The Ripper
William Jack Holloway
There was a completely separate level of pleasure that existed within the Englishman at the very notion of throwing the Russian Duchess off. The Duke fully enjoyed the simple pleasure in admiring the youthful appearing woman. After all, she was beautiful, and spending time with her would certainly be something that he could relish in. Anastasia, thus far, had been the one that was so fully in control while William struggled to maintain even the slightest bit of composure. To have the tables so abruptly turned was another thing entirely. Something that William couldn't deny his enjoyment in. She was truly quite beautiful in that brief moment in which she was entirely flustered.
Still, even that didn't last long. Anastasia's own ability to take hold of the situation and tease him remained so entirely present. That sly simper that played across her features had William's own chest fluttering almost instantly, and he simply chuckled at her. "One day, darling, I'll have to show you that my skills have certainly not rusted with time." It was all he offered her as he entwined their fingers. Once more, he was given that delight in seeing that she was knocked off her usual composure - if only for a moment. He enjoyed the feel of her hand within his, and he liked it even more that she didn't immediately jerk her hand away and scold him for his less than gentlemanly actions. No, instead he found that sly smile staying put on her lips and for a moment, William considered that she might even be having fun.
"Perhaps one day you'll have to teach me Russian so I can have a bloody clue what you're saying to me," The man replied, a teasing smirk playing out on his lips before he was quickly led into the Witchery and within the lavish halls that made him feel so entirely at home. The Victorian architecture made him long for a simpler time in his life, and perhaps that was exactly what the man loved about this place. Before Sebastian had opened his arms for the Hunter, he too had stayed within these walls. He'd loved it so much more than the minimalistic modern designs of typical hotels. William didn't protest letting go of her hand as he was instructed to sit upon the sofa.
William did as he was instructed, placing himself delicately on that sofa. Though he may have wanted to, the man found that his eyes did not drift in the direction the woman disappeared off to. No, attempting to look was entirely ungentlemanly. The man only looked up once more when he heard her returning to him, and immediately he pushed himself to his feet. The dress she'd chosen made the air seem to get stuck within his lungs, and for a moment he was entirely thankful for his immortality if only for his lack of an ability to die should he forget how to breathe. "Anastasia, you look..." He said softly as he stepped towards her. "You look amazing." He smiled softly, reaching out to take her hand. He lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles in a chaste gesture before he stepped back. "Shall we?" He said, gesturing towards the door with ease.
But darling -- it's only human nature.