The Irangel | Prequel Story |

Chapter 2 ~ Skyward Dreams

A few weeks into her new position as chief executive second, Tori was walking in the hallway of the research center, holding a clipboard and pen, when she saw the guy that snared her attention.

Derek Mortov, a lean handsome man from Bulgaria, wearing a three-piece navy suit and tie, caught her eye. He gave Tori a wink and a smile as he passed by, prompting her to glance back in flirty interest. Tori began to hear happy uplifting music play in her mind, her feet moving in a small twirly dance, as she closed her eyes and –

"Hey, watch where you're going!" a middle-aged businessman grumbled as Tori accidentally bumped into him, making him spill his fresh cup of coffee all over himself. As Tori hastily excused herself and ran off, the businessman muttered irritably, "Young people" and continued his way with a grumpy expression on his already grumpy-looking face. A nearby wide-eyed office employee remarked, "Wow, somebody's sour today" before continuing his way.

Tori headed for the observatory and looked down the rails, hoping to see her new crush. He was on his way to the locker room, his bag slung over his shoulder. Tori leaped down from the rail, causing a few employees to gasp in surprise. Landing about ten meters from her target, Tori was surprised that her heels didn't break from impact, but Tori was feeling reckless that day.

Derek hadn't heard her jump and continued walking unaware. Tori stalked him like a tiger stalking its prey, waiting until his fingers barely touched the doorknob, before she tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Hey, Derek."

Derek turned around just as Tori gave him a cutesy smile. She looked both sexy and professional in a short sleeve white business top and black skirt. Her blonde hair was in a ponytail and she wore black-rimmed glasses. She looked hot in them and she knew it.

"You're Tori Nichok, the new chief executive second, right?" Derek asked, indicating Tori while opening the door to let someone else through.

"Yes, that is correct," said Tori, holding her clipboard to her chest with one arm. "I am sure that I will be seeing you more often now that you've joined the team. It's been a pleasure meeting you, Derek Mortov. Perhaps you would like to have lunch with me sometime?"

Derek chuckled lightly, adjusting his bag. "Perhaps I will," he said, raising his eyes to look at her. "I would like to get to know you better."

"Excellent," said Tori, pleased. "How does today at noon sound?"

"I have a meeting at noon. Perhaps we should have dinner instead?"

"Does at five sound good?" Tori asked, slightly inclining her head to the side. Sczasov-Pekrasynie was one of her favorite fancy restaurants.

Derek smiled and said, "Sounds wonderful. See you at five, Tori."

"Likewise," said Tori, giving him a playful sailor wave, before turning on her heel and walking away, smiling smugly to herself and thinking, Oh yeah, I scored a hot one.

The rest of the day passed on rather quickly. When Tori got off work early afternoon, she got in her luxurious blueish black Bugatti Chiron and headed home to her mansion. Her mansion was a stunning view, accommodated with an outdoor swimming pool, elegant gold staircases, a balcony, designer furniture, a sparkling kitchen, and a two-level garage that had five different cars on each floor.

Sunlight flourished in every glamorous room, caressing Tori's blonde hair and dancing on her smooth, light skin as though it was alabaster stone. Her preppy short sleeve white business top with a black corset and a thin red belt looked exceptionally well. Paired with a black pencil skirt and black heels, accessorized with her black-rimmed glasses and a stylish black and red bracelet, Tori was the portrayal of a confident, successful woman.