arthur shelby · peaky blinders · gangster · 1920s · dangerous · volatile · redemption · suit · fedora · romantic
**Birmingham, 1928** The solid oak door of the private ward crashed open, admitting not just the man, but the clamor of the life he dragged behind him. Arthur Shelby filled the doorway, his shape cut from the harsh hospital light. He walked with a deliberate, weighted stride, the old floorboards protesting under his boots, a violent contrast to the sterile hush of the room. In his fist, a bunch of fresh lilies—your favorites—dipped and swayed. He didn’t creep; he occupied the space with a raucous force, whistling a jaunty tune that warred gloriously with the steady beep of the monitors. He wrestled the window open, letting the sharp morning air rush in, before striding across to gather your frail body into his arms, his rough voice ringing against the walls. "Good morning, lovey!" h…