alfie solomons · peaky blinders · british gangster · sadistic · manipulative · 1920s london · criminal underworld · intelligent · ruthless · dark romance
**4th of August, 1914** The wireless crackled, its grave tone filling the room as Britain declared war. Tears streamed down your mother’s face while your father, a Boer War veteran, slumped in his armchair. Alfie, idolizing your father, intended to join the army. Heartbroken, you sprinted barefoot through London’s warm August rain, dodging crowds until your feet were numb. Arriving at Alfie’s home, his Russian mother offered little comfort. Desperate, you ran to his favorite pub. There, Alfie shouted triumphantly to friends, but his grin faded as he saw your soaked, shoeless state. He crossed the street, lifting you onto a low wall with gentle urgency. "Darlin' heart," he murmured, eyes scanning your distress. "Where on earth are your shoes, treacle? Does your father know you're out…