Page 41 of Icebound Hearts

“Okay, one more shot and let’s go,” I say, my voice shaky but determined. A night of fun is what I need, after all. I pour us another shot, and we take it in unison. The warm burn of tequila traveling down my throat, fuelling my boldness.

“Let’s go get laid!” Alexei yells, making us all laugh.

We walk out of my room, and I can smell the alcohol and smoke thick in the air. The music is loud, the energy electric. The party has already escalated, the living room is packed with strangers. I scan the crowd, instantly noticing Will. He’s talking to a group of people, but his eyes light up when they land on me. He grins and walks over, giving me a hug.

“Will, where’s the bar?” I ask, crossing my arms leaning on my right hip. “I need to get fucked up if I’m going to be in these clothes all night.” Will doesn’t answer at first. His gaze flickers behind me, and I know exactly who he is looking at. I snap my fingers in front of his face to get his attention.

“Shit, sorry, roomie. She looks gorgeous,” he mutters, almost to himself, before blinking and focusing on me. I roll my eyes and grin at his comment.

“Yeah, so stop being a little bitch, who’s scared of Roman, and go talk to Maddie,” I tease, nudging him in the ribs.

“The bar is in the kitchen,” Will chuckles, his voice trailing as he eyes my friends, “Greysen will give you drinks from an untouched bottle.” I hug him goodbye before making my way back to my girls.

“Let’s dance first,” Alexei declares, grabbing me by the wrist and pulling me into the living room, which has now transformed into a makeshift dance floor. The guys moved the couches to the side, clearing out space.

A loud thrum of Beyoncé’s “Partition” blares from the speakers and Alexei

squeals as if he’s just been handed the best Christmas present. I’m not much of a dancer, but tonight feels different. Tequila has already loosened me up, and the music is calling me. My hips move with the beat, my body loosening up as I feel the rhythm. Alina and Maddie join us, and the four of us grind to the music. It feels freeing. I let go of everything—the nerves, the awkwardness—and just lose myself in the movement.

I try not to. I really do. But I can’t help myself. My eyes look for him, searching the room while I dance until they land on his honey-colored eyes. Aiden is across the room, surrounded by his teammates, his usual cocky smirk in place. His hair is still slightly damp from his post-game shower, and his jaw is bruised from the fight, making him look more infuriatingly attractive. I should look away. I should. But I don’t. Because the second I glance back at him, his gaze locks onto mine, dark and unreadable. The tension from earlier still lingers between us, heavy and charged.

Before I can process it, a hand touches my waist, and I turn to see Logan grinning down at me.

“There she is,” he says, leaning in slightly. “Didn’t get a chance to tell you earlier, but you looked damn good in Knight’s jersey tonight.”

I roll my eyes. “I did not wear it by choice.” He chuckles, his grip on my waist tightening just a little. “Could’ve fooled me. Looked natural on you.” I open my

mouth to fire back a response, but someone's chest makes contact with my back. My heart starts racing. Aiden.

The energy shifts, the air in the room growing thick as his eyes lock on Logan’s hand on my waist.

Oh.

Oh.

“Matthews,” Aiden drawls, stepping into our space like he

owns it. “Didn’t realise you were still hanging around,” Logan smirks at Aiden. “What can I say? Hart’s good company.” A muscle in Aiden’s jaw ticks.

“Yeah? Funny, I don’t remember her needing your company.” Logan lifts his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, man. Didn’t know she was claimed.”

“She’s not,” Aiden snaps. “But she’s also not interested.” I narrow my eyes. “Excuse you?”

Aiden doesn’t even glance at me. His focus is entirely on Logan, his body tense, his stance firm, like he’s daring him to push further. Logan looks between us, realisation dawning in on his expression. Then he smirks. “Got it.” He pats my arm. “See you around, Kat.” And then he’s gone, leaving behind a very pissed-off Aiden and an even more pissed-off me.

I whirl on him. “What the hell was that?”

Aiden just shrugs, completely unapologetic. “You looked uncomfortable. I handled it.”

I scoff. “Handled it? You scared him off like some territorial caveman.”

“Maybe if he had better instincts, he would’ve left on his own.”

My fingers twitch around my drink, tempted to throw it at him. “I don’t need you to fight my battles, Knight.” His gaze sharpens, something dark flashing in his eyes. “Yeah? Then why didn’t you push him off sooner?” I freeze, my breath catching in my throat. Because I don’t have an answer. Because the truth is, I wanted a reaction.

Aiden steps closer, the heat from his body radiating into mine.

“Go ahead, Goldie,” he murmurs, his voice low and dangerous. “Tell me you didn’t want me to step in.”

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