Astraea let another four days pass before Hale's number had yet to be dialed. It was not done intentionally, for she has not had a craving for him yet, until now.

She flashed down the streets of D.C, carefully keeping an eye out for speed traps. Her sharp ambers darted towards the time along the square shaped screen. It's late in the afternoon, and that craving that was absent for the past few days was beginning to rise.

While she sped down the street, the upcoming light flashed to a yellow-orange before soon flashing red, giving her ample time to make her call. Her midnight beauty came to a steady halt as she made a verbal command through her computer system.

"Call, Showers," Astraea instructed. The voice replied with its female automated tone, reiterating her command for assurance. "Ugh, yes," Astraea hissed, her tone signaling impatience. The system complied and dialed his number.

As it rang through the car it was answered short after the second ring.

"Hello?" Hale's vivid voice flowed within her vehicle, vibrating against the speakers near her left leg. She resisted the urge to bite her lip just from what his sound was doing to her.

"Mr. Showers?" she asked with a politeness and a hint of inducement. There was a brief silence in the car before he responded.

"Astraea," Her name left his mouth in almost a murmur, as if he couldn't believe she was on the other end. He did it again, saying her name in a way that affected her so. Her name rang through his voice did things to her as her right hand gripped the steering wheel. The lights above her flashed green and she was off again.

"I want to see you," she said. She could almost feel him smiling through the call.

"That can be arranged, when?"

"Now," she commanded, though it sounded more of a gentle order. She was ready for him now, but if he was not at this moment, then it would be his own opportunity lost.

"Now?" he repeated, hesitation present.

She raised her brow, "Is that a problem?" she asked, prepared to end the call as soon as he said the words.

Once more, silence occupied the car. Her nails tapped the rim of the steering wheel, her lips curling impatiently. She opened her lips to speak but his baritone voice pleased her ears once more.

"No, not at all. I'm working now, but it won't be a problem. I want to you see you as well, Astraea," he explained. "I'll send you the address right away."

Astraea's lips curved into a smirk. "Good," she said. "And Hale?"

"Yes?"

"Don't ever hesitate on me again. I'll see you soon." With that, she pressed a button on the steering wheel to end the call. About a moment later a text came through the screen. Diverting her attention to and from the road to the screen, she highlighted the address and voice commanded the GPS. It responded about a second or so later, then she held her finger down waiting for the paste option. She activated her destination as the voice immediately responded.

"In 1000 feet, turn left,"  it instructed. She was on the far right, but no matter, she'd have no problem crossing lanes even if she had to aggressively force her way in. Luckily for other drivers, there was enough space between them and her as she expertly weaved through the lanes, wasting no time. Her eyes glanced towards the ETA, he's about 8 minutes away.

As she flied down the streets and avenues, turning and driving down familiar blocks, she saw on the screen that she was nearing her destination. While she drove down 14th street, the automated voice informed her that her destination will be on the left. She hissed. The GPS did not route her on the same side of the road where she'd be going. With cars in front of her moving leisurely, it gave her a chance to scope out the address on the lined up spaces along the street.

When she did, the address became instantly unnecessary once her eyes averted to a name. There was a store with golden outlines bordering the entire space, all around the massive windows at entrance. She read the large, white printed sign above: 'SHOWERS.'

A chuckle escaped her lips while she mentally shook her head.

"Well I'll be damned," she whispered to herself.

Parking was packed on both sides of the street as expected. She could drive up to the nearest garage but she was in luck when she noticed on the other side of the street, a middle aged man getting into his white SUV.

Quickly, she made sure the coast was clear and swerved her car around.

Some drivers honked at her, and in response she simply threw up the finger, then patiently waited for the silver Expedition to pull out. The parking space was just a few feet's walk away from the store so she had no complaints.

Finally, the SUV left and she expertly parallel parked inside the space, ignoring the assistance on the screen. She shut the engine off and grabbed her small bag before exiting the vehicle.

Her black pumps helped her stand tall, and her white leggings hugged her legs sweetly. She wore a thin strapped black tank top that was deliberately carved out on her sides, displaying peeks of her midsection. She strutted towards the meter, but before she could fiddle for some loose change someone started nearing her.

"Please, let me!" They called out. She glanced up at an elder man, his skin almost pale with hair extinct from his crown. He had freckles over his slightly creased cheeks and deep coffee eyes. He already had change in his hand as he stepped towards the meter.

"Well, thank you." Astraea smirked, stepping aside to allow him to add the coins. He dropped in two quarters and glanced at her. He smelled of a matured cologne, like incense and cedar with a hint of angelica, something she felt her father would wear.

"Would you like more?" he asked. She shook her head.

"No need, I won't be staying long. Thank you again," she said, flashing him a closed smile.

"Of course. I always enjoy helping beautiful women," he said with a friendly smile. Astraea mentally rolled her eyes. Help? She asked herself. Help was far from what she needed, but the deed was done. He nodded politely and slowly took a step back. She didn't get the impression that his intentions were for more, which she was glad because her time was precious.

"Have a good day," he said once more with a bow before turning from her and heading down the street.

With that, she turned on her heels and strutted down the block a few feet. Her head tilted up looking for the name but she couldn't see it from that angle. But the more she walked, she soon noticed the unique golden borders which told her, her destination.

When she approached, she noticed male figured mannequins in the windows: fashioned in upscale formal wear, dress shoes, and accessories. The other window had those dressed in casual formal attire, polo shirts and khakis. Some with fedoras or flat caps, others with scarves draped around their necks, their arms positioned in a way that showed off the watch wrapped around it.

She stepped through the rotating doors and was greeted with cool air that gently kissed her cheeks. It was a moment of relief from the warmth of the outdoors.

Her heels clicked against the limestone floors that gave a lustrous look only natural stone can give. Her eyes scanned her new surroundings, examining the detail of the neatly arranged boutique.

The colors shifted from cream to a red oak around the vicinity. Silver pendant lights hung from the ceilings. They were elegant with silver frames behind a sheer organza shade. They illuminated the floor, as the floorings gloss slightly reflected Astraea.

Suit coats and blazers hung around the walls, while shelves were grounded on the floors with folded dress shirts, and spinning racks of ties. Chocolate leather sofa's sat in the middle of the room, above an ivory rug. Mini pendant lights dangled above the small lounge. They were a simple design exuding a contemporary elegance.

Astraea walked up four steps where she came faced with a locked display of watches, glistening under the neon lights inside. Her eyes glimmered in fascination.

She mentally nodded her head in satisfaction at the modern design, and very sophisticated, opulent clothing and jewelry.

While she glanced over the watches of different brands, she heard the tapping of shoes coming towards her. She glanced up and was met with a wide smiling face.

"Hi, how are you doing today?" The young man asked. He was flashing a clean white smile causing a dimple to dip into his cheek. His tanned face, almost a reddish brown appeared so smooth. His almond shaped, near black eyes and spotted-free face added to the youth he possessed. Legal youth of course.

He stood about her height with her heels on as he strolled towards her but stopped before invading her personal space.

"I'm fine, and yourself?" she asked sincerely.

He chuckled blushingly, as if affected by her simple question.

"I'm doing great, especially since you came in," he teased. He smiled as if it were irremovable. "Can I assist you with anything today?" he asked, an eagerness peeking through his voice.

"You can, I'm looking for Hale Showers, can you direct me to him?" As soon as she asked that, the wide smile he wore slightly decreased. His friendliness was still present but he failed at hiding the disappointment. Before he could speak, a familiar voice sounded near them.

"Astraea," Hale announced, as he slowly walked down the short path towards her. Astraea instantly eyed his appearance.

He was clean shaven since the last time she saw him, exposing sleek skin. Her stare grew with desire and admiration as he strolled towards her, standing tall with confidence. As customary, he wore a darkened navy suit with the jacket opened and black leather shoes. His hair was combed neatly with a slight part on the side. When he walked she noticed his broad arms make slight creases in his jacket as if making a statement of what was underneath.

His azure eyes never left her while he sauntered towards her position. His smirk grew wide the closer he came to her. When he was just a short distance away she was embodied in his familiar sweet and spicy aroma that she was easily becoming accustomed to. When he reached her his arm snaked behind her petite back, gently pulling her into a calm and sensual embrace.

She internally moaned as his powerful arms held onto her. She pulled back, without releasing her arms from him. She pecked his soft lips slowly, sneaking in a quick bite and pulling it with her before she released.

"Mmm," he groaned lowly. With his hand still behind her back he took a small step away, just enough to take her in. Eyeing her up and down, his smile claimed admiration. "Beautiful," he muttered. He outlined her figure passionately as if it had been months since his eyes last laid upon her.

She smiled, as one of her hands raised to his face feeling the smoothness of his skin. Her fingers trailed down his cheeks until her thumb grazed his naked chin. "Hmm," She sounded.

"Does it disappoint?" he asked, almost a hint of worry in his tone.

She smiled. "Not at all," she said truthfully, giving him a sincere smile.

Hale then glanced at the other employee whose eyes were awkwardly averting elsewhere. "Thank you, Simon," Hale said, his tone shifting to a sternness from the once soft manner. Such a change did something to her.

Astraea glanced over at Simon who smiled at her before awkwardly bowing his head and walking away. He walked towards the other side of the store where a couple, perhaps father and son, were browsing dress pants. She looked back at Hale with a questioning smirk on her face.

"What is it?" he asked, his smile apparent.

"So, this is your place?" she asked, her tone filled with approval.

He smiled timidly, nodding his head. "It is."

"Interesting," she said, as her black polished nail traced down his mid-chest. "So, where does the owner get his work done?" she wondered, her eyes filled with a conspicuous desire.

"Right this way, Ms. Vincente." He stood to her side with one hand still resting on her lower back. He raised his free arm up, pointing towards the back of the affluent boutique. They went to the end of the shop and turned the corner which led down a small corridor. At the end of the hall was a golden painted door with the bold name, 'Hale Showers', and the word, 'Owner' italicized underneath.

He led her to the door where he pulled out a silver card from inside his pocket. He used the card and swiped it along the metal door handle. An instant later a beep sounded, followed by a line of a green light. Astraea suddenly felt a feeling of familiarity and pattern that she knew so well. He pressed the handle down and pushed open the heavy door, shifting aside to allow Astraea to enter first.

Astraea's eyes briefly took in the rooms features. It was a moderate size, black-oak marble flooring, with the walls an arctic white. There was a long rectangular window that was carved about five feet from the floor. Somehow it seemed to show the other side of the street behind the building they were in. She hadn't realized how far in they walked, nor exactly how big his boutique was.

Her eyes landed on an executive styled office desk, with a large leathered chair behind it. Exactly what she was looking for. She swiftly turned on her heels, but before she could make a move his lips had already found hers. They passionately welcomed her with fervent hunger. His large hands rubbed against her petite back, pulling her closer with a strict eagerness.

She was quick to respond, her own hands finding their way up his arms. She was keen on removing his jacket to properly feel his large biceps. With his jacket already opened, she slid her hands inside and up his shoulders, pulling it off. With it free, she let her hand grip around his arms.

Gently, he began taking steps forward, leading her towards the desk, careful not the make her lose her balance. He was always gentle and passionate with her, as if she was a fragile pristine artifact that needed to be handled with care.

Astraea felt her plump flesh touch against the desk. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he lifted her up with ease, propping her along the edge. His lips left hers, nibbling around her jawline towards the side of her neck. She bit her lips as her feeling of desire heightened.

The room suddenly started to boil as their natural heat flowed out of their pores. She grabbed his hand and guided it toward the top of her leggings, urging it to slip inside. He understood her hint and snaked his way down her heated thighs, slipping past her panties. She gasped at the feeling of his cold fingers touching her sweet spot.

"Mmm," he groaned in response, with a satisfaction to her sudden reaction.

She was tempted to wrap her legs around him and feel his hard flesh sink deep within her. But she was there for one thing and one thing only. Bringing her hands up to his chest, she pushed him back, as dazed turquoise eyes stared down at her. He tried to lean in but she kept her hands guarded against him.

"I just want you to taste me," she whispered alluringly. She bit her lips while her fingers gripped at his shirt and she gradually pulled him closer. "Just taste me, Hale." She breathed hard, her cool breath hitting his lips. She pulled him down onto her, slithering her tongue across his inner lip. Before it could grow too passionate she pushed him away again, her ocher eyes speaking to him.

Without a word, he smiled, complying with her demand. He pulled at the top of her leggings, sliding them down her thighs, bringing her bright red panties along with it. He went to pull it over her heels but she stopped him by grabbing his shoulder. "Don't worry about that," she said, a hastiness in her voice as she yearned to feel that moist tongue again.

He smirked and quit his efforts, bringing himself on both knees. His hands felt their way up her smooth legs. She pressed her hands behind her against the desk top, preparing herself for the connection. He glanced up at her, his eyes dark with lust. He wasted no time in teasing, for she wanted it now.

She shivered as she felt his warm breath blowing against her exposed flesh. Finally, he slowly tasted, placing his entire tongue along her moisture. He swiped her up and down unhurriedly, like she was a smooth scoop of his favorite ice cream flavor.

Astraea tilted her head back, her straight hair falling freely. She sighed satisfyingly. His mouth completely cupped her folds while his tongue violently slithered between them. Her legs involuntarily wrapped over him, locking him there until she was ready for release.

|||

"I'm in the mood for a drink," she breathed. She glanced down at him while he raised her panties up her leg after cleaning her.

"There's a bar not too far from here, let's go grab a drink. Just for a little while, happy hour starts soon." She smirked.

He looked like he was about to hesitate again. She stood to her feet, staring down at him. "Don't you dare waver. Yes, or no, Hale Showers?" she asked. He chuckled while he raised himself from his knees, standing tall.

"Lead the way," he said. They left the office after straightening up. She took advantage of his boss position, making him use his authority to enjoy himself which she saw no harm in. When they walked towards the door, he told her he'll be right back. She watched him walk towards two employees, one Simon. He started explaining his current situation to them. They nodded and seemed genuinely fine with him stepping out for a while.

He came back to her and they were out of the doors.

Though the place is not too far, it is a bit of a walk in heels. Astraea lead Hale towards her car and offered to drive there. His eyes grew wide when her pitch black, glossy coupe came into view.

"A beauty," he muttered, his eyes roaming over the parked car. Astraea smiled and began walking towards the driver's side. As she did, Hale peeked at the meter and noticed she had almost an hour left.

"Let me drive us. I can bring you back. Wouldn't want someone to take advantage of your time," he offered. Astraea twisted her lips, thinking on it for a moment. It was just a couple of quarters, but she did hate the idea of someone using up paid time. Even if it wasn't paid for by her.

"Alright, take me to your car," she stated, stepping back onto the side walk.

Hale reached into his pocket, pulling out whatever remaining loose change he carried. He then shot some more in the meter. "Just to be safe." He brought his left hand up, studying the time on his watch. "Alright, 3:18, I'll have you back in two hours,"hHe said.

"Or less," Astraea chimed in, winking. He chuckled in return and led her back inside the boutique, towards a different door that led to a private parked garage. Her heels clicked against the concrete while Hale walked close to her. She caught him stealing a few glances at her as he walked, but her attention remained ahead of her.

They walked until they were strolling towards a black tinted car that was parked on its own. Astraea curled her lips as she took in the all black polished, Tesla. It was definitely modern, and screamed luxury.

She laughed to herself, the similarities between Hale and her were becoming uncanny. But no matter, her intentions with him still remained the same.

He went to walk around the passenger side to get her door. He swung it opened, and stood back like a gentleman would, waiting for her to get inside. She chuckled.

"Thank you," she said, then turned to look at him, "but don't make a habit out of this, I have hands too." She smiled and sat inside.

He shook his head, quietly chuckling. He then strode over to the driver's side, and they were off.

***

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