Newsroom Sex Object

Story Excerpt

Darcey took a deep breath. Maybe, just maybe, she could handle it. The thought of their offer began to seem less repulsive and more like a necessary evil. Even though she had a boyfriend, she knew she may have to do things she didn’t want to do to get ahead. After all, she was in this to make it to the top, not to win Miss Congeniality.

The following week, she approached Vince with a newfound willingness. “I think I’m ready to learn those… extra things you mentioned.”

Vince’s smile was predatory, his eyes lighting up. “Great,” he said, his hand lingering on her shoulder a beat too long. “Cale and I will be happy to show you the ropes.”

Their “extra guidance” turned out to be a series of after-hours meetings in Vince’s office, where they’d ply her with drinks and talk shop. The conversations were always professional at first, but they’d inevitably turn to her looks, her potential on-camera presence, and the “favors” she could do to speed up her climb.

Darcey felt dirty, but she swallowed her pride. If this was what it took to get ahead, she’d do it. But she’d do it with a plan. She’d use them until she had enough leverage to stand on her own.

On Friday of that week, Vince suggested they go down the street after work and have a drink and talk about how he was going to let her go into the field with a reporter the following week, but first he wanted to “prep” her for what to expect. She felt a mix of excitement and dread.

They arrived at a dimly lit bar that was a favorite of the newsroom crowd. Cale was already there, nursing a whiskey and watching a sports game on the TV mounted above the bar. He nodded to her as she sat down, and she couldn’t help but feel like a piece of meat on display.

The conversation started innocently enough, with them sharing stories of their early days in the business and doling out advice on how to handle difficult sources. But as the drinks kept coming, their language grew more explicit, and their gazes more intense.

“You know, Darce,” Vince began, his voice thick with alcohol, “the news business is all about who you know and what you’re willing to do.” His hand slid up her thigh, and she forced herself not to recoil.

“We’ve seen a lot of talent come and go,” Cale chimed in, his eyes locked on her cleavage. “But it’s the ones who know how to play the game that really make it.”

Darcey took a deep breath, her heart racing. She knew she had to keep them on her side, at least for now. “So, what do you guys have in mind?” she asked, feigning naivety.

Their grins grew wider. They had her right where they wanted her. “We’re just looking for someone who’s willing to go the extra mile,” Vince said, his hand moving even higher. “You know, for the sake of the story.”

“And for the sake of their career,” Cale added, his hand resting possessively on her shoulder.

Darcey took a sip of her drink, trying to keep her composure. “Okay,” she said slowly, her mind racing. “What do you need me to do?”