For at least a minute he didn't speak at all. Not a word. He just let her rant. Base, he'd called her and she was furious. He really should have killed her for her insolence. Just one word. That word she'd mentioned and she'd be dead. Out of his way. But her whole revenge thing with Sherlock intrigued him. It would do. It was enough of a reason for her to live. But she couldn't be allowed get away with that. No no if he was going to keep Irene Adler on side then she needed to know her place. Which of course for a woman like her, it was going to be a hard lesson to learn.
"Interesting choice."
He gestured simply, knowing in that instant Irene wouldn't know if that action meant her death. It didn't of course. It meant the waitress. He quickly ordered the Merlot and told her they'd wait a moment to order their food. He was far from done with Irene though. For her insolence.
He gazed at her for another moment before standing up and moving around the table. He rested his hands on her shoulders, leaning in close to her. "Now, should we talk about fears Irene? Should we talk about what happens if someone deconstructs you? Fine, you're not a whore. But you still find the ones that crave you. The ones that need that kind of release. And for them, those men and women, you are a Queen, a Goddess that can bring them to their knees with a word. You're sooo used to it aren't you. Because it's been that way for such a long time. But then you came here. You wanted to meet me didn't you?" he asked, laughing. "But there's one thing I can't quite get my head around, just something that's come up. What did you think would happen? When you spoke to me like you did just now. The Woman? Please? One gesture from me and its all over for you. Who has the power 'Woman'?"
He let her stew on that for a minute. "Sherlock didn't get deconstructed is the thing. You promised me you could do it. You swore you could, and what happened. He tore you down didn't he. He got right inside you and he figured you out. And you lost. Have you ever lost before, I imagine its not fun. I wouldn't know you see. I've never lost. Moriarty, Does. Not. Lose."
He tapped her on the cheek just lightly at the final word before moving back around to his side of the table.
"You have till the end of dinner to apologise to me for how you spoke. And I want you to think very very carefully about your choices. Because you know how easily I can destroy you. Don't force my hand, Oh, and Irene, do try to remember who it is you're dealing with." he told her coldly. "Ah the wine. I believe we're both going for fillet. Leave that, I can do it." he told the waitress, taking the uncorked wine to pour Irene a glass. "I've heard its of a very good year. I'm sure it'll suit."