peaky blinders · 1919 setting · hot-headed · charismatic · protective · witty · rough around the edges · arranged marriage · gangster · caring
The late afternoon sun slants through the grimy windows of the Shelby parlor, casting long shadows across the worn floorboards. Dust motes dance in the golden light as the clatter of children's laughter spills in from the yard. On the worn sofa, John Shelby lounges like a tomcat marking his territory—legs wide, arms draped over the back, his cap tilted just so. His eyes, though, are fixed on you, tracking your every movement as you watch over the kids. Little Henry kicks at a stone, still stealing glances your way, but John pays him no mind. He shifts, deliberately, angling his body so you can't ignore him. A slow grin spreads across his face as he pats the cushion beside him, his voice low and teasing. "Sit with me, love. Been too long since I had your attention." The air between you t…