May 17
Red listened to Mark prattling on about the upcoming deal they were involved in.
In reality, he was only catching snippets of the conversation, too busy enjoying his drink and the soft scent of Lizzy in the warm breeze.
He sat in the shade, Lizzy lay beside him, basking in the warm sun. Her normally lily white skin had turned a healthy bronze, though her shoulders admittedly, were slightly pink in color.
Red had massaged the warmed sunscreen over her back and shoulders about half an hour ago but she definitely needed a re-application.
The woman sighed her contentment, lazily sipping her drink through a long straw which stuck up through the slats of her chair. She had adopted the signature drink of her guard.
She had reentered the pool several times when beckoned to come play with Francis, Lia and Amanda, ergo the urgent need for sunscreen.
Red had disappointed her earlier, having begged off joining the group in the pool. Her instant look of communication told him that his excuse of a headache after the tense early morning negotiations, had alerted him to her subsequent faux pas.
She had instantly understood his not joining her, had nothing to do with a headache, but the scarring on his back.
Everyone had their own insecurities, even Red Reddington.
Liz had changed the subject to a safer one, hiding her disappointment well enough.
The incident left him feeling slightly unsettled.
In his entire adult life, Reddington had never presented anything other than a secure, confident, authoritative presence.
Even after the accident that left him scarred, he had held tight to those qualities with everything he had, especially on the worst days. Without those characteristics, he felt he would have lost himself to the looming depression. To do less, would have meant resigning himself to his failures.
It had taken several months to gather his wits about him. After which, a plan was set in motion. A series of events designed to get back at those who had taken his life away, was put into play... a chain reaction which led him back to... Lizzy.
That fateful day, seeing her face to face after so long a period, Red was able to hold the façade he presented to the world. He zealously guarded that civilized veneer, even from the woman.
Of late however, he had noticed himself slipping into a complacency. He wondered if that was such a wise thing to do as Lizzy had proven to be quite intuitive concerning such matters.
After their discussion last evening, they were both more secure in their relationship.
Their trust in one another was solid.
But that didn't negate the fact that Red wanted to beat the hell out of 'Brad'.
Red had seen that type of personality so often in life. Good old Brad was more interested in one upping the competition than Elizabeth herself. Nor did he care who was hurt in the interim.
Brad saw a challenge and wanted to defeat his opponent. He believed himself to be better than Red and would stop at nothing to prove it.
Red's instincts were to beat the bastard to a pulp, leave him stripped naked in the middle of Hoover Dam, handcuffed to the railing.
Even now as he scanned the pool deck, he found the asshole in question staring longingly at Elizabeth from across the way. He watched the scene unfold, as Brad's companion urgently attempted to get the fucker's attention.
Evidently, Red's reputation had proceeded him. He sensed he had been recognized even though the guy was now desperately pretending not to have done so.
Red could guess the direction of the conversation as recognition dawned on Brad's face. At first the man's jaw had dropped, the beady little eyes wide with awe as he jerked his head in Red's direction.
For a split second there was confusion and a little fear. Red enjoyed that second immensely having held the man's eyes steadily. But then the inevitable kicked in, a sly grin crossing Brad's smug face.
Brad grinned, pulling the phone free from the gaudy shirt he had chosen.
Red did not have to be psychic to guess the direction the call would take. Thankfully however, he had the FBI on speed dial.
He punched in a button, waiting patiently, smiling politely across the way. For one brief second, Brad's expression slipped. He could not understand why Red was not intimidated in the least by his tactics.
"Ressler?" Red began. "You're about to get a call on my location. I'm at the Mirage."
"Why am I not at the Mirage?" Ressler enquired instantly.
"Get a suit, come on down." Red magnanimously offered. "Bring the lovely Agent Navabi... it's on me... the pool is amazing."
"You make my mouth water." the younger man sighed heavily for his lot in life. "So what's going on?" Ressler questioned.
"We have had the misfortune to run into someone from the past who wishes to make trouble," Red stretched out his legs, getting more comfortable, "and possibly collect the substantial bounty on my head."
"Well who doesn't want that?" Ressler quipped, closing the folder he had been working on. "I will alert the others to ignore any info coming out of Vegas for the time being."
"That would be appreciated." Red flicked an imaginary piece of lint of his slacks.
"So should we be worried about this informant?"
"At no point did I say this man was intelligent." Red smiled brightly at his opponent across the way. "Let me worry about him."
"Yeah, don't go killing him or anything... or at least don't make more paperwork for me." he sat up straighter at his desk. "Oh, hey. You think Liz would mind getting me a coffee cup from Treasure Island? I broke my girlfriends cup a couple days ago and..."
"She doesn't know." Red surmised.
"No..." Ressler confessed his sins, "I told her I took it to work with me."
"Because you treasured it so much?" Red finished the scenario. "Donald, I thought you were the sole of discretion," he teased, "I thought you never lied, being a Fed and all."
"So it was black with a 3D skull on it." Ressler advised. "And if she wants to pick me up something else as well, that would be great too... I gotta go. Navabi just got word of a sighting of your Blacklister."
Red clicked the phone off just as Mark came back to the cabana, handing Red's refreshed drink over before plopping down on the lounge beside the man.
"Red, you want me to get rid of the problem?" Mark hooked his thumb to the one in question, before turning a more than intimidating stare to the 'problem' in question.
Brad's companion made a hasty retreat to the safety of the hotel. The man himself, shifted his stare and Red noticed he swallowed visibly.
"You still have the touch, Mark." he was proud, having sensed Brad's instinctive fear cross momentarily over the handsome face.
"Boy, he's just cruising for a bruising, isn't he?" Mark said, staring out over the pool.
Red sipped his drink, his attention caught. "Good old, Brad?"
Mark's face pulled into a slight grimace as he motioned with his head. "...No." he sighed heavily.
Red refocused his attention on Elizabeth instantly, sighing heavily as well. "I think he has a death wish. And I am the Reaper." he stood, straightening his vest. "... Excuse me."
"God, you're so polite, I love that about you." Mark saluted the man with his drink. "Cheers..."
Grabbing a bartenders attention, Red pointed behind the bar. "I need that."
The bartender looked at him oddly, but handed over the requested item to the imposing man.
Francis stealthily crept up behind Lizzy, tentatively reaching out for her bottoms.
Red stood casually, tipping the large pitcher of ice water over the young man's exposed head.
Francis shrieked his surprise, his body jerking with the sensation. "Shit!" he screeched loudly. "Cold!" He did a weird kind of dance, the small cup of ice water he had held, spilled all over the originally intended target.
"Francis, you little shit!" Liz hopped in place, rubbing her cold bottom briskly. She tried unsuccessfully to recapture her breath.
Francis had recovered sufficiently enough to deposit a handful of ice cubes down the back of her bikini. The woman whooped her shock, digging about for the offending objects.
Reaching into the area, Red grabbed the ice cubes that had been poured inside, lifting her bodily, easing her into the warm pool.
"Better?" He smiled down at her, a loud scream of annoyance gathering both of their attentions.
Silas and Dembe were carrying a frantic dissident to the water's edge. They swung Francis back and forth, ignoring his protests and threats completely, before letting him fly.
And fly he did.
Red rolled his eyes when the boy instinctively stuck his arm out, looking very much like Superman in flight, before he disappeared into the water in a enormous splash.
After a few seconds, Francis broke the surface, sighing. "Ahh, warmth." Wiping the water from his eyes, he caught Red staring out at him. "Dude, that was cold, in more ways than one."
"Be glad I didn't drop it down your trunks." Red needled the boy. "God knows you don't need anything stunting your... growth."
"Oh! Burn!" Liz snorted, enjoying Francis' slight flush of embarrassment to the fullest.
Things settled down after a spell and Liz was able to go back to the pool without retribution or retaliation since she knew Red was keeping a close eye on matters.
She was presently working on the exercises her therapist had suggested to strengthen the weakened areas of her body.
Taking a couple of deep breaths, Liz dropped under the water, swimming purposefully, for her stamina appeared to be returning over the past few days.
She felt a bit of relief that her muscle memory was still intact. She pushed off the bottom, coming to the surface gradually.
Wiping the water from her eyes, she twisted, finding Red staring straight in her direction.
For a split second, she wondered if he was remembering her time in the pool at home when she had needed assistance because she had pushed her body too far.
It suddenly hit her how winded she had become and how far from safety she actually was.
Upset with herself, she gently kicked her feet to stay afloat, waiting for her energy to return.
Red arose from his seat, totally disregarding the people sitting beside him. He walked to the edge of the pool, waiting patiently.
"Are you all right?" Francis swam close to her, having appeared out of nowhere.
She smiled wanly at the young man. She also noted that Silas had joined Red beside the pool deck.
"Just waiting for my next burst of energy." she wasn't sure one would materialize to be honest. "Really, I'm okay. You can swim... go, have fun."
Francis gauged the situation, casting a hasty glance back to Red. "Uh, I think I better stay."
"If Red doesn't like it, he can come get me, himself." she snapped knowing she was being waspish, regretting her statement instantly.
Silas ran his hand through the silk of his hair, a worried expression on the handsome face.
Red shifted a cool glance in the man's direction whereby the guard straightened his magnificent body awkwardly, altering his expression accordingly as if to say, 'It's okay boss, if I have to go in, I'll make the sacrifice.'
"Your good hair days are going to be the death of you." Red prophesied.
Silas had the grace to be bothered but he was more vexed than guilty. He spread his hands slightly, his features glazing over innocently.
"He will have Silas jump in to drown me, Silas' hair will get wet and then I will end up sleeping with the fishes." It was Francis' turn to enlighten the brethren.
Elizabeth's incredulous look said it all. "Sleeping with the fishes!"
"It applies in my line of work."
"What is your line of work exactly?" she demanded.
"Trouble in paradise?" Francis frowned his concern, artfully changing the subject.
"More like a difference of opinion." She tried to tame her mood, her stomach growling loudly. She flushed slightly, her eyes shifting to her friend.
Francis chuckled, glancing at his watch, finding it well past lunch time. "We should head on in and feed that thing." he stated. "Before it takes on a life of it's own."
"Elizabeth..." Red called out over the pool.
"I guess we should." she sighed. "My master calls." she muttered playfully, ducking under the surface, pushing off the floor of the pool, slicing through the water before breaking the glassy top in a rush.
Running her hands over her head, she pushed her hair back out of her face as she bobbed effortlessly.
"You look like a mermaid emerging from the sea." Red's eyes were gentle on her. "I never did understand why sailors considered them bad luck."
"Maybe it was because mermaids supposedly lured them to their deaths?" Liz pointed out, trying to temper her tone, wondering at her dark mood.
"You wouldn't hear me complaining." Red sauntered closer. "Beckoned by a beautiful woman after months of being trapped at sea with a bunch of men." He grabbed her towel from the deck chair, waiting for her. "I would have gladly followed her."
"Even knowing you'd die?"
Nodding, he smiled. "I always wanted to die making love." He chuckled when she shook her head, exasperated. "It beats the alternative." He shrugged.
"I suppose it does." She reached the stairs, grabbing the provided handle. "Not very fun for your partner though."
"I always deliver, whether they're trying to kill me or not." Red said straight faced.
Glancing down purposefully, his eyes lit with an inner flame. "Cold?"
Looking down at what he focused so openly on, she decided a bit of fun was to be had at Red's expense. Perhaps it might dispel this damnable mood which had come out of nowhere.
"No, I'm not cold." she dropped her voice seductively, lifting innocent eyes.
She chuckled quietly as the man's eye twitched in response, before she tucked a towel demurely around her body, hiding from view what he seemed so interested in.
Red realized that he really needed to get laid.
Watching that little ass traipse around pool side all day, that bikini leaving little to the imagination plus the fact he had been awarded an earlier glimpse of Lizzy's breast, all had left him a little hot and bothered all damn afternoon.
Fifteen minutes... that's all he asked for. Maybe thirty...
They gathered her things in silence starting the trek back to the hotel. She suddenly reached out, grabbing his hand, pulling up short.
"Would you have come in for me?" the blue eyes held something he could not read. He tried for lightness.
"Now why should I ruin a perfectly good suit when Francis–"
"Would you?" she insisted he answer seriously.
"I would have, yes." he readily did so.
"Fully clothed, no doubt." she shook her head woefully.
"Well, I would imagine running to get my swim trunks when you're drowning would be counter productive."
"Come swimming with me." she asked wistfully.
"Lizzy..." the man dreaded refusing her anything, but...
"I know you love the water, Red. I know you want to be in there." she motioned back to the pool but more importantly the people gathered therein. "The scars aren't as bad as you think they are. Just... think about it." She tugged his hand, pulling him along behind her.
Red sighed, wondering why it was so important to her at this stage. Liz smiled at the others as they made their way across the spacious deck. He pulled up short suddenly, a thought occurring to him.
She wasn't disappointed in him at all. She wasn't even pressuring him to do something he was uncomfortable with.
She had been encouraging him. Giving her support, but had left the final decision up to him.
The thought of getting in a public venue with her, shirtless...
Red didn't think he'd ever be ready to do that. Twenty years in and only a handful of people knew his scars existed, and even less had actually seen them. And he didn't see that changing anytime soon.
But he had to admit, the disappointment he felt in himself for not being able to push past this obstacle, was a hindrance he felt deeply. He felt himself waver just the tiniest bit.
He wasn't only denying himself the chance to be with Elizabeth, to touch her warmed, wet skin as they played in the pool.
He was denying himself a chance to spend time with her.
Red glanced back at the world they were about to leave, having enjoyed being a part of it. Seeing her in another setting relaxed and carefree, he momentarily wondered if this stumbling block was worth the time and effort he spent worrying over it.
It wasn't so much what others would think of his imperfections but he did not wish to embarrass Lizzy in any, way, shape or form. It seemed an important issue with the woman. He would indeed, give it more serious thought.
There was another issue the man had given serious thought to...
Once in the privacy of the luxurious Villa, Red fulfilled a need he had experienced all damned afternoon. He could neither explain nor truly justify his carnal tendencies these days. But neither could he deny them.
Having bent the woman over the nearest bed, he did what came naturally. He had never thought of himself as particularly debase in nature but he truly enjoyed these pleasurable interludes more and more of late.
And they were becoming spontaneous and definitely uninhibited. Elizabeth made him feel vital and alive and he was only too glad to express those emotions in his sexual escapades.
The woman lay now, breathless and spent after the spirited quickie. He stepped back to admire his handy work, amused that he had not even taken the time to remove the wet bikini bottoms which swirled around the woman's bare feet.
He bent, unceremoniously nipping one bare ass cheek making Lizzy squeal her surprise. His smile turned into a low chuckle of amusement as he straightened his stocky frame. He watched her rub the offending spot, something singularly distracting about the action.
"If you still want to keep that shopping slash luncheon date..." his eyes had not once left the tight, rounded little cheeks, "I would cover that sweet little ass or I'll take it as an open invitation that you would enjoy yet another round of 'hide the Polish salami'."
She laughed gaily, turning slightly to seek him out. "First of all, you aren't Polish. But actually," her giggle delighted him, "...I am kind of hungry."
The man started toward her and she had one hell of a time kicking the bikini bottom aside that she could make her escape all the while laughing hysterically for her own wit and playfulness.
Red allowed her escape with but one parting shot. "Come on baby..." he lifted his shaft with a confident hand, "you can bite on this all you like."
His efforts were met with another round of laughter as the woman disappeared into the spacious bath.
While Lizzy was finishing her hair and make-up, Red headed for the bar in the other room.
"You're still in a pissy mood?" Francis came alongside Red, having foregone the usual knock and greeting that most common people would offer. "You want me to solve the problem for you?" he offered magnanimously. "I don't understand why you haven't gotten rid of the bastard yourself."
"I didn't want the distraction right now." Red muttered irritably. "We so rarely get to spend quality time together..." he sighed heavily.
Francis grinned as he headed to the bar to pour himself a drink.
"I think we should just kill him." he quipped.
Red tipped his glass, remaining silent on the subject, though he wondered when he'd become so transparent since he had been thinking along those lines once or twice that afternoon.
"I don't want to hurt her." Red spoke his thoughts.
"Because you will hurt Brad." Francis smiled knowingly. "Sooner or later."
Red didn't deny the words. He really didn't know what he would do if faced with the bastard again. He truly didn't...
"You know, we're all taking bets on this." Francis tried to lighten the subject.
Red lifted a sullen glance. "I would never have guessed." he knew his people well, just as he knew he was be facetious.
"Bottom line here," Francis motioned with his hands, "if you're not happy, we're not happy. Let us help you." it was offered. "Your happiness... your peace of mind is just as important to Liz, as hers is to you... and it's important to us too. What can we do?"
Red nodded silently, letting the words tumble around in his chaotic mind. But then realized, while he had good intentions, Francis did not know who Elizabeth really was or the situation which existed between them.
While Red was the ultimate law breaker... she was a FBI agent who swore to uphold the law. It was the contention with which he dealt now.
How could she possibly appreciate his usual method of dealing with his rivals. The question became moot as the subject of his contemplation appeared on the scene.
"We'll discuss this issue later." Red informed Francis.
The woman in question came out of the bedroom, smiling in his direction waving to a reticent Francis Holbrook.
Red's expression carefully masked over as he welcomed the gentle kiss from the small mouth as Liz leaned into his sphere.
Her soft kisses, intimate touches, laughter, moodiness, and that little body tucked up against his, made everyday life better.
Red honestly couldn't remember how he had functioned before Elizabeth had come into his life. And he didn't want to remember.
All he knew was he felt a sudden determination to be a better man for her...
For them.
Red sat patiently, absorbed in his surroundings until Lizzy came out of the dressing room once again, twirling about coquettishly.
She turned to the three way mirror, the new dress she was trying for the upcoming nuptials only her third choice so far.
She wrinkled her nose distastefully, tilting her head this way and that before turning towards him, waiting for his verdict.
"You hate it." Red chuckled. "And rightfully so, it's not your color." he gestured to the odd gray shade.
"I'll say..." she made a slight gagging face. "Why did she give me this?" she pointed to the unseen salesgirl.
"She's apparently color blind." Red shook his head, pushing out of his seat. "The style is fine." he said of the tea length dress as he turned her this way and that, a gentle hand on her elbow.
It was a classic style. The off the shoulder lace lay softly on her smooth skin. It tapered in, highlighting Lizzy's small waist. The skirt was full and moved gracefully when she walked. It was light and airy, perfect for the outside venue.
But the color was horrendous.
Red searched the merchandise available, finding the same style just to his right, hanging on a convenient rack. Snagging two in different colors, he shoved the dressed at Liz, pointing to the dressing rooms.
"Lavender?" she gasped her horror.
"Just... humor me." he rolled his eyes for her lack of experimentation, shooing her off.
She reluctantly disappeared into the back as Francis came up out of nowhere as was his tendency, falling onto the bench beside Red.
"She find one yet?" he asked distractedly. "Hey, this couch is plush as shit, I'm going to put one in my bathroom at home."
Red looked at him oddly. "This won't take long." He stretched his legs out in front of him comfortably. "Lia?"
"Yes, she found one." Francis nodded approvingly. "She was just going to wear her dress that she had for her friend's wedding..." he said, "but where's the fun in that?"
Red smiled, turning his attention to Lizzy as she walked out in the off white dress.
"That's pretty." Francis watched her walk to the large mirror, swishing the billowing skirt.
"I look like a bride, don't I?" she cut rueful eyes to both men in the mirror.
"Yeah, I guess it could be used for a wedding dress." Francis had to agree.
"It's very lovely." Red questioned the validity of such a decision. "But I think it's considered a faux pas, when attending a wedding."
Liz's shoulders slumped a tad, before she trudged back to the dressing room. Her spirits a little low.
"What bee buzzed in her bush?" Francis chuckled as the door closed with a thump.
Red laughed quietly at the mixed metaphor. "I chose a lavender dress for the event."
"Oh my God, you didn't?" Francis said sarcastically. "So what exact commandment did you break?"
"Lizzy does not do girly." Red supplied the answer.
The door opened once again and the woman emerged, her expression both sullen and accusing. She stomped her way to the mirror.
Red reserved his judgement. Liz scanned the dress in the mirror, her head falling dejectedly after a goodly spell.
Her alabaster skin looked healthy and glowing... ethereal. Her dark hair stood out against the soft color in a startling manner. The dress accentuated her in all the right places.
Simply put... she looked amazing.
Liz scowled at Red, their eyes meeting in the mirror. She turned once again without a word making her way stalwartly back into the dressing room.
Francis craned his head watching her rather dramatic exit then jerked back when the door closed with a resounding snap behind the woman.
"So," Francis drawled in confusion, "she... hated it?" he questioned the validity of his state.
"No." Red grinned, raising from the seat, resetting his hat jauntily on his head. "She loved it."
"I'll never understand women." Francis admitted. "They drag you to these things, kicking and screaming and when you finally do something cool, they get pissed off."
"They are infinite and enchanting."
"Well, yeah..." Francis seemed momentarily waylaid. "But they're also pains in the asses."
"I heard that!" Liz's annoyed tone came from behind a closed door.
Francis spread his hands as if to say, 'my point is made'.
Red busied himself, scanning a multitude of shoe styles and handbags until Lizzy emerged. She shoved the dress into his chest, seemingly resigned to her fate.
She personally, would never have chosen such a color but begrudgingly knew it was the best thing she had tried on in a number of years. It simply chafed her that her choice for the wedding had been totally unsuitable.
Men were supposed to be ignorant about such things. She found herself pointing to shoe after shoe, however, waiting for Red's opinion before reluctantly snatching up a pair he had given his silent approval on.
She unconsciously moved on to the handbags but found him lacking in support this time.
"Why waste time when you know you're going to pick the right one?" she tried to keep the annoyance from her voice.
Red bit the inside of his cheek, enjoying the standoff.
Liz crossed her arms refusing to budge. Red finally reached around her, grasping a small handbag, adding it to the pile.
A salesgirl swooped in, eager for her commission.
"What's wrong with this one?" Francis held up a rather gaudy, rhinestone trinket laced with orange inlay around the leather strapping.
Red was hard pressed not to laugh right in the woman's totally incredulous face.
"You see..." Red asked innocently, "it could have been worse." he pointed out helpfully.
Francis took exception critically examining his choice of accessories. "What?" he wanted to know. "The color just pops."
"I'm gonna pop you right in the eye." Liz hissed quietly. "You're embarrassing me!"
Francis glanced around, glowering his annoyance. "Goes to show how much you know..." he disdained, "Lia chose one almost exactly like this." he proudly proclaimed. "It made the outfit."
Liz was left speechless.
"You picked it out, didn't you?" Red surmised.
Francis beamed proudly. "She loved it."
"I'm sure she did." Red let him have the moment. Liz's face still was frozen in the same horrific expression. She cut hopeless eyes to the older man.
As they made their way to the cashier, "It's okay." Red whispered aside. "I'll fix it for her. It will be fine."
Liz breathed easier knowing Lia would have an out from such a horrendous situation. She waited patiently now only with an occasional 'look' in Francis' direction.
"Thank you..." Red spoke quietly beside her.
"What for?" she questioned.
"For trusting me." he inclined his head slightly.
The woman glanced at the hideous handbag hanging so obtrusively from Francis' hand. The man clearly intended to purchase the heinous object.
"Never again will I question anything you suggest." Liz promised faithfully.
Francis looked over happily swinging his new purchase back and forth, blissfully unaware of any dissension among the troops.
Red was enjoying the time with the woman, not wanting it to end so quickly. They walked the busy, bustling area, the man naturally gravitating to an open jewelry store display.
"Red..." Liz warned quietly, "don't you even think about it."
The man grasped her hand, pulling her along with him into the swanky innards of the store.
"I brought my stuff from home." she protested, dragging her feet.
"I just want to look." Red muttered, gently insisting she follow. "Now, let me have some fun." he hushed her protests.
Walking hand in hand, she waited patiently as the two men perused the merchandise displayed. Liz turned her attention to the customers who frequented the establishment, marveling at the different class distinctions represented.
There was one classy lady to their right, dressed to the nines... and a young couple scoping out wedding rings, while a totally unorthodox pair who looked like they were old hippies down the way, had just purchased an emerald large enough to choke a horse.
"Ask her opinion on something." Red murmured to Francis, knowing the woman could not hear.
"Is this like the Miami Incident?" Francis had picked up on the 'why' of things.
Red nodded once. And the young man went into his stealth mode.
"Lizzy, which one do you think Lia will like?" Francis asked, pointing between three beautiful diamond necklaces.
Liz stepped forward, looking over the case, instantly biting at her finger nail, deeply concentrating on the lovely gems, before offering her advice.
They moved on to another case, Red intently listening to the woman's remarks. He folded his arms, leaning back against a convenient display case. He waited patiently to see which piece the woman would fall in love with.
The pleasant interlude was interrupted when the man looked up to find Christopher waltzing in the opened entrance, an important looking file in hand.
Red sighed, pushing away from his comfortable perch, crossing the needed space. He gently touched the woman's shoulder, getting her attention.
"I'll be just a second, sweetheart." he motioned accordingly.
"Hmm?" Liz looked distractedly away from the showcase, glancing over her shoulder, seeing Chris approach them. "Oh, okay. I'll be here." she smiled, directing her attention back to the shiny baubles. "That butterfly there is pretty, Francis." she pointed to the object.
Red and Chris stepped off to a side room, discreetly disappearing into the darkened area.
"...Fancy meeting you here." the voice was instantly recognizable.
Liz exhaled an annoyed breath, before turning reluctantly about. "...Brad."
She lay a restraining hand on Francis who she had felt tense at the other man's arrival. She also waived off a rapidly approaching guard who had held back all afternoon, as was his way until something he perceived as 'danger' beckoned.
She could handle this. Even as insistent as Brad was, she had absolutely no interest in the man. And didn't think she'd have a problem verbalizing as much.
"I saw you," the man smiled charmingly, "thought you might be interested in having that drink now."
"Oh, I can't, but thank you." Liz begged off graciously. "I have to finish shopping for the wedding." she explained with a wave of her hand to the display cases.
"Well, how about dinner." the man tried again, persistent if nothing else. "There's a romantic little bistro up the way."
Francis' jaw tightened angrily, before turning his ire directly on the intruder. "Man, she's engaged." he warned icily. "...Back the fuck off."
"I just asked her out to dinner." Brad laughed inoffensively.
"A romantic dinner." Francis corrected, remembering the exact wording used.
"What? Your old Ball and Chain afraid of a little competition?" It was innocuously joked.
"If there was any competition to be had." Francis scoffed openly. "You're so out of his league, it's pathetic."
Liz rubbed at her forehead, embarrassed by the whole thing. "Brad, I'm flattered," she began, "but I think it would be best if we didn't–"
"Look, just have dinner with me." Brad prodded insistently. "Take a chance."
"No... thank you." Liz refused, all nicety aside. "Now, we must be going." she took Francis' arm, walking across the show room.
She could feel the man gaining on them, preparing to turn and do battle but at that instant, Red stepped out of the back room.
She was glad to see that the man was going to be civilized about the whole matter, his expression benign for the moment.
Red lifted his hand, taking her outstretched one as she got closer to him.
"Liz..." Brad demanded her attention.
Clenching her jaw angrily, Liz spun, stopping the man in his tracks.
"I said," she bit out, "no."
Brad drew back, a little shocked by the forcefulness in her tone. His eyes drifted past her, sensing the problem.
"I get it." he nodded knowingly. "I'll talk to you later then."
Francis stepped forward quickly and Liz could see the powerful fists clenching with rage, "Hey man, why don't you go fuc–"
Red grasped Francis' arm, stilling the young man. "Is there a problem here?"
"No problem." Brad smiled disarmingly. "Just asked Liz for a quick drink... maybe a little dinner."
"A fucking romantic dinner." Francis corrected again, his anger barely contained. Was he purposely baiting Red a little, hoping the man might knock the asshole out? He knew Red's capabilities, he just didn't know how far he was willing to be pushed in this particular situation.
Red remained stoically passive. "Elizabeth, would you like to have dinner with your friend."
Francis turned away, shaking his head furiously but Christopher offered a sedate shake of his own head signifying 'let Red handle it in his own way'.
Liz smiled softly, sensing Red's ploy.
He was pissed. Clear and simple. Though he was trying to hide it, she knew the set of those shoulders very well.
The man was the epitome of class in her book. Her affection for him swelled to new heights.
"No. I do not want to go." she gripped his hand tighter.
"You have your answer." Red turned the all too quiet eyes elsewhere.
"Maybe because she doesn't have a choice." the man countered recalling his several attempts garner the FBI's attention this very day.
Red remained moot on the subject knowing where all this was leading.
"My denial has nothing to do with Red, in any fashion." Liz replied sternly. "As a matter of fact, I'm finding you rather conceited and rude." she narrowed her eyes at the intruder to her domain. "Do not approach me again." she snapped quietly. "Is that clear enough for you?"
"I don't want to have to point out again... that we are engaged." Red kept his tone even, just barely.
"But I have to wonder," Brad countered musingly, "if you will make it to the altar?"
A certain type of rage filled Elizabeth herself at such an unforgivable slur. "Why you son of a–"
Red gripped her hand, gently stilling her outburst. He stepped once, putting himself between the woman and her antagonist. His eyes emptied of emotion.
"...Leave Elizabeth alone." he gritted coldly.
Brad looked between the hostile eyes staring daggers at him. He sensed Elizabeth's anger as well, before shrugging nonchalantly.
"Does she know who you are?" he questioned sotto voce before sauntering across the showroom. "I'll see you later, Liz." he called back over his shoulder, his smile a confident one.
Red was moving before he knew he had actually reacted but the woman's hand held him back. He trailed after the son of a bitch with his eyes blazing hidden fury until Brad disappeared behind a large pillar.
"Let it go, Red." Liz murmured softly. "He's not worth worrying about."
Red turned a glacial stare to Dembe and Silas who waited unobtrusively aside. Silas lifted a brow signifying 'do we kill the bastard now?'
Red offered a jerky gesture in reply. Both men were clearly disappointed by the man's decision.
"Who's the clueless idiot?" Chris asked the rhetorical question.
"Her old boyfriend." Francis grated, sending Liz an accusatory glance.
"Let it go." Red practically snapped before wrapping his arm around Liz's waist, pulling her close to his side.
She smiled warmly at the touch, moving into it more than willingly.
Red took a deep breath, trying to control the urge to go after the fucker and do irreparable harm. He felt his rage easing with Liz's calming presence, but it didn't quell it completely.
He was trying so hard to not resort to his usual tactics, knowing Elizabeth would not appreciate it, especially since she would consider it her fault. The task almost impossible, however.
In fact, he hadn't anticipated that it would bother him to this extent.
Lizzy was his. And to not fight for what belonged to him... was a very foreign concept in Red Reddington's world.
He couldn't help but ask himself if there was a small part of her wondering why he hadn't. Did she think he was a coward for not strangling the asshole like he wanted to? Or was she proud of him for keeping his cool?
Liz gripped his hand tightly, dragging him along as she pointed out jewel after jewel to Francis. The young man was rapidly regaining his equilibrium, even making Liz giggle at one point over some nonsensical thing he had said.
To outward appearances, she had let the matter go. Had moved on from the exchange and was having fun.
So why was Red still stewing?
She tapped the glass repeatedly at one point until Francis gave in and gestured for assistance. She waited patiently in the interim, all the while wondering over Red's quietness.
"Oh, look!" she gasped, pointing to a delicate necklace and earring set in diamond and amethyst. "It's the color of my dress." she traced her finger over the glass, looking at the pretty display.
Red waved a man over, pointing to the set.
"Red." she hissed quietly. "I didn't say buy it! I said–"
He cupped her face gently, working his mouth softly against hers, feeling the tension easing gradually from his shoulders. She sighed happily against his mouth, for a few moments before sighing in defeat.
"You're impossible," she shook her head slightly, "what am I going to do with you?"
"Are you open to suggestions?" Red asked instantly.
Dembe stepped forward, completing the transaction.
As they walked through the hotel, she realized that Red had said very little since the incident with Brad.
She began to feel very insecure.
Was he pissed off at her? And if so, what the hell for! She hadn't done anything. She had been minding her own business when Brad invaded her space.
They came to the hall leading to the outside area where the car was waiting.
Red had been upset for some few moments. He had felt better after purchasing the small trinket for the woman but his anger had returned almost immediately thereafter. He hesitated, finding a safe object on which to vent his frustration.
Suddenly turning on the head guard who had walked quietly beside him the entire time, Red snapped. "Where the hell were you?"
"Shut up, Red." Liz whipped around, her own anger surfacing. "I waved him off because I could handle it! You big jerk!"
"I didn't ask what you were doing." Red snapped right back. "I asked what the hell h–"
"I can take care of Brad myself!" she gritted. "I don't need him to do it for me!"
"That's his job!" Red jabbed a finger towards the conspicuously silent guard. "He's supposed to protect you!"
"You mean, protect your property!" she bitched before turning on her heel, marching down the long corridor, continuing the trek to the car.
Silas watched her go, before slowly walking after her. He turned a few steps into the effort, glancing back at Red.
"You're kind of cute when you're mad." Silas grinned at his own wit.
"Fuck off, Silas." Red spat, gesturing for the man to 'go'. "Do your job, dammit."
"Aye, aye, Captain." Silas saluted, resuming his trek.
Red dropped his head, blowing out his vexation before lifting his eyes, finding Dembe and Francis waiting.
"I don't want to hear it." he grunted irritably.
Silas trotted after the vexed woman, chuckling as he neared.
"Slow down there, firecracker." he reached out, snagging her arm, ensuring she obey.
"I can't believe he spoke to you in that manner!" she hissed. "Besides, like I need you to–"
"He knows you don't need me to ward off that piss ant." Silas effectively silenced the pissed woman. "Technically, I should have ushered the moron to the door and none of this would have happened." he was quick to fill in. "But just like Red, I know you can handle that dumbass."
"He's pissed off at us for–"
"Red's not pissed off at you or even me." Silas corrected.
"He yelled at you for nothing and–"
Silas sighed heavily, guiding her to a nearby hallway away from prying ears and eyes.
"Now, I want you to listen to me." He held her fiery eyes. "There are two totally different issues going on here and you're not going to understand it unless someone just maps it out for you."
"I'm not stupid, you know!" she hissed.
"I know you're not. But you know, it didn't fully occur to me until early this morning what's going on."
"What are you babbling about?"
"Just be quiet for a second and I'll tell you." Silas snapped. "First and foremost, Red was not yelling at me. He was venting in a safe manner."
Liz tilted her head questioningly. The man shifted his bulk into a more comfortable position.
"Honey, what just happened in there went against everything Red Reddington is." he explained as best he could under the circumstances. "It was either he blew up at me, knowing full well I understood that it wasn't personal... or he did what his instincts were screaming at him to do."
Liz stepped in closer, listening intently now.
"He's agitated because he went against his natural tendency to fight for his property," he repeated her words back at her, gesturing accordingly, "but instead, he did what he thought you would appreciate and that was to keep his cool."
Liz eyed her guard warily, but stayed silent.
"The idiot has probably got it in his head that you think he's a coward for not fighting for you." the man laughed at such a notion.
"I don't think that at all!" she stated vehemently.
"I didn't say you did." Silas reprimanded. "Or that it made sense that Red Reddington would think something so stupid."
"So besides him believing that," she slowly worked out the problem in her head, "he's also worried how I'll react when he finally does blow his top?" she questioned.
"Yes, he is worried about that." Silas confirmed. "But you and I both know, Red will handle Brad at some point." he warned, just as a precaution.
She had to admit, she had expected Red to punch the man back at the jewelry store.
"Especially since the little fucker called the FBI and reported a sighting on Red."
"He what!" she gasped.
"Red has already taken care of it." Silas assured. "But you should know, Red will do something, at some point. So get ready for it."
"So I should be..." she searched for the proper wording, "supportive?"
"I can't tell you how to feel about that." Silas shook his head. "Your morals are different than ours."
Liz had to admit that she believed a different set of rules applied most times than she had witnessed with her current associates. Rule of law had been drilled into her for so many years now, that the lines were beginning to blur.
It felt wrong to support Red in this matter when she knew it was so easily handled in a different fashion.
But on the other hand, she had to wonder, when did she have to take a step back and allow Red to handle this his way?
"I told Red I wasn't interested in Brad." she confided. "I thought he believed me..."
"I'm not saying he didn't believe you." Silas was quick to reassure the woman.
"Then what's going on?" she was so confused. "I mean, besides him wanting to beat the hell out of Brad."
"This isn't about Brad," Silas shook his head woefully, "it's about Tom."
The woman's frown deepened, having absolutely no idea how the two even connected.
"When he threw Tom in your face last night..." Silas reminded, "he was subconsciously worrying about you taking off with Tom... not Brad."
"What?" she whispered her disbelief.
"Brad is just a convenient excuse." Silas spread his hands expressively. "Red has been living a life of nothing but disappointment... right now, he's desperately trying to find his place in your world and evidently he hasn't found it yet." It seemed simple enough to the man. "The foundation is shaky and he can't find his footing." "
"He's waiting for me to leave him." she surmised quietly.
Silas nodded sharply. "So it would seem."
"Have I done something to..." she shrugged.
"It's not you. It's just the way guys think, honey." Silas opened the door, ushering her out when the car pulled up. "He hasn't been able to make claim to you in any of the ways universally understood by the male species, loathsome creatures that we are... and it's bothering the shit out of him."
"What do you mean? What ways?" she questioned, ready to help Red in anyway possible to assure he be more confident of their relationship.
Red stepped through the door, stalking towards the pair, his face masked carefully.
"Fuck!" the woman was more than vexed for the interruption, her expression saying as much.
Silas laughed throatily before opening the back door, waving her gallantly inside.
"Talk to him... " The man suggested quietly, assisting the woman as she took her seat.
They drove the short distance to the Villa in complete silence. Red snapped orders to those assembled before following the woman into the front room, then stalked his way to the bar.
Liz watched him for a long moment, silently wondering how to start the dialogue needed.
"I don't think you're a coward." she stated quietly, stilling the man's hand directly before his glass reached his lips. "I understand what you did..." she continued quickly, "and that you did it for me."
Red blinked, a little shocked by her insight, truth told.
"That's the second time, that I'm aware, that you've done that." she crossed her arms, hugging herself comfortingly. "It goes against your nature..." she turned, walking the short path around the divan, "and I don't..." she hesitated, absently running her finger along the edge of a throw pillow.
"You don't, what?" Red questioned quietly.
"I don't want you to do that." she blurted out. "If you start second guessing everything you do, because of me, it can lead to a choice between life or death."
Red scoffed disgustedly, "Brad isn't–"
"I don't mean Brad." she scolded. "I mean at work and, yes, maybe even personally." it was granted. "Two months ago, you probably would have killed the Ashcrofts for what they did to Mark." she had no delusions in that area. "But because of me..."
"You think I didn't kill them because of you?" Red frowned, unsure how to take what she was saying. But after New York, he wasn't going to instantly assume. He would hear her out. "Did you want me to kill them?"
"No, I didn't mean that." she frowned, unsure how to put into words what she had actually meant. "You as much as indicated, it was because of me, you changed your method of dealing with them."
Red thought back, suddenly remembering his phone call to her. He had said... a good woman has a way of changing a man.
"I don't want you hesitating to do what you feel is best and possibly getting yourself killed because you think... differently now."
Red stepped forward, understanding dawning. "I didn't mean that I hesitated to..." he gathered his thoughts, "when I understood what was going on, there was no point in killing them." he tried to explain, but by her confused expression, he wasn't doing a good job.
"They purposefully shot Mark low, to not kill him." he added. "They just wanted to make it so Francis wouldn't use the O'Sullivan's again."
"They couldn't just lowball the O'Sullivan's?" she would never understand the criminal mind and she professed to be a profiler.
"The Ashcroft's are a young bunch," Red sighed heavily, "who maybe watched too many mobster movies."
"Regardless, what happened today..." she looked up at him, "I know you did it for me."
"I did." he admitted. "Are you implying you would have rather I beat the hell out of him?"
"Is that what you wanted to do?"
"... Yes."
"And because you didn't, we got into an argument."
"I wasn't angry with you."
"The point is, I thought you were." she reminded. "Which again, led us to a misunderstanding."
"Who's to say we wouldn't have fought if I had done as I wanted." Red countered.
"At least in that scenario, you're actually standing up for a cause." she could see that much. "Fighting over some meaningless idiot is exactly what he wants us to do."
Red couldn't argue the point. It was the second time Brad had purposefully caused waves with the intention of driving a wedge.
"Plus you got angry with my guard, after I explicitly told him to not involve himself." she practically pleaded her cause. "Negating my order to stand down."
Red had told her repeatedly that Silas was to do as she directed, and he came in, in one fail swoop, erasing what he had essentially proclaimed. He vented his anger on the wrong people.
He sighed, nodding slowly. "I did." he readily admitted again. "I apologize." he pushed the drink aside, slowly. "I will apologize to Silas as well."
She turned, seeking solace elsewhere, looking out the French doors, watching the guards make their rounds. "What do I have to do to convince you that I'm not interested in Brad."
"I know you aren't interested." he assured.
"Then why..." she hesitated, unsure how to ask the question.
"I told you..." he walked up behind her, keeping a little distance, "I'm very territorial. It's a trait that I am not proud of at times."
For the second time that day, her heart filled with affection for the man behind her. He may be territorial and even possessive at times but that was just part of the whole.
"And watching him openly undressing you... pisses me the hell off."
"I don't care what he does." she scowled.
"I do." Red murmured quietly behind her.
"Because I belong to you." she finished for him. "In your world."
"No, he's disrespectful to you. And that is something that I will simply not allow."
And a little more than disturbing, Red thought to himself. Men who didn't take 'No' for an answer were dangerous in his world.
"If it makes you feel any better..." she quirked her head slightly to one side, "I kind of wanted you to hit him... oh who the hell am I kidding? I wanted you to knock him on his ass."
Red smiled shortly stepping closer, looking to her profile. "You did, huh?"
She sighed, nodding a little. "He's so fucking annoying."
"Then you understand that I may not be able to control myself at some point." he questioned. "And that my actions are in no way a reflection of my feelings and respect for you."
She looked up at the man, a slow smile tugging at her lips. She guessed if that bitch Natalia came sniffing around him... she would be pretty pissed off herself. Which was a totally foreign concept to her, she suddenly realized.
She fully understood finally, as odd as the emotion involved with Natalia was for Liz to experience, it was just as much an alien concept for Red not to act as his instincts demanded.
"I will not lie to you, Lizzy. He can only push me so far before I react." he stepped in further as she stepped back. "I have a reputation to uphold granted, but when it comes to you... it's personal."
She smiled softly, looking up at the man, "This little territorial thing you've got going on is even more hot than I originally thought." she reached out, stroking his collar. "Not that you have to prove your point by breaking him in half."
He glanced down, watching her hand trail flirtatiously over his chest. Leaning his arm into the wall beside her, he effectively blocked any exit, not that she seemed to be wanting to go anywhere.
"I had something a little more violent in mind, but whatever..." The man dropped his mouth against her neckline, suckling on her pulse point.
"Are you marking your 'territory'?" she leaned into his administrations.
"That is in the very near future." he promised himself more than the woman. "I am well within my rights to beat the fuck out of him."
"So I should consider myself 'spoken for'?" she sighed, holding him to his pastime.
"Most definitely." he muttered distractedly. "Yes, you are."
"You sound pretty sure of yourself there, Sailor."
Red looked at her with dark and hooded eyes, then reached out, popping the button on her slacks. Her breath caught in her throat as she stood there, stunned.
"With good reason." He smirked as he pulled the top of the dark fabric, sliding the zipper open easily.
"Hey!" She gasped, then looked around nervously for the Butler, to make sure the door was closed. People were constantly coming and going unannounced around here.
Pushing her further into an alcove of the bar, blocking any view of her with his body, Red traced her belly button with probing fingers, his thumb hooking into the edge of her panties. "Do you want me to stop?"
"...No." She replied breathlessly.
He slid his hand inside the fabric, touching her with his warm confidence.
"Are you spoken for?" he asked, playing with the fine smattering of hair covering her swollen lips, as he gently teased her clitoris.
"...Yes." She spread her legs willingly, tensing a little for what she knew was to come.
"Who do you belong to?" He rubbed her clit quickly.
"Red Reddington..."
"I've heard of him." he stated. "Seems like an okay guy."
"He's the best." she sighed dreamily.
He chuckled sensually. "I've heard that too..."
She grasped the back of his neck, deepening their kiss, which he happily obliged.
He heard a couple male voices outside the room, possibly nearing their location.
"You better come," He whispered seductively, "we're about to have company." He smiled, feeling her fight for release instead of attempting to stop his actions.
"Come on, baby..." Red rumbled softly against her ear, urging her on. He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the voices pass, as they headed outside to the deck.
He had no intention of halting this little interlude.
He really loved watching her come. Pushing her hard into the wall, covering her mouth with his, he rubbed hard against her swollen clit until she climaxed against his fingers, mewling softly, raspy gasps escaping her heightened body.
Red thrummed his fingers against her, bringing her down slowly. She relaxed in his embrace, breathing in his warm scent then sighed happily.
He slid his hand free, before repairing the damage he had done. "Are we all right here, now?" he stared down at her contentedly.
"You do what you need to, Red." she lay her head back on his shoulder. Her eyes gentle and for the man alone. "I don't like being at odds with you over something so trivial."
"I don't either." he agreed, then smiled a moment later. "Though, I do so enjoy these little make up sessions."
Liz laughed quietly, reaffirming her hold about his neckline. They stood in comparative silence, neither realizing that, as a unit, they swayed gently as if to some melodic tune.
The sounds of the outside world filtered around them. A masculine laugh echoed from the lush gardens outside the French doors. There was a sound from the kitchen of someone shutting the back entrance door.
"You're too quiet." Red murmured, unwilling to break the quiet solitude they had found.
"I was thinking about Tom." she blurted, feeling the man stiffen hastily. "You don't have to worry about him." Liz lifted her gaze to the carefully controlled features. "I know it's just words but..."
"I shouldn't have said what I did." Red shook his head for his own folly. "It was–"
"Warranted." she interrupted. "I acted impulsively and really disrespected myself." she admitted. "I didn't think about it until a couple weeks ago, how unhealthy and sick that relationship was." she was still troubled by her impulsive actions. "I needed to step away from that but..."
"He was comfortable." Red supplied the reason.
"But he wasn't." Liz disagreed. "I thought I knew him... you know?"
"I know..." Red hated that she had felt that betrayal.
"I hadn't let it settle in that the man I knew didn't exist and never had." she grimaced at the thought now. "I lived with a stranger for two years... then after he..." she shivered at the thought of the violence that had erupted between them.
Red absently massaged her tense muscles, comforting her. He allowed her the time to gather her thoughts.
"I slept with him..." she felt sick by the realization. "What was wrong with me?"
"Tom was a master manipulator." Red nuzzled her forehead lovingly. "Even after everything that happened, it was hard to erase the good memories you had of the man."
The people who handled Tom were almost Machiavellian in nature. There were times when Red even understood the desperation the young man must have felt. Caught between a rock and a hard place.
"You can't just shut off your emotions, Lizzy." that much he knew.
"I haven't shut off my emotions." she hoped he would understand. "I've learned to look at the situation from a distance. I know now not everything is black and white." she stopped for a breath.
"But I need you to know, that with this needed separation from him... I understand how damaging the situation was." she freely admitted. "And it will not happen again. I can't let it happen..."
The words, while appearing sound and logical, still troubled him somewhat. He understood what she was trying to convey. He was glad to note however, that she was seriously considering her own happiness and peace of mind, which was very important.
One part of the man sensed that she was trying to soothe the small rift between them in her own way. He was also grateful for that element.
He could see her personal growth, both emotionally and physically.
Knowing that Tom had a ice cubes chance in hell of swaying Lizzy to do anything... felt amazing. He was so fucking proud of her right now... words failed him.
He never thought he'd see the day...
"I know what I said doesn't magically fix anything," she began, "and we'll need to communicate more about such things..."
"But it's a start." he allowed. "I'm still sorry for being an asshole and for the crass approach last night."
His sincere apology touched her deeply.
"I'm sorry I keep bringing up work." she replied in kind.
"What?" His confusion was apparent.
She was full of confessions this afternoon it seemed, which amused the man. Red had to wonder, however, was there something deeper going on?
"What were you and Silas discussing earlier?" he thought he knew the answer to the probing question.
"Nothing of import." she waved the insinuation off, sensing his meaning. "He did explain some things to me about Brad and stuff..."
"And you wanted to clear the air..." Red confirmed.
"Yes." she nodded.
"I'm pleased." and he was.
"I've been thinking," she brought another troubling subject to light, "it seems like every conversation we have, I bring up work." she felt her own insecurities. "I don't mean to, it just happens."
She shared her concern. It seemed that all they really had in common besides the phenomenal sex... was the Blacklist.
"I'll find the balance... a normality, soon, Red. I promise." She was determined.
"Lizzy..." the man chuckled slightly, "that is normal."
"Really?" her mood lightened somewhat. Red Reddington was sophisticated, worldly... could the mundane really hold his interest for long?
"What did you and Tom talk about at the end of the day?" he queried, amused at her outlook on what a normal relationship should entail.
"I don't know?" she tried to recall. "I guess, I asked how his day was, if he let Hudson out... did he take the trash out."
"You asked how his day was?" he clarified. "Meaning, how was work."
Liz was momentarily waylaid.
"I guess so, yes." But that was just Tom she was dealing with, not Red Reddington, her insecurities resurfaced.
"Well, that's all we're doing." Red smiled softly. "The only difference is we can discuss work freely, because we happen to work, together." he pointed out the obvious. "You thought you couldn't do that with Tom."
Because things were classified in her line of work, they were off limits to Tom. She didn't realize until that moment that a part of her had always sort of looked down on his profession. Not that a school teacher was not a vital vocation. In Liz's opinion it was the most important profession ever because it dealt with the future of children.
But secretly, she had always thought a lot of the more violent aspects of her chosen vocation would have totally turned him off, as most civilians, she supposed.
What a fool she had been.
"To do so now, so openly, is a novel experience for you." Red's hands dwarfed her waist as he unexpectedly lifted the slight frame unto the granite counter of the bar. "I should think."
"It is rather freeing." she had to admit. Not once did she ever imagine Red would be turned off by any aspect of her work.
"Trust me, Lizzy," he smiled warmly, his eyes level on par with hers from her lofty position now, "aside from some minor little details," she rolled her eyes, catching his meaning, "we're like everyone else at the end of the day. We talk about work, the household bills–"
"How can we talk about the bills, when you pay them?" she twisted her mouth derisively. "Which brings to mind, that is also something we need to discuss, since it is supposedly my house... remember."
"You asked if I paid the electric bill the other day." he chose to ignore such logic.
"I did not!" she was relatively sure.
"You most certainly did," he corrected, "over breakfast, when you were opening the mail."
She was brought up short. "Well... did you? Pay it?" It seemed an important question after all.
"I did." he assured her. "Before the due date even." he replied straight faced, though his eyes were filled with merriment.
Liz giggled a little under her breath, seeing the humor in the situation finally, her manner and eyes softening on the man. "Gold star for you."
"Are these gold stars redeemable in some fashion?" it was the man's turn to brighten a little. Because after all, hope sprang eternal.
She loved when he used his wit against her but she loved more the undertone of flirting that had developed between them of late.
"Francis hasn't received any gold stars, to date." she mused pseudo seriously. "But Silas has redeemed several of his at something he calls the Muskrat Ranch." she was delighted that she could produce that throaty chuckle whenever she put her mind to it these days.
"Muskrat love, eh?" he was thoroughly enjoying the conversation. "I believe you meant the Bunny Ranch."
"Really, what is that?" she feigned innocence.
"I'll book us a tour." he called her bluff. "I think you'll find it very enlightening.
"I'm taking it... this is a house of ill repute? And if so," she lifted scolding brows, "how often have you frequented this establishment."
"I've been like a monk." he said straight faced. "But for you, I would renounce my vows."
The cute little face blanked over for a goodly while and Red could see the gears turning. She was definitively intrigued by such a notion. He could not wait to see what came out of that sweet little mouth now...
"Why didn't you tell me Brad called the FBI on you?" She wisely changed the subject, using his tactics, her expression an inquisitive one.
To say Red was disappointed would be an understatement, but he had other things with which to contend.
"Well, son of a bitch. I completely forgot." He was genuinely put out with himself. "Ressler wants you to get him a black coffee cup from Treasure Island with a 3D skull on it."
"What the hell does that have to do with..." she was a little vexed he had totally ignored the issue at hand.
"Ressler has his priorities straight for once." Red hid his smile. "Did you know that everything out of that man's mouth is a lie, but only if you're his 'current girlfriend'." the man 'air quoted' the term.
"What are you talking about? Ress is the most honorable man I know... present company included."
"Unless you're his 'current girlfriend'." he once again, 'air quoted'.
She held her smile for as long as humanly possible. "A skull mug, you say?"
"Yes, yes..." the man waved the issue aside, "back to this Muskrat Ranch thing..."