Evan Peters Imagines and One Shots

Trapped Pt.2

I had hidden a box with a token of my appreciation in my apron pocket for the man who requested to see me. Everyone around him seemed too busy to remember how special this day was for him. We'd rushed around to ensure everything was perfect for Elizabeth's guests all day, but even she'd seemed to have forgotten about her husband's birthday. James's birthday was something I prepped and prepared for all month. It may have been unmemorable to others, but his birthday could not pass by without acknowledgment for me. His room door was unlocked already, so I let myself in, locking the door behind me as I did. He stood on his balcony, smoking a pipe as he looked at the scenery.

"You wished to speak to me, Mr. March," I uttered.

"Ah, yes. Miss L/n, you've finally arrived. For a moment, I thought Valentino had you in bewitched somewhere," James instructed.

"Although he is a personality. He is not who I'd prefer," I acknowledged.

"That's quite surprising to hear. Come talk with me out here," he instructed.

It made sense why he'd rather spend his time out here than inside watching his Elizabeth and Valentino. The view of the city from his balcony was beautiful and almost romantic, but nothing was more beautiful than how the moonlight reflected in his eyes. My gaze shifted from the scenery to him as I stared at the man. He smiled as he removed his pipe from between his soft lips before curving them into a smile.

"Is there something on your mind, Miss L/n? You're looking at me as if you need to get something off your chest," he questioned.

Embarrassment took over me as I realized he'd noticed. James had caught me being unprofessional multiple times this week. He pointed out that I had stared at him for about two minutes last week. My feelings for the man started to affect my work as well. I could've cleaned something in those two minutes. This situation was awkward, but this time, I had a distraction.

"Yes, there is. Happy Birthday, Mr. March, and I wish you many more," I uttered.

I reached into my apron and brought out the box. He had not expected anything today since everything was so focused on Valentino that even Miss Evers was too starstruck to commemorate him.

"You remembered," James exclaimed.

"You'd do the same, so it didn't pain me to return the favor," I disclosed.

His smile widened as he examined the items. It was a new pipe, a Briar one. They were much more expensive and more challenging to come by because of their high demand.

"This is an exquisite gift, Miss L/n. Thank you," he proclaimed.

Smoking was a hobby I'd never been fond of, but I learned about his interests and studied his hobbies for months, so I was elated to see that my hard work paid off. Good housekeepers know their boss's every want and need. After all, I was here to make life easier for him.

"Now, is there anything else on your mind," he interrogated.

I figured the gift would buy me some time to make up an excuse or even make him forget, but he was persistent in getting to know what I was thinking. So, I said the first honest thought that did come to mind.

"I'm enthusiastic about what's next to come. Now that Natacha and Valentino are here, who's to say more big names won't visit? Maybe they'll even be friendlier," I claimed.

"You're not too fond of Valentino, huh," he questioned.

"To be honest, no sir. He makes me very uncomfortable- he's made multiple advances on me," I admitted.

"Well, we can't have him around harassing my staff. Can we? I admit, I loathe that heathen just as much as the next," he confessed.

"Primarily because of how touchy he's been with you," he muttered.