Like all the others

TOH

"And if I stay here?"

Alicia smirked. "They'll probably discuss the top model's new lover."

'And this is exactly why I hate the media. The fashion media aren't as bad as the entertainment industry, but they do gossip a lot. I hate to admit it, but I'm trapped. No matter what I do, there will be rumors.'

This is a mess, normally he wouldn't care about rumors like this. But, things are different now. 

He has Sumire to think about.

Despite Sumire getting better, there are still many occasions where she breaks down. Her mental health is his top priority. If she hears about this, he wants to be there beside her, so he can explain. If he isn't around and she finds out, no doubt it would upset her. 

Toh could already see her think of several scenarios in her head.

Not good. 

Just thinking about it, makes him worry. He needs to get out of here as soon as possible.

"Fuck."

Alicia wasn't wearing anything underneath. The moment she slipped her dress off, he was greeted by the sight of her bare flesh.

Her lips curve to a smile. "How is it?"

"Do you need my reply?"

"It would be interesting."

"You're a S class model, of course your body is perfect." Toh said, shifting his gaze.

Alicia frowns. "That's boring." She walks back over to him and jabs his chest with her fingers. "Are you really immune to my charms?"

Toh exhales deeply. "I am." He turns back to look at her. "Just because you have a perfect body, doesn't mean every guy has to fall for you."

In the past, if a woman with such a perfect body exposed themselves in front of him. He would have accepted their offer. However, he can't even bring himself to look anymore. It's odd. Even when he is choosing models for his shows now, he doesn't look at them long enough and simply picks based on their profile and past work history. 

'I am the type of person who picks their models based on their bodies, so I personally inspected in the past.'

Alicia slips her robe back on and sits down on the chair. 

"If your not going to fuck me, why don't we have a chat for a bit Mashima Toh?"

Toh exhaled deeply. "I suppose I must." He takes the seat opposite her, making sure to sit as far away as possible.

Alicia rolled her eyes. "You're acting like I'm going to swallow you up."

"Isn't that what you were trying to do seconds ago?"

"Tsk, I'm not going to force myself on a man. I have standards."

"You're more foul mouthed than the rumors say."

Alicia laughed. "Did you really believe in those rumors?"

No, he didn't. 

Despite what the fashion media portray, there are many vain models. He didn't believe that Alicia was the kind hearted lady they said she was. It seems his judgement was correct. She is even worse than all the rumors.

Entitled.

Spoilt.

Vain.

'She is the type of woman I dislike. So, I know for sure grandmother isn't the one who set me up.'

Alicia lifted her cup. "But enough of me, I have heard a lot about you. I've never seen designs like yours before."

"Is that a compliment or an insult?"

Alicia laughs. "It's a compliment."

"I see."

In the past if a model of her level complimented his designs, it would please him. But right now, being with this woman makes him feel nothing but disgust. However, 'I feel like there is something else she wants with me.'

But for now -

"My grandmother wasn't the one who set me up, was she?" Toh asked.

Alicia chuckled. "Are you that confident in her?"

"Unlike your grandmother, mine does care about me."

Alicia's eyes twitched annoyed. "So, you know that much about me."

Toh shrugged. "It's common news that while she treats you previously on camera. She is very strict with you in private."

Alicia chuckles. "But at the end of the day she has made me into a top model, so I don't care about bending to her whims."

"So, you don't mind being treated as a tool just because she helped you?"

"Are you not the same?"

Despite Alicia's vague words, Toh understood. So, she knows about Lucifer being his benefactor.

 ...….

After talking for a while, Toh noticed Alicia gradually getting closer to him. Not surprising, especially with the amount she has been drinking.

Alicia pushes him onto the bed and Toh didnt make any move to move away, instead he stared at her.

"So, is this what you're into?"

Her lips curved to a smirk. "It's better to be the one making the move. I don't believe in men leading, women are perfectly capable."

"I see, I suppose you can show me."

Alicia laughed. "Fucking finally." She trails off and wraps her arms around his neck. She brushes her lips on his earlobe. "Don't bore me, if you disappoint me, well you won't like what will happen."

"I doubt you will be bored." Toh wraps his arms around her back, and jabbed a needle on the back of her neck. "Because you will be in a deep slumber."

Alicia didnt even register those words since the drug worked fast and knocked her out.

Toh exhales deeply as he climbs off Alicia. His gaze dimmed, staring at the figure on the bed. Even now he could taste the liquor on his mouth. She actually drugged him, this woman is just like all the others.

He knew who Alica was of course, everybody in the fashion industry does. But, the Alica that is portrayed in rumors is completely different from the woman he just met. In the end, it's hard to trust anything the media says.

It's similar to the situation with Sumire. Except her situation is reverse. The entertainment industry media portray Sumire as a terrible person, but the real her? She is so pure and innocent.