Nothing Without You | Eric Coulter [2]

two

"I'm not doing it," Tris huffs as we step out of Mr Kang's office, "I don't want to."

"We have to," Tobias replies with a sigh, "Neither of us have secrets worth dying for."

Tobias had managed to make some negotiations with Mr Kang; a trial while they're the Truth Serum Candor has been known for to prove their innocence.

Though both my brother and the Candor leader are in agreement on that front, Tris, on the other hand, doesn't seem too keen about it.

In a fit of frustration, she stomps off and I frown, turning my gaze onto my brother.

"Aren't you going to talk to her?"

Tobias runs a hand through his hair, looking exhausted. "No," He shakes his head, "She'll come around."

I nod, narrowing my eyes at him. It doesn't pass my notice how he hasn't met my eyes once since we'd left Mr Kang's office. I know my brother, and I know how he acts when he's hiding something from me.

"You've got something you want to tell me?" I ask warily.

His eyes finally snap up to meet mine before they quickly dart away.

"It's nothing."

"It doesn't look it," I retort, "What is it?"

"Nothing, V." He swallows, "Can we not talk about it now, please? I want to get some rest."

"Then, when?" I furrow my brows at him, "Tobias, if this has something to do with Eric, I have the right to know-"

"It doesn't," He snaps, "I already told you what I know about Eric. Now, drop it."

I glare at him, "You may be older, Tobias. But it doesn't mean you get to call all the shots. Especially if it has something with me- which I'm betting it does. Tell me."

"Trust me, you're better off not knowing." He says ominously, before leaving.

"Tobias!" I call after him, but he simply ignores me.

Running my hand across my face with a sigh, I turn on my heel and make my way back to my room.

I find Zeke and Uriah lounging on my bed waiting for my arrival when I do.

"So? What's the verdict?" Zeke asks.

I sprawl down onto the space between them, "There's going to be a trial," I let out another sigh- something I seem to be doing a lot since my brother's return- and add, "Using the Truth serum."

"Damn," Uriah mutters, dropping onto his back beside me.

"Yeah," I drawl, "I think he's hiding something from me."

Zeke glances over at me, "Like?"

"I don't know," I frown, "I thought it was about Eric, but he says it isn't."

"And do we believe him?"

"I think so," I reply, "It doesn't feel like he is, but I know my brother. He's holding out on me."

The Pedrad brothers nod in unison, "Do we need a plan to get him to spill?" Uriah raises a brow at me.

I shake my head, "No," I answer, "I want it to be on his terms."

"Isn't this cosy," Marlene's voice interrupts and she wiggles her way between Zeke and I, drawing a laugh from me as I shift to make room for her. "Are we talking about the trial?"

My eyes dart to hers, "That's going around already?"

"Mm-hm," She nods, "Rumour mill has been working overtime today, it seems."