Red inched the door open quietly, catching a glimpse of Elizabeth in the soft light of the hall.

Lizzy was laying almost in the middle of the bed and Keres was stretched flat on it's belly, it's paws touching the edge of the mattress with her hind feet against Lizzy's stomach.

The man rolled his eyes expressively. One day very soon, he was going to have Dembe take that cat for a one way ride. 'Cement shoes' was becoming a fast favorite phrase in his mind.

After he readied himself for bed, he pulled at the blankets then laughed softly when Elizabeth fought his efforts, tugging them back into place. The cold air had disturbed her sleep state.

She must have heard his amusement because she turned her head towards him in the darkened room.

"Is holding the blankets hostage your subtle way of telling me to go away, I'm in the doghouse and to go sleep on the back porch?"

She sat up slightly in bed, responding sleepily, having released the blankets and turned over to see him inching under the cover. "I didn't expect you back tonight."

"Well, I had to be here to make you a waffle and chase off the eggplant lady." Releasing the latch, he removed the heavy watch from his wrist, placing it on the night stand.

"What time is it?" she stifled a yawn.

"A little before one." he stretched out comfortably.

She moved closer to him, stroking the white bandage, "How's your arm?" She propped her chin on her hand, looking down at him. "Leg?"

"They're itching. But fine otherwise." He smiled when she said nothing, just quirked her eyebrow. "Really. You want to see?" He pulled the tape holding the gauze, turning back a corner.

"I'm just checking." she backed off diplomatically.

Red stared at her, his brow creasing. She seemed to want to say something, but was hesitating. Then she was letting the words spill out, quickly.

"I got a new letter." She said softly.

He tensed inwardly, but to her eyes, he seemed as relaxed as he was a second ago. "What did it say?"

"I didn't read it."

"Where is it?" he demanded.

She rolled over, avoiding disturbing the cat, then grabbed the letter off her night stand before handing it to him.

"Shield your eyes." He said as he flipped the light on.

Tearing the envelope open, he read, almost feeling the letter writers elation jumping off the page.

We were almost rid of Reddington
I held my breath with anticipation, excited
There was so much chaos, everyone so focused on the shoot out
I was given the perfect opportunity to take him out
When I saw him go down, I felt a burst of joy
A joy that grew to pure exhilaration when I saw him fall into and wrap himself around that woman, the thought of them both dying at the same time...
Well, you know it was a breathtaking moment
Just as the one man shot at him, I shot, but I was too low, hitting him in the back
We would have prevailed had it not been for Reddington's man, taking down my scapegoat
I'm sure I don't have to explain to you the utter disappointment I feel

Red rolled from the bed, going to the end, searching.

"What are you doing?"

"Looking for the bullet that fell out of my vest." He ran his hand under the bench, sweeping the floor with his hand when he felt it. Pinching it between his fingers, he sat back, staring at the bent copper.

The man looked up, finding her holding the letter. "Don't read it, Lizzy."

"He shot you..." She gasped. "Red, he shot you because of me."

Red sat the bullet on his side table, then crawled back in the bed. "I get the feeling he would have taken a shot at me regardless."

"I should go. I shouldn't be here."

"This is exactly where you should be."

"You're in danger because of me."

Red chortled under his breath, making her frown. "Who am I?" He asked.

"He shot–"

"Who am I?" He interrupted, asking the question again.

She sighed, "Red Reddington. Number four on the most wanted list."

"I'm always in danger, Lizzy." He raised his hand, brushing her hair out of her eyes. "At least this time, there's a damn good reason for it." He smiled softly, tracing her brow with his fingertip. "You're not leaving." He said with a finality.

When he lowered his hand, she lay down on her side next to him. Red rolled over, staring at her back, a pleased smile on his face.

She didn't argue. Didn't leave.

And now, she was laying a foot away when she had been at an arms' length. He liked to think she wanted to be closer to him, but it was probably because of the damn cat. Whatever the reason, he wasn't going to complain.

"Night, Red."

He unbent his arm, stroking his fingers through her soft hair. "Goodnight, Elizabeth."

Red awoke from a sound sleep, hearing the heavy patter of rain on the window, then the gentle movement of the bed as he felt his bed partner inching closer to him. He watched her slithering back inch by inch until she abruptly halted.

He waited to see if she came closer when a flash of light lit the room. It highlighted Lizzy scooting back a hair more as thunder rumbled in the near distance.

He quietly watched her, listening patiently. She was awake, her breathing too fast for a normal sleep pattern. And by the set of her shoulders and back, she was tense.

Perhaps she had another bad dream?

Another bolt of lightning glowed brightly in the room, showing her rigid form.

Was she afraid of storms? He had always thought she liked them, or at least, to hear Sam tell. He had the hardest time getting her to come in out of the rain.

She flinched again with the bright light, inching back a hair more.

Maybe the rain was okay, but not the sounds with it?

He sighed softly, then reached out, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her into the cradle of his body.

She tensed, then completely relaxed when Red pulled the blankets in around them, cocooning them in warmth, and more importantly, security.

He felt the woman go lax against him before he settled in, laying his cheek against the shiny brown silk of her hair. He closed his eyes.

She soon matched his calm breathing, falling asleep a minute later. While he wondered what was wrong, he relaxed himself, after making a mental note to ask her later, then drifted off shortly after snuggling into her.

A low rumble of thunder awoke Liz from a restful sleep. Slitting her eyes open, she watched the gentle sway of the trees blowing in the brisk wind through the rain spotted window. Stretching away the last of her sleep, she realized that she was on Red's side of the bed. She then remembered her late night wanderings, seeking comfort.

Rising from the bed, she grabbed the robe Red had given her, well, his robe, snuggling into it's plush warmth. Using the facilities and straightening her appearance, she stuck her phone under the strap of her shirt and left the confines of the room to seek out the man.

Her injuries were feeling better these days and she automatically found herself forgoing her cart as she regained her strength. With the aid of her crutch, she hobbled down the hallway, calling out to both Red and Dembe.

No one answered. Perhaps they had gone on an errand?

She had awakened later than her norm. Both men kept odd hours, it wasn't inconceivable that they had started their day early.

Her footsteps took her on a meandering path through the countless rooms of the house. Toward the back, she finally heard Red's muffled laughter.

She couldn't blame him for picking the pool atrium to relax, in the short time she had been there it had become her favorite spot as well.

The indoor garden was beautiful, covered in hundreds of leafy green plants and lightly scented flora, leaving the area serene and tranquil. She had spent a lot of her time in that room while Red and Dembe had been gone, reading the plethora of material Red bought her.

She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so rested.

She did not like to admit even to herself, that now Red was home, that feeling was once again prevalent in her life.

When he was gone, she found herself unsettled and at odds. She no longer questioned the why of it... it just was.

And last night... Red had held her.

The storm had unnerved her, and she admittedly had gotten closer to the man to feel connected. She did not feel so alone if he was near.

He had pulled her into his body, lulling her into a deep, untroubled sleep. She wondered if it had been a natural instinct on his part? Had he felt her nearing and reached out to her in his sleep or had he awoken, offering silent comfort?

What ever had happened, even in his sleep he had felt her need, and delivered.

Even then, she was sure Red would crack about it at some point in the day. She would either down play it, saying it wasn't her fault what she did in her sleep and he would let it go. Or he would ask if she was all right and want to discuss what had bothered her.

Time would only tell.

Entering the arch way, she saw the man in question, reclined comfortably on the high backed couch, swirling his ever present liquor. The man was truly in a time zone of his own making.

"Re..." Liz trailed off, when a man sitting with his back to her and hidden by the tall chair, turned in her direction.

It was Edward.

She forced a smile, falling into character. "I'm sorry, honey. I didn't know you had guests."

Red rose from the couch quickly going to her side. "It's all right, baby."

He held his smile when she ducked her head, hiding the quick smile that passed over her own face.

The man instantly knew by her attitude, that she really was not adverse to that particular endearment. The knowledge amused him greatly.

He had tested his theory and was very pleased with the results.

"What are you doing walking?" he had noticed her unsteady gate as she approached. "Why didn't you use your cart or call?" He complained, tapping the phone sitting against her chest.

"My butt was falling asleep, I had to move." She gestured to the door, indicating she should go. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"You aren't." Taking the crutch, Red wrapped an arm around her, bringing her towards the couch, "You shouldn't be up like that without someone there to help you." He scolded. "Come and sit down."

Reaching the divan, he took her weight, easing her onto the seat. The woman gripped his forearm when her ankle jostled, her vision swimming for a moment.

He stared at her in open concern until her grasp loosened, her equilibrium returning. She nodded, indicating she was okay.

"You remember Edward?" Raymond gestured to the man.

Liz turned her gaze to the pensive man. "I do, it's a pleasure to see you again." She smiled brightly, thinking he was one creepy bastard in her mind.

"Elizabeth." The man inclined his head in greeting. "I do hope you're feeling better. Red told me of your accident."

Having no idea what Red had told the man, she replied generically. "I'm better, thank you. It's good to get around... some anyway." She smiled impishly.

She leaned into Red's side as if she had done it a hundred times, hoping she was acting the part expected of her.

She relaxed quickly when his arm came around her waist, helping her adjust to a more comfortable position.

When she settled, his hand fell naturally to the curve of her hip, his thumb stroking her side soothingly, "Did you sleep well?"

He knew, that when he had stopped thinking and allowed himself to just let her sleep and not ask questions, he had slept well. Very well, in fact.

Dembe's early morning call had broken the spell. The fact that this man, Edward Costa was the last person he wanted to see... did little to improve his mood.

He would have preferred to stay with Elizabeth.

Liz smiled, nodding. "I did..." She placed a hand against his chest, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his breathing, "but you know I always do when you're home." She replied honestly.

Red's sharp green eyes focused intently on her, his strong arm tightening around her waist. "As do I, sweetheart."

After a beat of silence, Dembe came with a low stool upon which to prop her leg, "Thank you, Dembe."

"Do forgive me, Edward." Red turned his attention back to his guest, "As you can imagine, I miss her terribly while I'm away."

"Understandable. She's a very beautiful woman." The dark haired man eyed her suggestively. "She must get very lonely while you are away." Edward's gaze openly traveled her form, hesitating over certain areas.

The man's scrutiny unnerved her.

Elizabeth suddenly realized that she sat there in only her boxers and a tank top, an outfit Red had seen numerous times. She instantly pulled the robe closed, a coldness gripping her stomach. She found herself sweating under it's warmth, the reptilian aspect of Edward Costa's stare making her stomach churn.

Leaning further into Red's solid chest, she felt the ripple of muscles tensing under her fingers.

Edward continued as if nothing was amiss. "A wise man would take her along on their journeys, lest someone snatch her away." He grinned amiably before casually tipping his glass, as though he hadn't just tread into very dangerous territory.

The man was either a consummate idiot or just that damned sure of himself... either fact, could get him killed very quickly where Red Reddington was concerned.

A fact he proved a moment later.

The atmosphere in the room changed so suddenly, a power radiating off Red so potent, his dominance and rage left her rigid with the intensity.

Dembe stood behind them, an alertness permeating the room, clearly sensing what the woman had sensed.

Red's fury-filled eyes hardened at the blatant challenge. Pulling his arm from behind her, he sat forward, making to rise.

Grabbing his arm quickly, Elizabeth tried to get things back on track, shifting the focus elsewhere. "Uh..." she damned her shaking voice, "so, what were you two discussing before I interrupted?" she asked idly.

Red's cold, unblinking eyes never wavered from the Italian across the way. The enraged man's arm tensed further as he pulled it but she tightened her hold leaning into his field of vision.

"Edward is going to run an errand for me, that is all." The older man's jaw tightened, his eyes sheets of crystal glass. "Isn't that right, Edward?" Red's tone dripped with ice.

She had to calm him down. It wouldn't be good to kill the man when they needed him to find Carver.

Stroking her finger over his tense jaw line, ignoring the volatile aura surrounding them, she fought to gain his attention. "I thought maybe you were talking about our plans. Is he attending Francis' dinner?" She asked airily, tracing his neck, down to where his tie sat.

Red broke his angered gaze from the inconsequential man, focusing on the woman at his side, his eyes softening. He wrapped his arm back around her, settling it on her hip. "I'm sure Edward will be far too busy for such frivolity, baby."

Liz nuzzled the freshly shaved skin on his jaw line and neck, inhaling the familiar and very pleasant scent.

The man drew in a breath, relaxing slightly under the unexpected touch.

He sensed her ploy, reluctantly allowing her tactic.

Imagine his surprise when the woman went a step further, nuzzling his nape.

All thoughts of the other man evaporated to Red's chagrin. He didn't know what she was up to, but he had to admit, he was enjoying the hell out of it while it lasted.

"Dembe will supply the pick up address within the hour." Red rumbled, his voice deepening further when he felt her full lips graze his skin.

From her hiding place, she felt the rich bass in his throat vibrate against her nose and lips as the rigid man exhaled slowly, calming further.

"That is all, for now." That came out a bit hostile and brittle, but it was to be expected. He was Red Reddington, after all.

Red nodded to Dembe to show their 'guest' out. Hearing their footsteps retreating from the room, Liz exhaled and slumped visibly, relief flooding her body.

"He's gone." Red soothed. "It's not like you to let someone like Edward get to you."

"Yeah, well. Don't hold it against me. I'm still stoned on those pain pills of yours so I'm not on top of my game." Liz quivered in revulsion, "Plus, he's creepy. I hate when people stare at me like they're stealing my soul."

"It wasn't your soul he was interested in, trust me." Red finished off his glass, then poured another.

"And you were about to snap his damn neck, which would secure him in one location, yes?" she reminded tactfully. "But if he is in the morgue, it wouldn't lead us to Carver. You do remember he is the key to finding Carver."

"He's one of the ways to get to Carver. Not the only one."

"But he is the one closest to us, right now." she stated. "Speaking of which, I thought we agreed to have him at dinner so we could watch him?" She asked, her voice slightly muffled.

He suddenly realized that Lizzy was still resting against him, her head crooked under his chin while she lazily played with a button on his vest. It was a shame that the position would change in a minute.

"I don't want him anywhere near you." he proclaimed. "Not after how he looked at you..." there was something deadly about the easily stated observation but what came next caused a chill to traverse the woman's body."...I didn't like it."

"Red!" Liz sputtered in embarrassment. "First of all, how he looks at me shouldn't be of any consequence..." She pulled back, matching his frown.

He missed her warmth instantly. Then his attention was directed to her hand braced on his thigh.

"No, if he's going to talk about my fiancée like that, so brazenly to my face and be that forward, twice now, who knows what the hell he's doing behind my back."

"Okay..." she was confused. "How are we supposed to keep tabs on him and find Carver if you don't want him at the dinner?"

"I'm not even sure I want him for the job, to be frank."

"... And now you're not wanting him to do this job." she pointed out, exasperated.

"I can have my people track him regardless." Red's anger was resurfacing. "I only really brought him in so we would have his actual locations. We could just as easily slip a tracker on him."

"This is just silly, Red." she placated. "Just because he made some backhanded remarks and freaky eye contact, does not make him a real threat. We–"

Red interrupted, "He's a very real threat."

Liz rolled her eyes, and in this instance it annoyed the hell out of the man. "Lizzy, you understand that this man is a criminal, correct?"

"Yes, I know that!" She replied patiently. "But, not to point out the obvious, so are you."

"I would never hurt you. He will." he stressed. "So believe me when I say, he was very serious in his comments."

"You're kidding?" Liz scoffed.

"No, I'm not." he grated. "Do not let him get you alone."

"What, you think I'll cave to his charm?" Liz asked in disgust.

"No, I'm thinking of what he'll do when you don't give into what he wants!" He snapped as a clap of thunder shook the room.

The combination of the thunder and having never heard Red raise his voice like that, startled her. Her entire body jerked in place, as she blinked rapidly.

Red's brow creased. Had he frightened her? The thought left him more than unsettled.

He knew very well, Edward's reputation. Or the rumors, at the very least. That the man had an obvious interest in Elizabeth, bothered Red greatly. Sickened him, actually. He reached for her, his hand dropping away at Dembe's entrance into the room.

"Is he gone?" Raymond barked.

"Yes. I dislike that man, intensely." The dark man sat at the bar, eyeing his friend's tense back. "I'll send him the required info later."

"Not yet, Dembe." Red shook his head defiantly. "I may see if the Stuart brothers are available."

"I know it's obvious as to why," Dembe hated to remind, "but I thought you weren't going to use the Stuarts' after what happened the last time..."

"Red, just have him do the job. Let's stick to some sort of plan, if only so Ress and Samar have an easy go of it, all right."

"Fine." Red nodded to Dembe, "Send it." the man arose, turning his back not only to the room but its two occupants. "But he's fair game after... and I'm gonna kill him."