Chapter twenty-eight

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"Your neighbours will probably be able to hear me either way." I step past him and into the apartment. I take a few seconds to inspect the interior, and as pissed as I am even I can appreciate the effort put into it.

"You told them

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"You told them." I state rather than ask.

Theo sighs and closes the door. He walks behind his island and puts his elbows down, leaning his chin in his hands, most likely waiting for the blow.

He shrugs. "I don't regret telling them."

"You said you'd stay out of it, just like I stayed out of your relationship." I grit my teeth.

Theo scoffs. "You stayed out of my relationship? Must have been your doppelgänger that didn't stay out of it then."

"So that's why you told people because I didn't 'stay out' of your relationship?" The sound of my voice goes up a notch.

"No! I told people because you should talk to someone about what happened." Theo's voice matches mine.

"Why?! I'm perfectly fine by myself, the nightmares were gone!" I shout without thinking and regret it immediately.

"You had nightmares?" He stands up from his crouching position.

I shake my head, avoiding eye contact. "It was no big deal."

"Jesus Olivia." He sighs. "Why didn't you tell anyone?"

"I'm still only new, how stupid would it look if I messed up on my first solo undercover." When Theo shakes his head I continue. "I couldn't do the simple task of finding her without Hail finding me."

"Hail done it?"

I nod. "He didn't make me if that's what you're wondering, I had to come up with this sob story that my friends would notice me missing."

"So he...?"

"Used some sort of weapon I've never come across to give me some sore as hell burns." I tell him. "I didn't want anyone to know because I'd lose the trust, I knew the nightmares would go away eventually."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have told anyone." He offers me a small smile. "But I know the reality of the undercovers Olivia, people think the small things are nothing, but they're the ones that stick with a person, if not physically but mentally."

I loosen up slightly. "I know it's stupid, that it's something minor compared to everything else which is why I didn't mention it, but it doesn't stop the stupid nightmares and flashbacks."

"But I shouldn't have told anyone. I really did think it would help."

I nod. "I should be thanking you, hiding it was stupid and definitely not worth it but that doesn't mean I want Claire to find out."

He's about to respond when there's a knock on the door. "Hold that thought."

He once again pulls the door open. This time it opens to reveal blondie leaning against the frame wearing little to nothing. Which may or may not be an over exaggeration - she's wearing a skimpy, tight red dress.

"Hey baby." He says as Rosie walks further into the apartment.

"What's she doing here?" Blondie snarls when she finally notices me using my hip to lean against the island.

"Work stuff." Theo mutters running a hand through his hair.

"And your lack of T-shirt?" She continues not sounding impressed.

"I came over." I interject before Theo can finish his first word of explanation. "Theo didn't know I was coming."

"So you think you can just come over to my boyfriends house?" She crosses her arms.

"He's my colleague? I needed to talk to him."

"Well do it again and I'll make sure you lose your job."

I stop myself from rolling my eyes, realising one of us has got to be mature in this situation, but also deciding that enough is enough. I stop beside Theo on the way out, giving him a small smile. "I really am glad that you ended up telling Tammy so thank you." I say gratefully "But I'm not doing this shit anymore, while she's your girlfriend, I'm solely just your colleague."

I question myself as soon as the words spill from my mouth. Extra? Maybe, but is it better than dealing with blondie? One hundred percent, no doubt in my mind.

My uncertainness disappears when Theo gives me an understanding nod, and maybe I'm making it up but his smile looks anything but happy. "I understand."

As I close the door behind me, the child in me can't help but shouting back. "Catch you never, blondie."

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