The guests had arrived and the party was in motion. Dancing and music are always necessary and of course Darla already had her pick of the gentlemen. She was gracious and danced with all of them until Johnny approached her. She was taken aback at his appearance, he was rugged but with an alluring presence. She was mesmerized and when he asked for a dance, she couldn't speak. Nina shoved her forward in answer and Johnny quickly took her hand and led her around the dance floor, not saying a word but body language was screaming. Darla found herself in a daze of his charms and when the music was over she was left out of breath and soon her curiosity took over. He led her to a table to sit. She sat down hesitantly knowing the power he had. He looked straight at her and asked in his thick Irish accent, "Milady, are you alright?"

"Fine" was her reply. He smirked and then said, "You are Decadent Darla, I presume?"

"Your presumption is correct sir and who are you?"

"My name is Johnny Quinn and I come from the hills north of here."

"Oh, why are you here?"

"Your father knows my father and I like my father am a business man and I know people."

"Hopefully your business isn't with my father, no good will come from it."

"You shouldn't worry of your father's business; such matters are not for a lady to know."

"It's funny because I do, don't insult my intelligence sir or you won't be able to enjoy this party much longer."

"I meant no harm Miss Brunelli by my actions and words. Forgive me."

"Maybe" she replied harshly and rose from her chair and disappeared into the mass of dancing guests. Johnny then stood and went off to find his brother. He found Jack standing by their father and when he entered their conversation, he found it to be rather boring. So he left to find something else that might suit his interests. He entered the great entrance hall and saw a beautiful young woman standing on the staircase fidgeting with her necklace. He stepped onto the first step and cleared his throat; she straightened with a jolt of shock as he came closer. Her burgundy dress swayed with her movements. He came to stand still two steps away from her. She was pretty enough but she wasn't his taste, he preferred blondes and she was a brunette but she would do for enjoyment.

"Good evening milady." He bowed.

She stared at him with no emotion written in her face but her blue eyes were clear and held fire.

"Good evening sir. Enjoying the party?" She asked quickly.

"Very much so and who might you be?"

She looked at him for a moment before answering, "Nina Delluci."

"Such a pretty name for such a pretty girl." He smiled his most charming smile.

She smirked and it was at that time that he then realized that she didn't take the bait and he was stuck with a woman who didn't find him amusing.

"You are?" she asked with a demanding tone evident in her soft voice.

"Johnny Quinn."

"Well then Mr. Quinn, you wouldn't mind it if I left you here." She then slid past him and strode down the staircase and out the main door into the garden. Johnny then looked down with a sigh and saw his Brother Jack looking up at him. Suddenly, Jack bowed to him and followed Nina out the door.

The cold Irish air chilled her skin and made her even madder. 'MEN!' she thought as she walked briskly into the garden. She of course had no idea that she had a follower, which was frowned upon in her career but it didn't matter now. She was mad and what was even worse was that she was disappointed. Nina always had visions of love and for a man to toy with her, well that was just another kick to the stomach. She walked until she met the pond that was in the center of the thick garden. That's when she became alert to a follower; his crunching footsteps could be heard getting closer. Her visitor turned the corner and was met with a blade. A blade that was thick and could do more damage than his first impression had made. Jack stared hard at Nina until she dropped the knife and ran to the pond. He slowly picked it up and made his way towards her. She shook with coldness that seemed to come from deep within and he took his jacket off and draped it over her shaking shoulders. She truly was beautiful even with a face full of worry and fear. She then turned to him took back the blade he offered. They then stood in a silence and Jack not bothered by it thought to himself, 'I'm falling for her yet I know nothing about her, I'm screwed.'