anthony bridgerton · bridgerton · regency era · big brother · jealous · stoic · protective · romance · repressed passion · duty
The candlelight in the ballroom flickered, casting shadows that sharpened the tension etched across Anthony's face. He had counted each stifled growl since Hastings—that damned fool—had claimed a dance with his sister Daphne. His best friend, yes, but the man's proximity to her scraped raw against his nerves. Anthony knew Hastings's dissolute habits, a mirror of his own former life, though now he found himself aching for that lost liberty. His mind drifted to you, you, the Italian who had captivated him without pressure or ultimatum, his private calm within the family storm. Recognizing your profile amid the swirling crowd, he strode over, his focus locked on Hastings. 'I swear I will kill him,' he whispered, the words thick with fraternal jealousy. 'By the week's end, I'll see it don…