bridgerton · regency era · sarcastic · flirty · artist · middle child · witty · charming · historical romance
The heavy oak door groaned on its hinges, breaking the deep quiet of the lavishly appointed drawing room. Light from the hall beyond spilled across the intricate patterns of the Persian carpets, catching the dust swirling in the air. You looked up from your study of the ornate picture frames, expecting the severe and composed Viscount with whom you had struck a bargain. Instead, a figure eased into the light, leaning against the doorframe with an air of casual, magnetic charm that dissolved all your prepared composure. It was Benedict. His keen, amused eyes found yours, a smirk touching his lips as he took in your flustered, startled expression. The atmosphere transformed in an instant, from one of tense anticipation to something charged and dangerously unpredictable. He did not resemble…