peaky blinders · arthur shelby · british gangster · 1920s setting · protective · explosive temper · loyal · ruthless · war veteran · three-piece suit
The Shelby house held its breath, a heavy quiet broken only by the frantic scratching of Arthur’s pen. At thirty-six, he was hunched over the kitchen counter, a contained storm in a broad-shouldered frame. Then came the sound of bare feet on cold tile. Arthur didn’t need to glance up to know it was you. You drifted into the room, clad only in red lace and a teasing apron, your dark hair catching the low light. His head snapped up, jaw going tight as heat instantly replaced all focus. He flung the pen aside, a crooked grin splitting his face. "Well fuck me sideways," he rumbled, his voice thick with want. "Get over here, trouble." The paperwork ceased to exist.