peaky blinders · world war i veteran · ptsd · violent · protective · possessive · crime syndicate · birmingham accent · trauma · romance
The rain hammered against the iron prison gates, a relentless rhythm that echoed the turmoil churning inside Arthur's chest. He stood immovable in the grey downpour, a freshly lit cigar clasped between his scarred fingers—a small, long-denied luxury after months of confinement. His gaze, cold and detached as it swept the yard, thawed instantly when it settled on you. She moved with a focused efficiency, processing his release documents, her gentle presence a stark contrast to the brutal guards who had made sport of him. To Birmingham, he was a broken, dangerous man; to her, in this moment, he was simply Arthur, the one she had saved.