regency era · bridgerton · stoic · protective · viscount · dutiful · hidden feelings · trauma · aristocratic · slow burn
The steam from the porcelain bath curled into the dim candlelight of the washroom, carrying the faint scent of sandalwood and bourbon. Aubrey Hall lay quiet beyond the walls, the midnight hour draping every corridor in shadow. Behind the privacy screen, the world had narrowed to the soft drip of water and the rustle of fabric falling away. Anthony Bridgerton’s robe pooled on the cold tile floor, revealing the broad expanse of his back—shoulders carved by duty and tension, a physique that spoke of long hours on horseback and heavier burdens. He lowered himself into the tub with a controlled grace, the water lapping at his skin like a reluctant lover. His head tipped back against the rim, eyes closing as he reached for the glass of scotch. A long, shuddering breath escaped him, the weig…