Page 147 of Time To Learn

“Nothing, Mummy,” Ailith says quickly. “Just had a wee chat with Kristian, that’sall.”

“Oh?”

I shrug as Laura turns a questioning look myway.

“Yes. Since your birthday is next week and everything.”

She rolls her eyes atme.

“Please don’t remind me ofit.”

I give her a slow smile and wink ather.

“You’re way too fixated on age,” I teaseher.

That earns me one of her unladylike snorts, and Ailith laughs next tome.

“Come on,” I jerk my chin at Thunder as he starts to nibble on the chin strap of Laura’s helmet. He might be all soft and sweet right now, but I don’t trust any horse whose teeth are so close to any part of my woman’s body. “Let’s get Thunder rubbed down, and then you can show me that stall you said needs fixing.”

Falling for my diversion tactic, Laura immediately frowns atme.

“You’re not meant to workyet.”

I sigh as the three of us turn in the direction of the gate and Ailith releases my hand to openit.

“I’m fine,” I grumble as Laura walks pastme.

She tilts her head and quirks an eyebrow atme.

“Maybe so, but you know what the doctor said—you’re on sick leave for another week, during which you’re meant to take iteasy.”

It irks me not to have anything to do, and I kick at a rock on theroad.

“I don’t do lazywell.”

“Suck it up, buttercup, ‘cause that’s just the way it’s going to be. At least for a few moredays.”

I shake my head and look down at Ailith who giggles atme.

“Is this how it’s going to be?” I mumble and tuck the collar of my jacket up my neck, protecting myself from the autumnal wind. “The two of you ordering me around, telling me what to do all thetime?”

Slowly, Laura turns around and walks backwards a couple of steps as Thunder meanders beside her. I narrow my eyes as the woman I adore winks at Ailith before turning her eyes back tome.

“Yes,” they answer at the same time and then erupt in giggles.

Fuck. I’m doomed.

I lean against a stall and watch Ailith cooing at Thunder as Laura ties him to the big metal ring next tome.

“You know,” I start conversationally, “I should probably be worried that you two young ladies are able to wrap me around your little fingers likethat.”

Laura looks up at me and the silent laughter that greets me from her eyes makes my gut clench. I fucking love being the reason for that light.

“We’re usually subtler about it, but not since your accident, Kristian.” She takes off her helmet and shakes her hair, which is slightly matted with sweat on her head. “It’s important you take care of yourself.”

Sighing, I cross myarms.

“I know—I am, Laura—but I can’t stand being idle. It makes my skin crawl.”