Red had spent a goodly amount of time saying his farewells this morning. He wanted to gauze the woman's emotional state, but she seemed bright and chipper, which allowed him to go about his business, his own mood greatly improved.
"Let's get going. We have a few things to do before we go to the Post Office." Dembe nodded and headed for the door, not wasting time today.
"Giovanni called?" Dembe asked from the front seat, hearing the excitement in Raymond's voice.
"Yesterday. He said it was there for us to pick up." Red grinned infectiously.
A short while later, they arrived at the Post Office.
"We should have given them to her at dinner." Aram complained, waiting for Ressler to open the trunk on his car. "I had forgotten about it until we were at the restaurant."
"Don't feel bad, Aram. She had a wonderful time with you all, that was present enough." Red glanced around the area, scanning the parking garage with the eyes of a trained observer.
"Still... she must think we forgot." The young man was still upset.
Dembe pulled his eyes from the younger man's nervous habits, slightly irritated for some odd reason. Being around a Type A personality such Aram Mojtabai, always made the bulky man fidgety inside himself.
"That you took the time to have dinner with her was the best gift she could have received." Red patted the man on the shoulder. "What are we going to do with all this?" Red quickly changed the subject.
Aram craned his head around the gigantic basket he was carrying. "Ours' should probably stay with us for the time being."
"There's chocolate." Ressler exclaimed proudly.
"I see that." Red looked over the enormous basket seeing a plethora of different gifts behind the gaily wrapped cellophane, chocolate being a focal point at every turn.
"You don't think she'll like it?" Donald asked, second guessing their idea now, his mood dropping slightly.
"No, I'm sure she'll love it." Red smiled at both men, "You know how she adores chocolate."
Both men smiled, walking away, examining the basket's contents happily.
"You really think she'll like it?" Samar mumbled.
"I do." the man smiled. "She doesn't think anyone remembered anyway. She'll be very pleased."
Samar pointed at Aram, her expression bemused, "You just told him–"
"I lied." Red admitted freely. "He seemed genuinely upset, now he's not."
Samar crooked her head, handing over a beautifully wrapped gift and a card, crossing her arms over her middle. "What did you get her?"
"What did you get her?" Red countered.
"A cashmere sweater."
"She likes cashmere." the man nodding approvingly.
"I've seen her check it out a couple of times online." Samar shrugged. "Now, what did you get her?"
Red reached into his pocket as did Dembe. Both opening their gifts at the same time.
"Oh... wow." Samar's eyes widened. "I wish I could see her face when she opens these."
"You're all welcome to have dinner with us." Red offered magnanimously.
"I don't know..." Samar whined her distress. "We have so much to go over tonight with the new Blacklister."
"Well, if you change your mind." He stuffed the box back in his pocket. "Give a call."
Red and Samar went over the latest information he had to convey.
Aram approached the pair, gingerly, fidgeting, wondering if he should wait to be noticed or just speak up. If he waited, and he handed over what he had, Mr. Reddington would be extremely upset with him for not having spoken up, right away.
On the other hand... the man gave up the mental battle, forging ahead courageously.
"Uh, excuse me, Agent Navabi, Mr. Reddington?" The pair looked up, observing the nervous man, who held a brown envelope to his chest protectively.
"Is there something amiss, Aram?" Red asked solicitously. It wasn't odd to see the man nervous, but he seemed truly bothered on this occasion.
"This just came for us... or you, but I'm in them, so... us?" Aram stuttered, finally handing the envelope over.
Samar took the folder, pulling out it's contents. "What the hell..."
Red peered over her shoulder, feeling his heart stop. There were pictures of Liz with her team from when they had dinner. All taken from different vantage points... on the street, in the bar.
All had markings on them of some sort, 'X's' and targets were drawn over Liz's body and head, the position changing per picture.
Red took out his phone, dialing from memory. "Silas, put someone on Lizzy until I get there. If she asks why, tell her I'll explain when I get home."
A little under an hour later, the men arrived back at the house, arms loaded with packages.
"You'll be on the look out for Joan?" Red indicated the 'helper' who would be arriving anytime now, he hoped.
"I will." Dembe was the model of efficiency these days.
"I'm going to distract Lizzy." Red headed back to their room, greeting the guard on duty outside the door.
The man entered the room, enjoying the domestic scene unfolding before him. The woman held her book aloft so as to not disturb the cat, who was draped across her middle.
"You like my new hot water bottle?" She smiled up at Red, laying her book aside.
"No better description has ever been made of that cat." Red nodded. "All she does is lay around, doing nothing."
Liz's fingers stroked the fur absently. "Well, what else is she supposed to do?"
"Hunt for mice..." he poked the cat, receiving absolutely no response at all, "be a better companion."
Liz chuckled quietly as Keres slumped further, molding more of itself to her body, much to the exasperation of the man beside her. "Speaking of companions, why is David lurking outside our door?"
"We were sent pictures of you from the night you went out to dinner." he got right to the point. "You're plainly targeted in them. I want someone standing by when I'm not here, just as a precaution."
"Okay..." she practically whispered as to not disturb the feline. "Whatever you think best."
Red was a bit taken back by her easy acceptance. "You're not going to tell me I'm being overprotective?"
"No. You were right. Someone may as well be nearby in case I need help because I sure as hell can't defend myself in the shape I'm in." The fingers stroking the cat slowed noticeably. "Were there any of me... uh... here?" she allowed her concern.
"No, they stopped when you left the bar."
"Do you think he followed us here?"
"If he sent pictures of you at dinner, he would have most certainly sent some of you here." Red sat down beside her, tilting his head, smiling carelessly. "Regardless, I will be setting up extra patrols." He braced his arm beside her, reaching back, "And you have this..." he said, pulling her gun out from beneath the pillow. "Stop thinking about it, don't worry, you'll be perfectly safe."
"How did you know I put that there?" She asked, but he dismissed the question entirely as rhetorical. "May I ask you a question?" He inclined his head. "I've been a lot of trouble to those guys out there. Some must be starting to resent me... and your bodyguards... why would they protect me. I'm not anybody important."
"You're important to me." he stated quietly.
"Still... to put their lives on the line like that, for someone so irrelevant–"
"You are not irrelevant." Red emphasized. "Besides the fact they like you–"
"They like me?" Liz was touched.
"You aren't high maintenance." he readily explained. "You treat them like they matter, you talk to them like they're friends, not the 'Help'. They appreciate that." his innate sense of humor came to the fore. "You let them destroy children's toys." he too, seemed to appreciate that fact. "And if it's not you they're protecting, it would be someone else."
"Why do they do what they do?" she was intrigued.
The fact that these men seemed to value their life less than another, astonished her.
"Most of these men are ex-military or the like, trained to fight and protect." Red stared off in a thoughtful manner. "They're bored by everyday life, no excitement, no challenge. They try to live a normal life, and find it tedious." he could relate. "They offer their services, see if anyone bites..."
"And you did." she nodded thoughtfully.
"I understand them more than most people that employ them. Plus, I hire the unusual types."
"I didn't think any of them..." She circled a finger at her temple to indicate a certain 'condition', "had a blown fuse."
"I don't mean that they're crazy."
"Have you met Silas?" she smiled sweetly.
"Unfortunately, yes." Red shifted into a more comfortable position. "I don't care if they're muscular, young or even clean cut. I hire men with experience. And most importantly, they are loyal." the man stated his preferences. "And because I gave them a chance when no one else did, they're incredibly loyal."
"I'm sure the benefits don't hurt either." she assumed he was very generous in that area, because he was generous in most areas.
"I do offer amazing dental and retirement plans." he answered seriously.
Liz actually believed him, even if he said it jokingly. She was beginning to know his 'delivery'.
"I was wondering if you would like to get dressed and have dinner in the dining room tonight?"
"Is there someone coming..."
"I just thought you might enjoy a change of scenery, such as it were."
"You know what, I think I would." She smiled brightly.
"Move chubby." Red tapped the cat but it only curled more tightly around Liz's tummy, hiding it's face. "You're suffocating her, get off." he thumped the cats bottom, genuinely annoyed when Keres flicked its tail in response as if dismissing the man entirely.
"You just don't know how to talk to her." Liz explained patiently. "Come on baby." she cooed to the furry pet. The cat raised it's head, yawning and stretching. She slithered off to the side, curling into a ball before falling asleep again.
"Damn lazy thing." Red mumbled before helping Liz from the bed.
Dressing for dinner seemed like a special occasion tonight. Liz chose a floral print summer dress which accented her figure to perfection. She knew she had made the right choice, having exited the closet and Red's eyes roamed the outfit appreciatively.
After helping her onto her scooter, they journeyed to the dining room where Dembe stood waiting at the doors.
Turning the corner into the room, Red was more than pleased at the woman's reaction. Her eyes lit up, her mouth falling agape as she examined the detailed arrangements with gleeful enthusiasm.
"Did you guys do all this?" She waved at the simple, yet elegant decorations and table set up before her.
"Dembe had a little help." Red said, taking the chair next to her. "Happy birthday, Lizzy."
"Happy Birthday, Elizabeth." Dembe repeated the sentiment, pouring their wine.
"You didn't have to go to so much trouble..." she was delighted.
"It was no trouble. We both enjoyed planning it." Red checked with Dembe who smiled in agreement.
"I thought the night out with the guys, was my birthday dinner?" Though no one besides Red had wished her a happy birthday, she just assumed that's what it had been.
"It was, technically." Red granted graciously. "Consider this your official dinner."
After an amazing meal, Dembe went to the sideboard while Red kept her distracted until the lights lowered.
Liz swirled around watching Dembe approach holding the most beautiful cake she'd ever seen.
Done in white icing and the most delicate flowers that flowed around the sides, stopping on the crystal platter which held it. A single lit candle sat in the center.
"It's beautiful, you guys." she clapped her hands together ecstatically. "This is such a surprise!"
"Make a wish." Red's smile was infectious.
Both men watched as Liz closed her eyes tightly, her face radiating in the soft glow of the low lights.
A few moments of silence stretched into a questionable length of time. Red looked at Dembe, then ostensibly glanced at his watch, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Finally the woman's eyes popped open. She leaned forward, blowing the candle out, her face beaming happily.
Red really loved her innocence sometimes. It took a special type of person to maintain that quality, to think that hard on a birthday wish, after all she had seen in her work and life.
While most would wish for their mortgage payment to lower or to not pay taxes that year or not even wish at all. He'd bet that Lizzy actually wished for something totally out of character for a woman of her age, if the look on her face was any criteria by which to judge.
"Aren't you going to cut it?" He asked, watching her hover over the cake with a knife.
"I can't do it! It's too pretty." she grimaced painfully, handing it over to the man. "You do it. I can't look." she turned her face away.
Red chuckled, but took the offered knife, cutting into the decadent confection.
"Oh... it's all white and milk chocolate?" she had instantly noted. "My favorites." she sounded totally joyous.
The caterer suggested dark and German chocolate, but Red was aware of Liz's preference.
And as he watched her devour the cake, he knew he had made the correct choice. "Would you like another slice."
"If I do, I won't be able to move." she sat back sated. "That was a wonderful dinner Red." she reached over, covering the large black man's hand. "Dembe. Thank you so much... both of you."
"Don't thank us yet, you still have to open your presents." Red pointed to the packages.
"Samar asked if we could record you opening your gifts." he remembered the conversation.
"No, no. Don't do that." She chuckled then shrugged. "Oh... okay." she motioned rapidly, indicating that the gifts should be handed over immediately.
Dembe pulled out his phone, gesturing that he was ready to begin.
Red brought over the huge basket. "This is from Aram and Donald. They wished you a very happy birthday."
She squealed happily, pulling on the enormous bow, the cellophane falling away to reveal lotion, bath products, a candle, funny books, chocolate and a bottle of wine. Pulling each item out, she read the labels or covers, smiling softly with each passing gift.
Turning to the camera, she thanked the guys for their thoughtfulness before rubbing the delicately scented lotion on her hands. Red's eyes deepened with a strange light as he watched the process.
Dembe brought the man back to the present, his expression benign, as he saved the video clip.
Liz popped a piece of chocolate in her mouth.
"This one is from Samar." Red collected himself dutifully.
Liz pulled at the bow before ripping the paper and opening the top of the box, gasping.
"Oh, Samar!" She pulled the v-neck cashmere sweater from it's box, holding it up to herself then feeling the soft material between delicate fingertips. "I absolutely love it!"
"I really like the color." Red stated his opinion.
She folded the deep red article of clothing carefully beside her, stroking it once more before moving the box. Her brow pulled into an attractive frown.
"What's this?" Opening the lid, she peeled the tissue paper back, her cheeks turning the color of her sweater when she saw a beautiful matching set of bra and panties inside.
"What did you find?" Red inquired, having a pretty good idea what might still be in that box, if the expression on her face was any indication.
Shooting an evil look to the camera, completely forgetting the man behind it, "Thanks, Samar." She turned to Red, "It's nothing." She said quickly. "A girl thing."
Red instantly sat another gift before her, giving her the reprieve needed. "This is from Dembe."
She smiled warmly at the man, hesitating before opening it. "Dembe, you did not have to do this." her sincerity was apparent. "But this is so nice."
She pulled the bow, her fingers hovering above the beautiful paper.
"Rip it, Lizzy." Red urged.
"I'm sorry, it's pretty paper." She giggled before doing as directed, finding a black velvet box underneath, her eyes lifting instantly in open awe. "What did you do?"
"Open it." The man smiled.
She cracked the top open, gasping, placing her hand to her mouth before lifting the diamond and ruby tennis bracelet from the soft cushion. "Oh my God!" she exclaimed breathlessly. "It's simply exquisite."
Red came to her, taking the bracelet from her shaking fingers, looping it around her wrist. Dembe had chosen something else originally, but having seen what Red had coveted, he had chosen this gift instead.
"Oh my God!" she waved Dembe to her, blotting her misting eyes.
He stopped the video and walked around the table bending when she pulled at his arm, wrapping her's around him, squeezing him tightly.
"Oh my God, I love it, Dembe. Thank you so much." She kissed his cheek lightly before releasing him, then grabbed his hand, her eyes fixated on the handsome face. "Oh my God... thank you, really! Really!" she emphasized. "Really."
He chuckled his amusement, "You are most welcome. I'm glad you enjoy it."
"Enjoy doesn't begin to describe it..." She laughed, wiping the tears of joy from her eyes. Moving her wrist back and forth, she watched the gems sparkle under the dim lighting.
Red sat another box in front of her, pleased with her reaction to his friend's offering. "This is from me." he said simply.
Removing the bow and paper with flourish, she again encountered a black velvet box. "You guys are terrible... but don't ever change." She slowly opened the lid, before her hand fluttered to her chest, her eyes widening.
"Red..." she drawled, wonderstruck. She traced the diamond and ruby Journey necklace and earrings with her fingertip, tears dropping to the plush velvet cushion upon which they lay.
"I've wanted one of these since I first saw..." She sniffled, accepting the handkerchief that came into view. She was literally speechless for a time, her eyes unable to look from the elegantly crafted jewels. "I love them, Red." She said around quivering lips. "Oh my God..." the woman whispered sacredly.
Red had seen the sapphire bracelet Dembe had picked, and had to agree, it did match her eyes, but then he had seen the sparkling red jewels and couldn't resist. Lizzy had been wearing more red clothing lately, and she looked so warm and beautiful in the items, surely the rubies would be just as beautiful.
But more importantly, he had seen Lizzy look at the necklace before. More so now, since Tom left.
Though, the significance of the necklace, the meaning behind it, had altered.
Red wondered if she had hoped Tom would buy one for her for a birthday, perhaps even an anniversary? A way to commemorate the journey they were taking as a married couple?
If so, that hope had been met with disappointment. And he wasn't just talking about the jewelry.
Her hopes for her marriage, a family... had never materialized.
Hence the reason Red had bought it for her now. A way to mark an important moment, a turning point in her life that was going to be full of self discovery, challenges, ambitions and dreams.
A new beginning. A new journey.
Red was very pleased she liked his gift so much. Though, he had to admit, he was surprised she accepted it so easily.
Not that he was complaining in the least. He just assumed he'd have a fight on his hands.
Dembe shut down the video, quietly arose, heading for the door.
Liz pushed her chair back then stood awkwardly as she reached for Red Reddington.
She squeezed him in a tight hug, crying softly as he stroked her back. "Thank you for everything." The woman whispered into his shoulder. "It's been the best birthday ever."
The man rocked her gently, rubbing his cheek against her soft hair. "I'm glad you enjoyed dinner and your gifts."
"It's not just because of dinner and the gifts." She squeezed him harder. "I'm glad I got to spend it with friends."
Dembe smiled at the two embracing as he closed the door behind him, leaving them to their privacy.
The next morning, Red received a call he needed to attend to and was very pleased with the results that call had garnered. Now if Lizzy was as happy, all would be well.
Until then, he sat back in his chair, reaching for the envelope that had been staring back at him for the last hour. And only one sentence in, he wished Lizzy's stalker would hire a ghost writer.
If the letters were going to keep arriving, the man could make them entertaining, or at the very least, less repetitious.
I'm pleased you tried to get away from Reddington as planned. I tried to get your attention to make a getaway, but you were distracted by that woman. She is as bad as Reddington, taking your drink away, like you were a child.
I thought your eyes had connected with mine, but if they had, you would have come to me.
I need you to know I was there, I was watching. I know you must be as disgusted as I am, with how Reddington touched you.
Know that it will not go on forever. Take comfort knowing that you won't be subjected to him much longer. And when you are rid of him, you will be purged of his filth. I may have found a way to rid us of his presence, but you must be patient.
The man placed the letter in his pocket, shaking off the author's insanity, pushing back from the large desk.
He went off in search of Lizzy.
As he stepped through the doorway, the woman looked up from the tv screen. "If I order this thing right now, on tv. I get a free one if I pay shipping and handling."
Red glanced at the screen, "Do you really need a Hurricane Spin Scrubber?"
"Who doesn't?" she held her smile. "And it's only three payments of nineteen ninety-nine."
"I'm glad you're in such a good mood... because I have something to tell you that is going to piss you off, but I want you to hear me out before going ballistic."
"Okay..." Liz drawled nervously. "But are you going to buy me the Hurricane Spinner?"
"I sold your house." he stated bluntly.
Liz's mouth dropped open, shocked. "You... I... what?"
"Now, before you start throwing things, I did it because too many people knew where to find you, obviously." he held his hand out, stilling the woman. "Plus, they splashed your house across the news. Harold stopped them from showing your picture, but if anybody researched..." Reddington always thought three or four moves in advance. "You need better security, Lizzy. And you weren't going to get it there."
She had sat, sputtering, trying to form some sort of response, finally asking the first coherent thing to come to mind, "...How much?"
"If I told you that I got two hundred thousand more than what you paid for it, would it make you feel better?"
Her eyes bugged out, "Did you?"
"I did."
She sat back heavily into the pillows, mentally drained for a second.
"I don't know what to say..." she told the truth, a thought suddenly occurring, "Weird... I'm homeless."
"No, you are not." Red tsked, waving a hand above their heads. "I don't know if you've noticed, but there is a roof on this house."
"Uh, yeah. The roof of your house." she made mention.
"A house that has your name on the deed." her mouth fell agape once again, her senses reeling. "Actually, come to think of it, a lot of the properties I own have your name on the deed." he stated conversationally.
"I need to lay down." she was suddenly certain of the fact.
Red helped her adjusted the blankets and pillow behind her head. "You're upset." he took for granted.
"I think you mean, overwhelmed." she corrected.
"Oh? Well... that's not so bad." he decided.
"Red, do you not realize how weird this is, putting my name on these houses?" she had to ask or die.
"Why would you say that?" he was perplexed. "I always figured that if something happened to me, you and Dembe would handle my estate, split the profits, maybe hand some over to my daughter if you ever found her." he tilted his head, quirkily, his expression saying it all. "I know you two would do the right thing."
"Isn't that what a lawyer is for?"
"Oh, please." Red scoffed. "I trust lawyers about as far as I can throw one."
"Which isn't saying much where you're concerned if there's a tall building around." She muttered.
"No, this way is better." he totally ignored her implication. "Don't think about it right now. Just concentrate on what you would like to do." the subject was closed in Red's mind. "Shop around a bit, have fun with it, don't settle for anything." he forewarned. "Besides it's not like you have to make any decisions at all, really, since technically, you're home right now, remember?"
Elizabeth's eyes glazed over. She could not wrap her mind around the fact that this amazing house was technically ... hers.
"Did you see who bought the old house?" she enquired absently. "Was it a couple?"
"Oh, no." Red laughed. "Francis bought it. Took my suggestion and will be making it a guest house for out of town business visitors."
For which Red was thankful. With Francis owning the house, the letters would continue to come uninterrupted.
"I also need to know, did you see anyone odd when you were at dinner with your team."
"What do you mean, odd?" she questioned.
"Was anyone trying to get your attention?" the man began slowly. "Did anyone approach you, brush past too close? Did you make eye contact with anyone?" his hands gestured slightly. "Anything of that nature?"
She thought the problem through slowly but thoroughly, coming up blank.
"You're in the restaurant. Did you look at anyone, did someone look at you. Anyone other than the waitress come in?" Red watched her, fascinated as she visibly searched her memories of that evening.
"No," she regretfully sighed, coming up empty. "nothing."
"All right. You went across the street to the bar." he probed gently. "Did you pass anyone on the street."
"A couple, college students." her eyes had automatically re-closed as she focused. She smiled softly, "Too busy kissing to notice anyone else."
Red continued. "Okay, you're at the bar. What next?"
"We sat near the bar, ordered drinks." the woman said. "Aram and Ress played darts next to us." She was quiet a few seconds, then shivered, her brow puckering.
"What? What did you see?" he picked up on the change instantly.
"What was that horrendous drink you bought?" She stuck her tongue out, as though ridding herself of the long gone taste.
"I'm sorry?" he queried.
"I had just finished my drink and the waitress came over, sitting a new drink in front of me." she distinctly recalled. "I thought she had the wrong table, and she said, the gentleman bought it, then said, I'd know who it was from." her brow furrowed attractively.
"I took a drink and about spewed it across the table, it was sickeningly sweet and sour." she grimaced accordingly. "I just knew you were watching for my reaction." the blue eyes opened accusingly. "What the hell was that Red?"
"Sweetheart, I didn't buy you a drink."
"You didn't?" she was surprised.
"No...what did you do with it, the drink?"
"Samar took it. Made about the same face I did, but said it was free alcohol and who was she to complain."
"Did you look around at all, make eye contact with anyone."
"There was a scuffle." she did recall. "The bouncers calmed them down quickly. Then I..." She moved her head to the left, hesitating, scrunching her face. "I caught eyes with a man when we both looked away from the fight."
"What did he look like?"
"Brown hair, dark eyes, I think. The lights were low, I couldn't see very well. Medium build I guess?"
"Like Aram?"
"No..." She drawled.
"Ressler?"
"Yeah, like Ress." She nodded. "He was clean cut. Short hair, but curling at the ends a bit. He was in a suit."
"How many times did you make eye contact with him?"
"I don't know, two, three times? Why?" she irritated. "What's with the questions?"
He reached into his pocket, pulling out the newest letter, handing it to her. Waiting quietly as she read it.
"He ordered the drink?" she looked up from the letter.
"Sounds like it, yes."
"Maybe it was stage one in his goal of purging me." she quipped.
Red could sympathize her revulsion. That must have been one bad drink. "Would you recognize him if you saw him again?"
"I don't know, probably not, not really." she admitted. "He was just a faceless man in a crowd, you know. I mean, maybe if there was a line up of five guys, it might be a possibility." she shook her head negatively. "But on a crowded street," she sighed in frustration, "I highly doubt it."
"It's all right." He felt her frustration. "I think I was only trying to confirm it wasn't Tom."
"No, I think I would have known if he was there, watching me."
"Senses starting to tingle?"
"I knew something wasn't right when Carver was in my house. I just didn't know what it was." she refused to linger on that moment. "Now I know what I feel like when I'm creeped out."
Red fell silent, watching her face as she absently fanned the pages of her book with her thumb, apparently lost in thought.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
"How big is this house?"
Red chuckled under his breath at the very unexpected question. The way her mind wandered sometimes was just... captivating.
"Around two hundred thousand square feet, if not more."
The woman's mouth fell open, her eyes widening. She knew it was large, but...
"Lizzy, it has three stories." Red pointed out.
"But..." she drew back, envisioning the house, "it's only two stories tall."
"No..." Red disagreed, "the third floor is beneath us."
"Oh, you mean, like a basement."
"I would not consider it exactly that."
"What's down there?"
"Let's see... there's a wine cellar. There are media, exercise and entertainment rooms." the man stared off into the room, envisioning the downstairs.
"An apartment for staff. I believe there's a couple bowling lanes. A library..." he shrugged. "I can't really think of everything that's down there. You haven't explored?" he asked.
"Well, I couldn't really get up the stairs..." she twisted her mouth, "or downstairs, for that matter." she muttered. "Not that I knew it was there."
"So, take the elevator." Red's brow scrunched.
"There's an elevator!?"
Once Elizabeth learned there was more to explore of the house, she took off on her cart, looking for the hidden treasures to be found leaving Red to his office and his call with Francis. After agreeing on a time and place to give him the keys to the house, he went off again in search of Elizabeth to inform her he would be going out soon.
He found Silas, Dembe and Lizzy, performing their workout for the afternoon.
More specifically, yoga.
His eyes instantly fell on Elizabeth, in a tight sports bra and the tiniest shorts he'd ever seen... thank the Lord above. The man began to sweat. He pulled absently on his expensive vest, craning his neck, trying to cool off.
The woman was resting on her hands and knees, then she lifted slowly, her tight bottom lowering, pushing her hips into the floor. Her torso elongated, redirecting his line of sight to her full breasts which were pushed together.
She held the pose and his complete attention for a few moments, before a softly cleared throat made him blink, breaking his focus.
He glanced over, finding his head guard staring benignly at him. Silas' mouth pulled into a jaunty grin.
Red subtly flipped the man off, heading for the bar. He poured himself a stiff drink. His eyes absently wandered back towards the silent woman.
Liz stretched out her body, feeling the pull, her mind cleared of all recent debris.
Dembe softly called out each position change.
Red wasn't sure how long he stood there, time seemed to have slipped away. His eyes watched Elizabeth slide effortlessly into different poses, her body at once graceful and yet vital with youthful suppleness.
What he did know, what he was acutely aware of... was with each new movement and sip of the warming liquor, he found himself slipping further into a quandary.
As he watched the tension in her body release, he felt his own increase. While she released her stress, his grew exponentially. As she became limber and flexible, he stiffened... in the most inopportune place.
He stared openly at her firm bottom as it lifted high in the air, as though for his viewing pleasure, before her legs parted somewhat. Just enough to give him, the very avid voyeur, a tantalizing glimpse of her softly rounded mound pushing at the tight fabric.
He could almost visualize the hidden treasure beneath the clingy material.
Exhaling a calming breath, he finished his drink in one gulp before lowering the glass to the bar. So focused on her pert little ass was he that he sat the glass down too heavily, making a thick jarring sound as it met granite.
Silas peered over his shoulder at the distraction, releasing a knowing chuckle before returning to his pastime.
Red ignored the exchange, slowly making his way up behind Elizabeth. He watched her strain to stretch beyond her already extreme pose, further opening herself to his gaze.
"Lizzy..." Red enquired softly.
"Hmmm?" she purred, wiggling herself into position.
Any other time, that fucking sound she just made and that amazing ass writhing in the air would be considered an invitation to mount that luscious body, in his world. At least his body seemed to think so. His shaft twitched heavily in his pants.
But this wasn't 'any other time', more was the fucking pity.
"I'm going to meet Francis shortly." his voice roughened on it's own accord as she dipped her chest to the floor, her heavy breasts threatening to spill from her minuscule top.
Red wiped at his brow, his thumbs pushing into his eye sockets, hiding the temptation from sight. His fist clenched into a tight sphere, his hand wanting to touch her breast so badly, it was the only way to physically halt the action.
"Did you need anything while I'm out?" the words sounded so hollow.
Shit. His voice sounded strained to his own ears, who the hell knew what that bastard Silas was hearing.
"Umm," she hummed, pushing up on her toes, she raised that perfect ass towards him once again and the man suddenly knew how Adam felt when Eve offered him the apple. "I don't think s–"
The woman lost her balance mid-sentence, a sharp intake of breath alerting the man to her predicament.
Red lunged forward quickly, catching Liz's light weight before it toppled to the floor.
Their momentum pushed them forward until he threw out his free arm stopping their rapid descent. His form hunched over hers, his large palm wrapped around her bare waist, yanking her ass into his crotch as they came to a sudden halt.
He easily balanced both their weights.
"You all right?" he muttered against her nape, his warm breath stirring the damp strands of hair on her neck. "Did you hurt yourself?"
"No..." she panted, "no, I'm okay."
Elizabeth opened her eyes, finding only her feet touching the floor. The rest of her form was held against Red's body. Getting her bearings, she reached out, laying her good hand against the hardwood, followed by her knee as he slowly lowered her.
"Good?" he asked.
"Yeah..." she reassured, her limbs finally coming to rest on the floor. "The casts... they put me off center." she apologized.
Red's muscled forearm supported her abdomen, making her very aware of his proximity, more specifically, the buttons on his vest which tickled her spine. His belt buckle pressed into her bottom.
She drew a shaky breath, when his thick fingers skimmed along her flesh as he released his hold on her.
"Raymond, are you ready?" Dembe enquired, disengaging himself from his prone position.
"Twenty minutes." Red practically snapped. "I need to grab something..."
Silas snorted under his breath, hastily averting his profile to hide his ever growing amusement.
"I need the keys to Lizzy's house and my phone." Red clarified, giving the man a steely glare of pure hatred which only increased the guards mirth.
"You need me to get them?" Liz asked politely.
Red looked back at the woman, finding her stretching away the last of her workout. Her breasts flexed under the tight shirt, and the man's mouth suddenly felt like the Sahara desert.
"No..." he grunted moodily, "I know where they are." he replied, quickly heading for the doorway, ignoring Liz's parting remark.
"What are you laughing at weirdo?"
Silas' evil laughter echoed in Red's ears. So help him God... he was going to kill that man.
Reddington rushed though their doorway, making a beeline for the private toilet area, slamming the door closed behind him.
He yanked at his zipper, releasing his hardening shaft, pumping it once, easing the ache instantly.
Red exhaled harshly, teasing his fattening crown with his thick thumb, slicking the taut skin with the beaded moisture leaking from the tip.
Stroking the length, bringing the erection to full mast, Red pumped the rigid flesh. He closed his eyes, his mind's eye, supplying the needed visions for his impromptu fantasy.
He had never understood the fascination with workout gear... until today. But then, he hadn't seen Lizzy in them yet, either. They were so damned tight, showing him every single nuance of that delectable body.
God, that ass of her's was amazingly beautiful. The sculptured mounds would fit perfectly in the palms of his hands.
And her breasts, he knew were full and soft, but he hadn't paid attention until now how they might overfill his hands, and how tiny her nipples were as they strained against the tight top.
The rest of that wonderful little package; her thighs, arms, tummy... that back... he had fantasies about running his tongue along her spine until he could nibble on that gorgeous neck.
He focused on that vision, having no trouble what-so-ever picturing his large hands bracketing her tiny hips, before easing those tight shorts off, showing him that firm, warm flesh he wanted so desperately to see.
Hell, he'd have a damn hard time getting the shorts past her thighs, but then, that's all he really needed. That was more than enough clearance to allow him to plunge himself into her hot, wet depths... the ones she had been so carelessly waving about earlier.
When she was cradled in his arms and her ass was pushing into his groin, the need to give her his arousal had been damned near impossible to contain. Especially when that warm bottom grazed his fattening length.
Shortening his stroke, Red increased his grip, pushing him closer to the relief he craved. Bracing an arm against the surface, he leaned into it, his fingers curling into the wall when he hit a particularly good spot.
"Oh, fuck..." he grunted, his hips unconsciously rocking, fucking his hand, spreading his fingers open with each thrust of his pelvis.
Damn, he bet she was tight. Those few seconds he had glimpsed the prize between her thighs, the outline of those succulent lips was so well defined, he thought he was going to cream right on the fucking yoga mat.
He tightened his grip further, a strangled breath escaping his throat. Pulling at his belt, he tugged it free, letting his pants drop heavily to the floor as his other hand cupped his balls, pulling them up against his body.
He wanted her so badly, it hurt. The need to touch her, to share the emotions she stirred within him.
If she'd only just fucking let him...
Tom Keen could never begin to match what Red knew he was more than capable of supplying.
While Tom wasn't willing to give up, to stop his life of crime.
Red was.
He'd give everything he had for one moment to show Lizzy how much...
"You love her..." he breathed through his exertion, admitting out loud something he tried so hard to keep inside, hidden.
He wasn't supposed to feel like this, wasn't supposed to love her as much as he did. But he did and... his heart ached for want of her.
He felt tears prick his eyes at the pain, even as his balls tightened against his body. The conflict tore at his warring sides, deepening the ache, even as the sweet taste of relief neared.
"God, Lizzy, please..." he shook visibly, his orgasm upon him, "let me..."
He trembled with the release of his arousal, his emotions crashing in from all sides. They combined in an explosive force, that left him drained more mentally, than physically.
Red leaned his forehead into the wall, fighting back against the emotional release threatening, an outlet he needed more than anything.
His eyes slammed shut against the threat, feeling tears skirt down his cheeks until he tasted them at his mouth.
He drew in a shaky breath, exhaling the pent up torment in his soul. He leaned wearily back against the support offered, taking the time to compose his thoughts.
He absently put his person to rights, glancing down at the mess on his marble tile. He just didn't have the energy at this moment.
Red groped for the stool, sitting heavily. He dropped his face into his hands, a deeply pained sound tearing at his throat before he could smother it.
"You fool." he berated himself quietly. "Get your head out of the fucking clouds." his jaw clenched tensely. "She'll never see you as anything aside from Red Reddington. Face it."
His palms pushed into his temples, staving off the looming headache he felt building behind his eyes.
If she only would believe him, believed his intentions were honorable. Would she see beyond who he had become?
Yes, he was Red Reddington. Now. He hadn't always been this way.
Believe it or not, his end goal had been to bring those in power, those who had cheated and killed to get to their lofty position, to their knees.
But he was one man going against a virtual army, as it were. Not that the crooked politicians got their hands dirty. Oh, hell no. They hired their dirty work out. But it was still just him against a powerful establishment that had excessive funds to get what they wanted.
He wasn't fighting fire with fire...
Which is where his fortune came into play. A fortune he could give a shit about. It was just a tool to get what he needed. Money bought silence, loyalty... people.
He had been much like Elizabeth at one point... the thought amused him in a sick, twisted way.
Trusting that justice would prevail. That the system would actually work.
What a load of shit.
That part of Raymond Reddington was gone. But the idea, that he would make those men pay for all they had done... that was alive and well.
But then, she wouldn't see that. She would see that he had abandoned his family, left his life of military service... for money.
And why shouldn't she. He had more money than he knew what to do with. He had houses, cars... a fucking jet.
She wouldn't see that the man who he had been; the decorated officer, the loyal family man, the good man. He still existed somewhere. He was still in there, wanting to love her.
"Red?" Elizabeth tapped softly on the door, breaking his concentration and thought patterns. "You okay?"
Red reached forward, laying his palm flat against the door facing, and could swear he felt her warmth.
"Yes." his answer was strained.
"You sure?" she questioned. "You took off rather fast."
"I'm fine." he nodded to himself. He arose, hastily cleaning the evidence of his activity, throwing the tissue into the toilet, flushing leisurely.
He straightened his tie then opened the door, smiling brightly. "Just got lost in thought.
Liz tilted her head, studying the man, her mouth drooping as he brushed hastily past her.
"I better get my shit together." Red stared at his watch. "I'll be late meeting Francis." he explained his reasoning. "I have to make a quick drop by the Post Office as well."
She stared after him, feeling somewhat at a loss. Something was not right but she could not put her finger on anything tangible.
The man bent, kissing her temple, hovering for a moment before pulling away, "If you need me..." he let it hang.
He gently stroked her arm, walking from the room.
She watched him disappear around the doorframe, her mood dropping. She could not have said why, but she could almost swear... that Red had just lied to her.
But then, he said he'd been lost in thought. Maybe what was wrong, and there was something wrong, was of a personal nature.
His thoughts were his own and none of her business, really. So maybe she had read his omission as more than what it was. But Liz found herself feeling... hurt. Hurt that he didn't feel he could confide in her. To share some of his burden with her.
He had been a shoulder to lean on many times, allowing her to unload what troubled her. So why wouldn't he allow her to return the favor?