Red sat tensely throughout the drive home. He knew that Elizabeth was safe, but that didn't stop the anxiety he felt.
His footsteps hastened up the stairs to the front entrance, as he searched the house methodically, finally locating Elizabeth in their bedroom.
He breathed a sigh of relief, grinning as he watched Lizzy poke a pen under her leg cast.
"I didn't hear you come in." She poked her tongue out the corner of her mouth, jabbing the pen in further.
"Itch?" He walked slowly through the room, heading for the closet.
"I swear ants are under this thing." She jabbed the pen in further.
The man came out carrying a long handle back scratcher, holding it aloft, "Try this."
She snatched it out of his hand, jamming it under the cast, groaning with relief.
"Thank you." She moved it back and forth under the heavy plaster, sighing. "So are Ress and Samar following Edward again?"
"Yes, they started tailing him at the pick up point." He trailed his finger over the top of the cast, surprised when she jerked away. "Is it hurting? Tender?"
"No. It's fine." She placed her hand over the area he had felt, rubbing the pale skin, crinkling her nose is open distaste.
He went to touch her other leg but she pulled that one away as well.
"Okay, what's going on?" he sighed his annoyance, his body tensing instantly alert. Out of the corner of his eye, he had caught a movement, his hand instinctively reaching for the weapon on his gun holster hidden beneath the back of his jacket.
"Red!" Liz sat up quickly, sensing his intentions. "You remember Helen." she smiled brightly, hopefully covering the faux pas.
"Oh, hello Mr. Reddington." the nurse placed the freshly laundered towels she carried to the other side of her hip. " I didn't know you were back."
Red stared at Liz for a few seconds before transferring his now composed features to the newest occupant in the room. "I only arrived a minute ago. Just checking on our girl."
"Well, we were getting ready for her bath." the woman seemed genuinely fond of her patient.
"Then, I'll let you get to it." Red patted Liz's knee, very aware when she pulled the leg out from under his touch.
Something was amiss. Something was up with the woman.
But evidently his questions would have to wait. "I'll be in my office if you need me."
Minutes later in the quiet of his office, Red ruminated on the now existing problem. It now appeared he was not allowed to touch her, in any way shape or form.
He relived the day's activities in his mind, searching for some feasible reason the woman might have changed so drastically in such a short amount of time.
Nothing seemed out of the norm upon consideration. He had sensed a sort of cloud hanging over Elizabeth. But for the life of him, he couldn't think what had brought about the change.
He was stymied.
"Mr. Reddington?" Helen tapped lightly on the other side of the door.
"Yes, come in." He said, straightening in his seat. "What can I do for you?"
"We're having a little trouble with Elizabeth, sir."
"I'm shocked." He said mockingly, pushing away from his desk, standing erect. "What's wrong now?"
"She's insisting on a bath, which is fine..."
"But..." he urged gently.
"She's impatient. She wants in now. We haven't wrapped her casts–"
"Go get some bags." Red gestured for the woman to go. "I'll handle her."
As he entered the room he could already make out the heated argument emanating from behind the closed bathroom doors.
Swinging the doors open wide, he was assaulted with the steamy fragrant air. His eyes instantly swept Elizabeth Keen's scantily clad form.
"Red!" She gasped indignantly, clutching the towel to her breasts with age old maiden modesty.
Red ignored the modest chagrin, addressing Diane directly, "Give us a minute. Helen is in the kitchen."
The woman retreated quickly, pulling the doors closed behind her, leaving the two in silence.
"I'm getting in that tub." Liz muttered.
"After you get your casts wrapped."
"I'm more than capable of keeping them out of the water." She grated, annoyed.
"Maybe," He walked behind her, shutting off the water, "but you're still getting them wrapped."
She huffed angrily, moving past him when he caught her.
"You're going to sit down, get wrapped like a good little girl or–"
"Or what!" Liz fumed, her eyes flashing fire.
Red stepped in closer, until she had to tilt her head to look up at him. "Or I'll put you in that tub and dunk you under the water until you stop being a brat and tell me what the real problem is."
"Well, that would get my casts wet." Elizabeth gloated.
"Sit down." He said sternly.
The woman found herself sitting quickly, gripping her towel in place, her eyes still defiant.
A tentative knock on the door interrupted what might have been.
"Come in." Red almost barked.
The nurses came in, armed with the supplies needed.
"Proceed ladies." he cast Elizabeth a warning glance as he passed. "Watch out... she bites." it was silkily advised.
Red rolled up his sleeves, cooling slightly in the steamy room, watching the nurses make quick work of the casts.
A philosophical discussion commenced on the best way to get Elizabeth into the tub. Neither woman noted their charge inching closer to the water.
"Stop, right there." Red's tone brooked no argument. "Ladies..." his tone brooked no argument his hands going to his hips, "go take a lunch break"
Both women quickly did his bidding, leaving him alone with Liz again.
She backed up, uneasy under Red's unwavering scrutiny.
"You've been difficult all day. Why?"
"Is it a crime to just want to shave my damn legs!"
"No, but that's not what's wrong." he stepped once. "Tell me."
"I'm tired of feeling dirty." she blurted. "I need to wash... I need..." she floundered.
"Need what?"
"I need to get that night off me." her voice held a note of hysteria. "I can still feel the blood. I feel the tackiness, the itch... the stench." her hands clutched the towel in a death grip. "I need to feel clean."
He finally knew what she meant.
He still felt it, even after the numerous showers he'd taken himself. When he was away from her for more than a day, the feeling of her warm blood on his flesh was just as real as the night in question... just as overpowering as when it had been fresh and real.
He was scalding himself under hot water continually, trying to wash the hurt away.
It hadn't worked.
He didn't think he'd ever truly wash her blood off his hands.
Red walked the last few feet to her, whipping the towel away, ignoring her shocked protest. He picked her up, moving over the tub, lowering her slowly.
As she hit the bubble covered hot water, she tensed, gripping him tightly.
"I understand completely." She still held his arms in her grasp, her manner hesitant, uncertain. "Let's get that bastard's filth off you, Lizzy."
She relaxed in his hold, unclenching her fingers around his arm, allowing him to gently sit her in the steamy water.
Reaching behind him, he grabbed a towel, rolling it as a prop for her leg.
"Would you like something to drink?"
"Wine." she mellowed little by little, the fragrant water melting her acerbic mood. "Lots of wine."
"When was you're last pill?"
"This morning."
Red looked down at her, relaxed into the contours of the tub, eyes closed, practically purring with delight.
Bracing his hands on the tub, he bent, nuzzling her brow with his nose, his lips lightly kissing the soft skin. Pushing off, he was stopped by a soapy hand gripping his tie.
Red looked at the contact. "And another tie bites the dust."
"You can afford it..." She let go of his tie, blowing the suds off the tip. "And Red," she halted his intended retreat, her voice more than sincere, "thank you."
"You're welcome." he lifted noble brows. "Now, don't drown before I get back."
"And you can get here in the next thirty minutes?" Red enquired, nodding minutely with the answer given. "Yes, that's fine. We'll see you then."
Red closed the phone, entering the bathroom with a half full bottle and a glass. "You still awake?"
"Barely." She left her eyes shut, still melted into the warm porcelain. "Was that the Post Office?"
"No, I have a surprise for you. It will be arriving in," he looked at his watch, "twenty nine minutes now." Uncorking the bottle, he poured a generous amount into the glass, handing it to her.
Smiling, her bubble covered arm came up out of the water, taking the glass. "A surprise, for me?"
"Yes, so soak away. I'll be back when it arrives."
The numbers in the ledger blurred for the umpteenth time.
Red Reddington rubbed his eyes, trying to focus again. It was times like these that he missed Luli most. It wasn't that he couldn't run the numbers, it was that he didn't want to. Well, most of the time, anyway. Sometimes he enjoyed watching everything ticking along. He had this morning...
But not right now.
The sound of the doorbell ringing saved him from pursuing the task further. Pushing the ledger away, he headed for the door.
Dembe came out of the South wing just about the time Red hit the main foyer as well. He acquiesced to the man who subsequently opened the door.
Two women waited patiently on the other side, arms loaded down with supplies.
"Good afternoon ladies. You've certainly come prepared." After acquainting themselves, he gestured toward the back. "If you'll follow me, she will be very pleased to see you, I think."
"You mentioned that she has a broken arm and leg, sir?" the smaller in stature ventured after a few steps. Dembe had taken most of their burden, walking slowly alongside.
"Left ankle, right arm. Very unhappy with her limited mobility." Red's supplied evenly. "If you'd like to set up anything... I'll alert her that you're here."
The man did just that, entering the bathroom unannounced.
"Lizzy?" he clapped his hands together once, his eyes gentle on the submerged woman. "Your surprise has arrived."
"Is it someone to take off this ten pound weight?" she shifted awkwardly, the cast on her foot hampering her intent.
"No, but I think you'll enjoy it all the same." Red handed her the baby lotion she had desperately sought a few seconds before. "I've brought in some ladies to help you in your cleansing process"
She shook her head, his meaning lost on her.
Red caught Dembe out of his peripheral vision. He nodded slightly, stepping aside. "Ladies, she's ready for you."
The two walked in, carrying their bags and a table.
Liz sat up as best she could, sensing what those bags held, brightening with excitement.
"This is Elizabeth." Red made the introductions. "Lizzy, this is Hannah and Katie." he stepped further out of the way, motioning theatrically. "Do to her what you will. She needs a good pampering."
Red felt a warmth seeing her so happy, especially over something so simplistic.
"Once you ladies have worked your magic, you'll need assistance getting her out."
Dembe waited patiently. Red acknowledged the man. "Call me when my services are needed. And you," he pointed at Liz, "everything you want done... do it."
Liz nodded joyously. She eyed the women expectantly, grinning widely.
The last he heard on his way out was a plaintive but heart felt, "Oh, please. Someone wash my hair."
Red returned to the journal, better able to concentrate now. The ruckus in the bathroom did not break his concentration even though the two beauticians made multiple trips in and out, carrying various female accouterments... and talking a mile a minute about every subject under the sun, including the dubious validity of the male species.
Red hid his amusement, continuing his pastime until finally his services were needed. Rising from his chair, he pushed up his sleeves, walking the distance needed.
"You ready to get out now?" He asked, seeing the bench padded with sheet towels and a couple folding tables set up in a line.
"Yes, we're moving on to step two of twenty." Liz sounded almost giddy.
Bending down, he ran his hands under the water, finding the wet outline of her body. He courageously controlled his instincts to crawl in with her, clothes and all.
The man gathered her in his arms, breaking the surface of the water, holding her out and over the tub. The water cascaded off the lithe body, before he brought her to his chest.
"I guess we didn't think of the logistics of this." Liz touched his wet shirt, apologetically. "I'm sorry about that."
She didn't seem all that sorry to his way of thinking, which amused him... only anxious to be on to 'step number two'.
"It's all right." he smiled over at the patiently waiting beauticians. "I've always enjoyed a 'wet' woman."
The older of the two grinned for his audacity. The younger blushed. And Liz threw him a 'behave' scowl.
Setting her on the padded bench, he was unceremoniously pushed aside as Katie swooped in, swaddling Liz from head to toe in warmed towels.
"I'll be making a few calls, if you need anything, just let me know." he made a discreet exit.
Settling back into his chair, he pulled the wet shirt and tie away from his body. He let go of the fabric, grimacing as it slapped back into his chest.
Pulling his phone from his pocket, he hesitated, hearing a muffled moan from the bathroom. He shook his head slightly bemused, then focused on the call he had just put through.
"Michael." his voice held a genuine warmth. "How are things in Milan?" he waited patiently for the news. "No, no. I didn't hear anything, I'm just checking in. Making sure..." he held his smile, the conversation amusing him. He chuckled appreciatively, answering the question asked. "Yes..."
"Damn!"
Red glanced at the bathroom doors impassively, his mind wandering for a beat, "No, I'm here. You were saying?" he apologized sincerely. "And they'll be picking up the shipment tonight?"
"Shit!"
"Yes, that's good, Michael." the man fought the distractions around him, trying to concentrate on the matter at hand. "No, continue, I'm very interested."
The door swung unceremoniously open, Hannah exiting hurriedly.
"Everything okay in there?" Red asked pleasantly.
"Oh, yes." the woman chuckled. "Waxing." She shrugged, grabbing a bag, disappearing back into the sanctuary.
"No, I was talking to the beautician." Red explained his lapse, grinning retroactively. "No, she's not here for me." he listened for a beat. "Funny, asshole. My fiancée broke her ankle and arm and they're here helping her."
Red rubbed his neck absently, then snapped, "No, I didn't drug her, get her drunk or ply her with money to get her acceptance. Which is more than we can say about your wife. The poor woman."
"Ow! No, I'm fine. Ow!"
Red scowled darkly at the closed barrier.
"Yes, she'll be at Mark's." Red settled back in to the conversation. "I wasn't sure you were attending this year. Good, then I'll see you there."
"Holy... did that take skin?"
Red chuckled, dialing the next number.
He finished his phone calls having finally figured a way to phase out Lizzy's low cussing in the background.
After what seemed an eternity, Hannah finally emerged from the bathroom.
"I think she's ready to come out now, Mr. Reddington." the woman was all smiles.
"It sounded like she was ready an hour ago." Red quipped, following the woman into the bathroom. He sought out Elizabeth, who sat on the bench beside the huge tub. "Feel better, sweetheart?"
"I would give a years pay to have that experience again." she nodded amiably.
Katie stepped back, allowing him the first real glimpse of Elizabeth.
She looked rosy, coifed and extremely content.
"Did you cut your hair?" he stepped slowly, filtering his fingers through the dark strands. His eyes admiring the end product. Lizzy smiled widely, pleased he noticed the slight change. "It's very soft." He crooked his head towards one side, his fingers continuing the excruciatingly pleasurable past-time.
"We just trimmed it. Maybe a few layers." Liz shook her head this way and that, swinging the softness around. "You like it?"
"I do, very much. You look very pretty and more importantly, relaxed." He dropped his hands to his sides, turning his attention elsewhere. "Ladies, she looks very happy now."
The women started packing up their gear. They instructed Elizabeth, giving pointers on what products to use and more importantly, which ones not. The woman demanded their card for future use.
"Thank you, really. I feel so much better." She gushed, touching her hair and checking her makeup every few seconds. "I didn't know my eyes could look like this. You did an amazing job."
Dembe came in to help them with all the equipment, then escorted the two women from the room.
Hannah eyed Dembe appreciatively, then blushed when her friend hit her arm smartly, sending a warning with her eyes... all of which Hannah ignored.
She smiled brightly up at the dark man. Reddington caught his friends eye, gesturing to the cute beautician, with a knowing smile.
Dembe exchanged an enigmatical glance, grinning his appreciation.
Red smiled widely, feeling Elizabeth's eyes on him.
The women exchanged farewells. Elizabeth was one big smile.
"Thank you for making her feel better." Red pulled his wallet out, tipping both women a few hundred each. "I do hope we can call on you again?"
"Anytime!" Both replied in unison, more than happy with such generosity.
It was rare to see a man fawn over his girlfriend in such a manner. Plus he had made it well worth their while.
Red had followed silently, as the women made their way to the foyer. At one point, he discreetly nudged Dembe in open camaraderie.
The black man pulled his eyes from the saucy swish of Hannah's backside, dimpling a response.
The two men exchanged a universal contemplative look.
Patting the large man on the back, Red smiled happily. "Good man." Turning, he bowed slightly. "Ladies, have a pleasant evening."
"Do you feel better now?" Red sat beside the woman, his weight indenting the bed slightly.
"Yes..." Liz hesitated, faltering over the words. "I'm sorry I–"
"All of that could have been avoided, if you had just told me what was wrong." he linked his fingers together across his thighs. "Did you think I wouldn't understand wanting to feel clean again?"
She honestly found herself wondering, if the man could feel any specific way after all he had experienced in life. But perhaps there had been a time that he would have felt like she had.
"Just talk to me." his hands gestured aimlessly, his eyes on her averted profile.
She nodded dejectedly, then pulled a Reddington, changing subjects. "What was up with you and Dembe a few minutes ago?" her curiosity was peaked.
"Hannah was looking at him like he was a piece of Godiva... he should be asking her for a date, even ask we speak."
"So you played Wingman?" Liz hid her amusement well. "And we'll be flying solo tonight?"
"You think she'll say yes?" Red was allowing the diversion.
"Ahh, yeah." She scoffed. "Dembe's hot."
"Remind me not to leave you alone with him." he clapped his hands on his thighs. "I'm going to rinse off now, if you don't need anything?"
"I'm good. Take your time." a playfulness overcame the woman. "If I do need anything, I'll just call Dembe."
"You leave that innocent man alone." Red pulled at his tie. "I don't want you corrupting him."
"Oh wow..." she beamed, having absently ran her hand over her newly waxed skin. "It's so soft." she grabbed his hand, running it up her leg. "Isn't that amazing! I don't think my legs have ever felt so good."
Red felt the velvety flesh under his palm, the warmth delighting his senses. He fought the urge to further the exploration.
This felt just like he had imagined a few days ago.
His heart was suddenly thumping hard in his chest, a fine sheen of sweat collected on his upper lip as his finger tips grazed her short shorts.
She lifted her hand hastily, suddenly realizing the intimacy implied.
"I-I'm sorry!" she apologized profusely, stammering... "I–"
Red's lips twitched with amusement, his free hand hiding the fact. She was so fucking adorable when she was mortified.
Liz's cheeks were tinted a pretty pink, the blue eyes completely lost and vacant.
"Well, I guess you're comfortable with me now." the man chuckled.
Inwardly, he felt a surge of adrenaline pump through his body. He had never felt so close to her. That meant a great deal to him.
"Well, I guess I am." she winced painfully. How gauche could one person be.
"We're making progress." he grinned, patting her thigh soothingly, oddly pleased when she didn't start at the unexpected touch.
He stood, heading for the bathroom, then stopped mid-stride, sniffing at the air. "What is that amazing smell?" he enjoyed the fragrant aroma, then remembered his manners. "Besides you, of course."
"Oh, that?" Liz grinned, thankful the moment had passed. "I asked Nora, the new cook, to make chicken and dumplings and cherry cobbler for dinner."
Red placed his hand on his chest, his face, blissful. "Lizzy, I could kiss you." He shook his head once, tilting it to the left before shutting the door behind him.
The woman found herself suddenly breathless, uncertain as to the cause. Her eyes stared transfixed at the closed door, her mind wandering freely. Within seconds another blush colored her already heightened cheeks.
Red shut the door, leaving the outside world behind. He let his head fall back into the thick wood, his eyes closing to the lascivious visions dancing in his head.
He had to pull her naked, out of the tub. Lizzy, herself had run his hand up her silky thigh.
And not just her thigh, but her inner thigh. Just inches from...
He stripped clear of his shirt and pants, tossing them carelessly before stalking into the shower. The man automatically reached, turning on the jets, stepping under their pounding spray.
The steamy air felt delicious, his eyes closing tightly as he freely allowed the images to come.
He remembered the feel of her heat increasing the further she moved his fingers up her leg. He had been just a hair away from touching her crotch and could have sworn he had felt the damp humidity of the secret place between her beautiful thighs.
How would it feel to have her smooth thighs wrapped around him? Would she spread her legs wide, or would she hug them around his body?
Red leaned unto his forearm, balancing against the warm stone of the shower wall, drawing in a deep breath, breathing in the scent of Elizabeth which permeated the entire room. Her scent invading his senses, blocking all else.
"Son of a bitch." he muttered tightly, willing his growing erection to recede.
What the hell was going on with him? More to the point, what the fuck was his problem!
He snatched the soap from the ledge, washing himself off quickly, bypassing the stiff length of his erection.
"Talk about fucking objectifying..." he sneered. "She's not like the others and I'll be damned if you think of her in that manner." he chided himself severely.
Red rinsed off, yanking his towel off the bar, "Fucking asshole." he wiped away the water and agitation. "Stop acting like Silas with a centerfold."
He needed to stop pussy footing around. He needed to grow a set of balls, more like it.
Just ask her to dinner, maybe dancin–
No, she couldn't go dancing yet. Maybe a movie? Which was the biggest cliché of all time...
He should know what the hell to do. He had done this a few times in his day. Besides that, he was Red Reddington.
If his associates knew the trouble he was experiencing over this situation, his reputation would be shot.
He knew what he would like to do, but it was like the old adage, at least buy her dinner first.
A date...
Jesus.
He hadn't gone out of his way to actually meet anyone... to date in years.
The women he had encountered since becoming the Concierge of Crime, he had met in a bar or it's equivalent. He had of course, been a gentlemen, buying their drinks and what not.
But most usually, they approached him. They had a plan in mind for the evening, one of which included himself.
They would have a few drinks, maybe a dance or two... then fuck.
Even Josephine had started that way. But there had been something about her that kept calling out to him. She was beautiful, unassuming, gentle, a wonderful lover.
Why she hadn't trusted him to help her... to get her to safety. Damn her family!
Red slammed his eyes shut, shaking off the rising anger. He took a deep breath and then another until his rage settled. He would have to take care of that matter soon, until that time...
Perhaps Lizzy would enjoy a play?
"You don't even know if she'll say, yes." he muttered quietly to himself.
Yes, that's what he would do. Ask first. Plan, later.
The man wrapped the towel around his waist, heading to the closet, closing the door behind him. He leaned into the dresser, breathing out his vexation and anxiety before yanking down a suit.
He'd put his armor on and feel focused again. That was all he needed to do.
Once that was in place, he'd be normal.
He reached for a shirt, then hesitated when he heard the doorbell ring.
He set to work dressing, pushing aside all else. He'd have to just deal with everything later.
Author Notes: Beta says the part where Red runs his fingers through Liz's hair, makes her head tingle.