Chapter 9: Law of Attraction
Casey didn't sleep for an entire week. Her case had come to a grand arrival to the court hearing, and she had been a pit of anxiety. She went home for the weekend to unwind, and her mom and sister had to give her several pep talks because she had multiple meltdowns. They had promised to come to the hearing in support of her, but really they had absolutely no clue how intense her whole life felt all of a sudden. The pressure of doing well for the most prestigious firm in the country was hard enough, but having these creeping, insane feelings starting to rise within her about her boss was another form of insanity her life just didn't need. She tried to shove those feelings in a drawer, and shut him out as if she was filing away useless information.
She had dreamt of Derek every night, and she'd wake up blushing and overwhelmed by the intensity of her response to dreaming of him that way. She wanted him, she tried to tell herself it was just physical attraction at this point, that after the almost kiss she couldn't deny that fact. She would walk past him, and just seeing his smile was enough to make her giddy for the rest of the day. Staff meetings were just torture, she'd see him looking over her way several times, those brown eyes were absolutely magnetic and she would get lost in them again and again. It took all of her strength to look away, but it felt like wading through a current, it was so hard to fight it.
She threw herself into her case. This case was pivotal not just for her career, and being her first to go to court was so vital. Amy Robinson, a 30 year old woman that had been stalked and harassed for almost ten years by an ex and girlfriend, and because of social class people believed she was actually the crazy one, and they gave her such a badcred that even her kids were taken away. She wanted to prove that Amy had been set up to fail. It was a taxing case, there were so many details and if anything got missed then the couple may be seen as innocent. She had gone through so many interviews, and Amy hired a private investigator, and she was certain this woman had been ruined through stalking, manipulation, harassment, and other tactics.
The defence lawyer's stance was that Amy needed mental health assessment and that all her stories were delusions and she wasn't stable enough to keep her kids. This case had everything she could ever want, and she knew from the beginning Amy was telling the truth. The evening before her court hearing, she went to her favourite part of the city to get a breather. As she was looking out into the city, she thought about everything, just hoping she didn't embarrass herself the next day. All she could see in her mind was letting down Derek in some way, the pressure was too much.
She was so lost in thought, when suddenly someone sat down beside her. She looked up to find a woman with long, dark hair, stunning eyes, and a vivid smile. "A lot on the mind? you look like you're about to smoke out of your ears," she said with an ethereal laugh.
Casey smiled uncertainty, maybe she just needed to get things off her head and this stranger was the perfect venting bucket. "Oh yes, about to have my first case as a lawyer, as you could imagine it's so stressful."
The woman studied her bluntly, "Oh I can imagine, what's your name and which firm do you work for?"
Casey ended up telling her, and then she realized her smile was tacitly in place, vapid almost. "You are the woman of the rumor."
Casey's mouth dropped, "What?"
"Casey McDonald right? I heard you and Derek Venturi were…involved. I've heard a little about him, if I were you, I'd stay away. I've heard he's ice cold, just a terrible human being."
Casey felt a prickle go through her, "Um, that rumor is false, also …..where did you hear it?" She realized at this point, she had said too much and started freaking out internally.
"I'm Silvie," she said warmly, "I am dating a lawyer from a different firm but names come up, small world right?" she said with a laugh. "Oh don't look so terrified Casey, it's a alright I won't tell a soul. I just wanted to give you the heads-up that Derek Venturi will hurt you, mark my word. You are too amazing of a woman to let a guy like him ruin your reputation," she got up slowly, and Casey just stared with astonishment. Silvie looked over her shoulder, "Don't let him near your heart, because he will shatter it."
Before Casey could even open her mouth, she left, as if she was a ghost disappearing into the night. She sat there and blinked a few times. Had her stress manifested itself into hallucinations? She was exhausted, tired, overwhelmed and she wouldn't have been surprised, but that woman's smile haunted her. Her words chased shivers up her spine. Who was she? She seemed familiar, but she couldn't peg from where. By the time she got back home she made a resolve to forget that weird incident, it wasn't real, all and she went to her bed and just tried to sleep, needed to because she was losing it. Of course her mind would make an illusion about Derek and what a danger he was, of course he was a danger but she couldn't seem to listen to that voice.
When she got to the apartment, Emily had made her a cake and she got sent to bed like a petulant child. She could barely sleep with all the emotions. It wasn't until she was falling asleep that she realized she had an email from Derek.
Casey,
Meet me tomorrow at 8:30, wanted to check in on you before your court hearing.
And you better get some sleep, it's an order I've been told you're barely alive these days.
Derek Venturi
Casey smiled, felt a surge of butterflies take over. He knew her too well, and she re-read his words. How could it be that just seeing him for one day was giving her strength? For the first time, she closed her eyes feeling entirely peaceful, everything was going to be okay because she had everything she needed to win.
Derek was nervous. He'd never felt so tense about another lawyer being in court, but he had seen Casey moving throughout the week, running around as if on fire. She was clearly stressed and he had to get Ricardo to check up on her several times. He would just say she was being Casey, being a total perfectionist. He wanted to talk to her beforehand, to give her a little pep talk, and while that was the professional reason, the real reason was because he missed her. He'd been completely distracted all week. He'd get up to do something and end up forgetting what he was doing, he would be talking to someone and he'd just zone out. His mind was just foggy, and all he could think about was Casey. As much as he tried to shake her out of his mind, she was clearly not going anywhere, more so when he knew that if Emily hadn't interrupted he would have kissed her. He felt agitated, cranky, completely losing it.
As he waited for Casey to come in, he paced around his office. He couldn't believe it, he was actually anxious to see her, he couldn't remember the last him he'd felt nervous about anyone. When she finally came in, he actually took a step back. She always looked gorgeous, but she looked so fiercely attractive that he felt sick. What was the matter with him? She was wearing a dark gray suit, but it was tailored in such a way that it made her look curvy. Her hair was curled in to lazy curls, this damning desire to run his hands through it vaulted through him. She smiled a little, but it was clear she was just nervous around him.
"Hello," she sighed.
Derek motioned for her to sit down, and tried to control his face into being professional, but he couldn't stop looking at her. "Big day for you, how are you feeling?"
Casey just blanched as she took a seat, "Not going to lie, I thought about calling in sick, but I was that nervous. I'm just trying to hold it together."
Derek handed her a glass of water and she drank it slowly, but she was visibly shaky. "I figured you would be a little nutty this morning," he said with a little smile, "but from what I've heard, you are ready. You know this case inside and out, just don't think so much. I know it's hard for you, but don't even think of the people around you. focus on Amy."
Casey smiled faintly, started fidgeting with her hair. "It's easy for you to say, you are probably used to not thinking at all," and he laughed, he couldn't help it. She looked instantly embarrassed, "God, I'm sorry I didn't mean to sound so rude."
Good thing she was adorable, "Well, you happen to be right, so no worries." She was clearly stressed out her mind, "Casey, you know what you're doing, must I remind you that you had no problem putting me in my place during our interview? If you could do that, then this is a piece of cake."
Casey blushed, and looked away, "Right, that was different though….I admit I wasn't thinking then, but I have so much to lose here if I fail. I don't want to sink the firm's reputation."
He leaned forward and waited until she looked up at him again. "You won't, now just do the same thing….get out of your mind and pretend you're yelling at me, and you'll be fine."
Casey laughed, her body seemed to relax, "Thank you, are you still….going?"
He grinned, he was unable to keep his face in check. "Oh yeah, have to be there for that. Maybe my presence there will make you all bothered and annoyed, which is perfect just channel it towards your case."
To his surprise, she shot up and paced around in front of him, "Just don't look at me too much, please….it will distract me."
He was deeply amused, "Why would it distract you?" he asked lazily. He couldn't help it anymore, the professional moments were less and less between them. He got up and moved around his desk until he was in front of her.
She stammered as he moved closer. "You're my boss…." She said with a little squeak, "and I don't want to mess up and if I know you're watching me I'll just get frazzled."
He noticed her breathing spike, her eyes darted around, her lips parted. Damn it, she was giving him that sexy, beckoning look and it was taking all of his strength to hold back from moving closer. "You look frazzled now. Am I really that intimidating?"
Her gaze dipped over him in a slow burn, "Yes, you're really unaware of how much impact you have over well anyone. You are more than just this spoiled rich guy, you have more influence than you realize."
His mouth dropped in surprise, one look at her was enough to realize she wasn't saying that for flattery sake, she actually sounded sincere. "Oh, well about time you realized how awesome I am," he teased.
"Oh, I'm aware," she answered quickly, "Is there anything else you need? I should get prepped."
"I guess not, see you in court. I have a feeling it will be highly entertaining, " he said with enthusiasm.
He walked her to the door, and just as he was about to open the door for her, she dropped the forms she was holding. She scrambled to pick them up, and he lowered to help her, "Oh I'm such a mess, why can't I just be normal?" she was clearly only talking to herself now, and he scattered to help her. "What was I thinking, me becoming a lawyer?"
Derek wasn't thinking and he took a hold of her hand, she froze in place. Her blue eyes looked hazy, and round. She was pale, her irises were dilated. He wanted to hold her so badly, but he let go of her and quickly picked up the pages. He suddenly felt bad that he was causing her more anxiety. "Casey….if me being there really makes you feel more stressed, and trust me you're kind of scary right now, then I won't go. I trust you."
Casey blinked rapidly, "You do?"
He smiled as he straightened up, and offered his hand to her. She took several breaths as he helped her up. She squeezed his hand gently, "Yes, I have no doubt in my mind you'll blow it out of the water, you've got this Casey."
She smiled slowly, and that cloud of anxiety slowly melted off her face. She let go of his hand slowly, "Thank you…..it means a lot to hear you say you trust me, and since you've been so sweet…..well, I want you there. Please come."
Derek smirked, "And you're aware I may annoy you?"
She laughed, that sound was becoming an addiction for him. "Wouldn't have it any other way, see you there…thanks Derek," she beamed at him, and ran out of his office.
Nothing could have prepared him for what came next. Casey walked in to court with lightning in her eyes. He had no idea what happened to the anxious, frightened girl he saw only hours ago, but she was nowhere to be found. She scanned the entire room, and when she looked at him, she blitzed into a smile that basically left him speechless. He managed to throw her a nod, and she took her spot beside Amy. He was highly distracted, but to his complete shock he looked out in the room, and realized Savitha was sitting at the back. He was extremely alarmed, and she seized him a demonic, sweet smile.
Derek got up, and with a smile approached her, "What the hell are you doing here?"
Savitha shrugged, "Checking out my competition," she said with a little wink, "she's a little too innocent for you, don't you think? She reminds me of a little sheep about to be devoured by a wolf. She doesn't seem like the firm's usual intimidating lawyer."
Derek glared at her, a protective surge went through him. "Look, if you're here to cause a scene, or to humiliate Casey I will call security to get you out of here. I do have a number of things I could charge you for, remember?"
Savitha smiled, "Noted, no worries you won't know I'm here."
Derek wanted to scream, why wouldn't she leave him alone? The sound of the judge starting things off disrupted him, and he turned away from her. He was terrified that she knew who Casey was, that woman could not be trusted in the least. He took his seat, and watched Casey protectively. She was busy looking over her notes, listening as the prosecutor went up.
The prosecutor was known for being sexist, and the moment he saw Casey, he probably thought he had won. He looked so cocky and arrogant, even called her "sweetheart" a couple times. To his total surprise, Casey stood up with a look that was anything but sweet and just shot him a look, "Why don't you let me speak, "sweetheart," she said angrily. James was clearly taken back, and Derek was just captivated. How wrong of him it was to assume that she was too "soft."
Casey got up and had the most intense presentation he'd ever seen, she managed to get so much proof, her questioning was on fire, not even for a moment pausing to give the guy time to lie himself out of it. When Casey cross examined witnesses she was clever, and unstoppable. He felt total pride as he noticed James starting to realize maybe he wasn't going to win the way he thought he would.
At the end, she stood up and looked at the jury was a determination and passion he'd never seen before. "Amy's life was a nightmare the past ten years because these two found ways to sabotage her life. Mr and Mrs Augustin wire tapped her, they stalked her, they did everything in their power to get Amy to snap , and they almost succeeded. This woman had her children taken away because she's been let go of every job in the past ten years, when they have had a hand in her dismissals, and yes she ended up having to go a mental health institution but only because they drove her to that point."
Derek just stared at her, and for a moment her eyes connected with his, and there was a light in her eyes as he smiled at her. "Amy Robinson is the strongest woman, because she never let them take away her strength. She seeked resources to combat her mental health, she fought against every single obstacle these two put in front of her, and she deserves to be able to have a peaceful existence with her children back. Imagine for a moment, this were your families destroyed by two individuals that only wanted to seek revenge for something that had little importance. I implore you, give Amy a chance to get her back life, those years are long lost, but she can start to leave that behind and live again."
James looked frantic, and he looked down at his notes with a severe expression. As the jury went to deliberate, Casey looked over at him and he couldn't help but smile at her. He tilted his head and she took it as her to follow him, she looked at him with nerves, "So….what did you think?"
Derek just flashed a smile, "What do I think? I think I know how to hire….."
Casey radiated with victory, "I don't know if I won, but I know I did everything I could to win."
Derek shook his head, he was overwhelmed by her, "If the jury doesn't side with her, then they are a bunch of buffoons, you were ...amazing."
Casey jumped on her spot with excitement. Her eyes blitzed with electric joy. Damn it Casey, stop being so fucking cute. He wasn't able to say anything else because he saw Savitha coming towards them, "Anyways, go back inside Casey. We'll celebrate later, alright?"
She looked a little confused, but spritzed back to her spot. He was going to give Savitha the cold shoulder, when she reached for his arm. "Don't fall for that, she looks like she's all about the power," and he didn't even have a moment to respond before she waltzed off. She was the devil, there to whisper in his ear anytime he was feeling too much for Casey, damn it he hated her.
He went back and tried to forget Savitha's words, from what he could tell she showed genuine concern for Amy, and it was clear Amy trusted her. A couple of hours later, he got to see Casey's entire face light up as the judge cleared Amy of all charges against her, and was granted custody. He watched her floating with unspeakable happiness, she threw him the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen, followed by her mouthing "thank you." He knew his gaze was locked in on her as he spoke to the judge and noticed as she went over to hug who he assumed was her mom and sister, they were all jumping up and down. To his total surprise, Casey's mother approached him and saw Casey trying to hold her back, clearly embarrassed.
"Mr. Venturi," she said with a huge smile, "I'm Nora McDonald, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for hiring Casey, she has spoken so well of you."
Casey tugged at her, she was blushing fiercely, "Mom, shush," she begged.
Derek laughed, "Has she? Oh no need to thank me, she didn't really take no for an answer, and well that kind of showed me she was right for the firm."
Casey smiled a little, and Nora seized her in a hug, "Oh Casey, I'm so proud of you," and she glanced at him again with total pride. "My daughter has dreamt of working here since she was ten years old, and because of you she achieved that dream. "
Derek was actually shocked, couldn't help but stare at her. "Since she was ten? Really?"
Casey mumbled shyly, "She's exaggerating, but yes I've always had my eyes set on this firm."
Nora giggled, completely unaware of their intense eye gazing, "Oh the moment she knew she wanted to be a lawyer like her dad, she was making little lists, she kept magazines about the firm, she has always known what she wanted."
Derek smiled, that was the cutest thing he'd ever heard. "Well, let me tell you after today you can bet Casey will make it big here."
Casey beamed, "Really?"
Nora whispered something in her ear, "This is the best day, we're totally celebrating Casey. Nice to meet you Mr. Venturi, thanks again," and she disappeared in search Lizzie and was left alone with Casey.
She seemed a little tongue tied, and he was having a hard time staying neutral when she impressed the socks off him, "How does it feel to win?"
Her blue eyes twinkled, and it only made his stomach tie up in knots. "Like nothing else in the world...thank you Derek. You have no idea how much..." she broke off, "how much you have changed my life. I um, should go find my mom before she thanks everyone in the jury next."
He laughed, he couldn't help it, "She seems a little too nice to be your mother," he teased, "and too normal."
Casey cocked her eyebrow with surprise, and she giggled. "Oh I know she had to endure a lot of melodrama with a daughter like me, but she's amazing...anyways see you back at the firm?"
He wanted to reach for her so badly, had this intense desire to celebrate with her alone. "Yeah, we'll do your review tomorrow, sound good?"
She gave him a cute thumbs up and went with her family. It was the proudest moment he ever had, to see her succeed was worth all the annoyances that came with hiring her. She seemed worth the risk.
Casey was on a cloud of happiness as she went out for dinner with her mother and Lizzie, she'd never felt this way, as if everything was a perfect and rose colour. She sipped on a mojito happily, just relishing the memory of Derek's eyes gleaming with pride. God, she won, and not just for herself but she proved Derek hiring her was worth it.
Nora leaned over and smirked sappily, "So, Mr. Venturi is quite the enigma," she ventured carefully, "and well he seems...truly invested in you."
Casey drank down her drink in a hurry, "Enigma how?" she squeaked.
Lizzie giggled, "That was her way of saying he's hot without sounding creepy."
Nora chuckled, "Well, he is easy on the eyes no one could deny that."
Casey gasped, "Mom, please don't talk about him that way, it makes me uncomfortable."
"Oh Casey, I'm sure you already noticed that, but more than his physical appearance I was impressed by how he carried himself. He's quite young to have a total legacy on his shoulder, his father must trust him a lot."
Casey knew she was smiling more than she wanted to, "Yeah, we are very different but he's really shown to be quite capable. He's very different than George, but they both seem to care about the firm in their own way."
Nora laughed, "I heard George is quite intense, but he looks much more...well lively."
Lizzie winked at Casey, "You should have seen them at the carnival mom, they went from almost killing each other to laughing a bunch, I saw them."
Nora raised her eyebrow curiously, "Carnival? Oh please tell me you're not thinking of him that way, talk about disaster."
She immediately felt protective, "Please mom, we just happened to run into each other, what was I supposed to do, ignore him?"
Nora continued smiling with syrupy undertone, "I guess he would be hard to ignore."
Casey snapped, "Okay, enough, are we celebrating or going to spend all night talking about Derek?"
"Derek?" Nora questioned quietly, "First name basis, I see, well just be careful darling, as cautious as you are about everything, you're not prone to temptation," she studied Casey and she just looked away, afraid she was showing too much longing on her face.
"Ew, mom please that's ridiculous, I just happen to admire him why is that such a crime?"
Lizzie reached for her hand, probably sensing she was unraveling, "Why are we still talking about him, let's just celebrate Casey's accomplishment alright?"
Thankfully, they let it go and she spent all night grinning, feeling so light and happy. She slept for the first time in weeks, and for the first time in a long time she was excited about her future. The next day she waltzed through the firm, she felt like she was in a storybook, birds, everything was gloriously bright around her. She flew threw her morning routine and heard a voicemail from Derek asking her to bring some forms up for him to photocopy. She was about to knock on his office door when she realized it was cracked open. Derek was talking to George. She was about to walk away, when she heard her name brought up.
"So, I think it's time you accept defeat," Derek said with pure mischief, "Casey is doing a lot better than most lawyers that have been here for years."
At first, she felt a warmth spread through her at hearing him sound so proud, but George quickly laughed, "This isn't over, she's going to mess up in a big way, you'll see and you would have lost the bet. Are you sure you don't want to give up before making a total fool of yourself? It was a lucky first case, doesn't mean she will always be that great."
Casey heard her heart breaking inside her chest, she held her breath, waiting for Derek to continue, "I'm going to win dad, so why don't you get ready to sign my new contract. In one month and a half I'll be the CEO, and at this rate Casey is proving that I was right from the start. I know what I'm doing, and you'll have to leave me alone from now on."
"Don't get cocky Derek, she will fail…are you really sure she's worth the price?"
"Oh yeah, no doubt about it," he said assuridley, "I mean look at her report."
Casey felt tears coming down, so that's why Derek had such an interest in her career? They were staking on her success. She felt a bitterness consume her, so everything the past few weeks was just him getting close to her to ensure he won? Even though he bet for her, he still participated and all for him to get his position quicker. Is that why he hired her, to have something entertaining to bond with his dad? What did his dad want if she had failed? The thoughts flooded her merciless. He was truly sick, horrible, the biggest jerk she'd ever met. She turned away and ran into Melody.
"Casey?" she asked with pure concern, "What's wrong? I thought after the killer job you did in court you'd be leaping through the firm. Why are you crying?"
Casey took a breath, trying to reign in her emotions, "Oh just….I'm so happy I can't help but cry, never thought I'd be here. I won my first case," she said with as much forced enthusiasm.
Unfortunately, Melody was too smart, "Casey, do you need to lie down? You're so pale. Here let me get Mr. Venturi."
Casey reached for her arm, "No! Please, do not bother him, I'm okay I promise. I just um can you give him this, he asked for photocopies."
Melody smiled a little, "Of course….do you want to go get some coffee?"
She felt so miserable, ready to burst into flames. Anger, disappointment, and pain radiated through her, "I'm okay, it's just been such an emotional day. I'm going to lie on my couch, I'm fine I promise," she gave her a quick hug and went back to her office.
She broke apart, just cried slumped over on her couch. Good thing she found out his true colors now before…..feeling anything more for him. She couldn't understand, he seemed truly …..proud of her in court, the way his eyes sparkled, his breathtaking smile, how he'd give her discreet little nods through out, it was all for show. It was all for his stupid bet.
The phone rang and she pulled herself up, "Casey McDonald."
"Casey, can I come down to do your review now?" she couldn't handle seeing him just yet, but she couldn't think of an excuse not to see him.
"Sure," she said flatly. She heard a brief pause on the phone, and a quick goodbye.
She needed to be as cold as him, enough of the personal entanglements. She let her guard down with him, and their relationship had changed. Not anymore, he wasn't going to get any more of her kind, gullibility, she was such an idiot to think he may be caring about her. The voice of that illusive woman came back, she was right Derek would just hurt her, and it was clear he had no problem toying with her. She gave herself a little pep talk and when he knocked, she strongly asked him to come in.
He came in with a smile, she hated that he was so handsome. His stark blue tux, his molten eyes, that lush smile obliterated. She absolutely loathed him. He looked at her with shifting curiosity, "You alright?"
Casey just smiled at him, but her eyes were as cold as granite, "Couldn't be better, please take a seat," she said with that same flatness. "I'm sorry to rush you, but I have a few phone calls I have to make shortly."
Derek sat down studying her for a few moments, "I was planning to throw in a few joke points, but clearly you're in no mood, surprisingly. Casey you won a case, what's with the frost?"
Why couldn't she be a good actress? "Frost? There's no frost, I just think meeting is serious, and I don't appreciate you trying to make jokes when all I want is for you to get it over with. Tell me what I need to work on."
Derek looked shocked, but he covered up it quickly, "Alright, message received. This is the first time I don't have anything negative to say in one of these meetings. You have surpassed all my crazy expectations Casey, you were charismatic, bold, clever on the spot, and just…amazing."
Casey tried to push away the warmth clouding her face, why was it so easy for him to just shake up her emotions, "Thanks, but there has to be something you're displeased with."
He looked so confused, the CEO mask completely slipping, and he looked annoyed. Good, be annoyed! "Actually yes, you were great in the court but right now you look like a robot, and I expect more respect from my staff when I'm taking the time to talk to them. Cut out the attitude will you or you can just tell me what's wrong."
"Oh but I'm just being professional, I've decided that I can't afford my reputation to be speculated anymore, and as much as I appreciate everything you've done for me, I think we need to stay to our agreement Mr. Venturi. I made George a promise, and I plan to keep it."
Derek's eyes became slits of heated smoke, and he got up slowly, "Oh I see, so you're deciding to be professional around me now then?" Casey willed herself to nod. "Great, about time, that would have been my only criticism, so you're making my life so much easier. I think we're done here."
Casey felt her wall falling around her, he actually looked upset, "Thanks for the review, I will work on my robot qualities," she said flatly.
He was about to respond when a knock at the door disrupted them, "Come in," he said snippily.
Derek just stood there, could feel his gaze on her like a fire. Ricardo came in with a bouquet of flowers, he looked at them, probably noticed their serious expression. "Oh…..talk about ice age, did I interrupt something?"
Derek stared at the flowers in his hand, "Oh nothing, just giving Casey her review…..what's with the flowers?"
Ricardo blushed a little and approached her, "Casey, this is just um, a little congratulations from me. I don't get impressed by many people, but I heard you turned heads."
Casey ended up smiling, completely surprised, "Wow, thank you Ricardo, that's so sweet of you."
Derek just rolled his eyes, and shot Ricardo a turbulent look, "This is a serious firm, not a garden."
Ricardo's smile didn't falter, "Oh I know, but come on she was amazing, admit it," he said with lightness. Casey felt a little winded, as Ricardo stared her down with over familiarity.
Derek just seemed even more agitated, "Well, she was fine, but I won't just worship the ground she walks on, I have better things to do," and he left, pulling Ricardo with him, "We'll get out of your hair, see you around."
Casey could feel her eyes tightening, damn it, she hated him. She hated him for coming in here and being so sweet, just for her to push him away and he clearly was annoyed. Why did he care so much if he just used her? She was so miserable and she hated that Derek had taken away any joy she felt about her progress. It now felt calculated, and it made her wonder if she truly achieved anything or if Derek had more influence than she thought.
After that day, Casey moved around like a shadow for two weeks. She had bailed and sent Derek an apology email for that day, he did give her feedback, and well she was rude. That was the last night thing she'd do for him.
Mr. Venturi,
Just wanted to apologize for the way I spoke to you the day of my review, I was going through personal matters and again, I let it affect my professionalism. I'm sorry. Thank you for all your support.
Casey McDonald
Derek didn't respond to that, but she did notice he'd smile at her whenever they walked past each other, and she was as cordial as possible, but it wasn't the same as before and he must have felt it. She couldn't seem not to care, as much as she tried. When she told Emily about the bet, she seemed to not believe that he would have done that, she suggested it was all a misunderstanding, but how could she misheard that? They clearly both said there was a bet and that Derek was currently winning. She had avoided him at every turn, during the staff meetings she barely met his gaze, she couldn't handle it. But just the sound of his voice was enough to make her angry and yet that anger was mixed with an unbearable longing.
She stealthily asked Melody how he was doing and she answered, "Scattered brained…he's usually on top of everything but he's been missing meetings right left and center, and he just seems….off, barely smiles these days. Just like I've noticed you've been….moody too…..don't think I haven't noticed."
"Me, moody?" she asked innocently.
Melody chewed on her pen, "Yeah ever since I saw you crying that day, you've barely spoken to a soul…..and Mr. Venturi's mood went down hill about the same time that happened, did something happen?"
Casey moved away from her, "Absolutely nothing, must be a coincidence," she said stubbornly, his drop of mood had nothing to do with her.
Missing him became illogical, but that's what happened, she hated him so much. One morning she was waiting for the elevator, when Derek came from around the corner, "Hey," he said with a small smile, "How are you?"
Casey smiled a little, she couldn't help it. She missed him, "I'm fine, how are you?"
He shrugged, "Oh just perfect," he muttered with a little sarcasm. The elevator door opened, and he motioned for her to go in, "Ladies first."
She avoided eye contact, feeling a volcano on nerves go through her without mercy. He came in like a ghost, and just pulled out his cell phone, which she was glad for. His scent was distracting, and she had to force her senses to shut off. She sneaked a peek at him, he was so stunning, and it didn't escape her that he was aware of her too, but his expression was extremely perturbed. He seemed highly disturbed by her presence.
And then the elevator just jolted, suddenly heard a jamming sound. Derek laughed, "Of course this thing would bust now," he said with afflicted pain in his voice as if being around her was punishment, and quickly called maintenance. "Yeah please send someone, I have a million things to do, and I'm just stuck here, pay them to get this done as soon as possible," when he hung up he finally looked at her.
"Well, this day just got so much better," he teased. And he crossed her arms and stood against the elevator.
Casey stammered, "How long did he say?"
"About an hour, geesh don't worry I won't bite, you look terrified," he said easily.
"Oh," she muttered harshly and looked at her shoes for a long time, "Just fantastic."
Neither said anything for a couple minutes, and she felt agitated and slowly she felt the gravitational pull of his gaze, and she slowly looked at him. "Should have taken the stairs," she rambled, "it's better for the heart, what was I thinking? And now I have to be in here when I am busy, my cases have just multiplied."
Derek's gaze went over her, making her hot, "So I've heard, you've been dubbed as the 'case hog' since you've been getting so many good ones, nice job, you're officially pissing off the other lawyers, take it as a compliment," he said with a little smile.
She felt too muddled around him to act normally, and she wanted to hate him, but she felt reluctant happiness just being around him. At her lack of reaction, he finally just swore under his breath. "Hey um, is everything okay? You've been like radio silent. I know you want to be professional, and that's cool but it's like you can't stand me."
Casey felt a drumming in her veins, "What makes you think I have a problem with you?"
He laughed without humour, "You smile at everyone but me, and you look like you're about to kill me with laser beams from your eyes," he said with slight accusation.
She crossed her arms over her chest defiantly, "I didn't think you'd care in the slightest."
He smirked, "trust me , I don't but if we're going to be stuck here for an hour, then you might as well get it out," and he moved closer to her, and she was quickly losing her energy to freeze him out.
"There's nothing for me to get out, I just don't want to be here," she was shaking slightly under his inspective gaze.
His eyes softened, pleaded for her to open up to him. "I can't believe I'm saying this but I miss you yelling at me, anything but that silence."
Casey's breath hitched; she couldn't take it anymore. That hurt, the sadness, it welled to the surface of her skin, "I thought that would make you happy, seeing as you clearly hate me."
Derek's mouth opened in surprise and she moved back but there was nowhere to hide. The cool wall of the elevator wall made her shiver. "What? I don't hate you, where did you get an idea like that?"
"Liar," she felt the tears come out, much to her embarrassment. He suddenly started moving towards her, "Don't come any closer, or I will slap you," she warned.
He stopped in his place, but he was so close she could take in the warmth of his body. To her surprise, he gently tipped her chin up, he seemed completely stunned. "Wait, you are crying, what did I do?"
Casey couldn't handle his fake sweetness anymore. The anger went through her in bursts and he looked at her with currents of concern. Stop that, I hate you! "What didn't you do? I heard you and your father talking, I can't believe you two are betting on my career like a bunch of jerks. I thought you were different than your dad, turns out you're the exact same. You jerk, you idiot, I hate you, you just hired me as a part of a sick twisted way to bond with your dad, you're disgusting."
Derek's eyes went round, suddenly he was pale,"Wait-yes we have a bet, but I didn't do it to hurt you, I had good intentions, I swear."
She blew up, couldn't keep it in anymore, "What intention was that? To humiliate me?"
Derek reached for her, gently clasping her shoulders, trying to calm her. "He wanted me to fire you when I hired you, and I refused. It was the first time I ever stood up to him about basically anything. I truly didn't doubt for a second you'd fail, and I know it sounds like I was playing but I was trying to protect you from him. It seemed like a good way to get him to back off. "
Casey was crying, protect her? She was so confused. "You made a bet to protect me….please that's a lie."
"No, it isn't, I'll tell you everything but please calm down."
Casey choked on a sob, "I heard enough Derek, heard you say you were getting your position sooner because I was winning, don't you see how horrible that makes me feel? I was a ploy to get you closer to your goal, I hate you!"
He looked absolutely guilty, " Casey, that's not the main reason okay? Yes gaining independence at last was a motivator, but I did it so he wouldn't fire you, that was the main reason. "
Casey moved closer, suddenly intrigued by the sincerity in his eyes. "And what did he want if I failed?"
He looked down, a cloud of surprising vulnerability went over him softly. "Walking away from the firm….if you failed, then I would have to give up my CEO status which is why he tried several times to intimidate you, he wanted you to quit on your own choice so it wouldn't come down to me actually losing. I'm sorry, it seemed like the only way to keep him away from you."
Casey felt like she was speared in the chest and moved until she was looking into his eyes, he looked tormented, so upset. The realization that he put his own career on the line for her confounded her with so many confusing emotions. "Why would you risk your whole career on me? How could you have known I would actually be good?"
Derek smiled, he broke into her sad window, just melted her. "I just knew, and well if you had failed, it would have meant freedom for me which at the time I wanted more than anything. But I never wanted you fail, and that's why I trained you, I wanted you …to um succeed."
Casey's heart stopped as the truth overwhelmed her. He fought off his dad and put his own career on the line. and then trained her to ensure she wouldn't fail, no wonder George was so vicious with her from the beginning, he was probably terrified Derek would lose.
She couldn't stop the current, the smile she shot him with. "That has to be the stupidest, most idiotic…." She stopped and gave him a melted look,"Sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me. But I'm still angry, oh so angry." She needed to build that wall, or god help her she was a moment away from jumping him.
Derek moved closer, as if he didn't buy her bluff, "How angry?"
Casey trembled as he slowly placed his hands on either side of her head. "So angry, just because you had sweet intentions doesn't mean I don't hate you right now."
Derek seared her with an intense look. He smiled luminously, "Go on, don't hold back, I deserve it."
"I still think you're a jerk, obnoxious, immature, "she felt winded as he fixated on her, and a maddening desire surged through her. She needed him to stop looking at her that way, but he only smiled at her more, the tornado was bursting through. "You are so frustrating. You are nice one moment, and act like a total idiot the next, it's confusing, and annoying, " she said weakly.
"You are right, I'm all of those things," he said with ricocheting intensity. "Get back at me however you want," and he slowly moved until his body was right up against her. Her chest rose and fell against him, the heat went through her cheeks. Flames engulfed his gaze, "Sue me."
"I don't want to sue you," she was melting against him, losing her mind. "You're just a jerk. A sweet jerk, you had no right doing that, putting your own career on the line for me, it was stupid."
His face moved closer, as if he was inspecting every detail of her face. They were swimming further and further out, in the danger zone, but neither could reign it in anymore. "I know but it was either that or you not working for me, I took a risk, I had to," he answered in a chilling, velvety voice. She was wilting faster than anything, she wanted him, and he was killing her.
"Why would you do all that for me?" she murmured.
"I don't know, I-" and his gaze locked on to her mouth, he was breathing hard, "just needed to Casey, I couldn't just let you walk out that door. You were too crazy, you had a smart mouth, annoying as hell, and fucking intense, but you were also truly passionate about being a lawyer. I'd never seen someone with that fire, ever. I knew I needed you, and I would have done anything to keep you with me," he seemed surprised by his own words, quickly adding, "to keep you at the firm."
The last of her walls crumbled around her. That was the most romantic sentence she'd ever heard, even though it was filled with insults. She caught on to those words with all her might, he needed her so badly he staked his whole career to help her. She knew he was saying it in a professional way, but the way he said it sounded so passionate, so romantic. No one puts everything on the line for just anyone, tell me you want me, and I'm all yours.
She pushed herself to speak, "Don't you realize, now I'm worried over failing because I don't want anything to happen to you, it's too much pressure Derek, and I don't do well under pressure. I'm going to fail."
Derek seized her face, touching her softly, the gentleness disarmed her. "You really care what happens to me?"
Casey nodded with a lump in her throat, "I don't want you to get fired, this firm needs you. I am scared of failing not just for me, I can get another job but you are meant to be the CEO. I don't want to ruin your life," she couldn't fight off the tears.
Derek's eyes burst into tenderness, as if her words throttled his entire being, and he continued the soft touches. She knew there was too much feeling in that sentence, too much vulnerability, but he was so beautiful. If he stood his neck out for her, then she'd do the same for him. " I only ever make bets when I know there's no chance of losing Casey. I saw you, and I stand by my review, you were….amazing. There's no way you'll fail, and even if you did I wouldn't let you go, my dad would have to get through me first to fire you."
Casey's heart was in her throat as she melted into his touch, hearing his positive words were the last shred of control, "I change my mind, I want to get you back."
Derek's fingers danced over her cheeks; the obliqueness of his eyes pulverized her. "Get me back however you want then, I can take it."
Casey was under a spell, she slowly wrapped her arms around him, surrendering the fight. Her heart raced wickedly, he looked at her mouth with complete bluntness, and she bit her lip. "Oh yeah? Well it's a lot Derek, you couldn't handle it," she responded thickly as her hands cascaded over his back. She was lost.
"Oh, damn it all," he said gutturally before he moved.
His mouth captured hers with an urgency that robbed her of thoughts. The intensity of the kiss knocked her back against the wall, his body pinned her tightly alighting her entire body into a total blaze. For a moment she had no air, just the sensation he had stolen something from her. He kissed as if he was asking a question, pleading for her lot let him in. She couldn't control her response to him, and melted into him, opening and begging for more. Little shocks of pleasure surged at the stroke of his tongue, she moaned, couldn't control her response. He was delicious, addicting, sending her into a frantic state of red heat. Yes, oh god, you're more than I can endure. His hands dove into her hair, paralyzing her with desire. Everything in her was submerged into the most delightful wave. It changed from a desperate question, to a sigh of deep relief as the greedy, needy kisses engulfed into flames, he made her breathless, and lightheaded. His was crossing lines, knocking down every wall, he was demanding, all consuming, but it wasn't just a physical response he was causing. This kiss was filled with an emotional rapture she'd never experienced before.
She fell into a passion so devastating, she didn't want any space, all she wanted was him. He groaned as his hands went over her body slowly, until he was tightening his hold, felt him pulling her into him as if he knew this was all they could ever have and wanted to steal her for one moment. There was no escape, all that existed was him, sweltering kisses that brought out a pleading moan from the deepest part of her being. She'd never kissed this way, without any trace of romance, just pure passion, and her hands went up to his hair, digging furiously. It was painful lust that would definitely leave her feeling sore and tender, but it was necessary, kisses of insanity, kisses that stirred the wildest desire within her.
He stopped for a moment, and she found herself reaching for him as if he was cutting her air supply. "No," she begged and he smiled so charmingly as she felt him surging her legs up. She let him, because she had lost her mind. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he pinned her tightly against the wall. His hands went beneath her, clasping on to her, and grazed up in hazy strokes until she felt hot all over.
She was lost in his smokey, sensual eyes for a moment and then he resumed the kiss as if he was starving. Professionalism was dead now, she didn't care, kissing him was exhilarating . She was so weak, breathing hard between kisses, she was completely at his mercy. And then he left bursting kisses all over her face, he was so far gone, murmuring into her ear, "Do you have any idea how irresistible you are? you're so fucking beautiful, I can't handle it, " and then dove for her neck with swirling, hot kisses that made her tremble.
"Oh, Derek..." she was speechless but her mind screamed, Take all of me. He kept the teasing, maddening torture, and by the time he came back up to her mouth, she attacked him. She feistily kissed him, and it ignited into fireworks. His hands left trails of fiery tingles all over her body as he gripped on to her with some roughness, he moved against her with slow, delicious movements that shattered her senses. He was everywhere, yet she needed so much more.
"I hate you, look what you made me do," she sighed. She hated him because she knew it, she wouldn't be the same after this.
Derek laughed against her mouth, "Oh I can tell, go on hate me all you want, I don't mind it," he murmured with a searing jolt of his pelvis, proving how much he wanted her, and she was undone by her own desire.
"Shut up and kiss me," there was no time to spare, she wouldn't waste time talking, if this was her only moment with him then she needed it to last. She saw that flicker of amusement in his sexy eyes before she drowned into his tormenting mouth once again, blotting out any realities.
There was no hate anywhere, just desperation, she couldn't hate him. He believed in her, he laid it all on the line for her, he took on his own father for her, and just that knowledge made everything melt around her. They kissed for what seemed like hours, and the franticness was become unavoidable, the need for more was overwhelming. She was aware of touching him more intently, running her hands over his back, pulling him into her. Noticed how hot he was, how his breathing was ragged beyond words. His hand was flirting with the skin by her hip, as if he was testing how far she wanted to go. She just nodded, giving him the go ahead and he moved up slowly underneath her blouse. Oh she had lost her mind, but his touch was addicting. The moment was halted as they heard the sound of men working on the elevator below, breaking the spell.
Derek stopped, he was dazed, his eyes clouded with unspent passion. He slowly let her down, but she was so shaky on her legs, she almost fell over. She felt like a rag doll. His eyes were indecent flames, he pulled away with slow movements, as if he didn't want to let go. She was mute, flushed as a strawberry. She couldn't find any words, and as the heat seemed to mellow around them, that look of passion in his face was slowly replaced with regret. She knew what he was about to say, and she wrapped her arms around herself protectively.
"Fuck," he muttered harshly. He was flushed, panting heavily. "Casey, I'm sorry….I didn't mean for that to happen." He looked positively guilty as he moved to other side of the elevator. "Oh damn, I'm sorry. You and me….that can never happen again, not while you work for me, not ever..." He averted his gaze with agony.
Casey's face fell with embarrassment, that was the most passionate kiss of her entire life. And it was taking a long time to recover, "I know it wasn't right, it's okay I forgive you. I'm sorry for kissing you back."
He cursed as he turned away from her, leaning his forehead against the elevator wall. He was shaking. "I don't want your forgiveness, it makes me feel worse, dammit," the moroseness in his voice went through her like a sliver of frost, he clearly regretted the kiss already and it hurt her more than she could ever admit. She was flustered, as reality came back to bite her. They were in a work elevator, and they had just made out madly, what did that mean? She had never kissed anyone like that before, her heart was still drumming, but she could have kissed him all day.
Once he had gotten his breathing under control he turned back to face her slowly. "That was a mistake," he said intensely.
Casey fought against feeling so rejected, and looked down, afraid that she would show just how emotional she was getting. "Are you angry because you broke your rule, or because it was me?"
"Both," he said darkly, " I got caught up in the moment, but you are not my type."
Casey blinked back the tears, "Oh," she said painfully, "what is your type?"
Derek sighed as he observed her, "Don't take it personally, that kiss was….incredible. And I will be beating myself up for ever stopping. I go for the one-night type, the type I can have fun with and leave the next morning without turning back. And well you're not that type, you are….different."
Casey wanted to cry, but she slowly looked at him. Her cheeks reddened as the meaning behind his words went over her. She wasn't the type he could leave the next morning without turning back, what did that mean? Did that mean he cared, even a little? "Different how?" she choked out.
His gaze was molten, "I don't feel like messing with you like I would normally do with others, you're not...the cheap kind, you're valuable." his words lingered, making her blush, the fact he saw her worth made her want to cry. "Quite frankly you scare the hell out of me, but I just wasn't thinking okay? You know why I will never be the committed type again, and on top of all that, you work for me. You're off limits, and I...failed."
Casey couldn't help but think back on his drunk speech, wondering if maybe Emily was right that he was talking about her. She never thought she'd be in this predicament, never thought she'd be the girl considering for a moment throwing her morals out the window just to have sex with her boss. She really suffered from a lack of judgement, clearly. She wanted to feel nothing, but now that he kissed her it was impossible not to think of it, not to want it. Something told her sex with him would be too intense for words. He was right though, she wasn't that type, she was still unapologetically a romantic as much as she pretended not to be.
Casey managed to speak, "Believe me, I understand. I am definitely the relationship type, and I hate breaking rules. Um that was a fluke, I got carried away. We can just put it behind us, please."
Derek looked tormented, "I can't put it behind me, I broke the rule Casey and now your reputation will take a hit because of me."
She smiled a little, he was much sweeter than he allowed people to see that's for sure. "I won't tell anyone, I promise it won't happen again."
He groaned loudly, shielding his face from her roaming eyes, "Casey…..that's the problem. I'm not going to lie, I like kissing you and I'm pretty sure I'll want to do it again, but I don't want to mess up your career. I'm so screwed. Clearly….there's chemistry here, and it's going to be hard to ignore you now."
She felt that jolt between them as he looked at her softly, "Yes, there is something, but let's face it, it would never work, right?"
He just nodded, a gleam of sadness took over his features. "We're too different, too much is at stake."
Casey felt the sadness overwhelm her, there was no way this attraction would go away now, she knew it. "I quit then, I don't want to mess things up for you, as long as you can give me a letter of recommendation, I won't give you any problems again."
Derek reacted to that as if he'd been punched, paleness took over and he took one step closer, "I can't lose you," he said frantically.
She wanted to cry, "What do you want from me? I'm trying to find a solution so you're not affected by my presence anymore."
Derek seized her hand suddenly, his warmth sprang through her endlessly, "Stay. Please, I promise you won't have me to worry about anymore, I'll actually stay away, but don't walk out, you …..deserve to be here because this firm only has the best, and you are the best. I can handle it, I have to handle it and I will."
"What if I can't handle it?" She couldn't believe how blunt she was being.
Derek smiled a little, "You're too much of a goody-too-shoes to do much about it, we both know that."
Casey laughed despite the tension,"Well, I wasn't so good just a few minutes ago…"
"I know, but you wouldn't make a move first because you think too much. No worries, I'll make it easy for you, I'll be the usual jerk you have come to love," he said with a sparkling wink, and she blushed deeply, but he was unaware of her reaction to that word and moved past it casually. "As much as I liked seeing you break the rules a bit, I won't jeopardize things for you now, even if it sucks to stay away, I'll do it."
Casey felt defeated. There was nowhere for them to go now, and reached out her hand, "Should we shake on it? Or is that too tempting?"
Derek laughed and moved forward slowly, and shook slowly, that attraction blazed between them mercilessly. Stars burst in his gaze, "Damn it, you will be the death of me Casey McDonald."
Casey wanted to kiss him one more time, and he was looking at her with the exact same way. The longing was thick, and she wanted to jump him again so badly, but of course, miraculously, the elevator lights turned on. They were back in the real world now, the truth broke through in sad waves. Their little moment of passion was over, and they had hit an impasse. They were clearly attracted to each other but there was too much keeping them apart, but now knowing there was nowhere to go with this attraction hit her like a truck.
He gave her a sad little glance, "See you around," he said quietly.
Casey smiled, "Thank you for believing in me, you are way sweeter than you come across."
He smirked slowly, "Don't you dare share that around, I have a reputation to maintain. You were worth the risk."
When the elevator door opened, they both stumbled into Ricardo. Casey felt winded, and he looked at them slowly with an unamable expression on his face, "well what do we have here?"
Derek just quickly put on his usual mask, "I know right? Had to be stuck with her, trust me it was torture."
Ricardo laughed, "Are you alright?" he asked her directly.
"Oh yes, no worries I'm fine. Just got a little claustrophobic in there." She wanted to vanish, and she was the worst liar.
Derek quickly jumped to her defense, "yeah she was annoying, actually Ricardo, can we talk? Meet me at my office in 15 minutes."
Ricardo smiled, "Of course, and Casey…" And he moved closer to her, inspecting her brazenly, "You look a little flushed. Maybe you should get some fresh air, sweetheart."
Derek shot him a look, "Sweetheart?" there was an edge of jealousy in his voice.
Ricardo shrugged cooly, "Sorry, I don't mean that in the way James did, you look shaken up."
Casey just wanted to run away, "He's probably right, I should get a breather, bye Mr. Venturi," She didn't give him a moment to respond, and heard him sigh a goodbye before running into the washroom.
She stared at the reflection, not recognizing herself in the slightest. Oh God, her appearance looked so incriminating. Ricardo was right, she was flushed. But that wasn't the worst of it, she looked kissed alright, her lips were a dark red, a little swollen, her hair was a mess, clothes were wrinkled, her makeup was smeared, and her eyes looked star struck, nothing would ever be the same again. Derek Venturi kissed her, and she closed her eyes, reliving it, feeling every kiss on her lips like a tattoo. He admitted it would be hard to ignore her, but was surprised he thought she was so perfect and unlikely to give into temptation. She was already crumbling for more.
Derek Venturi had looked out for her since the beginning, but why? What made her so special that he felt the need put everything on the line just for her to work at his firm? Just knowing everything he did for her had melted her heart, her emotions bubbled around her. She was now facing hell, torment was the only thing left for her now, but she couldn't even think of leaving, it hurt too much. She was burning in a passionate blaze that had no end in sight, already the need to kiss him again was smoldering her, how could she survive it?
Derek had no recollection on the rest of his day, he moved around in a complete haze of lust and guilt. What did he do? Kissing Casey was the start to his downfall, he knew it. He'd never felt so out of control, nothing he was doing made sense anymore. He couldn't even pretend he hated it afterwards, but he had become a moron the moment she started crying. He couldn't take it, and he ended up telling her too much. He didn't even know himself why he put everything on the line for her, he was just as mystified, but damn it was hard to resist the pull. The closer he got to her, the more tempting she became, and finding out she cared about him was the last straw.
Kissing Casey was a mistake. A mistake he wanted to repeat again and again for the rest of his life, and that scared him. He knew that if the elevator hadn't opened that he may have gone as far as she wanted. He buried his face in his desk, knocking his head against it a couple times in pure frustration, trying to get the feel of her out of his head, trying to erase just how her mouth felt like dynamite, exploding every other kiss he'd ever had out of the water. Usually kissing was only part of being physical, but that kiss told him everything he needed to know about her. She was the most passionate girl he'd ever been with. That challenging spirit in her was alive, she was just as aggressive in her kissing as she was taking down jerk lawyers, and at the same time she kissed with so much feeling. For such a romantic, she shocked the socks off him. She was perfect.
All he wanted was to go back to her, but also that stupid fear wouldn't go away. He couldn't give her everything, couldn't allow her to take more of him, but his stupid heart had other plans. He had been absolutely annoyed by her sudden coldness, annoyed to the point he almost went to her place again to demand an explanation. He stopped himself because he was being ridiculous, and what would that say? That he was losing his mind over her? That he needed her around or he felt like everything around him was just crumbling? He refused to look so pathetic, but every time he saw her with that cold detachment it drove him insane, and it killed him in slow degrees.
And then he'd go home, and had to endure constant yelling from his dad because he had been making such stupid mistakes, misplacing important documents, missing appointments that got deleted on his agenda. He was so confused, and then Melody would come in frantically to his office and explain that people were yelling at her, and altogether he felt like he was losing momentum in the firm. He was in a sudden tornado, and in the past he would have dealt with such stress by drinking his problems away. And as if he didn't have enough crap to deal with, he'd run into Savitha a few times, which he'd bolt away from her every time but he knew if he got to the point of breaking, Savitha could become a quick release distraction, even with their history proximity was dangerous.
Why was everything happening at the same time? And all the pressure had made that moment with Casey needed, he couldn't stop himself anymore. And not because his life was crap. When he saw her in that court, he knew it, he was falling for Casey at a frightening speed. He'd be falling for weeks and that kiss solidified everything, he did what he set out never to do again, he fell in love with Casey. He couldn't ever have her, he wasn't good enough for her. Even if he could get past his commitment issues, he'd never be the guy she needed. He had no choice but to keep his distance for the millionth time. Yes, it would be easier to have Casey placed at a different firm, but it didn't seem fair that she had to leave the firm to avoid him.
Ricardo had come in afterwards and made jokes, he knew what happened because as great as an actor as he was, he couldn't act unbothered. He mentioned, "I'm guessing she's not as uptight as she comes across..." Derek just changed the subject bluntly, claiming he had no clue what he was talking about, and Ricardo got up and gave him a little pat, and winked, "You're the best liar I know, but you're not better than me," and left him to his chaotic thoughts. He was doomed, all that was left was to fight it and hope he made it out alive.
Savitha waited in her hotel, pacing back and forth, so far nothing was going to plan. Derek was resisting her, and knowing about Casey made her viciously angry. Why didn't she come back earlier, if only by a couple months? She watched the door anxiously, after losing all her money, she was frantic for this work. She knew coming back and trying to sabotage Derek's trial period was the only way to achieve what she wanted.
She wanted revenge on Derek for falling for someone else, even though she'd ran away with Max, she always loved Derek too, but he let her down the moment he asked her to sign that prenup. She fell for Max, and loved him more at the time, but she quickly realized going by love and not money was the worst decision she ever made. Max ended up taking her money and leaving, paying her with the same coin she'd given Derek. He claimed he would work hard to make enough money to pay Derek back, he was too guilty.
At the time, giving up on Derek seemed like the only option, and she did get some money out of it. However, to her shock she realized she missed Derek more than she ever expected. She didn't realize how much she loved him until she found out Casey was moving in on his unattainable heart, and that was more than she could handle. If he wasn't going to take her back, then he wasn't going to be happy with anyone else. This plan had to work.
The doorbell rang and it jolted her out of her thoughts. Ricardo Garcia stood there , smiling vibrantly, "I know maybe you're not getting to Derek the way you wanted, but I think we could still win this."
Savitha rolled her eyes, "What are you talking about?"
He moved in, looking wickedly energized, "Derek fell for the bait, I was able to wreck the elevator at just the right moment and well he definitely kissed her. I know that'll make you unhappy, but if you think about it, Derek now being tempted by Casey is the best thing that could have happened. He won't ever make a move again with you around, because he's scared as hell to commit, but Casey is the perfect distraction and we have to strike and take him down."
Savitha smirked, studied Ricardo's tall frame, "How? So far you started a rumor and it didn't get him fired, and all the things you deleted from his agenda his father has forgiven...Derek is proving to be actually good at his job."
Ricardo glowered a bit, he was a dark guy for sure, he'd always been jealous of Derek and well Derek as always, was oblivious that this guy alway wanted the firm set aside for him. "Yeah, I wasn't expecting him to be so damn good at his job, and it angers me. George told me before the trial that if Derek failed, then I'd be the new CEO, and come on, Derek would be nowhere without his last name. When Casey started, I knew this would be the opportunity to see him weak because I've tried making him jealous a few times, and well it was obvious that he was hung up on her but he wasn't going to make a move."
Ricardo pulled her into him, smiling like a devil, "And then when I found you, I hoped your sudden arrival would make him go nuts, and go back to the craziness he was before, but not even you has managed to completely shake him. Casey is the only one that has a power now, so the only option I have is to woo Casey, make Derek absolutely crazy...and the more distracted he becomes, the more I can sabotage his work without him realizing it. And well come on peaches, you need to make an entrance too and make Casey jealous, she's too pristine. Jealousy is the only card we have left, and once they get involved, combined with Derek's horrible performance, George will have no choice but to fire him. I'll get my role as CEO, and you my angel, will get a hefty reward, plus seeing you revenge met for Derek moving on to someone else."
Savitha glared, they had been working together for weeks now, and it angered her that not even her presence managed to make Derek unfurl as much as she thought. "What does that woman have anyway?"
Ricardo laughed like an owl, "I won't lie, pretending to like her isn't at all hard."
Savitha moved in, "Oh more than me?"
Ricardo pulled her in, "Of course not, no one could ever come close to you," and he kissed her, winding her in wildly. "You help me destroy Derek like you did the first time...and you can have what you always wanted...money, and well we'll make sure that his relationship with Casey doesn't go anywhere, we'll wreck it before they have a chance to try to be together. He'll be so down on himself, he'll take you back no problem...and in the meantime you have me, and I like you for exactly what you are. "
Savitha wasn't a weakling, she knew this man pretty darn well, and yes one motivation was being CEO, but it wasn't the full reason. "You also want Melody close by, don't think I didn't notice the way you talk about her, you don't want me, you want her."
Ricardo's charming smile disappeared, "It's possible to want more than one woman at once."
"Don't patronize me Rick, you don't have to manipulate me, I want to take Derek down again, as long as you pay me I'm down. And you realize if Melody finds out about this,...you'll never get her again, right?" she taunted.
Ricardo's eyes turned hot, and blazing, "She'll never find out what I did to Derek. Melody comes along with that prize...I hate the fact she is so sweet and I can tell she's attracted to Derek but he was too stupid to notice her thank goodness. I'll get Derek's firm, and Melody will be my assistant, only mine...So what do you say, peaches? I think we both have a lot to gain from this."
Savitha felt that adrenaline go through her, even though she knew Ricardo didn't actually care for her, was using her for his own gain, that unstoppable surge went through her. How could he have forgotten her so easily? She would make Derek pay if it's the last thing she did, and Casey will wish she never laid eyes on Derek Venturi. She looked at Ricardo cooly, and took out her contract, "I read through this and had my own lawyer look at it, we have a deal. I want 5 million."
Ricardo grinned, "Thank god my parents have money," and he took it from her and signed it, "Let's take these two lovebirds down." Oh they were so going down, Derek and Casey will never be happy together if she has anything to do with it.
Author's Note: Hi everyone, I am so sorry for such a long break on this story, so here was a bit of a longer chapter. Gah, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, things are about the go a little crazy, but I hope to start posting more regularly. Please let me know if you're enjoying this, I honestly don't know if anyone is still reading this but it's been fun for me to write this.
*A huge thank you to Lucy. I can't thank you directly, but your continuous support on all my stories has been so uplifting, thank you so much! 3