Page 170 of Time To Learn

Quickly, I end the call, putting the old pain to rest atlast.

Hope blooms in my heart as I run down the stairs.

Kristian’shome.

When I reach the base of the stairs, I take a quick moment to look into the mirror hanging on the wall. My hair’s a complete bird’s nest, my cheeks are flushed, making my scar seem more hellish than usual, and I’m only wearing yoga pants and a top underneath a bright red sweater. My feet are covered in thick, lamb’s wool socks, and I look more like a slob than the clever businesswoman that Iam.

I grin at my reflection and put the phonedown.

“I don’t give a flying fuck,” I whisper at the reflection.

When the taxi honks outside, I spin on my feet, wrench open the front door and rush outside. When I see Kristian get out from the backseat, smiling back at me, I break into a sprint.

“Kristian!” Ailith’s voice grabs my attention just before I throw myself into his arms. He buries his face in my neck, breathing me in, and I cling to him, holding him as close as Ican.

“Fuck, sweetheart,” he grunts, kissing me softly underneath my ear and making me break out in a full-blown body tremble.

“You came back,” I cry into his warmskin.

“Told you I would.”

I nod against his chest, not caring in the least about the freezing temperature. I open my eyes as a small body slams against my leg and look down at my daughter.

“Hey, girlie.” Kristian leans away from me and bends in his knees. Immediately, Ailith throws her arms around him, making him almost fall to the ground, but when he merely laughs and picks her up, I laugh withhim.

“You’re home!” Ailith shouts, beaming smile in place and stars shining in her eyes as he spins her around in a circle.

“And I’m staying,” he grins at her before he glances atme.

My heart calls out to him when he mouths I love you and what else am I to do but tell him I love him rightback?

“I love you, baby,” I grin athim.

When his eyes soften and he sets Ailith on her feet, walking slowly back to me, I feel a little tingle in my lady bits at the intense way he holds my eyes captive.

“Ailith,” I call out, barely able to look at her. “Go find Gan-Gan, please? Tell her the goodnews?”

“Okay, Mummy,” she grins at me only to turn around and run in the direction of the stables and the office.

“We’ve got a lot to talk about,” Kristian murmurs when he comes to a stop in front ofme.

Inod.

“Yes, wedo.”

“Think it can wait for about seventy years or so?” he asksme.

My mouth pops open and I blink at him, confused.

“But, Kristian,” I start, only to stop when he places his hands on my hips, inching me closer towards him. His grip tightens around me. I wrap my arms around his neck when he pulls me up against the hard planes of hisbody.

“I meant what I said, sweetheart. We do have a lot to talk about. But your past, what you went through, and what you had todo?”

I nod when he stops, giving him my full attention, all the while holding my breath.

“You told me everything in your letter, wildcat,” he smiles gently at me. “It’s in the past. It’s over. I understand what you did—fuck, do I get it—but there’s no need to rehashit.”

He kisses the tip of my nose, the gesture so tender that my eyes begin to prickle.

“Now,” he sighs and bends his head. “Give me a kiss, sweetheart.”

“Who am I to refuse?” I grin at him, threading my fingers through his hair. I brush my lips against his mouth, feeling the zing through my blood at the warmth and familiarity of them. His hands on my back move down to my arse, and I open my mouth on a gasp as I feel his erection against my tummy.

Then he takes my lips, his tongue traces my mouth, and I shiver when he sweeps inside. His kiss tastes like home, and I relax into his arms, feeling safe again now that he’sback.

He’s my future.

Myhome.

My safe haven.

He’s everything.