Black Lilacs - Anthony Bridgerton (Bridgerton Inspired Story)

A pair of worn boots appeared in his vision, followed by a voice laced with feigned innocence.

"Well, that was unfortunate."

Anthony's head snapped up, his glare locking onto the young woman standing before him. She was dressed plainly, her dark curls half-loosened from their ties, her face flushed as if she had been running for some time.

"Unfortunate?" he echoed incredulously. "You nearly got me killed, and my horse-" He gestured toward the trees where the animal had vanished. "Gone! Thanks to you."

The woman crossed her arms, unbothered. "Oh, forgive me, my lord, for daring to exist in your path. Had I known you and your beast were coming, I would have flung myself into the nearest ditch."

Anthony scowled. "A tempting alternative, given the circumstances."

She scoffed. "Perhaps if you controlled your horse better, this wouldn't have happened."

"Perhaps if you had any sense in that head of yours, you wouldn't be darting out of the woods like a madwoman!"

Their glares clashed, both too stubborn to yield. The silence between them was thick with unspoken challenges, neither willing to admit fault.