Page 44 of Icebound Hearts

“Try again.” Aiden pecks my lips fast with a smug look on his face. I glare, ready to tell him exactly where he can shove his arrogant attitude, but my brain is a mush from the peck— Someone clears their throat. Loudly.

Standing right there, arms crossed, eyebrows raised so high they might fly off her face is Alina. Beside her, Maddie is grinning like a lunatic.

“So… that just happened.” I say nervously. Maddie lets out a squeal.

“Oh my God, finally.” Alexei just shakes his head, smirking knowingly. “Took longer than I expected.” I groan, covering my face with my hands.

“We are not talking about this.” Alina snorts.

“Oh, we absolutely are.” I drop my hands and glare at Aiden.

“This is your fault.” He shrugs, completely unbothered.

“Happy to take the credit, angel face,” I swear, I might actually murder him. Before I can launch myself at him, Alexei claps his hands.

“Alright, lovebirds. Let’s go. We’ve got a full day of practice today. We are going to be busy.” I jump at the distraction, turning away before Aiden can say something else that makes me lose my mind.

“Yes. Great idea.”

Alina cackles. “You hate long practice days.” I flip her off, storming towards the other side of the rink. I do not look back at Aiden.

Because if I do—if I let myself see whatever’s in his eyes—I might not walk away this time.

Chapter twenty - one

AIDEN

The knock at the door comes earlier than expected. I’m in the kitchen, gripping my second cup of coffee like it’s the only thing keeping me sane. Will and the guys are still half-asleep in the living room, draped across the couches, with last night’s gamefootage on the TV. I glance at the clock. Too early. My stomach tightens.

Will groans from the couch. “If it’s another freshman, I swear to God—” But I already know it’s not. I set my mug down and rub the back of my neck before heading to the door. The second I open it a tiny blur launches at me.

“Aidy!”

I catch her effortlessly, lifting her up before she can knock me over. Her laugh is soft but bright, and I feel something in my chest unwind. “Hey, princess,” I murmur. “Miss me?”

“Duh! It’s been forever!” I smile.

“It’s been two weeks, Soph.” Sophia grins, her arms still locked around my neck. She’s lighter than she should be. Always too light.

Behind her, Aunt Maria steps into the doorway, shaking her head. “Are you going to bring us inside, or should we just live in the hallway?”

I roll my eyes but step back, letting them in. Kat’s standing near the kitchen, watching the scene unfold like she’s stepped into an alternate universe. Her gaze lands on Sophia’s headscarf, and her expression shifts—like she’s piecing something together.

“Oh!” Maria’s eyes light up when she spots Kat. “You must be Katerina.”

Kat blinks, surprised my aunt knows her name. “Uh. Yeah?”

Maria grins at her, wrapping her into a hug. “Oh, we’ve heard about you.” I feel every muscle in my body tighten.

“Nope,” I say quickly. “We’re not doing this. ”Maria ignores me, stepping towards Kat like she’s about to share my entire life story.

“It’s so nice to finally meet the girl my nephew can’t stop talking about.” I groan. “Maria.” Sophia gasps dramatically, twisting in my arms to stare at me.

“She doesn’t know you talk about her?” Kat crosses her arms, her lips twitching. “Aw, Aidy. You talk about me?” I glare at her. “More like complain.”

“Oh, sure you do.” Sophia giggles. “I like her Aidy. She looks like a princess!” Maria pats my shoulder, smirking. “You’re in trouble, Aidy.” I sigh, resigned to my fate.

Will steps out of the living room, and Sophia lights up. “Willy!” She wriggles out of my arms and sprints toward him, jumping into his arms. I watch them, something heavy settling in my chest. I know how much she loves Will, and I understand why. He reminds her of Dad. And Dad’s not here. He hasn’t been for a while. He treats Sophia like a disease; he only wants someone to take over his business. So Maria stepped in, took over, and made sure Sophia always had a place to call home.

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