Bancroft - Peaky Blinders Reverse Harem x Reader

Chapter 69

Epilogue

Sun shines through the living room window. My head rests on Tommy's lap, my feet on Ada's. John's reading the newspaper at the table, and Arthur's pacing, fastening his cuff-links.

"You feeling okay, Ban?" Ada asks me in a whisper.

I try to smile. "Of course."

But as I sit upright, it feels like snakes coiling round my stomach. Tommy places a hand on my shoulder.

"She'll be fine, Ada," he says, and I realise his words are directed at me. "She's stronger than any of us."

"And we're all in this together," John reminds me. "We're as much their boss as you are, so if they turn out to be twits, they know we'll slice them up."

"Very reassuring, John," Tommy says, turning back to his book. "Threats of violence before Bancroft's first day."

"You don't have to do this," Ada tells me quietly.

But I don't even consider the alternative. Any fear and nerves I've been feeling about stepping into my role at Bancroft Enterprises dissipates as I take in the people around me.

"And I'll just be running the horses, to start?" I ask Tommy.

"Yes, princess. It's all in the contract."

"I'd be more worried about John doing the books, if I were you," Arthur jokes. "We'll have His Majesty's Revenue and Customs breathing down our necks before we know it."

Tommy's equal parts exasperated and unimpressed as he snaps his book shut. "Do you fucking mind?"

I laugh, his reaction calming me completely as Michael enters the house.

"Cars are here," he says. "I've got men stationed all through the Garrison. Any sign of trouble, well... you won't have a knife pressed to your throat again, Bancroft."

Tommy mutters something that sounds like press a knife to your fucking throats, as he stands to his feet. I smile, taking a moment to glance at everyone before we leave. John winks at me, coming to my side and holding out his hand to help me to my feet.

"You ready to sit on the throne of the criminal underworld?" He asks.

I stand, feeling Ada's reassuring hand on the small of my back as Arthur holds my coat. We chose this day deliberately — my twenty-fifth birthday. The contract binding me here has broken. John already joked at breakfast he'd expected to see no more than exhaust fumes as I drove off into the sunset, but I know I'll never leave. And I know they'll never want me to.

Finally, I have a place where I belong. People who love me and mean it. There are no more rocks in my pocket as I float along the river. I'll never drown again.

And so I take a breath, fighting the tears in my eyes as I take in the moment. Things are going to change. And yet, the way I love these people and am loved in return never will.

I take a breath, and I smile. I'm at peace.

"Let's hope they pour decent whiskey."

***THE END***