rage. [A. Bridgerton]

iv

❝ My heart is, and always will be, yours. ❞

It is believed that once you lose trust, the foundation of love crumbles. Anthony should have known that when he saw the small frame leave the doorway in a rush. He knew who the petite frame belonged. And he had finally been caught in the act.

He quickly pulled his modesty from Siena. Her moans came to a sudden stop, her body full of want but displeased from Anthony's sudden departure. She had been pushed against the closet's wall. Her legs wrapped securely around his waist. "What is it, my lord?" She questioned, pulling his face to look at hers. 

"I, um," Anthony cleared his throat, "I have to go."

He searched the entire opera house for her. To apologize. To tell her it was a mistake.

...

It had been almost a year since the unfortunate scene Evelyn walked in on. 

Evelyn felt a weight on her chest, her eyes brimmed with tears, as she stared at the familiar closet door. She must have been a naive girl if she truly thought the rake, Anthony Bridgerton, meant any of the promises he assured her. She took a deep breath, collecting herself and her thoughts before accompanying Lady Danbury to speak with the Queen. 

"Your majesty," Lady Danbury bowed politely, "do you remember Miss Ellsworth?" 

The Queen smiled at Evelyn, taking the young girl's beauty in.

"I believe I do, Lady Danbury," she took a brief pause and gave Evelyn a quick wink. "A lovely color on you."

Evelyn blushed at the Queen's compliment before taking a bow, "thank you, your majesty."

Lady Danbury and the Queen became warped in small talk before Lady Danbury saw Lady Bridgerton and Daphne, calling them over. There were small introductions before the small group of women said their goodbyes to the Queen, making their way to Lady Danbury's box.

Evelyn hated this place. She hated London. Everything reminded her of him. How she so carelessly allowed him to toy with her heart. As if the broken promises weren't enough. 

Siena stood on the stage, belting out whatever lyrics she was supposed to. Evelyn rolled her eyes, sighing softly. Daphne caught on to the girl's distaste for the opera singer and looked at her with suspicion. 

"Do you know her?" She questioned.

"Unfortunately."

Evelyn knew she should not take her anger out on Siena, for she had not known her attachment to their mutual friend... Or had she?

"I am parched," Evelyn suddenly excused herself from the box. Lady Danbury eyed her closely as she left.  

Evelyn walked through the empty main hall straight to the opera houses' bar. She did not care if it was unladylike to drink her sorrows away. If she was going to be in this god-forsaken place, she would be allowed at least one very strong drink.

After gulping two drinks down, Evelyn overheard a society man speak to the man beside him. 

"Do you know her, Bridgerton?"

'Of course,' Evelyn scoffed quietly as she toyed with her drink.

She glanced from her half-full drink to see none other than Viscount Bridgerton and a group of men standing at an opening from the bar to the stage. Her presence having been undiscovered by the group of men.

"The singer? What ever for-" Anthony began before being interrupted. 

Evelyn snorted, quite loudly and unattractively. Her eyes widen at the noise that came from her and she turned quickly to avoid the men who turned to look in her direction. Having given herself up, she prayed she would not have the attention focused on her. However, Anthony was surprised to see the familiar back of the lady sitting on the stool. 

The man beside Anthony simply rolled his eyes. "Women," he muttered under his breath before taking a drink from his glass and returning his attention to the stage. 

Evelyn took a big gulp from her drink before feeling a strong presence beside her. Though he was enticing, she chose to ignore him. 

"Whiskey, neat," he ordered from the barkeep.

The barkeep began to make his drink. Anthony turned to face the captivating girl beside him. Her dark brown wavy hair poured down her shoulders. She wore a pale lilac-colored dress that had white flowers laced throughout it. Her white silk gloves gleamed in the dim light. She was truly stunning.

For the first time in just a little over half of a year, Evelyn Ellsworth saw Anthony Bridgerton's face. She familiarized herself with every small new detail. The barely noticeable bags under his eyes. The slightly disheveled hair. He looked a wreck, as though he hadn't slept in months. And for a brief moment, Evelyn thought she loved him again.

Evelyn shook her head and downed her drink. She was not going to fall into the Viscount's trap. She refused to. She swiftly stood from her stool and made haste back to Lady Danbury's box.

In the main hall, there was no one to be seen. The lights dimmed. Anthony followed behind Evelyn, finally getting close enough to grab her wrist and pull her towards him. Evelyn turned too quickly into her chaser, their chests colliding. Their deep breathing synchronized.  

"Evelyn, I-"

"Viscount Bridgerton, this is quite inappropriate," Evelyn interrupted, pushing herself away from the Viscount. "I should not wish to be forced into a scandalous marriage with a man I do not love."

The only thing Anthony heard after was the sound of Evelyn's heels in the distance.

...

"Anthony, please, what if someone notices us?" Evelyn giggled as Anthony scooped her into his arms after a quick game of chase. He pushed her gently against the tree at the Bridgerton's country estate. Evelyn wrapped her hands around Anthony's neck loosely, causing him to lean toward her.

"I say... let them catch us," Anthony whispered in her ear. "For I could think of many worse things than to be 'forced' into a scandalous marriage with the woman I love."

A/N: 

Hi, I was hoping to find out how you are enjoying the story so far. I know our dear Evelyn has an interrupting problem but that'll be over soon. :)

thank you for taking the time to read my story, it seriously means the world to me. I cannot wait to continue it. and maybe... just maybe another character might be introduced... only time will tell!!

- alissa