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“Be right back.” I shot out of my chair and rushed out of the office. In the corridor I paced backwards and forwards, willing myself to relax. I needed to slow things down. Way, way down. This whole situation with Liv was getting too much to handle. If nothing else, the nightmares I kept having should be a sign that something was wrong.
I didn’t know what to do.
I returned to my desk, conflicting feelings churning inside me. Olivia was still standing there, waiting for me.
“Is everything alright?”
“Yes,” I answered shortly, avoiding eye contact.
“Are you sure?” She touched my arm, and my muscles tensed involuntarily.
“Yes.”
“Okay. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. If I’ve done something to upset you, please tell me,” she whispered.
Sinking into my chair, I massaged my temples, a tension headache forming. “You don’t have anything to apologise for. I’m just stressed about work. It’s been a busy week, and it’ll only get busier.” I glanced up at her, keeping my expression neutral.
She studied me, her eyes narrowed. “Why don’t you speak to Ethan about it? He might be able to get someone else to take on some of your workload so you’re not so stressed about it all? To be honest, I could probably help you out, if you wanted me to. My workload isn’t too bad this week.”
“No,” I snapped, without meaning to. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I can handle it. I just need to concentrate. Thanks, though.”
“If you’re sure,” she said, clearly unconvinced. “Hmm. How about a cinema trip tonight, if you fancy it? We can switch off and watch some mindless action film with a big tub of popcorn. It’ll help with some of the stress, I’m sure. And I can think of one or two other stress-relieving methods to try afterwards, back at your flat.” She gave me a cheeky grin, and I couldn’t bear it any longer. I needed space. Time to get my head straight and work out what to do.
Taking a big bite of my shawarma, I chewed slowly as I cast around for an excuse.
“I already made plans with Alex. Sorry.”
I had to look away so she wouldn’t read the lie in my eyes.
24
Luke
The cracks were widening.
Something had to give.
The beginning of the end.
It started with a toothbrush.
25
Olivia
“Morning.”
I turned my head and came face-to-face with a very tousled, sleepy Luke. Blinking at me, his eyes barely open, he kissed my nose and rolled me so that he was cuddling me from behind. I sighed, wriggling against him. He nuzzled into my neck, his hand sliding up under my top to cup my breast. I moaned as he rolled my nipple between his fingers.
“Luke,” I breathed.
His exploring hands moved lower, and I turned my face to capture his lips with mine.
Although, on second thoughts…
“Hold that thought. I’m going to run to the bathroom quickly.”
“Hurry back,” he mumbled sleepily.
