Heartless

Falling For You

*Pictured: the beautiful Polly

To my lovely readers, I have an uncanny request. Would you please return to the end of the chapter entitled One Thing and read it (only if you read it before today: 12/6/15). I made some mad changes *wink wink*

You don't have to if you don't want to. Just know its really passionate and I don't want to steal anyone's innocence out here haha. Jk, its a really beautiful scene that I felt needed to be added and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Thanks for reading and keeping up with this story. And thanks so much for giving this story its first 1k. I hope you continue to enjoyy!

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Toni stood behind the counters of the Garrison, dutifully scrubbing.

The only thing that managed to keep her sane were the constant reminders she gave herself. Reminders like: "everything is back to normal" and "no, this is still not a real marriage" and "...it never will be."

Tommy was hard at work in his back office and had not noticed her arrival. His brothers were doing the same: off somewhere diligently working.

Toni did not bother to think that any of the brothers' work was even remotely legal.

She had been so deep within her thoughts that she did not notice Polly's arrival.

"Hello Toni," Polly said.

"Oh hello," Toni looked up before her with slight surprise, "what can I get you?" She put her rag down and smiled, leaning slightly on the table. Tommy had left her legs feeling a bit weak from the night before.

"I came to inquire about you." Polly said.

"Me?"

Polly nodded.

"Why me?" Toni asked again.

"Well, the way you limped in here I suppose there must have been a change in your outlook of Thomas."

If it were not for her melanin, Toni would have turned beet red. She was limping? Was it that noticeable? So that means Polly must know about...

Oh, God, how embarrassing.

"Oh...I...I know I shouldn't," Toni stammered, "I know its not...well not really a-"

"Oh child, shut up before you embarrass yourself," Polly interrupted.  So what? you got something from him? Its not like you aren't married to the man."

"I know but..." Toni looked down, "I shouldn't have...its not...right, I mean...to-"

"Oh there you go again." Polly sighed and sat down on a stool. Toni just looked at her. "Did you at least enjoy it?" Polly asked.

Toni was taken aback. Blushing furiously she returned her gaze to the ground, "Polly," she said through her giggles, "I don't think that's appropriate talk."

"Oh fuck what's appropriate." Polly said, gaining Toni's full attention. "We ladies spend too much time focusing on what is right and appropriate. Now tell me did you feel a rush? Were you carefree and alive? Did he do something for you that you never thought could be done? If the answers are yes, then you should fuck what's appropriate and admit it."

Toni smiled. She trusted this woman. "Yes," she said, "Oh God, yes." She started to laugh. "Polly, your nephew is truly gifted."

"Okay, now you've gone to far," Polly said.

"I am so sorry-"

"Toni, I am just kidding you. Calm down and have a drink."

Toni took a long breath and poured herself a drink. She needed it. This banter was lifting her spirits but she still had no idea how to keep her distance from the dangerous man who she had obvious feelings for and was married to.

It seemed impossible.

She finished her drink and poured herself another one. 

"Slow down there lass, don't let us rub off on you." Polly said.

"Sorry," Toni said after finishing the second one, "you're right."

"Why do you say sorry so much?" Polly asked, pouring herself a drink.

"I don't know, because I am. I really am." Toni said bringing tears to her eyes.

But she would not cry. Not here. Not at work.

"So you love him then?" Polly asked.

"What? No, I don't love him," she said quickly. "I can't," she added softly.

"He is falling for you, child. I've never seen him this way." Polly said.

"No, no he's not. He only slept with me because it would benefit his own selfish reasons. And because I couldn't resist." She ended her statement in a whisper.

"Maybe, but you should know, the months you've been married, he hasn't been with any other woman." Polly said.

Toni shook her head. She was shocked. "That can't be true; they practically throw themselves at him. And this isn't even a real marriage."

"Say what you want but there is just something about you. You have him wrapped around your little finger."

Toni gasped.

"He'd sooner hang than admit it, though. You know how men can be. All their emotion packed tight into their one throbbing-"

"I understand." Toni spoke up.

"Do you?" Polly asked.

Toni nodded.

"What are you going to do then?" Polly asked.

Toni hesitated. She needed to disregard what she felt for him. It was too dangerous to be with a man like that. He had already tried to kill her once, if she made another mistake, he could do it again.

She needed to keep her distance from him and avoid romance at all costs.

"I'll set him free." She said finally, "I'll tell him that he owes me nothing. He can be with whomever he chooses." Toni said.

"Is that your decision?" Polly asked.

"Yes," Toni said with all the confidence she could muster.

"Why don't you go tell him then?" Polly challenged, lifting one eyebrow.

"Now?" Toni asked before sending a worried glance toward the back office

Polly nodded.

"He might be busy... or working-"

"Now," Polly said.

"Ok," Toni nodded, "I'll do it now." She moved from behind the bar and turned in the right direction. She turned back to Polly once more, "Here I go," She said.

"There you go," Polly repeated dryly.

"I'm going to tell him." Toni said.

"Are you?" Polly asked.

"Mhmm," Toni nodded. She was concentrating on gathering some last minute courage.

"Are you going to do it?" Polly asked after Toni had stood staring at the office doors for a while.

"Yes," Toni said, still staring at the doors, "Please, just give me a minute."

"Take your time," Polly said, pouring herself another drink.

After a few more seconds, Toni steeled her nerves and walked to the back office.

Polly shook her head and said, "Foolish girl," once Toni was out of earshot.

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Heyy, so what did yah think (about this chapter and about One Thing)?? Please don't forget to vote and comment awayy. I'll try to update as soon as possible ;)