A/N: Chapters are like buses you wait months for one and two come along at once. So every time Tommy is left alone with Charlotte they just wanna have sex and I've decided writing smut is hard. So there are several points in this where is just kinda fades to black. You can use your imagination there. This chapter moves along the main plot points and finally gets us away from episode 3 of season 1. This was writing in the space of a day so its may not be the most polished.

Chapter 13

The next morning Charlotte was once again hunched over the account book, she was impressed to see that despite her and Tommy not being in the office much over the last week due to their 'almighty tiff' as John has dubbed it; the Peaky Blinders had still managed to make money.

The problem Charlotte was now having was finding ways to launder their money to make it look legitimate, which was getting and harder and harder with the companies continued growth. If Tommy' business with Kimber came to

fruition they would defiantly need a legitimate face to channel their earning through. Sitting back in her chair she didn't have to look around the office for long, before her eyes settled on an empty tumbler, this gave her a spark of inspiration. Charlotte bounded out of her desk chair and made her way out of her office and down the hallway to Tommy's. Sleeping with him or not, Charlotte knew better than to just barge into Tommy's office if he was holding a meeting, however spying he was alone she knocked as she let herself in.

Tommy was sat with his feet on up his desk, reading the newspaper. At her entrance he peered over the top of the paper and smiled, folding the newspaper in half he indicated with his head to the empty chair as he removed his feet off the desk. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Tommy asked a smirk in his voice she assumed from her catching him slacking off.

Charlotte took in his relaxed demeanour, vaguely hoping that the hours she had spent inspecting him for 'wounds' last night was one of the reasons for his happiness. "Glad to see you're hard at work." She chided.

Tommy huffed at her statement. "I pay you to make the numbers work."

"Which is why I am here." She replied matter-of-factly as though she could not possibly want to see him for another reason.

"Not a social visit then?"

Deciding to play along with his game she glanced out of the glass windows into the shop as she retorted. "Not enough privacy for my likening."

Tommy followed her gaze not doubt noting the number of men milling round. "As your boss I will take your suggestion under advisement." Turning back to face her he questioned. "So what can I help you with?"

"I've had a thought, one I think you will like."

"I'm listening."

"Arthur needs a distraction and we need a way to legitimately move our money. You should buy a pub for him."

Charlotte could see that Tommy liked the sound of her suggestion as he leant back in his chair. "It's a good idea." Tommy appeared to consider her thought for a few more seconds before sitting upright again. "It does help the business become more legitimate. Is there enough capital?"

"More than."

"Leave it with me. Unless you want anything else?" He raised an eyebrow suggestively and Charlotte cursed him for installing clear glass windows with no blinds.

Knowing she had more work to return to she regretfully replied. "Maybe later, unlike you Shelby's I am not an exhibitionist."

"You should try it sometime." She rolled her eyes at his statement as she got up from the chair to make her way back to her own office. "Might enjoy it." Tommy added as she reached the door, making a rude hand gesture she bit back her retort as she exited the office, noticing he unfolded the newspaper again as the door closed behind her.

XXXXXXXX

Charlotte heard Tommy leave the office a little while later but thought nothing of it as she sat down with Scudboat and Nipper to check the takings. The rest of her afternoon passed quickly checking totals and ensuring the accounts were in order once more. After a quiet dinner with Polly and Finn, exhausted Charlotte had made her way upstairs to Tommy's room with the intention of reading one of Polly's book while she waited for Tommy's return.

She must have dozed off as she woke with a start when she felt someone sit down at the foot of the bed. Opening her eyes she found the room bathed in a soft light from the gas light. "Tommy?" She questioned as she slowly moved to sit up.

"I didn't wanna wake you." Tommy answered as he unlaced his boots.

Sitting up she grabbed the discarded book that had fallen on the floor, closing it she set it on the night stand, yawning. "What time is it?"

"Not that late." Tommy replied struggling to pull his right boot off.

Watching him carefully Charlotte realised he had yet to look her in the eye. She gazed down at his hands as they shook slightly preventing him from removing his boot. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." He responded still failing to look at her.

"I know you're not shaking in anger because you're pissed." More firmly she asked. "What's wrong?"

"Harry sold The Garrison." Tommy muttered as he finally kicked his right boot off.

Tommy began undoing his laces on his left boot, she knew better than to offer to help him when he was in this mood. Choosing her words carefully she replied. "That's excellent news. But I still don't understand why you look about ready to kill someone."

"As I left I found someone had slashed the tires on the ford." Tommy removed his left boot as he spoke. Once his hands were free of his task he rested them awkwardly on his legs, his anger still obvious. Charlotte reached out and grasped his right hand, Tommy gently squeezed her hand as he finally sat up and met her gaze.

"Honesty?" She reminded him.

Tommy sighed. "Moss was waiting for me outside."

"What did he want?"

"He threatened you and Ada." At her questioning look Tommy explained. "Freddie took the BSA out on strike this afternoon."

"You'd think Freddie had enough stuff to be getting on with, how does he find the time to whip up a strike?"

Tommy ignored her attempt at lightening the situation, letting go of her hand Tommy gripped her face between his large palms so they were staring clearly into each other's eyes. "I promised you I wouldn't let that copper touch you and I mean it." He leant forward leaning his forehead against hers letting his words sink in.

After a few seconds Tommy pulled away and rearranged them so he was leaning against the wall with her cradled in his arms. Feeling the need to reassure him she finally spoke. "I haven't left the 'ouse unless I'm with you or one of the other inner circle. The coppers won't touch me."

Tommy hugged her closer at her statement, Charlotte was content to lay safely in his arms listening to his heart beat calm down. After a few minutes of silence she asked. "What about Ada?"

"I'm going to speak to Freddie tomorrow." He rumbled tiredly.

"Please don't kill him."

"He gave my sister a bastard." Tommy grunted in reply, causing her to swat him playfully. They lapsed into silence once more which was eventually broken by Tommy's soft snores. Charlotte lay for a while in his arms thinking about his news before breaking free from his embrace to turn out the gas light. Arranging themselves in the bed once more she fell asleep in Tommy's arms.

XXXXXXX

The next evening Charlotte was sat in the living room with Polly both drinking port while Polly quietly rocked Finn off to sleep. They had not been sat there long enjoying the comforting warmth of the fire when the front door opened, Polly held a finger to her lips making a shushing noise to alert Arthur or Tommy to be quiet.

Charlotte smiled as she saw it was Tommy who had returned, however at his dark look her smile quickly disappeared. Tommy removed his flat cap as he walked into the living room while Charlotte moved over on the sofa to give him space. Tommy took the offered seat panting heavily he grabbed Charlotte's port and downed it in one gulp. He then rested his elbow on his knee, rubbing his eyes. Tommy sat up and reached into his left jacket pocket removing a stack of notes which he silently showed to Polly before placing them on the table in the middle of the room.

When he finally spoke his voice was dangerously low. "Freddie didn't want your money." He paused as he glared at Polly. "And now the coppers are saying if we don't turn Freddie in, they'll put Ada on the arrest warrant as well. That's where your compassion gets you, Poll." Tommy placed his left hand on her leg, squeezing it tightly. "From now on, we do it my way."

Polly gazed up at her face unreadable before asking. "Or what?"

Tommy stared down at the floor, taking a fortifying breath before he stood up pulling Charlotte out of the seat with him. He didn't reply to Polly's question as he walked across the narrow space to the door opening it and walking out without a backward glance. Charlotte grimaced apologetically to Polly who nodded in understanding to her as she followed Tommy out the door.

Outside Charlotte saw Tommy a few doors down the street leaning against a lamp post as he lit a cigarette, he watched her walk towards him, making Charlotte feel like a lamb to the slaughter. When she finally reached him he exhaled smoke before offering her his left hand. Charlotte silently took his offered hand knowing Tommy would not want their conversation to be overheard. They quietly walked back to Great Barr Street, Tommy only releasing her hand allowing her so she could unlock the door. He stubbed out his cigarette, as her front door opened.

Charlotte expected Tommy to say something to break his angry silence but instead he pulled her close kissing her hard. Charlotte was momentarily stunned but quickly returned his kiss tasting his cigarette as she moaned into his mouth. After a few more heated moments Tommy reluctantly pulled away to allow them both air. Charlotte took a few deep breaths before grabbing Tommy's jacket, drawing him in for another searing kiss. One of Tommy's hands wrapped around her waist whilst the other went underneath her as he picked her up easily. Charlotte wrapped her legs around Tommy's waist allowing him to walk them into her room closing the door behind him.

XXXXXXXX

The morning of Cheltenham eventually dawned, bringing with it a sense of dread for Charlotte. In the days preceding the race an ill feeling has settled in her stomach, while she knew Tommy's plan with Kimber was risky, she had every faith he would manage to pull of his hair brained scheme. Her feeling of dread was more concerned with him taking Grace to the race, for while Tommy had taken every care to reassure her of his feelings, nothing had been said about longer term plans since Arrow Hall. Tommy seemed content to just live in sin. While Charlotte recognised that the business with Kimber was more important at the moment, a small part of her was still worried about Tommy's plan for unsuspecting barmaid.

She was currently laying against Tommy's chest wrapped in a sheet while he smoked a cigarette. They had lain in comfortable silence for several minutes, Tommy stroking down her bare back in their after sex glow. However Charlotte knew he would soon need to leave for the race. Once Tommy finished his cigarette he stubbed it out in the ashtray on his side table, his arms them wrapped around her hugging her closer to him. "I need to get dressed." He softly whispered.

"I thought you was an exhibitionist Mr Shelby."

"I want to make a good impression for Kimber."

Charlotte groaned as she reluctantly sat up allowing Tommy to move. As he stood up she turned allowing the bed sheet to fall exposing her bare skin to Tommy's hungry gaze, she watched him drink in the sight of her tits. "You're making it hard to leave."

"It's to remind you of what you will be coming back to."

"I'll be back before you know it."

Knowing he needed to leave she lay back in the bed watching him move around the room purposefully washing, shaving and dressing himself as though it was some sort of ritual. He was doing up the buttons on his waist coat appraising himself in the mirror when he finally spoke. "I want you to stay here tonight."

"I was planning to go back to my room tonight."

"I don't want the inspector to use my absence as an excuse to haul you in for questioning." Tommy twisted to face her. "I am taking all the men to Cheltenham so I can't leave a guard. I would feel better today knowing you aren't in any trouble."

Knowing better than to argue with him about her safety after Sargent Moss's threat she decided to instead address something which had been annoying her for the last few days. "Is your plan to still let Kimber fuck Grace?"

"If he wants." Tommy replied as he put on his pocket watch.

"I don't like it."

Tommy straightened his cuffs watching her carefully. "I thought you didn't like the barmaid."

"It's not a question of liking her." She muttered somewhat annoyed he couldn't see the bigger picture.

"You're not going soft are you Lottie?" He asked slightly mockingly.

"I don't have to be soft to wish rape on a woman." Sitting up she explained. "It's not something I would wish on any woman, barmaid or not."

"What would you suggest I do instead?" Tommy asked as he opened the draw he kept his pistol in. "I know Kimber has a weakness for pretty women."

"I know and I suggested you take one of the whores we actually know. I just…She doesn't know what she has let herself in for, she thinks she is spending the day at the races with you. Please say you'll at least think of a way to not force her to do this."

Tommy paused in putting his holster on and Charlotte knew her words must have had an impact on him. "If that's what you think is best."

"I do."

"l will see what happens." Walking over to the bed he slowly pulled the sheet away exposing her naked body. "I hope I find you here later, just like this."

She rolled her eyes at his display of dominance. "Go on you need to leave."

"Don't leave this house." He said warningly as he bent down to kiss her softly on the lips.

"I wont. Good luck today."

XXXXX

Charlotte had been surprised when she walked into her office that morning to find blinds fitted on all the windows. She had busied herself throughout the day reading and writing various correspondences in a bid to distract herself from what might be happening at Cheltenham. It had grown dark by the time she heard someone moving through the shop, she knew it was Tommy from the sound of the shoes clicking on the tiles. Sure enough Tommy's face appeared at the door as he opened it marching in.

"How was it?" She asked only to be ignored as he closed all the blinds.

"Most women like jewellery or flowers." She joked as he closed the final blind then removed his coat hanging it up. Turning to face her he undid the buttons on his cuffs while watching her with an intensity that had her shifting in her seat.

"I thought I said I wanted to find you in my bed." He growled rolling his shirt sleeves up.

She appraised Tommy with a raised eyebrow which she hoped conveyed her feelings at him bossing her around. He ignored her gaze as he strided around her desk, his heated stare never breaking eye contact as she turned in her chair to see what he was intending to do. Once he stood next to her in one swift move Tommy got down on his knees and turned her chair around to face him at the same time, causing her to let out an indelicate squeak of surprise. Tommy ignored her rucking up the layers of her skirt pushing it up he exposed her stockings and panties.

"Tommy how was…." She broke off her sentence with a hiss as Tommy had wasted no time in slipping a finger beneath her panties teasing her clit, she could feel his warm breath on her thighs as he expertly stroked her.

Charlotte tried several times over the next few minutes to ask Tommy about Cheltenham but he quickly found a way to distract her with his head between her legs. At some point after Tommy had made her a quivering mess in her office chair he had carried her upstairs, taking his time to undress her properly.

When Charlotte woke several hours later she therefore had no idea what time it was. She could feel Tommy softly stroking her hair, content she lay in his arms much like she had that morning.

"I think we have Kimber." Tommy spoke, voice stoic giving nothing away.

"That's good news isn't it." She queried sleepily.

"It is."

Yawning she muttered. "You don't sound very happy."

"The Lees will pay us back."

Attempting to reassure him she said. "You'll be warned though when they do." As an afterthought she asked. "Did you let Kimber have the barmaid?"

"No."

"Good."