DC: I do not own the characters. Just the plot.

Elena gleamed as she looked at her first front page story in the New York Times. She felt accomplished for the first time since her parents died 5 years ago. She had spent most of her time helping her aunt take care of her younger brother, Jeremy. The twenty one year old finally had something to be proud of.

"Elena!" she was pulled out of her thoughts as her boss and best friend Bonnie called to her. "Are you listening? I have another story for you to cover."

"Sorry, Bon. I was just thinking about everything that's happened."

"It's alright, but here. The part for New Yorks most eligible bachelors is coming up and I need you to get an interview with Damon." Bonnie handed her a paper with her next assignment on it.

"You mean… Damon Salvatore?"

"The one and only."

"I don't know, Bonnie. That guy is such a womanizer. I don't think I'd be good for the story."

"That's exactly why you'd be the best for this. Any other girl falls to his feet. You're strong, independent. You won't fall for his tricks. Come on Elena. It's one night at a free party."

Elena sighed. Bonnie was right. All the other girls would droll at first sight of him. Elena on the other hand realized a long time ago that she didn't need a guy. She learned to rely on herself and how to be independent. "Fine. I'll do it. When's the party?"

"Tomorrow night. Use the company card to buy a new dress and shoes for the party."

Elena nodded and took the card. "I'm going to take care of that right now."

"Good. And Elena. Don't stress about it. You'll be fine."

Elena said good-bye to her friend and headed to the mall to figure out what to wear. She spent about two hours trying to decide which dress to wear. She finally picked out a blue satin halter dress that went to her knees. She found a simple pair of black heels to go with dress and went home.

She turned the TV on and all they seemed to be talking about was this party. Damon as being interviewed. Elena shook her head listening to him. "Being most eligible bachelor is easy" he smirked. "The women love me, and I love the women. It works out for us all." He finished with a wink and the news anchor giggled.

I have to meet that guy tomorrow? This will be worse than I originally thought…

Somewhere across town:

Damon looked at himself in the mirror before turning around to the woman waiting for him.

"Come on Damon… Let's have a little fun before you have to leave." The blonde pouted.

"Only if you promise me that not a word will be said to your brothers. I don't need another fight with them on my hands." He looked at the girl seriously. "Promise me, Rebekah."

She groaned. "I promise I won't say anything to Nik and Elijah about you fucking me."

"Well, when you say it like that." He pulled the girl against him. Claiming her lips with his. He grabbed the girl by her ass and picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

"Please Damon. I'm not in the mood to be teased." Damon happily obliged by tossing her onto his bed and ripping both their clothes off of them. Pounding into her immediately.

Rebekah called out his name repeatedly while he thrusted into her hard. It didn't take long for them both to fall over the edge. She clung onto him, both trying to calm there breathing.

Damon rolled off of her when his phone rang and answered. "I'm on my way. You need to go, Bekah. I have to be somewhere."

She climbed out of his bed and got dressed. "I'll see you at the party tonight."

Fuck. He'd completely forgotten about the party. He met his brother, Stefan, at his house and chose which suit he would be wearing.

"There's going to be a lot of newspapers there. Which means lots of interviews. Try to be nice to the girls Damon."

"Oh, baby brother. I'm always very nice to girls."

"You know what I mean Damon. These girls are here to do a job. They don't need you filling their heads with bullshit."

"I'll be on my best behavior."

"Good. Now hurry up. The guest will be arriving soon."

Elena arrived at the house and entered slowly. She just wanted to get this over with. She looked around the extravagant room taking everything in. The wood was dark cherry which complimented the white floors perfectly. There were mirrors on the wall leading up the stairwell. The couldn't help but stare at the statues surrounding the place.

"Quiet a place, isn't it?" Damon asked. Eying her as he made his way down the stairs. "It's nothing compared to you though. You look ravishing. I'm Damon Salvatore"

"I know who you are." She responded bitterly.

He smiled "Do I get to know your name?"

"I'm Elena Gilbert. A writer for the New York Times. I'm actually here for an interview with you."

He nodded. "Ask me whatever you want."

"Why are you still single? You're almost thirty. Most guys your age are at least in a committed relationship."

He smirked at her honesty. "Well, Elena" he made her name roll off his tongue. "I don't like commitment. And why commit when you can continue having fun without all the problems?"

"Seems like you've got it all figured out, Mr. Salvatore."

"That I do." They were interrupted when a girl came up and wrapped her arms around Damon.

"I'm bored. Let's go do something a little more entertaining."

"Now, now Andie. I have a party going on here."

"I don't care. I'm sure you'd have more fun too."

Elena rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the interview, Mr. Salvatore." She turned her heel to walk away when she felt Damon's hand grab her wrist.

"Elena, wait. I'd really like to get you a drink."

"I have to work early. Thank you again for taking the time to talk to me." She pulled herself free from his grip and left.

Damon was left standing there completely stunned. Never once had a girl turned him down. Which intrigued him even more. He grabbed his best friend, Alaric. "I need you to find out everything you can about Elena Gilbert. I've never wanted to see a girl again in my entire life."