I know for a fact that, if you got to know him, Abraham Van Brunt is a sweetheart. Takes place in 1780-something and this OC named Charlotte Swanson just happens to be his "servant."
"Miss Swanson, I hope you're aware of what happens to employees who don't work correctly," said the man as he attempted to put on his trousers without my assistance. Assistance that he really did need, so it seemed.
"I'm sorry," I said rushing into Master Van Brunt's chamber. "I was not aware of how late in the morning it was." Which was completely true. I had spent a good deal of the night awake and engrossed in my reading. I didn't fall asleep until the candle burned away to nothing more than a mess of hot wax. 'Speaking of which, I am going to need a new candle before bed.'
"Did you hear what I just said?"
"Uhm. No sir," I answered meekly.
"You didn't pin your hair up this morning." He pointed it out by wrapping one of my dark curls around his finger.
I suddenly noticed his state of undress. He was clad in a mess of a blouse and trousers, which hung loosely over his waist, showing a perfectly sculpted hip bone. "I apologize. I've been nothing but a mess. I was late and I'm sorry." I hung my head in shame.
"Now, now," he said raising my head and meeting my eyes. "I'm already aware that you were up late last night, reading until your candle burned out." A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
My pulse pounded and I felt my ears grow a hot red. Another apology stumbled from my mouth.
The smile suddenly vanished. "There is no reason to apologize for doing anything you love. Understood?"
I nodded, relieved.
"Now, if you don't mind, I would still like some assistance in dressing myself."
"Yes." I touched his arms, urging him to hold them out. Upon closer inspection, I noticed his shirt was sloppily tied. It looked like he struggled a great deal to tie it. "Did you try to tie this yourself," I asked eying the knots in his blouse.
A pink flush creeped up his neck and he averted his gaze. "W-well, you were still getting ready, and I just wanted to try."
I smiled at his expression. "It was a nice try." I quickly undid the many knots and retied them. I tucked the top into the waist of his trousers and tied them securely in place. I held out his vest and he slid his arms through. "Now, that's better."
"Yes, very much. Thank you." Abraham smiled and sat at his chair while I left to retrieve his stockings and shoes.
After successfully helping him into his clothes, it was time to do his hair. I ran my fingers through the golden locks that framed his face and his scalp.
There was a long sigh and he pushed his head more firmly against my hands. "You are the only thing I look forward to every morning," he spoke softly.
I was so used to this usual routine, that his confession threw me off. My hands stilled but only for a moment before I continued to brush. "That is a great honor I don't think I deserve," I whispered. I was called a lot of things before I came to know the Van Brunt estate, and none of them positive. I remembered the place I previously resided.
It was a large mansion, and I was assigned head of the kitchen and housekeeping. I was forced to withstand the abuse of the lady of the house, due to her husband's roaming eyes and affections. I idly touched the scar that split my eyebrow. I could never forget the candle holder or all the blood. Shortly after that, I left only to stumble upon the Van Brunt estate.
I was jerked back into the present when I felt hands wrap around mine. "I didn't mean to make you remember," Abraham spoke softly. He touched the scar, leaving a tingle where his fingers touched. "As long as you stay here, in safety, no ill will come to you again. Understood?"
I gave a small nod and turned my head as I noticed how close we were. My cheeks burned and a pleasant warmth budded in my stomach. He tilted my chin, so my mouth was only a small space away from his. His lips formed words, but I missed them due to the loud thudding in my ears.
He drew closer, but my eyes were closed before our lips touched. His arms wrapped around my waist as he pulled me closer to his towering physique. The bud blossomed and our need for one another grew more intense. I delicately trailed my fingers over the angular curve of his jaw, relishing in the solid stability that was him.
After a few moments, I reluctantly pulled away. I put a hand to my throbbing lips and attempted to calm my overheated body. When I met Abraham's fiery gaze, I knew there was no way to suppress his desires. They could only be satisfied.
He moved to gather me in his arms, but I planted my palms in the center of his chest, stopping his advance. "Did you forget that you have a meeting with Captain Crane this morning?"
He took my hands in his, but remained a respectful distance. "I do not wish now that I have sampled the sweetness of your lips."
My skin blazed and I averted my gaze. "You have to eat so you can go. What would you like for breakfast."
"What if I say you," he asked, mischief in his eyes.
"You need a proper meal before you head out," I argued.
"If you insist, I shall." He led me out of the privacy of his room and into the grand dining room. "Will you dine with me?"
"Yes, but first I must tell kitchen head what you want." I told the chef what Master Abraham and I would have and promised to clean up after he left. The food arrived shortly after I returned and Abraham and I sat and dined.
"After Captain Crane and I meet, we will be heading to an event and I will have you candles brought back. Is there anything else?"
"I don't believe so." The only thing I really wanted was him to quickly leave, so he could return even faster.
"Well then. I'll see you when I return," he said planting a quick peck on my lips before throwing on his coat and stepping out.
I watched him climb into the carriage and rattle off. When the carriage was out of sight, I tried to busy myself. I cleaned the entire kitchen, then I cleaned his chamber and my sleeping quarters. When I finished, he was still not home, so I decided to read in the garden.
The garden was composed of a small pond in the west side, a gazebo in the center, and the vegetables at the far east, that was overlooked by the back windows. It took up about two acres and everything was connected by a stone path, so the grass would not be trampled.
The soft spring breeze ruffled my hair and skirts as I read under the shade of the gazebo. As I leaned against a pillar, book in hand, I drifted off to sleep.
AN:/ Tell how you guys felt about the story, but don't be a major ass please and thanks for reading. Chapter 2 coming soon!