Sullivan looked at her mirror reflection, her red lips matching the red dress she was wearing. Her blonde locks were perfectly tied up in a mid-ponytail. As she was readjusting her lipstick, she heard a knock on the door. She exited the bathroom and walked down the stairs carefully, trying not to fall in the staircase.

Her heels clicked on the floor as she grabbed a purse on the couch and her coat before she opened the front door to face Thomas, his eyes falling on her. Sully turned around to lock her door as Tommy cleared his throat.

"I like your dress," he said softly. The woman put her keys in her purse and scoffed, turning on her heels.

"I do hope so, I had to sell my soul to the devil to buy it," she joked, earning herself an eye roll from Thomas. They got in the car, Sully with Tommy's help, and when they settled, she looked around the vehicle.

"So it's the both of us," she stated, her eyes traveling to Tommy's face, whom of which was looking at her too. He nodded and started the engine, driving silently until they left Small Heath. He then turned to look at her as her eyes were landing on the surroundings, watching the life around her, the men and women and kids running, walking, and speaking loudly. She smiled when a girl fell in her boyfriend's embrace, his arms wide open for her to come in.

"I love watching the life around me," she said, gazing at Tommy. "People are interesting when they think nobody's watching them."

"So are you," he answered. The blonde blushed and smacked his arm. She turned away again, her hands crossed on her laps. She hummed slightly, as she took sight of everything around her.

"We're not in this together," she sighed. "The boys are coming too, right? Just not in the same car." Tommy sighed too, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. Sullivan rolled her eyes, a faint laugh leaving her throat.

"What's funny?" Tommy asked, his eyes looking away from the road quickly to look at her.

"It's just how I know you," she said. "It's funny to state." She turned to the surroundings again. As she was looking away, Tommy turned his gaze on her body. She was so beautiful, but it was like she didn't even know it. However, everybody knew how pretty she was. He was so lucky she had decided to love him, and God knows how much he loved her back. He was so frustrated with not telling her, he wanted so bad to scream it at her face and in everyone's, but he couldn't. He wanted to erase every doubt she had about that love, but he couldn't. She was so important in his life, and she hadn't any idea of how much he wanted her to stay.

"It makes me think of good old times," he said, as he promised himself to tell her his feelings in the next days. She turned her face to him, a smile already on her lips.

"When we were riding horses, yeah, kind of," she answered. "Favorite memories of mine." She nodded as he looked away with a slight smile. She kept staring for a second. Yes, fucking Shelby boy still owned her heart.

The car stopped in front of a big mansion, and Sullivan had to admit it was a beautiful place. After Tommy had helped her out of the car and she had her feet on the ground, she adjusted her dress on her shoulders and slid her hand on Tommy's forearm. He looked down at her as she opened her mouth in disbelief. 

"That's so beautiful," she whispered, making Tommy laugh slightly. 

"I know," he answered. Before she could reply, she was led to another entrance of the mansion. She frowned and looked up to Tommy, whom of which responded to her silent question. "We're entering from the back door." The girl laughed, earning herself a glance from Tommy, whom of which was holding her the door open. 

"Troubles are everywhere, my Tommy," she hummed, walking into a corridor, where some people were rushing too. 

"My Tommy, eh?" he said, as the blonde just blushed slightly.

"Oh, sorry, Mr.Shelby," she mocked, an eyebrow rose as the man only rolled his eyes, guiding her in the corridors. Women exiting from private rooms with men around them, beautiful dresses tied up around their bodies, their hair perfectly made. She ran her hand in her freshly down blonde curls, enjoying that they didn't get messy. 

"So, who am I going to be today?" the blonde asked, lifted to Tommy. He glanced at her over his shoulder, a smirk on his face.

"Smart girl," he said. "Lady Sarah Duggan of Connemara," he answered before carried on after motioning her to walk straight in the corridor. He opened his mouth to speak again when a door opened right in front of them, almost hitting Sully's body. Fortunately, he caught the door before it could hurt her, and she bumped into him a little. "Excuse us," he said to the persons exiting the room as he walked past them, grabbing Sully's hand to follow his lead. "You got lost when you went to look for the boy riding your horse, Dandy Flower. If they ask about me, say I'm Prussian and don't speak a word of English." The woman scoffed. 

"Tommy, as smart as you probably are," she began, his eyes glaring at her, "you're fucking bad at improvising." Thomas rolled his eyes at her, mumbling some words as they arrived around the security. At this point, they slowed down as the blonde walked graciously next to her friend, a bright smile on her face. She made everything she could to remember every lesson her mother had given her about how to be a classy girl. 

She lied, and it seemed natural in her mouth to tell them. She didn't look at Tommy while she was doing so, and of course, she didn't mentioned the Dandy Flower thing. 

After all the lie thing, they stood on a balcony. She had to tell how amazed she was, and she knew it was well hidden on her face, but her eyes were shining again. She turned to Tommy, whom of which was smoking next to her. She turned her gaze away, her eyes scanning the enormous chandelier that was overhang a dance floor. Rich people were spinning around, all of them seeming to live the best moment of their lives. 

"I still prefer the Garrison," Tommy said, making the girl giggle. He turned to look at her, and she winked. 

"Seeing so much beauty in a palace makes me almost forgive you for using me for your business tonight," she answered, making Tommy's eyes darkened. She ignored it, turning her gaze away once more, sighing to herself. She was watching across the room to find the King's table when Thomas cleared his throat, making her jump a little and snapped her head in his direction. 

"Do you want to dance?" he asked, his right hand in his pocket. She laughed, her manicured hand running through her hair nervously. 

"Not if I'm asking like this," she answered, making Tommy roll his eyes. 

"Lady Sarah Duggan, will you dance with me?" The blonde rolled her eyes, sliding her hand in Tommy's. He led her in the stairs, and when they stepped on the dance floor, her eyes were caught by too many things around her. People waltzing around the room just like she was doing with Thomas, the love of her life. People were looking their way as they moved across the dance floor graciously, Tom looking over her head towards a grey door in the back of the room.

Of course, he couldn't have invited her only for her. 

However, Sully didn't say anything. She let him lead her somewhere in the back of the room until he let go of her hands gently. She turned around, facing a metallic door which opened loudly on Arthur's injured face. Blood was dripping from his nose, his hands holding a big bag of what she assumed was money. 

"Do you like this place?" Arthur asked with a raised eyebrow, outstretching the money towards Thomas. 

"Never got used to beauty," she answered with a wink. "What happened to you pal?" 

"Nothing," he answered, but as she crossed her arms over her chest, he decided to tell her the truth. "We beat some asses, is all. We chased the Lees across the track, right the way down the Devon Road. We got every penny back." 

"Buy the boys a drink," Thomas ordered, nodding to his brother. "Anyone hurt?"

"A few cuts and bruises," Arthur replied, wiping blood drops from his nose. "And I'm about to turn blind with this woman in front of me." 

"Oh fuck off," Sullivan responded, rolling her eyes at the man. "I'm a bloody lady tonight, you better shut your mouth." 

"Interesting," Arthur commented with a wink, turning his head on his left where another Peaky boy was probably waiting for instruction. 

"Yeah alright, you two," Tommy cut off, his hand reaching down for the blonde's one, "Off we go, Lady Sarah." 

"Fuck, I already hate you," she cursed, and Arthur only scoffed behind her, waving her away with the back of his hand. Behind her, she heard the door closing, noise echoing in her ears. She sighed, following Thomas's steps. 

"I'm not approaching this douche bag," she stated firmly, letting go of Tommy's hand, whom of which turned around, his eyes looking down at hers. 

"What do you mean?" he asked, raising a dark eyebrow at her. 

"I just told you, are you even listening?" she accused, her voice kept low so she wouldn't let people overhear their conversation. "I'm not going anywhere near him, you're giving him his money and we're out. Unless it wasn't what you thought about. And if it's not, you'd better tell me right now." 

"You don't have to," he assured, his fingers ghosting her cheek. "Just stay where I can see you, alright?" Sully nodded, walking towards a sort of bar that had been established in the middle of the room. She leaned against it, watching the crowd of people around her, a cigarette stuck between her fingers.

"These two ones didn't love each other for years, that's for sure," a light voice spoke behind her, and she startled, turning around to watch the person speaking with her. A woman, dressed in a pretty navy blue dress, was standing behind her, her red hair falling in beautiful curls on her shoulders. The woman outstretched her pale hand, proposing the blonde a match to light the cigarette that was still in her hand. 

"I think you're right," Sullivan giggled, thanking her when she had lighted her cigarette. "I like your dress," she complimented, facing the woman. 

"Speak for yourself! Red suits you," Sullivan blushed slightly, brushing a blonde curl away from her face. 

"Thank you," she responded with a bright smile. "I'm Sullivan," she then introduced. 

"Lana," the redhead replied. She lifted her eyes towards the crowd, analyzing every face. "I'm trying so hard to find who you came with, but I can't guess it, it's quite hard." 

"Tell me your suppositions," the blonde proposed with a grin on her face, her eyes scanning Lana's. 

"This man," Lana said while directing her eyes to someone behind her, and Sully just shook her head. "You didn't even watch who it was!" Lana exclaimed while Sullivan took the last drag of her cigarette. 

"Because I know he's not this way," the blonde said with a laugh, meeting Thomas's ocean eyes in front of her. 

"I knew it," Lana sighed as she followed Sully's gaze. "You seem to be pretty lucky with this one," she added with a raised eyebrow. 

Sully let her eyes focus on Tommy a second again before she was turning away, forcing a laugh through her throat. "You say it because you don't know him, believe me, but what about you?" 

"I'd say this is pretty the same," Lana answered, her eyes saddened as she waved towards her husband, speaking with a group of men behind the bar. "He's always busy with his annoying business, speaking to these men about things I don't even have the right to know. It's pissing me off every time."

"I understand," Sully spoke empathetically, her hands reaching for the woman's shoulder. "We're all getting annoyed with business, and believe me, you're not missing anything but troubles."

"Lana!" a man's voice called from behind, causing the redhead to sigh loudly. 

"I guess I have to leave you here," the woman spoke. "It was very nice to meet you," she added, excusing herself quietly before leaving. 

Sullivan didn't even stay alone for two seconds that Kimber was already attacking her, his tall form moving towards her with a smirk on his face. "Thomas over here told me I could have a dance with you," he spoke, outstretching his hand for her to grab it. Which she did, keeping her disgust inside of her. 

"Of course," she answered, pursing her lips when she caught Tommy's stare on her. Of course, he had to put her into it. He had to drag her into his business. She didn't lie when she told Lana about what happen when you're involved in someone's business. You become a part of this business. 

Kimber wasn't a bad dancer. But he was trying too hard to get on her good sides, and she didn't like it. Because if he had to try that hard, that was because something had been promised. And if Tommy's puppy eyes were something to go by, she was the prize. She hated Kimber's stare on her face each time he was looking down, the strange manner he had to put her close to him at every step. 

Sullivan hated him with all her heart when it stopped. She excused herself while walking back to the bar, trying her best to hide her feelings when Thomas joined her side. 

"I -" 

"Don't talk to me, will you?" she demanded, raising a blond eyebrow. "I fucking can't believe that you sold me to that fucking I don't know what." 

Thomas sighed as a waiter walked their way, offering them glasses with some alcohol inside, which she grabbed without even thinking of it. "I haven't sold you."

"Oh yeah? So tell me," she required, swallowing a mouthful of champagne, "what did I found myself dancing with him while I asked you very clearly not to make me meet him? At least you could've told me when I asked what you wanted me to do," she added. 

"You want to know, then alright," he spoke, his voice lowered when he addressed to her. "We'll go for dinner, to Kimber's house, and you'll go first, with him."

Sullivan snorted, leaving her now empty glass on the bar. "I'll be alone with the exact man I asked you not to let come near me, and you're selling me like a prostitute. What a glorious business, Thomas. Your father would be proud of you." Hurt flashed in his ocean eyes while she spat her hatred out loud. "I'm sorry, did I just hurt you? Maybe it wasn't a part of the contract." 

"You know I'll never let something happen to you," he disagreed, approaching his face to her. "I'll be there before anything happens, okay?" 

"Yeah, you said I wouldn't have to do anything I didn't want too," she whispered, wiping a tear that had escaped her eye. "Bet you're not good with promises. Mr.Shelby," she excused herself as she turned on her high heels, Kimber following her quick after. 

He opened the doors for her, but she wasn't paying attention. All she was looking at was the car in front of her, stationed to pick them up. It didn't matter that he opened the door for her, help her out when they parked or opened his mansion's double doors for her again when they came to it. She was preparing herself to be his prey, all because of Thomas. 

"You have a really beautiful house, Mr.Kimber," she complimented as he guided her towards another room. 

"I always wished I could bring a beautiful woman to my beautiful house," he affirmed, and she frowned because she could recall him having a wife or something. Maybe she was a prostitute. 

What the hell are you thinking? You're the bloody prostitute now. 

"I thought you had, didn't you?" she asked rhetorically when they stepped into another room. This time, he closed the door. Fuck. 

"Looks like jackpot to me, seeing you here," he whispered while approaching her. "You are so pretty." She didn't know what to say, so she didn't say anything. Instead, she leaned against a pool table, crossing her arms over her chest. 

"Do you have a match?" she then demanded, exiting a cigarette from her handbag. Kimber nodded, exiting one from a little box in his blazer. Approaching her to light it up on the corner of her lips, he put his hands at both sides of her when he had lighted it, looking down at her. 

She was feeling uncomfortable. She was feeling it coming. Damn, it had been quicker than she thought it would take. Once she was done smocking, she just let her roach somewhere, trying to have more space, but he had blocked her. 

"That man's lucky," Kimber whispered in her ear, playing with her curls. "Maybe I can be lucky one time too." 

"I don't think -"

"Yeah, exactly, don't think," he ordered as he pushed her against the table, her back hitting it harshly. She groaned in pain while he pressed his hips between her kicking legs, but it was too late. Maybe it would've been different if she had let go of Thomas. She was too stubborn, and that was what was earning. 

The very time Kimber was about to have what he was craving for, the door opened loudly. Sully straightened up, jumping from the table as she covered her legs again, bottom lip trembling. She didn't know how to think, and she seemed to have even forgot how to move when Thomas called her name. She didn't look around her when she exited the room, nor when she made it into Thomas's car. 

In fact, she didn't speak a word for the rest of the night, looking everywhere but him. He tried to speak, but facing his lack of answer he stopped. Somehow, it was worse than having her yelling at him. 

He wished she was yelling at him because she would at least try to defend herself in front of him, tell him how much more she valued. 

And she wasn't. 

-----

alright, this is the longest chapter I ever write for Sully. it was hard because I wanted to write her like a strong woman that would tell him she didn't deserve that, but I then realized that it's a traumatizing experience that changes people. so I changed my mind, and just hurt myself writing it

let me know what you think down below!