𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝; 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙤𝙣

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟔

         AARON AND ADILA STRIDED SIDE BY SIDE, distancing themselves from the earl who had been forcefully whisked away into a serious business conversation. "What prompted you to wear a top hat, little brother?" She couldn't help but chuckle as she lightly flicked the dark object, causing it to lay crooked on his head.

       "Adila!" He groaned only to lightly slap her hand away as it made its way up to his head once more. "This hat is what refined young men wear."

        "Then surely you must take it off." Giggling at his annoyed look, she glanced away as they stopped by a vendor surrounded by shelves of books.

       "I would watch the way you speak to me, Adila. Do not underestimate that I will go to great lengths to sabotage your rendezvous with the Earl." Aaron said, adjusting his hands as she skimmed through a book and placed it in his hold.

       "A rendezvous you are not even supposed to be in attendance of. You could have simply gone to the Bridgertons with Inaya." She said, looking up at him with raised eyebrows and placed two more books into his arms.

       "And have mama keep watch of you? It's completely unreasonable as she would allow you both to engage in any activity you desire." He firmly shook his head. Placing the books down on the wooden table and moving to take out the pouch of coins inside the pocket of his navy tailcoat, he continued. "And I do not desire my afternoon to be consumed by a duel with the earl."

         "Aaron, you sound absolutely absurd. The notion of a duel has not ever been mentioned, yet you're allowing your imagination to spiral out of control."

         Before the younger boy could finish his movements or reply, a shadow appearing behind Adila and the clang of coins on the table drew their attention. "Having a good time, I hope."

       "Lord Bridgerton, there was truly no need to pay." Aaron frowned, thanking the seller as he was handed the books, now held together by an intricately tied ribbon of sorts.

     "He is right, my lord." Adila cleared her throat quickly, stepping away and turning so she was facing him. "It was delightful to see you but we should start heading off."

     "Must you really? The races won't begin for a little while longer, and I would appreciate a chat with the man who closed the doors shut in my face earlier." With a raised eyebrow and an air of anticipation, Anthony spoke, his face devoid of any true anger.

     "Sister's orders, my lord." The younger boy explained with a grin, poking the older girl with his elbow. "Should she command me to close the doors, it is my duty to comply."

      "A refined gentleman indeed." The man in the dark blue nodded his head, clearly impressed.

        Clearing his throat, Aaron spoke once more as he glanced at Adila. "We should go find lord Henry, perhaps he is done with his conversation."

    "It never crossed my mind that you were in the company of the earl." Squinting his eyes, he put on a show of attempting to look for the man. "Leaving a woman alone after promising to accompany her truly is inappropriate."

    "It is a good thing I am here then." Aaron said as he moved to hold the books in one arm, reaching into his tailcoat and took out a handful of coins.

    "I humbly ask that you accept this as a gift from me." He gently pushed the boy's hand away with a small smile.

    "Are you-"
   
    "Aaron." Adila's voice carried a stern tone as she shot him a disapproving look, catching his gaze.