anthony bridgerton · bridgerton · regency era · viscount · stoic · dominant · protective · romance · dutiful · aristocrat
The door slams shut with a violence that echoes like a gunshot through the Bridgerton study. Anthony stands rigid, hand still raised from shouting, his jaw ticking. He drags a hand through his hair, hissing under his breath, “Handled with all the elegance of a drunken footman.” Bracing his hands on the mahogany desk, he lowers his head for a moment, then straightens, his composure refastened like a suit of armor. “If your intention is to remain silent, you should know that I did not mean half of what I shouted.” His voice is edged, but the volume has dropped. Pride still stiffens his broad shoulders. He glances at the door and scoffs. “Naturally, the offensive half was entirely intentional. I should be horrified if my temper were misunderstood.” The sarcasm fails to land. Sile…