Page 31 of Icebound Hearts

I snap my gaze back to him. “Aiden.” He raises an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “What? It’s true. You’re covered in bruises half the time, and let’s not forget that time you nearly collapsed after practice.” I kick him under the table. He barely flinches, but his lips twitch like he’s trying to hold back a laugh. Bastard. My mother’s gaze sharpens.

“What do you mean collapsed?” Damn it. I shoot Aiden another warning look, but he’s enjoying this way too much.

“It was nothing,” I say quickly. “I was just exhausted that day.” My mom sets down her fork.

“Katerina, I raised you better than to push yourself to the point of collapse.” I grit my teeth, resisting the urge to throttle the smug man

sitting next to me. “It was one time, Mama. I was fine.”

“Barely,” Aiden mutters.

I snap my head toward him. “Do you have a death wish?” I yell. He smirks, leaning in just slightly. “Just stating facts, Angel Face.” I hate that my stomach flips. I hate everything about him. Before I can tell him exactly how much I loathe his existence,

my mom sighs and shakes her head.

“You are just like your father. Stubborn, reckless—”

My chest tightens. She doesn’t mean to bring him up. I know that. But still. I force a smile and reach for my drink. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.” She sighs, clearly not convinced, but thankfully, Grayson saves me.

“So, Anya,” he says, turning to my mom, “What do you think of us so far? We’re not completely terrible, right?” she eyes them all thoughtfully, but her expression is warm.

“You seem like an outstanding group of boys. I was worried when I first heard Katerina was living with hockey players, but now I see I have nothing to worry about.”

Roman grins. “We protect our own.”

“Damn right we do,” Will adds, nudging me with his elbow. I roll my eyes, but my heart swells. My mom smiles. “Then I’m happy.” After dinner, we all help clean up. My mom insists on doing the dishes, but I convince her to let me handle it. Or at least, I try to.

“You are my guest,” I say, practically pushing her toward the living room. She gives me a look. “You are my daughter.”

“And?”

“And I will always be the mother. So sit.” I groan but don’t fight her. The others are already in the living room, lounging around as Will, Roman, and Grayson argue about some hockey stat that no one cares about. Aiden is nowhere to be found.

Coward. As I look around, I spot him near the back porch, standing just outside the open door. His arms are crossed, the cold night air ruffling his dark hair slightly. I shouldn’t go to him. I should stay inside, drink tea with my mom, and not acknowledge him. But, of course, I’m an idiot.

I step outside, the chill biting at my skin. “You’re avoiding me.” Aiden doesn’t turn around to face me.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“You threw me under the bus.” He finally glances at me, that infuriating smirk still in place. “You mean I told the truth?”I scoff. “You didn’t have to say it like that. My mom already worries enough.”

“She should.” I freeze. His tone is different now—quieter, less teasing. He exhales, running a hand through his hair.

“Kat, you push yourself harder than anyone I know. And yeah, I admire the hell out of you for it, but…” He pauses, his jaw clenching. “You also don’t know when to stop.”

“I can’t afford to stop.” His gaze snaps to mine, something dark flickering in his expression. “That’s bullshit.” I narrow my eyes. “Excuse me?”

He steps closer, heat rolling off him despite the cold.

“Kat, I get it. I do. You want to prove yourself. You want to be the best. But pushing yourself until you’re barely standing? That’s not strength. That’s self-destruction.” I stiffen, the words hitting too close. “I’m fine,” I say, forcing the words out. He lets out a dry laugh. “Bullshit.” I grit my teeth. “You’re so dramatic.”

“And you’re so stubborn.”

I huff, crossing my arms tighter around myself. “Why do you even care?” Silence. I sigh as Aiden presses his lips together, looking at me as if I’m important to him.

“Because it’s you.” My breath catches. He looks at me, really looks at me, and I feel like the world tilts slightly. Aiden has always had this effect on me—this unfair ability to pull me into his gravity, to make my heart hammer in my chest even when I don’t want it to.

He steps closer, his voice lower now. “You drive me insane, Kat. And you’re reckless as hell. But I…” He exhales sharply as if he doesn’t know how to express his thoughts. “I just—”

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