Built for Sin

Lyle's POV

The door chimed as I pushed the front door open, my eyes scanning the small tavern. There were a few booths along the back wall, free-standing tables and chairs, and of course an expansive bar lined the right side of the establishment. My eyes are drawn to a pale skinned girl behind the counter with golden curls that frame her face, highlighting her bright emerald green eyes. She had a warm and welcoming smile on her face. I noticed there was light pink gloss coating her plump lips as I got closer to the counter. I took a seat at the counter.

"Good afternoon!" A smile spread across my lips as she came towards me. Her curls bouncing as she grew near, a strong rose and honey scent filled my nose and it made the corner of my lip twitch upward in a smile.

"What can I get for you today?" My eyes scanned across the mirrored shelf behind the pale skinned girl, the variety of liquor expanding well within my preference. The environment of the tavern is welcoming and warm, the upbeat music playing throughout the building did not go unnoticed but was also not at the forefront.

"I'll have a double of your black barrel Jameson and a tall Smittick's, please." My eyes watched as she stooped down, grabbing a pint and whiskey glass before reaching for the bottle of Jameson to pour into the glass. When she finished pouring that, she gave it a shove toward me before turning on her heels to face the taps, the red brew almost spilling over the edges of the glass.

I eyed both of the drinks before me and grinned widely at her, my mouth watering by the pure aroma of the liquor. "Is there anything else I can get for you sir?" Her eyebrows raised quizzically and her voice was more of a purr, the hair on the back of my neck stood up as she inched closer.

"I don't think I have seen you around here before, are you just passing through?" Her eyelashes fluttered above the green pools of emerald, bright with wonder. I picked up the pint glass and took a few long drinks of the coppery ale, letting the creamy liquid sit on my tongue before swallowing. I hadn't noticed that I was staring down at the counter and as I looked up, I met a mesmerizing gaze. But just as I was about to speak, the door chimed and she stood up straight, welcoming the new customers.

She mouthed me a quick apology, grabbing a few menus and a tray of glasses with an ice water pitcher. She seated the group, pouring them each a glass of ice water to sip on as they looked over the menu. My eyes on her as she pulled a pen from behind her ear, jotting their orders in a booklet all while holding the serving tray under her arm. She trotted over to the counter, placed the tray down and began grabbing a few different sized glasses. She made up the drinks, set them on the tray and made her way back to the table. She took down their food orders and put the slips on a spinner for the kitchen staff in the back.

I watched in appreciation as she served the other customers as I nursed my ale, content as I watched her make her way around the tables, behind the counter and back again. She trotted over to me in between serving tables and asked if I needed anything. I gave her a smile and nodded, "Could I have a refill on my beer? What do you recommend as an appetizer?" She paused and thought for a moment before smiling at me, she grabbed a menu and pointed to a few different options.

"My favorite is probably the soft pretzel bites with our famous beer cheese, they seem to be a house favorite as well. Try them, on me darlin'." She turned and disappeared behind a large swinging wood door but came back out moments later, grinning at me all the while. "They'll be out in about 10 minutes. So, tell me about yourself, what brings you to this small town?" I leaned back a bit in my stool and took a long pull from my beer, smiling at her. The wonder dancing in her eyes as she waited for me to answer. My fingers circled the top of the whiskey glass, looking at the display of liquor.

"I'm from Salem, Massachusetts. I went to the College of Art and Design, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Videography. I traveled for a while but get called home when my family died in a house fire. Now I'm here, looking to start fresh and move on. This town is beautiful and there are many things that can be captured in stills, I want to explore and heal." I could feel her beautiful eyes on my face but I kept my eyes down, not wanting her to see the pain that crept into them.

I felt her hand on mine and I smiled, finally looking up at her. Her face was painted with sorrow and compassion. Her mouth moved to say something but a sharp 'ding' made her jump and she pulled her hand away to retrieve a few trays of food. I drew in a deep breath and ran a hand through my hair, watching as she set out plates on a tables. She had brought my appetizer over and I promptly popped one in my mouth, chewing slowly. It tasted fantastic. I popped a few more in my mouth and smiled to myself, she had good taste in food I thought - I wonder how well she can cook. My eyes focused on her- she had a certain rhythm in the way she walked and a sweetness in the way she talked, an innocence almost and I couldn't help but stay and talk to her. I glanced down at my watch, sighing as it was almost 2 o'clock in the afternoon. I had a meeting at 4 o'clock and I wasn't looking forward to it, even though it was important business and my life may or may not depend on it. I shook my head and returned my gaze back to her.

She looked up, probably feeling my gaze on her, and she smiled. My heart beat faster and the corners of my mouth tugged up to return her smile. I had a tingling sensation course through my body, nothing I had ever felt before, a low growl erupted in my thoughts.

"Mate."