The door behind him opened and he let out a long sigh, ready to lecture his sister about leaving her post. That was until he heard the voice behind him. Despite his face being so pale, he felt his cheeks turn red with embarrassment. His body was too exhausted as he leaned against the fridge and watched her go through his cabinets. She was here… she had a key… oh Annie was going to get it when he saw her again. At her statement of the fact that he looked terrible, his blue gaze hit the floor… here comes the lectures. 

Knowing full well that arguing was pointless, he followed her instructions and sat down at his table. Head moving slightly he watched her make his hot coco. The dread in the pit of his stomach pulled, even though it was his day off, she was still his mistress and she was making hot coco for him. A small sigh left him as he turned his guilt-filled gaze to the table in front of him. Adrian would have his hands around James’ throat if he knew this was happening right now. Even the mere thought of that happening made James feel even more ill.

However her gentle placement of the hot coco in front of him and even her scolding caused a small smile to move across his face, “I got thirsty…” He said softly as he wrapped his cold hands around the mug. His body was freezing but his head was on fire; the warmth of the cup filling his body as he took a gentle drink. A small ‘mmmmm’ echoed in his throat as the warmth flowed through him. “Where’s Annie?” He asked softly into the cup, “She was supposed to take my place today. I’m sorry…” His head hung in disappointment as his blue gaze landed at the hot coco in his hands. “I’m a horrible butler…”