The Ripper
William Jack Holloway
In truth, William wasn't entirely sure what it was about her that made him so entirely reckless. There was something about this infuriating woman that had the Duke foregoing every instinct he had when it came to his own species. She was dangerous. Hell, she had been sent to arrest him and turn him over to the very people that he so feared. And yet... and yet she hadn't done that. Anastasia had offered him assistance - even if he didn't want it - and had done everything within her power to so protect him. She wanted to protect him and his freedom, and William simply couldn't fathom why. But it was enough to make him interested. And it was certainly enough to have him coming back for more. That was why he was here now, wasn't it?
William simply couldn't help the retort he offered her, insisting on his English pedigree for his immunity to the effects of the cold. Or, perhaps, it was the simple fact of his immortality that kept him from catching the death that she so promised. That playful smirk that so danced upon his features whenever he spoke to her only amplified as she regarded him with that flat look. How much joy he gained from simply... provoking her. She was rather beautiful when she was frustrated with him. Perhaps that was why he was here? Still, nothing satisfied him quite as much as the way his simple statement that he wanted to see her seemed to shut her up. He was well aware of the way her lips fell shut in a shock of sorts, or the way that calm composure seemed to falter just slightly in that moment.
It was, perhaps, that alone that gave him the courage to inquire upon her company for the evening. After all, that was the soul reason that he was here, even if he hated to admit it to himself. The Duke remained entirely pleased that she didn't pull her arm away immediately after he grabbed at her coat. He half expected her to jerk her arm back and storm back inside to leave him alone on the stoop of The Witchery. But she didn't, instead she stood perfectly still as he asked her on a date. For a moment, the man stood entirely still as well as he watched the woman contemplate his words and consider every reason why she should turn him down.
And instead, her voice merely spoke out to insist that she wasn't properly dressed. William chuckled as he shook his head. "Is that the best excuse you ca..." He started, his voice trailing off as she seemed to further consider his words and nearly... was that a yes? A bright smile seemed to burst onto his features at that, and he nodded. "You look dashing, though if you wish to freshen up, I will wait, of course." He offered her a playful smirk, the man so attempting to shake off the clear excitement that he so clearly felt.
"Ah, but I can be. I was trained well, once upon a time," William said with a chuckle. "Starting with, it would be decidedly improper to not accompany you inside." Of course, it was certainly more improper to so accompany her to her bedroom, and yet William was content to ignore that. Instead, he merely moved his hand that was still gripping at the hem of her coat, sliding it down to so capture her hand within his. He didn't wait for permission before he so entwined their fingers in his clear desire to hold her hand. It was only then did he smile, motioning with his free hand towards the building. "Shall we, ma belle?"
But darling -- it's only human nature.