Feeling as though all the air had been sucked from the room, Violet removed the filter and then added sugar to one of the cups. “Where is your brother stationed?” She would make normal conversation.
She ought to take her tea upstairs with her. Return to her chamber.
Only… she didn’t want to.
“The Ashanti Coast. He’s awaiting new orders.” Did his voice sound lower than usual? Mr. Cockfield had a life away from Knight Hall—away from his employment here.
Violet was acquainted with some of the family members of her aunt’s servants. Most were nearly-impoverished country folk.
“Do you have any other siblings?” she asked, curious to know more about him.
He hadn’t returned to his seat but remained standing—so close that she felt his heat all along her side.
“Two sisters. My brother swears they are keeping out of trouble, but I ought to be there for them more...”
“But you are providing for them,” Violet reminded him.
“I ought to be there,” he repeated.
“You aren’t by chance the oldest, are you?” She couldn’t imagine him as anything but.
“Are you saying you think I’m bossy?” He tugged at her braid again.
It was odd to see him like this, so relaxed and… unguarded.
Until that moment, Violet hadn’t realized how guarded his demeanor normally was. As flippant and arrogant as he could be, he kept an invisible barrier erected around himself.
“A little. Why did you decide to become a butler?” Violet went to sip her tea but then lowered it to the table when she realized her hand was shaking.
The air had grown heavy around them.
She was so tired of being… alone. But she wasn’t alone. Was she lonely?
“You certainly have a lot of questions.” His head tipped forward, and the scent of whiskey and tea teased her nostrils.
It was not unpleasant.
“Are you going to answer them?” Violet teased. Perhaps she hadn’t forgotten how to flirt after all.
He simply stared at her. She stared back, shadows dancing around them.
“I’m not here by choice.” But he still hadn’t moved. “I have duties, not the least of which concern my brother and sisters. I will always do what is necessary to uphold them.”
His tone of voice sent a chill down her spine.
This man was no ordinary manservant.
“And your career allows you to fulfill those responsibilities.”
“Some of them.” His gaze hadn’t left her face for even a second, and an unfamiliar force had her wanting to lean into him.
“I’m going to kiss you, Miss Faraday.” It was not a question, but she knew that if she told him not to, he would heed her request.
Mr. Cockfield was not the sort of gentleman who would ever lack a willing woman. Besides being handsome and intelligent and charming, he possessed an abundance of confidence. All of that together was…
Sexy.
“You want to kiss me?” Her voice came out thready… needy.
