Chapter 7: Wildfire
Derek went on a drinking binge after dropping Avery off, he had no interest in doing anything with her. He hadn't drank that way in a long time, he felt so consumed with something he didn't understand. He lost his cool, he was a jealous idiot that got reminded of just how crazy it was that he was so worried over Ricardo hurting her, when she was right. He was the exact same, no matter how much he wanted her, commitment was like a rope around his neck. It literally made him feel suffocated. He would never be her type, that's for sure. The type that would willingly give up his jacket, be affectionate and sweet, the type to write her sappy poetry. But he couldn't stop wanting her, as hard as he tried.
He was tormented by the thought of Ricardo with her. Maybe he was jealous that she had chosen to go off with a guy she knew wasn't the commitment type, when he felt overlooked. When he was just dying to be with her. Then he'd feel extremely irritated, it was different, Casey couldn't just have sex with him, he was her boss. The biggest difference was that as much as he pretended to not give a fuck about anything, he did have a conscious. He would never mess up her chances of being the lawyer she worked so hard to be, and he would feel like the devil if he got what he wanted from her and then just hurt her reputation. As for Ricardo, he would have his fun with her, and not even stop for a moment to realize just how special Casey was, and then he'd just ruin her reputation, without looking back.
Derek took a swig of his drink, when did he become so overrun with feelings? He had successfully avoided feeling any guilt for his past sexual relationships. He played with women he knew wanted more with him, and used them for his own greedy pleasure,and never allowed himself to feel guilt. However, with Casey he just couldn't even think of hurting her that way, it made him sick and it boggled his mind.
The next morning, he was questioned by George as to why he woke up in such a foul mood, when everyone had raved about him. "Derek, they are saying you're bringing a new energy to the firm…I've heard so many good things, keep it up."
Derek just plastered a smile, "I'm not grouchy, just tired. No wonder you aged overnight," he joked and George actually laughed. Those moments were rare. He had breakfast with the family, and then called Ricardo.
"Want to play tennis?" he asked casually, "Or are you busy….." Derek tried to get anything out of him, all he wanted to know was if he took Casey home.
"Fine, meet you at the club, and you better bring coffee," he said with a laugh, "Last night was insane."
Derek kept up his usual unbothered act. As soon as he got to the club, he found Ricardo waiting for him. "Ricky," he tried to smile as he noticed him smiling intensely. He must have had a hell of a night, and already anger burned him.
They talked about nothing in particular as they started a game. He was usually quite good, but Ricardo was kicking his ass, no surprise there. Ricardo taunted him a few times, "Where the hell is your game man?"
Derek was moments away from screaming, so as they kept up an unbroken round of back and forth, he finally asked. "So, I saw you with Casey…..let me guess, she bored you to tears didn't she?"
Ricardo swung his racquet skillfully, smiling ruefully, "She was actually quite entertaining, surprised the hell out of me."
He schooled his features, "You totally ditched Bree, wasn't she annoyed?"
Ricardo laughed, "Yeah, but I mean you saw her right? Casey didn't have a date, came with a friend, how can a woman like that be single? I swooped in, you know me, I can't help myself."
Derek was getting annoyed, just get to the point, did you sleep with her? Ricardo continued, "She was a little guarded at first, but she is actually fun once she relaxes. I have a feeling she's been all work, no play for years."
Derek kept his eye on the ball, trying to focus as he asked, "Did you score?"
Ricardo stopped for a moment, "It wasn't for a lack of trying, but you were right, she wasn't interested. But can I be frank with you?" Derek felt relief, and nodded. Ricardo took a long time wiping the sweat off his forehead, "I think I may actually like her, it was the first time in a while I enjoyed just talking to a woman. I knew we wouldn't end up in bed together, but I still enjoyed her. It kind of freaked me out, but I don't know, she's got me really intrigued." And he served the ball.
Derek swung his racquet so hard, the ball hit Ricardo hard on the shoulder. He actually liked Casey, this changed everything, it just made his jealousy even more insane. "Fuck," Derek muttered, "Sorry."
Ricardo laughed as he rubbed his shoulder, "Are you okay?"
He laughed easily, trying to keep his composure. "Oh yeah, just surprised. She doesn't seem like your type at all."
Ricardo took a swig of water, "Trust me, I'm surprised too. It doesn't even matter, she's not ever going to give me the time of day, but if she's fair game then I'm going to keep trying. I'd be an idiot not to, right?"
Derek rolled his eyes openly, "You only want her because you can't have her. Admit it, you're like a kid deprived of candy, once you get her, you'll bore of her."
Ricardo glared at him, "No, I'm telling you the truth. You really think I'd waste my time with her knowing it could never happen? I don't like the hard to get types at all, and you know it. Are you maybe just pissed you can't make a move? I full out asked you if you liked her, and you told me no several times. So why are you giving me the third degree?"
Derek shook his head quickly, "I don't like her, it's just- well she's a romantic, Ricardo. She's the innocent type, there's plenty of fish in the sea out there, but she's actually….you know, different. So if you like her, then great, go for it. But if you're just going to toy with her, then well, I have a problem with that. She's actually got a real future at the firm and if you mess up her reputation, well, it will ruin her confidence, and her job." Oh god, what was he saying? He was protecting her so fiercely.
Ricardo assessed him for a long time, "Huh, didn't think of it that way. Alright, thanks for the chat, I'll keep it in mind, okay?"
He made such an ass of himself, demanding an explanation from Casey when there was nothing for him to freak out about. A whole week went by, and he avoided running into her, he really didn't know what to say. Ricardo brought in a report on her work, Casey was now working on five different cases, and she had her first major court hearing coming up. He needed to be there for that, so he marked it on his agenda.
Derek went to the case room one afternoon, and found Casey going through different files. He stood there for a moment, trying to decide how to proceed, when she straightened up. As soon as she saw him, she froze. "Mr. Venturi, um what a surprise," she said nervously as she dropped the files in her hand. He immediately reached down and picked them up. She looked agitated, there were dark circles under her eyes. Clearly she was still killing herself overworking.
He handed the files back to her silently. "Miss Mcdonald, I don't see why my presence should surprise you so much, I kind of run things around here. How are you?"
Casey blinked rapidly, clearly taken back by him acting so formal around her. "Fine, just great," she said tightly. "Now if you excuse me," and she moved past him hastily, "I have a lot of work to do."
As she walked past him, and the scent of vanilla caught his senses, he reached out and held her arm, halting her in place. She stared at him with surprise. "Can I help you?"
Derek moved closer, it bothered him to see her look at him like that, so distant and cold. "You're so tired," he muttered, "Look, Ricardo has mentioned you've been a little off. I think you need to go home Casey and rest for the rest of the week."
Casey was breathing unevenly as she shook her head adamantly. "I don't want to," she said with slight defiance, "I'm fine, I can handle it."
He smiled despite himself, "You're stubborn. I bet I can get you to go home this instant," he taunted.
Her eyes swirled with stormy anger, as if he'd just proposed somthing vile to her, instead of taking some days off. She was different, that's for sure. "Mr. Venturi, I will not go home. I wouldn't want to give you the impression I don't give my work the right importance," she made a direct jab. She was clearly angry at him still, and he deserved it.
"Casey," he murmured softly, and watched with fascination as she looked at him as if he had three heads, clearly surprised by the sweetness. "If you don't go home, I'm going to collect the bet. Your choice. I know you hate me enough to not want to be around me, so if you stay then that's what will happen. Go home."
Casey looked completely confused, "You want to collect the bet….."
He lifted his hands in a defensive motion, "I don't want to, but you're giving me no choice. I'm ordering you to go home for the rest of the week, paid of course, and if you don't, then I'll annoy you for the rest of the week. So what will it be, Case?"
Casey looked down, staring at her files with infinite intensity, "I'll take the bet."
Derek could hardly believe it, and felt jolted with excitement. She surprised him, never knew what he'd get with her. "What? Turns out you're more stubborn than an ox."
She took a deep breath before meeting his gaze. "I want to stay. Don't send me home, please. I can't cancel my appointments this week," she begged, "Just collect the bet, I insist. I'm not that tired," a hint of desperation was in her voice.
"Uh, I really didn't think you'd choose that. You do realize I'll be annoying as hell right?" Clearly she was overtired, there was no way she preferred to be around him when he was such a jerk to her.
Casey smiled a little, making him feel weird. "I'm fully aware, I believe that was somewhere in my fine print when I signed my contract," she teased which completely took him by surprise.
Derek smiled, oh she was adorable. Why was it that every time he was set on keeping her far away, he was finding ways to be near her? "You're funny, well, um if you're sure, then I would like some coffee Casey, and don't keep me waiting." He turned away, but not before catching a full blown smile from her. Clearly she was crazy, or she had a horrible memory.
When he went back up to his office, he sat there for a moment trying to collect his thoughts. What the hell did he just do? A whole week of Casey at his beckon call, it was a terrible idea, but he couldn't help it, he wanted it. Casey walked in with his coffee, smiling a little shyly, "I hope I got it right," she handed it to him.
He drank as he studied her over the rim, it was perfect. She looked at him with a hopeful, keen smile. Even with coffee making she just had to be a perfectionist about it. "Not bad I guess, your timing could be improved though."
She smiled a little, "I'll work on it. Anything else I can do for you, sir?"
Derek groaned with annoyance, he had an intense reaction to hearing her call him that. A bunch of sexual scenarios went through his mind like a plague. "Do not call me sir, I almost puked. Yes actually, once you are done your appointments for the day, I need my files organized. I'm a bit of a slob, and well I feel bad asking Melody for help. You don't mind getting a little dirty, do you?"
Casey's cheeks flamed, oh she was easily provoked, it was cute. "I can do it, no need adding more stress on poor Melody's shoulders. Plus my organization skills have gotten awards in the past," she beamed with adorable excitedness.
"You're telling me that's fun for you? I'm not surprised, basically anything I find dull, you'll find fun, right?" He leaned back in his chair, smiling, it was crazy how quickly the iciness had disappeared between them.
"I'm odd and unrefined Mr. Venturi, but I must remind you, you came up with this bet. So you have no choice but to deal with my weirdness." She turned away with attitude, smiling over her shoulder. "See you later." He groaned inwardly, he was becoming addicted to her presence, helplessly so. Something told him a week wouldn't be enough.
Casey took a deep breath, what was happening? Her mind was in turmoil, did she dream that banquet fight? It was shocking how quickly that storm in her faded when he proposed the bet. She really didn't want to go home, but he was right she was exhausted. The lack of sleep had made her almost delusional at times, and their last conversation haunted her. She had been thinking about him so much, she couldn't help it. At first she was bitter he was treating her so formally, but when he brought up the bet, it was as if her heart grew wings. Maybe they could talk about what happened. When she told Emily how angry he was at the banquet, she told her he was definitely jealous, but she didn't believe it. Maybe he drank a little and didn't remember, either way she was relieved he didn't give her the cold shoulder, if anything he looked concerned over her.
Melody gave her a look when she came out of his office. "You brought him coffee? Oh my, I know I've been a little distracted…."
Casey smiled, sitting in front of her. "No, he's just asking for some extra help around his office for a few days and he didn't want to inconvenience you. He's giving you a bit of a break, and I love organizing."
Melody giggled, "Oh have fun. Mr. Venturi is amazing in many ways, but that man has absolutely no organization skills, I think I've done that several times and he just goes back to be a slob."
Casey smiled wryly, thinking it would be fun to organize his entire office, not just his files. She could just imagine the annoyance. Melody must have sensed something, because she leaned in, and in a hushed whisper she said, "Oh I know that look, he's charmed you hasn't he? I wouldn't blame you in the slightest." Melody didn't sound judgey or worried, rather had a look of friendly inspection.
Casey's smile dropped, "No, we don't get along at all, I just like organizing that much, I promise."
Melody smiled saucily, and returned to her computer, "Yeah I heard you yell at him. Poor Mr. Venturi, finally a woman that isn't intimidated by him, and what's funny is he seems to like that you yell at him. I think he enjoys it because you're probably the only person that has ever treated him as a human, rather than the untouchable Derek Venturi, every other woman just swoons."
Casey looked away, blushing a little. He talked to Melody about her? "He's exaggerating, I'm just more blunt that's all," as a well of emotion started climbing up over her. She needed to leave before Melody ended up exorcising her of her weird fascination with Derek.
She went through her tasks of the day, just flying through everything. She felt adrenaline course through her and never felt more dependant on her phone. She kept staring at it until it finally rang. "Casey Mcdonald," she said professionally.
"Casey, are you ever going to come back? I don't see how you could possibly finishing organizing my files in two hours, even someone as crazy as you wouldn't be able to finish in time," he sounded annoyed.
She smiled, "Well I've decided I'm going to organize your whole office this week, so I have made a detailed plan I can send right over."
She heard a pause on the phone, and then the softest chuckle. "Very well, I'll have a look. I like chaos, so don't overdo it unless you want to live in my office from now on."
Casey blushed, and giggled despite herself. "When you approve it, I'll come up."
She heard the clicking of his computer, and then silence. "You're a freak," he said in such a neutral tone, but she figured he was making fun of her internally. "But fine it's approved, come up."
Casey was surprised when Derek looked away from some reports the moment she got through the door and asked her to sit. His soft gaze fell on her, and a little blush went over his face. It was the first time he displayed some shyness around her. "Before you turn my office upside down, I just wanted to um, apologize for being such a jerk at the banquet. I drank a little, and said some stupid stuff. I had no right to corner you that way, I behaved like an ass. I guess I just want you to continue staying focused since you're doing a good job Casey, and I freaked out for a moment thinking Ricardo could distract you. I'm sorry."
Casey was stunned, she opened her mouth to speak, but a slight squeak came out. "Oh," she said quietly, he looked so genuine. For a moment she waited for him to laugh, but as the moment drew out she felt fluttery as she realized he was being sincere. "I guess I understand why you would have assumed there was something, and it turns out you were right about his intentions. I should thank you for being concerned for my career. But you should know, I am not looking to get involved with coworkers. It's just not me, and I'm sorry too. I spoke to you so harshly, comparing you to Ricardo. I was out of line."
Derek smiled, and then leaned over his desk, giving her an intense stare down. "Thanks, but there's no way I'm going to let you be such a goody good and apologize when I was the one that screwed up. Take the apology Casey, no one has ever received that honour, consider yourself lucky," he said with that twinkle of lightness.
She smiled at him, feeling her heart race. She couldn't imagine a single soul hearing those words, and not forgive him instantly. "I forgive you."
Derek let out a sound of relief, and he went back to being himself in a snap of a finger. "Great, now that the heart to heart is out of the way, you better get started. Your plan was extremely crazy and for you to actually finish, you're going to have to get to work now."
She got up and scanned his office with more precision, "Say goodbye to your mess Derek," she clapped a little, and then felt embarrassed as he rolled his eyes playfully.
"Oh boy," he muttered with fear, "Just don't make it too girly, alright?"
Casey beamed as she got started. Her system contained working through his files, rearranging furniture, and then his desk. So, she tried to pretend he wasn't even the room, and went through his files with a flea comb. She took out a label maker, and she jumped with excitement when she had printed the labels. Oh it was so satisfying. She heard him laugh behind her, "You're not normal, you know that right?"
Casey looked over her shoulder at him, "I'm aware, now do you want them organized by subject, alphabetical, or colour coded?"
Derek grinned, taking a moment to think about it, "You do whatever you want, as long as it makes sense that's all that matters." He turned away from her, opening his laptop, "Now quit asking a million questions, and let me get some work done."
She smiled wryly, and got to work. She couldn't help but notice the way he looked when he concentrated. For some reason Derek with his glasses was quite sexy because when he was going through reports, he actually looked smart. She felt this little rush of admiration take over her as she overheard him on the phone as he was talking to a judge and debriefing with him the results of some cases. He sounded intense, and fought for the best for his lawyers. This was his lawyer side coming out, and she took note of the hints of charisma at times. He was good at getting what he wanted. She couldn't help but smile when he wasn't looking, it reminded her of his videos.
For the rest of the week, she looked forward to those two hours at the end of the day. She was suddenly energized, and in a happy mood, she tried to tell herself it had nothing with Derek apologizing to her. But his words seemed to hover over her, making her blush whenever she thought about it. Whenever she was done with organizing a section, she'd go over it with him.
He stood by her, arms crossed observing her, and she was trying not to be jumpy around him, but it was impossible when he was towering over her that way, smiling, and making fun of her. But at the end of it all he would say, "Well, I'll give it to you, it's much better than I had it before, your craziness paid off."
When she started organizing his desk, it didn't occur to her that she'd be in such close proximity to him. He had a very alluring scent, and she was trying so hard to fight against the pull to move closer. He didn't seem affected like she did, he was just working away, only briefly sparing her any attention. But at one point they both stood up at the same time and almost ran into each other. Derek laughed, "You're a walking hazard, you need to come with a warning."
Casey blushed but for some reason she couldn't look away from him. The memory of falling on him crept over her like burn. His eyes looked like rich coffee, "So are you, it isn't the first time you bump into me, remember? I would say we're even."
Derek's smile seemed to glow like torchlight, "Did I? That must have been a crazy dream of yours because I don't remember that at all. I was the innocent bystander to your weak ankles."
Casey laughed, and for some reason he seemed perplexed all of a sudden. "What?"
He shrugged, smiling lightly, "First time I hear you laugh like that, gotta say it's a relief to know you're not as uptight as I thought."
Casey was too absorbed in the moment, "I have a wild side, Mr. Venturi, you need to stop assuming I'm uptight all the time."
He took one step closer, smiling devilishly, "Wild you say, please I bet you've never broken a single rule in your life."
Casey suddenly felt this thrill go through her, wanting to prove him wrong, "Put me to the test then."
Her heart raced frantically as he continued smiling, and could see the gears working in his head. Who knew what kind of dark tests he was coming up with. She feared him, she really did, she would probably break rules for him, that's the worst part. "I'll tell you what, I'll think about it. Now, get back to work Casey, quit distracting me."
Casey smiled smugly, so she did distract him. She turned around excitedly, and got back to it. After that, it seemed like there was a tightness in the room, there were times when their gaze would lock for a moment, felt heat radiating from him. At times she thought maybe it was all in her mind but then she'd catch glimpses of his smile when he thought she wasn't looking, and she felt his eyes on her when she was turned away from him. It caused shivers to go up and down her back.
"So how come you haven't dated in so long, are you really that picky?" He wasn't looking at her, he was focused on his computer but the question seemed loaded. At her silence, he glanced up at her, "Just curious," he tried to explain.
Casey straightened up shrugging slightly, wrestling over how much to reveal . "I guess I am picky. It would take someone quite extraordinary for me to decide to date again. The last guy I dated really hurt me. We dated for years and out of nowhere he breaks up with me, and immediately went on to date my roommate at the time. He told me I was too intense and hyper focused on my career, even though he was in school for the same career. He um," she paused, feeling rattled.
Derek motioned to her, "Go on, I won't judge too harshly I promise," he said with a little smirk.
She looked away from him, remembering was so hard. "He told me I would never find anyone that could tolerate me, that I was too much to handle, and well he's right I am a lot." She felt like she was being pruned, it hurt. She was revealing too much to him.
When she finally had the courage to look at him, he looked completely serious. For a moment there was a light of softness in his eyes. "Well, maybe he was just a wimp, you were better off. People in general suck, Casey. I know I suck, I'm the king of jerks, but there's just as many women that are huge jerks too, most people out there are completely crazy."
She was shaken again by the similarity between them. They were both a little broken, deeply flawed, but for some reason the more she discovered about him, the more it seemed he was covering up deep issues. She looked at him shyly, "Well, there has to be at least one decent guy out there, but it's just finding him that seems impossible at times, but I have to believe he exists. Just like I know not all women are evil, so don't give up."
They stared at each other for a moment, a tightness was suddenly between them as if a voltage had been turned on. A wild thought went through her mind of closing the distance, sitting on his lap and kissing him wildly. She couldn't believe those were her thoughts, but it was hard to stop it when she was caught in his dark, hypnotic gaze.
He was the first to look away, noticed a change in his demeanor, as if he couldn't breathe properly. Maybe she hit a nerve, made him remember his ex. He exhaled sharply, "I am sure that won't be a problem for someone like you, I bet you'll find him. But as for me, I am much better off on my own, and that's okay, I've come to deal with it, and all in all, I have a pretty good life. No complaints."
Casey moved closer despite herself, she knew he was lying, he told her he felt dead inside not too long ago. She turned her attention to sorting, and managed to respond, "It just takes one person to change everything, Derek, who knows you may be surprised one day." There was more conviction in that sentence than she intended, hoping to God it didn't sound like she was pointing to herself, but that longing was becoming more relentless.
Derek didn't respond to that, just sighed deeply, but for the rest of the day that intensity remained. He was dead quiet, with her anyway. He talked to a lot of people on the phone and he even left at one point to talk to Melody, maybe she said too much, but before she left, he reached for her arm, halting her in place. He looked at her with sudden intensity. She wanted to move in to him so badly. "Your ex was an idiot, and that's coming from me, since I know I'm a idiot. Yes you're intense, but it's clear he was just a loser, don't take his words as truth."
Casey blushed, completely disarmed by his sweetness. "Oh, thanks."
And then Derek laughed, completely stopping the sweet moment, but she couldn't let go of that humming sensation. "See you tomorrow for the last day of the bet, you actually made it in one piece. Oh and you better not be late, today you cut it close. I also expect coffee tomorrow, and you should probably get some for yourself because you gave yourself an impossible task," he teased.
Casey grinned, "I'll finish, I never give myself tasks I cannot finish. See you tomorrow." And with that he shuffled her out the door, and she left on a weird, emotional cloud. She was a little sad the week went so fast, but it was fun. She thought of ways to make the last day annoying for him, and she hardly slept from the excitement.
The next day, Casey was on the phone writing in her agenda her upcoming trials. She had been on an adrenaline rush, but it went away when Melody came in looking absolutely ghastly. She ended her call on a hurry. As Melody sat down she avoided eye contact, oh no, something was really wrong. "Mel, is everything okay?"
Her green eyes went up slowly, looking at her with complete concern, "No, it isn't. Casey, there's something you need to know. I've come to really care about you and I need to tell you there's been um a rumour going around about you."
Casey nearly dropped her phone on the floor, feeling a cold sweat take over, somehow she didn't like the sound of her voice. "I'm assuming it's not a pleasant rumour?"
She shook her head, biting her lip anxiously, "I heard from Fiona that there's um word going around the firm that you and Mr. Venturi kissed at the banquet and that you've been going to his office to have sex with him. I didn't believe it for a moment, I don't know what to do. I needed to give you the heads up because I've come to love you so much."
Casey felt as if someone took a rug right from under her feet, she would have fallen backwards if she wasn't sitting, she blanched, "What! We are not kissing or sleeping together. Where did they get that crazy idea from?"
Melody looked away, fiddling with a pen on her desk. "Under a stairwell, apparently someone saw you full out making out with him."
Casey couldn't believe it, she got up and paced around angrily, trying to control her anxiousness but it was ramping through her. At the same time this burning desire went through her, as if she was disappointed it wasn't the truth, it made no sense. "We didn't…..we were just talking. I can't believe it. And Derek asked me for help organizing his office, we weren't meeting to …...Oh my gosh, do you really think I'd do something that crazy?"
Melody smiled a little, and stopped her from pacing. "No, but it's Derek Venturi, he could make a nun fall into sin. I wouldn't judge if it was true, but by the look on your face it's clear it isn't true. People are also saying Derek hired you for sex since he went against the firm's hiring practices, and you're apparently too sexy. Clearly they're stupid, they act as if a woman can't be sexy and smart at the same time. I've been told not to tell Ricardo because he's too close to Derek."
Casey was shaking, she was too sexy to be a good lawyer? That made no sense, and she was seething from anger. "Who started it? I'm going to give that person a full on piece of my mind!"
She shrugged, her eyebrows were furrowed in concentration. "I don't know, it just became a thing, and I'm worried about Mr. Venturi, this won't be good for his image either."
Casey felt intense concern about her reputation, but surprisingly she couldn't help but worry over what something like this could do to Derek. What if George heard it and fired him? She felt sick to her stomach. "What if Mr. Venturi finds out and it causes him so much embarrassment, he fires me?"
Melody reached for her hand, surprisingly looking at her with no judgement, no skepticism, just pure concern. "No, no one would ever think to bring a rumour like that to him, he's the boss."
Casey felt a wave of emotion, "But as for me, I would be seen as, well that type of woman. The type that has an affair to get ahead or something, which is so not me. I work hard for everything I have!" She was moments away from crying.
Melody put her arm around her, it was so comforting. "I think deep down they don't believe it, but people like drama, even at such a prestigious firm people can't help it."
Casey stumbled to the couch, feeling dizzy all of a sudden, "How long has it been circulating for?"
"No clue, I found out this morning, but by the sounds of it it's been spreading for a few days at least. I'm surprised Mr. Venturi hasn't come across it yet."
She closed her eyes, lying down. She felt the tug of tears, she couldn't help it. So far, ever since she started working here there was one thing after another. Would there ever be a moment of peace? "I'm doomed aren't I? This is the kind of rumour that will permanently ruin me."
Melody shook her head, coming closer, "My advice is if Mr. Venturi asks for more of your help, you kindly reject him. If no one sees more to talk about, then it will die with in a week. When Ricardo and I got involved, it took weeks before people stopped saying I was easy, but yet no one ever talks badly about him because he's the top lawyer here. I know it feels like you want to die right now, but I promise, people have short attention spans and new dramas will come up before you know it."
Casey felt as if there were bricks on her chest, the thought of having to take space from Derek was killing her, they had fun, it finally felt like there was common respect between them. Going back to the last few days, she had noticed a few of the women and other lawyers giving her icy looks, but she just thought maybe they were mad she was getting more cases so quickly. "Thank you for telling me, I'll do that."
Melody hugged her and told her she could count on her for anything, and she'd keep her in the loop if she heard anything else. When Melody left, she felt faint. Today was the last day of the bet, and she wouldn't be able to finish it, it upset her more than it should. When she didn't go up at 4 like she had the previous days, Derek called her. "Hey, are you coming up? It's bugging me that my desk is half organized."
Casey closed her eyes, willing herself to speak, "I'm sorry, something has come up. I won't be able to finish the bet, big emergency. Have a nice weekend, Mr. Venturi." She hung up before he could respond. Hopefully he'd let it go, she was sure he wouldn't care about it anyway.
To her complete surprise, he knocked on the door of her office. He stood there looking at her with intense curiosity, "You sounded off, what's up?"
She looked around them nervously. "I can't be seen with you," she said anxiously, she needed to draw the line in the sand. "I thought when you hired me you said we wouldn't spend any time together, I think we need to stick to that arrangement."
Derek took a step closer, studying her with a mixture of shock and concern. She tried to avoid eye contact, "Casey, clearly there's something bothering you. Talk to me."
Casey looked around like a caged bird, and saw Fiona walk by, her willowy form, and dark eyes shot her. She a looked at her with pure judgment, and also maybe jealousy, before politely greeting Derek. It was so unfair, "I can't, not here. It's too delicate."
When she dared to look him in the eyes, it shocked her to realize he actually looked worried. "Fine, how about you go out for lunch with me tomorrow? Completely work related ofcourse, I'll email you where to meet me."
Casey managed a nod, "Fine, but leave, now," and shut the door promptly.
She felt so shaky, so unlike herself. Why was it so hard to push him away? She went over to her computer and waited until he emailed her a location before actually leaving on time for the first time since she got hired. Derek deserved to know the truth, but she was scared that revealing that rumour would be too humiliating for him, and he would hate her. Casey realized if it affected him, if this rumour ruined his reputation, she would quit before having George pass him up as CEO. She didn't know why she felt such a need to have his back, but if she didn't no one else would.
Derek was thrown off by Casey's strange behavior, he thought over the past week and while their interactions had been well, nice, it wasn't as if he spent the entire week hitting on her. Maybe he was more flirtatious than he intended, but Casey organizing his entire office was so hot. He looked forward to those two hours at the end of the day, and it seemed to fly by. He tried his best to keep his attention on his laptop, talking to people on the phone, always tried to make himself a little busy. However, there were moments when Casey would bend down for a moment, and his gaze went to her, admiring her legs, the curves of her body and then quickly tried to snap out of it.
And then he just had to open the chasm of feelings by asking her about her dating life, and things became intense too quickly. Maybe he scared her off, but he just couldn't believe her ex treated her that way and made her feel that she was unlovable. He actually felt angry over it, and Casey was clearly hurt badly. Oh, and it made him want to kiss her so badly, he wanted to cheer her up. He wasn't any better than her ex though, he would hurt her too somehow. He was a walking disaster.
As he waited in the café, he watched the door anxiously until she finally got there. She looked anxious as hell, and he motioned for her to sit down. Once the server went to get her coffee, he leaned over the table, studying her. She was avoiding eye contact, which was so unlike her. "Want to explain why you're acting so crazy?"
Casey drank some coffee slowly, she was trembling. He was about throw up, something was definitely wrong. "Oh Mr. Venturi, I have to tell you something, it's quite delicate."
At the sound of her using his name formally, he tensed up. "What's going on Casey?"
Casey looked at him with embarrassment as she fumbled with her napkin. "You need to know, well because this revolves you. But um, there's a rumour going around about me and you….it has spread like wildfire, and it's bad, really bad."
Derek cocked an eyebrow up, puzzled completely. "About me and you, why?"
"Someone started a rumor we were seen…" she was blushing wildly, "Kissing at the banquet."
He let out a gasp, but motioned for her to continue, "If that's not mortifying enough, I guess that whole bet thing looks even more suspicious. People think we're having an affair, I'm so sorry," she sputtered.
Derek's mouth opened in stunned surprise, and then choked on a laugh. Just the thought of sleeping with Casey made his heart speed up, but the thought of people spreading that around the firm, made his stomach church. Did someone pick up on something? He wouldn't be surprised, he had been acting uncontrolled around her. Damn it, but for some reason the rumour didn't bother him in the slightest, everything in him was saying, so what if we were? it's none of their business. It was but clear Casey was deeply upset by it, not surprisingly.
He forced himself to speak as Casey breathed irregularly. He cleared his throat. "Clearly someone was drunk at the party, because there's no way we'd end up kissing, we're more likely to kill each other than to make out, right? And sex with you? That's just insanity."
Casey fumbled, but he caught a slight look of disappointment in her eyes as if he just insulted her. There was no winning. "Right, of course it is ridiculous to even put that thought together, but yet the rumour exists. And I'm getting judged by everyone," her voice cracked, and it startled him, it made him want to hold her. "People think you only hired me for that, it makes sense to them since I had no previous experience, and the firm is so prestigious. So, obviously you hired me for my um sex appeal. Their words not mine, I do not see myself that way in the slightest."
Derek scowled, that was so stupid. Was he attracted to her, of course, he wasn't blind but god only knew it wasn't why he hired her. "That's idiotic, you have already proven in a month's time you are killing it, sounds like people are jealous of your success and are trying to make you seem well, that type. Don't let it bother you, people get bored with their own pathetic lives, and before you know it, it will pass. Do you want me to get to the bottom of it? I don't give a rats ass what they think of me, but I will tear them a new one on your part, if you want. It gives me a reason to be seen as a hard-ass for once."
Casey met his gaze and smiled slowly. "I think you do care what they think, you've worked hard to not be seen that way at work."
Why was it that Casey could read him like a map? "Guess the cool act won't work on you," he mused.
She shook her head, and looked down as she stirred her coffee. "You care a lot. Don't lie to me now."
He sighed with annoyance, he wished he was cold like his father sometimes. "Fine I care, but not as much as you do. I can find out who started it and write them up."
Casey shot him a weary glance, "I don't want to cause problems for anyone, I just think we should stay away from each other until it passes. Please, don't make a huge deal out of this. This is my problem."
Derek felt a surge of protectiveness. He wouldn't let this make Casey give up, she was too valuable. He didn't think, just suddenly reached over the table and took her hand. She looked surprised, but he didn't care at the moment, and leaned closer over the table. "Casey, there's no way in hell I will let your name be dragged through the mud. It's not true, we both know it. But I will say, even if we did have that kind of relationship, you would have still earned everything you've gotten, alright? And it wouldn't be any of their damned business anyway. Ignore them, I hired you because I thought you had something different, and so far I'm right. Don't let stupid rumours get you down."
Casey stared at their locked hands, "Oh, wow," her voice shook, and she wouldn't look directly at him. "So, you're saying even if that was true, it wouldn't be because of that I am here?"
Derek smiled at her, she was way too cute for her own good. She slowly lifted her gaze, her cheeks were pink, god he wanted to make her blush all the time. "No, you would have still earned everything you got, because you're a good lawyer Casey. And anyone who could actually look at you and think that you are only here because of your um sex appeal is kind of stupid. Anyone with half a brain could see you are a workaholic, smart and driven."
He tried not to think about it about having that kind of relationship with her, but it was hard to block the thoughts. He was worried it sounded as if he'd be down for that kind of relationship since he made a valid argument for why them getting together would have nothing to do with helping her get ahead.
He felt her squeeze his hand for a moment, she smiled timidly and then pulled her hand back. It irritated him for some reason. "Thanks Derek. It's hard for a woman in this kind of man dominating career. It sucks that I can't just be a good lawyer based on my work, but since I'm sort of physically appealing, it must mean I use it to get ahead. I guess I should grunge down to get respect, I guess."
Derek couldn't help but laugh, "Sort of physically appealing, that's hilarious, it's definitely not how I'd put it."
"How would you put it then?" she asked quietly, she looked so damned shy.
But it was his turn to get all sputtery, and he looked away, trying to control his words as best as possible. "You're definitely easy on the eyes, but that's not all there is to you. Some people can't handle the heat because they see you as a threat, but who the hell cares? Own who you are Casey, you're fierce and attractive, that's a double-edged weapon. Don't grunge down, okay?"
He didn't know why he was being sweet to her, this was exactly why he needed to escape her presence. Casey blushed intensely, and gulped down her coffee as if she was trying to wash down her nervousness, when she looked up she coughed a little. "Thanks for having my back, Mr. Venturi."
"Stop calling me that," he said with a bit of annoyance, "We are past that kind of formality, don't you think?"
Casey just shook her head, "I need to get in the practice of calling you professionally, more now than ever, please try to understand. But I do appreciate what you're doing for me."
Derek smiled a tad, "No big deal. I just got to think of a way to do this without it seeming like I'm protecting my lover," he winked at her, damn it he couldn't help it. No wonder people thought they were hooking up, and it was all his fault, he was being too flirty.
"Derek," she said with flaring anxiety, her blue eyes flashed with intensity. "We really shouldn't be around each other anymore. The bet was fun, but I think we should um, stop whatever this is, at least until this blows over."
Agitation consumed him, she was right but he hated it. "Fine, from now on I'll be a ghost around you is that better?" He sounded a tinge annoyed, he couldn't help it.
She looked almost just as disappointed as he felt. "It's for the best. I really didn't want to worry you with any of this, but better it come from me than well, overhearing it randomly. I just don't want to jeopardize your trial period," she said honestly.
Derek was taken back. He didn't remember anyone ever caring about his reputation except maybe his family. Casey cared about his reputation, and the fact she was worried about it tugged at him. "You really…..care about that?"
Casey chewed her lip and it drew his attention like a flame. "I don't want to be the reason your father passes you up, and all for gossip with no basis on the truth."
He looked at her for a long time, trying to hold in as much about her as possible. Taking in that look of warmth she was hitting him with, which was rare but so striking. She was just so sweet, and well, he thought his heart was made of ice, turns out she melted it. Why couldn't he become detached? "Well, I guess I get why that person might have thought they saw us kissing, we were close, and well I was holding you. It's my fault. It must have been one hell of a kiss for that person to think we're just screwing around," he chuckled but he didn't find the humor in it. Kissing Casey was probably amazing, hot, intense...,...And as he stared at her, it hit him that she may also have been thinking about it because her gaze for a split moment went to his mouth.
Casey laughed awkwardly, "It is a pretty big assumption, I can't believe you're making jokes. I thought for sure you would freak out."
Derek grinned despite himself, "Believe me, I'm surprised too. What do you know, I can be mature from time to time." This was a reality check though of what would happen if they ever crossed that line, too much was keeping them apart.
After a moment of electric silence, she spoke, "I should go home," she said urgently, "I'll see you around, thanks again Mr. Venturi. Please keep me updated by email what your plan of action is. "
"I will, don't stress okay? I'll figure out how to stop that rumour."
Casey put on her jacket and smiled briefly, "No doubt you will. Thank you Derek."
As Casey scrambled away, he felt extremely bummed. This had changed everything now, he wouldn't be able to be around her without getting speculated. He groaned inwardly, guess he'd have to admire her from afar. There was a lot riding on both sides, having a physical relationship with Casey would ruin her reputation, and his trial period. As much as he said he didn't care about his job, she made him care about it because having to give up his role meant never seeing her again. Damn it all, he was annoyed.
That evening he wasn't surprised when he got home to the house pitch quiet, and his father waiting for him. He was terrifying, borrowing a look of total disappointment all through him, "Six weeks. That's all it took for you to pull a Derek. If you were going to go off with Casey, why couldn't you just take her away like any other CEO in secret? I can't believe you allowed yourself to be speculated."
Derek sighed harshly, "Dad, it's not true. I don't know where that rumour came from, but I swear. There's nothing going on between Casey and me."
George continued to skewer him, "So you weren't with her at the banquet?"
He looked away, "I may have talked to her, but there was no kissing for goodness sake, I'm not that stupid to do something like that in public. It was work related, I swear."
George laughed darkly, "And she was in your office all week because…."
Derek put on a confident look, chuckling lightly, "Casey has a lot of talents, my office was a mess and it was easier to get someone who already works for me to organize it than to hire someone as I always do."
George scoffed, "Wow, I'll give it to you, you know how to come up with a great cover up. Well I don't care if you're telling the truth or not, you need to get it to stop. You can't allow your staff to disrespect you, even for a moment. And if it is happening, then for the love of god be smart about it. I am not surprised I knew you'd cave the moment I met her."
He crossed his arms angrily, "I am not hooking up with Casey, and if I was I wouldn't make it so damn obvious, that's for sure. I'm no rookie, remember? Don't worry I will squash that rumour before you know it. Just let it go, dad. Also how did you hear about it?"
"I was contacted by Mac," Derek rolled his eyes, that old HR manager was a total snoop and he was totally the one feeding every single one of his movements to his father. "He said it just blew up, everyone was talking about it. The question is why would anyone come up with a rumour out of nothing? There had to be some truth, or someone out there is just stirring the pot, either way you need to stay away from Casey."
Derek just barrelled past him, because he didn't want to show just how upset staying away from Casey made him. "Ditto, will do that and I got it under control alright? And I bet you Mac made it up, he has hated me from the start."
George's voice boomed behind him, "Mac would never, but maybe watch your back Derek. There may be a rat at the firm. You have until the end of the week to get it under control, or else," he threatened.
Derek just muttered a goodnight, but he couldn't sleep. He just groaned into his pillow. Damn how did everything get so fucking complicated? He was angry, mostly at himself. He kept making stupid decisions, and it scared him to realized there was no stopping the stupid train when it came to Casey. He knew he needed to keep distance, but every time he tried there she was just pulling him. Did she feel anything for him? He laughed to himself, he wasn't her type of course she didn't, but there were moments where it seemed like she may dig him a little, at least physically. He didn't care about his own reputation in the slightest, but as much as he told himself he didn't care about her, he was beginning to. He didn't want the whole firm breathing down her back. It rattled him because he wouldn't hurt her career, he refused. Even if it felt like hell to resist her, he had to.
Casey walked to her office on Monday and felt the looks of her coworkers scrutinizing her. She wanted to scream as she heard the whispers of the other women, something about "tramp" and "gold digger." She wanted to snap at them, wanted to give them a speech about how women should be building each other up, not smearing them this way, but she had to keep quiet. She had been emotional all weekend, and somehow coming back to work realizing she wouldn't see Derek nearly as much made her ache, as if she couldn't breath. She saw him when she got out of the elevator, and he just nodded in acknowledgement, but he wouldn't even look at her. Already she was missing him. When she got to her office, she crumbled to the ground and started crying. She didn't even know why, Derek took it much better than she imagined. He comforted her, made it known he wouldn't leave her alone with this, and she felt this wave of gratitude and emotion consume her. He held her hand, and it had to be the most wonderful, comforting experience of her entire life.
This feeling of hopelessness was killing her, now it was certain she'd never see him again. She couldn't control the sobs, as she hugged her knees. What was wrong with her? She'd never felt so lost, and she was drowning with this gossip. The rumour didn't bother her as much for reputation as she imagined, while of course it did affect her, but it wasn't just her reputation she was grieving. She was upset because it wasn't true, it could never true. She hated admitting that hearing Derek say a relationship with her would have nothing to do with her worth as a lawyer, made her fill up with this strange longing to kiss him. It was such an intense response, but she'd never have that.
Stop it, I can't be thinking this way. Derek is my boss, and I'm not the type to have affairs. He would be ruined by his father. I cannot want him, I shouldn't want him. He would never commit. And as she wept harder, the merciless truth overwhelmed her, But I do want him, why can't I control this? I have stifled this side of me for so long, why am I screwing everything up?
As the week went by, she could feel herself already trying to find a way just to look at Derek, that's all she wanted. Casey paid attention to his routine, and she saw him one time speaking to the HR manager, another time making his rounds around the firm, and she felt like a shadow, but it was enough of him to at least help her breathe a little. It was a torturous week.
Casey checked her email regularly to see if Derek had contacted her, but he hadn't. Maybe his course of action was to ignore her completely, and she respected it but she was drained, unmotivated. She prepared for the upcoming staff meeting, dreading seeing Derek and being watched by other lawyers. She needed to be strong, and with the help of Melody she went to the conference room. She avoided looking at anyone until Derek came in. All her energy was going towards remaining unbothered by him, but he was so handsome it was like trying to avoid the sun. He walked in with that striking confidence, and the entire room hushed. He had no idea how influential and powerful he was. He sat down, looking at everyone with a respectful look. He was avoidant of her, wouldn't even look in her direction. It hurt, even though she knew why. She caught Fiona giving her a smirk. Maybe she was the one that started the rumour, she wouldn't be surprised.
Derek greeted everyone, and he went through the meeting points, when out of nowhere, Ricardo stood up. He scanned the entire room, looking directly at Casey with sympathy. Oh god, please no. But Ricardo didn't seem to hear her silent scream. "I needed to bring something to your attention Mr. Venturi, it's sensitive." There was a shush silence, as if the entire room knew exactly what would happen. Ricardo was going to tell the truth.
Casey tensed up as Ricardo spoke directly to Derek, "I heard a very upsetting rumour the other day about a very valuable lawyer. I just want to say it is the stupidest rumour I've ever heard, when this lawyer has always shown me and other men at this firm that she's not the type for affairs. Mr. Venturi, Casey's reputation was being speculated, and yours as well. There's been talk of a physical relationship between you two going around, " and he glared at everyone, "And I just couldn't sit back and let it continue. As her supervisor, and because you're my boss and I respect you, it was my duty to inform you."
She could feel the heat rise around her as she slowly gazed at Derek. He remained stoic, as if he was not phased by it in the slightest. Derek looked over at her, causing her heart to stammer in her chest, his eyes seemed to try to to tell her it was all going to be okay. He seemed relieved, as if he had been trying to figure out the way to target the it, but Ricardo standing up for them was the perfect way to address it without giving everyone the heads up they both knew about the rumour already. He stood up with so much poise it startled her.
Derek slowly pat Ricardo on the back. "Thank you for bringing it to my attention," and then he gave the entire room a look that could have killed them on the spot. "It seems you all don't have enough work on your plates if you have time to spout out such nonsense. Casey is respectable, she has always set her boundaries and has worked hard, on her own merit. If anyone continues this stupid rumour, I will fire you. Not only is it untrue, but you are making big claims on me as your boss. This rumor ends here, and I don't want anyone to give Casey or Ricardo a hard time, or you'll have to deal with me. I am about to launch an investigation, so if this doesn't stop, I will get to the bottom of it. Not only that, but George is also pissed and if he gets involved, then things will get really ugly. This firm is the most prestigious in the country, and there's no way in hell I'll let a lie like this spread around. I hope that's crystal clear to all of you," he said angrily.
Casey swayed in her spot, trying not to smile at him, but her face had no control of her actions. He was so amazing, and he had protected not only her, but himself. She also couldn't believe Ricardo came to their defense as well, maybe he wasn't such as a bad guy.
Everyone immediately started freaking out, "Oh, no we didn't believe it for a moment," "Who started it?" "We're so sorry for taking part of it Mr. Venturi." "We're sorry for thinking it was true."
Derek then laughed with pure indignation, "Why are you apologizing to me? I'm fine, Casey's the one who deserves an apology. I mean, Casey has already gotten so much positive feedback from clients, she's worked hard in her role, and she's quickly becoming one of the best. No one had the right to smear her."
Casey sat with surprise as everyone apologized, she was a burning mess, but respectfully accepted their apologies. Derek suddenly moved around the table, his gaze locked on her, and she felt seemed to slow down as he stood right beside her.
Derek spoke very softly to her, "Hope you're okay Casey, is there anything I could do for you to make up for this ridiculous embarrassment?" The room was silent. They might as well had disappeared into the background, because all she could see was him.
Derek had come to her defense, showing that entire room that he had her back, and she schooled herself. She couldn't show for a moment that she was affected by him, but on the inside she had melted, became rudderless, her heart weakened beneath her. You have done more for me than you'll ever know. "No thank you, sir. I'm fine," and quickly put on a professional look, glancing at everyone in the room. "Thank you all for your apologies, I'm just glad it's put behind us. No hard feelings."
Derek smiled at her, and then in a switch, he changed the topic, just like that the rumour was put behind them. Afterwards, she basically ran to her office, trying to breathe. She leaned against her door, closing her eyes as her heart hammered. She was starting to see why he was so sought after, why he had so many women ready to grovel all over him. Oh god, I'm in deep over my head if I ever thought for a moment I would be able to resist this. Derek Venturi was just...sweet, much sweeter than I ever realized. I'm so in trouble. Scared that the rumour could become a reality, and that I wouldn't be able to resist.
Derek turned off all the lights, feeling exhausted. Having to officially put distance with Casey, at least until the rumour cleared was making him agitated. He was a little shocked that Ricardo also stood up for Casey, it rattled him. Maybe he was actually falling for Casey.
When he asked Ricardo why he did it, he replied, "Just seeing her look so upset the last few days was alarming. I mean I may be a cold son of a bitch, but I'm still human. And even I could see Casey is the real deal. I found out by accident the day of the meeting. Melody was trying to put out the fire, that's how I found out, overheard her defending Casey and you."
Derek had given him a strong pat, "Well, thanks for having the balls to step up. And also," he said with a jab of the elbow, maybe he wanted to remind him Casey wasn't who he really wanted. "You really blew it with Melody, she really loved you and well, it's not like she's a cockroach. She's a beauty, smart, funny and on top of all that she's loyal. That's hard to find, believe me."
Ricardo shrugged, looking a little wounded as he thought of her, "Yea, she was good for me, actually too good for me. I blew it, but there's no point getting caught up in it, she's moved on, dating some computer geek. Don't see what she sees in that loser."
Derek laughed, "Looking a little jealous there, bud"
Just as quickly Ricardo shook it off, "Nah, Im fine. Melody deserves better, just not that guy. And well, Casey is just a hot, she's definitely gotten my attention," he smirked.
And Derek tried not glare at him, hot? Casey was more than just hot, she was outrageously beautiful, inside and out, the most beautiful woman on earth, and it was killing him that Ricardo was actually falling for her. Afterwards, he went back to his office and he was alerted by an email from Casey. He opened it, feeling crazily excited to hear from her.
Mr. Venturi,
Words could not express how thankful I am that you stood up that way for me. I'm just at a loss for words. I'm also glad you stood up for yourself, you've worked hard to get to where you are, and well, it sounds like you terrified them all. Good, they needed a little shake up because they always saw you as charismatic and easygoing, which you are, but now they know you also mean business. Thank you so much. You are an amazing boss, and I'm glad I work for you. I'll see you around,
Casey McDonald
Derek re-read the words over and over again, god he was going to miss her, how long did he have to keep the stupid distance? Maybe he could email her a little, but then quickly talked himself out of it. He couldn't afford any other mess ups, but he needed to respond to this one.
Casey,
I just did what any boss would have done, I'm nothing special, believe me. If anyone gives you a hard time, feel free to come find me and I'll deal with them in a moment. Get rest. See you around.
Derek Venturi
As he walked to his car, he realized the entire freaking firm would view any interaction with Casey with scrutiny probably forever. His hands were tied, and he hated it. He hated not being able to talk to her after the meeting to make sure she was okay. Nothing would ever be the same and it sucked so much. His mind was plagued with the way her eyes blazed with emotion at that staff meeting. God, for a moment she looked at him with admiration, sweetness, and it was addicting. Would it really be that big a deal if they did have a relationship? He couldn't help but question it, because it was useless to deny the truth. Damn he wanted her, wanted her more than anything. That realization made him feel weak, Casey was taking over more and more, but he didn't seem to mind.
Her words came back to him, "It just takes one person to change everything, Derek, who knows you may be surprised one day." And he smiled, was she maybe referring to herself? Maybe there was a little hope. As he unlocked his car, he heard a voice behind him.
"Hi Derikins."
He froze, felt a cold sweat take over his entire body, the hairs at the back of his neck went up. There was only one person that ever called him that, and he turned around slowly, coming face to face with her. Her honey eyes burned him on the spot. Her dark, wavy hair fell over her shoulders, and she smiled timidly. He blinked rapidly, it couldn't be, he had to be in a nightmare. Once the love of his life, was now the person he hated the most. Standing there looking like a fallen angel was Savitha Brooks.
Hi everyone,
I LOVED writing this chapter, Derek protecting Casey has always been my favourite thing, and well, they're both just dying for one another. Can't wait to write the upcoming chapters, but please let me know if you're enjoying this as feedback helps in planning it out. Thank you so much! 3