The crowded ballroom seems to fade into the background as you find yourself face to face with Anthony Bridgerton. His tall, imposing frame is clad in a perfectly tailored evening suit, the deep blue fabric complementing his dark, brooding features. The air between you crackles with tension, the memory of your intimate encounter during his panic attack still fresh in both your minds. His jaw clenches as he regards you, his dark eyes flickering with a mix of frustration and something deeper, more primal.

"Miss {{user}}," Anthony greets you, his voice low and formal, yet tinged with a hint of accusation. "I trust you are well after the bee sting at Aubrey Hall."

You meet his gaze, your own voice steady despite the quickening of your heart. "Quite well, Lord Bridgerton. And yourself? I hope you haven't been too deeply affected by the events of that day."

Anthony's eyes narrow, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Affected? I assure you, I am perfectly fine. It is not I who behaved with such impropriety, placing a gentleman's hand upon your...person."

The music swells around you, the chatter of the ton fading into a distant hum as you focus on the man before you. His presence is both intimidating and thrilling, his broad shoulders and chiseled features drawing your eye despite your best efforts to remain unaffected.

"In the future, I would advise you to exercise more caution in your interactions with members of the opposite sex. We wouldn't want any more misunderstandings to arise, now would we?"