The Ripper

William Jack Holloway

There was nothing but relief in the man's features the instant that they crossed through the club and into the back room towards that restaurant. The soft symphony was considerably more pleasurable to his senses, and for a moment he was able to lose himself in the music. "I've always loved this kind of music," He mused - more to himself than anything - watching the way the girl nodded her agreement to his words. "Thank goodness. I think we may have had to end the date prematurely if you were going to drag me into that bloody mess." He chuckled, reaching out to help her into her chair before he sat himself down as well, chuckling as she explained her local status. "Perhaps you'll have to show me all of your favorite places then, kitten." Briefly, his mind flashed to showing her all of his favorite places. But all of his favorite places were in London, and he couldn't take her there. He couldn't go back there and face the horrors of what he had done. Instead, the man was content to comment on the rather lovely way her hair fell around her pale cheeks.

"No, I suppose not," He chuckled, his eyes entirely on her. "But as you're not trying to kill me anymore, I think you can let loose a bit." He winked at her before his attention went back entirely to the laminated menu in his fingers... just as it was plucked out of his fingers and discarded. He quirked an eyebrow up as she claimed to know the chef, his mouth opening to comment on it as the door to the kitchen opened and Vhalla was quickly bounding away from him. It was almost startling to see that smile that spread across her features as she embraced the older woman. William couldn't deny the way her whole being seemed to radiate with that happiness. William wanted to bring that to her himself, and it surprised him how entirely much he cared for the woman's smiles. Even in his distracted state, he was well aware of the way that his date practically squirmed as the chef inquired about William himself. He chuckled, lifting one hand to the woman to wiggle his fingers in a wave towards the woman.

It was only when Vhalla returned to him did his attention leave the chef, falling entirely on the stunning blonde girl across from him. Following her lead, he picked up the wine glass, swirling the dark liquid within the glass before he raised it to his lips. The taste was pleasant, though he couldn't deny that it wasn't the whiskey he so preferred. Still, he smiled over the rim of the glass as she spoke. He quite enjoyed the way that she blushed towards him. "I just assumed you didn't want me to fall head over heels for her, Vhalla. You don't seem the type that would enjoy sharing." He winked at her before he set down that glass, listening to her speak of her poor manners. "You'll find that I care very little for manners."

It was perhaps the way she blurted out her words that made him laugh. "Me either," He admitted. "I've courted a woman, though never of my own free will. My father set me up on a few... well I suppose you'd call them dates. He used to tell me that I could find fault with the Queen." He chuckled before he leaned back in his chair. "I used to think he was right, but I will admit that I have yet to find a fault with you, kitten. And I'm picky." He slid the chair back suddenly, rising to his feet. He stepped around the table, hovering near her as he reached for her hand. He pulled her to her feet without a thought, moving them both to the open space away from the tables.

"I know I said I hated dancing," He murmured, reaching up to trace his fingertips along Vhalla's porcelain cheek. He hooked a finger under her cheek to draw her gaze up to his. God, she was beautiful, and how he wanted to keep her close. It was perhaps ridiculous how much he cared for a girl he hardly knew. "I lied. I love dancing, just not that type. Dance with me, Vhalla?" Christ, how he loved saying her name. It sounded so musical and light and sent his heart thumping at that rapid rate. He hardly managed to wait for her consent before he let one hand drift down to her hip and the other took her hand.

William hadn't danced in years - centuries - and yet it was like a reflex to fall into those steps with the refined grace of the Duke he always had been. He made sure to keep his eyes on the woman, though even he couldn't resist the way those brown eyes of his drifted towards the cherry red of her lips. How he wanted to kiss her, and yet he knew the instant they succumbed to those urges there would be no more talking for them the rest of the evening. No, the instant he kissed her he would be unable to think of anything else for the rest of the evening. It was only after they'd twirled around the better portion of the room did that impish grin appear on his features. "See, it's as easy as breathing. When you have a good partner, at least." He smirked. "And luckily for you, I'm the best that there is."

He leaned in then, his nose brushing against the soft skin of her cheek before his lips caught hers in that tender kiss. His hands pulled her in even closer to his body until she was flesh against his chest. She was beautiful, and somehow - somehow - he was allowed to hold her in his arms for tonight. After a minute, he pulled his lips off hers, his eyes sparkling as he met hers. He leaned his forehead to rest against hers as he grinned. "Fortunately for you, dancing isn't my only talent, kitten."

But darling -- it's only human nature.