As the elevator doors opened, Red smiled as he came face-to-face with his right-hand man.
"I can't believe I'm standing here and not in bed with my warm, giving bride." Pushing off the elevator wall, Red stepped out into the hall. "What the hell am I thinking?"
"You are thinking of averting a turf war, I should imagine." Dembe imagined. "Fermin is threatening force if Gabriel does not step down. I am sorry that this situation reared its ugly head at this time, but Gabriel is getting antsy."
"I've warned Fermin about these theatrics." Red fell in step with Dembe as they headed for Mark Donovan's office. "How many times have we seen it? Some punk ass gets it in their head that they have bigger balls than they actually do."
"Should Fermin act on his threat?" Dembe stated the problem succinctly. "And you are not in the picture when the shit hits the proverbial fan?" the large man shrugged nonchalant shoulders. "That is the question on everyone's mind."
"You guys can always text me." A slow smile tugged at Red's mouth. "I'm sure I'll get back to you... with all due haste."
"Yes." Dembe opened the door for his companion. "You pulling yourself from Elizabeth's arms? For a simple turf war? We will all be holding our collective breaths on that one, I am certain."
"We're only going to be gone two days, for God's sake." Red exasperated.
"Yes, what could happen in that amount of time, I wonder." Dembe cut Red a look.
Mark was pacing back and forth, a look of relief crossing the man's face at Red's arrival on scene.
Red nodded to the other men gathered inside the spacious office before finding a comfortable seat. "Are we all in agreement here?" He accepted a cup of coffee thrust his way, settling in. "We are backing Gabriel on this one?"
"You can handle Fermin, no one doubts your capabilities, Red." Mark spoke for the others, as he often did. "We're concerned Gabriel's forces are not up to such a task as yet."
"No one is in favor of that bastard Fermin taking over." Daniel reminded. "He'll need time to build his army. Which will be more than ample time for Red to get his rocks off." The man smiled brightly over, lifting his own coffee cup in mock salute. "On his honeymoon, people! Did you all forget that tiny detail?"
"Eloquently put." Red held out an appreciative hand, checking with Dembe Zuma. He grinned for the man's perpetual scowl.
"This is shitty timing any way one looks at it, granted, but this thing can rapidly get out of control if not nipped in the bud, so to speak." Mark reminded.
"I make a motion we should arrange a meeting on neutral ground." Francis motioned. "A site which can put us closer to the border, say. And within easy reach of Gabriel, if the shit hits the fan."
"I love that saying." Danny nodded agreeably. "And so does Dembe, I believe." the young man checked with his contemporary, receiving a sedate nod in reply.
"We should all go down with Red and Liz, maybe." Francis brightened as an idea struck. "We can all fly down together in Red's jet." The kid warmed to the notion.
Dembe and Danny side-glanced the man sitting beside them, laughing under their breath as incredulous disbelief swept Red's features.
"Daddy will always love you," Daniel sat forward, addressing the moron opposite him, "but he needs alone time with mommy."
Francis stared at the man, his expression askew. "I'm making a sensible motion here, is all I'm saying."
"The whole point of a honeymoon is so the couple can get away," Daniel slowly clarified, "... by themselves."
The look of confusion intensified. "What has that got to do with the business at hand?" Francis sighed his aggravation. "Keep up with the conversation, cowboy."
"I'll distract him while you make a run for the car." Daniel muttered tightly, stubbing out his cigar with a curt jab. He threw Red an apologetic shrug of his massive shoulders.
"I wasn't suggesting we stay with them or anything." Francis rolled his eyes. "That would be just gross."
"Are you serious?" Danny questioned seriously. "Cause I'm getting a vibe that you might kinda get your rocks off on something like that."
"Never you mind how I get my rocks off." Francis grimaced accordingly. "We could take you guys to dinner or something, though." He offered magnanimously, checking in with Red, whose demeanor was suggesting perhaps the boy's motion was a little off the mark. "Maybe hit a few bars afterwards?"
"Listen to the words coming out of my mouth." Daniel sat forward once more, demanding his friend's attention. "I'll speak very slowly...the only people going on this trip are Red and Lizzy." The man jerked his hand upright, silencing Francis before a reply could issue forth. "Simply put, I don't think Liz would appreciate you gawking, mouth agape... when he's," he snapped a thumb Red's way, "fucking his new wife on the plane, on the ride over to their chosen destination."
Red muffled his amusement when Francis blanched of color.
"He hasn't actually done that on our plane?" Francis was relatively certain. "We've already settled that matter. He promised he wouldn't, since it freaks me out."
"When he comes back in a couple days," Daniel sat back, trying to keep his blood pressure down to little avail, "he'll deal with this shit. End of discussion."
"No end of discussion." Francis held up a hand. "That is not how this works at all. Make a motion." He insisted.
"I'll make a motion, you little twirp," Danny threw the man a deadly glare, "when I take you up to the roof and toss your scrawny ass over the side." he motioned throwing Francis as described.
"You're in a grumpy mood." Francis made mention, scowling. "And I'm not scrawny." the man flexed the thick muscle on his bicep. "I've bulked up, right?" He checked with Mark.
Dropping his face into his palm, Daniel rubbed a scruff hand across his face, then glanced at Red, murderously.
"Get Gabriel on the line." Ignoring the byplay, Red made his own kind of motion. "We will map out our strategy. I've told Fermin what would happen if he rocked the fucking boat one more time. He dug his own grave, take that however you wish. I'm done with this asshole." He looked at his counterparts. "Are we all in agreement here?"
"Yeah, but... about the plane. You haven't really...I mean, you know." Francis was getting a little upset here. "On our plane? Really?" He really needed clarification. "You promised."
LIZZINGTON
Red glanced around at his surroundings. A lot of people were up and around surprisingly early this day, he noted.
"Well, one problem down, anything more on the horizon?" He halted his steps abruptly, a recognizable figure strolling down the opposite side of the wide corridor. "My God, this must be colossal..." He mentioned aside to Dembe Zuma. "Anything that gets that man up before noon astonishes the mind." He raised his voice that the approaching guard could hear the sarcastic barb.
"At least I can get it up before noon."
Red grinned for the wry retort, taking the sheet of paper Silas had offered over upon his arrival.
"Before the bad news." Dembe put a restraining hand out. "I wished to inform you, your wedding gifts have been safely delivered to D.C."
"Oh, good." The man perked up. "I like opening gifts. Even though I told the guests not to bring any...I'm kinda glad they didn't listen. Does that make me a bad person?"
"That is not what makes you a bad person, no." Dembe assured helpfully.
Red scowled over at the man but...let it go.
"Joseph took Samantha to the zoo, as arranged. She had a wonderful time and enjoyed the plane ride immensely." A soft smile came and went on the handsome face. "Although she slept most of the time after the first wave of excitement wore off, Bill, the pilot, kept an eye on the lot, he said."
"We could call him Eddie." Silas recalled how the guy's name got changed after the Edward Costa incident as both men shared that unfortunate moniker and Liz cringed each time she was reminded of the fact.
Edward, the pilot, abruptly became Bill, the pilot. The man seemed none the worse for wear, accepting his lot in life with a modicum of grace and dignity.
"Eddie would push us out of the plane if we tried it." Red sensed. "Bill is fine for the time being until bad memories fade. So, Samantha had a good time then." He smiled as well. "Did Joe spoil her properly? Was enough cash thrown around with that intent in mind?"
"Much to her brother's dismay." Dembe nodded. "Steven is attempting to teach her responsibility."
"He can teach it another time." Red decided.
"Yeah, that's the way to raise a kid properly." Silas put his two cents in.
"What do you know about raising a kid?" Red shifted a wry glance. "You haven't hit puberty yet yourself."
"Gonna hit you in a minute." Silas promised.
Red smiled happily, having rankled his guard.
"The plane will arrive this afternoon and be at your disposal when needed." Dembe finished all he had to report. "Or Mr. Crocetti said you could make use of his, if all else fails. He wants Elizabeth to have her honeymoon, apparently."
"Good, good." It made Red happy the little girl had an adventure. He wished he could have taken her himself on such an outing. He enjoyed watching the joy on a kid's face. There was nothing like it...nothing as pure and innocent and delightful.
Well, maybe the sounds Lizzy made when he was going down on her.
"Earth to Asshole." Silas was motioning. "Read the paper, already. I've got things on my agenda, people to do."
"The redhead?" Red inquired politely.
"Yeah, and I've only got an hour, according to schedule guy here." Silas nodded Dembe's way.
"And God only knows the havoc you could wreak in an hour. I will pray for the redhead." Red turned his attention to less pleasant matters.
He read the print with a scowl, lifting a pissed glance. "Oh, goodie, such are the days of my life. Another soliloquy, hum? How did the creep find us here, one could wonder."
"David was at the house," Silas corrected, "when a copy of this was hand-delivered." He made mention. "We got him before he could ride away on his ten-speed. Young guy, background check came up clean. Said he was paid, in cash, to deliver said envelope."
"Any description?" Red knew better, but checked nonetheless.
"Yeah, he described a woman who approached." Silas turned knowledgeable eyes Red's way. "We can't trace her. She just came off the street, the kid said. The asshole is being cautious."
"He better be, because if he makes one fucking mistake, he's dead." Red's look was a grim one. He read the words again...
We've learned of your marriage to Reddington. I can't begin to comprehend what you were thinking. What has he said to you or threatened you with to make you do something so vile? I'm assuming he demanded consummation of this sickening union. Did you let him rut between your thighs? Did you become his whore? Are you carrying his bastard? I swear, I will rid you of him.
"Well, he's escalated rather quickly, hasn't he." Red remarked casually.
"It's not funny, Red." Francis grumbled. "You didn't tell me Lizzy was pregnant. What the hell is that? The creep knows before me? I'm family."
"She isn't." Red said, then canted his head curiously. "Or, at least, I don't think she is."
"What's that supposed to mean" Francis demanded an answer.
Red looked at the man pointedly, waiting.
"What?" Francis tossed his hand out to his side. "Hello, not psychic here."
Sighing, Silas shook a woeful head. "What exactly do you think happens on a wedding night, kid?" He asked gently.
"Oh!" Francis nodded his understanding. "You mean you might have... oh."
"Did you actually get that or are you playing us." Silas had to know.
"I got it." Francis took umbrage. "Or...I think I did." He mused quietly.
Returning his attention to the paper in hand, Red reread a few passages. "He needs to make up his mind." He murmured irritably. "Either he acknowledges we're married or he doesn't." He mumbled. "I hate when people contradict themselves, don't you?" He sought out Dembe.
"I am ambivalent on the matter." Dembe informed one and all.
"Pisses me off." Silas stated succinctly when Red shifted a stare.
"You're critiquing what he said?" Francis needed clarification.
"It's just a pet peeve." Red replied, shrugging carelessly.
Francis reread the letter carefully, looking for clues, scratching his head. "How can Lizzy be a whore or your kid a bastard if you're married?"
"Can't have it both ways, can he, kid." Red agreed. "Let it go. I'm just hoping any clues as to who this moron might be will show through somehow."
"I thought you said it was douche bag, Tom?"Francis voiced his confusion.
"It very well may be." Red acknowledged the possibility. "Considering my associates, however, I've learned to keep an open mind regarding this shit. Like here," he pointed to a line, "he says, we've learned of your marriage."
"We?" Francis just then noticed the anomaly. "Maybe he means the voices in his head. The collective we."
"Well, you would know about that shit." Silas said cheerfully, or as cheerfully as the guy ever would get.
Francis nodded in agreement.
Red chuckled. "Could be, but what if it's not?"
Shaking it off for now, Red focused on this morning's agenda. "We will not solve this anytime soon, I'm thinking. Moving on people. Let's get this shit over with." Red directed. "I have other things I wish to be doing."
"I'll bet." Silas crossed his arms over his chest, giving the man a sage glance. "Who's on her?" He inquired of Liz's security. "Besides you, I mean." the guard smirked for his dig.
Sighing, Red gave the guard a perturbed look. "Matthew took point."
"And Michael and Susan are leaving out...when?" Silas wanted to know.
"Same time we are, I imagine." Red shrugged. "Why?"
"Dembe allotted me an hour." Silas shrugged. "Just curious if I could get more time out of Matthew to spend with the redhead."
Rubbing at his suddenly aching neck, Red clenched his jaw tight. "You got one hour." he directed. "Use it wisely, my son."
"Shit, one hour..." Silas scoffed. "I'll have her climbing the damned..."
"Yeah, whatever." Red snapped. "You're wasting time, leave."
Grinning ferally, Silas spun on his heel, leaving the trio to their own devices. "Don't gotta tell me twice."
"Why did I call him back to service again?" Red asked, his tone a woeful one.
"Elizabeth required his presence, you said." Dembe replied evenly. "... I don't get it."
Ducking his chin, Red chuckled quietly for the truly confused look on Dembe's face.
"As I recall the incident." Francis corrected evenly. "You said you were missing the big asshole and needed an excuse to get him here."
"I never said any such thing." Red took umbrage. "Does that sound like me, Dembe."
"It does not." Dembe offered over a disgruntled stare to Francis Holbrook.
"It's what you said." The young man stuck by his guns, a determined look on the ridiculously handsome features. "And I'm gonna tell Silas you said it." He walked away in a rather superior manner, Red thought. "If you don't start being nicer to me...both of you guys."
"Do not concern yourself." Dembe held up a staying hand. "He has already forgotten his train of thought. We both know that."
Red felt...better, breathing a sigh of relief. It wouldn't do for Silas to know just how indispensable Red really considered the man to be.
"Hey, Francis...where you going?" Red played a hunch.
"I'm going to go find Danny, just like I said. Are you getting senile, Red?" The kid went about his way.
LIZZINGTON
Meandering their way down the hall, Daniel smiled at a passing housekeeper as he and Francis rounded a corner. The man frowned questioningly as Francis hesitated in his trek, then hurriedly ducked into the concealment of a nearby niche.
"What the hell are you doing?" Daniel asked as the other man inched back out of sight. "What's with all the cloak and dagger shit all of a sudden?" He, too, however, slipped further back into the same alcove, glancing around the potted plant providing a measure of anonymity for both men.
"Something's up with Ben." Francis motioned down the way where two men stood, conversing in animated gestures and slightly raised voices.
"So what? They're just talking." Daniel's frown deepened, for the conversation didn't look to be an entirely pleasant one, in truth.
Both men appeared overly serious and spoke in clipped tones, but aside from Ben poking the guy in the chest once... Daniel didn't feel any interference, or Francis' suspicion, was warranted.
"I'm telling you, something's up with him." Francis watched the exchange critically.
"No, really, did someone drop you on your head when you were a kid?" Daniel asked pleasantly. "What do you think is going on exactly? Are they discussing the sale of a nuclear device or something more earth-shattering, maybe?"
Francis scowled at the man beside him. "I think we need to tell Red."
"Tell him, what?" Daniel scoffed. "That you're delusional." he smirked. "Trust me, Red knows that."
Ignoring the tall cowboy, Francis slowly stuck his head around the corner, watching the byplay between the two men with a more open mind.
Sighing, Daniel cricked his neck. "What the hell does Red gotta do with it, anyway?" He wanted to know. "You think he can fix Ben's pissy mood?"
"All I know is something is going on and it started with Amy's arrival here." Francis whispered conspiratorially. "Before that, Ben was fine."
"I'm sorry, didn't he put a gun to his head?" Daniel vividly remembered the incident.
Waving away the reminder, Francis leaned to better hear what was being said. "I think Ben needs help. That's all I'm saying."
"How can Red help?" Daniel scowled. "He's not into butting into personal shit and you know it."
"He butts into my shit, and I'm glad he does." Francis said. "And look how tense shit was between him and Liz. They got it together. Maybe they can advise Ben and Amy, if that's what this is about, I mean. We're family. We gotta help each other out, right?"
"Francis, it's really cool you think like that," Daniel was starting to catch on to Francis' train of thought, and it was scary, to say the least. "But not every couple is like Red and Liz."
"I know Ben. Something's eating away at him." Francis shrugged. "Maybe Red can figure it all out somehow."
Shrugging himself, Daniel tossed his hands out at his sides. "If shit is bothering Ben, he should go to Red on his own, man."
"Red can be intimidating if you don't know him that well." Francis reminded. "Maybe Ben can't find the balls to approach."
Danny nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. What is it you think is going on, exactly, any idea?"
"Remember the day I got mowed down at the football game?" Francis confided. "I'm not sure, but I think I overheard Ben and Amy talking. They were talking about some serious shit, if their tone was any indication."
Daniel frowned over. "You eavesdrop a lot, don't you, on unsuspecting people."
"Wasn't eavesdropping. They were in my space." Francis reminded. "I got a bad vibe, is all. Been weird with Ben since. I can't explain it, it just is, man."
"Well, whatever you got, it must be catching." Daniel muttered dejectedly. "I've been having similar vibes about Michael."
Francis gave over his attention. "Wow, Deja vu." He was suddenly wide-eyed. "I heard Michael and Susan arguing over some shit a couple nights ago."
"You do eavesdrop on everyone!" Daniel accused again.
"I was minding my own business, I tell you." Francis rolled his eyes, then frowned. "Michael actually raised his voice to her. Have you ever heard that before?" The man warmed to the tale. "And Susan...let him without any repercussion what-so-ever!"
"What the hell, you say?" Danny was shocked. "Oh, hell..now you got me doing it."
"I'm thinking I should run all this shit by Red." Francis said emphatically. "I've never heard Michael snap at Susan before. It was weird. I didn't like it at all, but I was more afraid of Susan than Michael if I called them out on it, you know?"
"Maybe it's something in the water," Daniel said, gesturing to Ben and his companion, "I can one-up you on your conspiracy theories." He lowered his voice. "The guy Ben is talking to right now? Michael was doing the same thing the other night, and yeah, things were tense."
Francis nodded slowly, keeping an eye on the two men down the way. "I know." He said. "Didn't you beat the hell out of that guy's friend right after?"
"Uh, yeah." Daniel drawled, then grinned. "He hit on Emma, so I hit on him..."
"I gotta find Red." Francis looked around, as if Red might appear from the ether.
"Still don't see where any of this is Red's problem." Daniel didn't. "Could be nothing more than business as usual around here." He pointed out.
"It may very well be his problem," Francis cocked his head, "which makes it our problem, doesn't it?"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Daniel snapped quietly. "Need I remind you why Ben and Amy split in the first place? That alone could account for his weird behavior. How weird were you when you and Lia split?" he asked, having heard the rumors.
"I don't know," Francis sighed heavily. "All I know, since Amy's been here, Ben isn't focused. He's making like a fence post."
"Are you speaking English?" Daniel was lost, then he wasn't. "You mean, he's got his head in the dirt, he's in too deep?"
"That's what I just said." Francis grumbled. "He's got his head stuck in the damned sand like an emu."
Daniel opened his mouth to correct the error, but Francis continued talking.
"And Susan mentioned Red and Liz in the discussion she and Michael were having." Francis closed his eyes, trying to remember more specific words spoken. "Michael was worried that Red might get pissed at something he was doing."
Crossing his arms, Daniel frowned at the odd statement. There were only a few business ventures Red and his close associates would never involve themselves; all of which related to women and children.
Whatever Michael was embroiled in, he knew better than to let Red catch wind of his participation. That alone spoke volumes and threw up red flags.
"All I know is," Francis' brow furrowed, "Michael and Ben are involved in some bullshit that they should not be involved in."
"You don't know that at all." Daniel reminded. "You only suspect, Francis."
"Whatever the hell Ben's gotten suckered into." Francis motioned to the man in question. "That dude he's talking with was selling lame ass promises about some once in a lifetime opportunity." he air-quoted. "Ben's in a fragile state. Maybe he's just not thinking clearly."
"Maybe the same could be said of you." Something was nagging at Daniel now too, however. He just didn't want Francis going off half-cocked. "I don't know," he grimaced, "bothering Red with this before his honeymoon..."
"You probably think I'm an idiot for butting into this shit, but if there's a chance I might prevent a catastrophe from taking place in Ben's life...and I didn't at least try to help?" Francis shook a woeful head. "Man, I would never forgive myself."
"It's not going to hurt to at least talk to Red about it, I guess." Danny grasped Francis' elbow, directing him to follow. "Maybe he already heard something." He felt better, realizing the fact.
"He usually has, yeah." Francis said, blithely following Daniel's lead.
"He'll probably accuse us of being meddling old ladies." Daniel grumbled.
"Ones with a paranoid streak." Francis could hear the man now but...he would take the chance of being ridiculed for Ben's sake.
LIZZINGTON
Red could tell there was something up with Francis and his large companion. Danny had waved off Red's attempt to cut the impromptu meeting with a few of the retail suppliers short.
Francis, on the other hand, was chomping at the bit. The kid was nervous and unsettled, which gave Red pause for thought. Not much managed to get under Francis' skin, after all. The boy usually took things in his stride.
Red listened half-heartedly to the three suppliers as they aired their grievances, however. It was only fair they got a turn at bat, and with the wedding taking center stage this year, Red hadn't been able to give over as much time as he usually allotted to the lower echelons of his empire.
Shifting his eyes, Red frowned over at Francis, curious for the boy's distracted demeanor.
Glancing at the radio beside him, Francis restlessly tapped the tabletop before shifting the communication device with an idle finger, as if he were awaiting an urgent message.
Red wished now he had taken a moment when the man tried to get his attention in the hall to discuss whatever it was troubling his young friend.
Immediately afterwards, however, the three men had descended with their gripes. Whatever was troubling Francis would have to wait a little while longer.
Catching Francis' attention, Red gave the man a pointed look, hoping he communicated the fact he would gladly hear whatever it was the boy had to say... after the momentary interruption.
Sitting straighter in his seat, Francis nodded his understanding, pushing the radio to the side.
LIZZINGTON
Slowly stirring awake, Liz moaned softly, leisurely stretching her lax body. Lifting her face from the pillow, a gentle smile curved her mouth as tingles of sensation traversed her spine.
Grasping the sheet, she pulled the soft linen over her bared back, closing contented eyes as she snuggled back into the depths of the luxurious feel. She was so relaxed... so sated. The woman practically had to stifle a purr.
One thing was certain, Red hadn't lied when he said there was a distinct difference between being his lover as opposed to his wife. That man had pulled out all the stops last night. The thought brought another smile to her lips.
She could only hope the man was as affected by their night of passion as she herself.
That night came back in sporadic flashes of vivid memories.
After making love on the balcony, Liz had thought the evening's proceedings would taper off to more mundane activities. Intent on taking a leisurely shower, she gingerly lifted off the man's lap, only for Red to stop her from dislodging his shaft from her body.
"Where do you think you're going?" That deep, husky rasp had enthralled and thrilled, sending gooseflesh down her arms.
Pulling her flush with his body, Red nuzzled his flaccid cock in Lizzy's slick heat.
"You're wasting your time." Red had muttered, suckling the base of her collarbone. "Session one might be ending, but I'm far from done with you, Lizzy." The man's touch ignited her already ripe body. "I'm going to love you...all fucking night."
Liz leaned into the man's passionate kiss, moaning her arousal.
"You're booked for the duration, my lovely. Just wait and see what I have planned for this succulent body." His eyes devoured her nakedness hungrily."I have a great desire to show my wife just how much I love her."
"You have diabolical plans for me, do you?"She sighed blissfully, wrapping her legs about the man's waist as he pushed up from the deck couch. "However will I sleep?"
"...Sporadically." Red murmured against her lips, warming to the wickedly sinful notions rambling about in his mind.
Liz's breath caught when she felt the heated rush of Red's semen move about the cock inside her before it seeped from her center, slicking the soft cushion of his balls. The large, wet sack brushed against her sex as he walked leisurely into their room.
"Do you think, just because this is our wedding night, I will capitulate to your every whim?"
"I will try my damndest to see you want to do so." he lay her warm body back into the coolness of the sheets, "...I'll see what I can do about enticing you to see things my way." His lips caressed hers wantonly.
Welcoming his warmth, Liz relaxed back into the bedding as Red's weight bore down on her. His semi-hard erection rocked slowly inside her, languidly slipping through the cream he gifted earlier. The heated friction encouraged the large organ to harden.
Curving his fingers into the lace sitting snug around her thigh, he pulled the soft nylon down and off her shapely legs. Tossing the silky material aside, they fell to the floor, forgotten.
"I like the way you're touching me." She glanced to where his palm spread across the flat of her stomach. "You've never kissed me so aggressively before. Almost as if you consider my body... a personal possession." The seductive blue eyes teased and tantalized, promising all sorts of sensual things. "This could become addictive."
Her vulva tingled as Red dragged her body into the cradle of his thighs, allowing her to feel his unyielding erection. "It's your beautiful body, baby, but I want desperately to use it repeatedly tonight." he murmured lazily, his stare heating her blood. "I want to give you so much pleasure that when you feel my slightest touch, you wish to open those lovely thighs for me."
Shivers of delight tickled Liz's spine, remembering Red's roughened voice in her ear. She brushed her cheek against her shoulder, causing the overwhelming sensation to course through her body just as it had at the exact moment the man spoke those amazing words.
"Come here, wife," the man had rasped gruffly, "your husband needs you...he needs your warm, sweet pussy surrounding his cock."
She had been so sleepy, so sated, she let him take free rein with her body, surrendering to his need for her. Red had taken such care, been so gentle with her in every aspect of their lovemaking.
Memories of Red's large palm cupping her sex as he slipped his shaft inside her body played in slow motion in her mind. Liz's cheeks flushed a rosy pink, remembering how wonderful it felt when his thick fingers fondled her clit with meticulous care, each caress bringing moans and whimpers of delight from her throat.
"A man should give his wife a nice... hard fuck every now and then." He growled in her ear. "Don't you agree."
Were it not for the building ache in her sex, Liz might have been embarrassed by how eager she had been to respond to the question.
Shifting restlessly on the bed, Liz moaned when she felt the telltale signs of just how well Red delivered on his promise. Not only were her thighs sticky with the aftermath of their lovemaking, her sex was so very sensitive to touch.
The sounds of her desperate moans of acquiescence echoed about the room as the man had rolled her and lifted her ass into the air for his purpose. Liz took a moment to relive the wondrous moment in her mind, her body suddenly aching poignantly for the man's nearness.
"What better way is there for a man to let his wife know," he grunted, thrusting into her heat, "how much she's loved..." he said, hurriedly manipulating her swollen clit to the peak of ripe intensity he sought.
"Dammit..." Red grunted hoarsely, holding fast to her shapely hips as he thrust hard and fast into her vulnerable flesh, "you feel so fucking good, baby."
Grasping for a handhold on reality, Liz had gripped at the sheets. Wantonly writhing about under Red's larger frame, she had desperately thrust back, pushing her ass greedily against Red's hardness.
Shifting her eyes to the corner of the bed, Liz's cheeks flushed a deep red, realizing she pulled the sheets free during the lustful exchange. The bed was completely disheveled, covers tossed haphazardly aside here and there. Pillows lay on the floor about the structure.
The room told a complete tale of all the lovely passion that had gone down between the two participants within its shadowed privacy last night.
"There's no better pussy," he snarled, grasping a handful of plump mound to knead to his heart's content, "than married pussy." he rasped.
She could still recall how her raw cries of passion were drowned out by the sounds of their bodies coming together.
Shivering, she remembered the moment Red had brought the fact to her own strained senses.
"Listen to us..." Snarling a deep growling rasp, the man enfolded her in his arms, fucking the very breath from her lungs. "That's the sound of our love for one another. See how much you move my soul?"
"Listen to me fuck you, baby." Red had hissed. "So damn wet..." he growled. "Gonna fuck this little hole... nice and deep." his husky voice proclaimed, before doing exactly as promised.
It was quite a staggering feeling, being on the receiving end of the lust he felt for her. It wasn't until he cradled her in his arms and made slow, sweet love to her that she experienced his complete adoration.
"God, baby...I'm gonna take such good care of you." the man's vow seemed to be dragged from somewhere deep inside his soul.
Pushing his pelvis flush with her own, he rocked his hips, shoving his cock deep inside her core. The full sensation caused her center to ache with need and her legs to tremble with anticipation.
"I'll give you whatever you want...whatever you need." His soft lips pushed against her own, kissing her ravenously. "Whenever you want it. You won't even have to ask...I'll know."
He moaned deeply, thrusting his hard shaft into her warmth. "I'd give my fucking life for yours..." he vowed, tightening his grasp around her body. "Never doubt how much I love you." he said, suckling her breast into his mouth
The moment had been so gentle, so loving... so overwhelming. Liz could not stop the sweet tears of joy when finally, he allowed her climax. Red kissed the tears away, murmuring words of love.
Liz found she hadn't minded missing out on sleep one iota. She didn't mind how sweaty and sticky their lovemaking made their bodies, because it was just clear evidence of how much they loved one another.
Even in sleep, laying naked against the man, cuddled close in his embrace, it felt...perfect. As Red's body curled around her when finally, they slept, she snuggled close. They were like puzzle pieces that just fit.
Her mind had never felt so tranquil...
Rolling over in her momentary state of rest, she reached for Red instinctively. When she found the space empty of his presence, a sad poignancy enveloped her mind. Tears almost threatened. Sitting up, Liz let the sheet fall carelessly, shivering a little as the cool air hit her sensitive, beard burned breasts.
"Red?" she called out, but heard nothing in return but the air circulating around her.
Shaking her melancholy, she swung her legs off the edge of the bed, easing to the floor.
Glancing down at her crumbled panties and nylons, Liz felt a sudden pitch in her stomach. Instinctively rocking forward, she sought to control the thrum in her clitoris, pushing the awakened flesh hard against the bed's surface. Her eyes closed in utter contentment when she felt the deep ache between her legs.
It wasn't a painful one, but one that left her blissfully aware of just how much a man could move her psyche.
"Stop it." She scolded her body's response. It seemed momentarily confused which it craved more...sex or food. She arose, heading for a nice, hot shower.
Cream, left over from last night's activities, trickled from her center to wet her vulva and thighs. Liz disciplined her reaction. Red's essence aroused and titillated even when he was not with her.
She wanted Red here...she wanted him here badly. However, common sense said, one must eat to keep up one's strength for the strenuous activities the man insisted they practice... and that Red made those activities strenuous? The thought brought a smile to her lips.
So, she'd have a big breakfast this morning, get back her energy that she could answer any call of duty her husband might make.
She wasn't going to be one of those wives that simply lay back and allowed the man to get his jollies. No, that wasn't how it was going to be at all in their marriage. The sooner she could allow Red to experience her theory of how married people should react with one another, the better.
Showering and dressing in record time, Liz felt the hunger intensify as the minutes wore on, leaving her feeling shaky. When was the last time she had eaten?
She thought back on the evening, but things were hazy on all fronts. Well, no matter. Food awaited downstairs and so did her new husband.
With one last fluff to her hair, she grabbed her key, traipsing across the spacious rooms. Grasping the door handle to the suite, she felt ready to face the day. She startled for a second, greeted by an unexpected presence standing outside that door, across the hallway.
"Oh...good morning, Matthew." she smiled brightly.
"Liz..." The young man returned the gesture, falling in step as she headed downstairs.
As she reached the bottom, she felt her stomach flutter in anticipation of seeing Red, only to realize...she had no idea where the man might be. She reached for her phone...
"Mrs. Reddington?"
Halting in her tracks, Liz stumbled slightly as her sneaker caught on the carpeted floor as the weight of the words hit her. Matthew caught her slip, instantly stabilizing her momentum. Liz smiled her gratitude turning her attention to the desk clerk across the way.
I'm Mrs. Reddington. The realization hit her full force. She was Red Reddington's wife. She was no longer...Elizabeth Keen.
"Ma'am?" The clerk looked at her oddly.
"I'm sorry." She chuckled. "It just hit me...that's my new name."
The lady smiled her understanding. "Your husband wanted us to inform you, he could be located in Mr. Donovan's office."
"Mr Donovan?" Liz frowned. "Oh, Mark, right." She flushed. "Sorry, I guess I'm not firing on all cylinders just yet." She smiled, thanking the woman.
"Oh, Matthew," Liz remembered, "there's one thing I'd like to do before we go to Mark's."
"Yeah, sure." Matthew shrugged amiably. "Lead and I will follow." He waved an airy hand, which made Liz giggle.
"I am in dire need of sustenance. Can we stop by the coffee shop for–"
"Well, as I live and breathe." Susan Fairfax's teasing tone filtered down the way.
Liz sought the source, grinning her welcome as the older woman sauntered the last few steps separating them.
"Didn't think to see you up and about so early today." That teasing quality intensified. Susan's hazel eyes twinkling mischievously as they observed Liz's frame with an indolent stare. "Did that man keep you up to all hours?"
"Or did you keep him up?" Emma giggled at her own audacity.
Matthew reddened slightly, clearing his throat. "I'll just...wait over by the shops." He nodded respectfully at the ladies.
"That's right, boy." Susan nodded sagely. "Get off the battlefield if you can't take the heat."
"Susan, behave." Liz rescued her guard this time. "Thank you, Matthew, that will be great, if you could just...do that?"
"That's exactly what I'm going to do." Matthew offered Susan an apologetic grimace. "Because you women scare the hell out of me...especially...her."
"You sweet-talker, you." Susan sent the man a flirtatious flick of those arresting eyes. She waved a dismissive hand. "He's used to it."
"Unfortunately." Matthew grinned when Susan's narrowed eyes shifted his way. He held up his hand in the universal sign of peace, stepping discretely away.
Grinning, Liz sighed, but resumed walking. "He's right. You are one scary broad, as Silas would say."
"So, where is the old ball and chain?" Susan asked pleasantly.
"Silas?" Liz was momentarily flummoxed.
"No, honey." Emma explained patiently. "That would be your gargantuan primate. Your husband, Red, is your newly attached ball and chain."
"I don't know what is wrong with me this morning." Liz was embarrassed for the nonsensical lapse. "Of course you meant, Red." She hit her forehead gently. "This is still all rather new to me, I guess."
"That and the fact that old ball and chain refused to allow you any real sleep last night, right?" Emma nodded knowingly. "Men, right?"
"What would we do without them." Liz lifted a cautious brow.
"That's why God made vibrators." Susan reminded flippantly.
"You are so bad." Emma gasped her growing excitement. "I am going to sit by you all day."
"Have you guys eaten yet?" Liz held her stomach protectively. "I'm starving."
"Let's head to the nearest coffee shop." Susan took charge, to Liz's relief.
"Yes, let's do that." Lizzy perked up. "Oh, Susan, I gave your brooch to the Concierge, who said he would get it to Michael. All is well, right?"
"It's safely tucked in with all my stocks and bonds. The ones Michael is blissfully unaware exist. Yes...thank you, lovey."
"No, thank you." Liz cuddled to the woman's shoulder. "It was a lovely gesture. It centered me."
"Smell that coffee." Emma hurried her steps, sliding into the small line artfully. "I know what you guys want. I'll order. Susan...you pay. You evidently have more stocks and bonds than I do."
Susan sighed, handing over her credit card. "Me and my big mouth."
"I can't wait for our honeymoon." Liz sighed wistfully. "I suppose that sounds so cliche coming from a new bride and all. Silas hates cliches."
"Silas hates everything." Emma suddenly realized.
"Except that new redhead that's surgically attached to his cock of late." Susan made mention. "That man is such a slut."
"A man is virile, Susan." Liz reminded. "Only women are sluts. Or at least, I have it on good authority."
"Francis Holbrook is a slut." Emma giggled at her own wit. "And proud of it...I have that on good authority."
"Speaking of which, where is Missy of late?" Liz hadn't seen hide nor hair of the girl since the reception.
"She's off pouting because Francis is not showing her enough attention." Susan was more than ready to ditch the dirt.
"Or so she says." Emma rolled her startling green eyes.
Liz eagerly took a muffin and coffee the Barista sat on the counter. "This is mine, right?"
"Well, no, but...go ahead." Emma scowled slightly, for Liz was already devouring the small treat.
"Slow down, honey. No one is going to take that from you. Matthew will do his job, I'm sure." Susan laughed musically. "Guard this muffin!" The woman motioned accordingly. "Don't let anyone within two feet of it."
Matthew grinned for the women's mood.
"You want some?" Susan sent a seductive glance the young man's way. Matthew cleared his throat self-consciously, lowering his eyes discretely.
"Susan," Liz tsked, "leave him alone."
"I meant...a muffin." Susan blinked innocently.
"Sure, you did." Emma chuckled sensually. "I want to be you when I grow up."
"And I want to be Maria Crocetti." Susan nodded. "Women are never satisfied...Michael is right. God! Don't tell him I said that." A look of horror passed over the remarkably beautiful features for a brief second.
Liz looked longingly at the selection of pastries behind the glass partition over which she leaned, sipping her coffee.
She caught a nearby Barista's attention, plaintively pointing into the glass case. Her mouth salivated when handed an enormous, glazed bear claw covered in nuts. Breaking off a chunk, she popped the sweet confection in her mouth, moaning her delight.
"I wonder if it would be okay to hit the stables for a minute." Liz muttered around her bite, checking with her friends. "Surely, those men are still in some sort of meeting."
Emma checked her watch. "Danny said give him an hour at least." She crinkled her pert nose. "Hasn't been nearly that long. Why the stables, though?"
"Well, we're flying out in a few hours." Liz explained her reasoning. "I would really love to see Caesar and Cleo one last time before we leave." her heart was set on it.
"I would rather see Caesar's assets, but to each his own, I suppose." Susan motioned the way. "In any case, it's a lovely day for a stroll."
Even Matthew could not resist a chuckle at that one, the woman was pleased to note.
"Susan? Are you and Michael staying?" Liz asked.
"No." The pretty mouth pulled into a moue. "Fun time is over. We're heading back to Queen and Country, then home to Italy."
Liz grinned over at her friend. "I will miss you so much. I hope you are aware."
Susan's eyes softened. "We will meet in New York for shopping excursions. Each one makes Michael's heart weaker, he says. Which means..." Susan brightened, "we should meet frequently, yes?"
"Don't be mean. You couldn't survive without him, and you know it." Liz knew it.
"Yes, I know it but he doesn't have to be privy to the fact, does he." Susan scolded.
Emma let out a squeal, breaking away from the pack.
Susan scowled absently, watching the fact. "That girl is so flighty."
Emma ran the few feet needed, flinging her arms about Danny Courtland's strong neckline.
Liz watched the scene with subdued amusement. Daniel kissed Emmy, the moment progressing.
"Oh, let them have the time." Susan pulled Liz along. "Young love." she sighed wistfully. Then grimaced theatrically. "Makes me sick."
Liz laughed her glee the sound fading gradually. "Susan...while I have you alone."
"Oh, juicy shit." The woman perked up, sensing something on the horizon. "Yes? Yes?"
Liz glanced back, but the two lovers were oblivious to anyone but themselves. "I know this is silly. Verging on paranoid, probably, but...after last night. Something has been nagging at me."
"I'm all ears." The woman seemed to be excited to delve into the subject about to be broached.
"...I know Red has had past lovers." Liz bit down her trepidation.
"Oh, many, many...many." Susan nodded to go ahead.
"Well, hopefully not that many." Lizzy scowled.
"Okay." Susan was agreeable as long as the topic moved forward. She motioned with her hand.
Once again, Liz checked the vicinity of those about. Matthew was hanging back, his keen eyes searching their surroundings diligently.
"I suppose I'm a little," Liz sought the word, "apprehensive? Concerning my place among them. Which is to say..." She compressed her lips thoughtfully.
"How do you rate?" Susan put it in a nutshell. "In comparison?"
"No." Liz objected to the way it was put. "Not exactly...that."
"How he reacted to them as opposed to you?"
Liz relaxed. "That's infinitely better, right?"
Susan straightened. "Where to begin."
"At the beginning." Daniel, his arm slung about Emma's slender shoulders, arrived on scene. "What did we miss?"
"Liz is worrying about Red's past indiscretions." Susan filled in the gaps gleefully.
"I am not!" Liz's mouth dropped open.
"Sure you are. All women do." Emma waved the issue aside. "I hate anyone this big lug has even looked at. I hope their earlobes fall off and their boobs sag to the floor."
Danny laughed down at the cute, little turned-up nose. "Don't even remember any other woman but you, baby. Mind's gone blank."
"And she don't think they take a very good picture." Susan used her best Texas drawl for that one, Liz noted with suppressed amusement.
"They all pale, Emmy." Daniel's tone softened. "The moment our eyes met, it was love at first sight."
"It was over a big plate of barbeque ribs." Susan kept her drawl. "But seriously, folks..." Her British accent was back. "This is a monumental moment in a new bride's life. Let us endeavor to treat it with the importance it deserves."
"We'll talk about it later." Liz whispered her mortification to the older woman.
"You are among friends, dear." Susan assured. "I recall the first time I met one of Red's paramours. It was in the were at Wimbledon...or was it Westcourt? It was one of those 'W' words...never mind. She was pretty in a sort of Martha's Vineyard's upper crust, old money way, right?"
Liz's attention was caught despite herself. "I didn't hear anything about that one."
They walked in silence a moment, enjoying the breezy day. Liz was on tenterhooks.
"I didn't know her either. But most of his women were pure bitches, in my humble opinion." Danny threw out his point of view.
"That is because you are unaccustomed to worldly, sophisticated females." Susan glanced at a suddenly pouting Emma. "Oh, please...you're as sweet as homemade apple pie. You don't have a bitch bone in your body."
"I can hold my own." Emma disagreed.
"You have a good right hook." Susan granted, which made Danny grin. "But Madeline Pratt would have you for tea, child."
"Oh, I've heard about her." Emma settled fast enough. "Is she a bitch, Danny?"
"The Queen of them all, honey." He nodded his assessment of the woman. "She made Natalia cry once." he recalled fondly.
"Madeline has her good points, but was simply not suited to be with Red Reddington, nor vice versa." Susan had long since decided. "You have to remember, Liz, most of these women were a mere diversion for your new husband. Something to fill the time between business dealings."
"What were they like?" Liz's curiosity was piqued. "I mean, really."
"Superficial. Fake. Two faced." Daniel rattled off, ticking it off on his thick fingers. Emmy hit his shoulder playfully.
"Oh, you." She teased. "You're funny."
"Tell me how you really feel..." Liz giggled, for there had been no hesitation on the man's part.
"They weren't pleasant people." Susan shrugged nonchalantly. "Most. But they were movers and shakers, savvy, self-made social climbers who looked amazing on a man's arm."
"I don't see how Red could stand to be around them, to be honest." Daniel added.
"They put out." Susan shifted a scolding glance. "Grow up, boy. And they know how to please a man in all areas required. Trust me."
"So do I." Emma piped up happily.
"You surely do, sweetcakes." Danny seconded that emotion.
"Points for you, angel." Susan's sweet smile brought a secret grin to Liz's lips.
"Well, I do." Emma assured.
"She does." Danny nodded agreeably.
"So..." Liz suddenly realized, "I must have been quite a letdown put beside such..."
"Vultures?" Danny helped out.
"There was something different about you." Susan lifted a thoughtful brow.
"Yeah." Liz scoffed. "I was totally without grace, unsophisticated...lacking in all the social graces?" She covered her face with mortified hands.
"Which made me reserve my judgement and you all know how judgmental I can be." Susan reminded.
"We were all watching and waiting." Daniel confided.
"For what?" Emma took offense for her friend. "For her to fall on her face?"
"No, baby, it wasn't like that." The man defended himself and his kind. "I liked her from day one."
"You did?" Liz's surprise was genuine.
"Yeah, you weren't aloof or snobby or any of that shit the others were." Daniel said earnestly. "You seemed down to Earth."
"Could it have been because... I was covered in mud?" Liz grimaced at the memory. That had been a hell of a first impression.
"While the others wouldn't be caught dead with a hair out of place," Daniel smiled fondly at Liz. "You... you're someone a guy could approach if he had a flat tire, knowing you would give him a lift into town if his jack was busted."
"You took the words right out of my mouth." Susan stated drily.
"No..." Daniel grimaced, then looked at the woman for assistance. "You know what I'm trying to say here, woman."
"Not only were they shallow, unfeeling creatures," Susan clarified, "… they were clingy." She muttered. "If Raymond needed to direct his attention elsewhere even for a slight moment, they would pout and carry on for days." she expressively rolled her eyes. "Even I felt for the guy after a while." She arched a shrew brow. "And you know my empathy button has been down for decades."
"It was fucking annoying." Daniel sighed heavily. "Couldn't get one free minute of Red's time without drama and hysterics."
"Well, Red is a very sought after man." Liz admitted. "I would imagine most women would perceive another female as a threat. And even males, to some extent."
"A little jealousy is fine." Emma explained patiently. "Even healthy, but when there is no trust whatsoever, there is a problem somewhere, if you ask me."
"They hung on Red like little leeches." Susan curled her nose distastefully. "I just assumed that was the kind of women he preferred at first."
"Liz, you were like a breath of fresh air, honey." Daniel confided.
"That one he brought, was it last year?" Susan clearly disliked even the thought of the female, if her expression was anything by which to judge. "I don't know how many times Michael restrained me from jumping over the table and strangling her."
"I had a bet riding on you." Daniel frowned over. "You failed me, woman."
"Michael reminded me...a true lady never strangles someone at the dinner table. They wait until there are no witnesses, like the well-brought up person I am." Susan explained her actions.
Daniel's brow furrowed. "Say...didn't that woman go missing along about a week into the festivities?"
"Reddington sent her home." Susan hurriedly replied. "She's home, safe...in Minnesota or Montana..."
"One of those 'M' states." Emma held her grin.
"She's home, end of discussion." Susan snapped.
"Calm down, little filly." Daniel's brows had disappeared into his hat line. "I believe you."
Susan drew in a deep breath. "Where's this horse's dick we're coming to see?" she glanced about aimlessly.
Liz shook her head, motioning the way. "That's not why we're here."
"It's why I'm here." Susan was pretty sure of her facts.
"What about Madeline?" Liz directed the conversation to safer subject matter...she hoped.
"Oh, Madeline wasn't so bad." Susan drawled at length. "Though, she did get hung up on the slightest little thing."
"You talking about that time Red forgot his check in call?" Danny grinned. "While he patiently explained a business meeting had gone on longer than expected, she ended the call, right in the middle of the conversation." He laughed. "You should have seen Red's face."
"He looked relieved to me." Susan said.
"What about that one that threw all his luggage over the railing?" Danny commiserated with the older female. "Then went off screaming across the fields, naked as the day she was born because he refused to leave the polo game, one of which his betting team was winning, just to take her to town."
"I think you were referencing Allison?" Susan nodded.
"Now, that was one crazy bitch." Daniel sighed his belief.
Liz's brows lifted. "This one sounds interesting."
"That was only one incident." Danny grinned. "She was a clusterfuck of crazy. Red kept her around just to see what she would do next, I think."
"Long story short," Susan stepped in. "Red made this lucrative business deal one night with a very beautiful woman. Nicest woman on the planet."
"Even Susan couldn't find anything wrong with her." Danny supplied cheerfully.
"Yeah, I hated that part." Susan snipped. "So along about midnight, the deal is sealed, right? Red leans over and innocently plants a kiss on this lady's cheek." She held her amusement with great difficulty. "Allison goes bat shit crazy, having seen the transaction from across the room."
"Things escalated and then... things got violent." Danny arched a meaningful brow.
"Red hit her?" Liz's blue eyes blinked their shock.
"Oh, hell no. It would take a lot, and I mean, a lot, for Red to belt a woman." Danny scowled. "Though, why he didn't whop this one upside the head, is anyone's guess."
"Danny!" Liz gasped. "I can't believe you just said that!"
"No, I have to agree." Susan waved the issue aside airily. "After the way this bitch went at him..." she smirked, "I was kind of hoping he would take her to task, perhaps even place weights around her feet and toss her psychotic ass in the lake... I may have even placed a bet or two on it."
"You're the one who suggested that for the betting pool?" Daniel grinned, looking at Susan in a whole new light.
"What do you mean...went for him?" Liz couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Slapped Red right across the face, cut a big gash in his cheek." Daniel showed the spot on his own scruffy cheek. "She got in some good licks before he had enough."
"You know," Emma realized, stroking her hand against Daniel's cheek, "you'd look good with a beard.
"Is that so?" Daniel grinned when Emma nodded enthusiastically. "I know I like a soft bush," the man dropped his eyes meaningfully. "I suppose I could return the favor." he muttered, nuzzling the giggling woman's neckline.
Liz's brow crinkled before returning her interest to the woman beside her. "So... what happened?"
"Dembe, the damned meddler, stepped in." Susan seemed deflated for the memory. "Spoiled everything."
"Red went up and packed his shit," Danny said, rejoining the conversation, "then got another room."
"He didn't leave?" Liz voiced her confusion.
"No, he stayed to play in the poker game," Daniel remembered. "Everything calmed down because when Dembe says, calm the hell down...you just better do it, I guess."
"Didn't mean Allison stopped trying to get back in his pants." Susan smirked. "Red's not Dembe's." she clarified. "She pulled out every stop in the book. I had to admire such tenacity."
"Did Red forgive and forget?" Liz hedged, unsure she wanted to know.
"No, he went stone cold silent when she came flitting around him the next day." Daniel's grin widened. "Things got even more interesting when Red turned away from her," he laughed at the memory, "then walked up to the woman he'd made the deal with the previous day... and kissed her right on the mouth...right in front of Allison's face."
Susan snorted quietly. "I thought Allison's head was going to explode."
Continuing down the long row of stalls, Liz waved at the stable hands, offering them a smile in passing.
"Turned out the business associate, the woman he kissed? She was nice. They were together for a while, but when the next year rolled around...we didn't see her again." Danny seemed sad.
"It was an amiable parting." Susan knew. "A rather poignantly sweet one. The woman went back to her husband."
"...Red hung with a surfer chick for a while afterwards." The young man filled in the blanks. "He...moved on."
"That's a polite way to put it." Susan applauded Danny's discretion.
"What'd you want me to say?" Daniel asked. "He forgot his troubles by fucking another woman? Geesh, Susan. This is his new wife here, remember? Have a little decorum."
"This from a rodeo cowboy yet." Susan held her amusement. "Decorum, my lily-white ass."
"Just off the top of anyone's head," Liz asked, trying very hard to ignore the pungent aroma of the stables. "Does anyone remember Red ever making use of any little pet names for any of these many, many...many paramours?"
"Want something to hold over his head, hum?" Susan got it.
"No, just..." Liz shrugged, "morbid curiosity, I suppose." she lied artfully.
"You mean like, sugar drawers?" Daniel frowned.
Laughing, Liz nudged the man's shoulder. "Maybe something a little less...colorful?"
"He called one the bane of his existence." Daniel brightened, his memory having come through for him in this instance.
Laughing brightly, Susan glanced at Liz. "Heard enough to calm your insecurities?"
Liz released an involuntary giggle. "That obvious, hum."
Susan placed a reassuring hand on Liz's shoulder. "You're the first one that I've spent time with, purposely." the woman stated blithely. "Or wanted to."
"What a sweet thing to say, especially for you, Susan." Liz was touched.
LIZZINGTON
"Now, if that's all that's needed," Red slapped his hands against his thighs, pushing his body erect, "I'm going to get back to my wife."
Glancing at the time, Red's brow furrowed. He had assumed Lizzy would have been awake by this time. Of course, he had awakened her frequently throughout the night to... perform her wifely duties, as it were.
Perhaps he should cut the woman some slack. Still, daylight was burning, and his cock was kinda anxious to sink into that nice, warm home it had frequented so often last night.
Needless to say, the man found himself very eager to get the woman alone and start their honeymoon getaway.
Mark was holding up a preemptive hand. "You said...what?" His tone alerted Red to a possible hitch in his plans for that getaway moment.
"We, uh," a tinny voice responded, "have a problem of sorts in the stables, sir."
Scowling, Mark handed Red the radio to operate as he grabbed his jacket.
"What sort of problem?" Slipping his arms through the sleeves, Mark's frowned deepened.
"Well, sir," the staff member responded, "there seems some kind of misunderstanding concerning a mare we originally owned."
Red stared at the radio in his hand, just wanting the guy to get to the issue at hand.
"A wife of a VIP is upset over the fact, a horse she knows personally...that's what the lady said, is not in the allotted stall." the man replied evenly. "I've tried to explain that several of the horses were sold enmasse the other day and this particular horse was one of that group."
Red exchanged glances with Mark, then straightened his frame. "What?"
"Oh, shit." Mark clearly now understood the parameters of the problem presenting itself. "I think he means Lizzy."
"Why would he mean Lizzy?" Was Red's next question.
"If you could come down here and explain, Mr. Donovan?" The employee's tone said it would be for the best.
"We'll be right there." Red spun on his heel, heading for the door with a reticent Mark Donovan close on his heels.
LIZZINGTON
Stepping into the paddock, Red's brows lifted with surprise when he realized the rather disconsolate voice he was hearing did indeed belong to his wife.
Lizzy was pissed, clear and simple, and not above voicing her displeasure, which was not like the woman at all, he also realized.
He quickened his footfalls, finally rounding a corner in the vast array of stables the grounds had to offer.
"I understand the horse is gone. I can clearly see the horse is gone." Exasperation was the order of the day, apparently. Lizzy was gesturing wildly to an imaginary animal frequenting the empty stall beside her. "My question to you is, where did the horse go? The more pressing matter, how do I get her back?"
She stepped toe-to-toe with the tall stable hand, who moved instantly back. "I love that horse, and if you've done anything to hurt her, I'm gonna have my gargantuan primate hurt you!"
Susan Fairfax was frowning her displeasure as well, Red noted. Daniel Courtland's burly arms were crossed, the young cowboy's scowl a fixed one. Emma was close to tears.
Whatever was going down was not good.
"Sweetheart," Red neared cautiously, catching everyone's attention, "something amiss here?"
Mark waved the stable hand aside. The man hastily took his leave with a look of gratitude on his face.
"Oh, Red!" Liz rushed to him, grasping at his hands. "Cleo isn't here!" She pointed to the empty stable. "Someone has taken her away. No one will tell me where!" She held the tears at bay. "But Caesar is still here!" She motioned to the male horse banging angrily against the wall of his stall. "He's so unhappy, Red, he needs her here. He needs that!"
Mark's head dropped, and he sighed heavily. "Elizabeth, I think I can clear up this misunderstanding up."
Red shifted a stern gaze the man's way. "Yes, Mark...why don't you do just that."
Mark stepped forward, his face resigned. "Cleo was shipped out yesterday morning. She was part of a purchase for a buyer in Virginia."
"Why was she shipped out? She was Caesar's mate. The names give that fact away, Mark!" Liz wailed anxiously.
Grimacing, Mark scratched his head apologetically. "Well, horses get bought, Liz. We are a working ranch. They bring in excellent money."
"But don't you see...that's why Caesar is so unsettled!" Liz's lip trembled. She soothingly reached for the horse, attempting to calm its ire. "It would be like... like your stable hands keeping you from Amanda!"
Mark's face softened. "I don't think that will ever happen, but I get your drift." He sought Liz out. "This is just one big misunderstanding."
"Please... fix this!" Liz's eyes filled with unshed tears. "You can fix it, can't you?"
Lifting placating hands, Mark stepped forward, his eyes focused on Elizabeth's. "I was unaware of your attachment, that this animal meant so much to you." he swore. "I promise to contact the present owner and see if he has room for Caesar. If not, I promise... I'll get Cleo back."
Nodding jerkily, Liz turned towards the horse, petting its snout lovingly. "We'll get her back, baby... I promise." She murmured, nuzzling the horse's neck. "Mark promised. Mark doesn't make promises he doesn't keep."
The remark touched the man in question.
"Give him some sugar." Susan held out a handful of the cubes. "Sugar always makes me feel better."
"Come on, old man." Daniel rubbed the horse's flank with a rough pat. "Hang in there. We'll get your little filly back in no time."
"Aww." Emma nuzzled the horse lovingly. "I love you, boy. Will I do in a pinch until your lady comes home?"
"It works on me." Danny teased with a gentle grin for his little filly.
Unobtrusively stepping aside, Red curtly gestured for Mark to join him. "What the hell were you thinking?" he whispered tightly.
"You said..." Mark stepped discretely to Red's side, his tone an annoyed one, "you wanted Cleo to be delivered to D.C."
"Cleo...Ceasar..." Red bickered right back, just as aggravated. "I had to actually say they were a pair?"
"One damned horse." Mark hissed. "One. Nothing was mentioned about the stallion, Red. Not one damned word." He whispered his dissension. "I'm not a freakin' soothsayer. Hell, I don't even know what that means!"
"Once I heard Richmond wanted her," Red muttered the reminder, "I thought you understood why I acted so quickly!" He bitched, then hastily adopted a pleasant smile when Lizzy looked mournfully his way.
Mark grimaced sheepishly.
Everyone knew Bob Richmond ran the most prestigious stables in the nation. The man had been chomping at the bit to get his hands on Cleo. She was a perfect brood mare for his farms, which was why Red had acted and pulled the rug from under the guy.
"You've been hanging out with Francis too damn long if the obvious flew right past you." Red grumbled irritably, then cursed quietly for his lack of forethought.
Perhaps he should have followed up and confirmed Mark understood the parameters of his request. Still, to be hit with this, before departing for their honeymoon?
"I'm not taking the fall for this one so close to my fucking honeymoon." Red whispered, his tone a bit on the cantankerous side. "Step up to the plate here! Help a guy out!"
"I did step up for you, dammit," Mark scratched rough fingers through his hair, "and now Lizzy's pissed at me."
"You'll survive!" Red snarled dangerously before blowing a kiss Lizzy's way. "I won't, dammit!" Taking a breath, he attempted to calm his ire, and okay... panic. "Look, I'll make it up to you." He vowed.
Grimacing once more, Mark scratched at his neck a moment too long in Red's estimation.
"Hello!" Red hissed. "Honeymoon!"
Mark drew in a deep breath. "Oh, all right! But you owe me... big time."
"Just get the damned animals together. I don't care how much it costs." Red smiled pleasantly over at a happier Elizabeth, who smiled warmly his way. "Fix this fiasco, and my cock will be eternally grateful to you."
Mark nodded reluctantly.
"Can we get this fixed by the time we return from the..."
"Oh, nothing like putting a time limit on me." Mark gave over a look. "No pressure there."
"I have complete faith in you." Red smiled placatingly.
"I swear to god, Red," Mark grumbled, waving the stable foreman over with a curt hand, "if Amanda catches wind of this... and there's hell to pay..."
"I assure you," Red assured, "I will stop Antonio from eviscerating you."
Stepping to the Lizzy's side, Red ran a soothing hand down her back as she continued to coo lovingly to the distressed animal. "I have complete faith in Mark's abilities, baby. He'll make it happen for Caesar."
Red watched the proceedings taking place over by the foreman's office. His own misgivings were a little more pronounced, truthfully. How could he have been so stupid as to not specifically state his wishes where the two horses were concerned.
Oh, well...one problem at a time.