Chapter 3: The Interview - Part 2

*Nigel’s POV*

I always get what I want, and I want you. D*mn, Sophie is sexy. I can barely contain myself as I try to answer her questions.

I love how she slowly rubs her pen across her lips when thinking of what to say next. And her hair…I’ve never seen such fiery red hair. It’s like a blazing fire. She’s like a blazing fire, consuming every part of my body.

“How does it feel to get what you want?” Sophie asked, resting her hand under her chin.

“Getting what you want can provoke many feelings. Sometimes it’s exciting, and other times it’s empowering. However, I enjoy the chase. The chase is thrilling to me,” I replied, raising my eyebrows.

She laughed sarcastically.

“Hmm. So, tell me, Nigel. What’s one of your secrets to becoming a billionaire? I’m sure our fans are dying to know.”

She’s changed the subject. I think I made her uncomfortable.

I paused briefly and tapped my fingers on the armrest while searching for an answer.

“Well, to become a billionaire, you must become obsessive about being successful.” I smiled and waited for her reply.

“And are you an obsessive person Nigel?” She rubbed her pen across her bottom lip.

I couldn’t stop staring at her. Her green eyes were hypnotizing. It was as if she could see into the depths of my soul.

“Under the right circumstances, anyone can become obsessive. Haven’t you ever wanted something so badly that it consumed your every thought?”

Sophie pushed her long wavy red hair behind her ear. She looked down at her notebook and avoided eye contact with me.

“I see,” she mulled. She paused and then continued. “Can you tell me a little more about the club? What are some of the values of this secret society?”

Hmm, she was deflecting again.

“We are more of a brotherhood than a club. We support, protect, and look out for each other,” I answered honestly.

“Like a fraternity?” she asked, tilting her head sideways and staring at me curiously.

“A fraternity of billionaires,” I smirked.

Sophie nodded and jotted something down on her notepad, then looked back up at me with a certain glint in her eye. “Fraternities are known for lots of parties and wild behavior, aren’t they?” she questioned, glancing at me speculatively.

“Boys throw parties and engage in wild behavior,” I noted. “We are grown, men. If you’d like, maybe I can take you to one of our parties for our second interview. I think it’s important that you and the world have the opportunity to see how billionaires let loose.”

She chuckled softly. “Well, Nigel. We’ve come to the close of our first interview. Thank you for being willing to interview with Celebrity News One.”

She extended her arm and gave me a firm handshake.

“Won’t you take me up on my offer?” I asked, holding onto her hand before placing my other hand on top of hers.

She quickly withdrew hers and walked toward the camera.

“Oh, I don’t know,” she replied. “I’d have to get that approved by my boss.”

She grabbed her tripod and placed it in her laptop bag.

“I’m sure your boss wouldn’t turn down the chance to get a sneak peek of our yacht. And who knows? Maybe you’ll get the chance to interview our CEO and other billionaires.”

Sophie stopped and looked at me, contemplative. "I can ask my boss and get back to you if that's ok?" she stated before grabbing her laptop bag and walking toward the door.

"Well, let me give you my phone number to contact me directly," I halted.

What had come over me? I'd never given my number to a journalist. I had never trusted a journalist, but something felt different about her, and I found myself doing things that were not the norm for my behavior.

"I already have your number,” she smiled. “My boss gave me your business card."

Sophie reached into her laptop bag and pulled out my business card, smiling as she waved the card in the air.

"That's not my private number," I retorted, shaking my head.

Sophie glanced at me curiously.

"Take out your phone,” I instructed.

I slowly walked toward her as she pulled her cell phone out of her laptop bag. I gently grabbed it from her hand and my thumb brushed across her soft skin. Instantly, my heartbeat quickened. I programed my private number into her address book and almost forgot the numbers as I watched her gaze into my eyes.

"Now, you have my number," I smiled and stared into her eyes. She was astonishingly gorgeous. No one should be that beautiful.

"I look forward to our next interview,” she noted. Sophie placed her phone back in her bag and headed to the door.

What was I thinking? A gentleman never lets a lady open the door herself. I raced to the door and opened it for her. She glanced at me one last time before exiting. I watched her as my security guard escorted her to the elevator. She entered, and my heart raced even faster as the doors closed.

I closed my office door and walked to the window. I stared at the waves crashing against the shore and slowly exhaled. I shut my eyes, placed my hand over my heart and tried to steady its beating.

What just happened?