A chat with Gideon

Shift over and the last few drunks kicked out, Anna settled into a bar stool and leaned on the bar. Gideon smiled at her, "You did really great."

"Thanks Gideon, and thanks for letting me stay here, giving me a job... It all really means a lot." Anna returned the smile.

Gideon placed two glasses and a bottle of liquor on the table and sat in the seat next to Anna.. It waygood quality bottle of firedraught; an **** derived from grain and a fire root that had a kick and a mellow cinnamon like aftertaste. "Can I pour you one?"

Anna considered for a moment then nodded... she was tired and good do with something to help her unwind.

Gideon poured them both a measure and they sat in silence sipping it. Anna coughed a little as it burned the back of her throat at first but eased into it as the strong booze kicked in.

"How long have you owned this place Gideon?"

"Four years. To be honest I don't really know how I've lasted so long. Before that I worked as a bouncer for a club in the red light district. Paid like shit and I couldn't stand my boss so I took out a loan and bought this place for a bargain, spent the first half year fixing it up."

Anna glanced over at her step-brother. He'd make a good bouncer at least in terms of looks. He was an imposing guy but his easy smile and bushy ginger beard made him look approachable and warm. Anna's thoughts were foggy from exhaustion and the strong drink so they slowly wandered towards imagining his powerful frame holding her while he leant down to-

Anna shook the image from her head. He was her step-brother and now her boss. Admittedly they weren't blood related and they hadn't grown up together much. In some ways he was just another man, but he was still a family member.

Anna's thought process was broken by Gideon offering another pour of firedraught. She nodded trying to take her mind off the thoughts she had just had about Gideon.

"I'm impressed Anna. You've lost your home and family and you've managed to tough it out. You've worked two long shifts in a city you've just moved to. You're made of stern stuff. Sterner stuff than me at any rate. I just count the days and watch my tavern slowly lose more and more money. Until you came along of course."

Anna smiled weakly at the compliment. "I cant believe I've found my way here, never thought I'd be working for tips. It's frustrating. And at the same tjme I'm just glad to have a warm bed."

The intrusive thoughts returned. Anna could feel Gideon's heavy set body next to hers. It made her feel small in comparison. She wanted to lean over and rest herself on him. But should she?

This decision will unlock or disable romance / sex scenes with Gideon.