Underneath My Feet [T. Shelby]

Reflections

There hadn't been a single word said in the past ten minutes as Amelia looked down at Tommy's hands that where around her waist. Snow was falling around them as they stood and looked down into the water below.

"I need to know where you stand with Lizzie" Amelia breathed, hating herself for having to ask.

Tommy sighed, he knew that he would have to explain himself but he was hoping for more time revelling in the bliss of their reunion.

"There's nothing there. I went to her one time after you left. Lizzie is now happy involved with a local baker"

"Then why did she come to see you on Arthur's wedding day?"

Tommy laughed "To tell me that if the family vetted her baker friend there would be hell"

Amelia looked at him and had to decide in that moment If she believed him. Amelia did. Instead of dwelling on their sexual relation she decided that she wasn't petty enough. Lizzie could not compete with what she had with Tommy. It was a solid fact.

Amelia nodded before pecking his lips with a quick kiss.

"I take it that you'll be staying?" He mumbled as he leaned down and kissed the back of her neck.

Amelia smiled softly "I might. I haven't made up my mind yet" she joked.

"You better be joking!" He feigned shocked surprise before turning her round so that she had to face him.

Amelia shrugged playfully "I never joke Mr Shelby"

"You're a nightmare" he mumbled against her lips before picking her up and taking her back to the car.

"Again?"

"Again."

—-

The following morning was somber in mood as the Shelby's pulled up at Arrow House. Amelia had spent the morning busying herself with the horses to avoid having to think about the evening but she knew it couldn't be avoided.

It was only when Ada found her that she had to think about the day.

"Do you think he'll take the offer?" Ada asked as she took a cup of tea from Amelia.

"I know he wont" she said with certainty. Luca Changretta was not a man that gave up easily.

Ada nodded, she already knew the answer but she was hoping that Amelia would have more faith in the situation. Tommy had been strict with his plan for Changretta but both women knew that it could all go wrong in a second.

"Will you be okay?" Ada asked, her big doe eyes looking at her with fear.

"I will, don't worry. I trust Tommy"

—-

Amelia felt sick to her stomach as they pulled up the Tommy's gin factory. The same place that she had been on their second date together. Instead of relishing in the nostalgic memories she decided to focus on staying calm and collected.

Amelia stood behind Tommy and Polly with John and Arthur flanking her. It was clear that the family was protecting her. It was an emotional gesture that had briefly taken her breath away.

"You okay?" John whispered, his toothpick spinning in his mouth as he spoke.

Amelia turned to look at him and saw that he was equally as nervous as she was. John had a lot more to lose than she did and she understood. Those beautiful children at home could possibly lose their father....

"Yes" she lied "are you?"

John winked at her "Always"

Before she could tell him off for not being serious the door to the left of them slammed open and in poured Changrettas men. There where fourteen against four. Tommy had told her what to expect. Men like Changretta wanted to seem bigger than life and used dramatics as tactics.