#Francesca Burns | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

mergrl · 2 years

Text

「18+」 "tell me.” (youcef/MC)

“tell me,” youcef repeats again, voice huskier and more commanding this time. “what do you want, francesca?” he presses his body tighter against hers, so that she can feel him flush against her thigh, a desperate whimper falling past her lips. “i want-” she begins, her breath hitching in her throat as he grips her chin, forcing her to look at him while she speaks.

wc: 5035

it started with the challenge.

it was one of those racy ones, the ones designed to get the islanders all riled up. francesca was the last girl to go, and she was feeling confident.

the game was simple - it was fire themed, and the girls were meant to slide down a water slide, as if they were putting a fire out, crawl underneath a layer of smoke (that was really just netting), and then be fireman carried by the boy of their choice out of the threshold, to end with a steamy kiss in front of a cutout of a burning building. the boys would then vote on the girl they thought had performed the best, who would win nothing but the pride and satisfaction of knowing that she was what they’d all be thinking about the next time they took a shower.

youcef had been shocked when francesca had chosen him over the new boy tom, who had been doting her with attention ever since he entered the villa. her given reasoning was that he was her closest friend in the villa, which was true, and that she’d feel too awkward in these sort of positions with anyone else, which he knew was a bold faced lie.

but he couldn’t deny that there had been a physical connection between the two of them since the day he had entered the villa, even if at the time he had only had eyes for najuma, and regardless, who was he to deny a beautiful woman such a simple request? he hadn’t thought anything would come of it.

that was before the challenge had started, and francesca being the last to go meant he had spent the past hour building up in anticipation. najuma was second to go, had picked youcef as well, but she didn’t get his heart beating quite as fast as she used to, their passion having fizzled out as quickly as it started. by this point, most of the other islanders were ready to head back to the villa, but youcef was waiting with baited breath for francesca’s turn.

she doesn’t disappoint, going down the waterslide with a cocky smirk plastered across her features, and once she reaches the pool at the bottom, she picks up a bucket of water, splashes it over herself with a delighted squeal. the girls had been forced to wear miniscule white crop tops and shorts that sat too low and rode up too high, so when she flushes the water over herself there was nothing left to the imagination.

youcef’s breath hitches in his throat as a few of the boys wolf whistle around him. he doesn’t make any attempt at hiding the way his eyes rake over her body, drinking in the sight of her taut stomach, her pert nipples that peak through her crop top. his eyes drift back up to her face and he finds francesca gazing back at him intensely, an innocent smirk spread across her lips.

she leans down and crawls out of the pool, her body now dripping wet, and just the sight of her on all fours alone is enough to get youcef riled up, but it does nothing to prepare him for what comes next. she shimmies her way underneath the ‘smoke’ netting, letting her hips sway too and fro, her ass hanging high in the air while she crawls underneath the net. youcef stifles a groan that’s building in the back of his throat as he watches her crawl around, her shorts riding up just enough to get his imagination going.

he’d spent every day with her for over a month now, had seen her in all sorts of revealing bathing suits, but something felt different knowing that she was putting on a show, and even more so, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was putting on a show especially for him. “go on then, time to get in position, you lucky dog,” will jokes next to him, pushing youcef’s arm playfully, forcing him to snap out of his trance as he watches her. he can’t help the wolfish grin that spreads across his lips as he walks over to the end of the netting, assumes his position to lift her up once she’s done.

within a few moments, francesca has finished crawling out, rests at his feet with a mischievous grin in her eyes. this is the part, youcef knows, where he’s meant to hoist her over his shoulder like a fireman and complete some obstacle course, but something about the act felt so barbaric, and that had never been quite his style.

instead, he lifts her up, wraps his hands underneath her thighs and lets her all but straddle him, so their chests are touching, faces mere inches apart. francesca seems to get the hint, and with a sly smirk she wraps her arms around his neck, her legs wrapping around his body. fuck, he knew he’d have to be careful, one wrong move and she’d feel the twitch growing underneath his shorts, but it was well worth it to have her this close to him.

he takes his time in completing the obstacle course, if only to selfishly relish in having her body this close to him. by the time he reaches the end, his breath is heavy and hot, and she’s letting out playful, teasing giggles, fully aware of the effect she had on him. his grip on her thighs tightens, and he can feel her body tense underneath him, a satisfied smirk spread across his lips.

the moment suddenly becomes much more charged, her gaze intense as her eyes find his, before dropping to his lips, looking back up at him with a certain hunger in her eyes. “do you want me to kiss you, francesca?” he murmurs, his voice a low growl, intended for just the two of them. “it’s part of the challenge, right?” there’s a mischievous and playful tone to her voice as she speaks back to him, but he’s not quite satisfied yet.

“say it,” he husks out, voice dark and breathy. “what?” there’s an almost innocent shock to her voice, and she begins to trail her fingers along the back of his neck in small, circular patterns, eliciting a groan past his lips. “i won’t kiss you, unless you tell me you want it,” he murmurs back. he’s lost sight of the challenge at this point, of the other islanders waiting on the platform for them to kiss so they can head back. he won’t kiss her, unless she says it.

as if to prove his point, he lets go of his grip on her thighs, lets her fall back to the ground, so she’s standing on her tiptoes to reach him. her arms are still wrapped around his neck, and she pulls him down towards him. “kiss me,” she murmurs, her voice pleading and whiny, “please.”

the desperation in her voice is enough to send youcef into a frenzy. “ah, merde,” he growls, leaning into her frame, one hand resting on her lower back, the other gripping firmly into her hair as he pulls her in for a heated kiss. he takes the first opportunity she presents him as her lips part, letting his jaw go slightly slack, his tongue sliding into her mouth. francesca lets out a soft whimper, her fingers raking down his back, her body arching upwards into his, desperate for more of his touch.

it’s only the sound of whooping and cheering from their fellow islanders that bursts their bubble. youcef is the first to pull away, a small groan leaving his lips. francesca’s cheeks flush pink, she hadn’t quite been prepared for how heated it had gotten - and though youcef had certainly never been shy, always willing to put on a show, but he had nearly forgotten that the moment wasn’t as private as he had hoped.

will is the first of their fellow islanders to speak up, letting out a wolf whistle before he starts clapping. “i think we know who our winner is.”

—

the walk back from the challenge platform is a long and torturous one, and although youcef knows he should be spending this time trying to calm himself down, his mind is flooded with images of francesca’s lips on his, his hands on her hips, his mouth between her thighs -

he’s among the first to make it back to the villa, and immediately excuses himself off to the bathroom for a shower. his imagination had gotten the best of him, his cock straining against the confines of his swim trunks. even as friends, he and francesca had shared a fair amount of heated kisses before, mostly during challenges, but none of them felt like that. none of them felt that personal, that intimate.

he knew that he’d have to talk to her about it, eventually, but he was nowhere near the right headspace to do so, he was far too worked up for any sort of rational conversation. he locks the door to the bathroom behind him and turns on the shower, quickly undressing and standing inside the shower. he wets his hand with water, leaning back against the wall of the shower, beginning to slowly stroke himself with a husky, low groan. this felt barbaric, but he was a man with needs, and it wasn’t like he could ask francesca for help, not at least until they had talked.

he lets his eyes flutter shut as his hand moves along his cock, lets his imagination run wild once more, this time imagining all of the ways he’d like to make her beg if she were there, some sort of payback for the show she had put on outside. he isn’t alone for very long before someone’s knocking on the bathroom door, and his body tenses up, but he’s resolved to ignore it, they’ll get the hint soon enough that the door is locked.

his hand stalls on his cock, determined to wait until they left, but they seemed equally as determined to get him to open the door. “occupied,” he finally calls out, his voice booming and loud, french accent thick, with hopefully a serious enough tone to determine that he’d like to be left alone.

“youcef?” he hears francesca’s voice all out on the other side of the door, and he rests his head back against the wall of the shower. “bordel de merde,” he curses, a groan escaping his lips. of course it was her. “are you in there?” he sighs, turns off the water for the shower, and steps outside. he grabs a towel, wraps it around his waist, and it’s certainly not enough to hide his erection, but he’s never been a shy man, and if she was going to interrupt his shower, she’d have to deal with the consequences.

he unlocks the door, opening it to reveal francesca standing there alone - she was still dressed in her outfit from the challenge, sticky and wet as it clung to her skin, her hair damp and draping down her sides. “i’ve been looking for you,” she says, her voice soft, as she forces her way into the door opening.

“well, you’ve found me,” he responds, trying to keep his gaze on hers, but she’s the first to break their eye contact, her eyes raking over his body. he had clearly just stepped out of the shower, droplets of water rolling down his chest, white hair clinging to his forehead in a messy manner, as if he hadn’t had the chance to wash it fully.

her eyes stop when she reaches his towel, the unmistakable bulge pushing out from underneath, and she bites down on the inside of her cheek to conceal the groan building in her throat, cheeks flushing pink. “see something you like, ma belle?” youcef cocks his head to the side, arm resting on the doorframe so that he towers over her.

“did i really get you that riled up?” francesca asks quietly, almost as if she’s proud of herself. she closes the door behind them so they’re alone in the bathroom, one hand resting on his chest, the other dropping to rest gingerly on the place where his towel folds in on itself, the only thing holding the fabric up.

youcef moves quickly, taking both of her hands in his and pinning them gently above her head, pressing her back against the door so that she’s trapped underneath him. “was that your plan all along?” he asks, staring into her eyes intensely, as he feels her breathing become heavy beneath him, his own body tensing up. “to get me all worked up, and then see what i would do?” francesca’s mouth feels dry as she gazes up at him, her heart beating rapidly. in truth, she hadn’t known what her plan was, hadn’t thought that it would get this far, but now that she has, she only wants to take things further.

they had both dropped any pretense of them being just friends, the heat that hung in the air between them too thick to ignore.

“well, what now?” youcef’s voice is low, and he relinquishes the grip he has on her hands, letting her roam free, but she stays put, gaze locked squarely on him. her hands are playing with the towel around his waist again, as if she was daring it to fall down.

“tell me what you want, francesca,” he murmurs, wanting to give her the option to walk away. this would be a turning point in their relationship if they took it any further, and he wanted nothing but her absolute certainty that this was what she desired.

she raises one of her hands to delicately trail across his chest, feeling the bulge of his muscles beneath her, the other resting on the back of his neck as she pulls him in for a kiss. it’s not as heated as their kiss earlier, but there’s no lack of passion, her body arching up and melting into his as she lets her lips part, inviting his tongue in. her hand drops from his chest to fumble with the door knob behind her, searching for the lock to ensure their privacy.

youcef’s hands drop to rest on her waist, one hand snaking up her back as he pulls back from her lips, dropping to press a trail of hungry, greedy kisses to her neckline. francesca’s head rolls back with a quiet moan, dark hair falling to the side, his touch sending shivers throughout her body. he slowly moves his way up her neck, to her jawline, until his lips are pressed right below her ear, his voice a low growl.

“tell me,” he repeats again, voice huskier and more commanding this time. “what do you want, francesca?” he presses his body tighter against hers, so that she can feel his erection flush against her thigh, a desperate whimper falling past her lips. “i want-” she begins, her breath hitching in her throat as he grips her chin, forcing her to look at him while she speaks.

“i want you,” she breathes out, and she’s hardly got the words past her lips before youcef is pulling her in for another kiss, this one much more fiery than the last, not holding back any restraint. he pushes her body flush against the bathroom door, the movement forcing his towel to come undone and fall to the floor, his bare cock now pressed up against her skin.

he pulls back for a moment, if only to help her peel her shirt up and above her head, before capturing her lips once more, letting out a low groan into their kiss. after a few moments, he moves away from her lips, moves his mouth back to her neck, hoping to recreate the same desperate whine he had her eliciting moments ago.

“i want you, what?” he murmurs against her skin, suckling at her sweet spot. “please,” she begs, her voice soft and pleading. he moves his mouth even further south, pressing hot, wet kisses across her collarbone, down through the valley of her breasts, until his mouth is hovering above her shorts, the damp fabric the only thing separating him from her sex.

“what was that? i can’t hear you,” he asks again, fingers dancing along the top edge of her shorts.

“i want you, please,” francesca gasps out once more, fingers tangling in his hair as he looks up at her. there was a strong feeling of urgency building within her, wetness building within her core, and she would do anything to finally feel his touch.

she was right where he wanted her - and that was all he needed to hear.

“ah, fille bonne,” he murmurs, peeling back her shorts until they’re resting around her ankles on the floor, allowing her to finally kick them off. he runs his hands up along her legs, drinking in the sight of her naked body for the first time, his cock twitching between his legs. god, all of the nights he had spent thinking about her, nothing could compare to this moment - there were a million thoughts running through his mind of what he’d like to do to her, but there was only one place that felt right to start.

francesca’s hands tangle deeper into his hair as he lowers his head to her sex, a delicate moan falling past her lips as his tongue begins to lap at her wetness. he uses two fingers to delicately pull back her folds, pressing a kiss along every inch of her until he finds the one that makes her cry out for him. he latches onto her clit for a few moments, slowly sucking on her sensitive bud, his fingers gently pushing their way into her hole to gauge just how wet she was for him.

when he pulls them back a few moments later, they’re slick with her wetness. “you taste amazing, ma belle,” he hums, running his tongue along the length of her sex, eliciting a low whimper from her lips. he looks up at her, raising his fingers up to her mouth, dragging her own arousal across her lower lip. “taste,” it’s more of an offer than an order, but it’s one that francesca happily obliges, letting him prod his fingers into her mouth.

youcef hums his approval, using his free hand to dip between her legs once more, fingers pushing in much deeper to her sex this time, curling upwards until he’s hitting her pelvis, drawing a deep moan past her lips. he pulls his fingers from her mouth, a sly smirk dressed upon his lips as he shushes her. “you don’t want everyone to hear you now, do you, cherie?” he teases, his voice low, breath warm as his mouth hovers above her sex.

“it’s -” francesca begins, but her voice falls into another low whine as his tongue begins to lap at her sex once more, coupled with his fingers pushing deeper within her. she grips at his hair tightly, body arching up into him with desperation. “you’re teasing me, that’s not fair -” she whimpers, drawing a soft laugh from youcef beneath her.

“i don’t know, you were such a tease out there during the challenge, it’s only fair i get to tease back, no?” he muses before folding his tongue over her clit, relishing in the jolt of electricity it sent throughout her body. “you put on quite the show for everybody, but,” he pauses to push his fingers in further, spreading them out within her and curling them up towards him. “i don’t really like to share.”

he draws his tongue in circles around her clit, the soft little whimpers that left her lips sending a shiver down his spine. “youcef-” she cries out, her voice desperate and soft, and the sound of his name on her lips is enough to make his cock twitch, re-igniting a frenzy within him. he’d had enough teasing.

he removes his mouth, slowly unsheaths his fingers from her sex before standing up, his cock standing at full attention between his legs.

he brings his fingers to her mouth once more, and this time francesca doesn’t need any guidance as she begins to suck on them. a smirk spreads across youcef’s lips, god, she was such a quick learner. he pushes his fingers deep into her mouth so that she’s gagging slightly, the sound sending shockwaves throughout his body.

they stay like this for a few moments, the sound of her gags filling up the room, francesca staring up at him with those big, innocent eyes, both of their chests rising and falling with heavy breaths, until he pulls his fingers back, gripping her chin tightly. “tell me,” youcef hums once more, “tell me how badly you want this.”

francesca had never had a man make her feel this weak before, her knees feeling as if they could betray her at any moment, a heightened sense of arousal overcoming her. every touch of his skin against hers felt electric, his mouth, his touch - like magic, she was hypnotized.

“cat got your tongue?” he teases, a quiet, amused laugh falling past his lips. he leans in closer, capturing her in a slow, needy kiss, hands exploring the sides of her body. francesca emits a slow groan against his mouth, her lips parting, allowing his tongue admittance into her mouth. youcef pulls away after a few moments, presses his lips against her neck with a deep growl.

“beg,” his voice is hefty and commanding, as one of his hands drops between her legs, fingers moving in firm circles along her clit. his other hand grips tightly at the back of her hair, forcing her to look at him as she squirms underneath his touch.

“i want to hear you beg.”

“youcef, please -” francesca whines out, and he’s unsure if it’s due to his command, or a natural reaction to his fingers against her sex, but regardless, he can’t help but to feel pleased. her body is arched up towards him, her fingers splayed out across the door as she clenches and unclenches her hands, the only thing grounding her to the door beneath her. “please what?” he asks, running his tongue along her neck and jawline, relishing in the moan that falls past her lips.

“please, fuck me,” she begs, her hands grasping into his hair, pulling him up to look at her, a sort of crazed desperation in her eyes. “please,” her voice cracks, low and desperate, and a satisfied grin pulls at the corners of youcef’s lips. “as you wish,” he whispers, pulling her into a kiss.

he lifts her up, her arms around his neck, her legs wrapping around his waist like they were in the challenge all over again, except this time there were no clothing barriers between them, his cock grinding against her vulva, pre-cum dripping from his tip.

he pulls back from their kiss for a moment, if only to guide them backwards until his back is against the sink. in one swift move, he turns them around, so that francesca is sat on top of the sink, and he opens up one of the drawers beneath to reveal a basket full of condoms. he pulls one out, tears it open with his teeth, before slowly rolling it onto his erection.

francesca waits with baited breath, and once he’s done, he grips her chin gently once more, capturing her lips in a hungry kiss.

he lines his cock up to her entrance, already slick with arousal - he’s a bit longer than average, though not much, but he was probably the thickest man francesca had ever been with - but before he does anything he pulls back from their kiss, gazing deep into her eyes. there was the same passion and intensity that had characterized his touch all night, but it’s marked by something softer, sweet almost, as if he had been waiting for this, as if their entire time in the villa had been building up to this.

“i want you to tell me if anything starts to feel wrong,” he breathes out, brushing her hair back from her face. “understood, coeur? i want you to tell me if you don’t feel good. i want to take care of you,” his voice is soft, and it’s the sweetest and softest he’s been all night. francesca’s chest feels heavy, heart doing flips, as she nods her head, pulling him in closer for another kiss. “i understand,” she whispers against his lips, feeling him smile into their kiss.

“good.”

with that, he wraps one hand tight into her hair, the other gripping onto her behind, and pushes his hips so that he thrusts deep inside of her, francesca letting out a low moan against his neck. he had wanted to start things off slowly, but god he couldn’t get enough of her moans, the sound unlocking something feral with him, his hips beginning to move quickly against hers.

he catches a glimpse of them in the mirror, hair damp, and slicked back, her back arching, hips rising to meet his. his eyes trace along the length of her back, and the sight of them is much more primitive than he would have liked their first time together to be.

he’s pulled out of his thoughts as another gasp leaves francesca’s lips, his hands tangling in his hair. he can feel her sex stretching to accommodate his width, her warmth surrounding him, a feeling he could have lived in forever. he dips his head down, pressing hungry kisses against her neck, if only to conceal his own moans as he feverishly tries to pull her body closer, hips rocking against hers.

youcef stays like this for a moment before he pulls back slightly, hands coming underneath her thighs to separate her legs and lift her up off the sink, so that she’s on full display for him. it takes all of the muscle that he has, but fuck is it worth it, for the feeling of her arms around his neck, the sight of his cock disappearing into her sex.

francesca pulls him in for another kiss, muffling a deep, desperate moan that escapes her lips. her body feels as if it’s on fire, her stomach taut and tight, with every moment feeling like it could be the one that pushes her over the edge.

carefully, youcef backs them away from the sink, into the shower, until francesca’s back is pressed tight against the cold tile wall behind her. she wraps her calves around him, letting desperate little whimpers fall past her lips as her fingers search for something to desperately grasp onto, settling for the back of his neck, the edges of his hair.

“youcef,” she cries out, trying her hardest to keep her voice low, and the sound of his name in her voice sends him into a frenzy, his hips moving quickly against hers, as if he was deliberately trying to push them both over the edge. “i need, i need -” francesca’s voice pitches gradually higher and higher, and she has a difficult time finding her words, her entire body alight with desire.

“what do you need, mon coeur?” he groans against her ear, a soft moan falling past his lips as her hips roll up to meet his. he could feel a tightness building within his abdomen, a burning desire for release, but he was determined to stave it off until she came first, wanting nothing more than to see the faces she made as she reached her peak.

francesca emits another moan, nails dragging tight along his back, uncaring if she’d leave a mark. “i need to cum,” she whimpers, her breath hot on his neck, sending a shiver down his spine. more determined than ever, he tightens his grip on her thighs, forcing her firm against the shower wall, as he begins to move hard and fast against her hips, the sound of his cock filling her up surrounding the room.

“then cum,” he husks against her cheek, lips dragging against her skin. “cum for me, ma belle,” his voice trails off into a moan as his hips rock against hers, his lips gently nibbling at her ear as he tries his hardest to push her over the edge.

it’s as if a switch flips inside of her, causing her to lose control of her body entirely. it’s almost as soon as he commands her to cum that a flood of whimpers and whines falls past her lips, her eyes fluttering shut. her sex tightens around him as pure bliss overcomes her body, every inch of her skin feeling like it was burning white hot.

youcef pulls his head back slightly, entranced by the sight of her, by the delicate moans that leave her lips, but he can only keep it up for a moment before his own desperation overcomes him, his hips pistoning into hers as her juices flood him. he pulls her hips tight against his, burying his head in her neck, and with a deep, low moan, finds himself cumming alongside her, his cock buried deep within her warmth.

he stays like this for a few moments, hips rocking slowly against hers as they both ride out the final waves of their orgasm, his lips finding hers for a lazy, tired kiss. francesca’s grip on his hair loosens slightly, but she still finds herself clinging to him, her entire body feeling as if she were on a high. she doesn’t know how long they’re like this before he pulls his head back, resting his forehead against hers. “mon dieu,” he whispers with a quiet, almost incredulous chuckle.

he sets her down on the floor, slowly, reluctantly, unsheathing his cock from her warmth and discarding of the used condom. francesca leans her body against him for support, her legs weak, her head resting against his chest as he brushes her hair back lovingly.

“i suppose we should take a real shower now,” she whispers, drawing a hearty laugh from youcef.

“yes, i suppose we should.”

#litg #litg s4 #litg youcef #love island the game #please read this i put a lot of effort into it #francesca is the MC of my slow burn youcef/MC fic and now that ive written this #i dont know how i'm going to to top this in the scene with their ACTUAL first night together #but i'm going to try #fic: tell me.#fran/youcef

95 notes · View notes

frost-queen · 3 months

Text

Pride in a thunderstorm (Reader x Anthony Bridgerton)

Requested by: anon, Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @merlin-dahlia, @alex--awesome--22, @elllie-does-the-posts, @floatlosers, @merlieve, @queen-of-books, @glimmering-darling-dolly@denkisclown, @wildieflower, @meyocoko, @bubblybrianna, @justanothercoco@subjecta13-thefangirl, @m-rae23, @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr, @swampthing07, @melsunshine, @panhoeofmanyfandoms, @venomsvl, @the-uncoordinated-house-cat, @rosecentury, @imagines-by-her, @evilcr0ne, @vviolynn

Church bells rang as the few last of the ton arrived a church for a Sunday mass. The Bridgerton’s being one of them. All dressed in their Sunday’s best. Violet ran her fingers quickly through Hyacinth’s curls that looked out of place. Francesca noticed Colin’s tie hung sideways as she tapped him against his shoulder. Colin turned confused to her as Francesca pointed at his bow. Colin looking down widened his eyes in a brief panic and started working on his tie. Francesca sighed slapping his hands away so she could adjust it for him. Benedict was chatting with Eloise as they neared the church.

Gregory walking composed by Anthony. Anthony had his hands behind his back as his gaze rose resting on a person amidst the crowd. They were on you while you stood with your parents and many siblings. Four to be exact minus you. Five children in total. All girls of various ages. You stood with your eldest sister Julia. One would say the fairest out of all of you. Lillian and Kitty laughing loudly beyond themselves. The ever so quiet Mabel stood beside your father, looking down. Anthony quickly pulled his gaze away, feeling himself stare to much at you. Good thing you hadn’t noticed it.

All of you got in motion heading into the church. You mother flashed a smile with her fan at the preacher as it made you roll your eyes from embarrassment. Julia and you took a seat on the right side of the church. Julia’s ever so bright smile faded. You let your knuckle brush down her cheek, whispering encouraging words to her. She turned her head to you with a saddened smile. You knew it was a façade to hide her true emotions. One she hardly showed to anyone, too shy for it. Grabbing her hand you moved it to your lap. Mabel came sitting beside you as the rest of your family took a seat on the row behind you.

Lillian still snickering as your mother had to shush them. Your father looking at the preaching stool, waiting for the mass to begin as he didn’t notice the world around him burning. On the other side the Bridgerton’s took a seat. Anthony sitting himself down with Benedict and Hyacinth beside him. Violet sat a row behind with Colin, Eloise, Gregory and Francesca. The preacher went to his stool as the church went silent. All eyes to the front. He began speaking as his voice echoed from the walls. The roofing so high as it bounced his voice around.

You squeezed Julia’s hand tighter knowing just how heartbroken she was from Lord Bingley leaving her hanging. Leaving London without a word after every moment with him was magical. For the first time your sister had felt so in love with anyone. Lord Bingley being just the sweet character she needed. Yet now he had left leaving Julia heartbroken. Unsure what the sudden reason was for his departure in the midst of the social season.

The words of the preacher barely reached you as you were too deep in thoughts. Trying to think of signals you had missed. Something that would indicate that Lord Bingley did not like your sister. No that was out of the question. His affection was as clear as day. He only looked at her, he had no eyes for another. So what could make him leave. Had someone said anything to him? You kept breaking your head over it, thoughts spinning.

From behind you, you heard Lillian yawn and your mother lecture her about it in hushed voices. It made you take a deep breath, wondering why some of your family members were the way that they are. Julia had her head low as your eyes widened. Slowly turning your head to her. Her shoulders moving in shocks. She was sobbing quietly. You barely saw her cry. You wanted to place your hand on her shoulder as she got up. – “Sorry.” – she said to you, making her way for the back.

Keeping her head down so no one could see her tears. – “Julia.” – you whispered worried. Now that she had gotten up, you had a clearer view of the benches across. Amidst them the Bridgerton’s. All their eyes were turned to the front yet one pair was looking away. Staring right back at you. Anthony Bridgerton’s eyes were focused on you rather than the preacher. Suddenly something snapped inside of you. A connection made. You got up yourself taking a run for it.

It all came together like a tide-wave, crushing you underneath it. You left the church heading outside. Outside you panted loud needing air. A rumble sounded in the sky, making you look up. Lifting the hem of your dress up, you ran. Ran to get away from it all. With no destination in mind you just went. Running down the path that led you away from the church. The church grew smaller behind you as the rumbling in the sky continued. Before you knew you felt droplets on your head.

First a few than more. In a matter of minutes it was raining. The hem of your dress mudded. You reached a bridge that went over a stream as you went over it. Going to unknown places. The rumbling got louder as you were drenched. Mostly out of breath. In the distance you saw a pavilion. You decided to run for it running over the grass fields. Your shoes splashing in the squishy earth. Touching the stone of the pavilion you panted loud. Chest rising and falling out of control to steady your breathing.

Everything was wet. Your dress dripping on the dry stone leaving a pattern of wet. Slowly your breathing steadied when you leaned against the stone wall. Glancing to the side, you got startled by a sudden figure. Anthony Bridgerton standing drenched before you. His gaze fixated on you. If one was tentative of them they would see the yearning behind them. – “Miss Y/n.” – Anthony spoke out of breath. Your first reaction was to look down.

Avoiding those charming eyes of his. – “I have struggled in vain and I can bear it no longer.” – he continued making you slowly lift your head up to him. – “These past months have been a torment.” – he outed. – “I came to Rosings with the single object of seeing you.” – he went on without giving you a chance to speak. – “I had to see you.” – he breathed out as you kept staring at him.

Perplexed and full of pride. – “I have fought against my better judgement, my family’s expectations all these things I am willing to put them aside and ask you.” – he kept speaking taking no notice of your feelings or desire to say something back. The prejudice inside of you growing at the arrogance of his attitude. Having no concern to you as he so loudly expressed himself without a warning. – “To end my agony.”

Finally you cut through his words. – “I don’t understand.” – to be clear his rambling was getting difficult to understand where he was going. – “I love you.” – he confessed in a matter of seconds. He fell silent as you could only stare at him in shock. – “Most ardently.” – he added upon your silence. He swallowed nervously, shifting his weight on his feet. – “Please do me the honour of accepting my hand.” – he asked, almost beggingly. Your mind was still spinning trying to process the heavy confessions made in a matter of minutes.

“My lord I…” – you began looking briefly down. – “I appreciate the struggle you have been through and I am very sorry to have caused you pain.” – you answered lifting your gaze back up with a slight hint of attitude. It was something you couldn’t hide away. – “Believe me it was unconsciously done.” – you finished with. The sarcastic undertone clear now. Anthony’s gaze had slightly hardened upon you. – “Is this your reply?” – he asked deeply. – “Yes, my lord.” – you responded immediately. – “Are… are you laughing at me?” – he wanted to know taking a step closer to you.

His posture suddenly hostile and defensive. – “No.” – you said loud. – “Are you rejecting me?” – his voice suddenly more agitated. – “I’m sure that the feelings which, as you’ve told me, have hindered your regard will help you in overcoming it.” – you answered bitsy. Not backing down from his sudden change in character. He took a quick breath with a simple nod. – “Might I ask why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus repulsed?” – he wanted to know. – “And I might as well enquire why, with so evident a design of insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your better judgement!” – you ranted out.

“No believe me…” – Anthony fired back. – “If I was uncivil, then that is some excuse!” – you interrupted him needing it to be your turn to rant to him. – “But I have other reasons! You know I have.” – you exposed to him. – “What reasons?” – Anthony asked visibly confused. You slightly shook your head at the ignorance of him. – “Do you think that anything might tempt me to accept the man who has ruined, perhaps forever, the happiness of a most beloved sister?”

Finally Anthony realized it. He was gawking at you as the realization hit him of his actions. – “Do you deny it, Viscount Bridgerton?” – you asked. Anthony could only stare. – “That you separated a young couple who loved each other, exposing your friend to the centre of the world for caprice and my sister to its derision for disappointed hopes. And involving them both in misery of the acutest kind?” – you ranted needing your anger to be outed. It was all so clear he was the very reason for your sister’s unhappiness. Separating them when they were so clearly in love. How every could you marry such a man.

“I do not deny it.” – Anthony responded clear. His response made you feel disappointed. – “How could you do it?” – feeling yourself get emotional from the heartbreak he has caused your sister. – “Because I believed your sister indifferent to him.” – he explained. – “Indifferent?” – you nearly shouted out in disbelieve. – “I watched them most carefully and realise his attachment was deeper than hers.” - Anthony answered to further explain his actions.

“That is because she is shy.” – you called out to him. – “Bingley, too, is modest and was persuaded she didn’t feel strongly for him.” – he replied loud. – “Because you suggested it!” – you accused. – “I did it for his own good!” – Anthony called back. – “My sister hardly shows her true feelings to me!” – you shouted at him. Anthony was silent, staring at you. His gaze slowly lowering to your mouth.

You smiled half trying to persuade yourself of the silliness of this conversation. That this was the way for Anthony to act so rashly. Because your sister was shy. It was almost laughable. – “I suppose you suspect his fortune had some bearing…” – you began as you just thought about it. – “No! I wouldn’t do your sister the dishonour!” – Anthony shouted back. – “Though it was suggested.”

“What was?” – you answered up most confused. – “It was made perfectly clear that an advantageous marriage…” – he started to explain as you interrupted him rudely. – “Did my sister gave you that impression?” – your voice shrieking a pitch higher. – “No! no!” – Anthony quickly defended. – “No… there was however, I have to admit the matter of your family.” – he went on. – “Our want of connection?” – you yelled at him furious.

Anthony turned his head away slightly vexed or bothered. – “Mister Bingley didn’t seem to vex himself about that!” – you called out to Anthony getting all worked up and thrown back into the discussion. – “No, It was more than that.” – Anthony replied looking back at you. – “How, my lord?” – you asked crossing your arms. – “It was the lack of propriety!” – Anthony confessed loudly. – “Shown by your mother, your three younger sisters, even, on occasions your father.”

The sky rumbled loud behind you as it had not stopped raining behind you. With shock you looked back at him. You knew your family wasn’t the most perfect, but they were still family. Anthony started to notice the impact of his harsh words about your family. – “Forgive me…” – he said in a softer tone. – “You and your sister I must exclude from this.” – he apologized with a soft bow of his head. The two of you were lost in each other’s gaze for some moments.

With a soft breath you felt yourself be drawn to his body. Wanting surprisingly to be closer to him. – “So how will you mend this?” – you offered, not wanting your dearest sister to remain in her unhappiness. – “Mend this?” – Anthony asked bluntly. – “Yes, your actions led to the unhappiness of my beloved sister. Wouldn’t you wish for a righteous when it involves one of your siblings?” – you suggested bringing his family into the matter.

“Well yes…” – Anthony stuttered out, briefly stunned with the ultimatum. – “Then set it right!” – you ordered taking a step closer to him. Anthony neared as well. – “Perhaps these offenses might have been overlooked had not your pride been hurt by my honesty…” – you told him. – “My pride?” – Anthony called out stunned. – “Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your circumstances?” – He replied getting up in your face.

It was intimidating how close he was to you. – “And those are the words of a gentleman.” – you replied angered at how he was looking down on you. – “From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others…” – you went closer to him, forcing yourself closer to his face as it made him back a bit away. Intimidated by you now. – “made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry!” – you called out with fury at him.

The rumbling went quieter in the background. You were panting a bit from having expressed yourself so openly. Anthony tilted his head a bit letting his gaze go from your eyes to your lips. He hesitated bringing himself closer to you. You felt yourself lean more to him as well. Suddenly yearning with desire. He hesitantly pulled back turning his posture away from you.

It made you exhale loud, shoulders slouching as the moment was broken off. Anthony paused letting his finger brush over his lips. He turned back around as it made you look back up to him. Wondering why he had turned back. He stared right at you. Slightly shifting his posture as a hunger set in his eyes. A more demanding approach as he went back to you. Confused you followed the movement of him, allowing your posture to face him fully. He grabbed for your waist and neck, pressing his lips onto yours.

Your eyes went wide as you did not intended this. His lips kissed your forcefully demanding to be satisfied. Slowly your eyes closed, kissing him with passion back. The rain had stopped leaving a dampness over the meadow. Anthony pushed you up against the stone, continuing to kiss you as if his life depended on it. Every inch of him wanted to love you, loved you. You were kissing him back till you suddenly opened your eyes. Pushing him off you and taking a run for it.

This was inappropriate. You had just declared to this man you could never marry him, yet here you were showing him just how much you wanted him. Then there was the matter of your sister. He was the cause for her unhappiness. You couldn’t this to your sister. Anthony watched you leave, with a deep breath. He touched his lips. The very lips that had kissed yours.

Something he couldn’t believe he had done. He had always been so civil, yet now it appeared his yearning for you took the better hand. He knew right now you wouldn’t want him. So he just had to make amends for the sake of your sister and yours. Hoping his act of kindness would bring you back to him. Where he most desperately wants you to be.

------------------------------------