MAY 19
Having overslept the next morning, Liz found herself having to rush about in preparation for the wedding.
But Red's thoughts were running to a rush of another sort. The man was valiantly trying to set aside his desire to be with her again.
There was a new intimacy between them that had not been there the day before. He had almost felt something like this with his ex-wife after their daughter was born.
The emotion was close to elation verging on euphoria.
They had both been so exhausted, Carla more than himself, of course. The labor had been long and tedious. But as they held their sleeping infant between them, there was a shared feeling of excitement, fear... hope for the future.
Last night, Red had experienced the same emotions, along with a sense of unity and overwhelming love.
As he watched Liz dry off, sneaking furtive looks in the mirror from time to time, he felt his body start to react. Liz's hands moved her breasts this way and that as she dusted powder and dabbed perfume. Small glimpses of that beautiful ass, had him moaning inwardly.
Determinedly clenching his fists at his side, he turned away from temptation. The sex he could actually handle, but to experience the addictive emotional bond they had shared, that was proving an insurmountable obstacle.
Red glanced at the clock, finding their time short. While he wouldn't normally give a shit, he thought Lizzy might.
She had been looking forward to attending this wedding and wearing her new dress for what seemed like ages to the man.
There seemed to be an air of contained excitement about the woman in regards to the wedding itself.
He had gathered from Francis, that Lia's expectations ran as high as Lizzy's. The man had said, Lia was looking forward to seeing it because of the caliber of the wedding party.
Red could understand that, he supposed. The rich and infamous did tend to have a certain flair about them.
So maybe that was what Lizzy was looking forward to? The venue, reception... the bride's dress.
He likened it to himself enjoying a fine vintage or a long conversation with an intelligent, eloquent orator.
"I'm going to shave." he quietly resigned himself to waiting for the right moment, the thought of disappointing Lizzy more powerful than his heightened libido in this instance.
She came alongside him, grabbing her hair dryer from the basin, critically surveying her reflection before attempting to dry the wet strands.
Liz inadvertently dropped a hair pin which had been dangling from her mouth. She muttered an oath, bending over directly before him. Red glanced down.
He stood transfixed on the soft weight of the robe covering her shapely curves. It was evident she wasn't wearing anything beneath. The outline of her body was draped by the silken folds, the imprint of her vulva clearly visible, right there for him to see.
Holy hell...
He gripped the handle of his lathering brush tightly. His eyes closing momentarily to his lapse of control. Jabbing the bristles into the thick foam, he gathered some on the ends before smoothing the frothy cream around his face. Dropping the brush into the bowl, he snatched up the razor and slid it over his cheek.
"Can I watch?" Liz asked, having arisen, pushing her hair from her face, intently scowling at a wayward strand of her bangs as it waved haphazardly about. The woman blew fruitlessly, annoyed when the soft hair fell right back into place.
He gestured for her to have a seat on the low part of the basin where she had sat her cosmetics.
Liz watched the razor glide over his skin, then his fingers checking the cleared area before rinsing the blade. "Can I do it?"
He looked down at her and where her robe fell away from her leg, giving him a tantalizing view of the top of her thigh.
"Have you ever done it before?" He asked, rinsing the blade again.
She shook her head. "No." she piped up gingerly. "But I'm a quick study."
"Hop up here." He patted the higher counter, grabbing the supplies he'd been using. "Firm, down unless I say otherwise, rinse the blade after every stroke."
He handed the razor, pulling it out of her reach just before she took hold of it.
"And it goes without saying," he cast her a stern glance, "don't slit my throat."
He stepped into the space between her open legs, placing his hands on her thighs. She did as directed, before hesitating when she got to his upper lip.
"You take over." while she had enjoyed the interval immensely, she hesitated at this point.
"You can do it." He encouraged.
Inwardly holding his breath, hoping like hell he had a top lip when all was said and done, he readied himself appropriately. Her tongue poked out the side of her mouth, making it damn hard not to smile.
"Phew.." She relaxed and rinsed the blade, peering back at her work. She ran her fingers over the bare area, tracing his lips with her thumbs.
Red stayed very still under her touch. He watched her face. She was lost in what she was trying to accomplish.
Tilting his head up, he could feel her position and reposition the blade several times before committing to the task.
"You can press harder."
"My God, don't talk." she practically snapped his head off.
"Relax, you're doing fine." He bent the other way, stretching his neck to assist in her efforts.
Taking one last swipe, Liz felt his neck, finding it smooth as a baby's bottom. "There. How's that?"
He felt over his face and neck proclaiming a job well down. "Give me a wet cloth will you."
She wet the soft cloth, ringing out the excess water before wiping it across his face herself. His eyes shut to the soothing touch.
"Aftershave lotion?"
"Behind you," his voice lowered softly, not wanting to break the quiet moment, "black bottle."
She opened it, sniffing the warm and mellow aromatic liquid. Pouring a bit into her palm, she rubbed her hands together then smoothed it over his face and neck. "More?"
"No.." He muttered. "It's good." he glanced down, watching the gentle slope of her breast and nipple move under the light weight of her robe, and couldn't take it anymore. He needed to touch her... badly.
"You smell nice." she sighed.
He dropped his nose into the crook of her neck breathing in her scent, his hands encompassing her small waist. "So do you. You always do."
"Yeah, say that after I've just left the gym." she teased. "Or had a training session with Silas." her pretty brow pulled into a dark scowl. "I'm beginning to hate that man."
"As long as you don't hate me..." he murmured quietly. His mouth gently connected to hers for a brief eternity. "You... smell... good."
She smiled, "I haven't even put anything on yet." she giggled, his nuzzling tickling her neckline.
"You don't have to wear anything." he touched the tip of his tongue to her, tasting the warm flesh. "I love how you smell. I'm happiest when you're near me."
She understood what he meant. It didn't matter if he had just come from the shower, a long flight or a smoke filled room. Anytime or anyplace they happened to be, she would catch a whiff of him and feel a maelstrom of emotions ranging from happiness to safety to, most recently, intense arousal.
She couldn't remember when it had started, she only knew when she smelled his scent, all was right with the world.
He stepped further into the space between her legs, the fabric of his towel rubbing erotically against her vulnerable flesh. She gasped as his warm palms encased her buttocks pulling her insistently closer.
Red ran his hand from her knee to her thigh, pushing the robe open, baring more of her leg. His eyes dropped to his handiwork.
He lifted her chin, his mouth parting hers hungrily as he angled her head, devouring her soft lips.
She mewled softly lifting her arms about his neck to encourage his actions.
Leaning back on the basin she braced her hand, wrapping her bare legs around his waist, lifting herself closer to the man. Grunting against her mouth, he cupped her ass, rocking her against him in the ancient movements of lovemaking which produced that wonderful sound again.
The sound that made his cock vibrate.
He kissed the dip in her throat, trailing down to where her robe gaped open, to kiss the very top of her breast.
He tightened his embrace about the small waist, the action easing aside her robe. He revealed more of the pale mound, his mouth working a sensual path about the soft curve, halting just inches away from her nipple.
All that stood between them now was his damnable towel. All he had to do was drop it and slide into her heat.
Red felt very comfortable at this moment. He had taken the time to have a very long talk with those closest to him about interruptions and untimely intrusions.
How he had got laid in the last few years was a wonder, but just these last few days... it seemed the entire fucking universe was against him. Especially given that a very sexually willing woman was sharing his bed.
Some would say that he had more than ample time with Lizzy, but if anyone asked him... Red would have said that his devout wish was to have just one day to stay in bed and make love to Lizzy whenever the mood struck... and to hell with the outside world.
In Red Reddington's world that was almost an unheard of concept. Odd, he had never really minded before.
Liz's eyes wandered the room behind her, her thoughts certainly not on her surroundings until... she gasped pushing frantically against the man's stocky frame. She had noticed the clock on the basin.
"We... uh," Liz sighed her distraction, squirming slightly trying to close herself up to Red's attention, "better get ready."
"Uh huh." the distracted reply came at a leisurely pace. Red worked his hand between their bodies, ignoring her feeble protest to halt his advancement.
"...Red." she prevented him reaching his goal, her hand stoutly refusing to move, which protected her virtue. "I have to get ready. It takes me longer than you." Scooting forward, she managed to wrangle some space between them. "Though, I'm not sure why. You wear more clothes than I do."
"I can remedy that..." he pulled her back determinedly.
"Later." She moved past him skillfully, pushing at his hands. "You can sniff me and whatever, all you want... later."
She was openly flirting with him. She had said he could do... whatever. And she had said it in the proper tone and she had given him the look. The possibilities of... whatever, filled his mind.
"I'll hold you to that." He said, walking stiffly into the closet.
Opening the drawer, he pulled out a pair of boxers slipping them on just as she breezed back in, wearing nothing but her bra and panties.
"I forgot to grab my dress." she grimaced apologetically, grasping the beautiful garment frantically.
"Jesus..." Red gaped, seeing the dark thatch of hair on her mound and her rosy pink nipples through the delicate lavender lace barely covering her. "Oh, you conveniently forgot your dress." He nodded thoughtfully. "And then you come in here wearing nothing but a smile..."
Liz glanced down at her lingerie, a little perplexed. A thought fleeted through her anxious mind.
"I don't know where I put my shoes." she began a frantic search throughout the spacious area, oblivious to the fact that her body was on display with every movement she made.
Red lifted his hands in the air shaking his head, raising his eyes to the heavens. "And now she's bending and stretching and parading around like she doesn't have a care in the world, and does she give a shit what she's doing to me..." he voiced his frustration, muttering quietly aside.
It was official. God hated him. Was punishing him. And it was a painful punishment.
His whole body ached to touch her, to be touched by her. He would give anything to have her. He boiled inside with the need to be with her.
He wanted her so fucking badly. His head throbbed, both of them, one more than the other, granted.
He enjoyed the build up to making love until they couldn't take it anymore and the only release was being connected to one another. He loved getting her on the edge of–
But it wasn't going to happen. He knew as much.
"Are you all right?" Liz asked. He refocused his attention, finding her staring at him with a concerned look.
"Why wouldn't I be all right?" He asked almost pleasantly.
"Well, that's what I'm asking." she was almost annoyed. "Red Reddington, if you spoil this for me today..." she pointed an accusing finger.
He stepped threateningly, "I need to be with you again..." his passionate gaze swept her frame, "more than you can possibly imagine."
Her eyes widened at the incredibly lustful way the man was looking at her. She was sure if she had been dressed, her clothes would have been ash within seconds.
"Well, I understand that...and I so appreciate the thought." she tried to placate.
"Oh, you appreciate the thought."
"Of course I do, you know I do." Liz wailed. "But you've been to hundreds of these things, thousands. This will be my only one." she turned the 'pout' his way. "It seems to me, that you could put aside your needs for once." she stepped forward threateningly as well, her fists clenched at her side. "And help me find my shoes! I want to see this wedding."
All the fight went out of Red. She looked so damned cute standing there like she was.
Red took a steadying breath, his grip on the dresser next to him tightening. "Fine." he quirked his head jerkily. "With that said, you should put some clothes on before I forget all my good intentions, get you down on all fours and fuck the hell out of you."
Liz blinked her disorientation. Actually, that sounded just fine to her. But she was torn and she did have a new dress and shoes... and jewelry.
"Are we fine here?" Red wanted an immediate decision.
Liz hesitated only slightly before taking the dress from it's hanger. She stepped into the cool chiffon, wiggling it up her body.
"Can you zip me up please."
He paused in buttoning his trousers, his annoyance still not completely satisfied. He reached, however pulling the small tab up slowly before leaning to kiss the bare shoulder, the cut of the dress allowed.
He felt better when he noticed her reaction to his touch when he latched the tiny eye hook. He patted the indentation of her waist signifying when he finished.
He looped a tie around his neck in the same lavender color as her dress. She turned about gazing at the finished product.
"Oh, we match." she reached out, running her finger down the rich silk. "Everyday with you really is like Prom."
"I got laid Prom Night." he replied sourly, then not so much so. His look stern. "Should I assume that this evening will end with the same results?"
"Yes, you should." She batted her lashes flirtatiously, before sitting down at her make-up mirror.
"Well, I do." he grumbled. He grabbed a cigar, heading out onto the balcony away from temptation itself.
Liz watched the man's retreating back, a smile overtaking her face.
"Well, good." she called after him.
She was really enjoying this flirtatious side of Red. He had been flirtatious before but hadn't really been aware how much attention the man had truly paid her. But now that his touch was more than acceptable, she was very conscious of Red's appreciation of her presence in his life.
Her eyes softened at the thought. At one point, she was sure she'd never get involved with another man. But now, here she was... involved beyond scope.
Liz's eyes drifted towards the man as he settled himself on the spacious deck. A odd emotion settling in her stomach.
She didn't recall ever feeling anything like it before.
Closing her eyes, she tried envisioning her first year of marriage with Tom, but could only remember feeling anxious, stressed, scared. And it wasn't because of Tom. It was just the weight of the adult world caving in around them.
But if she thought about it, she should really be experiencing those emotions now, ten fold. She was an FBI Agent dating Red Reddington. A renowned criminal.
Surely she should feel some anxiousness. But she didn't. Not one bit. She felt... content. Serene even.
Because she trusted Red. He had tirelessly proven himself time and time again. She knew he would always have her back, would always support her. Constantly repeating the mantra seemed to engrave some image on her heart and mind. It was an image she was beginning to value above all else.
Red looked at his watch, in turn causing her to do the same. She started when she saw the time. She would have to woolgather later. She had a lot to do before their departure.
Turning away from the wind, Red lit the cigar, puffing until the end was completely lit. Drawing the sweet smoke, he let it sit on his tongue before blowing a thin stream up into the gusty air.
He drew in again, retrohaling, blowing most of the heady smoke out through his nose, tasting the full flavor the cigar had to offer. Alternating between the two methods every other draw, he was surrounded by the relaxing aroma in no time.
He sat, staring off into the trees thinking about last night. Normally it would bother him that he could not seem to get it out of his mind but for some reason, he was not going to even try to explain... he did not feel in anyway discontented.
It was an odd feeling but he thought that he could get used to it. The thought brought a smile to his lips.
"Drink?"
He turned his head to see Lizzy standing at the door with a tumbler in hand.
"Yes, thank you." He sipped the cool beverage, sneaking a drag of his cigar before the taste of the liquor dissipated.
"Yes or no to nylons?" she asked the crucial question.
"You do tend to get chilled." he offered both alternatives. "We may be in the shade and it does get breezy... but you don't need them." he glanced at her tanned legs.
"I'll go ahead and put some on," she shrugged playfully, "if it gets too hot, I'll take them off."
Red rolled out the cigar, tapping off the last of the cherry. "Decision made then."
Finishing off his drink, Red guided her back inside and straightened his tie, placing it under his vest. He put on his jacket waiting for her.
She walked out with her nylons and shoes in her hand. She bent over, working the nude stocking over her foot, before sliding it up her leg.
Red stood there, transfixed by the show. He didn't think there was anything more fun than taking those off, but watching as they were put on, was just as enjoyable.
Especially when he watched her run her hand up her calf, straightening the soft fabric, before raising her skirt and adjusting the elastic around her bronzed thigh.
She balanced herself on her leg, then wobbled. Trying again, she just couldn't keep her balance on the weakened leg.
"Sit down." He directed. Taking the stretchy fabric, he knelt before her. Bunching the hose in his hand, he slid it over her foot, making sure the toe was aligned correctly, before sliding it up her leg.
The warmth of his touch delighted the woman, sending chills up her spine.
By the time he got to her knee, they both were breathing a bit more rapidly, which amused Red no end.
"What?" she asked, a slight quiver to her voice.
"Normally I am told, one should be aroused when assisting a woman undress," he inched the stocking up her leg watching his progress, "not the other way around."
He pushed the sheer fabric over her knee completing his task, then held his hand out, helping her stand. He ran his hands up her leg, adjusting the elastic at her thigh.
"I don't know..." She said breathlessly, "it just sounds like an old-wives tale to me." He looked up at her, grinning slightly.
He took her shoe, slipping it on her foot, palming the object in his hand as Lizzy balanced herself on his shoulder, to fit the other.
He waited, holding her hand as she stood in the low heels. "This is your first excursion after your recent injury, how do they feel?"
She held his hand, taking a tentative step and then another. "It feels okay. No pain." she clasped her hands together joyously. "Oh, I'm so happy because I love these shoes."
Liz walked cautiously to the dresser, slipping on the jewelry he had purchased before grasping her new bag.
She reached for the door handle only to find herself being pulled back into Red's embrace.
"The minute I find an opportunity..." his rough voice tickled her ear, "I'm going to warm you exactly like I did last night..." the sybaritic statement delighting her no end, "in the very same manner."
Red's mouth curved sensually as he felt the woman relax in his arms. He crooked his head, leaning down to her level to tease her lips with soft, fleeting caresses only just touching the surface of her mouth, leaving the woman wanting for more.
Liz pushed to her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck. Flattening her breasts against his chest, she methodically deepened the kiss.
Red ran his hands over her shapely bottom, kneading the tight cheeks provocatively. Bunching the billowing skirt, his fingers brushed the lace of her panties while capturing her small whimper of pleasure in his mouth.
A soft knock on the door alerted them that the car was waiting. Red tapped back in response, loathe to break the contact just yet.
He could not resist one last squeeze of that luscious bottom. Reluctantly pulling back, the small smile reappeared as he looked down into her deep blue eyes, his own sweeping the kiss swollen lips possessively.
Just knowing he was going to cock tease her all damn day, heightened the man's mood two-fold because after all...
A little foreplay never hurt anyone...
While Liz didn't know the couple personally, she still couldn't help but get a little weepy during the ceremony.
Not only was the bride beautiful, the venue was idyllic. While it was a large area, it was surrounded by lush trees, flowers and romance. Giving not only the bride and groom, but the guests, a sense of privacy.
Red chuckled softly, handing over a handkerchief to Liz. She appreciated the gesture greatly because the other guys in their party gave her friends the business when the couple repeated touching vows and exchanged the rings... things that touched a woman's heart.
The mother's in the bridal party both offered endearingly touching thoughts on each perspective new family member.
Liz had to admit, both speeches had been meticulously prepared. She held her breath in anticipation of what was to come. She had been to weddings before and usually one or the other side of the family would somehow cause trouble.
While such antics sometimes proved entertaining, Liz was so very pleased in this instance, to see so much love given on both sides.
One of her favorite moments of the ceremony was when the couple lit a candle, signifying their unity.
As the officiant spoke of commitment and love, Liz gripped Red's hand, dabbing her eyes with the pre-offered handkerchief.
Red squeezed the small hand in his, kissing it gently as the priest gave permission for the groom to kiss his bride.
He laughed quietly as the women sniffled as all arose. A boisterous clapping followed as the couple was first introduced as man and wife then took the obligatory walk down the aisle.
Red turned towards Elizabeth, an odd light shining in his eyes. She questioned it silently, her attention being caught by Mark's quiet chuckle.
Amanda was making a show of having the man check that her makeup was still intact, swiping feverishly at imaginary mascara marks beneath her immaculately made up eyes.
"Don't you love weddings." Francis grinned as he hugged a weepy Lia against his side. "So many vulnerable women." he sent a teasing glance down to the tiny woman. "So little time."
Liz smacked the man smartly on his arm, causing Francis to wince painfully.
"Flesh wound here!" the man cringed, holding the area protectively.
"Who's the vulnerable one now." Lia quipped playfully.
The reception was an epic gala affair with delicious food and tasteful décor.
Everyone watched as the bride and groom cut a magnificent cake which was of course, followed by the bouquet and garter toss.
Liz was pleasantly surprised to see Red right up front with the gentlemen lined up for the event.
But as it turned out, Red's participation consisted of nothing more than forcibly holding Francis back from catching the garter. Even though the young man struggled valiantly against an entertained and amused older opponent, he never gained very much ground.
Liz had never seen Red laughing so freely before and she found herself laughing right along with him.
Watching the fight Francis was putting up was hilarious.
The man virtually clawed at the floor with everything he had, trying to win the prize. But Red gripped his belt in a stronghold, not giving the younger man an inch of wiggle room.
Liz, Lia and Amanda were a little shy about going up for their turn at the bouquet. None of them well acquainted with the other ladies in attendance. But they stuck together, playfully jabbing elbows, as the bride let the bouquet fly...
Liz was totally shocked when the fragrant bunch of roses landed smack in her outstretched hand. She stared at the hastily clutched sprig, trying to ignore the jostling and good natured ribbing going on around her.
She gaped at the flowers in hand, quickly cradling them to her chest when another woman made a swipe for them. She scowled hard at the intruder to her space as Red's deep laughter echoed from across the room.
He sauntered across the gleaming hardwood floor towards her, his mood high.
"I'd back off if I were you." he warned the other woman as he approached, his eyes dancing mischievously. "She knows people..."
Francis Holbrook swaggered past throwing Liz a smug look.
Red was amused when the other woman's complexion paled slightly as she made a rather hasty exit from the scene. Evidently Francis' reputation had proceeded him.
Seconds later, Red's warm breath tickled Liz's shoulder as he dropped a kiss to the bare flesh. "Congratulations, my little bride to be."
Liz lifted scrunched brows having noticed the odd exchange. "What's with her?"
Red glanced after the departing woman, more pleasant things on his mind.
The man had taken every opportunity presented to brush his hand along Lizzy's body anywhere and everywhere he could inconspicuously touch, throughout the entire proceedings.
He made certain the woman knew he had not forgotten his earlier promise of how the evening should end.
Turning gentle eyes towards Lizzy, Red held out his hand. She blushed a deep crimson, being only one of three couples on the dance floor. She could feel hundreds of pairs of eyes on her, and while Red could shrug off such attention, she was as yet, unaccustomed to the scrutiny.
She placed her fingers into his warm palm trustingly, however, as he pulled her into his embrace.
Swaying gently among the other couples, Red took the opportunity to reflect on the time and place. Under the low lights, a beautiful woman in his arms, the evening seemed filled with enchantment.
The bride was lovely and seemed so very much in love. He couldn't help but wonder if he would ever get Lizzy in such a state of mind. Where they wouldn't be guests at a wedding but the honored couple themselves.
He remembered back to his wedding with Carla. He had actually stalled for months, struggling with the decision to ask her the important question or not.
There had been doubts and a certain fear that he attributed to his youthful age and inexperience in the world.
But with Lizzy, there was only an eager anticipation about when he could ask her and it be acceptable.
He didn't want her feeling backed into a corner. Like she had to make an immediate decision. He didn't want her stressed out over the matter or feeling that pressure he had felt.
But that didn't mean he didn't want to ask.
As the song came to an end, he led his partner back to the table and it's grinning occupants. While Liz and the girls fussed over the fragrant bouquet and chatted about how elegant and pretty the entire affair turned out to be, exceeding their expectations. Red and the other men squeezed in a smattering of business on the side.
Time was made for several dances with their respective partners however.
And of course, Dembe and Silas cornered the market on the other eligible ladies.
Before the festivities started winding down, a tipsy Francis came up, grinning madly, showing off the party favors he was sporting. Huge glasses, an equally enormous hat and a blinding bow tie.
The young man always found the most fun wherever he managed to be. His lust for life was contagious.
Dragging the girls off to the photo booth, they too, donned boas and tiaras before taking a series of photos to commemorate the memory of a wonderful day.
Liz gestured Red over in the midst of all the merrymaking, giggling happily before plunking a top hat down on his head. She somehow managed to persuade him into a series of photo shoots of the same caliber.
It was an odd feeling, purposely taking a photograph of himself. After all, there was a perfectly good one on the Post Office wall.
They had taken quite a few the day of the city tour but Red's instinctive survival mechanism had kicked in and later Liz had complained that there was not one good front face of the man to be found.
As she posed next to him, laughing joyously at the absurdity of the moment, he could not help but feel his affection grow with each passing flash of the camera.
At one point in the proceedings, he turned the tables on the woman having suffered through several coquettish attempts to embarrass him, by turning her into a full on kiss.
His mouth worked expertly on hers, teasing her tongue languidly. He tightened his arms about her waist, his fingers spreading over the lower part of her back as he pressed insistently forward, melding her body to his.
He felt all resistance drain away as she responded fully for a brief eternity before another bright flash brought her to her senses but not before Red got a picture he wanted.
They waited patiently for the photos to come off the printer. Looking around at all the festive revelry he realized that he had actually had a very good time today.
He watched Lizzy eagerly flip through the photos, sharing each one. Her face beamed with happiness. Each member of the group ran around like chickens with their heads cut off sharing in the frivolity.
There was a warmness in his heart that had not been there before. Red really never allowed himself to let go to the extent he had this evening. There was always a part that remained reclusive, his mind never really shutting off from the danger surrounding him at any given time.
He was surprised to note that he had not once checked on Silas' whereabouts. He was heartened to see the ever vigilant individual standing off to the side, smiling at all the shenanigans going on around him.
Lizzy's laughter pulled Red's attention plus the fact that she had lay a gentle hand on his rolled up sleeve.
Dembe, Francis and Mark posed with their weapons in the classic 007 style, while Lia and Amanda played the proverbial bombshells. Silas was even pulled into the fray and immediately took center stage, his powerful frame working well to his advantage.
Even Red was impressed with the end product, his brows lifting to signify as much. Liz crumbled into a heap of helpless laughter.
"Oh, I wanted to be a Bond girl!" she playfully whined.
"You're Red Reddington's girl." the man reminded artfully for her ears alone. "Which is infinitely better."
He looped her arm through his, laying her warm palm on his bare flesh.
"We better get these characters back to the hotel before they're too much to handle." he nodded in the said direction, going off to gather up his little entourage.
Red had not the time or the opportunity to practice one of his favorite pastimes until this evening.
Taking advantage of the down time afforded them, he actually sat in on a few of the higher stake games at the tables.
Liz was excited to see the big man in action. She had heard of his legendary prowess from Silas and Francis, of course, but until this moment, had never experienced the thrill herself.
They had bounced a few tables, trying just about everything before Red and the boys wanted to try their luck at Baccarat.
She personally found the game confusing. Silas had tried explaining it to her, but she just hadn't been able to catch on.
He thought she wouldn't enjoy it much anyway, since it was a high rollers game and movement was pretty swift. With that said, she had avoided it at all costs.
She had preferred the more relaxed fare. Poker, blackjack, the roulette wheel.
After about an hour she and the girls settled in behind the guys at a private table. Christopher had sent refreshments and food. She had eaten at the wedding but she found she was famished and was very grateful that their host had been so very thoughtful.
In between fun conversation with Lia and Amanda, Liz watched the guys and had to agree with Silas. They did move quickly through the cards. She could not keep up with what was what. She knew the stakes were high because even Silas had began pacing back and forth at one particular 'iffy' moment.
The tension was broken by an abrupt raucous celebration. Francis pounded Red heartedly on the shoulder having jumped up triumphantly as the man played his hunch.
Liz pushed from the table, excusing herself. She slid in artfully behind Red's stool, leaning her chin on his shoulder.
"What's going on?" she smiled, casually pressing her breasts into his back.
"He just won a huge pot." Mark applauded the man. "Much to Christopher's dismay." He chuckled his delight.
Chris smiled openly, shaking his head. "I knew what I was in for, prior to your arrival."
"Do you have a reputation?" Liz whispered playfully in the man's ear, the undertone of the question more than apparent.
Red turned his head slightly, smiling at the woman. "This surprises you?" he questioned, kissing her cheek.
"No." she laughed in a carefree manner, "it's just, that reputation of yours exceeds even my expectations sometimes." she smiled, leaning into the kiss his mouth fully. "I'm going to play Blackjack with the girls."
Red turned his head, searching for the extra guards. "Have fun, baby." he was satisfied of her safety. "Bet big."
Liz rolled her eyes, dropping her lips against his neck as another stack of chips was shoved his way.
As they played their respective games, Red glanced over frequently when ever he heard the woman's laughter, feeling a smile spread across his own face in response.
It pleased him to see her having a good time.
She had obviously taken to these women, and the female dealer now seemed part of the group. A good time was being had by all.
He had never had the opportunity to see Liz interact with her own sex in a normal setting. It was obvious that the card game was just a ploy for the women to share gossip and bitch about the men in their lives.
Red watched Liz return from a third trip to the ladies room. He was amused that she listed slightly as she walked and when she took her seat, she almost missed the mark.
The hour was getting late.
Pleased with his success at the tables, Red cashed in his chips.
Lizzy was just this side of tipsy and he was in dire need of a shower, so while the others decided to play for a while longer, he and Lizzy were going to retire for the evening.
Caressing her neckline provocatively with his lips, Red smiled as Liz giggled her delight at the slight tickling sensation.
"You ready to go to bed, Pussy Galore?" his tone matched Sean Connery's to a 'T'.
"Oh, say that again." she lifted astonished eyes. "And in the same accent."
His smile widened as he helped her from her seat.
"Accents do it for you, huh?" he mused to himself, his eyes dropping to the deep cleft of her breasts. "I speak several different languages as well. Which do you prefer?"
The other girls at the table were suitably impressed, all making appropriately cutting remarks.
"You know..." Francis nudged Red, his glassy eyes dancing merrily in Liz's direction as she gathered her things, "we are in Vegas, a couple hundred chapels everywhere."
"No!" Red groused, looking over his shoulder quickly to make sure Lizzy hadn't heard the little twerp.
Francis tittered even as Red wrapped his hand around the young man's nape, dragging him forward, holding the boys bloodshot eyes steadily.
"And don't you do it either." the older man warned.
Francis snickered drunkenly. "Yeah, okay."
"Watch him." Red turned warning eyes towards Silas. "Make sure he gets back to the Villa."
Silas gave a lazy salute, absently pulling the handle on his machine. In the next second, he had dragged Francis to the slot beside him, shoving a bucket full of coins at the inebriated man.
"Baby?" Red searched out Elizabeth. "You ready?"
Liz turned around in circles, her face perplexed. "I can't find my purse."
Lia piped up, "Maybe you left it in the ladies room?"
"Oh my God..." Amanda's face showed her concern. "Did you leave it at the wedding?"
"Or..." Red lifted the strap of the fancy little bag, which lay against Liz's bare shoulder, he waited for Liz to make the connection.
"Oh you found it!" All three women seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Ready now?" he was all set to usher the woman through the crowded casino area.
"My bouquet!" Liz was devastated.
"In your right hand." Red helpfully supplied, nodding to the sprig.
Again the women were very grateful for his timely intervention.
"And on that note..." he nodded in a gentlemanly fashion, "we wish you ladies a very good evening and the best of luck at the tables."
He carefully guided a wobbly Lizzy out into the coolness of the night. He glanced at the pretty profile all sorts of wickedly sinful visions dancing in his head all of which he reluctantly was forced to dismiss.
It would not be right to take advantage of her in such a condition.
Sometimes he cursed his code of ethics and tonight he was unleashing a string of vulgarity in his mind, that would make a Sailor blush.