Chapter 20 - The winning race horse
Grace and Tommy returned to Tommy's old apartment. A few of his men and paid off coppers took turns guarding it from the outside. Arthur, John and Polly had helped them gather their affects before leaving since Tommy couldn't do much in his condition. He didn't even realize that he had one hand on his back until he walked through the threshold. The long day had made him sore. He took of his coat that hid most of his large sphere.
"That was quite a family meeting, Thomas," remarked Grace. She took off her outer layers of clothing to get more comfortable for the night. "I'm to be cooking your books, yet again. People will be murdered. And now I'm your personal spy for other spies," she ranted softly. Tommy watched her face as he took of his vest.
"Grace is there something you want to say?" he demanded. She turned around to face him.
"I'm tired of this Tommy. I mean we have men guarding our home for god sakes," she said. He approached her. "Yes Grace, we have men out there for our protection. You are with a gangster. How many times do I have to keep telling you that," he said angrily.
"Nothing will change though, Tommy," she pleaded.
"Things have changed Grace. You won't be cooking any books. All of them are legal now. Don't you see that's what we have been working towards this entire time. The only illegal thing is the killing," he responded. She looked down at her feet. He came closer, taking her face in his hand gentle so that their eyes could meet. "I promise you, things will be different, aye," Tommy spoke kindly. She nodded sadly. He kissed her. Her hands reached up to touch his face. He placed a hand gently on her back. Tommy inhaled sharply mid kiss, disconnecting his lips. "What's wrong?" Grace asked afraid as if she had offended him some how. "Nothing," he smiled, "she just knows how to interrupt a moment." Grace's eyes widen. Her heart stopped for a second. "The baby?" she breathed. Still smiling, Tommy took one of her hands from his face and placed it on his swollen abdomen. Grace was exhilarated at the movement beneath her fingertips. "So that explains all the smiling," Grace remarked. She stunned Tommy a little. He never kept track of when he smiled, nor did he ever really notice. "I guess so," he said happily. "That's a nice change," Grace said. With both hands on his stomach, she kissed him more passionately. He took her in his arms. His hands traveled from her back to the buttons of her blouse. "You sure that's safe?" she breathed. "As long as your careful," he whispered. She undid his pants. They moved toward the bed. He removed her blouse and went for her bra. All the while they kissed, eyes closed, no words needed. She unbutton his shirt and spread her hands around his body. His rounded middle felt smooth and taunt. His navel was nearly pushed out. She wanted all of him. They removed what was left of their clothes. She rode him like one of his Arabic horses, only this time she won the race.