Chapter 9

Road to Birmingham

Aoife POV

The drive back to Birmingham was quiet. Aoife sat in the backseat with Finn and Polly again. Finn was stretched out sleeping peacefully. He'd crashed after the adrenaline coursing through him ran out. His head was in Polly's lap, as Polly absentmindedly combed her fingers through his hair, and his legs were tucked up in her own lap, so he could be comfortable. Arthur opted to ride back in the truck, said he didn't want to chance getting blood on anything. John had been more than happy to trade places with him.

Tommy hadn't said a single word since he'd walked over to them after the fight and told them they'd be heading back to Birmingham. John and Ada seemed to be immersed in their own heads. Aoife closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat. She thought about how she'd resolved her sticky situation and walked through it step by step. She tried to think if there would have been a better way or if there was anything she could have done differently.

Granted the outcome had been in her favor but it never hurt to examine things after the fact. Carrick had assured her that even when you come out the victor you must still be humble and dissect the incident. So that you can understand why it worked, how it could have gone differently and what other options you could have employed to garner a similar result. He always said there's more than one way to win and you should make sure you're aware of all of them.

She heard Polly's voice speak softly to keep from disturbing Finn, "Aoife, where did you learn to defend yourself like that?"

Instead of lifting her heard she rolled it to the side to look Polly in the eye. As she did she noted a stillness come over Tommy as he drove down the road. Listening intently to everything she might say.

"All the women in my family are versed in multiple ways to deal with certain issues ourselves. My Great Grandmother, wasn't one to believe that she needed a man to protect her. Or that any woman, born or married into our family should expect or depend on a man to save them. She was a firm believer that a man and woman who choose to be with another, are a team, equals. They should both be capable of looking after one another, in all ways. Therefore...every female Deveroux learns how to fight with mind and with body. Fisticuffs, blades, guns and wits...it is our way."

Ada turned in her seat to look back at her, "What about your brothers?"

"What do you mean?"

"They're okay with it?"

"Why wouldn't they be? It's just as much for their benefit as ours."

"They're not worried about you fighting? That you'll get hurt?"

"They're okay with us learning how to defend ourselves and those we care for. We're all taught the same. So they know what we're capable of. They don't have to divide their attention during a skirmish with worry over how we are. Everything we know has been taught to us to ensure that we'll be the last one's standing."

"Even if that means killing someone?"

" Death is all about perspective."

"How so?"

"When it comes down to that moment, when you know it is one or the other. Which one do you choose? Yourself? Or the one intent on ending you? It is either you or them. Perspective. The way I see it, if they're willing to take a life then they're just as willing to put their own on the chopping block. If their life ends, it's their own damn fault now isn't it? Same goes for my own. But I will always choose my own or that of the people I consider mine."

Aoife wasn't sure why she'd given such a detailed explanation. Polly would have been just as satisfied had she told her she'd taken lessons from a man in the Orient who'd shown her some self defense moves, which technically she had. The only bloody thing she could think was that it seemed like she was trusting this family. Because she wanted them to know her? Because she thought or hoped maybe, that Thomas fucking Shelby would be the one man capable of handling everything she was?

Fucking hell, was this what Aine kept going on about? This strange desire to be seen and accepted completely by one person in particular. God knows she'd never given a damn about people liking her or accepting her. She was who she was and she wasn't changing for anyone. So why did it seem to matter whether or not Tommy could accept who she was?

Polly's voice filled the motorcars cabin one last time before silence prevailed for the remainder of the drive, "I think I would have liked your Great Grandmother very much."

Polly POV

Staring out the window into the darkness that swiftly passed by, Polly recognized the outskirts of the city. She knew they'd be back in Small Heath in a matter of minutes depending on traffic. She had been in deep contemplation about Aoife. Looking at her she didn't seem the type capable of killing a man. Nor did her demeanor suggest in any way that she was a violent ruthless person. Had she not basically admitted to having blood on her hands Polly wouldn't have thought her guilty of that sin. She was bloody well fucking perfect for Tommy.

Aoife was like a bright light, spirited and cheeky. Her smile seemed to have the ability to light Tommy up, her laugh released his tension. Her looks were stunning, her charm and elegance...classy. She wasn't intimidated by Tommy in any way. Given the right circumstance and motivation she was willing and able to get her hands dirty. She wasn't some fragile flower that would wilt when placed under pressure. No, when placed under pressure her spine became steel and she took care of business.

Aoife was a woman who could handle Tommy. She could accept everything he was. A bad man with a good heart, who did bad things for the right reasons. She would survive in their world probably even thrive. If she chose to accept what was stirring between them. Polly dared to hope that this unexpected woman, would take a chance on Tommy and decide to climb over the fucking fence. She would make a wonderful Shelby.

Small Heath

Tommy POV

When they arrived back in Small Heath he stopped at home first. John carried Finn inside and up to bed. While Polly and Ada said goodbye to Aoife for the evening. He heard Ada ask Aoife if she would come over the next day before she left for London. Polly insisted on it, said they'd have a good tea and she could say a proper farewell to Finn, before she headed back. Aoife gracefully accepted the invitation even though it hadn't really been an invite so much as a Polly Grey order.

He saw John coming back down the walk and watched as Polly and Ada went inside. Aoife climbed back into the motorcar and situated herself between him and John. A quick drive around the corner to the garage and he parked. They unloaded and locked everything up to ensure no one messed with it. Not that anyone who knew who it belonged to would, but they did have enemies who might take advantage if they got sloppy.

The three of them weren't in a hurry and walked along the lane, passing home and continuing on towards the Garrison. When they came to John's street he stopped and made motion that he was going to go. "I'm going to call it a night Tommy, check in on the kids and see what they've destroyed today. I had an entertaining day Aoife! Your presence was refreshing. Hope to see you again?"

"I'm sure we'll have the chance to meet again John. Have a lovely evening."

John laughed and shook his head, "I'm going to have a bloody war on my hands is what I'm going to have. Dealing with the little ones is like going in to battle."

Tommy watched as John waved and took off down the street towards his house. Tommy and Aoife continued on to the Garrison. Aoife's voice was curious but in a concerned way. "I take it John's a single parent?"

"He married his sweetheart, Martha, a couple of years before the war. Being married he was allowed leave to come home a couple of times but she got sick when he was in France. Passed before he came home for good. The kids are a handful, all too young to really remember their Mum. John's not used to dealing with them without her."

John wasn't one to seek out sympathy he simply had a rough time dealing with the changes. Losing the woman he loved and not being here when she went took a toll on him. Trying to raise his kids who barely even remembered him when he returned was difficult for him too. But he wouldn't want pity from anyone. Tommy waited for whatever words of sympathy or pity Aoife would use, they'd all heard plenty.

"I suppose it could be worse."

He was fuckin baffled. She never did or said what he expected her to. She was unlike any woman he'd ever come across before. She seemed to take his silence at her comment as a reason to explain it.

"Not that I don't feel for him. I imagine none of it is easy. Just if you think about it, it could have been worse... There was a very real chance that John might not have ever made it home. Plenty of men didn't. Those kids could have been left with no parents at all. They may not have a mother present but at least they have a father that care's enough to go into battle with them. It takes a special kind of strength to continue on when you've lost someone who's that important to you. It would seem he has that."

They'd reached the Garrison and the noise from inside could be heard in the street. Aoife looked up at him and he nodded down at her feeling he needed to give her some sign he'd understood what she was getting at, and that she hadn't said what she'd said to belittle his brothers loss.

"Are you set on retiring for the day or would you like a drink?"

"I think...a drink would be lovely."

Tommy opened the door to the pub and followed Aoife inside. The sound didn't die out but it lessened as patrons took notice of his entrance. He could make out a few of the Blinders already kicking back with a drink. His eyes traveled to the bar and he caught sight of Arthur down at the far end, a beer in hand. There were a few eyes studying Aoife, most just curious of who she was and what she was to him. There were a couple though that seemed to be bit too interested in what her clothes hid from view.

Tommy wasn't typically a jealous man. Men had eyes, men could look. As long as they understood that looking was all they were gonna do. It was a sign that the woman in question was desirable, but when the looks got lascivious and disrespectful to the woman and in turn the man she was with, well, then he had a problem.

He quietly took a deep breath and then placed his hand on the small of Aoife's back to guide her to the bar and make sure everyone there knew not to even fucking think about it. When they reached the bar, Aoife nimbly and with an understated strength hopped up onto the bar stool. Tommy didn't bother with the stool beside hers and just stood in the space between the two. Harry came over and respectfully placed a bottle of Rum on the counter with his usual quiet 'no charge Mr. Shelby', before reaching for two glasses.

"Whiskey tonight Harry, Irish. Rum isn't Aoife's drink."

Harry nodded and turned away to fetch the bottle he'd asked for. Aoife had a small smile on her face, "You remembered."

"Not often I meet a woman that doesn't like Rum, it's usually their preferred liquor."

He watched as she nodded, the smile on her face growing and the look in her eyes going slightly distant as though she was recalling a fond memory. He watched as she leaned her elbow on the bar and braced her chin on her knuckles. The smile remaining on her face and a sparkle entering her eyes as she looked at him.

"I don't remember what holiday it was, just that the whole family was gathered in celebration. I had to have been, God no more than maybe four or five at the time. My Great Grandfather Deveroux, was filling a dessert plate with me. You see we were going to share. There were so many options and I wanted to try them all, so he said we'd do it together. That way we'd be able to have a bit of everything and nothing would go to waste... we were at the table and we'd tried just about all of them. He told me we'd have to go into the sitting room and sit by the fire to finish up. I thought he'd just wanted to relax and smoke his pipe. That was his favorite place to do so. I didn't understand until later that in order for me to try the remaining desserts we couldn't be within eye sight of Grandmother Great. We continued to try the remaining desserts, they'd had an odd aftertaste but nothing horrible. When we got to the final one, he said he'd purposefully saved it for last because it was his favorite. Told me that when you ate it, you had to savor the flavor. Needless to say that while it may have been Grandpa Greats favorite, the flavor that I savored would forever ruin one of the main ingredients for me. It was a Chocolate Rum Ball. Especially made extra strong just the way he liked it."

Her laugh lit up the space around him, happy and content to share a treasured memory.

"The moment the flavor hit my tongue I gagged and spit it out into my hand. Grandmother Great had been passing by the doorway and thought that I must have been choking on something. She came in ready to do battle with death, and ended up in battle with her husband instead. The one thing I remember her saying quite clearly was that at least she knew I'd never go near anything to do with Rum ever again. Apparently his special recipe was made so strongly that a single Rum ball could knock a man flat...to this day, I still can't stand the taste of Rum."

Tommy heard himself chuckle and he felt the soft smile on his own face as she finished. Harry had brought the Whiskey and had poured two glasses, listening to her tale himself. It would also seem those sitting closest to them had been caught up in her voice and the words she shared. Their small section of the bar had erupted with amused, good natured laughter. She didn't seem to mind as she just continued to look at him. He found he liked having her look at him, like she was seeing him, and she wasn't afraid to share pieces of herself with him.

He reached over and picked up his glass of whiskey before raising it in a toast, "To women who prefer Irish Whiskey."

Those who'd been listening raised their glasses and repeated the toast. She laughed shaking her head as she bit her damn lip, driving him a bit mad, before she raised her own and joined them.

Aoife POV

Aoife had to admit, she was enjoying herself. Tommy was pleasant company and the Whiskey was top shelf. She hadn't thought about the reason she disliked Rum in such a long time. Recalling her great grandparents had left the sweet ache of those gone, being remembered.

And looking at Tommy was not a hardship especially when his smile was soft and so were his eyes to go with it. It was a perilous combination. And god he was standing so close to her she could smell that un-definable scent that she just couldn't place but smelled so damn good. She couldn't help but feel like her common sense was screaming, danger, danger, back away from the icy eyed devil before you.

She'd gone dockside to see Alfie, pick up some throwing knives and enjoy London for the day. Instead she'd ended up spending almost the entire day with the one man she'd told herself she wasn't going to have anything more to do with. Ugh, he was so attractive and after spending time with him and his family it wasn't just a physical attraction anymore.

She needed to snap out of the mind blurring haze she was in. He was a grounder, that meant he lived on the ground full time. She lived onboard an airship that only spent fifty-six days out of an entire year in English airspace. Sure, if she was just going to have some fun than yes, bloody fucking hell yes, she would drag Tommy upstairs and they could have some mindless mutually satisfying fun. Except she knew that with Tommy it wouldn't just be mindless fun. No, with Tommy, there was a very real chance of losing the one thing she'd never been stupid enough to give any man, her heart.

Yeah, so there. Decision made. She needed to finish her whiskey and tell him goodnight. Go upstairs to her room ALONE. Come tomorrow she'd grab her new knives, pop-in at #6 Watery Lane to say goodbye to Finn, Ada and Polly. Then catch the first tramline available back to London.

Okay...so stop looking at him and fucking do it Aoife. Slam the fucking door that's been pried open in the walls around your heart and bar it shut. You are not stupid enough to believe that you can have any kind of happy relationship only seeing him for 56 days out of 365. He certainly wouldn't be happy either. You're just going to complicate both of your lives. You're doing the both of you a favor.

She tore her eyes away from Tommy's, she'd noted that he'd been studying her intently. His eyes had lost that softness and had become searching. Almost like he knew she was debating with herself and that she'd finally made a decision, and not the one he wanted.

She slammed back the remainder of her whiskey and was just about to turn to him and say goodnight when the bar door slammed open.

A large man burst inside screaming nonsense. He upturned tables and threw chairs across the room. Tommy and Arthur were quick on their feet and approached the man cautiously. In what seemed a perfectly timed assault they each lunged, grabbing an arm and taking him down to the floor as gently as possible.

She could hear Tommy shouting clearly in the man's ear, "You're not a whizz-bang Danny, you're a man. You're home, in England, you're safe, you're home Danny. He repeated the mantra, his voice becoming quieter and quieter as the man calmed. She slowly watched as reason returned to the man's eyes. He started tearing up and asking if he'd done it again, apologizing over and over. Tommy just kept telling him it was all right. When he finally calmed down to truly hear what was being said Tommy told him to go home to his wife and to try and get the mud out of his head.

What on earth had they done in France. It hadn't been as pronounced earlier but now she saw it clear as day. Tommy couldn't hide it in this instance, he was exhausted and not just tired but bone weary. When was the last fucking time the man had found peace in rest. She would bet the Adelisa that Tommy Shelby was a haunted man. He hid it expertly behind his cold demeanor and ice man attitude.

Fucking God damn it all to hell why couldn't she have just gone to bed instead of having this damn drink. Screw the fucking locked door, the man had just managed to obliterate the God damn wall. There was no more denying, no more running away, Aine was going to have a field day, she'd finally get her revenge. How the bloody fucking hell did someone fall in love in eleven fucking hours.

Tommy POV

After Danny walked out the pub Tommy just stood still for a moment, he closed his eyes, took deep breaths and if he believed in God then he would have fucking prayed that he himself wasn't going to end up in the same state as Danny. He didn't though, believe in God. And he was fucking scared that one day that would be him. When the opium he used at night to fall asleep stopped working and the nightmares didn't just happen while he slept. Fuckin hell, he was already broken, how much longer could he last until he shattered completely.

He felt Arthurs hand on his shoulder. It wasn't often that it was Arthur giving some form of comfort or companionship. It was usually the other way around. Arthur had been there though, with him, Danny, and Freddie. Down in the dark, cold, musty underground tunnels they dug. Down with the sound of the picks and the shovels. Down with the mud and bombs and death.

He lifted his head and gave Arthur a nod. He walked back over to the bar where Aoife still sat on her stool. He knew she'd made the decision to stay away from him before Danny came crashing in. She certainly couldn't have made a better a choice. He was a fuckin mess that was on a one way course to an early grave one way or another. He'd had a brief thought to try and sway her decision. Then he'd been shown a glimpse of what his future might hold and he wouldn't drag her into that.

He told Harry to send the bill for the mess to the Peaky Blinders they'd take care of it. When he turned to Aoife she was staring down at the bar with her lips pursed as though she was in deep thought and she was baffled by something herself. She lifted her gaze to his and whatever was behind those green eyes of hers was a mystery.

She didn't say anything as she looked away from him towards the bar. She grabbed the bottle of whiskey and picked up the two glasses they'd been using before hopping down from her seat. "Come on Tommy, be a gentleman and walk me to my room."

She led the way to the stairs and he followed her up to the second floor. When they reached the landing she stopped and arched her brow at him. "...Tommy...I kind of don't know which room is mine, you never gave me the key."

He felt like a fucking idiot, of course she didn't know where she was going. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the key to the room she was to stay in, looking at it he started up to the third floor. He heard her follow behind him. There were only two rooms on the third floor. They were the nicest ones that the Garrison had. Naturally Harry would have given a woman that looked like Aoife the best room available.

He unlocked and opened the door for her but stayed in the hall while she went inside. She set the glasses and whiskey down on a small table that sat beneath the window across the room. Her voice was quiet but steady when he heard it again. "Are you going to stand there all night Tommy, or are you going to come in? I have at least a half a bottle of whiskey left here. I really don't think I should drink it all by myself."

He closed his eyes and he heard the sigh that left him as he breathed all the air out of his lungs but he didn't move to enter the room. He kept his eyes closed. He could hear her footsteps moving lightly across the wooden floorboards as she came back over to him. Tommy felt the weight and heat of her hand as it glided gently up his chest before skimming over his shoulder to settle on his bicep. He felt the heat of her as she leaned up and whispered in his ear the warmth of her breath ghosting over him.

"I'm going to tell you a secret...I'm not afraid of you."

He reached out for the doorframe with his right hand and his left had a mind of its own as he felt it settle on her waist. He shook his head as he responded to her, "You haven't seen all of me Aoife."

"Same goes Tommy. You and I, we're enigma's. What you have to decide, is whether you're willing to unravel the mystery and accept everything that you find...I've never given my heart to any man Tommy, because I hadn't met one that was capable of handling all of me. Are you capable of handling all of me Tommy? All of the bad that goes with the good?"

Aoife POV

Aoife remained leaning into Tommy, waiting for his response. His voice was even and sure when it came. "There's something you should know, it's important because I want you to understand."

"What?"

She felt him gently grip her chin and tilt her face up so that they were face to face. His icy blues studied her. They travelled from her eyes, over her cheeks and chin to her mouth. His thumb rubbed over the skin just below her bottom lip right before he tenderly placed his warm lips on hers. His lips were soft and smooth and the pressure he applied was delicate. It was a sweet kiss. Innocent and pure and short. It was nothing like what she'd expected a kiss from him to be. It was far better. She felt an internal shiver of electricity that seemed to shoot from where their lips met down her spine, passing through her legs down to the very tips of her toes before reversing its course and travelling back the way it came going full circle. It was such a simple thing yet its impact was fierce.

As Tommy pulled away slightly to look down at her she ran her tongue out over her bottom lip and then dragged it under the scrape of her teeth. It was a habit she knew she did whenever she was contemplating and dear God did she have something to contemplate. Tommy's voice was gruff and she felt the puff of his breath on her face as he spoke.

"Oh...don't fuckin do that."

His palm cupped her cheek, fingers barely touching her skin as his thumb pulled her lip from her teeth before running over it softly. "Fucking drives me insane when you do that."

He leaned down again and their noses skimmed as he tilted his head and soothed her abused lips with his own. The kiss was still soft but she felt the slick warmth of his tongue as he ran it over her scraped bottom lip. Like a balm to ease the ache. While he kissed her, her hand had run up the side of his neck. Her thumb lightly tracing his jaw line and wrapping around to the base of his neck to pull him closer.

She could feel his hand wrap more firmly around her waist as he gathered her closer to him. She lifted up on her toes and strained against him as the kiss came to an end. They were both a bit breathless, bodies plastered as close to one another as you can get while wearing clothes. Their hold on one another firm and unyielding.

Aoife took a deep breath and slowly lowered herself back to the ground. Tommy's grip loosened but didn't let go. She brought both hands in to rest on his chest before ghosting them over his shoulders and down his arms forcing him to break his hold around her. Aoife's fingers gently grasped his wrists before she tugged him lightly inside her room.

Once he was through the door she let go and walked herself over to the table to pour them each another glass of whiskey. While she did, she heard the door close and the lock latch. She took a sip from her glass as she heard him cross the room behind her. She turned and handed him his drink before sipping from hers again. She arched her brow and smirked at him. "When's the last time you truly slept Tommy?"

She heard the light scoff he gave, "Can't remember."

Aoife nodded her head, "Drink up."

Tommy POV

Tommy threw back what was in his glass and set it lightly down on the table. He watched as Aoife sat her glass down next to his without finishing. She moved toward him and ran her fingers beneath the lapels of his jacket before skimming it off his shoulders and down his arms. She caught the material before it could fall to the floor and folded it over the chair back beside her.

Her fingers nimbly worked the buttons loose on his shirt, "Tommy...nothing's going to happen tonight. Both of our heads are a little fuzzy...I intend to be able to fully remember everything about the first time you take me to bed."

He stopped her hands with his, then gently cupped her face, gazing into her eyes, "All right."

Tommy watched as a smile slowly grew across her face, her dimples came into view and her eyes started to get that additional sparkle to them. She was glorious and if she wanted to wait he would. He imagined he'd do just about anything to see that look on her face. She reached up and he felt her small elegant fingers dance over his features. Just the barest of touches that left you wondering if you'd actually felt it at all and yet the whisper of her caress was so soothing.

"A man who's a true gentleman deserves a prize."

She started to remove his dress shirt again but if he was going to be a gentleman he needed to keep his clothes on. He stopped her again, a plea in his voice for mercy when he said her name, "Aoife."

"Trust me Tommy, I promise, it'll be worth it."

The rest of his clothes disappeared. The same regard that'd been given to his jacket given to each additional item until he was left in his skivvies and long sleeved undershirt. He felt her lift the hem of his shirt just the barest bit, her skillful fingers grazing ever so softly upon the skin of his abdomen. Her hands finally slid under and ran up his torso bringing the cotton fabric up with them until he had to lift his arms and she pulled it up and off over his head.

With a soft smile on her lips she walked over to the bed and turned the sheet down to the bottom, before beckoning him towards her with a tilt of her head, "Lie down on your stomach and get comfortable."

He did as she asked, laying his head down on the pillow and turning it to the side so he could watch her. She sat in the chair and removed her boots. He silently watched as she stood and then unbuckled her skirt. It fell to the floor with a soft thump. Her shirt promptly followed. She sat again and he continued to watch as she unclasped her stockings and removed them, revealing her toned legs. Her clothing was gently laid over the other chair. She began walking toward him wearing only a pale peach silk chemise. The color complimented her pale ivory skin tone.

Before she reached the bed an irritated look crossed her face but her voice remained soft when she spoke. "Shit...Don't move."

She seemed to glide when she walked away from him toward the far corner where he knew a phone line hung on the wall. Tommy listened as she picked it up and asked to be patched through to a particular number. It wasn't a heartbeat later when a man's voice came through the receiver. "Adelisa."

"Eirnin, I'll not be making it back this evening."

"Bout bloody fucking time you called in."

"Yeah, yeah, not like you were sleeping, 1369."

"Aye, 1369. See you tomorrow and stay safe."

"Yep, night Eirnin."

"Night, luv."

Tommy was curious, couldn't help but be when it came to her. "1369?"

She hung up and started walking back towards him, "A kind of code, a way to say that all is well and I'm not being held hostage or under duress. That they can relax because I'm fine."

"Hmm."

When she reached the bed she placed one knee at his hip and swung the other over him. Straddling him in a way. She leaned down, he could feel the cool silky softness of her hair gliding over his back. Her warm breath by his ear as she told him to relax again.

He felt her lean away and then the heels of her hands were running firmly up and over the muscles of his back. He couldn't help the small moan that left his throat at how good that fucking felt. Her voice was just above a whisper as she started talking to him, all the while working her magic hands over the tightness in his muscles.

"In my teens, when my parents still sailed the Adelisa, we spent a lot of time in India. I made friends and they taught me many things. One of the things I learned that I've found to be most helpful, is the skill of touch therapy. It's one of the practices of Ayurveda, a traditional holistic medical system that began long ago."

Aoife POV

After working warmth into his muscles and loosening them up into a more relaxed state she began concentrating her efforts on the areas where she could feel Tommy's muscles bunched into hard knots beneath his skin. She began kneading these areas gently but firmly, slowly working to release the tension from those tight muscles. She took note of the scars and she'd seen the regiment tattoos inked into his skin. Wounds and badges of the life he'd lived, remaining as reminders to the tortures he'd survived and as testaments to the strength of his soul.

His breathing slowly became deeper and more relaxed as he became pliant beneath her. She leaned down once again to whisper in his ear, "Rest."

She placed a soft kiss against the top of his spine, then returned to releasing the stress that his muscles carried. She continued to work the knots she found even after she knew he'd succumbed to sleep. When she could feel nothing but pliant pliable muscle beneath her hands she slowly and gently swung her leg over him to kneel in bed by his side. Grabbing the blankets at his feet she pulled them up and over them both as she laid down next to his warmth.

All she could do was hope that her efforts would succeed in helping him find some semblance of peace during the night. The man was in desperate need of a decent nights rest.

Quick NOTE: If you're one of the few that started reading this chapter right after upload please be aware that I hadn't realized the first half was a previous version...I have re-uploaded this chapter with updated first half. Not a whole lot is different but there are some slight changes in the conversation about Aoife's self defense talk in the car back to Birmingham.

Hope you've all enjoyed this chapter!

Thanks to everyone for all your kind words and the continued support. Love to read your thoughts and feelings.

Keep 'em coming!