Bancroft - Peaky Blinders Reverse Harem x Reader

Chapter 55

I can't bring myself to look at Tommy and see his reaction as Ada and I walk through the pub and Michael and Arthur gesture for us to join them at a table. Though Arthur's eyes widen, neither Michael nor anyone else reacts to our change of clothes. I assume that must be typical for men. I begin to think maybe Tommy won't have noticed either.

"Isaiah," Michael calls out, but the man at the bar doesn't hear him. "Come," he tells me, "I'll introduce you."

Michael leads me to the bar and finishes his own drink as we walk. He places it on the counter and orders another, while Isaiah looks me up and down appreciatively.

"Bancroft," he nods, his eyes warm. "I've heard a lot about you."

"All bad?" I ask.

He grins. "Course, hanging round this lot."

"I'm surprised we haven't met before," I say.

"I've seen you in here a few times," he answers. "Never quite plucked up the courage to ask you to dance, though."

I duck my head a little, tipsy and flattered. I'm not expecting the firm arm around my waist, the scent of whiskey and tobacco disarmingly close beside me.

I'm not expecting Tommy Shelby to turn my lipstick-smeared face to his own, and press his lips to mine.

He's slow and passionate, as though it's just the two of us beneath the stars once more as he pushes his tongue against my own. I forget that anything else exists for a brief moment.

And when he pulls away, triumph in his eyes, my own gaze flickers to see Isaiah's ducked his head.

"Isaiah," Tommy says in his low voice. "You've met Bancroft?"

He nods. "Yes, Tommy, I have, yeah."

Tommy's still looking at me as he answers. "Good. Why don't you order her another drink?"

I try to glare at him reproachingly as Isaiah flags down the bartender, but the effect is weak as I get lost in Tommy's sapphire eyes.

"I see you changed," he says.

I bite my lip, determined to keep a straight face as I say, "Did I? I hadn't noticed."

"I don't like this dress," he continues.

I frown. "It's pretty."

"It's beautiful on you, as any dress would be. But it doesn't smell like you. The perfume's too strong."

"Perhaps you'll have to take it off then," I suggest.

His eyes glitter with heavenly threats as Isaiah holds out a fresh glass of whiskey to me. Tommy takes it from him before I can.

"Thank you, Isaiah," he says, before turning and beginning to walk away. When he sees I'm not following, he raises his eyebrows at me. "Aren't you coming to get your drink?"

I scowl, but he's given me no choice now. I follow him into the private room, where all the blinds are shut. Tommy locks the door behind us and drowns out the noise from the pub.

"You stole my drink," I tell him.

"Did I?" He asks apathetically, setting it on the table.

I try to snatch it into my own hands, but Tommy's fingers close around my wrist, stopping me.

"I had a chat with Michael," he tells me. "Now, I'm hoping you can help me out here, Bancroft. Because he seems to be under the impression you enjoy being told what to do. So is it only me you're determined to push on every matter?"