Authors NOTE: So sorry it's been so long since I updated. Life has gotten a little bit hectic around my house between school coming to a close for the kiddos and spring cleaning inside and out getting underway, along with a couple of remodeling projects getting started. I hope everyone has been enjoying this story so far and I will try to ensure that I set aside a bit of time each week to work on continuing the story. It all depends on how busy the summer schedules end up being.

CHAPTER 36

Vatulele Island, Fiji

Adelisa Aiglentine

Aoife POV

After climbing aboard the Bebinn, Niamh let her know she'd get to the bottom of what happened with the lines and the Sifs incorrect movements. Accidents were not unheard of but all of their equipment and been checked and tested to make sure they were in perfect working condition. Aoife was glad for Niamh's willingness to volunteer her time to look into it as her own time available to spend with Tommy was growing short. He'd be leaving the following evening and she preferred to spend the rest of her time with him.

After thanking Niamh she jumped over to the Adelisa where all three of her brothers waited to make sure she was unharmed. Once they were satisfied that she was no worse for wear Eirnin helped remove the wrap from her hands and they congratulated her on the win. It was a somber congratulations as they all knew that winning or losing in that situation gave no one any sense of accomplishment or pride.

She headed to her cabin below to take a quick rinse in the shower in order to wash the sweat off herself and cool down. She made it quick and took a cursory glance at her body in the mirror over her sink. Niall had gotten some good shots in and she could already see the faint discoloration of some bruises forming on her skin. She was consoled with the fact that she knew he would be sporting some as well. Quickly drying and dressing in a lightweight silky skirt and top that she knotted at her waist she left the wonderful cool forced air of the ship back out into the island heat.

She heard the shouting first and listened as her brothers were preparing the ship for the storm that had been seen in the distance earlier. Apparently it had continued to build and started to show movement in their direction. She immediately went to assist in prepping the ship to withstand the storm. They didn't need to do much and managed to finish before anyone else. They all swung over to the Bebinn, docked next to them to help Niamh and Niall finish securing her.

Ada POV

After the excitement of the last fight had died down she watched in fascination. People started telling those that had bet on Niall what chores they would have to do. No one argued that the bets shouldn't count because of the equipment malfunction that forced Niall to practically forfeit the fight. They all just commiserated with each other on different aspects of the match and even on the quick thinking and teamwork that was achieved during the mishap itself.

Niall was congratulated on a match well fought and that they looked forward to seeing what happened next year. Aoife had yet to return from topside but she'd seen her swing over to the Adelisa. She imagined she was freshening up before returning to them, she knew if it were herself she certainly would.

Finn had been an excited but nervous ball of energy during the entire fight, even managing to shout out a few times in support of Aoife. He was practically beaming, though he hadn't bet anything, he'd said that he thought Aoife would win.

Tommy on the other hand, she had noticed kept a razor sharp - (eye) on the fight, tensing every time Aoife took a hit and holding his breath whenever she went in for an attack. She was quite certain that she'd even noticed his hands balled into fist so tight that his knuckles turned white. He didn't say a word during the fight and kept his silence even after it was over. She was unsure if Tommy would say anything to Aoife later or not but if he did it was sure to be an interesting conversation.

She herself wouldn't mind finding Eirnin at some point and getting him to show her some of the moves he pulled off in his own match. Plus, he did promise her a small hike inland to see a waterfall and swim in the pool at its base. They would be leaving Fiji soon, so she'd have to get a specific plan going for when they were supposed to do that. She'd also have to get Michael to agree to keep an eye on the kids for her so she could.

Tommy POV

As everyone busied themselves with cleaning the beach up of blankets and food baskets, he assisted Ada with packing up their own. He kept going over the entire morning in his mind, everything he'd seen and heard. He had been worried and quite frankly a bit scared for Aoife on a few occasions. Seeing her in action and succeeding in so many different areas of expertise put a few things into perspective.

She was right when she'd told him that both their lives were dangerous just in different ways. Ada's comment about him at least knowing what Aoife was capable of now, was true. It didn't mean he had to like seeing her in action though. He realized his desire was to make sure that she never had to be in a situation where she'd need to utilize her skills. He however was not an optimist and fully realized that he would never live a life where that would be possible. That being said knowing that she could handle herself in numerous scenarios did in fact bring him a since of serenity in regards to her safety. An echo of her Grandmother Bridget's words flashing in his mind... Ya take care of that one. She's a hard one to crack but she'll take care of ya, as well.

He felt a rush of unbidden emotions move through him as those words resounded. Aoife would take care of him in more ways than one would expect. She held his heart in her hands and he felt like she'd been slowly picking up the shattered pieces of his soul and fitting them back in their proper places. He wanted to laugh at himself because his soul was the god damn puzzle she was putting together. After thinking he might have lost her due to his epic fuck up he knew that he was scared he'd never be able to actually ...live, again...without her in his life. Keeping the nightmares at bay and silencing the noises that haunted him. Reminding him that life was supposed to be lived not simply survived.

Aoife would protect his heart, his soul, his mind and she was even fuckin capable of protecting him from bodily harm if it came down to that. He had never met anyone like her and he knew without a doubt that he'd never meet anyone like her in the future either. The longer he knew her, the more he interacted with her, the more sure he became that he wanted and even needed her in his life permanently. He couldn't let her walk away from him ever. Which meant there could be no more fuck ups and no more decisions that would force her to have to deal with things she shouldn't have to. With that decision settled in his mind he knew what it was he needed to do.

Alfie POV

He noticed the storm heading their way and decided it would be best to try and get Aine to agree it was time to head back to their hut. She'd been out in the heat long enough and now that the events of the mornin' were over she should rest. They could congratulate Aoife and her brothers later at the evenin' meal. The trick would be to figure a way for Aine to come up wit the idea of heading in herself. Alfie knew she was perceptive and very observant... he opted to feign a yawn that she would only be able to see from the corner of her eye, so it wouldn't seem like an obvious tactic to her.

It didn't pass his notice that he was resorting to juvenile antics in hopes that she would think he was tired and insist they head in and get some more rest. He would normally just come out and say they were headin' back to bed and that would be the end of it. He'd learned a long time ago though that although she wasn't nearly as stubborn as Aoife she still did not act kindly to bein'...told what to do. Plus wit her feelin' poorly and bein' moody from that, he knew it would be a lot less painful, yeah painful if she'd decide this herself.

Aine POV

She knew what he was trying to do the moment Alfie yawned and pretended that he was trying to hide it from her. She didn't blame him, she knew that she had been moody and difficult with him. The truth was she was ready to go and lie back down for a bit. As silly and out of character as it was for Alfie to be trying to 'nudge' her towards bed, it was admittedly sweet and a sign of just how well he knew her and cared about her mental well being.

She did however prefer her gruff, straight forward, take no shite Alfie. The sweet considerate one was nice to have make an appearance every once in a while, but not to the point where he was trying to subtly manipulate her. He shouldn't have to resort to that kind of behavior because she was behaving so poorly.

"Silly man. I think you're right, I could do with some more sleep. Help me up Alfie and let's head inside before the storm hits. The boys and Aoife have everything under control."

When she began speaking Alfie had turned his head and listened to her. A sheepish look crossing his face as he realized she knew he was trying to put one over on her. But his smile was still sweet and even a touch happy that he was getting what he wanted without having a large argument on his hands. She really was lucky that this man had decided she was worth changing his view of the future for.

Alfie gripped her hands firmly and pulled her up to stand in front of him.

"Saw through that did ya. I was just..."

"...I know Alfie, you shouldn't have to though. I know you love me and only want what's best for me. Sometimes it's just hard to let myself agree with you. I promise, from this point on, I will not be such a pain and I'll let you take care of me when I'm feeling ill."

"Ya will, eh...right. Well then..."

She was taken by surprise when Alfie scooped her legs out from under her, forcing her to wrap her arms around his neck as he tucked her in against his chest and started carrying her back to their hut. She could hear the light hearted laughter of Memere and Papi drift after them as she was literally swept away by her tall, dark and decidedly ruggedly handsome love.

Small Heath - Birmingham

Grace POV

It had been over a week now since she'd seen Tommy around Small Heath. She knew that no one else had seen him either which meant that he had left town at some point. No one seemed to be aware of where he went off to. Not even Arthur who she'd managed to get the careless comment "that he was off on business", out of. Nor could she secure the position of barmaid out of Arthur. His polite reply had been he was still too far out from opening to even be thinking about staffing yet.

She was getting aggravated. How was she supposed to win him back if he wasn't around? She hadn't thought it would be nearly this hard to gain his forgiveness and assent to start over. Admittedly she had noticed a difference in his demeanor and overall character. He had changed, they all had, but fundamentally he should still be the same. She'd seen pieces of it herself. If only she could get him to open up to her about how he was different and why he was. Then she could work on fixing whatever it was that had turned him into this man that he was now.

Not that she'd change all of it, really she just wanted him to connect with her again. In order for that to happen he needed to open up to her...ugh! Perhaps it was time to approach Lizzie about his whereabouts, surely if anyone knew exactly what he was up to it would be the woman in his life...right?

Polly POV

Things had been running smoothly at the den. John was handling the extra load left from Tommy's absence and Arthur was handling the business of the Garrison without issue as well. Everything was on track and she was starting to see the end of the tunnel that had been stretching out before them. She didn't want anything to go tits up. So she'd decided to sit in church for a spell before heading home. Never hurt to ask God to keep a watchful eye out for them. God knew they usually needed it.

Polly cleared the tally books of her desk and locked them in the drawer before ensuring that the cabinets and safe were secure. Grabbing her coat she stepped out of their new treasurers cage and locked the barred door behind her. She knew that Esme had gone home a bit ago with John but looking around it seemed Lizzie was still at her desk.

"It's getting late Lizzie. How much more work do you need to do in order to finish up for the evening?"

"I just finished."

"All right then let's go, I'll lock up tonight."

Polly watched as Lizzie nodded and stood, grabbing her own coat and bag off the hook behind her. As Lizzie came closer she noticed a contemplative look in the girls eyes.

"What is it?"

"When is Tommy supposed to be back from his business trip?"

"When he's finished with his business I imagine. He didn't give a specific date. Just said he'd be back before the end of the month."

Lizzie POV

"What business is he doing that he's out of town for this long? Especially with Arthur getting the Garrison ready to open... I'd of thought he'd be here to help with that."

Looking over at Polly from the corner of her eye she noted that the older woman was pursing her lips in contemplation or perhaps irritation? Either way she doubted that Polly would clue her in on anything. She was quite sure however that Polly was perhaps the only one that knew exactly where Tommy was and what he was up to.

"If Tommy wanted you knowing what his business was he'd of told ya himself, before he left. You should know better than to ask questions. If there's something you should know, then you'll know, otherwise you don't need to know anything. Keep your head down and do your job, you might just get to keep it. Now get on home."

Lizzie quickly nodded her head while she was under Polly's scrutinizing stare. She certainly didn't need her running to Tommy and telling him she was getting too nosy. She had no doubts that if anyone could get Tommy to can her, it was his Aunt. There was no such thing as an idle threat when it came from Polly Gray.

"Of course, goodnight Polly."

Polly simply raised her right eyebrow and kept her mouth in a hard straight line. Knowing she wasn't going to be getting any other indications for dismissal she hurried down the road away from the den and Polly. Hopefully when she went back to work tomorrow Polly would have dismissed her questions as mere curiosity.

Rounding the corner at a faster than normal pace she was startled when she almost ran into another person. Looking up with an apology already escaping her lips she froze when she saw it was Grace in front of her.

"Grace. You're out late this evening. Excuse me, I was just on my way home."

"Yes, um... Is Tommy back yet?"

"... No."

Lizzie started to go around Grace since she seemed to have no inclination of moving out of the way but she was stopped when Grace's hand shot out and gripped a hold of her arm.

"When will he be back?"

"Get your hand off me! Tommy will be back when he finishes his business. When that will be is none of your business."

"So you don't know either. Hmm. Interesting."

"Grace, if Tommy wanted you to know where he was going or what business he was attending to. He would tell you himself. You of all people should know better than to ask questions. Keep your head down and you might just get to keep it."

"My, my, my. You might have learned how to sound like a Shelby all ready, but there's no ring on your finger that makes you one of them. If I were you I wouldn't get too comfortable. I don't see you managing to succeed at being anything more than a Shelby's whore."

"Watch yourself Grace, your claws are showing. We both know that the only reason you'd un-sheath those was if you had something to worry about. From where I'm standing, I'd say that I've got a better chance at obtaining that Shelby name than you do. Have a nice evening."

Lizzie stepped quickly away and toward her home, her only desire to get as far away from Grace as possible. God that woman got under her skin. She truly hoped that Tommy was good and done with her. There was no way she'd be able to stand working for him if Grace ever became his wife, not that Grace would ever allow Tommy to keep her on if she came back into the picture.

Arthur POV

The numbers were off...they had to be. He knew that he had ordered more than enough booze to stock the bar. So why were half of the shelves empty. Arthur knew he'd never been the best at numbers but he knew he wasn't this bad. Heading back into his office he searched through the scattered papers that were on every available surface. He knew he had a copy of the order he placed around here somewhere.

He had to make sure it hadn't been his own mistake. It had to be, as he couldn't believe that anyone would have the guts to take from a Shelby. Things had been quiet. Tommy had said everything was under control before he left and John had told him just that morning that things were good.

Finally, there the damn thing was. Arthur studied his copy of the order that he placed and compared it to the invoice sheet he'd received with the booze when it was delivered. The invoice was showed that he'd been shipped exactly half the amount of everything that he's ordered. What the bloody fucking hell, who's cock up was this shite.

He grabbed the new phone line and went to call the bloody bugger who he'd ordered the booze from. Just as the ringer started to go off he heard a banging on the front door. Arthur yelled from the back, hoping that the person outside could hear him.

"Wait a bloody damn minute will ya."

The fucker picked up the line, "Ya?"

"Why the bloody fuckin' 'ell did I only get half my shipment, hmm?"

"...Mr. Shelby?"

"Damn right! You find out where the rest of my booze is. I want it delivered by tomorrow mornin' ya hear me?!"

"You only received half of your shipment?"

"Isn't that wha' I just said. My order shows the numbers I expected, the invoice with your crates shows exactly half the correct amount of each liquor. Now get it fuckin' fixed before this becomes a serious matter, cause ya won't like it, if it becomes a serious matter."

"...Yes sir Mr. Shelby. I'll look into it right now and get it straightened out for you."

"Tomorrow morning."

"Yes, good evening sir."

Arthur slammed the phone down and went to the front. He unlocked the inner door and stepped into the vestibule. Looking through the window he saw John boy chewing on a matchstick waiting on him.

He unbarred the outer door and let his brother in.

"John boy, wha' are ya doin' here this late in the evenin'? Thought you'd be holed up in bed with that new wife a yours."

"Ah, I'll get to that when I get home later. Thought I'd pop in and see how things are comin' along."

"Yeah, yeah sure. Come on in then, still bloody fuckin' cold in the evenings."

"Yeah... It's fuckin' gold Arthur."

"Yeah, real nice and posh like, eh?"

"...Yeah, real posh Arthur. Who'd ya expect ta come in here, the bloody King of England? This is Small Heath. All you're gonna get in here is the factory workers and criminals."

"Hey. We are bringing some class to our little corner of England. Nothin' wrong with a bit of posh round here."

"All right Arthur, just so long as the booze is still affordable for your clientele."

"Yeah, they'll be satisfied.

"Good. Well looks like you're ready to open. What are you still waiting on?"

"Stock and staff and a brew master but Johnny Doggs says he's gonna bring someone in by the end of the week that might be a good fit."

"Sounds good. Everything else going all right?"

"Small inventory problem but it should be fixed by tomorrow morning."

"Inventory problem?"

"Only got half the shipment in."

"Why are we going to an outsider for our liqour? What's wrong with using our own imports?"

"Nothing, using thems too. Tommy thought it be good to add some variety. He wants to see if there's anything worth starting to import ourselves is more likely."

"Sounds like Tommy."

"When's he comin' back?"

"Don't know. Just know that everything is on schedule and he's supposed to be back before the end of the month."

"Right before everyone returns then?"

"Yeah. Lookin' forward to seeing the kids again."

"Esme ready for it?"

"She's workin' herself up about it. I keep telling her it'll be fine but she just gnaws on it ya know."

"Hmm. Women."

Vatulele Island - Fiji

Aoife POV

After helping to ensure that all the ships were secured to withstand the upcoming storm Aoife took the lift down to the beach. Everyone had seemed to clear out now that the storm was closing in. Seeking shelter in their huts and getting ready to enjoy a storm on land. She headed for the path that lead to her own private little haven. tossing the small vial in her hand up in the air and catching it on its way back down.

She'd made sure to check in with Celeste about the tincture she's asked for. It had been ready and waiting. Celeste had given her strict instructions to only use a miniscule amount as it was a potent mixture. Aoife debated with herself about how to go about using it. Tommy wanted her so she'd need to tell him about the little experiment she intended to do with him. Perhaps tell him that his goal was not to kiss her back when she kissed him?

As she came up to her hut she saw Tommy sitting on the daybed out on the front porch. He was far away in his own head as she approached him. She sat down gently, barely brushing herself against his side. The slight friction catching his attention.

"Penny for your thoughts Tommy?"

"Not really thinkin', more allowin' my imagination to run wild."

"Imagination huh. What were you imagining?"

"My life... what it will be like when I finally get ta wrap this business up. My end goal, with allowances for the changes that I want ta make in it."

"And what does your life look like?"

"Eventually, after a fair amount of hard work... a house in the country where I can breathe clean air. It'll have land so I can keep horses, maybe even train them. It'll still be close enough ta Birmingham that getting to and from home and the office won't be that long a drive..."

"It sounds lovely Tommy. I can see you in the country, the clean air and the quiet. Your own private haven away from the stress of business. Is your family with you?"

"No...They all have their own places and are happy where they are. Except Finn...Finn is there, running around and gettin' in ta trouble. He's happy there... I'm happy there because you're there with us."

"I'm there?"

"You're there Aoife. I wake up to ya every mornin', the fresh rain and fuckin floral scent of ya filling the rooms."

"Jasmine."

"..."

"Fresh rain and jasmine... my scent. I still can't quite decipher yours, it's elusive, like you. I look forward to the day when I see your vision of the future through my own eyes."

"A promise for the future then?"

"... The future is uncertain, anything can happen. No one is promised a tomorrow. But here, in this moment now. I'll promise you that I will never take you or us for granted. Know that whatever our future does hold, I'll live with no regrets about it. No regrets about you. I hope that you'd feel the same?"

"I'll never regret meeting you Aoife. No matter what our future holds."

"Good. Now, how do you feel about a little experiment?"

"What kind of experiment?"

"Well... All you have to do is refrain from kissing me. If you can."

"Is that right. And why would I want ta refrain from kissin' ya? I do quite enjoy it."

"Your willpower is quite strong but I said if you can. I don't think you'll be able to but I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt."

"Hmm. Why are ya wantin' to try this experiment?"

"Oh, it's just to test out the viability of a theory."

"Involved with kissin'?"

"Yep."

"All right. It's your experiment. The only thing I have ta do is not kiss you?"

"Correct. Let's take this experiment inside though shall we. Just in case it gets out of hand."

"Oh and is there a possibility that this experiment will get out of hand?"

"...Hmm, more like a high probability that it will."

"Then by all means, let's take this inside."

Tommy POV

He followed Aoife inside, ensuring to lock the door so that they wouldn't have any surprise visitors. He really wasn't sure what was going on but he had a slight nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. He trained his gaze on Aoife as she went over to the pitcher of water. She poured a small cup and took a drink before turning towards him.

She had a mischievous look in her eyes as she sauntered over to him. He enjoyed the weight of her hands smoothing over his shirt and the muscles of his chest beneath it. Her voice an octave lower than normal.

"Remember... no matter what... don't kiss me."

Tommy smirked down at her but nodded all the same. "No kissin'."

He felt Aoife lean against him as she raised herself onto her toes. The tip of her nose brushing lightly against the line of his jaw as she traced it back to his ear. Nibbling and sucking lightly along the way before trailing her lips back to his own and lingering there with a soft yet firm pressure. He felt the moist heat of her tongue as she swiped it across his lips. Then the firm pressure of her hand at the base of his neck as she changed the angle of his head. He opened his mouth just slightly to breathe in her breath. Her mouth and lips captured his and her tongue darted deftly into explore his own mouth.

He was trying to remember that he was not to return her kiss, but as her tongue nudged his own, his mind blanked... When he could finally make sense of his thoughts once more he came to realize that he'd pulled Aoife in against him and was holding her there firmly. His own tongue was exploring her mouth as if he'd never kissed her before. A powerful buzz of arousal was running through his veins. And there was a lingering after taste of bitterness in his mouth.

Tommy pushed Aoife away from him but kept her in his arms. Breathing deeply and clearing his mind he realized what theory Aoife had been testing.

"Don't ever fuckin' use that shite again. "

"I've proven my theory so there's no need to. I don't need to entice you to want me when you already do. We just proved that there are some aphrodisiacs powerful enough to even make you forget yourself for a moment. Now you have a viable reason for what was behind your actions with Grace and you can stop spinning that topic around that mind of yours."

"You went to all this trouble just to get Grace out of me head?"

"Why not? She doesn't belong there anymore."

"Mm. Do me a favor and rinse your mouth out. When I kiss you again, I want ta be able to taste ya, not that shite."

He listened to her small chuckle and she nodded her head before leaving his embrace to head to the lavatory so she could do as he requested. While she was gone he tried to think about what on earth he was going to do when he returned to Small Heath. He needed to get Grace out of Birmingham, hell out of England.

**********0**********

The storm had finally hit the island and the daylight had been obscured to a twilight darkness even though it was only late afternoon. He'd spent the last hour or so in bed, tangling up the sheets with Aoife. Eventually she'd fallen asleep on his chest, the strenuous activity of the morning finally catching up with her. He listened to the rainfall hitting the leaves and forming giant puddles on the ground outside. His mind going back to a picture of what his future could hold.

Business was successful, the family was happy and thriving. He had a small townhouse in Small Heath close to the offices, which he'd stay at occasionally when work kept him late. It was the weekend though and he was at their home in the country. Breathing in the clean crisp air while looking out on the green fields where the horses grazed in the morning mist. Turning his head toward the bed, a vision of Aoife sprawled across the mattress under their bedding sound asleep.

The faint sound of a baby's voice speaking gibberish travelling through the door to the adjacent nursery.

He could see it... He just didn't know if he was going to be able to have it. He knew he would do everything in his power to strive towards that future goal. Because he wanted what he saw.

As always comments, questions, suggestions and constructive criticsm welcome and appreciated! Comment away and let me know how the story is shaping up for you. Anything you're excited about, anything you hope will happen, etcetera! Love and positive vibes to everyone!