Unloading the last of their belongings in the closet, Liz set up the safe, inputting the same code into the keypad they used before.
Opening the heavy door wide, she placed her jewelry, a couple Red's watches, then stacks of money along the wall.
Turning the currency, her eyes widened as she noted the thick, crisp bills were hundreds. There had to be thousands in her hand, let alone what she had already placed inside the vault.
Hurriedly shoving the last stacks in the safe, she reached for a large square box beside her, a piece of paper scrawled in Red's handwriting fixed atop the smooth case.
No peeking... it's a surprise, Lizzy. Love, Red
Smoothing her fingers over the red ink, Liz smiled, her thumb nail edging the rounded corner of the box. Biting anxiously at her lip, she glanced cautiously about, slowly lifting the lid...
Rolling her eyes, Liz fully opened the lid, encountering a dark satchel tied in an intricate and difficult to duplicate knot... hiding her gift from her prying eyes. She sighed irritably.
Nice try. I do I love your curiosity, however... it won't get you anywhere today.
Love you, baby,
Red
"Asshole," Liz scrunched her nose, slapping the lid shut with a resounding click.
The ringing of her phone in the silent space startled the woman, the box flipping precariously about in her light fingers.
"Shit!" she grasped the box close to her chest, fumbling to grab the phone from the back pocket of her shorts.
"Red?" she breathed heavily, easing the hammering in her heart.
"Sweetheart? You all right?" Red's concern bled over the line.
"Yes!" Liz hastily shoved the box in the safe. "Why-Why-Why do you a-ask?" slamming the door shut, she blew out a tremulous breath as she heard the locks engage.
Taking a deep breath, Liz stilled her thudding heart.
"You're up to something..." Red drawled knowingly.
Scoffing, Liz rushed from the closet, closing the door behind her for good measure. "No, I'm not. Why would even you say that!"
"My ears were burning," Red arched a brow. "I also know when you're lying."
"What do you want?" Liz grumbled a surly pout, crossing her arms tight over her chest.
"Uh hmm..." Red knew for a fact then Lizzy had definitely been up to something. "Get dressed in some jeans and have Dembe take you downstairs."
"Are you all right?" she questioned the man's tone. "You sound winded."
"I'm fine." he told the truth. Having had time to re-center himself and plan his next moves offered a modicum of sanity. "I'll see you in a few minutes."
Hanging up the phone, Liz reluctantly reopened the closet door, peering at the safe in passing as she went about her assigned task.
Dressing quickly in the requisite jeans, Liz slipped a gauzy button-up over her tank top, pulled her hair back into a loose clip and grabbed her room key.
Opening the door, she pulled up short when she found Dembe already there and waiting.
"Okay," she smiled at the man, "...so you know more than I do."
"Yes," Dembe teased, "I do, and no, I won't tell you what it is."
Chuckling, Liz closed the door behind her. "You'll have to teach me how to do that sometime... be that stoic." she held up a hand before the man could utter a word. "If you're going to tell me it's a natural gift... I've already heard that spiel from Silas."
Smiling brightly, the man remained silent... confirming her suspicions.
Just as they had earlier in the day, the striking duo walked alongside one another, sharing small talk and smiles before pushing out the back doors of the hotel.
Strolling across the greens, Liz inhaled the fresh, sweet scent of summer. The afternoon sun shone down on her upturned face, warming her in flesh and spirit.
"I swear, the sun smells of fresh grass and warm coconut." she sighed her bliss.
"Or..." Dembe gestured to the guests scattered about the pool, slathering themselves in coconut scented lotions.
Pointing the other way, he motioned to gardeners tending to the gardens, offering a more logical explanation.
"I'm understanding why you and Silas are still single." Liz teased, bumping the man's shoulder with her own.
"I am taken," Dembe reminded.
"Are you?" Liz lifted curious brows. "I do not see Hannah in attendance."
"Hannah had a full schedule," Dembe corrected any misconceptions. "We have a planned excursion... later."
"Oh, do you?" Liz's eyes twinkled. "Is this a romantic excursion just for two?"
"It is," Dembe lifted a proud chin.
"Good," she lowered her sunglass, composing her expression, "because you know... you aren't getting any younger."
Side glancing the man, Liz snickered under her breath when Dembe sent her a withering glance.
Scanning the large space, Liz's attention flit from one guest to another in her search for Red.
Leaning against the stark white fencing, she propped a foot on a rung, crossing her arms over the top.
"Where is he?" she turned, glancing to her companion.
"There he is," Dembe had long since spotted the target of their search.
Following the path indicated, Liz's mouth gaped as she saw two men racing towards them on horseback at a fast clip.
"That's Red?" She pointed to the men flying over the grass covered crest, the horses' hooves almost levitating off the ground beneath them.
Showcased in the best possible light, the animals long manes rippled like flowing water along the elongated necks, heaving to inhale the needed air they rapidly expended. Their sinewy muscles bunched and flexed throughout their bodies, pushing them to go faster and harder.
Liz could hear the heavy pounding of their hooves thumping against the ground in a thundering legato which was pleasurable to hear and feel. Even at this distance, she would swear she felt the deep reverberating thrum through her feet the closer the horses came to her position.
The competent and fearless riders made the impressive race complete.
Both men leaned into their respective rides, moving fluidly with the horse beneath them. The simpatico relationship between human and beast was undeniable.
Zeroing in on Red's unmistakable form, Liz beamed as the man transmitted something to the animal... goading it into a high gear she didn't believe possible.
Tightening his thick thighs, Red grinned his exuberance when the horse took off like a shot.
Pulling away from its opponent with agile grace, the animal sped along the open field without doubt to its sure footing... literally leaving its challenger in the dust.
Gaining a full length, Daniel admitted defeat, slowing his horse to a galloping trot.
Liz giggled when the man shook his head woefully and murmured something unintelligible to his horse.
Red patted the animal for the job well done. Burning off the last of its energy, the spirited horse came in to the paddock in a jaunty trot as it neared her and Dembe.
Liz's grin widened as she realized instead of his usual armor of tailored refinery, Red was in dark blue jeans, button-up and cowboy boots. She didn't even know he owned cowboy boots.
But what caught her attention most, besides the dusting of hair on his forearms and chest shining brightly in the sun...
Red was not sporting his customary fedora... but an honest to goodness, cowboy hat.
"Well, hello there, cowboy." She smiled up at the man. "I didn't know you could ride... a horse."
Opening his mouth to offer his customary sexual innuendo about Lizzy's riding skills, Red felt himself hesitate from doing so... unsure the remark would be welcome.
"I didn't either," he stated the safe reply, "... but you know, I hate losing."
"Red, you cheater," Daniel laughed as he neared, "you're supposed to start off at the same time."
"You said go, I went." Red recalled events clearly. "It's not my fault your reflexes are waning." he leaned on the horn of the saddle, grinning at the man.
Sighing his defeat once more, Daniel shrugged helplessly. "How can I argue with that?"
Tittering, Liz smiled up at both men, enjoying their easy and playful camaraderie.
"After seeing that pure, pretty smile of yours," Daniel arched a sly brow, "I gotta say, it's obvious you're definitely too good for the likes of... the cheater here." he hooked a thumb towards Red.
"Well, that goes without saying." Liz agreed, withholding her grin of delight for Red's discordant harrumph. "But he's so damned cute and has an ass to die for... I just can't help myself."
Shifting amused eyes Red's way, Danny snorted. "Cute?"
"That's what the lady said." Red's tone dared a smart-ass remark.
"I want a rematch, Red," Danny stepped gracefully down from his mount, searching out Dembe Zuma. "I'll see you in a few, Dembe." he tipped his hat, walking off to the stable.
"Did you cheat?" Liz squinted up at Red, blocking the sunlight with her hand.
"We're not calling it that." Red admonished. "We're saying, I took advantage of an opportunity presented."
Dembe chuckled his approval.
Pointing to a nearby stand, Red waved Lizzy to follow. "Come ride with me."
Walking to the raised podium, Liz looked over the still spirited horse. "Isn't he tired, should we switch out?"
"He's fine," Red assured, offering a hand as she walked up the stairs. "The walk will do him good."
Placing her foot in the stirrup, she lifted, swinging her leg over the saddle with ease.
"We'll be about an hour, Dembe." Red leaned about the woman, taking the reins. "Thank you for escorting her down."
"Have a pleasant ride," Dembe smiled at his friends. Taking his leave, he headed for the pool, removing his shirt as he neared. Women immediately noted the new arrival on scene, smiling coquettishly.
Wrapping his arm about Lizzy's waist, Red pulled her back towards him, settling the woman's small frame between his thighs.
"You good?" he tipped his head around, mindful of his wide-brimmed hat.
"He's a beautiful animal," she nodded, resting back against Red's chest.
Gently pulling the reins, they headed out of the paddock.
"Are we off to anywhere special?" Liz asked after a moment, excitement lacing her voice.
"About a mile or so out." Red murmured, rubbing a restless thumb against Lizzy's waist. "Just relax and enjoy the scenery."
Doing as asked, Liz relaxed, swaying slowly with the rolling gait of the horse.
Closing her eyes, Liz listened to tranquil sounds of song birds chattering overhead, the soft crackle of dried grass and twigs snap under the weight of the large animal and the breeze rustling the leaves overhead.
"Did you get any rest this morning?" Red asked softly, aware of the quiet setting surrounding them.
"I did," she turned her profile that Red could better hear her. "Did you?"
"I got enough," Red felt the lack of sleep pulling at him, even now.
Resting his hand on Lizzy's thigh, Red's fingers brushed against the warm denim, unconsciously tracing the seams running along her leg.
Watching the hypnotic motion of Red's hand moving idly with the horse's movement, Liz blinked away the distraction.
"Which actually means, not nearly enough." Liz knew well enough, Red barely slept at all last night. Each time she stirred, he was there to whisper soft words in her ear... alerting her to his presence.
Under normal circumstances, when awakened in the middle of the night, Red's tone held a rough, sensual quality.
Last night, the man was wide awake; his voice clear and alert.
Coming around a bend, Liz smiled warmly at the sight of a charming, yet whimsical, gazebo and a picnic basket awaiting their arrival.
Just like the day they became engaged, the setting was beautiful, tranquil and private.
Pulling the horse to a stop, Red slid from the saddle to the solid ground beneath them. Gripping the reins, he tethered them loosely around a nearby post, then lifted his arms to help her down.
"Your fingers..." she pointed to the wrapped appendage.
Waving the hand in question, Red gestured her to come to him and waited patiently... until she acquiesced and placed her hands on his shoulders.
Wrapping his hands about her waist, Red eased Lizzy from her high perch, gently sitting her feet on the ground.
Backing the horse up a few steps, Red handed Liz the reins.
"Hold him a moment, will you?" Red worked to release the fastenings at the horse's middle. "Might as well let him rest... cool down."
Removing the heavy leather of the saddle, Red placed it on a provided perch before guiding the horse to a well-shaded area to graze.
Taking her smaller hand in his, Red pulled the woman along to the gazebo, tossing his hat onto the table.
"Are you hungry?" he gestured to the basket.
"You're going to spoil me," she smiled softly.
"I would hope this would be a normal occurrence," Red stated his opinion on their relationship. "Not a once in a while treat."
"You're living up to your expectations then," Liz admitted. "Though, your efforts are no less a pleasant surprise I enjoy."
Much like the afternoon two days ago, Liz smiled as Red unearthed a delicious meal, along with bottles of sweet tea.
"It smells wonderful!" she looked happily over the spread. "I'm starving! Must be all the fresh air and the ride out here."
"Could be the company." Red lifted teasing eyes to hers.
"Could be." she teased right back.
Red surreptitiously watched Lizzy's intake now of the provided meal. He was very pleased she finished her plate, and continued snacking on the provided meats and cheeses throughout the talk which materialized afterwards.
"It's so quiet here," Liz basked in that quiet, breathing in the tepid air.
"I try to come here when the opportunity presents itself." Red confessed. "I need time to decompress... to just be."
"I would imagine even more so than most people." Liz searched the rugged face, wondering what it was he needed now.
"I wouldn't say that, we all have our problems." Red admitted. "I find this setting allows my mind to wander over trivial matters, instead of focusing on life or death decisions... which is refreshing, to say the least."
Liz sensed that was not the case... this time, however.
"I would have thought you never let your guard down anywhere, that you never totally relax." she allowed a small smile. "I was wrong in my assumptions."
"You weren't wrong," Red tapped a restless thumb on the tabletop.
The honesty in his tone shocked Liz.
"I don't normally, you're correct." Red allowed, nodding a discrete incline of his head "However, there's a sniper in that tree cresting the hill, just there." he gestured to an unseen entity. "Whom I believe will alert me if there is any undue danger."
"My God, they really are everywhere." Liz squinted, just then seeing the faint outline of a shadow move just enough to distinguish it from the leaves surrounding the guard.
"That man," Red told the truth, "and the ability to distinguish an unfamiliar sound from the wind and wildlife scurrying about... allows me to focus fully on other matters."
"I get that." When she left for college, she learned to distinguish normal from unusual sounds in her space pretty rapidly.
When she became an Agent, the ability evolved to an acute sharpness which allowed her to sense danger lurking about.
"I noted it in the Navy," Red swirled the ice floating in his tea, "though, it became more heightened after my daughter was born. I empathize with new mothers more than you can imagine." he smiled softly.
Tipping his glass back, he finished the crisp drink, pouring them both more.
"It's strange really. That uncanny knack a parent has to hear their daughter's distress from a block away..." if Red closed his eyes, he could still hear the faint echo of Jenny's cry... he fell silent for a long moment.
"...Transferred to a more self-preserving outlet." he mused. "My senses can now distinguish the distinct click of a weapon being cocked or the rack of a shotgun over a ridiculous amount of space."
Normally, Liz would assume the man was being flippant... but something in his tone alerted her, Red knew the sound he just described better than anyone. It was such a sad statement.
"But we take downtime," she knew that for a fact. "We have movie nights, read together... talk."
"I have everything money can buy.. I have this," Red waved a hand about their present setting, "...but I didn't have you."
Liz blinked, comprehending the words and the meaning behind them.
"I take downtime now, because of you. I have a home now, because of you." Red stated a fact. "Without you, none of it mattered... none of it seemed important."
Liz guessed in some capacity, she could understand that. She watched tv, read books, talked to Hudson... but none of it compared to the time she spent with Red.
"Right now," Red locked eyes on her, "my sole focus is directed where it's needed most... and that's on you." he stressed the words. "You are the only thing in the world that matters to me, do you understand?"
Blinking her disorientation, Liz sat upright, her mind stagnant.
"Talk to me, Elizabeth." Red urged.
"A-About what?" she sought a topic to which he might refer.
"I know what I heard," Red growled softly, "... what did I not see last night?"
The loud echo of objects being thrown, a struggle, berating and disgusting words... Lizzy's screams... it all rattled in his head on repeat since last night. That part had not changed one iota.
"What did that fucker do to you." Red's tone seethed his rage. "Tell me the truth."
Leaning heavily into his forearms, his piercing glare fixated on a blemish on the wood tabletop.
"While I'm upset by what happened," she confessed, keeping her tone soothing, "it's not something I can't get past, Red." the woman was relatively certain. "If I could just have some time..."
Setting a stern scowl, Red's lips pinched tight, "That tells me... nothing!" he snapped his frustration.
"Edward may have... touched me," Liz shivered her revulsion, "but–"
"The bastard told me," Red spat angrily.
Leaning into her forearms, Liz frowned hard. "What did he say exactly, that has you this upset?"
Tentatively reaching, his fingers trembled as he touched the bruising on Lizzy's temple.
"God, baby," Red's voice shook, "what the hell have I done to you, allowing..."
"What the hell did he say!" Seeing the anguish in his eyes, Liz captured Red's hand, squeezing his fingers tight with her own.
"I heard him threaten you..." dropping his forehead into his palm, Red pushed hard against the surface, easing the stabbing pain in his skull, "...threaten... promise to force oral on you."
"Well, he didn't!" Liz gasped indignantly, staunchly denying the asshole's lies. "He–"
"Elizabeth, did he penetrate you?" Red swallowed rapidly, voicing the most painful question he had ever voiced.
Gasping her shock, Liz's eyes went wide. "That bastard said–"
"Dammit, answer me! Did he fuck you!" Red snarled before he could catch himself.
"No!" Liz fumed. "If he told you that, he was fucking lying!" she vented her own anger. "All he did was touch my breast, dammit! The lousy son-of-a-bitch!"
Falling silent, Red really looked at the woman, took in the tone of her voice... watching for any sign she was withholding any part of the truth from him.
"I swear to God, Red. I wouldn't lie to you about that." Liz vowed. "Edward may have got in a passing graze, but really, it's no worse than what happened when I was at the Quantico."
"Excuse the hell out of me?" the easy admission stunned Red.
"Oh, come on," Liz scoffed. "You know the guys there are pricks." she sighed. "Tried to pass off their little kinks as if they were preparing us for criminals we would meet in the field."
"What the fuck." Red's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You put up with–"
"Of course, we did," Liz sighed her resignation. "And why, you ask? If you filed a complaint and were granted an interview, it never went anywhere... because the biggest offender was the program's golden boy."
While not shocked by the news, it did anger Red to the extreme. So little had changed in thirty years; it was the same thing in the Navy. Knowing it happened to Lizzy, on the other hand, made him livid.
"Don't tell me this shocks you, considering you were in the Navy."
"That shit did not happen when I was around." Red's eyes hardened. "I always took complaints seriously." his eye ticked. "I pushed for Brig time, if not harsher punishments."
"Oh, my... brig time. How caustic a punishment." she knew time served was only a badge of accomplishment for those kind of predators.
"I may have also let Silas and Joe know about it." Red had the grace to expose his part in the entire farce. "It was the only option available to me, at the time, anyway."
"Well, then... justice was served." Liz shrugged. "You weren't at Quantico, however." she pointed out.
"Two of my men were there." Red corrected. "Why they didn't report this activity to me... if the bastards weren't dead, I'd wring their fucking necks."
It didn't surprise her now to learn Red had guards on her even then, though... the guards inaction in itself was surprising.
"Don't worry," she chuckled. "I handled it just fine. I didn't need anyone else."
Red admitted his curiosity. "You didn't?"
"Nope," she relaxed a bit. "We girls got together and hatched a plan. The next time the slimy bastards started the harassment," Liz held her smiled with difficulty, recalling the incident which started the landslide.
"I grabbed back." Liz grinned. "I got hold of the little prick's dick... operative word, little and started yelling my head off."
Red could plainly visualize the moment.
"He yelled, I yelled," Liz remembered fondly. "When I had everyone's attention, I loudly proclaimed he should stop touching my breast, ass or whatever. You should have seen his face!"
"Did anything come of it?" Red enquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Within a couple days, administration was more than willing to review surveillance tapes," Liz smiled, "lest they get hit with a lawsuit since their well-guarded secret was no longer so secret."
"What happened to the guy who hassled you?" Red wanted to know.
"They ousted the pig," Liz clearly remembered the man scowling at her as he left that day... and how she jauntily waved good bye. "Last I heard, he was patrolling the backwoods of Iowa, on a very short leash."
The good-old boys' club needed to get with the times, that much was obvious.
"When new recruits came in, I had enough on my plate with studying, so I just took to kneeing them to shut them down." Liz waved the issue aside. "Worked remarkably well in hindsight."
Red smiled, then sobered. "What Edward did was a huge offence, in comparison."
"I still had control, maybe to a lesser extent," Liz countered, "but I knew, I just had to keep him occupied until my back-up arrived. I knew you would come, even had you not heard anything."
There was the rub for Red.
Throughout the night, he imagined what could have happened had he been a few minutes off, or worse, even missed the call.
What would have happened after Edward knocked Lizzy out, had Red not been there? The sickening scenarios played nonstop in his mind... the possibilities beyond contemptible.
"Stop it, Red." Liz snapped him from the disturbing images. "You got there when I needed you most... stop thinking otherwise. It'll drive you crazy."
Smiling sickly, Red kissed her palm, stroking her small fingers. "I'm supposed to be supporting you. Not the other way around."
"We're supporting each other."
Gently tugging her hand, Red breathed his relief when Lizzy willingly came to him without complaint or hesitation, sitting on his lap. Gathering her close, he placed his head against her chest... listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat and soft breathing.
Warmth stung his eyes, relief washing over him like a tidal wave. When he first made love to her, he had been so grateful to be given the opportunity to show his love for her.
Now... he was beyond grateful to be afforded the chance to just hold her here, safe in his arms.
"Thank you..." he whispered his gratitude to a benevolent God that saw to it no further harm came to Elizabeth.
He made a pact with the Supreme Being, after all. As long as no permanent harm came to Elizabeth, he could do what he wished to Red.
"For what?" she whispered right back.
"I wasn't talking to you..." he murmured, holding tightly to her presence.
Canting her head curiously, Liz smiled after a moment... understanding the quiet communication.
"I need to apologize," Red lifted upright, searching out those blue eyes
"Whatever for?" the words stumped her.
"I kissed you, I..." Red sighed. "I was so glad you were..." he trailed off, unsure how to vocalize his thoughts. "But I didn't take into account..."
"You're afraid you pushed me." Liz understood.
Red fell silent, needing to take his comeuppance.
"When I smelled you, felt you... tasted you," she remembered how relieved she felt. "I knew I was awake and not dreaming... or imagining you there. I knew it was over and I was safe." she assured the man.
"You don't feel anything but my gratitude." she lifted his face. "Do you hear me?"
Red could not think of a damned thing to say. Society accused him of many things in the last twenty years, but safety was hardly a word associated with his name.
Sanctuary, yes. Safety... not so much.
He understood the sentiment behind her distinction, however.
You could blindfold him, place twenty women in a line before him, and he'd find Lizzy every time. Her warmth, scent...her very presence seeped into his soul. He would know the moment he grew near her position, just by that feeling alone.
"How did you kill him?" She lowered her voice to a private one.
"I didn't." squeezing her tightly, he felt a wave of grief just thinking of the suffering Ben must be experiencing. "It wasn't... me."
There had to be someway he could help the boy, something he could do...
"I saw the room." she prodded the man for answers. "I went to grab the rest of our belongings with Matthew and..." she trailed off, knowing that said enough.
Grimacing, Red wished he had thought to direct Matthew to avoid the gruesome scene at all cost.
He wished so fervently Lizzy had not seen the destruction he caused... though it now appeared; the damage was done.
"I didn't kill, Costa," Red confessed. "I wish I had, but..."
"How did he die?" she persisted. Did she need to hear the gruesome details and if so... why?
"Let's discuss that another time, all right?" Red stressed. "I want to make sure we're... you are all right."
"Red, I know you want to protect me from things like this, but..."
"Let me just say, you were not Edward's first... but you were sure as hell his last." Red seethed. "His death was more than justified." he held her eyes steadily. "I know you have questions, but please... let me handle this right now."
Liz wasn't sure if Red meant he needed to focus on things between them or the chaos left behind in Edward's wake. Either way, she could do both for the time being.
If Red needed to assimilate and come to grips with what happened with her and that bastard Costa, she would let him.
It shouldn't come as a shock to know Edward had a history of heinous attacks on women, though considering the man's associates and who his prey were... it was a surprise no one had killed him before last night.
She supposed that's what Red could have meant. That he needed to contact his associates and alert them to Edward's demise... the how, where and why the creep was no more.
Even among thieves and murderers, Red was a voice of reason. A calming influence. An honorable man in a sea of dishonor.
He more than anyone understood how to talk to someone in his community about Edward and his victims... hesitating at the thought; a crease marred her forehead.
Was she considered a victim, too?
"A problem?" Red instinctively sensed as much; the woman's face, though placid... showed signs of complacency she could not possibly feel at such a time.
Liz hesitated, shocked by her own musings.
"Can you tell me?" Red encouraged. "Jesus, you don't really think I would judge or criticize anyone, Lizzy... let alone you, baby!"
"I'm glad he's dead." she whispered, gripping Red's hand in her own.
"And you think it's not okay to feel that?"
"I'm supposed to bring him to justice." she reminded. "That's my job. I took an oath, Red."
"Yes, well, we all know how that would have ended." Red disgusted. "Lizzy, he was brought to justice and his victims allowed their just dues... and you know it."
"I know." she admitted quietly. "You didn't hear me say that." she shifted guilty eyes.
"Say, you're human?" he replied seriously. "That you have emotions? Anger... hate? Emotions you're entitled to have?"
Liz knew Red wouldn't begrudge her vocalizing an inner thought, but admitted, she felt a weight lift knowing... even in a court of law, Red would not divulge a private confidence or betray her to anyone.
Not even Dembe.
This private moment was to be shared between them, and only them.
"Is that the extent of what you need to say?"
"I would appreciate your input." she turned towards him more fully. "What would you say if I told you... I wanted to quit?"
"Quit working with me?" he held his breath.
"No, I meant the Bureau, in general." she scowled quizzically over at the man.
"May I ask why you're thinking about it?"
"I've been taken down, twice, Red." she loathed saying the words out loud, but the reality was... "Maybe I'm not cut out for this type of vocation."
"Lizzy, I would like to remind you, Carver is a large man," Red reminded. "I believe even Donald would have a tough time restraining that psychotic bastard."
The woman held her tongue on the Carver issue.
"You held your own."
"No, I didn't." she knew the truth. "No, you... you stopped him." she moved on. "And Edward was..."
"I believe, under normal circumstances, you could have dispatched Edward yourself." Red told the truth.
"But I didn't, did I." she reminded in turn.
"Last night, you believed yourself safe," Red countered. "I told you... no I assured you, there was nothing to worry about here." he continued. "You were off your guard... because of my ego."
Groaning internally, Liz remembered how exposed she felt, even as she fought for her life.
"Even I would have been vulnerable in such a position."
She wasn't sure she believed that statement, but allowed the man his right to say it.
"I should have been better able to defend myself." she, too, had thought... what if Red had not arrived in time? Edward got in a good hit on her, one of which made her fall.
She was out of the mix for... God, how long in reality? Was she deluding herself over her capabilities?
They could argue this point all day, and both would have equally good points to make and both knew it.
"Will you stop the Blacklist if I leave?" she brought the conversation about.
"I mentioned before," Red reminded, "I could simply hand the names off to Samar or Ressler."
Even without Elizabeth there, the list would grant them the answers they both sought. It was imperative he continue to work with her team, no matter the situation.
He had to wonder though, did Elizabeth want away from it all... him included?
Lizzy wouldn't be exposed to danger, if it wasn't for her association with him. Had she not accompanied him on this trip, she would have been safe in D.C where... Carver was probably lying in wait like a snake in the grass.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing..." he shook aside the mounting problems, all of which he needed to work out himself... apparently. "We should get going. The racesstart soon."
Standing upright, Red took her along with him, setting her on her feet.
Startled by the sudden movement, Liz clasped Red's shoulder as he steadied her. She knew he was strong; she felt that strength each time his arms encompassed her body.
As they became intimate, he could easily maneuver her with a graceful agility that was so sensual and arousing... she often caught herself daydreaming about it specifically.
Thinking back on the destroyed room she encountered, a sudden thought overwhelmed her.
Red used his body, not a weapon of conventional means, to stop what hurt her. He risked bodily injury... for her.
She had spoken the truth when she said, she felt safe and even sheltered in his presence. It hadn't manifested itself and became clear; until just this moment. Red would literally use anything at his disposal if it secured her protection.
She felt a slight tinge of guilt she found Red's use of brute force... arousing.
Glancing down at her upturned face, Red's heart melted at her open expression.
Wrapping his arms about her, Red crushed the woman to his solid frame, burrowing his face in her soft hair.
Lifting to her toes, Liz completed the affection, hugging him tight as she buried her face in the crook of his neck.
While Red knew their discussion didn't magically fix things, it was a start to mending the pain. He hoped Lizzy knew he appreciated the hell out of the fact; they didn't simply choose to ignore what hurt them.
They confronted the problem, talked it out... and found a solution as a couple. The ability to voice things with her, to be her partner in all things... Red cherished that more than she would ever know.
Placing a lingering kiss to Lizzy's fragrant hair, Red reluctantly pulled back, kissing her forehead.
"I'll get the horse ready." he murmured softly, not wishing to break their quiet solitude just yet.
Holding the reins, Liz pet the horse's snout as Red saddled him with practiced ease.
Once it was secure, Red gestured Lizzy forward. "I'll give you a boost up." he smiled as her head didn't even break the line of the horse's back.
"He's a big guy, isn't he," she smiled, placing her foot in Red's cupped hands. Finding her footing in the stirrup, she bounced once as Red lifted her easily to the saddle.
Grasping the horn, Red placed his booted foot in the bracket, swinging up behind Lizzy.
"Oh, wait..." she pointed to the table, "the picnic basket, we've left a mess."
"I've arranged for it to be retrieved later," Red smiled softly, directing the horse to take their leave.
Glancing around the beautiful grounds, Liz wished to explore more of what the place had to offer. There were so many interesting nooks and crannies within sight, she could just imagine what other treasures were out there she couldn't see.
So intent on taking in her surroundings, Liz frowned when she noticed... minutes had gone by in complete silence.
"Is there something wrong?" Liz turned in profile, just capturing a small glimpse of Red.
"What do you mean?" Red clicked his tongue, urging the horse up a sloping hill.
"You got kind of quiet..." she remarked on the man's unusual silence. "Are you upset with me?"
"Why would you think I'm upset with you?" Red voiced his confusion.
"For thinking about quitting the Bureau. Are you upset with me?"
"No, as I said, I'll support you in whatever you do." If he were honest with himself, when Lizzy began profiling for the BAU, he felt a ton of stress relief she wasn't in the field anymore.
Though, he wondered, after last night, had their relationship shifted in a way he wasn't aware of yet?
While he now knew Edward had not... raped, Elizabeth. The woman had still been physically assaulted.
Would she shun his touch, and if so... did it matter? He loved her, no matter what. If Lizzy needed time to sort out her feelings about what happened or didn't want him to touch her intimately... he could wait. He would wait.
But would she let him?
Or worse yet, what if she decided being with him was too dangerous?
"...If you'll let me." he whispered his fear.
"What does that mean?"
Grimacing, Red knew... he had to say something now. He opened the discussion, again, and it needed to be rectified or he would only add to the problem.
"I just assumed that you wanted out completely." he said, allowing her to interpret that how she wished.
Letting the statement roll around, Liz startled when a lightbulb of understanding lit bright in her head.
"You think since I may want to quit the bureau," she frowned hard, "it means I don't want to marry you?"
"I am the reason you're in danger, Elizabeth." Red sighed.
"Oh, my God!" she shifted restlessly in her seat, spinning indecisively this way and that.
Red frowned at the woman's frantic movements, hastily encircling her body with his arms.
Grasping the horn of the saddle, Liz shifted backwards as far as she could go, gripping Red's thigh. Awkwardly swinging her leg over the horse's head, she turned in her seat, quickly grabbing for Red's knee.
"What the hell are you doing?" Red watched the uncoordinated motions, completely stymied.
Clinging to Red's arm, Liz shimmied her butt towards the horse's head, then bent her leg awkwardly towards Red's chest.
"Lizzy!" Red grasped the woman as she lurched about, almost sliding from the mount. "Dammit, just let me–" he grabbed hastily for her bottom for she was falling off the horse.
"Oh, be quiet!" shuffling back, Liz grumbled her irritation as her shoe caught on Red's pant leg, irritably kicking it loose.
"What the hell!" Liz yelped unceremoniously when her butt hit the horn full force.
The horse snorted his annoyance for Liz's activities.
Gingerly bringing her foot between them, she grazed the bulge in Red's trousers, drawing a deep grunt from Red's chest.
Jerking at the unexpected contact of Lizzy's shoe brushing against his cock, Red hastily cupped his precious package. Waiting for the throbbing pain, he exhaled a grateful breath his initial reaction was more from surprise than anything else.
"Oh... oh, no!" she winced, hastily reaching for the area to soothe any inflicted injury. The woman whooped her shock as the horse hit an uneven patch, sending her off-kilter.
Hastily bracing the woman, Red clicked a soothing tongue as the horse snuffled for the unexpected jerk of his reins... though continued undaunted in its trek, as if realizing something amiss, but not warranting his attention, was occurring behind him.
"What are you doing, dammit?" Red chuckled his disbelief, amused for Lizzy's wince of sympathy.
"Isn't it obvious?" she blew stray strands of dark waves from her face.
"God... did you see that?" Liz faced him straight on, finally settling her thigh over his, winded by her exertion. "It doesn't seem so damned hard in romance novels... shit!" she recaptured her breath. "That was just weird and freaking awkward."
"I could have just stopped the horse." he brought out the obvious.
"Red, you would have broken my stride!" she accused, the man clearly having wounded her pride.
Keeping a protective circle about the woman, Red held the reins in sure fingers, a well of amusement bubbling in his chest for the spectacle he just witnessed... and the overly familiar and welcome hand rubbing his crotch so methodically now.
"Did I hurt you?" Liz grimaced her apologies, gingerly caressing the pronounced curve.
"No," Red hesitantly halted the soothing touch, "no, you didn't hurt me."
"Not yet, anyway." she offered the man a surly frown, curtly removing her touch. "Now, you get this straight in your head once and for all, Red Reddington."
Red arched a brow for the curt tone... and adorable expression.
"Are you listening to me?" she pointed meaningfully, conveying Liz's discord.
"I am," Red assured he was.
"We've discussed this! I'm in danger because of my job and idiot parents." she crossed her arms tight, then grabbed for Red as she had nothing else to stabilize her. "Stop doing that! You're going to make me fall."
Lowering his now free hand to her hip, Red's fingers curved to her bottom, holding her securely in place with little effort.
"Better?" he negated the fact it was her movements which would have caused the fall.
"You can think your criminal status or that you're on the most wanted list are marks against you where I'm concerned," she bitched, continuing to point a stern finger, "but it's not true!"
Sighing, Red shook his head for the nonsensical remark... allowing the woman to vent her frustrations. "It should be."
"You, and the protective measures you keep in place, are the only reason I'm probably still alive," Liz scolded, ignoring him altogether. "Get that through your damned thick skull, you hear me!"
Red withheld his grin when the woman jabbed her finger hard into his chest as she made her point.
"Oww," he glanced at the contact, brief though it had been.
"And just for good measure," Liz snapped, "because I know you're a dolt who thinks too much... if you're worried you cant provide me a 'normal life'," she air-quoted with a sneer, "just stop!"
Frowning, Red didn't recall thinking about that earlier... but Elizabeth was nothing if not thorough.
"You want some honesty here?" she pinched her lips. "While I don't necessarily need it... I like the perks of being with you." she jerked her chin, as if daring him to contradict her. "It's been nice being pampered and spoiled because... well... I just like it! So sue me!"
Falling silent a moment, Liz stewed inwardly, another thought suddenly occurring. "Oh... Oh, and don't even think about censoring yourself!"
"Censoring myself?" truly at a loss for that observation, Red frowned.
"Don't think I didn't notice you neglected to praise my riding skills earlier!" she knew well enough, that moment called for sexual innuendo.
Red's mouth twitched, amused for the woman's intuitiveness... and confidence in her skills.
"Do you believe your riding skills are praiseworthy?" Red had to ask for Elizabeth's reaction alone.
"Yes!" Liz's mouth fell into a deep frown. "You know I do that exceedingly well! Do you think otherwise?"
"You do ride exceptionally well. I enjoy watching, very much." Red nodded seriously. "I also just enjoy hearing you say as much."
"...Oh," she settled. "Well, I enjoy our sexual banter so... you just better keep doing that." the frown returned.
Slowly lifting his eyes, Red's heart thumped hard in his chest for the woman's prickly attitude, especially since it was directed at him.
It meant something really wonderful, after all.
Hitting a rough patch, the horse whinnied, shifting his massive bulk leisurely. Liz toppled towards Red before the man reflexively caught and steadied her.
Lifting her eyes, she hesitated on the curve of his mouth, her exasperation calming somewhat.
"You... you're the only one who loves me... for me." she murmured softly.
"I probably am," Red replied without thought, "and do so, very much."
"You would never hurt me," she continued, flicking her tongue against her own lips, whispering huskily. "I know you wouldn't."
"...Never," Red concurred with that belief and fact.
Red followed the woman's movements as she slowly leaned towards him, hesitantly placing her mouth to his.
His eyes closed in relief as her soft mouth brushed his, then held... her warm breath made his lips tingle, his pulse quicken.
"We're getting married..." she murmured, grazing his lips once more. "Nothing is going to stop us... you got it."
Releasing the reins, Red captured Lizzy's sensual mouth with his own, pulling her tight against his solid presence.
Bunching her thick hair in his fist, Red caressed her kiss-swollen lips and peppered her small face with loving gentleness before settling his forehead to hers as they captured their breath.
"...When you're right," he husk roughly, gathering her back in the shelter of his arms, "you're right, baby."
"And don't you forget it." the woman's mouth melded passionately to his responsive ones.
All coherent thought halted for a goodly while thereafter...
Slowly drawing back, Red brushed his nose lovingly against Liz's... an earlier thought coming to mind.
"You went to our room?" he murmured softly.
"Hum?" Liz sighed softly, tenderly grazing her pursed mouth against Red's. "Yeah... I got your satchel," she muttered distractedly, "oh, and your reading glasses."
"Did you empty the safe?" he questioned.
"Oh, my God, Red!" her eyes widened suddenly. "I felt like I needed an armed guard to walk back to our room with all that cash on me!"
"You did have an armed guard," Red made mention.
"What are you thinking walking around with that much cash!" she scolded, ignoring the man's mumbling remark. "Someone could rob you or–"
"If they have a death wish," Red shrugged carelessly, "...I suppose."
Liz's mouth snapped shut, as though she just remembered... who she was talking with exactly.
"When you emptied this safe," Red searched her face religiously, "... you didn't happen to take a peek in that box I marked off limits, did you?"
"No, I didn't peek in the box!" Liz lied... easily.
"Good, I have it rigged to blow confetti if opened incorrectly." Red teased, provoking the woman.
"You do not!" Liz countered sternly. "You just tied that string in a manner only psychopaths know!"
Chortling quietly, Red arched a wry brow, wondering if Lizzy would catch her slip. After a moment's quiet... he forged on.
"It's like you don't trust me or something." Liz grumbled her annoyance.
"Well, I don't trust you." Red laughed when the woman's already surly expression deepened.
"My dear, Elizabeth..." he began, garnering the woman's attention, "Love of my life..."
"What?" Liz sighed heavily.
"If you know the box isn't rigged," he began slowly, "and about the knotted string," he continued, "...shouldn't it stand to reason, I have just cause not to trust you?"
Lizzy's brow furrowed, the thought processing.
Red held his smile, waiting patiently to see how the woman would explain away her evil misdeed.
"...Oh, well," she wrinkled her nose impishly, shrugging. "It was right there in my hand, with my name on it..." she stressed. "What did you expect me to do?"
"Obey the warning to not open it." Red drawled the words, chuckling.
"What does it matter anyway," she sharply pointed out. "I didn't see anything, now did I?"
This morning, Red's whole felt as if it were imploding. He couldn't eat, think... breathe. The pain had been unbearable.
Now, he felt the entire world was once again at his fingertips. Elizabeth put him in his place, assured him they were fine... and she was here, safe and happy in his arms.
Maybe this day wouldn't shape up to be so bad, after all.
"Only because I'm well-adept at handling little con-artists," Red muttered, shifting the woman closer, his heart filling with joy.
Tipping his head, Red captured the woman's mouth in a loving caress... quite content with the state of the world.