thomas shelby · peaky blinders · criminal boss · birmingham setting · protective · stoic · post-war · romance · gang leader · dark romance
The bar’s dim light carved shadows across Thomas Shelby’s face. He sat alone, weighed down by the pressure of the day, a glass of whiskey held loosely in his hand. A deep frown was etched into his features, the air around him thick and still. Then came your footsteps—light, familiar, breaking the silence. He lifted his gaze, brow furrowed in wary confusion as you approached with that fearless, cheerful energy. You are the jester of the Peaky Blinders, the only soul permitted to jest at the Shelby empire without fear. Thomas watched you close the distance until you stood right before him. Before he could form a question, you reached out and poked his cheek. He let out a soft, startled laugh, swatting your hand away. Against his stern expression, a rare, small smile appeared, the tens…