SUNDAY June 1
Liz made her way down the winding path of sculptured stones. She loved this part of the property.
Farther down, the path curved about to a rather large pond complete with a small dock and fishing shack.
Red had said the pond was stocked with a variety of fish. The former owner was an avid fisherman.
Two boats remained docked and ready for use by any interested takers. She and Red had spent several evenings out on the small lake watching sunsets.
While the Main house and Guards quarters she and the guards inhabited now were being constructed, the owners remained in the original homestead.
She shook her head as the sprawling five bedroom Tudor style structure came into view, remembering when Red had taken her on a tour of the grounds and told her that it had been listed as the Guest Cottage.
She didn't think she would ever understand how the 'other half' lived... but she did have to admit, she did enjoy the peak inside their world.
The house and property were picturesque. The house itself sat back into an array of lilac bushes and a rich profusion of soft green fern. Spots of ivy climbing the stone walls, lush landscaping and early blooming flowers bordering the inlaid stone pathway and large trees looming overhead in the background gave the area a storybook feel.
Perhaps she should look into furnishing it with a few essentials... give her and Red a home away from home for a little privacy, she thought wryly back to the previous evening.
The pungent scent of lilac and honeysuckle filled the early morning air as the woman wandered her way to the inviting front door of the house.
The large oak panels seemed a little off putting today.
Sitting on the stoop, Liz unwrapped the croissant Nora had shoved in her hand before she had set off on her walk, most likely having seen that Liz had hardly touched anything on her plate.
But after last night and being surrounded by the boisterous men that regained their lacking appetites, gathered for the first round of the meal Nora managed... she just couldn't find it in herself to enjoy the bountiful treat.
Breaking off a piece of the fluffy pastry, Liz popped the morsel in her mouth, chewing thoughtfully.
How the petite woman fed all the people under her care, Liz would never figure out. It seemed an insurmountable task to her way of thinking.
Though Nora still had the chief responsibility of planning the meals plus the actual art of preparing them, Red had supplied the woman with sous-chef's to aid in prep and the like to ease the burden after a new surge of guards had taken residence.
One particular guard was absent during the breakfast rush, much to her disappointment.
Liz had arisen early hoping to catch Silas this morning.
She had not spoken to, nor seen the man since their last unfortunate encounter.
Letting the rift between them drag on was weighing on her nerves, let alone, conscience.
Dembe had taken off for the airport, Francis informed her... something about, with Red out of commission, Dembe had to take up the slack.
The man had taken the private jet today for a meeting with a prominent associate in the south of France... wine country.
Dembe loved wine and was a frequent visitor to such establishments throughout the European countries which produced the delicate refreshment.
Meaning he would not be returning anytime soon.
With her buffer on a wine tasting excursion, it left Liz to her own devices as to how exactly she should approach Silas.
Francis' only advice was... cautiously.
Liz wasn't sure if he referred to Silas' present mood or the fact that it was advisable to never take the large man by surprise.
Silas never reacted well to... surprises.
Finishing the flaky pastry, she pushed herself up from the stoop, resigned to her fate before walking back towards the main grounds.
She walked quietly, debating her options, staring morosely at the huge double entry doors to the Guards quarters as she neared.
She started when Joe opened the panels unexpectedly.
He grinned at the reaction, "Saw you coming down the hill." he gestured, radio in hand.
"Saw?" she questioned, before gesturing to the comm in his hand, "Or were informed?"
The large man waved her into the opened concept rooms, grinning, "Both."
Liz returned his smile, glancing furtively about. She had never been inside the house before.
Off to the right of the foyer, the formal dining room sat with its long oak table and chairs to hold all the guards beefy frames. A Mediterranean style bureau graced the far wall. Large windows at the far end of the room let in an abundance of light.
Joe directed her into the living space, but she waved off the offer to sit on the very large and plush wrap-around-couch that seemed to stretch the length of the room.
David, her evening guard sat at the far end, reading a book. He glanced up, inclining his head in greeting before returning to his pastime.
Following Joe further into the spacious home, she realized Red had obviously went to great lengths to see to their comfort and even amusement.
As they approached what she assumed was to be a family room and a private sitting room, she instead found the large areas had been turned into a home gyms. One complete with weight lifting paraphernalia. The other with treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes and similar items.
Off to her left was a fully equipped man cave complete with bar, pool table, enormous big screen and other entertainment necessities.
She was absolutely fascinated and would like to see more... but she would be stalling.
"Is uh... Silas around?" she unconsciously twisted the ring Red bestowed, her smile fixed, "I don't want to interrupt it he–"
"He's back in his room." Joe crooked his head towards the long corridor which had caught her attention upon entry, "You want I should get him?"
"No." she decided against that. "Would it be okay if I... spoke to him for a minute? He's not sleeping or any–"
"Nah," the suggestion was waved aside, "go on back, first door on your right."
Liz smiled again, "Are you sure?"
"He's used to women back there." Joe teased, sensing Liz's state.
She relaxed a bit, "More information than I needed to know." she stated, the dimples on her cheek indented with the slight grimace she offered.
Joe chuckled, "Want some coffee or–"
"Oh no, it won't take long." she waved the politeness aside.
"Gonna kick his ass out?"
"Oh my God!" she was instantly contrite, hoping against hope the story had not spread through the ranks, "No!" she hastened to rectify any sordid tales floating about, "Of course not! I intend to beg him to stay."
Joe pulled a face, "Well, he'll love that part at least. I personally think he had it coming." he laughed for the fact, "Someone needs to take that bastard down a notch or two... not that I don't love him like a brother."
Liz was growing nervous all over again.
"A big, ugly, mean, obnoxious brother, granted." Joe shrugged, holding out his had to indicate, "go on... give it to him with both barrels."
"You are not helping!" Liz whined dejectedly, "Not at all!" she wrung her fingers together helplessly. "Is he in a bad mood?"
"Is he ever not?"
Her hopes fell.
"Just yanking your chain, honey." the man laughed mischievously, "He's fine. Go talk to him. Clear the air."
Liz lifted hopeful eyes, "You think?"
"Yeah, but if things get out of hand and you have to shoot the guy," Joe offered a solution to the problem, "remember, I don't see nothing... ever... so, I won't rat you out."
She nodded and took a step, before hesitating in her step when the man held her up.
"And if you do have to shoot him," the man grinned, "aim for the face. He hates that."
She chuckled in spite of the moment, "I've always liked you, Joe."
Liz crossed the few steps which would lead her to the back where she assumed the master bedroom was. She glanced down the ever growing length of hallway awaiting her.
She smiled at her companion, gearing herself up for the task at hand. She drew in a steadying breath before taking the first steps.
As she neared, she found the door open much to her surprise. She could not immediately see or hear the occupant of the room.
Liz had a few moments to look over the area, she wasn't certain she had the correct room actually.
Everything looked so orderly, so pristine. The bed was made, the drapes pulled, allowing the sunshine in. It appeared 'guest' ready.
There was a tall dresser just across the floor. It was the first thing which caught the eye. On top were a few personal items, unmistakably male.
A watch, a coin dish full of spare change, a black walkie-talkie lay on it's side. Beside that, an extra fully loaded clip for a gun.
Silas came into view, a load of clothes in hand which he lay carefully unto the bed.
His head instantly snapped about, a dark glower on the handsome face which instantly relaxed upon recognition of the intruder into his space.
"How's it hanging." he nodded minutely after a slight hesitation, the clear grey-blue eyes not giving away his mood or reaction in the least.
"...Eh," the question threw her momentarily, "fine and you?"
"To the right." the man had shifted a tad, grimacing slightly having felt the evidence of his proclamation.
"Again," the woman was always annoyed at just how accepting some males were of her presence, "more than I needed to know."
"Then why did you ask." he turned away, folding a shirt up.
"What are you.." she cleared her throat, "...doing?"
"I thought I better wrap up the job before I left." he ignored her discomfort as was his way.
Liz could see the opened carry case at the end of the bed now as the man lifted the opened valise unto the surface.
He continued to carefully fit boxers into various compartments of the luggage, "I'm assuming Joe will take over until Red can find a–"
"Silas!" Liz stepped hastily into the room, her expression an anxious one. "You know I didn't mean–"
"Well," his slow drawl stopped the declaration, "I think it's better if I vacate for a while anyway." he shifted a non-committal stare. "We seem to have reached some sort of crossroads. It's good you stood up for yourself. I approve... for what it's worth."
He grinned, going back to the walk-in closet to extract yet another suitcase.
"It's worth everything!" she stated plaintively. "I couldn't stand it if you left..." she implored, stepping closer to the large king bed. "And... and what about Tom? Who's going to bug him?" she hoped another tact might take for her first statement garnered little reaction.
"You've come up with some plan every single day to make his life miserable. No one else could be that maniacal and you know it!"
Silas' mouth pulled into a wicked grin, "Yeah, I know but–"
"No 'buts' please." Liz felt herself losing ground fast for the guy seemed pretty well set in his decision. "I was just reacting yesterday. I was so... upset about Red and..."
"It's okay, kid." he held up a hand, lifting another case unto the bed.
Liz could see an array of weapons inside, neatly slotted into secure Velcro holdings.
"Don't sweat the small stuff." it was advised. He opened the dresser, extracting clip after clip, then crossed to the opened case, depositing them inside.
"How many guns are in there?" she hadn't been able to mentally calculate, astonishment in her tone.
"Oh, those are my favorites. I'll send for the rest later... if that's okay?" he thought he should observe formalities for a change.
"You cannot just leave me unprotected!" she grasped at straws, her worst fears coming to the fore.
He chuckled, "This place has more guards than Fort Knox."
"Silas... tell me what to do to make this right?" Liz was close to tears.
"There is nothing wrong." he scowled slightly, genuinely concerned for her welfare. "You didn't do anything wrong. That's not why I'm going." he had been trying to lead up to the reason in his own fashion.
"Of course it is." she wailed. "I opened my big mouth and got all uppity and you're pissed... rightfully so!"
"What?" Silas was lost.
"I haven't even told Red... anything." she blurted. "He doesn't know I was an asshole. That I... screwed up." she murmured. "Can't we work through this?"
"Sit down." he indicated a chair in an alcove beside the large picture window. "I was coming up to talk to you in a while anyway."
She didn't believe him, but she sat, waiting on tenterhooks. The large blue eyes watched the man religiously.
He sat on the edge of the bed, holding both hands aloft to halt the tirade. "Liz, I wasn't going to leave because of that little episode but I have to go. Red would understand."
"How can I believe that?" she was more than upset. "You're leaving... you weren't leaving before my little meltdown!"
"I hadn't got the phone call before." he exasperated, then at her expression. "Look, suffice to say," he cut to the chase, "an old acquaintance got in touch with me. There is an... emergency. I have to go help out." he waited while she processed. "I was coming to tell you as soon as I packed."
"You're packing all those weapons." she stared at the duffel bag. "Is there trouble? Can I help?"
"You can help by staying here with Red and seeing he gets better faster." Silas nodded. "He has a tendency to jump back into the deep end of the pool when he isn't a hundred percent... especially after something like this."
Liz was following and she didn't want to pry, of course.
"It's his way of assuring himself his super powers are still intact." Silas smiled at the woman, "I was coming to clear the air before my flight out... I promise."
She wanted to believe that... so much.
"Your face is very expressive... work on that." he instructed. "You don't believe a word I have said to you, do you." he took for granted.
"Well, it all sounds a little," she sought a word that wouldn't piss him off, "...contrived, maybe?"
"Well, it's not." he sighed, sitting back a little, straightening his shoulders, "Okay, listen," he clearly did not want to get into it, "this guy called, someone from my... a long time ago... he is a family member of..."
Liz listened attentively.
"I think this guy is in trouble. Hell, I know he is." the guard pulled a face. "He's always in some mess or another, but I feel obligated to bail him out, if I can, of course. No guarantees there either but I gotta try. Understand?"
She stared at him with those big puppy dog eyes.
"...He's my wife's brother." he snapped because he sensed the woman was placating him. "My brother-in-law. He's an idiot! Worse than Francis and not half so capable."
"You think Francis is capa– you have a wife?!" she gasped.
"No... I had a wife." he quieted. "As I said, it was a long time ago. She... died."
Liz's mouth fell agape, not only because of the unexpected background information on her guard. But that he willingly shared a piece of his history... with her.
"I'm... so sorry!"
The large man pushed up from the bed, walking to the window, "She was in a car crash..." his voice trailed away, his eyes fixed on the window pane.
"Oh, Silas..." Liz was speechless. She was out of her depth and knew it.
"Liz, I was only a kid and so was she." he rolled his neck, agitated, not really knowing why he was over-explaining the situation.
He never told anyone about Anya. Red knew, of course, and Dembe.
"Hell, I don't even remember being that age." he scratched his forehead absently, "Was I ever that fucking young?"
Liz thought the forced chuckle was so poignant somehow. She watched Silas' eyes cloud over, lost in a long ago memory, her heart constricting.
"We never got a happily ever after." he sought her out, "I guess that's why I'm so invested in seeing you and Red get one."
Liz arose, crossing swiftly, her arms hugging the bear of a man, "God, Silas," she whispered a sacred vow, "I am so very, very sorry."
"It's okay." he was the one doing the actual soothing, for the woman was in an absolute state of nerves.
"Of course it's not okay." she swiped at the tears spiking her lashes. "It's the last thing from okay."
"Do you believe me now? That the reason I am going away for a spell is a valid one?"
"You have to let Red help... take Joe... or Dembe."
"Dembe will have his hands full." he shook his head. "I want Joe here."
"You can't traipse off into... where? Where is this man?"
"Russia."
"Russia?" she was aghast. "That's halfway around the world."
"I know where it is. I lived there for three years." he shifted patient eyes. "I've got contacts over there, they'll be meeting me, everything will be fine... or don't you trust my abilities."
"Of course I do bit you always say, shit happens," she quoted, "plan for any possible contingency."
"I have." she was calmed. "I got it covered."
"Well who is this guy that he feels he can just make a phone call and you will pull his ass out of the fire?"
"I told you, he's Anya's younger brother." Silas explained once again, "She looked after him... it was just the two of them left after..."
Liz touched his arm self-consciously, "Are you really okay?"
He turned aside, returning to his packing, "This brings up bad memories, that's all."
She could only imagine. "Isn't there anything I can do?" she felt so helpless. "You're my friend. When you hurt, I hurt."
His hands halted their busy work for a long beat.
"And I know you're hurting, Silas." she could read his body language, sense it in the man's hesitant manner.
Silas was never hesitant. The man was the most decisive individual she had ever met, including Red Reddington.
He crossed to the window again, looking out on a well kept garden of a variety of colorfully blooming flowers and shrubs, he stuck his hands into his pockets.
"If you want the truth, I don't really want to go."
The statement was so simplistic, she really did believe it.
She sought for something intelligent to say, some profound remark, coming up empty.
The handsome profile was turned slightly, she noted the chiseled jaw line, the neatly trimmed beared of speckled grey and white which was so distinguished looking on some occasions.
"Anya would expect me to... help." Silas knew as much. "She could never see his faults." he sighed lightly, his attention still on the beauty outside the window. "She had a good heart."
"So do you."
He chuckled pensively, "Some say I don't have one at all."
"They don't know you."
He glanced at her, an odd expression present.
"I don't either." she picked up on his reasoning. "Does anyone, Silas?" she wondered. "You are so closed off about your private life."
"Didn't think anyone was that interested." he shrugged massive shoulders, hands still in pockets of the jeans he sported.
"I am." she was upset he would believe otherwise.
The blue shirt he wore made the blue eyes more startling, "You're just nosy." he teased.
Liz couldn't argue that point, "Can I ask how... when you met your... Anya?"
"She wasn't mine." he grinned. "Well, not at first. She was very much her own person. Took me a while to convince her of my... credentials."
Liz nodded that she understood. Only such a woman could catch his attention and hold it.
"She lived in Chechnya for a good part of her life. It was hard going after the revolution."
Liz was putting together time lines. Russia. That part was clear.
The man nodded thoughtfully. Red must have shared a little of that time with her.
"The Wall had come down, the Soviet Union was on its last legs." he remembered back. "Yeltsin was in... it was a bad time for the Russian people."
Liz tried to recall her Civics class teachings, coming up dismally empty but this guy had lived it. He and Red.
"Red and I chose the losing side, as per custom." Silas grinned over at the woman. "Federal troops were trying to cease control of the mountainous regions of Chechnya... the Boyeviki were–"
"The what?" she sat forward from her perch at the end of the bed, her hands braced on either side of her slender body.
"Boyeviki." he repeated. The Guerrilla fighters of that region... were heavily out-manned. Yeltsin had the advantage hands down." he ticked off his fingers. "Weaponry, combat vehicles, air support." he shook his head slightly. "But we jumped in head first again, as ususal."
Liz's attention was rapt.
"In January, I think it was," he looked off, lost in the memory, it was all a blur after so many campaigns, "the Soviets were seizing strategic buildings throughout Lithuania. That was the beginning."
His countenance turned dark, "Bastards were undertrained, undisciplined sons-of-bitches . Looting, raping, even wholesale murder of innocent civilians!" he lifted a thunderous expression, "Using them as human shields."
He quieted after a fashion. It had taken a few moments for the man to expel the images his words must have conjured.
The room was silent, that silence strained.
"After Grozny, the country was in ruins, 500,000 "displaced" people..." he air quoted, a grim smirk on his face. "Worst euphemism I ever heard for what those people were."
Liz did not know Grozny but she would Google the place after today. If Red was there, if it was a part of his life, she wanted to know... or did she?
Silas' expression was bleak but then it softened, "...Red organized an airlift operation. It was the quickest way to get the refugees to some kind of safety.
Liz's heart swelled with pride, of course Red would want to help the helpless. It was in his make-up.
"Anya and her brother, Vadik Sokolov..." he supplied the information, "were among the first to vacate the city."
Liz was captivated by the tale.
"Which was a good thing because the airport was under attack about three days later. We had to abandon that tact of rescue."
Liz tried to imagine the scope of the tragedy the man entailed.
"Anya got our attention from the get go." he chuckled. I thought for a minute Red would order her shot, she was causing such a commotion."
Liz liked how he said the woman's name, all soft and tenderly.
"Red would never do that." she was certain.
Silas quirked a brow, "... Okay. Anyway, the problem was, Red had stated, women and children for the first few flights and men as we could rescue them, of course."
Liz felt empathy for the families separated in such a horrible time and place.
"Anya was insistent that we allow her brother to board." Silas continued, "The kid was fifteen, sixteen," he shook his head, "and there were so many waiting... kids... little ones."
Liz was getting the picture.
"Our forces could only hold off the Soviets for so long and we knew that. Anya was taking up valuable time."
Liz would have just let the kid board.
"Red flatly refused," Silas relayed, "Anya stepped aside. She wouldn't leave Vadik. So we boarded who we could and prepared for take off. By this time our supporters had to give up the ghost and bail." Silas smiled wistfully.
Liz was stunned by such nonchalance.
"We closed the doors, the plane was already taxiing..." he lifted his head, rubbing his chin absently, "I'm getting everyone settled for take off amid the chaos of crying, hysterical women and terrified kids... and I look up and there they sat."
Liz scooted closer, "Anya and her brother?"
"She had somehow managed to get past me... the little shit. She wouldn't do it today." he proclaimed stoutly. "I swear to God, I didn't see them board, so now I'm sweating bullets. Red's gonna have my ass in a sling for falling down on the job."
"He wouldn't really have cared." Liz pouted. "What's two more?"
"With that planes capacity?" Silas seemed incredulous she would make such a statement. "I seriously considered jumping out the hatch to make up for the weight distribution."
She threw him an old fashioned look.
"Well, that and the prospect of having to face down Red."
"Yeah." she wasn't buying it. "Sure."
"He was more intimidating in the 'old days'." he quipped. "I hid Anya and the troll out of sight until we landed in Minsk. I found a safe place for them to stay until something permanent could be scrounged up."
"And the great romance began." Liz clasped her hand together happily, tucking them under her chin.
"Hardly." the guard scoffed, shifting into the chair once again from his standing position. "She hated men, especially me... after what she had experienced, I couldn't blame her."
"Why 'especially' you?"
"She said I was arrogant, conceited... full of myself." he held his grin, his eyes twinkling, "My words, not hers. Which were much more damaging to my fragile male ego, trust me."
"She's the one who toughened up that thick hide?"
"Let's just say, I grew as a person." he settled for compromise, spreading his hands out minutely, "Time passed and... she mellowed a little."
"It's your fatal charm." Liz managed to keep a straight face. "How long were you guys...eh.."
"About a year, on and off. Married about a year." he replied evenly. "It was... a good time."
Liz smiled gently. It was clear to see the honest emotion this man had felt... still felt for the woman to which he now referred.
Silas sat in the overstuffed chair with its high back, his hands engulfing the wood carving on its handles.
"She knew what I did... a career soldier but... more." he didn't know quite how to categorize his chosen vocation even in his own mind. "I was away a lot... but it never seemed to cause too many issues. I would send for her when it was done and we would see a lot of the world together. She loved that part of it."
Liz processed all that had been said. She was glad Silas had those good years. At least he had a few good memories. Or it seemed he and Anya had been content together.
The silence had gone on for so long that Liz assumed the story was at an end.
She was acutely disappointed.
"...She was coming to me that night."
The woman lifted her gaze.
Silas' face was expressionless. For a moment, Liz wondered if she had imagined the words she had heard.
"I sent for her. She was going to fly to Cairo... to meet me."
Liz closed her eyes to the realization. Did he blame himself? Of course he did. She stared transfixed at the man's face.
Silas shifted haunted eyes, "She didn't want to leave Vadik. People were calling the house..." it was like it happened yesterday, "people she didn't know, asking for the little creep. She knew he was in trouble again."
Did he need to talk? Had it festered inside too long?
Silas stood, too restless to continue.
Liz felt helpless. She sought things to say that would make it all better for the man. To heal what was broken.
"I convinced her it would be all right. I told her..." he closed his eyes, the conversation replayed in his mind, fresh as if it were yesterday, "my contacts would take care of the problem, whatever it was, just like the last time and the time before that."
Liz arose, also too agitated to stay still. She approached the man gingerly, "And they did, didn't they, Silas?" she implored. "You said, she was her own woman. If she really wanted to stay, she would have. She wanted to be with you."
A large hand scraped his forehead, "I don't know why I laid all this on you." he was mystified. "I don't even know why I started talking about it."
"Because Anya's brother called." Liz surmised.
Silas seemed to come back from a long away place, "Oh... right. The kid," he laughed shortly, "hell, he's not a kid anymore, is he."
"He acts like one," was Liz's opinion, "after all these years, his behavior doesn't seem to have changed."
"Or mine." he stated grimly, facing her. "My instincts are telling me to write this guy off. Should have done it years ago."
"But you can't." Liz understood. "Because of her."
Silas crossed to the luggage on the bed, fingering the strap of the valise. "...Yeah," he sighed heavily, "because of... her."
A dark scowl worried the man's forehead.
"I know you don't want my advice," Liz took for granted, "or my two cents worth.."
He cut her a look, "But you're going to give them regardless, correct?"
She dismissed the sarcasm, "Is it wrong for this guy to keep imposing on you, yes, of course it is." she moved forward. "Will he ever stop doing so? I doubt it... the truth of the matter," she shrugged minutely, "doesn't matter what he does. You will always honor the bond you and Anya shared. You know that and I know it."
The grey eyes shifted passively.
"You can't do anything else, Silas because in truth," Liz "air quoted" this time in the large guards stead, "Anya is still here... in your heart. She never left. I don't think she ever will, do you?"
The man's lips compressed absently as he pondered her words.
"She's the reason you go through women like water in a sieve." she finally understood. "She's why you never get attached. Your heart is already spoken for."
"If that's true," the man folded a shirt he picked up off the bed, "it's a sad damned statement, don't you think?"
The blue-grey eyes trained on her face.
"I think it's the most..." Liz halted. The man did not deal with trite platitudes. "What I think isn't important." Liz only hope that one day, Red would love her to such a depth but she knew something else. "If it were me, though, I wouldn't want you to live in such a state."
Silas' hands halted their busy work but he did not seek her out as yet.
"I would hope that you could find happiness and contentment in life." Did Anya feel the same? "Wouldn't you want that for her? If the situation were reversed."
Silas lifted empty eyes.
"Sounds trite I guess." the woman felt her inadequacies.
"...I wonder if Red knows exactly what he has found," Silas' deep tone washed over Liz, "... in you."
Red Reddington reluctantly opened his eyes. It was early yet. The drapes were still drawn but he could see a soft light filtering around the slits of the heavy material.
His hand slid automatically, his palms feeling out to the opposite side of the bed.
Lizzy's spot was cool to the touch. She had been gone long before he awakened.
He carefully moved his head, searching out the clock by the... Kaplan had returned his property.
He smiled mentally. That woman would have made an excellent Storm Trooper.
Ten o'clock. Red never slept this late but again, he didn't often get shot in the head as a rule.
Turning his head had not produced the dreaded effect of the previous day. No real nausea, slight headache, no throbbing agony to deal with.
He would take it...
He felt grungy... a nice hot shower would do him just fine.
Tossing the blankets gingerly aside, the man eased to the side of the bed slowly pushing into an upright position.
He stifled a groan, fighting a slight head rush. He felt out the bandaged area of his head. A small patch of gauze and tape replaced the wrap the medical team had first applied.
What the hell has she give him that he had slept through not only Kaplan's presence, but her gentle administrations?
She must be over her pissy spell. Red knew the woman could be infinitely gentle when she wanted...
He had sat through several bandaging's in the past. She tartly dressed him down but her touch had been kind, careful and caring.
Red had sat obediently quiet, taking his medicine like a good little soldier but only because of that 'touch'.
He and Kate had a special bond. The man had never tried to define it. He didn't think Kate did either... it just was.
Red hoped it could always be like that... but he was jaded enough to know, most things changed over time and circumstances.
What a sad day if it ever came to pass. He genuinely liked and cared for the woman as well.
Red arose, shaky on his feet, his legs feeling like rubber for a few steps.
"Really?" he muttered his annoyance, stubbornly working through the weakness. By the time he reached the sink, he was much more stable.
He stared at his reflection in the mirror for a goodly spell. At times he didn't recognize himself.
So much had transpired in his lifetime. Oft times, it was like he had morphed into someone else's life.
Lived some other man's destiny.
He would not have purposely chosen the lifestyle he now lived.
Red had envisioned another path for himself. But this one had brought him to Elizabeth Keen.
The man cocked his head, pushing the philosophical mood aside.
He reached, ripping the bandage off, tossing the bloodied patch into the trash receptacle under the vanity.
He examined the wound. An angry welt of a slash about two inches in length graced the right side of his head just above the temple.
Someone was looking out for him, he mused.
Why was anyone's guess.
He accepted what was, more than grateful for whatever time he had remaining because it meant more time with Lizzy.
Not that Red hadn't enjoyed his life before the woman, he had.
Long ago, he made the decision to live life to the fullest, each and ever day because early on, he was taught a harsh lesson about the cruelties that very life could throw at a man.
There was time, after his world was ripped apart, he considered giving up... losing his daughter had devastated the man.
That sweet, innocent little girl had become his whole world. He had doted on his 'little angel'.
The circumstances that ripped Jennifer away had almost destroyed him, in truth.
But then the anger had materialized, a rage so deep, so all encompassing, directed entirely at the bastards who perpetrated the atrocity... Red was able to pull it together.
His soul purpose, becoming an obsession.
Find his child.
Bring her home, but as years progressed the man had to confront the decisions he had made in order to accomplish such a goal.
Was he being selfish now? Was her life better without him intruding for it had taken years to establish a workable solution to his problem.
Years in which they were not together. Years of explaining to her why he was not able to be there.
At such a young, impressionable age, would his daughter even welcome him back into her life?
If it was difficult for a grown man to understand or accept the reality that had become his norm... what would it be like for his little girl?
Was he just being a coward?
Did he dread the look on her face when he showed up, out of the blue, once again disrupting a life she had become accustomed to?
He could have found Jennifer had he truly wished. He had the resources but it had taken forever to accumulate them.
By the time his network was finally in place, ten years had passed.
She wouldn't know him... she wouldn't remember. Nor was his lifestyle conduit to bringing an impressionable young girl into its midst.
Was it just another excuse? Was he so terrified of how Jennifer would perceive him after he had allowed them to take her from him?
Was the guilt and recriminations so horrendous, he refused to even attempt a face to face encounter?
Red scowled darkly, dismissing the unsettling thoughts which often plagued him over the passing years.
The man automatically undressed, throwing his pajama top into the hamper in the walk-in closet.
He selected a slate blue button up shirt and dark gray slacks... the combination fitting his rather subdued mood. Reaching for a gray tie, he hesitated, bypassing the accessory instead choosing blue boxers and matching socks before heading for the shower.
Five minutes under the steamy spray dispelled his depression which he chalked up to Kaplan's cocktail of meds.
He stood, eyes closed, hand braced against the shower wall, allowing the refreshing spray to pelt his battered body and mind.
The throbbing in his head eased in increments the longer he stood under the waters soothing effects.
His instincts clicked as he heard the soft patter of feet approaching. The man straightened, his hand reaching instinctively for the weapon laying unobtrusively along the top of the shower ledge.
"Does Kaplan know you're in there?" Liz's voice sounded miffed.
"I didn't know I had to report to her." Red's hand dropped, lazily reaching instead for the soap which lay waiting in its regular spot. "Think she would like to join me?"
"Alright, I deserved that one." Liz's tone still held a little animosity.
He smiled for the fact.
"You sure you don't need any help in there?" she had seen the bloodied bandage discarded in the trash.
"Why, you going to send Silas in?" he quipped, lathering his body absently.
"Very funny." Liz snipped. "Head shots bring out the best in you, I see."
Red chuckled, his hands running over his cock, cleansing the area thoroughly, "This is an awfully big shower... it's lonely in here."
"You sure you don't need help?" she questioned once more.
Well, this was just fantastic. He had the strongest urge to answer that question.
He glanced down, his groin stirring to life in response to the woman's breathy voice.
In truth, his mind registered that she was using her vexed tone. But to his ears, he heard a seductive lilt that he could not dismiss.
He scowled at the useless thing irritably.
He grunted a noncommittal response, garnering a heavy sigh from the other side.
"I'll go get Silas." Liz retorted.
Red rolled his eyes. Okay, he had deserved that one.
He rinsed his body, suddenly wanting the shower over and done. He wanted to see the woman. He wanted to kiss her, to feel her in his arms.
Liz had shed her clothes absently. Stepping through the opened portal of the enclosed shower, she hesitated.
Red was rinsing his body, eyes closed as the steamy spray pelted his face and chest.
Liz's eyes traversed the masculine form, appreciating the muscular thighs and tight calves.
She admired the stocky shoulders and thick forearms with the abundant honey colored hair.
She felt so safe in those arms.
His suntan was dark and stopped just below his waist before picking up again on those powerful thighs.
He had only recently started laying about with her down at the pond to garner the darkened skin. Though he kept a shirt within reaching distance at all times, she had been incredibly pleased and very proud of him for stretching beyond his comfort zone for her.
The first couple days, he had sat beside her, suit intact. Only during a rather passionate petting session... had he removed his shirt.
The day after, he removed it without the added incentive much to her delight.
The man turned aside, breaking her thoughts.
His bottom was taut, well-rounded and pale. And she found it sexy.
She could see the unmistakable protrusion of an early erection from the side view when he turned slightly to rinse the other parts of his body.
"Looks like you got a little problem there."
Red's mood lifted instantly, his actions halting in their tracks.
He blatantly stared at the vision who had entered the shower with him.
"Not so little." he fought back instinctively but the delivery lacked impact, he knew.
She grinned, coming closer. "Why do you look at me like that?" she felt like blushing.
"Like what?" he prompted, his eyes following yet another path down the lovely frame.
Liz slipped her arms about his neckline, leaning against the stoutness of his body, "Like I have no clothes on."
He glanced meaningfully, "Well... you don't."
He relished the feel of the fact, his thighs moving suggestively forward teasing the soft fluff of her mound.
"You've seen it a hundred times." she brushed her lips gently over his, her eyes moving about his face.
"I've seen the Venus De Milo a hundred times." he shrugged. "God's creative beauty never fails to enthrall me."
"You can be so charming..." she curved her frame to his, the hardness of his ever growing arousal pressing intimately between their bodies, "but today..." she mused, pouting a little for his benefit, "it's not going to get you anywhere you want to go."
"It's not?" his hand grazed the side of her breast, as he lifted the plump orb with a tender touch, his intent quite clear.
"And you're not going to persuade me otherwise." she moved out of his touch artfully, her eyes scolding the man. "It's too soon after... what happened."
"I'll let you know when I'm out of commission but until such time–"
"No, no, no." Liz wagged her finger at the man, her hands trailing a slow, experimental path down the front of his chest, "You can't always have your way."
"I bet I can." his hand cupped her ass cheek lovingly tugging her back, his cock pushing into her abdomen.
"You would lose." she wrapped her fingers securely about his hardness, her expression a confident one.
The man drew in a breath, closing his eyes to the wondrous feel. His penis reacted to the heated palm instantly, growing in width and length under her gentle guidance.
"If this is losing..." he sighed his gratitude, "I didn't know what I was missing all these years."
He lowered his head staring transfixed at the slender fingers surrounding his girth, manipulating his cock to her will. He instinctively pushed into the touch, groaning painfully.
"Let me do it..." she scolded, "you'll make your head ache."
"My head is aching." he grumbled only to sigh his relief seconds later when her fingers eased the growing ache in the engorged crown.
"Good things come to boys with patience." Liz admonished, slowly kneeling before the man, making herself comfortable in the slot between his parted legs.
"You're not dealing with... a boy." Red's eyes flamed with suppressed desire.
Liz glanced at the evidence in hand, her fingers unable to fully encompass the thick appendage she rhythmically stroked.
"I certainly am not..." she leaned, her mouth trailing a searing path down the side of his rigid hardness.
Red situated his body to block most of the water unable to look away from the drama unfolding before his very eyes.
Liz felt her way, enjoying the shape and texture of the man's heavy organ, not shy in exploring or touching whatever she pleased.
Red gently cupped her head, his fingers tracing the full mouth covering the flesh of his cock lovingly.
"Kaplan said, no fornication." Liz frowned up at the man, the blue eyes full of innocent inquiry, "That doesn't mean this," she sucked the tip of his arousal teasingly, "... does it?"
"No," he gasped, leaning heavily back into the heated wall, "Hell, no... that's–" his palm encouraged her closer, "not what it means at all."
"Oh, good." Liz smiled happily, taking more of him into the shallow depths of her hot, moist mouth.
Red groaned bleakly, feeling a pressure already building in the recesses of his body.
So soon?! Fuck! This couldn't be happening. Sure, she had surprised him by this little tour-de-force but...
His control couldn't be that lacking...
But the evidence was clear. The longer that sweet, innocent mouth worked on his cock, the more his willpower weakened.
She spread one soapy hand upward, her fingers easing into his pubic hair, the other worked a slow, agonizing rhythm on his vulnerable shaft.
And that mouth. What that mouth was doing to him was probably illegal in most states, at least biblically.
He pumped his hips in response, pushing into the arousing grasp, his breath becoming more and more labored.
Liz hefted his testicles, having searched out the full, heavy sack. She gentle kneaded the sensitive bundle, suckling harder now, the length of her tongue rubbing along the bulging veins.
The man moaned a stifled gasp of pure pleasure.
"S-Stop now." he warned breathlessly, hating to say the dreaded words.
"But I like doing this." she returned to the pastime with determined flourish.
"I like touching you." she tilted her head slightly, opening her mouth, giving him a clear view of her tongue undulating along the thick length.
"Oh, fuck..." he felt himself losing ground rapidly, his body attuned to her every whim, his damned dick having a mind of its own.
"I like how you feel." she felt him to her hearts content. There was something incredibly arousing about having the stiff width in her mouth, the velvet softness of his skin brushing against her lips.
"I like," she suckled him intently for a long beat, "... how you taste, you're so clean and warm." she flicked her tongue about his slit, drawing a bead of clear liquid from the swollen tip. She hummed, enjoying the teasing taste of what was to come.
"I'm going to come, dammit." he snapped, slightly embarrassed for his lapse.
"I should hope so." she seemed slightly taken aback.
"I want to do it... with you," he growled, gently pulling at the damp strands of her wet hair, "inside you."
She pulled at the directive, her hand refusing to stop the incessant pumping of his shaft, her mouth only attending him further... answering his every desire and need.
"And you will..."
"Elizabeth..." he used his, 'I mean it' tone.
"Let me do this," she sighed blissfully, those eyes mesmerizing him, "...for you."
"We can do it together." he persuaded, his own voice sounded almost harsh now, raw with the emotion she stirred, "come with me, baby."
"I will..." she seemed relatively certain of the fact before returning to her administrations.
Red watched ardently as her free hand slid between her milky thighs just as his cock disappeared over and over between her pouty lips. The pink flesh catching slightly on his bulging crown, before the hardened flesh once again vanished into the hot mouth.
God...
His senses were drawn deeper and deeper into the churning void of passion she was diligently creating for him.
Women had pleasured him before but never so efficiently as this woman... Lizzy put her whole heart and soul into the act.
Bracing his feet firmly on the stone of the shower floor, the man allowed the steamy water to wash over him all the while, the volcanic depths of Elizabeth's succulent mouth enticed him further into a delirium he was only too glad to mire himself within.
His hand covered over the small fingers as he established the rhythm he would need to complete the erotic journey she had taken him on. Those sweet lips parted enticingly.
"Suck..." he urged roughly, "God, yes, " he hissed, "like that, baby."
Liz was only too happy to oblige. The man's constant grunts of pleasure, the veiled curses of astonishment... the raspy words of encouragement guided her.
Red's bulb throbbed worse than his head had last night, only this pain was an exquisite one.
His fingers tightened about the bunched strands of dark hair as the woman moaned melodically, the sounds vibrating along his cock.
He would pull out... at the last minute, he promised himself. He would pull out... though the luscious mouth was fucking tempting as hell.
"Tell me what to do," she rasped around the bulbous head, before recapturing it between her luscious lips, "how do I help... you come."
His fingers curled into the wet strands in response to the unexpected breathy plea, "You want me to come in your mouth?" he groaned harshly, demanding a reply.
She groaned deeply in response, sending another round of delicious vibrations throughout his body.
"My God... do you swallow, baby." he growled, envisioning the intimacy. "You like to feel that hot cum in your mouth?"
The wondrous suction increased, drawing him deeper into the abyss... under her spell.
He panted sharply, lowering his eyes once more, transfixed by the vision of her hand moving in steady rhythm with her mouth.
"Do you?" he gritted.
He saw the uncertainty behind the large blue eyes looking innocently up at him.
"Fuck..." Red's head dropped back in ecstasy.
That she was willing to let him come in her mouth was a fantasy he'd carry around with him for days.
That she had apparently never swallowed before, but was perhaps contemplating it...
"Jesus..." he breathed shakily as she suckled him with fervent determination.
"You don't have to..." he eased her concern, giving her an out should she want one... hoping against hope she would not take it.
Cupping her small head, he got lost in the bobbing sensation as his other played with the pert nipple of her breast, losing himself in this wonderful gift.
Slowly thumbing her nipple, he drew a low moan from the woman's throat.
His eyes were burning coals of lascivious lust, "Deeper," he whispered the plea, "take me... deeper."
The lights flashed a vivid kaleidoscope of cascading sensation as he slid to the back of her mouth, just touching her throat.
Red growled brokenly as the onslaught began, his body tensing, knowing what was to come.
"Son of a–" he panted harshly, a rising heat pooling in his sack.
The woman rubbed her tongue against the sensitive underside of his cock as she lifted his balls up against his body, her fingers just teasing the skin behind the handful she had and he was undone completely, giving himself over to the wild, untamed passion surrounding his mind and feverish body.
"God..." He gasped sharply as his cock head pulsed thick spurts of cum into her willing mouth.
Liz whimpered softly, wrapping her tongue about the throbbing head, tenderly suckling the hot fluid from his sensitive slit.
"Shit... I love you, baby." he gasped, eagerly rubbing his cockhead between her pouty lips and against her agile tongue.
Some sort of sanity prevailed finally and he jerked his hips back, breaking free of the amazing suction.
Curling his fingers around hers, he tightened her hold. Their hands drew hard bursts of hot cream from his slit, coating the hollow of her throat and breasts in his orgasm.
Elizabeth watched the white arousal as it was lost in the swirling water from the pelting shower head.
"I could watch you do that all day." she lifted a seductive stare.
Red had no witty reply, too immersed in the moment for a long beat.
She slowly stroked the last few pulses of come from his shaft, her tongue flicking out, catching a stray drop or two. He shook under the onslaught, his cock oversensitive. The intense sensation almost too overwhelming for a moment, nearly making his legs buckle
"...I could watch you do that," he motioned to her pastime, "all damned day."
"Flattery will get you," she accepted his assistance to rise, "quite a lot actually." she held her grin. "Are you feeling better?"
"Hell yes." Red remained stationary back against the shower wall, eyes blissfully closed now, "You have no idea how much better I feel."
"Good to hear." she rinsed her mouth, reaching for the soap, "Want me to give you a bath?"
She held up the soap.
"I'm not man enough." he slowly smiled, his eyes seeking out her reaction, "I couldn't go through that roller coaster ride again so soon..."
She smiled happily, "I like a man who knows his limits."
"Try me again in an hour." he boasted, because he felt pretty damned fucking incredible about now.
"Oh, and," she turned, her hands soaping her beautiful breasts, "I was going to tell you how much I love you but," she crinkled her nose, "my mouth was full."
He held his amusement, "Etiquette takes precedence I suppose."
She giggled softly, tiptoeing to meet the man as he captured her mouth in a deep kiss. He grunted his pleasure, finding a slight hint of his taste in her sweet little mouth.
"You didn't have to do that." he murmured against her lips.
"I wanted to..." she replied softly.
"No you didn't." he chuckled sensually.
"No really, I like doing it with you." she realized she did. "You didn't make me feel..."she searched for the word, "pressured, I guess." she smiled impishly up at him. "You pulled away," she teased, "even though I know you didn't really want to."
"I would have drowned you otherwise." he quipped.
She giggled at his honesty.
Something plagued the man, "I'd like to ask you a question," he pushed the wet strands from her eyes, "it's none of my damned business but..."
Liz picked up on the direction he was going, "Everyone used condoms... it was college. STD central." she grimaced. "And with Tom... it was the same." she confided. "I always wondered about him, but to be truthful it took the pressure off me."
Red nodded his understanding. They used condoms because Tom didn't want the intimacy, the responsibility of a pregnancy...
Liz smiled warmly at Red. Tom obviously hadn't wanted those things...
Red... obviously did.
"You're fun in the shower." she said, breaking the mood.
"I'm fun a lot of places." he lifted the soap from her unresisting hands, his palm sliding over the ripe melon of a mound lovingly, "We'll have to explore."
He pulled her back against him, amazed that his body responded to the silky warmth of her bared flesh.
"You said an hour." she swatted him away, twisting about peevishly.
"I lied." he reached for her.
"You don't lie..." she arched a brow.
"All right," he conceded, "I underestimated my masculine stamina," he unwillingly told the truth, before his eyes lazily traveled the expanse of the woman's flush skin, "though why I did under such circumstances is beyond me."
"You go right now," she pointed, "and let me finish my shower or I'll call Mr. Kaplan and she'll see you naked."
"She's seen me naked." Red retorted.
"She has not seen... that." Liz pointed to the man's semi-erect penis. "And she will not see that."
"A bit territorial are we?"
"Me being territorial over who sees your cock has nothing to do with this." Liz lifted her chin stubbornly, "I just don't want to gross her out."
Red took said cock in hand, presenting it to her, "On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate this?"
"We're not talking about me." Liz folded her arms under her breasts. "Mr. Kaplan would rate it a zero."
"Says who?" Red frowned.
"Silas." she sighed heavily, as though it should be common knowledge. "Now go..." she shooed the man forward, "I won't be nice to you and your attractive cock in an hour if you don't."
She seemed pretty set in her thinking, Red had to admit.
He raked her nudity with a possessive sweep, "I'm going because I want to."
"Are you hungry?"
You just told me to go..." he countered, his eyes drifting downwards to the woman's mound, "make up your mind woman."
"I meant... oh, you know what I meant." she practically stamped her foot, turning her back on the man and the subject matter.
Red held his grin, catching her reflection in the mirrors as he set the water temperature of the faucet.
He had a perfect view of that perfect little naked ass.
Liz started humming as she soaped her body with a layer of thick, fragrant lather.
She was slightly tone deaf which Red had always found charming. He would walk through the house to hear Lizzy belting out what he thought might be Adele, with the in house sound system.
Red knew enough of the artist if only due to her recent popularity but couldn't exactly name a particular tune... though he could recite the entire musical repertoire of Billie Holiday.
But today's choice had the man's grin widen as he brushed his teeth, rinsing in the double vanity sink.
"But square-cut or pear-shaped, these rocks don't loose their shape," Liz admired the ring on her finger, "diamonds are a girl's best friend!"
"Are they now?" he shifted a careful gaze.
She didn't answer but shortly returned to her humming, and as a bonus... added a sexy little version of the song which had caught her fancy today.
Red turned about, short towel wrapped about his waist, arms folded as he leaned back against the basin to watch the show.
"I'd shower you with diamonds if you did that while sitting on my lap." he stated quietly, attempting to keep his libido in check watching the seductive swaying of those curvaceous hips. He had caught brief glances of the plump breasts from time to time as well.
He wasn't doing so well on that libido thing. The fabric of the towel straining taut over his rampant hard on.
"You men are all alike," Liz rinsed thoroughly, "always think of one thing... thank the Lord." she giggled.
"How many diamonds again?" she secured a long, luxurious towel, stepping from the shower stall tucking the end securely into the cleft of her breasts.
She towel dried her hair as she approached, trying hard not to note the man's condition.
"How many do you want?"
"Never ask a woman that question," she cut scolding eyes his way, "we might just answer truthfully one day."
"I meant for you to," he intoned, "answer truthfully." he suggested. "Diamonds, cars, money... you name it, you'll get it."
"Eight hundred and twenty eight dollars," she faced him squarely, "and fifty-two cents."
"Do you take plastic?" he was intrigued by the sum she chose.
"I'm old fashioned," she shook her head regretfully, "cash only."
"I'll get my wallet." he pushed off the counter.
She caught his arm, "Don't you want to haggle over the price?"
"Why should I?"
"...It's a little exorbitant, isn't it?" now she was intrigued, "I mean... have you paid for...paid that much... in the past?"
"I don't pay for it," he was enjoying the conversation immensely, "as a rule."
"You just said you would." she was confused.
"I said... I would pay you."
She beamed, "I'm special!"
"You certainly are."
"You're fun in the bathroom too." she was delighted with the flattery.
"I could put you up on this basin and show you just how much fun I can be... if you want." he offered politely.
"Haven't we done that before?" she tried to be serious. "I wouldn't want it to get stale between us so early on." she crooked her head to one side, laying the towel aside. "Are we repeating ourselves already?"
Red liked her hair all mussed and combed only by her fingers.
"Is it all a blur?" he empathized, "I will have to try harder, won't I."
"I like the sound of that." she was in total agreement. "But not until Mr. Kaplan leaves, she scares me."
"Why hasn't she left?" he asked peevishly.
"How ungracious." Liz reached for her lotion. "After all she's done for you."
"Done to me." Red corrected. "It's not like her to stick around this long."
"She and Nora have established a rapport."
"Oh dear God." terror struck Red's heart but only superficially to amuse Lizzy, of course.
"I think she has finally met someone she can relate to." Liz massaged her upper arms absently, smiling gently for his wit.
Red enjoyed the fragrant scent drifting about the bathroom helped along by the fine mist of steam floating in the air after Lizzy's shower.
He was grateful his condition had improved. The woman clearly did now want intimacy at this time, though... perhaps in an hour...
"What's on the agenda for today." he inquired. Disappearing into the walk-in, he dressed for the day. Reaching for his shoes, he hesitated as the woman flounced in, giving him a look over.
"I like that shirt." she smiled before turning about to her own clothing. "You always look so put together." she was already wondering what might match and might not.
"I struggle with things like fashion. Guess it's the price you pay for being raised by a man." she grinned. "Not that Sam didn't do his best but he thought it was fine to wear white socks with a tux."
"First of all, you always dress beautifully..." Red corrected pointedly, "now that your past that awful olive stage."
Liz rolled her eyes, leafing through the selection afforded her... thanks to Red.
"Your taste suits you... it's young and fresh and you." he discarded pair after pair of shoes as he went down the selection, "And secondly, when did Sam ever wear a tux?"
"My junior prom." she joined the man, looking over his shoulder, "He insisted on being a chaperone so he could kill Rick Wesford if he tried anything with me."
"Good for Sam."
Liz lay her chin on Red's shoulder, "Would you have killed Rick too?"
"I was Rick." he realized.
She laughed and his mood lightened. He turned his head finding her lips very close to his face.
She leaned, lovingly kissing his mouth. "You make me laugh."
"In a good way I hope."
"I like being with you." she suddenly realized.
"Well, it works out just fine," he felt her sincerity, touched by the sentiment displayed, "because I like being with you as well."
Liz realized something else. She was happy again.
She and Silas were all right. She hadn't felt uncomfortable or awkward with Francis this morning and...
"Don't you ever try to leave me, Red Reddington." she warned, hopefully keeping her tone light and airy as not to reveal the depth of emotions she was feeling. "I'll have to do something tragically drastic if you do."
"Slash my wrists?" he had sat on the bench seat in the center of the large closet to slip the loafers on he had chosen.
"I don't have that much time." she dismissed such a notion, "You have Kaplan on speed dial... I'll think of something."
"Tragically drastic?" he teased, content to watch as she rifled through her lingerie draw, still as naked as when she came in. She wiggled into a pair of dark blue panties, totally unashamed of her nudity which is just how the man liked it.
"Are you making fun of me?" she put her hands on her hips.
"Can I taste those?" he motioned to her pert breasts, "the nipples are responding to me even as we speak. I get their vote."
She covered the amazing mounds with her hands, "You do not," she decided, "you're being mean."
"You are being mean... to me." he made mention, adjusting the issue in his pants accordingly.
"A little abstinence is good for the soul." Liz held up a blouse silently asking his opinion.
"I prefer you sans clothing."
Liz sighed mentally, putting the blouse back on the rack, "I'll make it up to you... tonight."
"Then chose the red one." he motioned to the line of blouses, "And you said an hour." he reminded.
"Mr. Kaplan may still be here." she jut her chin out, turning away from the man. "You'll have to wait."
"And if Kaplan is still here tonight?" he wanted his parameters set.
"Remember to lock the door." she cut him a look. "She can't pick locks can she?"
Red was not certain to be honest, "I'll hold you to your word then." he inclined his head minutely, "duty calls I suppose."
Red didn't really like the thought of returning to the other world so soon. He was beginning to prefer this one he was creating with Elizabeth more and more.
"Thank you, Lizzy." he murmured softly.
"You're thanking me for a blow job?" she tittered.
"No, well, yes." he shrugged slightly. "Perhaps more for the fact that you wanted me to feel better... the affection you offered."
"Well then," she smiled, "you are more than welcome." she wrapped her arms about his neckline, kissing him softly. "Feel free to call me again in your time of need, so to speak."
Yes, he was definitely appreciating this new found world they were creating.
"Now, let's get you fed so you feel a hundred percent."
"You think your mouth on my cock didn't achieve that?" Red asked seriously.
"Okay then," she smiled softly, "a hundred and ten percent." she grinned before sobering a little. "You should take some down time." Liz countered on a serious matter herself, situating her blouse inside her black pants, "My God, Red... you just had a serious injury."
The man was clearly hesitant, torn, "I feel fine."
"You guys always feel fine." she disdained. "You are not fine, Red. Please take at least a few days." it was beseeched.
She massaged his shoulders, her expression a sympathetic one. She kissed his cheek, pulling back.
"What ever you decide." she was willing to compromise but she wished he would take a breather.
"I'm going for my walk... then will have breakfast." it was a start. "I'll make decisions afterward. Don't plan on an empty stomach."
The woman smiled, "Sage advice from the Master." Liz nodded agreeably.
"I like the sound of that." he grinned over at her. "Work on that delivery, or better still," an idea occurred to him, "we'll work on it together. Ever play the Orion Slave girl to the Romulan war lord?"
"No, but I speak Klingon, do you?" she countered artfully.
He laughed, "Francis does."
"What a shocker." she mused. "You know Star Trek but not Star Wars?"
"I was a child of the sixties..." he shrugged. "I'm serious about trying out a few games." he lifted his brows. "Are you up for it?"
"Hey, I'm as kinky as the next person." she feigned bravado for in reality, she had never once attempted such a thing. Which was a damn sad statement about her sex life. "Who gets to be the slave girl first?"
He walked past on his way out, landing a smart smack with his palm on her ass cheek.
It stung deliciously and the woman jumped visibly, stifling a squeak, her eyes widening with surprise.
"Guess." Red leaned close, breathing softly in her ear the challenging whisper.
Those eyes watched him swagger across the area offering but one meaningful look her way.
That 'look' warmed her from head to toe.
Liz ruminated, standing perfectly still after his departure.
Was he serious? Did such things interest him? Did they interest her?
They had played a little before, her the student to the naughty professor... and she had enjoyed the game immensely.
Her bottom still tingled from the imprint of his palm.
It was not an unpleasant sensation to her great surprise.
Which made her very interested in what other talents he possessed.
She found herself smiling for no apparent reason.
The day was looking up.
Red literally bounded down the two circular steps of the portico of the front entranceway.
He often enjoyed a brisk walk around the property before breakfast, and today was especially pleasant.
The sun wasn't high enough to produce the oppressive heat as yet. There was a good Northerly wind coming off the Potomac.
The air was fragrant with the scent of a variety of blooming flowers and bushes. There was an array of colors and soft hues to catch one's attention. The sky was an aqua blue with wisps of fluffy white clouds.
He chuckled to himself, shaking his head slightly. He was practically glowing... and he knew why. He felt like fucking Prince Charming traipsing through the woods after he found his Princess.
He had almost bought the farm yesterday... or so everyone was claiming, which made this morning rather special.
It made a guy more appreciative of the things that mattered in life.
The scents were sharper, the colors more vivid, the sunshine warmer.
The touch of a woman... more intense.
A brush with the Reaper would do that to a man. And Red intended to enjoy the sensations as long as they lasted because it was human nature to slip back rapidly into taking things for granted.
He found his favorite alcove settled back into the property was free from distraction.
Sitting on the provided bench of the little arbor, he inhaled the rich aroma of the roses climbing abundantly over the archway.
He had shared the spot early on with Lizzy, delighted by her reaction.
She had found the quaint spot, charming.
They would sit here after dark once their business issues were handled for the day and share interests.
Red had found out a lot of things about the woman he had only guessed at before.
Her political views for instance. He would have guessed Democrat because she had a soft heart, but she had surprised him... Independent all the way.
She had enquired of his affiliation. He had amused her by giving a straight faced, 'Whig'.
Another surprise, she actually got the reference, "I would have thought you to be a member of the Know-Nothing party." she cocked her brow smartly.
The memory brought a smile to the man's lips.
His thoughts drifted to the events of this morning.
Lizzy had surprised him yet again, in the most pleasant of ways, granted.
As had his erection. He hadn't been certain of his capabilities in the bedroom after his recent ordeal.
Nor had he been in the mood to jerk one off.
He could feel the crush of her soft fluff covering her mound brushing against his thigh area.
Red closed his eyes, allowing the visions free reign for once.
One of his favorite pastimes of late, was nuzzling that little neatly trimmed muff.
As a man, it was important to him to know for certain he could pleasure her when he went between those velvet thighs.
It was a priority in the male perception of his prowess, or lack thereof.
He loved how he could make her tremble with just a few flicks of his tongue on that sensitive spot.
He knew exactly how to locate it. He could feel it grow under his guidance. She would squirm about when he licked her just so. He adored the feel of her plumping lips and clit in his mouth.
Another smile graced his lips. He took out a cigar he had secured from the desk in the office, lighting it leisurely.
Yes, it was how a man proved to himself he was a man.
He had never felt more so this morning in that damned shower, when she had knelt before him.
Her hands on his body excited him.
She had been unsure of herself, of her abilities. He felt as much but she need not have concerned herself.
Red had more experienced lovers and yes, they had pleased him but there was something fucking appealing in Lizzy's hesitant explorations.
He could sense something more, that as she went along, her confidence had grown.
That small hand stroking his hardness had felt incredible.
Having her kneel before him stirred something primitive inside. The sight of her bared breasts below, just out of his reach to fully hold them in his warm grasp, was an agony he would gladly suffer over and over again.
For a moment, Red couldn't decide which pleased him more? That tight pussy or the feel of Lizzy's hot mouth suckling him hard and confidently.
In the beginning, in the early days... he had fantasized about that treasure between her legs. How would it feel to slowly inch into that steamy heat? What would it look like when she was laying beneath him, legs spread open... and vulnerable.
Did she shave completely? Well he now knew the answer to most of his fantasies.
Her responsiveness to his touch, delighted him. He could make her wet just by using a finger or two in that eager little hole.
She was so beautiful. It pleased him just to look at her. That he was privileged enough to touch that satin flesh, kiss those pouty lips... both pairs...
Red shifted absently, his hardness sliding against his thigh as it grew in length.
Damn! He wished they could have made love this morning as well.
He especially wished it now.
He longed to taste the sweetness of her nipples... he liked how the full creamy breasts filled his palm. He loved the heaviness of those luscious mounds.
Their mouths seemed designed for a perfect fit. There was nothing sweeter than the taste of her lips.
Just as she taught him the intricacies of her body. He had taught her how to use her tongue to entice, plague... tease.
She was a fast learner.
He know knew how her hot cream felt gushing against the tip of his cock.
He had waited forever for the woman to succumb to his abilities. He wondered how he had kept it together long enough that first time? He was certain he would blow his load the minute he pushed inside her opening.
He loved watching his girth disappear into that pink crevice. It felt agonizingly good to drag his erection along the short dark hairs of her sex.
He could make her come fast and hard... or if the mood struck him, tease her core slowly... excruciatingly so.
She would quiver around him until her felt her frustration at its peak, only then, warming her with his cum. He loved coming inside her. He loved watching her come.
Her hot mouth had engulfed his shaft, a vision designed to bring him to his knees.
That slow bobbing motion that drove him up the fucking walls...
He hadn't expected her to swallow.
He had pulled out yes, but not in time.
Shit.
She had... the first few spurts...
He didn't have the willpower to remove his cock from such an inviting home... not at first.
He tried to feel bad about his lapse but the sensation just felt too good to even pretend such an impossible feat.
This was getting him no where fast.
He glanced down to the rigid imprint of his cock pressed against his trousers.
He sighed mentally, taking in a long drag of the cigar. The heady smoke rolled about his tongue, the sweet flavor tickling his senses.
To be at the mercy of a woman's whim was a shit-poor thing.
But found in this case... he enjoyed the prospect.
He relaxed his mind, forcing his body back from the edge of a very, very nice precipice.
Oh well... it was a subject best left for another time and certainly, another place.
The man took in his surroundings turning his thoughts to the sounds about him.
The buzzing bees, the whir of a hummingbirds wings... the rustle of the wind in the trees.
He would discuss this moment of solitude with Lizzy tonight, he decided.
He would discuss it in vivid detail.
The man's grin was an impish one.
Red Reddington was a detail oriented type of guy suddenly.
It would be... and intense talk.
Author Note:
BlueFedora posted a few pictures back in August on Lizzington Forever as incentive to us writers.
More than a few grabbed my attention and have inspired quite a few scenes.
What apparently worked for this chapter... was a woman kneeling in front of a man in the shower.