Shuffle The Deck

Chapter 30 - Yorknew City

The airship began its gradual descent, waking Lilah from her sleep.

She lifted her head up from his lap, rubbing her eyes wearily. She smiled as her sight landed on Hisoka, who was eyeing her seductively as she woke up. "Enjoy yourself much?"

"Mm, could've been better," she joked, tracing a heart shape on his upper chest with a gentle finger.

He smirked and trailed his finger below her stomach. "You love tempting me, my darling."

With a gasp of surprise, she sank into his touch. "Ah, how did you know?"

"Just an assumption." His fingertips sent pulsations through her body. "But judging by your reactions, I'll presume I'm correct."

"Asshole," she murmured, falling into his kiss.

"You know you love me."

- - -

The evening streets of Yorknew City were illuminated by streetlamps and passing cars. Hisoka and Lilah were immersed in conversation, hand in hand.

"Dinner?" He inquired, motioning over to a glowing restaurant in the distance.

She agreed and they approached the doors, stepping inside the heated building. Lilah managed to get them a table and immediately asked to see the wine list.

"So, what are you getting?" She asked him, and he put down the card to face her.

"You."

She rolled her eyes. 

"Are we staying in a hotel for the time being here?"

His eyes wandered the room. "I assume so. You don't happen to have connections in the city, do you?"

She shook her head. "I don't. When are you meeting with the Phantom Troupe?"

"August thirty-first."

She nodded. "I heard talk of an auction near that date. I may be able to get some things," she muttered. He heard her pretty clearly and chuckled from across the table. "I could get you whatever you want," he offered, making her smile.

"A kind suggestion, genuinely, but don't worry. I like winning things by myself."

He smirked at her. Of course you do.

After an evening well-spent, the two left the restaurant, Lilah slightly tipsy. Three Gaja Barbaresco glasses sent her over her limit. Hisoka mocked her teasingly as she struggled to find her balance on the cobblestone road, and finally gave in and helped her walk. His amusement in her manner never diminished, and he held her up with his muscular arm as she slurred on about sexual fantasies that eventually got him chuckling.

It was a bit of a mess to navigate around the area, but they eventually made it to a hotel. The building stood over 100 stories high, and Lilah's face was practically radiant as she noticed its luxurious exterior. Her excitement stayed contained as the two emerged through the glass doors and walked up to the reception desk.

"So a penthouse suite on the highest level? Oh my, I'm afraid that room has already been taken."

Lilah sighed in disappointment.

"But, the two other suites are still available. You could take one of those," she generously offered.

"We'll take one," Hisoka quickly interjected, smiling at Lilah, whose happiness returned.

"Perfect! I'll need your name and surname, as well as your payment for the number of days you'll be spending. Is that clear?"

"Very," he responded with a sly sneer, making her quickly regret using a hint of cockiness in her tone.