~*~ Carried over from Discord ~*~
She couldn't help the little whimper that left her as the gentleman pulled away from her, promising to come back with nourishment and tuck them away as requested…
Standing there in a daze as he walked away, it took her a moment to really gather her wits and bring herself somewhat rooted in reality as she had gotten lost in his eyes. She had gotten lost in the feeling of his body just barely pressing against her, his hand holding her own in…gods, was she just imagining it or was he reveling in the warmth that her touch gave? That he, too, did not want to let her go. That he didn't want the moment to end that was transpiring between them. And she knew, she knew that he knew. She noticed how he seemed to lean slightly forward, how he inhaled just a little longer. She had saw how his eyes had swept across the room as if he knew the greatest secret and he wanted to make sure that no one else was keen to it. What he knew was just for him, that was what the look in his searching eyes had told her before they settled upon her again as he excused himself in the most traditional of ways. Never had she been bowed to like she was someone of high importance, royalty.
She found herself breathless as he walked away, her heart racing within her chest and the beat thrumming in her ears that it almost drowned out the whispers she heard around her. Those same whispers had helped to bring her back to her wits even though it was so hard for her to dare take her eyes away from Bret. She was afraid of what she would see if she looked around in that moment. Would they be mocking her? Would there be others who would suddenly be more interested in her because of the Hitman's attentions upon her? Those type that always wanted what someone else had seemingly taken interest in…
You are getting ahead of yourself, Niccola. He is just being nice. You are the one getting flushed and bothered by someone just being nice to you. Humoring you. Do get ahold of yourself!
Is he really…gather food for the food? Only him…
…such a fool. Doesn't he know he shouldn't stoop so low? He's the superior being.
My, my…doesn't she look like such a tasty morsel? She does smell so good. Maybe I can have the leftovers!
It was the shout of 'go get her, brother' that had pulled her out of her spiral, keeping her rooted in place just when she felt her resolve not to run and hide dwindle to nothing. Her violet orbs scanning the room to find the person responsible seemingly beaming at Bret as he had his way back to her; Sarah, who looked quite embarrassed, right beside him as well as a few others that seemed to have looks of hope in their eyes as they watched him close the distance. There really wasn't much time to process the moment as he apologized to her, looking absolutely shy as he explained why he had been gone so long. Had it really been that long? No, nothing unreasonable she felt though a part of her felt like it had been a lifetime. She felt…safe with him close by again. And she gave a relieved, warm chuckle at his mention of dessert preferences.
"You are so considerate, Mr. Hart. Thank you so much for gathering something up for me to eat. I really could have done it myself. And, wouldn't you know it, guess what my favorite dessert ever is? Mmmm love me a big slice of creamy cheesecake, especially with fresh or lightly dressed fruit on top. Especially cherries or strawberries!" she explains as she allows him to guide her out of the main ballroom and out onto the terrace.
It was a gorgeous night. A breeze coming up from the coastline. The moon full and bright with sister stars dancing around it to match. Centerpieces of candles & flowers giving extra light while setting the mood, keeping nighttime bugs at bay with their scent. Outdoor sitting area was empty as everyone else was still inside, enjoying the dancing and socializing within the protected walls. Those who had travelled outside had continued on their way, down the stone steps that lead out onto the private strip of coastline and were off to seek their privacy closer to the waves.
It seemed a fitting setting to enjoy a bite to eat while getting to know more of the man that had somehow riled up her physically as much as he had comforted her mentality. This duality…was a bit maddening. She was still trying to determine where things would land by the end of the night, especially when he was complimenting her so yet seemed to be…the Irishwoman didn't quite know the word for it. Distant? But he was being so open with her. So he said but those eyes. Those eyes were telling of things left unsaid. Those were the thoughts she wanted to be privvie to soooo badly!
"My Mum always wanted me to be more social. My Papa was more than happy that I didn't want to deal with people, especially boys. He was a bit pouty when I told him with all honesty that I seemed equally attracted to women just as much as men but just hadn't found anyone who made me want to…come out I guess? Well, come out as in actually leave the house and go and do things. Again, Sarah fusses with me all the time that I could never meet anyone if I am never out to meet anyone and I do understand her point. It is why I try to fight her less and less about going to events that she finds that she thinks I won't be 'too uncomfortable' at. Though, as I mentioned, she has this tendency to leave me to my own devices," she relays as she settles down at the table, looking over the treats that he has brought her.
Niccola cuts into the lamb, bringing a piece to her mouth to chew and savor. Her eyes flutter for a moment as a soft moan escapes her, warm smile curling her lips as she continues to chew until the bite is gone. Taking a sip of her lemonade, she gazes over his features for a moment before she speaks again. "You give me such compliments. I am sure you have seen many women in your lifetime and to know you feel I am worthy of being called beautiful among them is a honor. Especially from someone who, from where I am sitting, is quite handsome and definitely someone I would say is out of my league. So. Thank you so much for the compliment. I…"
There's a renewed flush to her cheeks as she tries to control her nerves. She had no clue where this…boldness was coming from. Maybe it was the thought that she could always escape, fly back to her city, and never hear about the fall out of her failed attempts of being 'presentable' ever again that had her taking such chances with her words. This night just kept coming with the firsts. "This lamb is really good. I, um, wish you could have a bite and try it but, I don't know, I am sure it would make you sick or the like. Tell me more about yourself. About your vampiric culture. About your stories of being a late bloomer and fighting grizzlies and becoming the man that is sitting across from me. I haven't felt so, well, comfortable speaking with another. You have been nothing but kind to me as well. I want to keep building upon that. This, um, friendship?"
Was this just friendship? A huge part of her was starting to settle into the fact that she didn't want it to be only that…
@excellentexecution