May 21
As the door closed behind them, Red stopped Elizabeth in her tracks, an imminent request of importance on his mind now for some few moments.
"I know you're cold..." he muttered tightly, "I need a minute." he exhaled shakily, allowing his pent up emotions a small outlet.
Liz smiled, snuggling into the man. "This is warming me up just fine."
He pulled her tighter into his warmth, calming his still thrumming heart from it's intense high.
The day's events had scared the ever living shit out of him.
Relaxing in his hold, Liz's eyes softened as she felt the small tremors traverse Red's large frame. Stroking his back slowly, she eased the man's tension, one breath at a time.
"I don't know what to say to you?" he muttered quietly against her shoulder. "I let that bastard hurt you."
"No," she assured quickly, "he didn't hurt me." she pulled back a little, looking up at Red. "He never will, with you here... Red, are you okay? Really?" she knew this incident had unsettled the man.
"Not really, no." he shook his head. "But I will be. Especially after I get you safely back home."
Red grumbled irritably when the phone rang in his pocket. Liz giggled quietly, in hopes of dispelling his annoyance as he pulled the object free.
"Maybe it's Antonio," he rumbled softly, "checking on his kitten." he lifted teasing eyes.
Liz rolled her eyes, before stretching up to kiss Red's chin as he flipped the phone open.
"Yes." he intoned absently into the phone, his real interest with the woman still.
"I can get her anytime I want." a man's lilting tone came over the line, causing a cold chill to enter Red's mind.
"Carver." Red gritted, tightening his arm around the woman who instinctively stiffened against him, having heard the dreaded name.
"The one and only." the man's laughter seemed as genuine as his delight, sensing the other man's distress even over Red's controlled manner.
"When I find you," Red stated, the tone more than brittle, "I'm going to skin you alive."
"Ahh, taking a page from the Master, are we?" Carver chuckled his amusement. "I should warn you however, as one connoisseur to another, before using the skin, you really should let it bleed for at least a day or two." He explained knowingly. "It's much easier to manage."
"No, no..." Red's voice lowered intently, "I'm having visions of my days in wood shop, with old Mr. Barner." the man warmed to the tale. "That man, made us all nervous as hell. Had severe arthritis, fingers curved inwards..." he stopped for emphasis and effect, "we always expected a finger to go flying when he used the table saw." he reminisced.
"Planning on building a hope chest from my bones?" the man queried lightly.
"No, an ashtray from your skull." Red's tone chilled effectively. "The eye sockets will make perfect pipe holders."
"Now, there's a thought." Carver's throaty chuckle made Red's muscles tense. "I really should plan ahead like that, I'll be looking to retire at some point." the man said conversationally. "I should look into selling goods at a flea market... Craigslist."
"I wouldn't put much thought into it." Red replied coldly. "I don't believe you'll be around that long."
"Oh, I think I will." Carver countered jovially. "Made very evident by the events of the day." it was cheerfully reminded. "I can obviously get within touching distance of your fuck toy with little problem." he explained ever so patiently. "As a matter of fact, I've been within arms reach of her for a few days, now."
Red inwardly seethed, angered with himself for dropping his guard and allowing such a lapse in Lizzy's protection.
Granted, he only had a general description of what this asshole looked like, but he always felt a inner itch when something wasn't right. He should have sensed the danger to Lizzy. Or was he fooling himself...
"But today, the temptation to touch all that pink flesh was just too much." Carver taunted jestingly. "She's going to make quite a nice project to work with," he goaded silkily, "her skin is as smooth as a baby's ass."
Red curved his fingers into that soft flesh, his jaw pulsing as visions of what Carver could do flashed in his minds eye.
"Oh, I can understand your attraction." Carver hummed lecherously, enjoying the exchange immensely. "Besides, there's nothing like fucking a Fed. Is there?" he asked innocently.
Red tightened his hold about Liz's waist before quickly loosening his hold when the woman winced visibly.
"Though, I guess, in your case, she's doing it willingly. Can't say the same for mine." Carver sighed lightly. "The experience might not be the same for you. Pity." the man tsked. "Suffice to say, I can't wait to meet with her in the very near future."
"Oh, please," Red asked of the man, "stop by anytime. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet you." The coldness in the tone surprised even Elizabeth.
Carver laughed quietly, "Be seeing you soon." He ended the call, leaving only silence on Red's end.
Red snapped the phone shut, gritting his teeth as he fought to control his fear and building rage.
"What did he say?" Liz asked quietly, then shivered slightly. "Never mind." she didn't really want to know.
Red shook his head, pushing away the continuing visions of what the man would do to the woman, only to have another take it's place.
Carver had hurt her once. It was evident, the threat remained, in spades. The sick bastard approached Lizzy... touched her, so easily.
The fucker could just as easily take her warmth... her life. A life Red desperately needed to preserve, at any cost.
He opened his eyes, looking down into the little face watching him so patiently, and felt a sudden crashing wave of terror he would fail her.
The thought of being without her smile, her soft touch, or the woman breathing softly beside him in bed as he held her...
It made his heart hurt in the most painful of ways. Not since he had lost his family, had he felt such despair or anything so distressing.
Before he realized what he was doing, he found himself dragging her back against him, kissing her, hard. The need he felt for her, for her warmth... overpowering.
Liz surrendered herself to his affection, understanding he just needed to touch her. To make sure she was really here... safe in his arms.
His roughened hands skimmed her body, before pushing the jacket off her slim shoulders. Readjusting his hold, he pulled the woman flush against him, feeling her feminine curves melt pliably into his thicker frame.
He curled his fingers into her soft skin... her cold skin.
Red shook at the feeling, the images of how Carver could steal that away from him, suddenly reappearing in his minds eye.
He needed to warm her, to feel that human warmth return.
"I'm here..." she whispered against his mouth, as the man trembled against her, "I'm okay..."
But it wasn't enough.
Liz shivered slightly, the wet suit clinging uncomfortably to her now, feeling like ice in the cold air.
Red determinedly tugged at the strings settled along her spine, his eyes boldly seeking permission. She nodded, as his large fingers deftly pulled at the bows. Both items dropped to the floor, forgotten.
She huddled closer to his heat, suddenly realizing she was very aroused by the sensation of her naked flesh against the expensive cloth of his suit.
She felt at once, both vulnerable, yet entirely at ease in the sphere of his protection.
Red ran his hands up under her hair, bunching the damp strands in his fist, angling her head to deepen his possessive attack on her willing mouth. Grasping her hips, he pulled her further into the shelter of his body.
"It's not wrong," he rasped, "...to want this." Was he trying to validate the thoughts running through his own mind?
It may not be, but to become aroused so readily after the incident of the day. Shouldn't she be experiencing some sort of turmoil? But then, the more Red touched her... the more alive she felt.
Lifting the woman suddenly, Red crossed the few spaces to the dresser. Sitting her atop the cool marble, he pushed gently at her knee, stepping into the space between her legs he had created.
Liz panted openly against his demanding mouth, softly tonguing his as it fought for dominance.
Reaching between them, Red ran a confident stroke over her nipple, the other hand delving between her legs, stroking her clit incessantly.
"Let me touch you." Slipping a finger inside her warmth, he curled it expertly, gently massaging the bundle of nerves inside her.
"Open..." he urged roughly, pushing at her thigh.
Liz opened her legs wider under the onslaught, feeling her body quickly respond to his urgency.
Stroking her sensually, he slid another finger into her core, massaging the sensitive spot he had located until his hand flooded with her arousal.
Liz whimpered as the man pulled his thick fingers free, only to feel the hot spread of his crown push at her as it slid easily into her expertly primed body.
The man grunted his satisfaction as she quickly accommodated the sudden invasion of his girth, the sound producing another rush of heat from her center.
Red gripped her hips, sliding her closer as he continued his steady drive into her body. Working his cock in deeper, he pushed firmly against her cervix, feeling the tissue giving into his pressure until the woman shook at the intense sensation as he pressed his sack firmly against her firm bottom.
"...Red." she gasped, her wayward thoughts gathering for one brief second, a certain type of alarm sounding in her brain.
"Don't." he snarled against her swollen mouth. He didn't want anything between them at such a moment. He had read her thoughts.
Liz trembled with the intensity she was experiencing. His hard length possessed her almost roughly. The demands he made, so unlike his usual gentle administrations.
"B-But..." a thousand thoughts infiltrated her mind, but her body was making dictates of it's own and where usually, the man helped her sort out such things, this time the captivating eyes only watched her with a deep contemplative patience bore of necessity.
Watching the maelstrom of quiet contemplation flit across the woman's rapturous features, Red slowed the movements of his thrusts. But didn't stop.
"Give yourself to me." he whispered harshly against her mouth. "Let me have what I so desperately need, Elizabeth."
Liz did not hesitate. That sensual tone vibrated throughout her chaotic thoughts, silencing any objections or denial. Her head fell back, she moaned her ecstasy as the man slid his length deep inside her body.
Red growled, thrusting against her hungrily. Hastily freeing himself from his clothing which only seemed to irritate the man now, his movements abrupt and precise. He lifted her, walking the few feet to the bed.
Tossing aside the blankets, he settled one knee on the crisp sheets. Grasping her tight with one arm, he braced them with the other before lowering her to the bed, never once having left the cradle of her thighs.
"I need this so much, Elizabeth." he murmured into her neckline, nipping the delicate skin of her shoulder. "You have no idea... how could you?"
His earlier fear was ebbing the more he thrust against her, the more warm she became... the more his trepidation vanished.
"You're the only one who can calm my heart," his tone was hoarse, hesitant, as the woman clenched tightly around him, "...you heal my shattered soul."
Liz grasped him, drawing him closer. His desperate need for her was overwhelming in one way but so gratifying in another.
"If you weren't here...with me," he clenched his fists tight, fighting the roiling emotions. "I think.." his voice lowered to a harsh whisper, "I...I don't know what I would be capable of."
Liz accepted the heavy weight of his erection.
"I am here." the woman reminded, her tone a soothing balm to his tortured soul. "I'm not leaving." she stroked his mouth with erotic caresses. "I want to be with you."
"...Yes." he stated simply but the tension was still high in his frame, she could feel it. "Yes, I want that as well. But..." a dark scowl crossed the handsome face, "I need... more."
Liz didn't know how she could give anymore than she already was but something in the man's haunted eyes made her wish to.
"Tell me," she encouraged, tightening her arms about Red's neckline lovingly. "I will do... try anything you say..." she wanted to assist him in any manner she could.
"Will you?" he wondered, his expression a brooding one. He had never asked more of her than she wanted to give.
Carver had shook Red to his foundations.
He was loathe to admit just how deep that fear ran. Being with Elizabeth, being in her arms, her bed, was allowing that terror to abate somewhat.
It was selfish of him, he realized. He shouldn't ask it, the thing which would make Carver's imprint vanish completely. He knew what he wanted, he knew what it was.
"Of course I will." Lizzy was all too confident of her ready reply. "You know I will." she whispered seductively, her calf easing up and down his taut thigh muscle.
How to say it? The man wanted to present his case intelligently without any of the murky emotions coloring the issue but then, weren't the emotions exactly what had brought him to this moment in time?
"I need to... be with you... in every sense of the word." he began slowly, his fingers delving into the lush fullness of her hair, massaging her nape lovingly sending searing waves of pleasure up and down Liz's spine.
"Without anything between us. Nothing." his eyes held hers masterfully as he allowed her to read his inner most thoughts. "Nothing, Elizabeth."
He allowed the meaning to sink in. "Do you understand..."
Elizabeth was slightly shocked because he made it quite clear, "You can't m-mean..." she cleared her throat self-consciously, "I m-mean..."
"I need you to trust me." he was asking for so much more.
To trust him that everything would work out right, that he would be there if it didn't... to take that leap of faith, with him.
"I want to give you everything I have, Lizzy." his eyes mellowed for he was speaking of so much more than his monetary worth, and they both knew as much.
A rush of warmth pushed along his shaft and her opening, wetting his pelvis and the crisp sheets.
"Look how wet you are..." he crooned approvingly, his hips pumping her body a little faster, damn well knowing her answer to the question posed. "I think you love the idea as much as I... don't you."
Liz trembled hard under his large frame, nodding. "...Yes." She whispered shakily.
She did love the commitment he was asking of her. She did enjoy belonging to him... with him. She trusted him to her core, which was a very foreign experience with a lover.
That she wanted to share this with him... the sensation was totally freeing. Red made it less frightening. But she hadn't the foggiest notion as to why.
The man read the serene look which overtook Elizabeth's face.
"God," he gasped, "only you can make this feel so fucking wonderful." he groaned, pumping his shaft feverishly inside her quivering hole.
The heavy drag of his erection rubbed enticingly against and inside her, the slight give of his flesh , exciting her. She had never noticed the heat of his velvety flesh. A heat that was increasing with each passing second. She absolutely loved the intimacy.
Aside from the physical act feeling beyond fantastic... the emotional connection they shared was addictive. She had never been the center of someone's absolute attention, until Red.
Red made love with every ounce of his being, focusing his entire energy on his partners needs. Drawing his lover in to enjoy the ride, was a concentrated effort on his part.
Everything else was pushed aside and forgotten, she suddenly realized.
She didn't think about grocery lists, the laundry that had to be done, the case file she needed to complete... or Carver.
With Red between her legs, the rest of the world faded into the background.
Nothing mattered but the stocky frame warmly sheltering her, the cock pleasing her so perfectly and the deep affection showered upon her.
"Do you trust me, Lizzy?" he panted harshly.
"..Always." she replied without hesitation, her sweet mouth breathlessly responding to his increased demands.
Red fitted his mouth against hers. All pretense gone as they kissed one another deeply, ardently.
Liz exhaled shakily, tentatively stroking his back lovingly, drawing a husky moan from the man.
He broke the kiss, his heavy breath brushing her swollen mouth.
"Let me..." his voice urged fervently.
Liz tensed slightly, feeling his cock begin to expand and harden further as he neared his release.
"Let me share myself with you." he felt a tranquility overtake him as the woman beneath him stroked him affectionately.
He gazed heatedly down a the large blue eyes, staring back at him so full of uncertainty and hesitation.
The moment reminded him very much of a virgin losing her innocence. Which in a sense, he supposed in a way of sorts, Lizzy was.
She had never done this before. But by God, she was going to do it now.
"Relax..." he implored quietly, "...let it happen."
She slowly lifted her hips in response, enjoying the man's sharp hiss of pleasure to her wordless act of acceptance.
"...Yes." taking her bottom in hand, he lifted against his downward thrust.
Sharp waves of intense pleasure shot through Liz's sensitized body. Her abdomen tightened in anticipation, her clit throbbing and tingling with a most exquisite type of pain.
Brushing his lips against her swollen ones, the man eased his fingers into her thick hair, holding her deep blue eyes as he lost himself in her shaky exclamations.
Liz gave herself over completely, surrendering to the intense sensations he evoked.
"God, yes," Red panted shallowly as the woman's thighs shook against his sides, "...fuck, that's it, baby," the gravelly voice lowered erotically, "come..."
Wrapping her tight in his hold, he pumped her sweet little pussy nice and deep, taking what was freely given... what he needed.
The man released a low rumbling guttural sound of satisfaction that left Liz trembling. Red had always been vocal when they made love, but she had never heard him sound so fulfilled as a heat like she had never felt, surged against her sensitive cervix.
"Oh.. please." she gasped her awe as the man took her to a sweet crest once more, the rush of his hot cum coating her core. "Please, don't stop."
"Lizzy..." he whispered brokenly, "Jesus, that feels so good."
Liz's impassioned gaze fell on the man's face, finding a look of complete contentment that left her quaking under his stocky frame. She sighed blissfully as the man whispered in her ear as he slowed his thrusts.
"Does it feel good?" he murmured softly, his meaning conveying more than the carnal please they shared as he slid inside, pushing their combined juices in and out around his girth, until he was empty and she was full.
Raising slightly, she kissed his lips, languidly flicking her tongue against his in reply.
Red's lips curved sensually as he took in her sated expression, untamed hair and kiss swollen lips.
He enjoyed looking at her anytime of day, but after they made love... she was absolutely enchanting.
Settling himself against her, they exhaled shakily as he scanned the woman's dewy flesh, glowing a rosy pink. Her beard burned breasts were a shade lighter against dark tan lines, drawing his attention to the dusky tips sitting erect atop the alabaster mounds.
Continuing his visual journey, he noted the woman's small rounded stomach undulating against the soft hair on his own belly as she lifted her hips into his, silently asking he stay a few more moments.
More than happy to oblige, Red pushed his waning erection in deep, his smile growing as Liz's eyes fluttered shut and she sighed contentedly. She pursed her lips, anxiously waiting for him to complete the connection.
He eagerly kissed her responsive lips. Her eyes opened lazily, showing him the light dancing in the azure depths.
She was absolutely stunning.
"Are you warm, now?" Red questioned almost innocently for he knew the answer.
Hearing the deep timbre and pure contentment in his voice, delighted Lizzy. She liked his 'sex tone'. For the simple fact, it gave her gooseflesh yes, but also because it was present for a damned good reason. And she was proud to have contributed to his wonderful mood.
The woman stretched luxuriously as the feeling of total bliss encompassed her psyche.
"Yeah..." she yawned, blinking sleepily.
Red chuckled quietly, running his finger along her full mouth, "You tired, baby?"
She curled her hands up under his collarbone, snuggling into his warmth. "You take a lot out of a woman."
"I put a little back in." he quipped, glancing at the clock, pleased to find more than enough time for a cat nap. He rolled them to their side, grasping the sheet and part of a blanket, pulling it over them.
"Sleep, baby." his silky tone soothed.
"I should clean up..." she reminded herself more than the man but was loathe to disturb the serenity that had fallen about them.
"Stay..." He pulled her into the cradle of his body, concentrated on her wet center settling against his equally wet cock.
"But we just..." she was a little taken aback by the evidence of his total arousal.
"Leave it." he refused to brook no argument, other more pressing matters having come to life.
Red's mood was more hopeful as he returned to the room. Setting the phone on the dresser, his eyes fell on the soft slope of Liz's back before catching the soft scent of their time together in the air. A scent that instantly calmed his nerves and beckoned him back to her side.
He eased up on the bed, subsequently wrapping his frame around hers, at length. Her warmth instantly soothed him. He nuzzled her neckline, breathing in her natural perfume.
He grunted his growing arousal, finding not one trace of chemical mixed in anywhere.
He worked hard for that eventuality.
Only their essence was evident.
The way it should be. The way God had intended for a man and woman to be...
Gently kissing her bared shoulders and nape, he silently counted the days again in his head.
He had been very aware earlier when he initiated their lovemaking, that she was still ovulating.
There was a very likely possibility that he had just gotten her pregnant.
And he didn't give a damn.
As a matter of fact, as he came, he had settled himself deep inside, butt up against her cervix pushing his hot cum against the swollen tissue, for a part of him had been striving towards such a goal.
He had some minor reservations, of course. But not one of them had to do with the woman or any consequences his actions might produce.
He didn't want to think about it right now. He only wanted to think about them...
It had felt so right to experience the everyday moments normal couples did.
Including this. It hadn't mattered what he had to do to make it happen.
"Sweetheart..." he whispered softly, easing the woman awake.
"Hmm?" she sighed lightly, shifting in the warm cocoon of the covers.
"We need to start getting ready."
"Five more minutes..." she grumbled, turning her face into the pillow.
Red's lips curved against her shoulder, his eyes dancing with pure enjoyment.
Laying his arm around her waist, he edged his hand under the warm sheet, stroking his fingers over the soft tuft of hair between her legs.
He craned his head, watching her eyes flicker open just as her legs had. His large fingers slowly rubbed her clit awake. Her small fingers lay over his, pushing him closer.
"If you stop, I'll hurt you." she muttered sleepily, her fingers grasping her pillow tightly when the man rubbed her more insistently.
"Now, why on earth would I stop?" he purred, slipping his thick finger in her body, his earlier deposit, leaving her more slick than usual.
"You did the morning after our first date." she bitched, then moaned, arching her bottom against his stomach for more of his particular brand of 'placation'.
"I had to piss." he laughed quietly, purposely increasing the pressure on her clit.
"Well, if that's a problem now," she sighed amorously, moving into the man's hard working fingers, "hold it." she snapped. "I'm so very... close."
"Yes, dear." the man obeyed the command, pushing her even closer to relief until she shuddered blissfully in his arms moments later.
Liz sighed the tension away, stretching her lax muscles, intently focused on the fact that the stickiness between her thighs felt... different. Terrifying granted... but wonderful.
She had very much enjoyed the closeness she shared with Red earlier. In fact, it had been quite intense. Overpowering, yet somehow comforting, for so many reasons she was having trouble discerning at present.
She had really enjoyed the natural feeling of their bodies coming together. The shared closeness.
It felt... right. But scary as fuck. What if he had changed his mind? What if–
"Are you awake now?" he mumbled lazily against the dip of her shoulder.
"Do you want me to take emergency contraceptive?" she asked quietly.
"A simple 'yes, I'm awake', would have sufficed." Red sighed his disappointment, rolling her to face him.
"Red, I think we should discuss–"
"No, I do not." he replied sternly. "If there is something going on in here," he lay his warm palm over her abdomen, "it's meant to be. And it's going to stay there."
"And if I'm pro-choice?" Liz questioned softly, drawing a shapeless pattern across his chest.
"You're damn well pro-life now." Red growled softly, cupping her flat stomach protectively.
Lacing her fingers with his, she blew out a breath of relief, knowing he was okay with what had transpired earlier.
"You're scared." Red surmised.
"Yes."
"Of what other's will think?"
Liz frowned, shaking her head a little, "No, I'm..." she darted her eyes to his. "It's been less than a month, you know."
"I've told you repeatedly of my intentions, of what I want out of this relationship." the man made it clear in no uncertain terms. "Did you not understand me?"
"...Yes."
"Do you want to be with me?" his asked, his hand unconsciously massaging her stomach.
"More than anything." she admitted. "But how can you be so sure you even..."
"I know my own mind. My own emotions" He confirmed. "When you're ready for more..."
"You're just gonna wait?" But had he... waited? Had he not just initiated...
"I have been waiting for you for a long time, Lizzy." he reminded. "Having you to hold, kiss and spend time with, makes the waiting bearable." he smiled softly then, altering his mood for her sake. "Time isn't going to change how I feel about you, only make my feelings grow."
Red snarled quietly as a perfunctory knock interrupted the private moment.
"Dammit, what!" he snapped.
He quickly pulled the sheet up around Lizzy's body when the door opened without a care, as Dembe and Silas burst their way inside.
"What the hell?" Red grated. "Are you five years old!"
"A five year old wouldn't knock." Silas eyed the pair before unceremoniously dropping a laptop on the bed. "Besides, I think we're all aware by now that mommy and daddy are fucking."
Liz gasped indignantly but Red only seemed to take the crude remark in his stride.
"Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" the woman snapped her pique.
"My mother disowned me at a very early age." Silas seemed okay with the fact.
"And rightfully so!" Liz admonished. "And I assume you were subsequently reared by rabid wolves."
Silas scratched his nape thoughtfully for the repartee.
"Christopher sent this." Dembe gestured to the laptop, ignoring the present state of his friend and the woman beside him.
Red sighed heavily, for it was very apparent that he wouldn't get rid of the men until he looked at what they wanted him to.
Liz looked about aimlessly, feeling definitely under-dressed. She sought an avenue of escape but was also overtly interested in whatever it was Dembe was so insistent Red see.
She pulled the blankets up to her cheeks, fighting the blush she felt from head to toe. Sure, these guys were used to naked women in Red's bed she supposed but in this particular instance, she just happened to be that woman.
She determined to put on her big girl panties, even if she had none to don, and deal with it.
She threw Silas a nondescript glare all the same for the man's knowledgeable eyes told her he was sensing her dilemma.
Sliding to his elbow, Red reached over Lizzy, tapping the screen. Surveillance of the pool came up, showing her warding off Francis' attack with a water gun before the young man was unceremoniously pushed into the pool by Silas.
Red's smile fell away as a man came out from the left wearing a green shirt and khaki pants. He headed their way before accidentally tripping into Lizzy. She stumbled forward as the large bulk hit her. Silas caught her instantly before shoving the man hard and away from her. A few choice words of animosity followed but Carver's hands arose in the universal sign of 'peace'.
Seconds later, Francis ran at Lizzy, wrapping his arms around her before falling back into the watery depths while Silas scowled darkly at the man who dared approach Elizabeth until Carver was out of camera range.
"You saw him." Red raised his eyes, meeting the head guard's squarely, hope shining within.
"Yes." both men confirmed.
Red darted his eyes between Dembe and Silas, the surprise apparent.
"I saw him, outside the hotel, when we were leaving." Dembe relayed. "It wasn't until I saw this, I made the connection."
"I've been replaying it since, getting his face focused more each time." Silas added his own experience.
Dembe tapped the screen, drawing Red's focus.
The scene picked back up as Carver sauntered from the pool area, making certain to play to each and every camera available.
Red now knew what the man looked like.
To what ends? He wondered as darkly menacing thoughts reared their ugly head.
Carver had walked the area from the pool, to a nearby trash container.
The man, from what Red could surmise, was in his early forties perhaps and quite stocky. The man removed his shirt, a close fitting one beneath.
Carver glanced at the surveillance camera which pointed down the walkway. He pulled a knife from within the confines of his pants pocket, opening the object, holding it aloft as if he knew, sooner or later... Red would be watching.
The man slit the center of his palm, wiping the blood on the green shirt before stuffing it into the flap of the waste container.
He looked directly at the camera as if to say, 'There, you have my DNA now, what does it get you?'
Red's mood fell into a dark abyss.
What did it get him? Red's own DNA had been floating out in the cosmos for years now and no one had been able to track him unless he had wanted it.
Carver was one smart, sadistic son-of-a-bitch, Red would give him that.
Red sat back wearily, accepting the clear and simple challenge Carver was issuing.
Red cleared his mind. How would he attack this problem were Lizzy not involved?
He had to think rationally to catch this bastard. But how could he do that, when he was too close to the issue at hand?
He would have to find a way.
There had to be an answer.
"Dembe, send that to Aram, please." he slid the laptop towards the man. "See if he can clear that up, get a more detailed still. We have another shot, as well."
Dembe lifted the small weight, phone to his ear. "You are referencing to where he discards the shirt, of course."
"You," Red nodded his acquiescence, turning to Silas, "call Kaplan and set up a meeting with that artist of hers. Maybe he can do a composite. When it's done, have Dembe confirm the results."
Red tilted his head, scowling his annoyance at the head guard when Silas simply stood there, smirking at Elizabeth.
"It smells like sex in here." the man wafted his hand, waving it about as though clearing a fog.
"Well, I would hope so, since we were having sex." Liz indignantly replied, pulling her face out from under the cover. "We are consenting adults... well, some of us."
"Did we want a pickle tickle, hmm?" the guard smirked, recalling another conversation on the same subject.
"Yes, and now I want another one." she kept her voice steady, even though her insides were quaking. She would not allow Silas to best her in front of Red. Not this time! "Go away..."
Red had to admit, he was proud of the way she held her composure... until she turned and hid her face in his chest, her cheeks a crimson red.
He chuckled quietly at the guard's quirky expression until Elizabeth's mound rubbed against his shaft, waking it.
"Get out..." he muttered to the man standing over them, "and don't forget what I said." he grumbled, before pulling the now giggling woman and her bare bottom closer.
"Get a room..." Silas muttered as he turned on his heel. "Sex fiends." he feigned disgust.
"If anyone would recognize a fellow 'fiend'," Liz called out after the man, "it would be you... Feathers."
Silas quirked his brow at the... rather apt nickname. He had forgotten Liz was present at that little incident. "You want to borrow it?"
"Get out!" Red snarled dangerously, as he rolled to his back, settling Liz astride his throbbing erection.
The woman sat up obediently, more important matters taking precedence. The sheet fell away, giving Silas an unobstructed view of the woman's back and a teasing glimpse of a plump breast before Red palmed the full orb, hiding it from view.
Silas' brows rose with appreciation.
Not so much because of the nudity, though Liz was quite lovely.
But because she suddenly didn't give a damn.
Their little FBI agent was growing and adapting to her ever changing circumstances like a pro.
And he was damned proud of her.
"I've been thrown out of better places." Silas gave a lazy salute, closing the door behind him.
Leaving the couple to their well deserved privacy.
Red did not feel any real sense of danger but these days he was questioning his inner warning system. He watched Lizzy and Francis speaking animatedly, his innate sense of decorum coming to the fore.
"Allow me to offer more substantial means of my gratitude." Red discreetly pushed a thick envelope into Christopher's hand.
"No, Red. Absolutely not!"
"I want you to have it." Red turned away from his host without a care, walking rapidly after the woman, catching her arm.
"You wait for me." Red directed to a reticent Elizabeth Keen.
"We're just getting–"
"You stay in here." the notion was vetoed.
"Red, he's probably in California by now." she whispered.
"I don't want to find out the hard way." Red grumbled. "Wait." he directed, his tone scolding.
Liz sighed, but nodded her acceptance. She knew the events of the day scared Red somewhat and if this little concession would quell his anxiety, she'd go along with it... this time.
But they would have to have a discussion about his over protectiveness soon...very soon.
"We'll be going." Red told the man who had followed along at a more leisurely pace. "Once we're in the air, I'll call."
"I had my men check your plane for any tampering." Chris said, accompanying them to the exit of the Villa. "It was clean."
"Thank you." Red set his hand on the handle, then looked at Liz. "You're sure you got everything?"
"Yes. I double checked." she confirmed, before kissing Chris' cheeks in gratitude for the lovely welcome and accommodations.
Silas took his place in front of Elizabeth. And like earlier, there was a wall of men blocking sight of them as Red quickly ushered Liz to the car. She climbed up in the back seat, shortly followed by Red. The door beside her opened, startling her a little, she hoped she hid it well enough.
Was Carver getting to her as well?
"It's just me." Francis smiled as he settled in beside her. "We have quite the little motorcade." he grinned, pointing to the men breaking formation, heading for other nondescript dark vehicles.
"Go ahead, Dembe." Red said.
As Dembe turned the car into the outer driveway, Red groaned irritably when he found the flock from earlier still haunting the gate, though it had grown some. The guards pushed at them, unblocking the entrance, but the people still clamored to see who was in the car.
"Oh, this is getting ridiculous." Liz voiced her opinion.
Red wasn't certain if she meant the crowd or the commotion with all the guards and security. He had not known how to say 'no' to Antonio Crocetti. Not graciously, at least.
Dembe engaged the door locks before Red could even get the first word out, having anticipated Raymond's thoughts.
Flashes of lights from overzealous photographers brightened the interior as other's rushed towards the vehicle as the car cleared the gates. Sure enough, the sounds of the handles of the doors being pulled at, came in rapid succession as Dembe eased out the driveway. People cupped their hands on the dark glass of the windows, straining to get a look inside.
"What the hell?" Liz giggled her dismay. "This is beyond bizarre."
"Come here, Lizzy." Red wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer against him and out of sight of the window until they hit the street.
Their faithful followers ran after the car as they came to a red light. The camera flashes resumed making the woman laugh nervously.
"They're going to be so disappointed when they see the end results." she chuckled as Dembe rolled slowly behind the lead vehicles.
"I don't know..." Francis shrugged, "they may have got a few shots of our resident felon."
"You?" Red's mouth tweaked.
"I meant you." Francis straightened his tie, shrugging slightly. "And okay, maybe I fit the bill to an extent." he preened his hair in a side window.
Liz had not understood the exchange, frowning at Francis Holbrook for the fact. Laying her head into Red's shoulder, she relaxed more fully, ignoring the crowds' repeated tapping on the dark windows.
The light changed and Dembe floored it, having felt Raymond's agitation sucking the air from the car.
Only when they got into a good roll and the security offered to them by Antonio and Guiren surrounded the vehicle, did Red release the breath he'd been holding.
A street down, flashing lights came into view in front of them. Liz tensed as Silas cussed in the front seat.
"Shit." the large guard grumbled, looking over his shoulder.
Red turned, finding three other police cruisers taking position around their car.
"Aw fuck, man." Francis whined, hanging his head dejectedly. "What have I done to deserve this?"
"How much time do you have?" Red asked rhetorically.
"Is this Lia's doing? Did I get married?" Francis demanded. "Is she really that vindictive... ohhh." a thought had suddenly occurred.
Liz shook her head at the demented outlook.
"Dembe, keep going." Red advised tersely.
Liz looked up at him, her eyes wide with trepidation. He rubbed her arm soothingly, softly kissing her temple as they drove.
Liz startled as the sound of a phone blared in the otherwise silent car.
Red pulled it free, flipping it open. "Yes?"
"Is your escort there?" Christopher laughed at his own wit.
Red shook his head, a smile pulling at his lips. "Yes, and you about made poor Francis shit himself." he put the phone on speaker.
Christopher's laughter filled the car, easing Liz's shoulders back down from their tense position. "I told him I'd get him back for scaring poor Rosalie." the man chuckled.
"What did you do?" Liz hissed, embarrassed and didn't know why as yet.
"He blinded my poor housekeeper by walking around naked." Chris snickered. "With a full on woody."
"Hey!" Francis was quick to voice his side of the story. "I was in my damn room!" he defended. "Where else can I walk around naked, except in the privacy of my own room?" he demanded.
Liz tried very hard not to, but she could suddenly picture the young man, naked wearing the huge glasses, bow tie and hat he wore at the wedding for the keepsake photos.
"You were not in your room," Chris corrected, "you were at the bar."
"Which is technically attached to my room!"
"There is twenty foot gap from your door to the bar." Chris once again corrected.
Francis shrugged flippantly, pouting out the window.
"Anyway, the very helpful police department here believes they are escorting a celebrity." the man said. "Once at the airport, they will keep a distance, but stay until you are boarded... Antonio insisted."
"Antonio has influence with the Las Vegas police?" Liz was baffled.
"Antonio has influence with everyone." Silas threw a look at his employer. He too, believed this spectacle was overkill.
"Thank you for the escort." Red replied. "And damn you for the visual burned into my mind of naked Francis." he grumbled.
"I have a very nice body, thank you very much." Francis protested. "I don't see what the big deal is... Rosalie acts as though it wasn't a pleasure to see my nakedness."
"Yeah, I heard it was no big deal..." Christopher snorted a retort, "Safe flight, guys." the man signed off.
Francis rolled his eyes, even as he readjusted himself, as though confirming, if anything, that it was indeed a 'big deal'.
Liz smiled, patting the man's leg consolingly as they approached another red light. The lead cop blipped his siren, bypassing the red light and all the others they encountered as they meandered their way through the streets, until reaching the tarmac.
Dembe pulled alongside the plane, lining the back door up with the stairs.
"Get on the plane, Lizzy." Red again directed tersely. "Don't hesitate, don't stop."
She had no intention of arguing. Once they got on the plane, the cops could return to their jobs. She felt horrible, pulling them from their real duties.
Red pushed the door open, taking her hand, ushering her quickly up the steps. The other three quick on their heels.
As the plane was being loaded, one of Antonio's men came to the door, quietly conferring with Red and Dembe. Handing something to Red, the man waited as Red opened the box.
Liz watched the exchange discreetly. Red laughed his delight and the woman's tension lessened.
The handsome Italian grinned, before bouncing down the steps, which were raised a moment later as the plane warmed up its powerful engines.
"What was that about?" she asked as Red took the seat next to her.
"He was told to assure your safety onboard." Red stretched his legs out in front of him, finally relaxing now. "He also was told to deliver this." he smiled, handing her the box. "It's from Antonio."
Her brows crinkled, but she took the offering, opening it expectantly.
She chuckled quietly, pulling the necklace free, holding it up to get a better look at the diamond shaped cat.
"How cute..." she smiled, then looked at Red wincing. "Should I accept it or..."
"Yes, you should accept it." Red confirmed. "No matter who you are, you don't turn down Antonio," he whispered, "besides, he meant it as a compliment." it was explained.
The bathroom door shut behind them just seconds before Francis plopped down in the seat across from them. The man straightened his jacket, then sighed.
"Seriously, did I get married?" he asked again, not having received an earlier answer to his probing question.
Red shook his head woefully. Liz looked at Francis in open disbelief.
"It's a hell of a time to bring it up," Liz squawked, "seeing as Lia is not on the freaking plane!"
"Well, I have her number!" Francis countered. "I'm not a complete louse."
Liz snapped her eyes towards Red searchingly, looking for help.
"Lizzy..." the man sighed, "just..." he sighed once more, looking for the answer, "it's Francis."
Once they were in the air, drinks and snacks were served before Red settled back beside Lizzy, relaxing. He sat up suddenly, looking around, cursing under his breath.
"What's wrong?" Liz muttered around her cheese puff.
"Where the hell is Mark?"
Francis cackled, slapping his knee in open amusement. "You forgot Mark..."
Red pulled his phone free, hastily dialing Chris. "Do you have Mark?"
"Yeah, he was with Amanda, didn't realize it was that late." Chris shrugged the concern aside. "He's flying out with Antonio."
"Tell the moron to call me later." Red grumbled, closing the phone with a snap, before narrowing his eyes at Francis. "You two..."
"Are going to be the death of you?" Francis finished, snatching Liz's last cheese puff.
"Stop!" she snapped, throwing a grape at the man, nailing him in the forehead with deadly accuracy. "That's not funny!"
"At this stage?" Red disagreed vehemently as he watched the boy ferret around for the wayward fruit before popping it in his mouth. "I would pay someone to put me out of my misery."
Francis' laughter echoed throughout the plane.
Author Notes:
Any mistakes are mine. I tried making a few corrections, but they don't seem to be taking, at least on my end.
I hope it posts correctly, but if you do see any glaring mistakes... let me know.