SMOKE AND SILK
CHAPTER 3 - DUTIES AND DECEPTION
Pairing.| Dark!Tommy Shelby x fem!reader
Summary.|
At Arrow House, Tommy brings you to the boy who knows you as mama, beckoning you back to duties forgotten, but waiting patiently in the dark. As you care for Charlie, you don’t struggle to find your place. You slip into your role like a puzzle piece, even if you can’t remember how it ever fit.
The morning after brings more than just regret. As Eli plays the doting lover, a call from Tommy threatens to unravel everything. You begin to wonder how much longer you can keep this up.
Chapter warnings.| Dark!Tommy, dark elements, mind games, mental/emotional abuse, obsessions, possessive behaviour, implied drugging, controlling behaviour, stalker themes.
Word count.| 5.6k
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The manor was silent, neat and chilling. Tommy stood calmly as you turned your head slowly around the entrance, trying to regain as many memories as possible. But it was all the same from before, green walls, polished wood and priceless decors placed in a perfect position. Yet you struggled to piece how everything felt so disarranged.
A residence you hardly knew was now known as your home. A building with countless rooms for you to find comfort in. Many empty beds which would one day be expected for you to fill with children of your own, all holding the Shelby name.
Noticing how lost you were in thought, Tommy inhaled slowly. Taking off his cap and jacket, the help took it from him, Tommy’s foot stepped closer as he approached you from behind. You gasped as you sensed his presence, the scent of tobacco curled into your nose.
“Shall we go find Charlie?” Tommy asked, a soft smile on his lips.
You stuttered, wanting only to run — to your room, to lock the door, to disappear. But something deep in you compelled you to nod your head. Perhaps your past self, the spirit of the woman you didn’t know you turned into. Tommy gently reached for your hand, and led you to the staircase. He glanced over his shoulder and dismissed the staff with a wave.
Slowly, you climbed step by step, your mouth opening as you came to a sudden stop as you stared at the wall. A painting that confirmed your new life in this world, a life dedicated to Thomas Michael Shelby. Tommy’s eyes lingered on the portrait as well… admiring the painting, doting over his family. Reflecting on the process it took… the hours brought for the artist to perfectly get your features, even though he always knew it’d never compare to your beauty.
You searched for any sign of sadness in your eyes, pain in your lips. But you looked at ease. Charlie sat on both yours and Tommy’s lap. Tommy, of course, looked the same as always. Sharp, determined, and frosty, wearing a neat suit as per usual. Gulping, you looked away from the painting and hurried up the stairs.
His hand tightened around yours, guiding you down the hall until you reached the nursery. Giving you a gentle look, Tommy nodded his head and let the door creak open. A maid with light brunette hair sat in the middle of the room, with Charlie on the floor. Her eyes immediately shot to you both.
“Mr Shelby” the maid gasped lightly, Charlie distracted by the wooden toy train in his hand.
Tommy’s hands rested on your shoulder, lightly urging you to take a step inside. But you hesitated, little Charles now unrecognizable to you. The maid gathered Charlie’s attention, then pointed toward you. A wide, pure smile grew on his tiny lips.
“Mama!” Charlie cried, balancing onto his feet before he charged for you.
His body swaying from side to side, Tommy was certain he’d fall. You froze, the baby you cradled at night now a growing toddler, latching his tiny arms around you as he begged you to pick him up. Slowly, you reached down and picked him up, arms shaking as anxiety surged like crashing waves.
Charlie continued to cry your name, holding tightly onto you and burying his head in his chest. You cooed by his ear, caressed the back of his head as you bounced him on your hip. Tommy came up to you from behind, his breath close to your ear as he rubbed Charles' heated cheek.
“There, there Charles. Mama is home” Tommy declared, sending chills down your spine.
You sniffled and blinked away the forming tears before Tommy could notice. The maid blinked her eyes towards you and cleared her throat. Tommy’s eyes shot towards her and he clicked his tongue.
“Go tend in the kitchen Ruth, ensure Eric is preparing something for us” Tommy rolled his shoulders back.
“Yes Mr Shelby” Ruth replied quietly, hurrying to her feet.
You stared at Ruth, her features unrecognizable to your fractured mind... she must have started after you arrived. Locking eyes with one another, you could see the fear in her eyes. But you blinked, believing the forced suspicion in your puzzled mind, She hesitated to speak, the first syllable of your name echoing through the air before she came to a sudden stop. “Mrs Shelby” she corrected, Tommy’s eyes followed her to the door. Letting herself out of the room, the door shut behind her.
Staring at the closed door momentarily, Tommy turned his eyes back to you. His desperate hands urged him to wrap them around your body, the figure he’d missed so dearly. As his hands reached out into the air surrounding you, you took a sudden step forward.
“He’s grown so much” you commented, smiling at Charlie as he looked up to you. “Let’s play?” you asked, sitting yourself down on the carpet, desperate to reclaim any memory this room might offer.
Tommy shook off the urge to light another cigarette and sat on the floor close to you. Both of you sat there quietly, spoke a few words to one another as Charlie picked up toy after toy. Keeping your attention on Charlie, you could still feel Tommy’s eyes linger onto you from behind.
Charlie quickly grew restless as lunchtime neared. As you felt your stomach growl, there was a gentle knock on the door. “Come in” Tommy said.
Mary appeared, smiling softly down to you all. “Lunch is prepared Mr Shelby” she announced.
Tommy nodded and dismissed her. “Are you hungry my boy?” Tommy asked, reaching his hand towards Charlie’s head to scuffle his hair. Charlie whined out and stood onto his two feet. “Hungry, my darling?” he continued, widening the corners of his lips with a closed smile.
You quietly nodded, sitting up onto your knees and weakly holding your arms out to Charlie. But Tommy picked him up instead, soothing by his ear as he grew reckless for food. Sitting him up on his right hip, Tommy held out his hand for you once more, you reluctantly took it.
The nursery room door closed, Charlie’s toys remained scattered over the carpet.
BEFORE
The morning after crawled in through the window like a thief — pale light spilling across the disheveled sheets, the taste of ash still on your tongue. The new reality pounding against your skull. Guilt and regret churned in your stomach, thick and sour, twisting tighter with each breath.
You barely made it to the bathroom before collapsing beside the toilet, clutching the cold bowl as your body lurched forward. Each dry heave scorched your throat, leaving tears burning in your eyes. But the shame stayed buried in you.
A quiet shuffle behind you. Then…
“Good morning, my love”
Eli’s voice was too loud for the early hour, tone soaked in amusement. He crouched behind you, gently sweeping your hair back with one hand, the other roaming up and down your back, leaving a trail of goosebumps.
You clung to the bowl like it was the only solid thing in the world, your shoulders trembling, lips wobbling.
“What’s wrong with you, eh?” Eli chuckled. “You drank half as much as me, and I’m right as rain”
“They sell cheap gin” you rasped, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand, pushing yourself up on shaky arms.
“Aye, Tom started brewing it himself” Eli grinned. “Don’t let him hear you say that”
You didn’t respond, just staggered back toward the bed. The hotel room was still dim, curtains half-drawn against the rising sun, the air stale with smoke and perfume. You collapsed face-down into the sheets, turning your face toward the wall — away from him, away from the memories still flashing in your mind like a broken film.
Eli followed with a glass of cold water, sitting on the edge of the bed. He rested a warm hand on your upper arm, rubbing small circles into your skin. The water is placed on the bedside table.
“Am I going to have to play doctor today?” he whispered, smiling wide.
“I can take care of myself” you mumbled, voice muffled by the pillow.
“No, no…” he mused. “Haven’t seen you like this since… ever” he acknowledged.
His fingers traced your bare shoulder, slow and deliberate. A pause.
“You’re meant to see Thomas” you muttered, silently cringing at the thought.
“Thomas?” he repeated slowly, left eyebrow raised. “You two on full-name terms now?”
A split second went by.
“Sorry — Tommy” you corrected.
“Mmm” Eli hummed thoughtfully, a hint of amusement in his voice. “I’ll call his office and cancel” he glanced at you with a soft smile, though there was a firmness beneath it. “You need to eat something,” he added, sweet but commanding.
“No. I need to sleep” you opposed.
“Food is good” he said, entirely unbothered.
There was an instant silence.
You heard the clatter of the rotary dial as he reached for the phone on the bedside table. You peeked at him through half-lidded eyes — too casual, too composed, as if none of this lingered in him the way it did in you.
Of course none of it did, he was blinded. You were keeping him in the dark, it was only a matter of time until Tommy showed him the light. He was already plotting your exile, you were certain about it.
“‘Ello, just need some room service” he said, soft and smooth. “Breakfast for two — aye, that sounds lovely… Mhm. Perfect, thank you, darling. Champagne? Think we’ll skip that today” he chuckled, squeezing your hip.
He hung up and looked down at you with that same crooked smile.
“Doctor’s orders” he shrugged gently.
It was quickly followed with another sequence of the rotary dial turning. Eli held the receiver to his ear, tapping his fingers on his bare knee as he awaited.
“Ah yes, this is Elias Walsh speaking… My, my — is that you, Lizzie? How are you today?” Eli grinned, his tone light but with an edge that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
A soft, enthusiastic hum followed, but his gaze stayed distant as he glanced out the window at the grey sky.
“Good, good” he murmured smoothly. “It’s nice to be back home. Is Tom in?” He tapped his fingers lightly on the windowsill, eyes narrowing just slightly.
A pause stretched on the line.
“Ah, shame” Eli sighed faintly. “Please tell him something’s come up… We’ll see him tomorrow” His smile tightened, a shadow flickering across his face.
He shifted slightly toward you, then back to the receiver. “Will you be going to the races too, Lizzie?”
Another pause, then a quiet reply.
“Ah… another shame” Eli’s eyes flickered with something unreadable, before he added softly,
“Suppose I’ll see you next time I’m in. Bye, Lizzie. Have a lovely day”
He ended the call with a soft click, fingers lingering on the receiver for a moment before he set it down carefully.
Eli kissed your temple, soft and deliberate, like you might shatter if he pressed too hard. Your breath caught as his warmth sank into you. His thumbs brushed your arms, coaxing you toward the water glass, gentle but firm.
You drank the water, gulping hard as your stomach growled. Eli laid beside you — in silence — as the sun’s warmth blissed into the room. His eyes never left you, as you focused your sight at a random spot.
You didn’t eat much — you couldn’t. Not that Eli ever expected you to. He happily tucked into his meal, stealing a good portion of yours too. Even the water felt like it was going to come back up. He gulped down his coffee as if it was stone cold.
All you could do was sit still, focus on your breaths and try to clear your rattling mind.
The sun hid behind the clouds and smoke, the curtains opened as Eli looked down at the rusting city. A stern expression locked on as he observed the working men walking below him.
He tidied up, ran a warm bath for you, filled with lavender. Rubbing his hands together, he approached you. A smile so innocent, yet something else… It made your chest tighten — just by an inch.
Reaching out for you, you allowed him to pick you up. The behind of your knees locked in one arm and your shoulder blades in the other. Carrying you to the ensuite, Eli gently dropped you to your feet, the cold tiles prickled at your skin.
Stripping your clothing like you were a delicate flower, Eli held out his hand for you as you stepped into the warm water. A breath of ease echoed out as you sunk in. Your eyes squeezed shut as your body relaxed in its embrace.
But even as the lavender wrapped around your skin, your thoughts slid somewhere else. A flicker—barely conscious—of different hands helping you, a different voice calling you 'love'. The weight of someone else behind your closed eyes. And it wasn’t Eli. It was Tommy. Shamefully Tommy.
Eli’s hands held onto the waistband of his briefs when the phone rang.
Both of you looked out of the ensuite.
The continuous ringing filled the room.
A moment of hesitation from the both of you.
“Just a minute… my love” Eli said quietly.
His footsteps echoed softly as he stepped out of the ensuite. The door creaked shut behind him, and the phone kept ringing, sharp and insistent. He hesitated for a heartbeat, then picked up with a low, clipped tone.
“Elias Walsh speaking” he said — voice drained of all warmth.
From the other side of the door, muffled voices — sharp, tense — bled through the walls. Eli’s brow furrowed with every word. His jaw tightened until it looked like it might crack, shoulders locking rigid.
“Relax, Tom. Just relax, will you? Still drunk, are we?”
You caught the edge of a laugh — cold, almost bitter — before his voice turned sharper, frustration biting through. His footstops crept under the door as he paced back and forth.
“She’s not feeling well, Tom. I’m not leaving her cooped up here all day in a city she doesn’t know”
Eli’s tone held warning — that unmistakable mix of threat and disappointment.
You listened, silent. They knew each other too well. You could hear it in the rhythms of the call — the coded hostility, the unspoken history. But Eli didn’t hear the shift in Tommy’s tone last night. He didn’t see the way his eyes had locked on you like a wolf spotting a mark. Eli might understand Tommy the soldier, the businessman, the ruthless gangster… But not Tommy with you. Not with the woman who uncovered him, for a glimpse of time.
“I’m not your dog, Tom”
Correct, you thought. But maybe you don’t know the invisible collars everyone wears in this city.
A short beat.
“Then quit barking at me like one”
He pressed harder now, his voice thick with disdain.
“Just because you don’t give a damn about women doesn’t mean I’m thoughtless too. I’ll see you tomorrow. That’s final”
The call ended with a sharp snap. Eli dropped the receiver back into its holder and ran a hand through his hair. He stared at the mirror as he needed to pull himself back together.
His chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths.
Rolling his neck, he stepped to the door, and pushed it open.
The smile he’d worn earlier had vanished — replaced by something colder. There was anger in his eyes, but he buried it well.
He stepped before you, quiet.
“You can still go” you said softly. “I don’t need you to stay”
Saying it felt like opening a fresh wound—painful and raw. You wanted to stop the words before they left your mouth, but they slipped out anyway. It was like offering the knife to inevitably cut open your heart.
“Nonsense” Eli scoffed. “Tom thinks this is his city. Thinks he makes the rules. I’m the only one not afraid to challenge that”
You almost pitied him. Because the city wasn’t the prize here. Tommy’s power ran deeper, harder to trace — a kind of leverage you hadn’t learned to see yet. But you could feel its weight, pressing down on everything, especially in the way he looked at you… Like you were already a part of a game you hadn’t agreed to play.
“You told me it was his city”
“Yes, but we’re partners” he replied. “I won’t bow to him”
You wondered about their friendship. But then you remembered — it was tied up with business. And business always pulled the worst out of people. It twisted loyalties, blurred lines, and bred a quiet kind of wariness beneath even the closest smiles. Between Tommy and Eli, there were debts unpaid and secrets kept, things spoken in half-truths and silence. You could see how the weight of it all pressed on them, shaping every glance and every word.
It wasn’t just friendship—it was a delicate, dangerous balance, and you were caught right in the middle, like a lamb wandering between two wolves, neither of whom would hesitate to tear you apart if it served their purpose.
You were awaiting a pair of fangs, or more.
“It sounds like you don’t even like him” you commented.
Eli laughed under his breath.
It was always difficult, the two of them working side by side — both too proud, too hungry for control. Every decision felt like a quiet battle, every glance a contest of will, every task had to be executed perfectly otherwise they risked being told about their room for improvement.
“He’s a bastard. Always has been. But so am I — I suppose. But we’re bound by blood — and blood keeps you close, even when you’d rather cut the vein”
His mind drifted, to the trenches, to the dirt, to the undergrounds of France. The echoes of their fallen comrades running down his eardrums. The promises shed between one another, the boundaries crossed to keep each other alive, the pain they endured together. He blinked once, twice, thrice. Pulling him back.
You spoke no words, but he noticed how tight his grip was on your thighs. Too tight. After a beat, he let go.
You didn’t flinch. Just reached for his hands, gently. You always knew when the ghosts were clawing at him. Somehow, every time, you pulled him back.
Wanting to cut through the heaviness, he searched for lighter air.
“This trip’s not all business, remember? I still owe you that walk to the bridge…” He reached for your hand. “So you’d better be feeling good soon, darling”
AFTER
You watched the way Sarah, one of the maids, stared at Tommy as she served him his supper. Her wide eyes and agape mouth went unnoticed by him as she got as close as she was professionally allowed to do. The exact way she acted when she cleared the table after lunch. He focused on his cigarette, blowing the smoke in the other direction to keep the smoke away from Charlie.
“Do you always smoke in front of him?” you asked, looking down to the young Shelby that sat on your lap.
“Here and there” Tommy replied, taking in a deep inhale as if he knew what your next sentence will be.
“I don’t think it’d be good for his lungs” you pointed out.
“Suppose you’re right” he immediately agreed, pressing his cigarette out into the ashtray beside him.
He looked down to his meal, Tommy hardly ate, that much you could remember from before. He merely preferred to watch, often using restaurants as a setting to organise business meetings. But today, he made a difference for you.
Blinking at the plate full of roast lamb, a variety of vegetables, a slice of sourdough bread covered in gravy, he cut the meat and took a mouthful of delicious food he hardly indulged himself in. You smiled softly, helping Charlie take a bite of his mashed potatoes.
“Let me feed him, love. You need to eat too” Tommy said, looking over to your untouched plate.
“He’s comfortable” you sighed, your eyes growing tired over an exhausting day of hardly doing anything.
Finishing the food in his mouth, Tommy scooted the wooden chair back and slipped out from the table.
“Come on Charlie, come to dada” Tommy instructed, holding out his hands for his son as he stood beside you.
Charlie reached out for his father, you exhaled and looked down to your meal. Your stomach still felt extremely small, your appetite hidden in the shadows. The Doctor urged you to eat even if your mind didn’t desire it, but he didn’t tell you how hard it could be from time to time.
Slowly, you took small bite after small bite. Tommy’s eyes moved from Charlie to you as he kept him on his knee. His small hands played with his food, Tommy tutted but allowed his child to explore his capabilities.
“A few more bites, darling” Tommy ordered kindly.
Your cheeks turned a shade of red as you stared at your food, you could hardly finish your lunch earlier. This felt like too much to achieve. The plate was still over half full, a part of you thought you’d be here all night. A few bites later, you placed the metal cutlery down and looked over to Tommy.
“Come on son, let’s let you in the bath” Tommy stood up.
You followed after him, the maids entered on your way out. Locking eyes with Sarah, your brows furrowed as you tried to remember your interactions with her. But she hardly spoke to you, seemed to ignore you at every chance. She forced her attention ahead, and helped clear the table.
The two of you bathed Charlie, small sounds of laughter left both of your lips as Charlie splashed his arms continuously in the water. The tiles under your knees now warm, sleeves rolled up to elbows, hair damp from the splashes of bathwater from Charlie’s wild delight.
“Enough, you little rascal” Tommy ordered through a smirk.
Of course, Charlie didn’t. He cupped the water in his little hands before letting it run over the rim. You sighed, the water soaking immediately into your fabric.
“He likes the lavender soap” Tommy said quietly, his voice low enough that it felt like it was meant only for you.
You glanced at the bottle sitting by your hip, the label worn and soap nearly empty. “Did I use this before?”
There was a pause. Just enough to notice the flicker in his eyes.
“You did” he said finally. “Said it helped him sleep”
You nodded, even though you didn’t remember. It was easier that way, to let the rhythm of the moment guide you instead of the questions pressing behind your ribs. Just for tonight though, to keep the high tide of emotions deep in the sea of your clouded mind.
Tommy dipped a hand into the water and rubbed it gently over his son’s curls. The boy leaned into the touch, familiar and safe.
“He’s always happier when you’re here” Tommy murmured. “You were good with him. Still are” he corrected.
You weren’t sure how to answer that. Instead, you leaned forward, gently rinsing the soap from the boy’s arms as he giggled and splashed at your fingers. You shook off his implications, the path he was trying to already walk you down. He still owed you answers, no matter how much he wanted to avoid them.
Tommy watched the two of you with a stillness that made your skin prickle, not threatening, just... observant. Almost reverent towards you. For a moment, it felt like this was real. Like you had always belonged here, knees on tile, child between you, and Tommy beside you in silence. Fulfilling the vows you’d made for him. But then you remembered how those vows were supposed to be for Eli, and your stomach turned.
Still, you smiled for the boy. Because he was real. His laugh was real. And that was enough of a distraction to keep everything at bay. The adoration you remembered for him was still there, the only person, memory in this house that made you smile, feel at peace.
You noticed a fresh scar just below Tommy’s neck. Thin, red, and not quite healed.
“What happened?” you asked.
He brushed his fingers over it like he’d only just remembered.
“Just a business deal gone bad, my love” he said, too lightly. Too rehearsed.
You mouth opened to ask more, but Charlie squealed just then — a handful of bubbles popping in his face.
Tommy chuckled, leaning in. “Oi, little rascal”
And just like that, the moment passed. Your mind drifted.
Shortly after, Tommy pulled Charlie from the bath, the water dripped as you hurried to wrap a towel around him. Changing him into his nightwear, Tommy was indeed true to his word. The child cried as soon as you laid him down in the darkness.
You held Charlie tight in your arms, soothing a lullaby into his ear as Tommy leant by the wall beside you. Admiring how you still were with children after everything, most importantly, his child, your Charlie. As Charlie’s cries died down, Tommy silently appeared behind you, gently stroking his son’s cheek as he fell into a deep slumber.
“Finally” you whispered, leaning into the crib to place him down. The both of you left in silence, Tommy clicked the door shut.
The security of Charlie was now gone, you were alone with Tommy. It was hard to look him in the eyes as you held your shivering hands.
“Did you want to stay up, my love? Maybe read a book while I work?” Tommy offered, accompanied by a hopeful smile.
“I’m tired, Tommy” you declined, voice weak. Looking down as a yawn came out of you. He read your expression, letting the silence dance around you.
“Let’s get you to bed then” he replied.
But you weren’t led to your room, it was his room. At least that’s all you remembered it to be. Your eyes scanned around the large bedroom, the curtains drawn shut and fire dancing away. You felt your stomach ache, Tommy casually walked through and poured himself a drink.
“Tommy” you spoke, he looked back at you. “I can’t sleep in here” you stated, looking to the floor. He stood there silently, drink in hand as he slowly nodded his head. “I don’t feel comfortable enough, please understand” you begged, feeling pathetic, your eyes twitching with tears.
“Of course, get dressed, I’ll prepare your old room” Tommy assured, rubbing his hand over yours.
Leaving you alone, you exhaled, shaking your head at how timid you felt to be back here at Arrow House. Forcing yourself into the wardrobe, you dragged your fingertips over the variety of items hung up. Many pieces seemed to be untouched. Countless of styles you’d never dare to wear. Colours you hated and styles you thought were clearly out of fashion.
You found your sleepwear and changed quickly, fearful he’d walk back in at any moment. Tying the robe tightly around your figure, you hurried down the hall, the warm lights leading you towards him. The door was open, he was on his knees as he placed pieces of wood into the rising fire. His drink of whiskey is empty on the side table.
Approaching you, Tommy took your hands in his, looking you dead in the eye. You shuddered, feeling defenseless with him.
“I’ll have Ruth bring you some tea, it’ll help you sleep, put your mind to ease” he whispered, brushing a piece of hair behind your ear.
“Thank you Tommy” you whispered, forcing a small smile at him to keep him happy.
A gentle kiss was placed to your forehead, you shivered at his cold lips. Leaving you in solitary, the door clicked shut, you sat on the bed and finally let your tears break free.
Bee-lining to his office in a hurried pace, Tommy called out Ruth’s name. The office door flung open as he strode into the room, heading straight to his desk. Ruth scurried in, rolled her shoulders back and clamped her hands behind her back.
“Mr Shelby” she answered, trying to keep her heaving at a low from her sudden dash.
Opening his top desk draw, Tommy pulled out a small wrapped package. Ripping it open, he stared at the clear bag of herbal tea in his hand. Holding it up to the light, he inspected the purple substance, his face stern and eyes intimidatingly wide. Ruth’s eyes narrowed as she observed him.
“Mrs Shelby needs some tea. Brew her this, check on her in an hour” Tommy instructed, taking long steps towards his worker.
Holding out the bag, Ruth inspected it, daring to look him up in the eye. “What is it, Mr Shelby?” she questioned, her curiosity got the better of her.
Letting his arm drop a few inches before she could grab it, his brow cocked, blue eyes narrowed as he stared at her. Ruth could feel her heart thump against her chest as he allowed the silence to frighten her.
“Lavender” he clicked his tongue, shaking the bag for her to grab ahold of it.
Taking the item, Ruth rushed out of the room and followed his orders. Carrying up the cup of hot tea, she gave a few gentle raps before opening the door. The tears on your cheeks were clear from the doorway, you sniffled and wiped your face dry.
Following clear, strict orders before your arrival, she kept her mouth shut unless necessary. The fine china clinked on the bedside table, she gave you a soft smile.
The scent pulled you in, warm and floral. But something inside you held still. A thread pulled tight in your chest — not fear, not exactly. Just tension, sharp and shapeless.
“Mrs Shelby” she whispered, nodding her head before departing.
You looked over to the tea, the steam twirled above the cup, the smokey notes whispering sweet nothings through your senses. You picked up the cup, letting its heat warm your scared hands. Breathing in the scent, you felt the calming, peaceful and soothing effects already make an effort on you. You took a small sip, awaiting it to cool down enough to indulge its herbal bite.
Tommy sat at his desk, staring directly at the clock. Watching the arms progress around the circle, over and over again. Only waiting for the small hand to complete a full run. Cigarette after cigarette, drink after drink, Tommy’s hands impatiently tapped on the wooden top. His mind growing desperate, body turning reckless.
As an hour had passed, Tommy hopped to his feet and walked out of his office. On perfect timing, he watched Ruth climb the staircase, his footsteps silent, appearance unnoticed as he followed behind her. Ruth slipped into your room, Tommy leant on the wall beside the wall as he waited. He lit another cigarette and took a deep drag.
You laid motionless in bed, the cup empty with the herbal remains left cold at the bottom of the china. Your eyes squeezed shut, arms wrapped tightly around a pillow as small sounds left your lips. Counting silently, you breathed in and out, she approached your side and picked up the glass, followed by flicking off the lamp.
She took cautious steps back towards the door, hell barely touching the carpet in fear of any creaks waking you. But you didn’t move, she gave you one last look and slipped out of the room, soundlessly shutting the door behind her.
A gasp left her lips as she heard Tommy’s foot step behind her, his cigarette in between his lips. Tommy frowned slightly down at her, slowly, he raised his hand to pull the cigarette out of his lips, blowing the smoke directly over her face.
“I hope Mary didn’t forget to remind you of your role” Tommy hummed, leaning his head an inch closer to her. Ruth didn’t dare to say a word. “You’re the help, not her friend. I kept you here to make sure she stays comfortable. I hope you don’t make me regret that decision” Tommy continued, his words dripping of threat. Ruth gulped, keeping her chin up as his eyes inspected her. Her limbs trembled below him. “You’re dismissed, you’ve had a long day” Tommy dismissed her, a smirk crept on his lips.
She took shaky steps down the carpet, but looked over her shoulder as she heard the door crept open again. Freezing in her steps, she watched Tommy peep his head through the crack. His recently lit cigarette now pressed into the carpet. Like clockwork, he turned his head towards Ruth.
“Why are you going in there?” she spoke in hushed tones, but he heard her loud and clear.
“Don’t stress about it, I’m her husband… Remember?” Tommy challenged, the smirk on his lips turning wicked. “Go to bed Ruth… That’s an order” Tommy spoke firmly, before slipping into your bedroom below Ruth could utter another word.
Taking soundless steps, Tommy navigated his way through the dark. Dropping his knees onto the carpet, he held onto your hand and pressed his chest into the edge of the bed. He gently kissed your hand, trailing the kisses up your arm.
Leaning over you now, he caressed your heated cheek, you murmured in your sleep.
“Only remember the good memories, my darling” he whispered. His breath trembled slightly as he spoke. “Only remember our love”
