Page 14 of Icebound Hearts

I glance up at the stands again. Kat’s still watching. Still perched in that annoyingly perfect pose, still with that same expression—bored, like she expected more from us.

Jesus Christ. Right on cue, she lifts a brow as if daring me to impress her.

Oh, it’s on.

I shake off my exhaustion and hop over the boards, my focus sharper than before. The moment I hit the ice, I chase down the puck, weaving through defenders like they’re standing still. My teammates adjust, moving into position, and just as I fake a pass to Roman, I pull the puck back and rip a shot top shelf. The red light flashes, and the crowd erupts in cheers. For some stupid reason, I look back up at Kat.

She’s clapping, but it’s slow. Almost as if she is mocking me. I narrow my eyes and she smirks back at me.

I swear to God, she’s going to be the death of me.

By the time the game ends, we’re walking away with a 5-3 win, and the adrenaline is still burning through my veins. I should be feeling good, riding the high of the victory, but all I can think about is the inevitable conversation waiting for me the second I step off the ice.

And sure enough, there she is, leaning against the tunnel wall, arms still crossed, looking way too entertained for my liking.

“Not bad, Knight,” she muses, tilting her head. “Didn’t completely embarrass yourself.”

I scoff, pulling off my gloves. “Oh yeah? Better than your pirouettes?” She glares at me, pushing off the wall.

“It’s no triple axel, but I guess it was fine.”

I take a step closer, heat still pulsing through me. “You watched the whole game, Angel Face. Clearly, you were interested.” Her lips curve upward, but there’s a challenge in her eyes.

“Oh, I was watching. Studying, really.” She taps a finger against her chin. “And I noticed something interesting.”

“Yeah? What’s that?”

She leans in slightly, and for half a second, I think she’s going to say something profound. Instead, she smirks.

“You play recklessly when you’re mad.”

I blink. “What?”

“That second-period goal? You only went for it because I pissed you off.” She lifts a shoulder. “It’s cute, really. Like a little puppy trying to impress its owner.”

I let out a sharp laugh. “You’re out of your damn mind.” She pats my chest like I’m some kind of pet, and I hate how much I enjoy it.

“It’s okay, Knight. I get it. I’m motivational.”

I grab her wrist before she can pull away, holding it just tight enough for her to stop and look up at me. The teasing in her expression falters just slightly, just enough for me to see it.

She feels it, too. The tension. The pull. The way this fire between us is only growing hotter every time we push against it. I lower my voice.

“You think you get in my head that easily?” Her breath hitches, but she doesn’t back down.

“I know I do.” I lean in just a little, my grip still firm.

“Careful, Angel Face. You might not like what happens if you keep playing this game with me.” Her lips part slightly, and fora second, something unreadable flashes in her expression. Then she snatches her wrist back and steps away.

“We’ll see, Knight,” she says, turning on her heel. “We’ll see.”

I watch her go, my pulse still racing. She’s going to drive me insane.

And I might let her.

Chapter eight

KATERINA

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