~ All together in the Great Hall ~<br/><br/>As he watched Vince and Mila move off, a twinge of regret passed through Marcus’s eyes.  Not because they looked good together or because he’d wanted one woman versus another but simply because they danced gracefully and with skill.  He knew he would never be able to duplicate that no matter how hard he tried and he wasn’t looking forward to trying at all.  When Bo approached Nicci next, Marcus turned his gaze to Mari, taking her in.<br/><br/>It was the first time he’d really stopped and studied the beautiful woman standing across from him and he let his eyes slide over her figure from the bottom to the top, appreciating every sexy little curve that she possessed.  Eleven years younger than Marcus, according to the bio he’d studied on her, and every bit as experienced.  Out of all of them, she was by far the most free spirited, based on what he’d read, and he knew she’d play a pivotal role in his future in some way.<br/><br/>That knowledge made what he had to do next just a little easier to swallow.  With a genuine smile, Marcus crossed the distance between them and came to stand before her, their bodies almost touching.  A vibrant energy seemed to hum between them instantly, causing him to hitch his breath slightly.  Staring into her eyes he inclined his head and held out his hand to her.  “Would the lovely lass care to join me in a dance?” he asked, his words polite while his eyes twinkled.  “I warn you though…for all my strengths…dancing is not one of them.”  He almost hoped she declined his offer but sensed that she would not.  After all, the other couples were out there and they should join them too.<br/>