AUTHOR NOTE: It was pointed out to me in a review that some of this chapter sounded familiar and I had to agree. (Thank you, thank you, thank you! I would have never noticed had it not been for your help!)
(If you want to know how I screwed up, PM me. I'll explain how I think I did it. And it was entirely my fault. Not Beta.)
I was going to delete this chapter, but thought some of it might be enjoyed, so I'll go ahead and leave it and hopefully get everything back on track in the next chapter.
With that said... I will not be posting the next chapter today (Thursday), as I planned.
I'm going to take a couple days and reread what's coming up to make sure that everything is correct before posting.
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Your feedback is VERY much appreciated!
Much to Liz's surprise, Red had called with a Blacklister the night he left. After gathering the info, she had called her team, giving them the preliminary information.
The next afternoon, while Silas tended to Security upgrades, he grudgingly allowed Liz to leave with David and the new kid, Kevin, to take Samar to lunch. They also, after lunch, hit a store to grab some odds and ends before returning home.
When Liz arrived, a large truck was parked out front.
A couple of guards and delivery men were off loading the rest of the clothes 'Miss Perfect' had chosen for Liz before their trip to New York.
She watched load after load rush past her, her guilt and recriminations growing by leaps and bounds.
Why had she allowed that woman to convince her she actually needed all this... wait a minute.
She did not remember ordering all of that.
After the men left, Liz went through, trying to make heads or tails of all the bundles and boxes. She finally achieved her goal an hour or so later, having sorted through the bulk of the clothing.
With that complete, she fell exhausted, unto the small divan. She had enjoyed her afternoon and now determined to put Red Reddington out of her thoughts for a while and attempt her first dip in the pool. An oasis which had been calling her name since she'd been here.
She changed into her bathing suit, only to find herself staring at her phone, again. Wondering, for the hundredth time, what to say to Red. Everything that she had come up with sounded so trite.
Sure Red, I'd like to date you. What woman in her right mind wouldn't?
She scowled slightly, cringing inwardly. That was so articulate, so profoundly moving... bullshit!
He had been so up front, almost eloquent, everything had sounded so perfect in her mind. When he said it.
She felt like anything which she decided upon, paled in comparison.
Maybe it was just that 'over the phone' seemed so impersonal? This was an important step for them. And to her, it felt like she needed to say what needed to be said, to his face. Mainly to gauge his reaction, of course.
She snatched the phone off the table, grabbing her towel, marching from the room... intent on burning off some stress.
Stepping out into the hall, Liz pulled up short, hearing men's voices. She looked down at herself fighting her inclination to wrap herself snuggly in the towel.
No! It was something Red Reddington's woman would not...Red Reddington's woman! The phrase made her tingle inside.
If she played her cards right, could she really lay claim to that title. She fought her inclination to continue such a line of thought, lifting her head proudly, trudging forward.
She would have to get used to feeling more comfortable in her own skin. Her body was okay... right? She could work this bikini just as well as the next woman... couldn't she?
She was still debating that question when a familiar voice broke her train of thought.
"Hey..." Francis called from down the corridor, taking in her state of dress, or undress, "hot ass."
Liz did not find any offence in the man's remark, as a matter of fact it bolstered her confidence somewhat.
"I didn't expect you back so soon." she smiled at Francis. The man had only been a couple hours at most. She had wondered at his absence. He had left rather abruptly with no explanation at all, but she wasn't his keeper and knew how to mind her own business... for the most part.
"You going swimming?" the young man asked.
Liz looked down at her bathing suit, then back at the man, her face saying it all.
"I meant, are you tanning or swimming, you little shit."
"Swimming." she smiled. "And you, stop hanging around with Silas." she suggested evenly, a thought occurring to her. "How about getting changed, swim off some of that stress clinging to you."
Francis rolled his neck, the sound of cracking plainly heard even at her distance. "Sounds like a plan..."
Liz waded through the water, feeling the drag against her body, pulling at her legs and most specifically, her ankle. She was glad Red had suggested the water therapy. If anyone knew how to work away injuries quickly, with the best results, it was Red.
"Feeling the strain, huh?" Francis dove into the deep end of the pool. He broke the surface, wiping the water from his face. "It felt like it took forever to feel normal after I broke my leg. But really, I think it was about three weeks."
"I'm just tired of feeling... tired and winded." she could feel the stress even now.
"Here, let me show you some exercises that helped." Francis lifted a warning finger. "Don't push yourself." He scolded. "You can't make it all better in one day."
"I'm fine, let's keep going." She panted, pushing off the wall. Francis sighed heavily, shaking his head for such folly.
He followed, gliding up next to her. He kept the pace easily all the way into the deep end. He hit the wall with his hand, turning expectantly.
Liz was no longer next to him. He scanned the pool rapidly, panic rising in his chest.
Looking down hastily, he saw the woman sinking towards the bottom. Francis ducked into the water, grabbing her hand as her ass hit the floor. Pulling hard, he yanked her towards him and up to the surface with an effortless grace.
Breaking the top, he inhaled a lung full of air, as he pulled Liz the rest of the way up, clutching her against his chest. She sputtered, coughed and gasped for air.
He brushed the hair out of her face, concern etched on his boyish features. "Are you all right?" He demanded to know.
The woman jerked her head once in affirmation, grasping his shoulder for support.
"Just relax, I've got you." He patted her back, loosening the water she had swallowed. "Wrap your legs around me, hon."
"Am I interrupting something?" An ominous voice enquired all to pleasantly from the side of the pool deck.
Francis kicked, circling to face the new arrival. There was no doubt as to what was in Red's mind, his tone leaving little to the imagination.
The dark eyes stared coldly at the younger man who held Elizabeth so tightly pressed up against his body.
"Yeah," Francis scowled right back, "a near drowning."
Red's expression froze as he hurried closer to the pair. He hastily examined the situation more closely, his concern now apparent as well.
The woman coughed spasmodically, finally clearing her lungs and throat. "I'm okay..."
Francis caught her eyes. "Better?"
"Yeah, I'm good." She nodded. He relaxed his hold, knowing her feet could now reach the bottom. He had guided her far enough to safety.
"You're back earlier than I expected." she lifted a surprised glance to the man in question, wading slowly forward. Glad to have solid ground beneath her feet once again.
"That's all you have to say?" Red snapped. "You don't think what just happened deserves an honorable mention at least?"
"It was just an accident." she glanced back at the deep end of the pool and then the young man coming up beside her, subconsciously asking for support.
"Elizabeth..." Red fumed, his mood certainly no better for such an evasion.
"I got tired... I couldn't..." She sighed.
"You pushed too hard and had Francis not been here, you would have drowned." Red tracked her movements through the water, walking beside her as she made her way to the steps of the pool. "You told her as much too, didn't you." Red directed his attention to the young man who waited patiently for the storm to pass.
"I did, yes." Francis wasn't about to go against Red again. "She's just anxious, Red."
"Anxious to get herself killed." At Francis' look of consternation, Red was reminded to calm himself before speaking again. "You'll get better, it'll just take some time... unless you fucking kill yourself."
Okay, so maybe he wasn't as calm as he should be.
"Red..." Francis groaned his disappointment.
Red grabbed Liz's towel, striding to the stairs to help her out.
When she reached the deck, he pulled her against him, uncaring that her wet suit was saturating his clothing.
"Are you okay?" He mumbled into her neckline, squeezing her tightly against his straining form.
"Yes, don't be mad at me." She asked quietly in his ear.
Francis exited the pool, grabbing a towel as he passed them.
"Thank you, Francis." Red grasped the young man's hand as he passed, his look speaking volumes.
"No problem," Francis grinned for the one sided apology, "I'm just glad I was here."
"Why don't you take a shower and join us for–"
"Ah, I understand now."
They turned in unison, to see a tall, well dressed, handsome man, smiling widely and eyeing Liz appreciatively.
Liz looked puzzled at Red for the unexpected intrusion.
"Elizabeth, this is Ben Gilchrist." the older man made the introductions, his hold tightening on the woman's waist. "Ben is here to finalize some business we have."
Francis held out his hand, greeting Ben, while Red turned away, holding the towel open, blocking any view of the woman.
Stepping in, Liz held the material to her body, rubbing away the wetness.
When Red turned back, Ben was craning his neck to get a better look, his face allowing his smile.
"It's impolite to ogle, Ben." Red's brow lifted slightly.
"On that note, I am going to take a shower. See you all shortly." Francis grinned. "It was nice knowing you, Ben." he sniggered, walking past the still gaping man.
Red pulled Liz possessively to his side, staring hard at the newest arrival, scowling darkly.
Francis stopped in his tracks, his face bemused. "Man... take a hint." he lifted his hands slightly. "Do you have a death wish... literally."
The other man almost laughed his amusement until he really looked at Francis' face. His enthusiasm dampened considerably.
"Ray, I'm all wet." Liz tried to pull away from his expensive and now, dripping suit.
"A fact of which you will never hear me complain," Red quipped, the sexual undertone quite clear, "and which I plan for you to enjoy on a regular basis."
Liz managed to control her vexation, not responding to the innuendo. But Red continued to needle her, taking it one step further.
"But only with me." he nuzzled her damp hair in open affection.
Opening the towel wide, she stepped into him, hugging him close. The warmth of her wet body melded with every part of his. Tilting her head, she nuzzled her nose along his chin, "You know I always do, Ray." she purred.
Now if she was only chewing gum to complete the vision she had in her head of the floozy bimbo she was portraying, the picture would be complete.
But dammit, the man wasn't annoyed at all, as she had planned.
He ran his hands under the towel, wrapping his arms around her waist, molding her entire front to his, completely ignoring the fact, that he was almost as wet as she was now.
Dropping his head, he kissed her cheeks, before rubbing his own nose against hers. Kissing the side of her mouth, his eyes twinkled with amusement.
Ben cleared his throat, reminding the two they were not alone.
"I can see why you so desperately wanted to get back, Red." Ben chuckled.
Red suddenly scratched at the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes.
"What?" Liz tried to read the man's face. "Did something go wrong?"
"It went better than expected." Red smiled charmingly at her. "There wasn't any real point to stick around."
"Yeah, and now I know why." Ben snickered.
Red shook his head minutely as a deterrent, but Ben ignored him completely, blithely supplying Liz the run down on what had occurred in Red's absence.
"You have to know, these meetings normally take up to two days to complete." the man began his narrative, warming as the tale progressed. "So Red walks in, takes off his hat, stands at the head of the table, pointing at each man in turn," the man held up his hands, as the picture unfolded, "in less than twenty minutes, each of us knew what, when and where we were shipping... what our cut would be, and what accounts the money would be deposited in." Ben looked at the man in question with admirable eyes. "Then he says, in that inimitable way he has about him, so... are we done here?"
The man laughed appreciatively.
"I didn't see the point of taking a whole day to discuss the logistics. It's pointless." Red defended his actions. "I didn't hear you complaining."
"I had just taken a drink. By the time I was finished," the man chuckled infectiously, "so was he."
"And have I heard a thank you?" Red admonished. "No, I have not."
"Red?" she whispered her growing concern. "Did something go wrong?"
"Dembe, could you take Ben to the bar." Red directed his one time friend with a none to gentle hand, which made the man laugh all the more. "Get him another drink, since his last went by so quickly."
Ben chortled, moving towards Dembe. "Please, do take your time, Red. I wish to enjoy this one." the man called back over his shoulder.
Once Ben had left, Liz checked with Red. "Is there something going on I should know about?"
"I don't know what you mean?" He hugged her close, looking down at the contact.
"Why did you come back so quickly?" she feared the worst. "Is it Carver?"
"No, he's out of the country at the moment. I didn't see the point of wasting a whole day on something that could be taken care of so easily." he dismissed. "Maybe I just wanted another day off."
"Are you lying to me?" She pulled back, shocked.
"Well, we know that's not possible." He pulled the Velcro of her boot apart, reaching for her leg.
She sighed, waving him off. "I'm gonna take a shower you know."
"You still have to walk through the house." He set her foot in the black cast, tilting his head, his eyes examining the area in open amusement. "I see Hannah and Katie were here." He pointed down at the flaming red nail polish on her toes, smiling. "Nice color."
"You're evading." she scolded.
"Lizzy, I'm tired, I'm burnt out. If I could, I'd go to Mark's tomorrow." After running his fingers along the top of the cast to check it's tightness, he helped her stand. "I missed you."
"You did?" her heart sped up a beat.
"You sound surprised." there was a melancholy to his voice.
"Maybe a little." she admitted.
"I'm finding I can't sleep without you near..." He smiled when she looked shyly back at him. "I've grown accustomed to your snoring and now I can't do without the white noise."
Liz laughed lightly, slapping his arm playfully as they headed back to the master bedroom.
"Take a couple days off Red."
"I wish I could, but I don't see that happening yet." he confessed. "I'll be here tonight and tomorrow, I think."
"Can I help?"
"The Blacklister I gave your team has moved off into Canada, so I may have to take them up there to get him."
"Why do you have to go?"
"To find him," he explained patiently, "I have to meet with contacts there, face to face."
"If you keep going at this pace, you won't make it to Mark's." she forewarned. "Because you'll have dropped dead." she complained.
"It's like I said, I know this little get away is coming and time seems to stretch the closer it gets." He sat down on the couch, collapsing into it wearily. "I think we're all feeling it."
Red glanced over, finding the woman staring at him worriedly.
The man dropped his head back, then nodded wearily. "All right. I'll try to take a couple days off."
Liz smiled happily, leaning to kiss his cheek. "Thank you." She clasped his hand, pulling on it relentlessly, "Go change, you're all wet."
Red looked her over, taking in her lack of clothing. His glance caused her skin to flush.
"Speaking of wet..."
Controlling her rapidly beating heart for the man's very apparent appreciation, Liz bolstered herself, "Do you think we can get a minute when you're finished with Ben?" she asked. "I wanted to talk to you about–"
"Raymond?" Dembe knocked softly.
Red sighed, then straightened his posture, tugging on the back of his vest, turning to the new 'intruder' into their world.
"Come in, Dembe." Liz gestured the man in. "I'm just going to change." she smiled at both men before making her exit. She threw Red a cautious look. "We can talk later."
After the woman shut the door, Red rolled his head towards his friend.
"Is this your little way of telling me you want a raise?"
Dembe's mouth pursed, barely containing his amusement at his friends ire.
"You just wait outside that door, don't you?" Red evil-eyed his friend. "Just waiting there for your cue to come in and interrupt at the worst possible moment ever."
"Not the worst ever..." Dembe grinned, holding out the paper he came to deliver.
"I swear to God, Dembe." Red's jaw worked furiously. "If you ever interrupt me when I'm fuc–"
He heard an abrupt crash from the bathroom which interrupted him momentarily. He stood hastily, making his way forward.
Liz's soft murmured curse amused Dembe.
Red took a couple steps, then halted , pointing a warning finger at his friend. "I won't stop, I'm warning you now."
The man pushed open the door, "Are we having a small apocalyptic disaster in here?" he viewed the broken disarrayed contents of the shower caddy which lay strung across the tile floor, with open amusement.
"You could break your neck with one of those things." he quipped before closing the door soundly in Dembe's face with but one calamitous look for the man.
Dembe chortled quietly, heading for the exit. He knew he would try in the future to exercise more discretion, as Raymond Reddington... always kept his promises.
Liz had felt stupid, having clumsily knocked the shower caddy down. She was grateful for Red's assistance in righting the mess. She had been in the shower, soap on her face, naked as the day she was born and just about to shampoo her hair when her arm caught the damned thing, sending it flying.
She had forgotten all about her lack of clothing in her efforts to right the situation, until she arose from her stooped position, finding Red's eyes resting placidly on her nakedness.
The moment lengthened, Liz feeling like the proverbial 'deer in headlights'. Red finally looked away, breaking the spell.
"I'll get that for you." was all he said.
The simple statement eased her awkwardness instantly. She didn't know why it did, but she arose thinking only, that she was cold and needed the warmth of the shower again. She stepped back inside, resuming her shower as if the man seeing her sans clothing was the most natural thing in the world.
Red sat the items aside, turning his head to watch blatantly, as Liz continued to wash that appealingly beautiful body.
His gaze traveled over the soapy bubbles cascading down the slope of her spine, watching her hands move languidly over the heavy mounds of her breasts, then slowly slide down the taunt stomach back to the sculptured arms and shoulders.
"What did you want to speak to me about?" he managed to pull his attention away long enough to sound somewhat normal.
The woman hesitated, her hands halting their motions. She had lost her nerve when confronted with the reality of the man.
Red glanced back, raking the sweet curve of her bottom, wishing with all of his heart, that she would turn around to face him. But that did not happen.
"Oh, it wasn't that important." Liz's tone held a lightness she did not feel. "I know you have people waiting."
"Let them wait." he advised quietly. "No one is more important than you."
The woman turned slowly, her eyes locking with his. She suddenly felt all warm and fuzzy inside, beaming him a brilliant smile.
Red carefully kept his eyes forward, sensing this was not the moment to push the subject, he had in mind to push.
He nodded minutely, taking his leave more than reluctantly. The vision of her neatly trimmed pubic hair covering that luscious little pussy, making his cock throb with anticipation.
After Liz dressed, she found the men drinking and smoking cigars in the glass enclosed veranda.
Someone had opened a couple of the huge doors, allowing the smells of their cigars and fragrant early spring flowers to combine, in a pleasant sweet aroma that drifted around the cool room.
A soft breeze blew in bringing a heavenly scent from the kitchen as well.
"Are you cooking?" She asked Red, taking her place next to him.
He shook his head, before blowing out a heavy stream of smoke. "No, I hired out before we landed."
"Nora?"
"No, remember she had her grandchild's recital tonight." She nodded that she did. "I hired a different crew."
She didn't think she'd ever get used to Red's life. Don't feel like cooking, hire it out. Don't want to clean, bring someone in. Want authentic Baklava, get on a jet and fly to another country.
She tracked Ben as he walked back and forth at the edge of the enclosure, phone glued to his ear, a serious expression on the earnest enough face.
"Something wrong." She gestured to the man, her senses tingling.
"No, just confirming last minute details."
She watched Red's tongue flick against the end of his cigar, his lips wrapping around the tip.
"Mmm," He hummed around the cigar, leaning over to reach into his jacket pocket, pulling free an iconic Robin's egg blue box. He presented it to her.
She flipped it over so the bow was on top, reading the block script. "Tiffany..." She scolded, lifting awestruck eyes. "Why do you do these things..."
"Why do they always sound so scolding when they hold that box in their hands?" Ben grinned, taking a seat. "Knowing very well that they're going to keep whatever's inside."
Red chuckled around his cigar, watching for her reaction as Liz pulled the lid off. His smile widened as the blue eyes blinked her amazement, her mouth suddenly agape.
"Oh my God..." she reverently removed the platinum and diamond necklace carefully, holding it up to her neckline. It draped elegantly over the warmth of her full bosom.
The single strand of delicate round diamonds broke off into two strands mid-way, mimicking a cowl.
"Oh my God." Francis 'mimicked' the woman's awe having seen the gift in all it's glory.
"See... she's going to keep it." Ben snickered, watching the woman stare mesmerized, at the sparkling strand of jewels.
Red reached, rolling the cherry on his cigar into the crystal ashtray, his amusement growing exponentially.
Lizzy unexpectedly threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
"I bet she wouldn't have done that if you just gave her a box of chocolate." Francis nodded sagely.
"Usually, she's more excited about chocolate." Red felt the woman giggle against him.
"Well, not today I'm not." he was assured as she pulled back, kissing his cheek lingeringly. "How do I thank you for something so beautiful?"
"Oh, let me count the ways." Francis piped up, rolling his eyes dramatically.
"We'll negotiate a deal..." Red traced her brow lovingly, his tone dropping a notch, "...later."
But his 'negotiation' was interrupted by a server standing in the doorway, "Sir, dinner is ready to be served."
The men adjourned to the dining area but Liz had more important things to do. She fumbled with the clasp of the necklace, her brace inhibiting the task.
"Here, let me help you." Red took charge, hooking the two pieces together easily. He gently turned her shoulders. "Let me see."
She turned around, tracing the edge of the diamonds with her fingers. "Isn't it magnificent?" She moved her chest slightly, making the diamonds shimmer under the light.
"Very..." The man was not looking at the necklace at all, she noted.
"I know this is meant for a special occasion." the woman could not stop touching the fabulous stones. "But I tell ya..."
"Any occasion that a beautiful woman wears diamonds, is special." Red took her arm, linking it with his as he followed the others from the room.
"Sometimes Red Reddington," she had to admit, "you take my breath away."
"Not yet," he causally mentioned, "but that day is on the horizon."
He enjoyed the quizzical glance she offered.
He had actually worried that she might not like the necklace. She was a simplistic type of woman. Usually gravitating to small charms, delicate necklaces, basic watches.
But maybe it was because no one had ever gifted her with something better?
Tom certainly wouldn't have gone out of his way to give her anything that wasn't given to him by his handlers. Red knew well, where that wedding ring of hers had come from, and it certainly wasn't chosen by Tom.
She deserved better... any woman did. But in Lizzy's case, Red was the very person to give her the very best.