The night was fine and clear, warm but not too warm. The perfect night for a stroll, or a sit out on rooftops gazing at the star-lit sky. It was also Wednesday; only a few days after Astraea and Hale's carnal encounters. She hadn't thought much of the moment, but knew she wouldn't mind a repeat. Whether it came or not, she would still end the night in satisfaction.

Astraea reached for her rearview mirror, adjusting it so she could study her appearance. She smacked her Merlot painted lips together, making a popping sound. Her maquillage was light, but bolder around the eyes. The eyes are what most see first, for her eyes held great power and motivation.

Suddenly, she saw a flash of green light appear above her. She quickly adjusted the mirror back to its respective position as the top of her heel pushed hard on the pedal. She leaned back in the seat, using her left arm to lean against the window while her right hand handled the wheel. A familiar song she enjoyed began to play, so she pressed the volume-up button installed within the steering wheel. She slowly grinned, steadily nodding her head as she sung the lyrics in her head.

Lights flashed upon the dashboard as Astraea soared down the semi-busy streets. She was going well over the limit now. Every now and then switching and weaving in-between lanes, eager to push faster. The adrenaline in her blood was steadily building, increasing in her veins each time the meter moved a little further. Her right hand gripped the wheel hard. The thumping of her heart made itself known as she could feel its strong throbbing through her chest.

She wore a widening impish grin as her heel pressed down harder. Her midnight beauty surged down the streets, putting shame to the other vehicles on the road. Some honked their horns as she surprised them with her sudden appearance but that only made her smile wider. Just as she was about to push it further something in her rearview caught her eye.

Swirling colors of red and blue shimmered the inside of her vehicle, bouncing along her face. With her music loud she couldn't hear the siren but with the way the car was practically kissing her rear, she knew it was her they wanted. She sucked her teeth as an exasperated sigh left her lips. The adrenaline that was thriving to the surface, gradually diminished.

She glided to the far right lane, pulling her car along the sidewalk. She lowered the volume, not all the way but enough to have a normal tone conversation.

Her eyes peered at her side-view mirror as the door to the cruiser behind her casually swung open. She watched the silhouette exit the vehicle, and as they stood to their feet, her eyes made out their masculine figure.

A sly smirk formed at the corner of her mouth as the man in uniform calmly sauntered towards her car. Hopefully you prefer the ladies. She thought to herself as he calmly approached her window, his hands resting on his belt. Without a word Astraea reached for the button and slid the window almost half way down.

Dressed in an all-black uniform, he slightly bent his head forward, his deep chocolate eyes meeting Astraea's. She gazed at him with a small smile and a spread of innocence on her face.

"Everything a'right tonight ma'am?" His tone was calm, steady.

"It is now," Astraea replied, her sharp gaze never leaving him.

"Ma'am, do you have any idea the speed you were traveling?" he questioned.

Astraea was silent for a moment, her brows furrowing as if she was trying to recall that very recent memory.

Then, she chuckled, her eyes brightening with a goodness. "Oh, gosh I was going pretty fast huh? This damn car, it's just a lot to handle sometimes and..." She glanced up at him again while his eyes gave her his full undivided attention, "and well...once you get something going its so hard to stop. Especially when it gets your heart racing, isn't it?" she asked. The look of innocence on her face slowly altering as a sinful expression grew.

She eyed him affectingly, as if they were playing a non-blinking game. She held her gaze there for a moment longer before returning back to his eyes. He was silent now, staring back at those shimmering golden eyes as if he was leisurely being pulled into a trance.

Astraea smiled inside, confident that he certainly preferred women.

A second of silence later he suddenly cleared his throat, averting his eyes from hers for a moment. "Ma'am, I'll need to see your license and registration please," he requested, the tone in his voice simmered, as if he was almost flustered.

"Ma'am? You make me older than I am, Rae is fine," she stated, flashing that smirk of hers.

"A'right, ma—Rae, your license," he reminded her in what sounded like the politest way possible.

She didn't move right away, instead she slowly examined him with her eyes, taking her time. She explored his slightly oval shaped face and short yet full beard. She felt it was his beard that boosted his physical appearance, making him slightly something to look at.

She continued scanning over him, he was an average sized man with decent biceps and what appeared to be a small gut in his abdomen. When her eyes returned to him she noticed a slight daze in his eyes, as if he'd just been eye fucked and couldn't believe it, yet enjoyed every second of it.

His lips slightly parted as if he wanted to speak but only silence departed. Instead, he took a small step forward, like a curious cat, eager to close the space between them.

Suddenly, Astraea quickly shook her head as if embarrassed. "I'm sorry," she said in a sheepish voice. "It's just," she started, returning her stare, "It's not every day such men like yourself cross paths with me."

He chuckled embarrassingly. He seemed he was going to say something again but she intervened.

"You just seem so... authoritative. I love that in a man." This time her mien was serious, dark, and ready for the prowl.

"Oh!" she exclaimed. In an instant, she snapped her gaze away and glanced over towards the passenger side. "License, right!" She was just about to reach for it when he said something.

"No ma'— Rae, it's a'right, no need for that."

She frowned. "Are you sure? I know you're just doing your job. It must be exciting being a figure of the law, well until people like me ruin your day," she said, peering her gaze away.

"You were no ruin," he was quick to say, bringing her attention back, "in fact, you're the best part of my day."

She smiled. "And you just became the best part of mine."

He goes to say something but gets a call on the radio.

"How about a verbal warning. Just take it easy, wouldn't want such a beautiful woman getting herself hurt."

"Oh I will. Enjoy your night officer."

He bowed his head with a grin before turning away. She watched him get back into his cruiser, and soon drove past her but not before giving her a wave. She waved back with a sensual smile as she watched him zip around the corner with his sirens on.

As soon as he was out of sight she raced towards the club. She mentally reminded herself to use her police tracker the next time. She didn't mind the false flirting, but it wasted precious time.

|||

Raestra was alive and bustling. Drinks were being poured and gulped with speed and precision. It was heartbeat hour, where the rule was to only play fast paced music no matter the genre for one hour to get the heart rate pumping and the sweat flowing. Every guest was prepared to dance their asses off, losing themselves to the power of the music. Astraea was up with the D.J, hollering at the crowd below her, hyping them up even more.

She remained there for a short while, dancing alongside the DJ and two other guests. She moved her hips, twirling her head around from side to side, throwing her hair back and forth. She turned to the crowd, throwing her arms up, pumping them in the air as the party below followed. Arms and hands punched the air, while feet slightly jumped off the ground. Neon lights bounced along the boisterous mob, as if assisting in the buildup.

Once she felt the crowd was awake enough, she briefly pecked the DJ on his cheek and began strolling towards the stairs. She suddenly realized she hasn't had her first drink yet, which was not only unacceptable but irresponsible. She made her way down the steps, people naturally shifting aside to let her pass with ease as they made their way up.

Her face was slightly glistened, her hair straight and smooth, perfectly defending itself from her body heat. Her grin was wide as she slipped through the bouncing horde their faces painted with an honest elation. In no time, she made it towards the lit up bar and smoothly leaned her arms against the counter, cocking her head to the side to get a better view of the bartenders.

She spotted Maxx at the far end, tossing up two bottles in the air and expertly catching them behind his back. He repeated the same move, this time quickly spinning his entire body around and caught the bottles on their way down. He then went straight to the lined up glasses, pouring equal amounts in all. The guests in front of him cheered and whistled, some pulling out cash and slamming it down before him.

Astraea smiled in approval as Maxx glanced over and caught her eye. He playfully shrugged with a closed grin on his face. He was about to make his way over to her but another bartender from her right side came up instead.

"Hey boss! What can I do ya' for?" a perky voice asked, grinning widely.

Astraea chuckled as she was met with big chestnut eyes, she liked this one. She was one of the newer bartenders. She stood short, barely 5"0, with jet black hair in a pixie cut. She was newly legal which made hiring her hesitant but she learned fast and was definitely loved by customers.

As Astraea was just about to reply, she was interfered by another voice, this time coming from behind her.

"Stunning," she heard someone say from behind, a moderately deep voice sounding at her ears. It was not a voice she was familiar with, though she was slightly curious to match the face.

She pressed her lips together and slightly turned her head to the side though not completely, she would wait for them to fully approach her.

In no time, she felt a light breeze of a presence brush past her, appearing at her side. She peeped at the tall man beside her, as he flashed his smile. Her eyes moved up to friendly ebony eyes as he leaned his right elbow upon the counter, turning his body towards her.

Astraea smirked, glancing at the pixie haired bartender and communicating with her eyes. The bartender nodded, slightly smiled and headed down the other side of the bar.

"Absolutely stunning," he repeated, recapturing her gaze.

"You said that," she stated, quietly chuckling as she began to study him. He wore a semi-fitted white T-shirt with black jeans. Her eyes traced his physique, he was lean but with a strain of muscle displaying across his arms and abdomen.

He chuckled with a hint of embarrassment, briefly looking to the floor before staring at her again. He curled his chin, nodding. "I was going to say dazzling, but I thought that may sound desperate on my part," he said through minor laughter.

Astraea shook her head smiling. As the laughter passed she noticed him closing the space between them by just an inch or two. His stare filled with flirtation.

"If I haven't already screwed up, I would love to get you a drink," he offered, his tone smooth, never losing her gaze.

She twisted her lips, pondering as she took in his appearance once more. She noticed he had faint freckles upon his nose and inner cheeks against caramel beige skin. His lips were slightly thin and slightly plump on the bottom one. He was a decent man, perhaps decent enough for her time.

By just an inch, Astraea stepped closer. "And after that?" she asked, the lust in her voice slowly emerging.

He grinned seductively, "Whatever you want," he replied. His body seemed eager to completely eliminate the space between the two.

Astraea was soon feeling the heat growing. "Well then we- "she paused, as something forged in silver caught her eye when she obliviously glanced at his hand. Her brow furrowed as her gaze discovered a rounded shaped jewelry wrapped around a very specific finger.

Instantly, the heat that was growing fell cold, frigid. The lustful expression in her eyes faltered as she was now brewing with irritation and disgust.

She let out a sinful chuckle as she slowly took a step towards him. His eyes seemed to light up while she moved in, bringing their faces mere inches apart. She stared into his eyes, a devious smirk across her face.

"Does your wife know you're here?" she questioned, her voice level still, expression stern.

He cleared his throat, blinking rapidly, visibly caught off guard by her query. The mediocre confidence that he seemed to wear just a moment ago was rapidly rupturing as he could almost no longer handle her gaze.

"Well?" she asked.

"What...It's not what you- we're in an open marriage." His laugh was awkward, unconvincing.

"Mmm, of course you are."

"Look it's not— "

"Listen," she stepped closer assuring she had his full attention, "if you're going to cheat on your wife at least take the damn ring off. Or you could ya' know, be with your wife."

Suddenly he was speechless, his mouth opened but words were extinct. He was entirely flustered and saw no way out of this.

She sighed as one of her index's traced down the valley of her chest. "I think you should remove your presence from mine," she whispered, her tone cold. "And while you're at it, you can leave this entire club."

He scoffed, some sly hint of bravery peeking at the surface. "You can't force me out of here." His words challenged her, but his faltering eyes betrayed him.

Astraea smiled, though it was far from friendly. "Would you like to test that theory?" she inquired. There wasn't a hint of humor in her voice, and if that wasn't convincing enough, her hard gaze was.

He maintained contact as best as he could but suddenly glanced away. Defeated, he just shamefully chuckled and casually turned around. He began walking away from her while attempting to act as if he didn't just out himself. Astraea sighed, rolling her eyes. Before she could get deep into those thoughts, Yela suddenly bumped into her. 

"What the hell was that about?" Yela questioned, her eyes following the stranger through the crowd until he was out of view.

"Another cheat, I can't stand those," she replied, feeling the disgust in her throat.

"Ugh, I don't understand some men. If you're so tired of your woman, then leave! The fuck is wrong with these 'men'." Yela ranted, her burning-orange hair shaking about as she shook her head.

"They can't leave, they love them too much remember?" Astraea rolled her eyes. She may have some promiscuous qualities, but she had her limits, and married men were absolutely forbidden.

"Whatever. Now to the reason why I really came over here," Yela said, those emerald orbs reeling onto Astraea. Her tone said she had interesting news.

Astraea slightly squinted her eyes, officially intrigued. "That reason being?"

"Well, I could be wrong, which is doubtful, but I believe a special someone or almost special may be searching for you," she enlightened, her eyes mischievous.

With her lips pressed, Astraea smirked, her mind instantly at ease from its state just seconds before. She was all too aware who Yela was referring to, and passionate thoughts soon flooded her mind. The heat she was feeling two minutes ago was returning, but this time with intense desire, a fervent need to be satisfied. It was a call her body was giving and she needed to answer it.

"Where?" she asked.

"East stairs, by the tall tables. Your welcome." Yela winked, and turned on her heels, strutting towards the opposite direction.

Astraea eyes averted towards her destination as she slid her way through the animated mass, somehow no one ever bumped into her. Her eyes spoke hunger. She was on the hunt pushing through the grass of people, searching for her meal. And there it was. She emerged from the crowd as her eyes fell upon a very familiar physique facing away from her.

He wore black dress pants with a matching vest, and dress shirt underneath that tugged at his biceps. All black with a formal suit jacket for the finishing touch. He was leaning against a tall table with neon lights inside of it as his head slowly panned around the massive room.

Steadily, she creeped behind him, her eyes never leaving his body as she stepped closer to him. She stopped just behind his back, his familiar scent of deep chocolate and spicy hints of sage and pepper consuming her once again. She inhaled quietly as chills swam down her back. She raised her hand with the tip of her finger, brushing her nail down the side of his arm.

"Looking for someone?" She breathed behind him, her tone low and soft. "This is going to sound cliché but—we have got to stop meeting like this." A tiny giggle left her throat.

She watched him grin from the side of his face as he shifted his entire body around, immediately coming up close and personal. She took in a breath, feeling light at the impulsive heat his body released from just that sudden turn. Golden-honey eyes instantly locked onto mineral turquoise with immediate want feeding off both.

"Astraea," Hale muttered, his cool breath kissing her nose. A shiver ran down her spine at the way her name flowed from his lips. He remembered, and she was impressed. Even in his state of hazy consciousness, he heard and remembered. She wanted to hear him say it more, though next time in a more intimate setting.

She leaned towards him, almost completely closing the space in between the two, then stared into those wanting eyes.

With a faint brush against his lips, she murmured, "Let me get you a drink...upstairs."

***

Cheaters... *sigh*

Thoughts, comments, concerns are always welcomed!