Red was happy to note, after sharing their first dance as a married couple, the party progressed. Guests made good use of the DJ, selecting a wide selection of songs.
Everyone appeared to be having a wonderful time reviving old favorites from Motown, southern rock, and even disco this auspicious night; for which he was grateful.
Any other time, Red might be pissed others in attendance hurriedly filled Elizabeth's dance card, but couldn't find it in himself to complain too much. Witnessing Elizabeth emerge from the shell wrapped about her their first day here, to become the social butterfly he now saw before him, was an enjoyable experience.
If he were honest with himself, when the opportunity presented itself, and he could take his new wife in his arms, it felt a dream come true.
So many times now, the two stood, not even moving in time with the song playing, but rather lost in the other's presence, where they stared soulfully into one another's eyes.
Which was just fine with Red, had anyone asked.
The day had started out at a frantic and hurried pace, but now, it was mellow and lovely and just right, in the man's opinion.
He vaguely remembered a similar feeling in college, when he was a little more carefree and not bogged down by responsibility. Even that time did not compare with what he was feeling this night, however. Of course, the missing component had been experiencing a deep, abiding love for someone else.
That connection that only finding the right person can bring.
Twirling Lizzy about, Red smiled at the woman's infectious laughter before pulling her back against him. He could get lost in those beautiful blue eyes if he allowed himself, which he often did, truthfully.
But now those eyes were a little perplexed. "What's going on over there, I wonder?" The woman motioned discretely to the source of her perplexity.
Red lazily turned the woman in his arms, stepping to the beat of an old Platters melody, lifting his cheek from the dark crown of Lizzy's head, his own interest piqued by the by-play going down between Francis and some young woman across the way.
Well...maybe the boy was going to get lucky tonight. The lady in question seemed to be open to anything Francis was saying, her expression a rather beguiled one.
"Let's hope Melissa is not anywhere around." Liz sighed heavily. "That boy is going to get himself shot, Red. Mark my words."
"I'm not sure Melissa is the right woman for our–"
Before the words exited his mouth, the young woman's expression darkened thunderously, her hand raised in a curt motion, her palm connecting with the side of Francis' face smartly. The sound echoed around the vast ballroom, drawing people's attention.
"Ohh!" Liz's eyes widened with shock, her hand coming to her mouth.
Red's brows lifted, watching the woman stalk away in a fine huff. Francis massaged his face, his own expression a bewildered one as he, too, looked after the departing beauty.
Ben, always staunchly supportive of his friend, cackled hysterically for how the quest had gone down. Francis looked at the guy comically askew.
"Oh, no." Liz empathized, sighing woefully. "He struck out."
"She struck out, literally." Red tried to hold his amusement. "Maybe he tried the old 'barefoot and pregnant' line on her."
Liz's face was a mixture of stunned confusion and justifiable indignation. "What?"
"It's a new theory he's working on." Red advised. "Has some kinks in it, apparently."
"Do I want to know?" Liz rolled her eyes upwards.
Red shook his head, his eyes catching Antonio Crocetti's. The older man's face was astutely subdued with hidden humor for Francis' predicament, the dark eyes twinkling with mirth.
Red shrugged non-committal shoulders, returning to his previous position, his arms tightening about Lizzy's waist. "He'll figure it out." He lifted his head from kissing her shoulder, perplexed. "When did the song change?"
Smiling, Liz relaxed as Red swayed them in rhythm with the smooth, yet lively beat of the Michael Bublé tune. Her grin widened when the man began humming along with the tune, the deep baritone doing all sorts of nice things to her nervous system.
"I know that we can be so amazing, and baby your love is gonna change me," Red sang softly, his deep voice rumbling the words. "...And now I can see every single possibility."
"God, your voice is amazing. Has anyone told you that?" she leaned into his administrations, whispering her awe.
"No record label to date." He chuckled. "Want to be my manager?"
"I don't think any woman could ever manage you entirely." She stated her opinion. "Which is a good thing. I like to be kept on my toes."
"I would prefer to keep you barefoot and–"
"Don't even say it." She held her grin.
"Gonna whop me upside the head?" he stared down at her, his features amused.
"Only if you like that sort of thing, which I think you do." she flirted openly.
"Let us just say, I am flexible when it comes to physical intimacies where you are involved," the man's jaw tightened, controlling his smile, "... most especially if it leads to that barefoot and pregnant thing."
Twirling Lizzy under his arm, Red chuckled as the woman laughed gaily as she spun about. The heavy weight of her dress dragged along his legs before Lizzy once again was taken into his embrace.
Her sparkling eyes lifted upwards, meeting his quiet ones. "I am just so damned happy right now." the woman mused with a sigh. "Are you happy right now, husband?"
Red took his time in a response. "Happy doesn't cover it." His eyes swept her frame with a heated stare. "I feel like if you don't get out of that stunning creation soon," he shook his head for the depth of emotions the thought evoked, "... I'll rip it from your sweet little fuckable body."
Lizzy's head bowed, her cheeks flushing with pleasure. "You better not damage my dress."
"You are the most alluring, sensual... provocative woman here tonight, and I can't believe I get to leave with you." He confessed freely.
"I can't believe..." Liz lifted emotion filled eyes, "you chose me over all these truly...alluring, sensual, provocative women."
"If it takes a lifetime, I am going to break you of that habit of not seeing your true worth." He scowled slightly. "I don't care how many times it takes for me to love you before you see what it is... I see."
"Oh, Red," Liz pouted effectively, "we still have the stupid bouquet toss and the cake crap." She practically stamped her foot. "Who thought up all this shit? Why can't we just go to the room and get our rocks off? I've been waiting all fucking day."
He chuckled at her petulant expression and her quaint way of phrasing things. "You've been waiting!"
"Well, you say all these amazing things," she said, running her fingers along his collar, "and I'm just supposed to go throw a bunch of flowers at some randy flower catchers before we can find a little time to ourselves?"
He laughed again. "Well, damned those women." He nodded amiably. "We ought to send Francis over to them. That'll show 'em."
The woman reluctantly smiled finally. "I don't think we need to get that drastic, but you get my drift."
"I, of all people, get your drift, sweetheart." the man assured. "It's almost over."
Running a caressing hand over her hip, Red followed the gentle curve down to her rounded ass.
Red gestured. "Mark's office is just right there." his breath swept her neckline, sending chills of anticipation down Liz's body. She looked at the space longingly.
"A little self-control won't kill me." Liz grimaced slightly, checking with the guy. "Will it?"
"I've managed to keep upright for many, many hours." he confided secretively. "I haven't even stolen away to manually relieve the building pressure myself."
"Now see?" She wailed. "Just the picture alone...stop it!" the woman hit his shoulder meaningfully. "It's going to take you five hours to even get this dress off me anyway...so stop bragging. I know the logistics of the problems you're going to have to face tonight."
"You underestimate my abilities, but I guess that's a no on the office quickie, hum?" he asked politely.
Liz looked longingly at the aforementioned area once again. "I don't want a quickie." She sulked.
Red held his grin. "I have allowed my filthy thoughts to tide me over." He wasn't above sharing his own extensive arsenal of self-preservation methods.
The blue eyes lifted instantly. "I don't mind if you share some of them...really I don't."
"That wouldn't be proper." the man scolded. "If anything, it would only make matters worse."
"I-I don't think it would." She held out hope.
Red let her off the proverbial hook, running his thumb along the woman's hip. His fingers encountered the thick ridge of the antique brooch.
Smiling softly, Red brushed his fingers along the edge of the purple satin bow she affixed to this dress.
"Thank you," Red murmured warmly, "for the tie and flowers," he felt for the items in question, "...for remembering my daughter."
"We'll find her, Red." Liz promised. "When we do, we can do this again with her there...only not so long and drawn-out next time."
Clasping the cherished face with his warm palms, Red stared down at the beautiful woman, leaning to kiss her gently.
No matter the time of day or circumstances surrounding them, each kiss they shared stirred his passion.
He hoped this one conveyed just how damn much he cherished and loved her.
"Are you going to hog the bride all night long?" Francis asked off to their side, a smile creeping around the edges of his eyes for the growl of discontent and sour look on Red's face.
Hugging the woman close, Red narrowed his eyes at the interlopers. "You're interrupting something...go away. Go very far away."
"You have to step down. Every man here gets a chance to dance with the bride. It's a written law." Ben prodded the guy, subtly nudging Francis' shoulder in an unconscious show of camaraderie. "Everybody knows that."
"I just wrote it on the bathroom wall." Francis shared his glee with his buddy, who instantly got the bathroom humor.
"Good one, dude!" A fist bump was inevitable.
"It's good to see you two patched up your differences and made up," watching the exchange, Red sighed his woe, "...now go away."
Turning her face into Red's shoulder, Liz muffled her giggle of delight when Francis and Ben looked at one another askew, confused by the statement made.
"What's he talking about?" The words clearly stumped Ben and his companion. The fork incident earlier, completely forgotten, apparently.
"Go find some other wife to bother." Red suggested, increasing Lizzy's silent laughter. "Susan... go bug, Susan." he jerked a chin the needed direction. "God knows Michael hasn't shown her a good time in a while."
"Red!" Liz laughed outright at the remark.
"That was by Michael's own admission." Red adopted a forlorn expression, then winked. "The man is lacking in so many areas, Lizzy...let's all face it."
Glancing back at the intruders into their domain who still stood unobtrusively close, each man swaying along beside them in a definite pattern... Red shook his head slowly.
"You two are a match made in heaven." He made mention. "Why not dance together?"
Francis and Ben looked at one another, sizing the other up, then grimaced.
"He's not really my type." Ben explained the unexplainable. "I think I'd go for guys like..."
"Too much information." Francis squawked, covering his ears.
"Oh, and what is your type?" Red scowled hard at the boys. "Keeping in mind, it's my wife you're asking to dance with."
The question seemed to throw everyone in question for a beat.
"We're trying to think of an answer that won't get us shot, stabbed, beaten, or buried out by the fence line." Ben mused his thoughts on the matter aloud.
Francis grinned after a moment's consideration, something coming to mind. "We would like to dance with the happily married type."
Whipping his head, Ben spontaneously applauded his friend for spitting out a damn excellent answer that would not lead to their untimely deaths. "Oh man, that was uber politically correct!"
Red heaved a sigh. "You bring her back in the exact same condition she is in now...you got that?" he reluctantly handed over his woman.
"Yeah, Red... we get you." The young men replied solemnly.
"Well, gentlemen." Liz gave the men a dazzling smile. "Who first?"
Red rolled his eyes when both stepped forward, knocking their shoulders against one another.
"Step off, douchebag!" Francis shoved Ben. "Lizzy likes me better than you!"
"Listen here, dickweed!" Ben took exception.
"All right, enough!" Red stepped between the idiots. "We're going to do this the old-fashioned way."
"Yeah, let's do that..." Francis' excitement was contagious. "We can stash his body in the–"
"We're going alphabetically!" Red snarled.
Liz sniggered when Francis suddenly fell silent, running through the alphabet in his head. The man scowled when he realized, 'B' did indeed come before 'F'. "Why not go numerically?"
Red's face made Lizzy laugh.
"Shut up, Francis." The man barked.
Ben stepped up, gleefully taking Lizzy's hand. He pulled a face to Francis Holbrook's glum one.
"Don't make me separate you two again," Red warned. "I'll have Silas take you for a ride...and I don't mean on his new Harley, you get me?"
"He got a new Harley?" Francis' mouth dropped. "That's what you can get me. Only one better than his!"
"There is none better, according to him." Red mumbled. "Now, shut up. You've ruined my mood."
Ben flipped Francis off before swirling Lizzy off towards the dance floor.
Reaching out, Red caught the boy across the back of his head a second before the pair moved out of reach. Ben rubbed the spot gingerly but did not miss a step, Red noted.
Giggling, Liz followed Ben's guide effortlessly. "Red's gonna be such a good daddy."
Whether it was her intention or not, Red felt his heart melt hearing those words. Smiling, he turned his attention to the sullen man beside him.
"What's your beef?" Red clapped Francis on the shoulder. "The guy that goes last leaves the best impression, remember?"
"No...what about my motorcycle?" Francis whined.
"I'll order it tomorrow, first thing...before breakfast even. Scout's honor." Red held up the appropriate fingers.
"Are you secretly flipping me off and I don't know it?" Francis was suspicious, naturally.
Red's head dropped. "You want the bike or not?"
"Nah... let me think on it." He had changed his mind again. "There has to be something I don't have that I want, even if I don't know about it yet. Something really cool."
"Get back to me." Red walked away, searching for a stiff drink. "Now, go wait your turn... wallflower."
Lizzington
Leaning against the bar, Red smiled his thanks when the bartender handed him a warmed tumbler. Sipping the amber liquid, he scanned the room, as was his way.
Spotting Lizzy, he looked the woman over with a slow, appreciative sweep. He didn't think he was the least bit bias in saying, never would anyone be as lovely as his bride.
Silas approached the woman, exchanging a few words. Liz gave over her full attention. Red wondered what the exchange was about, but after a few seconds, the guard guided the woman to a gaggle of her friends waiting across the crowded dance floor.
Red watched the moment progress.
Silas was nodding his head to whatever Liz was saying in that manner he did when the guy really wasn't listening at all.
Red smiled for the fact.
The guard suddenly stopped in his tracks, something catching his interest. Red's system went on alert. He put his drink down, waiting...watching.
"What?" Lizzy stopped as well, her eyes darting about frantically for some sort of problem, but none was presenting itself. She watched her guard's face closely. The man stepped forward and back, stopped again, then...shook his head.
"What?" Liz demanded an explanation, her nerves stretching tightly.
"My God." Silas' voice held his awe and reverence.
Liz's blue eyes darted here and there. All she could see out the massive windows were their reflections and the garden lit by soft lights. No danger what-so-ever but that did not mean her guard, seasoned and experienced and more than capable, did not see something lurking.
"Look at that!" Silas pointed to their mirror image.
Liz peered back at the windows, smiling softly at her reflection, more specifically her dress.
"Look at me!" Silas moved with his reflection, posing this way and that. "...I am...stunning!" his tone held a certain amount of shocked delight.
Liz's mouth fell agape. She checked out the image, for there wasn't much else to do since the guy clearly insisted she should. And... yeah, he looked fine. That silvery grey hair had come down somewhere along the way and fell about those broad shoulders in a mass of curls and waves, sure enough.
Silas had lost his jacket, the black vest, and his tie hung loosely down the front of that manly chest. The man had rolled his shirt above those burly arms, showing off tattoos to perfection.
Liz rolled her eyes. "I do not believe–"
"For God's sake, woman...open your eyes!" Silas spread massive hands, gesturing to his reflection. "Even I take my breath away! Admit it! Call a fucking spade a spade."
Liz grimaced. "You look okay, I guess." She gestured, too.
"Okay?" Silas was flabbergasted. "I look... okay?"
"He's right." Francis had listened to the exchange now for a few seconds. "The guy has reached, if not surpassed, a level of God like status few men can achieve in their lifetime. Liz...accept it. We all do."
"I most certainly do not." Liz didn't, squinting hard at the reflection now. "I mean...I guess he's ..eh.."
A young woman... a very shapely, beautiful one, floated by, running flirtatious fingers across Silas' broad back and shoulders, her look a most disturbingly salacious one.
"I know...right?" Silas spread his hands, his expression in total agreement with the young woman's assessment of his body. "She can't see it!" he disdained, pointing out Lizzy's flaws in a most distressed tone.
"I'm trying, damn it!" Liz snapped, going back to her perusal diligently.
"You look at that," he motioned to the window, "and you tell me that is not perfection."
"You are so fucking modest." The guy's reticence amazed Francis. "How do you stand it? Man... you are the epitome of everything any of us aspires to be."
"I know that." Silas scoffed his belief. "Especially Joe."
Francis nodded his acquiescence. "Damned right."
Catching a glimpse of herself, Liz preened this way and that as well. "Hey… I look pretty good, too."
"You look fine, sure," Silas admitted, "but..."
"There's no, buts." Liz denied any. "I am the bride, and I look amazing. Damned amazing. And you guys know it."
"You look lovely." Francis placated. Then the guy gestured to Silas. "But come on. Liz."
"Yeah, come on, Liz." Silas shook a woeful head.
"Ohh!" The woman turned on her heel, seeking the reassurance of her friends who had watched the debacle from across the way. "I know when I'm being placated!"
Silas shook a helpless head, raising his hands in defeat. Francis placed a comforting hand on the man's shoulder as he took his leave. "Chicks, right?"
Red having sensed the problem, if one existed, was not anything to be overly upset about... retook his seat.
Lizzy irritably shook her head, explaining whatever had occurred to her friends, evidently receiving empathetic looks and gestures. Her mood had lifted again, she positively glowed. She was so vivacious, such a natural at giving over her undivided attention to each and every person seeking it.
Everything about her from the long line of her neck to her sweet scent and infectious laughter captivated Red Reddington. He knew he was smitten...hooked, line and sinker, and happy to be on the line.
He could not take his eyes off his new bride.
She was so feminine, standing there like a Queen in her elegant gown.
Running her hands down the front of her dress, Lizzy smoothed the delicate fabric of her bodice, drawing his attention to the heavy weight of breasts shifting under the low cut of her neckline.
Turning about, the woman presented the laces running along her spine, cinching that bodice tightly to her luscious curves. Slowly lowering his eyes, the small train off the back somehow accented the flare of her hips and the delicious swell of her backside.
"Thinking about cutting her corset strings with your knife, are you?" Silas asked as he came alongside Red, reading the man's expression with experienced eyes.
"Couldn't I simply... untie them." Red shifted a wry glance the guard's way. "Very, very slowly."
Red canted his head, knowing well the surprises and delights that dress now hid.
"You could," Silas shrugged, "but don't stand there and tell me your inner barbarian doesn't want to ravish her innocent little ass."
"I am much more refined and gentlemanly than you will ever be." Red lied through his teeth. "Such actions net little profit nowadays."
"More's the pity, eh?" Silas longed for the good old days.
"Besides, I would imagine if I were to follow your advice," Red conceded. "Lizzy would cut me for ruining her gown."
"I doubt that very much," Silas disagreed. "First, because you would just purchase her a new one." He knew how Red worked. "Second, Liz enjoys being manhandled... by you."
"What gave you that impression?" Red wanted to know, his interest more than provoked.
"She's said as much." Silas chortled. "She talks about it... often."
"You're hoping to incite me to do something provocative." Red cut the man a look. "...Why?"
"Is it working?" Silas asked curiously.
"I haven't decided yet." Red shrugged. "Or how exactly you would benefit from it?"
"Besides you and your sweet bride vacating early," Silas smirked, "to enjoy your wedded bliss?"
"Yes, besides that." Red swirled his drink before taking a mouthful of the stout liquor.
"It releases me to," the man glanced towards a particularly lovely redhead, "get a feel for the room... and its occupants, without distraction."
"You aren't on duty." Red couldn't help remind the man.
"Maybe not officially." Silas granted. "I did promise your wife, however, I would see to it that nothing ruined her day."
"Even your libido."
"Even that." Silas inclined his head. "I admit, however, my fortitude is reaching its limit." The man turned smoldering eyes towards the svelte redhead.
Silas' prey flushed a charming pink as her long lashes fluttered coquettishly, drawing a soft, snarling rumble from Silas' throat.
"I was under the impression," Red did a little provoking himself, "your tastes ran along different lines this season," he tested the waters, "...that volatile, exotic brunettes were now your weakness."
If Red hadn't known the man for years, he would have missed the almost imperceptible hardening in Silas' grey eyes. The man lowered his head, brooding his intensity.
"Stop beating yourself up for what happened." Red strongly encouraged. "It wasn't your fault. It was a fucking accident, Silas."
The already dark eyes became glinting flints of steel. "What the fuck do you know?"
"Enough, I can say with absolute certainty," Red whispered stringently. "Anya would hate what you're doing. She would be the very first to tell you to get on with your life." He disliked having to say the hurtful words, but they must be said. "That living with the fucking guilt will put you under as well. And you damned well know it, Silas."
"Your wife needs you." Silas growled quietly. "It's nice you have one."
Red glanced up, indeed finding his wife looking a bit flummoxed as Mark escorted the woman towards a row of tables, gesturing to whatever problem was at hand.
"Yeah, it kinda is." He whispered his belief, feeling bad that Silas had not found someone as special and unique as yet, most likely due to his own stubbornness.
Tipping his drink back, Red slid the empty tumbler towards the bartender with a nod of thanks before pushing upright.
"Go enjoy your redhead's charms. Hell, fuck whoever the hell you want." Red advised. "As many as it takes. But afterwards... on our return to DC, you might take the time to reconsider your past misconceptions. Pull your head out of your ass and stop wasting time."
"What," Silas gritted angrily, "like you did?"
"Yes," Red held the guard's smoldering eyes, "exactly like I did." He stepped into Silas' sphere, his own tone lowering menacingly. "Heed your own advice and stop fucking around... and tell her your true feelings."
Leaving the man to his own devices, Red walked determinedly towards his wife. Stepping in behind the woman, he laughed quietly as he heard the rustle of her skirts move with his invasion.
Wrapping an arm about her front, he palmed her flat stomach before placing a kiss to her bared shoulder. "I sense a problem looming."
"We were just trying to figure out what to do with all... this?" Liz gestured to the already enormous stack of gifts growing larger by the second. "I thought we told them no gifts were expected."
"They like giving you something." Mark assured. "It would also crass as hell to show up empty-handed after the amazing time you gave them."
"What should we," Liz waved a helpless hand, "... do with them?"
"I may be wrong," Red began, his eyes dancing mischievously, "it's been a while since I've done this, but I believe you open them."
Craning his head, Red caught a side view of Lizzy narrowing her eyes as a smile played about her mouth.
"Always so helpful, darling." Liz grated. "But shouldn't we wait for the guests to see? I'm pretty sure that's how it's supposed to go."
"Again, this is your wedding," Red reminded, "your gifts... you open them when you want." he returned his attention to the growing pile. "Besides, there's no way you could make a dent in that pile tonight."
Shrugging, Liz nodded slowly in agreement.
"...Not with what I have planned for this evening." The man murmured, kissing the corner of her mouth. He lifted his attention towards Mark. "Do you still have those box trucks on hand?"
"I always have box trucks on hand." Mark appeared confused by the question. "Doesn't everyone?"
"Who do you trust besides Steven?"
"God," Mark replied, "everyone else pays cash, why?"
"All right, tomorrow," Red laid out a game plan. "I'll hire whoever you choose to load this all up and get it delivered to the house in D.C."
"I'm not sure if Steven will want to be away from his sister that long." Mark told the truth.
"I have a jet, Mark. Why does everyone keep forgetting that?" Red clarified. "I'll just have one of the guards meet them in D.C. with a truck. They take the stuff to the house, then fly back."
Mark caught the attention of two of his staff, motioning them over. The two young men hurried to the location with eager expressions of expectation.
"Mr. Reddington has a proposal for you." Mark said. "If you don't want to accept, that's fine."
Both men seriously seemed to doubt that insightful promise.
"No...really." Red assured. "It's just a little thing. If you're busy or simply not interested... that's fine."
"Really." Lizzy helpfully sold the premise, her look a sincere one.
Red motioned to the still growing pile of gifts. "This is becoming a problem." He explained the jest of the solution he had hit upon.
John, the taller kid, brightened at the prospect. Steven, on the other hand, fell silent.
"Sir?" Steven addressed Mark anxiously, very much interested in the job. "My sister. I've got a caregiver now, but the old woman..."
"Why don't you take Samantha with you?" Red offered, understanding the boy's plight. "It might be a big adventure for aseven-year-old."
"I could do that?" Steven's eyes widened. "I mean... you wouldn't mind?"
"Of course not." Red laughed the folly of such a notion away. "Now, if that's squared away." he turned his attention back to his new bride. "Dembe will supply the necessary information for the flight after he's checked with our pilots."
"Oh, Steven," Liz caught the excited young man before he could return to his duties, "I wanted to thank you again for allowing Samantha to be my flower girl. She stole the show."
"Samantha had a wonderful time, ma'am. And that dress? She wants to sleep in it." Steven smiled shyly. "I can't get her out of it. It was very nice of you to include her in your day."
Nodding politely, Steven hurried off, returning to his work.
"I like him... and Samantha, too, Red." Liz's eyes softened. "They should have a better life."
"I'll work on it, sweetheart." Red soothed any concern she felt. Though he wasn't sure how to assist the young man as yet, some ideas were taking shape.
"But right now..." Randomly pulling a beautifully wrapped gift from the pile, Red held it for Lizzy to take in hopes of distracting her that she not lose the feeling this day had brought.
"Open it..." Red murmured.
"Is this from you?" Liz smiled, taking the heavy box.
"No, I'll give you your gift later." Red laughed when the woman arched her brow. "It isn't what you're thinking. That... that, I'll give you anytime you want." His roughened voice promised. "I'm talking about an honest to goodness gift."
"Shit!" Liz grimaced, slapping her hand against her thigh. "No, Red."
"What's wrong?"
"I didn't get you anything." Liz confessed, groaning wretchedly. "It was just so busy yester–"
"Stop." Red kissed the woman's sullen pout. "You had enough on your plate without that."
"Even so, I'm sorry." Liz frowned sadly. "You got shafted at your own wedding."
"I got the bride," Red stroked his hands along her waist, "which is all I wanted."
Realizing Lizzy was truly upset to have not gifted him anything, Red smiled softly.
"I'll make you a deal." he soothed. "When we go on the honeymoon, if I see anything I want, you can get it for me. All right?"
"What can I get that you don't already have?" She moped, but then sighed. "Well, okay, I guess, if you really mean it. You got a deal."
She glanced about, a secretive little smile on her face. "I hope no one is watching."
Pulling the bow on the box, Liz lifted the lid and removed the stuffing inside. "Oh...wow."
Red looked over her shoulder as she revealed a bottle of Dom Pérignon and two beautiful champagne flutes meant to be used when the newlyweds enjoyed the remnants of their wedding cake on their first anniversary.
"That was very nice of whomever." Red truly appreciated the sentiment. "Try this one."
Red smiled when the woman cast a guilty look over her shoulder.
"Just this one, promise." Red coaxed. "I like the way it's wrapped."
Setting the lovely crystal aside carefully, Liz once again turned her back to the wedding party, which was still in full swing. She struggled with the intricate packaging, but finally managed to peek inside. "Hey... there are two." She discretely shared her find with Red, having pulled the objects partially from their gaily decorated boxes.
"What the hell is that?" She frowned at the odd 'U' shaped device, turning it this way and that to make some sense of it. Red chuckled his delight for such naivete.
He leaned, amused by the shake of Mark's head. The guy discretely looked away.
"It's a sex toy, baby." Red laughed when Lizzy hastily dropped the toy back in the box as if it were a hot potato. Her perplexed expression remained, however, as she sneaked a few quick looks into the depths of the cardboard container.
"I'll show you how it works later." He offered over a sensual promise. He peered down into the box curiously. "What else is in there?"
"I'm afraid to look." She set her mouth. "Besides, you said that was the last one!"
"Well, there were two in one box, therefore, it's one gift in my world." Catching a glimpse inside of the box, Red's grin widened. "Ahh, the gift that keeps on giving. Even when I'm away, I'm still home." he teased. "And they say it's difficult to buy for those who have everything."
Mark grinned at Liz's flushed face. "The perfect gift."
"I know." Francis drifted slyly into the scene, checking around like a secret agent before turning his attention to what Red was still checking out. "Oh, yeah, those." He nodded sagely. "I give these as gifts to lady friends." He motioned absently, rummaging around inside the box to check if all the materials were there.
"What, as gag gifts?" Red quipped, taking the Clone a Willy package away, lest the little idiot abscond with it.
"Gag, being the operative word." Francis leered at his own inside joke.
Mark shook his head negatively. "What world do you live in, boy?"
"Oh, please." Liz scoffed disgustedly. "When are you going to grow up? Is this from you... or Ben?" she demanded to know.
"Not me." Francis shrugged. "But someone with good taste, obviously."
"Leaves Ben out." Mark quipped.
"Francis," Red got a word in edgewise, "that young woman over there...in the blue dress with all the sparkles? She has been trying to catch your eye all night long."
Francis's head snapped about. "There are three in blue with sparkles...which one?"
"The one trying to catch your eye." Red didn't make it easy for the kid. Francis liked a challenge, after all.
The kid was gone in a flash.
"That was mean." Liz said. "Good diversion, though."
"Works every time." Mark was amazed.
"You're not really going to attempt that," Liz gestured to the kit, "...are you?"
"I don't see why not." Red took exception. "Think of the fun we could have trying the mold out."
"This thing might catch on." Mark squinted into the box. "Bigger than the hula hoop." He chuckled, then stepped aside to confer quietly with one of his staff.
"Might make those long nights I'm out of town more pleasurable." Red nuzzled the woman's ear lovingly. "Besides," his voice lowered for her alone, "just visualizing you making use of it...makes my cock hard."
"Well, good cause I will need it that way, evidently." The woman scrunched her nose up at the box and its contents. "Can't I just wait for the real deal?" Liz asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
"On the off-chance you can't wait," Red whispered seductively in her ear, "that will be there to occupy your wet and aching pussy until I get home to give it proper attention." He said. "We might even engage in a little... online fun, perhaps?"
Red's eyes lit when the woman looked down at the box, a little more intrigued by its use. "We've not done that yet." It was true, she mused.
"Should I be jealous?" Red sold the toy's attributes. "You might come to favor it over me... it does vibrate, you know."
"Does it say incredibly dirty things as well?" Liz staunchly defended Red's assets. "In that dreamy, sensual voice? I don't think so." She lifted a haughty chin. "In my opinion, it's nowhere near as good as the real deal."
"May I cut in?" Danny interrupted, smiling at the couple. "I hear tell, I missed out on a chance to dance with the bride." he chuckled. "I mean... if everyone is done talking about making a clone of your dick, that is."
Liz blushed a vibrant red they had been overheard. Red, as usual, took it all in stride.
"You're just jealous because nobody got you one." Red gave the guy a sly grin.
"Why should they?" Danny seemed confused. "If asked nicely, I usually just comply and give them the real thing."
"Mine, on the other hand, will be memorialized for posterity." Red responded sotto voce, just as his phone rang. "And you better not let that redhead of yours hear you say that, otherwise... she might just cut yours off."
Both Liz and Daniel grimaced at the sudden imagery.
Digging in his pocket, Red pulled the phone free, glancing at the screen.
"I have to take this." He looked pointedly at Daniel, relaying a message to keep Elizabeth busy for just a few moments.
Flipping the phone open, Red replied to the greeting received. "One second."
Leaning, Red kissed Lizzy's upturned mouth. "I shouldn't be too long." he murmured then turned narrowed eyes Daniel's way. "You... you keep the hands above the waist."
"So many rules." Danny sighed his woe.
Giving the man a withering look, Red spun on his heel, phone to his ear as he walked out into the hallway.
"You looked beautiful today." Danny said, smiling down at Elizabeth.
"Thank you..." Liz's smile faltered as she stared off across the room, watching Natalia hurriedly walk through the same doors Red had a few seconds ago.
The woman threw over a vindictive smile, which jerked at Liz's heart. Natalia held a phone to her ear, her eyes issuing a definite challenge.
Liz felt her stomach lurch sickeningly for that coy, saccharin sweet smile.
"That was just nauseating." Danny had witnessed the entire exchange. "...It's not what you think, Liz." He warned gently. "Put it out of your mind. She's just trying to rattle your chain."
"I k-know..." Liz's brow furrowed tightly. She stared at the empty space Natalia had once occupied. "It was sure a coincidence, though." Her mind refused to shut down, images and doubts flitting into her subconscious unbidden.
Silas had witnessed the scene, along with Red's unexpected exit. He could only image what was going through Liz's thick head now. He sighed heavily, pushing his way through the crowds.
"I watched Red out on that dance floor with you tonight." Daniel tried damage control. "And I've never seen him look so happy and content."
"I t-thought that too." Liz stammered her despondency.
"Well, keep thinking it. I know how he feels about you." Daniel spoke the truth. "I know how he feels about that piece of trash... and so should you." He gestured to the doorway where Natalia and Red exited.
"I-I'm confused," Liz worried her lip anxiously, "I think maybe..." she shook her head, trying to clear it.
"What the hell's wrong with you?" Silas interrupted, snapping his discontent. "Get your head straight. Red isn't stupid by a long shot. He wouldn't risk what he has now with you. After all, you two have gone through to get to this point."
Silas motioned curtly to Danny, who took the hint, heading off discretely in the needed direction.
The guard turned his attention where it was needed. "Don't go off half-cocked on me." He tightly suggested. "You think Red has the hots for that psycho, Natalia? Get real!"
Francis Holbrook stepped up in time to hear the accusation. "I'm here, Liz." He soothed, running a hand down her back. "Let's not jump to stupid conclusions now. Let's keep a level head here."
The man had seen the turmoil in his friend's eyes from across the room, hurrying to Liz's aid and side. Silas had supplied the jest of the problem even though Francis had not been privy to Red's exit or even seen that bitch, Natalia, in the same vicinity as the happy couple all night long.
"It's just that... Red took a call and immediately Natalia followed him from the room." Liz wished desperately to confide in her friend and confidant. Where she couldn't, Silas, because it was clear the man was on Red's side, and he hadn't even heard the full story as yet.
"Oh, and that wasn't a setup at all." Silas sneered at how gullible Liz became when faced with Red's past dalliances.
"She was so..." Liz shivered, recalling the confident stare and the maniacal smirk from those too red lips, "condescending...so sure of herself."
"It's how she operates, Lizzy." Francis pointed out. "She works on a person's insecurities."
"Which calls to mind, why do you have any?" Silas demanded an answer. "Red has bent over backward to ensure any self-doubt you might have is addressed...erased."
"Red hasn't taken a call all day." she held back tears. "Why would he suddenly have to take this one? What was so important about it, Francis?"
"We'll ask him when he returns."
"I don't c-care if he returns." Liz's mouth trembled. "I just want to go...away from here."
"You're tired." Silas ran a hand through his hair in a restless gesture. "You're running on fumes. You're blowing this way off the charts, Liz."
"Are you going to take me or do I have find my own way!" The woman snapped.
"What we're going to do is wait for Red." Silas tersely advised. "We're going to sit down and talk this shit out calmly and rationally."
"Francis, can you take me." Liz turned, fighting back tears. "Right now. I want out of here."
"You're a fucking coward, Liz." Silas accused. "Stay and at least hear Red's side of this debacle! He would do the same for you."
"Oh, would he?" she grated. "Like he wouldn't leave me to go off after some bitch piece of ass on our wedding day?"
"He hasn't done that." Silas spoke succinctly.
"He wouldn't, Lizzy." Francis stated quietly. "He just...wouldn't."
The woman closed her eyes, setting her mind. "Alright. I'll wait for him." She seemed to have no other choice. "I'm not sure he will thank you both for the fact, however."
She turned her back on the men, crossing to the massive windows close by.
Silas shook a woeful head when Francis' gaze asked for guidance. "We wait." The guard set his own mind, dreading the inevitable when it happened.
"Poor Red." Francis whispered his empathy. "Coming back to this when before, everything was so..."
"It's covered." Silas managed a concise response. "But I'm not sure how he will take this shit. Not sure at all, to be honest."
"What a fucking mess." Francis rubbed his hand over his forehead.
"It's going to get worse before it gets better...if it gets better." Silas predicted a bleak future.
Lizzington
Song request by Linda! I got it worked in, now, we'll see how it works out for them in upcoming chapters, eh? ;)
Michael Bublé - Just Haven't Met You Yet