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runnning-outof-time · 1 year

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Escaping the Ashes | Modern!Tommy Shelby x Reader

Request: no - written for @shelbydelrey ‘s Peaky x Lana Festival

Pairing: Modern!Tommy Shelby x reader

Summary: (Y/N) reflects on her time spent in the limelight. Although she left it all behind, she can't say she regrets stepping into it; for it brought her the one thing she loves the most.

Warnings: drinking, brief mention of a car crash

Word Count: 1912

A/N: I think I can safely say that I throughly enjoy writing stories based off of songs I’ve never previously heard. This was a bunch of fun to write — thanks for assigning it to me, Isa! I decided to take the modern AU route for it….I hope you don’t mind. Enjoy! :)

A/N 2: this is based off of the song Wild At Heart by Lana Del Rey…I tried to weave some other elements of the song in. I didn’t use the lyric you chose verbatim because it didn’t fit with the speaking pattern, but I’ve got it in there.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Comment/Message Me if you’d like to be tagged in future stories similar to this one!

(Y/N) raised her hand slightly, waving to the bartender to get his attention before she motioned to her empty glass, signaling that she wanted another drink. He nodded before getting right into making a second Jack and Coke for her. It was ready within seconds and she thanked him for it before bringing the glass up to her lips to take a sip.

She heard footsteps coming from behind her as she set the glass back down on the wooden bar top. Those footsteps led right up to the empty stool next to the one she was occupying. She kept her eyes fixed on the television hanging above the bar, sighing as she felt someone sit in the seat next to her.

The bar was nearly empty, which is why she decided to take up a temporary residence there, so the fact that someone would choose the seat right next to her confused, and slightly irked, her. She just wanted to be alone!

The voice that belonged to said person answered all of her questions. "Figured you'd be here." It was her fiancé.

"You finally figured out where I spend my Thursdays now," she responded, not yet looking over at him, even though she could feel that he was looking at her.

He chuckled at her statement, noticing the dry nature of it, and he called over the bartender; ordering some of the top shelf whiskey, before he spoke to her again, "couldn't stand waiting back at home?"

"No," she answered, shaking her head as she fixed her eyes on the glass in front of her, "mind gets the best of me there."

"Sorry work ran late..."

"It always runs late, Tommy," she cut him off, brushing off his apology before he even had the chance to finish it, "I know how it can get sometimes," she finally looked at him as she finished speaking, smiling slightly as she took in his appearance. If he wouldn't have said that he'd put in a full day's work, she wouldn't have thought that he did...how he could look so effortlessly attractive still blew her mind daily.

Tommy grimaced at her statement. Her 'late days' looked different than his, sure, but they were taxing all the same. "Still should have been home earlier for you," he didn't let the thought go.

"Let it go, Tommy," she dismissed him yet again.

"I don't like leaving my fiancée home, alone; to her own devices," he continued anyway.

"You make me sound like I'm crazy," she giggled slightly as she teased him. He was happy to see her smile.

"Aren't you?" he teasingly quipped back, making her fully turn to face him with wide eyes and her mouth gaped.

"Thomas!" she exclaimed in surprise, smacking his thigh as she tried to hold her façade up and keep back the laughter that was threatening to escape. He said nothing in response and just winked at her as she grumbled something along the lines of how if he wasn't so attractive, he'd ‘ve gotten an entire earful just then.

Silence returned as their laughs faded off, and (Y/N) turned her body back so that she was sitting properly on the stool once more. She picked up her drink and took a sip from it before setting it back down and deciding to occupy herself with spinning the glass around.

"How are you handling all of this?" Tommy spoke up after a few moments had passed, finally getting to asking what they'd been dancing around from the second (Y/N) realized he was sitting next to her.

She exhaled a sigh before speaking, "I'm handling it," she shrugged, "I...I'm happy to be away from all of it, you know."

"I wouldn't," he answered honestly, making her remember that there truly wouldn't be a Tommy Shelby if he didn't have his work, "but I'm happy you were able to get away before it got to be too much."

(Y/N) exhaled a sigh and nodded. She again began to wonder if she'd made the right choice. She'd spent her entire life wanting to create and share her music with vast audiences, and now she'd finally gotten the chance, she was backing away. The four years she'd spent in the business were catching up with her. She didn't like the other things that came with fame, and they were getting to be a bit much for her to handle. The part she loved had been essentially placed in the shadows of the camera flashes and the engagements that seemed to book up every hour of her day. It was too much to the point that she backed out of her record deal and moved out of the city, escaping the ashes that were starting to fall around her; before the ashes were all that was left.

"You're thinking again," Tommy cut into her thoughts, knowing that her mind was going a mile a minute by how she was staring absently at her glass.

"I am," she admitted dryly, seeing no need to lie. He could always see right through her anyway. She turned her head slightly, seeing that he was looking at her expectantly. "Was it the right move?" she then asked him the question that had been pestering her mind.

"Do you think that it was?" he flipped it back onto her.

"I'm asking you the question, Tommy!" she groaned, frustration flashing across her features.

"If you feel better now that you're away from it then I'd say 'yeah, it was the right move'," he gave his opinion, shrugging slightly.

"But I took you away from London," (Y/N) pointed out, a slight frown forming on her face. Tommy was a prominent businessman, and London was one of his major home bases.

"I've got a car, love," he brushed her statement off, flashing a grin in her direction. She shook her head slightly upon hearing his response, "I'm still able to do my work just fine from here...you were having a hard time doing anything in London," he pointed out then.

This was true. She really wasn't even able to leave their apartment with the aforementioned paparazzi always wanting to capture every little snippet of her life. The fact that there was an air of mystery around Tommy and his business dealings didn't help either. The 'famous musician dates business bad boy' headline was one the paps were always trying to sell, no matter how corny it sounded.

She couldn't leave Tommy though. No. The two years that she's spent with him have been the best of her life. So these serious talks of stepping out of the limelight began one evening after dinner when the incessant flashes caused her chauffeur to get into a minor car accident. Both (Y/N) and Tommy were fine, but she reached the breaking point. They decided to purchase a home and move out to the outskirts of London, where the paparazzi wouldn't find her. It was the reason why she was able to sit in this bar, alone, whenever she wanted to.

"Being stuck in that city was a lot," (Y/N) spoke on her thoughts after a few moments had passed. Tommy nodded in agreement with her as she took another sip from her glass. A momentary silence then fell around them as she turned to look over at him. He kept his gaze on her as she studied his face before dropping her eyes to her hands, looking at the engagement ring that was sparkling back at her. "You still love me, yeah?" she asked him then, her voice soft as she glanced up at him through her eyelashes.

"Course I do, love," he answered her like it was a no-brainer, his brows furrowed in confusion because he wondered why she would have asked this, "why would you question that?"

"Because I've stepped away from singing," she answered him, her voice still soft.

"You're more than just a pretty face on the stage for me, (Y/N)...way more," he told her, his eyes showing his seriousness. "You've stepped away from that, but you've not changed one bit. You're still...I love you because you're still wild at heart."

(Y/N) bashfully looked down at her lap as she heard what he had to say. She still wasn't used to him saying things like this. To have someone profess their love to her and actually mean it was something that she really wasn't used to; being in the circle she was.

"Have I made (Y/N) (Y/L/N), the woman who has something to say about everything, speechless?" Tommy questioned after a few silent seconds, a grin apparent in his voice.

"Oh shut it, Tommy," she said to him, knocking her knee against his as she looked up at him again. Seeing the smile on his face made hers break out from behind the glare she was trying to hold up.

"It seems as though I have," he stated smugly, making her roll her eyes at him.

She shook her head, looking him over again like she had before. "You know...if I had to do it all over again I would..." she trailed off, her words making Tommy's eyebrows raise in intrigue.

"You would?" he asked, surprised that she would say that, "why's that?"

(Y/N) cracked a smile before she laughed slightly. "Because, in the end it brought me here to you," she admitted, knowing full well how corny she probably sounded. Tommy cracked another grin as he chuckled slightly at her words; not because they were funny, but because they'd struck something inside of him.

He wasn't embarrassed to admit that he stuck around the club one night after she'd finished the set she was performing. Her voice had mesmerized him, and her beauty was something unlike he'd seen in his entire lifetime. She entertained him when she realized that he'd been waiting around for her, and that was when he really fell in love. It was safe to say that he’d never met anyone like her. He made it a point to go to the next few shows so that he'd get another chance to see her afterwards, and he hadn't stopped following her since.

"It's corny, I know," (Y/N) admitted to the cheesiness, "but it's true. I'd do it a thousand times over if it meant I got to meet, and be with, you." She was able to lean in closer to him due to the proximity of their stools, and she waited until her lips were just inches from his to speak again, "I love you, Tommy," she said, feeling the grin as it grew on his lips.

"I love you, (Y/N)," he repeated the sentiment, not allowing her a second to respond before he matched his lips with hers.

Their kiss was kept brief, and (Y/N) giggled as she pulled away, reaching up to wipe the smudge of lipstick from his bottom lip before anyone would notice. Tommy just grinned at her, managing to kiss her knuckles before she brought them away.

No one did notice though, which was another reason why she was grateful that she escaped the life that she was hurling herself into before it got to where she was in too deep. Now she was able to be the person she desired to be. The person that was, definitely, wild at heart.

Tagged: @mgcldydrms @the-anxious-youth @cloudofdisney @look-at-the-soul @elenavampire21 @mrsalwayswrite @julkaamazing @evita-shelby @lilyrachelcassidy @notyour-valentine @shelbydelrey @december16-1991 @onlydeadcells @peakyswritings @just-a-blackhole @watercolorskyy @strayrockette @peakyduchesss @alexxavicry @captivatedbycillianmurphy @yummycastiel @dark-academia-slut @tommystargirl @stevie75 @lyarr24 @signorellisantichrist @zablife @anotherblinder @midnightmagpiemama @cillmequick @rangerelik @dandelionprints @letal-y-poetica @raincoffeeandfandoms @itscheybaby @gypsy-girl-08 @insanitybyanothername @depxiety @dragons-are-my-favorite @acewritesfics @forgottenpeakywriter @cilliansangel @cljordan-imperium @areyenotfondofmelobster @little-diable

MASTERLIST

Listen to the song Wild At Heart by Lana Del Rey:

Here.

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look-at-the-soul · 6 months

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WIP/Requests summary

Hello my darlings!!

I’ve got a couple of requests in the drafts queue so I thought of creating this list to let you know (specially those anon requests), that I got them! But I’m a slow writer plus inspiration comes in waves and whenever it wants 🤭 -calling the inspiration fairy 🧚🏻‍♀️-

I don’t want you to think I ignored your requests, I have it saved until I actually post the story so I won’t give a spoiler away… anyways here is the list I’m working on. Oh! Btw my requests are always open! I just ask a little patience in return.

WIP (on going series):

Part 48 The Photoshoot -Cillian

Part 12 Look at the soul- Cillian

Requests:

The Runway- Lenny Miller mini series @l1-l4

Secrets- Robert Fischer mini series (anon)

When we were young- Cillian (The Photoshoot) @zablife

“You look so good in love” song- Tommy Shelby (fmo166) @outlanderuniverse

The edge of love- William Killick x Vera (anon)

Beautiful song y/n- Tommy Shelby (anon)

Roxie, song from Chicago -Tommy Shelby ( @the-girl-wh0-cries-w0lf

Celebrations:

Peaky x Lana festival @shelbydelrey

Straight to the heart part 2 (Tommy Shelby x nurse) @peakybfics @dlmlufics

Someone like you part 2 (Tommy Shelby x mysterious woman) @peakyswritings

TP Peaky Blinders edition- Modern Tommy Shelby @raincoffeeandfandoms

A/N: if I forgot about anything I’ll add it here 🥰

#cillian x fem!reader #cillian murphy fic #cillian murphy fanfic #cillian murphy fanfiction #cillian murphy x you #tommy shelby x y/n #tommy shelby x fem!reader #tommy shelby x you #thomas shelby imagine #peaky blinders imagine #lenny miller fanfic #lenny miller x you #william killick #robert fischer x reader #robert fischer x y/n

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zablife · 1 year

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Dark Games (Part 1)

Arthur Shelby x Evelyn (OC) x Finn Shelby

Summary: (Dark AU) When power hungry Arthur is left to run the Eden Club unchecked, he forces his women into dangerous games with the characters of the London underworld. What happens when Finn interferes with his newest girl?

Moodboard credit: the lovely @shelbydelrey

Author's Note: Written for @shelbydelrey Peaky x Lana Festival. Inspired by "Dark But Just a Game" by Lana Del Rey.

Warnings: mention of violence, weapons, mention of blood, ethnic slur, drug use, drinking, pregnancy, mention of abortion, assault

The faces of all the women Evelyn knew who suffered or simply vanished, flashed through her mind as she slept, each one reaching for her as though she might gain purchase. But they all slipped from her grasp like sand, leaving her defeated to face a mirror. Her own blank expression stared back at her as Arthur’s large hand encircled her neck. His mustache tickling the delicate skin beneath her ear as he whispered, “Evie, my pretty little fool.” As she turned to face him, the glass shattered and he was gone. Stooping to gather the pieces, a large, jagged shard sliced her palm until the blood ran down her fingertips and dripped onto the floor. It collected in a puddle at her feet which quickly turned to inky blackness all around her, creating a suffocating fear. She awoke with a start, covered in sweat and heaving for breath. It had been the same dream since she left London.

Evelyn could recall the evening the Peaky Blinders took over the Eden Club well. It had been a a night ruled by violent chaos. Chairs and tables were overturned as patrons ran from the hoodlums who produced flying fists and razors. Mario was stabbed in the face with a broken bottle trying to stop them. He held a few of them off long enough for some of the girls to hide, including Evelyn.

She took cover backstage, watching with wide eyes as a tall lanky man approached the microphone declaring the establishment was now under new management, "By order of the Peaky Blinders." She readied the knife she hid in her garter belt, thinking of a time when she laughed at the prospect of needing one in a place like this. “I’m not going to change,” she told herself when she’d first arrived, but the girl waiting to stab anyone who came near her begged to challenge that notion.

It was there that Arthur Shelby found her and quickly disarmed her. “Who might you be, angel?” he asked with a devilish smirk, wild hair drooping over his eyes in a rakish manner and and blood dripping from his brow. Pressed close to his lean muscle, there was something about him that intrigued her. It was an unexpected attraction that overwhelmed her senses.

“I’m Evelyn," she replied breathily. "Aren't you going to tell me your name?"

“Thought I’d made it clear, love. I’m a Shelby. Name’s Arthur,” he said proudly.

“You’re bleeding, Arthur. Will you let me help you?” Evelyn asked, venturing a hand to brush the hair from his forehead. Arthur leaned into her touch slightly, his rapid breathing slowing momentarily. His eyes locked onto her as though he were assessing her intentions. When he found nothing but sincerity lying beneath the offer, he accepted and she lead him downstairs hand in hand.

They didn’t speak a word as she found the items necessary to clean his wound and care for him. Arthur watched her graceful movements with awe, something akin to peaceful reverie coming over his face as she sat before him. She quickly realized how touch starved he was when she brushed his face with a cool cloth and felt pity for him despite the acts of violence she’d witnessed earlier.

When she finished her work, she sat back and observed his now calm features asking, “Can I ask why? What does this place mean to you?” She waited to see if her questions raised his ire, but found him more than willing to talk with her.

“We don’t mean you no harm. It’s time for a change is all,” he said, going on to explain that the blinders were expanding their territory and what she had seen was nothing more than a show of their power. Darby Sabini was being run out and he would now be in charge.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me, love” Arthur assured her. “Those wops don’t know how to take care of their women, but I’m going to look after you from now on,” he said, placing a large, calloused hand to her face. She felt her breath hitch at his words. No one had ever said anything like that to her. She’d been on her own for as long as she could remember and the offer of protection was tempting. The Sabini’s had been terrible employers so how could the Shelbys be any worse? Evelyn wanted to trust Arthur in that moment and she did because there was something in his eyes that told her she was safe.

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It had been a month since the Shelbys had taken over and the club was flourishing. There were new customers coming in every night and Evelyn was making more in tips than she ever had before. Her instinct to trust Arthur had been correct. He was protective of all his employees, especially Evelyn. He didn’t hesitate to throw a punch if anyone disrespected her which made her feel special and if she dared to think it, powerful. She held her head a bit higher knowing no one would cross a woman protected by the Shelbys.

Truthfully, everyone’s mood had improved. Arthur’s younger brother John was around occasionally and his raunchy jokes were a favorite amongst the girls. Although he was married, he had a few affairs she knew of with Elisabeth and Marie. They all giggled about it afterwards, claiming he had the biggest cock they’d ever seen and stamina to match. The early days were full of heady gossip.

The girls also talked about the youngest brother, Finn, though he didn’t come round as often. He worked for the boss, Tommy, back in Birmingham. Finn didn’t seem to be as free to make his own decisions and worked harder than his siblings, always off on errands and chauffeuring them about town. Evelyn felt sorry for him because they spoke to him like hired help rather than a brother and rarely invited him for a drink at the family table.

The older brothers had a habit of gathering at a large booth in the back where the men discussed business and watched their customers with a keen eye. John would saunter over with a girl on each arm and Arthur would call Evelyn to his side, holding court as he laughed and cursed. It seemed as though the party would last forever.

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Three months in and the club was seeing an increase in Jewish patrons. The girls all whispered about the reasons for this sudden change, considering their previous clientele had been Italian men. Some believed it to be the influence of a new gentleman with a cane at his side and crown tattoos on his hands. He visited Arthur faithfully every Sunday. Whatever was said in their private conversations agitated Arthur greatly and he was never quite the same afterward. Despite her questions about the mysterious man, Arthur kept that business to himself. He only asked Evelyn to keep him company afterwards. A good fuck was all Arthur needed to forget the irritating man who took up too much of his time.

After a stressful night negotiating with the mad baker, he was particularly agitated. With Evelyn too fatigued to offer solace, he offered up his favorite remedy. “We call it Tokyo. It’ll help ya, dove,” Arthur said, pushing the little blue vial into her palm.

“I don’t know,” Evelyn said, tracing her fingertips over his chest. “I know some girls who got in trouble with this stuff,” she said uncertainly.

“Don’t be so serious, Evie. It’s just a bit fun, yeah?” he said, tapping the white powder out onto his hand for her. “Go on,” he said with a charming smile. Without another thought, Evelyn snorted it and felt the most intoxicating rush of her life. There was no turning back after she found this new cure for lack of energy and depressing days. Of course, Arthur never denied her. She was too trusting of Arthur in those days she would recall later.

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The only person who seemed to notice or care about her habit was Finn. When he began to notice her weight loss, he made a habit of dropping in to check on her. It always brought a smile to her face seeing his impish delight at stealing her away.

“C’mon,” Finn would urge with a wave of his arm. “Let’s get out of here,” he always said, checking the hall.

“Finn, I can’t leave,” Evelyn pretended to protest, knowing he would carry her out if she didn't follow.

“You’re with a Shelby. You can do whatever the fuck you like,” he said with a cheeky grin and she couldn’t help but smile back at him, giving his hand a squeeze as he pulled her out the back door toward a cafe. He would buy her food they would often share as he entertained her with stories about his mischievous nieces and nephews.

Some days he could tell she was sad despite the laughter. He could sense Evelyn wanted to talk about her problems, but she never really did, preferring to sit and smoke, leaning her head against Finn’s broad shoulder for comfort. He wondered if Arthur had anything to do with her unhappy moods and hated taking her back to the club, knowing he was delivering her into the hands of his wayward brother. Finn often found himself thinking about how Evelyn could stay with someone like that.

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It was nine months before Evelyn noticed girls from the club were leaving. Well, perhaps not leaving so much as disappearing. They would be tasked with providing company to gentlemen and never return. Evelyn and the other girls were urged not to ask questions about anyone who left employment. Truthfully, with girls coming and going so often and the lack of sleep, Evelyn lost track. She was spending so much time with Arthur that she didn’t have time to learn their names anymore. Perhaps is was the effect of a busy life or the drugs, but she rarely noticed the details.

One evening after a long shift, she returned to Arthur's flat, calling out, “Arthur? Arthur, where are you?" She had finished at the club without any snow, but only barely. Her skin crawled with need. Turning the pockets of his discarded coat inside out for the little blue bottle she craved, she whined when she came up empty. As she stomped her foot in frustration, a giggle echoed down the hall. Following the sounds of splashing water all the way to the bathroom, she opened the door to find an intoxicated Arthur, sunk beneath a layer of bubbles, and a girl from the club sucking a bruise into his neck as she pumped his shaft below the water.

“Evie!” He slurred, removing one hand from the water to slick back his hair. “Join us, darlin’,” he said with a wolfish grin, unashamed and completely unaware of her shock and sadness at finding him with someone else.

The girl’s head rose to nod in agreement as she bit her lip. Removing her hand from the side of the tub, she grasped Evelyn’s wrist before she could leave. Like a siren she called out temptingly, “Stay and have a sniff of snow?” She knew her words had the desired effect as Evelyn’s eyes darkened. Although Evelyn didn’t want to stay where another was clearly doing a fine job of satisfying her man, she listened to Arthur’s commands to kneel and take what she badly needed off the woman’s ample breast, his hand at the back of her head holding her in place as he cooed at her how beautiful she looked.

“Come on, love. Get in,” he urged and that was enough for her to undress for him. He sighed at the sight of her, letting his head drop back against the edge of the tub, watching in enjoyment. It wasn’t a difficult choice from there as she saw how much he wanted her. She even began to believe him when she felt the surge of her high kick in, riding him and feeling Clara pushed to the side. “Been waitin’ all day for you,” he groaned, hips thrusting up into her roughly.

“Then tell her to leave, Arthur,” Evelyn said, leaning forward to kiss him. Arthur’s hand came up to grasp at her throat possessively as a wicked smile crossed his lips. Then he nodded, flicking his eyes toward the other girl. “Get the fuck out,” he growled at her and Evelyn had never felt more powerful.

Later as they lay in bed a tangle of arms and legs, Arthur turned to Evelyn and watched her with hooded eyes. Voice low and full of gravel he proclaimed, “You ain’t like other girls, Evie. You help me shut out all the noise when my head gets too loud,” he said, rubbing circles into her hip with his thumb. “I love you,” he said quietly, wrapping his arms around her tightly. Silence descended before he kissed her forehead. Then he rolled her onto his chest, falling into a deep sleep with his large hand splayed across her back. Evelyn basked in his words and warm embrace, knowing her connection to Arthur was far greater than anyone else’s.

Evelyn had never carried a sense of superiority over anyone. Raised by poor people in a dirty slum, it was never her expectation to do better than the life she’d known as a child. However, Arthur allowed her to glimpse the possibility of something more and it was thrilling. Good food, fine clothing and her own dressing room set her apart from the beginning. However, now she could add Arthur’s promises of their future together to the glittering array offered before her like a queen.

It was thoughts like these that caused her to overlook the mistreatment of those around her. It would be another month before she happened to overhear a conversation as she passed outside Arthur’s office that would change all that. She only stopped when she heard the cries of a girl who had been at the club almost as long as she had. Sandra wasn’t prone to theatrics so the cries Evelyn heard surprised her.

“I can’t stay here, Mr. Shelby,” Sandra pleaded.

“Why the fuck not? Solomons likes ya,” Arthur said, pouring himself a drink and taking a seat behind his desk.

“That’s the problem,” she said, voice wobbling.

“You’re talking in bloody circles. I ain’t got time for this. Are you going to get the information from him or not?” Arthur said testily.

“I can’t do that to him. I’m carrying his child,” she confessed.

“You stupid fucking bitch. Thought I told ya…” Arthur warned, chair scraping the floor in shrill protest as he stood to confront her.

“I know what you said, Arthur, but this is different. He loves-“ Sandra attempted before Arthur cut her off with a harsh scoff.

“You going to say he loves you?,” he laughed as he took a sip of the whisky he held in his hand. “Say that myself sometimes after I’ve emptied my balls. Doesn’t mean shit.”

“Alfie deserves to know,” she challenged Arthur.

“You’ve got fucking work to do. Last thing you need is a bloody kid,” he huffed. Slamming his glass down on the desk as he instructed darkly, “Get rid of it.”

“Wh-what?” She stammered in disbelief. “You can’t be serious!” Without thinking she kept going, “I’ll tell him everything, I swear I will. And when Alfie finds out…” she warned.

Heavy footsteps could be heard and then a loud slap as Arthur connected with her face. A loud thud reverberated as Arthur pinned her against the wall by her neck. “Don’t you dare threaten me,” he rumbled. “Could kill you right now if I wanted to. He’d never come lookin’ for ya,” he hissed, squeezing the air from her lungs. A faint gurgling sound could be heard over the course of the next few moments, along with the desperate scratching of nails against the wall.

Evelyn struggled to catch her own breath, frightened Sandra might be dying. Tears pricked her eyes as she bit her fingers, willing her feet to move and do something to stop what she was hearing on the other side of the wall. Just then, Sandra gasped for breath. A sharp wheezing and deep coughs emanated from her as Arthur grumbled, “I’m not gonna let you fuck this up for me. So you’re not sayin’ a word. Understand?”

A small sob that sounded like a yes echoed out along with a few sniffles. Arthur grunted as she ran from the room. Evelyn ran as well, scared and confused by what she’d just overheard. It was a side of Arthur she didn’t want to believe existed.

With his office empty and free of distraction, Arthur picked up the telephone and called for Isiah. “Be at the club tonight by nine,” he said. “Need you to take care of a problem.”

Cont. reading Part 2

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Tag list:

@peakyswritings

@evita-shelby

@shelbydelrey

@alanadetigy

@wandawiccan60

@severewobblerlightdragon

@lovemissyhoneybee

@theshelbyslimited

@kittycatcait219

@callsign-fangirl

@christinasyellowflowers

@notyour-valentine

@theshelbyclan

@areyenotfondofmelobster

@polishcrazyone

@elenavampire21

@little-diable

@dreamlandcreations

@moral-terpitude

@raincoffeeandfandoms

@cillmequick

@mythos-writes

@floraroselaughter

@rikki-b-lake

@watercolorskyy

@l1-l4

@rangerelik

@babayaga67

@kmhappybunny240

@runnning-outof-time

@babaohhhriley

#Peaky Blinders fanfic #Peaky Blinders imagine #Arthur Shelby fanfic #Arthur Shelby imagine #Arthur Shelby x OC #Finn Shelby fanfic #Finn Shelby imagine #Finn Shelby x OC #dark!Arthur

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shelbydelrey · 1 year

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Peaky x Lana Festival - First Edition

Chemtrails Over The Country Club is one of my favourit Lana Del Rey's albums and is turning 2 years old on March 19. So, i thought of celebrating it with my beloved peaky fandom 😉

How it's going to work:

• The lines under the cut, picked from each song of the album (eleven in total) can be used as prompts, but they aren't mandatory. You don't have to be a fan of Lana's music to participate (obviously)

• I'll be assigning five of those prompts to mutuals. Six will remain vacant, so show me your interest to fullfill these spots.

• You can turn it into a one shot, a blurb or a moodboard.

• It doesn't have a limit for tropes, genres or characters.

• March 19 is not a deadline. I know that we have our WIPs full and not to much time on our hands, so write it in your pace.

• Use the tag peaky x lana when you post.

• And the most important of all: HAVE FUN!

PROMPTS:

"Because it made me feel, it made me feel like a god."

White Dress to @areyenotfondofmelobster

"It's never too late, baby, so don't give up"

Chemtrails Over The Country Club to @look-at-the-soul

"Find your way back to my bed again."

Tulsa Jesus Freak to @cillmequick

"Let me love you like a woman"

Let Me Love You Like A Woman to ???

"And if i had to do it all over again i would

because, babe, in the end brought me here to you"

Wild At Heart to @runnning-outof-time

"While the world is crazy

We're making out in the parking lot"

Dark But Just A Game to @zablife

"You say you got my name as your tattoo"

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost to @raincoffeeandfandoms

"Honey, you make me feel i'm invincible"

Yosemite to ???

"I love you only but you're making me blue"

Breaking Up Slowly to ???

"But sometimes this ranch feels like my only friend"

Dance Till We Die to ???

"I've got a black limousine and two gentlemen

Who escort me through these halls"

For Free to @midnightswithdearkatytspb

76 notes · View notes

zablife · 1 year

Text

Dark Games (Part 2)

Arthur Shelby x Evelyn (OC) x Finn Shelby

Moodboard credit: the lovely @shelbydelrey

Author's Note: Written for @shelbydelrey Peaky x Lana Festival. Inspired by "Dark But Just a Game" by Lana Del Rey.

Warnings: slur, drug use, drinking, mention of kidnapping, domestic violence, threat with a weapon, mention of blood

Part 1

Evelyn listened in numb silence as Arthur ordered her to entertain Alfie Solomons later. The blue gray smoke of his cigar swirled around him, obscuring everything except his bloodshot eyes as he detailed his business partner's proclivities in vivid detail. Through the cloud that separated them, she swore she saw his lips curl in devilish delight as he boasted, “Gonna have that kike right where I want him after tonight. You’ll show him a good time, won't you, love?” Arthur asked, unclenching the cigar from his teeth to snort a line of snow from the bar. He seemed oblivious to the fact that Evelyn hadn’t given him an answer. However, her services were expected so none was required.

“Thought Alfie had a girl,” she finally managed, just above a whisper.

Arthur cocked his head at her suspiciously and she held her breath as she watched him dab at the remnants of the white powder and rub it across his gums. Pulling back he shrugged off the feeling she knew something about Sandra, only interested in finding a quick replacement to satisfy Alfie.

“Greedy fucker wants a little taste of what I’ve got,” he lied pawing at her hip and giving it a rough squeeze. Tilting her chin up toward him, he added, “Can’t blame him though. Sweet thing like you could convince a man to do all sorts of things.”

Arthur’s request wasn’t unique. He poured honeyed words into her ear before about how persuasive a pretty girl could be. Early on when she was eager to please the new boss, she cozied up to other men. When she returned with useful secrets for him, he rewarded her with extra money and all the praise she desired, telling her what a powerful couple they could be if they worked together. The sentiment tonight was no different, but the words had lost all meaning.

Arthur searched her eyes to see if she would comply and as further enticement, he made a show of removing a thick stack of cash from his pocket. Peeling a few bills away, he told her, “A little taste of what’s to come. Go on, love, you’ve earned it.” Extending the money between two fingers, he shook it at her, but he couldn’t help the amused chuckle that escaped as he added, “Or you will have after tonight.”

“I don’t want what’s mine if this is how I get it. Please, not like this, Arthur,” Evelyn begged, dropping her head into her hands. She drew a few ragged breaths, wishing Arthur would tell her to forget the whole thing. If he loved her the way he said, he should be sickened by the thought of that bear of a man talking to her, let alone touching her. “This is getting too dark for me,” she finally confessed.

Arthur clumsily pulled at her elbow, tearing it away from her face to push the money into her cleavage. As her eyes widened, he dragged her close enough so she could feel his hot breath dancing on her neck. She shivered at the hypnotic sound of his deep voice rumbling, “It’s dark, but just a game.” He ran a hand across her shoulder, moving her hair from her neck as he whispered, “Just a game for a pretty little fool like you, hmm?” Then with a laugh he added dismissively, “My Evie, always so serious.” With a quick slap to her ass, he leaned over the bar and grabbed a half empty bottle of whisky before leaving the room without a backward glance.

Evelyn slumped onto a stool wondering how she’d get through the evening. As she reached for her little blue vial of comfort concealed in the pocket of her dress, Finn appeared before her. She didn’t have time to put it back before he noticed the flash of bright cobalt in her hand.

“What’s wrong, Evelyn?” he asked, knowing she must be feeling troubled. The smoothness and warmth of his voice immediately stood out in stark contrast to his brother's and Evelyn felt calmer somehow.

“Nothing to concern yourself about,” she said with a weak smile. Finn knew it was fake, but didn’t say anything as she pulled him closer for a hug. He let her linger in his arms, clutching onto his jacket as he mumbled into her hair, “Go for a walk?” She nodded against his chest and he took her hand, sneaking her out the back entrance for some much needed fresh air.

They walked the empty side streets and chain smoked until she seemed ready to talk. Eventually Finn managed to learn that Arthur was asking something of Evelyn she was deeply uncomfortable with, though she wouldn’t say what it was. She still seemed to be protecting him.

As they neared the club, she stopped and stared at Finn, a question on her mind she'd been pondering recently. “Why is Arthur here in London instead of Tommy?” she asked.

“Tommy put Arthur here cause people are afraid of him,” Finn shrugged. Evelyn knew that all too well.

Lifting her chin, she challenged, “Perhaps that was a mistake, leaving him here on his own.”

“Yeah,” Finn agreed, taking out a cigarette and lighting it. He never went against his brothers, but he couldn’t deny that Arthur was making bad decisions lately. Finn took a long, slow drag of his cigarette, contemplating the trust he'd built with Evelyn. Exhaling a stream of smoke, he began to tell her about the interworkings of his family. “Arthur was passed over to take on the family business and he never got over it. He hates Tommy. Now that Tommy's occupied with things back home, Arthur does what he likes.” He glanced at Evelyn as a fire lit behind her eyes.

“Well Tommy should have had someone watching his mad dog,” Evelyn said, stamping out her cigarette forcefully. “Finn, he’s making deals with Alfie Solomons,” she said, watching him for a reaction.

Finn ran a hand over his face. “Fuck, that's serious.”

“I know. He wants me to start working him,” Evelyn said, running her hands up and down her arms to keep out the cold that suddenly ran through her.

Finn furrowed his brow as the implications of her words registered in his mind. “Evelyn, no! He’s a dangerous, unpredictable man. You can’t,” he said, his voice constricting painfully in his throat.

Evelyn turned to face him, not missing the emotion in his tone or the tension he suddenly held in his body. There was no time to address it, however, as the muffled cries of a woman could be heard around the corner. Finn pulled Evelyn into the shadows of the alley just as Isaiah and Bonnie hauled Sandra to a waiting car that had pulled to the curb. As they worked to shove her inside, Evelyn tried to break free from Finn’s grip, but he held her fast.

When the car sped off into the night she shouted at him, “Why did you stop me? Didn’t you see what they were doing?”

Finn gulped, “I’m sorry. I was trying to protect you.”

“Well, don’t. I can take care of myself!” she said angrily, jerking her shoulders from his grasp. She was tired of feeling powerless, unable to help anyone around her. Finn had appointed himself as her personal bodyguard and nothing good would come of it. Although it pained her, she forced herself to push him away. “Just leave me be, Finn!” she said, rushing back inside the club.

Finn was left standing alone in the alley, cigarette burning his fingertips as he stood motionless. He felt hurt and a bit stunned by her abrupt words, but not deterred enough to stop watching over her. He couldn’t stop now that his affection for her had taken over his thoughts. He knew somewhere deep down she felt the same and despite her bravado, he was certain she would need protection from Arthur someday. That time would come sooner than even he could have predicted.

———————————-

As Evelyn finished applying her makeup, she heard the heavy footfall of Arthur’s boots. Dashing out into the crowded backstage area, she called out to him. At first he didn’t stop, keeping up his pace as though he hadn’t heard her. Evelyn felt her cheeks flush at the embarrassment of having been ignored, then her anger flared.

“Where’s Sandra?” Evelyn shouted, waiting to see if Arthur would tell the truth. Hearing her clearly, Arthur stopped and turned slowly to face her.

“The lads told me she's sick,” he said somewhat unconvincingly.

“That’s not true,” Evelyn said more defiantly than intended. The emotion coursing through her caused her voice to rise involuntarily as she continued, “Isaiah and Bonnie took her away tonight. I saw them!” As soon as the words left her mouth she knew it was a mistake. Arthur's eyes turned dark and he stalked toward her, grabbing her arm and pulling her into her dressing room.

"The fuck you just say to me?” he growled, slamming the door behind him and dropping the empty whisky bottle he held. The glass shattered at her feet making Evelyn jump. “You questioning my men in front of the other girls?” he asked with a shake of his head, hair falling in front of his eyes precariously.

“No, Arthur,” she replied, casting her eyes downward. “I would never,” she gulped fearfully. “I..I just want to know…wh-what happened,” she stuttered, feeling unsure of herself now that he was so close to her, seething with anger.

“Arthur, darling, tell me you didn’t have Sandra and her child killed,” she begged, voice breaking with the first tears that slid down her cheek.

"How do you know about that?" he asked as he towered over her, face like stone with no hint of human emotion visible.

His inadvertent confession shocked her and her hands began to shake as she whispered, "You did it, didn't you?"

“You want to play games, eh?” Arthur said with a wicked look in his eye, reaching for his gun. “Well there are fucking rules here, Evie,” he chided her as he gestured in her direction with the weapon.

“You’re scaring me, Arthur,” she said, backing away from him. Her legs hit the edge of the vanity, mirror teetering dangerously behind her as a jar fell to the floor. A plume of white powder erupted at her feet, drawing his attention from her momentarily.

The tension broke suddenly as he smiled and chuckled darkly, “Scared of me, little dove? Since when?” An insincere smile pulled at the corners of his mouth and she gulped at the sight of it, knowing he wanted her trust, but she couldn’t give it. It was then she regretted every small gesture of kindness she'd accepted from him, knowing now that it had all been a lie.

Arthur brought a rough hand to her cheek, dragging it against her skin slowly as her heart thundered wildly in her chest. The gun rested in his opposite hand and she could feel the cool metal pressing at her hip. Evelyn closed her eyes thinking only of escape. “Please, Arthur. Let me go,” she managed in a broken whisper.

Feeling his fringe brush against her forehead, he whispered, “Oh, Evie...You need me to keep you in line. That’s why you love me, isn’t it?” he asked, voice dripping with condescension. His hand snaked behind her neck and wove through the hair at the nape, sending shivers down her spine. "You love me, don't you, Evie?" he asked. His voice was soft now, gentle even, but Evelyn couldn’t find tenderness in it as she once had. She bit her lip to stop it from quivering, willing him away with every beat of silence that lingered between them.

Without a confession of love and loyalty, all pretense was lost and Arthur's rage returned. Without warning he tugged on her hair with brute force, slamming the back of her head into the glass of the mirror. Her eyes shot open to see him glaring at her, gun pointed at her temple. As his finger began to squeeze over the trigger, Evelyn shook her head gently, mouth opening in a strangled cry before finding her voice. “Yes, yes, Arthur. I love you! I love you and I need you to keep me in line.” She babbled, trying to tell him whatever it was he wanted to hear, whatever would make him put the gun down.

“S right, you do. You need to learn there are consequences for sticking your nose where it don’t belong,” he sneered at her, all teeth and hatred suddenly. The gun rubbed against her hairline with uncomfortable pressure until Arthur pulled it away, firing into the ceiling. Evelyn screamed as debris fell from the ceiling, bits of plaster and dust raining down on her before she could protect herself with her hands. Arthur threw her away forcefully causing her to crash to the floor in a heap. He leaned down to her and hissed, “Next time I won’t fucking miss.”

Evelyn wrapped her arms around her knees and rocked herself as he strode away, shattered glass crunching under his boots as he went. The ringing in her ears and her soft sobs were the only sounds that could be heard before a sharp knock came at the door, bringing her out of herself. “Evelyn?” A boyish voice called out and the tension in her body relaxed slightly as she realized it was only Finn.

Sitting back on her heels, she wiped her tears with the back of her hand, noticing blood dripping from her palm. Finn quickly surveyed the room and Evelyn’s trembling form.

“Is this Arthur's doing?” he asked, trying to keep the anger from his voice. Although he already knew the answer. He was familiar with his older brother’s temper having grown up around it, but it didn’t make it easier to witness when it came to Evelyn. When he looked into her eyes he saw a fear that had never been there before.

“Evelyn, are you alright?” he asked, extending a hand toward her. He was slow and careful so as not to startle her.

“I…I have to get ready,” she mumbled, trying to stand on shaky legs. She clutched onto the vanity and turned away, not wanting Finn to see her like this.

“No, you don’t. You’re hurt,” Finn said, noticing a shard of glass in her palm. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and attempted to clean her wound, but she seemed oblivious to it.

“He’s going to kill me, Finn. I know it,” she said, finally looking up at him. She hung her head, breaking down into hysterical sobs.

Finn pulled her into him tightly as she cried, promising, “I won’t let him. I know you think I’m no match for Arthur, but I’ve got a plan to get you out of here. I just need you to trust me.”

Cont. reading Part 3

--------------------

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@evita-shelby

@shelbydelrey

@alanadetigy

@wandawiccan60

@severewobblerlightdragon

@lovemissyhoneybee

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@kittycatcait219

@callsign-fangirl

@christinasyellowflowers

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@babaohhhriley

#Peaky Blinders fanfic #Peaky Blinders imagine #Arthur Shelby fanfic #Arthur Shelby imagine #Arthur Shelby x OC #dark!Arthur #Finn Shelby fanfic #Finn Shelby imagine #Finn Shelby x OC

51 notes · View notes

zablife · 1 year

Text

Dark Games (Part 3)

Arthur Shelby x Evelyn (OC) x Finn Shelby

Author's Note: Written for @shelbydelrey Peaky x Lana Festival. Inspired by "Dark But Just a Game" by Lana Del Rey. Final part to the series.

Warnings: language, slur, drinking, mention of drug use, violence, mention of human trafficking, some incorrect history

Part 1, Part 2

“Finn, what are we looking for?” Evelyn asked, clutching her bandaged hand to her chest and listening for Arthur. He could return at any moment to find them rifling through his office. If he did, their meddling would get them both killed. She wanted to leave for the safety of Warwickshire as Finn had promised sooner rather than later.

However, Finn knew it wouldn’t be enough to take Evelyn to Tommy. He’d turned a blind eye to their brother’s indiscretions in the past and this would be no different. If Finn wanted Arthur stopped for good, he needed something more, evidence Arthur was falsifying the ledgers for the club and stealing from the family. Knowing time was running out to collect them and get Evelyn away, Finn paced the floor, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

“I need the books, Evelyn, if we’re going to shut down the Eden Club,” Finn explained and Evelyn nodded in understanding. “Where has Arthur hidden them?” Finn asked as gently as possible.

“There,” she pointed to the safe in the corner with a shaking hand. “But I don’t know the combination, Finn,” she confessed tearfully. Finn approached, rubbing his hands up and down her arms as he looked into her eyes.

“It’s alright. We’ll figure something out together, yeah?” he said in a calm, soothing voice as he pushed the hair from her face. The closeness of him and the need for comfort overtook her and Evelyn leaned up to place her lips to his. Finn didn’t hesitate to pull her closer, deepening the kiss he’d wanted for months. His body cocooned her in warmth and a feeling of safety she needed to shut out the world that had shattered around her.

Losing himself in the sweet taste of her and the softness of her skin, Finn failed to hear the footsteps behind him or the shadow of his brother looming large as the office door swung open unexpectedly.

With his usual bold, swagger, John strode to the center of the room, booming voice laced with amusement. “Well would you look at my baby brother,” he chuckled.

Evelyn’s whole body tensed and Finn moved to shield her with his body as John began to circle them, jabbing a finger in Finn's face. “Sly bastard, you’ve got some balls going after Arthur’s girl. Shall I tell him there’s a fox in his hen house?” he asked with a wink.

Before he could think of a reply, Finn paused, clocking the slight slur in his brother’s speech. John was already drunk and that meant he wouldn’t waste time running to Arthur when he could be having a woman himself.

“Piss off, John,” Finn said as nonchalantly as possible, waiting to see if his assumptions were correct.

John raised his eyebrows in mock shock and thumbed his nose with a sniff. “Alright, alright. No need for that. Couldn’t give a shit anyway. Just came down to take a tenner,” he said, pushing past Finn to get to the safe. Evelyn eyed Finn, holding her breath as she watched John spin the dial with practiced ease. While John had his back turned, Finn gave Evelyn a nod, squeezing her hand gently as he moved to the desk and called out to his brother.

“Oi, John, you going back home in the morning?” he asked casually. John turned slowly, pulling a bill from the stack of cash he held.

“Dunno, why?” he asked, voice tinted with irritation.

“Tommy called,” Finn lied. John pocketed the money and rubbed a hand down his face as he shook his head in disbelief, stepping away from the safe to question his brother.

“Yeah, what the fuck does the king of Birmingham want now, eh?” he asked with a roll of his eyes. Spying the open door of the safe, Evelyn inched closer, fingers itching to hold the black book that lay in plain sight. Finn watched her movements from the corner of his eye and tried to hold his brother’s interest a moment longer as she closed in on the evidence they badly needed.

“Says a family meeting’s in order. He wants all of us to come tomorrow,” Finn said, heart thundering in his chest, hoping John wouldn’t ask too many questions as he hadn’t worked out the details himself. Shoving his hands in his pockets he looked past his brother’s confused expression to see Evelyn tucking the ledger into her handbag and he exhaled with relief. Deciding it was time to wrap up, he clapped a hand over John’s shoulder adding. “We’ve got an early morning so go easy on the whisky, yeah?”

John broke out in a grin, pulling his brother close to him round the neck. Forehead to forehead he whispered, “Go give the whore a good seeing to and I’ll keep Arthur away. Have some bloody fun for once.” Finn’s stomach turned, but he was grateful for the alibi, needing time to get Evelyn away safely. With a quick nod, he took her by the hand and made a dash for the back entrance.

Evelyn looked over her shoulder as she ran, tripping on the cracks in the pavement. “Don’t look back,” Finn urged as he helped her, tucking his strong arm under hers to keep her from falling. Even as Finn helped her to the car, she had trouble believing she was actually leaving the place that had been her home for so long. As the lights of the Eden Club marquee faded in the distance, she wondered what lay ahead.

————————-

Arthur exited the car with a groan, feeling the extent of his sore limbs and pounding headache the moment he stepped out into the daylight. The last place he wanted to be was Arrow House, summoned to his brother’s side for another useless meeting. He knew how the day would proceed and he abhorred listening to Tommy drone on about the plans for his empire when he had plans of his own. A day wasted, he thought as he flicked his cigarette into Tommy’s pristine rose bushes, hoping one would catch fire.

He took the front steps two at a time and ordered the maid to bring him whisky as he stumbled toward Tommy’s open office door. However, the voices he heard inside gave him pause. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the hallucination of his Evelyn. He swore he heard her quiet lilt before crossing the threshold, but thought better of it. The booze and the snow were playing tricks on him surely.

However, his confusion soon turned to horror as he entered the room to find the imposing presence of Alfie Solomons standing at his brother’s side. The King of Camden Town stood dressed all in black, an evil grin permeating his features from beneath a wide brimmed hat. He gestured with open arms as he greeted him in a booming voice. “Arfar!” he cried out.

Arthur stood rooted to the spot, looking between Alfie and Tommy who stood hands placed on his desk, boring a hole into his brother. Finn and Evelyn sat on the sofa by the fireplace, and Arthur couldn’t help but notice how Finn’s thumb stroked over the back of Evelyn’s hand in a soothing gesture every so often.

“Have a seat, Arthur,” Tommy said, voice dangerously low.

“No, no, no,” Arthur said, waving his hand in front of him. “I ain’t stayin’ for this bullshit,” he proclaimed. He turned to leave, but the door was swiftly closed in his face by a blinder, guarded from the outside until their business was concluded to Tommy’s satisfaction. Arthur had no choice but to stay and face his wrath.

“Arthur, Mr. Solomons and I have a few questions for you about the goings on at the Eden Club. Make yourself comfortable. We have a lot to discuss,” Tommy said as he threw the black ledger down on his desk with a thud. Arthur’s eyes flicked from the book to Finn, knowing he was involved, but unable to prove it. He clenched his jaw and balled his fists, stiffly taking a seat in front of Tommy. "There are a few irregularities here, brother,” Tommy said, flipping through the pages with mild interest. He closed the book and stared up at Arthur adding, “And I would be prepared to forgive that with a bit of repayment, but Mr. Solomons--”

“Call me, Alfie,” Alfie offered, seating himself at the edge of Tommy’s desk. “We’re friends now, you and I, Tommy,” he said with a nod.

“Of course,” Tommy said. “Alfie here has told me about the deals you’ve been making in London. See that’s very disappointing to me. Cause we’re family and family has always been my strength. Until today…that all changes now that I have a new arrangement in place with the Solomons family. You, Arthur, are out,” Tommy proclaimed, reaching for a cigarette. Rubbing it across his bottom lip, he searched his pocket for a lighter as he looked to Alfie asking, “Shall we tell him what becomes of him?”

Alfie held up his hand, “No, he’s a big boy. He knows the road,” he answered. “And he knows what he did has earned himself a place in hell already.” As Tommy took his time lighting up, he allowed Arthur to squirm under the penetrating gaze of the mad baker. The look he received was scathing and Arthur realized this was about more than business. He turned to look at Evelyn over his shoulder and she hid her face in Finn’s shoulder.

Turning back to Alfie he spat, “So this about the whore?”

Enraged, Alfie leaned forward clutching Arthur’s shirt front in his large hands to bring them face to face. His eyes lit with fury and the patches of irritated skin around his jaw turned an angry red as he seethed, “She was carrying my fucking child, you worthless cunt!” Pulling Arthur from his chair he staggered with the weight of the other man, raising him from the ground until Arthur began to choke. “And you took her from me so now I’m going to ring the life from you,” he warned, thick fingers inching closer to Arthur’s neck.

Tommy stood emotionless, almost disinterested as he watched his brother’s eyes bulge out of his skull, face reddening as he awaited his fate at the hands of the man he’d wronged. However, just before Arthur lost consciousness, Alfie suddenly released him, letting him drop to the carpet with a thud.

Evelyn shook her head against Finn’s chest whispering, “Finn, please, I don’t want to see this.” He hushed her, stroking her hair, and trying to shield her as Alfie came to stand over Arthur’s heaving body.

“Nah, don’t think I will kill ya now, pikey,” he said, boots crushing Arthur’s fingertips painfully. “Would be too good for ya. So we’re gonna take a drive with my nephew Goliath and have a bit more fun, yeah?” He stamped his cane and a large man entered the office, his footsteps hitting the floor with such force it made the lamps rattle. Finn gulped at the sight of the giant, hoisting his brother in the air like a rag doll and carrying him out without a word.

Alfie fixed his hat before giving a nod to Evelyn and then Tommy. “Good doin’ business with ya, Tom,” he said before exiting the room. Evelyn looked around the now quiet room, a surreal feeling washing over her. Vengeance did not feel the way she expected.

—————————

Three years later…

Finn passed through the busy restaurant he operated with Evelyn. After the nasty business with Arthur, Tommy rewarded Finn’s loyalty by making him his own boss. Although some days he wondered if it wasn’t Evelyn he was working for as she had no problem taking charge. Truthfully, Finn didn’t mind because it made him proud to see her thriving after everything she’d been through at the Eden Club.

Evelyn was determined to make a better life for herself and Finn. Despite Tommy's charity, the first year had been difficult and they lived in near poverty. However, the second year things began to turn around and this year they even stood to make a tidy profit from their hard work. However, her ambitiousness worried Finn at times, her drive to succeed becoming the sole focus.

Always on heightened alert, Finn found Evelyn at a dark corner table with a Chinese couple. She seemed to be in a heated discussion with the man as the girl sat next to him took in her surroundings uncomfortably. Finn frowned at the pair, wondering what they were discussing as a small brown envelope passed between them.

“Evelyn, what’s going on?” he asked, capturing the attention of everyone at the table.

“I’m conducting business, Finn. Did you need something?” Evelyn asked sharply.

Finn's attention was momentarily stolen by a glimpse of the girl's tattoo, hidden on the inside of her arm. His skin began to crawl as he thought of the recent rumors associated with the mark and his eyes snapped back to Evelyn with urgency. “I need to speak with you,” Finn insisted.

“We’ll continue our discussion Thursday?” Evelyn asked the man seated before her. He nodded congenially, reaching across the table and placing a chaste kiss to her hand before standing to leave. The girl at his side teetered awkwardly in her high heels as she waited for him to don his thick winter coat with fur collar. Then she trailed nervously behind him as he confidently took the lead out of the dining room, patrons staring at the mismatched couple as they passed.

Finn fell into a seat and took a deep breath as he gestured toward the envelope between them. “Evelyn, what’s going on? What is that?” he asked.

“It's opium,” she said matter of factly. Finn pinched his nose, afraid of what she might say next, positive no outcome would benefit them.

“No salt, no flour…the purest available in Europe. It could make us a fortune,” she said eagerly, opening the envelope and tapping the golden crystals out onto the wooden surface before her. Finn exhaled sharply, this had not been in his plans for them. He didn’t want to operate the way Arthur had.

“And where are we to get it?” Finn asked, humoring her for a moment to satisfy his curiosity.

“Brilliant Chang,” she replied, leaning back in her chair with a smile.

“That’s where I recognize him from. He’s the man who’s been in the papers. They say he killed a girl,” Finn said warily, brow creased with concern.

“She killed herself,” Evelyn rushed to correct him. “And he was cleared of all charges,” she explained. She laced her fingers together, leaning in to confide, "But he has people watching him so he needs someone to sell it. He wants it to be us, Finn,” she said with a heady giggle.

“I don’t know, Evelyn,” Finn said, shaking his head. This sounded like an unnecessary amount of trouble to bring into their lives. Also, she clearly wasn’t aware of the other ways in which he made money.

“Evelyn, do you know anything about the girl with him today? Why she has that tattoo?” Finn prodded, thinking of a delicate way to broach a potentially upsetting subject.

“Of course,” she replied icily. “It’s a mark of ownership. Just another part of his business, Finn,” she shrugged, reaching for her drink and downing it. Finn looked on with a horrified expression as she slammed the glass on the table and crossed her arms defensively.

“What the fuck difference does it make, hmm? The deal is done. I was tired of taking handouts from your brother. And you can’t tell me you don’t want to make your own money?” she said angrily. Her eyes stared back at him, hollow and lifeless.

“I just want you,” Finn answered in a soft voice. "The Evelyn I knew when we started,” he added earnestly. Where had she gone? Sometimes he felt she had been lost years ago while playing dark games with his brother.

---------------

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@runnning-outof-time

@babaohhhriley

#Peaky Blinders fanfic #Peaky Blinders imagine #Arthur Shelby x fanfic #Arthur Shelby x imagine #Arthur Shelby x OC #Finn Shelby x fanfic #Finn Shelby x imagine #Finn Shelby x OC #Tommy Shelby #Alfie Solomons #dark!Arthur

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