Although no expert himself, or even competent, in the usage of a whip, West was no stranger to the act. More than one Talon had borne the lash "to falling", himself included. More than once, overseas, he'd seen it used as civil discipline. More than once, in places like this.
He was tempted, almost reached out, to grab the end before it struck Chantay. Not as any act of mercy, or even bravado, but with the same curious fascination one might regard an open flame or sharp knife. The second strike surprised him, and he glanced at the domme before turning back to Chantay; the space of a moment, before the dark woman's cry was over. Something inside of him was glad, and relieved, at the sincerity.
He reached up to lay a hand over Chantay's smaller one, to share the moment, even as he turned to look over his shoulder again at Victoria. In her element, despite the costume, her beauty was magnified even as it seemed colder. Regal, stunning.
Like an angel. Or Exarch.
West turned and moved to stand behind Chantay, covering her small body with his slightly larger one, placing his other hand atop hers so that he mirrored her.
"May I share this with you?" he asked, wondering if perhaps this was too personal, and he was simply audience to add to the Scene, like a bit of parsley for garnish.