TROUBLE

Chapter 15

It's been over a week since my dad last threatened me about talking to Eric. Since then, I've been forced to avoid him. Every day is like an uphill battle. During class, I sit as far away as possible from him and I can feel his penetrating stare boring into me.

I know he wants answers but I'm not allowed to give them to him. My dad took away my phone just in case I thought about contacting him.

Lunch is a nightmare as I sit with Tris and Four. Eric watches me from the other end of the lunch room, glaring daggers into my soul.

What am I supposed to do? There's no way out of this until the season is over.

Eric is just going to have to deal with it.

It's not like I enjoy being watched over like a hostage. This treatment from my parents is childish and for the dumbest reason.

Only eight more weeks...

The season will be over in eight more weeks.

*****

English class is quiet. I'm the only one in here which seems strange since class starts in ten minutes. I read my book in silence, contemplating the plot like it has meaning to my life.

The door suddenly comes open hitting the back of the wall with great force. I jump at the loud sound and a burly figure stomps towards me.

A pang of fear runs down the center of my chest as Eric makes his way over to me. I cringe back in the desk, awaiting his unpleasant arrival.

Eric looms over me, his chest rising and falling with deep breathes. He's enraged.

"Why the fuck are you ignoring me?" His loud voice booms.

I cringe further back until I'm pressed against the stone wall next to the desk.

"Keep your voice down." I warn him.

A few students pile into the room as Eric continues to stand over me. He huffs with anger and sits down in the desk directly behind mine like he had done before.

"Answer the question, Layla."

Eric's teeth grind together with malicious anger. I swallow hard looking at him with wide eyes.

"My dad. He doesn't want me around you...until the season is over."

"Bullshit." He retorts, immediately.

I shake my head, thinking of all the things I want to say to him but can't since we're not alone anymore.

Eric doesn't understand. I don't like being kept away from him. This isn't something I asked for but I have to obey my parents no matter how ridiculous their requests may seem.

But looking into those raging blue eyes, I know I'll have to give some type of explanation.

"Eric, look. I'm sorry, okay? I didn't ask for any of this."

He snarls his lip up in disgust.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I get in the way of your perfect life, Layla?"

Perfect life?

Now he's just being immature. Nothing about my life is perfect and he knows that.

I look at him with a pleading expression, willing him to understand where all of this is coming from.

"You know my dad only wants you to focus on football right now."

He cocks his head to the side, leaning in some. He reaches towards me and grabs my limp hand from my lap and pulls me in his direction.

I tense at his touch, not knowing what to expect with all his anger and frustration.

Eric brings my hand up to his lips where he places a soft kiss to my palm. A twinge of excitement races through my core and I find myself moving closer to him.

"I can't focus on anything but you."

The fire in his eyes softens. Eric tugs on my hand, indicating for me to stand. I oblige, afraid of what would happen if I don't. He pulls me down on his lap with little effort and I look around the room to see if anyone is watching us.

Few people reside in some of the desks and they all seem preoccupied, not even looking our way.

Eric brings his lips to the side of my ear and a shiver runs through me.

"I want you so badly."

I turn my head to face him and I'm greeted with a serious expression. My brain races to unfold the meaning of his words and all it comes up with is Eric's need for lust. I'm nothing more than a moment of pleasure for him.

He only wants what he can't have.

I try to pry myself away from him but fail as he wraps a thick arm around my waist, bringing me closer to his body.

"Gracie."

I send him a severe look.

"Don't call me that."

His expression turns into one of confusion.

"You like it when I call you that."

"No, I don't. I don't like it when anybody calls me that."

I don't want to be upset with him but I also don't want my heartbroken. Something Eric is very capable of.

"What's wrong?"

The anger he once had quickly turns into that of pure concern. His eyes scan every inch of my face. He tightens his hold on me, only making me squirm uncomfortably.

"Nothing, now let me go."

But of course he doesn't.

"What's wrong?" He asks, again with a more assertive tone.

"Nothing." I retort, quietly.

Eric kisses the side of my cheek sending a swarm of butterflies in flight. The effects he has on me is overwhelming and frightening.

"Layla, you can tell me."

No, no I can't.

I can't tell you that the only reason you want me is because you can't have me and after you've gotten what you wanted you'll leave me for another girl.

"I don't want to talk about it here."

There is truth in that but I also don't want to talk to him anymore about this.

"Okay."

The look he gives me tells me this conversation isn't over but I'm happy that Eric releases me.

I take my seat again and return to reading my book, all the while knowing that a very unhappy football player sits behind me.

I apologize in advance for this sucky chapter. I have to find my way again. It's been three months since I last updated this story so please stick with me.  Feedback would be wonderful.