Prickling. She could feel his gaze upon her as he straightened himself from his bow. Sweeping away the blushing maiden inside her, Jeanne did not allow any pink to appear in her cheeks even if her heart fluttered a little. Just a touch of nervousness. Why should I be pleased that a detective comes up to chat? Even if he’s a bit handsome.. Stop! Focus!
Able to coolly assess the stare as a challenge rather than a hint of desire for her, she responded with a look that seemed to ask, “Did you find something you liked? Not that the answer isn’t already obvious.“
Contrary to the devilish look in her eyes, the blonde’s smile was all grace and poise. Life as a socialite had been useful for this sort of exercise.
"Oh no, Monsieur Hakuba, the pleasure is all mine. I must say, last night was fun but you look an absolute treat tonight.”
He had noticed her. The plan was advancing. Just wait for my checkmate, my dear detective.
God. She was good at this.
The detective, impressed, allowed himself a selfish glance to look her over from head to toe, all brief, all controlled, with that smug and charming smile fixed upon his lips. Hakuba could tell that there was some interest there, though for what purpose he could not say just yet. It might have just been want of a conversation. Harmless flirting. But then, it could have been more.
Working or not, he intended to find out just where she stood with him. This he could manage easily, he decided, while keeping an eye on the painting and the rest of the guests. After all, he was supposed to blend in. At least, attempt to. Not that he could with his client having announced his presence, but if he appeared distracted chasing after a lady (with a careful explanation to said client, of course), the thieves might let their guards down…
“Thank you, my dear,” Hakuba replied, inclining his head with a curious brow raise, playful. Amused. Then he held out his hand for hers, intent on kissing those knuckles with all of the gentlemanly poise that he possessed.
He would use her like a pawn in his own private game of chess.