Modern & Radical || Alfie Solomons x Fem!Reader One-Shot

Modern & Radical

There was bizarre stigma attached to educated women in Camden Town. It was believed these women sought schooling for the sole reason of provoking the public. Why would a woman explore personal growth if it weren't for antagonizing her community? Maybe so that she obtains tools to better life for herself and others? What a preposterous notion, most argued.

You faced a lot of this bigotry when you returned to town, specifically at Miriam's wedding. Since you weren't Jewish, many of her guests already disapproved of your attendance, but when it circulated that you were also that female friend who had finished college, you were continuously ambushed with questions regarding your dubious character.

Why would you trouble that little mind of yours with such barbaric issues? Don't you want to spend your time on more pleasant activities? And of course you're favorite: Aren't you scared of not finding a husband? Men don't like demanding women.

Of course, a lot of people were impressed by your extensive knowledge of culture and politics, inciting conversation with their own wisdom and theories. Some had more information to contribute than others, but even the less experienced remained engaged and enjoyed chatting with you.

On the other hand, it seemed like you couldn't escape the narrow-minded. These men consistently dismissed your viewpoint, while the women rejected your courage to stand your ground.

Eventually, you had to escape the stuffy reception and snuck a cigarette by the mansion's front gate, where even the valet couldn't see you behind its broad frame.

"Oy, ain't ya too young to be fucking around with smokes?"

The gruff voice startled you, your jitter eliciting a faint chuckle from the shadows. Emerging from the mystifying dark, the bulky Alfie Solomons offered you a sparked lighter, in contrast to his query. But that was Solomons for you. The gang leader had a do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do attitude, and his reputation as an unpredictable man held evident truth.

Miriam had narrated numerous legends about Solomons, as most local Jewish folk did, and you had occasionally spotted the ruffian terrorize other crooks (of less significance) in the neighborhood. Ironically, as his violent stature was alarming to most in the area, it also served a comforting nuance since out-of-towners feared him even more.

On this wise, you didn't flee. Instead, you leaned in to accept his flame while fluently monitoring his behavior.

"People usually think I'm younger than I am," you said.

"How old are ya?" he asked.

"Twenty-six."

"Too young."

You smiled at each other, acknowledging the remark's playful nature. With confidence in his amiable manner, you extended your hand in introduction.

"I'm Y/N L/N. I'm friends with the bride."

"Ye', I know who you are," he revealed, firmly shaking your hand. "You're that scholarly lass with the rich opinions and strong head."

Bashfully grinning like a silly, infant girl, you scorned yourself for becoming prideful over being recognized by an infamous criminal, even if his perceptions about you were complimentary. And yet, you couldn't hide your surprise.

"Well, I never thought Mr. Alfie Solomons would know who I am without having met me," you said.

"I make an effort to familiarize myself with noteworthy individuals, little lamb."

You cringed a bit at the ignorantly demeaning pet name but couldn't overlook his indirect praise. Even though your prejudices about the unstable gangster warned you to stay guarded, your interest piqued by his attentive demeanor as he initiated an investigative conversation.