Ah, damn it he had annoyed the man. Not surprising really, it was part of why Nicholas usually let Florence lead when talking to new people; he got too fixed on what he wanted and forget the manners his saint of a mother had tried to train into him over and over again. He sighed, moving to take a care and lounging back into it with a rueful expression. "I do believe I've offend Master Valentine, please forgive me."<br/><br/>Most wouldn't noticed it, the man was very well controlled; Nic was an artist though and observing people was part of what he was here to do. The way the man called his security man to his side did make him pause, perhaps he had pressed too far to ask for a personal favorite? Was the man a personal favorite or was Ryan Valentine just the sort to be protective and possessive of any he thought his? Questions and more questions, he was good at watching people, at making art, understanding people was a whole different matter, especially their motives. Motive wise Nicholas always had been rather simple and straight forward. Some would even say blunt.<br/><br/>In response to the information about cost he nodded, his expression apologetic and a bit frustrated, it was clear his thoughts were moving very quickly indeed as he weighed whether or not it was worth the money for what he desired. Still...there was that something, and many of those he had seen held promise. Money was of little issue to him, especially since he had started to do prints of his more famous works and the royal commissions he had done before starting this project paid very well indeed. This project would be a master piece, he was sure.<br/><br/>"Very well then, forgive my bluntness, since I do not mean for this to be a one time visit I suppose I should give the disclaimer that's so popularly attached to me." He flashed a bit of a grin then, looking over at Florence before back at Ryan. "When I am caught up in a project or itching to work I tend to...loose my manners and I mean no disrespect or harm by it. I will try to make up for it, and for your forbearance by respecting all of your rules and stipulations to the utmost and treating your staff with respect. Once the project is done to my satisfaction, if the Teahouse yields the inspiration I sincerely hope it will, I would," he paused, thinking of the right word. "like to bestow a rather large gift with nothing looked for in return outside of perhaps future patronage."<br/><br/>"And, should I care to take in more of the carnal delights of your establishment I would clearly book that separate and only with those who would desire my attentions." His gaze flickered to Atticus then, a twitch of a grin on his lips again that was at once laughing and apologetic. "I really do mean nothing by it Atticus, merely that your features give something that I've been trying to capture for more days then I care to count. If you are truly against it I understand, not everyone wishes to model, forgive an artist his enthusiasm. I think it best that Florence speak for the rest of this, she has much more demure manners then I."<br/><br/>It was a sign of how much he trusted the petite blond, to let her speak of money and terms but he trusted the little assassin far more then most.