***

"Astraea..." the sweet and delicate voice whispered in her ear, "you look so fucking good."

Astraea smirked. She grabbed those slim hands and pulled the person from behind her, bringing them face to face.

Astraea eyed the slim feminine figure up and down, admiring the way her body accepted the olive-toned dress. She stared deep into dusky jade eyes that almost looked blue whenever the light would gleam over it.

"I always look so fucking good." Astraea grinned and grabbed the back of the woman's head, gripping a fistful of rose gold hair and smashed her lips against hers. She felt small hands begin to rub up against her back but using her free hand she smacked it away. She clenched the back of her head tighter now as her kiss became rougher. A second later, she pushed the woman's head away. Her mouth formed into an impish grin as she marveled upon the flushed face before her.

Strobe lights beamed and dazzled with speed to the high paced music. She stepped away from the young woman and placed both hands firmly on the railing as striking amber eyes inventively observed the crowd feet below her.

A rewarding smile forged, as she felt great satisfaction. A whiff of pride surged through her as she reveled in the enjoyment below in her own domain. She was not only a successful owner of this prosperous and naughty establishment but under thirty and a woman at that. Competition for the hottest spots in D.C was fierce. Even so, they were no a match for Astraea's ambition, ferocity, and charming capabilities.

Flashes of cyan and violet bounced along the walls, dancing with the boisterous mob. She raised her head and looked towards the other balcony across the crowd. She watched the dancing man bobbing in harmony with the music as he held headphones to one of his ears. Through dark shades, his eyes must've met hers as he raised his arm up and gave her a wave. She responded with a closed smile and a slight nod of the head.

She pushed herself away from the railing, slightly shifting her body.

"I'm getting a drink," Astraea said. Just as she pushed passed the slim beauty, she could also feel her body shifting in the same direction she was going.

"Alone," she specified. Her voice was soft but stern. The jade eyes seemed saddened as she slowly nodded, defeated, but turned to walk away.

Leisurely, Astraea ambled through the smaller crowd around her. She brushed passed shoulders, giving and receiving smirks along the way. Even in their elevated state, people seemed to naturally disperse making it easier for her to pass. She reached the immense half-spiral staircase and gradually made her descent.

The lights glowed upon her heated skin as if cued to spotlight her entrance. She walked down with her head straight, her heeled boots stepping with pride at each step. The fitted skin tight black dress hugged her petite figure, perfectly highlighting her small but polished curves. The chest of her dress was slightly see-through, giving a subtle peek show. Her bra-strap length hair bounced as she made it to the last step.

She wore her hair straight tonight, though it was full of life and thickness that allowed it to slightly bounce against her back as she walked.

Her attention was placed on the bar far on the other side of the massive room. With her destination in sight, she began her stroll through the lively horde.

Some gave her familiar grins and waves while the rest danced with hooded eyes, too far gone to notice. She was halfway through the crowd now when she felt slender fingers rub her from behind sliding along her waistline.

Finally, Astraea reached the bar. Immediately she was greeted by a grinning jaunty face. With no words, the bartender pulled up a glass from underneath, grabbed two bottles and poured it skillfully into the cup, equal amounts of both liquors. Wasting no time, she took a deep swig before setting the glass back down on the counter.

The bartender leaned against the countertop, his jet-black curls falling to his forehead as he shifted. "Busy night." He exclaimed, as his deep russet eyes scanned the crowd in admiration.

"Well, that tends to happen on Saturdays." She smirked, then glanced towards the crowd then back to him. "Have you seen Yela yet?" she asked.

"I have. She went up the east stairs about ten minutes ago."

"Good. I'm going to call it a night." She picked up the thick glass and threw down another swig.

He raised his brow. "Already? Under the weather, are we?" he teased, flashing a cheesy grin. It was unusual for her to leave any time before two A.M., so the only explanation would have to be her physical wellbeing. She only chuckled.

"Sweet Maxx, do I ever have to inform you of my motives?" She sneered.

He laughed and stood up straight.

"Right, right," he said with a small smile.

With the glass to her lips, she took a smaller sip this time. Her eyes followed Maxx as he went to assist the other bartenders in attending customers.

She spun her body around and leaned her back against the edge of the counter. She had one elbow rested on the countertop with the other hand holding the glass near her mouth. Scanning the bodies before her, it always gave her rich gratification to provide such euphoric emotions. Everyone danced with either wide grins and laughter or dazed eyes as if their inner souls had been awakened, consumed by the music.

As she emptied the glass she overheard Maxx attending to someone.

"Just a water," the voice said.

Astraea glanced over, the disappointing request and the voice that came along with it spurred curiosity. Instantly, she felt enticed by the sight before her. She paused for a moment, her eyes studying the male's broad form.

He was slightly leaning on the counter but she could tell his stature was around six-foot-two or so. He wore a dark-grey suit and a golden-tan tie that she could faintly see from that angle. His beard appeared freshly trimmed with short dark hair smoothed to the back. As he adjusted his position, the sleeve of his jacket tightened, revealing a large firm arm beneath the strict fabric. He was clean, sophisticated and dressed for business. Whatever his motives, she was immediately enthralled.

Just as Maxx reached to grab a fresh glass she intervened.

"Maxx," she called to him, he promptly looked to her. "He'll have what I'm having," She ordered, a small smirk on her face.

Maxx twisted his mouth into a closed grin and grabbed the two bottles of liquor as she slid her empty glass towards him. The man turned his head to Astraea, his right brow slightly raised. The white light that glowed beneath the countertop enhanced his salient silvery eyes.

Maxx mixed the two liquids and placed one glass in front of the stranger, the other in front of Astraea. Maxx knew that whatever plans she had for leaving were absolutely eliminated. With a nod towards Astraea, he headed down to the other side of the bar.

Lifting her glass off the counter, she then took a short step towards this striking visitor. Raising the tip of the glass to her lips, her avid eyes never left him.

He stared at her in silence as if captivated by her powerful gaze.

She put the glass back down and noticed he still hadn't touched his.

"Don't be afraid, try it," she said. Her eyes darted towards the glass and back to him.

Without a word, he turned and picked up the glass. He scrunched his lips and studied it. In doing so, his cleft chin, only barely visible beneath tiny furs, slightly wrinkled and she felt herself growing warm. He swirled the light copper liquid then hesitantly brought it to his lips. He glanced at her, meeting daring eyes, she only smiled. Without further reluctance, he brought the semi-warm liquor to his mouth and sipped a decent amount.

Instead of swallowing he looked in front of him, obliviously staring at the bottles lined up along the glowing wall and whirled it around his mouth. He had a very distinct jawline, firm and masculine. With ravenous eyes, she watched as his strong bone structure moved while he played with the warm liquid inside his mouth.

"Well?" she asked, moving another inch closer. She noticed him swallow.

"It's...something," he replied. His voice was smooth and manner-like. If the drink was too strong for him he didn't show it as his expression seemed unbothered. She nodded.

"Something indeed." She smirked.

They stared at each other. Her eyes screamed hunger, while his spoke curiosity and wonder.

There was something in her demeanor, the way her energy encircled him that perhaps made him mute.

Breaking their gaze, she looked down to his feet then up to his eyes again. She shifted her position so her elbow rested on the counter.

"So..." she started, his burnished orbs watched her with full attention, "Is there something you're looking for?" she asked. "I have a keen eye for the people who relish their time in here."

He tilted his head in confusion then moved his lips to speak but she continued, speaking slowly.

"The ones that crave, thirst, strutting around with eyes of greed." Her fingertips tapped along the counter, "But you...you don't match that description. You may be a tad out of your comfort zone."

He chuckled, shaking his head. As he grinned she couldn't help but take notice at defined canines united with straight teeth.

"And you seem particularly confident that you know me," he wittingly responded, staring back at glossy amber eyes.

"Oww, he bites." She bit the bottom of her lip. "I enjoy biters."

He smiled sheepishly, unable to control his grinning. She took notice to his conduct and laughed to herself. Men like him had the appearance of assurance and poise, an assertive figure. Well, until she gets a hold of them that is.

"Well, anonymous, if that's not you then show me who you are on the floor." With her eyes still on him, she slightly nodded towards the dance floor.

He breathed deep but maintained his posture perhaps hoping she wouldn't notice. She did but kept her reaction to herself.

He eyed her slowly, admiring her skin-tight dress and the sneak peak of her breasts. Then he looked into those luminous eyes that lured him the moment they locked on. In his eyes, she had the physique of fine divinity, and it was suddenly his duty to respect her orders.

Astraea brought her hand up and in no time, he lightly cupped hers. Her hands were small in his as she took her fingers and intertwined them with his much longer ones. With a final smirk, she pushed off the counter and sauntered towards the middle of the floor with mystery man faithfully in tow.

****

Astraea's name is pronounced (aa-strEH-aa), in case it stumbled anyone!

Thoughts, comments, concerns are always welcomed! I'm super nice... to an extent =p