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Settling back down more comfortably in his fireside chair, Jarvis rested his elbow on the arm of his chair, gently rubbing his chin while he took the opportunity to look up at his companion once more. The challenge was implicit in his gaze as he watched her hungrily, the flickering shadows thrown up from the fire showing the hesitation on her face.
Leaning forward after a few moments, Flora tentatively reached out her hand, hovering for a moment or two before extending her fingers and slowly, gently caressing and stroking the top with her fingers before drawing back suddenly when she heard Walter's sharp intake of breath.
Glancing up at the butler, she met his intense gaze for a moment, neither saying anything to break the tense atmosphere, before making up her mind and reaching back down between them. This time she stretched out her hand more confidently, her fingers tightening as she grasped more firmly before moving upwards.
Squirming about in his chair as his eyes followed her every movement with intense concentration, the butler struggled to maintain his rapidly waning control. Eventually as she began to draw back he gave in to the urge that had been steadily building up.
Smirking broadly, he leant forward, staring into her eyes before reaching down slowly with his own hand, wanting to prolong the feeling of satisfaction. Picking up his bishop, he manoeuvred it into position on the board, before letting go and grinning up at the surprised housekeeper.
"Checkmate I believe Mrs Ryan...once again!"
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