Alastairis an interesting creature. A powerful man, who exudes charm, grace and wealth. His long blonde hair brushed his shoulder, engine tic eyes, charming smile, the deep richness of his voice...

He's irresistible. He belongs in the pages of great love stories. Instead, he looks over me, black tuxedo perfectly pressed and tailored.

"This doesn't look expensive enough," he tells the stylist leaning on his walking stick. He narrows his eyes, sauntering up to me, examining the floor length gown.

"It is the expensive piece in the collection I have right now," the stylist swears, his hands shaking.

Rarely have I ever been intimidated by Alastair. Fear that I feel around Alastair is not of his harming me...but what letting him have me would do to my soul.

But I see how he could be...threatening. His wide shoulders, standing at at least 7 feet, and when he frowns....

His hand cups my waist, as he feels the fabric. "It lacks an elegance. Don't you think, Eleanor?"

I shrug. "I think it's fine."

He frowns, looking at me. "Fine is not good enough. It's your first time out in while. It must be perfect for you."

I look away. I swallow the shiver that strikes my spine.

His fingers trail up my side. "Well...I suppose it's too much short notice," he murmurs. "You," he looks up at man. "Do better."

My hair is pulled back, diamonds on my neck, on my wrists, and ears.

He cups my jaw. The cold of the silver rings on his finger bring back that shiver. His hold is always solid, tough but gentle.

"Do you like it, my love?"

"I do, Alastair." I smile. And I do. It's nice, simple but elegant. He knows me well.

His lips turn up. "Good. We have an hour to get to the event on time."

"You look gorgeous. You always do, there's just one thing left." He pulls a black lace mask from the table, putting it on my face carefully. Then he offers me his arm. I take it. He's strong and steady, unmovable.

He puts his own mask on, identical to mine.

He gives me a small smile approves before walking us out the door.

"Will Liam be joining us?"

He shakes his head. "Liam is out. I'm not sure where he is. He'll stumble home eventually, always does."

The night air is cool, but I'm used to it. It's refreshing. Brisk. He holds me tighter anyway, opening the car door for me.

It's just a black town car. Still, it's more luxury than I've experienced. Though I've accumulated wealth, I tend to horde it, never spending anything.

Just in case. His hands are covered in black gloves. I wish it wasn't as attractive as it is.

I wish he wasn't as attractive as he is.

"To the La Rue Grand Hall," he instructs the driver.

"La Rue," I whisper. Where have I heard that?

• • •

The atmosphere of the fundraiser was indeed fit for two travelers from a distant time. The orchestra the gowns, the elegance.

I never got to partake in any of it when I was younger. Then as it is now, things like these are only afforded the rich.

He's so pretty. My eyes drawn to him. He belongs here. A man of high society and inherent wealth, of conventional and stunning beauty. He glimmers under the soft chandelier light.

"It's a wonderful night isn't it?" He says softly, our elbows locked together as he takes us toward a secluded table in the back.

There are people mingling. He doesn't seem interested in them at all. But everyone is looking at him.

He looks at me. "What's wrong?"

I shake my head. "Nothing. Just taking in the sights."

He hums. "We'll dance in a moment. I know you don't prefer heels. Do you want change?"

"I'm fine, Alastair."

"Alastair is that you?"

He glances up, grinning. "Paula. It's been some time hasn't it?"

"And you haven't aged a day. Botox? You have to tell me your secret? Is it babies? I've heard babies are the key to eternal youth."

The woman is older, mid forties maybe.

"Blood," he grins. "But never mind that. Stunning fundraiser. What is for again?"

She's blonde, not Alastair's stunning yellow blond. An ashen blonde. I hate her and I want her to die immediately.

"This is my fiancé, my dearest Eleanor, Eleanor this is my old friend. I was going to drain her but she got away," he chuckled.

I frown. Can he say that? She laughs rambunctiously, louder than anyone should laugh at something that, one definitely wasn't a joke and two, even if it was, wasn't funny.

"You kidder." She waved her hand, resting it on his shoulder. "It's for impoverished children."

My eye twitches. Oh no...

He narrows his eyes, keeping his smile on his face, visibly confused. "Just...all of them? No particular group or..."

"That's the idea!"

His brows knit further but he shakes his head letting it go. "Right we'll, give my best to the...miscellaneous impoverished children."

"Your best?"

He leans back. Tenting his fingers. His ring glints in the light, his playful expression quickly fading.

"My best, this hall, and 500,000. Don't tell me you're tying to con me out of more," He smiles, leaning on his stick. "That would be very...unseemly for a friend, yes?"

She paused and laughs, quickly floating away.

"Impoverished children," he mutters with a roll of his eyes. "I doubt any of these simpletons have seen poverty outside of reality tv."

The song changes, and Alastair looks up in recognition.

Alastair turns his attention back to me. "Dance with me."

He stands, coming around the table, offering his hand.

I take it. I always do.