The Ripper

William Jack Holloway

In some ways, being comfortable with her was as easy as breathing. It was so easy for William to imagine what it might be like to wake up in her apartment every morning. To roll over and find her asleep next to him. To have breakfast together every morning and spend the day doing whatever it was they could find entertaining to do. It was easy to picture it, and even easier to want it. It was effortless to ask her for that coffee when she so offered it. The Duke's eyes trailed up to watch her as she turned to rummage within the cupboard. William certainly couldn't help the way that his eyes slid down her form. She was beautiful, and he couldn't help but want her. It was that alone that had that that sly comment slipping from his lips as he took that coffee from her. And of course, it was instantaneous that his cheeks turned that deep scarlet color. Shite, did he say that out loud? Judging by the way she seemed to sputter, he had.

"Bloody hell," He groaned as he reached out, grabbing ahold of a napkin as well to wipe away the coffee he'd inadvertently caused her to spill. "I'm sorry I... shite." He reached up to run a hand through the back of his hair sheepishly as he watched her deposit those plates into the sink. It was with those words that he had caused this mess. And though he wouldn't deny the sincerity of the words - God, the things he wanted to do to her - it was decidedly improper for him to say them out loud. Lord. If his mother wasn't already dead, she certainly would be now from the shock of it all. But one look at the beautiful Vhalla and Will found that he hardly cared. She was beautiful, and he wanted her.

It seemed that both of them were extremely thankful for that change of subject. Thank heavens that there was a surprise to be shown. Something else for them to do. Will's eyes widened ever so slightly in shock as she reached out to loop her arm around his. Every nerve ending seemed to be on edge with her touch. It was almost like a fire spreading through his veins. For a moment, he considered neglecting to follow her. To instead pull her into his arms and kiss her into oblivion. But then there was that small chuckle on her lips and god, he would follow her anywhere. He chuckled as well as he followed her down that hallway, pausing when he was ordered to close his eyes. He parted his mouth to interject, but instead obediently closed his eyes. Women. "If you lead me into a wall, Vhalla, I swear..."

It was so tempting to open his eyes as he was steered into the room. Almost immediately that familiar scent of books filled his nostrils and he let out a happy sigh. Books. His favorite thing. He paused only slightly as he was led to that chair, taking in the smell before he was told to open his eyes. Immediately and without question, he obeyed. As William looked around the room, his mouth parted both in awe and in shock. He hadn't seen such a grand library outside of his own home in London, and the sight of it made him seem to melt and go weak at the knees. "Oh," He whispered, before his eyes fell on the girl as she spoke as to why she recognized his dagger. He chuckled. "I knew you were smart."

Immediately, William reached out to take her hand, gently pulling her over to him. "This room is amazing," He said softly as he stepped to sit down and pulled her onto his lap in one fluid motion. He wrapped his arm around her waist as he picked up a nearby book with his free hand, his body urging her to relax into him. "I could stay here all day and read with you." He whispered. "Thank you for showing me this."

But darling -- it's only human nature.