Chapter 12: On the Line
Derek waited with bated breath as George stared at him with round eyes. He looked just how he felt , he was a wild mess after the passionate moment with Casey, yet he couldn't feel shame in the slightest. How did everything get so screwed up, so quickly? He was reeling from the shock of having a slight chance at finally being happy, and in a snap of a finger he messed everything up. He wouldn't back down now, he had one goal now: Casey had to come back, if they couldn't be together anyway, if she really realized they were too different, then he couldn't stop this train now.
George laughed, a little too hard causing grief to go over. All he could think of was Casey's and he didn't know how he had the strength to stand there without breaking. "You have lost your marbles. Derek, you can't be serious, you're in love with her?"
Derek took another drink, and then another, slumping over in defeat. He sighed brutally, "yes, extremely so. I want you to fire me. Look dad, I gave it my best but I'm clearly not cut out for this."
George turned stony quiet, and was held hostage to his stormy expression. "Derek, you're not thinking properly and I'm not letting you screw yourself over for just a woman."
This was the biggest confrontation of his life and remembered always being afraid to stand up for himself. George Venturi was never someone to be disappointed or there would be a storm of consequences, but this was different. " I know it's hard for you, you put so much time in me and believe me I hate that I disappointed you. But this is what needs to be done, it's the best for everyone. "
George realized he was completely serious and the business man disappeared for a moment. "I'm not - maybe it was my fault for not giving you more praise, but I-"
Derek reached over, holding on to his arm gently. He'd never felt more sure about anything. "I'm not CEO material dad, and that's okay. Please, listen to me for once in your life: staying will destroy everything you worked so hard for dad, and I care about you and this firm enough to respect it."
George pulled back, leaning back in his chair with total misery. "I can't believe this is happening, where did I go wrong?"
"You didn't fail in your mission, maybe I am just meant to be out there in the courtroom and not the ring leader. I have to leave to avoid destroying everything around me, and Casey doesn't deserve to pay for my mistakes, please hire her back." The determination dripped from his voice.
"You're telling me you're walking away from you whole future, just so Casey can work here? Don't you realize how nuts you sound?" he asked as if he still didn't understand what was going through his head.
Even though it was a serious discussion, he couldn't help but smile. "I know I sound nuts, but yes…..look at her work dad, please. She killed herself proving herself, and if I can't be with her, or have this job, then I want to give her something back. It's the right thing to do."
Derek went on his computer and showed him her progress. For the next few minutes there was no response from him, George just went through her entire filed with scrutiny. He sighed with aggravation, clearly realizing Derek wasn't going to change his mind. " Look Derek, take it from me, romance and work cannot go together, so I get why you're doing this….but does that mean if you quit, you'll start something with her?"
Derek wanted to scream, she didn't think he was ready for what she wanted. "Right now my screw ups are hurting her. I'm nowhere near boyfriend material, I am not what she needs right now."
George scoffed, staring at him as if he had 8 heads, "you are giving up your status for this woman, how are you not boyfriend material? I admit I was pissed by your errors, I had every intention of firing you, but I don't want to fire you."
"You must let me go dad, " Derek said firmly, placing a pleading hand on his shoulder. "This is your legacy and I would hate myself If I ruined it more than I already have."
George groaned into his hands with frustration. "Don't you see the kind of scandal that would create? Me firing my own son…it's wicked."
"You're not, I'm stepping down. We can publicly say it was a mutual decision, but the firm has seen my errors. They wouldn't be surprised that you had no choice but to fire me."
George just stared at him intently, "Why does the firm need to know you were fired?"
Derek sighed, leaning back with exhaustion. His mind was spinning, "Casey will feel guilty if I just quit and she will blame herself, she's kind of annoying that way. If you fire me she may get angry but she won't feel responsible. I don't want her to rage quit out of guilt."
George laughed a little, warming up slightly, "seems very sacrificial of you. Derek, I can't believe this is happening….what does this Casey have?"
He felt feeling achy all over at the thought of never seeing her again, "you know I haven't been able to you know ….trust anyone but she's…proved to be well different."
Immediately that warmth vanished from his face, probably surprised to hear the words no one thought he'd ever say again. "What if she isn't this angel though Derek? You are putting everything on the line for a woman….and I don't know her well enough to trust her with you. Believe it or not as cut and dry as I may be…I hated Savitha for what she did to you, and I just don't want you to get hurt again."
It was the first time he'd ever said anything remotely caring outright. Derek smiled, "I get it, but since nothing is happening don't worry about it, but I can't change the way I feel. Please dad….. I don't ask for much, ever, do me this favor."
For a moment George softened, but then he stood up angrily. Any true genuine father-son moment was gone as he looked around the office, "Look at this office, yes you were distracted but also look at the good stuff you accomplished. No one has ever had an easy way on the climb up, not even me. I can't, I won't let you drop everything this way. You're not thinking straight right now, you are just on a hormone high because of Casey."
George marched away with fury, and Derek just halted him with : "you know deep down that I am not right, there is struggle and then there is full on destruction. I will burn this firm, everything you worked for all your life with my idiotic mistakes. Please, think about it.. "
He gave him one last withering look, "This meeting is adjourned Derek, I'm not letting you give up this way."
Derek entered a week of complete hell, he'd never felt so rudderless. He couldn't bring himself to tell anyone at the firm Casey had quit, he didn't want to accept it. Yet he still looked for her throughout the week, yearning for a glimpse of her smile, going crazy just to see her beautiful eyes, sparkling with intelligence. He'd zoom into her empty chair during staff meetings and his heart kept melting inside him. God he missed her, he was in denial that it was over, denial that she was gone. He kept waiting for her sassy comebacks to hit through the turmoil, would give anything to hear her call him a jerk again, anything. Unsurprisingly he got very little done that week. Ricardo and Melody asked about her and he simply told them she was sick, but maybe he looked like the sick one because he barely had the energy to smile.
He'd gotten one call already from another firm, and Derek had basically shouted, "Casey is wonderful, and there was a misunderstanding. She still works at Venturi Firm, so don't you dare call her."
Life at the firm was dead, and if that wasn't difficult enough, George would hardly look at him all week. He kept hearing screaming all week between George and Abby, with his mom trying to defend him, "We can't force Derek into a life he isn't passionate about."
"He was passionate, until Casey came a long and stole his focus. He is being irresponsible, and what's worse is that he's letting himself down in doing this."
Derek put headphones on to drown out the noise one night when the screaming got particularly bad. Edwin came in one night with complete annoyance: "Derek, you finally had dad's respect, why are you blowing it on some chick? Just get over her, and get yourself back on track. No one is worth you giving up this way."
All the emotions of the week compounded into anger, "You don't understand Edwin, I never wanted it and clearly I suck! Why should I be the only one to be forced into a joyless, stressful life sentence? Even If I stayed, you really think I'd be sane with Casey just close but so out of reach? I had to do this to survive. Just leave me alone. "
"Fuck, did you learn nothing from Savitha? I was your punching bag for years and I refuse to be that again for you, I have a cap," Edwin said angrily.
And that was the limit, and he literally threw him out, "Don't you ever compare them like that again, do you hear me? Sorry for being such a screw up, but what I do with my life is no one's business anymore and don't worry I'll be moving out so you don't have to deal with me, alright?" He shut the door, trying to diminish reality. It was true, he had been a jerk to his entire family, but did Edwin really think that Casey could ever pull something as heinous as Savitha?
Slowly, the screaming subsided. There was one thing he could count on though, that George loved that firm more than anything, everyone in the family knew it. George knew that Derek would sink it, deep down, he would never allow the firm to die in his hands. So he waited, locked himself in his room every night. Eventually George cooled off as expected and came to talk to him at the firm.
He looked like crap, pale as a ghost. "You win...but I never thought I'd have to fire my own son…."
Derek got up with a smile, fearing that he'd change his mind any second. "I quit remember."
George sighed heavily, "This is the last time I ask: are you sure you won't change your mind and want to return to the firm in the future?"
Derek shook his head, although a part of him surprisingly didn't want to leave, but he couldn't spiral more. " This firm was never my dream dad, it was yours. I need to figure myself out. And well ….as long as Casey works here it's just….never going to work for me, I'm always going to want her and when that rumor went around it affected her badly. I don't want anyone to smear her. Will you hire her back, please?
George slowly placed a hand on his shoulder. "This doesn't feel pleasant Derek…I wish things were different but I guess I have no choice."
"So you accept my request?" he asked hopefully.
"You're fired," George said with guttural pain. "What will you do now though?"
Derek smirked happily, "probably slum it and become a boring lawyer, since when is that considered a lame option?"
"I guess you could have ended up with far worse," and George smiled for a moment, it had been ages.
He couldn't help it, and hugged him cautiously. "Thank you dad."
George groaned with defeat, pulling back with a serious expression. "I won't like her as a person ever," he started to say.
He lit up with relief, oh thank goodness. Casey would be alright, and it felt like this was all worth it. "That's fine dad, who says a CEO has to be chummy with everyone?"
"Fine, but how exactly will you get her to come back, she seemed quite….determined to stay away."
Derek smiled, "Casey is the queen of stubborn….but I have to try."
George then took the phone off his desk, "leave that to me. I wasn't nominated 'the king of persuasion' for no reason and I know what to do, trust me with this."
"You're calling her?" he asked with surprise.
George smiled a tad, "Take it as a thank you for all you did this year, but this doesn't erase how much I think this is a mistake.
Derek was flabbergasted, before he could respond George walked away, and heard him calling her. He was a little bummed he couldn't talk to her but George taking that step was worth it. How would he convince the most stubborn woman on earth? He was stunned when he came back 5 minutes later.
George's lack of smile was hitting him hard, oh she turned him down. Why was she so annoying? And then he said, "She accepted, but we're doing this my way though."
Derek couldn't believe it and all the relief came out in hard bursting laughter. "What the hell did you say?"
George was slowly defrosting though he still seemed completely uncomfortable with what they were about to do. "Derek, I know how to get my way. Casey may be brilliant but she is not as brilliant as me."
"Come on tell me," he begged.
"Nope, that's my secret and it's final," George said dryly. It was bitter sweet, now knowing he was actually leaving the firm did hurt a little, but knowing Casey was coming back was worth it. "So what's your plan?"
Casey didn't remember how she made it home that night. It was as if every nerve in her body had been shot, she was overwhelmed with a haunting sadness. Emily wrapped her up in a blanket and she couldn't find words or sentences for hours. Hollowness burst inside her, grieving her heart. At last she was able to tell her everything that happened: "I can't believe this is happening, in one day I went from having Derek to losing him. "
Emily handed her a Kleenex, "You really don't think Derek could have convinced George to keep his job and you? I bet he would have if you'd given them a chance to talk."
She blotted her eyes with desperation, how she wished it could be that simple. "You didn't see how disappointed George was, he was about to fire him I saw it."
Emily chewed her lip in deep thought, "It seems fishy that you were caught in the act…could someone have given George the heads up?"
She remembered that entire week, they had finished an impossible task yet they couldn't celebrate. Derek was swarmed with misfortune, and it was troubling. "George mentioned that he was told Derek was stressed, so I'm suspicious too. What are the chances? Anyway right now I don't have the energy to theorize. I'm going to miss Derek so much….. everything hurts right now."
Emily giggled, alarming her. What on earth could she find so hilarious? "Please the moment he is able to, he will come after you, mark my word. You don't work together anymore, so he could send his dad's threats away and decide to be with you anyway. "
Casey warmed up at the thought. Would he really be with her if George gave him an ultimatum? She didn't want to cling on to that. Emily read her, "he sounded wounded you left him, a passion like you guys have isn't something that can just go away or resist giving into now."
"Well it took all my strength to reject him, I don't think I could do it twice."
After that, she kept herself busy with a cloud of tasks just to keep from staring at her phone all day. She made things clear, they couldn't be anything anymore yet she had this little sliver of hope Derek would come after her anyway. It stung more than she thought it would, he hadn't texted her once not even to check up on her….maybe he realized for himself how stupid it would be to get involved with her.
She was showering when a call came in from the firm. She nearly slipped on her mat as she hastily turned off the shower, and wrapped a towel around herself recklessly. Derek was calling and she couldn't contain her excitement.
"Casey McDonald," she tried to keep neutral but her voice came out rich with yearning.
"Come back Casey, I am sorry for the way I talked to you, " George's voice broke through her hopeful heart.
"Oh hello Mr. Venturi," she said respectfully, disappointment overloaded her. "What are you saying?"
"Look I'll get straight to the point, no need for chit chat," George spoke quickly with agitation. "If you truly believe Derek's the best for this role, then you walking away will hurt him more and he will fail. Is that what you want? He's been so distracted, all thanks to you."
Casey's heart raced unevenly, gosh it scared her how insane her desire was to fly over to the firm that instant. "I do think he's the best, and I'm sorry he's been so distracted… but me being there will make things worse. I wish I could help him….really I do."
"Look so far my board is looking at his errors with a magnifying glass, if he messes up again I will have no choice but to fire him. Not knowing where you end up will mess him up for sure."
Casey stopped breathing, scrambling on the spot with urgent regret. "No, please don't allow him to get fired, please!"
There was a pause on the phone, "Then this is the only way to help Casey. You need to come back."
"Won't he be upset you came to me behind his back?" He was making a good point but going back meant facing an eternal torment.
"Probably, but he will also be relieved…if you do come back I am certain that he will never allow anything to happen again, so what will it be Casey? Leave and allow Derek to crumble and force me to fire him, or come back and forget about your feelings for my son but you'll have the knowledge that Derek is striving in his role?"
Casey sighed wretchedly, she'd rather die than allow her absence to kill Derek altogether but now she'd never have a chance with him again. She fumbled, "but I ...I am attracted to him. Too attracted to him, I don't think I have the strength to fight how I feel."
George laughed dryly, "believe me I saw you guys together , it's not missed on me that there is some passion between you but try to understand. Derek cannot take more heat and if a relationship with you got leaked it would destroy not only his reputation as CEO but the firm would be seen as some soap opera type place."
The bleakness of it all was like a stab wound festering with hopelessness. "No I get why we can't be together but it would be so hard to see him all the time…..my heart couldn't take it."
"I am sure it won't be a picnic for Derek either but he cares about your wellbeing Casey. If you stay gone you know he'll go mad, and I realize he'll go mad around you too but I'm willing to bet he would rather know you're safe here and know that he didn't ruin your career. Please Casey, don't let Derek combust by staying away, I don't want to fire him."
George made some good points but it made her bitterly disappointed that Derek hadn't gone to see her, maybe staying away from her will be easier for him than for her. And George was clearly laying down his pride to call her. Of course she knew what she'd do but it was a bitter decision. She loved Derek too much and sadly to truly love him, letting him go was the only way to truly love him.
"For Derek, I'd be willing to sacrifice how I feel to make sure he's okay, but once he gets better and forgets me then I will have to leave because I don't think I'll ever get over this…..feeling."
George made a sound of both relief and annoyance. "God I hope he does. Good to know that Derek isn't the only one willing to sacrifice stuff. "
"When should I come back?" At least she'd see him again and that alone was worth it.
"Just come down this afternoon, we'll have a meeting and you and Derek will sign a contract. It's binding, if you ever cross a personal line again, then you're both fired. I want my son to excel, and this is the only way. "
Tears fell down her cheek, in a blur of despair. A binding contract that she'd have to kill her heart every time she saw Derek Venturi for the foreseeable future seemed like torture and pain, but she loved him more than anything. So if she could help him get one good thing in life, she'd do it.
"Oh, and you will also be getting a bonus as an addition to getting your job back."
Casey stopped, suddenly fuming, "a bonus for what? Are you trying to pay me to come back? Because that's not necessary, I don't want anything. I'm coming back because it's the right thing to do."
George laughed dryly, "It's not a handout Casey, you helped Derek with that report, and despite what people may think I have a soul."
Casey felt unsettled at the thought, "I don't want it. I helped Derek because I care about him and the firm."
"Suit yourself, we'll see you at 1," he sounded with aggravation.
"Okay, I'll see you this afternoon," she said tightly.
There was no gentle reassurance from George, just a brash "Great," uncaring about the fact she was falling apart.
Just when things couldn't get more complex and crazy things took a turn. She was in a completely frazzled state, and went overboard trying to clean herself up. Last thing she wanted was to look like a scarecrow, but she looked rough. Red rimmed eyes, dark circles, and a weariness that no amount of makeup would cover. She was spinning in circles and it felt like she was floating up the elevator.
When Melody saw her, she motioned to her with total relief. She was wrapped up in a big hug. "Casey, I was so worried about you!"
"Oh I missed you too," she sighed sincerely.
Her green eyes were round and searched her with concern, "Derek said you were off sick are you okay?"
"Off sick…" she muttered, so Derek hadn't told anyone she left, how come? She covered her surprise the best she could. "I guess you could say I was extremely sick," heart sick.
"Yeah I can see that, poor girl you're pale. Derek's been quite sick too, poor guy hasn't gotten anything done this week. It's funny how you two got sick at the same time," she murmured fondly. "Go right in, he's waiting for you."
Casey's heart was in her throat, and felt Melody push her towards the door because it felt like she was on drying cement. She kept her eyes averted, as she closed the door behind her. She glanced up, and found Derek and George sitting behind his desk. Derek slowly glanced up, coolly assessing her. He looked tired, but composed for the most part, nowhere near a scarecrow. A firecracker was ignited within as their eyes locked. If it hadn't been for a slight flicker of emotion in his eyes, she would have thought he was a stranger.
"Hi Mr. Venturi," she croaked. As he smiled a little bit, a wash of color went over her face . It was enough to get her fluttery, she wanted to seize him in a million kisses. Derek glanced at George, and coughed a little, clearly a little nervous.
"Casey," Derek said stoically, "please have a seat."
Casey managed to sit down in front of them without completely collapsing. George smiled a little but it didn't reach his eyes, he looked exhausted. "So I filled Derek in on our chat, and while he was upset at first for going behind his back, well, I'll let him talk."
Derek looked away for a moment, taking a rattled breath as if he was terrified. He locked in on her with remoteness, yet he sighed with emotion. "Casey, this firm needs you. I'm not just saying that because I am biased, George was looking at your work and realized I was right about you all along."
Casey blushed a little, "oh…really?"
George nodded in agreement, "I hate admitting when I'm wrong, but I was this time."
Derek leaned forward, his eyes morphed to a gloomy darkness he so desperately tried to hide but couldn't contain. "Casey, as much as I enjoyed getting to know you, our closeness was a mistake. I am sorry for all I put you through but I need to let you go."
He broke off, a catch in his throat, and the pain of hearing his regret hurt more than anything she'd ever experienced. " I vow from this day on that I will never spend any time with you alone here or out of the firm, and we won't ever cross a personal line again as long as we work together. Any serious issues will be dealt with by HR or Ricardo from now on. If you're here, it's because you also understand that things can't go back to what they were, right?"
Oh she needed miraculous strength, last time saying goodbye was her choice, this time no one had a choice. She fought against the wobble in her throat, clearing it, but her eyes felt hazy. "Yes, I get that the best for both of our futures is for me to stay away from you," she choked out. "I vow to respect our professional environment and you sir, from now on."
Derek looked away, as he clumsily picked up his briefcase and opened it. He was shaking, and she could see the wave of pain going over him. Casey tapped her foot anxiously, and George was staring at them with deep…well, intrigue.
"Damn do I feel like a villain," George muttered, "feels like this is Romeo and Juliet or something, I hate that you two have to go through such a hard ordeal, but believe me it's the best for both of you." It felt completely impossible now.
Derek put the contract on the table, "If we break this, then we are both fired, do you understand?" he asked harshly. "My reputation would ruin the firm, and you would get smeared mercilessly. We have to do this Casey."
Casey nodded, looked at her hands, anything but his face, "I understand." She heard the sound of Derek signing and felt like her heart would crack in half. It was official, Derek was writing her off, literally.
Derek placed the paper in front of her, and she looked at him with all the strength she had left. There were no words to describe this, his cheek was twitching, he was fixated on her with an expression that lacked description, as if he was taking her in for the last time. His gaze was muddled, and went over her face slowly, mapping her, capturing her for himself. It was intimate, and at the same time devastating. I love you Derek Venturi.
"I'm so sorry," he said in a shaky voice, "this is for your own good though."
"I'm sorry too Mr. Venturi," she whispered.
She was moments from exploding with tears, and took the pen out from her pocket, the one he gave her. He saw it alright, and made a little sound of surprise. She signed each letter slowly, this was the last moment with him, and wanted to preserve it. Deep emotion surged through the room like a fog as she handed it back.
George picked it up, and he stared at it. He seemed to be battling against something, but he nodded, a man of business indeed. Emotions didn't belong in the workplace, not even when it came to his own son's heart. "Okay we are all good. I'll let you guys…..say goodbye as I take this to HR." He gave Derek a look of don't mess this up, stay strong.
George leaving was the nail in the coffin, all the emotions bubbled to the surface, and the moment Derek looked at her she started crying. She looked away, staring at the carpet through a curtain of devastation. "Casey….please don't cry. I can't take it," he pleaded.
Casey babbled, "I'm sorry it's been a long crazy week. I'm not upset at you , okay? I came back because it was the right thing to do."
"Oh I get it….Case," he soothed her with complete tenderness. " I hope you know everything I've ever done is look out for you. This isn't easy for me…"
Casey just cried harder, it was so embarrassing but Derek got up, and crouched in front of her. she had no choice but to look at him. He was grieved too, and even though he wasn't touching her she could feel the warmth of his closeness. "I know that, thank you Derek-I mean, Mr. Venturi."
Derek smiled a little, but it was undeniable he was fighting a demons of emotions. "I am so glad you kicked my ass during that interview, thank you for giving me a piece of your mind…..that's how you won me over."
Casey returned a brittle smile, wanting to ask what he meant by won over, if it was in a professional or personal comment, but it wasn't wise to know. "Thank you for enduring my craziness…..and for giving me a chance. You are amazing."
Derek shook his head, holding his hands out between them as if he was terrified of failing. "Please don't say anything else Casey….or I'll end up breaking my vow, right here right now."
Casey smiled, at least she wasn't the only one tempted to move that short distance, "Okay then maybe I should go."
"You may go home if you need time to collect yourself, and come back tomorrow."
Casey stood up after a moment to collect herself, and wiped the tears off her face. She didn't want anyone to see the pain on her face. She stared at Derek with unbreakable emotion, "I'll take you up on that, I need to be by myself right now."
Derek walked her towards the door. He spoke softly, "Welcome back Miss McDonald, go knock them dead. Promise me you won't get all mopey around here, alright, I want you to be happy. Remember, you made it in the top firm, that's reason to celebrate."
Casey wanted to jump in his arms, hug him, kiss him, everything all at once. "I promise, but you have to do the same….be the best CEO you can be and I am here to help in any way from a distance." I love you Derek.
"Deal," he said with the tiniest smile. "Remember our contract is only while we work together," he seemed to be channeling a thought.
Why the need to remind her that it meant they'd never be together? He wasn't going anywhere if she had anything to do with it, and she couldn't leave until she was certain Derek wouldn't be harmed. It seemed like eternal misery.
"Right only while we work together," she said with acceptance.
And he extended his hand to her, and they shook slowly. There was a dance of color in his eyes, just feeling his touch made her warm up immeasurably. He let go abruptly, not allowing the moment to linger. It took all her strength to turn around. He didn't wait a second, and slammed the door shut the moment she made it through the door.
It was surprisingly easy coming back, too easy. No one suspected anything, the only person who questioned why she was gone was Ricardo, and she returned to her cases with complete vengeance. It was what she needed to do to distract herself from Derek. She saw him a couple times, and they shared a brief electric look but he would always look away, and continue his rounds. She hadn't heard of any other mess ups from Derek, and she considered the sacrifice worth it. Missing him was an insistent pain, but just knowing that he was close by gave her strength.
Two weeks went by snail paced, and on a Friday all staff members, not just lawyers received notice that there was an urgent staff meeting. Casey and Melody went into the conference room and sat together. "I am alarmed, the last time we had a meeting like this was to announce Derek would take over the firm, maybe Derek will be the official CEO now."
Casey smiled faintly, "Oh it would make sense, could it be he really did it?" It was impossible to stop the longing in her voice. "He worked so hard, and I am so proud of him."
"He beat the odds," Melody chirped, "no one could have seen just how great he would become. I mean I know he messed up a lot, but he seemed to get his game back thank goodness.'
She felt a swell of pride consume her. The room fell pitch quiet as George walked in with a dead like expression. Everyone murmured among themselves, confused to see only him there, where was Derek? He raised a hand to silence everyone, and in a hush everyone shut up.
He took a guttural breath, "As you all know, Derek had been moments from officially getting the firm passed to him. Derek came in like a bulldog, ready to take on the impossible. He left behind that irresponsible guy, and became a man overnight. And then….well something changed," he said with moroseness, "he started slipping, making more and more mistakes….. This stays here, no one on the outside must know what I'm about to say."
Casey's heart plummeted from 50 stories high…oh god, no, please no…..
"What's going on?" everyone muttered with confusion.
"Derek made a huge mistake two days ago, one that made me lose lots of important clients, so it's with a heavy heart I announce Derek has been let go."
Casey couldn't breathe, she actually stood up with shock, shouting, "what!"
Casey wasn't the only one, everyone was in an uproar, completely surprised. George made eye contact with her, and silenced the room again, "I will not say the details, but it's true. I am sorry. An article will come out to the press that Derek and I made a mutual decision to step down, but you all deserve the truth, I fired ….my son," George said with so much pain.
Melody was clenching Casey's hand, and she looked over to see her bawling, and Casey let go then burst out crying. "Derek had a lot of potential, and I haven't closed the door on him forever, just right now he's got a lot of stuff he has to work on, I am sorry."
Casey watched in dismay as everyone expressed, "oh we loved him so much, " "we're going to miss his mischievous smile," "Derek was a true Venturi." If only Derek could see the reaction.
Ricardo was fully enraged, saying, "Derek deserves another chance, come on George, he's been through so much, this was the only thing he cared about."
George shook his head, "my decision is final."
Casey was a full on snot, crying monster. How could he fire him? What was the point of getting her to come back and make a vow, when he was just going to give up on him days after, after making a decision to give his heart to the firm.? The room was chaos, and as questions flew around her, she was sinking deeper and deeper.
"How could he do this?" she whispered to Melody.
"Oh I should have known, it was a matter of time Casey. George never took imperfection well…"
Casey had always been an activist of peace but this was the first time where she wanted to riot, to burn the firm down, and it surprised her the intricate level of anger she was experiencing. After she wandered to the parking lot and sat in her car in complete denial, upset, burning from upset. She cried heavily.
She called Derek, leaving frantic messages. "Derek, I just heard you were fired, I - I can't believe it, please tell me it's a joke….I am so sorry that happened….. Call me if you need a friend or anything, I'm there."
That night she stayed up by her phone, and she got no response from Derek. She'd never felt so worried sick in her entire life. Anger at George was climbing in voltages and that aggressiveness was thrown into her cases. She stewed for an entire day and then marched straight into George's office.
George looked like he'd been through hell and back, and when he saw her, that sweet George that was present at the last meeting was nowhere to be found. "Casey, get out. I don't have any words to say to you, as far as I am concerned, you are just an employee but I'll never have anything to do with you, ever, got it?"
Casey stayed planted, crossing her arms angrily, "how could you fire him? I don't understand. Derek did everything to prove to you he was serious, isn't the fact he rejected me an indicator that he loved this firm more than anything? You are inconsiderate, unloving, you have never seen your son's worth. And let me tell you he would have made his own fricken empire on his own without your name shadowing him. You made a terrible mistake!"
George got up and roared, blitzing like a volcano, "I know Derek's potential, who do you think you are to stand there and demand anything? You are wrong, he didn't love this firm enough, he loved something else much more. This was my dream for him, and I shoved it down his throat. Sometimes a father has to let things go, and Derek showed through actions he didn't want to be here."
"Derek went through a rough patch, but it didn't mean you had to give up on him George! I repeat, it was the worst mistake you ever made," she said frantically.
George's breathing was uneven. "Derek didn't want this badly enough, and I refuse to talk to you anymore. Just go Casey, and don't you dare quit, because it would have meant Derek bet on you for no reason. Now leave me alone."
" I won't quit because you're right I wouldn't be here without his help, he gave me the wings I needed to believe in myself…and now he's just gone. You got rid of more than just a CEO, you got rid of the life of this firm," she cried frantically. She took one step closer, fear left her. " You made him choose between me and this firm, and that was a mistake. I would have done anything to support him and he would have gotten out of that funk, instead you separated us for no reason and you let Derek down."
George moved forward, scrutinizing her with intensity, "you wouldn't have helped, in fact he would have probably exploded much sooner. Derek checked out a long time ago."
Casey was trembling, "I can't imagine this place without him, it was a mistake," she said with disbelief.
"Do you love him?" he asked point blank.
It was useless to stand there and say such a bold-faced lie when she was literally heaving with anger and upset, her love for him radiated all throughout her face. "If you can't tell then you're blind, I'm sorry for being so upfront but it's true, but nothing will ever change because Derek made the choice to forget me.."
George laughed, his face turned pure demonic. "Forget you? God how I wished he did because you brought him nothing but problems, and I'll never forgive you." He led her out of his office, "30 years of planning and setting Derek up for this, and it failed. Blame yourself Casey, you're the reason he isn't here anymore, you can't claim to love someone if you have no problem allowing him to walk away from his dreams," and before she could ask what he meant, George slammed the door angrily.
Casey was left reeling, of course she was the scapegoat, he didn't want to see that he was the one that made the mistake here. A fire was lit beneath her to get justice, now Derek's mistakes kept screaming back, the fact that they got caught in the act was too nice of a coincidence. Someone wanted him gone, she was certain of it. Maybe if she tried looking for Savitha she could demand an explanation, maybe she was behind destroying him but how was she doing it? Could she have paid someone to spy? She needed a way to track her down, but how? She was illusive, last she heard didn't even exist out of fear of the Venturi's coming after her.
Casey mentioned her theory to Melody, "is there a way to find out if anyone internally interfered with Derek's job?"
"No way without breaking in after hours to check security and I don't have access to that …..and we'd need a suspect too." She couldn't let it go, but it seemed snooping would be impossible without knowing codes and having the keys of the firm.
Two weeks around the firm felt like a graveyard. There wasn't an ounce of excitement, and George became a demonic CEO, he was harsh on everyone, he was bitter, and everyone was working extra hard, not wanting to fail any cases because of the fear that they had over him firing.
Ricardo came in to check on her, "how are you doing? Man that old man is on another level, damn forgot just how much livable energy Derek gave to the firm."
Casey was exhausted, "Brutally tired….have you heard from Derek?"
Ricardo shook his head, "he's ignored all my calls and texts, but I heard he's off on a beach in Hawaii just blowing off steam."
Casey sat up, "what? In Hawaii?"
"That's what I hear, he probably just wanted to leave the firm and everything and everyone in it behind."
Did that mean he'd forgotten about her too? "Oh, well….he deserved a break."
One day, Casey discovered extra money in her account, a huge sum of money. She was given $10, 000 on top of her wages. She showed Ricardo, "Do you know anything about this?"
Ricardo smiled, and jabbed her teasingly, "looks like you got a bonus, congrats Casey."
Casey felt weird about it, "for what? This has gotta be a mistake."
"You are slaying dragons Casey, just be grateful, and keep up the good work. I never got one that good yet again you're clearly going to be the princess of this firm at the rate you're going."
When she went to inquire with HR and stated that there was a mistake, HR double checked, "yes I see in our records you were given that extra sum because you worked long overtime and completed tasks over your paygrade."
Casey felt anger swell through her, she told George she didn't want it. Last thing she wanted was a payment that reminded her that she helped Derek once and it wasn't enough to save him.
She went to George and he was clearly annoyed with her. "Casey, I told you it's not a handout. I put in the paperwork to stop it but I guess it didn't get there in time. Also it would be illegal for me not to acknowledge your work during Derek's last month…. Just stop complaining and thank your lucky stars you work here, period. Now leave." She had to pick her battles with George, he was still angry at her for what happened with Derek, but she hated the reminder that she couldn't do enough to save Derek's career.
She missed him so much, and she heard through Melody he came back from Hawaii. Why hadn't he called? There was a void within her that the excessive business of the firm couldn't erase. She hungered for sight of Derek's smile, haunted by all the places and moments where they spent time. She'd stand in front of the elevator, just thinking of his arms, the way he held her, his beautiful kisses, nothing about this was fair. She had her career, yet she felt so ...incomplete.
Three weeks after Derek got fired, Melody appeared in her apartment. Her eyes were wide, and she looked white as a sheet, "Casey…..you'll never believe what I found out. I was doing some paperwork for George, and um I uh stumbled over the real reason Derek….left."
Casey pulled her in hastily, her heart stopped. Melody followed her into the living room. "what? Spill, tell me everything."
"I just found out Derek wasn't fired. That's just how Derek wanted it to be presented…"
Casey moved forward, "what are you saying?"
"He quit Casey, it said on that document that Derek's reason for leaving was….was….because …look for yourself I took a picture of it. Please don't tell anyone. " Casey took her phone.
Derek got involved with an employee and he was so guilty over her decision to walk away from her career that he resigned shortly after she quit, and begged George to give her another chance. Derek took the blame for the affair and realized he wasn't focused and lacked the right skills for the job. When she came back he followed through with his resignation to avoid future personal entanglements and to avoid messing up her career. In this way Derek preserved the reputation of the firm, knowing closeness with her would damage the prestige Venturi Firm worked so long to uphold.
Casey gasped, a violent spasm of shock went through her, she dropped the phone and couldn't hear or see anything as she bent down to retrieve it. "Why would he ...what? I'm so confused."
Melody's eyes were round, "I can speculate that um, Derek knew being around you was messing him up, and when you quit, it broke him. He probably lost all confidence in himself after all those mess ups and you leaving was the last drop. He probably felt like it was the only right move not just to get you back at the firm, but he probably gave up on his ability to be CEO."
Casey fell back on her couch, dizzy and overwhelmed. Derek knew when they signed that contract that he was already out of the firm…he just wanted to make sure her job was secure before actually ….leaving.
He was crazy, insane, and she shook as she uttered in wonderment, "Are you saying Derek used the 'I am fired story' to trick me so I wouldn't feel guilty over his decision to just quit because of me?"
"Yes, I think he's got it bad for you Casey."
He remembered Derek's strange: remember our contract is only while we work together.
Did it mean he was open for them to try once he was gone? Could it be that he was waiting for her to take that step? Oh God. The emotions compiled, a dizzying desire ran through her as more came back. I hope you know everything I've ever done is look out for you.
Derek left his legacy behind so hers wouldn't be tarnished…what kind of madman did that? "You think he feels something for me?" She asked with way too much hope.
Melody laughed, "I've never been more convinced of anything, he is totally in love with you…..no one walks away from the most coveted position in law just for anyone."
Sloan would have done anything to get into that kind of position and would have for sure left her behind to get his goals. Derek silently walked away and it enraged her that had it not been for Melody, she would have never known the sacrifice he made.
Casey stood up urgently, the love she felt for him in that moment was astronomical. "Melody, you need to go, I need to talk to that idiot and demand an explanation."
Melody squealed happily, "oh yay! It's so romantic."
The turmoil with in her became more brutally violent. "Romantic ? Maybe but also completely foolish….he was meant for this role I am certain of it."
She couldn't hide from Melody's syrupy smile, "please you are melting like butter, you are so cute, standing there with your sparkly swooned smile. You're jumping him, admit it."
Was she smiling ? Of course but it felt wrong to feel swooned when Derek lost everything. "Not before he gets an earful, " she said sternly but she was unable to stop smiling.
In a whirlwind, Melody left and she got ready. Perfume, hair down, picked out a sexy red dress that highlighted her figure and put more effort into her appearance than she usually did. She didn't plan on seducing him since she was so angry at him for walking away from the firm but this passion was overwhelming all her senses. She sat down with a trembling body and sent Derek a text:
Derek,
I need to see you. I found out what you did, and I'm going to yell at you. Meet me at A La Mar Hotel at 9 tonight . It's urgent, and so dire I will probably die if I don't see you.
Casey was stewing with anger, love, and desperation as she waited. Would he show up? How could he quit without telling her? Why would he do such a stupid thing for her? She was ready to walk away for him, to help him and he pulled the wool over her eyes.
The knock on her door made her heart burst. When she opened it Derek was smiling dashingly. He looked so carefree, and radiant with happiness. She couldn't help but look over him slowly, longing eviscerated her. He was sexy as hell, leaning against the door frame, wearing a dark shirt that molded to his body, the sight of his arms sent her spinning. He was doing the exact same thing, leaving a fiery trail as he roved over her body in a passion burn and then roamed back up until their eyes caught on fire as they met with a jolt nothing could have prepared her for. She wanted to yell at him but was being pulled by a current so irresistibly strong.
She couldn't speak for a moment, and threw him a smile that came from a deep coursing need. Before she could get a word in, he moved in with a deep sigh, seizing her in his arms. She threw her arms around him desperately, he lifted her up into him and kissed her with an atomic rush that melted her soul completely. Kisses stormed through them, harder, rougher like a tsunami, as if they were trying to store as many kisses as possible in one moment. She was drowning, dissolving as she tasted him, inhaled his delicious mouth. The seconds without him compiled, needed to fill up on his presence and it wasn't enough. She became a victim to his desire, ravenous, hard kisses that shocked her, sent her reeling and moaning from the absolute pleasure of having him close again.
I missed you, oh I missed you. She pulled him in and he followed her movement as they stumbled against a wall. He scoured her entire face with kisses, buried his face in her neck, and dismantled her completely. "Oh Derek," his name fell out of her lips with urgency.
"Casey…oh god Casey…." he pulled her into a greedy hug holding her against him as he spoke in to her ear, "I fucking missed you..."
" I missed you too but you are a total idiot," she sighed against his neck.
Derek pulled back with the darkest laugh, glowing with charm, "is that the yelling you promised? Gotta say I am disappointed."
She didn't care, she moved in and kissed him again, "are you really?"
He tightened his arms, melting her will to be stern. "Oh no I like this punishment a lot…..by the way you look so sexy." And then he took her face and blotted out her world with kiss after kiss that stopped her clock entirely. After a few moments of frenzied kisses, she pulled back and took him in fully.
"I can't believe you're here," she murmured.
"I was dying to call you, so when you texted me I almost flew over here," he murmured as he put her down, "I'm not your boss anymore."
She needed to keep herself from falling for that charm for a moment, too many emotions overloaded her. "Because you quit," she said breathlessly, "Derek how could you just leave that way without telling me?"
He didn't let go of her, looked deeply freed and unrepentant. "Casey, my dad was ready to fire me on the spot anyway, I just beat him to the punch. You really think I wouldn't have spiraled after you left? I knew I was headed straight to my grave, it was a matter of time."
Casey kissed him, but then punched his shoulder with a huff, he chuckled with amusement. "You scared me, I was worried sick about you and I thought you forgot me."
He tenderly stroked her cheek softly, "Forget you? I would have to be knocked unconscious for that to happen. I just thought you made it clear we were too different to work anything out, so I went to Hawaii to escape the temptation of coming after you but I couldn't stop thinking about you."
She touched his face, she couldn't stay stern with him, "I thought it was the only way to help you Derek, I wish you told me what was going on. I hate the fact you quit because of me, I've been spending all day guilty over the fact I ruined your life."
Derek's smile dissolved, and he kissed her, taking away any other thoughts, "well knock that thought out of you head Casey, you didn't ruin a thing."
She felt the well rise within her again, "but you lost everything," she said with emotion.
"I didn't Casey…. it was me or you, and you were doing an amazing job and I wasn't. It was an easy choice " and he seized her again, kissing her fervently, "and like hell was I going to let you give up on your dream, it wasn't going to happen."
She was wrapped up in his smoky gaze, "You were meant this Derek, and you just gave up on your future."
Derek took her hand and wandered over to the bed, and he sat down. He put his arm around her, and she was lulled by the sweetness, "I didn't give up on my dream Casey, it wasn't ever my dream. Sure I did start enjoying it, sure I found a stride but things changed quickly. I was a walking dead man, that job was crushing me . I wasn't doing anything right, I'm not CEO material Casey. I'll find my way, find my so called calling in life, but for now I don't regret quitting."
Casey felt a catch in her throat, it was so difficult to accept the truth, he was missed so much at work. "Why are you smiling so much, how could you be so happy?"
Derek laughed, he was blazing her a smile that made her want to die. "I'm a glass half full kind of guy, you don't work for me anymore…."
"And that makes you happy?"
He nuzzled into her neck as his arm tightened around her. "So damn happy because I am free to do this, without worrying about you losing your job. I still think you're kind of nuts for wanting me and we still have stuff in the way we need to figure out, but I need you tonight Casey." He caught her earlobe in a tantalizing nibble and moved lower, leaving kisses along her neck, "come on forget everything, I swear a night with me will erase all guilt for sure."
She shuddered as he stroked her back seductively, oh she was dying for him. "You're being presumptuous don't you think? I could have called you just to yell at you."
He laughed sexily smirking at her with challenge, "If you wanted to just yell at me we could have met anywhere else princess. I know you're out of practice but usually if you text a guy to meet at a hotel you're sending a clear message. Do you want me to leave?"
Derek started to get up, but she pulled him back down, "no don't leave, I had several reasons," she kissed him pleadingly. "I wanted to punish you for the way you made me miss you… for walking out on the firm when you are meant to be there. For the way you make me feel so uncontrolled, for making me so worried sick, and in spite of all that, I want you like crazy Derek Venturi."
Derek smiled luminously, " I know you need every thing planned out and I know I'm being selfish, but I want you, right here, right now. I may not be Romeo or you know the romantic you are looking for, but I want a chance with you."
Casey was warm all over the place as he gazed at her with a hopeful smolder, "I do want you too, and I'm not asking for promises. All I want is for you to tell me I mean more than this. That you feel something for me…"
Derek took her hand, smiling softly. "Casey, you really think all this is just about sex for me? My problem isn't that I don't feel anything for you, my problem is that I just don't know if I could ever give in to this fully."
She melted helplessly, he felt something and it was enough to make her want to faint, "but do you want to um try with me? We could take it day by day."
He kissed her again, slowly, warmth shot through her endlessly. "Of course I want to try but I can't promise anything Casey, all I ask is for a little patience, and for you to take a little risk. I suck at looking into the future, and I honestly don't know anything, except that I wanted you from the moment I saw you. Please Casey...let's just start with tonight."
Casey remembered asking for patience on the first day of work, and now he was doing the same thing. God, everything was swirling around her, Derek was unattainable, he was marred and cynical and it hurt to see him so lost. And maybe sex was all she'd ever get with him, but she couldn't stop this even if her heart got pulled out from her chest, she knew it was lethal. The thought of never having even this, the thought she would think about him and long for him was a worse agony than not having him at all. Maybe with time he'd trust her.
She looked away, praying for strength, " I just wish you would trust me, I would never hurt you Derek."
Derek cupped her face, turned her to face him. "It isn't that I don't trust you Casey, it's just it's as if I am in a cage, and as hard as I try to get out of that cell, I'm stuck, I don't know if I'll ever be free. I swear you make me want to take the plunge and I never thought I'd feel that again. If I am here it's because I trust you more than you realize. Sex with you is dangerous because I feel way too much for you. Believe me you terrify me, but the thought of staying away from you terrifies me way more."
Casey felt tears go down her cheek, she couldn't stop it, he felt something for her and he trusted her. It was precious, sacred. He noticed and brushed them off with his thumb. She moved closer and kissed him, there's nothing she'd refuse him.
"I'm willing to step into your comfort zone because I believe you're worth the risk. No one has ever sacrificed everything for me like you have, so I want to put everything on the line for you too. You can have me tonight Derek…..and if you ever want more, I'd never refuse you."
He looked at her with moving intensity, and he tumbled her over the bed, and suddenly moved on top of her. She immediately accepted him, wrapping her legs around his hips. Oh the delight of his smile as his hand went through her hair, staring at her with emotion and desire combined. He kissed her softly.
" I'll make sure you know one thing, Casey McDonald. You're not too much to handle, you deserve everything you've ever wanted, and I know there's plenty of guys out there that would be better for you than me. I wish I was different, I'd sell my soul to become the guy you deserve."
Her heart burst as she took in his marvelous, beautiful eyes, the sincerity knocked the air out of her. "That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard, but I don't want you to become like anyone else. I want you Derek, only you. I'll make you forget the world tonight, I promise. "
Casey cried, she couldn't help it and seared him down on her, kissing him frantically. "Oh I have no doubt you will. I will make sure you forget everything, except me."
The floodgates of desire opened up, and he kissed her with unmatched flame. She ran her hands over his back, desperately trying to gather him into herself, no distance. She was tired of the distance. He poured out devastating kisses and she swallowed them frantically. He kissed away the tears on her face. He tortured her with hungry kisses down the valley of her neck as his hand went up over her stomach in deep strokes, traveled up until he cupped her. She writhed with encouragement, the tingles surged through her without mercy.
He kept up the teasing strokes and watched her with a passion glaze and she blushed without modesty. "How long has it been?" He rasped out.
Casey was feverish, "I lost count, feels like forever."
Derek smiled, "well it's a crime, and I'm taking care of you…..don't hold back okay? Give me everything please."
She nodded, and tugged at the edge of his shirt, touching the silkiness of his back. He closed his eyes in surrender, "Deal but I am making sure you want me always."
He smiled weakly, and then he was pulling the hem of her dress up as he traced her legs, thigh with tempting touches, and then crushed his mouth on hers. Everything spiked, his breathing heavy and intense as he moved between her thighs, teasing her with slow, deeply torturous friction. She moaned, couldn't help it and that spurred him to grind harder info her. He kissed her shoulder and then felt him licking and kissing down her chest. a shot of heavy pleasure went through her. And then he pulled her up slowly and took off her dress.
He stared at her with uncivilized passion and traced the front of her body with shakiness, "you're too beautiful…damn," he whistled breathlessly as he slowly took his time taking her bra off, she was barely breathing as he set her free. His expression became so intense, she was winded. He softly grazed her, toying with her with flirtatious touches, "so fucking gorgeous," he said thickly.
She felt shy, it had been so long since she'd been this vulnerable. He noticed her hesitation, "Case? You don't have to feel embarrassed…. I swear, you have nothing to be shy about. You are much hotter than I imagined."
She smiled, god Derek was consuming her with just a look. "I just don't know how to act right now… it's been so long since I've had anyone look at me that way. You make me nervous."
"Just enjoy this…guess I gotta stop making you think." He moved over her again, pushing her back down, oh he was determined to win alright.
He smiled at her lavishly and then his mouth became a chamber of dizzying pleasure as he roamed over her, kissing, nibbling, making her hot and hazy. Her sighs became louder, twisting and reveling under his touch. She intertwined her hands in his hair and just surrendered to his torrid exploration. There was no denying they had physical chemistry, but oh he was as passionate as he was gentle, wild yet so lovingly tender.
He peeled off her underwear, and she held her breath as he nuzzled her, making her violently sensitive to his intent seduction. She closed her eyes as her breathing slowed down, but then she didn't want to miss a thing so she looked at him. He was staring up at her, not breaking eye contact as the rush of pleasure enveloped her. Oh it was so, so good, he dissolved her modestly and before long she was clenching on to his silky hair, gasping, and he was infuriating her with sensuous slowness, not rushing anything. His touch became her undoing, and she was moaning loudly, bucking pleadingly against him, demanding more. For a moment she couldn't help but laugh that she swore that she'd never ever end up in bed with him, yet there she was, begging him, calling his name for pure deliverance. They locked eyes once more, and she seized into tremors of elation, seeing nothing else but that hazy cloud of pure pleasure.
Derek moved back up and was staring at her with electric softness, smirking with victory. Words were storming under the surface… I love you…I love you so much Derek. Somehow feeling those emotions made her intent on making him just as happy. She needed him more than anything. She reached for him and took his shirt off , oh there was nothing as beautiful as Derek's golden skin so she moved with total fixation, touching his body, tracing his abs in deep memorization. He had a body sculpted by angels, so gorgeous she actually let out a mesmerized sigh.
Derek was blushing wildly, letting her lay kisses over him, her hair brushed over him and he sighed in suspended bliss. Her shy affection left slowly as he trembled in anticipation, she loved the power she had over him. She unbuttoned his pants hurriedly, once he was completely undressed she stared at him with mute longing, trailing a hand over him with appreciation "Wow. You should never wear suits to work."
Derek laughed like thunder, completely smoldering from head to toe, it was endearing. "Noted, but I'd get some serious violations...I'm supposed to keep an image, just imagine George's son being a nudist, he'd never live that down."
Casey smiled, "Actually, I rather not share this, I want to be the only one to see you this way from now on..." and as the words left, she realized she was showing too much emotion, too much hope lingered that they could make a relationship work. She looked away, "I mean no pressure-"
Derek moved, and tumbled her back, seizing her under his powerful body, he pinned her hands back, shocking her. He moved against her with a jolting sear, "is this what you wanted? you want me all to yourself greedy girl?"
Casey bit her lip, "Yes I am greedy for you Derek..."
Derek smiled wickedly, "well lucky for you, I am greedy for you too," and he kissed her again.
Casey pulled him on top as she wrapped him up between her legs. Suddenly there was an impatience, and he reached between them, creating a lava wave of pleasure as he gave her what she wanted. He was slow, watching her as her pleasure swarmed her features, oh dear lord, and as they fully connected she felt winded and an emotional current zapped her. God she wanted to hold on to this moment, his beautiful face vibrating with total desire, total relief, the way color reached his cheeks. He was worth waiting for, and they both moved with sudden hunger. She was immediately seized under a spell, the years of no sex seemed to just vanish and she was responding wantonly. He still had her hands pinned, and she wanted to hold on to him but he wouldn't let go. As if he was terrified of letting her in more than he already had, as if he was shielding himself from feeling too much.
They clamored for each other, he rocked in a steady pace, and she was held hostage to him. She answered back, meeting him where he was at. The intensity skyrocketed, and soon enough they were in the midst of probably the most amazing sex she'd ever had, completely carnally blissful, yet she wanted more. The need to touch him was killing her, but he wouldn't let go of her. He was keeping her away still, and he didn't realize it.
"Let go," she pleaded, "I need to touch you...please Derek."
Derek moaned with defeat and slowly let go, seeing the moment he surrendered in body, heart, trusting her in the most vulnerable way possible. And she reached around him, holding him tightly, teasing his back, the back of his neck, and they kissed manically as her hold became downright possessive. You're mine. The sex became greedy, holding nothing back as she licked the side of his throat, and he gripped on to her bottom, lifting her up into him as the room became awash with their primal groans of pleasure, mingled together in a chorus of delirious passion . He claimed her with ravenous strokes, and she was dying for him, moaning as wave after wave of delight overwhelmed her. He nibbled her throat and surrender became inevitable, they lost themselves over to the heart wrenching, shuddering delight.
"Oh Derek."
And that was her final breath before he catapulted into a frenzied end. "Oh fuck, Casey," he moaned.
For a few moments, they didn't say anything, he just stared at her as if he was realizing that this changed everything. She didn't want to let go of him, and she kissed him again, pleading for him to stay in the only way she could. He melted into her kisses for a moment but then rolled off her, he was shaking. He turned away from her, sitting on the edge of the bed, breathing shallowly.
Casey sat up and moved behind him, slowly touching his back, "Derek?"
He didn't answer for long moments, and he took the hand on his shoulder and kissed it, "I uh need a moment, my heart is racing, about to blow up."
Casey thought she heard regret, "Oh...okay. I know what you mean, I am rattled too."
"wow," he said thickly, "that was insanely amazing.,..."
"It was, so why won't you look at me?" she kissed his shoulder tenderly, she didn't want the moment to end so abruptly.
He sighed with a surrendering "Damn, I am a little terrified, okay? I am sorry I don't mean to be such a downer..."
Fear seized her. Oh she'd become another one night stand, he built a wall, she could sense it and painfully asked: "Will you want to um repeat this, or did I lose my um appeal?" she asked shyly.
He finally turned around and looked at her with moving intensity. He moved into her and slowly brought her back against his body, holding her as he stared into her eyes. "Case….what I felt just now, I've never felt with anyone, ever. Fuck…" he said with a little kiss, "you succeeded in making me forget the world, and a part of me wants to run like I usually do, but a way bigger part of me just wants to repeat this again and again. I'm hooked now."
She smiled with relief, he'd never felt that with anyone, not even Savitha? She didn't want to read much into it, but she couldn't help it. "Me too Der…..I've never felt this way, so helplessly happy yet terrified, I feel it too."
He kissed her again and meekness went over his features. "So um if I wanted to have sex just with you, hang out and spend time with only you….could even throw in a few dates here and there, and say you only saw me exclusively….would you accept an arrangement like that?"
Hope filled her entire lungs, and a dazzling smile went over. "Isn't that a relationship? "she asked teasingly.
He sighed, "we could um try….I want to try, just I can't guarantee…."
Her eyes lit up, and she seized him in a kiss , oh he was so stinking adorable. "I can be patient and sure I'll only see you if you want. Come here," she kissed his neck fervently.
"So no Ricardo, right?"
Casey smiled against his cheek, "No I never gave him the go ahead I just agreed to hang out once but that's because I wanted you….and I was desperate."
"Okay so just me then….swear it." That edge on his voice made her wither, oh the jealousy ebbed out of him intensely.
"Just you," she promised.
Derek smiled and then they disappeared under the covers, and they had sex again. She was melting now, this time knowing that he wanted more, that he was willing to try made a freedom go over them, and she couldn't believe that it finally happened. She was sort of dating Derek Venturi, and that was enough to light her up with a happiness she'd never felt before. She'd never felt so alive, dancing with passion, with a fire of love.
They fell asleep together, and she could tell he was not used to spending the night, and had to remind him a few times when he'd shoot out of the bed as if he was on fire, "Der it's okay, it's me...stay in bed."
He smiled into the darkness, "I'm not dreaming? you're really here."
"I'm really here." She traced his face softly, watching him until he fell asleep again.
A fullness of heart went over her, he was so innocent this way, and she wanted him to keep on trusting her. She was even more determined to see what went wrong at the firm, because now that she had Derek, she went over his quitting more carefully. Something still felt off, and was going to get to the bottom of it because if there was foul play of any kind, well now as Derek's sort of girlfriend, there would be hell to pay if anyone interfered with his position. She wanted Derek to catch the stars he so desperately deserved, and she was going to help him get back on his feet. He deserved the world.
She kissed him again, "I am never leaving now, you're mine. I love you, and I want you to fall in love with me too, want you to give in fully to me because I need you for the rest of my life."
She drifted off into the night, stars in her vision, with more lightness then she ever felt before. Nothing could ruin this bliss, nothing.
Author's note: Hi everyone! wow did I take a hiatus here, but hope you enjoyed this chapter. I wanted to leave off in a sweet note, because they are about to hit a tornado they never even imagined in the next chapter, and wanted to give them a sweet little moment. Ricardo is not done with them, he knows that them being together would only give Derek confidence, so get ready for some heart wrenching drama, that's a warning! The next chapter shouldn't take too long since it's mostly drafted. Thank you again for the patience and for following this story 3