Chapter 8: Haunted
Derek felt like someone kicked him in the stomach repeatedly. He couldn't believe it, the longer he stood there, the longer his nightmare seemed to wash away, and become reality. He felt the blood drain from his face. Savitha smiled charmingly, her long wavy hair was down, her honey eyes gleamed with confidence and a bit of that coldness she was always known for. She wore a red cocktail dress, not hiding any of her figure in the slightest. He wished she had turned into a hideous troll, but she was still beautiful, everything about her was just as magnetic as he remembered.
"Savitha," he said with alarm, blinking rapidly to ensure she was really there.
"Hi Derek," she said frothily. "I'm sure you're surprised to see me." As the moment lingered, he waited to feel something, but surprisingly, he didn't feel that overwhelming love anymore. Maybe the shock was too much to really know what he felt for her.
Derek made himself laugh, there wasn't a chance he would allow her to see him stumble, "Yeah, a little considering you have been hiding from my family. What do you want? Let me tell you, I don't have much time to entertain even a moment with you, so spit it out. I have no more money to give you, don't tell me you spent everything you took from me?"
Savitha moved closer, like a panther stalking its prey. Her face softened, and a few tears rolled down her cheek, as always she was a fantastic actress. "Derek, I'm not here for money. I just needed to see you, I missed you. I am so sorry, for everything I did to you. I would return your money, but I guess karma kicked me pretty badly. Max ran away with the rest of the money I had left. I know what you're thinking, but I've been wanting to find you all year to explain to you how sorry I am for leaving you."
Derek looked down, kicking the ground with annoyance. "Believe me, I wouldn't want it back anyway, it's cursed money. Do you really expect me to feel sorry for you?"
Savitha took his hand, taking him off guard. "No, I deserved everything I got. I know I hurt you, but I still love you Derek."
At that, Derek looked up and scoffed, "What do you mean still? You never loved me," he felt the anger swirl within him.
"I did love you Derek," she insisted, coming closer to him. This is what she did, expert at manipulating and scoping out any weakness in him, but he wouldn't ever make the same mistake twice.
"Well, a little too late Sav. I've moved on, and I don't believe anything coming out of your mouth. You lied, stole, cheated and abandoned me-"
Savitha closed the distance, suddenly wrapping her arms around him. "You haven't forgotten me, yes I did a lot of horrible things, but you love me Derek. I can see it in your eyes."
Derek moved back, trying to pry her arms away, "Well you're blind, get off me. You disgust me."
She smirked dangerously, "From what I've heard, you just sleep around like you always have. Admit it, you are still hung up on me."
Derek didn't even know why he said the next words, but Casey suddenly clouded his vision, and they came out like a geyser before he could even process it. "Actually that's where you're wrong. I've fallen in love with someone, and it's much deeper than anything I ever felt for you." As Savitha stared him down, he couldn't help but feel a little lightheaded, such heavy words he swore he'd never feel again, yet as he thought of Casey, it didn't bother him to ponder on it. Maybe he did feel something for her.
Savitha's charming smile disappeared, "Oh really? Prove it. I think you're lying."
"Oh she's real," and as he thought of Casey, he couldn't help but smile. "She's amazing, a fantastic lawyer. She's outspoken, smart, but is also sweet. She has had my back more than you ever had, that's for sure. She's gorgeous, hot tempered, a total nerd, but I'm crazily in love with her, more than she'll ever know."
Savitha observed him, she actually looked taken back. He did sound convincing, and he was sure his face looked all soft and emotional. And then Savitha said the only sentence that could abruptly stop his blood from flowing. "Are you sure she's not using you to get money or get ahead? I only say it because, well it's you Derikins, you need to be careful. I don't want you to get hurt by anyone the way I did."
Derek's smile faded, his eyes went round, suddenly feeling sick to his stomach. "I'm sure of it, not everyone's as messed up as you." Savitha had managed to burst his bubble, and he hated that doubt crept in. Casey was different, he knew it, but he could never trust anyone 100% ever again. An all consuming hate for Savitha took over him, this woman stole more than just money, she took his piece of mind for the rest of his life.
Savitha smiled charmingly, as if she was proud that she put doubts in his head. She was unfortunately witchy with her charm, "Come with me. I'll explain everything, why I did what I did. Just give me a chance to say everything I've been wanting to tell you."
Derek glared at her, showing as much indifference as possible. He had thought of this moment for two years, what he would say if he ever ran into her again. But he didn't care to show her she had any power on him still. "I don't give a fuck why you did what you did, you were a waste of time and I'll never give you the time of day again."
A dark flare went over her angelic features, and then she reached for his face, and kissed him. He wanted to push her away, but she clamped on to him like a leech. He just stilled, letting her get it out of her system, and while she was a great kisser, he just stood there without a reaction. He knew how proud she was, and it would drive her insane to know he wasn't reacting to her. But as great an actor as he was, he still felt that tug of leftover feelings, as much as he wanted to scream his indifference, it was hard to not be a little shaken by her. It was as if he had lost a limb and now he was feeling the phantom pain of losing it. Even though he had accepted what happened, she still made him feel something and he hated it.
When she pulled back, he smirked, "Believe me now? You mean nothing to me." And he turned away from her, leaving her with a seething look. "Find another guy to mooch off, but that won't be me."
As soon as he got in his car and drove away, he pulled over and let out a strangled breath. He cursed into the steering wheel. The reminder of everything Savitha did came back, overloading him. Getting over her was the hardest thing he'd ever done. He didn't see the signs, she seemed so normal, but it turned out underneath that beautiful face laid a hidden demon, a snake. No one could be trusted, appearances were deceiving. He felt so out of control, and much to his surprise the only thing he wanted was to look at Casey, just for a moment. He didn't want a quick affair, or to use her as a distraction. All he wanted was to talk to her, to see her smile. He wanted a little glimpse of light in his fallen, dark world. He closed his eyes, going back to his past.
It all started with a concert. Derek and Max had been looking forward to Kings of Leon concert, and got incredible seats. Max was his best friend since grade school, pretty much considered him another brother. While Max came from an average home, they just got along well from the start. Most people hung out with him for his status, but he never got that impression from Max in the slightest. They always got into mischief and trouble together, they always dared each other to do crazy things, had pranked teachers, principals, and started shit everywhere they went. They were sitting and waiting for the concert to start, when Max pointed her out. "Have you heard of Savitha Brooks?"
Derek saw her with another girl, and she was stunning, immediately got his attention. "I've heard rumours, but I've never seen her before. Damn, she's hot."
Max just elbowed him cheekily, "Don't get your motor running, that woman is unattainable. She may be beautiful, but she is cold. She gets a lot of admirers and she just turns them away, she just seems unimpressed with any guy that looks at her."
Max went on to tell him about her reputation. Savitha came from a rich family, but it was not at the level of the Venturi's. Her family had a good reputation, but Savitha was different than other women he met. She was quiet, but absolutely stunning. She was the kind of woman that was introverted until she felt comfortable. At times, she seemed to come across as snobbish, but guys wanted her anyway.
Derek was intrigued, she was just laughing it up with her friends. "She looks so...sweet though, nothing about her screams cold in the slightest."
Max laughed, "Oh I've tried getting her attention a few times but she made me feel like this stuttering idiot. You have never been turned down, I dare you to not only get her to date you, but to actually get her laughing."
Derek always liked a challenge, "Lately the hunt hasn't been very fun, I'll take one for the team."
He approached her and introduced himself, and she didn't seem to react to his name at all. It was probably why he was so entranced by her, he was used to women being with him just because he was a Venturi and nothing else, but she shook him with her total indifference. "You're egotistical aren't you? Well, that's not going to work with me, go find someone else to sleep with, I'm not available."
Derek somehow convinced her to go on a date with her, and he spent most of that night for the first time in his life, completely insecure. She told him she wanted to know him, not his accomplishments, or flash her with his wealth. It was the first time anyone had ever said that to him, and one date in, she had managed to give him a false sense of security. He opened up to her, and he didn't understand it, but she was hypnotizing. Savitha was intoxicating, and what he imagined Delilah to be like. A gorgeous woman just looking for whatever weakness he had to break him. That cold air of detachment seemed to melt away by the end of the night, and then she smiled. She even laughed at his jokes, and that was it, he was hooked. She played hard to get for months, he was constantly chasing her, but she would give him enough: a kiss, a hug, something to keep him chasing her, until at last she gave him. Once she gave into the relationship she was giving, completely seductive, and that coldness from the beginning was nowhere to be found.
Savitha managed to not only get him to fall in love with her, but she had charmed his family. Marty loved her, and George for the first seemed impressed with him. He proposed to her, and she had been so excited about planning the wedding. It was all crazy because he never wanted to get married, but she gave him constant hints she wanted to marry him. He was an idiot that didn't want to lose her, and he proposed. At the back of his mind, he knew he wasn't ready for that kind of commitment, but he loved her.
George instructed Derek to get her to sign a prenup, since there was too much to lose if they ever got divorced. He felt so bad about it, but Savitha said, "It's all good, I get it. I don't care about any of that, I just love you." Turns out, that was probably why she didn't go through with the wedding, and to think he could have lost way more if she had been able to get more out of him was a terrifying thought.
Savitha made comments about how she wanted a simple life, so it didn't hit him at all that she was using that as a manipulative tactic. A few days before the wedding, he was signing forms for the bank so she could be joined to his account, but it turned out he had given her authorization to move millions into her account and they were never joined. It was his fault, him being a lawyer didn't read over the document since she had been talking his ear off, going on about how much she loved him. And well, she got him a little tipsy. It was the stupidest blunder he ever made.
The day of the wedding, she didn't show up. She left him at the altar with his money, but not only that she ran away with Max who she fell in love with and seduced secretly. They had an affair for the majority of the time Derek was with her. He found out through a note they left, "We are so sorry, but we fell in love. Hope you'll understand someday."
It was a double betrayal at it's finest, Max just fell for Savitha like a crazy person, and he ended up taking part in taking his money with her. He was humiliated, crushed, and his complete abandonment was done in front of hundreds of people. He remembered standing there as seething anger, upset, and shock overwhelmed him. George had to pay off everyone to keep silent about it, he had to go to the press to give them whatever they wanted not to publish. He swore he would find Savitha, and he would take her to court for taking advantage, but he had messed up, and he begged his dad to back down. He didn't want to deal with finding her again, it was just not worth it. That money was tainted, he didn't want it back. With that kind of money she could have changed her name, no one could find her. George and Abby went to the family, and they had no idea where she went, or so they claimed.
George had no problem continuously reminding him of what in idiot he'd been, and Abby just broke apart for him. Derek was left for dead. He spent months high, drunk, and slept with so many women he lost count. It had been two years since the wedding. He lost two years dating her, two years dealing with the consequences…... Nothing about his life the past few years were normal.
And now he was getting ready to take over the firm, and maybe the news of that got to Savitha's ears and somehow thought if she came back and bat her eyelashes at him, that he would have just fallen for that again. He also didn't know if he could believe Max actually ran on her, or if she abandoned him but he didn't seem to care anymore. His life had changed and things had become so much better ever since Casey showed up in his life. Except the attraction he felt for Casey, was leaps and bounds more intense than what he ever felt for Savitha. Why couldn't he just stop thinking about Casey? He didn't ever want to feel that way again. He needed to resist falling in love with her, because he could never go through that kind of hell again, not ever.
After a weekend of grueless sleep, and not being able to eat or concentrate, Casey paced in front of Emily with utter confusion. "I think there's something wrong with me, Em," she had been in a state of complete emotional tornado ever since Derek stood up for her. She couldn't get him out of her mind, and she needed clarity. "I can't stop thinking about . I'm upset that I caused such a problem for him, and now I'll never get to talk to him again without suspicions. I am so lost," she said with agitation.
Emily was observing her keenly, "You're starting to care about him aren't you?"
Casey immediately tried to deny it, but she stood up and approached her, studying her softly. "Look at you, you haven't eaten all weekend, you're not sleeping, and all you do is talk about him. You care Casey."
She attempted to laugh, "I care the appropriate amount, he took a bullet for me in that staff meeting, how could I not care a little? And the worst part is I can't thank him properly, and it isn't respectful or professional of me to just not do something. Maybe I should send him a card?"
"Casey, right now anything you do will look suspicious, you have to leave things alone for now."
She knew Emily was right, but she couldn't seem to let it go. When Casey went to work the following week, she found out with intense disappointment that Derek had taken the entire week off, without a word except to Melody. Her heart was racing, did something happen? She was an anxious mess as she thought of the worst case scenario, maybe the rumor reached George's ear. Her fears became even more escalated when George came in his stead as temporary. Something was seriously wrong, and she pestered Melody several times, asking if she knew why Derek wasn't in, but she said he was vague.
She did not want to run into George in the slightest, and she made herself busy, but she wasn't surprised that he stopped to talk to her.
George came in and smiled, she promptly asked him to sit down. He looked at her with intense, raptor eyes, as if he was waiting for any weakness to tear her apart. "Miss McDonald, I just wanted to check in. How's everything going?"
Her mind went frantic, imagining he was about to fire her on the spot, "Oh, everything is going so well, can I help you with anything?"
George smiled slightly. "Yeah, just wanted to make sure you are okay. I heard about the rumor, and just wanted to see if there was anything I could do, have you had any more problems?"
No one really talked to her, but she didn't want to be seen as a snitch. "No, everyone has been very respectful sir, no complaints from me."
"Great, I hear you have your first court hearing coming up next week, if there's anything you need to help with let me know. Derek is off for personal reasons, he's been overworking, which is funny because he used to be quite the slacker, so if you need anything let me know." Even though his words came across as polite, she could hear the message in the background, that she was messing things up for Derek and it was his way of reporting to her that he wasn't okay.
"I really am sorry for all the trouble I caused," she started to say.
George leaned forward, smiling soothingly. "No worries, Derek took the responsibility, explained everything. Look up our reputation Miss McDonald, usually we like to remain scandal free, and normally something like that would have been enough to let you go since you're on probation, but no worries sweetheart, that's not what I'm here for. I am actually quite proud of him for stepping up like that, got my respect."
Casey felt drained, but she needed to ask, "Is he okay?"
George waved his hand, "He'll be fine, but I need your word that you'll help me by staying away, his reputation can not take another fall like that, understood?"
Casey nodded, feeling defeated. There was no other avenue to take, and it made her miserable. "Yes sir, you have my word that I will keep my distance from Mr. Venturi."
George looked pleased, and left her. She had back to back appointments, but Derek hovered in her mind. She was worried sick about him. She couldn't believe anything she was doing as she knocked on Ricardo's office.
He looked up from his desk with surprise, "Casey, what a surprise. What can I do for you?"
She shifted uncomfortably in the doorway, "I'm okay, I haven't gotten a chance to thank you for what you did for me last week. I am so grateful."
Ricardo grinned, and scanned over her in a scorching gaze, "No problem, I know I have my bad reputation around here so I didn't want you to go through that too."
She took a deep breath, "I am a little worried about the timing of Mr. Venturi's absence, do you know why he took the week off?"
He looked at her as he chewed his pen, a strange look went over his face, "Concerned for the boss, you really are something else, it's quite...adorable. He didn't say anything to me except to keep him updated on any emergencies, and well he told me that if you had any problems with the lawyers to call him up. Seems he really has your back, you know you have it made if you have his protection."
Casey blushed hotly, sensing maybe Ricardo thought there was something else between them. "I don't feel like I have it made, it adds more obstacles than good. I'll get back to work alright." She felt Ricardo's gaze the entire time, and she scolded herself, she hoped he didn't think she had a crush on a Derek, she would die from embarrassment.
The rest of the week she was on guard, and completely distracted. On one occasion she checked her phone and realized with surprised she had a text from Derek. She looked around her as if she was worried someone would snoop in on her reading.
Hi Casey,
Just wanted to make sure you're okay, I know my dad is in this week and well I hope he's not giving you any problems. If you need anything let me know.
-Derek
Casey's heart lurched, and she needed to respond.
Mr. Venturi, thank you for taking the time to text me. I'm okay, no problems on my end. I hope you're okay, are you not feeling well? Take Care.
She waited anxiously, and jumped on the spot when he responded.
Don't worry about me, just some personal stuff came up. Thanks for asking. See you soon Case.
She just wilted back into her chair, and felt as if she could breathe a little now. She missed him, and that feeling was taking control of her. She knew what this feeling was but she didn't want to address it. At most it was just admiration, it was not a crush, but she couldn't stop the swarm of butterflies as she thought of him.
That evening she was watching TV with Emily when the doorbell, rang. She shot Emily a questioning look, "Expecting anyone?"
"No, I don't think so," Emily looked just as frazzled.
The knocking got louder, and she was starting to get scared. Casey got up slowly, and looked through the peephole. She saw a man standing there, looking down. He was wearing a hoodie, oh she was terrified, but as the guy knocked again, she thought maybe he was in trouble. When she opened the door, she gasped. It was Derek, his eyes were bloodshot, looked unrecognizable in a hoodie, and he was stumbling in the spot.
She moved towards him without thinking, she was overwhelmed with the desire to take care of him. "Derek?"
He slowly looked up at her and he looked like he would burst from seething hatred, "You," he muttered harshly, "I needed to see you."
Casey watched as he tried to focus on her. "What's wrong? Can I get you anything?"
He laughed sarcastically, "You're really going to ask me what's wrong?" and he took one step closer to her. "You ruined my life."
Casey took one step closer, trying to look him in the eye, "What did I do?"
Derek laughed a little, but his gaze was devoid of any emotion. "You took my money, which really was the least of the evils. You left me at the altar, you ran away with my best friend, you broke my heart into smithereens. I hate you, I hate you so much Savitha."
Casey immediately felt a swell of tears pour down her face, "Keep going," she urged.
He glared at her, and she just stood there, taking his anger in and it didn't frighten her in the slightest, she wanted to hug him. Oh, he was so hurt. His voice became a haunted sound, and her heart was in rubble for him. "Because of you, I won't ever be at peace again, because of you I can't trust anyone ever again. And now there's this…...this amazing woman, one that is making me act like a moron, because I'm scared of her. I'm scared she'll rip me apart just like you did. It's all because of you that I can't have her, because I'm a loser. You ruined my life."
Casey cried; she couldn't contain it. She felt this curdling anger for this woman that completely ruined him. And who was this woman he couldn't have? Who in their right mind would refuse him? Anger for Savitha, and complete jealousy over him feeling something for someone consumed her. And it was at that moment she wished he was talking about her, but she couldn't even hope it.
"Derek….I'm not Savitha," he staggered into her, and her arms went around his waist, trying to help him up. "It's Casey….you're alright, okay, here come in you shouldn't be wondering around the streets like this."
He looked at her as if the haze was lifting. "Casey? What are you doing here?"
Casey smiled at him fondly, "I'm taking care of you Mr. Venturi," and she watched as the corner of his lips tilted up into a little smile.
"Are you now? That's not in your job description," he mused in broken words.
Emily came behind her, completely shocked at seeing him like that. "Emily, help me please. Derek needs somewhere to crash, can you set up the couch? I'll sleep there, he can sleep in my bed. I'm not sending him away like this."
"Are you sure Casey? Maybe you should call his family, this is the type of thing you were supposed to stay clear of."
Casey shot her a heated look. "I'm not sending him away, he needs me and I don't care if I get in trouble for it, where's your sense of compassion?"
She quickly smiled a little, "You're right, sorry, I'll go set up the couch."
Casey pulled Derek by the hand, and he stumbled in after her. "How did you even get to my place Derek?"
Derek snickered, "I have no clue, I thought I was yelling at Savitha."
Casey gently led him to the bedroom, her heart was bursting from tenderness. He looked so alone, so in need of care, and she helped him sit down on the bed.
Derek just looked at her with complete confusion, "Why are you in my room? Don't you know that's forbidden?" he said with a little laugh.
Her heart melted a little, he was being so cute. "You're in mine, silly," she teased.
He cocked his eyebrow up, "Miss Perfect, you're allowing me in your room…..you're a rule breaker Casey McDonald."
"Consider yourself lucky, I must like you a little to allow you to take up my bed."
He laughed, "I'm so lucky," his velvety voice made her a little weak.
She smiled as she gently touched his forehead. He was so hot, "Don't fire Mr. Venturi, but I'm just going to take your sweater off so you're more comfortable, okay?"
He cracked a smile. "You're undressing me? You're trouble," he winked and she couldn't understand how he could be so charming. "Fine, go ahead just don't fall in love with me, I'm that hot," he teased.
Casey blushed, "Derek, stop saying such silly things," he just looked at her with those dark eyes, and she was trying so hard to be unaffected. She took his sweater off, but he was still burning up, so she reached for the edge of his shirt and slowly took it off him. She stood there for a moment, taking in the sight of his upper body, so perfectly sculpted, so…and she snapped out of it, This is not the time to be ogling him. She put on a professional attitude and slowly laid him down on the bed, pulling the sheet up.
She felt his gaze on her, and she tried to focus. She leaned over him to fix the pillows. "You smell….so good. It's distracting, your eyes….your…..smile," he drifted off, "You're a total babe," he admitted.
Casey tried to laugh, nothing he was saying could be taken as fact, but it still got her heart racing. "Okay you've definitely had too much to drink, go to sleep Mr. Venturi."
"Thank you," he slurred, "For not kicking me out."
Casey sat down on a chair beside him, "You're welcome."
As he drifted off to sleep, she watched him with despair. Now she understood him, she got why he was so guarded, why he said he'd never commit. He was scared, hurt, and was humiliated. He almost got married, he was publicly abandoned, and his fiance left with his best friend no less.
She felt the tears slipping out, and as he fell asleep. She whispered, "Derek Venturi, who are you really? I can't help but shake that you're good, and sweet, and overall a wonderful guy. You're hiding, you put up a wall around yourself so nobody can touch you, so no one could hurt you. I…..wish I knew you," she croaked, and the emotional weight was so strong, it was crushing her.
When she came out Emily looked distraught. "He came to you," she said quietly, "In his time of feeling lost and angry, he didn't go see Savitha to give her that speech, he came to you. Probably because he wanted you to know what was wrong with him, and…..I think the woman he was referring to was you, why else would he come to you?"
Casey felt all too much, but she couldn't believe that. "We can't make any assumptions; he was drunk Emily. His speech was genuine, and it took him a moment to realize it was me."
"I think you're purposefully blinding yourself, you don't want to see the truth, and I understand. But he is more than just your boss, and apparently to him, you're more than just someone who works for him. You two are pining for each other, and badly. You are both stuck though, you can't make a move even though you both want to, and now his treatment of you makes so much sense."
Casey looked away, she couldn't deny she was pining for him, but she couldn't accept it. It would cause too many problems. "Please stop Emily, he was drunk, that's all, now could you please leave me alone?"
Emily gave her a hug, "Get some sleep, this is the first time you have a guy in your bedroom in years, so prepare for awkwardness in the morning." She smiled and left her to her own thoughts.
She hadn't even considered that, what would he say to her in the morning? It didn't matter, she was glad he came to her, and she didn't regret taking care of him. Even if he was snarky to her, even if he did everything in his power to push her away, she couldn't stay away any more than she could stop her own heart from beating.
When Derek woke up, he was so lost and confused. The past week was pure hell. Savitha was back, and she didn't just try to see him once, but multiple times. His family was upset for him, and when he asked if he could just take a week off, he was expecting a full blown melt down from George, but to his surprise he was supportive.
"I hate that woman, just coming back to try to get more stuff like a bloodthirsty shark, I'm glad you blew her off. Yes, take the week off to collect yourself, you deserve it, just promise you won't give in to her." Derek was so surprised by his reaction.
The real reason he wanted the week off wasn't only because he felt like crap, but because if he went to work, he couldn't trust himself in the slightest. If he saw Casey one of two things would have happened: he would have lashed out at her for no reason, kissed her madly, or a combination of both. So instead, he went out and picked up a girl, and not surprisingly it left him feeling worse.
Yesterday he texted Casey, just needed to make sure she was okay, and his feelings were muddled. He didn't love Savitha anymore, but what rattled him more was realizing that what he was feeling for Casey surpassed anything he ever felt for Savitha. He could have sworn he was in love with Savitha, so what the hell was he feeling now? It was too terrifying and he ended up getting completely hammered.
He took in the surroundings around him, it was an impeccably clean room. Yup he was in a stranger's place alright. He groaned, "Oh great, I fucked someone, and I actually stayed overnight, just great."
There was a knock, and he took in a deep breath, "Uh, come in."
Casey came in with coffee in her hand, as soon as he saw her, he practically jumped in his spot. She wore sweats, her hair was up in a ponytail, and no makeup. God she was beautiful. "Good morning, Mr. Venturi," she said shyly.
He felt a spasm of arousal and confusion hit him at the same time. "Casey," he said with round eyes, trying to bring to mind the night before but he couldn't remember a damned thing. "Did we…what…oh god, did I come on to you?"
Casey looked confused and quickly blushed. "Oh, no we didn't have a wild night, if that's what you're thinking," she laughed shakily and approached the bed slowly. She handed him the cup, and he took it, his hand was shaking.
Derek eyed her suspiciously. "Are you sure? I am missing my shirt, usually that's a tell tell sign that something went down."
She blushed, and looked away from him as she sat down on the bed slowly. She stared at her lap. "You were a little feverish and I thought it would help you cool down a bit. You just happened to show up, and well I couldn't turn you away. You were very drunk, how are you feeling?"
He sighed with relief, good, if he ever had a night with her, it would not be in drunkard state, that's like the only experience he'd want to remember. Just the thought of her taking care of him riled him up.
He felt a little speechless. "I just showed up…..did I say why?"
Casey chewed on her lip. As he drank , she watched him keenly. "You thought I was Savitha," she answered slowly, "And you were giving her a very intense little speech."
Derek spat out the coffee, "Fuck," he muttered, "I'm sorry, oh this is so embarrassing."
Casey handed him a napkin, "It's alright, um, you needed to let it out. I was very upset for you," she admitted. "I'm sorry she hurt you like that."
Derek's breathing was ragged, he didn't think anything could surpass a drunk night with Casey, but it turned out he bared his soul out to her. Did he tell her he was feeling something for her? His mind raced. "Uh, how much did I say?"
Casey handed him his shirt, she was too cute, clearly the sight of him like that made her unsettled. "I just can't have a serious discussion when you're like that," she said faintly.
"You act like you've never seen a guy shirtless, but fine have it your way," he said with an awkward laugh and put it on. "Now don't just sit there, tell me what I said."
Casey took a deep breath and looked at him as if she was channeling something in him. "She took money from you, left you at the altar, and ran away with your best friend… That is so cruel, I'm sorry that happened to you."
Derek grimaced, "Is that all?" Casey shrugged, she was clearly keeping something from him, "Casey, please."
She looked away, oh god he probably told her he was crazy for her, he was freaking out. "You were upset, saying that because of her you'd never be at peace or trust anyone again, and that there was someone you wanted but you couldn't even dare to make to a move because you were scared she'd be the exact same. It's heartbreaking," her eyes were pools of deep compassion, not pity.
He groaned, trying to disappear under the covers but she pulled the covers back, smiling tenderly. "No need to feel embarrassed, I'm glad you let it all out, it was clearly eating you alive. I don't see why it's so hard to accept that you're human."
Derek was quiet for a long time, at least he didn't reveal who he wanted, but now Casey knew the most hidden thing about him, the most humiliating. "I guess I had it coming, I hurt a lot of women too. I guess it was karma."
Casey moved even closer, and to his surprise took his hand softly. "No, don't even think that. No one should ever be used for their money, ever. I don't care how much of a jerk you were, you didn't deserve that. And not only that, but your best friend betrayed you, you are allowed to feel pain over it."
"Don't feel sorry for me Case, I don't want your pity," he said a little more snappily than he intended. He didn't want her to see him as an injured bird.
Casey kept staring at him soulfully, "It's not pity, I promise. I am just shocked for you, angry that you went through that. Did something happen for you to end up drinking that way?"
She wasn't lying, it only made him want to reach for her. Clearly in his drunk state he knew she wouldn't turn him away. It was frightening, it seemed there was a part of him that trusted her completely. "I was leaving work, and she came up behind me, completely scaring me half to death. I hadn't seen her since the wedding. I was shocked, and she tried to kiss me, tried to apologize for everything, but I just….pushed her away, got in my car and drove away like a mad man. She has tried calling me several times, and I just stayed in my house because I don't want to run into her ever again. Yesterday I ended up at the bar, and I guess….I came here, even though I've never been here."
Casey's cheeks went red, she had a completely severely angry expression on her face. "How could she ever have the decency to try to apologize for something like that? Well, I'm glad you showed up here, because you could have ended up with her, and that would have been a mistake. Derek…." She kept stroking his hand, making him completely numb. "I just don't think you should let what happened to you dictate how you live your life. You lost so much time over her, she's not worth you not living the life you want, or …..giving yourself the opportunity to be with whoever you want."
He sighed deeply, and was caught in her gaze, "I don't know why I said that, that was the alcohol."
Casey laughed then, completely surprising him. "You are a good liar, but you can't fool me. It's alright, I'm not digging into your soul, just giving some advice. Is there anything else I could do for you?"
Derek smiled, you already did more for me than you'll ever know. "You're off the clock, and you already did enough. Thanks for, um letting me stay. Did I kick you out of your own bed?"
Casey giggled, "No, silly, I gave it to you. I can be nice once in awhile, I slept on the couch."
His smile fizzled away, "Well, I owe you one then."
"No, you don't owe me a thing." And their gaze locked together, he couldn't make a sound.
The turmoil was set loose as he realized she was being honest. She wasn't expecting lavish gifts like some other women he'd gone off with, or expected praise, she was just kind. And that, made her the most beautiful woman on earth. His hand seemed to wander away from him, as he noticed a strand of hair slip out of her ponytail and it curved around her cheek softly. It was unbearably sexy. He couldn't help himself, he touched that strand and moved it aside, until he was tracing her cheek softly with his thumb.
"Thank you," his voice came out all weak and shaky.
Casey looked startled, but she gently clasped on to his hand on her cheek, as if she was keeping it hostage for herself. She smiled warmly as she traced his hand softly. Her eyes gleamed with sweet softness, "You're welcome, anytime."
He moved closer despite the bells in his head, and his other hand went into her hair. Her lips parted in surprise. He was just staring in to her eyes, looking for anything, an invitation to move closer. Her eyes were brilliant, the irises became like blue flames. She was trembling, but she didn't move away, instead she leaned deeper into his hands, encouraging him to touch her.
Oh god let me kiss you, please. He could feel the intensity between them, surging like a storm as his gaze flicked to her mouth. She let out a breath, and gave in to his silent plead and she leaned into it, surrendering to the overwhelming surge. His face hovered over hers in slow motion, until he could feel her breathing strike against his mouth. There was no panic in her expression, just the same uncontrolled hunger that he felt was being mirrored back. She blushed, and stared at his mouth with complete longing, and he couldn't resist it anymore.
He pulled her towards him, and they were caught in that hazy pull of lust. The drumming in his heart overtook him, and he wasn't rushing it. "Case….." he murmured, and she moved suddenly, her hands came up over him. She brushed him gingerly, as if she was scared to touch him and slowly linked her arms around him.
"Der…" she sighed, hearing her call him Der was so sweet, and his blood was pounding.
He moved the remaining distance, and the moment was cut short by Emily's voice, "Casey, does Mr. Venturi want breakfast? I'm making pancakes."
Derek dropped his hands away from her, she blushed as she snapped back away from him. Emily had broken the moment with reality, he was her boss. He just leapt out of the bed, picked up his sweater and put it on in a hurry as he avoided eye contact. They were about to kiss, oh fuck. He could feel her staring at him.
"Would you like to stay?" she asked quietly.
He rubbed the back of his neck, still not looking at her. "Pancakes sound nice, but I don't want to mess up your day. Maybe I should just go, I look and feel like hell."
Casey got up slowly, she let out a little breath. "I could make you a hangover smoothie, and you don't look that bad. If you need to hop in the shower, you're free to do so. Please, stay. It's just breakfast."
Derek looked at her with surprise and ended up smiling against all judgement. She was asking him to stay, he couldn't say no, more so when they were so restricted in being able to spend time together. "Fine, just because I can't say no to pancakes."
Casey grinned and then went on to explain the shower setting, and then started to walk away. "Case, Why didn't you send me away?"
Casey was still for a moment, and turned around slowly. "I don't know, but that thought didn't even enter my mind when I saw you last night. You needed someone to talk to, and I …..didn't mind being there, okay?"
All he wanted was to beg her to come back to him, to let him thank her properly. He was oh so grateful, so turned on, wanted to touch her soft skin, wanted to kiss her. But he couldn't seem to get those words out, plus she would think of it as him trying to ignore his Savitha issues with her, which was not true, so he just pushed aside the wild thoughts. "Thanks, I hope I didn't make you feel like I was using you as a distraction. I don't know why I came here, but if I had wanted a hook up, I would have gone anywhere but here. I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you for not shutting the door on me."
She smiled, "You were surprisingly quite sweet drunk; you weren't too hard to take care of, and no worries, you had quite an emotional week."
Did she actually enjoy taking care of him? And why did that make him so damn happy? "Well, I will tell you, you're brave. Because I can be so obnoxious, I hope I wasn't too much of a creep."
Casey laughed silkily; it was such a sexy sound. "You called me a babe, but clearly that was the alcohol, right?"
Derek choked on his saliva, after everything she did for him she at least deserved something kind from him. "I may be many things, but I don't lie while I'm drinking, so I must think it deep down," he said honestly.
Casey blushed, "Oh, well, um that's nice of you. Anyway, get ready, and come join us when you feel like it," and she left him.
This was probably a mistake, but he ended up smiling. He wasn't allowed to be near her at work, so he was going to have breakfast and enjoy whatever time he had with her. As he thought back to their almost kiss, he realized she was attracted to him in the very least. It made him happy, and at the same time, it would make ignoring her so much harder.
Casey stood there outside her room for a moment, letting her heart nearly flatline. He was about to kiss her, oh his magnetism was so strong , she couldn't stop herself from leaning into it. She felt warm and fuzzy, oh she wanted that kiss, but at the same time, he was going through so much. She would end up regretting it, questioning if he was just trying to get over the shock of seeing Savitha by distracting himself with her. But that almost kiss had more electricity, more intensity than anything she ever felt in her entire life.
Casey wiped away any emotions and went to the kitchen. Emily just grinned when she saw her. "Oh hey, how much did he freak out?"
"Quite a bit," she said with a little smile, "But he's staying for breakfast."
Emily nodded and went towards the door, putting on her coat. "Great, well everything is done. You won't believe this but I got called in to work. Big emergency at the magazine," She had that secretive smile on her face.
"Wait, you're leaving me? I can't just be alone with him, it's so improper," she said in a hushed tone.
Emily laughed, "Casey you had him sleep in your bed, I think professionalism left 12 hours ago, you'll be fine. I want the details when I come back." She stopped as she heard the water running, "Oh my, he's showering?" and she burst out into laughter as Casey glared at her, "Well he's just making himself at home, isn't he?"
"Emily, please don't leave," she begged hysterically, she couldn't take any more intimate moments with him. And as much as she tried to keep her mind from wandering, imagining him in her shower was too much for her.
"Casey I really don't want to be the third wheel, but a little advice. Go get beautified in my room, you can't have your first date with him in sweats. I mean don't get me wrong you look stunning but come on, this may be the only chance you get to have a sort of date with Derek Venturi."
"it's not a date! Shut up," she said frantically. She watched as Emily waved goodbye, and disappeared. Oh god, Emily set her up and badly, she was so going to get her back!
Without taking a moment to think through the implications, she ran into Emily's room and borrowed a nice, simple blue top and stole back her own jeans. She found herself brushing out her hair, putting on a little bit of lip gloss, some mascara, and rushed back to wait for him.
When he came out of the room, he took her breath away a little. He looked rested, and really he should have come across as less intimidating with his fresh face, and slightly tasselled wet hair, yet he was even more dashing than ever.
Casey immediately stood up, feeling a little frantic. "Come sit, as promised I made you a smoothie."
He moved slowly, his brown eyes sizzling with undercurrents of something dangerous, "How does someone like you know how to make hungover smoothies?"
She fiddled with a napkin, "I had a few wild nights, and swore I'd never get that drunk again. Emily occasionally needs it too."
He drank slowly as he looked at her, and made a face, "This is so disgusting," she laughed a little as he quietly surveyed the room, and then darted her a guarded look, "Where did Emily go?"
Casey looked away and nonchalantly explained, "She had a work emergency, but trust me her pancakes are to die for."
"Oh," he suddenly looked extremely nervous, "I can go, I really don't-" he started to get up but she reached for his arm and pulled him down.
"It would be a shame to waste all this food," she hated how desperate she sounded. "Come on you must be famished."
She didn't let go of his arm right away, it felt like was moving through a fog, so difficult to think clearly. He relaxed and then smiled charmingly. "Alright, no need to beg for more of my presence, I'll stay," he chuckled lightly.
"I'm not begging, I just think you should fuel up after the night you had," she said with as much conviction as possible.
"Well then I'm digging in, "she watched as he quietly filled his plate up, and he sighed after a moment of silence. "Are you just going to watch me pig out or are you going to eat?"
Casey looked away abashadley, and they ate in silence. She watched with mute fascination as a little bit of syrup clung to his lip. Oh the desire to just trace her tongue along his bottom lip was so outrageously powerful. He kept looking at her too, smiling a little, chewing carefully. She got up and poured him some coffee and he thanked her. Seeing Derek in her apartment while intimate, it felt really nice. That almost kiss seemed to play over her mind, did she call him Der? Maybe she was blushing a little, and to her mortification was chewing her lip, which he noticed. It was a constant back and forth of staring at the other's mouth, it was ridiculous.
He laughed off the tension, "I thought for sure you'd be one of those annoying, yappy morning people. You are surprisingly quiet."
Casey took a bite of some fruit on her plate, "I do love mornings, the sun just coming up over the horizon, the way sunrises make me feel like anything could happen, birds singing, it's just magic."
"I stand corrected, you're even more annoying in the morning," his smile was so delicious and vivacious.
She urged her heart to keep beating, "You can't deny that I've been just pleasant this morning, I gave you my bed, brought you coffee, and now I'm letting you eat at my table, I'm not always this nice in the morning."
He leaned back a bit, smiling ruefully. "I won't deny it, lets hope no one ever finds out, because next people will be saying we are secretly married."
Casey snorted, and spat out her orange juice. It wasn't that funny, but it was either that or blush up a storm in just thinking of them being married.
His mouth dropped open in surprise, as some of it got his face. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry," she said with mortification.
"That was so classy," he laughed loudly as he took a napkin and cleaned himself up. "But to be fair, I did the same thing this morning so now I feel we're even."
She felt a tide of embarrassment consume her, but he quickly moved along. "So, how are you? Haven't really gotten a chance to talk to you after the rumor."
"Um quiet, I just lay my head low and work hard, but yes it's been a little awkward. George came to talk to me and reminded me to stay away from you because you couldn't afford to have anything else mess up your reputation. I promised I'd stay away."
Derek dropped his spoon on the ground, and rolled his eyes. "Why is everyone so obsessed with us?"
Casey tried not to smile, but it seemed they weren't helping the rumor lately, and it filled her with delight to realize he was just as annoyed by them having to keep distance. "He just wants to protect you, I understand." But I don't want to stay away.
"Out of all the things he could protect me from, you are probably like the most ridiculous one. You're not a distraction to me, okay? I mean I think we …" he drank his juice, as he thought of what to say, "yes maybe you make my job a little more interesting, but from that to thinking you would be the thing to break me is ridiculous. It's because of you…." And he stopped.
She sat up alertly, "Tell me," she pleaded.
He sighed, leaning back and looked at her for a long time. "It's because of you I haven't quit, you helped me realize I do like my job . if anything he should be thanking you."
Casey's cheeks burned, "Is that really true? You didn't quit because of what I said?"
Derek smiled, "Well, I hate to admit it, but you're annoyingly convincing."
Casey felt she would burst with giddiness. "One of my special skills, well I'm glad you stayed. I wouldn't want to work for anyone else, as much as you drive me crazy, it just wouldn't be Venturi Firm without you." And that was the sad reality, she liked working for him, could there ever be a world where working together and romance actually be possible?
As if he was thinking the exact same thing he slowly stood up. "Thanks," and he looked at his watch, "Um I'm sorry I really should go."
Casey walked him out, and they were quiet the entire way. "So, I guess this might be the last time I see you in a while, right?"
He stood by the door entry, and then slowly shook his head. She could stay this way with him forever, just looking up into those eyes. Her hear raced as a slow burn smile crossed his face. "Sorry to disappoint but I'll be at your court hearing, and I'll be conducting a review of your performance, so get ready for me to scrutinize every move you make."
Casey beamed more than she can control, it should have terrified her but as she saw the way he was smiling at her, that twinkle of excitement, she realized he wanted to be there for his own pleasure. "Really?"
He nodded cheerfully, "Yup, George and the entire firm can go suck it, but I have to be there for that. You are representing me, so I'll be there."
She melted over the way he was looking at her, oh stop it, please. "You're a rule breaker Derek Venturi."
"The best," and he winked. He reached his hand out to give her a cordial handshake, "Well, thanks again. I could have ended up in a ditch somewhere, and I didn't."
"Again, it's no problem." She had the sensation that he was pulling her into him a bit. She got caught up in his molten gaze. Neither made a move to let go, but the intensity was bulldozing her in a moment.
"And you're sure there's nothing you want as repayment?" he murmured, it sounded like he was daring her to ask for something unnamable.
Casey just colored as he traced her hand with slow, delectable touches, other than kissing you? "I meant what I said… you don't owe me anything. I am not like Savitha," she said slowly.
Derek's entire expression turned intense, and she thought maybe he was about to get upset, instead he nodded, "Well, I hope you're not," and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze and let go in slow increments.
As he lingered over her, she realized the emotional vulnerability made her attachment for him grow, overflow in her entire soul. "Derek," she said with finality, "you know I'm not or else you wouldn't have come to me, deep down you know I'm someone you could trust," and she turned away from him before she revealed anything else.
Derek was a very flawed guy, so complex and not at all someone she'd ever envision herself with, yet a part of her wanted to push through that barricade he made for himself, and she wasn't sure how much more she could control from now on. The more she discovered, the more she wanted something so wretchedly, wanted his trust because it seemed it was the one thing he would never give. She wanted it, more than anything, because that would be the only key to his unattainable heart.
Author's Note: I loved writing this chapter so much. In showing Derek's back story, this unlocks the rest of the story and it will be my favourite part of this story from now on. Thank you for all the support 3 Please let me know any thoughts.
Thank you to my loyal commentators, I love your enthusiasm for this story, it's because of you I have inspiration to write this story when I know it's very niche. I'm loving the process, thank you!