Heir

Chapter 6

Monday mornings are always the worst. Dragging myself out of bed, I started to get ready for the day. Walking the busy streets, I was surprised at how I missed the headline from the day before, "Joshua Perkins, founder of Sky Tech, found dead in home." "Well I wonder how that happened" I thought comically. I reached work and made my way to Mike's office. I wasn't mentally prepared for the fact that Derek was going to be my partner, I mean, I'm not even completely sure what he looks like since our last encounter was in the dark. I got there and was shocked at his appearance. He had dark brown, almost black hair, defined muscles, and eyes just as green as mine. Peeking out of his sleeve was the beginning of a tattoo and he had a slight stubble. In some weird way, he looked like he could be my brother. "Well damn," I thought as I walked over to him,

"Hey darling" he said with a charming smile and as soon as he did, I remembered why I didn't like him. Ignoring his greeting,

"How long do I have deal with him, Mike?"

"Not for long, just until you leave this job" he smirked, knowing very well the only way that could happen would be if I died. Since my mom was the founder and I was her only child, I had no choice but to stay.

Lost in thought, I remembered how I ended up here. As an only child, I craved attention and aimed to please my mother. However, I was very shy, so when I somehow ended up making close friends and on top of that, an amazing boyfriend, I would do anything not to lose them. Thus, when my mom threatened to make me leave my entire life behind, I couldn't bear the thought of starting all over again and accepted to be the heir once I turned 24. Until I reached that age in 2 years, Mike was in charge. If only I just learned how to be confident, I wouldn't have ended up here and I kick myself every day because of it. If only I had known that I would've had to cut them out of my life either way because I couldn't have relationships that could be used against me. If only... "Aspen!" my name being called brought me back to reality and I looked around to find Derek staring at me with concern,

"What? Is there anything else you need to tell me?"

"Yes" Mike said as he handed me a folder, "here's your first assignment with Derek." I grabbed it and read as my new-found partner peered over my shoulder,

"Can you not be in my personal space?" I said and he smirked, then continued reading.

"As you can tell, this is a big job and it requires the two of you to work together, hence the term 'partners' and it is not up for discussion Aspen." he said knowing I would try to change his mind.

"Fine I'll work withhim." then I turned around and left.