Page 18 of Icebound Hearts

I grit my teeth. “Unlike you, I need to pass this class.” His lips twitch. “Don’t flatter yourself. I already passed Biology last semester.”

I whip my head toward him. “Then why are you here?” He leans in just a fraction, voices low and smug. “Thought it’d be fun.” I stare at him, my pulse pounding in my ears. He’s here just to mess with me and to get under my skin. I should ignore him. I should rise above it.

Instead, I shift in my seat ever so slightly, angling my body so his arm, still draped lazily over the back of my chair, brushes against my shoulder.

Aiden stills.

I don’t look at him. I keep my gaze fixed ahead, but I can feel the tension radiating off him.

Good.

Two can play this game.

After class, I don’t wait around. I shove my notebook into my bag and bolt toward the door, ignoring the amused glances from Alina and Roman. I make it halfway down the hall before a voice stops me.

“Running away, Angel Face?”

I spin around, scowling. “Stop calling me that.” Aiden grins like he enjoys pissing me off. Which he does.

“Can’t take the heat?” he taunts, stepping closer. “I don’t feel like dealing with your inflated ego today.” “You sure about that?” He raises a brow, eyes flicking down

to my lips. The air between us tightens, charged. I should walk away.

I don’t.

Instead, I cross my arms. “You think I’d fall for this?” His grin deepens. “Oh, I know you will.” The absolute audacity of this man.

I open my mouth to fire back, but before I can, Roman and Alexei stroll up, clearly entertained.

“What’s this?” Roman muses, eyeing the tension between us. “Another lovers’ quarrel?”

I groan. “Not even close.”

Aiden just smirks. “Yet.”

I’m going to kill him. Alexei sighs. “Can you two just kiss and get it over with? The sexual tension is unbearable.” I whip around. “Alexei.”

“What? It’s true.”

Aiden laughs. “He’s got a point. You clearly find me attractive.”

I shove past them, ignoring the way my skin feels hot. “You’re all insufferable.”

Aiden calls after me, “You love it.”

I flip him off without looking back.

By the time training rolls around, I’ve convinced myself I’m over it.

It’s fine. Everything is fine. We’re running drills, the sound of skates cutting through the ice sharp in the otherwise quiet rink. I focus on my movements, the rhythm of my strides, the familiar comfort of being here, where nothing else matters.

And then Aiden skates up next to me. I sigh. “Do you ever go away?”

“Nope.”

I roll my eyes and push ahead, but he matches my pace effortlessly.

“Let’s make it interesting,” he says.

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