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)

161. Cloak and Dagger

It was no surprise to Red when Doctor Lister ordered rest for Lizzy after her tumble, Elizabeth on the other hand...

The woman grumbled, not putting up too much of a fight when Red insisted she go to their room... and do as ordered.

Once there, she complained there wasn't anything to do... nothing at all. She continued, grousing on about how Silas and Francis were probably out and about having the time of their lives, without her because she was stuck up in their room doing nothing... nothing at all.

Drawing the woman a hot bath, Red allowed the pity party to continue uninterrupted in the background.

"You soak for a while, give those ancient bones of yours some TLC," Red suggested. "I'll order in, we'll have a nice evening, just the two of us."

Liz kinked her body this way and that. "Why am I so sore?" It was a mystery to the woman. "I took a muscle relaxer, didn't I?"

"Honey, you took quite a spill." Red reminded, holding his sigh. "One relaxant will not negate–"

"I should go down... check on Cleo, at least." She pulled an adorable grimace. "Francis had a hot dog... we could get one, too!" she brightened. "While we're checking on Cleo, I mean."

"Cleo is fine. Silas had the Vet check her out." Red set his expression. "Lister says... rest, Lizzy."

"Oh, what does he know?" She protested the man's advice, heading for the bathroom. "I'll take a bath, to get the dirt off, mind you..." she clarified. "Then I'm going down. There is no reason to let a perfectly good night pass us by."

"What about dinner?" the man reminded casually.

"Oh...yeah. Well, then," she was torn, "after dinner, we go downstairs!"

"Uh huh." Red sighed mentally.

"There is no need to coddle me." she held up a stern finger. "It's not like this is a flesh wound or anything."

After the bath, Liz's mood was no better.

After dinner, it improved.

"Better than a mere hot dog?" Red waved his hand over what remained of the scrumptious meal.

"Oh, wasn't that chicken delicious!" she smiled happily, finishing her chocolate dessert. "And that cake, Red... I'm going to weigh a ton by the time this vacation is done. I give fair warning." she primly wiped her mouth with her cloth napkin.

"Look what Dembe found." Red produced a new novel by Lizzy's favorite author.

"I've been waiting for this one!" she grasped the book, greedily searching out the inside forward. "How does Dembe get these things! I don't think it's even out on the shelves yet!"

Red had called the publisher days ago. "Perhaps it's not on the e-book circuit yet." he let it go at that. "Now, you have something to do."

Liz was torn, having to choose between a fun time with her friends... or the excitement of a new read.

"I... I can read this anytime."

"Check out page ninety-eight." Red had expected the setback.

Blinking, Liz listlessly opened to the section indicated. She read aimlessly for a beat.

Red watched her face.

The sullen expression altered slowly but surely, the blue eyes lifting full of wonder and awe. "Whoa..."

"Yes... whoa." Red had perused the book for such a racy passage, knowing how to capture the woman's interest. "You could bundle up on the couch with a blanket... I could fetch your heating pad? Sound like a plan?"

Liz had to secretly admit, she was feeling her muscles aching in protest... but couldn't let on, of course. "A heating pad?"

Nodding, Red buttered his roll methodically. "A glass of red wine, a plate of fruits," he gestured to the waiting treats, "... and a bag of Funyuns. What more could a girl ask for?" He lifted an innocent stare.

"I... we, just ate." Liz reasoned, but then, why did a bag of Funyuns sound so good along about now, she wondered?

"Reading a book demands snacks be available... It's a law in some places, I think."

Liz's brow furrowed. "Well, if there isn't," she philosophized, "... there should be!" she lifted a grin. "A blanket and heating pad, huh?"

"And an ice-pack. Lister said both should be administered, remember."

"Don't get me started on that man again." Liz sighed heavily. "I guess... it wouldn't kill me to stay in for a little while. Maybe after I read, we can go out?"

Red went over the ledgers after he had ensconced Lizzy on the cushy divan with her book... and promised accouterments.

It was only an hour later before the man glanced over, checking on his patient.

The book in Lizzy's hand lay by her side on the couch, the woman's head leaning back on the latter... she was fast asleep.

The effects of the medication Lister prescribed obviously worked.

Red smiled, arising from his seat. Lifting the negligible weight in his arms, he carried his precious bundle to bed.

Once placed in the cool blanket's embrace, Lizzy stirred. "I'm okay.." she mumbled sleepily. "I'm up..."

Red waylaid her intended attempt to lift from her relaxed position. "Turn over, baby." he soothed quietly, assisting in the effort.

"No, I'm good..." Elizabeth complied drowsily. "I just want to finish that chapter..." she trailed off, floating pleasantly.

"Yeah, I know." Red's hands began an intricate massage of the woman's neck and back. His touch sent wave after wave of delicious pleasure cascading throughout Liz's body. "But... you're tight." he reasoned. "Let me get some of these kinks worked out, then you can finish the chapter."

"Oh..." Liz relaxed totally, sighing blissfully. "I guess... that's okay." the woman moaned melodiously. "Thank you, Red." she muttered around a yawn. "...For being so sweet to me."

"Not hard to be sweet to you, sweetheart." the man trailed his fingers over the satin of her flesh, watching the trek down the lovely plains of Lizzy's back. "It's a pleasure..."

Ten minutes later, the woman was fast asleep... as anticipated. Red covered her with the warm blankets, cuddling next to her.

Awaking periodically, Red checked to make sure Lizzy was all right and resting comfortably.

Disturbing images of the first time he shared her bed... after Carver's attack, flashed in his subconscious mind in vivid technicolor.

He was so grateful he could comfort Lizzy with more than heating pads and blankets in this instance. He could hold her close, planting gentle kisses in her hair or on her neckline whenever he wished.

He could make certain any unseen shadows which might cause her distress did not disturb the woman.

He could let her know in subtle inconsequential ways; he was nearby, looking out for her.

Finally finding sleep himself, Red awakened to the hazy light peeking around the edges of the heavy drapes of the room. Lizzy slept soundly, snuggled into the soft bedding.

Gingerly pushing from the bed so as to not awaken Lizzy, Red set about readying himself for the day.

After a leisurely shower, Red dressed absently, his mind full of this new day's activities. It would be a full schedule Mark had planned. Red was glad Lizzy got a good night's rest.

Red eased the door open, finding Elizabeth still sleeping soundly.

Retreating to the main living area, he closed the doors behind him before making a bee-line for the coffeemaker.

While the coffee brewed, the man found his paper and an envelope from Mark, awaiting him out in the corridor.

Pouring himself a generous cup of the steaming liquid, Red settled himself in a nearby chair, reading Mark's note before tucking it in his waistcoat. Opening the paper, he perused the news of the day. At length, he heard the latch of the bedroom door open.

A disheveled, disoriented woman emerged, shielding her eyes from the sun filtering into the cheerful room.

"Good morning..." Red smiled as a sleep-tousled Lizzy came staggering further into the area, her attention for the coffee she scented in the air.

"Morning..." she yawned at length, pouring a cup of the dark elixir. Lifting the cup to her nose, she inhaled the aromatic scent, her eyes closing blissfully.

"How are you feeling?" Red asked.

Having learned rather quickly Lizzy was not a morning person, Red kept his tone a quiet, unobtrusive one.

When faced with loud noises and complicated conversation in the morning, it unbalanced Lizzy's entire day. Oh, the woman could function well enough... but did so begrudgingly.

Allowing Lizzy time to enjoy the quiet and her coffee netted more pleasant results.

"...Sore." Liz grumbled, resting her chin dejectedly on her fist, glancing aimlessly about at nothing in particular.

Withholding his smile for the monotone and grumpy reply, Red nodded thoughtfully.

Returning to his paper, Red periodically checked the level of Lizzy's coffee before once again attempting conversation as she neared the bottom of the cup.

"Would you prefer breakfast downstairs, or here, in our room?" Red bit his inner cheek when the woman's eyes shifted, a scowl marring her brow, thinking hard on the question.

"Here." she replied in the same surly tone, "Eggs, bacon... French toast."

Standing, Red braced himself on Lizzy's chair, lingeringly kissing the top of Lizzy's head.

"Go shower," he murmured. "You'll feel better."

Sighing heavily for her lot in life, Liz pushed her seat back, taking Red's offered hand.

Wrapping his arm about her waist as she stood, Red pulled her close, letting the woman rest against him for a long moment. Rubbing her back at length, he placed his lips to her forehead, closing his eyes.

For as complicated and busy as his life was, he, too, enjoyed these quiet mornings where both attained their bearings for what lay ahead in their day.

"I left your pain pills on your night table." He muttered.

Slowly easing away from Red's solid presence, Liz secured her robe as she turned and headed for their room without a word. She did, however, gift him a backward glance that showed her gratitude and love before disappearing through the doorway.

Collecting their empty coffee cups, Red set them aside for future use, grabbing the phone beside him to place their order for breakfast.

---

Enjoying a more talkative Lizzy and a wonderful breakfast, Red left her in Silas' capable hands with the promise to meet up in the dining hall shortly.

Heading for Mark's office, Red handled a shipping issue in short order before returning to Lizzy's side at the promised time. That's what the note earlier had entailed. Business called.

Approaching their table, Red was pleased to find Lizzy in more chipper spirits and chatting happily with her friends.

His intended greeting was cut short by the arrival of a very casually dressed, Mark Donovan. It was odd to see the guy in anything but his customary suit and tie.

"Good morning," Mark smiled at the gathered crowd. "In keeping with this establishment's bevy of interesting, diabolically clever ways to entertain and amaze... our agenda this beautiful day includes... an inclusive invitation to a: Murder Mystery game."

The announcement received resounding approval and an excited buzz of anticipation.

Red smiled as Lizzy shifted in her seat, her interest piqued.

"The game is quite simple... and great fun." Mark continued. "Staff will be arriving at your table shortly with a hopper with slips of paper which will give you an assigned role for the day."

Staff began collecting the needed equipment before returning to their designated tables.

"Detective... victim... or murderer? Which is in your future?" Mark stirred further interest. "Your job as a detective is to weed out murders. Your hope as victim... is to not become one."

The crowd chuckled, listening attentively.

"And the murderers?" a man in back asked. "How are they assigned?"

"Oh, they know who they are." Mark kept the mystery. "You just worry... they don't find you."

Everyone looked around their tables, narrowing playfully suspicious eyes at their companions.

"They also know to take an identity marker that you overly suspicious individuals don't naturally suspect their identity right off the bat," Mark grinned. "... Not gonna make it easy for you, my friends."

Mark gestured the waiting staff to their designated tables. "Let the fun begin.."

"Be careful who you associate yourself with today." Mark laughed. "The killer may be a trusted confidant in business, but today... he or she is your worst enemy."

Turning eagerly in her seat, Lizzy grinned widely, her eyes lit with excitement. Red inclined his head as the woman leaned close.

"What does it mean that I hope to be a victim?" she whispered, drawing a soft chuckle from Red.

"Something Freudian, I suppose." he replied evenly.

Steven approached their table, placing the hopper in the center with a smile. "I hope you're all still around for the end of the game." the young man offered his good luck.

"Why, are there bets on odds going on?" Francis looked about eagerly, as did most of the men at the table.

"Aren't there normally?" Steven chuckled, enjoying the light-hearted moods of his favored guests.

Each took their turn, concealing their paper where no one else could see. Francis stuffed his in his mouth, chewing the evidence diligently.

"This isn't a spy drama, 007." Liz grimaced as the guy continued to chew.

As the hopper came Lizzy's way, she twisted the handle, giving it a good spin before eagerly reaching in and snatching a slip of paper. Quickly looking at her role, she tucked the tab in her bra out of sight.

"Oh, like Red won't find it there." Francis scoffed his disdain.

Turning the hopper towards himself, Red retrieved his paper. He felt Lizzy's warm breath brush against his neckline, leaning slightly away, a grin coming to the fore.

Before the woman could see it, Red crumpled the paper in his hand, chortling quietly when Lizzy huffed her disappointment.

"The point of the game is for killers to take out as many victims... or detectives, as they can." Mark explained the point of the game. "Detectives are given artistic license in this game."

"And victims?" A woman asked curiously. "Will they be given the opportunity to protect themselves?"

"Yes, you will be able to defend yourself." Mark nodded, walking across the stage.

"Due to cheating last year," he glanced at Red Reddington's table, more specifically... Francis, his brow furrowed scoldingly, "... we went a little high-tech this year."

Approaching a side-table, Mark lifted a bright red toy-pistol. "You will each be assigned one of these, along with an electric target tailored to your role."

Aiming at a square target hanging from an easel, Mark 'fired' the weapon. The square lit up and beeped a continuous sound until he pressed the center pad.

"Wear it around your neck, your belt..." The assistants demonstrated places to attach the device. "If it is not visible, you will be disqualified... Francis." Mark cut the other man a not-so-discrete glance.

Red smiled as Lizzy wriggled in her seat, eager to start the game.

"Once the target is triggered," Mark stressed, once again glancing in Francis' direction, "your weapon will be deactivated and you're out of the game."

Glancing curiously at Francis, Liz rolled her eyes at the man's all too innocent expression.

"All your kills will be recorded, so keep that in mind." Mark warned. "Don't use a friends weapon, if you want to keep a tally of your kill count."

"What happens if you get shot?" Ben asked.

"These gentlemen are monitoring the game." Mark waved to the techs. "If your death was... significant," he chuckled, "we'll place your name on that murderers kill list."

Gesturing to an enormous electronic display behind him, Mark touched the screen, zooming in on columns assigned to murderers.

"We ask, if removed from the game," Mark asked politely, "you play dead... and not reveal who killed you.. Francis."

"What makes you think I'm gonna bite it?" Francis squawked. "Why would anyone want me dead..." he scoffed at the very idea. "I'm the life of the party!"

Sinister chuckles, amused giggles... and heavy sighs met the inquiry.

Mark tapped the screen once more, laughing. "I feel like Vanna White."

Laughter ensued as Mark continued touching the screen, bringing up pertinent columns.

"Only detectives may use this information to ascertain if the killer has a pattern of victims," Mark grinned. "Anyway, to help reveal identities, folks. We're here for you."

"I'm assuming," Red gestured to the numbered columns, "there are thirty killers?"

"Considering there are so many guests this year," Mark proudly stated, "we have increased our bad guys, yes."

Liz exhaled slowly, mentally calculating her odds.

"To avoid incidents and confusion with the real deal," Mark once again held the red pistol aloft, "we went with an easily discernable weapon." he granted.

"I ask though, for safety purposes," Mark stated wryly, shifting his eyes, "you stow your personal firearms in your room safe or where it is not easily accessible on your person."

On reflex, everyone at Reddington's table sought out... Francis Holbrook.

Francis' mouth gaped, his arms lifting aimlessly at his sides.

Giggling her amusement, Liz made a mental note to ask Red what the hell happened in the previous games, and just how Francis was involved.

"If you need a break for whatever reason," Mark informed the crowd, "safe zones are throughout the hotel and outside areas. Step inside the red zone and you're safe."

Leaning back in his seat, Red grinned when Mark narrowed his eyes at Francis before forcing a smile for the gathered audience.

"Because of previous incidents; the hot springs, lake, dining room, pool, stables and shooting range are off-limits." Mark clarified. "In fact, they are designated safe zones."

Lazily turning his head towards Francis, Red chuckled deeply, alerting Lizzy to an earlier faux pas on the man's part.

"What did you do?" she hissed quietly.

Red snorted when Francis shrugged aimlessly. "I didn't do nothin'."

"What, you're gonna plead the 5th too?" Liz laughed.

"All the usual activities are open for your use. Golfing, riding, biking... the gallows area." Mark grinned. "Enjoy your day and play. Just be wary of who you chose as playmate."

The crowd was pumped, to say the least.

"To round out the wonderful day, there is a special ending envisioned." Mark held down the enthusiasm of those gathered with raised hands. "We are proud to present the first annual, Midsummer Murder Masquerade."

Liz gasped her glee, clasping her hands together, seeking Red out, her eyes dancing with joy. "Oh, Red! How wonderful is that!"

"Masks are optional, of course," Mark explained, "but they are available for your use should you wish."

As expected, Lizzy's cheeks plumped into an enormous smile, her excitement contagious.

"At midnight, the masks come off," Mark grinned wickedly, "and we will have a free-for-all firefight for those left standing. Should be exciting and extravagant... and just pretty damned cool of me to think of it all."

"What's our take?" A question came from somewhere behind Red. The man grinned for the self-centered demand. "What do we get out of it?"

"Well, besides the fun of shooting people and not getting slammer time..." Mark's brows furrowed critically.

"...Releasing aggression..." Red shifted eyes Francis' way. Francis frowned critically, wondering what that meant.

"What do you mean, what do you get out of it?" Liz took exception. Red calmed her down with a hand on her forearm, which she ignored.

"Murder, mayhem, mystery, mystique," she rattled-off easily, "... music, dancing, beautiful woman in gorgeous gowns, clandestine meetings in coat closets," she gathered steam, "... a night to remember for the rest of your life! That's what you get!"

Red shifted in his seat, leaning on his forearm which was braced on the table, his look an intrigued one. "Clandestine meeting in coat closets, you say."

"And of course, there are the customary trophies to be awarded." Mark concluded with a smile.

"Trophies!" Liz perked up even more so, to Red's great amusement.

"Well, why didn't you just say so.." the man who began the initial 'mayhem' settled back in his seat, satisfied.

"Let me get this straight," Francis was confused somewhat. "We get a trophy for killing someone?"

"Pretend killing someone." Mark snapped the clarification. "Pretend!" he cleared his throat, addressing guests once more. "We'll also be awarding the Sherlock Holmes pipe to the guy or gal who bring the most murderers to justice."

"I want the pipe!" Francis called dibs.

"It doesn't work that way, Francis!" Mark was losing his patience.

"You got a shitload of pipes man." Ben reminded helpfully.

"Not that kind of pipe." Red leaned conspiratorially.

Mark glared when Francis raised a curious hand. "No more questions!" the guy griped. "Just go play the damned game!"

"It's all very cloak and dagger, isn't it?" Liz tittered before lining up to grab their gear.

"What'd you get, Red?" Liz exuberantly demanded the moment they were alone.

"Isn't it more exciting if I don't tell you?" Red grinned, securing his target at his hip.

"Oh, Red," she pouted prettily. "Then...just give me a little hint."

Red's eyes crinkled at the corner, smiling. "I'm–"

"You were Naval Intelligence." Mark scolded. "Color me disappointed, Red."

"Unlike some people," Red arched a wry brow, "I can keep a secret."

"Are we still harping on those little indiscretions?" Mark took offense instantly.

"Only because... they're still occurring, frequently." Red shifted a wry gaze.

"It sounds like to me you were gonna tell her." Mark redirected the attention back to Red.

"I was going to say," Red corrected the misconception, "I'm not telling." he turned his gaze to Lizzy. "You'll enjoy it more if you have to guess."

"I will not!" Sulking her disappointment, Liz sighed heavily before narrowing her eyes, studying the men opposite her.

"See..." Red laughed.

Amanda and Amy rushed through the door, both ladies laughing gaily, which caught Mark's attention.

"Duty calls." Mark excused himself.

Hooking Lizzy's elbow, Red directed her towards the elevators.

Silas appeared out of the blue with a cryptic warning. "...Watch your backs."

Liz agreed hastily. "Yeah.. I know." she nodded emphatically. "These people are.." she stopped, a thought struck. "Hey! What are you saying? You're my guard!"

"Not today, sweet-cheeks." the man offered over a sinister grin.

"Make him stop, Red!" Liz's pout returned post haste, just knowing her chances to win a trophy lowered considerably.

"All's fair in... war." Red quirked his mouth before soothing the woman. "I'm almost positive, if you're in danger, Silas will do his assigned duty."

"Uh huh..." Silas offered a non-committal grunt in reply.

Liz gasped her shock, her face falling... much to Red and Silas' quiet amusement.

Dembe smiled ever so sweetly at Red.

"Get the hell away from me." Red sensed the meaning behind the pleasant exchange. "You try killing my ass again this year... and you're fired, and I mean it!"

Dembe simply smiled...bigger, walking away.

Pointing to his eyes, Silas turned his fingers towards Liz, alerting the woman... he was watching her. In what manner, she couldn't say.

"What does that mean?" she wailed. "Are you watching to kill me... or what!?"

"Come on," Red sighed, guiding the woman away from the bad influence.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"To change." Red gestured to his suit and her dress. "I thought we'd take a walk. Moving targets are so much more fun, don't you think? Let's go make like clay pigeons, baby."

"Nervous?" Liz needled the guy.

Giving the woman a scolding look for even suggesting such a fallacy. "I don't get nervous... I get even."

"I'm impressed." Liz held her grin.

"We can't take out the competition if we don't get out and about." he said. "And what better place to do it, then in the great outdoors."

---

Walking hand in hand down the paved path, Liz glanced about their surroundings, her nervous system on high-alert.

"We're gonna die." She prophesied.

"Relax..." Red muttered, leading her down the trail. "What could happen?"

"I just said..." Liz looked off into the trees, sighing. "We could get killed." She sent the man an askew look. "But... it really is beautiful out here."

"It is," Red agreed. The wind blowing through the leaves and sound of running water of a stream leisurely flowing through the meandering beauty of the landscape, never failed to ease his tension.

Guiding Lizzy further into the dense thicket, Red pulled up short when he felt Lizzy hesitate in her steps.

Red frowned, hearing nothing aside from nature itself. "Problem?"

"There's not like wild animals out here, right?" she asked as the canopy of the trees overhead blocked out the sun, leaving the area darker and more secluded.

"Maybe a cottontail rabbit... couple of bobcats." Red laughed when the woman stopped in her tracks. "Lizzy, I have my weapon." he assured. "I always have a weapon."

"Mark asked that we not take our own weapons."

"No, he said place it on your person out of immediate reach." Red gently tugged her hand, continuing their walk. "I strapped the real one to my ankle."

"Oh." she shrugged, taking Red's hand to step over a fallen log. "We're pretty far out." she observed. "Will anyone really come out here?"

"No better place, if you ask me." Red grinned. "If someone sees you take out someone... it's easier to identify you."

"So, you are a killer?" Liz pried.

"I didn't say that." Red countered easily.

"I'll tell you what I am." she tried another tactic. "If you tell me what you are."

"You can come up with a better bribe than that, surely." He chuckled.

"How about," she fluttered her eyelashes coquettishly, "show me yours... I'll show you mine."

"I knew I brought you out here for a good reason." Red approved of her methods.

"Oh," she giggled, "so you did bring me out here for nefarious purposes."

"Perhaps... I do have ulterior motives." the man leered. "Let's sit awhile, rest." he pointed to a fallen tree.

"This is fun." she shared her enthusiasm. "It's kind of like what we deal with every day, but no one gets hurt."

Turning sideways on her perch, she quickly looked around to ensure they were alone before facing Red fully.

"Red, I didn't bring a ballgown." Liz whispered anxiously.

"And we're discussing this, why?" he quipped. "Us being sitting ducks and whatnot."

"I need one!" she wailed. "Mark said so!" her voice lifted an octave.

"We could try, Gown-R-Us." Red teased.

She hit his shoulder. "Be serious! I want to go to that gala... is it a gala?" she fretted.

What Red did not tell the woman, after Mark had mentioned the masquerade ball, would be on the agenda this year... Red had scoured his preferred tailors to no avail.

By accident, he happened upon Elizabeth watching a sneak peek Lia demanded she see of an upcoming adaptation of the classic film... Cinderella.

Lizzy's gasp of joy seeing the infamous dress; more so, the movement and fairytale experience it evoked... spurred Red to increase the scope of his search for an equally breath-taking creation.

While he didn't believe that dress in particular suited Lizzy... at least he had an idea upon which to reference.

Revisiting Via Monte Napoleone in Milan hoping to stumble over anything which fit the bill... Red met dead end after dead end.

When on his way to reunite with Dembe and swap notes, by pure luck, Red happened upon a seamstress, Cecilia, tucked away in a tiny shop on the very outskirts of the Quadrilatero della moda.

Explaining his vision to the seamstress, Cecilia's eyes gleamed with excitement. The woman hastily sketched out a design she herself created of the image he described, right there on the spot.

When he first saw the dress, Red instantly envisioned the Sea of Galilee painting. As his love for the ocean was only second to his love for Lizzy... it had seemed kismet.

Layers of luxurious fabrics ranging from chiffon to silk in grays, dark blues, white and black spoke of turbulent and breathtaking seas... which suited Lizzy's inherent qualities to perfection, if he said so himself.

While Red knew Lizzy would have preferred the train remain intact, he asked it be altered to a floor-length gown with full, lush skirts... all tailored specifically to Lizzy.

The only hang-up he encountered was the neckline. Providing pictures he captured of Elizabeth in their time together, Cecilia suggested an off-the-shoulder, semi-sweetheart neckline with flowing cap sleeves.

Assured Cecilia understood the necessity for haste, and that she would complete the work in time for Mark's scheduled event; Red commissioned the creation at that very moment at an obscene price. Upon its completion, Cecilia was to hand deliver the gown to ensure its quality.

Should all be as exactly as promised, Red vowed he would award Cecilia a hefty bonus.

Eager to showcase her own creation, Cecilia set to work immediately, working tirelessly to create what turned out to be, in the end, a gown which exceeded Red's expectations.

As Cecilia and staff removed the dress from its protective case, Red was stunned to see the iridescent garment twinkling like starlight as it unfurled.

Thousands of Swarovski crystals dotted the skirts and bodice, giving the gown the impression of a starlit sky shimmering over a churning sea.

While not exactly Cinderella's gown, Red had a hard time believing Lizzy wouldn't feel like a Princess... dare he say Queen, wearing the extraordinary creation.

So pleased with the impressive results, Red asked Dembe to arrange for Cecilia a two-week stay at his villa in Boracay, plus the generous bonus promised as an added gift for a spectacular job well done.

"Why is this party so important, Lizzy?" he enjoyed hearing the workings of a woman's mind.

"Women like to dress up, especially in pretty gowns." Liz explained. "I think all females have a bit of a romantic side to us."

She tittered softly, shrugging. "And who doesn't look good in a beautiful gown?"

Red had to admit, every female he dated from Lizzy to Madeline Pratt had at least one romance novel in their possession. It must be a universal axiom with women.

In those novels, there was at least one scene where the female character found herself in a beautiful gown for an evening out.

Visions of past imaginings of such trinkets; masks, exotic jewelry, tiaras... flitted about in Liz's memory. Her already heightened excitement soared.

"Well, if you find one," Red granted, watching Lizzy closely, "it has to be fit for a Queen." he grimaced. "Too cheesy?"

Liz leaned, placing her mouth to his gently. "Not to me." she whispered lovingly.

A terrifying thought loomed suddenly on the horizon, Liz instantly felt very much like Cinderella before her Fairy Godmother came along and made the impossible... possible.

Red's eyes twinkled merrily, knowing damn well what the woman was thinking when Lizzy unconsciously fingered her long hair, a forlorn look on her face.

"Jesus, what about my hair!" Another obstacle arose. "And my shoes!"

"I reserved a spot for you in the salon," Red remarked casually. "I thought you and Susan would enjoy relaxing before the party."

While he believed himself to be a fashion conscience guy... and knew a beautiful woman when he saw one. When it came to hair and make-up, he was lost.

He could braid his daughter's hair, even make a decent ponytail... but that's about as far as his hair styling technique went.

Conspiring with Susan, Red alerted the woman what Lizzy's dress entailed to assist with any cosmetic choices... thankfully, she came to the rescue.

Releasing the breath she'd been holding, Liz felt her despair slowly ebb hearing those words.

"I could just kiss you..." she gushed.

"You just did." he reminded. "Wouldn't hurt to repeat the performance though."

Considering it would be her first masked ball ever, which had only been a fantasy of hers forever; and escorted by someone as handsome as Red Reddington... Liz wished it to be a memory worth cherishing.

Her tension eased considerably knowing, she didn't have to do her own damn hair. She was always a nervous wreck before attending any events with Red.

She just knew, on this most special occasion... if left to her own devices, her hair would come out looking like a rat's nest.

"I don't know why you worry about such things." Red chuckled quietly. "You always look stunning."

Liz felt her lips curve into a smile in reply to Red's compliment. Resting her hand on the man's thigh, she rewarded him for his unwavering love and support.

"You'd think I'd look good in a burlap sack, wouldn't you?" she teased.

"In one," Red nodded, "out of one.. I'm not partial."

"You think anyone at our table is a killer?" she redirected the conversation.

"And she chances the subject... why do you want to know?" Red questioned. "Are you a detective?"

"I'm not telling you." she jutted a defiant chin, cutting him a sullen look. "You could persuade me to tell you, if you're really nice to me."

"The last time I heard that was in the sixth grade and Lacy rmpf–" Red chuckled under the hand covering his mouth.

"You're equating me with a sixth grader?" She grumbled.

"Hey, she was a spectacular sixth grader... she won the science fair, and actually did her own project... not her parents."

"Which says more about her than me," Liz quipped. "Sam took over my science project."

"What was your project?" Red queried.

"It was an ecologically sound filtering system," Liz shared. "But Sam turned it into a moonshine still." She shrugged. "I got a B+ on it."

Red chuckled at the imagery provided. Kissing her soft palm, he pushed upright, taking the woman with him in his trek. Clasping hands, they continued on their walk, each enjoying the other's company.

"What's the story with Francis, what did he do last year?" Liz remembered the earlier interplay.

"He shot Mark last year." Red replied readily. "With an actual weapon." he clarified.

"H-He... what?!" she squeaked.

"Mark was fine, obviously." Red dismissed.

"Just a flesh wound, was it?" the woman giggled at her own wit. "Was there an argument?" She sobered. She didn't think she'd ever seen any of them; especially Francis, Ben and Mark, truly disagreeing about anything of a serious nature.

"It was a total accident... according to Francis." Red chuckled. "The games were in full swing... they were actually winding to a close."

"Well... I wait with bated breath." She encouraged him to continue.

"Mark, the idiot that he is," Red sighed, "cornered Francis downstairs in the gun range." he painted the picture. "Mark raised his weapon to take aim, and Francis responded in kind, only..."

"Oh my God... Francis forgot his gun was real!" Liz's eyes widened, her mouth falling agape.

"Yep," Red chortled.

"Red, it's not funny!" The woman scolded... then broke into a genuine laugh, trying hard to squelch the response.

"Stop it!" she chastised the man who was laughing his ass off now... at her... trying not to laugh.

"Mark realized the extent of his grievous error a second before Francis could fire off a shot," Red recalled the entire incident. "Mark made a dive for cover... and got tagged in the ass."

Closing her eyes, Liz groaned woefully. "Oh, God... what a fiasco! But that doesn't explain the 'cheater' accusation." She was still puzzled.

Red's mouth twisted wryly. "At the end of the evening, people wondered how Francis continued playing the game... when they knew they had 'killed' him."

"I sense a problem here." Liz scowled, curious herself.

"His defense was," Red laughed as Lizzy groaned, "they were merely flesh wounds, and he wouldn't have died from his injuries."

"Is it really cheating, though?" Liz took up for her friend as best she was able, her voice lacking any genuine conviction. "I mean... Francis has survived in the real world so... he's not entirely wrong."

"I thought he was being pretty inventive, myself." Red admitted.

"Did you win last year?" Liz asked.

Looking off into the trees, Red vaguely recalled that night. "It was a tie between, Danny and Julio Sanchez."

"What happened to you?" Liz demanded a reply.

".. I was taken out." Red sighed. "Quite early in the game, actually."

"Silas?" the woman hastily looked over her shoulder... just in case.

"Dembe, the damn traitor." Red smiled at the memory. "Amid discussing our travel plans, out of the blue, and for no reason I could discern... the little bastard shot me." he chuckled. "As he holstered his weapon, he says in that stoic, disturbingly straightforward way he has about him... Trust no one."

"Geez, ain't that the truth." Liz tittered, rather enjoying Dembe's flair for the dramatic.

"He was binge watching the X-Files at the time." Red shrugged carelessly. "This year, however, I plan to throttle his ass for pushing me in the pool and getting my shoes wet. Paybacks are a bitch."

"You're sexy when you're in a vindictive mood," Liz made mention. "Have I told you?"

Red clasped Lizzy's hand as he helped her over a patch of slippery moss. "No... but it's good to know I can be myself with you."

Walking in comfortable silence, they ventured even further into the woods surrounding the area. Red didn't appear to have any set direction he traveled.

"Do you know where you're going?" Liz demanded after another minute of silence. "Men never stop to ask directions... are we gonna end up in Oklahoma eventually because of your pride?"

"I know exactly where we are." Red pointed off to the North. "The fence line is miles down the way."

"You don't know where we are." She surmised sagely.

"I know where we are." Red chuckled. "I've been out here before."

The quirk in Elizabeth's brow alerted Red to the fact she didn't believe a word he said.

"There is a brook and a bridge just up ahead." He made mention. "After the bridge, there's a tree that curves in an odd way... looks like a chair."

They walked a few more minutes, coming to a rustic wooden bridge crossing a babbling brook, as promised.

Liz remained silent on the matter, however, except to say. "You lucked out. Bridges are a dime a dozen."

Red grinned. "Unbeliever..."

Sighing, Liz offered the man a reluctant smile. "Just growing cautious in my old age." She shrugged. "And admit it, when's the last time you asked directions?"

Stepping off towards the bridge, Liz frowned back at Red when the man halted in his steps.

"...Wait," he said, directing her to come back his way. Guiding her to a copse comprised of Maples and Oaks beside them, Red tucked Lizzy back out of sight.

"What's wrong?" she whispered.

"Feels off." Red muttered, scanning the perimeter with keen, patient eyes.

Resting against the tree behind her, Liz patiently waited. Seconds later, Red turned unexpectedly and hurriedly, placed his lips to hers.

Leaning into the welcome affection, Liz lifted to her toes, wrapping her arms about his shoulders, caught up in the moment.

Curving his arm about Lizzy's waist, Red pulled her closer into his body, deepening the passionate exchange. The approaching sound of voices broke the 'moment'.

Pushing Liz back into the alcove surrounding them, Red watched two men crest the winding path and hesitate in their steps.

Red lifted his head, turning towards the interlopers just in time to see them offer him an approving nod for his activity... and partner of choice.

"Don't let us interrupt." A man cheerfully called out. "Lovely out here, isn't it?"

"We're searching out a fishing spot Donovan promised would be down in this area." The other guy mentioned.

"It's just a little further. Follow the line of bushes into the ravine." Red smiled pleasantly, pointing to the path indicated.

"See, I told you... patience is its own reward." The pair went on their way with a jaunty wave of gratitude and farewell.

Red watched their progress then... moved Lizzy to another spot of concealment, drawing his fake weapon.

Not to be outdone, Liz drew hers, but did not know why.

"They didn't have any fishing gear." Red had noted. He motioned for silence.

The woman waited patiently alongside the man. She heard the unnatural sound of leaves rustling to their left after a long moment. She felt Red tense.

Hastily lifting her arm, she 'fired' just as Red did.

"Ah, dammit!" One of the 'fishermen' laughed heartily, silencing the blaring alarm on his target as he stepped out of the cover of heavy bushes. "I told Wyatt to keep walking, but did he listen? No..."

"Since when have I ever listened to you, Liam?" Wyatt ribbed his friend. The man untangled himself from the same line of bushes.

"We could have doubled back... given Red time to rethink that nasty habit of his of distrusting everyone who crosses his path." Liam explained his reasoning.

"Getting a little grumpy there, Red." Wyatt snickered.

"What the hell do you expect?" Red scolded. "Very crass to shoot a man while his drawers are down... so to speak."

Liz giggled softly for the light-hearted exchange.

Red continued, waving an arm Lizzy's way. "The lady would think me ungentlemanly if I should... come and go."

Cackling their amusement, the men bowed with a courtly flourish. "Our apologies, madam."

"You are forgiven, gentlemen." Liz replied, offering a curtsy in return.

Waving their farewells, the men turned back towards the hotel to update their newly deceased status.

"That was fun." Liz beamed happily, excitement back in her tone and manner.

"Maybe so," Red agreed, guiding her to the bridge, "but, as Michael would say, that was just bad form."

"Let's go kill someone else!" the woman dragged Red forward.

After crossing the bridge, Red made a point to draw attention to a tree that did indeed look like a chair, waiting for some weary traveler to take a respite in its loving branches which swooped low.

Relaxing in his guidance, they continued on the traveled path. Liz caught sight of a dark semi-enclosed cove blooming with vibrant blue flowers.

"How do they grow so lush when there's hardly any sun!?" she wondered, crossing the short space to explore. "Oh, Red! It's like a secret garden!"

Stepping into the cozy niche, Liz halted in her tracks when Red roughly grabbed her arm.

"Wait..." he ordered. Looking about, he grabbed a broken tree branch, beating it against the ground.

"What are you doing?" Liz frowned her confusion.

"Snakes, particularly Rattlesnakes, find these off-beaten nooks pleasant resting areas." Stepping past the woman, Red hit the ground a couple more times before waving Lizzy in.

Cautiously glancing about the area herself, Liz stepped into the private nook, running delicate fingers over the lush petals of the stark blue flowers.

"I've never seen anything like it." Liz looked about the low-lying branches and hanging ivy draping in a dome-like effect. "It's like a... a magical gazebo God, himself, constructed."

Sitting beside Red, Liz grinned. "It even has its own seat."

Charmed by Lizzy's wonder over nature's beauty, Red smiled. "It is quite–"

He broke off, falling silent. Red motioned: get lower.

Doing as directed, Liz silently slid from her perch.

Voices moved nearer their location, approaching from their right and nearing. Hastily grasping Red's shirt, Liz fell back to the soft ground beneath her, taking the man along as she went.

Glancing down at the woman smiling impishly up at him, Red blinked at the stunning vision afforded him.

Elizabeth's dark hair lay is messy waves against the dark blue flowers and vibrant grass; her skin glowing against the lush green backdrop.

Bracing his arm beside the woman, Red leaned, pressing his mouth to her full one. Silently adjusting his stance, he eased more of his weight to her lithe body. The sensation of the hard plains of his chest against her soft, pliant one was arousing as hell.

Mindless of the nearing voices, Liz opened herself to Red's attention. Crooking her leg, she placed her weight to her foot, snapping a small twig beneath her shoe as she did so.

Stilling in her tracks, Liz froze, grimacing apologetically.

"Did you hear that?" the man whispered to his companion.

"Probably just that fucking skunk." the other male groused.

Red's mouth curved against Lizzy's when the woman's eyes widened to the size of saucers. He hastily covered her mouth with a gentle hand, stilling her reactionary need to seek out wild creatures that may slink into their domain.

"Shh..." he whispered quietly against her ear, the warm breath tantalizingly sensual in nature.

Easing off the ground, Red slowly peaked over the log beside them, quickly locating their next targets. Pulling his fake weapon free, he aimed it over the fallen log... firing.

"Well, shit!" a man bitched as his alarm blared loudly in the serene space.

Gesturing Lizzy to join him, the woman gleefully, and ever so quietly, scrambled to his side.

Red motioned his head. "Take him out." he whispered to his co-conspirator.

Nodding gamely, Liz cautiously took her aim at her target... firing her 'weapon'.

"Son of a bitch!" the other man laughed, silencing the annoying blare. "Damn, where the hell are you?" the men frantically searched the landscape, no wiser for the effort. "Come on! Show yourself!"

Laying his hand over Lizzy's mouth, Red muffled the woman's quiet laughter. Both men gave up in their quest and headed back for the hotel.

Rolling happily in the flowers beneath her, Liz laughed her elation once the coast was clear.

Turning to his side, Red lifted to his elbow, watching Lizzy with a smile. "For a Fed, you are having way too much fun killing people."

"I'm on vacation..." she sighed blissfully, stretching out against the warm earth beneath her.

Reaching for the woman, Red hooked her waist, pulling her towards him. Capturing her smiling mouth, he flicked his tongue against her sweet lips, demanding entrance.

Opening for him, Liz moaned softly as the man moved his mouth urgently against her own, caressing her tongue in sensual sweeps that teased and titillated.

Bracing his arm beside her, Red leaned his weight, pressing intimately to Elizabeth's body. The warmth of the pouty lips enthralled the man; he loved the sweet taste of Lizzy's mouth.

Grasping his shirt in desperate fingers, Liz inched closer to Red's presence, welcoming his actions and affection in every way she knew how.

Rolling more securely to his elbow, Red broke the intense embrace of their mouths, his eyes seeking Lizzy's heavy-lidded ones. He needed to check the depth of the woman's involvement. What he read in the seductive gaze, gave encouragement and hope.

Red brushed Elizabeth's willing mouth in feather-light caresses, the tip of his tongue teasing her even more timid one boldly from time to time.

Liz's dark, hopeful eyes searched Red's features anxiously, allowing the man to witness her desire... and growing need.

Red's cock flexed against his trousers when greeted by the sight of the raw, sensual innocence Elizabeth projected.

Running a slow, searching hand up the woman's warm flesh, Red felt a primal grunt well in his throat as his blood heated uncontrollably.

Exhaling a tremulous breath for that sound, Liz captured her swollen lip with anxious teeth, gingerly lifting closer to Red's parted lips.

Red's breath caught when the woman closed the minuscule gap between them, her arms tightening about his neckline, her body pressing to his straining one intimately.

Hastily meeting the woman half-way, Red eagerly melded his mouth to hers, his arms increasing their hold, forcing Lizzy's body... closer.

The low vibration of Lizzy's responding mewl of delight caused a wave of electricity to pulse through Red's nerves to his cock and balls.

Curving his fingers to her hip, Red slipped his fingers under the hem of Elizabeth's shirt, finding the concave of her waistline.

Feeling the warm silk of her flesh, Red grasped the shirt in his hold, shoving it from his path, baring Elizabeth's abdomen.

Momentarily forsaking the nectar of her lips, Red eased downward, capturing the bared flesh with his hot, searching mouth; tasting, exploring his new playground of rapture.

The sound of Lizzy's quivering moan blended erotically with the tranquil rustle of leaves. Wind blew steadily overhead, cooling the lovers heated bodies.

Red flicked a sensual graze of his tongue in Lizzy's small navel, suggestively teasing the tempting little toy, delighted by the woman's sharp intake of breath for his antics.

Following the delicate line of Elizabeth's torso, Red's breath stuttered when his full, heavy sack shifted against his thigh. The responding prickle caused a thrum to spread through his lengthening shaft and crown.

The man accepted the gift graciously, closing his eyes to savor the sensation.

Liz's fingers curved to Red's shorn hair, tenderly stroking the man lovingly. Her stomach quivered and flexed as Red's tongue searched and traced the smooth expanse laid out before him.

The man feasted to his heart's content, reveling in Lizzy's constant moans of delight.

Elizabeth stared glassy eyed to the white fluffy clouds peaking through the canopy overhead. She barely noticed the wispy ivy swaying in the gentle breeze or birds flittering about, mindless to the lovers below them.

Red's hand eased the material of her shirt from his path, baring her cloth covered breasts to the summer heat surrounding them.

Instinctively arching her neck, Liz opened herself to his exploration. She gasped when Red's hot mouth searched the pliant mounds. The dizzying sensation of his tongue traveling the short, deep valley of her breasts, stole her breath away.

Pressing his tongue to the heavy swell of Lizzy's nipple, the man worked feverishly to further his cause. Red's hand followed the delicate lace wrapped around Lizzy's frame, releasing the clasp of her bra in a single breath.

Pushing the gossamer fabric aside, Red's cockhead throbbed when the full curvature and tight coral nipples of Lizzy's breasts were revealed to his heated gaze.

Lowering his head, he covered the tight swirls with the heat of his mouth, which increased the woman's already heightened breathing. Palming the warm handful of the heavy mounds, Red buried his face in the fragrant valley, inhaling the intoxicating aroma of vanilla and aroused female.

Gasping breathlessly, Liz's smaller hand covered his, holding fast to the thick fingers to assist the man in his efforts. She moaned melodiously, his touch igniting her ardor.

Hungrily suckling the tiny nubs, Red keyed his body down as best he was able. His hand searched restlessly for the band of Lizzy's shorts.

Reluctantly lifting away from the succulent mounds, Red shushed the woman's groan of despair as he shifted upward. "...Shh..."

Curving his fingers into the thick waistband, Red pulled at the lightweight fabric until he bared Elizabeth's mound to his rapt eyes.

The sight of Lizzy's dark muff and alabaster skin against the vivid green of nature beneath her... the soft petals of the blue flowers growing wild and free was stunning... and fucking arousing to see.

Red shifted his engorged cock, about to ease the pang of passion surging through the organ.

The desire to spread her thighs... to allow his baser needs free rein was undeniable. Visions of loving the woman out here with nature serenely surrounding them... had never felt so natural.

The man fought that instinct, sensing he must keep his perspective.

Petting the sloping curvature of the woman's sex, Red caressed the downy fluff with confidant fingers. He slowly stroked a searing path along the seam of Lizzy's vulva.

The dark, warm alcove he desperately wished to bury his cock within appeared slick and ready to take whatever he wished to gift her. His gift was straining... willing and ready to comply.

Liz's breath caught and held when she felt Red shift, her instincts tingling alarmingly. She startled as she felt the pronounced placement of his mouth against the peak of her sex.

"... Red... no," she wriggled anxiously about, preventing his intended action.

Snarling his annoyance... denied his need, Red took a deep, controlled breath. His nostrils flared as his senses caught the aroma of his lover blanketing him in sweet ambrosia.

Begrudgingly... irritably, withdrawing from temptation, Red resumed his former position, a deep scowl on his brow.

His temper cooled enough as Lizzy's partially nude body caught his attention. His fingers idly traced the curves of her torso. Red searched a circumvent path; taking notice of every dip, valley and freckle he met on his journey.

He stroked the back of his fingers through the dark muff at Lizzy's apex. Lizzy's abdomen quivered in response within seconds, her legs subtly shifting apart. Red's gaze deepened accordingly, his gaze shifting to read the woman's face.

The man's large fingers lay just above where she needed his touch most, just a breath away from her clitoris. Liz's eyes closed to the exquisite agony, her breath escaping in short, gasping pants.

Shifting her hips in a bid to move his hand to the correct spot, Liz's breath caught in a sharp rasp as Red pushed against the movement, inching his hand downward.

Combing through the delicate curls covering her center, Red ran a gentle finger on either side of the thrumming pearl, stroking her heavy and tingling lips seductively.

Grimacing for the torturous tease, Liz shifted aimlessly about to no avail, for the man seemed to anticipate her every movement and adjusted his touch accordingly.

"... Please..." she mewed her distress. Kicking her shorts free, she sighed her relief having gained the ability to spread her legs open further.

Watching the frantic movement, Red's cock throbbed incessantly, more than understanding Elizabeth's desire to be free.

Grasping the naked thigh laying against his clothed one, he aided the woman in her efforts, drawing her leg up over his, feasting his eyes on the beautifully wanton sight afforded him.

The man recaptured Lizzy's nipple, teasing his rough tongue against the crinkled surface in determined, loving strokes.

So concentrated on Red's mouth avidly suckling her, Liz's mouth fell agape when she felt the definite and desired pressure of the man's fingers circle her clitoris.

The sound of wind in the trees and birds overhead became distorted; the green of the leaves blurred, the birds' fanciful song slowed... muted into a dreamlike state.

The only tangible thing Liz's senses registered was that of Red Reddington. His scent, his touch, the taste of his mouth, the sound of his breathing; it was all Liz knew... all she needed to know at this moment in time.

Slipping his thick fingers between tumescent folds, Red religiously watched Lizzy's face as he stroked the giving flesh with infinite, patient pressure.

Easing his fingers into the woman's hot, quivering body, the man manipulated the tiny slot until his knuckles were flush against the soft fluff dusting her lips.

Thrusting slowly into the tender hole, Red lovingly murmured words of encouragement against Lizzy's damp forehead, leaning from time to time to suckle the tiny nubs of her nipples which responded to his efforts so well.

Rubbing the heel of his palm lovingly against the woman's peak, Red coaxed tendrils of sensation from her core, urging Elizabeth closer to the pinnacle she fervently sought to attain.

The tortured, rapturous furrow of her brow and sweet pout of Elizabeth's mouth was one he imagined... fantasized about frequently. What a wondrous elation, knowing he could produce such a strong emotional response from the woman.

The sight of Elizabeth achieving a glorious climax was a gift Red cherished. Watching the exquisite play of rapture... seeing the woman's passion aroused to the highest peak of endurance, he felt extremely privileged to witness such uninhibited eroticism.

No one captivated his attention or stirred his amorous needs like Elizabeth.

Centering his attention solely on the woman's needs, Red focused his efforts, relying on his senses to guide him.

The sight of Lizzy's sensuous and straining body rising and falling beneath him captivated the man's senses like nothing before.

The feeling of her bottom lifting into his touch alerted him of a need for more consistent massage of the tiny nub of pleasure he attended.

Lizzy's shallow breaths, the constant shaky moans she emitted, directed Red's actions.

Mellow hints of vanilla… a light, heady wisp of aroma stirred his passion to new heights. The treasured delicacy truly was rare and stimulating. Never had he craved the sweet, piquant taste of a lover, like he did that of Elizabeth.

Like her taste, Elizabeth's essence was addictive. Either simply inhaling the delicate scent of her nape, or buried deep between the recess of her thighs... the woman drove Red fucking insane.

Like an addict in search of his fix, Red often scented the woman throughout the day to calm or arouse his natural reaction to her nearness.

Ironically, that scent... those attributes; demanded he blanket her in his own.

The urge to conquer... to claim... to own, was a driving force in his body. Red knew such emotional responses were taboo in this day and age.

It was, however, a basic instinct he had no control over.

The moment he flooded Lizzy's body with his thick, warm semen; the desire tempered to a certain extent, restraining the more primitive aspects of his needs.

It wasn't enough to leave Elizabeth sexually gratified and blissful; the inner Alpha wished to declare the woman as marked territory. He found other more acceptable methods to warn other males off.

Feeling the woman's clit tremble, the slick sheath of her body flutter helplessly around his fingers; the demand he reassert his rights was unmistakable. In these private moments, Red sometimes allowed the Alpha inside him free rein, however...

"... Come, baby." Red rasped the rough, husky demand.

Shaking and panting with need and desire, Liz rocked urgently, clenching and tugging at the thick spread of Red's deep inset fingers.

Watching the euphoria intensify on the woman's soft features, Red rubbed her clit incessantly, increasing the tightness of the cradle holding him so securely.

"I want to feel your pussy quiver..." he crooned quietly, suckling a turgid nipple between his lips, nipping the sweet bud gently, then soothing the spot lasciviously with his tongue.

Wriggling his fingers quickly, Red's cock pushed hard against its confinement when Lizzy's breath hitched and held seconds before her body convulsed visibly.

Hastily placing his mouth to hers, Red muffled her cries of passion as her body shook, jerking hard against his solid form.

Once again, relying on his senses, Red adjusted his movements, stroking the tunnel lovingly, causing the fluttering around his fingers to increase in intensity.

Liz wrapped her arms about him, crushing her mouth to his in a wanton display of sexual awareness of the man's abilities.

Pressing her naked breasts to the soft linen of Red's shirt, her body seized in a tight coil, her moans urgent, rasping whispers of completion.

Slowly easing the movement of his hand, Red felt the gradually decreasing fluctuations of Lizzy's body. Tenderly slipping his fingers free of the restrictive space which had captured them in its snug fit...the man relaxed fully.

Lizzy exhaled a contented and shaky breath of release.

Lowering the lethargic and serene woman to the soft earth, Red slipped between the open alcove of Lizzy's thighs, absently pulling at his belt.

Mewing quietly, Liz sighed her total contentment as Red settled between the welcoming valley of her spread thighs, his heat enveloping her.

Releasing the thick buckle and button at his waist, Red freed his burgeoning erection, slipping the distended head of his shaft along Lizzy's wet and swollen center.

"Shh, baby..." he breathed amorously, when the woman moaned freely and without restraint. "... Shh..."

The tepid wind felt wonderful on his exposed genitals. The shade trees allowed shafts of sunlight to dance across his hardened flesh.

His fingers shook as the thick crown of his cock pushed at the small hole, gradually opening it to his entrance.

"... Red," Liz lifted her bottom to assist his entrance, "... please–"

Snapping his head to their left, Red cursed sharply under his breath, clamping his hand over Lizzy's mouth, silencing her pleas.

Having heard a distant undistinguishable conversation, the man hesitated gauging the situation. Remaining still and unmoving, Red nestled his cock head right up against Lizzy's opening... waiting.

Opening languid eyes, Liz found Red's countenance to be a dark and foreboding one. Liz sensed the man wasn't too pleased by the unexpected intrusion into their private world.

A woman's voice filtered into their vicinity, laughing gaily. Her male companion cut her off. "Hey... did you hear that?"

"What?" The woman listened carefully. "I don't hear anything."

"It's gone now, but..." the guy was obviously curious.

Closing his eyes, Red willed his body to react to the surroundings; more so, the intrusion just a few feet from their position.

Urging his ramrod erection to recede, Red's jaw clenched tight against the strain and building ache until he could finally slip the now flexible length back in his slacks.

"Sounded like it came from over here." the man gestured, moving closer to where the thick alcove began. His voice grew in volume.

Holding her breath, Liz winced for the compromising position she found herself within, remaining silent as a church mouse.

"Oh, who the hell knows." the woman gave up the ghost. "Let's head on back, I'm getting hungry. You?" she tugged the guy's hand. "Come on, sweetie, you're hearing things."

"Yeah," the guy stepped away from Red and Liz's alcove, "I could do with a treat... of some sort." he openly flirted, drawing a low feminine chuckle from his companion.

As the couple cleared the tree line, Liz released the breath she'd been holding, sniggering softly after a brief hesitation.

"So..." she smiled impishly at Red, "... where were we?"

Her laugh died away, her breath catching in her throat as she caught sight of Red's dark, heated gaze locked squarely on her.

Glancing at their surrounding area, with the sound of low chatter fading rapidly, Red exhaled a shaky breath, further cooling his ardor.

Gingerly lifting off Lizzy's frame, Red snatched the woman's shorts off the ground, slipping them over her legs. Lizzy hastily readjusted her bra and shirt into proper order before grasping the waistband of her shorts in hand, silently wriggling them up over her hips.

Red arose, wiping the grass from his legs, "I believe our solitude is at an end." he couldn't take anymore such interruptions, he knew, his mood low.

Taking the man's hand, Liz stood upright, her face falling. "Is there... somewhere else we could go?" she gestured to the area about them. "Close by... hopefully?"

Pulling the woman against his chest, Red smoothed a hand over the long tangled mess of her hair, kissing her full mouth languidly for a long beat.

"I'm very tempted to get you down on all fours and have my way with you," Red murmured the intimacy. "Damn whatever audience shows up."

Liz's eyes sparkled, intrigued by the very idea.

"But somehow, that seems rushed... and forced." Red admitted.

He also couldn't help realize his lack of forethought. He thought to bring nothing on their excursion; not even a blanket or wine. But who knew opportunity would present itself? In the middle of the day's pursuit, of all things.

While Red was sure Lizzy couldn't give a damn about such luxuries; he did. Lizzy deserved better than a fuck in the great outdoors with little else than leaves and grass to cushion her beautiful body. What had he been thinking earlier? He knew what he was thinking 'with', of course.

Perhaps in the near future, he and Lizzy could explore the experience, though. The thought titillated.

Frowning her disappointment, knowing the man's tone for what it was, Liz's eyes fell despondently.

"Perhaps, we could retire to our room?" Red negotiated. "Where we're assured... no interruptions, at all?"

Lifting now hopeful eyes, Liz nodded her ascent. "Yes... yes, I would like that... very much."

Without hesitation, Red took the woman's hand, stepping from their private nook, his mood brightening.

---

Walking hand in hand through the back doors of the hotel, Liz snuggled to Red, resting her head against his shoulder as they traversed the corridor leading to the elevator.

Rubbing his hand along Lizzy's back, Red withheld the urge to lift the woman in his arms and rush for their room; damn decorum.

He was absolutely positive, in this case, Lizzy wouldn't mind a bit were he to be less than...creative or inspirational.

"Liz..." Amy rushed towards the couple, Melissa hot on her heels, "... Lizzy!" Both women were excited and flushed, obviously pleased to find their friend.

Groaning inwardly, Liz plastered on a smile as the girls neared.

"Do you have a minute?" Amy asked breathlessly. "We found a couple of dresses for tonight..."

"But neither of us can decide which one is better of the two." Melissa panted, quickly catching her breath. "They cost dearly so... we need an expert opinion fast before they disappear, just about everyone is needing a gown for tonight!"

Sighing inwardly, Red held his disappointment for the ill-timing. While he would much rather hurry Elizabeth off to their room for some private time, he knew how important these moments were to Lizzy.

He also knew he shouldn't protest too adamantly, considering he neglected to shut his phone down in Elizabeth's presence just the day before.

He was sure the ladies wouldn't need Elizabeth for a great length of time, then they could return to their previous... dalliances, hopefully, God willing.

"Well..." Liz smiled wanly, wincing as she clasped her fingers to Red's waist. "We were just about to..."

"It's all right, Lizzy..." Red rumbled quietly, kissing her brow. "I'll just go to the bar for a drink, maybe check in with Mark..." he offered magnanimously. "You ladies, go have fun."

Turning grief-stricken eyes towards the man, Liz held her reactionary despair... just barely.

"And we can meet later." He glanced at his watch. "You call me when you're done."

"... Yes," Liz frowned subtly. "Yes, that's fine."

Escorting the ladies to their chosen location, Red caught sight of Matthew. The man nodded at the not so veiled gesture signifying... duty calls.

Matthew excused himself from the person to whom he was speaking, heading their way.

Glancing about their surroundings, Red smiled. "You're in a safe zone," he said, "so you'll be able to shop uninterrupted."

Liz glanced to his meaning, noticing the abundant signs designating the area as such.

"Take your time," Red muttered quietly, "I'll meet you in our room, later." He leaned, kissing her once before relinquishing her to her friends.

---

Sitting at the bar, Red nursed his drink and cooled his heels... watching the time pass by at a snail's pace as another slow minute ticked by.

Tapping a restless finger on the bar-top, Red sipped the amber liquid in his tumbler. His thoughts going back to that shaded, secluded alcove.

Sliding his ass onto the stool beside Red, Michael waved for the bartender. "What are we doing?"

"We are all cooling our heels... the women are off spending money." Red pointed to his glass as the bartender neared. "Thought I'd have a drink... or two."

"Same," Michael sighed. "Gin and tonic," he told the barkeep, "heavy on the gin." he smiled politely.

Pouring a refill on Red's end, the bartender made Michael's with practiced ease, sliding it across the bar.

"Bad day?" Red enquired conversationally.

"Not particularly, no." Michael replied, sipping the lukewarm beverage. "I can imbibe, I am on vacation, after all."

"Seems everyone's catch phrase this past couple days." Red laughed quietly, glancing at his companion.

Frowning, Red leaned looking Michael over with a keen eye. "Where's your target." he pointed half-heartedly to his own absently.

"I'm dead." Michael idly spun his glass. "Didn't get an hour in before Susan shot me."

Chuckling under his breath, Red shook his head for the man's forlorn tone. "Your own wife... did she have any particular reason?"

"She said, I wasn't to be trusted." Michael nodded slowly.

"Was she right?" Red smiled.

"...Is she ever wrong?" Michael seemed stumped by the question. "Sometimes, I don't think she loves me anymore..."

"She shows her love in," Red shrugged, taking a bite of provided pretzel, "strange and wonderful ways, Michael, that's all."

"Contrary to popular belief," Michael cast Red a sideways glance, "... I would never shoot my own wife." The man half-shrugged. "Thought about cutting her brake lines a time or two... but would, of course, never act on it." the man tsked.

"She's driving the new Land Rover," Red withheld his smile, "isn't she?"

"Yes," Michael sighed mournfully. "Still, I'd never shoot the woman. It's just how I roll. I would be totally lost without her."

Red nodded his understanding. "Can't handle the kids, huh?"

"Oh, hell no." Michael replied without hesitation, gesturing to a passing waitress. "You got any Buffalo wild wings on hand, my little chickadee?"

Sighing, Red leaned, offering the woman a generous tip for the remark. "His wife killed him earlier." he explained.

---

Walking down the long corridor of shops, Silas scanned his surroundings without thought, hesitating in his steps as he passed by a large display window, something catching his eye.

Frowning, the man turned in his steps, sauntering into the boutique, Silas nodding a greeting to Matthew in passing.

"I'm glad it's you and not me." he shared with the guy, receiving a grin in return.

"What the hell's wrong with you?" Silas asked as he approached the sulking brunette, crossing his arms over his chest. "You're sending bad vibes out into the Universe... I sensed them from down the block!"

"Nothing..." Liz grumbled, leaning her cheeks back into her fists, a sullen expression on the pretty face.

Rolling his eyes heavenward, Silas sent up a silent memo to the Big Guy upstairs that one day Liz would give a straight answer to a straight question. He decided not to hold his breath.

Sighing heavily, the man uncrossed his arms, nodding his acquiescence. "... Fine."

The man turned on his heels, taking a step towards the door, when Liz shot from her seat, grasping his arm. "Where are you going?!"

Shaking his head, the guard allowed the woman to manhandle him into a nearby dressing room.

"Get in here!" she pushed him frantically from behind.

"Don't start with me... just say it outright... succinctly, for a change!"

"Red won't have sex with me." Liz blurted the reality of her situation to her confidant, her eyes filling with tears.

"Well, not that succinctly." Silas scowled, throwing his hands out curtly. "You said... what?"

"We fooled around twice yesterday but we got interrupted," Liz lips quivered, a tear dropping to her cheek, "because Red didn't shut his phone off." She buried her face in her hands, sobbing her broken heart out.

"Rein it in." the guy scowled his annoyance. "Let me get some more facts here." Silas canted his head curiously, remembering... Red, himself, had demanded he be allowed private, uninterrupted time with Liz... so what the hell was going on?

"We went for a walk earlier," she swallowed around the lump in her throat, babbling more facts "and about had sex out there..." she waved a hand to the hotel's outside property, "but someone heard us..."

"You can't blame Red for that." Silas defended the guy, but not all that staunchly, for the woman appeared genuinely upset this time.

"I know it wasn't." She inhaled a shuddering breath. "But when we got back here... Amy and Melissa wanted me here..." she gestured to their present surroundings.

"I can see that much." Silas drawled.

"Red encouraged me to go with them." Liz's mouth quivered uncontrollably. "He didn't tell them we had other plans or think up a fantastic excuse like he usually does!" she stopped the narrative, wiping her eyes with the tissues Silas had confiscated from a nearby tissue container.

"You have to pay for that." Liz mentioned in passing, motioning to the tissue-box. "I'm just saying."

Rubbing a hand over his suddenly aching head, Silas cricked his neck, popping it loudly. "Red knows how important your friends are to you." he reasoned. "It's good for you to spend time with them..."

Liz shook her head, sniffling. "It was different this time, Silas!" she cried quietly. "He wanted to be with me so badly before. He wouldn't let anyone or anything come between us."

Silas had to admit it was unusual for Red to bypass the chance to get in Liz's pants.

"Maybe..." Liz wiped furiously at her eyes to no avail, sniffing quietly, "maybe he thinks I'm..."

"Thinks what?" Silas' scowl deepened, daring the woman to say it.

"Damaged..." she muttered, shrugging slightly, "...or something."

"Like fuck Red thinks that." Silas hissed his belief. "You get that shit out of your head, right now!"

"Well..." Liz lifted pained eyes, "none of this started until after Edward... well, you know."

Shit... Silas sighed inwardly. While this could be one huge misunderstanding, it could just as well be the complete opposite.

Red could simply be allowing Liz time to spend with her friends, which would be beneficial to her, and them, as a couple, in the end.

It also stood to reason; Red was giving not only Liz, but himself, time to acclimate to becoming intimate again without pressure. Which was decent of the guy, in actuality.

Of course, Liz wasn't seeing it that way along about now...

Considering the information provided of the intimacy they shared so far, and Liz's apparent willingness to participate in such activities...

For Liz to believe Red saw her as damaged, under any circumstances, was insane.

"Chicks..." Silas murmured under his breath, shaking his head woefully.

If Liz had been attacked as Edward intended, Red would have tirelessly and unwaveringly supported her each step of the way.

Reddington put blame where blame lay... the guy would never desert the woman in a time of need.

Silas could see how Red's actions could be interpreted as something they were not, however.

Liz wasn't the problem here.

Whatever was going on, rested solely with Red.

He and Silas had been on many missions throughout their lives where they burst in on some depraved, unnerving, and even sickening situations. Too many to count.

So many times, the damage left in the wake of those situations haunted Red and those around him, even now.

It was hard to let go... the helplessness of having no genuine answers bothered the guy.

Many escaped into a liquor bottle to forget for a while until the pain and disillusionment subsided. Some of their associates simply killed the guilty party to erase the horrors they witnessed. But you always stumbled over a new and even more nightmarish scene which took its place.

Such was the nature of the business.

A compulsory check of Liz now revealed only a slight bruising here and there from her encounter with that bastard, Edward. With well applied make-up, they were hardly noticeable.

Too bad there was no makeup which would erase the emotional scars.

Normally, when Liz got belted by prick suspects when at work... Red projected a calm aura to keep the peace with Elizabeth. It wasn't until he got custody of the pricks himself, Red returned the favor in kind before putting a bullet between the fucker's eyes.

Red was a very protective sort of guy. He took things where Liz was concerned personally.

The same applied to Edward. Red had made that psychotic asshole's last minutes on earth a terrifying, painful ordeal... a virtual living nightmare.

Silas was pleased for Red's outlook... his cold, calculating fury, which served him well on such occasions.

Red exacted revenge for the pain brought to his loved ones with swift, well-deserved justice.

Silas knew well enough, Red felt a certain peace knowing that fucker Costa was dead. He imagined many people did.

Recalling the photos provided of the aftermath of the destruction left behind... his discussions with Dembe over the following days, Silas couldn't help wonder... what had Red felt when he kicked open that door that night?

Flashing on points of interest, Silas' eyes closed as understanding dawned. "Ah... shit." he drew in a calming breath, exhaling wearily.

The blood on Liz's thighs during such an intense moment. What it must have signified to Red must have been terrifying.

Silas knew Red carried around regret and extreme guilt for losing track of Jennifer. It haunted the man every day, the years lost with his daughter due to the nature of his work.

The belief Red may have lost another child... to a worse fate, was beyond painful. It was unfathomable.

What Edward did on all levels was a violation in Red's eyes. In anyone's eyes.

After twenty-plus years, Liz had finally awarded Red a sanctuary where he found peace and serenity and love.

Liz wasn't just Red's best-friend, companion and lover... she was a temple at which Red Reddington worshiped.

That Edward dared tread into that claimed and protected territory, and with such ease, rattled Red's foundation to the very core.

If that loser punk could breach the security Mark had in place, Silas knew Red wondered what hope did he have of protecting Liz from the other dangerous threats looming on the horizon.

Silas supposed he couldn't condemn Red for feeling as he did. Everything which Red held dear and trusted in was now off-balance...off-kilter, an abstract over which Red had no control.

Knowing the man for over thirty years now, Silas was well aware Red was compartmentalizing the thoughts inundating him to make sense of everything. It would take time... precious time that Red believed he did not have.

It was just his way. Red planned ideas down to the smallest of detail, not understanding he came across as a silent and complicated brooding man... especially to his new and precious fiancée who was still getting to know the man's quirks.

Stepping back, Silas wiped the tears staining Liz's cheeks. "Red doesn't think you're damaged," he assured.

Liz blinked at the man's unusually serious tone.

"Red, on the other hand," Silas shrugged, "... is damaged."

"No, he isn't." Liz contradicted without hesitation. "Y-You take that back!"

"Yes, he is..." Silas begged to differ. "But you're fixing that damage one day at a time."

Silas came out of his slouched position, his eyes gentle. "Cut the guy some slack... give him time to process thing. It will be fine, Liz."

The woman drew in a shaky breath.

"Don't you trust me?" Silas scolded. "Everything will be fine..."

---

Having seen Elizabeth to her suite, Silas left the woman in Matthew's capable hands before going off in his hunt for Reddington.

Down the way, Dembe emerged from Mark's office, manifest in hand. Silas stalked across the marbled floor, his steps determined and unfaltering.

Grasping the door handle, Silas shoved into the room without a knock or hesitation.

"Dammit!" Mark hissed, startled by the unexpected intrusion. "I hate when you do that shit!" he bitched at the guard.

Silas had other priorities, zeroing in on his target...

"I want to talk to you," Silas seethed, "...right, now."

Frowning for the man's glacial attitude, Red stood from his slouched position. "Is Elizabeth all right?"

"That remains to be seen, doesn't it!" Silas snapped the words.

Sensing the overwrought tension emanating from the men opposite one another, and that it appeared personal in nature, Mark pushed from his seat.

"I'll just... leave you to it then." Mark exited quietly.

"What the fuck is your problem?" Silas turned back towards Red, cutting to the chase.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Red scowled his confusion.

"Liz tells me there's a little problem looming between the two of you." Silas said, the statement shocking Red.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about." Red told the truth. "There isn't any–"

"Stop fucking deflecting," Silas interrupted sharply. "She doesn't lie."

Red's own temper was being tested. "Not that it's any of your business–"

"It is my business when your fiancée cries on my shoulder for minutes on end," Silas pushed a beefy forefinger into Red's chest, "asking... no, begging me, to tell her what she's done wrong. Why the supposed love of her life refuses any intimacy she thinks to offer."

Sighing, Red turned away, leaning heavily into Mark's desk.

"She thinks something's wrong with her." Silas stressed. "When we both know, you're the one with the problem."

Red couldn't argue the point, but he sure as hell wanted to. "I don't know what the fuck you're talking–"

"You left your phone on." Silas recanted the information supplied. "And answered the calls."

Shifting guilty eyes, Red grimaced, now knowing, without doubt, Lizzy recognized his faux pas.

"And earlier, you purposely passed upon an opportunity to make love to her... didn't you!" Silas snapped. "Before Edward, you would have made every excuse in the book to get rid of those women and their dress shopping shit!"

Red stiffened, his eyes hardening, confirming one of Silas' hypothesis.

"What is it?" Silas goaded further. "You pissed she didn't defend herself better against the fucker Costa?"

"Shut your fucking mouth," Red snarled his rage, "or I'll shut it for you... permanently."

"She thinks she's damaged goods," Silas stated blithely. He was pleased to note Red's reddened features paled... considerably. "You like that phrase?" he baited.

"She thinks you don't want her anymore..." Silas continued, "that you're planning on how to let her down easy."

Wrapping his fingers about the edge of Mark's desktop, Red swallowed convulsively, sickened by the thought he hurt Lizzy to such an extent. That she would even question such a thing as her desirability or his love for her.

That she had misinterpreted his conduct... his handling of everything that had gone down the last couple of days.

"... I," Red closed pained eyes, whispering the words, "I wasn't there, Silas."

Focusing on his friend, Silas fell silent, allowing the man his say... finally.

"He touched her... hurt her," Red's brow knitted its distress. "If I hadn't shown up..." he trailed off, scowling at the visions playing in his mind's eye, "... Costa was about to..."

"You came when you were needed." Silas stopped the condemnation short.

"When she needed me most," Red's voice shook with agitation, regret... fear. "I wasn't there."

"Yes, you were." Silas begged to differ, hardening his tone. "You came when it was time to take out the trash." the man reminded. "You can't protect her from every–"

"It's my job to protect her!" Red snapped his fury. "She's going to be my wife... the mother of my children! If I can't protect her from scum like Costa," he spat, "what hope do I have to stop Carver... the fucking Cabal!" he raged. "I-I can't..."

Silas waited patiently now, hoping Red would continue to spill his guts.

"I can't lose her too." Red whispered painfully. "...I can't." the man's devastation and despair hung like a heavy fog in the room.

Just like Silas suspected, there was a lot more going on inside Red's mind than imagined. Red had always been a planner, mapping out scenarios, always thinking steps ahead of everyone else.

In the past, Red had always felt confidant and secure in any undertaking.

In the future, it seemed the odds were against him and Liz when going up against certain forces. His usual confidence had been shaken... and shaken badly.

There was only one problem with Red's line of thinking.

"You won't lose, Liz." Silas stated quietly.

Lifting haunted eyes, Red allowed his doubt to be seen.

"Don't compare Liz to Carla," Silas suggested strongly, "who I think jumped at the chance to go into witness protection simply out of spite."

Red frowned at the thought, unsure what his feelings were on such an observation. It wasn't a secret Silas never liked Carla, but to believe she would have taken such steps to keep Red away from his daughter...

Had Silas seen something he hadn't?

"Liz is ready for a fight." Silas stated a fact. That's why Red hired him; to train Liz to defend herself against stacked odds.

"She did well enough on her own against Costa." Silas said. "You can believe what you like, I say... she did exactly as I trained her to do."

Red remembered, vividly, how well Lizzy did protecting herself from that asshole. "Well, yes, I know, but..."

"Where you and Carla were on the verge of collapse," Silas continued, "you and Liz are a strong, cohesive team."

Red's frown deepened, curious to what the man's point was exactly.

"Costa was a trial run," Silas clarified. "Liz did her bit," he said, "then you came in and finished the job."

Red nodded slowly, understanding that. But that's how they did things... wasn't it? He and Lizzy were a team that had one another's backs.

He hadn't had her back... not really.

"This isn't just about you, and how you alone address issues, anymore." Silas stressed. "Liz factors into that equation, more than she ever did."

Red let the words roll around in his head, trying to make sense of them. Since reentering Lizzy's life... he had taken the necessary steps to ensure her protection, with little to no input from Elizabeth.

"Liz isn't just your lover," Silas said. "She'll be your wife... your partner, in all things." he continued. "What's more... she's ready to be there, by your side, every step of the way. She ain't no quitter. She's got what it takes to survive, Red."

Exhaling shakily, Red nodded slowly, knowing that to be gospel.

"Liz has made it abundantly clear," Silas reiterated, "she will not have a repeat of her marriage to Tom Keen."

Red's brow knitted at the man's very name. That Tom had thrown away the chance to have a happy life with Elizabeth, made his blood boil on one hand, but on the other... he was ever so grateful to be able to...

"If you don't think she can handle what's coming," Silas challenged purposely.

Red's eyes closed, picturing everything they had been through to date... and how Lizzy came through on the other side, but he knew things would get more difficult in the future.

"You will become more emotionally attached as time goes by. Making love to her again, if you decide to go that route, will make the bond you share harder to sever." Silas kept an even tone. "Your chances of remaining objective and doing what's best for her will become harder to accomplish... you know all this shit."

Red scoffed inwardly at such an idea. With or without sex, he was beyond emotionally attached to Elizabeth. In fact, he believed the intimacy, sexual or not, between them was a driving force in making Red fight harder to retain they had.

"She may be a pain in the ass and babbles like a loon," Silas shrugged, "but I like her... and I won't have you stringing her along."

Red's jaw flexed, not appreciating the insinuation he would do such a thing to Lizzy... not one bit.

"If you aren't serious about being her partner... her husband, and trusting her to be there and work things out when shit implodes," Silas stressed, "... then you better fucking tell her now."

Red wished more than anything in his life to grow old with someone. To sit on the porch in rocking chairs and watch the grand-kids play while reminiscing on a life well lived.

Lizzy... she wanted that, too.

Pushing off the desk, Red brushed past Silas without a word, flinging the door open just as Mark reached to knock.

"Move.." Red grumbled as he marched past Mark without a backward glance.

"Are we... pissed at anything in particular or is it none of my..." Mark frowned, hooking his thumb towards Red's retreating form.

"Let everyone know not to disturb Red." Silas replied, breathing his relief. "He's going to need some downtime."

Mark frowned questioningly.

"I mean it, Mark." Silas pulled his own cell free, dialing Dembe. "Tell everyone to leave him the hell alone."

Shrugging aimlessly, Mark pulled his phone free. "Well, then... let's make it happen."