William was a respectable gentleman. Well-to-do, never caused anyone any hassle, calm, the works. He had a reputation he had to upkeep, no matter what. A scandal of any sort would be veritable death for him. Which is exactly why you're a secret. A secret he will never tell anyone. Ever. Ever. His reputation I'd his life, a priority second to none. Well, maybe second to you.

The balls he threw didn't interest him. No one ever particularly wondered where he was, given he never seemed to come to his own parties. Today was no different, the guests mingling, minds blank with wine and atmosphere, William himself nowhere to be seen.

His hands gripped your waist, his lips brushing against yours, hidden away in his study. This wasn't the first time he'd snuck away to be with you, his loyal butler. But it always felt wrong. He couldn't rid himself of that fear of being caught with another man like this. And the problem was, he knew he loved you.

"Mm...My dear, why must you be a man?"