Page 15 of On Thin Ice

“But I don’t want you to retire,” I said, caressing his face. “I don’t want to mess up your career.”

The scruffiness of his beard sent tingles up my arm, and I smiled as he kissed my palm.

“You’re not ruining anything. I actually wanted to retire after Brianna decided she was no longer competing. But after Alina told me about you, I decided that I could wait a few more months. And then, after I met you ... God, I never felt such a strong desire to have someone as mine.”

“Still ... maybe you can continue working as a coach. I mean, you like this.”

“I like it, and I loved working with so many skaters. Especially with you, little slut,” he said, giving me a playful nuzzle. “But retirement is something I’ve thought about for a while, even when working with Brianna. I want to enjoy my freedom. And now I have someone to enjoy it with, too.”

I smiled as he gave me a soft kiss.

“So, after the Olympics, I can scream to the entire world that I’m yours and you’re mine?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said, trailing his fingers through my hair. “Well, only after I’ll scream how fucking lucky I am to have you as mine. But first, you have a gold medal to win, little slut.”

Chapter 7

A few days later

I extended my right leg backward and pushed myself into a new jump. The lights played around me, creating patterns on the ice as I continued my choreography. This was the one I’d prepared with Bryce for the ending gala, and it was more relaxed and, at the same time, more spectacular than the one in the competition.

I didn’t have to worry about the points or how many times I could do a movement, or how to spread them so that I could maximize my result. I loved the competition, but I always loved the ending show a little more.

It always felt more like me, from the music to the elements.

While spinning along the ice rink, I glanced at the public, easily finding him. Bryce was following my movements, his eyes glued to me, and that was enough to feel warmth spreading through my body.

The pride in his eyes heightened my confidence, and when I glided in front of him in the eagle position and he mouthed to me, “I love you,” I almost melted on the ice.

I couldn’t have done any of this without him. A few days ago, when I’d won the gold medal, all I wanted was to run to him and throw myself into his arms. I’d needed all my willpower to behave and act professionally.

Well, at least until we were alone in our hotel room and he had fucked the living soul out of me. Over and over again.

Damn, knowing that he loved me, that I was his and he was mine, was making my heart do zoomies in my chest.

He was going to announce his retirement tomorrow. We’d both decided that the official declaration was going to be that we fell in love after that, but honestly, I didn’t think it was hard for anyone to see through the lie.

But it didn’t matter. No one could prove it, and I wasn’t even sure if anyone actually cared. Maybe some competitors could have used the information against me, but right now, without any tangible proof that anything had happened while he was my official coach, we were both safe.

I glanced again at him as I made the step sequence and lifted my leg in an Arabesque spin. I didn’t dare to mouth anything to him given all the cameras I had on me at the moment, but I was sure he knew how much I loved him.

And we’re going to be together. Always.

Epilogue

A few years later

“Are you ready for your first day as a coach, little slut?” my husband teased, hugging me from behind.

God, after more than seven years of marriage, I still adored calling him my husband. I met his gaze in the mirror and covered his hands with mine while sinking into him.

After I’d retired from competition, I decided to become a coach, and Bryce had supported me in it. So after I’d gotten all my certifications, here I was, ready to guide other athletes to make their dreams come true.

“I bet you’re going to be tougher with the skaters than I’ve been with you,” Bryce said with a chuckle, placing a kiss on my neck.

“Mmm, that would be because you had a soft spot for me,” I teased.

“Yeah, and half thinking with my dick.”

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