The Iron Soldier: A FourTris Divergent Story

Chapter 28

I'm sitting on the edge of the hotel room bed. I'm not afraid to be alone, but I do wish Four was back with me. He promised he'd only be gone for a little while. There was a shopping plaza right around the corner from the hotel we found in the center of town. He went to pick up some food, clothes and a few necessities. I used the time to take a quick shower, hoping he'd be back before I was done. I suppose that wasn't very realistic.

I wrap the white fluffy robe tighter around my body, letting the events of the last few days sink in. I'm exhausted, both physically and mentally. Not to mention hungry and desperate to hear from Christina. I wonder what she and Will are doing back in the real world where life and classes continue without me.

I'm pulled back to reality when the front door opens with a click of the electronic lock. Four pushes through the door, arms full of bags. The smell of food spreads through the air of the small room and my stomach growl in response. "That smells good. What is it?"

"I got us some Chinese food. I don't know about you, but I'm starving." Four deposits the shopping bags on the floor beside the bed. "I hope that's okay."

"Yeah, that's great." I reach out for the paper bag and pull out the different white boxes. The lo-mien catches my interest so I skootch back in bed, leaning against the headboard as I load the tender noodles into my mouth with a pair of chopsticks.

Four sits beside me after kicking off his shoes. "Oh, yeah." His eyes roll up in his head. "This is good." He mumbles between mouthfuls.

"What have you got there?" I lean over, peaking into his box. I reach in to pull out a piece of saucy chicken with my chopsticks.

"No. Mine." He laughs, holding the box out of my reach.

"Come on Four. You need to share."

"You first. Give me some of that."

I grin as I feed him a pile of noodles. Does this count as sharing utensils? He doesn't seem to mind. He lets out a low moan. "Oh, that's really good too."

I'm surprisingly comfortable sitting on a hotel room bed with him. Sharing Chinese food, while wearing a bath robe. Our interaction feels natural and conversation is easy as we eat. He's not quite as graceful with chopsticks as I am, and I can't help but laugh when he drops a chunk of pineapple on his lap.

"Are you really laughing at me right now?" He frowns at me, but I can still see the smile hiding behind it. "After all I've done for you. I bought you some clothes, and food, and a toothbrush. And how do you thank me? You laugh at me."

"I'm sorry. You just seem to be so good at everything else. I wasn't expecting sweet and sour chicken to be your downfall."

"Hey, nobody's perfect." He looks at me, smiling. "Seriously though, I bought you a few pair of pants, and some shirts, nothing fancy." He points at the pile of bags with the wooden sticks in his hand. "And some food for the next few days. You should be all set for a while."

His sudden change in topic doesn't sit well with me, and I make no attempt to pretend I'm pleased. I set down my carton of food and turn to face him. "Do you really expect me to stay here while you go face Eric?"

Four stops chewing, looking directly in my eyes. "Tris. You are completely safe here."

"I'm not worried about myself," I blurt out. "I'm worried about you. I want to go with you. I want to help you."

Four rolls his eyes. "We already talked about this Tris. You wouldn't be any help."

"You don't know that. You told me yourself that I was brave during the robbery at Carlos's store. And I'm a quick learner."

"That was totally different." He looks annoyed now. "That guy was an idiot. He had no idea what he was doing or who he was messing with. Eric is not a common criminal. He's a trained professional killer."

"That's why we'd have a better chance together than you would alone. Two pair of eyes, two pair of hands, two weapons."

Four's expression turned skeptical. "No. I'm leaving in the morning, alone."

"Just teach me how to shoot. I saw a shooting range on our way here."

He snorted. "You really think that's going to make a difference? A few hours shooting at a stationary target?"

I feel a knot form in my throat. "I can't do it Four, I can't"

He shakes his head ever so slightly. "Do what?"

"Sit here in a nice hotel room, wondering if you're okay and if I'll ever see you again."

His eyes closed as he exhaled loudly. "Tris," he set his food on the bedside table before taking both my hands in his own. "You're not soldier material."

His comment immediately angers me and I pull my hands free. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means you don't follow directions. I told you to stay in the truck this afternoon. But the first chance you got, you jumped out and put yourself in danger." I can't keep you safe if you don't listen to a word I say."

"I would listen if you'd be reasonable."

Four let out a fake laugh. "Oh, you think I should be reasonable?"

"Yes! I was just trying to help. You were outnumbered five to one."

"I didn't need your help, did I? You were lucky. When you got out of the truck and I already had the situation under control. What would have happened if I didn't? One of those goons could have hurt you." Four grabbed my hands again. "I'd never be able to forgive myself if something happened to you."

I tried to fight the tears that threatened to overpower me. "And how do you think I'd feel if something happened to you and I didn't even try to help? You're too important to me. I can't lose you. My God!" I pull my hands free again before running my fingers through the front of my hair. "I can't believe I'm that girl."

His eyes were locked on mine, his face a picture of an internal struggle. "I never wanted this for you. I should have stayed away."

"No." I took in a deep breath in an attempt to calm down. "That's not what I meant. I just never pictured myself the kind of girl that would do anything for a guy. I never thought I'd..." I lowered my eyes, unable to face him with this confession.

"You'd what?" His fingers tipped my chin up, forcing me to look into his intense expression.

I pushed my lips together before speaking. "You called me your girlfriend."

"Was that a bad thing?"

I blinked hard. "No. Actually, I don't know when hearing a few words has ever made me so happy."

The corners of his mouth curled up in a bashful smile. "So, does that mean it's ok?" His eyes stayed steady on mine, before looking at my lips for a brief moment. "Can I call you my girlfriend?"

"Only on one condition." I smiled when his eyebrows lifted in interest. "You need to kiss me right now."

He buried his hands in the back of my hair and whispered in my ear. "I think I can manage that." His lips met mine in a tender caress. I breathed in his scent deeply, while intensifying the kiss. My lips parted and his tongue found mine.

I pulled my body away from the headboard, enough so I could lay back comfortable. He followed my lead, pulling himself in closer to me as we continued kissing each other passionately. I smiled against his lips as they slowly slid over to my neck, sending goosebumps down my arms. His lips on my body cause a reaction I've never experienced with anyone else and I suddenly need him closer than he already is.

"I think that shirt looked better on me." I bite my lip, and look up at him through my lashes, hoping he finds me as irresistible as I find him.

His face brightens in an immediate smile. "Oh, you think so?"

"Hmm, maybe not." I give him the sexiest look I can muster. "Maybe I just prefer you without a shirt at all."

His eyes lock on mine, and I know we are both thinking the same thing as he pulls me against his lips again.