Page 178 of Override

"That my decision to act independently was reckless, endangered myself, compromised the operation, and undermined your authority as team leader."

His eyebrows lift slightly. "You were listening."

"I usually am."

"Could've fooled me."

I glance back at the door. Still closed.

He lets out a long breath before rubbing a hand over his jaw. "Skee."

"I know."

"Do you?"

"Yes."

"Because I'm having some serious doubts."

"I should have waited." Matt studies me suspiciously. "I should have called you," I continue. "I should not have entered the estate alone, and I definitely shouldn't have taken Maeve without having an exit plan that extended beyond Bullet's safe house."

"You didn't even know if Bullet would let you use it."

"I knew."

"How?"

"He likes me." Matt's expression doesn't change. "Fine. He tolerates me."

"Marginally."

"Still counts."

His mouth twitches, but he fights it off quickly. I look toward the house again.

Matt sighs. "I understand why you did it."

That gets my attention. I turn back to him. He leans against the hood of his SUV, folding his arms over his chest.

"I don't agree with how you did it," he adds quickly. "At all. I want to make that very fucking clear."

"Understood."

"But I understand."

Something in my chest eases. Only slightly. Because the door is still closed.

I shove my hands into my pockets to stop myself from tapping. "You're right." Matt's eyes narrow. "I promise I'll never do it again." His eyes narrow further. "You don't believe me."

"No."

"I sounded sincere."

"You sounded like someone trying to end a conversation."

I consider that. "Both things can be true."

"Not in this case."