Jade recalls exactly what captured Eric's attention, and that being fearless has consequences. Enjoy!

Warnings: Double smut, cursing, and triggering situations.

After my meeting is adjourned, I head back to my office deep in thought. I've successfully avoided Eric for the past few days, but I'm going to have to deal with him sooner or later.

Ever since Ayden has been at Amity, I've distracted myself every which way I could think of. Growing up Dauntless, I learned many hidden paths throughout the compound and used them to my full advantage. I've avoided Eric by all means possible, by taking an alternate back elevator to work and eating my meals at home or in my office. So far, it's worked. I haven't so much as seen Eric in passing, though his office is across the hall and we live in the same building.

I keep telling myself that cutting it off is the right thing to do, things can't go on like this, it's not fair to Ayden, it's wrong….

But I can't avoid Eric forever...and a nagging part of me doesn't want to.

The question also remains…what is Eric up to? I sink down into my chair with a sigh. My mind wanders back to right after Initiation when this whole thing started. Seeing everything in hindsight ignites my anger at myself. This whole situation could've been avoided if I'd resisted the urge to antagonize Eric at my job placement meeting. Things could've been so different if I for once exercised some self-restraint.

If I had just kept my mouth shut and not stirred the pot, I wouldn't be in this mess. I wouldn't have a bulls-eye on my back, and I wouldn't be cheating on my fiancé. If only I had answered differently in my interview. When Max asked me how I would improve Initiation, I basically called Eric's whole process asinine. I showed him up in front of his boss, setting this whole thing in motion…

THREE MONTHS EARLIER

"Shit," Leah grumbles in dismay, rummaging through the contents of her closet. I look up from inspecting my reflection, scrunching my nose while trying to decide on my outfit.

"What's wrong?"

"I have nothing to wear, and we haven't received our credits yet. I have to have my meeting with Max wearing the clothes from training."

"You can borrow something of mine if you want…."

"Yeah, if I was as tall and toned as you I could, you mean," she huffs, and I smirk.

"Well, I don't have anything really, either, if it makes you feel better…"

Since Leah and I ranked in the top ten of our class, we meet with Max and our instructors to discuss job placement before we actually select. The highest-ranking initiates are almost always expected to choose a leadership role, or something similar.

Max, Eric, Four, and Lauren all give their recommendations, while Max interviews us to determine where he deems to be a good fit. Max is the head leader of the Dauntless council, basically the man that will determine the rest of my life. If I'm not careful by keeping my smart mouth in check, I could end up freezing my ass off on the wall.

"I think I'm going to go with this one," She declares, holding up a black top and jeans.

"Is that from Initiation?"

"Yeah, I just altered it. I used to make and design my own clothes in Candor as a hobby, but my designs were too…. Dauntless…and I couldn't wear them."

Admiring the quality of her work, I nod in approval. It looks like one of our tanks we wore in training, but different. It has a unique pattern, altered to fit the curves of a woman. I've never seen anything quite like it, though definitely up to Dauntless standards.

"Wow, Leah, these are really good."

"I'm glad you think so…ooh, you should wear this."

Grinning, she tosses another black top and a pair of jeans at me. It's one of our basic black tanks from training, but the way Leah altered it, it's barely recognizable. It's fitted in a wrap under the bust and gathered on top. One of the straps is removed, leaving one shoulder bare. After quickly changing, I'm pleasantly surprised at how it looks.

I'm unusually tall for a female, standing at almost 5'10. Growing up in Dauntless, my body is toned and athletic from running everywhere and climbing everything, coupled with daily training at the gym. My eyes are a bright, piercing light hazel green, framed in long eyelashes. My lips are full and naturally rosy. My legs are exceptionally long, seeming to stretch on forever. My breasts are round and full, looking soft to the touch. I slowly unpin my hair, letting it fall around my toned shoulders and back.

For once in my life, I feel feminine. Smiling at her in appreciation, I turn to inspect the back.

"You should do something with clothes design, or artistic wise."

"Well, actually, you and I are on the same page with that. I decided to work in Uniform and Clothing Allocation if Max agrees. "

"Your skills could definitely be useful here. Your designs are awesome and belong in Dauntless…and so do you."

Leah smiles ear-to-ear. "I can't believe how free I finally feel..." She gets quiet for a moment. "Don't get me wrong, though I love my parents and my family, I didn't belong in Candor. I was repressed, just counting the days until Choosing Day. I'm hardly the studious, serious, stuffy type. I've always known this is where I belong. I would've chosen Dauntless regardless of what my result was." Her voice catches strangely at the end, making me glance at her curiously. She quickly looks away, and I decide not to press.

"What did your family say when you chose to leave Candor?" I ask quietly. Leah shrugs with a wistful smile.

"They came on Visiting Day. They told me they loved me and wished the best for me. My father was sad to see me go but knew I didn't really belong in Candor. They were upset, but they knew I made the right choice. They just want me to live an honest life, and ironically, they know that wouldn't be in Candor. I'll definitely miss them, but this is where I belong."

She sighs while picking up her hairbrush. "It's not like I'll never see them again. Even though we're no longer in the same faction, I'll still visit when I can." Running her hand along the wall, she joins me at the mirror.

"I'm sure your family was happy you stayed in Dauntless…how proud are they that their daughter is ranked number one in her class?"

Leah's smile falters, seeing the flash of pain across my face. "Oh…Jade, I'm sorry. I realized just now I never asked about your family. Are they still in Dauntless?" she asks gently. Taking a deep breath, I pretend to study my reflection. "My mother, yes. I saw her on Visiting Day, and we'll still see each other for dinner at least once a week or so." I swallow the lump in my throat, not liking to talk about this next part.

"My father was thrown out of Dauntless when I was ten. He lived factionless until he died two years ago." I turn to see Leah staring at me intently, deciding to answer her silent question.

"He had a drinking problem, as typical with a lot of Dauntless men. He got loaded one night and attacked my mom when she tried to put him to bed. It wasn't the first time, but that night he almost killed her. When she was lying on the floor unconscious in her own blood, he turned to me next. If Ayden's parents hadn't come home when they did and intervened, I don't know if I would still be here." I turn back to the mirror, hearing Leah inhale sharply.

"Jade…I'm really sorry. We don't have to talk about this if you don't want to…"

"No, it's cool. It was years ago...water under the bridge, so to speak."

"So you grew up with Ayden?"

"Yeah…he lived next door. I actually stayed with his family for a month or so while my mom was recovering. He and I were friends forever, but didn't start dating until last year."

Leah grins, running the brush through her hair. "Well lucky for you, your man is gorgeous and in a good job. I'll be lucky if I don't wind up with some jackass that walks the wall. Those seem to be the one I usually attract." I smirk while giving my reflection one last look. We grab our bags and head for the door.

"Well, let's go see where we'll spend the rest of our lives."

We step off of the elevator and make our way down to the large conference room at the end. Two large guards I recognize, Adam and Jason, stand outside the large double doors.

"Hey guys," I greet.

"Hey Jade. They're almost ready. Just have a seat and I'll call you in."

Leah and I sit on the bench, trying to calm our nerves. A moment later, Adam touches his earpiece then gestures toward me

"You can go in now Jade."

Rising gracefully, I give Leah an anxious smile. Striding through the door, I see Max, Lauren, Four and Eric seated at the long table. I nod at Four and Lauren, and they return it. Max returns my smile with a nod. The smile slips from my face as I just glance at Eric, and he regards me blankly as I take a seat.

Eric is one of the biggest assholes I've ever met in my life, and that's saying a lot for growing up around Dauntless boys. I've hated him ever since day one of Training when he flexed his muscles in front of the transfer initiates. I get that he's not here to make friends, but there's a difference between training soldiers and blatantly torturing initiates you simply don't like.

Time and again, I watched him arrange unfair fights and manipulate situations to his advantage, for nothing more than to prove how big and bad he thinks he is. Even his first year here, before my own initiation, I heard the rumors of his involvement with Jeanine Matthews.

I guess women aren't the only ones that fuck their way to the top.

If the rumors have any truth to them, Eric only attained leadership by Jeanine's hand in a backroom deal with Max. He didn't earn it, the way a true Dauntless would. He doesn't have the best interest of Dauntless at heart, only his own. The whole Dauntless manifesto details "ordinary acts of bravery and the courage that drives one person to stand up for another". If it came right down to it, Eric wouldn't protect anyone but himself...the only person he truly cares about.

That's not a leader. That's a coward. He may have everyone else fooled, but not me. I see him for what he is, and I'm not afraid of him.

Max regards me with his usual impassive expression. As I wait for him to begin, I sternly remind myself to watch my smart-ass mouth and remember if I don't keep myself in check, it could determine the rest of my life. Finally, he folds his hands in front of him.

"First and foremost Jade, congratulations on ranking first. I have to say your skill was an impressive showing during training. It's not often we have a female come out on top."

"Thank you, sir." A slight tingle goes through my body as I bite my tongue. Although sexist to the core, it's as close as a compliment as I'll ever get from Max. "What can I say? Dauntless-born and bred," I chuckle slightly. Max smirks, making a small shudder go through me as his eyes drop to my chest. I decide to ignore it.

"Normally, the top-ranked initiate is automatically selected for leadership, though I make the final determination of whether or not that's a good fit. We'll just start from the top." He glances between me and my file, pulling out a sheet.

Max asks the expected questions of why I think I'd be best as an Ambassador, rather than go straight to leadership, what my goals are for Dauntless and areas where I see room for improvement. I take a deep breath before answering the last question.

"Well, I find the Initiation process itself could be improved, and desperately needs to be overhauled in some areas." All four look at me attentively.

"How so?" Max asks.

"The cutting system as it is now is illogical," I state matter-of-factly.

Max looks at me stoically, while Eric sits up and inhales sharply. "How so? I'm actually the one that implemented the new procedures, and I guarantee they aren't inefficient." I don't miss the hidden undertone of anger in his voice, masked by the usual hard tone all Dauntless men take.

He's staring like he wants to stab me with his eyes, giving me a silent warning. A warning me not to make a fool of him, especially not in front of Max, whom he's supposed to succeed to the Dauntless throne one day. As Eric's eyes lock with mine, a strange feeling stirs in the pit of my stomach. I consider for a moment just dropping the subject, but my stubbornness wins out. Anyone else would be terrified by the look Eric is giving me right now, but I'm merely amused. Going off my best judgment, I should probably shut my mouth, but….

This asshole doesn't scare me. Perhaps it's time he knew that.

With an arch of my brow, I place my hands on the table with a smirk. My eyes sweep over them as I shrug nonchalantly, my eyes coming to rest on Eric.

"It's illogical because training is separated by transfer and faction-born, and that's inefficient. The way it's ranked now, the men almost always outnumber the women in the end."

"How is that not logical? Only the strong survive here, and you yourself ranked first in your class," He counters.

"Yes, I did, but you know what? It's a rarity, and one that's slowly going to hurt our faction."

"How so?"

"You said so yourself. Only the strong survive here, the ones who rise to the top, right?" Eric nods, and I continue. "Sometimes sub-par initiates only make it through because they outrank someone who's more inept than they are. The rankings aren't evenly matched."

"They're not supposed to be evenly matched, Jade. It's supposed to be the strongest of the group," He snaps, and I shake my head.

"Let me put this a different way. I'll give my class as an example. Brian made it through to the second round because he beat people like Caroline. Remember her, the scrawny, skinny, couldn't-fight-to-save-her-life transfer from Amity? Brian was weak, but he made it through to the second round on technicality because he was put against someone obviously weaker. Had he been matched with another male, he wouldn't have. He would've been weeded out quickly."

Max's eyebrows raise slightly as he starts to see where I'm going. Nodding in confirmation, I turn back to Eric.

"You're absolutely right it should be the strongest that survive here, Eric. But it should be the strongest men and the strongest women. Rankings shouldn't be separated by faction-born or transfer." Leaning back, I fold my hands over my stomach. "It shouldn't matter what faction you were born into. If you belong here, you belong here, and should be equal with those that do."

Eric shakes his head in refusal. "Faction born have an advantage by growing up here. They have more exposure to Dauntless ways and extra time to train. It wouldn't be fair to-"

"So what if they do, Eric?" I cut in with an exasperated sigh. Eric blanches, not used to being openly questioned.

"So…what…if…they do, Eric?" I repeat. "Dauntless-born or not, if you belong here, you'll do as well as the next person. If a guy passes, it shouldn't be because he was a 6'1, 220 lbs man pitted against a 5'1, 110 lbs female. Of course he would win. It's not even a true test of his actual skill. Take that Initiate from a year or two ago, the one from Candor. He would've ranked first, had that kid that set him up to fall in the chasm not taken him out. He wasn't faction-born, yet he was easily the best initiate of his class. He was strong, smart, and he could fight. He had Dauntless leadership written all over him. He did all of that without 'extra time to train' as you claim, and still outranked those that did. He belonged here and got a raw deal."

Max regards me with a blank expression, stroking his chin. "If it were up to you then Jade, how would you correct it?" he asks. Eric's eyes immediately cut to the side at him, smarting at the word 'correct'. A small satisfaction spreads through me at the silent wrath simmering on his face. It's about time someone took this asshole down a peg or two. With my eyes never leaving Eric, I answer honestly and directly.

"It's simple, really. I agree that cuts should be made, and the weak disposed of early. However, the cutting system as it is now is not efficient and will actually hurt Dauntless in the long run. But it's an easy fix." I lace my fingers together while regarding them all.

"Instead of training and ranking faction born and transfer together, I would simply separate the men from the women and rank them accordingly. Separate and equal rankings for gender."

Eric scoffs while shaking his head in amusement. "Why would you do that?" He chuckles, giving Max a knowing side look. "What's a matter Jade? You don't want your little princesses to have to face real combat situations? Or are you afraid they wouldn't make it through Initiation to begin with?" he tries to taunt, but I grin back smugly.

"You're absolutely right, Eric. A lot of women wouldn't make it through Initiation...that's the problem you fail to see."

A flicker of confusion crosses his face. "You're not making any sense, and it's obvious you have no idea what you're talking about. So why don't you get to the point if you have one, and stop wasting our time," he growls. I can't help but enjoy how much he's riled up.

Game on, asshole.

I don't even try to bite back my condescending smirk. "My point is that ranking the men and women together is inaccurate to true skill. Of course, most of the men here are going to physically surpass the women." I grin at Max with a little wink.

"Well, not all of the women...but the vast majority. If you're going to better the faction in the long run, Dauntless needs the strongest men, and the strongest women...now more than ever before it's too late."

I place a folder in front of Max. He picks it up while glancing at me and the others. "Newest population data from Erudite," I explain. Max eyes me as he opens it.

"While researching the Ambassador position, I took it upon myself to look up these rations and security reports. They provided member data and those of the other factions. I draw your attention to the male numbers, and female numbers for each faction…and then take a look at the numbers for Dauntless."

Max peers at the file, then glances at me in an alarming manner. I nod, smirking knowingly at Eric. "What?" he snaps, trying to look over Max's shoulder. I nod toward the file.

"There's a growing problem here I'm surprised no one has noticed yet."

"And what's that?" He sneers.

"Oh, I don't know, just take a look at the Pit sometime."

"What about it?"

"The male-to-female ratio is about six to one. If you keep phasing out all the women, soon it'll be ten to one."

He rolls his eyes. "So what? Once again...if they're cowards that can't fight, they shouldn't be here anyway."

"But you're overlooking one very important thing, here Eric."

"And what's that?"

Leaning back, I level him with my even gaze. "Universal faction law states procreation is not optional. Quite the opposite, in fact. The council just passed the new mandate stating that everyone must have children by the age of thirty, or they will be entered into the 'faction lottery', where a mate will be chosen for them specifically for procreation." My voice is strong and clear, never wavering under Eric's glare.

"Out of curiosity Eric, when you designed this new system of training, did you take all of these factors into account? If Dauntless-born girls transfer out of Dauntless, and only a handful of females pass Initiation, what will happen when there are not enough options left for Dauntless males? How can faction procreation requirements be met, when you're phasing out the very component crucial to keep Dauntless going?"

Lauren and Four glance at each other, then at me in awe as the truth of my discovery dawns on their faces. Max's impressed approval shows in his eyes, though nothing shows in his expression. My argument is sound and irrefutable, and everyone in this room knows it.

My eye lands back on Eric, now silent. I see the carefully controlled rage as he openly scowls through narrowed eyes. He's furious this flaw was discovered in front of Max. I simply can't help myself by deciding to twist the knife a little harder. Giving him a patronizing grin, I tilt my head.

"Eric," I coo in a sickly-sweet voice, "You are a former Erudite. I assume it doesn't need to be explained where babies come from, or that men can't get each other pregnant?"

Lauren and Four don't even bother to hide their grins. Lauren covers her mouth with her palm, trying to stifle her giggles as Four bites his lip to stifle his. Max says nothing, still poring over the file. Eric's chest rises and falls, his gaze burning into me as we silently face off across the table. I never break eye contact as Max finally looks up, waiting for me to continue.

"The next generation of Dauntless warriors can't be born, if we won't have enough women in the faction to give birth to them. It's a simple male-to-female ratio assessment. I have to say I'm a little surprised and quite frankly concerned this factor wasn't considered...or even thought of...when this new procedure was implemented."

My unspoken taunt hangs in the air until finally, Max turns to Four and Lauren. "Would you agree that's accurate?" He asks. Four and Lauren both nod. "Since we instated the new cutting procedure, we did have quite a few more males than females pass," Four answers. Max glances at Eric thoughtfully, making me feel a smug satisfaction. Eric's barely in control of himself right now.

Max again gives nothing away, just simply nods. "I thank you for bringing my attention to this," he finally states. A giddy feeling blooms in my chest, but I keep up the appearance of the stoic Dauntless warrior. "I'll review my notes from this meeting, the recommendations from your trainers, and we'll let you know at the job selection lottery. You'll be given three choices, I believe you'd be appropriate for, and you'll choose from those." Taking this as my effective dismissal, I nod at them and stand.

Moving to leave the conference room, I steal one last glance at Eric. Though I'm not afraid of him the deadly look on his face makes me feel a thin ribbon of apprehension. His eyes practically cut me, making my heart beast faster.

I need to be ready...there's now a big red 'X' on my back.

PRESENT

I've been throwing myself into work, tonight being no exception. It's way past dinnertime when I finally head to the food hall before they close for the night. After quickly finishing a chicken salad, I make my way through the Pit to the elevator. To my dismay, there's a 'broken' sign on the door. I'm going to have to use the utility one in the stairwell.

As I make my way up the stairs, the exit door below me opens and shuts. My heart pounds as stomping echoes off the steps, rapidly growing closer. I already know who's behind me without having to turn around. Ignoring his low call of my name, a slight twinge of nerves tingles when Eric is right behind me. Resolving to not let him intimidate me, I quicken my pace.

His hand finally closes on my arm, painfully. "Would you fucking stop," he growls. I turn, yanking my arm free. "What the fuck do you want, Eric?" I snap. His blue eyes bore into mine, making my blood heat.

"Where've you been hiding?" He taunts with a smug little smirk, though I detect a hint of annoyance. Whiskey tinges his breath, his eyes a little glassy.

"I'm not hiding anywhere...nor do I have time or patience for your bullshit."

"I need to talk to you.

"We have nothing to talk about...now fuck off..."

That strange, crackling energy I don't understand starts coursing between us. He leans in, his face practically touching mine. His breathing is elevated as he lowers his lids, his eyes roving over me. He finally brings them up to mine.

"Jade...I told you. When I need something from you, that means now, not when you fucking feel like it," He rumbles lowly, moving closer. My temper takes over, giving him a defiant glare while shoving him back.

"Exactly who the fuck do you think you are? Who the fuck you're not, is my boss or my man," I hiss through gritted teeth, my anger getting the best of me. His eyebrows shoot up in surprise, his expression hardening. Rolling my eyes, my hand waves impatiently. "Tell me what the fuck you want then get the fuck out of my way..." I unintentionally moved closer, our faces are now grazing. His eyes whip to me sharply.

"Watch your fucking mouth, Jade," He growls in warning.

"Watch your own fucking mouth, Eric. Once again, I don't belong to you...you don't tell me what to do," I hiss through gritted teeth.

"What the fuck did you just say?" He growls, pushing me against the wall.

"You heard me...you may be a councilman, but you don't have the right to manhandle anyone...get your fucking hands off me," I growl right back.

Eric's glare holds such unbridled lust, I think I'm going to melt into the floor. We stare each other down as a strange, pulsating energy thickens the air between us. Eric's pupils dilate as my breath catches, my abdomen clenching. Out of the corner of my eye, I see his arm twitch. Looking him up and down in disgust, I turn around to keep walking when he jerks me back.

"Actually, you stupid little bitch, that's exactly what it means..." He hisses in a menacing tone.

Raising his other arm, he backhands me. The force of the blow bounces my head against the concrete, making me fall sideways. I'm too stunned to react right away. He grabs my arm hard enough to leave a bruise, pinning me against the wall. On the verge of losing control, he grips my jaw with crushing force.

"You and I are going to have a little chat in the training room."

He bends down and sweeps me over his shoulder, stalking out of the stairwell.

Eric kicks open the door, practically tossing me right by the knife table. After kicking the door closed with his heel, he strides toward me. Jerking me by my shoulders, he yanks me to my feet.

"What the fuck do-" He begins when I head butt him, hard enough for tears to well in his eyes.

His grip loosens but doesn't break. Since he's holding me under my arms with my elbows free, I promptly jab him in the eye. His grip finally breaks, forcing him to drop me. Instantly sweeping my leg when landing, he's knocked off his feet. He lunges but misses, as I somersault and land on top of him. After delivering a rapid fury of punches to his face, he finally catches my wrists by hooking his arm over them and rolling.

He tries to move on top, but I anticipate it and quickly roll to my side. With a vicious kick to his ribs, I hear him grunt in pain. Leaping to my feet, I scurry away but he grabs my leg. After falling to the floor with a painful thud, we grapple for a few minutes. He punches me in the stomach, and I manage to get the heel of my shoe in his ribs.

After a while when kicks and punches are equally traded, I finally manage to grab a knife from the table. Quickly rolling on top, I jam the edge to his throat.

We both freeze, panting and spent. Rage-fueled adrenaline courses through my body. With my eyes glittering darkly, I silently hold it against his throat for a long while. Finally, with venom radiating from my eyes I lean in, my teeth bared.

"Listen to me very carefully, you piece of shit. Do not…ever…ever…mistake me for some weak little stiff, nose, hippie or Candor initiate you think can be intimidated and smacked around for your fucking amusement," I snarl, barely containing my fury.

"If you ever lay hands on me again, I will not hesitate to slit your fucking throat and laugh while you bleed out. This time you got lucky...next time I'll fucking kill you...is that clear?"

His eyes flicker with a mixture of admiration and rage as he smirks. Are we clear Eric? Say it." I press a little harder to nick him, making him grunt as a small trickle of blood runs down his neck. "We're clear, Jade," he finally concedes as I press harder still.

"Wonderful."

Glaring for another long moment, I slam the knife into the mat a mere inch from his head. "Oh no, Eric... I just saw you flinch. Better work on your reflexes," I spit sarcastically, slowly coming to my feet. Hobbling for the door, I try to catch my breath.

This is far from over, but at least I won this round.

After unlocking my door, I slightly limp to the bathroom to inspect the damage. "Not too bad," I murmur. My arms and legs will have bruise prints, but no damage to my face. Nothing makeup can't cover. I'm washing the cuts on my knuckles when I hear my front door open, making me freeze. Now that my rage has ebbed, dread creeps back in. We both just nearly killed each other...he's not finished yet.

Eric walks into the bathroom, slightly out of breath as I eye him warily in the mirror. Bruises are starting to darken his cheek, a small streak of blood trickling down his neck from where I cut him. With our eyes locked, he moves slowly, stopping right behind me. Too tired to struggle, I close my eyes tightly and get ready. Whatever happens now, happens. I'm waiting for the first blow when instead, I feel his lips on my shoulder.

"Relax," he whispers behind my ear.

He moves my hair to one side. Running his mouth in a hot trail from my shoulder, neck, and throat, a path of scorching heat is left in its wake. "I've really missed you," He murmurs, his arms sliding down the curve of my hips to unbutton my jeans.

I can't help a moan from escaping, as his large hand caress the smooth skin of my stomach. He circles his other arm around my waist. One hand covers mine, rubbing my sore knuckles. I wince a little, but his kisses send lust shooting through my veins. My abdomen clenches, distracting me from the pain. I close my eyes, leaning back on his shoulder.

I look up at him through hooded lids as he turns me around. He brings his hand to cup my cheek, fingers stroking the side of my face. He moves closer until I'm backed up against the wall.

He presses his body to mine, his hips pinning me in place. I breathe faster as he takes my hand, pressing it to the rock-hard bulge in his jeans.

"You see what you do to me?" he growls in a low, rich voice, sliding my jeans down my legs.

He picks me up and carries me to the bed, making my legs wrap around him as his mouth takes mine. After stripping each other bare, his mouth devours every inch of my body he can reach while laying me on my back. He runs his hands over my thighs, taking both of my ankles and pushing them near my ears. My quivering need becomes obvious as he kisses my inner thighs, the anticipation driving me crazy. Eric kneels, gripping both ankles and placing them on his shoulders. Moving his hands to my hips, he plunges deep inside me.

I grip the bed sheet tightly as my eyes roll back. Eric keeps his rhythm, eventually leaning over so that my ankles are all the way back by my ears, making my space that much tighter. I'm a lot more flexible than I knew. My legs slide from his shoulders, wrapping around him as my nails claw at his muscular back. Our tongues and teeth clash, both dueling for dominance. Eric grips my waist as I roll over on top. "Fuck yes," he whispers as I rock my hips, taking his full length inside me.

He sits up and flips me around on my knees. Leaning over to grip the bed rail, my mouth rounds in pleasure as Eric takes control of my hips, plunging even deeper than before. He hits a place he never has, making me scream in pleasure as my orgasm sears through my body. My back arches, feeling faint as he grabs the back of my hair. He really shows no mercy as he rocks into me relentlessly, though the pain is pleasurable

The pressure continues to build, even after Eric makes me come two more times. He satisfies me for a third time, before finally getting his own release at the same moment. He collapses over me as we both quake and tremor, feeling the aftershocks of our mutual satisfaction. Exhaling loudly, he rolls to the side. Pulling on his jeans, he takes a cigarette from the pocket and steps toward the balcony.

My muscles feel like water as I roll to my side, my whole body relaxed. Starting to nod off, my eyes open when I feel the mattress dip from Eric's weight. "What are you doing?" I murmur sleepily as he pulls the covers over us.

"What does it look like?"

"It looks like you think you're sleeping here tonight."

"I am."

"The hell you are! Get the fuck out..."

"No."

"Eric-"

"Jade, for once in your life shut the fuck up and stop arguing with me just to argue. I'm not leaving...go to sleep."

"Eric, I'm engaged. I can't do this any-"

Eric inhales sharply. "Jade," he cuts in with his most chilling voice, making me jump. "I'm not leaving." His tone leaves no room for debate. My yawns attack me, and I'm too tired to argue. Eric wraps his body around mine, nuzzling my neck as I roll to my side. His arm is over my shoulder and the other around my waist, leaving nowhere for my arms and hands to go but over his.

"By the way," he whispers, placing soft kisses behind my neck and ear, "Training initiates is right where you belong. I'm not often impressed." I scoff while settling my head in the crook of his neck and shoulder. "I don't give a shit if you're impressed or not, motherfucker. Just remember how I kicked your ass, the next time you want to get slap-happy."

He chuckles against my ear, both falling into a blissful, sex-induced coma.

Light rain pelts the window the next morning as my eyes flutter, beginning to stir. Eric is still wrapped around me, his arms feeling like a steel cage of warmth. Strangely, I feel comfortable and good when he holds me like this, though I know it isn't real. Snuggling into the pillow, I shut my eyes with a sigh.

I can no longer deny Eric makes me feel things I never thought I could...at least physically. Our sexual chemistry is to the point of being explosive…but that's all this is. Sex. Nothing more, I tell myself firmly. Ayden's face and my guilt rear up again, though I desperately try to push both away from me.

I feel Eric's lips on my neck as he begins to stir. To his surprise…. and mine…I stroke the hands that are around my shoulders and waist with my fingernails. He brings a hand to the side of my face, tilting it to his. Our mouths connect, my desire flowing through my body in a warm wave. Eric shifts so that he's over me, making me close my eyes in anticipation.

Eric's lips travel from the base of my throat to my chest, then lower as he moves down my bare body. Biting my lip, I grip the sheets, as he runs his hands over my stomach and thighs, his head settling between my legs.

"Ohhhh..." I moan as his skilled mouth takes me, giving in to the delicious sensation.

Eric's tongue lazily strokes and strokes, showing no mercy. My back arches as my need for release becomes almost unbearable. "Eric," I whisper desperately, "Please…" One hand grips his hair as I sit up, but he pushes me back down and continues his merciless assault. My eyes roll back as he continues his mission. After what feels like an eternity I try my best to stifle my scream, shattering into a million pieces.

In my euphoric haze, I'm vaguely aware then Eric is making his way back up. Gasping as he enters me in full force, I wrap my legs around him as he surges into me. My eyes close as the familiar climb begins.

"Jade...open your eyes...look at me…" He commands roughly.

Our eyes connect as I do what he says. My breath catches as he strokes the side of my face as we move, Eric inhaling sharply. My eyes close as our foreheads touch. To my surprise, he strokes my cheek and kisses me almost tenderly, passionately…lovingly.

My eyes snap open. I'm just in a sex-induced delirium, and it's making me hallucinate. Eric pulls back, bracing himself on his forearms. Before I know what I'm doing, I slide my hands over his arms and shoulders, stroking both sides of his face as he reaches his mark.

Eric throws his head back with closed eyes as I shatter for the second time with him, my back arching and my hips convulsing.

Eric stays inside me until my body gives one last shudder. He collapses on top of me, his head buried in my neck. HIs lips are on my throat as I lightly rake my fingernails across his shoulders and back. As we both start to come down off our high, reality sets in again that I have to remember this isn't real and keep my head in the game. I exhale slowly, stretching as Eric rolls to his side. He watches me as I rise from the bed, moving toward my closet.

"Where are you going?"

"I have stuff to do."

"I know your schedule... You're off today."

"What I do is none of your concern, Eric...fucking drop it."

Eric gets up and pulls on a pair of jeans as I get dressed. He comes into the bathroom as I'm brushing my hair, leaning in the doorway. I purposely avoid his eye as he stares for a long time.

"How long are you going to keep this up?"

"Keep up what?"

"Ignoring what's right in front of your face."

My heart slams into my chest. My breath catches, not wanting to have this conversation. I don't have the guts to ask him what he means, and truth be told…deep down I know what he means, but I refuse to acknowledge it. Smoothing my hair, I brush by him towards my front door. "I have to go, Eric," I reply without looking at him.

"You need to leave. I don't want you here when I get back," I call over my shoulder, shutting the door behind me.

I can't avoid this forever...but I can try as long as I'm able.