Chapter Text
What the hell happened? Anthony’s head is pounding and his stomach is starting to roil. He looks around the unfamiliar hotel room. Did he hook up last night? Fuck! How far is he from his hotel? Jesus…is he going to have to do the walk of shame at his age? He knows that at thirty two he is too old for this shit.
He rubs his face trying to clear his head. Terrified that he won’t be able to gather all his clothes before the woman sleeping next to him wakes up.
Anthony hopes that this won’t end up in the tabloids. It wouldn’t be the first time some chit tried to seduce him and be “surprised” that the paparazzi was outside. It’s how his relationship with Kate ended.
He was escorting a girl to a cab because he thought she was sick. Instead they were caught by a bunch of cameras flashing. He didn’t even get into the cab. But Kate didn’t believe him and they argued until he told her that he was sick of the fighting. They haven’t spoken in six months. Five years of his life down the drain. The girl apologized and even made a public statement. But the damage had been done. Now here he is in a bed with a strange woman that he doesn’t even remember meeting last night.
She is sleeping on her stomach with one generous breast peaking out the side and her face covered by long hair. He can’t was tell the hair color because the room is too dark. Brown? Maybe red? She does have an amazing arse. He hopes it is natural because if not..then it is the best Brazilian butt lift he has ever seen.
A memory hits him. Is that a memory? He is gripping her hips and pounding into her from behind. Watching her arse ripple with every hard thrust. Anthony’s mouth begins to water at the unbidden imagery.
Shit!
The fleeting memory confirms that at least he had a good time.
He slowly untangles himself from the sheets and finds his clothes pausing only when he sees her move in her sleep. Should he stay? No. He should definitely go and avoid the awkward morning after conversation. He plans to return to London within 24 hours. What are the chances he is going to run into her again? Anthony really needs to take a piss but decides against using her bathroom. He thinks it is best if he just gets back to his hotel suite as soon as possible.
Upon leaving the room he realizes that he is still in his hotel only a floor below the penthouse he rented. Fuck! What if she recognizes him? Nope. He is not going to let his anxiety get the best of him.
It was just a one night stand. Not his first but hopefully his last. Anthony decides to pretend that nothing happened unless it comes out in the tabloids.
He notices that he has just enough time to take a shower and meet up with the rest of his family for brunch. Still suffering the affects of his hangover Anthony decides to wear a tailored pair of rust colored skinny khakis paired with a white linen button long sleeve shirt. He knows that the trick to showing off his well toned physique is tailoring everything.
All the Bridgerton brothers have the trademark broad shoulders v shaped torso, muscular thighs and calves. Coupled with being a young titan of industry he needed to exude casual wealth and comfort. He double checks to make sure that his morning scruff still looks neat as he heads out the door to meet everybody on the private deck where they will be served a privately catered breakfast away from the gawkers who liked to follow the Bridgerton family in the tabloids.
This was supposed to be Daphne and Simon’s joint Hen/Stag Do’s week in Las Vegas. He had manage to wrangle his siblings in birth order after him. Benedict, Colin, Daphne (the bachelorette), Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. He had convinced their mother to join them even if it was just for her to spend most of her time shopping and getting spa treatments. The siblings agreed that she deserved all the pampering that he could gift her with everything she had to put up with. His younger brother Colin had brought his social climbing girlfriend (nobody was happy about that), and Eloise had brought her childhood best friend Penelope Featherington. Who everybody adored so nobody had a problem with that. The Stirling cousins John and Michael came along as they were great friends of the family. His mother had insisted on having Agatha Danbury his father’s business partner who was now retired and who had kindly offered to be his consigliere in times of crisis. Violet Bridgerton felt it was only fair that she have at least “one other grown up to keep her company” which of course he obliged with little to no fight.
His best friend soon to be brother in law Simon Basset rounded out the group. The trip so far had been a great in spite of Colin’s girlfriend Marina Thompson who kept angling to get into the chicest places and trying to record the family to post on her instagram profile. Everybody knew that she was trying to monetize her account and was not very successful at it. Since most people (excluding his dim brother) could see through her facade. But that was something he chose not to dwell on for now. He approached the deck where he found a very weary and extremely hungover group. “Good Morning Everyone. How did you all sleep?” Attempting to sound chipper.
“The question big brother…is how did you sleep? Away from your hotel suite?” Gregory asked with a mischievous glint in his eye. Anthony almost choked on his coffee while Benedict smiled at him. “Yes. Anthony. How did you sleep? I was unsuccessful in getting you back to your room?”
Benedict glances around to see if anybody reacts. When the large table turns to Anthony and begin simultaneously tossing questions at him. A chorus of “What do you mean?” “Where did you sleep?” “Did you get lucky?” “What would Kate say?” (Which garnered a grunt from Anthony) ending with Colin asking “Was she hot?”
The last one to participate was Simon who worked with Anthony at Bridgerton-Bassett Industries. “Do I need to call our PR team? Our Crisis Manager Cho?”
Anthony took a deep breath. “Yes. I spent the night with someone. No need to call our PR team or Cho. And No. I will not be answering anymore questions.”
“Hey! I am just glad you got some. Maybe now you will be less of ass!” Colin shouted from the other end of the table. His mother just looked at him with a worried expression.
“Don’t worry bro! Penelope got lucky too! I heard someone from her room crying out to our dear Lord.” Eloise said teasing the sweet redhead who turned the brightest shade pink.
“Eloise!” Penelope cried out. “Nobody needed to know that.” Penelope began attacking her eggs with a murderous zeal.
“What? Did you?” Colin looked uncomfortable at the news. “You didn’t mention anything?” He continued badgering the poor girl.
“You are right Colin. I didn’t announce to the table that I got lucky as Eloise put it. Because it is none of your business. I didn’t ask about you and Marina last night.” His little brother had the decency to look sheepish at her reply.
Marina on the other hand looked annoyed as it appeared that she had in fact not gotten lucky. “Trust me. Penny. There was nothing to report.” Marina rolled her eyes.
“Too bad for you. Because I heard Pen getting it all night long. I finally had to put in my earplugs so I could get some sleep.” Eloise continued completely unconcerned with Colin’s growing discomfort.
“I know what you mean. John and I couldn’t sleep a wink. Good for you Pen…I mean seriously. That guy had some stamina. I was rather disappointed that you didn’t ask me to join.” Michael Stirling gave her a wicked grin and a wink.
This only made Penelope blush even more. “Well thank you all for the well wishes but I think we should change the subject back to Anthony.” She looked at him with a devilish glee that was new for Anthony.
“Seriously Pen? Et tu?” He gave her an exaggerated pout that usually worked on his mother. It seemed that it was less effective on the lovely redhead “ She took a bite of strawberry and smirked at him. “Yes. Anthony. The one night stand is now in your court.” Giggling over her wide framed glasses.
“I thought I had you and Simon in my corner but I have lost you as well.” Simon eyebrows shot up. “Hey! I still know where all your exes are buried. Never question my loyalty.”
Benedict watched the whole exchange enjoying the back and forth when he felt Francesca’s intent gaze. He smiled at her and pretended that he found his American waffles the most fascinating breakfast ever.
Afterwards everybody scattered to do some last minute shopping and gather their things while the family jet was getting prepped for take off.
Gathering the family and friends for the flight was no easy task. He was grateful that he could rely on Agatha and his mother to help him coral the troops.
The trickiest part turned out to be getting Marina to hurry up and get on the flight since she wasn’t allowed to record or go live while they flew and nobody wanted to appear in any of her videos. Anthony had yet to figure out what his brother saw in her. She was pretty…but pretty is easy to find. That was it. She wasn’t kind. Even if she had been pretty and dumb Anthony would have understood. But she seemed so shallow and cold. Marina had nothing going for her and now finding out that Colin wasn’t even getting laid? Ridiculous!
Anthony watched the little groups gather Francesca sitting in between John and Michael chatting away. The Stirling cousins were focused on Franny and something about this made him feel like there was a storm brewing there. Hyacinth and Gregory navigating the world together even if they spent half the time fighting.
Simon and Daphne mooning over each other would never become a normal sight for him. He was happy that his best friend was in love and knew that he would make his sister happy. So that was nice.
His mom and Agatha chatting away. Although it appeared that Agatha was watching everyone just like he was. Her eyes were like sharks in the ocean in constant motion to survive.
Eloise and Penelope debating a book or something. Most people thought that Eloise was the dominant personality since she was so loud and brash but the truth was that Penelope led that duo..trio if you included Colin who usually went where the girls went. Penelope was interesting. Beautiful, funny, smart, and kind. To be fair she was not just beautiful. She was stunning. With her red hair that was now so long that it reached her waist. Creamy skin, Stunning blue eyes so pale that they almost looked clear. Her petite frame managed to hold some seriously dangerous curves. The Bridgerton boys and their tall heights had to work overtime to not look down her shirt. Wide hips and round bottom.
Shit!
Where did that come from? Anthony found himself with semi and no way to relieve it in a jet full of his family. He decided to ask the attendant for a whisky. Neat. “Why are you looking at Penelope like you want to devour her?” Benedict asked him with a sly grin. He continued when Anthony did not reply. “I don’t judge. I have also noticed how much she has grown up.”
The eldest brother did not say anything but growled loud enough to draw attention from most of the siblings sitting closest to him. Colin gave him a questioning look which he responded with a shrug trying to avoid the subject of him ogling Colin’s best friend. Because that is what she was. Colin and Eloise’s best friend. Those two were very protective over the little redhead.
“I am just surprised that Eloise didn’t seem to have trouble with Penelope having a one night stand. It’s not like her.” Anthony whispered to Benedict.
Benedict was his only true brother and friend. Simon was great but he was an only child and didn’t understand the responsibility of his large family. Colin was great but he was also very immature and often needed Anthony to step in and be more of a father figure. So that left him and Benedict. his younger brother did not have the same responsibilities but he at least understood that if something happened to Anthony then he would be in charge. An idea that terrified Benedict to no end..which was enough to keep him in line.
‘I think you are right. She isn’t a one night stander. Maybe it was something that could become more. I could see her taking a chance for something….special.” They looked at each other and then at the redhead and then each other again.
Anthony laughed and said. “Well whoever he was. He is one lucky bastard.” Lowering his voice. “We can both agree. She is hot. Like sinful levels of hot.” Benedict looked at him and smiled. “I am sure the guy had a great night. What did Eloise call the guy? A sex god? Talk about an endorsement.”
“Agreed. Did you see Pen’s response. Yeah. She got it good. So I say….good for her.” Anthony clinked his brother’s glass and took a sip.
“What about you? I won’t say anything. I will keep your secret. Just like we never talk about that thing I did. You know the one.” Anthony smiled at Benedict they both knew exactly what it was and they rarely mentioned it even in passing.
“Okay. But I will hunt you down.” Anthony gave him a look to reaffirm his sentiment. Benedict nodded and took a sip. “Well. I woke up in some women’s bed. Same hotel as us. A floor below. I don’t remember how I got there. It was dark and I couldn’t make her out too well. But from what I did see. Wow! She had a beautiful body. Shapely. But I took off before she woke up. I freaked out.” He looked down a little embarrassed. “Hell. I don’t remember leaving the group or meeting her.”
Benedict’s face blanched at the statement. “So you mean to tell me. You don’t know who you slept with? Like at all? Nothing.”
Anthony looked at his younger brother. “I get glimpses. moments. Very erotic moments throughout the day. Benedict. It’s awful. I get to see just enough to get aroused at the worst times. But not enough to figure out who she is.” He sighed and built up the courage to look at Ben. “I wish I would have stayed. Because I don’t know if I can get her out of my head.”
“Oh. Oh. That sound’s terrible.” Ben notices the stricken look on his big brother’s face. “Sorry. Well. She isn’t the only good sex you have had. You will probably meet someone soon and forget all about her. It will be fine.”
Anthony looks at him with a sad smile. “Brother. It wasn’t good sex. It was the best sex I have ever had. Mind blowing.” He lowers his voice even further. “I don’t like to compare. But it was never like this with Siena and you know she was adventurous.” Benedict nods in agreement. “Kate was great. Especially after we got into an argument……But this…..this….this was different. I don’t know how to explain it. Intense and lovely at the same time. She felt different. I am going to be screwed if I remember all of it.”
They took another sip and continued watching their family and friends. Benedict broke the silence. “Do you think Colin is ever going to figure out that he is in love with Penelope? Or do you think he will continue wasting his time with girls like Marina?” Anthony pondered the question. “Maybe. I just hope she doesn’t waste her time waiting for him. What are we going to do if she moves on and then he figures it out.” Benedict grimaced. “When that happens….he is going to lose it. But that is on him. I endorse her being happy no matter who she is with.”
Benedict and Francesca look at each other with worried expressions. Michael goes back to flirting with Penelope to Colin’s chagrin. Now they just need to get through the wedding.
Simon and Daphne’s wedding ceremony was carefully curated and sweet. Being the first one to get married was not surprising but upsetting for Violet who kept reminding Anthony that he was the oldest and should really focus on finding someone.
She held out hope for him and Kate to get back together. Violet only saw passion where Anthony experienced friction. It was great until it wasn’t. Kate was wonderful and in the beginning it felt exciting to debate everything. But eventually he wanted to have a partner not an adversary. He wanted to have someone that could make him feel safe enough to be vulnerable and open. Anthony had enough people to fight in his business life. He didn’t need one more. When the scandal broke out she didn’t give him a chance to explain what happened.
Everybody thought that he was angry except for Benedict. His brother was the only one who understood that Anthony was hurt and heartbroken. After five years Kate still didn’t trust him. That was the end of their relationship. When she finally tried to reach out to him. Anthony couldn’t bring himself to answer her calls and avoided her.
He had been successful so far. Until his sister’s wedding. He had forgotten that Kate’s little sister and his assistant Edwina had become friends with Daphne. She had brought Kate as her plus one. Anthony couldn’t avoid her anymore.
Kate was walking over to him with a hopeful look on her face. He started to panic and couldn’t figure out how to extract himself from this situation. It was horrible. Anthony did not want to be an asshole but he didn’t want her back. The truth was that he couldn’t trust her and the idea of spending time with her depressed him.
Like a knight (dressed in a form fitting velvet emerald off the shoulder dress) Penelope Anne Featherington came to his rescue. She ran up to him and and grabbed pulled him with both hands. “Come on Ant! You owe me a dance!” She dragged him to the dance floor. Expertly avoided looking in Kate’s direction and whispered. “Don’t look at her. I got you.”
Penelope gave him the sweetest smile before continuing. “You Mr. Bridgerton are now stuck with me for the rest of the night.” Anthony eagerly followed her out and said. “What about your date Debling?” She began dancing and laughed out loud. “Oh. Don’t worry. We broke up before Vegas. He came with me since we are still friends.”
“Ah! It’s nice that you can still be friends. I only had two serious relationships and I have no desire to stay friends with either of them.”
They continued dancing until the music changed to a love song. “Ant. That is what happens when you love deeply. Debling and I were fun…lot’s of fun. But I couldn’t see a future with him. I didn’t want to waste his time and he appreciated that. So. Friends.”
Anthony thought about what she said. “Between you and I…it wasn’t love. With either of them. They were both toxic or maybe I was. Siena was always looking up things. In the bedroom.” He blushed. “Look. I am all for adventure. It should be fun to try new things not some bucket list to be accomplished. And Kate….I couldn’t see having a family with someone that I fought with all the time. That’s not what my mom and dad had. Don’t get me wrong they did fight. But it wasn’t a way of life.”
Penelope nodded her head and smiled. “I understand. You want to feel safe. To have a sanctuary with your partner.” Anthony gave her a broad smile. “Exactly! Can I ask you a question?”
“You already did.” She giggled into his chest. “Sorry. It is such a dad joke. But yes. Ask away.”
“What about you and Colin?”
They glanced over to where Marina was trying to coax a sullen Colin to the dance floor. He seemed to be focused on Penelope and Anthony dancing. When Penelope noticed she tried to look away before he noticed. Her dance partner looked worried about the situation. When neither of them reacted to Colin’s glare he stormed off with a drunk Marina trying to keep up.
“You mean your brother that is dating my cousin? That guy? Nothing there. Just friends.” She arched her eyebrow.
“I just mean. I thought you had a thing for him. Sorry.” He became nervous.
“Don’t be. I did have a thing for him for a while. I would probably call him my first love. Colin is sweet but indecisive. He runs from one girl to the next. They all seem to have two things in common.” Anthony looked at her waiting for her to continue. “One. They are all pretty dumb. No offense to my cousin. Two. None of them look like me. Me and him. Never gonna happen and now he is just a very good friend.”
Anthony nodded his head in understanding. “You know Benedict and I believe that someday he will figure out that he cares for you. What then? Would you keep an open mind.”
Penelope laughed loudly tilting her head back. “Even if that were true…I don’t feel that way for him anymore. I actually hope you are wrong. Because I would hate to lose our friendship.”
They continued dancing the night away but eventually she had to use the bathroom and he offered to get her a drink. Anthony was standing at the bar waiting for Penelope’s mojito and his whiskey when Kate decided to strike. “Are you planning to avoid me for the rest of the night?”
He turned around and looked at her. “Hi Kate. I didn’t know you expected me to seek you out at my sister’s wedding.” His tone clipped but polite. “Come on. Ant. We should talk about us.”
“There is no us. There has not been an us for six months.” He took his whiskey from the bartender and continued waiting for Pen’s mojito.
“We were together for five years. I would like to at least give us a chance. Our last argument shouldn’t be the end of us. You should forgive me.”
Anthony gave her a mirthless laugh. “Really? I should forgive you? Like you forgave me? I should listen to you? Like you listened to me?” He was angry at this point. “I don’t want to fight anymore. I just want to move on.” He grabbed the mojito and began to walk away.
“Is this about Penelope? You have moved on already? With her?” She spit out. Kate did not have anything against Miss Featherington but the idea of him with anyone else made her jealous.
Without turning around he said. “I wish you the best Kate. I really do.” Then headed straight to Penelope who looked at him with pity. She smiled at him when he arrived taking the drink. “I am sorry I left you. I just really had to pee. Are you ok?”
“Thank you Pen. Let’s go dance before the night gets away from us.”
What neither of them noticed was Francesca and Benedict watching them and holding a silent conversation. Eloise on the other hand decided to join Penelope on the dance floor and tease her big brother on his so called outdated dance moves.
Penelope reassured him that he was doing just fine. Nobody watched Edwina follow her sister to the ladies room to cry in the privacy of the stalls.
Gregory was trying to get some girls attention but sadly failing drastically.
John and Michael Stirling were standing together watching Francesca.
Thankfully the happy couple Simon and Daphne remained focused on each other wrapped up in their love bubble. They never wanted the night end no matter what was happening around them. Daphne looked around knowing that they would need start saying their goodbyes before heading off on their month long honeymoon. It was going to be the longest she had been away from her family.
The Bridgerton siblings were extremely close maybe a bit too close.