Unbreakable Connection

by MrsNShelby2021

Tommy was brought up to believe in his feelings, in his gut, his Ma told him that there is a true love for everyone you just have to be brave enough to want it and keep it to grab it with both hands an never let it go. When Ness was only six weeks old her parents moved from the south of England to Birmingham. She grew up with the Shelby's but one Shelby loved her more then anything

8. Truly Unbreakable

AN WARNING! This is an anti Grace fic if you like Grace then maybe this fic is not for you. There is a naughty sex scene at the end of this chapter so no under 18s please.

Chapter 8,

Ness's POV,

Waking up in Tommy's arms is one of my favourite places to be, I turned so I was laying with my head on his chest, running my fingertips up and down his chest. Yesterday was another long day, I knew today was just going to be one of those days Tommy has a meeting with the inspector this morning I was going to tag along and do errands while he's meeting with him. I still couldn't believe Ada was stupid enough to get pregnant by Freddi, especially right now with how bad the police wanted all the communist's locked up. I was brought out of my thoughts by Tommy grabbing my hand and holding it against his chest and running his other hand down my back. I looked up at him and smiled,

"Morning Tom,"

"Morning, love you ok?"

"Hmm I'm ok, was just thinking while you're with the inspector I'm going to get some errands done."

"You want me to drop you off on my way then pick up when I've finished?"

"Please, love."

"We better get ready for the day then darling."

He kissed me on the forehead then got out of bed, I watched him for a moment just taking him in. I still couldn't believe he was mine! I picked up his pocket watch and looked at the time noticing it was getting rather late in the morning so I got out of bed and got myself dressed, I then walked over to Tommy who was stood doing his waistcoat up, I pushed his hands away and finished doing his buttons for him then I put his pocket watch on for him, then helped him into his suit jacket. He leaned down and kissed my lips softly, putting his hands on my waist holding me close to him, my arms going around his neck and my head on his chest. We stood for a few moments then pulled away from each other. We left the bedroom together, both thankful when we got downstairs that there was no one down here.

Tommy helped me into my coat and got his on, then put his cap on holding the door open for me, closing and locking the door once we were out. He grabbed my hand and we walked to the garage where we kept the car, he opened the passenger side door helping me in and closing the door getting into the drivers side. I slide across the seat sitting as close as I could putting my hand on his thigh.

"How long do you need for your errands, love?"

"I'd say about an hour or so Tom."

"Right here you are Mrs Shelby,"

He got out of the car and walked to my side helping me out, he then pressed his lips to mine smiling into the kiss. He pulled away from me butting his nose against mine,

"I'll meet you here in about an hour ok, love? If I'm not here just wait for me."

"See you soon Tom, I love you."

"I love you, my love."

With that he got back in the car and drove away. I smoothed my dress down in the front then pulled my coat tighter around me, I took a deep breath and got moving my first stop was a sweet shop here that my father owned and is now mine. I started walking passing many shops, and even a museum when I got to the sweet shop, I knew my father had named it after me but seeing it up close made it more real to me. I was still so confused about my father and if I could forgive him I know with him being gone it didn't really matter but to me it did. He missed out on so much of my life even my wedding which was the happiest day of my life and then he pops up in a letter telling me he always thought about me but not enough to come back into my life. I looked up at Ness's sweet store and took a deep breath opening the door and stepping inside.

I saw the lady behind the counter look at me and smile so I smiled back and walked over to her,

"Hello, love how can I help?"

"Hello, my father was the owner of this shop but he passed away. I'm Ness, I'm your new boss I'd like to see the books please?"

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear about your father dear, let me grab those for you. My son's been doing them for the past six months, it gave him something to do after the war."

I didn't know what to say to that so I just nodded and smiled, she disappeared into the back for a moment and came back holding the books out to me. I took them from her and placed them on the counter opening them up, at quick glance everything looked ok but turning the pages to look at previous months I started noticing discrepancies, not wanting to say anything right now I just smiled at nodded.

"Ok, Mrs?"

"Oh, I'm sorry dear, I'm Mrs Sondra Jones. I've been working here since the shop opened, I knew your father very well he spoke about you an awful lot. He was very proud when he found out you had gone to be a nurse in the war."

I held out my hand and she took it shaking hands softly,

"It's nice meeting you Mrs Jones, the books look good. I have some things I need to do but when there done I shall come back for the books ok? I'm going to take them home and learn them. Tell your son thank you for doing them."

"Of course Miss?"

"It's Mrs Shelby actually."

I could see the second my name registered with her, the fear on her face was instant so I smiled softly and handed the books back to her, nodding.

"I'll see you soon Mrs Jones."

Before she could respond I walked out of the shop, I looked to my wrist at my watch noting it had already been half an hour since Tommy dropped me off. So with a deep sigh I set off on my path to the dress shop, I needed a dress for the races and I would make sure Tommy looked nowhere but at me. Just because I knew the plan about Grace doesn't mean I was happy with it I just knew it had to go a head because Tommy would not use me besides I'm pretty sure Tommy thinks he will get her to talk. There is something extremely fishy about that woman I was determined to find out what it was. I got to the dress shop, walking straight in nodding at the lady I saw there. She came over straight away,

"How can I help you today Mrs?"

"Shelby, I need a dress for the races I'm looking for something that will take my husband's breath away."

As soon as I said the name Shelby I saw in her eyes the determination to impress me, she grabbed my arm gently and pulled me to the back of the shop where I knew they kept their good dresses for the more popular customer.

"Right this way Mrs Shelby,"

She pushed me into the changing area which was just a small corner of the shop with a single curtain to keep the female hidden from the outside. She closed the curtain and told me to take my dress off,

"Take your dress of Mrs Shelby and I shall pass you some dresses and we can see which one gives you that breath-taking moment."

I took my dress off and hooked it over the corner of the curtain,

"What do you have for me first then Miss?"

"Oh, it's Hannah Mrs Shelby,"

"Hannah, please call me Ness,"

"Here we are then Ness,"

She handed through a royal blue number with lace over the neck line and purl beading in diamond shapes along the bodice area. I tried it on and walked out showing her and getting her opinion,

"You look lovely Ness, but it doesn't give you that wow feeling,"

I tried on six other dresses before finding the one, it was black and gold, with a split in the middle going to the knees, I walked out and knew it was the one from the look Hannah gave me, the smile and look of awe on her face was exactly what I was looking for.

"Oh Ness, it's, you look amazing Mr Shelby won't be able to take his eyes off of you."

"Thank you Hannah, do you have shoes to match? Maybe something in gold?"

"I'll find you the perfect pair while you change."

I got back behind the curtain and carefully took the dress off, I then got back in my dress smoothing out the wrinkles and smoothing my hair making sure it was back to being neat. I opened the curtain to see Hannah stood with the lady who owned the dress store both of them smiling at me, Hannah took the dress from me and went to back it up into a dress bag and put the shoes into a shoe box for me. The owner stepped forward offering me her hand which I took without hesitation,

"Mrs Shelby it's lovely to meet you, I'm Shelly this is my store. Your purchase is on the house of course please."

"It's nice to meet you Shelly, thank you. I shall tell people of your lovely store."

Hannah came back with my items and handed them to me, I took them then handed her two pounds for helping me and giving Shelly three pounds for the items she tried to refuse but I wouldn't have it. I thanked them both then left, I looked to my watch again to see I had been in the dress shop for an hour, I knew Tommy would be here to collect me soon if he wasn't waiting already so I made my way back to the sweet shop walking straight in seeing a gentlemen at the counter this time, I walked up to the counter and smiled.

"Hello, I'm Ness Shelby, I am the new owner of this shop. I'm here to collect the books."

He looked at me and frowned when he heard my name but nodded anyway, he stood up to collect the books which he slammed down in front of me on the counter,

"I've been looked after the books just fine for your father,"

"I'm sure you have Mr?"

"It's Jones, You met my mother."

"Ah yes, Mr Jones, as I was saying. I'm sure you've done a fine job but now my father has passed I'll be taking over all his businesses and I'd like to make myself friendly with the books. I will be more hands on in running the businesses then I'm sure my father was."

"Right. Well here ya are then,"

He pushed the books to me then turned away, it would seem he was not happy with me but right now I didn't care he will fucking respect me as his employer,

"Mr Jones, it will do you well to remember I am now the one who will be paying your pay check remember your manners and attitude when behind that counter."

Before he could say anything back I grabbed the books and walked out shutting the door loudly, I made my way to where Tommy said he would be collecting me. Thankfully he turned up just as I got to the spot so he wasn't waiting, he got out of the car coming to my side and taking the books from me, he put them into the back seat then grabbed the dress bag and shoe box off me putting those in the back also. Then turned to me cupping my face and kissing my lips softly.

"You ok Tom?"

"That inspector his accent just reminded me of someone."

I raised my eyebrow at him in question,

"The barmaid, they have the same accent. I'm sure I'm just being paranoid love, whats in the bag?"

I smiled at him, putting the information about the barmaid into the back of my mind for now,

"My dress for the race,"

"Hmm what colour did you get?"

"Your see soon enough darling,"

That made him chuckle, he opened the car door for me and helped me in, walking round to the drivers side and getting in starting the car. I moved over to him again and placed my hand on his thigh,

"What's with the book's love?"

"There for the sweet shop that's here, one of the businesses my father gave me. I had a quick look while in the shop but something wasn't adding up I was hoping you would have a look with me later tonight or tomorrow?"

"Of course, love."

"How did your meeting go?"

"As planned darling, I made a deal with him about the guns and Freddie. He didn't shake my hand once we made the deal but I made him aware I wouldn't shake hands with someone that didn't fight for his country."

"Freddie? I don't think we should trust him though Tom, I have a feeling that's telling me not to trust him or the situation or that barmaid."

"To keep the coppers off our Ada's back I made a deal to get rid of Freddie from Birmingham, and to make sure he doesn't come back. I don't trust him, don't worry I will be careful, love you have my word."

"Good make sure you are Thomas I need you to come home to me,"

"I will always come home to you my love."

He grabbed my hand from his thigh bringing it up to his lips and kissing my knuckles then holding it against his cheek for a moment before putting it back on his thigh. We got back to Small Heath just as it was getting dark, Tommy parked the car in the garage and helped me out, handing over the dress and shoes but carrying the books for me. He grabbed my hand and we made our way back to number 6, he let my hand go to open the door and waved me through before him. It was something he always did especially when it was dark out he always made sure I entered the home first so he was behind me his way of protecting me from the dangers in the darkness of Small Heath and I appreciated him for it.

We got to the dining room to see Polly still awake, she smiled at us and offered us a drink. Tommy pouring himself a glass of whisky but I refused,

"No thanks Pol, I'm going to get ready for bed and put this dress away. Tommy? Can you leave those books in your office?"

"Will do, sweetheart. I'll be up shortly."

I nodded to him and then Polly and made my way up the stairs. I got to our room and walked in, going straight to the wardrobe and hanging up the dress. I walked into the bathroom and filled the washbowl, grabbing a cloth to have a quick wash with. I then made my way back to our room grabbing a nightdress to slip on then crawling into bed. My eyes closing as soon as my head hit the pillow, I woke slightly when I felt arms wrap around me and a kiss to my temple,

"Night love,"

"Hmm"

Was the only response he got which had him chuckling quietly, sleep dragging me under once again. I didn't know how long I had been asleep for but it must not of been very long, I was woken up by Tommy. He was tossing around in bed and shouting, I knew he was having a nightmare as this was not the first time. I quickly sat up in bed, I moved down to the bottom so I could climb off, I then made my way back to the bed sitting on it putting my hands on Tommy's cheeks calling his name,

"Tommy! Tommy my love wake up, you're not there anymore your home."

I kept stroking my thumbs along his cheeks just under his eyes and called his name again,

"Tommy!"

He woke up with a start sitting up in bed, his hands going to my wrists holding them tightly in place on his face. He opened his eyes looking at me, I could see the fear written on his face so I just kept stroking my thumbs under his eyes and speaking to him softly,

"It's ok, my love I'm here!"

"Ness? Sorry sweetheart I didn't mean to wake you."

"Don't be silly Tom, I'm your wife I'm always here for when you need me."

He moved his hands to cup my face bringing my head to rest our foreheads together, we sat like that for a while just taking each other in, I opened my mouth to say something when a loud banging and the call of Tommy's name interrupted us.

"Tom! Tom!"

We both jumped to our feet and rushed to the window looking out, we saw Curly stood there, waving his arm about,

"Tom, you better come quick, Tom! Come! Come!"

Tommy looked to me, then rushed to get his coat,

"I'll be back, love"

"I'm coming with you Tommy and don't try and stop me you won't win."

He nodded his head at me cause he knew he wouldn't win, he then grabbed my hand and we rushed out the bedroom down the stairs and out the door. It was pissing with rain and I had forgot my coat but I didn't care. Tommy kept a tight grip on my hand while we ran following Curly to Charlie's yard, we got there and ran into the stable seeing Charlie there with a lantern and the poor beautiful horse with no name, his foot was tied in rope and I knew Curly had done this to keep him off it but it clearly hadn't worked.

Tommy's POV, (Changing POV here because I thought we needed a bit of Tommy this chapter.)

I rushed to take a look at the horses foot, seeing that Curly had tied it up to keep him off of it. I kept stroking his back to keep him calm, Curly moved to the front of the horse kissing his nose I could see he was upset. Poor Curly always took it hard when the horses got hurt or injured or was sick, I looked to Curly for an answer when I noticed Ness move to the front of the horse taking Curly's spot, whispering in Romani to the horse to keep him calm. I also noticed she had no coat on cause she was shivering and her nightdress was soaked.

"Curly, tell me."

"It's a curse, Tom."

Curly moved away and I could see he was starting to panic so I made my way over to him,

"Curly. Curly. Curly. Shh. Curly."

I put my hands on his cheeks to calm him down and keep him focused on me,

"Tell me. Tell me, Curly, what's wrong with the horse?"

"You bought it at the fair in bad feeling. The Lee's put a bad see in the hoof, got an old woman to put a spell!"

I took a step back from Curly when I heard Ness curse under her breath, I moved to stand behind her wrapping an arm around her waist and looked at the horse.

"So those Lee bastards cursed him!"

Ness took hold of the hand that was wrapped around her and my other hand went to my head gripping my hair. Fucking Lee's! I know I started this but I would never bring a fucking animal into the war between us and hurt that animal just like I wouldn't bloody hurt women and children for it either! Charlie spoke up then,

"Whatever it is, he says it spread to the other feet."

"It's going to his heart by tomorrow I'd say. Seen curses like this twice can't take them back, Tom!"

I took my hand from Ness's and gripped the other side of my head, I was pissed but I was also devastated this horse was beautiful and the Lee bastards had done this! That's when Charlie spoke up again and I knew he was upsetting Ness could I feel the tension in her body just from standing behind her,

"I told you Tommy, better enemies to have than black blood gypsies."

I knew what I had to do but it wasn't something I wanted to do. It was a hard thing to grasp, killing a horse seeing it die it's not something I could ever get used to seeing or even doing but I knew it needed to be done because this beautiful beast was in pain and suffering right now. I took my hands from my head and breathed deep, then looked at Charlie.

"Get out!"

Curly kept muttering in the back ground so Charlie told him to move,

"Get out, Curly."

He went to grab Ness's arm but she moved away from him and glared at him. I knew she wouldn't leave me alone to do this and I was fine with that.

"Go Charlie, I am not leaving my husband to deal with this alone."

He looked at me and I nodded my head, Ness is the one person I want with me always through anything. I took a deep breath and Ness came and stood to my side, she put her hand onto his nose and whispered a prayer in Gaelic, she then kissed his nose and put an arm around my waist. I took out my gun and held it up,

"I'm sorry."

I stood there just holding the gun pointed at this beautiful beast, I couldn't pull the damn trigger! My hand shook, so I took another deep breath when I felt Ness's move to the other side of me and put her hand on my cheek speaking to me softly,

"It's ok Tom, his suffering my love this isn't killing him it's giving him mercy."

I looked down at her and knew my eyes like hers were glassy, she kissed my lips softly then moved so her back was to my front, her left hand grabbing mine to bring it around her waist where she put her arm over mine holding her close to me. Her right hand went to the gun holding mine steady, she whispered a small Romani prayer which I heard so I said the words with her,

"Zhan Le Devlesa." (Go with God I hope that's right)

I then pulled the trigger, I moved back but kept my arm around Ness's waist and we walked out of the stable, I knew Curly and Charlie would bury his body. I saw the tears on Ness's face so I pulled her to my chest and held her close to me,

"Thank you, for being here my love."

She put her chin to my chest so she could look into my eyes and smiled softly,

"Always! Do you want to go home now or have a drink at the Garrison?"

"The Garrison, I'm not ready to go home yet."

I could see Ness was cold so I took my coat off and put it round her shoulders grabbing her hand and gripping it tightly while we walked to the Garrison. We got to the Garrison and I banged on the door's it was Grace who answered which was the last thing I needed to deal with. I walked through the door still gripping tight to Ness's hand,

"We're closed Mr Shelby."

"Just get us a drink!"

I pulled Ness through the doors and out of the cold, I took off my cap and put it on the bar pulling Ness over to a table, I pulled a chair out for her to sit down on her grabbed the bottle of whisky and the glasses from the bar. I went to sit down when Grace spoke up once again ignoring my wife's presence, which was really starting to get old and pissing me off.

"Shall I leave you alone?"

"I'm not alone, my wife is here! You can stay, you have cleaning up to do right?"

I looked at her over my shoulder and saw the look of annoyance on her face which had me smirking inwardly, I sat down next to Ness and poured us both a glass of whisky, also pulling her chair closer to me to wrap my arm around her cause I could see she was shivering and her lips were slightly blue. She spoke to Grace though asking a question,

"Where's Harry?"

I could see she really didn't want to answer but did in a snapping back her answer,

"He took the night off and went to the pictures."

She came and sat in the chair that was directly in front of me, when Ness spoke up again.

"Well, I'll be talking to him tomorrow about leaving you here alone, you shouldn't be locking up, it's his just your just a barmaid."

That comment had me smirking and glancing at her, my wife really didn't like this barmaid. She glared at Ness who just looked at her with an emotionless face, I knew that look well she had perfected it over the years and she could give Polly a run for her money in how terrifying she could be while giving someone that look. Grace looked back to me and smiled softly, I knew what she was doing and it really wasn't going to work.

"How's your beautiful horse?"

I downed my glass of whisky, then sat back in my seat with my arm still around Ness, I looked at Grace with my blinder face so Ness calls it, the face I use when I pissed off with my blinders or they've not listened to me properly.

"I just put a bullet in his head."

I could see the shock written on her face,

"Was he lame?"

That had Ness snorting, she put her hand on my thigh and leant forward.

"Was he lame? Really? Do you know anything about horses, sweetheart? There are other reasons to put a bullet through their heads,"

That once again had me smirking at her, I put my hand over hers on my thigh and looked back to see Grace glaring at her hand on my thigh. So I spoke up,

"He looked at me the wrong way. It's not a good idea to look at Tommy Shelby the wrong way."

I heard a soft giggle come from Ness, I turned to look at her and smiled at her then looked back at Grace who had a look of utter astonishment on her face like she couldn't believe I had said that and that Ness had giggled at it.

"What a waste."

"Yeah. A waste is what it is."

I turned to look at Ness and focused on her, she looked into my eyes with this look of utter love and it never ceased to amaze me that this woman was mine.

"You know in France, I got used to seeing men die."

I saw her look change and I knew she was back there with me in our memories of hell on earth,

"Never got used to seeing horses die. They die badly,"

Ness leant forward and kissed my lips softly, saying in that one kiss everything I needed to hear in that moment. When she pulled back I smiled at her which dropped once I heard Grace speak up again, and I knew she spoke up cause she was jealous.

"I dug out a dress like you asked. Is it Cheltenham you're talking about? Cheltenham's a grand affair is it not?"

I couldn't wait to see the dress my beautiful wife had picked out, I also couldn't wait to see Grace's face when she saw my wife there also. I could see her keep looking Ness's way thinking she had one over on her cause I asked her to the races, but I asked my wife first love like I always would!

"The king will be there!"

Her face light up then,

"King George?"

That had Ness scoffing and laughing at the same time,

"King George at the races in Cheltenham are you for real?"

"No, King Billy Kimber and all his men!"

"And what must I do?"

"For two pounds you will do what I ask you to do."

"I want three!"

That had both me and Ness scoffing in amusement the bitch really thought this was a negotiation!

"If I'm meeting a king, I won't be wearing a cheap dress. And I ask you to let me sing, that's part of the deal now too."

I could feel Ness getting pissed off the more she talked, I kept my hand over her's on my thigh but it wouldn't stop her from putting this barmaid in her place.

"Since when?"

She smiled softly and looked at me with those fake innocent eyes of hers,

"Since you nearly smiled."

Ness jumped to her feet and slammed her hands on the table making Grace jump and me smirk,

"Listen here bitch, this is half my pub I make the rules here, not Tommy. I don't allow singing here and you're not going to change that with that pathetic look of fake innocence you're trying to do."

Grace completely ignored Ness and continued to look at me,

"Saturday nights, open and easy. Everyone gets to sing their song just like we did in Dublin."

Now to bring the bitch down a fucking peg! Don't know who she thinks she is to ignore my wife like she is,

"You never worked in Dublin so don't lie to us. I asked around about that pub you said you worked in, I have friends over there no one has heard of you. My guess is your a girl from a good family who got herself pregnant."

That had Ness laughing and I knew it was in disbelief,

"It's not something I want known."

I carried on like I didn't hear her, Ness once again putting her hand on my thigh, she knew I was talking about Ada now.

"And bringing a child into the world alone ruined your life, right?"

She nodded her head slightly but I could still see she wasn't telling the truth,

"So I'm right and Polly is wrong."

"Right about what?"

"It doesn't matter."

"It looks like it matters to you."

"Family business."

Ness spoke up before Grace could say anymore,

"Which you are not so I'd stop asking if I was you, love."

"You won't tell anyone my secret?"

"Do you think I tell people things?"

She spoke up again but this time I just ignored her I was done with her for tonight.

"I can sing if you want?"

Ness stood up and walked to the bar, she came back over with Grace's purse and coat she shoved them in Grace's face,

"No thanks, love if we wanted to listen to strangled cats then we would have asked Finn to sing you can go now, I'll lock up."

I laughed at that, I knew Ness was pissed off. Ness is an amazing singer she used to sing all the time before the war, Saturdays in here, Sundays at church and to me in our bedroom. The war happened and I know she sang for the men she cared for in med tents to ease their suffering. And now singing is something she couldn't tolerate and I supported her especially with this woman who couldn't sing. Grace looked at me like she was expecting me to stick up for her but I just looked at her with my blinder face on,

"You heard my wife."

I then turned to look at Ness I put my hand up and put my finger calling her to me in the come here motion. I pushed my chair back while she walked to me once in front of me I pulled her into my lap so she was straddling me. I wrapped my arms around her waist holding her tight and her arms went around my neck. I could feel how soaked her clothes were so I pulled her tighter against me to share in my warmth, I looked into her eyes and she leaned down placing her lips against mine. In the quiet we heard the door slam shut but we paid it no mind I just kept kissing my wife. When I felt her shiver again I pulled back and looked at her,

"Come on, love, let's go home. Harry can clean up in the morning."

We left the pub and locked up walking back to number 6, we walked in and went straight to our room, where I helped Ness peel off her soaked nightdress and gave her one of my shirts to sleep in. I grabbed the extra blankets off the wardrobe and put them on the bed and held it open so Ness could get in, once she was in I stripped my clothes, even my boxers, and got in next to her pulling her into my arms and pulling the blanket over us both. I held her close to me and made sure the blanket was tugged around the back of her so she wouldn't get sick.

"Sleep love, we can lay in tomorrow."

It wasn't long before we were both asleep, thankfully no nightmares coming to me this time. I woke up late the next day and I knew it was late because the sun was already high in the sky. I looked to see Ness laying awake next to me just laying wrapped in my arms. I went to speak when there was a knock on the bedroom door,

"Yeah?"

The door opened and it was Polly,

"Afternoon, the boys want you to meet them at the Garrison once you're up and dressed."

"Alright thanks Pol,"

She closed the door and I looked to Ness who was smiling at me,

"You coming darling?"

"Yeah, I haven't spent a lot of time with the boys lately."

"Let's get ready then."

We got out of bed and I got dressed quickly, I turned to ask Ness something when my breath got caught in my throat, now my wife is beautiful in anything she wears but when she wears blue or emerald green she looks like a goddess. She is in an emerald green dress that goes to her knees, her hair is in curls from getting wet last night so she pinned it up into a bun with loose bits hanging. I took a step closer to her and cupped her face pulling her lips to mine and thrusting my tongue into her mouth, our tongues battling for dominance I knew I would win. I pulled away and looked into her eyes,

"You truly are beautiful my love,"

"Thank you husband of mine, you are very handsome yourself."

She grabbed my cap off the bedside table and put it onto my head, and held her hand out to me, which I took instantly.

"Shall we Milady?"

"We shall kind sir,"

We made our way downstairs, I helped Ness into her coat and we were out the door hand in hand. We got to the Garrison and found Arthur, John Scudboat, Lovelock and Finn in the snug. We walked in and Ness closed the door, John and Arthur stood up and leant across the table to kiss her forehead she kissed Finn's forehead Scudboat kissed her forehead also and Lovelock nodded his head to her, then walked back over to me where I pulled her onto my lap. John dealt the cards and we got playing, with Ness on my lap we could see each other's cards but we didn't care.

We were playing when we heard the singing start up, I felt Ness tense so I ran my hand down her back to calm her down. I knew she was pissed off cause so was I. I knew who had started this singing and so did Ness and I knew she did it to piss off Ness which in my opinion is not a good idea, cause not only do you piss Ness of but me also. John spoke up arguing with Arthur as they usually do when the door opened and Grace walked in,

"Go play snap with Finn,"

"Did you want whisky as well?"

"No, just beer."

I snapped at her, I wrapped an arm around Ness's waist. I wasn't sure if it was to keep her calm or me. Thankfully Arthur spoke up,

"Why no whiskey, Tommy? Are you expecting trouble?"

Ness laughed at looked at Arthur,

"There is always trouble with you, deartháir." (Brother in Irish Gaelic)

That had us all laughing at her in response, she wasn't wrong. I took a quick glance at Grace and saw the look of shock on her face that Ness could speak Irish Gaelic, it had me wondering if Grace could. I took a quick looked at my cards when John spoke up,

"Jesus Christ, Tommy, what the hell made you let them sing? It's like they're strangling cats out there."

Arthur and John laughed which had me smiling at them but it was Ness who spoke up and I could tell she was pissed and she was going to make sure Grace knew it.

"Tommy didn't let them sing neither did I! It seems someone is not good at following rules in this place, I'm going to have to speak to Harry about getting new staff here!"

That had them both looking at Ness who was glaring at Grace, me I just smirked my wife is a firecracker and it wouldn't be long before she exploded at Grace and I couldn't wait to see it.

"Alright, 20s the play come on. Why are you not out there telling them to shut up Tom?"

I looked at Arthur for a moment then glanced at Grace to see her leaving which had Ness relaxing in my lap more. But John had to speak up and piss her off again, I knew he was only messing around but Ness was still pissed off at Grace and I couldn't blame her. Not with the way the bitch ignored Ness and kept looking at me.

"It's about time, Tommy."

"Time for what?"

He took a quick glance at Ness and winked at me,

"Time you took yourself a woman."

Ness looked at John with a glare set firmly on her face,

"What the fuck did you just say? What am I John chopped fucking liver?"

He could see he had fucked up and went to apologise but I spoke up first cause if he said anything more to Ness she would get more pissed off.

"Just play the bloody hand."

I could see he was sorry from the way he looked at me so I nodded my head but then dipped my chin in Ness's direction so he knew he would have to apologise to her later also. Arthur spoke up next,

"You stay the way you are, Tommy. Remember what dad used to say. Fast women and slow horses..

Him and John speaking at the same time now,

"Will ruin your life."

Ness laughed at them both,

"You two are just jealous because Tommy gets to fuck me whenever he wants and you still have to pay for it."

That had them both looking at her in shock and me laughing, it was no secret that they both had crushes on Ness growing up she is a beautiful woman but they both know she's mine so I never said anything about it and I knew they got over it the older they got now they love her like a sister. But I knew they were also jealous of the relationship we had because Ness accepted me for who I am and not who she could change me into.

We were interrupted by headlights in the window and the sound of a car pulling up,

"Coppers." John said,

"No"

I knew it wasn't coppers, I had a feeling this was Kimber. Ness turned to look at me and I could see she thought it was Kimber also, we heard the doors open and people walk in then I heard the cocky voice,

"Is there any man here named Shelby?"

No one said anything, we then heard a gunshot some people scream and his voice again,

"I said, is there any man here named Shelby?"

Ness stood up off my lap, we all stood at the same time I grabbed Ness's hand and pulled her so she was behind me.

"Follow us out, love just let me clear the place first."

She nodded her head, she stood next to the door and I opened it walking out and stood in the doorway,

"Harry, get these men a drink. Everyone else, go home!"

I walked out into the pub and swung my arm in the air so they would clear out, they all rushed out and the place was empty in seconds. I pulled a chair up to a table, with Arthur sitting next to that chair and John next to him. I went to sit when I noticed Grace bring over the drinks, I wanted her no where near this talk right now not until the races anyway. She put the tray of drinks on the table and I looked at her,

"You go home,"

"But Mr Fenton said,

"I said, go home."

She walked off when Kimber spoke up,

"I've never approved of women in pubs but when they look like that."

That was when I nodded to Ness, she made her way out of the snug and came to stand behind me on the right side Kimber looked at her and I could see the leer in his eyes when looking at my wife, he spoke up again.

"Or when they look like you sweetheart."

I tensed up in anger so Ness put her left hand on my shoulder, proudly displaying her wedding ring, I saw Kimber's eyes move to glance at her hand then he looked at me. Her hand on my shoulder helped calm me down so I could get through this meeting,

"You said you wanted men called Shelby. You got three of them and my wife!"

I emphasized the word wife so he knew she was mine and off limits to anyone but me,

"Right, I'd never heard of ya, then I did hear of ya. Some little diddicoy razor gang, I thought to myself "so what?" But then you fuck me over so now you have my undivided attention."

He looked at all three of us then glanced at Ness again who stood next to me in silent support with her hand still on my shoulder.

"By the way, which one am I talking to? Who's the boss?"

Arthur spoke up first which seemed to entertain Kimber, something tells me he already knows who the boss is so I kept quiet for the moment just watching him,

"Well, I'm the oldest."

"Clearly"

He laughs, Then John speaks up surprising him,

"You laughing at my brother?"

"Right, he's the oldest, you're the thickest. I'm told the boss is called Tommy and I'm guessing that's you, cause you're looking me up and down like I'm a fucking tart."

That had Ness snorting but coughing to cover it up,

"I want to know what you want."

This time the posh idiot in the glasses spoke up,

"There were suspicious betting patterns at Kempton park. A horse called Monaghan Boy. He won by a length twice and then finished last, with 3,000 pounds bet on him."

I looked between them both and could see Kimber getting pissed off, so just to wind him up more.

"Which one am I talking to? Which one of you is the boss?"

"I am Mr Kimber's adviser and accountant."

Kimber stood up in a rage pushing his chair back,

"And I'm the fucking boss ok, right, end of parley. You fixed the race without my permission, you fucking gypsy scum. What, live off the war pensions of these poor Garrison lane widows! That's your level! I am Billy Kimber, I run the races! And you fixed one of them so I'm going to have you shot against a post."

I saw Ness from the corner of my eye bite into her lip so hard she drew blood and I knew she was trying not to laugh. Kimber looked at her frowning

"You find something funny sweetheart?"

Ness looked at him shaking her head but I could see the mirth written all over her face and knew the others could too.

"Nope not a thing Mr Kimber,"

"How about you come over this way darling I'll show you what a real man is!"

That did it, the damn burst and Ness burst out laughing so hard she had tears running down her cheeks,

"Real man? You? Sorry Kimber but my Tommy's all the man I need. He is a real man I can assure you of that!"

I smirked at that, But Kimber didn't like the answer so he went to leave when I stood up calling his name.

"Mr Kimber?"

His men pulled a gun and pointed it at me which had Ness speaking up again,

"Oh, Christ sake come on! His unarmed you idiots are you that scared that you have to pull your weapons out on an unarmed man?"

They all looked at her then Kimber, who was looking at Ness in shock. Yeah I don't think he's used to women speaking up like that. I fished the bullet out of my pocket and threw it at Kimber who caught it.

"Look at it. That is my name in it, it's from the Lee family. You are also at war with the Lees, Mr Kimber, am I right?"

He walked back over to the table, so I carried on speaking.

"The Lees are attacking your bookies and taking your money. Your men can't control them. You need help."

It was the posh idiot that spoke up this time,

"Perhaps we should listen to what Mr Shelby has to say before we make our decisions."

"Right. The Lees are doing a lof of talking at the fairs. They have a lot of kin, they're saying the race tracks are easy meat. Because the police are busy with strikes, now, we have connections we know how they operate. You have muscle together, we can beat them. Divided, maybe not.

"The posh idiot spoke up again,

"Mr Kimber, perhaps we should take some time for reflection, possibly make arrangements for a second meeting."

"I admire you, Mr Kimber. You started with nothing, and built a legitimate business. It would be an honour to work with you, Mr Kimber."

"Nobody works with me. People work for me."

He flicked a coin onto the floor and looked at me,

"Pick it up, pikey."

I knew what he was doing, this was all about his ego, Ness knocked it when she laughed at his comment of being a real man and now he wanted everyone to know he was the bigger cock in the hen house. I would play his game for now until I hade that licence then it was game over. I felt Ness tense up and knew she was gonna explode at him soon so I went to pick up the coin when John stood up. I pointed at him,

"Sit, sit down."

I picked up the coin and looked at him, he thought he had won but he could see the look in my eyes and knew he hadn't.

"It's for the ceiling."

"Thank you, Mr Kimber."

The posh idiot stood up and walked round to me,

"We will be at Cheltenham."

"As will I!"

He then walked out of the pub, once he left Ness burst out in laughter which had us all looking at her, me with a smile on my face and the others in amusement.

"That's who everyone is scared of? His like a fucking baby!"

I smirked at that and shook my head at her, I went and locked the doors and walked back in when Arthur spoke up,

"So you picked a fight with the Lees on purpose. Tommy, we can't mess with Billy fucking Kimber."

Ness walked to my side and put her arm around my waist mine going round hers, she looked at Arthur with a raised eyebrow,

"Why not Arthur? Did you not see his display? His a child it's going to be child's play to take him out, stop worrying so much deartháir you're going to go bold otherwise."

That had Arthur looking at her with a playful glare on his face, the rest of us chuckled at her response, I looked at Arthur and smirked,

"Get yourself a decent haircut, man. We're going to the races."

I then downed my shot of whiskey, Ness downing hers also. I turned to look at her and she smiled at me,

"Shall we go home, my love?"

"Hmm you know Tommy you did promise me some devilment the other night!"

That had me smirking at her, I held my hand out to her which she grabbed without hesitation. We looked to the others and nodded at them, we walked over to the door and I unlocked it opening it waving my hand for Ness to leave. Once out I grabbed her hand again and we made our way back home, I opened the door and she walked in. I shut and locked the door we then made our way upstairs to our room, Ness walked in first with me following I closed the door and locked it.

Ness was standing there with her back to me so I walked over and stood behind her, I leaned down and placed opened mouthed kisses along her shoulder moving towards her neck. I opened my mouth and pressed my teeth against her neck sucking at the same time, Ness's moan only spurring me on to do more. I reached up and unbuttoned her dress sliding it down her shoulders, my mouth following the path her dress took. Once her dress pooled at her feet I slid the straps of her slip down, untying her bra and taking that off. She turned round and slid her hands to my shoulders sliding my jacket off. She then unbuttoned my waistcoat and shirt sliding them both off at the same time. She untucked my under shirt and took that off, she placed open mouth kisses on my chest where my heart beat which had my head rolling back.

I moved my hands to her hips, grabbing her tightly and rubbing my thumb in circles on her hip. Her arms went round my neck and her hands went to the back of my hair playing with the strands on my neck. She pulled my head down so our lips met running her tongue along my bottom lip drawing a groan from me, I bit her bottom lip pulling gently then running my tongue along it to soothe the sting, which had Ness moaning.

I pushed her back gently then got to my knees, I ran my fingertips up her legs keeping my eyes on hers, I gripped each side of her knickers and pulled them down taking her stockings with them. I stood up and gently pushed her towards the bed, pushing her to sit down. Once she was sat down I knelt down again and spread her legs open seeing her wetness glistening on the lips of her pussy. I put my hand onto her chest and pushed slightly so she was on her elbows watching me, I leant down and ran my tongue from bottom to clit, which had her gasping and jerking her hips. I circled my tongue round her clit then sucked it into my mouth, one hand going to hold her hips down. The other moved to the entrance of her pussy and thrusted two fingers deep inside her.

"Fuck Tommy!"

That had me smirking, I sucked her clit into my mouth harder pulling my fingers out then thrusted them in deeper and harder than before I did this a few times feeling her walls flutter and clench around my fingers, I pulled them out looking up at her seeing her eyes glazed over with lust and desire, I smirked at her then thrust three fingers deep inside her curling them at the right spot rubbing over her G-spot, I knew she was close so I bit her clit not hard enough to break skin just enough to send the jolt through her that had her calling my name and squirting on my fingers, licking her juices and humming at the taste of her. I pulled my fingers out of her and stood up, I unbuttoned my pants and pulled them down with my boxers, Ness keeping her eyes on me watching me.

She slid from the bed and knelt in front of me, I grabbed my cock and pumped a few times, running the tip across her lips. She opened her mouth which had my hands going to her hair, one hand pulling her hair into a fist the other just sat on the back of her head. I looked into her eyes waiting for her nod, once I had her approval I thrust my cock into her mouth, the tip of my cock touching the back of her throat. I thrust a few times hitting the back of her throat every time, when I couldn't take it anymore I pulled out of her mouth, letting go of her hair I grabbed her hands pulling her to her feet. I slammed my lips against hers, kissing her roughly, biting her lip, drawing gasps from her. I wrapped my arms around her and walked her back so her legs hit the bed she put her hands out to stop her fall and crawled to the top of the bed with me following and my lips still attached to hers.

Once she was at the top of the bed I settled against her hips, my arms unwrapping from her waist. I ran a hand down to her breast pinching and pulling her nipple while my mouth went to her other nipple, my hand then trailed down to her clit rubbing rough circles, I ran my fingers along her wetness collecting it on my fingers and grabbed my cock coating it in her juices, I pumped it a few times the touched the tip to her entrance, I then grabbed her hands lacing our fingers together and pulling them up above her head. I looked into her eyes and thrust my hips forward, drawing a loud gasp like scream from her and a moan from me. I kept eye contact with her when I pulled out to the tip then thrust back in harder and deeper slamming my lips against hers. I kept thrusting going deeper and harder with every thrust, I let go of her right hand moving to her leg and bringing it up so her knee was in line with my rib bringing me closer to her and her hips at a new angle, I then laced my fingers with hers again and did the same to the other side.

This is had me going deeper then before, I could feel her walls fluttering and clenching so I knew she was close.

"Fuck Tommy please!"

"Please what, love?"

"Fuck, harder please god please make me cum!"

I thrusted harder and faster, rolling my hips every time I thrusted in so my pelvic bone rubbed against her clit. Her eyes closed so I butted my nose against hers,

"Open your eyes my love, I want to see you let go, come on love let go. Fuck, love open those eyes of yours I want to see you cum!"

Her eyes opened and her mouth flew open a scream coming out which had me slamming my lips against hers, I felt her clench my cock so hard it got hard to move, she wrapped her legs tighter around me and her hands gripped mine so hard her nails dug into my skin she moved her mouth to my neck and bit, I knew she would leave a mark but I didn't care she didn't do it hard enough to break skin or drew blood it was just so she wouldn't scream. She came so hard I felt her squirt against me, I thrusted a few more times when I moved my head to her neck biting softly to stop the groan being too loud, I came deep inside her pussy both of us riding out our orgasms. I pulled away from her neck and kissed her lips softly,

"God I love you Ness Shelby."

"I love you Tommy Shelby."

I let go of her hands and rolled off of her bringing her to my chest, I reached down and pulled the cover over us. She put her head onto my chest and my arm went around her, my hand landing on her hip. Her hand laying on my chest over my heart, I knew she could feel the erratic beating of it but I didn't care I put my hand over hers and closed my eyes. This right here is where I love to be, it's where I find peace.

An, there we go you lucky ducks, another chapter within the space of three days. I hope you enjoy this update. I wanted it to be different to the episode but also to other stories that have written this episode. As you can see this is an anti Grace fic so if you like Grace then maybe this story is not for you. If you have any ideas or suggestions of what you want to happen or see please let me know. I'd like to point out though this is NOT a cheating fic, there will be no cheating with Grace he is purely using her! And there has been no Lizzie and will be NO Lizzie or May.