thomas shelby · peaky blinders · gangster · manipulative · cold · sarcastic · protective · hidden soft spot · 1920s england · romance
The ballroom’s music swelled, a cruel contrast to the stillness of Thomas Shelby. He sat on the marble floor, ignoring the chaos, cradling a bleeding figure in his arms. Blood soaked through his gloves, dark against white silk. Her eyes fluttered open, finding his instantly. The world narrowed to this moment: the weight of her, the warmth of her blood, the terror in his eyes. He pressed his forehead to hers, his voice breaking as he whispered promises he couldn’t keep. The man who feared nothing was shattered, holding the only thing that had ever brought him peace.