Geralt felt his own ire rising as he saw the expression on Lucien's face. Of course, he had entertained the possibility that he would eventually be caught if he did in fact follow through with this plan, and he knew that the Nephilim would find it less than ideal. But he had not be expecting this level of irritation, and seeing Lucien react this way without so much as hearing an explanation...well, it annoyed Geralt in turn.

He managed to keep this out of his voice when he spoke, but knew that some of his anger was leaking through in his expression. With how much he was concentrating, he was having trouble maintaining the mask.

[color=crimson]"Of course not, I was only..."[/color] he paused for a moment and gestured with the book. [color=crimson]"Foolish, I know, but I am a sucker for unconventional romance..."[/color] he said, flashing a smile. When the Ringleader's expression did not change, he dropped it once more. [color=crimson]"I assure you that this is the first and only time, have I earned enough trust for you to believe that, at least? Besides, they'll be none the wiser when I release them. I promise, on my honor, they won't remember a thing aside from a lovely time at Cirque D'étoiles."[/color] 

This was not going well. He had lost something, that smooth sway he had over the Nephilim had faded, and his varnish was being stripped away. If only the man hadn't caught him off guard, if he had been paying closer attention, if he had been more careful, he could have released them before Lucien walked up. His mouth and brain were racing with excuses, but he knew that he could give no more. Whatever he said, it would have to suffice, at least for now.