Closer

Chapter 26

I struggled to catch my breath as I threw my fist into a punching bag. I needed to get out my frustrations and there was no better way to do it. From my brother, to my mom, to Jake, I felt like I was talking hit after hit and never swung back. This was me swinging back, letting off some steam.

I felt Eric come up behind me, but was too focused on my target to pay him any attention. But that killer focused was shattered as he pressed himself up behind me, reaching out to grab my arms. I felt the fabric of his shirt against my sweat drenched torso. I had thrown my shirt aside and was left in just a sports bra.

"You're going to hurt yourself," I felt his breath on my neck as he spoke.

"I'm fine," I said, catching my breath.

"If you're going to go that hard, take shorter swings, you'll be less likely to throw out your shoulders," he let go of my forearms and began to trail his hands up my arms.

"I'll keep that in mind," I instantly felt goose bump rise on my skin due to his touch.

"You want to tell me what's bugging you?" His fingers traced the claw marks that were inked onto my arm.

"I just need to stop caring so much," I took another swing at the bag.

"No, you just need to let things play out instead of thinking that everything that happens is a direct consequence of your actions. Fuck that little punk," he said referring to Jake. "Fuck your brother and everyone else who thinks that just because you're not their little princess anymore means that you're not good enough."

I couldn't help but smile at his words. Who knew he had a soft side. He kissed my neck, his hands finding my waist. "You're my princess now, and you'll never not be good enough."

I turned in his arms and tilted my head, a smile still firming planted on my face. "What?" he asked.

"Who knew you were such a softly. This is super out of character for you," I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"You make me this way. You and only you. But if you tell anyone I swear I'll kill you," he smirked.

"What would you do without me?" I teased.

"Don't make me have to find out," he pulled me closer, his lips meeting mine.

"Wow, that was gross," we pulled apart to find Jenn standing in the doorway.

"How much of that did you hear?" I questioned, chuckling. Eric looked away from both Jenn and I, embarrassed.

"Enough. Eric go back to being an asshole. Soft, cute, Eric make me uncomfortable," Jenn's face contorted to a disgusted look as she shook her head.

"That can be arranged," Eric untangled himself from me and head over to the bench to grab my shirt and a towel. He threw both at me.

"We're gonna be late for that meeting, let's go," Jenn turned on her heels, leaving me and Eric to follow.

The walk to Max's office was short, but comfortable. When we entered, Max, Leo, Jason, and Jenn were already sitting around a round table that was off to the right in his office which was probably half the size of my apartment. "Take a seat you two," Max instructed.

We did as we were told. I sat between Eric and Leo, Jenn sat directly across from me, Jason and Max on either side of her. "As some of you may know," Max started, "times are changing throughout the faction systems."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked. My father being the leader of the government meant that I was always informed on the latest issues we were having among the faction. Sure, there were a few arguments here and there and differences of opinions and view, but the workings and fundamentals of the faction systems have always maintained their order.