Silas drove the freeway in stoic silence, his eyes constantly checking on the vehicles weaving in and out of traffic behind him.
One veered off the nearest ramp. Silas knew they were taking a couple of his men to the designated 'hospital site'. He hoped it was nothing more than the 'smoke inhalation' that had been reported.
Stepping on the gas, his face grimly set, "That was a fucking set-up if ever I saw one."
"I believe," Red eyes Lizzy's quietness speculatively, "you are correct."
He glanced over the seat sensing Dembe's dark eyes resting on him. He half-smiled at his friend, so much passing between them in that one look.
Yet another skirmish lived through. How many did this one make?
He lost count years ago.
"They always underestimate you, don't they?" Silas grinned wickedly, his anger for the deception of supposed 'friendlies' still high, however.
How long had Red done business with these maggots?
"They do," Red returned his interest to a visibly shaken Elizabeth, "... and it's grown rather tiresome."
His throat still burned but not as harshly as his mounting anger. There was a deadly quietness to his tone.
Elizabeth had run into that fucking inferno. What could have happened, emblazoned an imprint on his frenzied thoughts.
The strained silence grew as each occupant handled the stress of the moment in their own way.
Red's eyes never left the soot-covered face of the woman huddled beside him. He sensed her state, trying gently to break through the unnatural quietness... the almost catatonic state she exhibited.
"How you doing, baby?" he whispered. "We're all good, you're okay." the soothing rocking motion was automatic on his part. "Right?"
The large eyes lifted, and she seemed to question him but Red wasn't comprehending what her need was just yet. He searched for an answer in those vacant blue eyes.
"I'm fine." Silas pointed out to no one on particular. "Thanks for asking," he pulled at the shirt someone had given him since his own had been put to better-use. "...Little hot. You?"
"I fucking hate fire." Red muttered, glancing at his singed arm.
Silas turned a corner sharply, hastening to their destination as quickly as humanly possible.
"Hey..." Red turned Lizzy's chin, catching her gaze, "are you with us?"
"W-Why..." she shook her head, those lost eyes unfathomable suddenly, "would anyone do that to another human being?"
Red's brows furrowed at the odd question but more so, the woman's state of mind.
"You almost... died." she sensed how very close they both had come to dying. "Dembe almost..."
"I am fine, Elizabeth." The deep reassuring voice filtered from behind them.
"It happened so...fast." One minute she and Silas had been talking and the next...
"You should have stayed in the damned car." Silas' tone was sharper than he intended.
Liz's eyes filled with tears, "Don't yell at me!"
The fervor of her response shocked Red.
"He could have died... you could have..." she swallowed hard, "I hate this life! I hate it!"
Red felt that particular burden heavily, his mood falling.
"I want to be normal!" All Liz's hidden fears and frustrations came spouting forth. "Why can't you be normal!" she hit out at Red's chest attempting to pull from his embrace.
"He didn't necessitate your lifestyle." Silas responded grimly because he knew Red wouldn't defend himself. "Your parents did."
"Silas!" Red promptly directed his anger to a source he knew could handle it.
"If it wasn't for him..." Silas approached the looming gates of the house, "protecting your sweet little ass all these years, God only know–"
"Stop!" Red's tone brooked no argument.
Liz winced, her spirits plummeting further recalling Red telling her, 'I once had a relatively normal life – bills to pay, playdates, family, some friends, people to care about... Lost all that.'
Was it because of her parents... because of her... that he no longer had that? Liz caved into the man's arms, finally allowing the bitter tears she felt brimming behind her eyes all this time.
Red was grateful for the emotional onslaught. She needed to release the horrors of the day.
Silas pulled into the decorative drive-way, swinging the car around the large paved path before smoothly sliding into the garage. He exchanged glances with Red over the seat.
There was an exhausted sense of gratitude from the man. He knew Silas led the woman to the point where Lizzy could allow her emotions free rein. He only wished it had not been such a harsh reminder.
Silas nodded minutely, "Gonna get Dembe a stiff drink." he stated.
Dembe sat up slowly, grunting lowly, "Two... stiff drinks."
Red guided the woman into the house, concern etched on his still handsome face.
Moments later, he hastily discarded her clothing and his and now... they stood under the cooling spray of the shower as Red washed the remnants of the fire free from their bodies.
He watched the dark swirls of soot rush down his chest, mixing with the white suds he lathered, making a sickly grey mixture.
His heart ached as he gently washed away the haphazard streaks her tears left in the dark ash on her face. Lizzy's pretty face was now devoid of the black mess, the creamy flesh once again pink and fresh. She stood directly under the healing spray.
"Baby, talk to me." he asked grimly, needing some sort of communication between them. "Lizzy..." he tried again for she had not responded.
"I couldn't find you..." she said, her voice small and scared.
"But you did." he assured. Just like last time, he thought quietly to himself.
He scrubbed at his own face, the cleaning somehow cathartic.
Any other time, he'd bitch until she was very aware how displeased he was she put herself in that much danger. But to do so, would only add to the fear she was experiencing.
He didn't care what anyone said about Elizabeth. To have gone into that inferno, to have pushed past the absolute terror... to come find him. She was strong as hell... stronger than even he had realized.
Her body shook as he washed away the evidence of their afternoon. Her fright... the adrenaline she felt, was crashing in around her now.
"We're home, baby." he reminded, taking her in his arms, his eyes closing to the relief he felt.
"Let's get you dried off." he disliked the shaking of her body. "Are you cold?"
She shook her head absently.
"I want you to lie down for a while, get your bearings." Red instructed. "Can you do that for me?"
She nodded absently, following his every lead.
"Good girl," he kissed the top of her head, breathing in the sweet scent of lavender and vanilla her shampoo offered.
All traces of the day was gone... thank God.
Masha floated in a confided space. She couldn't get her breath. It was so hot.
Why was it so hot?
Shapes loomed and receded. Unclear... unfocused. She sensed danger.
A billowing object brushed her skin. She recoiled from the touch. Curtains... it was only curtains but... they were on fire! Flames traveled up the quickly dissolving material.
She cringed back into her safe space, watching the threatening flames dance hypnotically.
A Christmas trees boughs flashed into bright red embers...
Her presents were under that tree.
The heat was oppressive... so close.
It terrified her.
Lizzy's scream jolted Red from a fitful slumber beside her.
She bolted upright ,but he was there to engulf her in the safety and comfort of his embrace.
"It's okay," he whispered soothingly, running a tender hand up and down the length of her spine, "I'm here. It's just a dream."
The sobs racking her body practically destroyed the man.
"Lizzy... I'm here, it's all right," he reassured, "we're all okay. Nothing happened."
He tightened his arms about the quivering little form, closing his eyes to her pain.
"I shot h-him!" she sobbed brokenly.
Red couldn't follow her words as yet. Shot... who? Where was she? What was she seeing?
"I k-killed him..." she wept into Red's neckline, the heavy tears tracking down his chest, "...m-my father."
Red grimaced painfully, hoping... wishing like hell she would have never fucking remembered that part of her life.
"It's all right..." he murmured, sensing his inadequacies deeply.
"I killed him, Red." she tightened her arms painfully around his waist. "What kind of person does something so... heinous?"
Cupping her face in his hands, he forced her eyes to his. "It was an accident." he stressed. "It wasn't your fault."
"My own... father!" she couldn't begin to understand such a concept.
He determinedly pushed at the visions in her head. "There was a fight... the fire," he laid it out, the time finally arrived. A time he dreaded his entire life.
"Constantine struck your mother, your father stepped into intervene..." he painted the disturbing picture, "it was chaos Lizzy."
"I–"
"All you saw was someone hurt your mother," he continued, "you were so little, Lizzy. You were not at fault."
It forced Red to relive that time as well now. His thoughts turned introspective even now.
The unexpected weapons fire had forced his attention from the struggles he was having with one of Constantine's men.
Katarina's eyes were wide and stunned, fixed on the little girl who was an unwitting witness to it all.
Red was astonished to see the gun held so unsteadily in such minuscule hands.
Where had the child found the weapon to begin with? Had it been in the house? Had someone inadvertently dropped it in the ensuing battle? Did it ever matter? The why or how of it?
It all happened in slow motion.
Liz's father had stepped forward first, surely to remove the gun from Lizzy's tiny hands...
Red's heart had shattered for the little girl running in complete terror down the hallway before someone hit him from behind, rendering him dazed.
And that's exactly what he told her.
Liz tried desperately to clear all the hazy fog from her mind but found the task an impossible one. Leaning into the man for support, Liz lay her head on his shoulder, her soul depleted.
"I... shot him."
"Baby, it wasn't your fault. It was our fault." was all he could advise at present.
"We placed you into a predicament... a danger, a child should never experience." that was a fucking understatement if there ever was one.
"You were a terrified little girl that witnessed things..." his jaw pulsed erratically. "All you heard was adults yelling and fighting... there was the fire..."
"What child could possibly assimilate it all?" Red asked the rhetorical question. "You just wanted it to stop."
"It'll never stop..." Liz now realized, a haunting acceptance to her voice.
"Yes, it will." he stressed. "Trust me just a little longer, baby." he kissed her brow lovingly. "You have to... trust me to sort it all out."
Too mentally drained, too... inundated by the visions, Liz rested against Red's solid frame, quietly lost in her grief and distress.
"I want you to see someone," Red knew for certain, "now that it's... out. I know a man we can trust, okay? He can help us, baby."
He knew Lizzy wasn't listening any longer, however. He would revisit that topic at another time... for now, he simply held her.
It was all he knew to do...
"I will sort this out," he tightened his hold, "I swear it."
The Crescent Trail killer.
The very sound of the appellative raised visions of unspeakable horror. Why were these cretins given such a dubious honor?
To assign an honorific to the perpetrator who lured his victims to lonely, isolated places where they spent their last moments experiencing terrorizing... horrific episodes; glorified their actions to Elizabeth Keen's way of thinking.
Call a spade a spade, Red would say, she ruminated.
The cowardly, despicable bastard that attacked unsuspecting prey did not deserve any recognition in her humble opinion.
Elizabeth sighed heavily pushing the spread out papers aside. No need to dwell on the macabre.
She scanned the classroom from her perspective. Odd, she had not once sat behind that podium down there.
Silas stood beside her, his profile turned to the sunlit field stretched forever before the row of windows from which he peered.
"So your illustrious peers are finally all in agreement, I take it."
The observation stumped Liz, "I've never known them to be. What are you–"
"Over your assessment of the sicko's profile." Silas looked down at her from his lofty height, his expression a wry one.
"Oh, that." she clicked finally. "One asshole raised a stink when our internet search yielded no possible matching suspects..." the fact troubled her, "but all agreed we're working on assumptions here and it's still early on, after all."
"But you're bothered by it as well."
Liz chewed on her lip, "We all need to take a break. Look at it with fresh eyes." she looked down at the students. "Stop allowing it so close... don't make it personal."
Silas' lips twitched for such insight, "You wouldn't have realized that even a month back, would you."
"I would have." she argued once again, checking her fellow workers absently. "What do you know?"
"More than you ever will." Silas' expression was woefully contrite.
She giggled infectiously for the slight. "You are so full of yourself."
Silas didn't argue that point, only smiled mischievously.
"Besides, I had them amend their search parameters," Liz said, "and look for repeated keywords and catchphrases.
Later in the day, Liz was both ecstatic and drained when her fellow Agents' solidified her theory.
One suspect signed off each communication with a chilling phrase, he wished... to end the evening with a moonlight stroll.
Only after Silas' quiet urging, did Liz leave for the day. She could do nothing more at this point but wait for the warrant. They could either gain access to the Unsub's credit card information or IP address via a dating site, which would hopefully lead them to the dirt bag.
Once in the car, Liz leaned back, closing her eyes as Silas drove them home. She couldn't believe at one point, she balked at the man driving her anywhere. But now, she was grateful for the time to unwind. The silence was a blissful respite this particular day.
The last couple days, in retrospect, while emotionally draining... had been worth it. Progress had been made on several fronts.
On one front, she gained further esteem with her colleagues. The thought bolstered her spirits.
She survived a fire. Not a small feat, if the guards' description of events held merit. It was a miracle they escaped alive.
She also made it through two arduous counseling sessions with Red, but they emerged a stronger unit than they were before.
In the quiet of the car, Liz had time to reflect over some key moments.
Liz believed in the therapeutic benefits of counseling sessions.
After awakening from a horribly realistic nightmare concerning the previous day's incident, it convinced her Red was right in suggesting they call in professional assistance.
Liz and Red met Timothy Wheeler the very next afternoon. The first session went well enough.
Timothy asked probing questions that sparked unconscious realities that brought out emotions even Liz had not known she was harboring.
The woman refused to think about the fire, preferring to simply be grateful to have survived.
The issue with her father... was something she pushed even further into the recesses of her mind. Logically, Liz realized she was repressing harmful emotions.
Timothy gently suggested she face these demons head-on, Liz suggested right back that she would do so in her own way and time. She hadn't known, at the time, where the unreasonable anger had come from.
Red who had been watching silently until that point, intervened. He informed Timothy he didn't think Elizabeth was purposely avoiding the subject, but may be experiencing a mental block.
When her memory had been manipulated and events of the fire erased, they inserted a block to ensure she avoided remembering the incident, no matter the provocation.
"You were traumatized, Elizabeth." Red explained his reasons at the time. "They said, it would be better for you if..." he rubbed his eyes wearily, "I see now, they were wrong in their advice."
Liz felt a rush of anger, followed by a rush of forgiveness. Red couldn't have known. He was only following the advice of professionals who had been entrusted with her treatment.
She and Red were stuck between a rock and a hard place. Then and now.
With more information in hand, Timothy reevaluated the problem.
The memory block, they could rectify with hypnosis. Until that time, he could focus on a more analytical method of approach to start the process.
"How would you personally, Elizabeth," Timothy asked, "respond to a four-year-old child's traumatic episode, one similar to your own?"
The guy leaned forward, those probing, intelligent eyes full of sympathetic empathy. "What would you say to her... to ease the burden of guilt and recrimination?"
Liz was at first stumped by the question. As a mature adult, she understood such a small child could not take any responsibility for such actions.
She understood that aspect and knew it would take time and many more sessions for Liz to reconcile her actions, regardless of the fact she had been a guileless participant in such a horrific incident.
The second session, proved more difficult.
The guilt and blame Elizabeth showered upon herself for her parent's deaths, the ramifications of which placed Red in an impossible situation... these mistakes made, were a heavy burden for the woman to carry alone.
Events which had weighed on her subconscious for years, suppressed by the memory manipulation and her own survival instinct; had since began actively piecing clues together to unlock the mysteries since Red re-entered her life.
He was the catalyst... the focal point.
That day her ideas of a perfect marriage, a family... how she envisioned her life evolving, came to a shattering halt in that one instance.
To the outside world, she was carrying on well enough as Timothy pointed out.
Mentally, however, the more she couldn't make sense of anything... the more she edged closer to the breaking point.
Timothy accredited the people in her life, supporting and offering constant encouragement... with the fact she could find clarity. And to her own strength and resilience... that she could function so well.
Liz had desperately needed to hear those words. Coming from a professional somehow made them true.
The culmination of that session ended with her and Red in an intense, gut wrenching verbal shouting match.
The remembrance of pain... and the unpleasant realities they faced, left emotions raw and tempers volatile... explosive.
There was a process Timothy explained, much as one suffers when grieving. Out of that process Liz had learned new things about Red. Amazing things...
A few heart breaking ones.
Liz shivered, pulling the jacket closer in the air-conditioned car. She involuntarily recalled the episode.
The quiet atmosphere shielded her from the confrontation's repercussions and she felt comforted.
She had been near cracking with the strain, suffering with overwhelming self-recrimination and grief.
Red was right there, ready to fight against those emotions.
Both were determined to have their opinions voiced.
She had been adamant it was her fault Red's wife and daughter were taken from him, that she upended his life.
At one point when discussing the heated topic, Liz actually demanded Red should loathe her for taking that life from him.
Red pushed back hard... fighting her demons with his whole heart, attacking them at each and every confrontation, demanding she release herself from the hell in which she wallowed.
She accused him of sanctimonious self-righteousness and smug hypocrisy. Liz could not believe the hurtful, harmful things that came out of her mouth.
Red seemed impervious, oft times standing face to face, determined to demolish the mountains of uncertainties she faced.
Liz retreated inwardly remembering how she fought back; stubbornly, almost religiously refusing to see another point of view.
Especially one as biased as she believed Red's to be. Of course he wanted to protect her and would say anything to lessen the panic she was in.
She had pummeled his chest, cursing the man in her emotionally charged state.
But he stayed her actions, taking both her wrists in steady hands, jerking her once finally getting her attention.
She recalled Red towering over her, his face red with anger... more than determined she listen to what he had to say.
In fact, the man demanded as much. His voice held a desperation she had never heard before; a tortured, rough growl of defiance.
A deep-seated yearning shown from those startling eyes as his voice lifted above hers, railing against her misconceptions and erroneous beliefs.
It was not her fault; he shouted ... any of it. She had precipitated none of the events that led his life where it was today.
It was not her fault Katarina Rostova or Elizabeth's father, or even Red, himself, became entangled in the mess in which they had become enmeshed.
It was their fault... their decisions... and theirs alone. It was his own failings which led him to losing his family.
How could a four-year-old child be the catalyst to any of the events which transpired between fully cognitive adults? He demanded she supply an answer.
Liz had none, of course.
He further stated that no matter what happened in the past; he was damn well where he fucking wanted to be at this time in his life. And that was by her side. Here... with her.
They had crumpled to the floor, she emotionally exhausted and in tears.
Red introverted into a stony silence.
How long had they remained on that floor, she could not have said? Had they found resolution? No... but their lives seemed somehow less in shambles.
Thinking back now, it seemed as if a switch had been flipped somewhere in the Cosmos. Things which had seemed surrounded by a fog-like haze suddenly became clearer.
What she felt with, and for Red Reddington, filled a gap that had been a gaping hole before. He guided her to a healing path.
They had found a balance.
She realized she felt closer now to the man than anyone in her entire life. He understood her like no one else ever could. She could see that so clearly now.
The fire had been a terrible catalyst that started her on this horrific journey... but Red had been there to guide her... protect her... been a welcomed confidant at a time that was both terrifying yet cathartic.
The morning after the session, they stayed ensconced in their room, needing the time alone.
Red had made love to her but it had been different. A scary different at first for he had approached her in such a straight-forward manner, passionately pushing her against a wall.
Red's face had been etched, a brooding mask of pent-up emotions, his eyes filled with an intense concupiscence she had never seen before.
He unceremoniously divested her of clothing, removing the offending objects from his intended path. His hands lacked their usual gentleness but there was something primitively lustful about the urgency of his touch.
Liz found herself responding, her own emotions igniting incandescently. She could not kiss him deeply enough even though she sought desperately to fulfill that aching need.
When he opened her, demanding entrance to her body, she more than complied. Her entire system was attuned to his needs but more so... with her own.
Something in that moment allowed her to fully understand the depth of Red's love for her, without doubt.
Even now, Elizabeth felt his devotion, the warmness of his gaze. The possessiveness of his touch. Her cheeks flushed in the coolness of the car.
She checked hastily to see if Silas' all knowing gaze was resting on her as it often was, in the rear-view mirror. But Silas was paying attention to his driving for a change.
Liz relaxed back into the seat. An epiphany occurred.
Red was her soul mate.
My God... people found such things in life? Really? It must be so because...
She had found him. Or, had he found her?
Liz was so very happy he had. She felt... incandescent.
She could not keep the smile from her face. Liz averted her profile, hoping Silas did not pick up on the moment.
She felt a little embarrassed unable to contain her joy. Well, why should she? How often was a human allowed such things? Why shouldn't she be–
"Are you going to stay out here all night or..." her guard repeated, this time snapping his fingers in front of her face for added emphasis.
"Huh?" Liz blinked, finally focusing on her surroundings. So caught up in her private thoughts had she been, she hadn't even realized they arrived home. She hadn't even heard Silas open her door.
"Sorry." she gathered her belongings, sliding from the backseat. "I zoned out, I guess."
She walked through the garage door, stopping to look back at the guard. "I've never said..." she glanced up at the man, "thank you... for driving me around."
"I've seen you drive." Silas closed the door behind them. "It's safer if I do it."
He sniffed the air, ignoring Liz's huff of indignation for bypassing her graciousness, "Ahh, Nora has whipped up one of her amazing concoctions."
Red emerged from the back just in time to see Liz make a kicking swipe for her guard's feet. He chuckled as the guard side stepped the maneuver easily.
"Almost..." Silas gave props for the attempt. "We'll work on that tomorrow."
"You have to get him when he's not expecting it." Red watched the retreating figure disappear down the hallway, Silas' easy swagger suggestive of yet another round won.
Quickly relieving herself of her arm load, Liz rushed for Red, throwing her arms about his neckline.
Red braced himself and the whirlwind in his arms, stunned by the move. The woman caught his mouth in a deeply affectionate caress.
He smiled against that full mouth when Lizzy's little tongue flicked eagerly against his lip, demanding entrance... which he gladly allowed. She lifted to her toes, increasing the ardent kiss which melted into a sensual caress that caused the man's penis to twitch.
"I love you." she sighed happily, snuggling into his embrace.
He chuckled warmly as the woman burrowed in closer, his arms holding her body firmly to his.
"Someone had a good day." he murmured affectionately. "Get a handle on your guy, did you?"
He knew something had been bugging her about the latest profile they were working on. Apparently, she had hit on something important.
Liz lifted sparkling eyes, an impish smile on her lips, "In a manner of speaking."
She tightened her hold on Red, kissing him soundly once more, before allowing him a full breath.
His eyes mellowed, hearing the underlying message perfectly. "You've had me in your grasp for a while now." he freely admitted. "Now tell me, what has you in such a good mood."
He guided her to their room, listening as Lizzy told him of her day and the 'why' she was feeling in such a good mood. Even when she was interrupted with a call the warrant was delayed, did little to dampen the high she was on.
Red smiled when Lizzy turned off the phone and tossed it aside before straddling his lap. He lifted his legs to the ottoman, settling more comfortably into the couch cushions as she wriggled closer.
"I'm proud of you, Lizzy." he lifted his hand, cupping her small face. She leaned into his touch, nuzzling into his affection.
Lizzy, he knew, was a snuggler. She was quick to cuddle whenever the opportunity presented itself. Though today, she seemed more in need of his attention.
"Is something wrong?" he asked quietly as she lay against him, settling her nose into the crook of his neckline.
"No..." she sighed dreamily. "Not one thing in the entire world."
Red believed her, letting her cuddle to her heart's content. She didn't have to have a bad day to need a show of love from him.
A good day... a good feeling could evoke the need for tactile response as well he supposed. A lesson most men often forgot, he realized.
He had to admit, if only to himself, he was relieved she seemed so happy. It had been a trying couple days, so he more than welcomed this quiet, loving respite.
"Did I say, 'I love you' back?" he murmured, realizing he neglected to return the sentiment earlier. "Because," he kissed the tip of her nose, "...I do."
He leisurely rubbed her hips and back, enjoying the sensation of Lizzy melting further into his embrace.
"You better." she drew in a blissful breath, releasing it languidly.
Tightening his hold on the woman, Red shifted, laying back into the couch resting his head on a throw pillow. Lizzy situated herself, laying comfortably against him.
After a couple moments of quiet solitude, Lizzy let him know what had been on her mind.
He knew something had been ticking away in her head. It was best to wait until she gathered her thoughts. She would express them in words. Words which often amused and surprised
He listened to her thoughts, ever so glad he allowed her the time needed. She lifted her head from its resting place on his chest, her eyes aligning with his.
"So you see," she blinked a languid gaze, "you're my soul mate."
He saw himself as that, and so much more. She would realize that too, soon enough.
"I am, huh?" he continued rubbing his fingers against her scalp, smiling adoringly as her eyes grew heavier. "You came to this conclusion because I yelled at you or... pushed you against a wall and–"
"It's all symbolic, don't you see." she interrupted the crude rejoinder she sensed he was about to share. "It's all part of a whole."
"You're emulating Timothy, aren't you." he surmised.
"Uh hmm," she sighed her contentment, laying back against him. "Do you think I'm your–"
"Soul mate?" he pseudo-scowled. "That would be Dembe but unfortunately, he is of the wrong sex."
Liz hit his shoulder playfully, pulling a face.
"...So I had to come search you out." Red finished, his eyes deepening.
Red's eyes softened when the woman, gaining reassurance her feelings were returned, grew heavier against him, her breath evening out in sleep after a long moment of content silence.
While he would normally suggest Lizzy climb in bed for a much-needed nap, he sensed it was his proximity that Lizzy needed right at this moment.
The last couple days had been difficult for Lizzy. The fire, the memory of her father's death returning. It was a lot to assimilate.
Any death was a trauma one hoped to avoid at all costs. A family member was even more horrific... and a parent?
Red so hoped to spare Lizzy that pain. He realized, however, during their discussion with Timothy, the guilt he carried had lessened somewhat.
It had always bothered him, not telling Lizzy everything straight from the beginning. But the thought of hurting her, traumatizing her even... had been too painful an idea. One he couldn't face for a very long time.
He even wondered at one point, if it was his reluctance to tell her everything had been the real issue.
To see the pain in someone's eyes, knowing you were helpless to stop it... knowing you were partly the cause...
Red was there to help support Lizzy and his gut instinct, to not overwhelm her with everything at once... had been the correct one. Even Timothy had said as much.
It was one thing for Liz to comprehend all that happened. It would take time for all this pain to lessen and for them to come to terms with all the realities presented.
Elizabeth was very intelligent, however.
Timothy was assisting her with ways and means to cope, another aspect Red was having trouble allowing. Tim pushed at her high expectations of herself so dramatically, Red held himself in check to stop from decking the guy.
Even though, logically, he realized in the long run Lizzy would benefit from the action. It was hard to watch someone... anyone, even a trusted ally, hurt the woman he loved.
But the man's methods paid off so many times, Red could hold his tongue.
Out of anguish came growth and release. Healing was allowed once the guilt and recriminations subsided. Which had been Tim's point.
The following session had been no easier, but out of it... came a deeper connection between him and Lizzy. When they made love the next morning, he felt the shift. Just as Lizzy had.
She had slowly been opening herself to letting him in, but that morning... something clicked inside his mind and heart. Something that left her crying in his arms as she gave herself over to the sweet release of climax.
It was different. There was a distinct shift in the emotional plane between them. He felt it but couldn't analyze its origins, so involved in its throes was he.
Now... he understood it for what it was.
Red thought he knew what contentment felt like when Lizzy finally allowed him to be her lover and confidant. He had been wrong on that count.
That feeling put him on top of the world granted, but what had occurred that morning... he could only liken it to one other time in his life.
The first time he held his daughter, an emotion had overtaken him. He felt like screaming his joy from the rooftops... or sitting down and dissolving in a fit of jubilant tears.
Neither of which had happened but...it was inside him as he held that tiny finger in his hand.
Something similar rushed through him when Lizzy expressed her belief they were soul mates.
Those words coming from Lizzy, were as close as she could convey to him that what they had together... was a lifetime commitment.
He knew as well... it was a commitment, he would do anything to ensure stayed intact.
A short time later, Red awoke to Dembe's gentle coaxing. Both he and Lizzy struggled to a more alert state.
Red was surprised he slept, but it was generally acknowledged the nap had done them some good.
Both felt rested and refreshed, ready to handle the rest of whatever the evening held.
Red had been unexpectedly calm when dealing with shipping issues out of Japan.
And Lizzy, was singularly resigned when she learned the judge wanted to see all the evidence they collected before signing off on the warrant needed to apprehend their Unsub.
She even giggled when Red said it was due to it being an election year which explained why the judge was being so cautious. Still, legal steps, oft times grated against the woman's common sense and more so, her common decency where the victims' were concerned, Red realized.
After dinner, Red went back to the phones, business as usual.
Liz set about deleting her dating profiles... finally. She couldn't believe she didn't do this weeks ago after she showed them to Red.
Out of habit, when seeing her mailbox flashing, she opened the tab... groaning her despair which deepened with each passage read of the incoming messages.
Crude innuendo and mind numbing prose filled line after line. Was this all that was out there these days or did the internet just attract the worst of human males?
As if she didn't appreciate Red anyway, as her eyes flicked over each message... her admiration of the man raised exponentially.
She deleted as quickly as humanly possible, a grim smile of satisfaction on her pretty face.
The newest message, dated one day ago, popped up on her screen.
Jabbing the delete option, something made her hesitate. Sliding the cursor carefully off the button, she re-scanned the message, her eyes widening as she progressed, her mind clicking to full alert.
Quickly grabbing the laptop in hand, Liz rushed from the room, searching Red out. She rounded the corner, hesitating in her tracks when she found the guys at the dinner table... hundreds of weapons scattered across the expansive top.
The smell of gun oil and metal hung oppressively in the air as did the rich scent of fresh coffee.
Nora swept into view, coffee urn in hand, pouring the dark liquid into empty cups mindless of the dismantled weaponry laying about.
Nora smiled brightly, "I was just going to make snacks," the woman said as if she were giving milk and cookies to a Boy Scout troop, "would you like some?"
Liz blinked her focus, realizing... she was a little hungry. How long had she been sitting at that keyboard? "Oh, um... sure. Thank you."
Nora nodded happily, disappearing back into the kitchen.
"Help Nora," Silas grunted, gesturing to two men across from him. The men smirked, gamely pushing back from the table lumbering off to accomplish the task.
Liz pulled her eyes away from the extensive armory, remembering why she was here.
"Red," she rushed for the man, her head cocking as she neared, something having caught her eyes "... is that my gun?"
She pointed to the piece held in his large palm. He lifted the meticulously cleaned barrel, peering through it as he held it up to the light.
"...Yes," he lowered it, sending the pipe cleaner through once more, "when's the last time you cleaned this thing?" he scolded.
"Right before I came to stay with you, I guess?" she held her laptop aloft aimlessly. "Why are you cleaning my weapon?" Liz frowned superficially. She didn't mind that Red was, but curiosity ran rampant.
"Because, there was a Tic-Tac stuck in the barrel." Red muttered, his attention on the now clean cloth emerging from the cleared pipe. "And because I love you."
A pleased smile curved her mouth, inching closer to the man. "You do, huh?"
Red slid his chair back, pulling her into his lap.
"I do." he nodded, reaching about her small frame as he began reassembling the pieces.
She tenderly stroked his bandaged arm. She had replaced the gauze after their nap.
"Consider it payback for all those times you've cleaned my weapon." he murmured lecherously, eliciting an amused chuckle from the woman.
"There are children present." Silas groused over the sound of the slide of the shotgun in his hand. "Most of which thankfully, did not catch that reference."
"Immature delinquents, you mean to say." Liz corrected, her adoring eyes scanning the burly men at the table.
"It's all in how one perceives it." Silas countered, before continuing with his busy work.
Liz gaped as Nora returned with a stack of plates, followed by the two guards who balanced a couple enormous platters full of sliders, chicken wings and onion rings.
Silas looked up approvingly, "The American way."
Nora sat a special plate before Liz, patting her cheek lovingly. "Eat up."
Liz obediently lifted the Panini, her mouth suddenly watering. She bit into the delicious treat, humming her delight.
"Now, why did you come in here like hell on wheels?" Red sat her gun down, situating her more comfortably on his lap.
"Oh!" she licked her fingers clean, pulling her laptop closer. "You're not gonna believe me but..." she pulled the page up on the screen, "I think the guy I've been profiling, you know, the–"
"Crescent Trail Killer." Red said, alerting her he had been paying attention.
"Yeah, him," she nodded quickly, "I think he contacted me on my dating site. See..." she jabbed the screen with her finger.
"Now, why wouldn't we believe you?" Silas grumbled. "You fit the profile. Brunette, thirty-something, successful FBI agent... that has a penchant for attracting psycho's." he shifted his eyes towards Red. "No offense."
"None taken." Red sighed heavily before returning his attention to Lizzy. "Why do you think it's him?"
"Because he signed off with–"
Red leaned closer scanning the line she indicated. He read it aloud, "And we will end the evening with a moonlight stroll."
Liz grinned her excitement.
Red frowned his confusion.
Silas dropped the barrel in his hand, slapping his palms heavily on the table, his head falling back dejectedly.
"What the hell is with you?" Silas groaned his exasperation. "What is about you that attracts every loon in a hundred-mile radius?" his eyes once again shifted towards Red. "No offense."
Liz's mouth fell into an attractive pout. "I don't attract every lo–"
"Would someone like to clue me in, please." Red interrupted.
Liz explained the newest development to him, adrenaline singing in her veins.
"Baby," Red cricked his neck, "please tell me you didn't reply to him."
"Well, no." she turned in Red's lap, her eyes fixing on his. "...Not yet, anyway."
Red closed his eyes wearily, "...Lizzy."
"I wanted to ask what you think I should say." she batted her large eyes to entice the man to see things her way. "I need to keep him interested, right?"
"He's already interested." Silas snipped. "Because... you're a magnet for lunatics."
Red narrowed his eyes at the guard, daring him to finish his thought out loud. Silas's jaw pulsed with the urge to grin his rising malice, but he held his composure... and tongue.
She looked at Red hopefully. "All I need to do is buy time until the team can get a trace on him."
Red scratched his head irritably, sharing a perturbed look with her guard.
"What was the gist of this maniac's rant?" Red resigned himself to assisting Lizzy, knowing she would go about the task herself otherwise.
Kissing his mouth happily, Liz dragged the laptop closer letting Red get a look at it.
The guy was charming, but then all serial killers were to some extent. That's how they lured their victims in. It chilled him to think, Lizzy might have...
Red shook the thought away, suddenly as determined to nail this asshole as much as Lizzy.
"Tell him you would love to meet after... you return from your business trip." Red advised.
Liz frowned her confusion before clarity set in, "Oh, right!"
She would have to keep the man occupied with conversation while the team set up.
Red looked down as the woman turned in his lap, straddling his thighs. Her bottom rolled upward, her mound fitting snug against the zipper of his trousers. Lizzy wriggled excitedly, quickly typing what he suggested. He caught her hips in a tight grasp, stilling the arousing movement.
She glanced over her shoulder, a frown creasing her brow before her pretty mouth tilted at the corners.
"...Sorry." she smiled impishly.
"You don't seem particularly sorry." Red held his own smile.
She hit enter, sitting back into Red's chest. "You think he'll reply?" she asked quietly after a moment.
Silas turned his head about, his eyes hardening. "Are there fires burning in hell?"
"I don't know, why don't you tell me," Liz smiled all too pleasantly at her guard, "you've most likely been there."
Silas half shrugged, sending the pipe cleaner through the barrel in his hand.
Red scowled, for he heard the ever present doubt as well. "Have we not been through this? Have I not said what a desirable woman you are... a couple hundred times?"
Liz tensed in Red's hold, "Well, yeah but... look at my competition," she turned the screen as proof, "...she is exquisite." she gestured towards a stacked brunette.
Silas crossed his arms over his chest, boring his eyes into the woman.
"Not that I'm not acceptable on the whole, I don't mean that." Liz amended quickly, "I just mean...she's..." she held her hands out from her breasts, indicating the woman was more than well-endowed, "very... healthy."
"He's not looking for a flotation device," Silas scowled, "he's looking for you."
Liz tilted her head quizzically. The woman was a thirty-something pretty, brunette. Why didn't she fit the profile?
"Miss Silicone doesn't fit the profile," Silas clarified, his eyes dropping meaningfully to her chest, "you on the other hand, do."
Liz narrowed her eyes, unsure if she should feel insulted or what?
"I think Silas means to say," Red interjected, snuggling the woman close, "your killer is looking for a natural beauty. A woman that fits his idea of perfection." he explained.
"And one who doesn't work as a candy-gram stripper." Silas shoved the laptop back her way, his point made. "You are the epitome of what he desires, Agent Keen."
Red held his smile when the woman brightened at the compliment, only to scowl in the next moment when she realized... she was a perfect target for a serial killer.
"You shouldn't categorize women like that." she frowned at her guard. "It's wrong."
"Uh, Lizzy..." Red tapped the screen, gesturing to the woman's occupation, "she is a candy-gram stripper."
"...Oh..." Liz's brow crinkled. "Well... that's a legitimate profession."
Silas smiled insincerely going back to his weapon, inspecting the piece critically.
Liz startled in Red's lap when an alert sounded through her speakers.
"Oh!" she sat up hastily, searching aimlessly for a phone, adrenaline surging through her veins.
Red reached around the woman, sliding his cell into view. He stilled her hand from its intent to touch the keyboard.
"Call your team first." he advised.
She pointed listlessly at the screen, "We don't want to lose him."
"He's not going anywhere." Red assured before resting his own fingers on the keys. He typed a leisurely reply.
She hesitated, uncertain what to do, torn between the phone and Red chatting up her suspected killer.
"Call Aram, Lizzy." Red urged.
She shrugged mentally after a moment. Red knew what he was doing. He dealt with criminals all the time; he knew what to say. What to do... what not to do.
Liz dialed rapidly, tapping her fingers on the tabletop anxiously, "Aram!" she breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the man's greeting. "I need you to do a trace, fast!"
Over the next few minutes, Liz divided her attention between Aram and watching Red wax poetic about her... qualities. She had to look away several times to break the spell he wove.
He was making her seem so... wonderful. He even went so far as to word the modest praise as if the person responding to the probing inquiries was hesitant to state the gave Liz insight into his inner thoughts concerning her personality... even her job.
"On your profile, did you say you were divorced?" Red clarified.
Liz winced visibly, afraid she'd just blown their chances before a light went off over her head. This could be used to their advantage.
"Tell him something like, we wanted different things," she didn't have to think hard, "he wanted to start a family. I wanted to establish myself at work. I had ambitions... goals I wanted to achieve before settling down."
"He was holding you back." Silas grinned, adding his two cents.
"That's good." Red stated, typing the response.
Liz turned her attention back to the screen. She gasped as Red typed a short, succinct sentence signifying he was signing off for the night.
"What are you doing?" the action flabbergasted her.
"Keeping his interest." Red said. "Possibly annoying the hell out of him."
"Is that such a good idea? Annoying him?" she fretted.
"It is when you are showing independence... from him."
Red did have a point.
"But Aram has almost locked on to his location." Liz reminded.
"I'm betting he's at McDonald's on E Street," Red informed the woman.
"How do you know that?" she was baffled but his confidence made her believe the off-the wall statement. "Aram had only conveyed he narrowed the search down to that area."
Promising the suspect to return the next evening, Red's gut churned when Lizzy received an avidly enthusiastic reply. He shut the chat down, his features carefully controlled.
"You think he works in that area?" Liz questioned the strange location.
"No," Red was more than perturbed, "I think he's sitting across from the Hoover Building, hoping to catch sight of you."
"Then why are we sitting here?" she demanded someone do something.
"Lizzy, you know better than to think I would let your prey escape." Red took his phone, absently dialing. "Or let the bastard's misdeeds go unpunished." his tone turned surly.
"I don't think that." Did she? "It's just that... he's so close, right?"
"He gets a bit testy when psycho killers hunt his woman." Silas grey-blue eyes steadily held hers as he snapped the guide rod of his Glock in place. "He's funny that way." he shrugged, setting the slide on its rails, racking it.
Liz watched the man dry fire the weapon before sitting it aside. He lifted a magazine, quickly popping the ammunition free.
"Watching this is eerily hypnotic.." her eyes remained focused and unblinking.
"It is soothing." Silas concurred, feeding new ammo into the magazine.
"Lizzy, what were you thinking," Red scolded lightly, "telling them you worked for the FBI?"
"I was thinking," she defended herself, "it would help garner only serious replies."
"Did it work?" Red lifted a knowing brow.
"...No." she admitted, ignoring Silas' snort of amusement. "Stoners hit me up, asking if I had access to the evidence lock-up."
Red grinned, phone to his ear half listening when Glen's phone once again went to voice mail. Clenching his jaw, he flipped the phone, redialing.
"I'm gonna snap that little asshole's neck." he grumbled. "I know he sees it's me and he's not answering on purpose."
Closing the laptop, Liz turned, her fingers lightly grazing the metal before her.
"Glen, I need your special... talents." the man broke off, sighing dismally. His head dropped to his chest at whatever the small man had replied on the other end of the line.
Red listened dutifully, his expression souring by the minute... only to brighten in the next.
A smile curved Red's lips as he watched Lizzy reassemble his weapon. He frowned when she disassembled it a moment later until he realized; she was trying to do it without looking. He watched her progress, feeling a sense of pride she was doing a pretty good job of the task.
"...Glen..." Red tried again but to no avail.
Rubbing his forehead with an impatient finger, "I understand that, but..."
Again, he was cut short by his nemesis. His head fell back as Glen blathered on about his woes in life.
He covered the mouthpiece, eyeing Lizzy critically, "You owe me... big time."
Red stoically ignored Lizzy's lyrical giggle, but not her mouth when it connected soundly with his.
For a brief wondrous moment, he forgot all about Glen and the world in general.
"Well..." Red sat back, his emotions raw after the tedious conversation, "that little weasel is hunting for our current asshole... content in the fact he's secured another piece of my soul."
"What's left of it." Silas nodded understandably, rising from his chair.
Red chuckled some tension aside for the remark, "Granted."
"Aram won't let us down, Red." Liz was certain.
"Ten to five..." Silas was carefully, almost lovingly gathering his weaponry into various carry cases, "Red's weasel out-guns your nerd."
The large guard clapped his hands, gaining the others' attention. "Shift change."
His men followed suit, each holstering their newly cleaned weapons while taking napkin covered goodies Lizzy quickly wrapped, stuffing them into whatever pockets their cargo pants would hold as they went.
"No way...Aram is good at his job." Liz proclaimed proudly.
Silas cut her a look. "We'll see." he slid knowledgeable eyes Red's way.
Red shrugged indifferently. "Does it matter as long as we track the bastard down?"
"It would matter to Glen." Silas was certain. He lifted his head an idea occurring. "Gotta call to make."
Red knew instantly the guard would alert Glen of the fact, his reputation was on the line. The little weasel was many thing's, but he did take pride in the fact his 'search engines' were better and faster than anyone in the business, or out of it for that matter.
Glen never ever used the conventional or lawful ways available. It gave the guy a distinct advantage.
Red wasn't about to stop Silas from a little impromptu prodding on this matter. The faster they found the Unsub, the safer women would be.
Liz pouted playfully, "Why do I feel like I've already lost the bet?"
Red grinned, standing as well, taking Lizzy with him.
Side stepping the men coming off shift for a late-night snack, Liz and Red strolled hand-in-hand, meandering about the house. It was too early for bed so Liz really had no destination in mind, happily following Red's lead.
Chattering on about this and that, Red listened intently until their steps halted slowly.
Liz fell quiet, checking out Red's profile as she watched the man's features absently. She enjoyed looking at him; she realized.
He was quite handsome with the five o'clock shadow accentuating his sensual mouth and long lashes framing his expressive eyes. His intelligent brow was furrowed, deep in thought.
"Why do we call this, the Great room?"
Liz glanced around the impressive area, no real answer coming to the fore. The quirks of the man's mind always fascinated her.
"What's so 'great' about it?" he turned those blue eyes her way.
She detected an underlying heat beneath the steady gaze, her heart quickening instantly.
"I haven't gotten lucky in this room," he quirked an annoyed brow, "seems to me... it's mediocre at best."
Liz giggled for his mood. "It's probably the only one you haven't scored in." she played along.
"Not good enough." he tugged her to the sidebar of the massive entertainment center.
She held back just enough to make it interesting for the man, her expression a carefully contrite one.
"What are you up to?"
The soft sounds of a Motown filled the air.
Red tugged incessantly and the next second, she found herself in his arms. The man began a rhythmic sway to the beat of the music, his front rubbing gently but suggestively against hers.
Liz smiled, relaxing into his hold, her body curving to his will.
She sighed happily as Red's warm mouth traveled a sensual path around her jawline until their lips met and held, the kiss a slow, methodical one which left Lizzy weak in the knees.
Laying her cheek against the man's shoulder, she smiled her contentment easily following his lead as Red maneuvered them about to the mellow harmonies.
In her opinion, the 'Great' room was living up to its expectation as they moved together as one in their slow trek across the expanse.
Red stepped purposefully, mindfully guiding the lithe body until the back of his calves hit his target.
Suddenly, she was turned and smoothly transferred to the plush cushion of the couch, Red hovering comfortably over her. The weight of his body settling along hers, pleasured Liz.
"You did that very well." she approved, snuggling back into his embrace.
"It's my commando training kicking back in." he murmured, flicking his tongue against her rosebud lips.
Liz chuckled around yet another sensual kiss, which quickly turned... into something deeper.
Red shifted, laying back into the crushed leather of the couch, holding tightly to his prize.
Liz settled comfortably along the muscled torso feeling heated male where ever their forms touched. She lost herself in the soft caress of the man's mouth and wandering hands.
"If this is how you're going to respond," Red approved, his tone saying as much, "I'll put a couch in every damned room."
Liz tightened her arms to hold him close. "Nora won't allow one in the kitchen."
"I'll use the damn island then."
"You have..." Liz whispered a reminder, her mouth teasing his beyond endurance.
They lost themselves in the slow, sensual kisses. Their exploring hands were at once arousing and loving.
Red smiled against Lizzy's mouth, enjoying the turn of events. It had been eons since he 'made-out' on the couch. He forgot what a stimulating activity it was.
Brushing his hands along Lizzy's side, Red settled large palms at the crease of her legs, gently encouraging her hips to curve naturally as he nudged the sweet spot between her legs.
Liz bit her ruby-red lips thoughtfully. "My daddy said this would happen."
Red chuckled at the Southern accent she had suddenly adopted.
"Did he." he played along, always up for a game or two because they netted such unexpected delights.
"He did." Liz tsked woefully. "He said, you were a rebel... that you'd only use me for, God knows what, cheap thrills."
Red held his reflexive amusement, drawing her closer for yet another steamy bout with those full lips before a reply. The wanderings of her mind was fascinating as hell.
"Your daddy doesn't like me." his eyes swept her disheveled clothes covetously.
"No, he does not." she purposely refused to straighten her outfit, feeling the very tip of her left nipple peek out from under the bra that had strategically shifted.
Red fought the urge to lift the sexy little bundle in his arms and head off to the bedroom. He refused to break the developing mood, however, content to stay in their present state as he leisurely searched out new ways to arouse and titillate.
In reality, all he wanted to do was find his pleasure inside that succulent little body he so cherished. But instead, focused his attention on the slow, lingering kisses and subdued caresses... enjoying the foreplay. And enjoying it, he was.
His heart beat heavily in his chest, his blood heated to dangerous levels. While they were not yet making love in the literal sense, the build-up was proving just as exhilarating.
"I think he has just cause, don't you?" those ice-blue eyes teased and flirted.
"...And yet," Red lifted a brow, "you're here." he waved a passing hand.
"Maybe I like bad boys." Liz suggested evenly.
Red smiled slowly, "I can be whatever you need, but remind your... daddy," his eyes flicked her with a restless heat, "it might prove to our advantage in a work situation."
Liz tilted her head, clearly intrigued by the statement.
"You would never want for anything," Red pointed out, "your father can't object to that can he?"
"You are a master manipulator," Liz played the game well which is exactly what turned Red the hell on, he realized. "You could win daddy over to your side but... what about me?"
Red's dick expanded as the woman batted those enormous blue eyes his way.
Liz felt her tummy flip for a multitude of reasons... least of all, the way the man was looking at her.
"I'll make that my life's ambition." Red moved ever so close, his hand unceremoniously cupping her breast.
His mouth teased Liz's lips erotically, that hand continuing its tormenting action.
Liz thought momentarily about putting up the pretense of a struggle but those exploring fingers felt so good. Red was playing with her in the best way imaginable.
She pushed down against his upward movement, grinding her most private of places against his. She moaned encouragingly when her center flooded with wet heat.
"I told daddy you'd take care of me." her mouth hungrily sought his.
"Oh..." Red ran his hand up and under Lizzy's top, flicking her bra open, "I'll take care of you all right." his mouth parted hers eagerly. "Always, baby... always." he whispered a vow.
Liz closed her eyes to the husky proclamation, her body vibrating to his touch. She strained closer still.
"My God..." Red ran his hand down her bare back, his fingers curving to the luscious bottom, "the things I want to do to you, Elizabeth."
Liz held her breath, more than turned on by the erotic pictures she imagined were flitting through Red's imagination. The man had such a wondrous imagination.
Red lifted the silky strands of her hair rubbing them between calloused fingers. He enjoyed the lovely scent, grunting primitively.
He continued in his pursuit regardless of his next statement, "Your father is right," he nuzzled her neckline lovingly, "I am a bad influence."
Shifting his weight on the lithe form, Red settled determinedly into the space between her legs.
"We shouldn't." Liz whispered conspiratorially against his lips, "my parents could come home any second now."
"The worst that could happen–"
"Besides my daddy shooting you?" Liz quipped, the thought seemed to amuse the woman to Red's chagrin.
"Is that he demand I make an honest woman of you."
There was something oddly thrilling about those words on his lips and his gaze heated her cheeks... and her center quite nicely.
"...Wishful thinking." she mused quietly.
Red halted his handiwork, his fingers stopping slowly on the tabs of her jeans.
He lifted mesmerizing eyes, "On whose part?" his tone washed over her. "...Mine," he flicked his finger, freeing the button at her waist, "... or yours?"
She couldn't tell if the game was still in play because the man's gaze was suddenly a very intent one. Red's eyes usually sparkled with an indulgent amusement during their playtime.
Liz's heart thumped so loudly in her chest, she knew the man could feel the hard beat, his proximity and tantalizing gaze throwing her world into chaos.
"...I... I can't see anyone, not even daddy, forcing you into something you don't really want." she tried hard to continue the more light-hearted play.
"How can he force me to take something... that already belongs to me."
The words delighted her despite the fact they were said in the context of the game.
"Daddy said, a man like you could never be with just one wom–"
"Maybe it's exactly what... I want." he cut her short. "Have you thought about it, Elizabeth?" those eyes were back and Liz's thoughts stopped for a long beat. "If I were your first... and only lover."
The gruff demand, for it certainly had not been a question... had the woman squirming anxiously beneath her captor. The idea was an intriguing one; she had to admit.
He lowered his head, damn near bringing her to orgasm with the mere slide of his tongue into her receptive mouth. She lifted her bottom eagerly as he nuzzled his trouser covered cock against her center.
"Waiting..." he pushed his erection into the heated alcove, "might just be worth it when such a reward is within reach."
Red felt the woman tremble beneath his bulk, holding his grin when the succulent rounded mound squirmed wantonly into his hardness.
"Would you like that?" he husked roughly. "If I waited until our wedding night," his eyes dropped meaningfully, "to pop your little virgin cherry."
Liz's eyes fluttered closed, envisioning the picture presented. What would it have been like if Red had taken her innocence? The very idea left her aching with need. A trickle of heat pooled at her opening, wetting her core.
Red grunted deep in his chest, sensing her arousal. His cock throbbed painfully as he scented her neckline, capturing just a whetting peek of that sweet aroma.
"God, Red..." she mewed, desperately moving closer into his hold, "my panties are so wet."
"...Damn..." his cock throbbed with the unexpected statement. He captured her voluptuous mouth in a searing kiss, robbing the woman of her breath. "You'll be soaked by the time I'm done with you." though he murmured, he was sure Lizzy heard well enough the promise he made to himself.
"...I'm so fucking hard." Red realized his control was non-existent. But then, who could blame him when there was a beautiful brunette fidgeting restlessly against him.
Liz gave Red a coquettish glance, batting her long lashes languidly knowing damn well the affect it had on the man.
"You're just asking for it..." Red's jaw pulsed erratically, "aren't you?"
Her delicate features slipped into an inherently innocent pose, her full lips falling into an expressive pout.
"I don't know what you mean, Red..." her doe-like eyes lifted slowly, her fingers tracing the rough five o'clock shadow on his jawline.
"You little cock tease." he muttered, playfully nipping the woman's mouth as it tilted in a wry grin.
"If you knew me back then... would you have wanted me to wait?" he tested, slipping his hand under her shirt, cupping her full breast.
"Oh, hell no." Liz's breathless exclamation and Red's sensual chuckle were both cut short by the woman's passionate kiss.
The sweet, promising moment was horribly cut short by an overly exaggerated fit of coughing.
Red knew instinctively who the unpardonable intruder into his shattered bliss was.
Liz started, breaking the moment hastily. Shooing Red's hand away from its possessive touch on her breast.
Red closed his eyes to his loss, visions of strangling Francis Holbrook's scrawny neck dancing merrily in his mind's eye.
"I would have rather it been your daddy...with his shotgun." Red muttered, inwardly enjoying Lizzy's quiet giggle.
"Instead of my stupid, older brother?" her lips quivered with amusement.
"Who you calling old?" Francis took exception.
"Dammit, Francis..." Red sighed heavily, looking over his shoulder, "don't you knock?"
Francis screwed up his face, "...I have a key." he stated as if Red's inquiry was the most stupid thing he ever said.
Liz winced adorably when Red shifted, narrowing his eyes her way.
Francis frowned as he swept into the room, mindless to the couples position and that he just interrupted a private, intimate moment.
"Why.. are.. you.. here?" Red punctuated the words.
"It's her fault." Francis made a face at Elizabeth before making his way to the bar.
Liz jolted in Red's arms, her mouth gaping indignantly, "What's my fault!?"
"Just got wind your ex-loser was at the Brownstone." he turned lazy eyes towards Red, conveying a message the other man quickly picked up on.
"What the hell? Liz dropped back into the couch cushion dramatically. "There can't be anything of his left in that damn house!"
"Whatever he was doing," Francis said, "he did it fast. No change, eh, Lizzy?" he laughed at his own joke.
Red scowled questioningly to the former statement.
"I only got the call about ten...fifteen minutes ago, but he was already parked out front when I got here." Francis clarified before tilting his head questioningly. "He wouldn't by chance, God forbid, have an evil twin would he?" the young man hesitated. "No, he's the evil twin so... the other would be–"
Red sighed woefully for his lot in life, ignoring Francis contemplative musings. Pushing off Lizzy's soft form, Red reluctantly lifted into sitting position much to Lizzy's dismay.
"Get Dembe, will you?" Red asked of Francis.
"Sure thing." Francis raised his glass in mock salute before disappearing through the archway.
"Do you have to go?" Liz pouted. "Why let him spoil our perfectly good playtime." she eyed Red hopefully.
Red's mouth lifted into a smile. "Work before play, baby." his eyes softened.
"You sound just like Silas!" she crossed her arms peevishly. "Tom's just doing this to get a rise out of us."
Red nodded slowly, slipping his feet back into the rich leather of his shoes.
"It appears to be working." he grinned at the cantankerous woman as he pushed off the couch.
"If you go, you'll be giving him exactly what he wants." she provoked.
"Yes," Red didn't disagree with her assessment, "but I'll also find out what the bastard has been up to, Lizzy."
She couldn't argue with that and it annoyed her. Even she became more aware of her surroundings because of the pictures that asshole left last time for them to see.
He cupped her cheek lovingly, kissing her. "I'll go see whatever has dumbass out and about this particular evening and come straight back, I promise."
"Yeah, well, call me when you get there," Liz followed after him towards the front, "and don't be standing around like you did last time out in the open just begging one of your countless enemies to–"
Red stopped in his tracks, causing the woman to stop as hastily.
"What?" she questioned.
"Have I told you today," he asked, sitting his hat in place, facing her squarely, "that... I love you?"
"Of course you have," Liz's brow furrowed, there wasn't a day that... "why?"
"Just wanted to check." he leaned, kissing her at length. "I'll be right back."
Liz smiled happily before a thought occurred. "Damn you, Red!" she pinched her lips irritably realizing his ruse to distract had worked beautifully. "You better do as I said!" she called after the retreating figure.
Red chuckled as he gripped the handle of the door, "Remember where we left off."