~ Marcus, in the great hall, with Angus, Vince, Nicci and Mila before dinner~<br/><br/><br/>Each step that he took across the room caused his heart rate to accelerate and his blood to surge through his veins.  Nervousness was not something Marcus experienced often but when he did, like everyone else in his life, he didn’t do it half way.  His mouth was dry and his stomach was acting like it was an Olympic gymnast going for the gold but he let none of that show on his face.  This moment would not be ruined because he couldn’t control his body’s reaction to the biggest day of his life.<br/><br/>As he approached the women, his gaze fell on the one he knew as the model, and he studied her outfit.  The dark blue dress hugged her form perfectly, accentuating the flare of her hips, her flat stomach, and her lovely breasts.  The woman oozed sexiness and he couldn’t help wonder what it would be like to be with her for the first time, claiming her body while pleasuring both of them.  Stopping when he reached her, he pushed the nervousness deep down inside and, smiling, shook her hand.  His grip was firm and he squeezed lightly before turning her wrist so the back of it was facing upward.  Lifting it, he placed a delicate kiss against her skin.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nicci” he said as he looked her directly in the eyes.  “Please, call me Marcus.  It sounds so much more informal.”<br/><br/>He released her hand and turned to the second woman, about to say something to her also, when his attention was diverted by the entrance of another man.  Vincent “The Tool” Lockhart, according to the bio he’d read, was an Irishman with stark good looks.  A master with tools, Marcus had a feeling he’d love the feel of the old castle.  He stepped back from the ladies, turning slightly so he could meet him, having noticed that he was approaching after exchanging a few words with Angus first.  Taking the offered hand, Marcus returned it with a hard grip and a bright smile.  “Pleasure to meet you, Tool” he said.  “You can call me Marcus.”<br/><br/>When the man spoke again, this time to the ladies, he had to grin.  His unique accent and pleasant charm was soon to be a hit with them, which was exactly what Marcus wanted.  He, himself, appreciated the man’s straightforward mannerisms and his interesting background, something he looked forward to learning more about over the next few months.  Listening as Mila spoke for the first time, he noted the quake in her voice and he took the time to discreetly study her more.  An attractive, shapely brunette with startling green eyes, she was clearly nervous, her body tense and somewhat withdrawn.  He made a mental note to talk to her more as the evening wore on, if only to help her relax a bit.  Taking a sip of his champagne, he waited for the night to continue, extremely pleased with the way things were going so far.<br/>