Sinful Lust -Part 2

Sinful Lust -Part 2

Part 1 Here

Pairing - Thomas Shelby and Reader

Warnings- Sexual content, swearing, violence. 18+

Would love to hear your thoughts on this fic!

Tommy awoke abruptly the following day, having slept for barely two hours. His mind was haunted by images of you, laying motionless in bed. How had everything happened so quickly? He regretted his involvement in the night, driven by his desire and lust for you.

And how had he failed to see Joe was a psychopath?

They had been friends since their school days, even went to France together. Over the years, Joe had been with many women, never alone. Did he treat them all the same? Joe was not a man, not by any means. He had fled the house, leaving Tommy and his crew to deal with the aftermath. To move your body.

What were his men's thoughts? That Tommy was at fault? Surely not!

Now Joe was on the missing list, but Tommy had to find him. He needed to make him pay, he couldn't let him go on like this. Couldn't let it happen to someone else. Feeling a wave of nausea wash over him, he sat up in bed. Head bending forward over his knees. Breathing slowly in, slowly out. Resigned to the fact, he was now awake.

Surveying the street, Tommy rapped on the wooden door three times. "It's me," he declared, his voice devoid of emotion. The door swung open to reveal Polly, her expression one of clear disdain. He knew what she was thinking, but she would do what was asked anyway.

"We can't stay here forever, Mrs Bridges needs her own space," she sighed, sucking on her cigarette.

"Noted, Pol," he nodded, lighting his own cigarette.

"Get any sleep?" she questioned, hand resting on her nephews shoulder.

"Can sleep when I'm dead, Pol," he winked, strolling through the small house. Nodding a hello to the old lady sitting by the fire. Rolling his shoulders back, he slowly pushed open the bedroom door. Feeling his heart race, trying to keep his expression soft.

"Hey," he smiled, slowly approaching the bed, perching on the edge.

Blinking rapidly in reply, you turned your head to look at him. "Hi," you managed to speak, throat raw, voice hoarse.

Tommy had thought that was it, back at your house last night. He thought you were dead, but he hadn't given up. Joe had stated you were gone, and fled the house. No doubt off to find his next victim. Tommy had given you CPR, got you breathing again. Before scooping you up, and getting you medical attention.

Paying for a private Doctor, to come to an unknown house. Hiding you away, away from him. Until he got his revenge.

"How are you feeling now?" he asked, resting his hand on top of yours.

You looked so small and fragile, laying in the double bed. Tommy wanted to lay beside you, wrap you in his arms, tell you he would look after you now. That he wanted to be with you. But he wasn't sure what you wanted.

"I'm ok," you lied, trying to sit up, still feeling very weak. "Thank you Tommy, for everything,"

"Fuck... Y/n," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Don't thank me, I should have never been involved. I didn't think fucking Joey was .... like that. If I had known...."

"You weren't the first, you won't be the last," you shrugged, swallowing deeply.

Terror sitting in the pit of your stomach, at the thought of going back to Joe. He was going to wonder where you had been. Would no doubt blame you for messing the night up.

"Y/n, you aren't going back to him, you can't, ey," Tommy warned, face serious, "He doesn't deserve you, I'm going to take him out, for good,"

Scoffing, you turned your head away to hide your tears. "He will never let that happen, he will find me, he always does,"

Shuffling further towards you, he tilted your face to look at him. Feeling anger rise again, at the hand prints on your neck.

"I am looking after you now, I..." Pausing, you searched his face, a hint of embarrassment showing on his cheeks. "I have always... lo…liked you, Y/n,"

"You have?" you whispered, feeling him squeeze your hand.

"Yeah, and I promise you now, I will never treat you like he did," he confirmed, "You are a beautiful, kind, soul, and I know a man like me...."

Holding your finger up, you placed it on his lips. "Don't, don't say that, you are a good man," you blinked away the tears, holding your throat. "I have always ….liked you too, I'm sure you could tell, and not just for sex,"

Closing the distance, he gently pressed his lips against yours. "We can fucking take him out together,"

It took three days for Tommy to track Joe down. He acted as if he was worried about him, pleading with him to meet. It was just to talk, to ensure he was alright, that he had moved on from what had happened. And Joe believed him, because after all, they were friends.

The canal had always been their meeting spot. As children, they spent hours there, skimming stones and counting the passing boats. Those days were now distant memories, overshadowed by the events that had unfolded since.

“Tommy,” a voice spoke up, as he was extinguishing his cigarette underneath his boot. Calming his nerves, Tommy turned to see Joe behind him. “Everything ok? Did you?”

"Deal with the mess?" Tommy inquired, completing his former friend's sentence. "Yes, I've cleaned up your mess, Joe, been at it for twenty years."

Joe’s eyes widened at Tommy’s statement. He thought he would have laughed it off, been on his side. “Look, that wasn't meant to happen. Fuck… she was fucking crazy, Tom. Liked me to fucking choke her, bit of rough play, you know?”

“There was a fucking corpse in your bed,” Tommy roared, stepping forward to shove Joe. Watching him land on the floor. “Bit more than rough play, ey?”

Joe actually had the decency to look away. “And I'm sorry! If could change things, I would. Just don't tell anyone Tom, please. I can’t go to prison,” he sniffed, emotions spilling over now. “You know what people will do to me!”

Tommy shook his head, unbelieving. How could this man be so selfish? He wasn't even going to accept the responsibility. Not even apologise.

“What about Y/n?” Tommy asked, hovering over him, trying to stick to the plan. But desperate to beat the life out of Joe. Just start hitting him and never stop. Make him feel pain.

“She’s fucking gone, Tommy. I'm grateful for you helping me out, I owe you,” Joe begged, trying to get Tommy back on side.

"It's not me you owe," Tommy grinned, looking behind him. Reaching out his hand.

Joe hurriedly rose from the floor, anticipating the arrival of the Blinders. They would teach him a lesson. Not believing in violence against women; their motto was 'No women, no kids.' As he stood up, his eyes widened in surprise, at the sight of the figure emerging behind Tommy.

"Y/n?" he gasped, watching you both entwine hands. "What the fuck? You're ok? Shit, I... I....."

"You what, Joe?" you spat, feeling nothing but hate for the man before you. "You're sorry? You took it too far? How many times have I heard that?"

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you regained your composure. You had to get this off your chest.

"How many beatings have I had to take from you? Times I've had to hide away? How many men have you got to join in with us?" you yelled, feeling Tommy tense beside you. "It ends now,"

Joe burst into genuine laughter, bending over and clutching his stomach. You had finally gone mad, who did you think you were? Speaking to him like that!

"That right?" he smirked, taking a step forward, delighting in the fact you shrunk back against Tommy. You were still scared of him. "You are nothing but a whore, that's how you should be treated. Like the whore you are,"

In a swift movement, Tommy landed an almighty punch against Joe's jaw. Making him once again land on the floor, rolling around in pain.

"Shut your mouth, Joe. It's over,"

"You can fucking have her, Tom. Dirty whore," he snarled, spitting on the floor near you.

Reaching into your coat pocket, you pulled out a small pistol. Unleashing the safety catch, aiming it at Joe. "It's over Joe, it ends with us,"

Shaking his head, he raised his eyebrows in jest. "You don't even know how to shoot, you stupid bitch, you..."

Bang.

Before he could finish his sentence, you pulled the trigger. Landing the perfect shot, right between his eyes. "Rot in hell, Joe," you whispered, voice quivering, as you fell into Tommy's arms.

Six months later

You smiled to yourself, as soft, warm kisses were pressed across your shoulder. Morning stubble, rubbing against your smooth skin. Moving your hair to the side, Tommy nuzzled his nose against your ear. Rolling his hips against yours from behind, as he made love to you. It had been a whirlwind six months, you were both deeply in love.

"I love you, Mrs Shelby," he whispered, nibbling your ear.

Just yesterday, you had both exchanged your wedding vows. Tommy had persistently asked you. for a month before you agreed. Hoping to heal from the trauma, of your past relationship. However, Tommy was nothing like Joe; he was gentle, affectionate, and attentive.

"I love you too, Mr Shelby," you smiled back at him over your shoulder.

Looking forward to starting your new life together.

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practical writing advice part 2

part 1

get used to carrying a notebook around with you. or get used to writing on your phone. you will not always have access to your computer, but it’s much easier to take something compact with you to quickly jot down ideas. also i have chronic illness and sometimes my bones feel like lead and going upstairs to get my laptop is a herculean task, BUT i can write on my phone lying down instead of just scrolling through my camera roll and being miserable. which brings me to my next point:

if you have to choose between writing unconventionally or even unproductively and not writing at all, choose the writing. i’ve said before not to create a habit of writing in bed, but if it comes down to writing in bed or not writing whatsoever, i’ll write in bed. i just try to stretch before and after (which you should also do!!!).

you’re not wasting time or being silly by making playlists or moodboards or memes of your characters and environments. having fun with your stories outside of writing them is a good way to stay motivated.

i like to stop my writing sessions in a place where i know exactly what i want to write next, so when i pick back up i won’t be left hemming and hawing over where to begin. HOWEVER, if you’re absolutely locked in, don’t interrupt that flow state. it’ll be harder to find it again later—instead, wait until you find a natural place to stop where you haven’t run out of ideas.

“why do i have a headache 3 hours into my writing session?” because the last time you had a sip of water was 4 hours ago, you dingus! keep your drinks near your workspace while you write. and i do mean, like, a full bottle of water at least. if you’re like me, things stop existing when they leave your line of sight, so keep these beverages where you can see them and refill during bathroom breaks.

uhhh try not to think negatively about your writing while you’re doing it because when i do that i just get bummed out. “this scene is terrible” -> “oh yeah fuck it up oh yeah fuck it up” (positive reframing)

ok thanks bye

RETRIBUTIONS

Lizzie’s birthday turns into a day of retribution for everyone- but mostly the youngest Shelby sister.

WARNINGS: DEATH, SWEARING. A BIT OF DRAMATIC FLUFF FOR YOU ALL.

ALL GIFS BELONG TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS :)

WORD COUNT:4030

PRESENT: November 16th 1929, Lizzie’s birthday party, Arrow House, Warwickshire

She was electric the night of Lizzie’s birthday. Eighteen year old Florence Shelby had blossomed overnight. No longer the shy child who would always be found behind the back of the hay bales reading her favourite, Black Beauty , she was now becoming the grown woman who commanded attention and respect, who was both beautiful and kind, who had become so far removed from the Shelby blood that inhabited her veins that she was almost unrecognisable.

‘’What the fuck is that?’’ Tommy sighed, standing at the door with a cigarette in hand as his young sister made her way out of the car and onto the gravel. ‘’What’s what?’’ Florence asked, pulling a face in confusion as she straightened herself up. ‘’He’s on about your bloody dress, Tom, she looks fine, gorgeous in fact, so leave it’’ Ada snapped in response, getting out of the car behind her little sister.

The emerald dress that fell just above the knee had been a daring choice- but even Polly and Ada had agreed that it hung onto the young woman like a glove, and was the perfect choice for her first real party and step into womanhood. ‘’Here, put my coat around you- we don’t want to give Arthur a heart attack now, do we?- eh’’ Tommy sighed, attempting to wrap his coat around her shoulders. ‘’Tom, back off, I’m eighteen, I don’t need a babysitter-or a coat’’ Florence rolled her eyes, shoving the coat back off her shoulders with a shove, before making her way into the party.  ‘’When did she get so grown up?- and fucking bossy?’’ Tommy moaned, stamping on his finished cigarette. ‘’I think I was dressing like that at fifteen- so thank god, she’s only starting now’’ Ada smirked, tapping her brothers shoulder before following into the party.

14th April 1919, Six Watery Lane, Small Heath

‘’And, I’d kick him again’’  Eight year old Florence screeched over Polly’s shoulder as she was carried back into the house. Her new shoes covered in mud and her white dress stained brown. ‘’and what has she done now?’’ Arthur groaned, the sound of his sisters wailing interrupting him reading the paper. ‘’She kicked that Paul next door, the Robinson’s son, he’s eight’’ Polly sighed, dropping her young niece to the floor. ‘’What did that little weasel do this time?’’ Arthur groaned, slapping his paper on the table, and kneeling to her level. ‘’He said that I don’t have a mum’’ Florence cried, her bottom lip dropping as she reminded herself of only half an hour before, and Paul’s cruel taunts as her and Finn played with the ball outside the front of the house. ‘’Don’t you worry, floss, I’m gonna go round there and grab that little weasel by the scruff of his fucking neck and’’ Arthur ranted- interrupted by the sounds of his brothers entering the den.

‘’Who we beating up?’’ John asked, walking into the den with a smirk on his face. ‘’Paul fucking Robinson’’ Arthur responded angrily, sipping on the last of his whiskey. ‘’Nobody is beating any children up’’ Tommy sighed, making his way further into the den and laying his hat on the table. ‘’He said that Florence doesn’t have a mum’’ Polly interjected with an eye roll, taking off her gloves.

Tommy made his way over to Florence, kneeling to her, and brushing her hair out of her eyes. ‘’You listen to me-eh, you have a mum, we’ve told you, she’s in heaven, and she loves you so very much, and that little weasel next door, he’s just jealous- because he never had a mum like yours, alright’’ Tommy responded, as Florence nodded wearily. ‘’and what about my dad?’’ Florence looked up in desperation. ‘’Trust me, your dad loves you to pieces as well- more than he knows sometimes, now, you go get yourself cleaned up, Aunt Pol is making us stew tonight, alright?’’ Tommy sighed, as the young girl flashed a small smile. ‘’Yes, thank you, Tommy’’ Florence responded, before making her way out the den.

‘’Where are you going Tom?’’ Polly asked, as Tommy followed Florence out the den. ‘’I’m going to slash Paul Anderson’s bike tires’’ Tommy shrugged, grabbing his hat on his way out.

PRESENT: November 16th 1929, Lizzie’s birthday party, Arrow House, Warwickshire

With the party in full swing, and the music blaring- Florence found herself sitting in the corner alone sipping champagne. In her brother’s new life, the parties were filled with dignitaries, politicians, and European royalty, they were so far removed from the parties they’d have down the riverbank as children. Florence would run bare foot with the Lee children, there would be horses roaming free, music until the morning, smoke and ash, coin tossing until someone was guaranteed to lose at least a horse if not their house.

‘’The parties over there-not over here’’ Finn shrugged, handing his sister a replacement drink. Despite being her older brother, growing up the small two year age gap had made the siblings feel more like twins and Finn was the one Florence always relied on to make her feel better. ‘’Do you ever feel like you’re floating in space with no real meaning?’’ Florence asked, as her brother sat by her side. ‘’Fuck, you haven’t got any snow off Isiah, have you? Tommy will kill me’’ Finn asked, his face slightly white with panic. ‘’No, I haven’t, but you shouldn’t be having any either’’ Florence attempted to reprimand, only bursting into a wide smile as she struggled to remain serious. ‘’I need something to get me through the shit all these politicians chat, can’t understand any of it, Floss’’ Finn shrugged, necking back his own drink. ‘’God, you sound more like John every day’’ Florence sighed, sipping the remainder and staring ahead at the floor where Ada was being spun by a smartly dressed man. ‘’I miss him, sometimes’’ Finn sighed, staring ahead at the same time. ‘’Me too’’ Florence replied.

29th May 1925, Bridle House, John’s House, Birmingham.

The sound of the gramophone burst through the house as Florence sat at her vanity applying her makeup. The fourteen-year-old beamed as she applied the rouge, she had stolen off her sister onto her cheeks, not noticing her older brother was staring at her from the corner of her doorway. ‘’Think you’ve missed a bit’’ John smirked, entering the room, and making her jump. ‘’No, I haven’t- this is exactly how Ada does it’’ Florence groaned back, turning again towards the vanity in an attempt to ignore him. ‘’What I meant was- you’re still ugly’’ John laughed, as his sister gave him a frown in the mirror. ‘’Look, right, I’m not happy about tonight, but I’ve spoken to Esme, and she says that James Lee is alright, but if you’re not home by nine, I’m gonna cut him’’ John spoke quickly, the nerves getting the better of him. ‘’oh-and if he tries anything, to kiss you or that-I’ll shove a hot poker so far up his arse he’ll be tasting coal, and Arthur and Tom, they don’t know, and I can’t be dealing with them today so don’t tell them alright’’ John smirked with a serious expression, as his sister turned to look at him. ‘’Alright’’ Florence beamed, handing out her hand to her brother who shook it. ‘’Oh and, I love you’’ John mumbled as he walked towards the bedroom door. ‘’What did you say?’’ Florence smirked, as her brother looked at her with a pained expression. ‘’You don’t need me to say it again, I know you heard me’’ John shrugged. ‘’I love you too, John’’.

‘’I think it’s sweet that they’ve gone to the movies together’’ Ada smiled, pouring tea as Karl ran off with his cousins.  ‘’Mary says that James is the clever one of her lads, going to be a doctor’’ Esme responded, as John scoffed in the corner. ‘’A fucking witch doctor- more like’’.

‘’Fuck- what’s he doing here, it’s Tommy’’ Esme hastily announced, peering out the kitchen window at the Bentley that was racing up the driveway. ‘’John, Esme, Ada’’ Tommy nodded-making his way into the kitchen before being passed a tea by Esme. ‘’I’ve come to discuss the opening on Thursday, of Grace’s foundation’’ Tommy sighed, grief still evident in his voice. ‘’Where’s Floss, I’d like her here for this too?’’ Tommy responded to the room of sheepish looking faces.

‘’She’s out with the kids, watching them for us’’ Esme quickly added, Tommy nodding in acceptance. ‘’I was going to ask her if she wanted to come to live with Charlie and me, in Warwickshire’’ Tommy stated, leaning against the counter with a reasonably calm disposition. ‘’Tom, I think she likes living here y’know, with the liveliness, kids running around and her and Esme always gossiping about fuck knows’’ John responded- feeling slightly selfish. Although Tommy could use the company, John would miss having Florence around. ‘’I’ve got your rouge Auntie Ada’’ Eight-year-old Molly screeched, running into the room, and waving the powdered product in her aunt’s face. ‘’and where did you get that, cheeky’’ Ada smirked, grabbing it back in one swift movement. ‘’Off of Aunt Floss’s table, she was wearing it on her date’’ Molly smirked, receiving a smack around the head off Esme.

The room turned to look at Tommy as his face fell to pained confusion. ‘’What date?’’ Tommy sternly asked, his demeanor changing to one of both nervousness and demolition.  The silence of the room answered itself as Tommy walked closer to John. ‘’You let her go on a fucking date, she’s fourteen John, fucking fourteen’’ Tommy angrily asked, already knowing the answer by his brothers silence. ‘’Tom, it’s with James Lee, alright, he’s Esme’s cousin, I’ve spoken to him, he’s not going to do anything’’ John responded hastily before Tom turned to grab his hat and keys. ‘’Fuck sake, Tom, just leave it’’ John shouted as his brother made his way out the door.

As Tommy made his way into the cinema, the lights were dimmed. ‘’Go on, fuck off now, all of you’’ Tommy shouted, as the cinema lit up at the sound of his voice. Florence, who was comfortably resting in James’s arms, their date going better than ever-groaned as she turned to meet her match. ‘’Tom, what are you doing here?’’ Florence sighed, moving herself away from James slightly. ‘’You’re fourteen years old, you’re not fucking around with boys, going on dates, staying out til late, I’m taking you home, and you, fuck off back to your camp, you’re not seeing her again’’ Tommy shouted, as James Lee got up with an awkward shuffle and made his way out of the cinema- leaving Florence alone with her brother.

’Do you enjoy this Tommy, coming into this cinema and ruining your sisters lives, first Ada, now me’’ Florence screeched-her eyes filling up with tears. ‘’When I came in here, Ada was pregnant, pregnant and unmarried-and I will not, do you fucking hear me- come here and deal with that again with you’’ Tommy shouted, grabbing her tightly by the arm out of the cinema and toward the car. ‘’John can come and pick me up’’ Florence shouted, her attempts at kicking him only making him grip tighter. ‘’No, you’re coming back to Warwickshire’’ Tommy sighed, pushing her into the car. ‘’I fucking hate you, Tom’’ Florence cried, her bottom lip dropping like a small child. ‘’One day, you’ll thank me’’ Tommy sighed, restarting the engine.

PRESENT: November 16th 1929, Lizzie’s birthday party, Arrow House, Warwickshire

‘’I must say, your sister is looking exceptionally beautiful tonight, Shelby’’ Mosley smirked looking over at Florence, sipping on his champagne with Tommy, Lizzie, and Polly. ‘’She’s grown to be a true beauty, but having four older brothers is her weakness’’ Polly confirmed, removing herself from the group at disgust of Mosley’s comment. ‘’There are whores here, Mr Mosley for your pleasure’’ Tommy grunted, moving himself away and over to the bar where Arthur was drinking heavily. ‘’Arthur, I need you to keep your eyes on Floss, Mosley's interested, and I’ve seen a few others look her way’’ Tommy stated, one hand on his brothers shoulder. ‘’Tom, that fucking dress, barely covers her’’ Arthur drunkenly rambled, angrily gripping onto his glass. ‘’It’s women Arthur, even worse, Shelby women, won’t fucking listen or be told, but she’s got us, alright’’ Tommy confirmed, handing his brother a vial of cocaine in an attempt to perk him up. ‘’Have it, if you need It brother’’ Tommy half-smiled, turning to the corner where his sister was sitting.

‘’The dancer will be on in a moment, swan lake, everyone’s going to take their seats’’ Tommy approached, taking the champagne out of her hands. ‘’Hey, I was drinking that’’ Florence complained, snatching it back. ‘’Just go easy, alright, that’s your fifth’’ Tommy reprimanded, before receiving a snigger from Florence. ‘’You being the alcohol police now? I once saw you have whiskey sour with your toast at breakfast’’ Florence smirked, sipping her champagne quicker to annoy him.

‘’I’m twenty-one years older than you, I know about mistakes, Florence’’ Tommy sighed, not taking his eyes off Mosely who was now mingling perhaps too close to Arthur. ‘’I’ve tried to join the conversations, Tom, but unless it’s the wall street crash, or about the supposed innovative ideas of the communist party, these guests are, well, boring’’ Florence shrugged with an eye roll.

‘’I want to be an actress, Tom, I’ve been looking into it, there’s debuts on Broadway in New York, they’re looking for English women to play lead parts’’ Florence announced, standing to her feet and brushing her dress down. ‘’No, New York is too far’’ Tommy stated, rising to his feet at the same time. ‘’I’m sick of battling you all the time, Tom, why don’t you just support me, support my dreams?’’ Florence sighed, looking ahead at the crowd. ‘’I know Birmingham, you’re safe in Birmingham’’ Tommy replied, walking away before Florence had the chance to reply.

’Arthur, come sit with me’’ Florence smiled, grabbing her drunk brothers hands and leading him towards the seats around the stage. ‘’Floss, If any man looks at you tonight, come and tell your old brother and I’ll take care of it alright, no questions asked’’ Arthur rambled, holding on to his sisters arms as they took their seat.  ‘’You’ve always taken care of me, Arthur’’ Florence grinned, as they sat front row.

8th November 1922

11 year old Florence scoured frustratingly as she attempted to move across the floor left foot first. The school dance was coming up in a few days, and Florence was desperate to learn to dance properly. Ada was always out and too busy to teach her, and Polly was now pre-occupied by the idea of finding her son. ‘’Arthur, will you show me how to dance?’’ Florence pleaded, entering her brothers office which was usually out of bounds. ‘’Floss, I’m busy, get one of the girls to help you, yeah’’ Arthur replied, not even looking up from his paper. ‘’They’re all out, please Arthur, I’ll never ask for anything again’’ Florence sighed, pulling on her brothers sleeve. ‘’Fine, ten minutes, then your times up, kid, alright’’ Arthur half-smiled, bringing himself to his feet.

‘’Right, I’m going to take one step towards you, and you’re gonna reach out your hands’’ Arthur taught her, taking her hands so they were out in front of him. ‘’and as we join hands, you’re going to step forward with me- yep like that- and now we step back- yep, okay’’ Arthur spoke, moving with her so they were in place. ‘’and then I’m going to twirl you- like this-and then the dance begins again’’ Arthur smiled, feeling slightly dizzy from the turning and the whiskey combined. ‘’I’ve got it, I’ve got it!’’ Florence beamed, proudly- as they practiced a final time. ‘’Arthur-when I’m older and I get married, will you dance with me then?’’ Florence asked, weddings were on her mind since Tommy had agreed to marry Grace. ‘’Of course, Floss, we’ll dance all night, how about that?’’ Arthur smiled, ruffling her head playfully. ‘’If you’re going to dance with Arthur, then I hope I get to walk you down the aisle’’ Tommy interrupted opening the office door. ‘’and I’ll be the one that shoots him in the legs if he makes you cry’’ John interjected following behind. ‘’I don’t think I’ll get married, seems a lot of work’’ Florence pouted seriously, receiving a laugh from her brothers.

PRESENT: November 16th 1929, Lizzie’s birthday party, Arrow House, Warwickshire

‘’Miss Shelby, I’ve heard wonderful things’’ Mosley approached, standing next to Florence by the bar during the opera’s intermission.  ‘’Is that so?’’ Florence replied sarcastically-not enthused by the man she, like the rest of her family, despised. ‘’Oh yes, the wannabe actress, new on the scene, over shone by a communist sister, and three very larger than life older brothers, a child whose parents died before she could even start school, yet there’s something about you, something shiny and sparkly- and I like sparkly things’’ Mosley responded, the anger building up inside of Florence.

‘’As you know Mr Mosley, sparkly things like to stay clean- they prefer not to have dirty grubby hands all over them’’

Florence snapped back, making her way over to her sister who was watching from afar.

‘’You need to stay away from him-he’s murderous, but Tommy says’ we have a plan’’ Ada responded to her sisters disgusted face, taking her into her arms. ‘’We told you that dress looked amazing’’ Polly smiled, walking over, and pulling both girls close to her. ‘’I can feel a change in the air- things are for the better’’ Polly breezed, smiling happily. ‘’That must be what love does to you…or Aberama Gold’’ Ada squealed, receiving a loud laugh from Florence and a scowl from Polly. ‘’You disappeared for a lot of the first-half, Aunt Pol’’ Florence laughed, nudging Ada playfully. ‘’Perhaps if you two found yourselves good men, instead of judging me, we’d be going to your weddings’’ Polly attacked playfully in response, making her exit with a smirked smile.

‘’I know you’re still hurting over, Bonnie’’ Ada questioned, pushing her sisters hair from her face. ‘’Is it obvious?’’ Florence sighed, a painful shot hitting her heart at the mention of his name. ‘’I never told him, I loved him, we just would do things together, go on these walks, talk and I was falling but he never knew’’ Florence tearfully responded, squeezing her sisters hands. ‘’I think he knew, nobody looks at someone the way he looked at you and not be in love, but they took your Bonnie, like they took my Freddie, and we have to be these brave bountiful people, until we can see them again, alright’’ Ada responded, planting a kiss on her little sisters forehead.

‘’Ada?’’ Florence asked as they made their way back to their seats ‘’Why does Tommy always treat me different to the rest, why does he never let me live or do anything?’’ Florence sighed. ‘’Tommy is a complicated man, we all know that, and he just doesn’t want you to get hurt- if you think about how much you love him, add ten billion-and that’s how much he loves you’’ Ada responded, lovingly, before leaving her sister to find her seat.

The shift in the air- the one that Polly had spoken about was coming. The sound of the car coming up the gravel was missed by most of the audience- but Shelby’s they had learnt to listen for danger- to respond like both predator and prey in the wild- to expect the constant unexpected. Arthur was the first, quickly shifting in his seat before hastily making his way to the front door and out onto the drive. Florence followed him carelessly- previous encounters had taught her to learn that Arthur being alone with his thoughts was never a good idea. Expecting the worst, Florence was surprised to see Linda standing on the drive, gun in hand. As Florence moved towards them, she heard the shuffle of feet behind her- Tommy, Lizzie, Ada, Polly- the same Shelby instinct telling them to come outside and face the ultimatum.  Sensing the danger, and in a quick second movement that seemed to move without sound, Florence threw herself in front of her brother- the bullet hitting the top of her shoulder as she crumbled to the floor like weightless paper.

The loudest scream was heard from Ada, as Tommy fell to the floor- scooping up the young woman into his arms as she fell flat into his chest.  Arthur was holding Linda back as she screamed for both god and forgiveness at the same time. As Tommy carried Florence into the house, her murmurs became erratic and her breathing steady-both signs that Grace had had only years earlier.

‘’Get me fucking tissues- IODINE, Clear this fucking table, NOW’’ Tommy screeched, working on instinct as he battled to save her life. Putting pressure on her chest using the towel, the blood soaked through instantaneously, Polly ripping the bullet out in one swift motion. They all knew it. The silence in the room spoke the loudest. Florence Shelby would not live the night, but they had to try- Tommy especially had to try.

‘’Come on, come on floss, please’’ Tommy whispered, lifting her motionless head into his as she murmured incomprehensibly. ‘’Everyone get out- get out now, where the fuck is this doctor’’ Tommy screamed, his thoughts scrambled in unbreakable grief.

‘’The doctor has said to make her as comfortable as possible’’ Polly tearfully sighed, an hour later, as the family sat around her bedside. Arthur, Finn, Ada, Polly and Lizzie, all sat beside her unmoving and broken, the only sound being the sobs that would break through . Arthur would deal with Linda, if he didn’t, he knew that Tommy would- but right now, it was about Florence.

‘’Dad’’ Florence murmured, gripping onto Tommy’s shirt that was now red with dried blood. ‘’No, Floss, it’s me, it’s Tom’’ Tommy sighed, holding her head in his palm lovingly. ‘’No, you…my….dad’’ Florence spoke brokenly, her blue eyes glassed with tears. ‘’Tell her, Tommy’’ Ada interrupted, looking at Tommy lovingly, as the family nodded in unison. ‘’Yes, you’re mine, I’m your dad, I’m sorry I never told you’’ Tommy sobbed, as she looked at him and half smiled. ‘’I knew’’ Florence responded, her arm dropping as it became too heavy to lift. ‘’Greta, my mother’’ Florence finished, as her head dropped back down. ‘’Yes, you were mine and Greta’s, but after she died, your grandmother took over, she became your mum-and you thought of me as your brother’’ Tommy responded, stroking her hair.

‘’Bonnie’’ Florence beamed into a bright smile, before gasping for air as her chest rose for the last time. Tommy slumped over her body in a pit of heartbroken agony- desperately shaking for her to wake up. ‘’Tom, she’s gone’’ Arthur screeched, his pain echoing his brothers as he pulled him away from Florence’s body. ‘’Come on brother, let her rest in peace’’ Arthur spoke, pulling Tommy out the room as Polly and Ada fell to the floor in fits of tears.

Eight months later:

‘’Are you sure you want me to do this, Tom?’’ Michael asked. ‘’Take her before I change my mind-but please, it’s the most precious cargo you’ll ever take’’ Tommy half- smiled, before apprehensively handing over the jar of ash that was in his hand. ‘’You’re going to New York, Floss, I know it’s not the way you planned, but I’m so happy we will get you there’’ Tommy sighed, looking out the window as Michael headed for the docks.

Tommy was interrupted from his thought as Ruby entered the room, beaming full of smiles. 

Did Michael take Aunt Floss?’’

Ruby asked, her eyes a glow with sadness. 

Yes, she’s finally going to New York, Ruby, and she’s not your aunt, she’s your sister’’

Tommy smiled, lighting a cigarette.

somewhere to run | epilogue

Pairing: sheriff!Joel x f!reader

Chapter Summary: A glimpse into your life one year after the trial.

Chapter Warnings: fluff, language, alcohol use, smut (18+ MDNI), unprotected piv sex, dirty talk, breeding kink 👀, dry humping

WC: 5.8K

A/N: thank you to all of you who came back week after week to feed into my delusions. I'm so glad there was an audience for this story because it kept me motivated to finish it and stay on track, so to everyone who commented, reblogged or liked... thank you!! ❤️

Series Masterlist

One Year Later

"Sarah!" you yelled up the stairs, craning your neck so you could hear.

"Almost ready!" she yelled back down. You hurried back into the kitchen right when the toaster popped up. Pinching the toast between your fingers with a hiss, you dropped both slices onto a waiting plate and sucked on the pad of your thumb as you turned around to grab the butter from the fridge. You heard her feet thundering down the stairs just as you were finishing up her breakfast. Turning around, you held out the plate to her right as she entered the room.

"Sorry! I overslept," she said, shooting you a grateful smile when she took the plate from your hands.

"No problem, you'll still make it to school on time," you replied, glancing at the clock before pointing to the stove. "Eggs," you told her, and she swiveled around to scoop some onto her plate before sitting down.

"Thank you," she said around a mouthful of food. You took a quick gulp from your coffee before it got too cold, then began pouring the rest of the pot into a thermos. Right on cue, Joel's heavy footsteps were the next to descend the stairs.

"Mornin', girls," he mumbled, fumbling with his tie as he walked. His hair looked disheveled and his eyes looked tired but you still grinned when you handed him the thermos. Giving up on the tie, he sighed with relief before taking a sip and winking at you over the cup.

"Here, let me," you offered, undoing the knotted mess and flattening the fabric back out so you could properly tie it for him.

He turned his head to the side so he could keep drinking his coffee without being in your way and eyed Sarah from across the room.

"Overslept?" he asked her, and she nodded tiredly.

"All set," you told him, flipping his collar back down and smoothing his dress shirt over his broad shoulders.

"Thank you, baby," he said softly before giving you a quick kiss.

"Eggs?" you asked him, turning around to fill your own plate with food. He took another sip of coffee as he flicked his arm out, his sleeve pulling back so he could check his watch.

"No time."

"At least take a granola bar with you," you said, opening a cupboard and handing him a little foil packet. He slid it into his pocket with the promise to eat it when he got to work, then looked over at Sarah again.

"Almost ready?" he asked, and she shoveled the last of her food into her mouth before nodding and standing up. You took the plate from her and rinsed it in the sink while she stuffed a binder into her backpack and zipped it shut.

"You can still drop me off at Jess's house tonight, right, Dad?" she asked, slinging her backpack over her shoulders. He froze as his brain tried to process what she said, working hard to remember if she had mentioned this before.

"What time?"

"Four. Right after school."

"Four..." he muttered to himself, running his fingers through his hair, attempting to tame it. "Shit, babygirl, I don't think I can make it all the way on the other side of town by four, I got somethin' to take care of after work-"

"But Dad! We have a science project due Friday, and tomorrow I have practice-"

"I can do it," you offered from your spot against the counter, still holding your plate of half eaten eggs.

"You sure?" Joel asked, but you could already see the relief in his eyes.

"Yeah, of course. I'm working til three, then my night class starts at five. I can go in between, no problem."

"You got class tonight?" he asked. You and Sarah exchanged bewildered glances before you looked back at him.

"Yeah, Joel, it's Wednesday. I have classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Are you feeling okay?" you asked, growing a little worried. Now that you were thinking about it, he seemed more frazzled than usual that morning, and even though your lives were busy, he never forgot your schedules.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just got a lot on my mind, is all," he said, shaking his head and turning back towards Sarah. "Alright, let's get a move on. Don't wanna be late."

"I'll see you after school!" you called to Sarah as she walked towards the front door and shoved on her shoes.

"Thank you!" she called back before swinging the door open and disappearing outside.

"Thank you so much, baby," he said, cupping your face with both hands for another kiss, this time slowing down and savoring it.

"You're welcome," you said, pulling back with a grin. "Now, go."

He smiled and backed out of the room. "Love you."

"Love you, too," you said, turning around to survey the damage from breakfast. When you first moved in, you were concerned you would get in Joel and Sarah's way, that the little routine they had for so long would be disrupted by your presence, but it was becoming clear to you that wasn't the case at all. Sarah was very mature and independent, which was a huge help to Joel because for years, she would do a lot of the cooking and cleaning to help out, but when you moved in you began to take on some of those chores, allowing Sarah the time to enjoy just being a teenager. And to be perfectly honest, you didn't mind. You enjoyed being part of a loving family who welcomed you into their lives without hesitation. It was something you yearned for your whole life, and now you finally had it.

Tommy and Maria were extremely supportive of your new schedule. You had been taking night classes for the past six months at the local community college, looking to get your associate's degree and maybe see what kind of job that could get you because even though you loved working at the diner, it was back breaking work and you really didn't think you had it in you to be a lifer. Besides, the odd hours were less than ideal. You wanted to have a work schedule that matched Joel's so you could be home with him at the same time.

One huge thing you would miss about the diner was seeing Joel almost every day for lunch. It was bittersweet to think about one day quitting the job that brought you together, but you knew it would ultimately be worth it. Better hours, better pay, and no nights and weekends were the goal.

Right on schedule, you heard the front door open and Joel's deep drawl greet Maria behind the hostess stand before you saw him out of the corner of your eye make his way up to the counter. When you looked up, you were surprised to see he wasn't alone.

"Tyler!" you said with a grin, and the younger man nodded in greeting to you. About four months ago you were excited to find out Tyler Bates actually did end up calling Joel for a job, and of course Joel kept his word. Apparently, the Philadelphia police force was not a good fit for him.

You couldn't ever imagine why.

Texas was treating him well. Gone was the clean shaven, crew cut man you once met. Now that the south wrapped its arms around him, his skin was sunkissed, his hair a little wavy, and he even had a bit of stubble across his jaw.

"What's the occasion?" you asked as they took their seats.

Joel clapped Tyler on the back before looking up at you. "One of my guy's retirin' soon so I offered this one a promotion," Joel replied.

"Oh, that's wonderful! Congratulations!" you gushed, and you thought you saw his cheeks turn a little pink.

"Thank you, ma'am."

"I told you, you don't have to call me that," you scolded playfully. "Especially during our double date this Saturday. You're still coming, right?"

"As long as this Hailey still wants to meet me," he replied, sounding a little nervous.

"Oh, she definitely still wants to meet you," you teased, and Joel chuckled next to him.

"She's been textin' her every night askin' what she should wear and-"

"Joel!" you snapped, cutting him off with a warning look, but he just grinned.

"What? It's true!" he laughed.

"You're gonna embarrass her!" you exclaimed, then turned to Tyler. "Ignore everything he just said in the past thirty seconds."

"Yes, ma'am," he said with a little smile, then dropped his focus to the menu.

You shook your head at Joel, trying to come off as mad, but you knew you were failing by the look in his eye and the twitch at the corner of his mouth.

"You're in trouble," you muttered lowly, and a look of excitement flashed across his face.

"Mm, I hope so."

Your eyes widened with embarrassment but fortunately, Tyler was a gentleman and pretended not to hear. You made an aggravated face at him before turning your head and quickly changing your tune.

"What can I get for you, Tyler?" you asked sweetly.

Hailey and Tyler hit it off instantly. You never set anyone up before, but they were both so sweet, you had a feeling they would make a good match. Hailey was the only girl in town who seemed to be on your side. Although most people moved on to the next exciting piece of gossip, your drama long forgotten by now, you didn't forget how she never treated you any differently, even though you were sure it would have been easy for her to do. She even left book club after she and the rest of the town learned the gritty details of your case. You assured her that Nikki never could have known the real reason behind your divorce, that you hid those details well for most of your life, but Hailey still wanted nothing to do with her or the group of women who ostracized you. It didn't end up mattering much in the end. A few short months after your trial, right around the time you moved in with Joel, Nikki found a job out of state and moved.

Instead of book club, the two of you started your own monthly club. Sometimes that consisted of a book you both wanted to read, other times it was going to dinner and the movies. It was nice to have a standing date with her and catch up. And when she mentioned last month how lonely she had been and how envious she was of your and Joel's relationship, you immediately thought of Tyler.

Tyler: the man who, aside from Joel, changed everything for you. Who stood up for what was right, even at great personal risk, and traveled all the way to Texas to apologize to you in person for not doing more. He was a good man, and he deserved to have someone, too.

"We're gonna go play darts, you guys want in?" Hailey asked, her eyes shiny and her cheeks slightly pink from the alcohol. You had picked Hank's instead of a nice restaurant, figuring it would help loosen both of them up, and you were right.

"You go ahead, we'll join you in a bit," you said, shooting her a discreet wink when Tyler wasn't looking.

"I don't think they'd even notice if we left," Joel murmured before taking a sip of his beer.

"No, probably not," you said, watching them from across the room. Tyler was standing behind Hailey, trying to show her how to properly take aim at the target.

Joel's phone buzzed in his pocket and he slid it out, subtly angling the screen away from you.

"Is it Sarah?" you asked when you noticed the look on his face. Michelle had done what she said she would and reached back out to Sarah, and while both of their schedules were busy, they occasionally found the time to meet up. This weekend was the first time Sarah stayed overnight in Austin with her mom, and even though Joel didn't say anything, you could tell he was worried.

"No, it's just Tommy," he said, putting his phone face down on table and looking back at you.

"Everything okay?" you asked slowly, picking up on some kind of nervous energy from him.

"Yeah, everythin's great," he replied with a grin, then leaned in to quickly try to change the subject. "You really think they won't notice if we leave? Can't remember the last time we had the house to ourselves."

Your breath caught in your throat when you saw his gaze darken. "I think it might be a little rude if we don't say something-"

Joel stood up immediately and held out his hand to you. "Then let's say somethin'."

You stared at his hand before looking back up at him. "Are you serious?" you said with a little laugh, but he just kept looking at you expectantly. "Alright, fine," you relented, taking his hand and allowing him to help you stand. He wrapped his arm around your shoulders and led you through the bar, nodding briefly at Hank before reaching the dart board.

"You guys good if we head out?" Joel asked, barely pulling their attention away from each other. Tyler looked at Hailey, giving her the opportunity to respond just in case she was uncomfortable, but she shook her head.

"Go! We've got a competition heating up here, and I'm determined to win," she said, smirking up at Tyler.

"Alright, have fun," you said over the music playing from the jukebox. Hailey caught your eye and gave you a look, and when Tyler went up to the board to retrieve the darts, you held up your thumb and pinky to the side of your head and mouthed call me before Joel turned you away.

"What's with the rush?" you asked when you stepped outside and the fresh air hit your lungs.

"No rush. Just wanna be alone with my girl, is that a crime?"

"I don't know, you tell me, sheriff," you teased, and he chuckled under his breath before opening his truck door for you. And even though he claimed there was no rush, he sure did seem to hurry around the front of his truck.

You studied the side of his face as he drove, your brows furrowed a bit at the way his eyes shifted nervously from the road to the time on the dash. His fingers anxiously tapped on the steering wheel at every red light and you tried to ignore it, but after the third red light and hearing him mutter curses under his breath, you couldn't take it any more.

"What's gotten into you? You're acting weird," you said.

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are! You've been weird all week, actually. Is it because of Sarah? Don't be worried, I'm sure she's fine. It's good for her to spend some time with Michelle."

"I'm not worried 'bout Sarah," he said, and you pursed your lips but let it go.

When you pulled into the driveway, you caught the way Joel looked at the time and the front door before quickly turning the engine off and hopping out of the truck. He rounded the car and opened the door for you, but when you began to walk towards the mailbox, he stopped you.

"Where you goin'?"

"I'm getting the mail. I'm expecting some stuff from school-"

"We can get it tomorrow, let's go inside," he said, wrapping his fingers around your shoulders and you frowned.

"Why can't I -" you paused when a truck lumbered past the house, and even in the dark, you recognized it. "Is that Tommy?" you asked, but before you could get a good look, Joel forcibly turned you towards the house.

"No, I don't think so."

"What-"

"Baby, c'mon, please let's go inside," he begged, and by now you knew he was definitely up to something. You sighed and let him lead you up the porch steps, deciding not to make it any more difficult on him.

When he opened the front door you finally saw why he was so anxious to get inside. You were greeted with the soft glow of candlelight, and as you stepped inside, utterly confused, you noticed the red rose petals scattered over the floor. You racked your brain, trying to remember if you forgot a special occasion, but you were coming up empty.

"W-what is all this?" you finally managed to ask softly as you slowly entered the living room, noticing for the first time the bottle of champagne and two glasses placed on the coffee table next to a beautiful bouquet of roses already in a vase. Joel was suspiciously silent behind you as you continued to take in the scene. Was he really that excited to have the house to yourselves?

You turned around to ask him but the words got stuck in your throat when you saw him kneeling behind you, holding out a ring with trembling fingers.

Your hands flew up to your mouth with a gasp and your heart began to pound wildly in your chest, completely taken aback. Oh my god, this is it.

Joel took a deep breath. "Since the moment we met-"

"Yes!" you nearly shouted through your hands, making the corners of his mouth twitch up into a smile.

"I got a whole speech planned," he said with a nervous laugh, but you shook your head and dropped to your knees with him.

"I don't care," you breathed, pulling his face against yours for a searing kiss.

He managed to break away for a moment, his fingers still pinching the ring. "Didn't wanna ask in front of people, I know what you said 'bout-"

You cut him off with another kiss, not wanting to think about your previous marriage in that moment.

"You could ask me in the middle of the grocery store with a twist tie and I would say yes," you told him, pushing your forehead against his. He gripped the side of your head, the ring getting tangled in your hair as he pressed his lips feverishly against yours again.

"I love you so much," he mumbled in between kisses.

Tears were beginning to form now that the shock was wearing off, but you tried to hold them back. "I love you, too," you whispered, then gripped his collar to pull him down. His hand cradled the back of your head as you eased yourself onto the floor, your lips refusing to leave his. Your fingers hurriedly went to the buttons of his shirt when he remembered the ring.

"Wait," he said, pulling back a bit, panting for air. He held it up and you eagerly held out your hand, both of you shaking a little as he slid the ring around your finger.

"Oh, I love it," you gasped, admiring the unique pattern of little diamonds surrounding a larger one in the center of a gold band.

"Yeah?" he asked with a smile, his eyes going soft. "Couldn't make up my mind. Finally had it custom made, took forever but it came in the other day-"

"You had it custom made?" you repeated in disbelief, and he nodded.

"Couldn't wait to ask you. It's why I've been so distracted all week."

"I love you," you said again, pulling on his shirt to close the gap between you. "God, I love you so much," you mumbled as your fingers resumed their work on his buttons while your lips drifted down his jaw, his stubble burning your sensitive skin in the best way.

"Love you too," he murmured, his mouth finding a home against your neck as you finished unbuttoning his shirt, sliding it over his shoulders and down his arms. "I've loved you for so fuckin' long. Just wanna make you happy, give you the life you deserve," he continued, his teeth grazing against your earlobe.

"You do make me happy," you moaned as you struggled to pull off your jeans.

"Let's go upstairs," he said, pushing himself up to hover above you, his chest heaving.

You shook your head and lifted your hips, bumping clumsily against him as you shimmied your pants down. "Here," you told him, watching his eyes travel down your now half naked body.

"On the floor?" he questioned, but sat back on his heels to work on his belt. You nodded, your eyes dark with lust as you stared at his bare chest, only looking away to yank your shirt over your head. He chuckled as he kicked his pants off and you quickly wrapped your legs around his waist and tugged him back down to you. "Okay, baby. Whatever you want," he said in your ear, and you could hear the smile in his voice.

"Just want you," you whined, and your fingers came up to get tangled in his curls. He slipped his hand between your bodies and notched himself at your center.

"You got me, baby," he whispered, nibbling at your chin as he pressed forward, slowly stretching you open and making your jaw drop. "Got me forever. Always did," he added, his eyebrows pinching together the further he buried himself inside you.

"Oh fuck, Joel," you gasped, eyes rolling to the back of your head when he bottomed out.

"Yeah? That feel good? Needed me so bad you had to have me right here, huh?" he growled in your ear. Your thighs tensed around his waist as you adjusted around him.

"Yes," you replied softly, gasping a little when you felt him pulse inside. "Want you everywhere. Can't get enough - god, you feel so good. Always feel so good," you rambled, knowing how much he loved it when you talked to him during sex. At first, you were embarrassed. You overthought what you should say, what sounded sexy, but you quickly realized it didn't matter. He loved it all.

He dragged his hips slowly, deliberately, building you up just so he could tear you apart. Savoring the sweet little moans that slipped past your lips as your walls squeezed around his cock and he was certain he would never tire of this.

"You're so beautiful," he said before crashing his mouth against yours messily. "Can't believe I get to spend my life with you," he added, his hand gripping your hip and pulling you against him, matching his thrusts.

You dropped your hands from his hair and pressed them against his chest, giving him a gentle shove. "Roll us over," you commanded, and he smirked.

"Yes, ma'am."

In the blink of an eye he ducked and rolled, pulling your hips with him and making you giggle when you found yourself straddling him.

"This is gonna fuck up my back," he warned you, shifting his shoulders as he tried to get comfortable on the floor.

"I'll give you a massage if it does," you promised, and his eyes lit up. He was about to say something smart when you began to roll your hips and suddenly, the words escaped him.

"Oh fuck, baby, that's it," he groaned, his hands lightly guiding you, his fingertips digging into the flesh of your ass. "Yeah, just like that, yeah... now bounce a little for me."

You did as he asked, your hands pressed flat against his chest as you bounced up and down, his eyes transfixed on the way your body glowed in the candlelight.

"So deep," you moaned, your head tipping back as your eyes closed, lost in the moment. "So good. You're so good to me, Joel. Ah!" you cried out as he began lifting his hips, thrusting up into you. He could feel the cool metal from your ring pressing into his chest and it only made him fuck up into you harder.

He quickly sat up, his arms circling around your waist and holding you tightly in his lap as he snapped his hips, little grunts and growls getting lost in each other's mouths, your tongues dancing together, desperately trying to get as close as possible.

"C'mon, c'mon," he muttered once you broke away, gasping for air. "Look at you. Gettin' all worked up. Couldn't even make it to bed, hm? Needed me to fuck you that bad, ain't that right?"

"Uh huh," you whined, your head falling forward, resting on his shoulder as you focused on his voice.

"That's alright, I'll give you anythin' you want. I'll take good care of you, baby. I'll give this perfect pussy anythin' she wants, too."

"Joel, I'm close," you whimpered, your fingers digging into his shoulders, your teeth pinching your bottom lip. Your eyes flew open when he hit that perfect spot and you gasped. "Right there! Please... please don't stop, don't stop," you gasped as you felt your cheeks begin to flush with heat.

"There? Yeah?" he panted, somehow managing to pound up into you with incredible force while sitting on his lap. You tried to respond but you couldn't. Your vision was going spotty and the heat pooling at the bottom of your belly was beginning to ignite. He seemed to understand because he kept up the pace, hitting that spot over and over while alternating between muttering filth and praise in your ear.

Takin' it so good. Such a good girl. Feel how hard you make me? I love you so much.

And maybe he got a little carried away, lost in chasing his own pleasure, not really thinking about what he was saying until...

"Can't wait to put a baby in you."

Your teeth clamped down on his neck, desperately trying to ground yourself as your orgasm hit you, forcing all the air from your lungs, his name barely a whisper on your lips.

He didn't even realize he said it out loud. He was too far gone, too close to his own release to think about anything else.

"I'm gonna come, baby, I'm g-gonna- fuck!" he groaned loudly, his stomach tensing and relaxing with each surge of his spend coating your walls until his body went lax, his shoulders drooping a bit and his arms loosening their grip around you.

"That was worth the backache," he finally mumbled, and you giggled from your place on his neck.

You kept expecting him to say something about what he said, but by the time you had untangled yourselves - you, gathering all your clothes and him, blowing out the candles - it didn't seem like he was going to mention it, so you let it go. And by the time you got upstairs, letting him wrap you up in his arms with your left hand splayed out across his bare chest, you had nearly forgotten all about it.

It must have been later than you usually slept. The sun was brighter than usual, streaming in through the windows and bathing you both in its glow. You were laying on your stomach, one leg hitched up towards your chest. At some point, Joel must have sought you out because his body was pressed flat against your back, his arm even resting on top of yours, fingertips grazing your ring as he slept.

Your ring.

Your eyes fluttered open so you could see it. Not wanting to disturb him, you tried to twitch your finger a bit so the stones would reflect in the light.

His nose nudged your shoulder blade, his face buried in your upper back, and you smiled. He was so close and so warm it made you never want to get up.

Then you felt his cock twitch against your leg and you bit your lip. It sounded like he was still asleep, his breathing hadn't changed, but his body was still reacting to you anyway, and the thought made you desperate for him again.

You tipped your hips back ever so slightly, just to see how deep of a sleep he was in. When he didn't respond, you wiggled your body a little more, flexing and stretching your limbs underneath him. His breath fanned over your shoulder, your hair fluttering a bit with each exhale. The ache between your legs was growing, so you ground your ass against him a little harder and you finally sensed a change in his breathing: he was waking up.

His fingers laced together with yours, your ring pressing into the palm of his hand and making him smile against your skin.

"Mornin', fiancée," he murmured sleepily. You hummed in response as you continued to lightly grind up against him, feeling him harden against the curve of your ass. "What're you doin', baby?" he whispered, his fingers tightening around yours.

"Nothing," you replied innocently, still rolling your hips against him.

"Don't feel like nothin'," he grunted against the back of your neck.

"What does it feel like?"

"Feels like you need me to take care of you again," he said, his voice still gravelly with sleep as he began to roll his hips in rhythm with yours. A soft moan slipped past your lips, the throbbing between your legs intensifying at the thought of waking up like this every day for the rest of your lives.

Joel's hand slid between your legs, his fingers brushing against your folds. He inhaled sharply and buried his face further into your back as he gently pet at your soaking heat, purposely taking his time and driving you wild. "Yeah, she needs me again, huh?" he said, his voice muffled. "Needs me to stretch her open 'n fill her up, ain't that right?"

"Yes," you whimpered, pushing your hips back into him, begging for it. And when you felt him press against your opening, his words from last night drifted back into your brain: Can't wait to put a baby in you.

Your mouth fell open and your eyes squeezed shut as he began to slowly push inside and you wondered how you went so long without him. How many years you wasted without knowing his touch. He was so perfect and sweet and kind and loving and now, he was all yours. Forever.

"Did you mean it?" you found yourself asking after he began to rock his hips into you from behind, slowly, making sure you felt every inch of him.

"Mean what?" he mumbled, his voice sounding strained as you stretched and clutched around him.

"Did you really want to put a baby in me?" you clarified, suddenly feeling nervous. His hips stalled and his eyes shot open and the pause he took before replying made your heart flutter anxiously in your chest.

"Do you want that?" he asked, his hand holding your hip in place, effectively stopping you from grinding against him.

"Maybe?" you replied, your voice higher than usual and you were relieved you couldn't see his face because you weren't sure your nerves could take it.

He nibbled lovingly at your ear, his teeth dragging down your throat as he slowly began to move again.

"Then maybe I did mean it."

You breathed a small sigh of relief and you pushed your ass against him, matching his pace. "Yeah?" you said, wanting to hear more. Needing to hear more.

"Mhm," he mumbled, his lips gliding over your shoulder. "You'd make a great mom. And fuck, you'd be so pretty with my baby in you."

"Mm," your cheeks flared with heat at the fantasy, and the way his thrusts were coming a little faster made you think it turned him on, too. "Imagine the looks I'd get," you whispered, your fingers clutching around the sheets as he brought you closer and closer to the edge. His hand wrapped around your knee and pulled your leg up higher. "Walking around - ahh - walking around town, growing your baby in my belly. Letting everyone see how good you take care of me."

He groaned, his hips snapping faster against your ass, unable to hold back.

"You like that? You want everyone to see how good I fuck you? If you weren't on the pill, I'd do it right fuckin' now," he growled in your ear, and you gasped.

"Oh fuck, Joel, I'm close," you whimpered, your hands desperately reaching out for any part of him to hold. He noticed and he removed his hand from your knee so he could lace your fingers together again. He was fucking everywhere. Your whole body was covered by his, pinning you into the bed. His breath was warming your neck, his cock filling you up, reaching the furthest depths of you and you never felt more alive than when your orgasm finally took hold.

"Yeah, that's it," he cooed as you spasmed and whimpered beneath him. "Good girl. Fuck, yes, that's right," he panted, chasing his own high as you struggled to remain present. "So pretty when you come, s-so pretty, my pretty girl, love you so fuckin' much," he groaned, then his body stilled as he pumped you full once again, whispering your name weakly as he finished.

"Fuck me, baby," he moaned after he caught his breath. He lifted himself off you, your skin sticking together briefly before he slid out with a hiss. He collapsed on his back next to you, pulling on your shoulder so you flipped over and tucked you into his side. He tilted your chin up so he could slot his lips against yours, massaging them tenderly, lovingly, with a deep, contented sigh.

"You make me so happy," you told him, his fingers still pinching your chin. He grinned and kissed you again.

"I'm gonna spend my life givin' you whatever you want," he whispered against your lips.

Your hand drifted up to the back of his neck, your fingers tugging gently at the ends of his thick curls. His tongue slipped past your lips, slowly swirling around yours with a moan.

Just as you were starting to think you wouldn't leave the bed for the entire day, you heard two car doors slamming shut in the driveway and you both opened your eyes.

"Sarah's home," he said, pecking one more kiss against your lips before pushing himself up with a groan.

"Oh my god, does she know?" you asked, feeling bad you hadn't asked yet. He pulled on a pair of boxers and his discarded jeans as he looked at you admiring your ring.

"'Course she knows, talked to her 'bout it weeks ago. She's so happy, could hardly stop pesterin' me 'bout it," he said with a chuckle, then pulled a T-shirt over his head just as you heard the front door open. He tossed you your jeans as he headed for the door. "Better hurry up or else she's gonna come bargin' in here," he warned, then disappeared down the stairs.

You flung the covers off and quickly dressed, checking your hair in the mirror and glancing down at your ring once more before following Joel downstairs, excited to start the next chapter of your life with your new family.

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