London, England
1921

A girl is on a train.

Caterina
_________

Many days have passed since I've last seen the sun, let alone felt its rays upon my skin. Of course it was a gloomy, rainy afternoon in England as I sat, intently absorbing the lush landscapes as they passed by my window outside. We were nearing the end of a two-hour train ride from Birmingham into London, which has been surprisingly pleasant to say the least. In my carry on, I have nothing but paint supplies and a few changes of clothes- an awful mix on my part. The entire ride I kept my bag tucked neatly under my seat, using my feet as a clamp on either side to keep from spilling the contents inside.

I was traveling to London strictly on business, for there was a client who'd offered a handsome amount of money for a simple portrait- which I eagerly accepted of course. The only money I had ever allowed from my father back home in America was in the form of a small cottage just outside the city of Small Heath, Birmingham, where I have called home for the past year. In every letter I've exchanged with Fran, I've made it perfectly clear that I was well off on my own accounts, without any need of assistance. Neither from Father nor that Alfie Solomon of his.

I shuddered at the thought of how exactly gangsters got a hold of their money, and found myself glad to have left that life behind.

As the train came to a steady stop at the station, I noticed the windows had frosted over from the cold air outside. The thought alone of that vicious wind nipping at my nose was enough to make me shudder in my seat. Besides my family and friends, I think I missed the Chicago sun most of all.

With a heavy sigh, I reach under my seat and carefully slip my bag around my shoulder, weary of disturbing the paints inside. There was no need for reminiscing the past, especially not when I had a job to do. I have to keep a clear mind if I'm going to spend all of it painting after all.

And with that, I shuffled into step with the other passengers and exited the train.

⚜️

As I imagined, the streets of London were full and musty without a tree in sight. The air was even worse, and the second I stepped out of the taxi I took from the station, my nose grew an awful shade of deep pink.

Not wanting to stay out in the cold any longer, I reached into my coat pocket to recite the name and place of my portrait painting this afternoon. It read: Darby Sabini at The Eden Club. Noon.

Which was exactly what I read back to the driver, who in turn left me standing in front of a very impressive looking building. No doubts clouded my mind that this was the right place.

The large double doors of the club had two very sharp looking men standing tall on either side. I approached them politely and showed them my card with the information on it. They both inspected it of course, but once it was settled they merely nodded gracefully at me and held open the doors, pushing a much needed warm gust of air in my direction. I didn't hesitate to scurry inside.

If the outside was impressive, the inside surely was something. It truly felt like something straight out of a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The rich, blue tapestries adorned the hallway, with exotic plants lined up on either side. The white and pink marble floors echoed under my heels as I ventured further, and further into this place with no end.

I started to remove my hat and scarf, when a deep, musical voice startled me from behind.

"You must be Caterina," the man purred, his hands clasped behind his back.

The gentleman was wearing a suit and had neatly parted jet black hair and mustache. A butler of sorts, no doubt.

I straightened a bit and nodded. My eyes scanning over the room for the man I was to paint.

"Come now dear, this way. Mr. Sabini is in the lounge." He motioned for me to follow and I didn't hesitate to fall into step with him.

The butler led me past many rooms until we came upon an open archway. And in it, sat the most hideous man I ever laid eyes on.

Mr. Sabini was engrossed in the paper when we stood on the threshold, waiting. The butler cleared his throat and Sabini's head shot up immediately, scanning over him until his beady black eyes landed on me. I swallowed.

"Caterina," Sabini said, standing onto his feet. "I hope your trip to London has been good?"

I forced a smile as we approached each other.

"It's been wonderful." I assured him.

Sabini pecked me on either sides of my cheeks and I couldn't help but notice the twinkle in his eyes as he said, "you're an American?"

I fought down the uneasy feeling in my gut and nodded. I didn't like that way his gaze lingered on me, like I was some sort of prized mare.

"What brings you so far from home?"

He cocked his head like a predator seizing up prey, waiting carefully for my response.

I managed a shrug and said, "the art movement here in England has peaked my interest. So naturally I had to come and see it for myself."

Every word was eaten up slowly by the man in front of me, but he seemed content enough at my answer and clasped his hands together.

A wicked smile grew onto his lips. "Shall we begin?"

I tried not to sound too eager as I said, "Yes, please." And followed him into his study.

It didn't take long for me to set up my easel and canvas, along with the paints and brushes. Which were preached neatly on a stool the butler so graciously set for me. I peered over at Sabini as he tried to find the right pose, and bit back my laughter.

"May I?" I asked, motioning for me to touch him.

His cheeks flared but he only nodded, keeping his eyes set on my movements. Fair enough.

I wiped my hands on my apron before I even dared to touch his expensive suit. Luckily my hands remained steady as I moved one of his hands into the vest pocket, and the other grasping his coat.

"Remember," I said, backing away, "keep steady and your head high."

He smiled deviously.

"Always."

⚜️

Six hours.

Six long, unwavering, hours I spent carefully painting Sabini into my greatest work of art yet. Although no matter how good I was, he still resembled a rat in my eyes.

I was nervous to let him see the portrait at first, but when he cried out in joy my hands stopped trembling. Finally my work here was done. I quietly gathered my supplies together and wiped away at the paint I no doubtlessly had smeared around my face. I needed a bath, now.

"Magnifico, Caterina. Absolutely magnificent." Sabini grinned at me.

I tried not to seem like I knew Italian just as well as he, and only offered a small smile in response.

"I'm glad you like it, Mr. Sabini."

He gave me an incredulous look.

"Please," he said, "a woman like you should call me Darby." Sabini bowed graciously.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and nodded. "Well alright Darby, it was nice meeting you but I'm afraid I must be on my way."

I tried to ignore the way his name sounded coming out from my mouth and started walking towards the double doors I first entered. With Sabini hot on my heels.

We reached the now open doors when Sabini grabbed a hold of my elbow, spinning me around to face him.

"Caterina, I forgot to invite you to my club tonight. I'm afraid you don't know London until you've seen it once the sun sets." He pressed, letting go of my arm.

I held tightly onto my bag as I scanned his face once more. It would be rude to reject his invitation all together after all...

"Fine." I said, "will you be attending?"

He shook his head, "no I'm afraid not. I have prior business to attend to this evening."

Oh good, but I only nodded.

"We'll just have to meet up again some other time." Sabini winked.

I swallowed down the bile that rose in me throat but managed to force a tight smile.

"Absolutely." Not.

Sabini kissed my cheek in goodbye and I practically ran out of the Eden Club before he had the chance to stop me again.

Once the doors slammed shut behind me I let out a breath I hadn't realized I've been holding. It's been a long day, and as I stood alone in the rushing sidewalk, I knew exactly the kind of distraction I needed right now. After all, he did live in London.

⚜️

My knuckles ardently rapped against the wooden door of the house I now stood before. The sun was slowly setting over the skyline behind me, illuminating the houses into a vibrant orange. I took a few steps back once I heard shouting from the inside and the locks fumbling on the door before it hastily swung open.

"For fucks sake, Ollie!" A deep, angry voice bellowed into the street.

I bit back my laughter as the broad shouldered man stepped out into the light, revealing a short, well-trimmed beard and hard eyes the color of sapphire. He was about to shout out more profanities, only his eyes finally settled on me below the steps. His full lips parted in surprise.

"I'm afraid I'm not Ollie." I smiled up at him, "hello Alfred."

Alfie stumbled a bit with his words before managing an apology.

"Caterina, I- I wasn't expecting you, love. My apologies."

My smile grew sweetly as I ascended the steps to where Alfie stood wedged between the door. I paused only when our bodies brushed. Alfie swallowed thickly as he watched my every move.

"Oh you'll make it up to me, don't worry Alfie. Now are you going to let me in, or are we going to spend all night outside gapping at each other?"

He immediately swung the door open wider and motioned for me to come in. "Sorry about that." Alfie muttered, bringing a strong hand behind his neck.

I stood in his entry way, slowly peeling away my scarf and coat, fully aware of his burning gaze on mine. My eyes scanned the familiar house I'd grown to secretly love over the past year, and hid my smile at the realization of the house being empty except for the two of us.

"You got paint all over you. Why?" He asked, taking my coat from my hands without question.

I sighed, rolling my neck in exhaustion. "It's a long story," I said, "one that I'll explain later."

Alfie nodded slowly in understanding. His days were always long and hard, too.

"I'll get a bath started for you, then." He mumbled, and climbed up the stairs without waiting for my response.

I tried to call out after him, but the sound of rushing water already filled the upstairs. Silently I shook my head and made my way into the kitchen by the door. I'd grown rather fond of its simplicity, as well as its resident. The kitchen was adorned with pale brown cabinets and frilly cream colored curtains that I purchased a few months ago to add some color.

I eventually settled into one of the wooden chairs around the table and poured myself a cup of tea that'd been sitting in the center of it. The aroma itself was enough to ease my muscles as I sat in silence, sipping my tea.

My mind wandered across the sea to my family, whom I lied to in regards of my initial 'relationship' with Alfie Solomons. Of course I couldn't tell my father the truth about us, or else he would have ordered a death warrant on the man he once considered a friend for sleeping with his only daughter. But ever since that first night I landed in England from my voyage, I was so lost I didn't know where else to go. So I found myself here that night, drenched with rain and tears and Alfie was so nice, so kind.

By the second glass of bourbon Alfie already had me on top of this very table. I'm actually surprised we didn't shake the hinges off it that night. I bit my lip at the thought, but I knew I would forever be grateful to him for it. Alfie was the only one to ever really listen to me and care for me once I arrived. I remember he propped himself on an elbow and listened to me whisper my worries and fears that first night in his bed until sleep took me under.

At first Alfie was my distraction for many nights after that, but we eventually formed an unintentional friendship that was unique to only us. After our tangles of skin on skin, Alfie would open up to me about his troubles with his 'bakery' and London. And much like him, I too would listen until his breathing steadied and sleep swept him under. I would sometimes trace the lines of his face while he slept, imagining how I would paint such a man. Alfie always looked so much younger when he was asleep.

The sounds of footsteps descending the stairs ripped me from my memories as I saw Alfie lean against the kitchen doorway with his thick arms crossed.

His eyes were hooded as I scanned over him, admiring the sheer strength of him beneath his shirt. Alfie had always been a strong man, handsome and tough. Maybe one day I'd be ready for him and this life, but right now I just couldn't shake the craving of his strong arms around me, his broad chest over mine.

I beckoned him to come closer with a swift curl of my finger. He obeyed.

Alfie knelt between my legs and placed his large hands over my thighs, tracing them up and down. He looked up at me with a look of pure male hunger on his beautiful face and I felt the heat grow between my legs.

"The bath is ready when you are, love." He whispered, snaking a hand higher underneath my dress. I hitched a breath and he smirked.

I mirrored his expression, "care to join me, Alfred?"

His grin grew dark, and without another word he hoisted me into him, crossing my ankles behind his waist. The motion was so quick I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my lips as he took us out of the room and up the stairs.

His teeth grazed my neck the entire way towards the bathroom, until we were standing in the middle of it. Inches from the steaming tub.

He wasted no time in tearing at my dress, pulling it over my head and chucking it somewhere else in the room. He hissed a breath the moment his eyes glazed over my undergarments.

With quick fingers he unclasped my bra and flung it away as his lips traced from my jawline down to my breasts. A low moan vibrated from my mouth as he did so. Alfie chuckled softly as he continued his slow burn down my chest and I couldn't take it any longer. My fingers gripped the hem of his shirt and forcefully threw it away before grasping around his belt. This I took my time with, slowly unbuttoning his pants until he growled in my ear. I smirked.

In a swift motion I pulled down his trousers and my mouth grew dry at the proud sight of him. Alfie kicked away his clothing and hoisted us down into the warm water, my breath catching as the water soothed my strained muscles.

His lips met mine in a fierce kiss as I wrapped myself around him, running a hand through his hair. With a single buck of my hips against his, Alfie pushed into me slow and steady, easing a few more sighs from my lips. He moaned softly in my ear, the vibration sending shivers down my spine. Days could've passed and I wouldn't have noticed.

We spent an entire hour in the water, slowly making love and washing ourselves until Alfie's patience grew thin and the water begin splashing violently against the rim. Spilling everywhere.

My release came shortly after he quickened his pace and I didn't care if I woke up the neighbors screaming and moaning Alfie's name. Any tension from earlier today was wiped from my mind as I nipped at his bottom lip, tugging it between my lips. His eyes met mine and I watched as his face eased and relaxed as he finished inside me, whispering my name against my mouth.

We let a few minutes pass as we laid there, listening to each others ragged breaths ease altogether. Alfie gently unwrapped himself around me and sat with his knees bent against the opposite side of the tub. I frowned, but he gently coddled me into his chest from behind.

I gladly rested my head where his shoulder met his neck and let him scrub me down with a small rag. Alfie's lips continued to trace my neck while he did so.

"I have to get ready Alfie, you know this." I warned quietly.

His deep chuckle vibrated against my body as he said into the shell of my ear, "ten more minutes?"

Oh I was well acquainted with Alfie's 'ten' minutes. I shook my head.

"No."

I felt him sigh against me and reach behind us towards the rack of towels. As much as I longed to stay, I really wanted to see London's night life. To see if it compared to Chicago's.

I neatly wrapped the towel around my torso and stepped out one leg at a time, ignoring the pouting look on Alfie's face as I padded into the bedroom across the hall.

He had already laid out the silky emerald dress I'd brought in my bag on the bed. I ran a finger over its smooth texture before lifting it into my arms. It was one of the few dresses I'd brought from home.

I let the towel drop in a ring around my feet as I carefully stepped into the dress's fine material. It clung nicely onto my boyish frame, giving me curves I've never thought I had. The back hung low and left me almost bare as the straps snaked up to an equally plunging v-line in the front.

The slight train of the dress dragged across the floor as I rummaged through my bag for the necklace that was once my mother's. My heart raced in a panic as I frantically searched every inch of that bag for it, but to no avail. Did I drop it somewhere?

"Looking for this, are you?"

I spun on my heel to see Alfie leaning against the doorframe with the towel still hung loosely around his hips, and a dainty necklace in hand. I tried to keep my attention away from the muscular lines that formed down his torso as I stomped over to him. I slapped his bicep angrily.

"You almost gave me a heart attack." I hissed, despite his bellowing laughter.

Alfie only shrugged an apology and motioned for me to spin around so that he could clasp it from behind. Reluctantly I accepted, and gathered my hair in one hand as the necklace fell deep between my breasts. My fingers reached around the pendant, which was an elegant oval shaped diamond encrusted in silver. It was given to me the day after she died.

I hadn't realized I was crying until Alfie was standing before me, face in hand, running his thumbs underneath my eyes to catch any streaming tears.

"Alright now," he cooed, "don't cry Caterina you look lovely."

I sniffled, and wearily met his stern gaze. Allowing him to plant light kisses along my cheeks.

"Wouldn't want to ruin your makeup, now would we?" Alfie murmured into my mouth as he planted one last kiss before stepping back.

"Now, where is this club you're going to tonight?" He asked.

I lightly patted underneath my eyes to smooth away any fallen mascara before I answered, "The Eden Club, Mr. Sabini invited me after I painted his portrait earlier today."

The room went eerie quiet as I noticed Alfie's demeanor stiffen into deadly calm.

"You're going to my rival's own club? You painted him?" He seethed, taking one large step to tower over me.

I kept my chin leveled and didn't cower, "So what? He doesn't know we're involved, and it's not like it was a nude painting Alfred. He paid me for it that's all. He won't even be there tonight anyway."

He balled his fists to keep from lashing out, his eyes flaring in silent rage. "That's not the point."

"Then what is it, then?" I challenged, taking a step closer.

But Alfie stepped away, interlocking his fingers on top of his head. He didn't look in my direction as his voice was barely above a whisper, "I don't know if I could handle something happening to you in there. He's my enemy Caterina, you don't understand. If that Italian prick knows what you are to me- I can't even imagine what he'd do." He breathed, "I'd go mad."

His words swept the floor right under my feet. I pressed my lips into a hard line to keep from gaping. I crossed the floor to him and carefully pressed my cheek against his strong back, my arms wrapping around his shoulders.

"What am I exactly, to you Alfie?" I whispered.

Alfie snorted, "does it matter? You're going to go tonight anyway, I know you too well."

I stumbled a bit when he stepped out from my embrace, his back still facing me. I clamped down on my lip to keep from whimpering like a lost puppy. I knew this would hurt him. I've always known Alfie cared for me far deeper than I'd let myself care for him, and it's bothered him ever since. If only he'd admit it maybe I'd know for sure. But I doubt he ever would, Alfie had always been too proud. All gangsters were.

"Fine," I snapped, grabbing a hold of my purse from the bed. "I'll go."

I didn't bother to look back as I stomped out of the room and down the stairs, not even when I heard him turn after me. I slammed the door and didn't look back.

⚜️

"So we meet again," I said as greeting to the two men guarding the Eden Club.

They both smiled at me and silently stepped aside for me to enter. On my way in, I thought I heard one of them say, "enjoy" but the blaring sound of jazz music drowned any other possible sound.

The once empty halls were now filled with men and women. Some dancing and drinking, while others had each other's hands in their pants. Not an ounce of shame shown on their features.

I kept my eyes in front of me, ignoring the promiscuous lovers as I passed. Already I could see the main room full of people laughing and having a good time, that a part of me wondered how bad Sabini really was. Clearly not that bad, right?

I shook my head, pushing back any thoughts of Alfie and his gang rivalries. I left that life behind me for a reason.

A butler- not the one from earlier, sadly- approached me with a glass of champagne, which I eagerly accepted. There was no way I'd make it through the night sober.

I crossed the room towards the bar, knowing that I'd get plenty of free drinks that way. After all, I had no one to sit with at the tables, nor did I plan to.

For a while I sat there, taking in the free drinks one after the other, swaying mindlessly to the music. It didn't take long for the affects to hit me, making me stumble over my dress as I slid off from the high stool. I would've fallen too, if it weren't for a strong pair of arms that caught me.

"You're alright, miss." A flat, masculine voice barked over the music.

Gingerly I got to my feet, my eyes finally settling with those of the stranger's.

My stomach dropped, at the sight of those cold, icy blue eyes I once saw long ago. It took every ounce of my will to keep from hurling my drinks onto his shiny leather shoes.

The man must've sensed my fear for he casually dropped his hand from my arm, and took the drink from my hand. I stared wide eyed as he downed the amber liquid in one gulp.

"You clearly have had enough to drink for one night." He explained, setting the crystal down onto the bar.

I frowned as he leaned against the fine wood, oblivious to the stares of the other men who've been pinning after me all night.

"What do you want?" I blurted, sounding a bit too harsh than I intended.

The man only chuckled as he traced a finger along the rim of the glass.

"Conversation," he said finally. Those horrid blue eyes meeting mine once again.

I ignored my initial reaction to sneer and crossed my arms in defiance. I wasn't going to spill my guts to a totally stranger. Even if he stopped me from falling on my face in front of a room full of people.

"Name first, conversation later," I said.

His blue eyes danced and held out his hand for me to grasp. I stared him down for a few moments before reluctantly slapping my palm against his.

He chuckled softly and said, "Thomas Shelby, at your service."

Thomas raised my hand and pressed a swift kiss on top, his eyes testing.

"Caterina Price," I lied, sliding my hand free from his own. I didn't care how good looking this Thomas Shelby was, my identity remained my own.

A lazy smile grew on Thomas's lips, as he gestured to a table. I turned to see two more men sitting and drinking. They looked an awful lot like Thomas.

"Is conversation okay over there?" He asked.

I scanned over his face one more, the alcohol swaying my judgment.

I smirked back, "yes."

_________
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[side note: I know it took me a while but here you go hopefully it's not too long but I tried to fit it all in one. I know it's supposed to be a Thomas and Michael love story but I couldn't resist adding Alfie!! He's so cute pls don't hate me, but I'm still going in my original direction! Adios!]
[P.S. the dress I have in mind for this chapter is the same one Kiera knightly wears in atonement!]