Page 48 of Icebound Hearts

“Why do you care?” he asks in a murmur, voice lower now. I hate that I don’t have an answer. Because I do care. And I don’t know why.

“I don’t.” I lie. Aiden studies me, his gaze flickering to my lips for half a second before he stares into my eyes again. “You sure about that, Angel Face?”

I swallow hard, my heart pounding out of my chest. “Positive.” His smirk is slow, knowing.

“What are you so afraid of?” I refuse to answer. Then, just to infuriate me, he leans in—so close that I can feel his breath against my ear. “Let me know when you’re ready to be honest.” And then he lets go.

Just like that, he walks away, leaving me standing there, breathless and furious.

Alexei slides up next to me, sipping his drink. “Well, that was hot.” I groan, pressing my fingers against my temple. “I can’t stand him.” Alexei grins.

“Oh, Malyshka. I think you might be in trouble.” I roll my eyes.

“I’m not in trouble.”

Alexei tilts his head. “Then why do you look like you’re about

to pass out?” I glare, but my stomach twists because—damn it—he’s right.

My hands shake from interacting with Aiden, and my heart is still pounding. I feel like I just stepped off the ice after a perfect routine— electrified, high, completely on edge. Except this isn’t the ice. It’s him. Aiden Knight.

I glance around, my eyes instinctively searching for him again, but he’s nowhere to be seen. The blonde girl is also gone, and I hate how much I care about that detail. Alina suddenly appears beside me, offering me a fresh drink.

“Here. You look like you need this.” I take it without question, chugging half of it before finally exhaling. “Thank you.” She watches me for a second, then raises a brow. “So, are we going to talk about that?”

“No,” Alina smirks. “Oh, we absolutely are.” I groan, throwing my head back. “Why does everyone suddenly think I have some kind of thing with Aiden?” Alina snorts.

“Because you do. ”I whip my head toward her in disbelief.

“I do not.”

“Kat.” Alina says my name, as if asking me to be honest right now.

I cross my arms. “Alina.” She sighs, like I’m a child she has to be patient with. “Fine. Let’s put it this way. If you don’t have a thing for him, why did you pull Alexei onto the dance floor the second you saw Aiden with that girl?”

I open my mouth. Close it. Open it again. Damn it. Alina grins.

I groan. “I don’t like him, okay?” She takes a sip of her drink while rolling her eyes at me. “Sure you don’t.”

I glare. “I don’t.” Alina just pats my arm.

“Oh, honey. You can keep lying to me, but at some point, you’re going to have to stop lying to yourself.”

“He will leave me, or worse, hurt me,” I say, picking the red polish that coats my left thumb. Alina sighs, wrapping her arms to hug me.

“Maybe he won’t. Maybe he’ll stay and love you right.” I scowl, chugging the rest of my drink as she walks away, laughing under her breath.

I avoid Aiden most of the night, but I see him the second I step outside for fresh air. The cool breeze does nothing to soothethe fire in my veins, the remnants of alcohol buzzing beneath my skin as I lean against the wall, closing my eyes. I just need a second. Just one moment to breathe without feeling like I’m suffocating under the weight of him—

“I was wondering when you’d run.” I snap my eyes open, my body immediately locking up at the sound of his voice. Aiden is leaning against the railing a few feet away, watching me like he expected me to come out here. Like he knew I wouldn’t be able to stay inside any longer. I inhale slowly, steeling myself before meeting his gaze.

“I wasn’t running.” He shakes his head at me with a glint of amusement on his face. “Sure, Angel.” I cross my arms, scowling at his pretty face. “Stop calling me that.”

“No.” I groan in annoyance, and Aiden chuckles, taking a slow step toward me.

“You didn’t answer my question.” I narrow my eyes,“What question?” I ask, my voice laced with confusion. “The one I asked before I walked away.” My stomach twists at the reminder, but i feign ignorance. “I don’t remember.” He tilts his head like he sees right through me.

“Liar.”

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