A mysterious stranger comes into your tavern and makes quite the impression on you.

Some hint of innuendo.

..............

You're about to close up for the night. You wipe the sweat from your brow. It's been a long day and all you want to lie down in your bed and try to get some sleep before a new day dawns.

The door to the tavern swings open and...a handsome, mysterious man comes walking in. He heads straight for you.

He sits down heavily on on the old wooden stools. You study his face. He has short, brown hair and deep, beautiful brown eyes. There's a slight scar just above and below on the left side of his weathered and suntanned face.

"Ale," he says with a hint of an accent. It's not one that you're familiar with. You quickly get him some ale, setting it down in front of him.

He snatches up the tin cup and downs the ale with such efficiency it impresses you.

"Another, if you please." You get him some more ale. He seems a little more relaxed by the fourth drink of ale.

"Where are you headed?" You dare to ask him. He smiles at you as you rest your elbows on the front counter and lean in towards him.

"I'm in search of something majestic, mi amor." You smile. He reaches out to lightly trace his finger over your wrist. A shiver of excitement goes through your body.

"That sounds fascinating." You gaze into his beautiful dark eyes. There's something almost dangerous lurking.

Danger doesn't frighten you in the least. You run a tavern. You get all sorts of dangerous individuals that come through.

"I'm Tovar."

"Y/N."

"It is definitely a pleasure to meet such a beautiful person in such a uncivilized part of the world."

"I can't say as though I've met someone such as yourself, either, Tovar."

Tovar grins and there's some charm to his smile and you find that this stranger intrigues you. He touches your cheek.

His fingers are rough and calloused and you wonder what this mysterious stranger does with his life.

"Why are you searching for something?" You ask softly, gently touching his cheek. He reaches up, gently covering your fingers with hus own, his gaze never straying from yours.

"I'm a mercenary."

"Ah. How...intriguing. And dangerous."

"Indeed, it is, mi amor." Tovar takes your hand and brings it to his lips, barely brushing them over your fingers.

"I'm about to close up here. But if you're interested, I have a little place upstairs. Would you care for something hot to eat?"

Tovar's eyes light up. You smile, knowing that you have him right where you want him.

"I would indeed love that. I thank you kindly for your hospitality."

You smile.

"Believe me, Tovar, the pleasure is all mine."

................

Once you have everything put away and snuffed out the candles and put the heavy board across both doors, you climb the stairs to your little room, where Tovar is building up the fire.

"You didn't need to do that." You quickly stir the stew and then serve up a hearty serving for Tovar. He accepts the bowl and begins to eat.

"I have some freshly baked bread." You cut off a big piece and hand it over. Tovar accepts that as well.

"Would you like some more ale?" You ask. "Or would you prefer something hot?"

"Ale is just fine," Tovar replies. "There's no need for you to trouble yourself with something hot."

You serve up yourself and settle down next to Tovar near the warm fire. Neither of you speak for several minutes as you just eat.

"There's plenty," you tell Tovar. "So help yourself if you'd like more."

"I do thank you. Not everyone I come across is as charitable as you."

"And not everyone I come across is as handsome and charming as you." Tovar laughs heartily.

"I'm not surprised in the least." He helps himself to more of the stew. You watch him. You wonder if has anyone special waiting for him.

"Why the long face?" You shake yourself.

"Sorry. I was only wondering something. But it's not important."

"You may ask." Tovar's voice has turned low and soothing. You find yourself wanting to...kiss him.

"May I kiss you?" Tovar nods and leans in, gently capturing your lips wity his. You wouldn't have expected him to know how to be so gentle.

You suddenly grab his tunic, tugging him closer. Tovar's arms come around you as you both kiss each other passionately.

"How was that, mi amor?" Tover is gently stroking your hair and you smile.

"Perfect. Will...will you stay with me tonight?"

"After all your hospitality, it would be rude of me to decline such a tempting offer." You kiss him again.

"Yes, Pero Tovar, that would be quite rude of you."

...............

You're lying close to Tovar, your limbs tangled together. You love looking at him. You love his accent. And you especially love his wonderful stories, of faraway lands.

"I should have never come in this place," Tovar teases.

"Why?" Tovar traces a finger down to your exposed belly.

"Because, mi amor, I don't wish to leave you."

"Stay as long as you want." Tovar gazes into your eyes, his expression tender.

"I just might have to take you up on that offer as well."