#thomashelby

Inspired by the song Silence - by Marshmello feat Khalid. 

In a world where the threat of gangsters is impossibly high. Anastasia Adler finds herself thrusted into their life of criminal activity, killings and racketeering. All for the love of one man who makes her feel at peace in the wake of violence.

KEEPER OF MY HEART - CHAPTER 2

Well… I survived.

Actually, more than that. I feel at home already. 

I glance over at the clock as the last of the men stumble their way out of the pub. I smile to myself as I hear them singing and laughing with each other, all the way down the street. Happy customers. 

I poured the beer. I made sure there were no fights. Nothing was damaged or broken. I made chatted with the men and women, making them laugh as I tried to make sure I left my best impression on them. Incase the Shelby’s wanted to ask around about what people thought of me. 

I felt like I had found my feet after only one night, but the relief doesn’t last long.

I know I haven’t gotten the job yet. In fact, the Shelby’s could walk in here right now and thank me for my time before sending me on my way. I try to push the thought of homelessness or having to clean peoples houses for a living out of my mind as I count up the last of the till. This is all I know. This is what I’m good at. I need this job.

I sweep and mop the floors, and wipe down all the surfaces, making sure everything is neat and tidy. 

A peace of my heart has fallen in love with the Garrison already. 

Earlier in the night, John Shelby and some of the younger Shelby boys and their friends had stopped in for drinks. It was Saturday night after all. The boys were hitting the town. They had their own private room, and I made sure they were tended to like kings. I was fast and discreet, remembering their orders and topping them up with fresh glasses any time they ran out before they even had to ask. 

My only reassurance, is when John pulled me aside just before 11pm.

“Zoe, right?” He had asked me, as he joined me behind the bar and started helping me pour beers during a busy rush. 

“You’re good at this, you know, like really good” He had smiled at me “Tommy told me to stop by-“

“To make sure I hadn’t burned the place down yet?” I joke, earning a laugh. 

“I’m putting in a good word for you, I just want you to know that” he touches my shoulder reassuringly “Maybe it’s that I’m younger, more with the times than the others, but I think you would be good for the place. Bring some life back in here”

I smile at him warmly, turning my attention away from the beers I was pouring to make sure I have him my full presence. Him doing me this favour means more to me than he could imagine. Everything is riding on this. Ever since I gave up my fathers pub, I’ve felt so lost. Just one night at the Garrison and I feel like I’m back in my element. More than needing money, I think I need this job for my sanity. 

“So you’re the softie of the Shelby’s huh?” I grin, handing him a beer “That means a lot to me John. Thank you” I add sincerely. 

“See you tomorrow then hey” he smiles back, heading back to the others. 

I knew from that moment that John and I would be friends. Similar in age. And he had looked out for me when the rest were ready to dismiss me at first glance. He even reminded me of my own brother. 

Smiling to myself at the thought of the exchange with John, I head over to the front doors to lock them and close up for the night. 

Right as I reach up to close the latch at the top of the door, it suddenly swings open. 

And there he is. Thomas Shelby. 

I take a few steps backwards, moving out of his way. 

Like earlier in the day, he looks me up and down before giving me a firm nod. I guess that was his way of greeting me. So much for “hello”. 

He brushes past me, and begins to make a lap around the empty Pub. It takes me a few seconds to realise he’s examining the place. Checking that nothing is out of order. I clasp my hands behind my back, wringing them tightly. I don’t want him to see my nerves. 

“The till is balanced, place is clean, everyone is gone and safe and everything is prepped for tomorrow” I inform him, but he barely even notices. Despite my reassurance, he makes his way behind the bar to check that the money is all in order. 

“I didn’t steal anything, before you ask” I say, slightly offended that he won’t take my word that I can manage the pub. 

He counts the money in silence, and takes one last look around the Pub before finally turning to me. 

When his eyes meet mine, they’re just as piercing as they were 12 hours ago when we first met. Something about them makes you stand still, frozen. They are crystal clear blue, but it is still impossible to read him. To know what is about to come out of his mouth. 

“Good. You didn’t burn the place down”

Seriously.

Any nerves I had fall away, as I am overcome with frustration. That is all he has to say to me? Is he embarrassed that I proved him wrong?

“Thank you is generally the word that people go with” I retort.

“Thank you” he replies condescendingly, almost mocking me. 

I sigh. I expected a lot of things. But I didn’t expect him to literally send me on my way without even giving me a fair chance. 

“What’s it going to take?” I ask, exasperated. I’m tired. I’ve just worked all night. I’m beyond entertaining this man any longer “Just tell me what I have to do?”

But he doesn’t speak. Of course he doesn’t. He just studies me. It’s like I can see his brain ticking. 

Until I get an idea.

“You know what. Sit down. I’m making you a drink” 

“No,” he interrupts her immediately “I have to go and-“

“Come on,” I cut him off, with nothing left to lose “Appease me” 

He takes a deep breathing, looking up to the ceiling as if he’s trying to gather patience “Fine. One drink” 

I burst into a wide grin, feeling like I have a chance again. With a spring in my step, I make my way around the bar, concocting the same drink I used to make for my father. 

When I place it down in front of him, he examines it, a disapproving look on his face. 

“Oh come on I didn’t poison it”

“Not funny” he shakes his head, before bringing it to his lips hesitantly. 

He takes a sip. And another. And another. 

I got him.

He finishes the drink, and I smirk, waiting for him to admit that it was good. 

“Okay so you can make a drink” I dismisses me, unimpressed. 

This man is something else. I can’t pick him. 

“Alright” I shake my head, giving up “Just tell me what you’re thinking”

He pauses “I don’t know if I trust you”

“I’m not asking to run your business” I reassure him “I’m asking to pour beer so I can afford somewhere to live”

“Well I don’t know anything about you” he retorts “I need to know who I’m letting into this family”

“You haven’t asked me anything” 

He opens his mouth to reply, but closes it again. He knows I’m right. 

“You’ve only jumped to conclusions about me. So go on, what do you want to know? I’m an open book” 

He shakes his head, taking less time in between replying now. Like I’ve gotten him fired up and his normally carefully crafted responses are getting hastier. 

“I don’t want to know your favourite colour, I want to know that you don’t have ulterior motives” He reveals. 

“I do” I reply shortly “Who doesn’t?”

He glares at me.

“I want to live in the country. I want to save my money and buy a place. I want to live comfortably. I want to work and be treated like an equal. This may come as a shock to you, but I have no idea who you are and who your family is. I moved here one week ago. The only jobs going are for nanny’s and maids. I saw the ad. I put my name down because I’m good at this. And I don’t want to clean someone’s house for a living. So there…” I pause, letting my words sink “Not everyone has sinister motives you know”

And for the first time, he’s looking at me like he’s actually listening. Like he doesn’t have anything else to say. I search his face, trying to find some kind of indication. Did I go too far? Did I cross a line? 

“And it’s purple” I add, trying to lighten the mood “My favourite colour is purple”

And all of a sudden, he laughs. Okay, maybe it was more of a scoff. But it is the most emotion I’ve seen on his face all day. 

He shakes is head at me, like he’s astonished that I won’t give up. 

“Lot’s of business goes down here. You do not utter a word of it to anyone” He says seriously, his face turning grave and serious. 

“I get paid to listen, not to talk” I nod.

He nods back, and then, he holds a hand out. 

Oh my god. He’s offering me the job.

I quickly take his hand, shaking it firmly to try and show confidence. 

With that, he heads back towards the doors that he came in.

“See you tomorrow, Boss” I call out to him, unable to contain my excitement.

pairing: tommy shelby x reader

summary: tommy does everything to find you, but all his tries stay unsuccessful, until he meets you a few years later by coincidence

warnings: angst, curse words

part 1 part 3

authors note: thank you all so much for your support, i‘m so glad you liked part 1 so i hope you will enjoy part 2 as much <3 love you 💌 also you can text me or comment on my posts to be added to my taglist <3 and if you have anything in your mind, feel free to request!!!🤍 charlie, his son btw doens’t exist in this story

taglist: @itscheybaby @lenaskyler02 @dopeqff

tommy sat in his big leather chair, looking around the book stuffed walls of his office. he could not bring hisself to distract him with all the papers in front of him, wich were waiting to be filled out. in the last months tommy tried everything to find you. he contacted all your friends, your family even the old man who owned the little bookshop, you would sometimes spend hours in, if you maybe recently had stopped by to ask for any new books. but there was no trail to be find wich would lead to you. his hands were on his temple, while taking advantage of the calmness spreading through the arrow house to think once a again about your location.

tommy had left grace after he found out about the truth and told her, just like she did to you, that he would give her a taste of her own medicine if she ever showed up here again.

tommy rushed through the big doors of the arrow house. francis came into the hall to take his coat and put it in the wardrobe for him, but he told her off and hurried up the stairs quickly. he entered the bedroom to face his wife. grace looked up from her dressing table and a wide smile hushed across her face as soon as she saw tommy. „you are back so early i th-“ she started but stopped quickly as she saw the death stare in tommy‘s eyes. her smile fell and she looked confused. „what happened? you look at me like i killed somebody“ grace asked now raising to her feet.

tommy signed deeply, before approaching her slowly. „well grace, emotionally you did.“ he said now standing in front of her. she looked even more flustered. „tommy, what do you mean?“ grace asked. he looked at her for a few moments, before giving the answer for his behavior away. „you know curly was at the stables and he surprisingly told be, that you choked y/n nearly to death. on our wedding day.“ grace‘s face fell. tommy could see the shock in her eyes but he was even more shocked, as he heard what grace said next.

„tommy, she looked at you like she was the bride and you were the groom on my own wedding! i know you guys know each other for a while but we all knew at some point you had to make a decision. her or me, and since i‘m your wife i made that decision for you, as it concerns me as much.“ she said now turning around again to sit at her dressing table and fix her hair, thinking the conversation was over, as tommy grabbed her wrist.

„everybody warned me about you, but i was so blind i couldn‘t see how you hurt me and the ones i love.” he spat through gritted teeth and paused for a second. looking around their bedroom. “you pack all of your things and you leave my fucking house. if you are still here when i come back, i’m going to make sure that you leave and never come back myself.” tommy threatened now letting go of her wrist in a forceful movement.

grace face went flustered. she opened her mouth, but closed it again quickly, not knowing what to say. as tommy turned on his heel to leave the room, she stammered nervously: “what- tommy, i’m your wife! you choose this rat over me?” tommy froze and stopped his movements immediately. he slowly turned around and said in a low voice. “you are no longer my wife. you are fucking dead to me, now you heard what i said. pack your things and leave, i’m not going to repeat myself.” he now left the room and let the door fall shut in a loud bang.

a knock on his office door lead him back to reality. he mumbled out a “come” as the door opened. he saw francis face. “mr. shelby your aunt is here” she informed him. “let her in” he said, not looking up from his desk. he heard francis leaving the room and polly entering it a few seconds later. he already prepared himself about the comments he would have to hear about him being an idiot letting y/n go, as if he didn’t think that of himself. “for fucks sake tommy, you can’t just sit around here and do nothing. that won’t bring her back”

he signed loudly. “polly don’t you think it is in my interest to bring her back too? i searched fucking everywhere i asked fucking everyone and i couldn’t fucking find her okay?” he said not knowing what to do anymore. polly looked at him, like she was reading his mind. after a moment she broke the silence again. “what, are you going to give up now? thomas, she is the one who gave light to this broken family and i will not tolerate you letting go of this that easily. you will find her and bring her back to the shelby’s alright? i want to see my little girl again” polly said annoyed from tommy’s weak excuse.

y/n practically grew up with the shelby’s after her parents died and she stayed with her uncle, who lived next to the betting shop. y/n was like the daughter polly never had and it truly broke her heart, that she was gone, because her nephew was blindly in love with a spy. polly left his office as fast as she entered it, not giving him a chance to answer her demand.

tommy’s several tries to find you stayed without success for years and he really lost his hope finding you. you probably went to another continent started a new life there, leaving the dark birmingham behind you. at least that was was he hoped. you could also be dead, but he shook that thought away quickly banning it out of his head. he could never in a million years forgive himself, if you got killed because you left on account of him.

he was on his way to an auction of race horses. he wanted to start doing legal business, so he had something good to distract him from you. he sat in the cart with john, charlie, curly, arthur and michael, taking a long drag from his cigarette, closing his eyes and leaning back. arthur sat next to him and looked at his younger brother. a little bit of worry flashed over his face, but he decided to be optimistic. “common brotha, we are on our way to make legal buisness now. theres no reason to be mournful today.” arthur tried to cheer tommy up while giving his shoulder a pat.

tommy focused his gaze on arthur while bringing the cigarette to his lips. he blew the smoke out and said. “yes, you’re right.” he got interrupted by the cart, wich came to a stop. tommy looked around the men, who returned his glance. “alright boys” he started. “we’re here. remember: no fighting, no guns. we are just here to buy a horse okay?” tommy inhaled to smoke of the cigarette, before he continued “look for the grey mare okay? let’s go” they all got out of the car and tommy crushed the cigarette on the ground.

they entered the big riding area, the auction had already started. tommy looked around the place, there were a lot of good horses, but not the one he was looking for. he stayed patient and told the boys to wait until the grey mare was for sale. he lighted another cigarette as the auctioneer suddenly said a name wich made his blood freeze. “the next one is brutus. we’ll start the bidding at 800 guineas ” he said loudly, so the whole hall could hear him. tommy looked at the horse and there he was. the white stallion, you and tommy named brutus together. the stallion he gave you for your birthday ten years ago. tommy leaned over the railing and nodded to the auctioneer. “tommy what are you, doing that’s not her” charlie whispered to him in a low voice. tommy ignored his voice and kept nodding to the auctioneer.

“one thousand six hundred, do i hear seven?” the auctioneer asked, tommy kept nodding. “tommy you have to stop you that have that much money” charlie hissed. “yes i do, i’m having this horse” tommy said unimpressed. the bidding went to two thousand and fifty guineas, when the auctioneer knocked his hammer and officially sold brutus to tommy. “sold! to..” he said “thomas shelby” tommy finished, looking at the horse. the people chattered, while tommy walked out of the hall without a second thought. the boys hurried after him. “tommy what the fuck was this about, this wasn’t the horse we came for!” arthur shouted after him. tommy turned around. “listen this was the horse i gave y/n for her birthday, do you remember? if the auctioneer tells me who gave the horse to auction i could find her” tommy explained, his voice low but still loud enough for the boys to hear. he didn’t wait for any of the boys to answer and headed trough the building to get to the office, he would get the certificate.

he stormed into the office. “ah mr. shelby. you bought..” the man on the chair paused for a second. “brutus, right?” he adjusted his glasses and looked up to tommy. “yes i did.” answered impatiently before continuing asking the question he wanted to ask. “who exactly brought brutus here?” the man looked at him surprised. “uh we don‘t usually get ask for the sellers“ the man answered. tommy looked at him expectant, still waiting for an answer, but his opponent remained silent. „listen i really need to know, who brought him here, so either you tell me or i‘ll make you tell me, the first one is the safest option“ tommy said annoyed, lifting his coat up to show him his gun belt. the man started shaking as soon as he saw the gun and you could see the fear on his face. „mr shelby i-“ he started but stopped again, taking a moment to collect himself. „it was a woman, she came by just before the auction started and begged me to sell the horse for auction“ the man took a deep breath and continued „said it reminded her of someone and she couldn‘t handle it anymore as much as she loved it“ he swallowed hardly and looking nervously at tommy. „she left me a card with her adress for the payment“ she stuttered. the man was shaking, while looking through his drawers to find the card. he handed it to tommy, who took it and immediately left his office after.

the boys were waiting outside. tommy stopped in front of them, not wanting to waste more time so he shortly explained his next moves: “alright you are going to drive back home, i’ll go get my new horse and find y/n” he was about to go when charlie stopped him. “wait tommy what about the grey horse?” tommy turned around again. “we’ll find another race horse, but there are more important things right now. it’s not like we cared about legal buisness before.” he said, before going, leaving the men looking after him.

after tommy grabbed brutus he once again rode as fast as his horse could to the little town near the bidding hall, just like he did after curly told him the truth years ago. he searched through the town and stopped by a small, decent house on the edge of town. he tied brutus to the fence of your small front yard, collected all his breath and went to the door and knocked. after a few moments he heard steps nearing the door and almost lost it. the door opened and you stood in front of him. it was like the world stopped and everything was going in slow motion. you had a bright smile on your face, wich fell as soon as you saw tommy standing in front of you. a face you never thought you would see again. “tommy” you said not noticing you had held your breath until you said his name.

“y/n please i’m so sorry” he said still not believing you were actually standing in front of him after all those years. your mouth was dry, tears were about to fall from your eyes. “how did you find me?“ you asked stuttering, hoping this was a dream, you would wake up from soon. “i uh, saw brutus on a horse auction and i immediately bid for him as i noticed it was yours. the auctioneer gave me your adress” tommy answered truthfully. you just looked at him, not knowing what to say so he continued: “y/n please, i searched everywhere and tried everything to find you after you left” his voice broke a little. you looked at him, still shocked, but your face went skeptic. “well, i wasn’t the one who wanted me to leave” you said, stepping back a little bit, not really wanting to continue this conversation. “i know and i’m truly sorry, i should have never mistrusted you.” he said, once again getting the now familiar goosebumps all over his body, from the guilt, that rushed through him. “we all really do miss you, polly couldn’t sleep for months and ada searched in whole england for you. arthur and john threatened to kill me, if something happened to you and they sounded really seriously about” you let out a little chuckle. you missed them too, and you would kill to see them again, but that meant reconnecting with tommy and you still didn’t fully move on about the whole thing so you decided to bring this dialogue to an end. “it’s really nice you stopped by, but i’m busy so goodbye i guess” you said facepalming yourself in your thoughts, for you using such a weak excuse.

“wait, i know i really fucked up, but i really love and miss you y/n. i know i’m the last person on this world who deserves this but would you give me a second chance?” you eyed him up and down before you let out a scoff. “yes you’re right you are the last person who deserves a second chance. you know nothing about love. i’ve loved you for the past 20 years and now you pull up here telling me you love me too after you believed a fucking spy over me and calling me a whore for being choked by your wife? tell polly, ada and you’re brothers that i would love to see them again and that they can visit me anytime as long as i don’t ever have to face you again, thomas” you let out all the anger that had build up within the years. tears were daring to spill from your eyes and the only movement that came into your mind, was slamming the door close in front of him. you took a moment and were shocked that you even build a whole sentence after you saw tommy. you turned around and your back rested against the door and as soon as you heard him walking away, you slowly sank down, sitting on the floor allowing the tears falling from your eyes.

you slammed the door in front of him shut. he was surprised by your sudden mood change, but knew he deserved every single word. “fuck” he muttered under his breath. he stayed were he was, not being able to move. he wanted to knock again, he didn’t want to let any possibility to get you back untried, but he knew better and harassing you. it wouldn’t change your mind. he signed and walked back to brutus.

maybe one day you could forgive him, but today wasn’t that day.

__________________________________________________

authors note: i’m sorry i did them really dirty 😭 but i’m still mad at him for calling her a whore so i did not forgive him YET

let me know how you liked it and if you want a part 3 with a happy end or an alternative ending <3

also my requests are open so send me everything you’ve ever fantasied about and maybe i’m able to make it true

Pairing = Thomas Shelby x Reader

Summary = Ana can’t seem to settle after learning about the death of the young boy at the hands of Arthur. Tommy tries to take her mind off it but her late night thoughts brings back some fond memories.

Warnings = Language, Grammar, Violence,  Death mentioned, Gang Activity, PTSD, fluff, sexual things mentioned / implied

Word Count = 2376

Note = Okay so this chapter does include mentions of PTSD in a form of a flashback... Its a bit of a heavy chapter I suppose so please take care when reading. 

I couldn’t settle when I went home that afternoon. My mind returned to seeing the far off look in Arthur’s eyes, he didn’t want to kill that young boy I could see it in his eyes but the fact of the matter was, he did.  A mother had lost her son.

His entire life was cut short before him because he got into a ring with an unstable minded man who couldn’t get the help he needed. His poor mother, I couldn’t even fathom how she must be feeling.

CHAPTER 3

Here’s what I’ve learned in the 3 weeks that I’ve been working for the Shelby Family.

John is my closest friend in Small Heath. He warmed up to me the fastest, and I swear sometimes I have to remind myself that he’s not my actual brother. He laughs with me and tries his best to not make me feel like a complete outsider in Shelby Limited.

Arthur is a massive softie. He is by far the roughest looking of the Shelby boys, but he has the softest heart. He drinks a lot, sometimes too much, and I always know to look for the signs that its time to start watering down his Vodka’s with water. He’s usually too drunk to notice. Sometimes he stays so late that I walk him most of the way home just to be sure he doesn’t get himself into any trouble. 

Polly, the most fierce and strong woman I have ever met, took a little longer to warm up to me. But one day when she caught me making sure Arthur got home safely, and invited me in fora cup of tea. Since then, she has been insisting that I start joining them occasionally for dinner. I’ve been declining because of one person.

That is Thomas Shelby.

Where do I start. If Thomas Shelby wants something, everyone around him will jump to make it happen. He instills fear wherever he goes. I’ve never known him to smile or laugh like the others do. He drinks a lot, I’m always bringing him a fresh glass to their private room in the Garrison, but he doesn’t lose his head like Arthur does. Tommy has a tight grip on everyone and everything, including himself. 

On my rounds, making sure that everyone has been taken care of during their family meetings, he refuses to join in on any jokes and playful moments that I have with the others. In fact, when he sees me getting closer with the Shelby’s, his face grows even more sour. If that’s even possible. 

And those eyes. He stares. A lot. Not longingly. Not anything. Just a thousand mile stare, straight through to my core. As much as I try to ignore that he’s there, I can always feel his eyes on me. Like I’m being watched. My every move being picked apart and analysed in his mind. 

Today was different. Initially it was the same old. Bring them drinks, laugh with the boys, try to help them pick which horses are going to win in their races. And pretend that Tommy doesn’t despise every second of it. 

After rushing around for an hour tending to the lunch time rush, I realise their drinks must be getting low. 

“Alright boys, this rounds on the house” I joke as I walk into their private room. For the Shelby’s everything is on the house. Suits. Guns. Drugs. Drinks. Women. 

“These drinks will be on you if I lose this bet Z” John teases back, listening to the radio intently to find out whether the Horse I told him to bet on has one its races. 

“And I’ve never lost one yet have I!” I retort, topping up his Whisky and setting down a plate of bread and butter for them to snack on. Something to soak up all the alcohol. 

I dare to glance over at Tommy, who unsurprisingly is already watching me with an extra disapproving look. 

“Can I get you another drink Tommy?” I ask, pretending to not notice the daggers he’s shooting my way.

He nods in response, and I pour him a whiskey “I could make you that drink from a few weeks back…” I offer, trying my luck. Maybe today he will entertain me. 

“Can I see you outside?” He snaps suddenly, and I swallow hard.

Fuck. 

The last few weeks have felt like I was walking on a fine line with Tommy. I have proved myself time and time again. But he still despises the air that I breathe. Maybe I was getting too comfortable with the boys. Maybe he thinks I’m trying to manipulate and trick them all. God knows what he thinks I’m doing. Whatever it is, he doesn’t like it. 

I follow him out of the room and into a quiet area of the Pub. 

Without any warning, or lead up, he turns to me and looks me dead in the eye. “I know the boys like you. Trust you even. But I do not” 

The words hit me like a freight train. 

I knew he seemed different today. Like he was extra disgusted with everyone and everything. These words, he had been sitting on for a while. Keeping them inside as he watched me and scrutinised my every move for weeks. I could tell by the venom that he said them with. 

I want to fight back.

I want to remind him of everything I’ve been doing for this place. The business I’ve been bringing in. The countless times I’ve looked out for Arthur and his alcoholic tendencies. Making sure he got home safe. And that no one took advantage of a drunken Shelby brother. The business I’ve heard them discussing that I’ve turned a blind eye to. That I’ve never uttered a word of to anyone. The things I’ve heard and seen, that have slowly been revealed to me about Shelby Limited that I’ve never questioned. 

But instead I draw in a deep breath.

“Okay Tommy” I sigh. My brain goes back and forth frantically as I decide to let go of what I’ve been holding onto for weeks. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take. Or what I have to do. And to be honest I don’t care anymore. If you never trust me, then so be it. But you don’t have to be so cruel. I’m just here to pour the beer, remember?”

“Then how about you just stick to doing that, hey?” He spits back.

“I feel for you Tommy” I narrow my eyes, staring him down the same way he has been doing to me for weeks. 

“You don’t know me” 

“I’ve tried. But you won’t let me. And I’m starting to think I don’t want to anymore” I shake my head “But I see you. I’ve been watching you too, Tommy. You want to know what I see? I see a man who has everything, and a man who has nothing. You have everything and nothing”

He freezes. And there it is. The first time I’ve seen something in his eyes besides hatred. It’s still shrouded. Still unclear. But it’s something. Like he’s been exposed. Cut open. Like someone just dared to say the first real thing he has heard in a very long time. Someone made him feel. 

“But hey, I’ll get back to pouring the beer, shall I?” I finish, brushing past him to continue serving customers. 

I start taking orders and pouring drinks with a racing heart and trembling hands. I couldn’t believe what had just come out of my mouth. I don’t know everything about the Shelby’s, but I’ve seen and heard enough to know that people who speak to them like that do not last very long in Small Heath. 

I dare to take a quick glance at him, to find him still frozen in place. Staring at the spot I had just been standing. As if he’s still reliving the moment. Reliving what I had said. 

Fuck. 

I expect him to turn around and fire me on the spot. Maybe even part of me hoped he would, so I wouldn’t have to face the wrath that I know is coming after I dared to peak back to Thomas Shelby. If I thought he hated me already, I could only imagine the hell he would rain down on me after that. I was prepared for him to make my life a living hell.