Page 176 of Time To Learn

“I love youmore.”

I shake my head and rest my forehead againsthers.

“Not possible, sweetheart. You’re my soul mate. The best parts of me exist because you love me, and I’m the luckiest man in the world because ofyou.”

I kiss her tenderly, pouring all that I feel into our kiss, until Ailith shouts atus.

“Eew, Dad! Yuck!”

Laura laughs against my lips, and I shake my head when I open myeyes.

“Later, I’ll show you exactly how tight a hold you have onme.”

Laura shivers in my arms, and when I take in the way her eyes darken with need, I smirk.

“I’ll hold you tothat.”

“Good.”

* * *

Ailith

(all grown up now—or so she believes)

“Ailith,I don’t feel good aboutthis.”

I roll my eyes as I walk downstairs. Dad follows closely behind me, his feet stomping.

“Dad, I’ll be fine,” I huff. “It’s my eighteenth birthday, and I want to celebrate it with my friends.”

“I understand that, girlie, but –”

I turn around and grin athim.

“Don’t worry, I won’t get lost in the big, badcity.”

He scowls at me, and I shake my head at his grouchiness.

“When did you grow up on me?” he mutters, and I shrug, a little embarrassed at his display of emotions. You wouldn’t believe it if you met him on the street, but the man I’ve called my father for the past decade is a bit of a softie.

But he’s not a pushover.

“Fine,” he finally grunts, and I beam at him, relieved I won’t have to argue with him about this anymore.

Soft voices reach my ears as I pick up my jacket from the peg next to the door. A warm smile stretches my lips when Mum enters the hall, my younger brother, William, in her arms. He’s almost fast asleep already, head lolling on her shoulder, even though it’s barely nine in the evening. I chuckle at the sight.

“Just wanted to see you off, Ailith,” Mum whispers.

Dad aims a scowl her way, making me giggle.

“Aren’t you the least bit worried?” Dad mutters.

“Don’t be silly, Kristian,” she laughs softly as she pulls me into a warm embrace. “Our daughter is a smart girl. She’ll befine.”

I grin down at her and bend to give William a quick kiss on the cheek. I’m excited to be going dancing tonight, but a bit nervous aswell.

“Thankyou.”