The sound of the party faded the further Red traversed the long hall. The couple hundred voices blending with the strains of the orchestra had been a welcomed diversion.
Straightening his tuxedo, he smiled cheerfully as two guards approached from an opposite wing.
"Where the hell am I?" the fluent Russian dialect rolled with ease from Red's tongue as he gestured to the maze of hallways.
"I feel like the mouse searching for the proverbial cheese." his good humor relaxed the two heavily uniformed men in their stance.
They laughed kindly, stepping aside.
"It is difficult to navigate, yes?" the tall blond Russian guard said, his accent almost lyrical in nature.
"Down the hall, to the second chandelier," the other gestured, "go right."
"Thank you." Red inclined his head. "General Sokolov's daughter will think I jilted her by now, I'm sure."
"General Sokolov's daughter? In that case," the older guard tilted a wry smile, "take that corridor," the man pointed, "...it will lead you to freedom."
Red chuckled his genuine amusement at the man's wit.
It wasn't a secret that, while Viktoria Sokolova was the very definition of beauty; with her dark chestnut hair, fair complexion and curvaceous body.
The woman was annoyingly shallow.
A short time ago before his retreat, while mingling at dinner, a man beside him offered Red the use of a butter knife to, as the gentleman put it... "End your suffering, no one will think less of you."
Which was likely the reason his absence had not been noted as yet.
Red was sure everyone believed he bolted the moment the opportunity presented itself. He wouldn't be surprised if the entire guest list was distracting the beautiful Viktoria, to enable him time to make a clean getaway.
"You have my upmost gratitude." Red grinned slowly at the guards, encouraging the raucous laughter that followed.
Without a backward glance, he offered a jaunty wave, continuing down the corridor. The low murmur of the gala echoed down the empty space.
As if considering whatever fate lie at the end of that corridor, he sighed dramatically, stepping stalwartly forward, taking the right indicated.
Pulling up quickly once out of sight, Red placed his back against the wall, waiting. Running his fingers through his hair, he listened to the heavy footfalls fade in the distance.
There was something disturbing about the sound of Russian boots, coming or going.
Continuously peering around the corner, he found the area devoid of his former comrade-in-arms. He made a discrete exit, casually heading to the side corridor.
He breathed easier as the sounds of the party diminished even more so, allowing him full breadth of the area surrounding him.
Heading down a darkened hall, he mentally counted off the doors until finding the one he sought. Glancing over his shoulder, he turned the knob, easing the door open before stealthily slipping inside.
He instantly froze when a ruffle of movement greeted him in the darkened room.
Shifting from the door, a sliver of light shone through the frosted glass slitting over the distorted shadow to his left.
He frowned his concern when the silhouette broke apart and became two distinct figures.
The outline of a bare female thigh flitted sensually into the slit of light.
Red cursed his luck, as the other shape, obviously of male origin came into view.
The man turned, tucking his clothes back into his trousers, murmuring softly to his lover, graciously offering her a handkerchief.
Red averted his eyes, not because of any sense of modesty but rather he was attempting to control his rising ire.
The one lover embraced the lithe form of his paramour, kissing her passionately. The pair clung desperately to one another, whispering lost phrases of love.
"You must go." the man urged. "You will be missed if you do not."
"I know, I know, you will not forget... you will be at the appointed–"
The trembling response allowed a certain helplessness to which the man instinctively responded.
"Yes, I will meet you there." the man confirmed, ushering her gently to the door.
Red's dark eyes followed the pair as they stepped into the light, the open yearning in their own gaze apparent even from this distance.
Gathering her in his arms once more, the dark haired man could not resist one last embrace, burying his face into the feminine neckline, "Be safe, my love."
With one quick adjustment to her clothing and hair, the female grasped the doorknob and stepped through without a backward glance.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Red spat his fury, stepping from the shadows, his face a mask of repressed anger.
"As I was ordered. We have to infiltrate the–"
"Their secrets and plans," Red growled, "not another man's wife's puss–"
"Fuck off, Red." the man growled.
Red gritted. "If this is uncovered, that you and–"
"Well, it won't be!" the man snapped. "Will it?" thedark blue eyes narrowed accusingly.
"I think you two are doing well enough on your own." Red shook his head. "That was reckless... meeting her here."
"...I love her, Red." the man leaned into the desk he and his lover had just vacated.
"She playing you," Red scoffed, "you fool. You're a free ride out... nothing more."
"She's not like that!" the man snapped, before falling silent, turning introspective... moody. "You wouldn't understand..."
"Then make me understand, Declan." Red moved, rifling through cabinets, flicking through the files rapidly, performing the actual job he was assigned.
"I have to get her out of here." Declan murmured despondently, understanding the enormity of the situation.
"Little problem with that plan." drawing a stack of folders free, Red cut the man a lackadaisical flick of his eyes. "One, we're in Russia... and two, she's married."
"She's pregnant."
Red stopped in his tracks, his attention slowly turning towards the other man, the information processing.
"Oh my God, you have to be–" he halted, the man's demeanor saying it all. Red closed his eyes to the developing situation. "Is it–"
"Mine?" Declan laughed shortly, a certain cynicism apparent in the response. "Yes... the baby is mine."
Red didn't know why he bothered asking. Declan's actions had implied enough. As did Declan's very nature. The man had always been reactionary. Acting first, thinking later... if at all.
"Of all the asinine, irrespo–"
"Ray, you have to help me." Declan scratched an agitated hand against his neck, the desperation showing in every fiber of the man's being.
"What the hell do you expect me–"
"We have to get her out." Declan sought Red's features, the pale blue eyes pleading his case effectively. "I need her safe... with me."
"Well then, I'll just smuggle her out in my luggage." Red's clipped and icy tone bespoke of his anger. "Dammit, Declan! This is not the time!" he hissed his own kind of desperation. "We will discuss this later."
"No matter what happens," Declan grasped Red's arm, "you have to protect her," he paused, swallowing heavily, "... them."
He recognized the fear in Declan's eyes. Not for himself and the trouble the man had further immersed himself in, but for Katarina and his child.
Red knew well that fear for one's child. The moment he learned his wife believed she might be pregnant, that he was to be a father... he felt an instantaneous surge of overwhelming emotion tug at his gut. Something so primal in nature, it erased all reason or sanity.
Unfortunately... or fortunately, given his own current predicament; that eventuality had not come to pass. But that sensation... the fear, still stuck with him.
Everything Red did, every choice he made in his life from this moment onward would affect any future children.
Red hoped this was one decision he would not come to regret.
"I will," Red promised, soothing his friend, "with my life."
Both men fell silent as the heavy weight of those infamous Russian boots' tread outside the frosted glass of the door then appeared along the cracks of the frame.
Red's hand instinctively reached for his weapon, his fingers curving to the rough, familiar grip.
Jerking awake, Red lifted the weapon in his hand, aiming it at the door. The sound of the footsteps neared, followed by the low squawk of a radio.
Red tried to shake the cobwebs from his mind.
The setting was all wrong. This was not... where he was before.
He listened acutely to the sound of the surrounding area, sweat beading his forehead.
His eyes searched the darkened space around him, focusing sharply on a sliver of light streaking across the bottom of the closed door meters away...
He sensed another's presence, seeking the source.
The curvaceous form shifted slightly, a soft sigh following. He would know that sigh anywhere...
Home... he and Lizzy were at home.
Dropping his head back into the pillow, Red sighed his disgruntlement, sliding the weapon back on the side table.
The sounds of a guard's footfalls passing outside their room... and the long ago memory of the Russian guards closing in on his position must have overlapped in his subconscious mind.
Absently peering at the clock on his nightstand, Red focused bleary eyes. It was only a little after three in the morning.
It wasn't unusual for the man to wake sporadically throughout the night or to even start his day at such an hour.
Though, since sharing a bed with Elizabeth, he had grown accustom to getting six hours sleep, at the very least.
"I love her, Red." The eerie words came back to haunt him yet again.
"Shit..." he whispered dejectedly, scrubbing his face roughly with his hands. The dream echoed in his brain, as though it had only happened moments ago.
"You damned fool." he muttered tightly, his body unexpectedly shivering in the night air.
Glancing down, he scowled his confusion when he saw nothing but his naked form... and one little foot peaking out from a mountain of blankets on the other side of the bed.
Shifting wry eyes to his companion, Red could just see the top of the dark tendrils of hair above the rest of the covers.
Chuckling softly, Red rolled to his elbow, peering closely at what was visible of Lizzy's warm, angelic face.
Thirty years ago, he believed her father to be an idiot of the highest magnitude.
Red had been so moralistic, led by misguided principles... he failed to recognize or fathom how strong a pull deep, abiding love could be.
But now, as he stared down at Lizzy... he understood Declan in ways he never imagined possible.
Though, unlike Elizabeth's father, Red had not fallen in love with a double-agent.
After some soul searching of his own recently, it was due to their close proximity... Red had grown to tolerate Katarina, if anything, to appease Declan.
He now comprehended how selfish and bereft of any emotion Katarina Rostova had been.
Elizabeth was nothing like her mother. Lizzy was good-hearted, loving and kind.
Granted, in the past, her loyalty had been skewed but then... in hindsight, was it really?
She married Tom in good faith. She made a vow, a sacred one to her... to stand by that rotten bastard's side for better or worse, and had done so admirably. Was it her fault the man turned out to be the scum of the earth?
Because of that asshole's actions and because Elizabeth damn well deserved better... Red vowed to be everything Tom Keen was not.
Red would do anything for Elizabeth, and it had nothing to do with the promise he made to protect her.
Becoming romantically involved with the woman had never been his intention.
He only meant to work with her; become the team that would eventually unlock the clues to answers they both needed.
She also possessed the Fulcrum which would aid in those endeavors.
Though, the moment he saw her at the Blacksite... he was captivated. An alien emotion took root against any sane reasoning. He was positive lust and passion were the forefront emotions guiding him at first. He was, after all, first and foremost a male.
But then... something shifted.
The baser emotions evolved over time and contact.
He cared for her... worried himself to distraction for her. Elizabeth made him laugh, rage and hurt. She stood up to him. She challenged him.
No one could get under his skin like Elizabeth Keen.
Red was sure her father would see it in a different light but–
Lizzy's father.
He shook his head disgustedly, remembering Tom's ploy to sway Elizabeth to his warped way of thinking.
Red had to agree with Elizabeth. If her father were truly alive and partnered with Tom... the fucking traitor... well...
In fact, were the man alive, allowing Lizzy to believe him dead, the pain of such an unconscionable act would dissolve any bond of kinship Red had previously felt.
In all honesty, Red would have no issue killing the man.
Another guard passed in the hall. He was immediately alerted to the heightened security presence.
Silently rolling from the bed, he grasped the radio, taking sanctuary in the bathroom.
"Update." Red's voice was its usual controlled self. He stepped absently towards the toilet.
Leaning his arm into the overhead cabinet, he held the radio aloft, ready to respond when needed.
"All clear." Joe copied back, his tone reassuringly steady.
Red's head tilted questioningly even as he mentally sighed his relief. He glanced down, watching his bladder automatically emptying of its contents.
"There is added security in the hall...why?" Red wanted to know, his tone saying as much.
"Granger won't tell his people to take off," Joe shrugged. "We have a plethora of security roaming the halls. And our guys, well... you know."
Red finally understood. His men wouldn't leave their posts unless directed otherwise.
"Tell our men to stand down." Red advised. "Get some sleep while you can."
"Are you sure, because this is our normal–"
"I want you all alert over the next couple days." Red decided. Given the previous day's events and Tom's disappearance, he wanted extra vigilance for all concerned.
Besides, given the extent of Tom's wounds, Red assumed the idiot would at least take the evening off to recuperate.
Red sensed Joe's hesitation and the reason behind it.
Granger, while good at his job, was not a normal part of Red's team. They didn't have the rhythm or deep trust with the man as yet.
"Antonio would kill Granger if Lizzy was harmed in any way." Red reminded.
"Need I remind you, Antonio has yet to see Liz today?" Joe reminded in kind.
"Don't remind me." Red muttered grimly to himself. "Get some rest."
Joe sighed, "Aye, Captain."
Red brushed his teeth and rinsed his face, which settled him back into reality. He shook the sensation of his dream away.
Sitting his comm down, Red crawled back into the bed, snuggling to Lizzy's warm, shapely body.
She mewed softly, stirring from the disturbance. She opened herself to the soft lips on her neck that silently apologized for waking her.
"You little blanket thief." Red whispered, pulling what he could of the sheet over his lower half.
"Oh..." Liz groaned apologetically, "..sorry." She wiggled about, dislodging more of her cocoon, offering it over.
His eyes crinkled, listening to her grunting and cursing as she unraveled the blankets from around her body.
"Your ability," he chuckled, "to swaddle yourself, never fails to astound me."
Chuckling, he steadily held the blanket, allowing the woman to literally roll herself free of her self-confinement.
Sitting up, she stretched her arms high over head, yawning. Red ran his hand down the naked slope of her back, tenderly rubbing the swell of her bottom.
"It's still early.." he murmured, making sure the woman was aware of the time and its implication. He would not turn down a tumble at this stage of the game...
"Have to pee..." she sighed, pushing from the bed.
Red's lips twitched their amusement, his eyes trailing the sensual sway of her bare bottom before she disappeared into the bath.
Rolling to his back, he settled his head in the crook of his arm, sighing his contentment.
Some people would find it odd he loved little moments like this; for he found Lizzy's personal declaration charming... for him, it was just another one of those little details that spoke of their closeness.
Elizabeth wouldn't have made such a bold statement a few months ago.
He let his mind wander as he waited out her return...
He enjoyed their time together so much, anytime really, spent in Elizabeth's company, the days seemed to rush by at break-neck speed.
Red's memories of those times was sharp and vivid. He so treasured the journey of getting to know Elizabeth Keen.
The sound of running water in the bathroom broke Red from his musing.
He was brought back to the more preferable present, although his sojourn into the past had been a most pleasant interval.
Rolling from the bed, Red walked to the bathroom, absently slipping into his robe as he crossed the floor. The expensive weave of the area rug felt luxurious on his bare feet.
Lizzy exited the bathroom, stumbling about, still half asleep.
Stepping quietly in behind the woman, Red draped her robe over her shoulders, drawing her back into the sphere of his body.
Lizzy slipped her arms through the roomy sleeves, leaning back into his embrace, laying her head against his shoulder.
"Are you all right?" Red murmured, his concern allowed in his tone.
"No, no...I'm fine." Liz gently squeezed the arms encompassing her. "I don't even have a headache."
Red couldn't see but a shadow of Elizabeth from a sliver of hall light peeking under the door, but it was enough to see the misshapen blemish on her snow white skin. Tracing the bruising tenderly, he leaned, placing a feather-light kiss to her injury.
They stood in the quiet, the darkness of the room just as comforting as it was disquieting.
Something was on Elizabeth's mind.
Certain tells alerted him.
The slight stiffness of her body although she was trying to relax... was strung tight.
She had been distracted during dinner, playing it off as concern should Antonio unexpectedly drop by and see her condition... she playfully pouted that Red was too young to die over a tiny bruise, but there were shadows in the blue eyes she could not down play.
Plus... the blankets had given her away.
Given the circumstances thrown at them this last couple days, it was only natural that she would be stressed out.
But until tonight, she had slept peacefully and untroubled beside him, snuggled close, as was the norm since they became lovers.
Going up against a serial killer and being shot at by a professional sniper had not seemed to phase her in the least.
Nor did he believe Elizabeth's confrontation with her ex-husband to be an issue.
Tonight, she managed a tightly wound cocoon with the bedcovers as though needing the comfort and security such an environment could supply.
Subconsciously aware of her restlessness, he awoke each time when he felt her shift.
Due to his own tiredness, he reached to touch her, causing the woman to settle before slipping back into sleep.
Something was on her mind, weighing on her.
"What is it?" Red needed to know. "What has you so... unsettled?"
"Do you think," Liz whispered, breaking the silence after a very long spell. So long in fact, Red thought she would refuse to answer, "... he's alive?"
Red's face contorted painfully, hearing the doubt... the apprehension in her voice.
"I'm not..." she hesitated, forging on quickly... too much so, "saying I don't believe you."
"I know you're not questioning my sincerity," Red soothed, wishing to put her more at ease.
"I just thought," she sighed, "if there was a possibility..."
"I don't think he is, baby." he kept his tone calm.
The last thing he wanted was for her to sense his pure, unadulterated anger at Tom Keen. Anger which spiked incandescently, even now. He refused to allow it color the moment.
"I think for Tom to taunt you with something so personal..." Red controlled his ire. Taking hold of her hand, he kissed her cold fingers absently, "besides being utterly unforgivable, was nothing but an attempt at control."
He led her to the bench at the end of the bed, sitting down beside her.
"Tom knows how much your parentage means to you," he gently squeezed her hand, "and used that knowledge against you, unerringly."
"That's what he does, Red." Liz laughed humorlessly.
He couldn't wait to get his hands around Tom's throat and choke the fucking life from the bastard.
Red held steady when her deep blue eyes lifted, the pain within clearly visible. As was the uncertainty.
"The last time I saw your father," Red began slowly, uncertain he should even go this route, "he was laying face-down and surrounded by flames. There just could not have been any..."
Liz swallowed around the lump in her throat, knowing she had contributed to that gruesome picture Red painted. But the guilt she once felt over the incident, was dulled.
Taking a breath, Red continued, no matter how disturbing the imagery. Elizabeth needed to know, apparently even more so than she did before.
"We barely made it out alive," Red reminded, "how he could have..." he shook his head. "It would have been a miracle had he escaped, Elizabeth."
Liz's eyes lowered slowly, her chin dropping with her spirits.
Red lifted her eyes back to his, "I believe with everything I hold dear," he stressed, "your father is dead. He would have never left without knowing you were safe."
"The Fulcrum," Liz whispered her pain, "...changes people."
"Your father took the Fulcrum for a multitude of reasons." Red sighed. "The upmost important one being, leverage."
He lifted a staying hand, averting Elizabeth's flurry of questions, for now.
"We will not get into that at this time," Red vetoed it at this late hour, "but I will say... it was never his intention for you to be harmed in any way."
Red believed what he said with all his heart. No matter how idiotic Declan's actions had been, the love the man had for his daughter was sincere.
"Your father loved you to the point of distraction, Elizabeth." Red stressed.
"I shot him, Red." her face fell.
"Do you think your father wasn't aware how scared you were?" he questioned.
It had been a long time, but he still remembered the way Jennifer looked at him when frightened. Those little eyes could melt even his hardened heart.
It was a given, Declan knew Elizabeth had to have been terrified by what she saw that night.
"Your father would have never stooped to arrange a marriage with Tom, either." Red stated a fact.
"How can you be so sure?" she questioned her uncertainty.
"Because," Red cupped her cheek, lovingly stroking it, "he enlisted me to protect you..."
Liz's eyes widened in surprise.
"If Tom truly was in league with your father," Red's mouth lifted into a faint smile, "the asshole would know that." he tilted his head. "Why employ Tom... when I'm still here."
Liz's lip suddenly trembled, "Is that why you..." she blinked rapidly against the gathering tears.
Was Red only here with her because of a pact he made with her father? Was he like Tom Keen in that aspect?
"No," Red's stern tone startled her, "I did as I promised!" he said. "I saw to your safety and ensured you had a comfortable life with Sam."
Liz blinked, sending tears skirting down her cheeks. If he was trying to make her feel better, he was failing miserably.
"Later, when I gained secure connections," Red began erasing the doubt, "I began the Blacklist intending to fix our lives," he explained, "... and I wished to meet you, see the woman you had become."
He understood well enough her thought process and broken statements for what they were.
"I never expected to come to care for you as I have..." Red admitted, "nor fall so helplessly in love."
Liz's stomach churned, unsure what to feel now. Her emotions were raw and exposed.
"I know Tom has you all twisted up inside, questioning everything about your life." Red stroked her arm. "I expected as much."
He hesitated, sighing heavily, "I'll go to the safe house, give you a couple days... when you're ready," he knew she had to be feeling unsettled, "...I'll be here."
He leaned, kissing her brow gently as he stood upright.
"We need to talk." she was sure of that.
She watched him go, a maelstrom of emotions hitting her as the man walked away.
"This may be the best for now, Elizabeth." he advised. "I won't let him cause a rift between us."
"Wait..." she involuntarily called out to him.
Red stopped, turning around, waiting. His own emotions were in chaos but underwraps for the woman's sake.
Elizabeth hurried to the man, seeking the comfort only he could bring.
She snuggled into the warmth provided, as she always did, settling her cheek against his chest.
Red waited, controlling his breathing, afraid that the contact wouldn't feel the same for the woman.
It felt so right... so normal for him.
He couldn't tell if she remained close because she wished to or... she was denying that the emotions might be forced.
His thoughts wandered for a millisecond.
Upon his return from a tour at sea, his wife always stiffened at first contact on the pier.
As if the sensation of being in his arms again was foreign. He could sense the tension, the apprehension.
It often took days until she grew accustomed to him.
He too, felt the strain and it wasn't until she finally allowed him into their bed, intimately speaking... that any sort of normalcy was achieved.
The sex was a symbolic gesture which cemented their relationship again.
Red never begrudged the woman the time needed to reacquaint herself for in reality, he had needed it as well.
"Red?" the hesitant request brought him back to the present.
"Yeah, baby?" the pet name rolled from his tongue naturally but he second-guessed its use at such a moment.
"Does it... feel the same?" the blue eyes lifted, searching his anxiously, fear inside the lovely orbs. "... It does for me." Liz whispered hopefully.
Red desperately tried to read the emotions she was exuding.
"When Tom... even after he had been cleared at the post office?" she scowled slightly, as if puzzled. "Something didn't set right, something..." the scowl increased, "I felt... unsettled."
It hadn't been the correct word, Red sensed but for him, the halting explanation would do just fine.
"I... I don't feel that," the blue eyes swept his face religiously, "... with you."
She lay her head back on his shoulder. "You make me feel safe," she whispered. "It feels so... right when you hold me."
Red released the breath he'd been holding, relaxing completely. "I know these are just words..." he murmured, "but I would never betray your trust in me...not ever, Elizabeth."
He realized, her world was in a constant state of upheaval. She shouldn't feel ashamed to admit there had been a minute or two of doubt.
"Never doubt my loyalty to you," he stressed, "or my love." He was suddenly very tired. "We have lost so much to this useless fight for power..."
The words meant more than Red realized.
Liz knew, without doubt, Red spoke the truth.
If anyone knew the pain she experienced, it was Red. He had lost just as much to this fiasco.
"... I can't bear to lose you too."
His arms crushed her to him suddenly, as he sought comfort as well.
"I... just couldn't." his words were lost to the softness of her robe, burying his face into the fabric.
"I'm not going anywhere." she returned the embrace, holding onto his strength for dear life. "You just make sure you're beside me all the way... together... there is no way they can win."
Red closed his eyes, his hand massaging her back and shoulders lovingly now. His own fears subsided with each minute spent in her arms.
"We make quite a team, don't we." he lightened his mood for her sake.
"Damn right we do." Liz nodded stoutly. "They might knock us down but in the end... we will see who is left standing."
"That's my girl." the man could finally smile.
"I'm your woman." she corrected.
"You are that." he could not argue the point. His eyes swept the sensual frame with masculine appraisal. "You most certainly are... that."
Burrowing into the warm covers, Liz stirred, naturally waking from a place of contentment and rest.
Reluctantly slitting her eyes open, she found the room draped in a hazy darkness.
Blinking, she sat upright, holding the covers close to her naked body. Groggily rubbing her sleepy eyes, she hugged her pillow, a slow smile curving her lips as she remembered how Red shared a part of their past with her last night he kept hidden and locked away.
Last night had been a revelation.
It felt wonderful to be considered Red's anchor, as much as he was hers. It truly was as if they were meant to be, two hearts joined by one soul.
She held Red is such high regard, and now she knew... he truly returned those feelings in kind.
In reality, she could barely contain the joy in her heart that she found the man she was destined to be with for life.
Liz smiled to herself, her flesh humming with awareness. This go round, it was her good fortune to also be saddled with an intensely sensual lover.
Turning in the bed, she groaned her dismay when she found Red's side empty of his presence. She longed to see him suddenly... to be by his side.
Peering at the clock, she understood why the bed was vacant when she found it to be after nine. Red was a very early riser most days.
Tossing the blankets back, she left the comfort of her warm cocoon hastily grasping Red's discarded shirt which lay upon the end of the bed.
Slipping it over her nude frame, Liz absently buttoned it, warding off the slight chill the room emitted.
Or was it the absence of her lover that gave the impression?
Stumbling to the bath, Liz set about freshening up.
Standing opposite Antonio, Red looked over the plans for the new venture the older man brought to light... rather intrigued by the plans and return in profit it would net them both.
As he had been awake quite late into the evening listening for guards to sound a warning the property had been breached by Tom or his cohorts... there had been nothing but silence.
Even still, the late night resulted in his difficulty concentrating this morning.
Though, once he saw the idea Antonio put forth, and allowed Red his coffee intake... did it all begin to make perfect sense.
"I believe it will be a sound investment," Red agreed with the man's assessment. "If you were waiting on my funds to move forward... you have it."
Antonio had informed him; he along with Francis had jointly supplied needed funds to kickstart the supplier... but wished for a third backer, should something untoward occur.
"Production has begun," Antonio related the known information. "Francis believed, now you are engaged to Elizabeth, you may wish to become involved as it was a legitimate venture."
Red could not argue Francis' assumption, for the boy was correct. Should anything happen to him, business decisions such as this one... would set Elizabeth up for life.
That it was also a legitimate investment meant no one, not even the FBI, could find fault with it and deny her access to future funds it would supply.
"I wish, Elizabeth, be included," Red stipulated his own requirement, "should she need to make decisions in my stead."
He also believed she would find the opportunity to be a share holder exciting.
"I assumed you would," Antonio smiled, filing the papers in their folder. "Though, I should ask... will Elizabeth understand the full scope this position provides?"
"I will make her understand," Red assured. "Elizabeth is quite intelligent and easily adapts to any situation... she will be fine."
The older man's attention shifted, his eyes softening instantly when the person of interest came into view.
"Speak of the angels," Antonio's mouth quirked at the sight of Elizabeth trudging around the corner... in nothing more than Reddington's button-up shirt.
Her bare legs peaked out from under the long tails of the white linen, her bare feet padding on the hardwood floor. The older gentleman chuckled under his breath when the woman's impish features contorted with a sleepy yawn.
Red glanced over his shoulder, wondering at Antonio's preoccupation. He, too, watched Lizzy near them, lost in her own thoughts... unaware of her audience.
Seeing her like this, all warm and sleep mussed, made odd emotions stir wildly inside his chest.
He grimaced inwardly, realizing her state of dress. Shit...
In his haste to be on time this morning for his meeting with Antonio, he neglected to alert Elizabeth, which would most assuredly earn him Elizabeth's wrath when she realized... they were not alone.
Halting in her track, Liz shielded her eyes from the glaring sunlight filtering through the large windows she passed. She made a disgruntled sound, as she had not had her coffee as yet.
Stumbling forward, she groaned her dismay. "Geez, Lord!" she squinted, bemoaning her lot in life. "Thank you for sending the light... but could you possibly tone it down to a less blistering level? At least until I've had my coffe–"
She sensed another's presence, chancing a glimpse out from under the hand she used to shield the glaring rays.
"Oh!" she brightened. "Red!"
The man's mood shifted, a smile threatening as she approached.
"I was looking for you..." the woman's lashes fluttered coquettishly.
Red cleared his throat gently, offering a sedate nod in Antonio's direction when Elizabeth would have greeted him with a warm kiss of affection.
Liz glanced in the direction needed, her smile freezing on her pretty face.
"...Oh!" she gasped her dismay, her cheeks flaming as recognition was immediate. "Ohh!" she instantly tugged at the edge of Red's shirt.
Antonio put on his most impressive face, lifting to his full height, his gaze a paternal one.
"...Uh," Liz was clearly floundering to Red's amusement, "I...I didn't know anyone else..." those blue eyes flew to Red for assistance.
Lizzy tugged, trying hard to hide those shapely legs.
Striving for a modicum of decorum for the woman's sake, Red bit the inside of his mouth to keep the grin off his face.
"I'd better go get something more," Liz cleared her throat self-consciously, "...conventional on."
Red shook his head woefully when Lizzy blindly backtracked in her steps, nearly backing right into a sitting position in a nearby chair which thwarted her escape.
"I find your attire... charming," Antonio let her off the hook with a tender chuckle, "but your point is well taken."
The man threw Red a look, "We will continue our discussion at a more opportune time, Reddington."
Red nodded agreeably, appreciating the man's decorum.
"I will leave you two young people to..." the seasoned man hesitated, his sharp eyes observed an oddity.
"Wait..." the low, authoritative tone alerted Elizabeth to halt her intended retreat, "...right there."
She cast a hasty appeal Red's way... but the damage was done.
Antonio gently removed several strands of dark hair from Elizabeth's face, the bright sunlight revealing the nasty-looking bruise Tom's gentle administrations had caused.
Antonio stared morosely at the sight, falling silent.
Never a good sign, Red knew.
"Has Red offered you our hospitality, Antonio?" Liz brightened, trying to avert a sense of doom. "Has Nora prepared breakfast?" she questioned. "Coffee?" she offered. "Can I get you some...after I..." she gestured to her clothing.
The quiet, unreadable eyes transferred to:
Red blinked his shock. "You have got to be," he stated incredulously, "...kidding me!?"
"Oh, no!" Elizabeth followed the imposing man's train of thought. "Oh... no, no.. no!" she defended Red staunchly. "This is totally my fault. Mine!"
Liz's face twisted with anxiety as Antonio piercing eyes darkened further.
"Pray tell... how is this," he indicated the dark spreading bruise once again, "your fault."
Red shifted her a dry look. "Maybe because our little gattina here has a habit of never listening when advised to not do something unwise?"
Liz sighed heavily, "It was just a series of bad luck... that's all."
"You got that bad part right." Red approved of the wording, his tone censored.
Antonio listened patiently, willing to hear the story out.
"Don't listen to him," Liz dismissed with an impatient wave of her hand. She lifted those blue eyes, moving closer to Antonio to plead her case. "Well, see..." she swallowed, "this is what happened... in a nutshell."
Red didn't think Lizzy could explain the story in a 'nutshell', but he parked himself on a nearby desk ledge, crossing his arms over his chest... willing to give it a chance.
Liz frowned when the man beside her got comfortable, as if readying himself for the long haul. She opened her mouth, only to close it a moment later before looking helplessly to Red, waiting for him to jump on in to the mix.
"Oh, I'm waiting with bated breath, baby." Red encouraged. He was more than interested to hear how she would spin her interpretation of events into a favorable light.
"Do you know anything about my ex-husband?" Liz didn't know where to begin in reality.
Antonio's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"...I see you do." Liz wasn't sure what that look meant exactly. She forged on... quickly. "Well, I felt it was time... well, past time," she reiterated stoutly, "that I confront him. Clear the air, so to speak."
Antonio's brow lifted fractionally, nothing more.
"I wanted him out of my life, for good." she practically stamped her foot. "I wanted him gone." she gave Red an imploring look, "...For us."
While very upset by the woman's condition, Antonio was hard pressed to hide his mirth when he noticed the look of disbelief on Reddington's face.
Antonio's temper cooled some, though not by much.
Elizabeth knew the events which took place displeased Reddington, but now, with a witness in the vicinity... was trying to win his favor.
It appeared to Antonio's well-trained eye... Reddington was onto Elizabeth's ruse.
"Then you should have contacted me." Antonio stated calmly, drawing the woman's attention back his way.
Elizabeth blinked, then hurriedly went on. "Yes, that... that probably would have done the trick." she kicked herself for the oversight.
Red's headed dropped hastily, his smile hidden well.
"Well, I confronted the jerk... for closure, you understand," the blue eyes languidly sought understanding, "and one thing led to another and," she bit her lip anxiously, "...and in the interim... I got this. It doesn't hurt at all though!" she hastened to assure. "Not at all!"
"Uh huh," Antonio clearly doubted the statement. "Where were your bodyguards during this... confrontation?"
"Oh, Silas was right there!" Liz was quick to explain. "I promise you!"
"And..." Antonio spread his hand toward Reddington, his expression benign.
"Right there, as well," Liz wanted to get it right, "I mean, he arrived very quickly... very, very quickly."
Without little effort on her part, Lizzy was diligently throwing Red into the lion's den.
"But neither Silas nor," again the man waved nonchalantly to a silent, and noticeably, flabbergasted Red Reddington, "... bothered to intervene on your behalf?"
"I didn't want them to!" Liz scowled darkly. "I wanted to handle it myself, which I did!" she stated proudly. "I most certainly did, didn't I Red!"
Red had the grace to be bothered, under the steely gaze of the older man.
Antonio played by rules other than the ones Lizzy knew.
"I didn't know what she was planning." Red half-heartedly defended himself.
"Well, then," Antonio smiled all too pleasantly, "that absolves you of any and all accountability... doesn't it."
"Well... yes, it does." Liz stepped into the fray. "It really does, surely you understand?"
"I'm afraid I don't, bella, no." Antonio said gently.
The woman glanced nervously at Red who stood abreast her position before feeling the weighty, unwavering attention of the older man.
"Do you know how good it felt?" Liz blurted. "When I shot that asshole..." her eyes lit with fire.
Antonio face allowed his pride. "You... shot, Tom?"
"Yes, I did." Liz lifted a defiant chin, standing toe-to-toe, looking Antonio squarely in the eye. "I shot him... it was only in the leg," she admitted her shortcomings, "but I was aiming for a more vital spot." her mouth pinched irritably.
"Then the jerk fell when I kicked him in the leg!" the fact obviously displeased the woman.
Antonio commiserated, "The bastard!"
"I stabbed him with a screwdriver too..." Liz stated, her excitement fueled by the obvious approval she was now receiving.
She liked it much better than the sternly disagreeable reaction Antonio originally offered.
"A screwdriver, you say." the man was clearly impressed.
"A long one." Liz nodded eagerly.
"I am sad to have missed this little skirmish." Antonio muttered aside.
"And now the entire Metro Police Department is hunting him down because I took out a VPO on him before I... eh.."
"Confronted him... for closure?" Antonio surmised. "You had this planned... beforehand."
She glanced sheepishly at Red, "Well... not all."
Red sighed lightly, shaking his head wryly.
She blindly reached for Red's hand, taking a deep breath.
Red thought to let the little heathen flounder a moment under Antonio's scrutiny... but couldn't. He grasped her fingers in his, squeezing them comfortingly.
"Red would have killed him," Liz defended, remembering in time, "but Silas..." she halted, realizing too late, she was now throwing her head guard into that proverbial lion pit, "...Eh..."
"Cops arrived when I..." Red trailed off. "Silas prevented me from acting... hastily." he clarified.
Antonio nodded his understanding. Reddington had Tom in a compromising position, Silas legitimately halted the intended execution.
"Witnesses of the highest caliber," Antonio muttered his distaste, "but... always a nuisance."
"And, oh!" Liz remembered another key detail which might garner approval, "I've told Silas and the guys that my previous order to refrain from shooting Tom on sight is rescinded!"
The woman frowned, realizing the gravity of said order suddenly... and just how much it conflicted with her present occupation.
Stubbornly pushing the thought aside, she lifted beseeching eyes, "So you see, Red really shouldn't be shot or anything for something he didn't do..." wincing, a small groan caught in her throat.
No... that wasn't what she meant to say.
"...Or did do," she quickly amended, "not that he did anything to be... eh..."
"Stop helping me." Red advised just as hastily. "I'm sure Antonio has the full picture without anymore unnecessary explanations or commentary."
Liz grimaced apologetically, shrugging helplessly.
Antonio laughed, he did so love Elizabeth and her quirks, "Well, enough of the picture and so charmingly related."
"Yeah..." Red grated, "charming."
Antonio took Liz's face between warm palms, "If I didn't know better," he kissed Liz's forehead, his gaze an affectionate one, "I would think you were my own true blood."
Liz felt a surge of pride. "Oh! Thank you!"
Red eyed her dubiously... but held his tongue.
"As proud of you as I am," Antonio scolded superficially, "from this moment on, you will leave Tom to Reddington and my own devices, understood."
To Red's amazement, the woman nodded almost meekly. "If you think that is best... of course, Antonio."
"Who the hell are you?" Red blurted his disbelief.
Reddington's bewilderment amused Antonio.
"God has bestowed too precious a gift to us," Antonio enjoyed the by-play, "for you to be involved in this issue any longer."
Liz smiled happily, nodding her acquiescence, "... Okay."
Red stared at the woman, dumbfounded, his mouth agape. Surely the woman was merely keeping up a pretense for the older mobster's sake.
Either that... or hell had just froze over.
"Now... on to more pleasurable matters," Antonio hugged the woman to his side, "you are ready for the party? Maria has expressed a wish to meet this little spitfire I have told her so much about."
Liz blushed prettily, "I am so very honored to be included in such a milestone celebration." she smiled up at the man's handsome features. "I hope I don't disappoint her."
"You could never do so." Antonio released the woman to Red's keeping.
"Should we bring anything?" Liz blurted, vainly trying to recall proper etiquette. She needed to consult Nora right away.
What could one possibly give to a man who possessed everything?
"Maybe a casserole?" Red quipped, sensing Lizzy's awe of this particular individual.
"All we wish is for your attendance," Antonio smiled warmly at the woman.
"I will most definitely be there, Antonio." Liz assured, her excitement a contagious one.
Antonio turned his attention, "Reddington, I will alert you of the updated information in a couple hours," he said, tapping the file against his hand before he leaned, kissing Liz's cheek. "Take care, little one. I will see you soon."
Liz smiled impishly up at the man, earning another kiss on her forehead before Antonio took his leave.
The quiet of the room seeped into Red's psyche. He welcomed it.
"That man can put you through the wringer better than anyone in my acquaintance to date." Red realized. "And that includes, Glen Carter."
Liz was quiet... too quiet.
"Did he disturb you?"
"What? Oh... no." she dismissed. "I'm very fond of him. I like him, I really do."
"Antonio is very fond of you." more so than Red originally believed. "He's also likable... if you don't cross him." he shrugged. He liked Antonio Crocetti as well, he knew.
"Yes... yes, I know that." she nodded absently. "I wouldn't do that, not to Antonio."
"Then what?" he was beginning to know her well. "Something is amiss."
"Is... Maria like him?" she turned about, seeking a nearby chair, perching precariously on the edge.
"Does it matter? You don't have to impress these people, Elizabeth. We don't even have to attend if you–"
"Not attend?! Of course we have to attend!" she arose, her face stricken. "I want to attend, why would you even say that?"
Red was more than stumped, it mystified him. "I know you're nervous about it but the why of it... it eludes me, I'll be honest."
"He's very important to you. I know he is."
Red could not deny that statement. "You are more so. If being around him, in any way, upsets you or–"
"No...no!" Liz was adamant. "He doesn't upset me in the least. I just," she quietened, "...I just want to make a good impression."
"...Why?" He was genuinely curious.
"... It's silly," Liz reseated herself, concentrating on the hem of Red's shirt.
"Let me be the judge of that." Red sat beside her, taking her hand, his eyes gentle.
Liz smiled wanly, appreciating his attempt to soothe her concern, "It's just that sometimes women don't like me very much."
"Well, this one will." Red knew Maria Crocetti well. "Stop worrying. There simply isn't a reason here. Maria will adore you." he stated a truth he wholeheartedly believed.
Liz nodded, arising slowly, "I better get dressed, I guess."
Reaching, Red halted her intention to leave. "Wait... you were looking for me earlier. Why?"
"Oh..." she remembered her earlier mood, gently kissing him. "...Good morning."
"It is... now." Red brushed her mouth tenderly, "I like you..." his eyes had fallen to the discretely covered area that was suddenly the center of his undivided attention, "...in this."
He flicked the fabric of his shirt, which hid the area, his eyes lifting provocatively.
"Behave!" she scolded, jerking the top from his vicinity. "Don't you even think about stuff like that when Antonio is–"
"...Gone," Red reminded, placing his hands on those shapely legs, holding her in place. "I think about 'stuff like that' every time you're near me."
Liz softened, "...Do you?" she leaned slightly to his influence. "Really?"
"I do..." His eyes fell to her lap, running a gentle finger up her bare leg. "Did you sleep well?" he needed to know.
"Are you exchanging pleasantries with me before..." Liz held her grin, avoiding the trek of his palm as it slid up and under the edge of the shirt laying against her thigh.
"...Before I accost you?" Red aided, feeling her warm, inviting flesh clear up to her hip, "...Yes, I am."
His pulse beat steadily through his veins when the woman flushed with pleasure having read the invitation in those light eyes. "Am I correct in assuming you will... work with me to alleviate these feelings?"
Red's sack quivered when the woman's cheeks plumped and brightened in color.
God, how he wanted her.
Slipping his hand under her shirt, Red traveled the silken expanse of her hip and side, teasing her warm flesh with his fingers. He smiled when her skin erupted with gooseflesh under his touch.
"...Antonio did mention he would be a couple hours," she gasped softly when his hand engulfed the indenture of her small waist, "...didn't he?"
Red's thumb easing over her straining nipple in agonizingly languid strokes.
"He did," Red confirmed.
"Well, then," she kissed the man languidly, "yes, I suppose I could assist you with that problem."
"That..." Red's rich tone rumbled intimately, "was the perfect thing to say."
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lizzy had somehow roped Red into hosting Antonio and Maria's anniversary party at the very last minute.
Considering the short time frame and some minor adjustments along the way, they had pulled the evening off without a hitch... for the most part.
With any party his kind attended, the odd dust-ups and shenanigans were to be expected. Though, he would have never imagined Elizabeth would have been the catalyst to one of the altercations.
No matter; if nothing else, he wholeheartedly believed Lizzy's actions had endeared her to Maria Crocetti in ways no one expected.
From the get-go, Maria and Lizzy got on well, so well in fact, they sequestered themselves most of the party to talk and get to know one another better.
Were he honest with himself, he was pleased Maria had taken Elizabeth under her wing and been so kind and welcoming.
In fact, the entire family had been amazing,
If only those good feelings would carry out into today.
Red's attention shifted to the here and now as Lizzy stirred beside him.
Lifting to his elbow, he stilled his customary practice to speak or touch the woman, which was what he truly wished to do, even now.
Waiting, he watched her long lashes flutter open half-mast... before she exhaled a tired sigh.
"Rough night?" Red murmured, settling his hand between their bodies.
"Rough couple months," she muttered, "I think you mean."
They lay in companionable silence, thinking on the last few days... hell, the last couple months, both more than exhausted.
"I wish we could get away from the city for a while." Liz murmured her thoughts, grimacing. "Listen to me, I'm thinking like you, as if I could just pack up and go at a moment's notice." a soft smile graced her lips.
"Why can't you?" Red stretched and grimaced as he loudly popped his sore, aching neck. "Is there a law that says you can't?"
Liz opened her eyes, slowly rolling to her side. "Well, I... I guess... well, why can't we?"
Red held his expression as the woman shifted a teasing look his way. "I mean, you own a jet, you're loaded... we can leave anytime we want."
"Exactly," Red approved. "Mark's invitation has no beginning or ending dates. And I for one am ready to go. How about it?"
Liz blinked. "...Yes," she realized, "yes, I am. I am ready or... I can be ready. I'm pretty good at throwing things in suitcases."
"Let's not go that far." Red mused. "Last trip you forget my boxers."
"I did that on purpose." she blinked again, this time a trifle seductively.
"I stand corrected." Red's tone dripped with sensuality. "After that remark... or was it a confession, I am more than ready for a little one-on-one time with you."
"What about the team though?" she questioned. "I suppose too, I should ask Cooper for the time off." she frowned as thoughts of the every day drudgery returned with a vengeance.
"I will handle Cooper and the team." Red assured. "Think nothing else of it, all right?"
Taking a breath, she nodded, resting back against the man. "What are your plans for the day?"
Before Red could open his mouth to reply, his phone vibrated quietly on his night stand.
"Well, let's see, shall we?" he sighed, reaching for the interruption. "Yes?" he said in greeting, absently rubbing his fingers along Lizzy's back.
"Hello, Maria." he chuckled quietly at Lizzy's reaction. The woman stiffened at his side, pulling the sheet securely over her bared breasts. "No, no... we've been up for a while."
Liz looked between him and the phone, straining to hear what was being said, her interest acute.
"Yes, Lizzy's right here. Just a moment," he held the phone aloft. "Maria would like to speak to you."
He huffed his amusement as the woman quickly sat upright, smoothing her hair into a semblance of order even as she snatched the phone from his fingers.
"Hello, Maria, how are you?" Liz smiled nervously, then nodded slowly at whatever the woman was saying. "Oh, yes..." she nodded jerkily, "yes, that sounds wonderful! I would love to go shopping."
Red muffled his quiet laughter at Lizzy's wide, shock filled eyes, excitement brimming from her tense body.
He smiled warmly as Lizzy relaxed back into the headboard, twisting the ends of her hair as she discussed plans with her newfound friend.
"Yes," Liz hastily assured, "Red would love to see Antonio, yes."
Red's grin widened when Lizzy shot him a stern look, daring him to contradict what she said.
Any other time, he might worry how easily Lizzy sacrificed him these days. This was one sacrifice he didn't mind in the least, however.
Lizzy got to play with a friend, and he would enjoy a smoke and drink with Antonio.
Rolling from the bed, he made way for the bathroom. He was just slipping his toothbrush back into its holder when Lizzy streaked her way to the private toilet.
His eyes trailed after her bare behind before it was hidden by the door closing. Sighing his disappointment, he washed away the cobwebs, wiping his face dry as the muffled sound of toilet flushed behind him.
Red smiled at the reflection of Lizzy's light steps and beaming smile in the mirror as she prepared to begin her day.
"What did Maria have to say?" he leaned against the counter as she set her toothbrush back.
"We're going shopping," Liz replied jubilantly, "and you're keeping Antonio busy."
"So Maria designated me Antonio's babysitter, correct?" Red stepped closer, peering at the woman's reflection. "Antonio is fine with all this underhanded maneuvering?"
"Yes," her smile brightened, "Maria told him he was coming over here to see you."
Red would have given anything to see Antonio's face when he heard his plans for the day.
"And when exactly are you two beautiful women going on this excursion?" Red absently peered at the clock.
"After lunch." she looked back at him through the mirror, her excitement radiating like a bright light.
Wrapping an arm about her naked waist, Red stepped in behind her, brushing her hair aside.
"Well then," he ran his nose along the shell of her ear, "..get your ass back in bed."
Liz's eyes blinked at the man's rough voice. "W-What?"
Stepping closer, he brushed the stiffness which plagued him against the woman's rounded bottom.
"We have more than ample time," his voice deepened, "to enjoy some playtime of our own."
Liz's eyes fluttered shut as Red's shaft nudged at the space between her thighs. Her bottom lifted of its own accord, allowing the thick head access to what it wanted.
"Get.. back.. in.. bed." he enunciated each word.
"Well, since you asked so politely," she lifted a scolding brow, but put down her brush, heading for the doorway... Red on her heels.
She drew in a sharp breath when the man unceremoniously captured her in his arms, drawing her into his sphere, his handling a little rough and demanding.
Lowering his mouth passionately to hers, Red pressed against the soft cushion, gingerly flicking his tongue against her own, parting the pout of her lips.
Lifting her to the mattress, he peppered the woman's sternum with kisses, before capturing a convenient nipple in his mouth, rubbing his tongue against the little pebble until the woman was purring like a kitten.
"Do we," Liz sighed blissfully, "have enough time for you..." she exhaled shakily, her voice a whisper of silky seduction, "to put that tongue of yours to better use, maybe?"
Inching his tongue further down the line of her torso, tracing the edge of her mons in reply, Red grunted his approval when she lifted into the sensation.
Grasping her hips, Red dragged Lizzy's ass closer, "Is that all you keep me around for?" his tone was heavy with growing desire. "My tongue?"
"No, you have other interesting assets," her small fingers curved sensually about the thick, pulsating cock that prodded the ridge of her abdomen. "We don't want that to go to waste, do we?"
She guided the thick head to her opening, watching its trek with avid interest.
"Make up your mind, woman!" Red wasn't inclined to deny either methods of intimate connection... but she didn't have to know that. "Tongue or cock?"
"You're a little stingy." she pouted prettily up at him. "Can't I have both?"
He sighed over dramatically, taking his cock from unresisting fingers. "Oh... all right." the man pretended annoyance.
"What I won't do for a good piece of ass." he lowered himself to the proper position. "Don't think I'll be this accommodating each and every time, is all I'm saying."
"We'll talk," Liz sighed happily, scooting very much closer to the man's vicinity.
Red lifted a sensual stare. "There's been enough talking," he lowered his head, his objective very much in sight.