Author Note:
For Lia...
May 16
Liz loved flying at night, but to see Vegas, lit up in all it's glory was a sight to behold. As they came in for the final approach, she looked out the window, beaming.
The jet taxied for a while before they came to a final stop. Dembe opened the flight door, letting the dry desert air inside.
Liz inhaled deeply, almost swearing she could smell money, sin and Pina Colada in the air.
Red headed down the steps with her in tow. It was a new sensation, but Liz thought she could rapidly get used to him holding her hand. As they descended the narrow steps she watched as their luggage was transferred to the waiting vehicle.
"What are we doing tonight?" Francis asked as he slid into the limo, patting the seat next to him. Liz slipped into the spot. "Did they say?"
"We'll have time to get settled in our rooms, then have a meet and greet." Red replied, straighten into the rich leather seat beside Lizzy and opposite Dembe and Silas. "Then maybe play some tables." he got an affirmative grin from all concerned.
Liz craned her head this way and that as they drove, taking in the sights of the Vegas streets, feeling her excitement grow. There was so much to look at, the buildings, the people...
"Or perhaps we should go sight seeing a little." Red smiled softly at the woman's apparent interest in the outside world. As they pulled up to the hotel, his smile dimmed a bit.
"Just don't let go of Liz." Francis cheered him on. "It'll be fine."
When the vehicle stopped, the valet opened the door. Francis nearly fell out backwards at the unexpected action for he had been examining the amenities inside the posh car.
"What ever happens in there," Red coached semi-seriously, "just be yourself."
Liz giggled at his mood, before taking his hand as they walked through the lobby.
"The dragon nears." Francis muttered playfully, gesturing to a nearing woman with a slight jerk of his head.
Liz slid closer to Red, wrapping her arms around the man, laying her head against his shoulder. Out of the corner of her eye, she sized up her opponent.
A tall, svelte blonde with impeccable style and grace approached their party, a stylish brow lifted in a scolding manner. Nicole Master's steps slowed, a crease appearing on the obviously Botoxed forehead as the woman took in the spectacle before her.
"If you keep this up," Red mumbled aside, having seen the usually unshakable façade Nicole held in place, crack slightly to his amusement, "I'm going to buy you something really expensive while we're here."
Liz sensed her act was having the desired effect.
"Mr. Holbrook." Nicole greeted the gathered group cordially enough. "...Mr. Reddington," her voice cooled somewhat as her eyes shifted to Elizabeth Keen, "...and guest."
"And guest." Francis repeated sotto voce. Silas shrugged nonchalantly. He had never understood the workings of the female mind. Their bodies... yes.
"If you'll come this way." Nicole gestured elegantly to the front desk.
While Red gathered the itinerary left by their host, Liz didn't leave his side, as per instruction.
Nicole seemed to have lost interest having crossed to greet another guest who had arrived at the door.
"I'm going to grab a couple of those pamphlets, for tomorrow." Liz pointed to an array of leaflets which featured area attractions, now that the other woman was off the scene.
"All right," Red kissed her lips gently before returning to the sheet of paper he perused, "stay with Silas."
Liz crossed, leafing through of the brochures, suddenly distracted by a strong whiff of perfume as it wafted her face.
"We do not allow Working Girls in this hotel." Nicole intoned evenly, the lovely eyes cold and disdainful. Liz thought she was seeing the real woman behind the 'mask' for the first time.
"I beg your pardon?" Liz hissed, ignoring Silas snickering behind her.
"If you leave now–" Nicole's tone was pure honey.
"I'm not going anywhere!" Liz gritted, her shackles rising.
"I will call Security."
"Call whoever the hell you want." Liz's voice dripped ice.
Nicole gestured to some unseen person, before staring back at Liz triumphantly.
"Something wrong Liz?" Francis asked, approaching the standoff, finding his friend throwing daggers at Nicole, much to his delight. There was nothing Francis liked more than a good old fashioned cat fight. Except maybe mud wrestling.
"No problems, Mr. Holbrook." Nicole smiled. "If you would like, I can have someone assist you to your accommodations."
"No..." he grinned, just knowing a fireworks show was on the horizon, "I'll just wait here."
Red slid the paper back into it's envelope, just as Christopher appeared from one of the back rooms. He nodded his greeting as their host approached, hand out.
After quick pleasantries, Red gestured to the vicinity needed. "Come meet my fiancée, Christopher."
He glanced over at Liz...
What in the...
He made his way hastily across the spacious foyer. Silas had come out of his relaxed stance, placing himself in front of Lizzy. He stared down the approaching Security detail, his presence emanating a certain type of danger.
"Baby, is something wrong?" Red had arrived on scene, asking the rhetorical question.
"We've been asked to leave." Liz replied stonily.
"I believe I said, you need to vacate the premises." Nicole corrected. "Not Mr. Reddington."
"I beg your pardon?" Red enquired quietly, his manner and tone adjusting accordingly.
"Would you like to explain yourself, Ms. Masters." Christopher's own brittle tone made the already tense situation, that more unstable. "Mr. Reddington is a very special guest here along with his–"
"She thinks I'm a prostitute." Liz interrupted, her tone more than chilly.
"...Excuse the hell out of me?" Red's voice had iced over. He snapped a quick glare at Francis who was trying rather unsuccessfully, to contain his glee over the impending situation.
"She told me to leave, that they didn't allow working girls in the hotel, I told her to stick it and she called Security." Liz replied in a nutshell.
"I can testify to all of that." Francis chortled happily. He checked with the other witness on site but Silas was admirably holding any emotion for the moment except one of exceedingly vigilant awareness.
"Why didn't you tell her who she was?" Red indicated to his companion. Francis immediately took on an innocent which at any other time would have been laughable.
"I shouldn't have to explain myself!" Liz snapped angrily.
"No, you should not." Red's voice equaled her intensity.
"I am only doing as my job dictates." Nicole defended herself.
"This is Red's fiancée, Elizabeth Scott." Francis gestured happily, for he was really enjoying this moment.
"Ms. Masters, go wait in my office." Christopher replied evenly. "Now."
The woman's mouth pinched in open anger, the dark eyes flashing an inner fire. She pulled her frame erect, opening her mouth to offer a defensive retort.
Christopher gestured abruptly to the waiting Security. Nicole Masters was removed from the scene post haste.
Christopher turned quietly to his guests. "Please let me express my deepest apologies." he stressed. "I am terribly sorry for the way you were treated." he quickly tried to smooth over the embarrassing incident. "If there is anything I can do to make this right..." he honestly asked of the woman.
"Just keep her away from me while we're h–"
"Fire her." Red snapped. "That was completely inexcusable."
"Yes, it was." Christopher concurred. "I will see to it immediately." the man assured. "I've set you and your entourage in the Villa's for your stay." he waved a staid looking gentleman forward. "Timothy will see that you are delivered there immediately, while I handle this issue." he offered, before waiting to see if Red took him up on the extended olive branch.
The others waited to see what Red would do. "I do not want to see her again, is that clear?" Red responded quietly.
Christopher offered a curt nod, spun and stalked away.
"That was so much fun." Francis slapped his hands together smartly. "This is going to be a wonderful adventure, I just know it."
"Okay Peter Pan," Silas reigned in the perennial man-child, "let's get you back to Never Never Land."
"That was one hell of an assumption." Liz scrutinized her choice of clothing. "Granted, everyone has to make a living, and I'm not judging, mind you, but... come on." she once again doubted her choice of clothing.
"Stop it, Elizabeth." Red grumbled, leading her aside as they fell in behind Timothy, who in reality was their in-house Butler for the Villa's.
"Well, I look just fine." Elizabeth was partially sure.
"Nicole was just pissed off with me and took it out on you." Red settled his hand on her back, ushering Liz to the car. "You look beautiful." he leaned down, kissing her pouty mouth until she smiled. "As always."
They slid into a sleek SUV, driving a short distance to a gated property where they were met with better hospitality, glasses of champagne and Mark Donovan.
The man smiled upon their entrance, holding out his hand in greeting, reserving an affectionate hug for Liz. Though, he had read some tension in the group, most specifically, from Red Reddington.
"Nicole..." Francis grinned in response to the unasked question.
"Ahh," Mark nodded knowingly, "even with Liz here, she put the moves on him, eh?" he chuckled.
"No... well, not like she usually does, anyway." Francis tittered his amusement, before recounting the story of what had just occurred.
Liz felt a smile working it's way across her face the more Francis embellished the tale, until she finally giggled herself. She smiled up at Red, finding the man looking down at her with vexed affection.
"So, how are you?" Liz asked Mark, taking her place beside Red on a ridiculously scrumptious sofa.
"I'm better." the man nodded. "Still sore, but since it's an obvious indicator I'm not dead, I'm fine with it."
After looking over the itinerary Christopher had left for them, some minor business discussion entailed.
"We'll meet in an hour." Red held out his hand for Liz, ushering her to their rooms.
The rooms were amazing. No, they were astounding. Liz could very well get used to traveling with Red, if this was any indication of the luxury he was familiar with.
Not only were the rooms opulent, they had their own private pool, Chef and Butler.
Red guided her to the bedroom, a smile tugging at his lips when the woman hesitated at the doorway. A bright flush reddening not only her cheeks, but her entire torso.
"I hope we can make use of them." Red muttered in her ear, gesturing to the mirrors above and behind the bed.
The woman let the implication set in, her tummy fluttering in anticipation. "Did Francis put you up to this?" she responded breathlessly. "I just couldn't watch it happening... could I?" she looked at him hopefully.
Red felt his dick stir at the thought. He walked up behind the woman staring transfixed at the very inviting bed, wrapping his arms low around her waist.
"You couldn't watch me make love to you, baby?" he rumbled intimately in her ear, enjoying the shiver traverse her body. "Watching me slide in this beautiful pussy." he cupped her little mound in his large palm, rubbing her gently, watching her face in the mirror.
Liz's eyes fluttered shut at the visual he painted for her, her bottom rubbing against Red's crotch unconsciously. Then with added pressure as she felt his shaft strain against the zipper of his trousers.
He turned her around, latching hungrily to the woman's mouth, enjoying her gasp of arousal as he roughly tugged at her skirt. Freeing her from the nuisance, he pushed her back into the bedding, wasting no time covering her body with his.
"You make me fucking crazy..." he snarled against her mouth as he curled his fingers in her panties, pulling them over her shapely hips, before tugging sharply, ripping the thin strings blocking his way to what he wanted.
Liz lifted, her eyes glued to the mirrors overhead, watching Red's large hands divest her of her clothing.
He reached between them, pulling at his belt and zipper, releasing his throbbing shaft. Suiting himself up quickly, Red wasted no time pushing himself into her saturated tunnel.
"I crave this... you." he whispered hoarsely, driving his shaft into her wet core.
Liz lifted her eyes, watching the man's large erection disappear between her thighs. The sensation and the sight, mesmerizing.
His eyes closed, his heavy weight sliding part way from her body, before his large cock instantly missed her warmth.
"I need you so damn much," he rasped the fact, "I ache when I'm not with you."
Liz curled her fingers into the man's shirt, drawing herself up to suckle his lips. Sliding her agile tongue into his warm mouth, she hummed as his danced erotically along hers.
"You are so good at this." she mewled breathlessly, rocking her hips into his down stroke. "I don't mean the sex, well of course I mean the sex... God, yes the sex." she tried to explain her faux pas. "The talking, I meant the talking. You talk really good... well, you talk well, oh shit." she sighed more than heavily, upset with her lack of communication skills.
"I speak the truth..." the man murmured intimately through his half smile, the woman's ramblings endearingly engaging.
She lifted hazy eyes back to the reflection, watching the man fuck her. Working her hands under his waist band, she pushed at his trousers greedily, showing her a glimpse of his amazing ass flexing as he drove home. The sight sent a jolt of sexual awareness through her body causing her pussy to flex spasmodically around the thick shaft.
"The sex thing" she clutched at his ass cheeks wantonly, "...faster."
A deep growl of satisfaction rumbled in the man's throat as the woman's warm breath brushed erotically against his neck before she bit into the sensitive skin in between her breathless pleas.
He broke away from her embrace, standing erect. He cupped her small ass in powerful hands, yanking her across the rich cotton coverlet. He tilted her hips upward, fucking her hard and fast.
Red's eyes fell on her slender fingers, pulling at her taut nipples, massaging the sensitive little peaks methodically. The pink buds, reddened under the abuse.
"Touch your clit, baby." he demanded roughly.
She quickly slid her fingers down to the swollen peak, rubbing herself. She moaned brokenly, enjoying the action immensely.
"I love watching you get off." he encouraged, releasing one ass cheek to assist her. His large finger slid alongside hers, teasing the pink muscle covered in her creamy arousal. "There is nothing more beautiful in this world."
She fluttered around him in response, the sensation making his knees buckle for a moment.
"...Damn." he drawled shakily.
Liz bit hard at her lip, jerking up into his movement, tensing more with each passing second.
"That's good..." he praised lavishly, "come on my cock, baby," he urged as she tightened her core further, trembling beneath him, "let my beautiful little pussy come."
She seized suddenly, her ass raising high off the bed, bucking hard against him. Her thighs shook violently as she cried out sharply, gripping the breast in her hand. Red slowed some, raptly watching the show.
"Don't stop dammit!" she exclaimed, bouncing her ass harder against him.
Red readjusted his grip quickly, resuming his earlier speed... nailing the gorgeous woman laying in front of him.
He looked down at the sight of the give and take of her vulva as he pushed at her body with his glistening shaft.
The need to posses her made his blood surge. Especially when the woman's responded so well to his demands.
Red leaned into her, as his climax neared. His parted mouth mingled with her breathy sighs, their tongues flicking about sensually.
"I'm gonna come so hard, Lizzy..." he breathed hotly against her ear, very much enjoying her cry of arousal. "Come with me..." he nipped at her lip, and was pleased as shit to feel her tensing in preparation. "It feels so fucking good..."
Palming her head, he deepened the kiss. Reaching back, his fingers expertly teased her ass, as he moaned brokenly into her mouth as she joined him. His crown pulsed heavily, oozing jets of hot cream that warmed her steamy cavern deliciously.
Slowing the movement of his pelvis, Red eased some of his weight into the woman, smiling as she wrapped her arms and legs tighter around his body, hugging him close.
"Damn..." she released a shaky breath, brushing her hair from her face, as Red gently kissed her neck, "I love watching you work."
The man's muffled chuckle tickled her oversensitive flesh, making her giggle in response.
"With that said," he sighed, settling his body comfortably against hers, "will I be afforded the pleasure of watching you?" he questioned.
She smiled up at him as the man cupped her breast, testing it's weight. "Well, it is only fair, isn't it?" she fought the blush for her own boldness not sure she could live up to such bravado.
"I will hold you to that." His eyes told her, that in this instance, he would brook no argument.
A short time later, after an invigorating shower, the conversation turned to the mundane.
Liz was contemplating her choice of evening wear, this time with extreme prejudice. She was having trouble deciding between the sedate blue and the always reliable 'little black dress'.
Hearing Red's deep chuckle from the other room, she stepped around the decorative door facing to see what humored the man.
"I do so enjoy 'full service' hotels." Red picked up one of the items from his bedside drawer, examining the object critically.
"What do you have there?" She tried to see but his bulk was in the way.
"A variety of condoms, single packets of lube, some mints... a bible." Red chuckled, dropping the condom back in the drawer, along with his reading glasses.
Liz came out of the bathroom, fastening her earring, before presenting the back of her dress to the man.
Red gazed at the long expanse of bare back, before grasping her zipper, pulling it up slowly.
"Is there anything I should know?" she asked.
He snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her back into his body when he finished. "We're just seeing who's involved tonight, for the most part. You need shoes." he noticed, patting her bottom, sending her back to the closet.
She came back, holding her shoes. Red held out his hand, steadying her while she got one in place, then the other. "I can't believe I miss heels." she sighed, looking at the little flats she wore.
"You'll wear them again." he promised. "Then wish you could wear these." he gestured to her shoes. "As for dinner, have a few drinks, play a few tables. Have fun."
She gave a little spin, confident she looked presentable as Red looked her up and down, smiling, before the man pulled her to the couch.
"I wanted to speak to you about something." he began without preamble.
"Yes?" she was attentive.
"Are you pissed at me for what happened at the Blacksite?" he enquired. "You have every right to be, if you are."
"I'm not mad." she assured. "I want to find out just as much as you do who's writing these letters. And the fact that Tom was there, says a lot." at least in her opinion.
"I didn't warn you because I wanted you to act normally." he explained. "I wouldn't let anything happen to you, Lizzy."
"I know that." she dismissed the rhetoric.
"Are you upset, that he's following you."
"Well, I'm not pleased." she pulled an endearing grimace. "I've kind of resigned myself to the fact."
"He won't get what he's after and he won't be your shadow forever. Trust me." Red seemed to read her mind.
Liz smiled, reaching for her bag. Red's hand covered hers gently.
"Lizzy, you do know that you can talk to Dembe about anything, yes?" He stressed.
She cocked her head, looking at him oddly.
"He would never betray your confidence, even to me." he emphasized. "You need a confidant. Someone you can trust."
"I don't think Dembe would be all that comfortable listening to me go on about my feelings for you or about what happens," She turned pink, smiling to herself, "...in our bed."
"Dembe understands a lot more than you think." He shook his head, when she went to ask what that meant. "I'm just saying, don't discount him."
"All right..." She nodded, not quite understanding his mood, but accepting it.
"I was thinking today," he shared his concerns, "you don't really have any friends to talk to, especially about us."
"Francis would be supportive..."
"Francis is, yes. But he also doesn't know who you really are." Red reminded. "Dembe is the only one who knows our situation, fully."
Liz stroked his cheek, smiling at the man. "Thank you for worrying about my well being and happiness, you dear caring man." she teased to lighten his mood. "I'll keep him in mind if I feel the need to have some girl talk." She chuckled. "Though you know, I've been speaking with Silas a lot. And with his long hair... it's almost like having a girlfriend."
"Please tell him that." Red insisted, pulling her up and off the couch. "And when you do... make sure I am there."
They walked in comfortable silence into the casino to a private VIP room. Red and Liz took the lead with Silas and Dembe taking flanking positions on either side.
Red offered his arm, pleasantly surprised when Liz stepped closer, taking his hand instead. He looked down at their clasped hands, smiling when she readjusted her grip, taking two fingers instead of the whole hand. The fit, better in her tiny grasp.
He gave her a reassuring nod as they entered a noisy area, with people milling about in the foyer and dining entrance, chatting and drinking.
Liz straightened her posture self-consciously having scanned the room with all it's beautiful jet setters.
"Relax." his hand tightened systematically. "It's just a bunch of criminals." he grinned at his own wit.
She scanned the room, her eyes landing on a friendly face.
"There's Francis." she gestured to the table beside the large windows overlooking the city.
"Speaking of criminals..." Red voiced to himself. "Were you wanting to sit with him or avoid him." he questioned. "I couldn't quite tell by your tone."
She rolled her eyes, dragging Red along after her as she made her way determinedly. The crowd parted, all eyes falling on her companion. A fact Elizabeth missed in her haste to find a safe haven.
"Who are they?" she pointed to the women beside Francis and Mark, as Red came alongside her.
"I haven't a clue." Red set his hand on her back, ushering her to the table.
Dembe and Silas seated themselves at a nearby spot. Both men instantly raised a hand, immediately gaining a waitresses' attention who seemed only too glad to serve such interesting specimens.
"Oh, hey." Francis smiled, standing as they neared. "I was wondering," he leaned in, kissing Liz's cheek, "when you'd get here." he held out his hand to Red, shaking it. "Using the mirrors we're we?"
Liz flushed a vibrant red, as Red chuckled quietly beside her, pulling out her chair, offering his hand to Mark Donovan as well. Always the gentleman, Red nodded discreetly to Mark's companion.
"We were using them correctly, unlike you." the man gently teased.
"I was using it correctly," Francis corrected, his tone a rather haughty one. "I just happened to be using them alone."
"Who's your friend, Francis." Liz grated hastily, hopefully directing the conversation to a more congenial subject.
"I'm sorry." Francis apologized instantly, sincerely sorry for his lack of etiquette.
"Red, Liz," he gestured to the couple, then to the woman beside him. "this is, Lia."
Red shook his head, sighing. Leave it to Francis to find himself a girl after only two short hours... and a masturbatory session.
Mark made the compulsory introductions as well, clearly of a different mind set than Francis.
"Red... Liz," the man forced a smile, "this is Amanda."
Liz smiled at the new additions, welcoming them with a genuine smile. It would be really nice to have someone to talk to tonight while Red and the others did their thing.
Plus, she was enjoying how cute Francis and Lia looked together.
Francis was taller than Red who measured five foot ten, while the little brunette pixie at Francis' side couldn't be more than five foot three. They really were quite a striking couple with their dark hair, mischievous eyes and sly grins.
Aside from that, Liz finally got to see how Francis treated a lady. She knew he was affectionate as hell, always quick with a hug or a shoulder to lean on.
But with a romantic interest, Liz was pleasantly surprised to see how aware and attentive the man was with his date.
If he wasn't holding Lia's hand, he had his arm wrapped about her waist. Occasionally, he would whisper something to her, making the woman smile. He was constantly checking on her comfort every few minutes.
But Lia seemed to be holding her own well enough. She was very sarcastic, quick to deliver a wise crack and had a very infectious laugh. Even Red had warmed to her quickly, laughing openly at the good natured barbs the woman hurled at Francis.
While Francis looked at her winsomely, his heart stolen with each slice of Lia's quick wit.
Which was more than they could say for Mark's date. After Amanda excused herself to the powder room, for the third time, Lia accompanied her.
Francis' brows knitted together as he sought out Elizabeth.
"What?" she questioned his rhetorical gesture.
"Don't you normally travel in packs?" he indicated the women walking across the room.
"Maybe, if I had to pee." she drawled.
Red shook his head at the candid conversation, before leaning back and wrapping an arm over the back of Lizzy's chair. Liz scooted her chair closer, leaning comfortably into Red's chest.
Francis turned his scowl elsewhere. "What's up her ass?" he jabbed a thumb towards Mark's retreating date.
"She doesn't want to be here," Mark sighed, "anymore than I want her here."
Liz startled at the blatant honesty.
"I apologize, that was incredibly rude of me." Mark tossed his napkin to the table, frowning. "Her Uncle set us up. Wanted my stay to be... pleasant." He twisted his mouth distastefully.
Liz's eyes widened at the implication.
"Antonio?" Red questioned. It didn't seem like the older man's style. Red had known the old mobster for ages.
"No, his brother." Mark replied sourly. "I couldn't turn him down, you know." he explained.
"He's Old School mob." Francis piped in helpfully.
Liz looked to Red for an explanation.
"To offer her to Mark, suggests a trust." Red muttered quietly. "A bond."
"Sounds like a pimp to me." Liz scowled.
"Did you tell her you have no interest in," Red began, "...trade relations."
"No..." Mark leaned into the table, his own interest piqued, "you think I should? I mean," he looked over his shoulder, "I don't want to offend her." he shrugged. "Any other time, I would find her very attractive. But this..." he sought the word.
"Tell her exactly what you told us." Red suggested sagely. "Takes the stress off." he waved the man off, giving him the excuse he needed.
Mark pushed his chair back, rising diligently. "If you will excuse me."
Liz smiled as Lia returned to the table, an instant camaraderie established once again between the young girl and Francis Holbrook. She stole a hunk of chocolate off the top of Francis' dessert.
Francis grinned, running his finger through the chocolate frosting, swiping it across his upper lip.
Red and Liz chuckled quietly when the woman leaned suggestively, kissing the chocolate away.
Their plates were cleared shortly after, leaving them to enjoy drinks and quiet conversation.
Mark and his date came back to the table, hand in hand, smiling. The tension a thing of the past.
A few visitors stopped by to offer congratulations to Red upon hearing Lizzy's status as his fiancée, though more than enough female associates made it clear that their congratulations were given half-heartedly.
Such two faced behavior had once troubled Liz, but now she could see a perverse humor in the situation.
The men arose shortly there after, making their excuses.
"This shouldn't take too long." Red brushed a gentle hand over Liz's dark hair. "You have an account with the hotel. Just tell them where we're staying." he further added. "And if you want to play," he pulled his wallet free, handing her a wad of cash, "...good luck."
"Red..."
He stared down at her, shaking his head minutely, making her fall silent. His meaning clear.
The walls had ears.
She side glanced the others, finding Mark and Francis doing the same with their dates before coming to the head of the table, waiting on Red.
"Thank you." she smiled up at him, kissing him softly.
Liz craned her head, watching the men stride purposefully across the room. Their matched steps and confident swagger, imposing.
And apparently, attractive. More than a few heads turned to admire the testosterone as it passed.
They were all very handsome, that was for sure. Add to that, they were powerful. It was a heady mix that really drew the attention of more than enough ladies.
Liz's scowl melted away seconds later when Red turned back, his eyes for her alone. The intense gaze locked with hers for a brief eternity.
She smiled bravely for him directly before he disappeared into a glass enclosed room at the far end of the room.
The women settled into a easy fellowship. They loosened up by first, rating the dresses in the room. They shared a few laughs about the men in their lives, some men they had known and some they wished they had not.
It was not long before they gravitated to the slot machines to try their luck.
Francis came to join them a short time later, much to Liz's confusion.
"I thought you were supposed to smooth things over?" Liz whispered.
"I did." Francis leaned in, speaking only to her. "I made the introductions, vouched for them."
"Vouched for Red?" she questioned, then smacked Silas' hand when he tried to steal coins from her bucket.
"As I said, they're Old School." Francis sighed. "Unless you know a guy, who knows a guy..." he rolled a hand as if to continue the train of thought.
"But they're safe?" she questioned. "Without you there."
"Oh, yeah..." Francis nodded slowly. "My reputation does precede me sometimes in a good way." the man shrugged. "Not always, but sometimes."
Silas leaned in close to Liz's ear, "Do you believe it?" the disdain was in his tone. "That woman has the same exact dress as you."
While Liz was distracted, he dipped a large handful of coins from her bucket. Her mouth fell open, a little girl pout directed his way.
"That doesn't work on me." Silas set down at the next slot. "Save it for your Sugar Daddy."
Liz hit his shoulder...hard. "He's not my Sugar Daddy."
Silas looked pointedly at her bucket of loot.
"Well, that's different." Liz defended herself... sort of.
"Let's go play the tables." Francis rubbed his hands together briskly before offering to lead the way.
They bounced a couple tables, before finally settling at a Blackjack game with a witty dealer and a good waitress.
For the next hour, Francis sulked noticeably. The women won round after round... and he didn't.
"Count it off on your fingers and toes, we'll wait." Lia suggested playfully. Francis had miscounted the cards.
"How the hell did I..." he gaped, pushing aside his drink, refocusing on the new cards headed his way.
Liz chuckled under her breath, before checking her card, silently ticking off the amount in her head.
"Elizabeth?" a man's voice interrupted her concentration.
Liz checked with Francis, amused to find him using her given name.
"Elizabeth Scott?"
The woman twisted around to find an oddly familiar face.
Silas appeared out of nowhere, in truth she had lost him in the excitement of the game. A silent shift of her eyes let him know everything was under control.
"...Yes?"
The man smiled, pulling up a seat beside her. "You don't remember me," he chuckled, "do you?"
Liz's brow rose, suddenly remembering that laugh and the car salesman smile. "Brad Parker." she sighed, smiling wanly.
"And who is this, Brad Parker when he's at home?" Francis questioned flippantly, the game forgotten for a moment.
She looked at her friend then her guard, the same sickly smile on her face. "It's all right." she responded quietly. "An old boyfriend." she confided unobtrusively.
Silas turned his bulk slightly aside, remaining steadfast however. He pulled his phone free tapping the screen quickly, running a check on the man.
"You look fantastic." Brad smiled charmingly. "Is this your uh," he gestured to Francis, "your husband."
Francis snorted under his breath, tossing his cards back to the dealer.
Lia moved closer sensing something amiss and not above eavesdropping on occasion if the circumstances called for it.
Francis threw a nondescript glance at Silas, at which time, both men checked on the whereabouts of Red Reddington.
The man in question glanced casually in their direction, as he had done most of the evening, checking on Lizzy. He turned his head lazily back to the conversation at hand before offering a slow double take as if something clicked in his brain.
"No, this is a very good friend of mine." Liz smiled at Francis, continuing the introductions. "Francis, this is Brad."
"Hello... Brad." Francis smiled all too pleasantly.
Silas sighed heavily and the younger man sensed the way of things. He turned to check his instincts, seeing Red had arisen even though having smiled at whatever the man across from him had said.
"Is this going to get ugly, because I have a hot date here." Francis could see the night taking a turn for the worst.
"Why should it?" Silas seemed unperturbed by the developing situation.
Francis pointed a finger, "That is Antonio Vargas. Do you know what he would do if one of his dames sat down with another guy? And now Red has been put in a rather precarious position. Don't you think?"
"Dames?" Silas sized up the old man whose steel blue eyes were trained directly on Elizabeth and the man sitting beside her.
"Oh, shit..." Francis whispered under his breath, before straightening in his own seat, "we're all going to die. And I'm not gonna get laid." he looked wistfully at the cute little number beside him who had just hit twenty-one... again.
For a split second he wondered if that sweet little squeal of delight was how she sounded in that 'special moment'.
"Are you here on business or pleasure." Brad continued on mindlessly, settling in his chair, getting entirely too comfortable.
"I'm here for pleasure." Liz smiled pleasantly, very aware of the vibes the men beside her were putting off. Red was watching. "My fian–"
"I'm here for a wedding, so I guess you could call that pleasurable." the man interrupted. "Say, would you like to get a drink," he gestured to the bar, "catch up on old times?"
"Lizzy, we should go." Francis stood abruptly, pulling her chair back as he did so. "Now would probably be a really good..."
"Elizabeth..."
Francis grimaced at the sound of Red's voice rumbling dangerously behind them, nearly jumping out of his skin. Francis checked hastily to see if Red was alone, ever so glad to see that he was, except for Mark Donovan.
Liz sighed quietly, arising hastily. "Honey..." she greeted Red brightly, "already finished?"
"Aren't you going to introduce me?" he questioned, his eyes unreadable as they swept the man behind her.
"Oh, yes." she cleared her throat softly. "Ray, this is uhm, Brad Parker." she looped her arm through Red's, "he's an old, uhm..."
"We dated." the man filled in quickly, holding out his hand in greeting.
Red looked at the offering, hesitating briefly before extending his own hand.
"It was a long time ago..." Liz corrected. "College."
Red remembered the little asshole well. If only because he had cheated on Elizabeth.
He waited patiently for her to continue the introductions, more than anxious to see how she would label him. And if she didn't do it soon, Red would have no compulsion what-so-ever in fucking reminding all concerned of his place in the unfolding melodrama.
Gnawing nervously on her lip at the awkward silence, Liz looked up to find Red staring back at her silently... waiting. She winced inwardly, feeling the pressure of the moment.
"I'm sorry." she smiled at the two men. "Brad, this is Ray, my fiancé."
Brad's brows furrowed darkly as he stared at the competition, then the sparkling diamond on her finger.
"I see..." he adopted a beaming smile once more, pumping Red's hand more enthusiastically, "congratulations are in order then."
"Thank you." Red's voice lowered dangerously as he systematically increased the pressure of the clenched hands seconds before Brad winced openly.
Francis looked from one man to the other men, scratching at his neck, grimacing. "Tension..." he muttered to the guard. "So much tension."
"Grow a set, pansy." Silas muttered moodily.
The younger man broke free from Red's grasp, shaking his hand gingerly to get the blood flowing again.
"I saw Liz, thought she might like to get a dinner." Brad smiled charmingly at the woman. "Catch up on old times, as it were."
Francis rubbed his hand over his brow nervously when Red remained stoically silent. His gaze quietly introverted.
Which was a huge warning sign to Francis. When Red got like that, and his fingers twitched at his sides, as they were doing right at this moment... someone usually died shortly there after.
"Oh, I don't think..." Liz stumbled over the words, the tension so thick she could feel her tongue drying up, making it damn near impossible to speak correctly.
"Actually, we have," Francis stepped up, adopting the same charming smile as Brad Parker, "reservations, for dinner." he heard Lizzy release a soft breath of relief beside him, beyond thankful for the assistance. "We really should get going."
A group of men across the way, cheerfully called out to the problem at hand, waving him over.
"I gotta go." Brad gestured, pulling his wallet free. "Here's my number if you get a free moment tonight." he handed her a card, smiling that ever present sleazy grin. "Maybe we can have breakfast in the morning."
Francis quickly put his hand out, preventing Red from advancing on the unsuspecting male. Silas deftly reached under Red's jacket, artfully slipping the pistol from the man's holster. The weapon was discreetly disposed of in seconds.
"Too many witnesses." Francis reminded quickly. "Too many witnesses."
Liz frowned at the strange request, "Did you just say–"
"Elizabeth will most assuredly be occupied with me in the morning," Red interrupted coldly, the undertone of the statement, quite clear, "and has a full schedule for our stay." he held out his hand, and was pleased when the woman reached for it, grasping it tightly. "Now, we must be going."
"It's been great seeing you again." Brad leaned in, impulsively kissing her cheek.
"Fuck..." Francis whispered his awe.
Mark Donovan's mouth fell agape at such audacity.
Red placed a restraining hand on the other man's polyester shirt front, putting himself between the woman and her want-to-be suitor.
"I think you need to join your party." Red directed frostily.
Francis and Mark, took an involuntary, unobtrusive step back at the icy tone. Silas impeded Francis' intended escape, slyly gripping the young man's sleeve, holding him in place.
"If I'm going down," the guard murmured playfully, "you're going with me."
"I'm too young to die." Francis pulled fanatically on his captured sleeve. "And far too pretty." his voice held a hint of hysteria.
"Pretty stupid..." Silas corrected the misconception, holding firm.
"I'll see you later, Liz." Brad clearly had not taken the warning seriously.
"No, I don't think you will." Red replied, stepping forward menacingly yet again, this time with more intent behind the gesture.
"Red, we really should be going." Liz stressed feeling the tension emanating from Red Reddington. There was something singularly disconcerting about the man. "We'll be late."
"Elizabeth..." there was a definite hint of warning in the low voice.
"Yeah, sure." Brad smiled, giving a small wave. "We'll catch up soon."
Red followed Brad's movements with his eyes, his face expressionless.
"What an idiot..." Silas declared sharply, also watching as the man joined his group. "Take a fucking hint, you twit."
"Now hold that temper, Red." Francis asked respectfully. "Liz was just minding her own business and the asshole..."
"I am aware." Red intoned quietly.
"Why don't we get something to eat," Mark suggested quickly, the tension unbearable.
"We already had dinner, dumbass." Francis rolled his eyes. "Let's go to the bar," he suggested instead, "have a drink... relax."
"Come buy me something sweet, cinnamon roll." Lia tugged on Francis' arm, she too having felt the dynamics of the situation, having a natural instinct on how to smooth over a difficult situation.
Red transferred the all too quiet gaze to Liz before shifting a lazy stare to Francis.
"She thought I was sweet..." Francis shrugged, "so she started calling me cina–"
"Go away." Red replied darkly.
"Okie dokie..." Francis had no problem with that suggestion. The young man extracted himself from Silas' forceful grip offering a comical, 'ha, fuckhead, I get to go...you have to stay', expression.
"Pussy..." Silas called out after him, causing several of the ladies surrounding the gaming tables to glance over with a stern look which softened considerably when they saw who actually stated the crude remark.
Several actually smiled understandably at the handsome guard.
"Who was he?" Red asked stonily, his attention fixed and direct.
"I just told you." Liz blew out a cleansing breath as some of the tension lifted. She wrinkled her nose endearingly. "He's harmless." she waved the subject aside.
"Lizzy, you forgot your winnings, didn't you?" Red nodded toward the appropriate vicinity.
"Oh my God!" the woman was off immediately, excitement on her face with Dembe close behind.
Red directed his attention to Silas the minute the woman was out of earshot.
"Not much on his record." the bulky man murmured, scrolling the screen of his phone. "But then, his daddy is a prominent Attorney, so who knows what may have been expunged."
"I don't give a fuck who his daddy is." Red grated. "I don't like the million dollar smile and over played charm."
"Jealousy becomes you..." Silas jibed, "but I didn't like him either. He wasn't exactly the brightest bulb in the package." he shook his head at the boy's stupidity. "Plus, he acted like a sleaze ball."
"You keep your damn eyes on her, you understand me." he snarled quietly as they caught up to the woman. He gestured to the other girls who were at the bar, laughing with Mark and Francis. "I don't want him around anyone in our party." The cold eyes had not lost that 'something' that distinguished Reddington from another man. "Keep him away... period."
"Yes, sir." Silas replied seriously.
Dembe returned the woman to Red's side at which point, they joined the others in the bar.
Red's mood improved gradually as the evening wore on, though not by much.
"Were you jealous?" Liz murmured quietly, having gathered the nerve to broach the subject when the others got up to dance.
"I was..." Red admitted freely. The emotion easier to express now to the woman. "I am..."
"Well, don't be." she asked more than told. "Besides the fact that I have no interest in Brad what-so-ever, for obvious reasons." she looked at Red pointedly. "There was a reason I dumped him."
Red listened intently. "Which was?"
"He's a bore." she shrugged carelessly. Red narrowed his eyes, obviously needing her to enlarge upon the statement.
"He was... I don't know," she sighed unevenly, searching for the correct wording, "he was just smug, egotistical. He came from money and thought that was a big enough selling point..." her lips twisted up into a smile, "to make up for his other shortcomings."
"If he comes back around," Red said, knowing very well the little bastard would come sniffing around again, "you let Silas handle him."
Liz rolled her eyes, "I can handle him on my own, thank you."
"Elizabeth..." Red practically snapped.
"I don't know why you're letting him bother you." she tried easing his worry.
"I recall a little brunette becoming a little 'bothered' when confronted by an old lover of mine." Red suitably jogged her memory.
Liz straightened, her eyes narrowing a bit. "I did not get... 'bothered'."
Dembe half chuckled under his breath, pulling the lever on the slot machine at which he sat, and had now for some few minutes. He ignored Liz's meaningful look completely.
Silas sipped his beer casually, offering a minute shake of his head at her blatant lie.
"Yes, you did," Red corrected.
"Well, I was supposed to be playing a part." she defended herself.
"Are you suggesting that you wouldn't feel threatened by a past lover of mine," Red leaned in, lowering his voice, "now with the change in our relationship."
"I trust you." she replied stoically.
"My trust in you," he locked eyes with her, "has no bearing on my wanting to cause Brad extreme physical pain."
Liz lips pursed slightly, before quivering as she tried to squelch her growing amusement. "He just said hello, Red."
Red shook his head for such innocence. Silas balanced his chair on two legs, laughing silently.
"What are you laughing at, you goon." she scowled at the man.
"Your naiveté is charming." the man's tone almost held a chastisement "That man wanted more than just to say hello, you gullible little thing."
Liz sighed heavily, rolling her eyes at her guard. "You are so jaded."
"He was planning to fuck you tonight and have breakfast in the morning." Silas cut to the chase, shocking the woman.
"He was not!" she gasped.
Red blew out a controlling breath, drawing the woman's attention back where it belonged. "Yes..." he corrected, "he was."
"Well, it's not like it's going to happen." she scoffed openly.
"Damn right it won't happen." Red growled. "Don't meet with him again, Elizabeth."
"I wasn't planning to." she laughed merrily, hoping to improve Red's mood, though it didn't seem to help.
"Like you weren't going to meet Tom." Red's jaw pulsed, another time coming to mind.
"Shit." Silas' head dropped back at the Liz's sharp intake of breath. Her smile fell away, her mood falling drastically. "Was there really a need for that?" he questioned setting up to the table, his eyes holding Red's easily.
And while it was true, she had met with Tom after promising she wouldn't... Silas saw no advantage to bringing up the subject at such a time.
Red glared at the head guard, "Mind your own business."
"I am minding my own god damned business." Silas hissed under his breath, jabbing a finger at Liz. "Protecting her, is my business."
"You did a fantastic job earlier." Red snarled right back. "And she didn't answer the damn question."
"Stop hanging Tom over her fucking head." Silas arose to his full height, having no intention of backing down in this instance. "And while you're at it, stop being a major asshole."
"Red's right." Liz whispered distractedly, just wanting the tension to stop this evening. She had hoped for such a good time tonight. "I did see Tom after I said I wouldn't." it seemed so long ago. "And how can Red not hold him over my head when he keeps interfering with our lives..." she hung her head, fiddling with the napkin in her lap.
Silas eyed Red angrily, his expression foreboding.
Red closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. He hadn't meant to upset her to this extent. And it was all because he could not control his fucking temper.
"Explain why you do not wish for her to see him." Dembe's soft voice eased Red's anger a notch, his hand aloft on the slot machine crank.
"I don't trust that little shit anymore than I do Tom." Red blurted his contention. "He's up to no good, Elizabeth." he warned.
It hurt like hell for Lizzy to have checked with Silas for confirmation, but then... he had only himself to blame.
Red had hurt her with his veiled accusations, and damn well knew it.
"That prick was purposely pushing Red's buttons tonight." Silas explained in his own inimitable fashion. "Most likely with the intention to cause," he waved a hand between them, "...this shit." he sat back down, leaning his burly forearms on the table. "You two argue." he pointed between them, then to Liz. "You call a 'friendly' face... Brad consoles you over a few drinks, you wake up in a very compromising position."
Liz scowled angrily, remembering that was almost the exact phrasing Brad had used when he had been caught cheating when they had dated.
"Elizabeth..." Red tried to find the words to apologize, "I shouldn't have said–"
"No..." she held up a restraining hand, "it's all right."
"No, it isn't." he disagreed. "Tom was a rotten thing to have thrown in your face." he had known it at the time he said it. "I could have handled it differently."
She nodded quietly as she cleared her throat, accepting his apology. She hoped soon, things would be back the way they were.
She looked up, smiling weakly before sliding closer to the man.
"There's no need to be jealous, you know." she leaned over, kissing him languidly.
Red looked down at the little face, understanding what she was attempting. She wanted to replace the last few minutes with what probably should have happened, instead of the hurt they had just both felt.
"Is that right?" Red's deep voice settled in her core, electrifying her pleasantly.
Liz took a deep breath, the anxiety she had felt easing gradually as Red tried to find the lightness with her.
"It is." she brushed her mouth against his slowly. "I am far too invested in someone else to pay Brandon..."
"Brad." Red corrected.
"... any attention." she continued. "In fact, I'm hoping I can find someone else to keep me occupied while I'm here." she reached out, adjusting his tie a little.
Red felt the anger dissipate by degrees at her veiled attempt to placate him.
"You wouldn't happen to know anyone that's available..." she scowled seriously at him, "would you?"
"Come here, baby." She surprised him entirely by foregoing his intended ploy to cuddle her close, by moving sedately, sliding into his lap.
All the tension he was feeling disappeared as he now noted their present situation. His hand eased about the curve of her hip as he held her stationary.
"And how would you like to wile away the hours?" he asked, much preferring this version of events. She sighed her contentment, wiggling into a more comfortable position.
Liz stilled quickly, gasping quietly.
Red's eyes darkened as her thigh moved softly over his bulge. He stilled her movements, centering her just where he needed her to be.
"Well?" he repeated the question softly.
"W-What?" she had lost her train of thought.
"How do you want me to keep you busy?" he whispered roughly in her ear. "Shall we go shopping? Or perhaps we could take a tour of the city?" an eventual smile played along his lips as the woman moved herself against the plumping organ in his pants, completely ignoring every word he said.
"We could go see the white tigers?" Red nuzzled the length of her neckline.
"Can't we just stay in bed and have sex?" she whined softly.
Dembe paused in pulling the handle on the slot machine he was playing. Silas, while admiring the blatant honesty, would always be Silas.
"Get a fucking room." he disdained.
"Or... we could do that." Red smiled softly, gently kissing her jaw line, casting Silas an appreciative 'thank you' nod.
"I'm perfectly happy with what we have Red." Liz ignored their surroundings completely. "I don't want or need anyone else."
"You don't know what that means to me."
They had tried and succeeded in rewriting what could have been a terrible evening, to make it better for them both.
He was also pleasantly surprised to find how open she was with her emotions. He was sure, in such a surrounding with the crowd of people, that she would be shy and introverted as in the past. But she had put his feelings above such rhetoric and now seemed more than content to be sitting here in his lap sharing intimate kisses now and again.
"I'm sorry." he whispered softly in her ear. "Silas was right, I was a major asshole... don't tell him I said that."
"It's all right," Silas shrugged nonchalantly, "I heard it."
Liz shook her head, smiling gently at the exchange before kissing Red's nape gently.
The matter forgiven, all but forgotten.