Author Notes: I apologize if there are any errors. I'm in the middle of renovations, so my brain is overloaded. :D
LIZZINGTON
Shutting down the shower, Samar gathered her long hair, squeezing the excess water from the long strands.
Wrapping the dark hair in a towel, she secured another about her body. "Safe to come out?"
Francis glanced about, assuring himself the area was clear of the all-male revue. "Yeah, it's all clear."
Pulling the curtain back, she smiled as Francis waved a gallant hand to his right.
"There's a dressing area right there." Francis pointed to a curtained section when Samar came out from her stall.
Gathering her belongings, she followed her escort, casting a glance at the showers as she passed. Men's feet and legs were all she saw.
Sean McSha was regaling everyone with an old Irish melody. The guy had a good voice and wasn't shy about how loud he could sing.
Joe emerged, a towel wrapped around his waist. Sitting on the provided bench, he wiped the water from his face.
Dembe stood stoically, arms crossed over his chest. "...Francis." He halted the boy's disrobing, motioning to the pulled drape in the changing area. Meaning, Samar could emerge any time without notice.
"She's seen everything I've got." Francis continued the ritual.
"Who hasn't." Danny remarked teasingly. "Although, admittedly Francis, you are a rare specimen among men."
"Don't I know it." Francis dropped his skivvies, walking into the shower which Samar had vacated. He breathed in deeply, closing his eyes. "Vanilla and lavender."
Samar turned her head, halting the brushing of her hair absently, amused by the wistful way the man had stated the words.
"You smell deliciously sweet, my peach blossom." He called out to the woman.
"You are a natural born flirt, Francis." She went back to the mirrored image, shaking her head musingly.
"That's only one of my multitude of virtues, my love." The boy assured, seeking out shampoo. "Can I use these things, snuggle muffin?"
"Depends." Samar knew she had left her things in the stall. "Are you going to buy me more? You make more money than a mere working girl, or so I assume, from your chosen profession."
"That isn't going to be a problem, is it, my goddess?" Francis soaped his body, a critical scowl on the boyishly handsome face.
"Not for me. Is my job going to be a deterrent for you?" Samar shrugged slender shoulders, caressing those shoulders with a creamy lotion.
"You jest." Francis laughed the absurdity away. "I am so into cuffs and torture. Anything your devious little mind can conjure, really." He raised his voice over the sound of the water spray. "I'm there, angel."
Harper stepped free of his stall, briskly rubbing a towel across his wet hair. Gathering his things, he retreated to the dressing area, allowing Samar the freedom to head for the sinks.
Samar's lovely face took on a rather bemused look. "What a sweet boy...and he's loaded, too."
Danny and Harper grinned at the quip and her mood.
"Silas could buy her anything she ever wanted." Liz whispered, feeling bad for her friend who couldn't be here right now to offer over any services. "When is he coming home, Red? You and I both know...he's not resting one iota, just like I knew he wouldn't."
"You worry about me," Red murmured softly. Taking her hand in his, he curved her fingers about his erect shaft, stroking the heavy weight.
Glancing at the curtain hiding them from sight, Liz bit anxiously at her lip before nodding her assent. Reaching for the soap, she lathered her hand before returning to her pastime.
Capturing the woman's mouth, Red closed his eyes to the wondrous sensation, blindly seeking the dark, wet curls covering the woman's mound. Slipping between her tumescent lips, he leisurely circled her clitoris with his large fingers.
In seconds, Liz forgot about anything else for a goodly spell, expect the movements of their eager hands touching one another.
Breaking their feverish kiss, Red grumbled his dissension. "Your mood music sucks, Francis." He called out irritably, his concentration broken for a beat.
"What else can one sing in the shower but 'Rubber Ducky'." Francis wanted to know, his own tone a little incensed as well. "Don't cramp my style, man."
"Don't cramp mine." Red murmured against his wife's full, passionate lips.
Lowering her gaze, Liz watched her soap covered hand manipulate Red's cock.
It wasn't enough the dark blue veins in the thick muscle bulged with each stroke of her hand; the sight of Red's foreskin rolling back to reveal the wide curve of his crown never failed to fascinate her.
Lowering her attention further, she watched the heavy sway of his balls move against his thighs with each pull of her hand. How she longed to take the large orbs into her mouth and suckle them.
Shifting her eyes to the shower curtain, Liz licked her lips when she found the curtain just low enough it might hide her activities from the others.
"I want to taste you..." she whispered quietly in his ear before gently nipping the lobe with her teeth.
Biting back a moan, Red opened himself to Lizzy's wandering hands, welcoming all she wished to gift him.
"Do you have any idea how desperately I want to feel you in my mouth.,." She murmured, lovingly stroking his crown.
Both gasped quietly as Red tenderly slid his thick fingers into Lizzy's core, stroking her with added emphasis.
"You like when I do that for you, don't you..." she purred, cupping the large bag in careful fingers. The man's cock flexed hard in her grasp and wept with need.
"God..." Red groaned quietly, "baby... please."
Taking pity on the man, Liz stepped back, groaning at the loss of Red's fingers, but her sacrifice was for a good cause. Careful of her position, she crouched before him, taking the throbbing length into her mouth, sucking and stroking the rigid flesh.
Grasping the wet strands of Lizzy's hair, Red's head fell back against the warmed tile, panting helplessly.
Lowering his eyes, he watched as his wife slid her hot mouth along his cock, sucking him for all she was worth.
"Tongue the head..." He whispered, his voice strained and low. Any other time, he would savor this moment, but considering the circumstances... he would help the woman reach her goal, posthaste.
Doing as asked, Liz quickly flicked her tongue along the underside of his crown even as she sucked the bulging helmet with her lips.
Mindful of the others about, Red clamped his jaw tight, stifling the urge to bellow his relief. No matter how many times Lizzy blew him, he would never grow accustomed to how enthusiastic the woman was in her pursuit to suck him dry.
Upon their first acquaintance, he would have never guessed Lizzy would enjoy the ritual so much.
Initially, when she had touched him and taken him into her mouth, she had been rather unsure in her approach.
Even after assuring her how arousing he found her abilities, he couldn't believe she had felt so inadequate regarding her skills.
Neither could say that of her performance now.
Stroking his length with a confident sweep of her slim fingers, she lifted it up out of her way to give the man's balls some much needed attention. Bathing the weighty sack with long, slow sweeps of her tongue, she craned her neck, welcoming an orb into her mouth.
"Fuck..." he exhaled softly, quietly voicing his agony just as she drew the other into the hot abyss.
Lifting her darkened eyes, Liz moaned softly as the man's heavy bag pulled upward and crinkled, just as she hoped it would.
Licking a long line up and over Red's balls, she wrapped her lips around his width, tracing the dark ridge running the length with her widened tongue.
Reaching the tapered tip, she flicked her tongue against the extra skin she drew upward, sucking the bundle of nerves found there with an enticing caress.
Lowering his eyes, Red's focus was drawn to the glimmer of the moisture she left slathered along his length. He would swear the mixture of her saliva and his arousal shone as brightly as the diamonds of her wedding ring as it moved along his cock.
The agile muscle rolled about the swollen ridge, encouraging further beads of thick cream to the surface of his widening slit.
He shuddered as her beautiful, wet lips parted and slid over the distended tip and drew him into the hot cushion of her mouth.
The sight of her lips and hand working in tandem never failed to amaze and enthrall. That she was doing so when there were others just feet away...
Without a doubt, no one had ever given him a better blow in his life than Lizzy.
Tapping his fingers against Lizzy's scalp, he silently warned the woman she was pushing him to the precipice of ecstasy should she wish to back away.
To his everlasting relief, Lizzy increased her suction and tempo, enveloping him in a hot, velvety embrace.
His breath caught and held as Lizzy suddenly cradled his balls in her palm. His crown slipped along the width of her tongue, sliding closer to the back of her mouth and towards her throat.
The image it conjured was all he fucking needed...
Alert to Red's signal, Liz took a bracing breath just seconds before she felt the first pulse of ejaculate hit her tongue. Swallowing convulsively, she allowed the slippery juice to slide effortlessly down her throat.
Breathing out through her nose, her core suddenly tingled with sensation as her senses were awash with the mellow scent and taste of Red's arousal.
Tenderly palming Lizzy's head, Red held the woman stationary as he slowly pumped his erection between her swollen lips. Inching forward, he eased himself down from the tremendous high gifted him.
Just as slowly, he allowed his hands to fall away as the sharp electric jolts tapered to a warm pulse that traversed his frame.
Lifting upright, Liz smiled softly as the man exhaled a shaky breath before falling back against the wall. Closing his eyes, Red lost himself to the euphoric cascade for some long few moments.
Without warning, Red spun her about, pulling her flush against his body. His large palm slid along her breasts and belly before spreading her legs apart.
The thick pelt covering his chest tickled her back as his hot breath brushed along her neck, sending shivers of sensation down her spine. The wet curve of his slowly deflating erection settled against the crack of her ass before slipping between the rounded curves.
"I'm gonna bury my face between your thighs..." Red muttered the promise in her ear.
Biting back a sharp moan, she grasped the man's forearm as his fingers slipped between her lips and petted her opening before easing into the tight slot.
Palming the rounded curve of her breast, Red pulled and pinched the tight nipple, quickly drawing blood into the peak.
Waves of pleasure flooded her pelvis as Red's fingers manipulated her body, sending a torrent of cream pouring down around his hand and her thighs.
"You gonna come on my tongue, baby?" Red breathed the words, stroking his fingers along the saturated channel hugging him tight.
Jerking her head in a tight nod, Liz fought to control her soft whimpers of distress.
"That's right," Red agreed wholeheartedly. "I'm gonna tongue this little clit until you fill my mouth with sweet come."
Gasping for air, Liz struggled for a hold of something... anything in which to brace herself as she quickly began to lose the battle she so valiantly fought.
Feeling the shaking in her body intensify, Red knew damn well Lizzy was about to cry out in wild abandonment.
While he didn't give a shit the noise would reveal their activity. He knew the action would mortify the woman, spoiling what was a hell of a pleasant experience.
Releasing the hold he had on her breast, Red hastily clamped his hand over Lizzy's mouth, muffling her breathless whimpers.
As hoped, his efforts increased her arousal, as did the cock he pushed hard against the crinkle of her ass. The woman's sheath clamped tight around his fingers, damn near halting their movement full stop.
"That's it..." He crooned softly.
Turning the woman to face him, Red used his bulk against her, maneuvering her back against the wall.
Blinking her disorientation, Liz gasped as Red's body came flush against her own. The soft fur covering his well-defined pectoral skimmed her sensitive breasts. Her small nipples sharpened into razor-like points on contact. Arching into the sensation, her brow furrowed erotically as the slick, rounded bulge of his penis pushed and slid against her belly.
Catching Lizzy's bee-stung lips with his own, Red swallowed her whimpering cry, muffling the sound.
"Shh..." He murmured against her wet lips. "If I have to," his steely eyes locked on her passionate ones, "I can and will keep you quiet." he muttered. "Do you understand me."
"Yes..." Lizzy mewed sweetly, encouraging Red is his endeavors.
Liz's eyes widened as her husband suddenly crouched before her and drew her leg up over his shoulder.
Lifting his eyes upward, Red held her focus as he dipped towards his goal. "...Quiet."
Before she knew it, the man did as threatened and shoved his face between her parted thighs.
Slipping his tongue along her bared vulva, Red pushed between the puffy folds, attacking Lizzy's already swollen clit.
Hurriedly palming his head, Liz braced herself as she her body curled in on itself, unable to withstand the intense pleasure inflicted.
Suddenly Red's large palms were grasping her hip and breast, steadying her against his assault.
Burying his nose in her wet bush, Red traced the rounded curve of Lizzy's sex, cradling the soft surface on his tongue.
Grappling for a hold on the bar beside her, Liz tilted her hips towards the wondrous sensation, silently begging the man for relief.
Allowed better access to what he craved, Red didn't experience an ounce of hesitation when he took what was so freely given.
Exhaling a shuddering breath, Liz closed her eyes to the feeling of Red's wide tongue brushing along her vulva and thighs in long, broad strokes.
She never really paid attention before, but with her flesh bared... it allowed her to feel so much more.
Resting her head back against the wall, Liz sighed her bliss when the man's lips closed around her clit and tugged it into his mouth. A warmth pooled in her pelvis when he sucked and licked the sensitive nub before giving it a long, hard stroke of his tongue.
Her senses were so damned heightened, she swore she could feel each individual bump on his tongue as it as it dragged along her touch sensitive clit. The five o'clock shadow on his cheeks and chin chafing her flesh felt amazing, as it was an obvious sign a man was between her legs.
His hot breath beating against her wet flesh sent tendrils of electric current through her veins and down into her extremities in a pulsing wave. It felt as if any second the warm jolts would break free of her body and light up the room in a blinding glow.
Never one to half ass anything, Red approached his task like a man starved. He flicked, licked and sucked all within reach, demanding she give him her creamy arousal.
Smoothing a hand up Lizzy's thigh, Red caressed the woman's sodden crease with a confident touch, increasing the shaking in her body. Slowly sliding his fingers inside the dripping heat, he tenderly fondled the snug sheath as he flicked his tongue quickly against her clit.
Pushing into the sweet friction, Liz gasped as her world tilted on its axis. She watched Red's tongue flutter rapidly against her clit even as his thick fingers pumped in and out of her body and dragged toughly against her thigh.
Biting hard on her lip, Liz trembled as she fought to control the chaos Red created.
"Give me your come, dammit..." Red snarled quietly. Pushing up against the snug hold, he stroked determined fingers against her cervix, giving the woman the shove she needed.
Seizing sharply in Red's grasp, Liz willingly threw herself into Red's capable hands, allowing the rush of release to overpower her senses.
Biting into the heel of her palm, Liz attempted to silence any utterance she may release. She could only hope she had.
Hurriedly flicking his thumb against her nipple, Red felt his cock jostle about, responding to the sudden warmth of Lizzy's arousal hit his tongue.
Slowing his movement, Red stroked the woman's core as it rippled along his fingers, until the fluttering waves tapered off. Pushing against her clitoris, he smiled when Lizzy visibly shuddered and slumped back into the wall.
Pushing up from his crouched position, Red pulled the woman into his arms, kissing her pouting mouth.
Greeted with a mixture of their arousal on his tongue, Red grunted quietly. "I didn't think I'd love anything more than the taste of you in my mouth..."
Lifting to her toes, she wrapped her arms about his shoulders, flicking her tongue against his lip.
"But together..." he slipped his tongue along hers once more, "we're intoxicating."
Lifting Lizzy against him, Red deepened what had already been an intense, passionate kiss in search of more of the titillating elixir.
"Don't think we don't know what you're doing." Francis made mention. "You're too quiet."
Lifting away from Lizzy's soft mouth, Red scowled at the cubicle next to theirs. "At what point did I give the impression I cared you were aware of our supposed activities?" he asked, then kissed Lizzy's flush cheeks.
Silence met the question for a long beat.
"Yeah, I wouldn't care either." Francis wholeheartedly admitted. "Forget I said anything... carry on."
Nodding decisively, Red did just that. He smiled when Lizzy apparently agreed, for she met him in the middle and swept her tongue along his.
"Tis a lovely country, Canada." McSha was saying. "Course now, it cannot hold a candle to the Old Sod. Ireland calls me home every time and I'm just that glad to answer the call." He poked his head out. "Would someone mind handing me the duffle bag over by the door, just there?"
All the men looked dubiously at that duffle bag.
"Oh, get a grip." McSha rolled expressive eyes. "Tis only my change of clothes. Don't be so suspicious, will shorten ya life."
"So will handing you a duffle bag." Harper stepped up, however, tossing McSha the black satchel.
Offering a sly grin, Sean ducked behind the curtain.
"The Canadians don't know you're here, do they." Danny found the fact amusing.
"They are well-intentioned young men, true." McSha didn't enjoy maligning anyone without cause. "They're not very observant by nature, however. I enjoyed the fake fight they improvised for me benefit though. They put their whole heart and soul into that one, they did. Very entertaining."
Lifting his lips from Lizzy's, Red shifted a look the man's way from behind the partition separating them. He shook his head at such audacity, returning to his endeavors in the very next instant.
"Does anyone have a towel, perchance... I seem to have forgotten mine?" Francis was looking about his stall, a perplexed look on his face.
Unfolding her larger towel, Samar shook it out. "It's a little wet." She warned as she handed it through the damp curtain.
Francis inhaled the scent from the thick cotton. "I'm in heaven." He muttered happily.
Samar's cheeks lifted with her smile before returning to her bedtime routine.
Red and Liz finally emerged, each quietly composed. Liz cleared her throat self-consciously, hastily gathering her things.
Having draped a towel about his lower portion, Red seemed none the worse for wear as he sauntered to where he had left his clothing. "Danny...go for it." He crooked his head to his meaning.
"I'll wait a few minutes." Danny motioned to McSha's stall.
Shrugging, Red guided Lizzy to a nearby changing area, closing the curtain behind them.
"Not on my account, cowboy." McSha opened the curtain, stepping clear of the wet area. He padded over to a nearby bench, sitting, having carried his hiking boots over. "You'll get no trouble from me this night."
Danny motioned for Dembe to take his shot at the showers, assuring the large man he had his eyes on Sean McSha's stall.
"Really," McSha assured, "go ahead, he's got this."
Inclining his head, Dembe headed into an available stall, pulling the curtain closed behind him.
"I'm looking forward to a good, hot meal...one I didn't have to prepare m'self and an even better night's sleep." McSha shared his thoughts with a smile.
Emerging from their dressing room, Liz stalwartly joined Samar over by the mirrors, pulling her robe closed. The women exchanged subdued glances in the mirror. Samar smiled gently the other woman's way.
"All of which we can provide." Red slapped McSha on the back as he passed. "Wait until you see that RV. It has all the comforts of a five-star hotel."
"I noted the satellite dish...do you have BritBox then?" Sean seemed hopeful. "There is a series I follow. A new episode is on this very night, as it were."
"Is that why you came out?" Red was curious. "Dembe never misses Downton Abbey."
"That Lady Mary is one scrumptious female." Sean nodded knowingly. "Of course, I have to watch that show in secret...m' family would disown me if they ever knew what a traitor I have become."
"I have to watch that shit with subtitles." Francis emerged, shaking water from his ears. "All those people talk funny. Can't understand a word they're saying most of the time."
Lizzy gasped, having noted the man's lack of clothing, hastily averting her eyes. Red sighed heavily, throwing a towel over Francis' way, his look a chastising one. "Others are present."
"Whatever." Francis rolled his eyes, but tucked the towel about his waist, heading for his clothes.
"You people talk funny to us," Sean brought out the fact.
"No, I don't." Francis crinkled his nose. "I don't even have an accent, you stupid Limey."
"Which would be...an Englishman." Sean snapped his growing pique. "I would be a Mick to you Americans, I believe."
"Yeah, a Limey Mick." Francis retorted. "But I'm not into those cultural insults myself."
Sean sighed. "Thank the heavens for small favors."
"It's okay." Francis held up a reassuring hand as he passed. "No problem."
"What say we all adjoin to the campsite...and relax a bit before we settle in for the night." Red took charge, with a tight smile Francis' way.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Francis wanted to know.
"Go." Red suggested quietly, pointing the way.
"What's got your panties in a bunch?" Francis wanted to know. "He started it."
McSha grinned over, his mood restored. "I will simply consider the source." He informed a put upon Red Reddington.
"Yeah, do that." Red nodded that it might be the way to go with Francis.
"Well, then...let's get to those steaks." McSha rubbed his hands together briskly.
LIZZINGTON
It was a dismal, grey rainy day.
Silas lifted his eyes to the overcast clouds above. "Seems like anytime I come to this place," he shared his thoughts, "the weather is crap."
He pulled the collar of his trench coat closer to his neckline, for the light drizzle was constant.
His hair glistened with moisture, bringing out the gray and white speckled contrast nicely. An attraction which most women found irresistible, Francis Holbrook often said.
Those long locks were like a magnet pulling women out of the woodwork, was one of the younger man's favorite statements.
Unless someone thought to tease him, Silas didn't think about his hair. Truth told, he just didn't give a shit enough to bother with styles anymore. He let the shit do what it was going to do. He kept it washed when he wasn't out in the field, otherwise, to hell with it.
The burly man had forsaken his usual lackadaisical mode of dress this day, however, as a cold front hit Russia earlier in the week and was hanging on.
He sported dark slacks, creased to a razor-sharp edge. Hidden beneath his calf-length trench coat was an azure blue tailored shirt, blazer and tie.
The man stood, staring down at the marbled inscription on the headstone by his feet.
"I cleaned up for you, baby." He quipped. "Not much of an improvement, but I made the effort cause...you're worth it."
The silence came, and it was comfortable. This was the last place Silas had seen Anya. He equated her presence here. In this sprawling acreage with its myriad of ancient trees and quiet ponds and stately statues.
She would like it here. At least, Silas hoped she did.
He crouched, absently cleaning leaves and debris from the headstone, his fingers gently tracing her name etched into the marble.
He stared at the neatly spaced words written upon the surface of the stone.
Cherished Daughter...Treasured Sister...Beloved Wife.
Beloved Wife...
The man lowered his eyes, his voice poignantly sad. "I miss you, baby." He whispered, the familiar ache always just under the surface if he let it be. "I miss you so fucking much."
Silas shook the mood, drawing in a deep, cleansing breath. "I pulled Vadik's ass out of the fire...again." He lifted a casual brow, shaking his head minutely. "He's still the same, Anya."
The man's eyes hardened. Ready to vent his frustration, he stilled, and fell silent. "I-I don't want to get into this with you... again."
A thought came, bringing a smile to his lips. "He's the only thing we ever disagreed about; I know." His smile fell away. "But this time?" He sobered. "Well, let's just say... he hasn't learned anything from past mistakes."
The breeze stirred the branches of the trees overhead, the sound almost a soft sigh to the man's ears.
"The guys he's hanging with are bad news. I know you don't want to hear this but, I never held anything back from you. It's not how we worked...is it."
The wind died down.
Silas stuck his hands in the pockets of the trench coat, balling the massive fists, his expression a grim one.
The grey eyes scanned the line of mulberry bushes that ran the entire length of the cemetery acreage. "That's not why I came today." He lowered his head. "I want to share something with you...if it's okay."
He sought the ground beneath his leather loafers. "I don't ever really think of you...down there." He motioned. "It's cold and damp and you'd be alone. I hate that, so I just assume God has you with him somewhere really cool. Where it's always light and warm and beautiful...just like you, baby."
The man allowed the tears to well, but then angrily swiped at his eyes. "God, this is hard, angel."
Swallowing the lump in his throat, he squared his shoulders. "I've, eh...met these two women." He began slowly, feeling his way. "Nah, it's not like that. One's a flake." He grinned. "She's impulsive and manic and full of life and... sees only silver linings. Needless to say, we clash a lot."
Silas rubbed his neck with his hand, squeezing the tension in the muscles with his fingers. "She's kinda why I'm here, I guess." He could admit it here, in this quiet, tranquil place. With no one around but Anya.
"She's made me look at life differently over the past few months. No matter what shit is thrown at her and believe me, honey...there's been a few harrowing moments we had to contend with." The man blew out a slow breath, remembering back for a long beat.
"This woman always gets her shit together and moves forward." He shook his head at such an amazing outlook. "I don't know how she does it. I really don't."
Silas allowed the silence to fall around him yet again. "Her name is Elizabeth. Red has...you remember Reddington, right? Well, he found something special in that woman, Anya. Just like I did with you."
He allowed a slight smile. "I hope they get their happily ever after. I really do."
Bringing his hand to his mouth, he pursed his thick lips thoughtfully for a long beat. "They haven't had it easy, God knows. And the future might get a lot worse before it gets better...if it gets better. I don't think she'll ever change, though. She'll find something to be happy about. Something to cling to...as long as they have each other."
The man lowered his head, his mood mellowing. "There's another woman, like I said." He closed his eyes. "Anya..." He sought out the headstone. "Baby, it's been so hard without you here with me. I've been...so miserable. I don't let anyone see that cause it's none of their fucking business, but I can tell you, right? Cause I think...you already know."
He rubbed his eyes, feeling the tension headache mounting. "This...woman. She's a lot like you. Not in appearance...just life has shit on her since day one, I think. Like you, she's shown resilience and courage and determination. She's endured just about everything a woman can without going over the fucking edge."
He knelt, his hand seeking the support of the headstone. "I admire the hell out of her, baby. Just like I did...do you." He hastily amended. "I hope you don't hate my ass for this." He closed his eyes, sending a silent prayer to a higher source. "It's just that Liz has made me think of the future in another way. I can see one now. I even think...maybe I want one...now."
"Hell..." He rubbed his forehead with a weary hand. "It didn't matter before. You know that. It's why I took those jobs. I was hoping to bite it so I could be with you again. But that didn't happen, Anya. Why didn't that happen?" There was an edge to his voice.
He perched his elbows on the sides of the stone, his palms covering his eyes. "I thought you might talk to the Big Guy and tell him how badly we needed to be together, but...you didn't, baby. Why?" He felt the wetness soak into his nicely pressed slacks and didn't give a fucking shit.
The wind was soft and gentle overhead.
"Maybe after all I've done, I don't deserve to be where you are." He took that as her answer. "I wouldn't fit any longer." The thought made the man want to puke. "If I ever did."
He bowed his head, running the ridge of his thumb over the bridge of his nose. "Can't say I can fault anyone on that one but me, I guess. Made some stupid decisions in my life." He could admit it here and sometimes at night, when the silence got too much to bear. "You, of all people, know that."
He gathered his thoughts, moving on. "But...this other woman. Her name is Samar. She's had to make shitty decisions in life, too. I think she might understand and forgive some of mine." He wondered if that was true, though. "I couldn't ask it of any other woman. I hated asking it of you...but there's a sadness so deep when I look into those brown eyes. It was the same with you. Something touches my soul, Anya. I just feel like I can help her somehow, you know?"
He shifted his body, for the wounds were beginning to stretch and hurt in one position.
"I hope I helped you, baby. You said I did, after a while. And I don't think you ever lied to me." He didn't. "She's built the same walls you did. I can get through those defenses, Anya. I can help the pain lessen. Is that wrong? Is it wrong, what I'm wanting to do because if you say it is," he paused, wondering where to go from there, in reality, "...then it's wrong and I'll go on from here just like I have. It's why I came. To see what you thought on the matter."
The silence seemed strained to the man.
"I don't know what to do. You have to tell me what you want me to do here."
A soft, gentle breeze caressed the man's face. He didn't feel it, so concentrated on the dilemma he faced. "You have to talk to me, baby." The stress was in his tone and manner.
"Who are you talking to, mister?"
The small voice startled Silas, for he truly did not hear anyone's approach. Not that the little girl was all that close. She stood on a small knoll behind him, about five meters to his right.
Silas quickly looked around and saw a group parked farther down the cemetery path. Men were having difficulties unloading an elderly gentleman and getting a wheelchair out of the back of the trunk of an old Ford Fairlane.
"You better go back to your mom, kid." Silas motioned to the family gathering. "You shouldn't talk to strangers. It's a bad thing."
"You won't hurt me." The little girl was about five, with soft blonde curls and a sticky face. Silas had long since noted some sort of confection crumbled tightly in her tiny hands.
"Oh, yeah?" The trust a child could give over never failed to amaze the man. "How do you know?"
"The lady said so." She motioned.
Silas glanced at where she indicated. "...What lady?"
"The pretty one with the blonde hair. She's smiling at you."
Silas' brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"Hannah!" The child's mom had noted the absence of her daughter, rushing the space needed to establish a connection. "Come here! Leave the gentleman alone! You know better than to run off like that!" The Russian accent was so thick, even Silas had trouble following the rapid speech for a beat.
Silas understood the Russian after a fact, and the slight amount of fear on the young woman's face. That he understood perfectly.
"She's not bothering me, Ma'am." He smiled to lessen that fear and had answered in the same dialect. He noted the four men who had placed the old man in the chair, now watched the unfolding scene with wary suspicion. "I'm sorry for your loss."
Most of the family had already made their way to a freshly laid grave even farther down the way.
The woman's eyes softened. "And I am sorry for yours." She managed a smile as well. "Come away, Hannah. Let's go visit Nana." She offered her hand, which the little girl took immediately.
"Do svidaniya." The tiny child waved a goodbye. "Don't be so sad. She doesn't want you to be."
"Hannah!" The mother gasped her mortification. "Stop!" She jerked the child slightly, her expression beyond helpless. "I am so sorry! She just has the worst imagination and can't keep her mouth shut when she should!" The mother gave her daughter a scolding look. "She's so little still...she doesn't understand about grief."
"...Maybe she understands better than we ever could." Silas' eyes were gentle on the small one. "I know she doesn't want me to be sad." He addressed the child personally, those big blue eyes large and curious, touching his heart. "...I know that."
"Khoroshiy." The small lips turned into a grin.
"You have beautiful dimples there." He teased. "And she has them too, doesn't she."
"Better than mine." The enormous eyes widened even more so. "She's so pretty."
"I know she is." Silas lifted a noble head. "Spasibo. Thank you for helping me today and thank you for helping...her."
The little girl skipped off, none the worse for wear.
The mother's apprehension was back. She hurried after her child, glad to be away from such an enigmatical man and discussion.
Silas turned back to his pastime. "She can see you, can't she." He grinned at the area little Hannah indicated. "You're still the same. Mischievous little bitch. But you're my mischievous little bitch, aren't you."
This time, he felt the warm caress of the wind, closing his eyes, allowing the tears to fall. "I love you so much, baby. I don't know if I can do this without you any longer."
Suddenly, Silas knew...he didn't have to.
He had his answer. The one he had come for. He lifted his head, his heart full. The doubts vanquished.
"I want a little girl, Anya. Just like that one. I want a lot of kids. Hundreds of them." He could hear her laughter at such a foolish remark. "Well, at least four. A house full." He swiped absently, erasing the tracks of the tears. "Is that alright with you, baby?"
A gentle breeze lifted a swirl of leaves in his line of sight. They seemed to be dancing. Could it be his imagination or was that wind chimes he heard as well. No, he was just being fanciful.
"...Yeah, I thought it might be just fine."
A thought occurred, though. "Okay, maybe I better check with Samar on that one, huh?" He managed a smile. "Do you think it would be alright if I brought her here someday to meet you? Is that pushing it?"
The little girl's laughter rang out down the way. Silas glanced at the activities. People were crying, people were grieving...but the little girl twirled about like a dervish, not a care in the world.
She was scolded and made to sit down on a nearby bench. People went back to crying and grieving.
The little one sat, kicking her legs back and forth, rocking in a gentle rhythm. She watched a bird fly away from a tree branch.
Silas arose, absently dusting his knees. He lay a gentle hand on the headstone, having kissed his fingers beforehand.
"Do svidaniya, angel." He whispered his goodbye. "This doesn't change anything between us, and you know it. I have enough inside me to love two fantastic women." He could hear her bitching even now. "Just not at the same time, yeah...I know, hothead. Calm down. Not that I haven't done that before."
He held his amusement. "What do you mean, eat shit and die?" He put on his most innocent face. "Still got that Russian temper, I see." The man quieted. "I can't believe God would actually grant me the privilege of sending two such incredible women. I'm with you on that one."
He checked on the little girl. She was playing with a doll.
"Well...I guess I better go. I have to pick the dingbat up a gift before I bail here." The doll had reminded him. "I'll never hear the end of her incessant whining otherwise." He closed his eyes, smiling warmly. "Yeah, yeah... I know, get her that shit you used to send me out at midnight to get? That chocolate stuff you liked better than my cock? Lastochka? What do you think, baby."
Well...silence on that one. Silas ducked his head, a tiny grin coming, then going. He sobered, for he knew his time was coming to an end here.
He once again touched the headstone. "Rest, baby. I'll see you soon enough."
He walked back to the car he had rented, climbed in and drove away with only one backward glance in the rear-view mirror.
The little girl was standing now, waving a frantic do svidaniya. He could almost see Anya standing next to her, waving as well.
Tears came and Silas...let them.
LIZZINGTON
Refreshed and smiling their relief to be clean again, the team headed back to the RVs, walking at a leisurely pace.
Everything was quiet. But Red didn't feel that it was too quiet. He watched McSha up ahead. Why had the man decided to come out as he had? There was a master plan, of course, but at the moment, Red couldn't figure McSha's strategy.
Sleeping arrangements had to be changed, of course.
He was amused that the Canadians mouths fell agape when they recognized the new guest as Sean walked past, lifting a casual hand of greeting to them when encountered.
Nothing was said, no comments came...each were professional enough to keep to their normal places until any commands passed down through the ranks.
Red would have to touch base with Alicia Bennett as soon as possible.
Escorting Lizzy to the RV, he guided her up the steps and inside the spacious sitting area.
"I'm going to talk to McSha." Red said. Pulling the gun free, he checked the mag. "Samar, if you could stay with Elizabeth until I–"
Samar's brow furrowed at the implied insult.
"Now, wait a minute!" Liz startled, but snapped her mouth shut when Red's stern eyes shifted in her direction.
"I do not want any distractions..." Red gave his wife a pointed look. "You do not leave this vehicle. Either of you." He looked between the two as he slipped the gun back in its holster.
Pointing lamely at the group outside, Liz protested. "I'm an agent, you know!"
"Yes, but Mcsha doesn't know that, does he." Red snapped the reminder. "Elizabeth, you step one foot out this door," he warned, "I'll spank your ass so fucking hard you won't sit for days."
Crossing her arms over her chest, Liz frowned hard. "You better come back in one piece then, huh."
"I'll be a few minutes." Red headed for the door, giving Lizzy one last look. "I mean it, Lizzy... stay here."
Nodding dejectedly, Liz plopped heavily to the couch, giving the man a surly look before he stepped down the low staircase.
Muttered laughter coming from outside frustrated her beyond belief. Silence encompassed both women as they waited out the interim.
Craning her neck, Liz watched the man retreat until he disappeared from sight.
Shifting restlessly in her seat, she stood, then paced the short path between the kitchen and bathroom.
"Well, you made it an entire minute." Samar chuckled. "I applaud your patience."
"Can you see anything?" Liz rocked back and forth, squinting hard to see through the reflective glass.
"Not one damn thing." Samar said, then glanced towards Liz, smiling. "You know, five months ago, you would have bolted by now."
Leaning against the counter, Liz exhaled a heavy sigh. "I promised Red I would be more cautious... listen to his warnings." She grumbled. "It only makes sense I would retain my cover until we understood the parameters of a situation."
"I admire your willpower." Samar grinned.
Liz shifted a look the woman's way, unsure how to take the remark exactly.
"No, really, it must be confusing being in your position," Samar continued. "You're an agent. As such, you are trained to act on a threat." She stated the obvious. "As Red Reddington's wife, your position suggests it's wise to remain complacent at times."
"Yes," Liz granted, "and after Red and I talked..." she trailed off, then shrugged. "I feel better informed now, but it doesn't make it any less difficult to follow my instincts." She admitted. "It does help to remember, if I keep my cool, it keeps Red safer."
Shoving away from her perch, Liz exhaled a frustrated breath. "I'm just not very good at waiting yet."
Lifting to her toes, Liz looked over the partition to no avail. Huffing her aggravation, she glanced about before noticing the front window.
Okay, so maybe she couldn't get off the bus, but Red didn't say anything about not peeking through the windows. Rushing towards the front, she pulled the fabric aside. Samar came up beside her.
"And he didn't even threaten me with a spanking..." Samar mumbled quietly as she, too, peered out into the night surrounding them.
LIZZINGTON
"I'm assuming, after I have one of those sizzling steaks, I'll take the back room in there and Dembe will sleep just outside the door?" McSha seemed to find the fact amusing, which troubled Red somewhat.
"Of course not. Dembe will sleep in the other RV." Red lifted a hand. "I trust you, Sean. You've given your word."
That seemed to deflate the guy somewhat. "...Oh."
"Sleep where you please. We leave in the morning after breakfast for D.C."
"Perfect." Sean was better. "D.C., I've visited but always rushed through. I'm assuming there will be time for a stop-over there?"
"For a time." Red nodded. "We do have time, right? For such things."
"You do." Sean inclined his head minutely. "I know you're curious about what is developing and I want to help. I do." He genuinely seemed sincere. "But I have to do it in m' own way. I understand you have things you must do as well. And if you plan to turn me over to some other agency, say... then I am afraid I must make other plans. I will deal with you. I trust you. I didn't trust anyone other than you, however."
"You will be dealing with me."
"Enough said then." Sean was happy again. "Now, instruct Dembe to pile the biggest steak he can find on that grill over there onto a plate with m' name on it."
LIZZINGTON
Watching McSha enjoy the last of his food, Red's mouth ticked at the corner, sensing his wife's attention was fixed squarely on his head.
His own attention diverted to the bulky Canadian now approaching his location.
Quietly conferring with Evan Meyers on how the situation now stood, Red assured the Canadian all was well in hand. Wishing the man a good-evening, he turned towards the RV, intent on settling his wife's nerves.
Noting Red was headed her way, Liz hurriedly dropped the curtain and scrambled to her feet. Rushing for the door, she stopped abruptly, precariously toeing the stairs.
"Is there something I should know?" Samar teased, amusement lacing her voice. Bumping the woman with her shoulder, she chuckled as Liz stumbled forward and off the last step just as Red and Francis approached.
Lifting brooding eyes, Red frowned curiously as Lizzy's feet hit the pavement with a loud smack. The woman froze in place, a startled look on her face.
Scooting past her, Francis smirked. "Somebody's gonna get a spankin'."
Shifting his attention, Red glanced at Samar questioningly when he found the woman grinning wickedly, her twinkling eyes on Lizzy.
Chuckling silently, Samar motioned with her hands, indicating she had playfully nudged Lizzy off the bus... and was rather enjoying the woman'sstunned reaction.
Hastily looking away, Red withheld his amusement, having noted the look on Lizzy's face, for she looked very much like a deer caught in the headlights about now.
"What's the plan here?" Francis kept his voice low, interrupting the moment.
"You lost your room." Red reminded. "Want ours?"
"You want me to take first watch?" Francis asked. "If so–"
"Wait a minute. I thought we weren't doing that?" Liz startled from her frozen stupor, her eyes darting to Red's.
Pursing her lips irritably, Liz glanced about Red's shoulder. "Dembe, do you need Red's help?"
"We do not." Dembe gave his friend a cross look. "McSha will stay with Joe and myself in the other RV. You know that is the best decision."
Frowning, Red gave his friend a disgruntled look.
"If Silas were here," Daniel said, joining the small gathering, "there's no way in hell he would allow McSha anywhere near those two women."
Red contemplated that statement.
Harper seemed in a contemplative mood as well. "If you want my opinion, and you probably don't, but you're gonna get it anyway." he stopped for a breath. "Dembe, Danny and I have more chance guarding the guy because in McSha's case, less is more."
"Meaning," Joe added his two cents, "a more concentrated surveillance will be more effective in a contained space."
Glancing at his wife, Red nodded after a long hesitation. While he didn't believe McSha would harm Lizzy... he could admit he wasn't willing to take the chance he was wrong.
Red really couldn't trust his own instincts now, not after his decisions regarding Carver. He appreciated the advice from people he respected.
"Really," Daniel assured the man they had this. "I doubt I'll sleep much anyway, truth told."
Apparently, Daniel felt the same way Red did. He found it almost impossible to sleep without Lizzy by his side any longer. Obviously, the cowboy felt that with Emma as well.
"If there are any problems at all," Dembe reassured, "you'll be the first to know."
"Yeah... we'll yell fire," Harper teased in his own way.
"God," Red grumbled, "don't get him started again."
Daniel's massive shoulders shook with silent laughter when Dembe suddenly turned and headed for the fire pit, tossing another log on the smoldering embers.
"I'll grab a couple of the Canadians," Daniel hooked a thumb towards the men in question, "have them stand guard, just in case." He said. "They should do something to earn their keep, right?"
Clapping Dembe on the shoulder, Danny headed for McSha, who was happily toasting a marshmallow over the fire.
"Go ahead you two, get some rest." Red shooed the others away.
"We'll bed down in the front area, I guess." Francis took Samar's hand. "Okay with you, my precious?"
"Sure, Stud Muffin." Samar smiled prettily up to the taller man. "I get the pull out."
"Oh, you know about that?" Francis was disappointed. "I thought we could snuggle on the couch together, say."
"You thought wrong, beaver tail." Samar's smile held. "But points for the effort."
"I thought we had an understanding, boo bear."
"Bomber Guy outweighs a proverbial roll in the grass."
"It's hay and it won't be proverbial..." Francis held up scout's honor fingers. "It'll be phenomenal, trust me. They're both 'P' words, by the way."
"If I had a nickel for every time I heard that promise." Samar walked away wistfully.
"I've got lots of nickels." Francis called after her. "Search my pockets...please!"
"A little desperate there." Red grimaced. "Tone it down. Women like subtle."
"I'm past subtle. I've been planning this encounter all damned day, Red." The boy was beyond subtle.
"Best laid plans, boy." Red patted the man on the shoulder.
"Come, my love." Francis escorted Samar back up the steps, "let's discuss this like rational adults."
"That'll be a first for you, I'm assuming." Samar looked up at her companion with a wry smile, but followed his lead nonetheless until their voices faded.
Assured all was well in hand, Red took a bracing breath before directing his attention to his silently apprehensive wife.
LIZZINGTON
"Okay, the next time you want to take us out for authentic Russian food," Justin held his stomach protectively, "count me the hell out." He groaned weakly, laying his head back on the seat of the car.
David drove mechanically down the dark stretch of road which lead back to the Townhouse.
"I'll never eat Borsht again!" Justin whined. "And I'm going to Google some kind of Russian curse to put on your ass, Silas, just saying."
"Man up." The large guard was holding his amusement for his friend's predicament. "Blame David." He motioned with his head, kinking his body into a more comfortable position, which these days was hard to find, what with two bullet wounds plaguing his form. "If he hadn't wandered off in a snit, we wouldn't have found that quaint little bistro."
"What's in that shit? Cement?" Justin was pretty sure he had hit upon the secret ingredient.
Silas grinned. "Cabbage."
"Same difference." Justin suffered, not necessarily in silence.
David checked on his companion, his look a wary one. "Don't shit in this car, man." It was warned. "You do it...you clean it."
"Then drive faster." Justin snapped. "That stuff goes through a guy like drain cleaner."
Silas chuckled lowly, but out of the corner of his eye, he noted a black front of another car easing into view just outside his rear window. He turned his head, watching the advancement and soon enough, he was eye to eye with a most unsavory looking character.
Which, in itself, would not cause any undue alarm for the man. He had met any number of unsavory characters in his day. None had given any undue concern.
But this particular unsavory character just happened to be the one Silas had noted in the bar last night, when the money exchange had gone down with Vadik.
"...Shit." He murmured, as the dark eyes continued to hold his. "...Lads, we got trouble right here in River City. Head's up."
David stiffened slightly, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. He automatically searched for alternate routes in case one was needed, the tone of Silas' voice giving pause for thought.
Justin tried to turn to see the slowly approaching vehicle, which now was level with the front of the car they drove.
Each man eased their weapons from the holsters inside their casual jackets without seeming to do so.
Silas had already produced his Sig, which lay comfortably against his thigh, his finger having clicked the safety off several seconds back. He continued to hold the belligerent stare of his Russian counterpart, his own gaze steady and cooly collected.
Out of the dark recesses of the other car, a lethal glint caught the guard's eye.
"...Go!" Silas commanded brusquely, slamming his body back against the seat for any protection the measly action might afford. He lifted his hand, his weapon spitting two well-placed shots.
The belligerent eyes blinked a wide, shocked glint and then closed as the bulk of the man's body slumped forward.
David had floored the pedal, the powerful V-8 engine speeding forward with a smooth glide. It left the smaller car behind, but the pursuit would not stop there, each man knew.
Sure enough, the race was on and soon; the cars were almost hood to hood again.
Three bullets binged the heavy metal of the right rear fender. Silas fired through the back, shattering the bonded glass... his own shot more accurate. It entered the driver's side of the pursuing vehicle, causing the driver to veer sharply away, breaking hard, which put the sedan into a sharp spin, but the trajectory was righted in record time.
Justin leaned out the passenger window, emptying his clip into the rapidly approaching menace.
Reaching for the glove compartment, Justin grinned when a plethora of full mags came into view. "Have I mentioned, I enjoy working for Red." he said, slapping a fully loaded mag in his gun. "Never have to worry about a supply shortage."
"Share the wealth, would you." Silas expectantly held his hand over the seat. Taking the handful provided and shoving them under his leg, he sighed heavily. "Is it too much to ask for a quiet dinner and drive?"
"In Russia?" David glanced in the rearview mirror; his brow cocked. "Uh... yeah."
The back end of their car swerved haphazardly, skidding across the damp pavement until David hooked the wheel, causing the tires to jerk and catch traction.
"Why are we shooting at these guys again?" Justin thought to ask as he popped off a shot.
"One of them probably looked at Silas crossways." David muttered his dissension.
Justin's brows lifted as the shot went astray, tagging the guy in the backseat. The Russian's arm jerked, involuntarily tightening the muscles in his forearm. The weapon in his hand spit fire, shooting a bullet into the man in the front passenger seat.
"Oop," Justin tsked, "was aiming for the other one, but that worked, I guess."
"Two birds, but with one stone." David grinned. Accelerating off the highway, they took a speeding run down the paved road on which they drove.
Jolted back into his seat from the excessive speed, Silas grimaced. "That fucking hurt!" He favored his side, breathing the pain down as best he could. "The bastards from last night!" He finally found time to answer the previous question.
"The guys in the bar?" Justin had only seen one face, and not that clearly. He needed confirmation, but hurled off another shot, nicking their adversaries' tire.
The car behind them drifted wide, unable to secure a grip on the asphalt. For a moment, it looked like the driver would get it back under control, but the wobbling front tire rolled inward. Unable to steer, the car veered into some unseen object, which lifted the entire body a good three feet into the air.
Craning his neck, Silas watched the Russians sail through a metal barrier and across the opposite side of the road. The pronounced sound of the tires exploding on contact with the unforgiving pavement echoed down the concrete corridor. Sliding on its bared rims, it came to an abrupt halt when the side of the vehicle rammed into a high-wire pole.
"...Amateurs." Justin scoffed his disgruntlement the chase had ended so soon.
"This is Reddington's fault." Silas glanced down at his now bleeding wounds. "I don't know how, but it's on his bald head."
"Could be Vadik's little friends." David had slowed a tad, driving more cautiously now. "But we paid them off. What's their beef?"
"No... Red's connected somehow." Silas sensed as much. "I think I recognized that fat fucker... he was one of Vitsin's little henchmen."
"What's the plan?" David wanted to know, for he was driving blind for the moment.
"We're stocked at the Townhouse." Silas knew. "It's our territory. Let the fuckers come and try us. Head home."
David nodded minutely, wiping his forehead absently of beads of sweat.
"Good." Justin went back to protecting his stomach. "I really gotta shit now."
"Go ahead," David sneered, "it's not like we're gonna get our deposit back, anyway."
"You drop a deuce in this car," Silas warned, "I'll shoot you myself." The guard's tongue lashed out and to the side, his grin following closely.
LIZZINGTON
"Baby, come here." Red directed, his voice low and rough. "...Now."
Biting at her lower lip, Liz hesitantly took the last few steps towards Red, her attention fixed solely on the ground.
Grasping Lizzy's arm, Red directed her to follow, ducking them out of sight of prying eyes on the other side of the RV.
"Did I not tell you to stay on the bus?" Fighting a smile, Red strained to retain his composure.
"Yes." Liz frowned. "Well, you did... and you didn't."
Red ignored the statement, relaxing into his role easily. "You disobeyed me. Why?"
After the tense moments a short time ago, it was far from over, but that the situation hadn't literally exploded in their faces was all that mattered right now.
It was an added bonus if he got a few minutes' play time with his wife.
"Well, see, what happened was," Liz lifted bright blue eyes, then just as quickly averted them, "and I know you won't believe me... but Samar pushed me off the bus."
Tightening his jaw, Red nodded slowly. "...I see."
"I got to the edge of the staircase," Liz pointed, relating the tale, "and I stopped, just like I promised," she assured hastily, "I really did... and the next thing I knew," she shrugged, "...she shoved me right off the last step for no good reason, Red."
"Alright," Red cleared his throat, "then you are not at fault... are you." He slowly lifted her chin before giving the woman a small, affectionate kiss.
Cupping her tiny face, Red stared reverently at the woman, his heart beating irregularly at the sight of Lizzy's angelic face looking back up at him.
He may be a big sap, sure, but right now he was truly happy they were all alive and well. He knew what McSha was capable of doing, so that they were all in one piece was a miracle.
For the most part, at this time, he just really adored Elizabeth more than life itself.
Red's eyes softened, taking in the full picture.
In her distraction, Lizzy had allowed her hair to dry naturally, causing it to fall about her face and shoulders in heavy, untamed waves.
He knew by the shape of her breast; she was naked under that robe. To complete the picture was the large weapon dangling at her side, held in a sure grip.
He truly had never seen anyone so lovely.
Cuddling her close, Red's smile softened when Lizzy relaxed in his embrace, completely devoid of any thought or concern.
It meant the world to him Lizzy knew, without doubt, Red would not be here holding her as he was if there was the slightest hint she was in danger... and she would be right.
"It pleases me immensely to know you didn't disobey me." Red murmured, kissing the tip of her nose. Thanking the darkness for masking the playful glint in his eyes, he continued on. "Especially since it was in our solemn vows to one another that you were to obey me."
"There were no such vows." Liz remembered vividly, her brows furrowing.
"There wasn't?" Red teased, for he knew damn well that particular vow had not been mentioned, probably for this reason alone. "There should have been," he muttered quietly.
Taking her hand, Red walked the woman back to the RV.
"Besides, I didn't do anything wrong... remember." Liz lifted a stubborn chin as she climbed inside the large vehicle.
Falling in step behind the woman, Red patted her ass as she walked up the steps. "Get in bed."
"Okay." Liz brightened at the prospect of climbing into bed, with Red by her side.
"So, you do obey orders." Red followed in her trek into the private bedroom, closing the door behind them.
"When they benefit me, I guess." Liz shrugged, fluffing her pillow. "Not saying that bending a rule every now and then can't be beneficial." She knew that well enough, considering her husband bent, if not broke, the rules every chance he got.
"Then you did step off the bus after I explicitly told you not to." Red provoked the woman.
"What makes you say that?" Liz halted in her movements, frowning back over her shoulder at the man.
"I was under the impression you enjoyed the last spanking I gave you." Red averted his eyes. "It only stands to reason, to enjoy a repeat performance... you have to be a bad girl and disobey me."
Red stifled a gurgling laugh when Lizzy's mouth fell into a deep pout as the implication started to take shape.
"As much as it pains me to not revisit such a titillating experience with you," Red said, "it fills me with overwhelming joy that you were a good girl. Though you didn't have to be, did you."
Untying the sash on her robe, Liz hesitated upon hearing the lilt in Red's voice, but more so the way the man moved with a casual air.
The little bastard was toying with her.
Were it not for his ability to think three steps ahead of his enemies, the man wouldn't be the longest running felon on the Most Wanted list.
Even in the face of grave danger, his thought process was quick and thorough, which was made very apparent now, to Liz's chagrin.
Red knew very well after their discussion, she would heed his warning and stay away. That she remain safe was his greatest wish.
There was no question in their mind, that was Red's foremost concern.
Just as Red knew without doubt... she enjoyed when he spanked her.
That conniving bastard used that knowledge to commend her restraint, but also torture her ruthlessly.
While she should be proud of herself for making the smart decision to fade into the background where McSha was concerned.
It rankled her nerves she missed out on a hell of an opportunity through her own folly. If she had only just lied and took the fall for her stumble from the RV, she could be over Red's knee right now... getting a nice vibrating tickle on her–
"You're a good girl, Lizzy." Red's voice rumbled its approval, his eyes twinkling their merriment.
Having watched the expressions flit over Lizzy's face for some few moments now. He sensed instantly when understanding dawned on her, for what it was exactly she had just missed out on.
He supposed he could bend the rules and spank her... but where was the fun in that?
Narrowing her eyes, Liz shrugged her robe off, tossing it to the end of the bed. "Go to sleep... asshole."
Breaking under the strain, Red chortled, rather enjoying that endearment more than he should.
"Why don't spank me?" The man licked his lips, a thought coming to mind. "I was a bad boy today, you know."
"No, you weren't... were you?" Liz thought back on all the events of that day. "Did you do something you didn't tell me about?" She asked hopefully.
The silence was a strained one.
"And if that's the case, Red," she was ready to be offended, "why didn't you involve me? We're supposed to be partners in everything."
"So, you did want to be a bad girl today." He glanced over her way in that superior way he had about him.
"Don't put words in my mouth," Liz scowled darkly. "What if I did?" She tacked on, lifting her nose in the air. "Yeah, maybe I did... I don't know."
The silence returned for a beat.
"I'm very flexible, as you know," she scoffed plaintively.
"Oh, yeah... I know." Red blithely agreed. "But I really did have such bad thoughts today." He managed to look contrite. "I'm a little ashamed to admit just how depraved."
"You don't sound all that bothered."
"Well, I am," He assured lightly.
"Well, I had bad thoughts too, and they were twice... no... three times worse than yours!" Liz staunchly held her own debate. "They were filthy!" She grimaced accordingly.
Red tightened his jaw, staving off the urge to smile. Was this suddenly a contest?
"You would be thoroughly ashamed of me, trust me!" She seemed proud of the fact. "I mean... if I were actually going to share those thoughts," she demurred, "but I'm not gonna do that because I don't want to think badly of me."
Red's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "That's not what I'm hearing here, Lizzy."
"I can't help what you hear," she stated succinctly. "What are you hearing, exactly?" She was a little confused on the matter. She waved frantic hands. "It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter!" That part she was positive about. "I'm not going to tell you, and you can't make me."
Red smiled indulgently. "You know better than to challenge me."
"I do not." Liz challenged.
"The more I sit here," he turned toward her casually, her look a rather confident one, "the more I want to hear those thoughts."
"They're just too lewd," she crinkled her nose distastefully. "I just couldn't."
He reacted quickly, tugging the slight weight across his lap. The woman squealed happily, squirming quickly into the correct position.
"Oh, I think you can." His tone said it all. The man lifted his hand, palm spread.
A sudden peal of feminine laughter caught both participants' attention. Red halted his action mid-stride, turning toward the sound.
Liz braced her hand on Red's thigh, lifting the top of her frame. Her expression more than vexed. "Really? What are they up to?" She brushed her hair from her eyes.
Slowly lowering his hand, Red rested it on the rounded curve of Lizzy's ass... waiting.
Both listened quietly for a beat.
"Shit... did I stick that in your eye?" Francis seemed concerned. "Did you see that?"
"Well, no... because you did stick it in my eye." Samar laughed musically. "Actually, it was more my nostril..."
"Damn," Francis sounded contrite, "I was aiming lower... obviously."
Red's brows lifted, having heard that commentary. The sounds of rustling floated quietly through the vast space, interrupting the thick silence.
"Oh, yeah," Samar moaned dreamily, "it's so warm and thick..."
"You want some more, baby..." Francis asked politely.
Samar sighed contentedly. "Francis... you're dripping..."
"It's better that way, you know that," Francis acquiesced.
Liz wrinkled her nose, seeking Red out hastily. "Eww." she whispered quietly.
Red shrugged indifferently. "It happens..."
Liz struggled upright off Red's lap, her expression an indignant one. "Mood killers..."
A little more perturbed his playtime was interrupted; Red nodded his head agreeably. If they could hear what was going on out there, they sure as hell could hear what was going on in here.
Liz listened attentively, her eyes as big as saucers. "How can they do this to Silas?" She kept her disbelief low and for Red's ears alone.
"I don't think it has anything to do with Silas." Red granted. "It's just... a natural progression between male and female, sweetheart."
"There's nothing natural about sticking that in someone's eye!" Liz stated her considered opinion.
Red shrugged indifferent shoulders. "Accidents happen... especially with Francis."
"You stick it in my eye, and you'll never hear the end of it, Red Reddington." Liz tossed back the blankets.
"Well, I hadn't planned to." Red spread apologetic hands. "My aim is a little better than that, hopefully. I'm usually targeting something a little lower."
"I would hope so!" Climbing under the blankets, Liz sighed happily as the bedding cocooned her in warmth. Rolling to her elbow, she watched Red sit his gun on the dresser and lock the door, just as he did when they were at home.
She rolled her eyes when the man lay back, still dressed in his light pants and t-shirt.
"At least take the shirt off so I can cuddle you." She shook her breasts playfully.
Contemplating everything happening around them, and the promises made to keep Lizzy safe, Red cast his decision quickly. Sitting upright, he pulled his shirt off overhead, tossing it to the chair beside him.
"I was unaware you were still in a giving mood." He said, covering his rare moment of uncertainty.
"My god, Red." A thought struck Liz abruptly. "I'm not sure what mood I'm in right now... are you?"
Both tuned an ear one last time to their cabin mates.
"Wow, it got so hard, so fast." Samar seemed mystified.
"Yeah, mine always does that." Francis seemed rather blasé about the whole thing. "Look at that thing," the sound of shuffling about echoed down the hall, "its rock solid."
"I've never seen that before." The woman seemed genuinely impressed. "Why does it curve up like that?"
"It can go both ways sometimes." Francis' tone was emphatic.
Liz's mouth dropped, a small gasp escaping.
"That's okay, right?" Francis voiced his concern. "You can work around that, yeah?"
Red's face showed his confusion, unintentionally glancing down at the curvature of his cock hidden beneath his slacks.
"Oh, yeah, sure... no problem." Samar dismissed airily.
"Careful..." Francis cautioned. "I don't want you choking."
"Let me just..." Samar's response trailed off, the words muffled.
"You don't have to take the whole thing," Francis laughed. "I'm not gonna take it from you." He groaned. "I promise..." his tone softened, "you can have the entire thing to yourself."
"I got a better idea." Samar said.
More shuffled movement filtered back into the bedroom, the sounds inordinately loud in the enclosed space.
"Yeah, that's better..." Francis approved. "Take it like that..."
Liz gaped when she heard Samar's quiet shriek of dismay.
Jerking her head about, Liz looked up at Red, clamping a hand hastily over her mouth.
"Oh!" Samar groaned. "Oh... no."
"Dammit..." Francis cursed, "where did that go?" The man questioned frantically. "Oh, shit... I'm sorry, honey."
Having muttered those apologetic words once or twice in his life, Red grimaced, running a rough hand over his eyes.
"No..." Samar moaned piteously, "no, I did it." She giggled lightly. "It's... it's okay, really."
"Well, if you're okay with it," Francis soothed, "here, let's try that again."
Red pointed hurriedly to the fan on Lizzy's side table. "Turn it on, turn it on," he urged, "all the way up."
Lunging for the fan, Liz did as suggested as quickly as humanly possible. Thankfully, the white noise drowned out the sounds from the other room, offering blessed silence.
Enjoying the cool rush of air, Red settled back into the mattress, relaxing. Lifting his arm, he smiled as Lizzy snuggled against his side as he flicked the switch behind his head.
Instinctively curving his arm around Lizzy's back, Red stroked her spine with a feather-light touch. "Sleep, baby."
"You promise you'll get some rest?" Liz mumbled quietly.
"Well, after that exchange out there..." Red muttered.
"The nightmares..." Liz groaned her understanding. "I'm afraid to close my eyes."
"I'll do my best," Red promised. "If you'll do the same." He turned, kissing her forehead.
He smiled when he felt her slim fingers threading gently through his chest hair. She usually did that for a few minutes until she grew sleepy, like she was doing now, and her fingers slowed to a stop.
He felt like a living, breathing security blanket, especially when she went lax against him and snuffled softly.
The room darkened further when someone in the adjoining RV shut down their own light, indicating the first watch had officially started.
Relax, Red. They're watching. Nothing's going to happen.
Fighting to relax, he listened to his bed mate's breathing as she fell into what he hoped would be a restful asleep.
He knew, in just these few minutes with Lizzy curled up beside him, the anxiety he experienced all day lessened in its intensity.
He loved her so much and was just so damned happy, he was waiting for the other shoe to drop...for his serene peace to be shattered. Old habits were hard to break.
His life before Lizzy proved such vigilance was warranted.
There were times he wished that everything would just go away, and let him live happily in peace with Lizzy,
All he wanted to do was be with her. That's it.
There was something to be said for that old adage, live your life like every day was your last. Cherish each moment. See them for what they were, a precious gift.
He thought a lot these days about his chosen lifestyle, that it meant he could leave Lizzy at any given moment. Such thoughts never bothered him in the past, but they sure as hell did now.
That is why he always tried to remember to tell Lizzy how much he loved her.
After his first wife, he never truly believed he would ever find anyone else to love.
He lived a solitary existence in exile. Necessity made him chose such a path.
He glanced down at Lizzy's peacefully sleeping face. A rush of affection washed over him. A part of him felt guilty about having his own wife beside him.
Daniel and Harper couldn't be with their lovers. He reached, taking Lizzy's hand in his, bringing the soft flesh to his lips for a moment.
It was odd how her tiny hand felt in his.
He knew each man out there was missing the ones they loved so very much. He watched Lizzy's breasts rise and fall, a serenity settling about him.
If anything happened to any of the men out there, he'd never forgive himself. It seemed he took so much of their time that they could be spending with their own loved one's away. Here he lay, feeling sorry for himself.
Had those men taken that special moment before they left to kiss their women goodbye? Had they made love to them? Had they told of the love they felt for them?
He was only now beginning to understand how important such things were.
"Red... they'll be fine." Liz mumbled sleepily. "You wouldn't have got them involved if they couldn't handle this stuff." She stretched slowly. "They're not dumb..." she yawned. "Well, Francis is, but not enough it'll get him killed in the next couple days."
Red's mouth twitched at the corner, a smile developing.
"Now, stop thinking." She snuggled in. "It's keeping me awake."
Kissing the woman's brow affectionately, Red rubbed his fingers against her back. "I love you, Lizzy."
"Love you..." She mewled softly, then slipped into sleep again with Red following close behind.