Page 17 of Unconditional

We’re so caught up in our need for each other, we almost don’t hear the clearing of a throat. Breaking the kiss, I glance over Theo’s shoulder to see my sister and Bishop. Bishop smirks, shaking his head like this is all amusing to him whilst Aria grimaces. “Okay, baby sis, that’s enough of that. You looked two seconds away from ripping each other’s clothes off and fucking on the couch. I don’t need to see that.”

My cheeks heat as Theo’s chest shakes with laughter beneath me. I swat at him to make him stop. He doesn’t. I clear my throat and mumble a “Sorry.”

Aria grins. “We were going to go out for dinner, are you two up for it?”

I look at Theo, brow raised in silent question. He shakes his head almost imperceptibly. It would be nice to go out in public, but we still haven’t told my father. And until that happens, we can’t risk being seen just yet. “We’re going to stay in, actually. I’m tired and Theo isn’t really dressed to go out.”

Aria nods. “Okay. You two kids have fun.” She chuckles, grabs her purse, and they both leave.

Theo’s head drops against my chest. “Shall we order takeout?”

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I nuzzle into him. “Mmm, sounds good. There’s that healthy juice bar a couple of blocks over. They do a great salad; can we order from there?”

He lifts his head, eyes narrowing on me. “We can order what you want, piccola. But I saw how cautious you were with the chips and candy this morning, and now you want to order a salad over pizza, what’s going on?”

I sigh. “I’m not exercising right now so I’m just trying to eat healthier.”

He scans my face, eyes still narrowed. “As long as that’s all it is?”

“Of course. I won’t have long to get fit for competition when I’m allowed to start riding again. So, I’m taking a few precautions. That’s all.”

He smiles, pressing a kiss to my lips. “Okay baby, I get it. Two grilled chicken salads coming up.” Theo pulls his cell out of his sweats, and I slide off him. He pulls up a delivery app and orders our food whilst I find something to watch. I’m thankful he doesn’t push the issue. He gets it. Understands you can’t afford to carry any extra weight. Our animals already have big enough fences to jump, and I want to help in any way I can. If that means being healthier whilst not being able to work out, then so be it.

When he’s done, he turns to me. “Are you going to come and watch me at Royal Palm tomorrow?” I frown. With all that’s happened I forgot that although the winter tour has ended, there are still competitions going on there for the young horses. Or maybe I didn’t forget but instead wanted to block it out. The last time I was there... my stomach lurches at the thought, but it’s time to get back there now.

I smile. “Yeah, I will actually.” He returns my smile before pulling me close. I breathe him in, enjoying being in his arms.

Where I belong.

* * *

The next day, Greg and Bishop drive my sister and me to Royal Palm. Aria grumbled about coming when I asked her but eventually relented when she saw how much it would mean to me.

“What’s going on today? I thought you said the Winter Tour had finished?” I turn to find my sister’s eyes on me.

“There are still competitions going on, just not any FEI ones. They’re for the younger horses, like a training show. It’s to get them out competing and give them some experience. Then they will either be turned away to pasture until the Winter or continue training with Tessa and whoever is staying in Wellington to look after the horses. We leave for London next month for the Global tour and Nations cups teams.” I say all this, but I honestly don’t know what will happen after what Theo told me. For all I know, the farm and horses will all be sold in the next few months. I don’t know what will happen then.

She frowns not understanding what I am talking about but then her eyes light up with excitement. “I am definitely coming to Europe. As soon as school finishes for summer, I’ll be on a flight to you.”

I chuckle. “To watch me compete or to hop around all the best islands in Europe on our parent’s yacht with Bishop?” My brow raises in jest.

“Both,” she replies unapologetically before we both giggle.

I glance up only to see the sign for Royal Palm. My stomach dips and nausea swirls in my stomach. Memories assault me. Zeus. The fall. Squeezing my eyes shut, I take deep breaths, startling when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

“It’s okay, Thalia. You’re okay.” Aria whispers. I flash her a grateful smile, although I feel anything but okay. I will be. Hopefully. But today is not that day.

Before I know it, we’re pulling into the parking lot. Greg jumps out, then pulls my door open. I suck in a breath as I witness the pity in his eyes. He knows how hard this is for me, and no doubt it is for him, too, after seeing me fall. I plaster on a smile. “Can we go to the clubhouse?”

He nods, his lips twitching with a smile. “Of course, Thalia. Let’s go and get you seated where you can see everything.”

“Thank you.” He grabs my crutches and hands them to me before we all make our way to the pavilion and to a viewing area that overlooks the main arena where all the action is taking place today. It’s not as busy here today as it had been during the winter tour, and I am thankful for that. I don’t think I’ll do well with people’s condolences about Zeus.

I get seated, then Greg takes our drink orders, leaving my sister and me with Bishop. Not that he is a lot of good right now when he has his tongue stuck down her throat.

“Aria, please. We are at a showjumping competition,” I grumble. She breaks the kiss and laughs.

“Now you know how I felt seeing you and...” she trails off when my eyes widen. “You and you-know-who last night.”

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