Gregory House With A Teenage Daughter (platonic!!)

Fr!!

I be saying "he's so silly" while he's killing someone with his bare fucking hand

When i stated using ao3 5 years ago i had no idea what the pvt bookmark option was but it seemed necessary, cause it said 'Private' and i didn't want anyone to know (even tho it is a completely anonymous acc on the internet that no i know can find unless i tell them my id or they go thru my things)!!!! And it became a habit !!!

Dastardly Plans

Summary: You plot revenge, Anthony finds it incredibly attractive.

Pairing: Anthony Bridgerton x Reader

“Would you be so kind as to help me plot a murder,” You stated as soon as you stepped foot into Anthony’s study.

“I’m sorry but what did you just say my darling wife, I must of misheard you?”

“I need help with planning a murder, do keep up my love. Maybe you were the wrong choice, perhaps I shall approach Eloise instead, she seems a bit more quick witted”

“Don’t you dare. I was just making sure I heard correctly, I never said no. But just out of curiosity who are we killing and why?”

“That silly Miss Connors. Francesca just confided that she’s be coming up to her at every ball saying hurtful remarks. She even had the audacity to step on her gown causing a terrible rip. The wretch is clearly jealous of Franny, and I will have none of it. So I’ve been thinking the best way to get rid of the Miss Connors problem will be to never have to see her face again. Argo murder! Really it’s a two birds one stone situation because it will show the Ton the consequences of messing with the Bridgertons, especially while I’m Viscountess.”

Anthony started at you, his mouth wide open in awe and his eyes shining with desire. Your defence of his siblings was not only endearing but incredibly sexy.

“Honey, you still there. Yes or no to murder, I don’t have all day.”

“Absolutely yes. In fact I know Colin mentioned a substance he came across on the continent which was deadly yet odourless. One drop in the dreadful girls tea and mission accomplished”

“I knew I married you for a reason” you smirked, bringing Anthony in for a kiss.

————

Hope you all enjoyed. Feel free to send through any requests x

#PERFECTLY MATCHED FREAK

Teenage Dream

Summary: Jack prepares for his first date (with a girl)

Note: she/her pronouns

“Are you sure?” Jack brushed down the black shirt and army style jacket Dean gave him.

The sleeves went a couple inches past his hand, so he had to roll them up to fit properly. The shirt, on the other hand, fit well. 

“Trust me, chicks dig the bad boy look,” Dean said. “A little dirt, a little grime. Works every time.”

Jack had never been on a date before, but he imagined dressing nicer than this. Wearing his FBI suit, maybe. It was the nicest one he owned and the sleeves fit perfectly.

He turned to Sam. “Is that true?”

“Sometimes,” Sam said, without looking up from his computer.

But Jack had seen a good amount of romance films and couldn’t imagine Sam as the bad boy in any of them. In his mind, he was always the nice guy. The hero.

“Did you think you’d go in your FBI suit?” Dean laughed. “This is a date, kid, not a case.”

“I like that suit. Cass says blue is my color.”

Cass nodded. “It’s true. And that”—he pointed at Jack—“is horrible.”

“Hey!” Dean shouted. “That’s style. Army green, simple tees. That’s in right now. It’s all over the mags.”

“Mags?” Sam said.

“Magazines. God, you guys are old.”

Jack watched the scene unfold. Dean was doing that thing where he pretended to be young again while Sam groaned and Cass filed his nails against the wooden table. Usually, he’d let it go on, but there were just thirty minutes until his date with you and he still didn’t have an outfit.

“I don’t have time for this!” Jack shouted. His skin was hot like when he used his powers.

“Woah. Relax. It’s just a date,” Dean said.

“He’s never been on a date before, Dean,” Sam countered.

“So? Neither has Cass and he’s doing fine.”

“Dating, love, relationships. Those are human things,” Cass said. “Trivial.”

“Trivial?” Dean craned his neck toward him and the pair erupted into yet another argument as Sam approached Jack.

“It doesn’t matter what you wear,” he said. “Just be yourself. Girls can tell when you’re faking.”

“They can?” Jack felt more nervous than before. It was all too human. And he was only half of that. He wasn’t used to having sweaty palms or a butterfly-filled stomach. He thought he was sick the first time he felt their flutter before Sam explained that it was normal.

“Uh, yeah. Sometimes,” Sam coughed. “But you’ll be fine.” He gave him those puppy dog eyes he gave families when working a case: his attempt to take half of their pain. It worked sometimes. Jack was grateful it worked now.

“Okay,” he said, leaving to change. 

He hurried to his room and put on a white button up paired with a brown suit. That blue tie he loved. He stopped for a moment to look in the mirror, did an awkward smile, then made his way back to the command center.

The chaos had died down by the time he arrived, and all three of the boys sat around the table listening to Sam. Jack overlooked the scene from the head of the table. This was one of the few times the bunker was quiet: when one of them was talking and the others listened. And that was rare. Most days, they talked over each other.

“Woah. Look at you.” Sam was first to notice him. His dimples pinched his cheeks as he smiled.

“Much better,” Cass rasped.

Dean scrunched his face and made his way over to him. Jack wiped sweaty palms down his blazer. Dean was never all that nice to him, but a couple months in the bunker and they had become somewhat of a family.

“You’ve got to learn how to properly tie a tie,” Dean said, and he adjusted it for him. “There. Not as good as before but… decent.” He nodded, then fished in his pocket and produced silver keys. “Here.”

“You’re letting me drive the impala?” Jack said.

“Don’t make me regret it.”

Sam clapped. “Alright, go get ‘em, tiger.”

A rush of energy overcame Jack, though he couldn’t tell why. It might’ve been confidence or nerves or something entirely different—he wasn’t sure. He wasn’t used to feeling this way. He had grown accustomed to fear and adrenaline. Love, even. But never romantic, and never like this.

This would be the first time he went on a real date, and one where no one tried to kill him. He felt prepared; he knew what to do. Once he got to the restaurant, he would pull your chair out for you, you’d talk, and then you’d fall in love with him.

There was only one thing he was unsure about.

“What should I say when I get there?” he asked. 

“I read in a Teen Vogue magazine it’s custom to talk about your interests,” Cass said.

“Zombies?”

“No—no zombies!” Dean said. “For the love of god, no zombies.”

“Just follow her lead, okay?” Sam said.

Jack nodded, making a mental note of all the advice he’d be given. But if he wasn’t allowed to talk about zombies, what would he talk about? 

“Uh, kid.” Dean laid a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not moving.”

“I’m not?”

“No,” Cass said. “You’ve been standing in Dean’s beer puddle for thirty seconds now.” 

“Oh.” He felt the liquid squish below his feet.

“Here, I’ll walk you.” Sam placed a hand on his back and led him to the door.

“You’ll call me if you need help?”

Leaving during a case felt wrong—like when he finished a box of cereal and it didn’t have a toy in it or when he waved at someone and they didn’t wave back—but Sam insisted he go.

“Yeah,” Sam said, opening the door for him. 

Jack lifted a slow hand and waved goodbye. 

Sam smiled and waved back; gave him that look that took half his nerves, half his pain. Then the door shut and it was time for his date.

y'all, I'm sorry, he's so bad but he's so fine. like I can't even defend him

So true cause there are some truly fucked things on here!

this is what i hoped for in season 3 🥹

A pleasant surprise

Summary: Colin returns from his travels with more than just teas and stories.

Paring: Colin ‘my wife’ Bridgerton x Female Reader

—————-

Saying you were nervous was an absolute understatement. In fact the honest truth is that you were on the verge of a panic attack. You knew this meeting was inevitable, had known really ever since you laid eyes on him. But the prospect of shocking, nay disappointing, his entire family made you feel nauseous.

Colin’s hand gently gripping your thigh, stopping your legs nervous bounce, was the only thing keeping you grounded. You could see the grand houses of the ton out the carriage, feel it coming to a halt. It was time, you wanted to run. However the man beside you was enough reason to stay. Colin was the love of your life, and you his. Hopefully his family could see that.

The valet opened the carriage door and you took a deep breath. Colin alighted first, then giving you his hand to help you out. Bridgerton house was stunning, flowers drooping from vines that ran up the brick walls. The sweet smell of the flowering wisterias engulfing you. You gripped Colin’s hand as he led you straight in, not bothering to wait at the front door.

The grand entrance opened in front of you, and you could see it was just as beautiful as the exterior. The walls, painted a lovely shade of baby blue, hung portraits showcasing the happy family. You let go of Colin to examine a painting of him in his youth but was interrupted by a shriek.

“Colin, your home!” A young girl screamed with delight as she ran and wrapped him in a hug. ‘This must be Hycainth’ you thought smiling. The commotion caused a flurry of footsteps and soon a mass of people were descending into the foyer from all directions. Each gave Colin a spirited greeting ranging from tight hugs to affectionate forehead kisses. Last to arrive was a beautiful women who had to be Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton, taking him in her arms and whispering how happy she was he was home. The closeness of the family brought a grin to your face.

And then suddenly you were spotted Hycainth and with a shout of “Who’s this?” all attention was directed to you.

“Family, I have an announcement.” Colin began, grabbing your hand in his. “This is my wife,” he declared introducing you by name.

“Your what?” One of the brothers, Anthony you presumed, muttered; the first to recovered from the shock.

“We met in Madrid while I was travelling”

“Madrid as in Spain? Does she even speak English. She probably just tricked you to marry into English money,” Anthony proclaimed, earning an elbow from his wife in the process.

Colin went to reply, but you gave him a gentle shake of your head.

“Viscount Bridgerton, what a pleasure to make your acquaintance. You are just like Colin describe,” you smirked, your polite words not matching with your tone of voice. “As you can see I do speak English, in fact I am from this country. Just outside of Bath to be exact. I too was doing some travelling when I met your brother in Madrid. My father, a Duke, was there on business and he asked me to accompany him. Colin and I met studying Spanish in a local language school, I wanted to understand the language so I could help my father negotiate his deals.”

“My apologies for my son, I believe he sometimes forgets he is not the only member of the family with some sense,” Violet said, a gentle smile gracing her face. “But may I asked what brought on marriage,”

“I knew Colin was feeling homesick, wanting to be nearer to his dear family yet my fathers business in Spain was not due to end for many months. We couldn’t bear the thought of being apart, and I didn’t want to be the reason Colin stayed away from his family.”

“She made the sacrifice to leave her family so I could be with mine,” Colin confirmed, pulling you in to his embrace. “I knew we were going to have to marry so we could travel together without scandal, and in all honesty I could not wait to call her my wife,”

“Oh sweethearts, congratulations” Violet muttered pulling you both into a hug. “But don’t think you’ll get out of having a celebration, there will be a ball thrown in your honour!”

One by one each family member came to greet you and give their congratulations.

Benedict gave you a giant hug followed by angrily whispering to his brother ‘How dare you leave me to face the ton’s mamas on my own, we had a pact’.

Eloise gave you a half smile, ‘I can’t say I see why you chose to marry my brother, clearly the imbecile is lacking in the upstairs department. However it would be nice to have another intelligent woman in the house, How would you feel about teaching me Spanish?’ You readily agreed.

Hycainth and Gregory both wanted to know if Colin and yourself had brought them anything from abroad, in which you winked conspiratorially as an answer.

Daphne and Kate both gave you warm hugs, and promised to get to know you more over tea once you settled.

Anthony was the final one to approach. He gave you an apologetic smile before muttering ‘I would be grateful if you could come help me with some documents in my study sometime. We have business in Spain and I admit that I know nothing of the language. Your insight would be a major asset to the family.

————-

Hope you all enjoyed! Honestly I just see this on brand for Colin. As if he didn’t fall in love with every female he crossed paths with. Basically I just picture him as young Bill in Mamma Mia

P.S. no surprise who greeted Colin with a forehead kiss xx

Its soooooooo goooooooooddddd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More Than Honour

Chapter 23: Threadbare Composure

Anthony Bridgerton x fem!reader

Introduction: They called it dinner. With candlelight and wine and the illusion of civility. But beneath the silver and silk sat something hungrier. A table of secrets. A room of witnesses. A game no one agreed to play— and everyone was losing anyway.

Anthony sat rigidly in his chair, hands folded too tightly over his napkin. Lucien was too quiet. Edwina too radiant. And you—too far away. Still laughing softly at something Hyacinth had said. Still occasionally turning toward Lucien like he was gravity.

Violet had nearly succeeded in shifting conversation toward something neutral—opera seasons, carriage redesigns, the weather in Bath—when Daphne, seated beside her husband, lifted her wine glass and gave her brother a look that could only be described as wicked.

“Well, since we’ve all touched on the subject of Anthony’s impressive... need for control,” she began, smooth as clotted cream, “did you know he once challenged Simon to a duel?”

There was a beat of stunned silence.

Then—

Gregory gasped audibly.

Hyacinth knocked her spoon into her bowl.

Lady Mary made a startled noise into her wine glass.

Edwina blinked rapidly. “A duel?”

Colin groaned. “Not this story again.”

Colin dropped his spoon. Benedict leaned back, suddenly grinning.

“Oh, absolutely this story again,” Benedict said, leaning in with an almost reverent grin. “I had to physically stop him from marching Simon into the woods like a madman.”

Simon, calm as ever, lifted his glass with a small smile. “He was halfway through threatening my bloodline before Daphne even finished adjusting her hem.”

Anthony shot him a glare. “You laid your hands on my sister—”

“I kissed my fiancée,” Simon corrected, eyes twinkling. “You responded like an unhinged opera villain.”

Lucien, very casually cutting his meat, didn’t even look up. “That explains the dramatics. I did always sense you had a flair for duels, Bridgerton.”

Anthony’s jaw clenched. “At least I didn’t court my scandals publicly.”

“Oh no,” Lucien murmured, still not looking at him. “You just escorted yours into the woods and declared war.”

A collective snort erupted from Colin, Benedict, and Hyacinth.

You, despite yourself, let out a sharp laugh—and quickly masked it behind your wine.

Anthony’s gaze snapped to you.

You were already composed again. Almost.

“I do recall Daphne mentioning the incident,” you said mildly. “And something about you screaming something dramatic about honor while she was still smoothing her skirts?”

Eloise grinned. “He did. I heard about it from the butler before breakfast.”

Simon chuckled. “I believe his exact words were: ‘This family shall not be disgraced by a Duke with no intentions.’”

Benedict added helpfully, “And then he tripped over a tree root and tried to duel anyway.”

Hyacinth, delighted, leaned forward. “Did you use swords or pistols?”

Anthony, visibly exhausted, pressed his fingers to his temple. “Pistols.”

Lady Danbury, who had been silently sipping her wine through the entire affair, spoke for the first time. “I remember that morning. The ton nearly combusted. You know, if you’d fired a moment earlier, half the gossip circles would have had to rename the Bridgertons entirely.”

Colin mock-gasped. “The Bleedgertons.”

Lucien, shaking with silent laughter, raised his glass. “To duels poorly thought out, and reputations narrowly saved.”

Anthony ignored him, turning to Daphne with something that looked suspiciously like pleading. “You couldn’t have picked any other story?”

Daphne’s smile was sweet. “You chose to escalate. I chose to educate.”

Gregory, still wide-eyed, turned to Simon. “Would you have shot him?”

Simon looked contemplative. “Possibly in the leg. Nothing fatal.”

Lucien finally looked up, eyes gleaming with wicked delight. “And would you have apologized, afterward?”

Simon met his gaze evenly. “Depends which leg.”

Even Kate cracked a reluctant laugh at that.

Anthony, thoroughly outnumbered and glaring daggers at everyone, turned to you—his last possible source of dignity.

But you only tilted your head with faux sweetness. “Well. I suppose this means you won’t be proposing a garden stroll tonight.”

Benedict choked on his wine.

Edwina blinked between the two of you, utterly baffled by the dynamic she could not name.

Anthony said nothing.

And Simon—ever the quiet disruptor—leaned back, swirling his drink.

“I’m beginning to enjoy family dinners,” he said.

Lucien, with barely veiled amusement, leaned forward. “So just to be clear…you threatened bodily harm because a man fell for your sister?” His gaze flicked to Anthony, eyes glinting. “Are we sure you have not scheduled my duel yet?”

Anthony stiffened.

You, ever so sweetly, patted Lucien’s arm. “If he has, I will stand between you and the bullet.”

Lucien turned to you with a grin. “Ah, my angel. Always dramatic.”

Colin snorted. “You are one to talk.”

And for the first time since soup had been served, you found yourself laughing out loud—with Lucien beside you, Anthony smoldering across the table, and the entire house two anecdotes away from burning to the ground.

The laughter from Daphne’s duel anecdote still lingered in the air like smoke — sharp, stinging, leaving behind the burnt edge of revelation. Anthony had gone quiet again. Simon had leaned back into his chair, smug and satisfied, while Benedict and Colin wore identical grins that said we’ve waited years to say this out loud.

You had barely touched your wine, fingers tracing the rim of the glass, eyes fixed somewhere past the flickering candlelight in front of you. You weren’t retreating. Not exactly. Just… breathing. Carefully.

Which is why you missed the glint in Eloise’s eye before she spoke.

“So, Lord Blackbourne,” she said, far too casually for anyone to believe she hadn’t planned it. “Why do you call Y/N angel, anyway?”

The fork you were holding paused mid-air.

Eloise continued, elbows unapologetically on the table as she leaned in toward him with narrowed curiosity. “You don’t use her name. Not even in passing. Just… angel. Repeatedly. Sounds intimate.”

Gregory immediately turned, alert. Hyacinth’s eyes sparkled. Colin snorted into his wine. Kate tilted her head.

Anthony… didn’t move.

You felt every eye shift to you—but you didn’t flinch.

Lucien didn’t flinch.

Instead, he set down his glass with a quiet ease, his gaze finding you immediately. Not with a smirk or a laugh. But with something quieter. Something that slowed the beat of your heart.

“When I first said it,” Lucien murmured, his voice like velvet brushing against the grain of the room’s tension, “it was meant as mischief.”

Your breath caught.

“The kind of name you give someone when you’re trying to disarm them,” he continued, eyes never leaving yours. “Because they’re looking at you like they know your game and won’t play it. Because their smile is lovely, but not soft. Because you say it once and expect it to land lightly.”

He leaned back slightly, almost contemplative now. The room around him faded — for you, and seemingly for him as well.

“But she didn’t flinch when I said it,” he added, softer now. “She didn’t blush, didn’t glare, didn’t fall for the bait. She just… smiled. This quiet, maddening little smile. Like I had no idea how deep I’d just sunk.”

Your throat went tight.

Lucien’s fingers lightly tapped against the stem of his glass, once, before stilling.

“And from that moment on, nothing else fit,” he finished simply. “Not her name. Not miss. Not any title. Just angel. Because she’s never been anything less than my undoing in disguise.”

Silence wrapped around the table, taut and humming.

Hyacinth let out a breathy “oh my God.”

Colin blinked rapidly. “Did anyone else feel that in their spine?”

Daphne pressed a hand over her heart. “Honestly, that might’ve been the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”

Simon raised a brow at Anthony, who hadn’t moved. His knuckles were white against the silver of his fork, and the muscle in his jaw had gone tight enough to crack.

You still hadn’t said anything.

Lucien turned to you now — just you — and, with the gentlest edge of a grin, added, “Unless, of course, you’d prefer I stop.”

It wasn’t cocky.

It wasn’t for show.

It was a question. A quiet one.

You didn’t look at anyone else. Just met his gaze and shook your head once, slow. “No. I don’t mind it.”

Lucien smiled.

Across the table, Anthony reached for his glass, slower this time. Measured. But his eyes didn’t leave yours. Not for a moment.

The tension still shimmered in the air like heat off stone, delicate and dangerous.

Lucien’s gaze hadn’t left yours. You held it, steady, a breath from something… more.

But Hyacinth, ever the chaos elemental in curls and silk, broke the moment with a sing-song curiosity that cut through the silence like a ribbon:

“But wait—when was the first time you said it?”

You blinked, startled. Across the table, Lucien’s mouth curved just slightly.

“Oh, I remember that,” Colin chimed in, already grinning. “It was that dinner. The one where I lost a bet to Benedict about whether or not Anthony would snap a butter knife in half.”

“I believe the final tally was… two,” Benedict added helpfully. “One bent beyond recognition. One thrown in the general direction of the fireplace.”

“I knew something was missing from the cutlery drawer the next morning,” Violet murmured, sipping her wine with the serene composure of a woman who has seen the apocalypse in cravat form.

Hyacinth leaned across Simon like a spy at court. “It was the night Lord Blackbourne flirted like the house was on fire and Y/N was the only woman worth saving.”

Lady Danbury arched a brow. “Sounds theatrical.”

Daphne chuckled. “It was art.”

“I wasn’t even there,” Simon said, “and I’ve heard the story at least three times. From three different sources. None of which included the same number of wine bottles or swooning incidents.”

“Oh, there was no swooning,” Colin said cheerfully. “Just Anthony pouring enough wine to drown a scandal.”

Anthony, seated across from Lucien and very much present, set down his glass with care. “I do hope the entertainment value outweighs the embellishments.”

“Funny,” Eloise said, swirling her wine, “I don’t remember needing to embellish. Lord Blackbourne served the tension. You roasted in it.”

Hyacinth squealed. “Yes! You were seething, Anthony. You tried so hard to look composed, but your fork nearly pierced the duck.”

Lucien, ever composed, didn’t gloat. Not quite. But the glint in his eye as he turned to you was unmistakable. “If memory serves,” he said softly, “you were the one who started the real fire.”

You tilted your head, meeting his gaze. “I might’ve poured the oil. You struck the match.”

Colin snorted. “And the rest of us? Roasted marshmallows.”

Gregory, wide-eyed, stage-whispered, “Didn’t someone say ‘turn about the garden’ and it was basically a marriage proposal in disguise?”

“I asked if she wanted to walk,” Lucien said innocently. “I never said how far.”

Eloise nearly fell off her chair laughing. “And she replied ‘Are you sure you can keep up?’ Like she hadn’t just murdered him in cold blood.”

Hyacinth pointed a dramatic finger across the table. “And then he smirked. Said he never has trouble keeping up. I nearly fainted.”

Daphne’s smile was knowing. “And Anthony—”

“I remember perfectly well,” Anthony cut in, voice low.

Silence descended, taut and immediate.

All eyes flicked to him.

He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t move. He just looked down at his plate, then up at Lucien. Then—you.

Kate, seated beside Edwina, watched it all. Closely. Like someone reading between lines only a few others could see. Her gaze lingered on Anthony’s tightened jaw. On your hand as it rested a little too still near your wine glass. On Lucien, who—despite all the revelry—wasn’t looking at anyone else but you.

Anthony exhaled, sharp and slow, then turned his attention to Edwina beside him, reaching for the wine to refill her glass.

“I’m afraid,” he said, his voice steady, “my family takes great pleasure in exaggerating past events.”

Edwina smiled, slightly confused. “I don’t remember it being so… theatrical.”

Kate’s brows twitched faintly.

“Exaggerated?” Colin laughed. “Anthony, you were seething. Daphne tried to change the subject and you looked at her like she’d insulted your lineage.”

Benedict grinned. “You were about to quote something dramatic. Then Blackbourne beat you to it. Poetry, wasn’t it?”

Lucien didn’t confirm or deny. But he turned to you, and with that quiet cadence of his, murmured just loud enough:

“There is pleasure in the pathless woods…”

Your lips parted. Your breath caught.

“…there is a rapture on the lonely shore…”

Hyacinth gasped. “He’s doing it again.”

Anthony reached for his wine.

Kate leaned in, eyes narrowed—sharp, calculating. “That was Byron, wasn’t it?” she asked lightly.

Lucien nodded. “Indeed. Quite a favorite of Lord Bridgerton’s, I hear.”

The corners of Kate’s mouth didn’t move, but something shifted behind her gaze. Slowly, she turned toward Anthony.

“Is it?” she asked.

Anthony said nothing.

Daphne leaned into the chaos like it was a chaise lounge. “To be fair, it’s one of the most romantic recitations I’ve ever heard. From either of them.”

Anthony’s fingers gripped the stem of his glass a little too tightly.

You felt it.

The pressure.

The attention.

The way Lucien hadn’t taken his eyes off you, even as he dropped words like embers.

The way Kate watched Anthony with rising suspicion.

The way Anthony looked at you like memory was a weight he couldn’t put down.

It was Colin who broke the tension.

“Well,” he said brightly, “if that dinner was a fire, then this one’s at least a slow roast.”

“And dessert hasn’t even arrived,” Eloise added gleefully.

Violet raised a brow at no one in particular. “Then heaven help us when it does.”

Across the table, Lady Danbury spoke again, her voice dry as brandy and twice as strong.

“I cannot believe I missed that dinner.”

Lucien smiled. “I’m sure this one will make up for it.”

He looked at you again. Not with amusement. Not with victory.

But with something quieter.

Like he saw all the cracks in the room—and only wanted to know if he could hold them together.

Anthony, from across the table, saw that look too.

And for now?

He said nothing.

Dessert hadn’t even been announced, yet Violet’s napkin already looked suspiciously like it had been squeezed within an inch of its life.

Which is when Benedict, with the kind of grin only a man too comfortable with fire could wear, leaned into the quiet.

“So,” he said, casually tearing a piece of bread in half. “Now that we’ve revisited the dinner that shall not be named… what say we play a game?”

Colin’s eyes gleamed. “Oh no. Is it time?”

Hyacinth sat up straighter. “I knew I wore the right earrings for scandal.”

Gregory whispered, “This better be the game with secrets.”

“It is,” Eloise said brightly. “And the adults haven’t ruined it yet.”

Lucien raised a brow. “What kind of game are we playing?”

Hyacinth clapped once, delighted. “It’s simple. We take turns going around the table and ask each person to describe the last scandalous thought they had during this meal.”

You blinked. “That’s not simple. That’s social warfare.”

“It’s Bridgerton dinner,” Eloise said. “Same thing.”

Violet opened her mouth—perhaps to object—but paused. Then sighed. “I am going to need a stronger wine.”

Simon leaned forward with a wolfish grin. “Shall I begin, or will you, Lord Blackbourne?”

Lucien didn’t flinch. “Ladies first.”

Eloise jumped in. “Perfect. I’ll start.” She turned to Simon. “What was the last improper thought you had at this table?”

Simon smirked. “I imagined throwing a bread roll at Anthony when he said ‘embroidered cushion’ with such confidence. Miss Sharma deserves better metaphors.”

The table erupted.

Anthony looked personally wounded.

Edwina blinked in confusion.

Kate nearly snorted her wine.

Lady Danbury murmured, “So do I. Heavens, it was dull.”

Benedict was wheezing. “Throw the whole metaphor out. Start again.”

Simon sat back, sipping his wine with the elegance of a man entirely unbothered.

Lucien grinned. “Well played.”

Colin leaned in next. “My turn.” He turned to you. “Tell us — what were you thinking when Lord Blackbourne quoted poetry to you a few minutes ago?”

You paused — dramatically. Eyes sweeping the table. Then you smiled, sweet and dangerous.

“I was wondering,” you said slowly, “whether it’s possible to melt silverware from sheer eye contact alone.”

Hyacinth gasped. “That’s the quote of the evening!”

Lucien leaned in. “You’re welcome to test that theory. Privately.”

Eloise groaned, “God, I hate how good that was.”

Anthony didn’t move. But you saw it.

The shift.

The flex in his jaw. The tight grip around his spoon. The flicker of heat that bloomed in his eyes before he blinked it away.

Kate saw it too. Her gaze narrowed.

You caught Kate watching you again—not with hostility, but precision. Like a seamstress deciding where the thread frays.

You looked away first. That unsettled you more than it should’ve.

“Alright,” Benedict said cheerfully, “my turn. Blackbourne. What scandalous thought crossed your mind during the soup course?”

Lucien, unhurried, locked eyes with you. “That if I were born less decent,” he said quietly, “I would have kissed her, right there, in front of every person here.”

Silence.

Not gasping silence.

Gutted silence.

The kind that trembled on the edge of danger.

You didn’t blink.

You didn’t flinch. You didn’t smirk.

You reached slowly for your wine glass, took a measured sip, and let the silence stretch long enough to be felt.

Then you smiled.

And the table tilted.

Hyacinth whispered, “I think I forgot how breathing works.”

Daphne, blinking hard, muttered, “Remind me to steal that line.”

Anthony…

Anthony looked like he was about to stand. His knuckles turned white against the table.

And Lucien — the devil wrapped in velvet and candlelight — finally glanced at him.

And smiled.

It was not a taunt. It was a challenge.

Simon leaned in toward Hyacinth. “Did you get that sketch?”

Hyacinth nodded solemnly. “Lucien with devil wings. Anthony with smoke coming out of his ears. I’ll add flames.”

Lady Danbury cackled. “I like him.”

Kate, meanwhile, was looking at Anthony.

“Anthony,” Benedict said brightly, like he hadn’t just dropped a match into a room filled with gas, “your turn.”

The words landed like thunder.

Every head turned.

Even Edwina blinked, gently surprised. “Oh, yes—Lord Bridgerton, what has been your most scandalous thought this evening?”

Anthony didn’t answer immediately.

Didn’t twitch.

Didn’t blink.

Just… stared at the wine in his glass like it had betrayed him for the final time.

“I’ve been thinking,” he said at last, voice calm but low, “about restraint.”

Lucien let out the softest laugh, just enough to draw attention.

Anthony continued, tone measured. “How it’s a virtue. How it separates men from boys.”

Colin raised a brow. “So… nothing scandalous, then?”

Anthony glanced at him. “You’d be surprised what a man has to restrain when people won’t stop provoking him.”

A beat.

Lucien, swirling his wine, looked entirely relaxed. “Some of us provoke without meaning to, Bridgerton. It’s just the hazard of having charm.”

Anthony looked up, sharply.

Lucien didn’t even flinch. “You should try it sometime.”

“Oh,” Gregory whispered. “Oh, he’s going to die.”

Eloise leaned forward like she was front row at a play. “Do it again.”

But Kate—Kate—cut across the table like a knife.

“What exactly are we restraining, my lord?”

Everyone turned.

Anthony blinked.

Kate was watching him—not accusing, not angry.

Curious.

Anthony cleared his throat. “Decorum. Diplomacy.”

“Desire?” Lucien offered, oh-so-softly.

The word sliced through the air.

Hyacinth actually whooped.

Daphne’s hand went over her mouth.

Edwina let out a quiet, confused laugh.

“Lord Blackbourne,” she said, still trying, bless her, “you really do enjoy dramatics.”

Lucien didn’t answer.

He wasn’t looking at her.

He was still watching you.

Anthony finally turned back to his glass. “Restraint,” he repeated. “It’s useful. Especially when others forget theirs.”

You shifted in your seat, the weight of all their eyes grazing your skin like fingertips. Your breath felt heavier now—like the air had started playing tricks.

Lucien leaned closer, voice just for you.

“Are we talking about my restraint, darling?” he asked, tone velvet and velvet thorns.

 You turned slowly, your lashes low. “I think everyone’s restraint is hanging by a thread.”

“You seem fine,” he murmured.

“I’m not the one being fought over in metaphors.”

He grinned, and whispered—just loud enough for only the very worst people to hear—

“Oh, I’m not fighting for you in metaphors, angel. I’m fighting with teeth.”

Anthony stood.

No warning.

No sound but the scrape of chair legs and the unmistakable heat that poured off of him like a thunderstorm with too much pride.

“I believe I need air,” he said tightly.

Edwina startled, half-rising. “Oh—but the next course—”

 “I’ll return.”

But his eyes weren’t on Edwina.

They were on you.

Just for a second.

Long enough to say everything he wasn’t allowed to speak.

Then he was gone.

The room froze.

And then, finally—

Colin muttered, “Well. There goes the thread.”

Hyacinth threw her arms up. “Best dinner ever!”

Lady Danbury toasted the candlelight. “About bloody time.”

Kate, silent until now, lifted her wine and murmured—half to herself—“That wasn’t restraint. That was retreat.”

You didn’t move.

Lucien’s hand was still resting near yours, his posture utterly unshaken. His smile was soft now. Sharpness tucked away.

“I’m sorry,” he said, finally looking at you. “Did I… overstep?”

You didn’t answer immediately.

Then you leaned in—close enough to make him hold his breath—and said quietly, sweetly:

“If this is your version of restraint, I’d love to see what losing control looks like.”

Lucien let out a breathless laugh, low and dark.

“Oh angel,” he whispered, “so would I.”

Across the table, Simon raised his wine glass toward Hyacinth.

She clinked her goblet with his and grinned.

There was a beat of stunned, simmering silence after Anthony exited.

The flicker of candlelight danced in the absence he left behind, a space at the table filled only by the tension he abandoned—and the heat of every gaze that followed.

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