Mariana Cortez is the Queen of the North of London
She has built her empire up despite the protests and barriers of a mans world
She was also the first woman to steal Thomas Shelby's heart
She is cold, calculating and slightly unhinged
But her l...
"In what language does rain fall over tormented cities?" -Pablo Neruda
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Mariana's POV
I knew this was a bad idea, I said it again and again and no one listened to me We were only 10 minutes in and Alfie was pissing the duke off more than he had anyone else in his life To walk into a Russian treasury and blatantly disrespect their heritage, their heirlooms, he was a man with balls.
"Let me tell you something, son. Somebody comes into my shop with some paste like this... Usually, what I make them do, right... Is fucking swallow it" he said deadly calm I suppressed a sigh
"He is your man no?" Tatiana asked quietly beside me I didn't answer her, I just kept my eyes on Alfie, praying he'd look at me and get the hint to stop.
"You should get him properly trained" she advised "And you should refrain from inserting yourself in my business... duchess" I said simply "Eh? What game are you playing?" He asked.
"Mr Solomons" I said sternly, he looked at me, eyes warning me to back off I didn't appreciate it. Not at all "Shall we clean it up?" Tommy asked "Be careful"
When it was finally over, they bidded Alfie goodbye, he gave them the fakest goodbye he could and left, waiting for me at the car "Well I do believe that is also my cue" I smiled happily "You won't stay?" Tatiana asked with a little tilt of her head.
"No, big day tomorrow, need the beauty sleep" I smiled, she smiled back, before sliding her hand into Tommy's and leading him away to another room I smirked slightly, they were playing a very dangerous game, one would eventually burn the other, and I had the growing feeling Tommy was going to be the one to get done over.
Lady Elizabeth and the duke merely stared at me, waiting for me to leave I rolled my eyes, stepping out of the house and slyly eyeing the guards lined up outside I got in the car silently, Alfie started the engine up and we began our way home.
•
"You mad or what?" He asked after a while of silence "No" I said simply, staring out the window "So that means yes" he replied "Alfie" I warned "Don't 'Alfie' me dove, what's the matter?" He asked.
"You went too hard back there" I said, taking a look at him, his face scrunched up in confusion but his eyes remained on the road "You what?" He asked "You were too fucking aggressive, they can't know we hate them, they can't suspect any chance of us fucking them over in the end, they're already expecting it for fuck sake" I said exasperated.
"Exactly, they're already expecting it, cause they're sly fucking bastards" he said defensively I sighed "I'm not having a go Alf" I said "You clearly fucking are, they're rich assholes, they look down on us like we're shit on their fucking shoes" he said angrily.
