The house was busy for hours with Red constantly in demand from one person or another. At one point, Elizabeth thought she had cornered the man for a private moment but Francis pulled him away, for a last minute bet on some game everyone seemed involved in.
Red said to put five on the under dog where as Francis laughed gaily, dismissing such folly, before rejoining the guards and Dembe in the larger entertainment room.
"You just bet five hundred dollars on a game you haven't even been watching?" Liz was a little numbed by the fact.
Red steered her to a convenient couch in a nearby room. "Actually I bet five thousand."
The man smiled at the sharp intake of breath from the woman.
"Sweetheart, if you're going to bet, bet big. Makes the winning so much more rewarding and watching so much more exciting."
He raised his arm, settling it behind Liz, surprised when she leaned into him, resting her body comfortably against his.
When did this start to feel normal? It had been a fluid movement, as though they had done it a couple hundred times before.
He glanced at the top of the shiny crown of her head. "We seem to have a moment alone here." he checked the empty room as she cuddle closer. "I believe you wanted to speak to me concerning something important?"
"I... uhm..." she hesitated now that the opportunity had presented itself, "well, you see," she began, "I thought a lot about what you said." she fidgeted with her necklace. "I mean, before you left for London." she clarified.
"Yes..." Red tipped his glass, sipping the warm liquid, waiting patiently. He could sense the tension in the small frame.
"Well, I just thought, maybe..." Liz took a shaky breath, trying to calm her nerves. "I'm not quite sure how to..." she sighed her disappointment, when Francis and Dembe entered the room unannounced, laughing over some shared joke.
The woman drew in a deep breath, trying hard to squelch her vexation.
Red sensed again, the woman's mood. "Could you give us..." he began, catching the attention of the wayward intruders.
Liz squeezed Red's thigh, hushing him. "We'll talk later... or something." she mumbled, before kissing his soft lips briefly.
"Are you staying tonight, Francis?" she asked politely, directing her attention to the man.
"Actually, I think I will, if you don't mind." Francis started walking the room, as was his usual modus operandi, searching through anything that could possibly be misconstrued as 'private'. "Mitch is still at my house and I just know he'll have the 'flavor of the day' there. And really, I would love to get some sleep tonight."
"Flavor of the day?" Liz questioned.
"He's had a different girl there the last four nights he's stayed. And they've all been..." Francis searched a polite word.
"Enthusiastic?" Red assisted.
"That's putting it mildly. I went home today to pick up some clothes and thought I walked into an episode of Wild Kingdom." the younger man examined the fine leather of a novel he had taken from the shelf. "This is heavy." he shot a questioning glance to his host.
"Well see, Francis," Red smiled pleasantly, "all my novels actually have pages in them."
Francis' brow crumpled disapprovingly. "The hollow ones are much lighter and just as nice looking... you can hide lots of..." he glanced at Liz, altering what he had intended to say, "neat things inside."
He looked at the floor trying to decipher if he said anything amiss then realized everything was fine. He decided to change the subject. "You two don't swing from the vines, right?"
"We'll keep it down, just for you, Francis." Liz managed tongue-in-cheek. "Why not put them in the guest house?"
"Funny you should ask." Francis nodded agreeably. "Why didn't you tell me about the secret room?"
The woman looked at Red, the statement confusing her completely. "Sweetheart, can we have a moment here?"
Red was already helping her arise, directing her gently from the room.
"Okay I get that you want to get rid of me," she frowned over at the man, "but I'm a big girl and if he is enquiring about my house..."
"Your former house." Francis corrected.
"Whatever." Liz snapped.
"We just need a minute, baby." Red patted her bottom affectionately, sending her on her way.
"Oh, I get it. It's guy talk." she disliked being dismissed if she were a child but she could feel a tingle where his hand had met flesh. "I don't have to be hit in the head."
"Yeah, why does she have to go?" Francis championed her cause until Red's lethal shift of his eyes changed his outlook. "Yeah, it's guy talk, get out."
Liz sighed heavily, shaking her head as she exited in a huff.
"Well, you're gonna sleep on the couch tonight." Francis predicted.
"What... secret... room?" Red practically growled.
"There was a fake wall in the office." Francis spread his hands defensively. "My contractors found it when they were remodeling the East wall." he shrugged any concern away. "You didn't know about it?"
"I bought the house from an associate. He didn't mention it."
"Why did you buy it for her? I thought she was here."
"None of your business." Red stated. "And put down that vase, it's priceless."
Francis sat the artifact aside carefully, stepping far away from the vicinity.
"Was there anything in this hidden room?" Red got matters back on track.
"I haven't seen it yet." Francis was still more interested in the vase. "How much is priceless, exactly?"
"I want to see that room."
"Yeah, okay." Francis started wandering around again, looking for something else to catch his wandering attention. "We can go by tomorrow morning..."
"I want to see it now." Red stood, finishing his drink in one gulp. "I'm going to tell her we're going out." he nodded to Dembe who exited to ready the vehicle.
"Can I come?" Francis asked excitedly.
"Do you have the keys to the house? Because I don't." Red sighed heavily.
"Oh, right." the young man smiled happily.
Red headed back to their room, just as Liz was coming around the corner.
"Now, can I have a minute of your precious time." she asked, her gaze shifting past the man, her lips pinching in open annoyance.
Red's brow furrowed, looking over his shoulder to see what the problem was. Silas and Joe were sauntering down the corridor, focused on Red.
"No..." Liz jabbed a finger at them, stilling the men in their tracks. "Go away."
Silas ignored her completely. "We need him to–"
"You need to take a hike, take a long walk off a short pier, hit the road Jack, you need to leave..." she informed the men in no uncertain terms. "What ever the hell you want can wait, dammit!"
Red clenched his jaw tight, staving his amusement because the look on their faces was... priceless. If only Francis were here now, he would understand.
The guards looked at him, awaiting his decision. He shifted his eyes to the woman.
This was her home. They were her guards. She had a perfect right to tell them to bugger off.
"Did you hear me?" she drawled. "Go... away..." she pointed for them to go. "It's my turn!"
"You need to get your ass tapped." Silas grumbled.
"I'll tap your ass, you little son of a b–" the woman reached for Red's weapon, only to have the man's large hand still hers.
"You heard the lady." Red held his grip on Lizzy's hand. She struggled harder however, when Silas crossed his eyes at her. "Follow her orders..."
Red knew the men were screwing with Liz and would listen to her if the shit hit the fan, but she needed control right now, and they needed to give it to her.
Liz stuck her tongue out before slipping it back in her mouth quickly when the head guard reached out to snag it between his fingers.
Silas' reflexes were in remarkable working order and he was just an instant from catching the slippery little nub which shocked Elizabeth if her reaction were anything by which to judge.
Red hid his amusement admirably, even when he heard Silas mumble under his breath as he passed... 'kiss ass'.
While Red normally would have retorted... he was much more interested in Lizzy right now, than having a verbal sparring session with the Head Guard.
Red chuckled quietly as the woman manhandled him into a nearby room. He leaned against the dryer as Liz firmly shut, then locked the door behind them with a flourish.
She stood there a moment, glaring at the door. She glanced behind her, blue eyes meeting a patiently condescending pair.
"Alone at last." he glanced around his surroundings. "I love the ambiance of this room."
"Oh, shut up. I mean... not shut up..." she stepped closer, her hand held aloft. "You don't have to shut up."
He inclined his head graciously. "Are you nervous?" He asked solicitously, folding his arms over his chest, his leg crossed at the ankle.
"I'm not nervous." She almost knocked over the fabric softener bottle with the unsteady shake of her hand. "Okay, I'm a little nervous." she admitted fitfully, angry with herself for being so.
He pushed off the dryer, coming closer to her, his bulk seeming to fill room. "Talk to me, Lizzy."
She took a steadying breath, clenching her trembling hands at her side, opening her mouth to speak...
A horrendous knocking on the door made the woman actually start, it was so loud.
"Hey Red? You in there?" Francis called out amiably. "We're ready to go."
"Dammit, Francis, go away!" Liz voice shook. "He'll be out in a minute!"
She waited a spell, shocked when only silence prevailed. She looked at the door in something akin to wonderment.
"Lizzy?" Red questioned softly.
She braced her hand on his jacket, kissing him softly.
She knew now, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that all she had wanted to feel was... this.
To confirm what she had felt in New York, was the real deal.
She had felt an instant connection when his lips touched hers.
Being kissed and held by Red Reddington, felt right.
He smiled against her lips, inching closer, just feeling the tips of her breasts brush against his chest. Red rubbed his nose along hers, his mouth parting sensually in response.
Liz would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy these spontaneous acts of affection. A hug, cuddling and even a kiss now and then, made her feel cared for and connected with another human.
Other's would not understand how this man affected her. When she was near him, her heart would race, her tummy flutter erotically. Just the scent of him, excited her in a way she hadn't experienced in years. This could not be wrong.
Red knew he should probably push to find out what the problem was with this woman, because he sensed there was one. But right now... he just really wanted to be alone with her. He'd been without this beautiful mouth for days and missed the sweetness of her kiss.
Liz drew back, her eyes searching his pleadingly. Red wanted to help, to answer any questions she might have, but she had yet to ask any.
"I know that you are a little..." he began to search his way, hoping to alleviate any concerns or worries she might conceivably harbor.
"I want to date you..." she whispered quickly, before another interruption could occur or she lost her damn nerve.
Red's mouth snapped shut, his senses stagnating.
"We can start off slow." Liz spoke hurriedly, starting to pace quickly back and forth before the man. "...Spend some time together, alone." she suggested. "Maybe we could take a drive down the coast. No wait, there's a coast here right?" she had a vague vision of some coast somewhere. "You know what this is like, it's like one of those dating sites." she looked at him plaintively. "I like long walks on the beach, horseback ri–"
"Lizzy, stop." Red reached out, gently taking hold of her arm to slow her pacing. "What did you say?"
She looked down at the towels beside her, unstacking the perfectly stacked column. "I said it was like one of those dating s–" she could feel the man's stare burning into her.
"What did you say, Elizabeth..." the man repeated the question, his gaze unwavering.
"I mean..." she sighed shakily, "if you're still interested, that is, of course." she licked very parched lips, with her very dry tongue. "I-I mean, I didn't call when you were gone, but I thought it would be better to talk to you, face to face and then you got home..."
"Elizabeth..."
"I accept your offer... to date..." she clarified, then added quickly, "each other, of course."
Red focused on her mouth moving, the words filtering in his brain... before he fully comprehended them. It must have taken a while, because when he snapped out of the fog, the woman in front of him looked very self-conscious.
"Really?" he asked quietly.
"... Yes." she nodded once.
Red controlled his growing excitement, just barely, since it was very obvious the woman needed something more.
"This will be a..." she traced the line on top of the washer meticulously, "a monogamous relationship?"
Red smiled instantly. This is where negotiations began. Fortunately, he was amazing at negotiations.
"I would like it to be." Red was pleased to see she seemed relieved by his answer. "I take it that is a prerequisite for you."
"Yes, I would prefer that." she breathed easier. "That may be old fashioned or not up to today's standards." she realized, grimacing slightly.
"In some things, Elizabeth," Red philosophized, "the old ways are best."
"I also know, you get busy and stuff." She shrugged agreeably. "I won't take it personally or anything if you have to go at a moment's notice. As a matter of fact, I'm getting used to that."
"That will have to change." Red disagreed.
"I don't want you turning your life upside down because of this thing between us."
"I call it rearranging."
"That's another thing." she remembered. "I know you have to keep up appearances, so I will not stand in your way of doing your job." she declared.
"All right..." he let the idea settle, "we'll work on that."
"Nothing is changing per se, except we will be more... affectionate?" she questioned hopefully.
"I would hope that we would become more... affectionate."
"And I understood you correctly?" she needed it clarified for her sanity's sake. "You won't have sex w–"
"I only want to make love... with you." Red clarified. "I don't want to be with anyone... other than you."
Liz smiled softly, very pleased with his response.
"And you?" Red questioned. "Will you belong to only me?"
Liz pouted sternly up at him. "Of course I'll be faithful to you!"
He knew that of course, but that was not in essence, what he had asked. Though it was damn nice to hear her say those words.
Liz moved closer once again, leaning into his embrace which he offered gladly.
The woman primly straightened his tie, her eyes lifting questioningly.
Red was experienced enough to read the invitation. He drew in a deep breath, exhaling slowly.
"Lizzy you just intimated that you would understand about my job." he was at a crossroads. "Even as we speak, I have two men waiting for me to accompany them on a very important matter. I don't want to go." he explained his point of view succinctly.
"I would rather stay with you, but to do so might conceivably put you in some sort of danger. Danger to which I have yet to determine the parameters." he shrugged. "But danger all the same."
He looked at her earnestly. "Now, you tell me... what do I do?"
Liz was slightly off put by such honesty.
"When we make love, I want it to be because it is right for us," he desperately wanted that, "because the affection we share, naturally led us to that moment."
He was the most romantic man she had ever met. And while she could appreciate that fact, all she wanted to do truthfully, was fall into bed with the man.
There was also something about anticipating how that special moment would come about.
What would lead up to them being intimate?
She was sure if she pressed him to make love to her at this very moment, he would. Right here, probably on top of the washer and somehow he would even make that romantic and sensuous and exciting and most of all, memorable.
But that he was willing to wait... and she knew he told the truth in that aspect.
Really made her want to sleep with him.
Oh, the irony of it all.
"You're not making the wait any easier, you know." she grumbled quietly.
Red chuckled, hugging her gently. "I never said we couldn't fool around until that time."
He smiled, pressing gently against her neck as he felt her giggle in response to his quip. He leaned slightly, catching her gaze.
"You know what I would really like?" he asked seriously.
She glanced at the washer mischievously. "To brazenly take me here." she pointed to the lid. "We have to start it first though."
He chuckled appreciatively. "When I take you, I won't need assistance from the spin cycle, trust me."
"And do you plan to..." she was suddenly more than curious.
His tone left little to the imagination. "Sooner or later... hopefully the former."
"I thought this was all going to be natural." she lifted stylish brows.
"That refers to the first time. Everything after that, is cart blanche."
"Oh, I see. Thank you for setting that straight." she held her smile.
"May I take you out to dinner tomorrow?" he asked.
The sudden change of venue was becoming easier to adapt to.
"Like a date." she teased.
"Exactly like a date." his tone had dropped slightly.
"Do you expect me to put out on the first date, because Silas says it is expected."
"Silas is a slut, and you are not." it was emphasized.
"Then I would like that, very much." she nodded amiably. "Casual or formal?"
"We'll wing it." he placed his lips softly against hers. The heated touch ignited an ember inside the woman's overactive libido.
Slowly caressing his bottom lip, Liz curled her fingers into his hard chest, pursing her lips sensually against the curve of his mouth.
"This is nice." she sighed contentedly.
"Nice?" his fingers curved into her hips, easily lifting her to the washer. Stepping between her legs, she slid even closer of her own accord. "If that's all I rate, I should take a little more initiative."
He slid his fingers up the inside of her thigh, lifting the dress as he went. Red hooked his index appendage inside the flimsy silk of her panties, rubbing enticingly over her throbbing little clit.
Liz squirmed about helplessly under his guidance, her mouth devouring his eagerly.
"You know what I would really like?" he repeated almost soothingly, his thumb teased the tiny nub religiously. "To taste this little morsel I'm playing with right now."
Liz moaned brokenly.
"I can't wait to taste you." he moved in close, spreading her legs with his flanks, holding her open to his exploration. "Do you want my tongue on your pussy, Lizzy?"
She moaned, gasping his name feebly.
"I can't think straight some days, wanting so badly to put my face between your thighs and lick you until you come."
He felt her fingers clutch helplessly at his shoulders as she held tightly, the rising tension racking her body, causing her to shudder uncontrollably.
He grasped the back of her hair, holding her mouth for his pleasure as he finished the kiss to his satisfaction.
He drew back leisurely, inspecting his handiwork.
"'Nice' my ass." Red Reddington never backed down from a challenge and although the woman did not know she had issued one, she could not deny his abilities.
She leaned against him breathlessly, her senses straining, her emotions raw.
Her fingers sought some sort of stability, curling into the soft cotton on his shirt where the material stretched tightly over his lower back area.
Red stiffened immediately, her touch reminding him of an issue as yet undisclosed.
He drew back slightly, breaking the moment. He would have to approach the subject sooner or later. Kate Kaplan had seen to that.
He, in truth, was dreading the disclosure.
"There's something I have to..." he shook his head slightly, lowering it. Shit, there had to be a better time, a better place.
Red was never so glad to hear his friend's voice filter through the door. A voice that offered deliverance.
"Raymond, we are ready." Dembe's deep tremor filled the other man's mind with relief.
Red breathed out shakily, accepting his reprieve gratefully... guilt eating away at him.
She laughed quietly, kissing his mouth. She could see the humor of the situation finally.
"Go ahead." she nodded. "We can talk more later." she smiled for him alone.
"I'll be out in a minute." Red told the man, then heard Dembe's footsteps retreat.
She giggled quietly into his chest, hugging the man endearingly.
"What?" he muttered against the crown of her head, pleased that she was apparently content now. Whatever demons which had plagued her, now seemed gone.
"Are you my boyfriend or significant other or..." she tightened her thighs around him, hugging him with her legs, just moments before Red cupped her bottom, sliding her from her perch.
He turned with her artfully, pressing her against the doorway, his hands cupping the firm cheeks possessively. He leaned suggestively against her vulnerable middle, moving just so every now and again in a most rhythmic manner.
"You can call me anything you like." his mouth feasted on hers ravenously.
"What are you going to call me?" she whispered enticingly.
"Mine..." he replied gruffly, before claiming that beautiful mouth of hers once again.