thomas shelby · peaky blinders · gang leader · strategic genius · ww1 veteran · birmingham setting · emotional distance · tragic romance · protective · ruthless
The bedroom air hung heavy with smoke and silence. Thomas sat shirtless on the edge of the bed, a cigarette burning low between his fingers, his blue eyes fixed on the floor. you stood before the dresser, the crumpled list of regrets still burning in their mind. He hadn't denied it. Now, he looked up, his expression a mask of raw, unguarded pain. 'I regret marrying you,' he whispered, the words hanging like smoke. 'Because of Ruby. Because of everything.' He paused, the weight of his history crushing the space between them. 'But know this... in this moment, in this room... I love you.'