A/N: Rated M, more smut. *blushes uncontrollably* I'm going to go hide now.

Disclaimed, as usual.

Chapter 9

Red stood with hooded eyes, nostrils flaring. She looked down at the sight of him straining through the front of his pants. He had to be uncomfortable, but he was so gentle, so careful when he straightened her out to lay across the counter as if she were his personal buffet.

He latched on to her breast, sucking and nipping at one while pinching softly at the other.

"God, Red, I don't think I can…I am slain…ruined-" "-Dramatic" he finished for her with a smile. "But I suppose I'll let you rest for the time that it takes us to get to bed."

She wasn't sure if she could even open her eyes, let alone walk to bed.

She must have spoken her thoughts aloud, because she squealed as he abruptly picked her up in a fireman's hold over his shoulder and headed for the bedroom. "Oh my god! Red, put me down!"

She laughed and wiggled for him to let her loose, but froze when he playfully smacked her behind "Stay still. If you make me drop you, you won't enjoy my next spanking."

She laughed at his antics. She knew he would cut his arm off before harming her. She had to play with him though "Maybe it wouldn't be much of a punishment." She said and let her voice drop lower, breathless.

His stride faltered slightly, but he didn't reply. He just walked faster.

Red tossed her onto his bed and followed her down. His lips worshipped her. It felt like he was everywhere at once. His lips on her neck, his hands on her breasts teasing her nipples, even his leg, which was wedged between her legs teased her clit sending jolts of pleasure running through her.

"Red, it's too much, I can't…Oh, my god!" Her nails bit unto the back of his head. He chuckled softly, pleased that he could drive her to that state, that madness.

"It will never be enough." His voice alone caused shivers to race down her spine.

Before she could reply, he was there and he was naked and throbbing against her. He settled his weight between her legs, he paused "Shit… Condom."

He tried to move off of her, but she clutched him to her "It's ok, Red. My shot won't wear off for another few months. I mean, I'm clean and if you're all good, then I…I don't want to feel anything between us."

His forehead pressed to hers and eyes clenched tight as if pained, voice so low it was just a vibration against her chest. "Are you sure Lizzie? This is big… I haven't…not in nearly 30 years."

It washed over her just how dedicated Red was to her, how much he cared. That one statement, tore down any walls that were left between them.

She reached between their bodies and grabbed his arousal. He surged against her, moaned into her mouth as she guided him inside of her.

He pulsed inside of her, filling her up. "Oh, Lizzie, you feel magnificent. I'm so sorry, but this time is probably going to be a bit fast. You're so incredible."

She crushed her mouth to his, lost in the sensation of him, of them together. It was better than anything she'd ever experienced before. Maybe it was because they knew each other's true selves and accepted them, flaws and all.

He pumped inside of her relentlessly, determined for her to reach her peak before he did. So focused on how wonderful everything felt, his rhythm was erratic, rough. She loved that she could make him lose his ever present control.

Finally, neither of them could take it anymore. If possible, he seemed to get even larger within her.

They moaned in unison, the waves of pleasure washed over them as they found their moment together, locked in each other's arms.

Throughout the night, Red woke her countless times, as if the dam had broken and all of the love and affection he was holding back for the past two years just burst forth.

When she finally opened her eyes the next morning, Red was on his on his side, head propped up on his elbow, just watching her. His hand was caressing her hip softly.

"Good morning, Lizzie." His voice carried the rough timbre of the morning. His smile was so serene. Despite their near sleepless night, he looked refreshed and well rested.

Her answering grin made his smile larger "Morning, Raymond."

Her use of his given name brought heat to his eyes. His hand ran up her leg to her waist.

"Um, white flag Red. I seriously doubt that I'll be able to walk this morning. I need a few hours, at least, to refuel. If you even think of touching me, I won't be responsible for any of the damage I cause to your body."

He threw his head back and laughed "I suppose I'll let you have a break. If you want a small nap or to shower, I'll go make us breakfast and bring it back up to you."

He was so sweet, he had to be tired as well. It's not like he wasn't a participant in their marathon. "Thank you, I lo-….thank you. That would be lovely."

She realized what she almost said to him and was more embarrassed than when she fell in the bathroom. It was way too soon for her to make that kind of declaration. Although they agreed on a certain exclusivity, they had mentioned nothing of love. She tried to smile through her panic, but she was well aware of how flat it came out by the look of amusement on Red's face as she retreated into his bathroom.

Red walked away from his bedroom with an ache in chest like a fist around his heart. Love. She almost said she loved him. In the light of day. He didn't know if she realized it, but she had repeatedly told him how much she loved him throughout the night. He didn't take it as a true declaration, as it was said in the heat of passion. He knew that he had considerable skills and knew exactly how to use them.

He was so anxious. He felt as if he was standing on a precipice and one wrong move spelled death. As a man who normally had plans for his plans, he didn't relish the idea of so much uncertainty.

Raymond Reddington had a new goal. He wanted, above all things, for Lizzie to look him in the eye with her brilliant blue gaze, and tell him that she loved him.

And to hurry up and finish breakfast before her shower was over. She was using his bathroom and had no clothes to change into. Hopefully, he would get a show with his breakfast.

Tbc…

A/N: Let me know what you think!