Outside was nipping cold, the signature of Birmingham. The ash from the factory swirled and floated in the night air like little puffs of snow and muddied the ground just the same. You could hear the constant echoing hums far off in the distance like a steady beating heart. Sometimes it made the night feel a little more safe, comforting. I couldn't imagine Small Heath without it.

Polly handed me a folded stack of money after locking the shop doors. "This is your cut," she said, lighting a cigarette. She took a draw and blew the smoke away from me. "You did good. Much better than Tommy thought you would. Much better than some of the men he's hired in the past, maybe even better than John. You have an eye for detail."

"Thank you, Polly," I said looking in my hand, "but really this— this is too much. I haven't even been here a full week."

She sighed making her way down the sidewalk and I jogged to catch up to her. "Polly—"

"I never want to hear you say that again," she spat as she looked at me. "Men underestimate women in the workforce every single God-given day. They under-pay us, treat us like shit like we're their personal maids and whores. It's like they forgot who was making all the fucking money, supporting the household while tall the men were away at war. So when they're willing to give up what's rightfully yours, take it, take it all, and push for more," she spat. "You earned that money, every single shilling. You made us a big profit with those little odds you and John came up with. And let's not forget all the tutoring you've given the children. Even Finn's teacher is impressed, she sent me a letter yesterday about his improvements. It's only fair you got what you did and there'll be more if you keep it up."

"Thank you, Polly," I said.

"Don't thank me, thank Tommy," she said.

I pushed my hands in my coat pockets, looking down at the sidewalk. "You all must really care for my father to do all of this for him. You don't even know me but you've all treated me like family from the moment we met."

"It's only natural. Your father is a hard worker, a loyal soldier, and probably one of the most trustworthy men I've ever met. He's always been there for Tommy and the boys, even during the war. It's only right we look after you. Your father has never asked us for anything, ever. So believe the boys are taking this seriously," she replied, taking another long drag.

"Trust me I know," I whispered.

"You're lucky you know," she said with a smile and an amused giggle to herself. "Tommy was ready to move you in our home, keep a real good eye on ya' but your father laughed at 'em, said you'd cut 'em before you'd let that happen."

The very thought made me laugh to myself. My father knew me well. If only he knew how much I missed him but I was also thankful for this opportunity and the family he finally introduced me to. I could see what he saw in them. They may be dangerous but they were good people doing what they needed to do to survive.

"You know, your father had good, pure intentions keeping you away from this lifestyle as long as he did," she said and I looked at her, surprised she wasn't offended. "He was only trying to protect you, sending you away," she said looking at me. "I understand why he didn't want you to come back. The Blinder business isn't always rainbows and roses, most of the time all it is, is blood and conflict but you're a smart girl, I'm sure you knew that already. Even as we speak there's a new copper in town by the name of Inspector Campbell and he's gunning for our family."

"I heard," I replied. "He has quite the reputation in Belfast."

"That he does. Then let's not forget we're still at war with the Lee's. Then we have troubles with the IRA. One of their men ended up dead and they're blaming us of course and supposedly we're now working with Billy Kimber," she sighed. "But the scariest part is— only Tommy knows just how deep we're truly in," she admitted, looking at me with this intense worry in her eyes and I knew I was forbidden to utter a knowing word to anyone about it. "That boy is clever but I feel it'll be the death of him. He understands this world better than anyone. He sees it as a game. Moving pieces at just the right moment, making the right move to win but sometimes, I feel he gets lost in it all and we all become nothing more than cards, that he can pick up and lay down when he's ready," she whispered before she looked at me. "Just make sure you know your boundaries and the worth of your soul when he asks you to do something. Promise me."

"I promise Polly," I said and she smiled.

"Good girl, now let's go get some fucking drinks," Polly said.


The Garrison was a nice little pub not too far from the shop, walking distance. As expected for a Friday night, the place was filled to the brim. There were only a few women in the place, smiling as they greeted their male friends.

Half the crowd was already drunk while the other half were well on their way. Nearly every hand had a drink, a smoke, a woman, or a combination. The room was loud, filled with laughter and men slapping each other on the backs and drunk till they could hardly stand as they sang songs.

A huge smile spread across Polly's face the moment we walked in. The place was beautiful, all the fine details embellished in gold. I never really got a good look at the place the last time I came.

I followed Polly to the small room on the side, the snug, where the rest of the Shelby brothers gathered, nearly polishing off their first bottle of whiskey without us. My eyes met John who smirked at me before taking a sip from his glass.

"Aye!" Arthur cheered, putting down his hand of cards. "Welcome to me pub! You finally made it!"

"No thanks to you lot, leaving us to close up," Polly spat, dropping her bag on the table.

"You ran the place without us for five bloody years, I figured you could run it for one more day," Tommy replied with a smirk, throwing down a card and the boys chuckled amongst themselves.

"I'll remember that Thomas, know that," she spat, taking off her coat and I did the same, handing it close to hers.

"Calm down Aunt Pol," Arthur laughed. "He was just having a laugh. Don't take him serious."

Polly sat beside Tommy, leaving me to sit beside John with Arthur in the middle. John's hand found my thigh under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. Our eyes met and I couldn't help but smile at him. I've missed him today.

"What you drinking love?" John questioned, moving a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"Whisky will do," I smiled.

"You sure Anna?" He questioned and I nodded, biting my bottom lip.

"As long as you promise to take me home," I whispered.

"Whisky it is then," John said, pouring me a small glass. I'd be fine as long as he was here with me.

The barmaid Grace made a quick appearance to pick up the empty pail of beer and cleaned up the table a bit.

"Thank you Grace," Tommy said, quickly glancing up at her then back to his cards.

Arthur and John looked at each other with bright cheeky smiles but Polly simply rolled hers. From what I hear Tommy recently hired Grace to help Arthur with the books at the pub and also to be his personal secretary but Polly wasn't too pleased about it but she seemed like a nice girl.

"Anna," Tommy called, trying to take the attention off of himself. "Did you do the odds for tomorrow?" He questioned, throwing down another card, trying to ignore Grace as she walked away.

"Yes, I left them on John's desk so he can review them in the morning," I said.

"Good, good," he said, nodding his head. "You've done well this week. Your father will be proud," Tommy said.

"Right, right he will," Arthur agreed.

"Thank you," I smiled as I stood, picking up my purse.

"Oi! Leaving already love?" Arthur questioned.

"Not yet," I smiled. "I'm just going to the bar to get the next bottle," I replied.

"Don't worry, I'll get it, love," John quickly replied, ready to stand.

"No, that's alright. I wanted to buy a bottle myself as thanks. I just to show my appreciation for everything you've all done for me and my father. I was a little hesitant to take the job at the betting shop but you've all been more than welcoming. So this bottle is the very least that I can do, to show I don't take any of you for granted," I said before heading for the crowded bar.

"What a sweet girl," Polly smiled, taking a draw on her cigarette as she watched me leave. "No wonder Benny kept her from us all this time. Genuine and sweet, just like her mother."

John slid over a tad, watched me wade through the crowd, and Arthur grinned watching him go through the nerves. John's face was tight as he brought his glass to his lips.

"She'll be fine John-boy," Arthur teased, trying not to laugh at his own jokes. "The men out there might be drunk savages but she can manage. You see how she handles herself at the shop," he laughed.

Tommy chuckled under his breath looking at Arthur but John didn't reply as he watched me through the door, tapping his foot, itching to follow.

"I don't know Arthur," Tommy said, clearing his throat. "Pretty young girl like her in a dress like that could make even the most righteous man sin after drinking all that whiskey," Tommy replied into his glass, winding up his brother. "Besides, she's still a single girl, after all, she can talk to any man that interests her. A girl her age should be out looking for a good husband and start having some kids. Maybe a nice Cavalryman or a banker will do."

John downed his glass of whiskey like a shot.

"Don't listen to them John," Polly spat but John stood to adjust his vest before heading to the bar, taking his cap as he went.

"Eh, don't kill anyone John-boy," Arthur laughed, his chest going up and down as he did. "I just gave the place a proper clean."

Polly shook her head, disappointed in her nephews. "You two just had to wind him up," she spat, taking another draw of her cigarette.

"Just a tad Pol," Arthur replied. "It's time he showed Anna his true self, tell her how he feels. The boys had his eyes and hands on the girl since she walked in the shop. Completely smitten. He nearly took off poor Frances' head for just introducing himself to her."

"Besides that, It's time he takes a proper girl," Tommy said.

"Right, and forget about that whoring Lizzie Stark," Arthur added.

"Don't remind me," Polly groaned, blowing smoke. "I saw her the other day in the market. I walked past her like I didn't see her. I hear she's been asking about him."

Arthur sighed, shaking his head. "Of course she is. A man like John for someone like her is a fucking prize but what he needs is a good woman to help him mother them children, not a whore still trying to keep the wolf from the bloody door."

Polly leaned into the table. "And that's exactly why he has to keep calm and court this girl properly. He's going to scare off the poor thing with his jealousy and bad temper."

Arthur groaned. "Tell me about it. I made the girl laugh, a simple laugh Polly and he was pissed with me for the rest of the bloody day, pure fucking jealousy. I feel sorry for her," Arthur admitted, shaking his head.

"Regardless," Tommy started. "Anna is a tough girl, she can handle him."

"You think so?" Polly questioned.

"I'm sure of it," Tommy said. "She's a lot tougher than she looks. She's Benny's daughter after all."

"I hope so," Arthur muttered into his glass.

"While we're on the subject," Tommy said, clearing his throat. "I need to talk to you about something Pol."

She sighed. "What is it now Thomas?"

He sighed, taking a long draw on his cigarette. "John and I went to see Benny."

Surprised, her eyes widened with interest as she sat up a little straighter. "When?"

"Today," he replied.

She outed her cigarette. "How is he?"

"Not good," he admitted. "The man's bloody dying Pol and he wasn't going to tell a bloody soul."

Arthur shook his head with grief and a heavy sigh left his chest. "Shit," he whispered.

"Christ, I had a feeling. He at least needs to tell his daughter," she said, concerned.

Tommy shook his head. "He won't do it, Pol. He had this look in his eyes that I know too well, he's too scared."

"Scared or not, he needs to give her a chance to get all the affairs in order," she spat.

"It seems he already did," Tommy replied, pulling the documents from inside his inner jacket pocket. "He signed everything over to me. Even her fucking dowry Pol," he said, passing her the stack of folded documents.

"Dear Christ," Polly spat as she skimmed them. "The sickness must be in his bloody brain. How could he do this to her?"

"According to him, this is his way of protecting her," Tommy replied, taking another draw of his cigarette. "Giving her to the Blinders. He's afraid she'll be taken advantage of otherwise."

Pol frowned. "So take it all from her? And give it to a bloody man?"

Tommy sighed. "I didn't tell him to do it, Pol."

"It's still not right Thomas, she doesn't deserve this," Polly spat.

"And I agree," Tommy sighed.

"How long does he have?" Arthur questioned.

"I didn't ask but from the way he looks, I can't imagine too much longer," Tommy admitted, shaking his head.

"You have to tell her Thomas," she replied, folding back the papers. "Someone has too."

"I plan to, the only problem is Benny doesn't want her to know about the assets," Tommy said.

"She's all that he has. She's going to find out sooner or later and when she does she's going to be devastated that he could do something like this to her." Polly spat.

"I won't let that happen. I plan to transfer everything back to her, right after he passes and burn this," Tommy said.

Polly shook her head. "That poor girl deserves better than this. She came here to look after him. She left the beautiful country to come to the fucking slums of Small Heath for her father, Thomas."

"I know Pol but for now what's done is done. I'll make sure to fix it before she finds out," Thomas said.

They naturally cleared a path as I made my way through to an empty barstool. I was smiling and greeting men who hailed me but nothing more. I sat, figuring it would be a while before I would receive service anyways but it wouldn't be in peace.

A man, quite older than me but still young soon found the courage to lean against the bar. He smiled down at me like a vulture would dead prey but then started to bat his eyes, trying his best to catch my interest like a bird in the wild in heat. It wasn't too long before he followed up with the classic line, "can I buy you a whiskey?"

"That's alright, I'm buying a bottle for the night but thank you anyway," I said with a light smile.

He inched a little closer, smelling of stale beer and old cigarettes. "You plan to drink all that alone?" He questioned, boldly touching my hand, his fingernails caked with dirt. "Wouldn't you rather have some company?"

I pulled my hand away but it was John's voice that got his undivided attention. "She has plenty fucking company, thank you," John spat, grabbing the man by his shirt.

"Shit," I spat, hopping off the stool, trying to calm him down. "Let him go, John, please," I begged and his jaw clenched before he did.

The moment the man's feet touched the ground he fled. With a look from John, I sat back in my seat and faced the bar but I couldn't help but smile as I shook my head. That temper of his was probably the only thing that hasn't changed since we were children.

John raised two fingers to the barmaid, Grace, clearly annoyed. "Bottle of whiskey, Irish," he spat.

I turned my head to face him, realizing his hand had found its way to my waist, preventing anyone from coming too close to us, not like they would when those piercing blue eyes set on them. He kept his gaze straight while he waited and his jaw clenched before he finally looked down at me. There was no denying it, he was pissed.

"You alright?" He finally questioned when he caught my gaze.

"Yes," I assured him, knowing the one thing John hated more than the fucking cavalrymen were pricks with fast hands.

He took the bottle and I paid but Harry, the bartender, looked at him before taking the money, making sure it was alright. John gave him a simple nod and there was finally peace.

He took my hand and I couldn't help but feel my heart pick up as he led the way back, placing the bottle in the middle of the table next to the stack of playing cards.

"Let's drink," Arthur cheered.

A few games in and a dozen drinks later I stood to my feet, feeling extremely light.

"Oi, where you going?" John questioned, his eyes fixed on me.

"I have to use the restroom. I'll be back," I smiled, walking out of the room, feeling my face starting to flush with the warmth of the alcohol and my body slightly sway.

He watched me leave and didn't say a word. I doubt he could. "This bloody girl is going to be the death of me," he sighed, standing up to follow me and his brothers simply laughed.

"She might be just as much trouble as you," Arthur laughed.

"You need to make sure you apologize for your behavior earlier," Polly spat. "The poor girl must've been embarrassed."

"Alright Polly," he sighed.

The bathroom was empty and I smiled at myself in the mirror, glad my face was still its normal shade but I could feel this heat pulsing through me. When I came out John was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and my heart started thumping in my chest. He was so handsome.

"Were you waiting for me?" I questioned, a little surprised. I was sure I was more than capable to wee alone.

He nodded. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright and— apologize for the way I acted earlier at the bar. I shouldn't have made a scene."

I shook my head, looking to my feet. I couldn't explain how I felt when he defended me but I didn't hate it. "It's alright John—"

"No it's not," he spat as he caught hold of my waist. He couldn't meet my eyes but I knew he meant what he said. "I don't like people touching you, alright. They have no right to touch you," he whispered.

"I understand but I don't like you fighting," I said, going up on my toes to kiss his jaw and the grip on me tighten. "It's not worth it. It's just desperate men trying their luck, that's all."

"Don't ever say that. I know what goes through their minds when they see a girl like you," he spat, holding my head in his hands, forcing our eyes to meet. "I'd kill anyone who hurts you, cut 'em a smile each," he spat and my heart threatened to burst from my chest.

"John—"

He sighed, pulling me closer, wrapping his strong arms around me. "I mean it, Anna," he said into my hair.

I nodded my head against him, clutching his vest as my eyes closed. "I know you do," I whispered. My eyes closed and I could feel the whiskey going to my head. "John—"

"Yes, Anna?"

"Can you take me home?"

He nodded. "Let's get your coat," he said.

John waited outside for me, with his hands in his coat pockets as I said my goodbyes to his family. He tossed his cigarette and threw his arm over my shoulder when I finally came outside. He smelled so good and felt warm even through his coat.

"Thank you for walking me home," I said.

"I promised I would," he said and I smiled up at him.

We reached my door and I looked back at him, as he stood outside my door. "Aren't you coming in for tea?"

He smirked, following me inside. He closed the door, locked it behind him while I took off my coat, heading for the stairs. He stood at the base watching me strip as I walked up.

"Are you coming?" I questioned looking back at him and he smirked watching my purse tumble down the stairs before bolting up behind me.

"Anna," he laughed.

He closed my room door with his foot and caught me by my wrist, pulling me into him. I was down to my silk slip. He pulled me into him, my arms wrapping around his neck. "Fuck Anna, what's gotten into you?"

"Whiskey," I replied, kissing him. I helped his vest off his shoulders.

He then helped my slip off my shoulders, letting it fall to the ground. I pulled his shirt out his pants, undoing his buttons and he pulled the ribbon of my bra, rubbing his hands along the length of my back as we continued to kiss.

His hand moved up to my hair where he slowly started to pull my pins. "I always like it when your hair's down," he whispered, letting them drop to the floor, watching the strands fall past my shoulders, settling near my waist.

His warm hands reached up along my nape and up into my hair against my scalp and I held his wrist.

"I've always loved your long hair when we were kids," he whispered against my ear, sending a tingling wave down deep into my stomach.

"I could tell, you made it a point to pull it every single day, stealing my ribbons and hair bands," I whispered, biting my lip, enjoying the feeling of his strong fingers against my scalp.

He filled his hands, gripping gently, causing a heavy moan to escape my lips and he smirked bringing himself closer. My eyes closed, as I held his wrists and bit my lip harder in pure fucking pleasure. He pressed into me, watching me come undone is his hands, before he pressed his warm lips closer to my ear. "Tell me what you want Anna."

My body was completely in his trance, all I could do was nod my head. There was no doubt he knew what I wanted. He gripped just a little tighter before he kissed me again, sending a rush of lust and warm tinglings between my legs.

When he released my hair he lifted me off my feet and my legs wrapped around his waist as he moved to sit on the edge of my bed. By my waist he lifted me to my knees, positioning himself under my warm dripping entrance, teasing, stroking along my slit before helping me down. My head fell back and his face buried in my neck as I rode him to my liking. He held onto the back of my neck, holding me close to his body, enjoying my rhythm.

"Fuck," he moaned against my skin.

My arms wrapped around his head and fingers twined in his hair as I flicked my waist. His hot moans pressed against my skin and his grip grew tighter. When he finally looked up at me, I couldn't help but kiss him again.

He then laid me down, and flipped me on my stomach, lifting my waist, positioning me on my knees. His firm hands ran over my bottom, my face buried in my pillow and I bit my lip waiting, but John was a fucking tease. Rubbing my already throbbing clit, dragging out heavy pants and moans, my hips rocking against his fingers. He wanted me to beg, wanted to hear me say his name.

I was spilling out, feeling it running down my thighs, gripping the sheets aching for him to fuck me.

His finger trailed my wetness. "Fuck, look at all that," he said and I bit my lip harder, feeling his two fingers slide in. His other hand gripped my waist as he teased my entrance.

It was nothing compared to what I wanted. It only made the ache worse. "John— please," I moaned, begged and his fingers slid out.

"Alright sweetheart," he said with a kiss to my lower back before he finally slipped in his full length deep inside me then slapped my ass as he began to pump.

I played with my clit as he fucked me, feeling the orgasm already building back up, stronger than before. He pressed his hand in my lower back, arching it to press deeper. My cunt tightening around his cock, ready to cum hard.

"I'm going to cum," I moaned.

"Cum for me, love," he begged. He pressed my lower back lower, as he gripped my waist with the other. He thrust deeper, hitting my spot over and over till I couldn't take it. I moaned his name as I finally came.

He held my thighs firm to him as my body relaxed. "Fuck," he moaned, throwing his head back as he came after me, spilling out inside of me.