#by order of the peaky blinders

[vittoriamurphy]

Ohhhhhhh what can i do?

[imnosuvu]

bounded by business (1)

peaky blinders x fem!reader, thomas shelby x fem!reader

type: fluff/angst(?)/smut(ish)

summary: a second class powerful gang in the south of london reaches out too a strong working class gang in the south east of birmingham for a union. Both families unite by an arranged marriage, however the soon-to-be wife is against it.

timeline: preferably at the start of season 2, maybe even before, but after grace’s betrayal. (Arthur is not married to Linda yet.)

warnings❗️: swearing, gang talk, arranged marriage, mentions of slight sexual interaction, cheating,

note: this is my first series, so please lmk how i did😭

masterlist.

requests are open❗️

“Y/N.” a strong, stern voice bellowed through the corridors of the L/N Foundation establishment and to your office. You instantly recognised it - it’s your uncle. This man was not to be messed with, kept waited or even looked/thought lowly at. Though he’s your uncle, he still has high expectations for you, regardless of being a woman, and expects you to meet them. Standards he only upholds for you, higher than others. Without wasting any time, not having the set mind to anger him for your tardiness and causing another one of your stubborn arguments, you walk out your office and make your way to one of the meeting rooms that he’s located in.

You peer through the doorway, your hair framing your face. “Yes uncle, is everything alright?” you ask in your usual london accent, acknowledging the three men, recognising them as the Peaky Blinders, men you’ve heard about - working class gangsters showing society just what working class people can achieve.

“Come in, my darling,” your uncle says softly, a bit too softly. You walk in, warily due to his unusually gentle behaviour. Sitting into the seat he indicates you to sit in, you look at the three men sat infront of you. They stare at you as if interrogating you, eyeing your long navy dress, noticing how it defines your curves. The man on your left seemed the eldest, his upper lip holding a firm moustache and has short slicked-back hair. On the right seemed the youngest, his face is neat, no facial hair identifiable and has short back and sides haircut. But the one in the middle caught your eye, he seemed like the leader of the working class gang in Small Heath, his ocean blue eyes are captivating and his defined jaw and cheekbones look as if they can cut.

“Y/N, these fine, young lads are the Peaky Blinders, the gang i’ve been telling you about this morning,” Your uncle looks at you and gestures to the three men. “The Shelby brothers.” You nod your head, slightly confused on why he seems so eager for you to know them.

“Right..” you reply, in a more unbothered tone, clearly unbothered by them. This doesn’t go unnoticed by him, but lets it slide, not wanting to cause a scene.

He then turns to the Blinders, to introduce his niece. “Mr. Shelby’s, this is my niece, y/n l/n, she upholds a high rank within the L/N Foundation. She’s practically my right hand - carried out many successful plans within the business. She’s quite a fierce young woman and has a strong reputation within London. Our successor.” The Shelby’s stay quiet, slightly fazed at how a woman can be able to uphold such a reputation.

“Thomas Shelby,” the middle brother reached out to you for a hand shake, “These are my brothers, John and Arthur.” he gestures at the two men. You can’t fail to hear his strong brummie accent that strikes many women. His name confirms your suspicions about him leading the Shelby Company Limited. Your uncle nudged your leg under the table, motioning you to shake the hand he’s offering. You then glance at your uncle, then shaking Thomas’ hand, you feel how his rough, thick hands come into contact with your slender soft ones, significantly smaller than his. “I’ve heard a lot about your work, Mr. Shelby.” you address, taking your hand back, as you eye their expensive suits that working class men can’t afford, except the Peaky Blinders.

“Care to elaborate, Miss. l/n.” Thomas states, in his rough tone, noticing how the gold you wear highlights your wealth.

“Your business expansion, to not only spread across the country, but also expanding to overseas, it’s truly impressive.” you comment, “And your reputation… not many can believe how easily you took down Mr. Billy Kimber.”

“And I believe we could become even stronger together. By having my niece marry you, Mr Thomas Shelby.” your uncle interrupts you, and in return, you snap your head towards him, eyes widened in utter shock and disbelief. Thomas doesn’t even flinch, seeming as he’s already been informed of this, his two brothers snap their heads towards him, asking if he’s serious.

“Tommy you surely not agreeing to this?” his brothers mutter to him.

“WHAT THE FUCK?” you yell out in downright distress, protesting against this, the Peaky Boys get taken aback, thinking you were just some eye candy. “Why can’t (female cousin’s name) do it? She’d marry him!”

“Your cousin’s already got a lad.” your uncle calmly replies.

“Oh so Andrew disappears?” you sarcastically snap back, not caring less that the Peaky Blinders are sat infront of you, witnessing such a scene. Andrew’s your boyfriend of 2 years. Instead of your uncle replying, he walks over towards the meeting room’s telephone and connects to your boyfriend’s telephone line. Handing out the receiver for you to take, you hesitate but then get up from your seat, snatching the receiver from you, placing it onto your ear, your heart breaks. The man that you’ve been with for two years, is fucking another woman. You hear moans from the other end, hearing the dirty words Andrew would say to you, now saying it to the whore in his bed, who’s begging for a release. Taking the receiver away from your ear, you look at your uncle with eyes hinting with guilt and regret, yet you’re too stubborn to show him fully.

“So I take that as a yes?”

You don’t respond to him, still in shock from what you’ve just heard.

“Right Mr Thomas Shelby, as long as you are alright with this proposal, I believe we should wrap this meeting up.” Your uncle responds respectfully and calmly, as if you’re not going mental over this beside him.

“Yes, Mr. L/N, as I’ve previously told you, i’m more than happy to marry your niece.” tommy replies, his deadly eyes not leaving you. His two brothers now taken aback at his quick agreement.

“Wait- he knows? And I’ve just found this out?” your brows are furrowed, glaring at not just Tommy, but John and Arthur as well, in betrayal how he’s told Thomas before you.

“y/n, darling, I don’t have time for this,” he mutters under his breath, audible to only you, then watches you as you storm out.

“Like I previously said, Mr Thomas Shelby, she does need a man like you to put her in her place.”

part two out now!

dm to be added on the taglist!

[garlicbreadmafia]

[ellisthomaslavigne]

Thomas Shelby portrait i just made with alcohol markers and posca wax pencils to celebrate the official announcement of the Peaky blinders film!

[wejustvibing]

pack it up, torger wolff.

[the-mentalists-world]

“Self-respect is the root of discipline: The sense of dignity grows

with the ability to say no to oneself.”

― Abraham Joshua Heschel

[cillianmurphysdimples]

It isn't Christmas until your mammy makes you snowballs! 🤦😂

[leilamarie99]

Finn Shelby -you and Finn are sneaking about until bonnie catches you which later Tommy and your dad find out and your dad gets violent

Ever since you ,your dad,and bonnie have entered Birmingham and dad working for the peaky blinders and bonnie boxing you met Finn you 2 have been secretly dating eachother for a couple of months you haven't told your dad because he will kill Finn and Tommy would just want Finn to marry me you walked into Finn's office isiah walking out Finn getting up and closing the door and grabbing you

"I missed you last night "Finn kissing you

"I had to help bonnie with training

"when will we tell them "

"when my dad doesn't kill you he will be mad that I'm messing around with a boy let alone a peaky blinder "

"I just want to show you to the world that your mine "

"I know I just want it to be you and me as long as possible "

Finn kissing you and getting heated you about to undo his belt but got interrupted

"hey Finn have you ....seen my sister "bonnie walking in

Fuck

Finn trying to do his belt but bonnie grabbed him throwing against the class

"What the fuck " bonnie shouting

"bonnie please don't hurt him "you covering your mouth in shock

"you and him how long "

"a couple of months "

"you do you know dad's going to kill but not if I don't kill him first "punching Finn in the stomach

"bonnie please don't say anything to dad "

Walking out and chasing him along the road and out of the office

"bonnie please don't tell dad I will but I'm not ready just not yet "

"you should of told me we tell eachother everything I don't want to talk to you again stay away from me "

Bonnie walking around you grab him

"bonnie please "

"just fuck off " pushing you so you landed on the floor cutting your hand and knee

"bonnie "dad shouting walking toward you 2

"darling are you ok "

"I'm fine "

"what was that about hurting your sister like that what's going on with you 2 "

"nothing "walking off

A couple of days later bonnie was training dad was watching you walked him with Bonnie's lunch to give to him like you did everyday

"what is she doing here "

"I thought I bring you lunch "

"well I don't want it and certainly not from you " looking away sad

"right what is going on with you 2 you 2 never fight so what's happened "

"why don't you ask her your little angel "

"bonnie don't "

"what scared he will hurt funny boy "

"bonnie " you shouted

"what's Finn got to do with this "

"it's nothing dad bonnie just being silly "

"she's sleeping with him "

"what " dad looking at you

"bonnie how could you "

"Finn Finn Shelby as in Tommy Shelby's little brother"dad looking at you but out your head down looking at the floor

"FINN" dad shouted

Walking out your dad got out if the boxing ring you looked at bonnie

" thanks alot" running out after your dad knowing where he was going you got to the betting shop seeing your dad walking over to Finn and punching him loads of times

"dad no "

Arthur and Tommy dragging him off Finn you ran over to Finn and picked him up he was bleeding

"what's going on "Arthur shouted

"your brother has been messing around with my daughter "

"Finn " Polly said

"it's not like that I love your daughter I would never hurt her I promise we should of told you sooner I promise I would never hurt her "

"dad please I love him " your looking at you

" but him hunny "

"please dad "

" as long as you are happy and you if you hurt her in any way next time it will be a bullet in your head "

"I promise sir " dad walking out hugging Finn Arthur and Tommy looking at us

"you idiot" Polly said whacking Finn around the head and walking off you gave him a kiss

"well that went better then I thought " you grabbed the first aid kit helping get fixed up

Suddenly bonnie came walking in

" you got some nerve coming here have you seen what dad has done "

"I know and I am sorry I just thought you would of told me before I found outline that I was angry you normally tell me everything "

"I know and I am sorry I just didn't want you to get mad at me that's all your opinion means everything to me "

"well all I can sorry is that I am sorry the way I treated you and pushing you I didn't mean to and I really think he likes you I saw the first day we got here I just didn't want him to take my sister away that's all but your growing up now you need to experience these things "

You 2 hugging eachother Finn walking up to you

"Finn I am really sorry for all this "

"I understand she's your sister I would be protective myself "

"just so we are clear tho if you hurt I will come back here and finish the job "

"I promise "

Them hugging eachother

You walking over to Finn and hugging him

"should we go back to mine and cuddle "

"yeah " kissing finn

[survivingthursdays]

Cillian Murphy has eyes like the water on an irish beach on a stormy morning... I'm in love

[vittoriamurphy]

Meow meow

[lovebitesimagines]

Delicate- Chapter 2

[1] [2]

It's funny how much can change in the blink of an eye, once you allow yourself time to contemplate it. Wars have been declared by power drunk men, quicker than one can bat an eyelid. Relationships have been tenderly formed and shattered, lives have been lost, all before the most basic of human functions has been carried out. For me, I could feel the once tenacious flame of luck sputter out, the moment I felt his fingertips lay claim upon my shoulder.

A cold chill spread throughout my body, icy chills sparking out from the tips of his fingers, settling heavily in the pit of my stomach. My skin responded to his touch, covering itself with goosebumps, as if it was a knight throwing on armour to prepare for battle. I'd experienced human touch before, my fathers arms having been wrapped around me once in a hug cast by a second thought. However this felt...different. The rough edges of the floorboards dug against my knees, scraping against the fabric of my dress, as the panic continued to pulsate.

I couldn't breathe. I couldn't move. His hand weighed heavily upon my shoulder, securing me firmly to the floor. I enjoyed the prison his touch created, far more than I allowed myself too. My mind was a tsunami of thoughts, drowning out each idea of escape, until I was no longer able to prise them apart from each other. I silently cursed myself, and my foolishness.

"I think you...you may be mistaken" the words stuttered out from between my lips, my voice sounding croaky and pathetic. My mouth was dry with alarm, dread scratching it's long claws down my throat as I swallowed.

There was a pause so brief, that if you blinked, it would have felt like it had never taken place at all. However, I knew for certain that it was no figment of my imagination. The split second for me felt like it was being cruelly dragged out, taunting me with its wicked smile.

"I enjoy the sight of a woman on her knees" the voice began, cutting sharply through the silence. The notes of his calm Birmingham accent sliced up my thoughts, a contrast to my inner dismay, which continued to grow by the second. He gripped my shoulder tighter, before switching his hand to my arm, roughly dragging me up to my feet. He pulled my back tight against his chest, the buttons on his clothes digging into the exposed section of my back. I remained still, not wanting to move. His spare hand gripped a pistol which he had now pressed to my temple. My eyes flickered to the cool metal, my throat constricting in response to the sight, as I felt his breathe tickle against my ear. He felt warm, the scent of cigarettes and an unidentifiable alcohol filling my nostrils. "Lets see what your boss has to say, eh?"

You know that feeling when time just...slows down? When something terrible happens, and just seems to lull everything around it into a dull sedation? And the worst thing is, that you are just completely powerless to stop it, having to stand by on the side-lines as a spectator, as everything slowly crashes down around you. I was now the helpless bystander, in the shambolic aftermath of my own actions.

The World froze in shock, the moment his foot forcefully kicked open the office door, slamming against the wall so hard that you could feel the vibrations travel up your feet. He let go of my arm, pushing me into the room. I stumbled slightly, the palm of my hand scrapping against the wall, as I fought to right myself.

My father was sat at his desk, my eyes latching onto the brief flicker of horror that scattered upon his face, disappearing as quickly as it showed. My father would like to think that he is an expert at hiding his emotions, at playing the perfect poker face. I guess I have just found out what shatters his perfect illusion. I just wish that it didn't involve me, and the barrel of the gun I didn't doubt was still aimed in my direction.

Three wooden chairs were placed opposite my fathers' desk, two having been claimed by two of the men from the car. They had both sat up straight in response to my surprising arrival, their hands reaching into the inner pockets of their coats. The final seat had been left empty, awaiting the arrival of the third member of the party. The third member who, after process of elimination, was the one who had spotted me in my bedroom window. The one with the eyes that held a million silent stories. The one who was now continuing to devastate the uneasy stillness with his voice.

"Brothers! I found one of Solomons spies against the door. I say our business here is null and void" his voice commanded attention, and attention it was given.

Pandemonium erupted within the office.

Books spilled from the shelves of the bookcase, as I got flung against it. My eyes met the grey hues of one of the men who had previously been sat down, my panic reflected in his pupils. His gloved fingers gripped my throat, the leather slick against my skin. My eyes welled in response to the restricting of my airways, his breath scalding my skin as he shouted angrily at me, his ash-blonde moustache twitching with each facial movement. I could hear my father yelling at the men, the crash of his desk slamming to the floor as he uplifted it, the smash of glass as various delicate objects met their end with the impact.

I screwed my eyes shut, fear rising in me for the grey eyed man whose words continued to slam against my skin. If this was what the outside world was really like, I couldn't fault my father for having chosen to shut me away. It was nothing like I had read about, having been sold false fantasies of beautiful landscapes and handsome gentlemen who threw their coats upon the ground for you to walk upon. I just wanted to lock myself away, and forget I was here and that this had ever happened. The fingers that continued to tighten against my throat had staked its claim upon my attention. This was, unfortunately, reality.

A singular gunshot reverberated throughout the room, an unforgiving silence falling heavy upon us in its wake. My eyes flew open, my gaze brushing past my current captor onto my father. He held his gun up in the air, his chest heaving with the frantic breaths of a broken man. I'd witnessed my father in his differing moods before. I was no stranger to the violent sounds of his raised voice, having heard it one to many times before through the walls. I had seen him before, filled with rage, his thoughts having no say in his actions. The version of him that stood before me now though, was unlike any version of him I had seen before. I knew the sight of me in that room, with these people, crippled him. That frightened me more than any man wearing a cap and waving about a gun could.

"That gal there ain't a fuckin' spy, yeah? She's my daughter" he spat, his eyes feverishly alight as they scanned each of the men in the room, watching as his words fell upon them. I felt the fingers around my neck loosen a touch, enough to allow breathing to be slightly more comfortable. "She is MY fuckin' daughter, right?"

I could feel him contemplating me, my skin warming in response as his eyes scanned across my body, before our gazes latched onto each other once more. Those blue eyes where now surveying me in a new light, as if I was a dangerous prize he wanted to win. I felt a tremor in my stomach, unable to identify if it was awe or terror.

"Arthur. Let her go" he raised his hand slightly as he spoke, his eyes moving onto the man in front of me. Arthur scowled. He tightened his fingers again for a brief moment, a silent warning, before wrinkling his forehead with disgust as he obeyed his orders, stepping back towards the other two men. He didn't move his focus away from me.

"Adina. Come 'ere" my father snapped, lowering the gun to his side. I swallowed hard, the spell shattering as I drew my eyes away from the stranger, hurriedly moving towards my fathers' side. The room was still for a moment, waiting in anticipation for the next move. The bulbs upon the walls cast an artificial light across the room, humming softly with excitement. Open books upon the floors stirred, entranced by the aftermath of the incident.

"Run along to daddy little girl" one of the men spat, a smirk playing across his lips. He was clearly the younger of the three brothers, and I assumed lower down in the pecking order.

"Hush now John" the blue eyed man stated, "Clearly our esteemed friend Mr. Solomons here, has had enough fright this evening". My father grunted in response, his eyes flickering between the three brothers. The nameless brother stood in the middle, flanked by Arthur and John on either side. If I wasn't so afraid, I'd be awed at the picture the trio portrayed. "Maybe we can sort out a little...alteration in our business agreement, hmm?"

"Tommy, what the fuck are you doing?" Arthur growled, watching as his brother stepped forward out of the trio. He made to move as if he wanted to stop him, but thought better of it.

Tommy. I had finally put a name to my blue eyed stranger. Tommy. I hated that my body prickled with happiness at being able to do so.

"Alteration? What sorta' fuckin' alteration?" my father barked, drawing himself up as Tommy continued to walk forward. He raised his gun once more, the two other brothers mimicking his actions in retaliation. "Listen here, yeah? I ain't sortin' out no fuckin' alterations with you Shelby fucks. Fuckin' gypsy bastards".

"I see that we've managed to uncover the great Jewish Kings greatest secret. I wonder what Sabini would pay to get his hands on this sort of information?" Tommy smirked, coming to a stop a few feet in front of my father. Sabini. I had heard that name been shouted angrily on more than one occasion, a thorn in my fathers side.

"You wouldn't fuckin' dare" my fathers words hissed out from between clenched teeth. Tommy raised an eyebrow in response, a clear signal to state that he sure as hell would. My father lowered his gun, his shoulders drooping as he did so.

"You want us to work with you, eh? You want us to sign on the dotted line that we will share business? Share dealings? We'll be able to keep your pretty little secret safe" Tommy paused, letting the words he was saying sink in, briefly glancing over at me. "If she works for us. I will see you in a week, Adina Solomons".

And in a blink of an eye, the Shelby brothers upturned my whole life. 

[alabamasuhn]

Choosing to stop watching Peaky Blinders when Aberama proposes to Polly so in my head no one dies is so valid...

[damsel-in-mistress]

Every time I rewatch the entirety of Peaky Blinders, I notice another Arctic Monkeys song sneaked into the soundtrack. Probably bc they use a lot of instrumental versions only.

It's either that, or I've got a goldfish memory...

[ziggyplayedguitar96]

I just started watching Peaky Blinders and I already love Ada so much she’s such a slay

[leilamarie99]

You and Finn decide you want your own life

The war was was coming to the end you and Finn have been talking lately about leaving this all behind and wanting a normal life for you both Tommy has never been interested in Finn the only family finn has got is you his Y/N you have always been there for each other no matter what it will always be you 2

Tonight Finn was going to Tommy’s something about a meeting with him Y/N stomach was turning all day with worry what if Tommy knew we are leaving the family and all this behind

You were walking back from the market to get some food for you and Finn tonight is going to tell Tommy that you both are out for good this has been going on since your whole life’s and you just want to move on and live with each other and have children

You bumped into Izzy

“Hi Izzy “

After ruby passed things haven’t been the same specially with her and Tommy she’s been loving at her mums with Charlie hasn’t spoken to Tommy at all

“ hiya Y/N how’s you and Finn “

“ yeah we are good just getting dinner for tonight “

“ oh “ Izzy said

“ what “

“Finn and Billy we’re going to Tommy’s for some meeting “

“ billy no it was only finn not Billy “

“ no they both are going or something I heard isiah talking about with the other lads besides Tommy don’t tell me anything anymore I am leaving with Charles tonight anyway I am taking him with me to New York “

“ oh finn said the was a meeting but he didn’t tell me Billy was going aswell Tommy just wanted to speak with finn “

“ oh and Duke aswell “ Izzy said

“ Duke “

“ I don’t know what’s going on but little advice for you and finn get out “

“ yeah we are “ y/n whispering but Izzy already walked off

Y/n was home sitting at the table she has a bag feeling about tonight what’s happening I hope Tommy doesn’t know about us leaving Finn was going straight there y/n decided to walk to Tommy’s and see what’s going on first she had to try and find Finn before he left she tried the garrison and he wasn’t there so she’s went to his office he wasn’t there his assistant said him and Billy went to Tommy’s early

Something is wrong she had to get to him fast as she can her Finn was in trouble she was running down the lane to Tommy’s belfry she got to the house she saw some cars outside she made she got to the entrance were 2 peaky boys where standing but they stopped her

“ sorry mam we can’t let you through dukes orders “

“ where’s Tommy “

“ Tommy’s not here “ one of them said

“ so where Tommy “

“We don’t know “

“ so what’s going on why’s Duke got orders “

They didn’t say anything

“ that’s it “ she pushed passed them “

“ miss Shelby I don’t think you want to go in there “opening the door Billy on the floor isiah pointing a gun to his head

“ what the fuck is going on “

“ what are you doing here y/ n “ finn said

“ I was worried “

“ now the little princess has joined she can watch finn tell the truth

“ what truth “ worried looking at Finn Tommy knew

“ finn has betrayed the family “

Y/n put her head down

“But you already knew didn’t ya “ Duke grabbing my hair

“ don’t fucking touch her “ finn shouted

“ don’t worry I keep her warm for ya “

“ fuck you “

Duke went to kiss her but she slapped him

Laughing

“ I like you I think you and me will get along “

“ in your dreams”

“ so Finn to proof you haven’t betrayed us shoot Billy now

“ no “

“ no “ Duke said shocked

“ no please I haven’t done anything “ billy pleased

“ or we shoot you “ Duke pointing the gun at Finn

“ no “ you shouted running towards Finn but the lads grabbed you

“ or we shoot her “

“ your not gonna touch her “

“ take the gun Finn “ Duke passing to him

“Arthur says if you don’t do it you can walk away from this family for good “

“What the fuck do you know about family you’re not family your a son of a fucking whore “ finn said

“ j ust take the gun “

“ take the fucking gun “ billy said crying

Finn looking at you and taking the gun off Duke

“ now you have the gun finn you have the gun use it if these fucks”

Isiah then turned around and shoot at Billy in the arm you screaming finn points the gun at Duke you trying to escape from the lads that got ahold of ya

Finn goes to shoot but nothing comes out Duke pushes Finn to the floor

“ Charlie told me give finn the gun make sure the first 2 chambers are empty good old uncle Charlie “

billy runs at Duke then shoots him in the head you screaming Billy landing besides finn

Finn gets up looking at you the boys let you go

“ you are no longer a member of this Shelby family by order of the peaky fucking blinders

Y/n running over to Finn grabbing his hand to walk off

“ I will come for you “

Trying to pull him away

“ I will fucking come for you “

Y/n pulling him away and walking out side grabbing him in a hug y/n crying scared that would of been Finn in the floor

“ finn “

“ why did you come here “

“ I was worried if I didn’t come that would of been you on the floor next to Billy “

Finn grabbing your face

“ I fucking love you you know that right “

“ always we can have a normal life now “

“ where are we going to go “

“New York “

“ New York “

“ Izzy is there she said we can live with her for a while until we Find a home “

“ yeah that’s do it”

“ finn we are finally free “

“ yeah “

“ there is something that I need to tell you aswell”

“What “

Grabbing Finn’s hands and putting on your stomach

“ I’m pregnant “

Finn smiling and grabbing ya walking towards a car to go and pack some stuff you went to New York that night happy and free from the peaky blinders to live a happy life with you and finn and your baby

[lovebitesimagines]

Delicate- Chapter One

I’ve never imagined how I would fall in love. Strange, I know. Most girls my age have already experienced the thrill of finding their sweethearts, with some having sampled a few of Camdens’ most eligible Bachelors, before settling for The One. Me? No. I’m twenty-five years old and kept under lock and key in my ivory tower. The difference is, no Prince Charming will ever be brave enough to attempt a rescue. That is asking for trouble. I might as well be handing them a shovel to dig their own grave. My father has often threatened to put a bullet in the skull of any man who dared steal a glance in my direction. I wouldn’t doubt that he would act upon his threats. After all, he is the most notorious gangster in Camden town. Lucky me.

 Being the only daughter of Alfie Solomons sure does come with its challenges. Don’t get me wrong, there are the odd perks. I can’t deny that I enjoy the luxury of having a vast selection of dresses at my fingertips, but what is the point if I can’t even wear them anywhere? It’s almost as if I have a wardrobe filled to the brim to appease the shadows on my wall. Not many know of my existence, only a select, well trusted few. I spend my days confined within the grounds of the Solomon manor, and even then, that still comes with its restrictions. Do not enter this room, do not enter that room, don’t even think about stepping into the front grounds. God forbid one of the mere mortals spot me, and ignite a spark of gossip so fierce, that it sets the whole of Camden alight. So, this is where I have spent the majority of my life, locked inside the cages of the prison my father has created. A prison risen from the ashes of his own insecurity and fear over loosing me, like he did my mother.

 “Any tea today dear?” Louisa, my housemaid and in some ways my only friend, asked. She is, I presume, in her early fifties, with hair tilting on the edge of grey with peaks of her previous red strands still woven through. I’ve known Louisa since the moment I was born and have gained comfort from her soft Scottish accent on more than one occasion. She had chosen not to have any family of her own, stating that me and my father where the only family she’d ever need. She bustled into my room, expertly balancing a tray laden with a teapot, cups and a selection of cakes. I felt my mouth water slightly at the sight, hopping down from my seat at the windowsill.

 “I wouldn’t say no to a cup” I responded, a small smile playing upon my lips, as I made my way over to her. “And is that a lemon drizzle cake I see before me?”

 “Indeed, it is. I thought you would enjoy a sample” she laughed, placing the tray down upon my dresser. The China clinked gently upon the impact, Louisa reaching forward for the tea pot.

 “One may presume that this is some sort of deliciously cruel distraction technique” I supressed a laugh. Louisa paused briefly, only for a short moment, before beginning to pour the tea, the amber liquid splashing into the cup. I felt my heart stutter, as I struggled to subdue the excitement that gradually sprang in the pits of my stomach. “Louisa. Is it a busy day in Casa del Solomons?”. I attempted to make my voice appear humorous, injecting some form of jokefulness into my words, but even I could hear that my tone fell flat.

 “You know I have no insight into your fathers’ doings Adina” Louisa sighed as she spoke, placing two sugar cubes into the tea- just as I liked it. She picked up a spoon, absent mindedly stirring it as she continued. “However, I have heard there may be some important visitors arriving today. I’ve been given strict instructions to ensure you stay on the upper floor”.

 “I know, I know. Stay upstairs Adina, or people will see you. God forbid people see me Louisa” I muttered, as she gently pushed the tea into my hands. I took a small sip, enjoying the warmth as it slipped down my throat. A sad smile formed upon Louisas’ lips, as she awkwardly brushed down her apron.

 “I know child. I know” she placed a hand upon my arm as she spoke, her brown eyes looking into mine. I could see the sadness sketched upon the corners of her eyes, settling into the grooves. “Please listen to me today. Try not to give an old woman a heart attack before her time”. She let her hand fall to her side, her eyes giving a quick scan across my room, not that there was anything for her to sort. I had the usual pile of books placed precariously upon my bedside table, a dreamers’ perfect escape. And I was the best kind of dreamer. “I’ll be back up later to collect your tea things and take you down for supper”. Louisa turned her back to me, quickly making her escape. I don’t blame her. I wouldn’t want to be stuck up here too, if I could help it.

 I exhaled, picking up a slice of the lemon drizzle cake she had left. On any normal day- if you could call my mundane existence normal- it would have brought me joy. However, knowing that the World still moved on around me and I continued to be detained, no amount of my favourite sweet treat could subdue the despondency I felt. Holding both my cup and slice of cake, I made my way back over to my seat on the windowsill. Apart from reading, this was my favourite way to pass the time. One of my fathers’ many Golden Rules, was to not set foot in the front grounds. Yet he never said I couldn’t look.

 With my back pressed against the side of the window frame, I took another sip of my tea, my eyes scanning the outside. I had to admit, that it was impressive. Trees lined the driveway up to my house, casting shadows across the grounds. My father took pride in the flowers the gardeners grew, a scatter of rainbows across the cobbled stones. It was beautiful, but there was only so much beauty his money could buy. It was a rare day of sunshine in Camden, after a few days of rain, and my room was slowly becoming uncomfortably hot.  I placed my cup of tea on the ledge beside me, before prising open my window a touch, allowing a welcoming cool breeze to enter my room.

 I heard the commotion, before I saw it. The dull roar of an engine, the crunch of the cobbled stones as wheels drove over them. A black car moved into my line of sight, before coming to a standstill near the front entrance of my home. My fathers’ workers hustled and bustled below my window, ensuring that the illusion of perfection was maintained. These visitors must be important.

 I pressed my face closer against the windowpane, feeling the warmth of the glass against my forehead. I was desperate to get at least a glimpse of these visitors, these who had been deemed significant enough to receive an invite here. My fathers’ right hand man, Ollie, rushed to open the door to the vehicle. He was mere moments too late, before the door swung open, making him stumble slightly to the side.

 I watched as three men began to exit the car, one after the other. They were dressed in a similar fashion, as if they had agreed upon a uniform prior to arriving. I could see a peak of three-piece suits hidden underneath heavy overcoats. Their dark laced boots moved almost noiselessly against the cobbled stones, almost like they even brewed fear in the small slabs underneath their feat. Their uniform was topped off with newsboy caps, which cast small shadows against their faces, cruelly obscuring me from fully being able to identify these three strangers. Yet I could sense the darkness that shrouded the trio, who at this moment where being led in by Ollie, seemingly having recovered from his brief social faux-pax. They all appeared to be deep in conversation, although I could not quite decipher the words they spoke, their Birmingham accents floating up to my window with low murmurs.

 The third man began to trail behind, before pausing for a brief moment, halting just on the edge of my eyeline. I watched as he scanned his surroundings, almost as if a hunter would scan for his pray, his expression partially shadowed by the peak of his cap. I placed my fingertips upon the windowpane, as if I subconsciously desired to touch him. Who was he? I watched in anticipation as his eyes slowly moved up the building, before settling upon mine. A breath hitched in my throat, as our eyes met, a smirk springing upon his lips.

 Stillness enveloped me.

 His eyes where the shade of blue that drew you in under false pretences, the kind that lulled you into a flawed sense of calmness. Yet even from the distance that settled uneasily between us, I could sense the storm that brewed beneath his guarded expression, and I just wanted to dance in his rain. I wanted to breathe in all of his secrets and know every inch of the parts he kept cleverly hidden from the world. He lifted his right hand in a gesture of greeting, the smirk growing in prominence, before he made his way inside.

 Electricity coursed through my veins, as I stood up, ignoring the clatter of the crockery that fell to the floor as I stumbled slightly in shock. Who was he? I knew in that moment, that I just needed to find out. To hell with the rules and restrictions.

 I made my way towards my bedroom door, pausing in front of my dresser mirror, taking in my reflection. My eyes where glinting with childlike excitement, a rare flush colouring my cheeks and painting my chest with pink blotches. A man like him would never be interested in the girlish caricature I was currently portraying. I frantically brushed down my dress, giving the fabric a quick glance over- thankfully, it appeared that no tea had tainted the light green skirts. My hair was in its normal midday style, the blonde waves beginning to frizz slightly. It would have to do, I thought, attempting to convince myself that I had no interest in speaking to the stranger. I just wanted to get a closer look.

 I carefully lent up against my bedroom door, pressing my ear against the wood. I could hear nothing outside, but I couldn’t make the foolish assumption that it was safe. My hand gripped the cool metal of the door handle, turning it slowly as I pushed against it. I paused briefly, knowing that if anyone was in the corridor, I would soon be frantically hurried back inside my room. Stillness.

 I crept outside.

 I knew that the three strangers would most likely be in my fathers’ office, which was down a small flight of stairs, tucked away in the shadows of the foyer. I was aware of the risks that faced me if I was to continue with this, but I knew that the reward would far outweigh it. I needed to know who he was.

 I moved down the corridor, ensuring that I stayed close within the shadows. I muttered a silent thank you to my father, and his penchant for enjoying the darkest of finest things, which unbeknownst to him, provided me with many a hiding space. Maroon drapes were suspended against the walls, softly smothering the light which came through the few open windows. Dust particles danced in the rare streams of light which had escaped through the fabric, disturbed at me moving through their space.

 I made my way to the top of the staircase, the wooden floorboards protesting feebly under my weight. I could feel my heartbeat stutter against my ribcage, with each step downwards I made, before I made it onto the bottom floor. I halted at the final step, testing the safety of my surroundings, before creeping towards the direction of my fathers’ office. I was thankful again for my father in that moment, and the incomprehensible fear he instilled in his workers, for there was not a soul in sight.

 I paused at his office door, almost unable to believe that I had made it this far. I was riding on the coattails of luck, not daring to believe that it would soon surely run out. I could hear my fathers’ voice drift out from the small gap between the door and floor, as I brought myself down into a crouch, again pressing my ear against a door. I smiled slightly to myself. I had become quite a dab hand at spying. I listened to the mingling of three voices, as they melted together, each one fighting to gain the upper hand in the conversation.

 Three voices.

 Not four. Unless he was a silent observer, which judging by the glimpse I had procured of him, I very highly doubted it.

 Suddenly, it didn’t feel right to be where I was. I knew in that moment, my luck was slowly running out, slipping out of my fingers like the finest grains of sand. And in the moment, I felt a hand grip my shoulder from behind, I knew my luck had been non-existent in the first place.

 “Are you spying on me and my brothers?”