Author Note: I would just like to take a moment to congratulate the nominees of the 'Favorite Reviewer' poll on The Blacklist: Lizzington Shippers forum:
Rolobr/LoriRon
SecretPhoenix679
Meriya
Beautifulocean
Gregwillray
Sera_Clay
And of course, a HUGE congratulations to the winner:
Rolobr/LoriRon
I feel so honored to have been reviewed by some of the very best!
May 4
A short time later, Red headed out with Francis to meet with a prospective client. The meeting had gone well, so well in fact, they not only had another shipment to be handled, but they had padded their pockets with a sizable amount of cash.
As they were headed to the car, Francis reached out, pulling gently at Red's sleeve.
"Can I talk to you a moment," he asked, gesturing his head to a secluded spot, "alone."
Red's brows furrowed slightly, for the young man seemed in a serious mood for once. A novelty in itself. "Dembe, could you call Louis and get that shipment rolling, please."
Dembe inclined his head, leaving the men to their privacy.
Francis walked a few feet, then sighed. "I was wrong to stick my nose into your private affairs," the man began, "and I promised myself I wouldn't do it again..."
"But?" Red baited artfully.
"Are you still pissed off at her?"
"Okay," Red sighed, "I know this has to do with Lizzy, but I'm completely drawing a blank here." the man had quirked his head to emphasize his growing frustration.
"I know it's none of my business," Francis held up 'wait hands', "but..." the younger man began to pace restlessly back and forth on the concrete pavement.
Red watched the man's lack of progress and felt as annoyed for some obscure reason as he did whenever he spoke with Glen.
There was no rhyme or reason, he just was.
But the more he watched Francis try to pull his thoughts together, the less he felt the aggravation.
He truly understood how difficult this was for Francis to come to Lizzy's defense again.
"Francis, just say it." Red urged impatiently, then altered his tone at the boy's devastated look. "I promise, I will hear you out."
Francis built up his courage, taking a couple of steps. The steady gaze pulled Francis up short. He returned to his pacing for a spell.
Red's arms lifted from his sides in a 'oh my God' gesture which the young man caught.
"Why haven't you made love to her yet?" he blurted the question.
"Not that it's any of your business–" Red's tone was more than cool.
Francis held his hands up in open defense, "I know but..." he grimaced, "when my best friend is hurting. When she's second guessing her desirability, I..." Francis rubbed his fingers on his forehead hard, shaking his head, knowing he was stating it badly. "She thinks you don't want her anymore."
Red was momentarily stunned. The statement came out of the blue, shocking the hell out of him. He had expected some sort of concocted story Liz had woven for the sake of their 'cover'. While there was often, a bit of truth in every lie they told, this truth hit far too close to home.
"If that's the case..." Francis scratched nervously at his neck, his gaze never leaving Red's face for any real amount of time, so anxious was he to read the man's reactions, "then just tell her."
"I want her Francis." Red disliked airing his private business before anyone, but he did take into consideration Francis' motives this time.
"Then what's the problem?" Francis was stumped.
Red remained silent for so long, Francis began to squirm. He knew he was in dangerous waters here, and Red's final explosion proved him right.
"I'm not about to fuck her against some fucking wall." Red snapped angrily, all the frustration of the last few days coming to the fore. "You asshole people won't give us..." he broke off knowing he was putting the blame on other's when he could have put a stop to the interruptions anytime he really wanted.
"There's a reason there's a 'do not disturb' sign and locks on the door." Francis bitched right back. "And turn off your fucking phone. There is nothing that can't wait until you give her the attention she needs from you."
The man resumed his pacing, unaware of doing so.
Red's arms lifted yet again, his annoyance back ten fold.
"And what the hell is a little interruption?" Francis wondered aloud. "I mean, if you have a kid, you think they'll knock?" he turned earnest eyes Red's way.
Yes, the man did have a point. Red couldn't count how many times his daughter had 'interrupted'. He and his wife took care of Jennifer's issue, got her back to bed and picked up where they left off.
So what was his problem now?
"Man, she's dying for you to touch her." Francis advocated sincerely.
Red sighed heavily, slumping back onto the wall behind him for support. He gathered his thoughts, allowing the silence to stretch. "...I wanted to make it romantic, for her."
"And you can do that." Francis' tone softened slightly. "But right now, let her know you want her and give her a good fuck." he stressed and looking at Red, really looking at the man, "And quite frankly, I think you need it more than she does."
Red lifted a chilly glare.
"I honestly don't know how you couldn't have taken that pussy by now." Francis shook his head, genuinely confused. "She's so damned hot, even I get a hard on sometimes." he smirked, until he realized Red's dark and territorial eyes zeroed in on him.
"I mean..." he quickly amended, "I don't know how you haven't got a hard on..." he laughed lamely. "Because I'm sure you have, not that that's any of my business, but come on... what man would not get a... not that I have. I was just joking about that." he laughed heartily again, stepping to gingerly hit Red's shoulder in open camaraderie.
But the man's expression had not changed one iota.
"I mean, I think of her as a slightly older sister." Francis continued, mentally slapping himself upside the head, wondering when this ability to not be able to shut up had become a common occurrence. Then suddenly realized... he was still fucking talking.
"Not that she's older than me, she isn't. And boy, does she look younger, not so young that it's unfashionable or unseemly that you two should be involved." Francis closed his eyes, just realizing what he had said. "Not that you're too old for her, they're not thinking that, I mean, why would they?" he poo-pooed the very idea. "Look at you." he motioned accordingly. "I mean what man doesn't want to be Red Reddington?"
"Shut up now, Francis." Red advised quietly. He had to think.
Francis winced inwardly as Red's fingers curled tightly into his arm, and just knew, he was most likely about to get belted.
Really, really hard.
Francis fell silent, wondering what other stupid shit would come pouring out of his big mouth when Red ended the silent debate.
"Get in the car." Red gritted, pushing the man toward the vehicle which sat waiting, across the parking lot.
"What?" Francis held his breath, thinking maybe he'd gone too far overboard again and had lost Red's friendship... forever.
"Get in the fucking car." Red snapped, his head jerking toward the auto. "I need to get ready for our date."
Francis walked stiffly ahead of the man, wondering where the bullet would enter.
Before he got in the car or after. Probably before. Red wouldn't want to ruin the upholstery.
"Are you mad at me?" he asked, checking behind him, relieved not to see any weapons drawn.
"No..." Red's tone had not altered in the least, however. "You just made me realize something."
Francis opened his mouth to comment but shut it quickly enough when Red transferred a steely look in his direction.
"And that is none of your business."
Both men climbed into the car. As Francis took his seat beside the man, he craned his neck, searching Dembe's hands out.
No weapons there either. Francis threw Red a disturbed glance. What was going on here?
"Thank you, Francis." Red begrudgingly drew his attention from the outside scenery as Dembe pulled out into a heavy traffic flow on the Interstate. "For letting me know." the light eyes shifted lazily to the chalky face, staring at him so expectantly. "...You can relax now." it was summarily advised.
Francis smiled hesitantly at the man, unable as yet to breathe a sigh of relief, not trusting Red or his instincts any further than he could spit at the moment. Which wasn't saying much, as his mouth was as dry as the fucking Sahara.
"You're welcome..." He replied politely, sitting back stiffly.
Dembe pulled up alongside the curb in the downtown section, directly in front of Francis' office building. The young man craned his neck up the tall building, watching the busy sidewalk absently.
"Get out of the car, Francis." Red instructed.
Francis looked at the man dumbstruck. "I never come here unless I have to."
Dembe's head shook woefully in the front seat. Red's look of incredulous disbelief reminded the other man that he should probably just quietly take his leave.
"Okay..." Francis nodded agreeably, pointing to the outside world that suddenly seemed like a refuge from a very bad place he might go, if he did not... "I'm just gonna go." he shot out of the car like a rocket, calling out as Red pulled away. "Good luck on your date!"
Elizabeth transferred her gaze back and forth a hundred times, having made her choices for tonight's special occasion.
She shook her head negatively suddenly hating every article of clothing she owned. She stepped once, selecting a long gown only to hang it back in it's original spot.
She dropped her head into the dresser, her frustration complete. She tugged at the radio on her hip, hesitatingly rubbing her thumb over the call button, before finally pushing it.
"Silas, could you come here for a minute?" she asked hesitantly.
"Copy..." the man returned immediately.
A short moment later, she heard tapping on the main door and the guard call out her name.
"I'm in the closet!" she shouted back.
Silas walked around the door frame, chuckling. "Are you trying to tell me something?" he smirked.
"Shut up and help me." she grumbled her dissension, waving over her wardrobe selections. "Please." she added as an afterthought, hoping to buy the man's good grace.
"Do I look like I read Cosmo?" he folded his arms, leaning into the doorframe. His look saying it all.
"No," she turned away, running her fingers along the satin of her robe, "but you are a guy." she lifted a warning gaze, scowling at the man. "Don't make me look trashy."
Silas studied her for a long beat. "You're nervous." She had expected him to be amused, but his expression was a somber one.
"Yes." she admitted. "I mean, it's been years since I've..." she felt the pressure of the moment acutely, "with Tom," she thought how to phrase it, "the fanciest I got was a new sweatshirt."
Silas shifted his eyes for a beat, sizing up the situation. She wanted the night to be memorable.
"Show me what you got." his decision was cast.
Liz turned quickly, before the man's patience wore out, holding up each choice against her small frame.
She sighed wearily, feeling her mood drop with each dress he vetoed. She looked back at her choices which were dwindling quickly.
"No, that one's too long." Silas grimaced his distaste.
She sat it back in line with a finality, tears misting her eyes.
"What's wrong with that little black one there?" Silas jabbed his finger at the one in question.
"It's a little low cut for dinner, isn't it?" she hadn't even considered it to be honest but she wasn't about to share that information at this point.
"No." he stated bluntly and at her doubtful look, "I'm not bullshitting you." and he wasn't. "It's pretty modest for where you're going." he assured.
Liz looked at the dress, indecision in her features.
"You want Red to make a move on you?" he asked seriously.
"W-Well... I.." Liz stumbled over the question, let alone the answer. Why was it people around here were so blunt in their observations and statements? "Yeah, I guess."
"Then wear that one." it was advised. "It'll give him easy access." Silas took the dress off the rack, holding it up to her body himself. "It's low cut and short, so it won't be in his way when he–"
"Yes, yes. I know all that." She stopped the narrative abruptly.
The man grinned as her nervousness turned into vexation. He leaned back into the wall, watching her flitter around grabbing shoes, nylons...
"Matching lingerie." he reminded.
The woman hesitated, tossing the blue set back into the drawer, choosing a black set instead. She bunched them in her hand, hiding them from sight, then sighed heavily before holding them up for Silas' approval.
"They're good." he nodded. "Red will like them." he sing-songed his head. "But more importantly, you'll feel confident in them."
She took a shaky breath, tossing them beside her nylons.
"Why are you so nervous?" he asked. "It's not like you haven't done this... done him... before." the man grinned at his own wit. But to his surprise, the woman's brow did not furrow in anger, but open concern.
He stopped grinning, shifting his tall frame upright, his amazement apparent. "You two haven't..."
She held up a hand, "Why does everyone think it's okay to," she halted abruptly, licking her lips which were suddenly dry. "Oh what the hell...No."
To say she was nervous about sleeping with Red was a damned understatement. She had only been with less than a handful of men. And Red... he had a damn Harem of women after him.
She didn't think she was all that bad in bed, but how would she rate among his other lovers?
She could feel the pressure returning with a vengeance.
But Liz couldn't push aside the pure exhilaration of experiencing the man.
She found herself in quite the little quandary.
"Taking things slow, eh?" Silas shrugged, giving her an out and breaking the tension. "That's fun too." he grin had returned slowly.
Liz cocked her head, intent on the man's every utterance.
"The anticipation has it's rewards." Silas stated simply. "Especially when you get to be our age." he explained. "Nothing surprises us anymore. Nothing shocks us." he continued. "So the build up, the challenge... it gets us off."
"What do you mean." the woman was suddenly more than very interested.
"I'm not saying Red won't come when he's with you." the man stated bluntly. "But the foreplay, the suspense of what you'll feel and taste like. How you'll react when he fucks you..."
Liz blushed from head to toe but she managed to hold the man's eyes unwaveringly.
"That is very much on his mind. He's fucking aching to take you." Silas smiled knowingly. "He's holding back for you, but he's also enjoying the hell out of the chase."
"God, I hope so..." she breathed her anxiousness aside. "You think?" she asked hopefully.
"I know." It was corrected stoutly. "Everyone he's been with is so quick to fuck, gives it up too easily..." Silas did not judge the women, merely stated the facts. "There's no intrigue. No challenge."
Liz's mood heightened a tad. "Really?"
"When you deny him a little bit, make him have to play the game, it's rewarding."
"Rewarding?"
"Oh hell yeah." the guard nodded. "If he has to gain your interest..."
"Gain my interest?" she questioned immediately.
"If you make him get to the point where the urge to throw you against a wall becomes a need." he explained. "He'll enjoy the hell out of that." he spread his hands widely. "He's been enjoying the little touches you two have been sharing, the flirtation, the build up."
"Are you creeping around in the shadows or something?" she instantly regretted the retort. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that, keep saying things."
"You two were making out in the hallway earlier before he left." It was reminded.
Oh, right. They had been. She had forgotten they were where everyone could see them.
"With that said... he doesn't expect me to put out..." she grumbled, remembering Red had called Silas a slut for the same offense. "In fact, I think he would rather I didn't on a first date." she worried her hands. "So I think if I did push for more..."
"And you really want to push for more." Silas assumed correctly when the woman cast him a full flush of her cheeks. "If it makes you feel any better, this technically isn't your first date." Again, an out was offered. "You two had something going on long before this, you just had to get your shit together." he put it in an eggshell. "This is just your official first date."
"What's the difference?" Liz was not only lost, she was feeling a growing trepidation.
"Red just wants to make sure you have no questions as to his intentions towards you." Silas explained. "By asking you to dinner, it just signifies that you're officially dating." he shook his head at such innocence. "He's staking his claim, as it were."
Liz's mouth gaped a little, understanding dawning on her. "Oh..."
"Shit..." the man bitched when the radio on his hip squawked. He answered the call, his eyes lifting to the woman. He would have to take the call, it was understood.
"Look, let me just say this..." the radio squealed again, he snatched it angrily to his mouth. "Are we about to be attacked! Is death knocking on the door!" he bitched at whoever was on the other end of the line.
"Uh, no." a tinny voice replied. "We need your approval on a security measure."
"I'll be there in a minute then, dammit." he snapped, then smiling gently at the woman replacing the offending object to his belt. "Red won't turn you down. But the tease does hold it's merits. Consider it foreplay."
"Thank you, Silas." she nodded her thanks, smiling softly. "For everything..."
She hadn't thought about it like that. And she should have, being a woman. Foreplay was a good thing.
So maybe what Silas said held some merit after all.
Unless he was screwing with Red, which the man was known to do. Her doubts resurfaced hastily enough.
But as she replayed the conversation in her head, the man had truly seemed to be putting her at ease. Offering sound advice as he knew it.
Liz set about getting ready for a very eventful night, hopefully. She was a little more secure in her choice of dress now.
But more importantly, she pushed aside her decision to have a 'game plan'. She intended to sit back and enjoy the ride, where ever it took them.
Elizabeth studied her reflection in the mirror for the hundredth time, checking on her hair and makeup.
Her eyes were constantly drawn to the inexplicable box of condoms which had been left on her night stand.
Silas must have brought them in when she was getting ready, leaving them in plain view. Like an idiot.
"But it never hurts to be prepared, right?" she muttered to herself, hastily ripping the box open, dropping one inside her purse.
She sat the box down, closing the latch on her bag, looking back down at the box.
"Oh, what the hell." she impulsively grabbed the object spilling it's full contents into her purse. She started visibly, not to mention guiltily, hearing a knock at the door.
"Come in!" she called out cheerfully, dropping the box, kicking it under the bed as she snapped her purse closed.
Red suddenly stood there, larger than life, his eyes slowly scanning her attire. A sensual sweep started at her feet lifting agonizingly slow.
"You look rather..." the man's tongue rolled along his lips, his eyes sweeping her form once more, "... delectable."
Elizabeth looked down at herself on the sly, breathing a little sigh of relief that her tightening nipples were hidden under the lace of her dress.
"Thank you." she smiled softly. "You look very handsome... as usual."
And he did. The gleaming band of his watch seemed startling against the classic dark suit, crisp white shirt and bold geometric tie in dark blue. A blue that seemed to darken the hue of his eyes.
Though... upon closer inspection, perhaps it wasn't the tie, perhaps it was the intensity of the look he was giving her, causing his eyes to seemingly change colors. With each passing sweep of those penetrating orbs, the pupils of his eyes seemed to darkened almost hypnotically.
Red allowed her a release from the carnal trance he wove, slowly stepping towards her.
She felt like prey being hunted by a hungered beast... and didn't mind one bit.
Liz knew she should take exception to such behavior, but the reality of it was, she had never felt more like a woman.
Silas had been right, she felt amazing in this dress. There was something wickedly sinful that brought out the feminine side of her, one she had never explored before.
She often had envied Samar her beauty and self poise but tonight, she could admit if only to herself, that she actually felt sexy and beautiful too.
And the man's appreciative gaze did nothing to belie that belief.
"For you..." he replied smoothly, holding up a small bouquet of orange roses.
Liz's face lit with pleasure, taking the small gift. She took in the fragrant bouquet, inhaling the divine scent.
"Thank you..." she smiled up at the man, "they're beautiful."
"Shall we?" Red gestured to the door.
She took his arm, leaving the quiet of their bedroom.
Liz tried to contain the excitement bubbling inside her. Surely, the man could feel it course through her body.
They were finally taking the first steps on their new journey... together.
Silas must die a slow and painful death, Red decided. Just like he was at the moment.
He just knew the man had something to do with that dress Liz had picked the evening. Little subtle hints invaded his thoughts, like when they had exited the house, the head guard's big shit eating grin when he had seen the woman. And Silas' suddenly innocent expression when Red had thrown him an 'I'll get you for this, if it's the last thing I do', look.
Red's eyes drifted to the swishing little derriere as Liz walked before him down the well lit pathway. That dress was suddenly his most favorite thing in the entire universe.
It was low cut and short... giving him easy access to every part of that pretty package, should he want it.
And God, did he want it.
Every part of him cried out in distress because... he wanted it.
Red held out his hand, pleased when she took it without hesitation, following his footsteps unquestioningly.
"Are we meeting Dembe in the–"
"No." Red pulled her along, his steps slowing to hers. The two seated Mercedes sat there before him in the driveway, it's engine purring like a kitten.
Liz had been wanting to take a ride in the sleek car. She showed her appreciation with Red's choice by an enthusiastic squeeze of his hand, her expression allowing her delight.
"Oh, I love this car." he was so fortunate to own such a treasure.
Red opened the door, helping her into the low seat. He got more than a tantalizing view of the warm valley between her legs before the woman could modestly pull the short dress down somewhat over the creamy thighs.
He straightened with difficulty, his dick reacting to the sight before taking his place on the opposite side of the car.
"Can you drive?" she asked, absently buckling her belt, her tone somewhat surprised.
Red rolled his eyes towards her, then smiled. "Yes, I can drive." he put the car in gear, rolling down the driveway. "Dembe just never let's me." he pushed the button, opening the gate. "Says I make his ass clench to the seat."
She chuckled appreciatively. As they approached the moving gate, she glanced over her shoulder, checking behind them.
"We're going alone?" she was stunned.
"Yes." Red confirmed. "I've had enough interruptions for a while," he threw her a cautionary glance, "you?"
"Agreed." she smiled, settling back into her seat.
Throughout the drive, Red had to check himself habitually to keep from reaching over, instinctively laying hands on the exposed thigh.
As they sat down to dinner, his eyes had focused on the deliciously displayed breasts and long legs wrapped in silky nylon...
Throughout the meal, he found himself enraptured by her good humor and animated delivery of any story told. Some of her college experiences were downright amusing. He had not known much about that period of her life because Tom entered it.
Several times that evening, he enjoyed the flush on her cheeks as he purposely focused his entire attention on the woman. He loved how her eyes lit when she laughed. That laugh... he loved that laugh. She had the sweetest giggle when she was truly tickled. And a throaty breathless chuckle, to which he was becoming quickly addicted.
Finally their dessert plates were taken away, their glasses refilled one last time. Red knew at that stage, he truly didn't want the evening to end.
He could not prevent his hands from gravitating towards her person. He needed to touch her, somehow, someway and in their present situation it was the only 'decent' mode of contact afforded him.
Not that he did not make it 'personal', he did. He caressed and stroked the warm palm intimately.
And even in the midst of the playful stories and dramatic sagas... with which she regaled him, he made sure that she was aware of his presence as a male. And in the end, as he watched the waiter pour the last of the wine, he knew Lizzy's hands as well as he knew his own.
She had a little freckle on her thumb and a tiny scar on the other. Her nails were smooth under his own fingers, the polish slick and even. She had a slight callous on her right index finger, most likely from handling her weapon.
And when he held her hand in both of his, it vanished completely.
Red consciously played with her ring, rubbing his thumbs over the large stone, watching the woman's eyes grow heavy.
He lifted the small palm of her hand to his mouth, softly kissing the sensitive skin, hearing her breathing falter.
He couldn't help but wonder what her hands would feel like on his body.
"Are you ready to go, sweetheart?" he knew he was. He wanted out of the suddenly stifling atmosphere. He wanted to be alone with the woman, clear and simple.
Elizabeth shook out of the trance like state the man had placed her in, breaking her gaze on Red's mouth as her softly kissed her hand.
She looked at the clock on the wall, surprised as hell to find three hours had passed since they sat down.
Three hours had passed so quickly and pleasantly.
They walked from the restaurant, hands still clasped. She could feel the heat of the slightly callused palm against hers.
"It's so pretty out tonight." she smiled up at the tall buildings surrounding them. "It's difficult to see any stars in town."
"It is." he agreed, smiling down at her happy face.
She leaned into the car door, delaying the inevitable as long as she could. "Do we have to go home right now?"
"No..." he muttered softly, "I wasn't planning on taking you home. Elizabeth."
"I've had a really nice time..." her tone lowered, matching his.
They stood quietly, listening to the city move forward around them. The people and the sights blind to the two lost in their quiet solitude.
Red's fingers tenderly brushed away the soft strands of hair caught by the wind, intently focused on the woman, lost in his own personal thoughts for a moment. He smiled gently realizing she was staring silently up at him, waiting.
Red blinked, breaking the stalemate, reaching around her to open the door. As he walked to the drivers side he informed her, "I had planned to take you to a play," he began, "but upon reflection," he slid into the seat effortlessly, "I find I would rather have you all to myself."
The woman's cheeks flushed in delight, "That sounds about right." she was past being coy for the moment.
He pulled the sporty car out of the parking lot, taking to the streets quickly, until they hit the Interstate. He flew down the busy highway, slipping further and further from the city until the roads were tree lined and the stars came out, twinkling brilliantly against the black sky.
Red drove silently for a spell allowing the woman to take in the beautiful night sky. He pulled the car into a hidden alcove off to the side of the small two lane highway upon which they drove.
Liz questioned his actions, but did not object to them.
"I need to talk to you." the man shut the car down, turning in his seat.
"By my calculations," she interrupted hastily, "we've had a little over four dates." she held up her fingers to signify, the ring shimmering in the distant light of the moon.
Red was a little thrown, going with the flow however. "...All right." he wasn't sure where she was heading.
"We've been to dinner, made out a couple of times..." she ticked the items off. "All very date type activities, yes?"
"I suppose you could say that, yes." Red agreed, still a little in the dark. He hadn't thought about it, but he guessed there were some instances in New York that could have been considered 'dates'.
"After our discussion in the laundry room," he stated just as bluntly, "I was under the assumption that you were open to more." he shifted more comfortably in the seat, facing her more squarely. "Which is what I wanted to talk to you about."
"You do want to have sex with me, don't you?" she had gathered her courage, forging ahead.
The man hesitated visibly, then tackled the problem head on. "Yes, I do. Very much." his eyes held hers easily.
"Don't typical couples have sex on the third date?" She hid her trembling fingers from sight, her façade of sophistication wearing thin under the constant scrutiny he offered.
"I... suppose so." he allowed.
"Then why haven't we?" she blurted.
"I didn't want you to feel rushed." he told the truth, finding her candor refreshing.
"Well, I don't feel that." The woman beamed her relief, crawling across the seat, sitting in his lap.
Red stiffened slightly, the heat emanating from her center, feeling deliciously arousing on his instantly stiffening shaft. It didn't help in the least that the woman was squirming excitedly about, eager to share her point of view.
"I would very much like to have sex with you." Liz was so happy to finally say the words out loud, to share them with the man.
She tightened her thigh around his leg, rubbing intimately into his zipper. Red quickly caught the small curve of her ass, stilling her movement before he lost his focus completely.
"Just to be clear, you are ready to make love..." the man got things back on track, he hoped, clarifying his original intent, "to be completely committed to one another?"
"I am." She replied quietly. "I would love to do more... be more."
"How much more Elizabeth." his tone was semi-stern as was his gaze.
"I don't understand." she frowned slightly.
"So I'm understood, without question, " he reached, lifting her left hand into view, "I want this..." he held up her finger, the diamond gleaming in the low light, "at some point. With you."
Liz's mouth fell agape, her eyes widening with shock.
"I want to make a life with you Elizabeth." he continued. "I want you to belong to me. In every way possible." he was more than firm on the matter. "If you don't have that end goal in sight, or aren't at least open to it..." he swallowed heavily, "I don't think I can do this."
Liz was stunned.
She hadn't expected this, at all.
He laced his fingers through hers, pleased to feel her squeeze his hand in return, if nothing else.
"I want to be that one person you turn to, Lizzy." he explained. "I would love more than anything in the world to be your friend, confidant, lover... eventually... your husband."
He fell silent, just as she had been over the last few minutes , feeling his heart hammer harder in his chest each minute that passed and she remained that way.
But judging by her expression, she hadn't expected this revelation, at all. She had a lot to process, so he gave her that time.
Her career, what she'd worked for, was in jeopardy. He wasn't what she dreamed of, he was sure, when she thought of her future lover or dare he say it, husband. She was younger than he. She might be thinking of having a family one day, could he provide her with that.
Her very way of life could turn upside down, just because of any decision cast this night.
And he knew it.
And after Tom, would she want to get involved permanently with... another criminal. And one as notorious as Red Reddington.
Fuck...
He hadn't quite taken that into consideration, because he knew why he was in this predicament.
She didn't.
To have an affair with him was one thing. They could keep it low key.
But what he wanted. Commitment.
She'd have to take a huge leap of faith to get involved with him. And that was a fate, he wouldn't wish on anyone.
"Okay..." she inclined her head almost regally.
Red raised his eyes, locking on to hers. "Okay... what?" he was totally lost after such a long break.
"I would like to work towards the same goals." Liz confirmed her feelings on the matter.
God... his fingers curved tightly into the steering wheel, his knuckles white from the exertion.
She had actually fucking said it.
"If you're still offering?" she looked uncertain for a moment, wondering if he had second thoughts. She had been quiet for so long, maybe he had...
"Most assuredly." he confirmed. "Are you certain Elizabeth?" he questioned her rationale. "I know you must have some reservations."
"If you're referring to my work or Tom." she hesitated, sensing, "I'm not going to explain this very well without it sounding–"
"Just say it, Elizabeth. I'll follow along well enough." he hastened her words.
"First and foremost," she began, "I know Tom was probably one of the first things you had come to mind. That I wouldn't want to get involved with you because of him."
"Yes." he admitted as much.
"Big difference between you two." she had come to realize. "I know that even if you don't think I do."
"As for work," she twisted her mouth slightly aggravated, "I'll just tell everyone to mind their own damned business." she said quietly. "How about what I want? And that is, quite frankly... you."
She placed her finger to his lips to halt his intended rebuttal. "A career is a wonderful thing, but it doesn't keep me warm at night, it doesn't hold me, kiss me or make love to me." she whispered. "But you can..."
"Yes Elizabeth, I can." he replied just as quietly.
"Then give me those things." she leaned towards him provocatively. "A career lasts a short while, but what you're offering..." she brushed her lips against his, "can last a lifetime."
Red cupped her face, finally seeing the truth in her eyes.
Elizabeth wanted this, just as much as he did.
He softly kissed her, letting what she just said, settle in his mind.
He pulled back, staring at the beautiful blues eyes, then nodded minutely, his decision cast.
Running his hand along the small curve of her ass, he reached around her, starting the car.
The woman frowned critically as the man helped her slide back over into her seat, "Where are we going?" she was more than vexed. Silas had promised this would work.
Red backed out of their makeshift parking space, heading for their original destination.
"Somewhere private." he stated, reaching over, taking her hand.
Author Note: Beta convinced me to go ahead and post, since it's a pretty long chapter. She'll be finishing off ch 65 while I'm in surgery. She's printed it off to make corrections and will type it when we get back. We hope we can get it all finished by Thursday/Friday.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, why orange roses?
They not only signify the beginning of a new journey these two are embarking upon.
They also signify Red's desire and passion for Elizabeth.