Astraea raised her arms up, locking one in front of her face with a fist with the other across her abdomen, shielding both sections. Her feet stood firmly on the ground with her dominate leg positioned slightly behind as her arms flexed in this defensive position. She eyed her target, her golden-russet eyes sharp with concentration. In one swift move she twisted her body around, as her right leg surged up with full power. A loud smacking sound echoed throughout the room as the sole of her foot slammed against the patted bag. Her movement was smooth, precise, and swift.

In no time, she switched positions, this time using her left leg that equally pushed enough power. She stood up straight and turned around to face the group before her that consisted of about twenty women, all shapes and sizes.

"Alright, last move of the day. You can get back in your lines as before, come up to the target and give it your best. Four times each, then we'll call it," Astraea instructed. The women looked to her and nodded their heads as each of them split up in their respected lines, ten on each side.

One by one they stepped up to the bag that was being held up her two assistants, one male, one female that stood firm on the ground as they awaited the kicks. Astraea watched inventively as each of the woman took turns practicing their spinning kick. The first two times they were a bit awkward, trying to get used to turning their body and immediately kicking without stumbling.

"Remember, eye your target first. Trust your eyes and your leg will do the rest," she instructed, while she watched them intensively. With new instructions, the women were stumbling less. Not perfect, but far better than before.

"Good." She would say from time to time, as each one gave it their best.

"A little harder, you got this," she said as she watched a soft kick from one of the women. She was young woman who appeared to be in her late teens. She was tall and quite slender, and appeared fragile. The young lady shyly nodded, declining eye contact as she turned her body to the opposite side. She attempted the kick again, though it was still soft it was noticeably harder than before.

"Better," Astraea said, as the woman quickly glanced at Astraea and smiled before walking to the back of the line.

"Remember, you're kicking someone who wants to hurt you. Don't be afraid to out power into it!" she exclaimed, in hopes that she would boost some of their confidence.

For the next few minutes she observed the rest of the class slowly becoming more comfortable with this kick, though there was still plenty of room for improvement. As they finished she rounded everyone up and briefly summarized their plans for the next class.

"We'll go over all the kicks you've learned, then begin punching techniques," Astraea instructed with a slight smile as she shared glances with everyone.

"Whew, I'll take that over kicking and stumbling," one woman remarked, causing a wave of small laughter around the room, including from Astraea.

"Oh no, we'll get back to kicking eventually," she informed, slight laughter present in her voice. She then congratulated everyone on getting through their first day, especially considering that all of these women were on different levels of physical fitness. She thanked them and bid them farewell until next time.

She said a few words to her two assistants who were both certified trainers and had the arms and legs to prove it. They did not have as much training as Astraea, but were far from beginners.

"Thanks guys, I'll see you two later," she said to them. They briefly exchanged hugs before stepping away from each other. The two trainers headed towards the locker rooms while Astraea brought her attention to where Yela had been waiting for her.

She noticed Yela walk in about fifteen minutes ago and patiently waited for Astraea's class to conclude. It was hard to miss her fiery mane as she caught Yela's reflection through the great mirrors.

Yela was leaning against one of the padded walls as Astraea made her way over to her, Yela forming a minor grin across her face.

"Raea," she greeted, her sharp emerald orbs alluringly eyeing Astraea. Her skin was moist though that didn't bother Yela as they shared a sincere embrace.

"You always remind me to never get on your bad side whenever I witness what you can do," Yela admitted, chuckling as she pulled away.

Astraea rolled her eyes, "Oh please, that was nothing." Astraea huffed, then leaned her hand against the wall.

Yela scoffed, "Nothing to you," she stated, and Astraea couldn't help but laugh. Yela would never have to worry about pissing her off. But to Astraea, it felt pleasant knowing that Yela actively made sure not to.

"So, what the hell are you doing here?" Astraea asked, folding her arms along her chest.

"Let's grab a late lunch!" Yela yelped, her eyes widening. The thought of food never failed in gifting her with excitement.

"You do realize we have phones right? I could've just met you somewhere."

"Yes, but then you'd have me waiting forever for your ass. You would want to shower and all that first, and I'm hungry as shit so...."

"Not my issue." Astraea formed a sly smirk. Yela's expression dipped into desperation as she sighed.

"Raea— "Before she could finish Astraea interceded.

"You don't even look like someone who wants to go eat." She stated, as she eyed Yela up and down. She wore fitted yoga pants and a royal blue sports bra that was similar to Astraea's black one.

Yela grinned, "Because I knew you'd be just getting out of class. I wouldn't want you feeling left out if you were dressed like that," she pointed to Astraea's fitness attire, "while I looked like I should be going to a damn ball." She laughed, her high ponytail swinging about as she did. "I'm always thoughtful." she praised, poking her chin high.

Astraea chuckled, shaking her head. She felt a low rumble in the pit of her stomach, and that was enough to move her into her decision. "Okay then. Of course this means I'm choosing the place," Astraea declared, pushing herself off the wall.

"I expected as much. I'll be in my car." Yela stood up straight, and turned on her heels.

Astraea watched her walk out, along with the few remaining members of the class who finally gathered their things. She said her goodbyes to them before locking the front door. She lead herself towards her personal locker room to grab her things. As she did, she decided to do touch herself up a bit before leaving.

Inside the room was a full body length mirror that she swiftly began taking full advantage of. Her hair was in a high bun with random loose strands on both sides. It was somewhat messy, but with the sly smile on her face said she kind of liked it.

She surveyed her face, her forehead slightly sheeny. She grabbed the small towel that hung out of her bag and gently patted below her hairline. She took a step back, observing the rest of her. The black sports bra hugged her perfectly, followed by her capri-styled tights. Those honey-glazed eyes scanned their reflection slowly, eyes growing in adoration. She gazed upon her tight stomach tracing over faint lining of abdominal muscles. She shifted her body to the side, marveling at the small arch in her back. Then she glanced at her firm backside, a seductive grin slowly grew present. She did not have the largest ass not even close, but she had something, and it was enough for her to love every part of it.

She turned front faced towards the mirror again. Her stunning orbs staring at themselves. Her grin was still present as she sighed in satisfaction. "Even like this, you still look so fucking good." She smiled, winking to herself.

She turned to grab her bag, hauling it over her shoulder then headed out of the room. She did a quick look-over throughout the studio, making sure no one left anything behind or no one was left at all. Once she was sure it was clear, she headed outside, locking the door behind her.

The air was mild and tender, like the turning of Spring although they were in the middle of Summer. The bright star had just presented itself from behind the clouds, as if welcoming Astraea with pride. She scanned the large parking-lot until she found the royal blue Lexus GS F quietly purring with life. She perceived a silhouette through the dashboard and could faintly see a hand ushering her towards her own car. Astraea chuckled and calmly strode to her sweetheart.

Her fierce, neck turning beauty, a glossy midnight Audi coupe sat peacefully in its designated space. She was a sucker for cars, from small and fast, to large and capable, which is why she had a parked Rubicon at home. As she approached, she held down one of the buttons on the key and in an instant it rumbled to life. She smiled, marveling at the well-polished beauty before her, the windows so dark she was sure they were illegal. Though no tickets yet, luck must be on her side.

Yela had already pulled up behind her, waiting for her lead. Wasting no time, she got inside her most faithful lover and was out of that parking lot in a flash.

|||

The pair settled in their booth, sitting opposite of each other. The restaurant/brewery was calm at this time, only scattered customers occupied the massive space. Some in booths, others in the middle of the main floor and a few sitting at the bar. It was a decent place, one of Astraea's favorites in terms of a casual setting where you can throw back a few and enjoy good food.

Large TV screens lined up above the bar in various other spots around the area. Polished mahogany hardwood floors accompanied with dark cherry wood along the walls added to the restaurants typical sports atmosphere.

They say next to one of the windows as they both preferred. Once Astraea got comfortable she obliviously scanned over the menu. She already knew what she wanted, but thought she'd space over it anyway.

The tranquil radiance of the setting sun glowed upon her face creating a glossy look in her eyes. Her gleaming eyes jumped all around to the various ales, martinis, cocktails, and photo shopped pictures of steak and chicken. As she went to flip the page a young man came up to them, a friendly smile plastered across his face. He wore all black with a black apron wrapped around his waist with a pen and small booklet in his hand.

"Hello ladies, my name is Julian and I'll be serving you today, how are we doing?" His voice was bright and chipper while he glanced at them with a friendly smile.

The two ladies peeped up at him, meeting his wide smile. His eyes faintly expanded as Astraea and Yela eyed him simultaneously. His smile suddenly shifted, it was still friendly but with a hint of uneasiness. It seemed their gaze was more than he could handle. Whether it was being in the presence of two beautiful women, or he was new on the job, his sudden nervousness was evident.

Astraea smiled, "We're okay, and yourself?" She eyed him keenly.

"I, I'm fine thank you. And how are you? Wait, uh, I asked that already," he laughed awkwardly, shaking his head quickly, "oh and my name is Julian, can I start you off with any drinks?" he asked, clearing his throat. Astraea chuckled at his falters. He hadn't realized he also already stated his name, but they would let him have it. There was no need to make him any more nervous.

He was a young man, with short black hair and bronzed skin. He had one of those faces where he could either be seventeen or twenty-four. And his smile, it was so bright it had the power to light up any dark room with pure joy.

"I'll have a Dark Spiced," Astraea requested.

"Cuban Mojito," Yela followed.

He quickly jotted it down. "I'll have them for you two as soon as possible!" He exclaimed, before awkwardly bowing and shuffling away.

Astraea chuckled as she watched him hurry towards the bar. "He's a cutie," Yela noted, watching him before he disappeared somewhere around the corner.

"Adorable," Astraea added. She sat the menu down, already knowing what she wanted to eat and leaned her back against the plump cushion.

Yela picked up her phone that laid on the table, her thumb began repeatedly swiping her finger across the screen.

"Our numbers have gone up 11% this past week," Yela said grinning, briefly flashing the screen in front of Astraea.

"I know, I guess I've been quite fortunate lately," she said calmly, her expression easy.

Yela arched her brows, "Fortunate? Raea, you've been fuckin' blessed!" she exclaimed, grinning wide as she quickly leaned forward and back, putting physical emphasis to her statement. "You are the owner of one of the hottest and most favored clubs in the DMV, that is more than fortunate honey." Yela went back to her phone.

Astraea said nothing, her silent smile spoke for her. Yela preached nothing but truth. After only a year of owning 'Raestra', the success she's received from it was astoundingly phenomenal. It's not every day that a twenty-five-year-old woman assembles that kind of success, Astraea however, was not just any other mid-twenties woman. She was wise, intelligent, and clever beyond her years.

Those who crossed her path described her as someone with a soul that lived a thousand years, and a confidence that would put the strongest man on earth to shame.

Yela added her own intelligence and professionalism as the club manager. Many establishments have the owner and manager as one in the same, but at Raestra things were slightly different. Yela had the power to fire and hire, but Astraea still ruled prime authority over her as she did everyone else.

"So," Yela began, she sat her phone down and placed her elbows on the table, cupping her hands together. "Who the hell was that mystery man the other night?" she asked, an inquisitiveness in her eyes.

Astraea's gaze averted away for a second as her mind traveled back in time. She replayed the memories of that night, and one hell of a night it was. A sly grim was present at the corner of her mouth before her gaze met Yela's once again.

"He... is someone I just might have to lend my time to...assuming we cross paths again." A flash of goosebumps peaked upon her cheeks that went unnoticed by Yela. She bit her lips as her thoughts again diverted to the way he filled her up with passion, both figuratively and literally speaking.

Yela lightly scoffed. "The look on that man's face when he emerged from the hall, oh I'd be utterly shocked if he didn't come searching for you like a hound," she laughed. As she moved the sun danced upon her emerald orbs, glowing almost in the same way it did for Astraea.

"For you, they always come back." Yela winked, leaning back into the seat herself.

"I could say the same for you." Astraea stated, giving credit to the gorgeous feline that sat across her. Astraea knew her own beauty and owned it with pride but she recognized beauty in others as well. And Yela, her plump chest, creamy skin, and fiery hair that screamed to be recognized was just as stunning.

"If he does come back around and can make me feel the way he did the other night, well then I'll have no choice but to make him a regular. And he will not refuse me." Astraea lowered her voice, a demanding tone escaping her lips. The hunger in her eyes was hard to miss, and the mischievous smirk on her face was filled with naughty plans.

A few seconds of gazing, an energetic Julian returned with two glasses in his hands. One tall clear glass with mint leaves and lime floating inside, he sat in front of Yela. The other, a shorter bronze painted metal cup, he sat in front of Astraea. She could smell the sharp odor of the rum and grew eager for its taste.

"Here we are ladies, are we ready to order?"

***

Is Julian the cutest waiter or what? haha

Thoughts, comments, concerns are always welcomed!