After the Sun | Chrollo [M]

Prologue

APHRODITE

Chrollo Lucilfer sat alone on the VIP couch Yorktown's favored uptown bar, casually gulping down a glass of straight vodka. It was not like him to expose himself, especially in big crowds, but he couldn't deny the requests of his troupe members. It wouldn't have come this way if it weren't for the coin toss Shalnark did, and they knew better than to disagree.

The Phantom Troupe wanted to celebrate the success of another act played well, and to "unleash," as per Shalnark's words; having fun was something they all deserved after all the work they'd done. Indeed, after only a few minutes, the rest of them were having the night of their lives—well, maybe except for the leader himself and the stoic Feitan who enjoyed himself at the bar counter, drinking all that he could.

Chrollo looked over at Shizuku, who was surrounded by different men that were obviously interested in her, as they flirted, fawned, and tried to impress her. Though she looked timid around them, she showed no fear. He knew she didn't need any help. She could handle it very well. If it came to that.

"You know you won't enjoy yourself if you keep that up, right?" Shalnark appeared in front of him with a smile and an arm draped around a beautiful girl.

'Shit. What a catch. I should've gone for him.'  The girl clicked her tongue at the sight of a well-dressed Chrollo. He wore his black suit and he didn't have his hair combed back for once. Dark brown orbs lit up when hit with dancing lights, his silver St. Peter's cross around his neck lightly dangling. He looked very manly, like a god who came down from the heavens. While Shalnark had his visuals, there was a tremendous gap between how he and Chrollo presented themselves. Shalnark looked like a boy while Chrollo looked like a man.

"Nothing in here interests me," Chrollo deadpanned, waving his other hand in a dismissive manner.

"Shall I stay with you then?" The girl Shalnark brought over flashed her charms and spoke with a sweet voice as she blinked seductively, but Chrollo paid no attention to her.

"Come back when we're leaving. I'll enjoy my drink for now." He waved his glass of vodka in his hand.

Shalnark snickered, amused at Chrollo and the mortified pursed lips of the woman beside him. To her dismay, she'd been ignored.

"I'm leaving," Shalnark removed his arm from around the woman. "But I think you'll be having some fun tonight," he smirked and left the woman looking lost and deeply embarrassed at the situation unfolding before her eyes, practically running away.

And so Chrollo tried to enjoy his night alone, trying to amuse himself by drinking to see how long he could go without getting drunk. He'd been pouring himself another drink when a certain figure caught his eyes.

Anyone who observed Chrollo would have perceived him as someone hard to approach. But in truth, that wasn't the case. Chrollo only paid attention to things he considered valuable—from ancient books to scarlet eyes. It had to be outstanding for him to take a look at something, and to want it. It had to be very valuable. He didn't pay attention to any less of that. Since he entered the bar, they could notice how he never tried to associate with anyone else. He sat in his little corner, not giving a damn for anything.

But he watched her with a drink in his hand, observing her every sway. She was draped in a skimpy red dress that hugged her glorious figure, her hands dangling in the air, and her long black hair swaying from her every move.Her eyes were closed as she danced to the rhythm of the music being played in the bar. Sensational.

Chrollo leaned back in his seat, crossed his legs, and put a finger over his lips. He gazed at her with an amused grin. She's an aphrodite.

Could it be that you're the one I'm looking for? He clicked his tongue.

She gave them a sultry smile over her shoulder. He gritted his teeth and his eyes were filled with fury. Who do you think you are? No one steals what's mine. He loosened his tie, extending his neck as he did, then took one last sip of vodka before he finally stood up.

He fixed his blazer a little before making his way towards her. He never tore his eyes away from her figure. For him, she was everything he had ever needed. Heavens forbid, he'd break loose if someone took her away. Chrollo watched as men made their way to her, touched her waist and danced behind her.

He took his time in every step as he walked past every woman who tried to catch his attention by touching his arms and even his chest, but his eyes remained on the girl who'd caught his attention. She was by no means like the other women in the place. She was different. Tonight, she was the only one that he wanted more of.

I'm getting feelings that I didn't before. He licked his lips.

The man behind the woman was for sure having a good time. Smirking like he's got her right where he wants her, like tonight it'll be him underneath those sheets. Too bad he's wrong. Because when he looked over, meeting Chrollo's threatening eyes filled with fire, he got the message. Dropping his smile and quietly scooting over. Chrollo took his place, swaying behind the woman, mimicking her movements, slowly traveling his hands to her slender waist, pulling her closer. He pressed his lips onto her ear, "If I could have this dance tonight, I promise that you'll never forget it."

"Good things," she smirked and held his hands over her stomach, "You gotta be patient."

Chrollo tightened his grip around her., "Won't you tell me your name, beautiful?"

"Astra," she smiled over her shoulder.

"Astra, I'm Chrollo..." he bit her ear and whispered once more, "Lead me to your sacred place."

Fuck. Chrollo cursed mentally as she turned around to wrap her arms around his neck, his hands not leaving her waist. He took in her beauty.

She was a beautiful girl with neutral toned skin and silky black hair naturally curled at the edges, falling just above her waist. Her sultry brown eyes were covered with brown eyeshadow, full lips coated with nude brown lipstick, and she had a perfect jawline. Her skimpy, luxurious red dress hugged her glorious curves.

She really is an aphrodite. She's high fashioned. Chrollo knew she screamed danger; he was falling into her trap. But he didn't care. He wanted her.

Astra leaned over, tiptoeing to whisper in his ear. "We can do whatever you want." A smirk flashed on her sultry lips as she looked over his stunned face.

His grip on her tightened, "Be careful what you say. Maybe I'll put your mouth to good use."

She sucked her lip before giving Chrollo a seductive smile, "Let me head over to the bathroom first."

By the time she left, his prized silver necklace had disappeared from his neck. Chrollo had already noticed beforehand. He knew of her plot and how she executed her actions. After all, he was a thief himself—and a good one at that.

But he let her have it anyway.

Author's Note:

Thank you to Ellen (4miez), Nerissa (bnha-aesthetic), PixieWombat - all on Tumblr - and my friend Jane for beta reading this chapter. I owe it all to you guys for making the best out of this chapter!

Slow updates until Harder is finished.