♥ Dinner Date Proposition [Joint Vendetta RP for Ari/ZERO]

[Arianny DeLise]

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It was completely spiteful on Arianny Blake’s part to have Miles Larsen make reservations for them at Saison. It was Shawn DeLise’s favorite restaurant, the same restaurant he had tried to take Arianny to on their first real date. And now there wasn’t a single person in the world that Arianny hated more than Shawn at the moment. Miles had been talking for the past five minutes about something Arianny did not give a damn about. She was still smarting from what happened in Shawn’s office yesterday and she could not let it go. She had blocked his number, had the locks changed at the mansion, and made it a point to be at home as little possible. And she had also taken a Louboutin stiletto to the side of that obnoxious Lamborghini. The expensive car wasn’t so beautiful and flawless anymore.

“Miss Blake,” Miles snapped his fingers to get her attention. “I’m afraid you haven’t heard a word I’ve said.”

Arianny snapped out of her daze and flashed her dashing companion an apologetic smile. “My sincerest apologies Mr. Larsen.”

Arianny had a job to get done tonight and she needed to focus on the business at hand. Before things had fallen apart between the princess and the ego-driven DeLise heir, Shawn had given her the go ahead to do whatever she needed to do to make sure she remained undefeated after Vendetta was finished. Revenge against ZERO for hurting Dallas wasn't nearly as important as making sure nothing happened to her precious streak. Someone would literally have to murder Arianny before she would ever find herself in a position to lose a match.

“I don't mean to seem distracted. I just have a lot on my mind. It has been such a stressful week. I’ve been dealing with the fallout from your client breaking my brother’s arm and honestly, I just don’t know if I should even go through with this match. ZERO is such a powerful and incredible athlete and I’m just an innocent, 18-year old girl. I can’t compete with him. My career is just getting starting. I'm a total rookie. Unfortunately, there was nothing Shawn could do to alter this match since Georgia signed it right before I nearly killed her.” A little pout touched Arianny’s lips.

Miles would smile. He believed Arianny actually had insecurities regarding the match. “Ah, Miss Blake. There’s nothing to worry about. You’re a former champion, are you not? Undefeated and Undisputed Princess of Pro Wrestling. Yes, ZERO is quite the professional specimen and I take great pride in knowing that he is one of the best pure wrestlers - not only in this company, but in this industry. And to be honest with you, Miss Blake, even though ZERO is - yes, powerful and an incredible athlete - I was quite looking forward to this showdown. It’s a chance for ZERO to show that he belongs here, you see.”

“I do understand that, please don’t think that I don’t. But my boyfriend has already told me that he doesn’t want me competing in this match. He thinks it’s bad for business if ZERO harms me and he’s right. I am one-half of RSW’s top draw and ZERO just can’t be trusted inside the ring.” Arianny slowly ran her finger up and down the stem of her champagne glass, her blond hair falling across her forehead. “Shawn and I are willing to make a deal with you if you have ZERO lose this match to me.”

Miles had been chewing a piece of food while she spoke. Not to be rude or anything, mind you. This was a dinner conversation, so Mister Larsen was partaking in both dinner and conversation. But her last statement, ‘have ZERO lose’ almost made him choke. He coughed, and even had to take a drink of his water to clear his throat. “Pardon me? You want me to have ZERO throw the match? Now now, Miss Blake, you know that’s not going to happen. Both myself and ZERO have the utmost respect for this sport, and laying down for someone isn’t something that ever crosses our minds. So I’m afraid you’re going to have to think of strategy.” He said, before taking another drink of water.

Miles was curious, though.

“But I’ll bite. What is your end of the deal?”

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[ZƎRO]

Arianny tucked her perfect blond hair behind her ears and looked straight into Miles Larsen’s old face. He wasn’t bad looking by any means, and suddenly a thought struck her. Something that would allow her to get a little revenge on Shawn. Leaning across the table, Arianny reached for Miles’ hand and brushed her fingers against his. “Two things, Mr. Larsen.” A coy little smile touched her pale pink lips. Arianny had gone for the sweet, jailbait look tonight. She was wearing a simple, strapless pink dress that touched her knees, an expensive white cardigan, and modest ballet flats. The only makeup she had on was a touch of pink gloss and some mascara and her hair was down and flowing over her shoulders. She looked like a 13-year old girl having dinner with her father.

“The first thing is a title shot for ZERO. Right now, the Absolute Championship is sitting pretty in the RSW trophy case just waiting for someone to come along and claim. Shawn is willing to give ZERO a chance to be that person if he does what needs to be done come Thursday.”

Miles raised an eyebrow. It was certainly an interesting proposal. It was one that he wasn't expecting. He let it sink into his head for a moment, thinking about it. On one hand, ZERO wouldn't be happy about throwing the match but on the other hand, he gets big opportunity from it. But Arianny mentioned two things. “What’s the second thing?”

Arianny flashed the older gentlemen a beautiful smile. “Me.”.

And there it was again. Choke. Cough. Water. He looked up to her, blinking hard in utter disbelief as to what he heard. “You? The title, I could imagine the two of you came up with that idea. But you? Miss Blake, not only are you dating the co-owner of the company, but you’re a third of my age. How and why are you even on the table for discussion? No offense, of course, because you are drop dead gorgeous and everyone thinks so.”

Arianny batted her eyes and giggled. “I know I’m gorgeous but thank you so much for saying that, Mr. Larsen. I am putting myself in as part of the deal because I want you to know how serious I am about ZERO throwing this match to me. Titles are nice and I’m sure ZERO will enjoy being the Absolute Champion, but don’t you deserve a reward as well? You have invested all this time, effort, and money into ZERO. You’ve given up a lot to make sure he succeeds. Why not allow yourself a little pleasure?”

He smiled sincerely, “Miss Blake. My reward is managing ZERO to the success that he deserves. I’ve had my success, heaps of it. It does show how badly you don’t want to take the risk of injury, though. It’s well documented what ZERO can do in the ring, and I would hate to see you suffer the same fate as your brother.”

Arianny held up her right arm, the one that was already broken. “Mr. Larsen, if ZERO harms me in any way, Shawn will fire him. It’s really that simple. The way I see it, you guys really only have one choice. Take the offer, get ZERO a title, and take me home for dessert.”

He remained silent for a moment. He had finished his meal by now, and brought the white cloth napkin to his mouth, dabbing a couple of times. “Miss Blake, you have made some very valid points. And if it’s the only choice that we have, then I guess that is the choice we will take.” With a raise of his arm, he called over the waitress for the cheque.

Arianny smirked and laced her fingers through Miles’. “Just so we’re clear, ZERO is throwing the match come Thursday, correct?”

Miles nodded, not really liking the idea - but the result benefited ZERO. The Absolute championship opportunity. “That would be correct.”

“Then you, sir, are about to become a very lucky man.” Arianny stood up and grabbed her bag. “I’ll meet you in the limo.” She winked and sauntered off, leaving Miles Larsen swallowing a lump that had formed in his throat. He picked up his napkin and mopped the sweat that had formed on his forehead. “A lucky man indeed,” he muttered.

Until Shawn DeLise caught wind of this, that is.