Page 40 of Icebound Hearts

“That’s hockey, Aiden! You don’t have to fight every guy who pisses you off!”

His eyes darken, the space between us shrinking. “You think I was just pissed off?” His voice drops lower now, something dangerous curling beneath it. I freeze. That wasn’t just about the hit. It was about me. Number 27 said something about me to provoke Aiden.

“He said something?” I whisper. Aiden nods, clenching his jaw. My heart thuds violently, but before I can react, a new voice cuts through the air.

“So, this is what you do?” I whip around. My mother stands there, arms crossed, eyebrows raised. Aiden’s shoulders stiffen.

“Oh my god,” I whisper, ,squeezing my eyes shut.

My mom tilts her head at Aiden. “You fight on the ice, and then you flirt with my daughter?” Alina chokes on her drink. Aiden runs a hand down his face, exhaling. “Not flirting, ma’am. Just—talking.” My mother hums, unconvinced.

And then she smiles. “I liked that punch you threw,” she says simply. “Good form.” Aiden blinks. “Uh. Thanks?” I groan. This cannot be my life. Alina is shaking with laughter at this point.

Roman claps Aiden on the back. “Looks like you’ve got Anya’s approval, bud.” I spin around, pointing at them. “You are all the worst.”

My mother just shrugs, glancing back at Aiden. “Next time, aim for the ribs. It’ll slow them down.” Aiden grins at the comment, and I want the earth to swallow me whole. Roman howls with laughter. “She’s giving him pointers?!” I rub my temples. “I can’t believe this is happening.” My mother waves me off. “You worry too much, Katerina. Let the boys have their game.”

Aiden leans in, his voice low in my ear. “See? Even your mom thinks I did the right thing.” I turn sharply, my face so close to his that I can see the cut on his lips up close.

“You are—” I inhale sharply. “Unbelievable.” Aiden’s smirk softens just slightly. Like he sees something I don’t even want to admit.

“Maybe,” he says.

“We’re getting drinks,” Alexei calls. “You coming?” I step back, pulse still racing. “Yeah,” I say quickly. “I’ll be there.”

Aiden watches me, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. Then he leans in again, just enough to make my breath hitch. “We’re not done here, Hart.”

He whispers, walking past me and disappearing into the crowd—my pulse pounds. No, we’re definitely not done here.

Chapter Nineteen

KATERINA

I hear Maddie’s voice, high-pitched with excitement, as she says how amazing I would look with my hair down for tonight’s party. It was supposed to be just drinks until Roman had the idea to throw a house party. Maddie has been at it for the last twenty minutes, trying to convince me to ditch my bun and let my hair fall loose, but my decision is final.

“I hear you, Maddie. I want to party, too, but my hair stays up,” I sigh, crossing my arms, “It’ll get so hot, and I’ll probably get a heat stroke if I leave it down.” Maddie bursts out laughing, shaking her head.

She’s relentless.

“Come on, Kat. Picture this, red corset with black low-rise jeans and high heels. All the guys will drool when they see you.” I snort, covering my mouth, trying to stifle the laugh.

The mental image is too ridiculous. “I love you, but I’m not wearing heels,” I say, my gaze drifting to Alina, who’s glaring at me with mock annoyance.

“What? It’s a house party.” She raises an eyebrow, not buying my excuse. “Exactly! It’s a house party at your house. If your feet start hurting, hurt here, and put on your sneakers. Easy.” Igroan, grabbing a pillow and slamming my face into it, hoping the pillow can block out the noise of their arguments.

“Fine, give me the damn clothes,” I huff annoyed, grabbing the clothes and shoes from Maddie.

“Finally! Two hours later.” Alexei says with exaggerated

surrender, standing up and clapping his hands. I glare at him as I grab a pillow and throw it toward his head, but he ducks, and it hits my door instead.

“I’m doing your hair and makeup,” Alina announces excitedly, clapping her hands.

“Sure,” I say, walking toward my vanity and sitting down. There’s no point arguing now. They’ve worn me down.

An hour and a half later, I’m staring at my reflection, not recognising the person in the mirror. Alina worked her magic, and my makeup was simple but striking—a smoky eye, red lipstick that matches my outfit, and my hair cascading in loose curls down my back. The corset pulls my waist in, making me feel like I’m suffocating, but it looks damn good. I take in the final details, scanning myself in the full-length mirror. “Oh, shit.” My voice is barely a whisper, stunned by the transformation. “You look beautiful, Kat,” Alina says, her voice filled with approval as she steps back to survey the finished product. I turn sideways and gaze at my exposed skin, a couple of inches between the jeans and my corset. I grin, but that grin disappears when my eyes land on my ass.

“No. I’m changing my pants,” I say, walking towards my closet. Alina grabs my shoulders, spinning me around to face her. “No, you’re not. Yes, your ass looks big, but that’s because you’ve got hips and an ass to die for. Stop being insecure. You look terrific, Kat. We will dance, we’ll get drunk, and we’re going to have fun tonight, okay?” Her voice is insistent, and the firm shake of my shoulders reminds me that I’m not backing out now. I gulp,nerves creeping up on me. I’m used to jeans and a T-shirt, not… this.

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