Considering the evening before, Red and Liz were grateful they were afforded a quiet morning. They lay ensconced in bed, talking, touching... and basking in the intimacy they now shared.
All too soon, the world called on them to emerge from their solitude, but each left with a deeper understanding and connection than before.
After Red left an hour ago to attend to his business dealings, Liz caught up on her correspondence with the BAU and the Blacksite.
With all the interruptions with people in house, especially Francis, she was pleasantly surprised to have popped out a difficult profile as quickly and thoroughly as she had.
She was doubly thrilled to have found that just a few short hours ago, the criminal had been apprehended. Applying her signature to the preliminary paperwork, she continued in the process of checking her other mail.
She was at first surprised, then shocked, drawing in a startled breath as photos of her and Red started filling the page as they loaded one by one.
She perused the array frantically, her eyes darting from one image to the other.
A couple showed she and Red with their entourage as they toured the Las Vegas Strip. A few contained shots of Silas and her alone.
One was an intimate pose as she and Red watched the Bellagio water show. Yet another had Red's arm wrapped about her waist as they looked over the canal at the Venetian. There they were as they took in the aquarium at the Mandalay.
The affection between them was apparent. To Liz at least.
They were supposed to be affectionate, she was playing the part of Red's fiancée.
Really, the pictures had all been relatively tame, which was not how she vividly pictured their time here.
But that didn't stop the fact that each contained a plethora of scathing vitriol beneath each photo.
Reddington is a vile and atrocious being, tainting everything he touches
To keep in his company, will only lead you into an eternal damnation
No one will think badly of you, should you kill him. They will understand your reasoning
Tonight, Elizabeth. End Reddington's reign so we can be together in peace.
"Yes, the rambling diatribe of a psycho nutjob was just the incentive I needed to act on murderous intent..." Liz rolled her eyes expressively, "so I'll get right on that."
Scanning back through the photos, she thankfully found, none were of their time in the Villa. With the high walls and heavily guarded property, to see into the sanctuary had obviously been impossible.
She tried to remember a camera pointed at them, but it was difficult to pinpoint anything for sure because...
Everyone had a camera in their hand as they took in the sights of Vegas, so singling out any individual purposely surveilling their group was virtually impossible to detect.
Moving the cursor over the delete option, she hesitated fighting her natural instincts. Red had been saving these horrible things and even the envelopes, looking for a point of origin.
She made a hasty decision, calling Silas for an expert opinion.
The man's grey eyes darkened as he pulled his phone free, issuing an order to track the origins of the IP address, having seen the problem laid out before him.
Within moments, the information was relayed that the email had been sent from a library a couple blocks away from their hotel.
A view of the surveillance, only produced a man in a black hoodie sitting at the computer for about five minutes before exiting the building.
Silas directed the computer geek to trace DOT and hotel cameras to track "Black Hoodie Fucker" to and from his last known position.
"Should we phone Red?" Liz bit her nail nervously.
"Red is in tense negotiations at the moment and shouldn't have the distraction at this time, unless absolutely warranted." Silas answered almost absently, his mind clearly on the problem at hand. "I am exemplary in my job." he practically teased to lighten the mood. "What are you worried about? I might begin to think you don't trust my impeccable credentials."
She felt very secure in Silas' care... but he didn't have to know that.
"Well, Red is going to be pissed as hell later on," she cut doubtful eyes his way, "and I'm going to blame it all on you."
"So what else is new." he motioned.
"That new bag you're taking me to buy." she shut down the computer, intent on enjoying her well deserved day off. "Let's go shopping."
"I'm glad you're not letting this creep get to you." he nodded approvingly. "But isn't there some soap opera you can watch or Bon Bon's you can eat?" he pulled a slight grimace. "I've got manly things to do."
"After we get my purse..." she batted her eyes coyly up at the tall man, "we can take in a car exhibit, which is a very manly thing to do."
She wasn't much of a car afficionado, but the exhibit was interesting. Silas fell into the mood of the day, so next they hit the wax museum.
She felt very much the tourist as they took photos of one another with countless statues as they went along.
She had tried to make her poses look as natural as possible, most of Silas' photos on the other hand, were of him with his arm wrapped around the wax figure, cupping a breast or ass cheek... sometimes both.
Lunch was nearing, so they decided on the burger joint at their hotel.
Liz craned her head this way and that. "I'm going to the bathroom." she had spotted what she needed.
Silas turned his bulky frame in the booth so he could watch the door.
"If she comes back before I do," Liz stated, "can you get some mustard and ketchup on the side?"
"Yeah, you want extra pickles too?" he asked, knowing the woman's penchant for the staple. "I know you absolutely love anything resembling the phallic shaped vegetables." he held his smirk. "Remind you of the boss, does it?"
"You're a dirty old man." she tsked.
"That sounded vaguely like a compliment." the man's eyes constantly surveyed his surroundings, Liz noted.
"An observation of fact only, you perv." she corrected. "And yes, I want a pickle."
"Are we using that as a euphemism..." the man chuckled.
"The fucking vegetable." Liz snarled then grimaced when the guard chortled.
"What you do with it is your own business..."
"I'm gonna shove it so far up you're a–"
"Intrigued by the idea of anal play, are we?" the man enquired innocently.
Liz's retort was lost, as her thoughts wandered. A vision popped into her head that was both intriguing and yet a little off putting.
Unaware of the smile playing about Silas' lips, the guard seemed to read her mind.
"There's nothing quite like it." the man further needled the woman. "The trust formed between lovers after such an event is quite spectacular."
Liz cocked her head, staring sightlessly at the table top, a frown pulling at her brows. "Spectacular you say?" she mused quietly.
Silas bit the inside of his cheek, "Please do tell Red who turned you on to the notion." he settled more comfortably into the wall, drumming his fingers on the Formica. "I've been anticipating a bonus for quite some time."
"If I tell him you said that, he'll likely knee cap you." Liz allowed her humor of the situation through, very aware her guard was pestering her.
"No he won't." Silas replied matter-of factly. "He'll be too busy thanking me as he tries to get his dick buried in that tight–"
"Going to pee now." Liz sighed, turning on her heel without a backward glance to her chuckling protector.
She did her business, checked her appearance and smiled. She looked like she was glowing... and didn't think it was just because of the slight sunburn on her nose and cheeks.
Granted, she was still lost in thought about her discussion with Silas, but not the specific details of what he suggested.
She was more caught up in the intimacy she and Red had shared. The trust that was building between them. She had every intention of making sure that connection was solidified.
Suddenly, to be with him... to feel him so very close again, was a high priority. She sincerely hoped Red got off work early tonight.
Smoothing her hair, she opened the door, the good thoughts vanishing into an angry veil.
"What the hell do you want?" she grumbled irritably as Brad smiled, pushing off the opposite wall.
"I want to know what you see in the old guy?" he shrugged. "I mean, I know he must be pretty loaded but..."
"You don't know shit." she snapped peevishly, pushing past him aggressively. She was more than incensed when he reached out, grasping her arm in a no-nonsense grip.
"I know he's Raymond Reddington." the man grinned maliciously.
"Tell me something I don't know." she scoffed, jerking her arm free, making a move to pass him yet again.
Brad scowled at the unexpected response, before capturing her arm again to stop her departure, trying a different tactic.
"We were pretty good together."
"We were so good together," she saw the ploy for what it was, though he seemed to have forgotten one minor detail, "...it made sense to you to cheat."
"I was drunk." he explained it away. "We could be that way again."
"No, thanks." she grimaced disgustedly. "I like what I have now and like my friend said, you pale in comparison in every way imaginable."
"I can be your new Sugar Daddy, if that's what you're worried about." the man baited.
"No, you can't." she replied coldly. "You will never be as charming, kind, caring or as good a fuck as Red is." she spat and the man's face grew furious. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more important things to do," she side stepped the man, "like eating my burger before it gets cold."
Brad readjusted the hold he had on her arm, pulling her up against his chest as his face descended towards hers.
"Back off !" she snapped viciously, pushing hard against his bulk.
Delivering a swift punch across the man's jaw, much to his astonishment, she landed another to his cheek in his stunned stupor. She blinked her surprise when the man was suddenly hurtling down the hall.
She snapped her eyes to her right, finding a large dark shadow looming over her, snarling its rage.
"I told you..." Red grated angrily, "she wasn't fucking interested."
Ripping the fedora from its perch, he plopped it on Liz's head, stalking towards the man who was attempting to shake off the jolt he had just received.
Grasping the collar of Brad's shirt, Red bodily lifted the man to his feet.
"Get her out of here!" Red barked before shoving Brad back through the double doors of the kitchen.
Liz glanced back quickly, finding Silas and Dembe moving stealthily down the corridor as patrons craned their heads around the bulky frames. The men grinned mischievously, waving for her to follow after Red.
She scurried into the kitchen upon hearing an enormous crash. Pushing her way through the doors, she found Red throwing Brad into a stainless steel shelf, the glass sundae cups tinkling merrily as they wobbled dangerously back and forth. Large metal trays fell haphazardly to the floor making a resounding crescendo of noise echoing down the hallway.
The door behind them burst open as two new arrivals stumbled their way on scene.
"Yes!" Francis pumped his fist energetically, his face beaming his joy. "I didn't miss it."
Christopher grimaced his delight when Red punched the man square in the face, sending Brad careening out the back, knocking the door slightly askew as Red stalked his way after him.
"What part of, no," Red vented, viciously punching the man square in the abdomen, "don't you fucking understand!"
He lifted his arm, blocking an intended hit, before nailing Brad in the solar plexus. Brad grunted, falling into the wall behind him for support.
Grasping the younger man's collar, Red held him steady. "Do you fucking comprehend it now you stupid son of a bitch!" he seethed, before delivering a series of blows to the man's jaw, "Disrespectful little fuck!" he spat his disdain.
Liz blinked rapidly, wincing with each hit Red landed. Even against Edward, she had never seen Red so furious.
She instinctively sought help, glancing about for Silas or Dembe. Her hopes in that direction were dimmed considerably as she watched all concerned crane their necks this way and that to get a better look at the proceedings taking place.
Francis was jabbing his fists in open air in silent encouragement, the look on his face of total delight. Christopher was right there beside him, literally dancing back and forth as a boxer, his beefy arms warding off "air blows".
Silas and Dembe nodded thoughtfully from time to time if Red happened to deliver a blow of which they approved.
Liz motioned insistently for her guard to step in and do his 'duty'. Surely someone of Red's so called friends should be attempting to put a halt to this fiasco.
She turned her eyes back Red's way, wincing when Brad finally landed a punch of his own.
She looked anxiously at her guard, only to find the man smirking. Sighing, Silas sidled closer to her, not taking his eyes from the men trading hits.
"Lucky punch," he muttered. "Won't happen again."
She flinched as Brad landed another, then frowned up at Silas who shrugged nonchalantly. It looked as though... it was almost as if Red left himself open to the hit.
She looked imploringly at Silas, only finding the man oblivious to her. Through it all, Red didn't stop once in berating good old Brad. No matter who hit who.
"He's feeding off it." Silas explained cryptically.
As Brad hit him again, she watched Red's eyes go ebony black, only then truly understanding what Silas had meant.
Red drew back, delivering a blow that left Brad clumsily stumbling backward, sending the young man to his knees in an ungraceful slump. The crunching sound of the man's kneecaps hitting cement could be heard over the sounds of Red's angry cursing.
Curling Brad's shirt in his fist, Red yanked him forward, pulling the man close until their noses almost touched.
"And if I wasn't perfectly clear the first fucking time." Red spat. "She's mine, asshole." he growled dangerously.
Liz had never liked the macho mentality, but something about Red's tone sent shivers down her spine. Something primitive, something deeply ingrained sparked to vivid life.
Understanding dawned on her. It went beyond territorial. Reflection and logic did not apply here. That she was okay with such a concept neither surprised nor shocked her.
"He's staking his claim, honey." Silas muttered, solidifying her thoughts.
She suddenly realized, Red needed to do this, for a host of reasons. And she needed to allow it.
He needed to do what came natural to him. Someone had accosted his woman, and that was something a man like Red Reddington simply could not tolerate.
He needed to vent this frustration, to protect her... and stake his claim for his own peace of mind.
Just as she said he should, if he felt it was warranted.
As she watched Red shake Brad like he was a rag doll and backhand him with a closed fist... it was obviously a moment where he felt such action was warranted.
"Look at me!" he hissed until the man blearily focused bloodshot, swollen eyes on Red's furious face.
Brad closed his eyes, turning his face away from the enraged man.
Red snarled murderously at the perceived brush off. Releasing his grip, he let Brad fall to a heap on the wet ground. Pulling his weapon free, he racked it and settled it against the man's chest before Liz could blink an eye.
Silas quickly reached laying a stilling arm over her chest, though was surprised to find the woman standing stock still and watching quietly.
She was looking between both men anxiously, but stayed perfectly silent.
"Do not ever come near what's mine again." Red repeated darkly, his weight leaning into the weapon.
"...When Elizabeth speaks... obey." he snarled. "Do you understand the words I am saying."
Brad coughed wetly, spitting a mouthful of blood on the pavement.
"Do you understand me?" Red once again grated harshly, shoving the barrel of his gun painfully into the man's chest.
"... I u-understand." Brad slurred.
Red stayed hunched over the man for countless moments, his thumb rubbing along the stock of his weapon before finally pushing off the son-of-a-bitch.
Glaring angrily down at the man at his feet, Red took a deep breath trying to batten down the rage he still felt. Lifting angry eyes, he pulled up short when he found Lizzy standing there.
Glancing at Dembe and Silas, his look informed them of his displeasure for not doing as he had directed. He stepped over the heap on the ground, his eyes sweeping Liz's form.
"Are you all right?" he asked. While he knew Lizzy could handle Brad admirably on her own, he couldn't help but worry for her emotional state.
It wasn't everyday you watched your lover beat the living hell out of someone. This was his world, not hers.
"I'm fine." she murmured quietly.
Red inclined his head, understanding the quiet tone. They would need to speak later.
Turning to their host, Red took a deep breath, controlling the anger that simmered just beneath the now cool exterior. "I apologize for the disturbance t–"
"Don't apologize..." Christopher laughed, slapping Red's arm in open camaraderie, "I'm sure the patrons loved it. It's Vegas after all." the man grinned. "Besides, I've had security checking surveillance to alert me if a confrontation came about... so I wouldn't miss it."
"That was so fucking awesome!" Francis grinned widely, as he hopped excitedly in place. This was a fight he would have come a long way to see.
The young man jerked his head about as the back door was thrown open violently, revealing a panting, disheveled Mark Donovan.
"Ah, dammit!" Mark bitched seeing the man laying on the ground and Red's red and bloody knuckles. "I fucking missed it!?"
Francis waved his phone excitedly in the air, thrilled to share his enthusiasm with someone who would appreciate it as much. "I got it!"
Gesturing the man over, Mark rushed towards Francis, his face beaming.
Silas came out the same door at a leisurely pace, carrying a couple of 'to go' orders.
Red sighed heavily, shaking his head for the guards lackadaisical outlook on life. He startled when he felt cool fingers tenderly trace his face.
"Are you all right?" Liz asked quietly, blotting a small split in the corner of his lip with her finger.
Pushing past the haze, Red found her big blue eyes looking up at him worriedly.
"I'm..." he took a deep breath, the last of his anger vanishing. "...better."
Clapping his hands together, Christopher smiled at the gathered group, "...So, who's hungry?"
Red shifted slow eyes towards their host, sighing woefully drawing a soft, tittering laugh from Lizzy.
Scrunching her nose, she shrugged apologetically. "I am hungry."
Nodding his ascent, Red wrapped his arm about her waist... guiding her inside.
After a scrumptious meal, Red made his excuses to his host.
"I have to change." he stated. "Could you tell Antonio and Guiren that I will be along shortly?" he asked of Christopher.
"Yes, of course." the man replied cordially. "Take your time."
Making their way back to the Villa, Red waved Lizzy into the sanctuary of their room, closing the door quietly behind him.
He was totally shocked when her little body suddenly collided forcibly with his. The kiss she offered was both sensual yet fiercely affectionate.
"I'm not mad." she whispered before he could even begin to gather his thoughts. "You gave Brad fair warning, I gave him fair warning." she continued. "He chose to ignore it."
"I should not have lost my temper."
"That was incredibly rude of him to ignore my demands, and if you ask me, he had it coming." she raised her chin defiantly. "If it wasn't you, it was going to be me."
A soft smile played about his lips. He found he very much enjoyed Lizzy when she was in a surly mood.
"As for that temper..." the woman's voice lowered, as she sidled closer to him, "I didn't know you could be so...forceful."
Red lifted gray eyes, his brows knitting slightly, asking the rhetorical question.
"I found it kind of sexy." she quietly confided, absently caressing his arm.
Red narrowed his eyes, reading the truthfulness of her statement, a short burst of laughter passing his lips.
"Always expect the unexpected." he muttered his delight.
"What?" she asked slightly enthralled by the sound of that throaty chuckle.
"Nothing... just talking to myself." he kissed her gently, pulling back slightly to read the woman's expressive features.
"Were you defending my virtue?" she asked lightly, drawing an involuntary smile which replaced the frown on his face.
"Your virtue is fully intact, regardless of Brad's less than noble intentions." he murmured.
"Were you protecting your property." The woman emitted a high sigh of contentment.
"While that concept is absolutely medieval," he chuckled quietly, having never heard the woman make such a sound before... not when fully dressed at least, "to be truthful, I think you've actually hit on it."
"I think that's really hot." she moved closer.
"Oh you do, do you?" his chuckle returned for a moment before his agitation resurfaced.
"Be glad I didn't kill the asshole..." he grumbled his irritation, visualizing what he had walked up on earlier, his eyes dropping to her mouth, "little bastard trying to kiss my baby..."
Those little endearments aroused her.
His mood lightened, as he once again pressed his mouth to hers. He reluctantly lifted the deeply satisfying caress after a fashion.
"You look awfully cute in that." He gestured to the startling blue fedora sitting on her soft dark hair.
"We need to get you one," he said, removing the hat, tossing it to the bureau beside them, "they look quite becoming on you."
She frowned at the fedora's removal, until his lips against her neck caught her attention.
"Are you my Sugar Baby?" Red murmured against the soft skin.
Liz tsked softly, rolling her eyes.
"I didn't say that." she remembered back to the remark Brad had made concerning Red.
"Well, you didn't deny it either." he pointed out the fact.
"I'm your girlfriend..." she hesitated at the term, "significant other..." she screwed up her nose distastefully. That did not work either.
"...Whatever." Red concluded, trailing a soft line of kisses along her jaw line. He knew the label he would like to apply to her, but she wasn't ready for that... yet.
"We really must settle on something." he rumbled deeply. "Sugar baby would work for me." he grinned. "Though, normally, when I think of you..."
"Don't even go there yet." she put a little space between them, a scolding look on her face. "Are you going back to work?"
Red could see her point, moving her closer in his embrace all the same. "Well, I can't be your Sugar Daddy if I don't continue bringing in the dough."
"I can just see it now," she allowed herself to be maneuvered, completely pliable in his arms, "at the company Christmas party." she teased. "Hi, I'm Liz and this is my Sugar Daddy, Red Reddington, aka, most wanted criminal in America..."
"And possibly the rest of the civilized world..." he was anything but immodest, "you want to take me to your Christmas party?" he was visibly touched.
"You can be my secret Santa." she flirted openly.
"Oh, I plan to be your secret Santa." the grey eyes took on a blue hue as his mood lightened further. "Have you been a good little girl," his manner turned playful, "because if you have, I get to slip you a special Yule Log this year."
Stifling a giggle, Liz snuggled to the man.
Remembering his state of dress, Red grimaced accordingly, pulling back reluctantly he offered a warm kiss of apology.
"I have to get out of these clothes." He pulled at the shirt, removing it quickly before heading for the bathroom.
"I know that your little wannabe paramour is most likely indisposed..." he called back over his shoulder, "but I would like it if you stayed with Silas."
"You don't think Brad will heed the warning?" the blue eyes raised, the amazement apparent.
"He better." Red said. "Or he'll find a bullet up his ass." he muttered, washing himself off before donning a new shirt.
Sighing, he pushed away from the sink. "I know that you are more than capable of handling Brad..." he reached out, brushing her hair gently aside as it fell off her shoulders. "I was so proud of your actions where the bastard was concerned."
"Thank you." she smiled gently, truly appreciating his concern for her well being and even more so, his belief in her abilities. "Silas and I were going to play the tables when I got back.
Looping a new tie, he made quick work of the knot, as he looked down at her. "If you should need me..."
"...Call." she concluded, kissing the warm mouth in open affection.
Liz and Silas hit the tables and as in previous days, they were winning but not as efficiently as Silas would have liked.
As they entered their second hour, she tilted her head, glancing curiously at her guard.
"Are you trying to steal my soul, you little Succubus?" Silas asked, tossing his cards back to the dealer, a disdainful look on his face.
"You don't have a soul." Liz stated succinctly. "No, I was just wondering where you were earlier, bodyguard o' mine."
"You're asking why I didn't rescue your skinny ass?"
"Well, in so many words, yes." she replied, a smile playing about her lips. "Let me guess, a good hair day again?"
"I saw Red coming." Silas shrugged his stocky shoulders. Liz leaned closer, clearly interested in the turn of the conversation.
"He saw you two and while not pleased, he hung back, giving you a moment." he explained. Liz smiled to herself, appreciating Red letting her have a go at the jerk.
"When Brad grasped you the second time and made a move on you..." the man paused, taking a drink from his glass, motioning for other cards to be dealt.
"It didn't matter if you were handling it or not." the man smirked. "Red was gonna kill him." he nodded at the truth in the statement. "I wasn't about to get in the middle of that."
"Have money on it, did you?" she smiled around the straw in her mouth.
"As if anyone would bet against Red." Silas scoffed at the very idea.
"Red said you were all placing bets on the outcome." she quirked her brow. "As is your way." she allowed.
"No, we were betting on when, how and why Red would finally beat the living shit out of Brad." he corrected the misconception.
"Was it worth it?"
"There's nothing like watching a man fight for his lady." Silas sighed lightly, taking a long drink from his tumbler.
Liz rolled her eyes, then peeked at her card.
"I'm serious." the guard proclaimed. "With Red having pissed a circle around you now," he baited the young woman, "I knew he was going to beat the shit out of that prick son of a bitch in spectacular fashion."
She shook her head, falling silent before tapping the table for another card. "Pissed a circle around me?" she scrunched her nose at the archaic phrasing.
Silas chuckled into his glass, "He rode you bareback... didn't he?"
Liz's mouth gaped as she sucked in a shocked breath. How the hell did he know this shit!?
"He told you!" she hissed quietly. Her temper came to the fore for a brief moment.
The man snorted his amusement. "I don't have to be clairvoyant." throwing his cards aside, he sighed heavily.
Liz looked at him pleadingly hoping her semi-pout would affect her guard as it did his employer.
"That won't work on me." he patiently waited for his hand to be dealt. "I've known Red for a long time and I can honestly say, I have never seen him so... sated."
The man treaded carefully in his use of words. There were certain things that should only be said between the parties involved. In private.
But he also knew Red wouldn't mind him putting Elizabeth at ease.
"You're full of crap." she whispered leaning conspiratorially. "No one can tell things like that just by looking." she scoffed.
Silas smiled softly, knowing the woman was on a fishing expedition. "Those close to you, those who really care... know."
Would her team guess at her secret? They were good partners. They even socialized from time to time. But Liz was no where near as close to them as she was Dembe, Silas and Francis. The thought surprised her.
She could not have made that statement a month back.
And even if those at work found out, did she even care? Her first instinct was not to give a damn. Which... actually kind of shocked her. Had she changed so much while in Red's company?
She had tried so hard to gain acceptance and now here she was... not giving a shit about what they thought. What anybody thought.
For the first time she could remember, her happiness outweighed everything else.
Liz leaned closer, laying her arm on the man's chair. "Why didn't he?" she asked quietly.
"Kill Brad?" Silas glanced over to her.
"...Yes."
"Oh, he wanted to..." Silas thought back to the ending, the way Red had stroked the weapon in his hand so lovingly.
"So, why didn't he?" her curiosity ran rampant.
Waving off the next few hands, Silas turned so they could converse more privately. "It was imperative that Brad understand the significance of the word 'No'."
Liz shook her head, not really following as yet.
"Yes, Red was pissed off that someone was encroaching on his territory." it was granted. "But nothing pisses Red off more than someone who does not do as a lady demands."
"So while Red was... staking his claim," Liz felt her heart flutter at the thought, "he wanted to make sure Brad didn't pull what he did with me in the future... with any other women?"
"Pretty much," Silas nodded. "If Brad wasn't listening to you, with Red Reddington by your side, who's to say what he would do with a woman on her own."
"Is there something you aren't telling me?" Liz was slightly concerned.
Silas looked at the woman beside him, leaning comfortably into his seat back. "Brad's daddy is a lawyer..." the man began, "and his son's record was a little too clean for our tastes."
Liz frowned at the insinuation, a sickening feeling settling in the pit of her stomach.
"Has he–"
"Unsure." the man admitted, deepening the frown on her face. "Let it go." she was advised, as he read her train of thought well enough. "You know damn well Red will have his movements watched... after the bastard is recovered, of course."
Liz nodded and relaxed after a moment, trusting in Red.
"I have to pee." she sighed.
Silas pushed back his own seat, waving off the next card as he arose.
"I don't need you to wipe my ass you know." she frowned at the man towering over her.
"That's Red's department." he drained his glass, setting it on the table. "After this afternoon, I'd rather be close... if it's all the same to you."
"You just said–" she iterated.
"Yes well, a normal man would have gotten the message." Silas justified his actions. "I want to be positive Brad isn't a psychotic fucker."
Glancing between the bathroom door and the main gaming area, Silas kept a close watch on comings and goings. He nodded an acknowledgment to Mark as the man came from a side door, Red following close behind, with Christopher by his side.
Red, seeing Silas manning a hallway, lifted his chin questioningly. Silas thumbed in the direction of the corridor which he guarded so zealously.
Sauntering to the table, Red took a stance behind Francis, peering over the boy's shoulder. He shook his head woefully when the young man lost yet another hand, sharing a small laugh with the dealer and the men beside him.
Cradling the phone against his shoulder, Francis spoke into the gadget, tapping his knuckles on the felt table.
"We're still in Las Vegas, you tool." the young man grumbled, glancing at the new card thrown his way. "Now why the hell aren't you here? You said you were coming in on... " he rolled his eyes, sighing his disgust. "I told you not to mess with her. Now don't you wish you had listened?"
Red caught his attention and Francis craned his head back to fully meet the man's eyes. "Alina tried to take Ben out." he answered the rhetorical question.
Red nodded his understanding. Alina was a little more than unstable at times. But it made her no different than most people they dealt with on a daily basis.
"Ben wants to know if we're still on for–"
"Yes." Red confirmed. "Now get off the phone." he shook his head as Francis said his goodbyes and busted... once again.
"Why do you always do that." Red asked of the boy, stopping the young man from yet again, wrapping his knuckles to signify to the dealer... 'hit me'. He showed nineteen of the allotted twenty-one. The dealer flipped his card, showing eighteen, leaving Francis the winner.
"Out of curiosity sake," Red gestured to the cards, "if he hit, what would he have got next?"
The dealer looked at Christopher, waiting for permission. The owner smiled, gesturing to see the card.
Francis' shoulders slumped as the dealer showed them the Queen of Hearts.
Ignoring Red's low chuckling, Francis tossed the card back dejectedly.
Red shook his head and laughed quietly as Lizzy came around the corner, dodging her guard's unexpected attack.
Silas often dropped sneak attacks on the woman throughout the day as part of her training.
Some days, the man got her in an affectionate headlock... other days, Lizzy avoided the attack.
Today appeared to be a good one as Lizzy ducked Silas' arm and delivered a swift punch to the man's gut before offering an adorable grin of triumph.
His smile widened as the woman approached, beaming happily.
"You should have aimed lower," he murmured before kissing her sweet mouth.
"Don't give her any ideas," Silas grumbled, rubbing the sore spot on his stomach. "Damn bony fingers.
"Stop bitching," she sighed, retaking her seat.
Francis cleared his throat, subtly gesturing to four men striding towards them.
The oldest, in the center, swaggered as the other three flanked him protectively.
Liz was instantly intent on the older man. Even from this distance, she could tell he had an aura of power about him. As he grew closer, he gave off an air that subsequently made her think of Frank Sinatra in his later years.
He had style, class and charm. He even resembled the crooner to a certain extent not only in looks, but his classic style of dress and apparent charisma.
"Reddington..." The man held out his hand in greeting, his rumbling timbre washed over her like warmed honey. Something about it made her wish she could request him sing to see if he could belt a tune like Sinatra.
She flushed slightly at such an absurd thought.
"Antonio," Red nodded his hello.
"This your lady?" the man smiled at Elizabeth. And she felt the need to seek out Red's hand.
"Yes," Red beamed, "this is Elizabeth." he said, before offering the polite introductions.
Antonio took Liz's hand, raising it to his mouth, tenderly kissing her small fingers.
"It is so very nice to meet you," Liz smiled at the charming greeting.
"Likewise," the man's eyes danced merrily, "if I may be so bold... you've got a mean right hook," the man chuckled, side-glancing Silas playfully.
Grimacing, Liz shrugged, hoping like hell her actions had seemed acceptable. "...He had it coming."
Antonio laughed, "I'm sure he did, and might I say, you handled him exceptionally well... though you should have aimed lower." the man teased.
"Oh, I assure you," Liz smiled wickedly in her guard's direction, "...I will."
"Thank you both for your attempts to render my child making abilities dormant." Silas glared at the men opposite him.
Grinning at Red, Antonio's eyes crinkled at the corner. "It's a pleasant change, is it not... witnessing Silas on the receiving end of a woman's wrath."
"It is..." Red arched a wry brow at the head guard before transferring his attention to the woman beside him. "For so many reasons."
Enjoying an after dinner drink with Antonio Crocetti, Red glanced at Elizabeth every so often, assured of her well-being.
The woman giggled infectiously beside Francis, gleefully pulling the handle on her slot machine.
Returning his attention to the man beside him, Red listened as Antonio related the newest information on his end of the underworld. Not all was pleasant, sadly.
The old Mobster had seen twice as much than Red would ever know in his lifetime.
Which was a highly disturbing thought, considering the atrocities Red had encountered.
But given Antonio had vast experience in the horrific brutality life could throw in your path, Red found the man to be a great source of insight, knowledge, and even comfort on occasion.
So it was a shock when, during the course of their quiet chat, the tables had turned and Red became the voice of reason for the disoriented and discouraged.
One of Antonio's Lieutenants had gone off the deep end recently, it seemed, as Antonio had relayed the telling.
The individual, one Mario Scarpa, had overstepped the boundaries set by Antonio. The old man himself did the deed. It had killed Antonio to have to be the one.
"He wouldn't listen... maybe he couldn't?" Antonio sighed woefully into his tumbler. "My heart is heavy tonight, Red. He was like a son to me."
Red listened respectfully as the tale unfolded for it was clear, Antonio needed a shoulder.
"Life's too short." the man pushed aside his heavy heart. "Go to your lady, Reddington." It was more than suggested. "Make passionate love to her..."
The man looked lost in a pleasant memory for a long moment, "Such a young nubile beauty..." a smile graced the weathered lips, his eyes taking on a serene quality, "never neglect such an exquisite gift."
A deep seated pain replaced the touch of light that had shown in the older man's eyes.
"Remember the important things," Antonio reached out, gripping Red's forearm, willing him to listen, "keep them... her... first in your heart and mind."
Red had nodded his agreement and understanding.
"I turned a blind eye on so many occasions." Antonio glanced about their surroundings absently, straightening his napkin unconsciously.
He had not touched his meal, Red noted. The old guy looked his age right at that moment, but Red knew he would rebound.
Antonio Crocetti loved life too much to allow this hurdle to bring him down permanently.
"You did all you could, Antonio." Red believed his words. "Sometimes, love just isn't enough."
"What a damnable reality." Antonio nodded slowly. The clear, intelligent eyes shifted to Red's concerned ones.
"What are we doing?" the man spread his hands, encompassing his surroundings. "We have a magnificent spread before us. Good wine. Good friends are near." he was forcing the darkness aside.
Red had done it countless times enough to see it in others.
"Life is good. Let us partake, while there is still time on our side." he chuckled at his own particular brand of humor. "God knows, I'm not getting any younger." the man huffed amusement. "This could be my last meal for all..." the man's stout voice faded, a fear filling his features.
"Maria is fixing her world renowned pasta linguine this weekend," he made mention of his wife of forty years. "If I miss it, she will kill me. Never mind about the 'Almighty's' plan."
Red chuckled warmly, amused by the man's statement. "She is good for you," he lifted his wine, sipping the mellow beverage, "I've always said as much." he declared. "And a magnificent Chef to boot." he added. "When she does the deed, I will be first in line to take your place."
"You are possibly the only one who could." A hint of the old swagger returned, Red was happy to see. "Not in bed, of course." the old man needled his younger counterpart. "After me, she could stomach no other man."
Red graciously took the cut to his manhood. If asked, he would say the same of his Lizzy.
No one could love that woman like he did.
"That woman has been on a pedestal for fifty years." Antonio was proud of the fact. "I've lifted her so high in that area," he bragged to Red's delight, "no one could ever take her to such a state of bliss."
"Mr. Kaplan says," Red made mention, "that all men consider themselves irreplaceable in that area of expertise." he swirled the dark vintage in his glass absently. "When in reality, the very opposite is true."
"Kaplan doesn't know everything." Antonio shook his head woefully. "Especially given that Kaplan is not only competition, but is said to have bigger balls than the two of us combined." the man smirked at the ambiguity of the statement, drawing a reluctant smile from Reddington, before the older man sobered somewhat. "There are exceptions to the rule."
"I certainly hope that's the case." Red glanced over to another table, his eyes falling gently on the object he sought out, and had made a study of, all evening.
"This one..." Antonio noted Red's avid interest, "she is different than the rest." he was a shrewd judge of character. "You feel something for her that the others could not offer."
"...Yes." Red's brow furrowed. "I fought it for a very long time."
"For her sake." Antonio understood.
"What right do we have to bring them into our way of life..."
"My Maria knew of my... world before we..." the older man trailed away. "She accepts all that I am. It was not always so, of course. There were troubling years." the man admitted. "She is a devout Catholic."
"Yes, I know." Red did. "Do you regret–"
"No regrets." Antonio interrupted, his tone firm. "Not a single one."
Red glanced at Lizzy again. She was trying to retrieve a stolen French fry from Francis. Her ability to attain her desire results, just as cunning and assertive as it was a short time ago.
He smiled reluctantly at the antics deployed. "She is very young."
"Teach her to survive, especially..." Antonio watched the farce play out as well, his own amusement triggered, "in your absence."
Red turned his attention immediately.
"Time and misfortune claim us all." the man reminded Red of their human frailty. "I have heard of your troubles." The subject was broached. "Not the whole story, mind you. Only the price on your head raising..." Antonio edged forward, "which in turn, adds to the danger to her."
Red remained silent on the matter.
"My resources are available to you." It was offered.
"I want that bastard myself." Red spat heatedly. "I want his throat in my hands, his blood..." he took a deep shaking breath, suppressing his sudden flare of anger. His lapse of control unacceptable.
Antonio causally glanced about, ensuring no others saw Reddington's loss of restraint. He understood the younger man's agitation. If it were his Maria...
"Understood." he inclined his head regally. "But the offer is always open to you."
"This I know." Red nodded minutely, appreciating the man's discretion. Not only due to the subject matter at hand, but for allowing Red's enraged response. "And should the circumstances arise, the same can be said for me."
"You waste your time with an old man when your choice of companion could be more... stimulating." Antonio's eyes lit as Reddington's eyes caressed his lady's backside lasciviously.
Antonio had to admit, he was enjoying this side of Reddington. He didn't think he had ever seen the man so distracted, especially over a woman.
He knew Reddington was a lover of women. They were both of the same regard when it came to females. You respect them, cherish them... love them.
But the boy was practically spell bound in regards to the small beauty across the way. He did see the attraction. She was quite a woman. She was pleasing on the eyes, she was humorous, intelligent and was a ferocious fighter when warranted he hazard a guess.
She turned their way, having sensed Reddington's eyes on her. She blushed a charming crimson, before coyly batting the long dark lashes highlighting her baby blues.
Antonio chuckled quietly into his glass as the man across from him grunted low in his chest at the display.
Yes... she was quite an alluring package. One that should not be neglected any longer.
"My time with you is never wasted, dear friend." Red muttered absently after a long moment.
"You used to be a 'breast' man." Antonio chuckled. "I see you've come over to my side of the fence." he winked playfully, sipping his finger of Scotch. "Nothing like the succulent curve of an enticing backside... is there."
"You are still..." Red chastised with a look, "a dirty old man."
"And I shall be to the day I die. God willing." Antonio nodded sagely. "Let's not forget about their luscious lips..." the man further added to Red's enticement, "though which one's we prefer tasting, is always up for question, don't you agree?"
After further goading of Lizzy's fine attributes, by his dear friend, Red had left shortly thereafter with his little seductress in hand and now... hours later, he lay here, quietly contemplating his lot in life.
After a private meal prepared by the Villa Chef, a truly wonderful night full of intimate conversation and unbelievably stimulating lovemaking had ensued.
As Red awoke the next morning, he had discreetly moved away from Lizzy's sweet smelling body, the temptation to awake her too much if he tried to remain cuddled close to that 'enticing' backside.
They had made love less than a couple hours ago. Sweet, passionate love that sated him completely... or so, Red had believed at the time.
While it was his custom to allow the woman to wake naturally before initiating lovemaking in previous days, his body demanded differently this morning.
Red was a little annoyed with himself, truth told. Usually he was well able to control his carnal instincts.
His eyes traveled her curves beneath the sheet. He eased closer, his arms embracing the decidedly feminine and very soft form. He tucked his arm under her naked breast, enjoying the sensation of the heavy swell curving naturally to his forearm.
He felt her stir, stiffening a moment before recognition set in.
"I've heard vicious rumors," the roughened voice deepened as the object of his affection pushed her warm bottom against his groin, "that you are notoriously susceptible," he nuzzled the fragrant nape of her neck, "to morning sex."
"People say the damndest things..." Liz hummed sleepily, settling more comfortably against his solid body.
Turning in his arms, Red wasted no taking her in his mouth, suckling her warm breast languidly.
Skimming the gentle curves of her body, Red smiled when the woman pushed against his fingers as they filtered through her neatly trimmed pubic hair.
"You're so soft," he murmured, brushing his lips against the silky slope of her breast, "... so warm."
Moving her hand between their bodies, Liz wrapped her slim fingers around his girth, leisurely stroking the hardened shaft.
Grunting his approval, Red teased Lizzy's clit, drawing it to a peak. A wash of her sweet scent filled the air, arousing the man to new heights.
Inching his hand further between her legs, he tenderly prodded the small opening he coveted encouraging it to open to his exploration.
The muted ring of Red's cell interrupted the comfortable silence, though neither broke their unhurried pursuit.
Red dropped his head into the pillow, groaning his disbelief when the familiar grating sound began anew.
"Answer it," Liz urged, scratching her short nails over his hip. "Could be important."
Sighing his aggravation, the man cursed fluently, fumbling for the drawer, blindly feeling for the phone before pulling it free.
"What?" he snapped, beyond annoyed, his thick fingers lovingly rubbing Lizzy's mound.
Inching closer to the man, Liz placed her mouth to Red's neckline, kissing and flicking her tongue against his hot flesh.
"Is he there now," Red asked somewhat steadily, opening himself to her affection.
His heated gaze lowered to the sight of Lizzy gingerly rolling her nipple before pinching the tiny nub.
Red glanced down as Lizzy reached past his hand, dipping her finger into the warmth collecting between her legs. He frowned curiously as the woman withdrew her hand, only to place her wet fingers against the crown of his shaft, slicking the wide glans.
Tightening her hand around Red's cock, Liz smiled as the man pushed into the pronounced touch, gliding easily along her slick fingers.
"Dear God..." Red sighed shakily, his concentration split between the call and the woman making love to him.
"Now, where the hell do you think I am?" he gritted his anguish, his head dropping against Liz's shoulder, as he fought for some semblance of control.
"Dammit, Mark," he snapped sharply, "shut the fuck up!" The other man's constant drone was wearing thin. "I have no damned idea what the hell you're saying," it was informed bluntly, "nor do I care."
"Your cock is so hard..." she whispered in his ear, nipping the man's lobe.
"Son of a..." Red murmured breathlessly. "I'll be there in an hour...or so..." he snapped before clicking the call off, muting the sound of Mark's laughter.
"You damned little tease," Red growled, rolling the giggling woman beneath him, tangling their bodies in the sheets.
Getting her laughter under control, she glanced up at Red, her eyes shining brightly.
Red's features relaxed, a odd contentment coming over him, along with a certain amount of guilt.
"I'm sorry, Lizzy." Red sighed heavily, "I should have shut the phone off."
"It's not a big deal, Red." she waved it off. "Besides, it's kind of exciting, isn't it?" she smiled impishly up at him, "Talking to someone while we were.. doing what we were doing." she idly circled the man's nipple. "It's like a secret we're sharing."
Though Red was absolutely positive Mark picked up on the fact that he was making love to Elizabeth. He did have to admit that his arousal had spiked... if only because hers had.
Did he have a little exhibitionist on his hands?
"It is, the best kind of secret." he agreed. "One I hope to share with you on a regular basis." he smiled as she chuckled quietly. "Regardless, it was something that certainly could have waited."
"I understand about work issues, Red." she reminded. "You are so understanding where my job is concerned."
"This is what I want to do," he hugged her closer, placing a gentle kiss on her mouth, "right here. The rest of it, doesn't mean shit any longer, truth told."
"So, Ms. Keen," Liz took on a news reporter tone of voice, holding her hand up like it was a microphone, "how does it feel to have been the catalyst to the downfall of Red Reddington's empire?"
"Oh, stop it..." the man scoffed. "I could run my empire from this bed, if I so wished."
Turning to his side, he grasped her hand, wrapping her slim fingers around his length. Without thought, Liz instantly stroked his shaft as Red pulled at the sheet, re-exposing the woman's breasts to his gaze.
"So what," he flicked the rosy peak with his tongue before capturing it, suckling the roughened nub, "if I'm a little distracted." his lips muttered loosely around the nipple in his mouth.
"Was that a crack about the size of my breasts?" she sighed, pushing said breast towards the man.
He frowned, taking up an overflowing handful of the giving flesh. "Hell no..."
Reaching between them, Red curved his fingers about hers, tugging at the velvety flesh, pumping the organ quickly.
Pushing his giggling lover flat to the bed, he worked his muscled thigh between her silky ones, maneuvering his bulk easily into the vacant space.
Liz gasped as his growing erection bounced against her center, "You're gonna be late..." she whispered breathlessly.
"I don't give a damn..." he groaned against her mouth, stroking his throbbing shaft along his favorite place.
Liz's eyes opened, staring over the man's shoulder up into the mirrors. She wriggled in anticipation as he settled his bulk in position and dropped his hips.
Keeping her eyes focused, she raptly watched him inch forward while simultaneously feeling him slide his thick girth past her swollen slit.
"Let them wait..." she mewled, as the man completed their connection.
"Now, you're getting the hang of it." he held his smile, glad that they had come to the same understanding.
Even though Red was a good two hours late to the meeting, he found those in attendance in relatively good mood considering.
Antonio seemed to take great delight in his tardiness, grinning knowingly at Red's serene appearance as the young man took a seat at the long conference table.
This was the fourth day of tense negotiations and countless revised stipulations.
This was a first, in Red's memory that the Italian Mafia and the Chinese Triad, had come to any kind of understanding over any issue.
With Red and Company acting as mediators, and eventual partners... the three contributing factions had finally settled on the terms of their agreement.
He wasn't sure about the others, but he was very interested to see how this panned out in future negotiations. He hoped everyone would be able to stand by said agreements.
As they were completing the end stages of finalizing the deal, Red's text alert went off.
Absently pulling the phone out, he found a picture text. Another text immediately followed.
He always had appreciated Silas sending these on and off throughout the day, as proof of Lizzy's well being.
Red had felt neglectful to her, not having been able to spend as much time with Liz this trip as he would have liked.
The pictures often showed Liz having drinks at the bar or riding roller coasters and what not with Silas, Francis and the girls.
They always brought a smile to Red's face.
In one instance however, Red was given a moment of pause when Silas sent a picture of Lizzy cozying up with someone... only to realize on further examination that it was... Elvis. Or a wax figure of the man.
He was happy to see Lizzy enjoying her time in Vegas.
And today seemed no different as he opened the first text. A smile curved his lips. Lizzy was standing in her blue bikini by the pool, her face twisted with amused annoyance at some unseen person.
Most likely Francis.
Opening the other text, this was a closer shot. His grin widened as his eyes raked the photo. It showed Lizzy fiddling with the ties at her hip. He had a sudden urge to pull those strings to see the treasure that lay beneath.
Silas always knew what would make Red's heart race.
Scrolling to see Silas's quip for the day, Red's blood ran cold as he read the caption...
Guess who I found. CRVR