Innocence Lost

Chapter 81

The rest of the week flew by rather quickly. Eric had been in meetings all week, which luckily I didn't have to attend. For the most part we communicated via email and it was all work related. The only times I've seen him was when he briefly stopped by his office as I was on my way out. I didn't know if he gave any thought as to what happened between us last week. I mean it's not the first time he has gotten somewhat physical with me. I guess it didn't matter. The less he thought about me the better. The less I thought about him the better.

However, I wasn't succeeding at that as well as I had hoped. Not being able to talk or fight it out with him like we usually did was starting to drive me crazy, since it seemed that I was unable to simply forget him. It shouldn't be this hard. I even picked up a few shifts in the infirmary in between training with Four and Jesse.

Unfortunately for me his schedule was clear today, meaning he would be in his office all day and I had no choice but to talk to him. Lucky for me he has been quiet all morning.

I received a message from Jax as I was typing up some memos for both Eric and Max. He was going to be back in Dauntless some time today and wanted to see me. I offered to cook him dinner. I used to cook for Kylie all the time back in Erudite and she loved it.

Kylie. My sweet, innocent Kylie. I haven't thought of her much lately and I felt guilty about it. Her life is over and it wasn't fair. Maybe if I just stayed in Erudite she would still be here. I made a promise to myself that I would get justice for her.

"Kate, get in here" Eric yelled from inside his office, startling me.

This was the first time he had literally spoken to me all week, demanding as always.

"Yes, Eric" I sigh, leaning against his doorframe.

"Did you get a dress yet?" His eyes remained fixated on his computer screen as he spoke.

"Excuse me? A dress for what?" I asked confused.

"A dress for the Gala. It's Sunday night" He finally looks up with an expressionless look on his face.

"About that. I don't think there's much reason for me to go to that. I mean, it's for faction leaders and representatives, I'm no such thing" I answer matter of factly.

"Oh do you now" he folds his hands on his desk "Well, you are my assistant and I'm going to need you there to. . . assist me"

"But Eric-"

"You going even if that means dragging you there by your fucking hair. Understand?"

I stood there speechless. I've seen the look in his eyes plenty of times and it meant business. I nodded my head yes wanting to cry inside. I hated him for making me feel this way.

"Good. I will have a car ready for you around 5, you can get ready in your room"

"Why would I need a room?" I ask.

"Because we are staying overnight" he simply says.

No way I am staying overnight with Eric again. I didn't trust him. Hell, I didn't trust myself.

"You can stay overnight. I'm coming home after the Gala" I state.

"Kate" he says my name like I'm a child who doesn't seem to understand.

"I'm not staying in a room with you Eric. It's not happening"

"Relax princess, you have your own room"

"Oh"

"Now go to the store and get yourself a fucking dress"

I knew better than to protest. If I was going to this shit show of an event with Eric I needed to be on my best behavior and not make things more awkward than it already was. As I left his office I tried my hardest not to slam the door shut.