I stop until I am several feet away from him. Up close, he is even more unnerving. His eyes are dark like that of a blue flame scorching my insides. His lace collar covers his neck the black coat woven with gold strands. I never seen such beautiful extravagant clothing. I shove my hands to my side to avoid appearing nervous avoiding the urge to wipe them on the bottoms of my wool skirt.
"Good evening sir, I wanted to come over to say I'm very sorry for breaking that glass. I tripped into him and caused a stir that was completely accidental on my part."
He stares at me unwaveringly. I silently gulp from his intensity.
I continue, "Well actually I was going to come over here anyway, but then that happened and then I had to come over to apologize," I start blabbing.
I sneak a look at him but cannot decipher his expression. I wait for him to respond but he does not say a word and my anxiety skyrockets.
"I, um..." I shake my head now irritated at his behavior and take a step closer. "Mr. Salvatorn, did you hear what I just said? Or are you blatantly ignoring me?" I raise my voice forcefully to demand his attention. I will not allow him make me feel uncomfortable as every other man tries so hard to do. That statement stirs a reaction out of him, his left black eyebrow raising at my brashness.
"Ignoring you?" his voice is deeper than I expected, but soft. It is relaxed tone, but cut-and-dry like he has practiced this very conversation before.
"Yes and by your response now it seems you were," I huff more irritated crossing my arms across my cotton shift top.
"You broke several glassware in my tavern and then come over and disrupt my drink. Why would I even bother to speak to you?" He does not raise his tone, but he doesn't need to, the coldness coming from him still steeps into my veins.
I stare back, "A decent human politeness? I apologized," I answer growing more riled up despite my discomfort towards him.
"So it seems," he retorts callously.
I now realize why he has no friends in town, he is a total scoundrel. I take a deep breath and gather my thoughts, I came here on a mission and I will finish it.
I switch my tactics. "This is a nice tavern you have," I state dully. I realize I have absolutely nothing to discuss with this man who is provoking and overall displeasing.
He does not respond, but I am not backing down so I slide into the stool next to him. His eyes flicker over to me but still he says nothing. I drum my fingers against the counter plotting my next move. He takes a long sip of his drink, but does not leave his spot next to me which I take as a somewhat positive sign.
"Is that whiskey?" I ask peering at him.
He pauses for a moment but mutters "Yea"
I turn my whole body in his direction and beam up at him happy he responded and he freezes his glass hovering in the air.
"If you have not noticed, I was sitting alone and it should remain that way, scurry along. I have no desire to be bothered by strumpets."
My mouth nearly drops. "Oh, no no. No!" I shake my head vehemently.
"That is not... I am here in regards to my father. I need to ask for a loan," I say directly.
He doesn't even blink, but his face darkens.
"You see my father..."
"No" his voice ice cold.
"No?" I utter dumbfounded.
"No. I will not give you a loan," he repeats.
My heart sinks. "You won't even allow me to offer a plea," my voice breaking.
YOU ARE READING
Beauty & Desire *on hold*
General Fiction~beauty & beast retelling~ Claire has an alcoholic gambling father who is buried in debt. When he gambles too far, he is thrown to jail and taken away. Claire is left with no option, but to find a way to settle his debts to free him. She runs to the...