Burdened Love - A Peaky Blinders Story

31

Michael looked like he was feeling better than yesterday since he was up and walking around slowly.
"You look like you're feeling better" I flashed a smile when I walked in.
"I am" he said and sat down at the little table in his room. "Still painful but I can move around a bit better"
I sat down at the table as well and sighed.
"Did Polly already come visit?" I asked.
"After the funeral" he said putting his hand out.
I rolled my eyes and dug a cigarette and lighter out of my bag handing it to him.
"Did something happen then?" I asked "you seem bothered"
"She wants me to move to Australia with her" he said annoyed as he lit the cigarette.
"What did you say?" I said leaning on the table with my elbow concentrating on him.
"She wouldn't let it go, so I told her if she helped Tommy with this Italian situation and at least tried to forgive him, I would go with her" he said shrugging.
"Is that what you want?" I asked puzzled.
"Tommy needs help and no I don't want to go to Australia"
"So you lied? You're not going with her?"
He shrugged "I'm not going to Australia".
"Well I guess that is a smart move" I laughed slightly.
"Sometimes you have to manipulate people to get what you want" he said smiling and taking my hand from across the table.
"Is that why you kissed me?" I raised my eyebrow at him.
"I kissed you because I've always thought you were sexy and badass, even when you and Tommy were together, or whatever it was" he rubbed small circles in my palm as he talked.
I smiled "Tommy would murder you if he knew"
"Fuck Tommy" he said.
"I thought you liked Tommy"
"No I just need Tommy to respect me, to get what I want" he smirked and stood up slowly.
"What is it that you want?" I asked looking up at him as he walked towards me.
"Right now, I wish I wasn't in pain, so I could bend you over this table right now." He placed his thumb on my bottom lip as I looked up at him.
"I wish you weren't in pain either" I stood up to meet his gaze. "Though we shouldn't"
His hand grasped my waist and pulled me in closely our bodies were pressed together.
"You should stop being so tempting then" he whispered in my ear.
He began kissing my neck and then moved his way to my mouth. Our lips intertwined naturally and our tongues slipped in each other's mouths. This kiss was much more passionate than last night's. His hands traveled around my body feeling every inch of me.
He stopped suddenly and then stumbled backwards to sit on the bed. His face was in pain.
"I'm sorry Mil" he said.
"It's okay, I should let you rest. Lay down." I said and then helped him ease down on the bed.
"I don't want rest" he said, but his face winced again.
"You will not get better if you don't rest" I smiled at him.
"I need to go" I said and kissed him one last time.
"Don't forget about me in here" he winked.
"You have promises to uphold, so you need to get better" I said smirking as I gathered my things.
"Oh I didn't realize that was a promise" he smiled.
I laughed as I walked out the door and awkwardly smiled at the three peaky blinders standing outside the door. Let's hope they don't say anything to Tommy, I thought.

The Garrison had to be the nicest bar in Small Heath. When the Shelby family entered, the whole room cleared to the back part of the pub. It was clear that every one just wanted to let loose.
Everyone was here except Tommy.
Polly walked over to me with an unreadable face.
"How was Michael?" She asked.
"Seems like he is getting better" I shrugged.
"Amelia, I hope you're not a fool" she said scoffing.
I swigged back some gin and looked at her
"What do you mean?" I asked defensively.
Before she could respond, I felt a strong grip on my arm and I swirled around to see Tommy.
"I need to speak to both of you, now" he spoke through gritted teeth.
He pulled Polly and I into a private room and we sat at the table.
"He kissed you?" He looked at me with fury.
"So?" I said shrugging my shoulders.
He sighed and looked down.
"If this is about you being jealous then save it" I said.
"I forbid it" Polly blurted.
I scoffed "what is your problem Polly?"
"It's not about jealousy. It just complicates things for the family." Tommy said staring at me.
"I am not a part of this family" I stormed off and found myself walking out of the bar and leaning on the cool brick outside.
"You can't just run away from everything!" Tommy yelled as he busted through the doors behind me.
"I'm not running away" I crossed my arms and looked at him.
"I wanted to tell you everything, but now" he shook his head in disgust.
"How can you stand there and judge me?" I said pointing a finger into his chest stepping closer.
"I shouldn't fuck whoever I please because you're jealous?" I yelled.
"I'm jealous!" He yelled "Of course I'm jealous, I love you Amelia" his voice wavered.
I stepped back in awe at what he just admitted.
"I've loved you everyday since you left, I never stopped" his voice calmed.
"What?" My voice was quiet as I studied him.
He cupped my face in his hand, and I stared up at him.
I stepped back and his hand fell from my face.
"Please" he looked at me in that vulnerable way again.
My eyes grazed over his face, discerning how truthful he was being in this moment.
"I want to use my ten minutes now" I said.
"Let's go to the house" he said.
I nodded and then followed after him.