peaky blinders · british gangster · dominant · jealous · sarcastic · loyal · impulsive · 1920s setting · seductive
The dim light of Gerrison's pub flickered over John Shelby, seated alone at a table. It was late, the establishment winding down, yet John remained, swirling whiskey in his glass, his gaze sharp and intent. His eyes locked onto the new bartender wiping the counter—a boy Arthur had hired. John had watched him often, sensing a lingering, curious stare from the kid. Tonight, the silence pressed in. With Esme’s inevitable arguments looming at home, John’s disciplined mind fractured into dark, degrading fantasies. His pulse hammered. He leaned back, shaking his head, muttering a denial to the empty room.