shelbyslut20

[shelbyslut20]

Better In The Dark Chapter Four

Hello everyone! Here is chapter four, feel free to leave comments or suggestions. Please enjoy!

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1.1k

Previous Chapter

The trees and countryside began to fade away until there was only smog and factories. Looking out the window Clara started to become worried about what she has gotten herself into. “This is the address Miss.” Henry said. Clara looked out the window to see a pub by the name of The Garrison. “Thank you Henry.” She said, stepping out of the car, shutting the door behind her.

She grasps the door handle pulling to open to reveal the smell of cigarettes while men maintain their conversations at max volume. Clara took a seat at the bar looking around for Tommy. “What can I get you Miss?” Harry asked. “Uh yes, champagne please and do you know where Mr.Shelby is? “Mr.Shelby? Give me one moment please.”

He said, passing her the glass of champagne. Harry moved across the bar to open a small window. He poked his head into the window and spoke quietly. Clara looked over to her right to see the door to a small room swing open. The door opened to reveal Tommy. “Ah, Lady Belfort.” Tommy said moving closer to the bar to place his hand on Claras back and planted a kiss on her cheek.

This action caused her cheeks to blush a soft pink. “I see you already helped yourself to a glass of champagne. Harry! Everything this woman orders is on the house!” Harry nods in understanding. “Well thank you Mr.Shelby.” Clara smiles at Tommy. “I am surprised that the Duke and Duchess let you out at this hour.” “Well maybe they don’t know.” Clara said.

“Can I get you anything to drink Mr.Shelby?” A woman from behind the bar asked, interrupting the pair's conversation. “Whiskey, Irish” He said not even looking at the woman. She placed the glass down in front of him and continued to linger for longer than Clara expected. So in response Clara extended her arm over the bar to shake the woman’s hand. “Clara, nice to meet you” She said “Grace, nice to meet you as well.” The mystery woman said, giving Clara a half smile and removing herself from the conversation.

Tommy sipped his glass while taking slight glances over at Clara. “I don’t even know what I am doing here.” Clara let out a light chuckle while swirling around her glass. “Well I am surprised you decided to come” Tommy said. Clara looked over to see Tommy intently looking at her.

The chatter from men scattered around the Garrison was the only noise that surrounded the two. Tommy's head quickly turned to his right at the sound of a bottle breaking and the door opening revealing his brothers. Tommy's head dipped down in disappointment at the sight of his drunken brothers.

“Tommy!” One of them called out causing Clara to look in their direction. “And who is the lady?” The other one asked. “Boys,” Tommy said, standing up from his seat at the bar and walking over to them. “That is Lady Belfort, I do business with her father so please go and make a mess somewhere else.” He said, speaking in an aggressive tone.

“Well I want to meet the lady!” Arthur bellowed out. “Clara” Tommy held out his hand for her to take to be introduced to Tommy's rather loud company. “Hello,” Clara said, holding her hand out for him to shake. Arthur abruptly took her hand in his and kissed the top of it. “These are my brothers, Arthur and John.” Tommy said motioning to both of the men.

John then held out his hand for Clara in a more respectful manner. Doing his best to compose himself in front of her. Clara smiled at John's attempt to calm himself. Tommy placed his hand on Claras back, slightly pulling her closer to him. “Well it was nice to meet both of you.” Clara said to both John and Arthur.

“Let's go Clara.” Tommy said, reaching down for her hand and pulling her out of the Garrison. “Where are we going?” Clara giggled walking faster to keep up with Tommy. “A walk.” “Tommy, it's freezing outside.” “Well if we walk faster we won't be cold for much longer.” The pair began to walk faster hand in hand until they reached a townhouse.

Waiting for Tommy to unlock the door Clara stood under the street light. Seeing the door open Tommy held out his hand for her, Clara took it as he led her inside. Tommy lit a fire and poured him a glass of whiskey. “Can I get you anything to drink?” He asks. “Are you trying to get me drunk?” She said with a smile. “Would you like that?” Tommy said, lighting a cigarette while sitting down in a chair next to the fire. Clara removed her coat to reveal her white slip dress. Walking over to the bar cart to pour herself a glass.

Tommy's eyes followed every move she made until she sat down in the chair across from him. “Maybe I would like that” She said with a smirk as she propped up her feet on the small table in between them. “You know what my sister says about you?” Clara asks, taking a sip of her drink. “And what would that be?” “She says you are a gangster.” She chuckled. “Well, would you trust a gangster?” “You haven't given me any reason not to.”

Clara said as her eyes dialed in on Tommy. “Hm” He let out a light laugh giving her a smile. “You have a record player?” She said, looking in its direction. “Yeah” “You should put something on.” “What would you like” “Preferably jazz” “Alright” Tommy said getting up and putting on Body and Soul by Coleman Hawkins. Tommy loomed over Clara reaching out his hand in an offer to dance.

Clara placed her glass down on the table where her feet once rested and stood up taking his hand. Clara placed one hand on his shoulder and the other on the back of his neck. While Tommy wrapped his hands around her waist. The pair swayed back and forth in the dimly lit room. “Did your father tell you what business we have?” Tommy whispered into Claras ear. “No, I only hear the assumptions coming from my mother and sister.” She whispered back.

Tommy decided that didn’t want to press the issue any further. “Even if the man that I am dancing with right now happens to be a gangster, the opinions of my mother and sister will not change my mind. Only you can do that Mr.Shelby.” “I don’t think you understand what you are getting yourself into Lady Belfort.” Tommy said as his hands came up to hold Claras face. “You are probably right Mr.Shelby, but I am not afraid to find out.”

Tommy rubbed his thumbs across her cheeks and pulled her in quickly. As their lips connected, Clara wrapped both of her hands around his neck, causing the two of them to become tangled in each other.

Tommy pulled away but left his hands on her cheeks. “You have no idea what you are doing to me Lady Belfort.”

Chapter Five Coming Soon...

[shelbyslut20]

Better In The Dark Chapter Three

Hello everyone! I apologize that it took so long to post this chapter. I have been very busy and I am trying to get back on track with posting! Feel free to leave comments or suggestions. Please enjoy!

Warnings: None

Word Count: 955

Previous Chapter

“Where is Clara?” Ruth asked, looking around for her daughter. “I thought I saw her and Mr.Shelby walk down the stairs to the stables,” Anna said looking in the direction of the stairs. Ruth quickly removed herself from the conversation and walked swiftly down the stairs.

Upon hearing voices, she came to a halt at the bottom of the stairs. She hid behind the wall to listen to the conversation.“Are you sure you're alright?” Tommy said “Mmhm” Clara nodded. “Good, let's get you a glass of champagne eh?” Giving Tommy a light smile and looking up into his blue eyes. He offered his arm to her to go upstairs. Upon hearing this Ruth rushed back up the stairs to avoid being seen by Tommy and Clara.

The pair made it back upstairs when Tommy noticed a little blood on Clara's face and used his thumb to wipe it away. “Where have you been, young lady?” Ruth belted out causing everyone around them to turn their heads in the direction of the crazed lady. “She asked to see my horse,” Tommy said, hoping that would bring the questioning to a close. Clara nodded in agreement trying to hide the fact that she had just seen him beat a man to death.

“Both of you girls, please go to the car,” Ruth said, flustered at the thought of her daughter with a gangster. “Well it was nice to see you again Mr.Shelby.” Clara nodded to Tommy and began to walk towards the door leading back out to the car.

“What the hell do you think you are doing with my daughter?’ Ruth questioned him. “Mrs.Belfort, Clara had asked to see my horse, as simple as that.” Tommy said, raising his brow. “You are truly testing your luck Mr.Shelby.” Ruth said quickly walking away to join her daughters in the car.

William shook Tommy's hand giving him an apologetic look. “We can discuss this further some other time,” William says, causing Tommy to nod his head in understanding. William walked back to the car only to join his wife and two daughters sitting in silence.

The long car ride home was filled with a sickening silence that no one dared to break. Clara focused on the trees passing by while her mind replayed the events of the day over and over again.

Her opinion of Tommy had changed drastically from their first encounter. Wondering when she would see him again, and if she would see him again. Pulling into the driveway Clara prepared to be scolded by her mother about her actions regarding Mr.Shelby. To her surprise, everyone exited the car without a word. Ruth held her head low, choosing to not even look at Clara. Anna placed her hand on Clara's back in a show of support. “I know you had a long day, and I’m sorry that Mother is acting this way. “Anna, I never expect mother to apologize for anything ever. Okay?” Clara says moving past her and into the house.

The moment Clara opened the door she was met with a maid calling out for her. “Lady Belfort, there is a telephone call for you!.” Clara's face went into a state of confusion due to the fact that all calls were normally for her father.

Clara quickly dropped her clutch on the large table in the middle of the foyer. “Did they give you a name?” Clara said, following her into the phone room. “No, but here you go ma’am.” She said handing the phone to Clara and leaving the room. “Hello?” Clara spoke quietly. “Lady Belfort?” Tommy questioned. “Tommy?” “Look Clara I am going to give you an address, and if you are interested in having some time away from your mother. I will be there tonight.” Tommy said, giving Clara the address as she quickly wrote it down.

“Will I be seeing you tonight Lady Belfort?” “If you are lucky Mr.Shelby.” Clara said, placing the phone back down on the receiver. smiling from ear to ear, looking down at the small piece of paper with the address written on it. Contemplating if she should meet Tommy or not.

“Mary!” Clara yelled out for the maid. “Yes Lady Belfort” “Please go tell Henry to fill up the car with enough petrol to get me to Birmingham.” “Birmingham? But miss it's late.” “Would you like me to do it myself?” Clara asked, raising a brow in Mary's direction. “No ma’am, " she quickly curtseys and leaves the room to fulfill Clara's request.

Clara walked up the stairs and into her bedroom opening up her dresser door. Searching for her fur coat and white slip dress. Quickly removing the outfit she had worn to the races and leaving it on the floor to then put on her white slip dress.

She let her hair down which reached the middle of her back, then put on the coat to conceal the slip underneath. Grabbing the piece of paper with the address Tommy had given her she opened her bedroom door slowly trying her best to move about the house quietly.

“Clara? Where are you going?” Anna asked, peeking her head out of her room. “I am going downstairs for a cup of tea and going back to bed.” She whispered quickly shuffling down the stairs to look for Mary. “Miss the car is ready.” Mary said, leading Clara out to the gravel driveway.

The sound of the engine was the only thing that filled Clara's ears as Mary opened the door for her allowing Clara to step in. “Birmingham Miss?” “Yes,” Clara said, handing the paper to Henry. Just as she handed him the slip Henry pulled out of the driveway and headed for Birmingham.

Chapter Four

[shelbyslut20]

Gin & Juice MasterList

Below you will find everything you need to get started reading Better In The Dark. Please enjoy and leave comments and suggestions!

Story & Character Preview

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five Coming Soon...

[shelbyslut20]

Better In The Dark Chapter Two

Hello everyone! Here is chapter two, feel free to leave comments or suggestions. Please enjoy!

Warnings: Toxic Mother, Mild Violence

Word Count: 1.9k

Previous Chapter

“Looks like I will be getting in trouble later this evening,” Clara said leaning down at her sister. Ruth quickly made her way through the crowd to grab Clara's arm roughly. “Ow, what the hell are you doing?” Ruth didn't speak a word but opted to drag Clara by the arm into a small nook. “What the hell am I doing? What the hell are you doing?” Ruth spoke aggressively. “I was keeping Mr. Shelby company while father was busy shagging his mistress.” Ruth's hand connected with Clara's cheek causing her to gasp and reach up and rub the spot where her mother had just slapped her. “You watch your mouth, young lady! I will not have you speak to me that way. What did he say to you?” “He was thanking me for the drink, the drink that nobody else wanted to provide him with.”

“I saw the eyes he made at you, you are playing with fire and I will not allow it.” Clara shook her arm from her mother's grasp and made her way back to her sister. “Are you okay?” Anna asked with a sense of urgency. “I am good, while our mother is not.” Clara patted Anna back and made her way back up the grand staircase. Slowly turning the handle to open the door leading to her bedroom. Clara sat on the bed taking a deep breath while kicking off her heels. Hearing the many guests start up their automobiles she moved from the bed to the window seat. Pulling back the curtain to see her father and Mr.Shelby standing in the gravel driveway. His long trench coat and peaky cap intrigued Clara, wondering what they could possibly be talking about.

“Clara,” Anna said, peeking her head through the door. “Everyone has left,” She said, coming to sit across from her sister on the window seat. “What are you looking at?” Anna spoke quietly, pulling the curtain back to reveal Mr.Shelby opening the door to his Bentley. “Clara” “What?” “Nothing, I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I’m sorry mom did that.” “It's fine she just wants me to be the perfect daughter, and the moment someone she doesn't approve of makes eyes at me she has a problem. It's not like I would ever be with him anyway.”

Rubbing her eyes Clara walked down the stairs slowly hearing yelling coming from the dining room. “We will be joining you this afternoon at the track, whether or not you want us there William,” Ruth shouted. Clara walked into the room taking a seat next to her father silently. “Good morning sweetheart, as you just heard your mother and you girls will be joining me at the track today.” “Why?” “Because I said so” Ruth mumbled just below her breath. “Yes Mother I understand but why, we never attend races.” “Because me and Mr.Shelby did not have a chance to finish our discussion last evening, that's why,” William spoke sternly.

Clara's eyes went wide at the thought of seeing the mystery man once again. “So when will we be leaving?” She asked, “Soon so please go wake your sister and start to get ready.” Clara nodded and left the room to go wake her sister. “Anna” “Mmm, what?” “Get ready, we are going to the track soon.” “What why?” “More business,” Clara said, shutting the door and leaving her sister to get ready.

She opened her dresser door and took a glance at all of the lavish clothing that filled it. Opting for a light pink boatneck dress that fell just below the knee with one side being a tad longer than the other. Placing her signature pearls around her neck along with matching earrings then tying her hair into a low bun. She slipped into some red heels and grabbed a small matching clutch. Anna opened the door to see her sister fiddling with her blush. “Can I help?” “Oh um yes please” Clara smiled at her. Anna took the blush from her hands and made light strokes across Clara's cheeks causing them to become light pink. “There, you look great.” “And so do you,” She said, motioning to her sister's dark blue lace dress.

“Thank you,” Clara said to the man who opened the car door for her, allowing her to step out of the car and take in the noises and smells of the track. Her father offered his arm to Ruth causing her to take it as they walked towards the large building ahead. Clara held her clutch in front of her as they walked through the glass door to be met with the commotion of bettors yelling. “Mr.Belfort” A familiar Brummie accent made Clara's head turn. “Ah Mr.Shelby so good to see you again, and you remember my daughters right?” “Yes, I do, nice to see you again Lady Belfort.” He smiled offering his hand once again, Clara giving her hand over as Tommy brought it up to his lips to plant a kiss. Clara gave him a small smile.

Ruth shot her a look of warning, causing Clara to take her hand back. “Shall we head in?” William asked “Yes we shall” Ruth quickly latched onto William's arm. Leading his wife into the stairwell and upstairs to the bar and deck to observe the race. Tommy offered up his arm to Clara, and she took hold of it as everyone made their way up the stairs. Anna followed behind Tommy and Clara keeping her head low. “If I remember correctly Lady Belfort you will want a glass of champagne?” “Yes, Mr.Shelby champagne please, and if I remember correctly Whiskey, Irish?" “Smart girl” He smiled waving over the bartender to ask for the drinks.

“Please Mr.Shelby call me Clara.” “Well Clara, if we are going on a first-name basis please call me Tommy.” Clara nodded, taking the glass of champagne from the bartender and bringing it up to her lips. “You come to the races often?” Tommy asked. “No, we used to come when me and Anna were kids but we haven't come since.” Tommy nodded and placed his hand on the small of Clara's back guiding her to the deck to watch the race. “It was nice speaking to you again. Me and your father have some business to discuss” Tommy said giving her a calming look.

Turning to watch her father and Tommy walk back to the bar Clara quickly downed her glass of champagne. Taking a deep breath. “What was that all about?” Anna asked “He was just repaying the favor Anna nothing more nothing less.” She said standing up and placing her hands on the railing to look out onto the track. Ruth walked up to stand beside Clara, “ I shouldn't feel the need to repeat myself, Clara.” “Then don’t,” Clara said, turning to face her mother. “You have a potential suitor coming in a few days,” Ruth said, looking onto the track and seeing the horses being loaded into the starting gate.“Whatever you say, mother.” Clara said, rolling her eyes. Turning around to see her father and Tommy still talking but when she looked over her shoulder Tommy was already looking at her. His blue eyes looked her up and down, Clara gave Tommy a gentle smile. “Where are you going?” Anna asked. “To get another drink,” Clara spoke swiftly, taking her hands off of the railing and making her way towards the bar.

She motioned towards the bartender to order another champagne. “What can I get for you?” But, before she was able to speak Tommy interrupted “Champagne, and put it on my tab.” He said as her father had left the conversation to go speak with his wife. The bartender nodded. “You didn’t need to do that, but I appreciated it.” “You like horses?” Tommy questions. “I suppose so. Do you have one racing today?” “As a matter of fact I do, would you like to meet her?” He said, raising a brow. “Why not,” Clara said, smiling up at him. Tommy places his hand on Clara's arm, ushering her back into the stairwell. The two of them walked down the stairs reaching the first floor. “This way,” He said, using his hand to guide her in the correct direction. Walking down a dimly lit hallway, the sounds and smells of horses began to fill Clara's ears and nose.

“Here she is.” Tommy said pointing to a large bay mare. “She's stunning,” Clara said, turning around to look at Tommy. “What's that noise?” Clara asked, hearing some kind of noise coming from the end of the hall. “Mr.Shelby, how nice to see you again.” A man spoke loudly holding his hands in his pockets and walking slowly towards Tommy and Clara. “Clara get behind me please” Tommy spoke in a rush. Clara repositioned herself so that she stood behind Tommy. “We have been trying to get in contact with you. You seem to be a hard man to find.” The man spoke coming to a halt about five feet away from them. “Well, you seemed to have no trouble tracking me down today eh?” Tommy spoke with humor. “Mr.Kimber wanted me to deliver a message to you.” He said moving even closer now eye to eye with Tommy. The man used his right hand to pull a gun from his holster that was concealed in his coat.

Tommy's hand quickly dove into his jacket causing Clara's eyes to widen to see both of the men in front of her holding weapons. “Now Mr.Shelby, Mr.Kimber has been led to believe that you have been fixing races without his permission?” “And why would he think that?” Tommy questioned.

The barrel of the gun getting even closer to Tommy's head making Clara hold her eyes shut. Before the man could even say anything else Tommy pushed him causing his gun to fall to the ground. His free hand pushing Clara back, the two men fell to the ground throwing punches at each other left and right. Both of them scrambling to grab their guns, the man had Tommy in a headlock causing him to slowly suffocate. Without any prior knowledge on how to use such a weapon, Clara reached down and grabbed the gun with both hands aiming towards the man suffocating Tommy. Pulling the trigger and shooting him in the leg.

Tommy reached for his throat as the man's grip loosed as he reached for his leg. Shouting in pain. Clara dropped the gun, surprising herself with her own actions. Tommy climbed on top of the man and grabbed a bucket next to the horse's stall and used it to beat the man to death. Bashing his head over and over again. Tommy became covered in blood after beating the man to death.

Tommy stood up and turned around to see a look of fear on Clara's face. “I, I' don't even,” She said as tears started to leave her eyes. Tommy pulled her into an embrace holding her tightly and placed his hand on the back of her head. She started to sob into his bloody chest. He used his hands to hold her face so that he could see her, seeing as though the blood from his shirt had gotten onto her face. “Now you've seen me” Tommy spoke softly kissing her forehead, then bringing her back into a hug holding her tightly.

Clara looked up at Tommy, seeing as though he had a cut on his eyebrow. She used her thumb to lightly touch it. “Thank you.” She said softly. “Of course,” He said giving her a look of reassurance.

Chapter Three

[shelbyslut20]

Better In The Dark Chapter One

Hello everyone this is the first chapter of my new Tommy Shelby story. Please feel free to leave comments or suggestions !

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1.7k

Story & Character Preview

“Clara” Ruth's voice echoed from behind the large wooden doors. With a rather heavy sigh, she reluctantly opened the door for her Mother. “Yes?” She questioned the presence of her pestering mother. “Why are you giving me attitude Clara? Tonight is an important night and I need you to be respectful. Now if you could drop the attitude that would be appreciated.” Nodding her head and giving a rather taunting smile “Yes I know that tonight is important, we are finally getting to meet Father's sleazy business partner.” “You need to watch your mouth, young lady, wash up and look presentable” Swiftly pulling the door shut behind her.

The sound of heels pattering outside the door filled Clara’s ears, knowing that it would be her baby sister knocking at the door any minute. A quiet knock laid against the door prompted Clara to open it. “Have you heard?” Anna spoke in a hushed voice. “Heard what? Why are you whispering?” “About Father's business partner,” She said, still maintaining a low voice “Well I know we must be on our best behavior,” Clara said, intentionally impersonating their Mother. “He's a gangster,” Anna said with wide eyes, a concept that a young girl of her age could not yet comprehend. Letting out a rather loud laugh “Please don’t be silly Anna, I know that father has some shady partners but none being gangsters. You have a wonderful imagination.” She said, placing a hand on her sister's shoulder. “Now let me finish getting ready, and don’t worry too much the man, he is most likely just someone to boost Father's ego.” She spoke quickly, placing both hands on her shoulders and ushering her out of the room.

‘Gangster, ' Clara said out loud laughing to herself. The black beaded dress specifically picked out for her hung from her dresser while her accessories lay neatly on her vanity. Taking her time to get ready she finally placed her signature pearls around her neck and slipped into the matching black heels. Applying one last coat of lip pomade she was finally ready for this long-awaited dinner party. Opening her door to hear the chatter of the elite filling the once-empty home. Anna ironically stepped out of her room at the same time wearing a dark green dress that fell just below the knees along with white stockings and shoes. “Well, don’t you clean up nicely?” Clara started with a smile trying to take her little sister's innocent mind off of the potential fact that there could be a “gangster” attending tonight's party. “Well, I am not as pretty as you.” “Nonsense” Clara held out her arm for Anna to take as they made their descent down the grand staircase and into the lion's den.

“Ladies,” William said loudly, “How nice of you to finally join us.” Letting out a chuckle as he began to introduce party guests to his daughters. Making small talk and plastering fake smiles upon their faces until everyone was called into the formal dining room. “Do you think he's here yet? Anna said, pulling Clara down to her level. “Anna I have no idea what the man even looks like, only God knows if he will show his face tonight, stop worrying,” Clara spoke swiftly and sternly making sure to get her point across. Anna nodded in understanding and casted her gaze onto the checkered tile floor.

The chime of the dinner bell caused conversations between socialites to come to a halt. Everyone turns their heads in the direction of the pleasant sound which alarms guests that dinner is ready. Quickly exiting a conversation with a rather boring man, Clara finds herself navigating the crowd to find a place card with her name on it. Reading Lady Clara Belfort. Seeing as though she is placed next to her sister, her nerves are simultaneously calmed by Anna's reassuring smile. While their Mother Ruth sits directly across from them and their father at the head of the table. Anna recognizes that there is a place card and an unoccupied seat across from her sister. “Maybe it's for the gangster.” She whispers into Clara's ear. “Shh,” She quickly whispers back in an attempt to put an end to her sister's childish comments. Guests began to take their seats at the long oak table as servers began to bring out covered dishes soon to be revealed. Once the dishes were placed in front of each guest William stood up from his chair to make a toast. A butler quickly tapped the Duke on the shoulder to alert him of a guest who was late. “Sir, there is a man here by the name of Shelby. Should we allow him to enter?” The butler murmured. “Ah, yes please bring him in and see to it that he is well taken care of,” Willam said with confidence. Anna's head swiveled to the left to watch her sister's reaction to the man who was about to enter the room. Quiet conversations took place as guests were waiting for the Duke to make a toast.

Hearing the dining room doors open Claras head turned to see who it was. A man with a long black trench coat made his way swiftly through the room. His presence quickly became known to everyone present. A butler takes his coat from him and places it in the coat closet at the front of the room. While another butler directs him to his seat. The last seat to go unclaimed was directly across from Clara. Plopping down in the chair in a rather fed-up manner. “ I apologize for the late entrance Mr.Belfort.” His Brummie accent filled Clara's ears.

“I assure you it is quite alright Mr.Shelby.” William smiled as he continued to make his toast causing guests to give him a round of applause. Clara rolled her eyes in response knowing that her Father was somewhat of a phony. “Please enjoy this meal courtesy of me and my beautiful wife Ruth.” Everyone quickly picked up their utensils to begin eating. “Girls, I would like you to meet my business partner, Mr.Shelby.” Tommy stretched his hand out over the table, and Clara in return placed her hand in his. Bringing her hand up to his lips to plant a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. His blue eyes pierced through her green ones with no words being spoken. “Nice to meet you, Lady Belfort.” He said, giving her a light nod. “Same to you Mr.Shelby” Clara spoke softly wondering if he was the gangster her little sister had spoken about earlier.

Tommy held out his hand for Anna to take, Clara could see the hesitancy in her sister's eyes. Using her elbow to place a light jab to Anna's side prompting her to take Tommys hand. “You must be Lady Belfort's sister, yes?” He questions “Uh yes, yes I am.” Anna stuttered out causing the girl's Mother to shoot them a look of disapproval. “Yes, Mr. Shelby these are our girls, Clara and Anna,” she said, gesturing to both of them. Anna looked down at her plate and began to eat to distract herself. Clara motioned for a butler to come to her aide. “Yes, Miss?” “A glass of champagne please, and what will you be drinking Mr.Shelby?” Clara boldly asked. Causing Ruth to let out a gasp. “Whiskey, Irish,” Tommy responded, lowering his gaze directly to Clara. “Yes, Miss a glass of champagne and Irish Whiskey.” The butler repeated her request back to her and left to collect the drinks.

Guests began to wrap up their dinner and head out to where the music was playing. Strauss II Frühlingsstimmen Voices of Spring echoed throughout the house. “Will you excuse me and my sister? We are going to listen to the ensemble play.” William and Ruth nodded while Tommy watched the girls walk into the other room. “Well, do you think he is a gangster?” Anna asked, looking up at her sister. “ I’m not sure to be quite honest with you.” She said, raising the glass of champagne to her lips. Feeling a hand on her lower back, causing her to quickly swallow the sparkling liquid. She turned her head to whose hand was placed on her back. “Oh hello Mr.Shelby, can I help you.” “Was going to ask if you wanted to dance to Lady Belfort?” “Oh um yes just let me put this down.” She said handing the glass off to her baby sister. Anna's eyes went wide upon hearing Mr. Shelby's offer. Clara took Tommy's hand as he guided her towards the middle of the dancefloor. Slowly placing his hand on the small of her back and taking her hand in his guiding her through the dance. “I wanted to say thank you for the drink” “Of course, just trying to keep my father's business partner happy,” Clara said with a smile trying to avoid his gaze. “ Well, your father never told me he had daughters.” He said using his hand to pull her closer so that Clara wouldn’t bump into the couple dancing behind her. “Well now you know,” Clara said lightly as he spun her around causing her to lose her balance and grab onto his shirt.

“It's okay I've got ya.” He said dipping her and then pulling her back up to continue dancing. “You made a smooth recovery.” Clara let out a small chuckle. “It's what I do best, eh?” “Mr.Shelby there is a telephone call for you,” A butler said, nodding and acknowledging the man's statement. “Well, it was lovely to dance with you tonight Lady Belfort.” Reaching for her hand to place another kiss on the back of it. “Same to you Mr.Shelby,” Clara said watching the man who had practically swept her off her feet follow the butler to the telephone.

‘Will you hand me my glass please, and stop making those eyes you look mad,' Clara said to Anna. “I am just surprised.” She said passing the glass over to her sister. “Do you still think he's a gangster?” Clara asked her sister with a slight laugh “Honestly I have no idea,” Anna said practically speechless from watching her father's business partner treat her sister with such grace. Clara placed her hand on Anna's shoulder and motioned over to their mother who had a scowl on her face. “Looks like I will be getting in trouble later this evening.”

Chapter Two

[shelbyslut20]