Focal Point

by Daniel Davies

(Lizzington) A dangerous serial killer targets Elizabeth Keen as the newest Blacklister hits too close to home for Red Reddington. She must rely on the one person her instincts tell her she can trust. Liz finds herself inexplicably drawn closer to the only man capable of protecting her from this insidious new threat. (Mature Content)

116. Hydrotherapy

Author Notes:

We've been trying to break this sex scene apart so I could post a more mainstream version here, then post a alternate version in a kind of one-shot but... we really couldn't find a good break anywhere?

I'll make note to include good break off points in future chapters so I can post those alternate versions but right now... I just wanted to get the darn thing posted so... forgive me for being impatient. :)

Any future alternate chapters will only be posted on Archive of Our Own. FF does not allow alternate chapters.

---

The quiet of the room filtered into Elizabeth's mind.

She stood, looking over the preparations she made for her long-awaited bath.

It may seem odd to some people... okay, most people, she was calmly preparing a bath after all that transpired a short time ago.

Maybe she should be upset, traumatized even. The truth was, she simply couldn't find it in herself to expend the energy.

She, in reality, wasn't phased a bit.

Liz told herself, she was an FBI Agent. Being put into dangerous situations came with the territory.

What did the locale matter? In a warehouse or a penthouse... bullets flying around were considered an occupational hazard.

At least with these people outside those doors, she trusted they wouldn't freeze up or make a run to save their own hides, leaving her high and dry with no back-up.

The day Red, Dembe or Silas froze during a gunfight, would be the day she'd pack it in and call it quits.

The funny part, she couldn't even call this the new norm.

It seemed her whole life had been pre-destined to be surrounded with crime and intrigue.

Look on the bright side, Red always said. At least she had a criminal mastermind in her corner to soothe any worry that may crop up.

It didn't hurt the man was warming her bed, either.

A man she loved very dearly. More so it seemed, with each passing day.

Given her position in life, she probably shouldn't visualize Red as a Robin Hood type.

She learned overtime, Red gained his greatest pleasure... he was at his happiest, when giving of himself. Whether monetary assistance or his own time and energies to people he admired and respected.

Could she really fault that type of mentality?

Red was a good and decent man who, contrary to popular belief, had the patience of a saint... even if Francis were in the vicinity.

The man accepted her from the get go, warts and all. She literally cringed when she thought back on those earlier times.

She had been terrible to him in all aspects before having gotten to know the man better, though Liz often wondered if Red secretively enjoyed the opposition just a little?

Even still, it must have been a terrible drain emotionally for Red.

With that in mind, Liz set a plan in motion to erase bits of their past a little at a time while opening herself to this new facet of their relationship.

She was determined to share herself with him, to drop preconceived notions... to expand on an exciting and wondrous new adventure and in doing so... hopefully open an entirely new avenue for she and Red to explore... together.

Not that she would make it easy for the man. Red loved a challenge. She planned to make him work for any further information.

She hadn't realized how much she appreciated unraveling the mystery that was Red Reddington until the prospect presented itself.

Her parents, the Cabal... the Fulcrum; all were mysteries that had been her driving force for the better part of two years. She was left drained by the effort most days but...

This was entirely on a personal level.

For certain things; like knowing Red's favorite liquor or guilty pleasure treat... she would just ask. But other things, Liz realized she would have to discover herself by use of trial and error.

She listed the things she found out about the man on one hand... Red liked his nipples played with and when she scratched her nails against his head, she could make the man almost purr in contentment.

She even knew he liked to take part in minor bondage. All well and good, but it wasn't enough, not nearly so.

What else?

What relaxed him? What made him uncomfortable? What turned him on? What turned him off?

Was there something sexual he enjoyed that he had not brought to her attention as yet? Was he into sex play she wasn't even aware existed?

She fancied herself mature and educated about such matters but... was she? Her partners to date had been rather... vanilla in nature. They had one goal in mind and focused on that alone. She was just a tool used to achieve that goal.

Red surely possessed much more knowledge. He was much more experienced.

If there proved to be idiosyncrasies which the man enjoyed, would they be on the same page?

Would she find his tastes titillating? Or would there be issues?

All Liz knew for certain was, she was excited by the prospect of exploring with a partner, a lover... she could finally trust.

Excitement welled in her chest suddenly as the sound of activity in the front area increased.

Red and the guys had returned from their meeting. Though... all had not gone well from the sound of all the bitching rising above the normal conversational level expected.

Liz scurried across the room, making for the closed bedroom door, wings on her feet.

Her heart thudded thunderously in her chest, anticipating the very sight of Red Reddington.

Would it always be this way? She hoped on some level, it would be.

That they would find a way to keep the thrill alive.

Red was very inventive at such things. She appreciated his efforts.

Liz gasped, pulling up short. Red barreled through the door, his solid frame appearing out of nowhere.

The woman blinked her surprise as a pungent stench assailed her unsuspecting nostrils.

"Whoa!" she backed away hastily, wafting the heavy perfume in an effort to clear the air of the overpowering floral concoction.

"Tell me about it!" Red slapped his phone into her palm. "Shut that damned thing off, will ya, baby?"

He held up a warning hand, "Stand back... it will seep into your pours and cut off your air supply."

She grinned as his serious expression.

"What is it that makes a woman douse herself from head to toe with this malodorous, fetid... toxin." he griped, roughly pulling at his jacket.

Liz covered her lips, hiding her smile as the man continued on his tirade.

"The air in that room was noxious!" he grumbled. "I think Francis may have died... I don't know, I left as soon as possible. Every man for himself, I say."

Liz switched his phone to vibrate, helping the man pull free of his vest.

She held his jacket tentatively between two fingers, grimacing. The astringent odor swirled about her senses, leaving her rather nauseated.

"I made a motion to open a window." he turned, spreading his hands wide, the light eyes seeking her out. "As if one window could have obliterated that foul smell."

"It wasn't the pretty blonde?" Liz stuffed his clothes into a laundry bag, following Red as he went.

"Greta Vanderbluff... Vinnie Vanderbluff's very conspicuous but very cordial wife." Red called over his shoulder.

"Really, she's a lovely woman in temperament," he held his tie aloft, eyeing it regretfully, "but I highly suspect her sense of smell failed her years back."

"No one had the courage to inform the woman... less is more." Liz nodded knowingly.

"As I said, a lovely, gracious woman." Red nodded succinctly. "No, I chickened out as well. Honey, don't worry about those things... we'll just burn them. Unless, they combust on their own."

Liz grinned, "They are perfectly good clothes."

"It would embarrass me to send them to the cleaner." Red scowled. "You do not understand," he stressed, "just how much I missed you... especially that amazing... soft, clear scent you wear."

Liz chuckled happily, "A couple hours in this stuff probably gave everyone a horrendous headache." she noted the redness of the man's eyes.

She sat the laundry bag out on the balcony, closing the door soundly.

"My head is throbbing." he admitted, shaking it woefully. "I'll take a few pills and be right as rain in a few–"

"You most certainly will not." the woman's brows furrowed. "You need some downtime, I think."

"No, no," he objected quickly, "I'll shower, careful to use copious amounts of soap, mind you and then we will celebrate your–"

"I have an idea," she mused moving closer to him only to retreat rapidly, "...why don't we share a long, hot bath in that monstrous tub?" she pointed to the structure.

"You didn't take your–"

"Something came up." she crinkled her nose. "But I can have that tub up and running in a few seconds."

"What came up?" Red scowled instantly.

"I handled it just fine." she smiled brightly. "Get out of the rest of those clothes," she motioned, walking to the tub then hesitated, "unless you would rather take a shower?"

Red halted all activity, a thoughtfully musing expression gracing his face.

"Let me see," he pondered, "would I rather take a shower, all by myself mind you," his brow furrowed even more so, "...or relax in a luxurious bath with a beautiful, exciting, naked woman beside me?" he sought her out. "That's a tough one, Lizzy. Let me take a few moments to–"

"Oh, shut up." she chuckled, enjoying his mood which seemed to be swinging to a better place.

"Although," he added cryptically, "it might be wise for me to shower before the bath." he nodded his decision. "That's what I should do."

Liz watched him entering the extravagant shower, her chuckle a genuine one.

"I'll only be a moment though so..." he stuck his head back out, "don't lose the momentum, okay?"

Liz shook her head, "You're spending too much time with Francis." she stated her belief. "You're getting as crazy as he is."

"No need for insults." the water sprang to life inside the shower.

Liz sat back against the sink basin, content to wait out the moment but something came to mind.

She sighed mentally, realizing she would have to tackle the issue sooner rather than later.

"Red... I think I better talk to you about something."

She hated to be the one to break his mood though.

Red halted his soapy hands at the serious tone, his brow crinkling, "...What is it?"

He waited tentatively, wondering if he should cut the shower short.

"It's not really anything," Liz grimaced, "or at least, I hope all is well. I... I may have overstepped boundaries earlier... with Mr. Kaplan."

Red was totally shocked not having expected anything of this nature when Lizzy first announced there might be a problem on the horizon.

"Kate? She was here?"

"No." Liz was quick to reassure. "I... I had Silas call her."

Red stepped to the opened walk-in for the shower, "Lizzy... what's going on?"

The woman pulled a face, "Oh, I probably should have kept my big mouth shut, I know that now." she lamented. "But I couldn't stand how that woman was speaking to Silas!"

"Kate?"

"No, not Mr. Kaplan." Liz was becoming frustrated. "That other woman, the one Mr. Kaplan sent."

Red digested, "The Cleaner?"

"Yes." Liz relaxed. "Red, she is just a horrible woman! If I had to choose between Moore and her... I'd pick Moore."

Red was taken aback.

"Please, go on with your shower." she motioned. "I'll tell the sordid tale but I'd rather you not be standing there looking at me when I do."

Red shook his head for such a foolish outlook, as if he wouldn't accept anything the woman thought to do or say. He slowly returned to the hot, steamy spray, albeit reluctantly.

"So I hear Silas, right?" Liz began anew stepping closer to the stylishly tiled area in which the man resided. "He was highly pissed, and I mean... highly." she recalled the incident clearly in her mind.

"So I go out to see if there was a problem, right and they're at each other's throats. I mean, I have never heard Silas speak to a woman in such a manner."

Red washed his body clean of the stench of the day, in more ways than one, listening intently.

"But that woman... that... that..." Liz couldn't find a word ladylike enough, "she kinda deserved it, if you ask me! She treated not just Silas, but all my guys out there like..." she sought a feasible word.

"Pig slime?" Red repeated carefully, relaxing, sensing this momentous problem wasn't all that horrendous after all.

"Worse... the things she was saying and the tone?!" Liz's tempered resurfaced. "Like she was Queen of the Nile and my guys were her little minions... less than minions! And I just wasn't going to stand for it, Red!"

"Well, I'm sorry but I called her on it, right then and there!" Liz related. "And I said, in no uncertain terms, that no one spoke to my guys in such a manner and I didn't care who the hell she thought she was... I wanted her gone! Immediately!"

Red nodded slowly, adjusting the temperature, "...You did."

"I most certainly did." Liz stood her ground. "But she said Mr. Kaplan was her employer, not me and she had no intention of leaving her post until Mr. Kaplan advised as much."

"...And Silas had nothing to say to all this?"

"Oh, he said plenty." Liz sing-songed her head, her expression a worried one, "but I can't repeat any of it in mixed company."

Red grinned.

"But I didn't need Silas!" Liz objected strenuously. "Really, I told him to get Mr. Kaplan on the phone and he did."

Red's smile lingered, "...And?"

"I explained the matter calmly and asked the woman be," Liz swallowed hard, "... well..."

"Dismissed?"

Liz couldn't read the man's tone.

"I know it wasn't my call or my place but," she exasperated, "who the hell did she think she was talking to, Red? My guys know their business! They are not second-class citizens to anyone!" she lifted her chin stubbornly. "At least, not while I'm around!"

The silence was strained for Liz. She wrung her hands unconsciously.

"What did Kate do?"

Lizzy's story surprised Red. Kaplan's employees were always efficient. They learned how to fade into the background, to become faceless spectators in a crowd.

"She... spoke to the woman, and she left." Liz winced. "I don't think Mr. Kaplan was very pleased with my interference."

"Why do you say that?"

"She was very... silent on the phone. She spoke just three words to me." Liz recalled. "Put her on."

Red would be interested to see Kate's reaction to this new development.

"So, I gave the phone over to the beastly ogre and they talked for a while and," Liz shrugged, "...the woman left."

"Did another Cleaner arrive?"

"Silas said yes, in a remarkably short time actually, but," Liz shook her head, "I guess there are bad feelings all around now because I didn't handle the situation as I should have."

Liz sighed heavily, "I was afraid I would blow it, if push came to shove. I'm not like you... with people or situations."

"Oh, I don't know about that." he muttered sotto voce, a smile playing at his mouth.

"What?" Liz hadn't caught the mumbled statement.

"So what is the problem you are talking about?" he raised his voice.

"...Well... I just told you the problem." Liz was mystified. "Mr. Kaplan is probably upset with me for interfering in her affairs."

"Let her figure it out." Red turned the spray off, accepting the towel Lizzy held out for him as he exited the stall.

"Lizzy," he absently tucked the towel about his waist, seeking her out, the worried little expression endearing her to him, "do you really think I would have stood by and casually allowed someone... anyone, to berate my people without saying a few choice words on the matter?"

"Well, that's you," she reminded, "I'm not... you. I'm just–"

"You are an extension of me and the sooner everyone realizes that fact, the better off we will all be." he stated the facts as he saw them.

The words stunned and delighted the woman. She stared at Red, the large blue eyes seeing him in an entirely different light.

"You mean that!" she realized.

Liz stepped hastily, her arms lifting about the man. "I thought..." she swallowed the sudden lump in her throat, "I had butted in where I shouldn't have."

"We discussed this." he reminded.

"Not this." she sought him out. "I thought I was just... your woman, remember." she corrected.

"My... woman?" he deliberately repeated, his brows lifting superficially.

"You know what I mean." she sighed lightly.

"You are not just my... woman," he rolled his tongue, "so do not discredit yourself in my presence." he staunchly shook his head. "It pisses me off."

"But... the business stuff. I shouldn't be involved–"

"You are my partner," he made it clear, "in every aspect of my life. I want and expect you to be involved. If that is what you want, of course."

Liz took a moment to grasp such an implication, "... But Mr. Kaplan–"

"Is a dear and trusted friend," Red nodded minutely, "And she can take care of herself but you... Lizzy," his eyes softened, "my priority is and will always be... with you."

Liz's eyes shone her love for the man. He really did support her... trusted her.

"Are we clear on the matter?"

She hugged him tightly, planting a kiss on the leathery sunburnt flesh of his neckline, "I think I love you Red Reddington."

"When will you know for sure?" he leaned, a scolding look on his face.

She smiled secretively, "I'm gonna run that bath now."

"You do that." he approved wholeheartedly, knowing that gesture alone said it all.

Propping his head comfortably on the soft pillow behind him, Red idly drummed his fingers on the island beside him.

Lazily pushing a hidden inset, the water stirred to life. Pulsing jets pelted his tired muscles, numbing the stress of the day.

The large black marble surrounding the tub held candles here and there, the soft glow and scent setting a tranquil scene.

Overhead a modern, stylish chandelier gently flickered an ambiance Red could appreciate.

An oblong fireplace crackled its elegance, the heat warming the space to perfection.

Red watched the dancing flames hypnotically.

He was glad Lizzy had suggested a hot soak. In just this few minutes, his headache was easing considerably. The horrendous stench he had not only smelled, but tasted... was a thing of the past thankfully. The scented waters swirling about his body were a very pleasant substitute.

This pampering Lizzy had initiated was something to which the man could rapidly become accustomed.

Moments after submerging himself in the steaming water, the sound of Lizzy's presence flicked his eyes open.

She stood before him, her expression a contented one. The white fluffy robe encased her body. She fiddled indecisively with the tie.

"Something wrong?" he himself, could find nothing what-so-ever wrong, but her hesitation alerted him to a possible problem.

"No, no..." she waved him to remain seated and relaxed. "I'll be right back." tightening the tie back around her waist, she held up a hand to signify there would be a short delay before disappearing from sight.

Flicking the stream his way, Red groaned his relief as the pulsing water massaged the tension in his body.

The sound of the outer door closing and bare feet on the marble floor brought a small smile to his face.

"Lock that door." he tried to soften the request, but it still sounded irritated to his ears.

Lizzy seemed to forgive his gruff demeanor however, chuckling quietly as she, thankfully, did as requested.

"Afraid Francis and his rubber ducky will wish to join?" she asked.

"Hell yes." he slit his eyes as the lights overheard lowered to an even more comfortable level, allowing him to take in the vision nearing him.

Never in his life had he seen anything more adorable, yet incredibly sensual.

A few loose soft tendrils fell from the messy bun atop her head, skirting the shoulders of the oversized robe engulfing her slight frame. A robe he was certain was stolen from the other hotel. It had the monogram after all.

The thought tickled him. She had warned him she would abscond with it.

As she neared the low flickering flames, her cheeks glowed a healthy pink, her eyes sparkled with a hidden mischief he found very appealing.

Red's heart softened when the woman's pretty mouth fell into the most alluring pout, wincing sympathetically for his suffering.

"You poor baby. You've had quite a day, haven't you?" she produced an unexpected gift to ease his suffering.

"Normally," she sat the heavy tumbler and expensive scotch on the island beside him, "I would advise against this, since you've taken your pills..."

Red's brows rose, watching the dark amber liquid fill the heavy crystal halfway.

"We'll share..." she read his thoughts. "That way, I won't feel so guilty."

Taking the pre-offered drink, "And you can lie comfortably with a straight face when the paramedics show up after I've had a heart attack."

"Well... yeah." she shrugged innocently, a smile tugging at her mouth.

He lifted it to his parched mouth, inhaling the rich aroma. He held the warm liquor on his tongue a moment, savoring the heady taste.

"But... you're a manly man." her eyes traveled his exposed torso appreciatively. "You can take it."

Red's eyes shifted when the woman slowly pulled at the ties at her waist, her look more than inviting.

"I am a man..." he agreed.

He rather enjoyed the unexpected burn coursing through his body as he unintentionally swallowed the stout liquor in one gulp when sight of her pert breasts came into view.

"But... will I have to take it?" he teased.

Liz slid her robe slowly from her shoulders, baring herself to his rapt gaze, "I'll let you know." she mused, bringing a smile to Red's lips.

"Do you need anything?" she asked, hanging the expensive robe on an available hook.

"...You." he gestured her closer, his eyes following her movements as she stepped unto the ledge surrounding the luxurious bath.

She toed the swirling depths, withdrawing hastily.

"Is it too hot?" he questioned, instinctively reaching for the faucet.

"No, it tickled." she giggled before taking his offered hand. She eased into the fragrant, bubbling water finally laying back into Red's chest.

Sharing the glass between them, both basked in the quiet for long moments... both enjoying the amazing feel of the bath and each other's presence.

The heat leeched into their skin, loosening tight muscles and soothing their souls.

"This is nice..." Liz hummed her contentment, squirming luxuriously against his frame, loving the feel.

"Yes," he kissed her temple tenderly, "it is."

And it was. Lizzy was here with him. They were alone...

He couldn't be happier.

Losing himself in the sensation of her soft curves laying intimately against his, Red could not recall one troubling incident occurring the entire day.

The woman unexpectedly pushed away from him, shaking him from his reverie.

He frowned his discontent watching as Lizzy turned, making a space between his open legs. She reached for the soap.

"How's your head?" she murmured, rolling the soap between her palms, her eyes caressing him softly.

"...Easing." he said. "Between the pills, liquor...and you... here with me," he told the truth as he saw it, "I'm floating." he closed his eyes to savor.

His heavy lids flickered open when he felt the sensation of Lizzy's soapy hands caressing his torso.

"Just relax." she soothed.

Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Red's body instantly conformed to the gentle slope of the tub as he luxuriated in Lizzy's attention and touch.

With each swipe of her little hands, he felt he was being cleansed of the sins of the day.

And maybe he was?

He was the sinner... and she the saint. His salvation.

Liz skimmed her soapy hands along the plains of Red's body, smiling her own pleasure.

"We're going to have to do this more often..." Red groaned appreciatively for her actions.

To see Red in the bath, so uninhibited and openly fixated on her touch felt as intimate as when they made love. Performing oral sex on the man could not have been more personal. She was astonished at how close she felt to the man at this moment.

She rather liked that only she was allowed to see him in these unguarded moments. Like Red's orgasms, this private time was hers and hers alone.

"Feeling better?" Liz murmured softly, rubbing soothing soapy circles against the man's forearms.

She repeatedly rinsed with the hot, steamy water until she sensed his body relaxing into the moment.

"Much better," he sighed, shifting thankful eyes her way.

"You were just what I needed." the man mumbled.

The woman's brow arched knowingly when the man's erect penis caught her attention. The heavy shaft bobbed in the water, the thick head almost breaking the water line.

Red wouldn't deny her touch aroused him. He felt a stirring in his groin that had not been present earlier, every time her wet body brushed against his shaft or her hands caressed him.

He had often fantasized about taking a bath with Lizzy. As he masturbated when showering in the morning, the visions were both vivid and erotic.

This was a fantasy come true, having her naked flesh sliding against his in such an intimate venue.

But making love to her was not all he intended his statement to convey.

Reaching, Red lifted the delicate chin, directing her attention to his expressive features, "Thank you for coming to be with me." he clarified. "Your presence...calms me."

Liz's eyes softened, understanding the sentiment all too well.

"I needed to come." her soft reply filled him with an urgent anticipation.

'Antsy' was an apt description as his gaze swept her wet frame. His groin stirred at the stunning vision sitting so innocently before him in the steamy waters.

Lizzy's flushed skin radiated under the soft glow of the low light. His tongue itched to catch the beads of water trickling down her curvy frame.

"Come here." his voice was raspy, lower than he could account for.

"You up for that game of checkers?" Liz asked coyly.

"I'm up for something..." he murmured, the evidence stiff and aching between his legs.

Taking the soap from unresisting fingers, he worked up a frothy lather, gently caressing the woman's torso, more than happily returning the favor she had bestowed upon him.

Leaning, Liz captured his lips in a slow, gentle kiss. The man wrapped his arm about her waist, pulling her flush with his body.

He smiled warmly when her slick skin conformed to his as she lay against him comfortably.

Lazily hitting the surge to a new position brought unbidden sighs when the forceful water tickled their skin. The swirling jets hit his back and feet... and it felt wonderful.

"Red?" Liz ventured on, something on her mind. She drew in a blissful breath as the man continued stroking his hands along her back.

"Uh hmm?" he lost himself in the soft silk of her skin. Feeling the satin against his soap covered palms, the rough calloused area a contrast both noted.

"Did you get anything for your last birthday?"

Red's mouth curved upward slowly at the unexpected turn of her mind. Still asking her questions, was she?

"Dembe gave me a book I had been wanting and a new satchel." Red replied. "Silas got me a bottle of scotch." he remembered. "Which he has greatly depleted, mind you."

Liz rubbed her cheek against his pectoral... waiting. Silence fell between them for a brief interval.

"That's it?" she frowned. It sounded so... sad.

"You... gave me a bottle of wine." he smiled at the happy memory, gently squeezing her middle.

She flushed, remembering how she agonized over her purchase. But... he had not picked up on her true meaning.

Red knew hundreds of people. Only two had remembered his birthday? Well... three.

Liz thought back on that time, her mind floating like the bubbles in the bath.

She and Red had been getting on well enough, just a few spats now and then. That week though, Red had been particularly pleased, no arguments or disagreements having ensued.

The cases had been light; she had been well fed and rested... and it showed in her mood. She had even taken the man up on his offer for a bite at a local deli down from the Blacksite.

Their relationship had hit a happy medium.

So when she happened upon that bottle, he instantly came to mind. And since his birthday was on the horizon...

She impulsively bought the gift.

Once in the quiet of her house though, she second guessed the purchase.

It was bad enough when the Secret Santa gift exchange happened at work. It was impossible trying to find a gift for someone you barely knew but to do so with a twenty dollar budget?

Her anxiety raised exponentially when faced with the prospect of buying Red something. He was her partner. Her CI.

All good points of contention...

But more importantly, she was not a wine connoisseur. What if her choice sucked?

By chance, Red dropped by that day to provide her a vital piece of information needed to close out their last case file... when he noticed the gaily wrapped gift.

During their lunch, she mentioned an old colleague was going on maternity leave. He naturally assumed it was a baby gift, wondering over her purchase. A natural enough assumption.

She blushed deeply, but held the offering out to him, correcting his mistake.

He had been so delighted by the unexpected gift... that she gave him, he eagerly pulled the tissue paper from its package

If it had been half-rate, Red hadn't let her know it by his reaction.

As Red stood there, staring down at the bottle in his hands, a silence fell between them that was neither awkward nor comfortable.

Liz waited for the verdict on tenterhooks as she tried to read his indescribable expression.

Ready to wallow in her misery, she about buckled under the pressure of the moment when he quietly suggested... sharing a toast.

Knowing the man now and some of his tells... it hurt, remembering his face as he readied himself for her inevitable rejection.

The good part of that memory was, however... she had accepted.

Liz led him to the kitchen, offering him a corkscrew while she set about pulling down her cheap wine glasses.

Red had either not noticed or been too gentlemanly to remark on her rather boring fare.

Or maybe, because she hadn't made an excuse for him to leave...it stunned him silent.

It had been their usual method of communication, after all.

Hugging herself to the man now, she was pleased as the memory unfolded further.

She wished Red a happy birthday and clinked his glass, breathing a sigh of relief the wine wasn't horrible. In fact, it had been quite good... at least to her unpracticed palate.

Red, himself, said as much. Whether he was being kind, she didn't know. But it helped her relax.

They sat opposite of one another at the bar, sharing not a glass, but the entire bottle.

Tale after interesting tale erupted from the man's lips as the time passed quickly.

They had been nearing the end of their second glass and yet another amusing story... when her stomach had growled... loudly.

Red glanced down at the sound, a smile tugging at his lips. He offered her an apologetic grimace, having realized he overstayed his welcome.

Liz waved him off, asking he finish the story. She pulled containers of Chinese food from the fridge. She didn't know what possessed her, but asked him to share in the meager repast.

Red grinned, sliding off his stool, rolling up his sleeves. Brushing her aside, he made himself at home in her kitchen.

As he continued on with the story, he intently scoured her cupboard, mixing unseen treasures he found, along with the leftover ingredients producing something... incredibly mouth-watering.

Having finished their feast, Red had sighed quietly knowing the unexpected celebration was at an end.

After demanding his rights as a guest, he assisted with the clean-up.

Red was gathering his jacket and hat, a wistful smile on his face. Dembe was a little over half hour away, Liz had heard the conversation having taken place on Red's check-in call between the two men. Red waved the issue aside saying he would wait out front.

Charmed by the easy conversation, the relaxed atmosphere and comfortable companionship... Liz gestured him to sit back down.

He could await Dembe's arrival in the warm house.

A thought struck her as she watched Red lay aside his jacket and fedora, easing back onto the stool he had just vacated.

"Stay there." she indicated when the man had retaken his seat in the kitchen nook. "Don't move."

She hastened quickly to the fridge having noted a forgotten treat when she pulled the earlier meal from the shelves.

She felt a little silly but giggly as she rummaged her kitchen drawers searching for a long-forgotten item.

Her hand secured the tiny object, and she chuckled gleefully.

Red watched with half-suspicious eyes.

Liz turned motioning, "Close your eyes."

A definite scowl met the suggestion and Liz realized exactly what she was asking.

Looking back now, she realized again, what trust it took when he actually accomplished her bidding.

He waited patiently, head cocked.

Lowering the lights, she slid the chocolate éclair, replete with one lone, half-used candle before him.

The man, hearing the sounds, opened his eyes immediately chuckling that low, sensual laugh as he realized the 'surprise' she intended.

Liz broke into a slightly off-key rendition of 'the birthday song'.

Red's laughter was contagious. She had a hard time finishing the tribute, they were both enjoying the little 'joke' so much...

It was a very special memory.

They floated, parts of their bodies weightless in the soothing liquid surrounding their very private world.

Lifting soft eyes, she smiled at the man who also looked lost in his own thoughts. Reaching, she lifted the tumbler, sipping the rich liquor before offering it to Red.

Red took the glass, raking a wet hand against his face and scalp, enjoying the cool burst prickling his skin.

A thought occurred to the woman, "I offered you a stupid éclair." she sought him out for a reaction, she realized.

Red chuckled genuinely, instantly picking up on her meaning, "The quirks of your mind, woman..." he shook his head in amazement. "Yes... and it wasn't stupid at all." he had seen the gesture in an entirely different light.

"You blew out the candle," she continued to her point.

"A time-honored tradition." he nodded he was following along so far.

"I always wondered, do those wishes come true?" Liz half-teased. "Did you get what you wished for?"

Red became pensive for a long beat, "...I did actually." it was as though he had just realized the fact.

Liz lifted amused brows, "Really!"

Red's hands fell to her hips when the woman abruptly sat up, her bottom settling on his groin. He followed a bead of water run trickling over the slope of her breast before disappearing into the swirling waters tickling her belly button.

"And what was that?" she was enraptured.

The man's eyes shifted almost contemplatively, "...You." the deep resonant tone moved her.

"You're..." she swallowed the rise of emotions, "... you're just saying that."

Red's eyes held hers effortlessly, "No," he stated simplistically, "even then... I knew what I wanted."

Liz was speechless at the turn of the conversation, "...You... took that empty bottle." she had the vision still of him sliding into the back seat of the car Dembe had driven to pick him up. "Why did you do that?"

Red looked at her oddly, "It was the first gift you ever gave me. Why wouldn't I take it?" it seemed clear enough to the man. "I still have it."

He reached, idly tracing the swooping slope of her breast, letting the weight settle on his fingers. Red's mouth pulled at the corner when the woman unconsciously moved into his touch.

"...You do not."

"For an FBI Agent, you're not very observant." he chortled lowly. "It's on the bar at home, right front and center by the crystal decanter..." he jogged the woman's memory, "...it has a bow on it."

Liz blinked.

"It means a great deal to me, Lizzy," a slight frown graced his brow as he continued to watch her reaction, "why would it not?"

"It cost twenty bucks!" she blurted then flushed slightly for the faux pas.

He laughed fully, "...Okay." her manner and confusion enchanted the man.

"I meant," she faltered, "... you must have received hundreds of gifts, expensive ones that made mine pale in comparison."

"Do you equate the value of a gift with its price?" he debated artfully.

"Well, of course not!" she was quick to deny the accusation but upon second thought, "...Oh, my gosh... do I?"

His hands skimmed Lizzy's sides, memorizing the weight of her breasts on his hands before inching downward to the slight tapering at her waist and flare of her hips.

"No," he replied confidently, "you just assume I do."

Liz processed, "But you don't." she suddenly 'got it'.

"No." Red's tone gentled.

"You really don't." Liz was flabbergasted which made the man chuckle again.

"The gesture touched me deeply, especially seeing how," Red explained, "our relationship, for lack of a better term, was a fledgling one."

Red swallowed the warm mouthful of which he had just partaken, sitting the glass aside, his eyes aligning with hers.

His eyes dropped to the turbulent waters when the woman shifted on his lap, her thighs tightening about his hips. The fleeting glimpse of the dark triangle covering her sex settled against his own lighter pelt, was hypnotizing.

"I made a wish too... that night at my birthday dinner." Liz settled comfortably on his form.

"Is it permitted to ask... what it was?" he mellowed further, enraptured by the sight of his large hand dwarfing the small indentation of her waist, his fingertips came to rest on the sloping curve of her bottom.

"A new Ferrari." she stated instantly.

The man's laughter delighted her.

"A red one."

"Of course," he played along. "You look good in red."

"I know." she quietened, "A couple weeks down the road though.. I would have changed that."

He nodded amiably, "To a blue one?"

"I would have wished," she shook her head, the soft tendrils swishing hypnotically about the beautiful face, "that our relationship, for lack of a better term, continue to grow."

"And it took so long to make this wish... why?" he teased gently.

Finding the outline of her legs braced beside his hips, Red slowly inched his hands up her silky thighs, his fingers curving around the toned muscle tugging her gently. His eyes closed when her mound pushed against the curvature of his penis.

"I had to mold you a bit... make you more perfect," her expression asked, "isn't it obvious?"

Red held his amusement, "You have succeeded admirably in your efforts."

It was Liz's turn to chuckle. She leaned, catching his mouth in a warm kiss, the taste of delicious scotch on his lips heightened the feeling.

"Did you really wish," she flushed, "... for me?" she couldn't believe the man harbored such thoughts where she was concerned, even then. He hid them so well.

Reaching, Red slowly pulled the pins holding her hair, sitting them aside one by one.

Her vision swam for a moment, the movement just as erotic as if the man were undressing her layer by layer.

Red thread his fingers through the dark locks, easing the ache left behind.

"That... and to kiss this amazing little mouth just once before I died, yes." he said, his eyes holding hers effortlessly, a fire burning deep inside the blue orbs.

Liz exhaled shakily, her heart beating hard in her breast, "...And now you have"

Cupping her small head, Red drew the woman closer, his eyes locked firmly on hers.

"Not nearly enough." he whispered his belief.

A natural instinct to strain towards the man was held in check by his controlled movements, which heightened her anticipation.

"Humans are such stupid creatures." his brow crinkled in thought, his gaze restlessly searching her face. "How often do we allow our pride and misconceptions to rule our judgements and decisions?"

"What do you mean?" Liz was held spellbound by the low, hypnotic voice.

"We lost so much time." his thumb traced the pout of her mouth. "I should have just told you what I was feeling at the time I was experiencing it."

The desire to kiss the woman surged when Lizzy's small nipple grazed intimately against his chest, easing his emotional state to another level entirely.

She inhaled sharply as his warm breath brushed tantalizingly against her eager flesh, her tongue darting to sensually flick against her tingling lips.

The man's wet mouth brushed teasingly against hers, a whimsical shadow of things to come. His nose nudged hers gently. Catching her bottom lip, Red gentled the pink skin erotically, their breaths mingling heatedly.

When the woman's breathing and heart rate accelerated, her body molding comfortably to his, the man felt his entire system go on high alert.

Wrapping his arms securely about her small frame, he stroked her warmed skin possessively, his palms sure and confident wherever he chanced to touch. He lifted her into his attention, determined to further his hold on her psyche.

A carnal grunt hummed low in his chest when her little tongue flicked wantonly against his mouth, demanding entrance.

He found her lack of patience, charming as hell. He loved her eagerness, in all its magnificent form. It meant he was reaching her on some primal level.

Her bottom bowed, arching against his groin in added temptation, persuading him to give into her desires.

She was doing so well in her endeavors... he almost complied...

Almost.

How the hell a man on his back exerted so much control, Liz would never know, but every second that passed she knew she was falling deeper under his spell. She would allow his every whim. A part of her determined to fight the good fight but...

Carding his fingers through her thick hair, Red deepened the sultry connection.

His tongue slid easily past her lips, any resistance she may have thought to give... vanishing before it even materialized.

So much for the good fight...

Liz arched upward, mewling in the man's mouth, her tongue gently mirrored his sensual probing.

Red skimmed his soapy hands along her sides. The sensation of her plump breasts and tiny waist imprinted itself on his mind. The urge to retrace his steps and savor the soft curves over and over, called to him.

He continued on his agonizing path however, a certain destination in mind. He curled his fingers about her buttocks. Soapy bubbles tickled his calloused palms as cupped the rounded flesh.

Leaning over the man, Liz's mouth latched hungrily to his. She wriggled about anxiously, demanding his attention.

Tenderly squeezing the handful of the luscious flesh, Red's fingers slid along the small crevice he had discovered, skimming the tiny puckering of her anus.

Unlike the first time he had explored that area, Liz didn't startle from the touch, but lifted against it, welcoming his actions.

The man's knuckles brushed against the small hole in no set pattern, his attention focused on her response.

Her sex throbbed anxiously, a waving pulse of desire tugging at her vulva. The pink lips swelled, tingling with anticipation.

Her tunnel clenched, surging with a swift, searing heat as it readied itself for Red. The cream of her arousal thickened in response... suddenly hotter than the water surrounding them.

Pleased with her reaction, Red concentrated his index finger against the small hole, rubbing it in a lazy, circular motion.

She gasped sharply against his mouth, her bottom pressing into his touch.

Quickly recapturing her mouth, Red's lips silenced any protest the woman might think to utter.

Directing his touch, Red massaged her with determined strokes. Blindly grasping for the soap, he worked a healthy amount of suds in hand, working the slippery substance where he needed it most.

"...Trust me," he rasped thickly as the woman's labored breathing crested. His fingers moved gently against the tender flesh, the small puckering flexing under his every stroke.

Liz's senses were in overload mode. Red's mouth demanded she comply with his ardent display as the man's middle finger slid alongside the one all ready in motion.

The thick fingers rubbed her methodically, establishing a definite rhythm to his madness.

The sultry and passionate slide of his mouth against hers was erotic, stimulating the woman to new heights of passion.

As was the rigid shaft which rubbed unobtrusively against her thigh from time to time, beckoning her ardor, tempting it... persuading it to unfold.

Trailing her hand down his chest and rib cage, she inched further towards her goal... to take the man in hand, so to speak.

Red's hand grasp hers, stopping her intent, gently twisting the stealthy arm behind her back.

Liz gasped against his mouth as a strong fountain of water hit her nipple. The pressure concave the pliant flesh, beating steadily against the hardening nub in a maddening slow caress.

"...Does that feel good?" Red husk deeply, watching the woman unconsciously move closer to the force. His thumb joined the tantalizing caress, rubbing the pink tip in a maddening slow motion.

Any other time, it might have embarrassed her, to be forced to admit a weakness. At this particular moment, other priorities surfaced.

She closed her eyes, her pouty mouth desperately searching for his, her arms pulling him closer.

She sighed blissfully, murmuring a reply, arching towards the source.

Slowly rolling the woman, Red took a dominate position, grasping the edge of the tub to keep them afloat and his lover above water.

The tub was ridiculously spacious and deep, the swishing waters obscured by millions of tiny white bubbles.

Wrapping his arm about Lizzy's waist, he lifted her small frame against his. Her head now lay comfortably against the small pillow Red had abandoned.

Her open legs naturally cradling the man's body, the slick skin brushing along his firm thighs at every vantage point.

Lowering his head, Red caught her full mouth, hungrily capturing her mewl of contentment on his tongue.

He angled the cascading water to hit her breast, drawing a sharp gasp of appreciation from her throat.

"I missed you..." he murmured softly against her mouth, "so very much, Lizzy."

Wrapping her legs about him, she lifted into his frame, hugging the man happily.

Cupping her bottom, Red returned the sweet gesture. They floated about in the water, once again twisting with the direction of the swirling force.

Planting his foot against the textured bath stopped their movement just as the pelts pulsed unexpectedly against Lizzy's bottom.

In lifting her form, Liz was pleasantly and unexpectedly inundated by a forceful expulsion of water which cascaded along her backside, the hot rivets running between the slit of her ass cheeks.

The sensation was ever so pleasant. She had never felt anything like it before.

A soft grunt escaped her throat. She squirmed her bottom about experimentally, unaware of having done so.

Red picked up on the fact, his eyes hooding with a sensual stare. He reached, his fingers parting the velvet slit judicially.

"Red!" Liz flustered, squirming immediately from his touch.

"Don't even pretend that doesn't feel good." he murmured erotically, holding her in place, directing the spray back to its former position.

"S-Stop it." she pushed at his hands hold.

Red caught one puffy nub in his mouth, suckling hungrily hardening the tiny nipple, refusing to allow the woman any sort of reprieve.

Between the constant rush of lascivious spray and the urgent antics of the man's mouth, a losing battle ensued.

Liz gave in, her eyes closing to the wondrous surge of eroticism washing over her.

Red's mouth felt so good... the torrent spray so sinfully forbidden.

She relaxed into the moment, mindless of her modest upbringing.

"Have you never masturbated like this?" the man's voice was husky, his middle finger probing about the tight flesh of her anus.

Liz felt open and totally vulnerable, her center flaming to vivid life, an ache trailing up into her most private of places.

The question had secretively shocked the woman. Red was so open about such things. He spoke freely, even that holding a measure of the forbidden which attracted Liz like a moth to a flame.

She shook her head negatively, encouraged by his open, frank manner.

The man's hand stroked idly along her thigh, his free arm encompassing her form, holding the lithe body close.

"I... guess it," she allowed him to guide her clitoris to the titillating experience, gasping her amazement, "n-never came up."

"Well, it has now." Red decided, sliding his middle finger inside her molten cavern.

His thumb pulled incessantly at each side of her anus as he alternated the force from one sensitive spot to the other.

He knew, by the woman's disgruntled gasps, that his mission was unfolding nicely.

Liz required more than his fingers to alleviate the pangs of arousal, however. He also knew that.

He had planned for it, in fact.

"I love to see you like this..." Red maneuvered her closer to the pulsating burst, most intent upon observing her reaction.

Liz groaned her awe, the sensation of Red's fingers and the hot water pelting her ass was... amazing.

As Red moved her back against the teasing vibration, which unexpectedly splashed his sack.

"Damn..." he breathed his own growing need, "that does feel good."

Liz nodded slowly, her attention concentrated elsewhere.

Grinning knowingly, Red lifted her full breast, suckling the woman's puffy nipple into his mouth.

Liz's fingers instantly curved about the man's head, holding him to his pastime. The hot tug of his mouth sent jolts of awareness to her clit, causing the creamy heat to build in her core.

Spreading her legs wider, Red directed more pressure to hit her in the new hot spot he had unearthed. His rough tongue scraping against the crinkling swirl of her nipple.

Tightening her hold on the man, Liz hooked her leg over Red's hip which allowed his shaft to shift between her legs.

Red's vision blurred as the unexpected and electrifying sensation of the strong current beat against his sensitive cock head.

"Oh, shit..." he hissed his shock, his fingers tightening about the tubs frame and Lizzy's bottom.

Raking gentle teeth against the man's lip, Liz's dark blue eyes lit with amusement, "...Does that feel good, Red?" she echoed his own sentiment back at him.

"...You tell me," Red's gravely voice left her reeling, the lust so clearly defined within.

Red jerked his hips, pushing into the intensity, the crown of his shaft slipping between her rounded cheeks.

She was dismayed to feel her bottom wriggle closer, her mouth falling agape as his rigid flesh dragged along the sensitive tissue of her anus.

"Jesus..." she forced her eyes open. Intense pleasure pulsed erratically through her nerve endings.

"I believe the correct term is..." Red concurred with her assessment, grunting a soft lived expression of his own pent-up desire, "... Touché."

Liz rolled her hips, jerking against Red's erection, increasing the pressure of the vivid strokes.

Her ass skimmed the rippled texture, the slick heat of Red's cock slid between her legs. She worked harder for her release, her breaths coming in short, whispery gasps.

"Son of a bitch..." Red breathed his appreciation, the sounds and frantic movement igniting an untamed passion.

Readjusting his hold, he trapped his length between her cheeks, pressing the thick head against the puckering hole of her backside.

Securing the woman's mouth, he caught her shaky exhalations as they grew in intensity; her panted breaths... giving him life.

He had never enjoyed a 'dry' hump more in his fucking life. Lizzy's little hips rolled expertly, rubbing her little ass greedily against his cock.

"Oh, God..." she mewled, rocking faster against the man's unyielding shaft as the pleasure rose to a fevered pitch.

Unable to withstand the temptation, Red joined in her efforts, shoving up and against her frenetic pace.

The water sloshed erratically around them with their frantic movement. The soapy water lapped over the sides, wetting the island surrounding them.

He damned his fingers as they slipped from their tight hold on the edge. Quickly readjusting his grip, he gratefully grasped a washcloth in his haste, securing their position.

His fat cock slid heavily against her hypersensitive flesh, the ridges rubbed incessantly where she needed it most.

Leaning, he caught her mouth in a passionate, frenzied kiss. The woman involuntarily cried out in his mouth as she neared the pinnacle.

"Oh, God..." she drawled her awe, "I'm gonna come..." her shaky breath grew in pitch, "fuck... I'm gonna..."

"Fucking hell..." he rasp against her parted mouth, flicking his tongue sensually along hers. He fought the convulsing contractions, his own need rearing its ugly head.

Curling her fingers into his back, Liz rode the cock harder... faster. Her breasts shifted against Red's chest, the hair scrapping along her sensitive nipples sending a searing jolt to her clit as it slapped repeatedly against Red's groin.

Squeezing his eyes shut, Red held tight to his world... his fingers numbed as they tightened painfully around the top of the tub as he valiantly fought the urge to come right then and there on her little ass.

"Dammit, baby," Red growled through clenched teeth, "fucking come!"

He was not happy with his own lack of control. Not happy at all. His plans were going remarkably awry.

But then... Lizzy had never rubbed her ass against his cock with relentless determination, eager to come.

Red secured his stronghold as the woman seized in his arms, releasing a sharp, startling cry of release.

Her shouted exclamation echoed back off the water as the woman clawed frantically at the man, edging even closer to his solid frame.

Ducking her nose into the man's neckline, Liz shook with the tremendous rush of endorphins assailing her senses.

The sensation of her body pulsing against his and the woman's muffled cries of ecstasy tore through Red's psyche.

Four fucking days he had been without her...

He had never wanted anyone so badly in his life.

The urge to fuck her until she was a quivering mess of tortured delight, was intense.

But the need to love her...

Nudging his nose against her neckline and jaw, he encouraged her to come back to him from the exquisite journey she had just taken.

Liz eagerly lifted, snuggling into Red's embrace, nuzzling at his neck, mewing her contentment

Red's heart hammered in his chest when her little face came into view. Those blue eyes were serene with bliss. Lizzy's mouth searched instinctively for his kiss.

Shushing her soft whimpering, Red tenderly peppered that little mouth with gentle kisses as she calmed from the high he had just gifted.

Grasping her leg, he edged his way between her thighs as he rolled her beneath him. Her body naturally floated, conforming to his as he continued loving the woman. His mouth slid effortlessly along her neck and shoulders before returning to the lips he so loved.

Liz lethargically bent to his will, opening herself to his exploration. She hummed melodically as he wrapped an arm about her waist, lifting her breasts free of the water.

Red breathed his excitement as her tiny nipples broke the water line before the rest of the ample mounds followed. An overwhelming desire to taste the glistening skin left him on edge and restless.

His mouth trailed a searing path over the rounded flesh, tasting the light fragrant bubbles. He suckled her sharp peaks into his warm mouth.

The delectable tug of his mouth stirred a reawakening between her legs. Her clit tingled with awareness, a heaviness settling in her core.

Liz could not believe he could arouse her so quickly. She marveled at the man's abilities, basking in them.

A low growl rumbled in Red's chest as his engorged erection slid along Lizzy's slit, the thick head slipping easily between the aroused flesh.

The woman arched into his touch, breathing euphorically as his weight settled against her slim body.

Curving his arm about her waist, Red cradled her small head in his palm, reverently kissing the mouth he desperately missed the last few days.

His cocked jerked hard against her center when the woman's crystalline blue eyes fluttered open, staring hazily up at him.

Sliding his hand over the swell of her abdomen, Red's fingers danced lightly over Lizzy's mound, gently parting the lips of her vagina.

The rough imprint of his finger smoothed over her clitoris, rubbing leisurely circles against the swollen hood.

His eyes darkened when her legs fell apart in open invitation, further beckoning him to take what he wanted.

Lizzy was insatiable during her period. All that blood flowing to her genitals made her a frisky little thing. Like a kitten that couldn't get enough playtime.

Once he got her over that first hump, as it were, she allowed herself to satisfy her needs.

It felt amazing for them both. Her senses were heightened and sensitive to the most simplistic of touch. Her orgasms were intense and frequent. She often came in rapid succession, much to her delight... and his own.

Even through the condom that first time, he had never enjoyed a better fuck in his life.

She was stunningly beautiful, all wet and swollen. She felt amazing. Feeling her engorged lips and clit dragging against his cock was more than mind altering.

He had every intention of making love to the woman but the minute he spread that hot hole open, shoving that snug cushion apart with his cock head... all his good intentions often flew out the proverbial window.

Lizzy never seemed to mind. Red himself was more than eager to give her the fucking she so richly deserved.

He took great pride in allowing the woman multiple orgasms. It was how he judged his merit these days.

She seemed more than pleased with his efforts and content to comply with his rather intense manhandling.

A heady warmth spread through his body upon the realization, he would be afforded that overpowering sensation again. Only this time, he was extremely privileged to feel her as God intended. A man and a woman... here, alone in their own private Garden of Eden.

Bracing an arm, Red pushed upright, startling Elizabeth with his departure.

Liz lay, a little dazed, watching the water sluicing down Red's torso.

Her mouth watered as she followed the line of soapy trails gliding sensually through the hair covering his chest and stomach down to the light curls at his groin.

Her core tightened in response to the stimulating sight of his heavy erection. She stared covetously at the thick, length straining for her undivided attention.

Red's muscled thighs bunched as he raised to his knees, the thick shaft bobbing with his movement.

"...I need you," he rasped, the yearning for an intimate connection with the woman very apparent inside his fevered body.

Liz's brows furrowed with confusion. What part was she supposed to...

"On your knees." he demanded roughly. He jerked his head to the ebony island running about the bathtub. She would use the surface to brace herself for what was to come.

Her heart quickened at the man's deep, thready demand. The liquid heat inside churned, tugging pleasantly at her abdomen and groin. She purposely hesitated, wanting to be persuaded.

"...Now, Elizabeth," he urged brusquely, grasping a thick towel, throwing it for a cushion to lay her arms against.

Red watched the woman turn about under the water. Glancing back over her shoulder, she ever so slowly inched her bottom towards the surface.

The glorious sight of her bare backside breaking the waterline like a seductive Siren arising from a frothy sea, held his rapt attention.

Red unconsciously licked his lips as the water ran in a steady bead between the ample swell of her bottom.

The suds sheered off the rosy flesh, cascading over her rounded cheeks and labia. The rush of water parted the delicate folds, opening her to his heated gaze.

He reached, his fingertips grazing her naked hip as her body naturally curved towards him, willingly readying itself for his intrusion.

Inching forward, his palms slid along her wet flesh, curling into Lizzy's shapely hips. The woman relaxed into the position she had assumed.

Reaching blindly for a hand towel, Red shoved it under the hot waters between her legs, lifting one knee then the other, settling them on the makeshift cushion.

Liz flushed a deep red, one part pleased the man was so considerate at such a time. The other part, understanding the deeper meaning. He wanted her stationary... for their activities.

Red's breathing shallowed as he took in the sight of the bubbles strategically spotting her pink flesh.

The tantalizing peak of a nipple, the fleeting glimpse of the curvature of her glistening wet spine, teased him mercilessly.

He licked his lips hungrily watching one certain line of suds trail deliciously between her ass cheeks only to curve about her full lips before dripping from her clit.

He blew out a steadying breath as visions of his cum following the same path flittered about in his very active imagination.

Liz squirmed about restlessly, her core aching to feel the man.

Red's eyes raked the little bare ass boldly, his palm running over the firm slope possessively...he took the moment to run gentle fingers between her legs, slowly caressing the sweet clit several strokes.

He nudged her forward.

Following the silent directive, Liz rested her forearms more comfortably on the edge of the tub rim, willing to allow the man's every whim at this stage.

Resting his legs beside her closed ones, he curved her hips giving him a front seat view of the luscious pink pussy and erotically sensual backside.

He had lost the advantage of the water jet but Red Reddington was nothing but resourceful.

He ran his palms over the satin cheeks, tilting her bottom for a better hold... and view. His thumbs slid teasingly between the plump cheeks, enjoying her soft moan of pleasure.

Leaning he placed his lips on either side of the voluptuous slopes suckling tenderly, marking the flesh with subtle marks wherever his travels took him.

Liz grunted her dismay but did not once think to chastise such behavior even when the man's experienced tongue darted fleetingly between her cheeks, flicking the tightly puckered skin of her anus, a few light, teasing strokes.

Red grinned, having expected the woman's startled outcry. She moved from his touch.

Reaffirming his hold, he brought that delectable treat back, nuzzling the sweet flesh lovingly.

Liz returned to her earlier thought... to open herself to exploration... to experience Red's predilections, but she could not have anticipated what they would entail.

Certainly not this.

In truth, the sensation was so fucking phenomenal, she could not find the courage to fight the overpowering stimuli invading her senses.

"...You shouldn't," she was more than relatively certain of the fact, her tone a scolding one.

A predatory smile curved Red's mouth. Spreading her cheeks wider, he allowed her to feel his full tongue rub along the crinkled flesh.

He chuckled softly when the woman gasped sharply and unconsciously bowed her back, opening herself to the man's exploration.

"Why shouldn't I?" he husked, his hot breath teasing her intimate alcove.

Her world shifted, her objections turning to a jumbled mess as the man's wide tongue pressed firmly against her backside, rubbing against the tight hole incessantly.

"...I," she swallowed hard, her brow furrowing as a wave of arousal surged through her, "... it's um..." she faltered, her mouth falling open with her panted breaths.

"I'm waiting." his eyes traveled the expanse of her back, enjoying the view provided.

He knew what she objected to, determined to change her views to a standard... conventional outlook.

Holding her in place, he regretfully lifted from his pastime, "Stop worrying," he soothed, "I cleansed you myself." he reminded.

She remembered, he had soaped her bottom, most likely with the view of this activity in mind... easing any concern she may harbor.

"If you want the God's honest truth..." he kissed the curvaceous slope, "I had my heart set on teasing your tiny clit tonight as well."

"You c-can't!" Liz wriggled in his touch, totally dismayed.

"I don't like to limit our horizons..." he whispered sacredly.

"Red..." her cheeks flamed with embarrassment, "...no."

"I assumed you'd say as much," he disgruntled.

"...I'm," she frowned her dismay, "...Red, my period is–"

"I will very reluctantly accept this... for now," he eased her tension, "but soon, I reserve the right to show you just how possible any obstacle is to overcome if one is truly determined."

She moved forward, intent on ending the face off only to feel the man tighten his hold. She moved from his touch, her decision a firm one.

"It's either let me taste your clit," the man rasped, "or allow me to return to my... previous activity." he negotiated. "Choose, Elizabeth."

Liz held firm objections to what the man was implying. Her intellect dictating one thing but her ripe, aching body more than willing to compromise.

She couldn't fathom how the hell Red would give her oral when she was on her period? Perhaps she had misunderstood his intentions, she knew, deep down however... she had not.

All she knew with absolute certainty was her core was aching badly for release.

Her senses too inflamed to confront the issue at present, she would accept the fact, what he had attempted was the lesser of two evils.

Readjusting her stance, she slid back into her previous position, opening herself to Red.

Red's eyes darkened watching that tiny ass tilt for him. A soft grunt worked in his throat as he lowered back to the offering, wasting no time in rubbing his tongue briskly over the sensitive flesh.

Liz's breath was suddenly stolen from her as the man nuzzled his face into her cheeks.

His tongue worked diligently against her aroused flesh, quickly bringing her earlier passion back into focus within seconds.

He grunted approvingly when Lizzy rocked against his face, pushing into his touch. Increasing the pressure, Red felt the little hole flutter in response to his efforts.

Tightening his tongue, he alternated between licking and poking the tight orifice repeatedly, imitating the movement of lovemaking.

Liz's body tensed with exquisite pleasure as the man stabbed at her opening, the sensation a foreign... yet undeniably erotic one. She felt her abdomen tighten in response, her vulva tingling with heightened arousal.

"...God," she breathed her awe, "...G-God!"

Grasping her own cheek, she pulled at it, opening herself more to the intense sensation.

Red exhaled sharply, waiting for such an occurrence. The sweet tang of her arousal flooded his senses. His cock hardened further, shifting heavily between his stocky thighs.

He tenderly slid a thick finger into her core.

Red centered his attention on the swollen nub inside, petting it in a steady, titillating pace.

The tightening of her anus clenched under his tongue alerted him she was close to orgasm.

Doubling his efforts, Red tongued that beautiful ass until she cried out. Her back arched sharply, shoving the round flesh against his face... the little hole fluttering wildly under his ministrations.

Slowing, he gentled his touch, flickering the tip against her quivering flesh.

"That wasn't so bad," he pushed upward, inching forward, "... now was it?"

Lethargically shaking her head, Liz's senses were still reeling when the man's fat cock head parted her swollen vulva.

He pushed past the tight resistance of her vaginal lips, smoothly gliding inside.

"...Jesus..." Red hissed his contentment and gratitude to a benevolent deity when the tight hold grasped him, massaging his crown.

"I've missed this little pussy so much, can you tell?" he groaned his delight.

Liz's fluttering walls tugged at his cock, drawing him deeper into the abyss. Rolling his hips slowly, he eased his cock into the tight sheath inch by agonizing inch.

Settling his hands at her waist, he lowered his eyes avidly watching his cock vanish into the rippling hole until his sack was snug against her clit.

She whimpered despondently, moving suggestively when his sack nudged her. She lifted into the touch, encouraging his actions.

His mouth curved, "...I'll take that as a, yes."

Red's body trembled visibly when her tunnel fluttered helplessly around him before conforming to the large shaft, squeezing the fuck out of him.

"Finally," he breathed a raspy whisper, "it felt like a damned eon since I last touched you."

Quickly falling into a steady rhythm, Red watched the show unfolding before his very eyes.

The rounded cheeks of Lizzy's ass jiggled with each gentle thrust of his cock. The tiny hole clenched tightly each time he completed their connection.

He rather enjoyed the unhurried tempo he found. He could feel every nuance of Lizzy as he glided evenly into her warm hold.

The way she conformed to him, the mind bending tug on his cock head when she clenched... he had missed this private, intimacy with her and was really in no hurry for it to end.

Wetting his thumb, he rubbed gently against the small pucker of her ass, enjoying her soft groan of approval.

He smiled warmly after a few moments as he felt her ease under his touch. Working his index finger against the small hole, he eased the tip into the totally relaxed anus.

"Stop..." the woman tensed against his intentions, stopping the foreplay dead in its tracks. "What are you... doing?" she questioned hesitantly.

"Just... relax." he soothed her worry, careful to not push his good fortune any further.

Liz bit nervously at her lip, unsure, "I'm not–"

"I swear to God, I won't hurt you, baby," Red stressed, "I promise."

Red would never hurt her... intentionally, of course he wouldn't... she reminded herself. He may not be out to hurt her but... she had never done anything like this before.

She was... a little more than apprehensive, "...But-"

"Do you trust me." he slowed to a standstill, waiting to see what she wanted to do.

"Just... try it." he encouraged. "If you don't like it..."

His heart warmed when he felt the woman try to lessen the tension in her body.

Dropping her chin, Liz breathed through her anxiety determined to open herself to his needs.

"Take a deep breath," Red instructed quietly, once again rubbing the small hole persuasively, "let it out..."

Liz did as told and kept doing so as his finger inched further into her body until he suddenly stopped the momentum.

"Did it hurt?" he enquired softly as his knuckle settled in place.

It hadn't hurt… at all; to her great shock.

To be honest, she hadn't expected it to end that suddenly or smoothly.

"...No," she told the truth, "it's... it's all right."

"Now, just keep breathing," he gently eased his finger back and forth, allowing her to become accustomed to the foreign object.

"Good?" he asked, stroking the steamy hold with ease now.

"Y-Yes..." she moaned melodiously, "yes it's..." nothing like she expected, not at all.

This was beyond titillating.

Red's eyes gentled on the woman, pleased beyond measure she was enjoying the added incentive.

"I'm going to move now," he warned before swiveling his hips, driving his cock deep inside the woman's warmth.

He slowly worked back to his earlier tempo, watching the very stimulating sight of his cock and finger sliding in tandem until his sack pulled tight against his groin.

He grinned happily as the woman pouted at the loss as he eased his finger free of its confinement.

She whimpered as the man's hand cupped her, the large hand encompassing her lower abdomen and mound easily.

"I can feel myself," he hissed, pressing against the movement, "...inside you."

Liz's hand fluttered to his, her slim fingers laying against her abdomen. Red placed his hand over hers, pressing against her taut stomach.

Her mouth gaped as she felt the large cock slide past her mound into the very depths of her core. The thick head jabbed inside her, pushing at her belly. The pressure against her hand was... intense.

Red snarled when he felt the movement of his cock through her hand. He couldn't believe how well they could feel it... nor how deep inside her body he really was.

He knew she was tiny compared to his bulk, but to feel such a sensation... never had he experienced anything so exquisite.

Never had he been inundated by such varying emotions.

To feel himself within her body in such a way, brought on such a surge of dominance... he fought the urge to fuck her until she submitted to his every whim.

The overwhelming impulse to protect her was intense. Even now, his body sheltered hers. Palming her breast, he pulled her into the safety his body afforded. He braced his other hand alongside hers, effectively blocking sight of the woman from possible intruders.

He was almost positive Lizzy felt the change within him. Her center flooded with heat as she bared her neck to the man... a very symbolic gesture to the Alpha male inside.

"Do you feel me?" his panted breaths tickled her neckline. "How deep you're taking me..."

"Yes..." she opened herself to his affection, mewling breathlessly with each deep thrust of his cock.

Liz lifted into his shallow thrust, her mouth parting sensually for a host of reasons.

"No one is allowed to touch you like this," he growled, asserting his rights to the territory, "love you... like I do."

Liz moved into his body, the enticing sensation of his chest hair against her back and her bottom, robbing her of any coherent thought.

"Do you understand me?" he husked, the implication more than apparent.

She nodded jerkily, fully accepting his terms. The thought of anyone other than Red touching her, disturbed her. Only Red had the right… ever again.

"Good girl..." Red circled her clit, shallowing his thrusts. The desire to stay deeply encased in her heat... to feel connected to her was suddenly overpowering.

She gently bounced off his fat cock, clenching tight around him.

"Yes..." he hissed, "that's my good baby..." he increased the pressure where she needed, "tighten that pussy for me."

Her core clamped about the man's shaft, her head swimming as the hard-textured cock pushed against her tightening core, demanding entrance.

"Shit..." he continued his steady rhythm, "keep doing that."

She moaned, desperately trying to push back against him, wanting him so badly to fuck her little hole.

"Do you have any idea," the man's head fell against her shoulder, rubbing the swollen peak of her clit harder, "just how much pleasure you give me?"

She instinctively raised her bottom, gasping with joy as his hard sack pressed intimately against her.

Wrapping her in his embrace, he pumped his hips slowly, "Not only this..." he cupped her breast, thumbing the tiny peak, "there is so much more, Elizabeth."

He shook his head for the depth of emotions inundating his heart, "How do I make you understand?"

Liz lost herself in Red's voice and the evocative impact of their bodies coming together.

"My adoration of you grows with each passing day." he needed to share a part of what he was feeling.

Liz whimpered as his large hand curved about her waist, pulling her back into his gentle thrust.

"I have never felt such contentment... until you." he stated.

Securing her pelvis in his hold, he lifted her bottom into his shallow thrusts, which pushed the woman over the edge.

Her core pulled at his shaft, squeezing the thick muscle in the warm, loving embrace of her body.

His head fell back, his eyes closing rapturously as the hot cushion convulsed around his cock head.

The excruciatingly pleasurable contractions of her body desperately massaged the large bulb, determined to extract what he freely and willingly would give Lizzy anytime she required.

"God, yes..." he sighed euphorically, "you're such a sweet little fuck..."

Adjusting his hand on her abdomen, he lost himself in the sensation of his cock sliding deep past the recesses of the snug heat before the heavy weight of his cock pushed against his hand.

Lizzy's thready moans and breathless pleas delighted his senses, drawing him closer to what he knew would be a profoundly gratifying release not only in body, but soul.

"...You feel so good," Liz mewed.

She felt a delicious tug in her clit, the cresting wave of orgasm edging closer once more, stunning her.

"Shit," he grated the fact, realization dawning, "I can't wait any longer."

Red's eyes softened as Lizzy babbled breathlessly, professing her love and lust for him in rapid succession.

"Help me..." he coaxed, increasing the pressure on her clitoris, "baby... come with me."

A low, gravelly groan rolled through Red's chest and parted mouth as he neared the apex, sending sharp jolts to her clit.

Just as his cock head throbbed, the intensely satisfying tug of Lizzy's pussy enveloping his shaft in liquid heat which consumed him.

His vision blackened as his cum pulsed thick jets from his sensitive slit.

Liz cried out as Red's fingers curved about her hips, gently pulling her back into his deep rutted thrusts. She lifted her bottom as his substantial load pooled deep within her core.

Red groaned brokenly as Lizzy's pussy fluttered relentlessly around his throbbing shaft, extracting the hot fluid in mind-altering waves.

"...I missed you..." the woman gasped a shaky breath as his thick cream filled her, "...so much."

The ache in her center subsided with each pulse of his shaft. The heat of Red's cum spread through her pelvis and thighs, leaving her weak and sated.

"...This is what my baby wanted," he husked, "...isn't it?"

Her heavy lids shut as Red pulled her snug against his groin.

"...Oh, my God," Liz gaped as the overflow of fluid pushed around the man's shaft, trickling over her lips and clitoris.

Red dropped his hips, pushing her down below the water. He felt the hot liquid rush in around him, as he pushed back inside, swirling their arousal out around him and their bodies.

"Ohh..." she flushed.

He frowned slightly, not understanding her embarrassment, then saw the pink tinted water.

"Baby, it's all right." he chuckled softly, regretfully sliding free of her warmth.

He reached around, pulling the plug, arising.

"Let's have a quick rinse off." he gestured to the shower, offering his hand.

Liz nodded, stepping over the tub with Red's help, "We're going to look like prunes."

"What time are you leaving tomorrow?" Liz asked, rubbing lotion into her arms after their quick shower and dry down.

She frowned after a moment when the man didn't reply instantly. "...Red?" she stepped from the bathroom, finding him unfurling a towel over their sheets.

"Hoping to get lucky again?" she grinned.

"Always," Red replied without hesitation, "but in this case, I was aiming for your comfort."

Liz's eyes softened on the man as she slipped into the luxurious bed.

After the man shut down the lights and situated himself, she rolled towards him.

He sighed, when she snuggled up to him, stifling a yawn.

"What time are you leaving in the morning?" she repeated.

"Are you on Eastern or Pacific time?" he smiled.

"That's why I'm asking." Liz rolled her eyes towards the man.

"I suppose I'll be leaving around eight," Red hid his smile when Lizzy gasped indignantly, "... Pacific time."

He chuckled, kissing her temple when Elizabeth visibly relaxed.

"Are we old, Red?" she asked after a moment silence.

Red chortled quietly, "Well...I'm not, but why do you ask?"

"Well, we're in LA and it's well before midnight." she realized. "Shouldn't we be out enjoying the nightlife, or something?"

"I am enjoying the nightlife." Red turned, snuggling the woman closer. He dipped his nose into her neckline, drawing a soft giggle from Lizzy.

"I meant, it's barely ten o'clock and we're in bed."

"If it makes you feel any better," he murmured against her soft flesh, "it is two our time."

"Oh... right," she remembered, "no wonder I'm so sleepy."

"Exhausted, perhaps?" Red rephrased. He had quickly become accustom to bouncing between time zones. He adapted to each he visited with little issue any longer.

"To be honest," Liz began, "being away from you was more taxing than anything else."

Red's heart warmed, hearing the words, "Then we're on the same page."

Liz smiled, leaning to kiss the man before turning on her side, wiggling back into Red's body.

Red eyes softened, his arm held aloft allowing her to get comfortable. Once she settled, he pulled the blankets up around them.

Only after a few moments had passed before he felt the pull of sleep. In the preceding days, he found every excuse not to visit this empty bed.

It was not empty now, however.

"Lizzy?" he pressed his lips into her soft hair. The woman hummed sleepily in response. "I'm glad you joined me."

"You know what I'm glad for," she murmured sleepily, "Jacuzzi tubs."

His sensual chuckle filled the silence of the room, "Especially those with adjustable jets."

---

Author Notes:

We wanted to title this one... Rub a Dub-Dub Let's Make Love in the Tub... but it wouldn't fit. :D

If there are any typos, point them out. We had a heck of a time with this chapter.