"Well?" he repeated the question softly.
"W-What?" she had lost her train of thought.
"How do you want me to keep you busy?" he whispered roughly in her ear. "Shall we go shopping? Or perhaps we could take a tour of the city?" an eventual smile played along his lips as the woman completely ignored every word he said.
"We could go see the white tigers?" Red nuzzled the length of her neckline.
"Can't we just stay in bed and have sex?" she whined softly.
Dembe paused in pulling the handle on the slot machine he was playing. Silas, while admiring the blatant honesty, would always be Silas.
"Get a fucking room." he disdained.
"Or... we could do that." Red smiled softly, gently kissing her jaw line, casting Silas an appreciative 'thank you' nod.
"I'm perfectly happy with what we have Red." Liz ignored their surroundings completely. "I don't want or need anyone else."
"You don't know what that means to me."
They had tried and succeeded in rewriting what could have been a terrible evening, to make it better for them both.
"I'm sorry." he whispered softly in her ear. "Silas was right, I was a major asshole... don't tell him I said that."
"It's all right," Silas shrugged nonchalantly, "I heard it."
Liz shook her head, smiling gently at the exchange before kissing Red's neck gently.
The matter forgiven, all but forgotten.