May 17
At dinner later that evening, Francis picked the correct time to present Lia with her surprise gift. Elizabeth enjoyed the moment just as much as the other woman. Lia's reaction was totally priceless, much like the diamond necklace that had been chosen.
It must have been 'priceless' to see Francis actually choose a gift that was tasteful instead of the gaudy trinkets he had been bestowing.
It was later on that same night that Liz's intense search for Red led her to all the activity taking place by the pool area.
She found Red and Silas, kicked back in chairs, lazily watching Dembe do laps, both sipping drinks.
In Red's hand, she noted a stop watch, her curiosity piqued. The woman forgot about that issue for a moment, her real one coming to fore. She marched determinedly across the tiled slate area.
"Red Reddington," she began her tirade most effectively, "you have got to stop buying me things like this." she held her gift aloft the shiny bauble shimmering in the moonlight. Even now, as annoyed as she was, she could not help but admire the beautiful craftsmanship.
"Oh, you're in trouble now." Silas chortled, setting his drink on a nearby table, ready to turn his attention to a good fight any day of the week.
"You can't just–" the woman dangled the jewels in Red's face, needing to make this point hit home.
"I can and will, Lizzy." Red turned his eyes upward, his tone a scolding one. "You liked it, you're keeping it. End of story." he held out an imperious hand, "Plus... what kind of fiancé would I be if I didn't buy you jewelry and other little trinkets on occasion if only to remind you why you adore me so very, very much?"
Silas picked up his drink, his head shaking woefully. "So much for a good fight." he grumbled.
Liz sighed heavily, knowing she wouldn't win this argument. To the rest of the world, she was Red's fiancée. It would indeed, look odd if he didn't do what he had said.
"Sounds like bribery to me." Silas did his bit to provoke the situation.
"You're not helping." Red shifted the man a lazy stare. Taking his pre-offered hand, Liz settled comfortably in his lap, the table they had chosen having only two chairs.
"Hey, did I say bribery was bad?" Silas questioned. "It's got Francis out of some sticky situations, God knows."
"Speaking of Francis..." Liz leaned into Red, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, "where is the little toad."
"Ding Dong is with his little tart." Silas chuckled into his glass.
"Your words I'm sure, not his." Liz scolded. "And it's not 'Ding Dong', it's Cinnamon Roll and–"
"Lizzy, please." Red pretended nausea, a playful hand placed to his stomach. "I can only handle so much saccharine in one day."
"Well, I think they're cute. I also think she's just darling." Liz added to her narrative, throwing an annoyed glare at her guard. "A lot more classy than the floozies you–"
"They prefer the term, call girls." Silas corrected haughtily.
Red chuckled, "Try 'escorts'." He held up his watch, as Dembe pushed off from the end of the pool.
"What are you doing?" She continued her visual reprimand of her guard, even though her interest had turned elsewhere by now.
"Timing him. He thinks he's off his game." Red absently swirled the scotch in his glass.
"Why would he think that?" Elizabeth was astounded.
"He ran this morning and was off his time by two entire minutes," Red shook his head consolingly.
"He's getting old." Silas commiserated.
"You're older than he is." Liz reminded.
"Oh, dig the knife in." the large man cocked his head at the woman. "What is it with you and hotels, always stabbing someone... where it hurts."
Red held his smile admirably for the less than gentle reminder of the incidents in the young woman's life.
Elizabeth gasped irritably turning on the man. "I don't always... those two times were simply..." she lost her train of thought because in reality, she could come up with no logical response.
Silas lifted a patient brow. The woman turned to Red for solace.
"Well, you do." No help was to be found there evidently. He lifted his own brows slightly. "Stab people... in hotels." he studied her wounded expression. "But for my part, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience."
Dembe popped up out of the water just as Red clicked the watch. "Eighteen minutes, forty two seconds."
"Is that good?" Liz mumbled under her breath.
"For someone who I believe just did a mile and was supposed to only do ten laps, yes." Red's tone was pure indulgence.
"He's been practicing more of late." Liz made note then glanced over meaningfully at Silas' flat abdomen. "More people should follow by example."
Silas waved such folly aside. "As if this body could be any better."
"He's preparing himself for the competition at Mark's get together this year." Red smiled happily at Dembe's doubtful frown giving a thumbs up gesture.
"I don't understand?" Liz stated. "I thought this was about rest, relaxation and entertainment." She pouted, trying to ignore Silas' snort of ridicule.
"I haven't told you much about the event, have I?" Red mused aloud.
Elizabeth exchanged looks with Silas, his self satisfied, hers irritated.
"It's an annual event, which I usually attend." he began. "The only time that all rivalries and animosity is put aside." he threw a warning glance at Silas. "Which is why you're little friend here will not be attending this year."
Silas seemed okay with exclusion.
"Call it holy ground, if you will." Red continued. "There are competitions to eliminate any hostile aggressions which may be harbored," once again Red's eyes shifted to the innocent looking guard, "other challenges, which offer old scores might be settled in a more civilized manner. Fun is had by all."
"So you're saying that Dembe is training for one of these challenges, to settle a score?" she was dumbfounded because Dembe was not the type to hold a grudge, in her opinion.
"Dembe is competitive." Red smiled. "You'll understand when we get there."
"But no one is really ever hurt seriously, in these little games?" she had to ask.
"Not permanently." Red replied straight faced. "If you're asking if we will be in danger, the answer is no. No more than normal, at least."
"That's not really encouraging." she reminded. "You feel comfortable in the worst of slum areas."
"True." he acquiesced. "Then let me put it this way. Why would I take you if I thought you'd be in danger." he patted her thigh consolingly. "I think you'll have a nice time. Just keep in mind who you are, where we are and that there is always someone about." he cautioned. "So remain cautious at all times."
She tensed suddenly, her thoughts her own.
Red frowned at the sudden change, setting his glass aside. He stood slowly allowing the woman to regain her footing in her own time.
"Do you need me?" Silas placed his hands, linked together, atop his head.
"No, we're staying in the rest of the night." Red informed the head guard. "We'll see you in the afternoon."
Dembe waved from the far end of the pool before diving under. Silas stretched back, watching Red and Liz disappear into the darkness.
"Good, because I'm fucking bored." Silas returned his interest to the dark man who was breaking the pool with smooth, effortless strokes. "Swim faster... like the time you did in the Florida Everglades when that gator was gaining on you." he goaded.
Silas was in one of those moods.
Red opened the balcony doors allowing the fresh, cool mountain breeze inside. The drapes danced by the strong gust of air. Tossing back the blankets, he crawled into bed, relishing the comfort instantly. It had been a perfect day, just lazing around.
Aside from the whole Brad debacle that is.
He enjoyed purchasing things for the woman. What was money for if not to spend on something one enjoyed. They had ended an argument on a high note. Watching Lizzy have fun at the pool had been both entertaining and enlightening.
It had been a good day, indeed.
"What are you smiling for?" The woman climbed up into the bed, giving him an amazing view of her décolletage.
"Francis." he shared his thoughts.
As she settled, he threw the blankets over her, turning on his side. Propping his head on his hand, he smiled down at her.
"The little troll." She relaxed under the blankets, sighing happily. "Sticking ice down my backside." She grumbled. "That was freaking cold."
He nodded sagely, "How do you feel now?"
"I'm much warmer than I was earlier, I'll say that much." She turned on her other side, settling in to the cradle of his body.
Her cold bottom settled against his groin, instantly chilling him, and her feet were freezing.
"Why are you so cold?" He gingerly rubbed her hip and leg, generating heat.
"I think you're used to me taking a shower before bed, but since I did before dinner..." Bunching the blankets in her fists, she snuggled under them. "Warm me up."
Red felt his blood heat at the simple request. She couldn't truly understand how much he wanted to... warm her up. But for now, he'd happily settle for cuddling her close.
"Better?" his arms embraced her in a loving cocoon.
"Hmmm." She hummed sleepily.
The room fell silent, Red allowing the atmosphere to settle naturally. In less than a few minutes, the woman's breathing out evened out somewhat. Reaching over head, Red hit the light switch, bathing the room in darkness.
After settling into the pillow, he sighed. "What has you worried?" he asked quietly.
"I don't know what you mean." she evaded.
"Are you nervous about Mark's?" he fished. "You've done a wonderful job here."
"I've had to stop myself, twice, from saying something about work in front of Francis." she had not confided in him as yet, and her lapses were weighing on her mind.
"How did that come about?" he sensed she needed to speak on the matter.
"We were reading the paper. I noticed two cases the local Bureau is handling and shared the information with Francis." she flipped to her back needing to read his expression. "I got mad when Francis said the perps wouldn't be caught because the Feds here were useless."
"Well, they are." Red tightened his arm about her, covering his lips with his finger, silencing her effectively. "Baby, half of the Feds and Cops are on Mob payroll here." he explained his statement.
"What?" she gaped her shock.
"Believe me when I say, Francis has inside information on the matter." he spoke in general terms. "Don't get me wrong, we have the highest regard for the cops usually." he gestured. "Here, you've entered a whole new world."
"You're speaking as if it's the fifties." she pulled a face.
He chuckled at such innocence. "Once the mob gets a foothold, they don't let go no matter what the movies or papers say." he settled in more comfortably, her body warmed considerably now.
"So, Francis didn't mean anything by what was said." he kissed her forehead. "He's just not a fan of dirty cops."
"You think you all would be." she stated the obvious. "I mean..."
"You can gain a cop's loyalty without turning him to the dark side." Red lifted noble brows. "For example, I saved one's life in Utah a couple years back, now he owes me one. And only one." he held up his index finger. "The dirty cops, that are paid to be loyal, will turn on you in a second."
"What exactly," she had to ask, "are the dynamics between you and Ressler?"
"Are estranged." Red shrugged. "Lizzy, Ressler only sees me as a CI. We have a working relationship, nothing more." his eyes softened when she seemed hurt by the idea. "If it makes you feel any better, a lot of the people I met in the service are like that with anyone outside their platoon."
"I don't understand." she was honestly confused. "You're all on the same side."
"Yes, but your first worry is getting your men home." he stressed. "You get to know these guys, they're your family."
"I don't think I could do that." she confessed. "Choose sides like that."
"You did." Red corrected quietly.
She genuinely seemed upset by the accusation. "What are you talking about?"
"When I was being held by the King family." he jogged her memory. "There were a lot of other people being held captive in that room besides me..." he let the intent sink in.
"But I didn't care." realization hit the woman full force. "I just wanted to get you out."
She could explain it away in her own mind, saying that she knew the Bureau was on the way and would rescue those other people. Or that it was her priority to protect her CI. But the troubling fact was, she was beginning to know the truth as opposed to a lie.
Liz wanted to save Red. That was her only focus. If she hadn't gone back, he would have... died.
Moving closer to him, visions of her walking into that room, finding him with a gun to his head... her embrace tightened about his waist and she buried her face into the warmth afforded her.
The way he had said her name...
"That does not make you a bad person, Lizzy." Red consoled. "You just naturally save your team first." his large fingers gently massaged her neckline. "You will always do your job to the best of your ability, sweetheart." his lips grazed the scented hair. "Don't ever doubt that."
Red set his chin on top of her head, rubbing her back soothingly. She clutched him tighter, closing her eyes to what might have been.
They fell silent, lazily stroking one another before he finally felt her growing heavier against him. Thankful that she didn't let their discussion weigh on her.
Throwing a leg carelessly over his thigh, she slid closer, lifting her face, dropping a soft kiss against his lips.
"Did I forget to kiss you goodnight?" Red smiled warmly, cuddling her close, his mouth descending sensually.
She kissed him back just as gently, her little tongue darting out, flicking his upper lip. His mouth to receive the offering, letting her guide the moment.
If this was all they ever did, kiss and cuddle... the man knew he would be oddly content.
Just to be in her sphere, to experience that which was Elizabeth Keen, would be all he could ever ask for.
The rest... was a gift from God.
May 18
Red groaned irritably as he blindly reached for the phone, trying not to dislodge the woman sleeping so peacefully against him.
"Dammit..." he squinted blearily at the clock finding it nearing three in the morning. His fingers finally found the hard plastic of the phone, dragging it closer.
Lizzy mewled softly at the disturbance, her brow crinkling in her half sleep state.
"Shh, baby." Red soothed, hoping he would not disturb her unduly. He flipped the phone open. "What?" he hissed quietly.
He listened intently, his expression altering somewhat as the conversation proceeded.
He was silent a moment, then sighed more than heavily. "You what?" he bitched. "Where are you?" he bit the question out. He listened again this time, his expression speaking volumes. His hand fell aside, the phone still held securely within.
Red took a moment to gather his patience. "I'll be there when I get there." he grumbled back into the speaker when his annoyance had lessened. He listened yet again, his fingers drumming angrily on the blanket. "Fuck with me and I'll leave you there."
Slapping the phone closed, Red dropped his head back into the pillow, shaking his head at the absurdity of life.
"Of all the stupid..." he muttered tightly, jostling her gently as he reluctantly accepted his lot in life.
"What's going on?" Lizzy questioned sleepily, struggling to a sitting position.
"Go back to sleep, sweetheart." Red whispered, kissing her bare shoulder before sliding from the bed, grabbing his pants.
Liz blinked, clearing the fog. "No really, what's wrong?" she sat up straighter, rubbing her eyes watching Red step into his pants.
The man smiled softly as the sheet fell, exposing her breasts to his view. He knew, intellectually, that they had an intimate relationship. But to see her sitting there naked and comfortable in his presence... it was a very nice reminder of what they were.
Liz frowned softly, her hands dropping heavily to the blankets, in acceptance of the inevitable. "What did Francis do now?"
Red laughed quietly, slipping into his shoes. "Oddly, it's not Francis...this time."
Liz was stumped.
"Silas has gotten himself into a bit of a bind." he grinned, pulling his shirt over his head.
Liz instantly threw back the blankets, wanting to help in anyway she could.
"Sweetheart, get some sleep." he suggested, his expression benign. "I'll just be a half hour at most."
She slid her butt off the bed determinedly. "He's my friend too."
She hurriedly searched out her clothes, missing Red's smile when she bypassed her panties entirely, having slipped into the tight jeans, commando fashion.
There was something decidedly sexy about her actions. He could now see the faint imprint of her vulva lips outlined by the tight fabric and he had thought it erotic before she had even worked the jeans up over her bottom.
Breaking his intent gaze away from the captivating sight, he waited patiently for the woman to find her shoes.
Minutes later they were crossing the living room area heading for the exit.
"Hey..." Francis nodded at them, biting into his snack from the kitchen, his arrival on scene not only unexpected, but to Red's way of thinking... bizarre, "where you guys going?"
"Better question," Red looked at the boy, "why are you in our Villa's kitchen... at three in the morning?"
"Well, that's just rude." the man was clearly unsettled by such a question. "Now, what's up?" he dismissed the sensation easily.
"Gotta go save, Silas." Liz hurried Red along.
Francis rushed after them, quick on Red's heels. "What did he do this time?" he bit into the sandwich, trailing after them to the car. "And can I go?"
"Yes, 'you can go'." Red mimicked the overly excited manner of Francis' enthusiasm.
"Shotgun!" Francis shouted out, rushing for the front passenger seat.
"Dammit!" Liz tsked her annoyance, cursing her own lack of forethought.
"Baby, you can ride up front if you want." Red not so subtly reminded Francis more so than the woman.
"No..." she sighed reluctantly, her pout affecting the man more than he wanted to admit, "he called it before I did."
The way she said it, Red knew that the game had been played before and it made him wonder what the hell happened when he wasn't at home.
Red headed for the driver's seat, pulling up short as he noted Francis' peculiar scowl, he frowned right back.
"What?" he snapped, this night was not going as he hoped.
"I don't recall ever seeing you drive before." the young man was somewhat mystified.
A hand came out of nowhere, smacking Francis across the back of the head. "Hey!" he turned around rubbing the spot gingerly, his expression sullen. "It was a legitimate concern."
"Concern?" Red prompted peevishly.
"Seatbelt..." Liz grumbled from the back seat, still smarting from her loss of the favored seat.
Though both men faced death on a daily basis, facing Lizzy's wrath was something both wanted to avoid if at all possible. Francis buckled his seatbelt.
"Silas is in a bit of a pickle," Red slid into the interstate traffic, "as I understand it, while Dembe is somewhere in the vicinity, he is refusing any aid at this time."
Francis, sensing their direction, grinned. "They're down on Freemont?"
"At the Golden Nugget or The Four Queens." Red confirmed, before whipping around a slow car, putting on the gas. "Silas couldn't remember."
"When that man lets his hair down," Francis was visibly impressed, "he really goes for it."
Liz turned her head, staring avidly at the new sights afforded her. She just loved all the flashing lights of the bustling city. The town literally never slept, leaving her feeling alive and energized whenever she saw it.
She peered over to her right, following Francis' line of vision, taking in 'Old Vegas'.
She would have love to have seen Vegas in it's heyday, when Gangsters and Crooners ruled the city. When people dressed up to do everything from have dinner to attending a show.
Then, women were elegant in their tailored dresses, while the men wore suits and fedoras. Liz smiled warmly at the man in front of her, suddenly missing his trademark hat.
She had seen a small taste of what it might have been like with the access granted her in the VIP sections. While everyone had a fun time and shared more than a few laughs, there was also a sense of decorum and manners.
All day, when they had switched tables or sat down for a meal, gentlemen pulled out chairs for the ladies. They had stood as a woman would leave or return to a table. They held open doors.
It was a very foreign experience for her, but one she had enjoyed very much.
Nothing had changed much in the last seventy years, if what Red said was true about the city still being run by the Mob underground.
But the classiness of the city, aside from those private areas, was all but gone.
Now, everyone looked as though they literally rolled out of bed. Street performers invaded your space in hopes of a buck. And people on every corner handed out nude pictures of prostitutes available for hire.
Again, every one had to make a living, but it had been annoying a time or two. They had gone out last night to visit the volcano. She and Red had been sharing a very private moment when some variation of the before mentioned, had rudely invaded their space.
She had not appreciated their efforts or timing.
"We'll hit the Four Queens first." Red waved some pedestrians across an intersection before swinging up into the Golden Nugget valet area, on South Casino.
"Red, this is the Golden Nugget." Liz gestured to the lettering on the doors.
"I know, but the Valet for the Queens is around the corner, down a block..." he rolled his hand, gesturing, meaning a long explanation was forthcoming, one he did not want to bother with.
Tipping the Valet, Red took her hand, the three of them walking across the street to the opposite hotel.
"Wait here." They had entered the still elegant foyer, Red gestured to the elevators before heading to the front desk.
As he talked to the clerk, Liz glanced around her surroundings. While not as jaw dropping as her own accommodations, there was a certain charm she found captivating.
She watched as a clerk slyly slid something across the counter where Red was standing. The man turned and she noted a wad of bills laying in his wake. The clerk nonchalantly pocketed his prize.
"Did you get the access card?" Francis enquired. Red nodded pointing to the elevators, beginning their trek.
"Where are we going?" she followed along willingly.
"He's in a Suite." Red explained, sliding the keycard along the card reader.
"I saw how you got that." Liz threw an accusing glance Red's way. The man tilted his head at her, his expression saying it all.
"What room number?" Francis asked, stepping into the empty elevator.
"I have it." Red replied. "It's a suite... now we have to guess which hotel."
"A description of the room would have narrowed it down." Francis bitched.
"Hey, you wanted to come along, stop bitchin'." Liz reminded.
"His phone was dying." Red sighed. "Apparently, he's been putting the video and picture features to use."
Francis now nodded knowingly, "Ahh..."
They rode up to the top floors quickly, found the room number, and Red knocked discreetly.
The door flew open after a noticeable hesitation to reveal an older, pissed off gentlemen whose complexion verged on apoplexy.
"What!" the man snapped his fury.
"Wrong room." Red took the moment in stride.
"What the hell... do you think your doing knocking on my door at–"
Francis discreetly lifted his shirt allowing the man a brief glimpse of the weapon that was always by his side. The man's eyes widened with shock as he rudely shut the door in their faces, a distinct click of the lock and bolt of the door alerting them to the fact... the incident was closed and forgotten.
Francis grinned at Liz's expression, "I have an open carry."
"And why is it necessary–" she hissed.
"Well, not legally." Francis admitted, cutting the inquisition short. "But I'm among friends, right?"
"So, the Nugget it is." Red turned on his heel, having completely disregarded Francis' handling of the matter.
They made their way back downstairs, Red slowing his stride to match Lizzy's smaller steps.
"And Dembe isn't hunting for our wayward friend... why?" Francis asked as they pushed their way out the hotel doors.
"Dembe told him he had to wait." They crossed back across the street to their original destination. "He was on a roll..." Red cast a pointed look, his meaning clear enough.
"I'll be right back." The process was repeated again, another wad of money exchanged. Liz cast a disapproving glance the desk clerk's way but other than that, held her peace.
"That is one big ass piece of gold." she gestured to a display holding what was presumably the second largest Golden Nugget found in the entire world.
Francis crept closer, squinting at the shiny object. "I know people who would attach that to a necklace and wear it as is."
Liz laughed quietly at the mental picture painted.
They found the room quickly enough. Red went to swipe the keycard, but Liz's hand stilled his action.
"What if he isn't here either." she whispered anxiously. "Do we want to give another old man a heart attack." she looked accusingly at Francis.
"He's here." Red swiped the card, hesitating. "Lizzy, you should stay out here."
Liz shook her head vigorously. "No way!"
Francis chimed in, "You really should stay here." he pointed to the spot. "Trust me on this one."
"I am not going to stay here." she was more than positive. Both men exchanged cryptic looks.
She followed closely on their heels as they entered the spacious suite. The city was laid out in all it's brilliance behind a wall of windows. The dark looming shape of a mountain range silhouetted against a velvet blue background, the stars blocked out by the infamous neon lights.
Red got his bearings, his eyes lifting to the second landing, unmistakable sounds filtering down the winding staircase.
Francis cleared his throat, somewhat awkwardly suddenly interested in the décor. He looked anywhere except to the woman beside him.
"Lizzy..." Red's tone held a hint of warning as the sounds above them became more pronounced. "I should really handle this."
Francis' face twisted as he tried to keep his perspective. He clenched his mouth tightly, the creased indentures along his handsome face suddenly more pronounced.
For the woman's part, all she heard was the sounds of a slight struggle and the unmistakable clink of metal against metal which fairly alarmed her.
"Red why are we just standing here?"
The man sighed, taking the steps two at a time, hoping to arrive on scene well ahead of Elizabeth. His hand tightened slightly on the railing as he came level with the second floor.
Silas' body held a thin sheen of perspiration, as he thrust heatedly forward and back. A woman's shapely thigh held fast to his buttocks. Red could see a beautiful set of breasts bouncing enticingly between the space that sometime separated the two lovers.
The woman was upright against the back of a curved chair which sat beside the large master bed. The man's arm was wrapped around her waist, easily lifting and lowering her into his pumping action.
His free hand supported the negligible weight easily for his purpose. Red said 'free' in the sense that the other hand was handcuffed to a lamp just behind the top portion of the makeshift sex surface.
Red stopped in his tracks, human enough to just stare for a second.
He was not staring at what was taking place, but rather a large feather plume, much like what adorned the Showgirls costumes, which was weaving hypnotically about. The apparatus sat proudly on Silas' head.
He felt Francis come alongside him as the young man too, pulled up short, his mouth dropping agape.
The two foot tall mountain of feathers moved lyrically as Silas thrust into his very willing partner. The heavy headpiece staying in place even as he quickened his movements.
Silas dropped his head into the woman's shoulder, groaning raspingly. "...Fuck, that feels good." He cupped the woman's ass, pushing her harder into his deepened thrusts.
"Come for me, baby..." Silas crooned. "Take me there."
The woman nodded quickly, curling her fingers around the back of the man's neck for added support as she complied with the raspy request.
He captured the woman's mouth in a deep heated kiss. He bounced his partner hard and fast off his shaft while suckling her breasts hungrily as the cuffs clinked loudly against the metal base of the lamp.
It took only seconds before the amorous couple to reach their peak.
Red heaved a sigh of relief because Francis had managed to block Elizabeth's passage way up to this point.
Silas slumped in a sweaty, breathless tangle of limbs against the chair which cradled him and his partner.
"You couldn't fucking wait?" Red snapped, advancing up the stairs, ignoring the gasp of indignation issued from the little blondes mouth as she realized, she and Silas had just put on a free show. "...I told you I was on my way."
Silas kinked his body this way and that, yanking the sheet off the nearby bed, tossing it over the blonde's nudity.
"You pass the time your way," Silas glanced over to the new arrivals, "I'll pass it mine."
"Hide your balls," Francis advised sagely, "there is a woman in house, oddly not interested in seeing them. Go figure." he glanced back at a rapidly advancing 'woman'.
Liz's mouth dropped open, as she barely cleared the top of the landing.
Silas lay on his side in a swooping brown leather chair, a woman huddled beside him. Liz's eyes widened at his nudity.
The man seemed have no qualms concerning his nakedness, but he did as Francis bid, none to subtly shifting his... things, from her view. Leaving her an unobstructed view of the man's entire bare backside.
Red had opened a little pouch, fiddling with a tiny instrument. "Maybe next time, you will heed my advice." he glanced over to a completely stunned individual. "You want to go downstairs now?"
Liz's expression grew even more quizzical as she noted the large pink feather on top of a headdress which adorned Silas' thick skull.
While this sort of... predicament, was nothing new to either Red or Francis. It was clearly a complete shock to Lizzy.
"The blanket, idiot." Francis helpfully reminded, whereupon Silas leisurely pulled a portion over his lower body.
Red made his way around the cramped position, crouching between the wall and the chair in which Silas reposed. Pulling his lock pick free, he began the task at hand.
"Why didn't you pick it yourself?" Francis queried. "It's a lamp..." he gestured to the light object they were bound to, "not an anvil."
Silas yanked at the tall gold lamp, not budging it an inch. "It appears to be bolted to the floor."
"Oh..." Francis shrugged, before pushing at a lamp beside him, which was also stuck in place. "What the hell? Who steals a fucking lamp?"
"I heard some woman on Family Feud say something about taking a lamp from a hotel." Liz muttered lamely, the conversation seeming odd to her own ears. Her eyes pulled to the naked leg of her guard before she hastily averted her stare.
Silas pointed, "I couldn't reach mine." His jeans lay on the floor across the way, his own lock pick set securely tucked in his back pocket.
Red shook his head, aggravated. "It's going to be difficult to do this with all this racket." he bitched staring moodily at the cuffs.
"Don't give me that shit..." Silas disdained, "you could do this blindfolded."
"And has." Francis piped in. "Remember the time in Madrid when you and that little–"
"Shut up, Francis." both Red and Silas spoke in unison. Silas motioned to Liz as if to say, 'his girl is in the room'.
Francis took exception. "Oh like it's fine that she sees your naked ass though?"
Liz tried valiantly to look everywhere but at the display, but her eyes continuously flitted back to the debacle. It was as if she were witnessing a car wreck in progress. One simply could not look away.
Red felt the give of a cuff, sighing with relief as it let go.
Silas yanked, breaking the cuff free of his wrist.
Red peered up over the chair, amused at Lizzy's reaction to everything happening around her. Her complexion was bright red and she was striving so hard for sophistication. And failing miserably.
Perhaps had it been anyone else but her personal guard, she might have reacted differently.
Red popped the second cuff open.
"Oh, thank you ever so!" the little blonde gratefully acknowledged Red's handiwork, taking the pre-offered handcuff as she slid to the edge of the chair, standing without a care as the sheet fell away from the very well endowed form.
Red kept his gaze on the pretty blue eyes as he watched the young woman flounce happily away.
Patting her bottom affectionately, Silas shooed her to the large bed all the while attempting to keep the sheet tucked around her body to little avail. He arose, following suit. Forgetful in his haste, to address his own nudity.
Francis hastily stepped, blocking Liz's field of vision but not before the woman covered her eyes with a gasp of shock and dismay.
"Yes that's right," Francis saved the day, or did he, "he's part Jewish. I'm sure we're all pleased to note that."
"I certainly was." the girl piped up from the bed, smiling flirtatiously up at Silas as he approached. She shook her full breasts slightly, hoping to entice and entertain.
Red lifted a cautious brow, arising from his position grinning slightly at Silas' rejoinder.
"Oh, I'm coming baby." the guard promised, slipping in beside his little minx, laying the sheet over their bodies.
"Nice hat..." Francis remarked casually, hoping to remind the other man of priorities. "Let me guess, you're a Showgirl?" he addressed the woman directly, making pleasant conversation.
She shook her head, a quizzical expression appearing on the pretty face "...No."
Silas waved a hand across his throat, which signaled Francis to 'shut his damn mouth'.
Liz gaped at Red, understanding dawning on her. Silas had slept with a Showgirl before he ended up with this woman.
How long had he been out tonight?! Red's cryptic words came back to haunt her at such a moment. He had been right all along... Silas was a slut!
"Have you been wearing that the whole time." Francis was curious.
"It tickles." the woman giggled, stroking Silas' chest, most specifically, his nipple. Her intent clear.
Red placed his hand on Lizzy's back, guiding her towards the stairs. "I take it, you're staying?" he enquired of the guard.
"You said I wasn't on shift until the afternoon." the man reminded, maneuvering himself over the now prone woman.
Working his thigh between the warm valley, he settled comfortably in the luscious cradle, grunting his contentment. The woman beneath him giggled as the feathers of his head dress brushed against her breasts and throat, as he assumed the position.
"Just checking..." Red called back over his shoulder, "come along, Francis."
"Huh?" the young man blinked, breaking his attention which had been focused entirely on the couple. "Oh, right. Well," he address the amorous pair, "don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"And don't use the damn cuffs again!" Red barked back up the stairs.
"On her?" Silas called back, though his voice was muffled for obvious reasons when the woman's giggle turned into a long, breathy moan.
Liz hustled down the stairs, as fast as she possibly could but she could discern the metallic click of the cuffs being engaged over the subtle sound of Red's soft laughter despite all she could do.
"I'm not coming back, Silas." Red warned as he opened the door, ushering Liz out into the silent hall.
"Speaking of coming..." the guard gritted, as the woman with him let them all know she was enjoying her evening just fine.
Red's chuckle echoed down the hallway as he watched Lizzy book ass, jabbing the elevator button repeatedly when she finally arrived at her destination.
Francis shut the door behind him, blocking out the sounds of the amorous couple. He checked with his cohort in crime, "I wish I could relax like that."
Red smiled at the quip, noting Liz had already bolted into the now open elevator, waving frantically for them to join her as fast as humanly possible. He pointedly kept silent the entire time it took to reach the Valet parking area.
"Dembe," Red had thought to check on his other friend, "are you handcuffed anywhere in the city?" he held his laughter at the man's reply but just barely. "Just be sure your pants are in reach."
Liz and Francis exchanged quizzical looks. They returned to the Villa, each headed for their respective quarters.
"I don't know about you..." Francis grinned lecherously, "but I think I'm going to see if Lia is up for a little–"
"We get the picture." Red interrupted the narrative, jerking his head to indicate 'get the hell away from me, I've had enough'.
Francis snickered as he walked away, "And to all a good night."
"Good night, Francis." Liz replied distractedly.
Red guided her to the room, softly shutting the door behind them. "Quite an eye opener, hum?" he asked of her mood in his own way.
"Yeah..." she shrugged, "I mean, it was weird, but we're all adults here, right?" she hesitated in her steps, looking back at Red. "You know, it's funny." she crinkled her nose. "I knew he had cuffs of course. Why did I never think of him using them in such a manner."
Red remained moot on the subject.
"Were they having sex in that chair?"
"...Yes." he nodded.
"How does that work?" she questioned, then flushed. "I mean, I know how, I meant..." she sighed, "it looked... awkward."
"No different than having sex against a wall or headboard." Red pulled his shirt off over head, tossing it to the chair beside him.
Liz closed her eyes, visualizing how it could be done, only to open her eyes a moment later to find Red standing just a foot away. He unceremoniously dropped his pants, his eyes deepening considerably.
"Would you like me to show you?" he asked, as he pushed his boxers down, his erection bobbing free from it's confinement.
He reached out, dragging her against his waiting chest. His thick fingers moved over the plump ass cheek, as he greedily ground against her abdomen. His breath quickened as he remembered she wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing under those tight jeans.
Liz sighed her contentment, feeling his straining shaft push against her body. The man slowly walked them backwards until her thighs hit the arm of the couch.
Red grinned, popping the button of her pants, seductively sliding the zipper over her flat stomach, pushing the tight fabric off, revealing her bare ass.
Liz startled slightly, feeling the cool leather meet her heated flesh.
Red tugged on the offending material. Pulling downward revealed that very secret place he loved so much. It's fragrant scent called to him.
He played in the soft down of her pubic hair, his tongue sliding into the recesses of the hidden alcove as he worked her jeans further down her shapely legs.
She palmed Red's head to steady herself. A moment later, he lifted her leg, settling it over his shoulder, his tongue delving deeper between her legs, expertly torturing her quickly throbbing sex.
Red felt himself harden with the first taste of her arousal. Flicking her faster, he was granted the sweet cream he needed.
Breaking the moment, he smiled softly as her groan of disappointment turned into the sweetest mewl he had ever heard, when his hardness brushed against her thigh, taking her breath away.
Sliding his stiff erection along her swelling sex, he removed her top with deft fingers.
"You didn't answer the question?" he stated, even as he slid a condom on over his raging hard on.
"Yes, thank you ever so." she replied breathlessly, pushing herself against his bulbous crown.
He chuckled his appreciation of her wit.
Liz clutched his arms as the man lifted her abruptly, sitting her ass on the arm of the couch. He ran his hands down her arms, deepening his kiss. She looked down quickly as she felt a slip of silk wrap around her wrists, binding them together.
"Just recreating the scene..." Red rumbled deeply.
Liz watched as he looped the last bit, tucking it securely.
"Do you trust me, Lizzy?" he asked, sensing her nervousness.
"...Yes."
"Pull your hands apart." he suggested.
She gave a gentle experimental tug, the tie coming free easily. Red caught it, securing it quickly back in place.
"It's just an illusion." the sensual quietness washed over her.
She trusted Red implicitly, but that trust suddenly soared to new heights.
She gripped the tie, allowing herself to get caught up in this wondrous illusion. Being bound, the experience, heightened her arousal.
Leaning her back into the slope of the couch, Red dragged her ass to the edge as the woman's slim legs found purchase over Red's arm and a side table. The frantic movements displacing a vase to the carpeted floor.
Stepping into the space afforded him, his cock instantly sought out her heat, allowing him to ease into the molten depths in one long, slow continuous stroke.
"Good?" he groaned as his body fit perfectly against hers. "That feels... so fucking good." he panted.
"Oh, hell yeah..." Liz whispered huskily, as the man steadily rocked his thick erection in a frenetic rhythm that had her legs already quaking. She scratched at his chest with her fingers, drawing a groan from the man's throat. "So good..."
So good in fact, both instantly forgave Silas for his late night transgressions. There was something to be said about the primitive aspect of the mating ritual.
Red and Elizabeth were exploring the possibilities of such an outlet.
Author Note:
I had a reader request that with Silas since she hadn't found such a scene with him yet. I hope you don't mind that we played with him a bit.
And I'm sure none of you care... after having it imprinted in your mind of Silas having sex with a feather plume on his head. Or Red binding Liz...
But there actually is a big ass nugget of gold at the Golden Nugget Casino called, The Hand of Faith