A lot was going on while Eric and Jade were at Amity on that rainy Chicago night :). Leah and Brady finally get a few things situated between them. It appears nobody is exactly on the same page regarding their respective relationships.

Warnings: Language and smut.

Disclaimer: I wrote the conversation with Eric's friends in a raw, realistic way... their dialogue include things I myself would be offended by. It does not mean I condone their views. Just sayin'. :)


Rachel knocks the rest of her drink back, setting it in front of her. "So how bad did Eric freak out?" Leah grimaces, taking another sip of beer. "Let's just say that telling Eric Jade is stuck somewhere without him, should be in the fear landscape simulation. Thank God I didn't have to tell him in person," she groans. Rachel chuckles, quirking her brow.

"It's not like he had to drag her drunk ass out of an elevator," she laughs. Leah giggles, shaking her head. "I still can't believe we got that fucked up." She shifts to face her.

"How much trouble did you get in with Sebastian that night?" Leah teases, stopping when the smile drains from Rachel's face. "Oh shit…was it bad?" Rachel shakes her head, lacing her hands over her stomach.

"No, it wasn't anything…because I haven't really talked to him since."

"What? I thought he took you home…"

"He did."

"He didn't say anything about it at all?"

Rachel catches her bottom lip between her teeth. "I didn't give him the chance. He was gone when I woke up, and I left before he could come back." Her tone is clipped, no trace of humor. Leah realizes she needs to tread lightly with this, as Rachel is clearly upset and trying to act as if she isn't. "Why is that?" she asks cautiously. Rachel sighs, reaching over and pouring another drink.

"Because I need to put the brakes on this whole thing…"

"Why?"

"It's just getting a little too complicated and going in a direction I'd rather avoid."

"What do you mean?"

Rachel looks down, swirling her drink with the straw. She pauses for a long moment, taking a deep breath. "Things are just getting…a little…out of hand. I need to pull back." Leah quirks her brow inquisitively. "Out of hand how?" Rachel inhales sharply, staring straight ahead.

"I thought when Sebastian and I started messing around, it was just going to be in fun, something we do occasionally. But it's been more than occasionally...I don't want to get caught up in it and get shit twisted."

Leah doesn't say anything, taking a sip of her drink. "What do you mean twisted? Caught up in what?" Rachel scoffs with a slight smirk. "I just think I'm starting to forget what this really is... I don't want to set myself up for disappointment. It's just better that I cut Sebastian loose now before it goes any farther. I recognize the signs, and I need to accept it," Her voice shakes slightly.

"Rachel, what signs? What do you mean? Before what goes farther? I'm confused…" Leah grows alarmed as tears spring to Rachel's eyes. She sets her glass down, turning to face her. Hastily wiping them from her face, Rachel picks up her drink.

"What I mean, is that it's all fun and games until someone catches feelings. In this case, it's me… I'm not falling any further into the hole."

Not quite certain what to say, Leah looks up while biting her lip. "Rachel," she begins gently, "How are you so certain that Sebastian doesn't feel the same way? I'm not understanding your thought process…"

"Leah…you haven't in Dauntless long, but I grew up here around Dauntless men. They're either one of two things. Fiercely possessive and protective, or they don't give a shit, they just want to get laid. Sebastian falls in the second category. Always has, always will. That's not the kind of guy you think of as long term. That's the kind of guy you fuck around with before you meet the permanent guy."

"How do know that he couldn't eventually be long term?"

"He doesn't think of me like that, Leah."

"How do you know?"

Rachel all but slams her drink down. "He practically fucked Tiffany right in front me... I was the last thing on his mind that night…" she grits out, Leah taken aback by the force in her tone. Her Candor nature doesn't stop her from stating a fact.

"Rachel, you know he didn't go home with her… he came and got you…"

"I was too drunk to fuck him, which is why he probably left and found Tiffany to get his dick wet for the night. Why else wouldn't he be there when I woke up…he certainly made no secret of his intentions on Oak Street..."

Leah sighs, somewhat at a loss on how to proceed. Rachel closes her eyes, tilting her face upwards.

"I'm just…mad at myself for feeling this way, because it shouldn't be an issue. I shouldn't give a shit...shouldn't care that he's plowed every girl in Dauntless, present company excepted, and probably still is, but I do. I care that it hurt me to see him with her that night. That's a fucking problem…that's on me to fix, not Sebastian. He's never once led me on or deluded me on exactly what our involvement is. This isn't his fault…it's mine. So… I'm going to do the right thing for everyone and end it."

Leah takes another sip, eying her over the brim. "Okay…so…what's your plan with that? Are you going to tell him?" Rachel shakes her head, clenching her teeth. "No," she states firmly, eyes straight ahead. "I don't want any drama. I don't even think anything needs to be said at all." Leah shakes her head, pursing her lips.

"You're just going to ghost him?

"More like slow fade… the easiest way."

"Slow fade?"

Rachel shrugs, picking up her drink. "I'm just going to gradually drop off his radar. I'm not taking his calls and only answer an occasional text. I plan on being unavailable when he's in the mood to get laid. If he's not getting sex, he'll lose interest real fucking quick…eventually migrating to someone else. No big dramatic scene or weird feelings...no fuss no muss."

Rachel takes a deep breath, waving her hand. "But enough of that," she declares, changing the subject. "While we're going down this road, though…you never did tell me what happened with Brady that night…" she wiggles her brows suggestively, her smile freezing as Leah looks down at her drink.

"Oh shit…did he suck in bed or something?"

Leah can't help but laugh. "I wouldn't know…that didn't happen." Rachel's mouth rounds, tilting her head to the side. "Really," she murmurs in surprise. Now she's the one treading lightly. Leah is visibly affected by the memory, trying to keep her face composed. Rachel isn't fooled.

"Well…" she says slowly, "What happened when you got home?"

Leah smacks her lips together wryly. "Oh, it was one of my finest moments, let me tell you," she spits sarcastically. Rachel waits for her to continue, her full attention captured. Leah runs her hand through her hair.

"Picture this," she waves her hands in gesture. "After literally picking me up off the floor, he carries me to my place and puts me to bed. After helping me change, I'm now laying there half-naked, ready willing and able, thinking he might be feeling it to…so… I kiss him and ask if he wants to stay." Leah takes a long gulp of her drink slamming it down in front of her.

"To which he promptly shuts me down with a 'no'...then I fall asleep and he leaves."

Rachel's breath catches as Leah's voice begins to shake. Giving her a time to compose herself, neither speak for a moment. Suddenly, Rachel pushes her stool back and stands. "Okay, you know what? No…fuck this bullshit…we're not going to do this." Leah looks at her wide-eyed, Rachel hurriedly gesturing to stand up.

"What aren't we doing?"

"We are not going to sit here with this fucking 'woe-is-me' bullshit. Both of us are too fucking young and hot to be whining over guys that aren't worth it. They aren't our only options...we need to remind ourselves of that." Rachel glances at her phone, then looks up.

"Let's go home and change. Meet me in the Pit in fifteen minutes..."

"We can't go anywhere…Erudite issued the warning to stay indoors. We can't leave the faction," she reminds. Rachel gives her a wink. "Here's the thing about Dauntless…we actually like weather like this. Everyone gets a little stir-crazy and shit can get wild. We're going to go have some fun."

Leah shakes her head in bewilderment, sliding her jacket on as Rachel lifts her chin.

"Another thing we do at Dauntless…we get over someone by getting under someone else. Let's get to it."


"What the fuck was that…" Logan wonders aloud, watching Eric stomp across the Pit.

The guys all shake their heads in bewilderment. Logan lights up his cigarette, glancing at Brady. "What's their deal, anyway?" Brady shrugs, taking another sip of his beer. "Who the fuck knows, man. After that little shit-fit he just had, I'd say they got their shit straight. But it might be different an hour from now…I can't fucking keep up. He was on the warpath until her birthday."

"What exactly happened?" Jason asks. Sebastian just shakes his head.

"Don't know. He just said Jade found out about Sawyer fucking around and thought he had something to do with it."

"How would Coulter have something to do with that? How'd she find out anyway?"

"I don't know...he really didn't want to get into it."

Sebastian smirks, leaning over the railing. "I don't blame him for losing his shit…Jade Crawford is not exactly a piece of ass I'd let go so easily…" Logan tips his jaw with a leering grin. "I guess you would know, wouldn't you…" The guys all chuckle, while Brady whips his head to face Sebastian. "You fucked Jade before?" He asks in surprise. Sebastian smirks, puffing his cigarette.

"Maybe..."

"Shit…does Coulter know?"

Sebastian ashes his cigarette with a shrug. "I don't know…it was only once. Besides, it was a long, and I mean, a long time ago, before Coulter was even in Dauntless or knew Jade. Shit like that isn't a big deal…pretty much everyone here has fucked at some point. Not something I feel the need to go into detail about."

He takes a swig of beer. "Not like I keep a fucking tally…too long a list. Once a bitch is off my dick I usually forgot all about her," he laughs, the guys joining in. Taking another drag, he turns his attention back to the Pit below.

What he conveniently forgets to mention, is that Jade is different. He'll always remember her… Jade was the first one ever on his dick…even if he never told her, or anyone else that.

Logan smirks, taking another drag. "Does that mean Rachel Carlisle is fair game?" he starts to tease but stops when Sebastian's face immediately hardens.

"Fuck no... Rachel's mine."

Taking notice of the edge in his tone, they all glance at each other in astonishment. Logan puts his hands up in mock surrender. "Bro, it was a fucking joke…lighten up." Sebastian exhales slowly.

"Joking or not, don't even think about it…I'll fuck up anyone stupid enough to try."

They're all at a loss for words. Sebastian is a known philanderer of Dauntless women, never bothering to hide it. There've been many times he's woken up and not remembered whose bed he was in, from whomever he went home with the night before. He's taken full advantage of almost every female Reserve in the system…often two of them at the same time, sometimes three… every guy here has at least one salacious story they can share about him.

He's also correct, in that he forgets all about them after they've served their purpose. Many a Dauntless woman has waited for a text or call that never came…and never will, because she was out of sight and out of mind. To hear him actually claim Rachel as his is not expected.

"You two are together?" Jason queries. Sebastian nods, taking a sip of beer. "Have been for a while … I get why Coulter's freaking out over Jade. I'd be the same way if Rachel were out at Amity, around a bunch of horny fucks that've been staring at the same used up snatch they've fucked stupid a thousand times. It wouldn't surprise me if Coulter went out there to get her. I'd do the same fucking thing if it were Rachel." He notices the questioning looks on his friends' faces and shrugs. "Rachel's different. It's time to get serious about shit, too." He gestures toward Jason.

"I know you know what I mean…same reason you're going to marry Samantha."

Jason thinks for a moment, shrugging in agreement. Seeing the confusion on Brady and Logan's faces, he begins to explain.

"We're Dauntless...we do dangerous shit. That stash house had enough ammo and guns to kill every one of us. If that went bad, some of us might not be here right now. Some of us are the last, or first of our family name in the faction…which means if we die, so does our name. I should know…my old man died when I was a baby. If he hadn't been with my mom when he was, I wouldn't be here."

Jason takes a sip of his beer. "Not to mention if I have to knock someone up, I'd rather it be my own choice. I'll be damned if I get stuck with some bitch I don't want and can't stand from the lottery. That shit would be embarrassing," he agrees.

"Embarrassing how?" Logan asks.

Sebastian shrugs. "Because of where we are in the Dauntless hierarchy. What would it look like, as a fucking Commander, I couldn't land anyone on my own, some bullshit system had to pick for me? I don't fucking think so…I'm just glad I found the one I want early."

"Rachel Carlisle is it?"

"Sure as fuck is…"

"How do you know?"

"Haven't been with anyone else since her…haven't wanted anyone but her...that's a huge fucking sign she's the one," Sebastian laughs.

Logan nearly chokes on his beer. "Fucking liar," he laughs, narrowing his eyes and grinning. Ashing his cigarette, he points his beer bottle toward him. "We all saw you with Tiffany the night of Jade's birthday…I thought that bitch was going to suck your cock right there in front of everyone. There was a bet going," he chuckles as Sebastian scoffs.

"Tiffany? As in Tiffany Rogers? No fucking thank you…actually did fuck her once. I'll never do it again...that bitch is crazy…can't take a hint. Thought it was more than it was…didn't end well."

"How so?"

Sebastian grins while turning his palm up. "She thought it would be continued beyond that night, I made it clear she was just three holes and a heartbeat …nothing more. She's fucking persistent, I'll give her that. She tries every so often, but I always shut her down."

Sebastian stops laughing when something dawns on him. His eyes dart to the side as his mouth rounds slightly. "Oh fuck," he swears, tossing his empty beer in the trash. His face twists into a scowl, placing his hands on the rail.

"What's a matter?" Jason asks.

Sebastian doesn't answer right away, then turns around. "It makes sense now," he growls. They all wait for him to continue, as Sebastian rubs his chin.

"Rachel's been acting weird ever since that night. I haven't seen her in a few days, but I thought that was just because I've been busy. She won't answer her fucking phone, and one-word answers to texts."

His jaw clenches, as he exhales. "She probably thinks I was going to fuck that slut…that's why she left with Leah…son of a bitch…"

"I thought you took her home that night?"

"I did…council got called early while she was still sleeping, but she was gone when I got back. She never said why she took off. I thought she was afraid I was going to be mad she left, and I was…but now she's avoiding me…"

Sebastian pulls out his phone, heading toward the stairs. "I have some shit to handle…I'll see you guys later," he calls over his shoulder. They all watch him quickly hurry through the Pit, a look of determination set on his face.

Logan puffs his cigarette, scouring below for potential prospects. "Well…that escalated quickly," he jokes as he exhales. Finishing his beer, he shrugs. "I guess I don't get it, because it's not that serious. I'm just trying to get my dick sucked, not decide the rest of my life."

Brady and Jason both chuckle as Logan turns back to them. "Since we're all stuck here tonight, what's going on around here? Anything?" Shaking his head, Jason pulls out his phone. "Don't know…Samantha's on shift tonight, so I have some time to kill." Looking up with a smug smile, he snaps his phone closed. "You guys want to head over to the Reserve ward? After the day I had…beer and bitches sound pretty fucking good right now. Besides," he cups his hand to light a cigarette, "I've got a specific one in mind." Logan raises his brow.

"Who?"

"Kristen Michaels…she was sweeping the garage this morning, and I could not keep my eyes off that ass."

"Oh, shit…she's a Reserve?"

"Fuck yeah…since my girl's occupied, I don't want this opportunity to go to waste."

Jason tips his chin. "You guys coming?" Brady shakes his head no. There's only one woman he wants...he has some work to do tonight as well. Sipping his beer, he becomes lost in thought. It seems Leah is making herself scarce, as he's not been able to reach her since the night of Jade's birthday. He's called, he's texted….and nothing. He needs to talk to her and set her straight on what his true intentions were. She thinks he rejected her when all he wanted to do was wait for the right time.

Finishing his beer, he tunes back into the conversation going on with Logan and Jason.

"…Nah, I'm in the mood for something a little different…."

"Pussy is pussy, man…"

"Yeah, but it's the same used up pussy that's been there since they failed Initiation. I want something a little…wait a second…hold up…"

Logan suddenly trains his gaze below them to the main floor. They all look to see what caught his attention, Brady's jaw immediately clenching.

Leah is making her way through the Pit, dressed in tight jeans and a slinky black halter top that leaves little to the imagination. Her shiny, chestnut-colored locks flow freely down the golden-bronzed, bare skin of her back. As she passes, a crowd of male heads ripples in her direction. Brady's heart beats faster as she stops for a second, pulling out her phone.

She's looking down, completely oblivious to the whiplash effect she just caused.

"Jesus Christ," Logan mutters, oblivious to the warning look Brady is shooting. He slowly rises and grips the railing. Jason looks between him and Brady, an amused grin starting to spread. Logan is clearly not aware that Brady has his eye on Leah, but Jason is. He also knows nothing has come of it yet.

"That's the Candor transfer, right? Jade's friend…Laura, or something like it?" Logan asks.

"Leah," Brady snaps, but Logan still isn't picking up on his tone.

Rachel appears from one of the tunnels, dressed as equally provocative as Leah. Several heads turn as they link their arms together, hurrying through another tunnel. A weight drops in Brady's stomach, realizing these two are clearly on a mission… as beautiful as Leah looks right now, there'll be no shortage of volunteers to help her accomplish it.

He has to get to her first.

Logan lets out his breath. "That'll fucking do," he murmurs in a low tone, his eyes still watching Leah until she and Rachel move out of sight. Brady's nostrils flare as his chest puffs out.

Jason licks his lips, a wicked smirk pulling at his mouth. Perhaps Brady could use some motivation...

"You'd be the first to do it …." Jason suggests, giving Brady a pointed look. Still not picking up on the death glare Brady is leveling, Logan turns to Jason.

"What do you mean?"

"Samantha says she hasn't been with anyone in Dauntless since she got here." They all glance at each other, confused. "You mean she hasn't dated anyone since she's been here," Logan tries to clarify. Jason shakes his head.

"No….I mean she hasn't been with anyone in any sense since she's been here..."

Logan's eyes round in disbelief. "Shut the fuck up…that is walking around, untapped?"

"Yep…because someone is a pussy that can't close some ass…." Jason nods toward Brady, who's now set his beer down and stepped closer. Quickly seeing this is about to get out of hand, Jason can't help but laugh as Logan finally takes notice of Brady's hardened stare and clenched jaw. "Yeah…you might want to back the fuck off here bro," Jason chuckles, understanding finally dawning on Logan.

"Oh, shit man...why didn't you say something?"

Brady relaxes his jaw, taking a deep breath. "I'm saying it now…off fucking limits," he snaps, but with a slight smile. He tosses his beer in the trash, heading for the stairs.

"I myself have some shit to handle…I'll see you guys later."

Pulling out his phone, he checks the time. It's still evening and Erudite issued the warning, so she can't leave the compound. If he has to, he'll search the entire faction until he finds her…he's going to make things right with her one way or the other.

Tonight.


"Seems everyone had the same idea tonight," Rachel observes as they navigate through the sea of Dauntless.

Leah jumps out of the way just in time, as blood splatters into the crowd. "Shit," Rachel mumbles with a giggle, doing a quick survey. The two men in the ring continue to pummel each other, to the crowd's roaring approval.

All of Dauntless seemed to have gathered in the training facility, where impromptu boxing rings have been set up. Everyone is drinking and placing bets on the fights. Several are lined up, waiting their turn and pumping each other up. As Leah and Rachel begin to make their way to the front, one of the fighters, Brad, glances at Rachel and stops. Holding his gaze, Rachel licks her lips. Capitalizing on the distraction, Luke, his opponent, delivers a devastating left hook that knocks him off his feet.

One of the Dauntless serving as referee promptly holds Luke's arm up as he pumps his fist in victory. Leah nudges Rachel, shaking her head. "That was your fault, you know," She giggles as Rachel feigns innocence. "What are you talking about," she giggles, taking another sip of her beer.

"I didn't do anything…I'm just sitting here watching the fight like everyone else."

"You're watching the fight while giving 'fuck-me' eyes to one of the fighters…you got credits on the other guy or something?"

Rachel grins devilishly, quirking her brow. "No…I'm just having a little fun. I'm bored," she laughs. Leah shakes her head, taking another sip of beer. As Brad is slowly brought to his feet, Rachel blows him a kiss with an apologetic shrug. He narrows his eyes, but smiles.

"At least there are a few potentials here tonight," Leah muses as the next two opponents take the ring.

Rachel glances over Leah's shoulder. "Actually…it looks like you might've been chosen already…" She gestures behind her with her beer bottle. Leah turns to see Sean, a Candor transfer from her Initiation class making his way toward them. "He's not bad," Rachel whispers as he gets near. Leah shrugs with a slight smile. She and Sean have been friends for years but it would never be anything more.

"Hey Leah," he greets as he reaches them, giving a quick hug. "Hey." Leah smiles, returning his hug. He stands closer than he needs to, sipping his beer.

"How you been? Haven't seen you in a while."

"Good, just busy."

Leah looks to Rachel, holding out her hand. "Sean, this is my friend Rachel," she introduces, as Rachel gives a flirtatious smile. "Nice to meet you," he says as he shakes her hand. "Likewise. Leah, I'm going to grab another drink…I'll be back in a little bit," she says as she glances between them, arching her brow suggestively. Leah silently shakes her head.

They say the Candor aren't subtle...

"So what've you been up to? Where do you work now?" Leah asks, turning back to him.

"Transport security. With all the attacks happening recently, the Amity have to be accompanied by Dauntless while delivering food. How about you?"

"I'm in clothing and uniform allocation…I make everything we wear," she answers with a smile.

As they chat for a little bit, a strange feeling comes over her. It's gripping her whole body, feeling it in every fiber of her being. Glancing around, she doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary but feels as if something is about to happen. Chalking it up to an overactive imagination, she forces herself to turn her attention back to Sean. He's prattling on about something, thankfully oblivious that she wasn't paying attention to a word he said.

"I actually have to go, I just wanted to say hi," he finally says, leaning in and giving her another hug. "Okay, I'll see you around." As he smiles and turns around, she feels a pang of guilt at having been so rude. Looking around for Rachel, she finally spots her talking to Brad by the side of the ring. Leah chuckles to herself.

Looks like Rachel is going to fulfill two purposes tonight…getting over Sebastian by making it up to Brad for causing him to lose the fight. Oh well...at least one of them is going to get laid.

Deciding not to interrupt Rachel and her intended conquest for the evening, she looks down to see her beer is almost empty. She makes her way across the room, reaching the area where the booze has been stacked. She leans over the shelf on the other side to find an empty box, to her dismay. Scowling, she looks up and sees a fresh bottle just out of her reach stacked on the wall. Leah stands on the very tips of her toes, straining in to grasp it. Her fingers brush the bottom of the bottle, but she can't quite get it. Leah bites her lip, trying to reach farther.

"Allow me," Brady's deep, smooth voice suddenly purrs in her ear.

Leah's heart plunges into her stomach. She turns as he reaches up, grabbing the bottle easily while placing his other hand on the small of her back. "Brady…hi," she finally manages to squeak out. His sea-green eyes cloud with determination. "Oh…so you do remember me. I was starting to think you forgot." His tone holds only a small trace of humor as he hands her the bottle.

Not quite knowing what to say, she takes it from him gingerly. "Thanks…" He doesn't respond, continuing to gaze with a hint of anger in his eyes. Blushing furiously, her hands shake as she takes a sip. "So…come here to watch the fights?" she finally asks, cursing the stupidity of her question. What the fuck else would he be doing here, she silently berates. Amused at her nervousness, holds her gaze.

"No …I came here to find you."

He steps closer, eyes searching her face. "Come with me…I need to talk to you." Leah swallows nervously, desperately trying to find her voice. Forcing a casual smile, she shrugs apologetically.

"Umm…okay…but I came here with Rachel…I need to find her and let her know…"Leah trails off as Brady shakes his head. Not smiling, he reaches down and takes her free hand.

"Send her a text...let's go."

Before she can protest, he begins to steer them through the crowd. Leah keeps in step with him, not certain what's going on or what is even happening. Finally, Brady guides her to a secluded table near the exit of the room. Leah sits down and crosses her legs, glancing around.

She knows he's going to want an explanation for the other night, and she just doesn't know what to say…so she hasn't said anything. She hasn't answered his calls or texts, avoiding him at all costs. She doesn't want to admit she's not only horribly embarrassed but hurt by his rejection.

But Brady has decided its time to clear the air…and he's not giving her a choice. There's a certain charged feeling between them, making a warm sensation stir in the pit of her stomach. Brady licks his lips, letting his eyes rove over her.

"You look amazing tonight," he murmurs as he grazes her shoulder, bringing his eyes back to hers. Relieved, she gives a pretty smile.

"Thanks…just something I threw on," she answers coyly, taking a sip. Brady shakes his head.

"Somehow I doubt that. You have no idea how many fights you almost caused by walking through the Pit like that."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean you and Rachel are clearly on a mission… if its purpose was to piss me off, you certainly succeeded."

Leah shakes her head with a bewildered smile. "What? Why would you say that?" Brady holds her gaze intensely, giving her goosebumps. He pulls her in closer, his eyes flicking to her lips.

"You're not stupid, Leah...you know exactly why I would say that."

Leah's mouth opens and closes, completely caught off guard. "Brady…" she trails off. Swallowing nervously, she shakes her head with a puzzled smile.

"Well…I haven't talked to you in a while, so I don't know…"

Brady's expression suddenly hardens, his jaw clenching. "Yeah, about that..." Pulling his phone out, he looks down as he dials. Leah feels her own phone vibrating, pulling it out to see his code identifier. Looking up with a confused smile, she knits her brows together.

"You just called me…"

"Yeah, I did… like I've been doing for a few days now with no response."

Her heart beats faster as he leans in. "Obviously there's nothing wrong with your phone….so why aren't you picking up…" He demands in a low voice.

Leah desperately tries to think of something, but her mind is completely blank. Brady waits for her answer, never breaking eye contact. Finally looking away with a sigh, she tries to put together a plausible excuse. Brady's finger hooks under her chin. Turning her face back to his, he's now close enough that she can feel his breath.

"Leah…what's going on? Why are you avoiding me?"

Her chest rises and falls as their gazes lock. Fuck it, she thinks. Since there's no non-awkward way to have this conversation, she might as well just tell him the truth. Taking a deep breath, she again tears her eyes away while picking up her drink.

"Look," she begins in a soft tone. "I just didn't know what to say, but I guess I'll start with an apology." She knocks back the contents of her glass. Brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, she tries to calm her nerves before turning to face him.

"I apologize for putting you in the position I did. I drank more than I should have that night and wasn't quite myself. I don't normally have to be carried home…and I definitely don't try to force myself on good Samaritans either," she laughs, stopping when Brady doesn't respond.

He holds her gaze, lifting both brows as he tilts his head to the side. Leah's pulse begins to race as he shifts toward her fully, his tattooed arm coming to rest on the back of her chair. "Well..." he begins slowly, his eyes traveling the length of her body, gradually coming back to hers.

"You do owe me an apology, but not for that."

Goosebumps ripple her flesh, his fingers grazing the bare skin of her back. Her breath hitches in her chest, as his eyes flick to her lips. "Okay…then for what do I need to apologize?" Several rushed moments pass between them, then Brady licks his lips. "I have a list, actually," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper.

"For starters, you left without telling me…when I had plans that night. Your first offense. Then, you fucking tortured me… as beautiful as you are, laying on your bed half-naked…when I couldn't do a fucking thing about it, because you were too drunk. That brings us to strike three." Brady's smile fades as he leans in closer, his hand coming to rest on her thigh.

"You thought the way to un-fuck the situation was to avoid me…which pisses me off more. This could've been cleared up simply by you answering your fucking phone. But the icing on the cake…I come down here and find some fucking jerk-off all over you. That's a fucking problem…if he hadn't walked away when he did, I probably would've kicked his teeth in."

Thunderstruck, her mouth rounds as they stare at each other. Fire simmers in her belly, finally finding her voice. "That's…quite a list," she breathes, a smile pulling at her lips. He doesn't return it, making it drain from her face. "Yeah…it fucking is… I'd say you have a lot to make up for," he says in a low, rich voice filled with promise.

Leah's heart almost beats out of her chest. She looks down, then back at him. "Well," She begins in a husky tone, "I certainly wasn't trying to make you jealous, and I didn't mean to almost cause a brawl. I guess you just haven't made yourself very clear, is all." She feels a small satisfaction as Brady's pupils blow open wide.

"I haven't made myself clear?" he repeats incredulously. "Did you miss the part where I chased your gorgeous ass all the way from Oak Street back to Dauntless to make certain you got home? Do you think I do that for just anyone?"

Feeling a sudden boldness come over her, Leah purses her lips while leaning closer. "No…I didn't miss that part…I also didn't miss the part where you shot me down when I wanted you to stay. Did you miss that?" she challenges. Leah leans back and crosses her arms, trying to put a little distance between them. Brady is having none of that...

A small gasp escapes as Brady suddenly locks both hands on her waist. "Here's a wild fucking theory," he growls, pulling her toward him.

"Did it ever occur that maybe...just maybe, I didn't want the first time I was with you to be when you were too fucked up to remember it? Believe me Leah…" anger seeps into his tone, leveling her with his glare, "…it took every single ounce of willpower I had, not to take the rest of your clothes off and fuck you senseless…but not when you were drunk and there was a chance you'd regret it. I wasn't rejecting you…I was saying then was not the right time. A question of true consent makes it equal with you saying 'no' in my book...but I guess you didn't think of it that way."

Speechless, Leah remains frozen in his gaze. Taking a deep breath she looks down, placing her hand over his. "It seems I misread the situation," she whispers, running her thumb over his knuckles. Brady inhales sharply, touching his forehead to hers.

"Yeah, you fucking did," he rumbles. "I've waited long enough. We're leaving, so I can erase any other misunderstanding we have."

He runs his thumb over her lip. Leah puckers her mouth in a kiss, lowering her lids. His other hand finds its way to her thigh, sending a quiver through her lower abdomen. With neither in the mood to play games, she cuts straight to the chase.

"Your place or mine?" Leah whispers. "Yours," he whispers back immediately, kissing behind her ear. Slowly uncrossing her legs, Leah slides off her chair gracefully. Brady stands, looming over her for a moment. He laces his fingers with hers, both feeling the electric current flow between them as they make their way out.

Looks like her dry spell is going to be broken sooner than she thought.

She tries to control her nerves as they step on the elevator. What's with me? She wonders silently. I'm hardly a virgin. Far from it. But… it's the first time in a long time, and no guy she's ever been with affected her like this.

She presses for her floor. No sooner has she turned toward Brady before he connects his mouth with hers, pinning her to the wall. She moans against him as he runs his large hands over her waist and hips, then to the underside of her breast, all while kissing the bare skin of her shoulder and neck. Leah returns his kisses with equal fervor, then gets bold. She runs her hand over his muscled chest, down over his abdomen, then strokes the part of him she wants most. Brady looks down with lowered lids, his breath labored.

"This elevator better hurry the fuck up...I can't wait much longer...I want you so fucking bad," he rasps.

"Believe me, that goes both ways," she whispers back.

The elevator doors swing open. They step onto her floor, their hands never leaving each other. Leah pulls her keys out of her pocket as Brady nips his way from her neck to her ear, unlocking her door. As soon as they step inside Brady lifts her into his arms, kicking the door closed with his heel.

Cupping the back of his head, she roughly brings her mouth to his. Brady hoists her higher while making the way to her bedroom. Collapsing on her bed in a tangled pile of limbs, Brady's mouth devours her neck as he rids her of her jeans. Trying to pull her shirt off, he gets frustrated when it doesn't budge. Leah laughs when he's about to rip it off and be done.

"Hold on," she giggles, sliding out from under him.

Brady sits up, watching her with openly greedy lust as she reaches for the hidden side zipper. Reaching up and unclasping the fastener at her neck, she lets it fall to the floor slowly, her eyes never leaving his. His chest starts heaving as his eyes rove her body, wearing nothing but the thin black lace covering what he's dreamt about for so long.

No longer able to control himself, he reaches for her. His large, warm hands move down her waist, over the curve of her hips, down to her thighs and ass. He looks up, her nerves falling away when their eyes connect.

"You are so beautiful," he whispers.

The sincerity of his words makes her shiver. With their eyes locked, he runs his hands back over her thighs, gently pulling down the lace straps at her hips. Leah closes her eyes and throws her head back, feeling his mouth laving attention on one breast while he massages the other. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she grips the back of his head as he moves his lips in a wet trail over her stomach and hips.

Reaching down, she pulls his shirt over his head. Taking both sides of his face, she pulls his head back and crashes her lips on his. Kissing him deeply, her tongue massages his slowly. With a deep groan in his chest, he wraps his arms around her waist, rolling her on her back.

He runs his mouth in a hot trail, the sensation making her whole body come alive. Spreading her legs farther apart, he nips the inside of her thighs in slow torture. "Ohhh…" Leah moans, finally feeling his mouth move between her legs.

As his tongue plunges inside of her, Leah's legs start to shake. He's slow at first, gradually increasing the tempo of his stroke. Without warning, he clamps down on her clit and begins to suckle hard, reaching up and grasping both of her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers.

Her need to feel him inside her is almost more than she can stand. Clutching the bedsheets, she arches her back while her breath comes in pants. Sitting up, she grips the back of his head. "Brady," she whispers brokenly, "Please…" He grins at her plea, shaking his head. His eyes are raging with lust and something she can't quite place.

"Not yet…" he whispers back, once more moving his mouth to her core.

He strokes and strokes, showing no mercy. As Leah begins to see stars, a familiar tingle slowly spreads its way from the tip of her toes to the top of her head. "Brady!" she cries out, her body shaking as her release comes hard and fast.

Feeling as if she were about to pass out, she opens her eyes to see him rid himself of his jeans. Leah bites her lip in anticipation as he slowly sinks over her. Winding his hands in her hair, they both gasp as he finally pushes inside of her.

Holy fucking shit, she thinks. She feels every inch of Brady's cock, her eyes rolling back in her head. Brady scrunches his eyes as he brings his mouth to hers.

"You feel so fucking good," he rasps as they move in sync.

Her legs wrap around his waist as he rocks into her. As the urgency builds between them, Leah flips him over on his back. Slowly sinking down on his cock, he grunts as she starts to swivel her hips. Brady closes his eyes and grits his teeth, reaching up and kneading her breasts as she rocks over him.

Leah closes her eyes, throwing her head back and moving furiously, desperate to bring both of them off. Before long, Brady sits up and brings his mouth to hers, wrapping his arms around her waist. Both fight for dominance, with Leah temporarily succeeding. Pushing him down, she flips around to face away from him.

Brady grabs her hair with one hand and her hip with the other as she begins to buck her hips again. He takes control, sitting up and wrapping his arm around her waist and moving her hair to the side. Leah wraps both arms around his neck behind her, as he surges into her with no restraint.

"Oh fuck," she says in a strangled whisper as they perfect their rhythm.

Brady cups her chin and turns her face to his as they move, their mouths connecting. Leah eventually faces him as he wraps his arms around her, bringing her back down to the bed. Rolling her on her back, he thrusts into her hard, Leah meeting him all the way. Finally, they both shatter into a million pieces.

Brady grips her hips as he comes, throwing his head back and feeling his very soul pour out of him. Eventually collapsing over her, they lay entwined in a hazy, blissful state. Leah scrapes her nails over the nape of his neck as he kisses her throat softly. Propping himself up on his forearms, he gazes down with their hearts pounding in unison.

"Goddamn," he says finally, a grin breaking over both their faces. Leah can't help but laugh.

"Thanks…I think?"

"Sorry…I'm not that great with words," he laughs.

Leah giggles, pecking a kiss on his jaw. "If I wanted to fuck a wordsmith, I'd go to Erudite. I know what you meant, I was just kidding." Running her hands up his muscled back, her eyes search his for a moment. "I just hope you found it worth the wait," she whispers. Brady stifles his smirk, pretending to shrug.

"Eh…it was all right," he teases as she narrows her eyes. "Fuck you," she laughs as she sits up. Brady pulls her back down with a grin as she pretends to glare. "Fine..." he whispers, nipping at her neck. "That's the best I've had in Dauntless." Leah purses her lips with a smile, giving him the same mocking shrug.

"Well, you're the only one I've had in Dauntless, so back at you," she laughs as he moves over her again. Brady wraps his arms around her as he begins to kiss her neck, taking a deep breath.

If he has it his way, they'll never be another for her to compare it to.