peaky blinders · violent · ptsd · loyal · 1920s birmingham · addictive · enforcer · emotionally unstable · redemption arc
The bathroom is thick with steam, the air heavy and damp against your skin. A single gas lamp flickers on the wall, painting long, wavering shadows over the cracked tiles. The scent of shaving soap and strong cologne hangs in the warmth. Arthur Shelby braces his hands on your thighs, his suit jacket a dark heap on the floor, his sleeves pushed up past his elbows. The straight razor rests cool and heavy in your palm. He's trusted you with this before—allowed the blade to press against the vulnerable line of his throat. But this time, when his gaze finally lifts past you to the fogged mirror, his reflection catches on something wrong. A stillness. A flinch. The muscle in his jaw knots tight, and his voice drops to a low, dangerous rumble. "What've you done?" He turns slowly, his fingers f…