The night passed uneventfully. The next morning, as they followed the bellboy down to the lobby, they found the others waiting for them.
Francis was speaking as they approached. Dembe nodded slowly as he listened politely. Silas on the other hand, was shaking his head sorrowfully , a look of disbelief on his handsome face.
"Where's Mark?" Red asked as he and Liz neared the group, his expression more than guarded. "And what's wrong?"
"Mark is staying another day to finalize a deal with Anthony Burke and Ms. Toscani." Dembe replied.
Red's expression slipped a tad, grateful that Dembe had the good sense to not use the woman's name.
Lexa.
"As for what's wrong..." Silas sighed, "he's telling us about..." the guard searched for the proper description, "how he fucked up." the man spared Francis an impatient scowl.
"What did you do?" Red feared the worst, his tone saying as much.
"I met a girl online, see..." the young man began what Red was sure would turn out to be, the longest story in the History of Man. "She said that she'd– "
"Francis..." Red gritted his teeth, "is this going to be Great Expectations or the Readers Digest Condensed version?"
Francis seemed totally confused by the question, so Red waved the man to continue.
"Right, so she met me for drinks," Francis explained slowly, "we had a couple and we went back to my room..." he winked, his brows waggling, "one thing led to another..."
"Didn't she ask about your wounds?" Liz had to wonder.
"Well, yeah. But it worked in my favor." Francis smiled happily. "She pampered the shit out of me. But, I assured her I was in proper working order." he stated, unconsciously cupping the package between his legs.
Red glanced around the hotel lobby hastily to ascertain if anyone was paying any real attention to his companions.
Liz rolled her eyes at the display, but found herself waving the man on just as Red had a few moments ago.
"Get on with the story, please." she encouraged.
"So anyway, we started fucking..." Francis was more than happy that someone at least, was interested in his adventure.
Lizzy giggled behind her hand, a little shocked at the man's forthrightness, but stalwartly attempting to maintain her perspective on the matter.
Her amusement grew by leaps and bounds however, when she noted Red's reaction. The man stood, head cocked, shaking slowly back and forth, as he exchanged pained looks with the head guard.
"... and while we were..." Francis hesitated a moment, thinking of the proper euphemism, "in fragr, no, in flamingo..."
"In flagrante delicto?" Red presumed, though he didn't think the definition quite applied to what had happened here, but the boy was on a roll, which meant he would finish the story more quickly. So Red kept his mouth shut.
"No," Silas followed Red's train of thought, holding up a stilling hand, "in flagrante delicto actually applies, I believe."
Red's brow furrowed, his puzzlement sincere.
"Yeah, that." Francis pointed excitedly. "I... well, you see, the thing is... I ate salsa. They had it last night, in the bar, instead of..."
"He farted." Silas replied blandly, cutting to the chase.
"I was telling it!" Francis complained.
"Thank you for that painful reminder." Silas replied.
Liz turned away quickly, slapping a hand over her mouth to silence her desperate need to laugh out loud, right in the young man's face. Her shoulders shook, as did the rest of her body as she unsuccessfully tried to hide her ever growing amusement at the sordid tale.
Not only was the Francis' story telling technique animated, to Red's point of view, it was downright painful to experience.
Red sighed heavily, removing his glasses, rubbing the building tension behind his eyes.
"Anyway, as I was saying." Francis stressed. "I farted mid-fuck." the guy stopped mid-sentence, his hands going to his hips as he contemplated the events of the preceding evening. "Well actually, it was more towards the end, but it'd been hanging there for a while, you know."
Red looked at Dembe, finding the man nodding understandably, clearly sympathizing with his compatriot. Silas merely looked at the man, his mouth slightly agape.
Liz's face was red and flushed from trying to hold back her overwhelming need to laugh out loud.
Red kept silent for that fact alone. It was so rare to see her having such unbridled fun.
"And then what happened." Red asked, figuring he had heard this much, he might as well hang on until the end. "We all wait with bated breath..."
"I think she got pissed. Or disgusted, I couldn't really tell. I was a little busy after all." Francis pumped his pelvis to show just how 'busy' he had been.
"I mean, it is my fault? I was using some stomach muscles, quite well, mind you." he nudged Liz as if she understood his meaning, making her laugh harder. "It was either lose the tempo she seemed to like so much, to go rip one in the privacy of the shitter..."
Liz broke, spewing her merriment. Red glanced down at the woman, airily brushing the results of her action from the sleeve of his suit. He was suddenly hard pressed to keep his own amusement in check.
"What's wrong with her?" Francis demanded, slapping her back quickly, his touch none to gentle, as if she was choking. "Anyway, it was either that, or let it go a little, while I tended to business. I don't see what her problem was, she came... pretty hard too." he was proud of that fact until...
"Faked it, you mean." Silas corrected meaningfully.
Francis drew back, frowning. "It sure didn't feel like she did." His concern was apparent. "You think she did?"
"Would you if a chick farted mid-fuck." Silas queried, interested by the answer.
"Well, no." Francis shrugged. "You don't see me freaking if there's some queefing going on, either." Francis was once again proud and happy.
Red dropped his head back, looking up to the heavens to deliver him to his next existence.
"So, what's a little man queef, as it were." Francis demanded to know.
Silas shrugged minutely. He didn't mind them either, truth told.
A woman beside them scoffed disgustedly, grabbing her bag before walking away in a huff.
"What?" Francis scowled. "Are you disgusted that I farted or what I said about queefing?" he called out after the woman whose high heels clicked on the expensive marble of the lobby as she made her getaway. "Because if it was the second one, you knew what it was!" he taunted. "So don't act all high and mighty with me!"
"Francis." Red snapped, drawing the boys attention.
"What?" Francis threw his hands to his side. "She was eavesdropping, then had the gall to judge me, for what?" he questioned, then it dawned on him. "It had to be the queefing, because she didn't say anything after I farted."
"Must you be so crude?" Red scolded firmly.
"You want me to be technical instead?" Francis dismissed such a notion. "How do you explain a queef?" the man threw up his hands questioningly.
"Expulsion of air from the vagina." Dembe replied stoically.
"Oh... well, yeah, that works." Francis shrugged. "My way is faster though." he looked lost in thought for a moment, then sought them out. "Does queefing extend to ass fucking too. You know what I mean?" The young man was suddenly overly concerned. "When you get going, and push out air... is that a fart or a queef?"
Red ran a hand over his face, "Jesus Christ..." he whispered
Liz fell into the wall, leaning into her shoulder for stability. Her laugher rang out loudly in the massive exterior of the grandiose hotel. Dembe reached over quickly, steadying the woman, as he continued listening politely to Francis' tale come to it's conclusion.
"Anyway..." the young man took a breath, finally, "I made it up to her, I think, with a little post-coital cuddling. I like cuddling." Francis' face softened slightly.
"Or you gassed her, rendering her inert so she couldn't escape." Silas stated his belief.
"May I ask why you're relating your evening activities to us all?" Red asked, rubbing at his forehead, completely mystified as to the 'why' of it all.
"Well, you asked what I did?" Francis screwed up his face. "If you didn't want to know, why did you ask?" he asked slowly, as if Red was an idiot.
"Get in the car, Francis." Red replied just as slowly, returning the favors.
Silas shoved the young man in the proper direction, he and Dembe trudging off behind.
Liz collapsed into Red's chest, cackling her repressed amusement into the lapel of his suit. Red smiled down at the little head bouncing off his chest, patting her back until she started to calm down a little.
"H-He's s-such an i-idiot!" she snorted breathlessly, pushing away from Red, dabbing her eyes, stumbling about haphazardly in a giggling fit.
Red, ever the gentleman, which was more than he could say for some others...he lifted a staunch glare at Francis who was just now entering the car which waited at the curb. Red handed the woman a handkerchief to use instead, as Liz was trying to dab her eyes with the palms of her hands.
"Which is an insult to idiots..." Red replied, before taking her arm, leading her from the hotel.
A good forty-five minutes later, after fighting down town traffic, they boarded Red's jet heading for Washington D.C. Liz and Francis chatted amiably, during the flight.
Silas took the opportunity to catch up on his sleep. Red and Dembe manned the phones. Each lost in their own activity for half the flight.
Francis headed to the bar to refresh everyone's drinks. Red had a brief conversation with the man, before returning to his business call.
Liz quirked her head as Francis approached, drinks in hand but felt their descent begin. She settled back, accepting the refreshment graciously.
She buckled her belt, taking a small drink from her glass.
"You wear your seat belt?" Francis disdained. "You little pussy."
"Red's orders." Liz shrugged. "One you should follow, you big pussy." she hastily looked over, checking on Red's whereabouts. That word had never passed her lips before and it felt odd to say it to anyone but this idiot here, who she felt ridiculously comfortable with.
Francis was looking at the ends of his seat belt, completely lost.
"Don't tell me..." Liz shook her head, "you've never worn one."
"They're for pussy's." Francis held up each end as if to explain the obvious. "Besides, the fucking plane crashes. What's a little strap gonna do?"
"You don't wear them in the car?"
"They wrinkle my swanky threads."
Liz gave it up as she watched the guy try to figure out the mechanics of the simple seat belt.
"What was that about?" she changed the subject. "You and Red?"
"Oh, he was just asking me if I was available for the next couple days in DC." Francis beamed her a joyous look as he completed his objective. He had buckled the belt and felt as proud and happy as when he had taken down the Baroffio Brothers.
"Why?" Liz ignored his euphoric state.
"Oh, he's... fuck!" Francis squawked when the plane hit a patch of rough air, making the man lurch forward. He stuck his arm out, steadying the glass in his hand, grinning triumphantly when he didn't lose a drop.
"Now, aren't you glad you were wearing your belt?" the woman smirked, as they once again dropped quickly in altitude.
She chanced a quick glance to Red, finding him as cool as ever, as though nothing was happening. His feet were kicked up on a nearby table, phone in hand, but his attention was on her.
He inclined his head towards her, silently asking if she was all right.
She smiled softly, nodding once. His sighed heavily, returning his interest to the call, but was clearly bored out of his mind.
He rolled his eyes as he caught Dembe's attention, raising his hand eye level, flapping his thick fingers together indicating the person was blathering on and on.
Dembe arose, walking to the cockpit. He had received confirmation, from the other man, that the plans had just changed.
Liz's mouth quivered with amusement. She had noted the exchange between the two men and Red's gesture had tickled her. There was something so human sometimes about the man, that she felt her heart soften toward him.
It was a feeling that was becoming more and more prevalent these days. Needless to say, she couldn't wait to get back into the comfort of their own home... their own bed, to see where these feelings would lead.
Francis tapped her arm, nodding his chin towards Silas. The turbulence had not disturbed the man in the least. He still slumbered peacefully, though the skies through which they flew, were still tempestuous.
If anything, it appeared the man relaxed even more into his sleep state, molding further into the leather chair. His stocky frame cuddled up to the posh leather interior as if to a warm lover.
Liz looked out the opposite window, watching the scenery blur past the windows. They slowed on their approach, allowing her to see buildings and cars below more distinctly.
Though their descent was bumpy, their landing was superb.
As they slowed and rolled to a stop, Red dropped his head dramatically. "Oh, Miguel, I'm about to head into a tunnel, I fear I–" he slapped the phone shut before flinging it to the table top.
Francis chuckled quietly at her side, then frowned at Red. "You've gone through tunnels while speaking to me..." he narrowed his eyes. "Have you been doing that the whole time."
"No." Red finished off his drink, then looked at Liz, instant communication passing between them, which meant in reality, of course Red often had done just that.
She snickered quietly, then whipped her head towards Francis who had jerked back into his seat, his feet flying out from under him. The man had attempted to stand having forgotten he was still snuggly buckled in.
"You can unbuckle the belt now, sport." Liz pointed out helpfully. "Do you need instructions?" unbuckling her own to demonstrate.
"I know how to do it!" Francis struggled with the belt frantically, but the mechanism refused to give way.
The woman stood up, stretching luxuriously, noting the man beside her. She reached, meaning to shake Silas awake. A hand came out of no where, gripping her wrist to prevent such an unwise maneuver.
She looked at the owner of the hand, frowning hard. "What?"
"Don't touch him when he's sleeping." Red warned, then transferred his attention. "Dembe, if you please."
The large man shrugged nonchalantly, picked up an umbrella then lightly touched the slumbering giant.
Liz startled when Silas turned, gripped the umbrella, weapon aimed and ready, before she could even think to blink.
"Never touch him while he's sleeping." Red reminded sotto voce. "He'll wake if you say his name." he directed. "Silas." he demonstrated, dropping his voice soothingly, cutting through the man's REM state.
Silas sat up instantly, rolling his neck to get the kink out, his expression slightly confused as he noted he now held an umbrella.
"Is it raining?" he enquired, laying the object aside. He did not note Dembe's sudden grin.
"Lizzy was about to touch you." Red explained.
"So you probe me with an umbrella." he yawned, looking around. "At least buy me dinner first... have we landed?"
Red's head swirled around quickly at the distinctive sound of a switchblade knife opening. "... Don't you even think about it." he warned.
"Then get me out of these fucking shackles." Francis was wiggling back and forth in his makeshift prison.
"Oh, for God's sake." Red reached, his fingers deftly snapping the release on the belt. Francis breathed a breath of exhilaration. "A monkey can do this."
"Oh yeah right... they have opposable thumbs. It's easy for them." Francis defended himself, hastily lifting out of the seat.
Silas shook his head to clear it. "Did he say what I think he just said?"
Dembe lowered his head sheepishly, feeling bad for his friend.
"What?" Francis was as usual... lost.
Red handed Lizzy her bag. "Francis... get off the plane."
"You don't have to tell me twice." he pushed ahead in line, almost knocking Liz back into her seat which brought another round of giggles from the woman.
"Do not encourage him..." Red threw a stern look her way, which only brought on more giggles. "Lizzy... get off the plane."
The woman dissolved into a fit of laughter. Silas arose slowly, a concerned glare on his face.
"Boss, is there something wrong with her?"
"Yes. It's the associations she keeps." Red replied lazily.
Silas shifted a wary stare. "You talkin' 'bout me or Monkey Boy down there?" he jerked his head towards Francis who was headed for the red auto parked on the tarmac, even though Joe stood by the large SUV, hands out stretched in a 'what the hell' manner.
"Francis!" Red called out. "It's the black one."
"But your name is 'Red'." Francis snapped his pique, glancing around expectantly. "Oh! Hi, Joe. You're late."
Joe searched for some kind of meaning in it all, receiving no 'answers' from anyone departing the plane.
"Black is less conspicuous." Red played along because that's all he could do at this point.
Silas bounced down the steps, his expression a wry one. "Yeah, Joe..where ya been?"
"Hey, a man can lose a few hours without even trying." Francis defended staunchly. "Cut him some slack. He's here, ain't he."
Red tried to ignore his surroundings, helping Liz to navigate the steps of the plane, careful of her injuries still. "Ignore them, maybe they will just go away."
"Wishful thinking on your part." She tried hard not to giggle again because if she did, Silas threw her a mystified glance.
"Does Silas..." Liz had a burning question bothering her. "I mean..how does he..eh.." She thought how to put it. "If he's with a woman and ...falls asleep, afterwards..I mean." She lifted hopeful eyes to an amused companion.
"We're very aware when the naked female form is laying cuddled up to us." Red replied. "The mode we experience upon waking is... less acerbic, shall we say." he smirked.
"You do that too? Wake like Silas did?"
"Yes."
"But you don't do it with me." she countered. "And I'm not naked." she teased.
"I'm very aware of you, no matter your state of dress." Red's eyes dropped to her shapely form, remaining far too long to be decent. "Besides, I have seen you in all your resplendent glory...finally."
The woman held the arresting gaze, determined to do so. "So you have..."
The crew pulled off the luggage in no time, loading it into the waiting SUV. Liz realized the jet had yet to power down.
"Are they going somewhere?"
"I am." Red guided her to the car door, reaching around to open it.
Liz stepped in front of the action, preventing it. "What do you mean," she scowled, "you're going somewhere?"
"I'm going to London for a couple days. Check out what I just bought from Anne's estate."
Red craned his head, finding his men otherwise engaged. They were giving them some privacy.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she practically accused.
"I wasn't sure I was going until about twenty minutes ago." Red explained. "But actually, I think this is a good idea." he nodded minutely. "It will give you some space."
"Space?" she frowned. "What for?"
"Without me underfoot, you'll have time to think, get your feet back under you." Red laid it out carefully for the woman. "Instead of thinking with our hormones, perhaps we may think with our hearts." He rather liked the poetic reference. "Besides, as they say, absence and all that..." he smiled.
Makes the heart grow fonder. She concluded.
The woman was suddenly befuddled. She had assumed they would have time together, to discuss any issues they had with each other. The thought of him leaving unsettled her completely.
There seemed so much to say, so much to iron out.
"Francis is going to stay with you while I'm gone." he informed her. "I thought you might appreciate it, since you enjoy his company." he smiled.
She nodded silently, unconsciously playing with Red's tie.
She wrapped her fingers around the fabric, pulling on it gently. Red followed her directive, stepping in closer until they were mere inches apart.
Liz felt her heartbeat increase, feeling his warm breath skirt across her lips. She leaned forward, pressing her mouth to his.
Red's fingers curled into the top of the large vehicle rack to maintain control of his senses. He tightened a free arm around her waist, pulling her up against him.
Her little tongue darted out, teasing his lip. He willingly submitted, opening for her gift. His lips lazily explored the sweetness offered.
Liz lazily rubbed her tongue sensually along his. The man issued a deep groan from his throat, before pushing her form against the car, as Red deepened the kiss further.
She stretched up into his efforts, humming her enjoyment. He ran his fingers through her thick hair, softly rubbing the tips into her scalp. The other hand settled around the small of her back.
She gasped in his mouth, as his fingers pressed into that bundle of nerves, making shivers course up her spine.
Liz sighed her contentment, relaxing into Red's handiwork.
The man enjoyed tremendously, the feel of the soft, warm body pressed so intimately to his.
Red stared down at her half closed eyes, wishing she would ask him to stay.
But even if she should ask him to stay, he knew it was best to go.
He wanted to do this right. Because she was worth it.
"I will miss you, Lizzy." his deep voice enveloped her.
Liz fiddled with the knot at his neck, suddenly, intently focused on her distraction. "Do you have to go?" She asked quietly.
Red felt his heart still for a beat, shocked to have actually heard the words.
They were closer, the trust and bond between them was stronger. He should be grateful for that. They had moved their relationship onto a more intimate basis.
And now this...
She wanted him to stay.
A first, and a revelations of sorts.
"No, I don't have to go," Red softly brushed his lips against her, "but I'm going to, because you need this time, Lizzy."
"I think I know what I need, Red." she stated, a little indignant that he thought otherwise.
"Ah, the innocence of youth." Red sighed softly.
"I meant..." she huffed.
"I know what you meant." Red stilled her. "Tell me, Lizzy. Are you ready to commit to me... fully, completely?" he watched her face carefully.
Liz stared moodily at his tie, concentrating hard. There was so much at stake. But maybe just as much to gain?
"Are you ready to warm my bed..." his voice dropped sensually. "Are you ready to make love, with me? Because if I stay... I will fuck you."
Liz inhaled shakily, her mouth going dry for the declaration.
She was torn. A part of her wanted to tell him, yes. Another part of her was hesitating, but she didn't know why?
Everything was moving too quickly? Maybe he was right? But she needed Red to touch her again, so badly.
Last night he had said so much and she was still trying to sort through all the chaos in her mind.
She didn't want to hurt him... she didn't want to hurt either, come to think of it.
Red offered a reprieve because he could sense the turmoil inside the woman.
"You think about it, Lizzy..." Red suggested, "if something should change. If you can say for certain you want me in your life," the thought made his mouth water, " you only have to call and I will come to you immediately."
"Well, aren't you eager." she strived to lighten the moment and her own mood.
"When I'm coming home to claim what is mine," Red brushed his lips over her parted ones, "yes. I am very eager."
"And if I don't call?" she asked nervously, afraid that he might actually answer in the negative.
"Then it isn't time yet." Red simply stated. "I'll be here when you're ready."
"But what if you're not here?" she feared that he would lose interest if she hesitated too long.
"Then I'm most likely dead," Red replied, "because that is the only possible circumstance I can fathom that would keep me from you."
He was not making this easy, at all.
Red heard the jets engines warming up again for departure, glancing at the plane. Time was getting short. He looked at the woman, memorizing her features, then did what came naturally.
He leaned in to kiss her.
Francis poked his head around, a disgruntled sound alerting them to an unexpected intrusion. "Aren't you two done yet?"
Red waved off the interruption, peppering Liz's flushed face with small kisses.
After a few moments, Red raised his head, finding Francis still standing there, staring at them.
"What?" Red scowled.
"Nothing. I don't think I've ever seen you two do it before..." he hesitated. "I mean..." he grimaced. "I haven't seen you do it at all, which is to say... I wouldn't mind seeing it. I've just never been invited."
"And you never will be." Red mildly advised.
"Well, that's not very nice." Francis was mildly hurt. "I would do it for you. And have." he testily reminded.
Liz looked at Red in a different manner suddenly. Did he like to watch such things? She blushed fully at the thought.
Red chuckled sensually, reading her mind. "Ahh, the foibles of Age, eh, Lizzy?" He turned on the young man. "Francis... go away."
"How far?"
"Far enough to give me a moment in private with my fiancée."
Francis grinned as he held up his hands in surrender before taking his leave.
Red turned his attention to Elizabeth. He spoke over the noise of the plane engines.
"I would like to do more than just kiss you..." Red stressed. "You do know that, right?"
Liz's hands held tight to the man's tie, the blue eyes filled with open concern. "You'll call when you–"
"I'll call." he assured.
"Be safe, Red." she whispered.
He kissed her again, a bittersweet brush that left her wanting more. He pushed off the car, running his thumb gently over her swollen lips before turning away, walking toward the waiting plane.
Liz watched him leave, feeling a roiling in her tummy that left her shaken and feeling slightly ill.
Silas opened the door behind her, gesturing for her to enter. After a few seconds, he cleared his throat. "Liz?"
She glanced at the guard, her expression blank before returning her interest to the back of the long swishing coat and hat walking away from her.
Pushing hastily away from the car, she trotted quickly after that retreating figure.
"Red..." she called out after him. The man turned, his foot on the stairs on the plane.
His head tilted questioningly, a welcoming smile playing around the corners of his mouth.
"Go ahead, Dembe." Red gestured the man to proceed him, turning back to the woman. He stood patiently waiting, his gaze resting intently upon her face.
She tiptoed, quickly wrapping her arms around his neck, capturing his lips with her own.
Red pressed into the unexpected affection, his heart thudding hard in his chest.
He had not expected this at all...
The large black car rolled up behind them. Neither seemed to notice. Red broke the kiss when he heard the subtle whoosh of a window being rolled down.
"Hey!" Silas complained, "I'd like to have lunch sometime today!"
Red raised the finger at her back, plainly telling the man what he could do with himself.
"I'll see you when you get back." Liz said quietly, her lips brushing his.
Red smiled against her mouth, embracing the small promise.
"I'll be back soon, Lizzy." he staunchly declared. "I promise you that."