As the youngest Shelby child and twin to Finn Shelby, Kezia has spent the last 4 of her 10 years locked away for her mental defectiveness.
She returns to Small Heath under the legal guardianship of her brother, Thomas Shelby. Despite knowing she's s...
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I love you all very much.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE
It was the last night of Hanukkah.
But instead of lighting the menorah, Alfie wanted to kiss Kizzie.
A lot.
He sat on his couch while Kizzie straddled his waist. His hands circled her hips but did not go further down. Or higher. Lines were still drawn, and Alfie was not one to break his promises. But with each kiss, each stolen glance her way, he felt his guard crumble. Kizzie deserved the world, and he would give it to her.
"I've been thinking," he told her, "about moving."
Kizzie rested her hands on his chest. Felt his heart beat quickly for her. "To the bedroom?" Sometimes they kissed there. Alfie even took off his shirt once. Kizzie blushed at the memory. His body was strong but also soft in places, like his stomach.
"No, not that kind of move."
"Oh."
"To Margate. Retiring a bit."
"There is a beach there."
He smiled. "Aye, there is. We could walk the sand with Cyril."
"I like that idea."
"Good."
Alfie pressed against the back of her neck and guided her to his lips. Soft, delicate. Her hands on his chest tightened. She wanted more, he knew that. But he wasn't yet ready. Sometimes, it made him feel weak, unworthy of her time. He felt no better than a schoolboy in the presence of her beauty.
Their relationship now was a foreign thing to her. He didn't know how much she was told about physical intimacy. Or about being in a romantic relationship, in general. Most of the ones in her life had crumbled. And by God, Alfie didn't want her to think that was what awaited them.
The phone began to ring.
Alfie growled against her mouth. The vibration produced goosebumps along her skin. Like a greedy fuck, his hands traveled along, loving the feeling.
"It is for Miss. Shelby, sir."
Alfie disconnected his lips from Kizzie and looked at his maid. "Tell Thomas to fuck off."
"The man said it was extremely urgent. Family business."
Kizzie moved off Alfie and stood. "It's okay. I'll go see what he needs."
"What he needs," Alfie said, "or what he wants?"
Kizzie laced her fingers with his own over his lap. "I'll be quick."
Alfie watched her slip into the dark hallway, out of sight.
"Hello," Kizzie said into the phone.
"Kizzie!" His urgency made her stomach twist. "You need to come home," he spoke in Shelta. "Now."
