Floating the room for an hour had been advantageous for Red. He had reacquainted himself with old allies and made new ones. Liz stayed silent for the most part, listening intently.
She did her bit of course, occasionally speaking with another wife or girlfriend, when called upon to do so, which had been just as enlightening.
A couple of times during the evening, she had noticed Red getting quite a bit of attention from the ladies in the room. At first, she was felt lucky to be with someone so recognized and apparently, highly sought after. Then she realized they were totally looking past her.
She had subtly touched his arm or stood closer to him, until his admirer looked away. But as they moved deeper into the room, the stares continued and held. With each passing woman, her touches became more frequent until she finally looped her arm through his, squeezing it fiercely as she stared down his latest fan.
Red looked away from the man he had been speaking with, down at her tight grip, frowning. He found Liz scowling at a busty redhead across the room.
"Something wrong sweetheart?" he asked innocuously.
"You're being eyed like you're a pint of Ben and Jerry's."
"I beg your pardon." Red chuckled appreciatively.
"You didn't tell me you had so many in your fan club."
"Lizzy, what are you babbling about?" he chuckled lowly.
"You could have mentioned a harem of your past lovers would be here."
"I've introduced you to exactly three women since we've been here." he held his amusement. "Romance was not an issue with any of them."
"I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about the couple dozen women I've had to stare down since we've been here." She pointed her chin back at the redhead staring in his direction, as a example. "You better not leave my ass here alone."
"First of all, I would never leave you alone." Red said, quite seriously. "And secondly, I don't know that woman."
"You don't know that woman?" she repeated. "We are of course, speaking in the Biblical sense."
"I would love to speak in the Biblical sense with you." he chuckled a dirty laugh. "But where as that woman is the subject at the moment," he inclined his head discreetly, "as Jesus is my witness... I don't know her."
"Do you have a reputation as putting out easily or something?" she was more than serious.
"There is nothing on the bathroom wall of which I am aware." Red jested.
"You know, I am standing here." she gestured. "Beside you." she fumed. "They make me feel rather like a nonentity." her good feelings about the way she looked were rapidly fading.
"I am sure they just want to talk business. That's sort of what these parties are for. To make connections." he countered rather coyly.
Elizabeth glared at the woman across the way, pinching her lips in annoyance until the other looked away. Red's lips quivered when Liz smiled in satisfaction to have won the match of wills, only to be thwarted by a new admirer just across the way.
"She doesn't look to me like she has Wall Street on her mind." Liz informed him in no uncertain terms. "Why doesn't she just come over here and undress you all ready."
As if the dress hadn't already made her utterly ravishing, Red found that stern expression on the pretty little face even more captivating.
"Are you jealous, Lizzy?" Red was slightly touched by the thought.
"Excuse me!" the woman flared instantly.
"Why do you care if they stare?"
"I-I'm supposed to be your fiancée." she stuttered uncertainly. "Aren't I?"
"Lizzy, you don't have to protect my virtue." he gently broke the news. "I don't think I ever had any to begin with."
"I won't argue with that." she mumbled. "Regardless of your impurity though, wouldn't it be odd if I didn't tell them to back off?" She whispered.
"I can take care of them myself."
"Okay, Red Reddington, since you clearly aren't understanding my point." she faced him squarely. "If a man was staring at your fiancée, like she's staring at you, what would you do?"
"Besides killing him." Red replied seriously. He had all ready stared down his fair share of men interested in her tonight. Nor had he enjoyed the emotions attached with the effort.
"I feel like I should have phrased that question differently," she mumbled to herself, "but hopefully, you get my point?"
She had expected him to say he'd stare them down, maybe even have words, if the man was persistent enough. But this was Red Reddington she was talking to.
"You may phrase it however you wish but my response will stay the same." Red snapped. "I've had my own battle of wills tonight, in regards to you, Elizabeth."
"What are you talking about?" she snapped waspishly.
"One male in particular, is not picking up on the hint in the least." he looked over Lizzy's head at the man in question, hardening his eyes. "As you've subtly hinted, there is a certain reputation to uphold, most certainly on my part."
"That killing him thing is not an option here, okay." she quickly established rules.
"And yet, it doesn't negate the fact that you have gone out of your way to ward off any women who threaten your territory." Red lifted innocent brows. "With that said, if he doesn't stop staring at you and your ass," the man reached around under his coat inconspicuously, "I fear, I will be forced to teach him the manners he so obviously lacks."
Her hand hastened to halt any further movement, her eyes widening at the brazen threat because she knew without doubt, this man did not make idle threats.
"Re–"
A boisterous man approached, moving the crowd aside as he made his way forward. A beefy hand was held out in greeting, which served as a welcome distraction for all concerned.
Liz didn't know what had just happened, but was ever so glad that someone had offered a reprieve to the tension that had been building.
Red's protectiveness of course, had all been work related. Logically, she knew as much. But why then, had the incident that had just preceded the large man's arrival, seemed so personal to her?
But that could not be. This surely, was all a show. Something for those gathered to see and accept as part of Red's plan. That's all.
"Lizzy?" The man distracted her from her thoughts. She found herself suddenly gazing into the clear eyes staring at her so oddly. She followed along docilely as Red's arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her along to a nearby couch.
They had been sitting side by side, talking with a couple when Red had turned to her, nuzzling her neck which made her jump slightly.
Covering her faux pas quickly, she rubbed her neck gently, scolding him. "Red, you tickled me!"
She felt his soft lips curve into a smile against her neck, "Would you care to dance?"
Smiling at the woman she'd been chatting with, she excused herself. "I'd love to." He stood, offering her a hand.
Making their way to the floor, she asked under her breath, "Did you learn something?"
"I did. But right now," he searched for a convenient spot on the crowded floor, " I just want to dance with you."
She slowed, cursing slightly under her breath, her attention diverted suddenly.
"Is something wrong?" he halted his steps, waiting patiently.
"My heel strap slipped." she sighed lightly.
Red held out his hand in offer, which she readily clasped for support. She bent slightly, readjusted the strap, the movement pushing her breasts together for his viewing pleasure.
Liz righted herself, having fixed the problem. The man stared blatantly downward, so much so, the woman's eyes followed the same path.
Finding nothing amiss, she lifted questioning stare. "What?"
Reddington more than reluctantly left his pleasant pastime, meeting her gaze stalwartly.
Taking his hand, her arm slid gently to his shoulder but the man's smile returned as he pulled her into his body, wrapping his arm low about her waist, fitting her form snuggly to his more masculine one.
They swayed gently with the music for a long moment, Liz feeling his warmth and strength transmitted through his touch. She hated to break the moment in reality, but one thing kept plaguing her.
She pulled her head back, looking up at him. "Were you staring at my breasts?" she blurted.
"Yes." the man nodded jauntily.
Liz's mouth feel agape, her eyes blinking at the open honesty. "Oh..."
Red settled his palm on the small of her back, his fingers falling casually on the gentle swell of her rounded bottom. He felt her breath deeply then straighten.
"Relax." he instructed smoothly.
"It's hard to do when you can't breath."
"In my opinion, I can't hold you too tight, so what's the problem?"
"I feel any sudden movement on my part will send this zipper careening across the room like a guided missile." she quipped, his nearness affecting her decidedly, already adding to her confused state. "It could put someone's eye out."
"Everyone here knows how to duck flying projectile." he chuckled. He rubbed his thumb on her spine, sending little shivers down her back, stepping closer as they moved in time to the music, his thigh rubbing the satin dress intimately. "Are you having a nice time now?" he inquired.
"It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I've met some very nice people." she tumbled over the words rapidly attempting to maintain the same level of casualness he seemed want. "They've all been very welcoming." she had been pleasantly surprised. "I believe we were speaking about..."
"Not now. Later." he cut her off short, nodding in the direction needed. "Doesn't look like a very pleasant chat, does it?" he had indicated the stocky man speaking with Francis over by the fireplace.
"Is that Edward?"
Red nodded minutely halting his steps. He sighed, squeezing her once before dropping a kiss to her bare shoulder, his arm gently guiding her off the dance floor.
"Could Francis be..."
"Lizzy..."
She fell silent, obeying his reminder... save the shop talk for later. "Where are we going?" she whispered.
Red guided her right into the middle of a rather heated conversation. He approached the two men gingerly, a smile on his face. "Everything all right Francis?"
The perturbed man looked over at them, "Red, tell this idiot he shouldn't take..." He stopped, shifting his gaze to Liz, before glancing back at Red, silently asking if he should continue.
"Go ahead." Red acquiesced.
"He wants to take the shipment through Zapopan on the way to Guadalajara. Tell him it's insane. You know the area well."
"It is faster." Red glanced at Edward, who was already puffing up with arrogance. "But there is a higher chance of merchandise vanishing. You have to be in good graces with Fermin." He looked at Edward. " Do you even know Fermin, Edward?"
"Uh, no. I don't." Red had to give the man a little credit for owning up to not knowing his connection. But on the other hand, he would have been a fool to have said he did, when it was something so easily checked.
"Francis, if you like, I could call Fermin and clear the way."
"Yes, would you? You, I trust." Francis breathed easier. "I know these hotshots have to learn the trade routes, but I wish they wouldn't cut their teeth on my supply."
"I'll do it now." he gestured to Liz. "Francis, if you could?" Francis stepped closer, picking up the cue. "Thank you," Red took out his phone, "if you'll excuse me." He exited through a nearby door, away from the loud music.
"Are you having a good time Elizabeth?" Francis stopped a waiter, grabbing champagne, handing her a cool glass.
"I am, it's been wonderful." she forced a pleasant smile, her thoughts with Red Reddington. "Thank you for having me."
Edward inched closer, making his presence known.
Francis inclined his head to her, "I beg your pardon, Elizabeth." his tone was not exactly friendly, but he was the host. "This is Edward Costa."
She shook the pre-offered hand. Smiling awkwardly when the man retained possession for too long a period.
"Francis, aren't you going to introduce me?" A remarkably handsome young man came forward eyeing the two men, before smoothly taking her hand out of the Edward's grasp.
"Ah, Elizabeth." Francis made the introductions, "This is Mark Donovan."
The young man's eyes hardened as he noticed the interplay between Edward Costa and Mark Donovan.
Costa had not liked the intended slight one bit, clearly.
"Edward," Francis warned, frostily, "back off."
Edward narrowed his eyes, then stood erect when Francis stepped into his space, "You're no match for me asshole," the man all but snarled. "let alone Reddington... so back off."
Any other time, Liz might feel a little embarrassed, being viewed as she was. These men viewed her as Red's territory and regardless of that fact, Edward wanted to stake some kind of a claim.
It wouldn't be good if she caused problems in Red's circle of contacts, particularly on her first meeting.
Thankfully she did not have to make any decisions. Francis was standing by not only his friend, but herself.
Though she didn't need the protection, Francis had stopped her from having to ward off the other man's interest, which would have caused a scene.
She had been enjoying Francis' company through out the night, but now, he was a life saver.
And the newest arrival, Mark Donovan, seemed just as determined to be of help in Red's absence. She was grateful to both men, whether they knew it or not.
Francis smiled charmingly at her as though the incident had not even occurred. Edward Costa had relented, however reluctantly, faced with such opposition.
"She is Reddington's, uhh..." Francis informed Mark, his face twisting comically, his eyes suddenly alight with shared confidence which the other man picked up on.
Donovan eye's turned cold as the dark stare settled on Edward.
"Main squeeze?" Mark teased, his expression two-fold as it transferred to Elizabeth Keen.
Liz cut her eyes to Mark, sheepishly. "I am not... that."
"Numero uno?" the man supplied another questionable adjective.
Liz held her smile, grimacing slightly. "I really prefer to be called his old lady." she corrected. "Maybe even, ball and chain."
"What a quaint term... my mom and dad referred to each other in the same manner. God rest his soul."
Mark sighed heavily. "Just because they don't claim you doesn't mean you can go around saying they're dead." he glanced at Liz. "They're in San Diego."
"No one is in San Diego." Francis disgusted.
"You see what we're dealing with?" Mark asked quietly.
Elizabeth bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling.
"They just got engaged." Francis piped up happily. "Her and Red."
"I see..." Mark scowled his confusion. "What kind of grammar is that?"
"Like, what?" Francis was momentarily confused.
Liz did not miss the fact that both men were making a very conscious effort to exclude Edward Costa from the conversation.
Were she honest with herself, she would have admitted the guy gave her the creeps. Even now Mark's eyes constantly stared a hole through the man, his gaze unwavering.
"Congratulations." He smiled at her, literally pushing Edward aside. The bulky man's countenance darkened considerably, and for one brief second, Liz was sure a confrontation was inevitable.
"Is there a problem here?" Red had finally arrived back on scene, thank God.
"No, just meeting everyone." She said brightly, answering before the other two men could reply, putting a halt to what could possibly turn out to be a bad situation.
Red sized up the situation in one glance, already well aware of what had transpired in his absence.
He put a protective arm about the woman, pulling her close, nodding his gratitude to his associates. Then threw an icy stare at Edward Costa, his meaning coming through, loud and clear.
"Thank you." He acknowledged, holding Liz close. "Francis, I told Fermin that you had a line coming through and that I would like him to provide escort. I already paid the fee for safe passage, as a sign of good faith, so you're good to go."
"And that is why I let you win at poker." Francis slapped Red's shoulder, grinning.
"You keep telling yourself that if it helps you sleep at night, Francis." Red replied in a deadpan tone.
"Red, you really should have a signal crew preceding Elizabeth. I was about blinded by this rock on her finger." Mark tilted her hand, making a show of blocking his eyes from the light shining off it. "Why is it I'm just now hearing about this lady of yours?" He asked.
"Because first and foremost, it was none of your business. For obvious reasons," Red stared hard at Edward, then straight-faced at Mark. "I've kept her hidden from you lecherous assholes."
Mark laughed his delight, "Ahh, afraid she'd fall for my overwhelming charm and sophistication." He made a show of straightening his cuffs and tie.
"No, I thought she'd be bothered by the smell of bullshit." Red explained patiently. "It clings so heavily to you."
Liz giggled quietly at Red's unexpected quip. It was so rare to see the man having fun, real, honest to goodness fun.
"Now my dear Elizabeth, don't you believe everything he says. I have a heart of pure gold."
"Oh my God, it's news to me that he has a heart." Pouring Mark a drink from a bottle Red had acquired from some unknown source, he handed it to the laughing man. "Here, drink that. Get the taste out."