Page 29 of Icebound Hearts

As the kids pile in, we’re off, pushing each other, challenging, bickering, pretending that there isn’t something lingering between us that neither of us is ready to name.

“Thanks for the class, Ms. Hart!” One of my little skaters grins as she glides toward the bench, her cheeks pink from the cold. I nod, waving at her.

“See you on Monday!” She gives me a bright smile before disappearing toward the exit. I should consider my next lesson plan or focus on the lingering warmth from teaching. But my mind keeps drifting back to him. To the way he looked at me before storming off. I swallow hard, my eyes flickering to theexit where Aiden had disappeared minutes ago. He’s mad at the whole body shot thing. I know he is. And the worst part? I don’t even know if I want to fix it.

“Malyshka, are you ready?” The familiar voice makes me freeze. I whip my head to the right, convinced I’m imagining things. But no—standing by the rink’s entrance, beaming at me like I just won an Olympic gold medal, is my mother. A sharp breath escapes me before a wide smile spreads across my face.

Mama.

Without a second thought, I skate toward her, stepping off the ice and pulling her into a tight hug. I don’t care that I forgot to put my skate-guards on. But, of course, my mother does.

“Your skates, baby,” she scolds, her strong Russian accent making the words sharper. “You will ruin them. Put your guards on.” I smile at her, already grabbing the blade covers from my bag. “I missed you so much, Mama.” She cups my cheek as I stand up correctly, her blue eyes shining warmly. “I missed you too, Malyshka.”

For the first time since I set foot at Pleasant Oaks University, I can breathe. All because of her. The moment is perfect—until I feel eyes on me. I look up, my breath catching in my throat. Across the rink, just before the exit, stands Aiden. His deep brown eyes pierce through me, unreadable yet heavy with something I can’t name. My heart clenches. I should look away, but the intensity of his stare keeps me locked in place. Something electric hums in the space between us.

Then, as suddenly as he appeared, he was gone. I exhale slowly,

my chest tightening.

“Alexei is excited to see me, and I can’t wait to meet your roommates,” my mother says, unaware of my spiralling thoughts. My stomach drops. Right. I haven’t told her.

“About that…” I purse my lips, suddenly fascinated by my skate guards. I take a deep breath, then blurt it out in one breath:“Theadmissionsofficemadeamistakeandinsteadoflivingatthesatinghouse,ilivewithfourhockeyplayers.”

My mother stares at me dumbfounded. “What?” I sigh, inhaling sharply before repeating, “The admissions office made a mistake, and instead of living at the skating house, I live with four hockey players.” Her mouth parts slightly, but nothing comes out.

“Boys?” she finally asks, her voice pensive.

I nod, bracing myself. “Yes, but they’re great. Like older brothers—mostly. They take care of me.” She doesn’t look convinced. I scramble.

“You’ll meet them tonight for dinner! I’ll make sure they’re all there.” That seems to do it. Her lips twitch, then curve into a small smile. “I would love that.” I exhale, relieved, wrapping my arm around hers as we head toward the exit.

Pulling out my phone, I quickly text the group chat.

Hockey House + Ice Princess

Ice Princess

William

I chuckle, sending back a reply.

Ice Princess

“Are you texting them?” My mom raises an amused eyebrow.

I nod. “Just letting them know they can’t skip dinner.” She laughs softly. My phone pings again.

Roman

Graysen

William

I roll my eyes, but before I can put my phone away, another message pops up.

Grumpy Hockey Player

Three simple words. My pulse stutters.

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