A/N: Yay! Here's chapter three. I won't be able to update for a while because I'm gonna be going on a vacation for a few days. But I'll try to update as soon as I get back, okay? Please don't hate me. Lol.

I'm kinda sad because I didn't get reviews for chapter 2 as many as I did for the first chapter. Didn't you guys like it?

Well, on with the chapter. Hope you'll like it. And thanks a bunch to those who reviewed for chapter two, both here and over at LJ. You guys rock!

Meredith lay in bed, feeling cold and empty despite the fact that the covers were pulled up to her neck. She stared up at the dark ceiling. She felt like crying. Physically her desires had been satisfied by Derek's skilled knowledge. But she hadn't been lifted to the blissful heights of a spiritual union. That only happens when there was love involved. Tonight, however, was just a mutual satisfaction of sexual desires and nothing more.

Derek lay beside her, their bodies not touching. Both of his hands were raised, his head lying on them. Meredith cast a sideways glance at him in the dim light. The gloomy expression on his face told her that he might also be experiencing the same reaction.

Moments later, Derek tossed aside the blanket draped across his waist and swung his feet to the floor. Meredith turned her head to look at him.

"Where are you going?" she asked softly. Something in her felt that if Derek would hold her in his arms, the aching emptiness inside her might go away.

"To find a spare blanket and a hard floor. The mattress is too soft." He spoke in a low cynical voice, walking towards the door. "I'm used to firm beds. That's what comes from spending too many nights sleeping on trees and hard ground." He stopped at the door. "You have part of your wish, Meredith. The bed is all yours. You can sleep alone."

As the door closed, Meredith felt a chill go through her. She turned her face into her pillow, curling her body into a tight ball of pain. She forced herself to sleep to numb the ache in her heart.

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Meredith was awoken by a hand gently, but persistently shaking her arm.

"Miss Meredith? Wake up, please."

She slowly opened her eyes, her lashes fluttered, slightly shaking her head to get rid of the sleepiness.

"Mary, what is it?" Meredith's eyes focused on the panicked expression of their housekeeper. She dragged the covers over her as she became aware her naked state beneath. She suddenly became conscious of the condition of the room. It was a mess, her and Derek's clothes scattered all over the place.

The older woman bit her lip, uncertain of what to say. "It's Mr. Shepherd."

"Derek? Why? What's wrong with Derek?" Meredith shot up, propping herself up on her elbows, confusion chasing away her sleepiness.

"He's…um….sleeping….in the…um…library." Mary's face suddenly became beat red. "He has a blanket over him but….I think….he's not…um…wearing an…anything."

Meredith swallowed back her smile. Mary Schneider was one of those old fashioned women. Never married, the woman was probably appalled at the sight of Derek sleeping with nothing on in the library.

"I see," Meredith nodded, trying very hard to keep a straight face.

"I think you should….probably be the one to wake him up. Mr. Stanton will be here soon. Mrs. Shepherd had a few things sent over yesterday for Mr. Shepherd. I placed them in the closet." Mary informed her.

"Ok. Thanks," Meredith replied. "Oh, and Mary," she called as the housekeeper was walking towards the door, "you should probably tell Mrs. Shepherd to buy a very firm mattress, one that's as hard as a rock."

"Ok. I will," Mary answered.

She waited for Mary to exit the room before getting up from the bed. She got her robe and threw it over herself. Then she went over to one of the closet where a few of Derek's clothes were placed, grabbed his robe and a pair of boxers and headed downstairs.

Meredith stopped at the door of the library, her hand over the knob. Her body froze in tension and her stomach twisted at the sudden attack of nervousness. Forcing herself to ignore the feeling, she turned the knob and walked into the library. Her gaze immediately focused on the floor, to the open area in front of the fire place.

"I figured Mary would send you in," Derek's voice mocked from the side of the room.

Meredith tuned in its direction and saw him leaning on one of the tall shelves filled with books, a dark green blanket wrapped around his waist. His wavy locks hand been finger combed. Meredith swallowed hard.

"So, you knew she came in?"

"Yes, but I decided to pretend to be sleeping to save her from embarrassment." He admitted with a mocking tone. All those months in the jungle had sharpened his senses, making him more sensitive to all kinds of sound and movement, especially during sleep.

Derek was looking at her face. Meredith wasn't quite sure, but he looked as if he were searching for something. It made her uncomfortable and suddenly wished that she had put on some clothes before coming down.

"I brought your boxers and robe." She held it out to him, her hand slightly trembling but Derek didn't notice. And when he made no move to take it, Meredith was forced to walk to him.

Self-cautiously, she looked away when Derek reached down to unwrap the blanket around his waist. Her face colored as she averted her eyes.

"It's safe to look now." Derek taunted when he finished.

She flashed him an angry look then turned away. Her pulse accelerated in nervousness. His hand touched her shoulder and she moved away.

"What? I can't even touch my wife now?" He cursed under his breath.

She turned, her green eyes wary. "I don't feel like I'm your wife, Derek," she said tightly. "I don't feel like I'm married to you."

Fires immediately blazed in his eyes. "You are married to me," he stated and walked passed her towards the door. Yanking it open, he called, "Mary! Bring some coffee into the library for me and my wife." With obvious emphasis on 'wife.'

"Michael is coming and I still have to shower and change," Meredith reminded. She didn't want to spend any more time with him.

"We still have an hour before he comes." Derek caught her arm and released it right away.

Seconds later Mary walked in. She hurriedly carried the tray of a coffee service and two cups to the small table beside the leather couch. Then she left right away, clearly still embarrassed for what happened earlier. Derek walked to the tray. Lifting the coffee pot, he filled the two cups and handed one to Meredith.

"Black as I remember, with no sugar."

"Yes, thank you." Meredith took the cup and saucer from his hand.

Derek took a sip from his cup. "Ah….I've forgotten how good coffee can taste in the morning." He mused.

"I thought you don't forget anything." She couldn't help retorting.

"I don't forget the important things." He replied plainly.

With a broken sigh, she wandered towards the window overlooking the massive front lawn of the house. The memory of the last time she stared out the particular window flashed in her mind.

"What are you thinking about?" Derek was close, only a few steps behind her.

"Nothing." She lied, feeling his gaze roaming over her. The last time she was here was the night of her engagement with Michael. That was just a night ago, but to her it felt like years ago.

The cup nearly slipped from her fingers as she felt his fingers brush against her hair. Her throat constricted, shutting off her voice and her breath.

"Have I told you I like you hair this length?" His low voice was husky, sending shivers down her spine. He had noticed.

He lifted her hair aside and pushed it away from her neck. She felt his warm breath against her skin, and then she had a glimpse of the waving darkness of his hair in her side vision. Her heart felt as though it had been knocked sideways as his mouth sought and found the sensitive and most vulnerable spot at the base of her neck. She felt weak all over, her head tipped down and to the side to give him freer access.

The cup rattled on the saucer, but she managed to hold on to it. His arms wrapped around her waist to draw her back close to him. And for a second, she was transported to another world. Then a hand slid under the fold of her robe and the arms suddenly felt strange.

"Derek, no!" she weakly tugged at his wrist. He was too strong for her.

She gasped as his mouth moved upwards to her ear. Her body felt boneless. It was a dizzying sensation, drums pounding in her ears.

"Do you remember the way we used to make love in the mornings?" Derek murmured against her temple.

"Yes," she moaned, she remembered all too well.

With one fluid motion, Derek had taken the cup away from her. It took insignificant force to turn her around. She lifted her head, subconsciously bracing herself for the punishment of his rough kisses. Her fingers held on to his shoulders for support.

He teased her lips. "After last night, I thought I had you out of my system," he said against her lips, "but I want you more that before."

A half-sob came from her throat at the absence of any mention of love. But in the next second, she didn't care anymore as his mouth was over hers in a sweet kiss. The kiss wasn't demanding, only a coaxing pressure for her to respond. Her lips parted willingly, surrendering to his drugging kiss. Her fingers found their way through the thickness of his wavy hair. His earthy masculine scent invaded her nose.

His mouth trailed down to explore the pulsing vein in her neck. "Did Michael ever make you feel like this?" he challenged.

Meredith caught her breath sharply in pain. She pushed out of his arms and stared at him with wounded pride. "Was that all this has been?" she rasped, a mixture of hurt and anger in her eyes. "To prove yourself better than Michael?" Then in her mind, 'Hadn't it been anything more than that?'

"Did he?" Derek ignored her question and repeated his.

"You'll never know," she chocked her answer, her temper rising. "Maybe he made me feel better."

His breathing ragged. He took a threatening step towards her; his featured had changed with anger. Meredith knew it was useless to try and run away. So she stood her ground, refusing to be threatened by him. Just then there was a knock as the door.

"Who is it?" Derek demanded, casting an angry glance as the door.

The door opened and Michael walked in. "I'm a bit early, I know. But I had to come here as soon as I can to warn you that the press has gotten word that something's up with the company, but they don't know it's because you're back, yet." He stopped, looking at Derek, and sensing for the first time the heaviness in the atmosphere. "Mary said you were here. I….I didn't think you'd mind….if I joined you." He quipped hesitantly.

"Of course not." Meredith was thankful of the diversion, and quickly seized the moment as an excuse to leave. "I'll leave you two to have your coffee."

"I hope you're not leaving because of me," Michael frowned.

"No," Meredith gave him a reassuring smile. "I was going upstairs anyway to get ready for brunch. I'll be down in a while." She said before she exited the room, avoiding Derek's mocking gaze.

Once she was dressed, Meredith slipped Michael's ring into the pocket of her jeans. She hoped that sometime during the day, they would have time alone, to have the chance to return it to him.

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But it was already late in the afternoon when she finally had the chance. The press had inevitably learned of Derek's return. And for the most part of the day, they were busy answering questions from the media people, both personally and through the phone. Derek answered each question in concise sentences, with no elaboration.

Finally, at five in the afternoon, the press seemed to have died down and the house was again back to its normal quiet state. Caroline Shepherd, who had insisted to serve coffee and snacks to all media men who came over, was now busy helping Mary clear away the mess.

The phone rang and Derek answered it, when it appeared to be another interview, probably the last one, Meredith opted to go help clean up the mess. However when she noticed Michael slip away to the library, she excused herself, knowing she might not have another chance to speak to him alone.

Michael was pouring whiskey for himself when the door opened. "Would you like to have a drink?" He asked when he looked up and saw Meredith entering the room.

"Yes, pour me champagne?" She quietly closed the door, shutting out Derek's voice from the living room.

"Sure thing." He said reaching for another glass. "It's been a hectic day, huh?"

"Yeah," Meredith walked over to take the champagne glass from his hand.

"Derek sure does know who to handle himself with the press," Michael remarked.

"Yes, he does," Meredith sipped at her drink.

There was a moment of silence; neither of them knew how to continue the conversation. Meredith placed her glass on the counter, deciding to be the one to break the ice.

"Michael," She started, "I've been wanting to see you today, alone," She reached into her pocket and retrieved the ring, "to return this to you."

He took it from her hand, looking boyishly uncomfortable. He rubbed it with his thumb and stared at it, not wanting to meet her gaze.

"I don't want you to get the idea that I was brushing you off yesterday," His voice uncertain, still looking down.

"No, no, no," Meredith shook her head. "I'm sorry too."

"Hey," Michael finally met her gaze, reaching over to put a hand on her shoulder, "I know how you felt about Derek. I can never compete with that. I didn't want to stand in the way. I want you to be happy. You deserve to be." He looked at her sincerely and Meredith gave him an understanding smile.

Michael smiled in relief. "You must be really happy that he's back."

"I…," she was about to repeat the positive words she had been saying to the press all day but she couldn't. Michael had become her best friend over the years, she could tell him anything. "He's changed, Michael."

"Well, considering all that Derek has been through, it's just natural that he did," he offered.

"I know, but –" she let out a frustrated sigh. She couldn't find the words to explain.

"Hey, come on," Michael gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder, "you and Derek care so much about each other. You'll work out your differences. You just need a little time, you'll see." He reasoned. "Now, how about you flash me a real smile?"

Meredith smiled; his positive attitude had affected her.

"There it is!" he grinned.

"Thanks, Michael," Meredith said sincerely and gave him a hug.

At that time the knob turn and the door was opened by Derek. He froze at the sight of Meredith in Michael's arms. She paled as she saw how hard his jaw was clenched. But his emotion was well hidden when he spoke. "Is this a private party or can anyone join?"

Meredith withdrew her arms from around Michael and took hold of her champagne glass. With that comment from Derek, she knew that he wouldn't be throwing any fires just yet. And for the rest of the evening, through dinner, Derek put on a pleasant attitude.

It was already late in the evening when Michael left. And as his car backed away from the driveway, Meredith started to walk towards the living room when Derek grabbed her arm. They stopped in the hallway.

"Stay away from Michael." He commanded, his gaze hard and merciless.

"What?" She was outraged. All the blame for the innocent encounter was placed on her. "I can't just stop talking to him!"

"Whatever relationship you had with him before is over now," Derek stated coldly. "From now on, he'll simply be an acquaintance to you."

"That's impossible!" Did he want her to dismiss Michael as quickly as a snap of the fingers? "I can't just forget what he meant to me!"

His hands forcibly dug into her arms jerking her towards him. And before she knew it, her lips were crushed by kiss angry kiss, telling her that she was his and erasing any memory of another's mouth.

Meredith pushed hard on her chest, escaping his embrace. Taking a step backwards, she glared at him.

"You – " she began with weak rage.

"Don't push me, Meredith!" Derek warned.

They stood there glaring at each other in dead silence. Meredith didn't know how long the battle of wills would have continued if his mother hadn't showed up.

"Derek, Mary told me that you had some blankets brought to the library. Are you going to sleep there again tonight?" Caroline frowned.

"Yes mom, I am." He replied plainly. "It's better to not sleeping at all."

"I suppose so," his mother sighed in reluctant agreement. "Goodnight, then."

"Goodnight, mom," Derek turned and walk away.

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Meredith woke up the next morning and immediately prepared for work. When she went downstairs, Derek was nowhere to be found. When she asked Mary, the older woman informed her that Derek had gone out saying that he had a meeting with the family attorney. Meredith just nodded, grabbed some breakfast and headed for the office.

She walked down the corridor to her office, keeping a steady pace as she greeted various employees.

"Good morning, Diane," she greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning, Mrs. Shepherd," the younger woman greeted back, beaming at her. "You're in good spirits this morning."

"Yes, I am," Meredith agreed. She had a good night's sleep and she luckily evaded the expected clash with Derek this morning. So, in a way, she was happy, at least for the moment.

"Your good spirits wouldn't have anything to with Mr. Shepherd coming back, would it? Diane asked with a knowing twinkle in her eyes, and then continued, "All of us here are happy that he's back safely."

"Yes," Meredith nodded. "Any messages for me this morning?" she changed the subject. "Any calls?"

"No messages, and…only one call," the secretary replied, "but Mr. Shepherd already took the call."

"Mr. Shepherd?" she repeated. "You mean Derek is already here?"

"Yes, he's in the office." Diane motioned towards Meredith's private office. "He told me to let you in when you arrive."

For a few seconds, Meredith was too stunned to speak. It was her office, her pride protested. And her secretary was giving her permission to enter it. She green eyes darkened with bitter rage and irritation. Derek had moved in and managed to convey the impression that she moved out. Without bothering to knock at the door, she yanked it open and saw Derek sitting behind the massive walnut desk – her desk! He looked up when she entered, an arrogant brow raised. This blew the fuse to her temper.

"What are you doing here?" She demanded.

"I was about to ask you the same question," Derek countered with sickening calmness.

"This happens to be my office and that's my secretary outside!" Meredith retorted. "And those are my notes!" She added motioning to the papers he held in his hands.

He leaned back in the swivel chair, looking at her with little emotion. "I was under the impression that all of this," he waved his hand in an encircling gesture, "belonged to the company."

"I happen to be in charge of the company," she reminded him.

"You were in charge of the company," he corrected. "I'm in charge now."

"You're taking over," she repeated, her anger becoming uncontrollable. "Just like that?!?"

"Yes, your job is done." Derek shrugged. "And you did an excellent job from what I've seen." It was a compliment but the way he said it only made her angrier.

"And what am I supposed to do?" she demanded.

"Go home." His frowned, as if not understanding why she was upset.

"And do what?" Meredith challenged. "Sit around the house the whole day? Mary does the cooking and cleaning. It's your mother's house, Derek. There's nothing for me to do there."

"You can go to the school and start teaching little kinds again or you can start looking for a house of our own," he suggested. "That's what you wanted before, right? A place of our own that you can decorate the way you want it?"

A part of her still wanted that, but not as much as she did before. "That was before, Derek." She argued. "I've changed. And if we did have a house and the decorating was all done the way I wanted it, what would I do then? Sit around and admire my decorating skills? No, I enjoy my work here. It's demanding and it's fulfilling."

He watched here with narrowed eyes. "What you're saying is that you enjoy the power that goes along with it."

"I enjoy the power," Meredith admitted without hesitation, her chin raised in confidence. "I also enjoy the challenges and the responsibilities that come with it. Not only men have the right to feel those emotions."

"So what are you suggesting, Mer? That we reverse our roles? That I find the house; do all the decorating?"

"No, I didn't say that." Now she was confused. She didn't know what the solution was.

"Maybe you'd like me to take another flight to South America and not bother to come back this time?"

"No, I wouldn't – and stop twisting my words!"

Tears flooded her eyes, all the emotions in her was become too much to control. Looking away, she frantically tried to blink back the tears, not wanting Derek to see them. The swivel chair squeaked as Derek rose and approached her.

"Is this the way you handle business disagreements?" He taunted.

Meredith didn't answer and kept her face away from him. His thumb and fingers clamped on her chin, forcing her to face him. "Do you usually give in to a female display of tears when you don't get what you want?"

There were too much tears in her eyes that she could barely see his face. "No," she retorted, pushing his hand away from her chin. "Do you always attack on a personal level when someone doesn't agree with you?"

He let out a long sigh, and then his fingers curved to the back of her neck, forcing her head in the space between his neck and his shoulder. An arm wrapped around her to draw her close. She felt him place a light kiss at the side of her head, just above her ear. His embrace was strong and warm but Meredith refused to give in to Derek's attempt to comfort her.

"Would you mind telling me what the hell I'm supposed to do about this?" Derek muttered.

"I don't know," she sniffled, her hands shook as she wiped her tears.

"Mer," Derek held her face with both hands, wiping a way her tears with his thumbs. His features softened at the sight of her teary eyes. Then the phone rang. Derek moved and held onto Meredith's hand as he quickly moved towards the table, pulling her close behind him.

"Yes," he irritably pressed the loud speaker button.

"Um….Mr. Stanton wanted me to tell you that everyone's already in the meeting room, waiting for you." Diane informed.

"Meeting? I didn't schedule any meeting for this morning." Meredith's browed furrowed.

"I called it." Derek replied plainly. "Ok, tell them I'll be there in a minute." He hung up.

"You weren't going to tell me about the meeting, were you?" she accused.

"No," he replied.

"Never mind, it doesn't matter anymore. I'm out and you're in." she said dismissingly, snatching her hand away from his.

Derek raked a hand through his hair, rumpling into an attractive mess. "What am I supposed to do, Meredith?" he demanded impatiently.

"That's up to you," she shrugged, pretending to be unmoved amidst the fact that every part of her struggled with the prospect of the empty life ahead of her. "If you don't mind, I'd like to borrow your secretary. A letter formally tendering my resignation will be on your desk when you return from your meeting." And before Derek could say anything else, she turned at her heel and rush out, slamming the door behind her.

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Right. That's it for this chapter.

Yeah, Derek's been acting like a jerk, but I guess that's because he'd been really jealous of Michael. And he's a little angry with Meredith for moving on, but he can't really blame her. He knew he was gone for three and a half years! And that everyone really believed he was dead. But I hope that you saw how the 'real' Derek comes in from time to time (the library moment and the one in the office).

And as for Michael, I knew I had to get him out of the picture. I was thinking of whether he should exit as a good guy or a hateful guy. But in the end, as you've read, he was a good guy. He and Meredith had become good friends over the years. And he understood from the start that Meredith loves Derek. That was shown in chapter one. He knew that she wasn't sure of the engagement in the first place because of that.

As for Meredith, the original story was really old fashioned, so her character was supposed to be a housewife. But I didn't want that. So I just slipped in there that she was a teacher before (perhaps kindergarten). I don't know if you guys like that. But I could just picture Meredith being a cool teacher. Heehee!

So…what do you think? Reviews? Yes, please. Go on now, click the itty bitty purple icon beside the 'Submit Review' at the bottom of the page. Lol.

Next chapter (needs reviews to get me started, hehe!): Meredith calls Michael to meet her somewhere. What does Derek do about this?