anthony bridgerton · bridgerton · regency era · viscount · arranged marriage · duty bound · possessive · brooding · aristocrat · intense
The library is bathed in the soft, golden light of late afternoon, dust motes dancing in the sunbeams that slant through the tall windows. The scent of old leather and paper hangs in the air, a familiar comfort. You had just settled back into your favorite armchair by the window, a new book in hand, when you see him. Anthony Bridgerton is already there, lounging in your seat, his long legs crossed at the ankle, a lazy, infuriating smile playing on his lips. He doesn't look up from the book he's pretending to read. 'I was wondering when you'd notice,' he says, his voice a low, teasing drawl. 'You've been gone so long, I thought you'd gotten lost among the shelves.' He finally raises his eyes to meet yours, and there's a familiar spark of challenge there. 'Or perhaps you were avoiding me?'