If the people had tried to purposefully rouse memories that he had thought locked away forever they could not have done better he thought bitterly, eyes flashing around those gathered in the elegant room awaiting his and Florence's selection. Who would have thought to find so much tension in a upscale brothel? The artist's eyes were drawn by the appearance of another young woman, dark of hair and luscious of body, she would be wonderful to work with he thought, something about her sensual and fiery. He however was considering the door.<br/><br/>And then the raving whore, for he did believe the delicate pale haired man who was so clearly drunk was a whore, turned his tirade upon Master Valentine and Atticus, even going to far as to speak to Nicholas himself about the whores not being cared for. Outwardly his face was blank, inwardly he was fighting the urge to something, he wasn't quiet sure what. It would probably be something stupid, like asking just what in the hell had happened to the raving blond, or yanking Florence along and out of this place as quickly as possible. Both would raise attention to his extreme dislike for people who abused whores, owners and clients alike, and raise questions he had no desire to answer surface from his lover's lips. So he froze, grey eyes darkening and wary.<br/><br/>Master Ryan's words did little put him at ease, as clearly this 'Anel' had been drinking far too much; but to block out what? To ease what pain? So much for a higher class brothel.<br/><br/>Florence was there, drawing his attention, speaking in such soft, intimate and soothing tones, smiling and charming. He relaxed some, less stiff at her side before he shrugged, as if this all were nothing to him, as if he had not seriously thought about going for the door several times over the past few moments. "We have already arranged the contract; I do not offer my word so lightly on things as you know sweet, we will stay and see it through for now."<br/><br/><br/>----------------------<br/><br/><br/>Atticus seemed on edge, something darkening his blue eye as it settled on her. It was enough to draw her thoughts away from Anel and Adi for a moment, to make her tilt her head in silent question at the body guard. Her pale aquamarine eyes softened looking at his familiar features, something of a smile tugging on her lips that held a sparkle that was beyond even the normal serene cheerfulness she presented to new clients. Excusing herself from next to Adi with a soft murmur she slipped out of the line as Anel became center focus. The redhead sighed, shaking her head though feeling relief that Zara took over the blond rather then Rubee, the way the accountant and Anel had been going at each other before made her think sending the two of them off alone would have been a bad idea.<br/><br/>Coming up beside Atti she touched his arm lightly, letting him know she was there, though with Anel's rant she doubted his focus would be on her at the moment. His focus was always the Teahouse, and the Master when those things demanded his attention.<br/>