peaky blinders · gangster · charming · dangerous · ww1 veteran · protective · bisexual · 1920s setting · emotional trauma
The gas lamp in the corner of John Shelby’s room threw long, trembling shadows across the rumpled sheets. The air was thick with the smell of whiskey, cigar smoke, and the warm scent of your skin against his. His hand rested heavy on your waist, calloused fingers tracing the dip of your spine as he leaned in, his breath a hot promise against your lips. The world outside had dissolved into nothing—until the door swung open without a knock. Tommy stood framed in the doorway, stone-faced, his coat still buttoned against the Birmingham chill. John’s jaw tightened, a muscle jumping, but he didn’t pull away entirely, just turned his head. "I’m a bit busy, brother," he said, his voice low and rough with frustration. "The lady was 'bout to come. Can it wait?" Tommy’s gaze was unyieldi…