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)

171. Anomalous Gambit

Finally catching up with Lizzy, Red geared himself up for the duration, sighing mentally.

Elizabeth stood, arms crossed, her foot tapping irritably.

Red held his smile, a part of him slightly amused by her sullen pout and glaring eyes. He swiped the key, pushing the door open for the fiery spirit.

Liz turned once inside the quiet room, tossing her bag to the couch. "I thought you always kept your promises to me."

Red halted in his tracks, having shoved the key into his pocket. "Excuse me?"

"You promised," Liz snapped angrily, "you would cut that bastard's balls off and shove them down his throat!"

Red shifted his eyes, hanging up his hat. "Well, I promised him, not you... but I got your drift." He mused. "You feel invested."

Liz's eyes narrowed.

"Okay, can we discuss this rationally at this stage?" He sat some parameters. "Or should we take a moment and reconvene later?"

Liz considered the matter for a beat, trying to calm herself.

Red sensed she was in a better frame of mind, just not where he needed her to be. It seemed Harper was not the only one who needed to start small and build.

Indicating a change in venue to converse, Red moved towards the divan which took up most of the living room. Lizzy sat... still not in the best of moods, but open to civilized conversation.

Sitting across from her in a high-backed chair, Red formulated his thoughts. "If a situation arose where you had to choose between doing what Francis told you or what I bid you do... who would you choose to follow?"

"You." Liz was astounded he would even ask the question. "What has that got to do with–"

"Why?" Red enquired. "Don't you trust Francis?"

"It has nothing to do with trust." Liz dismissed. "You're my... well, we're together." She fumbled with her own thoughts on the matter. "We're engaged... a unit... a package deal." She explained her reasoning. "Besides," she was obviously perplexed, "Francis is an idiot. Why would I do anything he said?"

"Okay, bad example." Red admitted. "My point is... it was not my place to offer that unfortunate woman a safe haven. Especially considering the situation which developed in the end."

Given pause for thought, Liz fell silent.

"Are we in agreement in that regard?"

"Well," Liz flushed slightly, admittedly not appreciating the implication one bit, "I understand it was a weird situation but..."

"No man, already involved in a mutual pact with another female," Red gestured between Lizzy and himself, "could offer assistance and not face consequences. We had a very thin line to tread with this matter."

Liz pondered the men's predicament. "What line? She was being abused, Red."

"You keep negating the lifestyle this woman may have willingly chosen to involve herself." Red reminded. "I had to respect that to a point."

"I don't understand why she would willingly stay with that dirtbag." The fact still floored Liz in all honesty.

"That decision falls outside our jurisdiction, now doesn't it." Red's tone was firm. "When Harper stepped up, however, things changed. My options broadened."

"Yeah, that's a match made in heaven." Liz grated.

"Some people say the same about us." Red countered.

Liz gasped her dismay. "What!?"

"They don't understand the dynamics of what we are. They haven't taken the time to understand our journey, because they haven't taken it themselves." He smiled gently.

Sitting back in his seat, he casually crossed his leg over his knee, drumming his fingers on his thigh.

"Maybe their own fears, prejudice or ignorance blinds them to the wonderful opportunity before them." He shrugged. "We learned to push past those boundaries and grab hold of the happiness afforded us, no matter the consequences or intolerance we may face."

Red shifted comfortably, sighing. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stray off topic." He apologized. "Until she regains her sense of self, the only thing that would... might solve this poor woman's plight, was another dominant Alpha male. Harper fits that bill."

"Harper's no better than the other." Liz grumbled her belief.

"He fought for her." Red reminded. "He's stepping up now. He doesn't have to... now does he."

That part still irritated Liz.

"There is another side to the guy, Lizzy." Red chided. "I'm not making excuses for Harper's previous behavior towards you... what happened at the poker game was personal, between Harper and myself."

"And me." Liz supplied.

Red nodded thoughtfully. "I know, in our business dealings, he has always been loyal and efficient... keeping in mind, he's always disliked me."

"This woman isn't a shipment of cargo." Liz couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Like it or not, Harper is responsible and dependable, which is just what she needs." Red reiterated.

"Well, to me," Liz shared her point of view, "with what happened at the poker game, he took his anger at you out on me. Doesn't sound very responsible to me."

Red lowered his head. "Lizzy," he paused, wondering how he could explain the intricacy of this situation, "the interaction with you and Harper stemmed, I think, from envy. A very human characteristic."

"You lost me." She spread her hands.

Red considered if he even wanted to continue the explanation. "At the time, Harper was grappling with a lot of shit on his plate. He was very aware of the woman's plight well before the game. He liked her and wished somehow to help her... just like you did when you found out."

Liz quieted.

"I'm so damned grateful that while you were going through rough patches in your life... I could offer some sort of support." He remembered back.

"Think what he felt, not being able to offer even the smallest smile of encouragement." The thought made Red feel sorrow for them both. "He couldn't just walk up and speak his mind or offer comfort for the emotional and physical pain that woman was clearly going through."

Liz's brow furrowed.

"Had I not been allowed that freedom with you?" Red shook his head slowly, his eyes filled with pain. "How would it have affected me... or you?"

Red understood Eric Harper a little more than he wanted to admit.

The man arose, heading to the bar. He needed to shake the feelings descending.

"He sees us from afar," he continued, grasping a tumbler and wine glass absently, selecting his choice of liquor, "the perfect couple... you, especially." He realized how they must look to outsiders.

"I'm sure Harper watched you enjoying a carefree, frivolous lifestyle while the woman he was falling for was out of our sphere... wallowing in misery." He checked with Lizzy. "And did we even give her a thought?"

"Well, we did as soon as..." Liz trailed off.

She had seen the woman occasionally; it was true, off in the distance or alone... always alone, just staring at her. Liz would offer a smile because the other woman always appeared so sad, so... something. But then the moment would end and...

"Oh, my god, Red." Liz teared up, "I... I did notice her."

Red handed the woman a red wine. "Well, I didn't, but Silas did. That's how I got involved. At least you..."

"Did nothing." Liz lifted her own sad eyes. "I sensed something, but I didn't follow up, not at all."

"Baby, we're here to shut the world out," Red reminded. "Can we be faulted for wanting a few days just to ourselves? The world is full of shit... we can't solve each and every problem out there."

Liz nodded solemnly.

"We did something about this one, though, right?" He lifted her chin, his gaze a gentle one.

Liz sipped her wine absently, not really tasting the delicious tart sweetness. "I hope so.."

Red sat back, nursing his drink, his thoughts wandering. "I think Harper saw his opportunity and took it."

Lifting her attention away from the dark swirl of her wine, Liz looked to Red. "What?"

"With us involved, he could finally act without recrimination."

"Recrimination?" Liz was flabbergasted. "Here? People can murder people here and it's swept under the rug... what recriminations?"

Red swallowed the fiery liquor absently. "No, only certain people." He corrected. "It may surprise you to know, Mark is very fastidious about what goes on here and what does not. There is a strict code of conduct."

"Here..." Liz was making sure she understood what was being said.

"Lizzy, we're here as Mark's special guests." Red stressed. "Everyone knows that."

"I didn't." She was surprised. "What do you mean, special?"

"Meaning, we are allowed certain privileges and freedoms." Red explained, then hit on an example. "How comfortable are you with Maria and Antonio, enough to let them walk about your house unescorted?"

"I feel very comfortable with them." Liz replied immediately. "They're like... family to me."

"And Ressler? Would you offer him the same liberty?"

The instantaneous scowl she felt furrowing her brow was shocking, but telling. She didn't like the idea of Ressler poking around in her house, not at all.

"Like Maria and Antonio," Red continued, "our group is given free rein here. Other guests understand the status quo, as it were." He shrugged.

Liz just assumed all those people were special because of their unique position in life. "I wouldn't think I would be included."

"Being within your circle of friends is quite the coup these days." Red heard the gossip and enjoyed it immensely.

"That's silly, Red. There are all sorts of cliques around here." Liz flushed. "Movers and shakers too! I'm certainly not in that sort of league."

"Apparently, you are." Red smiled.

"Because I'm with you, maybe." Liz took for granted.

"Because you are a desirable, engaging companion." Red corrected. "You are naturally kind, caring, and attentive to those around you. In short, you give a shit and people gravitate toward that sort of person."

Liz eyes widened, having had no idea people thought of her in those terms. "But being Red Reddington's 'plus one' is quite the honor. Your reputation does proceed you."

"That can be good or bad thing, as you have learned." He teased. "We have supporters, Lizzy, is my point." He brought the conversation about full circle. "Harper is here on business. He can't afford to do any less. He can't take the chances I, or Francis, can. He knows that."

"And he resents that." Liz assumed.

"Maybe," Red shrugged, "all I know is, he took the chance today that Mark would not evict his ass." He had to give the man props for the attempt. "His only recourse was to wait for an opening, and hope Mark cut him some leeway."

"Which Mark did...because you had become involved. You are a credible witness who would vouch for and support Harper's actions. " Liz was beginning to see the light. "I might begin to resent the hell out of you after a while." She grinned. "You get favors others don't. That's not fair."

"Life is rarely fair." Red reminded. "Either way, Harper established the contact he needed with the woman he most wanted to connect with. All's well that ends well."

"Still," she returned to the topic at hand, "it's not like you to hold back when you see a situation that can be righted so easily." Doubts still lingered. "What held you back so long?"

"Because it was clearly a Dom/Sub relationship." He pulled the ends of his vest. "It's a very private thing between couples. A line you don't cross without tangible evidence something is amiss."

"I've read those books," Liz shrugged carelessly. "I know a few things."

Red held his smile. "Those books?" He knew to what she referred, of course. "Maybe those books have got it all wrong. Have you checked with the actual Dom/Sub community?"

"Have you?" Liz accused. "How do you know so much about it?"

Red's mind drifted to Bridget Allemand, a real-live card-carrying member of the community in question. Should he mention the lady, and his experiences, or wisely refrain? Time would tell.

"I know some couples incorporate certain... games into their playtime." He shrugged nonchalant shoulders. "One must be able to gauge at exactly what mode of 'play' a couple has reached. That's why I had to keep watch on a number of occasions, not just one day or interaction."

Red scratched his head absently. "That woman was obedient to the extreme... but the bastard still berated and disciplined her. She responded with confusion, pain and sorrow." His eyes hardened. "Yet, she never dropped out of the game."

"Okay, what the hell are you talking about?" Liz was stymied.

"She never reverted to her true self." Red explained.

"Oh..." Liz thought she understood.

"There are levels of playing within the dominant and submissive realm." Red expounded. "There is dominant and submissive... and then there can be master to slave. If couples outline the contract correctly, all are totally acceptable roles."

"Contract?" Liz was completely lost.

"It's very businesslike, in a way." Red recalled. "Couples outline details such as safe words and limits both participants are comfortable pursuing."

Liz shifted restlessly. "Like when I came to you that night and played the escort..." she flushed at the remembrance, recalling how much she enjoyed the game. She fell silent, a tiny bit embarrassed.

"Yes, we established rules of a sort." Red thought it was a wonderful example.

Sensing Lizzy's shyness discussing their own intimacy, he used it to further explain his neglect in acting on his hunch. "As you can imagine, the details mentioned in their contracts are personal and private."

Liz lowered her eyes, beginning to see how restricted Red's options were, in reality.

"For all I know, the bastard was fulfilling all this woman's kinks." Red explained his hesitancy to intercede.

"Who would get off on such a thing?" She mused quietly. "That was... extreme treatment."

"Some couples enjoy incorporating rough play," Red granted. "I find it extremely arousing that you allow a little man-handling." he confessed a small kink of his own. "When I assert my masculinity from time to time, your response is a... favorable one I enjoy very much."

Liz lifted seductive eyes, unaware she was responding to the deep timbre of his voice.

"But he crossed a line." Red ended the lesson. "No Dom would ever touch another man's property, which he assumed you were." His anger resurfaced. "It's not only bad form, it's illegal in most circles."

In his time with Bridget, he witnessed players being ostracized and worse for not following the rules of the society.

"His attitude showed his contempt of all women." Red knew the type. "They rank low on his totem pole."

"Want to know where I think he belongs?" Liz scowled hard.

"Mark will handle that matter properly." Red knew for certain, smiling at the retort. "He will get exactly what is due him."

Liz hugged a pillow close. "Why would she stay, do you think?"

Red pondered the inquiry for a long moment. "Perhaps it's the norm. She was may have been raised in a similar atmosphere."

Liz's heart hurt for the woman.

"He's well off. Can be charming, I hear. He could have showered her with love in the beginning... expensive gifts." Red saw another tactic. "Probably introduced the playtime to spice things up. She accepted it as part of his sexual needs."

"That's one scary thought." Liz admitted. But what she and Red were doing... was it any different?

Yes, yes, it was very different. She was the one approaching Red. She sensed too, Red would never, ever cross boundaries.

"One can only hazard a guess." Red gave up the goal.

"So now Harper is her new protector just because he won a fight?" Liz got it clear in her head.

"That remains to be seen." Red had no definitive answers. "If she is allowed a reprieve from the repeated abuse, maybe things will get clearer in her mind."

"At least the prick is out of her life." Liz was relieved, her thoughts introspective.

"Let's not forget too; she did not have to take Harper up on his offer." Red pointed out, alerted to Lizzy's silence. "He won't hurt her... it's not inside him to do such a thing." He assured.

Liz held her peace. "I don't get the whole Dom/Sub thing." She didn't. "Not as a way of life."

"There are a lot of preconceived ideas out there, what with the books stirring up interest. Most think," Red knew, "the relationships are demeaning or abusive."

"Isn't that the case?" Liz countered.

"You tell me." Red countered back. "Did you enjoy our playtime earlier?" he believed he knew the answer, but it never hurt to check. "Or did it feel abusive and demeaning?"

"W-What?" Liz sputtered. "You were being assertive, not dominant."

"Some would disagree with your assessment, but as I said," Red reminded, "there are varying degrees."

"But the man described in those books," Liz expressed her confusion, "you weren't... aren't anything like him?"

"Probably because I followed the breadcrumbs you scattered about," Red explained, "and tailored our 'play' to explore our possible interests."

Red's expression softened, reading the confusion on Lizzy's face.

"This man in the books you mentioned," Red tried another tactic, "does he remind you of me in some way?"

"Aside from the fact he's rich," Liz shrugged, "... no, he doesn't."

"And this female character described," Red further questioned, "is she anything like you?"

"God, no." Liz frowned.

"Then why would we compare our character or sexual intimacy to theirs... or anyone else's, for that matter?"

"I...I guess that would be wrong." Liz had to admit.

"Just because something works for one couple," Red said, "it doesn't mean that same thing will work for us."

"I don't know how any woman could give over that much control." Liz stated.

"It's not unusual for the strongest of women to be submissive." Red halted the woman's train of thought. "So, don't discount them."

"That doesn't make any sense." Liz voiced her surprise and doubt.

"In my experience, a Sub is usually quite strong." Red shared. "So strong, in fact, they seek someone who is their equal. Someone they call feel secure with and trust when they need a moment of vulnerability or simply just play."

Nodding thoughtfully, Liz realized she was unable to refute much of what Red said. What she allowed with Red, she wouldn't have with anyone else.

Their exploration was one she enjoyed and was comfortable investigating. Still, she didn't know if she could fully relinquish control, not even to Red.

"In any relationship," Red shared his thoughts, "partners are supposed to provide companionship and support for one another." He said. "The same applies for a Dom/Sub relationship, along with a needed sanctuary from the outside world, be it in the way of undivided attention or affection."

"You give me that..." Liz murmured softly.

"I hope I do." Red's expression softened.

"You give me what I need," Liz further added, "and we're not in that sort of relationship."

It pleased Red hearing those words from Lizzy. "So often in everyday life, certain aspects of a relationship tend to be overshadowed or pushed to the wayside or neglected." He hoped he could present the issue in a positive light.

"Life interrupts," Liz countered, "or so they say."

"True," Red didn't discount life's trivialities, "but when one is laying in bed with their partner at the end of the day... a back rub goes a long way to decompress and reconnect."

Lizzy's mood had shifted to a more secluded one, her own thoughts private. The atmosphere in the room felt thick.

Sensing the change, and the possible reasons for it, Red considered ways to address Lizzy's questions.

To do so, however, would entail venturing into very personal territory.

Given the woman's present mind-set, Red wasn't sure Lizzy would be receptive to hearing the story he had to relate.

On the other hand, Lizzy was his fiancé. It was his hope, in sharing details of his life, by being open and honest... it would encourage further shared confidences.

Nursing his drink absently, he leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. His glass dangled precariously from his fingers, sloshing the amber liquid about haphazardly.

"After Carla and Jennifer, when I was..." he searched for the words, "when my world was uncertain," he mused, "and points on the horizon were distorted..."

Liz turned her head, her attention caught.

"I drifted for quite a while. I had no permanent place," Red recalled the dark past, "... no home."

Keeping her expression carefully neutral, Liz hid her sadness and heartache for the man, for she knew if she were to react strongly... Red would halt his narrative should he believe the subject was too alarming or upsetting to her in someway.

She learned to guard her reactions at such times; most especially when Red spoke of his past.

Indeed, even now, Red's gaze searched her face with meticulous scrutiny for even the slightest crack in her foundation.

"Yes?" she encouraged with a soft smile.

Red went back to his drink. The liquid caught the light almost hypnotically as he swirled it about the heavy crystal, his thoughts... troublesome.

The despair he felt being alone without his wife, child... anyone; it was a pain he wouldn't wish on his most hated enemy.

Which gave him pause for a brief moment. Shaking off the morbid thoughts, Red centered himself.

"I had a flat on the Left Bank in Paris," Red smiled softly for Lizzy's stunned expression. "It was easier to hide... blending in with the tourists." He explained.

"Where was Dembe?" Liz was curious.

"School," Red smiled. "Due to my rather nomadic lifestyle, I entrusted Dembe's care to reliable associates I made in London to ensure his safety... and stability."

Liz's mouth parted slightly, her brows lifting. A life without Dembe Zuma? Was there such a thing? Considering the circumstances the men met, she would have assumed Red would have kept Dembe within arm's reach.

"I made contact with him frequently." Red assured, knowing Lizzy's thoughts well enough.

Liz nodded.

"Anyway, I was so busy at the time," he continued, "forming secure contacts, building routes... becoming who I am today." He sat back, the drink forgotten on the table beside him. "I had been on constant move, rarely staying in any place for more than three days at a time."

"My god, Red." Liz whispered sadly.

"I preferred it that way, at first." He waved her empathy aside. As tiring and unsettling as that lifestyle had been, it had been a necessity. "It was best for what I had planned."

Liz nodded, gifting the man a small smile. "Still, that's a piss poor way to live."

"It kept me occupied.." He trailed off, sighing. It was best not to think of his life before. "I eventually decided, for a while, it was safe to establish Paris as a base of operations. Returning to that flat somehow settled me."

Liz tried to relax back, placing her arms about a cushy pillow, her gaze an attentive one.

"I needed Paris." Red could admit now. "And... I needed Bridget." He lifted solemn eyes.

Liz's fixed smile remained plastered in place. "It's okay. I know I wasn't the first woman in your life." She would, however, be his last. Her lips twitched at the unbidden thought.

"Nor was I the first man in yours." The truth still hurt in a peculiar way, if Red was truthful with himself.

The statement caused a slight crinkle between Liz's eyes.

Even before he realized his feeling for Elizabeth went deeper than expected, he could not accept the fact the first man to 'know' her.

Red wondered if he could have accepted any man now... except himself. But, he had not been given a choice.

"Water under the proverbial bridge." Red's tone softened. All that was past. He had managed to get through it. "Lizzy, I am assuming, like most people out there today, you haven't had any personal experience with the culture of which we speak."

The sudden change in topic threw Liz a second... or did it?

"Oh, you mean the Dom/Sub thing? Well, no." She grimaced adorably. "You know I haven't, but I'm having trouble seeing the benefits for a woman... a man, sure." She quipped. "They get to play the powerful, master male."

Red grinned, tugging his ear. "It would seem that way, yes. It did to me when Bridget introduced me to the society."

Liz sat up. "Say what?"

Red's smile widened. "Surprised me as well. Bridget was a curator of several art institutes. A businesswoman in her own right, with two successful shops in Paris and one in Monaco."

Liz's brows lifted.

"A very dynamic, intelligent, articulate woman." Red had nothing but good memories. "Kind and gentle-natured."

Liz's brows... furrowed.

"Considering my own history, Bridget began a slow, methodical introduction into the realm." Red had been thankful for the woman's patience. "At first, the lifestyle seemed exciting, forbidden, even a release... but once you really learn the dynamics, you realize it's just another form of sexual outlet."

Liz wasn't sure if the statement was an endorsement or condemnation. "Which is...?"

"It can be... very intense." Red admitted. "What Bridget required, however, caused me to eventually dislike myself very much. I found I craved the warmth of true connection, not just... the physical release."

Liz felt the same about how she viewed intimacy, but with Red... it was more intense than she expected.

"Don't get me wrong," Red compressed his lips, "that release was often phenomenal for Bridget. What I did to assist her to achieve it, however, went against everything I believed a man and woman should be."

Liz listened quietly now.

"She enjoyed spankings." Red shared freely. "But what my ideal of spanking was, did not suit."

Red fell quiet for a time. Liz sat on pins and needles, afraid he would not continue.

"I wanted to tease, titillate, then soothe." He smiled wistfully. "She needed to be punished."

A troubled tick quirked his brow. "I stepped up to the plate, but my heart was never in it... not really. And in time, I realized, I had to step away."

He downed his head.

The silence was thick.

"The society as a whole is very complicated. There are so many gray areas. Nothing is black and white, sweetheart."

Liz squirmed about, more questions now in her mind than before.

"There were parts I enjoyed tremendously." The man leaned forward again, his expression an earnest one. "A Dom cares for his Sub as if she is his most cherished possession, for example."

"I thought it was the other way around." Liz had.

"Depends on the roles adopted." Red shrugged. "So many scenarios are open to a couple, no activity is discounted if both participants agree to a mutual contract."

"I'm sorry, I don't see anything remotely sexy about ordering someone about or raising a hand to a woman in a sexual relationship." Liz said.

"You're describing an abusive relationship. Not a Dom/Sub one." Red corrected the misconception.

Liz's confusion skyrocketed. "A Dom doesn't do that? In any way, shape or form?"

"It's his job to motivate his partner to realize how precious and amazing she is." Red enjoyed that part of the world. "There is no greater pleasure in the world than to pamper, encourage, protect and shower love on the most important person in his life."

"All well and good, but shouldn't a person find all that out for him or herself?"

"A person with a good support system can and usually does." Red agreed. "But what if that support system isn't there or can't be trusted."

Liz thought back on her time when Red wasn't foremost in her life. "...Like with Tom."

She couldn't believe she could be numbered among abused women, were she honest with herself. However, that was before her support system arrived on scene, not that Red hadn't always been in the background if needed... he had.

"You will soon be my wife." He mentioned.

"Wife, not odalisque." Those blue eyes narrowed. "And if that's how you see it, Reddington..."

He chuckled. "Hit the road, Jack?"

"It can be arranged." She shifted a defiant chin.

Red enjoyed such spirit. "I am just saying, what we witnessed with Harper's new friend is not the norm for Dom/Sub situations. Her former companion was a master manipulator. I've spoken with him. His objective from day one was to subjugate." Red knew the type.

"Start small and build. Then isolate... take away friends, ostracize family... quit your job." Red ticked off on his fingers, "Baby, let me take care of everything." He air-quoted.

"You wouldn't mind if I quit my job. You've said so." Liz pointed out without thought.

"Are you equating me with–"

"No," she hastily denied, "you are nothing like–"

"Some people would disagree. Some would say I'm exactly–"

"Then they don't know you!" Liz bristled.

Red's mind eased. "But you do."

"I know you better than most." The woman nodded. And she learned more with each passing day.

"I will support whatever decision you make regarding your work, I have said in the past." Red cleared up the issue succinctly. "Would I prefer you by my side? Of course, I do. Do I expect it to happen? No."

Liz cocked her head. "It's good to know I have options, if you want the truth." She was undecided about her career still.

Red's expression was soft, his gaze gentle.

"Red, I'm sorry it took me so long to see through Tom's.." she trailed off. "I'm so glad you were there to support me." She lifted earnest eyes. "I think that needed to be said."

"You confronted the asshole, Lizzy... you." He was proud. "Let him know you realized the situation and told him in unequivocal terms... it was to end."

"And I ordered Silas to shoot him in the ass if he ever reared his ugly head." She brightened.

Red chuckled. "You did a little more than that, but I'm sure what was said was in the heat of the moment."

"Okay..." Liz used Silas' favorite 'dismissive' phrase. "I don't even want to talk about Tom Keen, or whoever the hell he is. You were saying something about..."

What had his point been?

"So you're 'pro' Dom/Sub relationships?" She nut-shelled the topic if only to move it along.

"I'm 'pro' whatever works for a relationship." He corrected. "And I'm saying, perhaps one shouldn't judge before performing a little research into a subject... any subject."

Liz blinked. "Well, no... I guess one shouldn't."

"Approach new activities ready to discuss what does and doesn't work for you." He was a proponent of the idea. "If you're willing to be spanked, you should be willing to openly tell your partner how it felt."

Liz shrugged, nodding her agreement. The man had a point. One should be adult enough to discuss such things in detail without constraint or embarrassment.

"Physical contact, in the context of... spanking, can be a simple release of emotions, nothing more. Or it can be a whole involved thing."

"I'm not following that one." Liz felt her inadequacies but also felt comfortable admitting the fact to this man.

"It's difficult to explain. Does it bother you." Red needed to know. "That I used Bridget as my example to illustrate?"

Liz really thought about her answer. Her curiosity winning out over any possible jealousy angle. That relationship was over and done, hopefully.

"No." she stated simply.

"Are you sure?" Red checked, reading the expressive face easily.

"I don't think it does. You don't have any residual feelings, I assume?"

"If I did, I would still be with her, but no. I think of her fondly if the thought comes." Red was truthful. "And I worry over her choices, but... no."

Liz relaxed. "That's because you are a very compassionate man who cares for his friend."

Red sighed mentally. "I would hope I am." was all he could comment. "Lizzy, is this conversation really all that important? Harper will make certain that woman is out of her particular hell."

Liz lowered her eyes. "If... if you want, we could just drop it."

Red watched her fiddle with the edge of the pillow trim, a nervous habit she possessed. He debated the options open to him.

"It's just that... you have misgivings about the society we discuss, and it's not really a part of my life any longer." Red said. "Is it that important to us?"

"Do you... would you enjoy," she pondered how to put it, "incorporating some of that lifestyle into our private time?" Liz fought the blush for such boldness, but managed to hold Red's eyes.

"I'm a man, Lizzy." He spread his hands. "Of course I think about such things. There are aspects of the sexual, and emotional, side I enjoy, but that is a subject for a better time, I think."

He held up a hand. "Only because its importance is negligible in an otherwise idyllic relationship, in my opinion."

He studied the silence, which seemed more intense in his opinion. "Would you enjoy what you proposed?"

"I didn't propose anything." Liz was quick to correct that misconception. "I wondered where you stood on the matter."

Red nodded he understood the parameters of her former statement.

"But you would like to delve a little into the world if only to... broaden your outlook?" He sensed that inane curiosity had not be squelched by his, admittedly, evasive replies.

"I don't see how it could hurt...and any information might be useful to me at work."

Red nodded again, linking his fingers together, resting his arms on the chair. "Do you have any specific questions?"

"I wouldn't know where to begin." She backed off.

Red lifted his head, staring off into the distance a beat. "This is all very generic, you understand."

He would not divulge person details without express permission. "Bridget's life was an open book to most who know her." It was conceded. "She is the middle child of a very affluent man who wished the best for his children..."

Liz settled in for the duration.

"...Just as he demanded much of them." Red explained. "Regardless of that precarious tightrope they treaded, he and Bridget were always very close."

Liz couldn't imagine living under such scrutiny, but then... maybe she had at one time in her past marriage.

"In wanting the best for Bridget, her father introduced her to an up-and-coming star at his company." He continued. "Being young and wishing to please her father... she began dating the man."

Reaching for his glass, Red sipped the dark liquid, his thoughts quiet. "They experienced a relatively normal courtship, which inevitably led to marriage."

"Did she love him?" Liz voiced her curiosity.

"It wasn't a loveless marriage, no." Red granted.

"But it wasn't what she hoped it would be." Liz hazard a guess.

"Not exactly," Red's lip quirked. "From what I gathered, he was at work more than he was home." he shrugged. "What little time they had together was spent at work functions."

"And... Bridget didn't like that." Liz couldn't blame the woman.

"She understood his position." Red cleared up any misconceptions. "Her father stated many times, he hoped they would inherent the company upon his death."

"So, what happened?" Liz's brow furrowed.

"Though Bridget understood, and even praised her husband's loyalty to her father and the company," Red said, "once he walked through the door, business should have been set aside."

"But it wasn't." Liz deduced.

"Not really, no." Red mourned for Bridget even now. "Even when intimate with her... he wasn't truly all there."

"No fireworks, hum." Liz knew the feeling well.

"It was all very," he searched for the words, "...proper, staid."

"Boring." Liz got the gist. "The electricity was lackluster."

"It was nonexistent." Red offered his own outlook. "She thought to introduce toys, role-playing, soft-core porn," he rolled his hand, indicating there was more, "in hopes of increasing carnal impulses...passion."

Swallowing around the lump in her throat, Liz shifted in her seat as long ago, unbidden memories came at her from all sides. She could hear herself suggesting the same to Tom... and meeting a brick wall each time.

"She was so desperate for a passionate exchange with the man, it became a weekly scavenger hunt to find what might be his kryptonite." Red had sympathized with Bridget as he, too, faced similar circumstances in his marriage.

"Only, he turned her down flat." Red shook his head woefully. "Went so far as to get her father involved."

Liz's eyes widened, her mouth falling agape the man had stepped so far out-of-bounds. "Are you kidding me!"

"No." Red couldn't believe it either when Bridget related her past. "Both stated her husband had other, more important, priorities needing his attention." His eyes narrowed. "They also didn't believe a woman of her stature... a mother should involve herself in such activities."

"Bridget has kids?" Liz couldn't hide her surprise.

"No," Red replied. "In fact, it was that visual which ended up driving the nail in the coffin for Bridget."

"She didn't want kids." Liz guessed.

"No, she loves children." Red said. "She couldn't imagine living in a marriage where she was relegated to being a trophy wife and broodmare... and nothing more."

Red lifted his eyes to Lizzy's sullen face, his smile softening. "Like you, Bridget had a whole world to explore." he said. "Unfortunately, she had no outlet in which to experience those... interests."

"So... what happened?" Liz inched forward in her seat.

"As a last ditch effort, Bridget arranged a private getaway for her and her husband," Red began the sordid fiasco, "he was there in spirit for about a day"

"Fool..." Liz muttered tightly under her breath.

"Yes, he was." Red agreed. "Disillusioned and distraught by her husband's indifference, Bridget demanded a change in the status quo." He could remember the brittleness in the woman's tone even now as she had recounted events.

"In the midst of pleading her case, her father called, requesting her husband return." Red sighed heavily. "Bridget, putting her foot down, gave both men an ultimatum." His eyes closed sorrowfully. "Neither gave her much credence; calling her efforts an exhausting and trivial tirade. Needless to say, her husband left and returned to work..."

"What an asshole." Liz muttered. "And her father?"

"Told her to set aside her frivolous demands and concern herself with producing an heir." Red's jaw tightened irritably.

Liz couldn't believe how flippant and inconsiderate both men were. "What did she do?"

"She left and filed for divorce." Red shrugged carelessly. "In a bid to sway her return, her father disowned her and relinquished the company to her husband."

"It didn't work, though." Liz pointed out, as it was obvious the woman had not returned.

"No, it didn't." Red confirmed. "Bridget always had a head for finances... money wasn't an important issue."

"Did she ever speak to her father... husband again?"

"There was a moment reconciliation was in the cards," Red scoffed, "however, when it came to light both her husband and father had courted mistresses for years... the already troubled relationship died completely." He said, straightening his vest. "They haven't spoken in decades."

"She did well herself, regardless, right?" Liz asked, hope tinging her tone.

"Considering the circumstances, and on the advice of close friends," Red remembered hearing later, Madeline had been one of the most vocal, "she set aside a little nest egg."

"A Cayman's account?" Liz perked up.

Inclining his head, Red continued. "She also accumulated contacts, friends... had an eye for beauty." He smiled softly. "She made a name for herself practically overnight."

Liz felt some comfort the woman had that at least.

"Most importantly," Red brought the conversation full circle, "she found herself... in more ways than one."

Liz pondered the situation.

"She dabbled in this and that until a chance meeting."

"Let me guess," Liz smirked, "a dominant male took her under his thrall, teaching her the ways of the clandestine society."

Red chuckled, enjoying the mysteriousness Lizzy painted. "A dominant female introduced Bridget to the lifestyle."

Liz blinked, slowly comprehending that revelation.

"It happened quite innocently, I assure you." Red's amusement increased. "By chance, mutual friends introduced Bridget to this woman at an exhibit. As they discussed how Bridget came to be a curator of the arts, she shared her experiences," he explained the unfolding tale, "before confiding her desires to a fellow female."

"Then what happened?" Liz sat forward, interested in the developing story.

"The woman arranged for Bridget to meet a man," Red arched his brow, "who helped fulfill some of her...yearnings." His tone was a matter of fact one. "Through him, Bridget participated in various escapades, the Dom/Sub realm being one of them. She found it was an outlet that worked for her... to an extent."

"What do you mean?" Liz frowned at Red's disapproving tone.

"Bridget has made great strides in overcoming the past and the neglect she experienced," Red shared his thoughts, "but she still feels a need to be punished for her... perceived weakness."

Liz scowled hard for the observation.

"Her father and husband had very strong personalities; almost disciplinarian, without the added benefits Bridget, ironically enough, may have enjoyed." Red sing-songed his head. "They made her feel her needs were wrong... forbidden."

"They had a lot of room to talk." Liz groused.

Red smiled for Lizzy's tart remark. "In any case, Bridget hasn't made wise choices in her selection of Dom's based on that idiosyncrasy."

Understanding the underlying hint, Liz suddenly felt sorry for the woman. If Red saw merit in this Bridget person, she must have merit.

"Is that why you helped this woman here, at Mark's?" Liz shifted absently, her leg falling asleep.

"I helped because it was the right thing to do." Red stated quietly.

Nodding, Liz believed she understood better now all Red had to contend with regarding what occurred and why he was cautious in his approach.

Taking a breath, she moved the conversation along, intrigued by this peek into both the dynamic of the culture they discussed and Red's past. "The books speak of... bondage."

Red nodded. "Some couples use it as a form of discipline, but it's not only used for that purpose." The man opened his hands, then re-linked them. "Just as with spanking, it is used to enter a different head space or to tease." He thought of some examples. "No, you've been bad or when I instruct you... you should obey me."

Liz's face showed her disapproval. "I'm a grown woman. No man has the right to–"

"The contract you agreed to gives him the right." Red reminded. "That contract which was created by two consenting adults."

"They actually draw up contracts over such things?" Liz was not certain if the whole thing was ludicrous or appalling.

"Keeps matters straight in everyone's head." Red explained. "Men are also visual creatures. They remember what they see." He made mention. "Contracts are very important. Just as important as the roles a person assumes."

Liz sat back. "Sound like it could get complicated."

"These are complicated, complex couples." Red remembered all the ones he met over the years. "They wished not to settle for the mundane and conventional standards society dictates."

Drumming his fingers on the armrest, Red gathered his thoughts. "Let me give you an example. Bridget was working herself into a physical exhaustion." He laid the groundwork. "In today's society... most significant others ignore the situation or initiate arguments to seek change."

Experiencing the same with Tom, Liz knew that to be a fact.

"As Bridget's dominant," Red's tone softened, "it was my place to first, express my concern. Second, to offer a gentle reminder, she should not neglect her well-being to such an extent."

Well, that wasn't so bad, Liz thought... was it?

"Bridget became defiant, unreasonably defensive and disrespectful." Red related the incident. "I think she did so to gain my full, undivided attention, which, granted, had been lacking those few weeks. I was concentrating on business. She resented this, rightfully so."

Liz leaned her cheek into her hand. Given past events leading to Bridget's divorce, it must have seemed like history repeating itself.

"I gave her my attention, providing it in the form she enjoyed most... a spanking." Red wasn't proud of that time. "As I said, Bridget expected more than I thought advisable, but on that one occasion...I gave as much as she wanted."

Too restless to stay still, Red arose, pacing the floor. "She experienced the most nerve-shattering climax I had ever witnessed." If he thought on it long enough, he could still hear the echoes of her cries of release.

"She was so loving and giving and everything a man could ever want or need in the following few days... it was difficult to separate myself from the illusion." He ran a hand across his brow.

"Once I saw her body, however... the bruising I inflicted on that lovely delicate flesh," he took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, "all the intimacies we shared shattered into broken shards in that moment."

Liz didn't know what to say.

"Aside from playful pats to her bottom, I... I've never struck a woman until that day." Red kept his back to Lizzy. "It made me physically ill, if you want the truth. To think, she expected... hoped to repeat that performance?"

Red studied the pattern on the intricately carved mirror over the bar, unable to seek Lizzy out as yet. Would he see revulsion in her eyes?

He hung his head, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "What's worse, I couldn't remember if I had been angry at her defiance... or simply offered Bridget what she craved. Or if the lines even blurred?" He still questioned himself to this day. "It was then I realized... I had to end things."

Liz struggled with something to say.

"It was explained to me early on that a Dom must place his Sub's needs above his own at all times." Red shook his head. "That he cherishes, coddles and protects her. Shows her she is the most important being in his life."

The man looked sightlessly out the large picture window. "I tried withholding myself from Bridget as a form of punishment, as my mentor suggested. To deny affection is worse than raising a hand in anger, he said."

The silence was strained, but Liz knew she must allow him to continue. It was clearly hurting the man, these memories. She wanted to stop his narrative.

"When you deny me the ability to touch you," Red looked at Lizzy in profile, "it's like you stab me in the heart. I would rather you did."

Liz teared up. "I wouldn't do that."

Red remained silent.

"I take it Bridget found somehow to cope with this... punishment."

"Her own family had stabbed her in the heart, what was one more knife?" Red half-laughed. "No... the only method to reach Bridget was physical pain. That she could process, filter, accept... then move on."

"But you couldn't."

"...No." Red turned back.

"So, in Bridget's case, a spanking was, in actuality... a reward." Liz enquired. "Not the punishment it was intended to be."

Red remained pensively quiet.

Out of the quiet came a revelation on Liz's part. "I... I never liked when Tom did that."

Red's head whipped around jerkily. "Excuse the fuck out of me?"

"No," Liz waved a dismissing hand. "He didn't have the imagination to do the Dom/Sub thing. I meant," she eased about the sofa, her skin crawling, "when I was doing laundry or bent over the dishwasher," she shivered slightly, "he would slap my bottom. I know he meant it as playful, but it often got on my nerves or didn't feel... good."

"He was doing it wrong." Red wasn't surprised by the fact. "A swat should tingle deliciously and make you want another. That is my preferred method, in any case."

Liz lifted more than interested eyes. "Oh, and you are an expert?"

Red returned to his seat, seeking his drink. "Expert, no. I like to believe I am well-versed in the matter, however."

Liz looked the man up and down.

"Should I prove my boast?" He challenged, sipping his drink casually. "I do seem to recall a certain person," he leveled his gaze on Lizzy, "enjoying my attention when I employed such tactics."

Liz shifted anxiously in her seat, vividly recalling the events of which he spoke. "I think we're getting off-topic here." She pointed out.

"Really? Because that's the second time you've brought up the subject."

"I did not." Liz countered. "You did."

Red settled back. "I think you want to see what all the fuss is about."

"You wish." Liz half-chuckled. "You just like the thought of having free access to my derrière, admit it."

"Unequivocally." Red admitted it. "What man wouldn't want free access to a work of art."

Liz softened. "I want to thank you for listening and hearing my viewpoint... for confiding in me. It matters."

"About spanking?"

"Stop it." Liz giggled. "No, about..." she waved it aside. "Listen, I know you were angry with me when that horrible man cornered us in the bathroom..."

Red quieted. "Yes, Elizabeth. This is a point of contention between us; past and present."

"I just want you to know," she hoped she could put this right, "I realize when we have misunderstandings like that, ghosts of past relationships haunt us."

Red digested the words.

"Yes, arguments with Carla transferred to cold indifference on her part." He lifted his brows meaningfully. "Nothing got settled; issues were ignored and allowed to fester."

The man finished his drink, sitting the glass aside. "In the end, I contributed as much by not being more demanding we confront them."

"Hard to fight when you're the only one in the ring."

"There are days I still question the strength of my fortitude." He confessed listlessly.

"Tom twisted every little detail, manipulated me like a puppet." Liz shared her own truths. "He wore me down. I gave up, I believed every word he said."

"But now we recognize past mistakes, hopefully."

"I recognize I made one today... and I'm sorry," she straightened her shoulders, owning her apology, "for letting my temper get the better of me instead of relying on you to have my back."

It had been an adjustment, relying on Red to support her in these situations, but she was making great strides... she thought.

"And... if it would make you feel better to spank my ass in order to make up for my folly," she stood, holding her hands out at her sides, "I think you should do it."

Red's eyes clouded for a moment, his expression a foreboding one. "I said, I would not raise my hand in anger again."

"Then view it as... a reminder." Liz suggested helpfully. "Yes, a reminder I need to be on-guard and ready to handle such situations at all times."

The woman's suggestion gave Red pause for thought. Not because of the action Lizzy suggested, but the woman's apparent desire to offer herself to him in such a way.

Red lifted amused eyes. "You think I won't?" he tested the water.

"I think you should!" Liz concurred strenuously. "If it will make you feel better."

Red reached, his hand snacking out, latching onto Lizzy's slender wrist. He tugged, landing the woman's slim form in his lap with one sure movement.

"It will make you feel better," he smoothed his hand over her backside with a sensual caress, "and yes... me as well."

Liz giggled as Red man-handled her about with effortless ease until she ended up bent over his thighs, ass up in the air.

"You wouldn't really dare!" She purposefully pushed buttons, more than curious to see how he would manage the situation.

"Safe word..." Red's deepened voice rumbled.

Comprehending the words, Liz realized Red truly was open to performing such an activity.

Waiting for Lizzy's decision how far they would take this interaction, Red secured her other wrist, for she was supporting her weight, braced on the carpeted floor.

Shocked by the turn of events, Liz searched for the proper response. "I can't think of any... you think of one." She hedged.

"It's your responsibility." Red deferred.

"Queen." She blurted, having noticed the Baccarat crystal chess board out of the corner of her eye, sitting on the small gaming table.

Red smiled. She had referenced the most powerful piece on the board which was very symbolic of the games they played.

"My safe word..." she murmured the clarification, "is Queen."

Red's mouth lifted at the corner, beyond pleased by the woman's response.

Because in this game, Lizzy was the one with the ultimate control.

Her obvious desire to experience new exploits never failed to excite or amuse him. In this case, however, her trust in him to respect her boundaries meant the world to him.

"Well," his palm lifted in a blasé manner, "... then let us proceed."

Liz gasped her surprise when the smart smack of Red's palm connected with the plump cheeks of her cloth covered bottom.

The sweet tingle reverberated over the fleshy slope of her buttocks, traversing swiftly into her center of being, warming her core nicely.

She could instantly feel the imprint of Red's growing erection. Surprised by the sensation, she inhaled sharply; not for his actions, but the strength of the arousal she suddenly felt. The prickling awareness in her core left her quite speechless.

"This succulent little ass," Red's palm eased over the round orbs possessively, his eyes flaming to life, "fascinates me... soothes me." His tone was low, gravelly... involved.

His fingers kneaded the vibration away with gentle, trailing caresses.

Searing a heated trail up the back of her thigh, Red slipped his hand up and under the rim of the little khaki shorts Lizzy wore, at length easing his probing fingers beneath the lace of her panties.

Liz drew in a breath as those fingers danced experimentally over the dampness of her center.

"My, how deliciously wet you are." He crooned his approval. "But I think... we can do so much better."

Holding her breath, Liz waited anxiously for... what, she wasn't sure.

"Take them off." Red directed, his tone one that demanded he be obeyed. The man held his smile, sensing Lizzy's hesitation.

"Now, Elizabeth." Red's voice lowered to a husky rasp that thrilled and enticed her to heights she had been unaware existed.

The turmoil she felt teetered precariously on the precipice, wondering what it was she should do exactly.

"If I take matters into my own hands," Red warned, scolding her delay, "there will be... consequences."

The man's gruff warning encouraged her to ease backward off his lap. Whether it was to escape or do his bidding, she was unaware.

"That's enough." Red halted any further egress. "Shove them down over your hips... bare your ass to me."

The man's gruff tone caused Liz to react without thought. She automatically reached for the button, releasing it and the zipper in one swift movement. Hooking her thumbs in the waist of her shorts, she eased the lightweight fabric over the rounded curve of her ass.

"Panties, too..." Red murmured, entranced by the show.

Biting at her lip, Liz slowly reached for the object in question, haltingly lowering them over the curve of her bottom.

Red's cock jerked and throbbed painfully, watching the rounded globe of Lizzy's ass bared to his unwavering gaze.

"There...that's good." he crooned his approval as the light material fell to her knees.

Pulling the woman back, Red situated Lizzy to the desired location over his lap, clasping her wrists in his hold once more... feasting his eyes on the creamy, pink flesh before him.

"What a lovely sight," he murmured his growing contentment.

Pulling on her captured wrists, Liz hoped against hope... he would refuse her release, for something primitive was happening. Something she suddenly embraced.

"You don't really want me to let you go, do you, Elizabeth." he repositioned his hand which held both her smaller wrists captured between his strong fingers. "Your useless squirming is only revealing more of that tempting little pussy."

Taking stock of her position, Liz just then realized... she could feel the air on her genitals, as well as Red's heated gaze. The man's intense scrutiny caused a tickling sensation in her core which made the fine dusting of hair decorating her mons stand on end.

Scenting the air, Red grunted low in his throat as the sweet aroma of Lizzy's arousal tinged the sensuous atmosphere.

Reveling in Red's throaty growl, Liz wriggled about just so, easing her legs apart to reveal more of herself for his viewing pleasure.

Slowly smoothing his hand between her thighs, Red allowed his fingers to graze the heated alcove, tenderly caressing the woman's plump and damp labia.

"Your little hole is blossoming like the petal of a flower," Red cocked his head, his gaze a loving one, "misted in the morning dew..."

Liz held herself as the man's thick finger slid along the slick seam of her lips before dipping into the cream welling at her opening.

"It's so ripe..." his husky tone lowered, tenderly probing the steamy cleft, "...so ready to be seeded."

The dreamlike quality of his voice caused the woman's lashes to flutter closed, luxuriating in his attention.

"I want very much to press my lips here," he circled the area in question with a pronounced pressure which delighted her senses, "... will that stop those desperate little mewls, do you think?"

Until blatantly pointed out, Liz had been unaware of the raw and unrestrained sounds she emitted. Flushing a deep red, she listened as low moans and whimpers passed freely through her parted lips.

Placing his finger into the humid cove, Red inched forward in a slow, steady advancement, enjoying Lizzy's inarticulate murmurings.

"God... you are so wet for me." he offered a deep, guttural groan. "That is exactly how I want you."

Liz's entire body shivered in response to that groan. She tried to stifle her responding whimper of delight... to no avail.

Red eased his finger in and out of her center, watching intently. "Your pussy cradles my finger so lovingly... you make me want so badly to pet you until you come."

Sensing the familiar waves of excitement ebb and crest inside her body, Liz welcomed the anticipated expansion flourishing in her core.

"I live for the moment I feel your pussy flutter," he whispered roughly, "and come around me..." he slowly withdrew his finger.

Elizabeth whimpered pitifully for the loss.

"Unfortunately, you were bad... weren't you." His palm connected once again with her buttocks, this time a little more assertively.

"...Yes." Liz sighed an airy moan.

Pleased by the woman's response, Red cuffed the woman's buttock's once more. "You have not yet earned such a reward as yet, have you."

Swallowing at the lump in her throat, Liz's brow furrowed. "...No."

"No, you haven't." Red clapped his hand against the width of Lizzy's ass, watching the pink cheeks jiggle slightly.

Moaning brokenly, Liz lifted her ass up higher for more of that particular torture, for the vibration she felt in her core had teased her senses.

"...Lower." she whispered brokenly.

Red's mouth curved into a devilish smile. "You must earn my forgiveness."

Flicking his wrist, Red directed his palm to connect with the curve of Lizzy's ass and vulva. His efforts were met with the sweet aroma of Lizzy's arousal.

Red's fingers ran a slick path to her tiny nub of pleasure. "What do we have here?" he massaged the swollen bump with gentle, teasing strokes.

Lifting into his touch, Liz moaned her delight.

"That feels good, doesn't it." He searched out her weakness, circling the tender flesh. "Right here, perhaps?"

Liz cried out, for he found a sensitive spot which set her nerve endings aflame.

"You smell so enticing." he drew in a deep breath, inching his finger into the hot hollow. "Feel so... desperate."

Sliding another finger in alongside the other, Red spread the tiny slot open, easing the increased width back and forth in the tight hold.

"My cock senses how badly you need it to ease your suffering." The man moved, shifting his hardness upward. "It will have to wait... unfortunately." the man's tone was abnormally hoarse.

"I want to watch you come," Red strained to withhold his lust, "work for it... just for me."

Aligning himself, Red slid his fingers between Lizzy's labia and into the creamy heat, easing down into the convulsing depths. Once his knuckles met the soft surface of her vagina, he began slowly thrusting, pumping the snug channel in a steady rhythm.

Just as he hoped, Red grinned when the woman rocked back into his touch. Gaining a momentum which pleasured her, she lifted and twisted her body to push his fingers deeper... faster.

"I like to watch, Elizabeth." That tone vibrated along her nerve-endings, causing delicious pangs of delight to travel deep into her center.

"Do you think you deserve to come?" Red eased his fingers back from entering the woman fully.

Liz bristled, her cheeks flaming. "I don't need your permission!" she struggled against his hold, fighting to push his fingers deeper.

"At this exact moment in time," Red halted the exquisite thrusting motion to her dismay, "... you do, actually."

"Let me up!" She struggled in earnest, for suddenly, she was uncertain the game was affecting her in the same manner anymore.

Red's palm connected smartly, not once, but twice in rapid succession.

Liz cried out, more from the shock than anything. She settled instantly as an arousing twinge the smacks caused vibrated through her core and clitoris. Her lips tingled and throbbed as her arousal pooled freely at her opening in response.

"I don't enjoy repeating myself, Elizabeth." He felt he had her undivided attention. "My cock is throbbing painfully. It wants so desperately to be inside your pussy." He shared freely.

The constant pressure of his arousal was driving her crazy. She wanted to feel his hardness fill her to capacity as she knew it could... on so many levels.

"Just as I need permission to enter this beautiful body and give you pleasure," Red's tone was quiet, "... you must first allow my pleasure."

The man's hand was positioned just so, Liz could feel the slight pressure of his fingers laying over the opening of her core.

"To watch you come..." Red shook his head, "to see that evolve from its most basic beginnings... that is something I need to see."

His eyes devoured the nakedness of her body.

"I refuse to deprive myself of such exquisite beauty... such raw emotions." Red exhaled harshly, yearning to feel the high of climax. "You owe me... remember?" He gently coaxed Lizzy towards a path that would allow them to move forward.

Did he mean for that prick bastard... for not fulfilling her promise to take his feelings into consideration?

The silence which met the moment, was telling, in Red's opinion.

"Now..." Red said, now he had Lizzy's undivided attention, "I repeat, do you think you deserve to come after your earlier behavior."

Liz was torn in how to reply. Her body was crying out for fulfillment. Her exposed flesh was ripe, her center on fire with need.

She had no idea what she was feeling at this particular moment.

Red's hand spread over her bottom lovingly, then fell away to Liz's astonishment.

"Well... that was a dismal failure." The man sighed morosely.

Liz felt her arousal lessening with each passing second.

"So much for a subtle introduction to the culture which seemed to fascinate you so..." he managed a chuckle. "I guess my heart wasn't in it, baby... sorry."

Red seemed to be waiting for her to move, but Liz could only lie perfectly still, assimilating everything that occurred.

"All those things you said," she was close to tears, "you were just... playing a part?"

"Hell, no." He smiled. "No one is that good an actor." He pulled his gaze from her still very much naked ass. "I incorporated a measure of the Dom/Sub aspect, but only a measure." Red chuckled warmly. "I don't think your temperament is quite suited to–"

"Wait..." Liz hesitated, torn. She frantically searched her mind for some sort of response... some words to convey how Red made her feel.

Red was patience itself. "Well, it's no real hardship sitting here with a half-naked woman on my lap... take your time." He quipped.

Liz glanced back over her shoulder, her eyes connecting with the man's a brief moment, her thoughts chaotic.

"I'm enjoying the view... tremendously, if you want the truth." He smoothed his hand over the pink flesh.

"Though..." he searched the area methodically, "I may have spanked you too hard the second time, perhaps." He tsked, caressing the area softly. "I was reacting on instinct... and you were getting pissed. This is why contracts are so important." he reminded.

"I..." Liz blinked, a light-bulb going on overhead, "we have a safe word." She breathlessly reminded.

Red paused, his brow furrowing as the earlier exchange repeated clearly in his head. "...Queen."

She nodded. "...Yes."

Falling silent, Red allowed himself a moment to ruminate on the last few seconds.. and the fact the word had not been murmured. Not once.

Given the nature of Lizzy's introduction into the already precarious subject, and her apparent aversion to the activity... had he allowed his nerves to get the better of him?

"Did I say, Queen?" Liz latched onto the lifeline.

"...So, the game is still afoot." Red chuckled quietly. "And I'm supposed to be the experienced one here." He lay his hand on the cool flesh of her bottom. "I feel... quite the fool." He admitted his lack of insight and attentiveness. "I don't suppose there is any possibility of proceeding, is there."

Liz closed her eyes, sighing lightly. "It would be difficult to get back where we–"

Red's palm cuffed her flesh smartly, silencing the words.

Stifling a moan, Liz enjoyed the rippling current traversing her body.

"It's not difficult in the least, Elizabeth." Red smoothed his hand over the pink impression of his hand, caressing the mark lovingly. "Trust me..."

"I do..." Liz whispered breathlessly, lifting her bottom for more.

"Good... girl." Red immediately slid his fingers into the still warm hole, sliding the thick digits carefully through the gathered cream. "Look how wet you are." he praised the woman. "You really are exceeding my expectations."

Liz settled more comfortably on the man's growing hardness. "I want to please you." She acted on instinct.

"Do you." His tone soothed and excited. "I wish the same. I would dearly love to... pleasure you."

Circling the woman's swollen clit, Red gradually increased the exquisite pressure. "Do you like this?"

Liz mewed, spreading her legs wide. "Yes..." she exhaled shakily. "I... I love when you touch me."

"My tongue would feel better." He gently blew his hot breath on the tiny pucker of her ass. "I'll show you later, but right now... you show me how hard you can come."

Releasing her wrists, he rubbed the calloused ridge of his finger along her clit. "Touch yourself here..." he urged, "pleasure yourself while I watch."

Squeezing her eyes tight, Liz whimpered her distress. "You do it better..." she pleaded.

"Thank you, sweetheart." Red enjoyed her praise. "This time," he intertwined his fingers with her smaller ones, "I would like to see you do it... just for me."

Placing their joined hands on her mons, Red pet the area with an encouraging caress.

Liz gasped as her fingers slid along her pouty vulva, tickling her clit in the process. Stroking the pink flesh, she rubbed the tight peak hurriedly, seeking the climax just within reach.

"Don't stop, baby." The man's eyes lit with passion. "That's good," he praised her technique. "Let me see..."

Placing his fingers inside the hot hole, he pumped the steamy heat in rhythm with the quivering of Lizzy's snug channel.

Palming the woman's plump cheek, Red gently pulled at the handful, causing a delicious tug in her anus from time to time.

"Lose yourself in the sensation," Red crooned softly as she worked hard for her climax. "That's my good, baby... play with your clit." Tenderly withdrawing his fingers, he soothed the woman's pitiful cries of denial.

"I'll give you relief..." He promised, smoothing the cream of her arousal over the tiny puckering of her anus, making the ache inside Lizzy's body poignantly intense.

Red's cock throbbed painfully as the woman's moans grew exponentially, gnawing at his already strained control.

Sliding back into the quivering heat of Lizzy's pussy, Red gently working the tip of ring finger into her anus, reveling in Lizzy's outcry of delight.

"Are you ready to come, baby." Red muttered tightly. "Do you deserve to come, Elizabeth..."

The use of her full name somehow heightened her emotions. "Yes!" she whispered, her throat dry and raspy. "Fuck...please!"

"Then do so..." Red was more than ready, his tone was as unsteady as his tightly wound nerve endings. "Come on my fingers..." he coaxed, waving the digits purposefully, "come for me, baby..."

Lizzy's sharp inhalation of breath and soft kitten like mew as the crest tugged deliciously at her core thrilled the man as the waves crashed over the woman.

She cried out loudly, losing herself to the ever-increasing crescendo of ecstasy as it traversed her body.

Grasping Red's thigh, Liz quickly grounded herself as she quaked uncontrollably as exploding quicksilver rippled through her fluttering core. Surges of electricity pulsed through her veins in violent bursts, releasing a hot torrent from between her legs.

Her body stiffened as she rode the convulsions of passion descending over her.

Red's eyes darkened with his own passion as he watched the tiny hole quiver uncontrollably. The saturated hole expanded and contracted with each sharp, wavering moan Lizzy offered.

Desperately wanting to kiss the pangs away, he settled for spreading his palm over the rosy pink flush of her buttocks, murmuring soft encouraging inanities.

"You are the most delightful creature in all of God's creation." he felt the truth of those words down to his soul. "Thank you, baby... that was a wonderful gift."

Studying the slumped and weak form, Red felt himself losing the control he held for so long.

"Now, what is it, I wonder... I can do to repay your efforts?" He tugged his zipper with difficulty as his cock strained hard against the fabric of his trousers.

Pulling Lizzy upright, Red hurriedly swiped an arm across the ottoman, sending items crashing to the floor.

Lost in a haze, Liz blinked clouded eyes as Red maneuvered her about, laying her back into a cushioned surface.

Stretching luxuriously, Liz presented the luscious line of her body. Widening the arc of her legs, Red was given an unfettered view of the dark patch between her thighs.

"Son-of-a-bitch!" He cursed sharply, the erotic vision affecting him deeply.

Through the fog, she was vaguely aware of Red reaching between her thighs, brushing his knuckles along her center. His desperation reached its breaking point when he noticed Lizzy's hazy eyes staring back into his.

"Fuck..." he breathed anxiously, "God, baby... come here..."

She moaned piteously as his large palm cupped her ass, pulling her roughly to the edge.

The man's heavy erection fell against her vulva, sliding between the swollen cleft with ease.

"I'm gonna fuck your little pussy so hard..." he promised, grasping his cock in hand. "You fucking earned it."

Guiding the turgid tip forward, Red pushed at the creamy slit he craved. Glancing downward, he watched the bulbous head spread, then disappear inside the tiny gap.

Grunting a sharp exhalation, Red's eyes closed to the blissful sensation as Lizzy instinctively moved into the pressure, allowing the long, hard rod to glide smoothly into her heat.

Roughly pulling at her shirt and bra, he yanked them off, throwing the hindrances far and away.

Her heavy breasts jiggled about before he hungrily drew the pink orb into his mouth, suckling the crinkled tip eagerly.

Capturing Red's mouth in a searing kiss, their lips and tongues moved against one another in a erotic frenzy. In seconds, she lost herself to his expertise.

Wrapping her arms about his shoulders, she snuggled into his bulk, nuzzling her pussy tight against his groin until Red snarled softly in her ear.

"You want a hard... deep fuck." he growled.

"...Yes." Liz whimpered breathlessly.

Red hurriedly braced his arm beside the woman, curving his fingers tight into the cushion. "Spread your legs, baby."

Drawing her legs back, Liz opened herself to Red... doing as she wished.

This was going to be one hell of an interesting afternoon...

---

Walking hand in hand with Red to the pool, Liz smiled at her friends already present, waving a hello from afar.

"I'll be just a moment, sweetheart." Red gestured to Dembe and Silas approaching.

"Oh, sure." She smiled, dropping her bag on a nearby lounge. "Take your time." He had, after all, put her in a wonderful mood.

Assured Lizzy was content with her friends, Red hung back a moment, glancing between the two men. "Any problems with our resident prick?"

"Nope, not a one." Silas assured. "They packed his shit and tossed his ass out."

"Quite literally." Dembe made mention of how security handled the problem.

Silas grinned. "I mean... they threw that bastard." he chuckled.

It had been a treat watching security haul out the trash. More amusing was Hunter Gaines' exasperation. Apparently, when they sent the guy flying onto the two-lane highway, Hunter had hoped to get the asshole as far as the double yellow lines... but missed the mark by a good six inches, much to the man's irritation.

Silas had hoped Hunter would be happy here at his new job... apparently he was finding new and inventive ways to amuse himself.

"He was threatening to sue." the guard rolled his eyes.

"It's a wonder Mark didn't kill him for that alone." Red was actually surprised, then shrugged.

Glancing surreptitiously over his shoulder, Red made note of Elizabeth's proximity to theirs, lowering his voice. "The woman is still with Harper?"

"She is, yes." Silas confirmed.

"How are things on that front... Harper, I mean?" Red clarified, hoping the question would be met with positive results.

"Yeah, about that," Silas dug in his pocket, retrieving a piece of paper, "here's what you're gonna do." He wrapped an arm around Red's shoulder, steering him away from prying eyes and ears. "You're gonna call Marvin Gerard and have him draw up divorce papers–"

"Oh, am I." Red grumbled woefully. "You're telling me she's married to the prick."

"She won't be if you do your bit." Silas explained patiently. "Anyway, like I was saying. You get Marvin's ass in gear, get the papers signed, sealed... and delivered here as soon as humanly possible."

"Seems simplistic enough to me." Dembe chimed in.

"Pray tell," Red took the paper Silas handed him, "I'm to do this... how, exactly?" He threw Dembe a subdued glance. "Last time I looked, both petitioner and recipient had to sign that paperwork." He knew firsthand.

"Like you haven't got around that shit before." Silas scoffed.

Red glanced at Dembe, shrugging nonchalant shoulders. "I have." he acknowledged. "Well, you know."

"I do know." Dembe responded positively.

"Here's the deal," Silas had it all figured out. "Mark has the fucker's signature, you send it to your forger... have him sign in lieu of that bastard, and it's a done deal."

Scratching his jaw, Red thought over the logistics... sighing. "Dembe, get Marvin on–"

He scowled when Dembe slapped the phone in his hand. Red tentatively lifted the object to hear Marvin's voice. "Hello? Red?" The guy was saying, loudly. "Hello? Did they get you up to speed yet?"

Making quick work of the demands put forth, Marvin assured all would be handled within a couple hours. Red ended the call.

"Her name is," Red glanced at the paper once more, just to assure he read it correctly, "... Lily Fields?" He lifted half-amused, half-skeptical eyes.

"Yeah," Silas grimaced accordingly, "according to Harper, her parents were in some kool-aid drinking, hippie cult commune." He crossed his arms, scowling. "Only, from what Harper gathered, the guru," he air-quoted, "running the show was a Jim Jones, David Koresh type."

"That explains a lot." Red muttered to himself. "So, Lily is finally talking?"

"Harper checked up on her, got some background for his own peace of mind." Silas related, earning a slightly puzzled look from Red. "Harper had business dealings with the prick, got to know Lily in the process, it seems. He's been..." He mused thoughtfully.

"Infatuated..." Red filled in the blanks.

"Sure, that works. For a while now." Silas finished.

Knowing Harper and Lily had a past acquaintance of a sort, Red felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Though he was sure their interaction had been limited, he did feel better Lily knew Harper to an extent.

"Does Lily seem... comfortable with Harper?" Red wanted to know.

"Oh, yeah." Silas nodded. "Don't get me wrong, she isn't quite the chatter-box your woman is, but who is, right?" He granted. "Lily appears grateful for his presence, though."

"We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation." Dembe added, knowing Raymond would rest easier.

Inclining his head with quiet gratitude, Red smiled at his right-hand-man.

All knew of his past interactions with Harper, none of them especially good, but then... none of them were especially bad either. Setting his prejudices aside, Red promised himself he'd watch how things were proceeding before offering a final judgement call.

If nothing else, he hoped Lily knew, if she required assistance or things didn't work out, he and Lizzy were within arm's reach. Perhaps he should reenforce that promise?

"If you happen to catch a moment with her," Red said, "let her know if she needs anything–"

"Does she come to you... or Liz?" Silas wondered who would take the lead as head honcho on this one. "Speaking of the utterly clueless..." The guard motioned to Liz, his expression unreadable.

Glancing over his shoulder, Red's jaw literally dropped as Lizzy slowly lifted her swimsuit cover overhead to reveal her bronzed flesh in slow, delicious increments.

"Come out of the eighteenth century, why don't you." Silas groused at the man's side, sensing Red's hackles rise inch-by-inch, for other men were noting the same thing Red had.

Red's attention riveted immediately on the minuscule cloth barely covering Lizzy's full bottom. The ruched triangle pulled the fabric inward, placing the ample swell of the woman's ass on full display.

"Fifty women are wearing the same style suit." Silas chided, offering his own running commentary in the background.

Lowering his gaze, Red swallowed at the moisture collecting in his mouth. None of those women wore the bikini so well, in his opinion.

Following the frilly edge laying against the rounded curve of the woman's pert ass, he was presented with a spectacular view of the well-defined gap between her thighs, and the distinct outline of her pouty vulva.

Lifting the gauzy-dress higher up her body, Red longed to draw his tongue along the delicate ties which hung loose on her hips and spine.

Caressing the slope of Lizzy's waist and lean line of her torso as it was bared to him, his cock twitched heavily beneath his trousers. She turned, presenting a stunning view of her bountiful breasts.

The plump mounds, sitting high and proud on the woman's chest, shimmered like gold under the summer sun.

The thin material did little to hide her stiff nipples, nor the ample weight pushing the material to its limits. Laughing at some unheard quip, Lizzy thoughtlessly bent at the waist, leisurely removing her sandals.

Red held his breath.

His eye ticked when the overflowing flesh threatened to spill from all sides and reveal the beauty contained to his lecherous gaze.

Bending this way and that, Lizzy's little ass wriggled about as she fully removed her shoes and tossed them to a nearby lounge under the cabana.

Canting his head, he took in the vision of her long, lithe legs before she stood upright, shaking her long tresses until they lay in heavy waves down her back.

Her skin and eyes glowed and twinkled against the light-blue of her small suit. If the attention she was garnering was any criteria by which to judge, the suit was too damn small... at least to his liking.

In public, anyhow.

"What the hell... did they run short of fabric for that fucking thing!" He bristled.

"Rein in your libido, Casanova." Silas rolled his eyes. "It's just a suit."

"Dammit, Elizabeth." The man growled his consternation, walking his way across the short expanse of decorative tiles, his mood low.

Hearing Red's approach, Liz hurriedly rummaged in her bag. "Oh, Red," she asked plaintively as he approached, "can you rub this sunscreen on my back." Even under the cover of the cabana, the sun was already stinging her flesh.

Snatching the bottle in his hand, he gripped it tight. "Are you purposely trying to provoke me? Piss me off?"

"What?" Liz was suddenly concerned something was amiss.

Glancing over the bikini once more, Red's first instinct was to remove his shirt and cover her. The other was to throw her to the lounge and lick every square inch of uncovered skin he saw... which was saying a lot.

"You are aware," Red stepped into the woman's sphere, his tone verging on annoyed ire, "these do come in larger sizes... which would cover more flesh!" He hissed quietly.

Liz relaxed, the tension leaving her body. She hid a threatening smile for the man's grouchy tone... or more so, the reason behind it.

"You don't like it?" She stepped closer, wrapping her arms about the man's neckline, pouting prettily.

Red's arms instinctively enveloped the woman's body, his fingers fiddling with the low ties hanging along her spine. His gaze lowered to the woman's breasts pushing against his chest, fixated on the tantalizing valley.

"Hell, yes, I fucking like it." Red grumbled. "As does every other male in the vicinity."

He scowled over the woman's shoulder, his darkened eyes glaring at overly interested parties.

Liz's cheeks flushed with pleasure, very much enjoying Red's territorial ways and surly reaction.

No one could make her feel more beautiful or sexy as Red Reddington could... and did. After a few-well-chosen words and dark scowling countenance, she felt the most sensual woman on the planet.

It was quite the ego-boost.

"I don't care what they think," she lifted to her toes, kissing his chin, "... I only care what you think."

"Then you won't mind what they think when I," Red focused on the blue eyes openly staring back into his, "fuck you raw on that damned lounge chair over there."

Liz could swear she felt her heart skip a beat and eyes dilate in response to the veiled... promise.

"One," she ticked off on her fingers, "it's not sturdy enough for such activities."

Red glanced at the lounge, pretty fucking sure he could make it work to his advantage.

"Two," she ticked off another finger, "Dembe's plastered to it."

Red narrowed his eyes at his friend, who instinctively seemed to know what Red was discussing with his overly exposed fiancé.

Dembe seemed to find the situation amusing, purposely settling more comfortably on the lounge.

"Three," Liz tsked woefully, "... we'll shock Francis' sensibilities."

He brooded his ire, not giving a damn about Francis, nor anyone else.

"Four," she pouted, "...I'll burn."

Red frowned, tenderly caressing Lizzy's hip.

She sighed her melancholy after a brief hesitation. "I thought I looked okay, but..."

Red frowned, unsure where the woman would take things.

"Would you prefer I go change?" She tossed the offer on the table, curious as to the man's response. "I can be... accommodating." She reminded of their prior activities in their room. "As you well know."

Unprepared for the question, the reply Red intended vanished as abruptly as it came. Clamping his mouth shut, he cooled his mood, allowing himself to be drawn under the woman's influence.

Perusing the voluptuous body once more, Red took the time to appreciate the baby-blue bikini and how well it accentuated the woman's assets to perfection.

"Do you believe this," he fingered the ties laying along her thigh, "is appropriate?"

"I would imagine is it rather... risqué," Liz slowly lifted her eyes, glancing at the man from under her dark lashes, "but I did wear it for your enjoyment... Sir." she purred, teasing the man.

Any leftover vexation Red may have felt evaporated into thin air the moment he heard the woman's response.

Since they began dating, he had slowly become accustomed to Lizzy teasing and flirting with him. Each day, he waited anxiously for the cherished moments to occur.

The woman's open desire to play with him in such a manner, however, was new. It was enjoyable as hell, God knew! He just had not become acclimated to it as yet.

Though, he felt he should, and quickly, if the twinkling in Lizzy's eyes meant anything.

"No man in his right mind could find fault with the view." Red praised the woman in all regards, earning a sweet smile in return. "Your efforts are very much appreciated."

Liz batted her eyes coquettishly, smiling.

One thing Red wasn't... was an idiot. In his humble opinion, the all too sweet smile and demure demeanor was a warning sign. Elizabeth may be new to the games they played, but had learned quickly how to push his buttons when she wished.

"In the future, however," Red lowered his tone to a stern one, "I would prefer to..." he sought a suitable word, "inspect your pool attire before you venture into a public venue such as this."

The woman's sullen pout in reply told Red he had been correct in his assumption. Lizzy was up to no good.

"Silas thinks I look good." She ventured innocently.

"Silas can suck a dick." Was Red's immediate response.

Liz didn't shock so easily today. She moved... closer. "I could do that for you... if you would like." She sighed lightly, changing tactics mid-course. "Oh, why are we debating this?"

Red scowled for the woman had denied him a chance to reply.

"I suppose," Liz looked up at Red, the blue eyes innocently blinking, "you would know what was more... appropriate for such a venue." She motioned about them.

"I would." Red agreed, slightly relieved Lizzy hadn't read him the riot act for his... request.

Sighing airily, Liz glanced to their right, just barely containing her grin of maliciousness.

"Are you gonna rub that lotion on me?" She gestured to the bottle he held in a death grip.

Narrowing his eyes, Red gripped the tube tight, girding his loins for the task at hand. He was determined to control his already heightened lust for the woman. Slathering her curvaceous body in the slick cream was a task designed to inspire lustful thoughts, however.

"Dammit..." he whispered his distress, popping the cap. He could do this! He wasn't a pussy whipped, inexperienced pup!

Smoothing the thick lotion between his palms, Red slid his hands along the silky plains of Lizzy's back and shoulders, his attention riveted on his movements. Kneeling at the woman's feet, he rubbed his slick hands down her legs, his breathing intensifying on its own accord. He studiously controlled it.

Closing her eyes to the sensation of the man's touch, Liz smiled secretively as she listened as Red fell silent, seemingly intent on his task.

Lifting his eyes, Red stifled a reaction as he came face-to-face with the gap of her thighs and the adorable lift of her derrière. Inching his hand upward, he ran his thumbs between the gap, dragging the thick appendages along Lizzy's bikini bottom.

Gasping quietly, Liz stilled in place, fighting the urge to spread her legs further to allow the man more access. Before she could begin to do so, her eyes closed rapturously when Red's large rough palms slipped under the elastic of her suit, rubbing the warmed cream over her backside.

Shifting his attention to the other people about them, he was grateful the billowing sashes blocked sight of them, not that anyone seemed to be paying them any mind whatsoever.

Red's eyes darkened with growing passion, having noticed Lizzy's reaction to his touch. He chanced offering the plump handful a gentle squeeze before lifting to his feet.

Slowly turning the woman about, Red drew his fingers along Lizzy's arms, causing the soft surface to burst into gooseflesh.

Red checked their surroundings hastily, his decision cast. He eased his fingers beneath the minuscule triangles covering Lizzy's breasts. He found her nipples tight and sensitive to the slightest of caress.

Cupping the handful, Red spent an inordinate amount of time spreading the cream about the lovely mounds.

"Should you be more... circumvent?" She whispered huskily.

"I don't want you to get burned." Red replied just as innocently as she had seconds back, again making certain no one noticed his transgressions.

"They are covered, you know." She grinned when his finger and thumb caught her nipple in their grasp, pinching the swollen tip.

"The same can't be said of their owner." Red muttered, giving the woman one last caress.

"You don't have to go, do you?"

"I'm not leaving until you do." He grumbled, glancing at the men congregating about.

"Well, I won't be long, anyway." She lifted to her toes, kissing the man's sensual mouth. Her own curved into a slow smile when Red covertly slid his hand beneath her suit, cupping her ass in one large palm.

Grunting a rumbling growl, Red reluctantly broke contact, looking down into Lizzy's deep blue eyes.

"Get in the damn pool or I swear to God," his roughened voice warned, "I'm going to fuck you right here. I'm not kidding."

And he wasn't; he was a breath away from throwing caution and reputations to the wind.

Pleased she accomplished her mission, Liz smiled brightly. "Hey guys," she called to Silas and Dembe, "you coming in?"

Red shifted meaningful eyes. Someone better step up to the plate. No way in hell would he allow Lizzy in the pool with all the 'sharks' out today.

Sighing his lot in life, Dembe slowly lowered the hotdog in his hand, his look a woefully abject one.

Shielding his eyes from the glaring sun, Silas grinned at the man's forlorn expression.

"I'm up..." the guard hauled himself upright, waving the woman onward. She practically skipped to the edge of the pool.

Smiling happily, Dembe returned to his hotdog, munching the salty treat hungrily.

Removing his shirt off overhead, Silas tossed the garment aside. He discarded the leather tie binding his hair, running his fingers through the silvery strands.

Red rolled his eyes expressively, scoffing under his breath when the ladies stopped all activity, watching the man stretch his sinewy muscles.

"Hey," Red stopped Silas in his steps, his expression a dour one, "... dunk her ass."

Smirking, rather enjoying Red's surly, yet playful mood, Silas inclined his head. Hurrying after Liz's retreating form, he caught up with her easily. In one swift move, he lifted her bodily.

Yelping her surprise, Liz grasped the muscular arm in a death grip before she fell headlong into the blue depths in a spectacular splash.

Silas, having lost his balance, followed suit.

Watching the spectacle take place... Red gestured for a passing waiter, grinning happily.