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Rain clattered against the windows as if pebbles were getting thrown. Thunder flashed across the sky and illuminated the room, casting a shadow on the mural decorating the ceiling. The sound of her sisters' and mother's snoring filled her ears, making her less capable of falling asleep. She turned over to the side and then upwards, hoping the adjustment to her position would help, but she was trapped in this endless night.

Knowing she was bound to lay awake, Elizabeth figured she could head to the library and read a nice book. Maybe the text would exhaust her eyes and finally, she would be liberated from this torment that her mind's become. She sighed and quickly tossed the covers from her before grabbing a candle and quietly leaving the room.

The halls were deserted and obscure, except for when the lightning shone. She walked carefully and silently to the library, hoping no one would be awake. Some time alone was needed and while she managed to obtain it hours earlier, it didn't suffice and left her parched like a wilted lilac.

Once she reached the room, she was amazed when noticing how full of books this place was. It was unlike anything she had ever witnessed that she couldn't prevent from smiling at the beauty of literature. Carefully setting her candle down, she headed to the shelves and reached for a random one. She flipped through the pages and caressed its texture, loving its rustic smell and vintage look.

As she began reading, she took a seat on the ground. The burgundy rug was comfortable and felt soft against her skin. She stretched her legs out and continued reading, finding herself intrigued with this book about a voyage at sea. Certainly she desired to have a library this grand in her home one day. She couldn't imagine ever restricting her future children from literature as there was nothing more powerful than words and knowledge.

Elizabeth leaned her head back against the shelves and found herself finishing the first chapter already. She turned the page, but that was when the door opened, startling her and making her stand up.

Under the doorframe, Anthony was standing and gazing into the room. His once kempt shirt was hanging loosely, matching the tiredness in his eyes and exhausted form. He had noticed faint light coming from the room and worrying he could have possibly left a candle burning, he wasted no time in inspecting the vicinity.

"You startled me," she gasped, taking a deep breath and gathering composure.

"I did not mean to," he apologized, still standing under the doorframe. "I saw a light and thought I left a candle lit."

Elizabeth didn't say anything and just held tighter onto the book. She felt like an intruder given the fact that she just barged into his library without asking. She wouldn't blame him if he demanded that she left the room and never entered it ever again.

Anthony glanced down at the floor, not wanting to head to his chambers just yet. "Could you not sleep?"

"No, I couldn't," she admitted and turned around to return the book to its rightful place. "But I think I shall head back. I do not want to intrude-"

"You could never intrude," he assured her and finally took the chance of looking up at her. Even with the dim lighting, he could see her ethereal features. If anything, the moonlight made her much more beautiful.

She walked over to the window and gazed outside, loving the blue hues and raindrops trickling down the glass as if they were racing the other. Storms were always her favorite. It reminded her of her father as he also held them dear to his heart. In a way, the rain made her feel like he was still with her, and such a thought was comforting.

"I really love the rain," she admitted, continuing gazing out at the fields. "I used to dance under it with my father. My mother always told us to head inside since she was afraid we would catch a cold, but it never stopped us. There used to be a lake nearby our home and he helped me soar the skies by building a swing for me. My feet would hover over the waters and I felt like I was flying. It is the one thing I miss most about Paris."

Anthony smiled and left the door ajar as he walked toward her. "You two must have been close then."

"We were," she felt her heart ache, now more than ever at feeling his absence through the storm. "But I know he's still with me. He's in the rain, in the flowers, in my sisters' laughter, he's everywhere. I know I won't ever be alone as long as my family is with me."

He understood how she felt. His father roamed this very home and especially in this library. His most treasured books reside here, which made this room one of his most cherished places.

"This is my father's library," he confided, the vulnerability consuming him and leaving him exposed. "These books were some of his most treasured possessions."

Elizabeth felt privileged that he was willing to speak about his father. She knew how hard it was to confide in anyone about their loved ones, especially when they have parted from this world. It was why she felt comfortable asking the question that was looming in her mind. "How did he die?"

Anthony sighed heavily as for the first time, anyone that wasn't his family would know the true cause of his death. "He was stung by a bee."

She froze, now understanding why he acted so fearful when the insect stung her. It all made sense now. She felt like a fool for having dismissed him that morning as if it were nothing. He had every right to be afraid and she had been inconsiderate.

"I am so sorry. I-"

"Don't apologize," he softly said, a calmness and mellow tone lacing his voice. "To see a great man felled by such a small creature, it was..." he trailed off as his expression became adorned with pensiveness. "It was humbling, to say the least."

Elizabeth remained silent. She wished to say something, anything, but knew no words would be enough to offer any alleviation from his loss. All she could do was offer a companionable silence, one that he also enjoyed and deeply appreciated.

A mixture of blue and a tinge of purple hues casted on his sculptured face. His eyes, a remarkable shade of brown, shone brighter than the sun as the lightning flooded them. She had never witnessed such beauty and elegance, one so captivating and endearing that left her mesmerized upon sight.

He lured her in like a siren's song, holding her trapped in his burning embrace. She didn't have the intention of escaping from it. If anything, she dove deeper into his flames, absorbing the blaze and allowing it to become a part of her.

He was the sun and she was the moon. Both relied on the other to support the earth just like they supported their families. Their gravitational pull was the rings of responsibility and while their assistance to the earth would never cease, it signified their reliance on the other.

Without the sun, the moon would not be able to reflect onto the earth. Without the moon, the earth would crumble and cease to exist.

Anthony gazed into the windows of her soul, acquiring a glimpse into the footnotes of her life. He understood her more than anyone and it connected them unlike any other. His heart was beating with an incredible stamina and linked itself to the patterns of her breathing.

She was his muse and the pollen to his lilacs. She was the splendor of a sparkling champagne, the notes to a music sheet, the lyrics to an opera song, and the moonlight shining his darkest paths.

Elizabeth Windsor was everything and it ached him knowing he could never have her.

He found himself shortening their distance and she followed his movements. Nothing around them mattered as for once, they were alone in the privacy of their comfort. They had no impediments, except for the voice at the back of their heads that reminded them of how wrong this was.

They weren't meant for each other. Not even in their seclusion.

A flash of thunder served as a sign to separate. They drew away and breathed heavily, ignoring their pounding hearts and burning desires.

"I shall head back. Good night," Elizabeth avoided his gaze as she headed to the door, knowing just one look would make her rationally vanish.

Anthony found himself reaching for her, an attempt at getting her to stay, but he couldn't catch her. She was gone and he was still there like the haunting memories roaming around the halls. He knew it was for the better, but he longed for her just as much as he longed to fulfill his duty to his family.

But of course, only one thing would be acquired and that were his obligations.

__________________

The Bridgertons' annual Hearts and Flowers Ball was in full session. Nearly every member of the ton was present as this event was the most coveted invitation. An invite to this social gathering was all London's society could talk about. It roamed in their dreams and escaped their tongues through every conversation.

Truly such an event would bring excitement to everyone, but for Elizabeth, it was the most dreaded gathering of her existence. She was trapped in her thoughts throughout the entirety of getting ready. Not even her sisters' or mother's chattering seemed to pull her out of her mind. She was simply preoccupied with the occurrences that would take place this evening.

"Are you alright, dearest?" Victoria questioned as they made their way to the grand hall.

Elizabeth nodded and ran her hands through her emerald dress. She usually loved getting to dress up, but now this dress felt suffocating. She wanted nothing more than to become liberated from these garments, but she was trapped just like she would be for the entire night.

"I am perfectly fine, mama," she assured her, but Victoria knew her daughter like the palm of her hand.

"You have been very pensive lately. More so than usual," Victoria spoke in a lower voice as they got closer to the gathering. "For someone who might be on the precipice of receiving a proposal, you do not seem very happy."

"There will be no proposal," Elizabeth's rushed words startled Victoria, making her concern worsen now that she was certain something was bothering her. "Let's just focus on getting through the night. I do not wish to worry about the prospects of marriage."

She walked at a quicker pace, refusing to continue being questioned about these so-called possibilities. She just had to get through tonight and if the dreaded proposal were about to occur, she would simply have to accept it like the lady she is.

"Lizzie!" Kate and Edwina smiled at her arrival, quickly rushing over and embracing her.

"Wow, nothing for me? I am offended," Adelaide teased and placed a hand against her heart to pretend it hurt.

"Oh, come here," Kate pulled her over and hugged her so tightly to the point Adelaide was now wanting to be released.

"I need to breathe, Kate," she gasped, relief consuming her once acquiring a breath of fresh air.

"Feel free to suffocate her more. If it will keep her silent, then do so all the time," Elizabeth teased, earning a playful shove from her sister.

"You should tell that to Aurora," Adelaide commented, actually feeling bad for her sister not being able to attend. "She wanted to come to the ball more than anyone, but apparently it's not proper."

"At least she's with her new friends," Edwina tried making the situation better, which was greatly appreciated.

"Miss Edwina, might I have your first dance?" Anthony's sudden voice nearly made Elizabeth jump in surprise.

She tried looking away from him, but it was nearly impossible to do so. She would always find herself searching for him in the sea of people and it hurt knowing he wouldn't do the same for her.

"Certainly, my lord," Edwina took his hand and followed his guidance, offering an excited smile to her sister.

Elizabeth watched them as they took to the floor. A growing heartache expanded all around, making her feel much more suffocated as all she desired was for this night to end once and for all. She sighed heavily and rested her hands upon the railing, looking down at the dancing crowd while being intent on avoiding seeing them.

"How are you and the viscount doing?" Lady Danbury questioned once making sure it was just the two of them. "Have you been enjoying your time alone together?"

All things wrong that could occur filled her thoughts. She worried that perhaps the other morning's incident had been witnessed, along with their haste moment at the library.

Sensing the wheels running in her head, Lady Danbury clarified, "Yesterday's hunt."

Oh, that's a relief.

"It went well," she told her, now feeling much more comfortable. "Even if the rain cut the hunt short."

"You know," Lady Danbury began as she took a step closer. "It's remarkable how much you and the viscount are getting along. You two have even gone hunting together. It's certainly an intriguing concept."

Before Elizabeth could muster up an explanation, Lady Danbury turned around and joined the festivities, leaving her alone gazing at the crowd.

"Miss Windsor," William greeted and she felt more than relieved at finally getting to obtain a distraction from this night. "May you do me the honor of sharing a dance with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask," Elizabeth offered her hand as both of them took to the floor. She was relieved at how far she was from Anthony and Edwina, almost as if William had chosen their spot on purpose. Even if he didn't, she was still grateful for his choice of position nonetheless. "Do tell me, Your Grace, what is the one thing you're looking forward to the most?"

He deliberated for a moment as he was intent on revealing how excited he was at the idea of marriage, but he was afraid it might scare her off. "As of right now, I really wish for this night to end so I can just dive under the covers and read a good book."

She smiled, glad she wasn't the only one feeling this way. "What a coincidence. That's exactly what I'm feeling."

"This whole thing about balls can be a lot to handle sometimes," he admitted.

"You have no idea," Elizabeth agreed as he gave her a twirl. "There are so many dances that I fear of ever mixing them up. I just wish that there wasn't the pressure of needing to accept every gentleman that asks for one. I mean, what if you just want to dance with one person all night?"

William understood how she felt. He more than anyone desired to share his dances with just her, but apparently to society, it's improper to share them all with just one person. Even if they're your intended.

"Society really has its flaws and the thing is, we cannot even voice it aloud without being judged for it," he confided and she practically lit up that someone was feeling the exact same as her.

"It's really refreshing that we share the same beliefs," Elizabeth was relieved, more than anything. "At least I don't have to pretend with you."

"Well, I am glad you feel comfortable enough with me," William managed to sneak a kiss to her hand and she couldn't prevent from smiling in surprise. "Miss Windsor, maybe I am being too forward or rushing things, but you must know that I am truly interested in you. You captivated me ever since our first dance and I intend on moving forward if you allow me to."

She did nothing but remain silent as she was unsure of what was about to occur.

"I will be returning to Edinburgh in the next month and I am not sure how long it will be until I return to London," William took a deep breath as this was the most nervous he's ever felt. "I do not want the long distance to come in between us, which is why I would like you to accompany me."

Again, she did nothing but remain silent as she couldn't comprehend if what he was asking was actually being said.

"With your family, of course. I would not want you to be separated from them," he added, his voice low and tremulous. "Will you come with me, Miss Windsor?"

Elizabeth was honored to have been invited to his city, yet a part of her was tempted to refuse his offer. Leaving London meant leaving him. It meant being apart and not getting to share a conversation or even an argument with him. She would be leaving the friend she managed to make and it hurt imagining such a future without him in it, but it was that same thought that made her realize how much more it would hurt seeing him marry someone else.

Anthony was going to propose to Edwina. It was the main goal of their agreement and while she knew this would eventually happen, she didn't want to witness such events. She started thinking that perhaps the distance would make these sudden feelings vanish, and by the time she would come back to visit, everything would be resolved. Perhaps she would already be married by then. Certainly spending time with the Duke could allow her feelings to develop, and that was enough to help her make her decision.

"I would be delighted to accompany you, Your Grace," Elizabeth could see how much it meant to him that she accepted. The way he smiled in relief and how much his eyes were shining, only made her realize that she was more than fortunate of being pursued by someone as kind hearted as him.

And that was more than enough to make her content about her choice.

From the opposite side of the hall, Anthony was unable to prevent from noticing how much she appeared to be enjoying his company. He detested the way William was looking at her, but detested much more how she seemed to be truly interested. His entire being radiated with anger as he was now terrified that she was now wanting him. Her eyes were sparkling and her smile remained intact. There were even a few laughs exchanged, which he recognized as genuine. He knew when she was being dishonest and her laughter didn't appear to be a lie this time. If anything, it sounded real.

Anthony could feel his face turning a beet red and how much his chest was puffing. Seeing them dancing ignited a profound rage he never knew he was capable of feeling. William's hands on hers felt wrong, like the worst possible sin. He couldn't bear continuing to look at them, but he was afraid if he took his eyes off them, all things that could go wrong would occur, and he wouldn't be able to prevent it.

He prayed to the heavens for this song to end, to save him from this torture, and grant him the air to breathe. He needed the Duke's hands off her as much as he needed his heart to live. Not even when Edwina seemed to mention something did his attention end. All he could focus on was the music ending and finally after what seemed to be an eternity, the melody came to an end.

"I shall fetch you a lemonade, Miss Edwina," he used the opportunity as an excuse to acquire a moment off, which she seemed to have bought.

Edwina smiled in delight as both of them bid their farewells. She watched as he strided off the dance floor before searching for Elizabeth through the sea of faces. It wasn't until finding her conversing with Kate that she headed to her as if her life depended on it.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Lord Bridgerton has gone to get me a lemonade," Edwina interrupted them, unaware of the somberness in their expressions.

"How very thoughtful of him," Kate said.

"We've just finished our second dance. I'm certain he'd not have asked me for two if he did not have intentions for the evening," Edwina expressed with ecstasy as her hopes of a declaration became greater.

"Miss Sharma, may I be granted the next dance?"

All three of them turned to the gentleman standing before them. Mr. Wingrave offered his hand and stared at Kate with interest. Knowing it was unacceptable to deny a dance, Kate simply accepted out of respect and followed him to the floor.

Taking advantage of their semi-privacy, Edwina came closer to her, "I need you to dance with him, Lizzie."

"He's already dancing with Kate," Elizabeth jokingly said, which made Edwina playfully roll her eyes and nudge her on the shoulder.

"You know who I'm referring to," she said in a much lower voice to prevent anyone from overhearing. "I need you to dance with the viscount."

"Why do you need me to? It does not make any sense," Elizabeth refused to be in close proximity to him. If she was intent on moving past her feelings, creating distance for now would seem the most proper.

"So you can ask him if he's intent on proposing or not," Edwina explained, hoping to get her point across. "You two are friends, so he trusts you. I know he will be honest with you."

Elizabeth wanted to refuse, but those pleading eyes of hers and the necessity in her voice was making it harder to deny. This was extremely important to her, so it was with a heavy heart that she settled on agreeing. It's not like it would make anything worse than it already was.

As if a mere coincidence, Anthony arrived and handed Edwina her glass of lemonade. "Miss Edwina," he greeted through that melting smile of his.

"Lord Bridgerton," Edwina took her drink and then turned to face her. "Lizzie and I were just speaking," she paused, waiting for her to take the next step, but it seemed Elizabeth was still doubtful of doing so. "She wishes to take to the floor."

"Ah. Well, I am certain that-"

"With you," Edwina clarified and before he could interject, she took his glass of lemonade from his hand and stepped away, an indication for them to proceed.

Elizabeth's heartbeat pounded against her skull and rang in her ears. While she desired to feel his hand on hers, she wanted to take no part with him ever again. It would make her departure much harder than it should.

Anthony was more than delighted to dance with her. If it meant she was nowhere near the Duke, he would dance with her the entire night. Besides, it was all he could think of ever since seeing her enter the hall in that emerald dress that accentuated her features and made her brown eyes stand out much more.

"Miss Windsor, may I have this dance?" Anthony offered his hand, urging her to take it.

Sighing heavily, she placed her hand on his, "You may, my lord."

Never taking their eyes off each other, they began their dance as if it were the most normal thing between them. The symphonic melody entranced them, allowing them to fade the rest of the world and just focus on each other. This was their moment and no one would be able to take it. As they circled around, their longing gazes remained locked as a way to express everything that was untold.

The brushing of their skin against the other was electrifying, granting them the oxygen to breathe and becoming their sole reason for existing. From their hands coming around, the barrier from her gloved hands didn't matter. Their warmth radiated onto each other as if a flame had resurfaced, permitting its heat to represent the passions repressed and meant to remain forever hidden.

The magnetism between them never vanished. It became stronger and fiercer than ever, almost as if this dance was all they needed to become one. The world could end at this second and they wouldn't know. The time, the reason, the location, all of it was forgotten as all that mattered was the intimacy of their near touch.

Every spin, every touch, and every gaze, they never lost sight of the greater picture. All that mattered was standing before them and while they knew it was forbidden, it only made their passions intensify with every breath.

Elizabeth had read hundreds of novels in her life. Many romances, indeed. All of them expressed the magic that came with sharing a dance with someone. How it was an action that seemed simple, but signified the start of everything. It brought a sense of vulnerability and allowed their hearts to be placed on their sleeves. She didn't believe a dance could cause such sentiments, but now, she was being proven wrong.

Feeling his hands on hers and synchronizing her movements with his, only made her understand that romance novels were right in everything. This moment was unlike anything she's ever experienced and nothing will be able to take it away from her.

She held his hands as if they were her lifeline and just when a moment of hope resurfaced, she saw Edwina watching them with an innocent smile. That's when she remembered this dance only happened because of her and how her agreement with Anthony revolved around her as well.

"Are you still intent on proposing to Edwina?" Elizabeth's voice was barely a whisper, but he heard her perfectly.

"Would it make you happy if I did?" Anthony avoided her question by asking one of his own, both of them now staring ahead but having no focus on anything but themselves.

She didn't understand why her happiness mattered. This courtship between him and Edwina was something solely reserved for them, so her input was the least important.

"I want her to be happy," she chose to say, avoiding his question just like he did with hers.

Anthony spoke in a low voice that nearly resembled a whisper, "And do you think I can make her happy?"

"I should be asking you that question," Elizabeth hastily responded as she felt her breathing become heavier. "Can you make her happy?"

Anthony didn't say anything since quite frankly, he was unsure if he could offer Edwina what she wanted. She wanted a love match and he desired none of it. Their marriage would be nothing but a friendship, and it worried him that his plans of living a life without heartbreak would be in peril due to Edwina wanting more.

She noticed his silence and took it as a warning sign that he might not be prepared to offer what he claimed. "If your silence is an indication that you're reconsidering declaring yourself-"

"Is that what you want?" Anthony interrupted and it made her furrow her brows in confusion. "For me to reconsider?"

Of course she did, but she would never have the strength to admit it.

Elizabeth longed to express her true sentiments, but she could lose someone she considers her sister along the way. She couldn't hurt Edwina. Not today and not ever. Betraying her would be like betraying her family, which was something she would forever be unwilling to do.

"It does not matter what I want," she forced herself to say and he shook his head at her statement.

"But it does matter, more than anything," he whispered against her, causing shivers to run down her spine.

"But it shouldn't," she argued, not understanding why her opinion was of importance when it was a choice he had to make on his own.

"That is not true," Anthony attempted to plead his case as he wished she would say the right words to prevent him from moving forward.

Elizabeth couldn't keep having this conversation. If he continued this any longer, she was bound to lose her composure and admit everything once and for all. "The Duke asked me to accompany him to Edinburgh and I have accepted."

He was left in disbelief and couldn't comprehend how he was about to lose her this soon. How would he be able to endure a life without her?

"You will abandon your family?" Anthony's eyes widened as he became filled with fear and anger at her impulsive decision. Was she really willing to leave everything behind for him?

"He told me they would be more than welcome to come with me," Elizabeth could sense he was starting to lose his temper, but she couldn't understand why. "Besides, Adelaide's debut will be next season, so I would be returning by then, or maybe not at all since she only needs my mother for that."

Anthony was already grieving the person he was losing. He knew it was absurd of him to wish that she would continue residing in London. This agreement of theirs was to find suitable matches and they were coming to the end of it. They had succeeded, so he should be more than happy for her success, but all he felt was anger and pain.

He couldn't lose her.

He wouldn't be able to move forward.

Elizabeth bowed as their dance came to an end. She wasn't sure what to expect, but it certainly wasn't watching him storm off the dance floor and out the hall.

"Where is the viscount going?" Edwina worriedly questioned as she stared at her in distress.

She didn't know what to say considering she was at a loss herself. Everything seemed to be going according to plan, but there was a sudden shift in him. While she couldn't comprehend why, she couldn't let go of it now that Edwina was counting on her.

"I do not know," she admitted, but it wasn't the answer being sought after.

"Well, what did he say?" Edwina insisted, her worry of not being proposed to becoming much greater than ever. "Did you find anything out?"

She struggled on finding the right words, but instead of forming an elaborate lie, she became determined in finding a solution to this. "I shall go find him. Do not worry about it."

Elizabeth took off in the direction he left in and hurried at a relatively quicker pace. She saw him heading into his study and wasted no time in entering before the door closed. He was breathing heavily and appeared as if the weight of the entire world had fallen upon his shoulders. Something was obviously wrong, but she couldn't understand what had been the cause.

"Why are you so distressed?"

Anthony paced around his study and took deep breaths, searching for the strength to regain composure, but nothing seemed to be working. She was leaving London. She was leaving him and it hurt that she was failing to notice. "When will you leave?"

Her patience was now hanging by a loose thread at his purposeful avoidance on answering her question. "Why should that matter? You are on the precipice of marriage, so my absence shouldn't affect anything."

He glanced down at his trembling hands, wishing to receive an answer that would ease the storm within him. "Is he forcing you to accompany him, because I will make sure he never gets remotely close to you if that-"

"I agreed because I wanted to!" Elizabeth finally raised her voice, irritation now coursing through her veins at his irrationality. "Whatever plans I make with my intended should not be any of your concern."

Anthony pushed himself off the desk and moved toward her. "It seems to me that you are still adamant on ruining my courtship with Miss Edwina. All of these claims of wanting the best for her have been nothing but lies. You know I need your help to win her family over and you are intent on abandoning our agreement knowing it would sabotage me. That is it, is it not?"

She gaped at him in astonishment, shocked that he was believing the worst of her when all she had done was help him. "I have followed through with our agreement through every step of the way. You do not get to insinuate that I do not care, because I do. It shouldn't matter if I leave or not. You succeeded in winning her and her family over, so I am out of this equation."

"Then tell me, why do you want to leave?" Anthony demanded and flailed his arms up in frustration. "Have I done something wrong?"

Elizabeth shook her head, not daring to reveal the actual reason was because of him. "You didn't do anything. This is my decision and you should respect it whether you like it or not."

He walked closer to her, refusing not to obtain an answer. "Why are you actually leaving?"

"It is none of your concern!" Elizabeth was now consumed with frustration at his overbearing demands. He didn't have the right to question her choices, especially when he was about to make a grand one very soon. "You are really starting to vex me more than usual, so just stop this!"

"And what is it, do you think, you do to me?"

She stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do given the circumstances. He shouldn't be affected by anything she does considering she was nothing more than this insubordinate person who pushed him into the lake.

None of this was making sense.

"What?" Elizabeth breathed out, staring firmly into his burning eyes. "What do I do to you?"

A silence surrounded them, leaving them standing like a couple of statues. Nothing but the sounds of their heavy breathing and racing hearts were heard. They wanted to say a lot of things, but neither were brave enough to express them.

Anthony took the first step and gathered the strength to move forward. "You infuriate me," he whispered, his warmth radiating onto her like the blaze of the stars.

"You infuriate me as well," Elizabeth murmured, her voice coming out lower than intended.

His eyes roamed all over her face, memorizing every aspect of it and imprinting it in his mind, body, and soul. He took a step closer and exhaled sharply as he felt his composure starting to shatter with every moment spent in her presence.

"I am a gentleman," he came closer and she couldn't deny their close distance any longer.

Instinctively, she glanced down at his lips for a mere moment, wishing to seek a taste. She wanted nothing more than to take the forbidden fruit, but she could never allow herself to betray her family.

"And your heart is with another," she whispered against him, now staring deep into his eyes.

Anthony glanced down at her desirable lips, his dreams now becoming much more likely to occur. She was the only one who ever made him vulnerable enough to fall on his knees, and as much as he hated it, he also loved it at the same time.

"And my heart is with another," he repeated her words, his voice barely a whisper and soaring into the air.

Slowly, he edged a centimeter closer. He stared at her with passion and longing as his hand began reaching for her delicate face, wishing to acquire the feeling of her skin against his. There was nothing more he desperately desired than to be this close. He needed her more than he needed air to breathe and while he knew this was wrong, he couldn't contain himself any longer.

"What are you doing?" Elizabeth closed her eyes as she urged him to take the first step. Her heart kept calling out to him and for the first time, she felt as if her feelings were reciprocated, but they couldn't be, right?

His lips were nearly grazing her ear as he whispered, "Say you do not care for me."

But she couldn't as it would all be a lie.

"Tell me you feel nothing," Anthony insisted, his soft and alluring voice igniting goosebumps down her skin and making her heart race faster than ever.

How could she answer him without admitting the truth?

"And I will walk away," he shortened their distance much more to the point their faces were now touching, but both of them desired more.

Elizabeth tried forming a coherent response, but being in close proximity to him was clouding her to the point she was losing all ability to speak. She breathed heavily and was only able to muster a string of words, "I feel- I feel..."

Anthony listened to her and gently hovered his hand over her cheek, allowing his fingertips to course through them in a pattern. She melted at his touch and dove deeper into it, ignoring all her senses demanding her to part away. He was just moments away from meeting his lips with hers, but as if the universe was playing a cruel joke, the sound of the door opening made them scatter like leaves falling off a tree.

"Oh," Daphne tried apologizing, but seeing them this intimate was making her question everything now that her suspicions were confirmed. "I am so sorry."

"Daphne," Anthony stormed after her, but not before glancing back at Elizabeth one last time, wishing to have acquired more time to fulfill his desires.

Elizabeth simply stood back, not understanding what just happened and how she had been able to lose her control this quickly. She used to believe she was strong, but it seemed that she was weaker than she thought.

How could she nearly go through with her desires?

How much of a terrible person could she be?

All of this was wrong, but why was her heart demanding it was right?

Author's Note

Now we're really getting into the good stuff 😏
More drama to come, which I'm really excited about!

Hope you guys liked the chapter!
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