01-20-2024, 11:03 PM
Adrian’s attention was only partially tethered to the immediate conversation. If the two women were going to squabble over him, he’d stop neither, but more serious affairs occupied his attention. Such as the fact that one of his guests had already left without his having met them. He artfully masked his irritation with a neutral facade, though it was evident his mind was elsewhere.
The collision into Nadya and the ensuing commotion sharply pulled him back, but honestly, Adrian was more concerned for the state of his floor than Nadya’s appearance. A smirk was his only reaction as she stomped away, and Alistair’s question was met with a simple sigh, though he appreciated the American’s knack for slicing through pretense. Plus Adrian wasn’t above receiving a little flattery.
However, Adrian's actions were characteristically restrained. He didn't lead Alistair through the expansive spaces of his abode. The overhanging loft remained unseen, the outdoor terrace untouched, and the more intimate quarters decidedly off-limits. Instead, he steered Alistair towards the front door, where a stream of guests seemed to be making a collective exit.
Reaching out, Adrian's hand landed gently on the shoulder of one departing guest, halting them momentarily. To any onlooker, it was the gesture of a gracious host bidding farewell. But as he extended his hand for a shake, his voice, devoid of warmth, sought information under the guise of courtesy. ”A pleasure having you," he intoned, his words carrying the semblance of polite disinterest. His eyes, however, were sharply attentive on Aiden. Then, turning to Sage, he inquired with feigned casualness, "And you as well. Might I have your name?”
The collision into Nadya and the ensuing commotion sharply pulled him back, but honestly, Adrian was more concerned for the state of his floor than Nadya’s appearance. A smirk was his only reaction as she stomped away, and Alistair’s question was met with a simple sigh, though he appreciated the American’s knack for slicing through pretense. Plus Adrian wasn’t above receiving a little flattery.
However, Adrian's actions were characteristically restrained. He didn't lead Alistair through the expansive spaces of his abode. The overhanging loft remained unseen, the outdoor terrace untouched, and the more intimate quarters decidedly off-limits. Instead, he steered Alistair towards the front door, where a stream of guests seemed to be making a collective exit.
Reaching out, Adrian's hand landed gently on the shoulder of one departing guest, halting them momentarily. To any onlooker, it was the gesture of a gracious host bidding farewell. But as he extended his hand for a shake, his voice, devoid of warmth, sought information under the guise of courtesy. ”A pleasure having you," he intoned, his words carrying the semblance of polite disinterest. His eyes, however, were sharply attentive on Aiden. Then, turning to Sage, he inquired with feigned casualness, "And you as well. Might I have your name?”