Chapter 37: Broken Beliefs Part 3

Later that same day, Vicki arrived with a small crew to set up everything needed for the interview. Despite that being her main purpose in going there, she still dressed quite boldly, wearing a sexy black slit dress.

The interview was to be held in the private dining area—a place formerly used by Penguin to entertain his most important guests and show off his wealth. Everything from décor to furniture was top class, and there was even a lovely woman playing a large piano in the corner.

Vicki was directed to the dining area along with her crew after she shook off Shade and his unsolicited script input. She feigned genuine interest before passing the stack of papers to an intern immediately after Shade left.

Inside the dining area, she found Arias waiting for her by the table, already seated and sipping from a glass of what looked to be champagne.

"Start setting up the equipment. We'll begin the interview in 20 minutes," she instructed her crew before confidently strutting over to the table where Arias was seated. Once there, she paused and brought a hand to her hip, looking at him as if expecting something.

In such a situation, the man would usually stand up and greet the lady before sliding her chair out. Arias, however, simply placed his glass down on the table and looked at her.

"Well, have a seat," he offered plainly, causing her to frown before leaning towards him, practically showing him her very visible cleavage.

"You know, it's common etiquette to receive the lady and let her get seated first," she pointed out.

Arias, however, still did no such thing. "To some, I'm sure it is, but I'm far from a gentleman. Take a seat; the food should be here soon."

Vicki no longer persisted and just took a seat. Shortly after, the food was served.

"Well, now that I've finally got you to myself, I can finally ask you to tell me about yourself," Vicki said as she prepared to eat, casting Arias a suggestive look.

Arias chuckled at her statement and shook his head. "I'm sure you've already dug up enough information about me. If you want to know more… I'm afraid you lack that level of intimacy with me."

Vicki gave a sly smile as Arias spoke. She then began showing some flirtatious body language as the conversation carried on.

"Oh, don't take it personally. I'm a reporter and writer; I'm just naturally curious. Besides, I'm sure you and I can grow more intimate in time, don't you think?"

"I haven't, and I'm sure we could."

Arias also gave Vicki obvious signals by eyeing her cleavage without reserve. From there on out, the conversation continued to be suggestive and flirtatious.

"Speaking of intimacy, is there a special someone in your life? A secret lover maybe, or do you have something going on with that secretary of yours? You know what they say: behind every great man is a woman."

Arias raised a brow at her questions before a smile crept up.

"There is, actually. It's not official, but from the looks of things, she'll be with me forever." Arias revealed casually, just to observe her reaction. To his surprise, a frown appeared, and Vicki's tone became firmer.

"All wealthy men are either cheaters or playboys. So much for you being the exception."

Arias found her jealousy amusing and didn't bother making things clear. "Oh, but I am. I assure you, you will never encounter anyone like me."

Before Vicki could respond, one of her crew members approached. "Um, Miss Vale? Everything is ready. You'll need to be quick if you don't want to miss the meeting later."

"Oh right, forgot the white shirts asked for one on short notice. Sorry to end our little chat short; seems I don't have the luxury to enjoy your company as much as I'd like. Shall we begin the interview?"

"I don't mind. Besides, if you actually did get to enjoy my company… you'd never want to leave."

The crew member blushed slightly at Arias's remark while Vicki smirked and stood up. "Hmm, something to think about. Anyway, let me freshen up and we can start."

…

After a brief break to get herself camera-ready, Vicki returned and the interview began.

Just like they discussed beforehand, the interview was balanced, with Vicki alternating between different kinds of questions—some critical of Arias and others that put him in a positive light.

Unlike with the short dinner they shared, Vicki remained professional throughout, and so did Arias, answering any questions asked of him quickly and accurately until the interview finally came to an end an hour later.

"And that's a wrap. Get everything loaded up; I'll meet you outside."

Vicki closed a small notebook where she had written questions before gesturing her team to start packing up.

Following her instructions, the group began to gather the various equipment and left the private dining area.

At that moment, Arias stood up, looking ready to leave, but Vicki blocked his way and placed her hand on her hip while giving him a narrowed gaze.

"Something wrong?" he asked, feigning ignorance, but that seemed to make Vicki frown even more.

The frown, however, lasted only a moment before she showed a playful glance while looking around the room. "Hmm, no. I was just wondering if anyone would disturb us here. After all, I was promised we would become more… intimate."

She closed the distance between them and bit her lip seductively while rubbing Arias's crotch gently.

Arias raised a brow at first, wondering what she was scheming, before also showing a grin. "I completely agree. Since we're short on time, though, I wonder how you plan to achieve that."

As Arias spoke, he brought his hand to her mouth and began rubbing his thumb against her soft, succulent lips, coated in red lipstick.

Vicki, who got the hint, smiled back and gave his thumb a gentle suck, making sure to twirl her tongue slowly around it. Her gaze was fixated on Arias as she did this, only for a moment though before letting out with a pop sound.

She then placed both hands on Arias's chest before slowly going down until she was in a squatting position with her hands now hovering over his crotch.

"I can think of a few ways…"