"The guests of honor have arrived," securing the radio back at his side, Red raised his voice above the murmured speculation of the crowd. "Everybody... shut the hell up."
He motioned the string orchestra to play. Which they did; a lovely melodic selection intended to calm the frenetic energy.
Overhead lights flicked to life, bathing the rooms in a warm, soft glow. The vivid technicolor strobe lights shifted to white. Diamond like squares danced across the room, giving it a classy, ballroom type appearance.
Ladies straightened their shoulders and dresses in some cases... and gentlemen artfully put on the pretense of being the latter.
Liz blinked, stunned by the transformation taking place right before her eyes.
She picked up on the change in energy running through the crowd, hastily examining her own attire.
"How do I look?" she patted her hair delicately, her heart pounding in her chest. "Do I look okay?" she nervously smoothed her hands down her dress.
"Calm down," gripping Lizzy's hand, Red was heartened to feel her damp palm against his dry one. He knew she was nervous, but had not realized it was to such an extent.
Offering his arm, Red ushered her through the room.
"You look lovely," Red bolstered, "perhaps even ethereal... unworldly." The man perused the beauty before him.
The crowds parted for the attractive couple, allowing their hosts leeway before returning to a low murmur of conversation as they waited for Antonio and Maria to make their appearance.
"Antonio's fondness for referring to you as, 'angel'," Red consolingly patted the hand gripping his bicep, "... it becomes you."
Liz craned her neck, trying to sneak a peek of the arriving couple, but a milling crowd had already gathered outside the opened foyer doors, stretching into the spacious area beyond.
"I'm curious," Red tried to take some tension away using the art of distraction, "do Angels ever feel the need for... human interactions?"
Liz was having none of it, her eyes glued to the entranceway of their home.
"I'm available later tonight, if so." Red tried again.
"You touch my hair and you're dead." Liz sounded sincere directly before her gasp of awe silenced all discussion on the matter.
Red glanced, catching sight of what transfixed Lizzy so...
His smiled softened as did his eyes. Maria was indeed, a vision tonight.
"T-That can't be her," Liz whispered reverently, "please tell me... that isn't her."
"...If you mean the woman in the black," Red took in the curvaceous figure in the sparkling knee-length cocktail dress attached to Antonio Crocetti's arm, "then yes, that is Maria."
Liz's mouth fell agape.
"She and Silas would make a striking pair, huh?" Red teased.
Liz's spirits sank.
Maria presented the ambience of a Fifties movie starlet of the old screen and the regal grace of royalty.
The woman's mocha brown hair lay in soft feathering waves about her shoulders and face, giving her, what Antonio called... a come-hither look.
Her jade green eyes, which held an air of mischievous and provocative promises, glittered in the warm light of dusk.
"God," Liz gaped, "she's like Raquel Welch or Sophia Loren but... better!"
Tilting his head, Red nodded his agreement after a fashion.
He could see Maria held many of the same qualities as her counterparts with her high cheekbones, amiable smile and striking features.
The woman's sensual gait caused her skirt to swish about her knees, drawing attention to her toned legs and delicate heels.
Her shimmering dress silhouetted the voluptuous figure Antonio worshiped, showcasing her olive skin and ample breasts.
Red held his smile, barely, when Lizzy glanced down at her own cleavage... breathing a hasty sigh of relief.
Silas was right, Maria would put Lizzy at ease quicker than anyone ever could if showcased breasts happened to be the topic.
Maria was the very epitome of class and elegance. And... she had a wonderful sense of humor.
Red grinned as Antonio sauntered beside Maria, proud as a peacock.
Red had seen photos of their wedding day and both looked ten pounds sopping wet. Since then, he had to admit; the couple had matured from their gangly youth to a most striking couple.
"Shit!" Liz cursed quietly. "You didn't tell me she was so," she searched, "so... gorgeous... so ...elegant!"
"What did you expect?" Red was more than amused.
"Not... that!" she gestured towards Maria.
This was Liz's worst nightmare come true. She glanced at her attire. Did she had time to change to something more sophisticated? She watched the guards part as the couple neared.
"God, do I curtsey or..."
"Lizzy..." Red sighed, running a comforting hand down her back, resting his palm on the swell of her backside, "you don't have to be so–"
"I wasn't asking you!" she murmured, slapping his hand away from its perch. "Please God, don't let me make an ass out of myself." she prayed feverishly, closing her eyes for a beat, but they bolted open post haste.
Joe greeted their honored guests warmly at the outer archway, kindly gesturing Antonio and his lovely wife inside.
It had taken that long for them to meander from their car into the house because they took the time to greet each guest demanding their attention.
Liz drew in a trembling breath, shakily straightening her posture.
Red watched the transformation with open affection.
He witnessed the determined lift of her head, the stout setting of her chin. She breathed slowly, the perfect breasts showcased to perfection with the action.
She placed a serene smile on that lovely profile, appearing at perfect ease.
Red had to admit; it was an impressive sight, watching Lizzy transform into a regal bearing… a butterfly spreading her wings, right before his eyes.
The larger-than-life couple strode through the opened doorway, altering the already alive and vibrating atmosphere to something more electric.
"Reddington," Antonio inclined his head, shaking Red's hand.
"Raymond," Maria's soft, husky tone made the already enchanting woman even more so, in Liz's humble opinion.
Red took Maria's hand, bowing gallantly over it, kissing her soft fingers. "It is so wonderful to see you again."
Stepping forward slightly, Red allowed Lizzy a moment to gather her thoughts, exchanging small pleasantries with Maria, specifically asking of her recent trip to see her sister in Florence.
It was no wonder Antonio never strayed when he had... this waiting at home for him. Maria was even more beautiful up close.
To look at the woman, you wouldn't think she was a day over forty, but Liz well knew, both Antonio and Maria were older than Red.
What the hell did this woman use as a moisturizer?
The only apparent wrinkles Liz could find were laugh lines around the woman's eyes, which... was a good sign, right? That she had an amiable manner and was of good humor?
"My little sweet," Antonio grasped Lizzy's hands, kissing her cheeks, "my, but don't you look ravishing." his eyes swept Liz's gown. "Like a flower in the spring, opening to the morning sun."
Liz returned the affection openly, kissing the man's warm cheeks happily.
"I'm so happy you're here." she murmured for him alone.
"She will not bite," Antonio whispered the tease, sensing the girl's trepidation. "Unless you give her the correct treat."
Liz giggled infectiously as the man offered her a roguish wink.
Her shoulders relaxed some, feeling slightly better with Antonio present. He at least sensed nothing untoward emanating from his wife.
Liz could sense when Red was emitting bad vibes. She assumed Antonio would be able to do the same where his wife was concerned, so... Maria was in a good enough mood at least.
"Now," the woman in question turned twinkling eyes towards Liz, "this darling creature must be... Elizabeth."
Red hoped Lizzy was on point, as she was now in the spotlight. Stepping back to her side, Red quickly made the introductions.
"I warn you," Red murmured aside, "Maria is a terrible cheat at cards... so watch yourself at the tables tonight."
Liz's eyes widened with shock, drawing soft, muffled amusement from Red and Antonio.
Understanding the ploy for what it was, Maria clicked her tongue, waving off the insinuation.
"Is it my fault," she chided, "you didn't notice before you lost your shirt."
"Oh, I noticed," Red drawled, "I was just too much a gentleman to point an accusing finger."
Sighing, Maria shifted a knowing glance Elizabeth's way. "No, he didn't. Men... they dislike being outfoxed."
"I think you mean, swindled, amore mio." Antonio chuckled.
Cutting her husband a quick, disparaging glance, she returned her interest to Liz, "Don't listen to them..." she arched a shrewd brow, "...I know I don't."
Liz tittered softly behind her hand but checked to see if the jab amused Antonio as well.
The older man shared a wounded look with Red. "Where have I gone wrong, I ask you." he sought his contemporary's aid.
Red lifted innocent hands, shaking his head. "You're on your own, my friend."
"It is most gracious to offer the use of your home," Maria extended to Liz, specifically, "for the festivities and on such short notice as well!"
The woman glanced about, smiling at her surroundings. "And from the looks of things, the guest list has grown considerably."
"It's no trouble at all!" Liz was quick to assure. "It was the least we could do to repay your generosity for allowing us the use of your lovely home." she said. "We're very honored you allowed us the courtesy."
Red breathed a sigh of relief that Lizzy fell silent and refrained from apologizing for the disrepair they left at Antonio's house, for he was unaware if the man had actually alerted Maria to the incident.
He nodded in greeting to four men of various ages just now stepping in behind the couple. They politely remained silent as the two women conversed.
"Elizabeth has not had the pleasure of meeting your sons, Maria." Red gestured to the new arrivals.
Maria glanced at the men in question, her expression flittering between genuine affection and vexation. The latter reserved for the youngest of the four.
Liz looked over the men, finding the two eldest to be mirror images of their father. Both had dark hair and piercing blue eyes and were exceptionally handsome in their own way.
The two youngest favored their mother with their green eyes, though their hair was a shade darker, perhaps sable, Liz thought to herself.
"Elizabeth," Maria pointed to each in turn, "this is Antonio Jr., our eldest."
"Our little 'honeymoon' stowaway." Antonio murmured aside to Red. "Perhaps Elizabeth will produce such a gift upon yours, yes?"
"We haven't discussed the matter at any great length as yet." the older man's candor both amused and vexed at times. While Red would be perfectly content to produce such a 'gift', he very much doubted Lizzy would be as receptive to the idea at this time.
Red watched the Crocetti boys closely. He was fond of them all in his own way and hoped they would accept Lizzy as their father had.
They would be careful around the old man tonight and for the present, each seemed on their best behavior.
Well acquainted with Red, all included him in their gratitude.
Though, it was Elizabeth they paid particular attention to for hosting the special occasion on such short notice, as instructed to do, Red was certain.
"It is so wonderful to finally meet you," Antonio Jr. stepped, hand extended, spokesman for his brothers. "Our father speaks of you in the highest regard."
Liz smiled genially, a flush rising on her cheeks. She didn't know Antonio spoke of her to his own family. It warmed her to know he did, however.
Maria continued the introductions, pointing to each in order of their age, "Enrico..."
Unlike his brother... Enrico applied a warm, soft kiss to Elizabeth's hand.
"The pleasure is all mine," the man's azure blue eyes swept her form quickly, though took a rather circumvent path, "...I assure you."
Red's attention shifted from Francis jokingly poking at the youngest Crocetti boy, focusing instead of Enrico.
More so, the man's suggestive tone.
"Now, Reddington," Antonio murmured, placing a stilling hand on Red's arm, "don't kill the boy for admiring beauty in its most basic forms."
Sensing Red's interest at her side, and that it was of an intense nature, Liz pulled herself free of Enrico's hold, introducing herself to the third son.
The man, who appeared the same age as she, smiled brightly, shaking her hand warmly.
"See, Elizabeth is aware of your," Antonio's mouth twisted with good humor, although he sent Enrico a, do you have a death wish, lift of a brow, "... mood."
Red's 'mood' eased some, watching Lizzy and Roberto exchanging rapid fire pleasantries.
Unlike his brothers who could be very stoic, Roberto was of a genial nature.
Much like Francis, the young man could be serious but... was just as comfortable offering a wise crack or breaking the tension during even the most serious of situations.
"And the youngest," Maria offered a 'behave look' to the boy in question, "...Luca."
"I'm so happy to meet you." Liz smiled at the boy who was just verging on the threshold of manhood.
"He is attending Georgetown in the fall." Antonio couldn't have been more proud.
Liz was so pleased for the couple to have not just one, but seemingly four accomplished sons. "Oh, do you have a major decided or..."
Antonio frowned after a moment of silence met the question.
"...Boy," Antonio scolded, smacking the boy across the back of the head, "Elizabeth asked you a question."
Red shook his head woefully when Luca broke his focus away from Lizzy's breasts. He sighed lightly. It was going to be a long night.
"Accounting and business," Luca's eyes flit to Liz's face before drifting lower once more.
"Lizzy," Red stepped, blocking sight of the woman, "why don't you give Maria a tour of the house."
Gulping nervously, Liz nodded. "Perhaps you would prefer a drink? Some food?" she waved a shaking hand.
Maria looped her arm through Elizabeth's, "We will get acquainted... it will be fun, yes?"
Pivoting abruptly, Maria focused intense eyes, "If you disturb me," she made mention to her sons, "for any reason other than copious blood loss or death, you will answer not to your father... but me."
Red noted the boys seemed a little apprehensive over the statement... as did Francis.
The boy looked on, sheepishly scratching his inner ear, "Is she talking to me too?" he asked, his tone laced with confusion.
Red rolled his eyes to a normally reticent Dembe Zuma, finding the man shaking his head woefully.
Shrugging his own woe, Red smiled after a moment, smacking Francis' hand.
"Get that finger out of your ear.." he muttered.
Dembe smiled wryly, finishing the thought, "You don't know where that finger's been."
Picking up on the movie reference immediately, Francis shot off a comeback, "Surely you can't be serious!"
"I am serious," Red stepped past Francis, lifting his hand to a passing waiter, "and don't call me Shirley."
Francis chuckled his glee for Red's deadpan delivery.
Taking the offered refreshment, Red passed them to their guests, rejoining the conversation.
The Crocetti boys checked for confirmation of their mother's threat in unison.
"Your mother has spoken. I would tread lightly were I you..." Antonio shrugged careless shoulders. "She brought you into this world... and can just as easily take you out."
The matter was clearly out of his hands.
"Boys can be so rambunctious at times," Maria was telling Elizabeth as they strolled the large archways into the threshold of the designated sitting and gaming parlor.
Liz was grateful her hunch to keep the mingling, sitting and dancing areas separate, paid off.
The sitting and gaming area allowed freedom to maneuver the rooms, ensuring a steady flow of traffic, but also a clear view of other available entertainment.
As those gathered greeted Maria with sedate nods and wide smiles, Elizabeth looked at the crowd of polite, earnest party-goers in utter confusion.
Where the hell had the rabble rousing, already half-intoxicated bunch of minutes before, disappeared to?
The string quartet played on...
Liz felt like she just stepped into the Twilight Zone.
Had she crossed over into a parallel universe in under ten minutes' time?
She checked back, noting Red and Antonio trailed discretely behind. The Crocetti sons had blended into the crowd closing ranks behind them.
Liz was very conscious of Maria at her side. The woman's warm arm linked with hers, almost hugging Liz to her side.
The delicious scent of the woman's expensive perfume was at once delicate and comforting, further settling Liz's nerves.
Maria literally held court, greeting each person with amiable solicitations as they made their way to the center of the room.
The older woman introduced the young girl to even more intimate family members.
Liz was trying so hard to remember names and faces. She relaxed little-by-little as the large, cordial and genial Italian group soon engulfed her heart.
"It is going well." Antonio accepted another drink a staff server offered from a tray. "This isn't the watered-down shit is it?" he frowned then smiled as he sipped the sparkling liquor. "Ahh, I see not."
"Lizzy was nervous," Red admitted, "I thought she was going to vomit at any moment."
Antonio chuckled, "There was no need for apprehension. Maria has always wanted a daughter to dote upon." he motioned with his head to the two women across the way.
Delegated to a spot far removed from their proximity, Red and Antonio watched the crowd gather about both women.
"Well, her nerves were... rattled." Red confessed, his eyes soft on the lovely woman as he spoke. "She hasn't had a good run in the past where..." he was unsure how to describe the event's which constituted Lizzy's life.
"Motherly figures are concerned." Antonio guessed as much.
"Yes," Red granted, "Tom's mother... the Wicked Witch of the North... despised her."
"Elizabeth has ambition. She wishes her life to mean something," Antonio was most insightful. "She was not ready to settle for less. The role of 'Suzy Homemaker' did not suit at the time."
Red remained silent.
"Tom's mother, a woman of that era... she would wish to have grandchildren." Antonio faced similar ideas when he and Maria married, ideas which suited him just fine.
"It would have been an insurmountable obstacle for Elizabeth's desire for a career, yes?" Antonio smiled at the young woman inching closer to his wife, "It was not the right time, no?"
Red chuckled, "And Lizzy wasn't timid about saying as much."
Antonio's eyes softened as he watched the pair across the way, already knowing without doubt... Maria had taken Elizabeth under her wing.
As his wife introduced Elizabeth to this person or that... at one point, Maria tenderly tucked a strand of hair behind Elizabeth's ear, her impish eyes gentle on the girl.
Antonio knew that look well. Whenever God gifted them with a new child, he would find Maria cuddled away somewhere with that bundle staring in contentment at their precious gift.
It was obvious to him, Maria had found, in Elizabeth, that little girl she had always desired... and it was well within arm's reach.
Reddington, too, recognized the tender attention, his tension easing.
"Well, have no fear. Maria is already so taken with her," Antonio confided, "through stories I've shared... she was eager to meet Elizabeth."
Red's heart ached in the best way as he glimpsed Nora watching the pair, her smile soft and content as she too noticed Maria hovering beside Lizzy.
The woman knew how much this evening meant to Elizabeth and strove to make it spectacular. He could never repay Nora enough for her generosity or love for Lizzy... but he sure as hell would try.
"Come," Antonio clapped Red on the back, "let us endeavor to liven up this gathering." he sat his drink aside. "It is a celebration of life and its many milestones!"
Red nodded his acquiescence, striding alongside the man.
Antonio got everyone's attention with but a lifted hand.
The rooms fell silent.
"My good friends and treasured family," he smiled brightly to all the attentive faces, "Maria and I wish to thank our gracious hosts for this wondrous evening... their kindness. Their generosity has warmed our hearts."
Maria smiled at Liz, warmly pulling the young woman in at her side.
"We are so happy that so many of you," Antonio frowned slightly as he took in the multitude of people there, most of who had come along with the actual invited guests, "could be here to help us celebrate this auspicious occasion."
The words were met with applause and good cheer.
Again, the man silenced the room with a gesture, "Maria, while in the bloom of life, cannot by any means be considered a member of the 'older generation'..."
Maria sent him a playfully reproachful look, "Move carefully beloved..."
Antonio chuckled, "We realize that the majority here this evening also do not fall into that category," he granted, "that most showed up for a good time. Far be it from me... as the old codger in the room, to stifle such expectations."
His self-depreciating humor was met with denials that he was 'old', which the man summarily waved aside.
"While the present music is lovely and one of Maria's favorite selections," he nodded to the now silent string quartet.
Red had silenced the music when the older man stepped up to the 'podium' minutes earlier.
"I think what is needed at this point," he checked with Reddington, "is a little more lively entertainment, yes?"
The declaration was met with raucous and resounding agreement.
"I noted the young man," Antonio motioned to the patiently waiting DJ, "when I entered."
All eyes shifted towards the young guy tucked away in a corner between the two dance floors.
"You, man with the enormous headphones," Antonio spoke to the kid directly, "perhaps you have a few selections which might better suit the gathered throng?"
Thunderous acceptance and gaiety ensued.
"With our host's permission, might I place a request?"
Red was taken aback, but waved his hand, "No Rap..." he held up a warning finger.
Laughter met his request.
Antonio spread his arms, "I am saddened, but resigned."
Again, laughter ensued.
Red should have known such a man would top his admonishment.
"It may be difficult to believe but Maria and I were not always the staid, doddering couple you see tonight..." Antonio continued.
"Speak for yourself," Maria took exception to the adjectives applied to her which brought snickers of amusement to those surrounding her. "I have never doddered in my entire life!"
Elizabeth giggled infectiously, her eyes lit with adoration and delight, a fact Red did not miss.
"Please, cuore mio… I'm on a roll here," Antonio spread his hands wide, an injured look on the handsome face. "With you about, how often is it I get to be the center of attention?"
"Well put," Maria granted waving him to continue.
Red noted Antonio was at his most charming tonight, delighting everyone with his grace and wit.
A sign he was truly enjoying himself.
"I have wished to hold my beautiful wife in my arms this entire evening," Antonio's face softened on the woman, "and what better way than to take a walk down a memory lane we used to frequent."
He leaned to Reddington, exchanging a few words before walking the breadth of the room.
His eyes not once straying from his 'beautiful' wife.
Elizabeth glanced at Maria's profile.
It was as if the entire room had melted away; the woman had eyes only for the slowly... confidently approaching man.
Elizabeth held her breath, her skin tingling with the electricity of the moment.
Antonio held out his hand...
Maria placed her fingers into the warm enclosure, her smile alluring.
Something universal was passing between the stately couple which seemed personal... if not incredibly intimate.
Liz's heart swelled with a joyous jubilation. She didn't understand the emotion, she only hoped Red would look at her that way... after they spent a wondrous life together.
So concentrated on the scene unfolding before her enraptured attention, Liz wasn't aware she was the object of Red's enraptured and softening eyes.
Lizzy's delicate hands clasped tightly under her uplifted chin, her eyes sparkling with adoration for the older couple.
The serene look on Lizzy's face melted Red's own hardened heart; whereas the obvious love shown between Antonio and Maria poignantly affected her young one.
And as yet, the couple had done nothing but clasp hands as they gazed upon one another.
Antonio led his partner slowly to the center of the room, Red noted, directly beneath the glittering but stationary disco ball.
Still, Antonio had not taken his eyes off Maria.
Liz hurriedly pushed to the front of the rapidly gathering circle which formed about the centered couple.
Antonio brought Maria into the sphere of his arms, his embrace encircling the voluptuous waist with a slow slide.
Liz's breath caught in her throat.
What a striking couple they made!
Liz blinked, Maria had seemed so imposing. In truth she was... well, at least in Antonio's arms... a rather petite, delicate woman. Antonio was a good head taller than the beautiful, stunning woman.
Antonio's gentle, loving gaze looked down on Maria's striking features.
They stood in that moment, and no one seemed to question the silence. Though public, no one dared to interrupt the very private moment the couple shared.
Red smiled slowly, enjoying the sensual display. It took years of practice to achieve that level of foreplay, especially when a couple hundred guests fixated securely on your position.
But those two... they were masters at the game.
Red could only guess who was winning over whom.
Though, as he watched Antonio's eyes hood as he inhaled deeply, sensing his wife... Red would put good money on Maria holding the reins at this moment.
Antonio tightened his embrace, bringing Maria's body flush with his own.
Recognizing his signal, Red nodded a 'go ahead' to the young DJ who waited for his cue.
The beginning sound of a tinkling upbeat tune accompanied by the strains of stringed instruments filled the hushed atmosphere.
The crowd, at first, were a bit shell-shocked by such an eclectic choice. Most were amused... some stunned, a few... nodded approvingly as the old Bee Gees song played out overhead.
Antonio, who began swaying with the beat from its beginnings, took Maria along with the captivating swell of the song.
Remaining in a close hold, both traversed the dance floor, moving as one.
Too enthralled to pry her eyes from what was transpiring on the dance floor, Liz blindly reached, grasping Red's hand.
"Oh, Red!" she breathed out an ethereal sigh. "Look at them!"
Red smiled, lifting his head, he too, transfixed by the sight of Maria being lead so effortlessly about the meticulously polished wood floor beneath their feet.
The sparkling dots of light accentuated the movement of the two lovers dancing.
Gasps of delight erupted at the skill and precision displayed.
The disco ball flicked to life, bathing them in an unworldly twinkle of dancing light.
The rhythmic beat of the music entered through the soles of Red's shoes, transmitting a melodic pattern up his body.
The lyrics themselves... transmitting understanding within his soul.
Red allowed and welcomed the pleasant sensation.
Antonio executed smooth under hand turns, show-casing Maria's natural ability to move to the enrapturing melody.
Their foot work was mirror images of one another...totally flawless.
Maria's heels accentuated the lovely shape of her legs as she stepped back, allowing and following Antonio his lead without hesitation.
The wispy, almost diaphanous overskirt of Maria's dress, fluttering in the man-made breeze, fanned delicately about when called to do so by a particular movement.
The effect was mesmerizing, if not hypnotizing.
The entire picture took Red back to the nights he sat watching the dance floor in some overcrowded disco hall back in the day.
He loved the beauty and symmetry of dance.
To see a woman's body move so gracefully, so erotically...
God knew what he was doing when he created woman.
Nothing existed more sensual or alluring, and when they danced...
To touch it, to inhale its intoxicating scent, to feel its heat... to hold it in your arms.
Red sensed, probably better than anyone, what Antonio was feeling out there, so close to his Maria... so close to perfection.
It was more than safe to assume Maria truly was, 'More than a Woman', to Antonio.
She was his partner, friend, confidant, caregiver, strength and lover.
She was his everything.
The ease of their movements about the floor; the sure, steady steps taken without second thought and their unspoken communication... expressed the trust and unity they achieved in their married life.
A bond cultivated through years of facing trials and tribulations together allowed them the gift to emerge from the other side, a stronger partnership.
If anyone were to act as a template for a successful marriage, it would be Antonio and Maria.
No one knew of pitfalls, deception and pain life could throw at you better than the Crocetti's.
Red situated Lizzy closer as Antonio twirled Maria to his side, both falling into a casual stationary stroll in time with the music.
If anyone asked Red, the move mimicked the relaxed approach the two presented to the world.
Maria swirled, placing her back to Antonio's chest. She leaned, executing perfectly placed steps which Antonio mirrored behind her.
Closing her eyes, Maria lost herself to the nearness of her lover. Antonio planted a loving kiss to the crown of her head.
Red watched the older man teasingly finger the wispy fabric at Maria's hip, slowly lifting it above her knee as he tucked his nose into the woman's nape.
Antonio visibly inhaled the gentle scent of his wife before dropping a sensual kiss to her neckline.
Opening herself to the intimate affection, Maria accepted Antonio's silent promise more would be delivered once in the private sanctity of their bedroom.
The fluid motions of their body alerted Red to the obvious indication their impassioned connection would follow them late into the morning hours.
Liz sniffled at Red's side, beyond enthralled and touched by the performance, "Aren't they breathtaking..." she sighed dreamily, "it's obvious, they're very much in love."
Her eyes remained fixed and unblinking, afraid she would miss one single second.
Her mouth fell agape as Antonio leaned; the sleek line of his body braced securely on one leg, was at once both suave and dashing.
His strong, unwavering hold supported Maria easily as he dropped her back in a low sweeping pose.
Maria, trusting his embrace, gracefully extended her arm slowly back overhead. Stretching into an arc, her delicate fingers almost swept the floor.
Bending low over her prostrated body, Antonio drew Maria up against his chest, brushing his lips erotically against her full ones.
If one but used their imagination, as Red was; the sight of the two lovers intertwining in the eternal bliss of lovemaking, or at least... the aftermath... could be clearly envisioned.
Red cleared his throat, glancing at a nearby thermostat. Should he lower the air conditioning?
"...Yes," he replied to Elizabeth's comment over the boisterous applause and accolades. "I want to be him when I grow up."
Antonio smiled, easily righting his lovely partner.
Maria laughed musically, checking her hair in the next instant. Lifting to her toes, Maria kissed Antonio lovingly.
The man inclined his head, listening as she whispered something impossible to hear with all the commotion surrounding them.
Liz had noticed the interplay, "I wonder what she said?"
"What would you have said," Red wondered as well.
Liz's face went blank for a long beat before a slow creeping blush tinted her cheeks.
Red's smile erupted, "...Really," the man's deep rich tone, husky with intrigue, swept over her sensually, "... save me a dance later on."
It was Liz's turn to clear her throat self-consciously.
Antonio approached with his beautiful wife in tow. "She never ceases to amaze, yes?"
"You have put these young women to shame." Red leaned, kissing the woman's cheek affectionately. "You enthralled me."
"As well you should be," Maria seemed puzzled that he might be otherwise.
"I've never seen a more lovely dancer," Liz was all a titter. "I didn't know a body could move like that."
Red begged to disagree, having seen firsthand the sensual and erotic motions of Lizzy's body as they made love... but remained quiet on the matter, at this time.
"I didn't know this 'old' body could do it anymore," Maria laughed her confession.
"I would imagine that gorgeous body of yours can move into all sorts of sinful poses," Francis' heated gaze swept Maria's curvy frame, "when given the right incentive." his voice held a certain tinge of arousal.
Liz startled, her mouth falling open in shock, "Francis! Where the hell did you come from?"
Maria looked over the young man, her gaze blasé in manner.
"Shall I demonstrate," Francis blatantly offered, mindless of the woman's husband not but a foot away.
"W-What are you doing!" Liz sputtered, blocking sight of Maria. "Have you lost what's left of your mind!"
Rolling expressive eyes Red's way, Antonio scoffed under his breath.
Red settled in for the long haul, resting against a nearby couch back.
"The man whore strikes again..." Antonio muttered at his side.
Folding his arms over his chest, Red nodded, "It's so apropos, that word. Shall I strike him... or you?"
Red wished he could say this was the first instance Francis hit on Maria, but... he couldn't.
The young man tried his luck each time the beautiful woman was in his vicinity. And each time, he failed miserably in his objective.
"I have to give it to the boy," Antonio nodded, listening to all the reasons Francis provided his wife she would have a great time in the boy's bed, "... he doesn't give up. I admire tenacity."
"No, you mean," Red corrected, "egotism, audacity..."
"Charisma..." Antonio shrugged, adding another well-known personality trait of Francis' to the mix.
"Come Elizabeth," Maria gestured, "let's find a quiet spot–"
"You are the sunshine of my life..." Francis grasped Maria's hand in his, kissing the flesh reverently.
"The library's free," Red offered the safe haven, mindless of the boy's rambling.
"Hush," Antonio shushed Reddington, "the boy's on a roll."
Nora, who had been nearby and heard the shameless plea, sighed under her breath. She gestured for a passing waiter, keeping her attention squarely on their resident Casanova.
"...You are the apple of my eye," Francis continued on, adding a certain emphasis to the words, "Forever you'll stay in my heart."
Red leaned, "Isn't that a Stevie Wonder song?" he murmured to Antonio.
"It is, yes." Antonio confirmed.
Nora stepped alongside the group, "Francis..."
Breaking his spellbound gaze, Francis smiled happily Nora's way, "Yes, my precious."
"I have food..." she wafted the tray in her hand, effectively distracting the boy.
Francis moved forward instantly, raptly scanning the selections offered.
Red watched as Maria grasped Lizzy's elbow before steering them both away from the area without a backward glance.
Nora continued pointing out different treasures until the ladies were well on the other side of the room.
Francis turned about, two mini apple pies in hand, "A sweet treat," he offered dead space, "for a sweet treat..." he hesitated, having realized his prey had vanished into the ether.
Antonio chuckled quietly as the boys face... fell mournfully.
Stepping alongside the young man, Antonio consolingly patted the boy's shoulder.
"There's always next time," he encouraged.
Francis nodded grudgingly, "...Yeah," he looked to the older man for advice, "I just don't know what I'm doing wrong?"
Red rolled his eyes heavenward, rubbing his suddenly aching neck.
"She's a hard woman to convince," Antonio soothed the boy's wounded ego. "I'm sure it has nothing to do with you."
Red was positive Maria's rejection had nothing to do with Francis... but the fact she was married to Antonio.
A man who was now tending to the wounded ego of an insufferable flirt.
"Yeah," Francis nodded, mollified at present, "I mean... I'm a catch, right."
Red waved a waiter over, grabbing a stiff drink. He tipped it back, letting it drown his sorrows.
"You are," Antonio agreed, "you're very handsome... loyal."
Francis nodded along, "I'm funny too."
Craning his neck, Francis smiled as the bathroom door across the way opened, revealing Lia coming from the other side.
"Oh, there's my shortcake," he gestured, "we're gonna play Craps."
"You do that," Antonio suggested, "enjoy the evening with your girl."
"I will," Francis smiled once more. He stepped, then hesitated, turning back towards Antonio.
"Hey, thanks for the pep talk and everything," Francis thanked the guy. "It made me feel better."
"..Any time," Antonio graciously offered.
Giving a little wave, Francis trotted off towards Lia.
Red scoffed quietly as the young man frowned and shooed off another man intent on making a pass at Lia.
"He's such a fickle little bastard." Red muttered.
Red wasn't sure what Francis' goal was exactly. What he did know... the boy's attempts and Antonio encouraging solace were always amusing to watch.
"He's getting better," Antonio gave the boy props. "The execution, delivery... he has improved from the last time."
"You mean when he recited the lyrics from, "Feelings, Nothing More than Feelings." Red twisted his mouth distastefully.
"I never liked that song," Antonio nodded. "Stevie is definitely is a step up."
"You've opened a Pandora's Box." Red explained his honored guest. "I have to get this crowd to settle down after your little... kicker."
Antonio looked at him oddly, "Why?"
"This is what you want for your anniversary?" Red was amazed.
Antonio looked around at all the commotion. "Everybody's having a good time."
Dembe appeared from out of nowhere, a troubled look on his face. "Your other honored guest has arrived."
Red followed his line of direction, his face falling. "Dembe... you didn't."
"Oh, hey... it's the interesting guy." Antonio seemed to perk up.
"Raymond," Dembe defended his actions. "Antonio is the guest of honor. He wished his attendance..."
The more Red ruminated on Elizabeth's reaction to this... issue. The more his plans for the evening vanished into thin air.
Red's head began to ache. "... Shit."
Author Notes:
Referenced:
"More than a Woman" - Bee Gees
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life" - Stevie Wonder
"Feelings" - Morris Albert