Chapter 4: Spiraling

Derek put his pants on hurriedly, this was a mistake. A stupid mistake.

"Derek," Vivien murmured softly, "That was….incredible, you don't have to rush out of here, just stay, sleep here." He turned to look at her, her blue eyes pleading, her black hair in disarray. Vivien was a personal trainer at his gym, and after the sucker punch his father gave him, he just needed anything to take away that feeling of rage. She'd given him her number a few times, and he finally gave in. The only reason he went with her was because of her eyes. Although Casey's eyes were unique, beautiful, and let's face it, completely bewitching, Vivien had enough resemblance that for a moment he could pretend she was Casey. God, this maddening desire for her was driving him to the edge. Her face clouded his mind the entire time, but now reality hit. And as he studied Vivien, he groaned inwardly, while beautiful, she didn't come close to Casey in any way.

"I'm sorry," he said apologetically, "I need to run, uh I'll call you," he said with his usual charming deception. "That was fun," he said reassuringly. She gave him a hopeful smile, and then he left.

As much as he told everyone how much he loved screwing around, it honestly felt empty, but for a few moments there was escape. He went home but avoided everyone, more than usual. Marty and Edwin tried to get him out for the weekend, but he just shut himself in. He was in turmoil, angry, now that he had time to process what his dad had done, he felt sick with rage.

He barricaded himself in his room, he wanted to be left alone, but Abby came in with a guilt riddled expression. Oh great, here comes the smothering. "You knew didn't you? I just can't catch a break," he groaned loudly.

"Derek...sweetie, I love you. You're my precious boy, you know that...but your father isn't entirely to blame. I know he can be brute and rough around the edges. He was reluctant to give you a chance at all after everything that happened with Savitha..."

He snapped, "Don't. Don't fucking bring that up, get to the point will you? Why are you all so set on ruining my life?"

Abby reached for his hand, "I believed in you. You're capable Derek, it was my idea to test you. Your father was just going to pass completely over you just because you've had a few rough years. And I suggested it as a way for him to give you a chance. I know he hurt you, but he loves you Derek. I mean, did you forget everything he did after..."

Derek laughed dryly, "Please, he was just trying to cover his own reputation. He told me repeatedly how much of a burden I caused for him, so don't give me that excuse for all the years dad has treated me like dirt."

She was tearing up, "He made mistakes, but he knows now I was right. He's proud of you Derek," she assured.

He scoffed, "Yeah, right, it would be more likely to see a purple giraffe with wings than to get his approval. And I can't believe you'd be okay with the fact I was basically made to be a fool for months. You saw me literally dying of stress, and you didn't bother to give me the heads up. Leave, mom. You both screwed me badly, and you know what the worst part is? I'm not entirely surprised...why wouldn't I be betrayed by my own family?"

Abby flinched as if he'd slapped her, "Derek, that's not fair. You have no idea how proud I am of you, you're the light of my eyes, and seeing how you've buckled down completely shows me you do have what it takes. Your father has made some comments, such as 'you were right, I shouldn't have judged him so harshly, he's actually excelling,' his words, not mine. Please believe me, while we both may treat you differently, we want the same outcome."

Derek just turned away from her, "Just go mom."

"Tell me about her," she said quietly.

"What?"

"The woman that you're father is freaking out over, the one you're actually considering putting your full trust in."

He froze, "There's nothing to say, Casey is just a woman that wants to work. She is the real deal, wants to make a difference. And she's...unique, she was worth betting on. She won't fail mom, if that's what worries you."

She squeezed his shoulder, "That's not what worries me. No woman will ever be good enough for you in my eyes, and well, just be careful darling. Don't even think of going there, getting involved with Casey could be catastrophic, she works for you."

He laughed with contempt, "Casey means nothing to me," he said with difficulty, "No need to worry. Casey is not what I want or need, just drop it. Leave, please."

Abby kissed his head, and left him. Typical, his dad was too much of a wimp to face him, sending his mom in to cover up for his deeds. He felt worse, and he couldn't see this spiraling feeling going away anytime soon.

On Monday he was set on starting the week as if nothing happened, but Ricardo came and talked to him as if nothing happened. How could he have kept the truth from him? No wonder he had trust issues, and then he knew, no one was going to get pleasantries today.

His phone range, and he answered surlily, "What do you want?"

"Mr. Venturi," Casey's voice stopped the anger for a moment, "I'm sorry if I got you at a bad time. I just wanted to see you for a moment, I have some questions."

As much as he wanted to see her, he was too wacked to be able to trust himself around her. "Um, can you ask Ricardo? He's your supervisor….."

"Oh, right. I'm so sorry," she said nervously, "I just forgot, since I've been dealing with you. So sorry Mr. Venturi."

Derek felt horrible, "It's cool, but I'm swamped Casey. I'm sorry, but right now some things have come up that um will get my full attention, don't come to me unless it's urgent. This is not just for you, it's for everyone."

He could hear her breathing deeply, "Oh, well if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thanks," and he just hung up. He worked in silence all day, barricading himself in his office. He did his usual check ins, but that was as much as he could do.

When he went to get food in the break room, Casey walked into him, holding a tray of food. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, I almost spilled my soup on you," she said anxiously.

His breath caught his throat as he took her in. It was the first time he'd seen her hair down. It was long, and dark in slight waves that tumbled down over her chest, it framed her face so nicely. He felt like an idiot, staring at her but he couldn't help it, she looked radiant. And she was biting her lip, completely unaware of how provocative that was for him. He just wanted to pull her close and hold her. He couldn't remember the last time he wanted to hold anyone, but somehow knew she was the only one that could take this torment away. He felt a blush go over his face as she smiled a little, and then he shook his head, snapping out of it.

Derek glared at her, "Walk with your eyes open next time," he said bitterly and she looked completely thrown off by his tone, and before she could say anything he left.

For the next week, his interactions with her were short and he was a jerk to her, he knew it. She'd walk past him and say good morning with a smile, and he'd just roll his eyes, "Can you please stop being so damn cheery? There's literally nothing good about this morning."

Another time he walked past her as Ricardo was talking to her about something, and when Casey looked at him he just glowered at her. Ricardo noticed him, "Well, I'll leave you to it, and he walked off."

Casey smiled at him, but he crossed his arms angrily, "Damn it Casey, what are you smiling about? I'm clearly in a horrible mood, so I'm sure Ricardo was just charming you wasn't he?"

Her smile vanished, "Oh, no it's not what you think..."

He just walk past her, and muttered, "Right."

Another time Casey brought him a coffee, and he basically handed it back to her, "I don't need that, give it to your supervisor I'm sure he'd love that. Just leave me alone, stop trying to be so nice it's driving me crazy!"

Casey was clearly shocked by his behavior, and mumbled a "Sorry," and walked off without another word. He knew he was being a jackass, not just to her but to everyone. He couldn't stop it.

Ricardo came in one day and lightheartedly gave him a report on Casey's first case, "She's something else, let me tell you. I took her to the case room to select her first case, and I was honestly shocked by the one she chose. She's defending a Guatemalan man; he was apparently accused of breaking into a store and stealing. Apparently he was just walking by when the police got him, and he swore he didn't do it, but there were witnesses that said it was him. For some reason she picked it up and said, 'he's been racially profiled, I'm defending him.' She seemed so sure of it. What I found interesting is that there were several harder cases to choose from, but she seemed set on working on that one."

Derek tried to mask his intrigue, god she was different, and that turmoil in him was threatening to burst from his chest. His gut feeling was right, she was actually empathetic, and felt a tide of pride sweep over him, but as Ricardo stared at him, he just covered it up with a groan of annoyance, "Great a social justice warrior, she's going to be annoying for sure."

Ricardo then stunned him, "I think she's fucking adorable, she's intense about everything she does it makes her extremely attractive, and of course she's a man repeller. She has made it known she's not here to charm anyone, that's rare…I like her I'm going to be more clever on how to get her to notice me," he said with clear infatuation.

Derek's anger was now poisoned with jealousy, it burst out, and he stood up angrily. "Ricardo for once in your life, could just stop being you? If she said she isn't here to charm anyone, then fucking listen, leave her be and stop drooling over her, it's pathetic. Cleary she's serious, and that's why I hired her, just do your fucking job and leave her alone, alright?"

Ricardo looked schell shocked. Derek had always avoided challenging him because of their friendship and it was the first time he'd ever snapped completely. He was pissed that Ricardo kept the trial period a secret, and then he just had to go on about how adorable Casey was, it was the last straw.

He stood up, and gave him a resigned look, "Wow," he said with intense surprise, "Derek you're right, I'm sorry I'll be more discreet about these matters. I guess sometimes I forget that you're my boss now, I will try to be more mindful. Sorry man," And he got up, and left.

Derek was angry, there was no denying it anymore. Bitterness went through him in hard surges, his father's twisted game had played a number on him, and he felt awful. But now he couldn't stop, his anger spread to the point, where he even snapped at Melody. Melody was literally the sweetest receptionist ever, but it was like he couldn't stop it. He was out of control, and the more out of control he felt, the more he needed Casey. Needed to be close to her, needed to hear her voice, needed her to an unbearable degree.

So he aimlessly went to her office, trying to think of an excuse to see her. He knocked timidly, but didn't hear anything, so he opened the door slowly. Casey was on the computer engrossed on something, but when she looked up, she froze.

"Derek," she scrambled and paused whatever she was looking at. "Can I help you?"

Derek moved closer and she looked intensely nervous, avoiding eye contact. He looked at her screen, and to his surprise she was watching one of his trials. He felt the anger draining, "Learning much?" he managed to say, as she nervously sat down.

"Um yes, this is a fascinating case. I've been trying to study as I prepare to go to court, I hope that's okay," and like a frightful bird, she slowly looked at him.

He smiled, for the first time all week. She was fucking adorable, and already felt so much better, "So, do you think I'm any good?"

She nodded, looking at him shyly, "You're persuasive and surprisingly smart," she said with a sudden groan, "Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you weren't-"

Derek chuckled leaning over her, "I know I don't come off as a geek like you, I understand the confusion. I'm not smart, I'm just a good actor."

She was starting to relax and smiled up at him. "Why do I get a feeling you were that cool type, the type that never studied and slacked off?"

He leaned up against the wall and laughed, "I hated school, I managed to skate by and pass everything, my father was just so impressed," he rolled his eyes, "So the fact you think I look smart means I know how to play the part of lawyer."

Casey studied him, and he felt a prickle of awareness go over him, "That's not an act, it's who you really are, I can tell. You're naturally gifted, as for me, while I can study all day long it's application where I always suffered."

That had to be the first genuine compliment he'd ever received, he was actually taken back. "You're blind," he said with a little a smirk, "I try hard, but thanks."

She held his gaze, god she was so beautiful, she took a deep breath, "Do you need something?"

Yes, you. "Just wanted to check in, Ricardo told me you chose your first real case. Excited?"

She smiled and handed him the case file to look over. "Yes, but it will be difficult, I'm currently trying to get his alibi but he was alone at the time of the scene, so I'm trying to talk to people before and after, trying to get anyone who saw the break in."

Derek felt pride go over him, seeing her so intent and focused made him smile. There really was no way she would fail, "Oh I'm sure you'll get to the bottom of it, well, I'll let you get back to it," he hated having to leave, but he couldn't find any other reason to stay without it seeming like he wanted to just spend time with her. As he moved away from her, he heard her stand up abruptly.

"You're giving me whiplash," she said with frustration.

He turned around to find her pale, and shocked, as if her words stunned her. "What?"

She fidgeted with her hair, "You have been snapping at me all week, and then you just come in as if nothing, it's confusing. Have I done something wrong? I get the feeling you're angry with me for what happened with your dad."

Derek groaned in frustration, oh she was the one giving him whiplash, he was out of his mind. "You haven't done anything wrong, Casey. I'm sorry, but I don't owe you an explanation. My moods are none of your business, and like I said it's not expected of me to be sweet or polite, I just came in to do my job and check up on you, that's all. As long as you are doing your job, that's all I care about, I'm not here to be chummy with you."

Casey's face turned red, oh no she was going to challenge him, he didn't know if he could handle that right now, "You're right," she said bitingly, "I shouldn't have expected anything different than what I got from you from the start, silly me," she said huffingly and sat back down and pulled out her case file, "Now if you don't need anything else, I need to get back to work."

He wasn't going to blow up at her, because there was a chance he'd pounce on her, so without another word he just left. Being with her for just a moment was nice, but it wasn't enough, he was so messed up.

2 weeks earlier

Casey couldn't sleep, she was distraught, confused. All weekend she tried to get Derek out of her mind, she couldn't believe he hired her against his father's wishes. It was upsetting to know he got in so much trouble for her sake. She did want to quit, but when Derek told her to stay, it made her heart ache profusely. When she told Emily, she was completely shocked.

"Wait, he fought your dad to keep you on?"

She paced around frantically just recalling everything he did for her. "Yes, and I feel so guilty now for the way I've behaved around him."

Emily sputtered with surprise, "So much for him being a complete jerk, it's like he's got all these different personalities."

Casey was completely confused, "Yes, now you see why I've been so rattled? How can the guy that calls me a princess, and enjoys provoking me and making me angry, also be secretly sweet? If his dad hadn't come in, I wouldn't have ever known the trouble I caused him."

Emily just sighed with admiration, "So he's a hot CEO that is secretly sweet to the core? God, that must be frightening."

So frightening. And that feeling of fright stayed with her all weekend long. When she saw Derek, it was as if she got struck with lightning, she couldn't help contain feeling shocked. She had no idea how to address him after everything that happened. Oh, he was dangerously attractive. And then, he just snapped at her, and that confusion only became more insane. She tried being sweet to him, tried to smile, being polite, but he kept responding in such a snarky manner. All week he was basically non existent, not that she was on the lookout for him. But his absence could be felt, and it would have been different had he just smirked at her or given her a little eye roll, anything but that anger. He must be angry at her for the trouble she caused, that was the only explanation.

Thankfully, her first real case gave her the push to stop thinking about him so much. When Ricardo helped her select, there were five, but for some reason Luis Rodriguez's case pulled at her heartstrings. How unfair to just be pulled from the side of the road, interrogated, handcuffed just because he was close to the scene, and because he was racially profiled. She needed to help him, and it bothered her that it was deemed so unimportant to the other lawyers. They all fought over the cases that could make them the most money, it was obvious. Ricardo spent most of the week being intensely friendly with her, checking up on her, giving her suggestions, his black eyes sparkling with that flirtatious undertone, and then all of a sudden it stopped, which she was glad for.

On her downtime, she'd watch Derek's trials, she couldn't seem to stop watching them, they had become so gripping. She told herself it was for educational purposes but she was so pulled in by them, so invested in Derek's lawyer persona. So she was shocked when she looked up and Derek was right in front of her. Oh no. She felt frantic, nervously trying to move away from her desk so he wouldn't come to her, but he did. She thought she would die of embarrassment over being caught watching his video, and who knows what kind of mood he was in. To her total shock, he was smiling at her and it made her mind stop working. He looked even flattered, and he went back to being nice, it rattled her, made her crazy. She couldn't help but question him. He was right, it was none of her business, but she couldn't seem to separate her emotions, couldn't seem to just put that wall up of, "he's my boss, and that's it."

The following week there was no change with Derek. She attended her first staff meeting, there were 100 lawyers in that room, and Derek came in with a somber expression. He looked around the room as he greeted everyone, and then turned to Ricardo, "Want to go over the agenda? I'm not feeling the best," and he sat down and smiled plainly around the room.

Ricardo looked startled, but promptly got up with that charming smile and broke down the important issues. Casey was trying to listen, to go through the points of discussion, but her attention kept going to Derek on several occasions. He looked detached, nodding in agreement to what Ricardo was talking about. As the other lawyers piped up with concerns and questions, Derek answered without a trace of emotion.

Ricardo then very charmingly, motioned to her, "Some of you might not have gotten a chance to meet her, but that's Casey McDonald, she's the newest hire, and so far we're all extremely impressed, " and he eyed Derek, "Aren't we Mr. Venturi?"

Casey felt a slight flush go over her cheeks as Derek looked at her, a little smile went over his face, "Well she hasn't burned down anything, as I recall Stevens over there exploding the microwave on his first week, so I guess it's been a success so far for Miss McDonald," It was the only trace of humour he'd made that day, and people chuckled around her, and she tried to laugh, but she was mesmerized by that twinkle in his eye. "Yes, I'm pleased with her work ethic so far."

His words caused her heart to rattle, "Thank you," she said with as much charisma possible, "I'm so happy to be here." When she looked at him, it was as if the distance of the room didn't matter, his gaze smoldered the breath out of her. Seconds felt like eternity, as if they were suspended in time. He looked away abruptly and that stoniness came back for the rest of the meeting. It was completely perplexing, as if he'd come back from the dead for a moment, but then returned to that strange detachedness.

After that meeting, Derek was a ghost, and the few times she saw him he would just walk past her without sparing her a glance. She didn't question his behaviour as peculiar until she went out for lunch with Melody. Her sea glass eyes were round, and completely emotional.

"Are you okay? Melody I know we've only known each other a couple of weeks, but if there's something bothering you, please know I'm someone you can trust."

She picked at her salad, warring with herself before sighing. "Oh Casey, it's been a rough couple of weeks. I've never seen Mr. Venturi this way."

Casey dropped her fork, and tried to look nonchalant about the topic, "What do you mean?"

"I guess you haven't spent too much time around him, but he's had a temper like you wouldn't imagine. He's been short with everyone, keeping himself locked in his office and whenever I try to tell him anything, he gets mad and says he wants to be left alone, to not disturb unless it's an emergency. I've heard him yelling at Ricardo a couple times, or anyone that comes in to his office unannounced. Something must be bothering him, but in all the years we've worked together, he's never treated me that way, as if he hates my guts, " she sighed heavily.

"What?" She was truly surprised.

Melody nodded, looking embarrassed, "It's weird…..I've seen him through a lot, I mean we even went out a couple time and I've never seen him like that."

Casey stared at her, "You went out with him?" she didn't mean for her voice to come out all squeaky.

Melody smiled a little, "It was a long time ago, it was a couple of dates but it was clear he wasn't interested in anything more, and it was shortly after…..well, he's been through a lot. So, to tell you this is the worst I've ever seen him says a lot because I've seen him through a lot of stages. Don't worry, there's nothing between us now, it's cordial and professional ever since he took over. I mean I'd be lying if I said I wasn't attracted to him, I mean who wouldn't be? But I respect him, I swear."

Casey tried to process the information, for a moment felt jealous over them going out which was ridiculous, it made sense Melody was stunning and sweet, why wouldn't he try dating her? "So he's been a jerk to everyone?"

Melody nodded, "I mean I don't want to talk bad about him, but yes he's been off."

Casey felt a little relief knowing it wasn't just her he'd been snarky to. " I noticed the few times I saw him, he seemed angry, but I mean he's always been a little um off with me, since that interview to be honest. I mean, he's had his nice moments don't get me wrong, but I don't have a reference to look back on since we definitely don't get along. I didn't realize he was treating everyone else like that."

Melody looked surprise by that, "Really? You seem so lovely though, that surprises me I thought for sure he'd like you."

Casey smiled timidly, "Oh he dislikes me as a person, but that's okay I still respect him. Do you have any idea why he could be acting like this?"

"None, but it all started after his father came that one time and went to your office, what happened Casey? Maybe that's why Derek's so angry now."

A blush went over her face, guilt consumed her. Yes it's all my fault he's been so upset, probably because his father is bullying him around because of me. "His father was angry at him, that's all I know," she fibbed. "Has anyone asked him what's wrong?"

Melody nodded, "Yes but he refuses to talk to anybody."

They went on to talk about other things, turns out Melody was hurt deeply by Ricardo, they actually had an affair for months, and she actually began to fall in love with him before he ended it with her. "Trust me Casey, if you can avoid it, don't get involved with coworkers, it's so messy always, and while I knew what Ricardo was like, I still fell for it."

She felt that warning hit her over the head, and she reached over, "Don't feel bad giving into a weakness, some men are just too charming for their own good. You're clearly too good for him, he's a fool for not seeing how amazing you are. And I want you to know, you've found a friend in me."

Melody smiled, she was so beautiful, seriously, Ricardo was a blind idiot. Casey felt a swell of happiness knowing she'd found a friendship in the most competitive firm in the country, and that was rare.

For the rest of the week she thought of what Melody said, and she found herself trying to run into Derek. One morning she did, she was waiting for the elevator when it opened, and he came out. He looked weary, exhausted and gave her an arrested look, "Hi," she murmured, "How are you?"

He laughed under his breath, "Just peachy, and I'm sorry but I'm in no mood to exchange pleasantries, alright? I will say I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from Ricardo, a little too much honestly. It's annoying hearing him go on and on about you."

Casey felt annoyance go over her, "Do you not agree with his feedback?"

Derek laughed sarcastically, "Like I said, I think you're doing fine, I thought I already told you that. Don't expect me to give you gold star stickers every moment of every day, I do have a life. I'm sorry princess, I'm sure you're used to being over admired, but no not everyone will just clap and cheer for every little thing you do, and certainly don't expect it from me."

Casey felt a tightness in her throat, and she just moved past him with a huff, "No need to be such a jerk alright, I just asked a question." She bit her lip, oh god she just called him a jerk out loud?

Derek laughed, "You're such a drama queen," he teased and moved past her without another word.

The rest of the day she felt like a slow cooker. The anger and frustration over Derek's treatment was getting the best of her. She was so done with the whiplash, and when Melody mentioned Derek yelled at her again, that was it. She hit her limit. Derek needed someone to put him in his place, and she was too angry to stop and think of the ramifications.

Casey went past Melody with a haughty expression on her face, "I'm going in," she said decisively. Melody got up and held her arm.

"What do you mean? Casey he doesn't want to be disturbed," she pled.

"Well, he's getting on my nerves. I can't work at a place with a boss who's just lashing out, why does everyone fear him so much? I'm going in." Derek was going to get a piece of her mind.

Melody tried to hold her back, "Casey, don't, he'll somehow get upset with me."

"Tell him you gave it your best but I couldn't take no for an answer, which is true."

Melody sighed, "Oh god, okay, please be careful Casey."

Casey took a deep breath and barged through the door, and slammed it shut behind her. Derek looked up from his desk and seized her with an intense look. He got up angrily, and approached her with quick strides. Oh, he was angry, but she didn't care. "Hi Derek," she said calmly, "I need to speak to you, it's urgent."

He looked deadly and intense, but for some reason it didn't make her fear him. She felt a pull, a reaction so strong it made her faint, as he bolted her with a heated gaze."Casey, what the hell are you doing here? Didn't anyone tell you; I don't want to deal with anyone right now. Leave me a message if it's urgent."

She tried to push through the feeling of unwelcomeness, but it stung. "I must have missed the memo," she said darkly.

Derek paced back and forth in front of her, he looked completely rattled. "If you don't leave, I'll have security take you out. Leave, now."

Casey took one step forward. "Call them, I dare you. I'm not leaving."

He was agitated, breathing sharply, "Don't test me Casey, I don't want you here. Leave."

Casey felt that fire ignite within her. This was madness, yet she couldn't leave. "Call security, you can take me out of here kicking and screaming, but I will return. I'm not scared of you. You've been cursing and treating everyone here with the heel of your foot, and it's got everyone completely worried. You've terrified all of them. I guess I'm the only one brave enough to come in here."

Derek suddenly move forward and she moved back hitting a wall. He towered over her, his anger was veiled with something else, something dark and primal. "You are so annoying, infuriating-why the hell do you care if I'm okay? Just leave, wasn't that part of the agreement, I hire you, you leave me be?" His eyes flashed with intensity, and she couldn't look away as hard as she tried.

She felt a rolling heat go through her, and kept the eye contact, she wasn't going to back down. "I don't care about you, I'm not doing this for your benefit, but because I care about this firm. If you're disgruntled, so is everyone else, and they don't deserve to be yelled by you. I'm used to your random outbursts of personality, so go ahead insult me, tower over me all you want, but I'm staying put."

His breathing changed as he stared at her as if he was daring her to defy her more. There was something more disturbing in expression than anger, he looked like he was moments from killing her with his bare hands, but then his gaze drifted over her face in slow motion, and he was staring at her mouth. What was he doing? Her heart rattled like a caged bird.

"Casey," he said gutturally, as his gaze snapped away from her, breathing harshly. "Just please go. I don't want to say or do anything stupid that I won't be able to take back. Please whatever you want in exchange for you to leave, consider it done. "

Casey couldn't leave, she was planted there. He looked so upset, and now he looked like he was actually afraid of her. She couldn't help but care about him, and in a voice so soft and tender, one that she didn't recognize, she said, "from our past interactions haven't you realized if you say something stupid I always end up doing the same?"

He just looked at her with frustration, she could see him clenching and unclenching his fists. "You're stubborn as hell, clearly you can't take a hint. I'm in no mood to be around you. Casey, you're crazy. For the love of god, leave, I can't stand being in the same room as you alright, you irritate me, you make me want to scream. Please stop staring at me and trying to analyze me, it's none of your business how I move around here. Go do your job and leave me alone."

Casey saw something then, something hurt and fragile in those astonishing eyes. Even though he insulted her, she found herself smiling tenderly at him. "Derek. I know you and I are very different, we don't get a long but I'm a great listener. One of my special skills, and if there's something troubling you, well you can tell me."

Derek's anger melted away and a little smile went over his mouth, oh he was so handsome, "I don't know you, why the hell would I tell you anything?"

Casey took a step closer to him, she felt like she was cornering a tiger, "Because you are one moment away from exploding, don't let whatever is bothering you simmer any longer, you could end up becoming a lunatic. Please, I promise, you can trust me," she said softly, she couldn't believe she was saying any of this, nothing she was doing made sense to her.

Something she said made him look up at her alertly. Tingles went up her body the longer he studied her. He ran a hand through his hair, breathing deeply. "Fine," he gave in, and pointed to the couch. She sat down and he followed her. He didn't look at her, kept his gaze intent on the window. "I'll tell you but if you so much as breathe a word to anyone…."

She shook her head adamantly, "Please, I have better things to do than talk about you."

He glanced over at her and sighed. "You met my dad, he was a joy wasn't he? Well if you think you got it bad, try being his son. I found out my dad has been testing me this entire time. I wasn't really the CEO ever, he just told me I was, and told everyone else in this god damned firm that he was still in charge. For months, I've been working like hell to try to prove to them and him that I'm not just some spoiled rich kid with daddy's company. He made a fool of me. He made a new agreement with me that instead of a year test, he would only do it for only 8 months, as if I was just some lab rat. I'm burned out, and the worst part is no one else knows that I know about his testing. I'm pissed at everyone, but mostly myself. I was an idiot for thinking he actually thought I could handle it."

Casey felt a burning wave of compassion, he looked so upset, so unlike his usual confident self that it overwhelmed her with sadness. She placed a hand on his arm, "I'm so sorry, that would make anyone snap. Even though this was all a test, your father must have had some trust in you to make that decision. And he must be impressed on some level if he shortened the trial time. I understand why you're angry, but it's not like everyone here was in on making a fool of you, they were following orders from their boss."

Derek groaned deeply, the lines of his face were etched with stress. "I don't think I have it, Casey. I don't enjoy this job, I don't sleep, I can't even get away with my siblings for a weekend. Work is my entire life, and then I find out it was all some twisted game. I expected to feel betrayed by anyone except my own family. I feel like I'm just staying out of pure stubbornness to prove him wrong, and well…other things that have made me care a little, but the job itself is driving me insane."

Casey's body moved closer despite her rationality, she gently rubbed his arm and he wasn't pulling away. "Do you care about this firm?"

He stared at her hand as she touched him, and she was embarrassed by it and pulled away slowly, "I don't know," he admitted.

"I find it had to believe that you don't on some level care by the way I've seen you move around here. You do have it Derek, it's just you're trying to do things the same way as your father, and it's not your style. Maybe you just need to find your own identity, but I truly think your father must see something valuable in you. He wouldn't leave his legacy even temporarily in someone's hands he absolutely didn't trust. Change the course a bit, be you." She couldn't believe it, she was consoling him, and the worst part was she meant every word.

He turned to look at her and a soft smile went over his face, making her all jittery. "You aren't lying….."

She shook her head, "I'm a horrible liar, you'd know."

He broke out into a grin, "Good to know," she felt the space shrink around her as he watched her. It dismantled her. "I'm sorry about the whiplash," he muttered.

She waved her hands in a dismissive nature, "No, you were right. It's not my place question the way you um deal with me. And I certainly don't expect things to change after this talk, alright? I mean I admit I was angry when I first came in, but … I'm just hot headed. I'm sorry for being so stubborn, it's another huge weakness of mine, and when I saw how upset you were, I just needed to help. "

He laughed a little, it was a deeply seductive sound, "Oh you're hot headed, stubborn, all of those things, but they aren't weaknesses. Luckily for you your little outbursts don't phase me, so I don't expect you to change either. I should warn you if my father comes around, maybe try to reign in that feistiness he might not be as entertained."

Casey blushed intensely, " I would never talk to him that way, and I shouldn't be with you either, but you have to admit you don't exactly refrain from um pulling that side out of me."

His eyes speckled with playfulness, "Oh I'm totally guilty, don't worry I get it."

This was more like him, and a softness went through her. Relieved to see Derek be himself again, or well one of the many sides she'd come to discover. A dull ache went through her imagining his life, the heaviness he carried, and living constantly under the thumb of a legacy. It was a wonder he could even smile at all.

He smiled down at his lap, "Well, thank you," he said after a moment. " I hope you get this needs to stay between us, if anyone else found out I that I know about the agreement and that I could potentially be taking over soon, it could create some drama."

"Secret is safe with me, " she assured, "But maybe you need to change your attitude, they're going to find out you know by your jerkish tendencies."

He grinned, "Yeah I guess that was unusual. I'm mostly pissed at Ricardo to be honest, he is one of my best friends and he kept this from me. I can't believe it, but the only person that is loyal is Melody and….I'm hoping you are too."

She wasn't surprised Melody was loyal, "You hired me against your father's wishes, how could I ever turn on you?"

His smile faded and a grieve stricken look went over his face, "Oh you'd be surprised how often people turn when there's power or money in the mix."

Casey couldn't think clearly, the need to convince her overpowered her senses, "Well, I could never, I will always be grateful to you for hiring me, sure you've been a pain, but that doesn't change the underlying ….um appreciation I have for you."

She looked up and his gaze made goosebumps go all over her. His smile was so luminous, so breathtaking. She smiled back at him, and it was as if a flicker of intensity got ignited. His knee brushed up against her leg as he moved closer. "I guess only time will tell," he murmured huskily and that same look came over as before, that dark look. What was that?

Suddenly a voice interrupted, "Well, Casey we should use you for our toughest clients, you managed to change his attitude quite quickly. Is that a smile I see?" Ricardo stood at the door with an impish smile.

Derek threw him a glance, "Sorry for interrupting, um there's an emergency or else I wouldn't have barged in like that" he added.

Derek got up and just like that he put on a professional unbothered look on his face, "You didn't, she was just leaving," he cast her a pleading look and she stood up slowly.

Casey smiled at Ricardo, she tried to come up with an excuse for why she was sitting so close to him, but Derek beat her to it, "Well, you said it best Ricardo, she's doing a great job and well I like seeing people succeed, how could I not smile? I'm taking this a bit more personally since I'm the one that trained her."

Ricardo chuckled, giving Derek a friendly gaze, something she couldn't read very well. Everything in her was trying to fight a flush at hearing him compliment her. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I should get back to my work, thanks for seeing me on such short notice Mr. Venturi."

Derek gave her a cool nod, and she hastily walked away. The moment Melody saw her, she rose frantically, "I'm sorry I panicked that you were in there for so long and I called Ricardo to check up on you. Please don't be mad at me."

Casey couldn't be mad, Ricardo came in at the right moment. Their conversation was over, and everything felt so intense in a quick moment."Thank you, I'm fine I promise. He was definitely angry, but I think he just needed someone to give him a shake up."

Melody stared at her with disbelief, "You are something else Casey Mcdonald, you're so brave and …..I'm so amazed by how talented you are, and now I just went from admiring you, to loving you. Hope that's not too weird."

She laughed, "I love you too, believe me he won't give you a hard time again, no one messes with you Mel or they have me to fear."

When Casey made it back to her office she let herself breathe. She didn't know what madness made her ask him to trust her with his problems, but she couldn't stop the words. She wanted to yell at him at first, demand an explanation as to why he was treating her so poorly. But then something changed. She felt compelled to reach for him, wanted to comfort him so badly it overwhelmed everything else and that throttled her. It was clear Derek had a very hard life, and it explained his mood changes. She was angry at George for messing with him like that, how lonely it must be to suddenly feel he had no one to depend on. When she went to her computer, she had an email from him. Her heart pounded.

Thank you for your help Casey. Ricardo's right, I think you could really take on some hard clients. And because I can be generous from time to time, I have attached a case file for you. I think you may be the right person for this one. I know you're just dipping your feet in with one case, but trust me you need to practice multitasking because you will get to a point where you have 20 cases all at once. If you don't want it, that's fine I'll put it in the case room. See you around.

Derek Venturi

Casey beamed, aw, that was so sweet of him. A part of her expected to find a joke case file, another tedious assignment because honestly it would be on par with the rollercoaster, some sweet moments immediately followed by Derek pulling a 180. When she clicked it open, she was shocked. It was an intense family court case. Derek was definitely sweet underneath all that cynicism, but if she took the case then it was as if she was getting special favours from him. She didn't want to be seen with scrutiny by the other lawyers.

Mr. Venturi,

That does sound like my type of case, I just don't want to get a leap on the seniority list like this though. I can be patient, and I will take on more cases at your suggestion, but I want to get better on my own merit. I appreciate you thinking of me for this one though, but I need to pass. I wanted to be there for you, I don't want anything in exchange.

Have a nice day,

Casey McDonald

Derek moved back to his desk, wiping away any emotions. Ricardo silently observed him, "Can we talk?" He nodded and Ricardo sat down across from him.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have barged in like that, Melody was just worried about Casey being in here when you have been well….."

Derek smirked a little, "A total jackass?"

He smiled and leaned back on his chair, "Believe me, I deserved some of those comments. It's just…it's hard to separate the way I view you."

"I know, trust me I felt guilty as hell. I was just going through some family crap and well hearing you go on and on about Casey rubbed me the wrong way, but it shouldn't have. I just think we need to have better boundaries. We can talk about personal stuff from time to time, but we need to leave some conversations outside the firm."

Ricardo nodded solemnly, "Of course I understand. Can I be allowed one personal comment for the day?"

He laughed, it was hard to be angry after everything that happened with Casey, "I suppose, just one though," he teased.

Ricardo gave him a smug look, "I should have seen it from the start, of course you were annoyed with me. You like her."

Derek's smile dropped, "What?"

"You like Casey, look Derek I've known you a long time. I've seen you through a lot of shit, ever since that disaster. You and I are similar in many ways, and we like screwing around, which is why I can say so bluntly, you like her. And believe me, I'd understand it. I feel so damn bad for you, because you can't do much about it. "

Derek looked away and laughed loudly, "You're like a dog with a bone, she's not my type. You know that, I respect her, that's all."

Ricardo observed him, smirking slightly. "Yeah she isn't your type. The one night type, the one without any real personality or anything that could get you caught up, which is why she's got you rattled. And on top of that you're the CEO, must be irritating as hell. "

It was irritating as hell, but he couldn't admit to that, no way. This is something he couldn't even understand himself. "Ricardo, just drop it, I don't like her. Actually she irritates me, she's a total keener and perfectionist, and you wouldn't believe it but she can talk back and put me in my place in a moment. She's way too complicated, I want something easy. That's why she was here, called me out for being a jerk to everyone, you really think that kind of nuisance is something I want on the regular? I mean is she attractive, yes, but that's the only redeeming thing about her. Everything else about her annoys me. If you like her, I don't care go for it, but she's not ever going to pay attention to you."

Ricardo observed him for a long time, and he hoped he'd accept the bluff and let it go. "Alright, if you say so. I don't deny she rattles me, but you were right I should let her be. She made it clear she wasn't interested, so I'll just have to admire her in silence. As you are," he said with a little wink and got up. "Just so you know, if that is something you wanted, it doesn't have to be such a tragedy. It wouldn't be the first time an employer and employee got involved. I swear that's all on the personal for today, gotta go cross examine some witnesses."

When Ricardo left him, he finally sat back. What the hell just happen? He just told Casey the most private information, but for some reason she just tore through his defense with in moments. He tried his hardest to push her away, he threatened her, yelled, towered over her and it was clear she wouldn't budge. Madness consumed him, she was there in his office, giving him a piece of her mind, and all he wanted was to kiss her, wipe that look of confidence off her face and thoughts of taking her right there on his desk overwhelmed him. She was insane, but he seemed to like her insanity the more time he spent with her.

When she said she could be trusted, it shook him to the core. He hoped she was, oh he wanted her to be exactly what she advertised. He smiled as he thought of her and sent her an email, attaching a case as a peace offering, but to his shock she turned it down.

I wanted to be there for you, I don't want anything in exchange.

No one had ever done anything for him without expecting something in return, it confused him. Casey was different, and it just made him smile against his will. She was something else, and as he thought of the way she yelled at him, an irking sensation went over. Casey McDonald made him trust her within moments, oh god, that was the most terrifying thing. Trust had killed him once, and now Casey knew too much. As he thought of her and all that anger melted away, he hoped with all his might he was right. Please be different.

Author's note: Hi everyone, I hope you enjoyed this chapter :) Please let me know how you're feeling so far, this is a fun story, but I would love to know if this is a story worth continuing. I took a bit of a chance with this story, and I know it's not typical Dasey, which is why i would love to hear any feedback. The more I play with the characters in this word, the more I'm loving writing. Thank you to those that have supported it so far, it means so much to me.