Stronger Than She Looks (Divergent Eric)

{13} Shut up and kiss me

A/N - Please accept my apologies if you can now see this chapter twice. I've had a number of people contact me to say they couldn't view Chapter 13 so I've decided to repost it as a brand new chapter to see if this fixes the issue. X

I make my way back towards the accommodation in a daze. Did that really just happen? Not to mention the fact Eric said he liked me! I'd kind of worked out for myself he must like me to some degree or he wouldn't be bothering to help me, but to hear him say it like that. I certainly never saw that coming.

On my way to the accommodation I pass through the Pit and the smell of food makes me realise I'm hungry. I skipped breakfast, I just couldn't stomach it this morning, but now I'm starving.

No one I know is around, so I grab some chips and find a table to myself. This way I can try and process what just happened.

I can't deny I'm attracted to Eric. Everything about him is so masculine, from his towering height to his impressive build. Combined with his aggressive and confrontational attitude, most people seem to do everything they can to avoid him. But unlike most people, I can't help but be drawn to him. It helps he seems to soften around me, that he shows a different side to himself. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't like a bad boy.

I'm shaken from my musings by someone thrusting an envelope towards me. Startled, I look up and see a young guy I don't recognise. He looks pissed off.

"I've been told to give this to you."

I take the envelope off him, and see my name is printed on the front in neat precise hand writing.

"Who's it from?" I question as I turn it over in my hands.

"Just open it." He instructs as he turns to leave before I have a chance to say anything else.

Carefully I open the envelope and pull out a single piece of paper that's been folded in two. As I open it up, a small silver card falls onto the table.

My place

Tonight

8pm

E.

That's it.

I pick up the card and it suddenly dawns on me it looks exactly the same as what Eric used to open the door to his apartment earlier.

Shit.

He's given me a key to his apartment!

***

It's 7.40pm and I find myself making my excuses to Tris and Christina as I leave the Pit to make my way to Eric's apartment. I've not told them where I'm going and I head out of the pit as if I'm going to the Initiates Accommodation. I'll have to double back on myself but hopefully this helps to avoid any awkward questions. Even though they're my friends, I don't think it's a good idea to tell them about this.

I find my way to his apartment with no wrong turns. I'm impressed with myself; I'm certainly getting better at finding my way around the compound.

I hold my breath as I slide the key card into the slot beneath the handle and the door clicks open. Shit. So this is really happening then?

I quietly close the door behind me, and lean up against the door breathing heavily. The apartment is in darkness.

"Eric?" I call out tentatively. There's no reply. He must not be here.

Thankfully, due to the huge windows, there's enough light to see by. I pad quietly over to look out across the city. It's a clear night and seeing the stars makes me long to go outside. But Initiates aren't allowed to go outside the compound without a Dauntless member. Perhaps I can persuade Eric to take me.