Disclaimer: The Secret Life of the American Teenager and all its characters are the sole creation of Brenda Hampton. I OWN NOTHING.
Author's Note: Since I still don't have my writer's journals, it's hard for me to continue my other stories at this time. But the inspiration bug has hit, and I've had the urge to write and that led to a new story. Some of my readers may remember this story idea from before. Enjoy.
Summary: AU Inspired by the novel Sweet Revenge by Nora Roberts. It's been 15 years since Ricky Underwood has escaped his father – he's spent the last 10 years planning his revenge. But what happens when he encounters the beautiful and mysterious Amy Juergens? Will love or lust for a pretty girl spoil his plans?
Thanks to my awesome friend and beta Jazzy…
Chapter 1: Prologue
Present day…
Detective Ruben Enriquez cautiously walks into the barren apartment. "Hello," he calls out, "Anyone here?" He closes the door and steps further into the room.
"Have a seat," a soft lilting voice says from the other room. Ruben looks around and sighs as he spots a small raggedy table with two matching chairs on either side of it. He heads toward it and just as he sits down a small pretty woman, dressed in dark jeans and a white blouse, walks into the room holding a full glass.
"Drink?" she asks when she's standing in front of the detective. He nods and takes the offered glass of tea.
"Is this your place?" Ruben inquires after taking a sip of the sweet ice tea. The woman shakes her head as she sits in the chair opposite him. "Whose is it?" he asks, placing the glass on the table between them.
"A friend's," she answers, shrugging her shoulder as she glances around the apartment.
Ruben rolls his eyes. "Whatever." Sitting straighter, he stares at the younger woman across from him. "So, why'd you ask me here?"
She takes a deep breath and turns to stare into the detectives eyes. "I'm done."
"Pardon me?" Ruben asks, taken aback.
"You heard me," the woman retorts.
Ruben's brows furrow questioningly. "So you've caught him?"
"No," she deadpans.
Detective Ruben stands and looks down at the surprisingly relaxed female. "Then what's the problem? You agreed to the job. Are you backing out?"
She sighs and fiddles with the silver ring on her finger. "It's complicated." The detective mirrors her sigh as he returns to his seat. "And besides," she continues, "he's not going to be a problem anymore."
Ruben rolls his eyes. "How so?"
"Because he's decided to retire," she says, running a hand through her long brown hair.
Ruben scoffs. "What kind of thief re-" he stops when he notices the amusing glare on his companion's face. "Oh…yeah." He shakes his head. "But you're different."
"Sure," she laughs, shaking her head. She stands and begins to slowly pace around the room. Ruben watches her suspiciously.
"You're not telling me something," he states. She stops and turns toward the detective.
"Do you know who Robert Underwood is?"
Ruben shrugs. "Of course, he's a multi-billionaire, head of several mega-corporations-"
"-And the king of the multi-billion criminal organization known as RBU."
"Excuse me?"
"Don't act so ignorant," she shakes her head.
"What's your point?" the detective exasperatedly asks.
"Do you know who the prince of that empire is?"
Ruben shakes his head in the negative. "Robert Underwood has no legitimate children and therefore no heirs."
The ex-thief laughs coldly. "Actually he does." Ruben leans back in shock. "Let me tell you a story detective."
AN: Hope you liked it so far! Please Review! Hope to have chapter 2 up soon!
-Nichelle