She had all the twitches and tension his girls couldn't hope to replicate, and that made him very happy about having acquired her. Witty, about her scent, but she also couldn't conceal her flush when his finger traced the valley of her jean-clad ass. Her intake was delicious, and he savored it as it made her hide tighter against him. Such a sensitive woman. He could have a lot of fun with that. He was pleased to see her take the seat, and the set of his lips reflected as much.<br/><br/>He almost choked on laughter when she thanked him so cordially, and then bowed his head with a few rolls of his wrist to imitate the stereotype court heavier that drew old castles and thrones to mind. He was on to other amusements when she would drink with him too, and sighed in contentment at the sound of the glasses touching. "Not your scene?" he tested as he looked her over, trying to fit her into the image of a partygoer. "But detective! This is research, isn't it? You wouldn't know the mind of the criminal if you're not in his shoes." he argued and touched his temple, as though the gesture would make her think his way.<br/><br/>He watched her try the pleasant drink over and over, talking herself into the task he'd proposed. She was a little drawn to the aspect out of other reasons than her profession, he was sure. He'd not given her much choice, but Lyra had revealed herself to be very expressive. He doubted the hint of intrigue he'd sensed when she'd seen the brand of the bottle was acted. Maybe she liked the finer things, after all. Those, he could provide.<br/><br/>He responded particularly well to her question about their relationship. "Of course we're friends. How could I have suggested anything else? I'm sorry. Let's have a drink to make up." Another touch of their clear vials, and another tip of his into his mouth. She'd agreed to compete, after all. He filled his glass once more. It was no coincidence he'd proposed this. He'd not test her on precinct etiquette, and she should not try him on enjoying vices. He was happy she had, though.<br/><br/>He waved a finger coming off the glass he was holding when she refused the money. "Don't be so sure." he teased. "You're already going to be pretty deep in this, yeah? Why not make some cash while you're at it." To him, this was sound logic. Some of her coworkers operated under this principal. He had no plan of letting go of her anytime soon, even if she may harbor that kind of delusion. It was, however, not impossible for her to take the pictures of her and the Lion's paw out of play. Which was her entire reason for sitting with him.<br/><br/>She was already loosening up, and he quite liked that. Out of her usual work wear, she looked wonderfully approachable. He continued to make good small talk and give friendly compliments while often refilling her glass. The point of good liquor was its pleasant flavor and the lack of alcohol tinge on the tongue. If she wasn't careful - which he meant to circumvent - she'd find herself far out in the chemicals, while he poured deeply and swallowed little. It was cheating, especially when he could probably out drink her honestly, but he liked to see the deterioration of her shields. If he played it right, she might even forget about anything but enjoying herself, anyway. Pent up women did best in high content environments.<br/><br/>He'd test her every once in a while, his hands climbing her legs and knees, leaving plenty of chances for her to subtly scoot away while still being polite. It was when she stopped doing that that he'd know he was making strides in the right direction. Seemed dangerous creatures like Cole, with their ink and their dark activities coupled with his pretty face, were more attractive to smart women the more they drank. Perhaps Lyra had streak of this in her, too. The detective had great use for her, but the man that he was, he also wanted rare toys. She had the great misfortune of fitting both categories.<br/><br/>Cole stayed close, naked arms brushing hers and trying to encircle her now and then. People came and went in the room, and the music he had them play in hidden speakers was rambunctious and electronic first, before it became more intimate, with a seductive base. "Hey, Lyra." he asked eventually, stroking her back and pulling her closer. "do you think it's hot in here?" he asked innocently, words intentionally faster than his tongue to create a lilting effect to his syllables. He was tight to her, and his palm was on the inside of her leg, one finger brushing the apex. "Because you're being kind of fun. It's out of character." he said, chuckling. His other hand carefully tried rolling the hem of her top up.