A/N: This is by far my favourite chapter so far. It's also the longest and you can thank Elle (aka ) for that because she convinced me not to break it up into separate chapters. Thank you to everyone for your reviews, favourites and follows. If you haven't reviewed yet, please do. I'd love to know what you think about this. Thank you also to Sarah for being my awesome beta. I hope you guys enjoy this one as much as I do.
Chapter Twenty
"Miss. Elswood!"
I look up in surprise at the sound of my name. Vera is waving to me from across the hall, close to the elevators. I raise my eyebrows at the sight but walk over quickly. I didn't want to see her until I had to, but I'm left with little choice. She is grinning at me, which should relieve me, but it does not. After the events where I last saw her, she should be more cautious. At least less likely to seek out Jeanine's assistant.
"Vera," I greet as I get closer.
"Going up?" she asks.
I nod, and watch as she pushes the button to call the elevator. We wait silently and are joined by another figure. One of the sociologists who merely nods at us but does not speak.
"I wanted to thank you," Vera says. I look at her curiously. "I obtained the data I required because of you."
"Good," I say. "And did you find the results you were looking for?" The elevator arrives and the three of us stepped into it. The sociologist presses the button for their floor and turns to me.
"Your office, Ms. Elswood?" the man asks. I nod and wait as he presses the button for my floor. Vera does not speak up and the sociologist does not ask.
Vera turns to me and answers my question. "It will be some time before the data can fully be incorporated into my theory. There are a lot of factors to consider and more variables than just age. But," she grins at me, "it is the start I needed. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you, so thank you." She shouldn't thank me, not when as she celebrates this achievement there are people who are planning to kill her.
"It's not a problem," I say and my voice sounds tight. I catch sight of the sociologist's eyes glancing at us and I am tempted to stare back until he stops. The doors open though and with a nod in my direction, the sociologist leaves.
The elevator continues it's ascent and we stand in silence until Vera speaks.
"Is it true? What Jeanine said about Divergents?" Vera asks and I can see the fear in her eyes. "That they are dangerous? That they would see our society crumble around them?" She is getting more agitated and I briefly wonder how long it will be until my floor. It feels like ages. I wish she hadn't asked. I am required to note any suspicious behaviour, especially from Vera, and report it. This includes persistent questions about Divergents.
"Yes," I answer. I don't know what else to say. I could relieve her fears, but there is little I can do to warn her and the panic might help her survive if she has any sense.
"I don't understand. How can they think that one person will cause so much damage?" I wish she would stop talking. She is digging her own grave deeper. "Why can't we work with them? How do we not know that all they want is to work with us, be a part of our system? I never – " she cuts herself off and my heart sinks. She should have stopped. There are tears in her eyes and I have to take a deep breath before I can answer her.
"We do not have all the answers. Perhaps they do desire to do so, but it will take time for us to discover it. Jeanine simply, at this time, wants to understand them. The more we understand, the more we can prevent any destruction of our society. That is all." I hate myself before I even continue. "There is nothing to fear, Vera. Not yet." My last words serve as a warning. Whether or not she takes it is up to her.
I watch as she takes a deep breath and she smiles at me. "Sorry," she says before wiping her eyes. "I think the serum still lingers in my system. Thank you." It's impossible, but I stop myself from remarking on it. It can be a small comfort.
The doors finally open to my floor and I step off. I turn to face her and see her smile before the doors close between us. I hope she runs. She will not survive otherwise.
Riley meets me at my desk when it is finally time for my family dinner. I want to cancel. I want to claim that I am too busy and attend the dinner alone. He's smiling at me when he sees me though, looking as if all is right in the world. My exchange with Vera still rings in my mind and I have to force a smile back. He is another unfortunately necessary issue that I have inflicted on myself. It is getting exhausting to deal with him.
"I have to say, I was surprised at receiving your invitation. I thought you were adamantly avoiding me."
I am tempted to ignore him. "As I told you, I've been busy. There are things that require my attention that are more important than you at this time." I can see his eyes harden, but he smiles.
"Of course," he says. "Working for Jeanine is an important task. Are you ready? I do not want to keep your family waiting."
I sigh and turn the computer off. Jeanine is in her lab and will inform me if she needs me. There is nothing that I can do to delay it any longer. I stand up and Riley is holding my coat. The weather has gotten increasingly colder. He helps me slip it on, and I grab my tablet. Riley's arm wraps around my waist and I can't help but compare it to Eric's. Eric exudes strength, but I know that I could escape Riley if I wanted and he could not stop me. It's a strange mix of relief and disappointment that floods through me and I don't know how to respond to it.
"Let's go."
"Amelia!"
My brother hugs me tightly when he opens the door. I can't help but smile.
"Brighton," I hug him back tightly before releasing him. Riley makes a sound next to me and I push back the temptation to roll my eyes. Brighton does not. "Be nice," I whisper before pulling back to Riley's side. "This is Riley...my fiance. Riley, this is my brother Brighton."
Riley smiles, his eyes crinkling behind his glasses. "Pleasure to meet you, Brighton and not in a formal class setting." Brighton stares at him for a moment before walking away. I'm not surprised. He's never been a fan of Riley, even before the engagement, but he's never explained why.
I try not to sigh. "I'm sorry," I tell Riley. I should have expected this.
"It's fine," he says. "He'll come around." I hope not. I pull him further into my parent's home.
"Come on. My parents are inside."
We find my mother first as we step into the main room. She walks towards us from the kitchen, smiling kindly. "Amelia," her voice is soft and instantly I can feel the anxiety in me recede. "And you must be Riley," she says as she turns to him. He nods and offers her his hand.
"Riley Givens, ma'am. It is a pleasure to meet the woman behind such an extraordinary daughter." She takes his hand and shakes it, but I can see my mother is not impressed by his words. She's never been one for ostentatious praise. It almost makes me want to laugh.
"Indeed." She looks at me and I can see the subtle raise of her eyebrows. I smile back. I cannot explain, though I wish I could. "Go and introduce him to your father. Dinner is nearly ready and Brighton will call you when the table is set." She walks away and I can feel Riley's grip tighten on my waist slightly. He is far too used to being considerably high in power at Erudite. I imagine he is not used to anyone he finds lower than him dismissing him.
"Come," I say, pulling him out of his thoughts. "My father is likely working."
My father is at his desk as usual. I motion for Riley to stop before I walk up next to my father. He is so engrossed in his work that he does not see me. "What are you working on?" I ask. My father jumps in his chair, and I have to hold back my laughter. He smiles when he sees me and hugs me tightly.
"Amelia, we've missed your presence." He pulled back but kept his hands on my arms. "How is work?"
"Busy," I answer. "As always."
"Good." He lets go and turns, blinking in surprise at Riley's presence. "Who is this?"
Riley strides forward looking as if he is going to barrel into my father. He towers over him, but offers his hand. "Riley Givens, Head Educator and Amelia's fiancee." My father looks at him closely before nodding.
"Yes, she mentioned she accepted." My father does not take his hand but wraps an arm around me. "Come, let us sit. Your mother may need assistance." Riley's hand drops and I motion for him to follow. As we reach the table, still being set by Brighton, my father sits in his usual seat. There is space next to mine where I motion for Riley to join me. As he does so, my father turns to Riley. "So what is it that you do? What is the role of the Head Educator?" It's an easy question, but my father has only ever focused on his work which has little to do with the education sector and it is a small kindness that he is offering.
Riley seems to relax, comforted by a subject that is familiar ground for him. He smiles at my father, who merely stares back and waits. "As Head Educator, I am in charge of all those below me. I ensure that the standards are up to quality and that the curriculum is valid."
"So you do not teach yourself?"
"I do not need to. As I said, I ensure that the other educators are up to par and remain so." My father stares at him for a moment before he nods. Riley smiles at me but I know that he doesn't see what I see. His last words have lowered him in my father's mind.
Brighton sits across from Riley, next to my father. The table is set and my mother comes from the kitchen bearing a large dish. She sets it on the table before taking her seat next to me, facing my father. In the dish is a fairly large roasted chicken. Accompanying it are various vegetables.
"This looks delicious," Riley says. I watch as my mother gives him a small smile.
"Thank you." She motions to him. "Help yourself."
As Riley leans forward, going to scoop some of the green beans on to his plate, there is a knock at the door. All of us look at each other in confusion.
"Did you invite someone, Brighton?" My mother asks. My brother shakes his head in confusion but stands up.
"I'll get it."
I watch him leave and it suddenly feels like lead settles in my stomach. This scene is familiar.
Brighton walks back in, and the voice that follows stills me. Behind my brother is Eric. I stand up instantly, wanting him gone. Riley is watching in confusion.
"Sorry about being late," Eric says, looking at my mother. "The train was delayed."
"Late?" I ask. Why is he here? I push back my anger, mindful of the others around me. My mother looks at me curiously, but Eric is the one who answers.
"You did invite me," he says. I did no such thing. "Remember?" he raises an eyebrow in challenge and my jaw clenches as I am tempted to meet it. "You wanted your family to meet the man you've been working so closely with." He smiles suddenly, throwing my thoughts off track. I watch in surprise as he moves closer, towards my mother. "I brought this," he offers her a package I hadn't even realized he was holding. "In apology for the intrusion last time, though...maybe it should be for this one as well."
My mother moves forward and smiles at him. "Of course. We didn't expect to ever see you again, but you're welcome to join us. Brighton, set a place for him." She takes the package from him. "What is it?"
"Cake," he says lightly. "From Dauntless."
My mother smiles and takes it into the kitchen. Within moments, Brighton has set a place at the table for Eric...directly across from me.
"I'm sorry," Riley speaks up, startling me. I had forgotten he was there. "Who are you?" Eric smirks as he sits down but to my surprise, Brighton answers.
"It's Eric." Brighton is grinning widely from his spot next to the man in question. "He's Dauntless, and working with Amelia...or were you not listening?"
"Actually," Eric says. "I'm one of the leaders of Dauntless." He looks over and meets my eyes. "Amelia and I have been working together for quite some time now." He looks back at Riley. "Who are you?"
"Riley Givens," his voice is hard and he does not offer his hand. "Head Educator and Amelia's fiance."
"Educator," Eric raises his eyebrows. "Must be important."
"Not as important as a leader," Brighton says. Eric looks at my brother and smirks. Surprisingly, my brother doesn't even flinch. What is he doing? They should be afraid of him, not welcoming him to our table and acting as if he's meant to be there!
My mother arrives at the table just in time. "Where were we?" she said, before smiling. "Amelia, why don't you go first and we'll pass it along." Riley stiffens next to me and I know that despite the light smile my mother has on her face, the slight is intentional.
"Certainly," I say. I stand and reach for the closest dish, before placing some on my plate and handing it to Riley. This cannot end fast enough.
"Amelia tells me that you work as a technician, designing the technology for Erudite." My gaze snaps up to Eric. He is looking at my father, but I can see him glance in my direction. I told him no such thing. Where is he getting his information?
My father looks at Eric in surprise but nods. "I do. I work with others and create most of the the machinery used in Erudite, and in Dauntless. Those training simulations were built by us."
"They have proven exceedingly useful with our initiates."
"I doubt," Riley speaks up. "That the trials of Dauntless can even be considered comparable to those of Erudite. Even archaic technology should be enough to sort out the inept." I freeze, before turning to him.
"What do you mean?" I ask. Riley doesn't even seem to comprehend the fact that he just insulted my father's work. He sighs, like I am some wayward student he has to explain something to again.
"Dauntless is a faction of brute force. I am certain that as long as they can shoot a gun, they pass, unlike Erudite which is a series of rigorous tests and projects that stimulate the mind." He looks at Eric. "Something I'm sure you would know nothing about."
Eric smirks and leans forward. I feel myself almost straining to hear him. "Dauntless's initiation is done by testing the body and the mind the utmost limits. Most don't make it. The technology we use needs to be extraordinarily precise to draw people to their very limit. It is something we hold extremely valuable," at this Eric meets my gaze. "Among other things." He smiles and leans back in his chair. "You'd think for an Erudite that you would actually think before speaking. Perhaps I need to speak with Jeanine over just who is teaching the children."
Riley inhales sharply through his nose, and Brighton bursts out laughing. Eric doesn't look away from Riley though. The tension in the room feels thick enough that I could cut through it with the carving knife. I stand up quickly, breaking it as I gain their attention.
"I'm finished, any one else?" I grab my plate off the table and look around. My parents have been watching the exchange carefully. Eric hands me his plate, and as I reach for it, my fingers brush his. I pull it back sharply, somehow managing not to throw food everywhere. "Brighton, grab the rest and help." I try not to make it look as if I am fleeing to the kitchen.
Oh god. How can this be happening? Why is this happening? I feel as if I can barely breathe and I want to run away as far as possible from the men in the other room. How far would be far enough?
"What's going on Amelia?" My brother's voice crashes through my thoughts, drawing me back to the present.
I look at Brighton who is helping me wash the plates. It likely isn't safe to leave my parents alone with Eric and Riley, but I can't bring myself to care. I need a moment away from them. I wasn't expecting my brother to prove himself astute.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not an idiot. Something's going on with you and Eric. He showed up, and then all of a sudden you're engaged to Riley? Come on." My brother is looking at me expectantly, but there's nothing I can really tell him.
"Look, I don't know why Eric keeps showing up," I whisper. "I work with him, yes, but that's it. Riley is just a means to an end." I shouldn't have said that.
Brighton grins at me. "I knew it."
"Will you be quiet!" I hiss, glancing at the doorway. No one seems to have heard.
"For what it's worth," he says lightly, "Eric is so much cooler." I roll my eyes at him and turn my attention back to my task.
"Amelia, Brighton," my mother appears behind us. "Go sit down. It's time for dessert." I had forgotten about the cake that Eric brought. I half hoped it was terrible so that he never brought anything again. It was bad enough that my brother seemed to like him.
Eric and Riley had not yet killed each other in my absence. My father, however, is gone. I look at my mother in confusion.
"Your father...was called away. Something involving his latest project." The way she says it makes me think it was less of a work matter and more of one that involved tiring of the two men posturing at the table. My mother hands me two plates, one that I hand to Riley. I look at the dark brown square on the plate.
"It's not going to bite you," Eric says. I look up at him to find him smirking.
"Perhaps," Riley says, "she does not have a tolerance for overly sweet things."
"Imagine that," Eric replies. Brighton is watching the exchange in amusement. I try not to sigh and remind myself that as soon as dessert is done, they're leaving and I will be able to go to the peace of my apartment.
I cut a piece of cake with my fork and raise it to my mouth. I know it's unlikely that Eric would poison my whole family, though I wasn't certain about Riley, but I'm still not sure I want to eat his food. It is silly, but it feels like I am giving in to him in some way. I take a bite.
Oh my god.
I've never tasted anything like it. The chocolate is rich, the cake moist. It sits on my tongue, and I almost feel myself shiver. It is almost too decadent, but I can't stop. I need more. I chew and swallow, taking another piece with my fork. I bring it to my lips slowly, wondering how on earth such a simple thing could affect me so. I put it in my mouth and nearly moan, blushing as I realize what I almost did. I let it sit for a moment, determined to get all that I could out of it. I doubt I would ever taste anything like it again. I swallow and reach for another piece. Oh god.
I finish before I realize, and I lick my lips slowly, still tasting the remnants of it. I am tempted to lick my fork clean, but I feel someone's gaze on me. I look up to see Eric staring at me intently, his pupils blown wide. My mouth goes dry and my stomach clenches. I've seen a similar look in his eyes before, but nothing as intense as it was now. I try to swallow.
Eric's eyes leave mine for a second, glancing down at my lips. I inhale sharply and watch as he smirks. A hand touches my back, startling me and pulling me out of the gaze I felt locked in. I turn to look at Riley. He leans down slightly to whisper in my ear.
"I'm nearly ready to go. Are you?" I nod in response. I have to get out of here.
Eric stands up first, smiling at my mother. "Thank you for dinner, and the company," his eyes flicker to mine, "but I'm afraid I have to leave. Dauntless can't be left alone for too long." My mother smiles and nods.
"Thank you for coming," she says. "Even if it was unexpected." She looks at me then, as if this is my fault. He nods at her and shakes hands with my brother. He looks at Riley and I and nods.
"Riley," he says. "Amelia...I'll see you soon." Brighton follows him out, and comes back moments later grinning.
"Well, that was cool."
"What the hell was that?"
Riley is walking next to me, but his arm is not around my waist. Instead, both of us are bundled up in our coats with our hands shoved in our pockets.
"What do you mean?" I ask. It had not been hard to convince Riley to walk me home, but I am regretting it already.
"That...Dauntless," he spits out. "Him at your house, and your family knowing him?"
"You know I've been doing work with Dauntless for Jeanine. Eric is just one of the people I work with, that's all." I try to burrow further into my coat. Winter is coming faster than I expected.
"The same Dauntless that the rumours are about?" Eric's presence has rattled him, and it's intriguing to see. He usually appears unshakable. It's almost a refreshing change. "Is he the one who...attacked you?" Oh god. The rumours. I had forgotten about them. I have to solve this quickly, to end Riley's suspicion.
"He was," I say lightly. We're nearly at my building. "I cannot fathom his reasoning for his appearance tonight, nor do I know why he acted the way he did at Dauntless. We're nearly finished with our work there and once we are, I thankfully won't see him again." Riley is silent, and I can only hope my words have assuaged any doubts.
We finally reach my building, but when I turn to face Riley, I know it's not going to be a simple goodbye.
"Let me walk you to your door."
I agree, only because it's been a long night already and the sooner I get rid of him, the better. I did not expect to have him deal with Eric. I could give him this, and perhaps further relieve his doubts. "Come in then."
The elevator feels like it takes longer than it ever has before. I keep reminding myself that soon he'll be gone and I will have peace. The silence though, does not last.
"We should go for testing soon," he says. "At least start the process." I have no doubt that it is Riley's way of attempting to lay claim on me. I have no plans on passing the tests.
"I'm not sure when I will be able to. Things are exceedingly busy." He sighs, but the elevator doors open and I am eternally grateful to reach my floor. "I will have to let you know."
"And will you this time? You've been avoiding me." Riley looks annoyed, as if the thought of anyone avoiding him could be ludicrous.
"Yes, Riley, I will message you." I stop myself from rolling my eyes. Finally, we're at my door. I turn to him. "This is my apartment."
"Can I see it?" he asks.
"No." I take a deep breath. "I am exhausted. I just want to go inside and go to sleep." He doesn't look impressed. "Come here," I motion for him to step closer. As he does so, I lean up on my toes and kiss him. His arms wrap around me, pulling me up to him. He deepens the kiss, and I let him, but there's nothing really too it. I go about the motions mechanically, my arm sliding up his until it goes around his neck. It's a means to an end. I need him to believe this.
I finally break the kiss and push him away. "Go home," I say softly. "I'll be in touch." Riley nods, looking slightly flustered. He kisses me quickly again before I watch him leave. Once he gets on the elevator, I open my door. I close it behind me, breathing a sigh of relief at the fact that I am finally alone. I lock the door and turn, only to stop dead. Eric is standing by my bookshelves.
"What are you doing here?" Any trace of the smiling, amused Eric who was at my parent's house is gone. "How did you get in?" I demand.
Eric strides forwards and my heartbeat accelerates. I scramble backwards, but he catches up to me quickly. His hand reaches out, turning me as he presses close. The door is at my back and Eric raises his hands and places them on either side of my head. He is so close that I can smell him.
"Did you kiss him?" His voice is low, almost a growl but it snaps me out of my thoughts.
"Wha – ?"
"Did you kiss him?" He says slower. "When you were outside your door. Did you kiss him goodnight?" One of his hands leaves its spot next to my head and I feel his fingers trail down my arm. I am thankfully still in my coat. "Did you tell him you'd see him again? That next time you'd let him into your apartment?" He leans forwards and put his mouth against my ear. "Did you tell him you'd fuck him?"
Fury rises up in me and I shove him back. He stumbles, apparently not expecting my reaction. "How dare you!" I shove him again. "You show up at my parent's UNINVITED, you break into my apartment and now you're accusing me? Get out." I step to the side, leaving the way to the door open. Eric doesn't move and it infuriates me. I've never been this angry before. I step towards him. "You have no right to my life, Eric. You don't get to dictate what I do and do not do." I can see his jaw clench and his entire body is tense. I don't back down though. "Don't you get it? You're not welcome here. I don't want you."
Eric moves faster than I expect, grabbing on to my coat and pulling me into him. His hand comes up to the back of my head, burying his fingers into my hair as he tilts my face up to meet his. I try to push him away but he's like steel. "Don't fucking lie," he growls before kissing me hard. My lips hit my teeth, and as much as I am determined not to give him a reaction, the thrill that runs up my spine betrays me. My mouth opens of it's own accord and I kiss him back.
My arms reach up, wrapping around the back of his neck as I try to press closer. I shouldn't be doing this. I shouldn't – his tongue strokes along mine and I can't bring myself to care. Teeth drag against my bottom lip, pulling it into his mouth before releasing it again. My fingers scratch along his scalp, and I can feel him sharply inhale. He breaks the kiss. He moves his lips down my jaw and along my neck. He pulls my head to the side, giving him better access as he kisses and sucks on the skin there. My whole body shudders.
"Tell me you don't fucking want this," Eric's voice is low and the hands that were in my hair and on my waist move.
I kiss his cheek, before moving down to his jaw, that I remember is sensitive. I kiss down, towards his neck before he moves away slightly. His hands are back on me almost instantly but as he comes closer, I realize his jacket is off. The shirt he wears underneath is almost skin-tight. I can feel the muscles as my hand slides down the back of his shoulder. Oh god. How could I ever think of breaking away?
His hands undo my coat; opening the buttons with a patience I didn't expect him to have. The action draws me out of the haze that his kisses pulled me into. I pull my arms back from his neck, trying to stop him.
"Wait!" He ignores me, pushing my coat off of my shoulders. His lips are on mine again, blocking any protest I could make. One of his hands presses on my back, pushing me closer. My chest is pressed up against his, and the feel of the solidness of him causes everything in me to react. One of my hands goes back around his neck, keeping him against me, while the other went to his arm. The muscles clench underneath my touch and a part of me is glad to see that he's affected. That it's not just me.
His mouth moves back to my neck, and I tilt it, opening myself up for him. What am I doing? Oh god. He sucks hard, kissing and scraping gently with his teeth. He's going to leave a mark! He's – ! He moves, his teeth scrapes against my collarbone and all protest is lost.
"Eric..." I can barely breathe, let alone talk, and my body arches against his.
He doesn't move from his marking, sucking harder. One of his hands goes to my ass, squeezing it. "Amelia," he breathes against my skin.
My nails dig into his arm. I can't – I don't want to stop. I need him closer. I need something that isn't just...expected anymore. I move my hand at the back of his head and drag my fingers across his scalp. He shudders against me before pulling back and meeting my eyes. His pupils are blown, and he's breathing hard but I've never seen him look smugger.
"Don't want me?" He teases. Before I can retort, he kisses me again. That hand that's not on my ass moves down my side and slips under my shirt. His hand feels like ice against the heat of my skin, and yet he burns.
I shudder as it reaches my ribs and his thumb strokes just under my breast. "Oh god," I whisper. It feels as if his grip encompasses me and will never let me free. I break the kiss. "Eric..." He pulls back, but instead of stopping, or listening, his hands pull my blouse open, popping the buttons.
This is the most exposed I've ever been, and it's in front of him. "Eric, wait!" His hands touch my waist, and for a second I feel as if he's set me on fire. He stops for a second, staring at me as if enraptured at the sight. One of his hands goes to my cheek, pulling me in for another kiss. The fear lingers in my mind, but all I can focus on is his lips on mine and the touch of his hands. I just need...to be closer.
Without thinking, I lift one of my legs, hooking it around the back of his. I can feel him smile against my lips before his hands come to my ass and lift me. My heart nearly stops, but he guides my other leg to go around his waist. I clutch at him tightly, arms around his neck, afraid to fall, but his hands are steady and there's no sign of him dropping me. Instead, he just keeps kissing me, squeezing my ass with one hand while the other slides up my back freely. The desperation of his kisses slows, until I am drawn out of the fire and into the embers themselves. I have to trust his strength, and it is terrifying.
"Amelia," he says softly. It feels as if it echoes through me. "Amelia, look at me." When I do, he continues speaking. There is still anger in his gaze, but there's something else that I don't know how to place. It's almost worse than the anger. "Tell me again that you don't fucking want this – want me." I open my mouth to reply, "And don't fucking say biology." My mouth snaps shut. There's nothing I can say. He smirks at me and nods. "Thought so." His hand slides down my leg before pushing it gently off of him. He places me back on the ground, standing and facing him. He bends down slightly, so that his face is in front of mine. His hand comes to the back of my head and he pulls me into a kiss that's nearly as heated as the first one. He breaks it. "You can't keep lying to yourself. Get rid of the fucking fiance, or I will." He turns and leaves, stopping only to pick up his jacket.
I can only stare after him, my mind reeling. I sink to the floor slowly. What have I done?
[tbc]
