· 7 min read
Threads of Desire - part 1
First day at Shelby Clothing.
Nervous?
Yes.
Excited?
Absolutely.
You step through the grand entrance of the company, taking in every detail of the magnificent lobby - from the towering marble columns to the intricate mosaic floors and ornate chandeliers that cast warm light across the room.
As you make your way towards the reception desk, you can’t help but notice the hushed whispers and furtive glances of other employees in your direction.
They know you’re new here, and they’re just as curious about you as you are about them.
You do your best to maintain a poised demeanor, keeping your composure despite the nerves that threaten to overwhelm you.
The receptionist greets you with a warm smile and guides you through the orientation process.
As she shares the company’s history and introduces key personnel, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at being a part of such an established and prestigious organization.
As your first day progresses, you begin to learn more about Shelby Clothing Company from your fellow employees - especially about its enigmatic owner, Tommy Shelby.
He’s spoken of in hushed tones, with a mix of reverence and fear.
His sharp business acumen is legendary, as is his ability to sniff out talent and potential within the company.
You work diligently throughout the day, proving your skills as a seamstress while trying not to let the rumors and gossip about Tommy distract you from your tasks at hand.
As you carefully stitch each garment with precision and care, you can’t help but hope that one day your talents might catch the eye of this mysterious figurehead.
As evening approaches and most employees have left for the day, you find yourself alone in the workshop - the only sound being the soft whir of sewing machines and the occasional rustle of fabric.
Determined to finish a particularly challenging piece before heading home, you hone your focus on the delicate stitches, allowing your skill with needle and thread to take center stage.
“You have a good hand, YN,” Tommy commends, watching you work.
You startle at the sound of his voice, not having noticed him enter the now-quiet workshop.
Your heart races as he approaches, taking in every detail of your craftsmanship with keen interest.
For what feels like an eternity, he watches silently - analyzing each stitch and examining the intricate details of your work.
You can feel his presence looming over you, the intensity of his gaze both exhilarating and unnerving.
Finally, he speaks again.
“Would you like to train under me, YN?” Tommy proposes, his piercing gaze not leaving yours.
Your heart nearly leaps out of your chest at this unexpected opportunity, the weight of his words hitting you with full force.
You struggle to find your voice, eventually managing a shaky, “Yes.”
A small smile tugs at the corners of Tommy’s mouth - an expression that seems almost foreign on him - as he nods in approval.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” he bids you goodnight, leaving you alone in the now-quiet workshop once more.
You stand there for a moment, allowing his words to sink in and realizing that your dream of working closely with Tommy Shelby is about to become a reality.
The anticipation of what tomorrow will bring leaves you breathless as you gather your belongings and head home.
“Tomorrow,” you whisper to the empty workshop, your heart pounding with anticipation.
You walk into the workshop, eager for another day of training under Tommy’s guidance.
You take a deep breath to calm your nerves; today is going to be intense.
As you spot Tommy waiting patiently at his desk, you feel that familiar flutter in your stomach as you remember his piercing gaze and the way he makes every word sound like it carries weight.
“Good morning, YN,” Tommy greets you, his voice smooth as silk yet carrying an undercurrent of power.
You nod in response, unable to find your words just yet.
“Are you ready for today’s lesson?” he asks with a hint of challenge in his tone.
You swallow hard and find the courage to speak.
“Yes, Tommy.” Your voice wavers slightly, betraying your nervous excitement.
Tommy gives you an approving nod before standing up and making his way over to you.
The anticipation builds as he draws closer, the electricity between you almost palpable.
“Today, we’re going to focus on intricate stitch patterns,” Tommy explains, handing you a delicate piece of fabric adorned with an elaborate design.
You can feel his warmth radiating off him as he leans in close to demonstrate the technique.
His breath tickles your ear, and it takes all your willpower not to shiver at his nearness.
As Tommy guides you through the process, his hand brushes against yours, sparking a jolt of excitement that shoots down your spine.
You try to maintain your focus on the task at hand, but it’s hard when all you can think about is how close he is – how strong and confident his touch feels.
“You’re doing well, YN,” Tommy praises you, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down your spine.
You feel a surge of pride at his words, but also an undeniable heat that threatens to consume you if you don’t get some distance between the two of you.
“Thank you, Tommy,” you respond, trying your best to sound professional despite the flutters in your stomach.
You both continue working on the piece in silence, but it’s far from peaceful as the tension between you grows with each passing second.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Tommy straightens up and takes a step back, giving you some much-needed space to breathe.
“Why don’t we take a break?” he suggests, his voice slightly hoarse.
You nod gratefully and follow him over to the small table tucked away in the corner of the workshop.
As Tommy pours two cups of coffee, you take a moment to collect your thoughts and try to calm your racing heart.
This attraction is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, and if things keep progressing like this, you’re not sure how much longer you can maintain your professionalism.
“Tell me about yourself, YN,” Tommy asks, his gaze intense as he takes a sip of coffee.
You hesitate for a moment before deciding to share some details about your life outside work – your friends, your hobbies, and the dreams you have for the future.
As you talk, Tommy listens intently, asking thoughtful questions that show genuine interest in your life beyond Shelby Clothing Company.
This unexpected vulnerability from him only serves to strengthen your growing bond, making it harder than ever to keep your feelings at bay.
Eventually, the break comes to an end, and you both return to work on the intricate stitch pattern.
However, with each passing moment, Tommy’s presence becomes more overwhelming, his nearness a constant reminder of the unspoken tension between you two.
The pull towards him is undeniable – an inexplicable desire to know more about this enigmatic man who has captured your heart and imagination.
As the day comes to a close, you pack up your things and prepare to leave the workshop.
Your mind races with thoughts of Tommy and the growing attraction between you.
This is going to be complicated, you realize as you step out into the cool night air.
The line between professionalism and romantic feelings has started to blur, and you’re not sure how long you can keep them separate.
“This is going to be complicated,” you whisper to yourself, your heart fluttering at the thought of Tommy.
As you make your way home, you find yourself unable to shake the feeling that there’s something truly special about this man – and an undeniable connection between the two of you.