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)

129. Unleashed

Dammit...

He needed more time.

Time that he no longer had.

Red stared at the woman who stood solemnly before him.

He tried hard to push the all-consuming rage from his mind but... it had festered, then mutated into an entity which lived and breathed on its own.

Red knew, at this point, he could not trust his own emotions. What was worse... he was not in control.

That was the sole purpose he avoided her. Why he had taken refuge here.

Elizabeth shouldn't be here. She shouldn't see him in such a precarious state.

Silas should have known... should have realized why he had not come home. The guard should have kept Elizabeth safe... and away from him.

Surely Dembe told the guard what transpired?

No. Dembe had stayed close, like his shadow, in reality.

Dembe didn't trust him to not act... and was right in his assumption. Dembe was always right.

Red didn't trust himself at this point either. He tried to tap into his intellect... tried desperately for he knew, only through logical and precise thinking could he resolve this problem.

Only, a hazy grey pall of despair blanketed any sound judgement.

The crushing weight of guilt, recrimination and... rage blinded any sane reasoning.

The emotions consumed him. Burned at his gut. Ravaged his mind.

Betrayal was an everyday part of his world. It was the norm... he expected it. But this...

Hate infiltrated his very being, spreading like a deadly virus through every part of his body.

And who would suffer the effects of that virus most?

Lizzy...

The phone interrupted, jarring Red from his thoughts. He jerked around, ripping the object angrily from the tabletop.

"What!" he barked at the unseen interloper into his private world.

A private world where heaven and hell collided.

The torment he felt was hellish.

And heaven... was the angel who, even now in her silence, soothed the anguish.

But these emotions, he desperately needed to function at this moment in time.

"I've made arrangements with my people to secure Miguel...for the funeral. I'll leave shortly." Francis informed. "I'm flying down to be with Elena."

Francis' clipped no-nonsense remarks steadied Red's temperament.

"Yes... all right." Red breathed wearily into the receiver. He should have done all that... it was his duty.

"I'll call you when I see her." Francis continued. "...You know Miguel prepared Elena for this, should he–"

"What of their child? Is it prepared as well?" Red's tone was more than acerbic, he realized. He also realized, Francis was not the catalyst to this tragic event.

"We will do as Miguel wished... and care for them." Francis' sadness echoed over the line.

"My, God, Francis!" Red snapped. "Miguel never even got to–"

"...I know," Francis replied quietly, "Miguel told me about next week."

Red gripped the table to steady his cascading rage. Miguel had been so excited, he positively radiated with joy. The moment he learned Elena was expecting, the man gifted everyone with the finest Cuban cigars and a wide grin that bespoke of his happiness.

Miguel proudly stated just a week ago he and Elena would find out the sex of the infant this upcoming week. Though, he said there was no need for he was positive in his heart; it was a girl.

"And why, pray tell?" Red grated, his hand squeezing the phone tightly enough to crack the plastic casing, "... He was in the wrong place at the wrong time? It was just one of those things, right Francis?"

The venomous depth of Red's words astonished Liz. My God... what had happened? What would cause the man to attack Francis in such a way?

Had Francis been the catalyst for whatever transpired in the first place?

Francis remained quiet for a long spell. "It's Lydia, but you know that. With Miguel's merchandise in their hands, she and Javier acquire top spot in Southern exports. It's what she's always wanted. Let's not kid ourselves."

"I should have ended her years ago." Red's blood boiled with the need to finish the bitch. The desire to look into her eyes as he placed a barrel against her head... to witness the terror...

Elena must feel that terror now. To have not only lost her husband... but to do so before the birth of their child?

The woman had to be beyond devastated. Red worried for her well-being and that of her precious child.

"I'll bring Lydia to you, Red. Do you believe that?" Francis' tone was so matter-of-fact, Red found comfort in its simplicity. "I'm assuming you'll want Javier to witness Lydia receive her just reward before..."

Red felt better... not great, but better. "Yes," he gritted. That was exactly what he wanted. "I'll follow shortly. But... yes, go Francis. Be with Elena until I can get there myself and obtain better security."

Francis hung up the phone.

Liz wondered who Elena was... and this, Miguel. What tragedy had befallen this woman and man?

From the snippets Liz heard, she couldn't piece much of the puzzle together.

Had this Elena been one of Red's old flames? Did Red still feel a responsibility to the woman?

She stood now, pondering... piecing it all together.

"I'm sure you have ascertained, this is not exactly a good time." Red kept his back to the woman, his tone brittle, his words carefully chosen.

"I should have called." he bit the inside of his cheek. "This is... business. Something I," he tasted blood and savored that brief second, the pain overshadowed the chaos, "need to take care of personally."

"You are close to this woman?" Liz questioned curiously. "Is she a... friend? Is... he?"

Red didn't want to answer immaterial questions. He forced himself because, Elizabeth was the innocent party here...but if she had just stayed home like he...

"I am... was, close to her husband." That was an understatement.

Miguel was the brother he always hoped for in his life. The very first person to offer assistance and a place of refuge after the shit hit the fan.

Miguel allowed Red the time needed to regroup, supplied financing and contacts...

Where others didn't, Miguel provided Red with a way to move forward.

How long ago was it? Almost twenty-five years now?

And yet, it seemed like yesterday in Red's mind.

Red stood, his thoughts inundated with fond memories... and methods to enact his revenge.

The overlapping images were dizzying.

Although Francis had taken the brunt of obligation the newest crisis generated, the cause of the problem needed addressed.

The reality that only Red could solve this dilemma to his satisfaction, did nothing to lift his spirits.

He sensed the woman's presence near his position. Turning slowly, his eyes cast a dire glance Elizabeth's way.

"You have to... go, Elizabeth." it was not a request. "You have to...leave."

Thinking quickly, Liz took a cautious step towards Red, as if the man were an injured animal.

"I'm Eliza," she edged forward, "you secured me through the Agency."

"I... what?" initially confused by the statement, within a moment… it clicked in Red's addled brain.

"For God's sake!" he snapped his waning patience. "You can not be serious–"

"I think there has been an error in communication." she managed a sincere wince. "You called me, Elizabeth. The Agency has apparently mixed me up with the woman you were expecting."

She knew what Red needed... but getting there would prove a hard battle. A goal she was admittedly starting to believe was out of reach.

The man's anger and incredulousness were not only intimidating... but discouraging.

She sincerely hoped she was not making a mistake. Or worse... a fool of herself.

Nonchalantly hefting a small leather bag, she opened the latch, hastily unrolling the long patch of cloth she extracted before losing her nerve.

"I suppose these," she waved a hand over the paraphernalia, "are not what you ordered either?"

Red's steps towards the door halted, his eyes raking the objects displayed for all to see.

He stared almost quizzically at several of the clearly recognizable... products.

"I need this job." she stated bluntly. "I can assure you, I am more than proficient at using these," again she motioned to the odd array of sex toys, "as any of my counterparts. If you give me a chance, I can prove my boast."

Red stared transfixed at the toys, his brow furrowed darkly. "What the hell game are you–"

"I am inventive and flexible in regards to roleplaying," Liz boldly proclaimed, confidently meeting his angry scowl, "I can follow your lead... or if you prefer," she stepped closer, holding his eyes willfully, "I can also improvise a scenario to suit your... needs."

She hoped Red understood her offer. She was here for him, in whatever manner he required. Now... she just had to decipher what the man needed most.

Red shook free of the damning influence she seemed to wield over him, even at such a time. "All I want right now is for you–"

"Wait..." she held up a staying hand, stepping decidedly closer. "I can see you're not in the mood for the usual run-of-the-mill interaction. You obviously have something weighing on your mind. You're... troubled."

Red's eyes snapped to her face for he had just realized the low cut of the silk blouse she wore had distracted him.

He cursed his lack of perspective, his mood darkening all the more.

"But may I remind you," Liz took heart for she was woman enough to know when she had a man's interest no matter how fleeting the moment had been, "... a wise man realizes a weary mind can oft times be cleared when the body is relaxed and stress free."

Liz casually reached for the front of the soft silk blouse she wore.

The actions she performed pulled Red's attention, his gaze transfixed.

"Give me ten minutes..." Pulling her shirt from the waistband of her jeans, she eased the buttons free.

Pushing off the table with a growl, Red stalked towards her... his eyes fiery and stern.

"Dammit, Elizabeth," Red's crisp tone sent shivers down her spine, which was probably the opposite of what he intended, "...go... home."

Releasing the last button, she shrugged free of the light-weight garment, revealing herself to his dark gaze.

Red's eyes flickered over the woman's pert breasts, his breath catching much to his aggravation.

Her feather soft skin glowed under the low light of the overhead chandelier and nearby firelight.

The low cups of the dark bra cradled her alabaster breasts, lifting them upward, demanding he look.

The delicate lace strained to keep the supple mounds contained, the center 'X' holding the fabric together stretched to its limit, threatening to tear at the seams.

"...These damned things can chafe at times," her hands curled about the heavy cups, jostling the pale globes, adjusting the fit casually.

His tongue twitched restlessly in his mouth when the soft muscle bounced hypnotically with her movement.

Red damned himself for reacting, for feeling a sudden arousal itching... no, clawing at his insides.

Elizabeth should not affect him to this degree. They had shared intimate relations before... this was not new terrain.

But yet... it was. What he shared with Elizabeth... what he felt for her staggered his mind.

He was like a damned addict the way he craved the emotions she made him experience. Her very touch set his skin ablaze.

He yearned for Elizabeth.

He loved Elizabeth.

Even now, he felt overwhelming guilt; he needed her so damned badly.

Closing his eyes to the captivating cleft between the ample swell, he fought that unabating need.

Taking a steadying breath, Liz stepped, laying a hand against Red's chest recapturing his attention.

"Just ten minutes... and I will put your world back into perspective."

Red's eyes darkened.

"Oh, no..." Liz was quick to reassure, "I don't mean like... that."

The woman's hesitant, open manner soothed Red despite his mood. He reacted to the woman's apparent sincerity for the large blue eyes were begrudgingly appealing.

"When you called the Agency, you were probably in the mood for..." she hesitated, "that, but I can see matters have altered."

Though intently focused on her, the man remained eerily quiet.

"I can go, of course..." she trailed a slow hand between her breasts.

Red followed the small fingers tantalizing path, by second nature.

"And report an unhappy client," she pouted prettily, "... but in reality, you haven't given me much of a chance to show you my credentials."

Red shook his head, refocusing his wrath. He was too livid to be pulled into such a game.

He had too many things he needed to accomplish and set in motion...

"I have things I need to do." Red growled his anger. "I need to..." he trailed off when the woman bent, presenting her bottom to him.

"I have a full agenda tonight." Elizabeth apologized, removing her heels.

Red's eyes darkened before he realized it, disliking the picture she painted.

"...I don't want to stain these." She winced, hooking her thumbs into the thick rim around her waist, she lowered the dark cloth down over the full bottom.

His attention shifted, lowering to the enticing curve of her backside as she worked the tight jeans she wore down her shapely legs.

The thin strips of her lace panties lifted, uncovering the lower half of her ass, allowing him a perfect view of her full rump moving and stretching the soft material.

The erotic sight of the dark mesh slipping between the rounded globes and conforming to her intimate places, teased Red's psyche.

Her ass swiveled, drawing attention to the small wet spot on the crotch of her panties.

"The oil gets everywhere." Elizabeth lay the jeans aside.

A thrumming awareness pulsed through his veins, "I'm not in the mood for..."

"You're misunderstanding," she smiled, "I was a masseuse before," she explained, "I thought... well, it is a very therapeutic remedy for stress. Your eyes tell me you have a headache. Am I correct?"

She arose, standing pointedly before him, her hands interlinked almost nervously.

"Aromatherapy massage is beneficial not only to your mind," she said, "but relaxes your body... that's all."

All things considered, Liz was rather comfortable. One would think, given Red's current mood, and that she had done nothing like this before in her life, she would feel apprehensive.

But she didn't. Not one iota.

Red wanted her, that much was obvious. Now, she just had to push past his anger.

She had to fight his demons.

Lucky for them, she was ready for a fight.

"And you'll be saving money." she brightened. "A massage is much cheaper than..." she cleared her throat gently, "and I won't go back empty-handed, but more importantly...you'll feel better."

She lifted hopeful eyes.

Liz held her expression when the man continued silently fuming. The tension was rolling from him in waves.

Whatever happened today royally pissed Red off.

Like his well-tailored suits, the man's angered aura suited him. He wore them like impenetrable armor.

Though, unlike her predecessors... she loved the man enough to discover a fissure in that defensive shield.

"I know you think I'm a nuisance right now but I promise... you will not feel that in a few minutes if you," she licked those luscious lips anxiously, "trust me a little while longer."

He wavered between maintaining his temper... and relaxing in her presence, no matter how damn hard he was trying not to.

"I won't lie, I would much rather," she stepped into Red's sphere, running a gentle hand up his torso, "...fuck you."

The man's muscles tensed and rippled under her touch. Her words affected him more than he wanted to admit.

"You're very... handsome," she looked him over appreciatively.

Trying to retain the tight grip on his anger, Red stepped from her touch, but also the woman's delicate aroma enveloping him from all sides.

"I would imagine," she followed deliberately, cautiously, "that at any given moment, a great deal of women wish to fill the vacancy in your bed."

Red sneered quietly. Elizabeth better be speaking hypothetically and not fishing for hints of infidelity on his part.

She thought she knew how he appeared when pissed off.

She didn't...

"This just isn't my lucky day," she plucked a button on his shirt and then another, "but you might change your mind if I'm memorable enough... and ask for me again so I may claim that coveted spot another time."

Red's dark eyes lifted, their hold fixed and intent. In his opinion, that was a spot no one other than Elizabeth would hold claim to ever again.

There was only one woman he allowed... or even wanted, in his bed; and it was Elizabeth.

A coquettish smile curved her lips when the man didn't stop her actions.

Running her hands up his stocky form, she pushed his linen shirt over his shoulders, releasing him from the confinement.

And to his amazement... he let her. What the hell was going on?

"...Oh," Liz purred her delight, threading her fingers through the pelt on Red's chest. "...I like this."

Red's chest lifted into her brazen touch, his pectoral flexing.

To his aggravation, his groin stirred in response to Lizzy's appreciation of his body and her breasts brushing against him.

Any other time, Red would bask in how damned sensual Elizabeth could be... but at present, loathed himself for how weak and powerless he was against her hold on him.

Now was the time he should form a plan to avenge those who wronged him… not lose himself to Elizabeth's will.

He shouldn't do this, not when he was livid and intent on seeking revenge. He wasn't in the right frame of mind.

"...You are tense." her mouth fell into a sensual pout.

"I am angry." he corrected, his tone chilly.

"As I said, I can make you feel better..." Liz murmured, stroking his broad chest. Manipulating the coral tip of his nipple, she tenderly pinched the small nub.

He caught her fingers in a tight grip, his eyes flashing with a certain danger that admittedly made Liz's center flare to vivid life.

"You don't know what you're asking." Red hissed, his need gnawing at him.

"There are ways to release your anger," she murmured soothingly, "with me."

His breathing hitched when her other hand cupped the growing hardness of his erection, caressing the distinct outline.

"This..." her tiny fingers wrapped about the thick curve, caressing it lovingly, "can wait if you prefer?"

Red grasped the woman's dark tresses, demanding her attention.

Liz docilely followed the silent demand, looking up at the man's dark features.

"And if I don't," his deep voice snarled, "prefer to wait?"

On the best of days, Red was a very intense man and passionate lover.

She imagined, now that he possessed a brooding energy, it heightened those attributes.

Was it wrong she wished to experience the power Red was projecting?

"...I won't break." she held his penetrating eyes willfully, demanding she be heard.

No matter how hard he tried to persuade her otherwise, she wouldn't run. She wouldn't leave.

Not just yet. Not until she knew he was all right emotionally.

She reached, unhooking the closure of her bra. Easing the straps down her arms, she revealed herself to the man in increments.

Elizabeth shamelessly bared her succulent breasts to Red's scorching gaze, discarding the delicate lace at their feet.

Once free of their confinement, the heavy weight of her flesh moved provocatively.

Red unabashedly explored the expanse of Elizabeth's natural tear shaped breasts, down her sinewy torso... to the panties hugging her mound. The lacy cut of the front 'V' pointed like a beacon to what he wanted most in this world.

"You may," she took his hand in hers, placing it about her breast, "touch me... if you like."

Red's fingers naturally curved to the fullness, gently squeezing the handful of bountiful flesh. He grunted low in his throat when the perky tip of her nipple brushed his palm.

"Your hands are," she pushed into his touch, "...so warm"

Curving his free hand about her hipbone, he motioned her closer. Slipping a finger beneath the soft fabric of her panties, he followed an invisible trail before settling in the cleft of her rounded cheeks.

Liz leaned to his will, her whispering moan stirring the fine hairs on his stocky chest.

"I'll hurt you, dammit," his harsh tone warned, his willpower waning, "I'll be too rough..."

He would be too rough, too intense... but she could never imagine the man would ever really hurt her physically.

"I am also sensing," Liz countered, ready for whatever Red required of her, "by the control you display," she waited, patiently weathering the cool stare, "you are very proficient when it comes to pleasing a woman."

The feeling of Lizzy's swollen breasts pushing intimately into his chest, and the soft rustle of her panties scraping against his coarse palm as her ass wiggled in his hold... was enough to make any man fall to his knees and beg.

But it was her clear blue eyes defiantly holding his piercing gaze... that was Red Reddington's undoing.

Reaffirming his grip, he pulled her roughly towards his mouth, his palm conforming to the woman's weighty breast. He growled his dissatisfaction when she deflected his intent, just a breath away from her parted mouth.

"No kissing," she panted. Her tummy flipped when Red's growl of discontent deepened into a rough snarl.

She shivered in his strong hold, craning her neck... surrendering herself to his scorching mouth branding wet trails against her neckline and upper chest.

He loved the sensation of Lizzy's small tongue mirroring his own... especially when he was balls deep inside the woman.

That she denied him that small pleasure…

He didn't like it... not one bit.

"There's another use for your mouth..." Red rasped, brusquely tugging the latch of his belt. "Get on your knees, now."

Inhaling shakily, Liz's heart thumped hard behind her breast. Red had never outright asked her to pleasure him orally. And never in such a brazen, abrupt manner.

She rather liked his forwardness, she realized.

Blindly reaching for her bag, she leisurely lowered to the floor. Liz's focus remained fixed on Red's face on her descent, increasing the man's sharp movement.

He urgently pulled the zipper of his trousers, his expression a foreboding one.

Curling her small fingers into the waistband of his dark slacks and boxers, Liz lowered them out of her way. Her breathing hitched when the man's soft blonde curls and the beginning arch of his erection inched into view.

Red's heartbeat thrummed steadily in his chest when the woman unconsciously licked her lips as his cock sprung free.

Gaining his freedom, he kicked free from the expensive fabric, hissing as his aroused flesh bobbed hot and heavy in the cool air.

His blood burned like lava in his veins at the very thought of Lizzy wrapping her beautiful mouth around his dick.

The woman herself would never tire of the sight of Red's straining and aroused cock. The heavy girth bulged and flexed, desperately searching for... her attention.

Liz's eyes dilated when the long, heavy rod jostled with his movement, thumping hard against his thigh.

The desire she felt to wrap her tongue around his throbbing crown was insane. Never had she wanted him so damned desperately.

"You like this," he lifted the heavy organ, presenting it to her, "...don't you."

His dick throbbed in response to the woman's riveted gaze. Her undeniable interest caused his erection to flex and hardened further.

She leaned, nuzzling the tip lovingly with her cheek line, her hot breath brushing teasingly against his thigh.

Eagerly moving forward, he swallowed hard in anticipation of that luscious mouth taking him inside that hot hollow.

"Open that pretty mouth, baby..." The hoarse gravel of his voice made her already throbbing slit slick in a thick rush of wet warmth.

Settling comfortably, Liz lifted her chin, her lips parting subtly. Her tongue instinctively flicked the cool air, already searching for Red's thick shaft.

"...Yes," he stepped, his voice shaking amorously, "you want to taste my cock, don't you..."

"I want that," she breathed her excitement, "very much, yes."

Cradling her head, he urged her forward watching her blush pink nipples harden the moment she felt his wide helmet brush her full mouth.

Catching the first taste of his arousal, she flicked her tongue, capturing a small bead of moisture which traveled the curvature of his glans.

Red moaned, the playful technique gearing him up for more of this particular foreplay.

Quickly adjusting her stance, Liz wasted no time wrapping her tongue and lips about the fat crown.

Red gasped audibly for the hot cavern's welcome.

"That's my good girl," Red hissed through clenched teeth, "yes... take me in."

His head fell back, his eyes closing to the intense prickle of electrifying heat coursing through his cock and balls.

Curving her fingers to his backside, Liz inched her way back and forth, wetting the hardened rod.

Relaxing into her activity, she let the bulging crown slide along the roof of her mouth. Wrapping her fingers about the thick width, she rubbed her tongue along the sensitive underside just how Red liked.

She enjoyed his melodious growl of pleasure.

"Suck my cock, honey..." he breathed as the woman's humid mouth tenderly suckled the turgid head. He moved an inch deeper, needing to feel... to move.

Liz, however, had other plans in mind. She flattened her tongue, licking searing trails the stiff length.

Red couldn't find it in himself to reprimand the woman for not obeying his direction, especially when her pert nose nudged the heavy sack between his thighs.

Swallowing hard, Red cupped the back of her head, nudging her to continue her endeavors. "Oh...shit, keep doing that, baby..."

Lifting hooded eyes to his, Liz's tongue fondled the crinkled flesh in slow, broad strokes.

"Yes, just like that." he groaned brokenly.

Liz hummed happily when he adjusted his stance, opening himself to her exploration.

"Fucking hell..." he groaned his dismay when she pulled back after several moments, only to gasp his pleasure a breath later.

The woman's shallow depth engulfed him, sliding down the rigid length, with a steady, even stride which took his breath away.

Groping the floor beside her, Liz found the items of interest she sought, situating it in hand. Poising it in place, she pulled back, letting the swollen head slide from between her lips.

Liz cooed lovingly when the man growled his displeasure.

"I want to suck your thick cock," stroking the man's length, she appeased his lust enough to situate the ring in place, "...don't you worry about that."

Wrapping her mouth back around the engorged tip, she slid both her mouth and ring down the steel like pole.

Red's eyes flickered to the woman's activities as a new, yet comfortable weight settled against his shaft and balls.

The veins in his dick swelled, standing out harshly against the normally translucent pink of his flesh.

Cock ring... his mind supplied the reason for the sudden increase in pleasure he was experiencing.

He had used them before... even enjoyed them on occasion.

This one, he definitely didn't mind. As she slipped it down into place, he swore it felt like a million little tongues flickered along his girth, before a curved shelf cradled his balls.

No... it was not an unpleasant sensation at all. He swore he could feel every ridge and vein glide along the cushion of Lizzy's mouth.

He had to admit; Lizzy's choice of toy surprised him. He mentally attempted to recall all the various forms laid out on the rolled up platform but... his mind was elsewhere.

Perhaps more surprises were in store. He dearly hoped so...

Hollowing her cheeks, the woman cradled him with her tongue, suckling him hungrily. Steadily rocking back and forth, her mouth bobbed along the thick shaft, gradually increasing the suction as she went.

Red gasped his praise, "I love how you suck cock."

"You make me want to please you." she whispered enticingly.

Curling his fingers into the long dark hair, he bunched the heavy strands in his grasp, losing himself to the sensual intimacy.

"I hope you enjoy this... as well." Liz swiftly slid another toy catered to his pleasure over the curved ridge of Red's cock head.

The man gasped sharply, instinctively pushing his swollen crown into the heavily lubricated hole. The snug sleeve slipped down his fat shaft, gripping him in a hold which closely mimicked Lizzy's pussy.

Settling the open-ended masturbator far down his shaft, Liz moved the toy in tandem with her mouth.

"Oh, fuck... yes..." Red's head fell back as ecstasy swept his frame. The rather intense sensation made his dick feel huge and distended and engulfed in the snug hold.

If he didn't know better, he would think Lizzy was deep throating the entire fucking thing.

"What the fuck was I thinking before," he expressed admiration for the woman's skill and inventiveness, "refusing you access to my cock."

His already riveted attention shifted to the woman's plump lips parting around the glistening head, before the wide crown disappeared back into the humid depths.

Just like her labia, the rosebud mouth tugged with the movement of the purpling bulb. The sight of his taut flesh glimmering with her saliva caused a hot trickle of cream to flow from the engorged slit.

"...I hope I'm doing this correctly..." she loosened her lips, caressing the bulbous crown with open mouth kisses, "you're my first client."

"First client... tonight, you mean." Red played the game, though both heard a definite hardness to his tone. The game was too real at times. He chided such a reaction, displeased with himself.

Liz's eyes lit pleasantly. Silas was right, she enjoyed Red's territorial side.

"I lied before." she brushed her lips sensually along a pronounced vein, stroking it with her tongue . "I didn't want you to send me away."

Red lost himself to the gentle motion of her head and the nubbed sleeve bobbing along his shaft.

"Right there, baby..." he gasped as the woman curved her tongue about the underside of his wide head... suckling his tender spot with avid determination.

Standing stock still, Red let her play to her heart's content, very much enjoying this uninhibited Lizzy.

"You're my first client ever," she corrected before returning to the mind-altering pleasure.

She had never seen Red so enraptured. Well, not quite like this, at least. But then, she never slapped a cock ring and masturbator on him before, either.

His obvious enjoyment made a rush of heat trickle from her center, tickling the fine hairs of her sex as they rubbed against her sodden panties.

Cupping his balls, she massaged the full scrotum, tenderly scratching her blunt nails around the full handful.

"I applaud your initiative..." Red snarled, his stomach pitching pleasantly. "You have rapidly become my all-time favorite playmate."

Lizzy had never teased him in such a manner. Normally, his balls got a passing graze of attention, but twice now she fondled the weighty sack between his thighs.

Fighting the desire to smile, Liz concentrated on her task, gently tugging the heavy sack in her hand.

"Suck the head, baby." he whispered his desperation, his body cried out for a release from the exquisite torture the woman was providing.

She hurriedly suckled the huge protruding tip, her tongue flitting between the tiny slit. The very thought Red would find his release with her... in her, made her pussy ache.

"Yes..." he choked on his own emotions, "...yes."

Elizabeth had made her love for his cock well know... but tonight, it was as if she craved the feel and taste of him.

Perhaps her passionate display and willingness to accept his foul temper was a hint she wished to enjoy the rigid hard-on dominating her little hole.

He sincerely hoped so because... he was rapidly approaching his breaking point.

Red's blood heated dangerously at the sight of the woman probing his weeping slit.

"I am sensing..." he snarled, abruptly pulling her from the floor, "you want my cum."

Turning her about, he bent her face down over the bed. Roughly yanking her panties down Lizzy's thighs, he delighted in her needy mewl.

His cock strained toward the enticing sight, instinctively searching for the steamy hole it knew was in its vicinity.

"What a bad girl you are, almost making me come in your gorgeous mouth," he hissed his displeasure for his own weakness, "... I wanted so damn badly to blow my load on that nimble little tongue."

A course of shivers ran the length of Liz's back in response to Red's words.

"But I prefer," he pushed his wet shaft between her thighs, "coming in pussy."

"M-my..." she blinked, fighting for an ounce of orientation, "my bag."

Red scowled, looking down at the object in question. He gripped the head of his cock to ease the growing pressure. He didn't dare remove the slick toy, knowing the sensation would make him most likely come the second he did.

Bending, he hissed through his teeth when the sensitive crown brushed her ass and thigh. The slight tease sent jolts of electricity shooting down through his ball sack and legs.

Grasping the bag, he tossed it beside her, resuming his stance. Wrapping his hand about the sleeve encompassing his shaft, he rubbed himself against the heated surface between the cheeks of her ass, groaning his delight.

The sound of clacking and the muted thump of objects falling to the blankets broke his concentration.

The sight which greeted him caused his already throbbing shaft to expand even further.

His eyes flit over Lizzy's treasure trove of toys, his sack quivering with anticipation.

Among the myriad of stimulating playthings, lay a wide variety of nipple suckers and teasers, vibrators, cock rings and ticklers...

Leaning, Red's hands hovered over the plethora of toys, silently watching her reaction.

He stilled, running his finger along the length of one in particular. The playful tease caused her breath to hitch.

"Oh..." he drawled, "this one interests you, hmm?"

He plucked it off the blankets, inspecting the toy religiously.

"What a coincidence..." the husk of his voice deepened, "I am particularly keen on this one myself."

His eyes traveled the short length, appreciating the detail given. It had a rounded head, veins and ridges... just like a real penis.

Only, this one was rather thin and had a flared end to keep it from dislodging itself once placed in the tight ring of Lizzy's ass.

She panted for air when the wide brush of Red tongue suddenly rubbed along her lips and clit. The agile muscle made a rough sweeping arc against the small puckering of her ass, stealing her breath away.

Her panties tugged tight against her thighs, preventing her from parting her legs as wide as she desired.

But the space was more than enough to expose her genitals to Red's inquisitive tongue.

Placing his hands on either side of her ass cheeks, he spread them wide, allowing him better access to his most cherished possession.

Red diligently prepared the small opening, using the small tube of lube he saw laying amongst the other accouterments.

"This isn't our infamous 'oil'..." he squeezed a dollop against his index finger, "but it should do the trick."

Petting her once more, he tenderly eased the thick digit in place.

"...Yes, baby," he soothed when the woman whimpered happily as he worked his thick finger into her body, "that feels good, doesn't it."

Now accustomed to the activity, she took a deep breath and relaxed. "...Yes," she whispered, "...oh, yes!"

No matter how much Red needed to fuck, and she knew he did by the evidence jutting hard and wet from his pelvis...

She trusted the man to go slow... and give her time to adjust. And he did. The gentle slide of his finger moved with ease as he stroked the tight opening.

"My goodness," he tsked, "look how wet your panties are."

He hooked his fingers around the crotch of Lizzy's lacy undergarments, sliding the cream-filled lingerie down her legs.

Rather proud of her body's reaction to Red, she lifted her ass to show the man these new credentials.

Red's eyes darkened as the woman's legs subtly parted, allowing him a full view of her lips, wet with thick cream, spreading open for him.

Quickly pulling her panties from around her ankles, he tossed them aside, spreading her legs wider.

Lowering his face into the delectable treat, he flickered his tongue against her clit, enjoying her sharp gasp of surprise.

Continuing his earlier endeavor, his middle finger slid in alongside the other, stretching her ass open.

Red squeezed the tube against the tight hold, gently twisting his fingers, pumping them freely in the coveted slot.

Liz felt her body flutter then open to his welcome intrusion.

"Yes, open your tight little ass for me..." he turned his fingers, spreading them slowly, leisurely rocking them with more ease.

It surprised her when her core tightened with arousal, the tugging sensation of orgasm pulling at her cervix.

Red felt her body's response, delicately removing his fingers. Slicking the toy with lube, he teased her with the fleshy toy, placing it against the ready surface.

"...Relax, baby," he murmured, pushing the round tip against her opening.

"Oh..." she shook, the increasing fullness... was scary.

"Shh," he soothed, guiding the plug in past the tight resistance, "..do as I say."

Her breath shook as the slim, yet foreign, object parted her. Though only slightly larger than Red's fingers, she felt the definite pressure of the head push past the tight ring of her ass.

Red waited, gauging her reaction.

He wasn't afraid to admit; his cock flexed in anticipation, the crown oozing. Gripping the sleeve, he tugged his shaft, gingerly teasing his fevered flesh... reminding his body, all this patience would pay off... soon.

Very soon now.

Taking another breath, she waited for the anticipation of pain... but felt nothing but intense pleasure... especially when Red returned his tongue between her thighs.

Looking back over her shoulder, Lizzy's crystalline blue eyes were hazy with lust.

Red's blood surged, his cock ached to fuck her snug pussy, raw.

Nudging the toy forward, it glided easily into the dark recesses of her body with little difficulty.

"That's my baby," he encouraged, "relax... take it all..."

She yearned for more...

To feel Red's touch and weight settle along her body had become a-deep seated need she required for utter fulfillment when they made love.

She knew Red experienced and enjoyed the same connection on some level.

Though tonight, she felt there was an edginess... a consuming need she had never experienced emanating from the man pleasuring her.

She wanted so badly to fulfill his needs, to give him the same release... the contentment he gifted her.

Liz wriggled her hips, pushing it deeper until she met the thickened flare at the end.

Red felt the woman tense, understanding the reason.

Though, she had no reason to worry. The flare was no larger than his fingers.

Her trepidation, the fear of the unknown... that was worse than the final push.

Leaning, he stroked her with his tongue, causing the woman's eyes to flutter shut of their own accord.

"You can do this..." he stimulated not only her body, but psyche. "You'll feel so full...your pussy will ache with pleasure."

Concentrating on his voice, she visualized the plug in place and Red sliding into her body.

She already felt like Red filled her to capacity, she could only imagine how intense it would be to experience this new sensation.

Red watched the woman's thought process take shape. For a man with experience in such a delicate process, he interpreted her features easily.

Deliberately pushing the flared end of the apparatus past the small resistance, his expression remained stoically set, unreadable.

Liz startled, her breath capturing in a shaky exclamation.

Without waiting for the woman to regain her composure, Red ensured placement of the toy was intact before dropping his face to the swollen cleft.

Arching her back, Liz lifted into the gratifying pleasure.

"Your taste..." he muttered, "my God..." he lost himself to her gathering arousal, a sudden thought occurring.

"If this is the temptation Adam was denied," he spoke of the crisp, savory essence inundating his senses, "this forbidden fruit..."

Inhaling, Red basked in Lizzy's mellow aroma. "I understand the man's failure to comply... even more than I realized."

The deep husk of his voice spoke of his unadulterated desire to partake in more of the sweet honey Elizabeth had to offer.

"There truly is a fine line," his tongue traced the line of Liz's sex, "between purity...and decadence."

Her legs felt unstable the more Red's searching mouth delved deeper into the secret place. He rubbed her clit in rapid flicks causing her body to tremble and flow with continuous liquid heat.

His wide tongue teased and tantalized with persistent, hungry strokes for several moments but then... slowly lifted away to observe the damage he accomplished.

Studying her face, he enjoyed the beautiful agony etched on her exquisite features.

"You better fucking come," he growled his insistence, "...I'm about to fuck the hell out of you."

Her small fingers clawed at the bedclothes, her bottom lifting higher into his ministrations... her body dictating and responding to its need.

She reached, cupping his head, pulling him closer to where she yearned for him most.

Red leaned leisurely, in time, flattening his tongue against her clit, his hot breath electrifying her flesh.

Liz tensed and held tight, her body and breath trembling with the rising tension.

Demanding she comply with his needs... Red systematically increased the pressure of his flicks and strokes, the intensity shattering her willful restraint.

She bucked hard, releasing a tight scream before quickly dropping her face into the plush covers, muffling her cries of passion.

Pushing upright, Red yanked the sleeve free from his cock, tossing it carelessly atop the rumpled blankets.

Catching the woman's squirming hips, he yanked her back into his sphere, laying his weight into the writhing little body, controlling her movements.

"I'm going to fuck this delectable little pussy..." Looming over her prone form, he possessively cupped the sloping flesh between her thighs, "...until you beg me to fill it with my cum."

His fingers parted her swollen labia, manipulating the woman's cream covered clit.

"Have you ever begged a man for a fuck... or his cum," his eyes held an odd light, "...I wonder."

She shook with the orgasm still coursing through her body, gulping for air. She desperately swallowed, trying to wet her parched mouth.

"Could I bring you to yet another climax, do you think?" he cocked his head to one side. "Were I patient enough?"

She closed her eyes, valiantly centering herself once more. Red was getting a little cocky in her opinion, but then again... was he, if he proved his boast to be true?

She was up to the challenge presented... and ready to play the game... to push his limit.

"You can do anything you want to me..." Liz laid down the ground rules, "I'm here... for your pleasure."

Something in Red snapped when he heard those carelessly stated words.

You can do anything you want to me. Her tone had been so sweet... so innocent... so incredibly naïve.

She could not know how controlled he had been in their lovemaking to date. So many times Red wanted to fuck her until her cum wet her thighs and she was limp in his arms.

He wanted to...well, that was for another time.

Red took a deep breath, slowing down the rapid fire images of taking her in the manner he truly wished, instead focusing on the matter at hand.

Did she comprehend just how volatile his temper was at this moment?

He was very proficient at hiding emotions, after all.

Did she understand just how badly he needed her at this moment? Did she understand she just gave him free will to unleash the control he was exerting? Did she really wish him to give into his baser needs?

Because that was damn well what he was going to do... if he didn't regain some measure of control over this situation.

He would experience deliverance, one way or other.

"Oh, can I?" he questioned the nice little statement. "Who taught you to say that?"

"N-No one taught me." she felt a little upset by his accusing tone especially after what had just occurred between them. "I meant it."

"No!" Red snapped. "Never give a man that much power over you."

Momentarily taken aback by his anger, she settled quickly. Of course, he was upset...

Red had found no release as yet.

"You do not understand what those words imply." he scolded sternly.

"I know... you gave me more pleasure than any man I've known!" she fought back, those blue eyes wide and open... tore at his heartstrings.

"And just how many men have you known?" he chuckled grimly.

He disliked thinking about her past, limited as it was. But that was neither here nor there, this was now. She had given him an outlet to vent his frustrations, and he would use it.

"You yourself said... I was your first client." he reminded darkly.

"...I've... I've been around." her cheeks flushed.

"What? The football hero getting his jollies under the stadium bleachers?" Red could imagine the scenario and for a moment, envied the phantom perpetrator.

He shook the image, glancing down. No image could be better than the one afforded to him now.

"That doesn't count," he slid his erection along her backside, "I said, how many men have you been with?"

Liz placed a hand over her center, blocking sight of what Red wanted... sensing how territorial the man had become and how to work that to her advantage.

"I am certainly not a... novice at this game." she stated stalwartly.

Red removed her hand, his look almost primal. "Do not," he suggested, his tone cool, "hide your... beauty from me."

Liz tugged on her captured wrist. "You're hurting me."

"No, I'm not," but his fingers loosened all the same, "...but I can," his husky whisper tickled her ear, "if you're into rough play."

The unexpected reply startled her. Was Red into that sort of thing?

"Do you... want to?" she hesitated, unsure she was up to that task.

Red withheld his grin, reading Elizabeth well enough to sense her insecurity.

"... Not particularly, no." he felt her out.

They were treading into unknown territory and he was more than interested in learning more of Elizabeth's interests, whatever they may be.

She relaxed in his hold, the blue eyes challenging him with a sullen stare.

Red ignored her mood, seeking his true interest.

"I do, however," he shifted a lazy stare, "prefer exerting control," his grey eyes rested on the different shades of pink that pussy offered, "in situations such as this."

Liz's brow furrowed. She wondered where his narrative would take them.

"I paid for this," he rubbed a possessive hand against her center, "did I not?" he lifted stoic brows, his eyes holding hers willfully.

The reminder brought the game and the fact she had come here with a purpose in mind, sharply back into focus.

He stroked a finger down and over her still sensitive clit, smiling for the sharp intake of breath his pronounced touch elicited.

"Answer me." the man's rough tone demanded.

"You did..." she allowed the game to continue. Turning her ear towards the deep voice, Liz listened... waiting for a direction to take, admittedly intrigued by Red's demeanor.

"Then I may do with it as I please..." he slid a finger into the tightness of her cavern, enjoying her mew of enthusiasm, "...shall I demonstrate my needs."

Liz unconsciously lifted into the slow, easy slide of his finger, her body responding of its own accord to both the action and the statement. She sensed enough to know it was not a question he posed, but an advanced notice of his requirements.

"You and I..." Red focused on the matter at hand, "we're going to play a little game."

Taking his penis, he methodically eased the tip up and down the slick surface of her delicate crease.

"I enjoy games... do you?" he asked amiably.

Liz swallowed hard, her entire body in tune with the strange spell he wove.

"This game," Red shrugged absently, "could conceivably get out of hand so... perhaps we had better establish a rule or two before beginning."

Liz's heart thudded hard in her chest.

The man literally oozed sensuality. It was a palpable entity between them.

"A safe word is what we need." he nodded analytically.

His thumb eased back and forth over her clit making the tiny nub sensitive and swollen again.

"Do you have any suggestions?" he studied the little face.

Her legs parted, allowing him room to continue the delightful activity.

"No?" he withheld his smile, amused she seemingly ignored the question.

"I will supply one then because, the way I'm feeling at present, I fear proceeding without one," his words trailed off for a long beat, "would be... unwise."

Liz wanted to relax into the intense pleasure he offered but something in the man's demeanor warned her of such folly. She needed to pay attention... focus.

"How about... butterfly?" he mused, his gaze transfixed on the activity he performed still. "This pretty pussy reminds me of a beautiful winged creature, alive and poised to... take flight."

Rocking her hips, Liz slid her swollen vulva along Red's erection, sighing her enjoyment.

"Butterfly," he rasped, averting his gaze from the hot little hole, "...say it."

Liz's ear turned to the sound of his voice, her senses reeling.

"Repeat the word." Red's hot breath tickled her nape, his hunger for her suddenly overwhelming.

"B-Butterfly..." she gasped shakily.

"If it's too much," he stressed, "...that is what you need to say...to stop me."

She pushed her bottom back into the cradle of his pelvis, her decision made. All moral aspects, she would deal with... later.

"Move carefully, little one," Red growled low in her ear, "do you really want me to fuck you as long as I damn well please?"

Her core fluttered in response to his intensity, very much enjoying this forceful side of Red.

"Do you understand what you are allowing?" his tone brooked no argument. "The implications..."

"...Y-yes..." She jerked her chin, nodding emphatically that she understood his terms... and realized, she accepted them.

She frowned when the man reached past her, picking up a foil square. She had forgotten those damn things were in her bag. What was he doing now?

"Let me guess," Red flicked the stray condom irritably with his forefinger, "another pesky rule?"

Elizabeth scrambled to catch up to his side of the game, completely at a loss for a second, admittedly.

"We're not doing that." he tossed the foil square out of reach. "Your luscious pussy begs to be fucked raw."

She breathed her relief, before remembering she had a complicated, moody, volatile man to entice.

Grappling for the bedcovers, she pulled herself forward, away from his intended goal.

Liz hid her growing excitement for Red snarled over the perceived denial, his fury instant and complete. She could read it in his features, the light eyes snapping their ire.

Red gripped her hips, yanking that sweet little pussy back under his influence. He lay his weight into the curvaceous form, palming her flat stomach.

"...You can't..." she panted her denial. Red stroked himself along her lips, robbing her of any real coherent thought.

"Heard the old adage," he moaned when the woman's hot muff brushed against his dripping cock, "the customer... is always right."

"M-My boss–" she shrank from his advancing cock head, "he'll be really m-mad if–"

"You worry about pleasing... me." Red's tight restraint was near its fucking limit.

Struggling beneath him, she gingerly fought his advance... testing him.

Wrapping a strong arm about her hips, Red lifted the woman to his desired height, halting her attempt at escape. Her stifled moan of delight urged him towards his goal.

Poising himself at her entrance, Red pushed, gliding easily between her hot seam.

"God..." he groaned his relief, sliding his cock into the hilt, "what a tight little cunt..."

He grinned darkly when the woman gasped over his use of the vulgar term.

"Oh!" she startled, unused to the uncustomary vulgarity.

She didn't really mind. If she were being honest with herself... she rather liked it.

Who the hell was she kidding, she damn well loved how aroused Red must be to allow himself such latitude.

"Baby, I'm gonna fuck this hot cunt of yours," his hot breath tickled her nape, "so fucking hard..."

She blinked, trying to focus her chaotic thoughts. Her pussy was full and aching in ways she had never experienced before in her life...

"Your cock is so thick..." she blurted her reality shakily, grinding against Red's pubic hair which nuzzled snuggly against the toy in her ass.

The man flexed his hips, rubbing his width deep inside her warmth, massaging her tight walls. Her slick cushion conformed to him, sweetly hugging his shaft.

"I fear, you better settle in," he pulled back, watching his length emerge from its hiding spot, "by the time I'm done with you... this tiny cunt will be tender and sore..."

Holding her stationary, he pushed the hot shaft shimmering with her juices back inside the tight cavern.

She trembled visibly when the man's thick head scraped along the hidden hot-spot inside her.

"When's the last time a cock fucked this tight hole..." Red gripped her hips, holding her in place, jabbing that sweet spot repeatedly with the tip of that deliciously blunt head.

"...S-Shit!" she bit sharply. She bounced along the fat shaft, desperately trying to maintain her role.

"You need a good fuck, don't you..." Red cupped the globes of her ass, massaging the firm cheeks, "by someone who knows what you fucking need."

The jewel in her ass shimmered, drawing his undivided attention.

"I'll give this neglected little pussy what it wants." he growled low, twirling the rod in her ass.

Red fell easily into the game Lizzy concocted. Waves of intense passion ebbed and flowed. He allowed what came naturally, free rein... determined this session would end on a high-note.

A damn fine one at that.

Liz's mouth fell agape, her face contorting with tortured bliss. "Oh, God..." she whimpered, "... I love how you fuck."

"Your pussy feels incredible," he rasp, fucking her hard and deep. Red flicked the toy, enjoying the reactionary quivering pulses of said pussy.

She grasped the sheets in her hand, twisting the fabric about wildly, relishing in the man's obvious enjoyment of the task he performed.

"I knew it would be good..." she mewed, "I knew you'd love to fuck."

Red's body reacted to the words before his mind even fully registered them completely. He fucked her dripping slit urgently.

He didn't think he'd ever seen Lizzy so uninhibited, so passionate. He did know, he fed off her enjoyment.

"My balls are aching, they're so full." he rasped hoarsely, lost in the passion of the moment. "I want to give you what you need, baby."

Liz felt herself giving over to those needs but something inside her fought back.

He had the upper hand... she was losing

Her hand lashed out frantically groping the mattress beside her. She had emptied her bag here... the toys lay scattered aimlessly about by the man's careless swipe of his hand.

She searched vainly along the cushiony fabric and then...

Liz weakly reached, finally grasping the desired object. Tucking it in her palm, she relaxed mentally.

"Look how wet you are," Red hissed his delight as he watched the woman's ass shaking with his repeated thrusts.

He felt a rush of warm fluid envelope his shaft. The woman tensed, trembling beneath him. Her core tightened squeezing the fuck out of the tip.

"Yes..." he encouraged, his balls were seriously aching with need, "let me feel your cunt quiver..."

Spreading her legs wider, Liz felt the curved silicone cradling Red's sack bounce against her clit. Pressing the remote in hand, her body quaked the moment she felt the slight vibration slap against her sex.

"Holy shit..." Red cried out at the unexpected vibration as it tickled his balls with a delectable current of erotic electricity.

Thrusting his hips, he stubbornly stayed encased in her heat, his shaft rapidly nudging the tight bundle of nerves between her legs... refusing to lose the rhythm he had established.

Wrapping his arms about the woman, he lifted her upward, palming her breast, kneading the overflowing handful.

His fingers parted her swollen lips, incessantly pushing the humming toy settled against his sack into her vulnerable clit.

Her senses reeled. Liz gave herself over to a force more powerful than her weakening will.

Red's fingers pinched her nipple, sending a jolt coursing through her belly. His cock butt up against her cervix, nudging the soft spot repeatedly. The peak of her sex tingled with sensation, amplifying the vibration in her clit.

Her ass clenched around the toy nudged deep in her ass, which tightened her core around Red's shaft.

No one had ever fucked her like Red.

There was something primitive about the relentless pounding and the sound of his body impacting with hers. Their heavy breathing and cries of arousal made their union more potent.

"Yes... fuck me..." Liz pleaded unashamedly, opening her legs wider for the heavy cock as it forced itself into her willing body. "Fuck me...h-hard!"

"You fucking want it..." he held her tightly, "you want this cock, don't you?" his voice trembled its growing lust.

Red's unrelenting thrusts and the wet slap of their bodies urged the man onward.

As did Lizzy's whimpering cries of lust and denial.

"Harder!" she demanded he comply.

Red knew the moment she let go, this climax, unlike those in the past would be... different.

He refused to allow a reprieve... demanding she give herself over to the rising crest he deliberately sat her upon.

She would give herself to this new type of passion... she would remember and want it again.

Red could live with this particular sort of... weakness. He would embrace it.

He would see to it personally.

He needed the outlet even more than the woman.

He accepted the fact.

But now all he wanted was... Elizabeth.

"Fuck, yes..." he rasped when Lizzy's body tightened like a vice around his driving cock.

"S-stop..." she suddenly felt the need to fight the overwhelming sensation. It felt too good, too intense. The emotions came at her from all sides.

"Stop fighting me," Reaffirming his hold, his roughened fingers manipulated her clit, pushing the swollen pearl to its limits.

"...No..." she breathed weakly, desperately trying to dampen the surging jolts in her clit to no avail.

"Come on, baby," he ground through his teeth, "Give into it!" Red snarled over her breathless cries.

Red held her effortlessly, easing her body's struggles to escape the intensity. The vibration on his balls increased when her clit pushed wantonly into the added incentive.

"Give me what I want, dammit!" The man snapped, pushing persistently at the toy in her ass, sending the woman spiraling.

"Oh, f-fuck!" she let out a sharp startled cry, "Oh... God!"

Liz's vision wavered, her senses lost to the void.

Her core clamped hard around the man's wide erection, the jolting waves of her climax tugging the hard shaft deep within her. The small tunnel rippled helplessly, the heavy girth filling her to capacity.

Red groaned as Lizzy's body responded of its own accord... finally.

"Yes, that's a good girl," he husk roughly, "cream on my fat cock."

The iron like grip she had on his cock snapped in a rapid fluttering wave so fucking intense, he threw out his arm to embrace it as they fell forward, just barely catching them from falling into the bed.

A rush of wet heat bathed his thighs as the woman fell limp in his strong hold, shaking uncontrollably.

He pumped the tight hole rolling about his shaft, groaning piteously. He could feel the woman's hot, viscous release slick his pelvis and balls with each thrust he offered.

"What a delightful fuck, you are." he growled.

Slowing to a stop, he eased free of the well fucked hole.

His blood heated at the sight of small beads of her cum snaking a wet path down her thighs.

He had done that...

He quickly soothed his aching cock, stroking the flexing muscle.

Patting Lizzy's bottom, he nudged her to move.

"On your back," he directed, "spread your legs for me."

Blinking her disorientation, Liz numbly crawled up on the bed, jostling the toy in her ass.

"Ohh..." she moaned softly, hesitating to better feel the sensation.

"Now, baby..." Red's deep voice lowered with the demand as he cuffed her across the buttocks with his full palm.

She gasped sharply, all thought dissipating for a fleeting second. The sweet vibration of that swat hadn't hurt, quite the opposite in fact.

When working around the house or even getting ready in the morning, Tom had always playfully spanked one cheek...

Only because Tom had been her husband, had the intimacy of it been accepted. Other than that, Liz never enjoyed it. In fact, she hated it. It didn't feel good and, on occasion, stung. Even through her clothing.

Honestly, she never understood why people supposedly became aroused by the practice.

Until just now.

The ghost imprint of Red's touch left her aching. She was embarrassed to realize, she left her ass hanging out there for him to do it again, hoping to confirm what she experienced hadn't been an illusion.

Red's touch, while assertive, had been almost tender in nature. In all honesty, she swatted herself with more force trying to kill a mosquito.

His wide hand covered both cheeks from ass to clit. She felt like a tuning fork, the way the low vibration hummed pleasantly through her touch heightened genitals and grew as it traveled between her thighs.

The sensation had been... undeniably arousing and titillating.

She hadn't anticipated that.

The bed indenting behind her and strong hands grasping her, jolted her from her thoughts.

Roughly pulling her back, Red's solid frame surrounded her. His chest hair tickling her back, his rigid cock sliding incessantly along her slick crease.

"Spread your legs for me..." he husked in her ear, "open up... let me in..."

He lay into her until her body was flush with the crisp sheets.

Liz wasn't the least bit shocked to feel her bottom lift in supplication to his demand.

The man's dark eyes lowered to Lizzy's ass lifting against his erection, showing him how very wet she was for him.

Her willingness... her desire to take him was astounding to him, even now.

Nuzzling the woman's fragrant hair, he kissed her tenderly behind her ear.

"...I want you..." he breathed, sending shivers down her sensitive neck, "...I fucking need you."

Before she could assimilate what happened, she found herself on her back and Red's warm hands settled on her knees, parting her still trembling legs.

Grasping her hips, he dragged her closer. Situating himself between her open legs, he growled his appreciation watching his fat crown brushing her dark, shimmering curls.

He desperately needed to see his cock disappear in that downy thatch.

Glancing down, her core tightened at the sight of his large hand tugging at his ramrod length.

Gripping the stiff handful, he pulled the cock ring free. Her heart quickened at the sight of his slit, swollen with arousal.

A thick stream of liquid oozed from the rounded head, landing on her hot muff.

He tossed the rounded toy beside her, his brow arched.

She could just hear the low buzz of the small motor humming away, her eyes questioning him.

"I t-thought.." she trailed off when the man cupped his throbbing erection in hand and leaned into the open space of her thighs.

Her heart raced as his larger body bracketed her own smaller one. Her hips automatically tilted, allowing him open access to her sex.

"I don't need anything," he stroked the weeping crown against her, parting her labia, "... but you."

A deep, soulful groan erupted from his chest when her engorged clit slid intimately along his slit.

Cradling her ass, his cock wept as he positioned Lizzy's sweet little honeypot where he desired.

Bending his arm, he lowered his weight against her slight frame, pillowing his chest on her breasts.

Wrapping an arm under her back, Red's fingers cradled her nape as he lined the wide crown up with the woman's opening.

No matter the game they played, she felt so safe here in his arms. And right now, very desired.

Thumbing her chin, Red directed the dark blue eyes to his, "Your pussy is mine..." he muttered tightly, "...it belongs... to me."

Exhaling shakily, her body hummed with awareness. She enjoyed the possessiveness in his tone. No one had ever coveted her so openly.

"Do you understand the implication of the words I'm saying?" he gently tugged the hair in his hand, grinning inwardly when the woman's flesh prickled.

Shivering with tactile overload, Liz sought the comfort of his fragrant neckline, desperately searching for more of his intoxicating scent.

"...Do you..." he breathed harshly against her neck, "understand me."

"Y-Yes..." her lids fluttered open, a dark glaze shading the cobalt blue eyes.

A white haze of lust enveloped him when the woman lifted, aligning his cock head with her heat.

Without thought, he continued the movement.

His girth parted her easily, erasing any resistance she may have thought to give. He pushed into the tight cradle, shoving at her walls, demanding entrance... until he was forced to stop.

Lizzy's startled gasp and tight hold on his back snapped him to awareness.

The woman's dark hair was splayed on the plush pillow, her brow furrowed, her mouth parted sensually.

"...God," his hand shook over her still form, "baby, did I hurt you?" his fingers tightened painfully into the bed beneath them.

Lifting her bottom, she nudged the thick shaft in deeper, her teeth catching her swollen lip.

"...Again," she moaned a husky rasp, once again lifting into Red's weight, "...don't stop."

Red clenched his jaw, his muscles bunching. "Answer me!"

The need to move, to fuck her... the temptation was too fucking much. He squeezed eyes shut, for he was determined to not move one way or other until he was assured that–

Liz curved her fingers into his shoulders, spreading her legs wider. Her world tilted on its axis when his rippled flesh rubbed against her tender walls.

"Please fuck me... she whispered brokenly, "fuck my pussy."

"Jesus..." the man hissed, his hips flexing involuntarily. He shoved his cock hard into her core, delighting in her full breasts arching upward into his hard chest.

He often fantasized about hearing that beautiful mouth say those words...

What man did not?

His fantasy did not live up to the reality. Not one damn bit.

His sack pulled tight against his groin, making his cock flex hard.

Rocking his hips, his naked flesh glided easily in her snug hold. The mesmerizing push and pull of her tight lips massaging his shaft, stole his breath away.

Never had he anticipated the woman would enjoy playing so much. In hindsight, perhaps he should have.

From the moment they first made love and his cock breached her body; she had calmed on contact, spreading her legs open for more.

Like a kitten being petted, Lizzy lay still and tranquil...open to his affection, basking in the love shown.

No matter what the hell he was doing to her...

"Baby," he vowed, lifting her knee against his side, "...I'm gonna get your pussy so wet..."

The friction of his cock rubbing against her lips and opening robbed her of all sane thought.

All she felt... all she sensed was the demanding push of his body into hers and the tantalizing tug of her clit as it responded to the wondrous friction.

Red's ass flexed under her searching hands with each pump of his hips. The rippled girth shoved at her walls, allowing his length free rein to drive deep... to fill her to the brink.

She felt each and every ridge, vein and bump in Red's penis as it slid into the confines of her body.

She reveled in the fact, she would be the only woman to ever feel Red in such a capacity again.

Never had anyone aroused her so much, nor had she ever felt anything so... carnal as Red's long, thick erection moving inside her body.

In the past, sex had always been a quick, needed release of pent up endorphins.

Now...her entire concentration was on the fulfilling sensation of Red's unwavering love and his shaft rubbing along her inner sanctum.

Could there be anything better in this whole world?

No one before had controlled her arousal like Red. The minute he parted her with the large bulb... she fell under his spell.

"God..." she whimpered despondently, "you make me ache..."

The man's quiet curse and tightening hold made her sex tingle in anticipation of what was to come.

Red was nearing his release, she sensed it. She fucking craved it.

Curling his fingers about her shoulder, Red held her stationary... his thumb massaging the nape of her neck soothingly.

"You're going to quit this fucking job," his breath was hot on her neckline, "you will stay... with me," he fucked Lizzy's wet slit, concentrated on his rapidly approaching climax, "... won't you."

It was then Liz knew...whatever happened earlier, left Red feeling... out of sorts and off-center.

If she learned nothing else in their time together...

Red Reddington out-of-control... was a dangerous thing.

He needed his stability back, his center.

Red needed control over something.

"You're going to let me love you..." Red panted, thrusting against her body with abandon, "take care of you..."

"...Y-Yes..." she wrapped her legs about his hips, lifting into his frantic thrusts.

"Get those legs up..." he growled, "higher!"

She hesitated, the deep slide of his rod pummeling her pussy so damned thrilling... she had trouble making her body cooperate.

"Do as I say!" he hissed his needs. "Give into me, dammit!"

Lifting her legs in the air, she lost her stability... her control, relinquishing it meekly.

She willingly allowed the man full control over her body.

The already stiff erection fucking her seemed to bulge and expand in the now relaxed space between her thighs.

"Oh, God..." Red groaned his ecstasy.

She felt Red's thick head tunnel past her tight walls, shoving them roughly apart, arousing her to heights she had been unaware existed.

Red making love to her on a normal day, drove her out of her fucking mind.

Red fucking her like his life depended on it... made her dizzy with lust.

Blood rushed to her head, giving her the distinct impression she would pass out from the intense pleasure.

And maybe she would, were it not for the deep rut of Red's cock shaking her foundation. A heavy push jostled the toy inside her, leaving her gasping for air.

Peppering her face with small kisses, he deliberately skirted her mouth... waiting. Lizzy lifted into the affection, mewing her discord each time he bypassed her mouth.

Nearing the full lips once more, Red changed directions, kissing her chin.

He had not forgotten her previous rule... no kissing.

Growling her discontent, she nudged him with her nose, capturing his mouth in a deep, searing kiss that left them both breathless.

"Red..." she clawed frantically at his back, flicking her tongue in his mouth, "... fuck my pussy... please!"

He nipped her pouty mouth, his tongue battling for dominance and winning. He offered his soul up for that kiss.

"Make me come..." she begged, her voice trembling with need, "please... please... please."

He had never heard her so unrestrained... and he loved it. Had she too been bottling a hidden desire inside, embarrassed to let loose?

Red fought for control, concentrating his efforts on fucking the steamy hole harder... silently demanding she say the damn words he so desperately needed to hear.

Words that would ensure his universe would fall back into place.

"You know what I want, baby..." Red snapped, his control slipping.

Scratching her nails into his scalp, she feverishly kissed him, opening to his probing tongue.

"...Fucking beg me to give it to you..." he growled low against her full mouth.

"Get me wet..." Liz gasped, grasping hold of him. "God, Red...come in my pussy!"

His erratic thrusts drove his shaft deep, sending both spiraling emotionally out of control.

She clung tightly to his powerful form, eagerly taking the fucking he was giving her, "Fuck, p-please..." she could hardly articulate a word, "I'm... fuck," she rasped rapturously, "...I'm c-coming..."

A deep rumbling snarl erupted from his chest as his cream burst from the tip like a fucking geyser. His chest heaved from the exertion spent.

His cock seized, jerking hard against the spongy rounded tissue, bathing her womb in hot, thick cum.

Lizzy tightened in his hold, losing herself to the euphoric bliss of orgasm.

Crying out a coarse shout of exclamation, Lizzy trembled hard beneath his solid frame.

Pinching her nipples, she fought to control the sharp spikes of pleasure inundating her body as Red's hot cum splashed freely against her core.

"Yes!" she arched up into the exquisite heat bathing her insides. "It feels so g-good!"

His sack spasmed in response to her wild abandon, giving her pussy more of the heavy cream it wanted.

The room echoed with the sound of their breathless curses and moans as each lost themselves to the delicious tug of Lizzy's body milking Red's of its essence.

Bracing himself, he roughly caught her mouth hard against his.

Wrapping herself about his large bulk, she snuggled into his warmth, panting breathlessly against his mouth when finally, a measure of sanity returned.

Red's world shifted behind closed eyes, his body quaked visibly when Lizzy clamped tight around him as he slid deep and stayed.

Dropping his head to her shoulder, he fought to recapture his breath, softly kissing her damp skin as he did so.

"...I love you." his deep voice rumbled as the sensitive tip of his cock poured cum freely into her body.

Running a hand over his head, she turned lackadaisically, kissing his sweat dotted temple lovingly.

"I love you..." she whispered her contentment when Red shivered hard with the last push of cum from his body.

Bracing himself on his forearms, he shifted, lifting his weight off her tiny frame.

She grunted her displeasure, drawing him back against her. "...Don't take my warmth."

"Baby," he murmured affectionately, "I'm too heavy for you."

"Just a little longer..." she pouted, snuggling up into him.

They lay quietly, cuddling against one another until Lizzy shivered as the cold air brushed against her sweaty skin.

Groaning despondently, Red dislodged himself from her tight sheath, rolling to her side. Pulling the sheet up around them, he lay back, settling when Lizzy tucked herself against him.

They lay quietly, lost to their own thoughts as their breathing slowed, then evened to a regular pattern. Their sex thrummed deliciously, a contentment settling deep in their souls.

Gingerly stroking her fingers through the hair on his chest, she flicked her eyes upward, sensing his contemplative mood.

"Is there anything wrong?" she murmured, unable to read the solemn features.

"Are you all right?" Red rubbed her back, pulling her closer, fretting his concern. "I didn't... hurt you, did I?"

"No, and you know you didn't." she scolded. "At anytime, did you hear the word... butterfly?"

Red sighed, but knew... he had been rough with her.

"I loved what we shared... and would dearly love to do that again." she said with a finality in her tone that slightly amused the man.

Her true interest, however, was in another topic. "Now, tell me what happened. What has you so... upset tonight."

Red dropped his head back into the pillow, scrubbing a rough hand over his face. His rising anger over the matter waned when the scent of Lizzy wafted over him.

"Why are you hiding from me?" she whispered, a break in her voice. The blue eyes, troubled and searching, beseeched him.

Red frowned, looking down at the woman. "I'm not hiding from you."

Liz's eyes flit around the room then back towards Red. "I'm pretty sure this is not our bedroom."

Red's eyes shifted guiltily, his fingers twitching at his side. She was right, he had come here, hiding away from something he did not want to face.

He felt he must hide his rage from her... she shouldn't see that side of himself.

"You want to be with me?" Liz asked plaintively, her fears surfacing.

"Of course, I do." Red scowled. "You know I do... more than anything."

"But... you don't trust me?" she questioned. "To feel the same toward you?"

"It's not that simple." he shook his head, scowling darkly.

"It's exactly that simple." she differed. "Trust me to love you, even when you've had a shitty day." she lifted to her elbow, looking the man squarely in the eyes.

Red drew in an uneven breath, exhaling his lot in life.

"I can take your anger, Red." she stroked his chest lovingly, the touch soothing.

The man set his jaw, clenching it tightly. She didn't know how deep his temper ran. She didn't know what a prick he could be. She didn't know–

"What I can't take..." Liz inhaled shakily, breaking the man's thoughts, "...I was... so scared."

Red frowned hard at the woman, dismayed by the words. Had he scared her when he–

"I thought you were angry with me..." she averted her eyes, the feeling still troubling her.

"What the hell would I be angry with you for?" he demanded. He was perplexed.

"When you didn't leave a note this morning..." she began slowly, feeling her way.

Red's gaze shifted, unable to look her in the eye for a moment.

"The guys assured me you had been in a hurry and didn't have time," Liz took a steadying breath, "and Silas said... you weren't mad because you knew I couldn't help but be curious about my dad..."

Red eyes softened for the woman, the tale touched him.

"So the only logical explanation for your silence was... you had been hurt," she swallowed hard at the lump in her throat, "Silas couldn't find you... you weren't answering your phone..."

The man shifted restlessly. "I had planned to call you...I–"

"I would rather face your rage," Liz blinked the tears back, "than think of you hurting and I'm not there."

"Things escalated so quickly," that much was true. He pulled the woman closer, seeking the comfort only she could give these days.

"One of my closest friends." he was finally able to voice the problem that plagued him all damn day, "...was killed this morning. I had known him since the very beginning."

Liz wrapped her arm about his waist, hugging herself to the man, wishing to give comfort and compassion were they needed.

"Miguel was the first to offer me aid, my first contact, my first," he confided quietly, "...ally and friend, after..." he shook his head angrily.

Her heart broke for Red. Whether she met the man or not, this Miguel helped Red when he needed it most and for that, he would have her eternal gratitude.

"It was a bad time back then." he admitted grimly. "I desperately needed someone in which I could place my trust and Miguel stepped up." he smiled hollowly. "But, not only Miguel."

Red's eyes went dead for a beat.

Liz shivered slightly, hurting for the man.

"...Javier was there. Both of them were..." Red bit his lip absently, deep in thought, trying to sort it all out. "That's what makes it so... senseless."

Liz listened, keeping still, hoping Red would share his demons when or if... he was ready.

"We've been in the business a long time, together we built connections." Red traced his fingers across his furrowed brow critically.

"About a year ago, Javier met this woman, Lydia Flores." he sighed lightly, shifting closer, settling his chin on Lizzy's shiny crop of hair.

"She was no good, we told Javier as much, even offered proof." he laughed sardonically. "I didn't know how rotten that bitch was until this morning, though."

Liz snuggled into his embrace, sensing the depth of Red's sadness.

"I should have known. I should have seen this on the horizon!" he snapped. "It was a useless, idiotic thing to do." he growled his anger.

"Can I help somehow?" Liz offered support, lifting her head to search him out. "What can I do?"

Red smiled gently, kissing her forehead. "It's all up to me but I'll tell you..." he settled back to his former position, the fragrance of her hair soothing him. "I'm not looking forward to... what I have to do."

"...Can you delegate?" she asked hopefully. Because she now understood the code by which Red and his constituents lived.

"This is on me." he stated solemnly. "That bitch, Lydia? I won't mind." he gritted his fury. "But... Javier?"

Liz's heart broke for the man. Red was apparently duty-bound to settle a score but... at what cost to his soul? It was obvious to her, his tone held a wealth of remorse and regret, even now.

"Why did..." Liz halted. It was none of her business to probe into–

"Why did Javier turn on one of his oldest friends?" Red anticipated the inquiry. "Because Lydia was... is a greedy, freeloading, double-crossing whore..."

Liz had never heard Red berate a woman to such extent, which said a lot about the woman's character in her book.

"...Who wants her share of the business," Red continued undaunted, "and has no compulsion using any means to obtain what she wants."

Liz added two and two quickly enough. "She persuaded one friend to turn on the other."

Red remained stoically quiet.

The man had lost a long time friend to the whim of a callous, calculating woman.

And to add injury, the betrayal of one brother, like Cain and Abel... lead to the other's demise.

Liz's eyes ran the length of Red's stubbled chin line... and now, Red was left to grieve and clean up the mess that woman caused.

"Miguel called a couple months ago," Red's thoughts had wandered, "Elena is expecting their first child in the Fall."

Liz shifted to her elbow. "That's so horribly sad, Red." she teared up. "I don't...k-know what to say to you."

"There isn't anything to say, baby." he smoothed her hair. "It is what it is." he tried a smile but failed. "We'll see to Elena. She'll want for–"

"I know that." Liz's face fell further, laying her head on Red's chest. "I want to help somehow." she lifted her eyes to his. "Tell me what I can do."

He smiled genuinely. "You're helping just by being here." he told the truth. "But...we'll see what happens over the next couple days with Elena, all right?" he felt proud of her for wanting to offer assistance to someone she didn't even know.

"Will you... go after him? This, Javier?" she knew it wasn't her place to discuss such a thing so brazenly, especially given her occupation but... this was so deeply personal.

"Yes." Red nodded slowly, his eyes steady on hers. "I will."

She nodded just as slowly. "I understand."

"I... I," Red sighed his aggravation, "Lizzy, I'm so pissed off, I can't think straight." he admitted quietly. "Miguel was a good man who deserved better than–"

"It's not your fault," she shushed the man's tirade, "there was nothing you could have done. You did what you could to convince this Javier that–"

"It wasn't enough." Red snapped.

"I bet Silas will tell you differently." she kept her tone even, understanding his anger. "And I know, despite everything you say, you value his input."

"If I had offered Javier money or–"

"Javier didn't care about the money, Red. He is in love with this... woman." Liz held his eyes steadily. "All he thought about was pleasing her... to hell with loyalty to you or Miguel."

Red knew the truth when he heard it... it didn't mean he had to like it.

"It is not your fault, you know it... or you will, in time." she took a breath, controlling her own rising anger. "Now... tell me what happened in detail. I need to understand this traitor and his trollop better."

Red felt a smile, the first genuine one of the day, curve his lips.

It meant a great deal Lizzy trusted his judgement. He was aware he was allowing a personal tragedy to color his judgement and the vengeance he sought to balance those odds went against everything she stood for...

But still... Lizzy was on his side and didn't judge that he wanted revenge.

Red recalled the events as they happened. Lizzy interrupted occasionally, asking for deeper insight... which in turn, helped him gain a different perspective on the situation.

He wondered, had that been her intent? To make him realize, there truly was nothing he could have done.

Nothing he had done, or tried to do... would have altered the outcome of events.

Miguel was an obstacle to Lydia's rise in the organization. The obstacle had to be removed. Just as Lydia would now have to be... removed.

Red found himself looking forward to the time he would come face to face with the conniving bitch.

She better enjoy the ride while she could.

Liz cupped the man's face, shaking him from his disturbing thoughts.

"It's not your fault." she stressed the words. "You will find them and make them pay for what they have done, you know that."

Red held her beautiful eyes, nodding after a long hesitation.

"When did you last eat?" she asked.

Red frowned, actually drawing a blank. Had he eaten today?

He actually chuckled to his amazement. "Is that your remedy to all the world's woes?"

"Well, it is, in a way." she stated. "It's a human thing." she advised. "Food nourishes the body, the body nourishes the soul."

He smiled down at her. "You're a loon... and I love you."

"Be that as it may," she dismissed, knowing his hesitation to answer the question spoke volumes, "Nora sent food, that you will eat."

He quietened, the situation coming back to mind. "Lizzy, I'm not really–"

"You'll feel better," she nodded, knowing she was right, "and be able to think more clearly."

She pulled the blankets back, scooting to the side of the bed. Red sighed, following close behind her.

"Oh.." she stilled, discomfiture converging on her own psyche. She glanced about, desperately seeking–

Red parted her legs, slipping a soft handkerchief under her bottom just as her body released a rush of his ejaculate.

In her need to communicate with Red, she had forgotten about the necessities... and the toy which was still very much in place.

"I guess I should... clean up." her nose crinkled adorably.

Red stilled her attempt to rise, his temper cooling the more his palm filled with the warmth he gifted her.

"I'm sorry..." he murmured, "for not calling you."

He folded the cloth when the flow ebbed, blotting her damp center, allowing her to take over the action because she insisted on it.

Tugging her off the bed, Red wrapped his arms low about her back, pulling her into his embrace.

Liz lifted into his touch, hugging him back.

"I never meant to worry you." he muttered quietly. "My reasons may have been..."

"Foolish?" she supplied. "Short-sighted? Perhaps even...vacuous?"

Red took his medicine, "I thought," he rephrased, "I was protecting you."

While he and Lizzy were committed to one another and had been for over a month now...

To be held accountable to anyone after so long... it was still foreign to a certain extent, to the man.

And frightening, in a way.

She had only seen the good, for the most part. He had made sure of that fact.

Only difference now was, he would have to start giving credence to her way of thinking. She made good points tonight. She made sense.

What he felt today, the wrath... he tried to shield her from experiencing that. He was wrong to do so.

The thought his actions might be too intense or his temper too volatile... that she would leave him...he felt nauseous over the possibility.

He couldn't lose her now.

"I love you, Red." Liz read his thoughts well enough. "Thorns and all..."

Relaxing against her, he nodded that he understood the newly set parameters.

"When you push me out," she whispered, "you aren't trusting me to be your partner."

She was right. He had stressed many times she was his other half... his better half.

That much was obvious to Red now. Tonight alone proved the truth of that statement.

In just the short time Lizzy had been here, he had found a clarity that eluded him all damn day.

If they were to achieve what he wished for them, he couldn't go sulking in a corner, licking his wounds without taking her feelings into consideration.

Or asking her thoughts on the matter.

This was a partnership. He was her strength, and she, his.

They could survive without one another... supposedly.

But together, they were so much better... a stronger unit.

"Now, we are going to clean up," her cheeks flushed much to his amusement, "we're going to eat..."

He had the grace to take the reprimand quietly.

"Then, we're going to call Francis and Antonio." she grabbed his hand, dragging him behind her to the bath.

Red frowned, "...Why?"

"Because," she drawled, "they have access to an extensive underground full of criminals," she stated the obvious, "who may be able to join forces and find that Judas and his hussy faster than we could, doing it alone."

Red pulled her up short, drawing her back into his embrace.

"When did you get so smart?" he nudged her nose with his own.

"If you were to ask Silas," she leaned, kissing him soundly before pulling back impishly, "it was when you fucked some sense into me."

Red huffed wearily, scratching his forehead absently.

"But, I like to think," she turned, once again tugging him along behind her, "it's when I realized no matter how good you are in bed," she stepped into the shower, "... you are just a man in need of a woman's touch."

"Oh, do I." he mused.

"Don't kid yourself, all men do. They need a keeper." she sighed blissfully. "Francis, especially." she rolled her eyes. "You all have a tendency to be very dense at times, you know."

"I wasn't aware." his eyes twinkled.

"Oh yes, it's true." she waved a dismissive hand. "Nora says so."

"Does she." he asked cryptically.

"You all need a good woman to find balance." she pulled up short, daring him to refute her findings. "Don't you think?"

She turned her small face upward, waiting patiently for his reply.

The added guilt Red had been carrying all damned day... that his reply might somehow alienate the one person he could not envision alienating... lifted away like a feather taking flight in a strong breeze.

Not only had Lizzy faced that rage, she had stalwartly fought the stupidity of his beliefs... his former beliefs.

She had allowed and adapted to his... intense sexual proclivities.

The trust, the unity between them strengthened because of that stubborn, little Russian single-mindedness he so admired about her.

She refused to allow even his own shortcomings to wedge themselves between them.

She truly did accept him, warts and all.

Her actions proved as much.

He stepped closer, his gaze a studiously challenging one.

The smug expression and wryly lifted brows amused the man.

He leaned, cupping her naked bottom in capable hands.

Liz leaned comfortably into his waiting chest, her arms encircling his neckline.

Grasping the rounded jewel, Red gave an experimental tug.

"Oh!" she gasped her shock, the toy sliding easily from its snug confines.

"You'll hear no arguments from me." Red replied docilely. "I just have to wonder," he allowed the object to dangle idly from his fingers, "what you women need from us males."

Liz scoffed indignantly snatching the toy from unresisting fingers.

She flushed fully, turning into the warm spray. "You are a horrible man, Red Reddington and I'm sorry I was so nice to you tonight."

Red grinned slowly. "Well, you were that." he tugged his ear, stepping closer to the woman's naked form. "Very nice indeed."

Liz grasped a wash cloth from a nearby ledge, keeping her back on the man.

"I was just returning your property." he reminded.

Liz frowned very hard at him, stepping closer to the spray. "Wait your turn." she snapped.

Red grimaced accordingly. The temperature had dropped considerably in the enclosed space... and it had nothing to do with the water. He shuddered involuntarily, his grin widening.

"...Yes, dear."

Liz glared at the man over her shoulder, fuming. "You are so amusing."

Red held his smile. He had some ruffled feathers to tame, it was clear.

He didn't mind eating a little crow... especially not if there was a warm, steamy side of pussy awaiting his pleasure.

He sauntered forward, bracing an arm beside the woman.

"You are not welcome here." Lizzy turned her 'cute little nose' up at his nearness.

"...Well," Red's eyes swept that 'cute little ass', "it's up to me then to... alter that outlook, isn't it."

Liz worked up a lather, ignoring him completely.

Red's smile spread slowly... he moved in closer.