The morning, I found myself in bed admiring my bracelet the moment I noticed it. I couldn't remember putting it on but it was surely stunning. It was pretty in the morning sun, the diamond caught even the simplest of light. But now every time I looked at it, all I could think about was him.
"I'm glad you like it," he whispered against the back of my neck.
I turned to face him and he pulled me in closer, submerging me in his warmth. "I love it," I said, placing deep kisses to his chest.
"You really have to stop doing that love," he sighed, his eyes still closed. "You're waking up me leg."
"What?" I laughed, feeling it in my chest. "What does that even mean?"
"You bloody well know what it means," he said and he was right but I couldn't help it.
I kissed up higher the base of his neck and he bit his lip as his hand ran up and down my back. He deserved all of my early morning affections. "I swear I don't," I whispered against his skin.
"I'm warning you, do it again and I'll show you," he said and I could feel the adrenaline pumping as the butterflies fluttered in my belly with anticipation.
So of course I did it again, kissing a little higher, pressing just a little bit deeper, my bare breasts pressing against his chest, my leg draped over his waist. I earned a light grunt from his throat but I wanted a little more. I bit my lip as I ran my hand down his stomach, holding him in my hand but in a blink I found myself on my back, my wrists pinned above my head by one of his strong hands. My entire frame was between his legs as he positioned himself on his knees. I bit my lip harder and he shook his head, looking down at me with this smile.
"You like trouble, innit?"
"Only if it looks like you," I said blowing a kiss and he laughed, showing his teeth.
"Is that bloody right?"
I bit my lip again with a nod, ready for my punishment. He freed my writs to place a kiss to my forehead, trailing down to my lips, my chest, my stomach. I closed my eyes as my fingers held onto his head, guiding him lower till his hot tongue reached the bottom of my dripping slit. He trailed up and with a flick at the clit. He gripped my thighs, pinning me in place as my entire body trembled as heat traveled down my spine. Warm lips crushed against my most sensitive part and every thought faded into nothing.
My back arched as my mouth opened and my chest sank with a heavy exhale. I gripped his hair, trying to keep myself under control but it was impossible with a man like John. I could hardly breathe, feeling the burning in the soles of my feet. He showed no mercy as he devoured every inch of my sensitive skin. Every bite, suck, lick sent me closer to my limit but nothing compared to when he added two skilled fingers.
"Fuck," I moaned and my grip on his hair tightened.
Right when I was coming close to the edge he stopped but not for long. Before I could protest, he gave me what I really wanted. With one thrust he filled me and my orgasm started building rapidly with every deep, fluid stroke. I gripped the back of his neck, holding him close.
"Fuck," he moaned as I tightened around him, ready for my release. "Wait for me, love," he said against my shoulder.
He pressed deeper and I couldn't help but come first but he was only a few deep strokes behind filling me to the brim with his release. I could feel him spilling into me and everything pulsed between us.
He rolled off me but pulled me into him. We laid there quietly for a while in each other's arms. It felt good just to lay here in peace, no rush to go to work, for him to send the kids off to school or run the streets of Birmingham with his brothers. For a single moment, he only belonged to me and I loved it.
"Do you plan to tell your family about us?" I whispered, drawing circles on his chest as we laid there completely spent. His eyes were closed, he breathed easy and peacefully but the nerves built in my stomach as I waited for a reply.
"I'm sure they already have some idea, but come over tonight for dinner and I'll tell them," he said and I smiled with relief.
I looked up at him and he petted my hair. "You sure?"
"Why not? You're like family already," he said and that made me smile till I showed teeth.
"Speaking of family— I think it would be best if you're the one to tell my father or at least come with me to tell him."
I didn't have the courage to tell him alone. The old man never took it well when men became interested in me. I was his only child and a girl at that.
He looked down, placing a kiss to my forehead. "If that's what you want."
I hugged him leaving no space between us. If a man could face my father, knowing who he was with no fear, he was everything I've ever wanted and more.
"Anything you want, love," John said, rubbing my back. "Now go back to sleep."
I was nervous standing outside the Shelby home on Watery Lane. I stood outside for a bit finishing my cigarette trying to calm my nerves before I finally mustered the courage to knock on the door.
Finn opened the door for me and I smiled down at him. He was just the cutest thing with his big pink cheeks. He grabbed my coat sleeve, pulling me inside, excited to see me as always.
The children were next to greet me and that helped to calm my nerves. They swarmed around me calling my name as they all hugged on me. It always felt good to see them and I patted them all on their heads as they smiled up at me with those gorgeous eyes that always reminded me so much of John.
"Those are pretty flowers, Miss Anna," Laura said.
I almost forgot I bought them. I knelt down, giving them to her. "Can you do me a favor? Can you give these to Aunt Polly for me, please?"
She smiled as I gave her the white tulips wrapped in brown paper. "Okay," she said before running off. I didn't feel right coming to their home empty-handed. It was the least I could do the first time I would join them for dinner.
"Are you here to have dinner with us?" Finn questioned.
I nodded as I stood. "John invited me."
"Daddy invited you?" Katie questioned and I nodded with a smile. As young as little Katie was she caught on quick to what was really going on around her. She really knew how to put two and two together as she looked at Finn and her older brother David.
John was next to greet me. He was like magic, appearing when I called his name. I was able to finally take off my coat and he took it from my hands, hanging it up for me along with my purse. He then looked at his children.
"Go on, go wash up for dinner. You too Finn. Aunt Pol is setting the table now," he said.
"Daddy, can I sit by Miss Anna?" Katie questioned.
"Me too," Andrew and Finn chimed.
"Katie asked first now go wash up," John said and the children all ran off together.
John pulled me into a hug the moment they were out of sight, burying his face in my neck. "You smell nice," he whispered, placing a deep kiss to my skin.
"Thank you," I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck.
He gave my ass a gentle squeeze, pulling me closer. "I like this dress. It looks nice on you, love."
"John—" I warned, against his ear.
"I couldn't help it," he said, moving a strand of hair behind my ear and it was hard to stay mad at him. He lifted my chin, placing a quick kiss to my lips. "You ready?"
"As I'll ever be," I said, feeling the nerves settle back in the pit of my stomach.
He took my hand leading me to the dining room. He didn't let my hand go when we walked in and instantly I got even more nervous as Polly's eyes set on us. The Shelby home seemed so different when the shop was closed and only the family itself remained. Polly looked at our hands and smiled at us. It was then I could actually relax a bit. Her reaction was the one that frightened me the most.
"Anna, it's nice to see you. The flowers you brought are beautiful. I have the perfect vase to put them in," Polly said.
"I'm glad you like them," I smiled.
Tommy was next to walk in the room behind us. He patted John's shoulder as he passed. "So you finally did it, eh John," he said, sitting at the head of the table.
Arthur came into the room next with a heavy stride right behind Tommy. "Took him long enough," he teased as he glanced at us with a bright smile. "Hopefully Benny doesn't kill him for defiling his only precious daughter," Arthur said and Tommy smiled, chuckling to himself.
"Shut up Arthur," John spat.
Tommy took his seat, leaning back in his chair. "Have you told the old man yet?"
"I plan to," John said.
"Well, at least it'll give us some time to build the coffin. Just tell us now where you want us to bury ya then John," Arthur laughed.
"Funny, Arthur, real funny," John replied.
"Who said I was joking, eh?" Arthur smiled. "Remember who's daughter that is."
"Enough, enough, let's say grace and eat in peace," Polly said, ushering us to sit and I sat beside John with Katie on the other side of me. John placed his hand on my thigh, rubbing it every now and then. His jaw would also tighten when his eyes met Arthur's who continued to tease him to no end.
Polly smiled, placing a plate setting in front of me. "You know Anna, as busy as we all are, we always try to eat dinner together whenever the shop is closed. You're always welcome to join us."
"I'd love to."
"You gonna start coming out to the races as well, eh Anna?" Arthur questioned.
"Not as long as I'm bloody breathing," John spat and Arthur laughed as Tommy chuckled under his breath.
"Well, why not?" Arthur questioned.
"The fucking Lee's, that's bloody well why," John said.
"Don't tell me you're afraid of the Lee's," Arthur teased.
"Who's fucking afraid of the fucking Lees eh?" John spat.
"John," Polly warned, referring to his language around the kids as she placed the first dish on the table.
John sighed. "All I'm saying is I can't fight the fucking Lee's and watch my woman at the same fucking time."
"John," Polly warned.
I frowned. "Watch your woman? I can bloody well manage myself, thank you."
John looked at me. "You too, love? You want to argue as well?"
I pouted. "You all make good money through the races. Do you blame me if I at least want to go once, see what it's like? Dress up nice, have a decent drink, and go dancing?"
He shook his head. "Fucking fine, just fix that face of yours. You're too fucking pretty for your own good," he said with a heavy sigh, looking away from me and I smiled.
"Don't worry too much about the Lee's, that matter will be resolved soon," Tommy said and John's eyes met his. The two brothers stared at each other for a moment before John shook his head.
After dinner, John drove me home. My head rested on his shoulder as he drove. The winter wind winding its way through the car. I held onto his arm, wrapping mine with his as I closed my eyes.
"I think it went well," I said.
John laughed, looking down at me. "How else could it go? I told you, you're like family already."
That made me smile, bringing myself even closer. "Are you spending the night?"
He sighed, "I can't, I promised Katie I'd walk her to school in the morning and I promised Tommy I'd open up the shop for him." He smiled as he glanced down at my pouting face. "I'm sorry love. How about you come early in the morning and help me set up?"
I looked up meeting his eyes. "Alright, I guess I could."
His smile grew.
In the morning, John let me in through the back door, locking it behind me. He helped me out of my coat but I didn't get too far before I found myself pressed up against the coin sorting table. He lifted me off my feet, sitting me on the edge before looking up towards the ceiling, listening out for his family.
"Let's go to my office, we got about a half-hour," he assured me.
I slipped off the table onto my feet. "You have to be bloody mad. Nearly your entire family is here," I whispered.
"We don't have time to argue about this, love," he smiled before he bent down, grabbed my legs, and effortlessly lifted me over his shoulder.
I did my best not to yelp and squeal in surprise as he headed towards his office. "John Michael Shelby, you put me down," I shouted, in a whisper, trying my best not to laugh at the same time. John had to be the most unpredictable man I'd ever met.
He gave my bottom a playful slap, "don't worry we're almost there."
He marched right into his office, closing the door with his foot. He put me down on my feet but his lips found mine even as I slapped his shoulder. He caught my face in his hands and our eyes locked.
"I missed you," he whispered, kissing me again but this kiss was much lighter, gentler. A trap as my body begged for more.
"I don't know about this John. I don't want to get caught. I'd die from embarrassment," I pleaded.
"It's alright, love. No one is going to catch us. I swear it. We just need to be quiet." He placed another gentle kiss to my lips, pulling me closer. "Now bend over," he whispered against my ear.
I bit my lip but did as I was told. My stomach pressed against the wood. His firm hands ran over my bottom as he slipped my underwear to the side. John wrapped his arm around my chest, his hand firm on my breast.
As he thrusts into me, I held the edge of the table and he placed his other hand over mine, our fingers nearly entwined. He bit my arm as he pressed deeper and I never knew that was something I would come to love.
"Fuck," I moaned as he bit harder, pushed deeper before he started to stroke sending me over the edge.
He bent down, his warm lips pressed against my ear. "You have to keep quiet love," he whispered, but I could sense his smug smile. He had no intentions to make it easy for me.
One moment he had me on my stomach, then my back, then pressed against the wall. Papers fluttered to the floor along with whatever else was on his desk. It was impossible to keep quiet when he let go like this and of course, he found it amusing when I failed. He smirked and even chuckled before pressing deeper, giving me every thick inch.
My lips pressed against his ear as he carried me back to the desk, my head nearly dangling off the edge. He laid me on my back, his hand around my neck, his index finger against my bottom lip. He pinned my hip to the desk as he continued to stoke.
I came first but he was right behind me. I felt lifeless trying to catch my breath. John took me in his arms bridal style, my head against his shoulder. He sat down in his chair and we stayed there for a moment.
"You missed me that much?"
"You have no idea," he whispered, placing a kiss to my forehead.
When I came out of his office, I knew I probably looked a mess but we still had a few minutes before the shop opened. I planned to straighten up in the bathroom before anyone could see me.
"What did you need my help with anyways?" I questioned, following him out to the shop floor as I straightened out my dress.
He unlocked the front doors for the other workers and looked back at me with this cheeky smile. "Nothing," he said and I shook my head as I pushed him but he only laughed as I passed him. "Forgive me, love."
I spent the rest of my day moving around the different stations avoiding John who just chuckled every time he saw me. But after today, taking bets was going to be the last time I ever do it. One of the regulars got down on his knee in front of me. He was an old man, older than my father who usually came in once or twice a week. His hair was grey, and wrinkles sat in the corners of his eyes but he dressed well. As he knelt before me he pulled a simple silver diamond ring and my heart took off.
This had to be a joke.
"Miss, I know you don't know me well but you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Will you marry me?"
Christ, save me.
The entire room clapped, and the working men laughed and cheered as they all stood from their seats. They banged the tabletops and walls to cheer on the old man and all I wanted to do was die. I hurried to help him off his tired knee to his feet before John got sight.
"I'm sorry Sir I'm already in a relationship with someone I care for deeply," I said.
"I promise I'll treat you well," the old man said. He gazed at me with the most loving eyes and I felt sorry for him. This man must have been demented. "I'll make sure you never have to work again. I'll take you far from this place."
John made his way through the crowd, standing in front of us, his arms crossed. "Sorry old man, this woman's spoken for," John smiled.
"Are you the rat bastard that's caught her interest?" I looked at the old man confused. Did he wake up this morning bent to cause confusion? Did he realize who owned the establishment that he casually walked into to create conflict?
"Yah, I'm the rat bastard," John smiled but then his eyes met mine. "But you're the cheap one. Pretty girls like her need a bigger ring than that, innit?"
"I may be cheap but I know better than to keep her in a place like this."
John's smirk only grew, pushing his hands in his pockets. "What are you talking about, old man? You live five minutes from here at the end of Watery Lane."
The room burst into another fit of laughter but I was ready to die from complete embarrassment. I let the old man go the moment he was steady on his feet and made a quick exit out of the room while the men talked it out.
I hid in the kitchen, washing mugs and rinsing out the beer pails. Hoping by time I finished all the laughing and jokes had ended.
John came behind me, wrapped his arms around my waist, placing his face in my neck. "So this is where you're hiding."
"Thank you for being kind to the old man. He was clearly confused."
"He may be confused but he's not blind," he said, placing a kiss against my skin. "Why are you hiding back here?"
"I've never been so embarrassed in my entire life."
John laughed as he began to sway. "It's nothing for you to be embarrassed about. The man fancied you and gave it a shot. I admire him."
"That's easy for you to say," I muttered and he laughed again.
"It is but it also means I need to hurry up and marry you before someone more your type with a proper ring asks next," he said against my ear and I smiled.
After closing up shop we all decided to head down to the Garrison for a drink and a little chat, Polly's idea. Clearly she had something on her chest only a few shots of whiskey could get off and I needed a drink after the day I had.
"Anna, I'm going dress shopping in the morning," Polly said, taking off her coat with a smile as we all walked into the snug. "I'm looking for something nice to wear to the races. You're more than welcome to join me if you're not too busy."
"That sounds fun," I smile, taking my seat beside John and he put his arm over my shoulder. "It's been a while since I've done any proper shopping. I really wanted to go to the races but I have nothing to wear when I thought about it."
"Perfect, we can go together then," Polly smiled.
"Alright," I nodded. "I plan to visit my father early in the morning but after that I'm free."
Tommy cleared his throat, pouring himself a drink. "Speaking of your father Anna, we need to have a little talk."
"Is everything alright?"
"Well, me and John went to see him the other day," he said and John looked at him, pulling me closer, his nose nestled in my hair and a light kiss followed. "I got him to tell me what's going on with his health. It seems the reason he's been so secretive is because the doctors believe he's dying."
It was like a solid punch in my chest. I could feel the ache, the tears pooling in my eyes before they fell, gliding down my cheeks. I stood to my feet leaving.
"Anna—" John called but I didn't stop. I needed some air, even if it was filled with snow and ash.
He caught my wrist when I made it outside. He pulled me back to him, wrapping his arms around me. That warmth I adored consuming me. I clutched his shirt, burning my face into his chest as my eyes closed.
"I'm sorry, love," he said, rubbing my back. "I wanted to tell you but Tommy wanted to sort the facts first."
I tried to hold it in but I started sobbing so hard my body trembled in his grip. "I can't lose him," I choked out and he brought me closer. "I can't—"
"I understand how you feel love. I lost my mother when I was young and I learned you can't stop death no matter who you pray to. Just know you'll never be alone. You hear me? Never. I won't let you and neither will the Shelby family. You understand? Whatever you need we're here for you."
I nodded against him and he stroked my hair.
"After this, no one else is allowed to make you cry, you hear me?" He said, placing a kiss to the top of my head. "You're too pretty to be crying like this. Now let's get you back inside, you can't be out here without your coat."
"Just a moment longer," I whispered and he placed his chin on top of my head.
"Alright love."
For the rest of the night, I didn't shed another tear. Instead, I drowned my feelings with whiskey and for once John didn't warn me about my drinking, he only kept close to me. But even with all the whiskey, it wasn't hard to see that tonight was different. They all seemed to down the drinks with me, there wasn't as much laughing and banter as usual but then I remembered what my father meant to them as well and what they now meant to me.
John caught hold of my arms as I swayed as I stood and pulled me into his arms. "Careful love, I think the whiskeys gone to your head."
I nodded against him. "I think I'm starting to feel it now."
"Christ," he chuckled, rubbing my back.
"Take her home John," Arthur said into his glass.
I nodded again. "Home sounds good, stay with me tonight," I said and I could hear him chuckle through his chest as he pats my head.
"Alright love, let's get your things."
I looked up at his and he held my jaw in his hand before he kissed me.
Even with my broken heart, I decided to skip going to the hospital and focused on going shopping with Polly. I needed to be in the right mind before I went to see my father. I had so many questions, concerns, things I needed to get off my chest. But Polly said it would be good for me to go out and sort out my head before I went. I didn't want to say anything I didn't mean. I didn't want to hurt my father more than he was already hurting.
John gave me a stack of pounds to keep up with his aunt even though I told him it was too much but sometimes there was no reasoning with him. He kissed me goodbye as I waited outside my house for Polly. I watched him walk down the block, heading toward the show. I smiled when they finally pulled up with Lovelock driving. She motioned me in and with a forced smile, I did. I really wasn't in the mood to shop but it was a good distraction as any.
"So you and John, eh?" Polly questioned, hooking her arm with mine.
I looked to my feet. "I feel like I should've talked to you about it first. I just didn't know how to tell you."
"You both are more than grown. I'm just glad it's you. You're a good girl that comes from a good family. What you see in our John, I'll never know but I'm glad you see it."
I laughed. "I don't know what it is but he does something to me. Always has. He's like a warm blanket, a fire, a comfort."
Polly shook her head as she laughed. "Whatever you say, love. How do you think your father will take the news? Honestly."
I sighed. Just thinking about him made my chest ache. "I know Father loves the Shelby boys like they were his own sons but I guess I'm about to see just how much."
"I'm sure it'll be fine," she said with a smile. "Do you plan to ask him about his illness?"
"Is 'ask' even the word for the conversation we'll have? Polly, I assure you it will be a full confrontation."
"Oh, dear."
"If anyone deserved to know what was going on with him, it's me. I moved all the way out here to be with him, you know. I've gone to that retched hospital nearly every day to see him, talk with him and make sure he was alright, treated well but because I lack a penis he couldn't tell me he was on his deathbed."
Polly laughed. "I think it's a little more complex than that but no matter what he says you should forgive him. When men are scared they don't always make the best decisions."
I sighed, knowing she was right. "I just wish he would've just told me."
"I'm sure he was just afraid to hurt you," Polly said.
Polly rushed into the Garrison heading right into the snug, smoke nearly blowing from her ears in anger. She tossed her purse to the table and lit a cigarette as Lovelock came in behind her.
Tommy sighed heavily. "I think there's a shell about to land and go bang."
"I've been looking all over for you lot," she spat before taking a long-needed drag for her nerves.
"Oi, What's happening now Pol?" Arthur questioned with a sigh.
"Better yet, where's Anna?" John questioned with a frown. "I thought you two had gone shopping."
"We were, till your little bird got arrested," she spat, blowing smoke with a sigh.
"Bloody fucking hell," John spat, jumping to his feet, grabbing his cap as he bolted out the door bumping Lovelock as he did.
"John—" Polly called but he was already out the room. "Shit— Finn, go tell your brother to wait," Polly ordered and Finn took off after him.
"Jesus Christ Pol, how the hell do you two manage to get in trouble dress shopping?" Arthur questioned and Tommy sighed again as he stood, outing his cigarette.
"It's a long sodding story. But I'll tell you one thing, there's no doubt she's Benny's daughter," she said, tossing the box of matches to the table. "They swarmed us like flies on horses' shit but she gave them coppers one hell of a fight. I'm pretty sure she cut one. But I doubt they'll hold her, the whole thing wasn't her fault. They were looking for Ada, Tommy," she said and the boys shook their heads. "Word on the street, a union man brought the BSA out on strike this morning."
"Freddie Thorne," Tommy said with a heavy annoyed sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"They cornered that poor girl, badgering her with questions. Thought she might know something and crack with a little pressure," Polly said.
"How'd she do?" Tommy questioned, a bit curious as he picked up his cap.
"I have to say, she's a tough girl. Not an ounce of fear," she said, taking another long drag. "The girl didn't utter a peep. Wouldn't even give her name. It's when the copper grabbed her the hell broke loose," Polly said and Tommy shook his head. "They had no right to touch her Tommy. No bloody fucking right."
"John's going to lose his fucking mind," Arthur said, shaking his head. "You know right well how he is about that blood girl. He'll burn down all of Birmingham for his little bird."
"No shit and we don't need that kind of war," Polly spat. "But they're desperate to find Freddie."
"I'll handle things down at the station Pol," Tommy assured her. "You talk to Ada."
Moss sighed as the Shelby brothers approached the counter. "I take it you're here for the Wellabe girl."
John dropped money on the counter, before crossing his arms over his chest and his jaw tightened. "Come on, bring her here."
Moss sighed again, pushing back the money towards John. "I'm sorry Mr. Shelby, she has to spend the night."
"For fucking what?" John spat, ready to fight.
"For assaulting an officer," Moss simply replied.
"If you so much as touch a fucking hair on her head, you'll fucking regret it! You hear me?!" John spat, pressing against the counter.
Tommy put his hand to his brother's chest, pushing him back. "Calm down John. She'll be alright."
"Get her out of there Tommy, get her fucking out of there. I don't want her anywhere near that fucking copper," John spat.
"I understand John," he assured him before re-approaching the counter. "You want to tell me what the fuck happened today?" Tommy questioned Moss.
"We got an anonymous tip that a young woman was seen out shopping with a known Shelby. We assumed it could've possibly been Ada Thorn," he replied and Tommy shook his head, annoyed. "Let this be a warning Mr. Shelby, we want Freddie or we'll add Ada to the arrest warrant and give her four years for sedition."
"I want to see her," John spat coming back to the counter.
"I'm sorry but visiting hours are done for the day Mr. Shelby," Moss replied and Tommy sighed before adding a few more pounds to the pile.
"He said he wants to see the girl," Tommy replied and Moss sighed.
"First I need you to sign for her belonging," Moss replied, putting a box on the counter.
Tommy took a look inside and frowned. "Moss are you sure this is the right box?"
"Trust me I would've thought the same thing if I didn't search her myself. She had a purse with money, a knife, blade, and a Webley revolver with two bullets missing."
Tommy looked at John who was signing the paper and shook his head. "She truly is Benny's daughter," he sighed.
Soon after, they brought me round to a room where John waited to see me before the nightly lockdown. My hands were shackled together behind my back with my hair down, wearing the outfit and shoes they provided.
He stood at the sight of me, and I smiled. He made quick work of the space between us, bringing me into his arms, holding my head to his chest. I was so overwhelmed by the fact that he came to see me, my eyes started to water. At that moment I knew I never wanted to be apart from him ever.
"No touching," a guard said through the door.
"Fuck off," John spat, holding me tighter.
"Christ Anna, you alright love?"
"I'm fine," I assured him, meeting his eyes as he finally eased his grip but just a little. Christ knows what would happen if I told him differently. "How's Polly? They gave her a really hard time."
"Pol's fine, she's more worried 'bout you, being locked up in here close to that copper," he whispered.
"Tell her not to worry, I'll be out by morning. The copper already tried to have a chat with me," I said.
"He didn't touch you did he?"
I shook my head, "no. Said I was of no use to him, I'm not a Shelby."
I doubt he was dumb enough to piss John off for no reason. He may have been a war shy bastard but he wasn't a fool. Tommy was a bit more logical and level headed when he was upset while John was a wild card, there was no telling what he would do, how far he would go. He wasn't someone you could reason with when angered but that was also something I loved about him. He wore his heart completely on his sleeves.
"Will you be here to pick me up in the morning?"
He held my head closer, his fingers entwining in my hair. "What kind of stupid question is that?" He whispered against the top of my head. "Of course I'll be here, love. Bright and fucking early."
I smiled, taking in his warmth.
A loud banging came from the door and he looked towards it with a frown. "Times up," an officer announced and John grew pissed that he had to leave me here. Reluctant to let me go. His mind was going, ideas running but I had to let him go without me.
"It's alright John. I'll see you in the morning," I said, trying to assure him I'd be fine.
"I'll be waiting for you," he assured me with a long kiss to my forehead. He then held my head in his hands before he kissed me.
"I love you, John Shelby."
"I love you too Anna."
