The finger tracing along Florence's chin rested idle for a time as Anel spoke, his words clearly motivated by emotions, or at least clearly to her. She suspected that a whorehouse would be full of people who were as skilled or more skilled than she when it came to reading others and wondered for a moment just what this particular employee had been through. Whatever it was, she could feel the tension mounting in Nicholas and it drew a frown over her pretty lips.<em>'How long has he been looking for that element even I can't furnish, and now he wants to leave it. Oh there are definitely dark things in my lover's past... But we all have shadows behind us.'</em><br/><br/>Her other hand, the one on Nic's arm, squeezed reassuringly, blue eyes turning up to his. Her voice came out at a level only just above a whisper as she spoke to her escort, "I have it on good authority, Darling, that they treat their employees quite well," this in response to Anel's accusations that no one cared. She went on because she had the distinct impression Nicholas would be inclined to leave after the outburst of the whore, "Clearly something is amiss at the moment, but if nothing else you should still take the opportunity to paint, Love. You've been searching so long for the element I can't supply. It would be a pity to let it go after finding it, hm?" She offered him a smile, turning all her charms on the man again in an effort to set him at ease. The lady went so far as to move in front of him, blue eyes demanding his attention on her gently smiling face. It was the best distraction she could offer and it also put her between Nicholas and the door in a completely harmless way. Of course there was still no telling if Nic would be soothed by his lover's tender words and actions.<br/><br/>"I'm sure Master Valentine will see to the man and that this is quite unusual based on what we've witnessed here so far, but if you're uncomfortable staying I will understand," she said with her charming smile. She would understand, truly, because Nicholas meant more to her at that moment than any other person in the world. She didn't want him to mistake her encouragement that they see the evening through as originally planned for insensitivity to his feelings.